John Gerritsen, Education correspondentToo many five-year-olds start school unable to talk coherently, teachers say, and they blame Covid-19 and excessive screen time.Teachers of new entrant school children and early childhood teachers report seeing more children than ever with poor language skills, research by the Education Review Office published today shows.More than a quarter of teachers in schools in poor neighbourhoods said most of their pupils had oral language below the level expected of them, compared to just 3 percent of new entrant teachers in schools in rich neighbourhoods.School teachers said some children could not talk in sentences of more than four or five words, spent a lot of time on devices and had little interaction with books.LISTEN ▶ New entrants starting school unable to speak coherently"There is a complete lack of positional language, pronouns, and simple grammar tenses. A 6-year-old might say 'Me go pee' instead of 'I need the toilet' …", a new entrant teacher told the study."I have been teaching for 24 years and have never seen this low level of oral language."Another said: "They have difficulty both with understanding what is said to them and with formulating responses. They often fail to understand what teachers say, [and] miss important points in class."Early childhood teachers told the study they were spotting problems before children start school."The children want to communicate and try, however, they will often use the same simple words or incoherent sounds to communicate regardless of different contexts and situations," one early learning teacher told the study."Some of our 4-year-old tamariki like to tell long stories, but it mostly comes out as gibberish, much like an infant babbling," said another.The ERO study said research showed 80 percent of five-year-olds had good oral language, but a significant group of children were behind and Covid-19 had made this worse."Covid-19 has had a significant impact. Nearly two-thirds of teachers (59 percent of ECE teachers and 65 percent of new entrant teachers) report that Covid-19 has impacted children's language development."Teachers told us that social communication was particularly impacted by Covid-19, particularly language skills for social communication. International studies confirm the significant impact of Covid-19 on language development," the report said.Children's vocabulary at the age of two was strongly linked to their literacy and numeracy at age 12, the ERO report said."Delays in oral language in the early years are reflected in poor reading comprehension at school," it said.However, it also said children's oral language varied a lot up to the first two years of primary school because children's development varied.Quality early childhood education a solution - reportInternational studies showed quality early childhood education supports language development and could accelerate literacy by up to a year, especially for children from poor communities, the report said.It recommended removing barriers to increase enrolments of children from poor families in early learning and increasing the quality of early education available to them through ERO reviews and Ministry of Education interventions.While most qualified school and early childhood teachers know how to help children improve their oral language, some were not confident, the report said.It recommended ensuring the school and early childhood curriculums provide clear progress indicators for oral language.This story was originally published by RNZ

Here is your local business news. If you have a new business or changes/developments let us know [email protected] Bakery, a renowned chocolate maker in Mangawhai since 1998, is soon to expand its offerings with the opening of a new bakery. Known for its high-quality, hand-crafted chocolates. The new bakery will likely follow the same tradition of quality and artisanal excellence that Bennetts is known for.The renowned baker, Brodie, will be heading up the new Bennetts’ Bakery. The bakery is expected to complement their existing chocolate shop and café, which has already become a beloved spot in Mangawhai for both locals and visitors alike.The exact details of the bakery's offerings and the opening date are yet to be fully revealed, but all will be revelled in the coming weeks. It will be located where Kakariki health shop used to be in the Bennetts complex.The Bunker is Mangawhai's latest spot for live sports, featuring four top-of-the-line golf simulators. They are also going to offer a chic hangout for the entire community to come together, enjoy live sports, great food, and awesome music! Opening date is yet to be announced but hopefully in the next few weeks and is in Mangawhai Central.The newly opened Pacific Coast brewery in Mangawhai is unfortunately going into liquidation. This apparently came as a complete shock, but the owners are working hard to try and resolve it and hope to get back out there producing the great beers and spirits that they have just started making. In the meantime, the Taproom is still up and running and in it for the long haul, with an ample supply of beer! Taproom is in the old Dune restaurant at 40 Moir street.Decking Direct has recently opened a new store in Warkworth, located on Elizabeth Street. This store is their second outlet, following their first in Takapuna.The Kowhai Falls shopping centre in Warkworth is undergoing significant development, with new stores planned to open in stages. The centre, which already houses major retailers like The Warehouse and Noel Leeming, is expanding further with the construction of additional retail spaces. By the end of this year, seven new retail stores are expected to open as part of the second stage of development. Following this, there will be a third building that will include a café, restaurant, and smaller shops such as florists and hairdressers. A Cracker Jack store is also planned to open in a separate building near the roundabout. There have been murmurs of the Hunting and Fishing store moving here from their current location in central Warkworth as well as possibly a Chemist Warehouse.Jessie Love Reformer Pilates has recently opened a reformer Pilates studio at the Bali Garden in Point Wells.Snells Beach Four Square build is well under way and the owners are saying they will open in early October! It looks like its going to be a large store which locals are excited about.

