🆕🆕🆕🆕We have some new business listings for you to check out, under SHOP LOCAL - Warkworth 🥥 Groconut – Grow Better Plants is Groconut’s tag line. They offer horticultural coconut water powder products to accelerate your plants natural growth boosting properties. You’ll notice healthier root systems, faster growing plants, bigger yields, increased resistance to stress, enhanced propagation, and seed germination and more. 📱 iDigital Smartphone Services is a local family business based in Warkworth.They specialise in phone, tablet, iPad, laptop, and computer repairs. They are happy to look at any device and provide advice, support, and a quote to repair it if necessary. They also have a range of ex-lease phones and laptops for sale and the full range of cables and accessories. 👢 The 8.55 to Cairo is a clothing store and perfumery in the heart of Warkworth. To step into ‘The 8.55’ is to take a step back in time, finding yourself somewhere between the 1920’s and the 1940’s. A gathering of Jenny the owners favourite clothing labels, rare fragrances, jewellery, scarves, gifts and more.  🍅 Supie prides itself on being a better and fairer online supermarket, driven every day to make a real impact on people’s lives and the planet. Now delivery North of Auckland to Warkworth, Omaha and Snell’s Beach.🥑 Warkworth Countdown needs no introduction and has been a staple in Warkworth for many years. Open 7 days 7am to 10pm. You can order online for delivery or click and collect.ℹ One Mahurangi Business Association (OMBA) – located at the Warkworth Information Centre, OMBA aims to support and boost business growth in the area. A champion of local businesses, creating opportunities, connections and more.☕ The Food Market Snells Beach is open 7 days and located close to where The Warehouse used to be. It is a is a specialty food store selling fresh produce, meat from the Matakana Butchery, delicious Atomic Coffee, St Pierres Sushi, real fruit ice creams & more!SUPPORT LOCAL TODAY!!✅ If you want your business to be on the App get in [email protected] or Contact

All packaged alcoholic drinks produced from 1st August and sold in stores must carry labels warning that alcohol can cause harm to unborn babies.To help people become further aware of the risk that alcohol presents for their unborn child - and the potentially life-changing consequences drinking while pregnant can have - Food Standards Australia New Zealand have developed the new labelling requirement, which will be monitored in New Zealand by New Zealand Food Safety. The new requirement is supported by Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora.Each year, between 1800 and 3000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in New Zealand, which can result in heart defects, behavioural problems, and intellectual disability. There is no cure for FASD.The new warning label is required on any packaged drink for retail sale that contains more than 1.15% alc/vol. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3DvIyMS

Gluten may cause brain inflammation in mice, a new study indicates, posing questions about the implications for humans.The study is believed to be a world first, and was carried out by scientists from the University of Otago's Centre for Neuroendocrinology, and published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology.Lead researcher for the study Pprofessor Alexander Tups told Afternoons he results suggest moderating gluten might be beneficial for humans as well. "It is quite possible that the same inflammation we found in mice could happen in humans" - professor Alexander Tups  (Audio File)"Mice are an excellent model to study human physiology. They have a very similar circulatory, reproductive, digestive, hormonal and nervous system," Tups said."So, it is quite possible that the same inflammation we found in mice could happen in humans."The study investigated whether a standard diet, referred to as a low fat diet (LFD), enriched with 4.5 percent gluten (matching human average daily consumption), or a high fat diet (HFD), enriched with 4.5 per cent gluten, altered body weight, metabolic markers or central inflammation in male mice.Tups said it was known that a high fat diet could increase the number of particular immune cells in the brainWhat he said was interesting was that both the standard and high fat diet saw increases in the number of a type of immune cells that indicates inflammation."This increased the number, and also the activity, of certain immune cells in the brain", Tups said.Brain inflammation could be linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.And he believed brain inflammation could also be impacting the brain's control over body weight."When we get brain inflammation we believe that the brain cannot make this decision so easily anymore, and it's somehow disrupted and that then leads to this chronic increase in body weight."If similar patterns of brain inflammation were found in humans, Tups said it was possible that diet choices such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent it.This story was originally published by RNZ

