Warkworth RegionFriday 26th May - A fine day, apart from patches of morning fog. Some evening cloud. Northeasterlies developing this morning.Saturday 27th May - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the evening.SUnday 28th May - Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, turning to rain in the afternoon. Northeasterlies, becoming strong in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 26th May - Often fine, but the chance of a shower. Northeasterlies developing this morning.Saturday 27th May - Partly cloudy. A shower or two in the evening. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Sunday 28th May - Showers, turning to rain in the morning. Strong northeasterlies, easing in the evening.

Support for community groups engaged in conservation projects in eastern Rodney has gone from strength to strength with the establishment of Restore Rodney East.Set up during COVID-19 lockdowns, the group became operational 18 months ago, and now with incorporated society status; Restore Rodney East assists volunteer groups across the rohe from Puhoi to Te Arai realise their full potential when delivering environmental projects.Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says Rodney is fortunate to have many hardworking volunteer groups who deliver a huge range of environmental restoration projects, and the local board is very keen to support their tremendous efforts.“The challenge is huge; how to help each group achieve their conservation goals, provide the resources they need, and match that to the budgets we have available.“We hear a lot from conservation groups and there is common ground between them, but how can they collaborate and support each other?“Simultaneously, we needed to identify opportunities to improve the health of ecosystems in the Rodney East area.”Funding from the board has been essential to develop the community restoration strategy [PDF], the ecological connectivity roadmap [PDF] and to establish the facilitator role at Restore Rodney East.The roadmap gave conservation groups and stakeholders access to a technical guide that enables landscape-scale conservation outcomes.Through the community restoration strategy, environmental groups could share their aspirations and challenges, and then create a plan to support volunteers and their project outcomes. As community members, groups and organisations worked together on the strategy, it led to setting up Restore Rodney East in 2021.Achievements include:Engaged with over 30 community groups within the Rodney East roheCreated a pool of shareable resources for groups to use. Resources include a projector and screen, trail cameras for monitoring biodiversity or animal pests, a gazebo for events, planting tools and pest plant control toolsHelped groups share their projects with the community and recruit new volunteers through sponsored advertorials in a local newspaper and displays at the local agricultural showIncreased local board support and understanding of environmental volunteers and projectsEncouraged groups and communities to submit on Local Government plans including the draft annual budget 2023/2024Worked with the Department of Conservation to improve outcomes for volunteers working on DOC landCollaborated with significant conservation entities such as The Forest Bridge Trust and Forest & Bird Warkworth Area BranchGrew volunteer groups technical knowledge with a series of events and guest speakers presenting on a range of topics including the recent Connect & Inspire event which featured an impressive lineup of speakers from all over New Zealand.---Warkworth Menswear located in Queen Street, Warkworth provides a great range of clothing, shoes and accessories for men --- Restore Rodney East facilitator Sarah Churchouse says that many opportunities are created for the groups to network, collaborate, share and celebrate their successes."The Connect & Inspire event hit all the right notes, reinforcing connections and making lifelong relationships. Restore Rodney East provided to the community groups, the promises made in our constitution, and we gained respect from our peers, and guests.”Next stepsRestore Rodney East has many activities planned for the next 12 months.Chairman Tim Armitage believes it’s an exciting time for environmental restoration projects right across the region.“We’re working hard to frame up and launch a Pest Free Mahurangi East Peninsula project. In response to concerns raised by multiple local groups we have established a working party to support initiatives related to the management of cats and their impacts on the environment.“We are seeking funds to support groups to undertake a comprehensive survey of some of the endangered species we have within the district.“In parallel; we are continuing to help promote the work of many of the local groups to help attract more volunteers to support their efforts. Our shared library of equipment and tools that groups can borrow is expanding. We will be running and supporting more events by bringing in outstanding speakers and educators who can help us all to achieve better our goals.”How to get involvedPeople wanting to get involved can find more information at the website restorerodneyeast.org.nz, email [email protected] or follow the Restore Rodney East Facebook page.

