Warkworth regionMonday 31th October - Cloudy periods. Showers, becoming isolated in the afternoon and clearing in the evening. Northerlies, changing southwesterly in the afternoon.Tuesday 1st November - Fine. Southwesterlies.Wednesday 2nd November - Partly cloudy with northerlies.Thursday 3rd November - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Northwesterlies.Friday 4th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Westerlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai regionMonday 31st October - Cloudy periods. A few showers, clearing in the evening. Northerlies, changing southwesterlies in the evening.Tuesday 1st November - Fine. Light winds.Wednesday 2nd - Partly cloudy with northerlies.Thursday 3rd - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Northwesterlies easing.Friday 4th - Fine, then showers developing. Westerlies.

New rules to prevent the spread of an invasive seaweed will soon make it illegal to anchor most vessels in 3 bays at Aotea Great Barrier Island.Tougher restrictions, which come into effect at 11.59pm on Monday 31 October, are part of changes to a Controlled Area Notice (CAN) put in place by Biosecurity New Zealand to contain 2 non-native species of Caulerpa – an introduced seaweed that can spread rapidly and potentially over-run native species.The CAN and a rāhui imposed by Mana Whenua for Aotea, Blind Bay, Whangaparapara Harbour, and Tryphena Harbour have been in place since mid-2021 when Caulerpa was first found in the areas.Until now, anyone wanting to anchor in the areas has needed a permit from Biosecurity New Zealand that required the vessel’s anchor and chain to be cleaned of any seaweed debris before departing the area.Biosecurity New Zealand’s director of response, John Walsh, says following a review of the CAN, there will be no anchoring allowed in the 3 Aotea bays except in an emergency, or in a few other exceptional circumstances by permit.In addition, where all forms of fishing were previously banned, rod and line or handline fishing will now be allowed from the shore or wharves and jetties at Aotea."Caulerpa easily breaks into small fragments which can then be moved to other areas by people going about water activities such as anchoring, diving and fishing, which is why we need these legal controls."They’ve been in place for over a year now and we’ve worked with our partners in the response (Mana Whenua, councils and the Department of Conservation) to review the rules to be sure they are robust enough to contain the Caulerpa while having the least possible impact on communities and marine users."Permits will not be needed in an emergency – for example where vessels need to shelter from weather."Local residents who need to use a vessel for their regular transport and those needing to anchor for scientific research will be able to apply for permission," Mr Walsh says."We looked hard at fishing and determined that line fishing from the shore or structures attached to the shore enabled local people to still fish for kai."However, all other types of fishing remain prohibited. Spearfishing, kina and crayfish gathering, net fishing and drift fishing from any type of vessel are not allowed."The geographical areas under controls remain the same. Maps and full information are at:Caulerpa exotic seaweeds found at Great Barrier and Great Mercury islandsExotic Caulerpa is also present in an area off the western coast of Ahuahu Great Mercury Island. This area is also under a rāhui and is part of Biosecurity New Zealand’s CAN.The legal controls at Great Mercury Island are also currently under review and any changes to the rules there will be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, the existing restrictions remain in place – a ban on any fishing activity and a requirement that any vessels anchoring have a clean anchor and chain on departure.While efforts continue to research control methods, extensive communications will focus on preventing its spread around the islands and to the New Zealand mainland.A public information campaign started at Labour Weekend to raise awareness among boaties and other visitors to the islands about the CAN and the measures they must take to prevent the spread of Caulerpa.If you think you have seen Caulerpa outside of the 4 known areas (Blind Bay, Whangaparapara and Tryphena Harbours, and the western coast of Great Mercury Island), contact Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66.

