The agency charged with enforcing vaccine pass rules says it has no idea how many businesses have paid fines for not complying.From December to about Easter, many businesses had to ask to see Covid-19 vaccine passes, and staff had to have them to work.Sixty-six fines were issued to businesses that did not comply, but it's unclear how many have paid up.Caleb Kloeg owns Masterton restaurant Saint Sebastian and refused to do vaccine passes."We decided not to partake in the traffic light system."We didn't say that we were doing it, we didn't say that we weren't doing it, we just said that as a business we weren't partaking into the contract of the traffic light system."In January, WorkSafe issued his business with $16,000 of fines for not checking vaccine certificates and not displaying vaccine pass signs.WorkSafe was in charge of educating businesses, and enforcing the rules, during the time the framework was in place.But Kloeg said he hasn't heard anything since learning the fines had been transferred to the Ministry of Justice for collection."If they essentially want their money they'll have to try and get it through the court process. And that's pretty much where we're at now."Kloeg said he never intended to pay the fines, but expected that they would become null and void since the vaccine mandates are all but over.In the four months the framework was in place, WorkSafe issued 66 infringement notices to 22 businesses.Sixty-one of those notices were transferred to the Ministry of Justice, with fines totalling $373,000.WorkSafe has no way of knowing how many of its fines will make their way back to the Crown coffers.Rodrigo Nasa owns Tauranga tattoo parlour Hammerhead Tattoos, and said he has no intention of paying his $24,000 in fines."Whatever they send to me it's going in the bin, simple as that, until they answer my questions or my email."Not just keep sending me, repeating the bill."Nasa said he has tried to talk to WorkSafe but hasn't had much success."Everything's almost like still happening in the clouds, hiding there somewhere."It's hard for me to give you a solid answer because I don't know where we're at."The passes were eliminated in April. Photo: 2021 Getty ImagesThe owner of Geraldine restaurant Q Foods, Carl Nicolson, is also adamant he won't be paying.In February, the business received $20,000 in fines for not checking vaccine passes, displaying signs or QR codes."I'm not paying for the fine regardless of what happens."They can do whatever they want to me, I will not pay that fine."Nicolson said communication with authorities since receiving the fines has been limited."I haven't had anything personally. A good associate has taken care of all of that who's very versed on common law."And the fine will disappear if it hasn't already, I haven't actually heard."Nicolson also came under fire for comparing the government's Covid policies to the Holocaust in his store signage.Engagement and education approach - WorkSafeHead of the general inspectorate at WorkSafe Simon Humphries said most businesses complied with their responsibilities under the Covid-19 Protection Framework, with only a small number not following the rules."We very much took a high engagement and education role right throughout our Covid response."But when there was sustained non-compliance by that very small number, then the next escalation of our response was to issue infringement notices."After issuing fines to businesses and serving reminder notices, WorkSafe transfers the infringement notices to the Ministry of Justice.But neither WorkSafe nor the Ministry of Justice know how much has been paid so far - if anything at all.Humphries said it was the same story with any enforcement agency: police may not know how many speeding tickets they issue actually get paid."Once it gets handed to the Ministry of Justice then the role of the regulator or issuing authority ends at that point."And then the Ministry of Justice then follow through the process around collection and their own internal process to the ongoing non-payment."A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the ministry didn't know how many have been paid because it cannot distinguish between Covid-19 fine infringements and other infringements imposed under the Health and Safety at Work Act.It is now in the hands of individual district courts to enforce the payments.

