Warkworth RegionMonday 3rd July - Partly cloudy. A few showers, more frequent and possibly heavy for a while in the afternoon. Strong southwesterlies, gale in exposed places gusting 90 km/h in the afternoon and evening.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 6hrs from 3pm - 9pm Mon, 3 JulArea: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of WhakataneForecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.Tuesday 4th July - Mainly fine, isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Strong southwesterlies.Wednesday 5th July - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing early. Strong southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Thursday 6th July - Cloudy, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies, easing.Friday 7th July - Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers becoming widespread, some heavy. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.Saturday 8th July - Showers, some heavy, becoming isolated with longer fine breaks later. Northerlies, turning to fresh westerlies.Sunday 9th July - Showers with westerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 3rd July - Partly cloudy. Showers, more frequent and possibly heavy this afternoon. Strong southwesterlies, gale gusting 90 km/h in the afternoon and evening. Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 6hrs from 3pm - 9pm Mon, 3 JulArea: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of WhakataneForecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.Tuesday 4th July - Fine. Fresh southwesterlies.Wednesday 5th July - Partly cloudy. Fresh westerlies, easing.Thursday 6th July - Cloud clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies, easing.Friday 7th July - Rain. Northeasterlies.Saturday 8th July - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Westerlies.Sunday 9th July - Showers with westerlies.

Five young people spent the night on the roof or in its cavity at a youth justice facility in Auckland.The standoff began on Saturday at Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Residence in Wiri.On Sunday morning, Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive Mike Bush said the five people spent the night on the roof or within its cavity."We will provide a further [update] when the matter changes."Police and Fire and Emergency were called to assist with the standoff which saw six people on the roof as of 9pm last night.On Saturday, Bush said he was on site and staff were dealing with the incident."Our priority is the safety of these young people and we are managing this situation with extreme caution, especially with the wet weather forecast overnight."We are practising safe and reasonable negotiation tactics and working to deescalate the situation."The young people are within the boundary of the facility and there is no risk to public safety."Stuff reported the youths were armed with pipes and bits of metal.It comes a week after several youth escaped from a youth justice facility in Canterbury and spent the night in its roof cavity.This story was originally published by Radio New Zealand Youth spend the night on roof of Auckland justice facility | RNZ News

