The beautiful Kourawhero Mountain Lodge is up for sale once again.The lodge spans 100 acres of heritage protected land north of Auckland and includes 18 luxury guest villas, a cocktail bar, restaurant, tennis courts and day spa.The lodge was bought for $3.25m in March last year, after an Overseas Investment Office investigation that led the High Court to order Chinese businessmen Zhong Liang Hong and Xueli Ke to sell the property.Hong and Ke ran afoul of New Zealand law by buying the lodge in 2012 without Overseas Investment Office approval.They did this by arranging for New Zealand citizen Arthur Qui Churchill to place the property under a company name in which Churchill was listed as the sole shareholder and director, High Court Justice Mark Woolford concluded in his judgment last year.This agreement then remained ‘undocumented’ for about one year, Woolford said. However, in late 2013, Hong and Ke "became aware that Mr Churchill had misappropriated funds in relation to the lodge and had taken out a mortgage against the lodge for his own purposes", he said.The OIO then initiated an investigation against the businessmen that led to them being prosecuted in the High Court.The pair were subsequently ordered to pay $2.95m to the Crown as a fine for buying the lodge and another farm nearby without OIO approval.The current owner, Christopher Tanner, says he loves the property but had decided to sell now as he was looking to slow down and take it easier.“This property is also likely to attract the attention of high-net-worth buyers seeking it for their own use as an executive-level residential base. A number of properties of similar scale and quality have been snapped up as executive homes in the Warkworth/Matakana area.“With its discreet rural setting and easy car and helicopter access to the super city, this property could be of great interest to wealthy individuals seeking a trophy property landholding,” says salesperson Dianna Coman.

Halloween is a fun excuse for kids and adults alike to dress up, and there are some freaky things to do for all of us in the area.The Goonies at Shoesmith DomainAlthough the Kowhai festival is unfortunately unable to go ahead this year, they are still putting on their annual outdoor movie at Shoesmith Domain. This year, it coincides with Halloween. They will be showing the classic 1985 film, The Goonies, about a group of kids facing their last days together before a development paves over their homes. These adventurers stumble onto evidence of pirates’ treasure, attracting the attention of a family of criminals. This event is perfect for the whole family, and it gives parents an alternative activity for kids, rather than the traditional trick or treating. The movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Don't forget to bring some snacks and something comfy to sit on.Haunted Halloween Maze, 34 Kauri Crescent, Snells BeachCalling all Halloween lovers! The Kauri Crescent haunted maze is back for 2020 with another fun and fear-filled haunted adventure, and it's even bigger and better than last year. Come by on Saturday the 31st to 34 Kauri Cres, if you're feeling brave enough.Between 4.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. the maze will have no scarers, for our little ghosts and ghouls.From 5.00 p.m. onwards the maze will be full of monsters of the night waiting to scare you, and if you're really brave come between 8.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. as darkness sets in.Entry is free. However, donations are welcome, with all proceeds going to hospice. Lolly donations are also welcome; please these drop off before Saturday.Halloween Goody Bags, Point Wells PlaygroundHarcourts Matakana want to give the kids of our community a treat this Halloween! They have made up goody bags (not just with lollies) for all the little ghouls out and about - look for them on Saturday at the Point Wells playground until they are gone!The Monsters Ball, The Tahi Bar + KitchenIf your trick or treating days are behind you, but you still want an excuse to get dressed up, the Tahi Bar is hosting an adult Halloween party. There will be live music, and prizes for best costumes. Tickets are $10.00 from the bar. There are limited tickets, so get yours quick!If your little ones are keen to trick or treat, here are a few tips to make sure everyone has a good, safe time:Not everyone is into Halloween. Respect this. Keep an eye out for decorated houses for good-to-go areas, or signs and notes indicating no-go areas.Dress up! If you can't be bothered getting in costume, then there's no point to trick or treating.If you knock or ring the doorbell and nobody opens it, don't linger. They're either not in, or not opening the door for a reason.Children need to be supervised. Even if they’re out with an older sibling, parents and caregivers need to be aware of which areas their children are visiting and what time they’re expected home.Another thing to consider is how to make trick or treating as Covid-proof as possible this year. For instance, you can work masks into costumes, or figure out an ingenious lolly delivery method that prevents heaps of grubby hands going into a bowl. Some people in Canada have been experimenting with a hockey stick delivery system.However you choose to celebrate this Halloween, make it a fun and safe one.

