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

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

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

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

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

MetService Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued at 8:19am Mon 30 Jan 2023Area: NorthlandValid: 2 hours 30 minutes from 8:30am Mon 30 Jan to 11:00am Mon 30 JanA front moves west over Northland this morning. Thunderstorms are possible with this front, some of which may be SEVERE. Regardless of whether thunderstorms occur or not, there is the possibility of localised downpours, with intensities of 25 to 40 mm per hour.Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.Expect thunderstorms or downpours to ease from the east this morning.Note: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. For information on preparing for and keeping safe during a storm, see the Civil Defence Get Ready website

A fourth person has been found dead as a result of Auckland's catastrophic floods on Friday.In a statement, police said search and rescue who had been looking for a person swept away by floodwaters in Waikato's Onewhero had found a man's body.Formal idenitification is yet to take place, but police believe it is the missing man.The body was found by a drone operator, about one kilometre from where he went missing."Police have been overwhelmed by the way the community has rallied around and gone above and beyond to assist with the search," the statement said."Locals have offered their time and effort, food, and support to others around them at this extremely difficult time."At a media conference this afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni said the death of four people was "horrific"."I think it's been a traumatic experience ... That's the most horrific part of it that we've lost lives."Clearly alongside every Aucklander and New Zealander we share in our condolences and sadness with that person's family."Auckland mayor Wayne Brown and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins had also passed on their condolences to the family's of those who died in previous media conferences.Earlier today, police named 34-year-old Daniel Mark Miller as another victim of the floods.Miller was found dead in a culvert on Target Road in Wairau Valley on Friday."Police extend their sympathies to his family and friends."Another person was found dead after a landslide brought down a house on Remuera's Shore Rd.RNZ understands that the man was a beloved volunteer at MOTAT museum, Dave Lennard.Friends are paying tribute to him on social media.Stuff reports that Lennard, in his 80s, was much loved at MOTAT."He was one of those guys who could make anything and teach himself how to use new equipment with ease," friend Evan James told Stuff.A fourth person was also found dead in a flooded carpark on Link Drive, Wairau Valley at 12.30am on Saturday morning.All deaths will be referred to the coroner, police said.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Northland, in addition to the heavy rain warning.Northland, AucklandPeriod: 15hrs from 7pm Sun, 29 Jan - 10am Mon, 30 JanForecast: A slow-moving front drifting west should pass over northern Auckland and Northland this evening and during Monday morning. Thunderstorms are possible with this front, some of which may be SEVERE. Regardless of whether thunderstorms occur or not, there is the possibility of downpours, with intensities of 20 to 40 mm per hour, especially between 7pm Sunday and 10am Monday, although conditions may ease slightly earlier in Auckland.Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

