Anusha Bradley, Investigative ReporterAutistic children and young adults are more than twice as likely to die before their 25th birthday, compared to their non-autistic peers, new research shows.The risk is even greater for females and those who also had an intellectual disability, an Otago University-led study has found.Autism New Zealand described the findings as "horrendous", saying the study supported its own findings that the health system did not adequately support people with the disorder.The study is the first of its kind in New Zealand, with results similar to the handful of similar international studies showing autistic adults and young people experience significantly higher risk of death, compared to the general population.Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people perceive and communicate with the world. It affects about one in every 36 children.The study, published this week in the international academic journal Autism, tracked 857,944 children born in Aotearoa - including 11,919 autistic children - between 1996 and 2010 using individual-level data from the government's Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).It found autistic females were four times more likely to die, compared to non-autistic females.The risk doubled for autistic people who also had an intellectual disability, compared to those without an intellectual disability.The reasons why autistic youth were more likely to die earlier than their peers in the general population were not known, but there were plans to look into this further, said study co-author Hiran Thabrew, a child psychiatrist and paediatrician at Auckland's Starship Hospital said.International research had identified medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease, accidents - especially choking and poisoning - and medication complications as leading causes of death among autistic people."The rates of medication are higher amongst autistic children and adolescents than the general population, and given what we've seen from international data saying that medication complications are one of the main causes of death in this group, we'd expect it's similar in the New Zealand group as well," Thabrew said."Particularly for those who might be more severely autistic, or intellectually impaired, often behaviours are managed using medication, partly because of lack of other services."Dr Hiran Thabrew Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyThe results highlighted the need for timely diagnosis and care for autistic people, particularly for those who might be more severely autistic, or intellectually impaired.The average age of diagnosis in New Zealand was between six and seven years."We know that it's a much better prognosis and life course for them if they're diagnosed before they start school," Thabrew said.Early identification is vitalAutism NZ chief executive Dane Dougan said earlier diagnosis and support was critical for autistic children."These statistics are horrendous, but something Autism NZ has been conscious of for some time."What we do know is the earlier we identify, diagnose and support our autistic tamariki, the less at-risk they are, and the more likely they are to live the life they choose."The health system, especially the mental health system, was not designed for the autistic and there was often a lack of training among health professionals about the disorder."Access is a problem, and if you do have access, if you don't get somebody who understands autism very well it can at times make things worse."Autism NZ had been involved in training health professionals about autism and it was pushing for a distinct pathway for autistic people to improve access and health outcomes.Seven years old was "far too late" for a child to receive an autism diagnosis, Dougan said."Because you can start to actually pick up signs of autism at about 12 months, and there's even research going on now that it can be earlier than that."Autistic people were also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression and have neurodevelopmental issues like ADHD and intellectual disability, while about a third had epilepsy which could be fatal if not treated.The much higher mortality risk among autistic girls identified in the Otago study may be due to their "long-term under-diagnosis" which limited their access to early help, Thabrew said.Study co-author Joanne Dacombe, who is herself autistic, said getting an early diagnosis was currently "very challenging"."There are long waitlists…and even if you do get a diagnosis, then the process for a follow up is long and there's not necessarily the support in place for the family. There is not a lot of speech therapy publicly available, for example, and private is unaffordable for many families."Dougan said there needed to be not only early support, but ongoing peer-to-peer support throughout an autistic person's life."The earlier we identify, diagnose and support our autistic tamariki, the less at-risk they are, and the more likely they are to live the life they choose."To see the results of almost twice the amount of mortality rates in our autistic community, and particularly females and those with comorbid diagnosis, is a scary, scary stat."To have the information is helpful. The key part is what do we do with it moving forward? And how do we ensure that figure goes down?"The study was done in collaboration with researchers from Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, Auckland University and Canada's Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.This story was originally published by RNZ

Matthew Scott, aged 32, remains in a serious condition following an incident at Mangawhai Bar a week ago. According to one witness, he collided head-first into the sand after encountering another surfer. It appears he has suffered a critical spinal injury.Matt is a member and lifeguard from Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service. Matt and his family are long-serving and valued members of the club.Matt was swiftly rescued with the aid of fellow surfers and the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service. They managed to transport him to an ambulance and subsequently to a rescue helicopter, which swiftly conveyed him to Middlemore Hospital within the hour.Matt has undergone surgery since then, but his long-term prognosis remains uncertain and will only become clear with time.A Giveallittle page has been set up to raise funds to help with Matt's recovery and rehabilitation. Find out more here:https://givealittle.co.nz/.../help-support-matt-scotts...There is now also a Trademe auction to help to raise funds for his recovery, to view click here.

