Finding a job in today’s Covid climate can be tricky. One Warkworth Business Association’s inaugural Mahurangi Employment Expo will be held at the Warkworth Town Hall on October 1 from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. to help with all the skills you need to get into the job market.The expo, which is a joint initiative with Mahurangi College and the Auckland Business Chamber, was due to be held last month but had to be postponed due to lockdown restrictions.A wide range of local businesses will be represented, including those from the hospitality, engineering, real estate, electrical, plumbing, brewing, banking, medical, boating and building sectors.There will be free seminars on CV writing and job interview techniques, and talks by local business owners, including the Matakana App’s very own Fraser Falconer. The expo is a chance for employers to connect with potential new staff or trainees, and the hope is that it will become an annual event.Businesses seeking space at the expo should email One Business Association manager, Murray Chapman: [email protected]

The land bordered by Clayden Road, Matakana Road and the Warkworth Showgrounds was earmarked for future urban and light industrial use, but a new application has been lodged that could see up to 1,100 houses and six shops built on this 102 hectares of land north east of Warkworth.The application was lodged by Warkworth Land Company, White Light Trust Limited, Kaurilands Trust Limited, Rob Mills and P & L Richards. It was originally notified in February, then re-notified in July due to “technical issues receiving submissions”, according to Auckland Council.The group of applicants wants to change the zoning of land to residential with ‘neighbourhood centre’ shops off the Matakana link road.While board members accepted that additional land was needed to cater for expansion in Warkworth due to the new motorway and link road, they stated that growth had to be well-planned and sustainable. They were also worried about the loss of light industrial land: a zone that could create local jobs.Members voted to support the application but expressed concern over any light industrial land losses. They also asked for footpaths and cycleways to be provided throughout, plus multiple bus stops, and for open space to be evenly distributed within the development. The board also said that water supply, wastewater and stormwater runoff should be planned and managed sustainably.Submissions on Private Plan Change 40 are now closed and a hearing will be held in the Auckland Council chamber at 50 Centreway Road, Orewa on October 5th, 9th and 12th, starting at 9.30 a.m. each day.

Nature has a powerful source of remedies to optimise our health and well-being. There are so many different oils, clays and plants that do so much good you’d be silly not to use them. Phillie, the woman behind the Good Blend has harnessed their benefits, creating gorgeous body bars and essential oil rollers. Your skin is the largest organ on your body and absorbs a percentage of what is put on it, so switching to a natural soap is the first step to creating a healthier lifestyle. “I believe that going back to basics, using what nature has provided us really is the best thing people can do, not only for themselves but also the planet. Whatever you are using on your body is getting washed down the drain back into our precious earth.”The body bars are made the old-fashioned way and infused with luscious essential oils and natural clays for all skin types. The rollers are unique blends and range from aiding in sleep, to giving you the boost you need to keep you going through the day. Phillie has always loved wholesome, pure skin care, and has seen the importance of unity between humans and the earth. This inspired her to start creating handmade products, blended with nature to enhance well-being. “I have been making soaps for four years after the supermarket brands began irritating and drying my skin. Research made me rethink everything I was putting on my skin and initiated my journey into creating homemade soaps to cater for different skin types. I have enjoyed creating them for friends and family, but the hobby became a bit out of control, so I thought it was a great time to share the products with everyone.” The Good Blend currently has 8 blends available to buy on their website. Each blend has been uniquely created so the essential oils work together to create magic. 

Aucklanders will remain in level 2.5 until at least the 21st of September. However, the rest of New Zealand is set to shift out of alert level two in a weeks’ time, Jacinda Ardern has announced.The country - except Auckland - will move down to level one at 11.59 p.m. on Monday, September 21, contingent on any new Covid-19 cases appearing between now and then. The move will be confirmed on Monday week, when Cabinet meets again.Cabinet will then review the current restrictions in Auckland next Monday. However, there is no commitment to loosen restrictions at the same time as the rest of the country.Ardern said the earliest Auckland could join the rest of the country in level one would be Wednesday, September 23, depending on how the existing cluster is contained. The move into alert level one will take place when there is a lower risk of bouncing back up alert levels.An easing of physical distancing requirements on planes and public transport has also been announced, effective from today.There will be no seating restrictions or passenger capacity limits, but mask use will continue to be compulsory.“I know this change will make a real difference to Air New Zealand and those parts of the country seeking increased numbers of visitors, and the change made demonstrates the willingness on the government’s behalf to constantly review our settings, with everyone’s health at the top of our minds,” Ardern said.

