Hello App Users, Happy New Year! It has been 13 months since taking over The Matakana App (TMA). Thank you for joining us on this journey. Not having a media background (I’m a New Business Development and Database Specialist by trade) but living in our beautiful region for 22 years I was excited to purchase TMA.  Since taking over the app there have been plenty of learning experiences. But also, a time of great growth. We made the decision to expand into Mangawhai region which we are very excited about. We have many exciting plans in 2023 as to how to support local businesses and keep people both local and visitors informed of everything our beautiful region from Puhoi to Mangawhai have to offer. One click of the TMA button and you’re in our community. Join us Anita, Zarah and Louise on our journey in 2023 and if you are a business, we look forward to working with you!

This summer Police want to offer some tips for people to keep safe when going out and enjoying festivals, parties and gigs.• If you are planning on drinking, then it’s a good idea to have something substantial to eat before you start.• Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.• Plan how you are getting home at the end of your night, and have the cash, eftpos card or app to pay for transport.• Look after your friends and stick together.• Have a place to meet up with your friends if you do get separated.• Make sure your phone is fully charged before you head out.• Never leave your drink unattended or accept any drinks that you haven't personally seen poured, especially from strangers.• Challenge any inappropriate comments or actions.• If you have concerns about someone’s behaviour, call Police.If you plan to walk, go in pairs or groups, either way have a plan for getting home safely.We want parents and caregivers to take note of this advice too, so they can make sure their young ones have the information they need to be safe while having fun. We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and loved ones are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have.Police also has advice for those who seek to take advantage of vulnerable or intoxicated people - do not do this. Do not allow your mates to do this either.Sexual assault is unacceptable. It is never the victim’s fault and should not be tolerated in any situation.Police take sexual assault extremely seriously. We will respond to and investigate every incident reported to us. Any time, every day, we are here to help - Ao te pō, pō te ao, kei konei mātou hei āwhinaCall 111 in an emergency if something is happening right now, illegal or suspicious.If it’s already happened you can provide information via the Police non-emergency number – call 105 or go online at 105.police.govt.nzWaea atu ki 111 me he ohotata, e tū ana rānei tētahi mea taihara, hihira rānei i taua wā tonu.Mēnā kua pahawa kē, me tuku taipitopito mā te nama ohotata-kore a Ngā Pirihimana - waea atu ki 105, toro ki te ipurangi ki 105.police.govt.nz rāneiIssued by Police Media Centre

