We plan to build three new raised platforms to reinforce the recent speed limit changes in the Waipu Cove area. A traffic speed survey has confirmed that more than 90% of drivers are not complying with the new speed limits in this area. Raised platforms will not only lower the speed of cars but also improve pedestrian connectivity and safety when crossing this busy road. The new raised crossings will connect local walkways and the existing footpath near the Cove Restaurant.Stop / go traffic control will be in place during the construction work which is expected to be undertaken later in 2023.History of the project2017 – Community requested a pedestrian crossing at Waipu Cove and measures to reduce speed and increase pedestrian safety.2019 – Community requested a pedestrian crossing at Waipu Cove be added to the Long-Term Plan.2020 – Project was added to the 2021-24 Long Term Plan and was consulted on with the community and then voted on by Council.April 2023 – Concerns were raised about the need for the works to go ahead. Council voted again on the project in May 2023 and confirmed that the project is to go ahead.Scope for FeedbackSome decisions about this project are flexible and can be changed, while others have already been made and cannot be changed. Can changeThe position of the pedestrian crossing has been discussed with the owners on either side of the road. We have a preferred location, but it could be shifted depending on the feedback we receive. The location of the raised tables either side of the pedestrian crossing could change slightly.The extent of the car parking on the sides of the road.The layout of the car park beside the beach.DecidedThe construction of a pedestrian crossing at Waipu Cove. The need for the pedestrian crossing to be on a raised table - this is a safety design requirement. Traffic speed has to be 30-40 km/h in advance of a crossing. For more information To give feedbackPlease email us by Monday 10 July 2023.Email:  [email protected] 

After a long closure, Mangawhai Toy Library are very excited and grateful to have obtained a grant from Mangawhai Opportunity Factory and have secured a cabin to be placed on site. They wish to thank Mangawhai Engineering and Marine Ltd for organising this.They are looking for volunteers to help with a few things before they can be completely operational again.Arborist to remove 1x palm tree (before 17 July)A ranch slider or sliding doorSomeone to install a ranch slider Electrician to install a PowerPoint and light (cabin is currently frame only, unlined).Bats or wall insulationGIBAnyone that would like to be part of the Toy Library committee. Please contact them directly 020 4196 [email protected]://www.facebook.com/MangawhaiToyLibrary They wish to thank everyone who has helped out so far. It’s going to be a real asset to have this up and running in our community again.

From 21 May, Auckland’s buses will welcome large dogs with leads and approved muzzles on board.This follows the (p)awesome success of the first Pets on Buses trial – smaller pets in carriers. Small domestic pets in approved carriers are now allowed on Auckland Transport (AT) buses permanently.Larger dogs that do not fit in approved carriers can start travelling on Auckland buses from 21 May. Initially, this will be for an eight week trial. AT will consider making the change permanent if the trial is successful.Councillor Josephine Bartley is excited that Auckland is becoming a more pet-friendly city.🐾 For all your doggie outfit needs head to Mr Soft Top 🐶“Changes like this make catching public transport an option for more people."I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of Dr Cathy Casey for pushing for changes like this over her many years as a Councillor.“I’m definitely looking forward to taking my dog Milo on the bus soon,” says Councillor Bartley.Councillor Bartley and MiloAT’s Improvement Delivery Lead, Luke Clarke, says the enthusiastic response to pets on buses shows that Aucklanders want more options when travelling.“This trial reflects our commitment to make public transport easier and more accessible for all Aucklanders.“We’re excited to see larger four-legged passengers joining their owners on our buses,” says Mr Clarke.Currently large dogs are allowed on Auckland trains and ferries with an approved muzzle and lead. Small domestic pets are permitted on trains, buses and ferries when enclosed in an approved carrier.AT’s Improvement Delivery Lead, Luke Clarke, says the enthusiastic response to pets on buses shows that Aucklanders want more options when travelling.“This trial reflects our commitment to make public transport easier and more accessible for all Aucklanders.“We’re excited to see larger four-legged passengers joining their owners on our buses,” says Mr Clarke.Currently large dogs are allowed on Auckland trains and ferries with an approved muzzle and lead. Small domestic pets are permitted on trains, buses and ferries when enclosed in an approved carrier.

