Friday 9th JuneKids Disco night in KaiwakaLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourFiji Fridays @ SmithsLive Music Friday Nights @ Matakana Barnyard BoogieVillage PubRSA Warkworth - McSweeney Bros & Marian BurnsSaturday 10th JuneMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketMixed Messages Saturdays @ SmithsBarnyard Boogie with Silent Auction🎵 💃🏼 Check out Leigh Sawmill Cafe for regular live music nights, food and accomodation 🎵 💃🏼Sunday 11th JuneTakatu Landcare Planting DayLeys Orchestra Family ConcertSunday Service @ SmithsBarnyard Boogie with Silent Auction

Warkworth RegionFriday 9th June - Fine. The odd shower for Great Barrier Island until evening. Southeasterlies.Saturday 10th June - Partly cloudy. Chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies.Sunday 11th June - Fine. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 9th June - Partly cloudy. Chance of a morning or afternoon shower. Southeasterlies from late morning.Saturday 10th June - Fine. Southerlies.Sunday 11th June - Fine. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.

Work on Whangārei's $20 million Okara Marina is expected to start in June with more than half a million dollars needed to buy one of its most expensive berths.The first physical work starting next month, will see the start of dredging 130,000 cubic metres of harbour floor at the marina site on Whangārei's Port Road, in the area between the Te Matau a Pohe bascule bridge over the Hātea River, and south towards Limeburners Creek.The 115-berth Whangārei Harbour marina is expected to open in January 2025 with construction starting in August 2024.Okara Marina will cover an area equal to about 56 rugby fields when finished. That will be made up of about 6.5 rugby fields (4550 square metres) of reclaimed land, with the equivalent of another about 50 rugby fields (35,000 sq m) for the marina berths and fairways.Whangārei Marina assistant manager Sharron Beck said the work would start with dredging a path to the south-east corner of the reclamation site.The new marina's berths will be from 10m to 35m long for monohulls and catamarans. Berth prices are outlined on the new marina's website, but only for those with up to a $585,000 price tag - for an 18-metre long catamaran berth. A 20 metre monohull berth will sell for $490,000. Prices for berths beyond these sizes are by negotiation.Beck said Whangārei Harbour Marina Management Trust was selling some of the Okara Marina berths but holding on to a significant percentage to rent out.Okara Marina was first considered in 2017 and will have taken eight years to come to fruition by the time it is open. The marina will have berths for an increasing number of yachts and other boats coming to Whangārei from around New Zealand and overseas.Whangārei's increasingly popular Town Basin is a drawcard for overseas yachties. Photo: LDR / NZMEIt will see an almost 30 percent increase in the total number of Whangārei Harbour Marina Management Trust-run berths to 415, making it the biggest marina provider in the North - but only just. Ōpua's Bay of Islands Marina has 400 berths in a single site.The trust already runs Whangārei District Council (WDC)'s Town Basin Marina with 200 berths and Kissing Point Marina with 100 moorings.Beck said overseas yachties made up more than half the trust's Town Basin marina users, with about 120 boats arriving each season. That number was expected to increase."We're struggling to fit all the vessels in the Town Basin," Beck said.Flags at the Town Basin. Photo: LDR / Northern Advocate / Tania WhyteOverseas yachties come to Whangārei to escape the tropical cyclone season from about November to April.Beck said Okara Marina would also cater to the ever-increasing demand for marine servicing such as refits for boats coming from around New Zealand.Whangārei Harbour Marina Management Trust chair Noel Douglas said the charitable trust puts the money raised from its operations back into water-based activity groups - such as waka ama, Shackleton's Sea Scouts and Whangārei rowing club - on Whangārei Harbour and surrounds.He said the new marina's start was a great step forward on something that had been years in the making.Douglas said it would contribute significantly to the economy of Whangārei, the North and beyond.Okara Marina is being built with a $5m WDC loan, to be repaid over time.Building Okara Marina will mean the removal of a hectare of mangroves skirting the Port Road seashore between Te Matau a Pohe and the boatshed.This story was first published on RNZ

Yes, we are hiring!Part time sales positionThe Matakana App is looking for a sales super star! For roughly 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 of 4 running The Matakana 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]