We have developed a draft local board plan for Rodney and we want your feedback.Local board plans are strategic three-year plans based on community feedback.Local boards can now make more decisions about services and facilities in their area.However, the cost of living and providing these services has gone up, along with the costs of borrowing money and doing business.The impact of Auckland’s recent storm events have also affected how much money is available.We are responding to these challenges in our local board plan by doing things differently and prioritising spending.What we want your feedback onWe want to hear your thoughts on our draft local board plan [PDF 5.2MB] to help us understand what matters most to you and your community.Five key focus areasThe key aspects of local board plans are:Our people: our people support each other and have what they need to live well and adapt to change.Our environment: our land, waterways and coastlines are nurtured and protected.Our community: our community spaces, facilities and parks are great places to play, grow and connect.Our places: our towns, villages and rural areas are vibrant, prosperous and liveable.Our transport: our transport networks are safe, accessible and well-maintained.Effort is being made to integrate these five strategic areas into our contributions to climate mitigation and our legal obligations to Māori.How to give feedbackWe want you to be part of the conversation before any important decisions are made.You can fill out our feedback form using the interactive tool at the bottom of this page after 12 noon on 13 July 2023.When you can have your sayYou can have your say from 12 noon on Thursday 13 July to 4pm on Monday 14 August 2023.What happens nextWe have completed the first round of feedback and used your ideas to create our draft plan.The draft local board plan is now published and we want further feedback from you to ensure the plan is heading in the right direction.We will report back any final changes based on your feedback and notify you when the plan is adopted by 31 October 2023. Our draft local board plan has key focus areas  https://tinyurl.com/34zycych We want to know which three are most important to you. Here's one of them (see below)  Give feedback here  https://tinyurl.com/yc3u96kz Want to talk to us at our hearings-style event next week? Book your spot here https://tinyurl.com/2pb57s9b It's your place, your voice!

Anna Sargent , ReporterYoung people are hacking their used disposable vapes to wring more use out of them, in a growing trend that has parents and emergency services worried.Fire and Emergency said the DIY method to prolong the life of vaping devices - opening them up and exposing the battery - posed serious fire and injury risks.An Auckland mother, whom RNZ agreed not to name, said she was shocked to find her daughter had been doing it after finding broken USB adapters around her house."I found out that she had been trying to recharge single-use vapes. I'm gutted, just pure frustration from a parent - how do you stop them from doing it?"She said she knew her 15-year-old had a vaping problem, but did not know she had been resorting to this to get her fix.And she was not the only one. Multiple posts in the 1800-strong Vape-Free Kids NZ Facebook were from other parents who had made similar discoveries.One mother in the Far North described how her 15-year-old son had been in a downward spiral of addiction since he started vaping a year ago."He was almost demanding from us that we buy him vapes, that we buy him fluids - which we didn't do - but it got to the point where it felt like, this is what you see hardcore drug addicts doing."Then earlier this year we kept finding the split wires in his room, so he was trying to recharge disposables."She said the household had to hide wires and scissors, and they tried warning him about the danger."We talked to him, saying, 'Actually, you've got a lithium-ion battery in there, if it explodes it's going to explode in your face and it could set the house on fire'."And that was a real danger. Fire and Emergency risk reduction and investigations manager Peter Gallagher said there had been an increase in the number of fires resulting from lithium-powered devices.Gallagher said young people were relying on sources such as YouTube tutorials to recharge disposable vapes, but messing with lithium-ion batteries posed serious fire and injury risks."We are aware that this is a bit of a growing trend particularly overseas, and obviously with the internet that information comes to New Zealand very quickly."When people are manufacturing their own charger they're cutting out some of the regulators that prevent overcharging, and that can be catastrophic for the battery."He warned this risked the batteries exploding, or causing a fire that would be very difficult to extinguish.Vaping can be an alternative to smoking cigarettes. Photo: 123rf"They don't burn necessarily for a long time, but they burn with a lot of heat and so anything around them is ignited."Electrical and electronics engineer Dave Chisholm echoed this concern."It's very dangerous because you're talking about charging a battery using an unspecified or uncontrolled method."I was a bit horrified to find that kids were basically just grabbing something that delivers power and feeding it into a vape without any knowledge of the consequences, should what they're doing result in overcharging the battery."The Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand said the issue of vapers making home-made chargers was confined to cheaply made disposable devices, which were able to be broken into to gain access to the battery.It believed all vaping products should have sealed batteries - rather than replaceable ones - to prevent this type of risky DIY from happening.This story was originally published by RNZ

