Plenty of local stuff happening this week, catch Weekly Happening every Monday.Wednesday Half Price Pizza, Smiths 4pm - LateSmiths Matakana are having a half price pizza night this Wednesday. Gourmet, handmade pizza with heaps of toppings. FridayBeatroots - Mr Big Stuff, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.mLive music is back at The Matakana Village Pub, introducing a great selection of DJs, Bands and Musicians to crank your weekend across all styles including beats, roots, rock and summer vibes. It's your place for Live music this summer, all summer long every weekend Fridays and Saturdays. This weekend Mr Big Stuff is bringing the grand funk to Matakana.Freaky - Friday the 13th Screening, Matakana Cinemas, 6:45 p.mPrepare to get Freaky with a twisted take on the body-swap movie when a teenage girl switches bodies with a relentless serial killer.Seventeen-year-old Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton, Blockers, HBO’s Big Little Lies) is just trying to survive the bloodthirsty halls of Blissfield High and the cruelty of the popular crowd. But when she becomes the newest target of The Butcher (Vince Vaughn), her town’s infamous serial killer, her senior year becomes the least of her worriesOpen Mic Night, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 8:00 p.mPresented by the one and only Lindsay D.Head along and experience an evening of highly talented local muso’s. Koha Appreciated - Anything donated is going towards Movember in support of Men's Mental Health. There will even be some special silent Auction items! So head on down and enjoy some music and donate a little something!SaturdayBic Runga, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 7:30This spring, the internationally heralded pop songstress is excited to tour select New Zealand locations, celebrating both the warming of weather and the freedom to perform. Bic’s performances are an elegant treat, a musical journey of songs that span her career, including reimagined favourites, rarities, te reo Māori interpretations and new tunes.SundayPaint n’ Picnic, Herons Flight Vineyard, 2:00 p.mA fun new concept where you can enjoy sipping on a glass of wine, tasting local delights whilst taking part in a guided paint session.Price includes: A glass of wine, picnic box (please advise of any dietary requirements) and a 2hr guided paint session by a local artist.All participants will paint the same painting (TBC) and take home their masterpiece! No experience necessary. Just a good sense of humor required.Mia Jay, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 4:00 p.mMia Jay and her incredible band are embarking on their second nationwide tour. Mia’s 2nd EP ‘Stalled On a Highway’ is about to hit the streets and aims to explore the inner thoughts of an “absolutely lost puppy” in her own words. With music that centres around vivid lyricism while shaped by different musical influences, this gig will be one to chuck in the diary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gibbs Farm is an expansive, open-air sculpture park located in the beautiful Kaipara Harbour, north of Auckland. The park boasts a series of major site-specific commissions. It is the greatest collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures in the country, with works by some of the world’s most renowned artists.On November 19th, the gates will open for a small group of the public to roam among the sculptures and come face-to-face with some truly exotic animals. The park is a three- to four-hour walk, so comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunblock and water are a must. Alan Gibbs, the owner of the farm, is a millionaire entrepreneur and businessman who also happens to be a great art collector. At the beginning of the ’90s, Gibbs decided to have a land of art of his own. So, in 1991, he purchased over 700 acres of hills, fields and bush, to be turned into a wonderland-esque landscape.He invited some of the world’s most famous artists to decorate the park exactly as they pleased. After nearly twenty years, Gibbs Farm includes major works by Graham Bennett, Chris Booth, Daniel Buren, Bill Culbert, Neil Dawson, Marijke de Goey, Andy Goldsworthy, Ralph Hotere, Anish Kapoor, Sol LeWitt, Len Lye, Russell Moses, Peter Nicholls, Eric Orr, Tony Oursler, George Rickey, Peter Roche, Richard Serra, Kenneth Snelson, Richard Thompson, Leon van den Eijkel and Zhan Wang. Most works in the collection are commissioned; and commissioning new works rather than buying from an exhibition involves the satisfaction of dealing with the artists, as Gibbs comments “they’re interesting because they’re winners, tough, ambitious”.To book tickets here for 19th of Nov any other tickets available here

