An honest American tourist has handed in what police describe as a "substantial amount of money" found in Paihia over the weekend. Police won't say how much was found or exactly where it was, because they plan to use that information to make sure any claimants are genuine. If the cash is yours call the Kerikeri police station on (09) 407 9211.
Landing Rd crash landing
A car veered off Kerikeri's Landing Rd and rolled onto its side about 9pm on Saturday when its 17-year-old driver lost control. A passenger suffered minor injuries.
Tourists targeted again
German tourists had their credit cards and other items stolen when their campervan was broken into at Opononi on Friday, but they were most upset about the loss of their camera's memory cards. Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Kerikeri police, said other vehicle break-ins occurred in Okaihau, Ohaeawai and Kaikohe over the weekend. He urged motorists to secure their cars and keep valuables out of sight or, better still, take them along rather than leave them in the vehicle.
Higher piles for marae rebuild
A public meeting on Saturday at Karangahape Marae, at Matangirau near the Whangaroa Harbour, opted to rebuild the flood-hit marae on piles at least 1.5m above the present floor level. Marae members and residents of the Touwai Valley were asked to choose between building a new marae on tall piles or raising the ground level. Marae committee had previously looked for a more elevated site but the alternatives were to be just as flood-prone or the cost of buying land was too high.