Muttonbirds in pants
Police didn't buy a Kaitaia man's explanation that he had stuffed two muttonbirds down his trousers on a visit to Kaitaia's Pak'n Save supermarket because he had run out of hands to carry them. He has been charged with attempted theft, and with the theft of two
four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Roads nearly normal
Whangarei's roads have almost returned to normal following heavy rain last week, Whangarei District Council roading manager Jeff Devine said. Heavy downpours last Friday resulted in isolated flash flooding and caused several stormwater manhole covers to pop open. "All the region's roads are now passable and there has been no significant damage," Mr Devine said.
Firefighters help ill man
Kerikeri firefighters were called out to rescue a man who fell ill while fishing off rocks near Tauranga Bay yesterday. The man, who was fishing with two companions beyond Butterfly Bay, became ill around 10am. St John medics called on firefighters to help because the man had to be carried about 800m over rocks and sand in a Stoke's basket, a moulded stretcher suitable for carrying patients over rough terrain.
Spectacular crash
A car driven by an 18-year-old allegedly unlicensed driver crashed in spectacular fashion just east of Ahipara, coming to rest on its roof on a bridge rail. The car was carrying three teens when it left Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd just about 5.30pm on Monday and landed on a bridge railing near the Brass Rd intersection. The driver was unhurt and his passengers emerged with minor scratches.
Pregnant woman missing
Concerns are growing for the welfare of a woman who was heavily pregnant when she disappeared more than a month ago, and is thought to be doing everything she can to avoid authorities. Korina Jade Bray-Taylor, 31, is believed to be living rough in Auckland. Ms Bray-Taylor, who is ex-All Black Troy Flavell's sister-in-law, may even have had her baby by now, Sergeant Rick McDowell said.
