The speed limits on some state highways, including SH1 from the Auckland boundary to Warkworth, might be lowered in an effort to curb rising road fatalities.Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are seeking feedback from communities in Northland and north-west Auckland about the current speeds on their state highways. They wish to hear concerns and tap into local knowledge about how the roads are used.The public engagement period will run from May 3 to June 14, 2021.14 people have died on Northland roads so far this year, one more than at the same stage of 2020.“Improving safety on New Zealand roads is a top priority for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Waka Kotahi is committed to Vision Zero, which aspires to a New Zealand where no-one is killed or seriously injured on our roads. We’re working to deliver a safe system which acknowledges that even responsible people can make mistakes on our roads, and that these mistakes should not cost us our lives,” says Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton.“To reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads we need to take action on several fronts, from speed limits to driver education to improving the safety of roads and vehicles. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other, but even when speed isn’t the direct cause of a crash, it is the single biggest factor that determines whether a person is killed, seriously injured or walks away from a crash unharmed.”This year, nine state highways in Northland and two state highways in Auckland are being reviewed after being identified as roads where safer speed limits could make a big difference in preventing deaths and serious injuries.“We’d like people to tell us about places that are hard to get to or from, how safe they feel crossing the highway or letting their children walk or cycle to school in certain areas, and if there are any other sites or information that we need to be especially aware of,” says Mr. Mutton.This information will feed into the technical reviews of these stretches of state highway to help Waka Kotahi determine where speed limit changes could improve safety, and help shape any new proposed speed limits, which will then be formally consulted on.The speed of a vehicle at impact is the single biggest factor that determines if you or someone you love, dies, or survives a crash. You’re around 30% more likely to be in a serious injury crash at 90 km/hr than at 80 km/hr.Formal consultation about any proposed speed limit changes will be the next part of the process, after engagement feedback is considered.You can find out more and share your views by visiting http://nzta.govt.nz/northlandspeed, mailing [email protected] or speaking to the team at one of our pop-up events. A pop-up event for our area is scheduled at Warkworth Countdown, Friday 21 May, 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.State highways being reviewed:SH1 Pukenui to KaitāiaSH10 Pākaraka tō TaipāSH11 Kawakawa to PaihiaSH1 Kawakawa to WhangareiSH15 between SH1 (north of Kaikohe) and OtaikaSH12 Ōmāpere to KaikoheSH14 Dargaville to WhangāreiSH12 Brynderwyn to ŌmāpereSH1 Whangārei to Auckland boundarySH1 Auckland boundary to WarkworthSH16 Wellsford to Waimauku

A small sign that used to reside at the top of the Matakana hill has caused quite the stir in the community this week. “Thanks to one person complaining about our oysters crossing sign, it has now been taken down. Apparently, it almost caused this person to crash at night due to its reflection. However it isn't a reflecting sign. At least he gave it back to us. Boo booooooooo,” read the Facebook post letting the community know why the sign had disappeared. The post announcing the sign’s removal proved to be very popular on Facebook, quickly getting over 150 comments, most voicing the fact that they loved the sign, and wanted it back.The yellow sign, reading ‘Oysters Crossing’ was put up as a bit of a laugh, but also warned motorists that over the hill there were often cars stopped in the road to turn into the driveway of Matakana Oysters. “I actually believe it has saved many lives. I have nearly crashed into the back of people many times before the sign went up. Put it back up and keep our roads safe,” said one Facebook user, a sentiment that was shared by many. Local councilwoman Beth Houlbrooke has offered her help to make the sign legal so that it can be put back up.“Because I'm a regular customer and you are my favourite oyster-monger, I'm very sad to hear this. Until there was a complaint, I'm sure AT would have just turned a blind eye to it. “There are unfortunately a whole bunch of bylaws around road signs, but let's see if we can make it compliant so you can put it back up - if not in that exact location, somewhere else, or get an official sign warning of traffic turning or a destination type sign.”