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) emerged as an insect pest, making its presence known in New Zealand in February 2022. This voracious plant pest displays a wide-ranging appetite, targeting over 350 plant species, with a particular fondness for sweetcorn and maize. Exhibiting remarkable flight capabilities, adult fall armyworm moths can traverse vast distances, propelled by the wind over hundreds of kilometres. Additionally, the larvae can be inadvertently transported through various means, such as in cut flowers, fruit, and vegetables.The destructive impact of armyworms extends to grass and grain crops. They have the potential to decimate grass and grain crops within a matter of days. They also wreak havoc infiltrating our beloved gardens. Under the cover of night, theseinsidious worms gnaw at the delicate stems of young plants, including vegetables and ornamentals, seeking refuge in the soil around their attacked prey during the day. Scaling the stems with ease, they leave behind conspicuous perforations in the leaves of a diverse range of garden plants.Reports from concerned locals confirm the relentless feeding habits of these worms, as they indiscriminately devour vegetables and any accessible resources, even encroaching upon our meticulously cared-for lawns. The aftermath of their feasting manifests as unsightly large brown patches, where armyworms have consumed new shoots and leaf foliage, leaving a trail of damage in their wake.Image from Kiwicare websiteAdult moths lay their eggs in discreet locations, favouring sheltered spots such as the undersides of leaves, soffits/eaves, gutters, high walls of buildings, or even the undersides of washing lines. These eggs are typically clustered together, numbering between 100 and 200, resembling tiny pearls adorned with a fluffy coating. It is important to note that spraying pesticides or fly spray directly on the eggs will yield no impact. Instead, it is advisable to remove and dispose of the eggs by scraping/wiping them away and washing them down the drain or burning them. It is also recommended to clean the affected area with soapy water afterward.Fall armyworms have now proliferated to such an extent that notifying the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) of their presence is no longer a requirement. The North Island, with its warmer and more humid climate, has become a particularly favourable environment for armyworms to thrive. Unfortunately, complete eradication of these pests from New Zealand seems improbable, as their arrival via wind currents from Australia remains beyond our control.In response to this ongoing challenge, people have turned to various products and methods, reporting varying degrees of success. Among the options preferred by individuals are natural and non-pesticide solutions, such as a mixture of 3 tablespoons of washing up liquid diluted in 5 litres of water, which can be sprayed on affected plants and repeated after 7 days. Another alternative is the application of a diluted neem oil solution to deter the pests, both on the plants and in granular form around them.--- For all your tree cutting needs, as well as hedging and palm work talk to Green Matter ---Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, in April 2023, Biosecurity New Zealand and sector partners reached a consensus to conclude the immediate response to fall armyworm infestation and redirect their efforts towards long-termmanagement of this persistent pest.  Help track the distribution of fall armywormFarmers and growers should continue to look out for FAW on their properties to help with the long-term management of the pest.If you suspect fall armyworm on your property, contact your crop manager or industry group for the actions to take and advice on the best management options for your crops. Contact the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) if you have any questions about the long-term management programmes for FAW. You can email FAR at [email protected] further resources including images, guides, and identification check out the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI) website https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/long-term-biosecurity-management-programmes/fall-armyworm-in-new-zealand/?fbclid=IwAR36uzm0xT7LyX8q3xMRycheZjzbfgBPiQsK757sni4idoRMapvYr5ryE9g

The mānuka honey industry has been dealt another blow - it has lost its bid to trademark the term 'Manuka Honey' in New Zealand.Backed by the wider honey industry and government, The Mānuka Honey Appellation Society has been working to protect the term so that only honey from New Zealand can be called mānuka since 2015.It argues mānuka is a Māori word and a distinctive product of New Zealand.But the Australian Manuka Honey Association has been appealing the effort in multiple markets - saying honey produced there can also be called mānuka.In a just released decision, the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand found the society's certification mark bid did not meet necessary requirements."This case represents a trans-Tasman tussle of extraordinary proportions over trade mark rights for mānuka honey. It is one of the most complex and long running proceedings to have come before the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand," the ruling said.--- Looking for natural cleaning products that are Scientifically proven to fight airborne pathogens, allergens and spores? Check out PureBiotics ---It ordered the society to pay the Australian Manuka Honey Association costs of $6430.In 2021 the UK rejected a bid by the Mānuka Honey Appellation Society to trademark the term 'manuka honey' in the UK.But the society vowed to continue its fight and earlier this year refiled court proceedings in the UK and EU.The Australian Manuka Association welcomed the New Zealand trademark win saying it was the sensible decision which paved the way to accelerate global sales.It was a "common sense outcome", the association said in a statement.Australian Manuka Honey Association chairman Ben McKee said the group was delighted with the judgement."It confirms what we have been saying since New Zealand producers began this legal process nearly 8 years ago - our product has a long history of being recognised as Manuka honey, it is produced like the New Zealand product is, and it also offers the sought-after antimicrobial properties that consumers around the world value so highly," he said.McKee said the decision ensures Australian beekeepers can fairly market their produce, and the term Manuka honey was a descriptive term."The fact that even authorities in New Zealand cannot find a way to support the trademark claims of New Zealand producers should, we hope, bring this legal dispute to an end once and for all," he said.McKee said it was only a particular group of New Zealand producers, under the umbrella of the Manuka Honey Appellation Society (MHAS), who had spearheaded the trademark campaign, and that therewere other New Zealand beekeepers and industry members who were prepared to work more collaboratively with the Australian industry.The New Zealand based Mānuka Charitable Trust said it was disappointed but undeterred by Intellectual Property Office ruling on mānuka honey."Today's finding reflects the technicalities and limitations of conventional IP law to protect indigenous rights. It is disappointing in so many ways, but our role as kaitiaki (guardians) to protect the mana, mauri, and value of our taonga species, including Mānuka on behalf of all New Zealanders is not contestable," Manuka Charitable Trust chair Pita Tipene said."We remain resolute in protecting our reo Māori (language) and the precious taonga (treasure) and today's ruling in no way deters us. If anything, it has made us more determined to protect what is ours on behalf of all New Zealanders and consumers who value authenticity. We will take some time to absorb the details of the ruling and consider our next steps," Tipene said.Industry partners also remain steadfast in their resolve the Mānuka Honey name belongs and should refer only to products produced in Aotearoa New Zealand.The lack of recognition of indigenous rights in the intellectual property regime is well established both in New Zealand and overseas, Tipene said."It is time the New Zealand government took urgent action and committed sufficient funding to address these issues as raised in the Wai 262 claim and recognised in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," he said.

