The Rodney region is blessed with some of the best beaches in the country. From the amazing surf at Pakiri to the calmer waters of the Mahurangi harbour, you can find the perfect beach to spend the day.A day at the beach may be a great way to relax and have a bit of fun, but it's still important to remember the real dangers the ocean presents. New Zealand has one of the highest fatal drowning rates in the world. In 2019, there were 82 preventable drowning fatalities and 203 drowning related hospitalisations that left families and communities devastated. Surf Life Saving New Zealand works hard on our beaches to ensure that everyone stays safe and avoids situations that could lead to tragedy. They have 74 clubs around New Zealand, with patrols at Omaha and Pakiri during the busy summer months. Knowing important water safety tips can hopefully eliminate situations drastic enough to require the help of lifeguards. On patrolled beaches, the flags are there for a very good reason. Lifeguards carefully assess the conditions each day and move the flags as the conditions change. Between the flags is the safest place to swim, and as they are always under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards, they can respond immediately if anything were to happen. Knowing how to spot a rip, and what to do if you get caught in one can save your life. Remember, green is mean. A clear sign of a rip is a stretch of calm water with waves breaking around it, but don’t be deceived. If the sand underfoot feels rippled or you can feel small holes beneath your feet in the water, it could be caused by a rip current pulling layers of sand out to sea, so be wary. Discoloured or foamy water may also be an indicator of the current churning up sand below the surface.Rips can be permanent, or they can happen in a flash. It's good to know what to do if you find yourself caught in one, even if you are confident that you can spot them. Although the first instinct may be to swim your way back to shore, don’t. Swimming against the current will quickly drain your energy, making you much more vulnerable. Stay calm, float, and let the current take you. Raise your hand to signal to the lifeguards, or anyone nearby, that you need help. The rip will weaken eventually allowing you to swim back to safety. Stay safe in the water this summer.

’Tis the season to slip, slop, slap, wrap, and in 2020, scan, but do you know what's going on your skin (and into the ocean) when you use sunscreen?Consumer NZ recently tested out 10 of the most popular brands of sunscreen in New Zealand, and they found that only half of them actually had the SPF rating that they claimed on the label. The sunscreens that passed the test were:Cancer Society Everyday SPF50+Cetaphil Sun Kids Liposomal Lotion SPF50+Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face Superscreen SPF50+Skinnies Conquer with Manuka Oil Sports Sunscreen SPF50+Nivea Sun Sensitive Protect SPF50Consumer NZ will be testing more sunscreens. However, delays due to Covid-19 mean that these results won't be available until early 2021.New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer and melanoma in the world, but there’s no requirement for sunscreen manufacturers to regularly test their products, or even test them at all.Another issue that comes with some sunscreen use is the danger that it can cause to the environment. The popular mermaid pools in Matapouri had a rāhui tapu placed over them to give the sensitive ecosystem time to recover after it was damaged by thousands of visitors leaking sunscreen into the pools. According to National Geographic, about 14,000 tons of sunscreen are estimated to wash into the ocean each year. Research has shown that some of the ingredients found in some sunscreens can cause damage to coral reefs, alongside increasing ocean temperatures and acidification of the ocean.Chemical sunscreens typically contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, as well as parabens and other preservatives, which are known to damage coral and disrupt normal hormone balance.So next time you reach for the sunscreen on the shelf, think about what it is you are putting on your skin and into the water. Do a bit of research before buying a bottle and get the one that's right for you, your family and the planet. 

Do you fancy yourself as Matakana’s next ninja warrior? Soon you will have the opportunity to put your skills to the test at Action Matakana’s newest attraction: a huge adventure playground.The playground will be complete with a ninja warrior course, highwire, trapeze, zorb soccer, and the biggest waterslide in the southern hemisphere. 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.  The park is due to open in mid-January, providing the perfect school holiday activity for any kids starting to get bored. It will be open 7 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. 

