The number of dog attacks in Kaipara has increased from 39 to 69 over the last year, according to Kaipara District Council’s newly released Annual Animal Management Report 2022-2023.The council report tracks animal management activities over the last year and is a requirement under the Dog control Act 1996.Hayley Worthington, General Manager for Customer Experience says the Council takes any dog attack seriously."The highest priorities for the team is to keep Kaipara residents and visitors to the district safe from harm caused by dogs,” says Hayley.Hayley says the council has focussed on decreasing the number of unregistered dogs in the district.“Around 40% of dogs that carry out attacks are unregistered and poorly managed.”The 2022-2023 year saw 110 more dogs registered in Kaipara than in the previous year.Hayley believes some of this may be attributed to the increasing number of dogs adopted during the COVID pandemic, and the work the Animal Management Team has been emailing, phoning, door knocking, patrolling and following up on complaints to encourage people to register their dogs. The council has also more than doubled the number of beach controls carried out over the last year to educate people in what it means to be a responsible dog owner.The number of infringement notices issued to dog owners has increased over the last year with almost twice as many issued to people who haven’t registered their dogs than in the previous year.Of note is the increased number of complaints for wandering dogs, which has more than doubled over the last year. The team attributes this, and the complaints about dog barking to owners returning to work following the COVID confinement.“It’s good that people are reporting wandering dogs. If they can identify the dog, take a photo, or know where it comes from, we can have a conversation with the owner.”The Council is asking people to remember to close their gates to keep their dog contained. When in public, dogs are required to be under control at all times.The council provides areas where people can exercise their dogs off lead. In other areas people should have their dogs on lead and under control to prevent incidents.“Some people are afraid of being approached by a dog, even if the dog is an old softie. Dog owners need to respect that.”“Another tip is to respect other dogs. Not all dogs are overly keen or eager to meet you or your pet. Please if you see another dog approaching, try and give it space or ask the owner if its ok to approach.”A total of 34 dogs were impounded through the year. Of these 17 were returned to owners, 9 were euthanised and 6 were rehomed.View the presentation at the Council Meeting on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (3:50 minutes in).The Kaipara District Council Annual Management Report 2022-2023 and statistics are available online.

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, 22 December 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 17 DecemberSilverdale southbound on-ramp, 17 DecemberOnewa Road southbound on-ramp, 17 DecemberShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 17-19 DecemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 17 DecemberWellington Street northbound on-ramp, 18 DecemberSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 17-19 DecemberEast Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 20-21 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 17 DecemberPapakura northbound off-ramp, 18-19 DecemberDragway Road northbound off-ramp, 17 December (approx. 12 midnight to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 17 December Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 17 December (approx. 9:00pm to 12 midnight)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 18-19 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 18-19 DecemberNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 19 DecemberUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Squadron Drive off-ramp and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 19 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Brigham Creek Road westbound on-ramp, 19 DecemberSH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 19 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 17 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 18-19 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Coronation Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 17 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Coronation Road northbound on-ramp, 17 December

