After NZPost closed its service in Wellsford in April, NZPost has been announced it will resume its postal services fully from Monday, May 22. Services will resume from the same location as before, at 199 Rodney Street, Wellsford PostShop.For information and services https://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/find-nz-post/location/58316-nz-post-shop-wellsford

Warkworth RegionFriday 19th May - Fine spells. Isolated showers, possibly heavy. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh around midday, then strong at night.Saturday 20th May - Occasional rain or showers, some heavy with possible thunderstorms. Gale westerlies.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 9am - 9pm Sat, 20 MayArea: Auckland including Great Barrier IslandForecast: Westerly winds may approach severe gale at times.Sunday 21st May - Showers, becoming isolated with fine spells early. Strong westerlies, easing in the afternoon.---Have you tried Brick Bay Restaurant's weekday lunch special yet?---Mangawhai RegionFriday 19th May - Fine spells and a few showers. Northerlies, becoming strong from evening, gusting 80 km/h.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 18hrs from 3pm Fri, 19 May - 9am Sat, 20 MayArea: NorthlandForecast: Northeast winds have eased this morning, but north to northwest winds are forecast to strengthen this afternoon, and this Watch has been extended.Saturday 20th May - Showers, some heavy, easing and becoming fewer in the afternoon. Strong westerlies.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 18hrs from 3pm Fri, 19 May - 9am Sat, 20 MaySunday 21st May - Fine spells, with the odd shower. Strong westerlies easing.

Kaipara District Council's push to build a controversial waste to energy plant in or near Auckland includes the 41 per cent Chinese-owned company aiming to build a $350 million equivalent in Canterbury.Council Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen specifically included 60 percent overseas-owned South Island Resource Recovery Limited (SIRRL) as the industry operator Kaipara District Council (KDC) would work with to investigate setting up a huge multi-million waste to energy (WtE) plant in his notice of motion to the council's April meeting in Dargaville.Other industry sector operators would also be included.Ashburton-based South Island company SIRRL, is a joint venture partnership between China Tianying Incorporated (China) (CNTY) which owns 41 percent of SIRRL. CNTY's Belgian-based European subsidiary EUZY owns 19 per cent of SIRRL. Auckland-based Renew Energy Limited (NZ) owns 40 percent.CNTY is a Chinese-based company mostly involved in municipal waste incineration for power generation. It owns 41 percent of SIRRL's 10,000 shares.SIRRL is aiming to build what it says will be New Zealand's first WtE plant of its type - codenamed Project Kea and processing 365,000 tonnes of waste annually in rural Glenavy, South Canterbury between Christchurch and Dunedin.The Kaipara council-initiated investigation is to be done in conjunction with Auckland Council via Mayor Wayne Brown, Whangārei District Council via Mayor Cocurullo, Far North District Council via Mayor Tepania, Northland Inc and Te Uri o Hau.Cr Pera Paniora said Waka Kotahi NZTA was also interested.Larsen said the major new infrastructure would incinerate Northland and Auckland councils' waste.He said the Kaipara council had, quite rightly, opposed the proposed Dome Valley landfill but not come up with an alternative.The time was right to investigate harnessing this modern and clean technology which produced energy and valuable byproducts." hope that we can try and land something, maybe in this term of council," Larsen said.Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson and Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen. Photo: LDR / Susan BottingLarsen said Kaipara council staff would now investigate options for a WtE plant, with a preliminary viability report to be presented to a council workshop in June.He said Kaipara council chief executive Jason Marris could check whether other Northland council chief executives would be interested and if so, a combined councils' workshop with industry operators could follow.Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson has previously been involved the international WtE plant company Olivine plan to convert North Waikato's coal-fired Meremere power station into a waste to energy plant. The company pulled out after an 18-month resource consent battle.The April council meeting was in support of Larsen's notice of motion.Whether and how the other 43 local government politicians from Auckland north have formally voted to carry out the investigation, has not yet been made public.Larsen said Auckland Council's involvement was critical to provide the economies of scale needed for rubbish supply to the incinerator.Auckland produces roughly 1.6 million tonnes of rubbish annually.Remote locations around Auckland's Rodney and Kaipara are in line of sight for those keen on the WtE plant.Larsen said the plant could be sited in Kaipara or Auckland. It was possible Kaipara would get greater advantage from having the plant in its area.He said the best location provided optimal transportation access relative to the source of where the biggest rubbish production was.Rail transport would be used to get rubbish to the site, meaning it would need to be close to the North Auckland rail line, which runs from Helensville to Okaihau.Larsen did not talk about the fuel used to fire up the incinerator burning the waste. Coal has been used for this job overseas.Paniora was in support of the WtE plant because of the potential opportunity for it to be located in Kaipara.But she said investigation should be driven by Auckland Council."It should really be led by Auckland Council and we should take a very limited involvement in that and have the conversation driven by Auckland Council, because it's their issue that they're currently facing right now," Paniora said.The Environment Court's Dome Valley landfill appeal decision was not far away, she said.It looked likely the landfill's resource consent would be declined."That's where the conversation about waste to energy becomes very relevant," Paniora said.Councillor Eryn Wilson-Collins said the bigger players among those involved in the investigation should work through what they envisaged the project looking like then get back to KDC."...it's not a council project," Wilson-Collins said.Councillor Gordon Lambeth said a new WtE plant provided opportunity for Kaipara."Build it and they will come. Auckland's got a problem, we've got the solution. I believe this a great opportunity economically for the Kaipara District Council. Auckland ain't going to get it [the plant] built," Lambeth said.He said there were too many "nimbys" in Auckland, who would not want the plant in their area."We (Kaipara) have the opportunity, we have the land, we have the infrastructure, everything's in place."