Here are the final photos taken by Auckland Council of the new retaining seawall at Snells Beach. After a large amount of damage sustained by last years Cylone and storms.Mason contractors completed most of the work in December, finishing it off recently.Hopefully it will stand the test of time and nature.If you would like to read our original post you can find it hereBelow photos include a few pre works complete showing the state of the footpath.

Warkworth RegionMonday 26th February - Cloudy. Periods of rain, heavy at times, with possible localised downpours this morning. Northwesterlies developing this afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 14hrs from 8pm Sun, 25 Feb - 10am Mon, 26 FebArea: Northland south of Dargaville, Auckland excluding Great Barrier Island and Coromandel PeninsulaForecast: Periods of rain, locally heavy at times, with possible downpours. Accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places, especially in the west. Peak intensities 20 to 35 mm per hour.Tuesday 27th - Cloudy periods and a few showers. Westerlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Wednesday 28th - Fine. Southerlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 29th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Southerlies, easing.Friday 1st March - Fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 2nd March - A few showers with westerlies.Sunday 3rd March - Rain with northwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 26th February - Cloudy with rain, heavy at times, easing to showers this evening. Northwesterlies, easing this afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 14hrs from 8pm Sun, 25 Feb - 10am Mon, 26 FebArea: Northland south of Dargaville, Auckland excluding Great Barrier Island and Coromandel PeninsulaForecast: Periods of rain, locally heavy at times, with possible downpours. Accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places, especially in the west. Peak intensities 20 to 35 mm per hour.Tuesday 27th - Partly cloudy, with showers developing in the morning. Southerlies developing in the afternoon.Wednesday 28th - Showers, clearing to fine early. Southerlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 29th - Fine. Southeasterlies developing.Friday 1st March - Fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 2nd March - Partly cloudy, with showers developing. Westerlies.Sunday 3rd March - Showers with northwesterlies.

Tāne Tangaroa Gregory a local to the Warkworth area died tragically last Saturday.A Givealittle page has been set up by a friend to help support Adam and Kim Gregory to lay their beautiful boy to rest. The funds raised will go towards assisting with funeral expenses and any other associated costs.If you can donate, please do. Here is the link

Brynderwyns closureDue to major works at large slip sites over the Brynderwyn Hills, this section of SH1 will be fully closed (24/7) in both directions from midnight (11:59pm), Sun 25 February until midnight (11:59pm), Wed 27 March subject to weather and other factors.Allow extra time for detour routes outlined below. Following reopening for Easter period, SH1 will close again from midnight (11:59pm), Tue 02 Apr until midnight (11:59pm), Sun 12 May.Detour routeLight vehicles may detour via Mangawhai: Southbound, from Waipu, use The Braigh, to Cove Rd, to Tara Rd, to Kaiwaka Mangawhai Rd, to return to SH1 at Kaiwaka (trucks with trailer units not permitted). Alternatively, Light vehicles may detour southbound via Mangapai Rd, to Paparoa Oakleigh Rd, to SH12 to return to SH1 at Brynderwyn (HMPV not permitted). Northbound in reverse for both light vehicle routes. Heavy vehicles, including HPMV, detour via Dargaville using SH14 and SH12 between Whangarei and Brynderwyn. Trucks with trailers also not permitted on Gorge Rd & Waipu Gorge Rd.Start 25 Feb 2024 11:59pmEnd 12 May 2024 11:59pm

