Warkworth Walks are a great way to spend a weekend out and about and to experience our beautiful area in a way that isn't available to everyone.Every November, Warkworth Walks organises and guides a whole weekend of walking through some of the most picturesque parts of Warkworth, Mahurangi, Matakana, Kaipara, Leigh and Puhoi. The hikes follow stunning coastal tracks or normally inaccessible areas on private land, leading to many special places.This year, the walks will take place from the 13th to the 15th of November. There are tracks for all fitness levels, for those wanting a nice easy walk to people wanting to challenge themselves a little more.Warkworth Walks is an incorporated society made up of locals who come together to organise this annual event. It is a non-profit group with any leftover funds going towards the promotion of the next event.Prices vary depending on which walk you do, and they are well worth the effort. All walks involve lunch, and many also include stop-offs for exciting bonuses like beer and pizza at the Sawmill Cafe, or a glass of wine at one of our amazing local vineyards.The 2019 event sold out, and some of the 2020 walls are already sold out, so be sure to get in quick! Check out the different walks and make your booking at http://www.warkworthwalks.co.nz/home

We are moving into what is predicted to be another dry summer. As the weather begins to warm up, there are things that many of us may need to be consider. Last summer, those on tank water were facing waits of up to six weeks for water deliveries, so people are being urged to think ahead and plan for water shortages now. Here are a few ways that you can prepare:Understand your usage. Fit a tank level indicator and monitor usage in the periods between significant rain events. Get to know your normal and then learn what steps you can take to reduce usage to make your storage capacity last longer.Consider additional storage capacity now. Adding additional capacity will reduce your requirement for water delivery during long periods without significant rainfall. However, there will be no point in investing in additional storage capacity unless tanks are installed before the summer. There are often lead times for delivery of new tanks and installers need to be booked as well. If you are considering additional capacity, act now.Don't leave it until the last minute to book a water delivery. Water carriers will be busy this summer, just as they were last year. Helensville, Muriwai, Warkworth and Wellsford are currently unaffected by the water restrictions that apply to Watercare’s metro network as they have their own independent supply. However, last summer the huge demand from tank water suppliers meant that at times the filling stations had their flows limited to ensure there was adequate pressure to fire hydrants. This slowed down deliveries making the demand situation worse. This situation will repeat itself this summer if there is another drought.Emergency 20-litre filling stations will be available this summer. However, due to budget cuts the supplementary tanker service provided will not be. This is why the council are urging people to think about their tank supply now, and to get in touch with their local tank supplier, because leaving it until the end of the year or mid-summer will be too late.Council is looking at how it can assist with rural supply by developing additional capacity from suitable private bores. If you have one of these and would be interested in discussing your water supply with council, please contact Phelan Pirrie, Rodney Local Board Chair on 021 837 167 or email: [email protected].

