Pets and their owners can tune in and chill out to RNZ's annual Concert for Animals tonight.There are more than four million pets in Aotearoa, many of whom are spooked by the loud bangs and flashes of light fireworks cause.Scientific research suggests music, especially classical, can be soothing for cats and dogs in veterinary hospitals or animal shelters. And we know that the best way to help a stressed companion animal is for them to have their human, feeling calm, nearby.So with that in mind, RNZ Concert presents its annual Guy Fawkes night radio show of music chosen to calm pets and people alike.Sophie miaowssively appreciated RNZ's Guy Fawkes sonic sanctuary of calm last year.You can enjoy music written for animals such as 'Mina' by Edward Elgar for his beloved Cairns terrier. 'The Swan' from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns, 'Scene by the Brook', from Beethoven's Pastoral and we haven’t forgotten farm animals either with 'Sheep May Safely Graze', by Johann Sebastian Bach.Tune in from 6pm Wednesday night and let RNZ Concert calm the farm for people and their furry friends to snuggle up to on a night that can be stressful for animals.Napoleon Bunaparte and Sophie doe Bundorset, both partial to a bit of Chopin.To listen to RNZ Concert tune in on the radio, or stream us from rnz.co.nz, the RNZ App, SKY TV channel 422, or Freeview Channel 51. You can text us on 8824, texts cost 20 cents.Rangi and Toto enjoying Concert for Animals last year.RNZ Concert listenersMay Quinn found Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A major the perfect antidote to last years' dog unfriendly human behaviour. An RNZ Concert listenerThe SPCA’s top tips to care for companion animalsBoth cats and dogs should be microchipped with up-to-date contact details and have a collar and identification tag with your contact details on it.Exercise your dog early in the day to avoid being out during dusk when fireworks could be set off.If your cat has outside access, make sure they are safe in your home before dusk.Have small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens tucked away safely or even inside for the night.Stay home with your pet – they will be less stressed with someone they trust close by.Keep them indoors – they won’t see the flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains. Listen to RNZ Concert.Make sure that your cat or dog has somewhere comforting to hide such as an igloo bed, covered crate or making a bed wherever they feel safe to retreat to.Try a compression wrap for dogs. animals feel secure with gentle pressure on them (like you would swaddle a baby)If your pet seeks you out, comfort them. If they prefer to retreat and be left alone, let them.Farm AnimalsTo minimise stress, keep horses and farmed animals in their familiar paddocks and with their usual companions unless a firework display is planned close by.Make sure all fences are secure and check paddocks and stables thoroughly for anything that could cause injury, such as protruding nails.If you need to stable or move animals, do this in advance so that the animals have a chance to get used to their new surroundings.This story was originally published by RNZ

Struggling Auckland oyster farmers will receive financial support from Watercare after a fault at its Warkworth wastewater pump station left their farms contaminated and unable to harvest.Watercare estimated the overflow volume was about 1200 cubic metres, but did not know how much had reached the harbour.The fault was not flagged by Watercare's internal alert system.From Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning, wastewater entered the adjacent stormwater pond and then flowed into the Mahurangi River.Watercare confirmed on Monday in a statement that it was discussing the issue of financial support with Aquaculture New Zealand, which was acting for the oyster farmers.Chief executive Jamie Sinclair said Watercare was deeply sorry."We understand how serious this is - it's caused disruption and hardship for people whose livelihoods depend on a clean harbour. We are genuinely sorry and we're committed to making it right," said Sinclair.Watercare said the pump station was stabilised and normal operations were restored on Thursday, with the combined wastewater and stormwater pumped from the stormwater pond back into the pump station on Thursday and Friday.The agency said a thorough clean-up of the area was carried out over the weekend and the pond was refilled with clean, unchlorinated water in line with advice from Auckland Council's freshwater ecologist.It said testing had since shown the pond water was now within safe levels.Watercare said the overflow was a unique incident caused by a technical failure following a power surge, which disrupted operations at the Warkworth site.It is understood the surge tripped the pumps, causing the pump station's storage tank to fill.Sinclair said the cause of this overflow was different to previous issues that were caused by rainfall and growth putting pressure on existing infrastructure, and which was being addressed by infrastructure upgrades."This overflow was caused by a power surge and compounded by our alert system not working as we would expect, which meant it was not identified as quickly as it should have been."Sinclair said two investigations were underway - one looking at the cause of the power surge that tripped the pumps and resulted in the overflow; while the second review would look at why alarms did not immediately alert Watercare to the problem.This story was originally published by RNZ