Water use in Dargaville has gone up instead of down since the Kaipara District Council brought in water restrictions just under two weeks ago.Since the call went out to conserve water on 12 February, residents connected to the town water supply in Dargaville and Baylys Beach have used on average an extra 103 cubic metres per day, compared to the ten days before restrictions came in.That has prompted the council to again call on residents to reduce water use - especially with Northland Field Days, one of the region's biggest events, starting in Dargaville in less than a week's time.Infrastructure general manager Anin Nama said flow in the stream supplying Dargaville's water had increased slightly in recent days, but it was not enough to get the town out of the woods."Without significant rainfall on the radar, we still need to reduce our water use to ensure everyone has enough for their daily needs. We want to avoid Level 4 restrictions if we can."Nama urged locals to keep reporting any leaks by calling the council on 0800 727 059 and to talk to friends, family and neighbours to make sure they were aware of the restrictions.Under the current Level 3 restrictions, households and businesses on the town supply water in Dargaville and Baylys Beach were barred from using water blasters or hoses to wash vehicles, windows, buildings and paving; using sprinklers or irrigation systems to water lawns or gardens; or filling pools from the mains supply.In Level 4 only essential water use, for cleaning, cooking and washing, was permitted. All outdoor use was banned.Dargaville's main source of raw water was the Waiparataniwha Stream at the southern end of Kaihu Forest.There were no other water restrictions in the Kaipara or Whangārei Districts.In the Far North Level 2 restrictions banning the use of sprinklers was in force in Ōpononi-Ōmāpere, Ōmanaia-Rāwene, Kerikeri-Waipapa, Kaikohe-Ngāwhā and Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

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, 1 March 2024.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 Southbound to SH18 Westbound link, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 25-29 February CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off ramp and Alten Road, 26-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 26-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 26-29 FebruaryWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 26-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 25-28 FebruaryKhyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 25-28 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 23-24 February & 1-2 March (approx. 10:00pm to 7:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 23-24 February & 1-2 March (approx. 9:00pm to 7:00am)Southbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 25 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 25 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 25-26 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruaryHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruaryEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruaryHighbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruarySH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 27 & 29 FebruaryRedoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 27 & 29 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 26-27 FebruaryTakanini southbound on-ramp, 26-27 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 26-29 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 26-29 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 25-29 FebruaryPapakura northbound off-ramp, 25-29 February & 1-2 March (24/7)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 25 FebruaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 25-29 February Pokeno southbound off-ramp, 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound on-ramp, 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 25-26 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 28 FebruaryHampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 28 FebruaryHampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 27 February (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 25 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 25 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Foster Road, 26-29 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 26-29 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Foster Road off-ramp and Trigg Road on-ramp, 25 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road off-ramp and Foster Road on-ramp, 25 FebruaryNewton Road westbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruarySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 26-27 FebruaryMaioro Street northbound on-ramp 28-29 February (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 26 & 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)  STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)Mangatawhiri Road eastbound off-ramp, 25-29 February

Road works and slip repairs are finally about to begin on this much needed road! A total of 10 slips have been identified and set to be repaired.Beginning 28th Feburary for 10 months. Stop/Go during the day.

Warkworth RegionFriday 23rd February - Partly cloudy with the odd shower. Chance of a thunderstorm over the Hauraki Gulf after midday. Daytime sea breezes.Saturday 24th February - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing south of Orewa in the evening. Westerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 25th - Cloudy, with occasional rain developing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 23rd February - Fine spells. One or two showers from afternoon, possibly heavy and thundery. Light winds.Saturday 24th February - Fine. Northerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 25th - Partly cloudy, with showers developing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.

We have completed road layout changes to Cove road/Garbolino road/Tara road intersections in preparation for the Brynderwyn Hills closure. The changes improve safety and traffic flow on the eastern detour (Garbolino - Cove road).GIVE WAY signage on Garbolino road has been removed, giving Garbolino right of way onto Cove road. GIVE WAY signage has been installed on Tara Road, approaching Cove road.Please take extra care on this section of road as we all adjust to the layout change.

It’s time to come and sing your heart out! 🎤🎶New Zealand’s award-winning tribute show, Cam & Sam’s - Elton John vs Billy Joel, is set to wow audiences nationwide! Heading out with their all kiwi cast & crew, from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South throughout 2024.This hit show comes complete with grand pianos, memorable costumes and all of your favourite songs! EXCLUSIVE TO MATAKANA COAST APP - They are giving away a double pass to their Whangapararoa and Whangarei shows! To enter head to the Win Stuff button.

