This week, construction will begin on a long-awaited pedestrian crossing on Matakana Road.The work will include the installation of a signalised pedestrian crossing, and high friction road surfacing approaching the crossing. The crossing will be located on the stretch of road between the primary school and the roundabout, where there is currently a red, courtesy crossing. The work is expected to take until mid-June, 2021. Hours of work are between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. This excludes line marking and line removal, which will happen at night.Vehicle and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction, with temporary traffic management in place. There may be some delays while materials are delivered, so it is advisable to add some extra time to your journey. Detours will be in place for alternative pedestrian access, and pedestrians may have to use the opposite side of the road for safety reasons. This is an area of heavy traffic flow where school kids often have to cross the road and local parents and teachers have been petitioning for a crossing here since 2017. 

The Sawmill Brewery and Mahurangi Wastebusters are working together to help reduce waste from the brewery and make sustainability a local priority. Mahurangi Wastebuseters have been collecting the spent hops each week to put through the new composting system. In 2018, the Sawmill Brewery installed 54 solar panels to meet the bulk of their daytime energy needs. By working with Plasback, who collect all the incoming plastic shrink wrap, they have reduced their waste to landfill by over 85%. The kitchen waste is composted on-site. They collect over a million litres of water a year from their roof and all grey water is used on the farm as irrigation. They avoid the use of PVPP (microplastics) in fining the beer. Grain silos outside the building replace the use of over 12,000 plastic sacks of grain annually.Not only that, they have now become New Zealand's first B-Corp certified brewery. B Corps™ lead the growing global movement of people using business as a force for good, aiming to have a positive impact on their team, their community, and the environment. Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Mahurangi Wastebusters have started composting local food and compostable waste at their community recycling centre in Lawrie Road, Snells Beach, turning it into beautiful compost which they will be selling soon. They now work with the Matakana Farmers Market, which has always been a zero waste market and were previously sending their compostables all the way down to Tuakau to be composted at Envirofert. Wastebusters are saving all that transport by doing it locally. Along with Sawmill Brewery’s hops, they are working with Daily Organics Kombucha factory, taking their tea. Composting is a super important part of the waste hierarchy. When food scraps go to landfill, methane is emitted as they break down, contributing to the climate crisis. However, composted materials hold greenhouse gases in the ground keeping them out of the atmosphere, and by using compost we replenish the soil with natural nutrients keeping it healthy and rich. 

On the 7th of June 2021 there will be changes made to the speed limits on some local roads. Between May and June last year Waka Kotahi consulted the local community, iwi and road user groups on speed limit changes, in an effort to find out what would help save lives, prevent serious injuries and reduce the number of crashes on the stretch of State Highway 1 between L Phillips Road and Pūhoi,.“We know this is a particularly high risk stretch of road. There are tight and difficult corners along parts of the route as well as very narrow shoulders and poor visibility. Between 2010 and 2019, 10 people were killed and 47 seriously injured in crashes,” says Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships Steve Mutton. “The insights from everyone who provided a submission or feedback on the proposal helped us in our technical review and as a result we have been able to make an informed decision on these speed limit changes,” says Mr Mutton.“Even when speed doesn’t cause the crash, it’s what will most likely determine whether anyone is killed, injured, or walks away unharmed from that crash.”The new speed limits will come into effect from June 7, but will be implemented in two phases to align with the expected opening of Matakana Link Road (Auckland Transport) and the new Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth in mid-2022.The motorway will extend the four-lane Northern Motorway (SH1) 18.5km from the Johnstones Hill tunnels to just north of Warkworth. It will connect to the Northern Gateway section of SH1 south of the Johnstones Hills Tunnels.Ara Tūhono will vastly improve the safety, connectivity and resilience of the network between Northland and Auckland, helping to boost the economic potential of the Northland region.Over 23,000 vehicles currently travel the route each day, with vehicle numbers increasing Along with the devasting effect on families and communities, crashes on this route can cause extensive delays and long detours if there are road closures.New speed limits for SH1 L Phillips Rd to Pūhoi from 7 June 2021Phase One - new speed limits will come into force on 7 June 2021, as set out in the table above.Phase Two – (after construction of roundabout around mid-2022) the speed limit will be further reduced to 60km/h from 200m north of Kaipara Flats Road to 365m north of Hudson Rd. We will notify people of this phase two speed limit change at that time.

