Matakana Coast App
Matakana Coast App
Coast & Country
Get it on the Apple StoreGet it on the Google Play Store
EventsAdvertise Your BusinessHealth / Beauty TradesProfessional ServicesWeddings
Matakana Coast App

Daily News


Large vegetation fire at Whangārei Heads triggers emergency response
Large vegetation fire at Whangārei Heads triggers emergency response

09 January 2025, 3:44 AM

A large vegetation fire in Whangārei Heads in Northland has triggered Fire and Emergency response.Evacuations are underway for a number of homes nearby.Crews were called shortly after 2pm Thursday to the blaze on Whangārei Heads Road between Onerahi and Tamaterau.Ten trucks and four helicopters are in attendance.Fire and Emergency's Northland District manager Wipari Henwood says a number of houses are being evacuated, and crews are undertaking a reconnaissance flight to confirm how many structures are at risk.He says the fire is burning in a "problematic area", with numerous access points.Photo: RNZ / Susan EdmondsA large amount of smoke can be seen at Whangārei Heads. A resident in the area says it is smoky.Another resident said the fire was scary and bigger than she had seen in previous years.The resident, who did not want to be named, lives about a kilometre from the fire.She said she could see flames and several helicopters pouring buckets of water onto the fire.They have had bush fires previously, she said, but not at the scale she has seen today.Smoke at Whangārei Heads from a vegetation fire can be seen from the water. Photo: Supplied / Diane GreenRyan Houbar lives near Whangārei's port and said the smoke from the fire had been drifting over from across the harbour and was visible from where he was at Port Nikau."There's this big plume of smoke coming off it and it's coming down through where we are down at the port and it looks like quite a large fire. We can definitely smell it all down here and it's getting pretty hazy down here."The weather has been mostly dry for a couple of weeks, with all but a few instances of light showers, he said.Whangārei District Council says Whangārei Heads Road is closed at the Beach Road intersection and motorists should use Mt Tiger Road to access Whangārei Heads.This story was originally published by RNZ

Internet outage ramps up frustration for Northland businesses
Internet outage ramps up frustration for Northland businesses

09 January 2025, 12:51 AM

Peter de GraafBusinesses in Northland's Kaipara District say they're frustrated by a 13-hour internet outage that forced many shops to close or switch to cash-only transactions for a day.Dargaville Community Development Board manager Sue Curtis said Wednesday's fibre outage meant eftpos terminals and ATMs stopped working, and banks closed.As a result, anyone who didn't have cash on hand before the 8am cable break could not spend money at the town's businesses.Spark has confirmed the outage was caused when a culvert was being dug near Tangowahine, between Whangārei and Dargaville.The digger hit the main fibre-optic cable providing broadband internet to Dargaville, Maungaturoto, Paparoa and Ruawai.Lines company Northpower, which also provides internet services, said all internet providers in the area and more than 2070 homes and businesses were affected.The cable was repaired about 9.30pm on Wednesday.Curtis said the cable break was especially frustrating because it followed a series of major infrastructure failures."It's disappointing because not so long ago we had that power outage which shut down the whole of Northland, and now we have a digger driver who digs through a fairly recently placed fibre network. They've dug straight through it and it's affected so many people," she said.Curtis said affected businesses should be compensated, but it was hard to put a figure on how much they had lost."It would be good if they could be, but it is really is up to the providers to come up with a solution."Curtis said the day-long outage came just as the town was busy with visitors, many of whom were camping at the popular Kai Iwi Lakes or the 107km-long Ripiro Beach, or visiting Waipoua Forest further north on State Highway 12.Ripiro Beach Photo: Phil AstleyThe damaged cable consisted of a number of fibre-optic cables, some owned by Spark and others by Chorus.Spark referred questions about whether the company would try to recover its costs to Chorus.Chorus has not responded to RNZ enquiries since Wednesday.A Spark spokeswoman said professional locators could advise contractors on where cables were buried, and checks could also be done [www.beforeudig.co.nz online].In June last year, power was cut to all of Northland after contractors carrying out routine maintenance unbolted three legs of a pylon at once, causing it to topple over.The region's backup high-voltage line was disconnected at the time for maintenance.This story was originally published by RNZ