Today, the hearing on the resource consent application by Kaipara Limited to extract sand from the coastal marine area off-shore at Pakiri at Coastal Marine Area - Pakiri Sand Extraction - will begin. Hearings will be held Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th May, 2021 at the Warkworth Town Hall and Friday 7th May, 2021 at Omaha Marae (9.00 a.m. start) Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th May, 2021 at Pakiri Hall and Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th and Friday 14th May 2021 at the Warkworth Town Hall.Kaipara Ltd is seeking to renew its consent with Auckland Council which will enable the continued mining of 2,000,000 cubic metres of sand from a roughly 640 square kilometre area 2km from shore until 2023. The hearing will decide if this consent is to be renewed. Kaipara Ltd owns the consent, but the mining is done by McCallum Bros Ltd - a supplier of Auckland's concrete manufacturers, who also owns and operates a consent to mine closer to shore.Evidence of significant ecological disturbance and multiple consent breaches have forced an Auckland Council review days ahead of the hearing. Evidence includes several kilometre-long, 20m wide trenches in the sea floor, repeated mining outside its legal boundaries and ineffective monitoring of the operation's environmental impact.These breaches and ineffective monitoring have also been acknowledged in an additional report from Auckland Council, prepared for this week's hearing.The council also acknowledged the existence of sea floor trenches but considered this of "low relevance".Council compliance monitoring manager Amanda De Jong told The New Zealand Herald that there would be further investigation into any non-compliance and sea floor trenches. However, she said evidence provided by Kaipara Ltd claimed mining had been done as per consent conditions.Local iwi, Ngāti Manuhiri vehemently opposed all sand mining applications, according to iwi settlement trust chairman Mook Hohneck."We don't believe that in this day and age, it's a necessarily good environmental outcome that we're sucking sand up off the bottom of the ocean," he said. Hohneck was "extremely disappointed" about the alleged consent breaches and said he would make his feelings known at the hearing.

A unique opportunity to purchase a large rural property just out of Warkworth, currently home to Sheepworld is up for grabs. The 11.3-hectare property at 324 State Highway One is being marketed by CBRE brokers Deborah Dowling and James Lee. It can be purchased either with vacant possession or as a going concern.“The owner of the property and business is looking to retire, so we’re offering this fantastic, expansive site to the market with flexible options.“A buyer could purchase the site vacant and reconfigure it to suit their own needs or could also opt to take over the existing successful business as an owner-operator.“The possibilities for future use of the site are extremely varied, with subdivision consents also in place for three separate titles of 4.6ha, 6.1ha and 6400msq m. One or more of these could be on-sold as residential lifestyle opportunities”, Lee said.With so many options on offer, the property is a very attractive opportunity for investors, with possibilities as broad as the buyer’s imagination.“The site includes numerous substantial buildings which would easily be repurposed for alternative uses such as an adventure park, events centre, eco attraction or converted into a residence, or even stables for an equestrian enthusiast.“There is plenty of flat contour to create all-weather indoor and outdoor facilities and a huge car park at the front and alternative commercial and/or events use would also be readily facilitated, with an existing café and retail shop on site,” said Dowling.The existing Sheepworld business includes a farmyard park/petting zoo and a native bush walk. It gives visitors an insight into sheep farming in New Zealand and includes a live show which allows visitors to watch close-up as the sheep are rounded up by the dogs, sorted and shorn. The café is leased to a separate operator and the on-site shop offers quality New Zealand wool, sheepskin and other products.