On Monday morning, a minke whale was found dead on the shore at Goat Island. A rāhui has been placed by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust from Cape Rodney – Okakari Point Marine reserve to Te Arai Point until further notice following the death of this taonga species. A rāhui (physical and spiritual protection mechanism) sets a temporary prohibition around an area and limits access for a set period to acknowledge the loss.All visitors are asked to consider alternative areas while the rāhui is in place.The eight-tonne female whale was removed from the beach, supervised by DOC officers. Local iwi Ngāti Manuhiri have requested that the body be buried. Out of respect for their wishes, the whale will be buried in an undisclosed location. The cause of death of this whale is unknown. Minke whales were hunted extensively by whalers during the 70s and 80s, with hundreds still being killed today under the guise of scientific research in the Southern Oceans.Minke whales are fast, observed swimming at speeds of 30 km/h, and their surfacing can be sporadic and hard to follow. Little is therefore known about this species.

On Wednesday 5th of May, a petition by Omaha local Mary Coupe to ‘Protect Rock Pool Sea Life’ was presented to Parliament.Mary Coupe is passionate about preserving our rock pools and shoreline for future generations to enjoy, as well as upkeeping the balance of these incredibly delicate ecosystems.Mary first raised the issue when she noticed people harvesting large amounts of periwinkle from the pools. After doing some research, she was shocked to find that this activity was completely legal, with no restrictions on what could be taken.  “I thought to myself, ‘what is the future that I want to create?’” says Mary.Her answer was simple: “I want future children to discover the wonder of nature up close and personal, and I want there to be fairness and harmony among people with each other, and with nature.“Humans are discovering at our own peril how out of whack we are with nature. You cannot touch one thing in these ecosystems without interrupting the natural balance and affecting every little part of it.”So, she began looking at what she could do to protect the magical little worlds that can be found in rockpools, and after getting in contact with local MP Chris Penk, she started a petition that quickly gathered over 3,000 signatures. Mary and her husband Tony erected signs at the southern end of Omaha, informing people of just how much the collecting of shellfish from the rockpools could damage the ecosystem forever. The signs seem to have worked well so far, with a decrease in reports of people harvesting from this area. However, as Mary said, this problem doesn't just affect Omaha. Stopping shellfish collecting in Omaha is a step in the right direction, but this is an issue that is affecting all of New Zealand's coastline. If we want the magic of rockpools to be preserved for the children of the future, this needs to be addressed.Now that the petition has been heard by parliament, it will likely be a few weeks before the next step of the process in which Mary will speak directly and present her findings to parliament. They are hoping that parliament will grant a temporary ban on collecting from the area, as per section 186 in the Fisheries Act (which can be found here).“Ideally, by this summer we would like to have a ban on collecting from the Omaha rockpools” says Mary.In the meantime, Mary is continuing conversation with local Iwi and Kaitiaki Eddie Watts to place a ban or rahui on our area and other areas nearby who also are experiencing over-harvesting.The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand for now, and for future generations, and it is something that resonates with Mary. It is something that all Kiwis and visitors to our incredible country should keep in mind as they experience all the New Zealand has to offer. The Tiaki Promise is as follows:While living or travelling in New Zealand I willCare for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no traceTravel safely, showing care and consideration for allRespect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is rolling out new fire plans across the country and are consulting on fire plans in our area.Late last year, Fire and Emergency undertook a formal consultation on fire plans in three trial areas - Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Otago - using a new template. They received constructive feedback from members of these communities and assessed and incorporated recommendations where appropriate into the updated fire plan template.Using the updated fire plan template, they have since developed new fire plans for the whole country and have updated the first three trial fire plans for our consultation.What is a fire plan?A fire plan outlines policies and procedures at a local level for the management of public safety and risks relating to fire. Each fire plan outlines things like declaring the beginning and end of fire seasons, prohibiting and restricting fire use, and the issuing of fire permits.Fire plans also provide increased transparency to the public about how Fire and Emergency’s fire control powers are used. Fire plans now include information on things like local demographics and environmental factors in order to reduce risks from fire and to manage the potential impacts if one occurs. This information helps Fire and Emergency to deliver on the Reduction component of the 4Rs of Emergency Management.Before Fire and Emergency finalise New Zealand’s fire plans, they would like to invite the public, and interested stakeholders to have their say on the new proposed fire plans. You can provide feedback using the submission form found here.You can access the fire plan for Auckland here:https://www.fireandemergency.nz/assets/Documents/Public-Consultation-page/fire-plan/Te-Hiku-Tamaki-Makaurau-Auckland-Fire-Plan-Draft-for-consultation.pdfYour feedback will help Fire and Emergency. The relevant amendments will be made on each fire plan before they are finalised and published by 30 July 2021.  

