Northpower has a planned power outage scheduled from 9:30pm Thursday 13th February to 5:30am Friday 14th February that will affect much of the Mangawhai area. We're undertaking a large maintenance project on our high voltage 33k network lines and at the Kaiwaka substation. To conduct the work safely, we must turn off the power to complete it.We have scheduled these works for overnight to try and keep disruptions to a minimum, however, we do understand this can cause some inconvenience.Thank you for your understanding and patience, this mahi is part of our ongoing work to maintain a safe and resilient network for the future.If you have any questions or concerns, please phone us on 0800 10 40 40.

A person has been airlifted to hospital in critical condition from the Shipwrecked Festival, a popular music and arts event.A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were alerted to the incident at 4.11am today at Te Ārai, north of Auckland.An ambulance and rescue helicopter were dispatched, and the individual was transported to Auckland Hospital.A festival spokesperson confirmed one person was taken to hospital this morning via helicopter. Their family has been contacted, and privacy is requested on their behalf.The injuries were not due to assault and there were no interruptions to the event's schedule, they said.

Traffic is congested and slow moving SOUTHBOUND on SH1 from Te Hana all the way to Warkworth. Expect delays or leave later!Traffic also congested around 3km before, Kaiwaka heading Southbound.Check our Roads / Traffic button for updates.

A new footpath and pedestrian bridge has opened in Wellsford which allows residents to walk from Rodney Street to Centennial Park without having to cross busy State Highway 1.MP for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi, Auckland Council elected members and staff, Auckland Transport staff, Wharehine, Kiwirail, Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa and the Wellsford community attended a blessing conducted by Mātanga – Tikanga me Te Reo Māori Richard Nahi on 1 February.The 1.8m-wide footpath runs from the exiting footpath at 68 Rodney Street to Centennial Park Road along the eastern side of the highway. A new footbridge east of the vehicle overbridge completes the footpath link over the railway tracks to Centennial Park Road.Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says this footpath link is important to the Wellsford community who have waited a long time for safer pedestrian access across town.“Footpaths are a priority for our local board and community who want to expand the network, and connect our residents to workplaces, schools and sports facilities.“Our Wellsford community can now walk easily and safely from the town centre to businesses, the preschool and Centennial Park. For many years, they had to cross the state highway to get to the other side of town.”Funded by the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate with a contribution from Waka Kotahi / NZ Transport Agency, the footpath and bridge took 10 months to build at a cost of $3.9 million.The project’s biggest challenge was installing the 76-tonne concrete beam for the overbridge in June which required two cranes and an overnight road closure.Local board member Colin Smith, who represents the Wellsford area, says the new footpath and bridge is a game changer for the town.“This new asset will make a huge difference to our community who can now walk safely across town to shop, play sport and enjoy the park.”Bailey thanks the project team for their efforts engaging with local stakeholders, and Caroline Milner, for her efforts in drawing the community together, around the project.The targeted rate delivers transport projects in the local board area which are excluded from the Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2031. It follows the principle that revenue collected from each of the board’s four subdivisions is only used for projects delivered in that subdivision.Funding criteria used to decide where new footpaths are built includes busy school routes, well-used pedestrian routes, and linking existing and new developments to extend the pedestrian network.Bailey says, “It’s very important that these footpath projects deliver the maximum benefit for Rodney.”

The annual Mangawhai Bowl Bash is happening today from 10 AM to 5 PM at Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ)—one of Aotearoa’s top-tier skate facilities.This year the MAZ big bowl, now over a decade old, is set for a major revamp. The upgrade will include 75 new coping blocks, a full grind back, and resealing, with project costs estimated at over $50,000.To help fund this exciting upgrade, gold coin donation parking will be available during the event. If you're able, track down the parking wardens and contribute more, or visit the MAZ website to donate directly.The Bowl Bash is a huge event for both Mangawhai and the international skateboarding community, attracting competitors from Australia and beyond. Photo credit: @davidreadWhether you're a skateboarding enthusiast or just keen to witness some incredible talent, head down to MAZ today!There is also an afterparty for R18s on at The Bunker from 8pm.In addition to the bowl upgrade, MAZ is also building a brand-new kids’ playground this year. You can read more about that here. With so many exciting projects underway, MAZ needs community support now more than ever. If you can donate or volunteer, your help would be greatly appreciated—MAZ is an incredible asset to our community!

