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, 17 November 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, 13-14 NovemberSilverdale southbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Northbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 12-13 November (approx. 9:30pm to 7:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 12-13 November (approx. 9:00pm to 7:00am)Southbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 15 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 14-15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 14-15 NovemberEsmonde Road (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 14-15 NovemberOnewa Road northbound on-ramp, 14-15 NovemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH1 Wellesley Street East northbound off-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 Wellesley Street East eastbound off-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Khyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 15-16 NovemberGillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 15-16 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 12 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberNorthbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 14-17 November (approx. 09:00pm to 05:00)Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 14-17 NovemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 14-17 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 12-17 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 15 NovemberDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 15 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberRamarama southbound on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberSH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 12 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 10-17 November (24/7)Te Kauwhata southbound off-ramp, 10-17 November (24/7)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 12-16 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 12-16 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off-ramp and Patiki Road on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 7:00pm to 10:00am)Te Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 7:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 NovemberGreat North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 NovemberSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 NovemberUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)SH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 14 November (approx. 9:00pm to 6:30am)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberMaioro Street northbound on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 16 NovemberMaioro Street southbound on-ramp, 15-16 NovemberDominion Road southbound on-ramp, 16 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 15 NovemberQueenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 15 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 12 NovemberMassey Road northbound off-ramp, 14 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 14-15 November

By Nick JamesInfrastructure New Zealand has already written its Christmas wish list for the incoming government, with a faster consent process and more public-private partnerships for large-scale projects high on the agenda.The industry body has penned an open letter to incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon regarding problems facing the sector.The letter, seen by RNZ, includes a range of recommendations in the infrastructure portfolio.These include:considering alternative funding and financing mechanisms for projectsfaster consenting for renewable energy infrastructurechanges to the funding model of local governmentan examination of public sector deliveryand a "modified" Three Waters reform programme.To discuss the sector's issues, Infrastructure NZ wants to hold a forum with the incoming government before Christmas.Nick Leggett Photo: RNZ/ Tom KitchinInfrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett said the summit - which he has already named 'Uplift New Zealand' - would bring together government, the infrastructure sector, iwi and wider communities.Leggett said it would be an opportunity to identify "quick wins" and medium-to-long-term priorities."There's some good social infrastructure and economic infrastructure that can be probably rolled out quite quickly, and really get building to provide confidence to the infrastructure sector and the New Zealand public that the government's serious."New Zealand had to widen the ways it funds infrastructure to get more built faster - including "better utilising the market" to drive efficiency and productivity, he said."If we can guarantee to the industry that there's more coming online and that it's well planned, well-funded and the business plans are in place we are going to get efficiencies."The first cars drive down the new Transmission Gully section of the SH1 motorway on March 30, 2022 in Wellington. Photo: Getty Images / Lynn GrievesonThe sector had seen worthy projects like Auckland Light Rail and Let's Get Wellington Moving suck up a lot of money on preparing information - but because they lacked guaranteed funding, they got picked off and became politicised, Leggett said."We've got to get projects considered earlier, the planning in place, the funding committed so they can actually start building towards a much quicker outcome."I think Kiwis are sick of a lack of delivery and the incoming government has a real chance to harness the frustration and send all the signals to the infrastructure sector that it wants to deliver."He said on the topic of Three Waters the status quo was "not an option"."National and Act have committed to repealing the Affordable Water Act and that will be their prerogative if they get a majority with New Zealand First."Infrastructure NZ's members were more interested in what happened after that, he said."Quite quickly we want the incoming government to be briefed by officials so it can actually map out a plan that gives New Zealanders confidence."Leggett said the current system for managing water assets could not deliver and fund the investment needed to meet the standards that had been set for the environment and for health over the next decade and beyond.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