Wellsford Progress Updates Jan 25
Wellsford Progress Updates Jan 25

08 January 2025, 6:22 PM

Support Your Local Wellsford wish you all a very Happy New Year.As we look back on the year, we reflect on the myriads of activities and initiatives that have brought us closer as a community. From organizing events to addressing local concerns, our collective efforts have been crucial in enhancing the quality of life in our beloved Wellsford.Our efforts to facilitate communication between residents and local authorities have been instrumental in addressing these concerns. By organizing regular public meetings and providing platforms for feedback, we have ensured that the voices of Wellsford's citizens are heard, and their needs are met. Additionally, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to follow up on reported issues, ensuring timely resolutions and keeping the community informed every step of the way.One of our proudest achievements this year was the successful collaboration with locals to revitalize the town center. The colorful bench seats with planters installed have not only beautified Wellsford but also fostered a sense of pride and identity among residents. Additionally, our team has worked tirelessly to promote local businesses, ensuring they thrive and contribute to the vibrant local economy.Looking ahead, we have several exciting projects in the pipeline. Our ongoing partnership with the council aims to improve infrastructure and public amenities, making Wellsford an even more attractive place to live and visit. We have also laid the groundwork for new community programs that will provide support and opportunities for all age groups, from youth engagement initiatives to senior wellness programs.We have realised that jobs with Auckland Council (AC), Auckland Transport (AT), New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) can take up to 18 months before the job gets started (unless urgent), so please bear with us. We do our best and keep up with correspondence and updates as much as possible, but these companies are not always that helpful in returning emails.Port Albert Wharf Reserve is now ready for activities barbecues, playgrounds, swimming, and boating. The community plans to fundraise for extending the carpark for boat trailers, reshaping the two ramps, refurbishing the wharf or replacing it with a floating wharf, and adding a pontoon by one of the ramps for swimmers and boats.Port Albert Reserve now includes a new multi-sport tennis court (to be completed soon), an upgraded carpark and bollards, and a path connecting the grandstand to the toilets. The council is also considering improvements to the grandstand, hopefully 2025 project.Te Hana will get a new playground near the hall and on both sides of the road. The drainage system will be upgraded to improve appearance and safety, making Te Hana comparable to other Auckland neighbourhood's by eliminating unsightly drains and ensuring safe roadside parking.Wellsford subdivisions have gained interest, but progress is slow. Development relies on Wellsford's infrastructure completion, or developers must install temporary wastewater and water supply systems until they can connect to the council infrastructure.The Kiwi Rail vegetation corridor was cleared by rail contractors. The area behind the toilets, police, ambulance, and fire station will now be maintained by the KiwiRail team. All bamboo was removed, and locals conducted a thorough clean-up a couple of years ago. Thanks to Kiwi Rail for helping keep the town tidy.Roading Corridors and Footpaths: Our Local Board member has made significant strides in enhancing our roading and footpath infrastructure. Despite the small population in rural areas, Mr. Smith has successfully implemented these improvements throughout his nine-year tenure in advocacy. He intends to serve for an additional three years to finalize ongoing projects.The roads that have been improved are various round town. These initiatives have encompassed maintenance, filling potholes, applying Polycom surfaces, and sealing. Mr. Smith is committed to continuing efforts to complete the sealing of roads around the town and to enhance critical routes to ensure improved connectivity in case of highway accidents.Road surface: The two red poles mark where Auckland Transport's Polycom roading surface starts and ends. This surface aims to reduce dust. Has it been effective? Feedback from residents suggests it has not.The product costs $1000.00 per litre and requires 30 litres per kilometer, totaling $30,000 for dust and road stabilization. Despite its inefficacy on our roads, Auckland Transport ignores community feedback from experienced road workers.Motorway from Warkworth to Wellsford: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the indicative route for the Government’s Warkworth to Wellsford section of the Puhoi to Wellsford Road of National Significance. The project aims to reduce travel time between Warkworth and Te Hana by bypassing town centres and avoiding the steep and winding Dome Valley. The straighter road alignment is expected to lower the high crash rate.The motorway will travel west of Warkworth, and east of both Wellsford and Te Hana, reconnecting with State Highway 1 north of Mangawhai Road. It is anticipated that the motorway will provide benefits for local communities. Three interchanges will connect the motorway with Warkworth, Wellsford at Wayby Valley Road, and Te Hana at Mangawhai Road. Both Highways 1 and 16 enter Wellsford, so the new motorway is not expected to slow down travelers to Wellsford. Wellsford will remain the halfway point between Auckland central and Whangarei.The first phase of work began at the end of September and will continue until January 2025. Watch this space.Community participation is vital to our success. We appreciate the inspiring dedication of our volunteers.In terms of environmental conservation, our efforts have not gone unnoticed. We initiated a tree-planting campaign that saw many trees planted across the community, contributing to the beautification and ecological health of Wellsford.Sports We thank the local sports clubs and recreational groups for promoting a healthy and active community. Their events have encouraged camaraderie and offered fitness opportunities for all ages. Support Your Local sponsored the netball and soccer events this year looking at other sporting areas for 2025.Rubbish Collection Changes: The council will start rates-funded rubbish collections in Rodney in September 2025, where the northern ward currently lacks this service. Northland Waste manages orange bags or bins, while Auckland Council handles bottle recycling.The council has postponed the shift from weekly to fortnightly collections to trial the idea before a potential citywide rollout in 2028 due to mixed views and concerns. You can stay with your current provider but watch for extra charges on your rates if not using council services.The household charge is $174.77 for a standard 120-litre bin. Optional bins include an 80L bin for $145.24 and a 240L bin for $290.09. Only a partial charge will apply for the 2024-25 financial year.There's concern over whether the council's service will be better than Northland Waste.We appreciate any feedback on this newsletter and are available to answer your questions. If you have council issues that need attention, please email [email protected] (include a photo and the address or closest street number where the issue is located).

