Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 9th June - Rain with squally thunderstorms, easing to showers this morning. Showers becoming few and far between by afternoon. Westerlies, gusting a 100 km/h at first, easing towards the afternoon.Tuesday 10th June - A few showers, turning to rain with heavy falls in the evening. Fresh northeasterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 11th June - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing in the morning. Fresh northwesterlies.Thursday 12th June - A few showers. Fresh westerlies, easing.Friday 13th June - A few showers. Westerlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 9th June - Fine, but the chance of a morning shower. Northwesterlies, dying out early evening.Tuesday 10th June - Occasional rain, persistent with heavy falls in the afternoon and evening. Northerlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Wednesday 11th June - Partly cloudy. Northwesterlies, becoming fresh.Thursday 12th June - Mainly fine, chance of a shower. Westerlies.Friday 13th June - A few showers. Westerlies.

What does it really mean when your dogs wags its tail?Why do they sometimes like to eat poo?And can cats really make good therapy animals like dogs?Well animal behaviourist and certified dog trainer Dr Zazie Todd answered some curly questions around our canine and cat behaviours.Tail wagsShe said the way a dog wagged its tail suggested it was feeling positive or negative emotions."There's some research that shows that depending on the side of the dogs body that they are wagging too, it tells you something about the hemisphere of their brain that's involved."So if the dog is wagging the tail to the left it would mean that the right hemisphere is involved and that's more associated with negative emotions, where as if their tail is wagging more to the right, that means that the left hemisphere is involved and that's positive emotions."But she said not all tail wags from our fur friends were actually friendly."If the tail is quite up right and if it's kind of a tight wag and sometimes quite a quick one, that actually is a sign of the dog feeling stressed and aroused and that is also a sign that you should be more careful of that dog."Zazie Todd with her late dog Bodger Photo: SuppliedBreed vs PersonalityTodd said when it comes to the personality of a dog it is largely not determined by its breed."There's actually a lot of variability in a breed, in terms of how those dogs behave."There is probably more variability within breeds than, you know, between different breeds, so the breed of a dog doesn't tell you everything about how that dog is going to behave.Genetics and environment both shaped a dogs behaviour, she said.What's up with them eating poop?Todd said dogs eating poo is actually a really common behaviour."From the dogs perspective, poo seems to be quite a delicacy and something they enjoy eating and it might even have some nutrients in it from the food that has been eaten before."She said the best thing owner could do was just not give their dog the opportunity to do so."Clearing up in our yards... maybe also have a conversation with your vet if your dog likes to eat poop often and think about making sure you have de-wormed them."As well we can teach them to leave it and that's a really helpful thing to teach dogs anyway," she said.Therapy cats?Another mystery question that needed answering was whether cats could be a therapy animal like dogs?Todd told Sunday Morning they could, but it was uncommon."Therapy cats can help people feel less stressed... but most cats won't enjoy this," she said."The cat also has to go somewhere for this to happen, which is something most cats don't like. If you think of what most cats do when you get a cat carrier out - they run and hide."She also said scent was really important to cats, and when placed in an unfamiliar environment that didn't smell like their home "it can be quite stressful for them"."So i think some cats can make great therapy cats but I think they are a minority."Cat purrJust like a dog wagging its tail, a cat purring didn't always mean they were happy, Todd said.She said sometimes cats could purr when they were sick or scared."There is something that we call a solicitation purr... which kind of corresponds to the frequency of a babies cry."So when the cat is waiting to be feed and wants some food that is the purr you will hear," she said.Cats have evolved this particular frequency overtime, Todd said.https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/563445/common-myths-and-curly-questions-about-our-fur-friends-answered

Coffee, Cars, and Community Spirit Enliven Matakana VillageLast Sunday Matakana Village came alive with the purr of engines, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and a steady stream of visitors basking in the sunshine at the inaugural Coffee & Cars event. This lively celebration was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Matakana Village, The Silver Fox of Omaha Real Estate Di Balich, and car promoter Richard Wooders.The Village carpark was transformed into an elegant open-air showroom, showcasing an extraordinary collection of classic and luxury vehicles. From sleek Lamborghinis to vintage Morgans, the display catered to all tastes. For the first time, visitors could explore the Village free of traffic, lending the event a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere.Beyond the visual splendor, the event served a charitable purpose, raising $1,100 in support of Coastguard Kawau. The dedicated crew who remained on call 24x7 were present until mid-morning, when they were called away for an active rescue. Their swift departure offered a timely reminder of the vital, often unsung, role they play in safeguarding our coastal communities.The People’s Choice Award was claimed by the striking 2022 McLaren 765, winning by a single vote. Congratulations are also due to Lyndon Urquhart, who won the Coastguard Kawau experience for two, drawn from the public raffle.For those who were unable to donate on the day, there is still an opportunity to support this essential service:Donate Now https://nz4you.com/content/coffee-cars-coastguard-kawau-donation-informationWith lessons learnt and resoundingly positive feedback received, plans are already underway for the next instalment. Watch this space — Matakana Village’s newest event is only just beginning.Image Credit: Amy Hamblett https://www.amyhamblett.co.nz/