Primary teachers have voted to accept the latest Ministry of Education collective agreement offer.NZEI Te Riu Roa said the offer was the fourth put to teachers.It followed a long negotiation campaign which included the largest education strike in this country's history.A teachers' protest march in Auckland on 20 March. Photo: RNZ / Jordan DunnThe settlement includes a six percent pay increase in July, with two further increases in July and December 2024.A lump sum payment of $3000 would be made in July, plus an additional $1500 for union members.Classroom release times will increase from 10 to 25 hours per term and mileage allowances are to go up.NZEI Te Riu Roa president Mark Potter said the more than doubling of classroom release time was the biggest win and the first increase since 2005."The work demands on teachers have skyrocketed in the last couple of decades and this means teachers will have more time to plan, assess and do individual work with students."The settlement also includes "significant" increases in Māori Immersion Teacher Allowance, the introduction of the Pasifika Bilingual Immersion Teaching Allowance, a rise in the reliever pay cap, and provisional to full certification costs paid for beginning teachers.Potter said moving the cap on reliever teacher pay rates was a step toward paying experienced relief teachers fairly, and should make it easier for schools to find relievers.Paeone Goonan, a resource teacher of learning and behaviour based at Ōpōtiki College and a member of the negotiating team, said the introduction of the cultural leadership allowances and the increase to the Māori Immersion Teaching Allowance were "historic improvements"."They acknowledge the skills and expertise of those kaiako and their culture and will compensate those teachers who are doing the mahi anyway, such as assisting with the new Aotearoa histories curriculum or teaching kapa haka."Last week, primary teachers called off strike action as they awaited the revised government offer.Primary teachers have previously told RNZ they were striking for the children.Newtown Primary School deputy principal Leanne Whitfield said previous offers from the ministry were not good enough."The pay jolt we got a few years ago has mostly disappeared through inflation, but actually the impact on teachers through dealing with a very wide range of needs in our classrooms is a much greater problem at the moment."She said people would be shocked if they knew how under-resourced schools were.Teacher Mary Bluck previously said a pay rise was not the most important issue for her."It's about work conditions, smaller class sizes and greater support for our students," she said."I'm striking for our children. Our children at this point in the junior school have not had a normal school or education life due to Covid and so they have greater needs and we don't have the resources to support them in the way we'd like."This story was first published by RNZ

A message from MPIFreshwater gold clam (Corbicula fluminea)This freshwater mollusc (also known as Asian gold clam) was discovered along a stretch of the Waikato River in May 2023. Biosecurity New Zealand is working with iwi and other partners to decide future actions. Find out about the clam and how you can help us.Risk to NZ from the freshwater gold clamThe freshwater gold clam is native to eastern Asia and is widely established in North and South America and Europe.These clams reproduce rapidly and form large populations that can clog water-based infrastructure such as electric generation plants, irrigation systems, and water treatment plants. They are filter feeders that can potentially compete with native species for food. We do not yet know how this species will respond in New Zealand conditions.Overseas, this clam has proved difficult to control and eradication has never been achieved.🏄🏼‍♂️ Want to learn how to surf from the experts? Aotearoa Surf School at Mangawhai / Te Arai teach all ages, check out their website for classes and options 🏄🏼‍♀️Where the clams were foundThe first detection was made by ecologists at Bob's Landing near Lake Karāpiro. Clams have subsequently been found in surveyed areas along about 50km of the Waikato River from 1.5km upstream of Bob's Landing down to Hamilton.It is not known how the molluscs arrived in New Zealand and this will be part of ongoing investigations.What we're doing about the discovery of the clamsBiosecurity New Zealand is trying to determine how far the clams have spread and explore potential future actions.We're working with mana whenua, Waikato River Authority, Waikato Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand, and other organisations.Initial work will involve surveillance, including the use of targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) to understand how widely the freshwater gold clam is distributed in the river, and potentially, in other water bodies. This information will help us decide what actions to take.How to identify freshwater gold clamsThis clam is found in freshwater or in brackish water. It's able to survive a wide range of temperatures and salinities. They can be found within the water, sitting on top of sandy or muddy surfaces, or buried shallowly within them. You may see their shells partly exposed, or their syphons (their breathing tubes) sticking out from the sediment. They can also be found amongst debris, such as leaves, that may have settled on the riverbed. At Bob's Landing, juvenile shellfish and larvae have been found attached to rocks.Freshwater gold clams are prolific breeders, able to produce 400 juveniles a day and up to 70,000 juveniles a year.The adult clams are 2cm to 3cm in length and are typically dirty white, yellow, or tan. They have an obvious ribbed texture on the shell.Close up freshwater gold clams Photo: NIWAHow you can help usYou can help us build a picture of where this clam is present by reporting suspected sightings to Biosecurity New Zealand.If you think you've seen the freshwater gold clam:note the locationtake a photo if possible.You can then either:freephone Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66, orcomplete the online reporting form at report.mpi.govt.nz If you are using the online reporting form, you'll need to start by saying you are a member of the public, that you want to make a report about 'a marine or freshwater issue' and then select 'freshwater fish or crustacean' from the dropdown box that will appear. Then you will be taken through some further questions including contact information and asked to load your images.Example of how to complete the first 3 fields of the online reporting formThe image shows the Biosecurity New Zealand online reporting tool, with the first 3 fields filled in:(1) "I am a member of the public"(2) "wanting to make a report about a marine or freshwater issue"(3) "freshwater fish or crustaceans".Help stop the spreadIf you fish, boat or row in the Waikato River, this situation is a reminder to 'check, clean, dry' to help stop the possible spread of the freshwater gold clam.CHECK, CLEAN, DRYFollow these steps before moving to another location at the river, or to another river or lake.CheckRemove any visible matter, including any clams you can see, along with plant material or mud. Drain all river water.CleanDo a washdown of your gear and watercraft with tap-water onto grass, beside the waterway or at home and not into a stormwater drain system. This will flush off clam larvae, which can be too small to be seen.For gear made of absorbent materials, which will stay wet longer, apply a cleaning treatmentDryAllow gear to dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least 5 days.Dry areas inside the watercraft where water has pooled, for example with an old towel, and then leave the craft to dry for at least five days. The hull of a watercraft will dry when towed.For more information visit https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/pests-and-diseases-under-response/freshwater-gold-clam/

