It's never been easier to stay connected to work. Even when we're on leave, our phones and laptops keep us tethered. Many of us promise ourselves we won't check emails during our break. But we do.Being away from the workplace, and even in a new location, is often not enough to detach psychologically. We might still be thinking about a demanding project we raced to finish or even feel guilty about leaving others to cover for us.'Digital presenteeism'It mightn't be spelt out by our employers but having phones and laptops can create an underlying expectation we are constantly available, even outside the usual work hours.This feeling of connection or "digital presenteeism", can impact our health by making us stressed, anxious and burnt out.Switching off our work tools when we are out of the office or on leave can remove these problems as well as helping improve and enjoy our non-work activities and relationships.Right to disconnectWhile recently passed right to disconnect laws in Australia legally support workers to switch off, there's another option already available to workers. Taking annual leave.Unfortunately, many workers don't take advantage of this valuable resource, with an estimated 160 million annual leave days banked up by Australian workers. One in five have more than the typical yearly allocation of four weeks unused.The benefits of taking a breakTaking a break doesn't just feel good, it's been shown to benefit your health.A 2017 meta-analysis of 86 studies revealed taking holidays can lead to reduced stress and less exhaustion during the holiday period.So what do we do with all the extra time we have? Sleep more? Do more exercise? Studies show that's exactly what happens when we are on holiday. We studied movement patterns of 375 adults during annual leave. We found people were more physically active, less sedentary and had more sleep each day - all of which are good for our health.Holidays can also be associated with changes in how our body functions. A study of 112 holiday makers who attended a wellness resort for six days in the United States had increased heart rate variability which indicates greater resilience to stress.Also, the odds of meeting metabolic syndrome criteria decreased with each break taken each year in a cohort of workers who took on average five holidays each year.If you're male and still not convinced, there is evidence that taking holidays is linked with living longer. Men who take more frequent holidays and more leave days a year have lower mortality rates than those who don't?The best type of break?Simply taking leave is beneficial. Longer breaks do not have increased benefits and where you go is also unimportant.A study of locations found those who took a short four day break in a hotel did not benefit more than those who took a break at home. Both groups showed positive changes to stress, recovery, strain and wellbeing.In our study, the largest favourable changes were experienced by people who took one to two weeks' leave or those who spent time outdoors camping or hiking. However positive changes were observed for all types of holidays.Ultimately, the best vacation is the one that fits your preferences and budget - there's no such thing as a perfect holiday.How to make the most of your next breakIf you haven't already, book some time off and get away from the workplace. Here are five ways to make the most of the time:1. Finish up your to-do list and clear out your inbox: returning to work after a summer holiday with fewer unfinished tasks allows the positive effects of the holiday to linger longer.2. Step away from the normal routine: try to limit work-like activities (such as shopping, cleaning, computer-based tasks) and find environments that feel removed from your typical routine and obligations.3. Engage in "soft fascination" activities: exploring nature is an example of an activity that gently holds your attention while leaving headspace for reflection. These types of activites have been shown to provide restorative mental benefits.4. Reduce the friction and chaos: avoid putting yourself in settings of conflict (such as visiting a difficult family member), confusion (busy, unfamiliar environments) or tension (excessive travel and/or tight timelines).5. Take more frequent breaks: aim for multiple short breaks throughout the year, rather than a single longer vacation. This spreads out the benefit with more lead-in time and longer comedown.The research is clear: vacations are essential for our health and wellbeing. So, if you haven't already, book some time off and get away from the workplace.*Ty Ferguson is a research associate in exercise, nutrition and activity at the University of South Australia; Carol Maher is a research professor in exercise, nutrition and activity at the University of South Australia; Rachel Curtis is a research fellow in exercise, nutrition and activity at the University of South Australia.

The Matakana Coast has long been celebrated for its stunning scenery, thriving hospitality venues, and vibrant community spirit. But when it comes to transportation, especially at night, the area has faced a catch-22. Hospitality venues hesitate to stay open late without reliable transport options, while transportation providers are reluctant to operate without enough demand.Enter the Mai Ride Summer Shuttle—a community-driven initiative that’s set to change the game this season. Running from 28th December to 7th February, Thursdays to Saturdays, the shuttle offers a simple solution to help locals and visitors make the most of the area’s nightlife.For just $20 per person, this convenient loop connects key destinations like Omaha, Matakana, Warkworth, and Brick Bay. It runs four return trips daily, from noon until 9:30pm, offering a safe, easy way to enjoy the coast’s hospitality scene without worrying about driving. Whether it’s a twilight dinner, live music, or a casual evening with friends, the shuttle lets you focus on the fun.This year, the shuttle serves as a pilot programme—a test to see how much demand exists for expanded evening transport. If enough people hop on board, the service has the potential to grow bigger and better in the future.With community support, it could pave the way for a thriving nightlife scene, opening up new opportunities for local businesses and residents alike.So, if you’ve ever wished for better ways to explore the Matakana Coast after dark, now’s the time to act. Gather your friends, plan your evening, and take advantage of this affordable and stress-free transport option. Every ride counts toward building a better-connected Matakana Coast for everyone.Head here to book your pickup!