Emma Stanford, senior reporterAnother bout of sewage spilling into popular beaches on Auckland's North Shore has the community concerned.Castor Bay, Wairau Outlet and Milford Beach are under a 'do not swim' notice until 5pm Friday because of wastewater contamination.As at 5.26pm on Wednesday, the wastewater overflow sensor reading showed a very high risk.When RNZ visited each site, there were no physical signs telling people of the risk, just black markers on the Safeswim website.Castor Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association president Hamish Anderson said it was frustrating and happening too often, through dry and wet weather."It's inconvenient for locals and visitors to our beautiful beach. It's resulting in further degradation of the Hauraki Gulf and it's just not a good look for our clean, green brand."He wanted better communication from Watercare, after only hearing about it through the media on Thursday morning."It's kind of crazy that they seem to rely on people checking the Safeswim website to see if it's safe to enter the water at our beaches," Anderson said."When, in the case of contamination, they should be putting signage up so people go to the beach and clearly see it is unsafe. Most people don't check Safeswim before they go to the beach."Castor Bay on Auckland's North Shore. Photo: RNZ / Emma StanfordAndy Parker from the Castor Bay Swim Rise group said they still went for their daily dip on Thursday morning after checking Safeswim."Everyone discussed it and we looked at the water and there was certainly no sign of anything untoward. I actually don't stick my head under, a lot of people don't, just because it's become too unreliable, I think."Parker said when the water looked dodgy, the group usually moved up to Campbells Bay.North Shore ward councillor Richard Hills said signs were normally put up if the issue was expected to last a few days."Because there are so many beaches and often issues pop up randomly in dry weather, but usually in wet weather, it's far easier for everyone if it's about checking the website."Obviously signage would be, in my opinion, appropriate if it is something that's going to last longer than 24 hours, so I'll be asking those questions once I know exactly what the issue is."Castor Bay on Auckland's North Shore. Photo: RNZ / Emma StanfordWatercare said the overflow was caused by a blockage and crews were flushing the pipe and investigating.It said blockages could often be caused by 'fatbergs' - a combination of fats, oils and grease mixed with things like wipes and rags.Wet wipes made up 70 percent of overflows across Auckland, Hills said."Often it's about all of us trying to prevent sticking wet wipes and fats and other greases down the pipes."Watercare said there was nothing to suggest there was an ongoing issue in the area, but it encouraged beachgoers to check the Safeswim website before heading out this summer.Te Whatu Ora medical officer of health Dr David Sinclair said if there was a red or black pin showing over a beach on the website, people should stay out of the water to avoid gastroenteritis or skin, ear or eye infections.If you get sick after swimming, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice, or contact your doctor.Sinclair also advised people not to collect shellfish from anywhere within the Waitematā Harbour.Any fish taken from there should be properly cleaned, gutted and cooked.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionFriday 15th December - Cloudy periods. Isolated light showers developing this morning, clearing early afternoon. Southwesterlies, fresh this afternoon and evening.Saturday 16th December - Partly cloudy. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 17th December - Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 15th December - Cloud clearing and becoming fine around midday. Southwesterlies.Saturday 16th December - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Sunday 17th December - Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.