A message from Robert Jones – Project DirectorRamping up to Road OpeningThe moment we have all been waiting for is soon upon us.The Ara-Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will open before the end of June. The project started over six years ago, with the sod turning on 3 November 2016. It has been a long road with many unprecedented hurdles, but what a road it is. This new piece of infrastructure is magnificent, resilient and safe. I can’t wait for the community and travelling public to enjoy the benefits of the new road.Ahead of the road opening there are a few important things I would like to share around post opening construction works, motorway operation, and my departure from the project.After the new motorway opens to traffic, there will be ongoing work for a number of months to fully complete the project. This includes work on the Pūhoi on and off-ramps, slip repairs, seasonal planting/landscaping, and final clean up of works areas; including removal of machinery and equipment, and tidying up the land no longer required for the motorway operation and returning it to its original condition. The remaining work will largely take place away from the main motorway and have minimal or no impact on the road users.The most significant work that needs to take place is the Pūhoi on and off-ramp closures. These works can’t be completed until the motorway opens and are necessary to complete the construction of the ramps, which were opened in 2021 for temporary use so that the team could construct the new motorway and connect it to the existing Johnstones Hill Tunnels.Pūhoi southbound on-ramp The Pūhoi southbound on-ramp will close immediately after the new road opens, 24/7, for approximately four weeks.Pūhoi residents, residents south of Moir Hill Road, and southbound traffic from ‘old SH1’ will not be able to access the southbound on-ramp during the construction period and motorists travelling south from Pūhoi will be detoured via the free route on Hibiscus Coast Highway while we complete this work.Pūhoi northbound off-ramp The Pūhoi northbound off-ramp will close at night immediately after the new road opens, from 9pm to 5am daily, for approximately two weeks.Pūhoi residents and travelling public will not be able to exit at the northbound off-ramp during this time and will need to take the free route via Hibiscus Coast Highway, exiting SH1 from Grand Drive, Orewa.Some of the work on both ramps is highly weather dependent and can’t be done in the rain or if the ground temperature is too cold, which affects the laying of asphalt. As we are now approaching the winter months it is likely there will be nights where we can’t work. The team have allowed for some contingency, however if there is significant rain or cold weather during these dates, the work will need to be pushed out to the next fine night. To keep up to date with the closures, please check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before heading out https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/We fully appreciate this will be inconvenient especially for those living in these areas. We would like to thank the community for their patience, while we complete the last major step required to provide access to the new motorway and smoother ride for journeys to and from Pūhoi.I would also like to take this opportunity to say goodbye and adios. I joined the project back in April 2018 and at that time it was anticipated that I would be around for a couple of years, however, along came COVID-19. It is now time for me to hand over the reins to a successor – Mike Elliot, who will take over as Project Director to close out these final stages. I wish him all the best.So, please enjoy this new piece of infrastructure that has been a labour of love for me and the project team. We are proud of what has been achieved.Thank you all for your patience and interactions with us over the years. Nga mihiRobert Jones – Project DirectorFor more information, call the NX2 team on:24/7 Freephone: 0508 P2WK INFO (0508 7295 4636)Email: [email protected]: Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to WarkworthWeb: nx2group.com

