Northland news briefs

Shellfish are back on the menu from Northland's west coast after health officials lifted a toxic shellfish warning.

Shellfish safe again

People are again able o gather shellfish from anywhere along Northland's west coast without risk of becoming ill. The Ministry for Primary Industries has lifted all biotoxin warnings for Northland's west coast and the Bay of Plenty.

The ministry said recent water and shellfish sampling for algae and their toxins showed that shellfish were now safe to eat. Signs warning against gathering the shellfish would be taken down in coming days.

Attack dog in custody

An unregistered rottweiler that attacked a 10-year-old girl in Kaikohe on Sunday has been seized. The attack took place about 11.50am at a property on Hongi St, with Sergeant Dylan Robinson saying the girl was bitten on the forehead by the family dog.
She was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa for treatment.

Her injuries were not thought to be serious. The girl's father had indicated he would not appeal an order for the dog's destruction. Far North District Council spokesman Richard Edmondson said the dog was now in the custody of the animal management team and an investigation was under way.

The dog was not registered so the owner would face a fine of $300. Other charges could follow once the investigation was complete.

Coward's punch court sequel

A 26-year-old Russell man faces a serious assault charge after landing a ''coward's punch'' on another patron during a concert at the Duke of Marlborough Tavern. The attack took place during a January 3 concert by reggae legends Katchafire and was clearly captured on the bar's security cameras, Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Mid North police, said.

The alleged offender was arrested on Friday and appeared in the Whangarei District Court on Saturday. The CCTV footage shows the offender walking past the victim, who was standing near the bar, before turning and punching him in the back of the head. The men had earlier been embroiled in an argument outside.

Boy on vandalism charge

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in relation to vandalism at Bay of Islands College and the neighbouring Te Papawai community pool on Friday night. Windows were broken, classrooms entered, bins upended and damage inflicted that is expected to cost thousands of dollars to repair.

The pool was forced to close for a day while the mess was cleaned up. The boy appeared in the Kaikohe Youth Court yesterday.