Internet restored
All internet, landline and cellphone services in the Far North were restored by 8.30pm on Monday after a contractor sliced through a vital fibre cable earlier in the day. The accident occurred about 10.15am at the corner of State Highway 10 and Stanners Rd, north of Kerikeri, when Top Energy contractors were digging holes for new power poles. Top Energy says the workers were being supervised by Chorus staff at the time. Most phone and internet services north of Kapiro were cut. They started coming back on about 5.30pm as the cable was repaired with the last customers restored by 8.30pm.
Hospitality finalists
Two Northland hospitality providers have been selected as finalists in the 2017 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence. Wahi at Oceans, Tutukaka is a finalist in the Best Environmental/Sustainable Business category and Stay Kerikeri in the Best Redeveloped Accommodation section are among 54 award finalists spread across 16 categories. Winners will be announced at Hospitality NZ's national conference in Wellington on October 19.
Dog remains found
Police raced to Dove's Bay near Kerikeri on Wednesday morning after someone discovered what they believed to be a child's remains wrapped in cloth. Upon closer inspection, however, it turned out to be someone's pet dog, buried many years ago.
Station to cost $5.2m
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway's plans to build a new station at Opua, complete with cafe, function room, turntable and water tower will not cost an estimated $2 million as stated in Wednesday's Bay News Bites but as much as $5.2m. That means a lot more quiz nights and charity auctions like last Saturday's which raised $15,000.
Hunt for fourth suspect
Police have arrested three teenagers in connection with the robbery of Pricecutters in Kaitaia on Saturday afternoon and are looking for a fourth. Two people, one of them armed with a knife, entered the shop at about 4.45pm, demanding money and cigarettes, leaving with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Election debate tonight
The PPTA will host an election debate in the Kaikohe Memorial Hall tonight from 6.30pm-8pm, focusing on education policies. Labour (Kelvin Davis), the Green party (Catherine Delahunty), New Zealand First (Winston Peters), the Māori party (Hinurewa Te Hau), Mana (Hone Harawira) and National (Matt King) are all expected to be there.