Anna Sargent , ReporterSchool principals are backing the government's crackdown on youth vaping, but say more needs to be done to combat what they are calling a crisis.From August, all vapes sold will need removable or replaceable batteries - effectively banning disposable vapes.New vape shops cannot be set up within 300 metres of schools or marae.The government is also outlawing flavour names such as "strawberry jelly donut" to make them less attractive to children.Announcing the changes on Tuesday, Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall said too many teenagers were vaping and the restrictions would have a big impact on the number taking up the habit.Young people RNZ spoke to in central Christchurch were not so sure."I think young people will still be able to get them even with all of those measures ... vapes are at every dairy on every corner and you can order them online, it's all around us," one teenager said."I think teenagers will still find a way to get it, because it's teenagers and they always do, but hopefully they can stop little kids from getting hold of them," another said.The latest figures show youth vaping is increasing.A recent survey by ASH New Zealand found daily vaping among 13- to 14-year-olds had shot up by 209 percent.Meanwhile, Ministry of Health statistics showed the number of 15- to 17-year-olds who vaped every day had quadrupled in three years, from two percent in 2018-19 to eight percent in 2021-22.Principals Federation president Leanne Otene said it was not just a problem for high schools - intermediates across the country, including hers, were dealing with it every day and teachers were feeling powerless."It's definitely hard to police because it doesn't leave an odour, it can be done in corners and it's not something like smoking where it was easily detectable. There was some discussion about putting vaping detectors in schools but that's just not possible, it's just too expensive to do that."Otene said anything to make vaping less attractive to kids was a positive step."The mere fact that vaping comes in bubblegum and fruit flavours begs the question of who is this marketed to. The announcement today about flavour names is a real indication that the government realises vaping is directed at our young people in terms of its sale and purchase.--- If you haven't checked out Matakana Village yet hop to it; there is something for everyone - a quirky fun cinema, retail stores, wine bars and restaurants and farmers market on Saturdays ---"Vaping was originally a way to help people give up smoking, no one considered that our young people would take it up with such voracity," she said.Otene said vaping was particularly a problem for Māori youth."Statistics show a high percentage of Māori boys, 28 percent are vaping, and our Māori girls are at 39 percent, so it is a problem for Māori. If we can get it away from our marae, all the better."Jacqui Brown, principal of New Plymouth Girls' High School, said she was glad to see the phasing-out of cheap, disposable vapes."Removing access to disposable vapes is probably the strongest step because I think that helps prevent young people starting to vape. Financially they're more priced in that bracket that teenagers can get hold of that level of money," she said.Brown said she wanted to see more help for students who were addicted to vaping."One of the things we're finding are a small but significant number of students saying they're addicted and can't get through the day without vaping. Something I'd really like to see is more access to help them stop vaping."Cambridge Middle School principal Daryl Gibbs said the regulations were a "good start", and that a total ban, along the lines of Australia, could be looked at in the future."I mean everyone's pointing towards Australia ... and their changes to making it a prescription only. You know there is arguments for that, that will stop those that that need access for smoking cessation, from accessing it," he said.He said vaping started as a measure to support those who had an addiction to smoking, but has now become a huge problem among teenagers.Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall said the restrictions struck a balance between preventing young people from starting to vape, while still helping adults to quit smoking cigarettes.This story was originally published by RNZ

