At 88, most people are slowing down — but Garth Barfoot is doing anything but. Fresh from completing the 2024 New York Marathon as the event’s oldest finisher, the legendary Kiwi has now taken on a new role: the first official patron of The Coastal Trail — a shared walking and cycling route set to connect Pūhoi to Mangawhai.Garth has donated a total of $150,000 to the trail: $100,000 to help kickstart the project in its early stages, and a further $50,000 to support construction of the Point Wells section.Chair of The Coastal Trail Trust, Aidan Bennett, says Garth’s support has been nothing short of transformative.Garth completed the New York City Marathon“Garth’s generosity and spirit are truly inspirational. His early donation gave this project its start before we were even ready to build. Having him as our first patron is a huge honour — and entirely fitting for someone who has spent his life pushing limits.”Garth’s connection to cycling dates back to childhood.“My link with cycling goes back to the Second World War,” he recalls.“In primary school I had a newspaper run using a bike to deliver the evening paper. My elder brothers would go on biking holidays with my father — petrol for civilians was a very sparse commodity.”Years later, it was his wife Judy — a retired anaesthetist and fellow adventurer — who got him back on the bike.“Over time I joined her more and more,” says Garth. One memorable trip had them tracing the rugged Motu River Trail from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne. The rocks made cycling tricky, and Garth jokingly considered returning with a spade to clear them himself.That instinct to improve things stuck. When he discovered that his friend and fellow triathlete Kathy Sheldrake was chairing the Motu Trail volunteer group, he made his first trail donation — later extending his support to Queenstown Trails and now The Coastal Trail.His introduction to The Coastal Trail came through marathon legend Allison Roe — a founding trustee of the project and Garth’s mentor in the lead-up to New York. Their bond through triathlons, Masters Games, and a shared love of endurance sport led to Garth becoming a key supporter of the trail.Garth’s latest feat — completing the New York Marathon in 11 hours, 29 minutes and 49 seconds — was no small challenge. Running alongside his daughter Kiri and friend Lay Cunningham, he braved freezing temperatures, multiple layers of clothing, and the relentless energy of the NYC crowds.“If you’re going to do one marathon in your life, it should be New York,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s the crowds that keep you going.”Though he’s no longer cycling, Garth is a regular at 5km Parkruns in Auckland.“Father Time has put an end to my cycling,” he says, “but not to my use of cycleways. They’re some of the most popular venues for Parkruns — something this retirement village resident looks forward to every Saturday morning.”Garth Barfoot’s name may be synonymous with real estate, but his legacy is equally etched into Aotearoa’s sporting and community landscape — one finish line, one donation, and one trail at a time.Garth’s generosity is helping to create something truly special — a safe, sustainable walking and cycling trail that will connect schools, communities, beaches and bush from Pūhoi to Mangawhai. A trail for everyone, for generations to come.Want to be a legend like Garth? Get behind the trail and help bring it to life: www.thecoastaltrail.co.nz

A genuine, hardworking Kiwi battler, Chris Ahern has been given just three months to live without access to an unfunded treatment for his multiple myeloma, which has recently developed into an even more aggressive form of blood cancer. He urgently requires treatment with the drug Daratumumab, which his haematologist strongly believes could save his life. While Daratumumab is funded in 49 other countries, it is not funded in New Zealand. The cost of the treatment is $140,000.Chris Ahern — a coach, mentor, father, and husband — has given so much to the communities of Wellsford, Mangawhai, Matakana, and Tomarata. Family, friends, and the community are desperately appealing for help — any donation, no matter how small, will go towards funding this vital treatment and giving Chris a real chance to continue his life with his loving wife Anna, his beautiful daughter Willa, and his three young sons, all under the age of ten. The family is frantically selling assets, including farm machinery, in an effort to raise the funds for treatment.Already, an incredible $64,300 has been raised towards the $140,000 goal, showing just how much Chris is loved and valued by those around him. However, more support is urgently needed to reach the full amount required.Chris is a hardworking, intelligent, and kind fencer who has contributed greatly to his community. For many years, he coached local soccer teams and Rippa rugby during the summers, and he remains a big part of the athletics community. His loyal huntaway, Benny, barely leaves his side, clearly unwilling to be without him — just like his family, friends, and wider community.Chris's 80-plus-year-old mother, who has lived in her home since she was 18, is willing to sell her house and live in a caravan if necessary to help her son. His wife Anna has only recently survived her own battle with breast cancer, enduring chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and intense treatment. With help, there is hope that Chris can survive too.Heather Cato, the creator of this appeal, has known Chris for many years. He initially worked for Heather and the community, and over time, he and his family became close friends. Heather describes Chris as honest, hardworking, and the cornerstone of a truly deserving Kiwi family.Use of Funds:All funds raised will go towards the cost of the life-prolonging drug Daratumumab, offering Chris the chance to continue living and being the heart of his family and community.Here is the link if you are able to donate any amount https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-save-chris-life