Tip Top has discontinued 2 litre tubs of two of its most popular flavours, Cookies and Cream and Goody Goody Gumdrops, causing outrage online.An employee for supermarket operator Foodstuffs, which owns Pak'nSave, New World and Four Square, confirmed to the Herald that the tub range of icecream had been discontinued by the supplier.The reason for withdrawing the products has been blamed on "significant cost pressures" on milk and cream, head of Tip Top Ben Schurr told 1News in a statement.People have taken to social media to voice their outrage at the decision, with some calling for other flavours to be dropped instead.The move has perplexed some given Cookies and Cream took out the Kids' Choice Award at the New Zealand Ice Cream and Gelato Awards last month.Cookies and Cream was voted New Zealanders' third-favourite icecream flavour in a survey for the Weekend Herald in 2010. Goody Goody Gumdrops trailed in sixth place in the survey.Dairy owners told the Weekend Herald at the time Cookies and Cream was a favourite and was requested mainly by children, teenagers and young adults.In the aftermath of the news, social media users have vowed to start buying other brands' similar flavours.Tip Top has made no official announcement but has been approached for comment.

Friday 28th OctoberKnow Your Dog Training WorkshopMatakana School Charity Gold TournamentWellsford Friday Night MarketSake Tasting Under the Cherry BlossomsMatakana NIGHT MarketThe Gaffers Band - Halloween Horror PartySaturday 29thBarfoot & Thompson - Charity Sausage SizzleCountry Show Day - Kaipara Flats SchoolAdult Cat AdoptionsBrooke Lane Vineyard’s Last Saturday Club Mangawhai Tavern MarketMangawhai Community MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketSunday 30thWarkworth Country MarketPuhoi Village MarketWarkworth Country Market

Warkworth regionFriday 28th October - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers, mainly in the west, possibly heavy there this afternoon and early evening. Northerlies.Saturday 29th October - Showers turning to rain in the evening. Northerlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon.Sunday 30th - Rain with heavy falls, easing in the afternoon. Fresh northerlies, easing in the afternoon.Mangawhai regionFriday 28th October - Cloudy periods. A shower or two this morning and afternoon. Northerlies.Saturday 29th - Cloudy with the chance of a shower, especially from afternoon. Northerlies.Sunday 30th - Rain. Northerlies easing.

Just a reminder that some plastic products have been banned since 1st October. According to Ministry for the Environment:On 1 October some problematic plastics were banned. This is the first in a three-step process to phasing out single use plastics in Aotearoa.What is bannedWaste Minimisation (Plastic and Related Products) Regulations 2022 (SL 2022/69) [New Zealand Legislation website].Plastic phase-outs: guidance for sellers and manufacturers of products banned from 1 October 2022 From 1 October 2022 it became illegal to provide, sell or manufacture the following plastic products in Aotearoa New Zealand:Single use plastic drink stirrersSingle use plastic cotton budsDegradable plastics eg oxo and photo degradableCertain PVC food trays and containers Polystyrene takeaway food and beverage packaging Expanded polystyrene food and beverage packaging. Why we are taking actionEach year, on average every New Zealander sends nearly 60kg of plastic waste to landfills. Plastic is one of our greatest environmental challenges.  Unless we act, we are harming our wildlife, environment and climate. Many single use plastic products are used only once, not properly disposed of and end up littering our moana and whenua.  Hard-to-recycle packaging and products can cause contamination and interfere with our recycling systems, harm our environment and contribute to climate change. Given the value that communities and tangata whenua place on our natural environment, action on plastics contributes to restoring the mana and mauri of te taiao.   Moving away from hard-to-recycle and single use plastics will help:  reduce our plastic waste  improve our recycling systems protect our environment.  We are taking a balanced approach between your feedback for fast action and providing businesses with adequate time to prepare. Our plan is therefore to phase out easier to replace plastics first before moving on to the more challenging items to replace.  Since 2020 we have publicly consulted on and received close to 8,000 submissions on these phase-out proposals. This was part of a broader response to the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand report released by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor in 2019. What this means for youIf you’re a consumer, then quite simply you will start to see less single use plastic in your life! At your favourite takeaway you will notice food in different packaging. When you go to the supermarket, certain products like plastic cotton buds will be replaced by bamboo or other non-plastic alternatives. For many businesses, 1st October marks a new beginning in the way we operate. This means you may have to start using alternatives for packaging.  Here at the Ministry, we will be taking an educational approach with businesses to help with compliance. However, we will take enforcement action where necessary which may include handing out fines of up to $100,000 to those who deliberately don’t follow the new rules. We have put together a helpful guide for businesses that are affected by this change.If you have any questions contact the plastic phase-out team.Next stepsThis is the first step in phasing out problematic plastics. The next tranche of products to be phased out will take place in mid-2023. We will continue to engage and communicate with the public and businesses on the further changes being made.Diagram showing the changes being made over the next three years.

