Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 28th March - Partly cloudy, with occasional late morning and afternoon showers, then fine. Southwesterlies developing this morning.Saturday 29th March - Fine, apart from showers in the afternoon. Southerlies, turning easterly in the morning.Sunday 30th March - Fine. Northeasterlies, easing.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 28th March - Cloud clearing and becoming fine this morning. Southwesterlies developing this morning.Saturday 29th March - Fine. Southeasterlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 30th March - Partly cloudy. Easterlies, easing.

Gianina Schwanecke, They may look like your usual bundle of fluff or large Labrador pup, but these Maremma sheepdogs are a breed of their own.A large Italian breed used to guard livestock from predators including wolves, they're increasingly being used by New Zealand farmers to help protect their stock from pests, like roaming dogs.Caroline Timmins farms 165-hectares just out of Ōkaihau in Northland.Like many in the region, including neighbouring farms, she's had the "horrible" experience of having to deal with multiple attacks on her stock from roaming and wild dogs."We got smashed with this group of dogs that was coming through the property and tearing our sheep apart."She moved the remainder of her 100 sheep to the house paddock but with limited options - farmers can only shoot dogs caught in the act of worrying stock - she also started looking for other measures to protect her flock.Isla and Indy, two Maremma Sheepdogs, work as livestock guardians on Caroline Timmins' Northland farm. Photo: SuppliedHer search first led her to donkeys, before she learned about livestock guardian dogs like the Maremma sheepdog which she thought was the "perfect solution"."I had absolutely no experience with the livestock guardian dogs. I didn't even really know about them at all."She bought 18-month-old Isla over a year ago."She's awesome, just a real, real sweet dog."Timmins had found the breed to be incredibly "loyal" and "clever".Isla had proven a natural guardian on the farm and had even developed a few favourite sheep. She patrols the flock and watches them day and night.Isla and Indy out patrolling the farm in Northland. Photo: SuppliedFour-month-old pup Indy followed Isla earlier this year, and Timmins hopes to get two more of the breed to help protect her stock.She said it was important to get multiple dogs to prevent one burning out. Despite Indy's young age, she has already started learning the ropes from Isla and helps keep an eye on the sheep when Isla is resting.Timmins said the breed is entirely different to her working dogs who she would never let roam free and she has had to learn to trust them to do their job.A Northland-based breeder of Anatolian shepherds, another livestock guardian breed, said she had seen an increase in interest following recent dog attacks.It's not just livestock farmers who have found the breed useful.Maremma sheepdogs are a large Italian breed used to guard livestock from predators such as including wolves. Photo: SuppliedWairarapa Eco Farm's Josje Neerincx and Frank van Steensel, who Timmins purchased her dogs from, say the dogs help deter pests from eating their crops.He said without the dogs it was costing them about $1500 a month in crop damage from pests like hares, possums and pūkeko.The couple have had Maremma for several years now though they struggled to find a breeder and themselves started with a mixed-breed.They say not much is known about the dog or their purposes in New Zealand."They are an answer to many questions that many farmers and rural people have," van Steensel said.Wairarapa organic gardener Frank van Steensel with some of the family's Maremma sheepdogs. Photo: SuppliedHe said the dogs can be used for a variety of purposes, making them suited to the permaculture principles followed on their organic farm.Maremma make good guard dogs, though their gentle nature means they can also make good therapy dogs.He said it was important for people to understand the breed and do their research."People do not realise how different the Maremma is from the normal pet dogs and farm dogs, like the herding dogs."Neerincx said she would "never be without Maremmas now" and she was "never a dog person when I grew up."The couple currently has pups looking for new homes.This story was originally published by RNZ