Police are appealing for information about another vehicle in relation to the murder of Kyle Whorrall in St Johns over Easter Weekend.The vehicle, a silver 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis, registration GNG652, is believed to be connected to people Police would like to speak to.We believe they have crucial information to share with us about the events surrounding Kyle’s tragic death.The vehicle may have travelled to Northland in recent days.Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin is asking those occupants to make contact with Police as soon as possible.“These people of interest could have the information we are looking for that will help us understand why Kyle was killed.“We know they are likely feeling apprehensive about speaking with us, but we are asking them come forward as soon as possible.It is time to do the right thing.“If you have any information about this vehicle or the people involved, we also want to hear from you.“We will be continuing to carry out our enquiries to locate this vehicle and the people with it as a matter of urgency.”If you have any information, please contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858, Operation Aberfeldy.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is warning the public to stay clear of the southern end of Omaha Beach near Auckland after a live venomous yellow-bellied sea snake was found resting in the sand dunes.DOC senior ranger Karl Fisher said the snake was spotted by a member of the public, and a ranger has been sent to investigate. In the meantime, people and their dogs are urged to avoid the area.A ranger has been dispatched to the site, but officials are warning people - and their dogs - to steer clear of the area in the meantime.The yellow-bellied sea snakes are venomous and can be aggressive, Fisher said. They are found throughout the Pacific Ocean and are native to New Zealand.The Department of Conservation is warning the public to stay clear of the southern end of Omaha Beach near Auckland after a live venomous yellow-bellied sea snake - was found. Photo: Supplied / Department of Conservation"It's very uncommon to see them on land, but with the extreme weather we've had recently, we are seeing all kinds of birds and sea life being blown ashore."Yellow-bellied sea snakes are rarely encountered on beaches.Fisher said the area will likely be cordoned off once the ranger assesses the situation, and a decision will be made about what to do with the snake.DOC reminded the public it is illegal to kill or possess a native sea snake, and urged anyone who sees the creature to report sightings immediately by calling 0800 DOC HOT."We want to make sure the public are aware and especially dog walkers or any children playing in the area," Fisher said.https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559188/venomous-sea-snake-found-at-auckland-beach-public-urged-to-stay-away

MetService has added a yellow severe thunderstorm watch for Northland, which was already under a yellow heavy rain watch.On Saturday night, the heavy rain watch was in place for the period until mid- Sunday afternoon.down-pours possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria and possibly exceed them about isolated areas, especially in downpours." Forecasters warned of: "periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms andThe yellow severe thunderstorm watch added on Saturday through until about 3pm Sunday, to emphasise the risk posed by thunderstorm conditions in Northland. The storms could affect people at the top of Northland from 10pm Saturday, before spreading south to Dargaville and Whangarei by 6am Sunday."Downpours of 25 to 40mm per hour are possible in localised places - and may occur regardless of whether there is thunderstorm activity or not," forecasters said.That could lead to hazardous driving conditions, poor visibility, flooding or slips.The forecasters noted that the conditions bringing the heavy rain came with "a lot of uncertainty", and it was hard to tell how much rain could be on the way, and where it might fall.Many parts of Northland and Auckland have been hit hard by heavy rain, storms, and flooding this month, first in early April, then last week, by the rain-sodden and slow-moving ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam weather system.Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula - and the areas surrounding them - could also have heavy rain and thunderstorms heading their way this weekend, too, MetService forecasters said."An active front will lie slow-moving close to the north of the North Island over the next few days... Warm, moist air is being pulled over the country ...by [the] low in the north Tasman Sea."People are advised to stay up-to-date on the latest changes to the forecast, on MetService's watches and warnings page.https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/559159/severe-thunderstorm-alert-for-northland-sunday

