Peter de GraafWhangārei Boys' High School has been ordered to pay more than half a million dollars in reparations to the victims of a caving tragedy, including the family of a 15-year-old boy who lost his life.The school was sentenced in the Whangārei District Court on Friday on two charges laid by WorkSafe of putting people at risk of serious injury or death.They arose from the death of 15-year-old Karnin Ahorangi Petera in a school trip to Abbey Caves on 9 May 2023.Judge Greg Davis would have also ordered the school board to pay a fine of about $300,000 - reduced from the starting point of $600,000 for the early guilty plea and other factors - but remitted the fine because the board was unable to pay.There were also concerns that making the school pay a fine could have a negative effect on student education, including for survivors of the ill-fated trip who were still at the school.The board was also ordered to pay just over $10,000 in costs to WorkSafe.Alicia Toki reads her victim impact statement, with partner Andre Petera and lawyer Ellie Harrison. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafAndre Petera and Alicia Toki spoke in detail during the sentencing, sharing their heartbreak and the multitude of ways their lives have been turned upside-down by the death of their youngest son in the tragedy.Karnin, who was 15, died after he was swept away by the powerful current inside the flooded cave.The other 16 boys on the trip, and two adults, managed to get out.The court was packed with more than 60 people - double the normal capacity - including whānau, family members of some of the other boys, and the school board.The sentencing opened with karakia and waiata, and Judge Greg Davis addressed the whānau at length in te reo.Karnin Petera, 15, loved all water sports. Photo: SUPPLIEDThe couple's victim impact statement also laid bare the events leading up to their son's death, what they saw as the school's repeated brushing-off of their concerns about heavy rain, and the ongoing impact on their employment and mental and physical heath.They also paid tribute to their son, nicknamed Tino for his enthusiastic embrace of life, who they said loved te reo and showed great leadership in tikanga Māori.They described him as funny, a natural performer, outdoorsy and active, with a particular love of basketball and anything to do with water - diving, surfing, bodyboarding, and doing bombs in the lake.Petera and Toki were too upset to read the rest of their statement, so their lawyer Ellie Harrison - who is acting for the family pro bono - took over, also fighting back tears at times.Harrison said Tino's Year 11 outdoor education group was originally meant to go rock climbing but that was changed to caving instead, ironically due to forecast bad weather.Both parents repeatedly asked the school in preceding days if the trip was still going ahead, given the heavy rain falling on Whangārei.Judge Greg Davis at the sentencing. Photo: RNZ / Peter de GraafThey knew the caves flooded from time to time, but Toki said she was convinced the school would not let the trip go ahead if it was not safe."I had so much trust that the school would look after my son," she said in her statement.That morning, after Petera dropped their son off, heavy rain continued to fall and he rang the school office several times to express his concerns.He was brushed off each time but when he called again, some time before 10am, it was clear from the receptionist's tone that something was wrong.Toki was not answering her phone so he drove to her workplace. On the way, friends texted him to ask if he had heard about students being trapped in the cave."I was very angry that the school and everyone else in Whangārei seemed to know about this, but the school would not communicate with me," Petera said.When they arrived at the caves, the rain was torrential and a police cordon was already in place.They were told the boys were being taken back to school by bus, and they should go there. Police would not say if all the boys were out of the cave.At the school, principal Karen Smith gave them the awful news."She said, 'All the other kids have come back except Karnin. We haven't been able to locate your son'. … I was in shock. Andre was rolling on the ground screaming. So was his mum."The family drove back to the caves, where a rescue team was still looking for Tino.Petera said he collapsed, started vomiting and was put in a wheelchair. At some point in the evening he was put in ambulance and taken to hospital.Shortly afterwards, rescuers told Toki they had found Tino's body. It took another hour-and-a-half to get him out.A cousin chased down the ambulance, which brought Petera back to the caves."As soon as Tino was brought up out of the caves, six moreporks started calling. As soon as he left, they stopped. It was his spirit that was getting released. It was a tohu [sign]," Petera said.The couple also spoke of the toll on their relationships, health and work. Both had to pass up new jobs and they had to move house.Petera said he suffered panic attacks and was sometimes unable to drive; he used to love spending time at the beach with his family but was now afraid of water.Both said their interactions with the school since Tino's death had amplified their frustrations.They felt the principal had "passed the buck" to the teachers involved with the caving trip, instead of taking responsibility for broader failings in the school's health and safety culture.The restorative justice process they went through with the principal and outdoor education teachers - who they still held responsible, in some respects - was, however, well run and gave them the opportunity to say what they needed to say.Both wanted the school to further review its health and safety practices, and called on the Ministry of Education to provide stricter guidelines for outdoor education, especially water-based activities."Tino loved outdoor education and he learned so well outside the classroom environment. We also really support outdoor education. But we just don't want any more children or teachers to die or be seriously injured through education."'Neither shy nor cocky'Many other people, including the teachers on the ill-fated trip and parents of Tino's friends and schoolmates, shared harrowing victim impact statements.They spoke of devastating psychological effects, flashbacks, loss of faith in the school, being tortured by survivor's guilt, and Tino's potential that would now never be realised.Difficulty in getting help, such as counselling, was another common theme.Tino's uncle, Karl Petera, spoke of the teen's enthusiasm and his ability in te reo."He was neither shy nor cocky, he had an inner confidence that came from knowing his whakapapa. He could light up a room with his smile."School accepts responsibility for tragedyLawyer Marie Wisker, acting for the Whangārei Boys' High School board, said the school fully accepted responsibility and was devastated by what had occurred.The school also acknowledged the processes it had in place at the time were insufficient, and that those on the trip were put at significant risk.She said the school felt deep sorrow, in particular for the loss suffered by Karnin's family.Addressing the whānau in court, Judge Davis said nothing he could say could ease the pain of losing a child."All I can do is hope that sentencing will bring some measure of closure for you all," he said."This is a tragedy not only for the Petera whānau, an indescribable tragedy, but also for all of the young men on the trip, and all of those associated, directly and indirectly, with what happened that day. I imagine it is something people will think about for the rest of their days."Details of how the $500,000-plus in reparations will be divided up among the victims - Karnin Petera's family, the 16 surviving boys, a teacher and an outdoor education contractor - have been suppressed.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 30th Sept - Cloudy periods. Northerlies developing this afternoon.Tuesday 1st Oct - Fine, but becoming cloudy in the morning. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 2nd Oct - Mostly cloudy with the chance of a shower, then rain with heavy falls developing in the afternoon. Northerlies, becoming strong.Thursday 3rd Oct - Showers, easing. Westerlies.Friday 4th Oct - A few showers. Northerlies.Saturday 5th Oct - Showers. Northwesterlies.Sunday 6th Oct - Showers. Northwesterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 30th Sept - Cloudy periods. Northerlies developing this afternoon.Tuesday 1st Oct - Partly cloudy. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 2nd Oct - Rain developing in the morning. Northerlies, becoming strong.Thursday 3rd Oct - Partly cloudy. Westerlies.Friday 4th Oct - Fine. Northwesterlies.Saturday 5th Oct - Showers. Northwesterlies.Sunday 6th Oct - A few showers. Northwesterlies.