Another unwelcome bout of bad weather is set to hit the upper North Island, arriving in the Far North this afternoon.A heavy rain watch is in place for Northland, while Auckland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty can expect to be in the firing line later tonight and into Friday, with severe gale force winds forecast for some places.MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told Morning Report the new system is more of the same subtropical flow Aotearoa has experienced this year."We've had quite an active year so far that has brought really heavy rain to the upper North Island, and that trend continues with this next system that we are expecting."It is coming from the subtropical regions so it is warmer as it's moving through so people will be feeling that in the temperature, but what will be most felt will be that rain as well as the wind."The one saving grace from this system in particular is that it does move through fairly quickly, so that means that over widespread areas probably not as much rain as we would have seen last week."However, that said, we do expect localised areas to still be in with a possibility of that heavier rain, especially considering the fact that we could see some potential thunderstorms embedded in that rain band."--- Looking for somewhere dry to hang out, eat and shop? Head to Matakana Country Park ----Northland and other regions have already soaked up a lot of rain, which raises the chance of more flooding problems."The ground's very sodden, so it might not actually take those high rainfall accumulations that we would see to bring surface flooding."She said that for anywhere that is already under a heavy rain watch or upgraded to a warning, "those impacts such as flooding and possible land slips are still a possibility".As the system moves through the country it will head towards Bay of Plenty and Tai Rāwhiti, and while those areas are not under a watch, that could change, Makgabutlane said.The South Island's West Coast experienced its own bout of heavy rain overnight - and it is still falling now - while there was some snow in Central Otago.

NORTHLANDHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 3pm Thursday, 18th May - 3am Friday 19th MayArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain. Thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 3pm Thursday, 18th May - 3am Fri, 19 MayArea: NorthlandForecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.--- On your way to Omaha? Why not stop at Point Wells General Store on the way for groceries, takeaways, coffee etc, they stop a wide range of googies---AUCKLANDHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 9hrs from 9pm Thursday, 18th May - 6am Fri, 19 MayArea: Auckland including Great Barrier IslandForecast: Periods of heavy rain. Localised downpours possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 10hrs from 8pm Thursday, 18th May - 6am Fri, 19 MayArea: Auckland including Great Barrier IslandForecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

The coastal weed ‘sea spurge’ has made its way to New Zealand beaches. It is likely to have arrived on coastal currents from Australia, where it has densely covered large areas of their beaches and caused major environmental problems. In New Zealand, sea spurge can displace native plants, impact native animals and change natural sand movement patterns. It would seriously impact our coastal environments if it became established here. Not only that, but it is toxic to both humans and animals and can cause temporary blindness. Early detection will help prevent sea spurge from infesting our coastlines, and we need your help. If you spot sea spurge, please report it. This weed grows fast, so the sooner we know about it the better.So far sea spurge has been found in areas along the West Coast of the North and South Islands, but it has the potential to establish itself anywhere along our coastlines. It is a hardy European shrub with multiple stems that are usually reddish pink at the base. It has tightly packed, spiky blue/green leaves and can have greenish yellow flowers. Overseas the plants stand at about 1 metre tall, but have only been found reaching around 40cm so far in New Zealand. If you suspect you’ve seen sea spurge: Note the location as accurately as you can – GPS co-ordinates are ideal If possible take clear photos of the whole plant, leaves and flowers (if present) Do not touch it or remove it - sea spurge has sap that is toxic to humans and animals, and disturbing the plants could further spread their seeds. It also looks like our rare native species of 'shore spurge' which has larger leaves than the invasive species and red flowersHow to report sea spurge: Contact MPI on the Pest and Disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66 Report it online: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/.../how-to-find-report-and.../

