Two Kamo teens became award winners as they took part in the Blue Light Life Skills programme at Whenuapai Airport Base in Auckland. Greer James, 15, won the Overall Excellence Award while Kade Cuff, 14, took home the Overall Merit Award. Blue Light's Life Skills co-ordinator Abbe-Mae Henry said James demonstrated the qualities of maturity, respect and intuition, and built individual and group mana. Cuff's award was in response to his effort to foster a team environment, encouragement and respectful communication with fellow team members, Henry said. The programme runs in partnership with NZ Defence Force and provides 14- to 17-year-olds with critical life skills such as self-development, self-control and teamwork that enables young people to be successful at home, school, in communities and in employment.
Dairy raid thwarted
Potential thieves trying to break into Whau Valley Dairy hurriedly left the scene after being disturbed during their attempts. The dairy on Kamo Rd was targeted at around midnight on Sunday. A police spokesperson said the offenders fled the area in a vehicle.
Graffiti clean-up
Graffiti targeting a community-built public toilet on Paihia's Marsden Rd was cleaned up on Sunday by council contractors. The toilets, once described as the worst in New Zealand, were rebuilt and turned into a functional work of art by Focus Paihia volunteers in 2012. The graffiti attack occurred over the weekend and left the loos covered in pink tags and scrawls. Walls, handrails and seats were also defaced. Any information should be passed to police by calling 105 or to Paihia CCTV by direct message on Facebook.
Grass fire put out
Ōkaihau Fire Brigade was called out to extinguish a 50sq m grass fire under trees at Mangamuka School Rd at around 12.30pm yesterday . Kerikeri and Kaitaia brigades also dispatched but were not required.
