The invasive gold clam discovered in the Waikato River in April had been there for two to three years, the Ministry for Primary Industries says.Native to Asia and now found in North America, South America and Europe, gold clams have the potential to destroy native habitats, clog water supplies and hydro dams if not contained.Efforts elsewhere to eradicate the pest have been unsuccessful as the clam is self fertile and are able to produce up to 70,000 juveniles a year.Once established, densities can reach tens of thousands per square metre.MPI officials gave an update on the response to the Waikato River incursion to the Primary Production and Environment select committees on Thursday.Director of Readiness and Response John Walsh said the clam was well established."We think the clam has been in the Waikato River for at least two years - possibly two to three years."We can tell because of the density, the fact that it's in multiple locations and the size of the cockles, some shells are close to three centimetres and it takes about two to three years to grow to that size."It's well established, when we did our immediate delimiting surveillance downriver from Bob's landing the site where we initially found it, when we went up river we had no trouble finding it anywhere we looked."Nationals spokesperson for biosecurity Nicola Grigg said the revelation is deeply concerning and efforts to contain the clam must be made immediately."It beggars belief it has only just been discovered - and by accident - meanwhile, MPI has spent the past month forming an industry advisory group rather than tackling the issue head-on."Full surveillance of the Waikato River and Lake Taupō is only just beginning, while tributaries won't be checked until the next phase of surveillance. Meanwhile, the threat of further contamination of waterways across the country is a very real possibility"🌱 Want to boost your plant growth naturally? Then look at Groconut, where 97% of users reported bigger plant growth after adding Groconut® into their plant care routine.🥥Grigg said without urgent action gold clams could infest Lake Taupō with the very real possibility it will make its way to hydro water schemes in the South Island as well.But head of Biosecurity New Zealand, Stuart Anderson, stood by the response to date, telling the select committees the issue is being taken seriously."I'm ware there have been some concerns expressed around the timeframes and the activities that have been taking place taking place, to date since we became aware of this, we believe the actions we have taken have been appropriate."Anderson broke down the history of the incursion which began on 19 of April when researchers doing some work around the Bobs Landing area spotted the clams.The first notification of the finding was on 1 May, he said.On 5 May there was visual confirmation that it appeared to be gold clam. "We had people on site doing inspections and some surveying along the river towards Hamilton."We then started the process of notifying councils, iwi and other key stakeholders."On 15 May, the ministry received DNA confirmation that it was a freshwater gold clam.After that there were hui with the river iwi, engagement with the councils and discussions on starting a surveillance programme."We got agreement on the methodology and the scope of the surveillance earlier this week, on Tuesday."That started on Wednesday and we're also getting work underway around doing some targeted inspection surveillance in other main waterways nationally that could be connected to the Waikato River."Anderson said a technical advisory group of New Zealand and international expertise was being formed to give the best advice on how to deal with the clam.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 12th June - Partly cloudy with a few showers. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh this afternoon and evening.Tuesday 13th June - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 14th June - Fine. Southerlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 15th June - Fine, but becoming cloudy. Northeasterlies.Friday 16th June - Rain, easing to a few showers. Fresh easterlies.Saturday 17th June - Showers, becoming isolated later but remaining mostly cloudy. Fresh easterlies.Sunday 18th June - Rain. Easterlies.👘 Looking for something different to wear? Two Boutique in Matakana offer a carefully curated collection of NZ & international clothing brands for both men & women. Stocking over 20 brands there is something for everyone! 👗Mangawhai RegionMonday 12th June - Mainly fine. Chance of a shower. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 13th June - Fine. Southerlies.Wednesday 14th June - Fine. Southerlies, easing late.Thursday 15th June - Cloud increasing, with rain developing later. Northeasterlies developing.Friday 16th June - A few showers. Westerlies.Saturday 17th June - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Easterlies.Sunday 18th June - Rain. Easterlies.