Update on the Watercare Proposed Pipeline Negotiations:I wanted to provide an update on the proposed Watercare pipeline project in Warkworth, particularly in response to the many inquiries we've received from businesses along Elizabeth and Queen Streets.Current Status:As it stands, there is no definite start date for the pipeline work. Watercare has expressed a desire to have the project completed by 2028, but specifics on when work will commence remain unclear. We understand that this uncertainty can be challenging, especially for those considering property sales or other significant business decisions.Timeline and Coordination:We anticipate that the work between the Showgrounds and Hill Street may begin relatively soon, although several constraints and uncertainties persist. Ideally, the pipeline work would coincide with the upcoming Hill Street revamp, allowing the town to undergo one period of disruption rather than multiple. However, this depends on several factors, including Auckland Transport's budget allocation for Hill Street and the necessary funding from NZTA. If all goes according to plan, work might commence as early as 2026.We are actively engaging with government representatives to secure the required funding from NZTA to expedite the timeline. Our goal is to provide businesses with as much certainty as possible regarding the start date. Rest assured, we are also exploring alternative, less disruptive options and hope to share positive news with you soon.Stay Informed:Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns—whether by email, phone or if you see me around town. I'm always happy to discuss how we can best support our local businesses during this period.Updates are also found online on the Home Page of onemahurangi.co.nz and across our social media platforms. (@onemahurangi on Facebook and Instagram) For those on foot in town, we have a noticeboard outside the Warkworth Information Centre as well. (1 Baxter St)Let’s continue to work together to strengthen our community. Your support of our local businesses will be crucial as we navigate these upcoming challenges.We are Stronger Together.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi Business AssociationEmail: [email protected]

FALL IN LOVE WITH TENNIS!NATIONWIDESunday 8 September 2024 10am-2pmLove Tennis is fast becoming one of New Zealand's favourite community events, inspiring people across the country, to get along to their local tennis club, pick up a racquet and give tennis a go. “Love Tennis is a showcase to the community to show them what our club is all about”. All are welcome to come and play some tennis, meet some members and find out about the club. This is a fun filled FREE event. All attendees go in the draw to win an Australian Open 2025 prize package. Racquets will be provided (bring along your own if you have one), there will be tips and tricks from the local coach, a ball machine to practise on, a BBQ, prizes and giveaways. Come and have a hit regardless of ability, we are a fun and social club with lots of levels of tennis ability.Below are the local clubs participating:Waipu Tennis Club9 St Mary's Rd, Waipu,https://clubspark.kiwi/waiputennisclubMangawhai75 Moir Street, In the Domainhttps://www.mangawhaitennis.co.nz/Warkworth RacketsShoesmith Streethttps://warkworthrackets.co.nz/Mahurangi East Tennis Club296 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beachhttps://clubspark.kiwi/mahurangieasttennisclub

