Local election voting papers are on the way for Kaipara The voting period is underway from today (Tuesday 9 September) until 12 noon Saturday 11 October 2025. Voters can expect to receive their official voting papers over the next week if they enrolled before 1 August 2025. Voting is by postal voting and uses First Past the Post (FPP). Voters have one vote for mayor, and then for their ward -- three for Wairoa Ward, two for Otamatea Ward and three for Kaiwaka–Mangawhai Ward. You will also be voting for your Northland Regional Council constituency representative. Voters can post their voting papers back using the self-addressed envelope provided with their papers. Completed voting papers can also be returned to Kaipara District Council offices and Kaipara libraries in Dargaville and Mangawhai, Dargaville Woolworths, Four Square stores in Kaiwaka, Ruawai and Maungatūroto, Mangawhai New World, or to our mobile voting team who are visiting communities from Saturday 20 September 2025. Tuesday 7 October 2025 is the last day for posting votes back by mail to ensure they count. After this date, voting papers will need to be hand delivered to one of the secure ballot boxes in the district by close of voting at 12 noon Saturday 11 October 2025. There is no online voting option. Special votes are available to those who didn’t receive their pack or have lost or damaged their pack; are travelling during the voting period; are eligible but are missing from the final roll; or if someone turns 18 after roll closure (1 August 2025) but before 11 October 2025. Special votes can be cast at council offices or any mobile voting site. Note for voters: If you haven’t enrolled or updated your details, it is not too late. You can enrol right up until Friday 10 October at vote.nz. Anyone enrolling after 1 August 2025 will need to cast a special vote because your postal pack will not be mailed. For more information on mobile voting locations, the electoral system and enrolling, head to kaipara.govt.nz/elections For more information on the Northland Regional Council election, candidates and the Māori constituency poll head to nrc.govt.nz

Whangārei Police are urging the public to be alert to fraudsters targeting trusting members of the community for their money.An investigation is in the early stages after an elderly couple had tens of thousands of dollars taken from accounts over the weekend.Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei Area Investigations Manager, says the couple were contacted about replacing their banking cards.“The fraudster has managed to convince them into providing pin numbers and leaving their eftpos cards in the mailbox for collection,” he says.“Sadly, over the weekend tens of thousands of dollars has been taken out of their accounts."Police received a report on Monday, which is now under investigation.Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer is calling on the community to be extremely vigilant.“It’s appalling behaviour where trusting members of the community have been deceived to the point their hard-earned money is being taken.“The last thing we need right now is other people in the community falling victim to this offending.“I’m asking families and neighbours to check in on each other, please be aware that this happening.”Police advise anyone who is contacted in these circumstances by potential scammers to not engage.Hang up and never hand over personal or banking details, Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.“The authorities and banks will never call you asking to hand over banking details.“If you’re contacted, hang up immediately and instead contact the bank yourself.”Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have been contacted in these circumstances, or who has handed over bank cards in these circumstances.You can make a report online or call 105.

Davina ZimmerThe government is proposing changes to make getting a driver licence easier, including scrapping the full license test. But with more than a third of drivers failing that test, experts have concerns.Almost 40 percent of New Zealanders are failing their full licence test the first time around, leaving experts wondering why the government wants to get rid of it.An announcement on the plan is expected soon, with final changes coming into effect mid next year.Among the changes, which Transport Minister Chris Bishop initially announced in April, are losing the full licence test, reducing the number of vision tests, introducing a clean driving record mandate and a zero-alcohol limit for all learner and restricted drivers.The primary focus is efficiency - Bishop says he wants to make getting a full licence more accessible, efficient and affordable. However, the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) is concerned the changes don't go far enough in improving road safety."We really want to see more of a focus on 'let's actually try and lift the standard and quality of our driving in New Zealand'," AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says."Let's not just try and not make road safety any worse, let's try and make it better."New Zealand has one of the worst youth road safety records in the developed world. In 2023 drivers between the ages of 15-24 were responsible for 75 fatal crashes. Almost 90 people in the same age bracket died and more than 600 were seriously injured.Thomsen says a major contributing factor is our licensing system because while we currently have two practical tests - something many other countries do not - we have far less emphasis on preparation and training."We are a big outlier in terms of it being quicker and easier to get a driver's licence than any other country around the world," he says.Thomsen says all the other countries AA looked at have requirements for a minimum number of hours of supervised practice that learners need to clock before they can get a licence."So we think New Zealand should follow suit and we would like the government to say 'as a learner you need to clock up at least 60 hours of practice before you can go and sit your restricted test," he says.Thomsen adds that AA also proposes extending the period someone is on a learner license from six to 12 months.Mark Revill-Johnson, the president of the New Zealand Institute of Driver Educators and a driving instructor himself, says the proposed changes have little to no emphasis on training and with about 40 percent of people failing their full licence test, he doesn't support getting rid of it."If you look at that from an instructor's point of view, I would expect that someone on a driving test would be on their best behaviour so if 39 percent of people are failing on their best behaviour, what are those people like when they're driving without supervision, without being on the test?"Revill-Johnson agrees with AA that introducing a mandatory number of supervised driving hours for those on their learner and restricted would go a long way in improving driver competence and road safety."Actually being in the vehicle and doing it is probably one of the best ways to pick up experience and that should always be supervised in those early days because the one thing the novice driver lacks is the experience to be able to see if something is about to go wrong," he says.Revill-Johnson says those hours should be a combination of driving with parents and an instructor."The professional can pick up some of the finer details and some of the techniques that will cause problems."But I don't think I would be naive enough to suggest that people would pay for 120 hours of lessons with a driving instructor, it's time behind the wheel that counts, so time with mum or dad is also vital," he says.He also thinks there needs to be more structure around what drivers need to learn before being let out on the road without supervision."Let's make sure they can drive in a motorway situation, let's make sure they can drive on a rural high-speed road, make sure that they can drive at night, make sure that they can drive in bad weather conditions and in town situations," he says.He says most of the mistakes he sees daily are easy fixes."Judgements of whether to go or not at an intersection ... we'll often see people who can pick a safe gap in a 50km zone but then struggle to adapt their perceptions to the higher speeds when they get on to open road."Revill-Johnson understands that this kind of model for acquiring a driver licence may introduce extra cost and time requirements, but maintains it's a worthy change if it means fewer road deaths."What value do you put on your kid's life?"Are we going to send them out unprepared or are we going to send them out as well prepared as we possibly can?This story was originally published by RNZ