Safeswim have added NEW Rodney locations to its monitoring
Safeswim have added NEW Rodney locations to its monitoring

07 January 2025, 8:58 PM

Summer is finally here, and Auckland Council is reminding Aucklanders to decide with Safeswim, when planning to hit the region’s beaches and freshwater swimming spots.Safeswim is the ultimate beach buddy, helping Aucklanders make informed decisions on when and where to swim, by providing real-time information on water quality, swimming conditions, and potential safety hazards.Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, highlights the importance of Safeswim for Aucklanders:“Auckland’s hundreds of beaches are one of the best things about summer, and Safeswim makes them even better, so you can choose the optimal one to swim at for the conditions.“Whether you're heading out for a morning dip, a surf with friends, or a family day at the beach, Safeswim gives you the information you need to stay safe, including after heavy rainfall, which can affect our waterways, and enjoy the water with confidence. Check Safeswim before you go and make the most of our beautiful natural environment."Keep in mind, the red pins represent when the Safeswim system predicts a higher risk to human health, in line with New Zealand Health guidelines. Before the Safeswim system, the only way to let swimmers know there was a risk to their health was by testing the water and reporting the results several days later. Safeswim helps give real time certainty while we continue to increase investment in upgrading our infrastructure across Auckland.”For the 2024/25 summer season, Safeswim has expanded its coverage to 147 beaches and freshwater swimming sites across Auckland, adding 14 new locations. Three current sites are moving to a long-term warning.The programme has refreshed the website and mobile app for iPhone and Android users, making it easier than ever to access vital information on the go.Auckland Council’s Safeswim Manager Holly Foreman adds:"As we dive into another beautiful summer season, we're thrilled to see the continued growth and success of the Safeswim programme.“With updates on water quality and swimming conditions every 15 minutes, as well as information about when surf lifeguards are on duty, Safeswim helps everyone to enjoy our stunning beaches. I encourage everyone to check Safeswim before heading to the beach this summer."Aucklanders clearly value the service of Safeswim with usage continuing to grow year on year. Over one million visits to the Safeswim website were recorded over the summer of 2023/24.So, whether you’re planning a weekend beach trip or a quick swim after work, remember to check Safeswim.The platform is a collaboration between Auckland Council, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Watercare Services Limited, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Drowning Prevention Auckland, and Northland Regional Council.Visit safeswim.org.nz for more information. You can also find a link to Safeswim directly from Matakana Coast App under REPORTS.Your summer fun starts with a safe swim!New sites: Baddeleys BeachKawau BayMarineMatheson BayNorth RodneyMarineMatheson Bay WaterfallNorth RodneyFreshwaterMatheson Bay Lagoon (long-term alert)North RodneyLagoonPakiri Beach*North RodneyMarineKitekite FallsWest CoastFreshwaterOkiritoto StreamWest CoastFreshwaterArkles BayWhangaparāoaMarineTindalls BeachWhangaparāoaMarineEric Armshaw ParkWaitematā HarbourMarineHamilton Road BeachWaitematā HarbourMarineKaraka Bay, GlendowieWaitematā HarbourMarineKellys BeachBeachlands-MaraetaiMarineTaylors Bay, HillsboroughManukau HarbourMarineNotes1. Pakiri Beach is already included on Safeswim as an SLSNZ site. For the 2024/2025 season water quality information will also be available.