Susan Edmunds, Money CorrespondentHigh wholesale power prices are already reducing the deals that households can get on their electricity, a price comparison website says.Powerswitch said it had been advised both Comtricity and Raw Energy had stopped trading.In addition, it had been asked to remove offers from Octopus, Nova, Electric Kiwi and Flick Electric from the site.Independent retailers had been under pressure in recent months as wholesale power prices soared.In July, Electric Kiwi said it had to close to new customers because it could not afford to take them on.On 20 August last year, wholesale prices were as low as $77.53/MWh - on Monday they were more than $300."These retailers' offers are temporarily not shown on the Powerswitch results page, while they are not seeking to take on new customers due to adverse market conditions," Powerswitch general manager Paul Fuge said."Hopefully, they will be back soon. But we fear if the situation continues it may be some retailers elect to shut up shop completely, which would be detrimental to retail competition."I'm not sure how long retailers will be able to hold out for if wholesale prices continue to be elevated. The pressure will surely be on to increase retail prices at some point in the near future."Octopus Energy chief operating officer Margaret Cooney said it had withdrawn from Powerswitch because of problems accessing hedge contracts.She said customers were experiencing significant price increases - compared to July, the best offer for a Christchurch household on Powerswitch was $700 a year more with Meridian and $900 with Mercury.A Meridian spokesperson said that deal was a special rate with Orion offered for just over a month. "The special rate has come to an end."Fuge said Powerswitch had been close to listing 2Degrees because it offers electricity on some of its plans."The current conditions will likely delay this."He said Powerswitch would watch gentailers' profit levels with interest.On Monday, Contact Energy reported revenue growth of 35 percent and a net profit of $235 million.The Energy Collective chief financial officer Nick Haines said he had seen data that indicated some of the offers withdrawn from Powerswitch, including deals from the major power companies, had been "leading and essentially keeping prices down for consumers"."The fact that across a number of main regions you've had offers from gentailers that have been withdrawn in the last few weeks, indicates we are likely to see prices increase."It seemed obvious if there was less competition, it was more likely that prices would rise, he said.Electricity Retailers Association chief executive Bridget Abernethy said wholesale prices were high and could be volatile, but most consumers were not exposed to spot-price movements.The issue had been caused by fuel supplies and a dry year, she said."The thing we really need to do more than anything is invest in more supply to bring those prices down."Abernethy said investment in renewable generation had doubled in the last 18 months.Deals with Methanex and the aluminium smelter at Tiwai had generated extra capacity to help with the current squeeze.Things were tough for households and businesses after years of increasing costs but electricity prices had been relatively flat, Abernethy said.MBIE data showed the average residential power bill this year, including GST, was $2343, compared to $2316 last year; in 2022, however, it was $2460 in real terms.This story was first published by RNZ

The Te Hana community are very disappointed about the vandalism of the new toilets that have been upgraded for the community by the Rodney Local Board.Local Board member Colin Smith is concerned that the damage that will impact the new playground. Read our previous article from Auckland Council about their plans for area here and ‘Have your say” on what this can look like https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/te-hana-domain-playspace-renewalThe proposal includes:equipment for climbing, swinging, sliding, spinning, balancing and imaginative playan all-weather pathseating and shelter for caregivers and visitorsraised planter beds and pathway access to the community gardena skate modular half-pipe.

