Cruise-ship treble
Paihia is expected to have its busiest cruise ship day on record tomorrow with three cruise ships due to drop anchor in the Bay of Islands on one day. The vessels are the 168,666 tonne Ovation of the Seas — the biggest cruise ship to visit New Zealand with 4180 passengers on board — along with Maasdam (1266 passengers) and the boutique cruise ship Caledonian Sky (140 passengers). The arrivals will be staggered between 7am and 9.30am and passengers will be tendered to Waitangi (Ovation of the Seas), Paihia (Maasdam) and Russell (Caledonian Sky) to reduce congestion on the water. The one-way section of Williams Rd in central Paihia will be closed to traffic for the day and turned into a pedestrian zone with tables and shade umbrellas.
Attacker hunted
Police are appealing for help from the public as they try to track down the man behind an assault and robbery in Paihia. Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Mid North police, said the victim, 20, had been drinking in Paihia when he struck up a conversation with another man who became aggressive and wanted to fight late on Saturday or early Sunday. After assaulting the victim he demanded the victim's wallet, keys and phone. The victim, who was from Whangarei, was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital and treated for swelling and pain to his face and eyes. Police wanted to hear from anyone who had seen the incident near the corner of Marsden and Williams roads in central Paihia. Call your local station or Kerikeri police on (09) 407 9211.
Last night market of year
The last Whangarei Gourmet Night Market of the year will have a special guest. The event, held on the Canopy Bridge, has been a popular addition to Whangarei with thousands attending the first market in October. The last market of the year will be held Friday from 4pm to 8pm and is expected to be extra festive with a visit from Santa Claus.
Quad rider injured
A man who lost control of his quad bike on Snelgar Rd, south of Kaitaia, on Sunday evening, was flown to Whangarei for surgery. A police spokesman, who described the man's injuries as partial scalping and a severely broken clavicle, said the man, who had not been wearing a helmet, would be lucky not to lose an eye. Police were considering whether to charge him over the crash.
