Warkworth RegionMonday 22nd January - Cloudy periods with the chance of a shower. Southerlies turning westerly this afternoon. Very hot and muggy.Tuesday 23rd January - Cloud increasing, with occasional rain in the afternoon and evening. Fresh northwesterlies, turning southwesterly in the afternoon.Wednesday 24th - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the evening. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 25th - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing.Friday 26th - Fine. Light winds.Saturday 27th - Partly cloudy with westerlies.Sunday 28th - A few showers with westerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 22nd January - Cloudy periods with the odd shower. Southwesterlies developing this morning, dying out this evening. Hot and muggy.Tuesday 23rd January - Partly cloudy, showers developing for a time in the afternoon and evening, some heavy. Fresh northwesterlies, turning southwesterly in the afternoon.Wednesday 24th - Cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 25th - Fine, but becoming cloudy. Southerlies, becoming fresh.Friday 26th - Showers. Easterlies.Saturday 27th - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.Sunday 28th - Cloudy with westerlies.

Wage theft is common for retail staff and other industries, a workers' union says.It comes after revelations that thousands of Woolworths employees may have been underpaid over several years.A review in early 2022 found some had worked extra hours for free, Woolworths said."We've made contact with around 5000 former or current salaried store team members who worked for us between 2015-2022 and who had roles that could potentially have been impacted by this."As we're just starting this process, there isn't enough information available for us to determine exactly which team members or stores may have been impacted and to what extent."In some instances, staff had not been paid correctly for extra hours, or worked on days recorded as annual leave.First Union chief executive Bill Bradford said senior management deserved credit for their commitment to remediating these workers.But he said wage theft was rife."This is a problem when employers try and get workers to do extra work that they are not paid for, and that ranges through from being asked to report 15 minutes early and they're not getting paid for it or being asked to complete a job for another half an hour when they've clocked out."Bradford said migrant workers, whose visas were tied to one employer, were particularly vulnerable to exploitation.They were not always good at sticking up for their rights and did not want to "make a fuss" without having a permanent residency.This story was originally published by RNZ

Police are urgently seeking to locate Lionel Pora-Hockley, who has multiple warrants for his arrest.Pora-Hockley is believed to be somewhere in the Auckland area.Any sightings of Pora-Hockley should be reported to Police via 111 immediately. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Police on 105, quoting file number 231226/4776.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Passenger numbers on Mangawhai’s free bus are up again, with more than 3,100 people climbing aboard so far this summer.Use of the bus has increased by 24% on the same period last year and a whopping 188% since the first summer run in 2019/2020.Community Engagement Advisor Gail Fotheringham says the increased use shows there is demand for alternative transport options in Mangawhai, with both visitors and locals.“I want to give a big shout out to all those who have hopped on the bus to get around town this summer,” says Gail. “The word from our wonderful drivers is that more visitors than ever are using the service, as well as locals, it’s great to see so many jumping on board.”The bus ran daily from 27 December until 14 January and is now running weekends only until 6 February, before taking a break until Easter weekend.“We’ve still got a few long weekends and fantastic community events to come this summer – take the stress out of parking and help ease congestion on our busy roads by jumping on the bus instead!”Give us your feedback on the summer bus service.Check the timetable and bus route.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday 19 January.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Millwater northbound off-ramp, 19 January (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am) Northbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 23 JanuaryConstellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 23 JanuarySouthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 21 JanuaryGreville Road southbound on-ramp, 21 JanuaryShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 21-25 JanuaryCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 22-24 January (approx. 7:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 22-24 JanuaryEllerslie-Panmure Highway southbound off-ramp, 23-24 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 23-24 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 23-24 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Princes Street on-ramp, 22 & 24 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 22 & 24 JanuaryEast Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 23-24 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Great South Road off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 21 JanuaryRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 21 JanuarySH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 25 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 25 JanuarySH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 25 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Drury northbound off-ramp, 26 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Drury southbound off-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Great North Road westbound off-ramp, 24–25 January (approx. 9:00pm to 6:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Eastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Matthews Road, 22 JanuarySH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 22-23 JanuaryAlbany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 22 JanuaryWestbound lanes between Squadron Drive off-ramp and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 21-25 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Brigham Creek Road westbound on-ramp, 21-25 JanuarySH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 21-25 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Maioro Street on-ramp, 22 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dominion Road northbound on-ramp, 22 JanuaryHillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 22 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 21 JanuaryMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 21 & 23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Walmsley Road southbound off-ramp, 22-23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 23 JanuaryCoronation Road northbound on-ramp, 23 JanuarySH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 23 JanuaryMassey Road northbound on-ramp, 23 JanuaryMassey Road southbound off-ramp, 23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 24 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 24-25 JanuaryPuhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 24 January (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Great South Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 25 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 25 JanuarySouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 21 JanuarySH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 23 JanuarySH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 23 JanuaryKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 23 January