Alexia Russell, for The DetailIf you hold the purse strings to government spending, you know there are so many things that will suck up those dollars.But while nurses, teachers and firefighters protest about the infrastructure crumbling around them, others are scratching their heads over the rapidly increasing bill for the Roads of National Significance. The latest estimates puts just 17 roads in the range of $44 - $54 billion.That's 23 Dunedin Hospital rebuilds, or half as much again as our entire 11,000 kilometre highway system is worth.Eight of the roads have had their costs increased by $5b in the past two years (without any shovels getting into the ground), some because the original estimates were based on old figures, but also because infrastructure inflation since covid has been astronomical.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the bottom line is that we need to act now to future-proof this country's infrastructure.Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder says there's a range of factors behind the cost increases."For some of these projects the scope of them has expanded or changed, so they're going to look different than they had previously thought. Some of the costings that National relied on during the campaign were really old costings, some of them dating back as far as 2015, so we've obviously had quite a lot of inflation since then."Time has passed since the costings were developed and a more intensive process has been undertaken to understand how much these projects might cost, and as a result of that we've gotten some higher figures than we might have expected."There's one project that's sucking up much of the billions, and that's the Northland corridor. It's been divided into three stages which together will cost an estimated $18 - $22b.There is an argument that it's Northland's time for some road security, but advocates such as Greater Auckland director Matt Lowrie says it's a lot to pay for a road that will carry less traffic than most of Auckland's arterial roads."We simply can't afford to be spending $15 - $20 billion on a single road that carries on average 10 - 15,000 vehicles a day," he says."We need to find solutions that can provide improved quality service ... but should it be straight to a large four-laned highway or should we look at other options first? That includes easing corners, putting safety measures in place, putting more passing lanes in place. Those are the types of things we used to do quite regularly along large parts of our network."NZTA has said the Northland corridor will make it 38 minutes faster to drive from Te Hana and Whangārei, but according to Google maps that trip takes 59 minutes - a seemingly impossible shaving off of time.However, the fine print reveals that 38 minutes is only saved if you're in bumper to bumper holiday traffic, and without congestion the time saving is as little as eight minutes.Lowrie says the cost justification for building these roads has been "juiced by some convenient maths", with changes in the Benefit Cost Ratio calculation issued by Treasury earlier this year."What effectively the government has done through officials is to change those rates to be more favourable to big projects," he says.Instead of being weighed against 30 years of benefits, that calculation has moved out to 60 years, and other rates have been tweaked too. The critieria has effectively been lowered quite significantly."So that means that these big projects suddenly look a lot better ... under previous governments these projects would never have been built based on economic outcomes."The BCR is only one aspect of assessing a project and Lowrie discusses the details in Tuesday's The Detail podcast.The counter argument to this is that we underestimate the benefits from such infrastructure. Nick Leggett, the chief executive of Infrastructure New Zealand, says the parameters of the BCR can be quite narrow, and there are other factors we should consider.He thinks we don't sell the value of such projects well enough."We don't paint a picture - people can't see why we do these things," he says. "If people can't see benefits, if they're not explained ... they won't buy into it, and all they'll see is the cost."I think there is a cultural aspect to this in New Zealand. We do whinge about the cost of everything and we see the value maybe 10 years later once something's built."He gives as an example the building of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, seen at the time as too expensive, with not enough return on investment. The project forged ahead with tolls - "it led to the whole North Shore," he says."Five percent of New Zealand's economy travels across that bridge every day. And if it fails - and there's a risk of it failing, it's not going to go on forever - it would be catastrophic, for Auckland and the whole of New Zealand."Another example he gives is Transmission Gully.An [infometrics report https://infrastructure.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/INZ-Transmission-Gully-Report_DIGITAL_Final_16.09.25.pdf commissioned by Infrastructure NZ] says since it opened three years ago there have been no fatalities on that stretch of highway, massively reduced serious injuries and an estimated $173 million a year economic benefit to reducing people sitting in traffic.He also points out that the country can only afford to pay for more resilience, an aging population, and public services in health and education if we are growing as a nation, "and infrastructure is the backbone of that".Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.This article was originally published by RNZ

Victor Waters, JournalistNorthland conservationist Brad Windust has slammed Biosecurity New Zealand's response to the arrival of yellow-legged hornets, calling it "hopelessly inadequate".The former Far North beekeeper and pest trapper said he's sounding the alarm over what he describes as a lack of urgency shown by authorities over eradicating the pest.Biosecurity New Zealand has so far found five yellow-legged hornets, including three queens, in and around the suburb of Glenfield on Auckland's North Shore.Two of the queens were discovered in the early stages of building a nest, while the other was flying in the area.Windust said he was shocked by the slow reaction from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), considering the hornets hunt honeybees, which could impact several sectors, not just the honey industry.He said dozens of steps to eradicate the yellow-legged hornets were not being taken up."They are relying on the public and handing out pamphlets is just a joke," he said. "They need hundreds of people on the ground right now, searching for these hornets."They need to take it as seriously as the fruit fly operation, where aerial spraying was done."They need to train dogs to try and detect them. They need to bring in the Department of Conservation to help them, they need absolutely everything thrown at this."I was led to believe that there are bait stations that they can put out with protein baits to try and attract them, and kill the nests."When Varroa turned up in Auckland, they were contemplating whether to put out bait and grids for the bees that the bees would then take back to their colonies and kill the whole colony. They chose not to do that, which was a disaster for the beekeeping industry."Windust said Biosecurity New Zealand only had one shot at getting the invasive hornet population eradicated this summer.He estimated the hornet species population could now be in the hundreds, putting New Zealand's honeybees at risk - including our 27 native bees and other native insects.The conservationist said having this hornet throughout the country could devastate the agriculture sector."Bees are a keystone species in our primary sector, pollinating avocados and kiwifruit, and just a myriad of other plants, including clover."Clover is really important for the farming sector, it puts nitrogen into the ground, it's a really important crop for the animals."Windust also took aim at the government, saying staff cuts at MPI had made the situation even harder."Everyone knows, in war, the most important thing is your supply line."When you cut nearly 400 jobs in MPI, it's going to make a big, big impact, and the government needs to just admit that it was wrong, step up and fund them properly, and just throw everything at it that they can to eliminate these hornets, before next summer."Windust said a similar incursion of an invasive insect was thwarted in recent years, after the discovery of insect-eating German Wasps on the Chatham Islands."Just before lockdown and COVID, a German wasp turned up in the Chatham Islands, and they threw everything at it and they eradicated it."They got rid of that wasp nest and stopped German wasps taking over the Chatham Islands, and stopped a huge ecological disaster. That's what's needed to happen with these hornets."We need the same urgency with these bee-eating hornets."MPI responds to criticismIn response to Windust's criticism, MPI said the most effective method for surveillance was through public involvement.And in a subsequent statement to RNZ, MPI also said no frontline Biosecurity New Zealand jobs were affected as part of overall staff reductions at the ministry.They also pointed to the successful handling of two fruit fly incursions in Auckland this year.Biosecurity New Zealand north commissioner Mike Inglis said there was staff on the ground in the Birkdale and Glenfield area on Auckland's North Shore, "providing residents with clear information about the hornet, including a leaflet drop to thousands of local households"."To date, we've had an excellent response from the public to our media, social media and website material about the hornet, and what to look out for. We are quickly responding to all calls and reports made through our online reporting tool."The two nests that have been found were removed swiftly by biosecurity officers."We are visiting markets over the weekend to ensure information about identifying this hornet is widely distributed in areas where we found this hornet to date. We have engaged widely with local leaders who can spread awareness more widely."Inglis said they had close contact with the honey industry, and provided beekeepers and others with key information.He pushed back on suggestions from Windust that traps should be used for the hornets.There were no specific traps available for the hornet, he said.Inglis said they were also convening a technical advisory group of independent scientific experts with expertise in the biology, ecology, and management of social wasps. The TAG would look at the current situation and consider options for ongoing work regarding the hornet.Inglis continued to encourage the public to notify Biosecurity New Zealand of any suspicious-looking insects or nests.This story was originally published by RNZ