The government has taken the last steps to reverse Labour's blanket speed-limit reductions, by signing off a new speed limit rule.Minister of Transport Simeon Brown said by 1 July next year, speed limits would be returned to the previous settings.Under the rule change, reduced variable speed limits would operate outside schools during pick-up and drop-off times, and motorists would be able to drive at up to 120km/h on Roads of National Significance.Brown said the changes would improve traffic flows."Throughout the world 50 kilometres per hour is a speed used as the right speed limit to keep urban roads flowing smoothly and safely, and our sensible approach will bring New Zealand into closer alignment with other countries that have strong, safe records on their roads such as Norway, Denmark and Japan."Road safety experts have been opposed to the move to change speed limitsEarlier this month, local and international road safety and health experts penned an open letter warning that reversing speed limit reductions would increase deaths and serious injuries.Brown said it was police breath-testing, not lower speed limits, that lowered the road toll during the last government."It's gone down because we've seen a significant increase in the number of breath tests undertaken by police. That numbers now well above three million in the last financial year. And there's been 37 fewer fatalities on our roads in that period of time."Focusing police on high-risk times and locations would keep the road toll down, he said.Reduced speed limits outside schools at pick-up and drop-off times would prioritise the safety of young Kiwis, he said."By 1 July 2026, local streets outside a school will be required to have a 30km/h variable speed limit. Rural roads that are outside schools will be required to have variable speed limits of 60km/h or less."Experts had pointed to studies showing 85 percent of accidents around schools happened outside of when variable speed limits were operating.In response, Brown said variable speed limits targeted the times with the highest risk, without slowing down drivers."The risk to children is 2.7 times higher during pick-up and drop-off times, and that's why we're focusing on those particular times of day."But as I said, it doesn't make sense to slow the tradie heading to work at 5 o'clock in the morning, to have to crawl around at 30 kilometres per hour."The changes would support freight and economic activity, and more than 65 percent of submitters supported the plan, Brown said.Labour's transport spokesperson, Tangi Utikere, said the government is ignoring the evidence on safety by raising speed limits.He said the evidence that higher speeds result in more deaths is overwhelming."Simeon Brown can kid himself about very aspects of data, but the reality is very straightforward: The slower the vehicles are going when impact occurs, the increased likelihood that someone is going to come out of that in a better condition than if they were going to be speeding."He said the government is overwriting local decisions, and the change will force councils to go back on decisions they made in consultation with their communities."This is clearly a government that is not concerned about decisions taken at a local level. They have proven through their actions that they have the mentality that they know best and they simply want councils to follow through and do what they want them to."This story was originally published by RNZ

Police have charged a man with murder after a woman's body was discovered in a burnt-out car.Jasmaine Corin Reihana, 35, was found dead inside the car on 9 September on Ripiro Beach, Dargaville.Her body was found by firefighters responding to reports of a car fire on the beach, a few kilometres south of Glink's Gully.They alerted police, who launched a homicide inquiry and carried out detailed scene investigations at the beach and a home in the nearby town to Te Kopuru.Police said they charged a 34-year-old man with murder on Friday."Police have conducted an extensive investigation to ensure the person responsible for her murder can be held to account," detective inspector Al Symonds said."I would like to acknowledge the investigation team, who have worked tirelessly to get this result, and also those members of our community who have assisted our enquiries."Thank you to everyone who has come forward with information during the course of this investigation."Symonds said police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the Paihia woman's death."It has been our team's focus to hold to account the person we will allege is responsible for Jasmine's murder, and we hope this brings some relief to her whānau."The murder-accused would appear in Whangārei District Court on Monday, Symonds said.This story was orginally published by RNZ