Politicians from across the spectrum are offering tributes for the life and contribution of Green MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins who died suddenly in Auckland on Wednesday morning.The news has brought Parliament to a standstill - leaving the Greens caucus - in particular - in a state of disbelief and deep sadness.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: "I am truly shocked and saddened at the news of Efeso Collins' sudden death"."Efeso was a good man, always friendly and kind, and a true champion and advocate for his Samoan and south Auckland communities."Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family, his community and colleagues."Follow RNZ's updatesGreens co-leader James Shaw became emotional during a press conference, saying he, along with other Green members, were devastated.Fa'anānā's loss would be felt across the political divide, he said."It was clear he had respect across the House."Fa'anānā Efeso Collins pictured in 2022. Photo: Supplied / Efeso CollinsShaw said Fa'anānā's ability to talk about love in the House "spoke volumes to me".He was "the most beautiful man" and Shaw was hopeful Pasifika people would be inspired by Fa'anānā's example to enter both local body and national politics."In many ways Efeso's political career was only just beginning. He was such an authentic, genuine, warm man who had respect for everyone. It's a model of politics that I aspire to and I hope more people will live up to that standard."Carmel Sepuloni. Photo: RNZ/ Angus DreaverLabour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni said she had known Fa'anānā for decades, studying and working alongside him.Labour was "incredibly saddened" and her thoughts were with Fa'anānā's wife and two daughters."His voice, his advocacy was one of the strongest, I believe, in Aotearoa for our Pacific community."He had moved out of Labour's fale into the Greens, but he was only next door, Sepuloni said.Chris Hipkins Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneLabour leader Chris Hipkins said he remembered looking at him and thinking he was going to go far and that he was "one to watch".Fa'anānā was very clear in his values and who he was and it was a tragedy he had died just weeks into his first term in Parliament.One of Fa'anānā's last messages was to Labour's new finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds to congratulate her. She broke down in tears at the media briefing.Former prime minister Helen Clark said on X: "Efeso will be remembered for his strong sense of social justice and fairness."Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer opened in te reo Māori before offering the party's condolences for the "devastating loss" to his family and communities."We are so grateful for their generosity in sharing him with us, and we can only imagine the gap that he leaves for his whānau, his loved Samoan Pacific community."She said he often wanted to listen, and speak last."I'd like to say that his time here may have been short but the impact of his legacy certainly was felt. And I want to hold onto that beautiful memory that he has shared with us."ACT leader David Seymour agreed Fa'anānā was liked and would be missed by both sides of the House.He said Fa'anānā was "a passionate, articulate, and charismatic advocate for south Auckland".Sir Collin Tukuitonga says Pasifika have lost an outstanding leader. Photo: Elise Manahan/ University of AucklandHealth leader Sir Collin Tukuitonga said he was in a state of shock at the loss of a man who was "on the same mission" as other Pacific leaders."It's absolutely devastating for his family, for the Pasifika community, for NZ and beyond."He said Pasifika people could not afford to lose an outstanding man who was "ethical, strong, community minded"."It feels like a sudden stop in someone who has already had a big impact."Health and Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti said he was deeply saddened."Fa'anānā Efeso was a pillar of our communities, particularly the Pacific community and his hometown, South Auckland's Ōtara."Fa'anānā Efeso worked hard to serve all communities for many years, dedicating his time in both local and more recently in national politics to progress issues he was passionate about, particularly supporting young people to realise their potential."He was among many offering condolences to Fa'anānā's widow and two daughters.Fa'anānā Efeso Collins and Wayne Brown ran for the Auckland mayoralty in 2022. Photo: RNZAuckland mayor Wayne Brown who defeated Fa'anānā in the mayoral race in 2022 said Fa'anānā's death was a sad day for the city."He is someone I had a lot of respect for, and although we competed for the mayoralty, we actually became quite good friends."Leader of the House Chris Bishop said all of Parliament was in deep shock and after tributes this afternoon, it would adjourn until 27 February as a mark of respect.Speaking in Parliament, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer offered the party's condolences for the "devastating loss" to his family and communities."We are so grateful for their generosity in sharing him with us, and we can only imagine the gap that he leaves for his whānau, his loved Samoan Pacific community."She said he often wanted to listen, and speak last.Debbie Ngarewa-Packer Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone"I'm not sure if he was shocked with his neighbours or sitting there in awe, but I do have to wonder if he was going to come to another door having left from Labour to the Greens, to Te Pāti Māori. It was feeling that way, because his love was just so genuine you thought you were the only ones receiving that love," Ngarewa-Packer said."I'd like to say that his time here may have been short but the impact of his legacy certainly was felt. And I want to hold onto that beautiful memory that he has shared with us."Some politicians paid tributes on social media platform X.Winston Peters said: "Thoughts are with Efeso Collins' family and friends with his untimely and tragic passing today."Labour's new finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said: "'Go now in peace to love and serve the Lord'. Manuia lau malaga brother"Labour MP Shanan Halbert said: "Going right back to Dream Fono days at UoA, I was always driven by his aspiration and hope for our rangatahi. Moe mai ra ... Absolutely heart breaking."Barry Campbell. Photo: RNZ / Emma HattonLower Hutt mayor Barry Campbell said: "Shocked and devastated to hear the heart breaking news of (Fa'anānā) passing this morning. Just a few weeks ago in Waitangi we were talking about his inspiring plans as a new MP who understands Local Govt. Sending [love] to all of Efeso's whanau, friends and colleagues."Former Ilam MP Sarah Pallett said: "Devastating news about Efeso Collins. We have lost a truly good man, both inside and outside politics. My heart breaks for his loved ones Moe mai rā."Auckland councillor Shane Henderson said: "Heartbreaking news, taken too soon, RIP my friend :("Another Auckland councillor Richard Hills said: "Everyone's shell shocked about Efeso. I honestly don't want to believe it. His poor whānau. Devastated for Fia and his girls. He loved them so much, and he spoke about them at every opportunity. I can't even comprehend this. A life of service until the end."Leo Molloy, who also ran against Efeso Collins for a time during the Auckland mayoralty in 2022, said: "Thoughts & prayers to Efeso Collins' family. I happened to attend today to support my dear friend Buttabean. I had a laugh with Efeso about politics and Wayne before they commenced. Efeso was a remarkable man, we didn't agree politically, but as a person, and an orator, he was without peer. A beautiful kind man gone far too soon."Community leader and foodbank operator David Letele was with Fa'anānā Efeso Collins when the tragedy unfolded this morningHe told RNZ's Checkpoint they had just finished the prizegiving at the event and everyone was laughing together before Fa'anānā fell to the ground."Everyone was in good spirits, we were there for a great cause, fighting for the Pacific as he always does."We've lost a champion for our community."He said it was not a strenuous race, and they were just walking around a short course, with no signs that anything was wrong.Letele said he stayed with Fa'anānā as emergency crews worked to try and revive him."I just wanted to make sure there was plenty of prayer around him."This story was originally published by RNZ