OmahaThere is a new, private pickleball court just opened in Omaha! They are offering discounts for locals and have beginner classes on Monday’s. You can find out more details here https://matakanacoastapp.com/NewsStory/pickleball-matakana-opens-new-indoor-court-on-the-matakana-coast/68f52e6c38d970002d2882d6#topMatakanaThe iconic Morris & James is having their very last and final sale before closing.1-16 November - starts 9am – 5pm every day.» Shop instore specials and the last stock - all must go» Display pieces and curiosities from the factory» Last call to redeem gift vouchers before they close foreverWellsfordAnother section of the infamous and hated Wellsford cobblestones are being removed. Starting at the Lotto shop and proceeding up, then continue from the Pub down to the Mobil Garage on the other side of the road. This work is being completed by Downers with most of the work being completed at night.MangawhaiA mountain bike park that is community led is being constructed by Kaipara District Council (KDC) in the bush area of Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ). You can read more about it here: https://matakanacoastapp.com/NewsStory/mangawhai-mountain-bike-park-set-to-get-rolling/68f02c44da2d91002df97722#top No Limits Surf & Skate retail store on Wood Street, has closed after only opening this year. But the good news it has been transformed into “The Studio”, with group fitness, PT classes, supplements and activewear. Head to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582162208337 Four Little Birds in Mangawhai next to New World is expanding further and now offering The Hatch juicery bar. You can check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/fourlittlebirdspatisserieandcakes Upscale Installs is a new business for Mangawhai. After more than 15 years servicing most major metro areas they are re-establishing their roots in Mangawhai!What they offer:- Kitchen, wardrobe, and office furniture installations- Design + supply of custom wardrobes, office spaces, and storage solutions- Offsite assembly + delivery from our local workshopLocation :90B Mangawhai Heads Roadwww.upscaleinstalls.co.nz

Sam Sherwood, National Crime CorrespondentMore than 100 police officers are under investigation after 30,000 alcohol breath tests were "falsely or erroneously recorded", RNZ can reveal.Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Johnson says the numbers are "incredibly disappointing and concerning".About 120 police officers now faced "further scrutiny under a disciplinary process which is underway".RNZ has seen a memo that was sent to staff earlier this month on behalf of Johnson.Do you know more? Email [email protected] memo said after evaluating data in August 2025, the Intelligence and Performance team within the National Road Policing Centre identified "an anomaly in data relating to breath testing activity"."From the audit which covered over 4.6 million breath tests performed between 1 July 2024 and 17 August 2025, the initial analysis suggested there were tests conducted that were simulated without the involvement of a driver."This is not what we expect from our staff and urge all to be vigilant about our processes when undertaking and recording tests."In response to questions from RNZ, Johnson said a review of 5.3 million alcohol breath screening tests conducted by police between 1 July 2024 and 30 September 2025 30,961 tests were "falsely or erroneously recorded".Johnson said the data compiled by the road policing team was monitored and regularly audited to ensure reporting was "accurate, consistent and ethical".The audit indicated that some staff had recorded breath screening tests that hadn't occurred.Johnson said that despite this, Police's obligation to deliver 3.3 million tests for NZTA and Ministry of Transport had been met and was not compromised."What is a concern, however, is that the data clearly shows either poor judgement or poor processes by a small number of staff using the testing devices."We have already reminded staff of their obligations with regard to breath testing processes."Johnson said the numbers were "incredibly disappointing and concerning"."It is important we hold our staff to account as the public has a right to expect we will go about our duty honestly, and fairly. This does not in any way reflect the vast majority of our staff who act with honesty and integrity every day."We are confident the required number of breath tests agreed upon with New Zealand Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi, Ministry of Transport and Police, noted in the Road Policing Investment Programme 2024-27, has been surpassed despite the number of falsely or erroneously recorded tests."Johnson said police's existing and ongoing data analysis processes had enabled police to "identify and proactively manage this situation" and had issued a "clear message to our staff reminding them of their obligations and offered further training."Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he had been briefed on the issue and had been assured police were "taking action and investigating the matter"."The Commissioner and I have been very clear that standards and conduct must be maintained at the highest level across the police force."Road policing is an integral part of policing, and in isolation of these breaches, the targets are continuing to serve a purpose, with positive results."Transport Minister Chris Bishop said he had also been briefed and was "concerned"."I understand police are investigating this matter."Independent Police Conduct Authority assurance manager Andrew MacNeill said the Authority had been informed of the results of the audit."Police have developed a framework for managing disciplinary concerns arising from the audit and provided it to the Authority. The Authority will oversee any disciplinary processes."In August last year the government announced a $1.3 billion Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP).The programme included increased alcohol breath tests with a target of 3.3 million roadside alcohol breath tests per year and a focus on high-risk items with a requirement that 65 percent of breath tests are done at high or extreme alcohol risk times.In May, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell released a statement saying the government's "crackdown on drunk drivers is delivering real results", with data revealing the number of alcohol-related deaths had reduced by nearly 40 percent in 2024."Police have really stepped up their road policing efforts in the past year. In 2024, Police delivered 4,118,159 passive breath and breath screening tests, the highest number recorded in a calendar year, and smashing their RPIP target of 3.3 million per year," the statement said."Police have also exceeded their target to focus 65 percent of their breath testing on the highest risk times."In the first nine months of this financial year (July 2024 to March 2025), Police delivered 2,177,179 passive breath and breath screening tests during high or extreme risk alcohol hours. This is 35 percent above the year-to-date target of 1,608,750 tests, and a 21 percent increase compared to the first nine months of the previous financial year."This story was originally published by RNZ

