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 Warkworth Roundabout and Silverdale on-ramp, 18 SeptemberPuhoi southbound on-ramp, 18 SeptemberOrewa southbound on-ramp, 18 SeptemberMillwater southbound on-ramp, 18 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 19 SeptemberOrewa southbound on-ramp, 19 SeptemberMillwater southbound on-ramp, 19 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Warkworth Roundabout, 17 SeptemberOrewa northbound on-ramp, 17 SeptemberSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 17 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 18-19 SeptemberOrewa northbound on-ramp, 18-19 SeptemberSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 18-19 SeptemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 16-19 September (approx.10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 16-19 September (approx.10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 16-19 September (approx.10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 18-19 SeptemberRamarama southbound on-ramp, 18-19 SeptemberPokeno southbound off-ramp, 15-16 SeptemberPokeno southbound on-ramp, 15-16 SeptemberPioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 15-16 SeptemberNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Foster Road, 16-19 September (approx.8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 16-19 September (approx.8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 15 September (approx.8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 15 September (approx.8:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Neilson Street southbound on-ramp, 15 SeptemberMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 15 SeptemberNeilson Street northbound off-ramp, 16 SeptemberRimu Road northbound on-ramp, 16 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 19 September (approx.10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 19 September (approx.10:00pm to 5:00am)Walmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 19 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between SH20/SH20A link and Landing Drive, 16 SeptemberSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 16 SeptemberSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 16 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 17-19 September (approx.10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 17-19 SeptemberGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Kirkbride Road southbound on-ramp, 16 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Landing Drive and SH20A/SH20 link, 15 SeptemberSH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 15 SeptemberKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 15 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 17 September

Police investigating a potential Northland homicide want to hear from anyone who might have seen either of two vehicles linked to the case.A body was found in a burnt-out vehicle on Ripiro Beach, near Glink's, on Monday morning.Police on Tuesday said they were speaking with a person of interest, but no arrest had been made. Discussions with that person were ongoing, Detective Inspector Al Symonds said on Friday.The body had undergone a post mortem, but formal identification was still being worked on."The investigation team are still working to piece together the events leading up to how this person lost their life," Symonds said. "I know there will be some speculation in this tight knit community about who the victim is. At this point I would ask people to respect that whānau will be learning the devastating news that they have lost a loved one."Police were now appealing to the public for any information or sightings of two vehicles of interest - a 2012 grey Ford Ranger, registration GJC586; and a white or light grey 2001 Toyota Harrier, registration FYR31."In particular we are appealing for any sightings of the above two vehicles in the Te Kopuru area between 2pm on Sunday, 8 September and 9am on Monday, 9 September, in particular in the Pinaki, Burgess and Pouto Road areas," Symonds said."We are also interested in any sighting of a person riding a quad bike along Pinaki or Pouto Roads around the same time."If anyone saw either of these vehicles between these times we are urging you to please come and speak to us."Local hapu had placed a rāhui on a section of Ripiro Beach until 8am Sunday, 15 September.Police said anyone with information should call them on 105, or call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.This story was first published by RNZ

Police investigating the death of a Dargaville woman on a west coast beach last month are hoping new CCTV images will provide a breakthrough in finding her killer.The body of Joanna Mai Sione-Lauaki was found on Ripiro Beach, between Omamari and Aranga, on 2 August, a day after she failed to return home.The 38-year-old's death was initially regarded as unexplained but since last Friday police have been treating it as a homicide.Detective Inspector Al Symonds, of Northland CIB, said police were appealing to the public for sightings of the man captured in the CCTV images.The man was about 189cm tall, in his late 30s, with Caucasian complexion, green eyes, a beard and sandy coloured hair.He was wearing a blue sweater with white pants, dark boots and a hat, and had two white pig hunting dogs.CCTV images of a man in relation to an ongoing homicide investigation in Northland. The images were edited by NZ Police around the man's face before publication by media. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand PoliceSymonds said police believed he was the last person to see Sione-Lauaki alive."We're asking anyone who may have seen this man in the Baylys or Omamari beach areas, and as far north as The Bluff, on 1 or 2 August to please come forward."Symonds also repeated his appeal for information about a white 2012 Toyota Hilux flat deck ute, with no registration plates, an orange hazard light on the roof, and aluminium dog cages on the back.He believed the vehicle was in the area where Sione-Lauaki's body was found.Police wanted to hear about any sightings of the ute until about 10 August.Photo: Supplied / New Zealand PolicePhoto: Supplied / New Zealand Police"Our teams are working hard to piece together the events leading up to Jo's death and any information, no matter how small, could assist in getting closure for her whānau," Symonds said.Several items of clothing were still missing, and police wanted the public's help to locate a white Nike T-shirt with a red tick, black or dark grey tracksuit pants and red Adidas scuffs.Anyone who could help should call 105 quoting file number 240803/9062.Anyone who wanted to talk to a member of the investigation team in person could go to Dargaville Police Station, and those who wanted to pass on information anonymously could do so via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.This story was originally published by RNZ