The second man charged with murdering Auckland couple Fuk Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong has been given interim name suppression.A 26-year-old man was found at a property in the Auckland suburb of Glenfield on Friday evening and taken into custody, police said in a statement.He has been charged in relation to both murders and has also been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicleIn the Auckland District Court this morning, the accused appeared in the dock in front of Susan Walker, JP, with his head down cast.He has been remanded in custody until his next appearance on 29 November in the High Court.On Friday a 42-year old man charged with the murders of the couple appeared in court and was also granted interim name suppression.The man was arrested in Hamilton on Thursday night and will reappear in court on 29 November.Scott Beard Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroDetective Inspector Scott Beard, from Auckland City CIB, who is heading the investigation, said police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the investigation."The investigation team has worked hard to reach this point."While arrests have been made, there are still a number of enquiries yet to be completed."We can advise the scene examination has now been completed at the Greenhithe area where Ms Chong was located."A post-mortem on Chong's body is due to be carried out today.Her husband's body was found in their home on Monday. He had been stabbed several times."Police are continuing to provide support to the family at the centre of this tragic incident," Beard said.Kwok worked as a theatre nurse at North Shore Hospital.Te Whatu Ora Waitematā operations interim group director Brad Healey said on Friday he was a "respected colleague"."Joseph was a valued and well-liked member of our North Shore Hospital family and I would like to acknowledge his exceptional service. Our hearts are with those who worked with him. They are feeling this loss immensely and we will ensure they are supported through this period."Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong who have been the focus of a homicide investigation in Auckland this week. Photo: Supplied / NZ policeThis story was originally posted by RNZ News

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Northland east coast because of paralytic shellfish toxins.In addition, it has extended an existing shellfish biotoxin warning from Cape Kidnappers right up to East Cape. “Routine tests on mussels from Houhora have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins over the safe limit,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. “The warning extends from Cape Karikari north to Kokota (the Sandspit), just south of Parengarenga Harbour.”“The current warning in Hawkes Bay has now been extended to extend from Cape Kidnappers right up to East Cape. Levels of paralytic shellfish toxins are increasing and the latest results from Tolaga Bay mussels have risen dramatically and are now 11 times over the safe limit”.As algal blooms increase in size, the levels of toxins in shellfish can reach higher levels. “Please do not gather and eat shellfish from these affected areas because anyone doing so could get seriously sick.“Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from these areas should not be eaten.”Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:• numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet• difficulty swallowing or breathing• dizziness and headache• nausea and vomiting• diarrhoea• paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. Finfish are not affected by this public health warning.NZFS has had no notifications of associated illness.If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately.You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.“NZFS is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle. Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by NZFS to ensure they are safe to eat.

Watch live video clip here - Police have arrested and charged a man with the murder of Auckland man Fuk-Fu Kwok, and his wife Mei Han Chong.Kwok, who was 66, was found dead at his Ellerslie home on Monday evening having suffered violent injuries, while Chong had been missing since then, along with their car.The 42-year-old Glenfield man charged with their murders is due to appear in Auckland District Court this morning, lead investigator Detective Inspector Scott Beard told media at Auckland Central Police Station.The arrested man was found in Hamilton on Thursday night.Chong and the car were found early this morning."Auckland city police have sadly located 67-year-old Mei Han Chong deceased. As a result of enquiries, a male has been taken into custody overnight. This Glenfield man, who we believe to be involved, was identified and located by detectives in hamilton late last night and has now been charged with two counts murder," Beard said.Police believe multiple people were involved in Kwok's murder, due to the nature of his injuries.They could not yet say the same about Chong, until her post mortem is carried out tomorrow.A scene guard remains at the Ellerslie address.There will be an increased police presence across Auckland as the investigations are ongoing, Beard said.At this stage police are not ruling out further charges and arrests.He would not provide any more detail about the arrested man, as the matter is before the court.Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage were reviewed, and helped to lead to the arrest."Our investigation team identified activity near the Celtic Crescent homicide scene on the night of the alleged homicide, which has allowed us to scour hours and hours of CCTV footage, which located a vehicle of interest. We're of course devastated to locate Mrs Chong in these circumstances, and we're now providing support to a son who has lost both his mother and his father," Beard said.The vehicle registration plates on Chong's car had not been found but based on CCTV footage it had different registration numbers at different times, Beard said.At a briefing on Thursday Detective Inspector Beard told the media that police held grave fears for Chong and suspected that she was also a victim of foul play.The couple's son said it was totally out of character for her not to contact them.This story was originally published by RNZ

