It has been a while since we updated you on Tyler King’s journey. You can catchup on his road to Grand Prix articles here: Tyler King's road to Grandprix - Update Jan 23and here: Tyler King’s journey to Grand Prix - Updateand here: LOCAL BOY - Tyler King’s need for speed – his journey to Grand PrixIn April 2023 Tyler attended round 3 of the Victoria Motorcycle Club champs. He broke a chain on his first qualifying lap, meaning he had to start at the back of the pack at every race. But still managed to win all 3 races on the day, making it 6 from 6! In September last year Tyler headed to the UK to ride as a wildcard entry for the Microlise Cresswell Racing team in the last 2 rounds of the R&G British Talent Cup.He had an awesome time racing at Oulton Park and learnt so much. Having never ridden a NSF 250 and trying to learn a track that is nothing like New Zealand, he absorbed as much as he could to try and get better each time he goes out on the track. Tyler had an awesome time racing at Donnington where it was another weekend full of learning. He managed to shave five seconds off his lap times and had a good wet race 2 where he was able to stick with a group and make his way to the front of the group finishing P18. Tyler was also selected to represent NZ at the Red Bull Rookies try out in Spain on the 3rd of October - a dream of Tyler’s since the beginning. Unfortunately for the Kiwi boys none of them progressed into day 3. However Tyler had an awesome time and was super grateful to even be selected to be a part of the experience.In November Tyler attended Sam Smith Clay Classic in Waihi. Although there were some mishaps with dirt bikes not wanting to perform, Tyler was lent a bike so he could still race on the day. He was super stoked to come away with 2nd overall in his class and even qualify and finish 3rd in the memorial race. In January this year Tyler attended the NZSBK 3rd round in Ruapuna, Christchurch. He had a tough weekend with many things not going his way – he got a grid penalty, a disqualification and a broken collarbone! He remained positive and trying to look at the things he can improve on such as using his back brake more and trying different braking and style techniques to help him become better on track.In March he was back racing at Hampton Downs for the final round of NZSBK after his collarbone break. Overall Tyler was happy with his results apart from crashing out of qualifying in the 300s starting him from 26th on the grid. In the 300 class he placed 8th in race one, and 2nd and 3rd in the last two races. In the Ninja Cup he crashed out of the first race but took the win in the 2nd race whilst having some mean battles.In May, Tyler had a good time racing at Navarra for the first round of the R&G British Talent Cup. He made some good steps forward but feels he still has a few things to work on.Then at Donnington Park for round 2 of British Talent Cup, while Tyler didn’t quite get the results he was looking for, he was happy with his progress throughout the weekend. He managed to drop his time by over 2 seconds and had some pretty good race battles.Finally Tyler has made the Microlise Cresswell Racing team as a full member for this season in the UK! Tyler and his team are hoping he'll come back with a whole heap of new skills and extra speed for the upcoming NZSBK and NZ Suzuki series.Congratulations Tyler, we wish you all the best and will follow your highlights and lowlights as you journey through to the Grand Prix!To follow Tylerhttps://www.facebook.com/TylerKing128https://www.instagram.com/mxtyler128/ Tyler’s team are always on the lookout for sponsorship to help with the many costs associated with racing. If you would like to sponsor Tyler please contact his team on his social media accounts.Tyler would like to thank his supportive sponsors:Titus Transport Ltd NZTree kingMad Mike WhiddettAVA NZRuck ConstructMurdoch ContractingN&J Wood Earth WorksGVR

