Northland news in brief, cabinet falls off trailer and more Crown/Maori relations hui

Police attend an incident involving a tipped load onto State Highway 1, Kauri, that briefly reduced traffic to one lane yesterday. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Road blocked by electrical cabinet

A electrical cabinet on a towbar tipped and fell on to State Highway 1 in Kauri, north of Whangarei. The incident happened just before 2pm yesterday and traffic was briefly reduced to one lane while passing motorists helped shift the load to the side of the road. The trailer was being pulled by a vehicle belonging to Auckland-based Transnet New Zealand.

Northland hui proves popular

Two Northland hui last weekend on Crown/Maori Relations were so popular two more will be held on Friday. Kelvin Davis, the Minister of Crown/Maori Relations, held hui at Kaitaia College on Saturday and Terenga Paraoa Marae in Whangarei on Sunday seeking feedback that will shape the new parliamentary role. There has been so much public interest in the hui that two more are planned for Friday, at the Copthorne Hotel, Omapere, Hokianga, from 9am and Kohewhata Marae, 6869 Mangakahia Rd, Kaikohe, from 1.30pm.

Burglar caught on CCTV

Police are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify a burglar who made off with more than $2000 worth of cigarettes from BP Moerewa. Police say the offender removed an air conditioning unit about 3am on Saturday then crawled through the hole into the service station, which is currently closed for renovation. Call the Kerikeri station on (09) 407 9211 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 with any information.

Kaikohe woman charged with assault

A 38-year-old Kaikohe woman has been charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly hitting her partner with a claw hammer about 4pm on Sunday. The woman was due in the Kaikohe District Court yesterday. The victim was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital with a sore jaw.

Two Northlanders charged with aggravated robbery

Two Northlanders jointly charged with the aggravated robbery of a service station have been remanded in custody. Hori Lawrence, 24, of Raumanga, and Jarrod Ham, 21, of Ruakaka, appeared in the Whangarei District Court on Friday facing one charge of the aggravated robbery of Gas in Ruakaka on Thursday last week. Police allege the duo got away with about $680 cash after threatening a staff member with a glass bottle. Both will reappear on April 16.