Compared with other countries, New Zealand classrooms have some of the highest rates of device use in the world.OECD data in 2018 showed that youth in Aotearoa used digital devices 42 hours per week on average, compared to 35 hours globally, and studies have shown that children's screen use has increased since then, the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) says.While technology does have benefits for learning, a study published this week in the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy highlights the risk of harm for youth.Auckland University of Technology student and paediatric physiotherapist Julie Cullen told RNZ's Afternoons the narrative review of studies looked at eight different areas of health - including vision, hearing, physical impacts, sleep, mental health, obesity and social impacts."While digital technologies can certainly offer opportunities for learning, and other benefits as well, frequent and extended device use is associated with a risk of harm to child and adolescent health and also in numerous areas of health," Cullen said."So, time spent using digital technologies affected some areas of health and that's regardless of what content, what kids are doing online."This included eye health, like myopia and dry eye disease, and noise induced hearing loss linked to volume and length of time.Whether kids were doing school work or playing games, didn't seem to matter.But when it came to mental health, wellbeing and cognition, it may."On the flip side, there were other areas of health where while time spent on screens is still important, it may be more important what kids are doing online, the content and quality of what they're doing and other factors like their age."LISTEN ▶ "There is increased evidence showing there are harmful impacts, compared to what there was a few years ago" - Student and paediatric physiotherapist Julie CullenMore long-term research into the impact of screen use was needed, Cullen said."But it's going to take years, if not decades to have that causation."...The Covid-19 pandemic created quite a unique research opportunity to look at the impacts of higher screen use in a way no ethics committee would have ever allowed. They would never have said increase kids screen use and see what happens, but that is what happened with the pandemic."There is increased evidence showing there are harmful impacts, compared to what there was a few years ago."An example was the total myopic shift in children over the pandemic that was directly attributed to increased screen use and reduced time outdoors, she said.It meant more children were diagnosed with myopia - short-sightedness. As many as three times as many children between six and nine years old were found to have myopia than any of the previous five years.This had more of an impact for children than adolescents, she said."More and more studies have shown that dry eye disease is increasing in our young people, primarily in association with screen use."Screen use was so prolific that finding causation would take a long time, she said, because it was hard to study people who were not using screens.While the government was banning phone use in schools and there was recreational screen use guidelines, Cullen said in terms of frequent and excessive use nothing was happening in New Zealand.The average time kids spend using digital technologies in class in other countries was once or twice a week, she said.Denmark and Sweden, which have similarly high screen use to use, are developing guidelines with a view to encourage a balance of learning on and off screens and to limit screens in the classroom for younger children.Cullen would like to see recommendations or guidance as well as structured support for teachers and kaiako here."We've got primary schools with digital immersion models in New Zealand... we've got young children who do the majority of their learning online, they can be online in their breaks at school, that's before homework and recreational screen use."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionFriday 5th April - Cloudy periods. Isolated light showers clearing this morning. Southwesterlies.Saturday 6th April - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until afternoon. Easterlies.Sunday 7th April - Fine. Easterlies, easing in the evening.Mangawhai RegionFriday 5th April - Mostly cloudy. Showers clearing this morning and becoming mainly fine. Southerlies.Saturday 6th April - A few showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Southerlies, turning easterly in the morning.Sunday 7th April - Fine. Easterlies.