On the top of the hill that is the Matakana Cemetery you will find a beautiful granite Gravestone of a mother and her only son.Elizabeth Quirie born on the 7th of May 1813, in Crimond a small village in the Northeast of Scotland some 30 miles north of Aberdeen. A place where the summer temperatures peak at 16 Celsius. Elizabeth’s parents James and Sophia are crofters, eking out a living as tenant farmers and tartan weavers.In 1835 at the age of 22, she married a young carpenter, Alexander Stuart from Fort George, Inverness, Scotland.On the 2nd of June 1841 with 3 daughters, they leave Scotland for Australia. At the port of Dundee, they boarded the 365 ton; 106 foot; barque rigged; “Mathesis” for her maiden voyage. This journey would take them into the Atlantic at Cape Verde Islands across to Rio De Janeiro; around Cape of Good Hope; into the Australian Bite and up the east coast to Sydney. With 83 passengers on board, the ship was expected to arrive in Sydney at Christmas 1841.However, 60 days into the voyage and halfway across the Atlantic they are in trouble. Water and food supplies are so low they are rationed, and the next supply stop is Rio de Janeiro 15 days away. But the worst comes on the 9th of August, a fire breaks out in the storeroom and according to documents, this was caused by a spark from an oil lantern, which fell on straw packing materials in the hull.A fire at sea is one of the scariest events and the crew saw complete disaster and took to the longboats, leaving the ship, captain, and passengers to perish. Fortunately, the captain showed common sense, courage, and leadership. The passengers, realizing their lives were in danger, took instruction, banded together, and extinguish the blaze.This took 36 hours and was achieved due to the captain’s experience – it involved filling the hull with water and sealing off the deck with wet sail cloth with the hope that water and lack of oxygen would prevail. There is a comprehensive account of how they managed this feat, available online.After the fire was out the crew realized that rowing to Rio was impossible so asked to re-join the ship and sensibly the captain agreed. You can just imagine the tension between the passengers and crew!Elizabeth tending 3 young children, would have been amongst these brave passengers fighting for their lives.After 2 days of work on the ship, the pumping out of water, drying of sails, and making repairs, the "Mathesis" sailed on. 10 days later on the 25th of August the port of Rio de Janeiro came into view. Most of the cargo was damaged and the fire had burnt through many of the Mathesis’s structural timbers. It was here that major repairs were undertaken and after 92 days in port the "Mathesis" left for Sydney on the 2nd  November 1841 with fresh supplies and a new passenger the British Consul General of Belgium Mr. Henry Van Nyvel.However, even after replenishment of supplies at the Cape of Good Hope rationing was again necessary during the last leg to Sydney. In my humble opinion and of course, great hindsight the "Mathesis" was inadequately prepared for this journey for several reasons – firstly the captain and his brother were part owners of the vessel and would have been very budget-conscious on supplies for the ship. Secondly, this was the ship's maiden voyage – which in most seagoing vessels is a journey of discovery. Discovery of how the boat handles at sea and weathers the storms of elements and humankind.The 8-month nightmare journey ended on Monday 31st January 1842 in the Port of Sydney. Immediately upon arrival in Sydney, 3 major legal problems arose for the captain of the Mathesis.Firstly, the Australian Immigration Board Report was critical of the captain and ships surgeon, charging them with not supplying enough provisions and reprehensible conduct. They concluded that the captain was incapable of performing the contracted task of safely transporting emigrants to Australia and taking ‘short cuts’ to minimise expenditure and maximise profit. They also mentioned that according to witnesses the captain (in order) to keep the crew happy gave them access to the 