Far North news in brief: Mangonui Waterfront Festival; police callout and water safety funds

The Mangonui Waterfront Festival is on March 28.

Waterfront festival

The Mangonui Waterfront Festival is back on March 28 and organisers are calling on all local businesses, as only 15 stall spots remain. Registration is open until February 13. Registration forms are available on doubtlessbay.co.nz.

Kaikohe callout

Police want the public’s help after an incident in Kaikohe on Sunday night that resulted in a person being transported to hospital in a critical condition. Emergency services responded about 8.30pm to reports of a person injured outside an address on Hongi St. Inquiries are underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information should contact police online or call 105 using the reference number 260105/8363. Or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Lions auction

The Mangonui Lions Club is hosting their annual auction this weekend. The event will take place at the Taipa Scout Hall on Saturday and will have a variety of items on offer. Viewing is open from 9am and the auction starts at 10am.

Water safety funding

Northland Regional Council is getting a slice of $848,000 of Government grants targeted towards reducing harm in and on the water this summer. The Maritime NZ funding consists of $773,000 for 30 community education initiatives focused on small craft users, close-to-shore activities and groups over-represented groups in drowning statistics. As well, $75,000 will be provided to 11 regional authorities to undertake targeted on-water compliance checks; that amount will go to the NRC for its Nobody’s Stronger than Tangaroa campaign. Northland has one of the highest drowning rates in the country.

Northlander deputy police commissioner

The new statutory deputy police commissioner, appointed to replace disgraced deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming, is a born-and-bred Northlander, Mike Pannett. The former assistant commissioner began his policing career with 30 years in Northland and Auckland, including becoming Northland District crime services manager. Pannett established and led the Northland District Intelligence Unit, plus led policing operations at Waitangi for more than 20 years.