Dargaville will have its own dentist after more than a two-year wait.The growing demand had some resorting to DIY or being forced to travel to Whangārei for treatment.However, media coverage of the town needing a dentist connected the doctor with the clinic, owner Rodney Cotton said."This dentist, through friends, heard about our needs from people watching TV, and he actually contacted TV1, and that was how he got hold of us," Cotton told Checkpoint."He's a senior dentist from Auckland and he's had his own practice. So I'm pretty confident, but my wife, who's got a chipped tooth, she's going in there shortly."LISTEN ▶ Dargaville bares teeth for first local dentist in yearsThere was pent-up demand for a dentist in Dargaville, he said."At times there's been three dentists operating full-time in Dargaville. We've only got one guy doing four days."While some people would have formed relationships with Whangārei dentists, "I imagine majority will will want to just do it locally," he said."So I'm very confident if I could get a second guy which will make my business model a whole heap stronger, we'll easily have enough work for two dentists."Cotton said WINZ had stepped in to help."There's $1000 every person on the WINZ benefit can access per year for dentistry, so we've actually been ticked off to do that work immediately."So anyone on a WINZ benefit straight away can utilise that $1000."For others, he said his clinic's rates were cheaper than others in Northland much cheaper than Auckland.About half of New Zealanders are now avoiding seeing the dentist due to cost barriers, a national health survey has revealed.Figures from the New Zealand Dental Association showed the price of a typical appointment - including an exam, clean, x-ray and composite fillings - had gone up $98 between 2020 and 2023.And for the community on Great Barrier Island its last resident dentist retired in 2016, leaving all of his dental equipment to the community.Since then, visiting dentists have operated out of the clinic when possible, but it has been nearly a year since the last visit, and demand for dental services on the island is growing.This story was first published by RNZ

Guyon Espiner, Investigative reporter, In DepthInternal police documents say alcohol creates 20 times the harm of meth but police deploy less than one percent of their staff on reducing its harm.Documents obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act (OIA) show police estimate the harm from alcohol to be about $7.8 billion a year, compared to $1.8 billion for illegal drugs.In an interview with RNZ, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster defended police resourcing of alcohol harm reduction, saying police had limited influence over much of the damage being done.Coster told RNZ that new measures should be considered, including allowing bottle stores to only open during day time hours and raising the price of alcohol.One document, a presentation to the Southern Police District Leadership Team, says the social cost of amphetamines is $365m and so "alcohol causes 21.5 times the harm of meth".But of New Zealand's 10,000 police officers just 84 are Alcohol Harm Prevention Officers (AHPO) - or 0.84 percent of the workforce.Of those 84, just 37 are full-time, and the other 47 do alcohol harm prevention work alongside other duties, such as community or rural policing.Police National Headquarters employs 4000 staff but has only three full-time positions in alcohol harm prevention, one of which is vacant.Coster said alcohol was a key contributing factor in crimes of violence, homicide and family abuse."It's a very significant driver of harm," he said.The estimates in the police documents obtained by RNZ that alcohol caused about $8 billion of social harm a year "feels about right in terms of the level of harm we see out there as a result of alcohol".While most pubs and on-licensed venues were "relatively well controlled" about 85 percent of alcohol was sold from bottle stores, supermarkets and other off-licensed premises."The biggest difficulty we have is that you can go to an off-licence premise, which in some areas are more prevalent than corner dairies, and buy a large quantity of very cheap alcohol. There's no offence in that."Coster said it wasn't his job to be advocating for law changes but the country needed to consider what sacrifices it was prepared to make to reduce alcohol harm."I enjoy a beer as much as the next person. I would be prepared to have some trade offs there in order to see less alcohol related harm."Police Commissioner Andrew Coster suggests reducing the hours alcohol is available to buy could reduce some of the harm it causes. Photo: 123RFThose trade offs could include alcohol availability and pricing."Do we need to be able to go to an off-licence late into the evening to be able to secure more alcohol or would it be okay if we had to buy alcohol during daytime hours? Because we know that restocking is one of the features of harmful drinking," Coster said."Are we prepared to have any limits on the price of alcohol, that would make it less accessible for excessive drinking? That's a similar methodology that's been applied with smoking and has had a positive effect in terms of reducing harm."No budget for alcohol harm preventionDespite the billions of dollars in harm, and its huge contribution to crime, there is not even a police budget for alcohol harm prevention.RNZ asked for police expenditure on alcohol harm prevention for the last two years. In its response, police listed just $66,155 in spending - mostly on attending conferences in 2022 and 2023.Documents released to RNZ show police had to apply to the Ministry of Health for money to train their staff on reducing alcohol harm because there was no budget for them to fund it themselves.In a 2022 application to the Ministry of Health, the head of the police alcohol harm reduction unit says the total police budget is $2.5 billion but "no operating budget is available to me for my workgroup".The police documents describe the extent of alcohol-related harm and the lack of expertise to address it."The more deprived areas are particularly over-represented with licensed premises providing cheap and easy access to alcohol with significant levels of alcohol related harm occurring," the documents say. "Those communities lack an effective voice in licensing decisions."Police say their own staff have a "lack of knowledge about [alcohol licensing] hearing preparation and management" and require training so police can provide "better advocacy for the community's benefit overall."The documents lay out the caseload for Alcohol Harm Prevention Officers (AHPOs) using the Coastal Otago region as an example.They show the region's single AHPO deals with an annual workload of 1210 liquor licensing applications - all of which must be replied to within 15 working days."AHPOs do the vetting of licence and managers' applications, they oppose and take enforcement applications against those in the industry causing harm to our communities," the police documents say. "They drive alcohol harm reducing initiatives in our communities, working with schools, universities and the alcohol industry."In some communities, locals have taken to protesting against having more bottle stores open up. Photo: LDR / Justin LatifAlcohol Healthwatch executive director Andrew Galloway said the documents made it clear police were not putting enough resources into reducing alcohol harm.The absence of a specific police budget for alcohol harm reduction was "alarming".Police could significantly reduce harm by targeting bottle stores that supply to problem drinkers or sell single serve cans of high strength alcohol."Traffic offences, property offences, sexual offending, violence: these are massive problems which will have an impact on social and health services as well," Galloway said.The figures obtained by RNZ showed police were not taking alcohol harm seriously enough."I think this will call out the big issue of the lack of resources so I really do hope that they respond."

