Consultation on Kaipara District’s Long Term Plan is fast approaching. This is a really important opportunity for you to give us feedback on the work we are planning for the next three years. Sign up to People’s Panel now to receive your invitation to provide feedback as soon as consultation opens. Register today at https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/panelWhat is the People's Panel?The People's Panel is a quick and easy way for citizens of Kaipara to help shape the District by taking part in short surveys. We encourage anyone who is interested in the future of Kaipara to join the People's Panel.How People's Panel worksPeople who sign up will receive surveys by email.We have approximately one survey every couple months, but you only need to complete those that interest you.Most surveys take five or 10 minutes to complete.We keep personal details private and members are not identified in reports of survey results.Key findings and how the results have been used are shared with you.We'll keep you informed about other opportunities to give feedback to Kaipara District Council.

Final repairs on Devich Road bridge to start next week From Monday 4 March the bridge will be closed during work days for approximately four weeks, to enable Council contractors to complete work on the retaining walls and a ground anchor that is integral to the bridge’s structure. The majority of work was completed prior to Christmas, to allow peak holiday traffic through during the summer months. Traffic management will be in place and the bridge will be closed between 7.30am – 5pm Monday – Friday while the work is carried out. It will open again at the end of each work day and during the weekends. Thank you for your patience while we carry out this work. 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

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, 8 March 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 Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 3-6 MarchOrewa southbound on-ramp, 3-6 MarchMillwater southbound on-ramp, 3-6 MarchNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 3-5 MarchNorthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 6 MarchSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 3-6 MarchOteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 6 MarchShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 3-7 MarchCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off ramp and Alten Road, 3-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 3-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 3-7 MarchWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 3-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 5-6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 5-6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 3-4 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 3-4 MarchSouth Eastern Highway northbound on-ramp, 3-4 MarchMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 3-4 MarchEast Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 3-4 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 6 MarchTakanini southbound on-ramp, 6 MarchPapakura northbound off-ramp, 1-9 March (24/7)Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 6-7 MarchNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 5-7 MarchDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 5-7 MarchSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 5 MarchDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 5 MarchRamarama southbound on-ramp, 5 MarchRamarama northbound on-ramp, 3-4 MarchRamarama northbound off-ramp, 3-4 March Northbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 5 MarchBombay northbound on-ramp, 5 MarchSouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 6-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 6-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata northbound on-ramp, 5-9 March (24/7)Te Kauwhata northbound off-ramp, 5-9 March (24/7)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Road, 3-7 MarchNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku roundabout, 3-7 MarchHobsonville Road southbound on-ramp, 5 MarchPatiki Road southbound off-ramp, 4-5 MarchTe Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 4-5 MarchTe Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 3 MarchSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 3 & 7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Neilson Street southbound on-ramp, 4-5 MarchSouthbound lanes between SH20 southbound link and Landing Drive, 7 MarchSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 7 MarchSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 7 MarchSouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 Links, 6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 6 MarchSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Kirkbride Road southbound on-ramp, 7 March STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)Mangatawhiri eastbound off-ramp, 3-7 March