TuesdayMahurangi Artists Network Social Get Together, The Matakana Village Pub, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.This social get-together is for anyone with creative bones who would like to be in touch with others. Just drop in, grab a drink and join the conversations. Maybe you’ll already know some of the artists, maybe you are new to the area, maybe you would like different conversations or to share your work or your questions. Whoever and whatever you are, the Mahurangi Artists Network look forward to seeing you on these evenings.WednesdaySteak Night, The Tahi Bar, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Calling all carnivores, Wednesdays are Steak Night at The Tahi: $18 for 300g of luscious beef steak, cooked to your liking, and a free-range egg on a bed of good old-fashioned crinkle cut chips. Plus, happy hour discounts at the bar from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Quiz Night, The Matakana Village Pub, 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.Put your thinking caps on and rally your best brains (or favourite company). Bookings are essential for this popular night at The Pub, so call 09 422 7518 to book your team in. Great prizes and atmosphere and you can take on the regular local teams.SaturdayHope Gap - Advanced Public Screening, Matakana Cinemas, 12:15 p.m.Head along to see an early screening before the full season. The intimate, intense and loving story of Hope Gap charts the life of Grace (Annette Bening), shocked to learn her husband (Bill Nighy) is leaving her for another after 29 years of marriage, and the ensuing emotional fallout the dissolution has on their only grown son (Josh O'Connor). Unraveled and feeling displaced in her small seaside town, Grace ultimately regains her footing and discovers a new, powerful voice.SundayA World of Whiskey, The Vintry, 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.Join Sam Snead & The Vintry to take a tour around the World of Whiskey. Single malt Scotch is arguably one of the most revered and diverse spirits of the world. However, there are more and more countries creating their own style or version of whiskey and some deserve more than a second glance. With his own unique style, Sam will walk, talk and taste you down a global road of whiskey, making a few stops along the way to introduce some new friends to your drinking circle. 

The Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth Motorway Project is undertaking night works on SH1 between Hudson Road and the Kaipara Flats Road / Goatley Road intersection, Warkworth. The ground investigation works will start on Sunday, September 13th and are expected to be completed by Thursday, September 17th, weather permitting.For your safety, the safety of project staff and to minimise traffic disruptions, there will be traffic management on SH1 with stop/go traffic management in place from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. each night.Additional night works are planned between late September and the end of December 2020. NX2 will provide a further update on these activities and proposed start date closer to the time.The temporary maximum speed limit of 60km/h is in place on this section of SH1 during the works. Motorists are advised to watch out for road crews working.When it opens in mid-May 2022, the Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth project will extend the four-lane Northern Motorway (SH1) 18.5km from the Johnstones Hill Tunnels to just north of Warkworth.The new four-lane motorway will provide increased safety, more consistent travel times and create a robust and reliable transport connection between Auckland and Northland.

Mahurangi Oysters Ltd is family owned and operated by Andrew and Lisa Hay, and this year they are up for a people's choice award at the 2020 New Zealand Food Awards. In 2020, the New Zealand Food Awards are unlike previous years. Amazed by the efforts of the community to help Kiwis and businesses survive this challenging time, they believe communities deserve some recognition, too. This year there were over 340 outstanding nominations for New Zealand’s food and beverage heroes. All the nominations reflect Kiwi innovation and the community spirit that flourished during the COVID-19 response.Mahurangi Oysters Ltd take the greatest care and pride in producing the very best, freshest, tastiest live oysters. The small family run business takes the sort of care that only a smaller operation can provide, supplying plump, succulent oysters from their growing location in a beautiful, unspoilt corner of the Mahurangi Harbour. You can vote here for your 2020 NZ Food Heroes Finalist that you think deserves to win from 1 - 14 September 2020. The Finalist with the greatest number of votes will be awarded the Countdown People’s Choice NZ Food Heroes Award at a celebration on the 8th October, 2020. As well as being nominated for the NZ Food Awards, Mahurangi Oysters have an exciting month coming up, celebrating wine and oysters in October. The team at Mahurangi Oysters Ltd will be serving up fresh oysters and fritters at Matakana Estate on October 10th. Pair them up with a selection of locally produced wines from Matakana Estate and Monarch Estate Vineyard. 