TuesdayThe Pink Caravan in Warkworth, New World Warkworth, 9:00 a.m.The Pink Caravan is back on the road for its spring tour. It will be in the New World carpark at 6 Percy Street, Warkworth on Tuesday 13 October and Wednesday 14 October from 9.00 a.m. -3.00 p.m.This is a free event, and everyone is welcome to visit the specialist breast nurses. Nurses can give information on breast health, help you sign up for mammograms, and answer questions you have on breast health or breast cancer. Come and say “hi”!WednesdayLiving the Change - Screening with Speaker Waveney Warth, Matakana Cinemas, 6:00 p.m.Sometimes it can feel like the environmental, economic and social issues the world is currently facing are too big, too overwhelming to be dealt with by individuals. Climate change, resource limits, economic downturn and social disconnection are all addressed in this film. Waveney Warth will also be speaking. Waveney came to national attention in 2008 when she challenged herself to live for one year without creating any rubbish. Through a podcast, website, blog, media and speaking engagements, Waveney has inspired thousands of people to consider the impact of their everyday actions and the changes they can make.FridayOpen Mic Night, Leigh Sawmill, 8:00 p.m.Presented by the one and only Lindsay D. Come and experience an evening of highly talented local musos. Koha always appreciated!Tulip Cream Tea, Matakana Botanicals, 2:00 p.m.Tulip Cream Tea Matakana promises to delight the senses, offering a special occasion that will be best enjoyed in the company of friends. Guests will be greeted with a glass of bubbles and will enjoy feasting through the afternoon on two amazing high tea grazing tables filled with delicious savoury and sweet treats prepared by local bakers and catering company Bread my Butter. A Dilmah tea sampling station will offer a variety of teas to refresh your palette and there will also be plenty of locally produced beverages available from the bar. Tickets are $55.00 and on sale now via iTicket.SaturdayShow Me Shorts - Whanau Friendly, Matakana Cinemas, 2:30 p.m.Children love short films! Introduce the small people in your life to the magic of cinema. This collection of films is suitable for the whole family. Take a wild ride on a tram that is off its tracks without brakes! Discover a meteorite that has crash-landed into Earth. Meet a magician who will teach us his magic tricks. Hop on a pirate ship in search of treasure. Learn the important art of making new friends.Live Celtic Music: The Slow Water Band, The Tahi Bar + Kitchen, 7:00 p.m.Who doesn't love a bit of live Celtic music? Head down to The Tahi to enjoy the wonderful Slow Water Band. You could even start with dinner and maybe a jar or two!SundayRiddimYard - Fish & Bread Sound System, Leigh Sawmill, 2:30 p.m.Fish & Bread is back for Riddim Yard #4 at the Leigh Sawmill. Enjoy an afternoon of roots, reggae and rub-a-dub selections, powered by the Fish & Bread Sound System. Guest selectors on the day. Pizzas and beverages are available from the friendly Sawmill crew.

The Puhoi to Warkworth motorway project team has been awarded for its efforts to protect the local environment, particularly waterways, during its construction.The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency project has won the project category of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Environmental Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation and outstanding achievement in the industry.“The motorway is being built to high environmental standards with a focus on protecting native species and our waterways, as well as significant planting and restoration works," says Project Director Robert Jones. Waka Kotahi Senior Manager Projects Delivery Andrew Thackwray says the IECA award is great recognition of the project’s attention to environmental detail."The motorway is to improve safety and resilience on this strategic route connecting Auckland and Northland, but the project team is also delivering on a commitment to enhance and protect the environment that the motorway passes through, leaving it in a better state."The diverse geographical and geological landscape, from steep hill country to flat farmland and flood plains, has tested the project team."Through a collective effort and innovative solutions, we have overcome challenges and met programme milestones while still achieving positive environmental outcomes. Our team takes pride in its environmental compliance. This award is a great achievement and a credit to their commitment and hard work", says Mr. Thackwray.

Julie’s Animal Refuge is offering to de-sex your cat for just $20.00 over the month of October. They are urging people in the Warkworth and Wellsford areas to de-sex their cats ahead of the upcoming kitten season and tragic dumping of kittens. To take them up on this offer, call Julie's Animal Refuge on 09 422 3322 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and you will receive a voucher number that can be redeemed at Vet Farm and Pet Clinic in Warkworth or the Wellsford Vet Club.Some of the available cats looking for a new home.Julie’s Animal Refuge is able to do this thanks to the Majorie Gray Trust. The trust has given a lot of assistance to the community by de-sexing many animals over the years, and by also providing help and support to Julie’s Animal Refuge. The Marjorie Gray Trust and Julie’s Animal Refuge have worked together in their efforts to get animals de-sexed: one of their main aims in animal welfare.A well-fed kitten in a domestic setting can mature and fall pregnant as young as 6 months old and can have up to 12 kittens in a litter. It is possible for a cat to have up to five litters in a year, which can result in huge populations of abandoned and feral cats roaming the country.Each year, New Zealand shelters receive about 9,000 cats and 11,000 kittens, who have no other place to go, despite the free kitten advertisements which only perpetuate the problem. Help keep this number under control, and get your cat fixed.

