Northland news in brief: Rubbish sparks fire call, driver warned

A total fire ban is still in place in Northland. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Fire sparks callout

An illegal rubbish fire in the backyard of a Kaikohe property sparked a call out for the local volunteer brigade. There is a total fire ban in Northland and experienced firefighters say despite light rain over the weekend fire conditions were still extremely volatile. Kaikohe firefighters were called about 10.17am yesterday to the rubbish fire. For more information about fires, including those for hangi, go to www.checkitsalright.nz.

Written warning for driver

A Northland driver has been given a written traffic warning after clipping a tractor during a passing manoeuvre. Emergency services were called to Waiare Rd, near Okaihau, just after 10am. Police said the driver hit the side of the tractor which caused the car to go off the road and land upside down in a drain. The male driver suffered minor injuries but was given a traffic warning for careless driving.

Trustees wanted

After successfully hosting all four kāinga of Ngāti Pūkenga in November 2018 the Ngāti Pūkenga Ki Pakikaikutu Charitable Trust is now seeking trustees with the skills and passion to bring the kāinga together and drive the vision of the many uri/beneficiaries. All nominees must be associated by whakapapa to one of the nine blocks that make up the whenua. Forms can be downloaded from www.ngatipukenga.com or by emailing pakikaikututrust@gmail.com Nominations close Monday, March 18.

Gunshots heard in night

A Whangārei resident has reported hearing what she thought was four gunshots in the Whau Valley area on Sunday night. Posting on Facebook she said after the four shots there were police sirens about 9.50pm. However, Whangārei police were not able to confirm whether they had been called or if they had received phone calls from concerned residents. It comes after a number of reports to police regarding gun shots being heard around Whangārei over the last few months and in particular Raumanga.

Police on recruitment drive

Northland police are looking for people who care about keeping their communities safe and are holding a recruitment seminar at Whangārei Station on Thursday. It is an opportunity to learn more about how to become a cop and hear what life as a police officer is like from local police officers. The hui is two hours starting at 5pm. Friends and whānau are welcome.