The Ti Point wharf is soon to see boat and vehicle restrictions. Structural damage means these weight checks will be in place until the damage can be fixed.Leigh residents received an email from Rodney Local Board member Beth Houlbrooke, which contained the following information:“A recent survey of the Ti Point Wharf has confirmed our concerns in relation to the structural integrity of the wharf. While much of the structure is in an acceptable condition, a number of the piles and pile bracing are not. Two of the wharf’s piles, including a front leading pile, is believed to be close to collapse.“Advice from the engineer is to restrict the size of the boats using it to vessels less than 5 tonne, continue to restrict vehicle access on the wharf and limit the amount of people on it at any one time to no more than 10. Signage outlining the restrictions will be put in place early next week.”Repair work is set to be carried out before Christmas, along with a more comprehensive plan on what may be necessary to completely strengthen the current wharf.

ThursdayOpen Mic Night, The Matakana Village Pub, 6:30 p.m.Matakana, it's time to dust off your instruments or brush up on a few new songs, or you may have a hidden talent. All welcome to join in with the house band and regulars or simply relax and enjoy the wealth of local talent, musicians, and performers. SaturdayOutdoor Movie Night:The Goonies, Shoesmith Domain, 7:00 p.m.The movie "The Goonies" starts just after 8:00 p.m. and there will be some relaxing music and a coffee stall from 7:00 p.m. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic. As the ground might still be a bit damp, it’s probably a good idea to bring a chair or some seating as well as some warm clothes.Halloween Party, The Tahi Bar, 6:00 p.m.It's time to get spooky for the Monsters' Ball Halloween Party at The Tahi Bar. There will be live music all night, and prizes for best costumes. Tickets $10.00.Mr Big Stuff Live Music, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.m.BEATROOTS...All Summer Long presents MR BIG STUFF bringing the Grand Funk to The Matakana Village Pub. It's your place for live music! Get your funk on and find your soul with one of Auckland's finest.SundayDubwise System Sessions, Leigh Sawmill, 2:00 p.m.Dust off those lockdown cobwebs and head through to Leigh Sawmill to see the PDC Sound System in full effect. With selections from Graysound, D-Low and Kamal.Wine, Oyster and Movie Celebration, Matakana Cinemas, 5:00 p.m.Join the Matakana Winegrowers and local oyster farmers as we celebrate a great oyster season. $40.00 ticket includes a glass of wine, 4 oysters, wine tastings and the movie: The Secret of Santa Vittoria 1969Mahurangi Artists Trail, Multiple Locations, 10:00 a.m.30 local artists open their studios and public spaces to share with you their working practices, art works and have-a-go opportunities.Follow the Trail to discover artists working in a wide variety of media and styles, including painting, printing, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery: there will be artists for every taste. All of the artists taking part are ready and excited to welcome you into their studios.The Nukes, Warkworth Town Hall, 1:30 p.m.The Nukes are one of Australasia’s most successful ukulele/ folk acts with more than 10 years under their belts and three compelling albums as proof of their creative endeavours (and well in excess of 100,000 streams and views). The Nukes ukulele trio will be running a couple of workshop sessions during the afternoon, before their 4:30 show.