The first of up to 90,000 Northlanders likely to soon be drinking water dosed with industrially-produced fluoride could be doing so within 18 months.In July last year, former director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield ordered government-mandated fluoridation for Whangārei and Far North council drinking water plants servicing all but one of the region's biggest population centres - in Whangārei, Bream Bay, Kaitāia and Kerikeri and affecting 65,250 people.The government then in November indicated further mandated fluoridation was in its sights for more Far North drinking water supplies including those for Kaikohe, Kawakawa, Moerewa, Ōkaihau, Ōpononi, Paihia and Rawene - and potentially affecting another 14,180 people.It has also asked for high-level fluoridation cost estimates for two Kaipara council drinking water supplies, but has not yet mandated the chemical's addition to any of its supplies. Adding fluoridation to Dargaville and Maungaturoto drinking water would add a further 7600 affected people into the mix for the North.None of Northland's 17 council drinking water supplies is currently fluoridated.The government says Whangārei District Council (WDC) and Far North District Council (FNDC) have until July 2024 to start putting fluoride into the seven water treatment plants that were part of the July 2021 government order.If fluoridation goes ahead, councils will be using New Zealand-made industrial fluoride in the form of fluosilicic acid, also known as hydrofluosilicic acid. Hydrofluosilicic acid is produced during the manufacture of superphosphate fertiliser. It is the form of fluoride most widely used by New Zealand councils, added into drinking water as a liquid.WDC and FNDC have told the government it will cost more than $5 million to fluoridate their July-mandated water treatment plants - WDC $3.75m and FNDC $1.32m.They are among 14 councils that were mandated to fluoridate in July which will be competing for the government's $11.3m Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health fund. This was set up for councils for drinking water fluoridation introduction costs. The two Northland councils' costs alone amount to more than 40 percent for the available money.WDC water services manager Andrew Venmore said his council was waiting to hear back from Manatū Hauora about funding.WDC's fluoridation start date would depend on whether Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health funding was provided to the council, he said.WDC's mandated five water treatment plants affect more than 65,250 people.In Bream Bay, 10,250 people would be impacted via the council's plants at Ruakākā and Ahuroa in Waipū. The three plants classified as Whangārei and affecting 55,000 people are the Whau Valley plant, Ruddells in Cemetery Road Maunu and Poroti.Venmore said once funding was secured, it would be as soon as 18 months for fluoridation to kick in for the council's Whau Valley and Ruddells water treatment plants, 24 months for the Ahuroa and Ruakākā water treatment plants and 42 months for the council's Poroti treatment plant.The council would have to "seek funding from within our own resources" if government funding was not available or enough for the job to be done, Venmore said.That could take six months.WDC would also have to spend $100,000 annually to run its fluoridated drinking water supplies, he said.Venmore said WDC would have a fluoridation dose rate target of 0.85mg/l.Meanwhile, FNDC's July-mandated water treatment plants' fluoridation affecting 12,100 people would be in Kerikeri 6700 and Kaitāia 5400.Additionally mandating fluoridation the FNDC plants signalled by the government in November would affect 14,180 people - Kaikohe 4200 people affected, Paihia 4000 people, Kawakawa-Moerewa 3500 and Rawene-Ōpononi-Ōkaihau 2480.FNDC manager infrastructure operations Glenn Rainham said fluoridating the Kerikeri and Kaitāia plants would add another $42,000 annual council operating cost on top of the initial capital outlay.There would be more costs on top of that if other treatment plants were mandated."If a new direction order is given, it is the council's understanding that the cost will be met by new water entities planned by the government," Rainham said.The government ordered compulsory fluoridation for 14 councils in July 2021 and four months later indicated to 27 councils it was considering the option for more of their drinking water supplies.Meanwhile, KDC operations manager infrastructure services Donnick Mugutso said his council had not been mandated to add fluoride to its Dargaville and Maungaturoto drinking water supplies.He said KDC had done initial high-level fluoridation implementation cost estimates as requested by the Ministry of Health. It would do more detailed costings if directed to fluoridate.KDC has told the government it would take about three years to bring in fluoridation - if a direction was given and funding was available.The council would seek Manatū Hauora funding if told to fluoridate."We would seek as much as could be allocated, to relieve any potential cost impact fluoridating water supplies would have on our ratepayers," Mugutso said.Mandated fluoridation for KDC water treatment plants would affect more than 11,000 people - Dargaville 6800 people and Maungaturoto 1100 people.More than 70 percent of Kaipara is on private water supply.The Ministry of Health notes fluoride has been widely used to top up fluoride to optimal levels for more than 60 years."While there is a large body of evidence of its significant benefits to oral health, there is no evidence linking optimal fluoridation with any adverse health effects," it said.Hydrofluosilicic acid is produced while manufacturing phosphate fertilisers. Phosphate rock, which contains fluoride and silica, is treated with sulphuric acid. This produces two gases: silicon tetrafluoride and hydrogen fluoride. These gases are passed through scrubbers where they react with water to form hydrofluosilicic acid.