Three people are in a critical condition and four seriously injured after two vehicles crashed in Waipu, Northland.The crash occurred shortly after 1.30pm yesterday.The route has been the main one for cars travelling to and from Northland due to road works on State Highway One over the Brynderwyn Hills.Police have confirmed that their initial understanding is seven people are injured.St John said nine vehicles were sent to the scene, treating and transporting seven patients.Three patients were taken to Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland, one in a critical condition and two in a serious condition, and four were taken to Whangārei Hospital. One person in a critical condition was taken by helicopter.Three helicopters were dispatched, five ambulances, two rapid response units and two operations managers.St John confirmed three patients were critically injured while four were seriously injured.Whangarei's mayor Vince Cocurullo said the road the crash happened on was not usually dangerous.Up until now, the detour route has been going smoothly, and traffic has travelled well below the speed limit, he said.Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the crash had occurred near Johnson Point Road and closed Cove Road between McLean and South roads.One dead in separate crashOne person has died following another crash in Northland yesterday.The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Apotu Road in Kauri.It was reported to police at 3.13pm.Police said one person was critically injured and died at the scene."Police extend our condolences to their family and friends at this time.""The Serious Crash Unit will conduct a scene examination, and motorists are asked to avoid the area."This story was first published by RNZ

Northland’s six-monthly tsunami siren test will take place at the end of daylight saving on Sunday, 7 April.The network of more than 200 outdoor tsunami sirens in coastal communities, from Te Hapua in the north to Mangawhai in the south and Ruawai in the west, is checked twice a year, coinciding with the start and finish of daylight saving.The sirens sound twice: firstly at 10am for 10 minutes and then again at 10.30am for 30 seconds, and will be monitored for any faults.Indoor sirens will be tested at the same time as the outdoor network.Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group spokesperson Zach Woods added that people should also be aware of the risk of local source tsunami (those generated on or close to the coast), which could arrive ahead of any official warning. "Everyone who spends time on the coast needs to know the natural warning signs of tsunami - a strong earthquake that is hard to stand up in or one that lasts longer than a minute, or out-of-the ordinary sea behaviour, such as sudden rise or fall and/or unusual noise."He said Northlanders can check out whether they live, work or play in a tsunami evacuation zone, and plan the quickest route to safety, using the interactive maps at: www.nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzonesNorthland’s outdoor tsunami sirens are funded and owned by the region’s three district councils (Far North, Whangarei and Kaipara) and operated in a partnership which also includes the two electricity networks (Northpower and Top Energy).The Northland network has been developed since 2007, with a total of 205 sirens installed over that time.This year will also see the first set of new outdoor tsunami sirens installed in the community. With the first two due to be installed in Whangārei in April, more will be progressively installed across Northland over the next couple of years.To avoid confusion, even when the new sirens are installed, they won’t be used straight away. The current network will continue to be used until all the sirens have been replaced, then the new sirens will be used, and the old sirens removed.To find out more on the upgrade project: www.nrc.govt.nz/sirenprojectTo hear Northland’s current outdoor and indoor tsunami sirens online visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens

Police have made an arrest following a concerning incident in Titirangi last month.The incident occurred on 19 March 2024 and involved a school aged girl allegedly being approached by a man.Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, of Waitematā West CIB, says a 56-year-old man was taken into custody over Easter Weekend.“We followed up on information from the public about a vehicle of interest in this case, which has led to the arrest,” she says.“I would like to thank this person, and others in the community for the information they provided Police in this investigation.”The man is scheduled to appear in the Waitākere District Court on Friday 5 April, charged with assaulting a female.Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says further charges cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues.“We believe there have been similar approaches in the West Auckland area over the last several months, and we encourage members of our community who have knowledge of these incidents to please contact Police.”Anyone with information which may assist is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.Please reference file number 240319/5568.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.As this matter this matter is now before the Court, we are limited in what more we can say but we will look to update media proactively when we are able.