A woman has been charged with murder after two children were found dead in a Ruakākā home yesterday.Police were called to a property in Peter Snell Drive at around 6.25am where the children, aged one and four, were found dead.The 25-year-old woman will appear in Whangārei District Court today, charged with two counts of murder.In a statement, Northland police said they would continue to support the Ruakākā community through the difficult time."This is an incredibly distressing situation for the family involved, along with first responders and police who attended."There will be an increased police presence in the area for the next few days.

A house fire in Epsom, on Maungawhau Road, sent plumes of smoke across the city, prompting concern from residents and onlookers.The blaze quickly engulfed the house, with thick smoke spreading throughout the area which can be seen as far as North Shore.Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, working diligently to agressively control the fire and ensure the safety of any occupants. All people in the house have been accounted for and safe.Nearby residents were advised to take precautions, keeping windows and doors closed to minimize smoke exposure.The cause of the fire will be under investigation.---To have your building inspected, when selling, buying or for maintenance contact Forensic Building Inspections---

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A small Northland community is reeling after two people were found dead in a home in Ruakākā.A homicide investigation has been launched by police, who have not yet released details of the people who died, including their age.Residents told RNZ they were two children, both under the age of five.Ella, who lived next door to the house which was now a crime scene, said police arrived at about 7am.She was still in the dark about what exactly had happened."We're devastated, they're little kiddies, they were just little kiddies," she said."I don't know what's happened, but whatever's happened is horrific."We're not the flashest area but we're a really cool community, we look out for each other and we love it here, it's a really beautiful place to live and this is gonna devastate everyone - especially the kids."The neighbourhood kids all played at the playground and skatepark down the road, she said."They all look out for each other, this is awful, it's really awful."The children were lovely, she said.Police set up cordons after two bodies were found at a property on Peter Snell Drive in Northland on 15 May, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroThe small town of Ruakākā has close to 3000 residents.In the town centre, residents spoke of their shock and sadness.One woman with preschoolers of her own said she was in tears when hearing the news.Another said it was as if the town was in grief.A local kaumatua said there would be a karakia for the family tonight.Earlier today, Detective Inspector Bridget Doell said police were speaking with a person as part of the investigation, but wanted to hear from anyone in the area at the time of the incident."We will continue to support the Ruakākā community through this understandably distressing time. While we appreciate the wider interest in what has occurred, Police aren't in a position to release any further details at this stage."There will be an increased Police presence in the area, and we will provide further updates as our investigation progresses. We continue to encourage the Northland community to look out for one another, and if anyone requires further assistance there are a number of support agencies available."

Northland police have launched a double homicide investigation after two bodies were found at a property in Ruakākā.Officers were called to Peter Snell Drive on Monday morning."Sadly, we can confirm two people have been located deceased at an address on Peter Snell Drive," Detective Inspector Bridget Doell of Northland CIB said in a statement."Our investigation is still in the early stages and we are currently speaking with a person as part of enquiries."News of this incident will come as a shock to the community, and we can reassure them we are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to this incident."Peter Snell Road, Ruakākā. Photo: RNZ / Amy WilliamsOne Tree Point School in Ruakākā posted on Facebook to say the community was aware of the sad loss of two children.The post said the school's sincere aroha and thoughts were with the whānau and support was available for any tamariki in need.Police have not confirmed the ages of the dead.Doell said there would be an increased police presence in the area."While we are speaking with a person of interest, police are interested in hearing from anyone in the area at the time who can assist with the investigation," she said."We continue to encourage the Northland community to look out for one another, and if anyone requires further assistance there are a number of support agencies available."Ruakākā is 30km south of Whangārei. Photo: Google MapsIn a statement, Kainga Ora said it was sad to learn of the incident which happened at one of its properties."Our thoughts are with the whānau and with the small Ruakākā community who will all feel the impacts of this tragedy. We will be checking in with our customers in the area to see what support they may need."Whangārei mayor Vince Cocurullo shared his condolences, describing it as a tragic and shocking incident.

