Landslide Win for Crosby
Tauranga's Mayor has taken out the elections by a landslide. Incumbent Stuart Crosby received a whopping 16 and a half thousand votes, with runner up Murray Guy receiving less than a third of that. He says it's suprising, but a confidence boost to lead the city for the next three years. The newly elected council is largely unchanged. It welcomes only three newcomers, Terry Molloy, Tony Christiansen and Larry Baldock, and says goodbye to Hayden Evans and Mike Baker. Meanwhile the Western Bay of Plenty Mayor has won by default. Incumbent Ross Paterson was unchallenged in the Mayoralty race.
Iwi Worries over Autopsy Closure
A Bay of Plenty iwi is worried the closure of Tauranga Hospital's autopsy room will delay the burial of loved ones. The Bay of Plenty DHB that provides an autopsy room to the Ministry of Justice, has had to close it because it is below standard. A Ngati Awa Kaumatua Julian Tunui says he's been gathering support for a mortuary in Whakatane that could be used by Tauranga, and Opotiki. He predicts it'll take around ten years to build.
Log Truck Rolls on SH5
SH5 west of the intersection with Ngongotaha Road has been closed as emergency services clear the road of timber from a truck rollover. The truck rolled at 4.30am and police say it will take over an hour to clear the road. A short diversion is in place from the state highway, along Western Road to Ngogotaha Road. The driver of the truck is reported to have received minor scratches in the incident. No other vehicles were involved
Man in Hospital after Motorcross Accident
A 21 year old man has abdominal injuries after crashing his motorcross bike during a race on Saturday. The Auckland man clipped a tree and crashed off his bike at the event out along Te Ma Tai Road, near Te Puke. He was flown to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.
Fatal Crash Sparks Police Chase Debate
The two deaths following a police chase last Friday morning have re-ignited the debate on pursuits. Michael Keepa and Harley Wilson died when they crashed a stolen car into a tree in Te Puke after fleeing from police twice. AA General Manager motoring affairs Mike Noon says 15 people have now been killed as a result of police chases this year. He says while the AA currently supports the police pursuit policy, he believes there needs to be a look at whether police actually do chase.