Police are continuing to investigate the cause of a fatal crash on State Highway 12 near Ruawai on the afternoon of March 3. The driver of the single vehicle involved was found dead at the scene near the intersection of SH12 and Greenfield Rd. Road policing manager acting Inspector Haydn Korach said the driver had been travelling from Auckland towards Dargaville when the small vehicle careened into a paddock before ending up back on the road. While police were still unsure of the exact cause of the crash, Korach said there is a possibility a medical event has taken place.
Sentenced over firearm charge
A woman from Umawera was sentenced in the Whangārei District Court in relation to a search warrant that was executed during which a .22 rifle, a .338 Mozilla rifle and ammunition were found. Channelle Bruce was sentenced on one charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in the Whangārei District Court before Judge Greg Davis who said firearms can be described as having no place in our community with those who are not lawfully permitted to have them. Bruce was sentenced to three months’ community detention and nine months of supervision. Her co-accused, Wini King, has pleaded guilty to charges in relation to the search warrant and will be sentenced on May 22.
Volunteers thanked
The volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout Cyclone Gabrielle to keep Ruawai safe are being thanked at a special community-led event on Saturday. The public is invited to attend the Ruawai Community Sports Club from 12pm onwards to help show appreciation for the Ruawai Volunteer Fire Brigade, power board, police, Civil Defence, St John Hato Hone plus others who stepped in to help. One of the organisers, and Ruawai local Malcolm Joynt, said they had received generous donations from Sleep Systems, Maungi Meats, North Kaipara Maori Wardens Assoc, Mauri Ora Ngāti Whātua, the local Four Square and sports club.
