BOP LIVE - Bay of Plenty News

Plenty for Everyone

2013-05-21T12:06:00.001+12:00

Tourism Bay of Plenty has a new tagline 'Plenty for Everyone' ,Tourism Bay of Plenty general Manager Rhys Arrowsmith has unveiled plans to promote the Bay of Plenty for better tourism.

The campaign will begin with a series of roll-outs by Jason's Media prior to the official launch in spring.

This will include a new 'What's on Bay of Plenty Visitor Guide, The Bay of Plenty conference and events planner and a Route Planner Bay of Plenty.

Tourism Bay of Plenty is set to launch the new campaign in Spring targeting key domestic markets in Waikato and Auckland also working with Tourism New Zealand to spread the word of the new campaign.

Rhys spoke about the strategy in place to put the Bay of Plenty in the top four tourism locations in New Zealand.

In partnership with Jason's Media, Wave Creative Communications Agency and Tangerine Research, Rhys revealed the results of the research underpinning the region's new tagline.

The campaign will be launched on November 7th at the same time as the opening of the Comvita Experience store.

More rain on the way

2013-05-20T16:07:00.001+12:00

The MetService has forecast rain for the rest of the week for the Bay of Plenty starting tomorrow till Friday with some heavy showers expected.

Rain is likely to be heavy with the chance of some thundery showers in the north and west of the North Island, a severe weather watch has been issued for Nelson and Mt Taranaki.

From Wednesday onwards cooler conditions are expected as the wind flow turns westerly then more colder showers are expected.

This low may also bring snow down to low levels in the South Island.

- BOP Live National News Team - File Photo

Three car crash in Hamilton

2013-05-19T17:12:00.001+12:00

Emergency services are responding to reports of a three car crash at the intersection of Anglesea Street and London Street in Hamilton.

There are reports that people are trapped.

Man arrested after armed robbery

2013-05-18T10:04:00.001+12:00

A man has been arrested following an armed robbery at Lenz Superette on Cameron Road just before 5pm last night.

Today police are investigating the scene of the robbery and the location the suspect was arrested at.

Inspector Clifford Paxton said that a man with a balaclava across his face entered the store from Cameron Road," The male presented a pistol and obtained cigarettes then attempted to take money but was unsuccessful"

"The occupants have gone to the rear of the shop, then the male has left the shop traveling along Cameron Road"

The man was later arrested at Cobblestone Court Motel on Chapel Street the scene there is also under investigation.

Clifford said that "Male was then apprehended by police and fire arm was located ,nobody was injured.

A 28 year old male is due to appear in Tauranga District Court today on charges of aggravated robbery.

Photos and story - Cameron Avery

Blessing ceremony for new fire trucks

2013-05-17T14:52:00.001+12:00

Following extensive fundraising efforts and generous sponsorship from individuals and organisations, Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) three rural volunteer fire forces has each had major new appliances added to their fleets.

Lake Okareka’s volunteer fire unit has secured funding for a $350,000 fire truck, with RDC and the National Rural Fire Authority each contributing $60,000. The Lake Tarawera crew has secured a $9000 4-wheel drive double cab ute, and the West Rotoiti volunteer force has acquired a $50,000 Stabicraft boat.

Before the vehicles enter service the council will hold a ceremony on Monday [20 May] at 3.30pm at Energy Events Centre’s carpark to bless the new appliances, with RDC director Kaupapa Maori, Mauriora Kingi, officiating. Mr Kingi said the blessing is to keep the volunteers safe as they go into hazardous environments.

RDC deputy principal rural fire officer Richard Horn said the rural volunteer fire force teams were “absolutely rapt” to have successfully secured the new equipment.

“These three fire fighting assets will not only benefit their individual local communities for years to come but also the wider Rotorua district. Our volunteers already do an awesome job, but they’re really excited about the additional capacity they will have with the new appliances.

“The design and manufacture of Lake Okareka’s fire truck is the first of its type in New Zealand, so it’s definitely going to make their job a lot easier and more efficient.

“The new 4-wheel drive vehicle gives our Lake Tarawera crew the ability to get equipment into some of the steeper areas that the fire truck can’t get to. Our volunteers regularly get called out to take care of storm damage and car accidents so this vehicle will be a real asset to the team.

“And the new boat will be used for vegetation fires along the lake edges where vehicles can’t get access.”

