Listening to music you enjoy – and especially music that you've chosen – can help alleviate chronic pain, according to new research.Music has been used as a pain therapy for decades, says University of London psychology professor Claire Howlin, but she and her colleagues wanted to better understand how it works.'We know that [music can reduce pain] for some people in some circumstances but we wanted to know what was really behind this," she tells Nathan Rarere.Photo: 123rfIn Howlin's study – the first to look at how music can affect chronic pain – 286 adults experiencing real-world, acute pain rated their pain levels before and after listening to a music track.The results showed listening to a piece of music you really dislike won't help your experience of pain at all.The best music for relieving the intensity of their pain is what you personally choose or believe you've chosen.Music that alleviates pain doesn't have to be of a certain type, Howlin says.High-tempo and low-tempo versions of the same song had an equal effect on participants, she says, and some had great relief from pain when listening to heavy metal, heavy rock and fast-paced dance music.The experience of music and the experience of pain both have a lot of emotional and personal components, Howlin says and both take up quite a large proportion of our brains. It seems hearing music de-intensifies the sensation of pain because our brains can't focus on both experiences at once, she says.'When you're really focused on your favourite music it reduces your brain's processing capacity for the pain so it's very difficult for [the experience of both pain and music] to be happening at the same time in your brain. So you're kind of switching it to focus on this more positive energy.'You still might be aware of physical sensation but may be able to feel it's more positive."In the future, we may hear music at doctor's offices and pharmacies – something The College of London is now experimenting with, Howlin says."No point in telling people 'this will be good for your health' unless people can get access to it. So [music is] the next frontier for public health."

Warkworth regionMonday 6th February - Showers, easing for a time this morning, then becoming confined to the west by evening as fine spells develop. Northerlies, turning southwesterly late afternoon.Tuesday 7th - Mainly fine. Southwesterlies.Wednesday 8th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Thursday 9th - Partly cloudy with fresh southwesterlies.Friday 10th - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.Mangawhai regionMonday 6th February - Showers, easing for a time this morning but possibly heavy this afternoon, clearing by evening. Light winds and afternoon northwesterlies.Tuesday 7th - Fine breaks. Light winds.Wednesday 8th - Fine. Southwesterlies.Thursday 9th - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.Friday 10th - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.

The Auckland Citizens Advice Bureau could see its doors close permanently.Auckland Council will meet next week to consider making significant cuts to spending in the upcoming budget.The council wants to make $20 million of cuts to regional services, and axeing Auckland Citizens Advice Bureau would save it $2 million.Auckland Council Group currently faces a budget deficit of $295 million for the 2023-24 financial year.The Public Service Association (PSA) has urged the council to keep Citizens Advice Bureau open.PSA national secretary Kerry Davies said its message to mayor Wayne Brown and councillors was not to cut the services that help communities the most.Citizens Advice Bureaus provide essential support for residents, she said.The President of the Migrant Workers Association said closing Citizen's Advice Bureaus across Auckland do more harm than good.Anu Kaloti said many migrant workers rely on the Advice Bureaus to navigate New Zealand's difficult immigration laws."With our immigration policies, the way they are set, people have had to apply for temporary visa, another temporary visa, another temporary and it takes years and years."The immigration law, like all other laws, is not easily decipherable for these people."Kaloti said Citizen's Advice Bureaus provide much needed support for migrant looking for legal aid.Anyone can walk into the 32 bureaus in Auckland to get free and confidential legal advice.The final budget will be approved in June.

