253 days ago

Two in court

The Team from Northland Police

Officers who spotted a stolen vehicle travelling through Kaitaia managed to not only locate the vehicle and those allegedly responsible for taking it, but also link it to a nearby burglary.
At about 11.30am yesterday, on-duty officers witnessed a vehicle travelling on Pukepoto Road which had been reported stolen the previous day.
Far North Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Richard Garton, says the unit conducted an area search and quickly located the vehicle abandoned on Grigg Street.
“Two people were located at a nearby address and taken into custody without incident.
“Further enquiries established that the same vehicle had been used during a burglary in Mangonui during the early hours of the morning.”
Senior Sergeant Garton says at about 2.26am on Wednesday the vehicle pulled up to a commercial premises on Waterfront Drive and three people got out, smashing windows to gain access to the store.
“A number of items were taken before the group left in the same vehicle.
“Two people remain outstanding in relation to the burglary and enquiries remain ongoing to locate them.
“We acknowledge the concern these incidents cause to the wider community and reiterate our commitment to holding these offenders accountable.
“We have zero tolerate for this type of behaviour in our community and will continue to work hard to ensure our community can be and feel safe.”
A 14-year-old will appear in Kaitaia District Court today charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
A 17-year-old was bailed to appear in Kaitaia District Court next week.

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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? 💰🌲
  • 53.3% Yes
    53.3% Complete
  • 46.7% No
    46.7% Complete
1669 votes
A
3 hours ago

Sonic Delusion at Hilltop 6/12/25

Anna from Kelburn

Come along tonight for this great gig! Too funky for folk and too folky for funk — that’s Sonic Delusion’s happy, funky, and groovy indie pop. 7pm for 7.30. Celebrating the release of André Manella’s (lead man of Turkey the Bird here with his solo performance) new single “Smoooth”, the vibrant Swiss-Kiwi performer is armed with his trusty loop pedal and an array of instruments. Sonic Delusion layers beats, baselines, and melodies into a boogielicious live performance “bursting with more funk than folk can handle.” André has built a reputation for turning every gig into a feel-good party — “funny, fresh and funky… a welcome breath of entertainment, joy, fun and smiles” Graham Reid – Elsewhere. From Taranaki to the lower North Island, the “Smoooth” release tour promises catchy hooks, infectious grooves, and the perfect excuse to shake your worries away. “catchy melodic hooks that make you want to get up and dance” Amy Maynard – NZ Musician Magazine
Enjoy the lovely vibe at Hilltop. Details and street number given with booking confirmation email. www.hilltophouseconcerts.co.nz.....................

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1 day 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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