Work involves clearing vegetation and replacing two of the most severely impacted retaining walls, constructing a third retaining wall, repairing the scouring damage, and then overall strengthening works on the bridge. Work is expected to take five weeks and be completed before the holiday period. The bridge will remain closed until repairs have finished. Thank you for your patience while we carry out this work. We know it will be a huge relief to the many residents affected by the closure of the bridge. Since February’s extreme weather events, we have restored most roads that were damaged but are still working on a number of sites in the Kaipara District. You can find information on the recovery works at www.kaipara.govt.nz/road-repairs

Warkworth RegionFriday 10th November - Mainly fine. Isolated showers from afternoon. Easterlies, easing evening.Saturday 11th November - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until evening. Light winds.Sunday 12th November - Fine. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 10th November - Mainly fine. A shower or two this afternoon. Easterlies from midday, easing this evening.Saturday 11th November - Fine, then a few showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.Sunday 12th November - Fine, then one or two showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.

Auckland City Police investigating a homicide in Ellerslie are now in a position to provide a further update.Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City CIB, says unfortunately our enquiries to date suggest Mei Han Chong, the wife of deceased man Joseph Kwok, may also be the victim of foul play.Sadly, we have not received any information on the whereabouts of Mei, or the family’s blue Kia Rio."We have grave concerns for her safety and wellbeing,” Detective Inspector Beard says.“This is very out of character for her, especially for her to have not reached out to her son.”Police are speaking with the couple’s son, who reiterates our concerns and is extremely worried about his mum.Mei, 67, was last seen at the family home on the weekend and has not been sighted since.She is described as of Asian descent, small in stature: 5 foot tall, weighing 48kgs and has short dark grey hair and wears glasses.“We are urging the public to please help us in locating Mei, and bringing this whānau back together.“This family needs our help.A man is dead and a woman is missing and we need answers.“We know there is someone out there who will know where she is and now is the time to come forward.“A son has lost his father, and we are desperate to help him be reunited with his mother.“If anyone has any information at all, about either Mei or the blue Kia Rio, registration NJN927, please contact us.”As previously mentioned, Detective Inspector Beard says Mr Kwok was killed in a violent and brutal manner.“He died as a result of multiple stab wounds.“The nature of some other injuries suggest that more than one offender could have been involved.“We are working to understand why he was the target of this aggressive and unwarranted assault.”Anyone with information that may assist with our enquiries is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.Please reference file number 231106/8053.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Police will continue to provide updates as they become available.

A homicide investigation has been launched as Police continue to appeal for information regarding the death of a man in Ellerslie.Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City CIB, says the post-mortem examination of the 66-year-old male located at the address has been completed today. “While Police had always been treating this investigation as a homicide due to our initial enquiries, the post-mortem has sadly confirmed the injuries received to the victim are violent, and consistent with foul play.“Police now believe the victim died prior to Sunday afternoon as a result of the injuries sustained,” Detective Inspector Beard says.“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this time and we are committed to holding the person, or persons, involved to account.”At this stage, a formal identification is yet to be completed, however Police will look to release details about the victim in due course.Police continue to appeal for information:Detective Inspector Beard says the investigation team is working hard to piece together the information received so far, however are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance.“We are very concerned for the safety and wellbeing of Mei Han Chong.“Police have not yet located 67-year-old, nor the vehicle which belongs to the family.“We urge anyone with information on Mei Han Chong’s whereabouts, or their blue Kia Rio, registration NJN927, to please contact us” Detective Inspector Beard says.“No piece of information is insignificant as we work to determine exactly what has occurred.”A scene guard remains in place at the Celtic Crescent address today while the scene examination continues, however this is likely to be completed this afternoon.“Police will continue to remain in the area over the coming days while our investigation is ongoing,” Detective Inspector Beard says.Anyone with information that may assist with our enquiries is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.Please reference file number 231106/8053.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Police will continue to provide updates as they become available.