In a digital age dominated by social media giants like Facebook and TikTok, *The Leigh Rag*, a cherished community newsletter, is grappling with an uncertain future. This modest publication, which has long served as a cornerstone of local news and culture, now finds itself struggling to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape.For years, *The Leigh Rag* has been more than just a newsletter—it's been a vital connection point for the community, providing in-depth stories, updates on local events, and a platform for voices that might otherwise be lost in the vast expanse of the internet. However, as digital platforms continue to rise in popularity, the traditional print and local-focused media face increasing difficulties.“We’ve always believed in the power of our community to keep this newsletter going,” said Guy, a representative of The Leigh Community Club Team. “But with the dominance of social media, it’s becoming harder to maintain our relevance and reach.”In a world where news often comes in quick, bite-sized pieces, *The Leigh Rag* offers something different—depth. It’s a publication that not only informs but also connects neighbours, and has been a champion for local businesses, artists, and volunteers, showcasing the very essence of what makes the community unique.Despite its value, *The Leigh Rag* is now at a critical juncture. The team behind the newsletter has acknowledged that without adapting to new technologies and platforms, they risk being overshadowed by the very social media giants they once coexisted with.In response to these challenges, the newsletter’s team is calling on the community for support. They’re seeking individuals with expertise in desktop publishing, social media, and modern software tools to help reimagine and rebuild *The Leigh Rag*. The goal is to transition to a more sustainable and modern publishing platform that can withstand the pressures of the digital age.“We’re asking for help in selecting a new publishing platform, designing a fresh layout, editing our content, and overseeing the production process,” Guy explained. “It’s a big task, but we believe that with the right support, we can continue to be a beacon of connection in our town.”In light of the need for a major overhaul, *The Leigh Rag* will be temporarily suspending publication following this month’s issue. The decision, while difficult, is seen as necessary to focus on building a platform that will allow the newsletter to not just survive but thrive in the future.“We can’t rebuild the plane while it’s still in flight,” Guy said. “Taking a pause will give us the time we need to make the necessary changes.”The team has committed to keeping the community informed through their Facebook page and the Loveleigh platform, as well as directly updating advertisers and contributors via email. While the future remains uncertain, the team is determined to give it their best effort. “We may be small, but when we stand together, we are mighty,” Guy concluded. “We’re going to do everything we can to ensure *The Leigh Rag* continues to be a vital part of our community.”The community now waits to see what the future holds for *The Leigh Rag*, hoping that this cherished publication can adapt and continue to serve as a testament to the power of local voices.Here at Matakana Coast App we read the local rag and particularly love the Blue Penguin updates they provide and often share with our readers with their permission.As a local news based app we totally understand and sympathise for The Leigh Rag in their struggles in this difficult time for many and constant changes in our world, and will be reaching out to see if we can be of assistance.Please make contact with them if you are interested in helping.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 19th August - Occasional showers, frequent for a time this afternoon. Squally thunderstorms possible about the west coast before dawn. Strong southwesterlies.Tuesday 20th August - Partly cloudy. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 21st August - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 22nd August - Partly cloudy. Northerlies developingFriday 23rd August - Fine, then a few showers developing. Northerlies.Saturday 24th - Showers. Northerlies easing.Sunday 25th - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 19th August - Fine spells and a few showers. Cloudier this morning. Southwesterlies, strong at times.Tuesday 20th August - Partly cloudy. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 21st August - Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.Thursday 22nd August - Partly cloudy. Northerlies developing.Friday 23rd August - Partly cloudy with northerlies.Saturday 24th - Partly cloudy, with rain developing. Northerlies.Sunday 25th - A few showers. Southwesterlies.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 23 August 2024.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 22 AugustOrewa southbound on-ramp, 22 AugustMillwater southbound on-ramp, 22 AugustNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 22 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Silverdale northbound on-ramp, 22 AugustNorthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 20 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 20 AugustCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 21-22 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 21-22 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 21-22 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) link, 21-22 AugustSH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 18-19 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 18-19 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 20-21 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East (SH1) eastbound off-ramp, 20-21 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 22 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 22 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 22 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Wellesley Street on-ramp, 18-19 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 18-19 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenlane northbound on-ramp, 18-19 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 18-19 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tecoma Street southbound off-ramp, 18 AugustNorthbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 20 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 20 AugustSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 20 AugustMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 20 AugustSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 18-23 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 18-23 August (approx. 9:00pm to 5:30am)Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 18-23 August (approx. 9:00pm to 5:30am)Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 18-23 August (approx. 9:00pm to 5:30am)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 18-22 AugustPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 18-22 AugustPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 18-22 AugustDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 18-22 AugustNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 23 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 23 AugustSouthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 22 AugustNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 22 AugustBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 22 AugustBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 22 AugustNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 22 AugustNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 18 August (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 18 August (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 19-22 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 19-22 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Royal Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Roundabout, 21 AugustSH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 21 AugustNorthbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 22 AugustTe Atatu Road northbound on-ramp, 22 AugustUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Hobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 21 AugustSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Queenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 22 AugustNeilson Street northbound off-ramp, 19 & 21 AugustRimu Road northbound on-ramp, 19 & 21 August

