More products containing tahini have been recalled over fears of salmonella.Earlier this month, 21 hummus and tahini products from Lisa's, Greater! and Prep Kitchen brands were recalled. Later, products that contain tahini from the brands Seasons Gourmet, Turkish Kitchen, and Ceres Organics were added to the recall.On Saturday, products containing tahini from five more brands were added, including specific batches Little Bird Organics' Good Breakfast Cookie Apple Cinnamon Almond Hemp, GoodFor's Sugar Free Spheres and Silky Ta-hini, She Universe's Sesame & Cashew Butter Batons, Forty Thieves' Organic Tahini Hulled, and Bin Inn's Organic Hulled and Unhulled Tahini.New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said salmonellosis could be serious and it was important people did not eat any of the products involved in the recall."Symptoms appear within 12 to 72 hours and include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Illness usually lasts between 4 and 7 days but, in more severe cases, it can go on for up to 10 days and cause more serious illness."People with symptoms should drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest."Anyone who has consumed this product and has severe symptoms - such as dehydration, severe diarrhoea or feeling sick for more than 7 days - should talk to their health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116."Arbuckle said any products involved in the recall could be returned to where they were purchased for a refund.He said NZFS was continuing to work with Te Whatu Ora to identify any salmonella cases relating to the recall.No confirmed cases have been identified yet but testing is underway.Tahini is a known high -risk food, and subject to a more stringent process in New Zealand, requiring border clearance.Arbuckle said NZFS would be working to understand how the contamination came to be and how to prevent it in future."We have informed food safety authorities in Turkey and will work together with them to identify and manage any further risk."

Drug drivers have been warned they face a sobering response at checkpoints as tougher transport laws come into force on Saturday.Assistant Commissioner Bruce O'Brien said new infringements and tougher penalties are in line for drivers found to be driving while impaired when the new Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act comes kicks in."For the first time, drugs that impair the ability to drive safely have been ring-fenced by law and drug concentration levels introduced that enable additional enforcement measures and penalties," he said."This is a significant step against reducing the harm caused on our roads by drug driving."Data collected from fatal crashes highlighted the presence of impairing drugs in a driver's blood was now generally about equal to alcohol, O'Brien said.The figure has more than doubled since 2015.There were 93 people killed in crashes in 2021 where a driver was found to have the presence of drugs, nearly a third of all fatalities that year."Police are ready to enforce these new laws and we will continue to use our current practice to identify drivers using drugs by carrying out compulsory impairment tests (CIT)," O'Brien said."If a driver fails this test, they would be required to give an evidential blood test for analysis which can determine what enforcement action is deemed appropriate for the offence."Legislative changesIntroduction of Schedule 5 to the Act with 25 listed qualifying drugs that have the highest risk of impairing the ability to drive safely. These are: alprazolam, amphetamine, buprenorphine, clonazepam, cocaine, codeine, diazepam, dihydrocodeine, fentanyl, GHB, ketamine, lorazepam, MDMA, methadone, methamphetamine, midazolam, morphine, nitrazepam, oxazepam, oxycodone, temazepam, THC (cannabis), tramadol, triazolam, and zopiclone.New enforcement levels (or limits) with a lower (threshold) and higher (high-risk) level for each listed qualifying drug in Schedule 5.Blood test analysis will now confirm either the presence or level of a qualifying drug.Introduction of infringement level offences for drivers between the threshold and high-risk levels.Tougher penalties for driving after consuming qualifying drugs, mixing with other qualifying drugs, and/or alcohol.82 new offences.O'Brien said a procurement process to identify a suitable oral fluid testing device to carry out random roadside drug driving testing could not find a device to meet the criteria and intent of the legislation."Random roadside drug driving testing will still be implemented following amendments made to the legislation, which is likely to include a confirmatory evidential laboratory test similar to how devices are used in other jurisdictions including Australia," O'Brien said.

A group of care and support workers have successfully sued the government in the High Court over the vaccine mandate.They sought a judicial review after losing thousands of dollars in payments.The workers, who mostly look after family members they live with, had their payments cut because they were not vaccinated against Covid-19.Justice Van Bohemen's judgment said the decision by then Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins to extend the mandate to the family carers was invalid.The Crown now agrees there was an error in decision making.The group's lawyer, Matthew Hague, said as a result of the mandate, care and support workers could not receive financial support to care for family members because of the alleged risk posed by the carer being near the person being cared for."However, in this case carers were near their family member anyway, whether or not financial support is provided."The families could ask the government to reimburse them, Hague said.Hipkins, who is now prime minister, needed to apologise to the support workers who had desperately needed financial support withheld, he said.Caregiver Jude Bignell said it was a win for "common sense".

