Leonard PowellMangawhai residents are still cleaning up the damage caused by the tornado that ripped through the coastal community north of Auckland in the early hours of 26 January.The storm hit at 3am on that Sunday morning, with power cut to about 5000 homes, and two people taken to hospital in a serious condition.Two weeks later, First Up visited the neighbourhood and talked to Noreen Anderson, who was sound asleep when the tornado hit and ripped off part of her roof.Despite the ruckus, she did not know the extent of the damage until the following morning."I slept through it, and it was only when my daughter over and told me 'there's been a tornado and the roof is gone'."“I went back to bed” Noreen Anderson had no idea her roof was partially ripped off until the morning. Photo: RNZ / Leonard PowellKahu Road - where Anderson lives - comes off Old Waipu Road, which was hit the hardest by the storm.Resident Bruce Howley described how the wind smashed through his barn."It blew the roller door off this barn and into the back of the barn, hitting a wall, and then it seemed to go up behind a steel beam and probably got caught. The door was actually just flattened."So you can imagine how much force that is. And then the roof, no one knows where the roof is. It's gone somewhere."Bruce Howley stands across the road from his barn. Photo: RNZ / Leonard PowellHowley resides across town, and was grateful no one was in the barn when the storm hit. He said his missing roof paled in comparison to what had happened to his friend Tina Johnson."While I was coming here I was ringing my neighbour to see if there was any damage to her place. Unbeknownst to me, she was already in hospital cause she got blown out to from a her upstairs bedroom onto her. A carport roof. Incidentally, that Lady is recovering well."At least 90 homes have been assessed for storm damage.Twenty six of those have been white-stickered, meaning they have some damage but can be safely occupied, while eight homes have been yellow-stickered, which means access is restricted.Three households remain in emergency accommodation.Howley said the community had banded together to help out."It's just amazing how everybody has been helping and always, you know, because we had no power on the street. People giving food, one couple come along with a wheelbarrow full of water. And then then people came in and helped clean the property up the next day, just volunteers."A staggering 2500 cubic metres of green waste and 37.5 tons of general waste has been collected from berms in the area.Nearly seven tonnes of scrap metal has been recycled, which might explain where Howley's roof has ended up.Bruce's barn was shared by two businesses - a signwriter and a small leather goods maker.Nearly a kilometre away on Molesworth Drive, Caren Davis was cleaning up debris the morning after the storm, when she found a brand new leather belt in her backyard."Our son quite liked it, so he he put it on for the morning that I explained to him that it it belonged to someone else and it had arrived here with the tornado. We had to find its home."The belt that Caren Davis found nearly a kilometre away from its workshop. Photo: RNZ / Leonard PowellAfter a few posts in the local Facebook group, it turned out the belt had come all the way from Bruce's place up on Old Waipu Road. Caren dropped it back off, and wasn't the only one."We're at least 700, maybe 800 metres away from where that business is. Those items were just found scattered everywhere."Davis's husband Jonny said the storm was all anyone had been talking about. Across the road from their property, trees were being dug out, chopped up and taken away.Fallen trees are cleared on Molesworth Drive. Photo: RNZ / Leonard PowellProperty owner Malcolm Halley said his housemate had a "grandstand view" of the black cloud carrying the destruction."Sam described these five electric water spouts coming from the black cloud. They were composed entirely of of spiralling lightning, continuous lightning bolts going to the ground, described as being like a tentacles of a big black octopus, dancing slowly over the over the landscape and and creating a noise destruction wherever they landed."Halley and his partner Pauline said they were still coming to terms with losing an acre and half of trees, some of them more than 100 years old.They have also lost the the privacy those trees provided - but sitting in what they describe as their "art village", Pauline had found a poetic silver lining."You know that quote of Leonard Cohen? About letting the light in. We've let the light in, and now we're getting carry on."This story was originally published by RNZ