Check daily updated closure information: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz  Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.          NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1) •            Onewa Road southbound on-ramp, 30 September & 3 October•            Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 29 September•            Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 30 September & 3 October•            Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 29 September CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ) •            Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 3 October•            Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            Hobson Street (SH1) southbound on-ramp, 1-2 Octobero            Hobson Street (SH16) westbound on-ramp, 1-2 Octobero            Symonds Street southbound on-ramp, 1-2 October•            SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)•            Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 29-30 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)•            Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 29-30 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 29-30 September•            Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 1-2 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            Grafton Road southbound on-ramp, 1-2 October SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1) •            Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 1-2 October•            St Marks Road southbound on-ramp, 1-2 October•            Redoubt Road southbound off-ramp, 1-3 October•            Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 1-3 October•            Bombay southbound on-ramp, 30 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)•            Beaver Road southbound off-ramp, 30 September•            Beaver Road southbound on-ramp, 30 September•            Nikau Road southbound off-ramp, 30 September•            SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 3 October•            Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 3 October•            Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 3 Octobero            Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 3 OctoberNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16) •            Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Foster Road, 30 September-3 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)•            Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 30 September-3 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)•            Southbound lanes between Station Road and Tapu Road, 27-29 September (approx. 8:00pm to 8:00pm, 24hrs)•            Southbound lanes between Station Road and Tapu Road, 29-30 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)•            Northbound lanes between Tapu Road and Station Road, 27-29 September (approx. 8:00pm to 8:00pm, 24hrs) •            Northbound lanes between Tapu Road and Station Road, 29-30 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am) •            Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Roundabout, 30 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)o            SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 30 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am) UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18) •            Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 29 September•            Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 29 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)•            Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 1-2 Octobero            Brigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 1-2 October•            Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 29 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 29 September•            Eastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 30 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)o            Hobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 30 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)o            Trig Road eastbound on-ramp, 30 Septembero            Brigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 30 September SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20) •            Dominion Road northbound off-ramp, 29 September-3 October•            Walmsley Road southbound off-ramp, 2 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)•            Southbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 29 September & 3 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)o            Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 29 September & 3 October

It’s nearly that time of year again! Sunday 29 September is the beginning of daylight saving.That means it's also time for another six-monthly test of the tsunami siren network in Northland coastal communities.The sirens sound twice: firstly at 10am for 10 minutes and then again at 10.30am for 30 seconds, and will be monitored for any faults.You may have noticed some of the new upgraded sirens installed recently. The upcoming test will only involve the current siren network; the newly installed upgraded sirens will not be tested this time.To avoid confusion and ensure continuity, the current network will continue to be used and maintained until all the new sirens are operational.You can check out whether you live, work or play in a tsunami evacuation zone, and plan the quickest route to safety, using the interactive maps here: https://www.nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzones (The maps also show you where the current Tsunami sirens are located)For more information on the upgrade project, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/sirenprojectAnd for more details on the tsunami siren test check out: http://www.nrc.govt.nz/.../northland-tsunami-siren.../

Nicky Park,Can we expect a bunch of grumpy people walking around on Sunday? And how can we take the edge of that transition? And how on earth do I get the kids to calm down when it's still light outside? Here's what the sleep experts say:It's just an hour, will it really affect us?"It does. There's really clear research out there that shows that missing out on sleep by an hour or more can lead to poorer functioning the next day," says Dr Karyn O'Keefe, from the Sleep/Wake Research Centre.That one-hour shift can make it harder to get to sleep, and hence harder to wake up, she explains. So it impacts different aspects of functioning like sleepiness, but also mood, reaction time, motivation, concentration and decision making.What happens to our brain and body clock when daylight saving switches over?Daylight saving, Dr O'Keeffe says, causes what's called "circadian disruption"."Everyone has a body clock in the brain that needs to be synchronised to the sun in order to stay healthy and function well. And of course, when we move our body our bodies to have a different sun time suddenly the internal clock in our brains is not synchronised anymore and that disruption also causes problems."The combo of this with that poor quality of sleep feels a bit like jetlag (without the joy of a holiday)."Suddenly we've made this one-hour shift... which seems like it's really small but it's enough to cause some problems."Daylight saving: When it starts, why we observe it and how to change the time on your phoneHow long does it take for our body to find a new rhythm?The spring transition is the easier one - going into daylight saving time, putting the clock forward an hour "we just squash an hour out of our day"."What happens is that when we go to bed, it's like 10.30pm our body clocks are actually thinking that it's earlier than that, so we don't actually start to feel sleepier until later than we normally would - so we have trouble falling off to sleep."Then when we go to wake up in the morning our natural wake time is actually an hour later."Dr Karyn O'Keefe is a senior lecturer at the Sleep/Wake Research Centre. Photo: SuppliedIt's not such a problem on Sunday, but on Monday morning we might feel robbed of that extra hour when getting up to start the working week."We're still thinking that we should be waking an hour later with the old body clock time.""So we can be frustrated in the evening or at night and tired and groggy in the morning and have short sleep as well. It's like this combination of feeling really groggy and grotty for, um for a couple of days at least."What can I do to help my brain and body ease through it?If you're organised or a sensitive sleeper you could give sleep shifting a go - starting to adjust your body clock gradually in the days leading up to daylight savings."The way you would do that was you'd go to bed... 20 minutes earlier on Friday night, 40 minutes earlier on Saturday night and then on Sunday morning, you just wake at your usual time."That helps us sort of assist with our sleep and also make sure that we don't sleep in too much and muck up our timing of sleep."The other big thing is getting plenty of sunlight on Sunday, throwing the curtains open in the morning to soak up as much as you can."If we can do that we have a a better chance of actually synchronising our body clocks with the sun pretty fast."On the flipside, at the end of the day, avoid light, black out your bedroom and try and make it feel like bedtime.Does being old/young/healthy/stressed - play any part?"Yeah, there are a couple of things," Dr O'Keeffe says."One of the outcomes that we see sometimes with daylight saving transitions is that people who've are vulnerable to heart problems can have those problems exacerbated. So there is a little bit of research out there to show that daylight saving transitions can lead to a higher risk of having a heart event of some kind."She says people who are extreme early birds or night owls will also have a harder time picking up a new sleep pattern, rather than the average sleeper."When a person is an evening type trying to make this transition in the spring, it's really hard for them in particular to make the shift in their body clock. So it takes them longer basically to get there."It's not as easy or as comfortable as somebody who's sitting in the, like the typical pattern of, of sleep and wake."How do I get the kids to sleep when it's still light outside?"The struggle is when it is lighter in the evenings. or there's lots of the kids in the neighbourhood outside on the street playing," says baby and toddler sleep consultant Cherie Richards."We all want to be out later and longer and it's hard to unwind, so the bedtime routine is really gonna be key here."For those who have early rising kids, this daylight savings change is easy - hopefully you get a sleep in: "You can just roll with it and we're going to wake up to a hopefully later start time to the day."This is definitely the better time shift rather than the other way around. That's the nightmare of a one."Like the advice for adults, Richards suggests making sure children get lots of light exposure through the day, especially in the morning."We want to use light to our advantage. Heading out into the sunshine early in the morning and then again in the early afternoon."Then before their bedtime getting their room super dark is really important. So even though it might be light outside, we can still control the internal environment by getting some really good block out blinds."Mare sure that it is pitch black when it comes to bedtime because that's when we need the melatonin surges to kind of be strong there."Is there anything I can do to make it easier for my kids (and me?)If you have a child who is sensitive and a bit more, what Richards calls "high needs", when it comes to sleep there's some groundwork you can do to be ready for Sunday - taking a more "proactive approach".Cherie Richards helps babies and toddlers get into good sleeping habits. Photo: Supplied"What that would look like is on, you know, Monday and Tuesday say we had all of their nap and feed times 15 minutes earlier... and their bed time's going to slowly shift earlier too, so 15 minutes earlier."So if they're always in bed at 7, we we're popping them down at 6.45. Then say Wednesday and Thursday, you do it again, but it's 30 minutes earlier."So you can do it gradually... if you have more sensitive-prone kids it can really make a difference."Remember for babies who are over three months old and on a routine you have to shift their feed times as well."It's like a jolt to their whole rhythm. So, even though we're like, oh, it's only one hour, one hour is a heck of a lot at that age."But newborns, she says, you don't need to worry about, they are none the wiser.I'm already a really bad sleeper, what's going to happen to me?Anitha Patel, an insomnia and sleep care specialist, points out: "For some people who are already kind of having insomnia issues, it can obviously trigger quite a bit if you're already not sleeping too well.Anitha Patel, an insomnia and sleep care specialist. Photo: SuppliedFor these people, Patel really encourages some homework before daylight savings on Sunday."If we prep and we kind of develop what we call a sleep bank... it shouldn't have so much of an effect."She also suggests easing into Monday morning if you know you're susceptible to poor sleep. Any important meetings or tasks, things that require focus or attention, shove them to the end of the week."Ease into the whole thing," she says.And keep your sleep hygiene up to scratch - consistent wake-up times, trying not to sleep in on the weekend, sleeping away from your devices.If you really need to, you could take a power nap, but time it right."You've got to be really careful about what time you're doing it and you don't want to have it for too long."It's about 20 or 30 min - in the earlier day or earlier part of the afternoon, not too close to your bed time - that is something that's going to build up your sleep bank."So you're not going to have so much of a deficit when you actually have daylight savings."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 27th September - Rain developing this morning, possibly heavy, clearing to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Fresh northwesterlies, turning fresh southwesterly late morning.Saturday 28th September - Fine. Southerlies, turning westerly in the evening.Sunday 29th September - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 27th September - Rain developing late morning, possibly heavy, clearing by evening, but remaining partly cloudy. Northwesterlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Saturday 28th September - Fine. Southerlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 29th September - Mostly cloudy. Southwesterlies.