Tyler King claims championships & prestigious award in stellar racing season
Tyler King claims championships & prestigious award in stellar racing season

06 January 2025, 7:58 PM

You can find our previous articles on Tyler's journey below:Tyler King’s Journey to the Grand Prix: October 2024 UpdateTyler King's road to Grand Prix - Update June 24Tyler King's road to Grandprix - Update Jan 23Tyler King’s journey to Grand Prix - Update May 22LOCAL BOY - Tyler King’s need for speed – his journey to Grand PrixTyler King Claims Multiple Championships and Prestigious Award in Stellar Racing SeasonYoung motorsport talent Tyler King has capped off an extraordinary racing year, securing four championship titles and establishing himself as a dominant force in New Zealand motorcycle racing. With his sights set on Grand Prix glory, Tyler’s performances across multiple classes and events have been nothing short of remarkable.Championships in 2024Tyler’s achievements this year include outright victories in four championships and a commanding lead in a fifth.NZ Mini GP Open Class Champion: Tyler showcased his skill on the Delirio 190, winning the NZ Mini GP Open Class at Tokoroa.Auckland Motorcycle Club Formula 3 Champion: Tyler dominated the Formula 3 class, winning every race and securing the championship with a clean sweep.Suzuki International Series 300 Supersport and Formula 3 Champion: On Boxing Day, Tyler sealed two more titles in the prestigious Suzuki International Series, a three-round championship held at Taupō, Manfield, and the iconic Whanganui Cemetery Circuit.Tyler also finished second in the NZ Formula 3 TT at Whanganui, adding to an already impressive season.Carl Cox Ninja 400 Cup LeaderTyler leads the Carl Cox Ninja 400 Cup by over 200 points heading into the final rounds in March. With such a substantial lead, he is well-positioned to claim this fifth championship title.Recognition as Outstanding RiderIn addition to his championship wins, Tyler was awarded the Ray Whitham Memorial Cup at the Suzuki International Series. This prestigious accolade recognises the most outstanding rider of the series and is a testament to Tyler’s exceptional performance and dedication.Looking AheadTyler’s incredible year reflects his commitment to growth, resilience, and hard work. His gratitude extends to his family, supporters, and sponsors, whose backing has been instrumental in his success. As he prepares for the NZ Superbike 2025 (NZSBK25), and continues his journey to the Grand Prix, Tyler King is undoubtedly a rider to watch on the New Zealand and international motorsport stages.Check out his BIG upcoming races in person (or follow his social media and us!) as a part of the NZSBK:1st round is in Invercargill at the Burt Munro on the 6th and 7th of Feb.2nd round is the following weekend in Timaru.3rd round is at Hampton Downs at Motofest in beginning of March (Carl Cox Ninja Cup will also be there).4th and final round is at Taupo the following weekend. All championships will be decided there including the Ninja Cup.Family ParticipationAs mentioned in our last update, Tyler’s stepmum Vicky is racing the Ninja Cup also and is currently in 3rd place at the Carl Cox Women's Championship.Tyler’s 14yr old stepbrother Lucas Hyslop will be starting his road racing journey at NZ Super Bike in the 150 Supersport class. So a very busy time for Tyler and his family!Sponsorship and ThanksTyler would like to extend a massive thank you to his sponsors and supporters:Titus Transport Ltd NZMad Mike WhiddettAVA NZMetzelerN&J Wood Earth WorksAtlas building removalsHJC HelmetsGVRDID chainsMotulR & GRace SuppliesBituboJT SprocketsMatakana Coast AppFive GlovespowercorsamotorsportHawkeswood CivilM&M adventuresDrcleathersukTo follow Tylerhttps://www.facebook.com/TylerKing128https://www.instagram.com/mxtyler128/

Two police officers among four injured in Northland crash
Two police officers among four injured in Northland crash

05 January 2025, 9:44 PM

Two police officers and two other people have been injured after a vehicle crashed into the site of an earlier crash.Four people were taken to hospital after the incident west of Whangārei on State Highway 14, at Maungatapere, Superintendent Matt Srhoj said.Several police officers were at the scene of an earlier single car crash, he said, about 8.40pm on Saturday, where the driver of the first car to crash was talking to a police officer inside a patrol car."A second vehicle has veered across the road and collided with the front of one of the patrol vehicles. Both the Police officer and the first driver received minor injuries," Srhoj said."Another police officer received moderate injuries after being hit as he attempted to evade the out-of-control vehicles. The driver of the second vehicle also received minor injuries."Police are investigating what caused the crash and whether charges will be laid, but believe the driver lost control of the vehicle, Srhoj said.All of the officers had been wearing high-visibility gear, and the police vehicles had their flashing lights on, Srhoj said.All four people taken to hospital had been discharged by late morning Sunday."We are extremely grateful that our staff are all going to be okay... We are lucky not to be dealing with a fatality here." Srhoj said. "They will be sore for a while, but their injuries could have been much worse. We are supporting them and their families while they recover at home."On New Year's Day, a police officer was killed and another was seriously injured when a car crashed into them in Nelson.Thirteen people lost their lives on New Zealand roads during the recent holiday period, which officially ran from 4pm, Tuesday 24 December until 6am Friday, 3 January 2025.Last year's provisional road toll was 291, the lowest in a decade.This story was originally published by RNZ