Wellsford, nestled in the northern reaches of the Auckland Region, boasts a rich tapestry of historical events that have shaped its unique character. Here are some notable moments from its past:Māori Heritage and Early SettlementLong before European arrival, the area around Wellsford was inhabited by the Ngāti Whātua iwi, particularly the Te Uri-o-Hau hapū. They established seasonal settlements along the Oruawharo River, utilising the region's abundant natural resources.During the Musket Wars of the 1820s, the area experienced depopulation, but by the late 1830s, Te Uri-o-Hau and Ngāti Rongo had returned, re-establishing their presence in the region.The Albertland SettlementIn the 1860s, a group of English Nonconformist settlers, known as the Albertlanders, sought to establish a utopian community free from the constraints of the Anglican Church. Arriving aboard ships like the Matilda Wattenbach, they settled in areas including Port Albert and Wellsford.Despite facing challenges such as poor soil quality and difficult harbour access, their legacy endures, chronicled at the Albertland Heritage Museum in Wellsford.Railway Expansion and Economic GrowthThe extension of the North Auckland Line to Wellsford in 1909 marked a significant turning point, transforming the town into a vital transportation hub. This development spurred economic growth, particularly in dairy and sheep farming.The town's centre gradually shifted eastward, aligning with the new railway station and facilitating increased connectivity with Auckland and Whangārei.Timber and Kauri Gum IndustriesIn the late 19th century, Wellsford thrived on the timber and kauri gum industries. Nicholson's timber mill, established in 1864 along the Ōruawharo River, was a significant employer. The area also featured kauri gum diggers' camps, with a notable 500-acre reserve at Wayby dedicated to gum extraction.The township itself was often referred to as "The Gum Ridge" due to its prominence in the gum trade.Wellsford War MemorialOn 25 April 1937, the Wellsford War Memorial was unveiled by Gordon Coates, MP for Kaipara and a war veteran. The memorial honours the local men who served in the First World War, serving as a poignant reminder of the community's contributions and sacrifices during times of conflict.🏛️ The Albertland Heritage MuseumLocated in Wellsford, the Albertland Heritage Museum chronicles the history of the Albertlanders and the development of the region. The museum houses a vast collection of photographs, documents, and artefacts, offering insights into the lives of early settlers and the evolution of the community albertlandmuseum.co.nzFor a deeper exploration of Wellsford's rich history, consider visiting the Albertland Heritage Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection of artefacts and records detailing the area's development and the stories of its early settlers.

The fences are up, the stock have moved on, and now retired farmland is ready to be reborn as a native wetland.Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FoAM) have partnered with a local farmer to transform an overland flow path into a thriving wetland. This site, a tributary of the Waikumete Glen Eden River, will improve freshwater quality downstream and ultimately into Kawau Bay while also restoring a vital wetland ecosystem.We need your help to plant nearly 3,500 native plants. The planting day is 8 June, chosen for its alignment with Rākaunui a time known for strength and productivity.Lend us a hand!Please wear sturdy, CLEAN, closed-in footwear, and bring water, snacks, a hat, and clothing suitable for the weather. We'll be planting rain or shine.Bring CLEAN gardening gloves and spades if you have them though some will be available on-site.Once the mahi is done, join us for a sausage sizzle, including vegan options.Registration is essential to ensure there is enough kai for all and to keep you updated on event details.“Wetlands act like the kidneys of the earth, cleaning the water that flows into them. They trap sediment and soils, filter out nutrients and remove contaminants; can reduce flooding and protect coastal land from storm surge; are important for maintaining water tables; they also return nitrogen to the atmosphere.”— Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Wetlands