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling its Pams brand Alfalfa Sprouts, Salad Sprouts, Sandwich Selection Sprouts, and Spicy Sprouts Combo due to the possible presence of Salmonella.Salmonella poisoning can be serious, especially for people vulnerable to illness, including the very young, the elderly, the pregnant, and those with compromised immune systems, says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle."If you think you have been exposed to Salmonella or have any concerns for your health contact your health professional or call Health Line: 0800 61 11 16."Affected product should not be eaten, but can be returned to place of purchase for a refund."Recalled products are being removed from shelves at New World, Pak'n Save, and Four Square stores throughout the North Island.The following products, marked with a use by date of 4 November 2022 are included in the recall. These are all in 100g plastic punnets.Pams brand Alfalfa SproutsSalad SproutsSandwich Selection Sprouts Spicy Sprouts Combo.Salmonella was discovered as a result of routine testing. New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notification of associated illness."As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will be working with Foodstuffs to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence," Mr Arbuckle said.More information on the recall

MOTORWAY CLOSURES FOR AUCKLAND MARATHON - SUN 30 OCTThe Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon takes place this weekend and will involve citybound lane and ramp closures on the Northern Mwy and Auckland Harbour Bridge between 4:00am and 12.00 midday on Sunday morning, 30 October 2022.Please note that the Harbour Bridge will be OPEN at all times during this period, however some delays may be experienced by motorists with fewer lanes available than usual (three lanes in each direction will be open). A detour is not required.CLOSURE DETAILS: The Northern Busway Bus Only lanes will be closed from Constellation Dr to Onewa Rd interchange, with runners entering the Busway at Smales Farm. One lane of the Northern Motorway will be closed southbound after Esmonde Rd interchange, with the Onewa Rd southbound on-ramp to the motorway (including the bus-only lane) closed. Esmonde Rd on-ramp will remain open.South of Onewa Rd, the two left southbound motorway lanes will be closed while runners use the two southbound clip-on lanes over the Harbour Bridge, leaving the motorway at Shelly Beach Rd off-ramp (which will be closed to all traffic) and then looping around to use Curran St to run beneath the bridge (the Curran St on-ramp will be closed to all traffic) and along Westhaven Dr into the city. In addition, the Fanshawe St motorway off-ramp (citybound) will be closed from 2am until 3pm for the duration of the event.Other road closures, and parking restrictions, will be in place, with detail available on Auckland Transport's website: http://spr.ly/6181MoJBLRunners and supporters should check the Auckland Marathon website: http://spr.ly/6182MoJB0 for information about travelling to/from the event. Please share Auckland's roads with extra care this weekend.

Joint Press Release (GE Free NZ and Safe Food Campaign)The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA NZ) has made the right decision on the reassessment of three toxic organophosphates. The Vegetable Research and Innovation Board (VRIB) applied to the EPA to reassess a 2012 decision to phase out diazinon by 2028 and fenamiphos and methamidophos by 2023. The VRIB reassessment called on the EPA to extend the period for a further ten years, until 2033.The EPA declined the reassessment and ruled that diazinon is to be phase out by 2028 and fenamiphos and methamidophos by 2024. [1]“We congratulate the NZ Environmental Protection Authority for this decision,” said Claire Bleakley of GE Free NZ.These pesticides have been found to cause serious adverse affects to human health, especially related to neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity to the endocrine, reproductive systems and foetal development. Diazinon is already banned in 39 countries, fenamiphos in 35 and methamidophos in 109 [2].“We are very pleased to finally have the end of these damaging pesticides in sight,” said Alison White of Safe Food Campaign. “These organophosphates, like others still registered, are notorious for their effects on the nervous system, especially in young children who take in more of them from their food than other age groups.”Organic farming has long been able to farm without synthetic chemicals and it is time that farmers were supported to introduce organic methods to deal with challenges instead of using these toxic chemicals.“If we change even a small proportion of agricultural production to best practice organic systems, we could reduce the pesticide pollution in our food and environment. We don’t need or want these pesticides,” said Alison White.References:[1] https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/hsno-ar/APP204199/APP204199_Decision.pdf[2] https://pan-international.org/pan-international-consolidated-list-of-banned-pesticides/[3] https://www.vri.org.nz/our-board/

