Smoke on the Coast will be returning to Whangateau after a stellar competition in 2020, and the first event of 2021 will go ahead on Sunday, March 21 at 8 Wired Barrelworks.At 2:00 p.m. this Sunday, three teams (Cook Cartel BBQ vs The BBQ Pit Crew vs Texans BBQ) will battle it out for the Smoke on the Coast and 8 Wired People’s Choice awards. For $40.00 per person, you can head along and receive a BBQ dish from each team (3 teams/dishes) and a beer/wine from the bar. Award-winning food, award-winning beers and a great relaxing location to enjoy it all: what better way to spend a Sunday!The main event, Smoke on the Coast Barbecue Festival, will be run at the beautiful Whangateau Reserve and Holiday park on the Whangateau Harbour near Leigh, on the 24th and 25th of April. The festival is run around the Smoke on the Coast Barbecue Competition as part of the Jack Daniels New Zealand Barbecue Championship and Steak Cook-off Points Chase. The very best of New Zealand’s Pitmasters will be vying for the Grand Championship of Smoke on the Coast. You can wander through the competition arena, talk to teams and see them create the best Barbecue in the country, then retire to the VIP area to enjoy a drink and enjoy your own dose of top-quality BBQ overlooking the Whangateau Harbour.There will be live local music, hot food, cold drinks and free barbecue classes from New Zealand's Top Barbecue Chefs across three different barbecue dishes. Smoke on The Coast is a free event, but you need to register for tickets to attend, which you can do here.

Now that summer is over, dogs are once again allowed on public beaches at any time.Time and season laws are placed in public places over busy periods to avoid conflict between dogs and people. During the summer months, dogs are prohibited on beaches from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. For the rest of the year, dog owners may walk their pooches on the beach whenever they please.However, some areas still remain off limits. At the northern end of Omaha Beach, including Omaha Beach Reserve and the adjacent beach and foreshore areas, dogs are prohibited at all times, regardless of the season, to protect sensitive species such as dotterels. Failure to meet these terms can result in an infringement notice, and a $300.00 fine.While dogs are allowed to roam free on most beaches, in the following areas, they must be on-leash at all times:public roads (including any street, highway, access way, service lane, and any footpath, cycle track, bus stop and berm within the boundaries of the road).private wayscouncil-controlled boating areas (including any wharf, jetty, boat ramp or boat marshalling area).And remember: always pick up after your dog! Carry bags with you to dispose of any mess your dog may make. When in a public place or premises, dog owners must ensure the immediate removal and disposal of their dog’s waste. Leaving nasty little surprises is awful for other people, is also illegal and can result in a fine.

Summer is over and although that may mean the end of the good weather, there is one positive to get excited about: feijoa season!Feijoas are an extremely versatile fruit, and can be used in all manner of ways. They can be frozen and enjoyed later in the year, or just eaten as they are for a tangy treat. The local produce stalls are starting to sell the first fruit of the season (our favourite is the one just past Sculptureum heading into Omaha), and remember to keep an eye on your neighbour’s tree for any fruits going to waste!Here are a few of our favourite ways to use up any extras you may have:Caramelised Feijoa CrepesThese crepes from Nadia Lim are an excellent breakfast or brunch offering. Caramelised feijoas make up the filling and you can chuck a few more on top to round out the meal. Feijoa CordialThis recipe is a great way to use up feijoa skins after you have eaten the delicious fruits. It's a super simple and quick way to eliminate food waste, and cordial will last up to two months. Freeze the skins if you want to make cordial later in the year.Feijoa SalsaWho said feijoas could only be used for sweets? Salsa is easy. Dice the fruit and toss with coriander, sugar, red onion, chilli, lemon juice and anything else you think will pack a punch. This is sure to impress at any late season BBQ.Feijoa SmoothieThis recipe is one way to get your feijoa fix with a delicious autumnal smoothie that’s perfect for an easy breakfast on the go.Feijoa MuffinsThese feijoa muffins are super quick and easy to make, and if you chuck in some choc chips, they are sure to be an absolute hit in school lunchboxes. 