Fisheries New Zealand is asking for feedback on proposed changes to catch limits and other settings across a range of Aotearoa New Zealand’s fisheries as part of its twice-yearly sustainability review.Every 6 months Fisheries New Zealand reviews a range of fish stocks and develop proposals focussed on their long-term sustainability."When the information suggests more fish can be harvested sustainably, we look to increase catch limits. On the other hand, if the information suggests a stock isn’t as healthy, we propose reducing the catch limits or other changes to help the fishery recover, says Marianne Lukkien, acting director of fisheries management."In this review, options include increases to catch allowances for 6 fish stocks where information suggests more fish can be sustainably harvested. We’ve proposed to reduce catch limits for one spiny rock lobster stock near Gisborne as a precautionary measure recognising the impacts of recent extreme weather on coastal marine habitat."We also want to hear peoples' views on how long the next recreational pāua season for the wider Kaikōura area should be."Proposals are based on the best available information about the fishery, including scientific surveys, feedback from local fishers, and potential environmental impacts from events like cyclones or marine heatwaves.Stocks for this review are:Spiny rock lobster (CRA 3) – GisborneSpiny rock lobster (CRA 7 & 8) – Otago, Southland, Stewart Island, and FiordlandSilver warehou (SWA 4) – Southland, Sub-Antarctic, and the Chatham RiseGemfish (SKI 3 & 7) – South Island and the Chatham RiseSouthern bluefin tuna (STN 1) – all of New ZealandPāua – recreational fishing season for the wider Kaikōura areaOnce consultation closes, Fisheries New Zealand will analyse the submissions and provide advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries for consideration. Any changes will be announced by the start of the April fishing year on 1 April 2024."Consultation begins today, and we encourage everyone who has an interest in these fisheries to have their say", says Marianne Lukkien.Submissions can be made online until 5pm on 2 February 2024.More information including how to make a submissionFor further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email [email protected] media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Auckland Airport is preparing to open the first stage of its new $300 million transport hub at the international terminal early next year.The old main carpark has been transformed into an undercover pick-up and drop-off area, with dedicated transport lanes for buses and taxis and public pick-up and drop-off zones through the base of a four-storey car parking facility."Auckland Airport is our busiest gateway. On any given day there are well over 50,000 travellers coming in and out of the precinct, and 25,000 of those are at the international terminal," chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said."Auckland Airport is a fast-growing precinct not only for travel but also as a centre for business."Public transport will be prioritised in the development with the zones for buses, taxis and rideshares featuring closest to the international terminal."Of the more than five lanes that will be running through at ground floor level, the one closest to the terminal will be for public transport," she said."Quarter one will be the opening of the ground floor which includes the pick up and drop off and the P60 parking. That enables us to then close the inner terminal forecourt which allows the building of the integrated terminal, so that's really important."The four-storey car parking building will be opened later next year with a mix of 60-minute zones and longer options."The rest of the building and the other three floors and a three-storey office building on one end will open in quarter four next year."Carrie Hurihanganui. Photo: SuppliedLand has also been protected next to the development for a future mass rapid transit station to be added directly alongside when required."We know that mass rapid transit is really important, and so immediately behind the transport hub there is a land corridor that we have set aside," Hurihanganui said."That means whatever future form mass rapid transit takes we have already built that into the design and planning, so that we could build that in a future state."Rooftop solar power, charging technology and tree plantingAt 200 metres long, each floor of the four-storey structure is the size of two rugby fields with a double-height open ground floor.Its roof will carry a 1.2-megawatt rooftop solar array, which will help to power 33 public electric vehicle charging stations when the carpark opens, along with a new office building taking shape at the end of the development."We wanted to make that area between the hotels, the Novotel and the Pullman, and the transport hub and then the terminal, is a much improved streetscape," Hurihanganui said."You've got a landscaped pedestrian plaza, you've got canopies, and there are 20 pohutukawa trees that were relocated from other parts of the precinct."And we're working through exactly how do we make that an area that travellers, customers and workers want to enjoy as they are walking through, or stop and have a break?"We are working through how we bring to life New Zealand, and capturing a piece of New Zealand."The new planting reduces the amount of concrete and asphalt in the area by 20 percent, assisting with the way we manage stormwater on precinct."Set to open in stages over 2024, Hurihanganui said there were currently more than 350 people on site each day getting the pick-up/drop-off zone ready to open, with the upper storeys of the building to open later in 2024.Integrated domestic and international terminal on the wayEarlier this year, Auckland Airport announced long-term plans to replace the domestic terminal with an integrated domestic and international terminal."Like many other airports they have it under one roof and that is in our plan," she said."To build that and have that completed would be a five-year build. We've begun the enabling works, but we've got a number of years ahead of us before that will be open for the public."We know that things have recovered quickly out of Covid, not only for travellers but for business as well. Ensuring that we're match-fit is something that we are focused on."This story was originally published by RNZ

Here are some furry friends looking for new homes. Please contact Saving Hope Foundation directly.Miss Jewel, is the shiniest treasure in the box. She’s 7 months old and enjoying life to the fullest is Jewel’s aim in life. She’s a happy friendly girl that lives to smile and say hello to all the dogs and people she meets. Toilet and crate trained, Jewel is looking for a family to call her own, are you the family for this sweet girl? To apply to adopt Jewel or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to https://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information.Mr Krillin, is a friendly laid back little man. He’s 5 months old and loves a big snooze after a cuddle session. He’s a friendly boy that will greet you with a happy tail wag. Toilet and crate trained, Krillin is looking for a family to call her own, are you the family for this lovely boy? To apply to adopt Krillin or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to https://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information.