The Little Bone Broth Company is recalling all batches and all dates of its Premium Free Range Chicken Green Thai Curry Broth, Premium Free Range Chicken Broth and Premium Grass Fed Beef Broth as there is incomplete information on the process controls.The Little Bone Broth brand Premium Free Range Chicken Broth (500ml)The Little Bone Broth brand Premium Free Range Chicken Green Thai Curry Broth (500ml)The Little Bone Broth brand Premium Grass Fed Beef Broth (500ml)The products are sold at Fresh Choice, New World and Pak’n Save supermarkets, and retail outlets throughout New Zealand.The products are sold via their online website:The Little Bone Broth Company Affected product should not be consumed. There have been no reports of associated illness, however if you have consumed any of this product and have any concerns about illness, seek medical advice.Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.If you have questions, contact The Little Bone Broth Company:Email: [email protected]: 027 621 9138

Police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating two tractors recently stolen in the Wellsford area.Sergeant Dan McDermott says there have been three recent incidents.“We are seeking information on the whereabouts of two stolen tractors and have located and recovered another.“Sometime on Thursday evening or Friday morning last week, a green-coloured 2002 John Dere tractor was stolen from a property on Corlett Road in Tauhoa,” he says.If you have any information that can help Police locate it, please call Police on 105, quoting the file number 240809/0636.“We are also seeking the whereabouts of a 2016 blue-coloured New Holland tractor which was taken from a property on Wayby Valley Road in Wellsford.“We believe this tractor was stolen sometime on the evening of Tuesday 30 June between 5pm and 9pm,” Sergeant McDermott says.If you have any information where this distinct tractor might be, please call Police on 105, quoting the file number 240731/0049.“The offenders will try to sell these tractors for well below market rate,” Sergeant McDermott says.“We urge anyone who is aware of any suspicious activity to report this to Police immediately.”Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Top tips to keep your tractors safe:- Park tractors in sheds, and where possible, out of the view of roads.- Remove keys from your tractors and keep the keys somewhere safe.- Consider fixing GPS trackers to your tractors, they will be much easier to locate if stolen.

Watercare Discussion UpdateThis past month, we’ve made some progress in our discussions with Watercare about the upcoming infrastructure projects in Warkworth. Yesterday I was part of a team of local engineers, led by Dave Stott, that met with Watercare’s engineers, project managers, and design staff at the Warkworth Hotel. The meeting, facilitated by Watercare, allowed both sides to share their views and ask questions.Watercare presented their preferred option, which involves trenching through town. This wasn’t a surprise to us, and our team had some pointed questions, particularly about the challenges they’d face with this approach. We believe there are aspects they hadn’t fully considered, but they were open to the feedback we provided.In turn, we presented two alternative options that are less disruptive to front-facing businesses in the town. The first option still involves coming through town but proposes tunnelling at a depth that avoids existing services. This would require a pump at the Lucy Moore Park pumping station. The second option, which we favour, would run along the waterfront, avoiding most of the retail area. This approach would involve a mix of trenching and tunnelling and could lead to a revamped wharf area.There were plenty of questions from the Watercare team, and our discussions extended over lunch. I was encouraged by their willingness to listen and consider our suggestions. Watercare has promised to review our options with an open mind and engage more directly with our engineers, which should help resolve some of the technical issues that have previously been roadblocks.Looking ahead, Watercare will be conducting Geotech work in Queen Street over the next couple of months to better understand the location of existing services. Please be aware that this doesn’t mean they’re about to start digging—let’s not let rumours get ahead of us.I want to acknowledge the immense effort our team of engineers and experts has put into developing these alternative options. Their skill and dedication have been instrumental in getting us to this point. If we manage to secure the best outcome for our town, their contributions should be recognised by us all.We’ll continue to keep you informed as things progress. To our local retailers, we know this process isn’t easy, but please know that we’re all in this together.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi Business AssociationEmail: [email protected] the full newsletter HERE>