Cultural historian Richard Wolfe explores the trajectory of the kiwi bird becoming one of New Zealand's national symbols and a part of its identity in his latest book.In Kiwi: A Curious Case of National Identity, Wolfe writes about how companies adopted the name and image of the flightless bird and its popular association with New Zealand soldiers during World War I.Even prior to European settlers arriving, the feathers of the bird - also known as te manu huna a Tāne or the hidden bird of the god of forest Tāne - were highly sought after for prestigious cloaks (kahu kiwi).Some of the other earliest adaptations came in the 1850s, when an insurance company used the bird as part of their logo, and the Bank of New Zealand's imagery was associated with the bird early on too, Wolfe told Nine to Noon."The kiwi, along with many other examples of our flora and fauna and Māori culture, with varying degrees of cultural insensitivity, were used for trademarks and symbols for companies and for various organisations.Cultural historian Richard Wolfe explores the trajectory of the kiwi bird becoming one of New Zealand's national symbols and a part of its identity in his latest book.In Kiwi: A Curious Case of National Identity, Wolfe writes about how companies adopted the name and image of the flightless bird and its popular association with New Zealand soldiers during World War I.Even prior to European settlers arriving, the feathers of the bird - also known as te manu huna a Tāne or the hidden bird of the god of forest Tāne - were highly sought after for prestigious cloaks (kahu kiwi).Some of the other earliest adaptations came in the 1850s, when an insurance company used the bird as part of their logo, and the Bank of New Zealand's imagery was associated with the bird early on too, Wolfe told Nine to Noon."The kiwi, along with many other examples of our flora and fauna and Māori culture, with varying degrees of cultural insensitivity, were used for trademarks and symbols for companies and for various organisations."The big thing that really gave the kiwi a sort of boost in terms of it being accepted as a national symbol and aligning itself or being adopted by New Zealanders, was the invention by an Australian [William Ramsay] of kiwi boot polish… when he came to giving it a name, he decided to honour his wife's homeland."Kiwi being a short, sharp, sort of easily remembered name and the image of the bird, a sort of nice round image, suited a round tin admirably."The product, which was launched in Melbourne in the early 1900s, went on to become popular abroad too, as the British government bought it in bulk for use by the army during World War I, he says."So the tins then became scattered around the battlefields of Europe and the connection was made with New Zealand soldiers over there, and so by the time they came back to New Zealand post-war, the connection had sort of been made."Prior to that, New Zealanders, like Australians, soldiers were referred to as diggers, but at least calling them Kiwi gave them a rather separate identity."Near the end of WWI and whilst stationed at Sling Camp in southern England, New Zealand soldiers became frustrated while waiting for transportation home and preoccupied themselves by drawing a kiwi outline on the side of the chalk hill overlooking their camp, Wolfe says."This bird became a local landmark. So, I think that sort of helped cement the association between the soldiers and the bird."But interestingly, during the Second World War, the kiwi had to be covered over, because it was seen as a bit of a landmark that Germans coming across the channel would keep an eye out for it and know where they were."Photo: Supplied: Oratia BooksThe landmark is still visible and was initially being cared for by the same company that invented the kiwi shoe polish, he says.But the bird's emergence as a symbol of the country could be dated back even further to the early 1900s, with several cartoons depicting the All Blacks team as a kiwi.Wolfe believes one of the factors that boosted the kiwi as a national emblem was that it was unofficial."New Zealand's national symbols are the silver fern, which is on the national coat of arms, and the Southern Cross … which is on the national flag."But the kiwi doesn't have that sort of official endorsement, although it's on coats of arms of various cities and burrows … but it's very much a bird of the people, and I think the fact it has not had that official endorsement has helped its rise and acceptance by New Zealanders at large."Wolfe says concerns about "the most unlike bird of birds" being the national symbol were overcome thanks to its special traits and apparent ingenuity, which New Zealanders have been likened to.https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530889/richard-wolfe-on-how-new-zealanders-became-known-as-kiwis

One of the artists behind a Anzac Day light and sound show, and whose grandfather fought at Gallipoli, says the occasion is about keeping family stories alive.Interactive light projection piece by Johann Nortje Photo: RNZ / Jessie ChiangAbout 200 people were at St David's Church in central Auckland last night for the opening of the art event Southern Star - Te Tonga Whetu o te Rangi which featured band music, choirs and bagpipes.Sean Winterbottom, whose grandfather, Fred Marriot, fought at Gallipoli as a teenager, was one of the artists who created a light projection onto the church.Anzac Day was a time to remember his family history, he said."In a lot of families, grandparents are the stuff of legend and [we try to] keep that legend alive in the stories," said Mr Winterbottom."I think he [Fred Marriott] signed up when he was 16, 17 years old at Gallipoli."Mr Winterbottom said his grandfather survived Gallipoli, went on to fight at Greece and the Somme before also serving in World War II.Artist Sean Winterbottom standing next to his grandfather Fred Marriott who fought at Gallipoli. Photo: RNZ / Jesse ChiangHis piece, Toa, is about the warrior spirit that soldiers carried with them to war and their connection to the land at home.The director and curator of the event, Paul Baragwanath, said the three light projections were selected based on the Southern Star brass pin created by Warwick Freeman.The event was an important occasion, said Mr Baragwanath.Paul Baragwanath, the director and curator of the art event. Photo: RNZ / Jesse Chiang"This is a very special time of remembrance, it's been 100 years since [the end] of World War I and it's going to be another 100 years before we commemorate the bi-centenary," he said."Now is our last opportunity to really remember them in a very meaningful way."The two other works include pieces by Jeff Smith and Johann Nortje.The light projections will continue until Saturday night.This story was originally published by RNZ

Thank you to the service people and their families who sacrificed and lost so much for humanity.Here is a brief history of Anzac Day from RSA.Lest we forget and may they be resting in peace.

