Kaipara District Council's Update - June 2025We’ve made great progress with the first stage of the Wood Street and surrounds revitalisation and stormwater works and are on track to move to the second stage in June.The new back car park is almost finished, kerbs have been installed and soon the final touches of asphalting and line marking will complete this area.The back car park will provide around 76 new formal parking spots. These will be open for the community to use before work starts on the second phase – the northern side of Wood Street from Molesworth Drive to Fagan Place (outside Four Square, the Allied Service Station, and the Community Op Shop), the carpark area between Brewed As and the old playground, and the old firestation site.There, they will create formal car parking, including more mobility parking. Parking between the medical centre and the shops will remain open and available to the community, with access via Fagan Place. Please do not park in front of the temporary fencing as this may block accessways for the construction team.The work across Molesworth Drive to upgrade the stormwater is complete. The HEB team are now working closely with Four Square, the Allied Service Station, and the Community Op Shop before they start work outside these businesses. HEB will use a combination of daytime work and night works to complete both stormwater drainage and new kerbing and footpaths on the northern side of Wood Street from Molesworth Drive to Fagan Place. It will still be possible to access these businesses, but things might look a little bit different for a while with temporary fencing and road cones in place. During construction a new pedestrian accessway – clearly signposted – will be created to access the shops. Please move slowly and carefully around the area when walking, cycling and driving. If you are unsure about access, just ask one of the HEB team members or phone ahead and ask the businesses before visiting.If you have any questions, email the project team at [email protected] read our previous articles on this topic head here and here.

Consumers are being urged to get ready ahead of the shutdown of 3G mobile networks from the end of the year.Telecommunications Forum chief executive Paul Brislen said most New Zealanders were already using 4G or 5G-compatible devices and would not need to take any action.However anyone with a 3G-reliant phone or device may be affected, including tablets, medical alarms, security alarms, business equipment, vehicle trackers and other devices connected to the internet."The 3G shutdown is a positive step for our digital future, but it's important that anyone with 3G-reliant phones or devices checks now so they can stay connected," Brislen said.Consumers can text '3G' to 550, free of charge, to check if their device will work after the 3G network was switched off.Spark announced it would close off its 3G network on 31 March, 2026 and was upgrading 3G-only cell towers to 4G and 5G technology.While affected customers would be receiving direct communication from Spark, it issued a list of common devices likely to be affected.iPhone 6Huawei Y5HMD Global Nokia 3310Mobiwire SAS Pocket 2Oppo A5 (AX5)Samsung Galaxy J2 ProiPhone 5SAlcatel 1BBrislen said consumers who need to upgrade to a 4G or 5G compatible device should recycle their old handsets through recycling service RE:MOBILE at remobile.org.nz."Mobile phones contain valuable materials that can be reused, as well as components that are harmful to the environment if sent to landfill."This story was originally published by RNZ

Our $38.3 million upgrade of the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant is progressing well, with much of the essential infrastructure now in place.Head of wastewater Jon Piggot says the upgraded wastewater treatment plant will vastly improve the quality of the treated wastewater, meet incoming stricter resource consent requirements and support population growth in Wellsford and Te Hana.“This project has taken shape incredibly quickly and we’re on track to have the upgraded plant completed and operational by mid next year.“Wellsford is expected to be home to around 5000 people by 2052 – that's more than double its current population which now sits just over 2000 people.“This upgrade will lift the treatment plant’s capacity to about 3200 people, and it’s been designed to allow for future expansions as the area continues to grow."Another major benefit of this upgrade is the cleaner water we’ll be discharging to the Hōteo River thanks to significant improvements in technology.”Membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) tanks and membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology will produce very high-quality treated wastewater.Photo: Once the upgrades are complete, six of the nine plinths will hold two membrane-aerated biofilm reactors (MABR), two aerobic tanks and two anoxic tanks.“The MBR and MABR technologies are highly effective at removing organic matter and nutrients.“This is largely thanks to the microorganisms – often referred to as 'bugs' – that work on our behalf. We simply create the right conditions for them.“Any pathogens that manage to pass through the membranes undergo ultraviolet disinfection, ensuring a high-quality wastewater discharge.”Capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas says crews successfully completed two concrete floor pours last month, one for the biofilter and the other for the chemical area on the southern side of the treatment plant."Crews have also successfully installed all six wastewater treatment tanks and the pump station, as well as 95 per cent of the site’s in-ground services and drainage.”Lucas says the aim is to have the remaining concrete slabs poured by the end of next month and the 400-metre-long outfall pipeline installed over the next couple of months.“The outfall pipeline is a critical part of the upgrade that will discharge the highly-treated effluent into the Hōteo River.“The construction of the control building is also on track to be completed by the end of September.”Lucas says traffic management will remain in place approximately 300 metres on either side of the entrance on State Highway 1, around 2.5km outside of Wellsford, to allow for the high number of tracks and vehicles that are coming in and out of the site.“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to increase the plant’s capacity and ensure its long-term sustainability.”