One hundred and eighty-three people are recipients of New Year honours for service to their communities or as recognition for their achievements.Those named today are drawn from sectors that include: the arts and media, business, health, education, sport, voluntary work, science and technology.Six New Zealanders have been appointed knights and dames: Dame Miranda Harcourt, Dame Farah Palmer and Dame Janice Wright, Sir Ashley Bloomfield, Sir Markus Dunajtschik and Sir Haare Williams.Among other prominent people recognised are: Michael Barnett who has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He stepped down in May after 25 years as chief executive of the Auckland Business Chamber. During this time, he helped thousands of migrants and young people gain employment.Award-winning comedian Michèle A'Court has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. A'Court has been a trailblazer for women while performing for 30 years in radio, theatre and TV. She also set up the New Zealand Comedy Guild.A former premier of Niue Mititaiagimene Vivian has also been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Vivian oversaw the response to the destruction caused by Cyclone Heta which hit Niue 19 years ago.Two of the country's best rowers have also been appointed Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit - Hamish Bond and Eric Murray, who won gold in the men's coxless pairs at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. They also won seven consecutive world rowing championship titles in the same event and another two in the coxed pair and had an unbeaten partnership over 69 races.Bond was also a member of the gold medal-winning men's eight crew at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the only New Zealand man to win gold medals at three successive Olympics.Leigh Gibbs who has been a player, coach, umpire and administrator during her 50-year involvement in netball has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit alongside Kereyn Smith, the former chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee.Trevor Maxwell, Paul Morgan, Lisa Tumahai, Kaa Williams and Tawhirimatea Williams have been made Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit in part for their services to Māori as well as their contributions in other fields such as education and business.Professor Rangi Matamua who is regarded as one of the country's foremost Māori scholars for his contribution to Māori astronomy, star lore and Māori culture has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He has written widely on Matariki.Below is the full list of the New Year Honours for 2023.DNZM: To be Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Miranda Catherine Millais Harcourt, ONZM - For services to the screen industry and theatreProfessor Farah Rangikoepa Palmer, ONZM - For services to sport, particularly rugbyDr Janice Claire Wright - For services to the State and the environmentKNZM: To be Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Dr Ashley Robin Bloomfield - For services to public healthMarkus Dunajtschik - For services to philanthropyDr Haare Mahanga Te Wehinga Williams, MNZM, JP - For services to Māori, literature and educationCNZM: To be Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Michael Francis Barnett, ONZM - For services to businessHamish Bryon Bond, MNZM - For services to rowingDr Bruce Donald Campbell - For services to plant and food researchProfessor Helen Victoria Danesh-Meyer - For services to ophthalmologyLeigh Helen Gibbs, ONZM - For services to netballTrevor Horowaewae Maxwell, MNZM - For services to Māori and local governmentPaul Te Poa Karoro Reginald Morgan, QSO - For services to Māori and businessEric Gordon Murray, MNZM - For services to rowingEmeritus Professor David Gerard Simmons - For services to tourism and tertiary educationKereyn Maree Smith, MNZM - For services to sports governanceLisa Tumahai - For services to Māori developmentMititaiagimene Young Vivian - For services to NiueKaa Kataraina Kathleen Williams, QSO - For services to Māori and educationTawhirimatea Te Auripo Rewita Williams, MNZM - For services to Māori and educationONZM: To be Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Michèle Edith A'Court - For services to the entertainment and comedy industriesMartin Ranfurly Bennett - For services to the environment and the communityElizabeth Anne Caldwell - For services to the artsBarry John Clark, QSM, JP - For services to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services AssociationDr Bruce Dudley Clarkson - For services to ecological restorationGrant Cleland - For services to disabled peoplePaul Daniel Coll - For services to squashProfessor Emerita Jennie Lynne Connor - For services to alcohol harm reductionJohn Terence Darby - For services to wildlife conservation and scienceBrian Patrick Donnelly - For services to social housingDeputy Commissioner Glenn Murray Dunbier - For services to the New Zealand police and the communityNathan Edward Fa'avae - For services to adventure racing, outdoor education and the Pacific communityDavid Rodney Fane - For services to the performing artsGrahame Boston Fong - For services to powerliftingDr Natalie Joan Gauld - For services to pharmacy and healthJoanne Lisa Gibbs - For services to public healthCindy Leigh Johns - For services to people with learning disabilitiesIan Keith MacEwan - For services to addiction servicesBeryl Te Haumihiata Mason - For services to Māori language educationWaihaere Joseph Mason, MNZM - For services to Māori and educationProfessor Rangiānehu Matamua - For services to Māori astronomyAnita Jane Mazzoleni - For services to corporate governanceBernard Joseph McKone - For services to the pharmaceutical sectorJanine Rania Morrell-Gunn - For services to children's television and the communityDon Edward Mortensen - For services to the prevention of sexual harmPānia Christine Papa - For services to Māori language education and broadcastingKhoa Dang (Mitchell) Pham - For services to the technology sector and New Zealand-Asia relationsProfessor Edwina Pio - For services to ethnic communitiesChristine Anne Rogan - For services to alcohol harm reductionNicola Maree Smith-Guerin - For services to anaesthesiologyDr Apisalome Sikaidoka Talemaitoga - For services to health and the Pacific communityLisa-Jane Taouma - For services to Pacific arts and the screen industryCharles Richard Veitch - For services to wildlife conservationDr Kathleen Joy Walker - For services to wildlife conservationPeter Muru Edward Walters - For services to touch rugbyPaula Mapuna Werohia-Lloyd - For services to Māori and businessKenneth Michael Williams - For services to governance and the communityTe Puea Pekerangi Eileen Winiata - For services to Māori and healthMNZM: To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Dr Hafsa Ahmed - For services to ethnic communities and womenWendy Allison - For services to drug harm reductionDr John Douglas Armstrong - For services to Māori healthDavid Wallace Bain - For services to health and the communityPriscilla June Baken - For services to midwiferyDr Timothy Robert Bevin - For services to healthCarlton Paul Bidois - For services to the environment and Māori-Crown relationsHoana Mere Burgman - For services to Māori and environmental governanceDr Heather Anne Came-Friar - For services to Māori, education and healthMalcolm James Campbell - For services to local government and the