Concerns have been raised over the balance of ecosystems in the Omaha rockpools, as people have been seen taking large amounts of shellfish and other sea creatures, such as kina. In one day a relatively small group of people can decimate an area, upsetting the fragile ecosystem. A concerned local had noticed a large group of people with buckets containing little sea water, black snails, starfish, tiny kina and an octopus left baking in the hot sun. After doing some research, it was discovered that this was actually all perfectly legal, as there is no limit on quantity or size, even for the baby kina.A meeting was organised for Monday the 16th of November, and there was a great turnout of over 30 people, including a marine biologist, and local MP Chris Penk. The meeting allowed for concerned members of the community to share their concerns, experiences and voice ideas on how they can make a difference about taking care of the shoreline.Ideas about pamphlets, a bi-lingual sign at the rock pool end, and education were expressed. Chris Penk spoke about wording for a petition and emailing the Ministers directly to raise awareness and concerns.Chris Penk has since drafted a letter to the Minister of Primary Industries and the Minister of Conservation to see what can be done about this issue.

Auckland Transport (AT) is proposing new permanent speed limits for 26 roads in Auckland’s west and north, including some roads in Warkworth, Matakana and Tawharanui.To get feedback from the community on the proposed speed limits, and to give locals the opportunity to ask project managers any questions they may have, Auckland Transport is holding a drop in session. This will be held on Saturday, November 28, at The Matakana Village Farmers Market. If you are unable to make this session, you can give feedback online here. Submissions are open until January 17, 2021.The proposed changes are as follows:Warkworth Edwards Road, from 100km/h to 40km/hHepburn Creek Road, from 100km/h to 40km/hHodgart Road, from 100km/h to 40km/hWilson Road, from 50 km/h to 40 km/h MatakanaPortions of Matakana Valley Road, from 100km/h to 60km/hSmith Road, Matakana, 100 km/h to 40km/h Ward Road, 100 km/h to 40km/hTawharanui PeninsulaPortions of Baddeleys Beach Road, from 100km/h to 80km/hCampbell Road, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hClinton Road, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hHaywood Lane, from 100 km/h to 60 km/hKookaburra Drive, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hPigeon Place, from 50 km/h to 40 km/hTakatu Road, from 100 km/h to 80 km/hWhitmore Road, from 100 km/h to 60 km/hAll the proposed speed limit changes on are ‘self-explaining roads’. This means drivers already travel at a lower speed due to the road conditions, such as the road being narrow, windy or hilly. These roads are classified as being at a high-risk of deaths or serious injuries, or they are close to high-risk roads. Auckland Transport is introducing safe and appropriate speeds across areas rather than individual roads. 

This week, Auckland Transport will begin resealing works on Mahurangi East Road. The work will be carried out between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday the 18th of November through to Friday the 20th of November. These time frames may be adjusted due to weather conditions. During this time, street parking on Mahurangi East Road will be unavailable. Large machinery and trucks carrying out the work which may cause some delays, and residents are asked to keep an eye on any pets or young children during this time. In the two weeks following resealing, drivers are asked to avoid excessive speed, sharp turns and heavy braking, as these actions can damage the newly repaired road and are expensive to fix. Pedestrians are being asked to be aware that they may carry emulsions or chips into vehicles or dwellings, so inspect footwear after walking on the road. 

Ngati Manuhiri have moved into its new headquarters in the old Warkworth Courthouse on Elizabeth Street in Warkworth. The courthouse was used for magistrate sittings until 2012, after which Ngati Manuhiri took over the building following the end of the Crown lease on the site. The courthouse was part of the iwi’s Deed of Settlement under the Waitangi Tribunal in May 2011.The iwi is involved in a wide range of cultural activities from building consents and impact assessments to coastlines, fisheries and the Resource Management Act. They also play an important role in conservation and protection of native species.The new headquarters will provide them with a place to carry out their governance functions, as well as act as a meeting place for the various community and local government organisations that take guidance from iwi and collaborate on local projects.