Unfortunately, Uber is a service yet to happen in our area. With the end of the year fast approaching, there will be plenty of work parties, barbeques and other summer events happening. If you are planning on enjoying a tipple or two, you need to make sure that you have a safe way to get home.The Concierge is a great service that operates anywhere from Warkworth to Leigh. They can seat anywhere from one to 36 people, and even have classic car options if you want to travel in style. Monday to Wednesday, they operate between 8.00 a.m. and 9.00 p.m., until 11.00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and until midnight on Saturdays. If you need to be picked up at a later time, with plenty of notice you can call and arrange it. For bookings contact them on 021 0265 4858 or at [email protected] is a local taxi company, and the first hybrid only taxi company in New Zealand. You'll be delivered where you need to go in one of their great new hybrid cars or vans. You can get in touch with them on (09) 422 22 44 or 0800 kab ride (0800 522 743)Warkworth Taxis are great for if you need to travel a little farther. They operate in Warkworth and Matakana, but also Ahuroa, Kaipara Flats, Puhoi, Snells Beach or Mahurangi West. They are able to respond to your travel requests quickly, offering taxis, shuttle and bus charter services to all these areas. To book a taxi with them call 09 425 00 00.Even if you are only planning on having a couple of drinks, a taxi or a sober driver is always the best option to ensure everyone gets home safe and sound. With so many great transportation options in our area, there is no excuse for drink driving, but make sure you book in advance.

As the seasons change, so do the fire risks, so make sure you check the dangers and restrictions before fanning the flames this summer. https://www.checkitsalright.nz/ Our region is currently in a Restricted Fire Season, effective from 08:00am Friday 18 December 2020. You must get a fire permit before you light a fire. All permits enquiries need to go through www.firepermit.nz You are responsible for the fire and must ensure that it does not get out of control and spread to vegetation or property, and that it is put out properly. You also need to comply with council burning restrictions, including requirements relating to smoke nuisance and controls under the Resource Management Act. Contact Fire and Emergency for advice on fire safety. Fire and Emergency NZ sets the fire seasons and issues fire permits for all of New Zealand. Private outdoor fires that are in brazier, firepit or incinerator don't need a permit, as long as they meet the criteria on https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-the-risk/backyard-recreation: Fires like those used in a hangi, pizza oven or gas or charcoal barbeque won’t need a permit either.No matter how good a bonfire or barbecue on the beach may sound, fires on beaches are prohibited. There’s a year-round restricted fire season on public conservation land. No matter what fire season it is, you must also comply with any council bylaws and regional council requirements – even if you have a fire permit. You’ll also have to follow all the conditions on your permit.Whatever kind of fire you are lighting, whether it requires a permit or not, there are a couple of things that should always be taken into consideration. The wind speed can dramatically affect how fast a fire can spread. Always light fires in areas clear from tree branches, tents, or buildings, and keep an eye out for dry grass and shrubs that could easily catch alight. When you are done with your fire, make sure it is well and truly out, with no smouldering embers that could start anything up again.

MetService are forecasting a cloudy run up to Christmas, with some significant rain and strong winds especially around Christmas Eve. For Christmas Day however a southerly change ushers in clearer skies and cooler temperatures, although areas in the south and east will continue to see showers. "The main player in our weather is a slab of warm air reaching across New Zealand from the Tasman Sea," explains MetService meteorologist Tom Adams. "The remains of ex-tropical cyclone Yasa are still circulating in the Pacific, but the system has been re-classified as an extratropical low, is not coming near to New Zealand and will not affect our weather." Two low pressure systems form on the southern edge of the warm air in the Tasman Sea. The first and smallest of these lows will have muted effects over the North Island early in the week, although cloud and the odd shower are still to be expected for most places. Cloud and rain stick , with strengthening northwesterly winds. The second low will cross on Christmas Eve and has the potential to bring challenging conditions for people travelling between the regions ahead of the holidays. Northerly gales for central New Zealand and heavy rain for the western and upper South Island are all highlighted in the Severe Weather Outlook, and it is likely that Severe Weather Watches and Warnings will be issued closer to the event. Once again though, the upper North Island will see a cloudy and occasionally wet day, but the worst effects will be further south. The low will have passed by Christmas Day leaving cooler southerly winds behind it, but more western and northern areas like Auckland, Taranaki, Nelson and the Waikato are looking at a drier, sunnier day to start the holidays. The pick of locations that get that combination of warmth and sun for Christmas would be Gisborne, Bay of Plenty of Northland. Another weak front does move up the country on Boxing Day, but overall we see an improving trend through the weekend although unsettled conditions return the following week. 