Trains are returning to the Northland railway line after it was closed for 20 months to rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Floods.KiwiRail chief asset development officer David Gordon said there were more than 200 damaged sites along the 180 kilometre railway."It's been a huge undertaking to rebuild the line. Working with our contractors, we have moved more than 110,000 tonnes of earth - the equivalent of 28 Olympic sized swimming pools, laid more than 25,000 tonnes of ballast and made repairs to 28 wooden bridges."He said 500 metres of retaining structures were installed as part of a drive to improve the line's resilience, as well as strengthening slip-prone slops and improving drainage.Photo: KiwiRailTrains will begin running again to consolidate the repaired track before freight services resume."This is a major change for communities between Swanson and Kauri (north of Whangārei) after 20 months with few trains and rail vehicles travelling on the line," Gordon said.Drivers and pedestrians had become complacent around level crossings, and with trains running again, they needed to be more cautious, he said."Trains cannot stop quickly, so to ensure safety we urge everyone to be extremely cautious every time they approach a level crossing."Always stop and look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks. Never cross if a train is approaching, as they are usually travelling faster than they appear, and always wait for the train to pass."This story was originally published by RNZ

Finn Blackwell, ReporterThe associate energy minister wants heads to roll after a report into the Northland power outage found it was entirely avoidable.About 88,000 people were left without power earlier this year when a pylon crashed to the ground.The report, released by the Electricity Authority, revealed that electricity provider Transpower didn't act when concerns were raised three years ago.It was three months since the widespread power cut wrought havoc across Northland, and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones wants someone gone for what happened."Transpower, the new chief executive officer, should find out who failed and send them to the knackers yard," he said.But not everyone wanted revenge.Megan Edwardson, the owner of the Hair by ME salon in Whangārei, said one person alone was not to blame."No, I don't think they should lose their job," she said"I don't think it should fall on that person, that one individual, I feel like it sits higher than that, I feel like it's a higher issue."A report last month said an inexperienced and inadequately supervised worker removed nuts from three of the four legs of the pylon, compromising its stability and causing it to rupture and fall.It was not the first time nuts and washers were removed from more than one leg of a pylon at once.Wednesday's report found Transpower failed to act when staff raised concerns about training in 2021.Edwardson was disappointed Transpower did not do anything about the concerns."To have had concerns raised and then it be totally disregarded, and then not taking responsibility for the event that occurred because of those concerns, it's a bit of a slap in the face really," said Edwardson."Where else are you going to get your power from? You're can't boycott it."In a statement to RNZ, Transpower said its training team reviewed the problems raised by staff three years ago, and decided not to act on them.It said the trainees involved in the pylon crash in June had not completed the required training then in place.Transpower said this meant that even if more training had been added as suggested, it would not have made a difference.It said it was taking steps to ensure inadequately trained and supervised crews couldn't work on its assets.Responding to Shane Jones' call to fire someone, Transpower says it's focusing on making sure a tower never falls again.Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo said that should be a priority."I do not want this episode to ever happen again, and I don't want it happening to any other region," he said."What we need right now, is we need people taking responsibility for their actions, we need action being done, and we need Northland being prepared and resilient."Cocurullo said it had been a tough time for the region."There are some businesses which are hurting, there are some businesses which haven't been affected at all," said Cocurullo."Some of the businesses that are hurting are hurting not just because of the power outage, they're also hurting because of the Brynderwyns being shut this year,"This has made a major impact onto Northland as a region."Edwardson wanted a formal apology from Transpower."I think they need to reach out to all of their customers and actually front up to it and say 'hey look, we made a mistake, this is what we've done, it shouldn't happen again but in the same sense everybody's human'."The report estimated the economic loss for Northland ranged between $37.5m and $80m.Transpower said it was not required to pay compensation.This story was originally published by RNZ