Peter de GraafA campaign aiming to persuade Kiwis to spend their Easter break in Northland seems to have paid off with many businesses reporting a bumper weekend.NZTA's original plan to close State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills for urgent repairs from 7 February sparked an outcry from Northland hospitality and tourism businesses, who feared a drop in visitor numbers at a crucial time of year.The roading agency agreed to delay the closure until the end of February instead, and temporarily open the highway for six days during the Easter break.That - along with fine weather and the nationwide "It's Northland time" marketing campaign - seems to have done the trick.Kerikeri's Old Packhouse Market co-owner Judy Hyland said Easter Saturday was the market's busiest day since the Covid-19 pandemic."It's been a wonderful weekend. I don't think we've had a Saturday like that since Easter of 2019."Hyland believed most Easter shoppers at the market were from Northland and Auckland, but there were also plenty of overseas visitors and people from the rest of the country.Weekday cafe sales had dropped by about 10 percent since the highway closed and the previous few weekends had been quiet, but it was hard to know whether that was a result of the closure, other events around Northland, or the cost-of-living crisis.Old Packhouse Market owners Warwick and Judy Hyland say Saturday was the biggest day at the Kerikeri market since Easter 2019. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafHyland said the marketing campaign seemed to have worked."I think they've done the best job they can. It's been great seeing the local business associations working with Northland Inc and the local tourism organisations pushing the Northland Time campaign. The publicity around the actual detour route, and explaining it isn't really as bad as people may think, has also really helped us," she said.'Absolutely flat out'Paihia tourism business Island Getaway Tours co-owner Adam Prendergast expected a few more people in the Bay of Islands during Easter."But it was absolutely flat out," he said."In fact, looking around town, it was packed. There was nowhere for people to park, everyone was out doing things. We were full all weekend and all the other operators on the water were non-stop."Island Getaway Tours was out on the water all weekend. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafPrendergast said it was the biggest weekend, Sunday especially, for the boat tour business since the summer peak in January.The weather had played a part as well, he said."The original forecast wasn't looking too good, and that dampened everyone's spirits. But once we got to Friday, blue skies opened up and we just couldn't keep up."Thunder Trike Tours owner Mark Fincher, who offers rides from the Paihia waterfront, had a second trike running all weekend and could have used a third.He said the word that Northland was open for Easter seemed to have got around the country."A lot of people have come up. We were quite surprised. It was so busy it felt like Christmastime. There was a really positive feel here."Thunder Trike Tours owner Mark Fincher, right, with employee Steve Beattie, says Easter was so busy it felt like Christmas. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafFincher said business had dipped since the highway closure, but cruise ship passengers had helped fill the gap."It's been all right. I know some businesses haven't had as good a run, but it's just one of those things."State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns will close again from 11.59pm Tuesday, 2 April.The road is scheduled to reopen five weeks later, on 12 May.After that date, work will continue to shore up the south side of the Brynderwyns ahead of expected winter rain, but traffic will be able to use both lanes.Three detours are available during the closure.They are around the east coast via Waipū, where trucks with trailers are banned; via Paparoa-Oakleigh Road, west of the Brynderwyns; and the long way around the west coast via State Highways 12 and 14 for the heaviest trucks.This story was originally published by RNZ