Last month, the national road policing manager, Acting Superintendent Gini Welch, confirmed that all motorists edging over the speed limit at any time of the year can now expect to be pulled over and possibly fined.It has been a longstanding convention that law enforcement would let minor speeding breaches slide. However, this has been scrapped in favour of a no-tolerance approach.Previously, besides zero-tolerance long weekends, it was understood police could exercise discretion up to 10kmh over the speed limit.This news comes after being identified by AT to be high risk roads, have high crash rates, or the speed limit is unsuitable due to the road being winding, hilly or having unsegregated lanes, 700km of roads around the region saw reduced speed limits in June this year. Rodney was one of the areas with the most changes. There were 54 deaths and 595 people seriously injured on Auckland Roads in 2018. One of the most effective ways of minimising road trauma involves reducing vehicle speeds, which is what the New Zealand police is hoping to achieve with the new zero-tolerance policy. Speed determines both the likelihood of a crash occurring and the severity of the outcome.So, remember to double check the speed limits of local roads, as things may have changed in the past six months. Stay safe and avoid a hefty fine by sticking to the limit. 

To celebrate the arrival of spring and the reopening of Tepee Matakana, we are giving away a nights stay for two! TO ENTER head over to our Instagram - Click here

Jacinda Ardern has announced that if voted in, Labour would make Matariki a public holiday. Matariki signals the Māori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster during mid-winter. If made into a public holiday, it would mean New Zealand would have 12 public holidays and it would break up the winter period.Labour Party deputy leader Kelvin Davis said a Matariki public holiday would help the domestic tourism and hospitality sector."As New Zealanders plan mid-winter getaways and will also allow the tourism industry to market Matariki globally to international travellers as a uniquely New Zealand winter experience in years to come."Other politicians have spoken out about their disagreement with the policy, saying that in the Covid economic climate, another public holiday would put a strain on employers and small businesses.Rodney locals have voiced their opinions on Matariki as a public holiday, calling it “a more relevant holiday for Kiwis.” “If people actually used the day for what Matariki encompasses, whanau, kai, celebrating the new year together, then it could become a day that is looked forward too and appreciated by families each year.”Others saw the importance of celebrating what is important to the Maori culture of New Zealand, but suggested that instead of creating another holiday, Matariki could replace an already existing holiday, such as Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Construction on the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway continued during winter and under COVID-19 Alert Level 3, and progress is being made to the massive project.Thirteen beams, each weighing 42 tonnes, were installed over three nights on Watson Road Bridge. The beams were lifted with a 400-tonne mobile crane. This had to change position between each lift – a complicated task which involved moving around 150 tonnes of counterweights, rigging and the crane. Progress is being made on the 11 Barrel Culvert – which will be the largest culvert in New Zealand on completion. Culverts are the primary method of allowing existing stream and watercourses to flow beneath the motorway alignment. There will be 46 culverts across the alignment, including the 11-Barrel Culvert structure for flood relief at Carran Road. The culvert is being constructed of 187 concrete pipes, each weighing 10 tonnes. When complete, each barrel will be 42 metres long and 2.4 metres in diameter.Road users are encouraged to prepare for upcoming road layout changes to State Highway One north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, Pūhoi. Traffic in the southbound lanes will merge with the northbound lanes on approach to the tunnels. It will diverge into two lanes again before entering the tunnels. This work is expected to take place in the coming months and marks the start of major Southern Connection work to connect the tunnels to the new motorway.This month marks the start of bird breeding and fish migration seasons in our region. This means before carrying out any vegetation clearance or stream works, workers need to check to ensure they are not disturbing any nesting birds or migrating fish.“During this time, our project ecologist needs to assess any trees or vegetation we’re planning to remove to check if any birds are currently nesting in them,” says Environmental Manager Jonathan Green. “With fish migration, each stream within the project footprint has previously been assessed for fish species so we know which migratory species are present. This enables us to determine if there is any risk before carrying out any work.”So far, $17 million has been spent on suppliers and subcontractors from Warkworth and Pūhoi for the project. The new motorway is scheduled to open in May 2022, fingers crossed.

During October, Matakana will be celebrating all of the incredible wine grown in the area and harvested from the sea. Matakana Winegrowers are joining with the local oyster farmers from Mahurangi Harbour to give wine and oyster lovers the chance to enjoy delicious local oysters and beautiful Matakana wines together at our cellar doors, restaurants and cinema.Matakana Wine and Oyster CelebrationAll October     Vintry and MMK 6 oysters and a rosé - $22.003-4 October     Matakana Pub Oyster specials4 October       Wine and oyster matching at the Vintry10 October      Oyster and wine pop-up at Matakana Estate with Monarch Estate and Mahurangi Oysters10-11 October Matakana River Tours with Herons Flight Winery12-31 October Brick Bay wine and oyster trio matched $2718 October      Wine and oysters at the Kowhai Festival1 November   5.00 p.m., Oysters, wine and movie night celebration Matakana Cinemas $40.00  Follow wine and oysters on www.facebook.com/MatakanaWineTrail or visit the website www.matakanawine.co.nz for more events and ticketing info.  