North Haven Hospice is really excited to be lifting its presence in Mangawhai with a new charity North Haven Hospice Shop. Mangawhai, Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach, Kaiwaka and Maungaturoto are all within the wider service area for the local hospice and has long been supported by the generous communities of Whangārei and Waipu through their charity shops.North Haven Hospice already provides care for people in these communities every day, supporting their families, whānau and carers through some very challenging times.“Our nurses are out in the community every day as we have approximately 180 people we support at any one time. These are people with a life-limiting or terminal illness, not just cancer patients and can be any age,” says Helen Blaxland, CEO. “We’re just delighted to have found premises for a small charity shop to operate in the Moir St shopping area and hope to be able to tell our story of who we are and what we do even more.”The shop, due to be opened in mid-December, will take donated second-hand goods and from their sale, turn this into first class care. North Haven Hospice has two other charity shops, one in central Whangārei and another in Waipu. Initially stocked with items donated to the central shops, North Haven Hospice hopes the Mangawhai and wider community will contribute locally as well.Head to their website for contact details

Imagine virtual wine tastings from 31,000 feet, robot room service and exploring countries from the comfort of a couch.That's what the tourism industry is exploring with new technology emerging at a rapid pace.Hundreds of industry leaders have been discussing if they are ready - or not - at the Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington on Tuesday.The robot revolution has already arrived at Sudima Hotels, and chief operating officer Les Morgan said they were handy helpers to have around."Now with the addition of a service bot, it is possible to get a cocktail to your door without having to speak, smile or put on pants for a stranger."One hotel has two service robots, serving 90 percent of orders."Their hours are equal to about 1.5 (full-time equivalents) or approximately $90,000 per annum in wages."They require no induction, no training, no staff meals, no leave."Morgan said he did not want hotels to become sterile, staff-free places, but the robots had their uses and could save time.From next year, Sudima will introduce specialist robots to clean common areas and act as helpers for staff to transfer linen and products.Sky Motion uses virtual reality to help people explore places they may never have travelled to before.Director Soraya Sarwary described it as immersive storytelling, using 360-degree sights, surround sound, and motion pods."The way that I best describe it is it feels as if you're standing in a location, rather than just watching it. Giving you the freedom to basically look wherever you want and get a good feel."It did not replace travel, but it gave people an immersive preview to help them decide where they'd like to visit, she said.It can also make travel more accessible to those who could not hop on a plane."I don't think anything would be able to replace that experience, so as detailed as we can go into giving people as much of a taste. You can't get a sun tan from this technology."Air New Zealand is working with digital bag tags where people can link their luggage to their phones, cutting out the paper printouts and kiosks for check-in.Chief executive Greg Foran said it had acquired plenty of new technology - both on the drawing board or already here."Imagine a flight where virtual reality can change your perception of time, offering mindfulness, meditation and ambient lighting to aid sleep."Picture yourself playing a cabin-wide game and watching a movie alongside your family while they're still at home on the couch. Virtual wine tastings set against stunning New Zealand backdrops."The airline is keeping an eye on supersonic and hypersonic travel, which is five times the speed of sound.In the shorter term - about three years away - its first commercial electric plane is expected to take flight."We're investigating the role of drones as it may pertain to Air New Zealand and our role in connecting people, and then also single-seater electric planes that require no licence - other than a few hours' training - but can replace short distance car travel."This story was orginally published by RNZ