Rowan QuinnGroups representing thousands of psychologists are rebelling against rule changes that many fear will make it even harder for patients to get help.The Psychologists Board - the registering body - is proposing changes that mean some of them could be restricted in the types of conditions they are able to treat.Critics say patients could miss out, with the country already struggling with a dire shortage of care.There were currently five main scopes of practice - clinical, educational, neuropsychological, counselling and general psychology - and two trainee ones.It was up to each psychologist to determine whether they were competent to work in any of them, based on their own training and practical experience, with many working across several scopes.But the proposal aimed to lock them in more to registration in specific scopes, restricting their ability to practice outside of them.The Psychological Society represented 2100 psychologists in different fields and opposed the changes.Executive director Veronica Pitt said the board was well-intentioned, but the changes went too far."Psychologists generally do try and follow the rules so it is likely to mean there will be fewer psychologists available to the public and people will miss out on services that they desperately need," she said.Among the changes proposed was one that would mean only clinical psychologists would be able to make complex mental health assessments and diagnoses.The board also wanted to create new scopes - forensic, behavioural, child and family, health and industrial.Opponents argued that would further restrict what individual psychologists were able to do and who they could care for."Our concern is that those who have trained in one area but, through experience and professional development and supervision, have increased their practice to work across a lot of different areas will be prevented from doing so - which will mean that the public will miss out," Pitt said.The College of Clinical Psychologists also strongly opposed the changes, labelling them poorly evidenced, overly restrictive and based on misleading information.College strategic advisor Paul Skirrow said they were creating a lot of anxiety."Lots of people have extended their scopes, extended what they do, and now there's talk of changing that, a lot of people are thinking 'have I been acting improperly' and 'am I not going to be able to do this work I've been doing for years,'" he said.Skirrow said he understood the board was trying to protect the public."You wouldn't want an organisational psychologist diagnosing ADHD, for instance, and you wouldn't want a educational psychologist diagnosing schizophrenia when that's not really the training they've had," he said.But there was actually no evidence there had been any risk to the public from people acting in that way, he said.A group of psychologists had banded together to oppose the changes - creating the sunlight.org.nz website to encourage others to make submissions.The site said some psychologists were already missing out on work because of the changes which made it seem like some psychologists had been acting illegally when that was not the case."And all of this is happening at a time when New Zealand continues to be in the midst of a mental health crisis, with people in distress struggling to find psychologists with availability to help them," it said.Board chief executive Vanessa Simpson declined a request for an interview, saying the board was not in the position to comment while the consultation was underway.On its website it said it would particularly consider feedback on concerns about who could make complex mental health assessments.It had extended its consultation period until May.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionTuesday 2nd April - Partly cloudy. Isolated afternoon and evening showers, mainly north of Kumeu. Light winds.Wednesday 3rd April - Fine. Light winds.Thursday 4th April - Partly cloudy. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.Friday 5th April - A few showers, clearing to fine. Southerlies developing.Saturday 6th April - Fine. Easterlies.Sunday 7th April - Partly cloudy with easterlies.Mangawhai RegionTuesday 2nd April - Cloudy periods with the odd shower. Light winds.Wednesday 3rd April - Mainly fine, chance of an evening shower. Light winds.Thursday 4th April - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower until afternoon. Light winds.Friday 5th April - Fine, then occasional rain developing. Southwesterlies developing.Saturday 6th April - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Easterlies.Sunday 7th April - Partly cloudy. Easterlies.