New Zealand’s National Butchery Team, the Hellers Sharp Blacks, will compete on the world stage later this month. The eight-member team, consisting of Riki Kerekere, Reuben Sharples, Luka Young, Dan Klink, Cherise Redden, Corey White, Samantha Weller, and Brydon Heller, will represent New Zealand at the World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris.The international competition brings together butchers from 14 countries to showcase their skills in areas such as meat preparation, presentation, and efficiency. Participants are judged on product displays, yield management, waste reduction, cookability, salability, hygiene, and teamwork.Dan Klink in his Mangawhai Meat Shop.Mangawhai butcher Dan Klink has worked in the industry for over 20 years. Initially pursuing a career as a chef, he discovered a passion for butchery, which led to opportunities abroad in London and Melbourne, where he refined his expertise. Around 13 years ago, he returned to Mangawhai to take over Mangawhai Meat Shop, the same butchery where he had completed his apprenticeship.This marks Klink’s second time representing New Zealand, having previously competed with the team in Sacramento in 2022, where they secured a bronze medal. The current team remains unchanged from the previous competition, allowing them to build on their collective experience and strengths. Klink specialises in sausage-making, a skill he has honed over the years, making it a standout element of his contributions.Beyond the competition, the event serves as a platform to highlight the butchery profession and attract newcomers to the trade. Butchery is often associated with its more traditional, labour-intensive aspects, but this event brings attention to the craftsmanship and artistry involved in the profession.The Hellers Sharp Blacks have been preparing extensively for the event, with training sessions focused on refining techniques and strengthening teamwork. The World Butchers’ Challenge is scheduled to take place on 31 March in Paris, where the team will compete against some of the best butchers in the world.Klink has already arrived in Paris and is settling in ahead of the competition. The team is making final preparations as they get ready to take on challengers from around the globe.

Kia Ora Friends, Supporters and New Subscribers,A warm welcome to all our new friends joining us — we're so glad to have you on board! This is our first newsletter of 2025, and we're kicking off the year with some exciting updates and a look at the incredible progress we've made, thanks to your ongoing support. Here's everything you need to know:  Point Wells Trail Update: We're Halfway There!Construction on the Point Wells section of The Coastal Trail is progressing smoothly, and we're thrilled to report that 1.1km of the 2.2km stretch linking Point Wells to Matakana Country Park is already complete. The trail is looking fantastic!We aim to finish this section by the end of May 2025. We're incredibly grateful for your support, which continues to make this project a reality. Stay tuned for more updates as we work toward completing this exciting stretch of the trail! Update from The Coastal Trail Partner and experts at Hutchinson Consulting Engineers The Point Wells to Matakana Country Park section of The Coastal Trail is shaping up nicely, with 400 meters of Point Wells Road completed and an additional 500 meters of sealed trail on Omaha Flats Road finished. Nearly half of the work is now complete.Trail Surface: The sections that adjoin public roads are sealed, while the stand-alone sections are unsealed with timber edging. Making Noise for Safe Cycling In February, we took to the streets on two wheels for our cycle protest! It wasn't just a statement—it was a call for safe, accessible cycling infrastructure, and it worked! The media attention, both locally and nationally, helped amplify our message and gain vital exposure.This kind of visibility is invaluable for future funding and community backing. A special thanks to everyone who joined us - including local celebrity and actor Martin Henderson - for making this event a true success. Volunteer Opportunities – Join the Team! As we continue to push this ambitious project forward, we're looking for dedicated volunteers to help take The Coastal Trail to the next level. If you're passionate about our cause and have skills to contribute, here's how you can get involved:New Trustees: We're looking for individuals with experience in capital raising, project management, or political/government connections.Social Media Expert: If you're a whiz at creating engaging content and growing a community online, we'd love to have you on the team.If you—or someone you know—are interested, please get in touch. Looking Ahead: The Future of The Coastal Trail With the momentum from our community's support and recent fundraising efforts, we're pushing forward to complete the Point Wells stage while laying the groundwork for the next phases of The Coastal Trail.Our vision remains strong: to create a network of trails, connecting our coastal communities - trails that not only promotes active living and safety but also fosters sustainability and a deep appreciation for the stunning natural environment that surrounds us.  Thank You for Your Ongoing Support2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year, and we couldn't do it without you.Every dollar donated, every conversation had, and every pedal turned helps build this trail. Keep spreading the word, and if you'd like to contribute, reach out—we'd love to hear from you!Visit www.thecoastaltrail.co.nzWith gratitude,The Coastal Trail Team