An indoor playground is currently being built in Mangawhai which is much needed for the community when the weather isn't conducive to being outside! It is due to finish next year '26 – located on Cove Road. We will keep you updated.Monster Fun playground is finally open in Snells Beach and located in the old Warehouse building.Capri Café in Snells beach is finally closing its doors after many years of struggling with covid, new baby and recent competition from Four Square. A real trouper who kept responding to change and reinventing herself, we wish Aliesha all the best.The iconic Morris & James Pottery is sadly closing after 47 years of creative legacy. They have been winding down the business over the last few months and will be open until late October, so pop in or give them a call to stock up while you can.This summer Matakana Country Park will have a fresh new look as Rochford Landscapes and their partners are building what they claim to be the first rock park playground in NZ. The very tired looking existing playground will be revamped soon, so watch this space.Kiwiness Tours has closed its doors after 7 years of offering Matakana coast tours. Another local business forcing to close and all the more reason to shop local and support local.When one door closes another one opens and the new kid on the block is Hotel Pilates, a reformer Pilates studio at 114 Moir Street, Mangawhai. Classes for everyone - beginners, intermediate, pre/post-natal, mums & bubs, active agers 50+, men’s only and privates on 7 beautiful new reformers. Check them out at www.HotelPilates.co.nzIf your local business has news or changes you want us to share drop us an email at [email protected] to shop local and support local!

High numbers of undesexed, roaming dogs are continuing to put communities at risk, says Auckland Council, as new figures show the scale of Auckland’s dog problems.  Released today, the council’s Animal Management Annual Report FY24/25 [5.94MB] shows roaming dogs are a persistent issue for Auckland, with an unprecedented 16,739 reports made to the council during the year. Dog attacks remain at unacceptably high levels, with a record 1,341 reported attacks on people and 1,253 attacks on other animals. Animal Management Manager Elly Waitoa says the council is doing all it can to tackle Auckland’s dog problems, but irresponsible owners are continuing to put people, other animals, and the dogs themselves at risk. “Our staff work incredibly hard to keep Aucklanders safe from dog-related harm. Unfortunately, we are still seeing people not registering or desexing their dogs and not keeping them contained on their properties, leading to an endless cycle of more litters, more roaming dogs and more attacks. It gets harder each year to keep on top of.”  Shelters under strainThe council responded to almost 40,000 requests for service during the year and impounded a record 10,214 dogs — up 23 per cent from the previous year. This has meant that its three shelters have been operating at or near capacity at all times.  Ms Waitoa says that one reason for the increase is that we are seeing increasing numbers of dumped litters of puppies coming through shelters.  “Around 22 per cent of dogs impounded in 2025 were puppies under three months old, and this included over 200 litters of three puppies or more. There is a clear link between high numbers of unwanted puppies, and the fact most roaming dogs are not desexed.”   An excess of cheap or free available puppies may be one reason why many dog owners don’t bother collecting their dogs when they are impounded. Only 35 per cent of owners claimed their dogs from shelters within the seven-day impoundment period — the lowest ever recorded rate by a significant margin— resulting in a 60 per cent euthanasia rate for impounded dogs.  “This is unacceptable to the public and it’s unacceptable for us,” says Ms. Waitoa.  “Our staff are all dog-lovers, and the high euthanasia rate puts a significant toll on them. But when you have shelters full of unregistered dogs with behaviour issues that cannot be safely rehomed, no one coming in to claim them, and more aggressive dogs on the streets needing to be impounded every day, there is no other option.”   Desex, desex, desex  Ms Waitoa says that if she had one message for dog owners, it would be for them to please desex their dogs.  “Desexing is one of the simplest, most effective steps dog owners can take to break this cycle. It reduces aggression, lowers the likelihood of roaming and attacks, and decreases the number of dogs ending up in shelters. It benefits both the dogs and the community.”  While providing desexing services is not something councils are required to do, Auckland Council has stepped into this space due to the significant need. Earlier this year, a new internal veterinary services team was formed as a pilot at its Henderson shelter, offering free desexing and a dog pick-up/drop-off service targeting high risk areas and dog breeds and where there are barriers in place preventing owners from visiting desexing clinics.  A partnership with the SPCA has also allowed Animal Management Officers to give free desexing vouchers to dog owners they encounter in suburbs where there are high numbers of roaming complaints.  In addition, the council is calling on central government to support councils with improved regulation of desexing under the Dog Control Act. This could allow councils to desex an impounded dog before it is returned to its owner, for example, which cannot be done under current legislation.  Tackling the problem from all anglesWhile there is no single solution to addressing Auckland’s dog problems, the council introduced a range of new initiatives to tackle dog-related issues in FY24/25.  These include an additional $5.9 million funding investment in Animal Management services, including increasing the capacity of front-line staff. The council has opened a new adoption-only shelter in Pukekohe, introduced the in-house desexing pilot at its Henderson Shelter, and is expanding the Manukau shelter by 28 kennels.  Public education campaigns, targeted desexing programmes in high-risk areas and registration drives are other initiatives underway, along with advocacy to central government for strengthened powers under dog control legislation.   Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, Cr Josphine Bartley, says she is fully in support of these measures, but ultimately, irresponsible dog owners need to lift their game.   “Every Aucklander deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood, and every dog deserves a secure, caring home. While most dog owners do the right thing, we need the rest to step up and ensure their dogs are desexed and properly controlled, otherwise these problems are going to keep getting worse.” Read the full Animal Management Annual Report FY24/25.