The Matakana Coast Trail Trust have cause to celebrate; they’ve been successful in their bid for $500,000 from the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.To add to the good news, the Point Wells to Matakana Country Park Trail design has been approved by Auckland Transport and is construction ready. A portion of the $500,000 funding has been allocated to the development of this section of the trail. The Matakana Coast Trail Trust advocates for the region's trail groups and engages with Auckland Council, government, and various stakeholders to establish trail access, raise funds and promote trail projects. Their vision is to create a world class recreation and adventure trail spanning the Matakana Coast region and connecting communities from Pūhoi in the south to Mangawhai in the north.The trust has begun presenting to 22 community groups between Pūhoi and Mangawhai to inform them on the trail progress and to give opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback and to contribute. The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust are leading a project with support from Auckland Council to initially develop three cultural markers at selected sites along the planned trail. These markers will have a strong presence on the trail, sharing cultural narratives, knowledge and history about the surrounding environment. Current work is focusing on developing the designs and confirming their locations and materials.Feasibility studies and environmental assessments on the Te Muri Estuary crossing portion of the trail are positive. The Matakana Coast Trail Trust are working with Friends of Regional Parks in this area.

Last month, the Matakana App celebrated its first birthday. So we thought it was finally time to introduce you to the team of locals behind the screen.Ruby Garner, JournalistI grew up on the Matakana Coast, and have spent many years exploring the beautiful place that we call home. I’m in the final stages of a bachelor's degree in communications, majoring in journalism. Reading and writing have always been huge passions of mine, and working for the Matakana App gives me a chance to do what I love for a job, while getting to know the place where I live on a whole new level. I also work part time at the Matakana Village Preschool, hanging out with the little rugrats there.In my spare time you are likely to find me lying on the beach devouring a good book, bending myself over backwards attempting to do yoga, sipping coffee at a cafe, and dancing the night away at local gigs. Rachel Ellis, EditorI’m a wordsmith with over 25 years of working closely with words. I have moved between teaching English to writing online materials for English students and teachers to proofreading and writing web copy and web content. What do I do in my spare time? Well, as you’ve probably guessed, I do love to have my nose stuck in a good book. When that’s not happening, I enjoy travelling, at the moment that is discovering wonderful New Zealand, socialising, cooking, eating, fishing, walking, cruising on my new orange E-bike and enjoying the breathtakingly beautiful place where we’re lucky enough to live: Mahurangi West.

It's time to get training. There's less than a month until the Omaha Half Marathon, due to be held on December 6th, 2020. There will be a 21km, a 10km, a five kilometre and a two kilometre race, so no matter your fitness level you can join in and challenge yourself. All the events are open to runners, joggers and walkers alike.  The half marathon course is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful – and fast – you will find anywhere. It is a beautiful and features a full circumnavigation of the Omaha Peninsula, and two kilometres on the white sands of Omaha beach. Runners head out over the causeway and around the coastal reserve at Point Wells.  Both the five- and ten-kilometre runs follow the route around the peninsula, with the five-kilometre course turning around near the surf club. The ten-kilometre route continues right up to the bird sanctuary at the northern tip. Throughout, you are treated to wide sea views and the water is never more than a stone’s throw away.  Last year, 1,546 keen participants showed up to take part in the complete half marathon race to see if they had what it took, so get in quick to reserve your spot.

We are all aware of how many great camping spots there are on the Matakana Coast, and now we have found the coolest and most convenient way to explore them all. Land Roamer is a business that allows you to rent a 4x4 Land Rover Defender, fully kitted out with everything that you need for the perfect camping trip.The vehicles come with a four-metre bell tent, super-comfy air mattress and premium linen bedding, as well as a barbecue, cooking appliances, outdoor chairs and table, picnic blankets, a canoe and a lot more. You’ll be able to travel to the most remote (and scenic) camping spots. Perfect for setting up a cozy spot at Tawharanui campground, or Pakiri Holiday Park. Regardless of whether you're a local, or travelling from far and wide, this camping package is the ideal way to get out and explore the area. If you're looking for a romantic respite or a weekend away with friends, set up camp and then head to the Matakana Village Farmers Market for your weekend food supply. If you're looking for an experience rivaling that of a tropical island, hire some snorkel gear and get down to Goat Island, the country’s oldest marine reserve. Be sure to keep an eye out for the huge old snapper that cruise around the southwest corner of the island.There are plenty of beautiful beaches to discover. If you want to get out on a board and surf the waves, Pakiri is the perfect spot for you. If discovering the magic little worlds in rockpools is more your speed, you will have a blast at Tawharanui.Go on, take time out. Log off from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. Gaze at the stars up above and feel the sand between your toes. Take your mates, your family or just your own dreams. It’s all there waiting for you - go forth and discover.