Takatu LandCare is a volunteer organisation whose aim is to make the Takatu Peninsula a pest-free environment where our native species can thrive. Earlier this year, they celebrated the capture of their 4,000th pest. Now, they are up to 4,537.The count so far includes 73 stoats, 100 weasels, 2,289 rats, 460 possums, and 1547 mice.There are three groups within the Takatu LandCare organisation in the Matakana locality. OmahaA dedicated group of trappers regularly checks a network of traps around the estuary, the old quarry and on adjacent private land to the south east. The DOC-owned Taniko Wetland, an area of special ecological significance as a remnant of what was once extensive wetland habitat, is also looked after by this group. The layout of traps is currently being reviewed and will soon be extended to include the sand dunes. The group is actively seeking more volunteers for trapping, data collection, and publicity. If you are a local, or a holiday homeowner keen to enhance your environment, please get in touch with Takatu Landcare.Point WellsThe trapping team at Point Wells has installed and maintain an extensive network of traps, and even have Trap HQ, where everything required is kept on hand for use by trappers on a roster basis. Pest Free MatakanaSupported by the Matakana Community Association, this fledgling group has got two trap lines out, with more to come. Volunteers are welcome to join them: there are plenty of options for you to assist as much as you are able. If you enjoy walking around Matakana Village, why not check traps as you go? Make a contribution to protecting our native birds and bringing their dawn chorus back to Matakana. Why not consider helping the local community actively manage pest control? If you are interested in being part of pest-free Matakana, please email [email protected]. You can check traps, buy traps, record catch data or even organise rosters. -

As we get closer to winter, noses may be getting a little bit stuffy, and throats a little bit tickly. Luckily, we have Matakana SuperFoods right here in Rodney, and their products contain the vitamins and minerals you need to stay well this winter. Matakana SuperFoods is a world leader in the research and marketing of new foods from New Zealand and around the globe that contain unique qualities and super-nutrients to support health and wellbeing.They have a huge range of different products, all with properties to help your body heal and be its best. You can support your immune system by incorporating one of their nutrient-dense super powders to your daily smoothie, breakfast bowl or baking. Or try their super capsules, for a quick way to support your health on a daily basis.Nutrients from a range of healthy foods are needed as your body fights an infection. The important things to get into your body are vitamins A, B, C, D and E and the minerals iron, zinc and selenium. These micronutrients play important roles in the immune system. Vitamin A and zinc help to maintain the integrity of the skin and lining of vital organs and the respiratory system, vitamin B12 and iron are also essential for the production of haemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood. Vitamin C, E and selenium help to control inflammation. Their website (https://www.matakanasuperfoods.com/) also has heaps of recipes to make it easy to get some goodness by incorporating more superfoods into your diet.

The annual game bird hunting season will get underway around the country this Saturday, May 1. Last year’s hunting season was delayed by Covid-19 lockdowns, whereas this season appears to be all go - much to the delight of keen hunters.Early preparation is the key to getting everything right on the big day, says Fish & Game.Hunters should now have their location for the season all sorted, the maimai tidied up and ready for a final touch-up before the decoys go out on Friday night, the pooch is trained and the hunters have got their ‘eye-in’ by shooting a few clay birds.The duck season is a popular tradition amongst kiwis, all enjoying the chance to get out with friends and family. Hunters are reminded to pick up their licences and to carry them while hunting and review the rules and bag limits for their particular area.Additionally, hunters need to check their ammunition complies with new rules around the possession and use of lead shot within 200 metres of open water; lead shot is not permitted except in .410 cartridges.In parts of the country whio (blue duck) populations are increasing in response to predator control, and birds are being seen from time to time on farmland in the vicinity of forested streams. They commonly do low level flights up and down streams in early morning and evening meaning a quick shooter can easily mistake them in low light. This threatened species is fully protected, and apart from setting conservation efforts back a step, killing one can mean a $100,000 fine. Please take care to identify your target beyond all doubt so whio, along with all of our other protected birds, are not mistakenly shot. “We encourage everyone heading out shooting this season to refresh themselves on the seven rules of firearm safety ,” says Acting Police Superintendent Mike McIlraith.“It’s also a really good idea to make sure you’re familiar with your firearm and have checked it to ensure it’s working correctly, especially if it’s been in secure storage since last season. Where it has a safety catch, ensure that it is operating properly.“Of course, the best safety catch of all is not having your finger inside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.”Anybody handling a firearm should always treat it as loaded; that means always pointing the firearm in a safe direction and checking your firing zone.“Please make sure your firearms are never left unattended in your vehicle.“We know that going hunting with your mates is fun and having a drink afterwards with your mates is a good way to celebrate the day. Please just keep these two activities separate.“We want safety to be your focus this duck shooting season, so you and your mates have a safe and successful season.”More hunting safety information can be found here.Hunters of all levels of experience are encouraged to look at this material.Seven Basic Firearms Safety Rules:1. Treat every firearm as loaded2. Always point firearms in a safe direction3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire4. Identify your target beyond all doubt5. Check your firing zone6. Store firearms and ammunition safely7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms.