Warkworth RegionFriday 19th January - Cloudy periods. Isolated showers, more frequent from afternoon. Northeasterlies. Very hot.Saturday 20th January - Partly cloudy. Chance of a shower. Northeasterlies.Sunday 21st January - Periods of rain, possibly heavy, easing late. Fresh southeasterlies developing, turning lighter southwesterly later.Mangawhai RegionFriday 19th January - Cloudy periods with the odd shower, becoming frequent for a time this afternoon. Northeasterlies. Hot.Saturday 20th January - Mostly cloudy, with a few showers developing in the evening. Easterlies.Sunday 21st January - Rain, possibly heavy, clearing late. Southeasterlies becoming strong early, easing in the afternoon.

The wait for a supermarket in Snells Beach has gotten shorter, with Foodstuffs finalising plans to lease a section of the former Warehouse building on Mahurangi East Road. The signing of the paperwork was scheduled for December. If all goes according to plan, building owner Denis Horner anticipates seeing a Four Square supermarket operating from the site around December this year, with redevelopment set to start in the first quarter.The new supermarket's retail section is expected to occupy 800 square meters, Discussions are underway regarding the future use of the remaining space. The Four Square will revitalise the shopping centre and bring the retail section of Snells Beach alive again. The eagerly awaited supermarket is expected to have a catchment of about 7000 people, addressing a pressing need in the community.Speculation about the opening of a supermarket in Snells Beach has been circulating since a small Four Square, closed around three years ago.Four Square’s owners are locals, and their goal is clear; announcing on social media that they aim to provide a supermarket that offers fair value in every aisle, conveniently located for residents.Over the next couple of months, Four Square will undergo design development, promising something "pretty awesome" for the community. The management looks forward to sharing the exciting details of what residents can expect in the upcoming year.To ensure that the supermarket aligns with the preferences of the community, a feedback loop will be established to capture all product wants and needs. The community is invited to participate actively in shaping the offerings. Watch this space for further updates.

ASB Wellsford branch will close its door on the 29th of February 2024. An email was recently sent out to their customers advising of the eminent closure. Many locals have taken to social media community pages to vent their frustration and voice their displeasure.Many voicing concerns for the elderly who still use mostly cash and aren’t as tech savvy with online banking. It means a loss of another local business and jobs.It will be interesting to see if further small community bank branches also close soon.

