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, 9 February 2024. Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.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 Northcote Road off-ramp and Esmonde Road on-ramp, 4 & 6-8 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 4 & 6-8 FebruaryShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 6-8 FebruaryShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 10 February (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)None planned.SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)East Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 4 February (approx. 10:00pm to 05:00am)Northbound lanes between Great South Road off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 6 FebruaryRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 6 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Great South Road off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 8 February (approx. 00:00pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 8 February (approx. 00:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 8 February (approx. 00:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 7 FebruarySH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 7 FebruaryHill Road northbound on-ramp, 7 FebruaryTakanini northbound on-ramp, 7 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 4-8 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 4-8 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 7-8 FebruaryTakanini southbound on-ramp, 7-8 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 8 FebruaryRamarama northbound on-ramp, 8 FebruaryBombay northbound on-ramp, 8 FebruaryBeaver Road East southbound on-ramp, 10 January (approx. 5am - 4pm)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 8 FebruaryHampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 8 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Rangiriri off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 4 & 6 February (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Te Kauwhata off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 7 February (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata northbound on-ramp, 4 & 6-7 February (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)St Lukes Road eastbound off-ramp, 6 February (approx. 08:30pm to 05:00)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)None planned.SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 4 FebruaryMaioro Street southbound on-ramp, 4 FebruaryDominion Road southbound on-ramp, 4 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 7-8 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 7-8 FebruaryMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 8 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 6-7 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 6 & 8 FebruarySH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 6-8 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 6-8 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 8 February (approx. 00:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 8 February (approx. 00:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 8 February (approx. 00:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 8 February (approx. 00:00pm to 5:00am

Chlöe Swarbrick has announced she will run to be the next co-leader of the Green Party.It comes after current co-leader James Shaw announced earlier this week that he would be resigning from the job in March.Swarbrick was considered by many to be the frontrunner for the job."I am a proud member of the Green Party," she said."More than any other party we understand that there is far greater leadership out there in the community than there is in the so-called halls of power. I am here to serve my communities."Over the past three days, they have asked me to stand up and put myself forward for this role."As co-leader, I want to show everyone in this country the power running through their veins to choose our future. We cannot leave politics to the politicians."Swarbrick said she would be spending the next few weeks speaking with Green Party members about her vision for the party's future and to ask for their support."If I am elected to work alongside Marama Davidson, I will grow the Green movement to achieve tangible, real-world, people-powered change - as I have since I first signed up - but now, at even greater scale."That means more Green members across the country, running local campaigns and implementing local solutions. It means more Greens local body members, councillors and mayors. It means more Greens MPs in Parliament and ultimately, our nation's first Green-led government.Swarbrick first became known when she ran for the Auckland mayoralty in 2016 at just 22.The underdog, she ended up in third place with 26,474 votes.With the help of a few close friends and followers, she ran her campaign on just over $7000 - about $500,000 less than her closest competitors. She swapped billboards for t-shirts, and television ads for town hall bookings.Just a month later, she joined the Green Party.A number of Green MPs have already ruled themselves out of going for the role, including newcomer Steve Abel, and Ricardo Menéndez March, who said his focus was supporting the current caucus and future co-leadership team in his role as musterer.Nominations close for the role on 14 February, and the party has said it expected to announce the new co-leader on 10 March.This story was originally published by RNZ

SH1 Auckland Harbour Bridge summer maintenanceNZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be carrying out summer maintenance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge from Sunday 21 January to Thursday 28 March 2024. The summer maintenance programme will focus on recoating parts of the bridge overarches and require lane restrictions to keep our teams safe while they carry out this important maintenance.Any changes to the schedule will be posted here. But as this work is weather dependent, we recommend checking www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz (external link) for the latest updates.

Warkworth RegionFriday 2nd February - Partly cloudy. A morning shower or two in the west. Showers returning this evening and becoming widespread. Northwesterlies, becoming strong in exposed places this morning.Saturday 3rd February - Showers, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Strong westerlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 4th February - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Monday 5th - Fine. Light winds.Tuesday 6th Waitangi Day - Fine. Light winds.Mangawhai RegionFriday 2nd February - Partly cloudy with a chance morning shower, then a few showers from evening. Northwesterlies, becoming fresh this morning. Hot.Saturday 3rd February - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until evening. Strong westerlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 4th February - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the afternoon. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Monday 5th February - Fine. Light winds.Tuesday 6th Waitangi Day - Fine. Light winds.

