Power cut
A fault in an 11,000-volt power cable supplying central Kerikeri caused a series of power cuts in the Far North town. Top Energy network's manager Keith Gilby said most of the Kerikeri CBD had been affected by a 20-minute outage yesterday morning and a longer outage starting from about 4.30pm. Technicians were still working late yesterday to identify the cause of the fault, which was in an underground cable somewhere between the Kerikeri BP and the town centre.
Sexual assault
A woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted in the grounds of Dargaville Primary School and now police are looking for her attackers. Dargaville police Detective Andrew Bailey said the woman was attacked about 2am on the school grounds on Saturday. Two men were seen running away and now police are calling on members of the public to identify them. The attack happened in clear view of Portland and Gordon Streets, across from the Dargaville police station. The men, which police say there could have been two or more of, ran off towards Hokianga Rd and Ranfurly St. A police dog and handler tracked for a distance but were unable to find the men in the rainy weather. Anyone with information can contact Mr Bailey or Detective Sergeant Jonathan Tier on 09 439 3400.
Aggravated robbery
Two teenagers have been charged over an aggravated robbery that left one man with serious jaw injuries. The pair aged, aged 15 and 18 years old, fled after robbing a 22-year-old man in Whangarei on Tuesday, November 22. During the incident an Asian chef and a group of friends were playing basketball at the The Pulse in Raumanga when they were approached by another group. Two members of the group allegedly demanded a sports bag from the chef and then assaulted him. As a result of the assault the 22-year-old man received serious facial injuries. The offenders then stole a number of items and ran off. Police would still like to talk to anyone who witnessed the attack or noticed anything suspicious in the vicinity that evening. Anyone with information can contact Whangarei Police on 430
Burglary charges
A man found with gloves, a balaclava, screw driver, cutters and a CCTV security camera has been arrested. Police were called to a liquor store in Tikipunga about 4.30am yesterday after a woman sleeping inside the building noticed thumping on the roof. A man was found on the roof and has been charged with possession of utensils for burglary and burglary. He was to appear in Whangarei District Court yesterday.
Community grants
Seven Mangawhai community organisations have collectively benefited to the tune of $114,000 from the Mangawhai Endowment Fund. The Mangawhai Historical Society, Library Hall Committee, Activity Zone, Boating and Fishing Club, Community Garden , Pony Club and Harbour Restoration Society have all been awarded funding from the the annually round of funding grants. The fund was created from the disestablishment of the Mangawhai Harbour Board which held extensive land in the area. Each year the council calls for grant applications which are assessed by a committee and these recommendations forwarded to the council for approval.