Leigh and the wider community were faced with tragedy, when an accident took the life of James Wyatt. James was only 26, a father to two-year-old son Kyran, partner to Britteny, and friend to many, and this loss devastated the community. But as one of their own is facing adversity, the community rallied around them to make sure that James’ family will be provided for and looked after well into the future. Support began pouring in on Facebook, from friends and strangers alike.“You were one happy smiley spirited guy that could uplift anyone. I thank you for bringing out the best in everyone”, said one mourner. “My heart is aching for you and the loss of your beautiful man and father. James had such a beautiful smile and this loving character that everyone could see.”A friend of the family created a give a little page (which can be found here), which has raised over $13,850.00 for the family in just over two weeks. Falcon events hosted a gig at the Leigh Sawmill, donating 50% of the profits from this to support James’ partner and son. The event raised over $2,200.00, which was donated to the give a little page. It is in times like these where the community spirit of a small place like Leigh really shines through, and the love and support that comes from living in a small town becomes visible. 

There are only two weeks left until Christmas, but don't panic. If you haven't sorted your gifts out yet, there's no reason to brave the chaos of a mall when you can find everything you need right here on the Matakana Coast. Here are some of our favourite local picks for the perfect prezzies.Two MatakanaTwo Boutique has a beautiful collection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, from some of the most en vogue brands, including lots of Kiwi designed and made apparel. Have a look at the selection of beautiful, ethically sourced leather wallets and bags from Status Anxiety here, for a gift that your recipient is sure to get a lot of use out of. Trio Soy Candles Everybody loves a scented candle. Whether it's a gift for your mother-in-law, your child's teacher, or your neighbour, it's sure to go down a treat, and no one makes more heavenly scents than Trio Soy Candles. Made from 100 percent natural soy wax, their candles come in a wide range of scents and styles, so you're sorted no matter who you are buying for. All of their candles are hand crafted on-site in Matakana. See their range hereBrick Bay Sculpture TrailQuality time is always a great gift, so why not give someone an afternoon of quality time in an absolutely gorgeous environment. You can wander the sculpture trail at Brick Bay Winery, while perusing the beautiful artworks and then sit down for a delicious meal or wine tasting afterwards.Matakana botanicalsWe all know someone who deserves a bit of pampering, and what better way to do that than with products made right here in our area. Matakana Botanicals use luxurious natural ingredients like extra virgin olive and macadamia oil pressed at Matakana, wild harvested organic manuka honey and manuka oil sourced from Great Barrier Island and lavender grown and distilled on their own farm. They operate from a eco-farm and produce a variety of ranges, with an emphasis on soothing skin and soul to enhance well-being .

A $5 million injection from the Ministry for the Environment will support the Mahurangi East Land Restoration Programme (MELR) to reduce sediment in the Mahurangi River catchment over the next five years.Auckland Council and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust have signed a relationship agreement to design and deliver the project in partnership.Addressing the sediment problem will enhance the health of the waterways, improve water quality and encourage native wildlife to thrive.The Mahurangi catchment comprises 206.6km of rivers and streams that discharge out into the Hauraki Gulf. Sediment is ranked the third highest threat to marine habitats in New Zealand and around 21,000 tonnes of sediment is lost every year from our area.Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust are delighted to partner with Auckland Council to restore and protect the Mahurangi Harbour and are committed to developing sustainable solutions with the community to ensure positive outcomes for future generations.Healthy Water's general manager, Craig Mcilroy believes it is an important step forward for the Mahurangi plan. “Partnering with Ngāti Manuhiri on this programme will ensure equal decision making and more effective collaboration with iwi, key to improving water quality in the catchment."That include the fencing of waterways, riparian plantings and wetland conservation and development.