Auckland oyster farmers are furious after what is believed to be the biggest wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River this year.Ten marine farms have been in a lengthy battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflow contaminating their oyster crops.Mahurangi Oysters owner Jim Aitken told RNZ that, in an email on Thursday, Watercare informed them of an overflow at its Lucy Moore Memorial Park pump station.In the email, seen by RNZ, Watercare said at about 2.30pm the pump station overflowed to the stormwater pond and wastewater began entering the Mahurangi River."We believe the overflow was caused by a power surge that tripped our pumps."Unfortunately, this was not flagged by our internal alert system, and we did not discover the overflow until a site visit this morning. The pump station was reactivated, and the overflow stopped about 8am [on Thursday]."Watercare estimated the overflow volume was about 1200 cubic metres, but did not know how much had reached the harbour.Aitken said continuous pollution of the water had ruined his business."We're going under, simple as that. I'm now burning through my personal cash flow. I actually advertised this week for another staff member to help us out over Christmas and next year. I've pulled the pin on the whole thing, I can't afford it."It's heartbreaking to see New Zealand, once known for clean, green food production, become unsafe because of repeated spills by Watercare."The future we've invested in for our family's legacy and our retirement is going down the drain. Watercare needs to be held to account."Aitken said the family-owned farm had to close for 28 days because of this latest spill.He said it had 80,000 dozen oysters ready to be sold, many of which would now have to be dumped.Mahurangi Oyster Association chairperson, Lynette Dunn told Morning Report the sewage overflow comes at the peak of their season."We need financial support from Watercare as this is going to continue happening for the next two years until the new treatment plant is up and running."Dunn said issues regarding sewage had been a problem oyster farmers in the area had been battling for seven years."So we are just pretty worn out about the whole thing, just the whole non caring about the harbour itself as well."She said it can create dead zones in the harbour where marine life can't survive.Dunn said there was not one business in the harbour that was not struggling.'Extremely disappointed' - WatercareIn a statement, Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair confirmed the "significant" wastewater overflow and said the company had alerted Auckland Council's pollution response team and the Ministry for Primary Industries."We are extremely disappointed and sorry that this has happened, particularly for the impact it is having on the local oyster farmers, who now face a 28-day harvest closure," Sinclair said."We had been seeing a positive impact from our recent improvements to the Warkworth wastewater network that had allowed oyster harvesting to resume, so we know this news will be very upsetting to farmers who are nearing the end of their harvest season."I have been in touch with the oyster farmers to convey how disappointed we are, and hope to meet them soon so I can apologise in person on behalf of Watercare and offer our support."The pump station did have internal storage, but this had overflowed to the nearby stormwater pond, and wastewater began entering the river.Crews had pumped the combined wastewater and stormwater from the pond back into the pump station, which was operating normally, on Thursday afternoon, Sinclair said."We have begun an investigation into what caused the power surge, and to look into why our alarm systems and monitoring didn't work as we'd expect. We are determined to learn from this and ensure we don't face a similar incident in the future."This story was originally published by RNZ

Victor Waters, JournalistThe Building Industry Federation (BIF) is anticipating an uplift in DIY with new rules around the construction garden shed, sleepout and garage coming into effect.The minimum required distance between single storey buildings under 10 square metres and a property boundary or other residential building (setback distance) has been removed by the coalition government.The setback distance has also been reduced to one metre for single-storey buildings between 10 and 30 square metres in size.Previously, garden sheds and other single storey detached buildings like sleep outs or garages had to be as far from a boundary or residential building as they were tall. The government said anything closer than that often required building consent.BIF chief executive Julien Leys welcomed the simplification of the regulations and said the changes were timely."We've seen during the economic downturn that's hit building and construction, a lift in the renovation market," he said."So there's been a shift from, you know, where most activity is in the new build market to renovations, which includes the sort of DIY side of things."This is going to be great for those weekend warriors and people that just want to get started and do so with less fuss and less cost and make this addition to their property or dwelling, so it's a fantastic move."We still need more activity in the building sector, and that means granny flats, people building those up to 70 square metres. It's going to generate additional demand for materials, which is good, that's all part of the activity that we need to stimulate the sector."Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said it was about making building simpler and more affordable for property owners."Boosting productivity in our building system means cutting red tape wherever we can - from major consenting reforms to small, everyday improvements like making it easier to put up a garden shed."It's a win not just for property owners, but also for builders and modular structure companies, who may now find it easier to undertake these projects or manufacture small structures like sheds."Frustration with the building consent system is one of the most common issues raised on the Red Tape Tipline, and when I'm talking to tradies and homeowners around the country."Regulation Minister David Seymour said there was no justification for the previous setback distances on private property. He said this regulation had been a regular complaint on the 'red tape tipline'."Section sizes are shrinking, and the cost of living rising. Forcing people to put sheds in the middle of their lawn or pay for a consent to store tools didn't make sense. No homeowner wants that. So, we fixed it for them."Today's housing market means space is tight and building costs are high. These types of property developments are practical and affordable improvements. Now people can utilise them without hassle."We're acting on the tips we get through the red tape tipline by removing regulation and making it easier for Kiwis to get things done. We want to hear about red tape like this which is getting in the way - I encourage anyone with a red tape issue to report it on the Ministry for Regulation website."Leys said regulations had become too complicated over the years and needed a reset."I think it's just been a process over the years where things and regulations and rules tend to aggregate and accumulate and eventually a great idea becomes quite hard and complex to navigate.""So you need to then do a reset, which is what the current government's doing to simplify things and actually just make it easy, still within, you know, our overall standards and our code, but make it easy to get some things done that don't require the same degree of red tape," said Leys.The government outlined that homeowners will still need to ensure that all building work is compliant with the Building Code and local district plans.Garden sheds and other small structures up to 30 square metres can be built without building consent, provided they meet certain criteria.Previously, one of the criteria required a garden shed be the same distance from any boundary or another building as its own height. If not, homeowners needed a building consent.Changes to the exemption conditions:allow homeowners to build single storey detached buildings between 10 and 30 square metres in floor area one metre away from any boundary or another building without a building consentremove the current setback requirement for building consent exemption for single-storey structures under 10 square metres, meaning a shed can be built up to the boundary or another building without a building consent.The changes were made by amending Schedule 1 of the Building Act.This story was originally published by RNZ