communityLloyd Russell Chapman - For services to the community and heritage rose preservationDavid Christopher Chapple - For services to the community and heritage preservationBrian Raymond Coffey - For services to people with disabilitiesDr Gina Annette Cole - For services to literatureCatherine Mary Cornish - For services to the performing artsCarlotta Brigid Dann - For services to addiction advocacyProfessor Christine Margaret Davies - For services to educationDale Winifred Farrar - For services to the StateFather Paulo Sagato Filoialii - For services to the Pacific communityBruce James Ford, JP - For services to the communityRuth Beatrice Gerzon - For services to community development and social justiceTony John Gray, JP - For services to educationAlbert Christopher Grinter - For services to education and MāoriPhillip Ross Halse - For services to local government and the communitySefita 'Alofi Hao'uli - For services to Tongan and Pacific communitiesChristina Angela Hape - For services to Māori and governanceAnna Maree Harrison - For services to netball and volleyballIan Robert Archibald Hastie - For services to educationPaul Leslie Hodge, JP - For services to the hospitality industryJohn Maxwell Inger - For services to educationDayle Olive Jackson - For services to education and sportPenelope Jane Jackson - For services to art crime research and visual artsMohamed Abdi Jama - For services to the Muslim communityTina Maria Jones - For services to suicide prevention and mental healthLakiloko Tepae Keakea - For services to Tuvaluan artMarilyn Rhonda Kohlhase - For services to Pacific arts and educationDebra Joy Lampshire - For services to mental healthDr Alana Marissa Lopesi - For services to the artsStanislaw Manterys - For services to refugees and the Polish communityDr Paul Allan Maunder - For services to the arts and the communityFelorini Ruta McKenzie - For services to Pacific educationRichard Mark McNamara - For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and emergency managementSenior Sergeant Clifford Gordon Metcalfe - For services to the New Zealand police and Search and RescueBetty-Anne Maryrose Monga - For services to musicHenriette Michel Nakhle, QSM - For services to the Lebanese communityMelony Robin O'Connor - For services to basketballJocelyn Jane O'Donnell - For services to business and community developmentSullivan Luao Paea - For services to youthCorey Nathan Peters - For services to sit-skiingNico Porteous - For services to snow sportsRussell John Postlewaight - For services to Fire and Emergency New ZealandRita Keka Powick - For services to Māori, education and governanceShirleen Vinita Lata Prasad - For services to addiction services and the South Asian communityHelen Ngairie Rasmussen - For services to Māori and conservationRosanna Marie Raymond - For services to Pacific artBonnie Jane Robinson - For services to seniors and social servicesChristopher Stephen Rooney - For services to educationReweti Ratu Ropiha - For services to Māori healthZoi Katherine Sadowski-Synnott - For services to snow sportsJennifer Robyn Shattock, QSM, JP - For services to local government and economic developmentSarah (Sally) Margaret Shaw - For services to nursingDr Gregory Howard Sherley - For services to conservationDr Jane Elizabeth Skeen - For services to children with cancerCheryl Smith - For services to rugbyMargaret Teresa Tai Rākena - For services to victims of sexual violence and the communityJohn Maxwell Tait - For services to education and MāoriDr Amama Bagem Thornley - For services to healthCharles Beswick Wilkinson - For services to arts governance and the communityThe Queen's Service Order QSO: To be Companions of the Queen's Service Order:John Robert Dobson - For services to people with disabilitiesDr Caroline Ann McElnay - For services to public healthKura Te Rangi Moeahu - For services to Māori and the artsHayden Paul Waretini Wano - For services to Māori healthThe Queen's Service Medal QSMNaomi Ruth Baker-Wenley - For services to operaMargaret Anne Bourke - For services to the communityRodger Henry Brickland - For services to athleticsBrendan Sean Butler - For services to Fire and Emergency New ZealandGeoffrey Denis Clews - For services to the arts and the communityMaurice James Cowie - For services to Search and RescueTrevor Michael Crosbie, JP - For services to Fire and Emergency New ZealandRosemary Jane Ensor - For services to the communityKinaua Bauriri Ewels - For services to the Kiribati communityLynore Ann Farry - For services to the communityGeorge Rafton Flavell - For services to Māori culture and heritage preservationMatthew Vincent Frost - For services to people with autismGalumalemana Fetaiaimauso Marion Galumalemana - For services to the Pacific communityJames William Gordon - For services to the communityHana Melania Halalele - For services to Pacific healthClyde Harris Hamilton - For services to the community and heritage preservationAfife Skafi Harris - For services to migrant communitiesEileen Margaret Jean Harvey-Thawley - For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the communityJames Richard Strachan Higham - For services to rugby and educationBarbara Noeline Jeffries - For services to equestrian sport and war commemorationJudith Ann Johnson, JP - For services as a Justice of the PeaceTeurukura Tia Kekena - For services to the Cook Islands and Pacific communitiesCarol Anne Martin - For services to the community and netballKevin James McComb - For services to cyclingAgnes (Nancy) McCulloch McShane - For services to women and pay equityKaren Anne Morris - For services to the communityKenneth Michael Morris - For services to the communityNanai Pati Muaau - For services to Pacific healthEuon Graham Murrell, JP - For services to the communityReverend Woo Taek Nam - For services to the Korean communityLomia Kaipati Semaia Naniseni - For services to the Tokelau communityJames Allan Ngarewa, JP - For services to the community and educationGavin Russell Alan Nicol - For services to veteransYong Rahn Park - For services to the Korean communityLinda Susan Rutland - For services to the communityMa'a Brian Sagala - For services to Pacific communitiesMamaitaloa Sagapolutele - For services to education and the Pacific communityIan Rankin Smith, JP - For services to civil defence and the communityPatricia Isabel Smith - For services to the communityDonald Bruce Thomas - For services to the community and the legal professionMuriel Patricia Tondi - For services to the Italian community and language educationMavis Emlen Tweedie - For services to the communityKevin Victor Watkins - For services to the community and New Zealand-China relationsHelen Whittaker - For services to art and the communityRobin Young - For services to the communityHonoraryTofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai - For services to education and the Pacific communityTuifa'asisina Kasileta Maria Lafaele - For services to Pacific healthNemai Divuluki Vucago - For services to Fijian and Pacific communitiesKyo Jin Yun - For services to the Korean communityThe New Zealand Antarctic Medal NZAMNigel John Watson - For services to Antarctic heritage preservationThe New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration DSDCaptain Brendon John Clark - For services to the New Zealand Defence ForceServiceman L - For services to the New Zealand Defence ForceSergeant Hayden Peter Smith - For services to the New Zealand Defence Force

