A Moerewa man on the run from police for months has pleaded not guilty to all charges and elected trial by jury.
Dylan Cooper, also known as Dylan Carrington, 30, was finally arrested in Hokianga on November 15 and faces more than 20 serious firearms, robbery and driving charges.
He reappeared in Kaikohe District Court yesterday, where the not guilty pleas were recorded. He did not apply for bail.
Judge John McDonald remanded him in custody to reappear for a case review on March 9.
New roundabout for Kaitaia
A new roundabout will be built at a busy Far North intersection on State Highway 1 early next year to reduce congestion and improve safety.
Construction of the roundabout will begin in late January 2021 at the corner of Matthews Ave (SH1) and North Rd in Kaitaia. Most of the work will be undertaken at night to minimise traffic disruption.
"Upgrading the intersection to a roundabout will help traffic flow more easily along a key freight route and improve safety for all roads users," says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency senior manager project delivery Andrew Thackwray.
An increase in traffic volume at the intersection has led to lengthy traffic queues on Matthews Ave and North Rd.
Sweetwater pipeline meeting
The Far North District Council convened an extraordinary meeting in Kaikohe yesterday to hear detailed plans for the pipe that is to be laid to deliver water from the Sweetwater aquifer to the treatment plant in Kaitaia. Those scheduled to speak included the owners of one property that the pipeline has been designed to cross. A decision is not expected for some time.