Recycling rules are about to change through much of the motu from today.The rules come as part of a new initiative to standardise the recycling service across the country by 2027. The strategy also saw the introduction of food scrap bins.Four councils, unable to meet the deadline, have until 2027 including Clutha, Hurunui, and Westland District Councils. They will add glass to their collection, while Gore District Council needs to add paper and plastic.Eight other councils do not have a kerbside collection at all - and the new government has not yet decided whether those councils will be required to provide kerbside recycling by 2027, the ministry said.The main points of the standardisation for all district and city councils mean, from 1 February:Only plastics 1, 2 and 5 will be collected. (If the recycling symbol on a package does not have a number inside, it cannot go in your kerbside bin)In addition, you can put glass bottles and jars; paper and cardboard; and aluminium and steel tins and cansAerosol cans will not be recycled; dispose through your local Transfer Station, metal recycler or in your council roadside rubbish collectionLiquid paperboard (like Tetra Pak), milk and juice cartons will not be recycled; dispose through your local Community Recycling Centre, Transfer Station or in your council roadside rubbish collectionAnything less than 50mm x 50mm cannot be recycledAll lids must be removed and are to be disposed of through the council roadside rubbish collectionAbout 16 percent of materials in recycling bins cannot be recycled, which contaminates a bin and makes it unrecyclable.Plastic bags should not go into the recycling bin - they get caught in the sorting machine.Plastic bags and soft plastics can be put in special recycling bins at participating stores. Otherwise put them in your rubbish bin.(file image) Photo:What are these plastics labelled 1, 2, 5?Plastics 1, 2 and 5 are used in the majority of the plastic packaging we put in our recycling bins.Waste Solutions general manager Parul Sood said these plastics were more easily turned into other products than packaging made out of plastics 3, 4, 6, and 7, which were lower in quality."This means there are limited markets for them anywhere in the world. It is important to reduce our dependence on plastics and to reuse them rather than recycling right away."Here are some examples of what these containers with numbers might include.Number 1: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)Fruit and vege punnetsSoft drink and water bottlesHarder plastic containers that hold spreads like peanut butter and mayonnaiseNumber 2: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)Milk bottlesJuice bottlesShampoo bottlesCleaning bottlesNumber 5: Polypropylene (PP)Some takeaway containersPlastic cutlery2l ice cream containersLarge yoghurt containersHere are some examples of what the plastics no longer accepted by recycling may include. These should either go in your rubbish bins or contact your council for more ways. Council websites also have more information about disposal methods for non-recyclable items.Number 3: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Clear trays for holding food or takeawaysSome large containers with sturdy handlesPlastic containers used for storing or packaging things like batteries or electronicsNumber 4: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)Some meat trays and takeaway containersSingle use plastic bagsBubble wrapPlastic wrapNumber 6: Polystyrene (PS/EPS)6pk yoghurt pottlesSome meat traysFoam cupsProtective packagingNumber 7: Other plastics (a mix of different plastics, including BPA, polycarbonate, acrylic, nylon, polylactic fibres and fibreglass.)Baby bottles and sippy cupsCDsPlastic toysPackaging for some food and electronicsThis story was originally published by RNZ

Mr Gunner AKA Spud is the sweetest boy who loves to play and have cuddles. He has a great character, is well socialised with other dogs, currently fostered with young kids and would be a great addition to the household. He is approx 14weeks old, has had 1st and 2nd vaccinations, is microchipped and will be desexed at Saving Hope’s cost at 6months old. He is fostered in Shelly Beach. Are you the family for Gunner? To apply to adopt Gunner or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to http://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information.Mr Hector is a happy go lucky wee man who loves a cuddle and a belly rub. He has a cheeky grin, gorgeous sleek coat and cookies and cream paws. His birthdate is early November, he has had 1st and 2nd vaccinations, is microchipped and will be desexed at Saving Hope’s cost at 6months old. He is fostered with three big dogs and his sister Heidi in Beach Haven. Are you the family for Hector? To apply to adopt Hector or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to http://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information. Poppy, a sweet 8-month-old pup, is struggling at the sanctuary. She and her sister endured unimaginable hardships, arriving emaciated and terrified. Although they've recovered physically, Poppy remains a shy, nervous girl, likely a result of past abuse. The sanctuary's stress is overwhelming for her, and they are urgently seeking a forever home. Poppy requires a patient, experienced owner without cats or small children, someone with the compassion and skills to help her blossom. Once she trusts you, Poppy is a loving companion. Please, help us find Poppy the loving home she desperately needs. Please contact Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary on 021 225 6940 or apply to adopt online at www.countryretreatanimalsanctuary.org

