Boat Check Reminder
Coastguard is reminding fishermen to give their boats a thorough check before heading out onto the water. There were several incidents over the weekend, as thousands made most of the sunny weather, out on the ocean. Tauranga's Operations Manager Simon Barker says one man was swamped out on the harbour because of a hole in his boat. He says it's the time to be checking everything - make sure you have two means of communication, and have checked the weather forecast.
Children Injured in Truck Smash
Four children have life-threatening injuries after a car turned into the path of an oncoming truck yesterday morning. Tauranga's TECT rescue helicopter was one of three throughout the Bay of Plenty sent to assist in Kawerau. The children who all suffered critical injuries were taken to hospital and are in a stable condition.
September Sales Figures Increase
Residents hit the shops last Thursday to beat the GST rush. According to latest Paymark figures, sales were up by 4.8 per cent, to 216.2 million dollars in September for the same time as last year. There were 4.46 million transactions throughout the Bay of Plenty.
Signwriting Co Joins Fight Against Graffiti
A Bay of Plenty signwriting company is hoping to shame graffiti vandals out of tagging again. Sign Creations recently had its billboard, that costs around $650 a month to lease, destroyed by graffiti in Mt Maunganui. Owner Shane Hale says they've since put up a sticker emblazoned ‘this means I have a small weenie’ next to the damage. And he's offering the same stickers for free, to all businesses annoyed at vandals.
Artist Claims Cannabis Used for ‘Creativity’
A Mt Maunganui man convicted for possessing cannabis was ‘fuelling his creative fire’. Thomas Moss today pleaded guilty to three charges in the Tauranga District Court after police found 66 small cannabis plants at his house back in August. It was argued the cannabis was for his personal use as it's chosen lifestyle - he's an artist who uses for ‘creativity’. Moss has been remanded on bail until December for sentencing.
Pyes Pa Bypass Roadworks
Work is now underway to complete the Pyes Pa Bypass. NZ Transport Agency says they'll be sealing the road surface on the middle section, and constructing the roundabouts at Kennedy's and Pyes Pa Roads. There may be some disruption to traffic.