It's May, which means only one thing: Its Nz Music Month.Put simply, the purpose of NZ Music Month is to celebrate music from New Zealand, and the people who make it. Firmly entrenched as part of our cultural landscape, the month of May has gone from a period of encouraging radio to play more local tunes, to a 31 day celebration of homegrown talent across the length and breadth of the country.Here on the Matakana Coast, we are lucky enough to have one of the country’s best small venues right on our doorstep, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe. Inextricably intertwined with several generations of New Zealand music, the Sawmill has played host to many major musical acts including Fat Freddy's Drop, Trinity Roots and Fly My Pretties. It has been winner of the award for Best Small Venue three years in a row and is legendary for hospitality to artists and fans alike, making the leisurely trip out to Leigh to witness some of our nation's finest musical talent incredibly well worth it.Here's the awesome national talent they have lined up for NZ Music Month:8th MayHail to the TheivesA stellar line up of musicians sharing the stage and performing songs from one of the most influential bands of all time, Radiohead. HAIL TO THE THIEVES {Jeff Boyle, Jason Johnston, Ben Throp, Willie Devine and Bysshe Blackburn} share a commonality of being forever influenced by the music of Radiohead.From Pablo Honey through to A Moon Shaped Pool and everything in between, HTTT ensures that their interpretations of these iconic tunes are performed to the highest quality and artistic representation. Audiences have been blown away by the performances to date, making Hail to the Thieves a band in high demand.Each band member has a significant portfolio of original work and credibility in their own.14th MayMiles CalderWellington singer-songwriter Miles Calder will play in celebration of his debut solo album Autopilot Life. Miles and his band have performed across Aotearoa, captivating audiences with a dynamic set ranging from floating atmospheric ballads to chomping rock n roll.Four years on since his folk/Americana self-titled release with former backing band The Rumours and time living overseas, Miles has emerged with a renewed sound, fresh songs, and new band. His new album Autopilot Life takes his classic folk-rock style into a striking psychedelic realm, evoking early 70s Lennon and late-era Beatles as much as contemporaries like Kevin Morby and Father John Misty.21st MayMolly and the ChromaticsMolly & The Chromatics are set to smash NZ Music Month with a string of shows off the back of their stacked 2020/21 festival season. The band have a new album waiting in the wings, meaning a whole lot of new songs to ignite their live set.Always polished and stirring on stage, Molly & The Chromatics bring a big energy to all their shows.See them with indie darlings There’s A Tuesday at Leigh Sawmill Cafe as part of the Meow label showcase shows.22nd MayBowie BowieComing off a great run of gigs in Auckland, the band are heading north to the famous Sawmill Cafe in Leigh. Come ready to groove and shout lyrics to the best of all Bowie songs!

