The search for a missing fisherman off the coast of Pataua South will scaled back, as searching moves into a new phase four days on from the alarm being raised.Police, including the National Dive Squad, Search and Rescue crews and the Royal New Zealand Navy spent yesterday searching a large area of sea and shoreline in the hope of locating the man’s body.Today, the search will be scaled back to give searchers a chance to rest and consider next steps in the process.Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader, says Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol attended this morning as part of the aerial search.“We have extensively searched a vast area since we were first alerted on Friday night, in the hope of bringing the missing man home to his family.“Our search has by no means stopped, but today we will scale back and consider what other options are available to us.“There will still be a daily reconnaissance search of the shoreline in the hope that the changing currents, speed and water pressure will assist in the recovery of the missing man.”Several agencies and volunteers have been involved so far, including the Police Eagle helicopter, Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Tūtūkākā and Coastguard Whangārei.Detective Sergeant Overton says Police appreciate the many offers of help and supportive messages that have been received from members of the public and those wishing to help.“It’s been a really challenging time for everyone involved and we are grateful to each and every person who has assisted us during the past few days.”The man was one of two people onboard a 17-foot runabout that was reported overdue on Friday night.The body of the second person was located on Saturday morning along with the boat.Police continue to ask the public to contact us on 111 if you see anything unusual in the water.

SH1 over Brynderwyn Hills is now fully open and ready for summer travel, ahead of schedule.All resurfacing work is complete, passing lanes are reinstated, and the 80km/h speed limit has been restored – making journeys to and from Northland smoother.Travel safely – the new asphalt surface can be slippery when wet as it wears in, so take extra care.Despite some heavy rain early in the closure, our teams worked day and night with a finely tuned programme to keep everything on track so the road could reopen as quickly as possible.This marks the completion of the recovery project, and the second planned super weekend closure from 20–23 November is no longer needed.Road resurfacing work for the completion of the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills recovery project and maintenance included:160 people on the ground4,500 hours worked over four days3,800 tonnes of asphalt applied115 round trips in total to get the asphalt to site. That is nearly 28,000km travelled just to get the asphalt to site!To make the most of the full closure, 9 different crews also completed maintenance tasks that normally require manual traffic control. This means extra travel delays have also been avoided this summer. This work involved vegetation control, removing litter, drainage maintenance, guardrail repairs, wire rope repairs, retaining wall inspections and sign replacements and cleaning. More than 100 maintenance dispatches were completed.A huge thank you to everyone involved and to all road users for your patience while we completed these critical works. https://nzta-brynderwynhillsrecoveryandenablingworkserd.cmail20.com/t/t-l-gujiie-thdkhrihki-j/