Farah Hancock, Data journalist, In DepthBefore she will sit down with the man who wants to mine her hapū's backyard, Dr Mere Kepa insists he meet her ancestors."I bring them through the garage, into the hallway. We have a small house," explains Kepa, who lives in Takahiwai in Northland's Bream Bay.The bay's gleaming white sand is picturesque and perfect for use in high-strength concrete. Kepa is concerned a plan to dredge the bay's seabed will erode the community's sweeping beaches.The sand mining project, which is included in the controversial Fast-track Act, feels like another blow for mana whenua."Digging up that land is painful. It signals the continual colonisation of Māori, it signals the continual subjugation of Māori," she says.Adorning Kepa's hallway walls are photographs of her family. She introduces him to each in turn."The first ancestor is Taurau. He was the chief of Whangārei in the late 1880s. Then I introduce him to my parents. I introduce him to my uncles who all served in the 28 battalion."These introductions form part of her tikanga, given to outsiders. She's from the hapū of Te Parawhau and Te Patuharakeke o te Parawhau. The meet-and-greet is both intended to put him at ease and to reinforce Kepa's position."It's a Māori position, it's a hapū position," she says.For his part, Callum McCallum is representing the family-owned business - McCallum Bros - who want to mine up to eight million cubic metres of sand from Bream Bay's seabed over 35 years.He is in Kepa's house at her invitation after she emailed him with concern over the proposal, which is a listed project in the new Fast-track legislation, which aims to enable a swifter decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects with "significant regional or national benefits". Kepa knew the company was talking to two hapū trust groups in the area, but she herself had heard nothing. "There's no consultation among Māori," she says."I pointed out that they needed to talk beyond the two trusts that they are speaking so that they get a better - or a broader - understanding of how Māori people living particularly close to Bream Bay are feeling, that is, we're feeling excluded."McCallum agreed to join Kepa for a cup of tea and a chat, and told her he could stay for one hour. The conversation over the kitchen table with Kepa, her sister and her cousin lasted for nearly three.Dr Mere Kepa Photo: Supplied / Emma HartHe reminded her of her father, she says. "My dad was a charming, intelligent, all-encompassing man. I felt, 'Hey, I know this guy'."She did not let his charming personality get in the way of making her opposition to the mining proposal clear. The land contiguous to the mining project belongs to Te Parawhau hapū. "We are very interested in what happens to our land, particularly if it's going to slip into the sea."Kepa has lived on the harbour all her life and has seen it change over the years. As a child she would gather cockles from a sand bank. The cockles and the sand bank no longer exist. Now she worries the beach will disappear too.Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly"I do know it'll become mud because I sit here daily and look at the mud that's replaced the beautiful white sand that was here most of my childhood."MaCallum's response to her concern is that he has expert scientific advice and will soon be releasing a report from engineering consultants, Tonkin and Taylor. The company is proposing dredging sand from almost five kilometres from shore, and outside what is referred to as the depth of closure. It is thought sand past this point does not wash in and out to the beaches of the bay.The fact the application will be considered under the Fast-track process adds another worry as this legislation does not include a public submission phase. Kepa knows a cultural impact assessment report is being written by Te Patuharakeke Trust, and this will include how the proposal impacts cultural values, but details have been scant."We know nothing about who is writing that cultural values assessment report. We know nothing about the values that are going to be written in."McCallum emails Kepa after the meeting, acknowledging a protest against the mining is planned. "It would be great if one of the outcomes of the meeting was the formation of a group of representatives who could engage in meaningful dialogue with us," he writes, saying he is keen to dispel "misinformation"."We also want to investigate possible offsets and benefits that the community could enjoy."The company's website explains it wants a community partnership and suggests the company could provide funds to local predator control and sand dune restoration. "We'll be extracting sand from a common area that we all share, and so we think it is fair and important that funding from our activity goes back to the communities we share it with," the website says.Will addressing misinformation and offering to support local initiatives be enough to sway people's thoughts on mining?"I think he's hopeful that he will be able to change our minds," says Kepa.For all his charm, it seems unlikely McCallum will be able to sway her view that the land holds spiritual meaning. Any mining in the bay is "absolutely unacceptable", she says."I don't want people coming in cutting up the divine land for their profit."No Sand Mining posters and signage around Waipu and Ruakaka Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyMcCallum's fast-track proposalMcCallum Bros is no newcomer to sand mining or facing local opposition to its activities."Every mining, every quarrying, every landfill [project] goes through exactly the same process that we are going through, the same nimbyism," McCallum says.Callum McCallum Photo: Supplied / McCallum BrosFurther down the coast, the company has mined the sand off Pākiri and Mangawhai's beaches for 80 years, with much of it ending up in concrete used to build Auckland's infrastructure. Locals there have been locked in a decades-long battle to stop the mining, and it appears that they may have succeeded.McCallums's ability to continue mining Pakiri's sand is uncertain after failing to renew resource consents from Auckland Council - and failing to win an Environment Court case seeking to overturn the council's decision.The Environment Court found evidence provided by McCallum's about the ecological effects of the mining at Pakiri had been "patchy", "inconclusive" and even "incorrect".It noted there was a dearth of information from the company about the likely environmental impact of the sang mining: "There appears to have been an assumption by the Applicant that it was for the opposition parties to prove that there was an adverse effect," the decision says.The court heard in one instance, the company's dredge had left 2.7 metre deep trenches in the sea floor, a discovery made by a local who organised a seabed survey himself. No enforcement action was taken by Auckland Council. This meant on the fast-track application form the company could claim a clean track record.The court also found mining's effects on mana whenua could not be mitigated.It said while there were clear benefits to allow the extraction, saying it has been a cheap and plentiful source of sand for 80 years, this came at a price. "These economic benefits to Auckland and to McCallum Bros and others have occurred at direct cost to mana whenua and the embayment itself."One hapū representative described the effect of mining sand from the area as disabling the hapū's ability to act as kaitiaki, or guardians of the area.The company has appealed the Environment Court's decision and McCallum says it is also appealing the court costs awarded to the successful parties - which tallied $500,000.Asked if he is confident the company will not repeat dredging errors in Bream Bay, McCallum says the boat the company uses now does not dredge as deeply as the boat which made the trenches.The next step for the company is to submit a fully-fleshed out application to be considered by an expert panel to assess. This panel will make a decision to either approve or decline the application, and can set conditions the company must adhere to.The full application has not been lodged yet, but it appears the company is working to ensure there is no dearth of information on the effects of mining this time. In the background there has been a flurry of activity as McCallum Bros has worked on commissioning reports from various experts such as NIWA and Tonkin and Tayor to accompany its application.These include reports on the economics of the proposal and the suitability of Bream Bay's sand. There are also reports on what the likely effect of the dredging will have on, sand movement, surf breaks, the impact on whales, dolphins and birds and the impact dredging will have on creatures living on the seabed and safety for other boats.Not all the reports have been completed, but the company's website describes its impact as low risk.Langs Beach Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyMcCallum Bros say because they will dredge almost five kilometres from the shore line, where sand does not shift from sea to shore, the dredging will not cause beach erosion, or destroy the surf breaks in the area. The company estimates there is more than 39 million cubic metres of sand in the area it wants to dredge. Its application seeks to take one quarter of this amount.It says the effect on marine ecology will be low, with species in the proposed path of dredging being nationally and locally common species. The risk of the boat striking a dolphin or Bryde's whale is low, according to the company. The impact on bird life is also expected to be low, the critically endangered fairy tern which lives in the area aren't known to forage for food that far out to sea.Importantly it says Auckland needs the sand to grow housing and sewerage, and infrastructure needs high strength concrete, and the sand in the Bream Bay is ideal.As part of the application process it needs to consult with a long list of Māori groups likely to be affected, or which, under the Marine and Coastal (Takutai Moana) Act may have applications in for customary title.McCallum says the company has contacted those groups, and requested cultural impact reports.He is also happy to meet with locals to discuss the proposal, although he prefers small gatherings. "I'm not really in favour of going in front of 200 people who want to abuse you."There are groups who are vocal in their opposition to the proposal, but "they're very small in number", he says."It's quite an emotional argument at the moment and we would like people who are opposed to actually read what we are putting up on our website."He was not apprehensive walking into Kepa's home, even though he was aware she was not in favour of mining. It's not his "first rodeo" and she seemed nice on the phone, he says."The worst thing you do is personalise this, and we won't do that. We've got a job to do, we've got Auckland to supply sand to."He has the impression Kepa is frustrated."It seems she doesn't actually speak for any of the major groups and the major groups don't listen to her."The consultationDave Milner is co-leader of the environmental unit of the Te Patuharakeke Trust Board and is working on a Cultural Impact Assessment report for McCallum Bros.The company is paying the Trust for this report, which Milner says is standard practice. The payment is for the resource needed to create the report, and does not come with any promise of a watered-down report."We oppose mining," he says. "Whether it's sand mining in the marine space, or on land." This view has been shared with everyone he says, including McCallum Bros.He understands people might see the willingness to create this report for the company as being in cahoots with them, but explains under the fast-track process this is the only chance the hapū will get to have a say.He is waiting for more information from the company about their plans and effects before going to the local community, this will include talking to elders, whānau and rangitahi. There will be hui at marae and workshops, "so we make sure we are touching base with our hapū".He wants to put to bed any perception people may have that because money has passed hands that something "dodgy" is going on. "There's a process we go through."No Sand Mining posters and signage around Waipu and Ruakaka Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyRepresentatives of the Trust attended the beach protest and hopes the information about what it is doing filters through to people who are concerned that the Trust has received money from McCallums.Will the locals benefit from mining? "No," he answers. He gives the same answer when asked if he has met any locals in favour of the proposal."The community has a strong voice," says Milner. "The community has created a great groundswell in voicing their concern. You would be mad not to recognise the community needs to be part of the consultation process."No Sand Mining Bream Bay protest banner hangs at Ruakaka Beach Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyLocal voicesEmotion hovers close to the surface for Josephine Pirihi, threatening to break through at any moment. She introduces herself with a pepeha, listing her connection with the mountains, sea and people of the area.She exudes warmth, locals she bumps into on the beach get a hug, but there's also a feeling of weariness. She describes the prospect of mining as "devastating"."They've taken our land, now they want our moana as well," she says.A banner is draped across her lap - strips of black, red and white have been carefully sewn together in the style of a tino rangatiratanga flag. It's one of 12 completed banners she has made herself to protest mining. More strips of fabric are piled up on her work table, ready for sewing before being handed off to her brother for signwriting.Her brother Parata Pirihi has hand-lettered slightly different messages on each."No sand mining Bream Bay," reads one. Another has the same no sand mining message for Waipu Cove, and a third for Ruakaka.Pirihi is nearly 70 years old and has spent her life in Bream Bay.She does not expect to be alive when the dredging boat finally leaves the bay, but she fears taking so much sand from the pristine area will cause lasting damage.Josephine Pirihi stands on the sands of Ruakaka Beach with a red, white, and black banner - the colours of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag - cloaked around her shoulders. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyThere is a raw, pleading note to her voice when she speaks."What future have our grandchildren, your grandchildren, Aotearoa's grandchildren got?"She does not believe any employment will flow to locals from the mining."They're just coming in to do the big land grab and now the big moana grab. Just that happened back in the day, but I don't want to see that happen to the future of my mokos (grandchildren)."Dredging the seabed could alter the ecosystem. "I worry about the kia moana first, that's what we live off. Everybody lives on the moana like that."Her brother has seen first hand what effect dredging can have on sea life. He worked on a sand dredge in Australia. He is horrified at what would be sucked up as the dredge was pulled over the sea floor."I was dredging out wildlife. Snakes, turtles, seagulls and their nests," he says.Parata Pirihi, photographed at Ruakaka Beach. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyHe fears what damage the dredge could do in Bream Bay, saying there are scallop beds and crabs in the area. The crabs attract snapper, trevally and gurnard to the area.On the dredge he worked on, sea life which got sucked up was pulverised."They come out like manure. They come out like bark. If you put bark on your garden that's what it will come out like."McCallum's website assures people the boat they use has screens which stop anything bigger than 2.5mm going through the hopper. Large items are returned to the sea. Species which were sucked up by the dredge "were typically very robust", the website says. These survived the ordeal with "minimal harm".Parata Pirihi is not convinced the boat will stick to dredging 5km from shore, he worries it will inch closer to shore. If the Fast-track expert panel gives sand mining the green light, he expects locals will monitor the boat's path to ensure it doesn't stray closer to shore than it is allowed to."It's going to be tough," he says. "We've only got a 10 foot dinghy to go out there and try and stop them."The 'gobby' hustler helping the localsLangs Beach resident Emma Hart Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyWhile Callum McCallum is taking time out for cups of tea to win locals over with charm, Emma Hart is almost constantly on her phone: hustling.She paces back and forwards as she talks and texts, high heels clacking, the red sequins on her skirt shimmering with her constant movement.Hart is a newer resident to the area, shifting to Langs Beach from the South Island. She calls her home in Langs Beach her "piece of paradise". She is one of the pivotal figures in the local fight but does not see herself as an instigator. "I'm the glue," she says, explaining there are about 10 core people organising different aspects of opposition."I just happen to be the most gobby one because I have worked in communications."The fact this is going through as a listed project in the Fast-track legislation has added a level of urgency to her hustling for local voices to be heard, there is a rapidly closing window before the expert panel will be considering the application.She lists names of people gathering petition signatures, sewing banners, and names of shops that have put protest posters up, part of her hustle is making sure people are in the right place at the right time. The protest, set to take place during Auckland Anniversary weekend, is top of the agenda. She is expecting a good turn out, and as it turns out, gets one. She later estimates 1500 people attended. These included people from Te Parawhau and Te Patuharakeke hapū.There is a fear the community's dissent and the 9000 petition signatures will not change the outcome."There's a very high bar for proposals to be declined," says Hart.The expert panel assessing the project needs to give priority to ensuring infrastructure and development projects go ahead. Local opposition and environmental concerns take a back seat.It is not clear how much weight the cultural impact assessments will have on the expert panel's decision.The locals may lose something which has been part of their rohe for generations, Hart says."Without a doubt the most concerning part of the Fast-track Act is its calculated move to cut out community opposition. The Fast-track Act is not meant for us."This story was originally published by RNZ

