The government is trying to reduce the time it takes to build a home by enabling minor changes to be made to a building consent without having to apply for a new one.In a statement, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the coalition government was focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes in order to rebuild the economy and get Kiwis into their homes quicker."New construction data from Stats NZ released in April shows that it takes around 569 days on average for a home to be built after it receives a building consent," Penk said."This means that, once you account for the time it takes to issue a consent, it takes nearly 600 days to build a house in New Zealand. In the face of a housing and cost-of-living crisis, this is simply too long."Penk said Kiwis who need to swap out comparable building products because of a shortage, for example, currently need to submit a whole new consent or wait for the product to become available - adding delays and costs to the build.Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone"That is why the government is clarifying the definition of a 'minor variation' and introducing 'minor customisations' to the Building Act. This will provide more flexibility, which will help reduce delays and lower the cost of building and renovating."Building Consent Authorities will still need to assess building work to ensure it complies with the Building Code, but Kiwis won't need to submit a new consent for minor product or design changes."According to Stats NZ, homes consented in the June 2023 quarter took 163 days on average to have a first inspection.A final inspection for homes consented in the September 2022 quarter took 533 days on average.And for homes consented in the June 2022 quarter, it took 569 days on average to get a code of compliance certificate.This story was originally published by RNZ

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Emma Ferguson, who has a warrant to arrest.Ferguson, 36, is from Mount Roskill in Auckland and is wanted by Police.She is believed to be somewhere in the upper North Island along with her three children aged one, two and five.Police have concerns for her children’s safety and urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to call Police on 111 and quote file number 240403/6972.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It’s Hospice Awareness Week from May 13 to 19, and Harbour Hospice is asking the community to get behind the campaign to help make life better for patients in hospice care.“Everyone deserves access to a good end-of-life experience, but many people reach us too late or not at all – and we need this to change,” Harbour Hospice chief executive Jan Nichols says.“Throughout the week we’re highlighting the importance of reaching those with a life-limiting illness earlier in their journey, so we can do more to support them to live well, in the place they call home with the people they love.”Lots of local businesses will be showing their support across the week. Some supermarkets will be asking customers to add $1 to their shop for the charity, with other businesses supporting the campaign in different ways.Harbour Hospice shops in Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana will be inviting customers to add an extra dollar to their purchases. If a donation is made online at harbourhospice.org.nz construction company Youngman Richardson will match the donation, up to $10,000.“Harbour Hospice cares for one in three people in the community. But what few people realise is that the earlier hospice can be involved a person’s care, the more we can do to help them,” Nichols says.Grandfather and great grandfather Brian Evans, 86, began receiving Harbour Hospice care six months ago and says having that support has helped him relax more and enjoy every day. “I don’t have to worry about my illness because I know hospice is taking care of me. I feel more relaxed, and my breathing has improved,” he says.Brian receives regular visits from the hospice community nursing team and attends the service’s Open Doors day programme at Tui House, which provides lunch and an informative talk. Brian says he enjoys the talks and he loves the social contact with the others in the group.“We don’t talk about our ailments, we talk about the day-to-day but we know what each of us are going through and that’s what makes it so good.”Brian used to be a keen hunter but had to give that up. Hospice has helped him find new ways to enjoy his days, he says. He has reignited his passion for gardening and taken up walking. Hospice was even there for Brian and his wife Gayle when they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this month, putting on a lunch and a party for them.“It has been absolutely marvellous,” He says.Nichols says hospice is not just about dying.“It’s about being there for patients like Brian, families and whānau to make those final years, months or weeks more joyful, not just less awful.”To find out how you can support Harbour Hospice during Hospice Awareness Week go tohttps://harbourhospice.org.nz/event/hospice-awareness-weekLocal supermarkets supporting Harbour Hospice this Awareness WeekPlease add $1 to support Harbour Hospice when shopping at any of the supermarkets listed below.New World AlbanyNew World BirkenheadNew World Browns BayNew World Long BayNew World MilfordNew World OrewaNew World WarkworthPak’nSave WarkworthPak'n Save AlbanyLocal businesses supporting Harbour Hospice this Awareness WeekNorth ShoreBNI - North HarbourBNI - TakapunaNorth Harbour Business AssociationSchnauer & CoStorage 4 You – North Shore and WhangaparaoraYoungman RichardsonHibiscus CoastCoconut Gallery, OrewaEmma Jean Framing GalleryHelensville Golf ClubHibiscus Funeral ServicesParaoa Brewing Co.The French CupboardWarkworth/WellsfordBe Soul Funerals, WarkworthCoconut Gallery, WarkworthGood Good Coffee & Food, WarkworthMatakana Coast AppMatakana MarketOmaha Golf ClubPuhoi Furniture Design & UpholsteryPuhoi Pub & StablesPuhoi River KayaksRiver Nile LinensSummerset Falls Retirement Village, WarkworthThe French CupboardThe Photo Store, WarkworthWarkworth ButchersWarkworth MenswearWarkworth OaksMason ContainersMorris & JamesNautica Shipping & Logistics LtdNeville BrosNorthland WasteThe Planning Collective