Locals are being encouraged to have their say on the future of Jubilee Park — Matakana’s only shared public green space — with a chance to win a $250 Matakana Village voucher for participating in the community survey.Often referred to as "The Pony Club", Jubilee Park is public land zoned for Active Sport and Recreation. This means the space is intended for a wide range of uses — from equestrian activities and cricket, to walking, outdoor play, picnics, and community events.With the current lease arrangement up for renewal in July 2025, the time has come to reimagine how this valuable space could better serve Matakana’s growing community.Suggestions floated by residents so far include developing more sports facilities, adding picnic or BBQ areas, creating a nature-based playground, or establishing a dedicated event space. Others are keen to see equestrian use continue.Many members of the existing pony club have voiced strong support for retaining the club in its current form, highlighting its long-standing presence and value to local riders and families. However, there is ongoing debate about whether the park truly functions as a shared community space. Some locals feel it is currently underutilised or inaccessible for those not involved in equestrian activities.Now, everyone in the area has an opportunity to help shape the future of Jubilee Park by completing a short survey. Feedback will help guide future decisions about how this important green space is used and developed.Have your say and go in the draw to WIN a $250 Matakana Village voucherComplete the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/38uy596e

Coastguard sets sail for Mangawhai with new trial unitCoastguard New Zealand has announced plans to establish a new trial unit in Mangawhai, aiming to improve safety on the region’s notoriously dangerous waters.The temporary unit, expected to be operational for the 2025–26 summer, will include a rescue vessel, base, and essential equipment. The trial will run until April 2026 to determine whether a permanent Coastguard presence is feasible for the fast-growing coastal community.Mangawhai’s bar, located at the estuary entrance, is infamous for its shifting sands, unpredictable swells, and hidden dangers. It’s claimed multiple vessels and seen countless rescues, particularly involving visiting surfers unfamiliar with local conditions.The move has received strong support from locals, with many taking to social media to offer their time and skills as volunteers. Community members say the trial is long overdue, with the area's popularity among boaties and surfers continuing to rise.The new unit will actively respond to incidents, join training exercises, and work alongside local emergency services to bolster marine safety.Stay tuned as Coastguard works toward building a safer future on the water—right here in Mangawhai.If you would like to support or donate to Coastguard NZ please head here

