In brief

Man dies in crash

A man has died following a crash in Dargaville. Emergency services responded to the crash between a car and pedestrian at the intersection of Murdoch Street and Colville Road just after 1.15am on June 4. Police say the male pedestrian was deceased upon arrival. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage of the incident. Police are asking people to use the 105 service and quote reference number P066595475.

Marsden rail back in focus

The proposed Marsden Point Rail Link has moved a step closer, with three construction firms shortlisted to develop lower-cost design options for the proposed 19-kilometre rail connection between Northport and the North Auckland Line. Rail Minister Winston Peters said the rail link was needed to support the future growth of Northport and improve freight connections in Northland. The design work will focus on refining the rail alignment, reducing earthworks, optimising construction methods, investigating ground conditions, and exploring alternative bridge and level crossing designs. The project was previously allocated $410 million by the former Government, but subsequent estimates put the cost at around $1 billion. The current Government has sought lower-cost alternatives before deciding whether to proceed.

Seatbelts save lives 

Northland Police are reminding motorists to wear seatbelts and take regular breaks after a recent spike in road-related fatalities.  According to Police, wearing seatbelts reduces the risk of death by 60% in the front seat and 44% for back seat passengers. “Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe. Putting on your seatbelt is one of the simplest and most important things you can do,” Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector John Fagan says. “It takes just two seconds to buckle up, and that simple action can make the difference between life and death.”