The cops are coming for Carter

An arrest warrant has been issued for Mayor John Carter. It won't be executed until Saturday, when he will be handcuffed and placed in a cell.

He will be released, of course, although that could depend upon how much the crowd outside The Warehouse in Kaitaia is prepared to stump up for his bail.

Whatever happens, His Worship won't be alone though. A string of falsely accused (they all say that) innocents will be flung into the (temporary) cell outside The Warehouse between 11am and 1pm, all in the cause of raising money for Blue Light.

The others who will do time for young people in Kaitaia are New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan, Senior Sergeant Geoff Ryan (Senior Constable Jones' boss, who is confidently expecting preferential treatment), Northland Age editor Peter Jackson, Labour MP-elect Kelvin Davis, fire brigade CFO/district councillor Colin Kitchen, Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira and a couple of youth group members.

The same thing will be happening at the same time and place (outside The Warehouse) in Kaikohe, where the detainees will be Sergeant Dylan Robinson, Senior Sergeant Chris McLennan, CYF youth justice manager Aroha Tahere, CYF site manager Trevor Wi-Kaitaia, businessman/St John stalwart/Lions club president John Field, Olympic/Commonwealth Games cyclist, former deputy Mayor and Bay of Islands Hockey patron Laurie Byers, Professor Te Tuhi Robust, and Lovey Matene, Lions Club member/fundraiser/nanny of many mokopuna.

"It's all about local personalities and good sorts doing time to help young people," Senior Constable Jones said.

"The aim is to raise awareness and funds for Blue Light events and programmes for young people in Kaitaia and Kaikohe. And we're really hoping that locals will come out in droves to support the people in the cells, and make donations to raise their bail.

"We're thrilled to have local people who are willing to give up their time to support the programmes that Blue Light runs up here. The money raised will help continue its great programmes, and send those in need to the Blue Light life skills camps where they can engage in a week-long residential programme and gain valuable leadership and life skills."

Sausages will be sizzled throughout, and $3 contributions can be made to the cause by texting BLUE to 4419.