This month, the Warkworth Hotel is launching a new culinary venture, transporting diners to Southeast Asia even though we are unable to leave New Zealand. Every Sunday night in the Dining Room, the Hotel will bring you HOTEL VIETNAM, Launching on Sunday 21st March 2021, you can indulge in a unique two-hour dining experience with modern Vietnamese cuisine hosted by chefs and restaurateurs Jason van Dorsten & Woody Richards. Over the next few months, they will take you on a tasting journey through the regions of Vietnam.All food is served over four courses and designed to be shared with friends and family. Each menu is carefully crafted to represent some of the most acclaimed, exotic and unknown dishes from six distinctive regions starting from north and working down to the south of Vietnam. The menu representing each region will only be available for two Sundays before they continue the journey down the country one bite at a time.Chef Jason’s knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine comes from frequenting Vietnam over the last 16 years and his passion and respect for Vietnamese culture is reflected in his food.Restaurateur Woody Richards lived in Thailand for four years travelling the country, owning restaurants and immersing himself in the culture. Jason van Dorsten started his career in Auckland working for well-known restaurants, including Prego, La Zeppa and Vivace. He later moved to the UK to gain fine dining experience with Thomas Cubbitt in Belgravia. A holiday in Southeast Asia sparked a passion for the fresh, delicate flavours of Vietnamese cuisine and was the genesis of the creation of Café Hanoi. Jason spent time living and working in Vietnam, building a repertoire of recipes and he frequently returns for further inspiration. Jason developed his menus in close collaboration with his largely Vietnamese team of chefs as they searched for the best way to present traditional Vietnamese food to a discerning cosmopolitan audience.The HOTEL VIETNAM concept is a continuation of their love of Southeast Asian cuisine and celebrated alongside music and entertainment. It will showcase Vietnamese cuisine accompanied by live piano in an elegant environment. Expect to be entertained with jazz, classical, tangos and ragtime.For $75.00 per person, you will be taken on a Vietnamese cuisine adventure for two hours. The food will be a culinary journey of taste and texture to delight your taste buds. Also available are five delicious and unique Asian inspired cocktails to match if you wish. Come early for a pre-drink in the lobby to set the mood before being taken to your table for a complimentary glass of Deutz Prestige and you begin your dining experience.Reservations only for these events, either at 5:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. every Sunday.

A dedicated team of locals are doing incredible work, preserving the history of the Matakana area, while restoring headstones at the Matakana Graveyard.The first recorded burial in the Matakana cemetery was in 1861, so it is understandable that some of the gravestones are looking a little worse for wear.The land the cemetery sits on was donated in 1868 by the Matthews family, the official opening was on 23rd October 1875, and since then it has been in the care of a trust, but without funding or interest very little has been done to improve or sustain the graves.In 1908 the burial site register was created, and many local families bought plots and were responsible for their maintenance. However, as people moved out of the area the keeping of the cemetery has fallen into the hands of a few local volunteers. As well as restoring headstones to their former glory, the team does in depth research of the person that was laid to rest there. With the hustle and bustle of present-day Matakana, a lot of us forget the rich history of the area, and how those before us shaped Matakana into what it is today. They post their findings on the Matakana Cemetery Facebook page (you can find it here), which was established to highlight the facts, memories and stories of the people who are laid to rest in the Cemetery. They tell the stories of those who may have been forgotten.

Omaha Beach walkers were greeted by an unexpected visitor on their lockdown walks this week.At first glance, the creature appeared to be a snake, causing alarm and confusion among those who saw it. Hoping to get it off the beach and out of people's way, some locals tried to return it to the water, but the stubborn snake-like animal kept returning to the sand. After some debate on the Omaha Beach community Facebook page, the species of this strange visitor was narrowed down to two options: some form of sea snake, or a snake eel, although one local suggested it could be “the Labour Party’s way of trying to stall the rising house prices of Omaha”.Although it was a fact unknown to many, yellow bellied sea snakes are actually relatively common in this part of New Zealand, and can be identified by these features:Upper half of the body, dark; lower half, yellowish.The two colours usually meet abruptly to form a straight line along each side.Long head.Belly scales similar in size to other body-scales.Tail compressed sideways to form a paddle; yellowish with large dark spots.Measures up to 1 m in total length.Yellow bellied sea snakes are venomous, so if one is found it is best to leave it alone and contact the Department of Conservation. Snake eels can grow to at least two metres. Snake eels are found in warmer water in the north-eastern Atlantic, northern New Zealand, Japan and the Mediterranean. They are rarely seen by humans because they burrow into the sand with just their heads poking out until they pounce on passing fish to eat. After some closer inspection, the general consensus was that the animal found on Omaha Beach was a snake eel.

