Matakana Markets has taken out first place in their category at Life and Leisure’s Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards.The awards were decided by popular public vote; Coast people’s choice for outstanding farmers’ market was the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market. The zero-waste market celebrates the Matakana region’s natural bounty and creative, entrepreneurial spirit every Saturday.The awards that celebrate Kiwis who harvest, grow and make food and drinks were first held in 2017. Each year a team of specialist judges assess around 200 products, awarding the best products with an outstanding food producer gold, silver or bronze medal. Products can then wear their medal sticker as an independent endorsement of quality.“We are absolutely delighted to win this award, but a lot of thanks goes out to all our amazing local makers and producers who work so hard to deliver the goods every Saturday. Thank you to everyone who voted and who visit our market”, says market manager, Fiona McGeough.

Local group Fight The Tip Save The Dome are refusing to roll over in the wake of news that the Dome Valley Landfill had been granted approval to go ahead.They have enlisted the help of Lawyer Andrew Braggins to appeal the Environment Court’s decision.The group has asked that anyone who wishes to help them in their appeal against the Resource Consent approval for the Dome Valley landfill to please consider becoming a witness or filing as a S274 interested party. As a witness, your thoughts on the matter of the tip will be shared with the legal teams representing Fight the Tip, Ngati Whatua and Ngati Manuhiri so they can decide which appeal you would best be a witness for. Or you can select from any number of those 3 options if there is an appeal you think you would best be a witness for.Becoming a section 274 interested party has a deadline of 26th July. Interested parties are those who are either submitters or those with an interest in the proceedings greater than the public, such as neighbours, downstream resource users, iwi authorities and environmental interest groups. If a party does not fall into the second category of having an interest in the proceedings greater than the public generally, they may be able to support the party by giving evidence, including potentially expert evidence so long as they meet the criteria.Andrew Braggins advises that being a witness to an appeal is the better option. However, you can do both if you wish.

Tuesday Harry Potter Time, Warkworth Library, 10:30 a.m.If the kids are getting a bit bored during the school holidays, head along to Harry Potter Time at Warkworth Library to bring back a little bit of magic. There will be Harry Potter crafts, wand making, letters and more. Dress up is optional. Wednesday Courtney Barnett, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 7:00 p.m.Having been grounded in 2020 care of the global pandemic, Barnett made the best of a bad situation and wrote and recorded a new record. That drops later this year, but before it does the witty maestro is touring her solo show to all corners of Aotearoa – a country she's adored touring in the past and a place she considers herself lucky to have the opportunity to return to.With nine dates at some of New Zealand's favourite venues, local audiences are in for a treat as Barnett dials things right down and prepares to deliver gems from her catalogue in an intimate setting. SaturdayGluten Free Basics Cooking Class, Nicole's Nutrition Kitchen Warkworth, 1:30 p.m.This class is all about the basics of gluten-free baking, so it is ideal for those new to a gluten-free diet. However, it is also a great class for anyone who has been following a gluten-free diet for a while and wants some new recipes, or anyone trying to cook for someone else who is gluten-free.You will learn lots of interesting facts and tips and tricks to get your gluten-free loaves of bread, scones, wraps and other baked gems looking and tasting delicious. There will be lots of tasty samples to try during the evening and a recipe booklet to take home. If you are looking for a fun and informative cooking class sign up at http://www.nutritionkitchen.co.nz/.../107-cooking-classes.The class runs for 2 hours, costs $60 per person and is limited to 6 people, so bookings are essential. The workshop will be held in Warkworth in the Nicole's Nutrition Kitchen demo kitchen. SundayWonderland Glow Show, Warkworth Town Hall, 1:30 p.m.The third and final event of the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights will be the Wonderland Glow Show, an upbeat, engaging ‘Kiwified’ interpretation of the classic ‘Alice in Wonderland' tale for tamariki, educators and whanau that dives headlong into a weird and wonderful world of dancing flamingos, shuffling cards, an 8-metre caterpillar and giant flowers. Let your imagination soar as you're transported by the magic of giant scale glow-in-the-dark puppetry. The mega edu-taining Wonderland Glow Show promotes literacy and Te Reo Mãori, celebrates the exquisite art of ultraviolet puppetry, and demonstrates “Being your most creative self! Hei tino auaha koe! Shows are created specifically for each group:·        1:30pm session for 0 - 5-year-olds – suits ECEs and Year 1 - Puppetry-music-dancing-moving! Meet puppets! 40 minutes!·        3pm session for 6 - 12-year-olds – suits Years 2-8 - Puppetry-story-music! Meet actors with patai (Q and A) 55 minutes.