Message from AT and Auckland Council:Beginning week of 25th February, 7pm to 7am.Programmed resurfacing works on Mahurangi East Road in Snells Beach. Road Corridor Maintenance team have advised that the section of Mahurangi East Road planned for chip seal resurfacing during their 2023/24 financial year is the 1.1km section from the vicinity of Dawson Road to Mariners Grove in Algies Bay. This is planned to be completed during the week beginning 25th February, weather permitting. These night works are planned to be completed between hours of 7pm to 7am.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: OVERNIGHT CLOSURE ON SH1 FOR MOTORWAY FINISHING WORKSAs part of the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway finishing works, the artwork situated on Tapuwae o Kahumatamomoe – Moir Hill Bridge is set to be installed from late February.To ensure the safe installation of the artwork, an overnight closure of SH1 is necessary. The closure will extend from Pukerito roundabout in the north to the Pūhoi on and off-ramps in the south in both directions for six nights starting from Sunday, February 25.SH1 will be closed from 9 pm to 5 am, from Sunday, February 25, to Sunday, March 3.During the closure, the on and off-ramps at Pūhoi will remain open and available for use. Traffic heading north from Johnstones Hill Tunnel will exit SH1 at Pūhoi off-ramp and travel north via ‘Old SH1’. Southbound traffic will head south from Warkworth on ‘Old SH1’ and can continue south onto Hibiscus Coast Highway to use the free route or use the on-ramp at Pūhoi to head south via SH1 through Johnstones Hill Tunnels.Please note that these works are weather-dependent and cannot be conducted in heavy rain or high winds. Our team has considered some contingency, but significant rain or high winds may require rescheduling to the next suitable night.Stay updated on closures by checking the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before heading out at https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and we sincerely thank the community for their patience as we complete these important finishing works.For any construction-related queries, please reach out to our stakeholder and communications team at [email protected]. For questions about the operations and maintenance of the new road, contact 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).