It’s the weed Auckland gardeners love to hate - tradescantia, better known as 'wandering willie'.Arguably the most notorious pest weed to have escaped into the wild, it causes considerable damage to the natural environment, spreading along streams by water movement, infesting waterways and smothering native species.Community groups working in the Roy Clements Treeway, Mt Albert and Oakley Creek, New Windsor local parks requested council support in battling the pest plant. Auckland Council is, for the first time, organising the release of a fungal pathogen biocontrol in an urban environment to help control the weed.Auckland Council’s Senior Regional Advisor Pest Plants, Holly Cox says the council is excited about the long-awaited release of this biocontrol agent. “Tradescantia is very difficult to control and despite the best efforts of volunteers to manage the weed, they’ve been unable to make inroads. “The yellow leaf spot fungus is an ideal control as it disperses itself with water movement and humid air movement spreading to other infestations both inside and outside the stream reserve,” adds Holly.The plants, infected with the yellow spot fungus (Kordyana brasiliensis), will be planted in the waterway and together with the tradescantia leaf beetle already present, it is hoped the fungus will further reduce the impact on the ecosystem.The fungal pathogen, native to Brazil, is host-specific meaning it only impacts tradescantia and is no risk to other species.Tradescantia is identified as a pest plant in the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030, and eradication is tackled under a whole-of-region sustained control programme which aims to reduce the spread and impact of the pest plant.Read more about this pest species here.

The Christchurch City Mission is opening the South Island's first supermarket-style self-serve foodbank.It is part of an $11 million redevelopment completed over the past two years.Missioner Corinne Haines said for some struggling people, shopping at big supermarkets could be intimidating.The new foodbank - operational later this month - would run a bit like a supermarket, where clients could pick and choose items with support from staff.Haines said it would help clients with practical skills to shop for healthy meals, with staff leading them through the process of choosing ingredients."I think people have been put off in the past because their parents didn't know how to shop and it was just easy to buy fast food, but also when you get to the counter and you can't afford to pay, that's a very embarrassing situation."Whereas here it's a points system and we can say: 'Oh, you're over, maybe you can put that one and that one back and you'll be right'."Foodbank coordinator Steve Brinsden said it would change the way the City Mission gave out parcels."Because of the supermarket, we're thinking that we're going to reduce the number of parcels we need to give out by about 70 percent. So about 30 percent of the parcels will still have to remain because some people are always going to want the parcels, they're never going to be able to come to a supermarket and that's fine."The redevelopment had been a four-year plan.In October last year the Mission opened the first stage of it - an on-site cafe and transitional housing building. On Thursday, the Mission opened the last part with the new foodbank, as well as a warehouse area and offices.Haines said the idea was to create a village atmosphere for clients, with the Mission being a one-stop shop. She said that way when a person came in, the Mission could offer them food, financial assistance and other help to get them back on track."We just pass them around our organisation, and being close and being in the same area is very helpful to channel people through our organisation and give them the total support that we can."The foodbank was giving out about 350 boxes a week, and recently had to cut down the number because their food supply was low, she said."We used to give people six food parcels a year, I think we're down to five at the moment because we need to eke it out."Two years ago we didn't buy in much food - we had it all gifted. Now we're buying food every single month."Winter was always the toughest month, and the demand for help was higher, Haines said."A lot of people are struggling financially… there's a lot of pressures on people, but especially in winter when electricity charges are really high."Haines expected demand would get worse before it got better as winter had only just begun.This story was originally published by RNZ.

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, 16 June 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Waiwera on-ramp, 14 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Orewa northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 12 JuneSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 14 JuneOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 12 & 14 JuneGreville Road southbound on-ramp, 11 & 14 JuneNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 12-14 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 12-14 JuneNorthbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 15 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Constellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 15 JuneTristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 15 JuneCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Tamaki Drive, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Tamaki Drive, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 14 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 14 JuneRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 14 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 15 JunePapakura southbound on-ramp, 15 JuneSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 11 & 13–14 JuneDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 11 & 13–15 JuneNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 12-13 JuneBombay northbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneRamarama northbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneSouthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 14 JuneNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 14 JuneBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 14 JuneNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneRidge Road northbound off-ramp, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 15 JuneSH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound off-ramp, 13 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 11 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 12 & 14 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 12 & 14 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 13 & 15 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 13 & 15 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 11 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Lincoln Road southbound off-ramp, 11 JuneLincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 11 & 13-15 JuneLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 13 JuneNorthbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu northbound on-ramp, 12 JunePatiki Road northbound on-ramp, 12 JuneRosebank Road southbound on-ramp, 14 JuneGreat North Road northbound on-ramp, 12 JuneSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 12 JuneUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Eastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Matthews Road, 13 JuneSH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 & 15 JuneAlbany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 13 JuneWestbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 12 JuneEastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links, (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12 JuneMaioro Street northbound on-ramp, (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12 JuneSH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link, 12 JuneSH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 12 JuneSouthbound lanes between SH20/SH20A links and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 11-15 JuneSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 11-15 JuneSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 11-15 JuneSouthbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 11 JuneCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 11 JuneLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 11 JuneSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and Cavendish Drive on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 11 JuneGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 13-15 JuneKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 13-15 JuneSH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 13-15 JunePUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)SH2 westbound to SH1 northbound link, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)

