The Matakana community group will be resuming their monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of every month from next week, Tuesday 30th June, at 7:30 p.m. in the Matakana Village Hall. ​The Matakana Community Group evolved from the original Matakana Structure Plan group about 10 years ago. They are an incorporated society and have had huge success with a wide range of community activities, including town planning matters that affect the future of Matakana, traffic management issues, community events and community projects, such as ongoing planting in the area.Their first project, the Matakana to Omaha Cycle and Walking track, was officially opened in 2013. Since then, the MCG has worked alongside Auckland Council, Local Rodney Board, and Auckland Transport in initiating and following through to completion a number of key projects, including the Matakana walking bridge, the ​wharf playground, the ​school and weekend car park, ​new tennis courts, the ​Tamahunga walking and cycling bridge, ​Matakana strategic plan update, ​and an upgrade to Matakana Valley Road.If you live in the Matakana area and wish to be a part of the committee, or you want to have your say on something that is affecting the local community, be sure to head along to the meeting.

School holidays are fast approaching. The 3rd of July to the 20th brings the daunting task of trying to keep the kids entertained for two weeks. Here are some options to get everyone out of the house and having some fun.Rui Ceramics in Warkworth are hosting a few workshops for kids to get their hands dirty and experience the art of creating with clay. Children will have a chance to make ceramic mugs or bowls, which they will also have the chance to decorate, before they are bisque fired, glazed and fired again before being ready to be collected. For more information, or to secure a spot for your child, see the Rui Ceramics page on Facebook, email [email protected], or call 021 1815888.The Warkworth Museum can be a great outing for the whole family, especially with their current exhibit from North Shore Miniatures. The exhibition of all that is small includes their interpretation of the famous Hogwarts Castle from the Harry Potter series of books, as well as castles, cottages and dolls. As well as this, the Museum is stocked full of local history, and ever-changing exhibitions on life from the past to the present. One of their most impressive exhibitions is the textiles collection, with a large range of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and household items dating from late 1700 to the present day. You can also take a stroll around the beautiful Parry Kauri Park and see some of our gorgeous native flora.If your kids don't mind a little mud, join park rangers, members of Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society Inc (TOSSI) and other volunteers on July 5th to help plant the trees TOSSI have grown from seed collected from within Tawharanui Regional Park. Wear good enclosed boots or shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring along your own spade too, if you like, though there will be some available for you to borrow. Hungry helpers will be treated to a sausage sizzle for all their hard work. Mahurangi East Library have plenty of events to keep everyone busy including:Fairy story time, followed by a little library fairy tea partyA visit from Evelyn Davis, who will cast her storytelling spell with her one-of-a-kind storytelling mats, figures and handmade props to foster imagination and curiosity, wonderment and awe in everyday lifeA box fort Nerf play time to release some of that chaotic energy. For more details on these events and more, see the Mahurangi East Library Facebook page.For those rainy days where everyone is cooped up inside, Matakana Cinemas has got you covered. Showing favourites like the Harry Potter series and all of the enchanting Studio Ghibli classics, there's something for kids of all ages (and young-at-heart adults). For a full list of what to catch on the big screen, and showing times head to https://www.matakanacinemas.co.nz/

Mahurangi Rugby Club thought they might not reach this point this year but the North Harbour Club rugby competition 2020 is about to begin. The Mahu teams have come off a good pre-season win against Drury, and are in good shape to play. The Under 21s have players to burn, with over 30 turning up to every training. The premieres have struggled for numbers at times, but thankfully the last two weeks have seen good player turnouts. This season the U21s and Premieres’ games will follow each other, so you'll get a double dose of Mahu Rugby every Saturday.Rugby has been a much-loved part of the Kiwi culture, and the Mahurangi has been no exception. In 1989, The Mahurangi Rugby Club was formed with the amalgamation of Kaipara Flats, Omaha and Warkworth Rugby Clubs. These three clubs competed in the Rodney Sub-Union of the North Auckland Provincial Union. The major trophy was the Govan Wilson Cup, which all three clubs won on a regular basis. Mahurangi College has produced three All Blacks: Murray Jones, Zinzan Brooke and Robin Brooke. Murray Jones also played his club rugby for Omaha when in the All Blacks.If you are wanting to head along to support our rugby boys, they will be playing these dates at the Mahurangi Rugby Club:27th June vs East Coast Bays4th July vs Silverdale18th July vs North ShoreSo, head along to cheer them on, and you could even celebrate, or commiserate, with a beverage at the club afterwards.