A Tsunami Warning has been issued for New Zealand coastal areas following the magnitude 8.1 earthquake near the Kermadec Islands Region.Our area is currently under assessment, but if you are on the coast it is advisable that you move to higher ground as soon as possible. Stay out of the water. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, small boats and anyone in or near the water close to shore near these areas. Now is not the time for sightseeing.The severity of currents and surges will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.The first wave may not be the largest. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.People in all New Zealand coastal areas should:Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nzListen to local Civil Defence authorities and follow any instructions regarding evacuation of your areaStay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats)Stay off beaches and shore areas.People in certain east coast areas of the North Island must move immediately to high ground. These areas are: Bay of Island to Whangārei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay, and Great Barrier Island. Civil Defence says you must move immediately. Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas) is expected in the following areas:The West Coast of the North Island from Cape Reinga to Ahipara.The East Coast of the North Island from Cape Reinga to Whangarei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay, including Whakatane and Opotiki.

The godwits currently residing at Omaha Beach are preparing for their epic non-stop migration up to the Alaskan Tundra to breed, via refueling and recovery stopovers in the Yellow Sea, China, and North Korea. This epic, world record migration is one of the true wonders of our planet as their flight is fueled by only stored body fat, they don't stop, rest, eat, drink, sleep or glide, they flap their wings the entire way. They are called powered migrants. This part of their migration to the Yellow Sea is 10,000 kilometres, and will take between seven to nine days, weather dependent, so they need to have doubled their body weight before they leave to fuel this flight, or they simply drop into the ocean and die. The world is seeing a massive decline in our migratory bird numbers, but we can all help, with just a few extra steps to save their lives. The godwits you see at the beach are the same ones who come back every year; it's their home, they are part of our community and can live into their 20s. However, it's a hard life and a lot now die in their teens. Please give them lots of space at high tide when they gather in groups to rest and sleep as they are converting the food into fat and fuel. The week or so prior to leaving. these incredible birds also shrink and absorb some of their migration non-essential organs like their digestive system and liver to make room for more fat, fuel, muscle, and an enlarged cardiovascular system, while keeping their overall weight down low enough to be able to make this amazing non-stop migration. Godwits are easily spooked, but do take your binoculars down to the beach and get a look at these beautiful birds, as they go into breeding plumage. The normally dull looking birds are bursting forth with wonderful rust-coloured breeding feathers. Godwits hold cultural significance for many New Zealanders. For Maori they were birds of mystery and were believed to accompany spirits of the departed; but they were also a source of food. Bar-tailed godwits are fully protected in New Zealand. Current count data indicates an annual population decline of nearly 2%. The primary driver of this is extensive habitat loss at staging areas in the Yellow Sea region.

Thanks to Auckland Transport, social adventure group Got To Get Out is hosting a series of rides, walks and hikes around Tamaki Makarau to showcase the city's best trails and paths.Got To Get Out is a social enterprise adventure group on a mission to get our community active, outdoors, connected and healthy, and on April 10th, they are inviting anyone who wants to get out and about to ride the Matakana Cycle Trail. This ride will be free and includes everything you would expect from a guided GTGO experience; including expert leaders, first aid, route planning, korero and useful information shared during the day.The Matakana Cycle Trail takes you from Matakana to Omaha and Point Wells and is a great cultural adventure for the discerning cyclist. The Matakana Cycle Trail provides fantastic views through farmland, bush and quiet communities. The ride includes gravel sections and opportunities to top up the cellar, as well as the belly, with cafés and roadside stalls offering fresh produce. Riders will meet in Matakana township for coffee before departing on their adventure. There will be a stop along the way for a snack at a scenic spot, and for the guides to point out different features of the trail, so bring something to eat and to share.Any bike will do for this ride, and riders are welcome to bring their own, or pay a $10.00 koha to borrow a mountain bike from Got To Get Out.This is a technically easy ride, though you need to be fit enough for 3+ hours (up to 20km) of riding. Please book a ticket as spaces are limited!Got To Get Out was recently voted "Best in Community Contribution" at the Westpac Business Awards, so this free adventure with them is an opportunity you don't want to miss. Find tickets here.