Spotted!!A seal has recently been spotted on Gibbons Road in Kaiwaka hanging out on people’s property, making itself at home and fishing in the stream, where eels are a plenty.It must have come from the Kaipara harbor, by following the Kaiwaka river that then turns into a stream bordering peoples properties. A long way to travel! Apparently, it is a female kekeno, with sightings saying she is looking quite healthy. She has also been spotted in Baldrock lake, which is even further inland. DOC have been informed and advised to leave it be it will make its way back the ocean when its ready. No doubt tired and full from it’s big city adventure!

Warkworth regionTuesday 25th October - Partly cloudy, isolated showers from around midday as southerlies change easterly.Wednesday 26th October - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers. Northeasterlies.Thursday 27th October - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Friday 28th - A few showers. Northerlies.Saturday 29th - A few showers, turning to rain later. Fresh northerlies.Sunday 30th - Rain with heavy falls, easing later. Fresh northerlies, easing.Mangawhai regionTuesday 25th October - Partly cloudy, a few showers from around midday as southerlies change easterly.Wednesday 26th - A few morning showers, clearing to partly cloudy weather. Northeasterlies.Thursday 27th - Fine with northerlies.Friday 28th - A few showers. Northerlies.Saturday 29th - Showers. Northerlies.Sunday 30th - Rain. Northerlies.

SH1 will be closed northbound between Upper Harbour Hwy and Silverdale on Mon 24 Oct between 10pm and 5am for routine maintenance and safety improvements work. A longer than usual signposted detour will be in place via Paul Matthews Rd, Bush Rd, Albany Ewy and Dairy Flat Hwy. This will add approximately 15 minutes to your journey time, so please plan ahead.The following northbound on-ramps will also be closed (from 9pm) for these works: Upper Harbour Hwy, Greville Rd, and Oteha Valley Rd.Please note that all overnight motorway closures are subject to weather and other factors and may be cancelled or postponed at late notice. To check for the most current overnight closure information please visit our website (www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic) before you go each day.

Experts are warning people to be extra cautious in the sun this summer, with UV radiation levels already averaging higher than last year.NIWA data shows UV index levels between noon and 1pm in Auckland have been 5 percent higher on average, and up to 10 percent higher over the past month.A UV index level of three is enough to cause skin damage. For comparison, UV 8 is rare in the UK, even in the height of summer.UV radiation is produced by the sun, and exposure can cause sunburn, premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.NIWA meteorologist Dr Richard Turner said the high UV levels in New Zealand were probably due to a slight depletion of the ozone layer over the past few months, possibly worsened by the Tongan volcanic eruption."Our atmosphere shields us from a lot of the sun's radiation because of the thin ozone layer in our stratosphere, which absorbs most of the UV," he said.UV levels are predicted to reach between 6 and 7 in the south, 7 to 8 in central New Zealand and between 8 and 9 in the north over the Labour weekend.The ozone layer naturally breaks down and restores, but it has become thinner over time. It is particularly prominent over Antarctica, where a large hole forms in the spring with the effects felt in New Zealand in summer.The most common cause is manufactured chemicals such as CFCs, which were phased out in the 1990s but linger in our atmosphere for decades.Some scientists think January's eruption of the underwater Tongan vocano could be factor in this latest decline.Research suggested the Tongan volcano injected so much water into the stratosphere, it may have created a temporary loss of ozone. Luckily, the effect would be reversible, NIWA said, as the water would be naturally removed from the stratosphere in a few years.Cancer Society spokesperson Hazel Potterton said that until then, it was of particular concern in New Zealand due to the ozone layer over the country already being some of the thinnest in the world."New Zealand often ranks highest in the world for skin cancer rates," she said. "Even on cloudy days, you can burn within minutes, and people are often caught out at this time of year."People should cover up and apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every two hours.NIWA provides the Cancer Society of New Zealand with daily UV level forecasts, which can be accessed via the free UVNZ app.