10 single immigrant women passengers. This was a clear violation of contracted captains bringing immigrants to Australia. Crew and passengers must never mix.Secondly, 6 women were refused entry, reasons being – 2 married members of the crew, 3 were under “no proper protection” (in that they travelled alone) and one was just of “immoral character”. They were all refused entry into Australia.Thirdly the Marine Police were informed of a violent and humiliating act performed by the Captain upon the passenger that boarded the Mathesis in Rio De Janeiro. According to court documents Captain Gordon had agreed to taking on a passenger in Rio for Sydney in the only first-class cabin for which he demanded 15 pounds Stirling in payment. In comparison the other passengers paid only several pounds for the voyage. During the voyage and because of rationing of food and water Mr. Van Nyvel suggested to the other passengers that they should complain to the captain. After several other suggestions and comments by Mr. Van Nyvel, Captain Gordon broke into his cabin, dragged him out and suggested that he was to bunk down with the steerage passengers below decks.Captain Gordon assaulted Mr. Van Nyvel again upon arrival at the dock in Sydney harbour. Two court cases ensued and in April the Judge dismissed the case and Captain Gordon continued on his way. Alexander and Elizabeth settled in Sydney however within a year they are aboard the schooner “Georgiana” on their way to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland 15th April 1843. Alexander found work as a Wheelwright on the corner of Vulcan Lane and O’Connell Street. Two more daughters are born, Sophia and Mary.In November 1853 under the Private Sale of Brown Lands Act, Alexander purchases 189 acres of land in Matakana for 90 pounds. Within weeks the Stuart family arrive aboard the cutter “Tay” and settled on their farm off Anderson’s Road, Matakana. Alexander set about building a house for the family which still stands today – “Rosemount Cottage”. The name may have been taken from Rosemount parish in Aberdeen.This is where two more children are born, both boys, Alexander, and David.We read that in 1857 Alexander is growing Oats on his farm and his efforts are widely reported throughout New Zealand as a very successful venture.Sadly, on the 24th March 1858 at the age of 52 years of age Alexander passes away. We have no record of why he died, however he died at the house of George Fraser the engineer for the Whytlaw Flax Mill at Glen Eden. This may suggest that he was working at the Whytlaw Flax Mill at the time. The story about the Whytlaw Flax Mill of Matakana is another great story for later.Alexander is buried in the Symonds Street Cemetery along with his son David and several other of his children.Elizabeth is 44 when her husband dies, and she has 3 children under 10 years. Her daughters Elizabeth and Margery would have been of great comfort as they are 19 and 16. She would also have had help from the local Scottish immigrants living in the area such as the, Frasers, Youngs and Matthew Whytlaw. In the New Zealander Paper of March 1867, we see that they are helping her plough the fields.Within a few short years Elizabeth and Margery marry and settle outside the district. Then in 1872 young Sophia marries a local man called David James Cruickshank, son of Dr Alexander Cruickshank of Greenlaw Matakana - Scottish immigrants, who arrived in NZ in 1859.A few years later tragedy strikes again and the only surviving son of Alexander and Elizabeth, Alex junior suddenly dies at the age of 22, his death certificate states cause as “heart disease”. Elizabeth lives on with help from her daughters and passed away at the age of 82 in 1895.The Stuart genes survive and live on in the Potts, Burningham, Croker and Cruickshank families. Young Sophia Cruickshank (nee Stuart) was able to acquire the farm and Rosemount Cottage which is passed down to the Cruickshank family for several generations.Together, Alexander James Stuart Jnr and his Mother Elizabeth Stuart (nee Quirie) lie in our Cemetery, a magnificent gravestone atop the hill.