King’s Birthday weekend is upon us. Although the name of the day has changed the rules are the same. The official day still falls on the first Monday of June. This year it falls on the third.Just like the Queen's Birthday, the public holiday is a non-working day. If you're working on the day (as usually rostered), you're entitled to time-and-a-half pay and an alternative day off.What's Open?Many businesses will still be open on Monday 3rd. Trading restrictions don't apply to King's Birthday in the way they would for Easter, Christmas, or the first half of Anzac Day.Shops, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality and retail venues will be open as usual, but they can choose to close if they wish - so it pays to check opening hours beforehand. Supermarkets and malls will be open too but check their open hours as they may be modified. Surcharges may apply depending on the business. Some may add a 15% surcharge to cover their additional labour costs.Here at Matakana Coast App (MCA) we love to support local. We want to highlight one special local business that will be operating over King's birthday weekend - AQUA WORKS.Aqua Works will be available for those that require help with water pumps or have plumbing issues.After Hours / On-Call Emergency Help 24/7Open at 2 Mill Lane during normal business hoursEmergency Onsite Call out service over King’s Birthday weekend - Water Pumps, Filtration, PlumbingNo Water? Call us 0800 278 288 https://www.aquaworks.co.nz/water-pump-repair-and-service-emergency-callout/Aqua Works are your Water Purity Partners in Warkworth & surrounding areasWelcome to Aqua Works, nestled at 2 Mill Lane, Warkworth, where they turn water purity from a concept into your reality. Specialising in advanced water filtration, efficient water pumps, and expert plumbing services, they're dedicated to enhancing the quality of your water. Their expertise in tackling Warkworths unique water challenges ensures that you're equipped with the best solutions. Why choose them? Their tailored, sustainable solutions are designed with your specific needs in mind, ensuring unmatched water quality and efficiency. They focus on innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction; they offer comprehensive services that cover every aspect of water use and management. Their friendly team at Aqua Works is committed to providing you with a seamless, transparent service experience. Unrivalled Expertise in Water FiltrationAdvanced Water Pump SolutionsPlumbing Mastery That Speaks Volumes

