Amy Williams, JournalistOyster farmers north of Auckland say they need financial support and rates relief while harvesting is on hold due to pollution, or some businesses will close.Farmers in the Warkworth area are concerned Watercare still does not have an urgent solution to stop swimming-pool amounts of sewage being dumped into the water their livelihoods depend on.About 50 people from the oyster farming community met with Watercare on Monday, asking for an urgent solution to the discharges and financial relief in a meeting also attended by local MPs and councillor Greg Sayers.More rain on Monday led to another sewage overflow and Matakana Oysters owner Tom Walters said further delays would be crippling - each spill results in a 28-day ban on harvesting."I'm really pissed off about it today. Today we're facing it again and we won't survive, simple as that," he said.Watercare said a new pump station will be working from September at the earliest, stopping wet-weather sewage overflows into the Mahurangi River, which flows to the harbour."It's too late for me, it's too late for most of these guys. Our season generally goes from April till the end of December, three months will be left of the season then," Walters said.Mahurangi Oysters owner and operator Jim Aitken said they could not wait until September for sewage discharges to end."That gives us less than three months to sell a year's worth of oysters, which is just not physically possible. There's no way, even with the great support of the community we couldn't possibly sell enough oysters to cover this year's bills, so it's not a great sign."He said his and other farmers faced laying off staff."With no income, there's no way we can pay salaries. We would normally have four or five people, including myself this time of year, employed. We're down to one young guy and I don't want to let him go, but I'm not sure what we can do," Aitken said."I know a few others are struggling too. How do we even pay our bills? How do we even pay our rates that are supposed to prevent these things from happening? It's a struggle."He said many of the oyster farmers, from 10 companies, were suffering from stress."It's a question that's been keeping me up at night, for sure, how long we can survive and I can I don't have an answer yet."Watercare's incoming chief executive Jamie Sinclair and board chair Geoff Hunt, and other senior leaders, met with the oyster farmers on Monday.A spokesperson for the agency said the meeting was held "to listen to their concerns and talk through in detail the plans we have in place to significantly reduce overflows to the Mahurangi River that occur in wet weather"."It was a constructive session and we will be providing regular updates as our programme progresses," they said.Aitken said farmers have asked for an urgent solution, rates relief and financial support."We put our hearts on our sleeves and there were a few tears in a lot of people's eyes trying to trying to make sure the people at Watercare felt and cared about how we are struggling," he said."The oysters are actually doing their job as filter feeders, so they are cleaning up Watercare's mess but we can't do this for free and we cannot afford to get anyone sick."The farmers had paid rates and for consents to run their businesses that they could now not operate."We've paid a lot of money in the last couple of years on our consents and fees to do this, to do this job and of course those consents are no longer valid if we can't use them... to be able to grow oysters."We're hoping for some sort of relief, some sort of support, so we don't have to let go of people."The pressure on Mahurangi's wastewater network is a long-running issue and Auckland Council recently warned developers that no wastewater connections could be made to properties south of the river until upgrades are completed later this year.Watercare said its pipes in Elizabeth St, Warkworth, are nearing capacity and when it rains stormwater can enter the wastewater network and cause it to overflow into the river the street borders.It also said some household downpipes were incorrectly connected to the gully trap, instead of the wastewater network.The agency said it would reduce sewage overflows by installing a larger pipe at Elizabeth St, starting in August and this would be complete by the end of the year.Longer term, Watercare said it is designing a large pipeline that will carry wastewater from new developments north of the river in Warkworth, through the township to the new pump station at Lucy Moore Memorial Reserve, which would increase the network's capacity and be complete in 2028."This new pipeline is part of an investment of more than $450m to completely transform wastewater services for Warkworth and Snells Beach communities," a spokesperson said."The programme includes building a new pump station, a new treatment plant at Snells Beach, a transfer pipeline to connect them, and an ocean outfall.""The ocean outfall, transfer pipeline and pump station are already completed. The new treatment plant is on track to be finished and in service later this year, ending the discharge of treated wastewater to the Mahurangi River."Watercare chief strategy and planning officer Priyan Perera said they were focused on doing everything they could to deliver wastewater upgrades to prevent the pollution."We're doing everything we can to support them, we heard them yesterday and we've been listening for a long time now. Watercare is absolutely motivated to do what we can to support, to help and deliver the infrastructure as quickly as we can so that their businesses can thrive."Perera said the agency was working to resolve the spills with a pipe upgrade by September and longer term fix by 2028.He said they would go back to farmers to explore ways Watercare could support them."Typically as a public utility we don't pay compensation but what we have commited to is looking at other ways that we can work with the oyster growers and farmers to support them between now and when the short term and the long term solutions are delivered."Perera said Watercare had looked at trucking waste away."We've looked hard at how we might be able to store and tanker and move wastewater away but unfortunately there is nothing that's feasible, nothing that will work effectively."This article was originally published by RNZ