Police are appealing for information about an aggravated robbery in Whangārei on Wednesday, in which two armed men forced a woman out of her car.Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris said the pair then drove off at high speed, damaging four other cars as they fled.She said police found the men with help from the public and arrested them at a nearby property.Officers also seized their weapons.Members of the public were left shaken after witnessing the robbery, she said.The men appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Thursday charged with aggravated robbery and demands to steal.Harris said police wanted to hear from anyone who was at Paramount Plaza, in Tikipunga, between 12.30 and 2pm Wednesday and saw anything that could be connected to the robbery.Police would also like to see any CCTV or cell phone footage of the incident.Harris urged anyone with information that could help the investigation to lodge a report online or call 105, quoting file number 250604/4542.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 6th June - Rain easing to a few showers in the morning. Southwesterlies, strong for a time in the afternoon and evening.Saturday 7th June - A few showers, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northwesterlies, turning southerly in the morning.Sunday 8th June - Fine, then showers developing in the evening. Northwesterlies developing.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 6th June - Periods of rain, easing early morning with increasing fine spells. Westerlies, strengthening in the morning.Saturday 7th June -A few showers, clearing in the evening. Fresh westerlies, turning lighter southerly in the evening.Sunday 8th June - Mainly fine, chance of a shower. Southwesterlies, turning northwesterly.

The Native Bird Rescue Journey of Ian & Tomarcelle MillerTucked away in the quiet beauty of Matakana, a small sanctuary hums with the soft flutter of feathers, the chirps of hungry chicks, and the quiet determination of two people who have turned their love for birds into a life’s purpose.For nearly a decade, Ian and Tomarcelle Miller have rescued birds of all kinds. But three years ago, their journey took flight in a new direction. With approval from the Department of Conservation, they committed themselves fully to the care, rescue, and rehabilitation of New Zealand’s native birds.This is no hobby. It’s a calling.Everything they do is voluntary. Driven by care, fuelled by compassion, and funded almost entirely from their own pockets.In setting up Native Nest NZ, they invested just under $10,000 of their own money to build custom aviaries and purchase the specialised equipment needed to meet DOC’s standards for native bird rehabilitation. Since then, they’ve continued covering ongoing costs, particularly food, medication, and housing upgrades for each bird that passes through their care.“We’ve been fine and comfortable funding it ourselves until now,” says Tomarcelle. “But we’ve become so busy that we simply can’t keep doing it out of our own pockets.”And they are busy. Even during a quiet time of year, they're currently caring for nine birds, with three to four more arriving each week, many requiring weeks or months of intensive rehabilitation.Some birds come from the wild, others are brought in via local vet clinics. The ones that reach Native Nest NZ have a fighting chance, and an incredible 95% of them are successfully rehabilitated and released. Sadly, not all birds make it that far; some are taken to vets with injuries so severe that the kindest option is euthanasia. But for the rest, Ian and Tomarcelle offer a true second chance.“We do this because we love birds,” says Tomarcelle. “They deserve to go home.”Whenever possible, each bird is released back to the area it came from. Many of Aotearoa’s native birds mate for life, making reunification with their partner and territory vital for long-term survival.But as the number of rescues increases, so too do the costs and the need for better facilities. Right now, the birds in recovery are housed on tables in the garage. On colder days, they are brought inside, where Ian and Tomarcelle carefully tend to their needs until they’re ready for the outdoor aviaries.Their dream is to create a dedicated bird hospital—a warm, lined shed or container that provides a calm and controlled environment for healing. A small dream, with a big impact.“We don’t want anything for the hours we spend each day,” says Ian. “But we do need help with the basics—food, supplies, and a proper space to care for them.”Food alone can cost up to $42 per day during peak seasons like spring.Every donation goes directly to the care and recovery of New Zealand’s native birds.Since launching their Facebook page, Ian and Tomarcelle have begun receiving more community support. To date, they've received $195 in generous donations from individuals, on top of the initial $180. And now, they’re deeply grateful for a $500 donation from the Warkworth Community Shop.They also have donation boxes at:Warkworth VetsFarm & Lifestyle Centre WarkworthShaggy Surf WearHunting & Fishing WarkworthThese early contributions mean the world—but the need continues to grow, and they’re now asking for broader support from people who care.How You Can HelpDonate – Every little bit helps.Sponsor a bird – Support a bird’s recovery and release.Share this page – Help spread the word.Offer supplies or services – Get in touch via Facebook.Follow and support their journey on Facebook: Native Nest NZ Facebook PageBecause every bird deserves a second chance.And every love story deserves to fly.

