Two critically threatened Matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern were killed on a stretch of State Highway 12 between Rotu Forest and Maitahi, just outside Dargaville in recent weeks. The two birds – members of a seldom seen species known for their booming calls - were found within a few metres of each other. A necropsy determined one was killed due to being struck by a vehicle. The section of SH12 crosses several wetlands that are favoured habitat of the matuku-hūrepo. DoC Senior Biodiversity Ranger Reuben Booth is pleading drivers to take more care when driving around the Kauri Coast district. Injured or dead birds should be reported via 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
Three injured after car goes down bank
Three people were taken to hospital after a car fell down a 20m bank on Oromahoe Rd in Ōpua at shortly after 6am on Friday. A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said the vehicle’s occupants suffered moderate injuries and two of them were transported to the Bay of Islands Hospital.
Police seek information
Whangārei police are appealing for information on a number of missing items stolen during an incident in Regent on Thursday afternoon. A 20-year-old man appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Friday charged with injures with intent to injure, indecent assault, and aggravated robbery. Police could not comment on specifics as the case is before the courts but were wanting to reunite a pair of white Air Max shoes, a Xiaomi-brand cell phone in a turquoise-coloured case, a German passport, and dark grey coloured ASUS laptop computer with a large sticker of a flower with their owner. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 230928/7265, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
