New Zealand ShakeOut is our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi. It's taking place Thursday 27 October 2022 at 9:30am.What is New Zealand ShakeOut and tsunami hīkoi?ShakeOut takes place across the world to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake. Drop, Cover and Hold. You can also practice a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk) if you're in a coastal area.Information for schools, businesses and individualsFind ShakeOut information for schools and early childhood centres. We know that when kids are involved in preparing for emergencies, they encourage their families to be more prepared. And they play a more active role in responding to and recovering from emergencies.Find ShakeOut information for business and organisations. An emergency plan is a health and safety requirement. Not having one is a big risk for your business and the people in it.Find ShakeOut information for individuals, households and families. Taking part is a great way for your whānau to learn the right actions to take before, during and after an earthquake and tsunami.For more information visit:https://getready.govt.nz/en/involved/shakeout/

Critics of Rocket Lab say there is no guarantee its launches for foreign governments will not be used to facilitate the use of nuclear weapons.New Zealand-based Rocket Lab successfully released Nasa's Capstone spacecraft on a path to the Moon recently, among other missions.Both the company and the government have denied claims by the Green Party that its launches on behalf of the United States Defense Department could allow it to make war from space."Weaponising space is not in our national interest and goes against our international commitments to ensuring peace in space," Teanau Tuiono, the Green Party's spokesperson for security and intelligence, said in a statement."The government should put in place clear rules that stop our whenua being used to launch rockets on behalf of foreign militaries."Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck has gone on the record with media including Newshub and the New Zealand Herald to say that the company would not deal in weapons."We're certainly not going to launch weapons or anything that damages the environment or goes and hurts people," he told Newshub last year.Sonya Smith, a spokesperson for watchdog group Rocket Lab Monitor, said that New Zealand authorities have no power to control what happens after a launch."Essentially the policy is saying we intend to do no harm."So we think the intentions are good but the reality of the end result is that technology and those payloads is most definitely capable and likely of being used in a war setting."Smith said the United States Defense Force is open about its plans to use satellites for military goals.Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said a new Aerospace Strategy was being opened for public consultation in September.In that announcement, Nash announced a review into New Zealand's space policy."The Space Policy Review is an opportunity for New Zealanders to have their say on the values and policy objectives that inform our government's activities and engagements in space."Feedback will contribute toward the development of a new National Space Policy that will capture our values regarding space and inform future space policy development, including any regulatory or legislative changes to the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017."Green Party spokesperson for Māori development Elizabeth Kerekere said there needs to be more input into space policy by Māori."Tangata whenua have to have a greater say over what happens on their whenua. Rocket Lab's presence in Mahia is an example of tangata whenua being shut out of decision-making processes.""I will attend the public consultation on the National Space Policy Review in Mahia to support mana whenua," she said.

The Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) Trust will soon start work on a new Flow Bowl and Street Skateboarding Plaza, following a grant from Kaipara District Council.In total, Council has allocated $400,000 to MAZ in two portions. The first portion of $200,000 was set aside in the Long Term Plan to match Lotteries funding already obtained by MAZ. A further $200,000 grant will come from reserve contributions, collected from the Mangawhai catchment area.Skateboarding has been growing in popularity, particularly since becoming an Olympic sport, and the Mangawhai facilities are well used. The Olympics have two skateboarding categories – street and park – which require different facilities. Mayor Dr Jason Smith says the improved skate park facilities will put MAZ on the map as one of the best skate environments in the country.“Mangawhai has long been famous for its surf beach and will soon be famous for its skateboarding as well. The MAZ Trust has continued to raise funds and put in the hard yards to create a truly world-class facility that Council is proud to support.”MAZ Trust Chairperson Colin Gallagher says the additions to the skate park will open new recreation opportunities for both Mangawhai residents and visitors to Mangawhai. “We expect that providing a more comprehensive skate facility will have positive flow on effects for local shops and businesses, as well as being of a standard for training for the Paris Olympics in 2024.”Work will start on the Flow Bowl in September then move onto the Street Skateboarding Plaza. The funding covers 100% of the Flow Bowl and 50% of the plaza which will be developed in stages and designed so completed sections are usable while further funding is sought to complete the full plaza area. The MAZ Trust aim to complete the Skate Park within the next year.MAZ site plan showing planned Flow Bowl and Street Plaza