More FM teams up with the X Factor

2013-05-17T14:45:00.001+12:00

Fans of hit TV3 show The X Factor NZ who can’t get to a television for the first LIVE Shows this weekend won’t miss a moment; More FM and TV3 have teamed up to simulcast every LIVE Performance and Results Show.

The X Factor NZ co-executive producer Andrew Szusterman says: "This isn’t about putting the stereo next to the TV, it’s about all those New Zealanders working nightshift, travelling the country or for any other reason not being able to get to the television - but who want to experience The X Factor at the same time as the rest of the country.

"With the More FM network covering the show LIVE The X Factor has the country’s eyes and ears covered."

The X Factor NZ LIVE Shows are broadcast Sundays 7pm and Mondays 8pm on TV3 from 19 May.

The first two LIVE Shows, on May 19 and 20 feature performances by The X Factor NZ Top 12, guest star Willy Moon, the Kiwi-born singer making waves in the UK, a special performance by one of The X Factor NZ judges, and the first Top 12 elimination!

Watch LIVE on TV3 or tune into More FM on one of the frequencies below.

Auckland 91.8

Christchurch 92.1

Central Otago 90.3/94.3

Dunedin 97.4

Gisborne / Wairoa 90.1/98.9

Hawkes Bay 92.7

Horowhenua 104.2

Kapiti 90.3

Manawatu 92.2

Blenheim 92.9 / Picton 94.7 / Kaikoura 89.9

Nelson 92.8

Northland 91.6

Queenstown 92/99.4

Rotorua 95.9

Southland 89.2

Taranaki 93.2

Taupo 93.6

Tauranga 93.4

Waikato 92.2

Wairarapa 89.5/105.5

Wanganui 92.8

Wellington 95.3/99.7

Opotiki farm fined for effluent discharge

2013-05-17T14:38:00.001+12:00

An Opotiki dairy farm company and its director have been fined $37,000 for discharging effluent from a pond where it entered a roadside drain.

The farm’s director has also been ordered to complete a dairy farm effluent management course within 12 months.

Riverlock Farms of Waioeka Road, Opotiki and farm manager Geoffrey Thomas Brown were sentenced in Rotorua District Court this week. The offences relate to effluent overflowing from an underpass effluent pond at the farm in July 2012.

The farm has been operating for more than 20 years, milking about 1450 cows. In December last year Riverlock Farms, Geoffrey Brown and his brother Ian were fined a total of $74,000 plus costs for discharging contaminated underpass liquid to waterways in October 2011. They were also convicted and discharged on a charge of breaching an enforcement order imposed as part of a 2010 offence.

While preparing evidence for last year’s defended hearing, a Council officer found the farm’s underpass pond overflowing into the roadside drain. Samples showed high bacterial (faecal coliform) readings.

High levels indicate the water is unsafe for most uses. The discharge entered one of the drains which flows to the Waioeka River and out to sea. The river is a habitat for indigenous fish species and blue duck, a whitebait spawning site and a regionally significant trout habitat and fishery.

The Court heard that there had been two previous prosecutions for effluent overflows at the farm.
The most recent offence occurred because of the defendant’s failure to adequately monitor the underpass pond and ensure levels were maintained to avoid overflow.
Judge Jeff Smith said the penalty would have been higher had the defendants not made significant improvements to the farm’s effluent system, including installing three new storage ponds.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Operations, Monitoring and Regulation Committee Chairman Malcolm Whitaker said the defendants should have been aware of the legal requirement to ensure dairy effluent did not get into waterways.

“This conviction and penalty is a clear message that discharges of this nature are not acceptable. As a Regional Council we are very concerned that some dairy farmers running large herds are not paying enough attention to effluent management, or recognising the harm they can do to the environment, he said.

“The defendants in this case were well aware of their previous compliance issues and they were well informed of the need for particular care in monitoring and managing their effluent pond levels. They failed to improve their vigilance to avoid the same problems recurring.

“Farmers have many sources of advice and information on effluent management, either through the Regional Council or from farming organisations, such as Fonterra and DairyNZ, so there is no excuse for continuing to have discharges of this nature happening in our region,” he said.

Body of missing man found

2013-05-17T14:27:00.001+12:00

The body missing man Leslie Wright has been located this morning.

The family of a man missing in bush in the King Country since Monday have addressed assembled searchers to express their gratitude following the locating of his body earlier today.

