He failed to appear, so a warrant was issued for his arrest. It is understood, however, his non-appearance was the result of a misunderstanding, which police and his lawyer were working to resolve.
Suspicious shed fire
Firefighters were called to a suspicious fire that damaged a large farm shed near Kaikohe Aerodrome on Friday.
The blaze, on farmland off Ngāpuhi Rd, was reported just before noon, with flames consuming one wall of the 20 by 25-metre shed.
Police and a fire investigator were notified. Firefighters responded from Kaikohe and Kawakawa.
Man arrested for two robberies
A Northland man who was allegedly involved in two aggravated robberies in two separate locations has appeared in court.
Tequila Pomepi, 24, of Whangārei appeared on two charges of aggravated robbery in relation to incidents that occurred in Paihia and Hikurangi on April 5. A further three charges are to be laid.
It is alleged Pomepi was armed with a hammer and robbed the commercial premises of cash and cigarettes. He was eventually arrested in Tikipunga after a police pursuit. He did not apply for bail at the court hearing and was remanded in custody until May 8.
Pop culture convention
Fans of pop culture, anime, cosplay, gaming, arts and craft and comics are in for a treat at the weekend.
The Plunge! Pop Culture Convention is being held at McKay Stadium, Whangārei on Saturday from 11am - 4pm.
For more information, go to: www.plungecomics.com/plunge-whangarei-2023.
Man charged over carpark hit-and-run
A Kaikohe man has been charged after allegedly running over another man in the town’s New World carpark on April 2.
Parekura Maxwell, 32, appeared in the Kaikohe District Court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He was also charged with failing to stop and check for injury after the incident involving a Volkswagen Golf hatchback.
Maxwell is due back in court on May 2.