The combination of lockdown and sunshine has bought bike retailers a lot of business over the past week and a half. And where we live, there are some great bike trails for those wanting to make the most of this time and get out and cycle. The Matakana Cycle Trail will take you from Matakana to Omaha and/or Point Wells. It is a mix of off-road shared paths, cycle lanes and quiet roads with some gravel sections. You can begin at various places – Point Wells, Omaha, Jones Road or Matakana - and do part, or all, of the route. It gives fantastic views through farmland, bush and quiet communities.If you are looking for a nice scenic cruise, the walkways along the Snells Beach waterfront offer n idyllic path. Breathe in the salty sea air as you ride along. Omaha has plenty of options for cyclists, whether you are looking for something with a few small hills to challenge you, or a nice tiki-tour along the flat roads, you’ll find a fun ride. The walkways to the southern end of Omaha offer flat and hilly stretches, but they are still easy enough for a beginner to take on. Alternatively, you can bike down Mangatawhiri Road and check out some of the impressive architecture along the way. There is no better way to explore the stunning open sanctuary at Tawharanui than on a bike. The cycle track goes through farmland and coast, and you may be lucky enough to see some rare native wildlife. The track can be a little difficult at times, so a mountain bike and reasonable level of fitness are recommended.For those using cars on the road, it's important to be aware that there may be more cyclists out and about than normal, especially as we get closer to summer. They have as much right to the road as drivers do, so remember these tips: Take special care and slow down when passing. They may need to move unexpectedly and not have an opportunity to signal their intentions.Indicate clearly and in plenty of time when turning and stopping.Know your blind spots, especially when driving vans, trucks or buses, and check again for cyclists.Take another look at intersections. Cycles are smaller than other vehicles and may not be easily seen.Avoid overtaking a cyclist just before you turn at an intersection.Take care when passing cyclists on the open road. Slow down and, ideally, leave at least 1.5 metres of space between you and the cyclist.Check rear-view mirrors and look over your shoulder before you open a car door at the roadside.Slow down and be alert when visibility is reduced. Cyclists are often hard to see, even more so in the rain or in low-light conditions.Remember, share the road.Need a Bike? or more information? Contact Matakana Bicycle Hire

Summer is officially over, so it is time to say goodbye to the long hot days and start preparing for more wet weather.MetService says that on average, the waters around Aotearoa are warmer in the first month of autumn than the first month of summer. But while the sea will be warm, the beach won't look as tempting in the first few days of autumn this year as we have plenty of wet weather on the cards. MetService meteorologist April Clark explains: "A series of fronts move across the country this week. However, it's not until Wednesday or Thursday that a change from subtropical northerlies will bring a reprieve from the sticky nights and hot days. Rain or showers will affect all parts of the country in the coming days, though the west of the South Island and upper North Island will see more widespread rain while other areas, which are sheltered by mountains, will receive less."With the air being so humid over the next couple of days, the potential for localised thunderstorms is also there. Western Northland and Auckland north of the city have already seen evening downpours and stormy weather.An active cold front forecast to track north over the country during Wednesday and Thursday is the forerunner to several fronts bringing cooler temperatures to Aotearoa. "Putting it simply, the shortening days will not be the reason it may feel like summer has ended come Sunday," says Clark.With the weather set to turn, and the kids stuck home from school, many parents are asking themselves how they will survive the remainder of level three lockdown.  Here are a few simple options using household objects that will (hopefully) keep them entertained for five minutes:Sit in the car and let the kids pretend to drive somewhere. They enjoy the novelty of it and can take turns being the driver while you snooze in the back.Cover the floor with towels and cushions for a simple “the floor is lava” game.Home hair salon (no cutting!)Homemade tattoos (make sure there are no permanent markers lying around)Fort cities with blankets and chairs.Get the gumboots and umbrellas ready for some rainy walks and pray that level three only lasts until Sunday!