Rogers Distribution Limited is recalling a specific batch of its Mrs Rogers Naturals brand Gluten Free Batter Mix due to the presence of undeclared allergens (gluten, wheat). Mrs Rogers Naturals brand Crispy Golden Batter Mix has been incorrectly packaged as Mrs Rogers Naturals brand Gluten Free Batter Mix.Point of sale notice for retailersIf you are a retailer of the product 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 – Rogers Distribution Limited [PDF, 43KB]Consumer adviceCustomers are asked to check the date marking and batch number on the back of the package.People with a gluten or wheat allergy or intolerance should not consume this product. If you have consumed this product and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice. If you are not allergic or intolerant to gluten or wheat, this recall does not affect you.Customers with a gluten or wheat allergy or intolerance should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.Who to contactIf you have questions, contact Rogers Distribution Limited:Phone: 09 366 1885Address: 46 Honan Place, Avondale, Auckland

Brynderwyns update: Our reopening of State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills will be delayed by a number of weeks due to an active slip.We were scheduled to fully reopen SH1 on 13 May 2024, but due to a slip at the site where we're working to repair the road damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle, this is no longer possible. The slip occurred over the weekend at Kauri Tree Corner (zone F) on a slope roadworkers were working to stabilise.Click here to see the video from 30 April. The slip is still moving with a substantial amount of material falling. We're urgently doing geotechnical assessments to determine our approach to stabilising the hillside based on this new slip. We can then continue our repairs to shore up the road for winter and provide resilience in the short to medium term.We know this isn't the news anyone wants to hear, but we need to fix this before we can safely reopen the road. Everyone wants the road opened as soon as possible, and we're committed to completing these vital recovery works ahead of winter to ensure the road is safe and reliable.We're still in the early stages of assessing the best solution, and we'll confirm more details as soon as we can. We appreciate how frustrating this is for everyone affected by the closure, and also for the roadworkers who've worked so hard to keep to schedule.

Peter de GraafA major hotel chain plans to buy a site in central Whangārei and build a four-star hotel with up to 110 rooms.Millennium and Copthorne Hotels New Zealand (MCK) announced today it had entered a conditional agreement to buy two properties next to Laurie Hall Park from the Whangārei District Council.MCK managing director Stuart Harrison said the purchase of the 3160-square-metre site for $2.24 million was still subject to due diligence.He believed a hotel of 90 to 110 rooms was the right size to take advantage of Northland's increasing economic activity.The company had reengaged with council after previously considering buying the land in 2019, Harrison said."As tourism in New Zealand continues to revive, this is another sign that we are looking to grow our network," he said.Mayor Vince Cocurullo said the city had long needed a major hotel in the CBD."This is a very exciting outcome, and their potential acquisition and development is one that we've hoped for since the sites were earmarked for hotel development in 2012," he said."Our district needs a four-star hotel in the centre of the city. We need to be able to attract more conferences and events, and to cater to increasing numbers of visitors in the coming years."As well as a high-quality visitor experience the hotel would bring more jobs to the city, Cocurullo said.The prime site used to be occupied by a childcare centre and a block of six single-storey flats known as Almond Court.Laurie Hall Park, between Dent Street, Bank Street and Farmers department store, is also home to the city's war memorial.The Victorian villa at 10 Dent St that housed Forum North Childcare and Education Centre was removed in 2019, with the business now in a purpose-built facility on Riverside Drive.Almond Court was demolished last year, a move opposed by a group of Whangārei architects who said the red-brick flats were unique in their architecture and social history.At the time the council said the cost of renovating the flats, about $900,000, was far greater than any likely return on the investment.Currently, visiting sports teams or business groups often opt to stay at the Copthorne in the Bay of Islands instead of Whangārei.Trying to attract a large hotel to Northland's only city has been a long-running saga, with MCK once before agreeing to buy the 8-10 Dent Street site from the council.At that time, in 2019, the flats were still standing and the agreed price for the two properties was $2.5m.The hotel company, however, pulled out of the deal.On the other side of the Hātea River, Northland Development Corporation had been planning a multi-million-dollar combined hotel, apartment, event and conference centre called Ōruku Landing.Last year, however, the government withdrew its pledge of $59m towards the $64m cost of the conference and event centre.The future of the project, with an estimated overall price tag of $200m, is now uncertain.News that a four-star hotel could be getting off the ground at last in Whangārei comes just months after cruise ships returned to the city for the first time in decades.The opening of the Hundertwasser Art Centre at Whangārei's Town Basin in 2022 is said to have persuaded the cruise ship companies to put the city back on their itineraries.Elsewhere in Northland, MCK already owns the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands in Waitangi and the Kingsgate Hotel in Paihia.The Whangārei deal is expected to be finalised in the second quarter of 2024.This story was first published by RNZ