The speed limits on some state highways, including SH1 from the Auckland boundary to Warkworth, might be lowered in an effort to curb rising road fatalities.Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are seeking feedback from communities in Northland and north-west Auckland about the current speeds on their state highways. They wish to hear concerns and tap into local knowledge about how the roads are used.The public engagement period will run from May 3 to June 14, 2021.14 people have died on Northland roads so far this year, one more than at the same stage of 2020.“Improving safety on New Zealand roads is a top priority for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Waka Kotahi is committed to Vision Zero, which aspires to a New Zealand where no-one is killed or seriously injured on our roads. We’re working to deliver a safe system which acknowledges that even responsible people can make mistakes on our roads, and that these mistakes should not cost us our lives,” says Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton.“To reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads we need to take action on several fronts, from speed limits to driver education to improving the safety of roads and vehicles. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other, but even when speed isn’t the direct cause of a crash, it is the single biggest factor that determines whether a person is killed, seriously injured or walks away from a crash unharmed.”This year, nine state highways in Northland and two state highways in Auckland are being reviewed after being identified as roads where safer speed limits could make a big difference in preventing deaths and serious injuries.“We’d like people to tell us about places that are hard to get to or from, how safe they feel crossing the highway or letting their children walk or cycle to school in certain areas, and if there are any other sites or information that we need to be especially aware of,” says Mr. Mutton.This information will feed into the technical reviews of these stretches of state highway to help Waka Kotahi determine where speed limit changes could improve safety, and help shape any new proposed speed limits, which will then be formally consulted on.The speed of a vehicle at impact is the single biggest factor that determines if you or someone you love, dies, or survives a crash. You’re around 30% more likely to be in a serious injury crash at 90 km/hr than at 80 km/hr.Formal consultation about any proposed speed limit changes will be the next part of the process, after engagement feedback is considered.You can find out more and share your views by visiting http://nzta.govt.nz/northlandspeed, mailing [email protected] or speaking to the team at one of our pop-up events. A pop-up event for our area is scheduled at Warkworth Countdown, Friday 21 May, 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.State highways being reviewed:SH1 Pukenui to KaitāiaSH10 Pākaraka tō TaipāSH11 Kawakawa to PaihiaSH1 Kawakawa to WhangareiSH15 between SH1 (north of Kaikohe) and OtaikaSH12 Ōmāpere to KaikoheSH14 Dargaville to WhangāreiSH12 Brynderwyn to ŌmāpereSH1 Whangārei to Auckland boundarySH1 Auckland boundary to WarkworthSH16 Wellsford to Waimauku

A small sign that used to reside at the top of the Matakana hill has caused quite the stir in the community this week. “Thanks to one person complaining about our oysters crossing sign, it has now been taken down. Apparently, it almost caused this person to crash at night due to its reflection. However it isn't a reflecting sign. At least he gave it back to us. Boo booooooooo,” read the Facebook post letting the community know why the sign had disappeared. The post announcing the sign’s removal proved to be very popular on Facebook, quickly getting over 150 comments, most voicing the fact that they loved the sign, and wanted it back.The yellow sign, reading ‘Oysters Crossing’ was put up as a bit of a laugh, but also warned motorists that over the hill there were often cars stopped in the road to turn into the driveway of Matakana Oysters. “I actually believe it has saved many lives. I have nearly crashed into the back of people many times before the sign went up. Put it back up and keep our roads safe,” said one Facebook user, a sentiment that was shared by many. Local councilwoman Beth Houlbrooke has offered her help to make the sign legal so that it can be put back up.“Because I'm a regular customer and you are my favourite oyster-monger, I'm very sad to hear this. Until there was a complaint, I'm sure AT would have just turned a blind eye to it. “There are unfortunately a whole bunch of bylaws around road signs, but let's see if we can make it compliant so you can put it back up - if not in that exact location, somewhere else, or get an official sign warning of traffic turning or a destination type sign.”