Matakana Estate is the largest winery in the Rodney region and dates back to 1996 when the first vines were planted by the Vegar-Fitzgerald family – pioneers with Croatian winemaking history. In early 2012, the winery was taken over by new owners with a dream to expand the quality winemaking business to include luxury accommodation. 2018 saw the grand opening of the Matakana Estate Lodge.Matakana Estate was the first winery that CEO Chrissy Lu visited and holds a special place in her heart. She believes the Matakana region is truly amazing and will be the next NZ hot spot. The community and local businesses have a lot to offer both local and international tourists.  “There was something about this land that attracted me when I first visited more than 10 years ago and, I still feel that today. The dream to build a vineyard resort is ambitious and it will take time, but it is a dream that I am determined to turn into reality. The Matakana region has everything that embodies the true New Zealand lifestyle and that is what makes it so beautiful.”The current plans are a renovated cellar door venue space, expansion of accommodation offerings and the addition of luxury glamping units. They will use the space to host more events like live music in the summer, picnics on the lawn, and further develop Matakana Estate into a resort-based retreat with spa and retail offerings, as well as a walk/cycle trail that will run through the property and connect with others.  Images Context Architects This is a big dream and a huge project that will span the next few years, and Matakana Estate are taking it step by step. The cellar door venue is expected to be ready by the beginning of October 2020, and more events are expected to happen over this summer.The team at Matakana Estate wants to work with the community and local businesses to help promote the region as a whole, and they want to share their passion for the area with everyone else. However, Matakana Estate are first and foremost a winery, so wine production will continue. The vines wait for no one. Proud of their locally produced wines, they will be focusing on quality over quantity. The new hero product to be launched soon is a rosé made from estate-grown Syrah. It is a beautiful blush pink rosé with aromatic notes of blackberries and red currants with violet tones and a hint of fresh green herbs. A showstopper summer wine that they cannot wait to share. 

Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation are currently working to eradicate deer that were illegally released in Omaha Scenic Reserve, near Mount Tamahunga.A source tipped a DOC worker that six deer had been released, information which was supported by sightings of them in March.Four of the six were shot, and the council are confident that they will be able to hunt down the remaining two.Feral deer are a legally declared pest species in Auckland. Deer cause damage to native forests by feeding on forest plants, trees and seedlings. When deer populations get too large, plants like schefflera, broadleaf, three-finger, hen and chicken fern and lancewood are all but removed from the ground tier in forest understoreys. Deer in New Zealand have no natural predators (apart from hunters), so if left alone, the population can grow fast. While it is unknown how the deer got there, the most common reasons for deer turning up in areas include releasing them from captivity - an easy option for removing them from a farm - or recreational hunting.It is illegal to release deer into the wild and perpetrators can face up to $15,000 in fines. The public is encouraged to report sightings of feral deer by emailing [email protected] or calling 09 301 0101.

Next week, from the 7th to the 13th of September, it will be the G.J. Gardner Homes Clean Up Week 2020.The nationwide event is run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping our communities clean, safe and beautiful. Their campaigns ‘Be A Tidy Kiwi’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’ have been part of New Zealand culture for over 50 years.Get your friends, family, school, business or local community group together to participate in New Zealand's largest clean up event. Last year over 52,000 volunteers picked up 507,400kgs of rubbish nationwide. So, take some time out of your week to participate in a clean up event in our local area.Lets keep our beautiful beaches rubbish free - Te Arai Beach Photo The Matakana App This year, all groups are encouraged to organise their own sustainable and reusable clean up kits by using buckets, gardening gloves, or reusable bags. However, cleanup kits, which include Keep New Zealand Beautiful reusable rubbish sacks, will still be available on request for those hosting an event and don't have access to their own clean up materials.Thanks to Waste Management and EnviroWaste registered clean up events will be able to dispose of their collected rubbish for free at one of the selected refuse transfer stations around the country.There is also the chance to win a Samsung tablet and a Keep New Zealand Beautiful prize pack by submitting your clean up event photos and evaluation form.If you are interested in taking part in G.J. Gardner Homes Clean Up Week and hosting a clean up event, please fill in the registration form.Keep New Zealand Beautiful run sustainability education programmes designed to inspire the next generation of Kiwis. They provide comprehensive resources to support members and volunteers in their community efforts. And the annual Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards celebrate our best towns, cities and local heroes, who lead the way with their outstanding environmental and beautification work.