New businesses added to our Shop LocalShop Local – Matakana🍗🥩Matakana Village Butchery – Local owners Sarah and Matt have 20+ years of experience, providing the best quality meat to their customers. As well as a great range of meat, they provide a home kill service, stock pet food, herbs and spices and locally sourced free-range eggs.Shop Local – Warkworth👡👢Imelda's Shoe Boutique are passionate soles, dedicated in bringing to you the latest in quality footwear and accessories. They also have a range of handbags. Located in the heart of Warkworth and they are now open Sundays 10am-1pm.Shop Local – Mangawhai🎁🏠Joseph Taylor Homewares – import unique homeware and gifts from around the globe. Check out their stunning range in Mangawhai village soon!Head along and SUPPORT LOCAL!📱 If you want your business to be on the App get in Contact

Kia ora everyone, You guessed it – it’s that time again! Our annual Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant community meeting is being held from 7-8pm tonight Tuesday 7 November (at Wellsford District Community Centre Lounge (1 Matheson Road) and we’d love to see you there. Our team will be talking about plant performance and consent requirements. Plus, it’s your chance to ask questions or raise any issues. If you have a burning question that simply can’t wait for the meeting, email it through to [email protected] look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 7 November.

Lamb prices have dropped to levels not seen for six years, taking more than 20 percent off sheep farmers' incomes.Lamb schedules have fallen in recent weeks with some companies now offering just $6.50 a kilo - having been $8.30 two seasons ago, and $7.20 last year.The drop is being put down to continued soft demand from key markets like China - and an influx of Australian lamb flooding markets.Manawatū based Baker Ag consultant Gary Massicks said the drop was predicted 6 months ago, but it had been much "harder and faster" than anyone expected.Normally, prices held up until about March when more lambs came onto the market, he said."The situation is scary and farm budgets are in the red, and this is all at a time when farmers have more lambs on the ground and could maybe have hoped to capitalise on that."A large number of ewes had twins this season because they went to the ram in top condition, but twin lambs are smaller than a good strong single."The flip side is we have more lambs, but doing a couple of numbers with a couple of clients, the more lambs don't make up for the drop in price. So 20 percent (drop) on income, this one (budget) in front of me, store lambs last year were $110, we're forecasting less than $90 this season, so you know dropping income 20 to 25 percent you've got a lot of red numbers in the budget."Asked if there was light in the future, Massicks said there was always hope.Dairy seemed to be picking up again and sheep and beef often followed the dairy trend, but he said the light, when it came, would not be until next winter and it was "not a very strong light". There was a lot to get through before next winter, he said."It's gloomy and something many people are talking about, but we're saying to clients 'stay in the fight'. Decisions need to be well made so next year's production isn't compromised."Let's start thinking about that already, and meanwhile try and sell every lamb we can."Farmers who reared lambs for finishing often had a "get out of jail" card where if lamb prices were lower, or they were running fewer young stock, they would sell surplus grass as silage, he said.But he said this year dairy farmers did not need the silage and did not have the cash to purchase it anyway.Farmers look for areas to saveMarlborough farmer Richard Dawkins said people were comparing it to the big downturn in the 80s."It's very demoralising to be honest, we're just sorting our first lot of lambs now they go to the works on Wednesday and we're getting around the mid $6 dollar mark so its very challenging."Dawkins, also the meat and wool chairperson for Marlborough Federated Farmers, said he had not seen such a downturn since he moved back to the farm in 2015."All farm businesses are different but people will be watching their expenditure, the problem is with increased costs and higher interest rates farmers are already running a trim business model as it is - so there's not many areas where money can be saved."I'm hearing that a lot of people are moving to interest only on their loan repayments, because it's hard to cut costs without compromising on performance."It's important to remember not everyone is in the same boat - the impact of the falling price will depend on the individual financial situation, if you don't have a high debt loading, you're probably not as exposed with the high interest rate."Some farmers have other income streams, such as in Marlborough, where farmers had dipped their toes into viticulture and horticulture, which helped with cash flow, Dawkins said."We just need to be mindful of those who are struggling - there will be younger farmers who have borrowed a bunch of money, they'll be leasing the farm and it's their only source of income, they'll be doing it tough."It's a good time to highlight the importance of people having time to themselves, we hear a lot about getting off the farm and socialising but that's not for everyone, so whatever you enjoy if its fishing or hunting - just make sure you have time to do that in these tough times."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 6th November - Mainly fine, but isolated light showers until evening, mainly in the west. Southwesterlies, fresh this afternoon and evening.Tuesday 7th November - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing in the morning. Westerlies, turning southwesterlies in the afternoon.Wednesday 8th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Thursday 9th - Mainly fine, but isolated showers possible. Southwesterlies, easing.Friday 10th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Easterlies, easing.Saturday 11th - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Sunday 12th - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 6th November - Mainly fine, but the chance of a shower this afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 7th November - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until evening. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Wednesday 8th - Mainly fine, chance of a shower. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 9th - Mainly fine. Southwesterlies, easing.Friday 10th - Partly cloudy, with showers developing. Easterlies.Saturday 11th - Fine with southwesterlies.Sunday 12th - Fine with southwesterlies.