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, 14 February 2025.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)Onewa Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruarySH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Newtown Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruarySH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruaryHobson Street westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruaryNewton Road westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruarySt Lukes Road westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruarySH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 FebruaryWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 11-13 FebruaryWestbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 7 February to 5:00am 10 February (24/7)Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 14 February to 5:00am 17 February (24/7) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 9 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 9 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 9 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryBombay southbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryBombay northbound on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryBombay northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryDragway Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryHampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)SH16 eastbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 FebruaryGreat North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 FebruaryWestbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 FebruaryEastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 FebruarySt Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 FebruarySH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruaryDominion Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 FebruarySH20 Northbound to SH16 Eastbound Link, 12-13 FebruarySH20 Northbound to SH16 Westbound Link, 12-13 FebruaryMaioro Street northbound on-ramp, 12-13 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 9 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 9 February

New Zealand Sugar Company, trading as Chelsea Sugar, has been fined $149,500 for manufacturing, distributing and selling sugar products contaminated with lead.In November and December 2021, the company recalled thousands of packs of sugar products because of potential low level lead contamination.Media release: New Zealand Food Safety to investigate sugar recallsTwo other product recalls were needed when it was later discovered New Zealand Sugar Company provided incorrect information to supermarkets, resulting in more sugar products being released to consumers."These recalls had a significant impact on consumer access to certain sugar products, such as brown sugar. It also affected a large number of other businesses which had to recall products made with the contaminated sugar," says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.In the Auckland District Court, the company was sentenced on 2 charges it pleaded guilty to in May last year, including breaching its National Programme (NP) – designed to manage any food risk to consumers – along with negligently endangering, harming, creating, or increasing risk to consumers by distributing its product.A sentencing hearing was held in September last year and the court has released its reserved decision today."New Zealand Sugar Company knew what its responsibilities were to consumers – ensuring the safety and suitability of its products and managing any potential risk to consumers."It failed to properly detect the extent of lead contamination until after the imported sugar had been used in production."Offending at this scale is rare, and the Court’s sentence today sends a strong message that it will not be tolerated," says Vincent Arbuckle.In September 2021, the New Zealand Sugar Company imported sugar from Australia that became contaminated with lead during sea transport. From this sugar it manufactured and distributed 971 tonnes of contaminated sugar products to businesses in New Zealand.The sugar had been freighted to New Zealand from Australia aboard the cargo ship Rin Treasure – a vessel that had been used to ship metal sulphide concentrates (lead and zinc) on its previous voyage.Before choosing this ship, New Zealand Sugar Company was advised the vessel failed a survey report on 3 September, meaning it was not fit to load and transport bulk sugar. Prior to its departure, the vessel was cleaned, and a cleanliness report certified the vessel’s hold was in a fit state for the stowage and carriage of raw sugar.However, the cleaning was not effective, and the cargo of sugar became contaminated with lead during the journey from Queensland. This contamination may have been potentially exacerbated by a broken pipe aboard the vessel that spilled water into the sugar during the cargo unloading process by contractors.Samples of the sugar were collected between 15 and 24 September for testing but New Zealand Sugar Company followed its normal process of producing sugar products from the cargo for distribution and sale."The test result on 7 October showed high readings of lead contamination, but rather than take immediate action and stop production and distribution, they instead sought more testing which confirmed the same result."Some of this product was sold between October and early November. We were not informed of the lead contamination until 3 November, which is unacceptable."New Zealand Sugar Company’s lack of definitive action resulted in a consumer level recall of sugar products on 4 November – around 6 weeks after the contaminated product arrived in New Zealand."Although the short-term exposure to increased lead levels through these sugar products would not have endangered people’s health – we cannot afford to take a chance on public health," says Vincent Arbuckle.If you have concerns about a food product, you can contact New Zealand Food Safety on 0800 008 333 or use our online food complaint tool

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 7th February - Fine apart from evening cloud. Chance of an afternoon shower north of Warkworth. Northeasterlies developing.Saturday 8th February - Fine. Easterlies, turning northerly in the afternoon.Sunday 9th February - Mainly fine, chance of a shower from morning. Southerlies developing.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 7th February - Fine, becoming partly cloudy with the chance of a shower from late afternoon. Easterlies developing this morning.Saturday 8th February - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the morning. Easterlies developing before dawn.Sunday 9th February - Mainly fine, chance of a shower from morning. Easterlies developing.