The property housing the Warehine yard in Matakana has been bought by investors only days after it went on the market.The property is currently home to the Wharahine and Tumbleweed, both of which have leases until 2029, so development of the full site would only happen if these two businesses were willing to vacate the space early. However, there is also space at the back of the property that could be utilised immediately. The site is in a prime location, opposite Matakana Primary School and next to the new development where 33 new homes are being built. Bayleys Warkworth sales agents Henry Napier and Chris Blair said the property was the last remaining undeveloped address in Matakana’s rural-urban boundary.

The Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights is in full swing, with plenty more to look forward to this weekend.The first event of the festival, the parade, was fantastic. Thousands of locals packed into Warkworth’s Queen Street and Wharf Street as the parade led by the pipe band and the Warkworth police did a couple of loops. Boost Chiropractic had a huge spine built full of lights, Jason Morrison Funeral Services had their white hearse lit up, Harold the Giraffe from the Life Education Trust was covered in lights, and the Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade joined in the fun alongside other local businesses.Brent Burridge from One Mahurangi Business Association said that the highlight so far has been the smiles and families having fun.“It's been so positive, the food trucks were very busy, people dancing in the lasers on the wharf, using our selfie cameras, kids getting their faces painted for free then seeing their designs lit up in our glow in the dark tunnel.“The businesses in town have lit up their stores and it's great to see businesses in the industrial area with lights as well, we have had great support.”This Saturday, the streets of Warkworth will again be filled with families, to watch the impressive Gull laser light show.Gull Matakana & Snells Beach have sponsored the laser light show which is designed by Flying Pictures International, an Auckland and Sydney based company. The show created speciallyfor Warworth is synchronised to music and plays for 15 minutes. It kicks off at 6:00 p.m., and plays every half hour after that.The ice-skating rink is also expected to be hugely popular. It is only a gold coin donation to get skating and all that money goes to Springboard in Snells Beach – an organisation that does great work in the community. From 1:00 p.m -9:00 p.m on Baxter Street in Warkworth, there will be a foam cannon, disco floor for the kids in the Masonic Hall, more amusement rides, food trucks and so much more for the family.All this information and more is available on the Facebook page, Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights.

Two locals, Christie Peacocke and Tayla Canter have started up a small business that reminds people to take time for themselves, and of the importance of self-care.New Moon Silk is a thoughtfully curated range of mulberry silk products using premium materials, practical designs, and gorgeous colours to bring a little bit of luxe to customers. So far, they have sleep masks and pillowcases available. The premium mulberry silk helps prevent wrinkles, and also absorbs much less moisture than traditional pillowcases, keeping your face hydrated and helping your skincare routine to work at its full potential while you sleep.“We created New Moon to provide products for self-care, while bringing luxury and comfort to the homes of customers”, says Christie.“We both lead busy lives and discovered silk as an efficient and effective tool for self-care. New Moon products help to look after our sleep quality, skin and hair during the hours we spend recharging.”Mulberry silk has the longest and finest fibres in the silk family. These incredibly fine fibres are the reason behind New Moon Silk product’s anti-ageing properties and hair smoothing and strengthening benefits.As mulberry silk does not hold moisture, it has an antibacterial element.This year, new colours and products will be added to the range. “We have a new colour launching this winter in our pillowcase and sleep mask range, as well as some exciting new products coming this summer. We are really looking forward to expanding our range based on valuable feedback from our stockists and customers.New Moon Silk is stocked in retailers and specialists local to Matakana such as The Bach, Smith Hairdressing, Lite Injectables, Little Takatu Studio and Nomad & Home. For further information about other stockists and product benefits, visit their online store newmoonsilk.com.