The police say charges have been laid over shoplifting allegations that they describe as "subject to ongoing public interest".Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman resigned from Parliament yesterday amid accusations of shoplifting on three occasions. Police visited her home today as they investigated shoplifting allegations against her.Police did not name the 43-year-old woman who has been summonsed to appear in the Auckland District Court on two charges of shoplifting.These charges relate to incidents at a Ponsonby retailer that allegedly occurred on 21 and 23 December 2023.The woman is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on 1 February 2024.Police say their investigation is continuing.This story was originally published by RNZ

The former All Black Byron Kelleher is to appear in court in France charged with domestic violence according to French newspaper Le Parisien.The newspaper says Kelleher's former partner alleges the violence goes back several years after the couple had a son in 2015.They met in 2010 while Kelleher was playing in Toulouse.Le Parisien reports Kelleher's former partner says he became "became verbally and physically violent".Kelleher then returned to live in New Zealand but in February 2022 Kelleher and his son reconnected, leading to Kelleher returning to France and France and resuming his relationship with the woman."About a month after his return to France, Mr Kelleher's violence resumed," the victim said in a statement."He regularly consumes alcohol and in large quantities. For no valid reason, he repeatedly insults me, pushes me, pins me against the wall, punches me and strangles me."Kelleher, who played 57 tests for the All Blacks between 1999-2007, denies the allegations, claiming there had been "no violence" and that he had "not touched her".This story was originally published by RNZ

Owners of light electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will have to pay road user charges from 1 April, the government has announced.Transport Minister Simeon Brown said the vehicles would no longer be exempt in the interests of "fairness and equity".The change would ensure all vehicle owners contributed to the upkeep and maintenance of the country's roading network, irrespective of the kind of car they drove."Petrol tax and distance-based RUC [road user charges] are paid by road users to contribute to the costs of maintaining our roads, but EVs and plug-in hybrids have been exempted from RUC," he said."Transitioning EVs and plug-in hybrids to RUC is the first step in delivering on the National-ACT coalition commitment to bring all vehicles into the RUC system."Transport Minister Simeon Brown Photo: Nick Monro / RNZOwners of plug-in hybrids that were powered by electricity and petrol have had to pay petrol tax, but not to the same level as petrol equivalent vehicles, Brown said."To ensure that plug-in hybrids avoid paying twice through both fuel excise duty and RUCs, these vehicles will pay a reduced rate RUC."RNZ has reported the government expects problems ahead over introducing road user charges for EVs.A May 2023 Waka Kotahi document released to RNZ under the Official Information Act forecast "an increase of non-compliance and debt for customers entering the RUC system"."Current resources are set up to manage the existing RUC system," it said. "There will not be enough resource to cope with the increase in education, engagement and enforcement needed."The government intends passing legislation to cover the reduced rate for plug-in hybrids before the start date.The last National government had exempted EVs from paying road user charges to encourage their uptake, however, it was always intended the exemption would end when EVs hit around 2 percent of the light vehicle fleet and that point had been reached, Brown said."With the increasing uptake of EVs and plug-in hybrids being brought into the RUC system, this means that these vehicles will now be contributing towards the maintenance and upkeep of our roading system like all other road users and will support the government's priority of building and maintaining our roading network."Owners of light EVs and plug-in hybrids will need to buy a RUC licence from 1 April. There will be a two-month transition period to allow time for people to get registered in the RUC system without being penalised for unpaid charges.The New Zealand Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi will get in touch with EV and plug-in hybrid owners about the change and what it will mean for them.The details:Owners of light EVs will pay $76 per 1000km, in line with equivalent diesel-powered vehiclesOwners of plug-in hybrid vehicles will pay a reduced rate of $53 per 1000km so that they are not double taxed when paying fuel excise duty. The partial rate of $53 per 1000km assumes that on average, a plug-in hybrid will consume petrol at a rate of just under 3 litres per 100kmEvery EV and plug-in hybrid owner will receive a letter before 1 April that will explain the RUC process. The first time an EV owner buys their RUC licence they need to give their odometer readingWhenever a warrant of fitness is carried out, a vehicle's odometer will be reviewed. If the odometer exceeds the RUCs purchased by the vehicle's owner, they will be invoiced for any difference

