The Tahi Bar + Kitchen in Warkworth won the Top 50 Gastropubs and was the overall winner of the Top of the North Island & Taranaki.The Tahi Bar + Kitchen is more than just a place to grab a bite and a drink, it's an experience that seamlessly blends exceptional food, an inviting atmosphere, and a sense of community. They prioritise high-quality cuisine in a casual pub setting.Several key factors distinguish The Tahi Bar + Kitchen as one of New Zealand's finest gastropubs. Firstly, exceptional food is the cornerstone of the place. Their menu combines traditional pub fare and innovative, chef-driven dishes crafted from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. From classic favorites like chicken wings and chips to more sophisticated offerings such as their gourmet "Miti Paowa Smoked Brisket Burger" or handcrafted Jalapeño Poppers, Their menu caters to diverse palates while showcasing the Kitchen's culinary expertise.Equally crucial is the quality of their beverages. The Tahi Bar boasts an extensive selection of locally-produced craft beers, ciders, and fine wines, to complement their food offerings. Whether it's one of the locally brewed IPAs or their meticulously curated wine list featuring local boutique producers, their beverage selection reflects the same level of attention to detail as our food menu.The atmosphere of The Tahi Bar + Kitchen plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall dining experience. The setting is casual and welcoming and exudes warmth and character, with comfy touches like cozy seating areas, ambient lighting, and eclectic decor that reflect the pub's personality. They are a quirky rustic tavern full of leafy indigenous plants and musical instruments on the walls; the atmosphere of the space encourages guests to relax and savour their meals.Service is another critical aspect of their little oasis. The Tahi Bar hire and train attentive, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about food and drink and who elevate the dining experience by providing recommendations, answering queries, and ensuring guests feel well cared for. Their friendly, efficient service contributes to the overall ambiance of the pub and fosters a sense of hospitality that keeps patrons returning.Community engagement is also essential for their success. They actively participate in and contribute to the local Warkworth community by hosting events like regular live music performances, collaborating with nearby businesses and artisans, and supporting charitable initiatives. They have become a cherished neighbourhood institution by cultivating a sense of belonging and connection among patrons.Lastly, consistency is paramount. They consistently deliver excellent food, drinks, service, and atmosphere, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Whether it's a casual weekend lunch or a special occasion dinner, guests can rely on the same high standards whenever they visit.In conclusion, what sets The Tahi Bar + Kitchen apart is a combination of exceptional food, quality beverages, an inviting atmosphere, attentive service, community engagement, and unwavering consistency. These elements converge, and our diners enjoy a memorable culinary experience that keeps them coming back for more.

Maia Ingoe, JournalistNew Zealand is one step closer to low-emissions road freight with the opening of a hydrogen fuelling station in South Auckland yesterday.The Wiri fuel station is one of three in the North Island and has the capacity to power the big semi-trucks used for heavy road freight.A bus, a NZ Post delivery truck and a big rig were among the first vehicles to fuel up - but the trucking industry needs a bigger hydrogen-powered fleet to use it.Andrew Clennett is the co-founder and chief executive of Hiringa, the company behind the hydrogen network.The hydrogen is manufactured on-site using renewable electricity. Photo: Marika Khabazi"We can do up to 60 trucks from this station, and that's taking 60 trucks off the road. Each truck is equivalent to taking between 100 and 150 cars off the road," he said.The hydrogen is manufactured on-site using renewable electricity, with an efficiency of 65-68 percent.Long-haul trucks make up just 4 percent of the fleet, but 25 percent of heavy vehicle emissions, Clennett said.But that would change if more trucks used hydrogen, which does not emit climate-damaging carbon like diesel or petrol."The alignment of this technology means that the trucks that are doing the most kilometres, that have the most emissions, because they're on the road all the time, we're effectively replacing those biggest trucks," Clennett said.The fuel pumps can fill a hydrogen-powered truck in 15 minutes.Photo: Marika KhabaziExpansion plansThe Wiri station is one of three hydrogen pumps at Waitomo fuel stations, and there are plans for more - and even expanding into zero-emissions ship fuel."Where we have trucks is where need stations, so the state highway network, we need to get north to south. Up near Whangārei, down on the way to Wellington, Taupō, across to Hawkes Bay, we need to cover north-west-east-south."And we're also doing some exciting work in the South Island."There was also interest in New Zealand's advances into hydrogen-powered fright from overseas - the Japan ambassador was present at the opening."Companies like what we're doing and a country like here is a really good test bed of these ecosystems. Effectively, it's a business model we're developing that they're very interested to unlock in their society."Minister for Transport and Energy Simeon Brown cut the ribbon at the new station - and provided the company with a $5 million grant and an $11 million loan to support the current three fuelling stations and build one more."This is the start of a network. It allows companies to be able to invest in hydrogen trucks more easily, and be able to test how they operate on New Zealand roads," he said.Photo: Marika KhabaziBrown said the government was committed to growing hydrogen energy and even exploring extraction of naturally-occurring hydrogen gas."There is a possible natural hydrogen resources that need to be explored, that's a potential huge opportunity for New Zealand," he said.Currently, there are only two trucks in the country that can use the hydrogen pumps in Wiri.Waitomo Group chief executive Simon Parham, says trucking companies are excited about hydrogen fuel - but they need government support to build a hydrogen-powered fleet."At the moment, tough economic times, the natural tendency is for business to sweat some of their older assets. We really want to see that incentive come from central government to help get those trucks on the road whether it's 10, whether it's 50, going to 100 - that would be the dream."Photo: Marika KhabaziBrown could not say how the government might further support the hydrogen industry."We can't confirm anything at this stage, ultimately there's a number of opportunities, but we're here to sort of celebrate the start of this network."We need to have an abundant supply of renewable energy to unlock that potential, and that's the government's primary focus."For now, there's one more hydrogen fuel station to be built in Tauranga, and Hiringa plans to expand its hydrogen network through Australasia.

