Fireworks blamed
Fireworks are believed to have sparked two roadside fires at Unahi, near the Rangaunu Harbour 15km north of Kaitaia on Tuesday afternoon. The larger of the blazes was about 30m long. Both were extinguished about 5.50pm by volunteers from the Kaitaia Fire Brigade.
Pooch pamperer wins
A Whangārei woman has proven she has some of the best pooch pimping skills in the country. Rebekah Thompson, of the Grooming Lounge's Dog Stylist, has taken out the top award in her level at the national grooming competition. Thompson was the only Northlander and competed with canine Lacey, a miniature poodle. The win comes after Thompson showed her skills at the Central Grooming Championship in August by taking out three awards and one for the overall best newcomer.
Fire hits takeaway