Auckland Council’s proposal to prohibit dogs from a significant portion of Te Arai’s coastline has sparked frustration and disappointment among local dog owners.On February 4, more than 30 dog owners and their pets gathered at Forestry Beach (also known as Te Arai South) to voice their opposition to the proposed restrictions. If implemented, the plan would confine off-leash dogs to a small section of sand at Te Arai Point, commonly called Quarry Beach. With the surrounding beaches of Pakiri and Te Arai already designated as dog-free zones, Mangawhai Heads would become the closest accessible beach for dog walkers.The council has justified the proposed ban as a measure to protect endangered wildlife, including dotterels. However, many long-time locals argue that they have walked their dogs in the area for decades without witnessing any harm to native species. Some have even stated they have never seen a dotterel at Forestry Beach.Protesters criticised the council’s reasoning, highlighting the apparent contradiction between conservation efforts and ongoing developments in the area, such as tree removal, large-scale excavation, and seabed sand mining. They also don’t believe council have provided any concrete evidence linking dogs to environmental damage at the beach.The proposal is part of a broader review of dog access rules across 14 regional parks, including Mahurangi East, Scott Point, Mahurangi West, Pakiri, Shakespear Regional Park, Tawharanui Regional Park and Wenderholm, to protect vulnerable native wildlife.Many dog owners, however, say they were unaware of the proposed changes until recently, when locals such as Tonya McKay and Mark and Janet Holiday began raising awareness through social media, posters, and market stalls.Mark pointed out that a designated dotterel protection zone already exists further along the beach, closer to the Mangawhai estuary, about five kilometres from the main Te Arai car park.For a full list of comparison of existing and proposed amended regional park dog access rules head hereAuckland Council’s Proposal and How to Have Your SayAuckland Council is reviewing its Policy on Dogs and the Dog Management Bylaw, which govern how dogs can be kept, their impact on public spaces, and their welfare.As part of this review, the council is proposing changes that include:Setting a limit on the number of dogs a person can walk at one time in council-controlled public placesClarifying and updating dog access rules for 14 regional parksUpdating dog access rules for 64 local parks and beachesRemoving outdated or repetitive informationMaking the policy clearer and easier to understandInformation Sessions and Public FeedbackThe council is holding in-person and online information sessions and ‘Have Your Say’ events from 30 January to 20 February 2025.Dog owners and other community members need to have their say by 23rd February:Filling in the online feedback formRegistering to attend a Have Your Say eventEmailing their feedback to [email protected] 09 301 0101 to give feedback over the phoneAll feedback will be considered before final decisions are made in mid-2025.To learn more head to https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dog-policy-bylaw-and-access-rules