A Whangārei man reported as missing has been found dead.The body was discovered at Parihaka Reserve by a member of the public on Thursday evening.Police said he had been identified as Veon Smith, 48, who was reported missing on Sunday.The death was not being treated as suspicious and had been referred to the coroner, police said.This story was originally published by RNZ

Friday 9th JuneKids Disco night in KaiwakaLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourFiji Fridays @ SmithsLive Music Friday Nights @ Matakana Barnyard BoogieVillage PubRSA Warkworth - McSweeney Bros & Marian BurnsSaturday 10th JuneMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketMixed Messages Saturdays @ SmithsBarnyard Boogie with Silent Auction🎵 💃🏼 Check out Leigh Sawmill Cafe for regular live music nights, food and accomodation 🎵 💃🏼Sunday 11th JuneTakatu Landcare Planting DayLeys Orchestra Family ConcertSunday Service @ SmithsBarnyard Boogie with Silent Auction

Warkworth RegionFriday 9th June - Fine. The odd shower for Great Barrier Island until evening. Southeasterlies.Saturday 10th June - Partly cloudy. Chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies.Sunday 11th June - Fine. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 9th June - Partly cloudy. Chance of a morning or afternoon shower. Southeasterlies from late morning.Saturday 10th June - Fine. Southerlies.Sunday 11th June - Fine. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.

Work on Whangārei's $20 million Okara Marina is expected to start in June with more than half a million dollars needed to buy one of its most expensive berths.The first physical work starting next month, will see the start of dredging 130,000 cubic metres of harbour floor at the marina site on Whangārei's Port Road, in the area between the Te Matau a Pohe bascule bridge over the Hātea River, and south towards Limeburners Creek.The 115-berth Whangārei Harbour marina is expected to open in January 2025 with construction starting in August 2024.Okara Marina will cover an area equal to about 56 rugby fields when finished. That will be made up of about 6.5 rugby fields (4550 square metres) of reclaimed land, with the equivalent of another about 50 rugby fields (35,000 sq m) for the marina berths and fairways.Whangārei Marina assistant manager Sharron Beck said the work would start with dredging a path to the south-east corner of the reclamation site.The new marina's berths will be from 10m to 35m long for monohulls and catamarans. Berth prices are outlined on the new marina's website, but only for those with up to a $585,000 price tag - for an 18-metre long catamaran berth. A 20 metre monohull berth will sell for $490,000. Prices for berths beyond these sizes are by negotiation.Beck said Whangārei Harbour Marina Management Trust was selling some of the Okara Marina berths but holding on to a significant percentage to rent out.Okara Marina was first considered in 2017 and will have taken eight years to come to fruition by the time it is open. The marina will have berths for an increasing number of yachts and other boats coming to Whangārei from around New Zealand and overseas.Whangārei's increasingly popular Town Basin is a drawcard for overseas yachties. Photo: LDR / NZMEIt will see an almost 30 percent increase in the total number of Whangārei Harbour Marina Management Trust-run berths to 415, making it the biggest marina provider in the North - but only just. Ōpua's Bay of Islands Marina has 400 berths in a single site.The trust already runs Whangārei District Council (WDC)'s Town Basin Marina with 200 berths and Kissing Point Marina with 100 moorings.Beck said overseas yachties made up more than half the trust's Town Basin marina users, with about 120 boats arriving each season. That number was expected to increase."We're struggling to fit all the vessels in the Town Basin," Beck said.Flags at the Town Basin. Photo: LDR / Northern Advocate / Tania WhyteOverseas yachties come to Whangārei to escape the tropical cyclone season from about November to April.Beck said Okara Marina would also cater to the ever-increasing demand for marine servicing such as refits for boats coming from around New Zealand.Whangārei Harbour Marina Management Trust chair Noel Douglas said the charitable trust puts the money raised from its operations back into water-based activity groups - such as waka ama, Shackleton's Sea Scouts and Whangārei rowing club - on Whangārei Harbour and surrounds.He said the new marina's start was a great step forward on something that had been years in the making.Douglas said it would contribute significantly to the economy of Whangārei, the North and beyond.Okara Marina is being built with a $5m WDC loan, to be repaid over time.Building Okara Marina will mean the removal of a hectare of mangroves skirting the Port Road seashore between Te Matau a Pohe and the boatshed.This story was first published on RNZ

