There are only two weeks left until Christmas, but don't panic. If you haven't sorted your gifts out yet, there's no reason to brave the chaos of a mall when you can find everything you need right here on the Matakana Coast. Here are some of our favourite local picks for the perfect prezzies.Two MatakanaTwo Boutique has a beautiful collection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, from some of the most en vogue brands, including lots of Kiwi designed and made apparel. Have a look at the selection of beautiful, ethically sourced leather wallets and bags from Status Anxiety here, for a gift that your recipient is sure to get a lot of use out of. Trio Soy Candles Everybody loves a scented candle. Whether it's a gift for your mother-in-law, your child's teacher, or your neighbour, it's sure to go down a treat, and no one makes more heavenly scents than Trio Soy Candles. Made from 100 percent natural soy wax, their candles come in a wide range of scents and styles, so you're sorted no matter who you are buying for. All of their candles are hand crafted on-site in Matakana. See their range hereBrick Bay Sculpture TrailQuality time is always a great gift, so why not give someone an afternoon of quality time in an absolutely gorgeous environment. You can wander the sculpture trail at Brick Bay Winery, while perusing the beautiful artworks and then sit down for a delicious meal or wine tasting afterwards.Matakana botanicalsWe all know someone who deserves a bit of pampering, and what better way to do that than with products made right here in our area. Matakana Botanicals use luxurious natural ingredients like extra virgin olive and macadamia oil pressed at Matakana, wild harvested organic manuka honey and manuka oil sourced from Great Barrier Island and lavender grown and distilled on their own farm. They operate from a eco-farm and produce a variety of ranges, with an emphasis on soothing skin and soul to enhance well-being .

A $5 million injection from the Ministry for the Environment will support the Mahurangi East Land Restoration Programme (MELR) to reduce sediment in the Mahurangi River catchment over the next five years.Auckland Council and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust have signed a relationship agreement to design and deliver the project in partnership.Addressing the sediment problem will enhance the health of the waterways, improve water quality and encourage native wildlife to thrive.The Mahurangi catchment comprises 206.6km of rivers and streams that discharge out into the Hauraki Gulf. Sediment is ranked the third highest threat to marine habitats in New Zealand and around 21,000 tonnes of sediment is lost every year from our area.Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust are delighted to partner with Auckland Council to restore and protect the Mahurangi Harbour and are committed to developing sustainable solutions with the community to ensure positive outcomes for future generations.Healthy Water's general manager, Craig Mcilroy believes it is an important step forward for the Mahurangi plan. “Partnering with Ngāti Manuhiri on this programme will ensure equal decision making and more effective collaboration with iwi, key to improving water quality in the catchment."That include the fencing of waterways, riparian plantings and wetland conservation and development.

According to many, batter and salt are the two of the most integral parts of a classic Kiwi takeaway. So, in Matakana a new takeaway bar is taking those key elements to a new level, Batter and Salt. Kaz Staples bought the empty building next to Hair Matakana and was looking for the perfect business to house there. Johnno Evans bumped into her at a yoga class six months ago, and they came to the conclusion Matakana was in need of a good Kiwi summer staple. And so Batter and Salt was conceived. Between them, the pair have an impressive background in hospitality and customer service, with Kaz being the mastermind behind the Pure Delicious brand, and Johnno owning a cafe in Newmarket for 10 years, with nearly 15 years as an airline steward as well. Opening just in time for all the summer beach trips, they will be serving up high end fish and chips, as well as burgers and other takeaway treats. The sleek new signage is up, the doors are open and the fryers are burning on all cylinders, so prepare yourself for battery, salty bliss.Open 7 days a week 12pm - 8:30pm.Batter and Salt 

For a lot of people, this Friday will be the last day of work before the Christmas break. To celebrate the end of the working year, many will be heading to their local watering hole for a beverage or two.Home Free is an initiative by Auckland Transport and NZ Police to reduce death and trauma caused by drink driving. During the Home Free period, travel will be free on buses, trains and most ferries. This promotion applies to both registered and unregistered AT HOP card customers. Given the likelihood that many Aucklanders will enjoy a few drinks after work on Friday 18th December, Auckland Transport is offering free travel from 4.00 p.m. on most AT Metro services to provide a safe alternative to driving home. Free travel is also available all day on Saturday 19th December, so Aucklanders can avoid driving and use buses, trains or ferries for Christmas shopping, or any other family outing.AT HOP card users should tag on and tag off as normal – your trip will be free if you tagged on after 4.00 p.m. If you forget to tag off, a missing tag will result in the default fare remaining as a charge on the card. If you don’t have an AT HOP card, the bus driver will wave you on.

