Former Kamo police officer Pat Hellier has been named a finalist in the Ford NZ Rural Sports Awards. Hellier, who now lives in Papamoa, is up against Wayne Newdick from Taumarunui in the Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award. Hellier has been involved in Highland Games since 1988 as an athlete in the Heavy Events, such as tossing cabers. He has won the national championship held at Waipu 18 times which led to him represent New Zealand in overseas championships. He has competed in games and gatherings in Finland, US, Australia, Malaysia, Canada and Scotland. The winner will be announced on March 8.
Facial recognition technology
New World Kaikohe is the first Northland supermarket to get facial recognition technology to help combat a spike in retail crime driven by repeat offenders. The technology will match the faces of people who enter the store against that store’s record of offenders and accomplices, with two staff members having to sign off on the match before it is acted on.
Love Grace Handbag Appeal
The 2024 Love Grace Handbag Appeal New Zealand is on until March 8. The appeal is held in memory of Grace Millane, merging her love of handbags with a cause to help women in need. Items such as toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, plasters, hairbrushes, tissues, wipes, pens, sunglasses, notebooks, hairbands and more are all welcome as part of the appeal. Drop-off locations for items in Northland are at Caltex Whangārei Central, Morningside, and The SEED co-working space in Dargaville.