Science teachers are shocked that an advance version of the draft school science curriculum contains no mention of physics, chemistry or biology.The so-called "fast draft" said science would be taught through four contexts - the Earth system, biodiversity, food, energy and water, and infectious diseases.It was sent to just a few teachers for their feedback ahead of its release for consultation next month, but some were so worried by the content they leaked it to their peers.Teachers who had seen the document told RNZ they had grave concerns about it. It was embarrassing, and would lead to "appalling" declines in student achievement, they said.One said the focus on four specific topics was likely to leave pupils bored with science by the time they reached secondary school.But another teacher told RNZ the document presented a "massive challenge" to teachers and the critics were over-reacting."It's the difference from what's existed before and the lack of content is what's scaring people. It's fear of the unknown," he said.Association of Science Educators president Doug Walker said he was shocked when he saw a copy.Doug Walker. Photo: Supplied / Prime Minister's Science Prizes"Certainly in its current state I would be extremely concerned with that being our guiding document as educators in Aotearoa. The lack of physics, chemistry, Earth and space science, I was very surprised by that," he said.New Zealand Institute of Physics education council chairman David Housden said physics teachers were not happy either."We were shocked. I think that physics and chemistry are fundamental sciences and we would expect to find a broad curriculum with elements of it from space all the way down to tiny particles," he said.Institute president Joachim Brand said he was worried teenagers would finish school without learning fundamental knowledge about things like energy and matter.He warned the draft was heavy on philosophy and light on actual science."There is too little science content. Science needs to be learned by actually doing it to some degree. You need to be exposed to the ideas of how maybe atoms work, how electricity works, how electric forces and if that is not specified and you're only given these broad contexts, then I'm really worried there will be huge gaps," he said.Brand said if the draft went ahead, fewer students would specialise in science and universities might find themselves forced to teach basic science to new students.Secondary Chemistry Educators New Zealand co-chairperson Murray Thompson said after he read the document he was left asking where the science was."The stuff in there is really interesting, but we have to teach basic science first. Where's the physics and chemistry and why can't we find words like force and motion and elements and particles, why aren't those words in there?"It's the same mistake that they made with maths and literacy. They said 'here's the system, here's the way' and the maths was all about problem-solving and written problems and all that stuff without the basic skills," Thompson said.Michael Johnston from the New Zealand Initiative blew the whistle on the draft document after it was leaked to him.He said if the curriculum did not change a lot would depend on the content of the achievement standards used to assess students for the NCEA qualification."It would be a very strange situation where the standards for NCEA didn't reflect the curriculum but if they did still have those key concepts, then those key concepts would obviously be taught. The assessment system will trump the curriculum every time if there's some kind of conflict," he said.Walker said schools could still teach physics and chemistry if the draft became final, but it should not be left to chance."The problem is that some educators would look at the document and say, 'Okay, I can do this, this and this' and you might plan your course around that, but then not do justice to all of these other really important areas," he said.🚸 For after school and school holiday programs contact Matakids Club 👭Holistic approachBut one of the curriculum writers, director of the Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research at the University of Waikato Cathy Buntting, rubbished suggestions key areas physics and chemistry would not be taught."Absolutely not. But they will be teaching the chemistry and the physics that you need to engage with - the big issues of our time - and in order to engage with the excitement of science and the possibilities that science offers," she said.However, Buntting said the document was intended to encourage change."What we are pushing towards with the current fast draft is more of a holistic approach to how the different science concepts interact with each other rather than a purist, siloed approach."Buntting said the draft was very high-level, as were curriculum documents for other subjects but it was clear it needed more clarity about where teachers should expect to teach various science concepts.The Ministry of Education said it was still finalising the draft document."We are currently in the process of completing the draft science content based on feedback from fast testing, as well as being guided by national and international research such as PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)."We will then go out for wider sector and public feedback from August to late October this year, with a full draft, and sufficient time for people to give us feedback," it said.This story was originaly published by RNZ