Northpower has a planned power outage scheduled from 9:30pm Thursday 13th February to 5:30am Friday 14th February that will affect much of the Mangawhai area. We're undertaking a large maintenance project on our high voltage 33k network lines and at the Kaiwaka substation. To conduct the work safely, we must turn off the power to complete it.We have scheduled these works for overnight to try and keep disruptions to a minimum, however, we do understand this can cause some inconvenience.Thank you for your understanding and patience, this mahi is part of our ongoing work to maintain a safe and resilient network for the future.If you have any questions or concerns, please phone us on 0800 10 40 40.

A person has been airlifted to hospital in critical condition from the Shipwrecked Festival, a popular music and arts event.A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were alerted to the incident at 4.11am today at Te Ārai, north of Auckland.An ambulance and rescue helicopter were dispatched, and the individual was transported to Auckland Hospital.A festival spokesperson confirmed one person was taken to hospital this morning via helicopter. Their family has been contacted, and privacy is requested on their behalf.The injuries were not due to assault and there were no interruptions to the event's schedule, they said.

Traffic is congested and slow moving SOUTHBOUND on SH1 from Te Hana all the way to Warkworth. Expect delays or leave later!Traffic also congested around 3km before, Kaiwaka heading Southbound.Check our Roads / Traffic button for updates.

A new footpath and pedestrian bridge has opened in Wellsford which allows residents to walk from Rodney Street to Centennial Park without having to cross busy State Highway 1.MP for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi, Auckland Council elected members and staff, Auckland Transport staff, Wharehine, Kiwirail, Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa and the Wellsford community attended a blessing conducted by Mātanga – Tikanga me Te Reo Māori Richard Nahi on 1 February.The 1.8m-wide footpath runs from the exiting footpath at 68 Rodney Street to Centennial Park Road along the eastern side of the highway. A new footbridge east of the vehicle overbridge completes the footpath link over the railway tracks to Centennial Park Road.Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says this footpath link is important to the Wellsford community who have waited a long time for safer pedestrian access across town.“Footpaths are a priority for our local board and community who want to expand the network, and connect our residents to workplaces, schools and sports facilities.“Our Wellsford community can now walk easily and safely from the town centre to businesses, the preschool and Centennial Park. For many years, they had to cross the state highway to get to the other side of town.”Funded by the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate with a contribution from Waka Kotahi / NZ Transport Agency, the footpath and bridge took 10 months to build at a cost of $3.9 million.The project’s biggest challenge was installing the 76-tonne concrete beam for the overbridge in June which required two cranes and an overnight road closure.Local board member Colin Smith, who represents the Wellsford area, says the new footpath and bridge is a game changer for the town.“This new asset will make a huge difference to our community who can now walk safely across town to shop, play sport and enjoy the park.”Bailey thanks the project team for their efforts engaging with local stakeholders, and Caroline Milner, for her efforts in drawing the community together, around the project.The targeted rate delivers transport projects in the local board area which are excluded from the Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2031. It follows the principle that revenue collected from each of the board’s four subdivisions is only used for projects delivered in that subdivision.Funding criteria used to decide where new footpaths are built includes busy school routes, well-used pedestrian routes, and linking existing and new developments to extend the pedestrian network.Bailey says, “It’s very important that these footpath projects deliver the maximum benefit for Rodney.”