Peter de GraafPetrol prices have plummeted in Whangārei following the arrival of a cut-price outlet in what used to be New Zealand's most expensive city for tanking up.Earlier this year, the Commerce Commission launched an investigation into petrol pricing around the country, singling out Whangārei for its sky-high prices despite being just up the road from the Marsden Point fuel import terminal.Now, however, Whangārei is the cheapest place to fill up in Northland, and its prices are also significantly below the Auckland average - a reversal of the situation just a few months ago.Tuesday's lowest price for 91-octane in Whangārei is just under $2.58 a litre.That compares to prices of up to $3.16 when RNZ checked out the city's petrol stations in late September.Tracey Rissetto, chairperson of the Automobile Association's Northland Council, put the turnaround down to the arrival of fresh competition.She said Allied Petroleum had recently added self-service petrol pumps to what had been just a truck stop in Kioreroa Road, in an industrial area near the city's transfer station."All of a sudden their prices were 10, 15 cents a litre cheaper, which caused a lot of demand, and I think the rest of the market has had to match them."Rissetto said the price drop backed up her belief that it was competition, or a lack thereof, that had led to Whangārei's previously high petrol prices."We've had one new competitor in the town and it's definitely changed the prices. We've seen similar things further north when Waitomo and Allied have opened outlets. They've driven prices down by charging a more user-friendly price than the big players," she said.Staff at the AA's Whangārei office had been urging customers to install the Gaspy app on their phones so they could take ownership of where they bought their fuel.Rissetto said it was great timing for Whangārei motorists who had been hit by the high cost of living, or who were planning to head away for the Christmas holidays in boats or caravans.A drop in international oil prices had also helped bring down the cost of filling up.Earlier this year, the inexplicably high cost of filling up in Whangārei was one of the factors that prompted the Commerce Commission to launch a nationwide petrol price investigation.The commission wrote a "please explain" letter to fuel companies in September after finding a wide variation in prices between, and even within, cities with no obvious explanation.At the time, Whangārei mayor Vince Cocurullo said logic dictated that motorists closest to the import terminal should be charged the lowest petrol prices.Instead, for reasons he could not fathom, it was the other way around.Cocurullo said it was unfair given Northland's high rates of deprivation and lack of public transport outside Whangārei's city limits.A spokesperson for the Commerce Commission said investigators met representatives of all fuel importing companies in September and October, and had since been assessing the price explanations they provided."Our view remains that differences in costs alone do not explain the observed differences in retail fuel prices within and between cities," the spokesperson said."We continue to work with importers to further clarify our understanding of what is driving these price differences, and are conducting further analysis into local competitive dynamics across the country."The Commerce Commission expects to publish further findings on the country's petrol price anomalies next year.Whangārei also experienced a dramatic drop in petrol prices when Gull, then a relatively small New Zealand-owned business, first opened an outlet in the city several years ago.In 2022, however, Gull was sold to an Australian equity company, which lifted its pump prices into line with the major players.This story was originally published by RNZ

Come along to the official opening tomorrow! North Haven Hospice is opening the newest charity shop in Mangawhai and is delighted to strengthen their presence in the community. Come and enjoy some light entertainment, a sausage sizzle and of course, all the fantastic bargains on sale! All funds raised stay within the Whangārei and south Kaipara Districts.

A co-ordinated effort is underway to control a highly invasive moth that causes devastation to maize, sweetcorn and other crops.Ashley Mills from the Foundation for Arable Research told Afternoons that the fall armyworm was first discovered in Northland, early last year and is thought to have reached our shores from Australia.It originated in the Americas before travelling around the world, helped by prevailing winds."With each generation, then a moth flight, it can move a little bit further and a little bit further... up to a couple of hundred kilometres in one flight."▶ LISTEN 'We are at that point where we know in localised pockets in Northland, it has overwintered' - Ashley Mills from the Foundation for Arable Research Its presence in Northland as an unwanted organism was confirmed in March 2022.Mills said the fall armyworm eats around 350 different plant species, but prefers crops like maize, sweetcorn, rice, sorghum and sugar cane.The initial response, in partnership with industry including Vegetables NZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries, was to understand if it could be eradicated.Research showed it was able to survive the winter climate in Northland so could not be eradicated, but there was the potential for it to die out during a significantly cold winter spell."We are just starting to find those first populations, so we are at the point where we know in localised pockets in Northland, it has overwintered."Mills said the invasive species worked by building up its generations through the growing season, with its biggest population in Autumn, when very small and young crops were most at risk of being decimated by a big infestation.While it was warm enough in Northland for the first generation early in the growing season, he said subsequent generations would have limited spread further south as crops matured and temperatures began to fall."Late crops that are very, very young, together with large populations of fall armyworms - that's when you are looking at the highest threat."There have been five confirmed reports of the invasive moth, so far this growing season.Farmers were being advised to inspect their crops for fall armyworm damage in order to prevent its spread.This story was originally published by RNZ