Due to holiday traffic, concerts and everyone heading to the beach, here are the following delays in the area.Traffic built up at Johnstones Hill Tunnel, then further North at Windy Ridge.Hill Street intersection in Warkworth in all directions.Matakana Road heading into and out of Matakana.Wellsford township further delays.

Warkworth regionFriday 30th December - Fine, after areas of morning cloud clear. Southwesterlies, fresh this afternoon.Saturday 31st December - Partly cloudy, with isolated afternoon and evening showers. Easterlies.Sunday 1st January - Partly cloudy. Fresh easterlies.Mangawhai regionFriday 30th December - Fine, after areas of morning cloud clear. Southwesterlies developing this morning.Saturday 31st December - Mostly cloudy, with a few showers developing in the morning. Winds turning fresh easterly in the morning.Sunday 1st January - Mostly cloudy, chance shower. Fresh easterlies.

The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust has placed a rāhui over the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point (Goat Island) Marine Reserve, north of Auckland, following a death of a man on Wednesday morning. The rāhui started last night at 7pm and will be lifted at 7pm on Friday 31 December 2022.To show respect, people are asked to use alternative areas during the rāhui. This includes swimmers, surfers, divers, boat users, and those using other watercraft, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Extending from Cape Rodney to Okakari Point, the marine reserve includes the waters 800 m from shore including Te Hāwere-a-Maki/Goat Island.Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Gm3Lv9

Omaha area please be aware there is both a rubbish and recycling collection tomorrow morning (Friday 30th).FYI Rodney area here is your rubbish collection days during the holidays

BAKER, John (Grant) 15.3.1938 – 26.12.2022John sadly and suddenly departed this world on Monday 26th December at his home surrounded by his Grand Children, in Matakana aged 84 years.Survived by his Son Callum, Daughter Fiona and his beloved Grand Children Jack, Grace, Sasha, Willy and his mate Hoover.A Highly respected man of the Matakana and Warkworth Communities – Johns’ creation of the Matakana Country Park will be his living memory with his dreams of developing a place for all families and friends to bring their children to grow up and enjoy – “Joy to the People” was John’s favourite slogan.A very special Tane Mahuta (giant kauri tree – god of the forest) has fallen.Johns’ wishes to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday 7th January, at 2.00pm in the St Andrews Chapel and then at The Stables Restaurant located within the Matakana Country Park, 1151 Leigh Road, Matakana - in time for ‘Happy Hour’.All correspondence or messages can be sent to [email protected]

Anglers have been increasingly reporting catching snapper with milky flesh and are worried about the risks of eating the fish.LegaSea wrote on Facebook it had received a number of enquiries about the safety of eating or touching milky flesh snapper caught off the northeast coast of the North Island."Please keep an eye out for any milky flesh fish. It's important for all of us to know what the cause is and how it will be addressed."Auckland angler Nate Sampson told RNZ the fillets are mushy."On Sunday my wife, our son and I brought home our entitlement of 32cm to 42cm fish and when I had filleted them I noticed that two of the fish were in skinny condition with milky white coloured flesh."It was so mushy, was damn near impossible to fillet", Sampson said.A Fisheries New Zealand spokesperson said the issue appeared to be prevalent in the Hauraki Gulf and East Northland areas."The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has tested samples of the milky-flesh fish and has not found any evidence of food safety risk, nor have they received any reports of associated illness," they said."As a precaution, MPI will continue to monitor and conduct further testing. If any food safety issues are identified, MPI will take action to protect and inform the public."The testing has also not detected any disease or parasites in the fish but further sampling and testing would be done as a precaution.Fisheries New Zealand is working to establish the cause of the milky-fleshed fish, including whether changes to food sources, climate effects, and environmental and ecosystem conditions may be playing a part.LegaSea said the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council has submitted an Official Information Act request to Fisheries New Zealand with the hope of finding out what information there is on the situation and what will be done to address the problem.

We have some new business listings for you to check outUnder Health / Beauty buttonFitness MatakanaUnique fitness studio in Matakana Country Park. Offering Les Mills group fitness classes, Pilates, and Circuit classes.Frost Fitness24-hour community gym in Warkworth, catering to all ages and abilities. Offering a free trial workout, try it for yourself.Lady Barber Haircutting Saloon - Matakana’s one and only barber shop. Vanessa is a trained barber & hairdresser offering cuts for ladies, gents and kids. Former makeup and hair artist to the stars she now offers these services to her customers.Oasis Wellness – Day Spa, Botanical products, Skin therapy, Yoga, Massage, Breathing and Meditation workshops, Osteopathy right in the heart of Matakana Village.PureBiotics – providing safe, non-toxic, green options for cleaning.Trinity Chiropractic – Chiropractic, Massage therapy, Physiotherapy and Nutrition services in Warkworth.Warkworth Fitness Centre – 24-hour access gym, established 20 years ago, serving the community with personal training, classes, spin room, ladies only area, infrared sauna.Yoga Body – Sue Lever offering Iyengar Yoga for over 20 years, based in Matakana.

