Weather forecast for this weekendWarkworth RegionFriday 19th August - Scattered rain. Northeasterlies, strong in exposed places. Heavy rain warning in place until midnight.Saturday 20th - Occasional rain, easing to isolated showers by afternoon. Fresh northerlies, turning lighter westerly by afternoon.Sunday 21st - Mainly fine, isolated showers developing in the evening. Northwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 19th August - Periods of rain. Gusty northerlies.Saturday 20th - Occasional rain, easing to isolated showers in the morning, then clearing in the afternoon. Northerlies, easing in the morning.Sunday 21st - Fine. Northwesterlies.

Ara Tūhono– Puhoi to Warkworth motorway project will be undertaking the next phase of the pavement improvement and tie in works on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Kaipara Flats Road/Goatley Road and Hudson Road intersections. SH1 will be closed to all traffic in both directions from Wellsford to the Hudson Road intersection for 10 nights over a two-week period this month to allow the project team to complete the work. The closures will be in place between 9pm and 5am from Sunday 21 August to Thursday 25 August, and then again from Sunday 28 August to Thursday 1 September. There will be a detour in place via State Highway 16 from Wellsford to Woodcocks Road, Warkworth. This detour will add up to 30 minutes extra to the journey. If you are travelling north, you can exit the motorway at Silverdale to SH16 and avoid the Warkworth area. We advise planning travel of this time carefully and apologies for any inconvenience caused. Over dimension loads will not be able to use the detour route, therefore we have a special arrangement in place where over dimension vehicles will be able to access through the work site at a set time on set days. Please contact us 48 hours or more before your journey on 0508 P2WK INFO (0508 7295 4636) or at [email protected]. Heavy vehicles can use the detour route, and it is suggested you exit at Silverdale.Once we complete this piece of work, we’ll be back on Sunday 4 September to complete the traffic switch and a further road closure will be needed that night. A much shorter detour via Hudson Road will be in place while we do this work. After the switch has taken place, the road surface will be a lot smoother. Please plan ahead for your journey during this time and check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/ before you travel.

Thirty candidates are confirmed for Kaipara District Council’s local elections on 8 October.The candidates include six for Mayor and 24 for Councillor positions.Councillor candidate nominations include seven nominations for Mangawhai-Kaiwaka General Ward, four nominations for Otamatea General Ward, five nominations for Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori Ward and eight nominations for the Wairoa General Ward.The candidates are (alphabetically by surname):MayorVictoria Del La Varis-WoodcockCraig Eldon JepsonKaren Joyce-PakiBrenden NathanAsh NayyarGordon WalkerKaiwaka-Mangawhai General Ward (three positions)Dennis EmsleyMike FergusonMike HowardJonathan Graeme LarsenMisty SansomMartina TschirkyRachael WilliamsOtamatea General Ward (two positions)Graham AllottRon MandersonChris Worzel SellarsMark Gregory VincentTe Moananui o Kaipara Māori Ward (one position)Henry Anthony HolyoakePhillip JohnsonBrenden NathanPera PanioraPaturiri ToautuWairoa General Ward (three positions)Mark AncrumKaren Joyce-PakiGordon LambethAlec MelvilleJoesephine NathanAsh NayyarJay TaneEryn Wilson-CollinsVoters can expect to receive their voting papers in the mail from Friday 16 September. Voters who have updated their details or enrolled after Friday 12 August will need to cast a special vote. Voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday 8 October.Find out more about local elections in Kaipara at kaipara.govt.nz/council/local-elections

NORTHLAND STATE HIGHWAYS - ROADS STATUSUPDATE 6:30AM, THU 18 AUGFollowing heavy rainfall overnight (Wednesday night, 17 Aug), and with more rain forecast throughout the day today, State Highway's across Northland and the Far North are impacted at the following locations:- SH1 Hikurangi - Road Closed - Tree down, both lanes currently blocked north of Jordan Valley Rd in the Hikurangi area. Allow extra time for short detour via Hikurangi.- SH1 Mangamuka Gorge - Lane Blocked - Slips and fallen trees. Allow extra time.- SH1 Waiomio - Fallen tree reported near Tarakihi Rd, south of Kawakawa. -SH11 Opua - Fallen tree reported north of Waikare Rd. Please take extra care on any journey this morning - slow down, increase your following distance and be mindful of possible slips, surface flooding and/or fallen trees on roads in the area.Remember to check our Traffic Map prior to departure for the current situation: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/northland ^TP