A potentially invasive red seaweed not previously seen in mainland New Zealand has been discovered in Northland and the Hauraki Gulf.While the weed, called Asparagopsis taxiformis, has displaced native species and reduced biodiversity in other parts of the world, it's of interest to science for its ability to counter methane emissions from livestock.Northland regional councillor Jack Craw said the seaweed was first spotted at Tamaterau, in Whangārei Harbour, by ecologist and fellow councillor Amy Macdonald.It had also been found at Iris Shoal, off Kawau Island, by NIWA staff looking for caulerpa, a highly invasive exotic seaweed.Since then large amounts had washed up at Tamaterau.Craw - who chairs the Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party - said the seaweed was native to the Rangitāhua/Kermadec Islands and similar to mainland New Zealand's red seaweed Asparagopsis armata.Officials suspected it had been at both the Whangārei Harbour and Kawau Island locations for some time, most likely finding its way there on a biofouled hull or hitching a ride on an anchor or other equipment."We don't know how this weed will react in the mainland New Zealand marine environment, and at this stage there is no evidence to suggest that the seaweed is affecting biodiversity in these areas. However, internationally it has been shown to outcompete and displace native species, impacting biodiversity," Craw said.Northland Regional Councillor Amy Macdonald with the red seaweed she discovered at Whangārei Harbour. Photo: Supplied / NRCBiosecurity New Zealand would make any decisions regarding control, if any, and was currently completing a risk assessment.In the meantime, Craw urged vessel owners to be extra vigilant and ensure hulls were clean before moving."It's also important to make sure that anchors and all top side gear are also clean, free of fouling and, if possible, dry before moving."He said red seaweeds had been researched by scientists in New Zealand and overseas for their ability to reduce methane emissions when used in feed for ruminants.Anyone who spotted what they thought might be Asparagopsis taxiformis outside Whangārei Harbour could call the MPI hotline on 0800 80 99 66, or use the online report form.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 13th September - Often cloudy. Chance of afternoon and evening shower. Northerlies developing this morning.Saturday 14th September - Rain developing in the morning. Fresh northerlies, turning lighter southwesterly in the afternoon.Sunday 15th -Partly cloudy. Fresh southwesterlies, turning lighter northwesterly.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 13th September - Cloudy periods. Chance of a shower from afternoon. Northerlies developing this morning.Saturday 14th September - Rain developing in the morning. Fresh northerlies, turning lighter westerly in the afternoon.Sunday 15th - Fine. Southwesterlies, turning northwesterly.

