Far North news in brief: Lotto luck; car hits tree; and Waitangi photos

Two Northland Lotto players, including one from Kerikeri, won more than $22,000 last week.

Double Lotto luck

Two Northland Lotto players are more than $22,000 better off after winning second division last Wednesday night. The tickets were among nine nationwide that each won $22,203, with one ticket sold at Woolworths Kerikeri and the other online at MyLotto. The winning Lotto numbers were 1, 3, 15, 16, 27 and 40, the bonus number was 20 and Powerball number was 5.

Fire callout

An unpermitted fire in two piles of forestry slash kept Far North fire crews busy on Saturday night.

The fires, on a hillside in West Coast Rd, Panguru, covered areas of about 16m x 10m and 4m x 5m, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said.

Three fire trucks responded about 9.45pm and had the flames under control within half an hour. The crews all left by about 12.30am, the spokesman said.

Car hits tree

A motorist is in hospital after their car crashed into a tree at Kawakawa on the weekend.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff went to the scene near North Rd and Neumann St about 3pm on Saturday and removed the person from the vehicle, a spokesman said.

Hato Hone St John said it transported a patient to Bay of Islands Hospital in a moderate condition.

Waitangi Tribunal in photos

Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi will soon unveil the nationally significant photographic exhibition He Kura Toi Tangata: 50 Years of the Waitangi Tribunal, 1975- 2025. The landmark exhibition has been developed by the Waitangi Tribunal to mark its 50th anniversary and will open to the public on Wednesday. The exhibition captures the history and impact of the Waitangi Tribunal over the past 50 years through a series of images and narratives, including pivotal moments, landmark cases and the enduring legacy of the tribunal in addressing Treaty of Waitangi grievances. It runs until April 6. For more information go to www.waitangi.org.nz

Flower and vege show

Mangōnui Garden Club is holding its annual flower and vegetable show on March 1.

The event will be held at the St John Ambulance Hall at 7 St Johns Rd, Coopers Beach, from 11am to 3.30pm.

There will be stalls, refreshments, raffles, plants for sale and a cake stall. Entry is $2.

A portion of the money raised will go to Far North Community Hospice and Mangōnui Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Call Angela on 027 2776 360 for more information..

Toxic berry warning

Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets away from highly toxic karaka berries and algal blooms this summer, and to contact their vet immediately if their dog has swallowed them. The New Zealand Veterinary Association encourages owners to walk dogs on a leash if toxic algae or karaka berries are nearby. The karaka tree fruits between January and April, dropping orange berries that can be poisonous to dogs. Consumption of the berries can lead to impaired neurological function, respiratory failure and even death. Toxic algae appears in rivers and lakes as black, green or brown slime on rocks, and as brown or black “mats”. Symptoms can include panting, lethargy, muscle tremors, twitching and convulsions.