Caught a whiff of vinegar while out in your local park? You weren’t imagining it.A selection of local parks across Auckland were included in a three-month trial with Auckland Council maintenance contractors working to determine the value of vinegar as a natural, more environmentally friendly weed control option.The product being tested is a bio-herbicide that uses a combination of acetic and citric acids. The mixture prevents normal photosynthesis of the target plant by removing the protective layer of the leaf, which is essential in retaining water. Without that water, the plant can’t obtain nutrients or continue its lifecycle.The natural product might be a better choice where chemical-based weed killers can’t be used, with the trial designed to answer a simple question – does it work?Initial findings have been positive, with a definite reduction in weed growth. Maunakiekie-Tamāki Local Board supported the trial in its area and Chair Maria Meredith says it would be a welcome addition.“We are hopeful it will be a good solution to weed control in and around playgrounds.”Currently, contractors remove weeds manually on playground surfaces. This works reasonably well on bark surfaces, but not on synthetic ones such as rubber tiles because only the top of the plant can be removed, leaving the root systems to continue to grow. That means the plants eventually separate rubber tiles or create surface movement that can result in constant maintenance or early surface renewal.Auckland Council does not perform any spraying in playgrounds, but it is hoped the use of the vinegar-based product could safely enhance the efficiency of manual control.

SH1 Brynderwyn Hills between SH12 and Waipu is OPEN from 8am to 8pm to NORTHBOUND traffic on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 February, and to SOUTHBOUND traffic on Monday 6 February.Light vehicles detour via Kaiwaka & Mangawhai, Heavy vehicles detour via SH12/SH14 (via Dargaville). ------ AKL MOTORWAYS UPDATES:All sections of the urban Auckland motorway network are open.STATE HIGHWAYS CLOSED:• SH1 Hibiscus Coast Hwy on-ramp northbound - Road surface damage - Use alternate routesOPEN WITH CONDITIONS• SH1 Brynderwyn Hills between SH12 and Waipu is OPEN from 8am to 8pm to NORTHBOUND traffic on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 February, and to SOUTHBOUND traffic on Monday 6 February.Light vehicles detour via Kaiwaka & Mangawhai, Heavy vehicles detour via SH12/SH14 (via Dargaville). More: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/.../sh1-brynderwyns-to-waipu.../OPEN WITH CAUTION:• SH1 Ruakaka, between Port Marsden Rd (SH15) and Marsden Point Rd. Road deterioration. Take extra care.• SH16 multiple road surface issues between Kaukapakapa and Wellsford. Take extra care.• SH1 Dome Valley - Wayby Valley, Slip and Dome Hill Lookout, Dropout. Expect delays.OPEN• All other state highways remain open.

SH1 WARKWORTH-WELLSFORD - OVERNIGHT CLOSURES - FEBState Highway 1 between Warkworth and Wellsford will be closed to all traffic for 12 nights to undertake repairs and resurfacing in the Dome Valley area (between Wayby Valley Rd & Hudson Rd). Closures will be in place from 8pm to 5am each night for an initial 2 nights, Wed & Thu 08-09 February, then followed by 5 further nights, Sun 12 to Thu 16 February, followed by 5 more nights, Sun 19 to Thu 23 February, with no closures occurring on Friday or Saturday nights. During overnight closures a detour will be in place using Woodcocks Rd, West Coast Rd, and SH16 (Kaipara Coast Hwy and Port Albert Rd) between Warkworth and Wellsford. Please plan ahead as this detour may add up to 40 minutes travel time to your journey. Traffic Map info: http://spr.ly/61873gKzLIn addition NX2 work at the Southern Connection in the Puhoi area will require closures on the Northern Mwy (northbound between Silverdale and Puhoi, southbound between Puhoi and Orewa) on 10 of the 12 nights above, between 9pm and 5am each night. Travel between Silverdale and Warkworth will be possible with a local detour via Hibiscus Coast Hwy and SH1 between Puhoi and Warkworth.Through traffic (especially heavy vehicles) should use SH16 entirely between Auckland Central and Wellsford, or exit the Northern Mwy at Silverdale and use Kahikatea Flats Rd to SH16 to continue north. Traffic Map info: http://spr.ly/6180MNkBCFull Warkworth-Wellsford resurfacing media release here: http://spr.ly/61893gKzFFull NX2 Project media release here: http://spr.ly/61803gKz2