Monique Steele, JournalistThe Northland regional council and farming groups are developing a plan to try to control an invasive weed known as the "mad rag" or "fireweed", amid fears it could spread to other regions and even into the South Island.Madagascar ragwort (Senecio madagascariensis) is a poisonous and sometimes fatal plant for livestock with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, now considered widespread in the Far North particularly on cattle farms.Dubbed the "fireweed" in Australia, that originated from southern Africa, adult plants could produce up to 10,000 seeds that could be viable for up to a decade, and germinated in as little as six weeks across most soil types.AgResearch principal scientist and weed management expert, Dr Trevor James said the plant suppressed other pasture species and spread by wind, posing many challenges for farmers and landowners trying to control it."There is no easy way to manage it once it gets established, but the main problem is its toxicity to cattle and horses," James said."Poisoning doesn't seem to be the problem per se, because stock don't eat it once they learn that it's horrible."But poisoning could be a problem if it's made into hay and is fed out as hay or possibly silage and the poison toxins are still there."James said climate modelling showed it had the potential to go further afield of Northland."And if climates get warmer and drier, definitely it has the potential to move further south."Some fields along SH10 in the Far North are now dominated by Madagascar ragwort. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafFarmers urged to pull out weedFarmers were being urged to get to know the weed, pull it out by hand and work with their neighbours to keep on top of it.Will Burrett, chief operating officer of Crown-owned Pāmu Farming formerly Landcorp Farming, said Madagascar ragwort was prevalent on its Northland farms.He said it resulted in lost production of up to 35 percent over seven years at its Rangiputa site, where it was costing on average up to $200 per hectare to control, in addition to the increased use of agrichemicals."We've obviously got herbicide applications and we're trying to limit those as much as we can because we are starting to impact overall pasture production," Burrett said."It is highly toxic, so we can spray out of paddock and then the fresh seedlings that re-sprout and come back through, if animals do graze those, they're highly toxic to their liver, so that does cause animal health considerations that we have to try and manage as well."He said Pāmu were actively trying to manage it by pulling the weeds out by hand as they came through, but it was such a "fast, prolific grower"."There's no silver bullet for this, and it's got a significant risk across the north in that it's been proven to have the ability to spread to other regions throughout Aotearoa in terms of the cattle systems and the dairy systems out there. It's a massive risk."Burrett said the next steps were about committing industry to a plan, to take to the biosecurity minister in the next month or two.Takou Bay farmer Ian Sizer studies an infestation of Madagascar ragwort. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafBeef farmer Ian Sizer of Tākou River had dealt with the pest for around four years, and said it spread across a whole paddock within just four weeks on discovering the first plant.He spent up to two hours a day hand-weeding it to keep on top of it and maintain his herd's health."It's everywhere. It's a problem all the way across our farm and of course, neighbouring farms, and we're all trying to do our part on containing it," Sizer said."Part of my daily routine when I'm moving cattle is one eye is always kept on the Madagascar ragwort, and if I see it, the priority is to get off and hand-weed it."Sizer said it came at a significant cost to the business."It's costing me probably in the region of $70,000 a year to try and deal with this, but the impact on farmers throughout the whole of New Zealand, it could easily be put into millions," he said.Sizer said there were very few effective herbicide for farmers, which had to change, and a collective, national approach to fast-track the development of longer-term biological controls was vital.Biological controls investigatedThe Northland Regional Council led a working group to address the challenge of controlling Madagascar ragwort, including the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation, as well as farming sector groups like Beef and Lamb New Zealand and Dairy NZ.A 2023 Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research feasibility study for biocontrol of Madagascar ragwort found the potential agents used in Australia would be unsuitable in New Zealand.Jack Craw, chairman of the regional council's Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, said it had $20,000 allocated towards developing a business case for its long-term management and further research.He hoped industry groups would help co-fund the programme that would explore the use of biological controls such as beneficial insects for the long-term management."We've highlighted this to the national level, and we believe it's something that the regional councils, plural, of New Zealand should be funding this, along with all the sector organisations."Madagascar ragwort grows up to 60cm tall and has yellow, daisy-like flowers. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafHe said its spread outside of Northland was "inevitable", as the seeds travelled by wind, so a controlled area notice to restrict the movement of vehicles in and out of the region would be "a futile gesture"."There's probably no point in the Ministry for Primary Industries putting a controlled area notice on the upper half of Northland because even if we did, we can't inspect every single vehicle and then water blast them all. It's just not possible."We need to focus much more on finding a long-term control solution for this weed."Madagascar ragwort was "a national issue," he said."We've done the climate matching and this thing will grow as far south as Canterbury, and invade most pasture types."Farmers were not currently receiving any financial assistance for its control, he said.Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the management of Madagascar ragwort would require a "collective effort", but the responsibility of long-term management of it in the north, where it was well-established, sat with the regional council."A working group involving regional council and industry sector representatives has been established with the intention of identifying management options to mitigate the risk of further spread and to reduce known infestations," Hoggard said in a statement."The working group will be developing a Madagascar ragwort action plan for the region. Nearby regions are involved in this too."Biosecurity New Zealand and MPI's On Farm Support team will support this group."The matter would be discussed at the next regional biosecurity manager's forum, he said.Recent genomic DNA testing revealed the plant that many thought to be the similar endemic Gravel groundsel species, was the faster-spreading Madagascar ragwort.This story was originally published by RNZ

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)Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 10-12 JuneSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Tecoma Street southbound off-ramp, 12 JuneTecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 12 JuneEllerslie-Panmure Highway northbound off-ramp, 11-12 JuneMt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 8-11 JuneMt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp,12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 9-12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 9-12 JuneHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 9-12 JuneEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 9-12 JuneSouthbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 10-12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 10-12 JuneSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 10-12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 9 JuneSouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 8-11 JunePapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 8-11 JunePapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 8-11 JuneDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 8-11 JuneNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 8-12 JuneDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 8-12 JuneSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 12 JuneDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 12 JuneRamarama southbound on-ramp, 12 JuneBombay southbound off-ramp, 8-11 JuneNikau Road southbound on-ramp, 11 JuneRazorback Road southbound off-ramp, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ridge Road northbound off-ramp, 8 & 12 JuneRazorback Road northbound on-ramp, 8 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 8 JunePokeno northbound on-ramp, 8 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound off-ramp, 9 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 9 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 9 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound off-ramp, 10 JunePokeno southbound on-ramp, 10 JunePioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 10 JuneSouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 10 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 10 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 12 JuneNorthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 12 JuneNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Road, 9 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku roundabout, 9 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)SH2 westbound to SH1 northbound link, 8 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)SH2 westbound to SH1 southbound link, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mangatawhiri eastbound off-ramp, 8 JuneKoheroa Road westbound on-ramp, 8 June