Auckland and Rodney 🚮 Household Rubbish collection for Auckland/Rodney*Please note if a public holiday falls on your usual collection date it will usually be a day later that your rubbish is collected.Put bags out the night before or before 7am.♻ RecyclingCollection day: Tuesday, fortnightly except after a public holiday.Collection will be one day later than usual after a public holiday, with some exceptions. You can always double check herePut bins out the night before or before 7am.To further check what you can and can't recycle go here

Kaipara (Mangawhai, Kaiwaka etc)To check the day and collection point for your street or road go here🚮 Household Rubbish Collections for KaiparaWestMonday - TeKopuru, Pouto, Glinks Gully, Baylys BeachTuesday - Dargaville Township (excluding Mangawhare)Wednesdays - Ruawai, Kai iwi Lakes, Omamaari, Aranga, Trounson ParkThursday - Mangawhare, Awakino Point, Tangowahine, Tangiteroria, Wahiue RoadEastMonday - Mangawhai* (increased summer collections apply)Tuesday - Tinopai, Matakohe (now includes TeKowhai Rd)Wednesday - Paparoa, Whakapirau, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka ALL BAGS ARE TO BE ON THE KERBSIDE TO AVOID NON COLLECTIONKerbside rubbish and recycling collection is available to many Kaipara District residents provided by one privately operated company, Kaipara Refuse. Kaipara Refuse (Rubbish and Recycling Collection)Telephone : 09 439 2146Mon – Fri 9am - 3pmDo I have to pay? Collections are User Pays; the collection and disposal fee is included in the price of the pre-paid rubbish bags. The bags are available at most supermarkets and stores across Kaipara, or at Council offices. What bags do I buy? Waste collectors have different coloured bags. You can buy these from your local supermarket, petrol station or dairy. When is my collection? There are weekly, kerbside collections of prepaid rubbish bags and recycling bags, see Rubbish Collection Search.Rural prepaid collectionsSome rural residents need to leave prepaid bags at approved collection points because the waste collectors do not collect from their road.Pre-paid rubbish bags can only be left outside your own property or at an approved collection point.The maximum weight of prepaid bags is 10kg. Rubbish bags should not contain more than 20% recyclables, 20% food waste and no greenwaste.E-Waste ManagementWith the switch to digital television the following link offers more information regarding recycling of unwanted or unusable televisions.http://www.e-cycle.co.nz/?it Some batteries can be dropped off at a collection point by the front door of Bunnings Mangawhai.What kind of batteries can be recycled at Bunnings Mangawhai store?Our battery recycling units are designed to accept household single use and rechargeable batteries, such as:AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6VPower tool batteriesButton cell batteriesOther handheld-sized batteries that fit into the collection unit slotThey cannot accept lead acid batteries, car batteries, products with embedded batteries or other batteries that do not fit into the battery collection unit slot.Contamination from unaccepted battery types or other forms of waste in their recycling unit can be a hazard for our Team and customers. Please ask their Team if you're unsure whether your batteries can be accepted in the unit.How to recycle batteriesIt's easy! Simply bring your old batteries in-store and deposit them in the collection unit at the front entrance. Then, Bunnings recycling partner Envirostream will manage the collection and recycling process.They ask that you tape your batteries before placing them in your local collection unit, as used batteries may still contain residual charge that can create a spark, leading to a potential fire hazard. Preventing this is as simple as using clear sticky tape, non-conductive electrical tape, or duct tape over the exposed battery terminal, or on the top and bottom face for button cell batteries. Please be mindful to keep the battery label information visible if you're not using clear tape.Lightbulb DisposalInternational Waste Limited offers a Compact Fluorescent Recycling Box to dispose of fluorescent lamps that contain mercury. Click here to follow the link.♻ RecyclingWhat you can recyclePAPER -Magazines, biscuit boxes, cereal boxesCARDBOARD - Beer Boxes, Coke Boxes.  The easiest way to tell if it is cardboard or paper is if it goes in the fridge and doesn’t go soggy it is cardboard.ANCHOR WHITE MILK BOTTLES ONLY- Only the Anchor White Milk Bottles (NOT cream bottles)CLEAR MILK BOTTLES ONLY - Clear Milk BottlesCLEAR PLASTIC #1 - Clear Plastic with a #1 eg Coke Bottles, Clear water bottles, Fanta bottlesPLASTIC with #1, #2 and #5 written on itALUMINIUM CAN - If is an Aluminium can if you can crush it with your hand eg coke or lemonade can etcTIN CAN - Tin eg spaghetti, baked beans, coffee tins, milk formula tinsBROWN GLASS - Brown bottlesGREEN GLASS - Green Bottles, Blue BottlesCLEAR GLASS - Clear Bottles, Clear JarsIf your plastics DO NOT have a #1, 2, or 5 on the bottom, unfortunately Kaipara Refuse don’t accept it. They CAN NOT accept #3, 4, 6, 7 and it is classed as rubbish.Things that are NOT Recyclable and go in the rubbish:          Plastic Buckets             Polystyrene       Calf Meal BagsWindow Envelopes      Soiled Paper Towels              Used Coffee Cups  Toilet SeatsIce Cream containers, margarine or butter containers, yogurt containersMeat trays, bakery packaging, vege packagingTetra Pac eg Just Juice Cartons, Milk Cartons                    Coated Paper eg the wrapping of photo copy paper. Magazines are fine and go in paper20 Litre plastic Spray or detergent containersNo Mirrors or Window glass         For a great resource on how to be more sustainable and reduce waste, or for composting workshops check out Sustainable Kaipara