After a truly overwhelming year, we all need a bit of downtime. Matakana’s Event Junkies have put together a women's retreat so you can take some time for yourself to relax and refresh before summer. Tribe Retreat will be two nights of luxury and restoration, running from the 30th of October to the 1st of November, right in our backyard at the Kourawhero Mountain Lodge. Highly rated and regarded for its heritage protected landscapes, majestic forests, gulf views and gastronomic delights, it's the perfect place to get away from it all.Included in the package are a two-night luxury stay at Kourawhero Mountain Lodge, three-course gourmet dinners, two-course lunches, two-course breakfasts, wellness treatments and activities such as guided meditation, restorative yin yoga and a spa treatment.The wellness aspect of the retreat is facilitated by two incredible women with a huge amount of experience: Amanda Van Hoppe and Wendy Douglas.Amanda understands firsthand the importance of holistic selfcare and how fostering a deeper connection with self can greatly enhance and enrich every aspect of your life. She is an experienced spa therapist, vibrational medicine practitioner, sound healer and owner of Divinely Feminine, her holistic wellness practice located in Matakana.Wendy encourages and uplifts people in their day-to-day lives and brings fun and lightness to the practice of yoga. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience to help people to fully connect with their whole selves. She was first introduced to Ashtanga Yoga over 20 years ago and has been teaching this, alongside the restorative practice of Yin Yoga at the Tea & Tonic studio in Matakana for the past three years.So, if you are in need of a little time for yourself, check out https://www.eventjunkies.co.nz/tribe-retreat for booking enquiries. 

A new grant called the 'Rodney Healthy Harbours and Waterways Fund' is now available to help landowners protect and enhance waterways and wetlands. The fund supports waterway and wetland fencing, riparian planting and alternative water supplies for stock to protect riparian margins.Applications are welcome for projects that protect and restore waterways anywhere in the Rodney area. However, priority will be given to the following catchments: Te Arai, Cape Rodney, Tawharanui, and Matakana Upper and Lower. These areas have high sediment loads that are lost through waterways and into the harbour. The Rodney Local Board will also work with partners such as Fonterra, Beef and Lamb, Dairy NZ and groups such as the Forest Bridge Trust within the Rodney Local Board area. The hope is these groups will then be able to work directly with local landowners and give them support.The fund is available to all landowners, including farmers and lifestyle block owners, mana whenua, iwi groups, community groups, environmental groups and our partners. Projects can take place on private and/or Māori land. Applicants can apply for up to 50 per cent of the total project cost. The applicant contribution can be financial, or in-kind (e.g. voluntary labour) or a contribution by other donors. Applicants can also seek funding from alternative sources, with this funding forming part of or the entire applicant contribution towards project costs. The Rodney Local Board views its contribution towards individual projects as a stimulus or top-up, rather than the sole funding source. Please contact Alan Phelps on 022 197 8230 or via email [email protected] for an initial assessment, assistance and support planning your project. Once you have spoken to Alan Phelps and agreed on a project plan, you will need to submit your application via SmartyGrants website by 30 November 2020. 

Highlife festival will be returning to the Matakana Coast to celebrate the end of 2020 and ring in the new year.Revel in the occasion with live bands, DJs, dancers, performers, gourmet food, craft beverages, multiple areas to explore, lots of good people and a heart-stopping fireworks display to welcome in the New Year!To celebrate Auckland moving into alert level 1, we are giving a double pass! To enter head over to our instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/CGA-kHaM2mL/?igshid=1vjzr5ijvijrt

