A further Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Hawke’s Bay today.
The Metservice says west to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places for areas of Hawke’s Bay from SH5 southwards.
The Watch is in place for the 24-hour period from 9am today.
---------------
The head of CHB Police says the level of violence seen in an incident between rival gang members last Friday is “unacceptable”.
Sergeant Neil Baker said at about 3.30pm on Friday afternoon, Police responded to an incident in Tikokino.
He said upon arrival, Police located three members of the Outlaws Motorcycle gang who were riding through to Napier on their motorbikes.
Mr Baker said it appears that a local Mongrel Mob Member has taken exception to this and chased the trio.
He said when the motorcyclists stopped, the Mob member ran over one of motorcycles.
No injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.
Mr Baker said a 26-year-old was arrested and appeared in the Hastings District Court charged with multiple offences, and was released on bail.
Mr Baker said Police will always “come down heavy toward this type of behaviour”.
------------------
Central Hawke’s Bay District Councillors have called for sweeping changes to an unsustainable funding model.
The Council adopted its Annual Plan for the coming year last week, setting on an average rates rise of 10.88%.
In developing the Plan, Mayor Alex Walker said that the social and financial burdens that many ratepayers are experiencing were at the heart of every Council discussion.
She said Council spent many hours considering how best to balance rates affordability with necessary planning for the future, while balancing the short-term impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Ms Walker described the increase as “confronting”.
She said comprehensive changes are urgently needed to the way local government is funded, as recommended by the recent report from the Future for Local Government Review.
Meanwhile the Tararua District Council also finalised its Annual Plan last week, with an average rates increase of 13.17%.
------------------
Two local players part of the Hawke’s Bay U18 women’s hockey team have been instrumental in the teams two wins in the Vantage National U18 Hockey Tournament.
Emily Brun and Emma Johnson performed well in the sides first game against North Harbour on Sunday, with Hawke’s Bay winning 4-0.
Yesterday’s game was against South Canterbury, where Hawke’s Bay won 8-0, with Emily and Emma scoring two goals each.
Today, Hawke’s Bay play Northland.
The tournament is being played in Auckland, with 20 teams from across New Zealand competing.