Northland news in brief

More lotto success for Northland

Lotto luck for three ticket-holders

Three tickets sold in Northland each won $10,000 in Lotto's Mothers' Day special draw on Saturday. The winning ticket numbers were: 490601, 754621 and 1108327.

Trial date set in Bayleys Coast Rd fatalities

The jury trial of a Kaipara man charged over the deaths of his fellow Brethren Church members- including his wife and daughter- will be held in January next year. Russell Stewart, 49, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of driving under the influence of alcohol causing death or injury, and one of failing to remain at an accident.

Suzie Stewart, 48, her daughter Sadie, 16, and family friend Jamie Wearmouth, 18, died in a fatal crash on Baylys Coast Rd on June 6 when a ute they and five others were in crashed into a tree. Stewart's trial, set down for four weeks, is scheduled to start in the Whangarei District Court on January 29.

Ngati Kahu confirms mandate

Te Runanga-a-Iwi o Ngati Kahu says it has the mandate to continue seeking Waitangi Tribunal redress from the Crown. Ngati Kahu held two hui - in Auckland on May 6 and Far North on May 13 - to update members on the claims' progress, hear feedback and questions and reaffirm the mandate for the runanga to continue along its track.

The Waitangi Tribunal previously recommended the return of all State-owned Enterprise (SoE) and Crown Forest License (CFL) lands, plus compensation for the full value of the trees on CFL lands. Ngati Kahu's lawyers have filed a proposed timetable with the tribunal to have the application heard before the end of this year.

Arrest follows hotel incident

A 21-year-old Raumanga man was arrested after allegedly kicking a female police officer and knocking her to the ground. Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said officers were called to Tikipunga Tavern after reports of a male smashing windows about 9.40pm on Sunday.

A man became aggressive towards security staff when asked to leave and when police arrived he allegedly resisted. He will appear in Whangarei District Court on charges of assaulting police, resisting arrest, wilful damage and disorderly behaviour.