Explainer - The cost of living is set to rise for New Zealanders today, as several tax cuts and subsidies end, but other changes to prescription costs and child support payments may have a more positive impact.Many new regulations and changes kick in as of 1 July, from the petrol pump to the chemist.Long queues formed at many petrol stations yesterday, ahead of the end of the fuel-tax discount of 25 cents a litre.Half-price public transport for people over 25 has also ended, although children under 13 will ride free and those aged 13-24, Community Services Card and Total Mobility users will still get half-price fares.New Zealand Post is raising its prices today, while alcohol excise tax rates are going up by 6.6 percent.And the restaurant industry warns the cost of takeaways is set to rise, with the ban kicking in today on single-use produce bags, plates, cutlery and straws.The government said it is easing the pain with other measures, including the removal of $5 prescription charges, which also comes into effect today.Bigger bill at the pumpsA budgeting specialist says the spike in fuel and transport prices is going to hurt those already struggling.The government's fuel-tax subsidy ended at midnight, and means motorists will pay about 29 cents per litre more at the pump.Māngere Budgeting Services chief executive Lara Dolan said fuel is one of the highest costs for families."Our clients currently spend between $50 to $120 per week on their petrol, which is approximately 15 percent of their weekly income."Most of our clients are already in financial hardship, so an additional increase will put them further into hardship."Dolan said public transport is not a reasonable alternative for families.At NZ Post, which is struggling with a continued drop in mail delivery, prices will rise for many services, with the cost of a standard letter rising from $1.70 to $2.Parental leave increase, child support changesIn another change for families, parental leave payments will increase by 7.7 percent from today, to reflect the 7.7 percent rise in the average weekly earnings.The maximum weekly rate for eligible employees and self-employed parents will increase from $661.12 to $712.17 gross per week.The government has also changed the law on child support meaning solo parents will benefit by a median $20 a week.Previously child support payments were taken by the government and used to offset the cost of the benefit paid to the parents.Now, more than 41,000 sole-parent families will have that money re-directed to them.Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni said this means sole parents will get an average of $65 per week of child support.Sepuloni said some of the poorest whānau are sole parents."It used to be that if you were a sole parent beneficiary and you didn't get the child support from your ex, and so therefore you couldn't benefit from that extra money."It was discriminatory, actually. We finally got rid of it."She said the government has taken action to right an unfair policy that dates back to 1936.Families will see the change in their child support payments from 22 August.An expert on family policy said the law change on child support is a step in the right direction but is not without flaws. Penny Ehrhardt said as the extra money will be considered income, some parents will lose access to other support."You might get $20 more but then you might find that you lose your accommodation supplement, for example, which with prices in rentals is absolutely key to surviving, so you will not necessarily be $20 better off."Ehrhardt said the law change is logical and will make the system better but more can be done to address poverty for single parent families.Prescription changes 'history making event'A pharmacist is calling the end of the $5 prescription charge today a history-making event that will make a massive difference to peoples' lives.The cost-of-living measure was announced in this year's budget.Sanders Pharmacy owner Gemma Perry said every day in every pharmacy in New Zealand, people do not pick up their prescriptions because they cannot afford the fee."People will say to us, 'Which one do I get, the pain relief or the antibiotics?'"It's a really hard decision to make when someone's really unwell and one's going to help them right now and the other one's going to actually fix the problems."Perry said pharmacists can now focus on advising people on their health care, instead of on coaching people through making incredibly tough financial decisions.Easier pathway for Aussie emigrantsNew Zealanders who have been living in Australia for four years can apply for a direct citizenship from today.The Australian government announced the pathway in April.Since 2001, New Zealanders in Australia were been allowed to stay indefinitely, but gaining permanent residency or citizenship had been difficult.Chair of advocacy group Oz Kiwi Joanne Cox said the major reform will make people feel like they belong in the country they have chosen to live in."For too long New Zealanders have been treated as second-class citizens and without that access to a fair, affordable pathway to citizenship it was really, not only discouraging, pretty, I'd say, discriminatory, but also of course, great disenfranchisement.Australians have had a direct citizenship pathway in New Zealand for five years, but Australia had failed to return the favour until now.This story was originally posted on Radio New Zealand Higher petrol, free prescriptions, plastic ban - Here's all the changes starting today | RNZ News

New Zealand Food Safety is supporting several importers in their recall of Durra brand products containing tahini due to the possible presence of Salmonella."Salmonellosis can be serious, so it is important that people do not eat these products," says New Zealand Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop."Tahini has a long shelf-life, so please check your fridge and throw out the affected products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund."The Durra brand products included in this recall are:Durra Tahina (400g, 800g, 18kg)Durra Halawa Plain (350g, 700g)Durra Halawa Pistachio (350g, 700g)Durra Halawa Extra Pistachio (350g, 700g)As our investigations continue, more products may be posted on the recall page.Food recall: Durra brand Tahina and HalawaThe affected products are sold at various stores and retail outlets throughout New Zealand. They have been removed from store shelves.The products have been imported from Jordan and have not been re-exported.Salmonellosis symptoms appear within 12 to 72 hours and include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Illness usually lasts between 4 and 7 days but, in more severe cases, it can go on for up to 10 days and cause more serious illness.If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16."Tahini is a high-risk food, so New Zealand Food Safety has been keeping a close watch on problems with tahini overseas," Ms Bishop says."When we saw a potential issue with product from a manufacturer in Jordan, we worked with importers here to ensure they assessed the safety of the tahini sourced from this manufacturer. Testing was a part of this, and the tests came back positive for Salmonella."We are continuing to trace where this product is used, so additional recalls may follow. Our recall page will be updated as needed with additional products. You can subscribe to our food recall emails to get the latest information.Subscribe to food recalls"Food importers are responsible for the safety of the food they bring in to sell in New Zealand," Ms Bishop says. "And New Zealand Food Safety has recently strengthened rules around imported food, with new regulations coming into effect on 1 August 2023."Given the recent tahini issues, New Zealand Food Safety has contacted tahini importers directly to explain the more stringent rules, which include importers having to assess and confirm the food they will be importing will be safe before it arrives in New Zealand, checking their supplier’s food safety compliance background, and keeping evidence of their assessments and confirmations."As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will be working with importers to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence," Ms Bishop said.For more information contact New Zealand Food Safety’s media team on [email protected]