Next Sunday, May 9th, marks the annual event that gives us the opportunity to spoil our mums and let them know just how much we appreciate them: Mothers’ Day. Luckily, there is an abundance of incredible gift options for mum, right here on the Matakana Coast. Matakana Botanicals have the perfect products to pamper every mum, with sleep products, hand wash, body lotions and more. They even have premade gift boxes to make everything as easy as possible. You can order online from http://matakanabotanicals.co.nz/ or visit the shop at 1122 Leigh Rd, Matakana. Their unique ranges are inspired by special places around New Zealand and utilise high-quality locally grown ‘hero’ ingredients, such as pure manuka honey and manuka oil, sourced from Great Barrier Island, with macadamia and extra virgin olive oil from around Matakana. Lavender and many other botanicals are grown at their special eco farm.The Humble Pantry Leigh has some beautifully curated gift baskets for mums to enjoy, ranging from $40.00 - $80.00. With contents like body scrub, tub tea bath soak, potpourri sachets, bath bombs, dried flower posies, pressed flower chocolate, notebooks and mugs, they have everything you need to give mum the ultimate gift: some time to herself. For a gift that most mums are sure to appreciate, consider some of the delicious locally made wine available from Matakana Estate. With such an array of wines on offer, there is sure to be a tipple that tickles her fancy. They have also released Together, a pinot gris in collaboration with the local hospice organisation, where part of the sale price is donated to Harbour Hospice. It’s a win win!Treat the ones you love and the ones in need this Mother’s Day. Order one of Source Kitchens tasty meal packages, and they will donate a meal to the Hestia Women’s Refuge. Orders close Tuesday 4th May. Delivery will be on Sunday 9th May between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.www.source-kitchen.com. With delicious options like hot smoked salmon, lamb shoulder and sticky date pudding, it's a hard gift to resist!For more awesome locally made gift ideas, be sure to check out the Made in Matakana Facebook page. All mums deserve to be spoiled, so get in quick and find her the perfect present.

The Ara Tuhono Puhoi to Warkworth motorway is due to be completed in just over a year. Expected to open in May 2022, this huge project is moving quickly, despite the many setbacks experienced over the past year due to Covid 19.The team has reached a number of milestones over the last few months, including laying the first asphalt on the new motorway and connecting the alignment from the north to the south. The final beams were installed on Woodcocks Road Bridge in March, meaning the project is now connected across from the north to the south. The 12 beams, which were lifted into place across three nights, were the last to be installed on the structures.With 18.5 kilometres of motorway under construction, around 140,000 tonnes of asphalt is needed, about one quarter of all the asphalt laid across Auckland in a year. With such a large amount of asphalt to source, the most efficient way to do is with a dedicated local asphalt plant. The Silverdale plant will produce 2,000 tonnes of asphalt per day at its peak, which is then transported to site by truck. The Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway uses open grade porous asphalt (OGPA). The OGPA surface will help to reduce road noise. It also assists with water runoff, increasing resistance and making the road safer for motorists. To further enhance the quality and longevity of the asphalt, and optimise production, special machinery has been brought to pave the road in one continuous width. This is the first asphalt paving machine of its kind in New Zealand. 