Now that Auckland is returning to level one, we will see the return of what a lot of people have been missing: live music. We have compiled a list of all the gigs over the next little while, from classical to grunge, so you can go out, have a boogie and celebrate. Wednesday 7th OctoberJan Preston Trio, Whangateau HallJan Preston is known as Australia’s queen of boogie piano; her new upcoming CD release for October 2020 bears testament to that. She is a magnetic live performer and astonishing piano player with a rich resonant voice. Her original songs, compositions and mastery of boogie-woogie captivate audiences at festivals and in concerts around the world. Saturday 10th October Trouble at the Mill, The Leigh Sawmill CafeIt's year eight of the grungiest covers night of them all. Many warm fuzzy good times with the BUTCHAS, Badneighbours and Huia Band.$15 on the door from 8.00 p.m. - onstage from 9.30 p.m.The Tahi Brothers, The Tahi Bar – 7.00 p.m.Yay for Level 1! The Tahi Bar & Kitchen proudly presents the inaugural gig of their new house band: The Tahi Brothers! Head on down and have a boogie.Sunday 11th OctoberNZ Trio, Warkworth Town Hall - 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.NZTrio is known for concerts that combine some of the most loved and celebrated works in the repertoire with lesser-known compositions. This concert begins with the dark lyric beauty of Beethoven’s explosive C minor trio and finishes with Ravel's piano trio – one of the most treasured works written for violin, cello and piano.Friday 23rd OctoberWhite Chapel Jak Return of the Jak Tour, Leigh Sawmill Café - 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.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. Known for putting an acoustic, funk-groove spin on upbeat songs everyone knows and loves, the four-piece acoustic band (with a big band sound) claimed the Radio New Zealand 2018 Battle of the Covers Band title and have performed more than 600 gigs NZ-wide since 2014, including Soundsplash 2020 and the Bay of Islands ‘iT’ festival.Thursday 29th OctoberOpen Mic Night, The Matakana - Village Pub - from 6:30 p.m.Matakana, it’s time to dust off your instruments or brush up on a few new songs. All are welcome to join in with the house band and regulars or simply relax and enjoy the wealth of local talent, musicians and performers. C'mon Matakana. It's your place to show us your talent!Saturday 24th October PLUTO Leigh Sawmill Café - 8:30 p.m.After almost a decade away, iconic New Zealand rock band Pluto are back. To celebrate the release of their fourth full length album, IV, they have announced an intimate and special performance at one of New Zealand's favourite venues, the Leigh Sawmill.Sunday 25th October - 8:30 p.m.Soaked Oats - Say Hey and Play Some New Ones, Leigh Sawmill CafeHaving 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' + a few surprise support acts.Spring Classic, Matakana Country Park - 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.It's the long weekend baby! Join Redrum Touring and George fm for a Sunday sesh this Labour Day long weekend at the beautiful Matakana Stables, featuring: Flowidus, Ekko and Sidetrack, Trei, P-money, Sin, Bad manners, Teto and Sammie. 

Mahurangi Wastebusters are looking to receive a grant of more than $2 million dollars from Auckland Council, thanks to the government’s Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund.The funding will be used to upgrade infrastructure and includes the of building sheds to keep staff out of the weather while sorting. Since opening in July 2019, Wastebusters have encountered a multitude of problems, including break-ins almost every week, especially at Lawrie Road, digger issues, problems with people bringing in asbestos, a collapse in commodity prices and, of course, the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns, during which waste had to be taken to landfill, instead of being sorted.In the year from July 2019 to June 2020, Mahurangi Wastebusters diverted 5,988 cubic metres of waste from landfill. The Snells Beach and Wellsford waste transfer stations are both on top of closed landfills, and Auckland Council is doing some vital work to make sure they don't cause any environmental harm. For this reason, Wastebusters can only accept waste from residential and small business customers. They cannot accept hazardous waste, clean or hard fill and vehicles over four tonnes are not permitted. Wastebusters is looking at ways to take more construction waste, as well as trying to increase its opening hours to make it more convenient for more people.The latest development for Wastebusters is a new composting service at Lawrie Road. Special five-tonne pest-proof boxes have been brought in to convert compostable food waste from the Matakana Farmers’ Market, Daily Organics Kombucha and the public. Most food scraps are accepted, except meat, fish, bones and cooking oil.

