Whangārei Hospital has closed wards 14 and 15 to visitors to minimise the spread of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses. It's the second time in the last couple of months that the hospital enforces visitor restrictions. Visiting on compassionate grounds is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The policy will be reviewed on Monday, August 15.
More nominations needed
A last-minute rush has boosted the number of candidates in the upcoming Far North local elections — but more nominations are still needed to avoid some seats going uncontested or remaining vacant. As of Wednesday nine roles had no takers but by late on Thursday that had dropped to three. All seats with no interest so far are on community boards. They are Kawakawa-Moerewa (Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board), North Hokianga (Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board) and Whatuwhiwhi (Te Hiku Community Board). There are now seven mayoral candidates — Clinton Dearlove is the latest addition — and eight candidates for the newly established, four-seat Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward.
Firefighters save part of house
Fire and Emergency NZ was called to a well-involved house fire in Paparoa around 10pm on Wednesday. Firefighters from a number of stations responded, including Maungaturoto, Paparoa and Ruawai. Maungaturoto volunteer firefighter Glen Orford said firefighters were there for a number of hours but managed to save a large part of the house. Firefighters from the Maungaturoto brigade returned to the scene in the morning to put out a small flare-up in the roof area. There were no injuries.