Yes, we are hiring!Part time sales positionThe Matakana App is looking for a sales super star! For roughly 10 hours per week working from home/remotely.With occasional training in Matakana.With full training provided. A working knowledge of Hubspot would be a bonus but not essential. We are a small team of 4 running The Matakana App, we are passionate about our community and everything it has to offer. We are growing steadily and havegreat plans. If you are computer savvy, have a great phone manner, sales experience, adaptable and willing to work hard please call Louise or email through your [email protected]

Primary teachers have voted to accept the latest Ministry of Education collective agreement offer.NZEI Te Riu Roa said the offer was the fourth put to teachers.It followed a long negotiation campaign which included the largest education strike in this country's history.A teachers' protest march in Auckland on 20 March. Photo: RNZ / Jordan DunnThe settlement includes a six percent pay increase in July, with two further increases in July and December 2024.A lump sum payment of $3000 would be made in July, plus an additional $1500 for union members.Classroom release times will increase from 10 to 25 hours per term and mileage allowances are to go up.NZEI Te Riu Roa president Mark Potter said the more than doubling of classroom release time was the biggest win and the first increase since 2005."The work demands on teachers have skyrocketed in the last couple of decades and this means teachers will have more time to plan, assess and do individual work with students."The settlement also includes "significant" increases in Māori Immersion Teacher Allowance, the introduction of the Pasifika Bilingual Immersion Teaching Allowance, a rise in the reliever pay cap, and provisional to full certification costs paid for beginning teachers.Potter said moving the cap on reliever teacher pay rates was a step toward paying experienced relief teachers fairly, and should make it easier for schools to find relievers.Paeone Goonan, a resource teacher of learning and behaviour based at Ōpōtiki College and a member of the negotiating team, said the introduction of the cultural leadership allowances and the increase to the Māori Immersion Teaching Allowance were "historic improvements"."They acknowledge the skills and expertise of those kaiako and their culture and will compensate those teachers who are doing the mahi anyway, such as assisting with the new Aotearoa histories curriculum or teaching kapa haka."Last week, primary teachers called off strike action as they awaited the revised government offer.Primary teachers have previously told RNZ they were striking for the children.Newtown Primary School deputy principal Leanne Whitfield said previous offers from the ministry were not good enough."The pay jolt we got a few years ago has mostly disappeared through inflation, but actually the impact on teachers through dealing with a very wide range of needs in our classrooms is a much greater problem at the moment."She said people would be shocked if they knew how under-resourced schools were.Teacher Mary Bluck previously said a pay rise was not the most important issue for her."It's about work conditions, smaller class sizes and greater support for our students," she said."I'm striking for our children. Our children at this point in the junior school have not had a normal school or education life due to Covid and so they have greater needs and we don't have the resources to support them in the way we'd like."This story was first published by RNZ