Friday 10th MarchNZ Spirit Festival 2023Leigh Sawmill - Friday Happy HourMatakana Village Pub MEAT PACK RAFFLE Every FRI @ 4pmLive Music - Friday nights @ Matakana Village PubFiji Fridays @ SmithsSaturday 11th MarchBali Garden - Open DayMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketNZ Spirit Festival 2023Brooke Lane Vineyard’s Last Saturday ClubMoveable Feast! @ 8 Wired BarrelworksMixed Messages Saturday @ SmithsSunday 12th MarchMatakana Country Park MarketNZ Spirit Festival 2023Sunday Service @ Smiths

Warkworth RegionFriday 10th March - Rain developing this morning, possibly heavy and thundery, easing to isolated showers and fine breaks from afternoon as northwesterlies turn southwesterly. Showers clearing evening, except about the west coast.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 5hrs from 8am - 1pm Fri, 10 MarArea: Northland and Auckland including Great Barrier IslandForecast: A period of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach short duration warning criteria.Saturday 11th March - Fine. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 12th March - Fine. Southerlies, turning westerly in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 10th March - Periods of rain, easing to the odd shower as northwesterlies turn southwesterly in the afternoon. Showers clearing by evening.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 5hrs from 8am - 1pm Fri, 10 MarArea: Northland and Auckland including Great Barrier IslandForecast: A period of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach short duration warning criteria.Saturday 11th March - Fine. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 12th March - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.

Three regional parks across Auckland will reopen Wednesday 1 March.The six regional parks across Tāmaki Makaurau closed due to damage from the recent severe weather events have been actively assessed, with three due to reopen Wednesday 1 March. Three out of the six parks will remain closed for an extended period of time. “Our ranger kaimahi, when not supporting the response with Emergency Services and Auckland Emergency Management, are prioritising efforts to fully assess the effects of the severe weather events,” says Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Parul Sood. “The parks have been affected in a number of ways, including flooding, slips, facility damage, water supply, and access issues. Assets outside of the parks have also been affected such as the power network and roading infrastructure. “This means there are specific facilities within the reopened parks that remain closed. These will be monitored, with closures extended or removed as ground conditions improve. “Visitors should exercise caution by avoiding walking under trees. Some tracks will remain closed due to slips or other hazards. “Parks staff are continuing to assess damage and accessibility, with a view to opening these areas as soon as practicable. “Looking at the long-range forecast, we are hoping for more favourable conditions so the ground can dry out and we can start to repair the damage. Regional parks For the most up-to-date information on closures and interruptions to facilities, you can visit the Auckland Council website. Closed Muriwai Regional Park – closed till Saturday 1 April Waitākere Ranges Regional Park (Piha, Karekare, Bethells, Whatipu) - closed till Saturday 1 AprilTe Rau Pūriri Regional Park – closed till Friday 10 MarchReopening Wednesday 1 March (with restrictions to facilities) Ātiu Creek Regional Park – reopening Wednesday 1 March Tāwharanui Regional Park – reopening Wednesday 1 MarchHunua Regional Park – reopening Wednesday 1 March Stay away from the West Coast  Auckland Transport continues to urge Aucklanders to avoid traveling to communities with significant road closures still in place. Access to Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells Beach, Muriwai, Anawhata, Huia, Little Huia and Whatipū remains compromised.   Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach is also closed, with no access at Wilson Road and Coast Road.  Please continue to stay away from these areas and expect to be turned away if you are not a resident.  