Whangateau residents have been left shaken after a recent spate of vandalism on the Big Omaha Wharf building.The building was built in 1924 and is a listed heritage building. Image Jillian TaylorIn June, vandals set the portaloo and toilets alight.The Leigh Fire Brigade responded quickly, however there wasn't much left of the toilets and the culprits had managed to disappear before anyone caught sight of them.Images - Marie Ashton JonesOn July 4th, locals woke up to find extensive tagging on the inside of the building, including atrociously spelt taunts such as “You ant gonna cach me”.There have also been reports of boats on the moorings at Ti Point being broken into, with fishing rods, batteries and other items taken. The historic wharf building was saved, restored and is maintained by the community, making it heartbreaking for those locals having to constantly clean up and repaint.The community are voicing their concerns and looking for ways to prevent further mindless damage. Leigh Chief Fire Officer Kevin has suggested a community patrol, an idea which has had a lot of support on the Love Leigh Facebook page where it was posted.“It happens my brother is founder and trust chairperson for 'Community Patrols of New Zealand', he is ex police, has his own security training company and deals with issues from small community patrols, security firms, civil defence, right up to international terrorism.“He started NZ community patrols for communities like us, to work in with local police and be the eyes and ears on the ground for local issues like we are dealing with. “Chris is personally very happy to come help organise something here for and with us. It would be done properly, formally and in coordination with local police who are all supportive of these patrols”.A locals meeting will be held in the Leigh Hall, Sunday 25th July at 11.00am.Anyone who lives, or has an interest, in the area between Birdsall Road through to Leigh, through to Pakiri, to the corner of Rahuikiri Road and Pakiri Road is welcome to attend this meeting.The proposal is to set up a group and affiliate with 'Community Patrols of New Zealand'. CPNZ.The meeting will be led by this small steering group and will be supported by a representative of CPNZ, Chris Lawton and a representative of the local Warkworth Police.

There is a small update on the hearing for resource consent to extract sand off Pakiri Beach.The hearing began on the 1st of March 2021. The reconvening of the hearing on Monday 31 May was postponed after Kaipara Limited said that they would require additional time to provide their right of reply and were to provide a memo outlining the timeframe for their response.  Kaipara Limited submitted a memo asking for clarification on points around the bathymetric survey and the associated expert discussions.The commissioners have issued a direction in response outlining the division of responsibilities between the expert group (with qualifications and experience in relation to coastal processes) and Mr. Cox (the expert in hydrographic survey).Kaipara submits it is entirely appropriate for the group to discuss area to be surveyed and the form in which the survey data is to be provided to the group. Kaipara respectfully submits it is improper for the group to dictate the survey methodology itself however, as that is a matter in which the only expert in hydrographic survey involved in this application is Mr. Cox. Mr. Cox shall provide to the expert group a copy of his proposed methodology of the bathymetric survey, including details of the survey data output. The expert group shall consider the proposed methodology and confirm that, from their perspective, the methodology will result in data that is reliable and fit for purpose.Alternatively, the expert group will advise Mr. Cox of any concerns that they have with the proposed methodology before he finalises the methodology he will employ in the survey.Consistent with previous directions, all participants and parties are reminded to act as promptly as is reasonable.