Rabbits have long proven a problem for the Omaha Beach community, feasting on vulnerable native plants, and causing erosion by burrowing and digging. Starting at 10:00 p.m. tonight, Tuesday June 23, controlled culling will take place to reduce the damage caused by these furry little pests.On Tuesday and Wednesday (June 23rd and 24th) this week and Tuesday (June 30th) next week, a team of four staff will be out from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. taking on the ground-based shooting operation. Staff will be undertaking the control on foot and wearing hi-viz vests. They will be using a combination of thermal imaging equipment and a red filtered spotlight to spot the rabbits. The firearms being used are suppressed .22 rifles. Rabbit carcasses will be retrieved each night. Only rabbits that can be safely shot will be targeted.For those who are in the area who are concerned about pets, the quality of night vision gear and staff training is extremely high, so it is very unlikely a 'non target animal' would be hurt. Residents support the control of this pest: “Fantastic. They are a noxious pest destroying our ecosystem.”

Local business Boost Chiropractic has been working hard over the month of June with their Support Local Challenge. Every day this month, they have chosen a local business to give a shout out for, and have been offering perks to customers choosing to get on board with the movement and support that day’s chosen shop.The Boost Chiropractic team has set up tabs at local businesses to encourage people to get out there and shop local. That means if you go to the store Boost Chiropractic is supporting, you can get that shop’s goods or services on the Boost team. Win, win. For a list of the businesses that are getting on board, see the Boost Chiropractic Facebook Page.After seeing the effects that the lockdown was having on local businesses financially, Boost Chiropractic was inspired to get out there and do something about it.“Covid lockdown was a time where we had the opportunity to reflect on our business and our impact on the community we love. While we were confident that things would be okay for us, we looked at our local community and saw that there could potentially be some challenges in the future for our community as a whole. So, from that perspective, we started to think about what we could do to impact our local economy and engaging the locals to support local businesses was a way that we could help in a real way.“We then looked at what people in other regions had done and kind of adapted and used ideas which we thought may be fun: our 30 day Support Local Challenge was born. We are inspired to serve our community on a greater scale and have fun while we do it. A strong, connected community is important to us.“We knew that if we committed ourselves to supporting local that perhaps that would inspire people to spend locally and get behind local businesses, and the response so far has been amazing! Businesses are super receptive to us promoting them, and the locals are using the tabs wonderfully. Some people have mentioned that they don't want to use the tab as they feel there are people out there who are more in need that could use it. However, our response to that would be that the initiative is for people to support local businesses, not receive handouts for the locals. So please, go and use the tabs and get behind these amazing small businesses.”Although the Support Local challenge is only running for 30 days, the support won't end there. Boost Community Connections page is a Facebook group that has been set up to foster strong awareness for local businesses, the people behind those businesses and what they are doing to support the local community. Boost Chiropractic will continue the challenge with a couple of awesome ongoing monthly and weekly events which they will let people know about through Boost Community Connections on Facebook. As well as all the businesses being showcased in the Support Local challenge, don't forget to support the one behind it all, Boost Chiropractic, which is located in Snells Beach and Warkworth. “Our business is Boost Chiropractic, and our mission as a practice is to authentically serve and empower families through vitalistic wellness.”

The 150-year-strong annual Warkworth A&P Show could be in jeopardy, unless new volunteers come forward to help out. Chairman Allan Barber and several other committee members, including show secretary Penny Webster and treasurer Vanessa Barber, are planning to retire after next year’s show.Allan has been chair for seven years. There are currently 10 members on the A&P show committee, and without resources or interest, the show may become a thing of the past.All A&P committee roles are voluntary, though there is a $10,000 honorarium for the show secretary. The time commitment varies from regular meetings in the run-up to the March show date to “not much at all” between the July AGM and the end of the year. Organisational skills are more important than an agricultural or rural background.Anyone who wishes to know more about any of the roles, and what’s involved, can call Allan Barber on 027 447 7000 or email Penny Webster at [email protected].