We are now at the stage where we need to complete the final layer of road surfacing at both ends of the project, this means there will be a series of road closures on SH1 in both the north and the south during March.At the Northern Connection the project team will be undertaking pavement reconstruction and tie in works on SH1 between the Kaipara Flats Road / Goatley Road, and Hudson Road intersections. For safety reasons, a section of the road will be closed during the night while this happens. When the closure is in place, there will be a detour around Warkworth (via Woodcocks or Hudson Roads, Carran, and Kaipara Flats Road). The detour will add up to 10 minutes travel time for road users, so we advise planning ahead for travel over this time. People travelling south, will be diverted via Kaipara Flats Road, Carran and Woodcocks Roads • Sunday 12 to Thursday 16 March• Sunday 19 to Thursday 23 MarchAt the Southern Connection there are full SH1 closures between Silverdale to Johnstones Hill Tunnels (JHT). Traffic will detour along Hibiscus Coast Highway (HCH). A stop/go operation will be in place on HCH to manage traffic safely, from 9pm to 5am.• Sunday 5 to Thursday 9 March• Sunday 12 to Thursday 16 March• Sunday 19 to Thursday 23 MarchOver Dimension vehicles will be assisted through both of these sites via our traffic management team by prior arrangement. Heavy vehicles are advised to take State Highway 16.While all efforts have been made to limit disruption to traffic flows, we encourage you to plan your journey over this time and check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before heading out https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/ These construction works are part of the final stages before the new motorway can be opened later this year. While this will no doubt impact travel, completion of these works takes us closer to opening the new motorway as soon as possible and we are all looking forward to enjoying a safer, more resilient, and reliable road with more consistent travel times.

Homes were evacuated and part of Auckland southern motorway closed after a truck carrying canisters containing highly flammable gas burst into flames.Fire and Emergency were called to the scene just north of the Papakura on-ramp northbound just before 3am.A police spokesperson said: "These [the canisters] have exploded over all of the northbound lanes and into the bush on the side of the road."The motorway was blocked and nearby properties have been evacuated as a precaution."A woman who witnessed the fire said the flames looked nearly as tall as nearby power lines and it was a scary sight.Police said no-one had been injured.About 30 people evacuated from homes on Harbourside Drive were later allowed back to their houses.Sam Durbin spent about three hours out of his home and said the experience was one he wouldn't forget in a hurry.It was a "bit of a rough start" to the morning when the family dog came into the bedroom and woke them just before 3am."I woke up a bit and heard popping noises and thought, jeez, that doesn't sound like fireworks."So I bleary-eyed wandered to the back of the house and looked out the back and it was just absolutely orange, it was going up about fifty-odd metres to the pylons."There was lots of popping and projectiles being thrown into the air along with massive amounts of smoke."Outside, neighbours were gathering on the road and Fire and Emergency crews were telling people to evacuate, Durbin said.The fire has been put out but northbound lanes of the southern motorway remained closed and were not expected to open for some time."There is a significant amount of debris to clean up off the road and the fire is still burning out."There are diversions in place but as commuters will understand, this is going to cause significant delays and we would strongly advise people to avoid travelling this morning if they don't need to."Twelve fire trucks were at the scene at the peak of the blaze.

A message from DOCIn Northland there have been significant landslides and erosion on coastal walks. The popular Managwhai Cliff Walkway is closed until further notice and we're asking people not to attempt to do this walk, as you could be putting yourself and others at serious risk of harm.In Auckland, the well known Te Henga Walkway is completely inaccessible and fully closed for the foreseeable future. Not only are there large slips and landslides throughout the track, but the bridge at the Bethell's end has washed away.

A Northland rongoā expert is expecting to see a large number of submissions against traditional Māori healing methods being included in the Therapeutics Products Bill.It follows work to create what the government calls a better system to protect rongoā Māori in law.But rongoā Māori experts fear putting it in the bill would result in the tradition being treated like how it was in the Tohunga Suppression Act.The Therapeutic Products Bill aims to ensure products are safe, but it will also regulate how products are made, tested, promoted and exported.Tohe Ashby said he met with many who practise rongoā Māori on Waitangi Day and they all want it to stay in its own realm."All the Rongoā practitioners that I know of that stick with it, that work with it, there's a lot of grievances for it going into the therapeutics bill. They all agree that the rongoā needs to stand alone. That's happening right around with all our rongoā practitioners.He said there are a lot of Ngāpuhi organisations who also do not support rongoā going into the bill either.Wai262 claimants hope the kanohi ora strategy will help protect rongoā and keep it out of the Therapeutics Products Bill.The descendants of Wai262 claimants are creating a legislation framework with working protection mechanisms on the use of taonga and mātauranga Māori.Ashby said the next generation is now carrying on the work of their tupuna to keep rongoā out of the bill."That was made up of those claimants that put that statement to protect our taonga tohe," said Ashby."Now all those claimants have passed on, but however their people have come onboard to keep this going. At the moment we're working closely with the Crown to show how we can navigate around those relationships with the crown."Submissions on the bill closed on 5 March.