Melanie Earley, Senior journalistOne of New Zealand's oldest department stores, Smith & Caughey's, has reopened to customers two days after announcing a proposal to close in 2025.It was announced on Wednesday the 144-year-old store would start consulting with staff about the potential closure of its retail operations on Auckland's Queen Street, Newmarket, and online.A cyber attack following the news saw the store remain closed an extra day.Smith & Caughey's chairperson Tony Caughey said over the last five years there had been a 40 percent decline in revenue in the physical stores, due to increasing competition from malls, more luxury brand stores, and roadworks in the CBD.The Queen Street store appeared quiet on Friday morning, with a few passerbys querying if it was open at all.Dunedin's Marelda O'Rourke-Gallaher was heading into the store and said she always visited when in Auckland."It's one of the last stalwarts of luxury department stores in New Zealand, it's tragic that it's going, but it's a sign of the times," she said."Young ones just buy online now."Smith and Caughey's on Queen St, Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Smith and Caughey'sO'Rourke-Gallaher said when she heard the news about the closure, she knew she wanted to go and take a look."It's going to be quite sad when it is closed - I like the variety of what they have here, there's a lot of really good labels and a wide range of different clothing sizes."The staff are lovely too, and I feel for them. I can see why it's closing but it is really sad."It was expected more than 200 workers will be impacted if the two stores do close.For Keith, who did not want his last name used, going to Smith & Caughey's for his morning coffee was a daily ritual."It's very sad to see all the department stores closing up shop because they can't compete in the modern environment."It's difficult for them, but I was still surprised to hear of the closure, they always seemed to be doing quite well and had their online sales too and are a trusted name."Smith and Caughey's in Newmarket, Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Smith and Caughey'sAnother shopper, who had been keenly waiting at the doors for the 10am opening, said Smith & Caughey's had always been "her happy place"."It was the main reason I moved back into town and got a central apartment. So for me, hearing it's closing is quite devastating."She said the city had changed a lot in recent years and she could understand why the store would close but hoped things in the city would start to improve soon."It's a beautiful old building too, so I really hope it's replaced with something else."

Warkworth RegionMonday 3rd June - Partly cloudy with patchy light rain and areas of fog, clearing this morning. Cloud returning this evening. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 4th June - Partly cloudy. Easterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 5th June - Partly cloudy, chance of an evening shower. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 6th June - Occasional rain, clearing to partly cloudy late. Fresh northeasterlies, easing.Friday 7th June - Partly cloudy. Southerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 3rd June - Mainly fine with high cloud. Morning fog. Light winds.Tuesday 4th June - Cloudy. Easterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 5th June - A few showers. Fresh northeasterlies.Thursday 6th June - Rain, some heavy, clearing. Northerlies, easing.Friday 7th June - Fine. Light winds.

Public Holiday Collections ReminderAuckland AreaRubbish, recycling and food scraps collections will be one day later than usual after a public holiday, with some exceptions.You can use our collection day search to check the collection date for a specific address.Remember all rubbish, recycling bins and bags and food scraps bins (if applicable) are to be placed out before 7am on your collection day.Kaipara AreaALL collections day remain the same.A reminder of what can we recycle at the kerbside?The only materials now accepted in kerbside recycling bins are: Plastic bottles, trays and containers marked with recycling symbols 1, 2 or 5 ONLYGlass bottles and jarsPaper and cardboard (including pizza boxes with food scraps removed)Aluminium and steel tins and cansAs previously, the following rules apply:Recycling must be clean.No lids, caps or bottle tops can be placed in a yellow recycling bag for kerbside collection.