Supermarket shelves are bare of eggs while others are limiting the number of cartons customers can buy during a drop in supply.At a Pak'NSave in Christchurch, customers were only allowed two cartons each, while shelves were empty at both New World and Countdown in Levin.A ban on battery caged hens, announced back in 2012, comes into effect on Saturday and over the past few years the deadline has caused turmoil in the industry.Egg Producers Federation executive director Michael Brooks said more than 75 percent of chicken farmers have had to change their farming methods or their career because of the ban.Shelves are empty at Countdown in Levin. Photo: Janice Swanwick/RNZ"The supermarket's announcement to refuse colony cage eggs, the end of the cage system, plus Covid, plus the grain cost rising because of the Ukraine war have all come together," he said."It's led to a drop of about 600,000 or 700,000 hens in the commercial flock. That's a lot of eggs that aren't available."In 2012, 84 percent of all the country's eggs were from battery farms.Brooks predicted egg prices would also rise as it has cost farmers millions to change their practices.When the government announced the battery cage ban, it told farmers they would have to transition to colony, barn or free range farming.A Pak'NSave in Christchurch has eggs - but it is limiting the amount customers can buy at one time. Photo: Niva Chittock/RNZBut in 2019, both Foodstuffs and Countdown said they would no longer accept colony eggs from 2025 either, which Brooks described as a "bombshell"."That put real confusion into the industry. A number of people - in fact a third of the industry - had already gone to colony eggs. But to go free range, they'd have to buy a whole new farm ... and the barn system was one we hardly knew in New Zealand, so a lot of farmers were really thrown."Supermarkets in New Zealand sell over 50 percent of all eggs and when they added the extra ban, some farmers who had already switched to colony cages decided to leave the industry, he said.Brooks said colony cages, which can house between 20 and 60 birds and have a scratching mat, roosts and a nesting area, were humane but this was disputed by animal rights activists.Some supermarkets are limiting the number of egg cartons customers can buy. Photo: Niva Chittock/RNZFoodstuffs, which owns Pak'NSave and New World, said demand for eggs was also adding pressure."The demand for eggs is high at this special time of year, we eat more eggs for breakfast and brunch, we do more home baking - and we're whipping up more pavlovas," spokesperson Emma Wooster said.But she also acknowledged the ban was the driving factor."It's a significant change for the egg supply industry and to help support the transition, and to make sure customers get a fair shake when they shop, some Foodstuffs stores have put temporary limits on eggs."As we phase-out caged eggs from our stores, we'll be working with the egg industry to increase our offer in colony, barn and free-range eggs and we're committed to working closely with government and New Zealand egg suppliers to meet our target to become fully cage-free by 2027."A Countdown spokesperson said it was also experiencing the reduced supply."We have direct partnerships with our egg farmers and we appreciate our customer's understanding while we work closely with them to get more eggs on the shelf as soon as possible," they said.But Brooks said it would take a minimum of five months to alleviate the shortage."From the day a chick is laid, it's four-and-a-half to five months before they start laying so [farmers] can order chicks now but people are not going to start seeing [eggs stocked back up] for months. Those hens are not going to start laying until May."