National grid operator Transpower is warning of possible disruptions to Northland's electricity supply as it shifts high-voltage lines to bypass a major slip.A big slip just south of Wellsford is threatening two towers carrying the lines, and there is a risk more bad weather might cause further movement and bring down both lines.Transpower general manager for grid delivery Mark Ryall said temporary towers will be set up to bypass the slip, and it has taken one line out of service to reduce the risk."With more rain forecast, we have removed the 110kV line from service and will lower it to the ground as a precaution," he said on Thursday."This will mitigate the risk of both transmission lines being affected at the same time if there are further slips."Northland will be reliant on the single 220kV line while the relocation is carried out, and households should take precautions such as having barbecues ready, and making sure electronic devices are charged."We are conscious that the people in these regions have been through a lot in recent weeks," Ryall said."While the risk of a fault or further slip on the 220kV line is small, we wanted to ensure that people are aware of the risk and able to take steps to prepare for any unplanned outages."We are working closely with local lines companies Northpower, Top Energy and Vector to manage any local impact in their areas."The first stage of the bypass is expected to be completed by next week, Ryall said, allowing the 110kV line to be reactivated.

Warkworth RegionMonday 6th March - Cloudy periods. A few showers, mainly in the east and about Great Barrier Island, clearing this evening. Thunderstorms with downpours are also possible on Great Barrier Island this morning. Southerlies, dying out late evening.Tuesday 7th March - Mainly fine, with isolated showers clearing in the morning. Light winds.Wednesday 8th March - Fine, but becoming cloudy for a time in the afternoon and evening. Southwesterlies.Thursday 9th March - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing. Westerlies.Friday 10th March - Mostly cloudy, with showers developing, some heavy. Fresh northwesterlies, turning southwesterly.Mangawhai RegionMonday 6th March - Cloudy periods. A few showers, mainly from afternoon, when some may be heavy. Southeasterlies developing this morning.Tuesday 7th March - Partly cloudy with a few showers. Light winds.Wednesday 8th March - Fine with southwesterlies.Thursday 9th March - Fine. Westerlies.Friday 10th March - Cloudy, with rain developing. Northwesterlies.

The night works at the Southern Connection of the project are still progressing following the recent weather events. However, works were postponed due to the cyclone and because of this we have had to extend these works for a further week.The full SH1 closures between Silverdale to Johnstones Hill Tunnels (JHT) will continue for the following dates. While the closure is in place, traffic will detour along Hibiscus Coast Highway (HCH). A stop/go operation will be in place on HCH to manage traffic safely, from 9pm to 5am.• Sunday 5 to Thursday 9 March• Sunday 12 to Thursday 16 March• Sunday 19 to Thursday 23 MarchThese are very weather dependant, so timings may change at short notice. While all efforts have been made to limit disruption to traffic flows, we encourage you to plan your journey over this time and check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before heading out https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/