The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has closed the inner Hauraki Gulf to fishing of spiny rock lobster for three years.Shane Jones says the closure, starting from April 1, is to allow the lobster population to restore itself."Locals have raised serious concerns about the decline of spiny rock lobster in the inner Hauraki Gulf, and this has been backed up by fishery-independent research. I share these concerns and to help the lobster population recover I've decided to stop spiny rock lobster fishing in the inner Gulf," Jones said.The closure extends from the Okakari Point Marine Reserve at Cape Rodney, north of Leigh, to Point Jackson Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula."I have decided not to increase catch limits for the rest of the Hauraki Gulf rock lobster fishery. Under the current settings the stock is expected to increase, and this will further support the recovery of rock lobster throughout the fishery," Jones said."I have also adjusted catch settings for Otago rock lobster, taking a cautious approach to ensure long-term sustainability of this fishery."He said it was important to restore the lobster population, as they can help keep kina barrens from forming - an barren area of underfloor sea, with large kina numbers destroying important marine habitat.Rock lobsters prey on kinas, and keep their populations under control, preventing kina barrens from forming.The catch limits for Pacific bluefin tuna, which is managed internationally throughout the Pacific Ocean by the Western Central Pacific Commission (WCPFC), were increased earlier this month."These tuna are doing well throughout the Pacific, and we're seeing more of these fish in our waters. The WCPFC has agreed to increase New Zealand's catch allocation, and I have changed catch settings to reflect this," Jones said."I have increased the total catch limit by 84 tonnes for the remainder of this fishing year to reflect the health of the stock and address concerns from commercial fishers who have been seeing increasing amounts of bycatch of Pacific bluefin tuna when targeting other fish."For the fishing year starting on 1 October, the total catch limit will be increased a further 6.5 tonnes."I want to acknowledge everyone who provided feedback on the proposals. The many submissions we received from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups, and the public played an important part in the advice I received from officials, and the decisions I made," Jones said.This story was originally published by RNZ

Five people face charges after Police intercepted a convoy of stolen vehicles travelling through Dargaville.In the early hours of Sunday, a burglary occurred at a rural address near Mamaranui.Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom says three vehicles were stolen from the address at around 1am.“These vehicles travelled in convoy south and into the Dargaville township, where one of our frontline staff members located them,” she says.“All three vehicles failed to stop for the unit near River Road, before beginning to drive at excessive speeds.”Police did not pursue the vehicles.“Police soon came across one of these vehicles which had collided with a house on River Road, and the driver was attempting to run on foot before being apprehended by police.”A second vehicle was located abandoned on State Highway 12 near Turiwiri.“The third stolen vehicle carried on travelling south, where spikes were successfully deployed near Pūhoi,” Inspector Nordstrom says.“Thanks to assistance from the Police Eagle helicopter and dog units, all four remaining offenders were quickly arrested.”All five offenders have been charged with burglary and multiple counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.Those arrested are aged between 14 and 16.“I’d like to acknowledge the work of our Dargaville nightshift team who saw this matter to its conclusion holding all those offenders to account.”

In what could be the ultimate Christmas present for Aucklanders, IKEA is hoping its new Sylvia Park store will be open in time to get your holiday gift shopping done there.Construction of New Zealand's first Swedish-born homeware store and eatery is well under way, and while there was not yet a firm date for its opening, IKEA was planning to cut the ribbon in time for the holiday season.And it is expected to have a distinctly Kiwi flavour as well, with potentially even a garage as part of its home showroom.Karen Pflug, chief sustainability officer for IKEA's parent company the Ingka Group, was in Auckland this week to check how the construction of the store was going."I'm definitely not a construction expert, but I was extremely impressed with it and the amount of work," she told RNZ."New Zealand [has] a lot of safety measures and really high quality specs because we're in a seismic area of course, and then our construction experts were telling us all about the basalt rock slabs as well that we've had to build the foundations into."So it's been state-of-the-art and a real world-class store that we're building. And then important for me too with my sustainability role, is that it's also going to be world-class from a sustainability point of view and having a five-star rating there with sustainability criteria, so that really excites me."Pflug allayed fears small, far-flung New Zealand would get a scaled-back IKEA experience, sans meatballs."We're bringing the full experience. It's a full large-size store, and so with that comes a restaurant. And of course many people know IKEA as a home furnishing retailer, and that's what we're most famous for. But around the world last year we served over 600 million meals, so we are one of the largest restaurants in the world as well."So yes, customers in Auckland will be able to come in and taste the wonderful variety of foods that we offer. It will include the meatballs, but it will also have plant-based alternatives as well, which will actually serve at a lower price than the meat-based options. And of course, there will be things baked in the ovens as well, like the famous Swedish cinnamon scrolls and so on too."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 24th March - Fine. Light winds, southwesterlies for a time this afternoon.Tuesday 25th March - A few showers. Southwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.Wednesday 26th March - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Thursday 27th March - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 28th March - Fine apart from isolated showers. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Saturday 29th March - Fine. Southwesterlies.Sunday 30th March - Fine. Light winds.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 24th March - Mainly fine, chance shower from afternoon. Light winds.Tuesday 25th March - Mainly fine, but a few showers in the afternoon. Light winds.Wednesday 26th March - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the morning. Southwesterlies developing.Thursday 27th March - Fine. Southwesterlies.Friday 28th March - A few showers, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 29th March - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Sunday 30th March - Partly cloudy. Light winds.

