News briefs: North firefighters to battle US wildfires and cocaine accused remanded

Emergency services say nobody was injured in this accident on the south side of the Brynderwyns yesterday.

Brynderwyn Hills crash

Traffic travelling south on State Highway 1 came to a halt when a driver crashed into the bank on the southern side of the Brynderwyn Hills. The car ended up at a 90 degree angle to the bank, blocking the southbound lane, following the crash about 10.20am yesterday. Traffic quickly backed up and a queue about 1km long formed before the car was driven off. The female driver was not injured. Police were called to the scene. Traffic travelling north was not affected.

Smuggling trial on next year

The trial of a French national charged with smuggling 24kg of cocaine into Northland is likely to take place in July next year. The case of Alexander Steeve Yelengwe Yonkwa-Dingom, 27, was called yesterday in the High Court at Whangārei.

His attendance was excused. Yonkwa-Dingom is charged with possession for supply of a class A drug. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He is also charged with failing, without reasonable excuse, to assist a police constable exercising a search power under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012. The cocaine, seized in Paihia last December, was worth up to $10.8 million.

Firefighters off to US

Four Northland firefighters are among 36 New Zealand fire personnel who left last night for the United States to combat the wildfires raging across the north and northwest of the country. Wipari Henwood, from the Muriwhenua, will be the field liaison officer for the deployment, but Fire and Emergency NZ would not name the other three. It said the firefighters are going into a dangerous environment in which there have already been a number of deaths and will be working 14 hour shifts, 14 days in a row and distractions are not helpful.

Clean up site chosen

The location for August's Love Whangārei Monthly Clean Up has been decided. Organiser Nicholas Connop said the clean up will be held on August 11 from 10am to noon at Waiarohia Park off Western Hills Drive. The park is on the left hand side of the southbound lane of Western Hills Drive just past the intersection with Manse St. The clean up will target the bank, park and footpath. Those keen to join in are asked to bring good sturdy footwear. Gloves will be supplied, but people are welcome to bring their own. For more information, keep an eye on the Love Whangārei Monthly Clean Up Facebook page.