What does it really mean when your dogs wags its tail?Why do they sometimes like to eat poo?And can cats really make good therapy animals like dogs?Well animal behaviourist and certified dog trainer Dr Zazie Todd answered some curly questions around our canine and cat behaviours.Tail wagsShe said the way a dog wagged its tail suggested it was feeling positive or negative emotions."There's some research that shows that depending on the side of the dogs body that they are wagging too, it tells you something about the hemisphere of their brain that's involved."So if the dog is wagging the tail to the left it would mean that the right hemisphere is involved and that's more associated with negative emotions, where as if their tail is wagging more to the right, that means that the left hemisphere is involved and that's positive emotions."But she said not all tail wags from our fur friends were actually friendly."If the tail is quite up right and if it's kind of a tight wag and sometimes quite a quick one, that actually is a sign of the dog feeling stressed and aroused and that is also a sign that you should be more careful of that dog."Zazie Todd with her late dog Bodger Photo: SuppliedBreed vs PersonalityTodd said when it comes to the personality of a dog it is largely not determined by its breed."There's actually a lot of variability in a breed, in terms of how those dogs behave."There is probably more variability within breeds than, you know, between different breeds, so the breed of a dog doesn't tell you everything about how that dog is going to behave.Genetics and environment both shaped a dogs behaviour, she said.What's up with them eating poop?Todd said dogs eating poo is actually a really common behaviour."From the dogs perspective, poo seems to be quite a delicacy and something they enjoy eating and it might even have some nutrients in it from the food that has been eaten before."She said the best thing owner could do was just not give their dog the opportunity to do so."Clearing up in our yards... maybe also have a conversation with your vet if your dog likes to eat poop often and think about making sure you have de-wormed them."As well we can teach them to leave it and that's a really helpful thing to teach dogs anyway," she said.Therapy cats?Another mystery question that needed answering was whether cats could be a therapy animal like dogs?Todd told Sunday Morning they could, but it was uncommon."Therapy cats can help people feel less stressed... but most cats won't enjoy this," she said."The cat also has to go somewhere for this to happen, which is something most cats don't like. If you think of what most cats do when you get a cat carrier out - they run and hide."She also said scent was really important to cats, and when placed in an unfamiliar environment that didn't smell like their home "it can be quite stressful for them"."So i think some cats can make great therapy cats but I think they are a minority."Cat purrJust like a dog wagging its tail, a cat purring didn't always mean they were happy, Todd said.She said sometimes cats could purr when they were sick or scared."There is something that we call a solicitation purr... which kind of corresponds to the frequency of a babies cry."So when the cat is waiting to be feed and wants some food that is the purr you will hear," she said.Cats have evolved this particular frequency overtime, Todd said.https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/563445/common-myths-and-curly-questions-about-our-fur-friends-answered

Coffee, Cars, and Community Spirit Enliven Matakana VillageLast Sunday Matakana Village came alive with the purr of engines, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and a steady stream of visitors basking in the sunshine at the inaugural Coffee & Cars event. This lively celebration was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Matakana Village, The Silver Fox of Omaha Real Estate Di Balich, and car promoter Richard Wooders.The Village carpark was transformed into an elegant open-air showroom, showcasing an extraordinary collection of classic and luxury vehicles. From sleek Lamborghinis to vintage Morgans, the display catered to all tastes. For the first time, visitors could explore the Village free of traffic, lending the event a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere.Beyond the visual splendor, the event served a charitable purpose, raising $1,100 in support of Coastguard Kawau. The dedicated crew who remained on call 24x7 were present until mid-morning, when they were called away for an active rescue. Their swift departure offered a timely reminder of the vital, often unsung, role they play in safeguarding our coastal communities.The People’s Choice Award was claimed by the striking 2022 McLaren 765, winning by a single vote. Congratulations are also due to Lyndon Urquhart, who won the Coastguard Kawau experience for two, drawn from the public raffle.For those who were unable to donate on the day, there is still an opportunity to support this essential service:Donate Now https://nz4you.com/content/coffee-cars-coastguard-kawau-donation-informationWith lessons learnt and resoundingly positive feedback received, plans are already underway for the next instalment. Watch this space — Matakana Village’s newest event is only just beginning.Image Credit: Amy Hamblett https://www.amyhamblett.co.nz/

Wellsford, nestled in the northern reaches of the Auckland Region, boasts a rich tapestry of historical events that have shaped its unique character. Here are some notable moments from its past:Māori Heritage and Early SettlementLong before European arrival, the area around Wellsford was inhabited by the Ngāti Whātua iwi, particularly the Te Uri-o-Hau hapū. They established seasonal settlements along the Oruawharo River, utilising the region's abundant natural resources.During the Musket Wars of the 1820s, the area experienced depopulation, but by the late 1830s, Te Uri-o-Hau and Ngāti Rongo had returned, re-establishing their presence in the region.The Albertland SettlementIn the 1860s, a group of English Nonconformist settlers, known as the Albertlanders, sought to establish a utopian community free from the constraints of the Anglican Church. Arriving aboard ships like the Matilda Wattenbach, they settled in areas including Port Albert and Wellsford.Despite facing challenges such as poor soil quality and difficult harbour access, their legacy endures, chronicled at the Albertland Heritage Museum in Wellsford.Railway Expansion and Economic GrowthThe extension of the North Auckland Line to Wellsford in 1909 marked a significant turning point, transforming the town into a vital transportation hub. This development spurred economic growth, particularly in dairy and sheep farming.The town's centre gradually shifted eastward, aligning with the new railway station and facilitating increased connectivity with Auckland and Whangārei.Timber and Kauri Gum IndustriesIn the late 19th century, Wellsford thrived on the timber and kauri gum industries. Nicholson's timber mill, established in 1864 along the Ōruawharo River, was a significant employer. The area also featured kauri gum diggers' camps, with a notable 500-acre reserve at Wayby dedicated to gum extraction.The township itself was often referred to as "The Gum Ridge" due to its prominence in the gum trade.Wellsford War MemorialOn 25 April 1937, the Wellsford War Memorial was unveiled by Gordon Coates, MP for Kaipara and a war veteran. The memorial honours the local men who served in the First World War, serving as a poignant reminder of the community's contributions and sacrifices during times of conflict.🏛️ The Albertland Heritage MuseumLocated in Wellsford, the Albertland Heritage Museum chronicles the history of the Albertlanders and the development of the region. The museum houses a vast collection of photographs, documents, and artefacts, offering insights into the lives of early settlers and the evolution of the community albertlandmuseum.co.nzFor a deeper exploration of Wellsford's rich history, consider visiting the Albertland Heritage Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection of artefacts and records detailing the area's development and the stories of its early settlers.