A community group opposed to a fast-tracked sand mining proposal in Northland's Bream Bay has set an unofficial world record for the number of people making sandcastles at once.Saturday's event at Ruakākā Beach saw 485 people making mostly marine-themed sand sculptures simultaneously, smashing the previous record of 396 set on a Belgian beach in 2019.Waipū friends Charlie, 10, Breeze, 11, and Pippa, 10, sculpt a whale's tail. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafSand turtles, octopuses, dolphins and mermaids featured strongly, but fairy gardens, a pā site and a pair of Crocs also put in an appearance.Bream Bay Guardians member Mary Sinclair said she was delighted with the turnout."Absolutely rapt. It was fantastic. We beat the number on the beach in terms of the world record, so it's a dream come true."Sinclair said the event was partly a protest, but more importantly, it was an opportunity to engage with young people and recruit new members to the cause.In particular, the group wanted young people's ideas about what a healthy ocean, healthy beaches and healthy dunes should look like.She said her group had grave concerns about Auckland company McCallum Brothers' application for a fast-tracked, 35-year consent to mine 8 million cubic metres of sand off the Bream Bay coast.Only the most technologically advanced counting systems were used to check if the world record had been broken. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafSinclair said the bay was a "closed sand system" so any sand mined from the sea bed would not be replenished from the sea. Instead, the holes dredged in the sea floor would eventually be filled by sand washed from local beaches, fuelling erosion.Those taking part included Kate Hattaway of Waipū and her grandchildren.The Hattaway grandchildren from Kumeu work on a fairy garden. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf"I've had a magical time growing up on the beach, and I want that for my grandchildren and all future generations," she said."The sand is the foundation of absolutely everything. Once you start messing with that, you mess with everything."Josephine Te Pirihi, of local hapū Patuharakeke, wrote a waiata for the occasion called Waiho Ngā Whare Onepū ('Leave Our Sandcastles Alone).Tova, 7, Kobe, 6, Rewi and Rikihana Norman, from One Tree Point, build a pā site complete with palisades and whare. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafShe also had serious concerns for the future of Te Akau (Bream Bay)."Sand mining will affect our kai moana, the manu [birds] and all the environment that's around here. We won't be around in 35 years' time, but what will be left for our tamariki?"Hayley Martin and Darren Webb of Ruakākā add the finishing touches to a killer whale sculpture. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafA number of freshly elected district and regional councillors took part in the event, along with new Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper - who lives in nearby Waipū - and his Kaipara counterpart, Jonathan Larsen.Couper said many generations of his family had grown up in Bream Bay.Eleven-year-old Cate Field from Waipū sculpts an octopus with a message. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf"So it's incredibly special to us. The work the Guardians of Bream Bay are putting in to make sure the government knows how local people feel about the sandmining proposal needs to be supported. It's not my show at all, but I'm very happy to support them."Couper said he agreed with fast-tracking in general, because something had to be done to get the country's economy moving.The Stanbridge and McKenzie families from Ruakākā with that rarely seen species, the spotted Maui dolphin. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafHowever, in this case, he believed the proposal's purported benefits would not be felt in Northland."There's no economic benefit that we can see, there's no jobs, that's why I think this case is different."Contestants in the unofficial world record attempt line up for the count. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafLarsen said the proposed mining operation was just over the boundary from the Kaipara District, which was part of the same sand system."It's a finite resource, so if we take the sand from off the coast, the sand beside the coast moves to fill the hole. So I say let's keep our sand on our beaches."New Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen joins the line-up for the world record count. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafTen-year-old Kyra from Ruakākā worried what would happen to tuatua and other shellfish if the proposal went ahead - but said she had enjoyed the day on the beach."It was really cool getting a world record and building stuff with sand," she said.Sinclair said Saturday's record would not be formally recognised because of the high cost of bringing Guinness World Records officials to New Zealand to verify it.This story was originally published by RNZ

Biosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) following the discovery of a queen hornet in the early stages of building a nest in the suburb of Glenfield.The nest was removed swiftly by biosecurity officers on 17 October, addressing the immediate threat of a colony establishing, says Mike Inglis, North commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.However, with summer approaching, any undetected nests could be a biosecurity risk. "This is the first time we’ve found a queen yellow-legged hornet in New Zealand," Mr Inglis says."We responded quickly to this threat, but we need the public’s help to eliminate any further risk."Two male yellow-legged hornets were spotted earlier this year in the Auckland suburbs of Grafton and Albany. "New Zealand is fortunate to be free of hornet populations, and we want it to stay that way," Mr Inglis says. The yellow-legged hornet is a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations. "It is a highly adaptable predator with a broad diet, primarily feeding on bees, wasps, and flies, but also ripe fruit and flower nectar, posing a risk to growers. It may compete with native insects and birds for food, and it has a painful sting."Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests online at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.Report pests online Fact sheet: Keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets [PDF, 431 KB]For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email [email protected] media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328

Reports of very heavy traffic heading South from Waipu all the way through to Warkworth.Also strong wind gusts are expected to affect the Harbour Bridge between 7pm Monday 27 October and 4am Tuesday 28 October. Speed restrictions and lane reductions are likely, while temporary full closures may be required if severe winds gust over 90km/h.Caution is advised, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists. Please drive with care and expect delays.Detour route - Consider using the Western Ring Route (SH16 and SH18) as an alternative route.

No, it’s not a restaurant! Arborists have been busy removing wilding pines and pest plants and clearing overgrowth to create a large flat picnic space below the carpark.The mulch from this work will be re-used onsite once the banks have been cleared. Both the track and the stairway down to Picnic Bay will be given a spruce up soon too.In the new year, work will start on expanding the carpark by 101 additional parking spaces – keep an eye out toward the end of the year for more information.These works are in line with the Mangawhai Heads Reserve Concept Plan adopted by Council following community consultation earlier this year. You can see the concept plan here.

Good morning, Matakana Coast! If you’re waking up in the area or visiting for Labour Weekend, make sure you don’t miss the first Matakana Country Park Market of the summer season, opening this morning from 9 am – 2 pm at Matakana Country Park, 1151 Leigh Road.The Friday Night Market kicked off the season in style with live music, food trucks and a relaxed twilight vibe under the trees. Now it’s time for the Sunday Country Market to bring that same community energy into the sunshine with fresh local produce, artisan goods, handmade crafts, plants, coffee, pastries and family fun.Set on the spacious, tree-lined grounds of Matakana Country Park, the market offers a relaxed, country-coastal feel plenty of parking, great coffee, and a chance to support local growers, bakers and makers.Bring the kids, grab a bite, stroll the stalls, and soak up that classic Matakana weekend atmosphere.This market marks the official start of the summer market season on the Matakana Coast a tradition that draws visitors from Puhoi to Mangawhai each year. The Matakana Country Park Market runs Sundays through Spring and Summer, and the Friday-evening sessions, introduced in 2022, have quickly become a highlight for locals and visitors alike.So, if you’re nearby this morning, pop down between 9 am and 2 pm enjoy the food, music, and easy Matakana charm. It’s the perfect way to start your Sunday.📍 Matakana Country Park1151 Leigh Road, Matakana🕘 Today 9 am – 2 pmFree entry • Parking available • Family & dog friendly