New analysis of the DNA of mānuka from Aotearoa and Australia has shown they are different with researchers going as far as recommending the two plants should be called different species.The debate about mānuka has been ongoing for years with the New Zealand industry fighting to trademark the term so that only honey from here can be dubbed mānuka.The Australian industry fought back saying its honey can also be called mānuka as it comes from the same species of tree - Leptospermum scoparium.Now researchers from Plant and Food Research have analysed 2000 variable DNA markers called 'SNiPs' (single DNA letter changes) in the DNA from each plant from both New Zealand and Tasmania.They found strong genetic differentiation between Aotearoa New Zealand and Tasmanian L scoparium populations."These findings confirm that the Tasmanian populations are genetically distinct from NZ populations, which provides evidence that they should be recognised as an endemic Australian species separate from L scoparium, and subsequently L scoparium be treated as endemic to NZ," the research paper said.Mānuka Charitable Trust chair Pita Tipene said the research provided further evidence of what the group had been saying all along - that Mānuka is a recognised taonga (treasure) under the Treaty of Waitangi, and its honey can only be sourced from and produced in Aotearoa New Zealand."Mānuka is a Māori word and tree that belongs to us. The expropriation of the name 'Mānuka honey' to a plant or natural product from outside Aotearoa New Zealand is taking the identity and associated epistemology of our culture, our knowledge and what we know and believe."Last year The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand rejected The Mānuka Honey Appellation Society's bid to trademark mānuka.But Tipene said the new research would help with similar trademark cases in the UK and EU.Funded by Te Pitau Ltd, the operating arm of the Mānuka Charitable Trust, Plant and Food Research and the Department of Conservation, the research was peer reviewed by three independent international scientists.This story was originally published by RNZ

If you’re unsure of what you can or cannot place in your kerbside recycling bin, you’re not alone. Juice boxes? Plastic lunch containers? Do you leave lids on or take them off? Do you crush cans or not?Across the motu, it has often depended on where you live as to what items are accepted. That changes 1st February 2024, when the whole country moves to a national standard for kerbside recycling collections.Auckland Council has already updated our list of what can and can’t go into recycling bins in line with the government's guidelines.Find out how to recycle right and do your part to waste nothing.What you can put in your kerbside recycling binglass bottles and jarstin, steel and aluminium canshousehold plastic containers (grades 1, 2 and 5 only – look for the number in a triangle)cardboard, newspapers, magazines, paperempty pizza boxes, egg cartons and envelopesIf you live on Aotea / Great Barrier Island, you need to flatten and securely bundle or bag your paper and cardboard items and place them next to your crate.Top tipsKeep it clean - empty and rinse all containersRemove the lids and put them in the rubbish binDon’t crush or flatten containers. Only cardboard packing boxes should be flattened.Let it be loose and freeIf in doubt, leave it out.What you cannot put in kerbside recycling binsAbsolutely NO food, textiles, carpets, clothes, batteries, appliances, nappies, medical waste, garden waste, chemicals…No soft plastic, no plastic bagsNo bagged recycling or rubbishNo plastic containers that are not grades 1, 2 or 5No window glass, mirrors, cookware, drinking glasses or lightbulbsNo aerosol cansNo containers larger than 4 litresNo liquid paper board (e.g. tetrapak, juice boxes)No coffee cups or compostable containersMake sure there’s no food or liquid left in your recyclable containers as they can’t be recycled with food in them and may contaminate other recyclable items. Any leftover food scraps can go into your home compost or your food scraps bin.Soft plastic can be recycled, but not in your kerbside bin. Participating supermarkets and retailers have a special bin for soft plastics to be returned. Did you know your soft plastic gets recycled into fence posts?Extra information on kerbside recyclingHelp us reduce Auckland’s recycling contamination rate by recycling right. Always get it right by downloading the Binny app on your phone from the app store.Never miss your kerbside recycling day even during the holidays - sign up for the Holiday Text Bin notification.For more comprehensive lists of what can and cannot go into your recycling bin and downloadable brochures in other languages please visit the Auckland Council website. You’ll also find alternative ways to dispose of things that cannot go into your recycling or rubbish bin.Do you have to recycle?Our goal for Auckland is zero waste to landfill by 2040. Recycling is an important part of reaching that goal, alongside reusing items, repurposing materials, composting or anaerobically digesting food scraps, and preventing waste in the first place.If you have alternative uses for items that usually go in your kerbside recycling, ka pai! Green Bottle’s mission to see New Zealanders think differently by reusing glass beverage bottles is a great example. Find out more at drinkdifferent.co.nz.If we all do our part, together we can waste nothing and save valuable resources.