Thursday100% Wolf hosted by Rhys Darby, Matakana Cinemas, 2:00 p.m. Join Matakana Cinemas for an awesome special one-off screening hosted by our local guy Rhys Darby + Q&A! Rhys voices the villainous character Foxwell Cripp. There will be a lucky prize-pack draw in-theatre also.100% Wolf centers on Freddy Lupin, heir to a proud family line of werewolves. Positive he'll become the most fearsome werewolf ever, Freddy is in for a shock when his first "warfing" goes awry, turning him into a ferocious - poodleFriday Futures Festival of Golf, Warkworth Golf Club, 11:00 a.m.Join in the fun Festival of Golf during the school Holidays. All are welcome! Fun games for all the family and friendly Golf HQ PGA professionals will be on hand to give you tips. Plus, the cafe will be open for refreshments all day.SaturdayOyster and Wine Pop Up, Matakana Estate, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.For one day only, this October Matakana Estate are running an oyster and wine pop-up bar. Enjoy a relaxed day at Matakana Estate Cellar Door. The brilliant team at Mahurangi Oysters Ltd will be serving up fresh half-shell oysters and fritters! Pair them up with a selection of locally produced wines from Matakana Estate, Monarch Estate Vineyard and Yakutin Wines. Celebrate the best of the region.Trouble at The Mill, The Leigh Sawmill, 9:30 p.m.Brace yourselves, its the eighth year of the grungiest covers night of them all! This year joining the BUTCHAS on stage are Bad Neighbours and Huia Band. Many warm fuzzy good times to be had!$15 on the door from 8:00 p.m. - onstage from 9:30 p.m. Working Bee, Leigh Preschool, 9:00 a.m.Leigh Preschool is having a working bee Saturday and Sunday, at 9:00 a.m. both days. Due to not having a gala this year, there will be no fundraising money for environment upgrades. They want to do a few fix-up jobs at the preschool with a bit of help from parents and community so please feel welcome to join! Show up on the day and they will give you a job.SundayPaint n’ Picnic, Matakana Estate, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.A fun new concept where you can enjoy sipping on a glass of wine, and 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 2hr 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.Hands On Cocktailing, The Vintry, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.Want to try your hand behind the bar and shake up a storm? The Vintry interactive night offers an immersive experience behind the bar.

The old Warkworth Hotel building has stood in the centre of town since 1862 and has recently been refurbished to house an exciting new bar and restaurant. The decor is reminiscent of the hotel in its glory days, with chesterfield sofas and tiffany lamp shades taking you back in time. The Hotel is split into two sections: the Lobby, for drinks and small sharing plates, and the Dining Room, which will be open Thursday - Sunday for a slightly more formal dining experience. This project has been undertaken by Woody and Kim, owners of The Stables and Smiths at the Matakana Country Park. However, The Warkworth Hotel is a completely different experience. The Warkworth Hotel is a classy little piece of town history that will be affordable and casual enough for anyone to enjoy, whether you're looking for an after-work beer or a three course meal. As well as the beautifully kitted out Lobby and Dining Room, The Warkworth Hotel has an incredible space upstairs, perfect for hosting a function or wedding reception. After a year and a half in the works, The Warkworth Hotel is almost ready to open its doors to hungry customers. Keep an eye on the Matakana App for details. 

Today marks the opening of an exciting new business in Matakana that has been in the works for months.  Neighbourhood Recycle is a place for pre-loved clothes to find a new home and get some more wear rather than ending up in a landfill. The idea for it came about quite organically. Owners Sophie and Olivia both have a passion for the environment and sustainability, so creating Neighbourhood Recycle meant that they could do their part in the bid to discourage fast fashion. Both girls grew up in the area, and they could see how much value a community space like this would bring locals. They have been hard at work and that work has paid off, located behind The Bach Matakana, Neighbourhood Recycle opened its doors to customers for the first time today. If you have any funky pieces that aren't getting much wear, definitely consider dropping them into Neighbourhood Recycle. “We are not limited to branded clothes. We are looking for garments that are re-sellable, of good-quality fabric and not fast fashion. We have got quite a few NZ made pieces and are always on the lookout for epic vintage pieces.” Once your garment has sold, Neighbourhood Recycle will split the profit with you 50/50.Follow @neighbourhoodrecycle on Instagram to keep up to date with what's in the shop. “We can't wait to receive your pre-loved goods!”

