Far North news in brief: Waterworks delays; Lotto luck and crash charge

Delays are expected on Mangakahia Rd, Kaikohe, along with Recreation Rd, Shaw St, Cumber Rd and at the end of Wihongi St while trenching work is done for Kaikohe’s water reticulation system.

Waterworks progress

A multimillion-dollar upgrade to Kaikohe’s water reticulation system is on track to be completed by the end of March, while wastewater connection upgrades will continue for several more months, through until late 2026. Upgrading Kaikohe’s two key reticulation systems will enable new housing in the town and improve services. Contractors are monitoring traffic levels during works and modifying their activity during times of high traffic volumes to ease recent congestion issues. As work continues on the wastewater pipeline, some delays are expected on Mangakahia Rd, Recreation Rd, Shaw St, Cumber Rd and at the end of Wihongi St. Significant trench work is necessary to upgrade the underground networks, creating patches of broken ground through footpaths or near driveways.

Lotto luck

A Far North Lotto player is celebrating after winning more than $230,000 in Saturday night’s draw. The ticket, sold on MyLotto in the Far North, was one of 11 nationally that each won $26,312 with Lotto Second Division. The winning numbers were 5, 27, 30, 31, 32 and 33 with the bonus number 7 and Powerball number 4. Powerball will be worth $12 million on Wednesday night.

Northport Group appoints CEO

Northport Group Litd has selected Rhys Jones, a senior leader at Darwin Port, to lead the recently restructured business. As group chief executive officer, Jones will oversee the continued integration of Northport and Marsden Maritime Holdings. He will replace retiring Northport chief executive Jon Moore in July. Jones brings over 20 years’ experience in the port and marine infrastructure sector and says he and his family are excited to become a part of the Northland community. Northport Group is owned by Port of Tauranga, Northland Regional Council and the Ngāpuhi investment fund Tupu Tonu.

Festival approaching

A tiny Far North coastal town is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, during which its population of roughly 700 will swell to several thousand when the popular Mangonui Waterfront Festival is held on March 28. The festival brings thousands of people to the seaside town. Set along the picturesque Doubtless Bay waterfront, the festival features delicious food from local chefs and vendors, live music, artisan markets, interactive kids’ activities, and vibrant entertainment. It’s back on March 28 from noon to 6pm.

Motorbike crash

One person was transported to hospital in a critical condition on Thursday afternoon after reports of a motorbike crash in Kaikohe. Emergency services attended the scene on Penny Cres about 4.30pm. The Serious Crash Unit attended and an investigation is ongoing.

Crash charge

Police have charged a 21-year-old woman with careless driving causing death following a fatal crash in Ruakākā on January 28, where 64-year-old Bay of Islands Kerry McDonald died. The crash happened at the intersection between McCathie Rd and State Highway 12. The woman will appear in Whangārei District Court on March 11.