The new pedestrian bridge at Kōwhai Park is now open, making it safer and easier to walk or cycle to the Warkworth Community Transport Hub, Warkworth Showgrounds, and surrounding bush tracks.Construction on the project began in January and was completed last week. The 380-metre shared walkway includes a 300-metre concrete path and an 80-metre elevated timber boardwalk and bridge that spans a steep gully and floodplain.Rodney Local Board chair Brent Bailey says walkways and cycleways are a top priority for the board and the local community, especially in fast-growing towns like Warkworth.“People often tell us they want to be able to walk and cycle safely—especially children travelling to and from school,” says Bailey. “The new shared path in Kōwhai Park offers all this and more. It’s suitable for walkers, cyclists, and prams, with no steps or steep sections.”The elevated bridge reaches up to six metres above ground level at its highest point, offering scenic views of native bush and birdlife above and between the tree canopy.Whether you're heading to sports, catching a bus, or just enjoying a bush walk, the new route offers a peaceful, practical and safer alternative to the busy State Highway 1.You can access the walkway from 80 Great North Road or Heritage Lane in Warkworth.Come and check out your new path through the park — perfect for an easy stroll, bike ride, or family outing.

Ruth HillNorthland heart patients and doctors say it is harder to get specialist care there.Health NZ says there's no difference in "threshold" for care between Northland and Auckland.Recruitment is underway for a sixth specialist.The Heart Foundation says there's a lack of specialist services in some regions, leading to worse outcomes for patients.Heart patients in Northland have to be much sicker to even get a specialist appointment than if they lived in Auckland, which is where they get referred for surgery if they need it.That claim - by the region's cardiologists - appears to be backed up by Health NZ data, which shows huge variations in wait times between regions.Hokianga farmer Tokowhati Piripi lives with a ticking time bomb in his chest - an aortic aneurysm (a bulge in the wall of the main artery going to his heart), high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.The 69-year-old was waitlisted for surgery in November as "routine priority"."I started to run out of wind going up hills about two-and-a-half years ago. It's alright, as long as I don't try to walk up hills or do things," he said.His wife, Teina, said they have been told the current wait time for non-urgent operations is about nine months - "up to three times longer than it should be"."We're really worried that he could just cark it. He won't be able to see his mokopuna."The aneurysm could rupture at any time and then he will need emergency surgery in Auckland, probably transported by helicopter - as long as there is one available at the time."So that's the other way you get in front of the surgeon too," Teina Piripi said bleakly.She knows her husband faces "a triple whammy of health inequities": he is Māori, male and he lives in a rural area."Our acute services, the care you get here, is not the same."He has a higher risk of actually dying than if he keeled over in Auckland."According to Health NZ data, seen by RNZ, 116 Northland patients (about 17 percent) were waiting more than the target three months for a first specialist appointment in March.In Auckland, 120 patients - or about one in 10 - had waited too long.About 17 percent of Northland patients are waiting more than three months for a first specialist appointment. Photo: 123RFNorthland's head of cardiology service, Marcus Lee, said by the time he sees patients, they are sicker than they would be if they lived in Auckland.The first barrier to get a specialist appointment was getting a referral from a GP, and some Northland people struggle to get a GP."Secondly, the barriers to get a specialist review is much higher because we don't have the resources, the thresholds are much higher."And if we see someone who doesn't meet the threshold, we are depriving someone else of care."So it's just this constant juggling of who you can see within the right time frame."Auckland City had more than 20 cardiologists for a population of half a million, while Northland has just five to serve 200,000 people, he said.Health NZ was recruiting for another cardiologist for Northland, but he estimated they really needed eight or 10 specialists to get the same access as in Auckland.His team has worked hard to clear the backlog of patients waiting for first appointments - but that meant pushing back some patients with "known severe cardiac disease"."So you live with that right - sometimes you think 'Have I made the right call?'."And it's quite hard because you know GPs are under significant pressure, and they're working long hours too."Northland has no after-hours or weekend cardiology service, so general physicians pick up those patients.Auckland City Hospital at night.Health NZ says patients and their whānau are supported to travel to Auckland for specialist care. Anne Wetere, 62, is also waiting for a heart procedure.Three years ago, she collapsed at work the day after completing a half marathon."I said to them, 'I think i'm just dehydrated and I'll be fine'. But then five weeks later, I went into ED and they picked it up."She has had to go to Whangārei Hospital's emergency department 14 times with atrial fibrillation, when her heart suddenly starts racing at over 160 beats a minute."I wait and if it doesn't go back to normal, I have to go in."When I have an attack, it takes a whole day [to recover] and I have to take time off work as well, because I still work full-time."She had a specialist appointment last August and was put on the waiting list to be assessed by a surgeon, which finally happened in March.However, she has been told it could be eight to 10 months before she gets the procedure to fix it: cardiac ablation.Meanwhile, she has had to give up competitive waka ama and other activities."I just worry I might go into atrial fibrillation while I'm out on the water or away on trips."Health NZ says no difference in careIn a written response to RNZ, Health NZ's group director operations for Te Tai Tokerau, Alex Pimm, said the agency was " committed to providing timely access to services and reducing waiting times for patients"."We recently implemented an inpatient cardiology service at Whangārei Hospital. During the day, patients admitted to Whangārei Hospital for cardiac-related problems are now managed directly by cardiologists. Out of hours, the general medicine specialists continue to provide high-quality care to inpatients."Referrals were triaged based on clinical urgency, with the most urgent patients seen first, followed by those who had waited the longest among those triaged at the same priority."Ensuring people don't wait more than a year is important as part of reducing our overall waiting times as we strive to achieve the national target of no patient waiting longer than 120 days to be seen," he said.Te Toka Tumai Auckland provided the regional, tertiary cardiology service and performed the specialised cardiac surgeries and interventions for patients from Te Tai Tokerau."There is no difference in the thresholds for treatment for patients from Te Tai Tokerau. Patients and their whānau are supported to travel to Auckland for their specialist care."Health NZ was currently recruiting for another cardiologist.Meanwhile, cardiologists from Auckland were travelling to Whangārei Hospital to do additional outpatient clinics, echo reporting, MRI scans and cardiac angiography.Dr Gerry Devlin.Heart Foundation medical director Gerry Devlin says patients who don't have access to specialist care inevitably have poorer outcomes. Photo: Supplied / NZ Heart FoundationWait times worse in some regionsNationally, one in three patients who need cardiothoracic surgery are waiting longer than the required time-frame, according to data from March.More than one in four patients are waiting more than three months for a first cardiology appointment or treatment - but it's much worse in some regions.In Waikato, 48.2 percent of patients (419 people) waited longer than three months for a first specialist appointment, and 42.3 percent (437 people) waited too long for treatment.In Tairāwhiti, which has no permanent cardiologist, 98 percent of heart patients wait longer than three months to see a specialist.Heart Foundation medical director Gerry Devlin - who works at Gisborne Hospital one week in three - said patients who did not have access to specialist care inevitably had poorer outcomes."We need more specialists, we need more health professionals and we need those patients in the right places, like Northland and Tairāwhiti, to treat the patients with the worst burden of disease in our country."The public system also needed to work harder to retain the healthworkers it already had, he said.This story was originally published by RNZ

Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 5pm Mon, 26 May - 5am Tue, 27 MayArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain with possible downpours. Amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them about localised areas, especially in downpours. Note, a Severe Thunderstorms Watch is also in place for Northland. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 13hrs from 5pm Mon, 26 May - 6am Tue, 27 MayArea: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo, TaranakiForecast: A front is expected to bring rain and a low risk of thunderstorms to western parts of the North Island from Taranaki northwards from this evening until around dawn Tuesday. Although the risk of thunderstorms is low, the risk of localised downpours occurring in this area is considered moderate. If they occur, downpours would likely produce rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

From today Monday 26 May, a new 110km/h speed limit will take effect on a 5.5-kilometre section of State Highway 1 (SH1) between north of Ōrewa and south of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels. The change applies to the Northern Gateway Toll Road, a major transport route linking Auckland with Northland.This section of motorway is used by approximately 11,000 vehicles each day, including a significant number of heavy vehicles. The speed limit increase is intended to support more efficient travel for both people and freight, contributing to improved transport productivity.The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) undertook public consultation on the proposal in late 2023. The process drew more than 7,900 submissions from residents across Auckland and Northland, with an overwhelming majority supporting the speed limit increase.The toll road was assessed by NZTA as being suitable for the higher speed limit based on its design and safety features. These include two lanes in each direction, physical median barriers, ample space for passing, and a generally straight, wide layout. Further safety upgrades for the corridor are also under consideration over the next 12 to 18 months.As with other parts of the motorway network, police will monitor and enforce the new speed limit. Motorists are reminded that enforcement applies equally across all roads, regardless of speed zoning.The 80km/h limit through the Johnstones Hill Tunnels will remain unchanged. Although the tunnels meet high safety standards, the enclosed environment presents different safety risks, and there are no current plans to review the speed for that specific section.The Northern Gateway Toll Road is a critical part of SH1, serving commuters, freight transporters, and visitors travelling between Auckland and Northland. The speed limit change is one of several steps aimed at improving travel efficiency along this strategic corridor.What people are finding confusing is why the speed limit hasn't also been increased on the new stretch of SH1 Puhoi to Warkworth leg. It seems strange that the new portion of the motorway has been omitted from this change. The public need to be aware that the speed limit will change 4 times between Orewa and Puhoi and will likely catch many people out resulting in more speeding fines.