Elected Members agreed to commence the first two stages of a multi-year project to increase the capacity of the Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme.Stages one and two of the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme (MWWS) – revised Master Plan Strategy will allow for more connections to the Mangawhai Wastewater Treatment Plant, which would otherwise reach capacity next year, and will kickstart steps to diversify how the town's treated wastewater is dispersed.Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson says Mangawhai’s population is rapidly growing, and it is essential that the wastewater scheme can accommodate this.“We need to stay ahead of the game and have the wastewater system ready to come onstream when it is needed,” says Mayor Jepson.Stage one consists of further optimising the Mangawhai Wastewater Plant’s performance with the design and implementation of an inDENSE system, increasing the plant’s capacity by 550 to 3,550 connections. This increase will cater for projected growth in Mangawhai to at least 2030, depending on the rate of the growth.Kaipara District Council General Manager of Infrastructure Services, Anin Nama, says the current dispersal of treated wastewater at the Brown Road farm can be improved.Treated wastewater from the plant currently flows some 13 kilometres to Kaipara District Council’s Brown Road farm effluent pond, where it is then irrigated onto paddocks. In stage two, Council will begin concept design and the resource consent process for a new irrigation system for the farm, including subsurface irrigation to specific areas of the Mangawhai Golf Course. Now that Council has approved stage two, discussions regarding the subsurface irrigation can continue with the Management of the Golf Club.“In the future, the farm irrigation system will be reduced, with the majority of treated wastewater flowing a short distance over the hill to Mangawhai Golf Club,” says Anin.“The current spraying operation at the Brown Road farm will be replaced with either a wetland system or subsurface irrigation. This plan was informed by an investigation into farm operations earlier this year.”As of today, the farm’s capacity can only service new connections to the wastewater scheme up until 2026.A sum of $1.8m was provided in the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan and this sum was increased to $2.3m in the 2022/23 Annual Plan. The unspent balance of $1.96m has been carried through into the 2023/24 capital budget and available for the stage one and two works. Stages one and two of the MWWS – revised Master Plan Strategy will be undertaken by Kaipara District Council, prior to the planned transfer of assets to Wai Tāmaki ki Te Hiku, Auckland and Northland’s new water entity, as of 01 July 2024.There are a further three stages to the revised Master Plan Strategy, which will be carried out by the water entity once it goes live next year. Council is working with it on handover of our asset management plan going forward.About the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme – Master Plan StrategyThe Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme (MWWS) – Master Plan Strategy sets out a plan for upgrades to Mangawhai’s wastewater network to meet the needs of the town for the next 30 years.MWWS – Master Plan Strategy considers growth projections, peak flows, and the impact of extreme wet weather events on the network.After its initial presentation to Council in February 2022, the Mangawhai Advisory Group (MAG) was established to provide advice on further refinement of the strategy. The MAG met monthly, until its last meeting in September 2022.The Master Plan Strategy, including all five stages, was presented to elected members at the December 2022 Council Briefing at a cost of $90.5 million. At the time, staff advised Council that given the significant investment, an independent peer review to assess the strategy and conduct a value engineering assessment had been commissioned. The peer review by leading experts resulted in a revised solution at a cost of $72 million.View the Council Meeting discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (1:35:56 minutes in).

