A Sandspit property is currently the subject of local controversy, after landowners were granted consent to remove upwards of 20 mature native trees in a significant ecological area, to make way for a new private dwelling.Despite objection from the community, a range of mature species, including, but not limited to kauri, tairare, puriri and rimu and kahikatea were cut down on Monday November 23rd, to create an accessway for a new building. Under normal circumstances, the controlled activity standard (E15.6.5), allows for up to 300m2 of vegetation removal within a significant ecological area for the construction of a building and access for one dwelling. In this case, a total 1330m2 of vegetation removal was proposedIn 2019, the resource consent for this project was denied, as the property could be accessed by an existing right of way, and given this suitable access there was no need to embark on a project that would result in the significant loss of indigenous forest and habitat for fauna. The 2019 attempt for consent by this property owner was opposed by a neighbour, who had help in getting the consent declined. The Tree Council, a long-standing non-profit organisation that exists to protect, conserve and improve the tree cover in the Auckland region supported the neighbour’s opposition. Member of the Tree Council, Dr Mels Barton, has said that after the consent was denied, “the property owners applied again, slightly changing the alignment and the consent was approved non-notified. In addition to the total destruction of everything for a driveway through a significant ecological area they didn't need, it is guaranteed to introduce kauri dieback in a healthy kauri ecosystem. We are really sorry at the outcome and wish there were more we could have done to prevent it.”This forest was also noted to be habitat for a number of native birds, lizards and a potential habitat for roosting bats.After the council acknowledged the significant damage this project would have on the environment in 2019, the public have been left asking why it is being allowed now. A discussion on a Warkworth community Facebook page had to be taken down, as the argument got out of hand. There have been reports from interested parties (viewing the area in which the trees have been felled from the public road) that they have been verbally abused by the owners of the property.Gavin Donaldson, Council’s Senior Arborist assessed the proposal in 2019 with regards to the effects on the remnant trees and vegetation. Mr. Donaldson said: “In my assessment the adverse effects upon retained trees from the removal of the trees and vegetation for the proposed driveway and the associated excavations and construction of retaining walls for the proposed driveway are likely to be long-term and more than minor.“It is further noted that the ecological and arboricultural effects from the vegetation removal and earthworks are not limited to the site, and will have wider reaching effects on the vegetation on neighbouring sites, and the wider forest area.”Although the removal of trees is happening on a privately owned block of land, this has the potential to become a much wider problem. 

An Omaha Beach resident is issuing a warning to local dog owners after her 16-week-old puppy sadly passed away after ingesting something toxic while walking on the beach. Jenny Barclay took her pup for an afternoon walk at around 4:00 p.m. along the southern end of Omaha beach. They then went around the duck pond to the quarry and back along the beach. The puppy ate dinner at 6:00 p.m., but then vomited at 7:00 p.m.By midnight the same night, she had to be put on full life support. “We put her to sleep at 3.00 a.m. after cycles of CPR. She had neuro toxic shock. Everything is pointing to something she picked up on the beach. Being a pup, she did pick up shells and sometimes a bit of seaweed. I thought I was careful in keeping her in the low tide area and I have seen no slugs. But there is something very nasty out there. We do not know if it was a slug, bait or some other poison. We are absolutely gutted at her loss and don’t want this to happen to any other dog,” said Jenny.This sad news comes after reports of toxic sea slugs on both Takapuna and Orewa beaches. In 2013, eggs laid by toxic sea slugs, and their sacs, were suspected to be the cause of seizures suffered by dogs walking on Auckland beaches. Both the slugs and sacs contain tetrodotoxin, the poison found in puffer fish, which was found in high concentrations on beaches in Auckland and Coromandel.This summer, people need to be aware of sea slugs and treat them with the same caution they would stingrays and jellyfish. Symptoms of poisoning include numbness and tingling around the mouth. Nausea and paralysis can also occur. Anyone touching them should immediately wash their hands thoroughly and seek medical advice.If a dog is showing symptoms of poisoning, they should be taken to a vet. However, if they havecome into contact with the toxic sea slugs there is not much that can be done, as sadly, the deaths tend to happen very quickly.