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 19, May 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, 14-18 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Orewa southbound-ramp, 14-18 MayMillwater southbound on-ramp, 14-18 MayNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Waiwera on-ramp, 14-18 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Orewa northbound on-ramp, 14-18 MaySilverdale northbound on-ramp, 14-18 MaySouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 14-18 MayOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 14-18 MayNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 14 & 16-18 May (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 14 & 16–18 MaySH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 16 MayConstellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 14 MayConstellation Drive northbound off-ramp, 17 MayNorthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 15 MayTristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 15 MayNorthcote Road northbound on-ramp, 15 MayEsmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 14 & 17 MayEsmonde Road northbound off-ramp, 18 MayCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Hobson Street southbound on-ramp, 16-17 MayHobson Street westbound on-ramp, 16-17 MaySH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 16-17 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Symonds Street southbound on-ramp, 16-17 MayWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 16-17 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road southbound on-ramp, 16-17 MaySH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 16-17 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 15 MaySymonds Street northbound off-ramp, 15 MaySOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 16-17 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 16-18 MayGillies Avenue southbound off-ramp, 18 MaySt Marks Road southbound on-ramp, 16-17 MayHill Road northbound on-ramp, 18 MayPapakura (Loop) northbound on ramp, 14-18 MaySouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 14-18 MayPapakura southbound on-ramp, 14-18 MayNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 14-18 MayDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 14-18 MayRamarama northbound on-ramp, 14-18 MayBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 17 MayBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 17 MayNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 17 MayPokeno southbound on-ramp, 14 MaySouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 18 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 18 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Roundabout and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 14 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 14 MayHobsonville Road southbound on-ramp, 14 MayRoyal Road southbound on-ramp, 14 MayNorthbound lanes between Lincoln Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Roundabout, 14 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 14-18 MayLincoln Road southbound off-ramp, 15-18 MayRosebank Road eastbound on-ramp, 14 MayGreat North Road eastbound off-ramp, 16 MayUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Paul Matthews Road westbound on-ramp, 16 MayAlbany Highway eastbound off-ramp, 18 MaySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Neilson Street northbound off-ramp, 15-16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 15-16 MayNorthbound lanes between Walmsley Road off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Walmsley Road northbound on-ramp, 16 MayCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 16 May

Warkworth RegionMonday 15th May - Partly cloudy with scattered showers, possibly heavy this morning, becoming isolated this afternoon. Fog patches north of the Bridge clearing early. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 16th May - A few showers, clearing in the afternoon to partly cloudy weather. Southwesterlies.Wednesday 17th - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies, turning northwesterly in the evening.Thursday 18th - Partly cloudy. Northerlies.Friday 19th - Showers, some heavy, becoming isolated with longer fine breaks. Northerlies, rising to gale later.Saturday 20th - Showers, some heavy, clearing to fine. Strong westerlies, easing later.Sunday 21st - Showers. Westerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 15th May - Fine to start. A few showers from midday, possibly heavy this afternoon. Light winds.Tuesday 16th May - A few showers, clearing in the afternoon and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Wednesday 17th - Fine, then a few showers developing later in the day. Westerlies.Thursday 18th - Partly cloudy, with rain developing. Northeasterlies.Friday 19th - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Strong northwesterlies.Saturday 20th - Showers with westerlies.Sunday 21st - A few showers. Westerlies.