Trade in your old and get your family into modern, safe life jackets this summer.With coastguard initiative Old4New, you can swap your old life jackets for discounts on brand new Hutchwilco ones. Head down to the Snells Beach Boat Ramp on Sunrise Boulevard tomorrow, Wednesday 16 December from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Seriously good prices are available on life jackets purchased through the programme. You’d also be amazed at what gets traded-in – from old, worn life jackets to brand new ones that just don’t fit the owner anymore. You can bring in any condition life jacket to trade. The main thing is that you walk away with the best life preservers to suit your boating and help you get the most out of your time on the water. The Old4New team can help you get it right.If you can't make it to the Snells Beach boat ramp, you can trade your life jackets in at Fish City in Albany on Saturday, 19 December. There's really no excuse not to get your family and crew safe and sorted for summer.

Disturbance by selfish beachgoers has resulted in the deaths of young shorebirds at Omaha Beach.At the end of the three-kilometre beach is a fenced 500-metre-long, predator proofed sanctuary where northern New Zealand dotterels and variable oystercatchers breed, and migrant bar-tailed godwit and banded dotterels roost.Unfortunately, despite the majority of the beach being fully open to the public, a number of people have decided to use the predator-proofed sanctuary as their own private beach. They merrily walk past the signage and through the fence with their barbecues, shelters and deck chairs, to swim, lounge in the sun, play cricket and enjoy a picnic or barbecue meal all within a bird sanctuary. The resulting disturbance to the breeding birds means chicks are not being fed and die of starvation. Some chicks and eggs are actually stood on and squashed during games of cricket. Other chicks only grow slowly, never gaining the body condition to being able to fly.The level of stress placed on the adult birds by the presence of people within their nesting territory is immense. They are forced into having to constantly distract people away from their nest and chicks. Eggs are often left unattended and are vulnerable to natural predators such as black-backed gulls.Despite the shorebirds breeding within a predator proof sanctuary, the constant level of disturbance by people results in an appallingly low level of survival. Volunteers from the Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust monitor both the numbers and breeding success of shorebirds at Omaha Beach. They report that from a total of 25 pairs of northern New Zealand dotterels, only three chicks survived to fledge and from 20 pairs of variable oystercatchers only one or perhaps two chicks survived during the 2019/2020 summer breeding season. The Omaha volunteers are part of the Dotterel Minders network, a collective that help monitor and protect breeding northern New Zealand dotterels each summer. These caring folk have the sometimes difficult task of informing the often unaware public about the presence and needs of the shorebirds. Whilst most people are appreciative of the advice and are often keen to learn more about the birds; there is a minority who can be both abusive and uncaring. The most common response from this minority is that “it’s only people that matter”.Omaha Beach is a nationally important breeding and roosting site for many of New Zealand's native shorebirds. In addition to the breeding northern New Zealand dotterels and variable oystercatchers, there are up to 400 migrant native bar-tailed godwit and 300 endemic banded dotterels that roost at the Omaha Spit. These species are often disturbed whilst they rest. This can be very problematic, especially for the bar-tailed godwits who have flown on an amazing eight-day, 12 thousand-kilometre flight direct from Alaska to get here.