Downer, our contractors, along with community volunteers (including Friends of Mangawhai Community Park) will be knocking back pest plants in Mangawhai Community Park. The volunteers will be supported by the Piroa-Brynderwyn Conservation Group and Northland Regional Council. With their combined efforts, rampant weeds such as wild ginger, woolly nightshade, wattle, pampus grass, and more, will soon be a thing of the past. This is a huge job and they’ll be tackling it in sections. After each section is completed they will settle into a maintenance programme. They’ve started by weeding around the entrances to the park.The volunteers are also going to tackle the asparagus weed in the outer areas, not covered by the council maintenance contract.We have contractors filling in to maintain the tracks within the Mangawhai Community Park and along Thelma Road and working on a plan for the wetland area.We love the volunteers who support our public spaces across our district. Pest plants and animals are a big issue in our district and the more people who can pitch in, the easier it will be to get on top of them.If you’re interested in getting involved in your community, keep an eye on this page as we will have more information about how to get involved.Next time you’re out in the park, make a point of noticing the great work they’re doing and share the love!

Further education and monitoring efforts to roll out for Taharoa Domain visitorsEducation and monitoring will be the main focus to stop freshwater gold clams from establishing in Kaipara District’s Taharoa Domain and Kai Iwi Lakes.  At the November council meeting elected members considered a recommendation from the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee to temporarily close the boat ramp at Lake Taharoa. Motorised boats and jet skis are considered by Northland Regional Council to be the highest risk for gold clam transferring to the lakes.  After lengthy discussion, elected members noted the information provided by Northland Regional Council on the risk posed by gold clam and the current lake conditions, and agreed that KDC staff alongside Te Roroa and Northland Regional Council will continue education and monitoring efforts over summer, but that the boat ramp would remain open.  Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson said elected members sought a balance between the impact of closing the boat ramp and the risk to the lake.  “There are many tools in the toolbox to reduce the risk of the invasive clam getting into Taharoa Domain. At this time elected members have agreed education and monitoring remains the right way to go at this stage. We will keep monitoring the situation for any changes and change our approach if we need to.” “We know that MPI is actively working on a response and we will be looking to them for support to help protect the wider Northland region.”  Hayley Worthington, Kaipara District Council General Manager for Customer Experience confirmed staff, alongside Te Roroa and Northland Regional Council, would continue to support regional monitoring and education efforts for visitors and campers as per the Biosecurity NZ national response and the regional council’s Clean, Check, Dry summer advocacy programme. View the Council Meeting discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (3:15:58 minutes in).  About golden clam (information taken from Northland Regional Council report presented to council): The freshwater gold clam was found in the Waikato River in May 2023 and poses a great threat to freshwater lakes and rivers in Northland. The clam has spread 100km down the Waikato River, between Lake Maraetai, near Mangakino and Hamilton City. A single clam can produce 400 juveniles a day under favourable conditions, with greater than 70,000 juveniles being produced per annum. Gold clam has been classified as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993.  To move or spread gold clam or water that may contain it is an offence under the Act. Find out what you can do to help prevent gold clam: Freshwater gold clam - Pest control hub - Northland Regional Council (nrc.govt.nz) 

Warkworth RegionMonday 11th December - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers this afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 12th December - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower from afternoon. Southwesterlies, becoming strong before dawn.Wednesday 13th - Fine, but becoming cloudy for a time in the afternoon and evening. Strong southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 14th - Partly cloudy. Strong southwesterlies, easing later.Friday 15th - Cloudy with westerlies.Saturday 16th - Cloudy with westerlies.Sunday 17th - Cloudy. Light winds.Mangawhai RegionMonday 11th December - Cloudy with one or two showers, clearing to fine this morning. Southerlies.Tuesday 12th December - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the evening. Southwesterlies, becoming strong in the morning.Wednesday 13th - Mostly cloudy with the chance of a shower, becoming fine in the evening. Strong southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Thursday 14th - Cloud clearing and becoming fine. Fresh southwesterlies.Friday 15th - Partly cloudy. Westerlies.Saturday 16th - Cloudy with westerlies.Sunday 17th - Cloudy. Light winds.