Peter de GraafNew Zealand's first giant, grid-connected battery is set to open at Northland's Marsden Point on Friday.With an ability to pump up to 100 megawatts (MW) of power into the national grid, Meridian's battery site aims to solve one of the key shortcomings of solar power - that the sun often isn't shining when power is most in demand.The battery energy storage site (BESS) covers an area equivalent to two rugby fields and consists of 80 shipping-container-sized lithium-ion batteries, produced by French company Saft.Meridian is also planning to build one of the country's biggest solar power stations next to the battery site.Consent has already been granted for the solar farm, which will have about 200,000 panels spread over three sites totalling 172 hectares.Once completed next year, the solar farm's annual output is expected to total 150-200 gigawatt-hours (GWh), enough to power half the homes in Northland.The idea behind Meridian's Ruakākā Energy Park is that power generated by the solar farm can be stored in the batteries, then released to the national grid when most needed, for example during the evenings when domestic power use is high.The battery site is due to be opened on Friday afternoon by Shane Jones, the Northland-based Regional Development Minister and Associate Minister for Energy.Marsden Point used to be home to two 1970s-built oil-fired power stations, though one was never used.Both have since been dismantled but the high-voltage power lines needed to get electricity to Auckland remain in place.This story was first published by RNZ

A message from NZ Police:NZ Civil Defence are testing the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system on Sunday 25 May, between 6-7pm If you have a hidden second phone for your safety, we recommend turning it off or putting it in flight mode for the duration of the test (6-7pm on Sunday 25 May) to ensure it’s not discovered when the nationwide Emergency Mobile Alert is sent.Some mobile devices set to silent mode will still emit a sound when the Emergency Mobile Alert test is sent, so switching to flight mode or turning off your device is the only way to avoid the loud sound of the alert.You can find more information about the Emergency Mobile Alert system, including a factsheet and list of FAQs at https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/ema

A 26-year-old Northland man has been charged with the murder of Geoffrey Ware on May 9.Police upgraded an enquiry into the 55-year-old’s death to a homicide investigation on May 12.Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Whangārei CIB, says Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with Mr Ware’s death.Police are still appealing for information and sightings on May 9 of a man and vehicle in the Parakao area between 8am-6.15pm.A photo of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 is being released today.“We are also interested in sightings of a man reportedly seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening,” Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.“We are encouraging people to report on the portal link set up by the Operation Cossar enquiry team.”That portal link is https://cossar.nc3.govt.nz/"The enquiry is ongoing and we appreciate all the help we've received from members of the public," Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says. "We're appealing to anyone who hasn't come forward to please contact us."The man charged is currently remanded in custody, and will appear in the Whangārei High Court on May 26.

A major new commercial development, The Workshop, has been completed at 64 Matakana Valley Road - just at the back of Matakana Butchery, with 41 of the 50 units already sold. The development is a notable milestone in the growth of Matakana, which has evolved from a quiet rural village into a thriving lifestyle destination and hub for the surrounding coastal and rural communities.As more people make Matakana their permanent home and visitor numbers continue to grow, there has been increasing pressure on local infrastructure and commercial space. The Workshop meets this need by providing purpose-built, light industrial units suitable for a variety of businesses including trades, warehousing, logistics, creative studios, and small-scale retail. Each unit features high-stud construction, mezzanines, on-site parking, and fibre connectivity, with the complex also including visitor parking and plans for an on-site café.While this is a welcome addition for local business owners and operators—many of whom previously had to travel or work from home—the increased activity will also come with some growing pains. Traffic in and out of Matakana is already known to slow significantly on weekends, particularly during the popular Saturday farmers’ market. With more commercial tenants, customers, and suppliers coming and going, locals can expect further congestion, particularly at peak times.Nonetheless, the benefits of this kind of infrastructure are clear. By allowing more businesses to operate locally, The Workshop supports a more self-sufficient economy and reduces the reliance on neighbouring towns. It also brings new energy and opportunity to a community that continues to attract interest for its mix of rural charm and modern convenience.Visitors to Matakana can still enjoy everything the area is known for—boutique wineries, artisan food producers, the iconic Matakana Cinemas, art galleries, and easy access to beaches like Tāwharanui and Omaha. The completion of The Workshop signals that Matakana is no longer just a weekend destination—it’s a town building for the future.An onsite display unit is now open to the public: OPEN WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 11am – 1pm (or by appointment).The development is being marketed by Bayleys Real Estate. For more information or to view available units, visit: Bayleys Listing – The Workshop Matakana