Victor WatersA pest eradication project at Lake Tomarata north of Auckland is cleaning up water that has not been the same since a fanatical fisherman illegally introduced invasive fish more than 50 years ago.Auckland Council - with assistance from University of Waikato - has been using gill nets to remove rudd and tench species which have had a devastating impact on the lake's ecosystem since they were introduced by an avid coarse fisherman in 1971.Auckland Council freshwater ecologist Belinda Studholme said the water quality of Lake Tomarata was one of the fastest declining in the region."There are some key species in this lake that protect water quality. There's freshwater mussels, kākahi and then there's the native plants that grow across the lakebed that bind up all the sediment."So the kākahi are filtering out bacteria and sediment out of the water column, and the freshwater plants that form this meadow over the bottom would be binding up all the sediment so that it doesn't get re-suspended when it's windy or when there's boats."The pest fish rudd, they eat the native plants, so there's hardly any native plants growing on the lake bed now and the tench, they're benthic feeders, and they'll be eating the kākahi," said Studholme.The native mollusc is a cornerstone in improving the lake's natural health, with a single kākahi having the ability to filter a litre of water an hour."Where you have large populations of freshwater mussels, they almost work like so-called ecosystem engineers - they're kind of self-cleaning the lake," said Waikato University Associate Professor Nick Ling.Studholme said a bed of these freshwater mussels could filter much of the lake in about a week.She said by improving their populations in the wild, they could improve many of New Zealand's polluted waterways."We've still got a few little pockets of them around the lake, but they're not thriving like they should be. ""It would be amazing if we could grow them on demand, but they're quite finicky," she said.Photo: Nick MonroThe gill nets have been placed every 50 metres across the lake, which was created when the formation of sand dunes along the coast prevented inland water from running out to sea.No rivers or streams flow into Lake Tomarata and the surrounding lakes, meaning it is filled by rainfall and water seeping up through the sand.But this special ecosystem has been compromised by the actions of Stewart Smith, a London-born fishing fanatic who moved to New Zealand when he was 15 in 1928. He spent years locked up in a conscientious objectors camp, after becoming a devout communist.An avid coarse fisherman, Smith dedicated much of his life to "improving" recreational fishing in New Zealand by introducing these fish which he often bred in a garage.According to Smith's own personal records, he illegally introduced more than 15,000 fish across New Zealand's freshwater systems between the 1960s and late 2000s.Photo: Nick MonroLing said Smith targeted Lake Tomarata in 1971."They were introduced to this lake on the 18th of January 1971. He kept meticulous diaries of his activities, so he released 75 rudd and 73 tench into the lake on that date."He thought that New Zealand needed these species to make it a little piece of England and so he was very prolific, he introduced fish into a whole lot of lakes."Some of them didn't take actually, because the lake didn't support the species, but many of the lakes it did and now we've got this legacy problem, including things like koi carp in the Waikato River," he said.Ling said they were beginning to get on top of the decades-long issue at Lake Tomarata."The work that we've done so far, we've set in excess of 35 kilometres of gill net in this lake over the last three years and our modelling suggests that we have removed more than 95 percent of the population."Hopefully we can fish them to extinction, but even if we can't get every last fish, at least we can suppress the population to a point where we start to see recovery of the water quality and the biodiversity values of the lake," he said.This story was originally published by RNZ

A replacement for State Highway 1 over Northland's notorious Brynderwyn Hills will be built just to the east of the current road - a major change from the original plan of building the new four-lane highway well to the west of the slip-prone hills.Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced Waka Kotahi's preferred route for a Northland Expressway on Wednesday, stretching about 100km from the motorway's current endpoint at Warkworth all the way to Whangārei.The biggest surprise is that NZTA has dropped its earlier preference for a route that would have skirted around the western side of the troublesome Brynderwyn Hills.Instead, the new route will, like the current highway, go over the top of the Brynderwyns, but to the east of the existing route.Bishop said the Brynderwyn Hills section was highly challenging, due to the steep terrain and unstable geology."Alternative options looked at western routes but following further investigation, NZTA has reassessed and found a near-east alignment close to State Highway 1. This is a more direct route with more predictable geology that can be managed through engineering design," he said.A slip on Brynderwyn Hills. Photo: Supplied / Waka KotahiA timeline and potential cost for the project are not yet known, but the full Northland Expressway is expected to be one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in New Zealand history.Last year the Infrastructure Commission warned the project could consume $1 of every $10 spent by the Government on infrastructure during the next 25 years.Plans for a new route around the Brynderwyns were put on ice in 2017 but revived with urgency in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, when the highway was closed on-and-off for months due to slips and reconstruction.During the closures, traffic between Auckland and Northland was forced to use narrow back roads via Waipū, or the much longer State Highway 14 around the west coast.Even the $85 million repair job carried out on the unstable south side of the Brynderwyns in 2024 is expected to last only another seven to 10 years.A slip triggered by Cyclone Tam during Easter weekend, which blocked one lane and reportedly damaged a car, was another reminder of the route's instability.Also announced this morning were the preferred routes for two other sections of the Northland Expressway.Bishop said the 26km section from Warkworth to Te Hana, bypassing the summertime traffic jams of Wellsford, would be built mostly to the east of the current highway.Italian company Webuild confirmed earlier this year it would bid to build and operate that section of the Northern Expressway as a public-private partnership.The section of highway from the northern side of the Brynderwyns to Port Marsden Highway at Ruakākā would run west of the existing highway.A preferred route for the northernmost section, a notoriously crash-prone stretch of highway between Ruakākā and Whangārei, had yet to be determined.The highway through urban Whangārei would retain its current route but would be widened in places.This story was originally published by RNZ

