Rally driver crashes out of race, lucky lotto winner and more Northland news

Rally car driver Richie Dalton's car crashed north of Whangarei during the first stage of the International Rally of Whangarei. Photo/supplied

International Rally of Whangarei crash

Australian rally driver Richie Dalton and his co-driver crashed their Ford Fiesta during the first stage of the International Rally of Whangarei less than two hours into the race. The crash happened on a 29.7km stretch of gravel road between Ruatangata West and Towai about 8am on Saturday.

Dalton and his co-driver Dale Moscatt suffered minor injuries.

Rally New Zealand spokesman Lance Hastings said the rest of the first stage of racing was abandoned after the crash. That stage started on Otakairangi Rd in Ruatangata West and ended in Towai.

Six strike it rich with Lotto

One of six lucky Lotto second division tickets drawn on Saturday was sold at Hammer Hardware in Kawakawa. The six winners each won $47,506 while one lucky player won Powerball second division, taking their total winnings to $65,548. The winning Powerball second division ticket was sold at Countdown Hastings in Hastings. The winning Lotto numbers were 6, 11, 16, 20, 34, and 40, with Bonus 19 and Powerball number 9.

No controlled burns after dark

A senior Northland firefighter is advising people against doing controlled burns after dark as they become difficult to monitor. Ruakaka firefighter Jeff D'Ath's advice followed a callout to Mata, just south of Whangarei, about 6pm on Saturday when members of the public rang 111 after seeing a large firein a paddock. Mr D'Ath said a farmer was doing a controlled burn and the fire looked bigger from State Highway 1. He said people should do controlled burns during the day as it was easier to monitor. Ruakaka firefighters were not required.

Car rolls near Moerewa

A woman suffered head injuries after a car she was in rolled while being driven down a hill. The crash happened at the Turntable Hill, on State Highway 1 near Moerewa, just after 10am yesterday. Acting Senior Sergeant Ryan Gray said two people, including the injured female, were in the car when it rolled. The female was transported to the Bay of Islands Hospital. Traffic was not disrupted.

New administrator for Masterton District Council from Far North

A senior local government administrator in Northland has been appointed the chief executive of Masterton District Council. Far North District Council general manager strategic planning and policy Kath Ross will take up her new role in August.

She has more than 20 years' experience in local government, having worked at the Northland Regional Council prior to joining FNDC, as well as a policy development advisor at the UK Environment Agency before moving to New Zealand. Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson said her council followed a rigorous recruitment process and was impressed with Ross' skills and experience.