Ross McNaughton,In the more than four years since exotic caulerpa was first discovered in New Zealand waters, it has been a time of uncertainty and frustration for some living in affected areas.Caulerpa is an algae that blankets the sea floor, smothering everything from kelp to shell fish.Nicola MacDonald is chief executive of the Ngati Manuhiri settlement trust. The iwi's territory includes Kawau island and Little Barrier Island, two of the 11 areas where the seaweed pest is present."When caulerpa first got here, government really struggled with how to address caulerpa and take real proactive action, and we saw what happened at Great Barrier Island. It went from 60 hectares to now it's well and truly over 2000 hectares. So that's an absolute indication of how we take it seriously. And government isn't taking it as seriously as they need to."Ngati Manuhiri recently produced a short film highlighting the concerns of iwi from the Hauraki gulf and Coromandel to the Bay of Islands."We certainly don't want to leave the Hauraki Gulf in a much worse state for our mokopuna, our grandchildren and our children that inherit from us. So for all of those iwi that have been battling the invasive species such as caulerpa, that has been the single uniting moment"A national caulerpa strategy was recently sent to Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard."My understanding is that he was taking it through to Cabinet and there may be further budget, well there will have to be, further budget in order to deliver on those milestones that the strategy recommends," said MacDonald.MPI director of readiness and response John Walsh said $25 million was spent before this year on the fight against caulerpa."I think we're actually in quite a good place through some good planning and some good management and also some good luck."The good luck came in the form of significant caulerpa dieback in some of the sites that NIWA monitors - including Great Barrier island and Omakiwi cove in the Bay of Islands.But he said there had been no consistent pattern to why caulerpa had retreated in some of the sites. "It's a bit of a mystery, we'll still be continuing to examine it this year."There was also no guarantee the dieback will continue."This summer will be very telling," Walsh said. "The waters are starting to warm up already. Warm waters mean more growth, unfortunately."Chlorine, UV-C light technologies trialledNew technologies are being developed in the fight against caulerpa.Brook McRae runs Commercial Dive Specialists and has a background in biosecurity. His company expanded on an technique where mats treated with chlorine were used to kill caulerpa.They did away with the mats, creating a submersible chamber , known as a 'rehabitat' chamber, that can be moved along the sea floor. Chlorine is pumped into the chamber, and once treatment is complete is removed, making sure no chlorine escapes into the sea."They're actually just like an inflatable bouncy castle. But they're inflated with water, and that allows them to contour to the shape of the seabed," McRae said.The chambers have proven effective in killing caulerpa, but signoff is needed before the 'rehabitat' enclosure can put higher levels of chlorine into actionAnother tool to tackle caulerpa is being developed by Craig Thorburn of Advanced Aquarium technologies. His team is using UV-C light to treat caulerpa."I ended up talking to a chap in the USA, John Pelluccio, in Lake Tahoe. He was using UVC light to manage freshwater plants in Lake Tahoe. So that kind of set us on that journey of looking at is there an application here? No one had tried it in salt water. No one had tried it with a plant like caulerpa."Tests run with the University of Auckland showed UV-C light was effective in killing caulerpa, but then came the complex task of developing a vehicle that could operate on the sea floor."We like to think of it, it's still a bit of a Model T Ford. The frame of it and its workings are still off our original prototypes. We're building another unit in China at the moment that is another step towards something that would be a production model."Both McCrae and Thorburn's projects have received government funding.After bringing Californian experts to New Zealand in 2023, Ngati Manuhiri continue to look offshore for solutions."Having recently attended Aqua Nor in Norway, I saw a lot of technology that I think could be applied in New Zealand," said MacDonald."Those are some of the conversations that I've had with Biosecurity New Zealand, that there's some tech overseas that I think we need to bring here and we really need to get on the job of getting rid of this stuff"But whether caulerpa can be eliminated completely remained unknown."I think the chances of managing it, particularly in our anchorages and our open sandy shellfish habitats are quite high", said Thorburn."I think there's a range of tools now that are available and they're not well practised by any means, but they exist and the knowledge exists to say yes, that could be tackled in response and we didn't have any of those possibilities, three or four years ago. We really would love to acknowledge that incredible leadership shown by iwi and local communities in tackling exotic caulerpa and from my experience, right from the very, very start, iwi have been right at the heart of this response".And with summer beckoning, the message to boaties from MPI remains unchanged."If you're in the top of the North Island, if you pull up seaweed on your gear, on your anchor, on your fishing gear, no matter what it is, no matter where you are, it's really good practice to get into the habit of storing it safely on your boat, in a bag, in a bin, in a bucket, taking it ashore and disposing of it safely,' said Walsh.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 17th November - Cloudy periods. The odd shower, mainly in the morning and late evening. Northeasterlies picking up in the afternoon.Tuesday 18th November - A few showers, turning to rain in the morning. Northeasterlies, becoming strong in the morning.Wednesday 19th November - Rain with heavy falls, easing to a few showers in the morning. Northerlies, easing.Thursday 20th November - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Friday 21st November - Rain developing. Northerlies developing.Saturday 22nd November - Showers. Light winds.Sunday 23rd November - Rain with southerlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 17th November - Partly cloudy, with the odd shower. Northeasterlies.Tuesday 18th November - Occasional rain, persistent with heavy falls in the afternoon and evening. Northeasterlies.Wednesday 19th November - A few showers. Northerlies developing for a time in the afternoon.Thursday 20th November - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Friday 21st November - A few showers, turning to rain. Northeasterlies.Saturday 22nd November - Rain with light winds.Sunday 23rd November - Rain with light winds.