The recent weather events have caused a significant landslip behind the Mangawhai Heads Surf Club.There is no access to the Surf Club or surrounding area. This includes the beach directly in front of the building. The Mangawhai Heads lookout and public tracks behind the Surf Club are closed. The lower carpark and boat ramp are closed, as are the public toilets. Portaloos are in place. Their life saving service has been temporarily suspended. Please stay away from the area, while there is still a serious risk of further slippage. Security is in place.A Give A Little page has been set up to help with repair costs, if you would like to donate.https://givealittle.co.nz/org/mangawhaisurfclub?fbclid=IwAR1OKehAPdCwPgoqZ6rSfQGwZkunTHl2SSpDAmIfVB_fyJ24ZonHS-MB1Zw

Warkworth regionFriday 3rd Feb - Periods of rain, some heavy, turning to showers in the afternoon and easing away in the evening. Thunderstorms possible in the west during the afternoon. Northeasterlies.Heavy Rain Watch Period: 13hrs from 9pm Thu, 2 Feb - 10am Fri, 3 FebArea: Eastern areas of Auckland except for the Hunua Ranges.Forecast: A periods of rain is possible. Total rainfall accumulations could approach the reduced warning criteria.Saturday 4th Feb - Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northeasterlies.Sunday 5th Feb - Mostly cloudy, with showers developing late. Northerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Mangawhai regionFriday 3rd Feb - Mostly cloudy. Occasional rain, turning to isolated showers in the afternoon. Northeasterlies.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 13hrs from 9pm Thu, 2 Feb - 10am Fri, 3 FebArea: Eastern Northland south of the Bay of IslandsForecast: Periods of rain are possible. Total rainfall accumulations could approach the reduced warning criteria.Saturday 4th Feb - Partly cloudy. Northeasterlies.Sunday 5th Feb - Cloudy, with a few showers developing. Northerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.

DELAYSDome Valley – reports of wait times and stop and go in two places. Drop out near Sheep world with traffic management in place. and at the Wellsford end also. Expect delays.Slip on SH1 just south of Hoteo River bridge (south of Wayby Valley Rd), traffic management is in place. Expect delays.SH1 Ruakaka - Due to pavement repair works in this area, traffic management and speed restrictions will be in place during the day. Expect delays.CLOSEDSH 1 Hibiscus Coast Hwy On-ramp Northbound is still CLOSEDDue to damage to the road surface, the Hibiscus Coast Hwy on-ramp to SH1 is closed. Motorists are advised to consider alternate routes.Brynderwyns are still CLOSED. Use alternative route via Waipu or SH12 Paparoa / Oakleigh.

NEW BUSINESS LISTINGS FOR YOU ON THE MATAKANA APPShop Local / MatakanaTumbleweed Garden centre offering a wide selection of plants well suited to our environment and coastal conditions. Pots and Sculptures imported from overseas. Landscape supplies including: bark, mulch, builders mix, compost, metals, peelings, woodchip etc. Open 7 days.SYMLFormally called Workshop 73, recently rebranded to SYML  - meaning live simple. Handmade homeware and furniture right in Matakana.Mr Soft TopPet accessories that are all handmade from luxury fabrics here in NZ. Open Saturday mornings 9-1.30 or shop online.

Letter to clarify the investigation road works beginning 8th February.