Warkworth RegionFriday 26th April - Showers, possibly heavy, becoming isolated this afternoon as fine breaks appear. Northwesterlies, turning to fresh southwesterly around midday.Saturday 27th April - Fine. Southerlies, easing late at night.Sunday 28th April - Fine. Easterlies developing in the afternoon.Mangawhai RegionFriday 26th April - A few showers, possibly heavy, clearing to fine breaks this afternoon, but chance shower lingering. Westerlies developing this morning.Saturday 27th April - Fine. Southerlies.Sunday 28th April - Fine. Southerlies, turning easterly in the morning.

Lest we forget.....A private residence in Mangawhai organised a dawn service to cemorate Anzac Day. Over 300 people attended the service.Here are some photos from the service at Matakana this morning

[email protected] Anzac Day, thousands of New Zealanders will recite the words "we will remember them".But some of the country's contemporary veterans feel they have been forgotten about, as they navigate long waiting times and hurdles to getting the support they need.Contemporary veterans are service personnel who took part in operational service from 1974 onwards.The number of claims for assistance made by veterans increased by nearly 50 percent in the last financial year, and the minister said staffing had not increased to meet the extra demand.Brendon Baines served for New Zealand in Afghanistan and East Timor in the late 1990s and early 2000s.Years later, he was still dealing with the physical and mental effects of his service."I have PTSD from a training accident in Australia where a guy got set on fire. Got third degree burns to 70 percent of his body. Then six months later I got set on fire in Burham in a training exercise, which just cracked my brain really."LISTEN ▶ Veterans still waiting on support say they feel forgottenAfter waiting 12 months, he was declined support for his PTSD because the accident had happened in training, not on operation.Baines said veterans should not have to prove their injuries were service related, and they should all get support.He, and many other ex-soldiers he knew, felt let down by veterans' affairs."I know a lot of people who are struggling with them for knees, shoulders, backs. All the shit that gets worn out in soldiers. They want one specific injury that happened while you're overseas, but it doesn't look into 10 or 20 years of service."He did not believe veterans' affairs had the capacity to deal with the increasing number of contemporary veterans."Vietnam and Korea, there just wasn't the numbers that there were for Timor, Afghan, Solomon's, the tempo has just gone up and I don't think VA can keep up with it."Gregg Johnson also served in East Timor and Afghanistan, as well as Iraq.He suffered from a brain injury, which he said was the result of being consistently exposed to explosions - a condition sometimes called breacher's brain.It had been about two-and-a-half years since the problem was first identified and he said he was nowhere near getting the help he needed."At no stage has anybody laid out a process. A process of moving through the specialists or people I needed to see, to sign off. If I'd had that I could understand."In Johnson's view, veterans' affairs needed a personnel change to function better."It needs to get some people in there who are proactive, who are actively looking and providing advice for veterans on the environment's they've served in and potentially the injuries they have faced."Minister for Veterans Chris Penk. Photo: VNP / Phil SmithMinister for Veterans Chris Penk acknowledged the current situation was not good enough."It's taking far too long for their claims to be processed. And there are some historical reasons for that. For example, the number of claims is increasing and we need to make sure that we keep up with that large demand coming through."Penk said the 6.5 percent savings cut the government wanted from the Defence Force would not affect frontline Veterans Affairs' workers, despite staffing being one of the key problems identified in its annual review."If, in the background, there are changes we can make to do things more efficiently, then we will. And then of course, going forward we'll use all the resources that we can. And if there's any additional funding, great, but we're certainly focused on those front-line services."Penk said the Ministry for Defence was also working on a registry for veterans so it could better understand how many there were and what they needed.The ministry did not currently know how many people qualify as veterans in New Zealand.This story was originally published by RNZ