We already suspected it, but now we have definitive proof that our local butcher is the best in New Zealand.Warkworth Butchery is celebrating after Rob Lees took home first place in The Master Butcher of the Year Awards this week.Six of New Zealand’s master butchers battled it out. They were given two hours to break down a beef banjo and a whole lamb and impress the judges with their value-added display.“I was pretty chuffed, I surprised myself”, said Rob. “I only entered to encourage my apprentice to enter the regional competition, and he said he'd only do it if I entered too. For the first seven weeks I thought the emails I was getting were about his competition, I didn’t even realise I'd been selected.”Rob was pleased he took home the $3,500 cash prize.“It’s taken a lot of practice, but it went smoothly. I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”Contestants were marked on safety, hygiene, speed and efficiency, yield and knife skills, display, product produced and cooking instructions of product.This competition is reserved for those who have great skill and proficiency in the craft of butchery, giving the judges a real challenge in the search to find the country’s top master butcher. Well done Rob!

Concerns have been raised over the safety of the The Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway project after risk registers were released to Radio New Zealand under the Official Information Act (OIA).The August and September risk registers revealed that the project had a "high" to "extreme threat" of landslides due to earthworks being exposed to wet winter weather for longer than expected, thanks to a construction hiatus forced by Covid-19."Measures put in place to mitigate the risk of a landslip delaying construction include reviewing the design as more detailed geotechnical data becomes available, especially in high-risk areas," Waka Kotahi told RNZ.The land on which the motorway is being built is known to have soils that can be difficult to work on, a problem amplified by the delays in earthworks. Waka Kotahi are confident the build is of "a high standard, with robust quality controls, which will ensure that the motorway and all of its structures are durable, safe and fit for purpose".The designs are being reviewed, as are the project's insurance and legal protections, and potential landslide threats. 

We all know how easy it is to pack on a few kilos over winter. Luckily, there is a new gym opening in Matakana to help us get back those beach bodies for summer.Some locals may already know Justin Fokkema from the Vintry and MMK in Matakana, or the Fitness Hub in Snells Beach. He is now also the owner of new gym facility, Keep Fit Matakana. Keep Fit Matakana will be located right in Matakana, in the space behind Jin Jin restaurant. Justin noticed a gap in the market years ago for a fully equipped gym in the area and has been determined to make it a reality. He sat on a business plan he made a year ago and waited for the right building to come along.“I first went to view the building around July, and it all started from there. I've always been passionate about fitness and wanted to create a gym that has a great community feel, so once the right spot came along, I just went for it!”Keep Fit Matakana is due to open in late December or early January, perfect for getting back in shape after Christmas. There will be a great range of classes on offer, including Pilates, yoga, HIIT, mums ‘n’ bubs, and more. They will also have brand new strength machines and cardio equipment, a range of weights and free weights.Prior to the gym opening, Justin will be running a few bootcamps in Snells Beach and Algies.Bay. Once the gym opens, he will offer the same around Matakana. The bootcamp will be held at Highfield reserve on Mondays (7:00 p.m.), Wednesdays (9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.) and Fridays (9:30 a.m.).Mondays will cost a gold coin, and Wednesday and Friday will be $5.00 for a 45 minute to one-hour session. All Fitness levels are welcome.Keep an eye on Keep Fit Matakana’s social media pages (@keepfitmatakana on Instagram and Facebook) this month for some huge discounts on memberships, and more information on what they have in the works.