Green MP Golriz Ghahraman is stepping down from Parliament after being accused of shoplifting on three separate occasions.In a statement, Ghahraman said stress relating to her work had led her to "act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them"."The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma," she said.She said she had fallen short of the high standards expected of elected representatives, and apologised."I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry," the statement said. "It's not a behaviour I can explain because it's not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I'm not well."The best thing for my mental health is to resign as a Member of Parliament and to focus on my recovery and to find other ways to work for positive change in the world."Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw, in a separate statement, said Ghahraman had been the leading voice in Parliament for human rights, truly independent foreign policy, and electoral reform for six years, but "it is clear to us that Ms Ghahraman is in a state of extreme distress"."She has taken responsibility and apologised. We support the decision she has made to resign."We are deeply sorry to see Ms Ghahraman leave under these circumstances and we wish her all the best for the future."They said she had worked tirelessly on behalf of her communities."Nothing detracts from that work and we know she will continue to support those communities in future. We cannot comment on the details of allegations while police investigations are continuing."Ghahraman also thanked Scotties Boutique "for the kindness and empathy they have shown me", and asked for space and privacy so she could get better.The allegations involved Auckland clothing retailer Scotties Boutique and Wellington clothing store Cre8iveworx.Police confirmed they were investigating reports of an incident on 23 December. Police repeatedly refused to comment on any second alleged incident.Last week, the Greens announced Ghahraman had stood down from all her portfolio responsibilities.More to come...This story was originally published by RNZ

Mr Hugo, is a boy with an adventurous heart who loves to see what’s going on everywhere. He actively seeks out a lap to cuddle into and will sit and have his belly rubbed for as long as a person will rub his belly for him.Hugo was born in November, is crate trained and well socialised, he is fostered in Beach Haven with his 3 siblings (Hector, Hester and Heidi) as well as 3 larger older dogs. Are you the family for Hugo?To apply to adopt Hugo or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to http://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information.Miss Heidi, is a very fun active little girl. She is always running and looking for something to do on her own, or with anyone that is around. Heidi loves a splash in her paddling pool (as you can see from the post splash photo grin below) and she is always up for a cuddle. Heidi will happily climb up on a person's knee when she is tired. Heidi was born in November, is crate trained and well socialised, she loves other dogs and is fostered in Beach Haven with her 3 siblings (Hector, Hester and Hugo) as well as 3 larger older dogs. Are you the family for Heidi?To apply to adopt Heidi or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to http://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information.

Jordan Dunn, ReporterA public transport advocacy group is questioning Auckland Transport's priorities after it announced it would hike its fares.From next month, trips on AT's buses, trains, and ferries will be up to 40 cents more expensive, with the council agency saying the cost of living is hitting it, too.The Public Transport Users Association called the change a step away from the goal of encouraging Aucklanders out of their cars.In the announcement on Monday, Auckland Transport said every ride would increase by an average 6.2 percent in price.It estimated bus, train and ferry trips would be between $0.06 and $0.40 more expensive, with longer trips seeing the smallest increase.The announcement came just days after the government confirmed it was scrapping the Auckland Light Rail project.Public Transport Users Association president Niall Robertson said it would be just another cost added to the pile."We're feeling this in the supermarket, we're feeling this in our rents and our rates at home, and now we're feeling it on public transport - this is just adding insult to injury."He said the hike of up to 40 cents for every bus, train and ferry trip would have the opposite effect of what should be Auckland Transport's goal."We should be actually aspiring to make public transport in Auckland as cheap as we possibly can to attract as many people as we possibly can to use it." Robertson insisted the expected outcome was fairly obvious."The public will probably react in the way they usually react and that is to ... use public transport less and use other forms of transport more."Auckland Transport director of public transport Stacey van der Putten said it was a decision the agency could not hold off any longer."I mean everything's obviously experienced inflation over the last few years," she said, "public transport's no different.""We've tried really hard to keep that down to the customer, but, of course, we do need to make sure that the fares are recovering a percentage of the transport cost - and it is a marginal percentage at that."A 9 percent fare rise had been floated by AT's management, but they settled for the 6.2 percent increase, van der Putten said.She believed the relatively small increase was unlikely to deter anyone from using public transport."We do obviously want to encourage people to use public transport."A big part of keeping public transport sustainable was ensuring every user paid their fare, van der Putten said.Commuters on Queen Street on Monday had a mixed reaction and for some, public transport was their only option."Forty cents is fine," said one woman while waiting for the bus, "I don't love it but it's okay.""I will keep using it but it gets to the point where it's almost cheaper to drive," said another.One man said he could use a gold card, so was less affected by the change, but was aware of how often they were changing."Well someone needs a closer look in my opinion," he said, "it's quite expensive public transport.""I still need to go to work, it doesn't change much for me," said a young man.Auckland Transport said fare hikes happened nearly every year to keep up with rising costs, with 2022 one of the few exceptions.It said a review of its fare structure was underway, and its findings would be released in the coming months.This story was originally published by RNZ

