The closing of the Sawmill’s doors earlier this month signaled the abrupt end of years of mismanagement at the hands of Auckland businessman Craig Anderson. He operated the facility during a tumultuous period, particularly post Covid when the Café’s quality and reputation suffered. The Guinness family own the property and are now in full control of operations. The Sawmill will reopen on December 28th. They are determined to honor their late patriarch Grattan Guinness’ memory by returning the renowned music venue to its former glory, announced his granddaughter Ella Guinness when we met on site.The Sawmill was Ella’s playground, her little hand and foot forever cast in the beer garden’s concrete steps. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I can’t help but wonder if the life size chess set is coming back too (pretty please). “Right now the place just needs some love, it doesn’t need change, it’s famous for what it’s always been.” Agreed. Grattan and his family put the Sawmill on the map decades ago by keeping it simple. The combination of great food, local brews, chilled vibes and edgy gigs appealed to locals and visitors alike. Eventually bands from all over the world graced its stage. Local legends like Fat Freddy’s Drop and Tiki Taane cut their teeth here.“We’re holding onto our roots. It’s very important (to my family). We’re all together on this.” The place was buzzing with energy, laptops open, tables stacked up, construction projects all go. Ella tells me I must meet her Uncle Ed (Grattan’s son), who’s beavering away somewhere by the accommodation wing which is also getting a makeover. A quick poke into a cavernous shed full of flotsam and jetsam, but no Uncle Ed. So we wander back to the beer garden to check out a newly built deck.Ella beams saying “This is dad’s project (Ben Guinness), he’s so creative. He just wants to do it all and has the vision.” Ben’s deck will house a pizza oven serving up pies the Sawmill became celebrated for, like the Ella Hart (my tour guide’s namesake as well as a delicious local favourite). It’s an impressive addition that will brilliantly connect the restaurant and music hall to the outdoor spaces. More by-gone treasures like ‘Leigh’s Got Talent’ (my neighbour and I are currently working on a harmonica medley), bingo and half price pizza night are also in the cards. “These are the events that brings the community together, it’s what the Sawmill has always done.” says Ella, and may it long continue.A new website is in the works (the Leigh Rag Facebook page will also provide updates on Sawmill events). New opening hours begin Dec 28th from noon to late, Thursday to Sunday.Mark your calendars for upcoming gigs:Connected NYE Party – Drum & Bass | doors open 8PMSummer Thieves – 4th Jan (ticket details soon)Coterie – 11th Jan (tickets available on www.ticketmaster.co.nz)No Cigar – 13th Jan (check the band’s website)Written by Lee Parker. Reposted with permission from Leigh Rag.

Unconfirmed reports of separate police chases / car accidents and possible explosion in the Brynderwyns, Topuni and Kaiwaka.A few sightings of smoke coming from Dome Valley. Another report of an explosion from Port Albert Road.Sightings of police helicopters.No traffic updates on main traffic websites as yet, but there maybe delays travelling.Power outages in parts of Mangawhai, Wellsford, Te Arai, Port Albert and Whangaripo valley. To check for updates please go to the Vector website.

Summer has started to heat up, with several places reaching the 30s on Sunday, and many others sitting high in the 20s.Kaikōura airport topped the day's highs, reaching 32 degrees Celsius at 3pm on Sunday, while Timaru reached 31C and Napier edged in at 30C.Places that reached the upper 20s included: Kaikōura's other weather station spots as well as Ashburton and Hastings which all hit 29C; Kawerau which reached 28C; and Gisborne, Whanganui, Hanmer Springs, Christchurch and Alexandra, which all recorded a 27C high.Meanwhile, Waka Kotahi has placed speed restrictions on some parts of State Highway 67 on the West Coast due to flooding on Sunday, and MetService issued orange warnings for Sunday afternoon and evening, till 4pm and 6pm for Westland and Buller.And severe thunderstorms were detected in the Christchurch area on Sunday evening.What to expect from the weather on the week before ChristmasOn Monday, cloudy or partly cloudy weather was expected to dominate the North Island down to the Wairarapa and Manawatū, with showers in some places, while drizzle in Wellington and Horowhenua would be clearing. The South Island was expected to be fine.High pressure was expected to begin building across the country next week, setting the scene for a nice run of weather before Christmas Day for many areas.Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were forecast to be mostly fine for much of the country, with rain starting in the south of the South Island from Wednesday and the east of the North Island on Friday.It was still early to say what Christmas Day might bring."From Tuesday next week we can expect some more settled weather for most parts of the country," MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 18th December - Cloud increasing this morning. Isolated showers developing this afternoon, then areas of low cloud from evening. Westerlies developing this morning.Tuesday 19th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing in the morning. Light winds.Wednesday 20th - Fine. Northerlies developing in the morning.Thursday 21st - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Northerlies developing.Friday 22nd - Cloudy, clearing and becoming fine later. Northeasterlies.Saturday 23rd - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.Sunday 24th - Rain. Northerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 18th December - Partly cloudy. The odd shower this afternoon and evening. Light winds.Tuesday 19th - A few showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Light winds.Wednesday 20th - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until evening. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.Thursday 21st - Partly cloudy. Northeasterlies developing.Friday 22nd - Rain, clearing but remaining cloudy. Northeasterlies.Saturday 23rd - Showers with northeasterlies.Sunday 24th - Rain. Northerlies.