Easter trading hours can be a tricky thing to navigate!Easter Sunday is one of the three and a half days a year where trading is restricted.Some shops are allowed to open throughout the weekend, while others can only be open on Easter Sunday, but not Friday. Petrol stations, dairies, cafes, and restaurants can generally be open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However supermarkets and retail stores cannot. Remember to support those who support us by checking out our Shop Local - Eat / Drink / Stay - Health / Beauty - Trades - Professional Services - Transport - Real Estate buttons.Also checkout the Events button to get involved in the action this Easter long weekend. We are highlighting 5 local businesses this Easter, putting them in the spotlight so you know who they are, what they have to offer, and what their trading hours are over Easter. With so many businesses struggling currently, supporting local is more important now more than ever. It’s a win win for you, and them and our wider community!Experts in Covered Outdoor Living AreasAt Shades Direct we use construction grade aluminium, 316 marine grade stainless steel fixings and 6mm flat sheet and or greca profile roofing.We are Nationwide and best in class in terms of quality and workmanship.Our Outsider and Clearspan awnings and Outdoor Screens are bespoke, made to measure for your home.Phones on 24/7 Don’t be fooled by compromises!www.shadesdirect.co.nzThe Coffee Club, a beloved café for locals and visitors in the heart of a vibrant community, offering a wide menu range that caters to diverse tastes.Whether you prefer a rich, velvety espresso or a creamy latte, the team will craft you a perfect cup to satisfy your caffeine cravings.The Grange 4/67 Auckland Road, Warkworth 0910The Coffee Club The GrangeEASTER SPECIALBe one of the first 50 customers to receive a Cadbury Crème Easter Egg on Saturday, 30th March with your meal purchase!Easter Hours: Open all long weekend, 8am – 4pmCurrent PromotionsProtein Smoothies(Ends 30 April 2024) Made with 30G vanilla NZ Muscle Protein. Choose between Choc Banana & Peanut Butter or Vanilla Berry Coconut.Big Breakfast (Ends 28 May 2024) Feeling Hungry? Head to The Coffee Club for our famous Big Breakfast! Crispy Bacon with Eggs, Chorizo, grilled mushrooms, hashbrown, onion rings, toasted ciabatta and farm style tomato relish. Andy Bruce is a standout photographer based in Mangawhai who likes nothing better than capturing the essence of magical Mangawhai.He specialises in nature, landscapes, and wildlife using aerial and ground-based cameras to showcase the stunning canvas that is Mangawhai.His gallery is located at 123 Mangawhai Heads Road and will be open over the long weekend 10-4 and he'll be at the Mangawhai Tavern Market on Saturday morning.www.elevatedgallery.nzAqua Works: Your Water Purity Partners in Warkworth & surrounding areasWelcome to Aqua Works, nestled at 2 Mill Lane, Warkworth, where we turn water purity from a concept into your reality. Specialising in advanced water filtration, efficient water pumps, and expert plumbing services, we're dedicated to enhancing the quality of your water. Our expertise in tackling Warkworths unique water challenges ensures that you're equipped with the best solutions.Why choose us? Our tailored, sustainable solutions are designed with your specific needs in mind, ensuring unmatched water quality and efficiency. We focus on innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction; we offer comprehensive services that cover every aspect of water use and management. Our friendly team at Aqua Works is committed to providing you with a seamless, transparent service experience.Unrivalled Expertise in Water FiltrationAdvanced Water Pump SolutionsPlumbing Mastery That Speaks Volumes  Easter Hours / After Hours / On-Call Emergency Help 24/7Open at 2 Mill Lane during normal business hoursEmergency Onsite Call out service over Easter - Water Pumps, Filtration, PlumbingNo Water? Call us 0800 278 288 https://www.aquaworks.co.nz/water-pump-repair-and-service-emergency-callout/ The Tahi Bar + Kitchen is a friendly pub that specialises in serving high-quality food. We have regular live music and were finalists in “NZ’s Best Live Entertainment Venue”. We are hidden down an alley at 1 Neville Street, in Warkworth.  Easter HoursBecause we are licensed as a tavern, we can’t open on Easter Friday or Sunday. Monday is closed.HOWEVER! On Easter Saturday, not only are we open from 12 noon to 11pm, but we have the brilliant “Grant Haua Xplosion” playing that night! Grant is New Zealand's own world-renowned bluesman, who recently returned home after a successful tour of Europe and Australia. He has been making waves with his electrifying performances. With an impressive resume, including performances at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival and being recognized by Rolling Stone magazine,Grant's shows sell out quickly. Get your tickets today before they're gone! Tickets are $22 and are on sale now from the bar or from UTR. Ticketing link: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/88963/Grant-Haua-Xplosion.utr?fbclid=IwAR1ekFt3cpjDMUOmTDkgQWt4YJgbkstk3M0PWZIpUoyZb3ZiGtTa8qAOHKYLINK TO THE EVENT INFO: The Grant Haua Xplosion @ the Tahi Bar & Kitchenwww.TheTahiBar.co.nz