A large-scale search effort is continuing off the Northland coastline after a boat failed to return to Pataua South on Friday evening, leaving two people missing at sea.The alarm was raised around 9pm when family members contacted emergency services to report that a 17-foot single-engine runabout, due back at 7pm from a fishing trip, was two hours overdue. Police initiated an immediate search that continued until 4am, assisted by the Police Eagle helicopter.At first light on Saturday, search efforts intensified. Police, Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Tūtūkākā, Coastguard Whangārei, Coastguard Air Patrol, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Auckland Maritime Unit, and local volunteers joined the operation, alongside support from members of the community.A member of the public later spotted a drifting vessel, which was confirmed by Coastguard Air Patrol to be the missing boat. It was towed back to shore, but no one was onboard.Shortly afterwards, another member of the public located a body in the water. The deceased person, one of the two missing boaties, was recovered with assistance from search crews.Authorities say the operation remains focused on finding the second person, with shoreline searches and extensive sea and air patrols underway. Police have acknowledged the efforts of all involved, including boaties and community members who offered assistance.The search resumed again on Sunday morning, supported by the Police National Dive Squad, Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol, Auckland Police Maritime Unit, Customs, Surf Rescue, Northland Land Search and Rescue, and additional volunteers.Police have thanked the community for their ongoing help as efforts continue to bring both individuals home to their whānau.

The nationwide recall of coloured play sands has widened again, after testing found asbestos in multiple Kmart Magic Sand products, prompting warnings that parents, schools and early learning centres should "stop using them immediately".The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said four products sold by Kmart New Zealand - including three Magic Sand colour sets and a sandcastle-building kit - tested positive for tremolite, a form of asbestos associated with higher cancer risks at low exposure levels.The findings expand an already significant recall that began last week, when rainbow sand products used widely in schools and childcare centres were found to be contaminated.MBIE product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said he understood how alarming the discovery would be for families."We appreciate that the presence of asbestos in products that are used by children will be concerning to parents and caregivers," Caplin said. "Stop using them immediately, secure them safely, and contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely."The contaminated Kmart products include:14-piece Sandcastle Building SetBlue Magic SandGreen Magic SandPink Magic SandThe newly identified products are in addition to the previously recalled sands from Educational Colours and Creatistics:EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)Educational Colours Rainbow Sand has been recalled. Photo: Supplied / Product Safety NZThousands of children potentially exposed as schools continue to closeThe Ministry of Education had been fielding a rapidly growing number of calls from schools and early childhood services, with more than 120 facilities now reporting they have used one of the recalled sand products.At least seven centres have closed classrooms so licensed asbestos specialists can assess potential contamination, with more likely as checks continue.Head of operations and integration Sean Teddy said schools had been told not to vacuum, sweep or attempt to clean up any coloured sand themselves.Creatistics Coloured Sand is sold in various colours. Photo: Supplied / Product Safety NZ"If the sand is loose or in use, leave the area immediately and block it off," he said. "We know this will be unsettling for parents, and we're encouraging them to contact Healthline if they have concerns."Some schools used the products indoors for sensory play, raising the risk of sand becoming airborne. Kapakapanui School in Waikanae relocated six classes to the hall and library while specialists carried out testing. Two Auckland Kindergartens remain closed.WorkSafe earlier confirmed tremolite is part of the amphibole family of asbestos - a type known for its straight, needle-like fibres and stronger association with cancer and autoimmune illness.More Kmart products could test positiveCaplin said Kmart had "acted with urgency" in issuing its recall, but warned that more products across the market may yet be implicated."Proactive testing of similar products is underway," he said. "We cannot say for certain whether these are the only contaminated items."Similar sand products in Australia have also tested positive for asbestos, raising concerns about shared international supply chains.What households should doMBIE has issued instructions for consumers:Stop using the product immediately and keep children away.Place the sand in an airtight container, then double-bag it in thick plastic and label it "Asbestos-Contaminated Material."Do not put it in household rubbish, and do not vacuum or sweep any loose sand.Contact your local council for safe disposal.Once the product is secured, contact the retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.People who have already handled the sand do not need urgent medical attention, MBIE said, but should call Healthline or speak with a GP if concerned.Workplaces and schools urged to treat contamination seriouslyWorkplaces using coloured sands - including after-school programmes, arts centres and classrooms - have been told to immediately stop all use, evacuate any area where the sand is loose, and contact a licensed asbestos assessor.Staff who were handling the product should remove themselves to a well-ventilated, sand-free area, and clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste, MBIE said.Education facilities must also notify the Ministry of Education if the sand has been used on-site.This story was originally published by RNZ