SPCA is thrilled with Minister Hoggard’s announcement today on the new regulations to target the prolonged tethering of dogs, which will come into effect 25 September.The new regulations state that a person must not tether a dog if it results in observable signs of suffering linked to the prolonged tethering. Certain categories of vulnerable dogs including puppies and pregnant dogs cannot be tethered at all apart from in a few exceptional cases.“This is long-fought and hard-won victory for dogs across Aotearoa,” says Dr Alison Vaughan, SPCA’s Scientific Officer. “These changes won’t solve every case overnight, but it’s a step forward that will permit our Inspectors to act in situations where they couldn’t before."The changes are a direct outcome of SPCA's work behind the scenes with MPI and the Minister, the powerful backing of supporters through our ‘Break the Chain’ campaign and the work of other animal rescues including HUHANZ and Chained Dog Awareness NZ. Thank you to everyone who supported this important work and contributed to this long-awaited outcome Learn more on our website: https://www.spca.nz/.../article/dog-tethering-regs-announced

Family of a woman missing for more than two weeks have shared a new photo of her, a day after appealing for her to return home.Te Anihana Pomana, 25, was last seen leaving Sky City about 5.06am on 21 August, leaving all her belongings at the hotel. CCTV footage showed her last known movements.She was dressed in all white and Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said she appeared to be "confused", before she disappeared.On Friday, mother Catherine Anderson made a public plea for her daughter to come home."Te Anihana is a much-loved daughter, auntie, sister, friend and mokopuna," she said, "As a mother, I'm appealling to anyone who has seen her to come forward."Te Anihana, if you see this, we all love you and miss you, and want to know you're okay."Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said nothing suggested foul play, but the length of time Pomana had been missing and the fact she left all her possessions was worrying."We just do not know what's happened to her."Pomana is of thin build, about 1.54m tall, with curly black hair and tattoos.Pomana's last known movementsEarly August - Pomana travelled from Dunedin to Christchurch with her father.2 August - She arrived in Auckland, was treated at Middlemore Hospital for existing injuries and later discharged.It's believed she moved between hostels, hotels and bedsits in early August.18 August - Pomana checked into SkyCity Hotel in Central Auckland at 11.11pm.20 August - She was seen on CCTV, boarding WX1 bus from Hobson St at 6.37pm. Police believed she travelled to Lincoln Rd in Henderson, then returned to city.21 August - There was a confirmed sighting on CCTV of Pomana leaving Sky City at 5.06am, when she left all her belongings behind.The last confirmed sighting was on Victoria St West that day at 5.16am.29 August - Police released CCTV of her last known movements.5 September - Pomana's mother and police issue an appeal for information about her location.Click here to see a video showing Pomana. This story was originally published by RNZ.