Labour Day has finally arrived. If your thoughts turn to the garden when contemplating how to spend your long weekend, you’re not alone. Labour Weekend is traditionally the time many of us get out in the garden and start planting. To help you think about what you may want to pick up for the garden if you’re doing a local staycation at your place this holiday, we’ve put together some green-fingered tips for you.It’s tomato planting season. This holiday is a great time to get those seedlings in. The soil has warmed up here and is still enough water in the soil to grow strong roots. The plants will respond well to longer growing days as the sunlight hours increase.When planting, water well. Deep watering encourages roots to go downwards, rather than remain shallow, reducing the stress during the hotter months. Remember to check irrigation pipes for repairs, and the batteries in your controllers, so you’ll be ready for the heat.I know it’s too early to be thinking of Christmas, even though the decorations and irritating music are already in the shops, but Labour Weekend is when you want to get those new potatoes, beans, peas and carrots in, so they’ll be perfect for Christmas lunch. Carrots prefer the cool of spring and you should sow the seeds in rows 2cm deep and 10-15cm apart, and then cover lightly with soil.Gardens also need feeding, so give them sheep poo, horse manure, or actually any manure will do. They all provide matter to help break down the clay of our region.Containers need food too, and mulching. Petunias are great for the bases of planted pots, ascending or descending, and they too will put on a great show for Christmas, so plant them now.Speaking of long hot days, you’ll also want to get some pea straw thrown about. Once you’ve watered and fed, mulch. It helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool, and just makes everything look pretty.So, things are looking spick and span at your place, it is also a good time to aerate the lawns, apply seasonal weed killer and fertiliser.Don’t forget the roses. They love a pile of good manure mixed with some rose fertiliser. Top that lot off with a generous dose of pea straw and you will be rewarded with a gorgeous bouquet from the garden to brighten up your day.If you don't have your own garden to potter around in, the Matakana Community Garden, next to the Matakana Hall, can always use some green-fingered helpers. The community gardeners meet every Monday Morning, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. to tend, plant and harvest produce.Everyone is welcome to join.There’s nothing more rewarding than a day in the garden, so get in there and enjoy yourself; it’s your Labour Weekend.

Level One means Omaha Beach's Junior Surf programme can be run as planned. The new season starts on Sunday 8th November at 9.30 a.m.  If you are wanting to get your little one out to have a go, there will be an open day for new members on Sunday November 1st, from 9:00 a.m. - 12.00 noon with have-a-go beach activities from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.The Surf Life Saving New Zealand Junior Surf Programme is designed to enrich the lives of young members through engaging activities and active participation, leading to the acquisition of personal, lifesaving and competition skills in a safe aquatic environment. The purpose of this programme is to assist clubs, junior surf coordinators, parents and volunteers to deliver a successful junior surf programme. Click here to register today (or to renew your membership for existing members).https://www.omahasurf.co.nz/membership/

8 Wired Barrel Works will become just like the beer halls of Germany for one weekend only this Labour Weekend.This Saturday and Sunday they will be hosting their first Oktoberfest. All weekend long they will be serving up German style beers from 8 Wired Brewing, McLeod's Brewery and Hofbräuhaus München - Das Original.The Brotissare food truck will be there too, providing hungry customers with organic, free-range rotisserie chicken and a special festival inspired menu.To really get that authentic beer hall feeling, The Little Oompah Band will be playing live from 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, along with other live music over the weekend. There will also be traditional games throughout the day with prizes to be won.Book your table by emailing: barrelworks@8wired.co.nz

We all yearn to head to our favourite holiday spot for some time away over Labour Weekend, which is why many make a beeline to the Matakana area. Although this is a great thing for local businesses and allows more people to experience our wonderful region, it also means that there will be more traffic, and lines at your favourite coffee shop may be a bit longer. NZTA has said that the peak traffic hours will be on Friday afternoon as rush hour commuter traffic becomes more congested with the influx of holiday makers on the roads, and also Monday morning as everyone returns home. If you are planning on visiting the area or heading elsewhere for the weekend, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid this congestion. Traffic is subject to change depending on the weather and if any accidents occur, so check your route before you leave to ensure that you know what to expect.The road between Puhoi to Warkworth is notorious for being a dangerous stretch of road, and holiday traffic can make it more so. Labour Weekend 2018 saw 130 crashes resulting in injury, and five deaths across the country. Stay vigilant and safe on the roads.The weather this year is forecast to be cloudy with isolated showers. 

