Northland news in brief: Fire pit death accident and book launch

Maire Leadbeater will launch her new book, See No Evil: New Zealand's betrayal of the people of West Papua, in Whangārei tonight.

Book launch

Author Maire Leadbeater will launch her new book on New Zealand's treatment of West Papua, in Whangārei tonight. See No Evil: New Zealand's betrayal of the people of West Papua issues a challenge to New Zealanders to acknowledge and make right the consequences of this nation's ''selective diplomacy'' in the Pacific region. Leadbeater will have her Whangārei public launch tonight from 5.30pm at Marion House, 155A Kamo Rd. The launch is hosted by Northland Urban Rural Mission (NURM).

Fire pit death an accident

The death of a Northland man whose body was found in a fire pit was the result of an accident rather than foul play, police say. The man's death, during a social event in Waima, South Hokianga, last weekend sparked a police investigation which included a thorough scene examination, interviews and a post-mortem examination. However, Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said police now believed the man's death was not suspicious. The case had been referred to the Coroner who would make a final determination. The man was aged in his 60s and from the Waima area.

Man pleads not guilty

A Northlander has pleaded not guilty to sex charges, including an allegation he arranged to meet a young person for sexual grooming. John Alfred Atherton, 73, of Kaiwaka, re-appeared in the Whangārei District Court this week on one charge of indecent assault, one of arranging to meet a young person for sexual grooming, one of meeting a young person for sexual grooming and two of indecent commission with a young person under 16. He's been bailed to re-appear on October 12.

Performing arts festival

Performing arts in all forms will be showcased through September as an annual competition kicks off. Northland Performing Arts Competitions are an annual festival of dance, music and speech and drama hosted by the Northland Performing Arts Competitions Society. They offer a forum for children, students and adults to perform and compete. The festival consists of a range of competitions including speech and drama - which kicks off the 69th annual festival on August 31 - vocal, jazz and tap, ballet, and piano and instrumental. Visit www.northlandperformingarts.org.nz for more information including dates and times, with all events held at Forum North, Whangārei.