Did you know that nearly 10% of all packaging material is made up of caps and lids?!It’s estimated that around 16,000 tonnes of caps and lids are in circulation annually—that’s the equivalent of 900 truckloads of waste. Shockingly, 60% of household grocery items come with a cap or lid to keep products safe and secure.That’s a huge amount of waste that could be recycled. But due to changes in kerbside recycling regulations introduced by the government in February, these materials are now ending up in landfills.Despite being made of valuable plastic and metal, caps and lids are no longer accepted in kerbside recycling collections.However, there’s good news! The Caps & Lids Recycling Programme, launched this month, aims to divert as many metal and plastic caps and lids as possible from landfills, ensuring they are recycled into new products instead.This 100% member-funded initiative is managed by The Packaging Forum, which also oversees other recycling schemes such as the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme, the Food and Beverage Container Recycling Scheme, and the Glass Packaging Forum Scheme.Several industry groups support this effort, including the NZ Food and Grocery Council, Plastics NZ, and the NZ Association of Metal Recyclers.Metal caps are sent to local recyclers like Hayes Metals, Simms Metals, and the Association of Metal Recyclers for processing and reuse.Plastic lids are collected by PACT Recycling in Auckland, where they are granulated, washed, and dried. They are then shipped to Australia for further sorting and recycling into products like wheelie bins, flower pots, slipsheets, and cable covers.This programme offers a sustainable solution, giving these caps and lids a second life instead of sending them to landfills.Photo: Mangawhai Heads Four Squares new collection boxes.Currently, there are only two official collection points on The Caps & Lids webiste, however we have also added a few that we are aware of below - totally four. We need more businesses to come onboard to help us reduce the amount of recyclable waste that would otherwise go to landfill.Collection Locations:New World Albany: 219 Don McKinnon Drive, AlbanyFour Square Mangawhai Heads: 3 Wood Street, Mangawhai HeadsLess Waste Warkworth: 55 Lawrie Road, Warkworth (FYI they have a fantastic op shop on site!) - Wednesday to Saturday 9am – 3pmLess Waste Wellsford: 47 Station Rd, Wellsford - Tuesday 9am – 3pm & Saturday 9am – 1pmWe hope more supermarkets and businesses will join the initiative to provide this crucial recycling service.So what can be recycled?** PLEASE REMEMBER to keep PLASTICS and METAL separate, as they go in different bins!!Plastics accepted at collection points:Flip-top/hinged capsScrew capsMilk bottle capsIce cream container lidsYoghurt and dip lids (no peel-off film)Supplement bottle lidsHousehold cleaning lidsShampoo and cosmetic lidsPlease note: No coffee cup lids or glass.Metals accepted at collection points:Crown caps (bottle caps)Jar lidsRing pull capsWire from sparkling drink bottlesMetal screw topsAluminium lidsWine lidsFood tin lidsPlease note: No coffee pods.For more information, visit their website: https://capslids.recycling.kiwi.nzLet’s help spread the word! Please encourage local businesses, especially supermarkets, to participate in this vital programme and help reduce our environmental impact.

Police are at the scene of a three-vehicle crash near Puhoi this morning.One person has died, and another person is being taken to hospital with serious injuries.The crash was reported on Pohuehue Road at around 6.13am.Initially, two vehicles collided in the crash.The driver of one vehicle has sadly died at the scene, with the driver of the second vehicle suffering serious injuries. They have been transported to Auckland City Hospital.A third vehicle has had a secondary crash at the scene.The occupants of the third vehicle are shaken but have not required transport to hospital.A section of Pohuehue Road is currently closed while the Serious Crash Unit carry out an examination of the scene.Traffic is being diverted at the intersection with Mahurangi West Road, which is to the north of the crash scene.Traffic is being turned around at the southern end of the scene.Police advise motorists to avoid the area if possible as it is expected the road will be closed for some time this morning.

UPDATE: She has been found!Police are appealing for assistance from the public to help locate 13-year-old Teyha, who has been reported missing.Teyha was last seen at her home in Glen Innes last Thursday 19 September.She is described as having brown, straight hair and a nose ring in her left nostril. She was last seen wearing dark clothing.It’s believed Teyha could be somewhere in the Albany area. She also has ties to the Whakatāne region.Police and her family have concerns for Teyha's wellbeing and we ask anyone who sights her to please contact Police as soon as possible on 111.Additionally, anyone who has further information on her whereabouts should contact Police on 105, quoting file number 240921/4334.