Veterans, military members and the public have gathered to mark Anzac Day and remember those who gave their lives in combat.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remembered his great-grandfather Charles Smith who fought in WWI.Hundreds of people arrived in Wellington. The New Zealand and Australian flags are now raised to full masthead.The chiefs of the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces have spoken of the strong bond between the countries.In Auckland, nearly 20,000 people attended the dawn service as families huddled in the cold morning air.In Christchurch, a crowd gathered at Cathedral Square for the dawn service, in fine but chilly conditions. It is the second dawn service in the heart of the city since the 2011 earthquake.Follow live updates from RNZ staff who are covering events from all around New Zealand:

This ANZAC day, the Matakana Coast App would like to remember all those from the area who have fought bravely for our country, and the volunteers who keep their names alive at the Matakana War Memorial.The Matakana War Memorial is located at the entrance to Matakana Village and is dedicated to the men of Matakana who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War One and Two, giving their lives for New Zealand.The Memorial, unveiled in December 1919, comprises a large plinth of Oamaru stone upon which sits the statue of King George V, the reigning English monarch in 1919. Sculpted by William Henry Feldon, King George is dressed in full military regalia, standing at ‘Attention’ in salute of the men who lost their lives fighting for King and Country.INSCRIPTION ON THE MEMORIAL:“This monument was erected by public subscription as a thanksgiving to almighty God for peace and victory and in memory of the men of this district who fell in the Great War 1914 - 1918".Major S.C. AshtonSGT M. VipondPTE J. VipondPTE E.C. BrownPTE W.H. BraithwaitePTE W. BirdsallPTE E.J. IngramPTE D. CruickshankPTE C.L. LeedsPTE H.J. RowePTE W.R. RowePTE H.B. ScottDriver W.H. Stevens.Their duty nobly done.December 1919World War TwoEdward Allan Stanley CollinsRobin Eric. MunfordWilliam Ramsay BradnamMervyn Henry CotterillArchibald John Forbes NotmanRichard Edwin Sharp

Harbour Hospice’s fundraiser Catwalk Arts has been cancelled. Harbour Hospice Fundraising Manager Amber West says, “Unfortunately, there simply weren’t enough entries to ensure that the event would be the show-stopper we had hoped it would be.” Entries were about one third of what were needed. The show had been scheduled to take place on 22 June at the Mahurangi Hope Church in Warkworth. Catwalk Arts had originally started as a fundraiser between Mahurangi College and Tui House in the early 2000s and was handed over to Harbour Hospice as an annual event in 2018.It has raised an average of $30,000 per show for Harbour Hospice over the years, and this funding has helped to support the charity’s delivery of community nursing support and day respite care for local families. West says, “We’re hugely grateful to everybody who has been involved in putting the show together over the years, from our wonderful volunteers, Lesley Ingham, Shona Pickup and the Fundraising Volunteer Committee to all of our generous sponsors. Mason Containers and Northland Waste have been principle sponsors year after year and Morris & James designed and created the bespoke ceramic tiles for winners year after year. “The event was a fun and creative way for locals to get involved with hospice and support the service. Some wonderful creations were produced over the years and audiences certainly enjoyed some very special moments - one highlight being the 2022 show where one of our entrants was proposed to on stage, and a number of our original Catwalk Arts volunteers from 2006 made a special appearance. “But the lower entry numbers indicate that perhaps people have less time to put into creating entries now, and perhaps the community has less of an appetite for this event.They have shown their support in many other ways, though, which we are grateful for because this helps keep our services freely available to all in the community. “We have lots of ways for the community to continue to support us, moving forward. We have Calendar Girls coming up at the end of April, which is being put on by the Warkworth Theatre Group – 10% of ticket sales will be donated to Harbour Hospice. We have lots of local activities planned for Hospice Awareness Week, from 13-19 May, and we’re excited about our 2024 Homes and Gardens Tour, which is coming up in November.”To find out more about these events, click on the linksWarkworth Theatre Group Presents Calendar GirlsHarbour Hospice Art Exhibition & Sale  