Win a Luxurious Matakana Experience with the New Village Gift Card!Matakana Village launches a versatile gift card, perfect for shopping and dining in the village, and to celebrate, they're offering an exciting competition. Loadable with $20–$500, the card can be used at all village outlets, including retail shops, eateries, and the cinema.Tom Klockseth, a representative of Matakana Village, explains 'In launching this gift card we wanted to enable both locals and visitors to share their own loved experiences of Matakana Village with friends and family.This gift card does just that, any receiver of this card will be able to make their own memories in the village - all while supporting locally owned, independent boutiques.’Buyers of the card online are automatically entered to win a 2-night stay at White Cottage Matakana , a $500 Village Gift Card, a $100 voucher for 8 Wired Barrelworks & Tap Room, and a Brick Bay Experience Voucher.Matakana Village, known for its diverse shops and famous cinema, becomes more accessible with this gift card. Odds of winning the prize are (at time of writing) better than 1 in 50! They’re incredibly good odds. To enter, purchase the card online or, if bought in person, register your entry online here.Visit the website for details and automatic competition entry with online purchases. But hurry, the competition ends 20/12/2023.This Christmas, give the gift of Matakana and score yourself a chance to win big!

Highfield Donkey Park received a gift early this year as one of their donkeys Truffle has given birth to a soft little baby boy, and he is as adorable as you would imagine. Donkey pregnancies typically last anywhere from 11–14 months! The average is about 12 months, so having a new arrival is definitely very special.Baby donkeys nurse from their mums for several months, usually until they are around 4 to 6 months old. These little guys are playful and curious, they not only form strong bonds with their mums but are also capable of forming strong bonds with people. With school holidays on the horizon and the sun finally out, it’s a great time to get the kids outside and visit the donkeys. The reserve, which is located between Snells Beach and Algies Bay about 10 kilometers from Warkworth has been home to a small herd of donkeys since the 1960s. Check out our previous article about the donkey park here: Out and About on the Matakana Coast - Algies Bay Highfield Garden Reserve - Donkey Park - Daily News - News - Matakana Coast App People are welcome to visit the donkeys, which enjoy carrots, apples and silverbeet as treats. While they are friendly and enjoy visitors, take care when visiting with small children and please treat the animals with respect. There is currently a sign up asking not to feed truffle or her baby.  There is a donation box positioned on the gate as you enter the park and donations are greatly appreciated for ongoing care of the donkeys.  Or alternatively, you can sign up to be a member Memberships are $10 per household per year.  More information can be found on the sign as you enter the park or on their website. donkeys – SBRRA (snellsbeach.co.nz) Or on their Facebook page Donkeys at Highfield | Facebook 