Thirty-nine New Zealand athletes are on Wednesday boarding a plane for Berlin to compete in the Special Olympics.For many of the competitors - who have intellectual disabilities - the quadrennial event is their first time away from their families, as they chase coveted gold medals and life experiences.Swimmer Jesse Williams was competing in his first games, although he was a veteran sportsman. He looked fit and lithe as he talked to RNZ beside a Palmerston North swimming pool before a training session.Previously a long-distance swimmer, he was entering the 25- and 50-metre freestyle events. He expected to swim the shorter distance in 16 seconds and the longer one in the 30s.To get there, coach Carla L'Huillier put him through his paces twice a week, and he trained outside of this - in the pool and in the gym.Jesse Williams' coach Carla L'Huillier says he has the ability to go fast. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy EllinghamIn swimming terms, the 37-year-old, who has Down syndrome, is a veteran."I've been swimming for 23 years now. It's good exercise. I get fit."He was definitely that and L'Huillier, travelling to Germany as the New Zealand team's swimming coach, rated his chances."He's one of our fastest guys. We've just got to keep him on track. He doesn't train very fast, but he races really well, which is one of the good things about him."Special Olympics were about more than sport, L'Huillier said."It's how much the athlete grows because they go away and they've really got no idea what it's going to be like, and suddenly they're in a stadium with 7000 other people."It's really cool. It's like the Olympics. You come in and you're waving and everyone's cheering for New Zealand."Ten-pin bowler Josh Ryan has experienced that before. These are the Palmerston North 41-year-old's fourth games.Berlin is Josh Ryan's fourth Special Olympics. He's part of the ten-pin bowling team. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham"It's the world Summer Games. In bowling, there are four people."After regular weekly practice at a local lane, he said his form was "really good".Three-a-side basketballer Hayden Wilson was a man of few words off the court, but on it he showed off the skills he had honed after months of hard work, including regular dribbling practice on his Palmerston North driveway.🍗 For a quick and tasty meal head to Butter Chicken BoxHayden Wilson's part of New Zealand's three-a-side basketball team. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy EllinghamThe athletes have each raised thousands to get to Berlin, and Wilson had spent hours manning sausage sizzles between training to get him there. Step-father Ron Smith said the experience helped Wilson come out of his shell."It's had a big impact on his life. It's given him confidence and the ability - because of his autism - to talk to strangers."I also believe that when he goes to Berlin, when he comes back he's going to be a really changed person."The Special Olympics opening ceremony, to be televised globally, is on Sunday, 19 June, New Zealand time.This story was first published by RNZ

Police are concerned for the welfare of missing Whangārei man Veon Smith, and are asking anyone who has seen him or knows where he is to get in touch.The 48-year-old was last seen on Sunday 4 June at his home, police said in a media release."Extensive searches" had been carried out, and his car was found on Sunday afternoon at Whangārei's Mair Park, but Smith had not been found.Police said both Smith's family and the officers involved had serious concerns for his well-being.Smith was described as slim and tall with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing trackpants and a checked shirt.Anyone who sees Smith or knows where he is was asked to call 111 immediately.Information could also be passed on anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting file 230604/1348.Veon Smith was last seen wearing trackpants and this check shirt. Photo: Supplied/ PoliceThis story was originally published by RNZ

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, 9 June 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Waiwera off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 7 JuneMillwater southbound on-ramp, 7 JuneOrewa southbound on-ramp, 7 June CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)None planned SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington on-ramp, 5-7 JunePrinces Street northbound on-ramp, 5-7 JuneHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 5-7 JuneEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 5-7 JuneTe Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 8 JuneSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 6-7 JuneTakanini southbound on-ramp, 6-7 JuneNorthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 5-7 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 8 JuneDrury/ SH22 southbound on-ramp, 8 JuneSouthbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road southbound off-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno On-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 7 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 7 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 8 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 8 June (approx. 8:00pm to 05:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Northbound lanes between Lincoln Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Roundabout, 8 June (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 8 June (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 5-8 JuneLincoln Road southbound off-ramp, 5-7 JuneNorthbound lanes between Rosebank Road off-ramp and Te Atatu on-ramp, 6-7 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Patiki Road northbound on-ramp, 6-7 JuneRosebank Road southbound on-ramp, 6-7 JuneGreat North Road westbound off-ramp, 8 JuneNewton Road westbound on-ramp, 8 June UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Albany Highway westbound on-ramp, 7 JuneWestbound lanes between Squadron Drive off-ramp and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 5 June (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Brigham Creek Road westbound on-ramp, 5 JuneSH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 5 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Maioro Street on-ramp, 5 June (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dominion Road northbound on-ramp, 5 JuneHillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 5 JuneNorthbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 6 June (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 6 JuneNeilson Street northbound off-ramp, 7-8 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 7-8 JuneSouthbound lanes between SH20/SH20A links and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 8 JuneSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 8 JuneNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 8 JunePuhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 8 JuneCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 8 JuneSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 8 June GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 6 JuneKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 6 JuneSH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 6 June