Weather Warnings in place for AUCKLAND REGIONHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 9hrs from 3pm - midnight Wed, 4 JunArea: Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: Periods of heavy rain with localised downpours and thunderstorms possible. Rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 9hrs from 3pm - midnight Wed, 4 JunArea: Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: North to northeast winds may reach gale force with gusts close to warning criteria, especially in the vicinity of thunderstorms. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Weather Warnings in place for NORTHLAND REGIONHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 9hrs from 3pm - midnight Wed, 4 JunArea: Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: Periods of heavy rain with localised downpours and thunderstorms possible. Rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 9hrs from 3pm - midnight Wed, 4 JunArea: northland, Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: North to northeast winds may reach gale force with gusts close to warning criteria, especially in the vicinity of thunderstorms. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Susan Edmunds, Money CorrespondentIf you popped the heater on before you got out of bed this morning, you might have pondered what your next power bill will look like.The middle months of the year are often the most expensive for household electricity.But the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority says there are some energy-saving things that you can do that could help cut your bills, without denting your lifestyle too much."We've really tried to focus on things which are either no cost or at least very low cost and try to quantify the benefits of each measure," said Gareth Gretton, EECA's lead adviser on energy efficient appliances. "People can think about what exactly works for them and their household and make trade-offs for themselves."These are the seven things EECA recommends doing - and how much you could save by doing them.Only heat the rooms you're using: EECA said that households using electric heating could save about $300 a year if they switched to only heating the rooms they were using. This would reduce electricity demand by about 10 or 15 percent.Keeping your house heated to 21°C rather than 23°C could also save 2 percent of your power, or about $40 a year."There's always this tradeoff with you know 'how warm do I want my room to be' and you know 'am I kind of on the edge of my comfort level or I'm actually feeling cosy'," Gretton said. "Maybe think about just trying to heat the rooms you're actually using at a given time rather than trying to heat the whole house and not necessarily being comfortable in any one room … it's not about being uncomfortable, it's about trying to use energy wisely."He said draught stopping was also important. "This is very dependent on the house you're in but there's obviously still lots of people living in draughty houses. It's a perfect time to look at that - this is very much house by house but you could be looking at up to $100 from that one in the winter."Switching to cold water in your washing machine: Washing your clothes in cold water rather than warm will reduce consumption by 1 percent, EECA said. Gretton said based on one wash a day, a household that moved five out of seven washes to cold water would save about $50 a year. "We're sort of so used to machines defaulting to warm and just pressing the start button but all it takes is a click of the button to move down to cold," Gretton said. "If all you're doing is kind of freshening up some clothes and they don't have any really hard-to-shift stains in them, then they're going to come out clean and you're going to save yourselves [money]."Turning off appliances that you aren't using: If you can turn off things like your heated towel rail, TV or second fridge you could reduce your electricity demand by about 8 percent, or a saving of $200 a year. "I think some households do have a second fridge maybe running in the garage or something like that," Gretton said."It's probably the number one energy vampire that's in your household because you might have chucked it in your garage and thought 'oh that'll be useful at Christmas'. Then it'll end up running all year because you forget about it. Empty it out and turn it off, then turn it back on again when you need it."Close the curtains at sunset: Closing the curtains at sunset could save you 3 percent of your power, or $80 a year, EECA says. Gretton said it was mostly "common sense" but sometimes a "little nudge" would remind people of the small changes they could be making.Reducing your hot water temperature: Limiting your hot water to 60°C could save 3 percent in power.Vacuuming your heat pump filter: Remembering to vacuum your filter could reduce your power use by 2 percent or about $50.Time your power use: If you're on a plan that gives you cheaper power off-peak, make use of it. Gretton said a number of households were on time-of-use plans, where power is cheaper at certain times of day, but were not using them to the best advantage. Shifting appliances to off-peak times, particualrly things like clothes dryers, could help save money. "Dishwashers are kind of an easy one in some ways because they often have a 'delay start' function. The saving we're modelling for that one is around $150."