The NZ Fire Service (NZFS) is set to strike nationwide this Friday 19th August. There may be delays in responding to emergencies mainly in our big cities. Strike is set for 11am for an hour for professional/career firefighters. A further strike is planned for the following Friday 26th, with possible further action.During the one-hour strike emergencies will still be responded to, however there may be fewer firefighters than usual and response time may be delayed.For volunteer fire stations of which there are 600+ nationally, they will respond to emergencies as they do normally. Did you know over 80% of the NZFS is volunteer based?We have volunteer stations stretching from Puhoi to Mangawhai and beyond. These stations and their volunteers are on standby with potential for them to be called outside of their normal servicing areas. For example, they may be called out all the way to Papakura in Auckland city. It is a massive area they may have to cover. Hopefully it won’t be needed especially in the one-hour window.Be vigilantThis serves as a good reminder for people to be safe, careful, and vigilant so that they do not require emergency services. Bad weather is forecast for the rest of the week and firefighters are often called to floods, trees down, power outages support etc. There may be delays responding to these events so please be patient!Salary comparisonOn another note, it seems ridiculous that 600+ stations, with 80% of firefighters around NZ are being run by volunteers that do NOT get paid for their commitment and service to their communities. Since when do we have volunteer Police and Paramedic services?Professional qualified Firefighters earn a base salary of $58,000 annually. To put that into perspective Police recruits earn $56,000 in their training year. First year out of college they earn $81,710, which increases with every year after. Paramedics with up to five years' experience usually earn on average $75,000 per year. So why are firefighters being short changed? How are career firefighters able to afford living costs and to support families?The transition to first respondersIn 2014, fire crews began partnering with St John, to act as first responders for some life-threatening incidents, like heart attacks, violent crime, and attempted suicide. Many firefighters are faced with horrific traumatic scenes that they haven’t been trained or paid for. Nor are they given sufficient counselling to deal with what they experience.Issues negotiatedFire Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU)have been in negotiations about conditions and pay for over a year and have not been able to come to agreement. While FENZ have offered a pay rise the Union says it is not enough and the strike is not just about pay, it is about conditions and systemic issues with FENZ.Some of which include more staff needed as many are working overtime for long periods at a time – there have been reports of some Northland career Firefighters working up to 40 hours OVERTIME a week! Other issues cited include equipment and machinery which is old, outdated, cumbersome and in short supply. There are also calls for remuneration and psychological trauma support for medical callouts that firefighters are often tasked with being first at emergency scenes. NZPFU also wants acknowledgement from FENZ that firefighters are at an increased risk of cancer. WHO declared firefighting to be carcinogenic recently after research found firefighters were four times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the general population.One of the fire engines at Auckland's Central Fire Station with messages on it indicating how firefighters are feeling about their current work situation. Photo: RNZ / Rayssa AlmeidaA small win for FirefightersNZPFU has recently won a dispute with FENZ through The Employment Relations Authority that determined firefighters working overtime on a public holiday must be paid 1.5 times the overtime rate as the overtime rate is the relevant daily pay.Hopefully their BIG win is heading their way soon! Reminder the strike days are Friday 19th and Friday 26th from 11am-12pm

GET INVOLVED! Registrations are OPEN for Clean Up Week 2022. Be a part of New Zealand's largest movement against litter! This year Clean Up Week will take place between 17-23 September, kicking off on World Clean Up Day! By registering for Clean Up Week you'll gain access to our Clean Up Week resources and be able to dispose of your litter for FREE at selected refuse transfer stations across the country thanks to Waste Management New Zealand, EnviroWaste and some local councils. A huge thanks also to the Mars Wrigley Foundation for providing (upon request) FREE clean up kits for ECEs, schools, youth groups, Keep New Zealand Beautiful Community and Educational branches, as well as Individual/Family and Not-for-Profit Members who don't have access to their own clean up materials. So what are you waiting for? Do the Right Thing and get involved in Clean Up Week 2022. Find out more and register here https://bit.ly/Clean-Up-Week-2022