Sergeant Phil Bell of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said the body of 63 year old Leslie Wright was located in bush about 5km from where his car had been found.

"It is anticipated that it will take about two hours to recover Mr Wright's body from where he was found, though tragic that he has lost his life it is reassuring to the large team involved that he was found in the area of interest identified which reinforces that the right tactics and skills were being used.

"Members of Mr Wright's family present at the operational base have addressed assembled search members to express their gratitude for all the efforts taken on their behalf and explained his love for the bush and passion for the environment."

Mr Bell said looking at the terrain the family said they could understand what would have attracted Mr Wright to visit on Monday and also had an appreciation of just how challenging a search would have been.

"Given the considerable size of the search team and distances travelled by Land Search and Rescue volunteers it is appropriate that we join the family in recognising their efforts.

"Time and time again these volunteers put their hand up to deploy to aid people in need, often in conditions where others are turning back. These unpaid and often unsung members of various communities, and their families and employers are due high praise indeed."

Mr Wright's death is not considered suspicious and has been reported to the Coroner.

Nine arrested on serious drug charges

2013-05-17T13:41:00.001+12:00

Waitemata Police have today arrested and charged nine people following a lengthy investigation into serious criminal activity involving the manufacture, supply and distribution of hard drugs and other offending.

The charges include:

• Supplying a Class A Controlled Drug
• Offering to Supply a Class A Controlled Drug
• Conspiracy to Supply a Class A Controlled Drug
• Conspiracy to Supply a Class A Controlled Drug
• Manufacturing a Class A Controlled Drug
• Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery
• Conspiring to Defeat the Course of Justice
• Accessing a Computer for Dishonest Purposes
• Participating in an Organised Criminal Group
• Possession of a Class A Controlled Drug
• Possession of a Class C Controlled Drug

Eight men, aged 25, 36, 39, 41, 42, 44, 49 and 59, and a 23-year-old woman, will appear in the Waitakere District Court on the charges this afternoon.

District Investigations Manager, Detective Inspector Bruce Scott, said the arrests were the culmination of a detailed investigation and reflected the Police’s commitment to reducing the harm caused by drugs in the community.

Hamilton water assets going online

2013-05-17T12:22:00.001+12:00

Don’t know where the water toby is on your property? As of next week you can find this and a whole lot of other service information online when Hamilton City Council launches the new City Waters Viewer.

Contractors, surveyors, plumbers and anyone with an interest in Council’s water, wastewater or stormwater services will be able to see what’s where by going to www.hamilton.co.nz/citywatersviewer from Wednesday 22 May.

In City Waters Viewer you can search for properties, zoom in to street level to view asset locations and view aerial photography overlaid with asset information.

Council Acting City Waters Manager Eeva-Liisa Wright said the viewer would be a huge help to customers and a great time-saver.

"People will now have easy and instant access to water asset information instead of having to request it from council staff" she said.

"Anyone considering design or works is encouraged to make a physical check on all levels, locations and dimensions before starting.’’

Large search operation underway

2013-05-17T12:14:00.001+12:00

Waikato Police say reinforcements from across the North Island have arrived to assist and relieve colleagues working on the search to locate a West Coast man missing in the King Country for five days.

Sergeant Phil Bell of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said Land Search and Rescue volunteers have arrived from Waitomo, Taupo, Turangi, Hamilton and Rotorua to bolster existing staff.

"The operation is based in the Pureora Forest near Barryville, between Benneydale and Mangakino, and we have a helicopter, specialist tracking dogs, a visual tracking team and searchers comprising the 12 teams out in the field.

"They are being backed up by an operational headquarters and supported by a logistical team keeping all the people involved fed, watered and transported. To keep such large numbers in the field requires a lot of work and support, not just from the volunteers but their families and employers as well."

As well as challenging terrain and very cold temperatures the deteriorating weather conditions forecast are posing significant concern for the searchers.

"Mr WRIGHT was reasonably well equipped when he set out from Te Kuiti on Monday however when his vehicle was recovered off Waitaramoa Rd yesterday his cold weather kit, sleeping bag and food were located in the vehicle which is of obvious concern for the operational team and his family.

"Teams remained in the bush overnight and will be replaced today as the operation expands further. A major hazard in the area is a large swamp and the last footprints found were heading directly in that direction."