The beautiful Kourawhero Mountain Lodge is up for sale once again.The lodge spans 100 acres of heritage protected land north of Auckland and includes 18 luxury guest villas, a cocktail bar, restaurant, tennis courts and day spa.The lodge was bought for $3.25m in March last year, after an Overseas Investment Office investigation that led the High Court to order Chinese businessmen Zhong Liang Hong and Xueli Ke to sell the property.Hong and Ke ran afoul of New Zealand law by buying the lodge in 2012 without Overseas Investment Office approval.They did this by arranging for New Zealand citizen Arthur Qui Churchill to place the property under a company name in which Churchill was listed as the sole shareholder and director, High Court Justice Mark Woolford concluded in his judgment last year.This agreement then remained ‘undocumented’ for about one year, Woolford said. However, in late 2013, Hong and Ke "became aware that Mr Churchill had misappropriated funds in relation to the lodge and had taken out a mortgage against the lodge for his own purposes", he said.The OIO then initiated an investigation against the businessmen that led to them being prosecuted in the High Court.The pair were subsequently ordered to pay $2.95m to the Crown as a fine for buying the lodge and another farm nearby without OIO approval.The current owner, Christopher Tanner, says he loves the property but had decided to sell now as he was looking to slow down and take it easier.“This property is also likely to attract the attention of high-net-worth buyers seeking it for their own use as an executive-level residential base. A number of properties of similar scale and quality have been snapped up as executive homes in the Warkworth/Matakana area.“With its discreet rural setting and easy car and helicopter access to the super city, this property could be of great interest to wealthy individuals seeking a trophy property landholding,” says salesperson Dianna Coman.

Halloween is a fun excuse for kids and adults alike to dress up, and there are some freaky things to do for all of us in the area.The Goonies at Shoesmith DomainAlthough the Kowhai festival is unfortunately unable to go ahead this year, they are still putting on their annual outdoor movie at Shoesmith Domain. This year, it coincides with Halloween. They will be showing the classic 1985 film, The Goonies, about a group of kids facing their last days together before a development paves over their homes. These adventurers stumble onto evidence of pirates’ treasure, attracting the attention of a family of criminals. This event is perfect for the whole family, and it gives parents an alternative activity for kids, rather than the traditional trick or treating. The movie starts at 8:00 p.m. Don't forget to bring some snacks and something comfy to sit on.Haunted Halloween Maze, 34 Kauri Crescent, Snells BeachCalling all Halloween lovers! The Kauri Crescent haunted maze is back for 2020 with another fun and fear-filled haunted adventure, and it's even bigger and better than last year. Come by on Saturday the 31st to 34 Kauri Cres, if you're feeling brave enough.Between 4.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. the maze will have no scarers, for our little ghosts and ghouls.From 5.00 p.m. onwards the maze will be full of monsters of the night waiting to scare you, and if you're really brave come between 8.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. as darkness sets in.Entry is free. However, donations are welcome, with all proceeds going to hospice. Lolly donations are also welcome; please these drop off before Saturday.Halloween Goody Bags, Point Wells PlaygroundHarcourts Matakana want to give the kids of our community a treat this Halloween! They have made up goody bags (not just with lollies) for all the little ghouls out and about - look for them on Saturday at the Point Wells playground until they are gone!The Monsters Ball, The Tahi Bar + KitchenIf your trick or treating days are behind you, but you still want an excuse to get dressed up, the Tahi Bar is hosting an adult Halloween party. There will be live music, and prizes for best costumes. Tickets are $10.00 from the bar. There are limited tickets, so get yours quick!If your little ones are keen to trick or treat, here are a few tips to make sure everyone has a good, safe time:Not everyone is into Halloween. Respect this. Keep an eye out for decorated houses for good-to-go areas, or signs and notes indicating no-go areas.Dress up! If you can't be bothered getting in costume, then there's no point to trick or treating.If you knock or ring the doorbell and nobody opens it, don't linger. They're either not in, or not opening the door for a reason.Children need to be supervised. Even if they’re out with an older sibling, parents and caregivers need to be aware of which areas their children are visiting and what time they’re expected home.Another thing to consider is how to make trick or treating as Covid-proof as possible this year. For instance, you can work masks into costumes, or figure out an ingenious lolly delivery method that prevents heaps of grubby hands going into a bowl. Some people in Canada have been experimenting with a hockey stick delivery system.However you choose to celebrate this Halloween, make it a fun and safe one.