Skier soars in SwitzerlandWānaka freeskier Luca Harrington, 20, has achieved a childhood dream: claiming the first World Cup podium of his career, with a third-place finish at the FIS Slopestyle World Cup in Switzerland. He soared through the air, lacing together a double cork 1440 safety grab into a right double cork 1620 tail grab into a switch right double 1440 on the jumps, before impressing the judges with a huge switch 720 on the quarter pipe.Luca Harrington in action at the Freeski World Cup in Switzerland, 2024. Photo: STADLERPHOTO.COMHomecoming for 1930s Māori portraitA portrait of a Māori man by renowned artist Vera Cummings is set to return to New Zealand after at least six decades.The portrait was sold in the UK for NZ$3790 (1800 pounds) to an online bidder from New Zealand. The previous owners of the painting were not aware of its importance and did not know how it had travelled to the United Kingdom.At 11, Cummings was one of the youngest students to receive a scholarship to attend Elam School of Fine Arts where she studied under renowned portrait artist CF Goldie.The portrait of a Māori man with a tā moko wearing a pounamu hei-tiki pendant was believed to have been painted in the 1930s or 1940s. Photo: Supplied / Richard Winterton Auctioneers LtdMana College's massive fundraiser for EuropeA Porirua high school has raised more than $72,000 towards its first-ever trip to Europe in 2025.The students have been doing everything they can to fund-raise from raffles to comedy nights and discos.Mana College dean Lana McLaughlin-Khan said they wanted to fund-raise so it was not too big of a financial stress for any of the students and their whānau.She said even students that were not going on the trip had been doing hours of work to support the students that were.Some of the students, parents and teachers who have been fundraising for Mana College’s trip to Europe next year. Photo: RNZ / Pretoria Gordon25 years of Tuesday Night DinnersEvery week for 25 years, a group has eaten dinner together on a Tuesday. The event, which began accidentally in a Wellington home in 1999, is now hosted in kitchens across the city.Tuesday Night Dinners is open to anyone to share a meal, a glass of wine and stimulating conversation. People have met lifelong friends and even future spouses at the dinners.Founder Mike Eastwood said cooking was his love language. There's no RSVP - you just rock up with food to contribute.Tuesday Night Dinners was started in Wellington in 1999. Photo: Supplied/Tuesday Night DinnersIndian community digs deep for St John AmbulanceThe Indian community in conjunction with religious organisation Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of New Zealand donated a fully equipped $300,000 ambulance to St John in February, marking its 10th anniversary celebrations.The keys to the ambulance were handed over to representatives of St John by Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, global leader of the organisation, at an event held at Sai Baba Temple in Auckland's Onehunga neighbourhood.Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan donates an ambulance to St John Auckland. Photo: SuppliedHope in PNG landowners' lengthy battle against developersNearly 12 years ago, then-Catholic archbishop of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea, Francesco Panfilo, led a campaign against giant Malaysian logging and palm oil developer Rimbunan Hijau, hoping to win improved conditions for the beleaguered landowners of West Pomio in East New Britain.The company had been accused of ignoring legitimate landowners and taking trees illegally. The process was paused due to Covid-19 but Panfilo said this week there are hopes the PNG Supreme Court will direct RH to renegotiate the land agreements with the landowners.Log piles in East New Britain. (file image) Photo: Global Witness Media HubThis story was originally published by RNZ

