Myrtle rust on the move
The number of sites where the plant fungus myrtle rust has been found continues to escalate with four more identified yesterday, bringing the total so far to 12. However, all of the new cases are in Taranaki with only the original two - a Kerikeri plant nursery and a neighbouring garden - in Northland.
The Taranaki cases include seven plant nurseries or retailers/distributors and three private gardens. It has yet to be found in native forest. Members of the public have made 380 reports of suspected symptoms through the MPI hotline, 0800 80 99 66. All infected locations are being treated with fungicide, affected or at-risk plants are being destroyed, and surveillance is underway in a 500m radius.
Car impounded
An 18-year-old Kaeo youth described by a police spokesman as ''an idiot'' has had his car impounded after doing a burnout in front of the local police officer.