A message from Lindsay Best from Trinity Chiropractic in Warkworth...We are thrilled to announce that Boost Chiropractic and Trinity Chiropractic and Wellness have officially joined forces!Our newly merged clinic will continue under the name Trinity Chiropractic and Wellness, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our expanded services to the community we love.What Does This Mean for You?By coming together, we've combined our expertise to offer a wider range of services, all under one roof. Whether you're looking for chiropractic care, naturopathy, massage therapy, physiotherapy, animal homeopathy, or reflexology, we've got you covered.Our team is passionate about supporting your health journey, whatever that looks like for you and your family.Our Commitment to Strong Families and Resilient CommunitiesAt Trinity Chiropractic and Wellness, we believe that health isn't just about fixing problems as they arise—it's about preventing them in the first place. Preventative care is at the heart of what we do. It’s like giving your body the tune-up it needs to stay in top shape, so you can enjoy life to the fullest. Whether it's a regular chiropractic adjustment, a relaxing massage, or a naturopathic consultation, these small, consistent steps can make a world of difference in your overall well-being.Why Choose Us?We know that finding the right healthcare provider can feel overwhelming, but we're here to make it easy. Our team is not only highly skilled but also genuinely cares about every person who walks through our doors. We're here to listen, to support, and to help you thrive.And the best part? We have space for new clients! We welcome everyone with open arms and are ACC accredited, which means you don’t need a doctor’s referral to start your journey with us.Ready to Take the Next Step?We invite you to come and experience the difference at Trinity Chiropractic and Wellness. Whether you're new to preventative care or a seasoned pro, we’re confident you’ll feel right at home. Why not give us a try? Your body—and mind—will thank you.Here’s to a healthier, happier community!16 Alnwick StreetWarkworthAucklandhttps://www.trinitychiro.co.nz/09 425 9888We look forward to seeing you soon at Trinity Chiropractic and Wellness. Let's build stronger families and a more resilient community together!

Hundreds of landowners and groups are working with Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) to regenerate forest on erosion-prone land in the Kaipara Moana catchment.If you are a landowner in the catchment wanting to fence off waterways or remnant forests on your land this summer, or plant trees or regenerate forest to protect erosion-prone slopes next winter, KMR has funding and support to help you.They will pay up to 50% towards eligible projects, walking your land with you first to see if your project is suitable and discussing your goals for it. Their Field Advisors will then prepare a plan to access funding and provide support throughout the project.If you are a community group, marae, iwi/hapū or other collective KMR will also provide support for engagement and project costs.Further support may be possible if your project meets QEII National Trust goals.Two grants “We offer two grants – Landowner Grants and Whenua Whānui Fund grants with both supporting sediment reduction projects on the ground and contracted directly with the project owners," says Justine Daw, KMR Pou Tātaki.“KMR is already working with over 735 landowners across the catchment, and are supporting over 75 projects led by catchment, community, hapū, marae, whānau, schools or other groups. On average, a new group joins us every fortnight.” Global significanceAs the largest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, Kaipara Moana has global environmental significance including 6,000 km2 of catchment across Auckland and Northland regions, and over 8,000 km of waterways flowing into the harbourHowever, high sediment levels have put the harbour at risk. Decades of deforestation and land-use intensification have degraded the catchment, leading to a seven-fold increase in sediment washing off the land – about 700,000 tonnes a year. Around an eighth of the catchment is highly erodible land.To turn this around, in October 2020, the Ministry for the Environment, Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Te Uri o Hau, Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly establish KMR.It is a $200m programme, with $100m invested by the Crown, matched by $10m each from Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council. A further $80m of project activity must come from landowners, industry, community or philanthropic organisations. This is because widespread action is needed to restore the Kaipara Moana, and because a matching contribution – often in the form of labour or materials – is required to unlock the Crown funding.Auckland Council Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says the programme invests in projects that will bring wider benefits to the Rodney area."We live in one of the most beautiful areas of Auckland and with that comes the huge responsibility to help our valued species thrive. We need to do everything we can and increase our resilience to storms and other extreme weather events. It's very clear that restoring wetlands, fencing rivers and streams, planting trees and forest regeneration helps restore the environment. I'd encourage anyone who is able to, to get involved with the programme."Contact KMR on [email protected] as soon as possible if:Your land is in the Kaipara Moana catchmentYou are thinking of fencing this summer, and/or planting next winter (2025)You’d like to know more about how KMR can support you.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 23rd September - Partly cloudy with isolated showers, clearing to fine this morning. Westerlies, becoming fresh this afternoon.Tuesday 24th September - Mainly fine, chance of a shower from afternoon. Fresh westerlies, turning lighter southerly at night.Wednesday 25th September - Partly cloudy. Fresh southwesterlies, easing.Thursday 26th - Partly cloudy. Westerlies, becoming fresh.Friday 27th - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Strong southwesterlies.Saturday 28th - Showers with southwesterlies.Sunday 29th - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 23rd September - Partly cloudy with a few showers, clearing to fine around midday. Westerlies.Tuesday 24th September - Fine. Westerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 25th September - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies, easing.Thursday 26th - A few showers developing. Westerlies developing.Friday 27th - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 28th - Showers with southwesterlies.Sunday 29th - A few showers with southwesterlies.