Mr Bell said Mr WRIGHT was an experienced bushman and it is hoped he would have recognised the swamp and back tracked and it was now a case of trying to locate where he back tracked to.

"The helicopter focused on the swamp and wetlands yesterday as the high bush canopy is so close you can't see into the bush from the air.

"On the ground search teams are conducting line searches of what is a very large area and will continue these throughout the day."

Tauranga police dog wins national championship

2013-05-15T20:06:00.000+12:00

Tauranga Police dog Turk and his handler Senior Constable Derek Orchard are this year's national police patrol dog champions and winners of the Frank Riley Cup.

Both handler and dog have many years of experience behind them but have only been working together as a team for the past twelve months.

Senior Constable Orchard is well aware of the necessity for dog and handler to build unique bond of trust and skill. In 2006 he and his dog Ben were attacked by a man with a claw hammer.

The competition is taken very seriously, patrol dogs are used in extremely dangerous situations and 23 police dogs have died in the course of duty. The skills tested during the competition are potentially lifesaving skills.

Auckland’s Senior Constable William Birrell with his dog Hawk were runner's up and also won Commissioners Challenge Cup for obedience. Constable Stuart Rota and Link from Wellington were third and also won the William Rose Bowl for Criminal Work Disciplines.

This year's top explosive detector dog champion team and winner of the Aviation Security Shield is Aviation Security Officer Harvey Jefferies and ‘Shadow’ from Auckland.

Corrections Officer Barry Nelson and his dog Olesia from Christchurch won the Alan Symes Cup for the narcotic detector dog title, and the 'Customs Cup' for the highest marks in locating white powders.

Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush made a special presentation to the New Zealand Police Dog Section at the prize giving. A commemorative plaque was presented to Inspector Brendon Gibson to recognise the professionalism and devotion to duty when some patrol dogs and personnel were called away from this competition, in 2009, to attend the emergency in Napier arising from the murder of Senior Constable Len Snee.

The top ten police patrol dog teams from around New Zealand competed for national honours at the New Zealand Police Dog Centre at Trentham this week. They were joined by six of the best narcotic detector dog teams from Police, Corrections and Customs and the top five explosive detector dog teams from Police, Aviation Security Service and Customs.

Search 63-year-old West Coast man steps up

2013-05-15T16:45:00.001+12:00

Waikato Police say the area where a West Coast man missing for three days could have possibly gone to

are so vast it is presenting huge challenges for the staff tasked with finding him.

Sergeant Phil Bell of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said 63-year-old Leslie Graham WRIGHT had been staying in Te Kuiti with a friend attending a conference and had left a camping ground on Monday morning planning to go on a day trip.

"Just where he intended going to remains a mystery with initial indications including a rail trail near Taumarunui, bush walks on Pirongia and somewhere near the coast past Waitomo all mentioned as places of interest.

"Follow up enquiries however reveal Mr WRIGHT has an interest in old gold mining sites and our search has now been expanded to include sites around Te Aroha, Waihi and Waikino. Basically you're talking about an area stretching from the west coast of the King Country and Waikato over to the east coast of the Bay of Plenty."

Mr Bell said because of this it wasn't a case where Police could set up an operational base and deploy search and rescue volunteers from there because where did searchers start.

"Police share Mr WRIGHT'S family's concerns about his wellbeing. We understand he is a fit person with no known health issues.

"This leads us to suspect he may have come to grief while driving which is why we are again asking land owners with properties adjoining roadsides to check their fence lines and report anything amiss."

Mr Bell said while this was going on Waikato Police have contacted their colleagues in Taumarunui and Taupo and staff across the areas of interest have been checking public car parks for sightings of Mr WRIGHT'S vehicle, a silver 2004 Nissan Pulsar hatchback, registration CHJ965.

"The public are really key to helping us locate Mr WRIGHT by reporting any sightings of him or his vehicle.

"Mr WRIGHT'S family have travelled up to Te Kuiti to assist with the search and it is for them as much as for Police that the public should not discount any information that they may have."

Anyone who may have seen Mr WRIGHT or his car is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Steve Hudson of the Te Kuiti CIB on 07 858 6200.

16-year-old rescued from mountain

2013-05-15T15:58:00.000+12:00

A teenager was rescued from the Tongariro Crossing today after suffering breathing difficulties.

The Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helciopter was called to the crossing this morning to airlift the 16-year-old.

