Far North news in brief: SH10 sealing, reading ambassador and truck rolls

There’ll be disruption on SH10 at Waipapa over coming weeks from today as the road is chipsealed.

SH10 sealing

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has workers chipsealing on State Highway 10 near Waipapa from today. Three sites are planned for chipsealing – south of Waimate North Rd, between the Waipekakoura River and Kahikatearoa Lane, and at Pungaere Rd.

All work will be carried out at night under stop/go traffic management to minimise disruption for road users, with work at each site scheduled to take one night to complete. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

It’s important to slow down when driving on newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. As well as acting as a safety measure, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. This work is expected to be complete by mid-February, weather dependent.

Reading ambassador wanted

Do you know any Northlander who could be a reading ambassador for the country? If so, nominations are open for the third Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador for Aotearoa New Zealand. In their role, the ambassador supports and champions the importance of reading in the lives of young people, their whānau and communities.

“We are looking for someone to be a national reading role model. The future Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador will inspire and motivate young readers and increase the visibility and awareness of reading across all sectors – helping to create a nation of readers,” New Zealand te pouhuaki [national librarian] Rachel Esson said. The role will be eligible for a stipend of $50,000 and is appointed for a two-year term. To find out more, visit https://natlib.govt.nz. Nominations close on January 31.

Truck rolls

A concrete truck rolled on Pawarenga Rd near Broadwood on Friday morning. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it sent two appliances to the scene but neither was required as no one was trapped in the truck. Police said there were no injuries or road blockages as a result of the crash.

Firearm seized

Police have located a firearm after receiving second-hand information of one possibly being discharged at a Far North property on Friday morning. Police said they went to a property at Waiotehue Rd, Herekino and located the occupants, none of whom were injured. A firearm was located away from the property. Inquiries are ongoing.