Part time sales positionThe Matakana Coast App is looking for a part time salesperson.For 5-10 hours per week working from home/remotely.With occasional training in Matakana.With full training provided. A working knowledge of Hubspot would be a bonus but not essential. We are a small team running The Matakana Coast App, we are passionate about our community and everything it has to offer. We are growing steadily and havegreat plans.If you are computer savvy, have a great phone manner, sales experience, adaptable and willing to work hard please call Louise or email through your [email protected]

Auckland would get three tunnels across Waitematā Harbour - two for vehicles and one for light rail - under new plans revealed by the government today.Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, Transport Minister David Parker and Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni presented the ambitious plan, expected to cost up to $45 billion and built over decades, at North Shore's Bayswater Marina.The two road tunnels would be three lanes each, one-way, and go from the CBD to Akoranga - about five or six kilometres, twice as long as the Waterview Tunnel.The light rail tunnel would stretch 21km, going from Wynyard Quarter all the way north to Albany, winding through Takapuna and Belmont, stopping in six places."This is a bold plan for Auckland's future that delivers a modern transport network that will connect all parts of the city," Hipkins said."Reducing congestion requires improvements to both roading and public transport, giving the public choice. Under this proposal the network will become joined up, allowing Aucklanders to travel from the north to the south, east and west on public transport - freeing up room on the existing Harbour Bridge and in the new road tunnel for those who want to drive."A second harbour crossing is needed as soon as possible, and construction is planned to start by the end of this decade and why we are proposing a phased approach, ensuring additional capacity is achieved after each stage."Hipkins said the recent closures of the existing bridge due to weather-related issues "illustrate the city's vulnerability to interruptions"."These new tunnels future-proof the city's transport network by reducing reliance on the Harbour Bridge while creating fast new options for getting in and out of the city."The existing Harbour Bridge. Photo: 123rfSome lanes on the existing Harbour Bridge would be set aside for buses and cycling/walking. Four lanes would be kept for typical traffic. An elevated walking path to keep pedestrians and cyclists apart is also being considered.Construction was expected to begin in 2029, starting with the road tunnels.A range of ways to fund it were being considered, including targeted levies on properties that stood to gain in value and congestion charges."We could afford the Harbour Bridge in 1959, when Auckland's population was only 430,000, so we can afford a second crossing that will modernise transport for the city's residents and the millions of people who visit every year," Hipkins said.Allocated bus lanes on the existing bridge and directing more traffic to the tunnels would allow the Northern Busway to extend into the CBD, Parker said."Without it the northern motorway and the bridge would already be completely clogged at peak times.""The twin-tunnel connection would allow the busway to be extended across dedicated lanes on the Harbour Bridge into the CBD. This is essential to maximising the value of other important investments such as City Rail Link currently under construction."Waka Kotahi estimated public transport travel times from Takapuna into the city would be improved by 20 percent under this plan, and from Albany to the CBD by 21 percent. By 2051 it would increase public transport harbour crossings by 275 percent.As well as the tunnels and lane reprioritisations, the project would include raising State Highway 1 on the North Shore to reduce flooding risk.The government's pick was the most ambitious of a range of options looked at by Waka Kotahi."Waka Kotahi will also report back to Cabinet next year with a detailed plan for how the elements of the cross harbour plans can be phased and funded," Parker said."With a project of this scale we will need to keep an open mind to funding options. We are seeking advice from Waka Kotahi on this."A map showing Waka Kotahi's preferred option for light rail. Photo: Waka Kotahi / SuppliedIndicative costs:Road tunnels: $12-15 billionSH1 improvements: $1.0-1.5 billionNorthern Busway upgrades: $0.5 billionWalking and cycling improvements: $0.5 billionLight rail tunnel (CBD to North Shore): $8.5-11 billionLight rail tunnel (North Shore to Albany): $12.5-16 billionOverall cost: $35-45 billionNational Party transport spokesperson Simeon Brown called it a "desperate announcement" that doubled the cost of existing light rail plans."Labour promised light rail to Mt Roskill by 2021 but has yet to deliver a single metre of track, even after spending more than $140 million on consultants."After six years of reports, promises, studies, consultations and announcements, Labour admitted this week it hasn't even finished a business case for light rail to the airport. Transport Minister David Parker has no idea which route it will take."Aucklanders cannot ride on your ghost train, Mr Parker."He said it left a "$60 billion hole" in Labour's costings. But he did not rule out keeping the new tunnel plans."When in government, National will look closely at the proposed tunnels across the Waitematā Harbour, as a second harbour crossing is a critical part of Auckland's future."The Green Party has called the plan bonkers.Co-leader James Shaw said the government seemed to have a tendency to choose the most expensive and over-engineered plans possible."I don't think that six lanes of traffic are going to solve Auckland's congestion problem. Frankly, during a climate crisis it's a bit bonkers to be building more roads and inducing more traffic and more car dependency."Shaw said at the very least, the light rail tunnel should be built first to reduce congestion, and indicate what roading demand there is.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 7th August - Cloudy periods with isolated showers. Areas of morning fog. Light winds and afternoon westerlies.Tuesday 8th August - Showers, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northwesterlies, turning southwesterly in the morning.Wednesday 9th August - Fine. Westerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Thursday 10th August - Fine, then a few showers developing. Fresh southwesterlies, easing.Friday 11th August - A few showers, clearing to partly cloudy weather. Westerlies.Saturday 12th August - Cloudy, with showers developing. Northwesterlies.Sunday 13th August - A few showers. Northwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 7th August - Mostly cloudy. A few showers. Light winds.Tuesday 8th August - Showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Westerlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 9th August - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the afternoon. Westerlies.Thursday 10th August - Fine. Westerlies, easing.Friday 11th August - Fine. Westerlies.Saturday 12th August - Partly cloudy with northwesterlies.Sunday 13th August - Showers. Northwesterlies.