LADY BARBER – HAIRCUTTING SALOONAfter an award winning 30 year career in film & television, hair & make-up artist to the stars - Vanessa Hurley, aka LADY BARBER is pleased to now call Matakana her home.A trained barber & qualified hairdresser, ‘LADY BARBER’ is now open at The Matakana Country Park (next to Smiths Bar) offering haircuts for ladies, gents & kids.Excited to be returning to her roots, this country girl at heart describes herself as a little bit country & a little bit Rock n’ Roll.Grab a coffee, swing by, listen to some tunes and have a yarn while Vanessa cuts your hair your way. Book in or walk in…Tuesday – Friday  9am-5pm  Saturday 10am – 3pmHaircutsLadies Haircut $50-$80.00Mens Hair cut $40.00Beard trim $10.00-$20.00Kids haircut $30.00 - 12 yrs & underBlow Dry $60Make-upMakeup $80.00Hair up $80.00Eyebrow tint $20Eyelash tint $20Text or email for an appointment:021 828 419 [email protected]

SH1 WARKWORTH-WELLSFORD - OVERNIGHT CLOSURES - OCT/NOVState Highway 1 between Warkworth and Wellsford will be closed to all traffic for 8 nights while resurfacing is undertaken in the Dome Valley area (at two locations between Wayby Valley Rd & Sheepworld). Closures will be in place from 8pm to 5am each night for an initial 3 nights, Tue 25 October – Thu 27 October, then followed by 5 further nights, Sun 30 October – Thu 3 November, with no closures occurring on Friday or Saturday nights. During closures a detour will be in place using Woodcocks Rd, West Coast Rd, and SH16 (Kaipara Coast Hwy and Port Albert Rd) between Warkworth and Wellsford. Please plan ahead as this detour may add up to 40 minutes travel time to your journey. Through traffic (especially heavy vehicles) should use SH16 entirely between Auckland and Wellsford. Traffic Map info: http://spr.ly/6181MYTgBIn addition, safety improvements work at the Pohuehue Viaduct (south of Warkworth) will require stop/go traffic management on SH1 near Cowan Bay Rd during these nights so further delays should be expected.Full media release here: http://spr.ly/6182MYTg8 ^TP

Friday 21st OctoberMatakana Botanicals Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend SaleBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleInspire with Scott TownsendFiji Fridays @ SmithsSaturday 22nd OctoberInspire with Scott TownsendJunk Play eventsMangawhai Tavern MarketMangawhai Community MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend SaleMatakana Botanicals Labour Weekend SaleORION PIANO TRIOFood Truck Collective - WarkworthTrouble @ The MillFiji Fridays @ SmithsSunday 23rd OctoberMatakana Country Park MarketJunk Play eventsMatakana Botanicals Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend SaleBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleWhole Health Fest - MangawhaiGrant Haua Awa Blues Acoustic Aotearoa TourFiji Fridays @ SmithsMonday 24th OctoberMatakana Monday Market Labour Day SpecialBali Garden Labour Weekend SaleMorris & James Labour Day Weekend Sale

Warkworth regionFriday 21st October - Showers clearing to fine weather this morning, but still the chance of a daytime shower. Evening showers as southwesterlies turn easterly.Saturday 22nd - Fine. Easterlies, easing in the afternoon.Sunday 23rd - Fine. Light winds, becoming southwesterlies for a time in the afternoon and evening.Monday 24th - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing later. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai regionFriday 21st October - Fine with a few clouds, and the chance of a morning shower. A shower around midnight. Daytime southwesterlies, otherwise light winds.Saturday 22nd - Mainly fine, early shower clearing. Easterlies.Sunday 23rd - Fine with easterlies easing.Monday 24th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

Smith's in Matakana Country Park have kindly gifted us a $100 voucher to give away to a lucky Matakana App user!Enter your details here Smith's Matakana voucher up for grabs!Competition closes 27th October. Winners are announced on social media and contacted via email.If you aren't aware of Smith's Labour Day long weekend celebrations and specials check it out Fiji Fridays @ Smiths

*CONSULTATION* The Government plans to introduce a farm-level levy on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions from 2025. A farm-level levy will provide incentives for farmers and growers to take action on-farm to lower emissions. Several online Q&A sessions have been scheduled for farmers, growers and rural communities to ask questions. The dates and times are: 20 October (9am-10:30am) 25 October (6:30pm-8pm) 31 October (4pm-5:30pm) For more information, or to register, visit: https://consult.environment.govt.nz/.../agriculture.../Ministry for the EnvironmentSUBMISSIONS CLOSE 18TH NOVEMBER