Severe Weather Warnings Extended period of significant heavy rain for northern and western parts of New Zealand. Severe northeast gales for northern New Zealand.A complex trough of low pressure, preceded by a moist northerly flow, is expected to move onto New Zealand from the Tasman Sea today and become slow-moving on Wednesday. The trough is expected to move slowly eastwards across the county during Thursday and Friday. This weather system is forecast to bring an extended period of northerly rain to northern and western parts of New Zealand, where Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches are in force.In addition, gale to severe gale north to northeasterly winds will affect northern and central parts of New Zealand, and Strong Wind Warnings and Watches are in place.This is expected to be a significant weather event, especially for places where soils are already saturated from recent rain. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as some areas could be upgraded to a Red Warning, and more areas may be added. Heavy Rain Warning - OrangeImpact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.Area: NorthlandPeriod: 39hrs from 6pm Wed, 17 Aug - 9am Fri, 19 AugForecast: Expect 140 to 180 mm of rain, especially in the north and east. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h expected. Strong Wind Warning - OrangeImpact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.Area: NorthlandPeriod: 42hrs from 6am Wed, 17 Aug - midnight Thu, 18 AugForecast: Severe northeast gales gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.

The Kaipara District Council has released their draft changes to the "Exposure District Plan" and are seeking feedback before it is put through next year. There is only a small window to be heard and give feedback which ends 16th September.Here is the plan which includes energy, transport, infrastructure, natural hazards, zoning, subdivisions, contaminated land, open spaces, earthworks, noise and GMO's etc.https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-plan-review/exposure-draft-district-plan There are many opportunities for you to discuss the Exposure Draft District Plan with their District Planning Team. Here is a list of upcoming engagements: Chat to a planner, 10am-12pm, Mon 15 Aug, book on our website Ruawai drop-in, 10am-12pm, Tue 16 Aug, Ruawai Tokatoka Hall Paparoa drop-in, 10am-12pm, Wed 17 Aug, Paparoa Memorial Hall Chat to a planner, 2-4pm, Wed 17 Aug, book on our website Webinar: Historical and Cultural Values, Wed 17 Aug, 7-8.30pm, Wed 17 Aug, KDC YouTube Maungaturoto drop-in, 9.30-11.30am, Thur 18 Aug, Maungaturoto Centennial Hall Kaiwaka drop-in, 2-4pm, Thur 18 Aug Kaiwaka Memorial Hall Chat to a planner, 10am-12pm, Fri 19 Aug, book on our websiteYou can see a full list of engagements and book a ‘Chat to a planner’ session at the link: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-plan.../engageGet involved, this will have big repercussions for the way we live.