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the number of schools and early learning services seeking support over possible asbestos contamination has doubled within a day. Seven centres have now closed as a precaution while specialists assess and remediate affected areas.Five early learning services and two schools have temporarily shut to allow licensed asbestos removalists to investigate potential contamination linked to recalled coloured play sands.As of yesterday 72 early learning services and 55 schools and kura had contacted the Ministry. More than half reported having one of the recalled brands on-site. Officials acknowledged that the possibility of asbestos in products used by children is causing significant concern for parents and caregivers. Families with health worries have been advised to contact Healthline for guidance.Source of the concernsThe issue centres on two popular classroom craft products: Creatistics Coloured Sand and Educational Colours Rainbow Sand. Laboratory testing detected tremolite, a hazardous form of amphibole asbestos, in samples of the sand. Similar contamination has also been identified in Australia.MBIE advised that New Zealand testing is ongoing, but asked schools, centres, and the public to stop using the products immediately, secure them in sealed containers, and arrange disposal through licensed asbestos professionals. The sand has been sold through multiple retail and education suppliers, including Paper Plus, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Qizzle, Modern Teaching Aids, Creative Classrooms, ACME Supplies, and online platforms.Schools and centres taking swift actionDozens of schools and early learning services contacted the Ministry within hours of the notice becoming public. Officials are working with each site to confirm whether the sand present matches the recalled products and whether it was used in classrooms or remains sealed in storage.Schools have been told to remove all containers of the sand from student areas, secure untouched product, and immediately block off any space where the sand has been used. They have also been instructed not to vacuum or sweep potentially contaminated rooms and to seek urgent advice from licensed asbestos assessors.The situation has already led to multiple closures. Kapakapanui School in Waikanae removed sand from its junior block after notification and shifted six classes into alternative learning spaces including the school hall, library, and outdoor areas. The school is awaiting laboratory results after asbestos specialists took samples.The Auckland Kindergarten Association reported that most of its 112 centres had no coloured sand products on-site. However, two kindergartens have temporarily closed for specialist assessment, while four others had small amounts of product removed by professionals. The Association expects affected centres to reopen early next week.Why tremolite asbestos is a concernWorkSafe has advised that tremolite is part of the amphibole family of asbestos minerals, which have long, needle-like fibres. Research links exposure to these forms of asbestos with higher risks of cancer compared with lower-risk serpentine forms. Amphibole asbestos has been associated with mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural disease, asbestosis, and severe autoimmune conditions.Asbestos removal companies across the country have been notified and are preparing remediation plans pending further technical direction.Guidance for parentsFor households with the recalled sand, the recommended steps are:Immediately stop usePlace the product in a sealed, secure containerAvoid cleaning up loose particlesDo not dispose of it in household rubbishArrange safe disposal through a Class A licensed asbestos removalistContact the retailer for a refund once the product is safely storedParents who believe their children may have been exposed are encouraged to contact Healthline for health advice.Guidance for schools and ECEsEducation providers are instructed to:Secure any unused sand in sealed containersEvacuate and block off classrooms or spaces where the sand has been usedAvoid vacuuming or sweepingContact a licensed asbestos assessor for immediate supportReport the situation and actions taken to the Ministry of EducationKeep affected areas closed until contamination levels are confirmed and specialist remediation has occurredSituation still developingThe Ministry expects the total number of affected schools and early learning services to continue rising while investigations continue. A clearer national picture is expected early next week once product verification, testing, and site assessments are completed.Officials emphasise that schools and early learning centres are acting quickly and cautiously, and that the priority remains the safety and wellbeing of children, staff, and families.

From humble beginnings to a proud legacy, the Sandspit Yacht Club has been at the heart of our coastal community for 65 years. What began in 1955 as a simple boat-slipping facility at Green Point, Sandspit, quickly evolved into something much greater. By November 1960, a shared passion for boating, fishing, and camaraderie led to the formal founding of the Sandspit Yacht Club, a moment that set the course for decades of maritime adventure and friendship.Today, the Club stands as a thriving, family-friendly haven for more than 650 boating families. Whether it’s the excitement of weekly racing, the skill and sportsmanship of game fishing, or the joy or seeing the next generation take the helm through their junior coaching programmes, the Sandspit Yacht Club continues to embody the spirit of the sea and the warmth of community.At the heart of it all is the welcoming clubhouse, a true gathering place for members, locals, and visitors alike. The SYC Kitchen & Bar serves up outstanding food, good company, and an unmistakable coastal vibe that reflects everything we love about Sandspit life.Clubrooms, restaurant and bar Algies Bay - Start Tower As they celebrate our 65th Anniversary on November 15, they pay tribute to the generations who built and sustained this remarkable club, volunteers, skippers, crews, and families who share a lifelong love of the ocean.Here’s to the past 65 years of wind, waves, and wonderful memories and to many more still to come.For more information, visit the website website https://www.sandspityachtclub.nz/ or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054529897265 to stay connected with all the festivities and future adventures at the Sandspit Yacht Club.Race start