The annual Mangawhai Bowl Bash is happening today from 10 AM to 5 PM at Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ)—one of Aotearoa’s top-tier skate facilities.This year the MAZ big bowl, now over a decade old, is set for a major revamp. The upgrade will include 75 new coping blocks, a full grind back, and resealing, with project costs estimated at over $50,000.To help fund this exciting upgrade, gold coin donation parking will be available during the event. If you're able, track down the parking wardens and contribute more, or visit the MAZ website to donate directly.The Bowl Bash is a huge event for both Mangawhai and the international skateboarding community, attracting competitors from Australia and beyond. Photo credit: @davidreadWhether you're a skateboarding enthusiast or just keen to witness some incredible talent, head down to MAZ today!There is also an afterparty for R18s on at The Bunker from 8pm.In addition to the bowl upgrade, MAZ is also building a brand-new kids’ playground this year. You can read more about that here. With so many exciting projects underway, MAZ needs community support now more than ever. If you can donate or volunteer, your help would be greatly appreciated—MAZ is an incredible asset to our community!

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 14 February 2025.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 northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruarySH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Newtown Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruarySH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruaryHobson Street westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruaryNewton Road westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruarySt Lukes Road westbound on-ramp, 13 FebruarySH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 FebruaryWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 11-13 FebruaryWestbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 7 February to 5:00am 10 February (24/7)Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 14 February to 5:00am 17 February (24/7) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 9 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 9 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 9 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 10-13 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryBombay southbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryBombay northbound on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryBombay northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryDragway Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryHampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 9-13 FebruaryNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)SH16 eastbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 FebruaryGreat North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 FebruaryWestbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 FebruaryEastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 FebruarySt Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 FebruarySH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruaryDominion Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 FebruarySH20 Northbound to SH16 Eastbound Link, 12-13 FebruarySH20 Northbound to SH16 Westbound Link, 12-13 FebruaryMaioro Street northbound on-ramp, 12-13 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 9 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 9 February

New Zealand Sugar Company, trading as Chelsea Sugar, has been fined $149,500 for manufacturing, distributing and selling sugar products contaminated with lead.In November and December 2021, the company recalled thousands of packs of sugar products because of potential low level lead contamination.Media release: New Zealand Food Safety to investigate sugar recallsTwo other product recalls were needed when it was later discovered New Zealand Sugar Company provided incorrect information to supermarkets, resulting in more sugar products being released to consumers."These recalls had a significant impact on consumer access to certain sugar products, such as brown sugar. It also affected a large number of other businesses which had to recall products made with the contaminated sugar," says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.In the Auckland District Court, the company was sentenced on 2 charges it pleaded guilty to in May last year, including breaching its National Programme (NP) – designed to manage any food risk to consumers – along with negligently endangering, harming, creating, or increasing risk to consumers by distributing its product.A sentencing hearing was held in September last year and the court has released its reserved decision today."New Zealand Sugar Company knew what its responsibilities were to consumers – ensuring the safety and suitability of its products and managing any potential risk to consumers."It failed to properly detect the extent of lead contamination until after the imported sugar had been used in production."Offending at this scale is rare, and the Court’s sentence today sends a strong message that it will not be tolerated," says Vincent Arbuckle.In September 2021, the New Zealand Sugar Company imported sugar from Australia that became contaminated with lead during sea transport. From this sugar it manufactured and distributed 971 tonnes of contaminated sugar products to businesses in New Zealand.The sugar had been freighted to New Zealand from Australia aboard the cargo ship Rin Treasure – a vessel that had been used to ship metal sulphide concentrates (lead and zinc) on its previous voyage.Before choosing this ship, New Zealand Sugar Company was advised the vessel failed a survey report on 3 September, meaning it was not fit to load and transport bulk sugar. Prior to its departure, the vessel was cleaned, and a cleanliness report certified the vessel’s hold was in a fit state for the stowage and carriage of raw sugar.However, the cleaning was not effective, and the cargo of sugar became contaminated with lead during the journey from Queensland. This contamination may have been potentially exacerbated by a broken pipe aboard the vessel that spilled water into the sugar during the cargo unloading process by contractors.Samples of the sugar were collected between 15 and 24 September for testing but New Zealand Sugar Company followed its normal process of producing sugar products from the cargo for distribution and sale."The test result on 7 October showed high readings of lead contamination, but rather than take immediate action and stop production and distribution, they instead sought more testing which confirmed the same result."Some of this product was sold between October and early November. We were not informed of the lead contamination until 3 November, which is unacceptable."New Zealand Sugar Company’s lack of definitive action resulted in a consumer level recall of sugar products on 4 November – around 6 weeks after the contaminated product arrived in New Zealand."Although the short-term exposure to increased lead levels through these sugar products would not have endangered people’s health – we cannot afford to take a chance on public health," says Vincent Arbuckle.If you have concerns about a food product, you can contact New Zealand Food Safety on 0800 008 333 or use our online food complaint tool

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 7th February - Fine apart from evening cloud. Chance of an afternoon shower north of Warkworth. Northeasterlies developing.Saturday 8th February - Fine. Easterlies, turning northerly in the afternoon.Sunday 9th February - Mainly fine, chance of a shower from morning. Southerlies developing.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 7th February - Fine, becoming partly cloudy with the chance of a shower from late afternoon. Easterlies developing this morning.Saturday 8th February - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the morning. Easterlies developing before dawn.Sunday 9th February - Mainly fine, chance of a shower from morning. Easterlies developing.