It’s official – starting Tuesday 20 August Mangawhai Library will provide the same professional, modern standard of services as the Dargaville Library.The library will provide digital support, programmes and events, te ao Māori integration, and connect up with the community via outreach and social media. Opening hours will increase to 32 hours a week, making it much easier for residents to visit the Mangawhai library. Mangawhai Library was initially established by volunteers 130 years ago. Kaipara District Council has provided operational funding and professional support, with the volunteers managing the bulk of the services. As the Mangawhai and surrounding areas have increased in population, Mangawhai Library has seen exponential user growth, with issues of books, magazines and other items increasing from 11,00 per year to 24,000 over the past 14 years.Recent improvements to the Mangawhai Library include reorganisation of sections, new shelving, addition of new books and digital resources such as Spheros the coding robot. A new magazine collection and a cosy reading corner have also been introduced to create a more inviting space.Molly Molving-Lilo, Kaipara District Council Mangawhai Lead Librarian said she was thrilled to be part of the team transitioning the library to a proper branch library with expanded hours and services."We are positioned to become an even more vital hub for the local community. Libraries are not just books – they offer a space for people of all ages to learn, explore, and connect. I look forward to collaborating with our terrific volunteers and staff to foster a welcoming space for everyone."Mangawhai Library hours from 20 August:Monday: ClosedTuesday: 10:00 - 5:00pmWednesday: 10:00 - 5.00pmThursday: 10:00 – 6.00pm,Friday: 10:00 – 5:00pmSaturday 10.00am – 1.00pmSunday: ClosedKaipara Libraries 

Council is working on a new Reserve Concept Plan for improvements to the Mangawhai Heads Reserve.We want to hear how the community want the reserve to be developed before drafting the concept plan. Tell us what you love about the area and what improvements you’d like to see there. Giving us your feedbackGive us your feedback via online survey or email: [email protected] All submissions must be received by 5pm Sunday 1 September 2024.Mangawhai Heads ReserveMangawhai Heads Reserve encompasses 8.5ha of land at the end of Wintle Street, known as Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach. The land includes the distinctive white rock, historic pā sites, carpark, toilets and the beach front space leased by the Mangawhai Heads Surf Life Saving Club.FAQsWhy are we doing this?Discussions around options for the Surf Club and carparking improvements identified a need for a wider discussion on the future of this area.What is a Reserve Management Plan and a Concept Plan?Reserve Management Plans are a requirement of section 41 of the Reserves Act 1977. They guide the use and development of a reserve for the purposes for which it is classified under the Reserves Act. In the case of the Mangawhai Heads Reserve, the Mangawhai Coastal and Harbour Reserves Management Plan sets guiding direction for how the area can be developed and what activities/uses are appropriate there. It also directs that the Council must prepare a ‘Reserve Concept Plan’ for any further development/redevelopment of the area before proceeding with any works.A Reserve Concept Plan is a plan showing what further development or redevelopment is proposed. The direction in the Reserve Concept Plan must be consistent with the guiding direction in the overarching Reserve Management Plan.What’s happening with the surf club?Repair of the surf club and remediation of the slip is being progressed separately, ahead of this Plan. To get the repairs started as quickly as possible, Kaipara District Council and Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service have signed a works agreement. Read more about these repairs.Preparing a concept plan is a separate piece of work that is looking toward the future medium to long term use of the greater area. Council is consulting with the surf club to understand if they have any aspirations for the wider area. Any such aspirations will be incorporated into the draft Reserve Concept Plan to be consulted on with the community.You can read more about this here: Way forward for Mangawhai Heads surf club and slip repair

