Weekend watch
Today’s likely to be overcast according to MetService, which says there will be patchy morning drizzle hanging around on the region’s coast and inland south of Masterton. This cloud should gradually lift and give way to fine spells this afternoon, but the high cloud will make a comeback this evening. Easterlies are also developing this morning. Tomorrow will also be cloudy, with occasional rain developing south of Masterton in the morning, and scattered showers and light wind continuing.
Dodgy pies
Two batches of Woolworths branded summer berry mince pies are being recalled nationwide, due to some pies reportedly containing fine wire materials. Batches under recall have already been removed from shelves and include 360g boxes with a best-before date of 12 or 13 December.
Counterfeit cash
Police are warning retailers to be wary of counterfeit cash circulating this holiday season. To avoid falling victim to fake cash, retailers and the public are being asked to boost their knowledge about banknote security and report any bogus notes they come across. The Reserve Bank has full details on its website about how to spot a fake note [go to www.rbnz.govt.nz and search for ‘fake banknote’] but the easiest way to do so is by looking at it, feeling it, and then tilting it – New Zealand banknotes have unique holographic windows and fluorescent ink that are difficult to replicate. The Reserve Bank suggests that people refuse to accept a note if they believe it is fake or put it in an envelope to preserve evidence if you do find one – and in either case, get in touch with police.
Burn off blaze
A burn-off that got out of control in the early hours of yesterday morning required some assistance from local brigades. Fire and Emergency received a report at 6.36am yesterday of a slash burn-off in Bideford, Masterton. Brigades from Masterton and Mauriceville attended and assisted in creating a fire break to get the situation under control.
Hammer time
Police received reports of two youths hitting tables with a hammer in Queen Elizabeth Park on Wednesday night. Police responded shortly before 7pm and spoke with those involved, with follow-up enquiries currently being made.
