Helicopter called to crash
A motorcycle rider is in hospital after a crash on Remutaka Hill Rd. The rider came off their bike on the Upper Hutt side of the hill, a few hundred metres from the summit shortly after 7pm on Wednesday. The road was temporarily blocked while emergency services attended the scene. Witnesses to the crash said the rider was part of a large convoy travelling over the hill at the time of the crash. First responders said the rider suffered injuries to the lower half of their body after reportedly colliding with the barrier and was subsequently flown to hospital. Life Flight confirmed the Westpac Rescue Helicopter attended the crash and transported one person in a moderate but stable condition to Hutt Hospital.
Smoke sparks investigation
Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC] is investigating an alleged breach of environmental regulations after a plume of black smoke was seen billowing from a premises in Waingawa Industrial Park. Environment management acting general manager Shaun Andrewartha said environment officers traced the smoke to a commercial premises and found a “live fire”. Emergency services were called at about 12.30pm to extinguish the blaze. “Officers also noted that items in the fire were ‘specified materials’ that are not permitted to be burnt as defined in the Proposed Natural Resources Plan, which is an offence of the Resource Management Act.” Andrewartha said burning such materials could emit hazardous contaminants that had a significant adverse effect on the environment and human health. “ Masterton Fire Brigade said the fire, about the size of a double garage, took an hour to extinguish completely.
Lotto prize in Featherston
A Featherston shopper has won $13,824 in the Lotto Second Division prize this week. Lotto reported a ticket purchased at the town’s Supervalue was one of 27 around the country to cash in. Other winning tickets were included purchases Hawke’s Bay, Napier and Wellington. Lotto said two lucky players won Powerball’s Second Decision, taking their total winnings to $26,971.