According to many, batter and salt are the two of the most integral parts of a classic Kiwi takeaway. So, in Matakana a new takeaway bar is taking those key elements to a new level, Batter and Salt. Kaz Staples bought the empty building next to Hair Matakana and was looking for the perfect business to house there. Johnno Evans bumped into her at a yoga class six months ago, and they came to the conclusion Matakana was in need of a good Kiwi summer staple. And so Batter and Salt was conceived. Between them, the pair have an impressive background in hospitality and customer service, with Kaz being the mastermind behind the Pure Delicious brand, and Johnno owning a cafe in Newmarket for 10 years, with nearly 15 years as an airline steward as well. Opening just in time for all the summer beach trips, they will be serving up high end fish and chips, as well as burgers and other takeaway treats. The sleek new signage is up, the doors are open and the fryers are burning on all cylinders, so prepare yourself for battery, salty bliss.Open 7 days a week 12pm - 8:30pm.Batter and Salt 

For a lot of people, this Friday will be the last day of work before the Christmas break. To celebrate the end of the working year, many will be heading to their local watering hole for a beverage or two.Home Free is an initiative by Auckland Transport and NZ Police to reduce death and trauma caused by drink driving. During the Home Free period, travel will be free on buses, trains and most ferries. This promotion applies to both registered and unregistered AT HOP card customers. Given the likelihood that many Aucklanders will enjoy a few drinks after work on Friday 18th December, Auckland Transport is offering free travel from 4.00 p.m. on most AT Metro services to provide a safe alternative to driving home. Free travel is also available all day on Saturday 19th December, so Aucklanders can avoid driving and use buses, trains or ferries for Christmas shopping, or any other family outing.AT HOP card users should tag on and tag off as normal – your trip will be free if you tagged on after 4.00 p.m. If you forget to tag off, a missing tag will result in the default fare remaining as a charge on the card. If you don’t have an AT HOP card, the bus driver will wave you on.

Trade in your old and get your family into modern, safe life jackets this summer.With coastguard initiative Old4New, you can swap your old life jackets for discounts on brand new Hutchwilco ones. Head down to the Snells Beach Boat Ramp on Sunrise Boulevard tomorrow, Wednesday 16 December from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Seriously good prices are available on life jackets purchased through the programme. You’d also be amazed at what gets traded-in – from old, worn life jackets to brand new ones that just don’t fit the owner anymore. You can bring in any condition life jacket to trade. The main thing is that you walk away with the best life preservers to suit your boating and help you get the most out of your time on the water. The Old4New team can help you get it right.If you can't make it to the Snells Beach boat ramp, you can trade your life jackets in at Fish City in Albany on Saturday, 19 December. There's really no excuse not to get your family and crew safe and sorted for summer.