MondaySanta Story Time, Warkworth Library, 10:30 a.m.Join the team at Warkworth Library for a very special Christmas Storytime. There will be stories, songs, and a visit from Santa! ThursdayTwilight Market, Whangateau Hall, 3:00 p.m.Plants, produce, crafts, gifts, books, sausage sizzle, Peddlers Gin products and much more. Come and support your local community as we head towards summer holidays.  FridayBeatroots, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.mBEATROOTS...All summer long every weekend Fridays and Saturdays.Live music is back at The Matakana Village Pub and 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. SaturdayJasper and Jane Hawkins, 8 Wired Barrelworks, 4:00 p.m.Crowd favourites Jasper and Jane Hawkins return to 8 Wired Barrelworks to play live music while you enjoy a brew. The Slow Water Band, The Tahi Bar, 7:00 p.m.There's something wonderful that happens whenever the Slow Water Band plays at The Tahi. The atmosphere is magical; such beautiful, timeless music, played and sung so gorgeously. Everyone in the audience is on an emotional high. It's a lovely thing to be a part of. Head down and join the fun. There's no cover charge. SundayItalian Paint n Picnic, Matavino Wines, 2:00 p.m.This two-hour, artist lead paint class (no experience required) is the perfect Sunday afternoon activity. Paint a beautiful picture while snacking on an italian inspired picnic box and enjoying a Matavino wine tasting. Good to Go, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 6:30 p.m.With their combined individual successes of performing across New Zealand, Australia, North America, UK and Japan, as well as playing alongside artists such as Ed Sheeran, Carly Rae Jepsen and Taylor Swift, ‘Good To Go’ is a collection of some of Auckland’s finest musicians together on one stage.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and police are urging motorists on SH1 between Whangarei and Auckland to be extra careful; a shipping diversion means there will be a dozen trucks an hour taking containers from Whangarei into Auckland city. The trucks began departing Northport from 6:00 am on Friday, December11th and will continue from 6:00 a.m. to midnight until next Friday, December 18th. There will be 12 trucks leaving every hour. The traffic won't all be one way: empty trucks will be returning to Northport to pick up a new load.Waka Kotahi vehicle compliance officers, Worksafe and the officers from the police commercial vehicle safety team will be on the route to ensure that there is no added danger due to these trucks. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional director, Steve Mutton, said motorists should plan more time for their journeys."We expect the roads to be busy in the lead-up to Christmas and there are only a few passing lane opportunities on the route. We ask motorists to be patient and give trucks space on the road for the safety of all road users."There may be delays on SH1 next week, and all drivers need to factor that into their plans. Trying to 'make up lost time' by speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone using the road at risk."

A concerned local has proven that a few local voices have the power to bring about change.After speaking out against the marine harvesting in the Omaha Beach rock pools, support was gathered from other residents and local MP Chris Penk, and a petition was submitted to parliament.  The petition is asking that the House of Representatives pass legislation to reduce the limits for collecting sea life currently set under the Fisheries Act 1996. The rock pools and shorelines are being harvested at rates that don’t allow for adequate regeneration. People are upsetting the fragile ecosystems and balances in play. Some shorelines have little or no sea creatures left. Birds, sea life and other creatures depend on the rock pools for food which is disappearing at alarming rates. It is time to treasure this Taonga for today’s ecosystems and tomorrow’s Kiwis.The petition has been approved, published and is now available to sign. In the first 24 hours, over 200 signatures were received. The petition, published on the 4th of December, is nearing 500 signatures. Open to sign until the 31st of March 2021, there is plenty of time to share it around and collect more signatures. After that, it will be presented and reported on, and the decision on whether the legislation will pass will go ahead. If you want to support this petition, you can find it here.

Last Sunday, thousands of keen athletes flocked to Omaha Beach to participate in the annual Omaha Half Marathon. With more than 2,000 participants over the four different race categories, the event was a huge success, and seems to be getting bigger every year.The winners of the half-marathon were Rodwyn Isaacs, who completed the 21-kilometre course in a speedy one hour and 14 minutes, and Bethany Bromfield, who completed it in one hour and 24 minutes. The average time taken to finish was two hours and nine minutes. Max Richards and Tracy McCartney took out the top spots in the 10-kilometre classic, while the five-kilometre fun run was won by Evgenii Babenkov and Ivy Roodt. Tia Korewha and Caleb McKenzie were the fastest in the kids’ two-kilometre dash. The sun was shining, the crowd was cheering, and as always, Omaha Beach provided the perfect location for those dedicated enough to get up at the crack of dawn to run. Congratulations to all participants. 