CLOSEDSH1 at Brynderwyns is still blocked.OPENSH1 Upper Harbour Hwy On-ramp SH1 Auckland to WarkworthSH1 Wellsford to Warkworth- Dome ValleySH16 Kaukapakapa to Wellsford, between Tauhoa and Kaukapakapa SH16 Kaukapakapa to Wellsford, between West Coast Road and Barr Road SH16 Waimauku to Kumeu, between Access road and Station Leigh Hill heading over to Pakiri is open Waipu road is open as a detour to Brynderwyns, then take the SH16 if headed to south.Wayby Valley Road is closed.Whangaripo Valley Matakana Valley Roadplease drive with care and avoid travel if possible.

The new Motorway is being temporarily opened around 10 am to let people trapped to travel home. After a very long night for some parked up in their cars or town hall trying to sleep as they couldn't get through SH1 or SH16.SH16 is now open, but SH1 is not.There is a large queue forming north of Warkworth where the new on ramp is. This is causing traffic delays for people trying to travel in and around Warkworth.

CLOSED SH1 Warkworth to Puhoi, between Woodcocks Road and Grand Drive - FloodingSH1 Orewa to Warkworth, northbound, between Grant Drive interchange and Warkworth - Flooding and slipsMatakana Valley Road is completely blocked by a slipWhangaripo Valley is still flooded.SH1 at Brynderwyns is still blocked.Wayby Valley Road is closed.OPENSH1 Upper Harbour Hwy On-ramp - FloodingSH1 Wellsford to Warkworth, in the Dome Valley - SlipSH16 Kaukapakapa to Wellsford, between Tauhoa and Kaukapakapa - FloodingSH16 Kaukapakapa to Wellsford, between West Coast Road and Barr Road - FloodingSH16 Waimauku to Kumeu, between Access road and Station - FloodingLeigh Hill heading over to Pakiri is open (Matakana Valley road is NOT see above)Waipu road is open as a detour to Brynderwyns, then take the SH16 if headed to south.Wanting to get to Auckland?You need to use Kaiwaka- Mangawhai diversion around Brynderwyns via Waipu, then State Highway 16.

IF YOU CANT STAY HOME....DO!CLOSURESDome Valley is CLOSEDSH16 is CLOSEDWhangaripo Valley is CLOSEDBrynderwyns are CLOSEDMangawhai - access to Mangawhai via Waipu is blocked due to accident involving a truckKaipara Flats road - flooding impassableWayby Valley Road - flooding, impassable.SH1 closed between Waiwera//Orewa/Puhoi and Warkworth - for at least a few hours until possibly 10-11pm.Slips and delays elsewhere see below.Wenderholm onramp is washed out, 4x4 car ideally.Johnstones Tunnel - North and South side before tunnel is flooded and washed out . Go very slow.SH1 Windy Ridge/ Schedeways Hill - multiple slips blocking road, be very careful, drive slow! Stop and go in place, expect delays.Whangateau - flooding, still passable at the moment but be careful.Matakana Valley Road - Slips along the road, take extra care.Leigh Road just out from matakana the hill before the Oyster shop is half blocked with a massive slip SH1 Southbound between Te Hana and Topuni - tree down covering one lane and flooding at the bridge, expect delays. Just passable.SH Puhoi to Wellsford - Traffic is expected to be busy northbound through this area from 3pm to 6pm on Fri 27 Jan, and again from 10am to 1pm on Sat 28 Jan. Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys or consider travelling outside these periods. Please drive to the conditions.Wellsford Valley Road - flooding 4x4 only.Port Albert Road - flooding and is impassable.Gibbons Road, Kaiwaka - flooding