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline. NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Millwater northbound off-ramp, 17 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 20 NovemberSilverdale southbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 17-20 NovemberNorthcote Road southbound on-ramp, 17-20 NovemberEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 17-20 NovemberStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 18-19 NovemberCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 18-19 November SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Khyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 16-18 NovemberGillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 16-18 NovemberPrinces Street northbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberPrinces Street northbound off-ramp, 20 NovemberEast Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 20 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 17 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 17 NovemberRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 17 NovemberSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 16 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 16 NovemberSH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 16 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Manukau on-ramp, 18-19 November (approx 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 18-19 November (approx 9:30pm to 5:00am)Hill Road northbound on-ramp, 18-19 NovemberTakanini northbound on-ramp, 18-19 NovemberPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 18-19 NovemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 18-19 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 16-18 NovemberPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 16-18 NovemberPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 16-18 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 19-20 NovemberPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 19-20 NovemberPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 19-20 NovemberDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 19-20 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 16-17 NovemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 16-17 NovemberBombay southbound off-ramp, 16-20 November (approx 9:30pm to 5:00am)Mercer southbound off-ramp, 19-20 NovemberNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Hobsonville Road northbound off-ramp, 16-20 November SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 16 & 18-20 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 16 & 18-20 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 20 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 17 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 17 NovemberSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 17 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 17 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound Service Road (Cavendish Drive to Puhinui Road), 16 NovemberCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 16 NovemberLambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 16 November

Rainbow sand from Educational Colours and coloured sand from Creatistics has been recalled because Tremolite (a naturally occurring asbestos in quartz) has been found in samples during lab testing.The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said people need to stop using the products immediately."We are taking immediate precautionary action, while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product," said Ian Caplin, MBIE product safety spokesperson."We urge anyone who has bought these products, either for personal use or potential use in a school or other setting to act immediately. Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals, a list of these is available on the Worksafe website."Asbestos contamination has been found in similar products in Australia.Creatistics Coloured Sand is sold in various colours. Photo: Supplied / Product Safety NZMBIE said while testing of New Zealand product is ongoing, as a precautionary measure, the company Educational Colours has issued a recall notice."Asbestos is a serious health hazard and we are working with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education and WorkSafe to provide guidance for consumers and educational facilities which may have bought these products."The sand was sold at Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle, Modern Teaching Aids, Creative Classrooms Ltd and ACME Supplies.MBIE said it may have also been sold online.What to do if you have the sand:Stop using it immediatelyPlace the sand in a sealed container and store it securely away from people.Do not dispose of it in general waste. WorkSafe strongly recommends engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal. A list of licensed removalists can be found on the WorkSafe website.Once secure, it encourages people to reach out to the supplier to organise a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.Government advice for education facilities:If the product is in a sealed container move it to a secure location away from people.If the sand is currently being used in your facility, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible.Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand, or attempt to clean it up.Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on your specific situation. Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register.Do not return to the affected area until the extent of contamination is established, and after the area is remediated by an expert.If individuals are currently using the sand, they should put it down and relocate to a sand-free, well-ventilated area.If an educational facility has identified that the sand has been used at their facility, they should notify Ministry of Education that the sand has been used on site, and detail the actions that have been taken so far.Decontamination:Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or Class A licensed asbestos removalist who can provide decontamination services and assist with personal decontamination. Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in theAll clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste as part of personal decontamination.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 14th - Cloudy periods with a few showers, possibly heavy and thundery with hail in the west this morning, clearing to mainly fine early afternoon. Southwesterlies developing this afternoon.Saturday 15th - Rain for a time in the morning, otherwise fine. Westerlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Sunday 16th - Fine. Southeasterlies, turning northeasterly.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 14th - Partly cloudy, with one or two morning showers, possibly heavy. Southwesterlies developing this morning.Saturday 15th - Mainly fine, but a few showers in the afternoon. Westerlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Sunday 16th - Fine. Southerlies, turning easterly in the morning.