Craig McCulloch, Deputy Political EditorPower Play - No one should be shocked by James Shaw calling time on the leadership given his repeated hints his commitment lasted only till he'd led the Greens "safely out the other side" of government.But while the Green Party has certainly reached the other side and is now settling back into opposition, one might question just how safely it has landed.In his media conference, Shaw talked up the caucus' health, describing it as stable and in "great shape".But the success of its 2023 campaign hides some serious vulnerabilities, not helped by fellow co-leader Marama Davidson refusing to guarantee she too won't step down before the election.Numbering 15 MPs, the team is its largest ever but also largely inexperienced. Following Shaw's exit from Parliament, two-thirds will be fresh-faced first-timers and just Davidson and Julie Anne Genter will have any experience of sitting in opposition.The caucus is still reeling from the sudden resignation of justice spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman this month after shop-lifting allegations, and the party now faces a potentially turbulent leadership process.James Shaw, right, announces his resignation as Green Party co-leader at a media conference with co-leader Marama Davidson at Parliament on 30 January 2024. Photo: RNZ / Angus DreaverShaw's clear signalling has given the party time to prepare something of a succession plan, but there will inevitably be competing opinions within the caucus and wider membership about who should take over.And although outsiders may regard Chlöe Swarbrick as the obvious successor, Shaw's own experience in the top job shows the membership can be an unpredictable bunch.A tumultuous tenureShaw's tenure has been a tumultuous one from early on: just two years into the job and weeks out from the 2017 election, Metiria Turei's sudden resignation left him alone at the tiller as the party's sole co-leader.Facing the genuine threat of electoral oblivion, Shaw instead steadied the ship and steered the Greens into government for the first time ever.He assumed the role of Climate Minister outside Cabinet and achieved concrete change, overhauling the emissions trading scheme and successfully shepherding the Zero Carbon Act through Parliament with near-unanimous support.Shaw proved himself to be the Greens' most effective performer, working across the aisle to secure the backing of unlikely allies, winning respect and even friendship from some in National and New Zealand First.Senior business voices regularly ranked him among the top Ministerial performers in the Herald's Mood of the Boardroom.His performance in the role so impressed that he was reappointed in 2020, despite Labour not needing the Green Party's support to govern.That same consensus-building approach, though, won him fierce criticism from within the Greens' ranks.Former MPs Sue Bradford and Catherine Delahunty were frequent critics of Shaw's willingness to compromise, describing him as weak on climate issues.Shaw also lost favour during the 2020 campaign after a foolish misjudgment to greenlight taxpayer funding for the private and pricey Green School in Taranaki, against his party's policy.A shock vote in 2022 saw Shaw temporarily ousted from the leadership by a disgruntled minority of the membership through a quirk of the Greens' rulebook.The aggrieved faction, though, had no alternative leader standing in the wings and Shaw was re-elected unopposed two months later with 97 percent of the vote.Shaw resolved to reaquaint himself with the membership but was clearly shaken by the experience.When the Wellington Central race became competitive following the incumbent Grant Robertson's decision to pull out, Shaw soon followed suit, leaving the seat for Tamatha Paul to contest and ultimately win.Some saw the manuevoure as a sign of more internal ructions against Shaw, but more likely it was a calculated call in anticipation of a change in government, removing the need for a by-election in case of an exit. The same reason holds true for Robertson, for that matter.The search for a successorShaw has tempered the risks of instability to the party by resolving to stay in Parliament for at least a few more months to usher through his member's bill, and he has offered his services as mentor to the newbie MPs.Those risks are not insignificant though as the party embarks on a leadership process former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern once compared to Squid Game.Nominations will open tomorrow and close in two weeks. Members will attend local meetings and vote, with a new co-leader to be announced on 10 March.Whoever is successful will have to help lead a caucus full of new personalities with strong ideas and near no experience of opposition or even Parliament.Ghahraman's exit and Elizabeth Kerekere's last year show how quickly a career can unravel and a party's brand be damaged.The party's rules were changed in 2022, removing the requirement for a male co-leader. Instead members voted to mandate one female leader and one leader of any gender. One leader must also be Māori.As Davidson meets both the female and Māori criteria, the vacancy can be filled by any Green member, in or out of Parliament.The obvious contender to take over, if she's amenable, is Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick. Swarbrick has previously denied leadership ambitions but so too did Ardern before her ascension.Articulate and passionate, Swarbrick commands the highest profile of all Green MPs, regularly registering in preferred prime minister polls ahead of the party's co-leaders.She is a proven winner, defying the odds to win the Auckland Central seat in 2020 and then again in 2023 - the first Green MP ever to hold on to a seat for more than one term.That said, not all in the caucus are enamoured by Swarbrick's approach or popularity, nor a section of the membership who consider her insufficiently radical.Some of those who criticised Shaw for what they considered tepidity see Swarbrick as fitting a similar middle-class mould.Other contenders could include previous hopeful Julie Anne Genter, or Teanau Tuiono who publicly contemplated a tilt during the brief vacancy of 2022.The Greens' membership has proven itself to be unpredictable before, selecting Shaw ahead of the far more experienced Kevin Hague in 2015, and Metiria Turei ahead of veteran Sue Bradford in 2009.In his media conference, Shaw backed members' capability to choose his successor, saying they tended to make "sensible, well-considered decisions", perhaps momentarily forgetting his temporary ouster.Let the Squid Game begin.This story was originally published by RNZ

