NZ@Noon: Whopper snapper earns $30,000

Kaitaia man Neil Sides is delighted at winning the $30,000 top prize, with organiser Dave Collard (left) and Northland MP Mike Sabin. Photo/Peter de Graaf

Stories making headlines around the regions today include that of a Kaitaia fisherman who earned himself $30,000 by landing a whopper snapper. In Maketu, a man escaped a burning building and in Eastern Bay, children have been found living in drug dens.

A Far Northern man pocketed $30,000 after catching a whopping snapper.

A Maketu man narrowly escaped a burning building.

This Maketu Rd converted garage was destroyed by fire.

Apple shipments have missed the boat and fruit diverted to other ports as Napier Port struggles with a spike in fruit shipped by containers.

In Eastern Bay children have been found living in drug dens.

A stolen car was found ablaze in the middle of a Carterton street.

And finally, two artists in Wanganui make stunning art from some interesting materials.