A new targeted rate will be collected to support three of the district’s museums, following community consultation and approval by elected members.The decision reflects the strong public engagement, with 388 submissions received during the consultation period. Community input was widespread, with respondents distributed across the district: 35% from Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward, 32% from Wairoa, and 31% from Otamatea Ward.While 36% of respondents supported no targeted rate, approximately two-thirds expressed support for a targeted rate in some form. After much discussion, elected members approved to set a targeted rate at $185,000 across the district—equating to $14 for each rateable property paying the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC).Some of the community feedback highlighted concerns about the unequal distribution of funding on one of the options. The approved new rate shares the funds equally among the museums, and includes the write-off of the Mangawhai Museum loan of $100,000. Advice to Council indicated that any contribution below $20 per ratepayer could jeopardise the museum’s future viability, making the loan write-off a necessary measure under most of the proposed options.Originally, the targeted rate was expected to be on top of the previously signalled rate increases of 8.9% after growth for the coming year. Savings achieved elsewhere mean the projected overall rates increase will be lower than anticipated -now projected at 8.3% and including the new targeted rate.Kaipara District Mayor Craig Jepson thanked the public’s involvement in the process.“There’s been a heck of a lot of discussion around this, and all of the insights have been invaluable in shaping this decision,” said Mayor Jepson.“No doubt that the museums need support, and there also needs to be other avenues of funding for them in the future. We don’t want to see the museums fail, and it’s clear the community don’t want that either.”The Annual Plan for 2025/2026 is scheduled for adoption on Wednesday, 26 June, with the new targeted rate coming into effect on 1 July 2025.View the council discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (from 0:13).

The Matakana Coast App Presents: Brew of Islands 2025 – A Celebration of Craft, Culture, and CommunityDate: Saturday, 28 June 2025Location: Kerikeri, Bay of IslandsThe Matakana Coast App proudly supports one of Northland’s most anticipated events – Brew of Islands 2025. This one-day festival offers two immersive sessions filled with exceptional craft beer, electrifying live music, and gourmet street food, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Islands. It's the ultimate winter gathering for lovers of great taste and good times.Now in its latest edition, Brew of Islands returns with renewed vibrancy, showcasing the very best of Aotearoa’s craft brewing scene. Eight standout breweries from across the North Island will be featured, each bringing a distinct flavour and flair. Local icons such as PhatHouse Brewing Co., brewed on-site in the Bay, and Kainui Brew Co. of Kerikeri, will be joined by regional innovators including Matakana’s very own 8 Wired, alongside heavy-hitters like Garage Project, Parrotdog, and Double Vision Brewing Co. from Wellington, McLeod’s Brewery of Waipu, and Urbanaut from Auckland. Together, they offer a diverse and dynamic showcase for every palate—from hop-forward to sour, classic to bold.To complement the brews, attendees will enjoy a feast of flavours from Northland’s top street food artisans. Making his festival debut is American pitmaster Mat Fulton of Wingless Angel, bringing his legendary low’n’slow BBQ. Newcomers Taco Bandit join with their handcrafted tortillas and rich birria, while crowd favourites Northland Fine Foods return with their renowned bratwurst. Seafood lovers will savour Tasty Tucker’s fresh oysters and creamy paua, while local legend Mrs Miller delights with her iconic mussel fritters.Superhero Second LineThe experience is further elevated with a robust lineup of live music and performance. The Live Hall will host the likes of Superhero Second Line, Albi & The Wolves, Kōhia, and Merv Pinny, delivering soul-stirring sounds from brass-fuelled funk to indie-folk and roots-reggae. Meanwhile, the Nightclub Zone will pulse into the evening with high-energy sets from DJs Rhys, French Kiss, Sye, and PAWS, accompanied by mesmerising visual displays.Albi & The WolvesRoaming entertainment returns as well, with the inimitable Conrad Comb and his cast of eccentric characters ensuring delightful surprises throughout the day.For those seeking a touch of refinement beyond the hops, Kindred Spirits will be serving artisanal cocktails and mocktails, while the Gin Bar by Black Collar Distillery offers botanically inspired delights for discerning gin enthusiasts.KohiaWith tickets on sale now, Brew of Islands 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of Northland’s finest craft, culture, and community. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a foodie, or simply in search of winter revelry in a picturesque coastal setting, this is an event not to be missed.It’s the perfect way to raise a glass before Dry July!Tickets:Available now from The Turner Centre in Kerikeri (in person) and online via iTicketWebsite: www.brewofislands.co.nz