Just an hour north of central Auckland, you’ll find Auckland Council’s much beloved Martins Bay Holiday Park.This coastal haven offers sheltered swimming, outstanding facilities, a range of excellent accommodation options - and not to mention picture-postcard vistas across to Motuketekete, Moturekareka and Motutara islands.With activities to appeal to all ages, this popular holiday spot is right on the water, and visitors can choose between self-contained units and cabins, or they can opt for camping or caravan sites.There’s even glamping, either by the water or further up the hill, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the pristine coastline.Martins Bay is perfect for family groups or friends, with beach lovers able to pursue all their favourite seaside activities here. Whether you’re into boating, swimming, bush walking, or snoozing, you can do it all here.The top-rated facilities include a fully equipped kitchen as well as gas barbecues if you like to cook al fresco.There’s a fabulous playground complete with a trampoline for letting off steam, and if the weather isn’t kind, there’s a TV lounge. You can also hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and pedal karts while masks, snorkels and boogie boards can all be borrowed.For little day trips, enjoy the natural delights of the three nearby Regional Parks.Walk the gentle meandering path to Scandrett Regional Park direct from Martin’s Bay where you can admire impressive regenerating coastal forest, the historic farm, or wander out to Mullet Point for stunning views across to Kawau Island.Heading a little further afield, try Tāwharanui Regional Park where the surf is generally pretty sweet, and you can walk for miles along the curving sandy bay. Or how about Mahurangi Regional Park, with its sheltered coves and historic sites?The historic Puhoi village is a short drive from Mahurangi and a nice day trip if you are interested in exploring some of the settler history. Kawau Island is another darling day trip, with regular ferries departing from Sandspit, taking manuhiri across to enjoy a day exploring the grounds around historic Mansion House. And if you’re fond of birdwatching, remember to pack your binoculars.Conveniently close to the city, yet so far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Martins Bay Holiday Park is ideal for a glorious weekend getaway that won’t break the bank.