Speed cameras that take two pictures at different spots in order to work out a vehicle's average speed could be in use within months.Transport Agency documents say law changes could allow them to be used against more offences including tailgating, and seeing inside a car to spot drivers using cellphones or not belted in.The OIA papers show Waka Kotahi has been working on this and a new highway tolling system that can also be used for congestion charging, for a couple of years.Its plans say the point-to-point or average-speed cameras "could be a game changer enabling us to manage corridor speeds rather than spot speed".They would be three times better than fixed or mobile speed cameras at cutting the road toll, a business case said.The smart cameras "can be used to provide evidence, for example, that a driver is using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt."Camera-based enforcement can be invasive, as images are purposely taken of the driver and passenger compartment," the business case stated.A board paper from April said law changes under the Regulatory Stewardship Transport Amendment Bill meant from early 2023 there could be use of point-to-point cameras, automation of offence processing and fine notices delivered to cellphones.Already 26 of the new cameras are on order to add to the 142-strong network.The agency is calling them "safety cameras" in a Cabinet-ordered attempt "to shift the public away from perceptions that safety cameras are an enforcement, revenue-gathering tool".Medium and high-risk roads will be the target.A camera business case estimates they could save between 1500 and 2400 lives and $1.5 billion across two decades.The privacy implications are still being worked out with the Privacy Commissioner.Waka Kotahi refuses to specify the total cost of the camera system and new tolling system, saying this was to protect "ministers, members of organisations, officers, and employees from improper pressure or harassment".However, just the first phase - choosing the mix of cameras, where to put them and the design of the system - costs $21.6m, which is $10m more than expected, though the documents said that had not impacted the whole budget.Spanish traffic company SICE (Sociedad Ibérica de Construcciones Eléctricas) won the contract for the cameras and tolling.The work is being done quickly alongside a review of road offence penalties with the aim of saving 114 lives a year by 2030.As it stands, relatively few cameras per capita and lack of advanced cameras, along with very low penalties for speeding "greatly undermine the effectiveness of the enforcement approach", the papers say.In New Zealand the speeding fine for being 1-10km/h over the limit in an urban area is $30, compared to $370 in Sweden.Fines are set to rise and demerit points are very likely to be stiffer, and applied for the first time to camera offences.Authorities see all this as crucial to the Road to Zero strategy, with cameras expected to provide 5 percent of the 40 percent reduction in road deaths and serious injuries that is the strategy's primary goal.At present there are 142 safety cameras across its road network: 45 red-light, 54 fixed speed, and 43 mobile cameras, an increase of 30 since 2019.Waka Kotahi is taking them over from police, adding to its 2000 traffic management cameras.It would not say how many cameras it planned to have."ITS and infrastructure will be future-proofed to enable Waka Kotahi to trial and adopt ... smart cameras" with "built-in intelligent image processing and pattern recognition algorithms [that] allow these cameras to detect motion, measure objects, read vehicle number plates, and recognise human behaviours", the camera business case says.Police were already testing prototypes of trailers to carry point-to-point speed cameras that might be used at roadworks.The aim with the network of three types of camera - point-to-point, red light, and standard used in both fixed and mobile operations - is to create an "anywhere, any time" deterrent.Research shows the public thinks speeding is much safer than it is: 44 percent of all road deaths in the last decade were down to speed.Privacy implicationsOn privacy, the business case says "the data and digital images captured by cameras, their storage, and their use all have privacy implications"."New issues will arise with new technologies that can be used for other than current safety-related purposes, such as average speed and mobile phone use detection."The agency expects a small rise in public support for cameras of up to 2.5 percent as people see the safety benefits.On the tolling front, the documents show the current system used on just three highways is on its last legs."As it is now, the current tolling system is a very inefficient way of collecting money," the business case said.One option was to run it to standstill, or outsource it entirely.The is an indication there will be more tolling: "Over time, it should be expected that the cost of an outsourced service will increase as more roads are tolled."Waka Kotahi has chosen Spanish company SICE to provide and run all the back office systems.The business case does not mention congestion charging but the board paper says the upgrade is aimed at "upcoming toll roads as well as to support new capability that may be required, e.g. congestion charging."

Watch out for a scam email asking you to renew your rego. The email says "your licence plate number will expire" and provides an expiry date that's generally the same day the email was received.If you get an email telling you it's time to renew your rego, first check it's from us—our emails will come from a @nzta.govt.nz or a @noreply.nzta.govt.nz address. Our emails will also include your plate number, vehicle make, and your current rego's expiry date—the scam email often misses specifics like this.If you reckon you've received a scam email, don't click on it or reply to it—report it to us using our website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/report-a-phishing-scam. You can also send it to us at [email protected] and we'll let you know if it's legitimate.