The Matakana App and Falcon Events are proud to present Cuttin' Loose 3.0.This third installment of Cuttin’ Loose will be held at the iconic venue, the Leigh Sawmill, this Saturday December 12th, kicking off the silly season with a bang.  Featuring a stellar line up of great kiwi DJ’s such as Benny Boy, Cheff, Lew & Ro, Taylor Haynes and more, this will be a night of great tunes and great times. With music spanning across multiple genres like Drum n Bass, house and funk, there's something for everyone.The last two Cuttin’ Loose events sold out, so get in quick and grab your tickets from Eventbrite now. This isnt an event you want to miss

Christmas is nearly upon us; it's about time to consider where you can get your tree from.Regardless of whether you're a colour coordinated, meticulous decorator, or a throw everything on the tree haphazard decorator, pine trees are an integral part of the Kiwi tradition.Luckily in our area, there are multiple places to pick yourself the perfect Christmas tree, and at the same time support a great local cause.Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade are continuing their annual tree sale, from now until whenever the trees sell out. Prices start at $30.00 and depend upon the tree you choose. They will be open for business from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday. For an extra $5.00 they will also wrap the tree, making it a lot easier to squish into the car for the journey home.You can also pick up a beautiful tree from St John's Warkworth Ambulance Station.Nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree, and it's an added bonus that by buying one from the Warkworth Fire Brigade or St. John’s you are supporting causes that help so many people in our area. 

Pill testing at New Zealand’s festivals will be legal this summer. The government announced this week they are preparing to rush legislation through parliament. Over the last few years, parliament has seen much discussion on the implementation of drug testing at New Zealand music festivals, especially after fake pills containing pesticide and paint were seized at the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne and the multiple drug related deaths at similar events in Australia.Drug testing has existed in a legal unknown for years. To ensure volunteers didn’t go to jail, groups have so far required festivalgoers to learn how to load their own drugs into a spectrometer for testing. It’s been a slow and cumbersome process. The testing sites themselves have also been low-key, their existence largely spread through word of mouth. The law will allow trained volunteers to handle the testing and advertise their existence, making the process more efficient.This law change provides drug testing services with narrow and time-limited protection this summer against prosecution for short-term possession of illegal drugs while they test them. In the new year. the law changes will be developed and regulations around them will be consulted so that by December 2021. a full legal system will be in place.Over the summer, numerous music festivals are held in our area, and this fast-tracked legislation means that we may see these services available here.