Council services and payments for Warkworth have moved.

WANTEDHave you seen Dariush Talagi?Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton:Police are asking for the public's help to locate Dariush Talagi, 24, who we believe can assist us in our investigation following a homicide on Queen Street around 11:30pm on Thursday 3 August.“Talagi has a warrant for his arrest and is considered dangerous”, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says.He is 24-year-old and has distinctive facial tattoos.While there's no risk to the wider public, it's important that we locate him."Our message to Dariush would be to hand himself in, or for anyone who sees him to call us immediately."Anyone who sees Talagi, or has knowledge of his location, should call Police on 111 and reference the file number 230804/3399.Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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, 11 August 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, 8 AugustSilverdale southbound on-ramp, 8 AugustConstellation Drive southbound off-ramp, 8-9 AugustConstellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 6-7 AugustConstellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 8-9 AugustConstellation Drive northbound off-ramp, 6-7 AugustOnewa Road northbound off-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 7 AugustCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 7 AugustSH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 7 AugustSH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 8-9 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 8-9 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10.00pm to 5.00am)SH16 westbound (Port) to SH16 westbound link, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound (Port) to SH1 northbound link, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 7 AugustSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Greenlane off-ramp and Symonds Street on-ramp, 8-9 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 8-9 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenlane northbound on-ramp, 8-9 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 10 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 10 AugustSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 10 AugustMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 10 AugustSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 6-9 AugustTakanini southbound on-ramp, 6-9 AugustSouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 10 AugustPapakura southbound on-ramp, 4-12 August (24/7)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 7-10 AugustPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 7-10 AugustPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 7-10 AugustDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 7-10 AugustSouthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustSouthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 6-7 AugustNorthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 6-7 AugustSouthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 9 AugustHampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 9 AugustNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 9 AugustSouthbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 9 AugustHobsonville Road southbound on-ramp, 9 AugustRoyal Road southbound on-ramp, 9 AugustLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 6 AugustLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 7-8 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 7-8 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road westbound off-ramp, 7 AugustUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Paul Mathews Drive westbound on-ramp, 6-7 AugustSH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 9 August