The fences are up, the stock have moved on, and now retired farmland is ready to be reborn as a native wetland.Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FoAM) have partnered with a local farmer to transform an overland flow path into a thriving wetland. This site, a tributary of the Waikumete Glen Eden River, will improve freshwater quality downstream and ultimately into Kawau Bay while also restoring a vital wetland ecosystem.We need your help to plant nearly 3,500 native plants. The planting day is 8 June, chosen for its alignment with Rākaunui a time known for strength and productivity.Lend us a hand!Please wear sturdy, CLEAN, closed-in footwear, and bring water, snacks, a hat, and clothing suitable for the weather. We'll be planting rain or shine.Bring CLEAN gardening gloves and spades if you have them though some will be available on-site.Once the mahi is done, join us for a sausage sizzle, including vegan options.Registration is essential to ensure there is enough kai for all and to keep you updated on event details.“Wetlands act like the kidneys of the earth, cleaning the water that flows into them. They trap sediment and soils, filter out nutrients and remove contaminants; can reduce flooding and protect coastal land from storm surge; are important for maintaining water tables; they also return nitrogen to the atmosphere.”— Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Wetlands

Police are appealing for information about an aggravated robbery in Whangārei on Wednesday, in which two armed men forced a woman out of her car.Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris said the pair then drove off at high speed, damaging four other cars as they fled.She said police found the men with help from the public and arrested them at a nearby property.Officers also seized their weapons.Members of the public were left shaken after witnessing the robbery, she said.The men appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Thursday charged with aggravated robbery and demands to steal.Harris said police wanted to hear from anyone who was at Paramount Plaza, in Tikipunga, between 12.30 and 2pm Wednesday and saw anything that could be connected to the robbery.Police would also like to see any CCTV or cell phone footage of the incident.Harris urged anyone with information that could help the investigation to lodge a report online or call 105, quoting file number 250604/4542.This story was originally published by RNZ

The Native Bird Rescue Journey of Ian & Tomarcelle MillerTucked away in the quiet beauty of Matakana, a small sanctuary hums with the soft flutter of feathers, the chirps of hungry chicks, and the quiet determination of two people who have turned their love for birds into a life’s purpose.For nearly a decade, Ian and Tomarcelle Miller have rescued birds of all kinds. But three years ago, their journey took flight in a new direction. With approval from the Department of Conservation, they committed themselves fully to the care, rescue, and rehabilitation of New Zealand’s native birds.This is no hobby. It’s a calling.Everything they do is voluntary. Driven by care, fuelled by compassion, and funded almost entirely from their own pockets.In setting up Native Nest NZ, they invested just under $10,000 of their own money to build custom aviaries and purchase the specialised equipment needed to meet DOC’s standards for native bird rehabilitation. Since then, they’ve continued covering ongoing costs, particularly food, medication, and housing upgrades for each bird that passes through their care.“We’ve been fine and comfortable funding it ourselves until now,” says Tomarcelle. “But we’ve become so busy that we simply can’t keep doing it out of our own pockets.”And they are busy. Even during a quiet time of year, they're currently caring for nine birds, with three to four more arriving each week, many requiring weeks or months of intensive rehabilitation.Some birds come from the wild, others are brought in via local vet clinics. The ones that reach Native Nest NZ have a fighting chance, and an incredible 95% of them are successfully rehabilitated and released. Sadly, not all birds make it that far; some are taken to vets with injuries so severe that the kindest option is euthanasia. But for the rest, Ian and Tomarcelle offer a true second chance.“We do this because we love birds,” says Tomarcelle. “They deserve to go home.”Whenever possible, each bird is released back to the area it came from. Many of Aotearoa’s native birds mate for life, making reunification with their partner and territory vital for long-term survival.But as the number of rescues increases, so too do the costs and the need for better facilities. Right now, the birds in recovery are housed on tables in the garage. On colder days, they are brought inside, where Ian and Tomarcelle carefully tend to their needs until they’re ready for the outdoor aviaries.Their dream is to create a dedicated bird hospital—a warm, lined shed or container that provides a calm and controlled environment for healing. A small dream, with a big impact.“We don’t want anything for the hours we spend each day,” says Ian. “But we do need help with the basics—food, supplies, and a proper space to care for them.”Food alone can cost up to $42 per day during peak seasons like spring.Every donation goes directly to the care and recovery of New Zealand’s native birds.Since launching their Facebook page, Ian and Tomarcelle have begun receiving more community support. To date, they've received $195 in generous donations from individuals, on top of the initial $180. And now, they’re deeply grateful for a $500 donation from the Warkworth Community Shop.They also have donation boxes at:Warkworth VetsFarm & Lifestyle Centre WarkworthShaggy Surf WearHunting & Fishing WarkworthThese early contributions mean the world—but the need continues to grow, and they’re now asking for broader support from people who care.How You Can HelpDonate – Every little bit helps.Sponsor a bird – Support a bird’s recovery and release.Share this page – Help spread the word.Offer supplies or services – Get in touch via Facebook.Follow and support their journey on Facebook: Native Nest NZ Facebook PageBecause every bird deserves a second chance.And every love story deserves to fly.