Space enthusiasts are asking for security footage of what could have been a meteor crashing through the atmosphere.Reports from the top of the South Island to Auckland on Easter Friday night described a bright light shooting across the sky or a loud a boom.One person said their house shook.However Jesse Stayte from the group Fireballs Aotearoa said an aeroplane contrail seen in the Bay of Plenty/Waikato region at the same time was making it difficult to work out what exactly had been seen.But he said the boom could provide clues."The boom is quite diagnostic of it not being an aeroplane. We're looking for reports in the Whanganui-Waverley vicinity, that's where the boom's been reported."Dashcam or security footage could show something landing on earth, so Fireballs Aotearoa are asking people to check their own security cameras and dashcams in case they contain clues.With the current information, they could not yet give any useful advice about likely locations to begin hunting for a possible new meteor from this fireball sighting, but more information and images could help them narrow it down, Stayte said."People don't often point their security cameras directly at the sky, which is understandable, but sometimes there's a little bit that can be seen in the corner and in a situation like that, it could be all the data we need".Earlier this month, on 13 March, a fireball was seen from Queenstown and was found by a Fireballs Aotearoa search team last week south of Lake Tekapo.Searchers excitedly gathering around the newly discovered meteorite found on New Zealand soil, on 21 March. Photo: Supplied / Steve Wyn-HarrisThat find was only the tenth meteorite discovered in New Zealand (a meteor becomes a meteorite when it hits Earth's surface) - the most recent before that was found about 20 years ago.And it is thought to be the first time in Aotearoa that a fireball was tracked so that a meteorite could be retrieved.Stayte said the timing of the meteors appearing so closely together was a coincidence.But the group have been working to increase the odds of meteors being spotted, and perhaps even more being found.Fireballs Aotearoa is a citizen science project that has so far set up about 110 specialised night-sky meteor spotting cameras across New Zealand, to help it spot meteors and narrow the search area for potential meteorites.It is run by the astronomy community, the University of Otago and the University of Canterbury, and aims to install enough cameras across New Zealand that all of the motu would be covered.A camera at Dunstan School, that is trained on the skies as part of the Fireballs Aotearoa project to spot meteors Photo: Supplied/ University of Otago - James ScottThe two fireballs were definitely independent, Stayte said, but it does help that awareness about the first was fresh in people's mind.This story was first published by RNZ

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts Jody Smith, 44, who has a Warrant to Arrest and is wanted by Police.Smith is thought to be in the Tairawhiti area and it is believed he has connections in Northland and Bay of Plenty. Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead call 111 immediately and quote file number 230725/6283.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mangawhai’s Dune restaurant and its sister business No8 have both closed. Their lease was up for renewal and the owners have decided not to continue. Their other restaurant’s The Cove in Waipu and No8 in Whangarei are still open. Maungi Meats in Maungaturoto has closed its retail business. They will continue their home kill processing service. Mangawhai Village Wines are closing today Saturday 30th at 7pm for the final time. They are having 20% off all stock today. The owners have moved down south. Four Little Birds Patisserie in Mangawhai is full steam ahead and have added an additional business to their repertoire, called Kids Dream Parties. Snells Beach Four Square has confirmed they will be opening October this year! Making locals happy they will be able to pop in for convenience items and not have to travel to Warkworth.SHOP LOCAL!SUPPORT LOCAL!

Holiday Traffic Update:SH1 Warkworth - Traffic is heavy heading north on SH1 new motorway heading into Warkworth, currently a 20 min delay and rising.SH1 Wellsford - traffic heavy in Dome Valley, Wayby valley and heading north into Wellsford township.SH1 Kaiwaka - traffic delays heading north through Kaiwaka.

Denise GarlandNew Zealand's reigning champion brewery, 8 Wired, is up for sale.The Warkworth-based craft brewery was crowned the overall winner at the New Zealand Beer Awards in August 2023, a title it also won in 2011 when it was based in Blenheim.Owner and head brewer, Søren Eriksen, said the decision to put the brewery up for sale was not an easy one for him and wife Monique, but they decided it was time to put their family first."We've spent 15 years of our lives on 8 Wired now, and obviously we want to do the best for the company but also for us personally," Eriksen said."It's a matter of gaining some freedom in the future more than anything. We'd like to go travelling with our children before they're too old, and we just can't do that if we have the business here as well."But he said selling 8 Wired was the best thing for the business itself too."We feel we've taken it as far as we can, and we want to pass the mantle on to someone with more skill in driving the business to the next level."8 Wired currently brews about 500,000 litres of beer each year, which Eriksen estimated made it among the top 15-20 producers in New Zealand.The company has a brewery in Warkworth, and a barrel ageing facility and taproom in nearby Matakana, which were all being sold together as one entity.New Zealand's beer industry has been going through a tough time of late, with the sector facing huge excise tax hikes and increased ingredient costs due to high inflation, along with beer consumption declining.Several high-profile breweries have downsized, closed or been forced to sell over the past 12 months due to the difficult economic climate.Eriksen said the industry has been doing it tough since Covid-19, which has taken a mental toll on him and his wife, but that was not behind the decision to sell. He admitted the current economic climate could make selling 8 Wired tougher, though."Of all the 15 years we've been in business, this is probably the worst time to try and sell the brewery, [but] there's never a perfect time for a thing like this and from a personal perspective, we just want to get the ball rolling."We imagine this process will take two or three years before we're fully out of it - I expect it'll take at least six months to make a sale. Then I'm prepared to stay on for a year or two after that because we want to pass it on to the right people, and we need to give them the support they need to carry it on."Eriksen said they were also open to offers of a majority sale, with he and Monique keen to keep a minority stake in the company.He said no price expectation had been set, because with much of the company's value in the 8 Wired brand itself, it was difficult to put a price on it.This story was first published by RNZ