Police are investigating any online mentions of the woman charged with murdering two children in Northland last week, who by court order cannot be named.RNZ has seen breaches of the order, which name the woman.Northland CIB detective inspector Bridget Doell said police were making further inquiries into some activity on social media."Police are continuing to monitor the situation with regard to suppression breaches around the Ruakākā homicide," Doell said."I acknowledge the public's feeling about this tragic case, however I must remind the public that it is an offence to breach a court order, and this includes naming someone who has name suppression on social media."Doell said if anyone were to come across a post in breach of the name suppression order, police strongly advised them to remove, not share, such posts on their account.The woman was remanded in custody without entering a plea in Whangārei District Court on 16 May.Whangārei Judge Gene Tomlinson granted the woman and victims temporary name suppression, including their ages.Police launched a double homicide investigation a week ago, after finding two children dead at a house on Peter Snell Road.Doell said police would not comment further now the case was before the courts.Anyone who breaks the law in New Zealand could face a fine of up to $25,000 or six months in jail.In 2021, Auckland businessman Leo Molloy was sentenced to community work for naming backpacker Grace Millane's killer while a suppression order was in place.Molloy, who had pleaded guilty, was also ordered to pay a fine of $15,000.Millane was murdered by Jesse Kempson, who she met on Tinder in December 2018.Kempson's name was suppressed by the courts until December 2020, but was published in international media outlets.

The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationary and Noel Leeming stores are finally due to OPEN for business this Thursday 25th May, in their brand new location opposite Mitre 10 in Warkworth.Address is 68 Woodcocks Road, WarkworthThe Noel Leeming store will be three times the size of the former Queen Street store in Warkworth.Here’s a sneak peek of some things you can expect to see on opening weekend across the stores:• Exclusive goody bags and cupcakes for the first 200 customers to walk into The Warehouse, and first 100 for Noel Leeming – doors open bright and early at 8am!• Free coffees from our own Market Kitchen range as you queue up, face painting and photo ops with our Warehouse Kiwi.• Four days of incredible opening specials at The Warehouse and Noel Leeming to kick off your shopping experience with us.• And make your way down to support the Kawau Coastguard, Heart at Springboard, Warkworth Lions Club and Warkworth Scouts who will host sausage sizzles to raise funds. The Warehouse will match any funds they make!---Need your digital device repaired and want a local? iDigital smartphone services repair iPads, phones, and tablets. Contact them today---