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 23rd - Showers, some heavy with possible thunderstorms about the west coast early morning, becoming isolated this afternoon. Southwesterlies developing this morning.Tuesday 24th - Fine. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Wednesday 25th XMAS DAY - Partly cloudy, with occasional rain from afternoon. Northerlies developing.Thursday 26th BOXING DAY - Showers, easing. Northwesterlies, turning to fresh southwesterlies.Friday 27th - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Strong southwesterlies.Saturday 28th - Fine with southwesterliesSunday 29th - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 23rd - Mainly fine, the chance of a shower until evening. Westerlies.Tuesday 24th - Fine. Southwesterlies, easing at night.Wednesday 25th XMAS DAY - Fine, then showers developing in the afternoon. Northerlies developing.Thursday 26th BOXING DAY -Showers developing. Northwesterlies, turning to fresh southwesterlies.Friday 27th - Fine. Strong southwesterlies easing.Saturday 28th - Fine with southwesterlies.Sunday 29th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

KAIPARA REGIONAUCKLAND REGION

The hospitality sector says a good summer will set it up for the year ahead, even in the face of recession.Economists said this week that the country was in a deeper than expected recession - the worst six-month period since 1991, excluding Covid-19.Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update also painted a bleak picture, forecasting the country was likely to stay in the red until 2029.Hospitality NZ's Sam McKinnon said customer sentiment strongly affected the sector, and consumers had been buoyed by recent official cash rate (OCR) cuts."Customer sentiment is a key driver in terms of spend in the economy and discretionary spend, especially in tourism and hospitality."We've seen some of the positivity return with announcements around the OCR cuts and that sort of thing. It remains to be seen what the impact of a negative update from Treasury will be, but the weather is a good influence for customer sentiment as well."We're certainly hopeful that over the summer months, people will feel positive about spending out on hospitality and making the most of the warm weather."Earlier this month, MetService said it was anticipating a hot summer when it issued its first heat alerts for the season. McKinnon said that would set hoteliers, restaurants, cafes and bars up for the year."Even in the main centres, as people return to work, if you've got a good couple of months of summer weather and they're in the office, they might be able to leave a little bit early or go for an after work drink or meet up with friends for dinner."So good weather anywhere in the country tends to be positive for hospitality. We're hoping that we will have a really strong summer and they will set us up for success in 2025."This story was originally posted by RNZ

State Highway 1 south of the Mangamuka Gorge in Northland is closed, due to a crash.The road connecting Northland with the Far North reopened to the public on Friday after a two-and-a-half-year closure for repair work.Hato Hone St John said it sent three ambulances and a helicopter to the scene, near Rangiahua Road, airlifting one patient to Northland Base Hospital in a serious condition.SH1 was closed between Rangiahua Rd and Perry Rd.The crash was reported at about 9.20am.New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said people should avoid the area and consider an alternative route, as it could be several hours before the road was reopened.The serious crash unit has been advised.A 13km stretch of highway through Mangamuka Gorge in the Far North, just south of Kaitāia, was destroyed by slips during torrential rain in August 2022.This story was originally posted by RNZ

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 10 January 2025. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 9 JanuarySouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 9 JanuaryEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 9 JanuaryShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 25 December-2 January (24/7)Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 JanuaryHobson Street (SH1) southbound on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 JanuarySymonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)Symonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 8 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 8 JanuaryPrinces Street southbound on-ramp, 8 JanuaryHighbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 8 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9 JanuaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9 JanuaryDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 7 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 7-8 JanuaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 7-8 JanuaryRamarama northbound on-ramp, 7-8 JanuaryBombay southbound off-ramp, 6-9JanuarySH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 6 & 8-9 JanuaryNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Foster Road, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku roundabout, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 9 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 9 JanuaryNorthbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road roundabout, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 6 JanuaryEastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 6 JanuarySquadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 7 JanuaryHobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 JanuaryTrig Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 JanuaryBrigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 JanuarySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 7 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Bader Drive northbound off-ramp, 6-7 January

