Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 11 August 2023. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 8 AugustSilverdale southbound on-ramp, 8 AugustConstellation Drive southbound off-ramp, 8-9 AugustConstellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 6-7 AugustConstellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 8-9 AugustConstellation Drive northbound off-ramp, 6-7 AugustOnewa Road northbound off-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 7 AugustCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 7 AugustSH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 7 AugustSH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 8-9 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 8-9 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 7 August (approx. 10.00pm to 5.00am)SH16 westbound (Port) to SH16 westbound link, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound (Port) to SH1 northbound link, 7 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 7 AugustSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Greenlane off-ramp and Symonds Street on-ramp, 8-9 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 8-9 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenlane northbound on-ramp, 8-9 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 10 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 10 AugustSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 10 AugustMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 10 AugustSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 6-9 AugustTakanini southbound on-ramp, 6-9 AugustSouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 10 AugustPapakura southbound on-ramp, 4-12 August (24/7)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 7-10 AugustPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 7-10 AugustPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 7-10 AugustDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 7-10 AugustSouthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 6 & 10 AugustSouthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 6-7 AugustNorthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 6-7 AugustSouthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 9 AugustHampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 9 AugustNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 9 AugustSouthbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 9 AugustHobsonville Road southbound on-ramp, 9 AugustRoyal Road southbound on-ramp, 9 AugustLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 6 AugustLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 7-8 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 7-8 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road westbound off-ramp, 7 AugustUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Paul Mathews Drive westbound on-ramp, 6-7 AugustSH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 9 August

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Companies will be able to use artificial intelligence to prevent being blindsided by resignations from key staff.The new technology allows managers to anticipate career movements before they happen.Recruitment company Talent Propeller managing director Sharon Davies said artificial intelligence (AI) could play a crucial role in workforce planning."The AI can tell you 'Mary who works in this team has a 50 percent chance of leaving her role within three months'," Davies said."With that sort of information it gives you a lot of insight to then take action and ponder what you what like to do with from there - whether you would like to sit down and have a conversation with Mary."The data is also overlaid with predictions. So for example 'if you promote Mary it would reduce the risk by x percent'."Or if you would offer a salary increase you could retain this person for x percent longer."The technology analyses existing data in a company's HR platform such as salary levels, performance reviews, and people's individual role, their age and their ethnicity.By customising algorithms to individual organisations the AI can predict common patterns and triggers that lead to staff heading for the door.Davies said there were no privacy concerns and the AI programme could in no way access web browsing data."If you are an employee you are in a payroll system who are in an HR system, it's information that's already there," she said.While it will save time for the human resources staff, it will not take their jobs."The other thing to remember about AI is that it's speeding up what a human can do," she said."The difference with AI is that is does it a lot faster, it's about running data faster."Davies said the tech was best suited to organisations with over 250 staff as it requires large amounts of data to build a clear picture of employee intentions.This story was originally published by RNZ

Widespread power outage with Vector in Leigh, Whangateau, Matakana, Point Wells, Omaha, Snells, Algies, Warkworth, Kaipara Flats and west all the way to Glorit.To log your address contact Vector According to the Vector website the reason is uncertain at this time and the estimated restoration is yet to be determined.

Warkworth RegionMonday 31st July - Mainly fine. Areas of morning fog or cloud. Light winds, northwesterlies developing this afternoon.Tuesdday 1st Aug - Cloudy periods with a few morning showers. Westerlies, becoming fresh in the evening.Wednesday 2nd Aug - Showers, easing in the afternoon. Strong westerlies, turning lighter southerly in the evening.Thursday 3rd Aug - Cloud clearing to fine. Fresh southerlies, easingFriday 4th Aug - Fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 5th Aug - Fine. Light winds.Sunday 6th Aug - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Mangawhai RegionMonday 31st July - Fine apart from some morning cloud. Light winds.Tuesdday 1st Aug - Fine. Westerlies.Wednesday 2nd Aug - Cloudy periods with a few showers. Fresh northwesterlies, turning southwesterly in the morning.Thursday 3rd Aug - Cloud clearing and becoming fine. Southerlies.Friday 4th Aug - Fine with southwesterlies.Saturday 5th Aug - Partly cloudy. Easterlies.Sunday 6th Aug - Partly cloudy. Light winds.