Warkworth RegionMonday 5th June - A few showers, some heavy. Westerlies, becoming southeasterly this afternoon.Tuesday 6th June - Cloudy with a few showers, clearing in the evening. Fresh southeasterlies.Wednesday 7th June - Fine. Fresh southeasterlies.Thursday 8th June - Fine, but becoming cloudy later. Fresh southeasterlies.Friday 9th June - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Fresh southerlies, easing.Saturday 10th June - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Southerlies.Sunday 11th June - A few showers with southwesterlies.🏠 Looking for an amazing real estate agent capable of selling your home in the current market? Look no further than Harcourts Cooper & Co Ltd 🏠Mangawhai RegionMonday 5th June - Showers, heavy at times. Thunderstorms with hail possible until midday. Westerlies turning southeasterly this afternoon.Tuesday 6th June - Periods of rain, possibly thundery from afternoon. Southeasterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 7th June - Occasional rain, clearing to partly cloudy in the morning. Fresh southeasterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 8th June - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing.Friday 9th June - A few showers. Southerlies easing.Saturday 10th June - Fine, then showers developing. Southwesterlies.Sunday 11th June - A few showers with southwesterlies.

The first major public housing development in Whangārei for decades has reached completion, with 37 new homes opened in the suburb of Maunu today.The project on Tapatahi Crescent and Puriri Park Road, consists of 15 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom, 8 four-bedroom and 3 five-bedroom homes, as well as a community room.People moved into the first five homes in mid-2022, and another dozen earlier this year, as the development was delivered in three stages.“The Maunu development is part of a number of major public housing developments that will make a huge impact on the affordability and quality of housing in Whangārei,” Minister of Housing Dr Megan Woods said.“We have rebuilt the public housing sector since the lost years under National. When it left office it had only added six public houses to Whangārei.This Government has already delivered 226, with plans for hundreds more.“This project is part of a build programme in Whangarei that also includes a number of significant housing developments underway in Tikipunga, Kamo, and a 95-home project in the Avenues. These are going to collectively add nearly 200 homes to the Kainga Ora Whangārei portfolio.The name Tapatahi Cres comes courtesy of local iwi Te Parawhau, who chose the name from the waiata Tū Tira Mai Ngā Iwi – “kia tapatahi, kia kotahi rā’”. Those words are about valuing unity, and also valuing diversity.“I can’t think of a better aspiration for a new community of public housing customers in this beautiful place,” Minister Woods said.“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of warm, dry, secure housing in driving good social outcomes. Being free of the illness that comes from living in a damp or overcrowded home, full health and employment means less time off school and work, less time going back and forth between doctors or the hospital.“The residents and schools of the area, the Whangārei community as a whole and inputs from key locals such Iwi and Whangārei District Council have all contributed to getting these new homes in place.”

By Brianna Mcilraith ofFor more than 70 years June's first public holiday was known as Queen's Birthday - but just because it has a new name, it doesn't mean the rules have changed.What is King's Birthday?Despite King Charles' birthday being in November, a public holiday on the first Monday of June every year commemorates the day, which is 5 June this year.This is because it is traditional for British monarchs who are not born in summer to celebrate twice. They get one celebration on their actual date of birth, and then an official one in the British summer, including the Trooping the Colour parade.The tradition was started by George II in 1748, who was also born in November. He tied his celebrations in with the Trooping the Colour because it was too cold for his own celebratory parade.King's Birthday was formerly known as Queen's Birthday until the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year.So what will be open on King's Birthday?By law, all shops must close for three-and-a-half days a year - Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and until 1pm on Anzac Day.There is no obligation for retailers and cafes to be closed this weekend, although they can if they wish.Big retailers and supermarkets will stay open, including malls, but some may be operating with shorter hours.A lot of big retailers also hold sales throughout the long weekend.Meanwhile, most council-run libraries, swimming pools and attractions will be closed on King's Birthday.If you are required to work on a public holiday you'll be paid time-and-a-half, and may get an alternative day off.But will I be charged a surcharge?Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford said public holidays were an expensive day to be a business and King's Birthday was no exception.Because of this, businesses such as cafes are entitled to charge extra on a public holiday when they have a justifiable reason to do so."These are big costs, and some businesses which are staff intensive will often surcharge so that they are not out of pocket when they open their doors on a public holiday," Harford said.Often businesses charge a surcharge on public holidays to cover their staff being paid extra.If a business does charge a surcharge, it must have clear signage or communicate this to customers before they pay.If customers believe they've been misled about a surcharge, they can complain to the Commerce Commission.Is anything else affected?Those receiving payments from Work and Income will get their money a little earlier this week thanks to the public holiday.If your pay day is a Tuesday, you'll instead be paid on Saturday, 3 June, as payments will not be processed on Monday.* This story originally appeared on Stuff. and then published by RNZ.