Air New Zealand is doing away with the option for passengers to buy food on its short-haul flights, instead offering everyone on board a snack or meal.The airline has announced changes to its short-haul flights from June.But from today, the airline will be increasing long-term domestic fares across all routes.In a statement, Air NZ acting general manager for domestic Jeremy O'Brien said it had faced increasing costs over the past couple of years like many Kiwi businesses."As we've previously signalled, our cost base has risen more than 30 percent. To date, we've absorbed as much of this as we can."To reflect higher costs of providing air services, we need to continue to review our pricing."▶ LISTEN Air NZ to increase domestic fares House of Travel chief operating officer Brent Thomas told Midday Report Air NZ had indicated prices were going to change and inflation had been "running hot" over the last few months.Domestically, there was not a lot of competition so travellers would have to take what was available to them - and Thomas said people would have to wait until Tuesday to see the detail of those increases.People who were able to book well in advance would still be able to get good fares but those booking last minute - whether for a family emergency or corporate travel "are paying the price".Thomas said airfares were "significantly cheap" before Covid-19, but costs had gone up."I think we all know that when we go fill up our car, the price of petrol's gone up. Facing the same thing - a significant part of running an airline of course is the jet fuel and that has gone up."Thomas said it was fair that the airline passed that cost on to consumers.The national carrier has announced changes to its short-haul flights from June. Photo: AFPShort-haul changesAs part of changes to simplify the airline's different fares, everyone will have access to Air New Zealand's full entertainment suite, and be served a snack or a meal, as well as tea, coffee, water and juice.Air New Zealand is also discontinuing its seat+bag fares, though will allow seat-only customers to add a checked bag for a $30 fee.Seat-only customers travelling to Australia and the Pacific previously received no food with their airfare, and had the option to purchase a range of snacks on board.That option will be discontinued under the change, but passengers will still be able to buy drinks.The fare types available from 11 June will be: theworks, worksflexi, premiumeconomy, premiumflexi, businesspremier and businessflexi.Works customers will still receive the same inclusions of a checked bag, a full meal and drinks, entertainment and free standard seat selection.The updates were based on customer feedback and changes passengers were looking for, the airline's statement said.Air New Zealand on Monday downgraded its full-year earnings guidance, as it faces softening domestic demand and a competitive North American travel market.Pre-tax earnings for the 2024 financial year were forecast to be in the range of $190 million to $230m, lower than previous guidance of $200m-$240m and a significant drop from 2023 pre-tax earnings of $585m.This story was originally published by RNZ

Rifleman Charles David Cruickshank - One of our WW1 SoldiersCharles “Chick” was born on the family orchard in Rosemount Cottage, Anderson Road, Matakana on the 15th of November 1889.His Grandfather, Doctor Alexander Cruickshank and Father left Scotland and arrived in Matakana around 1859. Chick was a keen and talented amateur photographer and left a legacy of photographic plates that are held in the family archives. His military career started with the Rodney Mounted Rifles a local militia group, that disbanded around 1908. In May 1916 he enlists and his Military Attestation form states that he is single and a farmer in Matakana. He is 26 years old , 5ft 3in and in excellent health. In late September 1916 he leaves NZ on the ‘Pakeha’ with the 8th Reinforcements NZ Rifle Brigade 1st Battalion, C Company. During his journey he developed Measles and spends 14 days in the ship's hospital. Arriving in Etaples, France December 1916. He is immediately attached to the NZ Machine Gun Depot as a “Batman” - Military Aid to an Officer. Then again in April 1917 he serves at a “Batman” at the Lewis Machine Gun School.  Charles returns to NZ in April 1919, unfortunately he is unwell and dies in Auckland Hospital, 11th July 1921 after a long illness with Tuberculosis. Charles David is also remembered on the Matakana War Memorial. Lest we forget