Autumn UpdateIt was great to see Mahurangi Matters confirm what we’ve been saying since the Watercare Board meeting on 12 December 2024—Watercare’s revised pipeline plans are a major win for the town. This outcome is the result of months of effort from the One Mahurangi team, including myself, Dave Stott, Bevan Morrison, and the engineers and legal experts who helped push this through.Without this shift in approach, the disruption could have been devastating for many local businesses. This is exactly why a strong Business Association exists—to promote and protect.To keep everyone informed, One Mahurangi is hosting a public meeting with senior Watercare representatives, including the Project Director, design engineers, and contractors. This will take place on Wednesday, 2nd April, at Warkworth Town Hall. Doors open at 5.30pm, with the presentation starting at 6pm. There will be plenty of time for questions, and Watercare staff will be available for one-on-one discussions. If your business is affected by the project, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss.A big thank you to Watercare—from the Board and CEO down—for their open and honest approach over the past six months. Their willingness to listen and engage has made a real difference.Looking ahead, we’re planning a series of networking events and business seminars designed to deliver real value to local businesses. More details to come in the next newsletter.As the colder months set in, it’s a great time to support our local businesses. Many have end-of-season sales, and shopping local keeps our community thriving year-round. Because really, isn’t it always the right time to support local, buy local, employ local, and love local?Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi, [email protected] Consumer Spending Update for Feb 2025Spending in Warkworth reached $25.0 million in February, down 5.0% from the same time last year, with transactions also decreasing 4.4%. This aligns with a wider slowdown, as both Auckland (-6.4%) and national (-4.8%) spending saw similar declines. Despite this dip, 12-month spending remains up 6.0%, continuing a strong overall trend for the precinct. Accommodation spending surged (+62.9%), while home, hardware, and electrical sales dropped significantly (-37.7%). International visitors continued to contribute positively, with their spending up 24.9%. For more insights, read the full Marketview report on our website here > onemahurangi.co.nz/marketview-reportsHave Your SayConsultation on the Auckland Council's annual plan is open to the public until 28 March 2025. You can find a copy of the draft plan, details about other events, and more information by visiting www.akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.Tax changes that may affect your businessEmployer superannuation contribution tax and fringe benefit tax thresholds will change from 1 April 2025. If they apply to you, you’ll need to make changes to your payroll calculations.READ MORE HERE>Minimum wage rates are going upGet ready for the minimum wage increases now so that you are paying your employees the correct rate from 1 April, 2025.READ MORE HERE>You can now follow the Warkworth Information Centre on Facebook and Instagram! @visitwarkworthExplore Warkworth, Mahurangi, and beyond!To read the FULL newsletter head here

Wood Street Businesses: Important Construction Update We’d like to inform you about the upcoming Wood Street and Surrounds Revitalisation and Stormwater Construction project.When: Monday, 24 March, 6pm - 7.30pmWhere: Brewed AsConstruction for the permanent upgrade of Wood Street and the surrounding area is scheduled to begin on Monday, 31 March 2025. The project, which has been awarded to HEB Construction, will include upgrades to the stormwater network, as well as permanent designs for Wood Street, the old fire station site, and the back carparking area and playground (behind Gringas).Work will start in the furthest back carparking area first, with no work on Wood Street beginning until after Easter.We’re holding this session to:Provide an overview of the construction programmeExplain what to expect during the projectIntroduce you to the HEB Construction teamHEB will have a dedicated stakeholder manager on-site throughout the project, who will be your key contact during construction.This is an opportunity to ask questions and stay informed about the project. We encourage you to attend.For more details and to view the final designs, visit: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/wood-street-revitalisation-project