NEW Trades on the app to check out.Remember to SUPPORT LOCAL!! Forde Brothers House Removals are a “One-Stop Shop” house moving company in Auckland for all matters relating to house and building removals. They buy houses, sell houses, and move houses. Auckland based, but they North Island wide.The Grind Guys are concrete grinding and polishing specialists, offering expert services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. They provide top-quality concrete preparation, finishing, and floor leveling to ensure smooth, durable surfaces. The Grind Guys deliver exceptional results tailored to each client's needs, using the latest equipment and techniques. Servicing Auckland and Northland.The Waterproofing Company situated in Wellsford, excels in delivering state-of-the-art membrane roofing and waterproofing solutions across Auckland, Rodney, and up to Mangawhai and Whangārei.Leigh Electrical is Joe Roberts is your local Electrician, based in Leigh, offering both residential and commercial services. Joe provides professional electrical services with a commitment to excellent customer satisfaction, he delivers dependable service you can trust.Premium Painters Ltd are based in Warkworth, and dedicated in providing clients with quality workmanship and finishing jobs in a reasonable time frame. Achieving a paint finish of a high standard that will last as long as possible. They also get fantastic reviews on No Cowboys website.Rochford Landscapes has been operating in Rodney for more than 10 years and are fast becoming the number one provider of top quality landscape services in the area. They offer a complete landscape service from maintenance to full installation and able to cater to all of your landscaping needs.📱 If you want your business to be on the App get in [email protected] or Contact

If you own or operate a tractor and heavy machinery, you need to pay attention to this message.Over the last two months, four tractors have been stolen from the Wellsford area during the evening, and there have been three commercial burglaries targeting heavy vehicles and machinery in Warkworth.Police are calling on owners and operators to be vigilant that this offending is occurring in your community.Enquiries are ongoing into this recent offending.In many cases, the keys to these tractors and vehicles have been left inside.We are finding thieves are breaking into property or premises and simply driving away with stolen property.Police are urging owners to:- Not to leave keys inside their tractors or heavy vehicles.- To lock or secure all access doors, windows, and gates.- To install tracking devices on their vehicles if possible.Everyone can take small steps to make life difficult for thieves and help prevent equipment being stolen.

WELCOME TO FROST FITNESS - THE COMMUNITY GYM Transform Your Fitness Journey with Frost Fitness!Looking to achieve your fitness goals in a welcoming and motivating environment? Frost Fitness is the perfect place for you! Located conveniently in the heart of Warkworth, our state-of-the-art gym offers everything you need to take your fitness to the next level.At Frost Fitness, we believe in providing more than just a workout. Our expert trainers are dedicated to helping you every step of the way, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey. From personalised training programs to group classes that challenge and inspire, we cater to all fitness levels.OUR FACILITIESLocated just off the main highway, Frost Fitness features everything from the conventional way of training to Group Fitness to Personal Training, with everything available 24/7 & 400 square feet of training space making us the optimal choice of fitness facility in Warkworth. You’ll love training in our facility but you’ll also love our comfortable greeting area, dedicated mobility zone, ease of parking and showers to freshen up post workout. We offer a women only gym, group fitness classroom, spin room, yoga, sauna, and a coffee/smoothie cart. Pop in and see us anytime for a quick tour. Why Choose Frost Fitness?Cutting-Edge Equipment: Access the latest in fitness technology to maximise your results.Expert Trainers: Our certified trainers are here to guide you with personalised advice and support.Flexible Membership Options: Enjoy a range of membership plans tailored to suit your needs and lifestyle.Community Spirit: Join a vibrant, supportive community that encourages and motivates you.Convenient Location: Easily accessible in Warkworth, with ample parking and extended hours.Whether you're aiming to build strength, increase endurance, or simply stay active, Frost Fitness provides the ideal environment for you to succeed. Plus, our friendly team is always on hand to offer advice and encouragement, making sure you stay on track. Meet Danny Frost: Leading the Way in Health & FitnessDanny Frost's passion for health and fitness began in the high school weight room, where he first discovered the transformative power of strength training. This early experience led him to join his first gym, and from that point, he was hooked. His dedication to fitness took him to the Northland Powerlifting Championships, where he proudly placed 2nd in Northland.Since then, Danny has been committed to a lifelong journey of physical fitness, which also includes many years of active participation in the Martial Arts community. His extensive experience and deep-rooted passion for fitness have driven him to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. Over the years, Danny has guided countless individuals in their gym training, and as a qualified Massage Therapist, he brings a holistic approach to wellness.Danny is deeply committed to empowering people from all walks of life to embark on their own fitness journeys and achieve their personal goals. Frost Fitness is more than just a gym to Danny; it's an incredible community hub filled with fantastic local personalities. Together with the team, Danny is dedicated to growing Frost Fitness as the premier place to train. Meet Fiona Frost: Champion of Health, Fitness, and Well-BeingFiona Frost is a passionate advocate of health, fitness, and overall well-being. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, Fiona has dedicated herself to supporting both young people and adults in achieving their goals and developing the skills necessary for a balanced and fulfilling life. Her journey into gym management began after meeting Danny, and since then, the gym has become an integral part of her life and wellness career.Recently, Fiona has pursued a career in Goal Coaching, where she works closely with clients to identify their aspirations, develop strategies to achieve them, and self-assess their progress. Her expertise in coaching is now a vital part of her work at Frost Fitness, where she is committed to helping members reach their personal health and fitness goals. A prime example of this is her recent introduction of education and movement classes specifically designed for Neurodiverse children at the gym.Fiona and Danny are eager to share this journey with the members of Frost Fitness and to continue fostering a community where everyone is empowered to thrive.SPECIAL OFFER: GET YOUR FIRST WEEK FREE!Ready to make a change? For a limited time, we're offering a free week of membership to all new members. Come and experience what makes Frost Fitness different. We’re confident you’ll love it!Visit us at frostfitness.co.nz to learn more and sign up today. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Frost Fitness!Start today, because tomorrow is another lost opportunity! 

