NZ@Noon: Close calls as vehicles flee police

STOPPED: Whangarei police arrest a driver who allegedly fled police, driving his vehicle through central Whangarei and Kamo before it was spiked on Rushbrook Rd in Ruatangata. PHOTOS/JOHN STONE

Stories making the headlines around the regions today include several close calls for members of the public and intrigue at Masterton's SPCA.

A Whangarei mother is thanking her lucky stars after her toddler indicated she wanted to be picked up only moments before a vehicle allegedly fleeing police sped through an inner-city park metres in front of them.

While in Tauranga another woman had a lucky escape when the car she was driving narrowly avoided a possible collision with a car being pursued by police.

A 1-year-old baby and two other family members avoided serious injury after their car collided head on with a truck in Pakipaki.

Thirty staff at the Rotorua District Council have been made redundant after a major reshuffle of the organisation to cut costs.

A charge of one dollar fifty for paying his Telecom phone bill at the post office has Wanganui man Neil Gerrie hot under the collar.

In Masterton a private investigator asking questions around town is adding to the intrigue surrounding the local SPCA.

When Hamilton dog owner Erin Majurey was told her micro-chipped lost dog had been found, it was not a time for celebration as she was told she cannot have her dog back.

Finally it's last orders for the old Kaikohe Hotel as locals get a chance for one last drink as the bar is dismantled.