The squeeze on household and business finances has got tighter with the numbers behind in their repayments rising to the highest level in four years, according to credit reporting firm Centrix.Its latest monthly report shows 426,000 people behind in their payments, up from 411,000 in April. That represents 11.7 percent of active consumer borrowers, and is the highest since March 2019.The level of mortgage arrears increased to 1.3 percent, the highest since 2020, with rises also for buy-now-pay-later, consumer, auto, and unsecured personal loans.Centrix managing director Keith McLaughlin said hopes that April's decline showed households getting on top of debts and coping with higher interest rates had been dashed, and the latest numbers showed economic realities."Some Kiwi households and businesses are walking an economic tightrope," he said. "While homeowners contend with rising mortgage interest rates and the financial squeeze, business owners are grappling with downturned activity and spending."He said the rise in arrears for unsecured loans to 10 percent pointed to consumers borrowing just to make ends meet in the face of rising costs.Overall, credit arrears were 4 percent higher than a year ago.McLaughlin said debt pressures were also building for the business sector, with credit defaults up for most industries, notably 22 percent on a year ago for the property and rental sector, and around 16 percent for construction, retail, and hospitality."It's no secret a recession was the Reserve Bank's goal to help curb spending. What remains to be seen is how the rest of 2023 plays out for consumers and businesses on the front line."Credit demand was mixed with a 27 percent fall in mortgage lending on a year ago, tracking the decline in the property market, but there was an increase in other consumer lending, especially vehicle loans.The number of business liquidations dipped slightly on April, but compared to a year ago were 35 percent higher, which McLaughlin said reflected a tougher attitude to tax arrears by Inland Revenue and a decline in personal spending which was pressuring cashflow.

Kaipara Libraries is expanding their range on BorrowBox and saying “haere rā” / “goodbye” to ePlatform. ePlatform will no longer be available from 01 July 2023. The ePlatform range will be now available through BorrowBox, meaning a more streamlined experience for users.  Kaipara Libraries offers a wide range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eGraphics, eMagazines, and eNewspapers across three platforms; Libby, BorrowBox and PressReader. Getting connected is easy: Download Libby, Borrowbox and PressReader off the app store/playstore  Search for Kaipara Libraries  Enter your library card number and 4-digit pin  If you need to reset your pin number, or support to connect to these apps, give the Kaipara Libraries team a call on 0800 532 542 or head to your closest Kaipara Library during open hours. Find out more about Kaipara Libraries' digital offerings on their website. 🔨🔨 For all kinds of residential building work contact CHR Residential Builders

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, 7 July 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 2 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Silverdale northbound on-ramp, 2 JulySouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 4-6 JulyOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 4-6 JulyNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 3 July (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 3 JulyTristram Avenue southbound off-ramp, 2 JulySOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Greenlane off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 6 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Greenlane southbound on-ramp, 6 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 6 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound on-ramp, 6 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 4-5 July (approx. 10:00pm to 10:00pm)Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 4-5 JulyPrinces Street southbound on-ramp, 4-5 JulyHighbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 4-5 JulySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 6 JulyTakanini southbound on-ramp, 6 JulyPapakura southbound on-ramp, 30 June & 1-8 July (24/7)Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 6 JulyPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 6 JulyPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 6 JulySouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 3-4 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 3-4 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 2 July (approx. 8:00pm to 12midnight)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 3 & 5 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 2 July (approx. 8:00pm to 12midnight)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 3 & 5 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 2 July (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 4 & 6 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 2 July (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 4 & 6 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Te Kauwhata off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 2 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Rangiriri off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 3-4 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road Roundabout, 3 JulySH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 3 JulyLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 2 JulyLincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 3-6 JulyTe Atatu northbound off-ramp, 3 JulyGreat North Road westbound off-ramp, 2-6 July (approx. 9:00pm to 6:00am)St Lukes Road eastbound off-ramp,4-5 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between St Lukes Road off-ramp and SH1/SH16 links, 6 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)St Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 6 JulySH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 6 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 6 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) eastbound link, 6 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp, 2 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 2 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp, 2 JulySquadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 2 JulyEastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 3 JulyHobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 3 JulyTrig Road eastbound on-ramp, 3 JulyBrigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 3 JulySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between SH20/SH20A links and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 2-4 JulySH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 2-4 JulySH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 2-4 JulyMassey Road northbound on-ramp, 5 JulyMassey Road southbound on-ramp, 6 JulyMassey Road northbound off-ramp, 6 JulyGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 2-4 JulySH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 2-4 JulyKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 2-4 July