Kaipara District Council Elected Members have adopted the Annual Plan 2023-2024, with an average general rates rise of 4.96 percent (excluding water charges).The Water by Meter charge, for those on Council water supply, has decreased by 5.94% due to a number of water projects moving from operational into capital expenditure. The fixed charge for the first cubic metre of water (which covers the cost of treatment plants and other overheads) has also been reduced from $373 to $211.The largest portion of the budget and work programme for the forthcoming year is dedicated to completing emergency work required as a result of the extreme weather events.Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson acknowledged the impact the weather events had across the district, and the resulting long-term damage to infrastructure.“We need to prioritise remediation of our roads urgently. We also have to make sure we are prepared for future events by repairing the Dargaville town stopbank, and the Whakahara floodgate and stopbank, and other infrastructure that was damaged.”Capital projects planned for this year include recladding the Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall (Dargaville Town Hall), constructing the Dargaville shared path and cycle lanes, and continuing work on the Mangawhai shared path (Phase Three).“We are pleased to approve an average rates rise under five percent today, and commend staff for the work they have done. Further, we must continue to look for greater efficiencies in the way we operate the Council” says Mayor Jepson.The Annual Plan for 2023-2024 comes into effect at the start of the financial year, with new rates taking effect from 1 July 2023.What is a Long Term Plan and an Annual Plan?Every three years Council develops a Long Term Plan (LTP) in consultation with the community. The Long Term Plan (LTP) sets the Council's strategic direction and work programme for the 10 years ahead. It outlines the services the Council will provide, the projects to be undertaken, the cost of doing this work, how it will be paid for and how the performance for each shall be measured.Our current Long Term Plan Growing a Better Kaipara-Long Term Plan 2021-2031 (LTP) was adopted 30 June 2021, following community consultation. In the April 2023 Council meeting, Council voted to adopt a new vision and set of community outcomes, kickstarting the process for the new Long Term Plan (2024-2034).In the two years between adopting an LTP, an annual plan is developed. The Annual Plan is a yearly update on what has been agreed through the LTP, highlighting any budget changes and work plans for each specific year. You can view the discussion and Council decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (26 minutes in).