Snells Beach new Defibrillator - A new community funded DEFIBRILLATOR is located at 28 Schooner Avenue, Snells Beach. Thanks to the residents from Schooner Ave, Trevally, Merehai, Ahi Kaa, and Piper Lane who have contributed towards the purchase of the defibrillator. Available now for emergency use. If you would like to contribute towards this initiative, please donate toSchooner Defibrillator02-0480-0074606-000Contact details for more info Margaret Hannay 021430995Donations will go towards replacing the pads after they get used and the battery in 4 years time.Citrine and Sand is new locally designed and made jewellery drawing on the beauty of pearls and semi-precious stones. Found at Capri Cafe & Ice Creamery, Snells Beach, NZ. https://www.instagram.com/citrineandsand/Ramas Real Fruit Ice-Cream - A family run business, parked at the Omaha Community Centre/Golf Club or by the Omaha Estuary Cafe usually from October to May. 40% berries/fruit in their real fruit ice cream and have dairy free options available. https://www.instagram.com/ramasicecreamE-Volt Racing is opening this weekend and Matakana Country Park! Check out these electric go-karts https://www.evoltracing.co.nz/ opening in March. They are offering 25% Off This Weekend Only!Viet Q is officially taking over at Tramcar Matakana! Viet Q has long been a Vietnamese favourite food truck in the heart of Matakana and is moving and expanding into the Tramcar café on the corner of Matakana Valley Road and Leigh Road. Follow their updates and news as they transition https://www.facebook.com/vietqfoods.co.nzAotearoa Surf has recently acquired new premises to offer an additional accommodation - The Surf Lodge in the heart of Mangawhai Heads! https://aotearoasurf.co.nz/aotearoa-surf-lodge-mangawhai/Shine Aesthetics Injectables has moved to Glow Collective in Molesworth Drive in the Village and is offering a $250 moving frown treatment special for those that mention Matakana Coast App.J.A. Russell has just opened a Mangawhai branch at 90A Mangawhai Heads Road.Metlifecare Retirement Village’s new location in Mangawhai has begun their groundworks at 15 Sailrock Drive. This will be Mangawhai’s first retirement village. For more info head here: Mangawhai’s first retirement village breaks groundAcoustic Design is a local Warkworth business that specialises in professional sound proofing/treatment panels, bass traps, ceiling clouds and more!Northern Corridor news - Procurement underway for Northland Corridor Section 1, Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te Hana. NZTA is inviting parties to express their interest in delivering the first section of the Northland Corridor, a major transport project designed to improve safety, resilience and efficiency between Auckland and Northland. Warkworth to Te Hana section is the most advanced part of the corridor in terms of consents, property acquisition and design, meaning it can start construction sooner than the other sections.The indicative design for the 26km four-lane highway includes an 850m tunnel in the Dome valley and three interchanges at Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana. These improvements will address the known safety and resilience challenges in the Dome valley, a critical freight and passenger route. Detailed design and construction are expected to start in late 2026. For more information head here https://createsend.com/t/t-C79312AAE0072DA62540EF23F30FEDEDOtamatea Kaipara Community Services in Maungatoroto is unfortunately having to close their foodbank part of the agency, due to financial constraints. It will be closed from 28th March depending on stock levels. Their other services will remain open.If you want us to give your new business a shoutout or you know of some business news in our community, then email us at [email protected]

Renowned Irish harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin will be performing in Whangateau on March 31st. Fusing Irish traditional music, original compositions, and soulful singing, she has shared the stage with luminaries such as Celtic music icon Alan Stivell, Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin, and free jazz legend Anthony Braxton.Sponsored by Culture Ireland, Úna is touring Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time this March. The concert, set to take place at Whangateau Hall, promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, as Úna transports the audience to the heart of Ireland’s musical traditions. A virtuoso instrumentalist, it's been said that she can 'knock sparks' out of the Irish harp! She also captivates audiences with her evocative storytelling through song. This is a rare opportunity to witness a truly exceptional talent right in our own backyard—an extraordinary chance to expand our minds and experience something refreshingly different.Úna calls Ireland home and proudly describes herself as "the most Irish person you will ever meet"! Her deep roots in Irish culture run through every aspect of her life: her parents met at the national traditional music festival, she speaks the Irish language fluently, and she lives on an island where donkeys roam freely. She also has a strong passion for tea!Ireland’s rich folk music tradition will be reflected in the structure of the evening, as the night begins with songs by local singers. The event will be a wonderful mixture of ancient art, contemporary collaborations, and music-making; don’t miss your chance to attend! Tickets for the evening are available now at a very reasonable cost of $15.Check out Úna's music here http://una.ie/music/Details:Concert Date & Time: March 31st, 2025, 7pmTickets: $15Location: Whangateau Hall, 533 Leigh Road, LeighEmail to book tickets: [email protected]