An off-duty police officer who died after being hit by a car is being remembered as a "genuine soul" and the "greatest grandmother".Houhora constable Gail Shepherd was walking her dogs on Saturday afternoon when she was struck in Helena Bay, north of Whangārei.Emergency services were called to the intersection of Webb Road and Russell Road about 3.15pm.Police said the car left the road and crashed into a power pole before hitting a pedestrian, who died at the scene.The driver sustained minor injuries.Shepherd, who had worked at Kohukohu in the Hokianga before transferring to Houhora, has been remembered by whānau and workmates as "instrumental" in the Te Tai Tokerau community."A person who was true to herself and stood up for what she believed in and loved her family more than anything in the world," her police colleague John Larkin said."A genuine soul that will be sadly missed by us, the Neighbourhood Policing Team Otangarei and all those who worked with her."Shepherd was a loving mother and grandmother, her whānau said.A message posted online on behalf of her daughter described Shepherd as her best friend and "the greatest grandmother to my babies". Her daughter's name is Tyme"I will love you and will miss you forever and always," it continued.Broadwood Rural Voluntary Fire Brigade also posted on social media saying it was saddened to hear of Shepherd's death."It was a pleasure working with you during your time in North Hokianga. You will be missed."A police spokesperson said their hearts went out to the officer's family and friends, who were receiving support."Their passing is a tragic loss for our community and the impact will be keenly felt."We are working to ensure our staff can access the support they need at this difficult time."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 22nd April - Partly cloudy with a few showers, clearing this afternoon and becoming fine. Fresh southwesterlies.Tuesday 23rd April - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies, easing in the morning.Wednesday 24th - Fine. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 25th - Cloud increasing, with occasional rain developing. Northerlies, becoming fresh.Friday 26th - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 27th - Partly cloudy. Southerlies.Sunday 28th - Fine with southerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 22nd April - Partly cloudy with a few showers from late morning. Fresh southwesterlies.Tuesday 23rd April - Fine. Southerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 24th - Fine. Light winds.Thursday 25th - Cloudy, with occasional rain developing. NortherliesFriday 26th - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Westerlies.Saturday 27th - A few showers, clearing and becoming fine. Southerlies.Sunday 28th - Fine with southeasterlies.

MatakanaParade assembly: 9.45am Matakana roundaboutParade commences: 9.55am Matakana Roundabout to the Matakana War MemorialService: 10am Matakana War MemorialOther details: Parking - located at 964 Matakana Road, MatakanaContact: Adrienne Miller, 0274 54 90 70 [email protected] 10.50am at Harbour View Rd.Service at Leigh Cemetery, Harbour View Rd.Parade: 10.50amService: 11amContact: Guy Parkes, 021 352 588Warkworth - Dawn ParadeParade assembly: 5.45am at Warkworth RSA, 28 Neville StreetParade commences: 5.50am parade to War Memorial on Church HillService: 6am War Memorial, Church Hill, WarkworthRoad closure details: Church Hill and part of Neville StreetOther details: Cooked breakfast available to purchase from Gunners Restaurant, Warkworth RSAContact: Chrissy Keith, 09 425 8568, [email protected] - Civic ParadeParade assembly: 10am Warkworth RSA, 28 Neville StParade commences: 10.10am to War Memorial on Church HillService: 10.30am Church HillRoad closure: Church Hill and Neville StreetOther details: After the Civic Service parade down to the Warkworth RSA with a morning tea available for a gold coin donation.Contact: Chrissy Keith, 09 425 8568, [email protected]Wellsford Parade assembly: 5.45am 13 Port Albert RdParade commences: 5.50am to 13 Port Albert RoadService: 6.00am Wellsford Memorial LibraryRoad closure details: Port Albert Road ( between Davies Rd and Rodney Street) and Memorial Lane ( between Worker Road and Port Albert Road) from 4.45am until 7.15 amOther details: refreshments available after parade and service at Wellsford RSA 1 Olympus RdContact: Paul Jones, 027 285 3682, [email protected] RSA 733 Settlement Rd, KaiwakaPARADE DETAILSAssemble 1000 hrs (10:00 am)Parade fall in 1020 hrs (10:20 am)March on 1030 hrs (10:30 am)Wreath layingRoll of honourLowering of flag – Last PostThe ODEShort prayer by PadreRaising of flag – ReveilleNational Anthems (Australia & New Zealand)Guest speakerPrayer by PadreFall OutThe Club Rooms will be open for refreshments after Fall OutThose wishing to lay a wreath, please contactNeville Andrew on 022 614 0155 / 09 431 81MaungaturotoDawn Service 5:45 AM Centennial Hall, View Road MaungaturotoMembers of public invited to light breakfast at RSA clubrooms at conclusion of service.WaipuCivic Service 10:40 AM Memorial CarparkFall in for parade on South Road Waipu adjacent to Bowling Club, March to Memorial Carpark for 1100 service. The Waipu RSA is Open on completion of the Service to all involved and interested.There will be a short Dawn Service at the Waipu Services Cemetery Cove Road, Ode, Last Post, Flag Raising.WhangareiDawn Service 6:00 AM Laurie Hall ParkCivic Service 10:00 AM Maunu CemeteryWant to make a donation to the RSA to help us continue our work supporting New Zealand's veterans of military service and their whanau?Click here to donate online, or text Poppy to 8595 to make an instant $3 donation.