An exciting opportunity to own a new and rapidly growing local Media business. The Matakana App was launched in 2019 and has since served as the go to source for news, guides and everything else in the Puhoi to Pakiri region.With Mobile App and a Web app that regularly see over 14,000 monthly page views by over 4000 users, The Matakana App has huge potential for continuous growth.A great fit for anyone looking to be more involved in the local community, work for themselves and has experience in the Media industry.To register your interest please email - [email protected] 

School holidays can be a bit stressful, especially when everybody is cooped up inside to avoid the cold. Luckily, there are heaps of fun, local activities that will get everyone out of the house (and each other's hair).Brick Bay Sculpture TrailIf you're looking for something to do with your little humans during the July school holidays, then this might be an idea. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail is offering free entry for up to three children with every paying adult, weekdays throughout the July school holidays. Get out and explore this beautiful walk combining nature and art. They are open from 10.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m. weekdays and to 5.00 p.m. on weekends.Matakana CinemasMatakana Cinemas is a great go-to for a rainy day. They have plenty of great kids’ films to choose from over the holidays, including special advanced screenings of Space Jam; New Legacy. Dinner at The Matakana Village PubDid you know that every Monday and Tuesday from 4:00 p.m., kids eat free at the Village Pub. With any dining adult, one kid’s meal - from the Kids’ Menu – is free for children up to 12 years old. There's no need to spend the evening in the kitchen. To book, head to www.thematakana.co.nz or call 09 422 7518..Warkworth MuseumDrop into the Warkworth Museum on 15th July or 20th July to enjoy some hands-on activities with museum volunteers. Kids will be able to polish and take home their own piece of kauri gum, have a go at the touch and guess mystery box challenge, learn about old school technology, and so much more.Local LibrariesWarkworth and Mahurangi East Libraries have heaps of awesome events over the holidays to keep the little ones entertained. With bike days, astronomy nights, and plenty of educational workshops, local kids will be having fun and learning at the same time. Mahurangi Winter Festival of LightsThe Mahurangi Winter Festival Of Lights will continue over the holidays, with the famous Gull Laser Light Show making its return this Saturday, July 17th. Join the community on Baxter Street to enjoy all the fun, rain or shine. Activities include laser light show (sponsored by Gull Matakana & Snells), ice skating rink, foam cannon, snow pit, food stalls, music and more. Later on in the month there will be the Glow Show, a ‘Kiwified’ interpretation of the classic ‘Alice in Wonderland' tale for tamariki, educators and whanau. Let your imagination soar as you're transported by the magic of giant scale glow-in-the-dark puppetry. The mega edu-taining Wonderland Glow Show promotes literacy and Te Reo Mãori, celebrates the exquisite art of ultraviolet puppetry, and demonstrates ‘Being your most creative self’.

Construction of an 850 meter footpath will begin in Omaha soon, despite the cost of the project being $220,000 over the original estimate. The footpath, which will extend from the roundabout into Omaha down to the Golf Club and Community Centre in the northern end, was initially allocated $645,000 from the Rodney Local Boards Transport Targeted rate fund. However, in last month's local board meeting, it was revealed that $868,200 was needed to cover all the costs involved with the project.Although board members were concerned with this hike in price, they voted to approve the extra costs and go ahead with the project. The footpath is expected to be completed in October of this year.The footpath is part of a larger, Rodney wide project that will see $7.3 million spent on footpaths over the next two years. Board chair, Phelan Pirrie, says a board priority is expanding the footpath network between towns and villages to improve safety and make it easier for people to get around.“Many of our communities lack adequate footpaths or safe places to walk beside roads. Footpaths are needed in our towns and villages to make it safe for pedestrians.”