Freedom camping has been a highly debated topic locally over the last few years. The community tended to be split into two main camps: the first that people should have the right to stay where they want, and the second being that freedom camping often results in rubbish being left behind and other unpleasant experiences.The government is consulting on how to make freedom camping in New Zealand more sustainable. The discussion document outlines four proposals to improve freedom camping in New Zealand, and they would like to hear what you think about them.Responsible camping has a long history in Aotearoa New Zealand. Many New Zealanders enjoy travelling around the country, staying outside established campgrounds – and some see it as an important part of their birthright as New Zealanders to camp around New Zealand at low or no cost.However, in recent years, the increasing number of freedom campers has raised concern from some communities around freedom campers’ cumulative impact on the environment, and the cost to host them. This concern has focused on the subset of freedom campers who stay in cars, or vans with sleeping platforms, that are not self-contained, in particular. This form of freedom camping is seen by some as impacting on New Zealand’s reputation as a destination that delivers a sustainable, high quality visitor experience.The government considers that while the borders are closed to international visitors, now is the time to address some of the systemic issues facing freedom camping.This document presents four proposals for consideration:Make it mandatory for freedom camping in a vehicle to be done in a certified self-contained vehicle.Make it mandatory for freedom campers to stay in a vehicle that is certified self-contained, unless they are staying at a site with toilet facilities (excluding public conservation lands and regional parks).Improve the regulatory tools for government land managers.Strengthen the requirements for self-contained vehicles.The consultation document can be found here: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/supporting-sustainable-freedom-camping-in-aotearoa-new-zealand/#discussion-doc

Matakana is a beautiful place, so if you are looking to get that perfect instagram, you don't need to go far. Whether you run a foodie feed, or are just documenting your adventures, we know the perfect spots for you to snap a pic.SculptureumWith three sculpture-filled gardens and six art galleries, Sculptureum provides ample opportunities to get a ‘gram. Stand next to the giant pink snails or the towering dandelion for a whimsical wonderland vibe, or travel the world while staying in Matakana with mediterrainian friezes and japanese inspired archways.The Village MarketsThe Matakana Markets are one of the most well known and well loved things to do in Matakana. But did you even go if you didn't get the #gram? The beautiful rustic setting against the backdrop of the river makes for the perfect photo, and with pastries, coffee, produce and fresh flowers, there's something for every kind of feed. If you hit the markets in spring, you may be lucky enough to capture the stunning cherry blossoms in bloom. Tawharanui Regional ParkTawharanui Regional Park offers a combination of white-sand beaches, rolling hills, and coastal forests for visitors to marvel at. Crystal clear waters make for an amazing photo opportunity, as do the caves and rock formations. If you time your trip right, there may even be a few magical mermaid pools for you to take a dip in, and snap that perfect picture. Brick Bay WineryIf you are looking for the perfect #girlsdayout venue, look no further than Brick Bay Winery. A glasshouse, sitting over a shimmering lake, and a glass of rosé? Sounds like the perfect formula for a great instagram post. Head through the sculpture gardens for even more photo opportunities, and then finish by trying some of their gorgeous food, which tastes as good as it looks, or do a wine tasting.Teepee MatakanaTeepee Matakana is the ideal place to stay if you are wanting to curate a beautiful instagram feed. 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. ​

Expressions of interest are being sought for the more than 100 hectares of rural-zoned land at 254 Matakana Valley Road. The site is across two titles, consisting of established farmland with a large house plus farm buildings, along with some 13 hectares of native bush.Located about a kilometre from the centre of Matakana Village, the property benefits from a mixture of flat, rolling land and elevated views of the surrounding coastline at its highest points.Expressions of interest in the freehold land and buildings at 254 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana, are being invited by 4pm on Wednesday 5 May (unless the property is sold earlier), through Bayleys in the North Commercial and Industrial.Salesperson Chris Blair says the property presents a miriad of opportunities ranging from lifestyle options to long-term development prospects.“This property will also attract interest from owner-occupiers, including those keen to harness its potential for a new luxury residence or as a lifestyle block. The attraction of living on the site is heightened by its picturesque rural setting, privacy and sweeping views along the valley from the elevated eastern portion,” said Mr Blair.“The property’s location beside the urban boundary of burgeoning Matakana could also position new owners well for longer-term residential development possibilities as the town expands – though this would be dependent on a plan change.”Co-salespersonr, Mr Napier, added that a key market factor that would benefit new owners of the property was the area’s projected future growth.“The wider area has been targeted by Auckland Council planners as a major growth hub. This is expected to see the population of Warkworth, about 10 kilometres from the site, explode from around 5,600 in 2018 to 25,000 by 2030 as it is developed as a key Auckland satellite town.”