The agency charged with enforcing vaccine pass rules says it has no idea how many businesses have paid fines for not complying.From December to about Easter, many businesses had to ask to see Covid-19 vaccine passes, and staff had to have them to work.Sixty-six fines were issued to businesses that did not comply, but it's unclear how many have paid up.Caleb Kloeg owns Masterton restaurant Saint Sebastian and refused to do vaccine passes."We decided not to partake in the traffic light system."We didn't say that we were doing it, we didn't say that we weren't doing it, we just said that as a business we weren't partaking into the contract of the traffic light system."In January, WorkSafe issued his business with $16,000 of fines for not checking vaccine certificates and not displaying vaccine pass signs.WorkSafe was in charge of educating businesses, and enforcing the rules, during the time the framework was in place.But Kloeg said he hasn't heard anything since learning the fines had been transferred to the Ministry of Justice for collection."If they essentially want their money they'll have to try and get it through the court process. And that's pretty much where we're at now."Kloeg said he never intended to pay the fines, but expected that they would become null and void since the vaccine mandates are all but over.In the four months the framework was in place, WorkSafe issued 66 infringement notices to 22 businesses.Sixty-one of those notices were transferred to the Ministry of Justice, with fines totalling $373,000.WorkSafe has no way of knowing how many of its fines will make their way back to the Crown coffers.Rodrigo Nasa owns Tauranga tattoo parlour Hammerhead Tattoos, and said he has no intention of paying his $24,000 in fines."Whatever they send to me it's going in the bin, simple as that, until they answer my questions or my email."Not just keep sending me, repeating the bill."Nasa said he has tried to talk to WorkSafe but hasn't had much success."Everything's almost like still happening in the clouds, hiding there somewhere."It's hard for me to give you a solid answer because I don't know where we're at."The passes were eliminated in April. Photo: 2021 Getty ImagesThe owner of Geraldine restaurant Q Foods, Carl Nicolson, is also adamant he won't be paying.In February, the business received $20,000 in fines for not checking vaccine passes, displaying signs or QR codes."I'm not paying for the fine regardless of what happens."They can do whatever they want to me, I will not pay that fine."Nicolson said communication with authorities since receiving the fines has been limited."I haven't had anything personally. A good associate has taken care of all of that who's very versed on common law."And the fine will disappear if it hasn't already, I haven't actually heard."Nicolson also came under fire for comparing the government's Covid policies to the Holocaust in his store signage.Engagement and education approach - WorkSafeHead of the general inspectorate at WorkSafe Simon Humphries said most businesses complied with their responsibilities under the Covid-19 Protection Framework, with only a small number not following the rules."We very much took a high engagement and education role right throughout our Covid response."But when there was sustained non-compliance by that very small number, then the next escalation of our response was to issue infringement notices."After issuing fines to businesses and serving reminder notices, WorkSafe transfers the infringement notices to the Ministry of Justice.But neither WorkSafe nor the Ministry of Justice know how much has been paid so far - if anything at all.Humphries said it was the same story with any enforcement agency: police may not know how many speeding tickets they issue actually get paid."Once it gets handed to the Ministry of Justice then the role of the regulator or issuing authority ends at that point."And then the Ministry of Justice then follow through the process around collection and their own internal process to the ongoing non-payment."A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the ministry didn't know how many have been paid because it cannot distinguish between Covid-19 fine infringements and other infringements imposed under the Health and Safety at Work Act.It is now in the hands of individual district courts to enforce the payments.