A Message from Louise Riddle, Proud Owner of the Matakana Coast AppThe decision to invest in the Matakana Coast App was driven by my deep personal passion for this beautiful area and a clear recognition of the practical benefits it could bring to our community. I have always been incredibly proud of our little piece of New Zealand, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich offerings. I wanted to showcase all of this to both locals and visitors, giving them a tool to explore, connect with, and truly experience everything the Matakana Coast has to offer. After six months of owning the app, I saw the potential to expand its focus to include the entire region—from Puhoi to Kaiwaka, across to Mangawhai. This expansion was a natural step that truly captures the essence of what makes our region so special. Here, you find everything: bustling markets filled with local treasures, an array of dining options from cozy family-friendly restaurants to lively bars, world-class wineries, intimate wedding venues, and events of all sizes that bring people together. Add to this the stunning accommodations that suit every traveller, and you have a destination like no other.The Matakana Coast App serves as so much more than a digital guide; it’s a platform that enriches the user experience by seamlessly connecting people with local businesses, services, and events. In doing so, it helps strengthen the bonds within our community while showcasing the region as a vibrant, welcoming destination. My passion for this region has driven me to create a resource that goes beyond mere convenience—it’s about celebrating the unique charm and spirit of the Matakana Coast. By supporting local businesses through this app, I'm making it easier for residents and visitors from Auckland, Whangarei, and beyond to discover services, explore new experiences, and immerse themselves in the lifestyle that makes our region so beloved. It is more than just a wayfinding tool; it is a means of sharing the stories, flavours, and beauty of this area in a way that resonates with everyone who uses it.Through this app, everyone can experience our region's warmth, diversity, and magic, making it an appealing destination for all.Why You Should Download the Matakana Coast App For Visitors: If you’re planning a trip to the Matakana Coast, this app is your ultimate guide. It’s packed with everything you need to make the most of your visit. Discover the best places to eat and drink, from cozy cafés to world-class wineries. Stay up-to-date with local markets, festivals, and events so you never miss out on the vibrant culture here. There are local hiking trails and attractions. Plus, with a directory of accommodations, you can find the perfect place to stay, whether you’re after a luxury retreat or a cozy B&B. With regularly updated content and push notifications to keep you in the loop, the app transforms your visit into an unforgettable experience. For Locals: The app isn’t just for visitors; it’s an invaluable resource for those who call this region home. Stay connected with community news, traffic, upcoming events, public service announcements, police updates and local business news. Use the app to explore new restaurants, bars, and services in your area, supporting local businesses and uncovering something new every time. The events calendar helps you plan your weekends, find family-friendly activities, or enjoy a night out with friends at gigs or markets. It’s also a fantastic way to recommend your favourite spots to visiting friends and family, showing them firsthand why the Matakana Coast is such a special place to live.By downloading the Matakana Coast App, you’re becoming part of the community’s heartbeat. It’s more than just a guide; it's a bridge between locals and visitors, creating shared experiences and celebrating everything our region has to offer. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, the app is your key to unlocking the true spirit of the Matakana Coast.For Businesses: Matakana Coast App is a unique and worthwhile platform to highlight your business or service to reach both locals and visitors to our wonderful region. We offer a range of advertising options to suit your budget. If you are curious about what we offer and how we achieve higher than normal click rates and provide real time performance data then Contact us.

Gibbs Farm offers an extraordinary and captivating setting for one of the world’s most remarkable sculpture collections. Nestled in North Auckland, this expansive property is dominated by the vast Kaipara Harbour, the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. Stretching across the entire western horizon, the harbour’s shallow nature reveals broad flats as the tide recedes, casting shimmering reflections that dance across the land. This dynamic landscape not only enhances the visual experience but also serves as a threshold for the powerful westerly winds that sweep across the farm, shaping the environment with their raw, elemental energy.The land itself flows naturally towards the sea, creating a gravitational pull that permeates the entire property. Every sculpture within Gibbs Farm must contend with this pull, adapting to the dramatic convergence of land, water, and elemental forces. As Alan Gibbs himself observes: “The challenge for the artists is the scale of the landscape; it scares them initially.” This vast, awe-inspiring environment demands something extraordinary from each artist, urging them to engage with the sheer magnitude of the landscape.Visitors to Gibbs Farm, as they navigate its rolling hills, deep gullies, and expansive harbour flats, witness how each artist has uniquely responded to the land’s overwhelming presence. The steady decline towards the sea exerts an invisible force on every work, drawing out a creative interplay between the natural world and sculptural forms.Over the course of nearly two decades, Gibbs Farm has curated an impressive collection featuring works by renowned artists such as Graham Bennett, Chris Booth, Daniel Buren, Bill Culbert, Neil Dawson, Marijke de Goey, Andy Goldsworthy, Ralph Hotere, Anish Kapoor, Sol LeWitt, Len Lye, Russell Moses, Peter Nicholls, Eric Orr, Tony Oursler, George Rickey, Peter Roche, Richard Serra, Kenneth Snelson, Richard Thompson, Leon van den Eijkel, and Zhan Wang. Most of these sculptures were specially commissioned, allowing Gibbs to work directly with the artists. This close collaboration is a rewarding process, as Gibbs reflects: “They’re interesting because they’re winners—tough, ambitious, and creative.”Each commissioned sculpture reflects not only the individual artist’s interpretation of the landscape but also the intricate relationship between art, nature, and the powerful elemental forces that define this exceptional setting. Gibbs Farm stands as a living testament to the dialogue between human creativity and the untamed beauty of the natural world, offering visitors an unparalleled experience as they journey through a landscape that continually evolves with its monumental artworks.1Alan Gibbs: The Visionary Behind Gibbs FarmAlan Gibbs is a prominent New Zealand businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and art collector. He is widely known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his passion for contemporary sculpture, as showcased through Gibbs Farm. The 1,000-acre property on the Kaipara Harbour reflects Gibbs’ vision of blending large-scale industrial engineering with artistic expression, creating a space where art and nature coexist in harmony.Gibbs Farm: A Sculpture Park Like No OtherGibbs Farm is internationally renowned for its expansive collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures. As one of the world’s largest outdoor sculpture parks, it features works by leading contemporary artists, all carefully positioned within the dramatic setting of the Kaipara Harbour. This unique environment provides a canvas where artists can create monumental pieces that engage deeply with the landscape.Art Patronage and CollaborationAn avid art collector, Alan Gibbs has demonstrated his deep commitment to the arts through the development of Gibbs Farm. Unlike traditional collections, Gibbs prefers to commission new works rather than purchase existing ones, allowing for a more intimate and collaborative relationship with artists. This engagement ensures that each sculpture is not only tailored to the farm’s unique features but also resonates with the forces of nature that continually shape the environment.In this way, Gibbs Farm has become a living testament to the interplay between art, nature, and engineering, offering visitors a unique experience where the beauty of contemporary art is amplified by the raw power of the natural world.Gibbs Farm has supported charitable causes through hosting fundraising events. The farm’s breathtaking setting on the Kaipara Harbour has provided an extraordinary backdrop for numerous fundraisers, offering attendees the rare chance to experience world-class art while contributing to worthy causes. For 2024, several opportunities remain to explore the property and its sculpture collection while supporting various organizations. The upcoming events include:Each fundraising event offers a rare chance to explore Gibbs Farm, with its stunning landscape and world-renowned collection of sculptures, while directly contributing to charitable organizations making a difference in New Zealand. Whether supporting the preservation of Māori heritage, rescuing stray animals, or funding critical health initiatives, attendees will experience the farm's magic while helping improve lives across various sectors of the community.1) Te Kia Ora Marae Trust Fundraiser – Saturday, 5th October 2024This event supports the Te Kia Ora Marae Trust, an organization that plays a vital role in maintaining and promoting Māori culture, community, and heritage. The funds raised through this event will go toward the development, preservation, and operational needs of the marae, ensuring it continues to serve as a gathering place for cultural, educational, and social activities for the local iwi (tribe).Visitors attending the fundraiser will have the opportunity to walk through Gibbs Farm, taking in its majestic sculptures while knowing their contributions are helping sustain an essential cultural hub. The event not only promotes the well-being of the community but also strengthens connections between people and the land, reflecting the values at the heart of Te Kia Ora Marae.2) Gibbs Farm Gutter Kitties Fundraiser – Friday, 11th October 2024This event is organized to raise funds for Gutter Kitties, one of New Zealand's largest no-kill animal rescues focused on caring for stray, abandoned, and neglected cats. Gutter Kitties works tirelessly to provide medical care, foster homes, and eventual adoption for these vulnerable animals. The fundraiser will help the organization continue its vital work, including the costs of food, veterinary services, and rehoming initiatives.Guests who attend this event at Gibbs Farm will not only support the lives of countless animals but also get to explore the farm’s expansive art collection. It’s a unique opportunity to combine a love for animals with a passion for contemporary art in a setting that is both peaceful and inspiring.3) Gibbs Farm Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ FundraiserThis event is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, an organization focused on providing support, information, and research funding for those affected by prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men. The foundation works tirelessly to offer patient support programs, raise public awareness, and promote early detection through education campaigns.By attending this fundraiser, participants will not only have the chance to wander through Gibbs Farm’s awe-inspiring sculptures but also contribute to a cause that affects thousands of New Zealand men and their families each year. Supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation helps ensure that vital research and patient support services continue to make a difference in the lives of those battling this disease.Book @ https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/venue/gibbs-art-farm-auckland