The 2020 general election will be held on Saturday, October 17. Voting opens two weeks before election day, meaning that voting will open this Saturday, October 3rd. Many people choose to vote before our official election day as they may be away from home on election day. However, voters have until 7.00 p.m. on election day to vote.Everyone who is enrolled to vote gets two votes: an electorate vote and a party vote. The electorate vote is for the candidate you want to represent the area you live in (your electorate). The party vote is for the party you want to represent you. For an extensive guide on the policies of different parties and candidates, visit https://policy.nz/At this year’s general election, you can also vote in two referendums. You can vote on whether the recreational use of cannabis should become legal. You can also vote on whether the End of Life Choice Act 2019 should come into force, giving people with a terminal illness the option of requesting assisted dying. To find out more about the referendums, visit www.referendums.govt.nzThere are plenty of places to vote locally, both in advance and on election day. So, visit one of these locations, and make your vote count:Open on Election DayLeigh School, 22 Hauraki Road, Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pmMatakana School, 952 Matakana Road, Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pmOmaha Surf Lifesaving Club, 57 Broadlands Drive, Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pmPoint Wells Community Hall, 5 Point Wells Road Sat, 17 Oct 9am - 7pmPuhoi Fire Station, 52 Ahuroa Road, Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pmSnells Beach Primary School, 62 Dawson Road, Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pmMahurangi College Hall Foyer, 2 Woodcocks Road, Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pmOpen for Advance VotingMatakana Community Hall, 43 Matakana Valley Road: Sat 3 Oct & Sun 4 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Fri 9 Oct & Sun 11 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Fri 16 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pmMahurangi East Community Centre, 21 Hamatana Road: Sat 3 Oct - Fri 16 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pm Unit 7, 1/9 The Grange Warkworth, Fairwater Road, Sat 3 Oct & Sun 11 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Mon 12 Oct - Thu 15 Oct 8:30am - 7pm Fri 16 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pm Warkworth Masonic Lodge (above Westpac Bank), 12 Baxter Street: Sat 3 Oct - Mon 12 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Tue 13 Oct - Thu 15 Oct 8:30am - 7pm Fri 16 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pm Warkworth Old Masonic Hall, 3 Baxter Street: Sat 3 Oct - Mon 12 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Tue 13 Oct - Thu 15 Oct 8:30am - 7pm Fri 16 Oct 8:30am - 6pm Sat 17 Oct 9am - 7pm

Yesterday was a busy day for local firefighters, with two blazes needing to put out in the area. A fire broke out in a bakery on Orewa’s Moana Ave at about 9.30 a.m. on Thursday. The fire in the roof void was contained but not out until about 10.15 a.m. It was finally out around noon. There were no reports of any injuries. Four fire trucks and one aerial fire appliance attended.The cause of the fire is not yet known.The second fire occurred in the dunes of Omaha Beach yesterday afternoon. The cause of which is still unknown. Three fire engines were in attendance and got things under control fairly quickly. Residents also used garden hoses to assist.

Yesterday evening Warkworth Police and the Police Eagle Helicopter managed to located a missing hiker in Tawharanui Regional Park and returned her to safety. Police recently posted on social media - "Thanks to the efforts of our Police Eagle Helicopter and our officers in Warkworth, we were able to swiftly locate a woman who got lost in Tawharanui Regional Park yesterday and bring her back to her family.The woman set out on her hike yesterday morning – but didn’t return home by early evening, so her family raised the alarm and called Police.The Police Eagle Helicopter was dispatched and spotted the woman within 30 seconds of being in the area.They landed and picked up the woman, returning her to a nearby carpark where her family were waiting.A great result and reminder of the importance of telling someone where you are going and when you are due back, and if possible, having a means of communication with if you do need help.Stay safe everyone."Great work police.

