NZ@Noon: Puppy-napping and intimidating gardeners

Tauranga SPCA manager Margaret Rawiri is gutted after someone cut their way through the wire security fence and stole two puppies over the weekend. Photo / George Novak

A bad few days for the SPCA in the Bay of Plenty and scared pensioners in Northland are just a few of the stories making headlines around the region today.

Police are warning the elderly to be vigilant in Northland after a Whangarei woman was intimidated into paying thousands of dollars for 15 minutes worth of gardening work.

A "gut-wrenching" puppy-napping in Tauranga has left the SPCA reeling - and out of pocket.

Volunteers at the SPCA in Rotorua were also devastated when thieves ran off with $300 in donations.

A bad day in the Wairarapa saw winds topple a trailer carrying large window frames, shattering glass all over the road.

The death of this Wanganui Maori Warden who gave countless hours of voluntary help will leave a big hole in the community.

Confidence is certainly not lacking for this beauty queen hopeful in Hawke's Bay.

And finally, mystery surrounds a collection of more than 360 postcards that have been in a Kaimaumau farmer's family for some years.