News briefs from Northland: drink drivers arrested and kayaker rescued

At least six people were caught drink driving in Northland over the weekend.

Two drivers lose license due to alcohol levels

Two of the six alleged drink drivers caught in Northland over the weekend had their licences suspended due to high readings. Senior Sergeant Brian Swann said five drivers were caught in Whangārei and one in Paihia between early evening on Friday and midday yesterday. The two who had their driving licences suspended for 28 days blew over 650 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. Swann said that was more than a few drinks.
All six will appear in court later.

Kayak fisherman rescued

A man who fell off his kayak while fishing and couldn't get back in was safely brought to shore by a boatie. The incident happened just off Ruakāka Beach about 12.15pm yesterday. Whangārei police Senior Sergeant Brian Swann said a passing boatie picked up the man and brought him and his kayak to shore. The man did not require medical attention.

Court staff to stop work

More than 70 Ministry of Justice employees in Northland courts will stop work for two hours this Wednesday after fair pay negotiations for female workers stalled. The Public Service Association (PSA) has 77 members in Northland who work at the Whangārei District and High Courts, Whangārei Maori Land Court, and Kaikohe and Kaitaia District Courts. Some of the jobs they do include court security, registry, collections, court reporting for the national transcription service, and work as court services team members.

Lotto first division split

Two Lotto players each won $500,000 with Lotto first division in Saturday's live Lotto draw. The winning tickets were sold at Pak'nSave Clarence Street in Hamilton and Countdown Fairy Springs in Rotorua. Powerball was not struck and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $5 million. Strike Four was won by one player in Christchurch, who takes home $100,000. The winning Strike ticket was sold at Wainoni Pak'nSave. The winning Lotto first division numbers were 2, 7, 8, 12, 15, 17 with Bonus number 19 and Powerball 2.