Watercare has agreed to pay $1 million in compensation to ten oyster farmers affected by the sewage overflow into the Mahurangi River from its Warkworth pump station on 29 October.The overflow, caused by a power surge that tripped the pumps at the Lucy Moore Memorial Park station, released an estimated 1200 cubic metres of wastewater, with about half believed to have entered the river.Every time an overflow occurs, oyster farmers must wait at least a month — often longer — before they can safely resume harvesting. This latest spill is part of a long series of events that have repeatedly impacted the Mahurangi oyster industry, many of which have gone undetected or ignored by Watercare. Progress on addressing the issue has largely come through the persistence of local farmers who have investigated incidents themselves, spoken out publicly, and taken their concerns to the media.The compensation package was negotiated between Watercare, Aquaculture New Zealand, and the Oyster Industry Association. While the $1 million settlement provides short-term relief, Aquaculture New Zealand said it does not cover the total losses and that further compensation will be sought once the full impact is assessed.The payment will be shared among ten affected farmers, offering only limited support given the scale of the losses. Despite sounding substantial, the $1 million sum divided between the farmers represents a small fraction of the damage caused, particularly during the busiest time of year for oyster production.Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair reiterated his apology to the farmers and confirmed that an independent expert will assist in quantifying the total financial impact. He said Watercare remains committed to ensuring an incident of this kind does not happen again.Photo credit: Matakana OystersOyster farmers say they continue to face significant financial, environmental, and emotional strain. The contamination has raised concerns about water quality, the industry’s reputation, and the long-term viability of oyster farming in the Mahurangi Harbour. Water testing is ongoing, but many farmers say they are unlikely to resume harvesting before Christmas.Aquaculture New Zealand said it will continue to work with Watercare and local authorities to pursue further compensation and advocate for systemic changes to prevent future contamination events.

We’ve listened to concerns raised about driver safety and are making changes on Matakana Valley Road between 662 Matakana Valley Road and Smith Road intersection. This area has been identified as high risk for crashes, mostly caused by drivers losing control or turning collisions. We are committed to making this road safer for everyone.The changes we are making mid-2026:Install new high friction surfacing on Matakana Valley Road between 662 Matakana Valley Road and the Smith Road intersection. This will help reduce the chance of vehicles skidding or losing control.Install new curve advisory and advisory speed signs between 662 Matakana Valley Road and the Smith Road intersection. These signs warn drivers that they are coming up to a tight curve or bend in the road and recommends a safe and comfortable speed to drive around the curve.Install new SLOW DOWN signage outside 507 and 662 Matakana Valley Road. These signs improve driver awareness of their speed and encourage them to slow down on approaches to this high-risk section of road.Install new reflective road markers (cat’s eyes) between 667 Matakana Valley Road and the Smith Rd intersection. Cat’s eyes are warning devices that help motorists drive within the lane especially in dark conditionsApply new road markings on all approaches to guide drivers to stay in their lane as they enter the curves.Benefits to your community:Encourages drivers to slow down and take extra care near the intersectionNew road markings and signs will clarify right of way, improve safety by minimising risk of collisions and ensure compliance with traffic regulationsReduce the risk of crashes by helping drivers keep control of their vehicles.Make this busy section of road safer for all road users - drivers, passengers, and the wider community.What happens next:We will be in touch with residents before any construction takes place.Any change to the plan will be updated on our website.How to contact us:If you’d like to discuss our plans, share what you know about your area or let us know if there’s anything we’ve missed, email us at [email protected] or leave us a comment on our website by 17 November 2025.

Police are poised to begin testing drivers for drugs with a device that involves a quick swipe of the driver's tongue.The government on Tuesday announced roadside testing for four types of drugs will begin next month in Wellington, spreading nationwide by mid-2026.It said there would be "fewer tragedies" as a result.An oral-fluid testing device would be able to detect cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or meth.If a tongue-swipe test taking a few minutes was positive, a second roadside test would follow.If that was positive too, then the driver would be prohibited from driving for 12 hours.In addition, police will take a saliva sample for analysis in a lab that can test for 25 types of drug, and any infringement notice will follow from that."Most drivers will be free to go within about five minutes once they have a negative test result," the government announcement said."Around 30 percent of all road deaths now involve an impairing drug," Transport Minister Chris Bishop said in a statement."If you take drugs and drive, you're putting innocent lives at risk - and we will not tolerate it."This article was originally published by RNZ