New Zealand ShakeOut is our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi. It's taking place Thursday 27 October 2022 at 9:30am.What is New Zealand ShakeOut and tsunami hīkoi?ShakeOut takes place across the world to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake. Drop, Cover and Hold. You can also practice a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk) if you're in a coastal area.Information for schools, businesses and individualsFind ShakeOut information for schools and early childhood centres. We know that when kids are involved in preparing for emergencies, they encourage their families to be more prepared. And they play a more active role in responding to and recovering from emergencies.Find ShakeOut information for business and organisations. An emergency plan is a health and safety requirement. Not having one is a big risk for your business and the people in it.Find ShakeOut information for individuals, households and families. Taking part is a great way for your whānau to learn the right actions to take before, during and after an earthquake and tsunami.For more information visit:https://getready.govt.nz/en/involved/shakeout/

Critics of Rocket Lab say there is no guarantee its launches for foreign governments will not be used to facilitate the use of nuclear weapons.New Zealand-based Rocket Lab successfully released Nasa's Capstone spacecraft on a path to the Moon recently, among other missions.Both the company and the government have denied claims by the Green Party that its launches on behalf of the United States Defense Department could allow it to make war from space."Weaponising space is not in our national interest and goes against our international commitments to ensuring peace in space," Teanau Tuiono, the Green Party's spokesperson for security and intelligence, said in a statement."The government should put in place clear rules that stop our whenua being used to launch rockets on behalf of foreign militaries."Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck has gone on the record with media including Newshub and the New Zealand Herald to say that the company would not deal in weapons."We're certainly not going to launch weapons or anything that damages the environment or goes and hurts people," he told Newshub last year.Sonya Smith, a spokesperson for watchdog group Rocket Lab Monitor, said that New Zealand authorities have no power to control what happens after a launch."Essentially the policy is saying we intend to do no harm."So we think the intentions are good but the reality of the end result is that technology and those payloads is most definitely capable and likely of being used in a war setting."Smith said the United States Defense Force is open about its plans to use satellites for military goals.Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said a new Aerospace Strategy was being opened for public consultation in September.In that announcement, Nash announced a review into New Zealand's space policy."The Space Policy Review is an opportunity for New Zealanders to have their say on the values and policy objectives that inform our government's activities and engagements in space."Feedback will contribute toward the development of a new National Space Policy that will capture our values regarding space and inform future space policy development, including any regulatory or legislative changes to the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017."Green Party spokesperson for Māori development Elizabeth Kerekere said there needs to be more input into space policy by Māori."Tangata whenua have to have a greater say over what happens on their whenua. Rocket Lab's presence in Mahia is an example of tangata whenua being shut out of decision-making processes.""I will attend the public consultation on the National Space Policy Review in Mahia to support mana whenua," she said.

The Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) Trust will soon start work on a new Flow Bowl and Street Skateboarding Plaza, following a grant from Kaipara District Council.In total, Council has allocated $400,000 to MAZ in two portions. The first portion of $200,000 was set aside in the Long Term Plan to match Lotteries funding already obtained by MAZ. A further $200,000 grant will come from reserve contributions, collected from the Mangawhai catchment area.Skateboarding has been growing in popularity, particularly since becoming an Olympic sport, and the Mangawhai facilities are well used. The Olympics have two skateboarding categories – street and park – which require different facilities. Mayor Dr Jason Smith says the improved skate park facilities will put MAZ on the map as one of the best skate environments in the country.“Mangawhai has long been famous for its surf beach and will soon be famous for its skateboarding as well. The MAZ Trust has continued to raise funds and put in the hard yards to create a truly world-class facility that Council is proud to support.”MAZ Trust Chairperson Colin Gallagher says the additions to the skate park will open new recreation opportunities for both Mangawhai residents and visitors to Mangawhai. “We expect that providing a more comprehensive skate facility will have positive flow on effects for local shops and businesses, as well as being of a standard for training for the Paris Olympics in 2024.”Work will start on the Flow Bowl in September then move onto the Street Skateboarding Plaza. The funding covers 100% of the Flow Bowl and 50% of the plaza which will be developed in stages and designed so completed sections are usable while further funding is sought to complete the full plaza area. The MAZ Trust aim to complete the Skate Park within the next year.MAZ site plan showing planned Flow Bowl and Street Plaza