Mihingarangi Forbes and Annabelle Lee-MatherFour months after Joanna Sione-Lauaki's body was found on a Northland beach, her whānau still doesn't know how she was killed.Not having the results of the post-mortem, let alone any idea who was responsible, is compounding their grief and frustration as they face their first Christmas without the Dargaville mother-of-eight.They feel they have been let down by the police.TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLICK HERE"One hundred percent," said one of Jo's daughters, Shana."We feel like they have been holding back on information … and we just think that's unfair," Shana said. "We were so angry with how they were treating us."Joana's sisters with some of her tamariki. Photo: Irene Maton PhotographyMata Reports has investigated the unsolved murder, and spent time with the whānau which has had to deal with rumours, innuendo and speculation.They want to shut down the rumours, to tell Aotearoa what she meant to them, and to see justice for Jo."I feel completely ripped off, I used to be a man of faith and I don't speak to him no more," said Jo's husband, Jared - a prize-winning dairy farm worker."As a father, I'm always on guard, everyone's the enemy, everyone's after us."Police declined Mata's requests for an interview, saying they didn't want to jeopardise the inquiry.A spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing and called for anyone who had any information to come forward.Joanna Sione-Lauaki's daughters Sharney Panapa, Haminy Panapa and Jashana Sione Lauaki. Photo: Aotearoa Media CollectiveJo, aged 38, went missing on 1 August, after telling Jared she was going to the beach.The next morning, her whereabouts was a mystery. But in their hearts, Jared and the children knew something must have happened to her."We know our Mum and she's not a person to do something to herself," Sharney said."If she's having a bad day, she's somebody who talks to us. So, we knew something had happened, someone had done something that night."Their worst fears were confirmed when a member of the public found her body on a beach she and the family didn't usually visit, between Omamari and Aranga, north of Dargaville.Police later announced she was the victim of foul play."Mum was in the wrong place at the wrong time and someone took advantage of that and took away our mum, and everyone's sissy and aunty and cousin," daughter Shana said.Jared said: "She was my reason for getting out of bed, her and the kids. She brought a lot to the table, and the table's gone."The night she went missing, Jo told Jared she was going to the beach while he headed to bed early. With an early start in the cow shed, Jared needed to get to sleep, so he flicked his phone onto airplane mode, something he often did."It became a habit just before I dozed off to flick it down," Jared said.In the morning, when he turned his phone back on there was a one-word text from Jo: "Help."He started trying to get hold of her, but with a herd of cows to milk, he initially went to work."I was distracted, obviously, and kept trying to make contact throughout milking. went home for breakfast break, kept trying, and then returned back to work and just said to my boss, 'Something's not right'."With one of his daughters, he went to a beach he and Jo regularly went to, to see if they could find any sign of her.But there was nothing. He instinctively knew something was seriously wrong so he went to the police station to report her missing.That afternoon, her body was found. Several items of clothing were missing, including a white Nike t-shirt with a red tick, tracksuit pants, and Adidas scuffs.Jared said initially, the police were good towards the family.But as time went on, he believes they have treated him like a suspect, he said.Joana Sione-Lauaki and husband Jared. Photo: Aotearoa Media CollectiveFurthermore, his connection to the Black Power has fuelled rumours and gossip, something which has hurt their children."People may think it's our dad but we can 100 percent tell you that it's not," Sharney said."Because of who is, it doesn't change him and doesn't make any difference to the pain he's going through."Daughter Jashana said: "My dad's grieving and it's not nice to hear people.""Those that know me knew that, no matter what happened, I'd be there for my wife," Jared said.The rumours, the pain, and the feeling that he's being treated like a suspect have taken their toll on Jared.All the while, he's having to cope with the loss of his wife, the woman he loved for 21 years."Jo was the best mum in the world, bubbly as, had a laugh that you could hear a mile away," he said. "But for me, it was her eyes, just big, beautiful brown, sparkly eyes. And that's whatI fell in love with."One of Jo's friends, Ani Ripia, recalls how the whānau's home was always bursting with joy."They were always laughing, and their children always came before themselves," Ani said."It was actually quite funny to see because I'd be like, 'My goodness, so many tamariki'. But they made it look easy."Daughter Shana said it was Jo who would keep things running."She always got everything sorted," she said. "So now it's a different dynamic when we don't have the main lady behind the scenes."If you have any information that could help, please contact police here or call 105. Please use the reference number 240803/9062. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.- Mata is made with the help of Te Māngai Pāho and NZ on Air