A message from MPIFreshwater gold clam (Corbicula fluminea)This freshwater mollusc (also known as Asian gold clam) was discovered along a stretch of the Waikato River in May 2023. Biosecurity New Zealand is working with iwi and other partners to decide future actions. Find out about the clam and how you can help us.Risk to NZ from the freshwater gold clamThe freshwater gold clam is native to eastern Asia and is widely established in North and South America and Europe.These clams reproduce rapidly and form large populations that can clog water-based infrastructure such as electric generation plants, irrigation systems, and water treatment plants. They are filter feeders that can potentially compete with native species for food. We do not yet know how this species will respond in New Zealand conditions.Overseas, this clam has proved difficult to control and eradication has never been achieved.🏄🏼‍♂️ Want to learn how to surf from the experts? Aotearoa Surf School at Mangawhai / Te Arai teach all ages, check out their website for classes and options 🏄🏼‍♀️Where the clams were foundThe first detection was made by ecologists at Bob's Landing near Lake Karāpiro. Clams have subsequently been found in surveyed areas along about 50km of the Waikato River from 1.5km upstream of Bob's Landing down to Hamilton.It is not known how the molluscs arrived in New Zealand and this will be part of ongoing investigations.What we're doing about the discovery of the clamsBiosecurity New Zealand is trying to determine how far the clams have spread and explore potential future actions.We're working with mana whenua, Waikato River Authority, Waikato Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand, and other organisations.Initial work will involve surveillance, including the use of targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) to understand how widely the freshwater gold clam is distributed in the river, and potentially, in other water bodies. This information will help us decide what actions to take.How to identify freshwater gold clamsThis clam is found in freshwater or in brackish water. It's able to survive a wide range of temperatures and salinities. They can be found within the water, sitting on top of sandy or muddy surfaces, or buried shallowly within them. You may see their shells partly exposed, or their syphons (their breathing tubes) sticking out from the sediment. They can also be found amongst debris, such as leaves, that may have settled on the riverbed. At Bob's Landing, juvenile shellfish and larvae have been found attached to rocks.Freshwater gold clams are prolific breeders, able to produce 400 juveniles a day and up to 70,000 juveniles a year.The adult clams are 2cm to 3cm in length and are typically dirty white, yellow, or tan. They have an obvious ribbed texture on the shell.Close up freshwater gold clams Photo: NIWAHow you can help usYou can help us build a picture of where this clam is present by reporting suspected sightings to Biosecurity New Zealand.If you think you've seen the freshwater gold clam:note the locationtake a photo if possible.You can then either:freephone Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66, orcomplete the online reporting form at report.mpi.govt.nz If you are using the online reporting form, you'll need to start by saying you are a member of the public, that you want to make a report about 'a marine or freshwater issue' and then select 'freshwater fish or crustacean' from the dropdown box that will appear. Then you will be taken through some further questions including contact information and asked to load your images.Example of how to complete the first 3 fields of the online reporting formThe image shows the Biosecurity New Zealand online reporting tool, with the first 3 fields filled in:(1) "I am a member of the public"(2) "wanting to make a report about a marine or freshwater issue"(3) "freshwater fish or crustaceans".Help stop the spreadIf you fish, boat or row in the Waikato River, this situation is a reminder to 'check, clean, dry' to help stop the possible spread of the freshwater gold clam.CHECK, CLEAN, DRYFollow these steps before moving to another location at the river, or to another river or lake.CheckRemove any visible matter, including any clams you can see, along with plant material or mud. Drain all river water.CleanDo a washdown of your gear and watercraft with tap-water onto grass, beside the waterway or at home and not into a stormwater drain system. This will flush off clam larvae, which can be too small to be seen.For gear made of absorbent materials, which will stay wet longer, apply a cleaning treatmentDryAllow gear to dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least 5 days.Dry areas inside the watercraft where water has pooled, for example with an old towel, and then leave the craft to dry for at least five days. The hull of a watercraft will dry when towed.For more information visit https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/pests-and-diseases-under-response/freshwater-gold-clam/