If you’re looking for something local to do this long weekend that isn’t going to break the bank, will entertain the kids, and won’t be too overcrowded.The Algies Bay Donkey Park at Highfield Garden is a little-known place that is free to the public to visit with no booking necessary.Located at 483 Mahurangi East Road, Algies Bay, just a few mins from Snells beach.You can feed donkeys and their foals and it’s awesome for children and adults alike.The donkeys are very friendly, and most will approach for pats and scratches.Come prepared with carrots, apples or green veggies as you are welcome to feed them. There are limits as to how much to feed each donkey.There is parking at the foot of the hill and more at the top, where you get an incredible panoramic view of the bays below for miles around.With picnic tables and lots of open space it’s a lovely spot to set up, enjoy lunch and make an afternoon of it.“Donkeys Inc” (formally, the Highfield Donkeys Incorporated Society) looks after the donkeys and their environment, with help from local volunteers and donations and in partnership with the Highfield Reserve Advisory Committee and Auckland Council.Highfield Reserve and the original donkeys were generously gifted to the people of New Zealand by Mrs Alison Roberts.There is a donation box positioned on the gate as you enter the park and donations are greatly appreciated for ongoing care of the donkeys.Or alternatively, You can sign up to be a memberMemberships are $10 per household per year.More information can be found on the sign as you enter the park or on their website.donkeys – SBRRA (snellsbeach.co.nz)Or on their facebook page Donkeys at Highfield | Facebook

The message remains the same - we urge every road user to drive carefully and stay patient on the roads this long weekend, and every other day of the year.Many Kiwis will be making the most of the King’s Birthday weekend and we want everyone travelling near or far to reach their destinations and back again safely.Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of National Road Policing Centre says Police will have an active and visible presence throughout our roading network to deter any risky behaviours that lead to deaths and further road trauma.“We all have a responsibility when it comes to road safety and as part of Police’s responsibility, I can’t stress enough to everyone the importance of driving carefully and staying patient and alert on our roads no matter what time of the year it is.“Our role is to prevent offending and enforce the law, so you can expect to see our frontline anywhere and at any time patrolling our roads.”Superintendent Greally said Police can’t be everywhere all the time, although would continue focusing on the four main behaviours that lead to death and serious injury on our roads.“People driving too fast for the conditions, driving while impaired by either alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, driving while distracted – including using a mobile phone – and not being properly restrained are all causes we see too often in our roads and continues to be a regular focus for our team throughout the country."In addition, Superintendent Greally encouraged people not to become complacent and to drive to the conditions as the weather can often present another complicating factor for drivers.“At this time of year, the weather is unpredictable and it’s generally worse than other times of the year. Please remember to check your speeds and to watch your following distances. When the weather is terrible you need space and time to react."If you see poor driving please call 111 or *555 and we will respond with urgency where we can.Issued by Police Media Centre