Expect Auckland rents to go up as remedial work to flood-damaged properties affects supply and demand, an investors body is warning.President of the Auckland Property Investors Association Kristin Sutherland said the rent hikes were not landlords using the last week's severe flooding events to make more profit, but simply market forces at work.Her comments come as Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Rachel Kelleher today said assessment teams had so far issued 175 red stickers to and 760 yellow stickers to flood damaged properties across Auckland.A red stickered property does not necessarily need to be bowled, Kelleher said, but it was uninhabitable until remedial work was done.The group was aiming to get through about 700 to 1000 property assessments a day.Sutherland told Checkpoint it was hard to get a handle on the number of rentals hit by flooding in the city, but said anecdotally "a good proportion" of her organisation's members had been affected.As a result, the cost of renting would inevitably increase.Families across Auckland are already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis as inflation continues to bump up the price of everyday items, like food and fuel."We are going to have the supply and demand issue," Sutherland said."So we will have a shortage of supply of rentals for a period of time just while these repairs are undertaken. And I think it just needs understanding from landlords and from tenants that that will be the case and we may see some increased rent for that period of time."I'm not in a position to say whether it's fair or not. It's the same in any market when the supply and demand changes. I don't think landlords are out there to make an extra buck."At the end of the day, they're in there just trying to do the best by their tenants really, and offer properties to people. And if if the rental price has changed during that time, then that is the market."Reduced rent was an option open to tenants if they remained in property damaged by flooding, but that was a negotiation between tenants and landlords themselves, based in individual circumstances, she said. Landlords did have a legal obligation to aid tenants in a rental home damaged by the flooding by drying it out and she encouraged landlords to do so.Consumer NZ said for rentals which had been damaged but were still inhabitable, the rent should be reduced. Alternatively, the landlord or tenant could apply to the tenancy tribunal to end the tenancy."There's no black and white, written-down rules about this, really - even the insurers and the Residential Tenancies Act, disagree on the definition of what's uninhabitable," Sutherland said."And actually, the Residential Tenancies Act doesn't even have a definition of 'inhabitable' in there. So what I would encourage landlords to do is to do all they can to make premises habitable for tenants. If they can't, then it's working with your insurer and your tenant to make sure that firstly, everyone's safe, and that the damage to property, both yours and the tenant's, is minimised."She said landlords should get in there and help ensure tenants can stay in the property."I've been in there with my husband, and we've ripped out carpets, we've been drying floors, we're doing wet, dry vacuuming," she said."So if landlords are in a position to do that, I really do encourage you to get in and help as much as you can."She had waited on the phone for two-and-a-half hours before her insurers accidentally hung up on her, and then waited a further two hours to get through and finally reported her claim to get the process going, she said.Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment head of tenancy services Steve Watson told Checkpoint if properties were completely uninhabitable the tenancy or rent should cease from the date that the premises are deemed uninhabitable.The process of claiming a rent reduction was reached through an agreement between a tenant and landlord, but if no agreement could be reached people could apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to get a rent adjudication on that, he said."We would encourage people to talk to each other in the first instance. But the Tenancy Services is here to provide advice through our website and service centre and also a mediation service. Then you can also apply to the Tenancy Tribunal if that doesn't work."Landlords are responsible for all drying out the property and this includes any costs associated with the drying process, including the cost of electricity.Landlords are not responsible for any damage flooding has caused to tenants' belongings.

OPENSH1Dome valleyWayby Valley RoadWhangaripo ValleyTomarataMatakana Valley RoadWaiteitei RoadLeigh HillCAUTIONSCRASH - SH 1 Brynderwyn to Kaiwaka due to a truck crash on SH1 near Baldrock Rd, traffic management is in place. Expect delays.Mangawhai Road south of Mangawhai near Paul Road the road is collapsing/slipping. Be careful.SH 16 Kaukapakapa - Due to a dropout on SH16 near Stoney Creek Rd, just north of Kaukapakapa, traffic management is in place. Expect delays.CLOSEDBrynderwyns - detour in placeRuakaka - detour in placeSH1 Hibiscus Coast Hwy On-ramp Northbound Ahuroa road from Puhoi to Makarau