Parliament has repealed the Clean Car Discount, labelled by National the "ute tax", as it continues to sit in urgency in the lead-up to the Christmas break.The law was brought in as a way of encouraging the uptake of lower-emissions vehicles like electrics and hybrids, by reducing their cost by up to $7015 when imported from overseas.This was paid for by adding additional costs of up to $6900 on high-emissions vehicle imports, such as utility vehicles.The National and ACT parties had campaigned on repealing the programme, saying it was unfair on some groups like farmers who had no viable low-emission alternative to utes, and was therefore adding to their costs.The Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Amendment Bill was voted through its third reading with support from National, ACT, and NZ First. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori were opposed.The scheme is now due to end from 31 December, after receiving Royal Assent.It was the third piece of legislation passed by the new government, all under urgency this week, starting with the repeals of the Reserve Bank's dual mandate and Fair Pay Agreements.Parliament now rises until next week, when it will continue sitting under urgency to return to the Resource Management Act instead of Labour's replacements, bring back 90-day trials for all businesses, and confirm new regulations and orders in council.This will be accompanied by more maiden speeches from new MPs and the adjournment debate.This story was originally published by RNZ

Lucy CorryNearly 10 years ago, annoyed that luxury Christmas recipe spreads in magazines were making me feel inadequate, I set out to prove that it was possible to whip up a festive meal for six people for under $100.All the ingredients came from my local supermarket and cost $92.20, including a bottle of wine. The menu - a marinated and barbecued leg of lamb, roast potatoes, a big, fresh salad and a dessert of berries with chocolate sauce - was simple enough not to cause the cook any undue stress, but fancy enough to feel like a treat.Doing the maths on that same meal now makes me lose my appetite. It's not news that everything is more expensive than it used to be. Unless you can get it on special, the lamb chews through nearly half the budget (and that's buying the cheapest available).The fizzy wine will have to drop off the list to keep things on budget and the salad will be basic at best. Is that ok, for a festive celebration?Yes, says New Zealand culinary icon Peter Gordon.Peter Gordon says it's not worth spending what you can't afford on festive food. Photo: Supplied"Christmas doesn't need to be expensive," he says."The last thing anyone needs is pressure to turn out some amazing meal they can't afford."Gordon, a chef and restaurateur best known for pioneering 'fusion' cuisine, is often thought of in terms of high-end cooking. But through community cooking days at Homeland, his Auckland café, restaurant and cook school, Gordon has seen a very different side of life."We work with lots of wonderful people on Homeland community days, people helping those in need - and they tell us how tough it is out there for so many families."Gordon says freeing yourself from traditions is a good way to save money (and energy) in the festive season."Don't set your heart on a specific menu. If you go to the supermarket with an open mind, you can buy whatever protein and veggies are the cheapest at the time and find a recipe that works with those."No one says Christmas needs to be all about turkey and ham. It can even be about burgers on the barbecue - make them Christmassy by using cranberry relish and red onions in vinegar, and maybe a slightly fancier cheese than usual."He's got lots of good, common sense advice that's worth re-upping for anyone caught in a festive head-spin.Using locally grown, seasonal fruit and vegetables will save money - cucumbers and tomatoes are coming into their best (the 'Minister of Fruit and Veges', Glenn Forsyth, also says that sweetcorn is on the way next week."Even a good old grated carrot salad," Gordon says.Like my whānau (my mother-in-law once cooked 50 potatoes for five people), he's also a big fan of using potatoes to bulk things out. If potatoes aren't your idea of a Christmas treat, other bring other carbs to the party.Macaroni cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Gordon says. Photo: Â© Manja Wachsmuth Photography"A big potato bake or a good mac n cheese is a great way to feed a lot of people," Gordon says."Who doesn't like those? Or a huge rice dish like risotto or biriyani. A good risotto can even be your main dish, which means you don't need to spend lots of money on big chunks of meat."When it comes to meat, Gordon says it's better to keep it simple.Say no to multiple protein combos and yes to a roast chook or two. Photo: 123rf"You don't need multiple proteins - even just a roast chicken or two will be delicious. Sometimes if you buy those frozen, they are even cheaper. If you are cooking roast chicken, roast it breast side down for 30 minutes on 180 degrees Celsius and then turn it over for the rest of the time. Don't truss it, loosen the legs for a moister chicken.And I think stuffing is much better if you cook it separately and make it all crispy."If you're worried that your feast might look a bit plain, Gordon says sauces and dressings are a great way to make things look fancier."You can buy something pre-made or do something like take a cup of yoghurt, add the juice and zest of a lemon and then add lots of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, mint, basil. Mustard or horseradish will add a little zing too if you have it around. Just use what you have, or what you can afford."What about pudding? Fruit and ice cream, with crumbled biscuits or toasted coconut on top, will do the trick, Gordon says.Ice cream and fruit is fancy enough for Christmas, chef Peter Gordon says. Photo: 123rf"Or use a store-bought sponge and make trifle with whatever fruit and custard you can afford. Sprinkle toasted coconut or nuts on the top to make it look special or use those crushed biscuits again."His very best tip is especially for all the Christmas martyrs out there, who are preparing themselves for financial and physical exhaustion in pursuit of a memorable meal."Let people bring things. You don't have to make everything yourself. Make it fun by choosing a theme - something like Vietnamese or Chinese where you can use inexpensive ingredients and make them really tasty. Everyone can bring a dish that relates to that theme, and it won't cost anyone the earth."This story was originally published by RNZ

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.