What do Wellsford Athletics, Matakana Branch Pony Club, Kaukapakapa Pony Club, Netball Rodney Centre, and the Kowhai Art & Craft Centre have in common?They’ve all recently been granted community leases and licences to occupy by the Rodney Local Board ensuring their much-valued work continues in the heart of local communities.A lease and a licence to occupy both allow a group to use council land, but a lease gives exclusive use of the space, while a licence only grants permission to use it for a specific purpose.These leases and licences support a diverse range of activities across Rodney, from athletics to equestrian sports, netball and local arts. Together, they represent the board’s ongoing commitment to nurturing community-led initiatives and providing accessible spaces for people of all ages and interests.Boosting sport and youth developmentWellsford Athletics has secured a new licence to occupy to continue operating from Wellsford Centennial Park, where for over 20 years athletes have trained and raced on the track. The club plays a vital role in encouraging youth development, fitness and community spirit through athletics.Just across the park, Netball Rodney Centre will continue to host hundreds of players every week during the netball season. The centre has long been a cornerstone of local sport, with generations of players shooting goals and building teamwork on its courts.Ongoing support for equestrian clubsFurther afield, Kaukapakapa Pony Club has secured a renewal of its lease and licence while the Matakana Branch Pony Club has secured a new lease and licence. This enables the clubs to continue their activities at Sinclair Park and Matakana Diamond Jubilee Park respectively.At Matakana, the club will continue using moveable jumps as a flexible solution that allows shared use of the park space. These clubs provide opportunities for young riders to develop equestrian skills, responsibility, and confidence often forming lifelong friendships along the way.Creative spaces for local artistsIn Warkworth, the Kowhai Art & Craft Centre will continue to operate out of the Warkworth Showgrounds, providing a space for local artists and craftspeople to create, exhibit, and teach a wide range of artistic disciplines. The centre is a cultural asset, contributing to the creative identity of the area.Local board backingRodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says the board is proud to support such a broad mix of community groups through these leases.“All of these organisations do fantastic work in their communities whether it’s getting kids into sport, giving people a creative outlet, or helping young people learn responsibility through riding and animal care,” he says.“Local boards are responsible for decisions around community leases, and we’re very pleased to see these groups continuing to thrive in spaces that serve the public good. Their work aligns strongly with our priorities from health and recreation to arts and culture.”Strengthening local communitiesLeases and licences to occupy ensure that valuable community-led services continue to be accessible, inclusive and active across the Rodney area and reinforce the importance of local facilities and community groups in building strong, connected communities.For more details about the lease decisions, please read the full Rodney Local Board meeting minutes for July 2025 which are now available for viewing. 

Swedish furniture giant IKEA has revealed its first New Zealand store will open on 4 December.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the announcement in Auckland, and took part in a guided tour for an exclusive first look inside the 34,000 square metre IKEA store, alongside media and other stakeholders.Auckland Council advised IKEA to avoid opening on public holidays, Fridays, weekends, Black Friday or Boxing Day.Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziIn July, the retailer said it was on track to open at Sylvia Park mall in Auckland later this year, and had already employed 85 of the 500 staff needed.Its imminent arrival coincided with high unemployment, and its senior management roles attracted about 800 applicants earlier this year.Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziIKEA's New Zealand fulfilment manager Jan Vanderstappen said online shopping would also be available - with a network of 29 pick-up points across the country.Construction for the site first began in 2023.The store - and its iconic Swedish restaurant selling meatballs and hotdogs - will be spread across two floors, in addition to a ground level carpark.Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziPhoto: RNZ / Marika KhabaziPhoto: RNZ / Marika KhabaziThis story was originally published by RNZ

Shop Local, Dine Local, Celebrate Dad!Father’s Day is this Sunday, 7 September, and it's the perfect chance to celebrate the dads, grandads, and the father figures in your lives. Many Warkworth businesses have Father’s Day specials on offer, so whether it’s a gift, a family meal, or simply a coffee together, I encourage you to keep it local. Supporting our shops, cafés, and restaurants not only makes the day special but also helps keep our town thriving. Looking ahead, we’ve got two important dates in the diary for Warkworth: Auckland Mayoral Candidates 2025 Debate – Wednesday 10 September, Warkworth Town Hall, 5.30pm for a 6pm start Local Board Candidates 2025 – Wednesday 17 September, Back Bar at the Warkworth Bridgehouse, 5.30pm for a 6pm start These are valuable opportunities to hear directly from those standing, ask questions, and get a better sense of who you want representing our area. With the growth and change we’re experiencing in Warkworth, it’s vital to have strong voices at the table. And finally – have you noticed it? A hint of spring is in the air. The days are a little brighter, and there’s a bit more energy around town. Let’s carry that momentum forward by continuing to support each other, buy local, and keep Warkworth strong. Murray Chapman Manager | One Mahurangi Business Association, Warkworth [email protected] | 0274 966 550 Warkworth has the chance to hear directly from Auckland mayoral candidates. All questions will come from the floor, so this is your opportunity to raise the issues that matter most to our community. Facebook Event listing HERE> Come along to hear from candidates standing in the Warkworth and the Northern Rodney Subdivisions. This is a chance to engage with those seeking to represent us on the Local Board and ask your questions in person. Facebook Event listing HERE> Click here for the list of Candidates in the 2025 Local Elections 🧡 Note of appreciation from the Warkworth Information Centre Manager Our volunteers are the heart of the Warkworth Information Centre, and I couldn’t be prouder of the kindness, knowledge, and dedication they bring to our community every day. They don’t just help visitors find their way or recommend places to explore. More often than not, they go the extra mile — quite literally! Whether it’s staying late to assist a lost traveller or dropping everything to help someone catch their bus just in time, our team constantly shows that small-town hospitality is alive and well in Warkworth. To each of our volunteers: thank you for the quiet, generous work you do. It doesn’t go unnoticed. — Alison Hitchcock, Warkworth Information Centre Manager Warkworth Information Centre Visit Warkworth and Explore Mahurangi! 📍 Local gems, events & attractions 🗺️ Visitor info & travel tips! 1 Baxter Street | Open weekdays 10AM -4PM onemahurangi.co.nz/warkworth-info-centre Follow @visitwarkworth on Instagram // Business Support // In this workshop, you will smooth your transition from individual contributor to leader. For more information about the content of this workshop, CLICK HERE> To register your interest, CLICK HERE> NOTE: This workshop is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business may be eligible for funding support, contact Dale Carnegie, so they can put you in touch with your local Regional Business Growth Advisor if appropriate to discuss further. Email [email protected] for more information // Community Noticeboard // TO READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER HEAD HERE

Whangārei Police are appealing for sightings of Zealand Watene, who was last seen by family nearly three weeks ago.Zealand, 34, was reported missing from his Kensington home on Monday, and was last seen around 13 August 2025.“It is unusual for Zealand not to stay connected with family and Police are concerned for his welfare,” Senior Sergeant Steve Dickson says.“He could be anywhere in the Whangārei area or further afield in the Northland region.”If anyone has seen Zealand or knows where he is, please contact our 105 service using the reference number 250901/7982.