Susan Edmunds, Money CorrespondentIf you popped the heater on before you got out of bed this morning, you might have pondered what your next power bill will look like.The middle months of the year are often the most expensive for household electricity.But the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority says there are some energy-saving things that you can do that could help cut your bills, without denting your lifestyle too much."We've really tried to focus on things which are either no cost or at least very low cost and try to quantify the benefits of each measure," said Gareth Gretton, EECA's lead adviser on energy efficient appliances. "People can think about what exactly works for them and their household and make trade-offs for themselves."These are the seven things EECA recommends doing - and how much you could save by doing them.Only heat the rooms you're using: EECA said that households using electric heating could save about $300 a year if they switched to only heating the rooms they were using. This would reduce electricity demand by about 10 or 15 percent.Keeping your house heated to 21°C rather than 23°C could also save 2 percent of your power, or about $40 a year."There's always this tradeoff with you know 'how warm do I want my room to be' and you know 'am I kind of on the edge of my comfort level or I'm actually feeling cosy'," Gretton said. "Maybe think about just trying to heat the rooms you're actually using at a given time rather than trying to heat the whole house and not necessarily being comfortable in any one room … it's not about being uncomfortable, it's about trying to use energy wisely."He said draught stopping was also important. "This is very dependent on the house you're in but there's obviously still lots of people living in draughty houses. It's a perfect time to look at that - this is very much house by house but you could be looking at up to $100 from that one in the winter."Switching to cold water in your washing machine: Washing your clothes in cold water rather than warm will reduce consumption by 1 percent, EECA said. Gretton said based on one wash a day, a household that moved five out of seven washes to cold water would save about $50 a year. "We're sort of so used to machines defaulting to warm and just pressing the start button but all it takes is a click of the button to move down to cold," Gretton said. "If all you're doing is kind of freshening up some clothes and they don't have any really hard-to-shift stains in them, then they're going to come out clean and you're going to save yourselves [money]."Turning off appliances that you aren't using: If you can turn off things like your heated towel rail, TV or second fridge you could reduce your electricity demand by about 8 percent, or a saving of $200 a year. "I think some households do have a second fridge maybe running in the garage or something like that," Gretton said."It's probably the number one energy vampire that's in your household because you might have chucked it in your garage and thought 'oh that'll be useful at Christmas'. Then it'll end up running all year because you forget about it. Empty it out and turn it off, then turn it back on again when you need it."Close the curtains at sunset: Closing the curtains at sunset could save you 3 percent of your power, or $80 a year, EECA says. Gretton said it was mostly "common sense" but sometimes a "little nudge" would remind people of the small changes they could be making.Reducing your hot water temperature: Limiting your hot water to 60°C could save 3 percent in power.Vacuuming your heat pump filter: Remembering to vacuum your filter could reduce your power use by 2 percent or about $50.Time your power use: If you're on a plan that gives you cheaper power off-peak, make use of it. Gretton said a number of households were on time-of-use plans, where power is cheaper at certain times of day, but were not using them to the best advantage. Shifting appliances to off-peak times, particualrly things like clothes dryers, could help save money. "Dishwashers are kind of an easy one in some ways because they often have a 'delay start' function. The saving we're modelling for that one is around $150."