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 22 March 2024.Please note this traffic bulletin is updated every Friday. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5amNORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Tristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 1-3 AprilTristram Avenue northbound off-ramp, 2-4 AprilCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 3-4 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 3-4 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 3-4 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) link, 3-4 AprilSH16 Eastbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Grafton Road, 1 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 Eastbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Alten Road, 2 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 1-2 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 2 AprilSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Princes Street southbound off-ramp, 3-4 AprilPrinces Street southbound on-ramp, 4 AprilNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 1 & 3-4 AprilPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 1 & 3-4 AprilPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 1 & 3-4 AprilNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 2 AprilDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 1-4 AprilRamarama northbound on-ramp, 2 AprilPioneer Road northbound off-ramp, 28-31 March & 1-5 April (24/7)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 3-4 AprilNorthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 3-4 AprilNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 2-4 AprilNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 2-4 AprilNorthbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road Roundabout, 4 April (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 4 April (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 3 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 3 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 3 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 3 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 4 April (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Brigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 4 AprilTrig Road eastbound on-ramp, 4 AprilHobsonville Road northbound on-ramp, 4 April (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Neilson Street southbound on-ramp, 1 AprilNeilson Street northbound off-ramp, 2 AprilMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 1 AprilRimu Road northbound on-ramp, 2 April 

Kaipara District Libraries are now offering the Tutu Collection for loan. Discover, create and inspire with the TUTU collection. All items are free to borrow for a two-week loan.Discover, Create, Inspire with the Tutu CollectionThe Tutu Collection is a range of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) focused resources that customers are able to borrow for free to use at home. Check out the Kaipara District Libraries for the available collection. Below images are some examples of what is available to loan.

An unplanned power outage has occured this morning in Hakaru and parts of Mangawhai. The fault is due to an overhead line fault and currently under investigation with Northpower.Here is the link to check the updateAdditionally Northpower is carrying out a low, slow-flying helicopter survey of its power lines from Mangawhai to Kaiwaka between 9am and 12pm this morning, Thursday 28th March. If you have any concerns, please phone Northpower Faults on 0800 10 40 40.

Warkworth RegionThursday 28th March - Partly cloudy with a few showers. Cloud increasing this evening and showers becoming more frequent at night. Westerlies, fresh for a time this afternoon and evening.Friday 29th March - Showers, becoming isolated with longer fine breaks in the evening. Fresh southwesterlies, turning southeasterly in the evening.Saturday 30th March - Fine, then occasional rain developing in the afternoon. Southerlies, becoming strong in the morning.Sunday 31st March - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing later. Fresh southeasterlies, easing.Monday 1st April - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai RegionThursday 28th March - Partly cloudy with a few morning showers. Westerlies.Friday 29th March - Showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Saturday 30th March - Fine, then showers developing in the afternoon. Southerlies, becoming strong for a time in the afternoon and evening.Sunday 31st March - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing.Monday 1st April - Cloudy with southwesterlies.