Gianina Schwanecke, Producer/[email protected] Investments, the parent company of furniture giant Ikea, has bought 10,000 hectares of production forestry in Northland from Greenheart Group.It takes the company's investment in the country's forestland to nearly 30,000 hectares, worth about $616 million. This includes nine existing forestry blocks planted in mostly pinus radiata, and an additional 3000ha of indigenous forest, most of which will be dedicated to biodiversity conservation and other environmental purposes.It comes as Ikea plans to open its first New Zealand store in Auckland in December.Forestland acquisition manager Simon Honour said its main focus was production forestry as opposed to carbon farming, and had hopes of using the timber for Ikea products."Obviously wood is an essential part of the Ikea identity and our ultimate goal is to get that wood into the Ikea supply chain."He said it would focus on domestic processing and was working to develop relationships with local sawmills and traders, though he did not rule out looking to develop their own further down the track.Honour said most of the forestland was not eligible for carbon units.Where blocks are registered under the Emissions Trading Scheme, or ETS, he said this helped quantify how many units are being sequestered and the carbon units are not traded."We have no focus on carbon whatsoever, and we have a pure timber focus."Overseas Investment Office figures from last year show Ingka Investments had bought about 19,200ha of farmland to turn into rotational pine forests.Some of the more prominent sales included Huiarua Station and Matanui Station in the Gisborne region, with a combined area of just over 6000ha.Honour acknowledged much of the land purchased by Ingka Investments since 2021 was farmland converted to forestry."Even from the start, if we could buy forests we would have. Unfortunately they don't come up for sale that often."We wanted to get established in New Zealand and at that time, back in 2021, acquiring farms was a way to do that."He said there were "pros and cons" to establishing new forestry blocks."Creating forests from the start where you can set your riparian zones, your set back from waterways right from the start does have some benefits."He would not rule out purchasing future farms for conversion, but said it was not Ingka's focus for now."We would much rather procure existing forests because it just fits with our values better."He said the strategic acquisition underscored Ingka Investments' long-term commitment to responsible forest management, sustainable land stewardship and regional economic development.Addressing farmer concerns about the risk of fire and pests on forestland, Honour said management plans were in place for both.Planned restoration projects focused on indigenous reforestation, and enhancement of existing native vegetation will be complemented by ongoing pest-control programs designed to safeguard biodiversity, improve forest health, and support the long-term success of restoration efforts.While pinus radiata will remain the dominant commercial species due to its proven performance, future replanting cycles will selectively introduce alternative species where appropriate.This diversification strategy will strengthen ecosystem resilience, support biodiversity, and improve overall forest health.The Northland forests were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and would remain so.New Zealand's first Ikea opens in December. Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziHonour said a commercial production forest contributed to regional employment and he hoped to grow the number of Northland jobs.Local forestry company, Northland Forest Managers, would continue daily operations. Manager Neil Geerkens said he looked forward to the partnership."Together, we will maintain sustainable harvesting practices, enhance biodiversity conservation and ensure continued community access, delivering enduring environmental, social, and economic benefits for the region."The acquisition was subject to OIO approval, and shareholder and regulatory approvals by Greenheart Group.Kelvin Meredith, Ingka Investments' forestland country manager New Zealand, said it was committed to responsible forest management, including restoring natural landscapes, supporting biodiversity and collaborating with local communities to create meaningful, lasting impact."People value recreational access to these forests, and we're committed to ensuring these opportunities continue."The Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park, located at Baylys Forest and operated by the Kaipara Cycling Club, will continue to be free to access by the public, subject to seasonal safety restrictions.Seasonal beehives located on parts of the estate, operated in consultation with the landowner, will also remain in place to support local apiarists and contribute to biodiversity across the forest landscape.This story was originally published by RNZ

Over a thousand people are gathering at Ruakaka Beach in Northland today in hopes of breaking the world record for most people building sand sculptures at once. The Guiness World Record attempt is a statement against a fast track proposal by McCallum Bros to mine sand from Bream Bay.But organiser Mary Sinclair, a spokesperson for Bream Bay Guardians, said it was not a protest."On Saturday, the focus is not on a protest, it's on engaging youth to talk about our healthy ocean and what we might do to make sure it stays healthy," she said."We're doing it this weekend because our young people have been learning about healthy oceans and schools, and what we want those young people to be is ambassadors for Bream Bay in the future."The current record holder for 'most people making sand sculptures simultaneously' is Middelkerke in Belgium, where 396 people gathered in 2019.Sinclair said local school children and their families had been invited to participate in the attempt, which she expects will smash the record."Our goal is to have 2000 people on the beach simultaneously, and with the amount of support that we're getting at the moment, I would be surprised if we don't get there," she said."We've got the sausages wrapped up in bread and tomato sauce, we've got ice blocks, and we've got lots and lots of people coming to engage everybody in a very fun afternoon on Ruakaka Beach."She said the purpose was not to build one large sculpture, but hundreds of individual sculptures."We're encouraging them to be creative and to work individually, small groups, larger groups, and then we've got an emcee on the beach, so we will go around and we will engage the young people and the people undertaking those sand sculptures and have discussions about the meaning of those."The attempt is set to run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/576893/thousands-expected-to-attempt-guiness-world-record-for-sand-sculpture-building-in-ruakaka