Groundswell NZ has organised a nationwide protest in response to the Government's document released 11th October proposing to tax farmers for emissions on food production.https://www.groundswellnz.co.nz/campaigns/were-not-going-to-take-itBelow is the rough schedule the protest will take in our area. Please be aware there may be traffic delays.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has asked the city's water management company and council boss to stop work on Three Waters.In a statement on Monday afternoon, Brown said he had promised during his election campaign that he would stop the central government's proposal.The plan would take water services out of the hands of councils and create four publicly-owned companies to cover the country."In more than 300 campaign events, I detected no support for it [Three Waters] at all among Aucklanders. I promised in the election campaign to stop it," Brown wrote to Watercare chairperson Margaret Devlin.Brown believed stopping this work could mean water charges and rates stayed "as low as possible" in return."It is not in the best interests of Watercare, its shareholder or its customers for it to spend any more money on the doomed proposal - and that is also true of Auckland Council," he said."What money Watercare or Auckland Council might have spent on Three Waters should be returned to Auckland households in the form of lower water charges and rates than would otherwise be charged."Former Auckland mayor Phil Goff was also opposed to the government's plan, saying it would diminish accountability and responsiveness but at the same time feared losing the opportunity for change because of disagreement over the governance."There needs to be reform of water and we stand by that - we just don't like the government's model that they've created for Auckland which in our view is unnecessary," Goff said.Brown's letter to Devlin also requested that the council organisation "maintain a focus on the delivery of your core services in accordance with the council's expectations".He wrote he would be setting out his expectations formally in a Statement of Intent, but said he had no plans for "any substantial changes" to organisation's operations."As mayor, I expect that you will not be unnecessarily spending your resources on assisting or preparing for Three Waters reforms that are unlikely to happen. That is also true of Auckland Council to which I have given the same advice."Brown had also campaigned on replacing the directors of major council-controlled agencies, pledging to bring the organisations back directly under the council's control.The boss of council development arm Eke Panuku pushed back, saying the council-controlled organisations answered to the council, not the mayor.

Crash outside South Bound tunnel.State Highway 1 Johnston Hill Tunnel. Currently blocked North and South bound. Avoid the area if possible. Please detour Hibiscus Coast Highway .

The Professional Firefighters Union is restarting industrial action this morning despite having just got recommendations from a mediator.Strike action over pay and conditions was suspended in late August.Yesterday mediator Graeme Colgan issued his final report, with its contents embargoed until 21 October.Union national secretary Wattie Watson said the industrial action consisted of bans on some workplace tasks and does not affect emergency response in any way."The purpose of [it] is to keep the pressure on FENZ to try to get them to the table and at least discuss where we've got common ground ... and how we're going to give this matter some priority and get the job done."Watson said there was a solid foundation in the report to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.The union will hold membership meetings virtually on Sunday to update its members.Fire and Emergency said it was hoping to keep the momentum up in talks.Chief executive Kerry Gregory said it was working through the report as quickly as possible to see what was feasible and sustainable.He said he was hopeful a settlement could be reached.