Working Together for WarkworthLast Tuesday evening, One Mahurangi hosted a well-attended networking evening at The Bridgehouse with a great turnout from our retailers, hospitality operators, and other customer-facing businesses. Thanks to the Bridgehouse team for generously supplying the first drink and some nibbles—it was a warm and welcoming start to the night.We heard from Matt from Warkworth Menswear and Peter from Stirling Sports about their decisions to open on weekends and public holidays. Their message was clear: being open when customers are around has had a positive impact on their business, even in tough times. While not every business can do the same, the discussion that followed was thoughtful and encouraging. It’s about finding what works for each of us.A number of businesses expressed interest in forming a working group to explore how we might coordinate our opening hours to better meet visitor demand. We’ll be in touch soon with those who put their hands up.We also heard from Louise from Proactive Consulting about her upcoming database workshop, and Anthony from Mahurangi Matters about a promotional idea that sparked plenty of feedback. And Josh from Burgs Digital gave us a great preview of the Modern Marketing Workshop Series starting next Wednesday—if you're keen to sharpen your online marketing game, make sure you grab a spot while they’re still available.What stood out to me most was the sense of collaboration in the room. Businesses want to support each other, and there’s genuine interest in working together to help make Warkworth a destination for visitors as well as locals.If we want to attract more people into town, we need to be ready for them—with open doors, events, and reasons to stay a little longer. One Mahurangi is here to help support the businesses that want to be part of that.Together, we’re stronger. Let’s keep moving forward.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi, [email protected] FOR BUSINESS // Photos from One Mahurangi Networking Event - Tues 20th May What a night! Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Networking Night at the Warkworth Bridgehouse. It was a fantastic turnout with real conversations, fresh ideas, and great energy from our local business community. Special thanks to our speakers – Matt, Peter, Louise, Anthony and Josh – for sharing your experiences and sparking discussion.Pictured: Josh Burgisser from Burgs Digital, Matt Henderson from Warkworth Menswear, Louise Riddle from Matakana Coast App, and Anthony Ord from Mahurangi Matters.Modern Marketing Workshop Series – Starts Next Week!Presented by Josh Burgisser from Burgs DigitalThis June, we’re bringing you a practical workshop series tailored for local business owners who want to better understand modern marketing—without the jargon. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your current approach, these sessions will equip you with real tools you can put into action.Only 5 discounted tickets remain, and they’re selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to grab one before prices go up – secure your place today. CLICK HERE> Check out what Josh is about. Follow his Instagram @burgs_digital or visit burgsdigital.comConsumer Spending in Warkworth for April 2025Spending in Warkworth for April held steady at $25.2 million, down just 0.4% on last year, despite a quieter month overall across the region. Transactions dropped 2.7%, likely influenced by public holidays—Good Friday (18 April), Easter Sunday (20 April), and ANZAC Day (25 April)—all of which had some trading restrictions. School holidays from 12 to 27 April may also have affected local shopping habits.Accommodation spend jumped +45.9%, while Home, Hardware and Electrical declined -16.7%. International visitor spending rose significantly again (+34.9%), reinforcing tourism as a valuable driver for local business. Across Auckland, One Mahurangi ranked 15th out of 56 BIDs, holding a 2% share of regional spend.For more detail, download the full Marketview report and BID comparison summary.Brush up on Business FinanceUnderstand your business finances so that you can make smart decisions about where to spend your money, and make sure you're earning enough to keep your business running.Visit the business.govt.nz page for more information HERE>You can now follow the Warkworth Information Centre on Facebook and Instagram! @visitwarkworthExplore Warkworth, Mahurangi, and beyond!// Community Noticeboard //TO READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER HEAD HERE

AUCKLAND RESIDENTS - Here are the rubbish collection changes for this weekend due to King's Birthday on Monday.KAIPARA RESIDENTS - usual collection day on Monday will remain the same, no changes.HERE IS A REMINDER ABOUT WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED!! THIS IS NOW THE SAME NATIONWIDE>

Felix Walton, reporterSome residents in Dargaville are still without water and others are being asked to use as little as possible.The Kaipara District Council repaired multiple line breaks on Friday, which had drained the town's reservoirs to critical levels.But on Saturday morning the council said the line into the water treatment plant was still full of air, preventing crews from safely refilling the lines."The team are working to bleed it out so that water can flow smoothly and we can start treating water again," the council said in a post on its Facebook page."The line is around 40km long and it must be done slowly to avoid pressure blowouts and damage so this is going to take some time."Meanwhile, the council asked residents to keep conserving water and reassured them the remaining water was safe to drink."We know a few people are experiencing the water coming through the tap being a bit cloudy or murky," it said."We are replenishing the reservoir from registered water suppliers and the movement in the tanks is stirring up the water."Some residents told RNZ their water had been cut off and the local supermarket was running out of bottled water.Dargaville resident Crysta Erickson said people were buying as much bottled water as they could get their hands on."At the moment they're just all buying up the stock that they do have on the shelves," she said. "Pretty much all the bulk packages have gone and it's now just the single bottles which are a lot more expensive, and the flavoured water as well are pretty much all that's left."She said the situation was incredibly frustrating."They've also just increased our rates and everything, so we're paying extra for basic services that are essential [and] we're not getting them. And we went 12 hours without any communication from the council, it wasn't until this morning when people started posting on Facebook that they decided to update us.""We're sorry this has happened," the council said in its post. "We have crews working nonstop and doing everything they can to get this sorted."This story was originally published by RNZ