Today, the hearing on the resource consent application by Kaipara Limited to extract sand from the coastal marine area off-shore at Pakiri at Coastal Marine Area - Pakiri Sand Extraction - will begin. Hearings will be held Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th May, 2021 at the Warkworth Town Hall and Friday 7th May, 2021 at Omaha Marae (9.00 a.m. start) Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th May, 2021 at Pakiri Hall and Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th and Friday 14th May 2021 at the Warkworth Town Hall.Kaipara Ltd is seeking to renew its consent with Auckland Council which will enable the continued mining of 2,000,000 cubic metres of sand from a roughly 640 square kilometre area 2km from shore until 2023. The hearing will decide if this consent is to be renewed. Kaipara Ltd owns the consent, but the mining is done by McCallum Bros Ltd - a supplier of Auckland's concrete manufacturers, who also owns and operates a consent to mine closer to shore.Evidence of significant ecological disturbance and multiple consent breaches have forced an Auckland Council review days ahead of the hearing. Evidence includes several kilometre-long, 20m wide trenches in the sea floor, repeated mining outside its legal boundaries and ineffective monitoring of the operation's environmental impact.These breaches and ineffective monitoring have also been acknowledged in an additional report from Auckland Council, prepared for this week's hearing.The council also acknowledged the existence of sea floor trenches but considered this of "low relevance".Council compliance monitoring manager Amanda De Jong told The New Zealand Herald that there would be further investigation into any non-compliance and sea floor trenches. However, she said evidence provided by Kaipara Ltd claimed mining had been done as per consent conditions.Local iwi, Ngāti Manuhiri vehemently opposed all sand mining applications, according to iwi settlement trust chairman Mook Hohneck."We don't believe that in this day and age, it's a necessarily good environmental outcome that we're sucking sand up off the bottom of the ocean," he said. Hohneck was "extremely disappointed" about the alleged consent breaches and said he would make his feelings known at the hearing.

A unique opportunity to purchase a large rural property just out of Warkworth, currently home to Sheepworld is up for grabs. The 11.3-hectare property at 324 State Highway One is being marketed by CBRE brokers Deborah Dowling and James Lee. It can be purchased either with vacant possession or as a going concern.“The owner of the property and business is looking to retire, so we’re offering this fantastic, expansive site to the market with flexible options.“A buyer could purchase the site vacant and reconfigure it to suit their own needs or could also opt to take over the existing successful business as an owner-operator.“The possibilities for future use of the site are extremely varied, with subdivision consents also in place for three separate titles of 4.6ha, 6.1ha and 6400msq m. One or more of these could be on-sold as residential lifestyle opportunities”, Lee said.With so many options on offer, the property is a very attractive opportunity for investors, with possibilities as broad as the buyer’s imagination.“The site includes numerous substantial buildings which would easily be repurposed for alternative uses such as an adventure park, events centre, eco attraction or converted into a residence, or even stables for an equestrian enthusiast.“There is plenty of flat contour to create all-weather indoor and outdoor facilities and a huge car park at the front and alternative commercial and/or events use would also be readily facilitated, with an existing café and retail shop on site,” said Dowling.The existing Sheepworld business includes a farmyard park/petting zoo and a native bush walk. It gives visitors an insight into sheep farming in New Zealand and includes a live show which allows visitors to watch close-up as the sheep are rounded up by the dogs, sorted and shorn. The café is leased to a separate operator and the on-site shop offers quality New Zealand wool, sheepskin and other products.

Takatu LandCare is a volunteer organisation whose aim is to make the Takatu Peninsula a pest-free environment where our native species can thrive. Earlier this year, they celebrated the capture of their 4,000th pest. Now, they are up to 4,537.The count so far includes 73 stoats, 100 weasels, 2,289 rats, 460 possums, and 1547 mice.There are three groups within the Takatu LandCare organisation in the Matakana locality. OmahaA dedicated group of trappers regularly checks a network of traps around the estuary, the old quarry and on adjacent private land to the south east. The DOC-owned Taniko Wetland, an area of special ecological significance as a remnant of what was once extensive wetland habitat, is also looked after by this group. The layout of traps is currently being reviewed and will soon be extended to include the sand dunes. The group is actively seeking more volunteers for trapping, data collection, and publicity. If you are a local, or a holiday homeowner keen to enhance your environment, please get in touch with Takatu Landcare.Point WellsThe trapping team at Point Wells has installed and maintain an extensive network of traps, and even have Trap HQ, where everything required is kept on hand for use by trappers on a roster basis. Pest Free MatakanaSupported by the Matakana Community Association, this fledgling group has got two trap lines out, with more to come. Volunteers are welcome to join them: there are plenty of options for you to assist as much as you are able. If you enjoy walking around Matakana Village, why not check traps as you go? Make a contribution to protecting our native birds and bringing their dawn chorus back to Matakana. Why not consider helping the local community actively manage pest control? If you are interested in being part of pest-free Matakana, please email [email protected]. You can check traps, buy traps, record catch data or even organise rosters. -

