Man dies
Armed police responding to a firearms incident in the Esplanade in Te Kūiti on Monday found one person dead and have referred the issue to the coroner’s office. Police later said there was no ongoing risk to the public and cordons in the area had been removed. The incident came after Chris Aspin had filed his weekly On the Beat column.
Trash talk
Waitomo District Council
Changes to kerbside recycling were introduced by Waitomo District Council this week. Evolve Ventures has taken over waste and recycling services. The council says the changes will result in more waste being diverted away from landfills ad provide residents with additional recycling capacity.
New leader
South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst is the new national president of Federated Farmers, succeeding Golden Bay’s Wayne Langford.
Jim van der Poel
Van der Poel honoured
Ōhaupō’s Jim van der Poel was given a standing ovation in Auckland on Monday when he was recognised for his service to the dairy sector with an Outstanding Contribution to Primary Industries Award. North Waikato’s Neil Bateup was announced winner of the Champion Award, recognising his support for farmers and rural families.
Body identified
Police say the body of missing fisherman Dilane Harding was found after being sighted by officers on the Eagle helicopter near Albatross Point, Taharoa. The 55-year-old’s body was recovered on Sunday, and the death has been referred to the coroner’s office.
Boundary calls
Hamilton City Council is evaluating six scenarios for local government reform and initial analysis favours mergers with one or two neighbouring councils – specifically Waikato and Waipā.