Groundswell NZ has organised a nationwide protest in response to the Government's document released 11th October proposing to tax farmers for emissions on food production.https://www.groundswellnz.co.nz/campaigns/were-not-going-to-take-itBelow is the rough schedule the protest will take in our area. Please be aware there may be traffic delays.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has asked the city's water management company and council boss to stop work on Three Waters.In a statement on Monday afternoon, Brown said he had promised during his election campaign that he would stop the central government's proposal.The plan would take water services out of the hands of councils and create four publicly-owned companies to cover the country."In more than 300 campaign events, I detected no support for it [Three Waters] at all among Aucklanders. I promised in the election campaign to stop it," Brown wrote to Watercare chairperson Margaret Devlin.Brown believed stopping this work could mean water charges and rates stayed "as low as possible" in return."It is not in the best interests of Watercare, its shareholder or its customers for it to spend any more money on the doomed proposal - and that is also true of Auckland Council," he said."What money Watercare or Auckland Council might have spent on Three Waters should be returned to Auckland households in the form of lower water charges and rates than would otherwise be charged."Former Auckland mayor Phil Goff was also opposed to the government's plan, saying it would diminish accountability and responsiveness but at the same time feared losing the opportunity for change because of disagreement over the governance."There needs to be reform of water and we stand by that - we just don't like the government's model that they've created for Auckland which in our view is unnecessary," Goff said.Brown's letter to Devlin also requested that the council organisation "maintain a focus on the delivery of your core services in accordance with the council's expectations".He wrote he would be setting out his expectations formally in a Statement of Intent, but said he had no plans for "any substantial changes" to organisation's operations."As mayor, I expect that you will not be unnecessarily spending your resources on assisting or preparing for Three Waters reforms that are unlikely to happen. That is also true of Auckland Council to which I have given the same advice."Brown had also campaigned on replacing the directors of major council-controlled agencies, pledging to bring the organisations back directly under the council's control.The boss of council development arm Eke Panuku pushed back, saying the council-controlled organisations answered to the council, not the mayor.

Crash outside South Bound tunnel.State Highway 1 Johnston Hill Tunnel. Currently blocked North and South bound. Avoid the area if possible. Please detour Hibiscus Coast Highway .

The Professional Firefighters Union is restarting industrial action this morning despite having just got recommendations from a mediator.Strike action over pay and conditions was suspended in late August.Yesterday mediator Graeme Colgan issued his final report, with its contents embargoed until 21 October.Union national secretary Wattie Watson said the industrial action consisted of bans on some workplace tasks and does not affect emergency response in any way."The purpose of [it] is to keep the pressure on FENZ to try to get them to the table and at least discuss where we've got common ground ... and how we're going to give this matter some priority and get the job done."Watson said there was a solid foundation in the report to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.The union will hold membership meetings virtually on Sunday to update its members.Fire and Emergency said it was hoping to keep the momentum up in talks.Chief executive Kerry Gregory said it was working through the report as quickly as possible to see what was feasible and sustainable.He said he was hopeful a settlement could be reached.

Warkworth regionMonday 17th October - Partly cloudy this morning with a shower possible. Showers from afternoon, possibly heavy. Westerlies turning northerly for a time this afternoon.Tuesday 18th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 19th - Isolated showers, clearing in the evening but becoming cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Thursday 20th - Showers, mainly in the morning. Southwesterlies, becoming strong.Friday 21st - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Southerlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai regionMonday 17th October - Partly cloudy, then showers from afternoon, possibly heavy with thunderstorms. Northwesterlies dying out in the evening.Tuesday 18th - A few morning showers then increasing fine spells. SouthwesterliesWednesday 19th - A few showers. Southwesterlies.Thursday 20th - Showers, clearing to partly cloudy weather. Westerlies.Friday 21st - Partly cloudy. Southerlies easing

It’s all happening at Leigh! After a slightly delayed start, the kororā have decided it is time to come ashore for nesting, and within a short time their numbers seem to have grown from almost none to many.As with last year they seem to be favouring natural sites rather than the boxes, but that’s fine because it keeps things as ‘normal’ as possible. Some birds are just resident, some are nest building, and a couple already are in lying positions consistent with having eggs. Here’s hoping!Some recent observations have been that they often still come ashore in very rough seas, but if the sea is cloudy (as it was after the August storms) one closely monitored nest remained unattended for a few days until the water cleared again. (Kororā are known to find food locating difficult in mirky water.)Unfortunately dead kororā were found on Matheson and Crabb Beach mid August. What the birds had been attacked by was inconclusive.On the positive side however, a huge shout out goes to all the trappers who are part of this project. They contribute so much to making the bird environment safe around Leigh, Ti Point, etc and given that the Little Penguin population is declining nationally, we need a community effort to grow their numbers. Thanks, you trappin’ gals and guys!!DOG WALKERS please be mindful if you are walking your dog, to keep them controlled and please do not let them off leash on coastal walkways and reserves as Penguin are nesting at present around our coast.*Author: Jenny Enderby / [email protected] for Leigh Rag [email protected] with permission.