A swimming coach who drowned while stand-up paddleboarding for the first time wasn't able to untie the safety leash attached to her ankle.Joanne Rachel Dening died after falling off a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) at the Wenderholm Regional Park, north of Auckland, despite the attempts of several people to save her.A tribute posted on a British swimming school page after her death described the 35-year-old as "an accomplished and award-winning swimmer and lifesaver, as well as a fulltime swimming teacher"."She was a lovely person, a marvellous teacher loved by all her pupils."But despite her confidence in the water she wasn't able to get to safety after falling from her SUP in February 2019.Coroner Katharine Greig has ruled a combination of factors contributed to the Englishwoman's death, including the use of the wrong leash, the fact she didn't have a personal flotation device (PFD) and was in conditions outside her ability.The coroner said her death highlighted the dangers of the sport and the need for education.Dening had recently returned to New Zealand after visiting her parents, family and friends in the United Kingdom for Christmas when her flatmate Lorissa invited her to go paddleboarding.It was her day off and Lorissa knew her flatmate had previously wakeboarded and thought she might enjoy giving SUP a go.Lorissa described Dening as being excited to try the new sport and had organised for her to use her boyfriend's SUP.They arrived at the park, on the southern side of the Puhoi River, at about 11am. The weather was fine and there was no wind.The river runs into the Hauraki Gulf, which borders the eastern side of the park. The boat ramp at the reserve leads to a large estuary, fed by the river, with a channel to the Gulf.Their plan was to launch from the boat ramp into the river and paddle from the estuary into the channel on the outgoing tide, then paddle round the beach area.Lorissa said Dening was quickly able to stand on the board and paddle around.The pair paddled off together, slowly, towards the mouth of the estuary to go into the bay where Lorissa said the water was very calm and reasonably clear.Current very strongHowever, as they paddled across the channel the water became more turbulent and a strong current was flowing.Two witnesses watching from the shore described the women as moving fast with the current which they said was "really streaming out" and the fastest they had ever seen it."They described one of the women as wobbling and not looking confident," Coroner Greig said in her findings.Lorissa watched as Dening lost her balance, fell into the water and was pulled along by the current towards the channel marker.Dening tried to reach for her board but her leg rope got wrapped around the marker with her on one side and the paddleboard on the other."Lorissa said that she could see Ms Dening trying to swim against the current towards the marker so she could undo the leg rope, but the current kept pulling her under the water," Greig said.Lorissa tried to paddle back to Dening, but the current was too strong. Instead, she paddled towards the beach to raise the alarm and asked a member of the public to call emergency services.Kayaker tried to helpA kayaker, who saw Dening fall, went to her aid."As he got closer, he could see Ms Dening bobbing up and down struggling to breathe."When he got closer Dening was not responding to his calls, so he gripped her by her armpit and pulled her up out of the water."She then grabbed the kayak with both her hands and the kayaker told her she needed to hold on to the front of the kayak. She responded to the kayaker saying she needed to rest."As Dening was holding onto the kayak, it started to pull into the current and water started pouring in, causing the kayak to flip.Dening let go of the kayak and the kayaker went into the water. Unable to swim against the current to get back to her, the kayaker swam towards the beach holding on to his kayak.As he got close to the beach, after being in the water for about 20 minutes, a commercial fisherman came to his aid and he explained what had happened.The skipper then headed to assist Dening but said there was "a lot of rip that was really obvious" and that it was the second day of the biggest tide of the year.He found Dening on one side of the channel marker and the paddleboard on the other but could not help her on his own."One of her legs was tied to the board and Ms Dening's body was underwater."After picking up a member of the public they together went back and cut the leg rope and pulled Dening onto the boat and took her back to shore.Ambulance officers provided first aid to Dening but she did not respond and was pronounced dead at the scene.A postmortem examination found she drowned.A Maritime New Zealand report stated: "given the expanse of the estuary at high tide, in flat conditions and with minimal wind it would present as an area where it could reasonably be expected people may use stand-up paddleboards, including beginners in the sport such as Ms Dening."The report noted Dening was using the wrong type of safety leash, according to the New Zealand Stand-up Paddling (NZSUP) Safe Code.NZSUP states that only a leash with a quick release system that can be operated above the waist should be used in the conditions and a leash attached to the ankle or calf should never be worn in moving water.Dening was not using a personal flotation device, which was also in breach of the NZSUP code and maritime rules.The report, however concluded it could not be known what impact wearing a PFD would have had in the situation, with the fast-moving current and the different types of PFD available.Death preventable - coronerCoroner Greig found the planned excursion was not a reckless expedition and there were many factors that made the sport a natural fit for Dening."She was fit, a strong swimmer who was confident in the water, she had experience of a number of water sports."However, with the benefit of hindsight and expert advice, the coroner reached the view Dening's death was preventable.Dening was using the incorrect leash, which she and Lorissa were unaware of, she was in conditions outside her ability when she left the estuary and entered the channel, and she did not have a PFD.Coroner Greig recommended the Auckland Council erect signs at the boat ramp warning of the dangers of strong currents in the channel, the presence of marker buoys in the channel and the need for extra care around the buoys, which had been accepted.Consultation with the Auckland harbour master to identify other locations where the same set of hazards exist and where new signage should be implemented should also continue.She also recommended Maritime New Zealand post safety information on social media about the lessons learnt over the circumstances of Dening's death."Ms Dening's tragic death arose, as so many unexpected and unintentional deaths do, when a constellation of potential risks associated with the activity she was undertaking crystallised with fatal consequences," Coroner Greig said."At the core of preventing deaths in similar circumstances is the need for accessible and widely disseminated safety information relating to stand-up paddleboarding."

Auckland Council is carrying out pest fish control at Lake Tomarata in August. People can't swim or boat during this time as nets are in the water. Please keep out of the lake from 15-19 August and again from 22-26 August. The reserve is open throughout this time and so is the lake on 20-21 August as the nets will be removed over the weekend. Signs are being placed at the lake to remind everyone.

