During the lockdown earlier this year there were a lot more birds around – or so it was said. But how can we really know how the wildlife in our suburbs is doing? And what does “more birds” actually mean? More sparrows and doves may...... Read More

With 2020 crashing on us like a wrecking ball, it’s no surprise that for some ‘being jolly’ these holidays might feel a bit of a stretch. But with health being on a lot of people’s minds, the added thought of Christmas just around...... Read More

Christmas is upon us and it is important that we step back as owners of Small to Medium businesses (SMEs) and thank those who are instrumental to our success. But, before I give thanks to our valued friends in business, let me first thank you, the SME...... Read More

We asked our Facebook followers if the historic weir on the Mahurangi River, near the Bridgehouse, should be removed. Here are some of the responses: Gary Thomass No. Spend money on something more useful for the community, like fixing the roads. Simon...... Read More

It’s still a dump Mr Balthazar Matheson took offence to a Ngati Whatua submission calling a dump “a dump” (MM Nov 18). Now here is a man who does not get around much. If it smells like a dump and pollutes like a dump – it’s...... Read More

Northern Action Group (NAG) took a new tack in its campaign to secure a better deal for north Rodney late last month, with billboards featuring a naked woman “enjoying” a bath in one of north Rodney’s numerous and deep potholes. NAG...... Read More

November has had some great excitement as the baitfish have been plentiful in the Gulf area. From Pakiri Beach across to Great Barrier and down to Rangitoto, there have been schools of baitfish moving around. The workups that have resulted have been...... Read More

The busy time of year is almost upon us. You know, that time when the sun shines and our roads are busy with holidaymakers and tourists all coming to visit our part of paradise. In the past, I have heard locals moaning about the influx of “jafas”...... Read More

Christmas, New Year and the barbecue season. Not only is the festive season coming at us faster than anyone can believe, the warm weather has had everyone out scrubbing their barbecues in anticipation of celebratory times and outdoor eating. I love this...... Read More

While New Zealand is among a small group of countries doing well in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, the broader world situation is dire. It’s not surprising, then, that the announcement that the initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 95 per cent...... Read More

If the mere mention of having to squeeze into your summer beach wear is a scary idea, then perhaps this may be of interest. It seems that losing weight is a very hot topic, and there is no shortage of info around in that area. However, like anything...... Read More

Before the reforms in the 1980s, the Post Office was an important part of every town. In Warkworth, the Post Office was housed in the building now occupied by Mahurangi Matters and Tailor Made Computers. Harry Best worked there from 1935 to 1956 as telegraphist,...... Read More

Reflecting at the end of the year is something I’m sure we all do. Looking back at 2020, we will all have mixed feelings about the year that’s been and many have been doing it very tough. I would like to use this opportunity to thank our...... Read More

Local knowledge and experience count. When projects, budgets and plans are up for consideration we need to make sure the Hibiscus Coast can make the most of opportunities. In this term of Council I’m keen to see the Hammerhead issue at Gulf Harbour...... Read More

The last couple of weeks have been a time of mixed emotions for the Hibiscus Coastguard Unit. Over the last month the Unit have had the largest number of crew in recent years moving through the Coastguard training programme and achieve operational status....... Read More

November is the month of the planets. Seven of them making an appearance this month. Venus will be the brightest of them all, but Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible to the naked eye and Uranus and Neptune visible with binoculars. Saturn...... Read More

When we moved into our new home at Arkles Bay in 2015, I did not realise that our section was already occupied by another family. A pair of kōtare (sacred kingfishers) occupied a hole in a rather nasty Phoenix palm in our garden and every summer since...... Read More

Over the years many new mothers and babies have walked through my door, but it was not until mid-October 2017 that I was really able to understand what life was like for a new parent. This is when my daughter Lauren was born. It is with all honesty that...... Read More

The school and university holidays are around the corner. For school students this means six weeks of freedom and university students are more spoiled, with approximately three months of time with their head out of the books. What can young people do...... Read More