Have your say with Auckland CouncilWith consultation now open on Auckland Council’s Annual Budget, Rodney residents are being urged to give their feedback on proposals that impact the area.The budget aims to address an estimated $295 million shortfall while prioritising services residents value.Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says the council is facing financial challenges that require tough choices and it’s important Rodney residents’ views are heard.“Everyone knows we are facing financial challenges and must balance the budget. The shortfall is partly down to the council’s services and assets expanding over time, but just like any household budget, things have been made worse by inflation, interest rates and the issues highlighted by the recent storms.“We have options to address the shortfall. It’s time for people to have their say and help shape the budget.”Options to close the shortfall include:reducing the council's and its organisations’ operating costs by another $125 milliona $154 a year / $3 a week (4.66 per cent) rate increase for the average value residential propertyselling Auckland Airport shares to reduce debtborrowing up to $75 million to allow for future financial uncertainty (current policy allows up to $140 million).Sayers says recent weather events have devastated Rodney communities.“We are proposing increasing our operating budgets by around $20 million a year to better prepare for future storms but that would likely require rates to increase another 1 per cent on top of the 4.66 per cent proposed.”He says the budget allows for everyday services, $2.8 billion in capital investment for transport, parks, community facilities, city centre and local development, urban regeneration, cultural development and environmental management.Proposals that reduce or stop services such as community and education programmes, grants, events, Mahurangi Regional Park events, economic development, homelessness funding, community empowerment and youth centre funding could save $20 million.But, if public feedback opposes the proposed budget, or the financial challenge worsens, it will need to fund the shortfall another way, likely by:Increasing rates by up to $336 a year / $6.50 a week (13.5 per cent) for average value residential propertyincreasing debt.Sayers says there is more in the budget and he’s encouraging everyone to read the proposals, share their ideas and give feedback.The city’s 21 local boards are also facing cuts, with a proposal to reduce operating budgets by $16 million.Rodney Local Board areaChair Brent Bailey says a budget proposal calling for $921,000 of savings in Rodney could hit services.“With the reduction in our operational budget and everything on the table, we need to know what services residents value most.“Capital projects and projects funded by our transport targeted rate will continue, which includes public transport and footpath infrastructure improvements.“Feedback will help us make the right funding decisions for our communities.”Key priorities to continue include:Develop a new Milldale park with a developerrenew Goodall Reserve skate ramp, Helensville river walkway, Wellsford Centennial Park assetsdeliver Warkworth and Helensville town centre improvements.Key services that may stop or reduce include:Kumeū and Helensville arts centre grantsWarkworth Library opening hoursevents such as Anzac Day, A&P shows and Santa paradescommunity workers and hall user subsidiesenvironmental volunteersecological restorationlow and no-mow areas in parkswaste minimisation programme.Have your sayFeedback can be provided online, via email, by phone, post or at Have Your Say events:Kumeū Library, 296 Main Road, 3 March, 10.30am-12.30pmWarkworth Library, 2 Baxter Street, 10 March, 11am-1pmKumeū Show, 35/41 Access Road, 11 March, 8.30am - 4.30pmVisit akhaveyoursay.nz/budget before 28 March to find out more.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 10 March 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Waiwera off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 5-9 MarchOrewa southbound on-ramp, 5-9 MarchMillwater southbound on-ramp, 5-9 MarchNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Waiwera on-ramp, 5-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00pm)Orewa northbound on-ramp, 5-9 MarchSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 5-9 MarchSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 5 MarchOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 5 MarchSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 6-8 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 6-8 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 8-9 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 8-9 MarchSouthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 9 March.Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 9 MarchUpper Harbour Highway southbound on-ramp, 9 marchUpper Harbour Highway southbound off-ramp, 5 MarchNorthbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 6-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 5 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Upper Harbour Highway northbound on-ramp, 5-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 5 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road northbound off-ramp, 5 MarchShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 5-9 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 5-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 5-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 5-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 8 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street northbound off-ramp, 8 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Greenlane southbound on-ramp, 7-8 MarchNorthbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 5-6 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 5-6 MarchSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 5-6 MarchMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 5-6 MarchHighbrook Drive southbound off-ramp, 9 MarchHighbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 9 MarchNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 5-9 MarchRamarama northbound on-ramp, 5-9 MarchSouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 5-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 5-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 8-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 8-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 8-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Lincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 5-9 MarchLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 5-9 MarchEastbound lanes between St Lukes Road off-ramp and SH1/SH16 links, 5-9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)St Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 5-9 MarchUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Eastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Mathews Road, 9 MarchAlbany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 9 MarchSH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 5-7 MarchSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Neilson Street southbound on-ramp, 9 MarchMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 9 MarchSouthbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 8 MarchWalmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 8 MarchWalmsley Road southbound off-ramp, 6-7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 8 MarchSouthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui on-ramp, 7 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 7 MarchCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 9 March