Construction workers on two sections of State Highway 1 through the Dome Valley north of Warkworth are switching from night shifts to work during the day this week to take advantage of reduced traffic flows thanks to the latest COVID-19 lockdown.Work on Stages 3 and 5 of the Dome Valley safety improvements project started late last year and include widening the existing road and construction of retaining walls to stabilise the roadside embankment on either side of the road summit.“The crews usually work nights on this busy state highway to minimise disruption to freight connections and the travelling public, but we noticed during the alert level 3 lockdown earlier this month that daytime traffic numbers reduced considerably,” says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency National Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Andrew Thackwray.“Starting today, we can take advantage of there being less traffic and it will be a win-win situation. It should help us complete the work more quickly and that will reduce disruption for road users travelling through the Dome Valley.“By switching to day shifts, our crews can work much more effectively and accelerate the work programme. Working during the day will also be a much safer working environment as currently they are working in an area close to overhead power lines.“There will be temporary speed limits and stop/go traffic management while crews are working between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. They will monitor the traffic queues to ensure that delays are kept to a minimum. We thank motorists in advance for their patience and understanding and ask them to plan ahead and allow more time for their journey.”17 people died and 45 were seriously injured in crashes on SH1 between Wellsford and Warkworth between 2006 and 2015.The project involves installing improvements that will help in the short to medium term ahead of the completion of the Ara Tūhono Pūhoi to Wellsford project. Once completed, the second stage of the project (Warkworth to Wellsford) will travel west of the Dome Forest, completely separate to the existing SH1. The Dome Valley route will remain for local journeys, walking and cycling, and as an alternate route for traffic if the new road is closed for any reason.This stretch of road is windy with poor visibility and steep slopes so AT are limited to the type of improvements they can use. In order to improve safety, they are:Putting in flexible median safety barriers to prevent head-on crashes and a wide centreline so there’s more space between oncoming vehicles.Making road shoulders wider throughout Dome Valley so it’s safer to pull over, and so there’s more room for people who cycle.Adding new right turn bays at L Phillips Road/Sheepworld and at the Top of the Dome rest area to make it safer to turn.Replacing the northbound and southbound passing lanes at the top of the Dome Valley with wide shoulders so slow vehicles have room to pull over.

On Saturday, the Mahu City Express launched New Zealand's first zero-emission, luxury coach service. The new coach will continue the job of the Mahu City Express, transporting commuters from Snells Beach and Warkworth to Auckland every morning and back again in the afternoons.The coach was expected to make its debut journey to the city this week. However, the change in alert levels meant that this could no longer happen.The coach, which cost upwards of $600,000.00 was purchased with funding help from JW Group and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).The coach is a TCe12, fully electric and fully compliant with the strictest of standards to deliver a smooth, safe ride for commuters. The bus will seat 40, with luxurious leather seats and plenty of leg room for a comfortable journey. The driving range of the TCe12 can meet the whole-day operational needs without the need for on route charging. Trial results have shown they are able to drive over 300km from one charge. A charging station will be installed at Snells Beach Primary School, where the bus will charge each night.The new coach will replace one of Mahu City Express’ existing coaches. Ultimately, it is hoped to replace all Mahu’s existing vehicles with electric ones.