Leigh Anzac CommemorationParade Assembly: 10.50am at Harbour View RdService: 11am at Leigh Cemetery, Harbour View RdOther Details: Refreshments will be served after the service at Leigh Bowling Club , Albert St. All welcomeContact: Guy Parkes, Leigh Community Club 021 352 588 or [email protected] Matakana War Memorial Anzac Parade and ServiceParade Assembly: 9.45am at Matakana roundaboutParade Commences: 9.55am from Matakana Roundabout to the Matakana War MemorialService: 10am at Matakana War MemorialOther Details: Parking is located at 964 Matakana Rd.Contact: Adrienne Miller, 027 454 9070 or [email protected] Warkworth and Districts RSA Dawn Parade and ServiceParade Assembly: 5.45am at Warkworth RSA, 28 Neville St.Parade Commences: 5.50am parade to War Memorial on Church HillService: 6am at War Memorial, Church Hill.Road Closures: Church Hill and part of Neville StOther Details: Cooked breakfast available to purchase from Gunners Restaurant, Warkworth RSAContact: Chrissy Keith, 09 425 8568 or [email protected] Anzac Dawn Parade and ServiceParade Assembly: 5.45am at 13 Port Albert RdParade Commences: 5.50am, 13 Port Albert RoadService: 6.00am at Wellsford Memorial LibraryRoad Closures: Port Albert Rd (between Davies Rd and Rodney St) and Memorial Ln ( between Worker Road and Port Albert Road) from 4.45am until 7.15 amOther Details: refreshments available after parade and service at Wellsford RSA, 1 Olympus RdContact: Paul Jones, 027 285 3682 or [email protected] - 10.40am, 18 Nova Scotia Drive, Waipu, New Zealand 0510Whangārei Service - 6am, Laurie Hall Park.For donations to RSA to help them continue their work supporting New Zealand's veterans of military service and their whanau head here to donate online, or text Poppy to 8595 to make an instant $3 donation.

The same man is alleged to have broken a window at a Whangārei fire station for the fifth time in 12 months, police say.The string of incidents has prompted the Kamo Volunteer Fire Brigade to seek the community's help to find the man "who has it in" for the Kamo Fire Station.Its CCTV cameras have captured several images of the hooded offender and these have been posted on social media in the hope someone will recognise him.Photo: Facebook / Kamo Volunteer Fire BrigadeThe post said the Kamo firefighters were "disappointed"."This person has broken a window deliberately on at least four different occasions [previously] for reasons we just can't figure out," their post said."It just doesn't make sense to us that he would walk directly across Kamo Rd to the Fire Station and using a tool of some sort smash a high window and then walk off back the way he came."A police spokesperson said the most recent incident occurred on 12 April at around 7am and it was the fifth time it has happened in a year.In the latest incident, he was wearing "a dark hoody, blue jeans, distinctive bright green socks, and black slip-on footwear with white soles", the spokesperson said."Police would like to hear from anyone with information about these incidents, or who may have seen suspicious activity around the Kamo Fire Station."They can be contacted on 105, using reference number 250412/5666.This story was originally published by RNZ

Since May 2022, the Matakana Coast App has followed the impressive rise of Silverdale's own Tyler King. Our last story in January 2024 captured the momentum of this talented young rider — and now we’re thrilled to share some exciting news.New Zealand motorcycle racing fans can look forward to seeing Tyler King aboard the Helicraft Racing MV Agusta 800 F3 RR in the 2025-2026 season.The recently crowned New Zealand Superlites Champion has signed on with the Wanaka-based team for a two-pronged assault on the New Zealand Superbike Championship. King will race the MV Agusta in the NZ600 Supersport Championship, alongside campaigning a Yamaha R7 in the Pro Twins class.Now 18, Tyler undertook an extensive two-day test with Helicraft Racing, completing over 50 laps at Ruapuna on the first day. He followed this with two race wins from two starts the next day at Levels Raceway.“I’m really excited to take this next step up in my racing career,” King says.“The MV is a fantastic bike – it just does things so well. I was probably a little surprised at how easily I adapted to it, but I also know this is where the hard work really begins if I am to get the best out of the bike and myself.”Helicraft Racing team owner Rod Price is equally enthusiastic about Tyler joining the team. Last season, Tyler competed across three national classes – Superlites, 600cc, and 300 Supersport – and also won the Auckland-based Carl Cox Ninja Cup Series.“Tyler is undoubtedly the hottest young prospect in New Zealand racing,” Price says.“Not many riders get to stand on the podium 13 times at a national championship round.He’s also an exceptional young man, and I can see why he was a hands-down winner of the Cormac Buchanan Trophy this year.”The Cormac Buchanan trophy is awarded to the best young rider whose success is guided by sportsmanship and outstanding personal qualities.Price was impressed with King’s maturity during the recent test sessions.“He built up his speed and confidence across both days and slotted into the Helicraft environment naturally. He joins with the full support of the team, including our riders Harriet Grace and Mya Wilcox. There’s already a great feeling, and we’re committed to giving Tyler everything he needs on and off the track.”Tyler will also continue to race in Australia over the winter, where he’s a leading contender in the Australian 300 Supersport Championship.Meanwhile, Price acknowledged the contribution of Seth Devereux, a key figure in the MV 800 programme.“Seth put in a massive effort last winter to help us debut the 800. He rewarded us with some promising podium finishes but was unfortunately sidelined by injury. We wish him all the very best in his recovery – he’ll always be welcome in the Helicraft garage.”Looking ahead, the team will retain both Harriet Grace and Mya Wilcox for next season. Harriet impressed during her rookie year in the 300 Supersport Championship, finishing 11th overall.“She grew faster and more determined with each race, and we expect her to be a front-runner next season,” Price said.Mya has also made remarkable progress, stepping up just 12 months after her debut. She’ll make the move to national competition next season.“Running four bikes and three riders is another step up for the team,” Price added.Tyler also brings with him a strong team of supporters, including his long-time mechanic Glen Horne, engine builder Gavin Veltmeyer, and a list of loyal sponsors – all of whom will play a part in this exciting next chapter.For further information contact Peter Donalson of the Helicraft team – 021 235 5906