Three men are due to appear in court on Monday, charged with murdering Jayden Mamfredos-Nair who went missing in Auckland last April.On Saturday, police announced a body had been found at a Dairy Flat property after a search began on Wednesday."While we still have to carry out formal identification procedures, from all of our inquiries to date we believe this is Jayden," Detective Inspector Callum McNeill, of Waitematā CIB said.Two men, both aged 26, and a third man, aged 20, have been charged with the murder of Mamfredos-Nair.McNeill said police were not ruling out further arrests as part of the homicide investigation.Mamfredos-Nair, then 19, was reported missing in April 2023. He was last seen on Birdwood Road in West Auckland's Rānui, the same month.McNeill called the recovery of his body "a devastating ordeal for Jayden's whānau, who are still coming to terms with the loss they have suffered"."We hope that this brings them some closure, in knowing that their boy can now be returned to them so he can be laid to rest."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 15th January - Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, turning to rain this afternoon, heavy at times. Northerlies, easing this afternoon. Uncomfortably warm and muggy.Tuesday 16th January - Showers, clearing in the morning but remaining partly cloudy. Easterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 17th - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until late. Easterlies, turning northerly in the morning.Thursday 18th - Fine. Northeasterlies.Friday 19th - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Northeasterlies.Saturday 20th - A few showers. Northeasterlies.Sunday 21st - Partly cloudy with light winds.Mangawhai RegionMonday 15th January - The odd shower, turning to rain this afternoon, possibly heavy. Northerlies, easing this evening. Warm and muggTuesday 16th January - Occasional rain, clearing to fine in the evening. Light winds.Wednesday 17th - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.Thursday 18th - Partly cloudy. Northeasterlies.Friday 19th - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Northeasterlies.Saturday 20th - Showers, clearing to partly cloudy weather. Easterlies.Sunday 21st - Showers with southeasterlies.