Waitematā North Police would like to remind Rodney locals to check their fences on rural properties are sturdy and secure. The warning comes after two accidents in two days where cattle or livestock have wandered out on the road after breaking loose of paddocks. Unfortunately, the animals involved in the accidents have died on both occasions, and the result for the drivers of the vehicles involved could have been much worse. Waitematā North Rural Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Brett Henshaw, says it’s a timely reminder for our local communities to check their perimeters are secure. Police recommend the following steps to ensure safety for all involved: Check perimeter fences and plug any gaps or weaknesses that could allow cattle to wander free Ensure livestock owners contact details are up to date or easily available nearby if cattle do manage to get loose and require wrangling.Police see the devastation families and communities face resulting from death or serious injury on our roads and we want to work together to prevent as many families as possible and communities experiencing this.We also acknowledge the impact the death of an animal can have on those who witness it, or who are responsible for the livestock. This is a problem the whole community can work together on, and everyone has a part to play. If people see wandering livestock on or near roads which may cause a risk to motorists, please call 111.

People wanting to stand for local government have just a few hours left to put their name on the list.Nominations close at midday but last night, some seats were yet to have any contenders.Te Tai Tokerau is one region facing that problem.Far North District Council had gaps on all three of its community boards yesterday.Nobody had put their name down to represent the Kawakawa-Moerewa subdivision, the North Hokianga subdivision or the Whatuwhiwhi subdivision.Other seats had a single nominee, meaning people could be elected uncontested.The latest list from Whangārei District Council showed it did not have enough people for the Bream Bay ward, and candidates in some other wards would be uncontested.Kaipara's latest list showed only one person standing for the Ōtamatea ward, which has two seats.Northland Regional Council's nominations summary, due to be updated this morning, has had major gaps.There has been nobody vying for the single Mid North seat, or the two Te Raki Māori ward seats.Moko Tepania (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa), who is running for the Far North mayoralty, is imploring Māori across the motu to stand."If you're thinking about it, just do it, just do it. That's the message I'm trying to get out to people. I mean, that was the same for me back in 2019. I actually made the decision two days before and put my nomination in the morning of, and I have no regrets about doing that."Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime (Te Kapotai, Ngāpuhi) says life-changing decision to stand for council was made last minute. Photo: ©VNP / Phil SmithNorthland MP Willow-Jean Prime (Te Kapotai, Ngāpuhi) first entered politics in a last-minute dash to the deadline for Far North District Council, nearly 10 years ago.Prime was "approached the day before nominations closed, having a very short amount of time to make that life-changing decision to stand for council"."I remember getting my photo taken at 6am that morning and having it filed by lunchtime."She hoped others would make the move, even in the final eligible hours."Perhaps part of the issue here is that people don't necessarily understand what the role is and how they could contribute through that. And I know it's short notice, but I would just encourage people to jump online to read about it. And if they think that that could be their thing - to put the nominations in."Local government scholar Dr Andy Asquith is among those disappointed by the lack of interest."If the pool from which these [representatives] are selected declines, then you're going to have a poorer calibre of councillors and mayors, which is bad for democracy."There were also flow-on effects," Asquith said."Within New Zealand, you've got the added issue of the way that power is distributed in councils. A disproportionate amount of power is in the hands of the chief executive and part of the councillors' role, the governance role, is to keep that power in check."Bonita Bigham (Ngāruahine, Te Ātiawa), who is the chair of Te Maruata, the national collective of Māori in local government, said if community board seats were not filled, the vacancies would be re-advertised for by-elections, "which can be a costly and time-consuming exercise for councils, but generally, that tends to sort things out".Candidates cannot nominate themselves - they must have endorsements from two others aged over 18.Nominations cost $200.Voting in the postal ballot runs from 16 September to 8 October.