Closure of Spark NZ Warkworth BranchThe Spark NZ branch in Warkworth will be closing its doors in two days on Friday, 13th September.Customers in the Matakana Coast and surrounding areas who prefer face-to-face services will now need to travel to the Silverdale or Albany branches for assistance.While the exact reason for the closure remains unclear, it reflects a growing trend among corporate businesses to consolidate their operations closer to larger urban centres.This move is likely to cause inconvenience, particularly for elderly customers who value in-person interaction and the ability to engage directly with services.

10 September 2024: All Good Bananas Ltd is recalling a specific batch of its All Good brand Barista Oat Milk due to the possible presence of Bacillus cereus.Point of sale notice for retailersIf you are a retailer of the product in this recall, download a copy of the point of sale notice. You need to display it in your store for one month.Point of sale notice – All Good brand Barista Oat Milk [PDF, 111KB]Consumer adviceCustomers are asked to check the batch and date marking on the back of the product.Affected product should not be consumed. There have been no reports of associated illness, however if you have consumed this product and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.More information on Bacillus cereus, and ways to avoid illnessWho to contactIf you have questions, contact All Good Bananas Ltd:Phone: 09 320 4691Email: [email protected]

Peter de GraafA legal challenge against a Northland council that voted to abolish its Māori ward last month is due to get underway on Wednesday morning.Ngāti Whātua iwi is calling on the High Court to overturn Kaipara District Council's decision, saying it breached two sections of the Local Government Act by failing to ensure Māori involvement in the decision-making process.The iwi is also planning a peaceful rally outside the Auckland High Court from 9.30am.Kaipara District Council was the first local authority in the country to use a new law to abolish its Māori Ward, during a fiery meeting in Mangawhai on 7 August.The council told RNZ it would defend its decision.The two sides have only today to put their arguments, with the judge expected to deliver a decision later this week.Ngāti Whātua maintains it should have been consulted about the move to scrap Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori Ward, held by councillor Pera Paniora, along with other iwi and and hapū including Te Uri o Hau, Te Roroa, Ngātiwai and Te Kuihi.Under the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024, councils that had introduced Māori Wards without a referendum were required to either abolish the wards from the 2025 local elections, or hold a binding poll alongside the election to decide whether to retain the wards in 2028 and 2031.The new law came into force on 30 July.Of the more than 40 councils with Māori wards, only two - Kaipara District and Upper Hutt City - voted to disestablish the wards by last Friday's deadline.This story was originally published by RNZ