On Tuesday morning, Auckland Council released a report containing some worrying research. The report, Predicting Auckland's Exposure To Coastal Instability And Erosion, showed that large sections of Auckland's coastline could erode more than 200 metres by 2130 unless strong action is taken on climate change Stats NZ data shows Auckland has averaged 1.67mm of sea level rise each year since 1899, but the Ministry for the Environment predicts this rate will accelerate, if little action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions..Colour map of the banded ASCIE distances for cliffs at 2130 adopting the RCP 8.5 M. Photo credit: Auckland CouncilThe report forecasts sea level rises and subsequent impacts on areas susceptible to coastal instability and/or erosion (ASCIE) across four scenarios: ·        Low to eventual net-zero emission scenario (RCP 2.6 M)·        Intermediate-low emissions scenario (RCP 4.5 M)·        High-emissions scenario (RCP 8.5 M)·        Higher extreme scenario, with essentially no controls on emission by 2100 (RCP 8.5 H+) The research shows that if emissions remain high and we track along the RCP 8.5 M scenario, large areas of Auckland more than 100 metres back from the current coastline will be at risk of eroding or becoming unstable in the next 110 years. Some cliffs at the entrance to the Manukau Harbour, on the west coast, around Great Barrier Island and in isolated patches of north Auckland, meanwhile, are predicted to retreat or become unstable up to 200 metres back. Many others are predicted to erode by at least 100 metres, especially in north Auckland, the northern part of Manukau Harbour, around Waiheke Island and in Kaipara Harbour. "ASCIE distances across Auckland cliffs vary, particularly with geological type, exposure and cliff height," the council report reads. The majority of the west coast and our very own Pakiri Beach, meanwhile, would become unstable or erode more than 100 metres back from the current coastline. The report says ASCIE for beaches would mainly be caused by storms the next 30 years or so, but sea level rises will become more of a factor over a longer timeframe. "Under the 2130 RCP 8.5 M scenario, predicted erosion values for beaches across Auckland vary from less than 20m in sheltered harbour coast beaches to more than 190m along the highly exposed shorelines of the outer Hauraki Gulf and west coast," the report says. "Sea level rise is a major contributor to the high ASCIE values, in some cases adding more than 90m to expected values." Auckland councillor Richard Hills, chair of the council's Environment and Climate Change Committee, says the new report gives it stronger guidance.

Now is a vulnerable time for an at-risk species: the little blue penguin. At this time every year, the little blue penguins come to shore for their moult, when they take two to three weeks to replace their feathers. During this period, they cannot swim because their plumage is not waterproof and they're not well insulated, they are unable to go into the ocean to source food. They are very vulnerable to dogs, cats and stoats. We are currently in the midst of the annual penguin moult. So please, be aware of sensitive areas, keep your distance and watch your pets.Disturbing the penguins can force birds to flee into the ocean and to expend their valuable energy needed for moulting and defending themselves. This can be fatal, with penguins facing hypothermia and starvation.You can help by keeping your dogs on leads in penguin areas - birds take refuge in vegetation close to shores and are easy for dogs to find. Please also ensure you give penguins plenty of space.The little blue penguin species has been deemed ‘at risk’ by the Department of Conservation; their population has been declining in areas not protected from predators. Where predator control is in place, populations have been stable or increasing. Penguins aren't at their cutest at this very vulnerable time of the year, and over 50 penguin nesting boxes offering these little guys some more substantial shelter from predators during moulting and nesting times, mostly made by members of Forest and Bird NZ, have been placed around the Ti Point, Leigh and Goat Island coast. This project has been dubbed the Leigh Penguin Project.

After a few setbacks, today is the day that Action Ninja World Matakana will open its doors to the public. So, get ready to put your ninja skills to the test on this high adrenaline, high fun adventure playground complete with a ninja warrior course, highwire, trapeze, zorb soccer, and the biggest waterslide in the southern hemisphere. Action Ninja world was originally set to open in mid-January, but this date had to be pushed back due to overseas shipping delays. After waiting for approval from Worksafe New Zealand, they are finally ready to open their doors and let the fun begin.The course used to reside in Paihia, but after almost 20 years, the previous owners were ready to retire. Matakana Country Park co-owner, Brendan Coghlan, used to take his kids to visit the park and thought that Matakana would be the perfect fit for something similar. He spoke to the owners of the Paihia park, asking if they would like to set up another one, and his serendipitous timing meant they were happy to hand over the reins and move their equipment down to Matakana. The park will be made up of the equipment from Paihia, as well as a few new additions such as the zorb soccer, and the ninja warrior course. “I watch Australian Ninja Warrior, and I thought that's cool, let’s build one of those.”The park will cater for everyone, with attractions like a jumping pillow and inflatable maze geared more towards the little ones, while the trapeze and ninja course are better suited to the older daredevils.  Action Ninja World will be open seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Prices will range from $20.00 - $30.00 per person for a day pass, or $80.00 for a family of four. 