The historic Puhoi Pub is under new ownership, and they’re hoping to reopen in time for Puhoi Heritage Day celebrations, June 29.The names of the new owners are yet to be announced.The Puhoi Pub has remained closed since lockdown, as social distancing rules would have been hard to enforce in the environment of such a small, local pub.The pub has a rich history, providing a place for locals to drink and socialise for 140 years. Puhoi Heritage Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the origins of Puhoi, and the history that lives on to this day. The township will be celebrating the anniversary of the arrival of the first group of settlers from Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. 83 pioneers spent 107 days at sea without touching land on the War Spirit before arriving on June 29, 1863.Local Maori chief Te Hemara Tauhia gave them food and showed them how to live off the land. Clearing the bush for pasture provided income. Firewood, kauri roof shingles and logs were sold in Auckland.Eighty-three settlers had left Europe in 1863, and more followed until by the 1870s about 200 Bohemians lived at Puhoi.There are still many descendants of these first settlers living in Puhoi today. 

Mahurangi East library has opened its doors once again, and they are in the process of organising some exciting community events and projects. They are putting together a range of different environmental projects to help improve the local area, including project Blue Fish, placing 'drains are for rain' markers on storm water drains, and planting, which will be taking place this Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to participate. Bring gloves and a drink bottl and meet at the Cornell Circle Bridge. They are also taking suggestions for a beautify Goodall Reserve project, including the skate park facility, and are keen to hear from all users of the reserve. If you would like to be included in an early 'brainstorming' hui, please contact the library. Old favourites will also be resuming, like Wriggle and Rhyme on July 2, and on July 3, 2020 Kids’ Club will be kicking off with a movie and snacks to celebrate the end of the school term.On Saturday July 4 from 4:30 p.m. onwards, Mahurangi East library is inviting the community to help them celebrate the end of lockdown and the start of the Māori New Year, Matariki.  Special lighting will be installed at the Community Centre where it is being held, and staff are working hard behind the scenes to offer the community an authentic hangi and performance. They are looking for volunteers to help out in various roles such as kitchen, after event clean up, and hangi helpers, so if you are available let them know.  They are also looking for some local talent to take to the stage, so if you're up for it, contact the library.

The first practical course in space exploration will be starting next month, right in our own backyard at the Warkworth Radio Astronomical Observatory.Part of a new major in Astronomy and Space Science being offered at Auckland University of Technology, the course will give students access to New Zealand's only radio telescope and they will learn about projects it contributes to, including maintenance of GPS systems and mapping of the Milky Way.The space course provides students with firsthand practical knowledge of a subject that has previously only been taught using theory. It will give them opportunities to learn about how to retrieve data from satellites or remote vehicles on other planets, as well as space flight, celestial mechanics and exploration of the solar system.Warkworth’s 30-metre dish radio telescope can pick up radio waves that penetrate gas and space dust, providing a clearer picture, and that recently assisted NASA and SpaceX in their mission to get astronauts to the international space station, and will possibly play a part in getting them home safely again. If the astronauts fly over New Zealand before landing in the Northern Hemisphere as planned, the Warkworth observatory will be the final station to observe it. The station will be responsible for tracking the astronauts’ landing location so that they can be safely retrieved by NASA.

Mahurangi Wastebusters has a new venture at their Lawrie Road refuse and recycling centre that will save the environment while saving us some spending. This Thursday, June 18, Mahurangi Wastebusters will be opening their new re-use shop, the Mahu Mall, at their Lawrie Road refuse and recycling centre in Snells Beach.Mahu Mall is all about giving people the opportunity to buy good quality, pre-loved goods that would otherwise be dumped in the landfill, contributing to NZ’s unenviable record as being one of the highest generators of household waste in the OECD. Did you know?A University of Canterbury study shows that NZ shores have comparable concentrations of microplastics to overseas, which is a threat to our marine life and the food chain.We produce some of the world’s highest volumes of e-waste (electronic equipment such as cell phones, laptops and televisions).We send over 122,000 tonnes of food to landfill annually which contribute to our greenhouse gas emissions.Landfills cost millions of dollars to develop and often the sites cannot be used for other purposes for decades. They produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.By keeping reusable goods out of the waste stream, Mahu Mall is helping to save precious resources and reduce pollution of our landscapes, waterways and marine environments. Mahurangi Wastebusters carefully selects items for Mahu Mall from loads that would otherwise be thrown away. You can browse for pre-loved treasure at the Mahu Mall during normal opening hours: Thurs – Sat 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The refuse and recycling centre is very busy with lots of vehicle movements - health and safety is paramount. Visitors must wear closed-toe footwear, follow signs and park to the left of the main entrance gates, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