Kia ora Warkworth customers, Our crew is doing routine maintenance on the Elizabeth Street sewer this week. From 9.30pm on Wednesday 11 September till 5am the next morning, they’ll be doing their mahi while you're hopefully catching some z's. The work won’t impact your wastewater services, so continue doing as you usually would if you're up through the wee hours. The only things you might notice are a temporary odour, a bit of noise, and there will be some temporary traffic changes along Elizabeth Street. Getting the work done in the wee hours using trenchless technology means there's less disruption for the community 

Peter de GraafPolice have launched a homicide enquiry after finding a body in a burning car on a beach near Dargaville.Emergency services were alerted to a car on fire on Ripiro Beach about 10.30am yesterday Monday.Detective Inspector Al Symonds, of Northland CIB, said a body was discovered inside the vehicle, which was placed under guard overnight.The body of Joanna Mai Sione-Lauaki was also found at Ripiro Beach in August. Photo: Google MapsA scene examination was now underway at the beach and a nearby property in Te Kopuru, a settlement 12km south of Dargaville."The circumstances surrounding the fire and how the car came to be on the beach are as yet unexplained."We know that events like this are incredibly concerning for our community."Symonds said no arrests had been made but police were speaking with a person of interest."At this stage we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident."Symonds said there was no connection with the death of Joanna Mai Sione-Lauaki whose body was discovered further north on the same beach in August.The death of 38-year-old Sione-Lauaki was initially treated as unexplained, but as of last Friday that was now also the subject of a homicide enquiry.A post-mortem examination and formal identification of the new victim would be carried out over the coming days, Symonds said.He urged anyone who had been in the area, or had information that could help the enquiry, to get in touch by calling 105, quoting reference number 240908/8425.Information could also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.This story was first published by RNZ

Kate Green , ReporterOfficial advice from the Infrastructure Commission shows the government could be set to spend 10 percent of its total budget for new infrastructure for the next 25 years on one roading project.The project "Accelerating Northland Expressway" is a four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei, which the government has agreed in principle to speed up as part of its Roads of National Significance programme.The commission's advice was sent to infrastructure minister Chris Bishop, in order for him to provide feedback to the transport minister Simeon Brown, and was obtained under the OIA by climate campaign group 350 Aotearoa.Sent in early July, the advice document reads: "Based on historic annual investment by central government and Treasury's projections of future GDP, we estimate this project alone could consume 10 percent of the total non-maintenance/renewal investment for the next 25 years across all types of central government infrastructure (roads, hospitals, schools, defence, justice, public admin, etc)."It said it saw a risk that the plan prioritised speed ahead of other considerations, and that "in doing so it may not deliver the pace or outcomes expected".On 23 July, transport minister Simeon Brown announced plans to speed up the construction of the expressway from Warkworth to Whangārei by combining three separate roading plans into one mega-project, to be built as a public-private partnership.The project's cost has yet to be estimated. An investment case will be considered by Cabinet later this year.The commission also says the paper "should be more transparent about the uncertainty of current cost estimates" - including the risks posed by the difficult terrain the highways would traverse."The actual costs could be much higher, and it would not be abnormal for projects of this complexity to cost 50 percent - 100 percent more than initial estimates."It said it was concerned about the process by which the project had been "identified as being of such high priority for delivery, amid scarce funding".The commission confirmed on Monday it was "unaware of any changes to Treasury's projections of future GDP or other matters" that would materially alter its estimate, or its advice.Brown said the paper was intended to "test the market for firms interested in delivering the Northland Expressway", a process which was currently underway.Officials were due to report back in the coming months, and the government was committed to the four-lane highway.Bishop declined to comment.350 Aotearoa campaigner Adam Currie said it showed the government's priorities were "all wrong"."Is this one motorway really worth one-tenth of our entire country's spending on schools, hospitals, houses and public transport infrastructure?" he asked.He said bigger roads caused more climate pollution, and the funds would be better spent on other projects."The eye-watering cost of this project shows the funds our communities need are there - but the government has their priorities all wrong."This story was first published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 9th September - Mainly fine. Isolated showers developing this evening. Westerlies, turning northerly this evening.Tuesday 10th - Fine. Fresh westerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 11th - Fine. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Thursday 12th - Fine. Northerlies developing.Friday 13th - A few showers. Northerlies.Saturday 14th - Showers. Northwesterlies.Sunday 15th - Showers. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 9th September - Mainly fine with variable high cloud. A few spots of rain this evening. Northwesterlies.Tuesday 10th - Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower. Westerlies.Wednesday 11th - Fine. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 12th - Partly cloudy. Northeasterlies developing.Friday 13th - Partly cloudy, with rain developing. Northerlies.Saturday 14th - A few showers. NorthwesterliesSunday 15th - Showers. Westerlies.