Work is underway to seal sections of Devich Road, Settlement Road, Cames Road and Blackswamp Road. Sealing sections of Devich, Settlement and Cames was approved as part of the Long Term Plan 2024 – 2027 process. Elected members recognised that these roads had seen significantly increased traffic volumes due to subdivisions and development, which caused major issues with dust and the general safety of the roads. Residents had advocated for improvements for a number of years.Work on Devich Road started a week ago (Thursday 6 March) and will be finished in April 2025. Initial works include drainage improvements and widening the road, before strengthening and sealing the 1.1 km stretch of road, starting near the one-way bridge through to where Devich Road meets Lawrence Road.Settlement Road works are starting on Monday 17 March and are expected to take around a week to complete. Drainage improvements have already been completed and next week’s works will be focused on stabilising and sealing the 350 metre stretch of road between Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road to the southern boundary of the Hakaru RSA. Sealing sections of Cames Road is also underway, with an 800 metre stretch already complete and sealing works occurring on another section of similar size. This has been accompanied by a number of safety and resilience improvements including road widening. It is planned that Downer complete the work on Cames Road in this financial year.Sealing 1 km of Blackswamp Road has also started. The sealing of the road is being paid for by the Te Arai Residents’ Association Incorporated, with mid-April expected for completion.As Kaipara District Council’s roading services contractor, Downer Ltd is the lead contractor and has focused on utilising local contractors to support the work.Residents using the roads are encouraged to take care driving through the areas where crews are working and use alternative routes if possible. Stop/go is in place. 

Rodney’s most comprehensive and costly flood recovery road repair is complete after 20 months of construction.Ahuroa Road in Pūhoi was severely damaged in early 2023 with eight large slip sites occurring during the 2023 major storm events. The road was closed to all but residents, and a major slip at the top of the road effectively split the community in half, leaving some residents and families with a long commute to work and school.“We’re very pleased to have completed the repair of the last of the major slips and returned the road to the community,” says Alan Wallace, GM Road Asset Maintenance and Renewals at Auckland Transport.“Downer NZ and Mason Contractors construction teams have worked through all sorts of weather conditions to carry out these repairs in difficult terrain. The largest was a highly technical $6.6 million concrete palisade wall with 166 piles (12-17 metres deep) and 480 metres of soil nail anchors installed to stabilise the site.”“Ahuroa Road sustained severe damage and the repairs were a high priority, we understood the impact the road closure had on the closely connected rural community,” said Samantha Riley, Contract Manager at Downer NZ.“We’re extremely pleased with the outcome, and grateful to be a part of reconnecting the pathway between Pūhoi and Ahuroa. A key achievement for us was enabling some of our youngest community members, children, to safely return to Ahuroa School.”Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey thanks the Pūhoi community for their patience while the very complex road repairs were undertaken.“Our Pūhoi community has been severely impacted because of the substantial damage caused by the storms. It has taken a long time to fix and reopen this road because of the difficult terrain and the challenges caused by the many slips including this major slip.“Huge thanks to Auckland Transport and the roading contractors who have worked tirelessly to engineer solutions and restore this important access for our community.”Road maintenance sealing, which is outside the scope of the flood recovery repairs, is scheduled to be completed at a later date.Watch a one-minute project summary video here