Waitangi Day Thursday 6th FebWaitangi Day In Mangawhai - This will be a big even for Mangawhai, family friendly with activities in different locations. There will be something for everyone. This comes at a perfect time to bring the community together and have fun after such a stressful time for many after the Tornado that hit parts of Mangawhai.Music In The Vines - another event in Mangawhai, kick back and relax with a wine and listen to some chill sounds.Waitangi Day at Kawau Boating Club - bring your own waka, open to all, with a pub quiz.The Matakana Village Pub - Live music! Celebrate Waitangi Day (and Bob Marley’s birthday) with Ben and his reggae sound system from 2-5 PM. Good tunes, summer feels, and a whole lot of rhythm - don’t miss it! Friday 7th FebShipwrecked 2025 - boutique music and arts festival, running for 3 days at Te Arai.Mangawhai Arts Studio TrailJosh Leys @ The Matakana Village Pub This Friday!Blame The Cats at the Warkworth RSASaturday 8th FebMatakana Village Farmers MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMangawhai Community MarketShipwrecked 2025The Bobby Holidays Live @ The Tahi Bar & KitchenVibes on Vine, WhangareiMangawhai Bowl Bash 2025Mangawhai Arts Studio TrailSunday 9th FebMatakana Country Park Market - Wander the stalls under the trees and enjoy all of the incredible food vendors. 9am - 2pm, 33 Omaha Flats Road, MatakanaShipwrecked 2025Kiwi Bubble SoccerWaipu Car & Bike Show Mangawhai Arts Studio Trail

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and the Western Springs Speedway Association (WSSA) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Matakana Coast App. The Matakana Coast App serves solely as a platform for sharing information and takes no responsibility for the claims, or opinions presented in this article.For 95 years, Western Springs Speedway has been a cornerstone of Auckland’s cultural and sporting history. This iconic venue has hosted thrilling open-wheel races, including midgets and sprint cars, and has been home to countless cherished memories for generations of fans. As a child, I fondly remember packing a picnic dinner with Mum and heading to Western Springs with the family for an evening of excitement. The roar of engines, the smell of the track, and the thunderous cheers from the crowd created an electric atmosphere.Western Springs wasn’t just a place for races; it was a hub for community, tradition, and unforgettable experiences that stayed with you long after the checkered flag waved.However, this legacy is now under threat. A Historic Venue in JeopardyThe Auckland City Council has issued notice to close speedway operations at Western Springs and relocate Auckland’s speedway racing to Waikaraka Park near Mt Smart Stadium. Waikaraka Park, traditionally the home of saloon and stock car racing, is slated to receive $11 million in upgrades to accommodate both tin-top and open-wheel racing. While some view this consolidation as a practical solution, supporters of Western Springs Speedway believe it undermines the heritage, unique character, and global reputation of the venue. Western Springs Speedway is compliant with existing noise restrictions, addressing a frequent concern in such debates. Importantly, Western Springs is not only Auckland’s oldest sporting tenant but also the most famous dirt oval in the Southern Hemisphere. It has drawn champions and fans from around the world, cementing its status as a world-class motorsport destination. The Fight to Save Western SpringsThe Western Springs Speedway Association (WSSA) is leading the charge to preserve this iconic venue. They are determined to hold the Auckland City Council accountable for what they feel is a dishonest and manipulative approach to closing Western Springs Speedway in October 2024. The WSSA has already invested considerable resources in this fight, and the estimated cost of taking the Council to court for a judicial review is approximately $50,000—a last resort they hope to avoid. However, every contribution counts in ensuring this historic venue is preserved. The WSSA’s mission is to form a united voice for the open-wheel speedway community and Auckland ratepayers to reverse the decision to close speedway operations at Western Springs. Should they succeed, their goal is to secure a lease for Western Springs Speedway and open tenders for organisations capable of managing the facility during the speedway season. Additionally, the WSSA advocates for a collaborative approach among open-wheel speedway drivers, car owners, and supporters. By working closely with promoters, they aim to deliver the best possible shows for fans and maintain the high standards of motorsport excellence that Western Springs is known for. Join the association for just $5 to help SAVE OUR SPEEDWAY. Sign up at www.saveourspeedway.co.nz as a supporter, driver, car owner, or volunteer. A Call to ActionThe closure of Western Springs Speedway represents more than the loss of a venue—it’s the erosion of Auckland’s cultural identity.At the recent Kumeu Car Show, I encountered passionate advocates from the WSSA who are determined to save this iconic space. Their message was clear: Western Springs is irreplaceable, and its closure would be a tragic loss for motorsport enthusiasts and the wider community alike.To those who cherish this venue, now is the time to act. Whether through signing petitions, engaging with local representatives, or spreading the word, your support is vital.Western Springs Speedway deserves to roar with life for generations to come. Let’s stand together to ensure this historic venue remains a place where champions are crowned, and the cheers of the crowd echo long into the future.