If you're feeling sadder as the days get shorter, you're not alone. Around half the population report feeling less happy in winter and 5 percent fall into serious depression.Apart from nutrition and exercise, getting more light in your eyes is the best treatment we know for seasonal mood challenges, says NZ-born neurobiology researcher Anna Wirz-Justice, who is based in Basel, Switzerland, where she is emeritus professor of psychiatric neurobiology at the Centre for Chronobiology."The clinical studies that have used light as therapy have shown this is a very powerful treatment," she tells Susie Ferguson on Saturday Morning.▶ ListenWe don't yet know why some people are more vulnerable to seasonal mood challenges, Wirz-Justice says, but it may relate to serotonin levels and depression vulnerability in general.The psychological condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is found all over the world but the latitude of where you live can add to your risk.As New Zealand is a "long and thin" country, the amount of winter daylight on offer varies a lot, Wirz-Justice says.Those living in the "middle latitudes" - including in Wellington and Christchurch - are particularly vulnerable to getting down as daylight diminishes.For the large number of people prone to falling into the "winter blues", more exposure to sunlight can be all that's needed to keep depression at bay, she says."Light - and in particular daylight, which we don't often get out into as much as we should - is so important for our basic health, for our psychological health, for our physical health."Professor Anna Wirz-Justice. Photo: The Daylight AwardFor the 5 percent of those who experience a "major depressive disorder" every autumn and winter that spontaneously lifts in spring and summer, the therapeutic use of bright artificial light is the best treatment we currently have, Wirz-Justice says.Sitting in front of intense light from a special light box for half an hour a day, preferably in the morning, can be effective in lifting the mood of these people, she says. These light boxes have an intensity of about 5,000 to 10,000 LUX (a measurement of light on a surface), Wirz-Justice says, which is equivalent to the light on "a bright, sunny day in the early morning".Indoors, the light intensity we are exposed to - usually around 50 to 500 LUX - is not strong enough to stabilise our biological clocks, she says.Outdoors - even on a grey, rainy day - the light is much more intense.To keep the winter blues at bay, Wirz-Justice recommends people get outside for half an hour every day, preferably in the morning.In the open air, you will get at least 3,000 LUX, she says, which is enough to synchronise your body clock for the day.As the positive effects of light on our biological rhythms occur through eye contact, it's best not to wear sunglasses during this morning light fix."We are not talking about light on the skin. We're talking about light hitting the retina and going straight to the brain to affect cognition and mood and rhythms and sleep - and that's all through the eyes."Exploring the vast potential of sunlight for human and planetary well-being is the focus of Daylight Academy - a group of researchers, scientists and designers of which Wirz-Justice is part.Increasingly, hospitals are being designed with indoor light in mind, she says, and dementia care facilities with lighting systems that artificially signal dawn and dusk.  "The ramifications of what we know about how light affects human behaviour and physiology and psychology is growing and is enormous."This story was originally published by RNZ

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, 7 June 2024.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp, 5-6 JuneOteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 5-6 JuneOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 3-4 JuneOteha Valley Road northbound off-ramp, 3-4 JuneOnewa Road southbound on-ramp, 31 May & 1-2 June (approx. 8:00pm to 7:00am)Onewa Road southbound on-ramp, 3-4 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 4-6 JuneCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Westbound lanes between Tamaki Drive and Beach Road, 3-6 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)South Eastern Highway (SEART) southbound off-ramp, 3-6 JuneSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 4-5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 3-5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 3-5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 3-5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 4 JunePapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 4-6 JunePapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 4-6 JunePapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 5-6 JuneNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 5-6 JuneSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 6 JuneDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 6 JuneRamarama southbound on-ramp, 6 JuneBombay southbound on-ramp, 5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Beaver Road southbound off-ramp, 5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Beaver Road southbound on-ramp, 5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Nikau Road southbound off-ramp, 5 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pioneer Road northbound off-ramp, 31 May & 1-8 June (24/7)Southbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 4 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Ridge Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 4 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road southbound off-ramp, 4 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 4 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound off-ramp, 4 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound off-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 3 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mercer southbound on-ramp, 6 JuneDragway Road northbound off-ramp, 5 JuneSouthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 5 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 5 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 3 JuneNorthbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku Roundabout, 3 JuneSouthbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 4-6 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku Roundabout, 4-6 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road southbound on-ramp, 3 JuneUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 4-6 JuneBrigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 4-6 JuneSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 5 JuneCoronation Road northbound off-ramp, 3-4 JuneCoronation Road northbound on-ramp, 3-4 JuneSTATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)SH2 westbound to SH1 southbound, 4 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)