Pilot Nat Every said the Canadian girl was part of an organised group of 25 touring New Zealand and Australia. She was flown to Taupo Hospital.

Fatal crash near Tokoroa

2013-05-15T13:05:00.002+12:00

State Highway One near Tokoroa is now open after a fatal crash.

The crash involving a truck and a car happened just after 7am 3 Kilometers North of Tokoroa.

Police confirmed one person died as a result of injuries.

Serious crash investigators are investigating.

Police say the next of kin is being advised and the name of the deceased will be released soon.

Serious crash near Hamilton

2013-05-15T12:59:00.001+12:00

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash near Hamilton.

Shortly after mid-day today emergency services responded to a motor-vehicle crash on Pukete Road, Hamilton.

A motor-vehicle has crashed into a powerpole and the powerlines have fallen to the ground. The driver has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Pukete Road has been closed to all traffic and diversions are in-place at the following locations

Diversions:
(North of the crash scene)Meadow View Lane & Pukete Road.
(South of the crash scene)Moreland Ave & Pukete Road.

These diversions are to remain in place until further notice.

Photo / Cameron Avery

Hamilton intersection upgrade to be completed this month

2013-05-15T05:27:00.002+12:00

The upgrade of the Peachgrove Rd-Ruakura Rd-Te Aroha St intersection should be finished and open to all traffic by the end of the month.

While work has been under way this month detours have been in place restricting the flow of vehicles through the busy Hamilton East intersection.

The major work, part of Hamilton’s Ring Road project, is expected to open on Friday 31 May.

The work is being done under a road closure rather than stop/go traffic control because of the restricted area, and it also means it can be done more quickly.

Motorists are asked to avoid the intersection if possible while work continues.

On reopening the new signals will be operational although work will continue until the expected completion date in July.

Charter Schools 'a direct attack on kura kaupapa Maori'

2013-05-15T05:16:00.001+12:00

"The Maori Party is backing the introduction of well-funded charter schools even though they represent a
direct attack on kura kaupapa Maori, and on public education generally," said Hone Harawira, Leader of MANA and MP for Te Tai Tokerau.

"Although successive governments have starved kura kaupapa of funding from the get-go, they remain one of the most successful educational initiatives for Maori by Maori, in the last 100 years" said Harawira. "But today, the Maori Party is supporting their National and ACT Party buddies spending massive amounts of money on charter schools while kura get bugger all."

Massey University Professor of Education, John O’Neill, said that early indications are that charter schools will cost the taxpayer more than twice as much as state schools.

"It’s one thing for the rich white boys to give their mates all the lollies while laughing at the poor little Maori kids getting by on scraps … it’s another thing entirely when their Maori buddy is cheering them on."

"The Maori Party should be ashamed for turning their backs on everything that kura kaupapa Maori stands for."

"Maori fought long and hard to get kohanga and then kura kaupapa because we knew that a commitment to the language, a commitment to whanau, and a commitment to kaupapa Maori were key elements in educational achievement for Maori students, and kura kaupapa have proven that to be the case time and time again."

"Charter schools will have no accountability to whanau, no commitment to Maori language, no requirement for kaupapa Maori, no commitment to the Maori or NZ curriculum, no commitment to put registered teachers in front of kids, no accountability or transparency under the Official Information Act or the Ombudsmen Act - and they’re going to get more money than kura kaupapa ever got!"

"And without the oversight of the Auditor-General’s Office, they’re a scam waiting to happen" said Harawira, whose claims were backed up by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu’s submission on the Education Amendment Bill which said that charter schools were highly susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse.

Other submissions raised the fact that the charter schools model has failed overseas, including that of Dr Bronwyn Hayward, political scientist and senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury. Dr Hayward said that the charter school model was "naive and reckless" and that "our children deserve better."

"Our kids all deserve the very best in education, not failed experiments from overseas."

"This Thursday is Budget Day. That’s when we’ll see whether the Maori Party can deliver. If the Budget does not show at least a 25% increase in funding for kura kaupapa, an extension of the Kotahitanga programme, and a reinstatement of the Manaaki Tauira programme to assist Maori students in tertiary education, then the Maori Party will have failed. And if they have, Peter Sharples should resign as Associate Minister of Education with responsibility for Maori Medium Education for his failure to grow or even protect the success of kura kaupapa Maori while supporting the failed charter school model."