LADY BARBER – HAIRCUTTING SALOONAfter an award winning 30 year career in film & television, hair & make-up artist to the stars - Vanessa Hurley, aka LADY BARBER is pleased to now call Matakana her home.A trained barber & qualified hairdresser, ‘LADY BARBER’ is now open at The Matakana Country Park (next to Smiths Bar) offering haircuts for ladies, gents & kids.Excited to be returning to her roots, this country girl at heart describes herself as a little bit country & a little bit Rock n’ Roll.Grab a coffee, swing by, listen to some tunes and have a yarn while Vanessa cuts your hair your way. Book in or walk in…Tuesday – Friday  9am-5pm  Saturday 10am – 3pmHaircutsLadies Haircut $50-$80.00Mens Hair cut $40.00Beard trim $10.00-$20.00Kids haircut $30.00 - 12 yrs & underBlow Dry $60Make-upMakeup $80.00Hair up $80.00Eyebrow tint $20Eyelash tint $20Text or email for an appointment:021 828 419 [email protected]

SH1 WARKWORTH-WELLSFORD - OVERNIGHT CLOSURES - OCT/NOVState Highway 1 between Warkworth and Wellsford will be closed to all traffic for 8 nights while resurfacing is undertaken in the Dome Valley area (at two locations between Wayby Valley Rd & Sheepworld). Closures will be in place from 8pm to 5am each night for an initial 3 nights, Tue 25 October – Thu 27 October, then followed by 5 further nights, Sun 30 October – Thu 3 November, with no closures occurring on Friday or Saturday nights. During closures a detour will be in place using Woodcocks Rd, West Coast Rd, and SH16 (Kaipara Coast Hwy and Port Albert Rd) between Warkworth and Wellsford. Please plan ahead as this detour may add up to 40 minutes travel time to your journey. Through traffic (especially heavy vehicles) should use SH16 entirely between Auckland and Wellsford. Traffic Map info: http://spr.ly/6181MYTgBIn addition, safety improvements work at the Pohuehue Viaduct (south of Warkworth) will require stop/go traffic management on SH1 near Cowan Bay Rd during these nights so further delays should be expected.Full media release here: http://spr.ly/6182MYTg8 ^TP

Friday 21st OctoberMatakana Botanicals Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend SaleBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleInspire with Scott TownsendFiji Fridays @ SmithsSaturday 22nd OctoberInspire with Scott TownsendJunk Play eventsMangawhai Tavern MarketMangawhai Community MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend SaleMatakana Botanicals Labour Weekend SaleORION PIANO TRIOFood Truck Collective - WarkworthTrouble @ The MillFiji Fridays @ SmithsSunday 23rd OctoberMatakana Country Park MarketJunk Play eventsMatakana Botanicals Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend SaleBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleWhole Health Fest - MangawhaiGrant Haua Awa Blues Acoustic Aotearoa TourFiji Fridays @ SmithsMonday 24th OctoberMatakana Monday Market Labour Day SpecialBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend Sale

Warkworth regionFriday 21st October - Showers clearing to fine weather this morning, but still the chance of a daytime shower. Evening showers as southwesterlies turn easterly.Saturday 22nd - Fine. Easterlies, easing in the afternoon.Sunday 23rd - Fine. Light winds, becoming southwesterlies for a time in the afternoon and evening.Monday 24th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing later. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai regionFriday 21st October - Fine with a few clouds, and the chance of a morning shower. A shower around midnight. Daytime southwesterlies, otherwise light winds.Saturday 22nd - Mainly fine, early shower clearing. Easterlies.Sunday 23rd - Fine with easterlies easing.Monday 24th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

Smith's in Matakana Country Park have kindly gifted us a $100 voucher to give away to a lucky Matakana App user!Enter your details here Smith's Matakana voucher up for grabs!Competition closes 27th October. Winners are announced on social media and contacted via email.If you aren't aware of Smith's Labour Day long weekend celebrations and specials check it out Fiji Fridays @ Smiths