Auckland's next Long-term Plan (LTP), also known as the 10-year Budget, is due to take effect in June 2024. It sets out what we plan to achieve in Auckland over the next 10 years and how we will fund it.Mayoral ProposalThe Mayoral Proposal is a significant part of the process to develop and adopt the Long-term Plan. The proposal was released on 1 December 2023 and outlines the mayor’s vision and priorities for the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.When you can have your sayThe topics for public consultation will be decided at budget committee workshops in December 2023.Public consultation will then open on 28 February 2024.This is when you can have your say and leave any feedback you have about the mayor's proposals.Register for updatesComplete our registration form to receive email updates about the Long-term Plan and other Auckland Council projects.You do not need to complete the registration form if you are already signed-up for AK Have Your Say updates.Read the Mayoral Proposal and Staff Advice to support the Mayoral ProposalVisit Mayoral Proposal for the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 (10-year Budget) to read the full documents.Timeline for the Long-term Plan 2024-2034

The residential housing market has had a sluggish start to the year, with high mortgage rates continuing to suppress activity.The latest data from property research firm CoreLogic showed there were 3169 sales in January, only 2 percent up from the same month last year.It was the second-lowest January sales volume since 1983 - second only to the same month last year.Average national property values rose 0.4 percent in January and was up 2.1 percent for the quarter, but was down 2.7 percent from a year ago."January's sluggishness in sales is a timely reminder that the housing market is still facing quite a bit of mortgage rate pressure," said CoreLogic NZ chief property economist Kelvin Davidson.He said Auckland was the big drag on the low number of sales nationally.However, he said there was still a "gradual upturn" in the housing market, as annual sales volumes have risen in each of the past nine months."Arguably, listing levels have returned to some kind of normality now, so the reduced sales over the past month probably hints at some uncertainty around buyer demand, rather than a lack of choice," Davidson said.He said there may be a bounce-back in February due to a weaker January."It'll be interesting to see how sales and listing activity evolves in the next month or so, and how market confidence moves too," Davidson said."We suspect the demand would be there to match any additional supply coming on to the market, resulting in an associated rise in agreed sales activity as buyers can see more choice."This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Warkworth RegionTuesday 20th - Partly cloudy, with a few showers clearing this afternoon and becoming fine. Westerlies turning southerly this afternoon.Wednesday 21st - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 22nd - Fine. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.Friday 23rd - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Northerlies developing.Saturday 24th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Northwesterlies, easing.Sunday 25th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Northerlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai RegionTuesday 20th - Areas of morning cloud clearing to mainly fine, but isolated showers remain. Westerlies, turning southerly this evening.Wednesday 21st - Fine. Southerlies.Thursday 22nd - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing in the afternoon. Light winds.Friday 23rd - Fine apart from isolated showers. Northerlies developing.Saturday 24th - Fine. Northerlies, easing.Sunday 25th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Northerlies.

Police have recovered a body from Auckland's Kaipara Harbour.The body was found on Saturday afternoon.While the body was yet to be formally identified, it was thought to be a 37-year-old man who was reported missing from Piha last Sunday.The man got into difficulty in the water shortly before being reported missing.The police launch Deodar, Eagle helicopter, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand members and Coastguard all assisted in the search."Police have made contact with the family of the missing person and are providing support," police said.The death would be referred to the Coroner.This story was originally published by RNZ