Warkworth regionMonday 17th October - Partly cloudy this morning with a shower possible. Showers from afternoon, possibly heavy. Westerlies turning northerly for a time this afternoon.Tuesday 18th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 19th - Isolated showers, clearing in the evening but becoming cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Thursday 20th - Showers, mainly in the morning. Southwesterlies, becoming strong.Friday 21st - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Southerlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai regionMonday 17th October - Partly cloudy, then showers from afternoon, possibly heavy with thunderstorms. Northwesterlies dying out in the evening.Tuesday 18th - A few morning showers then increasing fine spells. SouthwesterliesWednesday 19th - A few showers. Southwesterlies.Thursday 20th - Showers, clearing to partly cloudy weather. Westerlies.Friday 21st - Partly cloudy. Southerlies easing

It’s all happening at Leigh! After a slightly delayed start, the kororā have decided it is time to come ashore for nesting, and within a short time their numbers seem to have grown from almost none to many.As with last year they seem to be favouring natural sites rather than the boxes, but that’s fine because it keeps things as ‘normal’ as possible. Some birds are just resident, some are nest building, and a couple already are in lying positions consistent with having eggs. Here’s hoping!Some recent observations have been that they often still come ashore in very rough seas, but if the sea is cloudy (as it was after the August storms) one closely monitored nest remained unattended for a few days until the water cleared again. (Kororā are known to find food locating difficult in mirky water.)Unfortunately dead kororā were found on Matheson and Crabb Beach mid August. What the birds had been attacked by was inconclusive.On the positive side however, a huge shout out goes to all the trappers who are part of this project. They contribute so much to making the bird environment safe around Leigh, Ti Point, etc and given that the Little Penguin population is declining nationally, we need a community effort to grow their numbers. Thanks, you trappin’ gals and guys!!DOG WALKERS please be mindful if you are walking your dog, to keep them controlled and please do not let them off leash on coastal walkways and reserves as Penguin are nesting at present around our coast.*Author: Jenny Enderby / [email protected] for Leigh Rag [email protected] with permission.

Friday 14th OctoberRothko Tasting Series Presents Around The World With GinArt & Tartan+ Wearable Art Awards 2022Saturday 15th OctoberMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketFree Composting Workshop - MangawhaiCasino Royale - Matakana Fire Brigade FundraiserWellsford's Got TalentArt & Tartan+ Wearable Art Awards 2022Sunday 16th OctoberMatakana Country Park MarketMagical Mangawhai Period PowerCelebrate the Return of Kuaka

Warkworth regionFriday 14th - Mostly cloudy. Showers becoming isolated this afternoon. Easterlies.Saturday 15th - Partly cloudy. Southerlies.Sunday 16th - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Mangawhai regionFriday 14th - Mostly cloudy. Showers, possibly heavy, easing this evening. Easterlies, picking up for a while this afternoon.Saturday 15th - Occasional showers. Southeasterlies, dying out in the evening.Sunday 16th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

As we progress work to fully link the new motorway to the existing State Highway 1 at Johnstones Hill Tunnels (JHT) we will be making further road layout changes to the Southern Connection.We encourage you to plan your journey over the next couple of weeks as this work will involve lane changes and at times full road closures.Work will take place over two weeks in mid-October.• Sunday 16 October - SH1 closure northbound only – Silverdale to Johnstone Hill Tunnels. The detour will be via State Highway 16 and local roads, from 10pm to 5am.• Monday 17 October – SH1 closure both directions – Silverdale to Johnstone Hill Tunnels northbound and Pūhoi to Grand Drive southbound. The detour will be via State Highway 16 and local roads, from 9pm to 5am.• Wednesday 19 October – SH1 closure both directions – Silverdale to Johnstone Hill Tunnels northbound and Pūhoi to Grand Drive southbound. The detour will be via State Highway 16 and local roads, from 9pm to 5am.Until Wednesday 19 October, the northbound tunnel will be closed and traffic travelling in both directions will use one side each of the southbound tunnel using a contraflow.From Thursday 20 October, a slightly new road layout will be in place. Please drive with caution and keep to the sign posted speed limit.