The Northland Transportation Alliance (NTA) advise that roading crews have made strong progress improving and stabilising the local alternative routes around the Brynderwyn Hills in anticipation of additional traffic due to the upcoming closure of SH1 Brynderwyn Hills.   Kaipara and Whangārei District Council roading crews have put in a massive effort in recent weeks to get the Mangawhai scenic route (via Waipu) and Paparoa/Oakleigh detour in good shape for the expected increase in traffic volumes when the Brynderwyns are closed for important maintenance in late February. Northland Transportation Alliance Maintenance and Operations Manager Bernard Petersen says they have completed around 300 repairs, from resealing and rehabilitation, to improving bridge approaches, road signage, line marking, drainage improvements, under slips, road subsidence, road realignments, vegetation, shoulder widening and water table maintenance. Repairs will be ongoing in weeks to come. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirmed the upcoming SH1 Brynderwyn Hills closure for urgent repair work. It stated the road will be closed from 26 February until 27 March, opening for six days over the Easter period. The road will then close again on 3 April to complete the remaining work that requires a full closure. In total, the closure is expected to be about nine weeks, with work to be done as quickly as possible. Mr Petersen says his team is grateful for the massive effort roading crews have put in getting the alternate routes in good order. “The collaboration between 22 Kaipara and Whangārei based contractors to get the job done has been superb because they recognise how critically important this is for the region to get our routes into Northland in good shape,” says Mr Petersen. “The majority are small to medium enterprise operations, many of them Northland-owned businesses working under the guidance of our current road maintenance contractors - Ventia, Fulton Hogan and Downer.” He says approximately 14% of the detour length has been re-surfaced, with about 20% of the total roading area receiving pavement strengthening – 11.5km combined at an investment of over $5.5 million thanks to local and central government contributions. Roadside detour signage is being thoroughly updated to ensure visitors to Northland, and locals alike, can easily understand and navigate the two alternate local routes in and out of the region. “Much of the work the crews have completed was not able to be done last winter due to chronic weather that kept hitting Northland. However, they have made the most of the dry spell in recent times and I want to also thank motorists for being so patient while works have been ongoing and I would ask that they maintain their respect of roading crews in months to come and keep to the speed limits to keep our people safe,” he says. “I also encourage people take their time when driving alternative routes during the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills closure and enjoy some of Northland’s tourist gems, like the Kauri Museum at Matakohe which is only a seven-minute drive from the Paparoa/Oakleigh detour. I think motorists will be pleasantly surprised with the good state of our detour routes and the number of attractions nearby that they can experience with their families.”

Warkworth RegionMonday 29th January - Showers, possibly heavy this morning, clearing to fine this afternoon. Chance of a heavy evening shower about the Hunua ranges. Fresh southwesterlies, easing this evening.Tuesday 30th January - Fine. Southerlies.Wednesday 31st January - Fine. Southeasterlies, turning southwesterly in the afternoon.Thursday 1st February - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 2nd February - Showers with westerlies.Saturday 3rd February - Showers. Strong westerlies.Sunday 4th February - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 29th January - Showers, mainly this afternoon, clearing to fine this evening. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 30th January - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Wednesday 31st January - Fine. Light winds, southwesterlies developing in the evening.Thursday 1st February - Fine. Southwesterlies.Friday 2nd February - Cloudy with northwesterlies.Saturday 3rd February - Showers, clearing to partly cloudy weather. Westerlies.Sunday 4th February - Fine. Southwesterlies.

Rubbish and recycling collection for Auckland Anniversary and Waitangi Day:Wheelie bins and garden waste collected from Northland Waste and Auckland Council - collection will be one day later than normal. So Tuesday if your usual collection day is Monday.On Tuesday 6 February (Waitangi Day) there will be no collections, all remaining collections for the week will take place one day later than usual. Kaipara Refuse rubbish bags will continue on their usual collection days with an extra collection day during the week. E.g. Mangawhai collection days are Monday and the extra collection day on Thursday.

With school holidays almost at an end and rain showers threatening to put a damper on outdoor plans, parents if you're looking for some engaging activities to keep the little ones entertained during the long weekend.Below is a list of indoor activities that promise to turn a rainy weekend into a memorable family bonding experience.1. Indoor Camping.Bring the camping experience indoors by setting up a makeshift campsite in your living room with blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags.You can tell stories, make indoor s'mores, and enjoy the pitter-patter of rain on the roof to add an extra layer of coziness to this indoor camping adventure.2. DIY arts and crafts.This hands-on activity can keep your kids occupied while allowing them to showcase their artistic talents.There are many possibilities, from making paper plate animals to creating colourful masterpieces that offer a great opportunity to unleash your little ones' creativity.3. Baking Transform your kitchen into a baking haven. Involve the kids in the baking process, whether it's cookies, cupcakes, or simple bread. Let them mix, measure, and decorate. The result?Delicious treats and a kitchen filled with laughter.4. Rainy Day Treasure Hunt.Turn the entire house into a treasure trove by organising an indoor treasure hunt.Create clues, hide treasures, and let the kids embark on a thrilling quest.5. Storytime.Let each family member take turns reading their favourite stories or creating impromptu tales.Enhance the experience by using props or puppets to make the stories come alive.6. Movie Magic Matinee.Transform your living room into a mini movie theatre.Pick a selection of family-friendly movies, prepare some popcorn, and let the kids enjoy a movie marathon.7. Science Experiment Exploration.Engage in some educational fun with simple and safe science experiments.From making slime to creating a volcano eruption, these hands-on activities not only entertain but also stimulate curiosity and learning.8. Dance Party in the Living Room.Shake off the rainy day blues by hosting a dance party right in your living room.Create a playlist with your kids' favourite tunes, clear some space, and let loose. It's a fantastic way to burn off energy and have a blast indoors.9. Board gamesGather around the table and dust off those classic board games or explore new ones.From the strategic thrill of Monopoly to the laughter-inducing rounds of Pictionary or pop-up pirates, board games offer a perfect blend of entertainment and family bonding.Let the competitive spirit reign as you roll the dice, draw cards, and strategize your way to victory.