A message from Robert Jones – Project DirectorRamping up to Road OpeningThe moment we have all been waiting for is soon upon us.The Ara-Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will open before the end of June. The project started over six years ago, with the sod turning on 3 November 2016. It has been a long road with many unprecedented hurdles, but what a road it is. This new piece of infrastructure is magnificent, resilient and safe. I can’t wait for the community and travelling public to enjoy the benefits of the new road.Ahead of the road opening there are a few important things I would like to share around post opening construction works, motorway operation, and my departure from the project.After the new motorway opens to traffic, there will be ongoing work for a number of months to fully complete the project. This includes work on the Pūhoi on and off-ramps, slip repairs, seasonal planting/landscaping, and final clean up of works areas; including removal of machinery and equipment, and tidying up the land no longer required for the motorway operation and returning it to its original condition. The remaining work will largely take place away from the main motorway and have minimal or no impact on the road users.The most significant work that needs to take place is the Pūhoi on and off-ramp closures. These works can’t be completed until the motorway opens and are necessary to complete the construction of the ramps, which were opened in 2021 for temporary use so that the team could construct the new motorway and connect it to the existing Johnstones Hill Tunnels.Pūhoi southbound on-ramp The Pūhoi southbound on-ramp will close immediately after the new road opens, 24/7, for approximately four weeks.Pūhoi residents, residents south of Moir Hill Road, and southbound traffic from ‘old SH1’ will not be able to access the southbound on-ramp during the construction period and motorists travelling south from Pūhoi will be detoured via the free route on Hibiscus Coast Highway while we complete this work.Pūhoi northbound off-ramp The Pūhoi northbound off-ramp will close at night immediately after the new road opens, from 9pm to 5am daily, for approximately two weeks.Pūhoi residents and travelling public will not be able to exit at the northbound off-ramp during this time and will need to take the free route via Hibiscus Coast Highway, exiting SH1 from Grand Drive, Orewa.Some of the work on both ramps is highly weather dependent and can’t be done in the rain or if the ground temperature is too cold, which affects the laying of asphalt. As we are now approaching the winter months it is likely there will be nights where we can’t work. The team have allowed for some contingency, however if there is significant rain or cold weather during these dates, the work will need to be pushed out to the next fine night. To keep up to date with the closures, please check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before heading out https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/We fully appreciate this will be inconvenient especially for those living in these areas. We would like to thank the community for their patience, while we complete the last major step required to provide access to the new motorway and smoother ride for journeys to and from Pūhoi.I would also like to take this opportunity to say goodbye and adios. I joined the project back in April 2018 and at that time it was anticipated that I would be around for a couple of years, however, along came COVID-19. It is now time for me to hand over the reins to a successor – Mike Elliot, who will take over as Project Director to close out these final stages. I wish him all the best.So, please enjoy this new piece of infrastructure that has been a labour of love for me and the project team. We are proud of what has been achieved.Thank you all for your patience and interactions with us over the years. Nga mihiRobert Jones – Project DirectorFor more information, call the NX2 team on:24/7 Freephone: 0508 P2WK INFO (0508 7295 4636)Email: [email protected]: Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to WarkworthWeb: nx2group.com

Anna Sargent , ReporterSchool principals are backing the government's crackdown on youth vaping, but say more needs to be done to combat what they are calling a crisis.From August, all vapes sold will need removable or replaceable batteries - effectively banning disposable vapes.New vape shops cannot be set up within 300 metres of schools or marae.The government is also outlawing flavour names such as "strawberry jelly donut" to make them less attractive to children.Announcing the changes on Tuesday, Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall said too many teenagers were vaping and the restrictions would have a big impact on the number taking up the habit.Young people RNZ spoke to in central Christchurch were not so sure."I think young people will still be able to get them even with all of those measures ... vapes are at every dairy on every corner and you can order them online, it's all around us," one teenager said."I think teenagers will still find a way to get it, because it's teenagers and they always do, but hopefully they can stop little kids from getting hold of them," another said.The latest figures show youth vaping is increasing.A recent survey by ASH New Zealand found daily vaping among 13- to 14-year-olds had shot up by 209 percent.Meanwhile, Ministry of Health statistics showed the number of 15- to 17-year-olds who vaped every day had quadrupled in three years, from two percent in 2018-19 to eight percent in 2021-22.Principals Federation president Leanne Otene said it was not just a problem for high schools - intermediates across the country, including hers, were dealing with it every day and teachers were feeling powerless."It's definitely hard to police because it doesn't leave an odour, it can be done in corners and it's not something like smoking where it was easily detectable. There was some discussion about putting vaping detectors in schools but that's just not possible, it's just too expensive to do that."Otene said anything to make vaping less attractive to kids was a positive step."The mere fact that vaping comes in bubblegum and fruit flavours begs the question of who is this marketed to. The announcement today about flavour names is a real indication that the government realises vaping is directed at our young people in terms of its sale and purchase.--- If you haven't checked out Matakana Village yet hop to it; there is something for everyone - a quirky fun cinema, retail stores, wine bars and restaurants and farmers market on Saturdays ---"Vaping was originally a way to help people give up smoking, no one considered that our young people would take it up with such voracity," she said.Otene said vaping was particularly a problem for Māori youth."Statistics show a high percentage of Māori boys, 28 percent are vaping, and our Māori girls are at 39 percent, so it is a problem for Māori. If we can get it away from our marae, all the better."Jacqui Brown, principal of New Plymouth Girls' High School, said she was glad to see the phasing-out of cheap, disposable vapes."Removing access to disposable vapes is probably the strongest step because I think that helps prevent young people starting to vape. Financially they're more priced in that bracket that teenagers can get hold of that level of money," she said.Brown said she wanted to see more help for students who were addicted to vaping."One of the things we're finding are a small but significant number of students saying they're addicted and can't get through the day without vaping. Something I'd really like to see is more access to help them stop vaping."Cambridge Middle School principal Daryl Gibbs said the regulations were a "good start", and that a total ban, along the lines of Australia, could be looked at in the future."I mean everyone's pointing towards Australia ... and their changes to making it a prescription only. You know there is arguments for that, that will stop those that that need access for smoking cessation, from accessing it," he said.He said vaping started as a measure to support those who had an addiction to smoking, but has now become a huge problem among teenagers.Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall said the restrictions struck a balance between preventing young people from starting to vape, while still helping adults to quit smoking cigarettes.This story was originally published by RNZ