Auckland Emergency Management says some people may be waking up to damaged properties after another heavy downpour overnight.Controller Rachel Kelleher says the city has been hit by heavy rain and strong winds overnight."In some places that rain was more bands of heavy rain coming through, then in other parts of the region we've had more heavy, solid, ongoing rain for periods of time."The weather system is sitting slightly further south now than forecast, with a heavy band of rain currently passing over the North Shore and central city out to the west, but that now appears to be moving south and we're hopeful that that will be end of this last heavy section of rain that we've been experiencing," Kelleher said.MetService would be providing another update later this morning, but at the moment the red warning north of Orewa was due to expire at 8am and the orange warning for the rest of the region would expire at 10am, she said.The first part of Wednesday night was relatively quiet in terms of callouts, but has ramped up early this morning.She is aware of trees down, including on a house in Mt Albert and Whitford."Whilst the rain might move off today, there is still a chance of impacts from things like treefall - because the ground is so wet, that it creates a level of instability, particularly if the wind picks up. Given the wind we had last night, people might be waking up to find damage on their property they hadn't expected."There are reports of flooding and landslips in Devonport.Only a few people used the new evacuation centres in Wellsford, Warkworth and Kumeu last night, she says.Providing an update from Auckland Transport, she says there are no trains running on the Western Line, three units are stuck due to flooding and slips; there were no passengers on board.Reports of Awhitu Peninsula being cut off due to slips are being checked out, she says.Fire and Emergency NZ's Ron Devlin said since about 6am, they had dealt with 63 callouts around the region. He appealed to people not to ask for help for flooded basements at present - lines need to be left open for those facing emergencies."We had a quietish night, very high winds… The events this morning are mostly across Devonport, Northcote, Ellerslie, Mt Albert, Greenlane. But I want to stress the rain didn't reach the point that was predicted, which is a great thing, and so we're quite comfortable with the amount of events that we're attending."He says search and rescue teams are on standby."We would ask people only to call 111 if it's life-threatening or property threatening."I just want to assure people that the current volume of calls is well within Fire and Emergency's business-as-usual operations, and we are ready to support you as and when you need it."Roger Ball from National Emergency Management says the situation seems to be stable in Northland "and the impact is not significant".NEMA will be watching closely as the weather moves on to Coromandel and Waikato."The indications at this early stage are that we may not have as much rain out of this event as was originally forecast."

There will be updates here so please keep checking!8.30amCLOSEDSH 16 Helensville to Waimauku, SH16 is closed between Bradly Rd and Hutchinson Rd south of Helensville.Detour route: Northbound Traffic: Turn right onto Waimauku Station Rd (Waimauku), to Waikoukou Valley Rd, left onto Old North Rd, left onto Wishart Rd, continue onto Garfield Rd (Helensville), then rejoin SH16. Southbound traffic: Follow in reverse.Twin Coast Discovery Highway in WaiweraSH 1 Hibiscus Coast Hwy On-ramp Northbound - Due to damage to the road surface, the Hibiscus Coast Hwy on-ramp to SH1 is closed.Puhoi and Ahuroa Valley RoadWayby Valley at SH endPakiri RoadSH1 BrynderwynsSH1 Waipu to just south of Glenmohr roadOPENSH1 is openSH16 by West Coast Road - still passable. Be careful as the road is damaged by the bridge.Matakana Valley RoadPakiri to Leigh RoadWhangaripo Valley there will be floodingWARNING/CAUTIONSDome Valley has areas of floodingLangs - slip on Cove Road heading north. Caution SH 1 Northcote Rd to Esmonde Rd, both directions there is flooding. Still passableSH 1 Greenlane Interchange . No access is available to Green Lane West due to flooding near Great South Rd. Expect diversions and delays.

