Hikurangi Coastal news is brought to you by the team at Whangārei Leader
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Whose fault is it if your child is being bullied online?
The simple answer is, yours. As parents you are responsible for your child’s online access, not the ISP, not the Government or other agency. It is up to you to keep them safe.
But these days parents don’t seem to want to accept that… View moreWhose fault is it if your child is being bullied online?
The simple answer is, yours. As parents you are responsible for your child’s online access, not the ISP, not the Government or other agency. It is up to you to keep them safe.
But these days parents don’t seem to want to accept that responsibility, and would rather blame platforms like X, Instagram, FaceBook and Tic Toc. Now are those platforms cesspools of degenerates, disinformation and frequent bullying, yes. Yes they are, but it is not up to them to keep your kids out and off those platforms, it is the parents’ job.
Built into every modern router are parental controls that can block your child’s device (phone, Tablet and computer) from accessing those sites easily. It is also not hard to learn, takes around 5 to 20 mins to learn and implement those blocks, or you can get someone to do it for you.
That’s it, your child is blocked.
But what about the smart phones? I hear you cry, they can access the sites via their mobile data. Simple, no child under 13 should even have a smart phone. If you are willing to buy your 7- or 8-year-old a smart phone and give them unrestricted access, that is your fault, again not the platforms. You are the parent, at least you are supposed to be, try acting like one.
But you want them to be able to call in an emergency, or just to keep in touch.
I hear you, and again the answer is simple, buy them a ‘Dumb’ Phone. This is a phone that can make calls, text, has GPS tracking and Maps. But Nothing else, it cannot install other apps, cannot browse the web and keeps your children safe.
When your child is old enough for a smart phone then, get them a low data sim card and put parental blocks in place to block the type of apps they should not be using. Tell your child that they can only have a smart phone if they let you monitor their online activity, if they refuse, then don’t get the phone. If they buy one themselves, take it off them. You are the parent start acting like it, don’t give into their whining.
The power to control your child’s online activity has always been with the parent, but it seems these days most parents just give their kids free reign to do what they like and would rather blame the platforms for their own failures as parents. If you can’t be bothered parenting your child then perhaps you should not have had them in the first place.
Because parents have not taken responsibility for their own children, it has left the door open for the government to step in and not only block children, but spy on every law abiding adult. Forcing them to upload sensitive private biometric data to 3rd party companies, that can and have, not only been hacked for that data, but can sell and have sold that data for hundreds of millions of dollars. Your private data is a marketing firms dream and you can bet they will get their hands on that data one way or the other.
So parent your own kids and stop forcing the government into doing the job parents should be doing from the start.
Used only for a couple of weeks before we bought a new Toilet. New they're $75
This coffee machine makes great coffee. Its in great working order.
We replaced it recently with a newer one to suit our new kitchen.
Hi everyone, Just stopping by to say hello and wish everyone a happy, safe long weekend. If you’re traveling, please take care on the roads.
If you get a text asking you to pay a traffic fine, please do not click on the link!
We’re aware of a text scam that includes a link to pay a fine, claiming to be from Police.
Police do not issue speeding fines via text, this text is not from us ❌
Report to Department of Internal … View moreIf you get a text asking you to pay a traffic fine, please do not click on the link!
We’re aware of a text scam that includes a link to pay a fine, claiming to be from Police.
Police do not issue speeding fines via text, this text is not from us ❌
Report to Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for free by forwarding to 7726.
WAITANGI WEEKEND MARKET - Whangārei Arts & Crafts Market
Join us this Waitangi Weekend for a vibrant day of creativity, community, and local flavour at Reyburn House, Town Basin.
📅 Saturday 7 February 2026
⏰ 10am – 4pm
📍 Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
🎟️ Free … View moreWAITANGI WEEKEND MARKET - Whangārei Arts & Crafts Market
Join us this Waitangi Weekend for a vibrant day of creativity, community, and local flavour at Reyburn House, Town Basin.
📅 Saturday 7 February 2026
⏰ 10am – 4pm
📍 Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
🎟️ Free entry
Explore 30+ market stalls showcasing quality arts, crafts, handmade goods, and local creativity, alongside live music, delicious food stalls, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
✨ Wander the heritage grounds
✨ Meet local artists and makers
✨ Enjoy live music throughout the day
✨ Visit the Art Gallery – free entry
✨ Support local | Buy local
This market is proudly part of Waitangi Weekend celebrations, offering a relaxed and family-friendly space to come together, connect, and celebrate creativity.
📩 Stallholder & event enquiries: events@reyburnhouse.co.nz
💛 Support Local – Buy Local
#WaitangiWeekend #WhangareiMarkets #SupportLocal #BuyLocal #ReyburnHouse #NorthlandArt #ArtsAndCraftsMarket #CommunityMarket
Sunday 1st February 2026, 10am-3pm
Mark your calendar for our family fun day, highlighting eco-friendly colours produced in New Zealand, along with local performances, kids' games, and local food vendors.
Check it out - Reyburn House Art Gallery - Free Entry!
On for the next four weeks, make sure you get in your weekly dose of inspiration and come and view these works. You never know, the perfect piece for your lounge could be waiting for you.
This local group of Northland artists meet … View moreCheck it out - Reyburn House Art Gallery - Free Entry!
On for the next four weeks, make sure you get in your weekly dose of inspiration and come and view these works. You never know, the perfect piece for your lounge could be waiting for you.
This local group of Northland artists meet regularly and have an annual display of their work, it's well worth a visit to see this great exhibition.
Barely used LaZboy dark brown/expresso leather sofa. 3 seater with chaise lounge.
Locals can expect to see contractors upgrading the footpaths on the west side of King Street, between 25 King Street and 59 King Street (Four Square to Union Street) in Hikurangi.
They will also be renewing the kerb and channel, stormwater connections, and vehicle crossings.
We don't … View moreLocals can expect to see contractors upgrading the footpaths on the west side of King Street, between 25 King Street and 59 King Street (Four Square to Union Street) in Hikurangi.
They will also be renewing the kerb and channel, stormwater connections, and vehicle crossings.
We don't expect too much impact on traffic movement, or pedestrian access.
Project information:
www.wdc.govt.nz...
Waikato against mozzies! 🦟 Is Northland ready to join the fight?
Researchers from Victoria University are on the hunt for Waikato properties to set traps as part of a project aimed at keeping the country safe from mosquito-borne diseases coming from across the ditch.
Backed by the … View moreWaikato against mozzies! 🦟 Is Northland ready to join the fight?
Researchers from Victoria University are on the hunt for Waikato properties to set traps as part of a project aimed at keeping the country safe from mosquito-borne diseases coming from across the ditch.
Backed by the Ministry for Primary Industries, the project is targeting high-risk areas—including Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Hawke’s Bay—to keep a close eye on mosquito activity.
What do you think—are we ready to take on the mozzies, or is it a lost cause?
Want all the details? The Waikato Times has you covered.
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