A new targeted rate will be collected to support three of the district’s museums, following community consultation and approval by elected members.The decision reflects the strong public engagement, with 388 submissions received during the consultation period. Community input was widespread, with respondents distributed across the district: 35% from Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward, 32% from Wairoa, and 31% from Otamatea Ward.While 36% of respondents supported no targeted rate, approximately two-thirds expressed support for a targeted rate in some form. After much discussion, elected members approved to set a targeted rate at $185,000 across the district—equating to $14 for each rateable property paying the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC).Some of the community feedback highlighted concerns about the unequal distribution of funding on one of the options. The approved new rate shares the funds equally among the museums, and includes the write-off of the Mangawhai Museum loan of $100,000. Advice to Council indicated that any contribution below $20 per ratepayer could jeopardise the museum’s future viability, making the loan write-off a necessary measure under most of the proposed options.Originally, the targeted rate was expected to be on top of the previously signalled rate increases of 8.9% after growth for the coming year. Savings achieved elsewhere mean the projected overall rates increase will be lower than anticipated -now projected at 8.3% and including the new targeted rate.Kaipara District Mayor Craig Jepson thanked the public’s involvement in the process.“There’s been a heck of a lot of discussion around this, and all of the insights have been invaluable in shaping this decision,” said Mayor Jepson.“No doubt that the museums need support, and there also needs to be other avenues of funding for them in the future. We don’t want to see the museums fail, and it’s clear the community don’t want that either.”The Annual Plan for 2025/2026 is scheduled for adoption on Wednesday, 26 June, with the new targeted rate coming into effect on 1 July 2025.View the council discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (from 0:13).

The Matakana Coast App Presents: Brew of Islands 2025 – A Celebration of Craft, Culture, and CommunityDate: Saturday, 28 June 2025Location: Kerikeri, Bay of IslandsThe Matakana Coast App proudly supports one of Northland’s most anticipated events – Brew of Islands 2025. This one-day festival offers two immersive sessions filled with exceptional craft beer, electrifying live music, and gourmet street food, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Islands. It's the ultimate winter gathering for lovers of great taste and good times.Now in its latest edition, Brew of Islands returns with renewed vibrancy, showcasing the very best of Aotearoa’s craft brewing scene. Eight standout breweries from across the North Island will be featured, each bringing a distinct flavour and flair. Local icons such as PhatHouse Brewing Co., brewed on-site in the Bay, and Kainui Brew Co. of Kerikeri, will be joined by regional innovators including Matakana’s very own 8 Wired, alongside heavy-hitters like Garage Project, Parrotdog, and Double Vision Brewing Co. from Wellington, McLeod’s Brewery of Waipu, and Urbanaut from Auckland. Together, they offer a diverse and dynamic showcase for every palate—from hop-forward to sour, classic to bold.To complement the brews, attendees will enjoy a feast of flavours from Northland’s top street food artisans. Making his festival debut is American pitmaster Mat Fulton of Wingless Angel, bringing his legendary low’n’slow BBQ. Newcomers Taco Bandit join with their handcrafted tortillas and rich birria, while crowd favourites Northland Fine Foods return with their renowned bratwurst. Seafood lovers will savour Tasty Tucker’s fresh oysters and creamy paua, while local legend Mrs Miller delights with her iconic mussel fritters.Superhero Second LineThe experience is further elevated with a robust lineup of live music and performance. The Live Hall will host the likes of Superhero Second Line, Albi & The Wolves, Kōhia, and Merv Pinny, delivering soul-stirring sounds from brass-fuelled funk to indie-folk and roots-reggae. Meanwhile, the Nightclub Zone will pulse into the evening with high-energy sets from DJs Rhys, French Kiss, Sye, and PAWS, accompanied by mesmerising visual displays.Albi & The WolvesRoaming entertainment returns as well, with the inimitable Conrad Comb and his cast of eccentric characters ensuring delightful surprises throughout the day.For those seeking a touch of refinement beyond the hops, Kindred Spirits will be serving artisanal cocktails and mocktails, while the Gin Bar by Black Collar Distillery offers botanically inspired delights for discerning gin enthusiasts.KohiaWith tickets on sale now, Brew of Islands 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of Northland’s finest craft, culture, and community. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a foodie, or simply in search of winter revelry in a picturesque coastal setting, this is an event not to be missed.It’s the perfect way to raise a glass before Dry July!Tickets:Available now from The Turner Centre in Kerikeri (in person) and online via iTicketWebsite: www.brewofislands.co.nz

