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.

In line with the opening of the safer, more resilient and reliable Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway, the new speed limits for the corridor have been certified.In November and December 2022, we held a formal consultation through the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan. We asked the public for feedback on a number of proposed new speed limits including those for the Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth corridor. A total of 66 public submissions were received for the Tamaki Makaurau region and 6 submissions were provided specifically in relation to the Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth corridor.Based on the feedback received through the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan consultation, the following speeds have been set as the new permanent speed limits.These new permanent speed limits will take effect on the day SH1 Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway opens.View larger map [PDF, 2.4 MB]A review is underway to assess if the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway is suitable for 110km/h speed limit. The review will consider the operating speeds following the opening of the new motorway.Interim State Highway Speed Management PlanWaka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is still working through the final decision on speed limits for the remainder of the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan. We will notify the public as soon as they are available and at this time the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan consultation summary will also be published. Interim State Highway Speed Management PlanFor more information on speed management, email us on [email protected] all your Toyota needs, new or used car, service or parts, check out Warkworth Toyota

An inquiry into a fatal school caving trip in Whangārei will focus on why it went ahead despite heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings, a former WorkSafe investigator says.A Whangārei Boys' High student died on Tuesday when his outdoor education group became trapped in Abbey Caves.Fourteen other students and two adults got out.WorkSafe confirmed it had launched an investigation but declined to comment further.Shenah Lintern's daughter was among six Northcote College students who got trapped for hours in the Waipu Caves in Northland in 2007.The teens and their instructors eventually had to swim to safety in the dark, and all survived.But Lintern said she felt little had changed since.Abbey Caves were just 35km from those her daughter was stuck in."I'm angry because they didn't learn from 2007," she said."In 2007 they knew that there was bad incoming weather and they still went ahead with taking the kids down into the caves. And they've done it again... I'm dumbfounded."WorkSafe helped develop the national caving safety guidelines which stated instructors should know how and when to cancel a trip.This included knowing weather forecasts, the maximum safe water level and safe waiting areas, escape routes and how to get out if the water rose, the guidelines said.A former WorkSafe investigator told RNZ the current inquiry would look at the school's decision to go into the caves despite the bad weather.It would consider who made the call and what reassurances they had that the students would be safe.Those working on the investigation would also scrutinise everything that lead up to that decision and would likely take a guide into the caves to look at the risks, the former investigator believed.Whangārei locals were struggling to make sense of what had happened."There's a weather alert, and here's a school taking these children into these caves while this is going on. Someone's arse needs to be kicked. Big time," one said."Who are you going to blame? The poor headmistress? No way. She's just doing her job," another said."No doubt there'll be a lot of finger-pointing. They've just got to get through it, work it out, what went wrong and move forward on making better decisions," a third commented."It's just sad for the whānau at the end of the day, very sad."Oparara Guided Cave Tours manager Jude Harrington runs an operation that takes visitors into Kahurangi National Park on the West Coast of the South Island."If we are concerned enough by heavy storm warnings the night before, we will actually cancel a tour rather than take the risk," she said."The most common practice is to go and assess it in the morning. There's a point on the track where if the water is flowing across the track, they simply turnaround and come back out and we cancel."Harrington said safety was paramount and there were usually several people involved in making the call on whether or not to go ahead.The size of the group going into the cave was also critical - both for safety and conservation, she said."We operate under a Department of Conservation concession, so they set the number of people that can go."Because of the sort of terrain we're dealing with and some of the viewing points within the cave, we have a restriction of eight guests plus the guide," Harrington said.The national guidelines recommended a ratio of one caving instructor to six people if they were in moving water.That was not the case for the Whangārei Boys' trip which involved an instructor, a teacher and 15 teenagers.Lintern said she felt like no one took into account the aftermath of the situations where trips did not go as planned.Her daughter, now 31, still suffered from crippling anxiety that began about a year after her ordeal in Waipu Caves."There was a lot of danger involved - she got out safely but it has affected her since then," she said."And that's what they don't take into account, that if something goes wrong these children are going to be permanently affected by it."The Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) guidelines on the Ministry of Education website state no qualification is needed to lead most outdoor activities, with the exception of rafting.The guidelines, published in 2016, say an analysis of serious incidents found incompetent leaders and ineffective supervision were major contributing factors.