TO VIEW THE FULL NEWSLETTER CLICK HEREA New Year, New OpportunitiesAs we step into 2025, there’s a lot to be excited about. This year presents new opportunities for us as a town to plan, innovate, and promote Warkworth as a destination where visitors as well as locals want to spend time—and money.The summer break saw Warkworth lively with activity. Despite the windy weather, the sunshine brought locals and visitors out in force. On my visits into town, I was struck by how busy it was and heard from retailers and cafés about the strong trade over the holiday season.However, one challenge stood out—ensuring more businesses remain open on public holidays. While I understand how difficult this can be, especially for those managing small teams or operating alone, it’s also clear these are some of the busiest and most profitable trading days. Finding ways to collaborate better on this is something we can explore together.A key goal for this year is positioning Warkworth as a must-visit destination. To achieve this, we’re forming a planning group of tourism, hospitality, and retail representatives to develop a promotional and advertising strategy. Drawing inspiration from successful revitalisation projects elsewhere, such as Queen Street's transformation efforts highlighted in this RNZ article, we can explore new ways to breathe life into our town and attract more visitors.You may have noticed the hanging flower pots outside a few businesses we are trailing around town, such as outside the Information Centre, Warkworth Butchery, and Watson’s Shoe Repair. While they’re not real plants, they’re a low-maintenance way to add vibrancy to the streetscape. If the trial goes well, we hope to extend this to all interested businesses with minimal one-off costs.On another front, our engagement with Watercare continues positively. As their planning progresses, I’ll organise a meeting early in the year for Elizabeth Street businesses to address concerns directly with the project team. Watercare’s willingness to engage with our community has been exceptional, and the changes we’ve helped drive are a testament to what we can achieve as a small but determined community.Here is what Dave Chambers, Watercare CEO wrote to me in an email:Our intent is to work well with communities and mostly that occurs but not always. In this case, it very clearly didn’t but the work we’ve been able to do together since July is excellent and you could also feel proud that you’ve changed our organisation as the goodwill and expertise you came to the table with has changed how we approach more challenging development situations. It has already brought a changed approach from us for a southern Auckland community that would not have been the case had we not worked together on the Warkworth situation." - Dave Chambers, Watercare CEOLet’s make 2025 a year of progress, collaboration, and growth for Warkworth. Together, we can ensure our town continues to thrive.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi, [email protected] Improvement District (BID) Policy RefreshHave your say about the refreshed policyUpdates to the BID Policy and supporting documents are now open for feedback until 28 February 2025. Read MORE HERE>Purpose of the BID policyThe BID policy outlines how Auckland Council works with BID-operating business associations in Auckland. (Including One Mahurangi Business Association)The policy:provides a framework for the governance, accountability and management of BID programmesaims to sustain public trust and confidence in the BID programmebalances Auckland Council’s role in the programme with the independence of BID-operating business associations.Business Health Check SurveyThank you to the fifty+ respondents of the survey! The survey is due to close on Feb 5th 2025 so get in quick if you haven't already. It takes just 2 minutes of your time to complete our Business Health Check. Your feedback helps us understand your needs better and shape our initiatives to benefit the local business community.To take the survey now CLICK HERE>Marketview Monthly Summary for December 2024In December 2024, the One Mahurangi, Warkworth precinct saw consumer spending reach $33.8 million, a 4.3% increase from the same time last year, with 487,000 transactions, up 3.7%. Notably, spending in accommodation grew by 50.4%, while international customer spending surged by 44.1%, highlighting strong local and international engagement during the festive season. The One Mahurangi BID area is ranked 14th of 56 listed Auckland BID areas. Read the Dec 2024 summary report HERE>Visit our Consumer Spending page on our website for monthly reports > onemahurangi.co.nz/marketview-reportsBusiness.govt.nz YouTube Shorts for TradiesUpskill with digital tools for the construction industry.Learn about enhancing productivity through Industry 4.0, optimising 3D printing, AI in the construction sector and more HERE>Follow the Warkworth Information Centre on Instagram! Follow @visitwarkworth on Instagram for stunning photos, updates on local events and attractions, and insider tips on the best places to shop and dine out in Warkworth and beyond.Extended summer opening hours on Saturdays 10am - 1pm A noticeboard outside the WW Info Centre has the latest updates on the Watercare Pipeline Project.Visit onemahurangi.co.nz for the latest updates// Community Noticeboard //** OPENING NIGHT THURS 30th JAN 2025 > Click here **Summer Shuttle Service around Mahurangi with Mai RideWith 12+ stops connecting Omaha, Matakana, Snells Beach, Warkworth, and Algies Bay you can move effortlessly between local events, sunny outdoor spots, and great venues for just $20pp a day.Visit www.mairide.net for more details