By Jan Dewar, Denise Wilson, Gail Pacheco and Lisa Meehan* ofDuring the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, policy was being made in crisis management mode. Decisions had to be made faster than usual, and there was limited ability to undertake wider consultation and impact analysis.Now the worst of the pandemic is over, we have the luxury of being able to reflect on what worked well and what did not.One of the more controversial policies implemented during the height of the pandemic was the vaccine mandates. Thousands of workers across a range of professions had to get vaccinated to keep their jobs.This mandate presented a trade-off between public health considerations and the right of individuals to refuse medical treatment and earn a living in their chosen profession.Our research looked at whether these vaccine mandates increased Covid-19 vaccination rates among these workers, and what their employment, earnings and workplace experiences were.The stated purpose of the mandates was to increase vaccination rates among these workers to ensure the continuity of public services.In reality, the mandates had limited effect on increasing vaccine uptake. But they had a substantive negative effect on the employment, earnings and wellbeing of unvaccinated health workers.Photo: Sebastian Gollnow / DPA / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFPThe importance of choiceVaccination rates among healthcare, education and corrections workers were already high when the government announced the mandates in October 2021.Almost 90 percent of healthcare workers and 86 percent of corrections workers had already received two doses of the vaccine. The share among education workers was somewhat lower (82 percent), but they also did not have early access to the vaccine. There were only six weeks between the vaccine becoming available to everyone over 12 years and the mandates being announced.While vaccination rates among these mandated workers did increase after the mandates were announced, the data shows a continuation of an upward trend rather than a jump in uptake.It will not surprise anyone that people do not like being told what to do. And this appears to have some bearing on mandatory vaccine uptake.One German survey found just over 3 percent of people said they would not want the Covid-19 vaccination if it was voluntary. But more than 16 percent said they would not want to get vaccinated if it was mandatory.A consequence of vaccine mandates is that they can erode trust in government and provoke more resistance. This erosion of trust could potentially strengthen anti-vaccination sentiment generally and reduce uptake, not just of Covid-19 vaccinations, but also other vaccines.This outcome is especially concerning given research has found New Zealand's routine childhood immunisation rates have decreased since the pandemic.Photo: Supplied / Ministry of HealthEarnings took a hitIn addition to not causing a noticeable increase in vaccination rates, the mandates also had negative consequences for the employment and earnings of unvaccinated health workers.Their employment rate fell by 15 percent and their earnings fell by 19 percent, compared with vaccinated health workers and those not subject to the mandates.Even after the health worker mandates were lifted in September 2022, the employment and earnings of unvaccinated workers never fully recovered.This exacerbated existing health worker shortages. Closed borders and a global shortage of healthcare workers meant fewer moved into the health sector compared with the number leaving.The trauma of being branded 'anti-vax'The effect of the mandates on health workers also went beyond financial consequences.Affected health workers talked to us about the loss and ongoing trauma they have experienced. Those opposed to mandates are often incorrectly labelled as "anti-vaxxers", or even conspiracy theorists.All health workers we spoke to were pro-vaccination, but had legitimate reasons for not completing, or struggling to complete, the required vaccinations. They had researched the vaccine and made informed decisions based on their circumstances.Some health workers pointed out that the case for mandates was not strong based on available evidence. While the vaccine reduces symptom severity, its ability to prevent transmission is currently limited.As one health worker said: "I looked at the Australian data and couldn't see the logic of me potentially being exposed to another vaccine where my potential benefit was so low … the evidence wasn't really strong."Some workers had health conditions that put them at elevated risk from the vaccine. Or they had a history of adverse reactions to vaccines. But the mandates meant they either had to get vaccinated, sometimes against their doctors' advice, or lose their jobs. While some medical exemptions were available, the threshold for these was very high.In addition, even those with medical exemptions faced stigma. One health worker who got an exemption after suffering a stroke following their vaccination, described people's reaction upon showing them the exemption."That look on people's faces, it was disgust … it was really, really awful."As another health worker explained: "We're supposed to be a caring profession. Nothing about this is caring … Due to no fault of my own, I have now been labelled an anti-vaxxer and anti-science, and in some people's opinion, not worthy of calling myself a nurse. This hurts me immensely. This is what mandates have done. There is no room for individual circumstances."The people we spoke with said they lost their sense of control, and it eroded their trust in the health system and government.The risk of mandatesWhat does this tell us about the use of vaccine mandates during future pandemics?In the context of high voluntary compliance, mandates should be used judiciously. Mandating something is not always the most effective way to get people to do something for the greater good.During the Covid-19 pandemic, a strong motivator for vaccination was the "feel-good" factor of knowing you were protecting yourself and others.Ironically, the increase in distrust that resulted from the use of mandates in the Covid-19 pandemic may actually lower voluntary vaccine uptake in future pandemics.As one health worker summed it up: "Someone who's been vaccinated badly, the trauma of that - it's not just them, it's their entire social circle, it's their entire whānau. You're seeding distrust in the health system, not just for Covid vaccinations, but the whole system, everything to do with medicine and the whole immunisation programme … if there's a policy that's as big as a mandate for a whole population or health professionals, you really need to think about what are the unintended consequences."* Jan Dewar is Head of Nursing at Auckland University of Technology, Denise Wilson is Associate Dean Māori Advancement and Professor Māori Health at Auckland University of Technology, Gail Pacheco is Professor of Economics and Director of the NZ Work Research Institute at Auckland University of Technology and Lisa Meehan is Deputy Director of the NZ Work Research Institute at Auckland University of TechnologyThis story was originally published by The Conversation.