After a very long hiatus the Mangawhai Toy Library is opening this WEEK!It will be open every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm.Location: The Rose Madsen Cottage, 73 Moir Street, Mangawhai. Which is in the same space as Te Whai Community Trust.Contact [email protected] their Facebook pageReduce, Reuse, Replay! Reduce the clutter, reuse the joy, and replay the fun! Join them in making sustainability a part of every playtime adventure.At Mangawhai Toy Library, they have everything kids would need from Duplo, dress-ups, ride-ons, puzzles, music, train sets, role play, and more.They work just like a book library, but for toys. For an affordable annual membership fee, with lots of benefits- Cheaper than buying toys yourselfKids learn through playLess broken toys in landfillToys by age and interest, as your kids grow over timeOnce a toy has been explored it doesn’t clutter your home but is returned and replaced by more playing funA cool way to keep children entertained while teaching them about sharing, borrowing and reusing.Membership Options:$80.00- 6 month- General membership (No volunteer requirements)$60.00- 6 month Volunteer membership (2 volunteer/duties required)$30.00- Casual Membership (4 hires per year)Head to their website for more information and to join up!There is another option for a Toy Library that has been operating in Snells Beach at the Baptist Church for many years - Mahurangi Toy Library.Contact 022 462 7785 or [email protected] Facebook pageLocation: 410 Mahurangi East Road, Snells BeachWednesdays    9:00am - 11:30am during term time

NEW TRADES ON THE APPHead to the Trades button🔨 Neil Taylor Cabinetmaker & Design are based in Warkworth. With years of skill, craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality product, they create cabinetry and bespoke furniture that looks great and functions beautifully.Their services range from cabinetry and interior design to the design and installation of new kitchens. 🏆 Warkworth Engraving work on one-off projects, production runs and larger orders. No job is to big, small, or challenging for them. They can custom make and engrave all kinds of personised trophies, plaques, corporate gifts, and signs using the skills they have honed over the years.  💦 Greenwash is your one-stop for environmentally friendly house an exterior surface cleaning. They can clean and restore your home exterior, plus all hard surfaces from the driveway to the deck. Their ConstructSafe accredited team can also safely access your roof and guttering. Contact them for a free quote. 👷🏻‍♀️ Dynamic Pipeworks have over 10 years’ experience with Earthworks and Drainage. They offer:Driveway construction, retaining walls, footings, site clearing, site cuts, and drilling.Public and private Drain laying as well as subsoil drainage.Rainwater Tanks, Thin Retention Tanks, Detention Tanks, and Underground Detention Tanks.  ❄ M.A.C.E Mahurangi Air Con and Electrical specialise in air conditioning equipment including all types of heat pumps, ducted systems, ventilation, and heat transfer systems. Accredited installer for Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, & Fujitsu products. M.A.C.E is based in Warkworth and look after clients from Auckland to Whangarei.📱 If you want your business to be on the App get in [email protected] or Contact 