Friday 14th OctoberRothko Tasting Series Presents Around The World With GinArt & Tartan+ Wearable Art Awards 2022Saturday 15th OctoberMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketFree Composting Workshop - MangawhaiCasino Royale - Matakana Fire Brigade FundraiserWellsford's Got TalentArt & Tartan+ Wearable Art Awards 2022Sunday 16th OctoberMatakana Country Park MarketMagical Mangawhai Period PowerCelebrate the Return of Kuaka

Warkworth regionFriday 14th - Mostly cloudy. Showers becoming isolated this afternoon. Easterlies.Saturday 15th - Partly cloudy. Southerlies.Sunday 16th - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Mangawhai regionFriday 14th - Mostly cloudy. Showers, possibly heavy, easing this evening. Easterlies, picking up for a while this afternoon.Saturday 15th - Occasional showers. Southeasterlies, dying out in the evening.Sunday 16th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

As we progress work to fully link the new motorway to the existing State Highway 1 at Johnstones Hill Tunnels (JHT) we will be making further road layout changes to the Southern Connection.We encourage you to plan your journey over the next couple of weeks as this work will involve lane changes and at times full road closures.Work will take place over two weeks in mid-October.• Sunday 16 October - SH1 closure northbound only – Silverdale to Johnstone Hill Tunnels. The detour will be via State Highway 16 and local roads, from 10pm to 5am.• Monday 17 October – SH1 closure both directions – Silverdale to Johnstone Hill Tunnels northbound and Pūhoi to Grand Drive southbound. The detour will be via State Highway 16 and local roads, from 9pm to 5am.• Wednesday 19 October – SH1 closure both directions – Silverdale to Johnstone Hill Tunnels northbound and Pūhoi to Grand Drive southbound. The detour will be via State Highway 16 and local roads, from 9pm to 5am.Until Wednesday 19 October, the northbound tunnel will be closed and traffic travelling in both directions will use one side each of the southbound tunnel using a contraflow.From Thursday 20 October, a slightly new road layout will be in place. Please drive with caution and keep to the sign posted speed limit.

Looking forward to Labour weekend in paradise? Locals and visitors! We have an exciting weekend lined up for you...Kicking off the sunny season in style at Smiths Matakana.Friday 21 October // FIJI FRIDAYS🌴 Happy Hour 4 - 6pm🌴 Tropical Cocktails $15 each🌴 Pacific Island food specials🌴 Live Music on the Sundeck from 6pmSaturday 22 October // MIXED MESSAGES🍹 $12 Cocktails all day🎧 DJ on the decks mixing a blend of tunes from 6pmSunday 23 October // SUNDAY SERVICE💎 $12 Margaritas all day💎 DJ playing funk, soul, disco and rare grooves from 2pmLive music 3 days a week....and the rest!😎 We have the biggest sundeck in Matakana.🐴 We are overlooking the horse arena (free entertainment for the kids guys!)🐶 We welcome your smoochy pooches to come in too.😜 We cater to all diets and have an awesome kids menu.🥳 We have a Garden Bar and lawns for that casual vibe.😎 We have an experienced team and kitchen crew, bringing you the best food.🤩 We love making people happy!Opening Hours:Tuesday - Friday from 4pm till lateSaturday - Sunday 12pm till latehttps://www.smithsmatakana.co.nz/reservations09 422 7360