Warkworth RegionFriday 1st March - Fine apart from evening cloud. Fresh southwesterlies developing this morning.Saturday 2nd March - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower. Westerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Sunday 3rd March - Occasional rain developing early. Northwesterlies, becoming strong for a time in the afternoon and evening.Mangawhai RegionFriday 1st March - Mainly fine apart from the chance of morning and early afternoon shower or two. Areas of evening cloud. Southwesterlies, fresh this afternoon and evening.Saturday 2nd March - Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Westerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Sunday 3rd March - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies, becoming strong for a time in the afternoon and evening

A government bailout is off the cards for one of the country's major news outlets which has announced its intention to shut at the end of June.Up to 300 people could lose their jobs.Newshub said it has not asked Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for financial help and the government appears to have no intention of stepping in.Journalists, commentators and some politicians said the closure was bad news for democracy and a forewarning of worse to come.MPs shared their sympathies - and their concerns over the wider implications of one the country's major TV news services shutting down.Broadcasting Minister Melissa Lee said it was something outlets around the globe were experiencing."I think journalists actually losing jobs - as a former journalist - I actually feel for them, I just think it's a sad day."Having said that, plurality is not an issue, because the way that people consume media has actually changed. We're no longer sitting in front of a television box watching the news at 6 o'clock.Broadcasting Minister Melissa Lee. Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneLee was given a heads up by network chief Glen Kyne on Tuesday night - before he broke it to the newsroom late on Wednesday morning.She said Warner Brothers Discovery did not ask the government for financial assistance - and she was clear it cannot intervene."He said there was nothing that could have actually helped, it was actually a failure in terms of the way they're advertising for their news, it was actually a massive drop and nothing could have actually helped."And Labour's broadcasting spokesperson, the former minister, told Morning Report his party wouldn't have bailed Newshub out either."I think it's probably a bit much, you and I both know, anybody would know, you've got a $20m company behind Newshub," Willie Jackson told Morning Report."I know we would not have intervened, but we would not have just left them in the lurch."He said they would have brought the company in and tried to help them find a way through.Jackson questioned Lee's commitment to finding a solution.Labour introduced a Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill - which would require social media platforms to pay news outlets to use their content.But Jackson said the current government was not interested in the bill, which was currently before a Select Committee.He said Newshub briefed him about financial difficulties last year - but the closure was a surprise."They did say things were not going too well, they didn't ask for any assistance in terms of funding but they were pretty clear that things were not too good."LISTEN ▶ "I believe that you have to bring in different strategies so that you can have a plurality of voices" - Labour's broadcasting spokesperson Willie Jackson:Coalition's thoughts: disasterPhoto: RNZ/Marika KhabaziDeputy Prime Minister Winston Peters framed the situation as a disaster for the staff and New Zealand."A critical part of any democracy and free society is the fourth estate, an independent fourth estate, and I'm concerned about where we're going now," he said."Frankly for those 300 or so staff and their spouses and their families, this is an absolute disaster. But it's also a disaster for this country's democracy."Associate finance minister David Seymour said while the government would not buy out Newshub, he had requested advice on whether government-owned TVNZ should start returning a dividend, to help level the playing field."I think there's a question mark around whether the government's ownership of one TV channel and the poor returns it's demanded as a shareholder has actually contributed to an uncompetitive market."Sad dayDeputy Labour leader Carmel Sepuloni told First Up the probable Newshub closure was sad and dissapointing for those losing their jobs, and democracy."In this day and age when we're bombarded with information, some of which is not true, it's really important that we've got trusted sources of information and now we're not going to have that through Newshub."She said while it was not always comfortable when journalists asked questions, they were "doing their job"."Respect for the work they do and it's fundamental, like I said, for our democracy."LISTEN ▶ "We rely on the fourth estate" - Deputy Labour leader Carmel Sepuloni Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it was a sad day for democracy."I want to extend my thoughts to everybody who's been affected by that announcement, I know that it will be a really uncertain time for them."This story was originally published by RNZ

Kaiwaka Playcentre are doing a fundraiser gala for their playcentre. As a part of this they are doing some raffles. They've had some amazing local businesses donate towards these.Information in the photos below. Happy for a bank transfer or they can do cash on a Wednesday or Friday 9-12 by dropping it into the Kaiwaka playcentre. Winners will be drawn the Wednesday 27th March week before Easter so you can enjoy the goodies pm them for more details.They are thanking the following businesses for their contributions:The SaloonThe Beauty Lab MangawhaiSwim Mangawhai Northcoast Bricklayers LtdRota and Piston Performance Ltd Mangawhai Museum Bammas Surf Shop Mangawhai Pest Busters Northland The Don Barber and Beauty ShopSovereign ElectricalFour Square KaiwakaNorthcoast Homes Group LtdEutopia Cafe Nina G Photography Kaiwaka Foodbank and OpshopMangawhai Opportunity FactoryBk sushiMangawhai Tyres Four Little Birds