Disturbance by selfish beachgoers has resulted in the deaths of young shorebirds at Omaha Beach.At the end of the three-kilometre beach is a fenced 500-metre-long, predator proofed sanctuary where northern New Zealand dotterels and variable oystercatchers breed, and migrant bar-tailed godwit and banded dotterels roost.Unfortunately, despite the majority of the beach being fully open to the public, a number of people have decided to use the predator-proofed sanctuary as their own private beach. They merrily walk past the signage and through the fence with their barbecues, shelters and deck chairs, to swim, lounge in the sun, play cricket and enjoy a picnic or barbecue meal all within a bird sanctuary. The resulting disturbance to the breeding birds means chicks are not being fed and die of starvation. Some chicks and eggs are actually stood on and squashed during games of cricket. Other chicks only grow slowly, never gaining the body condition to being able to fly.The level of stress placed on the adult birds by the presence of people within their nesting territory is immense. They are forced into having to constantly distract people away from their nest and chicks. Eggs are often left unattended and are vulnerable to natural predators such as black-backed gulls.Despite the shorebirds breeding within a predator proof sanctuary, the constant level of disturbance by people results in an appallingly low level of survival. Volunteers from the Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust monitor both the numbers and breeding success of shorebirds at Omaha Beach. They report that from a total of 25 pairs of northern New Zealand dotterels, only three chicks survived to fledge and from 20 pairs of variable oystercatchers only one or perhaps two chicks survived during the 2019/2020 summer breeding season. The Omaha volunteers are part of the Dotterel Minders network, a collective that help monitor and protect breeding northern New Zealand dotterels each summer. These caring folk have the sometimes difficult task of informing the often unaware public about the presence and needs of the shorebirds. Whilst most people are appreciative of the advice and are often keen to learn more about the birds; there is a minority who can be both abusive and uncaring. The most common response from this minority is that “it’s only people that matter”.Omaha Beach is a nationally important breeding and roosting site for many of New Zealand's native shorebirds. In addition to the breeding northern New Zealand dotterels and variable oystercatchers, there are up to 400 migrant native bar-tailed godwit and 300 endemic banded dotterels that roost at the Omaha Spit. These species are often disturbed whilst they rest. This can be very problematic, especially for the bar-tailed godwits who have flown on an amazing eight-day, 12 thousand-kilometre flight direct from Alaska to get here.

MondaySanta Story Time, Warkworth Library, 10:30 a.m.Join the team at Warkworth Library for a very special Christmas Storytime. There will be stories, songs, and a visit from Santa! ThursdayTwilight Market, Whangateau Hall, 3:00 p.m.Plants, produce, crafts, gifts, books, sausage sizzle, Peddlers Gin products and much more. Come and support your local community as we head towards summer holidays.  FridayBeatroots, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.mBEATROOTS...All summer long every weekend Fridays and Saturdays.Live music is back at The Matakana Village Pub and introducing a great selection of DJs, bands and musicians to crank your weekend across all styles, including beats, roots, rock and summer vibes. It's your place for live music this summer. SaturdayJasper and Jane Hawkins, 8 Wired Barrelworks, 4:00 p.m.Crowd favourites Jasper and Jane Hawkins return to 8 Wired Barrelworks to play live music while you enjoy a brew. The Slow Water Band, The Tahi Bar, 7:00 p.m.There's something wonderful that happens whenever the Slow Water Band plays at The Tahi. The atmosphere is magical; such beautiful, timeless music, played and sung so gorgeously. Everyone in the audience is on an emotional high. It's a lovely thing to be a part of. Head down and join the fun. There's no cover charge. SundayItalian Paint n Picnic, Matavino Wines, 2:00 p.m.This two-hour, artist lead paint class (no experience required) is the perfect Sunday afternoon activity. Paint a beautiful picture while snacking on an italian inspired picnic box and enjoying a Matavino wine tasting. Good to Go, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 6:30 p.m.With their combined individual successes of performing across New Zealand, Australia, North America, UK and Japan, as well as playing alongside artists such as Ed Sheeran, Carly Rae Jepsen and Taylor Swift, ‘Good To Go’ is a collection of some of Auckland’s finest musicians together on one stage.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and police are urging motorists on SH1 between Whangarei and Auckland to be extra careful; a shipping diversion means there will be a dozen trucks an hour taking containers from Whangarei into Auckland city. The trucks began departing Northport from 6:00 am on Friday, December11th and will continue from 6:00 a.m. to midnight until next Friday, December 18th. There will be 12 trucks leaving every hour. The traffic won't all be one way: empty trucks will be returning to Northport to pick up a new load.Waka Kotahi vehicle compliance officers, Worksafe and the officers from the police commercial vehicle safety team will be on the route to ensure that there is no added danger due to these trucks. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional director, Steve Mutton, said motorists should plan more time for their journeys."We expect the roads to be busy in the lead-up to Christmas and there are only a few passing lane opportunities on the route. We ask motorists to be patient and give trucks space on the road for the safety of all road users."There may be delays on SH1 next week, and all drivers need to factor that into their plans. Trying to 'make up lost time' by speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone using the road at risk."