Auckland’s next bi-annual tsunami siren testing is happening at 12pm (midday) on Sunday 4 June.Testing the system ensures we can check it is working as expected. Located in a number of coastal locations, sirens make a combination of alert sounds and voice instructions advising what actions residents should take in a real emergency. During the test, no action is needed from the public.What does a siren test sound like?Voice instructions say, “Attention Please. This is a test of the Auckland Emergency Management tsunami siren network. The next sound you hear will be the standard emergency warning signal.”Siren tone sounds (5x “whoops”)Voice instructions say, “In the event of a siren activation, follow the instructions that accompany this signal. Thank you.”<Siren test ends>Check and listen to the siren sound sample on the Auckland Emergency Management website [.WAV].Where are tsunami warning sirens located in Auckland?Rodney: Point Wells, Whangateau, OmahaAlbany Ward:  Waiwera, Ōrewa, Hobsonville, Herald IslandWaitākere: Bethells / Te Henga, Piha North, Piha South, Karekare, Whatipu, Little Huia, Te Atatū South, Te Atatū Peninsula NorthDuring this test we will also be checking the performance of any sirens that have been subject to vandalism and thefts. The loss of sirens means the audible warnings for a tsunami threat at these locations are not functioning at full capacity.If you observe anyone tampering with sirens, please contact the Police immediately. Additionally, if you notice damaged or missing tsunami sirens, call us on 09 301 0101 or report via Auckland Council's report a problem tool.🚸--- Looking for before / after school / holiday care for your kids? Contact Julie at Matakids Club ---Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA)It is important to remember tsunami sirens are not present in all coastal areas in the Auckland region and are not the primary way we inform the public in a tsunami emergency.Auckland Emergency Management General Manager, Paul Amaral says in the event of an actual tsunami emergency, an Emergency Mobile Alert will be broadcast to all capable mobile phones.“As well as sending an Emergency Mobile Alert, we will also get the message out through broadcast on radio, television, news media and social media platforms.“We encourage people to share official messages with others to make sure the message gets out if needed.“However, if you are at the coast and feel an earthquake which is long or strong, or see other natural warning signs, evacuate immediately to higher ground without waiting for an official alert.”Remember: LONG or STRONG, GET GONE.If you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more, see a sudden rise or fall in sea level, hear loud or unusual noises from the sea, don’t wait for an official warning. Go immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, taking the route quickest for you.What will happen if there is a tsunami and I need to evacuate?Tsunami testing time is a great reminder to check out whether you live, work, or play in one of Auckland’s three tsunami evacuation zones. Check the Auckland hazard viewer map. We are updating these evacuation maps this year so remember to check back regularly to see if your zone has changed from the previous year.If you are required to evacuate, you should always follow the instructions of the emergency services. You will need to evacuate to higher ground or as far inland as possible, to an area not covered by evacuation zones. If you are not in an evacuation zone, you do not need to evacuate.Create an emergency plan for your home and whānau and practice it so everyone knows what to do in an emergency and what you need to take if you are evacuating.Stay informed and preparedDownload The Red Cross Hazards App for free from your mobile app store. The app is a useful tool to help you through emergencies and receive disaster alerts for your selected area.Check the tsunami preparedness tips and what to do before, during and after a tsunami.Make a household emergency plan.Follow AEM’s official Facebook and Twitter channels to stay updated.For more information, visit Auckland Emergency Management website.Please note: this siren testing differs from the National Emergency Management Agency’s annual mobile alert test that was held on Sunday 28 May.

Lots on this long weekend so get out there and have fun!Friday 2nd JuneLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourLive Music Friday Nights @ Matakana Village PubFiji Fridays @ SmithsWhat's on this month at the Warkworth RSA🎈🥳 Throwing a party and need help? Carlton Party Hire Warkworth can take care of it for you!Saturday 3rd JuneMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketHuge Pop & Rock Vinyl Record SaleA Day in Southeast Asia - Day RetreatBarnyard Boogie with Silent AuctionPop Up Dinner Series - Amaranto x Brewed AsMixed Messages Saturdays @ SmithsSunday 4th JuneMatakana Country Park Market - King's Birthday Weekend - Last until October!Barnyard Boogie with Silent AuctionPop Up Dinner Series - Amaranto x Brewed AsMovie screening "For the Blue" & Clothes SwapKings Birthday Weekend Live Music @ Matakana EstateSunday Service @ SmithsMonday 5th JuneBarnyard Boogie with Silent Auction

The husband of the woman injured after her quad bike slipped 50 metres down a bank in Auckland's Rodney District is thanking the emergency services who helped save his family.Paula McLean was riding her quad bike with her three children on Ashton Road in Whangateau on Saturday.The bike slid down a bank and she had to be airlifted out by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.Two of her children, Jasmine and Delilah, were taken to Starship Hospital but have since been discharged.Her third child suffered only minor injuries.John McLean is extending his gratitude to Fire and Emergency, police and St John ambulance, as well as a digger driver and the Westpac helicopter crew for their quick response."I am blown away by the support we've received," he said."The road ahead is uncertain, but the number of people in our local community who have dropped everything to support us during this traumatic time, has been incredible."He said a local family has gone above and beyond since the accident and "their love, generosity and support means the world".McLean said he was now "100 percent focused on the recovery and healing" of his wife and daughters.A Givealittle page has been set up to help with living costs as Paula McLean recovers.Other residents of Ashton Road said the road was in a bad state and many of the houses were inaccessible by car.They said they have been complaining to Auckland Transport for more than a year.Auckland Transport has been approached for comment.A section of Ashton Road, Whangateau, in the Rodney District in Auckland. Photo: Google MapsThis story was first published by RNZ.