New Zealand will wave goodbye to another lot of single-use plastics on Saturday.Plastic produce bags and stickers, plates, bowls, cutlery and straws were all being taken off the shelves, and businesses may be fined up to $100,000 if they do not comply.It is the second round of a national plastics phase out, which targets single-use and hard to recycle items.This phase was expected to stop 150 million produce bags from ending up in landfills annually.Read more:Next step of the single-use plastics ban: What you need to knowhttps://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018896248/kicking-the-single-use-plastic-habitIn 2021, the government estimated the average New Zealander threw away 60 kilograms of plastic waste every year.The first round saw polystyrene food and drink containers, cotton buds and drink stirrers banned last October.The timeframe for phasing out problem plastics. Photo: Ministry for EnvironmentStacey, Party Warehouse's shop manager, said their plastic plates, bowls and cutlery were quite popular, though the tide was turning."People are pretty responsible and responsive to changes ... there's been a recent increase in sugarcane [cutlery and plate ranges]," she said."We're also a hire company, so we offer the hiring of crockery items and cutlery as well. We're just heading our customers in that direction."But Stacey said she would not be surprised if a temporary black market for plastic items sprung up."The price difference is quite a bit between the sugarcane [paper pulp range] and the old plastic stuff. If you're looking at a pack of say 50, the price difference is about $7."She expected prices to come down as the sustainable products became the main seller.Foodstuff's sustainable packaging manager Debra Goulding said the banning of produce bags would have the biggest impact on supermarkets."We're encouraging people to bring their own bags but the one thing we don't want people to do is pay for the weight of that bag when they buy their produce," she said."Customers are encouraged to take it out of the bag and weigh it before putting it back in the bag... It takes a few extra seconds but a couple of grams of weight here and there can add up."Photo: Ministry for EnvironmentIt had taken Foodstuffs about 18 months to prepare for the ban - training staff, changing stock and making signage, Goulding said.However, people were still able to get plastic straws for disability or health reasons.Disability Support Network chief executive Peter Reynolds said paper straws were easily crushed, and metal alternatives could cause injury for people with limited motor skills."It's the sort of research that needs to be done by, for example, the food research unit at Massey University, having a look and saying 'well here's some other options we've been able to discover'," he said."We do see these things popping up all the time and New Zealand is a very innovative place, so hopefully other options will emerge in time."Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking said there were funds available for research into plastic alternatives."I do not know of any specific research into bendable, non-plastic straws that would be suitable for disabled people," she said."But certainly there is a plastics innovation fund and a waste minimisation fund that would potentially fund projects like that."Fruit and vegetable stickers would also begin to transition to become home compostable from 1 July, but Goulding said it was going to be hard to know if suppliers were compliant."Any average person is absolutely not going to know the difference when you look at it. You're not going to know if it's biodegradable plastic. Not even our produce department experts are going to be able to tell the difference," she said."The onus is really on the growers, the packers and fruit distributors."Brooking said an education first approach would be taken to the plastics phase out programme.Officials would work with producers directly to help them get the right stickers and compostable glue, she said."Since 2019, when we first phased out plastic supermarket carrier bags, it's estimated between then and now, there's a billion bags that haven't gone to landfill."That's one billion bags that aren't floating in our streets and into the ocean. We really want to keep significantly reducing our plastic waste," Brooking said.The final stage of the phase out, which covers all remaining PVC and polystyrene food and drink packaging, will be introduced in 2025.More information about the phase out programme can be found, on the Ministry for Environment's website.

Warkworth RegionFriday 30th June - Showers, some heavy, with squally thunderstorms and small hail possible from evening. Strong westerlies, gale gusting 80 km/h in exposed places, turning northwest gusting 100 km/h this evening.Saturday 1st July - Showers, becoming isolated with fine breaks in the morning. Westerlies, becoming strong in the morning.Sunday 2nd July - Showers, becoming widespread early, some heavy, then becoming isolated with fine breaks in the afternoon. Strong southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 30th June - Showers, some heavy, with fine breaks between. The chance of a squally thunderstorm and small hail from evening. Brisk westerlies.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 4hrs from 8pm - midnight Fri, 30 JunArea: NorthlandForecast: An active front is forecast to move onto Northland this evening, bringing squally showers and thunderstorms with possible damaging wind gusts of more than 110 km/h, and damaging tornadoes. A Thunderstorm Watch is in force from 8pm. Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous. If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas.Saturday 1st July - Fine spells. Fresh westerliesSunday 2nd July - Showers, some heavy, easing in the afternoon. Fresh northwesterlies, turning to strong southwesterlies in the afternoon.

Congratulation to the Junction Awards supreme winners Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary.Support Country Retreat Animal SanctuaryEvery week, they rescue dogs from all across Auckland and the North Island.They stay at the sanctuary while they help them heal and adjust to a life free from suffering and hurt, and get ready to be adopted out to loving new homes.Some of that care requires veterinary services, medicine, and specialist training.As a not-for-profit charity, we rely on our generous donors to help cover these costs, so thank you very much for considering donating to Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary. We can't do it without you!The Country Retreat Sanctuary is listed in The Matakana App under Community Pets / Foster / Adopt / AnimalsCountry Retreat Animal Sanctuary