Waitangi Day Thursday 6th FebWaitangi Day In Mangawhai - This will be a big even for Mangawhai, family friendly with activities in different locations. There will be something for everyone. This comes at a perfect time to bring the community together and have fun after such a stressful time for many after the Tornado that hit parts of Mangawhai.Music In The Vines - another event in Mangawhai, kick back and relax with a wine and listen to some chill sounds.Waitangi Day at Kawau Boating Club - bring your own waka, open to all, with a pub quiz.The Matakana Village Pub - Live music! Celebrate Waitangi Day (and Bob Marley’s birthday) with Ben and his reggae sound system from 2-5 PM. Good tunes, summer feels, and a whole lot of rhythm - don’t miss it! Friday 7th FebShipwrecked 2025 - boutique music and arts festival, running for 3 days at Te Arai.Mangawhai Arts Studio TrailJosh Leys @ The Matakana Village Pub This Friday!Blame The Cats at the Warkworth RSASaturday 8th FebMatakana Village Farmers MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMangawhai Community MarketShipwrecked 2025The Bobby Holidays Live @ The Tahi Bar & KitchenVibes on Vine, WhangareiMangawhai Bowl Bash 2025Mangawhai Arts Studio TrailSunday 9th FebMatakana Country Park Market - Wander the stalls under the trees and enjoy all of the incredible food vendors. 9am - 2pm, 33 Omaha Flats Road, MatakanaShipwrecked 2025Kiwi Bubble SoccerWaipu Car & Bike Show Mangawhai Arts Studio Trail

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and the Western Springs Speedway Association (WSSA) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Matakana Coast App. The Matakana Coast App serves solely as a platform for sharing information and takes no responsibility for the claims, or opinions presented in this article.For 95 years, Western Springs Speedway has been a cornerstone of Auckland’s cultural and sporting history. This iconic venue has hosted thrilling open-wheel races, including midgets and sprint cars, and has been home to countless cherished memories for generations of fans. As a child, I fondly remember packing a picnic dinner with Mum and heading to Western Springs with the family for an evening of excitement. The roar of engines, the smell of the track, and the thunderous cheers from the crowd created an electric atmosphere.Western Springs wasn’t just a place for races; it was a hub for community, tradition, and unforgettable experiences that stayed with you long after the checkered flag waved.However, this legacy is now under threat. A Historic Venue in JeopardyThe Auckland City Council has issued notice to close speedway operations at Western Springs and relocate Auckland’s speedway racing to Waikaraka Park near Mt Smart Stadium. Waikaraka Park, traditionally the home of saloon and stock car racing, is slated to receive $11 million in upgrades to accommodate both tin-top and open-wheel racing. While some view this consolidation as a practical solution, supporters of Western Springs Speedway believe it undermines the heritage, unique character, and global reputation of the venue. Western Springs Speedway is compliant with existing noise restrictions, addressing a frequent concern in such debates. Importantly, Western Springs is not only Auckland’s oldest sporting tenant but also the most famous dirt oval in the Southern Hemisphere. It has drawn champions and fans from around the world, cementing its status as a world-class motorsport destination. The Fight to Save Western SpringsThe Western Springs Speedway Association (WSSA) is leading the charge to preserve this iconic venue. They are determined to hold the Auckland City Council accountable for what they feel is a dishonest and manipulative approach to closing Western Springs Speedway in October 2024. The WSSA has already invested considerable resources in this fight, and the estimated cost of taking the Council to court for a judicial review is approximately $50,000—a last resort they hope to avoid. However, every contribution counts in ensuring this historic venue is preserved. The WSSA’s mission is to form a united voice for the open-wheel speedway community and Auckland ratepayers to reverse the decision to close speedway operations at Western Springs. Should they succeed, their goal is to secure a lease for Western Springs Speedway and open tenders for organisations capable of managing the facility during the speedway season. Additionally, the WSSA advocates for a collaborative approach among open-wheel speedway drivers, car owners, and supporters. By working closely with promoters, they aim to deliver the best possible shows for fans and maintain the high standards of motorsport excellence that Western Springs is known for. Join the association for just $5 to help SAVE OUR SPEEDWAY. Sign up at www.saveourspeedway.co.nz as a supporter, driver, car owner, or volunteer. A Call to ActionThe closure of Western Springs Speedway represents more than the loss of a venue—it’s the erosion of Auckland’s cultural identity.At the recent Kumeu Car Show, I encountered passionate advocates from the WSSA who are determined to save this iconic space. Their message was clear: Western Springs is irreplaceable, and its closure would be a tragic loss for motorsport enthusiasts and the wider community alike.To those who cherish this venue, now is the time to act. Whether through signing petitions, engaging with local representatives, or spreading the word, your support is vital.Western Springs Speedway deserves to roar with life for generations to come. Let’s stand together to ensure this historic venue remains a place where champions are crowned, and the cheers of the crowd echo long into the future.

