NEWS IN BRIEF

Duo hurt in crashes

Two people have life-threatening injuries following two car crashes in the Wairarapa and Whanganui regions yesterday morning. In both cases their vehicles struck trees.

Warning bells

Civil Defence was to test its tsunami sirens on the coastlines west and north of Auckland at noon today. The test will be part of routine twice-yearly checks.

Company stands firm

Hawke’s Bay Seafoods director Nino D’Esposito is “dismayed” by Ministry of Primary Industries allegations of fishing quota illegalities against his company. On Wednesday the ministry led a raid on the business and the police Asset Recovery Unit “froze” eight properties and five vehicles through the High Court. D’Esposito said the company was co-operating with the investigation.

Product recall

Countdown is recalling 250g packs of Macro Brazil, Almond and Cashew spreads because of a risk to people with peanut allergies. People who didn’t have a peanut allergy could still consume the product, Countdown said.

Back-to-back success

A New Zealand designer won top prize at the World of Wearable Art award show for a second year in a row. Hawke’s Bay-based Kate MacKenzie took the 2014 Brancott Estate Supreme WOW Award in Wellington on Friday, winning $30,000 in prizes for her two-piece entry titled “Poly Nation”.