Mangawhai is set to come alive with a vibrant celebration of Waitangi Day, offering a culturally infused community event that brings people together through history, heritage, and entertainment. With free entry to all activities, this family-friendly event is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate.Event Highlights:Morning Session (10 AM – 12 PM) – "Using the Past to Pave the Future"Held at the Mangawhai Community Park and Museum, this session features a Karakia and welcome by Kaumatua Ben Hita and local leaders educating visitors on the history and heritage of the Kaipara region. There will also be stalls, face painting, and activities for all ages.Afternoon Session (1:30 PM – 3 PM) – Sailing & Waka Ama SpectacularHead to Lincoln Reserve for an exciting Waka Ama and sailing showcase on Mangawhai Harbour. Participants are welcome to bring their own waka or yacht or borrow one on-site. (Contact Colin at 0212 257 257 to register.)Evening Session (6 PM – 9 PM) – Dinner and ShowThe festivities continue at MAZ lower field (Mangawhai Community Park) with live entertainment and food trucks. The lineup includes: Loose Covers – A high-energy local bandMOKOMOKAI – A soulful musical performanceBOH RUNGA – Closing the night with her iconic vocalsThe event will conclude with a closing Karakia.This is a fantastic opportunity for the Mangawhai community to come together in celebration of culture, history, and unity. Volunteers are also needed—if you’d like to help, email [email protected] big thank you to the sponsors HireWorks, Sarah Design, and 4 Square Mangawhai for supporting this incredible event.Don’t miss out—bring your whānau and celebrate Waitangi Day in Mangawhai! Facebook event details

A man has been arrested in relation to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kyle Jenkins on a Northland roadside last week.The accused appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday morning on a charge of murder with a firearm.The 20-year-old was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.He did not enter a plea and is next due in the High Court at Whangārei on 21 February.Jenkins' body was found in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road - or State Highway 15 - on the morning of 29 January.His motorcycle was found in a nearby layby, opposite the entrance to Otaika Valley Scenic Reserve.The layby on Otaika Valley Road, Whangārei, where police say 18-year-old Kyle Jenkins was shot on the evening of 28 January 2025. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafEarlier, police said they believed he had been killed between 7pm and 11pm the previous night.They appealed to the public to come forward with any information about what happened.Police working on the investigation, code-named Operation Distant, had set up a dedicated online portal at distant.nc3.govt.nz so people could upload any footage or photos.Information could also be provided by calling 105 and quoting file number 250129/0335 or, anonymously, via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Otaika Valley Road was closed for almost two days following Jenkins' death, which police initially described as unexplained.Friends have left a tribute at the layby, attaching 'Kyle' in painted wooden letters to a guard rail between the layby and the creek.Jenkins' funeral is on Tuesday.The Maungatapere teenager is understood to have worked in a café in central Whangārei.This story was written by Peter de Graaf and originally posted on RNZ