🆕🆕🆕New businesses under Real Estate tabs for you to check out and support.Bayleys Mahurangi is a full-service agency that specialises in residential sales, country, lifestyle and waterfront sales and commercial sales and leasing. Bayleys have four offices in the Mahurangi Region – Warkworth, Matakana, Point Wells and Omaha Beach.Premium Matakana Coast & Omaha is perfectly located in the historic village of Matakana to serve the beautiful coastal region that flows from Puhoi in the south to Pakiri in the north. Premium Real Estate specialises in the finest coastal, lifestyle & luxury real estate in New Zealand.Sheryl Campbell of Premium Matakana is delighted to have joined the Team at Premium Real Estate working out of the local Matakana Office which services the Residential, Waterfront and Lifestyle segments of the local Real Estate community.Sheryl lives in beautiful Omaha and has an extensive career in Real Estate spanning over 23 years. Experienced in Sales, Management and Franchise ownership she brings a wealth of knowledge in an ever changing and growing property market.Monique Egen of Ray White Warkworth has always been passionate about real estate and people. With experience in Interior design and owning her own business for over 15 years, as well as working with property development projects, Monique brings a fresh and unique approach to real estate. Her top priorities are emphasised on high-quality client and customer satisfaction, elite result-driven property marketing, the importance of understanding the needs of clients and maintaining superior results through communication between the parties involved for a smooth, stress-free real estate transaction.Team McKenzie is Sandy McKenzie & Yana Bell of Sotheby's International Realty NZ. Sandy and Yana provide invaluable support to vendors selling their coastal. With Sandy's extensive experience as a Licensed Agent spanning over 24 years, she expertly navigates real estate transactions, ensuring smooth and profitable sales processes. Complementing Sandy's expertise, Yana, a Licensed Salesperson armed with a Level 7 Digital Marketing Diploma, employs modern marketing strategies to maximise property exposure and attract potential buyers. Together, they form an excelling team dedicated to delivering exceptional service tailored to vendors' needs, exceeding expectations, and maximising the value of coastal properties in the market.📱 If you want your business to be on the App get in [email protected] or Contact  

Warkworth RegionFriday 31st May - Fine spells increasing this morning, cloud returning this evening. Southwesterlies, easing this evening.Saturday 1st June - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies, turning westerly in the morning.Sunday 2nd June - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Westerlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Monday 3rd June - Cloudy. Fresh southwesterlies, easing.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 31st May - Fine with a few clouds. Southwesterlies, easing this evening.Saturday 1st June - Fine. Westerlies, easing for a time in the afternoon and evening.Sunday 2nd June - Fine, but becoming cloudy in the afternoon. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Monday 3rd June - Mostly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Southwesterlies.

Watercare: The StoryBy now, most of you are aware of the Watercare plan to bring a wastewater pipe from the northern developments down through the center of town via Elizabeth Queen and Baxter Street to the pumping station in Lucy Moore Park.At the time of writing this, Watercare has not definitively confirmed this as the option, but if I were a betting man, I would bet my house on it. I do believe that for Watercare, this has been the preferred option all along. One Mahurangi has been fighting this for two years. Myself and our two Co-Chairs, Dave Stott and Bevan Morrison, have met with Watercare on a number of occasions to discuss their options.When we first met with them, we told them that the option to bring it through the town was absolutely a no-go. At another meeting, we were told that there was a 95% chance it would not go there. At our last meeting, approximately three weeks ago, we were told that it was very likely that the main streets were going to be the preferred route. We were also told at that point that to assist them with their decision-making, the cost was assigned 60%, but only 8% on impact to the community, which quite frankly, we found to be insulting!I believe that one of the problems is that for Watercare, this is the cheapest option as they want it to be gravity-fed. We believe that if it is pumped, then this opens up a number of other options. The option that we prefer is a pumped solution that brings the pipe down the river, ideally hard against the bank. This is a shorter route and bypasses the retail area completely.Our concern, and one which we have suggested to Watercare with force and passion, is that should they come through town with works that will last for a minimum of twelve months, possibly closer to eighteen months, then we risk losing at least 90% of the businesses in town. This means businesses closed, widespread unemployment, mortgagee sales when homes are used as collateral for a business, and everything from relationship breakups to mental health issues. Plus, we run the risk of killing the center of our town!We have a letter co-signed by most of the businesses in the center of town to the mayor, asking him to intervene and ask Watercare to relook at the pumping option. We are asking the Mayor for a meeting to formally present the letter to him. We have a petition, which is in a number of businesses in town, which we hope that most of the people in town will sign. This petition will be presented to both the Chairwoman and CEO of Watercare so that they can see that the whole town is against their option. (See link to the online petition here).If none of this works, we will go to national media, putting our side of the story and trying to put pressure on Watercare to consider the human cost of their decision. Failing that, we may have to resort to civil disobedience.Let us be clear on one thing: we are not against progress. This pipe needs to be installed. We want progress, but not destruction. Let's all work together to save our town. This is one of those times when we really are Stronger Together.Murray ChapmanOne Mahurangi [email protected] Local, Buy Local, Employ Local, Love Local!