If you are a keen knitter, there is a great new initiative that will give you the opportunity to use your skill in a social setting while helping others. Make Give Live is an organisation of people who get together every week or two in their local community space to enjoy each other’s company, a laugh, and make a beautiful collection of beanies that they sell as 'buy one - give one'. For each beanie sold, they give one to a Kiwi in need through various charities. The purpose is to ease isolation stress and improve mental health and well-being through connection and the well-proven therapy of knitting and crochet. There are 11 groups of makers across the country, and now joining them will be the Warkworth group. The group will meet every Thursday at 1.30 p.m. in the Warkworth Service Centre meeting room starting on Thursday, July 9. You can find out more here www.makegivelive.com.There is no pressure to be at every session or to make a certain number of items. It is a group for enjoyment, making friends, having a laugh and using your skills in a way that supports well-being and helps people in need. If you're interested in heading along, contact Katie at (09)427 3920 or [email protected] knitting isn't your strong suit, but you would still like to support the movement, you can buy products or donate here.

Pakiri Beach is a local gem loved by many. Whether you're a surfer or a stroller, it's the perfect place to spend a summer's day. But Pakiri Beach has been changing over the years due to harmful activity; sand mining. Friends of Pakiri Beach is an organization made up of people who love Pakiri, and they are doing whatever they can to protect it. Sand mining at Pakiri causes so much devastation and it’s not necessary given that there are other sustainable sources of sand. Pakiri beach is a much cherished and priceless asset of all New Zealanders, which is at risk of environmental damage, and to its flora and fauna (including NZ’s rarest bird) if further dredging continues. Yet it is the site of the largest single nearshore sand mining activity in the developed world.This year, the sand miner McCallum Brothers were seeking to renew their consents to mine vast quantities of sand from the waters off Pakiri Beach and Mangawhai. Friends of Pakiri worked hard and their petition to stop this from happening gained nearly 4000 signatures. They also heavily advocated to the community to have their say on the resource consent documents to stop this from happening.You cannot extract sand from an ecosystem and not forever alter it. That is why it’s called an ecosystem. A community of living organisms and nonliving components interact as a system to thrive and survive. Sand is a vital part of that system. Even if the sand is ‘replenished’, the replenished sand has to come from somewhere, at the expense of sand dunes and foreshores.Friends of Pakiri work hard to ensure that as many people are aware of this problem as possible, as sand mining is an incredibly damaging activity and not many people are aware of just how big the effect of it is. If you want to know how to help keep Pakiri Beach the beautiful place it is, visit https://friendsofpakiribeach.org.nz/

Leigh locals are concerned at what seems to be an illegal poaching situation that is frequently happening at Leigh wharf.Residents have noticed large groups of people fishing off the Leigh wharf, often fishing all day and well into the night, catching hundreds of piper which they then suspect are sold to restaurants. People have reported these fishermen staying out past midnight.Piper has no size limit or restrictions on how many you can catch, so fishing like this for personal use is completely legal. However, it is illegal to sell them without a licence. One local claims they had a chat with the fishers and was told they were selling the piper to a restaurant. Some have said they have seen a sign-written restaurant van come to collect multiple 10 kg buckets from these fishermen.Other locals have said this problem isn't just isolated to Leigh Wharf, but also Ti Point, and near Leigh cemetery. If you see suspicious fishing activity, take note of the car registrations involved and report it to MPI fisheries officers, which can be reached on 0800 47 62 24.

Warkworth Museum will reopen this month on June 24, kicking off with an exhibition from the North Shore Miniatures.The exhibition of all that is small includes their interpretation of the famous Hogwarts Castle from the Harry Potter series of books, as well as castles, cottages and dolls.The Warkworth Museum is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away down Tudor Collins Drive near the famous cement works. The Museum is stocked full of local history, and ever-changing exhibitions on life from the past to the present. One of their most impressive exhibitions is the textiles collection, with a large range of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and household items dating from late 1700 to the present day. Fine needlework, hats, accessories and much more make up this large and significant collection.Just outside its doors is the beautiful Parry Kauri Park bush walk, an easy stroll packed with native flora to learn about. The two massive kauri trees that stand at the entrance to the walk are over 800 years old. If you fancy yourself as having a bit of a green thumb, be sure to check out the plant market on your way out. It is brimming with bargain, flourishing plants ready for your garden. Bring your small change when you visit the museum and you never know what you might find to take home with you.A visit to the Warkworth Museum is a great way to spend a day, while learning about the area we live in and how it came to be what it is today. 