The Ti Point wharf is soon to see boat and vehicle restrictions. Structural damage means these weight checks will be in place until the damage can be fixed.Leigh residents received an email from Rodney Local Board member Beth Houlbrooke, which contained the following information:“A recent survey of the Ti Point Wharf has confirmed our concerns in relation to the structural integrity of the wharf. While much of the structure is in an acceptable condition, a number of the piles and pile bracing are not. Two of the wharf’s piles, including a front leading pile, is believed to be close to collapse.“Advice from the engineer is to restrict the size of the boats using it to vessels less than 5 tonne, continue to restrict vehicle access on the wharf and limit the amount of people on it at any one time to no more than 10. Signage outlining the restrictions will be put in place early next week.”Repair work is set to be carried out before Christmas, along with a more comprehensive plan on what may be necessary to completely strengthen the current wharf.

ThursdayOpen Mic Night, The Matakana Village Pub, 6:30 p.m.Matakana, it's time to dust off your instruments or brush up on a few new songs, or you may have a hidden talent. All welcome to join in with the house band and regulars or simply relax and enjoy the wealth of local talent, musicians, and performers. SaturdayOutdoor Movie Night:The Goonies, Shoesmith Domain, 7:00 p.m.The movie "The Goonies" starts just after 8:00 p.m. and there will be some relaxing music and a coffee stall from 7:00 p.m. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic. As the ground might still be a bit damp, it’s probably a good idea to bring a chair or some seating as well as some warm clothes.Halloween Party, The Tahi Bar, 6:00 p.m.It's time to get spooky for the Monsters' Ball Halloween Party at The Tahi Bar. There will be live music all night, and prizes for best costumes. Tickets $10.00.Mr Big Stuff Live Music, The Matakana Village Pub, 5:00 p.m.BEATROOTS...All Summer Long presents MR BIG STUFF bringing the Grand Funk to The Matakana Village Pub. It's your place for live music! Get your funk on and find your soul with one of Auckland's finest.SundayDubwise System Sessions, Leigh Sawmill, 2:00 p.m.Dust off those lockdown cobwebs and head through to Leigh Sawmill to see the PDC Sound System in full effect. With selections from Graysound, D-Low and Kamal.Wine, Oyster and Movie Celebration, Matakana Cinemas, 5:00 p.m.Join the Matakana Winegrowers and local oyster farmers as we celebrate a great oyster season. $40.00 ticket includes a glass of wine, 4 oysters, wine tastings and the movie: The Secret of Santa Vittoria 1969Mahurangi Artists Trail, Multiple Locations, 10:00 a.m.30 local artists open their studios and public spaces to share with you their working practices, art works and have-a-go opportunities.Follow the Trail to discover artists working in a wide variety of media and styles, including painting, printing, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery: there will be artists for every taste. All of the artists taking part are ready and excited to welcome you into their studios.The Nukes, Warkworth Town Hall, 1:30 p.m.The Nukes are one of Australasia’s most successful ukulele/ folk acts with more than 10 years under their belts and three compelling albums as proof of their creative endeavours (and well in excess of 100,000 streams and views). The Nukes ukulele trio will be running a couple of workshop sessions during the afternoon, before their 4:30 show.