This month, many Kiwis participate in Dry July, challenging themselves to go alcohol-free and raise funds for New Zealanders affected by cancer.The funds raised by Dry July 2021 participants will help Look Good Feel Better NZ, Bowel Cancer NZ, PINC & STEEL NZ and Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand improve the comfort, care and well-being of people affected by cancer.Luckily, we have plenty of local alcohol-free alternatives in Matakana that make abstaining a breeze. Wild Delicious is a local brand, providing delicious fermented drinks. For an evening treat, the Wild Delicious Strawberry and Hibiscus Shrub added to some soda water makes for a refreshing and invigorating non-alcoholic drink. It can be used as a base for drinks, and in cooking or salad dressings. If you want to grab a bottle, you can order it from https://wilddelicious.co.nz/, or pick some up from the Point Wells store or the Matakana Village Farmers Markets on Saturday morning.Kombucha is a popular alternative for those looking to cut back on the booze, and Daily Organics Kombucha is fermented, brewed, and bottled right here in Matakana. Daily Organics Kombucha is carefully handmade in small batches by local people who love the art of brewing, and you can taste it in every sip. Their winter brew is a vibrant, rich blend of aromatic chai spices and ginger with black tea that delivers a balanced warming character for those colder months, and is perfect to get you through Dry July. You can find Daily Organics at the Matakana Village farmers Market every Saturday, or in supermarkets across New Zealand.If you're feeling a little bit fancy and want to treat yourself to a mocktail, head to Smiths bar in the Matakana Country park. You won't even miss alcoholic cocktails. The Seasonal Soda is made with Seedlip Garden (an alcohol free spirit), seasonal cordial, and soda, for a botanical delight that won't leave you feeling dusty. The Mile High Spritz is made with Lyres no alcohol spirits and Italian spritz.The Leigh Sawmill Cafe is also on board with Dry July, serving a selection of alcohol-free mocktails to fuel all your weekend boogies.Having a Dry July has great health benefits. Each year, participants report sleeping better, having more energy and productivity, and of course, no hangovers. So, you're not only helping others, you're helping yourself. It's a win-win!

The new Puhoi to Warkworth motorway project is right on schedule, and part of it will open to traffic for the first time from October.A series of road layout changes are scheduled to take place on State Highway 1 north of the Johnstone's Hill Tunnels, at Pūhoi and in Warkworth in October. The most noticeable change for motorists will be over Arawhiti ki Ōkahu (the viaduct over Ōkahu Inlet). Northbound motorists will merge onto the viaduct after the Johnstones Hill Tunnels and exit at Pūhoi (before the second large viaduct, Arawhiti ki Pūhoi). Southbound motorists will drive the same route in reverse.During October motorists will also notice work ramping up at the northern end of the motorway where it meets SH1 just north of Warkworth. Road layout changes will also be in place here when construction of Pukerito (the new roundabout) starts. An important landmark, particularly to the residents of Warkworth and to travellers heading to and from Matakana, Whangarei and the far north, Pukerito can be translated as ‘middle hill’ and signifies the general area as a gully between two hills. The multi-lane roundabout will have three exit points: north-bound (onto existing SH1), eastbound (towards Warkworth) and south-bound (entering the new motorway). Each exit point will have a slip-lane for traffic turning left. Arawhiti Pua Ngahere – the viaduct which passes through a regenerating Kauri forest. Other parts of the project may tend to slow down over the wetter winter months, but the landscaping team will be working hard to make sure they plant as much as they can on motorway batters, the areas between the road and designation boundaries, and permanent stormwater ponds. Planting is carried out in winter when the ground is wet, and plants are largely dormant, allowing them get used to their new environment before the summer. This winter there are 650,000 plants to go into the ground, predominantly stage one ‘nursery crop’ species such as manuka and kanuka which create a shaded environment for future plants like kauri and totara. 

