Tempers flared on the Tutukaka Coast on Christmas Eve when a confrontation between two bikers driving on a busy beach and a holidaymaker looked to escalate. The pair of young riders – one without a helmet – were travelling at speed close to the waterline at Whangaumu Bay on dirt bikes around 6pm on Friday. A man supervising young family members swimming took a swing at the helmet-less rider's head with a boogie board while other beachgoers waved at the pair to slow down. The rider returned to his entourage and then followed a companion, who marched down the beach to confront the man, during which he kicked the man's boogie board from his hands. Members of the public rushed from beachside properties and nearby to de-escalate the situation until police arrived a short while later.
Pair steal multiple vehicles and swim across river to evade police
Police are on the hunt for an offender involved in a string of vehicle heists that started in Whangārei and ended 60km away in Moerewa on Christmas Eve. The first theft was on Central Ave when the man and a companion jumped into a member of the public's vehicle as they readjusted straps on a trailer they were towing. They drove the stolen vehicle 30km away near Purua and were spotted by officers heading down a dead-end street off Pipiwai Rd. Police found the vehicle abandoned in a nearby paddock, after which a police dog and handler were called in to track down the duo. Their movements were traced to the Wairua River, where the Advocate understands they swam downstream, exited on the other side and then stole two more vehicles from a nearby farm. Police found one of the vehicles in Moerewa and arrested a 42-year-old man as a result. Officers are continuing to locate the second offender and have asked anyone who spots a Nissan Serena with the registration 1BATT to contact police on 111 – do not approach the vehicle, they say.
Christmas motorists quick to alert police
Six driving complaints were reported to police during a single hour on Christmas morning. Northland Police Senior Sergeant Mohammed Atiq said the calls were about motorists cutting off other drivers, tailgating, crossing the centre line and driving on the wrong side of the road. He urged anyone travelling in Northland to be aware that traffic volumes were heavier, so to avoid frustration, drivers should plan their journey, be patient and drive to the conditions.