Guyon Espiner, Investigative reporter, In DepthThe parents of a 16-year-old boy who died drunk-driving are pleading with the government to strengthen liquor laws, after learning he was served alcohol multiple times that night, including when visibly drunk.Silas Sims, a popular student and keen rugby player at Mahurangi College in Warkworth, smashed his car into a concrete pole in the early evening of 19 July this year.His parents, Ben and Sarah, are appealing personally to Nicole McKee, the minister in charge of alcohol laws, in the hope of preventing others experiencing the tragedy they are living through.McKee said the circumstances of Silas' death were tragic, but the focus should be on strictly enforcing existing laws.Silas' death rocked the small Warkworth community, with 800 people attending his funeral and hundreds more watching online.As they pieced together the circumstances of their son's death, Sarah and Ben said they were shocked at how weak the laws were to prevent sales to minors.Silas Sims' parents Sarah and Ben want harsher fines for outlets that serve minors. Photo: Nick MonroSilas and the two friends he was out with were all under the legal purchase age of 18 but were served at least eight times between them, including when highly intoxicated.His parents have seen CCTV footage, taken about 10 minutes after Silas was last served, that clearly shows he was drunk."It was three boys who just, for some reason, decided to have an adventure and were trying it on," Sarah said.None of the staff who served the boys asked for ID before selling them alcohol, including RTDs and a 700ml bottle of Jägermeister."The boys get on it. They sculled some Jägermeister, get in their cars, go to this pub, get asked if they're 18, they say 'yes' - which I guess you would if you were 16," Sarah said, recounting her son's last few hours.The friends went to another bottle store and were sold RTDs, and then to a pub, where they were served despite being obviously intoxicated."We have seen the CCTV from five minutes later, five minutes before he died, and he's all over the shop," Sarah said."He's swaying and stumbling, and at this point, his mate is trying to take the keys off him, but his mate's drunk, you know? Silas would have just thought it was a game and he drove off," she said."Five minutes later, he hit a concrete post, and his mates were just behind him, and they couldn't find him. I mean, they turned up, and I guess he was gone in a second."Ben said his son knew about the dangers of driving drunk, he said. Their conversations included getting Silas to think about what he would say to a friend's mum if he was responsible for her son's death in a drink-driving accident.Police are investigating Silas' death.In the meantime, Ben said they were bewildered that the businesses that served their son still have liquor licences, despite the law allowing for immediate suspensions and fines."We keep on driving past the venues and keep on seeing them open," he said. "The law says immediate, but it turns out it's immediate when it actually gets to the courts." A process that could take months.Photo: SuppliedThey believe there were up to 11 breaches of the liquor law in serving the three boys that evening, and want harsher fines for selling to minors.Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, staff who sell to minors can be fined $2000 and the business up to $10,000 - compared with potential fines of up to $100,000 for a business selling vapes to a minor.But data shows those fines are rarely used.Communities Against Alcohol Harm studied sting operations - called controlled purchase operations - carried out by police and councils between 2022 and 2025.The organisation's report found that in the 75 breaches identified during stings, where alcohol was sold to minors, a fine was never applied.In 59 of those cases, the main penalty was a 48-hour suspension of the liquor licence. Often the manager's certificate was also suspended for a month.Auckland Council figures, released to the couple under the Official Information Act, show that of nearly 1100 off-licences in Auckland, mainly bottle stores and supermarkets, 146 were subjected to controlled purchase operations in 2024.And of nearly 3000 on-licences in Auckland, just 10 were subject to controlled purchase operations in the same timeframe.Sarah and Ben discovered just 10 out of nearly 3000 on-licences in Auckland were subject to a liquor law sting operation in 2024. Photo: Nick MonroIn Ben and Sarah's area of Warkworth, just two bottle stores were subject to a sting operation in 2024, and no pubs.Ben said Silas bought alcohol using his own bank card, and he believed it would be an easy fix to make alcohol a restricted good and block bank cards so minors could not buy it.His local MP Chris Penk has asked the Commerce Minister to investigate the idea.Sarah made a direct appeal to ACT MP Nicole McKee, a keen hunter and gun enthusiast who, as Associate Justice Minister, is responsible for alcohol law."Nicole, you would have loved Silas," she said."He was just a lad. Just one of those boys that was a born hunter, just a born outdoors kid, and he's a real loss to New Zealand," she said."He would have been an awesome dad, awesome worker, and you have the ability, with just some little changes, to really improve this."McKee said her first response was as a parent."As a mother, to lose a child under such tragic circumstances - that rips at everybody's heart, and I just want to acknowledge the pain and suffering that they are going through."Rather than raising fines, the focus should be on making sure the existing laws and penalties were strictly followed, she said.Ministers could not tell police and the judiciary what to do, McKee said.But they could have discussions with them about how the existing laws were being applied and interpreted."It's also looking at how seriously as a country we do take alcohol harm," she said."We want to make sure that parents like Ben and Sarah are not suffering in the future, but unfortunately, it is going to happen when we have people not adhering to those rules and those laws."She had heard Ben and Sarah loud and clear and had a message of her own to liquor outlets selling to minors, she said."Absolutely do not do it. We have parents that are suffering. We have siblings that are suffering because they're trying to get a quick buck."The couple acknowledged their son ultimately made the decision to drink and drive and said they did not harbour resentment at the staff who served him."I can't imagine what it would be like to go to sleep knowing that you'd sold 700mls of Jägermeister to a 16-year-old who then died," Sarah said."It was our son who did it. But the point of the law here is that it's meant to protect, and I don't think the way the law is set up at the moment is doing that."This story was originally published by RNZ