Auckland Council confiscating recycling bins in bid to stop people throwing rubbish in wrong place
Auckland Council confiscating recycling bins in bid to stop people throwing rubbish in wrong place

04 January 2025, 7:09 PM

Maia Ingoe, JournalistAuckland Council has been confiscating recycling bins in an effort to stop people throwing rubbish in the wrong bin.104 bins were seized from households from Manurewa, Papakura and Wiri in the first phase of a trial to combat growing contamination of recycling, which ended in May 2024.General manager of Waste Solutions, Justine Haves, said bins were confiscated from residents who repeatedly put rubbish in their recycling bin, even after warnings.Recycling contamination from bagged waste, clothing and textiles was getting worse, Haves said, and intervention was needed."The contamination in recycling actually costs us, it obviously slows down the recycling of good material, and at the moment, contamination is costing us about $3.5 million a year to deal with.""We really need to reduce that and make sure we're getting good recycling through the system, to make sure that the system is working well for all Aucklanders."The trial had varying approaches in four locations, and at least two warnings were served before a bin was taken away."If the contamination has occurred and customers have received a first and second warning, then in some areas of the trial we then remove the bin after the third time of contaminating. So we really try and do the informed phase first, and then the bin removal is the third step," Haves said.Of 1504 total properties in the trial, 1046 put bagged waste or other non-recyclables in their bins and had their bins red-tagged.Three hundred and ninety-two households in three areas - Wiri, Papakura and Manurewa - got a second warning for finding rubbish in the bin again, and repeat offenders in Papakura and Wiri were treated to a door-knock from a council officer or community partner.After that, it's goodbye to the wheelie bin, and hello to a plastic bag for recycling.Haves said the good news is that tagging bins and having conversations with repeat offenders, were helping people recycle better."We're getting more of an impact in areas where we are doing both tagging and conversations. So either with council officers or with our community partners to really help create an understanding of why recycling right helps.""It's really showing that creating understanding for people is just as important as the intervention I guess. So now we are interested in exploring further to how we can make that approach scalable across Auckland to really help reduce our contamination overall."The second phase of the trial is currently being expanded further out to South and West Auckland, and will run until February 28, 2025. After that, council officers will be developing a plan for how to take the strategy to crack-down on waste in the recycling bin to the rest of Auckland.What can go in the recycling bin"We can recycle plastic bottles, trays, and containers, any of those items that are numbered 1, 2 or 5, you can also recycle glass bottles and jars," Haves said.That includes clean food and drinks containers, steel, aluminium and tin cans, and paper and cardboard."One of the things that we don't want in our recycling bins is plastic bags or soft plastics, they get caught in the sorting machines. You may be able to drop these at collection points at local retailers."This story was originally published by RNZ

Matakana Cemetery Stories -  William Thomas Albert Jackson – 5 months, gone but not forgotten
Matakana Cemetery Stories - William Thomas Albert Jackson – 5 months, gone but not forgotten