Last month, The Matakana App celebrated its first birthday. We thought it was finally time to introduce our readers to the team behind the screen, starting off with app creator and director, Fraser Falconer.I've lived right here on the Matakana Coast pretty much my whole life, all 21 years of it. It's home to me, it's where I grew up, went to school and has taught me everything I know. I spent a few years traveling around, but I haven’t found another place like it. While growing up in the area, I have seen it change a lot, and change for the better. Both my parents, Garth and Linda, were heavily involved in planning and designing the area to help make it what it is today. However, I felt it wasn't developed enough in the digital space. There wasn't one place where you could easily access everything from news to jobs, events and traffic. There were huge delays between things happening and people finding out about them, so I decided to take the plunge and launch an app that would fix all that, and help promote the area and local businesses in the process. My role in the Matakana App involves a lot of admin, from updating everything on the app and its social media accounts, to heading sales. It takes a lot of time keeping everything up to date but it's worth it. I can't take credit for everything; we have a great editorial team who produce all our daily news content.  In the first year, the community's response to the app has been amazing! Recently the app reached 18th in the download charts for News and Entertainment apps in NZ. Both the local community and local businesses have got right behind it, which I honestly didn't expect to happen so quickly. We have many new projects currently in works to further develop the platform. We will continue to grow our editorial team, so we can produce more content and news each day. We also have a new desktop app on the horizon that will allow users to access everything from their laptop and from google searches. We are really only just getting started! One question we get a lot is: Why is it called 'The Matakana App' when it covers the Puhoi to Pakiri region?We don't have the population to have different apps for each town, so it needed to cover multiple towns. There is a huge debate within the towns on what the name for the region is, some call it the 'Sheltered Coast' others the 'Kowhai Coast', 'Mahurangi' or the 'Matakana Coast'. Matakana is at the heart of the region and it just seemed to fit the app the best, but the app is just as much a Warkworth app or a Leigh app as it is a Matakana app.After I've finished my work on the app for the day, I'm straight to the beach. I'm a very keen surfer and love the outdoors. I'm also into the music scene and organise music events and festivals; I am not exactly the type to sit still. I would like to thank everyone who has downloaded, used and shared the app. We have some exciting projects for the future so stay tuned!

Plenty of local stuff happening this week, catch Weekly Happening every Monday.Wednesday Half Price Pizza, Smiths 4pm - LateSmiths Matakana are having a half price pizza night this Wednesday. Gourmet, handmade pizza with heaps of toppings. FridayBeatroots - Mr Big Stuff, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.mLive 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, all summer long every weekend Fridays and Saturdays. This weekend Mr Big Stuff is bringing the grand funk to Matakana.Freaky - Friday the 13th Screening, Matakana Cinemas, 6:45 p.mPrepare to get Freaky with a twisted take on the body-swap movie when a teenage girl switches bodies with a relentless serial killer.Seventeen-year-old Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton, Blockers, HBO’s Big Little Lies) is just trying to survive the bloodthirsty halls of Blissfield High and the cruelty of the popular crowd. But when she becomes the newest target of The Butcher (Vince Vaughn), her town’s infamous serial killer, her senior year becomes the least of her worriesOpen Mic Night, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 8:00 p.mPresented by the one and only Lindsay D.Head along and experience an evening of highly talented local muso’s. Koha Appreciated - Anything donated is going towards Movember in support of Men's Mental Health. There will even be some special silent Auction items! So head on down and enjoy some music and donate a little something!SaturdayBic Runga, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 7:30This spring, the internationally heralded pop songstress is excited to tour select New Zealand locations, celebrating both the warming of weather and the freedom to perform. Bic’s performances are an elegant treat, a musical journey of songs that span her career, including reimagined favourites, rarities, te reo Māori interpretations and new tunes.SundayPaint n’ Picnic, Herons Flight Vineyard, 2:00 p.mA 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 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.Mia Jay, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 4:00 p.mMia Jay and her incredible band are embarking on their second nationwide tour. Mia’s 2nd EP ‘Stalled On a Highway’ is about to hit the streets and aims to explore the inner thoughts of an “absolutely lost puppy” in her own words. With music that centres around vivid lyricism while shaped by different musical influences, this gig will be one to chuck in the diary.