An operation spanning the past fortnight has seen Northland Police targeting drug supply and violent offending involving gang members.Sixteen search warrants have been executed in the region, as investigators from Northland and other specialist groups teamed up during the operation to target a multitude of gang members and associates.Those include an aggravated robbery, the supply of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of firearms, and the theft of vehicles.“This has been a proactive operation which has resulted in nine people facing charges so far,” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, from Northland CIB, says.“Police have also recovered around $100,000 worth of stolen vehicles, including a $40,000 Polaris side-by-side.”Seven arrests made:A 58-year-old Northland Nomads gang member and a 35-year-old gang associate face a joint charge of aggravated robbery of a Toyota Landcruiser in Aratapu on 18 July.Police have also laid methamphetamine dealing charges against this associate and a 29-year-old Kaikohe woman.Further search warrants resulted in a 24-year-old Killer Beez gang member from Kaikohe being charged in relation to the supply of methamphetamine and cannabis.In Kaitaia, a 44-year-old Black Power member has been charged for possession of methamphetamine and resisting Police.Arrests made; vehicles recovered:Meanwhile, numerous arrests have been made over stolen vehicles in the region.A 27-year-old man from Okaihau, who is linked to the Nomads gang, faces charges in relation to a stolen vehicle and firearms recovered during a search warrant.Further enquiries also continue in Ngunguru, after a 31-year-old Head Hunters gang member and his female partner were charged over the unlawful taking of a Mercedes.“Our enquiries will continue, and drugs charges are likely following a search warrant at the Ngunguru property,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.Several properties linked to the Kaitaia Mongrel Mob were also searched.“Three stolen motorbikes were recovered along with a stolen 4WD, resulting in several arrests and likely further to come.”The results didn’t end there, as detectives located a 66-year-old man in Taupo Bay who was arrested to be extradited to Australia.Police also located a cannabis grow operation and seized $10,000 in cash at the same time.He will face serious methamphetamine dealing charges when he crosses The Tasman, Detective Inspector Johnston says.“This is by no means the end”:Police continue to send a firm message that offending will be held to account.“Police continue to take firm action against those peddling the misery of methamphetamine into many of our vulnerable communities,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.“Our community has spoken up and we are continuing to target the prevalence of methamphetamine, so this is by no means the end.”Alongside warrants being executed in these communities, a number of warnings were given out around drug possession.Referrals have been made to support services for many families identified through the operations, as part of the Resilience to Organise Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme.“We acknowledge the support of our colleagues, as additional resources have allowed a sustained targeting of those causing the most harm in our vulnerable communities.”

The Wood Street works are humming! The HEB team recently switched over and are working on the southern side of Wood Street, progressing from Molesworth Drive down toward Super Liquor.Progress on the works is really moving along and this week the team start work on the block of Wood Street between Fagan Place and Ellen Street, from the pharmacy to Wood Street Pizzeria and from No Limits to Stingray Matts. Wood Street is open, but vehicles won’t be able to drive through this section. Pedestrian access to all shops will be maintained and we’ll have temporary accessible parking available near the pharmacy. The back car park behind Brewed As is now open! You can access the new parking area from both the intersection of Ellen Street and Wood Street and at the bottom of Fagan Place. There’s plenty of parking available for you to use when visiting Wood Street, including mobility parking and loading zones. Support your local favourites and swing by. Check out a couple of drone shots below, taken just last week of the work in progress. If you have any questions please email the project team.You can see the staging plans, artist impressions, and more info about the project on our website.