Warkworth regionTuesday 31st January - Periods of rain, persistent and heavy at times north of Orewa, then everywhere this afternoon or evening. Thunderstorms and downpours possible in the north from evening. Northeasterlies, rising to gale in exposed places this afternoon, gusting 100 km/h from evening.Heavy Rain Warning - RedPeriod: 15hrs from 5pm Tue, 31 Jan - 8am Wed, 1 FebArea: Auckland north of OrewaForecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, but localised areas may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Thunderstorms are also possible.Impact: This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.Heavy Rain Warning - OrangePeriod: 14hrs from 8pm Tue, 31 Jan - 10am Wed, 1 FebArea: Auckland from Orewa southwards, and Great Barrier IslandForecast: Expect 50 to 80 mm of rain, especially north of the Harbour Bridge. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, but localised areas may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Thunderstorms are also possible.Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 6pm Tue, 31 Jan - 6am Wed, 1 FebArea: AucklandForecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.Wednesday 1st February - Rain, heavy at times, and thunderstorms possible. Rain easing to a few showers around midday, chance heavy in the west. Strong northeasterlies, easing during the morning.Warnings are the same as above.Thursday 2nd February - Mostly cloudy. Isolated showers developing in the morning, then rain at night. Northeasterlies.Friday 3rd February - Rain, easing in the morning. Fresh northeasterlies.Mangawhai regionTuesday 31st January - Rain, heavy at times. Thunderstorms and downpours possible from afternoon. Northeasterlies becoming strong by midday, gusting 90 km/h.Heavy Rain Warning - RedPeriod: 19hrs from 9am Tue, 31 Jan - 4am Wed, 1 FebArea: NorthlandForecast: Expect 100 to 140 mm of rain in the north and east, with lesser amounts in the west. However, localised areas may receive 140 to 220 mm. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, mainly in the north and east, but localised areas may see 25 to 40 mm/h, or possibly more. Thunderstorms are also possible, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in force.Impact: This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 14hrs from 2pm Tue, 31 Jan - 4am Wed, 1 FebArea: NorthlandForecast: A front is expected to bring heavy rain to Northland during Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, as detailed in the Heavy Rain Warning. There is a moderate risk of SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS with this front, bringing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h or possibly more. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. Expect thunderstorms to ease from the north Tuesday evening and overnight.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 18hrs from 9am Tue, 31 Jan - 3am Wed, 1 FebArea: NorthlandForecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.Wednesday 1st Feb - Early rain, heavy at times and possibly thundery with downpours, then partly cloudy with a few showers. Northerlies. See warnings above.Thursday 2nd February - Mostly cloudy. A few showers then rain at night. Northeasterlies.Friday 3rd Feb - Rain, clearing later in the day to partly cloudy weather. Northeasterlies.

CLOSEDWayby ValleyWaiteitei RoadSH1 Brynderwyns - Due to large slips on the southern side of the Brynderwyn Hills, SH1 is closed from SH12 intersection, Brynderwyn to Waipu. Use alternative route via Kaiwaka and Mangawhai until further notice.Scheduled time: Detour - northbound: Turn right at Kaiwaka Mangawhai Rd, left onto Molesworth Dr, left onto Mangawhai Heads Rd, Right onto Cove Rd, straight onto The Centre, then The Braigh and right to rejoin SH1. Southbound: Reverse the route.SH16 south of Gibbs farm there has been an accident. Due to a truck crash both lanes on SH16 are blocked between Makarau Rd and Tuhirangi Rd, north of Kaukapakapa. Delay your journey or consider using alternative route via SH1. Scheduled time: Start: 31 Jan 2023 5:59am.Detour route: Consider using - northbound: right to Kahikatea Flat Rd, left to Dairy Flat Hwy to SH1 to travel north. southbound: left to West Coast Rd, to Woodcocks Rd to SH1 to travel south.SH16 West Coast RoadAhuroa RoadTwin Coast Discovery Highway from Waiwera to Puhoi - Due to damage to the road surface, the Hibiscus Coast Hwy on-ramp to SH1 is closed. Motorists are advised to consider alternate routes.Upper Waiwera - from Monowai to WeranuiWARNINGSMatakana Road is beginning to flood. Close to Sharp road.Pakiri hill has a slip take care.SH16, end of Makarau road, there is a slip, down to one lane, passable.OPENSH1Matakana Valley Road

Updates as at 1pmCLOSEDWhangaripo Valley - Flooding has been reported again. Passable only with 4x4Tomarata Valley - passable only by 4x4.Waiteitei RoadWayby ValleyLeigh Hill – slips, impassable, use alternative route.Pakiri River Road there is a tree down.Brynderwyns are closed. Use Waipu route. Detours in place via Mangawhai to Waipu, as well as SH12 Paparoa / Oakleigh road to WhangareiTwin Coast Discovery Highway from Waiwera to PuhoiWoodcocks Road - Areas of flooding especially at the bridge, may not be passable.SH16 Glorit / West Coast Rd – reports of flooding, may not be passable.Ahuroa road from Puhoi to Makarau OPENSH1 is open.SH16 will be impassable to some points, see above.Pakiri Hill/ Matakana Valley Road - slip, down to one lane but still passable.

Wellsford School will be closed tomorrow Tuesday 31st and Wednesday 1st Feb due to weather conditions. This will be reviewed on Wednesday for Thursday.