Warkworth RegionMonday 22nd May - Showers, some heavy, with possible squally thunderstorms and hail. Northwesterlies easing this evening.Tuesday 23rd May - A few showers, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Southerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 24th May - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 25th May - Fine. Southeasterlies.Friday 26th May - Fine. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.Saturday 27th May - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.Sunday 28th May - Showers. Northeasterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 22nd May - Showers, some heavy, with possible squally thunderstorms and hail. Northwesterlies easing this evening.Tuesday 23rd May - Showers, clearing in the afternoon and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Wednesday 24th May - Fine. Southwesterlies easing.Thursday 25th May - Fine. Southeasterlies.Friday 26th May - Fine with northeasterlies.Saturday 27th May - Fine, then rain developing. Northeasterlies.Sunday 28th May - Showers. Northeasterlies.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 26 May 2023. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Waiwera off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 21-24 MaySouthbound lanes between Waiwera off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 25 MayOrewa southbound on-ramp, 21-25 MayMillwater southbound on-ramp, 21-25 MaySilverdale southbound on-ramp, 25 MayNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Waiwera on-ramp, 21-25 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Orewa northbound on-ramp, 21-25 MaySilverdale northbound on-ramp, 21-25 MaySouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 21-22 MayOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 21-22 MayNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 21-22 May (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 21-22 MaySH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 24 MaySouthbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 23 MayConstellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 23 MayTristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 23 MaySouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 24 May (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 24 MayEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 24 MayNorthbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 22 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 22 MayEsmonde Road (loop) northbound on-ramp, 22 MayOnewa Road northbound on-ramp, 22 – 23 MayEsmonde Road northbound off-ramp, 21 May--- Looking to get a heat pump, air con or heat transfer system installed in your home? MACE Mahurangi Air Con and Electrical are the ones to talk to, contact them today!---CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 25 MayNorthbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Wellington Street on-ramp, 22-23 MaySH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 22-23 MaySOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Te Irirangi Drive southbound off-ramp, 21-22 MayRedoubt Road southbound off-ramp, 23- 25 MayRedoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 23- 25 MaySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 21 MayTakanini southbound on-ramp, 21 MaySouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 22-25 MayPapakura southbound on-ramp, 21-25 MayPapakura (loop) northbound on-ramp, 21-25 MayNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 21-25 MayDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 21-25 MayBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 23 & 25 MayBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 23 & 25 MayNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 23 & 25 MaySouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 24 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 24 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 21-22 May (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 21-25 May (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Lincoln Road southbound off-ramp, 21-25 MayLincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 21-25 MayPatiki Road southbound off-ramp, 23 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Rosebank Road southbound on-ramp, 23 MayNorthbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Patiki Road on-ramp, 22 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Rosebank Road northbound off-ramp, 22 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road northbound on-ramp, 22 MaySH16 northbound to SH20 southbound link, 22 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)St Lukes Road eastbound off-ramp, 22 MayEastbound lanes between St Lukes Road off-ramp and SH1/SH16 links, 24 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)St Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 24 MaySH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 24 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 24 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 21 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Albany Highway westbound on-ramp, 21 MayWestbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 22 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 21 & 22 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive westbound off-ramp, 21 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 22 MayEastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 22 may (approx. 10:00pm)

Another person has died after a serious crash on State Highway 11 at Kawakawa in Northland.One car was involved in the crash on Pahia Road (SH11), near the bottom of Lemans Hill, It was previously reported it had involved two cars.The incident was reported at about 4.40 pm on Saturday Afternoon.The road was closed and diversions were in place while the Serious Crash Unit and emergency services worked at the scene, police said the road had reopened by 10 pm.This accident takes Northlands road toll to 14.

A serious car crash near Waipu that killed a 6-year-old boy in the early hours of Saturday morning, has taken Northland's road toll for the year to 13.The boy died at the scene, despite efforts to resuscitate him, an emergency services spokesman said.Two of the other passengers were treated at the scene for minor injuries, and one was taken to Whangarei Hospital with minor injuries.The Crash took place on State Highway One, near Shoemaker Rd, and is believed to be a two-car crash.The driver was believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, authorities said.Both lanes of the highway were closed for several hours while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene, but both lanes are now open.