Feast your eyes, feed your mind and fill your heart with kai, culture and korero. Elemental AKL is returning this July with a growing number of curated experiences celebrating the culture, cuisine and creativity of Auckland.From 14 July to 1 August, revel in art, food, music, and activities as Elemental AKL events transform eateries and bars, theatres and public spaces across the city into hubs of exciting experiences.Along with all the awesome events citywide, there are also six unique experiences to enjoy right here on the Matakana Coast.If you want to see the best of the best of what Matakana has to offer, we suggest the Matakana Local Flavours tour with local and owner of Kiwiness Tours, Ness Ward on July 18th.Join a sensory tour to experience some of the great flavours of Matakana, meeting the makers of some of our most sought-after tastes. Go behind the scenes at Sawmill Brewery, Matakana Olive Oil, Brick Bay Wines, and Matakana Coffee. And for dessert? Well, that's the best part! The tour will finish at famous chocolate maker, Honest Chocolate, where the chocolatiers will produce six different bonbons, each using these famous flavours of Matakana Region. As well as the Flavours of Matakana tour, there are plenty of other events that offer special experiences at our local eateries. Best Of Plume Degustation, 16th JulyExperience the flavours of the Matakana Coast at this five-course degustation. Set amongst glorious gardens and overlooking the vines, fields and valleys of the Matakana Coast, Plume Restaurant is a destination of choice for decedent dining For this special Terroir To My Winter Table event, Head Chef Atesh has developed a menu entirely from Matakana produce. From the artisan breads made by Plume Bakery to the house-grown olive oil, sorrel and herbs from the restaurant's potager, lamb from Matakana Butchery and fish from Leigh Fisheries, everything is fresh, local and delicious.  Sawmill Brewery Tour with Kirsty McKay, 18th JulyThe independent and locally owned Sawmill Brewery has been brewing beers from New Zealand hops and malted barley since 2004. They call it beer with roots. Join owner Kirsty McKay for an intimate, behind-the-scenes tour and tasting, and discover how craftsmanship, resourcefulness and a commitment to business as a force for good are all part of the philosophy at the Sawmill Brewery.Stay and Taste Matakana Coast @ Matakana Estate Lodge, 23rd to 25th JulyThis is the ultimate food lovers’ retreat where eight special guests will be tempted with the finest food and beverages under the sun. The package includes two nights of private dining with acclaimed chef Cory Campbell and two dinner menus inspired by local ingredients and artisan producers from the Matakana Coast region. The Art of Degustation, 23rd JulyEnjoy a five-course degustation at Rothko, where fine dining and art come together to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. Feel the warmth of the fire, taste the Sculptureum wines and prepare for a unique culinary experience. Five of Auckland's most celebrated chefs will create a course each inspired by a work of art at the Sculptureum. The stellar line-up includes Thibault Peniarbelle from Andiamo, Lesley Chandra from Sidart, Jason Kim from Gochu, Nico Bonnaud from Honest Chocolat, and Rothko's very own Josh Hazel. Brick Bay Harvest Feast, 28th JulyAs part of Terroir To My Winter Table, Brick Bay Wines is inviting guests to indulge in a four-course feast that will help them understand how terroir, a term used to describe environmental factors that can affect a harvest, is part of the ethos at Brick Bay. Take your seat at The Glass House cantilevered over a picturesque lake and enjoy the fresh food produced on the farm from vegetables and herbs to olive oil, honey, macadamia nuts, figs and lamb. You’ll find the food is as beautiful as the views.For ticketing information on these events, visit https://www.aucklandnz.com/elementalfestival

An incredible new retreat with a focus on wellness and sustainability has opened up just a short ferry trip away, on Kawau Island. Parohe Island Retreat is all about getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and reconnecting with yourself, and with nature.Parohe translates to a ‘relaxed, easy-going mood’ and that is exactly how you feel as you arrive at the natural oasis situated on Kawau Island, a jewel in the Hauraki Gulf.Nestled in 20 hectares of native bush, luxurious Scandinavian-inspired accommodation, organic gardens, and orchards with land and sea activities; Parohe hints towards a deepening connection with our environment. With a selection of 13 cabins, two cabanas, the villa, or Honeymoon Cottage, you are spoiled for choice. Aotearoa crafted amenities, including naturopathic grade herbal teas from Forage and Bloom and sumptuous spa products from Real World in the sunny Hawkes Bay, help you unplug, unwind and get back to the good life. You can simply stay in the stunning accommodation on offer, or you can book in for a two-, three-, or five-night package, which can include yoga, meditation, massages, workshops, and nature walks on the island.So, if you are keen to hit refresh and get grounded, visit www.parohe.co.nz to book your stay.