This week, the Rodney local board released the 2020 local board plan, a strategic three-year plan developed in consultation with the community. Local board plans set out the direction for the region and reflect community aspirations and priorities. In the 2020 plan, there were five main outcomes that the community and local board deemed the most important.Outcome one: Safe, improved transport options connect our communities Public transport options are few. Many of our communities lack adequate footpaths or safe places to walk beside roads. Residents must often rely on private vehicles, yet more than 650km of our roads are unsealed. Residents face traffic congestion across Rodney, including in fast-growing areas. To help address our transport issues, the board consulted on a transport targeted rate just for Rodney in the last local board plan. A significant number of our community supported it, and that funding is now delivering on key transport initiatives.Over the next three years, the board will push for improved bus services across Rodney and complete the planned park-and-ride in and Warkworth. They will advocate strongly for better road maintenance, particularly on unsealed roads. Auckland Transport’s new Unsealed Roads Improvement Programme will use its $121m budget in new ways to improve the safety and integrity of our unsealed roads.Outcome two: Our natural environment is healthy and protected It is important that we have good water quality in our streams, rivers and harbours. The board plans to improve water quality in our waterways and reduce the effects of climate change by restoring freshwater ecosystems through riparian fencing and planting, sediment reduction, delivering benefits such as flood mitigation, habitat for native biodiversity, and carbon sequestration To ensure that our natural environment is clean and healthy with thriving ecosystems, the plan outlines ways to improve our local biodiversity and natural environment by partnering with mana whenua and supporting community groups and schools, and by advocating for regional and national funding to eradicate pest plants, animals, and pathogens and to carry out restoration work .Outcome three: Infrastructure and development meets the needs of our growing communities  The Rodney Local Board area experienced the second highest growth rate of any local board between 2013 and 2018, growing 21 per cent. This was significantly higher than the Auckland-wide rate of 11 per cent. Rapid growth will continue in Rodney over the coming decades. With this in mind, it is vital to make sure that our villages and towns retain their individual character and heritage aspects, and development is sympathetic to the natural and existing built environment. In order to do this, the Rodney local board has said that they will advocate for improved design standards for roading, cycling and pedestrian networks in subdivisions in countryside living zones, rural and coastal towns, that reflect the character and needs of the local area. Outcome four: Our communities are resilient and have access to what they need Our communities are strong and resilient, and to keep this going after what was a hard year for many, the board has said it will: Support communities to deliver community projects and events, and to work collaboratively with council and other key stakeholders Develop partnerships and projects with mana whenua that respond to and further their aspirations Ensure strategically located halls and community centres can be used by our communities in times of difficulty Advocate for reliable, fast and affordable broadband connections for all our communities Outcome five: Our local parks and recreation facilities meet the needs of our growing community Our regional parks provide great recreation opportunities and meet the needs of our communities and visitors. The board will advocate for more investment in regional parks in our local board area to meet the pressures of growth and tourism. The environment and ecology of our parks are well cared for, and the board will continue to support volunteers working on weed and pest control and other restoration work in our parks, reserves and public land. Local board funding is approved through the council’s budget-setting process. This involves the council’s governing body adopting a 10-year budget every three years and an annual budget every year. Updated financial information and levels of service will be adopted as part of the long-term plan in June 2021. 

Warkworth Library is getting in the Christmas spirit, with plenty of festive activities planned for the month of December.Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. there will be free Christmas craft sessions for everybody all ages who wants to join in and get creative. You will get the chance to create advent calendars, flax stars, Christmas themed bookmarks, and plenty of Yuletide decorations. On Monday the 14th of December, there will be an extra special Santa story time, with some magical stories and songs. Santa himself is even planning to stop by for a visit. So. make sure those wish lists are ready to go!On Thursday the 17th of December, Christmas traditions from around the world will be explored. This event is perfect for anyone new to Aotearoa, or even just new to the Warkworth area, as it is an opportunity to meet new people and share your own Christmas traditions. Bring a Christmas treat to share for morning tea. Children of all ages are welcome.With the summer holidays fast approaching, Warkworth Library has plenty of activities and events happening to get the kids out of the house and keep them entertained.

The Foundation Gallery and Arts Hub in Leigh opened around a year ago, and has since created an awesome space for kids and adults alike to unleash their creativity. Foundation is a place that provides an educational opportunity for everyone, artists, enthusiasts, amateurs and most particularly local children, to enhance learning and engage in positive individual and collaborative works that strengthen the community spirit of Leigh and its surrounding areas. Now, the Foundation is asking this community for help fundraising so that these opportunities remain.A Water tank designed and painted by local school studentsThe money raised will assist them continuing what they have largely funded privately, helping with development of the two-year teaching program, buying materials, accessing much needed help on larger scale projects, restoring their bumble bee window and generally lightening the load.As for many small businesses, 2020 has been a very uncertain year for the Foundation Gallery and Arts Hub. Funding assistance will help ensure that they are able to continue and develop.“We believe that our programme offers many positive benefits to a wide range of people and it would be a very great shame if we were unable to carry on.”If you wish to support the Foundation Gallery and Arts Hub, visit their Gofundme page here. To see what classes they have on offer, and some of the incredible work produced, visit https://www.facebook.com/foundationartsnz