Explainer - With more heavy rain forecast for the upper North Island this weekend, some are wondering why it has been raining so much and when it is likely to stop.MetService currently has orange rain warnings in place for Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay and Tasman west of Motueka, and heavy rain watches have been issued for Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Mt Taranaki.Any forecast rain is coming on top of the havoc wrecked by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Day flood which NIWA described as a one in 200-year event.How much rain has there been this year?There was a very wet start to the year with NIWA reporting in January there was 400-800 percent more rainfall than usual for that month in parts of Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty and parts of Hawke's Bay. The highest one day rainfall was recorded in Māngere, Auckland on 27 January when 265mm of rain fell.Meteorologists say January was Auckland's wettest month since records began and central Auckland experienced more than 45 percent of its yearly rainfall in just one month.Cyclone Gabrielle hit in February and parts of southern Northland, Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, coastal Wairarapa and parts of Canterbury all received at least 400 percent of their normal February rainfall.The highest one-day of rainfall was recorded at Tūtira Hawke's Bay on 13 February when 316mm of rain fell. On 27-28 February, Gisborne received 51mm and Wairoa 105mm of rain or 77 percent and 119 percent of their monthly normal, respectively, NIWA said.In March, the situation switched with Northland, Auckland, northern Waikato, coastal Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, northern Wairarapa and Nelson receiving less than 50 percent of their normal rainfall for the month.By contrast eastern and inland parts of the South Island received more than 200 percent of their usual rainfall and rainfall was also above normal in Wellington, southern Wairarapa, Whanganui and Taranaki. The highest one-day of rainfall was recorded at Mt Cook village on 20 March.NIWA figures indicate April was quite a dry month for large parts of the country, but that was not the case for Kāpiti Coast and Northland. Paraparaumu on Kāpiti Coast had its wettest April since records began in 1945 with a total rainfall of 202mm of rainfall. Kaikohe in Northland had 371mm of rain, its second highest April rainfall on record.Sunday 30 April was particularly wet in Kaikohe with 169mm of rain falling - the highest level of one-day rainfall in April since records began in 1956.Why has it been so wet?Until March, New Zealand was in a La Niña weather pattern which is associated with northeasterly winds which bring moist, rainy conditions to northeastern areas of the North Island.La Niña is an atmospheric phenomenon that usually happens every few years, when winds blow warm surface water from the eastern Pacific Ocean towards Indonesia.NIWA signalled the La Niña pattern was moving away in March 2023 and its principal scientist Chris Brandolino said that would mean less rain for the North Island and perhaps it would be a bit drier in the South Island."Because we're transitioning out of La Niña, we still may have these La Niña-like features, so we've got to watch out for the odd downpour," Brandolino said. "But the odds or the chances for getting these successive big rainfall events are certainly going to be declining over the next few months. Still there, but declining."Atmospheric rivers are massive plumes of moisture that move from the tropics to the mid-latitudes.NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll said an atmospheric river was one of the factors that contributed to Auckland's deluge on 27 January."A slew of environmental factors contributed to this extreme event - a formidable La Niña and marine heatwave led to more moisture being available, which was harnessed by an atmospheric river," Noll said."High pressure to the south then blocked it, keeping it in place. The storm was also supported by unique phenomenon called a low-level jet, as well as converging winds that extended lengthwise across the most populated part of the country."All of these factors leveraged the atmosphere's tremendous moisture content to drop an entire summer's rain in less than a day. And if it sounds complex, that's because it is - extreme events occur under extreme circumstances."Training rain or thunderstorms have been another cause of the extremely heavy rainfall experienced in some parts of the country.NIWA meteorologist Seth Carrier told Stuff that "training" just meant that heavy rain was moving over the same place repeatedly.Severe thunderstorm warnings have accompanied several of the recent severe weather events with the MetService warning system indicating that heavy rainfall of more than 25mm can result from severe thunderstorms.A new international study will examine whether the eruption of the underwater Tongan volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai can be linked to the severe weather events experienced in New Zealand, Stuff reports.NIWA principal atmosphere and climate scientist Olaf Morgenstern said there was no established link between the events, but it was believed the eruption increased the earth's temperature.The underwater Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano sent about 58,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools of seawater into the earth's stratosphere when it erupted in January 2022."That water acts like a shield and enhances the green house emissions and enhances the warming," Morgenstern said.The fact that New Zealand had been deluged with rain this summer was entirely consistent with what could be expected based on global warming, he said.When is the rain forecast to ease?NIWA's Seasonal Climate Outlook analysis that was issued on 1 May indicates that El Niño has a 70-80 percent chance of developing during winter and continuing through spring.NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll said if an El Niño weather pattern developed it would bring southerly winds which were cooler and less moist and brought less rain than the northerly.NIWA forecasts there could be periods of heavy rainfall in May due to atmospheric rivers, but that conditions were expected to be drier overall in June and July due to a reduction in the amount of tropical and subtropical moisture.Noll said there could however be a tail-end La Niña effect in May."We are moving from La Niña to possibly toward an El Niño, one side of the spectrum to the other, and during that transition period the weather tends to be quite variable," he said.

Friday 19th MayLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourLive Music Friday Nights at Matakana PubFiji Fridays @ SmithsPTA Quiz Night & silent auctionSaturday 20th MayMatakana Village Farmers MarketMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMangawhai Ukulele Festival---Looking for something to do with the kids after the Matakana Village Farmers Market? Take them on a mini train ride with Matakana Country Park Express---Sunday 21st MayMangawhai Ukulele FestivalA Documentary Film: The Phenomenon Bruno GroeningSunday Service @ SmithsNZ HighwaymenSalt Tree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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