Auckland Council - Public Holiday CollectionsRubbish, recycling and food scraps collections will be one day later than usual after a public holiday, with some exceptions.You can use our collection day search to check the collection date for a specific address.Remember all rubbish, recycling bins and bags and food scraps bins (if applicable) are to be placed out before 7am on your collection day.Collection day changes for Anzac Day​Your usual collection day is Thursday 25th April (Anzac Day), then your collection day will be one day later on Friday 26th April.*There are no changes to business recycling collections.Kaipara Council - Public Holiday CollectionsThere will be no Kaipara Refuse services running Thursday 25th April and the Dargaville Resource & Recovery Park will be closed. All kerbside runs for Thursday will instead be done on Friday 26th April. This will affect collections for Ruawai, Mangawhare and Tangiteroria.All collections on the other days will remain the same including Friday.Hakaru Transfer Station, which is run by Northland Waste, is open on Thursday 25th April from 1-4pm.

Consultation opens for Kaipara District Council’s Long Term Plan 2024 – 2027Kaipara District Council elected members adopted the Long Term Plan 2024 – 2027 consultation document in the council meeting on Wednesday, kickstarting the feedback period opening today.Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson says the proposals outlined in the consultation document and source documents reflect a focus on recovery and resilience, and the challenging environment the council is working in.“When we first commenced the long term plan preparations, we did not foresee the severe weather events. This caused major damage to roading and other infrastructure, saddling us with millions in recovery costs. Combined with huge pressure from compounding inflation and interest rates means we have more work to do and less money to do it with.”The proposed average rates increase in the first year of the Long Term Plan is 15.1% after growth, reducing in the later years (8.4% average after growth in the second year and 3.4% average after growth in the final year).“We’re conscious that the proposed rate increase for the first year of this LTP is considerable, and affects everyone. This is a starting point. I’m confident that through the consultation process we may find further ways to get the rates increase down and I look forward to hearing from people what their ideas are. All the way up to adoption of the Long Term Plan (planned for late July), we will continue to investigate ways we can make further inroads to reduce costs.”As part of the consultation, Kaipara District Council is seeking feedback on a number of topics for the Long Term Plan 2024 – 2027. These include ideas from the community for the future-thinking projects of the Dargaville and Mangawhai community hubs, and the newly named Urlich Park (Moir Street reserve) in Mangawhai. Council is also considering changing the way it rates for parks and libraries across the district. All topics can be found in the consultation document.  Council is also seeking feedback on a number of financial policies during this time. To read the consultation document, any of the financial policies also out for consultation or other source documents go to the Kaipara District Council website (Long Term Plan website page).“Get involved and tell us what you think about any part of the plans we have. Speak up for Kaipara and let’s shape our future together,” says Mayor Jepson.Elected members and staff will be out and about across the district during the consultation period. A full list of all the engagement events can be found online.Physical copies of the consultation document are available at both the Dargaville and Mangawhai Kaipara District Council office, and libraries across the district. Physical copies of the source documents will also be available at both offices.About the Kaipara District Council’s Long Term Plan for 2024 – 2027A shortened Long Term Plan with a focus on recovery was approved by Kaipara District Council in September 2023. The decision follows a severe weather emergency recovery order offered by central Government. The order suspends the statutory requirement to produce a ten year audited long-term plan for eight councils severely affected by this year’s weather events. Instead, eight councils, including Kaipara District Council are able to adopt a three-year, unaudited plan with a focus on recovery. Read more about the decision in our media release (September 2023). 