Warkworth RegionMonday 3rd July - Partly cloudy. A few showers, more frequent and possibly heavy for a while in the afternoon. Strong southwesterlies, gale in exposed places gusting 90 km/h in the afternoon and evening.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 6hrs from 3pm - 9pm Mon, 3 JulArea: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of WhakataneForecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.Tuesday 4th July - Mainly fine, isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Strong southwesterlies.Wednesday 5th July - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing early. Strong southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Thursday 6th July - Cloudy, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies, easing.Friday 7th July - Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers becoming widespread, some heavy. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.Saturday 8th July - Showers, some heavy, becoming isolated with longer fine breaks later. Northerlies, turning to fresh westerlies.Sunday 9th July - Showers with westerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 3rd July - Partly cloudy. Showers, more frequent and possibly heavy this afternoon. Strong southwesterlies, gale gusting 90 km/h in the afternoon and evening. Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 6hrs from 3pm - 9pm Mon, 3 JulArea: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of WhakataneForecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.Tuesday 4th July - Fine. Fresh southwesterlies.Wednesday 5th July - Partly cloudy. Fresh westerlies, easing.Thursday 6th July - Cloud clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies, easing.Friday 7th July - Rain. Northeasterlies.Saturday 8th July - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Westerlies.Sunday 9th July - Showers with westerlies.

Five young people spent the night on the roof or in its cavity at a youth justice facility in Auckland.The standoff began on Saturday at Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Residence in Wiri.On Sunday morning, Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive Mike Bush said the five people spent the night on the roof or within its cavity."We will provide a further [update] when the matter changes."Police and Fire and Emergency were called to assist with the standoff which saw six people on the roof as of 9pm last night.On Saturday, Bush said he was on site and staff were dealing with the incident."Our priority is the safety of these young people and we are managing this situation with extreme caution, especially with the wet weather forecast overnight."We are practising safe and reasonable negotiation tactics and working to deescalate the situation."The young people are within the boundary of the facility and there is no risk to public safety."Stuff reported the youths were armed with pipes and bits of metal.It comes a week after several youth escaped from a youth justice facility in Canterbury and spent the night in its roof cavity.This story was originally published by Radio New Zealand Youth spend the night on roof of Auckland justice facility | RNZ News

Explainer - The cost of living is set to rise for New Zealanders today, as several tax cuts and subsidies end, but other changes to prescription costs and child support payments may have a more positive impact.Many new regulations and changes kick in as of 1 July, from the petrol pump to the chemist.Long queues formed at many petrol stations yesterday, ahead of the end of the fuel-tax discount of 25 cents a litre.Half-price public transport for people over 25 has also ended, although children under 13 will ride free and those aged 13-24, Community Services Card and Total Mobility users will still get half-price fares.New Zealand Post is raising its prices today, while alcohol excise tax rates are going up by 6.6 percent.And the restaurant industry warns the cost of takeaways is set to rise, with the ban kicking in today on single-use produce bags, plates, cutlery and straws.The government said it is easing the pain with other measures, including the removal of $5 prescription charges, which also comes into effect today.Bigger bill at the pumpsA budgeting specialist says the spike in fuel and transport prices is going to hurt those already struggling.The government's fuel-tax subsidy ended at midnight, and means motorists will pay about 29 cents per litre more at the pump.Māngere Budgeting Services chief executive Lara Dolan said fuel is one of the highest costs for families."Our clients currently spend between $50 to $120 per week on their petrol, which is approximately 15 percent of their weekly income."Most of our clients are already in financial hardship, so an additional increase will put them further into hardship."Dolan said public transport is not a reasonable alternative for families.At NZ Post, which is struggling with a continued drop in mail delivery, prices will rise for many services, with the cost of a standard letter rising from $1.70 to $2.Parental leave increase, child support changesIn another change for families, parental leave payments will increase by 7.7 percent from today, to reflect the 7.7 percent rise in the average weekly earnings.The maximum weekly rate for eligible employees and self-employed parents will increase from $661.12 to $712.17 gross per week.The government has also changed the law on child support meaning solo parents will benefit by a median $20 a week.Previously child support payments were taken by the government and used to offset the cost of the benefit paid to the parents.Now, more than 41,000 sole-parent families will have that money re-directed to them.Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni said this means sole parents will get an average of $65 per week of child support.Sepuloni said some of the poorest whānau are sole parents."It used to be that if you were a sole parent beneficiary and you didn't get the child support from your ex, and so therefore you couldn't benefit from that extra money."It was discriminatory, actually. We finally got rid of it."She said the government has taken action to right an unfair policy that dates back to 1936.Families will see the change in their child support payments from 22 August.An expert on family policy said the law change on child support is a step in the right direction but is not without flaws. Penny Ehrhardt said as the extra money will be considered income, some parents will lose access to other support."You might get $20 more but then you might find that you lose your accommodation supplement, for example, which with prices in rentals is absolutely key to surviving, so you will not necessarily be $20 better off."Ehrhardt said the law change is logical and will make the system better but more can be done to address poverty for single parent families.Prescription changes 'history making event'A pharmacist is calling the end of the $5 prescription charge today a history-making event that will make a massive difference to peoples' lives.The cost-of-living measure was announced in this year's budget.Sanders Pharmacy owner Gemma Perry said every day in every pharmacy in New Zealand, people do not pick up their prescriptions because they cannot afford the fee."People will say to us, 'Which one do I get, the pain relief or the antibiotics?'"It's a really hard decision to make when someone's really unwell and one's going to help them right now and the other one's going to actually fix the problems."Perry said pharmacists can now focus on advising people on their health care, instead of on coaching people through making incredibly tough financial decisions.Easier pathway for Aussie emigrantsNew Zealanders who have been living in Australia for four years can apply for a direct citizenship from today.The Australian government announced the pathway in April.Since 2001, New Zealanders in Australia were been allowed to stay indefinitely, but gaining permanent residency or citizenship had been difficult.Chair of advocacy group Oz Kiwi Joanne Cox said the major reform will make people feel like they belong in the country they have chosen to live in."For too long New Zealanders have been treated as second-class citizens and without that access to a fair, affordable pathway to citizenship it was really, not only discouraging, pretty, I'd say, discriminatory, but also of course, great disenfranchisement.Australians have had a direct citizenship pathway in New Zealand for five years, but Australia had failed to return the favour until now.This story was originally posted on Radio New Zealand Higher petrol, free prescriptions, plastic ban - Here's all the changes starting today | RNZ News