Algies Bay Beach had a surprising visitor on its shores on Sunday, in the form of a sea turtle.The women who found the turtle contacted the Department of Conservation (DOC) to make sure it wasn't in any danger. The turtle was very lethargic, causing concerns that it may have ingested plastic, or be suffering from chronic illness that is often seen in sea turtles. DOC took the turtle to Auckland Zoo for medical treatment.Of the seven species of marine turtles, five can be found in New Zealand's waters, and all are classed as endangered, with some being on the verge of extinction. Turtles are generally found in warmer tropical waters but can get washed into colder areas if they are weak from injury or sickness.Turtles found on New Zealand beaches most commonly suffer from dehydration, cold shock, and starvation. Other issues include missing limbs or large wounds, bacterial infections and fishhook or plastic pollution ingestion, to name a few.Calling DOC was the right thing to do in this situation. DOC staff attend beached or entangled sea turtles. Those that are found alive may be sent to a specialist facility such as an aquarium for rehabilitation. Dead specimens may be given to museums and scientists for research and educational purposes.All reptiles, including sea turtles, are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953. This means it is illegal to kill or harass any species of sea turtle within New Zealand's Territorial Sea or Exclusive Economic Zone.The turtle will most likely be sent to Kelly Tarlton’s for rehabilitation and kept in quarantine to ensure it is as healthy as possible before being released back into the ocean. The Auckland aquarium provides a temporary home for these amazing creatures for anything from a few months up to three years. 

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that work is about to start on significant road layout changes on State Highway 1 (SH1) at the Johnstone Hill tunnels.On the night of Wednesday 30 September, both northbound and southbound tunnels will be closed for maintenance. This is part of regular maintenance to ensure the Auckland motorway network is kept in a good and safe condition for all road users.The tunnels will be closed from 8.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. with traffic diverted to the Hibiscus Coast Highway. This effectively closes the motorway toll road between the Silverdale interchange and Pūhoi. Motorists are advised to allow an extra 15 minutes for the journey.“Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journey. The night-time closures are to minimise disruption when traffic is light. We appreciate your cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience.”The scheduled changes are part of a staged sequence of work to connect SH1 to the new Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway under construction north of the Johnstone Hill tunnels. There will be changes to the alignment of SH1 and new lanes will be added north of the tunnels before the 18.5km motorway is due to open in May 2022.The motorway extension will vastly improve the safety, connectivity and resilience of the transport network between Northland and Auckland, helping to boost the economic potential of the Northland region.

Auckland Council have finally spoken on their stance on the proposed landfill in the Dome Valley, saying that plans should be refused because of cultural and environmental concerns.Chinese-owned private waste firm, Waste Management, has promised its new dump would be environmentally sound. However, the valley's iwi and landowners worry any breach in the dump's lining could spill poisons into the Hōteo River. The Hōteo empties into Kaipara Harbour, where sedimentation already plays havoc with marine life.Independent consultant planner Mark Ross has prepared a report ahead of the resource consent hearing in November.Over the two-month submission period, there were 958 oppositions from the public, while only 10 were in support of the plans.“The reporting officer is recommending, subject to contrary or additional information being received at the hearing, that the application be refused,” the newly released report stated.Cultural values, the impact on freshwater and the surrounding ecosystem, sedimentation and air pollution, environmental and human health risks, traffic safety and the rural character of the area were all taken into consideration in the report.An Auckland Council spokeswoman said Ross' report was a recommendation and the final decision on whether the dump could be built will be made by independent commissioners following a resource consent hearing starting on November 9.,2020 at Warkworth Town Hall.