Fishing in New Zealand has entered a new chapter. On 25 October 2025, the landmark Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act comes into full effect, representing the country’s most significant increase in marine protection in over a decade. Doc.govt.nz+1 For recreational fishers, businesses connected to the sea, and local communities, the implications are substantial.“The serene coastal waters near Pākiri and Leigh areas central to Northland and Rodney’s fishing and recreation culture.”What’s ChangingUnder the new law, parts of the Hauraki Gulf region will be designated as High Protection Areas (HPAs) and Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs), alongside the expansion of two existing marine reserves. In these zones:HPAs see prohibitions on almost all commercial and recreational fishing and shellfish gathering (aside from customary take) from the date of enforcement.SPAs protect seabed habitats and allow activities that do not significantly disturb the seabed (e.g line-fishing may still be allowed in some SPA zones).The scope of no-take and protection zones will nearly triple the protected area in the Gulf region.Meanwhile, across the country, the standard recreational rules bag limits, size limits, licence requirements remain integral.Why It MattersThe Hauraki Gulf has faced mounting ecological pressures: sedimentation, nutrient runoff, declining kelp forests, ‘kina barrens’ (where urchins over-graze kelp) and depleted fish stocks.The new protections aim to restore the health and mauri (life-force) of the Gulf, acknowledge the role of tangata whenua as kaitiaki (guardians), and ensure future generations enjoy a healthy marine environment.What It Means for YouIf you fish recreationally: check whether your fishing spot lies within one of the newly designated HPAs/ SPAs. If so, avoid taking fish or shellfish in that zone. Ensure you have the correct licence, and stay up-to-date with size and bag limits.If you operate a charter boat, tackle shop, tour business: update your maps and client-briefs. The law requires signage, boundary integration into chart-plotters, and education of users.If you’re involved in commercial fishing: the law’s carve-out for ring-net fishing in two HPAs has sparked debate. You’ll need to keep abreast of any transitional arrangements and compliance requirements.If you’re a community stakeholder or environmental advocate: the protections represent hope for recovery but the work is just beginning. Enforcement, monitoring, addressing land-based pressures and communicating with fishers will all matter.Practical Tips for the FieldDownload the latest boundary files (GPX/KML) from the Department of Conservation for HPAs/SPAs in the Gulf. https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/maps-and-data/At boat ramps and access points, look out for new signage about no-take zones.Stay informed about size limits and bag limits for your region via the Ministry for Primary Industries website.Consider incorporating the new rules into your business advisory services: e.g charter operators advising clients, gear retailers updating signage, local councils including fishing compliance in community education.Emphasise the longterm view: the benefits (higher biomass, healthier ecosystems) will accrue over years, not weeks.“A new dawn over the Rodney coast — symbolising a new era for sustainable marine stewardship.”Challenges AheadWhile the legislation is ambitious, some voices warn that it doesn’t address all pressures equally for example, commercial fishing impacts, land-based sedimentation and pollution still threaten fish stocks irrespective of protection zones. Moreover, compliance and enforcement will need to scale up: the new zones are only as good as how well users follow the rules and how well authorities monitor activity. Finally, balancing recreational access, commercial interests and ecosystem protection will remain politically and socially complex.ConclusionFor fishers, and for the businesses and communities connected with the sea, the changes coming into force today mark a pivot point. They signal a shift from “business as usual” to a future where careful stewardship of marine resources is front and centre. If you’re one of the many anglers walking the coastline at dawn, heading out for a days fishing or running a sea based business, now is the time we need to adapt, recalibrate and engage.

Police confirmed that a body was found at Lincoln Street Reserve in Mangawhai yesterday morning.Waitematā District Senior Sergeant Dean Robert said officers responded to the scene on the waterfront, where the body was discovered within the reserve grounds. The death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.Police said notifying the person’s next of kin was their immediate priority. Several officers attended the scene, with the Waitematā District Crime Squad also involved in follow-up inquiries.A blue gazebo was erected over an area of shrubbery near the carpark, and cordons were in place to restrict access while police carried out their work.Members of the public are asked to be aware that the Lincoln Street Reserve carpark may remain closed for a short period and to respect any cordons still in place.Our thoughts are with the person’s whānau and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace.

NZTA Northland Corridor Project update - October 2025Tēnā koe and welcome to the Northland Corridor newsletter.We are pleased to share the announcement from the Minister of Transport Chris Bishop confirming the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board endorsement of the Northland Corridor Investment Case for the 2 Roads of National Significance (RoNS) between Te Hana and Whangārei, Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway (including the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills) and Port Marsden Highway and Whangārei.The investment case recommends moving to route protection in a staged approach for the full corridor between Te Hana and Whangārei and endorses the preferred route.To address the critical resilience issues in the Brynderwyn Hills, the NZTA board has endorsed taking a staged approach to the corridor, focusing on the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills, which will provide the long-term solution and enhance the overall efficiency of the corridor.This milestone represents significant progress towards to the long-term corridor delivering a safe, resilient and efficient state highway connection between Auckland and Whangārei that will deliver nationally significant benefits. The corridor will be delivered in stages over a number of years, enabling programme costs to be managed over time.Now that we have confirmed the preferred route, we can have individual conversations with affected landowners and undertake the necessary geotechnical and environmental investigations to help us refine the route into the proposed designation, which is what we’ll use to lodge consents and designations to route protect the corridor. Route protection ensures that the necessary land will be secured for future construction. The Fast-track Approvals Act (FTAA) will play a key role in advancing the project’s next phase.All landowners within the preferred route will receive a letter from us which outlines the next steps. Due to the length of the preferred route from Te Hana to Whangārei, we will be engaging in individual meetings with landowners in stages, beginning with the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills section.Below, we share the preferred route map, more information for landowners, an updated timeline and answer some frequently asked questions.We will continue to work closely with our iwi and hapū partners and key stakeholders, and to share our progress with landowners and communities as we work at pace on the Northland Corridor project.Read the Minister’s press release here.Preferred route Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and Port Marsden Highway to WhangāreiClick here to view a larger version of the preferred route map.Benefits of the Northland CorridorThe Northland Corridor will:provide a better connection to Northland through more reliable and shorter travel times with up to 38 minutes savings between Te Hana and Whangārei.boost economic growth in the Northland region with 1000+ extra households within 30-min of urban Whangārei.provide a more resilient and reliable state highway connection with less closures.improve safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries by 66%.have a benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1.4.There is more information on the Investment Case summary here.Information for LandownersI’m a landowner in the emerging preferred corridor, what happens next? If you received a letter from us advising that your property was in the study area for the emerging preferred corridor, you will receive a letter in the post from us to advise you of the next steps.You will hear from us if you were within the study area for the emerging preferred corridor, even if your property is not within the preferred route.There is more information for landowners here.TimelineThe timeline below shows next steps for Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway (including the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills) and Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei over the coming months.Click here to view a larger version of the project timeline.FAQSWhat does the ‘preferred route’ mean?The preferred route is a refinement of the emerging preferred corridor. NZTA will use this route to apply for consents and designation. There are still several places the final road may go within the preferred route.What are the next steps?Now that the preferred route has been endorsed by the NZTA board, we will undertake geotechnical and environmental investigations in the preferred route to better understand local conditions.We will also contact landowners in the preferred route and arrange individual meetings with impacted landowners in stages, beginning with the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills section.We will continue to refine the preferred route further and we expect to lodge consents and designations for the Alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills in mid-2026, with this section of the project expected to be procurement ready by mid-2027.We expect to lodge designation for the rest of the corridor between Te Hana and Whangārei by mid-late 2026.What does ‘route protection’ mean?Route protection describes the identification and protection of land for future public work. Route protection is intended to protect the land from any development that could potentially make construction of the project more difficult in the future. Lodging a Notice of Requirement (NoR) is a key step in undertaking route protection.Protecting the route gives planning certainty for people, businesses and communities. It supports future planning and ensures the land is available when the project is ready to be built.Site investigationsWithin the preferred route, we will work to refine our designs further so we understand more about where the final road should go. We plan to do a range of ground and environmental investigations within the preferred route in the coming months. If you are a landowner within the preferred corridor, we may contact you to request permission to come on to your land to carry out our investigations.Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te HanaWork on the first section of the Northland Corridor, Ara Tūhono - Warkworth to Te Hana, is progressing at pace. The project is in procurement with the contract expected to be awarded in July 2026. Detailed design and early construction work is expected to start in late 2026.More informationFor more information on the Northland Corridor project, contact us at [email protected]