The Taurikura Initiative is a 12-week sustainability programme which launched earlier this year for leading tourism and hospitality operators in Auckland. The second round of the programme kicked off this week, with eight out of the 15 participants coming from Matakana Coast. There was a celebratory event held on Tuesday (1 August) at GridAKL where the first and second programme cohorts came together to recognise the successes of the first group. Please see below and attached for the media release about the Taurikura Initiative, as well as an image of the participants of the second cohort from Matakana Coast at the celebratory event.  Back row (from left to right)Anna Didsbury (Brick Bay Sculpture Trail & Restaurant), Brendan Coghlan (Matakana Country Park), Michael Harrowell (Charlies Gelato), Dan Paine (Matakana Cinemas and Village), Gregg Anderson (Matakana Coast Tourism)Front row (from left to right)Tine Roland Funderud (Goat Island Glass Bottom Boats), Jo Austin (Skydive Auckland), Philippa Potaka (Village Picnic), Sarah (Sheepworld), Ceillhe Sperath (TIME Unlimited)Missing from the photo but who is part of this second cohort is Ross Braisby (Sculptureum & Rothko Restaurant)MEDIA RELEASE 1 August 2023 Paving the way for sustainable tourismFirst cohort of visitor economy businesses complete new sustainability programmeFifteen leading tourism and hospitality businesses from Waiheke Island and Aotea Great Barrier Island are celebrating their completion of the Taurikura Initiative, a capability building programme designed to support visitor economy businesses to accelerate their sustainability journey. The Taurikura Initiative is a free, 12-week course for visitor economy businesses across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland wanting to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead the charge in their sustainability approach and create positive change. It offers personalised one-on-one support, collaborative workshops, community building and assistance in the creation of sustainability action plans. The programme is being delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s economic and cultural agency, in partnership with Tourism Industry Aotearoa, which represents all sectors of the industry in Aotearoa to enable the best tourism experiences possible. Funding for the programme was allocated through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Tourism Communities: Support Recovery and Re-Set Plan. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Head of Visitor Economy Annie Dundas says, “Like all sectors, the visitor economy must consider the impacts it has on the environment, local communities and natural resources. In addition, visitor expectations are changing with growing demand for environmentally sustainable and community-focused tourism options. We also know that employees are attracted to working for businesses whose values align with theirs. It’s clear that every visitor economy operator has a crucial role to play in creating an authentically sustainable industry in both Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa.” “To reduce the visitor economy's carbon footprint, mitigate the effects of climate change and meet evolving visitor demands, businesses need practical tools to drive change. The Taurikura Initiative provides a framework to create positive change for the environment, communities, industry and individual businesses through problem solving, planned action and strategic decision-making. This programme is so important for the recovery and the long-term viability of our visitor economy sector,” says Annie Dundas.The Taurikura Initiative is built on the Tourism Industry Aotearoa Tourism Sustainability Commitment to look holistically at sustainability. Tourism Industry Aotearoa has successfully run similar programmes across Aotearoa since 2021. Rebecca Ingram, CEO of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, says assisting businesses to move to a better future state is one of the organisation’s most satisfying roles. “We are thrilled with the progress of operators in this first cohort. Not only have they made substantial changes in their own business, but they are taking the lead on sustainability initiatives in their own communities. This is where we see real change for the environment and in our society,” says Rebecca Ingram.The definition of the te reo word Taurikura is ‘thriving, prosperous and at peace’. “This evokes the type of approach we are taking with the programme – to be ever evolving and to find balance between the environment and the visitor economy, where all elements thrive and prosper. It creates an aspiration for the programme as well as being a name,” says Annie Dundas.Waiheke Island and Aotea Great Barrier Island businesses began the 12-week programme in late March and completed it on 12 June. The next cohort begins on 1 August and runs through to 23 October with operators from Rodney and central city.Feedback from participants is very positive. After completing the programme, Waiheke Island’s Ananda Tours, which offers premium food and wine experiences, achieved Qualmark Gold, having been Silver for several years. “Although I felt strongly about the need to drive a more sustainable business, I struggled with dedicating the time to really focus on making changes and finding out where to start. The programme was helpful as it showed some simple steps and small changes we could make to minimise our impact straight away, while making a start on bigger goals to work towards in the future,” says owner Brooke Robinson. Since taking part in the initiative, tourism operators on Aotea Great Barrier Island have begun working on a plan to phase out single use cups, which will reduce a significant amount of waste that needs to be taken off the island. They are now working with hospitality outlets on a suitable alternative to single use cups, a movement which has been successfully implemented in Wanaka. The Taurikura Initiative follows the release of two key strategies by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – the Destination AKL 2025 strategy, which provides a unifying vision for Auckland’s visitor economy, and the Destination AKL Recovery Plan, which presents a unified response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both put sustainability front and centre, identifying the need for baseline data around emissions and sustainability. “Destination AKL 2025 articulates the need for destination management and the importance of planning to manage the impact of Auckland’s visitor economy. To this end, we are working with local boards and the visitor economy to develop localised destination management plans for sub-regions across Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Annie Dundas. A celebration to mark the first cohort’s completion of the Taurikura Initiative will be held on 1 August.

Friday 4th AugustMahurangi College - Art In AugustLeigh Sawmill Happy Hour FridayLive Music @ Matakana Village PubFiji Fridays @ Smiths Live Bands Every Friday Night at the Warkworth RSABarrelworks Karaoke NightSaturday 5th AugustMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketEstuary Cafe & Bar Presents Family Fun Day at the Omaha Community & Golf Club ClubMahu Express - Bus to the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ | Round of 16Mixed Messages Saturday @ SmithsSunday 6th AugustResilient Living - Pruning & Grafting workshopSunday Service @ Smiths

Warkworth RegionFriday 4th August - Mainly fine with areas of early morning frost and isolated showers, clearing by evening. Southwesterlies, fresh for a time this afternoon.Saturday 5th August - Mainly fine. Southerlies, turning easterly in the afternoon.Sunday 6th August - Fine. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 4th August - Partly cloudy. Chance shower late morning and afternoon. Southwesterlies.Saturday 5th August - Cloud clearing and becoming fine. Southerlies, turning easterly in the afternoon.Sunday 6th August - Mainly fine. Southerlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.