As we get closer to winter, noses may be getting a little bit stuffy, and throats a little bit tickly. Luckily, we have Matakana SuperFoods right here in Rodney, and their products contain the vitamins and minerals you need to stay well this winter. Matakana SuperFoods is a world leader in the research and marketing of new foods from New Zealand and around the globe that contain unique qualities and super-nutrients to support health and wellbeing.They have a huge range of different products, all with properties to help your body heal and be its best. You can support your immune system by incorporating one of their nutrient-dense super powders to your daily smoothie, breakfast bowl or baking. Or try their super capsules, for a quick way to support your health on a daily basis.Nutrients from a range of healthy foods are needed as your body fights an infection. The important things to get into your body are vitamins A, B, C, D and E and the minerals iron, zinc and selenium. These micronutrients play important roles in the immune system. Vitamin A and zinc help to maintain the integrity of the skin and lining of vital organs and the respiratory system, vitamin B12 and iron are also essential for the production of haemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood. Vitamin C, E and selenium help to control inflammation. Their website (https://www.matakanasuperfoods.com/) also has heaps of recipes to make it easy to get some goodness by incorporating more superfoods into your diet.

The annual game bird hunting season will get underway around the country this Saturday, May 1. Last year’s hunting season was delayed by Covid-19 lockdowns, whereas this season appears to be all go - much to the delight of keen hunters.Early preparation is the key to getting everything right on the big day, says Fish & Game.Hunters should now have their location for the season all sorted, the maimai tidied up and ready for a final touch-up before the decoys go out on Friday night, the pooch is trained and the hunters have got their ‘eye-in’ by shooting a few clay birds.The duck season is a popular tradition amongst kiwis, all enjoying the chance to get out with friends and family. Hunters are reminded to pick up their licences and to carry them while hunting and review the rules and bag limits for their particular area.Additionally, hunters need to check their ammunition complies with new rules around the possession and use of lead shot within 200 metres of open water; lead shot is not permitted except in .410 cartridges.In parts of the country whio (blue duck) populations are increasing in response to predator control, and birds are being seen from time to time on farmland in the vicinity of forested streams. They commonly do low level flights up and down streams in early morning and evening meaning a quick shooter can easily mistake them in low light. This threatened species is fully protected, and apart from setting conservation efforts back a step, killing one can mean a $100,000 fine. Please take care to identify your target beyond all doubt so whio, along with all of our other protected birds, are not mistakenly shot. “We encourage everyone heading out shooting this season to refresh themselves on the seven rules of firearm safety ,” says Acting Police Superintendent Mike McIlraith.“It’s also a really good idea to make sure you’re familiar with your firearm and have checked it to ensure it’s working correctly, especially if it’s been in secure storage since last season. Where it has a safety catch, ensure that it is operating properly.“Of course, the best safety catch of all is not having your finger inside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.”Anybody handling a firearm should always treat it as loaded; that means always pointing the firearm in a safe direction and checking your firing zone.“Please make sure your firearms are never left unattended in your vehicle.“We know that going hunting with your mates is fun and having a drink afterwards with your mates is a good way to celebrate the day. Please just keep these two activities separate.“We want safety to be your focus this duck shooting season, so you and your mates have a safe and successful season.”More hunting safety information can be found here.Hunters of all levels of experience are encouraged to look at this material.Seven Basic Firearms Safety Rules:1. Treat every firearm as loaded2. Always point firearms in a safe direction3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire4. Identify your target beyond all doubt5. Check your firing zone6. Store firearms and ammunition safely7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms.

