News briefs from Northland: alleged assault at college and $1M Lotto win unclaimed

A teen has been arrested on two counts of assault after an alleged violent incident at Northland College, in Kaikohe, on Friday.

Assault at Northland College

A 17-year-old man faces two charges of assault following an incident at Northland College last week. Senior Sergeant Steve Dickson said it is alleged a group of males entered the school grounds about 11am last Friday. About 15 minutes later one of the college's students went to the school office and collapsed. The student was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital, in Kawakawa.

Northland College principal John Kendal released a statement on the school's Facebook page to inform and reassure the school community of the incident. "You may be aware that a serious incident occurred at school today. Several youth (who are not students at Northland College) came on to our grounds and assaulted some staff and students," the statement said. "We are working closely with the police and they are currently investigating this situation." Several parents responded to the post to voice concerns around security at the school. But Kendal's statement said the school believed it was an "isolated incident".

$1m Lotto prize unclaimed

A $1million Lotto first division winning ticket sold in Whangārei has yet to be claimed. The ticket, which in won Saturday's Lotto draw was sold at Otaika Lotto & Post in Whangārei. A Lotteries spokeswoman said at edition time yesterday the prize had not been claimed and she urged anybody who got their tickets from Otaika Lotto & Post to check them as soon as possible.

Cuppa with a cop

If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to start a new career as a police officer well it maybe time to have a cuppa with a cop in Kerikeri. Northland officers Sergeant Sarah Wihongi and Senior Constable Doug Te Puni will be at Barrow Boys Coffee in Kerikeri between 12.30pm-1.30pm on Thursday. The two experienced officers will be on hand to answer questions about life on the beat and how to start the application process.
If you are unable to make the event or want further information please check out www.newcops.co.nz.

AOS callout

The police Armed Offenders Squad was called to a small coastal settlement in Northland following reports of shots being fired on Saturday. The armed officers search a property in the small village of te Tii, 14km north-east of Waipapa after they were alerted about 5pm. Police said it appeared the alleged gunman had left the area and inquiries were ongoing. No one had been injured or hit by the shots. Police yesterday said they were confident about who they were looking for.

Cross-country challenge

Students from seven schools will take part in the Whangārei Golf Club's second annual Interschool Cross-country Challenge next Tuesday. The students, aged 8-12, will run around the golf course in Tikipunga, which will be closed for the day, with the club providing prizes, with each winner receiving a full junior membership. There are golf activities provided by the club, Golf Northland and Sport Northland to give kids a taste of golf.