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, 4 August 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Constellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Constellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 31 July & 2 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Esmonde Road on-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 1 AugustShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 2-3 AugustCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)None plannedSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Manukau on-ramp, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 31 JulySH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 31 JulySouthbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Manukau on-ramp, 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 31 JulyRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 31 JulyNorthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Manukau on-ramp, 3 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 3 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hill Road northbound on-ramp, 3 AugustTakanini northbound on-ramp, 3 AugustSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 31 July & 2-3 AugustTakanini southbound on-ramp, 31 July & 2-3 AugustPapakura southbound on-ramp, 28 July – 5 August (24/7)Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) Northbound Onramp, 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) Northbound Onramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) Northbound Onramp, 31 July & 3 AugustNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 31 JulyDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 31 JulyNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 3 AugustNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 2 AugustRamarama northbound on-ramp, 31 July & 2-3 AugustBombay northbound on-ramp, 2 AugustNorthbound lanes between Te Kauwhata off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 3 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata northbound on-ramp, 3 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 2-3 AugustLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 31 July & 2-3 AugustLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road northbound off-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 31 JulyEastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hobsonville Road westbound off-ramp, 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Hobsonville Road westbound off-ramp, 2-3 AugustSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 30 July (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 31 JulyMassey Road northbound off-ramp, 30 July & 1 August (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road northbound off-ramp, 31 JulySouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 31 JulySH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

Construction work to reconfigure the southbound on-ramp to State Highway 1 (Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway) at Puhoi has been completed with the on-ramp NOW OPEN to all traffic. It was due to open weeks ago but was delayed further.

Is there anything better than a sunny weekend drive with your family? There's nothing quite like adventuring, taking in the sights, and experiencing a new place together. In our family weekend drives are a must! The rising petrol price keeps us closer to home these days, but I can't complain the Matakana Coast has so many stunning hidden gems that even as someone who grew up here, I'm still finding places I've never been. This weekend we decided to head out to Scotts Landing.  Leaving the incoming Matakana traffic in our dust we headed off, the sun shining lead us straight into The Food Market for a quick stop to grab two of the biggest most delicious real fruit ice-creams and some of the best coffee we have ever had.This place is a must-visit if you're going to Snells Beach – Pro tip order the large ice cream and order it with white chocolate chips. Ice creams in hand we set off again as you head toward Scotts landing the views are breathtaking on one side you have rolling hills and farmlands and on the other, the glistening sea, the gravel road as you get closer is in bad shape but safe to drive with caution.  Just a 15 min drive from snells beach will take you to a spot that feels much further away, as we arrived the car park was full but to our surprise all the cars parked were boatys there were only two people fishing off the wharf and one alone on the secluded sheltered beach. The panoramic views are breathtaking. Scott‘s Homestead is an iconic refurbished colonial heritage building originating in 1877 and owned by the Auckland council as part of the regional park when you arrive at Scotts Landing you don’t see the homestead or the majestic beach as it is tucked around the corner the beach lies in front of the Homestead and is lined with amazing, huge trees to rest under and then there is Casnell Island which can be visited by walking across to it at low tide.This is a beautiful spot for a family to spend the day, it's full of history.Scott's Landing is one of this area's best-kept secrets and the perfect place for a weekend picnic. So, if you're thinking of heading to the beach on the next sunny day but want to avoid the crowds why not try Scotts Landing? If you would like to learn more about the history of Scotts Landing you can here. History – Scotts Landing 

Specific batches of the Kiwigarden brand of Greek Yoghurt Drops and Whole Blueberries are being recalled due to the batches posing a choking risk for children.New Zealand Food Safety says there has been one report of choking involving a child, and it is supporting Kiwigarden to recall specific batches to prevent further incidents."We understand the child has recovered and Kiwigarden is recalling specific batches of the affected product to prevent any further incidents of choking," NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.The affected product is sold at selected retail outlets and supermarkets throughout New Zealand.Arbuckle said the product was being removed from stores, and people who had it at home should return it to their place of purchase for a refund or throw it out."We'll look into this more with the food manufacturer, but in the meantime, it's a good reminder that it's always good practice for parents to double check the size of any food they are feeding to a child is appropriate."The product is marketed as suitable for children aged 18 months and above.More information can be found on the New Zealand Food Safety recall page.This story was originally posted by Radio New Zealand Yoghurt snack recalled due to child choking report | RNZ News

