Northland news in brief, kaumatua dies and police recruitment

Northland kaumatua Russell Kemp has died. Photo / Michael Bradley.

Tangi for kaumatua

Northland kaumatua Russell Kemp has died. Mr Kemp, of Kaiwaka, who was 72, died yesterday afternoon and he will be taken to Otamatea Marae today and his tangi held there on Saturday. Mr Kemp's resume includes leading his hapu, Te Uri o Hau, to settlement with the Crown, chairing and directing several groups, and more. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Maori in the Queen's New Year Honours.

Police recruiting in Whangarei

A police recruiting seminar targeting women last month in Kerikeri was such a success one is being planned for Whangarei. Recruiting officer Paula Stack said about 40 women attended the seminar and 16 of those had signed up for more information with a few already applying to join. She said a similar seminar was being planned for Whangarei possibly in mid-February or early March. A wing scheduled to graduate on February 1 will mean one new constable for Kaitaia, two in Kaikohe and three for Whangarei. Four new recruits are heading to police college on Monday to begin training.

Clarification over argument

In a brief in Tuesday's Northern Advocate titled "court date after punch", in relation to a 26-year-old Russell man facing a serious assault charge after landing a "coward's punch" on another patron during a concert at the Duke of Marlborough Tavern, it said the alleged attacker and victim had earlier been embroiled in an argument outside the tavern. This information, which was given by police, was incorrect and the alleged attacker had earlier been involved in a confrontation with a woman outside the tavern.