Auckland Transport is planning to construct a new footpath between Rodney Street and Centennial Park Road in Wellsford.Project status: Construction to begin in February 2024Project overviewRodney Street is a busy stretch of highway with residential and commercial properties on either side. Nearby is Centennial Park, a popular sporting, recreational and community hub. Currently there is no safe facility linking pedestrians between Rodney Street and Centennial Park Road.The existing footpath ends outside 68 Rodney Street on the eastern side of the street. Pedestrians must use the western side of the road, crossing Rodney Street twice to access Centennial Park Road and the park grounds.The project is funded by the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate. One key objective of the fund is to add vital pieces of infrastructure to expand the footpath network in your area, making it safer and easier for people to get around.Proposal for Rodney Street footpathUnder the most current project design, we will:Install a 1.8m-wide footpath from outside 68 Rodney Street where the current footpath ends to Centennial Park Road along the eastern side the street.Build a new, dedicated footbridge east of the vehicle overbridge to complete the footpath link over the railway tracks to Centennial Park Road.Download the final drawing for the Rodney Street footpath (PDF 2.38MB).Next stepsWe have finalised the project design and plan to begin construction at the end of February 2024. We will notify the community as soon as we have confirmed the construction schedule and start date.

Here’s your reminder to be vigilant and keep an eye out for online scams Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number. Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine. A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account. Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details. Cryptocurrency scams are becoming more common – use these tips and do your research before getting involved. Identity scams can happen online too. Make sure you protect your personal information and make sure anyone asking for personal information online is legitimate. Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this. Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105 either by phone or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105. For scams involving your bank or other organisation, please report it to them too. Visit www.scamwatch.govt.nz for more information on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed.

Anusha Bradley, Investigative ReporterAutistic children and young adults are more than twice as likely to die before their 25th birthday, compared to their non-autistic peers, new research shows.The risk is even greater for females and those who also had an intellectual disability, an Otago University-led study has found.Autism New Zealand described the findings as "horrendous", saying the study supported its own findings that the health system did not adequately support people with the disorder.The study is the first of its kind in New Zealand, with results similar to the handful of similar international studies showing autistic adults and young people experience significantly higher risk of death, compared to the general population.Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people perceive and communicate with the world. It affects about one in every 36 children.The study, published this week in the international academic journal Autism, tracked 857,944 children born in Aotearoa - including 11,919 autistic children - between 1996 and 2010 using individual-level data from the government's Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).It found autistic females were four times more likely to die, compared to non-autistic females.The risk doubled for autistic people who also had an intellectual disability, compared to those without an intellectual disability.The reasons why autistic youth were more likely to die earlier than their peers in the general population were not known, but there were plans to look into this further, said study co-author Hiran Thabrew, a child psychiatrist and paediatrician at Auckland's Starship Hospital said.International research had identified medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease, accidents - especially choking and poisoning - and medication complications as leading causes of death among autistic people."The rates of medication are higher amongst autistic children and adolescents than the general population, and given what we've seen from international data saying that medication complications are one of the main causes of death in this group, we'd expect it's similar in the New Zealand group as well," Thabrew said."Particularly for those who might be more severely autistic, or intellectually impaired, often behaviours are managed using medication, partly because of lack of other services."Dr Hiran Thabrew Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyThe results highlighted the need for timely diagnosis and care for autistic people, particularly for those who might be more severely autistic, or intellectually impaired.The average age of diagnosis in New Zealand was between six and seven years."We know that it's a much better prognosis and life course for them if they're diagnosed before they start school," Thabrew said.Early identification is vitalAutism NZ chief executive Dane Dougan said earlier diagnosis and support was critical for autistic children."These statistics are horrendous, but something Autism NZ has been conscious of for some time."What we do know is the earlier we identify, diagnose and support our autistic tamariki, the less at-risk they are, and the more likely they are to live the life they choose."The health system, especially the mental health system, was not designed for the autistic and there was often a lack of training among health professionals about the disorder."Access is a problem, and if you do have access, if you don't get somebody who understands autism very well it can at times make things worse."Autism NZ had been involved in training health professionals about autism and it was pushing for a distinct pathway for autistic people to improve access and health outcomes.Seven years old was "far too late" for a child to receive an autism diagnosis, Dougan said."Because you can start to actually pick up signs of autism at about 12 months, and there's even research going on now that it can be earlier than that."Autistic people were also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression and have neurodevelopmental issues like ADHD and intellectual disability, while about a third had epilepsy which could be fatal if not treated.The much higher mortality risk among autistic girls identified in the Otago study may be due to their "long-term under-diagnosis" which limited their access to early help, Thabrew said.Study co-author Joanne Dacombe, who is herself autistic, said getting an early diagnosis was currently "very challenging"."There are long waitlists…and even if you do get a diagnosis, then the process for a follow up is long and there's not necessarily the support in place for the family. There is not a lot of speech therapy publicly available, for example, and private is unaffordable for many families."Dougan said there needed to be not only early support, but ongoing peer-to-peer support throughout an autistic person's life."The earlier we identify, diagnose and support our autistic tamariki, the less at-risk they are, and the more likely they are to live the life they choose."To see the results of almost twice the amount of mortality rates in our autistic community, and particularly females and those with comorbid diagnosis, is a scary, scary stat."To have the information is helpful. The key part is what do we do with it moving forward? And how do we ensure that figure goes down?"The study was done in collaboration with researchers from Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, Auckland University and Canada's Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.This story was originally published by RNZ