A recent storm this week smashed Puhoi. It forced trees down, caused slips, flooding, with silt and debris everywhere. Locals could hear and feel thunder so loud it shook houses (a seemingly rare phenomenon). Puhoi has had flooding and storms before but not this this event. The aftermath of flooding in Puhoi. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell Flooding water subsided at Puhoi Pub. Photo: RNZ / Finn BlackwellIt is a good idea to be prepared as much as possible for future flooding events. Get Flood Ready website has useful advice on what to do if you experience flooding.https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/floods/  According to Get Ready website: Reduce the impacts of floodsFind out what the flood risk is in your area. Your local council may have resources and information on how to reduce potential flood damage.Review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back on your feet if you suffer damage in a disaster.Get ready before a floodFind out from your local council if your home or business is at risk from flooding and how they’ll alert you if you need to evacuate. Ask about:Evacuation plans and local public alerting systemsWhat to do with your pets and livestock if you have to evacuateHow you can reduce the risk of future flooding to your home or businessWork out what supplies you might need and make a plan together.Practise your emergency plan and your evacuation route to higher ground.Take measures to reduce potential flood damage and make sure your insurance policy covers you for flood damage.What to do during a floodPut safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.Stay out of flood waterNever try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.Always assume that flood water is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals, and sewage. Contaminated flood water can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands, clothes, and property after contact with flood waters.If flooding is possible:Stay informed in an emergency. Listen to the radio (RNZ, The Hits, NewstalkZB, MoreFM, Magic Talk) or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag nearby. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.Move pets to a safe place and move stock to higher ground. If you have to leave, take your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items.Lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.What to do after a floodOnly return home after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so. It may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded.Stay away from damaged areas. You might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and be at further risk from the residual effects of floods.Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be slippery or covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails.Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.If your property is damagedDo not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claims.Food safety after a floodThrow away food and drinking water that has come into contact with floodwater, including canned goods.Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Follow any boil water notice instructions from your local authorities.For more information on food safety during and after an emergency visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website.Cleaning up after a floodClean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater can make the air in your home unhealthy. When things get wet for more than two days, they usually get mouldy. There may also be germs and bugs in your home after a flood.Mould may make some people with asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems sick.Talk to your doctor or another medical professional if you have questions about cleaning or working in a home that has been flooded. If there is a large amount of mould, you may want to hire professional help to clean up the mould.Protect yourself by wearing:a certified respiratorgogglesglovesprotective clothing that covers your arms and legs, andsturdy footwear.Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned.Throw away any wooden spoons, plastic utensils, and baby bottle teats and dummies if they have been covered by floodwater. There is no way to safely clean them.Disinfect metal pans and utensils by boiling them in clean water.For more resources head to the website https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/floods/

BACKGROUNDKaipara District Council is considering the purchase of a 5.8 hectare block of land in Mangawhai Village for future use as public sporting and recreational facilities. The cost to purchase the land will be up to $5.9 million. The purchase will not impact rates, as we are proposing to use the current pool of reserve contributions to buy the land.  Reserve contributions are funds collected from developers or property owners who are subdividing their land, divided into four catchment areas across the District. The use of reserve contributions is specifically allocated for the purchase or upgrade of open spaces. We can’t use these funds on other facilities like libraries, roading, waste etc. Funds can only be used in the catchment area they were collected from, in this case Mangawhai. This means we can’t use these funds in other parts of the District.  We have collected on average $2.7 million in reserve contributions each year for the last two years in Mangawhai. The balance of the reserve contributions fund for Mangawhai is currently around $8 million. At the current growth rate, we anticipate that we will recover the cost of this land purchase in just over two years – although projections show higher future growth than this current rate.  In the event that the land is purchased, additional engagement with the community will be required to understand what sports and recreational facilities should be developed on the land. Once options have been developed, these would need to be included and budgeted for in Council’s Long Term Plan.          ISSUEMangawhai is growing fast. To support our growing population, the Mangawhai Spatial Plan identifies a need for public access to sporting and recreational facilities to complement other facilities in the Mangawhai area. Currently Kaipara District Council owns just one public recreation space in Mangawhai – the Mangawhai Community Park – which houses multiple functions, including the Historic Village, Mangawhai Museum, and MAZ.    Finding flat, centrally located land is becoming increasingly difficult in Mangawhai, but we now have an opportunity to secure land for future public sporting and recreational facilities. To find out more, and to have your say complete the online form or drop into the Kaipara District Council office in Mangawhai to pick up a feedback form.Feedback closes 5pm Monday 5 September.Read the Reserve Contribution PolicyRead the Mangawhai Spatial PlanRead the Kaipara Spaces and Places PlanRead the latest independent Infometrics data on Mangawhai’s growthFrequently Asked Questions

