Northland news in brief

Two Whangarei tickets have each won more than $14,000 on Lotto Second Division

Ticket luck for northern punters

Two tickets sold in Whangarei were among eight that each won more than $14,000 on Lotto Second Division in Wednesday night's draw. The tickets, which each won $14,103, were sold at Corner Cardz N Magz and Pak N Save.

Forestry value report released

A report on the value of the plantation forest industry to the Northland economy will be released in Whangarei today.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) has prepared the report to analyse the scope and significance of the forestry and logging industry. It will be launched at the Growing Your Future event at Distinction Whangarei Hotel and Conference Centre at 4pm. The timber industry contributes nearly $300 million to the Northland economy every year.

Judge-alone trial for accused

A woman who allegedly drove while nearly four times over the legal alcohol limit and contravened her zero alcohol licence has elected a judge-alone trial.

Kathleen Hilda Kirkwood, 59, of Raumanga, is facing one charge of driving with an excess breath alcohol level and of breaching her zero alcohol licence, which carries a penalty of three months' jail or a fine of up to $4500. She is on bail to re-appear for her judge-alone trial on July 25.

Bail bid in Daktory case

One of two people arrested after a self-styled "cannabis club" in Whangarei was busted by police will apply for bail in June.

Brian Thomas Borland, 60, is charged with stealing electricity valued at $19,000 between December 24, 2016, and January 11, 2017, and selling cannabis oil at the Daktory Social Club, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail.

He also faces charges of allowing premises to be used for growing cannabis, and selling cannabis at the Daktory. He will re-appear in the Whangarei District Court on June 23 for a bail hearing. Another person, Sarah Gwenneth Gillgren, 28, is facing one charge each of selling cannabis and selling cannabis oil and the pair are jointly charged with cultivating cannabis.