Northland news in brief

This Far North fire shows what can happen when bamboo is planted near power lines.

Boo hoo bamboo

Top Energy says a recent fire in a bamboo shelter belt is a clear demonstration of what can happen when vegetation gets into our lines and it's urging people not to plant bamboo near power lines. Bamboo can carry electrical current and are clearly hazardous to people and property and is a particular concern for Top Energy. It is grown widely in Northland as shelter belts.

"Tree owners are responsible for ensuring their trees do not interfere with the power lines. They carry full legal and cost liability for any safety incident or damage they cause," CEO Russell Shaw said."People who don't manage their trees in proximity to our power lines, create widespread outages and long delays in power restoration, for which they potentially carry liability."

Elderly driver crashes

A 79-year-old driver who crashed her car in Northland was helped by a farmer before emergency services arrived. The accident happened just on Te Ahu Ahu in Ohaeawai before 9am yesterday. The vehicle came off the road and into a ditch. An ambulance was called as a precaution due to the elderly driver's age.

Asked for ride, stole goods

Whangārei police are looking for three men who allegedly stole assorted items from a car after they were refused a lift. Acting Senior Sergeant Dylan Robinson said about 6.30pm on Monday, three men approached a male at his car at the Kensington Stadium carpark and asked for a lift. When the driver refused, a scuffle broke out and the man ran away after breaking free. The three men allegedly took the car keys, a cellphone and a laptop from the car.

Mangroves snare speeder

An alleged speeding driver crashed into mangroves shortly after police abandoned a pursuit. A 1990 Holden Commodore was seen allegedly speeding on State Highway 10 in Mangonui about 11.15am yesterday and police initially started a pursuit but abandoned it because of excessive speed. The car crashed into mangroves on Backriver Rd and the driver, the sole occupant, allegedly fled the scene when police arrived.