Leonard PowellWith most New Zealanders moving to mobile phones, the nation's copper network is slowly being phased out, with one of our biggest telcos planning to pull the plug next year."No landline. No landline for ... five years maybe," one woman on the street in Auckland told First Up."It's fine. Don't miss it. I thought I would but I don't miss it. Even for us old ladies. It's a thing of the past. We all have cellphones."Another, younger woman interviewed by First Up said her parents still had a landline."They answer it, no matter who it is. Which I just never would. I don't answer my cellphone if it's an unknown number."One NZ (formerly Vodafone) chief technology officer Tony Baird said they are getting set to change."The old copper telephone exchanges, the ones in our network, we've got five of them. We deployed them in the '90s and the early 2000s, and we're in the process of decommissioning them."Baird said that system will be finished some time next year. The decision had been a long time coming, he said."The cost of electricity, the efficiency, the floor space they take up, and the number of customers that actually want and use copper landlines is all becoming quite prohibitive."Baird points to a graph which shows a steady decline in users, with most people moving to mobiles."We've got 2.4 million mobile devices out there," he said. "Normally there's more than one mobile per household, everybody has their own mobile, and landlines are really a fixed, static service so people are moving off them."However, not all phone calls from next year will be from a mobile phone.According to Commerce Commission figures, there were still around 573,000 landline services in New Zealand.The majority used the "Voice over Internet Protocol" - known as VOIP, which was first introduced around 20 years ago.VOIP uses a landline-style phone number on a traditional handset, but runs through fibre internet rather than the copper phone line."Voice over internet will remain. If anybody that wants a landline number - Auckland is 09, Wellington 04, et cetera - those fixed geographic numbers come with voice over internet," Baird said.He said the main change with VOIP is what happens when the power goes out or during a natural disaster."Fibre optics doesn't actually carry electricity through it. Whereas copper used to carry electricity. So the biggest difference is going to be if you want to have your voice over internet protocol running when the power is switched off you need to have some form of battery backup."However, the Commerce Commission is taking One NZ to court, alleging a failure to "inform and protect" vulnerable customers by ensuring they're told how to call 111 during a power cut.Telecommunications Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson said a number of New Zealanders still relied on landlines and had no alternative if they stopped working."There are 684 of them who are vulnerable for the purposes of the code. These are the people whose lives are most at risk in an emergency situation because of health, safety or disability reasons," he told RNZ.During Cyclone Gabrielle last February, communication was cut off across Tai Rāwhiti, when landslips took out fibre optic cables and cell towers lost power.In a statement, One NZ said they were "disappointed to learn of this, and had fully co-operated with the Commission since becoming aware of its concerns, and had been transparent throughout".One company that has felt the move away from landlines is Yellow, commonly known as the Yellow Pages.Despite being much smaller these days, with a combination of personal and business numbers and websites the yellow book is still delivered to 1.6 million homes across New Zealand.Country manager Rob Jane has been with Yellow for 17 years."When I first started, businesses were putting fax numbers in nice, big, bold type in the book. Well, fax numbers have pretty much disappeared out of the book at a greater rate than landlines have dropped off."We're seeing businesses now promote their websites, putting an email address. And in more recent times they're putting a QR code in their ads."Jane said around 380,000 residential phone numbers were still listed with Yellow, down 37 percent from 15 years ago."We've seen over the years, there's always been a discussion around the books... I guess younger people in cities [ask] why do we need it? Then you'll see comments come in from older demographics outside the main cities going, 'Not everybody's connected to the internet, not everybody's online'."Baird said it had been 30 years since mobile services were launched in New Zealand."In 30 years we've gone from 100 percent of homes potentially having a copper service to 100 percent of homes having more than one mobile device."New Zealanders would have to wait another eight years for 6G to be available, around 2032, he said.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 29th April - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers, mainly from afternoon. Easterlies.Tuesday 30th April - Fine. Easterlies, turning southerly before dawn.Wednesday 1st May - Fine, then a few showers developing in the evening. Southerlies, turning to fresh westerlies in the morning.Thursday 2nd May - Fine, then a few showers developing. Fresh southwesterlies, easing.Friday 3rd May - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies easing.Mangawhai RegionMonday 29th April - Partly cloudy. A few showers, mainly from afternoon. Easterlies, turning southerly in the evening.Tuesday 30th April - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Southeasterlies, turning southwesterly in the afternoon.Wednesday 1st May - Fine, then cloud increasing with the chance of an evening shower. Westerlies.Thursday 2nd May - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 3rd May - Fine, then a few showers developing. Southwesterlies.