Warkworth regionFriday 27th January - Rain with heavy falls. Chance of a thunderstorm. Northeasterlies, gale in exposed places, gusting 80 km/h.Heavy Rain Warning - OrangePeriod: 16hrs from 6am - 10pm Fri, 27 JanArea: AucklandForecast: Expect 70 to 100mm of rain, especially in the east and north, with thunderstorms possible. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected during Friday morning and afternoon. However, rates of 25 to 40mm/h are possible in localised downpours.Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.Saturday 28th January - Periods of rain, possibly heavy and thundery. Fresh northeasterlies.Sunday 29th January - Showers, some heavy, becoming isolated with longer fine breaks in the afternoon. Fresh northeasterlies.Mangawhai regionFriday 27th January - Rain with heavy falls. Chance of a thunderstorm. Northeasterlies.Heavy Rain Warning - OrangePeriod: 20hrs from 8pm Thu, 26 Jan - 4pm Fri, 27 JanArea: NorthlandForecast: Expect 100 to 130mm of rain, especially in the east and north, with thunderstorms possible. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h expected during Friday morning and afternoon. However, rates of 25 to 40mm/h are possible in localised downpours. Note, once the broadscale heavy rain eases, heavy showers are expected on Friday night.Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.Issued: 8:24pm Thu 26 JanNext update: 10:00am Fri 27 JanSevere Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 15hrs from midnight Thu, 26 Jan - 3pm Fri, 27 JanArea: NorthlandForecast: Bands of heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms are expected to move across Northland during Friday morning and early afternoon. Some of these thunderstorms may be SEVERE, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. Expect thunderstorm activity to ease late Friday afternoon.Saturday 28th January - Occasional rain. Northeasterlies.Sunday 29th January - Rain. Northeasterlies.

Matakana Food & Beer Festival organisers have decided to postpone the event which was on this weekend until Easter weekend (8th April), due to weather. Below is the statement from organisers.

Northland has been issued a heavy rain warning by Metservice.From 10pm Thursday to 10pm Friday 27 JanExpect 100 to 130mm of rain, especially in the east and north, with thunderstorms possible. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h expected during Friday morning and afternoon. Note, once the heavy rain eases, showers are expected through the weekend.More updates tomorrow.

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling a specific batch of its Pams brand Carrot Batons due to the possible presence of E.coli.Point of sale notice for retailersIf you are a retailer of the product in this recall notice, you need to download a copy of the below Point of sale notice and display it in your store for one month.Point of sale notice – Pams brand Carrot Batons [PDF, 47 KB]Consumer adviceCustomers are asked to check the date mark on the back of the packaging.Affected product should not be consumed. There have been no reports of associated illness, however if you have consumed any of this product and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.Who to contactIf you have questions, contact Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd:Phone: 0800 24 51 14Address: 35 Landing Drive, Mangere, Auckland.

Media company MediaWorks intends laying off up to 90 staff members in an effort to cut costs.MediaWorks is a New Zealand-based company specialising in radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. It operates More FM, the Edge, the Breeze, Mai FM and the Rock among other prominent radio stations.In an email sent to staff this morning, chief executive Cam Wallace said two-thirds of the company's costs were labour related.He said the impact of inflationary pressures and a likely recession this year have meant costs must be reduced.The jobs to be axed include roles that are vacant at present.In a statement to RNZ, a spokesperson said MediaWorks staff had been given "an update on a period of business change we are about to embark on"."We have unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to review our operating model and reduce our workforce by up to 90 roles [this includes a significant number of vacant roles]."The company would start consulting with staff soon and wanted to ensure it supported people while it worked through the process.MediaWorks is jointly owned by US company Oaktree Capital Management and advertising company QMS which operates outdoor advertising sites in both New Zealand and Australia.

It is starting to get very hot out there!! It is not wise to take your dogs for walks during the day at the moment, or leave them in the car.The concrete, grass and sand is very very hot!! The inside of your car can become even hotter!! Good times to walk them would be early morning (5-7am) or late at night after 8:30pm. Check out the temperature guides on these info posters.HEAT STROKEBURNT PAWSIf your dog does happen to get burnt paw pads or heat stroke it is important to take them to a vet for treatment.