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 16th August - Mostly cloudy with isolated showers. Northwesterlies.Saturday 17th August - A few showers, turning to rain in the afternoon. Northerlies, becoming fresh in the afternoon.Sunday 18th August - Showers, some heavy from afternoon. Northwesterlies, becoming strong in the afternoon.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 16th August - Cloudy periods with the odd afternoon shower. Northwesterlies developing this morning.Saturday 17th August - Rain developing in the morning. Northerlies, becoming fresh in the afternoon.Sunday 18th August - Showers, clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies, becoming strong in the evening.

Auckland Council will soon carry out pest fish control at Lake Tomarata.Please keep out of the lake from 19-23 August 2024.No swimming or boating and dogs should stay out the water because of nets in the lake.All nets will be gone by the weekend.The reserve is open throughout this time.Signs will be posted to remind everyone.

Peter de GraafWhen Sam Erickson started hooking one sickly snapper after another he knew something was seriously wrong.Around November last year the Dargaville stay-at-home dad noticed a change in the fish he pulled out of the Northern Wairoa River."We didn't think too much of them, until we started catching a lot of them. Probably eight out of 10 snapper we were pulling in were diseased."Erickson was the first to coin the term 'zombie fish', a name that's caught on everywhere the hollow-eyed, lethargic fish have been caught.Dargaville fisherman Sam Erickson came up with the name "zombie fish". Photo: Peter de Graaf/RNZ"They very much look like zombies. The first sign is they start losing all that gel around their eyes, so a cavity opens up around their eyeballs. Their eyes start developing cataracts and there's often a bloodshot line in there, which is a sign of stress."While the cause of zombie fish is not yet known, the phenomenon has put a spotlight on Northland's longest river - and what that reveals isn't pretty.A 2020 report by the Northland Regional Council described water quality in the river as "particularly poor", with standards breached for almost every pollutant, including nitrates, ammonia and phosphorus.The river was also high in E. coli, a type of bacteria associated with sewage, and especially afflicted by sediment.The Northern Wairoa is sometimes called the upside-down river, because its permanently brown colour makes it look like the muddy riverbed is on top.Dargaville Ratepayers and Residents Association chairwoman Rose Dixon. Photo: Peter de Graaf/RNZRose Dixon, chairwoman of the Dargaville Ratepayers and Residents Association, said she first heard about zombie fish at the group's inaugural meeting earlier this year."One of the blokes at the meeting, he was fisherman, he mentioned he'd been catching zombie fish. And then another bloke piped up and said, 'I've been catching zombie fish too'. And I thought to myself, 'holy heck, what's going on?'."Dixon encouraged Erickson to go public with his concerns about the fish he was catching, which prompted an Auckland water testing business to offer free tests of the Northern Wairoa at various sites around Dargaville.High levels aluminiumThose tests revealed - apart from the usual pollutants - surprisingly high levels of aluminium in the water, far above the levels recommended by the Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council for the health of fish and aquatic plants.The results were a surprise because the Northland Regional Council does not routinely test for aluminium, which is not expected at such high levels in a rural waterways.The council's own follow-up tests detected even higher levels of the metal.It was not clear why there were such high levels of aluminium in the river, though it did occur naturally in Kaipara soils and was commonly used to clarify water, for example in treatment plants or earthworks settling ponds.Snow Tane, general manager of Te Roroa Development Group. Photo: Peter de Graaf/RNZSnow Tane, general manager of Te Roroa Development Group, said iwi had long been concerned about water quality in the awa."The main reason is around health and well-being. There are a lot of things associated with the mauri [life force] of the river, and it's a mahinga kai - that means our people have traditionally gone to the river and got food resources from it. In particular fish, and further down you get oysters and mussels."Tane said long-standing concerns included the large volumes of sediment in the river and the discharge of untreated waste water, for example during Cyclone Gabrielle.He said a plan was needed, and soon."That plan needs to be around understanding where it's coming from, and how can we put mitigation and processes in place to not only manage it, but to find ways to stop it from occurring."Dixon said there was hope for an improvement in the river's sediment problem, with Kaipara Moana Remediation - New Zealand's biggest harbour restoration project - working to clean up the water flowing into the Northern Wairoa and the Kaipara Harbour.The project had so far overseen the planting of almost two million trees and the more than 800km of fencing to keep stock out of waterways.That, would, however take time to make a difference.Dixon said there were also problems with the town's wastewater treatment plant, which regularly breached its consent conditions.She believed the plant should be upgraded but that could come at huge cost, beyond the means of Dargaville's small ratepayer base.She said central government assistance could be needed both to fix the town's sewage plant and to address the river's high aluminium levels."When you think about the fact that more than 90 percent of the west coast's snapper spawns here in our river, maybe it's an issue of national significance and the government perhaps needs to step in and look at what they can do to help."'It's crap'Photo: Peter de Graaf/RNZErickson was blunt when asked about the state of the river."It's crap. We crap into it - that's where all our septic goes."However, the importance of the river to local people was illustrated by a Nathan, a young Dargaville builder, who stopped to talk after overhearing RNZ conducting an interview about the Northern Wairoa.He said it was much more than just a wide, muddy waterway."If you ask anyone who lives or was raised around this area, they'll say that the river is part of their life. Growing up here, you're either fishing or spending time on the water on the beaches. It becomes part of your blood."David Sinclair, the region's top public health officer, is planning to meet Dargaville iwi and residents in coming weeks to hear their concerns first-hand.This story was originally published by RNZ