New Zealand Food Safety is supporting several importers in their recall of Durra brand products containing tahini due to the possible presence of Salmonella."Salmonellosis can be serious, so it is important that people do not eat these products," says New Zealand Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop."Tahini has a long shelf-life, so please check your fridge and throw out the affected products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund."The Durra brand products included in this recall are:Durra Tahina (400g, 800g, 18kg)Durra Halawa Plain (350g, 700g)Durra Halawa Pistachio (350g, 700g)Durra Halawa Extra Pistachio (350g, 700g)As our investigations continue, more products may be posted on the recall page.Food recall: Durra brand Tahina and HalawaThe affected products are sold at various stores and retail outlets throughout New Zealand. They have been removed from store shelves.The products have been imported from Jordan and have not been re-exported.Salmonellosis symptoms appear within 12 to 72 hours and include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Illness usually lasts between 4 and 7 days but, in more severe cases, it can go on for up to 10 days and cause more serious illness.If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16."Tahini is a high-risk food, so New Zealand Food Safety has been keeping a close watch on problems with tahini overseas," Ms Bishop says."When we saw a potential issue with product from a manufacturer in Jordan, we worked with importers here to ensure they assessed the safety of the tahini sourced from this manufacturer. Testing was a part of this, and the tests came back positive for Salmonella."We are continuing to trace where this product is used, so additional recalls may follow. Our recall page will be updated as needed with additional products. You can subscribe to our food recall emails to get the latest information.Subscribe to food recalls"Food importers are responsible for the safety of the food they bring in to sell in New Zealand," Ms Bishop says. "And New Zealand Food Safety has recently strengthened rules around imported food, with new regulations coming into effect on 1 August 2023."Given the recent tahini issues, New Zealand Food Safety has contacted tahini importers directly to explain the more stringent rules, which include importers having to assess and confirm the food they will be importing will be safe before it arrives in New Zealand, checking their supplier’s food safety compliance background, and keeping evidence of their assessments and confirmations."As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will be working with importers to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence," Ms Bishop said.For more information contact New Zealand Food Safety’s media team on [email protected]