Nestled in the picturesque Dome Forest, just five minutes’ drive North of Warkworth, the Dome Cafe is preparing to open its doors for the first time in nearly two years. The “Top of the Dome Tearooms” was originally constructed in 1981 and opened by the Civil Family, a local family that has farmed in the area for generations. More recently, the café was leased out by the Civils to various café operators. The last operators ran the “Top of the Dome'' café for over 15 years, but finally closed its doors in November 2019. Sitting empty for nearly two years, the Cafe was purchased in October 2020 by Onno Ursem and Makin Taraniko. Since taking over the business at the end of last year, the couple have lovingly refurbished the cafe, mainly by themselves, creating a fresh and light space without losing any of the building's original charm. The wrap around deck has been completely replaced with beautiful hardwood and box planters bursting with native plants and herbs for the kitchen. Inside has been stripped back to make the most of the light and decorated with quirky upcycled and reclaimed furnishings. Surrounded by native bush, the indoor-outdoor feel is enhanced with plants hanging from a suspended trellis and windows wrapping around three sides of the cafe.\Their menu will consist of homemade Kiwi brunch classics, sourced locally wherever possible, alongside a cabinet full to the brim with delicious ready-to-eat snacks and sweet treats.The Dome Cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a great coffee, grab a bite and unwind amongst the native bush. Conveniently situated opposite the walking track to the Dome Summit, the cafe has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests.  The owners are also in the process of building a dedicated campsite for Te Araroa Trail (New Zealand's longest walking track) trampers, including proper kitchen and bathroom facilities - they will even have a hot solar powered shower.  Look out for developments at the café: they’ll be creating their own signature blend of coffee, opening the trampers camping space and displaying art works and installations from local artists and artisans. The Dome Cafe will be open 7 days, from 6:30am - 3:30 pm. Coffee and cabinet food will be available all day while kitchen orders will be available from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Two Matakana Locals, Paige Patten and Daniel Hubbard, have spent the last year working on an exciting and innovative new social platform for lovers of fashion to connect with each other and brands to form a community. The platform, FriendsWith™, will be launching soon and is on the lookout for vendors. The custom-built platform is unlike anything else on the market. FriendsWith™ aims to ultimately bridge the gap and create an elevated shopping experience for everyone to enjoy. The app is for iPhone users who want to be a part of a fashion community. FriendsWith™ is a marketplace stocking a range of mid- and high-end boutique New Zealand and Australian brands.FriendsWith™ was an idea born in March 2020 when New Zealand first saw a Covid19 level 4 Lockdown. Due to lack of job security, unfulfilling jobs and the passion they have always had to work for themselves, Daniel and Paige were driven to create a joint business idea and make it happen. “We really just sat down and thought up business ideas that would incorporate each of our strengths. FriendsWith™ has come a long way since the ideas phase. We have now developed and refined the idea into a fully functioning product that we are so proud of.“Our mission is to connect retail vendors with users through a connective and contemporary approach, by further introducing vendors to the benefits of social media. Facilitating a solely fashion focused profile, users are provided a platform to discuss, inspire and relate to others, allowing the ability to shop more accurately on size, length, fit and quality, in both men’s and women’s wear.“We are yet to set a date for launch as we aim to first build a strong vendor base and this is where we will be focusing our energy over the next few weeks-months. Make sure to follow @friendswithapp to stay up to date on this exciting launch date!”How FriendsWith™ Works:BROWSE BRANDSBrowse and shop with all the wonderful brands we have on-board, follow specific labels and collections to see more of what you love.MAKE FRIENDSDiscover users with similar or inspirational fashion choices to follow and enjoy the benefits of this social platform to enhance your overall shopping experience.UPLOAD AND SHAREOnce you have made a purchase, add it to your store with your own photo so you can show your friends how you would style it and why you love it.EARNOur rewards system works by linking the users by the items they purchase: each user is rewarded by the transaction their profile has aided in. The rewards system is uncapped and instant, rewarding users for sharing their own content.To follow their journey check out: Website: www.friendswith.co.nzIG @friendswithapp FB https://www.facebook.com/FriendsWithapp