Next Sunday, May 9th, marks the annual event that gives us the opportunity to spoil our mums and let them know just how much we appreciate them: Mothers’ Day. Luckily, there is an abundance of incredible gift options for mum, right here on the Matakana Coast. Matakana Botanicals have the perfect products to pamper every mum, with sleep products, hand wash, body lotions and more. They even have premade gift boxes to make everything as easy as possible. You can order online from http://matakanabotanicals.co.nz/ or visit the shop at 1122 Leigh Rd, Matakana. Their unique ranges are inspired by special places around New Zealand and utilise high-quality locally grown ‘hero’ ingredients, such as pure manuka honey and manuka oil, sourced from Great Barrier Island, with macadamia and extra virgin olive oil from around Matakana. Lavender and many other botanicals are grown at their special eco farm.The Humble Pantry Leigh has some beautifully curated gift baskets for mums to enjoy, ranging from $40.00 - $80.00. With contents like body scrub, tub tea bath soak, potpourri sachets, bath bombs, dried flower posies, pressed flower chocolate, notebooks and mugs, they have everything you need to give mum the ultimate gift: some time to herself. For a gift that most mums are sure to appreciate, consider some of the delicious locally made wine available from Matakana Estate. With such an array of wines on offer, there is sure to be a tipple that tickles her fancy. They have also released Together, a pinot gris in collaboration with the local hospice organisation, where part of the sale price is donated to Harbour Hospice. It’s a win win!Treat the ones you love and the ones in need this Mother’s Day. Order one of Source Kitchens tasty meal packages, and they will donate a meal to the Hestia Women’s Refuge. Orders close Tuesday 4th May. Delivery will be on Sunday 9th May between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.www.source-kitchen.com. With delicious options like hot smoked salmon, lamb shoulder and sticky date pudding, it's a hard gift to resist!For more awesome locally made gift ideas, be sure to check out the Made in Matakana Facebook page. All mums deserve to be spoiled, so get in quick and find her the perfect present.

The Ara Tuhono Puhoi to Warkworth motorway is due to be completed in just over a year. Expected to open in May 2022, this huge project is moving quickly, despite the many setbacks experienced over the past year due to Covid 19.The team has reached a number of milestones over the last few months, including laying the first asphalt on the new motorway and connecting the alignment from the north to the south. The final beams were installed on Woodcocks Road Bridge in March, meaning the project is now connected across from the north to the south. The 12 beams, which were lifted into place across three nights, were the last to be installed on the structures.With 18.5 kilometres of motorway under construction, around 140,000 tonnes of asphalt is needed, about one quarter of all the asphalt laid across Auckland in a year. With such a large amount of asphalt to source, the most efficient way to do is with a dedicated local asphalt plant. The Silverdale plant will produce 2,000 tonnes of asphalt per day at its peak, which is then transported to site by truck. The Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway uses open grade porous asphalt (OGPA). The OGPA surface will help to reduce road noise. It also assists with water runoff, increasing resistance and making the road safer for motorists. To further enhance the quality and longevity of the asphalt, and optimise production, special machinery has been brought to pave the road in one continuous width. This is the first asphalt paving machine of its kind in New Zealand. 

Freedom camping has been a highly debated topic locally over the last few years. The community tended to be split into two main camps: the first that people should have the right to stay where they want, and the second being that freedom camping often results in rubbish being left behind and other unpleasant experiences.The government is consulting on how to make freedom camping in New Zealand more sustainable. The discussion document outlines four proposals to improve freedom camping in New Zealand, and they would like to hear what you think about them.Responsible camping has a long history in Aotearoa New Zealand. Many New Zealanders enjoy travelling around the country, staying outside established campgrounds – and some see it as an important part of their birthright as New Zealanders to camp around New Zealand at low or no cost.However, in recent years, the increasing number of freedom campers has raised concern from some communities around freedom campers’ cumulative impact on the environment, and the cost to host them. This concern has focused on the subset of freedom campers who stay in cars, or vans with sleeping platforms, that are not self-contained, in particular. This form of freedom camping is seen by some as impacting on New Zealand’s reputation as a destination that delivers a sustainable, high quality visitor experience.The government considers that while the borders are closed to international visitors, now is the time to address some of the systemic issues facing freedom camping.This document presents four proposals for consideration:Make it mandatory for freedom camping in a vehicle to be done in a certified self-contained vehicle.Make it mandatory for freedom campers to stay in a vehicle that is certified self-contained, unless they are staying at a site with toilet facilities (excluding public conservation lands and regional parks).Improve the regulatory tools for government land managers.Strengthen the requirements for self-contained vehicles.The consultation document can be found here: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/supporting-sustainable-freedom-camping-in-aotearoa-new-zealand/#discussion-doc