Thirty-nine New Zealand athletes are on Wednesday boarding a plane for Berlin to compete in the Special Olympics.For many of the competitors - who have intellectual disabilities - the quadrennial event is their first time away from their families, as they chase coveted gold medals and life experiences.Swimmer Jesse Williams was competing in his first games, although he was a veteran sportsman. He looked fit and lithe as he talked to RNZ beside a Palmerston North swimming pool before a training session.Previously a long-distance swimmer, he was entering the 25- and 50-metre freestyle events. He expected to swim the shorter distance in 16 seconds and the longer one in the 30s.To get there, coach Carla L'Huillier put him through his paces twice a week, and he trained outside of this - in the pool and in the gym.Jesse Williams' coach Carla L'Huillier says he has the ability to go fast. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy EllinghamIn swimming terms, the 37-year-old, who has Down syndrome, is a veteran."I've been swimming for 23 years now. It's good exercise. I get fit."He was definitely that and L'Huillier, travelling to Germany as the New Zealand team's swimming coach, rated his chances."He's one of our fastest guys. We've just got to keep him on track. He doesn't train very fast, but he races really well, which is one of the good things about him."Special Olympics were about more than sport, L'Huillier said."It's how much the athlete grows because they go away and they've really got no idea what it's going to be like, and suddenly they're in a stadium with 7000 other people."It's really cool. It's like the Olympics. You come in and you're waving and everyone's cheering for New Zealand."Ten-pin bowler Josh Ryan has experienced that before. These are the Palmerston North 41-year-old's fourth games.Berlin is Josh Ryan's fourth Special Olympics. He's part of the ten-pin bowling team. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham"It's the world Summer Games. In bowling, there are four people."After regular weekly practice at a local lane, he said his form was "really good".Three-a-side basketballer Hayden Wilson was a man of few words off the court, but on it he showed off the skills he had honed after months of hard work, including regular dribbling practice on his Palmerston North driveway.🍗 For a quick and tasty meal head to Butter Chicken BoxHayden Wilson's part of New Zealand's three-a-side basketball team. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy EllinghamThe athletes have each raised thousands to get to Berlin, and Wilson had spent hours manning sausage sizzles between training to get him there. Step-father Ron Smith said the experience helped Wilson come out of his shell."It's had a big impact on his life. It's given him confidence and the ability - because of his autism - to talk to strangers."I also believe that when he goes to Berlin, when he comes back he's going to be a really changed person."The Special Olympics opening ceremony, to be televised globally, is on Sunday, 19 June, New Zealand time.This story was first published by RNZ

Police are concerned for the welfare of missing Whangārei man Veon Smith, and are asking anyone who has seen him or knows where he is to get in touch.The 48-year-old was last seen on Sunday 4 June at his home, police said in a media release."Extensive searches" had been carried out, and his car was found on Sunday afternoon at Whangārei's Mair Park, but Smith had not been found.Police said both Smith's family and the officers involved had serious concerns for his well-being.Smith was described as slim and tall with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing trackpants and a checked shirt.Anyone who sees Smith or knows where he is was asked to call 111 immediately.Information could also be passed on anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting file 230604/1348.Veon Smith was last seen wearing trackpants and this check shirt. Photo: Supplied/ PoliceThis story was originally published by RNZ