Labour Day has finally arrived. If your thoughts turn to the garden when contemplating how to spend your long weekend, you’re not alone. Labour Weekend is traditionally the time many of us get out in the garden and start planting. To help you think about what you may want to pick up for the garden if you’re doing a local staycation at your place this holiday, we’ve put together some green-fingered tips for you.It’s tomato planting season. This holiday is a great time to get those seedlings in. The soil has warmed up here and is still enough water in the soil to grow strong roots. The plants will respond well to longer growing days as the sunlight hours increase.When planting, water well. Deep watering encourages roots to go downwards, rather than remain shallow, reducing the stress during the hotter months. Remember to check irrigation pipes for repairs, and the batteries in your controllers, so you’ll be ready for the heat.I know it’s too early to be thinking of Christmas, even though the decorations and irritating music are already in the shops, but Labour Weekend is when you want to get those new potatoes, beans, peas and carrots in, so they’ll be perfect for Christmas lunch. Carrots prefer the cool of spring and you should sow the seeds in rows 2cm deep and 10-15cm apart, and then cover lightly with soil.Gardens also need feeding, so give them sheep poo, horse manure, or actually any manure will do. They all provide matter to help break down the clay of our region.Containers need food too, and mulching. Petunias are great for the bases of planted pots, ascending or descending, and they too will put on a great show for Christmas, so plant them now.Speaking of long hot days, you’ll also want to get some pea straw thrown about. Once you’ve watered and fed, mulch. It helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool, and just makes everything look pretty.So, things are looking spick and span at your place, it is also a good time to aerate the lawns, apply seasonal weed killer and fertiliser.Don’t forget the roses. They love a pile of good manure mixed with some rose fertiliser. Top that lot off with a generous dose of pea straw and you will be rewarded with a gorgeous bouquet from the garden to brighten up your day.If you don't have your own garden to potter around in, the Matakana Community Garden, next to the Matakana Hall, can always use some green-fingered helpers. The community gardeners meet every Monday Morning, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. to tend, plant and harvest produce.Everyone is welcome to join.There’s nothing more rewarding than a day in the garden, so get in there and enjoy yourself; it’s your Labour Weekend.

Level One means Omaha Beach's Junior Surf programme can be run as planned. The new season starts on Sunday 8th November at 9.30 a.m.  If you are wanting to get your little one out to have a go, there will be an open day for new members on Sunday November 1st, from 9:00 a.m. - 12.00 noon with have-a-go beach activities from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.The Surf Life Saving New Zealand Junior Surf Programme is designed to enrich the lives of young members through engaging activities and active participation, leading to the acquisition of personal, lifesaving and competition skills in a safe aquatic environment. The purpose of this programme is to assist clubs, junior surf coordinators, parents and volunteers to deliver a successful junior surf programme. Click here to register today (or to renew your membership for existing members).https://www.omahasurf.co.nz/membership/

8 Wired Barrel Works will become just like the beer halls of Germany for one weekend only this Labour Weekend.This Saturday and Sunday they will be hosting their first Oktoberfest. All weekend long they will be serving up German style beers from 8 Wired Brewing, McLeod's Brewery and Hofbräuhaus München - Das Original.The Brotissare food truck will be there too, providing hungry customers with organic, free-range rotisserie chicken and a special festival inspired menu.To really get that authentic beer hall feeling, The Little Oompah Band will be playing live from 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, along with other live music over the weekend. There will also be traditional games throughout the day with prizes to be won.Book your table by emailing: [email protected]

We all yearn to head to our favourite holiday spot for some time away over Labour Weekend, which is why many make a beeline to the Matakana area. Although this is a great thing for local businesses and allows more people to experience our wonderful region, it also means that there will be more traffic, and lines at your favourite coffee shop may be a bit longer. NZTA has said that the peak traffic hours will be on Friday afternoon as rush hour commuter traffic becomes more congested with the influx of holiday makers on the roads, and also Monday morning as everyone returns home. If you are planning on visiting the area or heading elsewhere for the weekend, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid this congestion. Traffic is subject to change depending on the weather and if any accidents occur, so check your route before you leave to ensure that you know what to expect.The road between Puhoi to Warkworth is notorious for being a dangerous stretch of road, and holiday traffic can make it more so. Labour Weekend 2018 saw 130 crashes resulting in injury, and five deaths across the country. Stay vigilant and safe on the roads.The weather this year is forecast to be cloudy with isolated showers. 