Tucked away in the heart of Warkworth are two timeless local classics Warkworth Butchery and Warkworth Menswear. This Father’s Day, make gift shopping simple. One Easy Stop, Endless Reasons to Spoil Dad.With Warkworth Butchery and Warkworth Menswear just a few steps apart you can grab Dad a stylish outfit, a gourmet treat, or a hands-on foodie experience all in one visit. These much-loved local favourites make Father’s Day shopping simple, stress-free, and full of great gift options.Warkworth Butchery 18 Queen Street - Flavour Dad Will LoveFor the Dad who loves good food, Warkworth Butchery is the place to go. Renowned for their premium cuts, gourmet selections, and popular hands-on workshops, the Butchery makes Father’s Day gifting easy. Whether it’s a mouth-watering steak, a spot in one of their fun classes, or a gift voucher so Dad can choose his own favourites, you’ll find something he’ll truly savour. https://warkworthbutchery.co.nzWarkworth Menswear 18 Queen Street- Style Dad DeservesJust a couple of doors away, Warkworth Menswear is your destination for quality brands and stylish pieces Dad will love. From timeless classics to modern trends, there’s something to suit every Dad whether he’s sharp and sophisticated or laid-back and casual. Not sure what to choose? A Warkworth Menswear gift voucher is the perfect way to let Dad pick his own look. https://www.warkworthmenswear.co.nzVisit us in Warkworth – Two local favourites. One block. Everything you need to make Dad’s day extra special.

For over 40 years, I’ve been walking the sands of Pākiri Beach watching its moods change with the tides, the seasons and sand-mining. Around 20 years ago, I began to worry. Back then, I’d often talk with local iwi, who were planting native grasses to stabilise the dunes and protect the fragile environment. Unfortunately, this was no force against sand mining; the sand dunes are long gone, but those conversations have stayed with me.Over the decades, I’ve watched the beach change before my very eyes its contours subtly reshaped, its dunes retreating. The culprit? Sand miningMcCallum Bros, a major Auckland-based operator, has been extracting sand from the Mangawhai–Pākiri embayment since the 1940s. For much of that time, the company held resource consents allowing them to take tens of thousands of cubic metres of sand from the seabed every year. For generations, the sand beneath our feet at Pākiri has been feeding the construction industry glassworks, roading, and concrete in Auckland’s booming cityscape.But it came at a cost: a slow, creeping erosion of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful, untouched stretches of coastline. There is a long shadow to sand mining.After years of opposition from mana whenua, environmentalists, scientists, and the local community, things came to a head:In 2022, Auckland Council refused McCallum Bros’ application to continue large-scale offshore extraction.In April 2024, the Environment Court upheld that refusal, citing environmental and cultural concerns.And finally, in mid-2025, McCallum Bros withdrew its appeal, surrendered its consents, and ceased sand mining at Pākiri altogether.For many, this felt like a victory a chance for Pākiri to heal.However, this is not the end of the story, McCallum Bros has now pivoted towards Bream Bay, lodging an application under the Government’s Fast-track approvals pathway. Unsurprisingly, communities, environmental advocates, and local hapū have begun mobilising again, determined to avoid repeating Pākiri’s mistakes.If there’s one thing Pākiri teaches us, it’s that once a coastline is altered, recovery can take generations if it happens at all.For casual visitors, Pākiri remains breathtaking. Its sands are still soft, its waters wild and inviting. But for those of us who’ve walked this beach for decades, the signs of what’s been lost are clear.I suppose, in a way, we’re all commercial greenies we understand the need for resources, for growth, for progress. But Pākiri has taught us that when we take without truly understanding the consequences, we risk losing something irreplaceable.For Bream Bay, the challenge now is to balance these competing needs to learn from Pākiri before it’s too late.

The Wellsford Football Club (Wellsford AFC) came together yesterday for their highly anticipated End-of-Season Prize Giving, marking the end of another exciting chapter for this growing club. 250 – 300 Players, families, volunteers, and supporters packed the venue to celebrate the achievements, dedication, and community spirit that have defined the 2025 season.This club has been built on community spirit. Founded in 2022, Wellsford AFC was established with a vision of creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game. In just a few short years, the club has become a vibrant hub for local football, welcoming juniors, seniors, and social players alike. The club prides itself on being community-driven, with volunteers, coaches, and local businesses playing a crucial role in building a supportive environment where players can thrive.While Wellsford AFC itself is a relatively new club, football has deep roots in the Albertland region. Local records show that football matches were played in nearby Port Albert and Topuni as far back as the 1870s, when mill workers organised games on makeshift pitches. This rich sporting tradition continues today, with Wellsford AFC carrying the torch for the region and keeping the passion for football alive for future generations.The Prize Giving was a heartwarming showcase of dedication and achievement of their stars of 2025. Awards recognised not only standout performances on the field but also the volunteers and supporters who make the club’s success possible. From young rising stars to seasoned senior players, the night highlighted the diverse talent and teamwork that define Wellsford AFC.As Wellsford AFC looks toward the 2026 season, the club is excited to build on its strong foundations. Plans are underway to grow participation, strengthen community partnerships, and continue providing opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of football.For those looking to join the club or support its initiatives, visit follow Wellsford AFC on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wellsfordafc to stay updated on registration dates and upcoming events.The Wellsford AFC Prize Giving wasn’t just about trophies it was a celebration of the friendships, dedication, and local pride that make our region so special. The club continues to represent the best of what community sport is all about: passion, teamwork, and a place where everyone belongs.