Neighbourhood Recycle are celebrating being open one month, and so far they have rehomed 529 garments, preventing those quality outfits from going to landfill.The store opened at the beginning of October, and the reception from the community has been great. Neighbourhood Recycle is the passion project of locals Olivia and Sophie. It 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. Both women 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.If you have any funky pieces that aren't getting much wear, definitely consider dropping them into Neighbourhood Recycle. “We are so stoked to see the community come together to support Neighbourhood, it has been a really exciting first month. We were overwhelmed with the response from the matakana community and beyond. It is clear that this space was really needed to facilitate both community and the environment. Neighbourhood has rehomed over 500 garments this month which plays a massive part in slowing down fast fashion. Neighbourhood is still collecting garments for the summer season so if you want to drop in a bag we are open Wednesday -Sunday. .” Once your garment has sold, Neighbourhood Recycle will magically pop your half of the selling price into your bank account.One seller is very happy about how easy it is to sell through Neighbourhood recycle.“I dropped off some clothes at Neighbourhood not expecting to make much money. Then within the two weeks they told me they sold all my garments and that they were transferring $200 to my bank. I was thrilled! I honestly would have just thrown them out or given the items away, but they found them a new home and now I have some beer money!”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!”

On Saturday 21st November, a cocktail fundraiser will be held to support the establishment of the Mahurangi Coastal Trail.The Mahurangi Coastal Trail is a community, Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, and New Zealand Walking Access Commission partnership project that will ultimately extend from Mangawhai to Waiwera. It will link 1,000 contiguous coastal hectares of Auckland regional parkland and form the first non-urban section northward on Te Araroa, the national walkway.This cocktail fundraiser with Distinguished Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, New Zealand’s inaugural chief science adviser to a New Zealand prime minister, is to get the pivotal Te Muri Estuary boardwalk and footbridge shovel ready.Hosted by Tu Ngutu Villa, which includes the Mahurangi Coast Trail in its Mahurangi Harbour and Hauraki Gulf panorama, attendees will forever be part of the creation of a greater Mahurangi Coast trail network, rivaling the best in Aotearoa and globally.The November 21st fundraiser will be a significant milestone in realising what is likely to be a 60-kilometre coast trail.The Mahurangi Coastal Trail concept emerged in 1986. Thirty-four years on, the cocktail fundraiser is specifically to get the low-key, mostly mangrove-screened, Te Muri crossing boardwalk and bridge shovel ready. The design and resource consent preparation is already well underway, with the Coastal Trail Trust working closely with Auckland Council and Ngāti Manuhiri.  Tickets $80.00 each at mahurangi.org.nz/coast-trail

Beware toxic sea slugs that may wash up on our beaches over the warmer months. Dog owners should ensure they keep their dogs on a leash and parents should keep a close eye on their children playing on the beach.Sea slugs are common marine animals, found all around New Zealand. There are many species, but one species in particular, Pleurobranchaea maculata, was linked to the deaths of nine dogs on Auckland beaches in 2009 and they’re visiting us again. A warning has been issued on social media, claiming that two dogs have become ill after ingesting the toxic slugs this year. “A beautiful 12-month-old griffon that ate one while playing on Takapuna beach had a seizure and died within minutes. A husky pup was on life support after being at Orewa beach; he had a seizure but is now recovering.“Sea slugs can be in seaweed so your dog can eat them quicker than you can do anything. So, if you have a young dog, a dog that will eat anything, stay away from East Coast Beaches!!!! Be vigilant.”Right now, any sea slugs on any beach should be avoided, and if you do see one, report it to your local council.In 2013, eggs laid by toxic sea slugs, and their sacs, were suspected to be the cause of seizures suffered by dogs walking on Auckland beaches. Both the slugs and sacs contain tetrodotoxin, the poison found in puffer fish, which was found in high concentrations on beaches in Auckland and Coromandel.This summer, people need to be aware of sea slugs and treat them with the same caution they would stingrays and jellyfish. Symptoms of poisoning include numbness and tingling around the mouth. Nausea and paralysis can also occur. Anyone touching them should immediately wash their hands thoroughly and seek medical advice. If a dog is showing symptoms of poisoning, they should be taken to a vet. However, if they have come into contact with the toxic sea slugs there is not much that can be done, as sadly, the deaths tend to happen very quickly.