The Matakana Tulip Cream Tea was held at Matakana Botanicals last Friday. The sun was shining, the music was playing, the food was superb. The event was an outstanding success raising $7,000 for Parkinson's services in our region. Contributions from local businesses and the team of local volunteers helped make the event special.Danvers and Katy donated their beautiful venue, Matakana Botanicals, Annie O donated props, tables, chairs, and Syd Hansen from Hansen’s Wholesale Flowers donated hundreds of dollars in flowers which were then purchased on the day.Justin from the Vintry designed and served his "Red Tulip" High Ball Cocktail and Julia Mitchell and Deborah Finnigan, both locals, hand made all of the delicious, sweet treats on the high tea table. Latakana was wonderful. The group donated their time and musical prowess to entertain guests who sat outside on bean bags under the sunshine in what was a relaxed and casual atmosphere. A huge thanks goes out to local artist Claire Erica who donated two pieces of art that went under auction raising $3,050 on the day.Parkinson’s New Zealand provides services in 20 different regional locations. Parkinson's Action Groups in each area are run by hard-working volunteers. Each area provides clinical information, referral networks, and opportunities for social activities. Our local areas have Parkinson's nurses who provide practical personalised assistance. The regions also raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s to keep our services free for all New Zealand families. Funds raised on Friday will contribute towards these services in our region.Organisers hope to host another Tulip Cream Tea event in Matakana next year. Well done!

After a pretty tough year, we all deserve a little bit of a break. Avoid the stress of a long road trip by organising a ‘staycation’ right here on the Matakana Coast. Here are a few of our top picks for places to stay.Teepee MatakanaTeepee Matakana is the ideal getaway to relax and recharge. 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. Tepee Matakana is located a short five-minute drive from Matakana Village and less than ten minutes from Omaha Beach.Riverside MatakanaRiverside Matakana’s luxury getaway encompasses the ideals of a typical Kiwi bach: flexible, informal living. Designed by renowned New Zealand architects ‘Architectus’, the 17 luxury baches have a free flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Expansive decks mean outdoor dining and barbecuing is possible year round. Above all, Riverside Matakana self-contained luxury baches provide a very Kiwi holiday experience, with beautiful, relaxed spaces set in stunning surroundings.Pakiri Beach Holiday ParkAt Pakiri Beach Holiday Park, there are choices for everyone. They offer beachfront accommodation with uninterrupted sea views through to a range of family and single room cabins, plus sites for camping, caravans and motorhomes. Only 20 minutes’ drive from Matakana on the waterfront at the beautiful white sand Pakiri beach, this is the perfect staycation for you if you want to get out on your surfboard or ride a horse along the beach.Matakana EstateIf you are looking for luxury, Matakana Estate is the place to go. Treat yourself, you deserve it! The ultimate getaway destination offers countryside serenity and is perfect for weekends away for couples, groups and family to spend quality time to relax and unwind. Only minutes’ drive from pristine beaches and the Matakana Village Farmers Market, the location is ideal for exploration and access to outdoor activities. And being on a Matakana vineyard, a bar stocked with Matakana Estate wines is available, along with a fully equipped, contemporary kitchen.Tawharanui CampgroundThe Tawharanui Peninsula is one of the best spots in Auckland for overnight camping. With an extensive coastline and choice of walks, you’re bound to find something that you love doing. This open sanctuary is home to heaps of native NZ wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the calls of kiwis at night. The coastal area is also a marine sanctuary, making for great snorkelling and lots of wildlife in the rockpools. Photo Land RoamerThere are plenty of options for a perfect staycation in the area, so be sure to book before everything is filled up.

A heart-shaped, heartwarming auction on Trade Me has resulted in a donation of more than $200.00 to the Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade. Elite Window Solutions in Warkworth auctioned off a heart-shaped potato that received over 25 bids.The auction bio said it all: “All the volunteers in the country deserve great respect but this little spud can only do so much and she's chosen our local Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade, so come on, maybe you and your friends could chip in together and help fundraise for a hot cause.”The winning bid of $222.00 went to Trade Me user nascarsonali. The Warkworth Volunteer Fire Station were very thankful for the donation saying, “The brigade would like to say a BIG thank you to Elite Window Solutions for their fundraising Trade Me auction of a heart shaped spud. The auction raised $222 for our brigade”.