March 16th 2023
A fleeing driver incident in Central Hawke’s Bay on Tuesday saw two people arrested.
Sergeant Neil Baker said a vehicle was checked by Police driving at over 160km/hr between Te Hauke and Otane at approximately 11am.
He said the vehicle then fled from Police, and drove “extremely dangerously”, overtaking a number of motorists, and crossing the centreline into the path of oncoming vehicles.
Police were able to apprehend the vehicle, which had been stolen from Napier two days prior, in Waipukurau.
Mr Baker said Police arrested a 33-year-old male and 35-year-old female.
He said the male, who is a patched member of the Mongrel Mob, was also a disqualified driver, and has been charged with a number of related offences.
He appeared in the Hastings District Court yesterday, where Police opposed his bail.
The female was charged with drug related charges and also appeared in Court yesterday.
Mr Baker said the manner of driving displayed by this driver is extremely disappointing placing a number of other motorists at risk.
He said our roads are very busy at the moment with the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle meaning State Highway 2 has become the only access to Hawkes Bay.
-------------------
Most local primary and all secondary schools locally will not be open for instruction today due to a nationwide teachers strike.
Members of the NZEI, which represents primary schools, and the PPTA, which represents secondary schools, voted to strike following negotiations with the Ministry of Education.
Teachers at three Central Hawke’s Bay Primary Schools will not take part in the industrial action - with The Terrace School, Waipukurau School, and Waipawa Primary all remaining open today.
------------------
A special Surfing for Farmers event is being held at Pourerere Beach later today.
The final event for the season will also be a tribute to Surfing for Farmers supporter and sponsor, Hamish Hewitt, who passed away last month.
Family, friends, colleagues and clients of Hamish are invited to attend.
Hamish was a key member of the Surfing for Farmers CHB team, volunteering his time, and sponsoring the initiative.
Surfing for Farmers starts at 4pm today, and is free to attend.
---------------------
The Precautionary Boil Water Notice for the Akitio community has been lifted.
The notice was put in place last week due to water quality.