Vapers hooked on the habit are struggling to get the help they need to quit, with agencies offering support for quitting saying they are limited to helping those who were using tobacco.Increasing numbers of people who had never smoked cigarettes but were addicted to vaping were being directed to stop smoking programmes Ready Steady Quit and Quitline, Te Whatu Ora Health NZ said.It advised those wanting to reduce their nicotine consumption to speak to their GP or a specialist vape retailer.However, Ready Steady Quit provider ProCare said its funding was specified to support tobacco smokers."As part of our funding model we are unable to support vapers who have never smoked or who have been vaping for more than 12 months," a spokesperson said.Whakarongorau Aotearoa, which runs Quitline, said its Quit Vaping programme was for people who vape to stop smoking tobacco.On average, Ready Steady Quit received three to four enquiries from people who wanted to quit vaping each week, with little information about where to send people for help."Over the last few years, we have seen first-hand the rise in popularity of vaping, especially in young people who have never smoked before," a spokesperson said.Ministry of Health statistics showed the number of 15 to 17-year-olds who vaped every day had quadrupled in three years, from 2 percent in 2018-19 to 8 percent in 2021-22.ProCare said it would welcome the opportunity to provide a support service, but it needed funding and training to do so."We have started conversations with our funders, however there is no confirmation of funding support at this stage."A Year 13 student from an Auckland secondary school, who wanted to stay anonymous, said he was reaching for his vape every five minutes before he managed to quit.The student spent about $60 to $70 on a reusable vape and was buying vape juice every week for about $30.He said a youth leader at his church encouraged him to give up."I believed that [vaping] was a cool and acceptable thing to do. He showed me how it was socially acceptable to not vape around people who vaped all the time."I think that it's really important to have somebody in your life that helps you stop vaping. It definitely helps to have somebody that can kind of step in and say, 'hey, look, you don't have to vape, cause other people do it.'"If there was a professional service that helped kids stop vaping, it would be massive. I think a lot of kids would use that service and a lot of people that wanted to stop vaping would seek out that help if they knew it was there."Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Māori Liaison Sharon Pihema said teenagers who have been vaping for years found it hard to give up."They have tried to do it on their own or with friends, but it is hard to quit nicotine," Pihema said."We get schools and principals contacting us wanting to visit and do education talks with their students and school community."We get emails and phone calls from parents and grandparents wanting to know what help is available for them to support their teenagers that are vaping."Pihema said the government seemed to be ignoring the issue."Yes, focus on the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 work that needs to happen, but we do have this other issue happening across every community in the country, across every secondary school and we need to be doing something about it," she said.Earlier this month, the government announced measures to curb youth vaping, including banning most disposable vapes and not allowing new vape shops to set up near schools.Auckland Secondary Schools Principals' Association president Greg Pierce said vaping is an 'undeniable' challenge in high schools and there "rapidly" needs to be a service to help kick the habit."I do think it has reached a stage where legislation and regulation need to come into effect and very quickly."I think schools do a really good job of educating the students about vaping but of course, the ongoing challenge remains that, at this age group, the biggest influences of students are other students and that's what we're battling with day in and day out," Pierce said.After two years of vaping, and $30 a week to feed his addiction, the Year 13 student said his life has changed for the better."I notice other people, especially my friends that vape, when they have to leave the classroom to vape. It's cool to look back and think that I don't have to do that. I don't have to leave the classroom every five minutes and I don't have to skip out on class time to go do that."

An hour ago brave local Leigh community gather for the annual mid-winter swim. Here are a few photo'sIn Leigh there are plenty of things to do. Leigh is a great base to explore the Matakana district and surrounding areas. There is Goat Island marine reserve for snorkeling buffs and Ti Point Reptile park creating special holiday moments. The nearby beaches are amazing, Auckland at its best from well known Omaha beach to the quieter Matheson Bay and Te Arai surfing beach. The weekend markets at Matakana and Warkworth are an excellent reason to stock up for a picnic.LEIGH, HIGHLIGHTSTI Point Reptile ParkGlass Bottom boat excursion to Goat Island marine reserveVisit nearby beaches and weekend farmers marketsWalk on coastal pathsHorse riding on Pakiri Beach

A man has been found dead after a water-related incident at Auckland's Orewa Beach.Police said a man in a dinghy was reported overdue from his trip at around 2.30pm on Saturday.His body was later located on the beach at around 11.45pm.The death would be referred to the coronor, police said.