Kids should always know when they are being recorded and why, and should also have the right to withdraw their consent at any time, says the privacy commissioner.The Privacy Commission has put out new filming and photography advice for organisations, in a bid to protect children and young people.Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster said the new guidance on photography and filming - which is aimed at organisations such as schools, sports clubs and cultural clubs - will help to empower children, while their parents and caregivers will be better equipped to understand and exercise their privacy rights effectively."Taking and sharing images of children and young people helps record their achievements and special moments."But it's also important people are aware of the risks associated with the collection, use and sharing of these images and do what's necessary to protect their privacy and keep them safe from harm."Webster said retention and deletion of images and video were also important, as children changed as they aged."An image that was once cute and funny could be distressing or cause embarrassment if used or shared today. Consent is best practice - children, young people or their parents should always know that photography or videoing recording is happening and why, and they should also have the right to withdraw their consent at any time."Privacy Commssion puts out new advice to protect childrenWebster told Checkpoint the Privacy Act meant they worked under the principle of data minimisation."It's about asking the question 'do I have a plan to delete old images when I no longer have any use for them, and do I have a system for deleting images for when people withdraw their consent to that image being used?'."Webster said NZ schools had already dealing with it with photography and filing policies, as well as opt-out forms.He said consent was not something that was only given once."As people grow up and change, they will have different views about material taken about them, their parents might have thought it was cute or amusing photo or piece of video when it was done, a teenager is bound to have a different view on that sometimes."He said young peoples' right to privacy needed special attention, and there were unfortunate risks with photos and video footage of children in today's world."So the guidance is there to help them achieve what they want, which is photos of people having a great time or celebrating successes, while keeping children safe."The full guidance can be found on the privacy commissioner's website here.Webster said further guidance - including detailed privacy guidance for the education sector - will be released later this year.This story was originally published by RNZ