The government is celebrating its agricultural emissions pricing plan as a world-first, but it faces a battle winning over the sector, and few other political parties are entirely satisfied with it.The emissions pricing plan is the government's response to He Waka Eke Noa, a partnership between government agencies and the sector.The government has proposed bringing in split-gas farm-level emissions pricing from 2025 in a world-first scheme.While the government accepted most of the recommendations, a key difference is that Cabinet will set the levies farmers will pay, rather than an independent group with some members selected by the industry.National Party leader Christopher Luxon said the government's plan undermined the industry consensus."We acknowledge that we have to reduce agriculture emissions," Luxon told Morning Report."What we've said is we would support introducing agricultural pricing."The question of how you do that is really important. You have to pace that with the technological advances that are coming and then synch it up with that.""The thing that I find really, really disturbing is that we're going to get rid of one-fifth of our sheep and beef farmers by 2030, in less than seven years," Luxon claimed.The government acknowledges the plan will be harder for beef and sheep farmers - and it could possibly lead to a 21 percent decrease in revenue by 2030.Pressed on whether National, if put into government next year, would bring the levy in by 2025, Luxon said he would support what farmers want."We want the industry to be able to develop its own solution. We will support whatever the industry wants."I trust farmers. I understand that they get this issue."What the government proposed yesterday is utterly, utterly unacceptable."The government is asking farmers to get involved with six weeks of consultation before final proposals including the price go to Cabinet for sign-off next year.ACT's primary industries spokesperson Mark Cameron said the plan could lead to production being shifted offshore to less climate-efficient nations - leading to more emissions.And he predicts the scheme will be a hot topic in election year."Farmers and rural people seem to be jumping through rings of fire to mitigate all manner of things quite often when the problems are ill-defined and the solutions are equally so."So I think it could have a significant knock-on effect to the outcome of the election."On the other end of the spectrum, Climate Change Minister James Shaw of the Green Party admitted it was not exactly what he wanted.Shaw was keen to put a cap on emissions, and have emissions pricing sit independent from ministers."I think it could be more robust and a system that uses an absolute cap is the most robust you could have."However, something that isn't going to be up and running on time and could be easily dismantled is not going to deliver you the emissions reductions that you need."Shaw fears government setting the prices risks the process being vulnerable to lobbying."We've seen in the past where in a change of government that then will side with the sector, you could see something we've set up being dismantled a couple of years down the track."And of course that doesn't achieve our goals either."National's agriculture spokesperson Barbara Kuriger said there needed to be a consensus reached with the sector, before farmers became an election-year political football."We've never really come down hard and fast on all the variables around He Waka Eke Noa."All we've said is that the industry could negotiate something that they wanted with the government then we will support it."Unfortunately it's kind of got to a point today where there's just a few people that are just a bit upset about where it's got to."Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday said the government was committed to building a system that worked for farmers."We will continue to work in partnership to drive as much consensus as possible to ensure we have a system that lasts the distance," she said."Cutting emissions will help New Zealand farmers to not only be the best in the world but the best for the world; gaining a price premium for climate friendly agricultural products while also helping to boost export earnings."The consultation period ends on 18 November.

*CONSULTATION* The Government plans to introduce a farm-level levy on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand from 2025. A farm-level levy will provide incentives for farmers and growers to take action on-farm to lower emissions. You have until 18 November 2022 to submit feedback on the Government’s proposals. For more info, or to make a submission, click here: https://bit.ly/3EwrRTjMore on the Governments proposal https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/476451/he-waka-eke-noa-government-proposes-farm-level-system-by-2025and here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pragmatic-proposal-reduce-agricultural-emissions-and-enhance-exports-and-economy

New toilets at Alamar Crescent are ready for the public to use in time for Mangawhai’s busy summer season. Te Uri o Hau kaumatua, Hone Martin, led a blessing to open the new facilities on Monday 10 October. The blessing was attended by staff who worked on the project, Te Uri o Hau representatives, members of the Mangawhai Boating and Fishing Club, and Councillors Jonathan Larsen, Mark Vincent, and Peter Wethey. The toilets mean nearby facilities for boat ramp users and for members of the public enjoying the northern end of the Mangawhai estuary. Accessibility parking is available directly outside the new facilities.  The toilets feature a mural by artist, Thijs de Koning, celebrating Mangawhai’s coastal environment and history. The mural includes tara iti fairy tern, mihimihi flowers, marlin, and the common dolphin. Also featured is The Daring, a two-mast schooner built in 1863 in Mangawhai, currently being preserved by The Daring Trust.  The project is supported by the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) from central government.Photo caption: Completed toilets on Alamar Crescent, near the boat ramp. Photo caption: Accessibility parking outside the new toilets. 