A nearly-billion dollar flood and cyclone recovery package will go towards road, rail and school repairs, flood protection, and mental health support.The package has been announced by the government this morning.Treasury has estimated the damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Floods could range from $9 billion to $14.5b, second behind only the Canterbury earthquakes in terms of damage from natural disasters New Zealand has faced. Of this, $5b to $7.5b of damage is expected to relate to infrastructure owned by central and local government.As part of Budget 2023, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the spending announced today would cover the "basics," as much of the country recovers from the effects of severe weather."This is about doing the basics - repairing and rebuilding what has been damaged and making smart investments, including $100 million of protection funding to ensure future events don't cause the same devastation," Hipkins said in a statement."This recovery package will get roads, rail and schools back to where they were before the extreme weather hit this year so communities can get back to normal as soon as possible."These investments will help ease the pressure on local communities already struggling with the cost of living from having to foot the full recovery bill. We're partnering with local government to make sure cost isn't a barrier to the recovery work getting done."Minister of Transport Michael Wood said the government would step up to aid local councils in addressing damage to the transport network."Within the support announced today, $275 million is earmarked for Waka Kotahi and local councils to repair affected roads and get New Zealand's essential transport network operating again," he said. "This is on top of the $250 million the government announced immediately after Cyclone Gabrielle."A further $200m would be used to repair railways.As well, $117m would go to schools. "Over 500 schools across the North Island have been damaged and we are committing to getting them all back to their previous state," said Education Minister Jan Tinetti.She said $31m would cover the immediate costs associated with returning affected schools to working order."A further $85 million funding has been allocated for the ongoing work required to return schools to their pre-weather-event state. In some cases, this may require redevelopment or relocation."The government has set aside $700,000 for staffing over the next two years to fund relief staff and additional teachers, and $782,000 will go towards replacing library books and other resources that have been lost in the floods.Mental and physical wellbeing was another priority, Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said.She announced $35m will fund mental health initiatives, GPs in community, primary, and residential care, and front line health workers."We know from other disasters in New Zealand and globally that mental health impacts emerge over time," Verrall said. "The demand for various services will change over the next six to 12 months, and our response will evolve to ensure we're responding."The new package is on top of $890m the government has already announced for repair works and business support for those affected by floods and the cyclone.

We would like to take this moment to say Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there,To the Mums who can’t be with us, the fur baby Mums, the Dad Moms, the hoping to be Mums, the soon to be Mums & the Mum like figures in our lives.You are all so special and we wish you a truly wonderful day filled with love, joy, and well-deserved pampering.!From the team at the Matakana App

The public's trust in banks has fallen below even supermarkets, as profits surge in the middle of a cost of living crisis.Australian bank giants ANZ, BNZ, ASB and Westpac reported record profits earlier this year, despite economic pressures.Consumer NZ's latest quarterly sentiment survey found 39 percent of New Zealanders did not trust their banks.Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy said people were frustrated by high fees and poor customer service."Consumers aren't seeing value in what they're paying for when they deal with their banks," Duffy said."It's a low point for the banks, it's the biggest drop we've seen since we've been running this survey, which is over two years. It's got to the point where [banks] are less trusted than the supermarkets, which is saying something."The worst results were concentrated around the big Australian banks."The smaller banks are actually doing a lot better than the larger banks," Duffy said."The top four, the biggest, most profitable companies in New Zealand, are coming out with the poorest level of customer satisfaction. Whereas the smaller New Zealand-owned entities are doing much better."High fees were one of the biggest complaints, but Duffy said it was not all the banks' fault."The Reserve Bank is moving interest rates up. So if you've got a mortgage, you're paying a whole lot more."That's not necessarily all the banks' fault, but you're also paying fees and you're also expecting a level of service from your bank that this level of trust suggests isn't being returned. People aren't seeing value for money."Those fees, contrasted against massive profits for the banks themselves, had customers frustrated."The high level of profitability will be making people question the level of service they're getting," Duffy said. "This sector is highly profitable, and in a cost of living crisis that's really going to irk some people."Finance Minister Grant Robertson said he still trusted banks, but he understood public sentiment was turning."There's a debate to be had about profits, there's a debate to be had about the way in which an individual consumer might have an experience with a bank," Robertson said after a pre-Budget speech at BNZ's head office."We need banks, banks are part of the system in which we work. When it comes to levels of bank profit, banks have to justify, particularly in difficult economic circumstances, the level of profits that they have in order to keep their social license."I haven't read the [Consumer NZ] report, so I don't know how much profits feed in to people's view about trust, but those issues are definitely ones they have to justify."Duffy said an investigation might be necessary."I think we need to have an independent assessment around the level of competition in our banking sector and work out whether there are interventions that can be made to increase competition, and hopefully increase the level of customer service and innovation in the sector."