Project update - May 2025Tēnā koe and welcome to the Northland Corridor newsletter.It’s been another busy month for the Northland Corridor team as we continue to work at pace across the project. We are progressing with procurement and site investigations for Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana.North of Te Hana the team are working on design investigations between Te Hana and Whangārei to refine the emerging preferred corridor into the preferred route. We have also been busy sending out letters to let property owners know they are in the emerging preferred corridor. We anticipate all letters should arrive by mid-June. Read on for more information for landowners.The project team will be spending some time in the community in the coming weeks to share information on the project’s progress and answer any questions you may have. Read on for where you can find us.Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact us since we announced the emerging preferred corridor in April. There have been some common themes coming through, so in this edition of the newsletter we’ll answer some of these questions below.What if I can’t make the information sessions?We know everyone is busy, so if these dates and times don’t work for you and you’d like to talk to us, feel free to reply to this email or contact us on [email protected] can’t you just put a tunnel through the Brynderwyn Hills?We looked at all options when choosing the emerging preferred corridor for the Brynderwyn Hills, including a tunnel. Tunnels can be very expensive to build, maintain and operate. They also come with restrictions such as a fixed width (no option to widen later) and restrictions around the type of goods that can be carried through them, such as certain types of fuel and gas.A tunnel through the Brynderwyn Hills would be very long and although a tunnel is technically feasible it would take a lot longer to build and would be prohibitively expensive.The geology in the area has some challenges, but we think the emerging preferred corridor we have selected will allow us to build a new road faster and more cost effectively with less long term damage to the environment.Why isn’t the Brynderwyn Hills alternative being built first?Although the Brynderwyn Hills alternative is a key priority, the Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te Hana section of the corridor is the most advanced, therefore physical works are able to begin earlier than the other sections of the corridor.The completion of the Warkworth to Te Hana section will resolve the critical resilience challenges in the Dome Valley.Before construction can begin on the Brynderwyn Hills alternative, significant preliminary work including geotechnical investigations, route selection, property acquisition and consenting is required. The preliminary work for this section will be undertaken in parallel to the procurement and construction of the Warkworth to Te Hana section and we have a dedicated team working on this.When will we know where the road will go?We are working at pace to refine a design for the new road within the emerging preferred corridor and expect to be able to share a preferred route in August/September this year.The timeline below shows our next steps over the coming months. Click here to view a larger version of the project timeline.Update for landowners in the emerging preferred corridorAll letters letting property owners know they are in the study area for the emerging preferred corridor have now been sent. We anticipate these should all arrive by mid-June.To help us contact landowners more quickly and efficiently we are asking those that receive a letter to register their phone number and email address with us and confirm who the main point of contact is for their property. Details about how to register contact information is in the letter.Our next steps are to refine this study area into the preferred route. To help us do this a range of site investigations such as geotech, ecology, archaeology and cultural assessments will need to be carried out along the corridor. To undertake some of these investigations we will need to access private property.If we need to carry out an investigation on your property it does not necessarily mean your property will be affected by the project or need to be purchased. We won’t be able to confirm that level of detail until the preferred route has been approved by the NZTA Board in August/September 2025If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing [email protected] or phoning us on 0800 927 293.Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te Hana updatePPP Procurement updateThe team have been working hard to evaluate the submissions made during the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase, which closed on 2 May 2025. The next step is to select a shortlist from the applications received during the EOI phase who will then be invited to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP), which will be issued by the end of June 2025.Ecology surveys updateWe have been carrying out a range of site investigations and surveys along the route for Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te Hana including geotech, surveying, archaeological and ecology. These investigations help inform the design for the new road.One of the key activities we have been busy doing is ecological surveys throughout forest and bush areas within, or close by, the project’s designation (or footprint). These surveys help us understand any impacts on the environment and how we can mitigate them.Freshwater surveys have been undertaken to determine and map ecological features such as streams and wetlands within these areas and land surveys have been targeting potential habitats for important animals and insects that may be living there. To date, we have carried out more than 30 ecology surveys along the 26km route.The team collects eDNA through a device placed in a fast-flowing stream section. After a day, the sample is sent to the lab to identify species in the area.Meet the teamMichaela Scarrott – EcologistI have surveyed and been involved with ecology (land and some freshwater) along the new route for Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te Hana.Tell us about yourself and your role:I’m passionate about protecting our native wildlife and their habitats. A main part of my role as an ecologist for this project is to assess the effects of construction on our native species and find solutions to manage any adverse effects that my occur.My days are never the same. Some days I am hiking though native forest surveying birds, or out at night searching through the leaf litter looking for Archie’s frogs. I might be found crawling into burrows during the day looking for kiwi, monitoring wetlands, or in the office reviewing spectrograms to find bats.What excites you about the Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana project?Much of the forested and unforested areas are remote, and have not been previously surveyed, so it’s exciting to survey these spaces as we never know what we’re going to find on a given day. There are challenges involved with large scale projects, and I’m looking forward to helping find the best outcomes alongside all other teams involved.

Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge is saying goodbye to a beloved member of the team — a trusty old van that has served with unwavering dedication for years. From late-night emergency pickups to delivering essential supplies during the Christchurch earthquakes, this van has been there through it all.Sadly, she has now failed her final Warrant of Fitness and is officially off the road. A true workhorse, her loss is deeply felt by the team.This van was more than just a vehicle. It was a lifeline — helping move women and children to safety, collect vital donations, and ensure support reached those in crisis. Without it, important work is being held back.Women’s Refuge is now reaching out to the community for support.If you or your business can loan, donate, or contribute towards a replacement van — even short-term — your help would mean the world. Every offer, big or small, brings them closer to getting back on the road and back to the frontline.To help, please message the team, email [email protected], or call 09 427 5154.Together, we can keep this essential service moving.

Heads up Mangawhai, Kaipara District Council (KDC) has advised the give way priority sign will be reversed on the one-way bridge on Cove Road just south of King Road. Currently the give way sign is on the flat heading from the Heads to Tara road.This will soon be reversed so that drivers headed to the Heads coming down the hill will have to give way. KDC has said this change comes following community feedback that reversing the priority will make the bridge safer for both directions. This announcement has already received mixed opinions, with locals both for and against this change.Works are pencilled in for Saturday 8 June. Please go slow and with caution until this new give way becomes common place as it may catch out a number of locals!