Last year was a tough year for the New Zealand economy.So tough, in fact, that HSBC estimates it had the biggest drop in gross domestic product in the developed world and The Economist put us ahead of only Finland, Latvia, Turkey and Estonia on a measure that included stockmarket performance, inflation, unemployment and government deficits.But why was the hit so bad?A big part of the equation is the government's response to Covid-19. The government spent about $60 billion through the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund, including about $12b in the initial wage subsidies.Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub says the response was large by international standards."We had a lot more stimulus in the Covid years and we have had a lot more restriction that followed both from monetary policy and fiscal policy. The government injected as hell of a lot of money through the Covid years then there has been a really big pull back."[Covid spending] was massive. It was free money going into business accounts, business profits spiked during the Covid years."We have never had more profitable businesses than we did during the lockdowns."As a result, we didn't have the same kind of job losses and that kind of thing, it was a lot of money. Interest rates fell very sharply and the loosening of the lending rules was quite significant."Kelly Eckhold, chief economist at Westpac, agreed it was noticeable that the per-capita bounce back from the immediate Covid negative shock was strong, compared to other countries.He said the fiscal response "really did juice the economy" for a while.But that also pushed inflation up, which the Reserve Bank responded to with sharp interest rate hikes - again at a world-leading pace.The central bank was clear that it was trying to engineer a recession to get the rate of price growth under control."If you look at Australia, they didn't raise interest rates as much but they haven't started cutting yet," Eaqub said. "They chose a much more moderate path."Eckhold agreed: "They decided they could afford to allow inflation to stay up for a bit longer, and give it the benefit of the doubt. They put more weight on protecting the labour market. In Australia they have a labour market mandate as part of the Reserve Bank criteria."In New Zealand, when the new government came in they specifically changed the Reserve Bank mandate to take that out and focus on inflation."He said the US Federal Reserve also had an employment mandate which might have made it more willing to cut rates.Eaqub said the monetary policy was still tight. "The Reserve Bank came out last week with Paul Conway's speech saying neutral is 2.5 percent or 3 percent [for the OCR] so they are still leaning against the economy even when it's on its knees. These guys are sadistic. They're like 'we're going to crush this economy it's the only way we know how to tackle inflation'."He said that was acceptable as the only tool available to the Reserve Bank but it showed the mistake of the "sugar rush" of the Covid years that sent money into the property market."The immigration boost that helped us didn't come with an overall lift in the standard of living… there were more people rather than people being better off. Now there's been a giant downturn in the housing market, a construction slump and people are feeling poorer."On top of that, government has pulled back on spending, putting further pressure on the economy.From here, Eckhold said things should improve on the back of sharp easing from the Reserve Bank."There's been 125bps so far and we're fairly confident we'll get another 50 in another few weeks. That's right up there in terms of the size of the response we've seen anywhere. We should expect that to reflected in better growth outcomes."He said he was not predicting "stellar growth" but a return to trend."Interest rates have been cut a long way but they're not going into strong stimulatory territory. Fiscal policy is predicted to remain relatively tight."Eaqub said there should be a fairly strong cyclical bounce back. "We haven't lost massive amounts of jobs like we have in previous recessions, which is great. If you look at the monthly data if feels like things are just starting to stabilise a bit which is pretty incredible if you think about it. Job ads are not falling precipitously anymore, so the preconditons are there for a recovery."Eckhold said China's economy being weaker could also be a handbrake as the country's biggest trading partner, and US President Donald Trump's tariffs could be an issue.Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said there were other factors beyond fiscal and monetary policy that would have affected outcomes, such as the severity of lockdown restrictions, border closures, household debt levels, migration, export prices and population growth.He said while the US had a different pattern, the total outcome over the past four years was not hugely different. The US fell sharply in 12020 while New Zealand grew, but continued to grow relatively strongly through 2023 and 2024 while New Zealand stuttered.This story was written by Susan Edmunds, Money Correspondent and published on RNZ