TO VIEW THE FULL NEWSLETTER CLICK HEREA New Year, New OpportunitiesAs we step into 2025, there’s a lot to be excited about. This year presents new opportunities for us as a town to plan, innovate, and promote Warkworth as a destination where visitors as well as locals want to spend time—and money.The summer break saw Warkworth lively with activity. Despite the windy weather, the sunshine brought locals and visitors out in force. On my visits into town, I was struck by how busy it was and heard from retailers and cafés about the strong trade over the holiday season.However, one challenge stood out—ensuring more businesses remain open on public holidays. While I understand how difficult this can be, especially for those managing small teams or operating alone, it’s also clear these are some of the busiest and most profitable trading days. Finding ways to collaborate better on this is something we can explore together.A key goal for this year is positioning Warkworth as a must-visit destination. To achieve this, we’re forming a planning group of tourism, hospitality, and retail representatives to develop a promotional and advertising strategy. Drawing inspiration from successful revitalisation projects elsewhere, such as Queen Street's transformation efforts highlighted in this RNZ article, we can explore new ways to breathe life into our town and attract more visitors.You may have noticed the hanging flower pots outside a few businesses we are trailing around town, such as outside the Information Centre, Warkworth Butchery, and Watson’s Shoe Repair. While they’re not real plants, they’re a low-maintenance way to add vibrancy to the streetscape. If the trial goes well, we hope to extend this to all interested businesses with minimal one-off costs.On another front, our engagement with Watercare continues positively. As their planning progresses, I’ll organise a meeting early in the year for Elizabeth Street businesses to address concerns directly with the project team. Watercare’s willingness to engage with our community has been exceptional, and the changes we’ve helped drive are a testament to what we can achieve as a small but determined community.Here is what Dave Chambers, Watercare CEO wrote to me in an email:Our intent is to work well with communities and mostly that occurs but not always. In this case, it very clearly didn’t but the work we’ve been able to do together since July is excellent and you could also feel proud that you’ve changed our organisation as the goodwill and expertise you came to the table with has changed how we approach more challenging development situations. It has already brought a changed approach from us for a southern Auckland community that would not have been the case had we not worked together on the Warkworth situation." - Dave Chambers, Watercare CEOLet’s make 2025 a year of progress, collaboration, and growth for Warkworth. Together, we can ensure our town continues to thrive.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi, [email protected] Improvement District (BID) Policy RefreshHave your say about the refreshed policyUpdates to the BID Policy and supporting documents are now open for feedback until 28 February 2025. Read MORE HERE>Purpose of the BID policyThe BID policy outlines how Auckland Council works with BID-operating business associations in Auckland. (Including One Mahurangi Business Association)The policy:provides a framework for the governance, accountability and management of BID programmesaims to sustain public trust and confidence in the BID programmebalances Auckland Council’s role in the programme with the independence of BID-operating business associations.Business Health Check SurveyThank you to the fifty+ respondents of the survey! The survey is due to close on Feb 5th 2025 so get in quick if you haven't already. It takes just 2 minutes of your time to complete our Business Health Check. Your feedback helps us understand your needs better and shape our initiatives to benefit the local business community.To take the survey now CLICK HERE>Marketview Monthly Summary for December 2024In December 2024, the One Mahurangi, Warkworth precinct saw consumer spending reach $33.8 million, a 4.3% increase from the same time last year, with 487,000 transactions, up 3.7%. Notably, spending in accommodation grew by 50.4%, while international customer spending surged by 44.1%, highlighting strong local and international engagement during the festive season. The One Mahurangi BID area is ranked 14th of 56 listed Auckland BID areas. Read the Dec 2024 summary report HERE>Visit our Consumer Spending page on our website for monthly reports > onemahurangi.co.nz/marketview-reportsBusiness.govt.nz YouTube Shorts for TradiesUpskill with digital tools for the construction industry.Learn about enhancing productivity through Industry 4.0, optimising 3D printing, AI in the construction sector and more HERE>Follow the Warkworth Information Centre on Instagram! Follow @visitwarkworth on Instagram for stunning photos, updates on local events and attractions, and insider tips on the best places to shop and dine out in Warkworth and beyond.Extended summer opening hours on Saturdays 10am - 1pm A noticeboard outside the WW Info Centre has the latest updates on the Watercare Pipeline Project.Visit onemahurangi.co.nz for the latest updates// Community Noticeboard //** OPENING NIGHT THURS 30th JAN 2025 > Click here **Summer Shuttle Service around Mahurangi with Mai RideWith 12+ stops connecting Omaha, Matakana, Snells Beach, Warkworth, and Algies Bay you can move effortlessly between local events, sunny outdoor spots, and great venues for just $20pp a day.Visit www.mairide.net for more details

Mangawhai is set to come alive with a vibrant celebration of Waitangi Day, offering a culturally infused community event that brings people together through history, heritage, and entertainment. With free entry to all activities, this family-friendly event is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate.Event Highlights:Morning Session (10 AM – 12 PM) – "Using the Past to Pave the Future"Held at the Mangawhai Community Park and Museum, this session features a Karakia and welcome by Kaumatua Ben Hita and local leaders educating visitors on the history and heritage of the Kaipara region. There will also be stalls, face painting, and activities for all ages.Afternoon Session (1:30 PM – 3 PM) – Sailing & Waka Ama SpectacularHead to Lincoln Reserve for an exciting Waka Ama and sailing showcase on Mangawhai Harbour. Participants are welcome to bring their own waka or yacht or borrow one on-site. (Contact Colin at 0212 257 257 to register.)Evening Session (6 PM – 9 PM) – Dinner and ShowThe festivities continue at MAZ lower field (Mangawhai Community Park) with live entertainment and food trucks. The lineup includes: Loose Covers – A high-energy local bandMOKOMOKAI – A soulful musical performanceBOH RUNGA – Closing the night with her iconic vocalsThe event will conclude with a closing Karakia.This is a fantastic opportunity for the Mangawhai community to come together in celebration of culture, history, and unity. Volunteers are also needed—if you’d like to help, email [email protected] big thank you to the sponsors HireWorks, Sarah Design, and 4 Square Mangawhai for supporting this incredible event.Don’t miss out—bring your whānau and celebrate Waitangi Day in Mangawhai! Facebook event details

A man has been arrested in relation to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kyle Jenkins on a Northland roadside last week.The accused appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday morning on a charge of murder with a firearm.The 20-year-old was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.He did not enter a plea and is next due in the High Court at Whangārei on 21 February.Jenkins' body was found in a creek next to Otaika Valley Road - or State Highway 15 - on the morning of 29 January.His motorcycle was found in a nearby layby, opposite the entrance to Otaika Valley Scenic Reserve.The layby on Otaika Valley Road, Whangārei, where police say 18-year-old Kyle Jenkins was shot on the evening of 28 January 2025. Photo: RNZ/Peter de GraafEarlier, police said they believed he had been killed between 7pm and 11pm the previous night.They appealed to the public to come forward with any information about what happened.Police working on the investigation, code-named Operation Distant, had set up a dedicated online portal at distant.nc3.govt.nz so people could upload any footage or photos.Information could also be provided by calling 105 and quoting file number 250129/0335 or, anonymously, via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Otaika Valley Road was closed for almost two days following Jenkins' death, which police initially described as unexplained.Friends have left a tribute at the layby, attaching 'Kyle' in painted wooden letters to a guard rail between the layby and the creek.Jenkins' funeral is on Tuesday.The Maungatapere teenager is understood to have worked in a café in central Whangārei.This story was written by Peter de Graaf and originally posted on RNZ