Mahurangi Wastebusters have a range of events many of them Christmas themed that you may want to check out!Their upcoming events are all about simple, practical ways to reduce waste. From clever re-use ideas to coastal clean-ups, there’s something for everyone — join them!-24 - 27 October 2025: Mahurangi coastal clean-up-1 November 2025: Bike maintenance clinic-8 November 2025: Bubbles and scrub - make your own household cleaners-29 November 2025: Make your own Christmas wreath-4 December 2025: Late night Christmas shopping at Less.waste with 20% off-6 December 2025: Make your own upcycled Christmas decorationsBetween 24 - 27 October: Coastal clean-ups: celebrating 50 years of the Goat Island Marine ReserveMahurangi Wastebusters invites you to take part in our community-wide beach clean-up event. Let’s join forces to protect our beautiful coastlines and marine life from plastic pollution and rubbish.How to Get Involved: Choose your beach Pick a local beach you love or somewhere between Pakiri and Mahurangi Regional Park — anywhere along the coast.Register with us Let us know where you’ll be collecting so we can track our collective impact via our fb page, email [email protected] or text Alexandra and Angela on 021353666 (heading coastal clean-up).Litter pickers – if you’d like to borrow litter pickers and gloves, let us know when you register.Collect rubbish Head out anytime between Friday 24th and Monday 27th, grab a bag, and start picking up litter from the sand, rocks, and dunes.Document your efforts and go in the draw for prizes-Snap photos of you (or your group) collecting and with the collected rubbish -Weigh it and count the items-Send your photos, location and data to us at Mahurangi Wastebusters fb page, email [email protected] or text Alexandra and Angela on 021353666.Why it matters: Plastic and litter on our beaches harm wildlife, pollute our oceans, and spoil the beauty of our coast. Every piece you remove makes a difference. By taking part, you’re contributing to a cleaner, healthier Mahurangi coastal community and sharing our efforts helps inspire others to do the same. Let’s celebrate your impact! We’ll be sharing highlights, photos, and clean-up stats on our social media after the event.All documented entries will go into the draw for prizes. Spread the word! Gather your friends, whānau, or co-workers, boatie friends. The more hands, the bigger the impact!1 November 2025: Bike maintenance clinic, 10 am - 2 pm (free)Give your bike a spring clean and get it tuned up for summer. Join Kelvin at the Learning Hub, Less.waste, 55 Lawrie Rd. No questions too big or too small. No booking necessary. Bring your bike and show up any time.8 November 2025: Bubbles and scrubs, 11 am - 12.05 pmCome hang with Sarah at the Learning Hub at Less.waste and whip up four all natural cleaning and beauty goodies that actually work... and smell amazing! You’ll mix up:🌿 A body scrub that’ll make you glow (and maybe dance).🧼 A cleaning spray that kicks grime to the curb.🧺 Laundry powder that gently caresses your clothes.🍽️ Dishwasher powder that’ll make your dishes sparkle - no wand required. All ingredients are provided—just bring a couple of small clean jars to stash your new treasures.Limited spots — book your place now! $5 entry https://events.humanitix.com/diy-bubble-and-scrubs-with-mahurangi-wastebusters29 November 2025: Make your own Christmas wreath with Shelly, 10.30 - 1 pmGet festive and sustainable by creating your own rag Christmas wreath at Less.waste’s Learning Hub with Shelly from Tinker Designs. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll use upcycled fabrics and simple techniques to craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind wreaths. A fun and eco-friendly way to decorate your home and celebrate the festive season. Suitable for all ages - register now to secure your spot! $5 entry. https://events.humanitix.com/upcycled-christmas-rag-wreaths-with-tinker-designs4 December 2025, 4 pm - 8 pm: Late night Christmas shopping at Less.waste, with 20% discountFor one night only, enjoy a 20% discount on all items in store — from vintage treasures and pre-loved clothing to unique homeware, books, gifts, building supplies, tools, bikes and more.Why shop second-hand this Christmas? It's eco-friendly – reduce waste and give items a second life It’s budget-friendly – save money without compromising on quality It’s one-of-a-kind – find unique gifts you won’t see anywhere else Our shop is packed with great bargains, and with the added discount, it's the perfect time to tick off your Christmas list while supporting sustainable shopping.6 December 2025: Upcycled Christmas Decorations with Shelly, 10.30 am - 1 pmJoin us for a fun and creative workshop led by Shelly from Tinker Designs at Less.waste’s Learning Hub, where we’ll transform a selection of upcycled and natural materials into unique festive decorations for your Christmas tree. Learn simple techniques to repurpose everyday items into something beautiful, sustainable, and full of holiday spirit.Perfect for all ages—come make decorations that are kind to the planet and special to your home!Bookings essential, $5 entry fee https://events.humanitix.com/upcycled-christmas-decorations-with-tinker-designs/ticketsTo follow Wastebusters on FB head to https://www.facebook.com/mahuwastebusters