The funeral of a Whangārei Boys' High School student who died during a caving trip earlier this week will take place on Sunday.Year 11 student Karnin Ahorangi Petera after being trapped in a cave that rapidly filled with water while on a class trip with 14 other students.WorkSafe and police investigations into the incident are under way.Through family spokesperson Angela Young, the whānau said Karnin had been returned home was lying in state at Paa Te Ora Marae in Te Karae."The whānau wish to thank everyone for their love, kindness and support at this difficult time."Meanwhile, some parents are calling for a temporary halt on outdoor school trips following Karnin's death.But others say they would like to see the details released from the WorkSafe investigation before making significant changes to outdoor education protocols.The school had a risk assessment done for the trip that stated Abbey Caves were "prone to flooding" in heavy rain.It recommended to postpone the trip if water levels were too high.The trip went ahead, despite Northland being under a MetService orange rain warning on Tuesday and the night before.One parent whose son goes to Whangārei Boys High School said he will not feel safe for his son to take part in any outdoor trips in the meantime."My wife and I are very concerned, certainly about any outdoor activities, certainly about any outdoor activities that involve the boys… certainly caving, abseiling, rock climbing, camp."He said the school should pause outdoor trips as the investigations are ongoing."You'd have to argue there's been a lack in the protocols, or at least the systems involved, and what led to this, that need to be addressed before they can do anything else like this."Another parent who also does not want to be named said she would be cautious with sending her son, who is in year 9, to any future outdoor trips."You sort of expect that they'll be safe, and taken care of, but I'll just be a bit more wary of it in the future."A parent whose son is in the same year as the group of students who went on the trip said she wants more reassurance from the school.She said there could have been more "communications, emails, [and] talk with the students".She said she would like to see the school put some interim safety measures in place to put parents at ease, as the investigation could take a long time.Whangārei Boys High School's board has been approached for comment, but has not responded yet.Meanwhile, others said they hope the reaction to the tragedy would not constrain the future of outdoor education.David, whose son goes to Whangārei Boys High School, said he still has confidence in teachers and would not want his son to stop experiencing outdoor trips in the meantime."They definitely need to keep going ahead."Te Tai Tokerai Principals Association president Pat Newman, who is also the principal of a primary school that Karnin attended, said it is a deeply sad time for the country."All are hurting," he said.But Newman adds that he hopes that outdoor education will continue to be protected, in a way that does not restrict children from valuable experience."I am also very, very wary, and hopefully it won't happen, that the hundreds of thousands of children and students who every year partake in outdoor education, which is crucial to us in NZ, are not suddenly rope tied because something has gone wrong at this stage."Outdoor education is an absolute crucial aspect of a child's development and though I'm extremely sad, as is every other person in New Zealand, that this has happened, I would hate us to react without knowing the full facts and details."When asked whether principals of schools in Northland have been discussing a review of outdoor education policies, he said questions and comments on the incident should wait for another time."I would call upon all the comments about blame to be left to when the experts in outdoor education, experts in work and safety have time to sit down in calmer situations and find out what the true facts are."Andy Mouat, principal of Whangārei's Excellere College in Whangārei, said his Christian school has been praying for the students and families affected.Mouat said he can not speculate on what the recommendations of the investigations would be, but adds he does not want to see students in New Zealand "wrapped up in cotton wool" as a result of a risk-averse culture towards outdoor education.He said the memories students get from outdoor education is what makes the country's education unique.Mouat said the students and educators across Whangārei are closely connected, which makes tragedies like this one particularly difficult on everyone.

Friday 12th MayWOW - Move Up Programme - with Jo and BridgetCATS: Young Actors EditionMatakana Comedy Club with Tarun MohanbhaiFiji Fridays @ SmithsLeigh Sawmill Happy Hour FridayLive Music Friday Nights @ Matakana Village PubSaturday 13th MayMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketCATS: Young Actors EditionMixed Messages Saturday's @ SmithsThe Bobby HolidaysSunday 14th MayMatakana Country Park Market - Mothers day special with circusMother's Day at SculptureumMothers Day Red Wine Blending SessionCATS: Young Actors EditionKaiwaka Community Planting DaySunday Service @ SmithsLAST DAY TO ENTER OUR Mother's Day Winter Escape Gift Pack!

Warkworth RegionFriday 12th May - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers, clearing this morning. Becoming fine for a time this afternoon and evening. Southerlies, dying out evening.Saturday 13th May - Fine, but cloud increasing in the afternoon with the chance of a shower in the evening. Southwesterlies.Sunday 14th May - Mainly fine, isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies.Have a dog or horse that needs physical help? Contact local company Epic Physio NZMangawhai RegionFriday 12th May - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers, clearing this afternoon as fine breaks increase. Southerlies.Saturday 13th May - Cloudy periods with isolated showers. Light winds with afternoon southwesterlies.Sunday 14th May - Mainly fine, isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.