Kaipara District Council Elected Members have adopted the Annual Plan 2023-2024, with an average general rates rise of 4.96 percent (excluding water charges).The Water by Meter charge, for those on Council water supply, has decreased by 5.94% due to a number of water projects moving from operational into capital expenditure. The fixed charge for the first cubic metre of water (which covers the cost of treatment plants and other overheads) has also been reduced from $373 to $211.The largest portion of the budget and work programme for the forthcoming year is dedicated to completing emergency work required as a result of the extreme weather events.Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson acknowledged the impact the weather events had across the district, and the resulting long-term damage to infrastructure.“We need to prioritise remediation of our roads urgently. We also have to make sure we are prepared for future events by repairing the Dargaville town stopbank, and the Whakahara floodgate and stopbank, and other infrastructure that was damaged.”Capital projects planned for this year include recladding the Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall (Dargaville Town Hall), constructing the Dargaville shared path and cycle lanes, and continuing work on the Mangawhai shared path (Phase Three).“We are pleased to approve an average rates rise under five percent today, and commend staff for the work they have done. Further, we must continue to look for greater efficiencies in the way we operate the Council” says Mayor Jepson.The Annual Plan for 2023-2024 comes into effect at the start of the financial year, with new rates taking effect from 1 July 2023.What is a Long Term Plan and an Annual Plan?Every three years Council develops a Long Term Plan (LTP) in consultation with the community. The Long Term Plan (LTP) sets the Council's strategic direction and work programme for the 10 years ahead. It outlines the services the Council will provide, the projects to be undertaken, the cost of doing this work, how it will be paid for and how the performance for each shall be measured.Our current Long Term Plan Growing a Better Kaipara-Long Term Plan 2021-2031 (LTP) was adopted 30 June 2021, following community consultation. In the April 2023 Council meeting, Council voted to adopt a new vision and set of community outcomes, kickstarting the process for the new Long Term Plan (2024-2034).In the two years between adopting an LTP, an annual plan is developed. The Annual Plan is a yearly update on what has been agreed through the LTP, highlighting any budget changes and work plans for each specific year. You can view the discussion and Council decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (26 minutes in).

New Zealand will wave goodbye to another lot of single-use plastics on Saturday.Plastic produce bags and stickers, plates, bowls, cutlery and straws were all being taken off the shelves, and businesses may be fined up to $100,000 if they do not comply.It is the second round of a national plastics phase out, which targets single-use and hard to recycle items.This phase was expected to stop 150 million produce bags from ending up in landfills annually.Read more:Next step of the single-use plastics ban: What you need to knowhttps://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018896248/kicking-the-single-use-plastic-habitIn 2021, the government estimated the average New Zealander threw away 60 kilograms of plastic waste every year.The first round saw polystyrene food and drink containers, cotton buds and drink stirrers banned last October.The timeframe for phasing out problem plastics. Photo: Ministry for EnvironmentStacey, Party Warehouse's shop manager, said their plastic plates, bowls and cutlery were quite popular, though the tide was turning."People are pretty responsible and responsive to changes ... there's been a recent increase in sugarcane [cutlery and plate ranges]," she said."We're also a hire company, so we offer the hiring of crockery items and cutlery as well. We're just heading our customers in that direction."But Stacey said she would not be surprised if a temporary black market for plastic items sprung up."The price difference is quite a bit between the sugarcane [paper pulp range] and the old plastic stuff. If you're looking at a pack of say 50, the price difference is about $7."She expected prices to come down as the sustainable products became the main seller.Foodstuff's sustainable packaging manager Debra Goulding said the banning of produce bags would have the biggest impact on supermarkets."We're encouraging people to bring their own bags but the one thing we don't want people to do is pay for the weight of that bag when they buy their produce," she said."Customers are encouraged to take it out of the bag and weigh it before putting it back in the bag... It takes a few extra seconds but a couple of grams of weight here and there can add up."Photo: Ministry for EnvironmentIt had taken Foodstuffs about 18 months to prepare for the ban - training staff, changing stock and making signage, Goulding said.However, people were still able to get plastic straws for disability or health reasons.Disability Support Network chief executive Peter Reynolds said paper straws were easily crushed, and metal alternatives could cause injury for people with limited motor skills."It's the sort of research that needs to be done by, for example, the food research unit at Massey University, having a look and saying 'well here's some other options we've been able to discover'," he said."We do see these things popping up all the time and New Zealand is a very innovative place, so hopefully other options will emerge in time."Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking said there were funds available for research into plastic alternatives."I do not know of any specific research into bendable, non-plastic straws that would be suitable for disabled people," she said."But certainly there is a plastics innovation fund and a waste minimisation fund that would potentially fund projects like that."Fruit and vegetable stickers would also begin to transition to become home compostable from 1 July, but Goulding said it was going to be hard to know if suppliers were compliant."Any average person is absolutely not going to know the difference when you look at it. You're not going to know if it's biodegradable plastic. Not even our produce department experts are going to be able to tell the difference," she said."The onus is really on the growers, the packers and fruit distributors."Brooking said an education first approach would be taken to the plastics phase out programme.Officials would work with producers directly to help them get the right stickers and compostable glue, she said."Since 2019, when we first phased out plastic supermarket carrier bags, it's estimated between then and now, there's a billion bags that haven't gone to landfill."That's one billion bags that aren't floating in our streets and into the ocean. We really want to keep significantly reducing our plastic waste," Brooking said.The final stage of the phase out, which covers all remaining PVC and polystyrene food and drink packaging, will be introduced in 2025.More information about the phase out programme can be found, on the Ministry for Environment's website.