A massive slip has closed the main railway freight line between Auckland and Northland.The slip brought down about 35,000 cubic metres of debris onto a section of road and rail line near Tahekeroa between Helensville and Wellsford, covering an area nearly three times as big as a rugby field.The North Auckland Line between Swanson and Whangārei - one of the main routes for dairy products and cement to the rest of the country - is now expected to be closed for months, stopping all rail freight services to and from Northland.Hundreds of freight containers will now have to be trucked on Northland's already fragile roads each week.It was one of a number of KiwiRail lines expected to remain closed for the coming months.KiwiRail chief operations officer Siva Sivapakkiam Photo: RNZ/ Rayssa AlmeidaLine to NorthlandKiwiRail chief operations officer Siva Sivapakkiam said 50 slips fell on the rail line between Swanson and Whangārei, and fixing it could take up to three months, weather dependent."Our track teams have been busy clearing vegetation, repairing damaged rails and replacing culverts and we are still working through detailed engineering assessments for significant slips and flood damaged bridges," Sivapakkiam said."It's gonna be quite challenging ... one of the first things we really want to do is build back the rail track because it's one of the lifeline connections for us to move freight in and out of Northland.""So, 10 weeks is going to be pretty challenging for us, and today's probably the first day we've gotten there," he said.KiwiRail upgraded the North Auckland Line between Swanson and Whangārei in 2020 to make the track more secure.Sivapakkiam said with the slips, the project would now have to start again from scratch."At the moment we haven't been moving a hell of a lot because the line has been upgraded. We started on the 27th of January, and with ... what's happened. We've now gone back to square one."Regarding the slip at Tahekeroa, a large, temporary earth bund would be built so the slip could be cleared safely, then a permanent earth bund and significant drainage improvements would be built to help prevent future slips, he said.More than 40 extra freight trucks per day will be on the already fragile roads of Northland after a major slip on the region's main rail network. Photo: RNZ / Rayssa AlmeidaHawke's BayThe line between Woodville and Hastings was expected to remain closed for at least 3- 4 weeks."Once open it will allow us to then road freight to and from Napier," Sivapakkiam said."Track repairs are making good progress, detailed inspections of bridges are progressing, and we are setting up the temporary road-rail container terminal in Hastings."It would be months before the section of line between Hastings and Napier would reopen, he said.The line was badly damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle with a number of bridges damaged.Bridge 217, north of Clive, lost piers and spans.Napier - Wairoa trackThere were a number of washouts and slips of various sizes on the track between Napier and Wairoa.While high-level assessments have been undertaken via helicopter, ground level track inspections would begin this week."Given access to the rail line is difficult in some areas, inspections will take time," Sivapakkiam said."Our focus has to be on reopening the rail line to Hastings and then Napier, so at this stage Napier to Wairoa, which is used to transport logs, is expected to remain closed for some time."Slips have badly damaged rail corridors across many places in the North Island Photo: RNZ/ Rayssa AlmeidaMore trucks and trips neededRail and Maritime Transport Union spokesperson Todd Valster said the closed rail lines and increased truck movements to shift what would normally be carried by rail could mean more stress to the already fragile roading system in Northland.There would normally be one freight train through the region each day, with goods mainly heading toward Auckland."The goods now have to be moved by truck, but there are big challenges with the roads as well - not just rail, you're looking at potentially 24 to 48 trucks a day," Valster said.Transporting New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett said there would be a significant effect on the roads."What goes on a train still has to be transported and then will have to go on the back of a truck - so it will will mean more trucking movements," Leggett said.One of the company that relied on the North Auckland Line was Fonterra, which said it had switched its product transport from rail to road.Fonterra global supply chain director Anna Palairet said using trucks as an alternative to trains was less efficient and more carbon intensive.KiwiRail said works to repair the road and rail line will begin this week and will include building a temporary earth bund to make the site safe before beginning to remove the slip.It said its working on a long-term engineering solution to avoid further slips.

Friday 3rd MarchLeigh Sawmill - Happy Hour FridayMatakana Village Pub MEAT PACK RAFFLE Every FRI @ 4pmLive Music - Friday nights @ Matakana Village PubFiji Fridays @ SmithsADAM HATTAWAY and The Hawkers & JACKIE BRISTOW and Mark PunchSaturday 4th MarchMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketMixed Messages Saturday @ SmithsTuff Love @ Leigh SawmillSunday 5th MarchMatakana Country Park MarketSika 'Singing Stones' Sound Journey TourSunday Service @ Smiths

Warkworth regionFriday 3rd March - Fine, then high cloud increasing this afternoon. Light winds, afternoon sea breezes.Saturday 4th March - Fine apart from morning cloud. Southwesterlies.Sunday 5th - Fine apart from morning cloud. Southwesterlies, fresh about the Great Barrier Island.Mangawhai regionFriday 3rd March - Fine, then high cloud increasing this afternoon. Light winds, southeasterlies from afternoon.Saturday 4th March - Morning cloud then fine. Southerlies.Sunday 5th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