The Matakana River was the areas’ first highway that was busy for almost a century. Matakana Village was known in the 19th century as Upper Matakana to distinguish itself from the settlement of Lower Matakana – now known as Sandspit – at the mouth of the river. What we now know as Matakana River was referred to as the Middle Branch of the Matakana River.The first European settler at Upper Matakana was timber merchant John Long Heydn, who built a sawmill below the falls as early as 1854. During the 19th century, the main means of transport and communication with Auckland was by water. During the early years of the settlement, goods were unloaded from sailing ships at Lower Matakana. ‘Annie Millbank’ made weekly trips -landing and receiving goods at Lower Matakana from 1879. A wharf was urgently built at Lower Matakana in the same year. The river was a highway of logging activity. Kauri was rafted down the river to where they were sawmilled, loaded into scows, or crafted by the many boatbuilders in the area. Once most of the easily cut timber resources had been depleted by the 1880s, the development of the Upper Matakana wharf saw the rise of agriculture and fruit growing in the area. Shortly after, the dairy industry also prospered as more land was cleared.Kotiti. Photo credit Junction MagThe Northern Steam Company’s SS. Kotiti scheduled Monday and Tuesday sailings between Matakana and Auckland throughout the First World War. Those who joined the war effort took the coastal steamer from the wharf. The river remained the main means of communication until the 1930s. In 1936, the Northern Steamship Company still maintained twice weekly sailings of the S.S. Omana to and from Matakana. Before the Second World War, Gubb’s Motors ran regularly daily buses connecting Matakana to Leigh, Warkworth, Kaipara Flats Station, Puhoi, Waiwera, and Auckland. Following the Second World War 1939, the coastal steamer services ended. In the late 1940s, the wharf was replaced with a concrete structure, suggesting that river traffic was still economically viable. From the 1950s, however, boats using the wharf dwindled following the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and improvements to the East Coast Road north.Author: Grant McLachlan

The Government’s commitment to combatting firearms violence has reached another significant milestone today with the passage of the Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill, Police Minister Chris Hipkins says.The new law helps to reduce firearm-related crime by targeting possession, use, or carriage of firearms by people whose actions and behaviours demonstrate risk.“In the hands of the wrong people, firearms are a major contributing factor in a range of serious crimes. It’s also clear that there are responsible firearms owners whose possession and use of firearms does not pose a risk to society,” Chris Hipkins said.Following today’s passage of the Bill, anyone convicted and sentenced of a specified serious crime, including murder, serious assault, sexual violence, and some family violence offences, can be subject to an order and not lawfully able to use or access a firearm.“Passing this Bill is a significant milestone and the result of a concerted effort. Firearms Prohibition Orders were first mooted around eight years ago by the previous government but it failed a number of times to make progress.  “It strikes a sensible balance and will support our courts and Police in helping prevent firearms from ending up in the wrong hands.”The Bill has been designed to carefully balance public safety protections with Bill of Rights considerations. Particularly those associated with the right to be free from unreasonable search or seizure.“The Bill introduces wider sanctions for breach of an order but importantly, also has flexibility for the courts, to assist with the reintegration and rehabilitation needs of those people subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order.“The courts will be able to take into consideration relevant factors when imposing a Firearms Prohibition Order, including reasonableness and necessity.“Owning a firearm is a privilege and Firearms Prohibition Orders make clear that anyone convicted of a serious offence won’t have access to firearms, ammunition or any related firearms item.“Courts will be able to impose an order lasting 10 years, and it will be a criminal offence to breach the conditions of the order.“I am proud of the Government’s record on supporting Police and making our communities safer. This work builds on the previous legislation passed to ban assault rifles and military style semi-automatics, and to update and strengthen the Arms Act to provide better leverage and tools for Police in ensuring only fit and proper people can hold a firearms licence in New Zealand.“This is about keeping our communities safe from the harm that firearms can cause in the hands of criminals,” Chris Hipkins said.

Olivia Newton-John star of Grease and multi-platinum selling singer, has died aged 73, her family says.In a short statement her husband John Easterling said she had passed away at her California ranch on Monday morning."Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer," the statement said."We ask that everyone please respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time."Actress and singer Newton-John achieved commercial success as a country singer and sold millions of records.But it was her role as Sandy in the film adaptation of Grease that catapulted her to world-wide fame.Photo: AFPAfter being diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1990s, Newton-John became a leading advocate for cancer research.Her efforts in the field were recognised by Queen Elizabeth, who honoured her with a Dame in 2020 New Year's Honours list.John Travolta who starred opposite Newton-John in Grease, wrote on Instagram that she "made all of our lives so much better"."Your impact was incredible. I love you so much," he wrote."We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever!"