More than just your average barber, award winning hair & make up designer Vanessa Hurley (aka Lady Barber) has already cemented her iconic Lady Barber brand on the Matakana business scene in just 2 years by offering a full range of services; from gentlemens scissor cuts, barber fades, beard trims to women's cut & blow waves. Whether you book or walk in, you'll be greeted by some cool tunes and her beaming smile. Lady Barber, next to Smiths Bar in Matakana Country Park.OPEN Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Saturday, 10am-3pm.Matakana Country Park, 1151 Leigh Rd |TXT to BOOK APPOINTMENT 021 828 419 Click the website for hours and prices https://ladybarber.co.nz/Last chance to put your vote in for Lady Barber for the 2024 Junction Local Business Awards.Recognising & honouring the best of the best in local businessClick to VOTE for Lady Barber https://www.junctionmag.co.nz/jawards24

After a night of severe gales for many in the North Island, winds have eased and there are no new weather warnings for Thursday.A line of severe thunderstorms crossed Auckland and hit Great Barrier Island on Wednesday.At the height of the storms on Wednesday, winds reached 120km/h in some parts of Auckland, hail bucketed down, power was cut and lightening struck three aircraft.A fallen tree in Epsom, Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Brooke SteeleStrong gales across the Auckland region had blown trees and vegetation onto powerlines causing damage and network faults. Power was still out for many early Thursday morning.Vector said crews were working through the night to assess the damage and said some assessments and repair plans may not be complete until Thursday.Power outages Auckland, 5.30am Thursday. Photo: Screenshot / VectorIn Hamilton, 15,000 homes were without power for a while.Power was still out for some in Waikato early Thursday morning, including around Te Akau and Raglan.The Desert Road (SH1 Rangipo to Waiouru) closed on Wednesday night due to snow and a detour was in place.Winds were forecast to remain blustery in many places on Thursday morning, MetService said.The weather was expected to be pleasant for the long weekend.This story was originally published by RNZ

WIN WIN WINDJ Selaktaz is kindly giving you a chance to WIN a DOUBLE pass to the Sawmill Selaktaz King Birthday Special @ Leigh Sawmill CafeWoop Woop!Event is held at Leigh Sawmill this Saturday June 1stDownload the app to your mobile device and enter your details on the Win Stuff buttonHurry comp closes tomorrow (Thur 30th) night.Winners are drawn on Friday.For more details head here

Police are continuing to urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ronny Okeke to come forward.Thirty-one days have now passed since the 60-year-old man was last seen or heard from.Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says an investigation team is continuing to try and piece together his movements.“In the past week, two search warrants have been executed at two Auckland properties as part of our ongoing enquiries,” he says.“The longer we do not hear from Ronny our fears for the worst continue to grow.”Detective Inspector Baldwin says Police have still not established any further sightings of Ronny.Ronny usually resides in the Sandringham area, with his family living overseas.Anyone who has information surrounding Ronny’s disappearance or has seen or heard from him since 27 April 2024 is asked to urgently contact Police.“Ronny is a husband and a father, and his family deserve answers as to what has happened to him,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.“If you have information, please come forward either by contacting Police directly or in confidence through Crime Stopper channels.”Please contact 105 quoting the file number 240501/3879.You can also report information online by going to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and using ‘Update My Report’.Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Ronny’s last known movements:27 April 2024, 11am: Ronny attempts to call his wife overseas, call is unanswered.27 April 2024, 4.42pm: Ronny is seen on CCTV leaving New World Mt Roskill on Stoddard Road.1 May 2024: Ronny is reported missing to Police.