04 January 2025, 3:11 AM

Connections Across TimeSeveral years ago, I wrote about my personal connection to a World War I soldier memorialized on the Matakana War Memorial – Rifleman Charles Lawrence Leeds. I recalled living on our family farm in an old homestead, the same home where Charles once lived. In fact, his parents, Charles and Millicent Leeds, built the house on Tongue Farm in the mid 1890s. Researching and telling his story became deeply personal. An emotional bond formed, and his story has stayed vivid in my memory.When I continued my research on the villagers resting in our cemetery, I came across a relation of Rifleman Leeds. William Jackson, a baby buried in our cemetery, was his nephew. William was the son of Charles’ older sister, Millicent. I found myself on the edge of a rabbit hole, and down I went.Millicent Lawrence Leeds was born on June 29, 1882, on the family farm “Eyebury” in Peterborough, England. Her father, Charles, was a solicitor with a passion for fossils, often collecting bones from the clay deposits around the farm. Today, his collection can be found at the British Museum of Natural History in London.In late 1887, the family emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand, and purchased Tongue Farm in Matakana. This sprawling 2,000-acre farm stretched from the Point Wells shoreline, over Matakana Hill, down the river into the Sandspit Harbour. Parts of the land, particularly on the Omaha Flats, were covered in dense, native bush, including Harakeke, Manuka and Ti kouka trees. Gum diggers, drawn by the buried swamp kauri, sparsely populated the bush, living rough in small shanty's.By the mid-1890s, the Leeds family had built a grand kauri homestead on the Matakana side of Tongue Farm. Their children attended Matakana School, and the family became an integral part of the community. Of particular note, Millicent’s mother, also named Millicent, signed the historic 1893 petition advocating for women’s right to vote in New Zealand and her name can be found on the 1894 electoral roll.In 1903, young Millicent Leeds married William Jackson, an Australian with family roots in Yanwath, Penrith, England. Together, they had three children. Their firstborn, Millicent Emma Kate, married Rupert Rutherford and passed away in 1991. Their second Son born in 1910, Albert Henry, was tragically killed in action during World War II.Their second child and first son was William Thomas Albert Jackson, born in 1908 in that kauri homestead. Heartbreakingly, baby William passed away just five months later, in the same home where he was born. His death left a profound sadness, and now, more than a century later, I felt an emotional tie to him. He was born and died in the same home that my family once occupied.Over the past five years, I’ve been creating a digital database of all those buried in the Matakana Cemetery. Drawing from cemetery trust archives, newspapers, and national records, I uncovered countless stories. During my many visits, I noticed William Jackson’s small grave, marked by a broken marble cross. When I discovered his connection to the Leeds family, it became my mission to restore his headstone.William’s story is one of forgotten connections. No other family members are buried in the cemetery. His mother, Millicent, passed away in 1936, and it’s likely no family has visited his grave in 88 years. One hundred and fifteen years have passed since his death.Today, with the help of a young couple, Kauri from Japan and Shane from Canada, we repaired William Jackson’s headstone. After consulting professionals, we carefully glued the broken marble cross back in place. It’s now supported by wooden stakes as the adhesive cures.Thanks to these two kind helpers, my mission is complete. Rest in peace, William Thomas Albert Jackson – five months old, gone but not forgotten.

Discovering Pahi: A Hidden Gem in Northland
Discovering Pahi: A Hidden Gem in Northland

01 January 2025, 6:19 PM

If you’re looking for a little road trip this holiday season, Pahi and Whakapirau could be just what you need. Let’s celebrate the incredible places we have right on our doorstep!I recently stumbled upon a remarkable destination that many locals may not even know exists: Pahi. Nestled on the edge of the stunning Kaipara Harbour, this charming spot is only a 40-minute drive from Wellsford, yet it feels like a world away.My journey to Pahi began with a question: why is there a motor camp at Paparoa, situated at the corner of State Highway 12 and Pahi Road? That curiosity led me down a scenic road, and soon enough, I hit the Kaipara Harbour. What awaited me was a sight to behold.Pahi is a tidal haven, and at full tide, the views are simply breathtaking. Looking across the estuary to Whakapirau, the shimmering water and serene surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere that’s hard to put into words. This is a place where you can truly disconnect, whether you’re drawn to nature, fishing, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of a coastal retreat.One of Pahi’s treasures is its motor camp, a perfect base for families, adventurers, or anyone looking to explore the Kaipara. The estuary is a natural playground, offering opportunities for kayaking, swimming, or simply enjoying the views with a picnic.On my way home along State Highway 12, I decided to take a detour to Whakapirau. What a delightful community! Just as pretty as Pahi, it boasts its own unique charm. Together, these two spots form a wonderful pair of destinations that showcase the stunning beauty of the Kaipara region.For those with a runabout boat, Pahi offers an excellent boat ramp. From here, you can explore the Kaipara Harbour by water, discovering even more hidden gems and soaking up the natural beauty of this incredible estuary.It amazes me that I only discovered Pahi this year. It makes me wonder: how many of us in the Wellsford and Matakana Coast areas know about this hidden gem? If you haven’t been, I encourage you to add it to your list of Roadies. .