Warkworth RegionFriday 30th June - Showers, some heavy, with squally thunderstorms and small hail possible from evening. Strong westerlies, gale gusting 80 km/h in exposed places, turning northwest gusting 100 km/h this evening.Saturday 1st July - Showers, becoming isolated with fine breaks in the morning. Westerlies, becoming strong in the morning.Sunday 2nd July - Showers, becoming widespread early, some heavy, then becoming isolated with fine breaks in the afternoon. Strong southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 30th June - Showers, some heavy, with fine breaks between. The chance of a squally thunderstorm and small hail from evening. Brisk westerlies.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 4hrs from 8pm - midnight Fri, 30 JunArea: NorthlandForecast: An active front is forecast to move onto Northland this evening, bringing squally showers and thunderstorms with possible damaging wind gusts of more than 110 km/h, and damaging tornadoes. A Thunderstorm Watch is in force from 8pm. Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous. If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas.Saturday 1st July - Fine spells. Fresh westerliesSunday 2nd July - Showers, some heavy, easing in the afternoon. Fresh northwesterlies, turning to strong southwesterlies in the afternoon.

Congratulation to the Junction Awards supreme winners Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary.Support Country Retreat Animal SanctuaryEvery week, they rescue dogs from all across Auckland and the North Island.They stay at the sanctuary while they help them heal and adjust to a life free from suffering and hurt, and get ready to be adopted out to loving new homes.Some of that care requires veterinary services, medicine, and specialist training.As a not-for-profit charity, we rely on our generous donors to help cover these costs, so thank you very much for considering donating to Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary. We can't do it without you!The Country Retreat Sanctuary is listed in The Matakana App under Community Pets / Foster / Adopt / AnimalsCountry Retreat Animal Sanctuary