Warkworth RegionWednesday 29th MaySevere Thunderstorm WarningArea: Rodney, Gulf, Thames Coromandel, Kaipara, Auckland City, Waikato, Hauraki, Waitakere, Franklin and AlbanyForecast: At 09:30 am, MetService weather radar detected a line of severe thunderstorms lying from OFFSHORE KAIPARA WEST COAST to OFFSHORE AUCKLAND WEST COAST to MERCER. This line of severe thunderstorms is moving towards the northeast, and is expected to lie from OFFSHORE KAIPARA WEST COAST to KAUKAPAKAPA to FIRTH OF THAMES at 10:00 am and from TOKATOKA to LEIGH to MATARANGI at 10:30 am. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by damaging wind gusts.Impact: Very strong wind gusts can break branches from trees, damage roofing, and make driving hazardous especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 9hrs from 10am - 7pm Wed, 29 MayArea: Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, WaikatoForecast: Squally showers embedded in a very strong southwest flow are expected across Auckland, and western parts of Waikato and Coromandel Peninsula from late morning through to early evening (Wednesday). There is a moderate risk of SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS during this time, with localised damaging wind gusts in excess of 110 km/h. Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous.Strong Wind Warning - OrangePeriod: 17hrs from 10am Wed, 29 May - 3am Thu, 30 MayArea: Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: Severe gale southwesterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. The strongest winds are expected this eveningImpact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.Mangawhai Region / NorthlandWednesday 29th MayStrong Wind WatchPeriod: 15hrs from noon Wed, 29 May - 3am Thu, 30 MayArea: Northland south of KaikoheForecast: Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Susan Edmunds, Money CorrespondentTens of thousands of people past retirement age are still paying off their student loans, government figures show.Christchurch woman Sarah, who does not want to be identified, has been paying off a student loan for much of her adult life.She initially completed a bachelor's degree in sociology and geography and has an event management qualification, too. She graduated with about $40,000 in debt.She has since paid that down to $5000 but is now facing the prospect of adding to it again so that she can retrain as a teacher."I do find it demoralising to be 40 still with a loan. I feel like I'll never get ahead and I made so many decisions that just did not set me up to be financially successful."Financial mentors say student loan debt can stick with people for a long time.One Auckland financial mentor said people who had been on low incomes through their lives were sometimes shocked to discover their superannuation was being docked to repay a student loan."They wouldn't be repaying it on a benefit ... I don't think people realise when they go on to a pension they have to start repaying their student loan from a pension."When I've said 'look they just don't have any money' you get told 'they have to pay it back sometime'. I think lots of people who haven't earnt a lot of money after studying will be quite surprised about that."She said half to three-quarters of the pensioners she dealt with had a student loan.Financial coach Shula Newland said someone with a student loan could also find that income from KiwiSaver and other investments was used to pay it off.She said beneficiaries were often encouraged to study as a way to get off the benefit, but they could be left with a loan for a qualification in a field that did not pay well.It was possible to apply to have student loan repayments put on hold on hardship grounds, she said.Fincap senior policy adviser Jake Lilley said there should be a mechanism for people collecting debt to look at the wider picture of what was being achieved."To take a step back and say 'hang on a minute what are we trying to achieve here overall?' We want this person to be able to live a comfortable life and not having flow-on problems from poverty that arises when you can't afford things and you end up with a bad outcome that has a cost attachment with that, [like] hospitalisation ... if Studylink debt leads to someone not turning on the heater if they need it."At present, people are required to make payments of 12 percent of every dollar earned over $24,128 a year. A single person living alone would receive a pension of just over $31,500 a year.Government data showed at 30 June 2023, there were 21,710 student loan borrowers aged 65 and over. Of those, just under 16,600 were New Zealand-based.Sarah said she was concerned about the prospect of having a loan stretching into the future."Previously I treated it like a tax that I'd just have. Now I'd like to have the money instead but if I want a better career option, I need to do it."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 27th May - Cloudy periods with occasional showers. Fresh southwesterlies.Tuesday 28th May - Cloudy, with occasional rain developing in the evening. Fresh southwesterlies, turning lighter northwesterly in the afternoon.Wednesday 20th May - Showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Southwesterlies, becoming strong for a time in the afternoon and evening, possibly gusting 90 km/h in exposed places.Thursday 21st May - Fine. Fresh southwesterlies.Friday 22nd May - Fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 23rd May - Fine. Westerlies.Sunday 24th May - Cloudy. Westerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 27th May - Partly cloudy with a few showers. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 28th May - Cloud increasing, with occasional rain developing in the evening. Westerlies.Wednesday 20th May - A few showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Fresh southwesterlies.Thursday 21st May - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 22nd May - Fine with southwesterlies.Saturday 23rd May - Fine. Westerlies.Sunday 24th May - Cloudy. Light winds.