Health stand valuable for community

2013-05-15T05:14:00.003+12:00

Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service, in partnership with the Horizon Energy Library at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi, has set up a public health information stand which enables community access to valuable information on health-related issues.

If you’d like to know about healthy eating for you and your family, or why it’s important to monitor sore throats, then visit the public health information stand at the Horizon Energy Library.

Te Kōputu’s Library Services Supervisor, Kim Johnston, says the brochures are a practical addition to the Library’s health information. “The stand is positioned near the Library’s health information books, and will extend the information available to users,” she says.

The free brochures have up-to-date, New Zealand-based information which is relevant to everyone in our community.

Toi Te Ora Health Information Advisor, Lorraine Howarth says they are pleased to have the opportunity to provide the information through the Library. “It’s one of the most accessible and highly visited facilities in our community, so we’re grateful to have that level of prominence for our information.”

The health information stand will be regularly maintained by Toi Te Ora. Anyone looking for additional information may like to visit Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service’s website, where they can access the full range of public health information brochures atwww.ttophs.govt.nz.

Bioenergy conference highlights

2013-05-15T05:09:00.000+12:00

A one-day conference in Rotorua this Thursday, supported by Federated Farmers, will take land owners through the economics of bioenergy, which could become a big part of New Zealand’s energy future.

"The biofuels versus food issue is not relevant to New Zealand. We are looking at biofuels, plus food. This can be a win-win for farmers," explains Anders Crofoot, Federated Farmers energy spokesperson.

"It is not about replacing sheep and cattle with biomass crops, but about growing these crops while also harnessing the organic waste of our sheep and cattle, or our wood harvest waste.

"Biofuels in Europe and the United States are generally produced from specifically grown crops, such as rapeseed oil or sugarcane, to produce bioethanol; in New Zealand we have the opportunities to extract usable energy from existing biological agricultural and horticultural waste.

"Federated Farmers supports the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand’s belief that waste biological matter from farming and forestry offers many opportunities to extract valuable energy.

"This one-day bioenergy conference is about is getting energy from horticultural and agricultural waste - something we are not exactly short of in New Zealand.

"While bioenergy can be used for biofuels, the focus is about harvesting the waste stream from current land uses for a range of energy products.

"The Bioenergy Association of New Zealand believes between 15-20 percent of the wood from harvested trees is left behind as waste. This waste, along with animal and horticultural waste, could become an invaluable new source of income for the primary industries.

"Wood for bioenergy uses could come from farm forests, shelter belts or even purpose grown tree crops.

"For pastoral farmers and horticulturalists, it is about integrating bioenergy solutions which turn waste into a resource into their daily farm management practices.

"In some situations, the opportunities for biomass-to energy are already economic where the economies of scale exist. Federated Farmers expects these economic scales to lower as technology advances.

"Federated Farmers will have staff at the conference and we are pleased to be one of its supporters. The conference aims to present practical solutions to farmers, horticulturalists, foresters and Maori Trusts.

Young teen driver makes wise choice

2013-05-14T14:53:00.004+12:00

Police are congratulating a fleeing driver for making the right choice last night after he thought better of trying to evade Police in Auckland because his passengers begged him to stop.

Auckland City District staff signalled for a car to stop as they believed the vehicle was stolen. The driver initially sped off but soon slowed down to the speed limit and then stopped.

When Police approached the vehicle and asked why the driver had made the right choice, the two 15 year old passengers and the 16 year old driver said they did not want to end up like the other four kids who died on Friday night, referring to the quadruple fatality in Mangere.

The passengers said they had yelled at the driver during the pursuit and had got him to stop.

"Drivers who fail to stop for Police and flee to avoid apprehensive pose huge risks to themselves and other road users.

"We think this message is so powerful that Police will be using this real life story as the basis of a new social media campaign aimed at youth.

"The driver of the car makes a decision that affects everyone in the car, but the passengers can also do something about it," Assistant Commissioner Dave Cliff said.

"In this case they were able to "man up" and save their own lives and, possibly, those of the driver and other innocent road users.

"In the vast majority of these incidents we find there is more than one person in the vehicle. In fact there are often far too many people in the car and they are often the ones who needlessly lose their lives or who are injured and affected for life."

The three were taken into custody and will be dealt with through Police Youth Aid Section.

Operation to prevent community harm from synthetic cannabis

2013-05-14T13:24:00.001+12:00

Agencies working in partnership to prevent harm associated with the sale of synthetic cannabis want the public to celebrate the businesses who have placed people ahead of profits by refusing to sell such substances.