"You may buy a house that speaks to you, but when you build it yourself, it speaks of you." David Reid Homes are renowned for their high quality and leading edge in the bespoke residential sector.With over 20 years’ experience in building and customer services, Jess and Malcolm are Franchise Directors for the Rodney to Bream Bay area and you can give them a call to find out more about building a high quality designer home, suited to your budget.View their plan range or completely design your new home using concepts you enjoy as inspiration.https://davidreidhomes.co.nz/our-homes/plan-range/House and land packages are now for sale in the new Warkworth Ridge Subdivision David Reid Homes is bringing their expertise, design flair and quality to Warkworth Ridge in 2024. With only 5 sections still available in the first stages of this development, your window of opportunity to have a brand-new home in Warkworth’s newest master-planned community is now!Warkworth is your gateway to arguably the best blend of town and country living in the Auckland region. As a local, you’ll be able to enjoy it all day, every day.Now only a 25-minute drive from Albany to Warkworth Ridge (off-peak), your world of living possibilities has opened up.In the area:Warkworth School (Primary school)Mahurangi College (Secondary School)Matakana Farmers MarketAccess to beautiful East Coast beaches such as Omaha & Tãwharanui Regional ParkGoat Island Marine ReserveLot 321 Warkworth Ridge, which is one of only 5 lots David Reid Homes have available, offers a 416m² section with a 152.2m² Architecturally designed 3 bed, 2 bath home with separate laundry.These cleverly thought-out homes have been designed to make the most of the surrounding area and will be completed to the highest standards. Building with David Reid Homes means you will receive a designed and built high-quality home.A comprehensive structural and workmanship Master Builder guarantee of up to 10 years is included.Contact Jess to secure your section in Warkworth Ridge.https://davidreidhomes.co.nz/our-locations/rodney-to-bream-bay/home-and-land/lot-321-warkworth-ridge/

A New Zealand geneticist says his research into the minds of sheep may hold the key to curing Alzheimer's disease.Auckland University's Centre for Brain Research received more than $300,000 of funding from the US-based Cure Alzheimer's Fund earlier this year.Professor of genetics Russell Snell said the funding would help expand his research focusing on the development of early-onset Alzheimer's disease in genetically modified sheep.The goal was to improve the drug pre-screening process for Alzheimer's disease, Snell said."By far and away the most value these animals will have is the pre-clinical testing of potential treatments, to throw away the ones that won't work, [and] to refine the list to the ones that do, so that they can then go on into human clinical trials."Sheep served as excellent models for Alzheimer's disease research due to their longer life span, complex brain structure, and genetic similarity to humans, Snell said.Many drugs that performed well in rodents failed in human clinical trials and those trials could cost upwards of a billion dollars to run, he said.His work would be a game-changer for Alzheimer's disease research globally, Snell said."Our country's size means we are always close to the people we are working to provide real hope to. We look at things differently here; we ask, 'What can we bring that's unique?'"This work is truly unique. Our group has a vision for dementia, that it is possible to fix it."Centre for Brain Research director and research collaborator Sir Richard Faull said the Cure Alzheimer's Fund recognised the importance of their work."Our research work has not only a pioneering scientific value to it; it critically also has a human life value. This funding recognises that in the most perfect way."This story was originally posted on RNZ News

Matakana’s own Charlies Gelato has tasted national success this week. Charlies were recently awarded two gold medals at the Outstanding Food Producers awards. These awards celebrate both large and small food producers throughout New Zealand, who harvest, grow and produce the very best food in the country.Charlies entered their Lemon Gelato in the Dairy category and their Feijoa Sorbetto in the ‘Free From’ category. Both of these entries were awarded gold medals and also both were named finalists for Champion awards,The Champion’s Party was held in Auckland recently, with many of the medal winners gathering together to celebrate their achievements. On the night, they also announce the supreme champions in each of the categories. Charlies Gelato were awarded Dairy Champion for their Lemon (Limone) Gelato.Andrew Cole from Charlies said five of their staff went down to the party, and winning the award was a great boost for the team. “We have won a few gold medals in the past, but winning the Champions award is special, and a first for us”.Charlies Gelato, can be found at 17 Sharp Road, Matakana. www.charliesgelato.co.nz

Batches of The Collective brand Suckies yoghurt product have been recalled following complaints by customers that a nozzle had broken and pieces of plastic had got into the yoghurt.New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Epicurean Dairy Ltd in its recall of specific batches of its The Collective brand Suckies Strawberry Probiotic Yoghurt as the product may contain black plastic.The Collective brand Suckies Strawberry Probiotic Yoghurt sold in a four pack (4 x 100g) with batch numbers of 32280 T2 or 32280 T3, and a best before date of April 30 2024 are affected by this recall.The affected product is sold at selected supermarkets and retailers throughout New Zealand."If you have any of the affected product at home do not consume it," says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle. "It should be thrown out, or returned it to its place of purchase for a refund.""If you or a family member have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16."