Rodney residents will have council rubbish collections funded by residential property rates from 1 September 2025.The rates-funded rubbish collection is part of a regionwide move to a standardised waste service for Auckland.From Monday 30 June, Auckland Council will begin delivering bins to residential properties in Rodney. The bins will be placed at the roadside of your property before council rubbish collections begin in the first week of September 2025.Ratepayers in Rodney can request a smaller or larger rubbish bin until 18 May 2025.Auckland Council General Manager Waste Solutions Justine Haves says that standardising waste services across Auckland will give everyone access to the same service at the same cost, wherever they live.“Having everyone on a unified collection service, that includes recycling and food scraps, gives us the best chance to minimise waste and reduce emissions as we work towards Auckland’s goal of zero waste by 2040,” says Ms Haves.“We want to protect Auckland’s natural environment by reducing reliance on landfills, while keeping costs for Aucklanders as low as possible. A universal rates-funded rubbish collection helps us to deliver a more consistent and cost-effective service and makes it easier to engage with Aucklanders on how we can all reduce waste,” she says.With a choice of three bin sizes, Aucklanders can choose the size that best meets their individual household’s needs. The targeted rates charge for a property’s rubbish collection will depend on the size of the bin.To date, Rodney residents have only had the option of using private waste services or taking their rubbish to a transfer station. Any residents using a private rubbish collection service should contact their provider before 1 September to find out what to do with their existing rubbish bin.Rural residents“We recommend residents living in rural properties use bins instead of bags to dispose of rubbish. Bins are much better for the environment than single-use plastic bags. Bins are also a safer option for residents and collectors, as the contents are completely contained,” says Ms Haves.If it is not practical to use bins, rural residents in Rodney who would like to request bags should email [email protected] .Rural residents who opt for bags instead of bins will have three choices in the number of bags per pack, depending on their household requirements, and this is reflected in the targeted waste rate for each household. A smaller pack of bags will have a lower targeted rate than a larger pack.For more information, please visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/hellobinrodney

A FURTHER SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH HAS BEEN ADDED FOR AUCKLAND / WARKWORTH / NORTHLAND REGIONS TODAY SUNDAY 20TH APRILSevere Thunderstorm WatchPeriod:  8hrs from noon - 8pm Sun, 20 AprArea: Northland, AucklandForecast: (Note - Severe Thunderstorm Watch for eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti has been lifted as thunderstorm activity is now expected to remain offshore). A line of thunderstorms producing localised heavy rain is expected to develop over southern Northland and Auckland early afternoon, and move slowly eastwards across the region. Between midday and 8pm today (Sunday), some of the thunderstorms may be severe about southern Northland (south of Whangarei) and the broader Auckland region, with rainfall rates of 25-50mm/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. The thunderstorms should weaken and move offshore this evening.Monday 21st April forecastWarkworth / Auckland Region - A few showers. Southwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.Mangawhai / Northland Region - A few showers, clearing in the evening. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.

