NZ@Noon: Did CYF know about abused toddler?

Two-year-old Caleb Skinnner.

Stories making headlines around the regions today include a Wairarapa social advocate who claims to have alerted CYF about concerns for 2-year-old Caleb Skinner and a Tauranga councillor who wants his city to be gang patch-free.

A Wairarapa social advocate claims to have advised Child and Youth Services about concerns for 2-year-old Caleb Skinner days before he was allegedly assaulted.

A

Tauranga Councillor

has proposed a new policy in which gang members could be fined $2000 for wearing patches in Tauranga.

L-R Fury-James Takerei (4), Teressa Kati, Lahtaezia-Lust Kati (5) outside Carlyle Vet picking up their pet dog Dante. Photo / Warren Buckland

Do you love dogs? How about dogs that love piggybacks? This family from Napier does and has gone the extra mile to save their "best friend".

One local resident from the Bay of Plenty is taking the preparation for Cyclone Lusi to another level. Better safe than sorry.

Northland residents caused a stir yesterday after they decided to act on a dusty problem.

Counties Manukau East Police are urging the public to look out for a strangely behaving man exposing himself to the public.

Did you know that "Katikati is the heart of New Zealand's avocado production"? For more information go

here

.

Adelaide Howe, left, and Samuel Walker, both 4, can't wait for the weekend to start.

Relay for Life has gone 'turbo' with

Cyclone Lusi

approaching.

A Rotorua woman has been "getting on with it" since 1976 in order to stay ahead of Chinese products.

A Wairarapa Times-Age reporter received a high-flying privilege at the

Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta

yesterday. Here are some amazing images from the successful event.

Image 1 of 16: Balloon Fiesta 2014 Copthorne Solway Park Mass Ascension - Pioneer Grounds, Colombo Rd, Masterton. Photo by Lynda Feringa.

And finally, our

Prime Minister John Key

has been cosying up to babies at Hamilton's newest primary school.