East Hamilton Community Constable Briar Hallam said Operation Dairy was all about educating business owners of the risks to the community by the sale of synthetic cannabis.

"Our operation compliments similar initiatives conducted across the country and is in partnership with the Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Health Board and interested media.

"As a pilot 20 East Hamilton dairies and superettes have been visited and asked to voluntarily abstain from selling the K2 products. We've already met with considerable success with 11 businesses already suspending sales and another two stores likely to follow."

Ms Hallam said while it is always good to get voluntary compliance, as of last Thursday, stores selling K2 synthetic cannabis will be breaking the law.

"Last month Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne announced a Temporary Class Drug Notice banning substances found in tested samples of K2 synthetic cannabis. Those two banned substances are BB-22 and 5F-AKB48 which have both been found in K2 products.

"The ban on the two substances brings to 35 the number of substances banned under temporary notices and will prevent avoidable harm to the community before the Psychoactive Substances Bill becomes law in August."

Ms Hallam said some of the businesses approached about pulling the products off the shelves prior to Thursday's ban declined to do so because they would miss out on lucrative sales.

"But what Operation Dairy is all about is celebrating those businesses who've stepped up to the mark and care about their community.

"On Thursday teams will be going to these businesses and putting up posters stating; 'We choose not to sell synthetic cannabinoids'. But we're asking other businesses, schools and organisations to show their support as well by placing a second poster in their window which says; 'We choose not to support the sale of cannabinoids'."

While launched in East Hamilton the initiative will expand across the City and wider Waikato with Police, health and education providers recognising the risks associated with the continuing sale of the substances leading up to August's law change.

Waikato District Health Board spokeperson Mary Anne Gill said all agencies involved had recognised the risks posed by the drugs not only in the City but in smaller communities as well.

"We've seen a number of issues at the Emergency Department in Waikato Hospital while our mental health staff in the Thames- Coromandel have recorded some disturbing side affects on users.

"We don't think people are aware of the adverse effects of these synthetic drugs which are so easily available."

Ms Gill said those side effects have included severe paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations.

"People coming down from the drug have experienced vomiting and a lack of control over their muscles or bodily functions. There has also been cases of the inability to speak, not eat and lack of sensation leading to one person being burnt under a shower!

"In the Thames- Coromandel area, almost every second case our mental health staff have discussed over recent months has had some element of the use of the synthetic drug K2. It has been devastating for many of our young population and their families, in one particular case from the Child and Adolescent team involved a teenager who went into three consecutive seizures, lasting a total of 21 minutes."

Ms Hallam said it was because of these risks that the businesses who have already agreed to ban the drugs should be applauded while those continuing to prey on the vulnerable should be identified.

"If you or your children know of an outlet selling so called 'legal highs' then we want to hear from you. The substances in products such as K2 are illegal and Police will be vigilant in enforcing the law to reduce the product's harmful effects on the community.

"Anyone with information on persons selling synthetic cannabinoids is asked to contact Waikato Police on 07 858 6200, alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers, they key is to get the information out there and reduce the risk.

East Hamilton businesses who have chosen not to sell synthetic cannabinoids so far

Silverdale Road Mini Mart Tudor Dairy
Silverdale Produce Planet EMM Js Dairy
Hillcrest Superette East Street Superette
Cambridge Road Dairy Claudlands Food Centre
Edinburgh Superette Cameron Road Food Market
Peachgrove Food Market

Mum warns the risks of synthetic cannabinoid

2013-05-14T13:21:00.001+12:00

A mother dealing with the fallout of having a son addicted to so-called legal highs says many young people are under the false belief that because the items were able to be sold legally, they must be safe.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said her and her 18-year-old son's life had been turned upside down by his use of a substance he and his friends thought had been tested by authorities.

"To say there was quite a bit of fallout when I discovered my son had used cannabis would be a bit of an understatement so he went and switched to these so called legal highs.

"I didn't even know what the stuff was but it wasn't long before I knew something was wrong, where as cannabis has quite a distinctive smell I knew he was up to something because he began to stink, it's hard to put a finger on just what of but his clothes even continued to smell after being washed."

Even more concerning was an admission by the woman's son that where he could take or leave cannabis, after having smoked K2 a couple of times he felt he was hooked on it.