Peter de GraafIn the tiny Far North settlement of Mangamuka, the excitement is palpable.For the past two and a half years, locals have faced long detours on rough roads, isolation from friends and family, and higher transport costs.That's about to come to an end, however, with the reopening of State Highway 1 through Mangamuka Gorge, the main route north to Kaitāia on 20 December.Mangamuka resident Awhina Rauwhero-Stevens said the closure meant having to drive further for more expensive groceries, and less frequent visits to her mokopuna on the other side of the gorge."We can't wait. It's been a struggle. Having to go to Kaikohe and Kerikeri, because I shop every week, and Pak'nSave in Kaitāia is the cheapest in the North. So I can't wait. I'm excited."In August 2022, a 13-kilometre section of highway through the gorge was so badly damaged by a storm it's taken until now, and more than $200 million, to fix it.When the deluge hit, the highway had only been open for 13 months after a previous year-long closure, also due to storm damage.Overnight the closure transformed Mangamuka from a bustling pit stop on the main route north to sleepy backwater, threatening the survival of the settlement's only store, the popular Mangamuka Dairy.Owner Eliza Chapman-Kete said at times she was not sure the business could keep going.In the end it had survived, even thrived, thanks to road workers, Te Araroa Trail walkers, and the support of locals.Mangamuka Dairy is an important social hub as well as a source of supplies in the tiny Far North settlement. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafThe dairy was much more than just a place to buy groceries, Chapman-Kete said."People call it a hub. It's a place where people meet, they talk and cry together, they laugh together and sometimes they have words together," she said.There was also excitement in Kaitāia, on the other side of the gorge, where locals like Kiana Murray would no longer have to drive the long way around via State Highway 10."When we're travelling to Auckland, Kaikohe, anywhere, we've got to literally go all the way around, it takes probably another hour out of our way, maybe more, the roads are shocking, it's harder. So yeah, I absolutely can't wait for it to open up."The reopening of State Highway 1 would also be also a boon for people travelling to the Far North on business, such as Whangārei sales rep Shannon Beeston."I think it's wonderful. I travel up here quite often and travelling up State Highway 10, it makes your day a lot longer. For the town and the business owners it'll be fabulous," she said.Te Hiku Community Board member John Stewart said with State Highway 1 closed, many fruit and vegetable growers were unable to transport their produce to Auckland and return to Kaitāia in a day, greatly increasing their costs.The closure of State Highway 1 transformed Mangamuka from a busy pit stop on the main freight route north to a sleepy backwater. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafHe said freight companies had been quick to bump up the amount they charged Kaitāia businesses when the highway closed, and hoped they would bring down their fees just as quickly after the gorge reopened on 20 December.The impact of the closure had been greatest at the southern end of town, Stewart said, and had slashed the number of visitors stopping in at the museum and i-Site at the Te Ahu Centre."I think of a mate who owns Mobil down the southern end of town. That's basically the first shop everyone drives into once they come through the Mangamukas into Kaitāia. I'd hate to know what he's been losing after the last couple of years," he said.Far North deputy mayor Kelly Stratford recalled the last time Mangamuka Gorge reopened after storm repairs, in 2021.On that occasion the road lasted just over a year before it was wrecked by another, even bigger storm."I'm really, really excited about the Mangamukas opening, and feeling very confident that it's going to be open for a lot longer than last time. I'm looking forward to our communities on both sides being able to connect, everybody travelling for business, for mahi, to be with whānau. It's been a real interruption for whānau on both sides of the Mangamukas," she said.Mangamuka Dairy owner Eliza Chapman-Kete. Photo: Peter de GraafThe August 2022 deluge triggered dozens of slips, 15 of which were deemed to be significant and six critical.Another storm in 2023 increased the number of major slips to 35, with 15 of those regarded as critical, and in June this year another slip took the total to 36.The fresh damage bumped up the repair cost from the initially budgeted $100m and delayed the reopening from the original target date of May 2024.The total cost, according to NZTA, was now $204m.Back in Mangamuka, locals said there would also be some downsides to the reopening.For the past few years birdsong and the murmur of conversation had been the main sounds in the settlement, but that would soon be replaced by the roar of trucks barrelling down the main street.Chapman-Kete said with four school bus pick-ups each day, children, and parents, would have to get used to looking out for traffic again.Residents had been pushing for a pedestrian crossing to make the road safer once traffic returned.Chapman-Kete said she would miss the quiet."We had our own little sanctuary here really. So yes, we'll miss that. And the mothers will have to watch their children quite closely. We'll just have to be careful."Even Awhina Rauwhero-Stevens said she would miss the silence."What I'm not looking forward to is the noise. I'm not looking forward to the traffic, and not looking forward to waiting in line at Whaea Eliza's dairy."But even the prospect of speeding trucks and queues at the dairy could not dampen her excitement."The gorge is beautiful. I've missed going through it. I can't wait to see the changes. I'm so glad it's nearly finished. We can't wait. I know I've said that like 10 times now, that's how excited I am," she said.On Thursday, 19 December, the rebuilt road will be blessed and Transport Minister Simeon Brown will visit the gorge to celebrate the project's completion. The highway is due to reopen at one minute after midnight on Friday.This story was originally published by RNZ