Are you worried about falling victim to a scam?With a variety of scams around, its hard to know what to believe is real.Netsafe has created the ‘Little Black Book of Scams’ to inform you on everything you need to know about the most common scams targeting New Zealanders today.Find out all you need to know, including how to report scams here. https://netsafe.org.nz/.../NetsafeLittleBlackBookofScamsv...The learn to fight fraud This booklet includes some of the most common scams currently targeting New Zealanders. It is filled with tips and tricks on how to protect yourself and what to do if you get scammed. Become a real-life superhero by arming yourself with the information you need to fight fraud and keep yourself, your family and your money safe. You work hard for your money. You want to spend it on things that matter to you – whether it’s your children’s education, an exciting trip or a new computer. Fraudsters are real They are out there every day looking for victims. They will target you online, over the phone, by mail or in person.Thousands of New Zealanders lose millions of dollars to fraudsters every year. The impact of fraud on families and businesses can be devastating.The best thing you can do is report the fraud, whatever the amount, to the appropriate authorities. Don’t be embarrassed as it will help others from falling for it.Scammers are so clever, it can be hard to tell what is real and what is fake.So, to try and help you sort the good deals from the good for-nothings, Netsafe has a smart new tool – checknetsafe.nz. Type in or copy and paste the web address link you want to check – within seconds you will know if the link is a scam or legitimate. Checknetsafe.nz can also keep you up-to-date with some of the latest scam information from around New Zealand and the rest of the world, so that you can be better prepared to spot the scammers before they get their hands on your personal information or your hard-earned money.

Friday 28th JulyLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourWarkworth Embroiderer's Guild - Eye of The Needle ExhibitionWarkworth RSA - Hoe Down @ The Ranch Live Music Friday Nights @ Matakana Village PubFiji Fridays @ SmithsSaturday 29th JulyWarkworth Embroiderer's Guild - Eye of The Needle ExhibitionMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketMatakana Estate - Danny CrocomeBrooke Lane Vineyard’s Last Saturday ClubBen Wilcock Quartet Body Awakening - WinterSunday 30th JulyMama Held Nourishing Support CircleSunday Service @ Smiths

Bad news for chocoholics - their favourite treat is expected to get even more expensive, as global supply chains struggle to meet demand.Earlier this year, Wellington-based family business Whittakers announced it was struggling with increasing costs, resulting in a standard block of chocolate jumping in price by at least a dollar overnight.RaboResearch associate analyst Pia Piggott told Afternoons global factors had been contributing to rising costs in the key ingredients used to make chocolate, partly due to reduced supply of them, and that pattern looked set to continue. So chocolate lovers should brace for the pain in the pocket to continue."We're seeing something particular with chocolate because of the cocoa market," Piggott said. "This past year alone we've seen significant rallies in cocoa - up 27 percent this year, and sugar up 20 percent."Most cocoa is produced in West Africa, and for the past two years they've had really poor growing conditions - a lot of wet weather that's caused rotting and disease from the cocoa trees, and that's left two years of supply deficit - demand is outweighing demand for two years."El Nino weather patterns were also expected to affect global crops."There's expectations that we could see a third year of cocoa supply deficit. So while demand is quite stable and supply is declining, that's going to keep pushing up prices for cocoa," Piggott said.About 50 to 60 percent of most chocolate bars were made up by sugar, she said. But many countries had been producing less and less sugar, and El Nino could mean that trend continued, and there could be a deficit if those weather patterns become severe.While production of ingredients had slowed, demand for chocolate had not, even for luxury producers who had reported rising their costs."Everyone still wants a little bit of indulgence and still wants to enjoy chocolate."Shinkflation could happen down the line, "if these prices are going to continue to stay elevated" Piggott said.Milk, the third of the main ingredients in chocolate, was the only one the forecasts looked favourable for."Last year we had record dairy prices ... but this year it's more normal trading conditions, there's a lot more milk supply in the global market, so that's providing a little bit of relief."Another positive front was that shortages of some fruit and vegetable supplies in New Zealand caused by extreme weather events were beginning to work their way out of the system."In Australia and New Zealand, the wet weather conditions have receded, which is very positive, and we're seeing abundant supplies of some fruit and veges, as well as some acute supply shocks that are still going through the supermarkets."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionFriday 28th July - Fine, apart from the chance of a morning shower. Fresh southerlies, easing around midday.Saturday 29th July - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Sunday 30th July - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until evening. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Mangawhai RegionFriday 28th July - Occasional showers, clearing this morning and becoming fine. Fresh southerlies, easing this afternoon.Saturday 29th July - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until evening. Southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Sunday 30th July - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.