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, 9 June 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, 7 JuneMillwater southbound on-ramp, 7 JuneOrewa southbound on-ramp, 7 June CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)None planned SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington on-ramp, 5-7 JunePrinces Street northbound on-ramp, 5-7 JuneHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 5-7 JuneEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 5-7 JuneTe Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 8 JuneSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 6-7 JuneTakanini southbound on-ramp, 6-7 JuneNorthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 5-7 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 8 JuneDrury/ SH22 southbound on-ramp, 8 JuneSouthbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road southbound off-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno On-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 7 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 7 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 7 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 8 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 8 June (approx. 8:00pm to 05:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Northbound lanes between Lincoln Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Roundabout, 8 June (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 8 June (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 5-8 JuneLincoln Road southbound off-ramp, 5-7 JuneNorthbound lanes between Rosebank Road off-ramp and Te Atatu on-ramp, 6-7 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Patiki Road northbound on-ramp, 6-7 JuneRosebank Road southbound on-ramp, 6-7 JuneGreat North Road westbound off-ramp, 8 JuneNewton Road westbound on-ramp, 8 June UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Albany Highway westbound on-ramp, 7 JuneWestbound lanes between Squadron Drive off-ramp and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 5 June (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Brigham Creek Road westbound on-ramp, 5 JuneSH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 5 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Maioro Street on-ramp, 5 June (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dominion Road northbound on-ramp, 5 JuneHillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 5 JuneNorthbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 6 June (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 6 JuneNeilson Street northbound off-ramp, 7-8 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 7-8 JuneSouthbound lanes between SH20/SH20A links and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 8 JuneSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 8 JuneNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 8 JunePuhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 8 JuneCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 8 JuneSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 8 June GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 6 JuneKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 6 JuneSH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 6 June

Warkworth RegionMonday 5th June - A few showers, some heavy. Westerlies, becoming southeasterly this afternoon.Tuesday 6th June - Cloudy with a few showers, clearing in the evening. Fresh southeasterlies.Wednesday 7th June - Fine. Fresh southeasterlies.Thursday 8th June - Fine, but becoming cloudy later. Fresh southeasterlies.Friday 9th June - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Fresh southerlies, easing.Saturday 10th June - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Southerlies.Sunday 11th June - A few showers with southwesterlies.🏠 Looking for an amazing real estate agent capable of selling your home in the current market? Look no further than Harcourts Cooper & Co Ltd 🏠Mangawhai RegionMonday 5th June - Showers, heavy at times. Thunderstorms with hail possible until midday. Westerlies turning southeasterly this afternoon.Tuesday 6th June - Periods of rain, possibly thundery from afternoon. Southeasterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 7th June - Occasional rain, clearing to partly cloudy in the morning. Fresh southeasterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 8th June - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing.Friday 9th June - A few showers. Southerlies easing.Saturday 10th June - Fine, then showers developing. Southwesterlies.Sunday 11th June - A few showers with southwesterlies.

The first major public housing development in Whangārei for decades has reached completion, with 37 new homes opened in the suburb of Maunu today.The project on Tapatahi Crescent and Puriri Park Road, consists of 15 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom, 8 four-bedroom and 3 five-bedroom homes, as well as a community room.People moved into the first five homes in mid-2022, and another dozen earlier this year, as the development was delivered in three stages.“The Maunu development is part of a number of major public housing developments that will make a huge impact on the affordability and quality of housing in Whangārei,” Minister of Housing Dr Megan Woods said.“We have rebuilt the public housing sector since the lost years under National. When it left office it had only added six public houses to Whangārei.This Government has already delivered 226, with plans for hundreds more.“This project is part of a build programme in Whangarei that also includes a number of significant housing developments underway in Tikipunga, Kamo, and a 95-home project in the Avenues. These are going to collectively add nearly 200 homes to the Kainga Ora Whangārei portfolio.The name Tapatahi Cres comes courtesy of local iwi Te Parawhau, who chose the name from the waiata Tū Tira Mai Ngā Iwi – “kia tapatahi, kia kotahi rā’”. Those words are about valuing unity, and also valuing diversity.“I can’t think of a better aspiration for a new community of public housing customers in this beautiful place,” Minister Woods said.“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of warm, dry, secure housing in driving good social outcomes. Being free of the illness that comes from living in a damp or overcrowded home, full health and employment means less time off school and work, less time going back and forth between doctors or the hospital.“The residents and schools of the area, the Whangārei community as a whole and inputs from key locals such Iwi and Whangārei District Council have all contributed to getting these new homes in place.”