They’ve been your constant companion through what has been a rough year: loyal, faithful, staunch, and fun. Now, it’s your turn to reciprocate.Auckland Council is again reminding dog owners to show love for their dog by registering them before the 1st of August and taking advantage of the early-bird fee.You can renew online using your dog reference number. You will receive a reminder email or text from Auckland Council with your details around mid-June.New red dog tags will be sent out by post and should arrive within 10 working days.For the first time, a new online portal on myAUCKLAND will be available from 11 June, to make it easier to renew registrations and update information. With myAUCKLAND you canupdate your personal detailsupdate your dog's detailschange your dog's ownershipview your dog's registration fees and statusrenew your dog's registration.For more information see myAUCKLAND.“All dogs need to be registered by three months old and re-registered every year,” Animal Management Manager Sarah Anderson says.“It is a legal requirement under the Dog Control Act 1996 and the information gathered by council goes into a national register which helps to locate and identify owners in the case of wandering, lost or stolen dogs. Our priority is community safety, so being able to identify dogs through their council tag is a big help to the team,” says Sarah.After 1 August owners will be required to pay the standard fee; de-sexing also lowers the dog's annual registration fee.Dog registration fees helpensure all dogs are registeredrespond to reports of dog attacks and complaints about barking and stray animalsprovide shelter services: impoundment, care for strays and reuniting dogs with their ownersrehome dogs through our adoption programmesprovide dog safety education for dog owners, schools and the publicenforce compliance, issue infringements and patrol beaches and parks prosecute serious dog-related offences (under the Dog Control Act).Dog owners must also microchip their dogs within two months of registration. Ultimately, all of Auckland’s 120,000 dogs should be microchipped.“You must register your dog every year, but you need to microchip your dog only once,” says Sarah.“It’s a simple, lifelong way to identify dogs and link them to their owner, resulting in the speedier return of lost, stolen, or injured pooches.”For only $30.00, Aucklanders can have their dogs microchipped at one of Auckland Council’s animal shelters; details are then entered into the National Dog Database.Councillor and Regulatory Committee Chair Linda Cooper says dog registration fees benefit all dog owners and the public.“Funding from dog registrations provides a wide array of services and contribute to a number of vital services within animal management, including a 24-hour a day response to dog incidents and attacks, patrols, animal shelters and adoptions, dog-safety education and most importantly reuniting lost dogs with their owners,” Councillor Cooper says.

The government has released their Revitalising the Gulf report, a strategy in response to the Sea Change Plan’s marine proposals.The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park / Te Moananui-ā-Toi is one of Aotearoa’s most valued and intensively used coastal spaces. Its mana is embodied in its blue waters, forested islands, fertile catchments and extraordinary diversity of life. The Gulf is badly degraded from human activities. Some fish and seabird populations are declining, and nature’s delicate balance is being upset.Part of the solution outlined in the report includes marine protection; establishing 11 new high protection areas to protect and restore marine ecosystems, as well as establishing five seafloor protection areas and two areas of marine protection adjacent to existing marine reserves. These 18 measures will increase the area under marine protection in the Gulf from 6.6 per cent (including the existing cable protection zone) to 17.6 per cent. The coastline from Martins Bay to Scandretts Regional Park will become a high protection area, along with some of the Kawau Island coastline. Scandretts to Tawhwaranui will become a seafloor protection area, as will the remainder of the area around Kawau Island. Marine biodiversity is sensitive to both human and natural pressures, and a lack of intervention can lead to declining populations and unbalanced ecosystems. When applied appropriately, area-based management tools are considered to be one of the most powerful and effective methods for protecting marine life. Seafloor protection areas will protect seafloor habitats and communities activities such as fishing (particularly dredging, bottom trawling and Danish seining), sand extraction and mining. They will allow activities, such as commercial and recreational fishing, where they are compatible with the management objectives of each protected area. Habitats protected from bottom-contact fishing methods within these seafloor protection areas include biogenic habitats, for example, sponges, dog cockles, green-lipped mussels, rhodoliths, mangroves, seagrass beds and saltmarshes, and habitats that are important for sensitive species, such as black corals. 

