Northland news in brief: crash closes SH14 and Whangarei water main bursts

One person received minor injuries when a car took out a power pole on SH14, above, yesterday afternoon. Photo/John Stone

State Highway 14 near Kara Rd, west of Whangarei, was closed yesterday afternoon after a car hit a power pole and brought the power lines down. The crash happened at 3.15pm, and Northpower crews were called in to repair the pole and clear the lines. The road was expected to be re-opened after 7pm. Traffic, including those heading home from the Fieldays in Dargaville, was diverted via Newton Rd. One person suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Water main bursts

Up to 200 houses in Whangarei were without water yesterday morning after a water main burst on Tarewa Rd. The burst at the bottom of Anzac Rd was expected to be repaired by mid afternoon yesterday. Whangarei District Council spokeswoman Ann Midson said households between the Information Centre and Anzac Rd were initially affected.

Road closure

State Highway One through the Mangamuka Gorge will close for the second round of resurfacing work for periods from today until Tuesday. The road will be closed today, Tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 4pm, when it will reopen until 5pm before closing again until 8pm. There will be a detour in place via State Highway 10 between Awanui and Pakaraka. The detour will add about 10 kilometres to a one way journey.

Event to share stories

Domestic violence survivor Emilia Lahti is hosting an event at 116 Bank St tomorrow from 6.30pm to 8.30pm to talk about domestic violence. The Finnish woman is in the final stages of her 2400km journey across NZ for peace, compassion and non-violence. The event provides a safe and welcoming space for connecting, sharing stories, learning and discussing the ways in which a more positive human future can be nurtured.

Northpower crew heads to Tonga

Northland-based lines' company Northpower has sent five maintenance crew to help restore power supplies in cyclone-ravaged Tonga. All five are Auckland-based Tongan national line mechanics and flew out on Wednesday. The deployment followed a request by Tonga Power to the New Zealand High Commissioner. Northpower spokesman Steve Macmillan said between 45 percent and 50 percent of the Tongatapu power network and a further 15 percent in Eau were extensively damaged during Tropical Cyclone Gita early last month. "New tools and equipment required in the rebuild have been purchased by Northpower and will be gifted to Tonga Power at the end of the contract," Mr Macmillan said.

Surf day

A surf day for people with disabilities is being held in Ruakaka today. The surfing - organised by support group Taiho Trust - will begin at 10am today on the beach near the Ruakaka Surf and run until 2pm.

Bail granted

A man facing charges in relation to the death of a Northlander in an alleged road rage incident has been granted electronic bail. Patrick Dennis Tarawa, 21, of Kaikohe, was initially charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but the charge was upgraded to manslaughter after an autopsy on Christopher Vujcich. Tarawa allegedly assaulted Mr Vujcich, 58, in Kaikohe on January 19 and he died in the Bay of Islands Hospital the next day. Tarawa's next date in court is April 26.

Witnesses wanted

Police are seeking information from witnesses to an erratic driving incident involving two vehicles that happened on Purerua Rd in Kerikeri on Wednesday. The incident involved a black vehicle and a silver vehicle and occurred on Purerua Road, continuing down Kapiro Road, Landing Road, Waipapa Road, and on to the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass about midday. Police have charged one of the drivers, however they want to hear from any witnesses as part of our ongoing enquiries and to help establish the circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information can contact Constable Mark Barratt from Kerikeri Police (09) 407 9211 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.