With another beautiful harvest done and dusted, Matakana Estate will be celebrating the joys of winemaking on the Matakana Coast region next weekend with their Harvest Celebration event. On Saturday April 24th, boutique wineries from across the region will join the Matakana Estate cellar door to provide wine tastings. Get to know the winemakers and ask them all you've ever wanted to know about the business of vino. Some of the wineries don't have cellar doors, so this is an amazing opportunity to taste the gems of our region. Some of the winemakers in attendance will include Yakutin Family Wines, Monarch Estate and Sculptureum.It's not a proper celebration unless you have a lot of food, so food trucks will be serving up their signature dishes all day long. They will be able to provide plenty of food and wine pairing opportunities.To make it a real party, there will be live music all day, so be sure to pack your dancing shoes. Children are welcome but must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian and will need to register their free tickets.Transportation can be arranged with Concierge Passenger Service, their shuttles will be available from Matakana, Warkworth, Snells Beach and Omaha. Please contact [email protected] or call 021 02 65 48 58 to book your shuttle.Tickets can be purchased from https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/harvest-celebration-tickets-143891448195Limited Early Bird Tickets $20 - entry and 5 wine tasting tokens.Standard Tickets $25 - entry and 5 wine tasting tokens.Children free - but must register for tickets and be supervised by a parent or legal guardian.More wine tokens can be purchased on the day. 1 token per wine tasting.

The planned opening of a Super Liquor store in Matakana has come as unwelcome news to many residents this week. The store is set to be located at 1A/44 Matakana Valley Road, in the premises that used to be Summer Sessions.On April 8th, the following licensing notice appeared in the Rodney Times:“G1 and Co. Ltd has made an application to the district licensing committee at Auckland for the issue of an Off Licence in respect to the premises situated at 1A/44 Matakana Valley Road. The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is a Super Liquor Matakana. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.”A post to the Matakana Community Facebook page gained over 100 comments as residents were quick to voice their displeasure about this potential new addition to the village. The consensus seemed to be that Matakana was only a small town, and the already available options to buy liquor were more than enough.“Horrendous. Gosh, we don't need another liquor store”, said one commentor, whose sentiments were supported by many others. There were many comments professing loyalty for locally owned liquor shop, Matakana Liquor: “John and the team at Matakana Liquor are the best, I won't be going anywhere else.”Some people objected to the new store via Auckland Council. If the District Licensing Committee believes the objection meets the criteria for objection, they will schedule a hearing and notify everyone involved.Any person who has a 'greater interest' than the general public in an application for an alcohol licence may object to the grant or renewal of that licence. A person with a 'greater interest' may be a resident or business located in the same street as the proposed or existing business applying for an alcohol licence. The new liquor store has posted their public notice in the newspaper this week. Anyone who wishes to oppose it will be able to do so up until April 21, 2021.