After 145 years in business, Auckland department store Smith & Caughey's has announced it will close on 31 July.In a statement posted to social media, Smith & Caughey's said 98 staff would be made redundant when the Queen Street retail and online stores close.Smith & Caughey's closed its Newmarket store last year and reduced its CBD store to a single-floor format due to financial difficulties.The company cited increased competition from new shopping malls, continued economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence and spending power has contributed to their closure.Smith & Caughey's also said many city office workers were continuing to work from home, post-Covid.They said the city centre has also faced significant disruption and change in the form of ongoing roadworks and the slow progress of CRL causing traffic congestion.Smith & Caughey's were loved for their Christmas window displays. Photo: Supplied / Smith and Caughey'sThe company also said a large decline in foot traffic on Queen Street and an increase in parking costs had caused an impact, forcing the "heartbreaking" closure of the entire business."We are acutely aware that this has been a difficult and uncertain time for our staff and today's announcement is a deeply emotional one for all the team, our suppliers and our loyal customers," acting chief executive Matt Harray said."Our intention has always been to address the business challenges so that Smith & Caughey's can continue. Every attempt has been made to achieve this and every feasible option investigated, no stone left unturned."However, it's sadly clear it is no longer viable for us to keep the doors open."The online store will close on 30 May.This story was originally published by RNZ

As part of ongoing efforts to recover from the severe storms of 2023, Pūhoi residents are being encouraged to get involved in shaping the future of their community through a series of locally led events and activities.Following major flooding during the Auckland Anniversary weekend, Cyclone Gabrielle, and other significant weather events, the resilient riverside village is working with Auckland Council on long-term recovery and planning. The goal is to not only rebuild but to strengthen community connections and create a shared vision for Pūhoi’s future.Community-led group Pūhoi Vision & Action, formed by locals who first came together around emergency preparedness, is leading the charge. The group is focused on what matters most to residents – from protecting the area’s unique character to increasing disaster resilience and encouraging sustainable growth.Love Pūhoi – Share Your Vision: community event and photo competitionThe group’s first major community event, Love Pūhoi – Share Your Vision, takes place at the Pūhoi Centennial Hall on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May, from 10am to 2pm. Locals are warmly invited to attend, view the displays, and contribute their ideas for the future.A highlight of the weekend is the photo competition and exhibition, which features seven categories including: Community, Environment, Friends & Family, 2023 Floods, Businesses, Clubs or Groups, Under-16s, and People’s Choice. Each winning entry will receive a $50 gift card, and the photos will help visually express what people value most about life in Pūhoi.Main street of PūhoiShare your voice – take the Pūhoi surveyResidents are also being asked to complete a community survey, available via Pūhoi Vision & Action’s Facebook page and through a local mail drop. The survey asks what people love about Pūhoi and the nearby surrounds, what’s important, what could make life even better, and how we might get there together. For the online survey head here.All responses will be gathered and analysed to help identify themes and priorities. The findings will be shared with the community in July, helping everyone decide what actions to take next.Pizza night at Pūhoi Sports Club – 29 MayTo keep the conversation going, Pūhoi Vision & Action is also hosting a $10 Pizza Night at the Pūhoi Sports Club on Wednesday 29 May. Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy a delicious pizza, and casually share their thoughts on what makes Pūhoi special – and what could make it even better.There’s no obligation or formality – just a relaxed night out with good food and community spirit.Supported by Auckland Council, led by PūhoiThis community engagement is being supported by Auckland Council, which has provided funding for a local facilitator to assist with gathering and sorting ideas. However, the process remains firmly community-led.The aim is to build local leadership, strengthen networks, and ensure that Pūhoi’s future reflects the values and hopes of the people who call it home.Your voice matters. Come along, join in, and help shape a stronger, more connected Pūhoi!