"His behaviour has changed, he's a bright boy but since he's started on this stuff I've noticed he's lacking direction and really lethargic but one of the really interesting things is a grimy, oily residue coming out of his hands that leaves a black mark on benches or walls he touches.

"Looking back now I believe it was in January when I realised something wasn't right, what really sparked my attention was my son kept vomiting and would vomit in his sleep."

The woman said her son was generally a pretty healthy young man but since using K2 he has also contracted a cough which he hasn't been able to shake.

"It's like a really bad smoker's cough from a heavy smoker and quite gross.

"One of the really alarming things is that his friends are using it too and there's this misguided belief that because these substances, which come in small packets about the size of a condom wrapper and cost about $20, were able to be sold on store shelves then they must comply with some form of health and safety legislation and are ok to use."

The other attractive aspect for youngsters is that while cannabis use will be picked up in workplace drug testing there is a belief synthetic cannabinoids won't ,leaving them with the misguided belief that not only are they using a safe, legalised product they can apply for jobs with mandatory drug tests.

"I guess my key message here for parents is to learn from my experience, it's really important to keep talking to your kids and get to know their friends so they feel comfortable talking about what they're doing with you.

"Then, don't leave it till too late to seek help- you're not alone with the problem and the longer you leave it the worse you will feel."
The mother spoke out to support a multi-agency operation being launched in Hamilton East today, aimed at targeting those businesses selling synthetic cannabinoids.

Hamilton East community constable Briar Hallam said the objective of Operation Dairy was to target the sale of synthetic cannabinoids and to highlight the risks to the community posed by the products while promoting businesses refusing to sell them.

"A ban that came into effect last week on two substances found in K2 synthetic cannabis means anyone selling these products will be breaking the law and Police will be vigilant in enforcing the law to reduce the product's harmful effects on the community.

"Prior to the Temporary Class Drug Notice (TCDN) legislation coming into effect today which bans the substances BB-22 and 5F-AKB48, Police across Hamilton have been visiting businesses to educate them on what the ban means."

Opotiki keeps sushi shop

2013-05-14T13:16:00.001+12:00

A turn around from Immigration NZ to overturn an original decision to close Opotiki's only sushi shop.

The Korean owners of Arigato Mum's Suhsi bar were originally denied a Long Term Business application to keep the shop open with their work visa's running out in September

A statement from Immigration NZ last week said there are several sushi bars in Whakatane which isn't far from Opotiki.

The decision prompted the community to stand up for their sushi bar taking the fight to national TV and to the streets in protest.

This morning before a community protest Immigration NZ contacted the owners of the Sushi bar to advise they will overturn the decision to reject the owners application for a Long Term Business application.

Locals say they are glad with today's decision and they will be able to enjoy sushi without having to travel 44km to Whakatane.

The shop owners are so overwhelmed with the support of the community a free sushi day will be held on Saturday.

Student gives winnings to charity

2013-05-14T12:00:00.000+12:00

Tauranga Riding for the Disabled receives funds from award winning student volunteer

Tauranga Riding for the Disabled has received a $250 donation from the winner of the 2013 TrustPower Tauranga Youth Community Spirit Award.

Thea James from Aquinas College was named as winner of the Award, which recognises secondary school students’ service to the school and the community. The Award is jointly run by TrustPower and the Tauranga City Council and is part of the TrustPower Tauranga Community Awards which were presented last night (Monday 13 May).

For winning the Award Thea received a framed certificate and $250, with an additional $250 being donated to Tauranga Riding for the Disabled.

Kat Macmillan of Tauranga Riding for the Disabled says it is fantastic for the organisation to receive this money from Thea.

“We are so proud of Thea and grateful for all her support and contributions to Tauranga Riding for the Disabled.

We will be purchasing a much needed light weight wheelbarrow with the donation, so that volunteers like Thea can enjoy a superior barrow when they are helping us,” Says Mrs Macmillan.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Teresa Partridge says the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award is a wonderful opportunity to publicly acknowledge the work young people do to enrich their community.

“Often young people receive a lot of negative attention and we forget the tremendous input that they provide to the fabric of our community. Thea is a great example of a student doing just that.

She is an outstanding young woman who truly knows the value of community spirit. She gives so much of her time to her school and even more so to her community.

It is exciting to know that we have these up and coming volunteers who will continue to give back to their communities,” says Mrs Partridge.