Craig McCulloch, Deputy Political EditorNational has accused Labour of "shameful, mean and spiteful" politics after the government party blocked efforts to make paid parental leave more flexible.A bill proposed by National's deputy Nicola Willis was voted down by Labour at its first reading in Parliament on Wednesday. All other parties supported it.The legislation would have allowed parents to share their leave entitlement meaning they could take some time off together.In an impassioned and scathing speech in Parliament, Willis said Labour's position had "insulted every parent in New Zealand"."Labour has cast aside their values as they become desperate about the upcoming election. What they really wanted to do today was deny National a win. The sad thing is it's not about National. They're denying parents a win."What a shameful day."Willis told MPs she was shocked that Labour had expressed such "patronising political views"."I have birthed four children, and I find it insulting for members opposite to say it is wrong for men, for fathers, for lesbian partners to say, 'Well, actually, we think it's best in our family that we take paid parental leave at the same time'."Labour backbenchers were left in the debating chamber to explain the party's opposition, arguing the legislation might not be in the best interest of babies."The mother might feel compelled to get back to work earlier," list MP Dan Rosewarne warned."The greatest gift we can ever give a child is time," Tukituki MP Anna Lorck said."They need at least that 26 weeks of one-on-one intensive care," Whangārei MP Emily Henderson said. "Let's have more ambition for our children and our families."Labour's Hamilton East MP Jamie Strange - who was retiring at the election - struck a different tone, saying he personally would like the next government to revisit the idea."I think it's an issue that is worthy of working with officials on and actively looking into... so I do hope that in the next term of Parliament, that this is actively looked at."Speaking to reporters after the debate, National leader Christopher Luxon said his party was on the side of parents."This is not a political bill at all. This is a common-sense bill... what we got from the Labour Party was mean and spiteful."Willis told reporters Labour's position seemed to be that those who gave birth should stay at home for longer."That is a sentiment that belongs in the 1950s because actually parents are best placed to choose what is best for them and their families," Willis said.Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he was not ruling out making other changes to paid parental leave, but ultimately disagreed with National's approach.This story was originally published by RNZ

Snow has closed roads in the south and strong wind forced speed restrictions on the Auckland Harbour Bridge as severe weather sweeps the country.West to southwest winds in Auckland could approach severe gale in exposed places, MetService said.Reduced speed limits are in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and Waka Kotahi said lane reductions might be required.The agency advised motorists to take extra care, with high-sided vehicles and motorcycles most at risk.Roads are closed and severe weather warnings are in place elsewhere in the country as a strong northwest flow covers central and southern New Zealand.MetService issued orange strong wind warnings from Wellington and Wairarapa to as far south as Dunedin and Clutha, while watches are in place for Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.Snow in the South Island closed Arthur's Pass (SH73) Lindis Pass (SH8) and the SH7 Hanmer Springs turnoff to Springs Junction.Arthur's Pass (SH73) early on Wednesday morning. Photo: Waka KotahiState Highway 94 to Milford Sound has been closed since Sunday but Waka Kotahi said it may reopen on Wednesday morning after avalanche-control work.In the North, the Desert Road and the Remutaka Hill Road are under road snowfall warnings.This article was originally published by RNZ

The General Election is coming up in October, and your enrolment update pack is on its way. Check it to make sure you're enrolled and ready to vote. Find out more or update your details at vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56 for more information.https://vote.nz/Enrol online nowFind your electorate

Have your sayAuckland Transport (AT) are proposing a wide range of speed limit changes to all of the Auckland districts, including the Rodney district.For example here are some of the main rural roads with proposed changes from Warkworth to MangawhaiAT is seeking public feedback(External link)  on the draft Katoa, Ka Ora: Auckland speed management plan 2024-27.For a full list of proposed changes:https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/kko/maps/katoa-ka-ora-interactive-map-of-proposed-changesPUBLIC FEEDBACK IS OPEN UNTIL 28TH AUGUSTPLEASE GO HERE TO LEAVE YOUR FEEDBACK