Myrtle rust site cleared to reopen
The first site where the plant fungus myrtle rust was discovered on mainland New Zealand has been cleared to reopen almost a month after it was placed on lockdown. The Ministry for Primary Industries allowed Kerikeri Plant Production to reopen yesterday after treatment with fungicide and the destruction of all affected plants. Plants from the nursery are now safe for sale and distribution, an MPI spokesman said. As of yesterday the number of myrtle rust finds was 25 - three in Northland, two in Waikato and the rest in Taranaki. The latest finds include an extensive infection in a pohutukawa hedge belt in Taranaki.
Loud boom shakes residents
Residents in the Oromahoe area, on SH10 south of Kerikeri, have reported hearing what sounded like a loud explosion on Sunday evening. One woman said the boom, about 6.15pm, was loud enough to shake her house. It was also heard at Ohaeawai and Puketona Junction while others reporting seeing a flash of light about the same time. There was no Fire Service callout in Northland around that time, which rules out an explosion or fire. Tauranga residents reported a similar explosion-like noise at 3am on Sunday.
Kawakawa Lotto win
A ticket sold in Northland was among 13 that each won almost $29,000 on Lotto on Saturday. The ticket, sold at Hammer Hardware, in Kawakawa, won $28,928 with Lotto Second Division. The prize had not been claimed by edition time yesterday.
Cop-chase accused out on bail
A disqualified driver who allegedly led Whangarei police nearly 32km in a chase has been released on bail. Zeus Arrack-Tauraine Tetevano, 32, of Raumanga appeared in the Whangarei District Court yesterday on charges of driving while disqualified, failing to stop, dangerous driving, and possession of cannabis. He allegedly failed to stop for police on Great North Rd in Kamo on Saturday and a pursuit began. Tetevano was arrested on Whatitiri Rd where he allegedly attempted to do a U-turn. He will reappear on June 19.
Cake boost for Plunket
Plunket fundraising by The Hits has taken an extra sweet turn thanks to the team at Cupcakes Northland donating a cake to be auctioned. Today and until 6.30pm tomorrow anyone can go on to The Hits Facebook page and make a bid. All the money raised will go to supporting future Plunket babies in Northland. The person with the highest bid tomorrow at 6.30pm will win.