A new product developed with help from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will offer an alternative to the estimated 350 million plastic trays and pots used by New Zealand nurseries and gardeners each year. “We’ve supported Pinehurst Associates Ltd to develop a proof of concept for biodegradable garden pots,” says Steve Penno, MPI’s director of investment programmes. “The pots can last 12 months above ground before biodegrading, with the biodegrading process starting as soon as soil is added. They can be planted directly into the ground, with the pot providing fertiliser for the plant as the pot biodegrades. “Taking commonly used plastic pots out of landfills will also help the environment.”  MPI contributed more than $41,000 to the project through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. This has enabled Pinehurst Associates to refine its research and development, and work through manufacturing issues. Peter Wilson, director of Pinehurst Associates, says the new product, PolBionix, is made from bio-polymers and a bio-filler. The bio-polymers are made from sustainably grown sugarcane, cassava and corn. The bio-filler is from waste organic matter that contains naturally occurring chemicals and nutrients that are attractive to microbes to eat.  “As a result, PolBionix biodegrades in mild environments, like in soil and under home composting conditions,” Mr Wilson says. The product is currently being tested in 3 commercial nurseries.  “The advantage of our product over other biodegradable pots in the market is its long shelf life,” Mr Wilson says.  “Our product can withstand the regular watering and handling that takes place in commercial nurseries.” Mr Wilson says the pots can be manufactured using existing plastic injection mould manufacturing processes. The product can also be manufactured with thermoforming and film blown processes.  “Raw material costs for PolBionix are higher than for traditional fossil-based plastic pots, so the PolBionix pots will be more expensive. However, once you factor in not having to add fertiliser, and costs saved from not having to then dispose of the traditional pots – such as reduced labour, landfill and environmental costs – I think our PolBionix pots are a clear winner.”   Auckland Council trialled the planting of PolBionixpots in Waitawa Regional Park on 3 August. Further PolBionix pots were planted at a local Auckland school this month. The school’s pot planting is being supported by Auckland Transport’s Eastern Busway project team who have a keen focus on environmental sustainability and using less plastic. Mr Wilson says that PolBionixis the result of 4 years of research in collaboration with Crown research institute Scion, and funding support from Callaghan Innovation and Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation Fund.  “The scientific breakthrough that Scion’s scientists achieved has resulted in the filing of 2 international patents. The potential for the development of additional products that help mitigate the damage fossil-based plastic does to the environment is exciting,” Mr Wilson says. Steve Penno says the project aligns with the sustainability goal of the Government and food and fibre sector’s Fit for a Better World roadmap. “This sustainable solution has the potential to make a difference globally – not just in New Zealand. While the pots may cost a bit more financially, they won’t cost the earth.” Pinehurst Associates has received $85,500 from the Ministry for the Environment’s Plastics Innovation Fund, announced by Minister David Parker on Friday 23 September. This will assist the company in continuing to research additional formulations and fast-track the commercialisation of the PolBionix pots. PolBionix will be commercialised through Wilson and Ross Limited within the next year.Wilson and Ross 

New Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo says he is excited about leading the district forward."We are in a period of rapid growth. There is a lot to be done," Cocurullo said.Cocurullo, who describes himself as centre right, has been elected as mayor of Northland's largest urban centre on his fourth attempt."I"m looking forward to getting the new council on track. There is a lot of work to be done," Cocurullo said."Thank you to all those who voted for me. I'm proud to be a locally-born mayor representing the people of Whangārei district."Cocurullo won the Whangārei mayoral race by a resounding majority, with 7132 votes. This was 2148 votes ahead of next rival and local government newcomer Mike Budd who earned 4984 votes, and Budd's tally was 697 more than sitting Whangārei District councillor Ken Couper's 4287 votes.The balance of the seven WDC mayoral candidates were Brad Flower with 3963, Shaquille Shortland 1708, Nick Jacob 1397 and Fiona Green 89 votes.Departing three-term Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai decided not to stand again at the 2022 local elections.Cocurullo said he was looking forward to working with fellow councillors in the next couple of weeks, building a new team based on their strengths.He was first elected onto Whangārei District Council 15 years ago in 2007, and stood unsuccessfully for mayor in the 2010 and 2013 local government elections, but was again elected as a WDC councillor in 2016 and 2019.Cocurullo is strongly against Three Waters, and said WDC would continue to oppose the current government restructuring plan for the sector.He voted against Māori wards being brought in to the council.In the wake of his mayoral win, he said his opposition to Māori wards was based on dissatisfaction with the process used to bring the Māori electoral area in, without going out to the people of Whangārei to ask what they wanted on that count.But Cocurullo said he looked forward to working with everyone on council - including those in the new Whangārei District Māori ward.He said government legislation change underpinned the introduction of new Māori wards and they would now be in place for at least three years.

Warkworth regionMonday 10th - Cloudy periods with isolated showers. Northeasterlies, easing this evening.Tuesday 11th - Mostly cloudy. Light winds.Wednesday 12th - Mostly cloudy, with possible isolated showers. Easterlies developing in the morning.Thursday 13th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing. Easterlies.Friday 14th - Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Fresh easterlies.Mangawhai regionMonday 10th - Cloudy periods with a few light showers. Northeasterlies, easing this afternoon.Tuesday 11th - Mostly cloudy. Easterly breezesWednesday 12th - Partly cloudy. Easterlies.Thursday 13th - A few showers. Easterlies.Friday 14th - Showers, clearing to mostly cloudy weather. Easterlies.