Auckland Council has released the Long-Term Plan (Auckland's 10-year budget), and online consultation is open and ready for feedback until 22 March 2021.COVID-19 left a $1 billion shortfall in Auckland Council's budget, hitting services and local board projects. Tough decisions are needed, and community feedback helps the local board understand what matters most to you.The Rodney Local Board advocates to councillors, who then decide on funding. Their proposed priorities are safe and well-maintained roads, with Auckland Transport getting funding to renew and maintain 12 percent of the city's roading network yearly, and securing $121 million for AT's Unsealed Roads Improvement Programme.Locally the board proposes that in the 2021-2022 financial year they:continue to deliver improvements to our village and town centrescontinue to improve water quality in our waterwaysimprove our local biodiversity and natural environment by eradicating pestscontinue restoration work and mitigation of kauri diebacksupport the community, and community resource recovery and recycling centres to minimise waste, turn waste into resources, and to promote education on waste reductionprogress the outcomes identified in the Green Road master planprogress renewals or construction of key community facilities including Wellsford toilets, Kumeū Library, Mahurangi Community Centre.The budget for the next year is allocated to: Community servicesOperating spend 2021/2022: $14.3 millionCapital spend 2021/2022: $5.4 millionEnvironmental servicesOperating spend 2021/2022: $487,000Planning services$315,000GovernanceOperating spend 2021/2022:$1.1 millionFeedback on the 10-year budget is open until 22 March at akhaveyoursay.nz/recoverybudget where you can also comment on the council's regional priorities.You can also have your say at the Rodney Local Board Point Wells Community Day this Sunday, 28 February, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Point Wells Reserve.Regardless of whether you support the 10-year budget, community feedback is crucial, so if you please take the time to read, submit, and share as widely as possible

Significant progress is being made on the Matakana Link Road project. Over 333 truck and trailer loads of drainage metal have now been supplied - enough to fill a rugby field to a depth of approximately 1m. Erosion controls are now 100 per cent complete; while site clearing and tree felling is 98 per cent complete. Matakana Road overhead services have now all been placed underground.New drone fly over footage of the link roadAuckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomes the progress on the project, which he says is coming in on time and on budget. “The Matakana Link Road will ease congestion around Hill Street and make things easier for people travelling to and from Leigh, Omaha, Sandspit and Snell’s Beach,” he says.“The community has been asking for this project for a long time and the fact that we can deliver it now is thanks to revenue funded through the Regional Fuel Tax.“When jobs have taken a hit from the pandemic, this project employs up to 120 staff and uses local Wellsford contractors. It’s a double benefit for locals in Wellsford and Warkworth.”Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says local residents are delighted to see this investment from Auckland Transport. The project is funded with $30.5 million from Auckland Transport and $31.7 million from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.“The link road is part of a wider set of future roading projects which will cater for the inevitable population increase and the associated traffic volumes.”The link between State Highway One and Matakana Road is a 1.35km route that will provide an alternative around the frequently congested Hill Street intersection.Auckland Transport’s Portfolio Delivery Director David Nelson says “it’s difficult to see from State Highway One, but good progress is being made on the project. “Those living nearby would have no idea about the level of activity but looking at the drone footage you can see the amazing transformation that is taking shape.”Rodney Local Board Chair Phelan Pirrie says with the population in the area expected to jump by 20,000 over the next 30 years, the Matakana link project comes at an important time for the future development of the area.“We are very pleased to see the rapid progress being made by Auckland Transport, especially given the challenges with COVID disruption and budgets cuts. Frankly, the rapidly growing Rodney community needs these critical improvements to our roads as fast as Auckland Transport can deliver them.”

Auckland will join the rest of the country at alert level one from midnight tonight.Face masks will remain a mandatory requirement on public transport across the country, Ardern said, even at alert level one. Children under the age of 12 are exempt, along with those who have medical requirements that prevent them from wearing a face covering.People should continue to use the Covid Tracer app.