Working Together for WarkworthLast Tuesday evening, One Mahurangi hosted a well-attended networking evening at The Bridgehouse with a great turnout from our retailers, hospitality operators, and other customer-facing businesses. Thanks to the Bridgehouse team for generously supplying the first drink and some nibbles—it was a warm and welcoming start to the night.We heard from Matt from Warkworth Menswear and Peter from Stirling Sports about their decisions to open on weekends and public holidays. Their message was clear: being open when customers are around has had a positive impact on their business, even in tough times. While not every business can do the same, the discussion that followed was thoughtful and encouraging. It’s about finding what works for each of us.A number of businesses expressed interest in forming a working group to explore how we might coordinate our opening hours to better meet visitor demand. We’ll be in touch soon with those who put their hands up.We also heard from Louise from Proactive Consulting about her upcoming database workshop, and Anthony from Mahurangi Matters about a promotional idea that sparked plenty of feedback. And Josh from Burgs Digital gave us a great preview of the Modern Marketing Workshop Series starting next Wednesday—if you're keen to sharpen your online marketing game, make sure you grab a spot while they’re still available.What stood out to me most was the sense of collaboration in the room. Businesses want to support each other, and there’s genuine interest in working together to help make Warkworth a destination for visitors as well as locals.If we want to attract more people into town, we need to be ready for them—with open doors, events, and reasons to stay a little longer. One Mahurangi is here to help support the businesses that want to be part of that.Together, we’re stronger. Let’s keep moving forward.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi, [email protected] FOR BUSINESS // Photos from One Mahurangi Networking Event - Tues 20th May What a night! Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Networking Night at the Warkworth Bridgehouse. It was a fantastic turnout with real conversations, fresh ideas, and great energy from our local business community. Special thanks to our speakers – Matt, Peter, Louise, Anthony and Josh – for sharing your experiences and sparking discussion.Pictured: Josh Burgisser from Burgs Digital, Matt Henderson from Warkworth Menswear, Louise Riddle from Matakana Coast App, and Anthony Ord from Mahurangi Matters.Modern Marketing Workshop Series – Starts Next Week!Presented by Josh Burgisser from Burgs DigitalThis June, we’re bringing you a practical workshop series tailored for local business owners who want to better understand modern marketing—without the jargon. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your current approach, these sessions will equip you with real tools you can put into action.Only 5 discounted tickets remain, and they’re selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to grab one before prices go up – secure your place today. CLICK HERE> Check out what Josh is about. Follow his Instagram @burgs_digital or visit burgsdigital.comConsumer Spending in Warkworth for April 2025Spending in Warkworth for April held steady at $25.2 million, down just 0.4% on last year, despite a quieter month overall across the region. Transactions dropped 2.7%, likely influenced by public holidays—Good Friday (18 April), Easter Sunday (20 April), and ANZAC Day (25 April)—all of which had some trading restrictions. School holidays from 12 to 27 April may also have affected local shopping habits.Accommodation spend jumped +45.9%, while Home, Hardware and Electrical declined -16.7%. International visitor spending rose significantly again (+34.9%), reinforcing tourism as a valuable driver for local business. Across Auckland, One Mahurangi ranked 15th out of 56 BIDs, holding a 2% share of regional spend.For more detail, download the full Marketview report and BID comparison summary.Brush up on Business FinanceUnderstand your business finances so that you can make smart decisions about where to spend your money, and make sure you're earning enough to keep your business running.Visit the business.govt.nz page for more information HERE>You can now follow the Warkworth Information Centre on Facebook and Instagram! @visitwarkworthExplore Warkworth, Mahurangi, and beyond!// Community Noticeboard //TO READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER HEAD HERE

AUCKLAND RESIDENTS - Here are the rubbish collection changes for this weekend due to King's Birthday on Monday.KAIPARA RESIDENTS - usual collection day on Monday will remain the same, no changes.HERE IS A REMINDER ABOUT WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED!! THIS IS NOW THE SAME NATIONWIDE>

Felix Walton, reporterSome residents in Dargaville are still without water and others are being asked to use as little as possible.The Kaipara District Council repaired multiple line breaks on Friday, which had drained the town's reservoirs to critical levels.But on Saturday morning the council said the line into the water treatment plant was still full of air, preventing crews from safely refilling the lines."The team are working to bleed it out so that water can flow smoothly and we can start treating water again," the council said in a post on its Facebook page."The line is around 40km long and it must be done slowly to avoid pressure blowouts and damage so this is going to take some time."Meanwhile, the council asked residents to keep conserving water and reassured them the remaining water was safe to drink."We know a few people are experiencing the water coming through the tap being a bit cloudy or murky," it said."We are replenishing the reservoir from registered water suppliers and the movement in the tanks is stirring up the water."Some residents told RNZ their water had been cut off and the local supermarket was running out of bottled water.Dargaville resident Crysta Erickson said people were buying as much bottled water as they could get their hands on."At the moment they're just all buying up the stock that they do have on the shelves," she said. "Pretty much all the bulk packages have gone and it's now just the single bottles which are a lot more expensive, and the flavoured water as well are pretty much all that's left."She said the situation was incredibly frustrating."They've also just increased our rates and everything, so we're paying extra for basic services that are essential [and] we're not getting them. And we went 12 hours without any communication from the council, it wasn't until this morning when people started posting on Facebook that they decided to update us.""We're sorry this has happened," the council said in its post. "We have crews working nonstop and doing everything they can to get this sorted."This story was originally published by RNZ