This weekend, locals will get a chance to chat with Mahurangi Coastal Trail Trust trustees and Auckland Council Parks Leadership team about plans for both the Te Muri Crossing and Mahurangi Coastal Trail Project which will affect Mahurangi and Te Muri Regional Parks.On Saturday, July 3rd, at the Mahurangi West Hall, Craig Davis, of Davis Coastal Consultants, will give an illustrated presentation on the challenges of designing and building a footbridge for the Te Muri Stream which meets aesthetic, engineering, environmental and regulatory standards. Craig will also outline progress to date and future steps.Craig will also explain the costs of not just the civil engineering design involved, but that of the cultural, ecological, and landscape-and-visual impact assessments required to demonstrate that the Te Muri crossing will meet or surpass Resource Management Act and Auckland Unitary Plan requirements. After the presentation trustees and parks staff will be available to talk about the crossing and the Mahurangi Coastal Trail Project.During the 1970s, the then Auckland Regional Council bought the original 33-hectare Te Muri beach land as part of Mahurangi Regional Park. The Council then bought the remaining 382ha farm in 2010. Initial development plans for the park followed the usual option of providing vehicle access to the beach. However, independent commissioners agreed with a strong community push for Te Muri to remain relatively undeveloped and retain its "splendid isolation".So instead, a boardwalk is planned for pedestrian and cyclist access to the beautiful Te Muri beach. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, be sure to drop in to the Mahurangi West hall on Saturday, anytime from 11:00 a.m.

Since the announcement that the Dome Valley Landfill had the green light to go ahead, locals have been working hard to find ways to fight back. There are many waterways in Dome Valley, including te Awa Hoteo which flows into te Moana Kaipara - the Kaipara Harbour, one of the biggest in the world. It is frequented by the Māui and Hector's dolphins, and home to so much wildlife. Objectors of the landfill fear for the ocean, the river, and the land. The waterways in Dome Valley can flood to great heights, dangerous for a landfill where leachates may escape and enter the streams and rivers.Fight the Tip, Save the Dome’ has started a petition to the Environment Court, asking them to fight the dump and protect the land. The petition has already gathered over 600 signatures, and can be found here.A protest has been organised, to be held at Aotea Square on Saturday, July 3rd at 12:00 p.m. Participants will march to the Environmental Court in protest against the approval of the dump.Campaigners against the landfill are asking for support from the public to help them lodge an appeal in the Environment Court against the resource consent that Auckland Council has granted for the Dome Valley Landfill. Fight The Tip: Tiaki Te Whenua Incorporated has instructed Andrew Braggins, Partner at Berry Simons to file an appeal with the Environment Court. Berry Simons is a specialist environmental firm with notable success in representing communities wanting to protect their amenities and local environment, including successfully opposing the extended duration of the Redvale landfill.They are asking for donations to cover legal fees, advertising, billboards, costs to hire community facilities for meetings or any other costs used to fight this landfill. Any leftover funds will be donated to local charities within the Rodney District. If you wish to donate, you can do so here.The group is holding a public meeting/hui on July 10th for anyone interested in getting involved, at 1:00 p.m. at the Wellsford Community Centre.Those seeking to challenge the decision have until 5 July to file an appeal with the Environment Court.