Gianina Schwanecke, Oyster farmers in the Warkworth area, north of Auckland, fear their businesses won't survive the year.They say the dumping of untreated raw sewage into the Mahurangi Harbour has led to frequent restrictions on their ability to harvest, and they're urging Watercare and Auckland Council to invest in waste treatment solutions that are effective and sustainable.Tim Aitken bought Mahurangi Oysters in 2020. Since then, he's invested his life savings in the business, including moving to a flip farm to make it more sustainable."In 2020 we had 20 odd days closure. And so far in 2025, we've been closed for 64 days which is 100 percent of our harvesting period so far," he said.They had been looking at exporting but now can't guarantee supply because of the closures.Aitken said the brand he'd spent the last five years developing was now by association with the harbour, "shot"."It's not just I can't sell oysters, our brand is Mahurangi oysters," he said.Aitken was frustrated and upset. He said it now looked like they could be closed the whole year which he feared the business would not survive."I hate to say it but we might not have a business by the end of the year."Meanwhile Tom Walters has been running Matakana Oysters for over 20 years."There's a few of us that are just very small oyster farmers. I'm not a big oyster farmer. We're just 'ma and pa' guys."Walters was also doubtful of the business' future."We've had many crises over the years but none have compared to this," he said."It's devastating. I'm looking at losing everything."It had also made him rethink New Zealand's reputation as a 'clean and green' country.Walters said it was an issue driven by infrastructure failing to keep up with the growth of Warkworth.He said such issues were popping up all around New Zealand, where growth was being allowed at the expense of the environment."There shouldn't be growth until the bloody infrastructure is in place. You don't build backwards. And that's what's happening everywhere."Walters said temporary measures designed to help have yet to be implemented and a more longterm solution will come too late.In a statement, Watercare chief strategy and planning officer Priyan Perera said the Auckland Council-controlled water services provide was developing a $450 million programme to transform wastewater services in the Warkworth area, including a new pipeline which will help reduce wet weather overflows to the Mahurangi River.The pipeline was not expected to be completed until 2028.While the new pipeline would make the biggest difference in reducing wet weather overflows to the river, Watercare was working to reduce the frequency of overflows in the shorter term.Perera said Watercare is in regular contact with Mahurangi Harbour oyster farmers about work being undertaken to improve the situation, including alerting them to the event of any overflows."We sympathise with the Mahurangi Harbour oyster farmers and are committed to improving the situation for them.Watercare will be meeting with the farmers next week to provide them with an update.This story was originally published by RNZ

Last month we updated you on the Kaipara District Council (KDC) approving a new 33-year lease for the surf club, as well as proposed plans for the overall redevelopment of the surf beach. You can read that here The long-term lease provides certainty for the club and ensures it can continue to deliver vital surf lifesaving services for many seasons to come.This positive development comes as work continues steadily on the large-scale slip repair behind the clubhouse, which was damaged during Auckland Anniversary severe weather event in 2023. A Dangerous Building Notice forced the closure of the facility, prompting Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service (MHVLS) to operate from temporary structures at the beach while repairs and planning progressed. This restricted access made rescue efforts more difficult for lifeguard staff.Earth Stability Limited (ESL), the contractor overseeing the slip remediation, reports that the project remains on schedule despite some poor weather over the Easter period. The site held up well, and the team made up for delays by working over weekends. All rock bolts have now been successfully installed, and the next stage—known as meshing—is about to begin.The meshing phase requires helicopter lifts that will take flight from the grassed beach car park area over the coming weeks. The public is advised to keep clear of this zone when directed by contractors.In line with ecological requirements, weed control has also begun across the historic Pā site, with native planting due to take place later in the year.The slip repair is still expected to be completed by July, in keeping with the original timeline. Once this work is finished, the focus will shift to repairing the damaged clubhouse and constructing a new seawall and boat ramp to enhance the club’s operational capabilities.The club acknowledges the strong support received from its members, volunteers, local councillors, and Kaipara District Council staff. For updates or to support the club’s ongoing work, visit www.mangawhaisurfclub.org.nz.