Thank you & Happy New Year from the Matakana Coast App Team
Thank you & Happy New Year from the Matakana Coast App Team

31 December 2024, 8:11 PM

As we step into the promise of a new year, our small but mighty team—Anita, Lucy, Leah, Zarah and myself—want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude. Whether you're one of the many who have downloaded the Matakana Coast App or a business owner who has chosen to list or advertise with us, your support has been instrumental in making our vision a reality. The Matakana Coast App is more than just a platform; it’s a dynamic and growing hub that reflects the heart of our beautiful community. Every download, listing, and advertisement helps us celebrate the unique character of the Matakana Coast, connecting locals and visitors with everything our region has to offer. We are immensely passionate about what we do. Looking ahead to 2025, we are committed to taking the app to even greater heights. From unveiling exciting new features to shining a spotlight on hidden gems, our mission is to provide an even better experience for you and to help the Matakana Coast thrive as a destination for connection, discovery, and growth. Your feedback and ideas are invaluable to us. What would you like to see on the app this year? What can we do to serve you and our community better? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear them. Contact us on [email protected] Your continued support not only fuels our growth but also strengthens the connections that make our community truly unique. Together, we’re putting the Matakana Coast on the map and creating something special for everyone to enjoy. Here’s to an incredible year ahead, filled with opportunity, collaboration, and shared success. Warm regards,Louise, Anita, Lucy, Leah and Zarah

Final-year Fees Free kicks off 1 January 2025
Final-year Fees Free kicks off 1 January 2025

31 December 2024, 6:28 PM

Hon Penny SimmondsFrom 1 January 2025, first-time tertiary learners will have access to a new Fees Free entitlement of up to $12,000 for their final year of provider-based study or final two years of work-based learning, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says.“Targeting funding to the final year of study rewards students’ hard work and dedication, motivating them to complete their qualifications and achieve their goals,” Ms Simmonds says.The final-year Fees Free entitlement applies to learners studying at Level 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. Payments will be made after learners complete their first qualification or programme, with the first payments available in 2026 for studies completed in 2025.This change delivers on the National-New Zealand First Coalition’s commitment to replace the first-year Fees Free scheme with a final-year model, approved by Cabinet in April 2024. The new approach aims to incentivise success and maximise the value of tertiary education funding for both learners and communities.“This decision reflects the Government’s focus on incentivising educational success and ensuring funding delivers maximum value for both learners and communities,” Ms Simmonds says.The Tertiary Education Commission and Inland Revenue will implement the policy, with Inland Revenue handling payments through streamlined data-sharing processes. Eligible learners can claim their entitlement via myIR from early 2026.The current first-year Fees Free scheme will conclude for new learners at the end of 2024.This forward-thinking initiative highlights the Government’s commitment to supporting educational success and creating opportunities for New Zealanders.“This Government is focused on fostering educational achievement, rewarding perseverance, and preparing learners for bright futures,” Ms Simmonds says.For more information, please visit www.feesfree.govt.nz/final-year

New marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana
New marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana

30 December 2024, 8:09 PM

The Government plans to introduce 19 new protection areas in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.New marine protections proposed for the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana - You can find further details on the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill on the New Zealand Parliament website.This network of marine protection builds on the aspirations of the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari plan. It incorporates feedback from tangata whenua, stakeholders and the public. It will use both new and existing marine protection tools.The protection consists of:2 marine reserves; extending from the existing reserves Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve and Cape Rodney – Okakari Point (Goat Island).12 high protection areas (HPAs) – these areas protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems. They also provide for the customary practices of tangata whenua5 seafloor protection areas (SPAs) – these areas protect seafloor habitats. But they still allow for activities that do not damage them, such as non-bottom contacting fishing.The marine protection aims to support tangata whenua in their roles as kaitiaki and rangatira, and acknowledge the cultural value of Tīkapa Moana.The areas were chosen because they meet criteria such as:being at-riskbeing rarehaving a large range of diverse wildliferepresenting an important habitat or ecosystem type.The areas would nearly triple protection in the Gulf from just over 6%, including the cable protection zones, to about 18%. This would support the recovery of some of its most biodiverse regions, including its nearshore areas and deep reefs.When the new protection would startThe protection requires new legislation and involves the use of two new tools: high protection areas and seafloor protection areas.Parliament is progressing this legislation in the form of a Bill, named the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill.If passed into law, we anticipate the legislation and protection to be in place by late 2024.Protection areasThe new protection areas are within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The Park is not a protected area. It was established in 2000, under the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act, to achieve integrated management of the area across land and sea. The Hauraki Gulf Forum is the statutory body established under this Act. A map of the 19 new marine protection areas | See larger (jpg, 6,849K)Why we need to protect marine habitatsConsecutive State of our Gulf reports have illustrated that the Gulf is in an ongoing state of environmental decline.Pollution, sedimentation and climate change have negatively impacted coastal and marine plants and animals.There has also been an increasing amount of kina barrens, habitat loss and localised fisheries depletion.The new network of protection is designed to protect and restore rare and important habitats. These host a range of different plants and animal life.Many marine habitats act as a nursery to juvenile fish. Protecting them will help to support fish stocks over time. Some of these habitats are only found in a few remaining areas, like seagrass.Others, like the complex reef systems around The Noises islands, provide a vital range of habitats to support important species. Like mussel beds and shallow sponge gardens.Extensions to marine reservesMarine reserves are areas that are protected from the sea surface to the seafloor. The entire area is strictly 'no take', including marine life, shells, rocks and driftwood.A range of activities that do not harm marine life are permitted in marine reserves. They include swimming, snorkelling, boating and diving.Marine reserves would extend from two existing marine reserves:Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island). The protected area would nearly quadruple in size. This would protect species such as blue maomao and snapper. Learn more about Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island).Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. The protected area would more than double, protecting its hard rock reefs and plants, crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Learn more about Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reservee.High protection areaA high protection area (HPA) aims to protect and restore marine habitats while being flexible to provide for active restoration and the customary practices of tangata whenua. The contributions of tangata whenua representatives have been vital in developing this protection tool.An HPA would protect a selected zone from the surface of the sea to the bottom. This includes the foreshore.The prohibitions include:commercial and recreational fishing – including collecting lobsters and other shellfish,large-scale removal of non-living materials like sand, stone or driftwood, anddumping or discharge of waste, sewerage, or litter.Careful anchoring would be able to continue in HPAs.Active restoration activities could be allowed, following a permitting process.Customary fishing and seafood harvestingAuthorised customary fishing could continue to occur in high protection areas. This would support Māori cultural knowledge and learning, as well as a cultural guardianship role in the marine area.Customary fishers in high protection areas could only fish within specific regulations, that are designed to support the conservation goals for the area. Customary fishers would also need written authorisation by a Tangata Kaitiaki through the Fisheries Act 1996.Tangata kaitiaki/tiaki are responsible for managing customary fishing in their rohe moana or area, and are the only people who can authorise customary fishing. For more information on customary fishing rights, visit Ministry for Primary Industries – Māori customary fishing information and resources.Setting goals for high protection areaHigh protection areas would allow for customary fishing that is regulated under the Fisheries Act 1996, and allow for Protected Customary Rights under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.To make sure that customary take does not impact the conservation benefits we're aiming for, conservation goals would be set for each of these high protection areas. These goals would help to develop regulations to manage all activities, including customary fishing, so that they are aligned with conservation goals.We would work to set goals for high protection areas in 2024. Seafloor protection areaA seafloor protection area (SPA) aims to maintain, restore, and protect important seafloor habitats. They also aim to protect sensitive species such as sponges and protected corals.These areas would limit activities that have a harmful impact on the seafloor, such as:commercial, recreational and customary fishing methods that can have a high impact on the sea floor like bottom trawling, dredging, Danish seiningdumping or discharge of waste, sewarage, or litteraquaculture (farming fish or other marine species in the sea – enclosed or otherwise)removing sand, andmining.There may be additional restrictions in some of these areas. These are to protect the sensitive species.All other fishing methods (outside of trawling that touches the seafloor, dredging, and Danish seining) could continue in SPAs, such as diving for seafood, spear fishing and line fishing.Careful anchoring would be able to continue in SPAs.A seafloor protection area would protect habitats created by plants and animals (biogenic). Such as dog cockles, green lipped mussels, and seagrass beds. Learn more about marine habitats.How long it will take to revitalise the Hauraki GulfWildlife systems in Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana are large and complex. Some habitat types may respond to increased protection within 1 to 2 years. Others could take longer.There are also pressures on the Gulf that will continue despite the new protection areas. Such as pollution and climate change.DOC would monitor the new protection areas and use of these tools to see if they are working. This would allow us to adjust to changes or other pressures when needed.The protection areas are only one part the Revitalising the Gulf plan. Others are being rolled out, including fisheries measures, work to restore natural habitats and address land-based impacts.All of these actions are required to reverse the decline in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana. It will take several years to put in place and to take effect.Further informationRegulatory Impact Statement (PDF, 5,912K)Technical analysis of the plan’s marine protection proposals (PDF, 7,521K)Technical analysis of the plan’s protected species proposals (PDF, 1,172K)Indicative geospatial files for the plan's marine protection proposals (ZIP, 755K)Evaluation of biodiversity protected by Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari – Marine Protected Area proposals (DOCX, 12,418K)See other Revitalising the Gulf work programmes

141-160 of 2826