Emotionally supportive alligators, adventurous felines and a sheep who listens to commands. Here's a round-up of some of the cutest animal stories we told in 2022.Rio, or is that Phoenix?Rio - a black and white cat from Whanganui - got a new nickname after she was rescued from a Phoenix palm she had been stuck in for more than two weeks in September.Marita, Jessica and Elizabeth reunited with Rio the tuxedo cat who was stuck in a palm tree for the past two plus weeks. Photo: SuppliedMarita, Jessica and Elizabeth reunited with Rio.The moggy, nicknamed Phoenix during her ordeal, had become somewhat of a neighbourhood celebrity - as many tried to help get her down.An arborist, two cherry-picker companies, a drone operator, as well as members of the community had all tried to help get her down.A cage with fresh meat and clean water up high on a cherry picker finally enticed Rio to come out of the tree - and she was soon reunited with her owner.Brad Larsen said Rio had gone missing about three weeks earlier - and he and his family were oblivious to Rio's newfound fame.They were "over the moon" when Rio was reunited with them.WallyGator the support alligatorWhen you think of an emotional support animal, alligator doesn't come to mind.Joseph Henney with WallyGator. Photo: Supplied / FacebookBut in Pennsylvania, you will find the one and only registered support alligator - WallyGator.WallyGator became an official emotional support animal after helping his 69-year-old owner get through depression.Joseph Henney has handled and trained alligators for more than 30 years.After losing seven people close to him in just two weeks, Henney fell into a deep depression - with his doctor offering him anti-depressants.He didn't take them, choosing to hang with Wally instead.The alligator helped him recover quickly and Henney's doctor suggested he register the reptile as an emotional support animal."He does a lot of cuddling, he gives hugs, he gives kisses," Henney said."He actually sleeps with me a lot."For other people - Wally helps put on a smile on their face and "makes their day".Lucky the obedient sheepSit, bow, turn back, jump, stay, pose. Dog tricks, you may ask? Oh no.Lucky has learnt 29 different commands. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonThese are the tricks of Lucky the sheep. But that's not all Lucky can do.The 6-year-old sheep owned by Caroline Thompson of Christchurch has learnt 29 different commands.After seeing Lucky sit down beside her one day, Thompson decided to see if he would do it on command.With a handful of leaves, she began training her sheep. He "cottoned on" pretty quickly."I think it suits people to think that they're dumb … I mean, you wouldn't eat them otherwise," Thompson said."There's whole paddocks full of these amazing, intelligent animals that it suits people not to think they're bright."Moss found three years later and 130km awayA handy dandy microchip helped reunite a family with their beloved feline … three years after he went missing.The Fellowes family adopted Moss and Roy from the SPCA in Hamilton before moving with them to Palmerston North.Soon after the move, Moss went missing and despite their best efforts to find him, the Fellowes family had no luck.That was until Moss showed up three years later and 130 kilometres away at the SPCA in Hastings.After the family got him home once again to Palmerston North, Moss made himself comfortable on a bed as if he had never left.If only Moss could talk…Echo the avalanche dogEcho is in training for an event his trainer hopes will never happen.Echo, with his handler Lisa Jaggi. Photo: RNZ/Sally RoundThe two-year-old border collie is in his first full season as an avalanche rescue dog with Land Search and Rescue.His handler, Lisa Jaggi, said dogs were far superior at finding people buried in snow than humans were.They have a sense of smell "220 million scent receptors versus our five million. They smell the world in 3D".Where a dog can search a hectare in 30 minutes and work out if someone was under the snow, it would take 20 humans four hours."We're really training for a situation we hope will never happen," Jaggi said."He's this amazing teammate that makes me smile every day."Connie the turtle leaves rehabAfter two stints in rehab, Connie the green turtle was returned to sea in May.Connie was returned to sea in the Far North. Photo: SuppliedConnie was first looked after by the team at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium after she was found stranded in the Far North four years ago.She weighed just 18 kilograms - less than half of what she should.She was returned to the sea in 2019 - but was back at the aquarium a year later, very sick.Connie had chronic pneumonia and problems with digestion - possibly from ingesting plastics.It was a bittersweet moment for Kelly Tarlton's staff when they returned Connie to the sea from Rangiputa Beach in the Far North - hopefully for the last time.But if she was to need help again - Connie now has a flipper tag that will make her identifiable if she makes her way back to shore.Baby boom at Auckland ZooIt was a special year for Auckland Zoo - welcoming several baby animals to its family.Bahmi was born on March 20. Photo: Supplied / Auckland ZooFirst came Bahmi, a baby orangutan. Bahmi was born on 20 March to his parents Melur and Charlie.The zoo's primate team said watching Bahmi's birth was incredible.Team member Amy Robbins said Melur knew exactly what to do after the baby was born, cleaning and nursing him."It's been 16 years since the birth of Melur and Charlie's first offspring, male Madju so it's incredibly special to welcome their second."Jabali was born on August 19 at Auckland Zoo. Photo: Auckland Zoo/SuppliedNext came a baby giraffe, born 19 August.The male giraffe named Jabali was standing and suckling from his mother within the hour after his birth.Zoo staff believe he has inherited the tall genes of his grandfather - being the tallest giraffe at birth the zoo keepers could recall.Just 10 days after Jabali's birth, a kororā/little penguin chick hatched at the zoo.The penguin chick hatched on August 29. Photo: Auckland Zoo/SuppliedThe chick weighed just 34 grams when it hatched and had tripled its weight in 10 days.Just over a month after the chick hatched, rhinoceros calf Amali was born at the zoo - weighing about 60kg.Amali was born weighing 60kg. Photo: Auckland Zoo/SuppliedAfter a 16-month long pregnancy, zoo staff said it was "super exciting" to see Amali's mum Jamila give birth.Cuddles with a cowAn Australian man found the healing power of bovine touch so strong he decided to make a business out of it.Lawrence Fox with a couple of his cows. Photo: [email protected] / Cow Cuddling Co FacebookNow, Lawrence Fox offers cow cuddles as a form of therapy.Two years ago, Fox was working remotely from a friend's farm.Not having much human interaction, he spent a lot of time with the cows in the paddock and found it helpful."I had been working as a business strategist for most of my career and that was really taking a toll on my mental health," Fox said."And I eventually got to the point where instead of taking breaks from that work to go spend time with the cows, I realised I needed to make spending time with the cows the work, and that's when I sort of went down the path of looking into cow cuddling."Fox purchased six female cows - and two offspring has since joined them."Their body language shows that they do enjoy it very much, they're basically like half-tonne puppy dogs, you can see that when you scratch them, they react, and they'll roll over and want scratches on their belly."They'll move their tail if you scratch at the base of their tail. So, you can tell that they enjoy it. They love it."Those who visit his cows for cuddles include young children with autism and retired farmers.Leopard seal takes a napLower Hutt residents got a large and furry surprise in September when a leopard seal decided to take a snooze on Petone Beach.The leopard seal on Petone Beach. Photo: Supplied / Giverny ForbesLocals found the visitor "amazing" and while most kept their distance, some got a bit too close to the seal."It's a dream come true," one woman said."I've lived in Wellington all my life and never seen one on the beach here. Never."Construction crew finds kittensA construction crew got more than they bargained for when they turned up for work one day - finding a litter of adorable kittens.Seven kittens were found on the Transmission Gully worksite. Photo: HUHANZ / FacebookThe crew working on Transmission Gully found seven kittens near a digger on site.Helping You Help Animals said the kittens were hiding under some rubble and were found when a digger moved it.The workers wrangled all the kittens into a box and took them down to the animal rescue group.The kittens had very full bellies when they were found - although not too happy to be bothered.However, they were just 4-5 weeks old at the time and HUHA founder Carolyn Press-Mackenzie said they would be "easy enough to turn around".The construction workers who found the babies were "legends" and she appreciated them being brought to her rescue group.