UPDATE 12:20PM This section of #SH1 remains CLOSED with vehicle recovery & clean-up expected to take some time today. Consider delaying your journey or allow extra time for the detour via Mangawhai:NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland

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 February 2025.  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 Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 2-4 & 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 2-4 & 6 FebruaryOnewa Road northbound off-ramp, 2-4 FebruaryStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 2-4 FebruaryCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 2-4 FebruaryCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 7 February to 5:00am 10 February (24/7)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 4 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 4 FebruarySH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 4 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 3-4 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 3-4 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 3-4 FebruaryBombay northbound on-ramp, 2-4 & 6 FebruaryBombay northbound off-ramp, 2-4 & 6 FebruaryPokeno northbound off-ramp, 2-4 & 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road Roundabout, 2 February (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 3-4 & 6 FebruarySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Coronation Road northbound on-ramp, 2 FebruarySH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road northbound on-ramp, 2 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 3 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 3 FebruaryCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 3 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 6 FebruarySouthbound Service Road (Puhinui Road to Cavendish Drive), 6 February (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 6 FebruaryLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 6 FebruarySH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) Northbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 4 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound Service Road (Cavendish Drive to Puhinui Road), 4 FebruaryCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 4 FebruaryLambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 4 FebruaryGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Kirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 2 FebruaryPlease follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 3rd February - Partly cloudy, a few morning showers. Light winds and afternoon sea breezes.Tuesday 4th February - Mainly fine, isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 5th February - Partly cloudy. Westerlies.Thursday 6th February - Becoming fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 7th February - Fine. Northeasterlies developing.Saturday 8th February - Partly cloudy with light winds.Sunday 9th February - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 3rd February - Cloudy periods and isolated showers, some heavy from afternoon in the north and west. Easterlies, easing this evening.Tuesday 4th February - A few showers. Light winds.Wednesday 5th February - Fine. Southwesterlies.Thursday 6th February - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Friday 7th February - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Saturday 8th February - Partly cloudy with light winds.Sunday 9th February - Partly cloudy. Light winds.

Police have released the name of the Northland motorcyclist fatally shot in Otaika this week.He was 18-year-old Kyle Zachary Jenkins, of Maungatapere.Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said an investigation has been underway since a member of the public found his body in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road, or State Highway 15, at about 5am on Wednesday.Jenkins' motorcycle was also found in a nearby layby.Pilmer believed the man died sometime between 7pm and 11pm on 28 January, in the layby opposite the entrance to Otaika Valley Scenic Reserve.The man's body was found in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road. File picture. Photo: Google MapsPilmer said their thoughts are with Jenkins' whānau at "this very difficult time.""They are continuing to grieve his death and have asked for privacy."He said police are appealing to the public to come forward with any information about what took place on the Otaika Valley Road layby."Our investigation continues to piece together why this tragic event occurred, and identify the person responsible," Pilmer said.Police working on the investigation, codenamed Operation Distant, had set up a dedicated online portal at distant.nc3.govt.nz so people could upload any footage or photos.Information could also be provided to police by calling 105 and quoting file number 250129/0335 or, anonymously, via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.This story was originally posted on RNZ