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, 3 May 2024.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 30 AprilOteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 30 AprilCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 28-30 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 1-2 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 1-2 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 1-2 MayWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 1-2 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Parnell Rise and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 28-30 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 29 April & 1-2 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 29 April & 1-2 MaySH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 29 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 29 April (approx. 10:00pm to 6:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 29 April (approx. 10:00pm to 6:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 2 MaySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 1 MayTakanini southbound on-ramp, 1-2 MaySouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 28 & 30 AprilPapakura southbound on-ramp, 28 & 30 April & 1 MayPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 28-30 April 1-2 MayNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 28-30 April & 1-2 MayDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 28-30 April & 1-2 MaySouthbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 28-30 April & 1-2 MayNorthbound lanes between Ridge Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 28-30 April 1-2 MayPioneer Road northbound off-ramp, 26-30 April & 1-4 May (24/7)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 2 MayHampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 2 MayNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Te Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 28 AprilUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp, 29-30 April & 2 MayGreenhithe Road westbound on-ramp, 2 MaySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 29-30 April & 1 MaySouthbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 2 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Walmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 2 MaySH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 2 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 1 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 1 MayNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 28 April (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 28 April (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 28 April (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Great South Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 29 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 29 AprilNorthbound Service Road (Cavendish Drive to Puhinui Road) 29 AprilLambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 29 AprilSouthbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 30 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound Service Road (Puhinui Road to Cavendish Drive), 30 AprilPuhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 30 AprilCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 30 AprilLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 30 AprilSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 30 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 30 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

The Tahi Bar + Kitchen in Warkworth won the Top 50 Gastropubs and was the overall winner of the Top of the North Island & Taranaki.The Tahi Bar + Kitchen is more than just a place to grab a bite and a drink, it's an experience that seamlessly blends exceptional food, an inviting atmosphere, and a sense of community. They prioritise high-quality cuisine in a casual pub setting.Several key factors distinguish The Tahi Bar + Kitchen as one of New Zealand's finest gastropubs. Firstly, exceptional food is the cornerstone of the place. Their menu combines traditional pub fare and innovative, chef-driven dishes crafted from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. From classic favorites like chicken wings and chips to more sophisticated offerings such as their gourmet "Miti Paowa Smoked Brisket Burger" or handcrafted Jalapeño Poppers, Their menu caters to diverse palates while showcasing the Kitchen's culinary expertise.Equally crucial is the quality of their beverages. The Tahi Bar boasts an extensive selection of locally-produced craft beers, ciders, and fine wines, to complement their food offerings. Whether it's one of the locally brewed IPAs or their meticulously curated wine list featuring local boutique producers, their beverage selection reflects the same level of attention to detail as our food menu.The atmosphere of The Tahi Bar + Kitchen plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall dining experience. The setting is casual and welcoming and exudes warmth and character, with comfy touches like cozy seating areas, ambient lighting, and eclectic decor that reflect the pub's personality. They are a quirky rustic tavern full of leafy indigenous plants and musical instruments on the walls; the atmosphere of the space encourages guests to relax and savour their meals.Service is another critical aspect of their little oasis. The Tahi Bar hire and train attentive, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about food and drink and who elevate the dining experience by providing recommendations, answering queries, and ensuring guests feel well cared for. Their friendly, efficient service contributes to the overall ambiance of the pub and fosters a sense of hospitality that keeps patrons returning.Community engagement is also essential for their success. They actively participate in and contribute to the local Warkworth community by hosting events like regular live music performances, collaborating with nearby businesses and artisans, and supporting charitable initiatives. They have become a cherished neighbourhood institution by cultivating a sense of belonging and connection among patrons.Lastly, consistency is paramount. They consistently deliver excellent food, drinks, service, and atmosphere, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Whether it's a casual weekend lunch or a special occasion dinner, guests can rely on the same high standards whenever they visit.In conclusion, what sets The Tahi Bar + Kitchen apart is a combination of exceptional food, quality beverages, an inviting atmosphere, attentive service, community engagement, and unwavering consistency. These elements converge, and our diners enjoy a memorable culinary experience that keeps them coming back for more.