In January last year, half of Auckland’s typical average annual rainfall fell across Auckland.Most of this was over the Auckland Anniversary weekend, including a huge deluge in only a few hours.The resulting destruction was fast, heavy and spread right across the region. This was compounded further by Cyclone Gabrielle and then three further severe weather events.Since then, a team of hundreds has been working relentlessly to repair and redesign roads, clear slips and blockages, build new local water infrastructure, fix up community facilities - and assess thousands of affected properties for future flooding risk.Dealing with storm categorisation and support for private properties is uncharted territory for councils. This required new systems and funding streams to be set up and approved by Auckland ratepayers.“Bringing this categorisation scheme to life in the country’s biggest city has been difficult, to say the least,” says Mace Ward, Deputy Group Recovery Manager."Finding a balance between support for affected residents, what is possible, and within the funding envelope, has presented some challenging decisions.“But the result of this is that with these foundations in place, we can move faster with our programme. While we only had our co-funding agreement with the Government confirmed in October, we managed to start our first buyouts in December, which was a key milestone and a signal of progress to come.“It’s also good to know our progress is in line with other affected regions – despite the scale of impact here.”There are now over 2400 homeowners that have opted into the categorisation process. This involves detailed technical assessments looking for an intolerable risk to life from future weather events each home. So far, the assessment programme has completed over 1500 desktop and 1100 and finalized 530 categories for homeowners.“Moving forward, we will be delivering new categorisations every week, with most completed by March and some more complex cases by mid-year. The more complex cases are where there might be a community-level solution and there is some detailed work needed to confirm these.“This is highly detailed and technical work. It takes time and can’t be rushed because we must get it right. It’s about people’s safety first and foremost. It will also signal the future livability of a home and neighbourhood, and inadvertently impact things like insurance too.“Still, we know this is not soon enough for people waiting. We will be doing our best to move things forward as quickly as possible, and in the meantime, making sure there is the right support available through this difficult time.”Out of 530 categories confirmed so far, there are over 90 homes now eligible for a voluntary buy-out as Category 3. Over 60 of these owners are already moving through the buy-out process.Once the homes are purchased by council and handed over, a sustainable deconstruction process will begin. This involves assessing whether they can be relocated or deconstructed or need to be demolished. From there, Auckland Council will identify future options for the land with the best interests of Auckland ratepayers in mind.Mr Ward says the Recovery Office will also be opening a grant scheme for 2P homeowners so that they can undertake work at their homes required to make it safe to live in.We have made good progress on repairs needed on public facilities and infrastructure, with 72% of over 2000 transport projects, 64% of 1500 parks and facilities repairs, and 87% of over 11,000 stormwater service requests completed.“For an idea of the scale, stormwater service requests increased by 65% last year compared to the average of previous years, and the damage across parks and facilities increased their work by 190%.”In the meantime, unidentified issues are still coming to light. Watercare is continuing to lodge new damage reports, now totaling more than 200 individual cases to address.“Our infrastructure focus going forward will be working as fast as we can to confirm which flooding infrastructure projects will reduce life-threatening flooding risk.”Examples of community flood mitigation includes widening culverts, bridges, and more substantial Blue-Green Networks to make more room for water - but the solutions will be different in every situation.“Where there are good options to reduce this risk, we are putting together business cases for funding approval by the Government. And this will require some detailed analysis which is underway and will be informed by our categorization findings,” Mr Ward says. “The aim is to allow people to live in their homes without a risk to life and reduce general flooding for hundreds more. Part of this includes condensing the 30-year Making Space for Water programme into 5-10 years.“Some projects will take two years; others will take up to 10 years. Given these timeframes, we are actively considering what this means for at-risk homes in these areas during this period. This seems a long time to wait, but again, we must get it right.”With increasing climate uncertainty, there are some bigger long-term challenges beyond recovery.“We’ll be doing our best to help turn learnings from these events into action. What’s becoming clear is that regardless of the solutions we put in place, there will still be thousands of homes in flood-risk areas that aren’t covered by this recovery programme,” Mr Ward adds.“And in terms of future planning, there is a lot of work to be done on how we adapt to the changing climate both in terms of our residential and infrastructure planning and design.“It’s a conversation we are all going to have to grapple with not just as a city, but across the country.”