After a year of pandemic induced stress, organisers of the first ever Big Buzz Festival just want to provide a positive, fun, constructive event where the community can come together. The festival will be held on the 14th of February, 2021, at Matakana Primary School, and it is not one to miss. The aim is to raise the awareness of bees and their vital role in pollination.It is a free-entry, family-friendly, country fair in Matakana with stalls of all things bees, food vendors, live entertainment, music, talks and workshops, children's activities and much more. It will feature local bands, local products and bring in lots of people from outside the community, boosting local business, as well as involving 500 children from local schools, and their bee-related projects.After a brief hiccup with financing, the community has stepped up, and organisers couldn’t be more thankful. Mahurangi Trading Post has generously provided some funding, and Charlies Gelato Garden has donated some of their delicious honey gelato to give out to hungry festival attendees. “Community response has been amazing, and we have had some incredible people and businesses offering funds and products. It is really great to see people coming on board, and it shows how amazing the community of Matakana is,” said co-organiser Isabella Sullivan. The budget is still tight, so organisers are coming up with creative solutions to problems that arise. “Our aim is to surpass expectations, and it's taking a lot of planning, but we’re very excited about the festival.”The Big Buzz Festival is currently looking for volunteers to help out on the day. Isabella has plenty of background with volunteer management, so she knows how to get everything running smoothly. “We need an army of volunteers, and right now we have around half the number we need.”Volunteers will only be working in two-hour shifts, and will be paired up with a partner, so it’s a great opportunity for you and a friend to help out. Not only do you get the pleasure of contributing to this awesome event, you also get a snazzy yellow shirt to take home. If you are willing to spare a couple of hours of your time, register to volunteer here. The festival is going to be a wonderful day out for everyone, with activities organised for all ages. For the little ones, there will be a human sized beehive, full of interactive elements and information, along with the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre’s sensory pod to keep them entertained and educated. For the adults, there will be live music all day, food trucks and stalls, workshops and talks, including a ‘Cooking With Honey Masterclass’ hosted by a Michelin star chef! The Big Buzz Festival is looking for all the help they can get, so if you are keen to volunteer or donate some funds, get in contact via their website, https://www.thebigbuzz.nz/

With Christmas officially less than a month away, now is time to start getting organised and stashing away gifts. After a tough year, we all understand the importance of buying locally and contributing to the community. Luckily, on the Matakana Coast it's not hard to find heaps of incredible gift ideas right here. While it may seem convenient to buy everything online, shopping locally puts money back into the regional economy, you don't have to stress about shipping delays, and you’ll find a unique gift that your friends or family can treasure. This week, local Christmas markets are starting to sell their wares; a perfect opportunity to get everything sorted early. The Kaipara Flats Christmas markets are on tonight, Thursday the 26th of November, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Kaipara Flats Sports Club. There will be over 55 stores selling everything from artwork to clothing. Be sure to check it out.The Puhoi Pub will play host to a Christmas market on Sunday 29th of November, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be two fabulous bands playing, along with delicious food and drinks you can munch and sip on while you peruse the stalls for the perfect gift for that special someone. On Sunday the 6th of December, it’s Warkworth’s turn to shop. Their Christmas market will be at the Warkworth Town Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be toys, jewelry and candles along with a lot more, all made by talented local artisans. Santa is also planning to pop by for a visit, so prepare your Christmas wish list.In the lead up to the festive season the Matakana App will be posting local gift guides, so check back to see what some of our incredible local businesses have to offer. 

Police have released the name of the man who died in the car crash in Warkworth on Sunday evening.The man was Warkworth local Christian Herbulot, aged 55.Police were called to the scene just after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday November 22nd, but tragically, by the time they managed to get into the car, they found the sole occupant deceased. Thankfully, no bystanders were harmed. The car had come down Neville street and over the roundabout before becoming airborne over the playground and crashing into the Mahurangi river. The circumstances of the crash are still being investigated. 

The coastguard are reminding people to brush up on their water safety skills as we head into summer.Last weekend the coastguard was called to help two boaties who had departed Mangawhai on a 4m boat at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning and planned to head to the Hen and Chicken Islands before returning at 2:00 p.m. The alarm was raised some hours later when the pair had failed to return, and neither was answering their mobile phones.It appeared the vessel had run into mechanical difficulty, a common theme as we head into summer with many boats having sat around for the winter months. “It’s great that they told someone where they were going and when they planned to be back but with limited or no communications with them, they were unable to raise the alarm when they found themselves with no way to get home, or help rescuers to narrow the search area quickly”, says Coastguard Duty Officer Nico Dooderman.“We can’t stress enough the importance of carrying two forms of waterproof communications with you when you head out on the water and to log a trip report with Coastguard Radio. It’s quick and easy to do via the coastguard app. If you’ve been putting it off, now is the time to get your boat serviced before heading out to enjoy the water this summer” said Jo Norgrove, rescue vessel skipper. As well as making sure you have adequate ways of communicating, here are some other things to get on top of before getting out there this summer:Safe enjoyable boating means taking and wearing your lifejackets as the unexpected can happen so quickly.Check your batteries and get your engine serviced. Time spent now could save you headaches later. A few quick checks and some basic maintenance, such as replacing old fuel, can make all the difference to the outcome on the water.Get a VHF callsign and check your details are correct. A VHF callsign is a unique identifier that holds key information about your vessel and emergency contact. It’s used in an emergency and also when logging a trip report or bar crossing.It’s vital that you obtain a weather forecast, understand what effect it will have and continue to monitor the weather while you are out on the water.Most drowning in boating accidents involve craft under six metres. Everyone on board boats under six metres should wear a lifejacket.