Story by Phil Pennington, Reporter@pjppenn [email protected] government says it will be considering different funding models to build new hospitals.The coalition deal with ACT commits the government to investigate build and lease-back arrangements.The new annual report for Te Whatu Ora shows "foundational" work to run hospital assets properly has still not been done.Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said it was important to "keep an open mind as we investigate the most efficient and effective ways" to deliver health services."Build and lease-back arrangements would entrust reputable, expert infrastructure developers with the building and maintenance of new and existing hospitals, which are then leased back to the public sector for long-term public use," he said.He would work with Health Minister Dr Shane Reti "to improve the speed and delivery" of major projects.Reti was waiting for advice from officials about the full portfolio of health infrastructure"I will have a particular interest in the large-scale projects that are already underway and those recently announced," Reti said in a statement."What I am keen to initially understand is where these respective major infrastructure builds are at, on the spectrum of project phasing, and what funding commitments have been made to date."Te Whatu Ora's annual report shows one out of eight or nine big builds were rated "red", the worst category, and "may require a change in scope or funding to proceed".The other 88 percent of the 75 projects worth $6 billion were on track or "being actively managed to deliver as expected".On the redevelopment front, a lot of which was focused on regional hospitals, under half - 46 percent, or six out of 13 - of milestones were reached in the 2022-23 year.A design reset a year ago held this back.After a bad run of poor business cases that spat out muddled timelines and budgets, as revealed in OIA documents and reports, the agency said it had centralised and improved."Strengthening of national functions and processes has enhanced the quality and practice of investment advice and monitoring," it said.Health NZ is promising to deliver a national asset management plan this month, but this is over a year after it was promised it would be delivered.The state of health assets still was not known, because "baselining" the estate had only just begun in 2023-24 and would take another three years.This itself comes three years after the first national stocktake of hospital assets reported back, to government fanfare, but with grim findings.Back then, the 2020 stocktake said: "The initial work in this current-state assessment lays the foundation for improving the quality of capital funding decisions, asset management and long-term capital investment."The new annual report said: "Asset levels of service, measures and targets for condition, fitness-for-purpose and use are required to enable asset performance reporting."This is a large and complex task and we have yet to complete the national baseline assessments of condition."The facilities teams at Te Whatu Ora - themselves caught up in reform, overhaul and redundancies - have got as far as agreeing a "standardised approach" for assessing the likes of operating theatres, EDs, cancer, burns, and spinal units.Other "foundational pieces of work" that were still required include an asset management information system.How health facilities are performing remains patchy."There is variability across the regions and a significant amount of work is required to implement standardised processes and practices to get to where we need to be," the annual report said.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Mahurangi Dental - The local DentistsMatakana Dental and Snells Beach Dental have formally aligned their two practices and will now be known as Mahurangi Dental.With a highly experienced and qualified team that believe quality dental care starts with taking the time to listen and educate their patients so they can reach optimal oral health.Their dedicated team provide all your dental needs utilising the latest cutting-edge technology to provide high quality treatments.Full exam and x-raysTreatment plansHygiene appointmentsDenture servicesCEREC one visit Crowns and BridgesOptimised advance imagingWisdom tooth extractionImplantsIV sedation.They look forward and take pride in caring for their community.Book online or call them today.Mahurangi Dental Matakana & Snells BeachMatakana.3/44, Matakana Valley Road, Matakana, 0985(09) 422 [email protected] - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pmFriday: 9:00am - 2:00pmSnells Beach.3/347 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach, 0920(09) 422 [email protected] - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pmFriday: 9:00am - 2:00pm

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, 15 December 2023. Check daily updated closure information: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/aucklandUnless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 10-14 DecemberOrewa southbound on-ramp, 10-14 DecemberMillwater southbound on-ramp, 10-14 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 10-12 December(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 13-14 DecemberSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 10-14 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 10-11 DecemberOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 13 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Constellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 13 DecemberTristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 13 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 10 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 10 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 10 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 11 December (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 11 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 11 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 11 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 11 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 December Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 10-14 December CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 11 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Newton Road on-ramp, 11 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 11 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 11 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street westbound on-ramp, 11 December SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Tecoma Street southbound off-ramp, 11-14 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 11-14 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 14 DecemberEast Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 13-14 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 12 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 12 DecemberSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 12 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 10-14 December(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 10 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 11 December(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 10-11 DecemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 10-11 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 12 December(approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 10-12 DecemberRamarama northbound on-ramp, 11 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 12 DecemberRamarama southbound on-ramp, 12 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 12 DecemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 12 DecemberRidge Road northbound off-ramp, 10 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 10 DecemberSH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 10 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 10 December NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku and Foster Road, 12 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku, 12 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 13-14 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 13-14 DecemberSt Lukes Road westbound off-ramp, 13-14 December SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Walmsley Road on-ramp, 13-14 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 13-14 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 10 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Coronation Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 13-14 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Coronation Road northbound on-ramp, 13-14 December GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and Coronation Road on-ramp, 10 DecemberKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 10 DecemberSTATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)SH2 westbound to SH1 northbound link, 10 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am) 