Biosecurity New Zealand has removed another yellow legged hornet and its nest in the past week.The queen hornet was found in the Auckland suburb of Glenfield.It takes the tally to seven including five queens and two males.Authorities say another queen and two males are also suspected, but not confirmed, based on photographs provided by members of the public.In response, Biosecurity New Zealand has increased the amount of traps on Auckland's North Shore from 120 to 142.North Commissioner Mike Inglis said these traps would trial protein-based baits over the summer months when hornet activity was expected to rise."We increased the traps mainly because we want to trial new traps as we move to the next stage which will be putting out protein-based traps if indeed there is any worker bees but we're still focused on the queens."They had also assembled a Technical Advisory Group of independent scientific experts, he said.It was positive that the hornet discoveries remained limited to Auckland's North Shore, Inglis said.Members of the public were urged to report suspected hornets or nests, but only if they had a specimen, a clear photo, or had located a possible nest.Inglis said there had been cases of people posting pictures of previously discovered hornets on social media and claiming it was a new discovery which was why they could not just use photographs to confirm a discovery."We encourage people to notify us of finds and we'll come to try to collect a sample."There had been more than 2500 public notifications to date, he said.Reports can be made at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand's exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.This story was originally published by RNZ

Inside VINCI’s play for Northland’s biggest project and the local company at the heart of it.When VINCI Construction made its move to purchase Wharehine, many in the industry nodded knowingly. It wasn’t sentiment, t was strategy.If you’re bidding to build the Northern Motorway Extension, you want two things: local muscle and local material. Wharehine has both.A company built for the NorthWharehine’s crews are veterans of the region’s toughest terrain. They’ve shifted hundreds of thousands of tonnes of aggregate through steep gullies and clay slopes, mastering the art of building roads that last. Their gear, their people, their quarries all positioned within a short haul of the planned motorway route through Dome Valley and Te Hana. VINCI saw that. And they saw something else too: Wharehine’s credibility.While VINCI may be a global heavyweight, it’s Wharehine’s local name that opens doors, with councils, suppliers, iwi, and landowners. Owning Wharehine gives VINCI more than rock; it gives them roots.Timing is everythingVINCI’s consortium, Go>North, is one of three still in the running for the $3 billion Warkworth -Te Hana contract. A final decision is expected in 2026.By then, if the OIO approves the sale, Wharehine will already be inside the VINCI ten, ready to roll, ready to supply, and ready to build.For VINCI, it’s a move that could shave millions off project costs, lock in supply certainty, and strengthen their bid immeasurably. For locals, it’s bittersweet. The deal brings global investment and opportunity, but it also marks the first time in Wharehine’s history that control passes out of New Zealand hands.A Kiwi legacy in new handsStill, some in the industry see promise. If VINCI keeps Wharehine’s workforce, name, and regional focus intact, it could be a win-win: Northland jobs secured, infrastructure modernised, and a local icon scaling up to international projects. Others remain sceptical. “Once the profit leaves the country, it never comes back,” one veteran contractor said quietly. “And that’s the real loss.”The road aheadThe OIO’s verdict is expected early next year. If it’s approved, VINCI could finalise the purchase by mid-2026, just in time for the next stage of motorway construction to begin.Either way, the story of Wharehine won’t end here. Whether it’s a French-led chapter or a continuation of Kiwi grit, the company remains the backbone of our region the gravel beneath every road, the foundation beneath every journey.

Wood Street revitalisation to wrap up with a street partyWorks on Wood Street and surrounds are almost complete!The central part opened in time for Labour Weekend and all the extra visitors. Our contractors and project team are wrapping up the last of the work this month, ahead of the busy summer period. Next week the HEB team will do two more evenings of overnight work, Tuesday 11 November and Wednesday 12 November between 9pm and 6am, to complete asphalting on Ellen Street and Wood Street. During the overnight works Wood Street will be closed at Molesworth Drive (open as normal during the day). Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to improve Wood Street and surrounds.Mark your diaries for a family-friendly street party in collaboration with Wood Street businesses taking place on Thursday 20 November, 4.30 to 8.30pm. There will be twilight shopping, entertainment, local music, a treasure hunt and more!The event is open to everyone and is a street party, with many of the shops and restaurants open late. There will be kapahaka from Mangawhai Beach School on the main stage, and entertainment from Circus Kumarani, as well as facepainting and a treasure hunt for children. Confirmed performances from:SojournThe Panimals (steel drums)Maggie BurkeBreaking GroundKdebtDJ Damian RoweJon ClistAnd more Please note: we’re not providing catering but are encouraging everyone to support the Wood Street businesses, many of whom will be open for the duration of the event. There is a prize raffle – with free entry for those who make purchases at participating businesses.