Searchers have recovered a body at Abbey Caves in Northland where a student was missing after a school trip during bad weather on Tuesday.Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill announced the discovery of the body shortly before 6.30am today.He said the body was found late on Tuesday night after police continued the search using specialist equipment brought up from Auckland.The Year 11 student from Whangārei Boys' High School went missing during a trip in to the caves with a school party.The search for the missing student had been expected to conclude around 5pm yesterday, however, the equipment meant it could continue into the evening, Hill said."This helped enable searchers to locate a body, which was successfully recovered late yesterday evening. As such, the search has now concluded," Hill said."While formal ID of the body is yet to take place, police are ensuring the family is being offered support, and our thoughts remain with them at this tragic time."Some cordons will remain in place around the caves area while police continued to conduct a routine scene examination, he said."We acknowledge this event has been very distressing for the school and wider community, and that there are a number of questions the public will have."At the moment, police's focus is on supporting those affected, and we remind people to please not make assumptions as to what has occurred."Fourteen other students and two adults reported being in trouble around 10.30am on Tuesday but made it out of the caves to safety, where they helped by search and rescue teams and St John Ambulance.Ngāti Kahu o Torongare me Ngā Hapū o Whangārei has closed the area until a rāhui is lifted.The hapū has extended it condolences to the whānau of the student. It has also acknowledged the work of Land Search and Rescue, the police, FENZ and anyone else who supported the emergency response.It offered codolences to staff and students at Whangārei Boys High School also.In a statement yesterday, the school's principal Karen Gilbert-Smith promised a full investigation into the trip would be held.

OPENSH1 Brynderwyns is now OPENSH1 Dome Valley is now OPENPakiri Hill is OPENMatakana Valley Road hill is OPENWaitetei Road is OPENWest Coast RoadBaldrock RoadCLOSEDWayby Valley Road - floodedValley Road - floodingOneriri Road - floodingCAUTIONLeaving Warkworth on SH1 near the Golf Course there are massive potholes taking out car tires.Paparoa Oakleigh RoadKaiwaka Mangawhai RoadCove RoadBickerstaffe RoadPlease let us know if you have any updates [email protected] house soon? Check out Warkworth Removals

SH1 Brynderwyns are impacted with slips and surface water, both directions are now closed to traffic. Use alternative routes.Waipu has big areas of flooding and roads may not be safe to pass. This could impact the alternative route through from Mangawhai to Whangarei as Brynderwyns are closed.Pakiri river road is starting to flood, be careful as there are potholes.SH1 Dome Valley - flooding and slips starting road is CLOSED.SH16 at Woodcocks has flooding and not passable.Matakana Link Road roundabout - Serious flooding on road just near the matakana link road round about. Lease drive slow and safe.SH1 Warkworth - just south near the rifle range there is flooding that may not be passable.Rodney College and Wellsford School will be closing at 12pm due to flooding risk.More updates as we get them. Email any updates on roads from Auckland to Mangawhai to [email protected] DETAILS YOU MAY NEED:WATERWAYS: To report stormwater or flooding issues requiring urgent attention, phone council on 09 301 0101. Report a water, wastewater fault: https://www.watercare.co.nz/Faults-outages/Report-a-fault Please use the online chat function first for Watercare if possible.REPORTING ROAD FAULTSWait times at the call centre can be long. To free up the call centre to focus on the more life-threatening slips and landslides please report the less urgent issues via online.To report slips contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.For landslides and issues that might affect public roads or property, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553.To report roading maintenance issues online:https://contact.at.govt.nz/... report slips contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.