Northland news in brief

Whangarei Lotto win

A ticket sold in Whangarei was among 12 nationally that each won more than $21,000 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday's draw. The ticket, sold at Sunnyside Foodmarket, won $21,170.

Arson accused stays in custody

A Northland man who denied 10 charges of arson has been further remanded in custody. Andrew Lee Searle, 20, of Te Kopuru, yesterday appeared in the Whangarei District Court. Searle first entered the pleas in the Dargaville District Court on February 2. He elected a trial by jury. Searle allegedly lit the fires in multiple locations around Kaipara. He will re-appear on March 13.

Gang shooting case

There is still a police presence at Whangarei Hospital after a gang-related shooting last week. Police were called to Clark Rd, in Kamo, Whangarei about 10.30pm on Wednesday after five people were injured in a shooting involving the Black Power and Nomad gangs. Three people remain in the hospital in a stable condition, including a 21-year-old man who has been arrested. A 33-year-old man was discharged last night and one person is in Auckland City Hospital in a stable condition. Police said no charges had been laid and the scene examination on Clark Rd was now complete. Investigations were ongoing but no firearms had been recovered.

Looking for answerers

Citizens Advice Bureau Whangarei is looking for new interviewers with the savvy to find the answers to any imaginable question. They don't need people who know it all, just people who know how to find it all. Co-ordinator Moea Armstrong said the voluntary role was becoming increasingly demanding as clients arrived with complex and interlinked issues. Untangling these one by one and moving people on was a valuable skill to add to the social service network in Whangarei. Volunteers work half a day each week to meet people and answer the phone. They also host the free legal advice clinics each fortnight. CAB will hold a public information session on the role on March 15 at 10.30am at the Old Town Hall in Bank St.

Teenager apprehended in Ahipara

A 15-year-old boy carrying a set of vice grips was caught and held for the police by Ahipara residents after he was seen lurking in long grass early yesterday. He failed to persuade his captors, the police or his father that he had been playing hide and seek with four other youths.