Dairy robbery
Police are following a number of leads as they investigate the armed robbery of the Hospital Dairy in Heads Rd on Monday. A spokeswoman said the two male offenders had not yet been located and inquiries were continuing. Cash was stolen in the robbery which happened about 11.50am. It is believed the offenders were armed with a screwdriver.
Crash probed
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of a two-car crash at Waverley on June 27. Ani Nohinohi was the sole survivor of the crash. Her daughters Nivek Madams, 8, and 8-week-old Shady Thompson and Nohinohi's partner Jeremy Thompson, 28, died. The four occupants of the other vehicle, Ian Porteous, 80, his wife Rosalie Porteous, 76, Ian's sister Ora Keene, 84, and Brenda Williams, 79, were also killed.
Slip on river
A landslide downstream from Taumarunui has extended partway into the Whanganui River. The river is still flowing freely, and the only impact expected is discoloured water. Horizons Regional Council river manager Ramon Strong said the slip was the result of last week's rain, and happened in a place where the slope has moved before. His council and Ruapehu District Council are monitoring the situation.
Minister's pledge
Housing Minister Phil Twyford is now promising there will be 25 new public housing places in the Whanganui District by 2022. Seven houses are already being built in Poynter Place, and another two are to go on back sections in Grey St. The others are still being sought. Government policy is that 70 per cent will be provided by Housing New Zealand, and 30 per cent by community housing providers.
Farm awards
Entries to the 2019 Ballance Farm Environment Awards are now open, and farms in the Tararua District have come top in the Horizons Region for the last two years. The awards are run by the independent Ballance Farm Environment Trust and have many sponsors.