Project Update – December 2024Tena koe and welcome to the Northland Corridor newsletter.It’s been all go on our Summer Roadshow the last few weekends. We’ve been to the Kaiwaka Community Markets, Whangārei A&P Show and the Matakana Markets. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to talk with us at these events. It’s been great to hear your questions, update you on the progress and hear your enthusiasm for the project. We will be continuing our roadshow in the New Year with 3 more events, see below for the details of where you can find us.In this edition of the newsletter, we have an update on helicopters moving machinery into Mahurangi Forest in Dome Valley as we move at pace with Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana.We also share some news from the Far North, with SH1 through the Mangamuka Gorge reopening in time for Christmas.We wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas.Summer RoadshowWith the Summer Roadshow in full swing, we’ve been hearing common themes at our stand. There’s lots of support for the project and you’re pleased we’re working at pace, and you want us to ‘just get on with it’.We’ve heard you’re pleased Northland is getting this investment in the transport network. You’ve seen the benefits of Ara Tῡhono - Pῡhoi to Warkworth, including shorter travel times, safety, resilience and a smooth ride and there is excitement that we’ll be constructing the corridor to the Roads of Significance (RoNS) standard up to Whangārei.We’ll be back on the road after the Christmas break at the Mangawhai Tavern Markets on Saturday 11 January 2025 from 8.30am – 1pm. Join us for a chat, we’d love to see you there!What if I can’t make the roadshow?We know summer is a busy time, so if these dates and times don’t work for you and you’d like to talk to us, feel free to reply to this email or contact us on [email protected] 1 update: Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te HanaOur geotechnical team continue to make good progress with their investigations, successfully completing 49 boreholes and drilling a total of 1385m to date. Their current focus is on investigations for the tunnel alignment in Mahurangi Forest including drilling boreholes as deep as 150m and at an angle to get a 3D view of the ground conditions. The 3D view helps the team better understand fault lines in the area which helps inform the final design.We have started moving machinery into some hard to access locations within Mahurangi Forest via helicopter. Equipment is being flown into each drilling site rather than cutting paths through the forest. Helicopters will operate 2 days per week and will move machinery to 20 sites over the next couple of months for this current stage of geotechnical investigations. We’ll share photos of the helicopters in action early next year. Section 2 & 3 update: Te Hana to WhangāreiWe’ll be finalising the emerging preferred corridor north of Te Hana in the first quarter of 2025 and updating people on where we are at.See our frequently asked questions for more information and if you have further questions feel free to contact us on [email protected] the Far North: Mangamuka Gorge to reopen on 20 DecemberThe team is finalising preparations for reopening State Highway 1 through Mangamuka Gorge on the morning of Friday 20 December 2024 at 12:01 AM. It’s been a huge effort to get to this point and we want to acknowledge the Te Tai Tokerau Northland community for your ongoing support throughout the project.The gorge has been closed since August 2022 due to severe slip damage caused by extreme weather events. Additional record rainfall in 2023 resulted in further slips, complicating repairs. A new slip in June this year brought the total number of slip sites to 36, with 16 deemed critical.To find out more about the SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs visit our webpage.Before and after of critical slip site A3 – repaired with a piled wall made up of 40 piles and 42 anchors drilled back into the maunga (mountain) for extra stability.Holiday JourneysHere’s some tips to stay safe this summer out on the road:Check your vehicle is safe to drive before you set off including that your tyres have enough tread (minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip) and your lights, wipers and indicators are working.Drive to the conditions - whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or the volume of traffic.Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.Allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.Be patient so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.For more information, check out our helpful holiday driving tips: Driving in the holidays.We’ll stop most works on the state highway before the busy holiday travel period to minimise disruption to people’s journeys, but it’s a good idea to plan ahead to avoid the busiest times for traffic.Our Holiday Journeys traffic prediction tool shows predicted traffic flow across popular journeys over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday based on the previous year’s travel patterns. It’ll be updated for this year’s holiday break soon. Because predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather and even driver behaviour we suggest that you check our real-time Journey Planner before you leave for the latest information on road works, traffic, road closures and delays.Journey PlannerWe wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break!