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, 2 February 2024. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Onewa Road southbound on-ramp, 29 JanuaryShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 29 January - 1 FebruarySOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Princes Street on-ramp, 30 January - 1 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 30 January - 1 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 29 January - 1 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 29 January – 2 FebruaryDrury/SH22 northbound off-ramp, 26 & 28 JanuaryDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 27 – 28 JanuaryNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Te Atatu Road southbound on-ramp, 29 JanuaryGreat North Road westbound off-ramp, 29-30 January (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Tauhinu Road eastbound off-ramp, 29 JanuarySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 1 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 1 FebruaryQueenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 1 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 1 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 31 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Walmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 31 JanuarySH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 31 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 30 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 30 January (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and Lambie Drive on-ramp, 1 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 29 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 29 January & 1 FebruarySouthbound Service Road (Puhinui Road to Cavendish Drive), 29 January & 1 FebruaryCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 29 January & 1 FebruaryLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 29 JanuarySH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 29 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 29 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Please follow the signposted detours. Waka Kotahi thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Local dudes Gabe Ransom and Frick Atkins are getting their long locks and long beards shaved this Saturday (the 27th) to raise funds for the Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade - click on link to contribute to the Give-a-little page and to see a photo of their hirsute selves before the big cut happening tomorrow at the Leigh Hall. If you know Frick and Gabe, you'll know them for their glorious beards. They have both been growing their hair for over 20 odd years! If you frequent Goat Island, Matheson Bay, Pakiri, Whangateau and beyond, then the Leigh Brigade guys and girls are the local First Response Unit who will be helping you and your whānau out and potentially saving your lives, if you have an accident or medical emergency.Please give generously, every little bit helps. They gals and gals do amazing mahi for our community.

Visiting Kaipara’s hot spots this summer? Please park considerately or risk taking an infringement (fine) home with you. The carpark at Mangawhai Heads Beach will be a key focus for our parking officers over the next two long weekends, following numerous reports of parked cars blocking traffic and pedestrian paths. Monitoring and Compliance Services Manager Dean Nuralli urges visitors to think of others when parking. “We know parking at the heads beach is at a premium, but that’s no excuse for the inconsiderate parking we’ve seen this summer. We’re asking people to be patient and plan ahead - jump on the free summer bus, on your bike or stretch your legs and walk up if you can.” Parking in the wrong spot can not only damage native plants and cause frustration for other visitors, cars that are parked on footpaths, curbs and garden beds also impede access for emergency services, wheelchairs and prams. “Our staff will be out on the weekend, helping drivers park responsibly and writing infringement notices where health and safety is compromised,” says Dean. The Mangawhai free summer bus is running over the upcoming long weekends. Beach-goers are encouraged to park up along the route and climb aboard for a relaxing trip to the beach. Check the free summer bus timetable and route. 

Warkworth RegionFriday 26th January - Fine. Southeasterlies dying out this morning, then sea breezes.Saturday 27th January - Partly cloudy, with showers developing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Sunday 28th January - Showers, becoming more persistent and heavier in the morning. Northerlies, turning to fresh westerlies in the evening.Mangawhai RegionFriday 26th January - Mainly fine, but the chance of a late afternoon or evening shower. Sea breezes.Saturday 27th January - Mostly cloudy. Chance of a shower. Westerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 28th January - Showers, easing for a time in the afternoon and evening. Northwesterlies, turning southwesterly in the evening.