Historic Puhoi is one of north Auckland’s most charming settlements. Just 50km north of the central city, Puhoi – which means ‘slow water’ in te reo Māori – is located on the banks of the Puhoi River, a charming awa that carves a path through the town, creating a haven for humans and wildlife, including tuna (eels) and all manner of native birds.A Bohemian rhapsodyThe small village became home to hardy pioneers from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) in the 1860s who were lured here with the promise of free land. It was a hard slog back in the day, but by working together and leaning on their faith, the new settlers put down strong roots. Today, the town is a laidback peaceful testament to those days of toil.Winding waterwaysHands down, one of the most delightful adventures around these parts is a meandering trip along the river. Hire a vessel from Puhoi River Kayaks and paddle along the 8km of serpentine stream that is rich in history and romantic scenery. You will probably spot fish jumping and birds hunting, as well as the occasional fishing enthusiast perched on the bank hoping to catch their dinner. Eventually, you’ll flow out at Wenderholm Regional Park where you’ll feel full of love for the natural world.Once on land at Wenderholm, how about a swim at the beach or a dip in the estuary when the tide is in? And don’t forget your frisbee as this is an ace space for a throw. Or if you’d rather, you could just doze in the shade of a tree.Walk it offAt a pre-arranged time, Puhoi River Kayaks will transport you and the boats back to town, where you may want to stretch your legs after your river adventure. How about scaling the heights of the Puhoi Lookout Track. This is a moderate hike that takes about 40 minutes and rises to an elevation of 100m, where you’ll be wowed by wonderful vistas – but do keep in mind, it can be a bit boggy after rain, so don’t wear your best kicks. If you’re after a more vigorous hike, Puhoi is a waypoint on Te Araroa – New Zealand’s longest walking trail – with the 5km Puhoi Track leading you through native bush and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the rural surroundings.History lessonsPuhoi Heritage Museum is another must-do, and it’s run by a dedicated team of volunteers who share the proud pioneer history of the region. Or check out the super-cute little library built in 1913 – even if you’re not a registered borrower, there are usually interesting books for sale, so you might just bag yourself a bargain. To round the day off, visit the Puhoi Lawn Cemetery to pay your respects to the departed, with the headstones here telling moving stories of loss and lives well-lived.Make it a weekend adventureIf you fancy making it more than a day trip, how about staying for a night or two? There are several excellent accommodation options, including Piwakawaka Eco Structure Site within Wenderholm Regional Park, overlooking Puhoi Estuary. This eco-camping facility – which can be booked through the Auckland Council website – features a comfortable queen-sized bed and two single bunks, although you’ll need to bring your own chilly bin, cooking equipment, crockery, towels, and bedding.A little further afield, Mahurangi Regional Park also offers simple council-run accommodation options, with campgrounds at several spots including Sullivan's Bay and Mita Bay, which are great for swimming, beach fun and embracing nature.

Climb aboard the free summer busThe popular free Mangawhai bus service is back for summer!  Starting on 27 December, the bus loops from the Domain in the village to the surf beach between 10am and 5.30pm. Daily services run until 15 January, then on weekends until 6 February with an extra weekend added on for Easter (7-10 April). The bus stops at 12 locations along the way, including the Mangawhai Artist Gallery, Mangawhai Central, the Museum, MAZ and the Wood Street shops. Leave the car at home and make the most of the free Mangawhai summer bus, brought to you by Kaipara District Council

Severe Thunderstorm WarningArea: Kaipara, Far North, Whangarei and RodneyForecast: 04:15 pm near WHANGAREI, DARGAVILLE, HIKURANGI, RUAWAI, MAUNGATAPERE, TANGITERORIA, WAIOTIRA, OFFSHORE KAIPARA WEST COAST, TE KOPURU, OKAHU, TANGOWAHINE, MAUNGAKARAMEA, KAMO, TOKATOKA and MITITAI. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.Impact: Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 7hrs from 2pm - 9pm Mon, 26 DecArea: Northland, Auckland, Forecast: Scattered thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of the central and northern North Island this afternoon and evening. These thunderstorms will bring localised heavy rain and hail. About Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, western Taupo, Rotorua and near the Kaimai Range, some of the thunderstorms could be severe between 2pm and 9pm, with localised downpours of 25-45 mm/h. There is also a low risk of a small and very localised tornado within this area. 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.

Significant progress has been made on Te Honohono ki Tai - Matakana link road in the last couple of months. The bridge is nearing completion with the installation of the barriers and bridge cycleway almost complete and bridge footpath in progress. The road pavement, footpaths, cycleway and landscaping are complete except the tie into the bridge. All drainage, rest areas, raingardens and wetlands complete and road streetlights are installed.Most works cease over Christmas between 12pm 22 December until 9 January 202, however some critical path works will continue on non-statutory holiday days. In the New Year pavement works will continue along with bridge works, sign installs and line marking - alongside NX2/Waka Kotahi construction works at the intersection with SH1. Te Honohono ti Kai Road will open in tandem with the new Puhoi to Warkworth motorway.

It can be a hard life for little blue penguins/kororā. This year we think has been particularly difficult for them. During July there was a huge amount of rain and some nesting sites were underwater or had water and debris flowing through them. The displaced penguins needed to find alternative nesting sites and some may have started nesting later.Since 1999 we have recorded rainfall at Leigh. This year our records show that 2022 is the wettest year since our records began with over 1850mm so far and we are only half way through December. To make life more difficult for penguins this year, storms coinciding with penguin fledging made it hard for young birds to find food. They’ve had to survive five metre waves, plus sediment runoff discolouring the water, making it hard for penguins to see their prey underwater.If you have seen dead penguins washed up and they are very blue, this indicates they are probably juvenile birds. No signs of injury have been recorded on most dead penguins found, a sign that they probably starved. If you see a dead penguin between Ti Point and Goat Island we are keen to record the whereabouts and this can be done by emailing us.We hope the large number of dead birds means more have fledged. Continued monitoring will give more of an idea of surviving numbers in our area.While there is not a lot we can directly do to help penguins out at sea, we can help when they come ashore by reducing their predators by trapping. If dog owners keep dogs on a leash when out walking and cat owners keep cats inside at night this will also help.*Author: Jenny Enderby for Leigh Rag. Reposted with permission. [email protected]