Parakao homicide investigation: Updated appealNorthland Police are continuing an appeal for information in relation to the death of Whangārei man Geoffrey Ware.A homicide investigation has been underway since the 55-year-old’s body was found at his Parakao home on May 9.Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Whangārei CIB, says a portal has been set up for any photos or video that could assist the case.“Police are still seeking information and sightings in the areas Mangakahia Road, Otaika Valley Road and State Highway 14 towards Whangārei, between 2pm and 8pm on Friday, May 9,” she says.“We are also interested in sightings of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 ute, registration GCM480, and a man reportedly seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening.”That portal link is https://cossar.nc3.govt.nz/Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says the enquiry team is continuing to follow strong lines of enquiry.“Police would like to thank members of the public who’ve provided information to the enquiry team to date.”Anyone with additional information can also update Police online now or call 105 using the file number 250509/6749.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Learning support in schools is at breaking point, with some schools fearing a child is going to die in their care because they cannot provide the appropriate supervision, according to a new report.The report by the Aotearoa Educators' Collective highlighted broken funding systems, families battling bureaucracy and children who have extra needs denied access.Learning support is for neurodivergent children, or those with disabilities, health needs or experiences of trauma.Report author Dr Sarah Aiono said the most frequent and hard hitting answer to the survey on the state of learning support was just one word: "Dire""[Teachers] shared that it was just stretched beyond capacity, that they were doing the work to secure funding, that they were trying to navigate the needs, they were trying to advocate all over and above their basic core job which is to be in school and to teach our children," she said.Aiono said schools were concerned about their ability to keep children safe."I had one principal who said to me that they have a student in their school who faints between 16 and 22 times a day and she did not qualify for high health needs support, so because there was no funding available to manage that her teachers and her peers in her high school were left to manage every time she fainted," she said."Teachers and principals are scared they're going to lose a child to death, that a child is going to die under their care because they cannot provide the supervision to support that child to be safe at school."An estimated 15-20 percent of the population is neurodivergent, but only 6-7 percent of students receive any publicly funded learning support."We're now getting to the point where there are actually more children in classrooms than we've ever had before with multiple needs, so it's a sort of perfect storm coming together now that the needs are growing exponentially but the funding is not keeping up and our expertise or availability to specialist support is not available either," Aiono said."One of the parents that I spoke to, she's been waiting for about six to 12 weeks since her 14-year-old has been out of school to even know where to get the help and in that time she's worrying that that child is now not getting support to face NCEA the following year."The report found Māori and Pasifika students, those attending rural schools and neurodivergent students were most affected by chronic underfunding, fragmented provision and inconsistent access.The report, titled Beyond Capacity: Learning Support in Crisis, is being launched at Parliament on Tuesday, and Education Minister Erica Stanford has been invited.This story was originally published by RNZ

Locals Rally Behind Oyster Farmers as Mahurangi River Faces Environmental CrisisPetition Launched to Hold Infrastructure Providers AccountableA heartfelt statement recently written by Matakana Oysters on Facebook and supported by hundreds of concerned locals has drawn attention to the increasingly dire situation facing the Mahurangi River and the region’s oyster farming community.The post, now circulating widely, outlines how infrastructure failures in Warkworth have led to repeated sewage overflows into the Mahurangi River. This has not only halted oyster harvesting but is also endangering the long-term viability of one of the area's most iconic, environmentally positive industries.It was reported that in just one month—since mid-April—more than 1,000 cubic metres of sewage has overflowed into the river. What used to be a minor issue during extreme weather now occurs with as little as 10mm of rainfall. Independent testing has confirmed the presence of norovirus in waters used for shellfish farming, resulting in closures enforced by the Ministry for Primary Industries to protect public health.The article highlights a number of serious concerns:No warning signs have been placed on wharves or boat ramps despite contamination.Auckland Council has reclassified the Mahurangi River as "non-recreational", allowing resource consents to be issued for overflow events.No temporary mitigation measures have been implemented despite repeated requests.The overflow point is hidden behind a local curtain shop, draining into a stream used by children and recreational fishers.Meanwhile, small, family-run oyster farms—many of which have operated for generations—are now closed, with no clear timeline for resumption.The Mahurangi Harbour is more than just a place of business. It is a living ecosystem. Oyster farming is known to support marine environments by filtering water and sequestering carbon. Losing this industry means losing both economic value and environmental stewardship.The infrastructure upgrades promised by Auckland Council and Watercare remain two to three years away. Without immediate action and regulatory intervention, the damage to both livelihoods and the environment may be irreversible.A petition has been launched, urging the government to hold Watercare and Auckland Council accountable and to enforce proper oversight of large-scale polluters—just as is expected of individual residents and farmers.Signing the petition is not just for oyster lovers—it’s for anyone who values clean water, community resilience, and transparent governance.👉 Add your name to the petition here: https://chng.it/JxBpXtsWjw

Food prices rise 3.7 percent in year ended April, highest since January 2024Surging dairy prices, instant coffee driving food inflationEnergy and airfares rise offsetting cheaper petrolInflation pressures a touch strongerFood prices have risen at their fastest pace in more than a year driven by more expensive dairy products, and hinting that inflation pressures are gathering pace.Stats NZ said the food price index rose 3.7 percent in the 12 months ended April, the highest since January last year."Price increases were widespread, with all five food groups recording an increase," spokesperson Nicola Growden said.Groceries were a key part of the overall rise, increasing 5.2 percent over the past year, because of large increases for butter, milk, cheese, and coffee.The price of butter increased 65 percent, cheese was up 24 percent, and milk 15 percent."The average price for 500 grams of butter was $7.42 in April 2025. That's nearly $3 more expensive than this time last year," Growden said.World dairy prices have been surging amid increased demand and reduced supply, thus pushing up domestic costs.Similarly, global prices for coffee have been pushed higher because of disease and bad weather in key producing countries. A 100 gram pack of instant coffee had increased more than 17 percent in the past year.Stats NZ said airfares, energy costs, and rents were all up last month offsetting cheaper fuel and accommodation.ASB senior economist Mark Smith said the monthly price indicators were volatile but pointed to building pockets of inflation pressures."Annual CPI inflation will likely remain parked towards the upper part of the 1-3 percent target range for much of 2025. While this is unlikely to prevent official cash rate cuts, the RBNZ will be somewhat cautious."The RBNZ is widely expected to cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent at its next monetary statement in two weeks.This story was originally published by RNZ