Matthew Scott, aged 32, remains in a serious condition following an incident at Mangawhai Bar a week ago. According to one witness, he collided head-first into the sand after encountering another surfer. It appears he has suffered a critical spinal injury.Matt is a member and lifeguard from Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service. Matt and his family are long-serving and valued members of the club.Matt was swiftly rescued with the aid of fellow surfers and the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service. They managed to transport him to an ambulance and subsequently to a rescue helicopter, which swiftly conveyed him to Middlemore Hospital within the hour.Matt has undergone surgery since then, but his long-term prognosis remains uncertain and will only become clear with time.A Giveallittle page has been set up to raise funds to help with Matt's recovery and rehabilitation. Find out more here:https://givealittle.co.nz/.../help-support-matt-scotts...There is now also a Trademe auction to help to raise funds for his recovery, to view click here.

Here are the final photos taken by Auckland Council of the new retaining seawall at Snells Beach. After a large amount of damage sustained by last years Cylone and storms.Mason contractors completed most of the work in December, finishing it off recently.Hopefully it will stand the test of time and nature.If you would like to read our original post you can find it hereBelow photos include a few pre works complete showing the state of the footpath.

Warkworth RegionMonday 26th February - Cloudy. Periods of rain, heavy at times, with possible localised downpours this morning. Northwesterlies developing this afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 14hrs from 8pm Sun, 25 Feb - 10am Mon, 26 FebArea: Northland south of Dargaville, Auckland excluding Great Barrier Island and Coromandel PeninsulaForecast: Periods of rain, locally heavy at times, with possible downpours. Accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places, especially in the west. Peak intensities 20 to 35 mm per hour.Tuesday 27th - Cloudy periods and a few showers. Westerlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Wednesday 28th - Fine. Southerlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 29th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Southerlies, easing.Friday 1st March - Fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 2nd March - A few showers with westerlies.Sunday 3rd March - Rain with northwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 26th February - Cloudy with rain, heavy at times, easing to showers this evening. Northwesterlies, easing this afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 14hrs from 8pm Sun, 25 Feb - 10am Mon, 26 FebArea: Northland south of Dargaville, Auckland excluding Great Barrier Island and Coromandel PeninsulaForecast: Periods of rain, locally heavy at times, with possible downpours. Accumulations may approach warning criteria in some places, especially in the west. Peak intensities 20 to 35 mm per hour.Tuesday 27th - Partly cloudy, with showers developing in the morning. Southerlies developing in the afternoon.Wednesday 28th - Showers, clearing to fine early. Southerlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Thursday 29th - Fine. Southeasterlies developing.Friday 1st March - Fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 2nd March - Partly cloudy, with showers developing. Westerlies.Sunday 3rd March - Showers with northwesterlies.

Tāne Tangaroa Gregory a local to the Warkworth area died tragically last Saturday.A Givealittle page has been set up by a friend to help support Adam and Kim Gregory to lay their beautiful boy to rest. The funds raised will go towards assisting with funeral expenses and any other associated costs.If you can donate, please do. Here is the link