Ghost Town or Vibrant Town?What sort of town do we want here in Warkworth?After a successful outcome on the Watercare issue—a challenge that could have crippled our town—we now face the familiar seasonal hurdle: winter. For many retailers and hospitality businesses, this time of year is tough.Lauren and I recently attended the BID Managers’ Conference in Albany, joined by representatives from across Auckland and as far as Hamilton and Christchurch. It’s always valuable to connect with others doing similar work and to share experiences.Here are some key takeaways:Empty retail spaces and reduced foot traffic are a common theme across all town centres in New Zealand.Many shoppers are spending less, and online shopping continues to take its toll.Infrastructure works are causing disruption, making it harder for customers to access town centres.Several towns are rethinking opening hours and encouraging collaboration between businesses.While we can’t match the promotional budgets of larger associations, we can work smarter—and we can work together.The Retail Networking Night, OPEN FOR BUSINESS, we had planned for last night had to be postponed due to the terrible weather. It will now take place on Tuesday, 20th May at the Back Bar, Bridgehouse. This is an open invitation to all Warkworth retail and hospitality businesses and anyone with an interest in the town. We’ll use the evening to connect, share ideas, and explore low-cost ways to keep things moving through winter.We’re also running a four-week social media workshop series starting 14 May, aimed at helping you make the most of your online presence. (Watch the promotional video below!) These sessions will be practical and valuable— more details to follow.So the question is: Do we want Warkworth to be a ghost town—or a vibrant one? The answer lies with all of us. Business owners have the power to promote both their own enterprises and the town as a whole. And as locals, choosing to buy nearby rather than online can make all the difference.I know what I choose: A Vibrant Town.As we always say— we are StrongerTogether.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi, [email protected] Assembly 2025 for BIDs and Business Associations | April 9th | Albany, AucklandDue to the appalling weather, we had to postpone last night's networking event. The new date is TUESDAY the 20th of May. For more details about the event CLICK HERE> We look forward to seeing you all then!WATCH THIS VIDEO > Burgs Digital is running a Modern Marketing Workshop Series for Warkworth Businesses starting this May! More details to follow!Sole traders – get ready for the end of the financial yearWith this easy-to-follow checklist, you can tick off the essential annual tasks of a sole trader and stay on top of your business admin.READ MORE>Warkworth Information CentreLooking for wet-weather activities these school holidays? Pop into the Warkworth Information Centre for ideas, maps, and local tips from our volunteers.📍 1 Baxter Street | 🕙 Mon–Fri 10–4[CLOSED Public holidays and weekends]🌐 onemahurangi.co.nz/warkworth-info-centreYou can now follow the Warkworth Information Centre on Facebook and Instagram! @visitwarkworthExplore Warkworth, Mahurangi, and beyond!YOU CAN READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER HERE

Serena SolomonThe Easter Bunny and its mates Santa and the tooth fairy present a dilemma for parents - promoting the value of generosity through a vehicle of lies.It’s one of those moments in the year when many parents wonder why they lie to their children about a magical rabbit that leaves Easter eggs in the garden.In our multicultural society, there are various approaches to the concepts of Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the tooth fairy. At a guess, for the majority of New Zealand children, these fictional characters are real — at least in the first few years of their lives. After all, New Zealand Post receives more than 100,000 letters each year addressed to Santa at Christmas.But there are some, whether it is for religious or ethical reasons, who don’t raise their kids to believe in these fictional characters.A close up portrait of Santa with a Christmas tree in the background. 123rfThose with a non-Christian religion might steer clear of the Easter Bunny and Santa because of their religious connection to Christian holidays. Some Christians don’t let their kids believe in it because they say it takes away from the holidays' main message about the birth, death and rebirth of Jesus. For others still, belief in the three characters is irrational and anti-science.“There is no talk about the Easter Bunny or anything. We just explain to them where Easter came from, celebrating new life with the egg,” said an Auckland mother of a 4 and 7-year-old. She never told her kids that Santa, the Easter Bunny or the tooth fairy were real.“It is not about chocolate and the bunny. We just explain factually where the story came from.”The family has the same stance when it comes to Santa and the tooth fairy. She told her kids that Santa is not real but he was inspired by a real historical figure, St. Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek saint known for his generosity.“If someone is climbing into your bedroom window and taking your tooth, that is a scary thought. Why would we tell the kids that?” she said of the tooth fairy.The mum grew up with parents who decided their kids would not believe in the three characters. The decision was based on the value of anti-consumerism.“I think even when we were younger it was ‘Let's make something to give to people for Christmas. Let's grow something.”How to make the decision?Caitlin Hocken is a parenting coach with Child Wise, a New Plymouth-based service. The parents who often raise concerns about fabricating stories about the Easter Bunny are those who tend to question other aspects of parenting.“It’s their personality, you know. They may be a bit more black and white.”But parents can ultimately make whatever decision they like as long as “they’ve got the really strong value, personal value to back it up".A lot of parents tend to go with the status quo for their first kids, says Hocken. They begin to question the ethics of making things up as they journey through parenting.“I think if honesty is a value that you're trying to impart in your family, you might have a bit of discomfort around that.”Both of Hocken’s children, a 7 and an 11-year-old, grew up believing in the Easter Bunny, Santa and the Tooth Fairy."My experience with my boys when they were very little, just that magic that comes from these traditions and the fantasy and the imagination element of going out to the garden believing that somebody's been and left eggs everywhere."Lisa Swinburn, a Wanaka-based family coach and counselor.For Lisa Swinburn, a Wanaka-based family coach and counsellor, Christmas, Easter and the tooth-taking fairy are rooted in the values of imagination and generosity.However, she decided that when her children asked if they were real, that was when she would tell them the truth. Her youngest child at age six asked the question before her older son did.“You want to keep nurturing that wonder and follow their developmental readiness.”“If they start asking the question ‘Is it real?’ Then that is often a sign that they are ready for a different layer of understanding.”Swinburn remembers the moment she figured out that Santa was not real.“I think my younger sister might have cottoned on, and [my mum] was afraid that I would find out. So she wanted to be the one to tell me. I cried a lot over it.”How to not ruin it for others who want their kids to believe?Of course, a kid who never believes in the Easter Bunny from the beginning or who figures out early on that rabbits have nothing to do with eggs might share their knowledge with others.It’s an early, digestible lesson about humanity - that we all believe something different.“So there is another conversation around that we want to respect everyone's beliefs and that everybody has a right to choose what they want to believe,” says Hocken.When Swinburn’s younger daughter figured out the truth before her older sibling, Swinburn framed it to her as being in on a secret.“You can say something like ‘You know, now that you know you get to be part of a special group of kids who can keep the fun alive for others.“Because it’s kind. It’s respectful to do that.”This story was originally published by RNZ