Overnight motorway closures 8 – 13 September 2024  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, 13 September 2024. Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday. Check daily updated closure information: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz  Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1) Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 11-12 SeptemberOrewa southbound on-ramp, 11-12 SeptemberMillwater southbound on-ramp, 11-12 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 11-12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Silverdale northbound on-ramp, 11-12 SeptemberStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 12-13 SeptemberCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 12-13 September

"Homicide investigation launched in Dargaville, information sought"Police are now treating the unexplained death of a woman in Dargaville last month as a homicide.The body of Joanna (Jo) Mai Sione-Lauaki, 38, was discovered between Omamari Beach and Aranga Beach on Friday 2 August.Detective Inspector Al Symonds, Northland CIB, says following extensive enquiries, Police believe Jo’s death is suspicious.“While Police had been treating this investigation as an unexplained death, the post-mortem has sadly confirmed the injuries received to the victim are consistent with foul play.“Our thoughts are with Jo’s whānau and friends at this time and we are committed to holding the person responsible to account.”Police appeal for information on clothing:Detective Inspector Symonds says the investigation team is now appealing for any information to help locate items of clothing they believe Jo may have been wearing prior to her death.“Her t-shirt, pants and shoes have not yet been located.“We are asking people from the area to be on the lookout for the property, and to contact us if any of the below items are found,” he says."The clothing and possessions may be on the beach or on a nearby property and we would ask anyone who has seen the items to please contact Police immediately.The clothing consists of a white Nike t-shirt with a red tick, black or dark grey tracksuit pants and red Adidas scuffs like the images pictured.Police continue to appeal for information on vehicles:Detective Inspector Symonds says the investigation team is continuing to piece together the information received so far, however are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance.Police are still appealing to the public in relation to two vehicles of interest.Jo’s vehicle, a black Mitsubishi Outlander, was found by Police parked in the car park near the entrance to Omamari Beach on 2 August.“We believe the vehicle was parked there sometime after 7pm on Thursday 1 August and would like to hear from anyone who has information that could assist our enquiries.“In particular, we are appealing for sightings of the black Mitsubishi Outlander in the car park at Omamari Beach, or sightings of anyone near the car or on the beach from Wednesday (31 July) through to Friday morning (2 August).”Police are also seeking information on a white 2012 Toyota Hilux flat deck Ute, with no registration plates, an orange hazard light on the roof and aluminium dog cages on the back.Detective Inspector Symonds says Police believe this vehicle was in the same area where Jo’s body was discovered.“Police would like to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle leading up to and around Friday 2 August in the Baylys or Omamari beach areas near Dargaville and anytime up until 10 August.“Anyone who saw this vehicle, or any other vehicles in the area, or has any dashcam footage between these dates is urged to come forward.“No piece of information is insignificant as we work to determine exactly what has occurred.”If you were in these areas between these times and have any photos or videos which may be relevant, please upload them here: https://cloth.nc3.govt.nzAnyone with information can call Police on 105 and quote file number 240803/9062.Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a member of the investigation team in person you can present to the Dargaville Police Station.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Holly McKay/NZ Police