The price of some vegetables like kūmara and broccoli have doubled since Cyclone Gabrielle swept through New Zealand and decimated vast areas of crops.Customers should get used to the higher prices, which could linger until after next year's harvests, some supermarkets say."I usually spend $30, now it's gone up to $40 or $50, so it makes it hard," one shopper told Checkpoint."Cauliflower, broccoli, it used to be $1.99 and now it's gone up to $4. It's only a small little broccoli so it's not really worth it."So basically, when they say you've got to eat healthy, you can't afford it."Point Chev Fresh assistant manager Manni Singh. Photo: RNZ / Tom TaylorAt Auckland greengrocer Point Chev Fresh on Tuesday, assistant manager Manni Singh said he had never seen such a big increase in such a short time."The kūmara price has gone up to $9 a kilo," Singh said."Normally, we were selling it for $4.50."At Fruit World Grey Lynn on Tuesday, kūmara had shot up to $12.99/kg, while broccoli heads were $5.99 each.Store manager Hitul Patel said his business had no choice but to pass the cost on to customers."Everything looks inflated. It looks like we are really busy, but actually our margins have dropped quite a bit."The prices have gone up, so obviously it will show the sales have gone up, but the actual margin of the product has dropped."Broccoli was being sold at $5.99 each in Fruit World Grey Lynn on 28 February, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Tom TaylorFruit like apples, which were diversified across New Zealand, had more resilience than vegetables like kūmara, he said.The vast majority of New Zealand's kūmara stock came from Northland's Kaipara District, which experienced severe flooding in the cyclone.Rain had also impacted the quality and shelf life of green vegetables like lettuce, rocket, and cauliflower.After the current price increases, Patel expected potatoes and onions to follow in the medium term."Right now, a lot of growers have suffered quite a lot of losses. They have to replant, and it takes time."Nothing can be done overnight, unfortunately."Broccoli was being sold at $5.49 each in Point Chev Fresh on 28 February, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Tom TaylorCustomers at supermarket chains Countdown and Foodstuffs had also seen their vegetable prices shoot up."In some places, there's an extra 10 bucks, but there's not much I can do about it," one shopper said."I'm a uni student, so if it's a dollar more, it's a dollar more. I'll put that on StudyLink, so she'll be right."Another shopper said price rises were inevitable."They're going to increase, unfortunately. [It's] supply and demand, and with all the bad weather, the farmers are going to have a difficult time trying to match that."On Countdown's online store, red kūmara were selling on Tuesday for $14/kg while at Pak'nSave they ranged from $8-11/kg.If prices remained this high, they could be on track to beat the record monthly average of $8.99/kg set in November 2017.Red kūmara was being sold at $9.99 per kg in Point Chev Fresh on 28 February, 2023. Photo: RNZ / Tom TaylorA Countdown spokesperson said the chain was experiencing challenges with its bagged salads, coleslaws, lettuce, and kūmara - but carrots, onions, and potatoes were still in plentiful supply for the time being.Last week, Countdown senior leaders visited Hawke's Bay and Gisborne to understand how to support its producers."We partner directly with over 100 Kiwi growers and we're working really closely with them to understand the effects Cyclone Gabrielle has had and will have on our fruit and vegetable supply to make sure we have all the essentials in store for Kiwis."Foodstuffs said it was unclear how high kūmara prices could reach until the harvest was complete but customers could expect higher prices all the way through the year until the next harvest in February 2024.At one of New Zealand's biggest wholesalers MG Group, chief executive Peter Hendry said it was up to the customer how long these prices stayed up."If the demand's still strong and the volume's not there, then the prices will stay high," he said."But... there'll be a point where the consumer says, 'I'm not going to buy that anymore', and demand lessens until the price gets to the point where they'll re-engage."Around the country, Hendry said Hawke's Bay's apple exports would be impacted, while Gisborne's supply of citrus fruit would suffer in the short to medium term.The impact of flooding in Pukekohe could see gaps in the market for onions, potatoes, and leafy greens in months to come.Although prices were likely to climb, consumers could do simple things to cope during this time, he said."It's just being sensible around your purchasing."Sometimes consumers waste a lot of produce at home; it's just making sure they're buying sufficient volumes for their current needs and maybe doing a bit more regular shopping, making sure they keep their produce fresh and don't have that waste."The pricing will soften over time; just at the moment with these weather events, it's going to be a bit of a battle for a few weeks."Trials were underway to grow kūmara in other parts of the country, increasing its resilience against future severe weather events, he said.