The Te Hana Domain playground design has been given the green light by the community and Rodney Local Board.The junior playground is due to be replaced in 2026 and will be rebuilt on the other side of Whakapirau Road, placing it near the car park and toilet, and on the northern side of the domain.Feedback from the local community, Te Ao Marama Cultural Centre and Te Uri O Hau Settlement Trust has been incorporated into the final design.Rodney Local Board chair Brent Bailey is pleased that along with local feedback there are more opportunities for play including a loop path for young children learning to ride.“The larger playground will cater for toddlers through to tweens with new play equipment and a range of activities to keep everyone happy.“The new design is a big improvement on the current playground, and the feedback has helped confirm the layout, and choice of play equipment.“Not all wishes can be fitted into the design as neither a fenced dog area or flying fox are in scope or budget for the project.“However, the new playground will be a fantastic amenity for local families and the board is very pleased to approve its design.”Play equipment will include:senior and junior play modulesswings, waka see-saw and wheelchair carouselfish-finder cultural activitybalance trail and stepping logstimber seating and picnic tables.Elevated grass mounds will create a visual connection to the cultural centre and interpretive signage and artwork added. Other features include paths, shade sails, signage, fencing, bollards and plantings. The existing community garden will be redeveloped as part of the new playground.Local board member Colin Smith, who represents the Wellsford area, says the playground upgrade will help address the shortfall of play options in Te Hana.“The new layout makes the most of the bigger space and includes new and existing play equipment. The new playground is going to be a popular addition to the domain and very well-used by the community when it’s built.”The next step is the detailed design followed by the consents and tender processes with construction planned to start in 2026.The community also raised safety concerns about children crossing Whakapirau Road as logging trucks travel through the domain. Auckland Transport will be asked to review the speed limit and signage on this section of the road.The design has been future-proofed for a second stage of development which is subject to funding and includes a skate ramp and a 3-on3 court to coincide with the existing court renewal. Both facilities can be relocated to the northern side of Whakapirau Road.The concept design is available in the agenda report (item 14) from the business meeting held on 14 December 2024.

And so we reach the end of another year having faced many challenges and frustrations which we have shared with you along the way. There have been lots of positives too - Leigh Penguin Project has been involved in various initiatives to raise awareness and we look forward to our ongoing participation in community events. This year we also formalised our relationship with NZ Penguin Initiative so we now have a more structured framework to work within and also their extensive knowledge and guidance. Recently we hosted our supporters at Penguin Random House for the second year running. They love to put a group together, leave their desks and experience first hand how things are going for our korora. We very much value the relationship we have with Penguin Random House and thank them hugely for choosing to sponsor us. Madeleine put together a full day programme involving a mix of fieldwork and a lunch where we shared our stories with them and reflected on the difficulties penguins, along with so many species are now facing.Great timing too, to showcase the newly finished Coastal Walkway. Earlier in the season, we’d had several korora in both nesting boxes and natural sites but sadly they abandoned their sites with no new chicks. It is common when a first clutch of eggs are unsuccessful the penguins can produce a second clutch. Luck was going our way this time as we had birds visible. And there was hope that they might be sitting on another clutch of eggs. Our guests were thrilled. Obligatory photos were later taken underneath the Penguin Street sign before we all headed off back to the coast with bags to comb the area for any rubbish. It’s surprising how much we found.A good reminder to ourselves that we can all make a difference to the chances of korora survival by remembering to grab a bag when we head to beach walks and throw in any rubbish - korora will swallow small bits of plastic and become tangled up in netting etc all of which will kill them. It’s good to feel that even in these small ways we can all make a big difference.Anecdotally I’m told that more dogs are on leashes now so that’s also very heartening. Thank you for your interest and support of the project.Mary Mangan for Leigh Penguin Project [email protected].

A man who allegedly went on a crime spree in Dargaville before ramming a Police car and fleeing in a stolen vehicle has been arrested.At about 11.30am yesterday, Police were notified of a vehicle seen travelling on Port Road, Whangarei which had been stolen earlier during an aggravated burglary in Dargaville.Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says the vehicle was then sighted again on State Highway 1 near Otaika Roadd and Rew Rewa Road.“The driver has then proceeded to ram a Police vehicle.“Thankfully no one was injured and the damage was minimal, however this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable.”Inspector Nordstrom says the vehicle fled towards Maungatapere and was spiked near Tangowahine Valley Road.“The vehicle has become inoperable and the driver has abandoned it on Ounuwhao Road and attempted to flee on foot.“Delta, the Police Dog unit, has tracked the alleged offender along nearby railway tracks where he surrendered,” she says.“This was yet another great example of Police working together to hold people to account for their actions.“We will continue to use all resources available to us when these situation arise.”A 38-year-old will appear in Whangārei District Court today charged with three counts of assaulting a person with a blunt instrument, failing to stop and dangerous driving.The arrest comes after a busy week for staff in Dargaville, with five arrests alone on one day on a variety of matters.This included a 56-year-old man arrested for an alleged arson of a fence on a rural property in Te Kōpuru.Three other men were arrested in the area for outstanding warrants to arrest.