Luka FormanScientists monitoring the spread of Caulerpa on Great Barrier Island say they're starting to see the invasive weed move away from the sandy sea floor.It's the Caulerpa growing on the rocky reefs that's now proving the biggest challenge on the island, but it's hoped new technology could help fight the weed there too.The exotic seaweed was first discovered in New Zealand in 2021, leading to concern about its rapid growth and potential to crowd out native marine species.The government recently put over [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/543483/millions-being-thrown-at-bay-of-islands-caulerpa-control-as-pest-seaweed-spreads $10 million into new technology for the fight against the invasive weed, including dredging and pumping systems, UV light radiation, and chlorine blankets.Glenn Edney is an ocean ecologist who has been leading regular dive surveys on Great Barrier Island since 2022, monitoring the health of the marine life including the spread of exotic Caulerpa.In their recent surveys, they noticed a reduction in the total amount of Caulerpa in some sites, and a change in where the exotic weed was mainly growing."The Caulerpa has basically moved away from the soft-substrate sand areas, and that varies from place to place. But on the whole, it has kind of receded from those areas and is more concentrated on the reef areas."There were also some signs of the Caulerpa and ecosystem adapting to one another.Edney said during the recent survey they observed one fish species, the Two Spot Demoisel, using the weed as part of it's mating process."So, this is an adaptation by the Demoisels. The Caulerpa may be covering the normal nest sites such as the Coralline turf... seems to be very sucessful... we were doing a survey and I was able to film a female coming down and laying eggs, and the male fertilising the eggs."This made him cautiously optimistic, he said, but it was far too soon to make any conclusions about the long-term effects of Caulerpa on the ecosystem.Meanwhile in Northland, exotic Caulerpa has been found in several new spots in the Bay of Islands outside of the Controlled Area Notice, where anchoring is not allowed.Caulerpa growing on rocks in the Bay of Islands. Photo: Supplied / Rana RewhaNorthland Regional Council Chair Geoff Crawford said it was disappointing the weed had spread from the controlled area, but not a huge surprise."It's not a big area. It's got currents running through and tides.""It's not uncontrollable, they're only in random areas, so we're pretty confident that once we get our new technology that we're creating at the moment going we'll get that under control quite quickly."The fight was being supported by a $10 million government grant for scaling up existing dredging and pumping methods, and developing ultra violet light treatments and a chlorine chamber to kill Caulerpa.The dredging technology has already been proven to work on the sandy seabed, Crawford said."Now we're just looking at putting that technology onto a machine that'll be like an underwater tractor and that can go GPS, 24 hours a day."Unlike on Great Barrier, the exotic seaweed is still mostly on the seabed in the Bay of Islands area, Crawford said.Figuring out how to get rid of the weed on the rocky reefs would be important in the long term, he said.Biosecurity New Zealand's director of Pest Management John Walsh hoped the dredging, UV and chlorine chamber treatments would compliment one another."We are very focused on understanding what the wider impacts are so that we can have... a range of tools that can be used in different places under different conditions."The new technology would be developed over the next 6 weeks, Crawford said, and they hoped to be harvesting Caulpera with it by the start of May.This story was originally published by RNZ

This past Saturday, Crimson Coast Cafe hosted another fantastic Coffee & Cars morning, bringing together local car enthusiasts for a showcase of timeless automotive beauty, great coffee, and a strong sense of community.From 7:30 am, the cafe’s car park transformed into a hub of vintage charm, with 20 to 25 classic cars rolling in to take part. Whether it was pristine muscle cars, elegant European classics, or Kiwi motoring icons, there was something for every petrolhead to admire. Over expertly brewed coffee, enthusiasts gathered to share stories, memories, and their love for classic vehicles in the warm and welcoming atmosphere that Crimson Coast Cafe is known for.Matakana Coast App was there to capture the moment and promote the region’s go-to platform for events, business listings, and local highlights.As the morning sun cast a golden glow over Kawau Bay, the combination of vintage cars, stunning coastal scenery, and the inviting aroma of fresh coffee made for a truly unforgettable experience.Upcoming Events:Sunday, 23 March – Morris & James Pottery, MatakanaSunday, 27 April – Omaha Golf Course (featuring a special amphibious boat showcase!)Check out Events button for more infoWatch the video below to see what it's all about!Video credit: Mike Jones