After a good night out you may not be surprised when you wake up feeling rough the next morning. But what may surprise you is if your friends aren't feeling the same way. Some may feel worse, some better and some (if they're lucky) may not feel any of the negative consequences at all.This is the variability of a hangover. In research, hangovers are measured on an 11-point scale (zero being no effects and ten being extremely hungover). In my own research, participants have reported hangovers on this scale anywhere between one (very mild) to eight (severe) - while other research has estimated around 5 percent of people may be hangover resistant.So why the difference? There's more to it than simply how much we drink. Researchers are now starting to explore the many biological and psychological mechanisms that could influence our experience during hangovers.Biological mechanismsSome research suggests that people with a variation of the gene ALDH2 report experiencing more severe hangovers.When we consume alcohol, it's broken down by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into acetaldehyde - a protein important for the emergence of hangover symptoms. However, the ALDH2 gene variant limits the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to a greater buildup of the protein - thus greater hangover symptoms.Age and sex can also influence the way in which a hangover is experienced. A recent online survey of 761 Dutch alcohol consumers has found that hangover severity declines with age, even when accommodating for the amount of alcohol consumed. Interestingly, the authors also reported differences in hangover severity between men and women. These sex differences were greater in younger drinkers, with young (18 to 25-year-old) men tending to report more severe hangovers compared to young female drinkers. However, it's not currently known why these differences exist.Psychological factorsCertain psychological traits may be linked to how a hangover is experienced - including anxiety, depression, stress levels and even personality.Previously, research suggested that neuroticism, a broad personality trait which tends to cause people to see the world in a negative way, can predict the severity of a hangover. However, recently this idea has been disputed with another study finding no link between hangover and personality.This is somewhat surprising, given that extroversion (a personality trait usually characterised by being sociable and outgoing) is positively associated with binge drinking behaviours in college students - though it doesn't appear to be linked to worse hangovers. This is despite evidence that more frequent heavy drinking is linked to more severe hangover experiences.Anxiety, depression and stress are all also linked with more severe hangovers. Each of these moods are associated with a "negative bias" - a tendency to interpret the world more negatively. Our findings show hangovers also tend to make people interpret the world more negatively. As a result, hangovers may exacerbate this negative bias, leading some people to feel worse than others.Coping mechanismsIt's possible that the way we cope with adverse situations could underlie the variation in hangover experiences.Pain catastrophising refers to the extent to which a person emphasises the negative experience of pain. Research shows that people with high scores of pain catastrophising report more severe hangovers - suggesting that they're focusing on their negative symptoms and possibly amplifying them. Other studies have also shown that people who tend to cope with their problems by ignoring or denying them tend to experience worse hangovers.Emotion regulation is another key psychological mechanism that helps us to deal with difficult situations by effectively managing and responding to emotional experiences. Interestingly, although people who are hungover report feeling it's more difficult to regulate their emotions, this may not actually be the case - with research showing participants are just as able to control their emotional response compared to those who weren't hungover. This could mean that people choose easier (but less effective) regulatory strategies during a hangover - such as avoiding feelings of guilt or shame. But this is yet to be determined.What can we do?Although researchers may have identified a few natural compounds which may alleviate overall hangover symptoms, further research is still needed to determine whether these should be recommended for treatment. In the meantime, the best strategy for alleviating your hangover is going to be up to you to determine.But one study suggests a strategy commonly used by students to cope with the misery of a hangover - by "suffering" together and bonding on their experiences - may be helpful in helping relieve at least some of the negative emotional effects of a hangover. Taking care of your own personal wellbeing more generally and finding better strategies to reduce stress levels and adopt better coping mechanisms may also help you deal with the negative consequences of a hangover.Though of course, if you really want to avoid a hangover, you could always choose non-alcoholic alternatives.

Here is our expected weather for Christmas week. Merry Christmas!🤶🏼Warkworth regionSaturday 24th December - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers, clearing early evening. Light winds and afternoon sea breezes.Sunday 25th Christmas Day - Fine, apart from isolated afternoon showers. Southwesterlies developing in the afternoon.Monday 26th Boxing Day - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers from midday, widespread and some heavy in the afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms possible in the west. Southeasterlies.Tuesday 27th December - Cloud increasing, with occasional rain developing. Fresh easterlies, possibly strong north of Whangaparaoa.Wednesday 28th December - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing. Fresh southeasterlies, easing.Thursday 29th December - Fine. Easterlies.Friday 30th December - A few showers. Easterlies.Mangawhai regionSaturday 24th December - Partly cloudy with a few afternoon showers. Light winds and afternoon sea breezes.Sunday 25th Christmas Day - Partly cloudy. Southwesterly breezes.Monday 26th Boxing Day - Partly cloudy, with a few afternoon or evening showers possible, chance heavy with thunder. Southeasterlies.Tuesday 27th December - Fine, then rain developing. Easterlies strengthening.Wednesday 28th December - Fine with southeasterlies.Thursday 29th December - A few showers. Easterlies.Friday 30th December - Showers. Easterlies.