Police are wanting to remind potential purchasers of the some of the risks of buying via Facebook Marketplace.Police regularly see reports relating to instances where a fake, or doctored, screenshot has been shown or sent to the seller – however these can be spotted if you know what you’re looking for.Look for differences in formatting – are there different fonts used or does the text size vary?Compare the screenshot to one of your own bank – does it look legitimate?Is the senders name clearly listed? Often an account name does not appear on a fake screenshot.If you’re not sure, Police urge sellers to make sure the money is in your account, and the funds have been cleared, before handing over or posting the items.We suggest the following for every time you choose to buy and sell online:First and foremost, we recommend using a reputable online site to buy or sell items.Check the social media profile of the seller. Is it a new profile or relatively blank? There's a chance it may be a fake profile.If the trader insists on meeting at a public place or unusual location to make a sale, be cautious. It may be that they are selling stolen items or don't want to be identified for some other reason.Equally, if purchasers are reluctant to meet in person or insist items are dropped off at a location, they may be avoiding being seen or identified.Purchasers who are in a rush to complete a transaction.Consider cash as a safe alternative to online banking for pickup and pay transactions.As the saying goes: if it is too good to be true, it probably is.If you wish to report a social media scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

A devastating house fire in Oakleigh, south of Whangārei, last night (Sunday 15th) required a coordinated response from seven firefighting brigades. Fire and Emergency's Northland manager, Wipari Henwood, confirmed that while all occupants, including six children, were safely accounted for, the family has lost everything, including their home and two cars.The fire posed significant challenges for crews, as the property was located up a steep driveway with a stand of bush at the rear. The proximity of the blaze to a nearby petrol station on State Highway 1 added to the urgency of the operation. Henwood described the situation as "difficult and demanding," noting that it was likely to take several hours to fully extinguish the flames.NZTA advised motorists travelling just south of Oakleigh to expect delays and exercise caution due to firefighting activities near the highway.An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.The family, who are deeply shaken by this tragedy, are now left feeling helpless, particularly as it comes so close to Christmas—a time that should be joyful and celebratory for their children. A heartfelt plea has been shared by a relative on the family's Givealittle page:"Hi all, my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and their six kids have lost everything due to this house fire. While all made it out safely, they’ve lost it all—everything they own, including their two cars. If you could please find it in your hearts to give anything to help their situation, it would be greatly appreciated.Right before Christmas, this tragedy has left them unprepared and without a house or anything for their children. They are a family that really needs some support right now, so please get behind them in this sad time. Bless them and their whānau. Thank you."Donations can be made through the Givealittle page to help the family rebuild their lives and provide some comfort during this challenging time.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 16th December - Rain, heavy at times with possible thunderstorms and downpours, easing to a few showers this evening. Southwesterlies developing this afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod:  15hrs from 3am - 6pm Mon, 16 DecArea:  Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel PeninsulaForecast:  Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Note, there is high uncertainty where the largest accumulations will be, and warning amounts may be exceeded in localised areas. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Tuesday 17th December - Cloud clearing and becoming fine before dawn. Fresh southerlies, easing in the evening.Wednesday 18th - Fine. Southerlies, becoming fresh.Thursday 19th - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 20th - Fine with westerlies.Saturday 21st - Showers with northwesterlies.Sunday 22nd - Showers with westerlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 16th December - Rain, heavy at times with possible thunderstorms and downpours, easing to a few showers this evening. Light winds, evening southwesterlies.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 15hrs from 3am - 6pm Mon, 16 DecArea: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel PeninsulaForecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Note, there is high uncertainty where the largest accumulations will be, and warning amounts may be exceeded in localised areas. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Tuesday 17th December - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 18th - Fine. Southerlies.Thursday 19th - Fine. Southwesterlies.Friday 20th - Fine with westerlies.Saturday 21st - Showers with northwesterlies.Sunday 22nd - Showers with westerlies.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 20 December 2024. Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline. NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 16 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grand Drive southbound on-ramp, 16 DecemberMillwater southbound on-ramp, 16 DecemberStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 15-16 DecemberCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 15-16 DecemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Grafton on-ramp, 15-19 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hobson Street southbound on-ramp, 15-19 DecemberSymonds Street southbound on-ramp, 15-19 DecemberSH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 15-19 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 15-19 DecemberSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 15-17 DecemberDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 15-17 DecemberBombay southbound off-ramp, 15-19 DecemberBombay northbound on-ramp 16-18 DecemberBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 15-19 December (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Beaver Road northbound off-ramp, 15-19 December (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Nikau Road northbound on-ramp, 15-19 December (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Rd, 15 & 18 December (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku roundabout, 15 & 18 December (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Foster Rd, 16-17 December (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Foster Rd and Waimauku roundabout, 16-17 December (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 16-18 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 16-18 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Roundabout off-ramp and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 17-18 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Roundabout on-ramp, 17-18 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am) UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp, 18 DecemberGreenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp, 18 DecemberWestbound lanes between Squadron Drive off-ramp and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 17 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Brigham Creek Road westbound on-ramp, 17 DecemberSH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 17 DecemberBrigham Creek Road eastbound off-ramp, 15-16 DecemberBrigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 15-16 DecemberSquadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 15-16 DecemberSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20) Neilson Street southbound on-ramp, 18 December