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, 10 November 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)SH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 5-6 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 9 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 9 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 5 NovemberEsmonde Road (loop) northbound on-ramp, 6 NovemberEsmonde Road northbound off-ramp, 6 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Onewa Road Busway off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 8 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Onewa Road southbound off-ramp, 8 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Onewa Road northbound off-ramp, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 6-7 NovemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Wellington Street on-ramp, 5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 6-7 NovemberSH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 5-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 8 November (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 8 November (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Wellesley Street East off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound (Port) to SH16 westbound link, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound (Port) to SH1 northbound link, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound (Port) to SH1 southbound link, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road southbound on-ramp, 6-7 NovemberWellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 6-7 NovemberSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Greenlane off-ramp and Wellington Street on-ramp, 8 November (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 8 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenlane northbound on-ramp, 8 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 9 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 9 NovemberSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 9 NovemberMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 9 NovemberEast Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 6 NovemberTe Irirangi Drive southbound off-ramp, 6 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 5 NovemberRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 5 NovemberRedoubt Road southbound off-ramp, 7-8 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 8 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 8 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Papakura northbound off-ramp, 5 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 6-9 NovemberPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 6-9 NovemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 6-9 NovemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 6-9 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 10 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 10 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 10 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 10 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 5-9 NovemberRamarama southbound on-ramp, 5-9 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 5-9 NovemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 5-9 NovemberTe Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 6-10 November (24/7)Te Kauwhata southbound off-ramp, 6-10 November (24/7)Te Kauwhata northbound on-ramp, 3-5 November (24/7)Te Kauwhata northbound off-ramp, 3-5 November (24/7)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road off-ramp and Trigg Road on-ramp, 5-9 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 9 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hobsonville Road southbound on-ramp, 9 NovemberRoyal Road southbound on-ramp, 9 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off-ramp and Patiki Road on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 9:00pm to 6:00am)Te Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 9:00pm to 6:00am)Te Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 9:00pm to 6:00am)St Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 5-7 November (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Paul Matthews Road and Albany Highway on-ramp, 5-6 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Caribbean Drive westbound on-ramp, 5-6 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Eastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Mathews Road, 6 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Albany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 6 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)SH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 9 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Massey Road southbound off-ramp, 9 November Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 5 NovemberSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)