The Matakana Tulip Cream Tea was held at Matakana Botanicals last Friday. The sun was shining, the music was playing, the food was superb. The event was an outstanding success raising $7,000 for Parkinson's services in our region. Contributions from local businesses and the team of local volunteers helped make the event special.Danvers and Katy donated their beautiful venue, Matakana Botanicals, Annie O donated props, tables, chairs, and Syd Hansen from Hansen’s Wholesale Flowers donated hundreds of dollars in flowers which were then purchased on the day.Justin from the Vintry designed and served his "Red Tulip" High Ball Cocktail and Julia Mitchell and Deborah Finnigan, both locals, hand made all of the delicious, sweet treats on the high tea table. Latakana was wonderful. The group donated their time and musical prowess to entertain guests who sat outside on bean bags under the sunshine in what was a relaxed and casual atmosphere. A huge thanks goes out to local artist Claire Erica who donated two pieces of art that went under auction raising $3,050 on the day.Parkinson’s New Zealand provides services in 20 different regional locations. Parkinson's Action Groups in each area are run by hard-working volunteers. Each area provides clinical information, referral networks, and opportunities for social activities. Our local areas have Parkinson's nurses who provide practical personalised assistance. The regions also raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s to keep our services free for all New Zealand families. Funds raised on Friday will contribute towards these services in our region.Organisers hope to host another Tulip Cream Tea event in Matakana next year. Well done!

After a pretty tough year, we all deserve a little bit of a break. Avoid the stress of a long road trip by organising a ‘staycation’ right here on the Matakana Coast. Here are a few of our top picks for places to stay.Teepee MatakanaTeepee Matakana is the ideal getaway to relax and recharge. 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. Tepee Matakana is located a short five-minute drive from Matakana Village and less than ten minutes from Omaha Beach.Riverside MatakanaRiverside Matakana’s luxury getaway encompasses the ideals of a typical Kiwi bach: flexible, informal living. Designed by renowned New Zealand architects ‘Architectus’, the 17 luxury baches have a free flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Expansive decks mean outdoor dining and barbecuing is possible year round. Above all, Riverside Matakana self-contained luxury baches provide a very Kiwi holiday experience, with beautiful, relaxed spaces set in stunning surroundings.Pakiri Beach Holiday ParkAt Pakiri Beach Holiday Park, there are choices for everyone. They offer beachfront accommodation with uninterrupted sea views through to a range of family and single room cabins, plus sites for camping, caravans and motorhomes. Only 20 minutes’ drive from Matakana on the waterfront at the beautiful white sand Pakiri beach, this is the perfect staycation for you if you want to get out on your surfboard or ride a horse along the beach.Matakana EstateIf you are looking for luxury, Matakana Estate is the place to go. Treat yourself, you deserve it! The ultimate getaway destination offers countryside serenity and is perfect for weekends away for couples, groups and family to spend quality time to relax and unwind. Only minutes’ drive from pristine beaches and the Matakana Village Farmers Market, the location is ideal for exploration and access to outdoor activities. And being on a Matakana vineyard, a bar stocked with Matakana Estate wines is available, along with a fully equipped, contemporary kitchen.Tawharanui CampgroundThe Tawharanui Peninsula is one of the best spots in Auckland for overnight camping. With an extensive coastline and choice of walks, you’re bound to find something that you love doing. This open sanctuary is home to heaps of native NZ wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the calls of kiwis at night. The coastal area is also a marine sanctuary, making for great snorkelling and lots of wildlife in the rockpools. Photo Land RoamerThere are plenty of options for a perfect staycation in the area, so be sure to book before everything is filled up.