A man and a woman in Hakaru, near Kaiwaka, were attacked by a group of dogs on Settlement Road in a violent incident that left both with serious injuries. They suffered multiple puncture wounds and are expected to face a long recovery.The man who came to the rescue of the mauled women also sustained injuries.The attack occurred on Saturday morning while the woman was painting at the back of her rural property. Four dogs broke through a fence and attacked her. She managed to push them away and escape to her deck while suffering severe bleeding. Despite using towels to stem the blood loss, she struggled to control the bleeding.A neighbour rushed to help and attempted to stop her bleeding with a makeshift tourniquet. However, the dogs returned and attacked him as well. Emergency responders from Hato Hone St John Ambulance treated the man at the scene, while the woman was airlifted to Whangārei Hospital by the Northland Rescue Helicopter.According to her family, she sustained extensive injuries, including severe bruising, puncture wounds, and torn flesh. Due to the risk of infection, only a portion of the wounds could be stitched.Kaipara District Council’s animal control officers identified and impounded the four unsecured dogs involved in the attack. An investigation has been launched, but it remains unclear whether any or all of the dogs have been destroyed.For years, locals and neighbours of the property where the dogs were kept had repeatedly asked for help from Animal Control, fearing that a serious injury or fatality was inevitable. Residents say the dogs frequently escaped and roamed the street, stopping traffic and intimidating, chasing, and scaring members of the community. Despite numerous complaints, they claim that little action was taken to prevent the attack.The roaming dogsThis incident highlights a recurring issue where irresponsible ownership, rather than the animals themselves, is often to blame. The owners of these dogs have failed both their animals and their community by not ensuring they were properly contained and managed.

Work on the Queen Street Riverside boardwalk is scheduled to begin on the 7th of April 2025. Masons Contractors will be carrying out the works on behalf of Auckland Council.Prior to the 7th of April, tree pruning will be completed to prepare the site before Masons establishes on-site.The project involves the removal of the existing concrete footpath and the construction of a new boardwalk to provide access from Queen Street, adjacent to Sterling Sports, to the Riverside walkway, which will connect to the underpass walkway under the Mahurangi River bridge.The estimated duration of the project is approximately four months.Here is a copy of Masons Contractors’ fencing plan below and traffic management

Victor WatersHundreds of people in Northland took to Te Ākau Bream Bay's water and beaches Sunday to protest a fast-tracked sand mining operation.A flotilla of more than 50 watercraft converged from Whangārei Heads to Langs Beach to oppose the proposal to dredge nearly 8.5 million cubic meters of sand over the next 35 years.Auckland-based sand mining company McCallum Brothers is currently in the process of applying for resource consent to extract sand. Their website states it is their way of being transparent with the public.Local residents and environmental advocates say that the operation would cause irreversible damage to the seafloor, wildlife, and coastline.Photo: Supplied / Geoff ReidMary Sinclair from Save Bream Bay Sand said it was an incredibly successful day, bringing the many affected local communities together."The energy is really, really apparent, nobody is going to give up on this process, we are here for the duration and will take all the steps we can to protect Bream Bay as it is," Sinclair said."I've been coming to Langs beach for 70 years, I'm over 70 years old, we haven't had the togetherness of this community that we've got now. Māori and non-Māori, from Langs beach right through to Whangārei Heads."If you were on the water today you would have been amazed at the connections that were being made and what people were saying to each other, the community is getting into gear and we won't stop."Photo: Supplied / Geoff ReidThe protest comes after a petition of 14,000 signatures in opposition to sand mining at Te Ākau Bream Bay was handed to Green MP Hūhana Lyndon last week.The proposed sand mining site lies five kilometres offshore from Waipū, Langs, Uretiti, and Ruakākā beaches, which are vital habitats for sea life such as tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern), where there are 40 adult birds left, and endangered hawksbill turtles have been spotted there.Sinclair said she also had concerns for the returning scallop population in Bream Bay."What they'll do they'll continue to decimate what has begun to re-grow and we'll lose them to Bream Bay."When you lose the scallops on the sea floor and lose other sea life on the sea floor then your fish start suffering, the fish have the food they need to grow and they'll disappear."You take away the fish and have an impact on all the birds, we have species like dotterel and other birds in this area which have numbers that are declining and they'll disappear."Photo: Supplied / Geoff ReidShe said mining could also impact Bream Bay's enclosed sand system."They take sand from here it will not refill from outside and then you'll start altering what happens with the waves and the water which will start altering the sand dunes."If you look at the ecological impact here they will have an impact on every part of that going forward, particularly if it's for the next 35 years."The 'Save Bream Bay Sand' advocate encouraged the McCallum Bros to look at other sand alternatives.She said sand mining from the sea floor is a practice that's declining internationally because of it's environmental impacts."We all want the New Zealand economy to grow, that's not a question, we know that for that we need concrete and need more roads."But we also know sand can be manufactured from aggregate we know that there are other sources of sand on land that are being quarried and there's no need to take it from the sea floor."This story was originally published by RNZ