 Little Island Limited is recalling a specific batch of its Little Island brand Hokey Pokey Coconut Ice Cream due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (milk).Point of sale noticeIf you are a retailer of the products in this recall, download a copy of the point of sale notice. You need to display it in your store for one month.Point of sale notice – Little Island brand Hokey Pokey Coconut Ice CreamConsumer adviceCustomers are asked to check the batch and date marking on the products.People with a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume these products. If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice. If you are not allergic or intolerant to milk, this recall does not affect you.Customers with a milk allergy or intolerance should return the products to their retailer for a full refund.Who to contactIf you have questions, contact Little Island Limited:Phone: 09 579 1350Address : 4/30 Greenpark Road Penrose Auckland

Update: OneNZ has activated its text to satellite service for all customers north of Hamilton including Tauranga plus Rotorua to customers with VoLTE-capable phones. This should help some OneNZ customers who have been affected by cellphone outages, if they have capability on their phone.Severe weather from Cyclone Tam is continuing to hammer the upper North Island, with widespread flooding, power outages, infrastructure damage and road closures. Authorities are urging people to stay off the roads and prepare for ongoing impacts as the storm continues to move down the country.** Some flights and ferries have already been cancelled with more likely to follow.Northland & Far NorthPower and CommunicationsNearly 25,000 properties across Northland have lost power, including close to 14,000 homes in the Far North, according to local power supplier Top Energy. Mayor Moko Tepania says almost half of all households in the district are without electricity.A recent update from Northpower states: Severe winds have caused major damage to the Northpower network. Around 12,000 remain without power – crews are working hard to restore supply as soon as it’s safe.AREAS of Waipu, Langs Beach, Mangawhai Heads, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Kaiwaka, Brynderwyn, Dargaville, and Hakaru under Northpower's network ALL have outages. For the full map head here.NORTHPOWER has made an announcement at 8am this morning - stating due to high winds and extensive damage, best case scenario power will be restored in 24 hours, but it may be 2-3 days before power is restored.Northland Police report infrastructure damage to several transmission towers, impacting cellphone reception in:TikitikioureTaupo BayDomain RoadKarikari CentralMangonuiWaimaukuMatapouriHuruikiHelena BayLandlines remain operational. Those unable to contact emergency services by mobile phone are advised to use a landline to call 111.Flooding and RoadsThe Kāeo River has overflowed, flooding State Highway 10 just north of Kāeo township. With high tide still several hours away, the river remains under close watch. River cameras confirm it has burst its banks.Waimate North Road, between Kerikeri and Kaikohe, is also likely to be flooded. Civil Defence is urging residents to delay any non-essential travel, with fallen trees already causing road closures, particularly along the coast.Severe Weather and RainfallWind gusts in exposed parts of Northland have reached 150km/h, while even urban areas like Whangārei have experienced gusts near 96km/h. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says the combination of heavy rain and wind is intensifying the storm’s effects.Rainfall has been heavy across the region:Wiroa Road, west of Kerikeri: 119mm in 24 hours to 7amKāeo, Whakapara, and Glenbervie: over 100mmThe rain has eased in some areas but is forecast to continue throughout the day, with MetService’s rain warning extending into tonight.Property DamageA house in Moerewa was damaged when a tree fell on it around 1.35am on Plunket Street. Volunteer firefighters from the Kawakawa brigade responded. The front of the house sustained damage, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).AucklandWidespread Damage and Emergency ResponseStrong winds and heavy rain swept across Auckland overnight, resulting in over 120 emergency callouts shared between Auckland and Northland. FENZ responded to incidents involving fallen trees, debris, and structural damage.Road ClosuresTwo highways were closed after trees fell onto vehicles. Specific Auckland routes are still being assessed by authorities.Weather ConditionsWind gusts of up to 150km/h were recorded in exposed areas, with damaging winds also hitting built-up areas. Rain has been significant but the most dangerous aspect continues to be the wind combined with already sodden ground.Power OutagesMany areas of Auckland have been affected including: Puhoi, Pakiri, Whangaripo, Te Arai, Mangawhai, Te Hana, Wellsford and Port AlbertFor updates head hereLooking AheadCyclone Tam is expected to move further south towards Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and the upper South Island from Friday. Residents are urged to stay alert, follow Civil Defence updates, and avoid non-essential travel.RNZ, the official Civil Defence lifeline broadcaster, will provide continuous updates. You can find your local frequency here.