Explore a valley of dramatic contrasts, through farmland and forest, along an enchanting river on the untamed west coast of Kaipara.Stage One of the Kaihu Valley Trail (KVT) was officially opened on 10 June 2023.Stage One comprises two sections of the planned trail – from Mamaranui to Kaihu and Dargaville to Parore. The sections are currently linked by low-volume roads. View the current trail map.The KVT winds through the beautiful green farmlands of Kaihu Valley alongside the Kaihu River at times and currently ends at the northern end in the Kaihu settlement. The Trail generally follows the historic rail line built in 1896 to service the kauri industry between Dargaville and Donnellys Crossing.The Kaihu Valley Trail forms part of the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. The Twin Coast experience is one of contrasts, starting and finishing in Auckland. It is the ultimate journey for those who want to see, feel, and discover it all in including the beautiful Kaipara.The KVT is also part of the Heartland Rides/Kauri Coast Cycleway which explores Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, mostly on-road, through our scenic landscapes and small towns. Two beautiful harbours, charming wee towns and towering kauri forest are all highlights through Kaipara along Northland’s west coast and out to the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour.We are currently seeking funding to complete further off-road sections of the trail. When built, the trail will stretch 45km from Dargaville to Donnelly’s Crossing. 

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, 30 June 2023.Daily updated closure information (external link) Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 27-29 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 27-29 JuneSouthbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Tristam Avenue on-ramp, 28 JuneConstellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 28 JuneCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 26 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 26 JuneSH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 26 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 26 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 26 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 26 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 26 JuneSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Redoubt Road southbound off-ramp, 25 JuneSouthbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 28 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 28 JuneSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 28 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 26-29 JuneTakanini southbound on-ramp, 26-29 JunePapakura southbound on-ramp, 26-29 JunePapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 27-29 JuneNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 25 JuneDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 25 JuneSouthbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 27 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 27 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road southbound off-ramp, 27 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 27 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 27 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 27 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 29 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 29 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 26 & 28 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 25 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 26 & 28 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 25 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 25 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 27 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 25 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 27 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 25 & 27-28 JuneLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 26 & 29 JuneNorthbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Patiki Road on-ramp, 27 & 29 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Rosebank Road northbound off-ramp, 27 & 29 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road northbound on-ramp, 27 & 29 JuneSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 27 & 29 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road westbound off-ramp, 25-26 & 28 JuneSt Lukes Road eastbound off-ramp, 28 JuneNewton Road westbound on-ramp, 27 JuneUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 27 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Albany Highway westbound on-ramp, 27 JuneEastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp, 27 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive westbound off-ramp, 27 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 25 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 25 JuneQueenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 25 JuneSouthbound lanes between SH20/SH20A links and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 25-26 & 29 JuneSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 25-26 & 29 JuneSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 25-26 & 29 JuneSouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 28 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 28 JuneSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 28 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 28 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 25-29 JuneSH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 25-29 JuneKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 25-29 June

Friday 23rd JuneMahurangi College Presents - Freaky FridayWellsford Library Lego ClubLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourLive Music Friday nights @ Matakana Village PubFiji Fridays @ SmithsMangawhai Karaoke @ RSA WarkworthSaturday 24th JunePuppy Pre-School (Coleman Canine Coaching)Matakana Village Farmers MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMangawhai Community MarketLearn about Volunteering in RodneyNational Volunteer Week open day at Matakana Village Hall Acoustics with Danny Crocome @ Matakana EstatePaint & NibblesBrooke Lane Vineyard’s Last Saturday ClubTwig & Bloom - Floral Still Life Painting (for all levels)Leigh Mid-Winter DinnerDemocracyNZ - Freedom to choose - Let's Meet WellsfordMitch James - The Long Way Home Tour @ The Leigh SawmillMixed Message Saturdays at SmithsMahurangi College Presents - Freaky FridaySunday 25th JuneLeigh Mid-Winter SwimmersSunday Service @ SmithsMahurangi College Presents - Freaky Friday

Langs Beach Bridge closure - Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 June 2023 We're placing the new surface on Langs Beach Bridge and need to close it for 2 days while we complete the work.The detour through the Brynderwyn Hills to get around this closure will take around 40 minutes, depending on your destination, so please plan accordingly.You'll see a bit more advertising for this (eg roadside signage) as we get closer to the time.

Warkworth RegionHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 9pm Wednesday, 21st June - 9am Thursday, 22nd JuneArea: Auckland about and north of Whangaparaoa, including Great Barrier IslandForecast: Periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms. Rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria.Mangawhai RegionHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 16hrs from noon Wednesday, 21st June - 4am Thursday, 22 JuneArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms, spreading southwards today. Rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria, especially in the north and east.