Brynderwyns closureDue to major works at large slip sites over the Brynderwyn Hills, this section of SH1 will be fully closed (24/7) in both directions from midnight (11:59pm), Sun 25 February until midnight (11:59pm), Wed 27 March subject to weather and other factors.Allow extra time for detour routes outlined below. Following reopening for Easter period, SH1 will close again from midnight (11:59pm), Tue 02 Apr until midnight (11:59pm), Sun 12 May.Detour routeLight vehicles may detour via Mangawhai: Southbound, from Waipu, use The Braigh, to Cove Rd, to Tara Rd, to Kaiwaka Mangawhai Rd, to return to SH1 at Kaiwaka (trucks with trailer units not permitted). Alternatively, Light vehicles may detour southbound via Mangapai Rd, to Paparoa Oakleigh Rd, to SH12 to return to SH1 at Brynderwyn (HMPV not permitted). Northbound in reverse for both light vehicle routes. Heavy vehicles, including HPMV, detour via Dargaville using SH14 and SH12 between Whangarei and Brynderwyn. Trucks with trailers also not permitted on Gorge Rd & Waipu Gorge Rd.Start 25 Feb 2024 11:59pmEnd 12 May 2024 11:59pm

Water use in Dargaville has gone up instead of down since the Kaipara District Council brought in water restrictions just under two weeks ago.Since the call went out to conserve water on 12 February, residents connected to the town water supply in Dargaville and Baylys Beach have used on average an extra 103 cubic metres per day, compared to the ten days before restrictions came in.That has prompted the council to again call on residents to reduce water use - especially with Northland Field Days, one of the region's biggest events, starting in Dargaville in less than a week's time.Infrastructure general manager Anin Nama said flow in the stream supplying Dargaville's water had increased slightly in recent days, but it was not enough to get the town out of the woods."Without significant rainfall on the radar, we still need to reduce our water use to ensure everyone has enough for their daily needs. We want to avoid Level 4 restrictions if we can."Nama urged locals to keep reporting any leaks by calling the council on 0800 727 059 and to talk to friends, family and neighbours to make sure they were aware of the restrictions.Under the current Level 3 restrictions, households and businesses on the town supply water in Dargaville and Baylys Beach were barred from using water blasters or hoses to wash vehicles, windows, buildings and paving; using sprinklers or irrigation systems to water lawns or gardens; or filling pools from the mains supply.In Level 4 only essential water use, for cleaning, cooking and washing, was permitted. All outdoor use was banned.Dargaville's main source of raw water was the Waiparataniwha Stream at the southern end of Kaihu Forest.There were no other water restrictions in the Kaipara or Whangārei Districts.In the Far North Level 2 restrictions banning the use of sprinklers was in force in Ōpononi-Ōmāpere, Ōmanaia-Rāwene, Kerikeri-Waipapa, Kaikohe-Ngāwhā and Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

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, 1 March 2024.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 Southbound to SH18 Westbound link, 27 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 25-29 February CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off ramp and Alten Road, 26-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 26-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 26-29 FebruaryWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 26-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 25-28 FebruaryKhyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 25-28 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 23-24 February & 1-2 March (approx. 10:00pm to 7:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 23-24 February & 1-2 March (approx. 9:00pm to 7:00am)Southbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 25 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 25 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 25-26 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruaryHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruaryEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruaryHighbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruarySH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 27 & 29 FebruaryRedoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 27 & 29 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 26-27 FebruaryTakanini southbound on-ramp, 26-27 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 26-29 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 26-29 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 25-29 FebruaryPapakura northbound off-ramp, 25-29 February & 1-2 March (24/7)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 25 FebruaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 25-29 February Pokeno southbound off-ramp, 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound on-ramp, 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 25-26 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 28 FebruaryHampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 28 FebruaryHampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 27 February (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 27 February (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 28-29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 25 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 25 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Foster Road, 26-29 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 26-29 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Foster Road off-ramp and Trigg Road on-ramp, 25 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road off-ramp and Foster Road on-ramp, 25 FebruaryNewton Road westbound on-ramp, 25-26 FebruarySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 26-27 FebruaryMaioro Street northbound on-ramp 28-29 February (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 26 & 29 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)  STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)Mangatawhiri Road eastbound off-ramp, 25-29 February

Road works and slip repairs are finally about to begin on this much needed road! A total of 10 slips have been identified and set to be repaired.Beginning 28th Feburary for 10 months. Stop/Go during the day.

Warkworth RegionFriday 23rd February - Partly cloudy with the odd shower. Chance of a thunderstorm over the Hauraki Gulf after midday. Daytime sea breezes.Saturday 24th February - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing south of Orewa in the evening. Westerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 25th - Cloudy, with occasional rain developing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 23rd February - Fine spells. One or two showers from afternoon, possibly heavy and thundery. Light winds.Saturday 24th February - Fine. Northerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 25th - Partly cloudy, with showers developing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.