A 12-Month Campaign is Key to SuccessWhy the Matakana Coast App?Advertising on platforms like the Matakana Coast App provides the ideal avenue for a sustained, localised presence. With a focus on Rodney and Kaipara regions, the app connects businesses directly to a highly engaged, local audience. By leveraging a 12-month advertising programme, you not only stay visible within the community but also align your business with the region’s vibrant, supportive ethos.Now is the perfect time to invest in a continuous advertising programme on the Matakana Coast App. The long-term exposure will keep your brand front and centre in the minds of local residents and visitors alike, driving both brand loyalty and sales.Tailored Packages to Fit Your NeedsWe understand that every business is unique, which is why we’ve compiled three carefully designed advertising packages for you to choose from. However, if these packages don’t quite meet your specific needs, we’ll work with you to craft a custom strategy that aligns with your business goals, ensuring your brand is always where it needs to be—right in front of your past, present and new customers.Support Every Step of the WayEmbarking on a year-long advertising programme can feel like a significant commitment, but you won't be doing it alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. From designing compelling ad creatives to optimising campaign performance and providing insights on what resonates with the Rodney/Kaipara communities, we're committed to ensuring your advertising investment pays off.Our hands-on approach means you’ll have a partner actively working with you to maximise results and adapt strategies as needed. The Importance of a Year-Long ProgrammeA 12-month advertising programme allows businesses to:Build Brand Awareness Over Time: Frequent exposure over an extended period reinforces your brand's presence. People often need to encounter a brand multiple times before it sticks in their memory. By advertising throughout the year, you ensure that potential customers have ongoing reminders of your products or services, keeping you top of mind when they're ready to make a purchase.Adapt to Seasonal Trends: Different times of the year present unique sales opportunities. A 12-month advertising strategy can be tailored to align with seasonal trends, local events, holidays, and even shifts in consumer behaviour. This approach ensures that your marketing message is always relevant and timely, maximising its impact.Create a Sense of Reliability: Regular advertising sends a clear message: your business is here to stay. This consistency signals to customers that you are a reliable and trustworthy choice. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to establish credibility, as people tend to associate a familiar, regularly seen brand with quality and dependability.Reach Different Audience Segments: Not every customer is ready to buy at the same time. A sustained campaign allows you to reach different segments of your target market as they move through their purchasing journey. You may catch someone just starting to explore options in January, while someone else may be ready to buy by June. By maintaining a consistent presence, you can engage with potential customers at various stages of their decision-making process.Measure and Optimise: A year-long advertising programme offers the opportunity to continuously monitor performance and refine your approach. You can experiment with different messages, visuals, and platforms to see what resonates best with your audience. This ongoing optimisation ensures that your advertising efforts remain effective and cost-efficient.Invest in Your Brand’s FutureAdvertising is not just an expense; it's an investment in your brand's future. A 12-month advertising plan on the Matakana Coast App will lay the foundation for sustained growth, increasing your visibility, credibility, and customer base over time. Let’s get started on creating a tailored, year-long advertising plan that grows your business month after month.Ready to make a lasting impact? Contact us today to discuss a customised strategy or explore our advertising packages here on our new advertising portal. Your brand's success is just one conversation away.