It's Father's Day on Sunday, and if you are still struggling to find that perfect gift, we have got you covered. Check out some of our top picks that will ensure you’re dad's favourite!Matakana ButcheryWhy not spoil dad with a delicious breakfast in bed with delicious sausages and bacon from the Matakana Butchery? They also stock local free-range eggs; get all the fixings for a fry up. If your dad is a big fan of firing up the barbeque, you can get him a gift voucher so he can go in and choose some choice cuts himself. Summer SessionsIt's no secret that we have some beautiful beaches in the area. If your dad spends a lot of time in the water, consider kitting him out in some cool gear from Summer Sessions. Choose from surfboards, skateboards, wetties, rashies, swimwear, accessories, streetwear, and destination tees, and get your dad looking, and feeling, super cool this summer.8 Wired BreweryNothing says dad quite like a nice cold beer. 8 Wired Barrelworks have 21 of their deliciously unique brews on tap. Tasting flights are a great way to enjoy a range of beers, so why not treat dad to one? Flights are made up of 5 x 100ml glasses which you can customise yourself, or you can get one of the bar staff to recommend a selection suited to dad’s tastes.Matakana OystersFor an extra special treat, grab dad some of the last sweet, meaty, end-of-winter oysters from Matakana Oysters. You can't beat a fresh oyster, and dad is sure to appreciate it. A dash of lemon, a dab of tabasco and off he goes.

The northern end of Snells Beach will be off limits to dogs from now until March 2021 in order to allow endangered shorebirds to breed. During this time, dogs will be prohibited from all beach areas north of the Sunburst Avenue boat ramp, and they must be on leash at all times along Snells Beach Esplanade Reserve, north of the boat ramp. The rules for all areas south of the Sunburst Avenue boat ramp have not been changed. Council’s Natural Environment Team Manager Andrew Nelson says the area is an important habitat for many native shorebird species. These include the New Zealand dotterel, variable oystercatchers, and bar tailed godwits. Dotterels are sensitive birds, and with only 1,700 of them left in New Zealand, they are classified as a threatened / vulnerable species. To get the population back up, successful breeding and hatching of eggs is imperative, but this is difficult when nesting birds are constantly under threat from people, dogs and other predators.  Ordinarily, dogs are prohibited on public beaches from the 1st of December to the 1st of March between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but given the circumstances, these rules have been amended in Snells Beach.

Summer Sessions have opened their doors to their new shop, right in Matakana Village. Summer Sessions was first a dedicated paddleboard and surfboard shop started by Matt and Natasha Craig - ocean dwellers, parents, friends and ambassadors of the surf and sea community – and has since expanded to include skate and surf fashion. It’s now located next to the Matakana cinemas in the heart of the village.As well as a great range of products, Summer Sessions also run surf lessons and surf summer camps for the kids at Omaha beach.Summer Sessions in Matakana stocks everything you need for a great day on the coast. Choose from surfboards, skateboards, wetties, rashies, swimwear, accessories, streetwear, and destination tees. https://summersessions.co.nz/

Yesterday, Auckland joined the rest of the country at level two; people will once again be allowed in and out of Auckland.Schools have reopened completely to all students, and only those who need to self-isolate will continue with distance learning.Bars, cafes, and restaurants can reopen fully for dine-in experiences, provided they comply with social distancing, and patrons stay seated while they are there. Tables will have one server to control the number of people each group has contact with and to prevent crowds forming at bars and counters.Gatherings of 100 people both indoors and outdoors will be allowed in all areas of New Zealand, except for Auckland, where the gathering limit is 10. Public buildings like gyms, libraries and museums are also back open, with social distancing measures put in place.Level two allows us to connect with friends again, but while Covid-19 is still active in New Zealand, it is a good idea to keep note of who you have been in contact with, and to restrict number of people you see, if possibleIf using public transport or flying on a plane, you are required to wear a mask. Mask use won’t be enforced anywhere else, but it is strongly recommended that you wear one while out and about. Although we are allowed to move beyond our bubbles, it is still asked of us that we follow these rules:● Keep your distance when you’re out in public.● If you’re sick, stay home.● If you have symptoms of cold or flu, contact your health provider or Healthline.● Wash your hands.● Don’t get together socially with more than 10 people.● Keep track of your movements.