Last year was a tough year for the New Zealand economy.So tough, in fact, that HSBC estimates it had the biggest drop in gross domestic product in the developed world and The Economist put us ahead of only Finland, Latvia, Turkey and Estonia on a measure that included stockmarket performance, inflation, unemployment and government deficits.But why was the hit so bad?A big part of the equation is the government's response to Covid-19. The government spent about $60 billion through the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund, including about $12b in the initial wage subsidies.Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub says the response was large by international standards."We had a lot more stimulus in the Covid years and we have had a lot more restriction that followed both from monetary policy and fiscal policy. The government injected as hell of a lot of money through the Covid years then there has been a really big pull back."[Covid spending] was massive. It was free money going into business accounts, business profits spiked during the Covid years."We have never had more profitable businesses than we did during the lockdowns."As a result, we didn't have the same kind of job losses and that kind of thing, it was a lot of money. Interest rates fell very sharply and the loosening of the lending rules was quite significant."Kelly Eckhold, chief economist at Westpac, agreed it was noticeable that the per-capita bounce back from the immediate Covid negative shock was strong, compared to other countries.He said the fiscal response "really did juice the economy" for a while.But that also pushed inflation up, which the Reserve Bank responded to with sharp interest rate hikes - again at a world-leading pace.The central bank was clear that it was trying to engineer a recession to get the rate of price growth under control."If you look at Australia, they didn't raise interest rates as much but they haven't started cutting yet," Eaqub said. "They chose a much more moderate path."Eckhold agreed: "They decided they could afford to allow inflation to stay up for a bit longer, and give it the benefit of the doubt. They put more weight on protecting the labour market. In Australia they have a labour market mandate as part of the Reserve Bank criteria."In New Zealand, when the new government came in they specifically changed the Reserve Bank mandate to take that out and focus on inflation."He said the US Federal Reserve also had an employment mandate which might have made it more willing to cut rates.Eaqub said the monetary policy was still tight. "The Reserve Bank came out last week with Paul Conway's speech saying neutral is 2.5 percent or 3 percent [for the OCR] so they are still leaning against the economy even when it's on its knees. These guys are sadistic. They're like 'we're going to crush this economy it's the only way we know how to tackle inflation'."He said that was acceptable as the only tool available to the Reserve Bank but it showed the mistake of the "sugar rush" of the Covid years that sent money into the property market."The immigration boost that helped us didn't come with an overall lift in the standard of living… there were more people rather than people being better off. Now there's been a giant downturn in the housing market, a construction slump and people are feeling poorer."On top of that, government has pulled back on spending, putting further pressure on the economy.From here, Eckhold said things should improve on the back of sharp easing from the Reserve Bank."There's been 125bps so far and we're fairly confident we'll get another 50 in another few weeks. That's right up there in terms of the size of the response we've seen anywhere. We should expect that to reflected in better growth outcomes."He said he was not predicting "stellar growth" but a return to trend."Interest rates have been cut a long way but they're not going into strong stimulatory territory. Fiscal policy is predicted to remain relatively tight."Eaqub said there should be a fairly strong cyclical bounce back. "We haven't lost massive amounts of jobs like we have in previous recessions, which is great. If you look at the monthly data if feels like things are just starting to stabilise a bit which is pretty incredible if you think about it. Job ads are not falling precipitously anymore, so the preconditons are there for a recovery."Eckhold said China's economy being weaker could also be a handbrake as the country's biggest trading partner, and US President Donald Trump's tariffs could be an issue.Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said there were other factors beyond fiscal and monetary policy that would have affected outcomes, such as the severity of lockdown restrictions, border closures, household debt levels, migration, export prices and population growth.He said while the US had a different pattern, the total outcome over the past four years was not hugely different. The US fell sharply in 12020 while New Zealand grew, but continued to grow relatively strongly through 2023 and 2024 while New Zealand stuttered.This story was written by Susan Edmunds, Money Correspondent and published on RNZ

UPDATE 12:20PM This section of #SH1 remains CLOSED with vehicle recovery & clean-up expected to take some time today. Consider delaying your journey or allow extra time for the detour via Mangawhai:NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 7 February 2025.  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)Southbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 2-4 & 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 2-4 & 6 FebruaryOnewa Road northbound off-ramp, 2-4 FebruaryStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 2-4 FebruaryCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 2-4 FebruaryCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 7 February to 5:00am 10 February (24/7)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 4 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 4 FebruarySH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 4 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 3-4 FebruaryPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 3-4 FebruaryPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 3-4 FebruaryBombay northbound on-ramp, 2-4 & 6 FebruaryBombay northbound off-ramp, 2-4 & 6 FebruaryPokeno northbound off-ramp, 2-4 & 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road Roundabout, 2 February (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 3-4 & 6 FebruarySOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Coronation Road northbound on-ramp, 2 FebruarySH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road northbound on-ramp, 2 FebruaryNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 3 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 3 FebruaryCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 3 FebruarySouthbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 6 FebruarySouthbound Service Road (Puhinui Road to Cavendish Drive), 6 February (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 6 FebruaryLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 6 FebruarySH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 6 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) Northbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 4 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound Service Road (Cavendish Drive to Puhinui Road), 4 FebruaryCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 4 FebruaryLambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 4 FebruaryGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 2 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Kirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 2 FebruaryPlease follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.