AAlcohol interlock sentences have become mandatory for serious and repeat drink-driving offenders. From yesterday, anyone convicted of two or more drink-driving offences within five years, and any first time offenders caught driving more than 3.2 times the legal alcohol limit will be subject to an alcohol interlock sentence An alcohol interlock is a breath testing device wired into a vehicle's starting system and needs a clear breath test before a vehicle can be started. To help ensure low income offenders comply with the sentence, the Government has established a financial assistance scheme to assist with the interlock costs.
Kaipara rates hearing
The Supreme Court will tomorrow conduct a hearing to determine the validity of Northland Regional Council rates in Kaipara District worth more than $14 million.
In April, the Court of Appeal overturned a lower court ruling that invalidated the rates after an appeal was filed by NRC. In August last year, the High Court at Whangārei ruled in a judicial review proceeding that the council's rates collected in Kaipara between 2011 and 2016 were invalid but did not order a refund. The application for judicial review was filed by the Mangawhai Ratepayers and Residents' Association, its chairman, Bruce Rogan, and his wife, Heather. They are challenging the Court of Appeal ruling.
Lotto second division
A Northland supermarket was among 11 shopping outlets throughout New Zealand that sold a winning Lotto Second Division ticket worth $22,126. It was sold at Coopers Beach Four Square. Twelve people each won $22,126 while one lucky punter won Powerball Second Division in Saturday's draw, taking his or her total winnings to $38,522. The winning Powerball Second Division ticket was sold at Collingwood Foodcentre in Invercargill. The winning Lotto numbers 12, 16, 23, 29, 31, 39, with Bonus number 25 and Powerball 1.