Northern Arena has plans for a brand new pool complex in Warkworth, but we won't be splashing around until the Matakana link road has been completed, scheduled for June 2022.The concept layout for the 2000m2 Swim and Fitness Facility. The site for the new facility is adjacent to the link road - overlooking Warkworth Showgrounds - but the site will not be accessible until the road is finished. The complex will have two learning pools for children as well as a gym and a 25-metre pool. It will be slightly smaller than the similar facility in Silverdale.Access to the pool complex will be membership based. Memberships in Silverdale currently cost from $23.00 per week for adults and $15.00 per week for seniors.

This week New Zealanders will continue the 400-year long tradition of Guy Fawkes Night on Thursday the 5th of November. The event gives people a good opportunity to get together with friends and family for some start of summer fun, while letting off fireworks.However, the yearly debate on whether or not fireworks should be banned in New Zealand has again sparked up. Fire and Emergency New Zealand's national adviser for fire risk management, Todd O'Donoghue, said they would prefer people attend public events rather than put on their own fireworks display."Basically they are a safer way to see fireworks and you get better value for money for what you see. Sadly, there has never been enough public displays to go around across the country. They have always tended to be patchy in some places and we are seeing a move from some councils to move their community-funded public displays to other times of the year."This seemed to be the consensus amongst Rodney locals, who took to Facebook to voice their support of the ban of backyard fireworks and instead have one organised display that everyone could enjoy together. “I'm not a fan, never have been. I'd prefer to see the sale of fireworks banned and have only big displays at showgrounds etc. So much safer!” said one such local. On the other hand, some people think that banning fireworks is just another freedom being taken away. One supporter of fireworks suggested that authorities “increase the penalties for the idiots, promote safe, responsible use of fireworks, bring back the double happies and tom thumbs and let kids big and small have some fun.”If you are planning on letting off fireworks on your property this year, here are a few tips to ensure that everyone stays safe and has fun.Follow instructions on fireworksLight them away from things that could catch fireOnly let adults light fireworksHave cold water on handDo not relight fireworks that do not go offPut any burns under cold water for 20 minutesNever point fireworks towards another person.It's important to be considerate of any neighbours who may have pets or livestock that could be scared by the fireworks. Let them know in advance if you are planning to let some off, so they have adequate time to prepare and move livestock if needed. Remember, that others may have young children who need sleep, so don't keep letting them off too late. Be safe and enjoy your Guy Fawkes night.  

Dog owners are being urged to be aware of native birds that may be on beaches, and to keep dogs on a leash in these areas where they could cause any disturbance to birds such as dotterels or fairy tern.Locals have reported animals off-leash and disturbing the birds. Here is one local’s experience:“Walking along the boardwalk close to the rocks on the northern end of Omaha on Sunday afternoon at 2.30 p.m., a dog comes racing towards us along the dunes area chasing and scattering dotterels along the way.“We called the dog to come to us. It hesitated long enough for me to get a photo, then it ran back the way it had come, we searched for it but couldn’t locate it.“We phoned the council, as we were standing right by the sign. They were not able to locate the dog, and thought it was most likely owned by someone in a bach.“It was extremely disturbing to see the distressed birds and frustrating not to be able to do anything.”Last year, the rules surrounding dogs on beaches changed, allowing dogs to be off-leash later in the year. Although this is great news for dog owners, it isn't such great news for some of the wildlife who use this time to breed and nest.Time and season laws are placed over busy periods in public places to avoid conflict between dogs, wildlife and people. Previously from Labour Weekend until March 31st, dogs were prohibited in on many of our local beaches between 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.The change adopted by Auckland Council last year shortened the period these rules were in place. Dogs are now restricted from December 1st to March 1st and only prohibited from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., giving dog owners another five weeks and an extra two hours in the evening to take their dogs out.Please respect the rules and the local wildlife.