154 days ago

Seeking information: Suspicious fires in the area

The Team from Northland Police

Northland Police investigating a spate of suspicious fires in the area are appealing to the public for information.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says Police and Fire and Emergency services responded to reports of a fire on on Pataua North Road, Whareora on the morning of 20 May.
“At around 7am, about 15 T8 Traffic Control cones were taken from a stretch of road under maintenance, stacked in the middle of the road, covered in diesel and set alight.
“A second set of stacked cones were set alight further up the road.”
Detective Sergeant Overton says in the past seven months Police have also received a number of reports in relation to suspicious bush and scrub fires in the Matapouri, Tutukaka, Ngunguru and Pataua areas.
“We encourage anyone who was in these areas or has any information about any of these fires to get in touch.”

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250520/3428.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.1% Yes
    53.1% Complete
  • 46.9% No
    46.9% Complete
1627 votes
1 day ago

Poll: Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in Northland?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

When tourists take over the streets and parking disappears, where do you find your calm?
Or is summer’s hustle something to enjoy rather than escape?

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Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in Northland?
  • 75% I enjoy the summer hubbub!
    75% Complete
  • 25% Please, give me some peace
    25% Complete
  • 0% I escape the region during summer
    0% Complete
4 votes
13 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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