Work starts this week to restore the much-loved wharf on the Mahurangi River. The wharf is over 20 years old and beginning to fail.Auckland Council’s Community Facilities Head of Operations, Paul Amaral, says “this beautiful spot on the river is popular with locals and visitors to the town centre. The community built the existing wharf, in partnership with the council, and a lot has been invested both in it and the surrounding walkway.“So, it’s been important to keep the community informed about the wharf restoration. The wharf and boardwalk remain open except at the north-western end where the work will take place.“People are asked to take care in this area and observe all signs and safety fencing. Where possible, use alternative pedestrian routes.”Work includesremoving and replacing all the timber decking, handrails, kick rails and pile caps along the length of the older section of the wharf and walkwayreplacing the failing pine timber with a hardwood alternativerepurposing the timber decking that is in better conditionremoving naming plaques for safekeeping by a community group until they can be re-installed.Work is expected to take between six to seven weeks and, weather dependent, should be completed before the end of June.The council would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time, and if you have any questions, please call the council contact centre on 09 301 0101.

With the trans-Tasman bubble set to open, tourism businesses across New Zealand have breathed a sigh of relief. With so many awesome things to do in the area, we may see an increase in aussies on the Matakana Coast over the next few months. Tourism New Zealand has talked up bubble benefits, suggesting Australian visitors could pump $1 billion into the economy this year, and it says 2.6 million of our trans-Tasman cousins considering a trip here had indicated they would come within six months of the border opening.While the bubble may mean that cheap domestic holidays will become a distant memory, some local tourist attractions are keen to keep prices low in the hopes that Kiwis will continue to explore the awesome places they get to call home. While international borders were closed, local tour guide Ness, from Kiwiness Tours, became twice as busy as before, due to all the New Zealanders out and about. However, the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble still comes as welcome news.“I've been so busy with locals supporting my business and I hope they continue to do so, but then I also have open arms for Australians to come and join in too!“Aucklanders as well as people from all across New Zealand have been visiting their own backyard; Matakana as a destination has been busier than normal and people have been opting for tours because well, why not!? They can't go overseas! I changed my pricing to be more affordable to the average New Zealander and I shall keep it that way going forward as the price point has been a real win.”If you have friends or family in Australia planning on jumping the ditch for a getaway, be sure to suggest Matakana as a must do.As Ness says, “It's the new tourist mecca of New Zealand! (Maybe not quite Queenstown) but it's accessible to Auckland and offers so many unique and beautiful things to see and do, plus loads of amazing accommodation.”If you would like to know more about Kiwiness Tours, or want to get out and explore Matakana with a fabulous guide, get in touch with Ness. web: www.kiwinesstours.co.nz or check them out on Facebook and Instagram

Auckland Council has advised that works will be commencing mid-April on further planned remediation and asbestos containment alongside the seawall south of the Omaha boat ramp.Tons of asbestos were previously removed along this seawall but remnants folded into the seawall vicinity are working their way to the surface. Hydro-seeding late last year did not achieve the protective grass coverage needed to lock down the asbestos-containing materials.Late last year, Auckland Council completed its investigation into the presence of asbestos. Asbestos found predominantly in soils behind the seawall appear to have come from historic coastal structures. Findings highlighted that while some pieces are migrating to the surface, most elements are buried to depths of over two metres. Air monitoring has been undertaken, with results identifying very low levels of risk.Contractors will soon be on-site to lay established Kikuyu turf over the areas which currently have the least coverage. This will be laid over a protective underlay, designed to stop materials from reaching the surface, reduce dust generation and inhibit ground disturbance. By laying established turf, the current impact of the rabbits digging into the softer exposed materials should also be reduced. The area will remain fenced until council is confident in the success of the grass planting.Asbestos is a health risk when the smallest asbestos fibres are inhaled deep into a person’s lungs. Asbestos containing material such as the fibre cement only becomes hazardous when the following conditions are met: 1. The asbestos containing material is in a form that fibres are released to air. 2. The fibres are able to be dispersed into the breathing zone. 3. The fibres are inhaled in high concentrations.It has been deemed extremely unlikely that the asbestos found in the Omaha area will cause any health risk.