Does spring begin on the first day of September? Or does it start on September 23 - the perfect middle point between the winter and summer equinox?Principal scientist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Chris Brandolino is American, and sees spring as starting on 23 September."We kind of follow the astronomical definition of the seasons, which is marked by the sun crossings of [an] imaginary line on the Earth, whereas other parts of the world, including New Zealand ... they go by the meteorological or climatological definition of the season, so there's two sets of definitions."Why do we see it differently here? Well, following meteorological dates and dividing seasons into three-month chunks keeps things tidy and is helpful we want to look at the average temperature and rainfall during the season, Brandolino told Nights.The so-called spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere goes right down to the minute, with this year's one starting September 23, 2024 at 12.43am.The seasons in this definition are determined by the sun crossing an imaginary line across the equator at 23.5 degrees, either north or south, twice a year - giving us the shoulder seasons known as autumn and spring.Why do we care so much about seasons?Seasons are a human construct that give structure to our way of life and have historically been useful for determining things like harvesting.But the seasons in terms of their practical sense are getting longer and shorter, largely because of climate change, Brandolino said."The winter season, that's getting shorter. We're seeing frosts happen later, the first frost, and we're seeing the latest frost happen sooner. So what happens is that it's kind of shrinking on both ends and then this is a long-term trend."Whatever definition you subscribe to, astronomical or meteorological ... we are seeing that the types of weather we are experiencing during those seasons evolve with time."Still, that doesn't mean you wouldn't expect the coldest temperatures to be around the same time of the year in the future, he said."If we hop on a time machine and we exit the time machine 70 years from now, we will still have the coldest temperatures, if you were to kind of graph when the warmest weather occurs versus the coolest weather, it'll be in the winter season, it just won't be as cold."So what can you expect this spring?This outlook for spring was the 'theme' for the season, not a forecast, Brandolino advised."Weather is your mood, climate is your personality. So what I'm describing here is Mother Nature, is basically her personality for the next three months. Now, on any given day during the next three months, her mood may be incongruent with her personality."NIWA is confident about a warmer than average spring for eastern parts of the North and South islands. Other parts of the country could experience a warm lean too, but NIWA's confidence on that is lower."So we're thinking either average or above average, and that's about equal chances. But to put differently, a colder than average spring is pretty darn unlikely over the next three months," Brandolino said."So days where we get this unusual warmth, maybe more common than what say typically spring offers, which is a moody season. It's the teenager of seasons because you have these wild swings between winter which we've just exited and summer which we are approaching."The eastern side of both islands are also leaning towards a dry lean, but there is some uncertainty there so it's unclear if rainfall will be average or below average at this point.The west and top of the South Island and the west of the North Island was leaning towards being more wet, with normal or above normal rainfall. And the top of the North Island could see near normal rainfall for the seasons.

Family Appeals for Urgent SupportRaj, a well-known and beloved courier driver in the Warkworth community, is currently fighting for his life after contracting typhoid fever during a recent trip to India. His journey to help his father, who was in the ICU and nearly lost his left leg, took an unexpected turn when Raj himself fell critically ill.Raj returned to Auckland on August 3rd, but by August 16th, he was rushed to the hospital after being misdiagnosed and given the wrong medication. He is now in an induced coma in the High Dependency Unit at North Shore Hospital, where doctors are tirelessly working to treat the severe effects of typhoid fever. Raj is on IV fluids, tube-fed, and connected to a ventilator as he fights for his life.The family has been living in constant fear, not knowing when Raj will recover or if he will fully regain his health. His condition has shown slight improvement; he woke up from sedation on August 28th, and while his vital organs are holding steady, he still requires daily dialysis. The doctors remain cautiously optimistic, but Raj’s road to recovery will be long and arduous.Raj’s family has been doing everything they can to support him during this challenging time, but they now need the community’s help. The financial burden of covering rent, food, power, transport, and other essential living expenses during Raj’s recovery is overwhelming. With no clear timeline for when he might return to work, the family is appealing for donations to help ease the financial strain.As a key member of the Warkworth community, Raj has always been there for his customers, delivering packages with a smile. Now, he needs the community’s support to help him get back on his feet. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in helping Raj and his family during this difficult time.Please consider donating to support Raj’s recovery. The funds will go directly towards covering essential expenses and ensuring that Raj has the resources he needs to regain his health. The family is deeply grateful for any assistance provided during this trying time.Here is the link to his Givealittle page