Tigger warning - this article discuses child safety and kidnapping.Mangawhai, NZ—A community's collective effort led to the safe return of a missing 12-year-old boy on Tuesday evening. The boy had not turned up to meet friends in the afternoon as expected, prompting concern and a widespread search.The Mangawhai community sprang into action, with numerous residents leaving their homes in the cold to help search for the missing boy. The response was overwhelming, as people who did not even know the family joined in, demonstrating the tight-knit spirit of the community."We cannot thank this community enough. The support we received was phenomenal," the family shared. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped search, even those we didn’t know. It’s moments like these that remind us of the strength and kindness in our community."The boy was found safe and sound, bringing relief to everyone involved. The family expressed their heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the search.The community is already on high alert after two separate kidnapping attempts of children at the local school while walking home. This occurred on the first week back after the school holidays. The first incident involved a man in a white van trying to get a child into his van. The second event involved a man in a black van. It is not known if it is the same person. Both events occurred on the same side street near the school. The police were informed, and extra patrols put in place. The school responded quickly putting in extra safety procedures for before and after school, as well as ramping up their Child Safety lessons.Please be aware and on the look out for suspicious behaviour especially around our children. We need to work together as Mangawhai community has done recently to keep our children safe.

Auckland’s new liquor policy approved after lengthy legal battleAuckland's new liquor policy is set to bring significant changes after a prolonged legal battle, which included nearly a decade of appeals and court challenges. The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) recently approved the Auckland Council's Provisional Local Alcohol Policy (PLAP), which introduces stricter trading hours and a two-year freeze on new liquor licenses in certain areas.Key points of the policy include limiting the sale of alcohol in bottle shops and supermarkets to 9 p.m., as opposed to the current 11 p.m. closing time. This change aims to curb alcohol-related harm by reducing late-night alcohol access across the region. The policy also imposes a two-year freeze on new liquor licenses in 23 priority areas, mainly in South and West Auckland, where communities have long advocated for stricter controls on the availability of alcohol. Despite some compromises, such as the removal of local impact reports and earlier opening hours, the policy is seen as a significant step toward reducing alcohol-related harm in these communities.This marks a major victory for local communities who have been fighting for tighter alcohol regulations