Today marks our first day since February in which there are no active cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand, and also our last day in alert level two.We will move to level one at midnight tonight. In level one, all Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted. There will no longer be any limits on gatherings, and hospitality businesses will be able to go back to normal.The restrictions at the border will remain in place. Although social distancing measures will no longer be in place, Jacinda Ardern asked that New Zealanders do continue to keep track of their movements and places that they visit, either through the Covid tracer app or personal notes. Although we currently have zero active cases in the country, we still need to be vigilant. “We will almost certainly see cases here again. That is not a sign that we have failed – it is a reality of this virus.”Here at the Matakana App we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who stayed home and observed the restrictions. Well done!

Warkworth resident Roger Williams has received a Queen's Service Medal over the weekend, for services to conservationRoger has been contributing his services to Rodney in outstanding ways. He actively initiates everything from weeding and planting in council reserves and Regional Parks, running weed amnesties to encourage members of the public to rid their private gardens of pest plants, designing and building walkway tracks, bridges, viewing platforms, and kauri dieback hygiene stations, to engineering major traffic infrastructure solutions.  He has been involved with a huge number of community projects, including conservation efforts in Tawharanui regional park as well as advocating strongly to have the Hill Street intersection sorted out. He is a British-trained civil engineer who has been based in Aotearoa for the last 47 years. Roger has been involved in buildings and transportation projects most of his career, including the design of the Britomart Railway station and a study into the crossing for the Waitematā harbour.He has also spent over four decades doing work for Forest & Bird, and was awarded one of their top awards for his dedication to nature conservation.Local Board member Beth Houlbrooke has said "we are very fortunate that we have Roger’s experience, dedication and passion in this community." and we agree. Congratulations Roger. 

On June 21, the shortest day of the year, Leigh locals, and any brave visitors, will take the plunge in the annual midwinter swim in Mathesons Bay. The swim is both a personal challenge and a community event, with swimmers contributing a gold coin donation to participate which is then be passed on to community causes.Swimmers will brave the waters at 10:15 a.m. Upon hitting the shore again, they will be given life-preserving hot soup and baking from Leigh School, as well as tea and coffee from the Leigh central business community.

Over the eight weeks we spent in lockdown, some lovely Leigh residents kept the community spirit alive by playing a playlist curated by locals loud enough for many to hear every Sunday afternoon. To celebrate the return to normalcy, they are hosting a concert this Sunday, June 7, at Leigh Central, 22-28 Cumberland St, instead.Auckland based singer songwriter Oliver Bones, a musician who subtly draws from country, folk, bluegrass and indie, will be performing from 3.00 – 4.00 p.m. The Pipi Pickers will then play a blend of contemporary and traditional hard driving bluegrass with an engaging performance style that puts a smile on everyone’s face from 4.00 - 5.00 p.m.Local favourite White Chapel Jak won't be available to play live, but they have generously donated a video link of their recent concert at Seaport with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, which will play from 5.00 - 6.00 p.m.To adhere to Covid-19 gathering limits only 100 guests can attend, so get in quick. Tickets are $10.00 to help the venue recover from Covid, and a koha for the musicians on the day wouldn't go amiss.People are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks. Tickets are now on sale from Leigh Central, or you can phone 021 2460757 to arrange a time to collect. Tickets must be collected before the weekend.

The Vivian Gallery in Matakana has unfortunately closed its doors for good, after being hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.Director Scott Lawrie - Photo The Vivian “Naturally, it’s been a tough call and I know some of you will share our sadness at saying goodbye to our beautiful gallery space. But with all shows being cancelled due to COVID-19, the art fairs being postponed, and with no visitors allowed – we literally had nothing to show in an empty gallery. And so the gallery spaces and the grounds will remain closed.” Gallery director Scott Lawrie has said on the Vivian Facebook page.The Vivian lives on digitally at https://www.thevivian.co.nz/, but they are also planning on focusing on a new business model to try and revive the gallery in a physical space in the next year or so. The gallery was a space to get people together and to talk about art, whether it was local or international artists, and it is a space in the community that will be sorely missed.As Scott has said, “ultimately, it’s the artists who make a gallery. Now more than ever before, they need your support. Keep your acquisitions going. And keep supporting the arts in any way you can.”