A heart-shaped, heartwarming auction on Trade Me has resulted in a donation of more than $200.00 to the Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade. Elite Window Solutions in Warkworth auctioned off a heart-shaped potato that received over 25 bids.The auction bio said it all: “All the volunteers in the country deserve great respect but this little spud can only do so much and she's chosen our local Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade, so come on, maybe you and your friends could chip in together and help fundraise for a hot cause.”The winning bid of $222.00 went to Trade Me user nascarsonali. The Warkworth Volunteer Fire Station were very thankful for the donation saying, “The brigade would like to say a BIG thank you to Elite Window Solutions for their fundraising Trade Me auction of a heart shaped spud. The auction raised $222 for our brigade”.

This weekend, Matakana will see the first of the outdoor music festivals that take place over the warmer months. Unfortunately, like many other festivals scheduled for this summer, there have been last minute changes to the Spring Classic’s lineup thanks to the travel restrictions in place because of Covid-19.With the Australia and New Zealand bubble not open both ways, Australian act Ekko & Sidetrack have sadly had to cancel their show at Spring Classic. They will be replaced by Kiwi EDM duo, Mt Eden Official. All the other DJs and acts announced in the first lineup will be able to play.While ticket holders were understandably disappointed, it didn't come as a huge shock; “to be honest I was kind of expecting it, so I'm not completely upset about it. I'm still going to go”, said one local.The festival is hosted by Red Rum Touring and George FM, who have previously bought wildly successful festivals like Summer Classic and Hidden Valley to Matakana. There has been no news yet on whether or not Hidden Valley headliner Alison Wonderland will be able to make the trip over from Australia to play at the Matakana Country Park in December. 

Yesterday evening marked the opening of the new Warkworth Hotel. The ribbon was cut by local celebrity Noel Edmonds at 5:00 p.m, and the doors were opened to the first customers. The night was a huge success, with customers left very impressed with the beautiful interior of the building, and the delicious food and cocktails.The menu has a large array of gourmet meals, that include weekly rituals like half price pizza Mondays, traditional Sunday roasts and more. The Warkworth Hotel is a classy little piece of town history that is affordable and casual enough for anyone to enjoy.The Warkworth Hotel is after a Barista to join their team, see our jobs section below.

The Mahu Community Sport and Rec Collective has been awarded $2,250,000 from the Auckland Council to build its indoor multi-sport facility at the Warkworth Showgrounds.The money was approved from the Sport and Recreation Facility Investment fund out of a total pool of $4.2 million. The collective says it is an outstanding result and could not have been achieved without the support of all the member sport clubs. Gerard van Tilborg, Chair of the Mahu Community Sport and Recreation Collective Board, says that as the Mahurangi community continues to grow rapidly, there is an increasing demand for additional recreational space, as well as more appetite for indoor sports and activities. He describes the funding support as ‘significant’ and says that it demonstrates the support of Auckland Council for the community and continued investment in health and well-being through sport and recreation in the area.“We are absolutely delighted,” says Mr van Tilborg. “A multisport indoor facility at Warkworth Showgrounds will take sport and recreation in the Mahurangi area to the next level. With the support of Auckland Council and the community we have already developed fantastic outdoor facilities at the showgrounds, and adding a multi-use, flexible indoor facility will truly round out this key community hub; now made up of 12 different sports clubs and rapidly growing playing membership of more than 3000.”The next step for the project is to get landowner approval and progress an application for a lease.“I am over the moon to see this level of support for the community. This demonstrates confidence in the future for the area as it grows and addresses the need for high quality well-managed community facilities. Personally, I’ve been involved in advocating for this facility for over 10 years and it feels like a real achievement to get to this point,” said Mark Illingworth, long-time member and current president of Mahu Community Sport and Recreation.

