Northland news

Caught red-handed
A Whangarei boy has been referred to police youth aid after trying to break into two cars in the city. Sergeant Rika Wihongi, of Whangarei police, said a man disturbed the youth, aged 15, breaking into his car in a property on Kamo Rd about 2.50am yesterday. Mr Wihongi said the boy ran off with the car owner in pursuit and further up Kamo Rd, the boy tried to break into another car in an apparent attempt to steal it. Police arrived and caught the boy inside the car trying to start it.

Random attack
A Whangarei man had a rock smashed into his face while drinking with his partner at their home early yesterday. Sergeant Rika Wihongi said the man and his partner were drinking together in the yard of their Smeaton Dr home at 3.45am yesterday when an unknown man came onto the property. Mr Wihongi said the man hit the male occupant in the face with a rock, causing a cut to his lip.

Elite scholarship to USA

Far North engineering technician and architectural designer is about to head to the US after winning a place on an elite Rotary Group Study Exchange. Pip Bolton, of Fraser Thomas in Paihia, is one of six New Zealanders to earn a place on the programme after a tough selection process. The month-long exchange will be held in Iowa and focus on innovations in alternative energy, such as biofuel, solar and wind energy technology. She also plans to visit US schools fitted with alternative energy systems and share information on the financial benefits when she returns.

Help on flora and fauna

A Bay of Islands firm has developed a card game which can teach players about native plants and animals. Tiakipapa is a Maori-English bilingual card game for ages 7 and up. It has general knowledge questions about the characteristics and customary uses for more than 30 species of flora and fauna. Tiakipapa was developed with the help of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo and tested with families, parents, teachers and school principals. It was designed to support learning in schools. The card game, produced by Repo Consultancy Ltd, of Opua, costs $19.95.

More bodies identified

Another two people killed in last Saturday's fatal hot air balloon crash in Carterton have been formally identified. Coroner Peter Ryan yesterday identified Valerie Bennett, 70, of Masterton, and Belinda Harter, 49, of Lower Hutt. The bodies of Chrisjan (Johannes) Jordaan, Alexis Still, and pilot Lance Hopping have also been formally identified. Police have named all 11 killed in the crash. The others who died were Denise Dellabarca, Stephen Hopkirk, Desmond Dean, Ann Dean, Howard Cox and Diana Cox.