Northland news in brief, NCEA results due and rodeo protest

Northland students' NCEA results will be released on Tuesday.

NCEA Results released Tuesday

Northland students who have been eagerly awaiting their NCEA results will be able to find out how well they did next Tuesday. Thousands of secondary school students from around the country sat exams which ran from Thursday, November 9 to Friday, December 1. Students will be able to access their results from the NZQA website - http://www.nzqa.govt.nz - on Tuesday, January 16.

19-year-old to appear in court after fleeing police

A 19-year-old Kaikohe man booked himself a court appointment when he allegedly tried to flee from police. Sergeant Dylan Robinson said officers were called to a Kaikohe house about 8.30pm on Tuesday.

When police arrived, a 19-year-old man tried to run away but was confronted by an officer who used pepper spray to no effect. A second officer then Tasered the man after he tried to hit officers. He was charged with assault, resisting arrest and assaulting police.

Protestors expected outside Mid North Rodeo

Animal rights protesters will be outside the Mid Northern Rodeo today for the third year in a row. Direct Animal Action members will hold large 'STOP' signs at the entrance of the event, calling on the new Government to ban rodeos.

"We're expecting a good turn out this Saturday from Whangarei locals, Northlanders, Aucklanders and we're even expecting some to travel up from the Waikato," Direct Animal Action spokesperson Apollo Taito said.

"We absolutely congratulate the Green Party for putting forward a Private Members Bill that will ban the worst aspects of rodeo - calf roping and flank straps. No one wants to see animal abuse for entertainment anymore, rodeo has had its day in our country."
The rodeo is on today and tomorrow at the rodeo grounds on Kara Rd.

Extravaganza Fair coming to Whangarei

One of the country's largest travelling fairs will be stopping in Whangarei next week bringing arts and craft, food, musical entertainment, circus shows, tiny homes, games and more.

The Extravaganza Fair will be at William Fraser Memorial Park in Riverside on Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21. There will be a range of market stalls including herbal remedies and natural perfumes, clothing - including revamped and retro fashion, jewellery, temporary tattoos and more.

Meanwhile, entertainment includes the Ashton Family Circus, a hula hoop show, a magic show, and more.The event runs from 9am to 5pm.

Two teens charged with rustling

Two teenagers have been charged with rustling after they allegedly killed two sheep on a farm at Doubtless Bay. According to police the 17-year-olds killed a sheep but were disturbed, and fled without taking it.

They returned a few days later and killed another, but again were disturbed and fled. On that occasion they were apprehended by members of the farmer's family. A 9-year-old child who was with them had thought they were going hunting, a police spokesman said.

Medieval Madness coming back to Kiwi North

Medieval Madness is back at Kiwi North next weekend. The fun community day includes mounted medieval games and displays, face painting, pony rides, archery and plenty more. Auckland drum band Clan Celtica will be playing. People are encouraged to come in costume and join in the parade. The day runs from 10am to 3pm on January 28, adults are $10 for admission and children are free.