Come along and see this amazing display of model boats, lovingly crafted by local Modellers. More than 250+ boats to see including an on water display featuring fabulously detailed handmade replicas of all the local wharves. Bring the family, there is something for everyone to see and enjoy. Chat to some of the Modellers, and see some of the boats in action. You will also learn about the rich boating history in our local area. Entry is by donation, with funds raised going towards the upgrade of heating for the school swimming pool. Spread over three days, this show is sure to be hit. This is the second time the boat show has come to Matakana, and it has more boats than ever.  For more details head here

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 26 April 2024.  Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Orewa southbound off-ramp, 21 AprilNorthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 25 AprilOteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 25 AprilOnewa Road southbound on-ramp, 25 AprilShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 25 AprilFanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 25 AprilCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 21-22 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 21-22 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 21-22 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 21-22 AprilSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 21-23 AprilRedoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 22-23 AprilSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 22-23 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 22-23 & 25 AprilTakanini southbound on-ramp, 22-23 & 25 AprilPapakura southbound on-ramp, 22-23 & 25 AprilNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 22-23 & 25 AprilPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 22-23 & 25 AprilPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 21-23 & 25 AprilPapakura southbound off-ramp, 24 AprilNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 21 AprilDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 21-23 & 25 AprilDrury/SH22 northbound off-ramp, 24 AprilPioneer Road northbound off-ramp, 19-26 April (24/7)Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 25 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Te Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 21-25 AprilNorthbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and on-ramp, 21-22 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road northbound on-ramp, 21-22 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 21-22 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Albany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 21 April (approx. 7:30pm to 5:00am)Albany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 22 & 25 AprilAlbany Highway westbound off-ramp, 21 April (approx. 7:30pm to 5:00am)Albany Highway westbound off-ramp, 22 & 25 AprilSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Maioro Street on-ramp, 22 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dominion Road northbound on-ramp, 22 AprilHillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 22 AprilNorthbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 21 April (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 21 AprilNorthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 23 AprilCoronation Road northbound on-ramp, 23 AprilSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound Link, 23 AprilMassey Road northbound on-ramp, 23 AprilGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 northbound link, 23 AprilKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 23 April

A release from Jessie Stanley ....Kia ora friends,We are absolutely over the moon and delighted to share the incredible news that last week The Environment Court made their final decision and refused the consent for offshore sand mining in the Mangawhai-Pakiri area.This decision is firm evidence that if enough people rise-up, and enough voices are heard, that together we really can make a difference.We want to thank you all and send a massive acknowledgement to the thousands who submitted, advocated, and petitioned. This win would not have been possible without your support. We also want to make a special acknowledgement to tāngata whenua and mana whenua including Te Whānau o Pakiri, Ngāti Manuhiri and Ōmaha Marae, who have been fighting to stop sand mining in this rohe for three generations. There are also many individuals and groups who testified in court, including Auckland Council, NZ Fairy Tern Trust, Friends of Pakiri Beach, Save Our Sands Mangawhai Pakiri, Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Trust, Forest and Bird, and the Environmental Defence Society.However despite this momentous decision, under the government's proposed Fast-Track Approvals Bill, a trio of ministers could now ignore our community voice and all the evidence and expert advice and overturn this decision.Thank you again for coming on the journey with us and being part of this incredible win for our community and the environment.Jessie StanleySOS Community Spokesperson

Warkworth RegionFriday 19th April - Cloudy. A few showers, some heavy. Thunderstorms possible this evening. Northwesterlies.Saturday 20th April - Rain with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms, easing to isolated showers towards evening. Northwesterlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 17hrs from 5am - 10pm Sat, 20 AprArea: Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, WaitomoForecast: Periods of heavy rain with possible downpours and thunderstorms. Amounts may approach warning criteria and may even exceed warning amounts in localised areas.Sunday 21st April - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until afternoon. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh before dawn.Mangawhai RegionFriday 19th April - Partly cloudy. A few showers developing this morning, possibly heavy and thundery this afternoon, easing this evening. Northerlies.Saturday 20th April - Rain with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms, clearing towards evening but remaining cloudy. Fresh northwesterlies, turning southwest in the afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 17hrs from 5am - 10pm Sat, 20 AprArea: Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, WaitomoForecast: Periods of heavy rain with possible downpours and thunderstorms. Amounts may approach warning criteria and may even exceed warning amounts in localised areas.Sunday 21st April - Fine. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the evening.