Maia Ingoe, JournalistNew Zealand is one step closer to low-emissions road freight with the opening of a hydrogen fuelling station in South Auckland yesterday.The Wiri fuel station is one of three in the North Island and has the capacity to power the big semi-trucks used for heavy road freight.A bus, a NZ Post delivery truck and a big rig were among the first vehicles to fuel up - but the trucking industry needs a bigger hydrogen-powered fleet to use it.Andrew Clennett is the co-founder and chief executive of Hiringa, the company behind the hydrogen network.The hydrogen is manufactured on-site using renewable electricity. Photo: Marika Khabazi"We can do up to 60 trucks from this station, and that's taking 60 trucks off the road. Each truck is equivalent to taking between 100 and 150 cars off the road," he said.The hydrogen is manufactured on-site using renewable electricity, with an efficiency of 65-68 percent.Long-haul trucks make up just 4 percent of the fleet, but 25 percent of heavy vehicle emissions, Clennett said.But that would change if more trucks used hydrogen, which does not emit climate-damaging carbon like diesel or petrol."The alignment of this technology means that the trucks that are doing the most kilometres, that have the most emissions, because they're on the road all the time, we're effectively replacing those biggest trucks," Clennett said.The fuel pumps can fill a hydrogen-powered truck in 15 minutes.Photo: Marika KhabaziExpansion plansThe Wiri station is one of three hydrogen pumps at Waitomo fuel stations, and there are plans for more - and even expanding into zero-emissions ship fuel."Where we have trucks is where need stations, so the state highway network, we need to get north to south. Up near Whangārei, down on the way to Wellington, Taupō, across to Hawkes Bay, we need to cover north-west-east-south."And we're also doing some exciting work in the South Island."There was also interest in New Zealand's advances into hydrogen-powered fright from overseas - the Japan ambassador was present at the opening."Companies like what we're doing and a country like here is a really good test bed of these ecosystems. Effectively, it's a business model we're developing that they're very interested to unlock in their society."Minister for Transport and Energy Simeon Brown cut the ribbon at the new station - and provided the company with a $5 million grant and an $11 million loan to support the current three fuelling stations and build one more."This is the start of a network. It allows companies to be able to invest in hydrogen trucks more easily, and be able to test how they operate on New Zealand roads," he said.Photo: Marika KhabaziBrown said the government was committed to growing hydrogen energy and even exploring extraction of naturally-occurring hydrogen gas."There is a possible natural hydrogen resources that need to be explored, that's a potential huge opportunity for New Zealand," he said.Currently, there are only two trucks in the country that can use the hydrogen pumps in Wiri.Waitomo Group chief executive Simon Parham, says trucking companies are excited about hydrogen fuel - but they need government support to build a hydrogen-powered fleet."At the moment, tough economic times, the natural tendency is for business to sweat some of their older assets. We really want to see that incentive come from central government to help get those trucks on the road whether it's 10, whether it's 50, going to 100 - that would be the dream."Photo: Marika KhabaziBrown could not say how the government might further support the hydrogen industry."We can't confirm anything at this stage, ultimately there's a number of opportunities, but we're here to sort of celebrate the start of this network."We need to have an abundant supply of renewable energy to unlock that potential, and that's the government's primary focus."For now, there's one more hydrogen fuel station to be built in Tauranga, and Hiringa plans to expand its hydrogen network through Australasia.

Warkworth RegionFriday 26th April - Showers, possibly heavy, becoming isolated this afternoon as fine breaks appear. Northwesterlies, turning to fresh southwesterly around midday.Saturday 27th April - Fine. Southerlies, easing late at night.Sunday 28th April - Fine. Easterlies developing in the afternoon.Mangawhai RegionFriday 26th April - A few showers, possibly heavy, clearing to fine breaks this afternoon, but chance shower lingering. Westerlies developing this morning.Saturday 27th April - Fine. Southerlies.Sunday 28th April - Fine. Southerlies, turning easterly in the morning.

Lest we forget.....A private residence in Mangawhai organised a dawn service to cemorate Anzac Day. Over 300 people attended the service.Here are some photos from the service at Matakana this morning