WednesdayBaby Done Ladies Night Screening, Matakana Cinemas, 8:00 p.m.Special advanced screening of ‘Baby, Done’. From the production house behind Kiwi box office hits Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Breaker Upperers, Baby, Done follows the story of Zoe (Rose Matafeo), a tree surgeon who becomes pregnant to her long-term boyfriend Tim (Matthew Lewis) and subsequently freaks out – comically trying to rush through her dreams before she turns into a mum. A $20.00 ticket includes a goodie bag thanks to Pals RTDs and Proper Crisps, plus the chance to win the 'golden ticket' prize-pack!ThursdayQuiz Night, The Leigh Sawmill, 7:00 p.m.After a packed out first night of QUIZ fun, Leigh Sawmill are hitting up round two! Hosted once again by the awesome Lindsay D.2040 Screening, Matakana Cinemas, 6:00 p.m.2040 is an innovative feature documentary that looks to the future but is vitally important NOW. Award-winning director Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future would look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet and shifted them into the mainstream.After the film, Pip from Love Food Hate Waste will be sharing her expertise, tips and ideas on how to make the most of your leftovers and store your fresh food and leftovers to help them last longer.FridayWhite Chapel Jak Final Show, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 8:30 p.m.After multiple date changes due to Covid, It’s time to celebrate the end of lockdown and the return of White Chapel Jak, who kick-off their “Return of the Jak - Here’s to us Nu Zuland!” live music tour this August to December 2020. Your original ticket will work just fine, it transfers to the new event date automatically. Beatroots, Matakana Pub, 5:00 p.m.BEATROOTS...All Summer Long kicks off summer from Labour Weekend (all weekend long) and then every weekend Fridays and Saturdays. Live music is back at The Matakana Village Pub, 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.SaturdayOktoberfest 2020, 8wired Barrel Works, Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 7pmDust off the Lederhosen! Oktoberfest is coming to Matakana. With live music and German beers on tap plus prizes to be won! Scarlett Live, The Tahi Bar, 6:00 p.m.Come along and listen to your favourite hits and support the wonderful team at The Tahi!Mahurangi Artist Trail, Various Locations, 10:00 a.m.30 local artists open their studios and public spaces to share with you their working practices, artworks and have-a-go opportunities. Follow the Trail to discover artists working in a wide variety of media and styles, including painting, printing, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery; there will be artists for every taste. All the artists taking part are ready and excited to welcome you into their studios. Over two weekends in October you are invited to visit spaces, including Mahurangi West, Kaipara Flats, Warkworth, Snells Beach, Algies Bay, Sandspit, Omaha, Tawharanui and Leigh. More info here.PLUTO - Live at the Sawmill, 9:30pm - 1am After almost a decade away, iconic New Zealand rock band Pluto are back. After two explosive album release shows in Novemberto celebrate the release of their fourth full length album, IV, they have announced an intimate and special performance this Easter Saturday at one of New Zealand's favourite venues, the Leigh Sawmill. Very limited tickets available from Banishedmusic.com/ticketsSunday Paint n’ Picnic, Matakana Estate, 2:00 p.m.A fun new concept where you can enjoy sipping on a glass of wine, tasting local delights whilst taking part in a guided paint session.Price includes: a glass of wine, picnic box (please advise of any dietary requirements) and a two-hour guided paint session by a local artist.All participants will paint the same painting (TBC) and take home their masterpiece! No experience necessary. Just a good sense of humor required. Tickets hereSpring Classic, Matakana Country Park, 5:00 p.m.Scratch the Monday hangover; it's the long weekend! Join George fm for a Sunday sesh this Labour Day long weekend at the beautiful Matakana Country Park, featuring Flowidus, Mt. Eden, Trei, P-money, Sin, Bad Manners, Teto and Sammie. Soaked Oats, The Leigh Sawmill, 8:00 p.m.Having recently finished the first wave of recording for their debut album, Soaked Oats are taking to the road this October for a string of shows up and down the country. The 'Say Hey and Play Some New Ones' tour will see them greeting faces throughout Aotearoa and trying out some new material for the first time. The band will be supported and joined on stage by DJ and friend 'Hot in the City' as well as a few surprise support acts.

