Wellington, March 2 NZPA - A 59-year-old woman whose surgery for acute appendicitis was delayed for two days had to wait too long and was kept inadequately informed, the Health and Disability Commissioner has found.

Auckland NZPA Feb 25 - A Northland secondary school will decide in the next two weeks what punishment to hand down to a boy who attacked a fellow pupil smashing his skull .

Wellington, Feb 20 NZPA - A man accused of biting a Whangarei policeman has appeared in the Whangarei District Court today.

The 29-year-old was charged with drunk driving, threatening to kill, resisting arrest and wounding.

Auckland, Feb 20 NZPA - A Whangarei policeman is receiving specialist treatment in an Auckland hospital after he was bitten during an attack by an alleged drunk driver.

Kaikohe, February 8 NZPA - A man charged with the murder of a Kaikohe woman during a domestic incident in the town last month has been further remanded in custody.

Bailey Gabriel Pirini, 38, was remanded to February 25 when he appeared again in Kaikohe District Court today.

Kaikohe, Jan 21 NZPA - A Kaikohe man has been remanded in custody after appearing on a charge of murder following a domestic incident in the town eight days ago.

Wellington, Jan 17 NZPA - A second North Island hospital has been hit by a an outbreak of what is believed to be the highly contagious norovirus.

NorthTec fielded a strong team in the recent Kerikeri half marathon (subs Saturday 21st November) including international athlete and NorthTec tutor Ady Ngawati.

Wellington, July 24 NZPA - Despite a plea from the victim's family, a man who killed his best mate in a drunken road crash has been jailed.

Health Minister Tony Ryall has given approval to the Northland DHB to invest $25 million for stage one of the redevelopment of Whangarei Hospital.

Mr Ryall says, "The DHB is proposing some significant improvement of services, particularly in the area of mental health.