Explore Auckland Council's picks of this year’s most talked-about books with the Auckland Libraries Top 100! From fiction and non-fiction reads, picks for kids and teens, and books to dive into at the beach this summer, enjoy browsing these recommended reads and start requesting your favourites today .Head here for the top 100 list

Peter de GraafHealth Minister Shane Reti says stage one of Whangārei's hospital redevelopment is still on budget and on track to be completed by 2031.Dr Reti was speaking at sod-turning ceremony on Friday marking the start of a new children's outpatient clinic, which is due to open in mid-2026 at a cost of $35 million.The budget for the entire stage one, as announced by the previous government in 2022, is $759m.Dr Reti said staging the hospital rebuild meant Northlanders would be able to benefit from new, fit-for-purpose facilities sooner than if the whole redevelopment was built at once.The other elements of stage one included a new Whānau House, which had recently been completed, and a new acute services building, which was currently being designed.The acute services building, the largest and most critical part of stage one, would house a new emergency department, intensive care unit, radiology, and support services.Dr Reti said Whānau House and Tira Ora, the new child health centre, had to be built first - because the old buildings were in the way of the planned acute services building, and because they had fire and health and safety issues.Tira Ora would have eight consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, and support spaces such as playrooms and a gym.That made it significantly bigger than the current children's health unit, which had three consulting rooms and three treatment rooms, though some offices were also used for consultations.It would be built close to the new maternity services building, Te Kotuku, and the two buildings would eventually be connected by a bridge for easy access.Work on Tira Ora, which would be built on what is now a car park, could start as soon as next week.Stage two of the redevelopment would entail building a 158-bed ward block or tower.Health Minister Shane Reti speaks at the launch of Whangārei Hospital's new child health unit. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafDr Reti said stage one funding included design work for the new tower but not the construction itself.Until the design was completed it was not possible to give a budget or timeline for the tower.Dr Reti said staging hospital developments with a series of smaller builds would help deliver new health infrastructure sooner, with greater certainty and on budget."Sequencing a build on a hospital campus like this will add capacity more quickly and allow the health system to build the right workforce to staff new or expanded facilities," he said."This is a win-win. Staff can provide patients with the latest models of care sooner in modern facilities. It minimises disruption, and it's more do-able from a construction, budget and workforce point of view."The existing hospital, parts of which date back to the 1950s. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonIn March this year, Health New Zealand gave the Whangārei Hospital redevelopment a red rating, which meant the project faced significant risks.Those risks were a result of the costs of replacement car parking, an energy centre and an acute assessment unit not being included in the budget.A dozen health projects around the country were given a red rating, including the Dunedin Hospital redevelopment.The plans for the new Dunedin Hospital have since been scaled back, causing consternation in the southern city.Dr Reti said, however, there were no plans to cut back the Whangārei project, which was still within budget despite some design challenges.Parts of Whangārei Hospital date back to the 1950s and the Northland District Health Board, now Heath NZ Te Tai Tokerau, has been calling for new facilities since at least 2015.Problems with the existing buildings include sewage running down the inside of the walls in the medical wing and leaks in the radiology department.Earlier this year outspoken emergency doctor Gary Payinda said staff had to place buckets around million-dollar CT scanning machines to catch rainwater dripping from the ceiling, a situation he described as "just so sub-standard".Dr Reti agreed hospital buildings in much of regional New Zealand, including Whangārei, were a far cry from where they needed to be, and getting them up to scratch was a big task that had to be managed carefully.Similar staged approaches to hospital redevelopment were planned in New Plymouth, Nelson and Hawke's Bay.This story was first published by RNZ