Auckland Council's Transport and Infrastructure Committee has decided not to support the current $56 billion plan for a secondary harbour crossing.During today's meeting the council's Principal Transport Advisor Elise Webster highlighted problems with the draft business case for the Waitematā Harbour Connections project, which is due to be presented to the NZTA Waka Kotahi board in February next year.The "preferred option" listed in the Indicative Business Case involved two underwater tunnels, one for traffic and one for light rail, to run alongside the Harbour Bridge."Staff have identified a number of issues... these relate, in particular, to the affordability and value for money issue," Webster said."At $56b it is equivalent to more than double the government's total 10-year investment in Auckland's transport system."Webster asked members of the committee to clearly oppose the plan."Council staff are recommending that the committee does not support the recommended option," she said.Mayor Wayne Brown immediately accepted Webster's advice."I totally support your recommendation, and I'll be horrified if we don't [all] support this," he said."With the size of our economy, it's a wonder that grown up people who can feed themselves and walk could come up with such a stupid number."He said there was no possible way the $56b plan would survive a cost-benefit analysis."I'm shocked that it hasn't been dumped by the [new] government."Acting committee chairperson Christine Fletcher told Checkpoint the council simply could not agree with the plan's cost and the lack of consultation with local government.Former Labour Prime Minister Chris Hipkins introduced the proposal in August."I think Auckland Council felt really disrespected in that they had had no involvement really, until just before the election the (former) government came and wanted our support for their proposal."It was a little bit rich to come and dump such a massive plan on us and expect some form of support."Fletcher said that the council has been focused on developing the Auckland Integrated Transport Plan and the tunnel plan had no real link to that.She said the tunnel plan did not make its own case well enough for the council to support it."It was the lack of a problem definition … what was the purpose? It was very unclear to us.""This had just got a head of steam, was ridiculously costly and right now for Auckland Council, we are really struggling financially."The high cost "just seemed scandalous," Fletcher said.There is a real appetite for another harbour crossing, she agreed, but nothing on the scale that this plan cost.North Shore Councillor Chris Darby jumped at the opportunity to second Brown's movement to accept Webster's recommendations."$56b is an enormous number... the benefits are really struggling to outweigh the costs on this project as it currently sits," he said."[The road tunnel is] 10 general traffic lanes, that is not a climate future solution. That belongs in a different century."He said the money would be better spent elsewhere."I just cannot imagine ten traffic lanes crossing over, under, around the harbour. I can envisage active connections for pedestrians and cyclists, and rapid transit... that's the future that I see."Darby said he looked forward to seeing lower-cost alternatives to the tunnels.The committee almost unanimously agreed to accept Webster's recommendations, aside from IMSB Member Billy Brown who abstained due to a previously declared conflict of interest.The new local government minister said his party will work closely with Auckland Council to deliver the infrastructure the city needs.Brown has been vocal about having more autonomy to meet the needs of the city.He released his manifesto for Auckland earlier in the year, saying he and his councillors can not make the fixes needed for Auckland unless Wellington moves out of the way.Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said he and the mayor would meet on a regular basis, and stay in touch on important issues.Brown told Checkpoint tonight the numbers did not add up with the tunnel project."The reality with this plan the government put forward, $56b, it was unfunded."Brown said the new government agreed there was still a need for a second harbour crossing."What we've said consistently for a number of years is that resilience for that corridor is the top priority."The bridge is ageing, we're seeing the effects when it's windy."Luxon has said previously before the election that his government would have a preference for a tunnel crossing, but Brown said it is currently seeking advice from the Ministry of Transport and NZTA on options."We're currently in the process of doing that."This is a big piece of work, there is obviously need for decisions to be made but also the other part of the puzzle is… the reality is the Crown can't afford to pay for all of the infrastructure in New Zealand and the infrastructure deficit that we do have."Brown said the government is looking at other funding models and setting up a national infrastructure agency to attract finance to projects.This story was originally published by RNZ