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell has toured a Mangawhai street devastated by last Sunday's tornado, saying it is remarkable no one died given the scale of the damage.Mitchell, who also met emergency responders during Friday's visit, said the outcome would almost certainly have been worse if the twister had struck during the day."I think what saved us was the fact that it was 3am. If it had been during daylight hours, with the sort of missiles that we've seen and the velocity they were moving at, I think we would have lost people."Mitchell said he was thankful Tina Johnson, who was severely injured when she was sucked out of the top floor of her home on Old Waipu Road, was in a stable condition in hospital.The minister told Kaipara council leaders the government would help pay for the clean-up and emergency housing for displaced residents.It was not yet known, however, how much the government would contribute, or where the funding would come from - though the Ministry for the Environment was one possibility, Mitchell said.Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson was also surprised the tornado's toll had not been greater."I'm really thankful we didn't have any deaths. I find that actually quite miraculous. If it had been at 3pm when there's kids out in the streets, there would have been deaths all right."Jepson, who joined the minister during Friday's visit, said he was struck by the tornado's sheer power."I've been around a few storms in my life. I was up north for [Cyclone] Gabrielle. There was a major weather event in '81 when I was a young fellow up in Kerikeri. But I've never seen anything as ferocious ... I visited people who had concrete lids sucked out of their water tanks and they couldn't find where they'd gone."Half the clean-up is people clearing up debris from other people's properties. It just was scattered everywhere. The power of this event is the thing that's hit me the most."Jepson said he had been heartened by the community's response."One thing that really struck me on the morning was the huge number of volunteers that just poured into the streets and helped people they didn't even know. They mucked in and helped each other. It was a real testament to the closeness of this community." Some homes will be demolishedKaipara Civil Defence and Emergency Management controller John Burt said it was initially thought that 50 homes had been damaged, mostly on Moir Street and Old Waipu Road.He said 90 homes had now been assessed for storm damage.Of those, 26 had been white-stickered, which meant they had some damage but could be safely occupied, while nine had been yellow-stickered, which meant access was restricted.A few homes would have to be demolished, Burt said.Mangawhai's power network had been fully repaired but five homes were too damaged to be reconnected.Penny and Nick Berthoud show Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell around their tornado-damaged, yellow-stickered home. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafHomeowner feels traumatisedResidents visited by Mitchell on Old Waipu Road included Nick and Penny Berthoud, who illustrated the tornado's human cost.The couple had spent two years building their dream home and had lived in it for just a year.The power of the tornado had blown outdoor furniture - some of it so heavy it needed at least four people to lift - through the kitchen windows, while tiles from a neighbour's roof had turned into projectiles, puncturing the cladding and steel roof in dozens of places.Shards of glass were embedded in the kitchen wall and a pole from two properties away had pierced an external wall like a spear.Penny Berthoud told Mitchell that despite all the effort that had gone into building their home, she was unsure if she could live in it again."I don't know, if I'm brutally honest. After the trauma of what we've gone through, every inch of this house is a crash reminder."Nick Berthoud said they were woken up by strong winds and heavy rain shortly before the tornado hit."Then the wind and rain stopped for about five, ten seconds. I got this eerie feeling, then all of a sudden it was like a turbine starting up, like a plane taking off. Just hell broke loose. Glass flying, smashing, furniture going everywhere."Nick Berthoud said they took shelter in a walk-in wardrobe. Neither they nor their 15-year-old son were injured.Once the wind subsided he heard a sound he thought at first was their missing cat.He then realised it was his neighbour screaming from her carport roof, where she had landed after the tornado sucked her out of her bedroom."So I bolted out the door, jumped the fence, and found her," he said.Within 30 seconds he was joined by a group of neighbours searching the street for anyone who had been hurt.Juicy Media owner James Taylor shows Northland MP Grant McCallum, Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson and Mark Mitchell what's left of his business. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafMitchell also visited James Taylor, who had a business on Old Waipu Road where he designed websites, printed signs, and made vehicle graphics.When he arrived at the leased shed that morning, little more than the steel framing remained.All his equipment and stock had been destroyed or blown to who knows where."It was like a bomb had gone off all down the road. It was crazy.. But you've just got to find a way to stay positive, and come back, and don't let it beat you."Taylor said the emotion of losing his business had really only hit home on Friday.However, he had been buoyed by offers of help from the Mangawhai community, and was determined to rebuild his business.Mitchell said the tornado was different to the eight other emergencies he had been involved in since taking on the role a year ago."The thing with this one is the huge challenges it posed, because it was so sudden, no one could really anticipate it. There were power lines down. Access was very hard for first responders, and people were shell shocked. But there's always a big human cost associated with these events, and not just with the initial response, but in the recovery as well," he said.Mitchell said extreme weather events were likely to become increasingly frequent in future.This story was written by Peter de Graaf and originally posted on RNZ