Tomorrow night, our local Warkworth freight business, Transcon, will be holding a networking event for local businesses at the Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room.The event, ‘After 5’s with Transcon’ will give local businesses the chance to get to know one another and put their business names out there. It will run on Wednesday, November 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sawmill Brewery, another independently owned business run by a small and talented team.Transcon has a strong local focus, and with their 17+ strong fleet and experienced staff they pride themselves on their systems and ability to partner with customers. As a local business, their aim is to support customers to grow their businesses through the provision of general and specialised freight transport services.With such a strong focus on growing the community, region and local businesses, this event is a great opportunity for business owners to introduce themselves to one another. 

TuesdaySpeed Limit Changes Drop In Session, Warkworth Masonic Hall, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Head along and meet the project team in person to discuss the proposed speed limit changes to 26 roads in the west and north of Auckland. Just turn up any time during the drop-in sessions and the team will be there to answer any questions you may have. Visit our website for more information: https://bit.ly/32tLiIRThursdayOpen Mic Night, Matakana Village Pub, 6:30 p.m.Matakana, you have time to dust off your instruments or brush up on a few new songs, or you may have a hidden talent to reveal at the last open mic night of the year. All welcome to join in with the house band and regulars or simply relax and enjoy the wealth of local talent, musicians and performers. C'mon Matakana... It's your place to show us your talent!Kaipara Flats Christmas Market, Kaipara Flats Sports Club, 4:00 p.m. Now is a great time to get ahead and get your Christmas presents sorted. Head along for a fun night of stalls, food, raffles and drinks. All proceeds are going to the Kaipara Flats Sports Club Extension Fund.FridayWhangateau Community Twilight Market, Whangateau Hall, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Twilight market selling plants, produce, crafts, art, eco-friendly, handmade gifts, Peddlers Gin, books and a sausage sizzle. Stallholders welcome for a donation from their sales. Please come and support your local community.Thunderground: Confident Liar Single Release Party, The Leigh Sawmill, 8:00 p.m.Come and celebrate the release of Thunderground's debut single 'Confident Liar' with a lineup of quality bands at Leigh Sawmill. Quinn The Human, Dead Beat Boys and Thunderground will be hosting a night of punk and rock music. Help them get Confident Liar to number one on the NZ music charts! Tickets: $15.00 Early bird (limited sales) from Under The Radar or $20.00 on the door.BEATROOTS, 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.Line-up:DJ Lo Key - FRI 27th NOV @ 5:00 p.m.dice_nz - SAT 28th NOV @ 5:00 p.m.Live Music, The Smoko Room, 5:30 p.m.On Friday the 27th of November from 5.30 p.m. till 8.30 p.m. there is live music from brother and sister duo, Jasper & Jane Hawkins, with a repertoire of upbeat, well-known songs. The singer-song writing pair captivates audiences wherever they go with their authenticity and beautiful harmonies. SaturdaySIX60: Til The Lights Go Out - Screening + Director Q&A, Matakana Cinemas, 6:10 p.m.SIX60 have defied expectations to become one of NZ's most iconic and beloved contemporary bands. Join Matakana Cinemas for a special Q&A session with director Julia Parnell. During one of their most successful periods, the doors are open for fans and Kiwis alike to have a glimpse into the lives of each band member for the first time in the intimate feature - SIX60 The Film. Find out how a group of young men from diverse backgrounds have come to be one of NZ's biggest music success stories.Sunday Brick Fair Lego Exhibition, Matakana Primary School, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Matakana School presents the Brick Fair Matakana! Displays by the Auckland Lego User Group, a group of individuals in Auckland who collect Lego, create their own models and like to display their incredible creations.$4:00 entry - under 3 free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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