The quiet sale that could reshape Northland’s future.For more than seventy years, Wharehine has been part of our Northland identity, the name stamped on bridges, quarries, and road signs from Matakana to Kawakawa. Founded in the 1950s by three Wellsford blokes with one bulldozer and a shared dream, the company became a cornerstone of the region’s growth. Wharehine is woven into our landscape, literally. Its quarries at Matakana, Millbrook (Whangaripo), Ruakaka, Kawakawa, and Russell have supplied the rock beneath the Northern Gateway Toll Road, the NX2 Pūhoi–Warkworth motorway, and the Matakana Link Road.That’s why locals were stunned when news surfaced last month that VINCI Construction, a French infrastructure giant, had applied to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) to buy 100% of Wharehine Group Holdings, quarries, trucks, engineering workshop and all.From Wellsford to the worldVINCI is no small fish. The French-based group builds roads, tunnels, airports, and bridges across 120 countries, employing more than a quarter of a million people.Now they’re casting their eyes north, not just to own a Kiwi company, but, many believe, to secure control of the very materials that will build the next great motorway.Because just beyond Warkworth lies the key to this whole story: the Warkworth - Te Hana Expressway, the next stage of the Northern Motorway.This 26-kilometre project will extend four lanes of highway through Dome Valley, connecting Wellsford and Te Hana. It’s one of New Zealand’s biggest upcoming infrastructure projects, and VINCI is in the thick of it.A motorway in the makingVINCI sits inside the consortium Go>North, one of three groups shortlisted by Waka Kotahi NZTA to build and operate the expressway. Their partners include HEB Construction and John Laing — all big hitters. So when VINCI moved to buy Wharehine just months before the shortlist was announced, the timing raised eyebrows across the construction world.To many in Wellsford and Warkworth, it feels clear: the French didn’t just buy Wharehine because they wanted a quarry. They bought it because they want the motorway.The jewel in the crownIf VINCI’s takeover goes through, they won’t just have a contractor, they’ll have the quarries that feed the motorway, the trucks that haul it, and the crews who know every bend of this landscape.It’s a tidy, strategic move. And it may well make the Go>North consortium the frontrunner for the massive Northern Motorway Extension.But it’s also the end of an era. Wharehine, once proudly “100% Kiwi owned,” could soon be a French-controlled subsidiary, its profits and direction flowing offshore for the first time in seven decades.Tomorrow on the Matakana Coast AppTomorrow we’ll explore Part Two: “Bought for the Motorway” Why Wharehine’s sale may be the smartest move VINCI ever made, diving deeper into how this acquisition positions VINCI to dominate the Northland Expressway and what it could mean for local jobs, ownership, and pride.Stay tuned, the story of Wharehine is far from over.

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline. NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Tristram Avenue northbound off-ramp, 11-13 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 10-11 NovemberNorthcote Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 NovemberEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 November CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Northbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Wellesley Street East (SH1) on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Wellesley Street East (SH1) on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenlane northbound on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 9-13 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 9 & 11-12 NovemberRamarama northbound on-ramp, 9 & 11-12 NovemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 9 & 11-12 NovemberBombay southbound off-ramp, 9-13 November (approx 9:30pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, approx. 7:00pm Saturday 8 November to 5:00am Monday 10 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, approx. 7:00pm Saturday 8 November to 5:00am Monday 10 NovemberHobsonville Road westbound off-ramp, 9-13 NovemberWestbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 12 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road westbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberPatiki Road westbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberGreat North Road westbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberSH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 NovemberGreat North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 NovemberSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 NovemberEastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 13 NovemberSt Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 13 November UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 11 & 13 NovemberEastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 11 & 13 November SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberMaioro Street northbound on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Coronation Road northbound on-ramp, 9-10 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road northbound on-ramp, 9-10 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 11-13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 11-13 NovemberDrive northbound on-ramp, 11-13 November GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Kirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 9-10 November