Following on from their two Golds and a Silver in 2022, and a Gold and Bronze in 2024, Warkworth Butchery led by Rob Lees and his dedicated team has once again proven they’re among New Zealand’s finest. At the 2025 100% NZ Bacon & Ham Awards, the team took home Gold for their Dry Cured Streaky Bacon and Bronze for their Farm Gate Heritage Ham.Quality You Can TasteThe 100% NZ Bacon & Ham Awards aren’t just about turning up with a creative recipe. To compete, entries must be products made and sold in-store a true test of consistency and craftsmanship. At Warkworth Butchery, Rob and the team keep things simple, focusing on traditional techniques and quality ingredients. Their award-winning bacon is created using time-honoured methods, giving the meat ample curing time to achieve a deep, natural smoke and an exceptional flavour. With seven bacon varieties already available, the butchery is constantly experimenting, pushing boundaries, and striving to make each batch even better than the last.The Secret Behind Their Award-Winning HamThe Farm Gate Heritage Ham, which won Bronze in 2025, is another showcase of Warkworth Butchery’s commitment to excellence. Made using free-range pork, the process involves slow curing, careful smoking, and small-batch production an approach that prioritises flavour, texture, and quality.While this delicious ham is available all year round, demand always soars at Christmas, when locals and visitors alike stock up for the festive season.Sharing the Craft: Butchery MasterclassesBeyond producing award-winning products, Rob and the Warkworth Butchery team are passionate about sharing their skills and knowledge with the community. Their Butchery Masterclasses are becoming just as popular as their product range.During these hands-on sessions, participants learn how to break down a whole sheep step by step under expert guidance. At the end, there’s a fun twist: names are drawn from a hat to decide who takes home a leg, loin, or shoulder.But the learning and rewards don’t stop there. Participants also make their own sausages during the class, which they get to take home too. For more details or to book a spot in the next Basic Butchery Masterclass, visit: http://shorturl.at/ncVTECelebrating ExcellenceFrom multiple Golds and Silvers over the past few years to breaking new ground in 2025, Warkworth Butchery continues to set the standard for quality, craftsmanship, and passion. Rob Lees and his talented team have proven once again that when you combine traditional methods, innovation, and dedication to excellence, the results are truly award-winning.

Auckland Goes Green… But Not UsAcross Auckland’s urban suburbs, green-lidded food scrap bins now sit proudly outside homes each week. Since 2023, Auckland Council has rolled out its ambitious food scraps collection service, giving most households a simple, sustainable way to divert food waste from landfill. Over 440,000 bins have been delivered, and nine million kilograms of food waste have already been sent to Auckland’s state-of-the-art processing facility, where scraps are converted into renewable energy and fertiliser.But here on the Matakana Coast and in neighbouring Warkworth, Snells Beach, Leigh, Wellsford, and the wider Mahurangi area there’s no green bin in sight. We’ve been left out of the service entirely.Why We Miss OutAuckland Council’s position is clear: the food scraps service applies only to properties within the “urban boundary” set by the Auckland Unitary Plan. Matakana and surrounding settlements, according to the Council, are classified as “rural,” and therefore not included. The Council’s assumption? That rural residents already compost, have chickens, or manage food waste themselves. But locals know that’s far from reality. For many busy families, composting just isn’t practical. Small urban-style sections, lifestyle blocks without established systems, or residents living in rented properties all make home composting challenging.What We’re Left WithFor now, residents outside the service zone have three choices:Compost at home using bins, worm farms, or bokashi systems.Drop scraps at community compost hubs (though these are limited in Rodney).Throw them in the general rubbish where, sadly, they’ll end up in landfill.For many, the third option is the easiest. That means tonnes of food waste from Matakana and surrounding areas will continue contributing to methane emissions, undermining Auckland Council’s wider environmental goals.Options for green waste disposal:Community Recycling Centre:Take your green waste to the Warkworth Community Recycling Centre at 55 Lawrie Road, which accepts green waste for drop-off and offers a collection service. You can find their opening hours and details on the Auckland Council website. Transfer Station:The Warkworth Re:Sort transfer station, operated by Northland Waste, also accepts green waste for drop-off from households and businesses in the Warkworth area. Private Services:For a cost, you can also call a private garden company to collect your green waste, as mentioned by Crewcut Lawn & Garden. A Growing Sense of FrustrationLocal residents are beginning to ask hard questions:Why do we pay the same rates as Aucklanders enjoying the convenience of weekly food scrap collections but receive fewer services?Why wasn’t the rollout designed to include a solution for smaller communities like ours?If the Council expects everyone to compost, where is the funding for workshops, bins, or shared facilities?“It feels like we’ve been forgotten,” says one Leigh resident. “We want to do the right thing, but without proper infrastructure, it’s unrealistic to expect every household to start composting overnight.”One Bin Missing - And One Step BehindThe irony is that Auckland Council’s own waste strategy aims for zero food waste to landfill by 2030. Yet entire communities like ours are excluded from the very system designed to make that happen.In effect, we’re “one bin missing” excluded from a citywide solution despite sharing the same regional goals and responsibilities.Where To From Here?If Matakana, Warkworth, and our neighbouring communities are to catch up, two things need to happen:Council transparency - We need clarity on why we’ve been excluded and when we might be included.Community-led solutions - If the service isn’t coming soon, locals need support to develop shared compost hubs, workshops, and funding for home systems.Until then, the Matakana Coast remains an environmental outlier in Auckland’s big green plan a community doing its best without the tools the rest of the city now takes for granted.Call to ActionHave your say. Share your thoughts with Auckland Council via https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/or contact Rodney’s elected representatives. The more voices they hear, the better the chance we have of being included in future upgrades.