From yesterday, Tuesday the 1st of December, the summer dog rules for Auckland beaches came into effect. Time and season laws are placed over busy periods in public places to avoid conflict between dogs and people in these places. Between December 1st, 2020 and March 1st, 2021, dogs will be prohibited on public beaches from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. In the hours outside these times, local boards or council decide where access is permitted. For example, a local board may decide that a beach is off-leash outside the hours from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.Dog owners will need to familiarise themselves with the summer rules. Search the council website to find a dog walking spot near you and the rules for dogs in that area or call 09 301 0101.However, in areas where there are sensitive species such as dotterels, the rules are subject to change. For example, on the northern end of Omaha Beach, including Omaha Beach Reserve and the adjacent beach and foreshore areas, dogs are prohibited at all times, regardless of the season. Failure to meet these terms can result in an infringement notice, and a $300.00 fine.Dog owners in Auckland copped 197 infringement notices from the council between November 1 2019 and January 8 2020, the council has said.Dogs must be on-leash at all times in areas that are:public roads (including any street, highway, access way, service lane, and any footpath, cycle track, bus stop and berm within the boundaries of the road).private wayscouncil-controlled boating areas (including any wharf, jetty, boat ramp or boat marshalling area). So, head out and enjoy the sun with your pooch, but adhere to the rules to avoid a hefty fine. If you want to double check the rules on your local beach, visit https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/guide-for-dog-owners/Pages/rules-dogs-public-places.aspx

Police are asking witnesses to the fatal crash in Warkworth on Sunday the 22nd of November to provide them with any information that may help them piece together the circumstances.The crash resulted in the death of local man, Christian Herbulot, after his car had come down Neville street and over the roundabout before becoming airborne over the playground and crashing into the Mahurangi river.Several people jumped into the river and attempted to rescue Christian, but the driver’s door of the car was stuck in the mud.Detective Senior Sergeant Nick Salter said police would like to hear from anyone that saw a Toyota Isis prior to the incident in the area or anyone who may have tried to assist Herbulot once he was in the river.Anyone with information can contact police on 105 and quote the file number 201122/1639.The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.

FridayBeatroots, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.m.All summer long every weekend Fridays and Saturdays.Live music is back at The Matakana Village Pub, introducing a great selection of DJs, bands and musicians to crank your weekend across all styles including beats, roots, rock and summer vibes. It's your place for live music this summer.SaturdaySmoke on the Coast, Whangateau Holiday Park, 9:00 a.m. 35 Teams will battle off for the honour of being named barbequing 'Grand Champion' by preparing and cooking over wood or charcoal seven categories of meat/protein. Plus, you can see the final round of the inaugural NZ Steak Cook-off association to decide the winner of SCA NZ 2020. Both the actual cooking and judging will be open to the public. Teams are competing for a minimum cash pool of $8,000.00 plus extra prizes from very generous sponsors.White Chapel Jak Rescheduled, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 6:00 p.m.It’s time to celebrate the return of White Chapel Jak, who kick-off their “Return of the Jak - Here’s to us Nu Zuland!” live music tour. All tickets purchased for the 5th September will be automatically transferred to 5th December.The Dirty Happys, The Tahi Bar + Kitchen, 7:00 p.m.Head along to the Tahi for a great night of vibey, groovy music. New local band The Dirtys Happy's cover lots of bands adding their reggae marinade and soul sauce to them all. Some you might expect, some you might not! Sunday   Pakiri School Christmas Movie Fundraiser, Matakana Cinemas, 4:00 p.m.Help celebrate 30 years of the classic family holiday movie, Home Alone, and raise money for Pakiri School. Buy tickets through Matakana Cinemas.Adult $25 (includes a drink).Children $20 (includes an ice cream).Sunday in the Park Christmas work day, Tawharanui Regional Park, 9:00 a.m.Head along to Tawharanui Regional park this Sunday to help out with a range of activities and tasks which will be advised on the day. A lovely BBQ meal is offered after the work - vegetarian options provided. This is a good chance to socialise with other TOSSI members and there will be some Christmas frivolity! Ho, ho, ho...Wear old clothes, gumboots/sturdy shoes and gardening/work gloves.Omaha Half Marathon, Omaha Beach, 7:30 a.m.The Omaha Half Marathon will take you on a PB-making flat, fast and beautiful tour of Omaha Beach and Point Wells. Visit one of NZ’s most stunning white sand beaches, just 45 mins from the city.The DeSotos, Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 5:30 p.m.The DeSotos are excited to announce a return show performing their heartland Americana and country blues at the legendary Leigh Sawmill Cafe.