The new National-led government is following through on its plans to cancel the Auckland Light Rail project.Transport Minister Simeon Brown issued a statement on Sunday, officially cutting the plan.Work was already stopped on the multi-billion dollar project in November.Brown said the cost of the previous Labour-led government's project was unsustainable."Auckland Light Rail would have cost taxpayers $15 billion, with advice showing the cost could increase to $29.2 billion," said Brown."The previous government committed to building light rail to Mt Roskill within four years of being elected. After six years and over $228 million spent on the project, not a single metre of track has been delivered and congestion has only worsened in the city."Scrapping the expensive project is part of the coalition agreements and we have taken swift action. Auckland Light Rail Limited has been instructed to immediately cease work on the project, and to take the necessary steps to wind up the company."Labour's light rail plan had the potential to take up to 14,500 cars off the road but the price soared to $14.6 billion when it was decided to partly tunnel the rail line.Brown said the government would still be committed to delivering infrastructure projects in the Auckland region."Our focus is on building a rapid transit network in Auckland, including completion of the City Rail Link, which was started by the last National government, and starting work on a Northwest Rapid Transit corridor, alongside other projects to deliver reduced congestion for Aucklanders."The government's decision to scrap Auckland Light Rail means that we can stop work on a project which has not delivered and get on with delivering the critical transport infrastructure that Auckland needs."This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Nestled along the stunning east coast of the North Island, the Matakana Coast is a not-so-hidden gem these days.With its pristine beaches, charming villages, and vibrant arts scene, this coastal region offers a plethora of activities for both locals and visitors.Here's a curated list of 10 things to do on the Matakana Coast.1. Kayaking on Puhoi River:Dive into adventure with a kayaking excursion on the Puhoi River. Navigate the tranquil waters, surrounded by native bush and birdlife.2. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail:Venture into the artistic haven of the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens adorned with captivating sculptures, marrying nature and art seamlessly to create a visually stunning experience.3. Tawharanui Regional Park:Tawharanui Regional Park has it all, rare indigenous birdlife, panoramic views, campsites, pristine beaches, and walking trails for everyone.4. Wine Tasting in the Vineyards:Indulge your palate with the flavours of the Matakana Coast by embarking on a wine-tasting journey. Explore boutique vineyards such as Brick Bay Wines, Heron's Flight, and Ascension Wine Estate, where each sip is accompanied by breathtaking views.5. Goat Island Marine Reserve:Dive into the underwater wonders of Goat Island Marine Reserve. Snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters to witness a kaleidoscope of marine life, creating an aquatic adventure in this protected marine sanctuary.6. Explore the Cement Works:Uncover the industrial history of Warkworth with a visit to the Cement Works. This historic site, once a cement manufacturing plant, now offers a unique blend of industrial remnants and natural beauty, providing a captivating glimpse into Warkworth's past and a great spot for a picnic.7. Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway:Take a scenic hike along the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway. This trail offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes, providing a perfect opportunity to appreciate the coastal beauty of the region.8. Ti Point Reptile Park:Delve into the world of fascinating reptiles at Ti Point Reptile Park. A chance to encounter a variety of reptiles, providing an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.9. Warkworth Museum, Parry Kauri Park:Uncover the history of the region at the Warkworth Museum. Explore exhibits that showcase the cultural and maritime heritage of Warkworth, Towering Kauri trees and well-maintained paths create an ideal setting for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.10. Matakana Market and Matakana Village Farmers' Market:Take a wander through the Matakana markets, the two markets run every Saturday and are situated next to each other you'll find local art, clothing, antique collectables and boutique stalls while immersing yourself in a vibrant atmosphere, sampling fresh produce, artisanal delights, and local crafts that showcase the region's cultural richness.The Matakana Coast a destination like no other.

Two men have been charged with the murder of missing Auckland man Jayden Mamfredos-Nair, after a body was found in the long-running investigation into his disappearance.Mamfredos-Nair, then 19, was reported missing in April 2023. He was last seen on Birdwood Road in West Auckland's Rānui, on April 2021.In August, police said he had "not touched bank accounts, social media, telephone, anything" since his disappearance.Detective Inspector Callum McNeill said two men, both aged 26, had been arrested on Saturday, both charged with murder.A body was found at a Dairy Flat property after a search began on Wednesday."While we still have to carry out formal identification procedures, from all of our inquiries to date we believe this is Jayden," McNeill said."This now brings an end to the search for Jayden, which has been ongoing for more than eight months."I would like to acknowledge the absolute determination of the investigation team, who from day one has never given up in their work to locate Jayden and to bring about answers for his whānau."McNeill called it a "devastating ordeal for Jayden's whānau, who are still coming to terms with the loss they have suffered"."We hope that this brings them some closure, in knowing that their boy can now be returned to them so he can be laid to rest."The investigation, dubbed Operation Violin, was assisted by help from the public, he said.Both of the accused will appear in North Shore District Court on Monday. Police are not ruling out further arrests.This story was originally posted by RNZ News