In our area we are lucky enough to have some of New Zealand’s rarest birds. The New Zealand Fairy Tern is considered critically endangered, with just over 40 of the birds left in the country. New Zealand fairy terns used to be found all over New Zealand but are now confined to the lower half of the northland peninsula. Breeding is limited to four regular sites: Waipū, Mangawhai, Pakiri and the South Kaipara Head.Nesting in a small scrape in the sand, these delicate sea birds are very vulnerable. Nest sites are roped off and signs erected to alert people to the area.The Department of Conservation (DOC) are ramping up efforts to protect the birds during this summer's breeding season. Seven fairy tern rangers have joined the wider DOC fairy tern team and will be based at nesting sites in Mangawhai, Waipū, Pakiri and Papakanui from now until February.Breeding sites will be monitored seven days a week during the season by rangers and trained volunteers.The main threats to this vulnerable species are: habitat depletion caused by residential development, introduced predators such as rats, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and mustelids preying upon eggs and chicks, environmental events such as high tides, floods, and storms destroying and washing away nests, and beach activities which disturb nests and scare birds away from their nests.

Organisers of the first ever Big Buzz festival are seeking funding, after the Rodney Local Board denied them a grant. The Big Buzz festival is set to be held in February 2021. It is a free-entry, family-friendly, country fair in Matakana with stalls of all things bees, food vendors, live entertainment, music, talks and workshops, children's activities and much more. It will feature local bands, local products and bring in lots of people from outside the community, boosting local business, as well as involving 500 children from local schools, and their bee related projects.The event’s aim is to raise the awareness of bees and their vital role in pollination. Organisers had hoped the Rodney Local Board would grant $3,000. However ,the board says that they have not given out general grants for years and there was no grant available to even have applied for.Organisers say the festival needs additional money for ‘infrastructure’, such as marquees, cones, tables and chairs. All the work is being done by volunteers. Those wishing to support The Big Buzz can contribute via the event’s givealittle page givealittle.co.nz/cause/wwwthebigbuzzfestivaltrust or email bigbuzznz@gmail.com.The Big Buzz will be held at the Matakana Primary School on Sunday, February 14, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

The small but mighty Moto Benzina workshop where Tim Stewart and Adam Lane repair, restore, ride and race some of the coolest and fastest motorcycles in the country.Founders Tim Stewart and Adam Lane in-front of their workshop.Tim Stewart is without a doubt one of the best race mechanics and bike builders in New Zealand. He's known for his skills across the globe in the USA, France, Italy and Japan. He has worked closely with some of the legends of motorcycle racing - John Britten, Bill Buckley, Haldane Motorcycles and Graeme Crosby. Tim will be able to tell you which bike is best for you, how to get the most out of it and how to keep it running sweet.Adam Lane has come to Moto Benzina from Mortimer Motorsports in Matakana, where he was both mechanic and logistics man. Working the last 10 years in the motor industry and being involved in international Motorsport, Adam is your man for sourcing those hard to find parts to making your dream bike become reality, all the while ensuring you and your bike enjoy your time together.They're based at the legendary home of Mortimer Motorsports, so come up for a ride, enjoy the scenery and local bars, cafe's and talk to them about looking after your pride and joy.Open Monday - Saturday. More info here

Despite relentless opposition, Waste Management remains committed to its plans for a landfill in the Dome Valley.Auckland Council, Kaipara District Council, Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird, among others, have all voiced their opposition, and it has been made very clear by locals that there is very little support for this project in the community.In July, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara and the wider community of Dome Valley marched through central Auckland to oppose the proposed landfill. The main concern surrounding the dump is the adverse environmental effects it may have. The area where it will be constructed is prone to heavy rainfall and flooding. Floodwaters may be contaminated by the landfill, wrecking the immediate environment and ultimately flowing into and polluting the Kaipara Harbour.In direct contrast, a spokesperson from Waste Management has said that “any adverse effects relating to flooding and natural hazards will be no more than minor and acceptable”.“We believe it is possible to resolve the ecological concerns raised and are committed to doing so.”