Vapers hooked on the habit are struggling to get the help they need to quit, with agencies offering support for quitting saying they are limited to helping those who were using tobacco.Increasing numbers of people who had never smoked cigarettes but were addicted to vaping were being directed to stop smoking programmes Ready Steady Quit and Quitline, Te Whatu Ora Health NZ said.It advised those wanting to reduce their nicotine consumption to speak to their GP or a specialist vape retailer.However, Ready Steady Quit provider ProCare said its funding was specified to support tobacco smokers."As part of our funding model we are unable to support vapers who have never smoked or who have been vaping for more than 12 months," a spokesperson said.Whakarongorau Aotearoa, which runs Quitline, said its Quit Vaping programme was for people who vape to stop smoking tobacco.On average, Ready Steady Quit received three to four enquiries from people who wanted to quit vaping each week, with little information about where to send people for help."Over the last few years, we have seen first-hand the rise in popularity of vaping, especially in young people who have never smoked before," a spokesperson said.Ministry of Health statistics showed the number of 15 to 17-year-olds who vaped every day had quadrupled in three years, from 2 percent in 2018-19 to 8 percent in 2021-22.ProCare said it would welcome the opportunity to provide a support service, but it needed funding and training to do so."We have started conversations with our funders, however there is no confirmation of funding support at this stage."A Year 13 student from an Auckland secondary school, who wanted to stay anonymous, said he was reaching for his vape every five minutes before he managed to quit.The student spent about $60 to $70 on a reusable vape and was buying vape juice every week for about $30.He said a youth leader at his church encouraged him to give up."I believed that [vaping] was a cool and acceptable thing to do. He showed me how it was socially acceptable to not vape around people who vaped all the time."I think that it's really important to have somebody in your life that helps you stop vaping. It definitely helps to have somebody that can kind of step in and say, 'hey, look, you don't have to vape, cause other people do it.'"If there was a professional service that helped kids stop vaping, it would be massive. I think a lot of kids would use that service and a lot of people that wanted to stop vaping would seek out that help if they knew it was there."Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Māori Liaison Sharon Pihema said teenagers who have been vaping for years found it hard to give up."They have tried to do it on their own or with friends, but it is hard to quit nicotine," Pihema said."We get schools and principals contacting us wanting to visit and do education talks with their students and school community."We get emails and phone calls from parents and grandparents wanting to know what help is available for them to support their teenagers that are vaping."Pihema said the government seemed to be ignoring the issue."Yes, focus on the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 work that needs to happen, but we do have this other issue happening across every community in the country, across every secondary school and we need to be doing something about it," she said.Earlier this month, the government announced measures to curb youth vaping, including banning most disposable vapes and not allowing new vape shops to set up near schools.Auckland Secondary Schools Principals' Association president Greg Pierce said vaping is an 'undeniable' challenge in high schools and there "rapidly" needs to be a service to help kick the habit."I do think it has reached a stage where legislation and regulation need to come into effect and very quickly."I think schools do a really good job of educating the students about vaping but of course, the ongoing challenge remains that, at this age group, the biggest influences of students are other students and that's what we're battling with day in and day out," Pierce said.After two years of vaping, and $30 a week to feed his addiction, the Year 13 student said his life has changed for the better."I notice other people, especially my friends that vape, when they have to leave the classroom to vape. It's cool to look back and think that I don't have to do that. I don't have to leave the classroom every five minutes and I don't have to skip out on class time to go do that."

An hour ago brave local Leigh community gather for the annual mid-winter swim. Here are a few photo'sIn Leigh there are plenty of things to do. Leigh is a great base to explore the Matakana district and surrounding areas. There is Goat Island marine reserve for snorkeling buffs and Ti Point Reptile park creating special holiday moments. The nearby beaches are amazing, Auckland at its best from well known Omaha beach to the quieter Matheson Bay and Te Arai surfing beach. The weekend markets at Matakana and Warkworth are an excellent reason to stock up for a picnic.LEIGH, HIGHLIGHTSTI Point Reptile ParkGlass Bottom boat excursion to Goat Island marine reserveVisit nearby beaches and weekend farmers marketsWalk on coastal pathsHorse riding on Pakiri Beach

A man has been found dead after a water-related incident at Auckland's Orewa Beach.Police said a man in a dinghy was reported overdue from his trip at around 2.30pm on Saturday.His body was later located on the beach at around 11.45pm.The death would be referred to the coronor, police said.

Explore a valley of dramatic contrasts, through farmland and forest, along an enchanting river on the untamed west coast of Kaipara.Stage One of the Kaihu Valley Trail (KVT) was officially opened on 10 June 2023.Stage One comprises two sections of the planned trail – from Mamaranui to Kaihu and Dargaville to Parore. The sections are currently linked by low-volume roads. View the current trail map.The KVT winds through the beautiful green farmlands of Kaihu Valley alongside the Kaihu River at times and currently ends at the northern end in the Kaihu settlement. The Trail generally follows the historic rail line built in 1896 to service the kauri industry between Dargaville and Donnellys Crossing.The Kaihu Valley Trail forms part of the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. The Twin Coast experience is one of contrasts, starting and finishing in Auckland. It is the ultimate journey for those who want to see, feel, and discover it all in including the beautiful Kaipara.The KVT is also part of the Heartland Rides/Kauri Coast Cycleway which explores Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, mostly on-road, through our scenic landscapes and small towns. Two beautiful harbours, charming wee towns and towering kauri forest are all highlights through Kaipara along Northland’s west coast and out to the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour.We are currently seeking funding to complete further off-road sections of the trail. When built, the trail will stretch 45km from Dargaville to Donnelly’s Crossing.