Matakana is a beautiful place, so if you are looking to get that perfect instagram, you don't need to go far. Whether you run a foodie feed, or are just documenting your adventures, we know the perfect spots for you to snap a pic.SculptureumWith three sculpture-filled gardens and six art galleries, Sculptureum provides ample opportunities to get a ‘gram. Stand next to the giant pink snails or the towering dandelion for a whimsical wonderland vibe, or travel the world while staying in Matakana with mediterrainian friezes and japanese inspired archways.The Village MarketsThe Matakana Markets are one of the most well known and well loved things to do in Matakana. But did you even go if you didn't get the #gram? The beautiful rustic setting against the backdrop of the river makes for the perfect photo, and with pastries, coffee, produce and fresh flowers, there's something for every kind of feed. If you hit the markets in spring, you may be lucky enough to capture the stunning cherry blossoms in bloom. Tawharanui Regional ParkTawharanui Regional Park offers a combination of white-sand beaches, rolling hills, and coastal forests for visitors to marvel at. Crystal clear waters make for an amazing photo opportunity, as do the caves and rock formations. If you time your trip right, there may even be a few magical mermaid pools for you to take a dip in, and snap that perfect picture. Brick Bay WineryIf you are looking for the perfect #girlsdayout venue, look no further than Brick Bay Winery. A glasshouse, sitting over a shimmering lake, and a glass of rosé? Sounds like the perfect formula for a great instagram post. Head through the sculpture gardens for even more photo opportunities, and then finish by trying some of their gorgeous food, which tastes as good as it looks, or do a wine tasting.Teepee MatakanaTeepee Matakana is the ideal place to stay if you are wanting to curate a beautiful instagram feed. These three gorgeous tepees hover over native rushes and grasses on a serene property surrounded by pine and native trees. Each tepee has its own private balcony and guests have access to a shared outdoor space with wood burner, outdoor lounge and picnic table. ​

Expressions of interest are being sought for the more than 100 hectares of rural-zoned land at 254 Matakana Valley Road. The site is across two titles, consisting of established farmland with a large house plus farm buildings, along with some 13 hectares of native bush.Located about a kilometre from the centre of Matakana Village, the property benefits from a mixture of flat, rolling land and elevated views of the surrounding coastline at its highest points.Expressions of interest in the freehold land and buildings at 254 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana, are being invited by 4pm on Wednesday 5 May (unless the property is sold earlier), through Bayleys in the North Commercial and Industrial.Salesperson Chris Blair says the property presents a miriad of opportunities ranging from lifestyle options to long-term development prospects.“This property will also attract interest from owner-occupiers, including those keen to harness its potential for a new luxury residence or as a lifestyle block. The attraction of living on the site is heightened by its picturesque rural setting, privacy and sweeping views along the valley from the elevated eastern portion,” said Mr Blair.“The property’s location beside the urban boundary of burgeoning Matakana could also position new owners well for longer-term residential development possibilities as the town expands – though this would be dependent on a plan change.”Co-salespersonr, Mr Napier, added that a key market factor that would benefit new owners of the property was the area’s projected future growth.“The wider area has been targeted by Auckland Council planners as a major growth hub. This is expected to see the population of Warkworth, about 10 kilometres from the site, explode from around 5,600 in 2018 to 25,000 by 2030 as it is developed as a key Auckland satellite town.”