More TRADES added to The Matakana AppCheck them out and support local!💡 MP Lighting & Electrics service all types of electrical work from design through to installation and maintenance. Their motto is Do it once, Do it right. Based in Warkworth.  🚿 Leigh Plumbing and Gasfitting Ltd services covering the Rodney district. They have an easy online booking system. Examples of what they offer include: Renovations, Hot water cylinders, Bathrooms, Water pumps, UV filers/purifiers, Gas hobs.🔨 Brackenridge Builders serve North Auckland region and specialise in Architectural new builds, Residential and commercial; Renovation and alteration; Maintenance; and Landscaping. 🏠 Coastal Concepts is Rodney’s leading gate and home automation provider. Based in Warkworth, they offer access control, gate and home automation plus electrical services to homes and businesses. 💻 Rodney Computer Services Ltd provide a range of computer services and are based in Warkworth. They offer the following services:Supply and support PC’s, printers, and small networking gear.Sell HP, Dell, and Canon/Brother printers.Support Datto (now Kaseya) device Cloud backup and Microsoft 365 Mail, Onedrive Cloud backup.Antivirus support via Avast Business Cloudcare and ESET for individual PC’s.We do on-site support and workshop repairs. 🚗 Calibre Collision are based in Warkworth and provide vehicle collision repairs for all your panel and paint including insurance & private work. 🦡 RIP Pest Control service in Warkworth with over 10 years’ experience in commercial and residential pest control.📱 If you want your business to be on the App get in [email protected] or Contact

On the 14th August 2023 it will become mandatory to add the B-vitamin folic acid to non-organic wheat flour for breadmaking – a move that will help protect our babies from death or lifelong disability caused by neural tube defects."The theme for the fifth World Food Safety Day is 'food standards save lives' and you couldn’t find a more literal example of this than folic acid fortification," says New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle."Based on the Australian experience – where neural tube defects substantially decreased, particularly in the indigenous population, after the introduction of mandatory fortification – we expect the benefits to specifically Māori and Pasifika babies to be significant after we start applying the same standard here in August."Naturally found in food, folate is a B-group vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction. Taking folic acid – the form of folate used in additives or supplements – a month before and 3 months after conception has been proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), like spinal bifida.🐴 Epic Physio NZ offer an amazing, specialised physiotherapy service for your pets. Get in touch today to see how they can support your cherised animals 🐴"In Aotearoa New Zealand, where about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, it’s not practical for folic acid supplements to be taken a month before pregnancy, and the rate of NTDs is significantly higher here than in countries that have a mandatory fortification approach. Our Pasifika and Māori pēpē are also overrepresented in NTD statistics," says Mr Arbuckle."In 2009, Australia introduced the mandatory food standard requiring non-organic wheat flour for breadmaking to include folic acid. NTD rates subsequently fell 14% in the general population, 55% in teenage pregnancies and 74% in indigenous populations."So, the New Zealand Government’s decision in 2021 to adopt the joint Australia/New Zealand standard requiring the mandatory addition of folic acid to non-organic wheat flour for breadmaking is a safe and effective way of decreasing the rate of NTDs."Mandatory folic acid fortification has been safely and successfully implemented in more than 80 countries, and a 2018 report from the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor and the Royal Society Te Apārangi found no evidence that fortification of food with folic acid has any harmful effects.However, to give consumers choice, fortification will not be required in non-wheat flour, organic wheat flour, or flour not intended for breadmaking. Products containing folic acid or flour fortified with folic acid will also be clearly labelled.The mandatory fortification was first announced in 2021, and will come into effect on 14 August 2023, following a two-year transition period.For more information on flour fortification, see our website here

Pak'nSave Warkworth opened this morning!Located at the corner of SH1 and Hudson Road, it ties in nicely to the SH1 Puhoi to Warkworth (P2W) motorway that opened yesterday.Apparently they will have opening specials in store.Click and Collect will be available in the future.OPEN 7 days - 8am to 9pmHere is a link to their website