A concerned local has proven that a few local voices have the power to bring about change.After speaking out against the marine harvesting in the Omaha Beach rock pools, support was gathered from other residents and local MP Chris Penk, and a petition was submitted to parliament.  The petition is asking that the House of Representatives pass legislation to reduce the limits for collecting sea life currently set under the Fisheries Act 1996. The rock pools and shorelines are being harvested at rates that don’t allow for adequate regeneration. People are upsetting the fragile ecosystems and balances in play. Some shorelines have little or no sea creatures left. Birds, sea life and other creatures depend on the rock pools for food which is disappearing at alarming rates. It is time to treasure this Taonga for today’s ecosystems and tomorrow’s Kiwis.The petition has been approved, published and is now available to sign. In the first 24 hours, over 200 signatures were received. The petition, published on the 4th of December, is nearing 500 signatures. Open to sign until the 31st of March 2021, there is plenty of time to share it around and collect more signatures. After that, it will be presented and reported on, and the decision on whether the legislation will pass will go ahead. If you want to support this petition, you can find it here.

Last Sunday, thousands of keen athletes flocked to Omaha Beach to participate in the annual Omaha Half Marathon. With more than 2,000 participants over the four different race categories, the event was a huge success, and seems to be getting bigger every year.The winners of the half-marathon were Rodwyn Isaacs, who completed the 21-kilometre course in a speedy one hour and 14 minutes, and Bethany Bromfield, who completed it in one hour and 24 minutes. The average time taken to finish was two hours and nine minutes. Max Richards and Tracy McCartney took out the top spots in the 10-kilometre classic, while the five-kilometre fun run was won by Evgenii Babenkov and Ivy Roodt. Tia Korewha and Caleb McKenzie were the fastest in the kids’ two-kilometre dash. The sun was shining, the crowd was cheering, and as always, Omaha Beach provided the perfect location for those dedicated enough to get up at the crack of dawn to run. Congratulations to all participants. 

The Matakana App and Falcon Events are proud to present Cuttin' Loose 3.0.This third installment of Cuttin’ Loose will be held at the iconic venue, the Leigh Sawmill, this Saturday December 12th, kicking off the silly season with a bang.  Featuring a stellar line up of great kiwi DJ’s such as Benny Boy, Cheff, Lew & Ro, Taylor Haynes and more, this will be a night of great tunes and great times. With music spanning across multiple genres like Drum n Bass, house and funk, there's something for everyone.The last two Cuttin’ Loose events sold out, so get in quick and grab your tickets from Eventbrite now. This isnt an event you want to miss

Christmas is nearly upon us; it's about time to consider where you can get your tree from.Regardless of whether you're a colour coordinated, meticulous decorator, or a throw everything on the tree haphazard decorator, pine trees are an integral part of the Kiwi tradition.Luckily in our area, there are multiple places to pick yourself the perfect Christmas tree, and at the same time support a great local cause.Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade are continuing their annual tree sale, from now until whenever the trees sell out. Prices start at $30.00 and depend upon the tree you choose. They will be open for business from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday. For an extra $5.00 they will also wrap the tree, making it a lot easier to squish into the car for the journey home.You can also pick up a beautiful tree from St John's Warkworth Ambulance Station.Nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree, and it's an added bonus that by buying one from the Warkworth Fire Brigade or St. John’s you are supporting causes that help so many people in our area.