Auckland Council is aware that pieces of asbestos-containing material (ACM) have been washing up along Auckland’s eastern coastline. While the risk posed to the public is low, the council is taking all necessary precautions and removing the material from affected beaches.  The largest amounts of ACM have been found at Glendowie Bay and, to a lesser extent, neighbouring Karaka Bay. Very small amounts have also been found further up the Tāmaki River towards Panmure.Signage is in place at Glendowie and Karaka Bay and the council has conducted several clean-ups to remove the material from these beaches. Manager of Licensing & Environmental Health, Mervyn Chetty, says there is no need for the public to avoid beaches where ACM is present, but if material is spotted it should be left undisturbed and reported to [email protected] or by phoning 09 301 0101.“We are asking people to take a common-sense approach and to simply leave ACM alone for the council to collect. Dogs and children should also be prevented from picking up the material,” he says.Health risk lowThe recent washed-up pieces of ACM are 5 -10cm pieces of fibre cement board, likely to be from historic construction waste. Asbestos in this form is considered non-friable, meaning it cannot be broken up and inhaled under normal circumstances.Health New Zealand Medical Officer of Health, Dr David Sinclair, says the riskiest situation is where dust is being generated from Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) being cut or damaged.“In outdoor settings such as the affected beaches, we’d expect the level of asbestos dust to be minimal, especially when the material is below the high tide mark and damp. However, people should inform Auckland Council if they find ACM so it can be removed, and not disturb the ACM pieces or collect them.”Further health advice on asbestos containing materials is available on the Health New Zealand website. Source still a mysteryPinpointing the source of ACM material is difficult, says Mervyn Chetty, especially given the likely age of the material and ability for it to have moved over time. “Unfortunately, waste disposal practices were not always what they are today. The ACM we’re finding now is likely to be decades-old construction waste that was dumped near the shoreline, which over time has fragmented and dispersed along beaches due to natural processes like tides and weather.” The council has not identified a likely single source of the material but is continuing to conduct investigations. If any members of the public have information that would assist, they are encouraged to report this to [email protected] addition to responding to reports of ACM, the council will continue to inspect and monitor beaches in the area to determine the scale of the issue. Regular clean-ups will be carried out and signage erected at sites where pieces of ACM are more commonly being found.While it is likely that these fragments are historic deposits, it is also a good reminder to Aucklanders to responsibly secure and dispose of construction and household waste, as these can end up making their way to waterways and beaches, particularly following storm events.We thank the community for their cooperation as we work to manage this issue responsibly.Asbestos FAQs What is asbestos?Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of fine, durable fibres. It was widely used in construction materials in New Zealand between the 1940s and mid-1980s due to its fire resistance, insulation properties, and strength. It was phased out in construction materials during the late 1980s and banned completely from importation in 2016.What is the difference between asbestos and ACM?Asbestos refers to the mineral itself, while ACM stands for asbestos-containing Material, which means any material or product that contains more than 1 per cent asbestos. For example, insulation boards, vinyl flooring, or roofing tiles may be ACMs as they contain asbestos mixed with other materials.Is all asbestos or ACM dangerous?Asbestos is considered a health hazard when it is “friable”. That means that it can easily be broken up or crumbled by hand when dry, and the fibres can therefore be inhaled into the lungs. Generally, ACM is non-friable as it is mixed with other hard materials like cement or resin, making it more stable.Most asbestos found in construction materials in New Zealand is in the less hazardous ACM form, however pure asbestos may be found in places like pipe insulation or sprayed-on ceiling coatings. Even in this form, the material would only become hazardous if broken up or damaged.What are the health risks associated with asbestos?Inhaling significant amounts of airborne asbestos can lead to respiratory problems, including lung cancer, with greater levels of exposure over longer periods of time leading to increased risk. Those most likely to be affected are people who work regularly with asbestos or are exposed to it during construction, renovation, or demolition work.More informationVisit Health New Zealand for health advice on ACM.Visit WorkSafe for information about asbestos in the home and safe removal practices.