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Low rainfall means Level 3 water restrictions for Kaitaia
Sustained dry weather over Christmas and New Year has seen flows in Kaitaia’s main water supply, the Awanui River, drop to worrying levels, prompting the Council to apply Level 3 water restrictions to the town.
From today, Kaitaia … View moreLow rainfall means Level 3 water restrictions for Kaitaia
Sustained dry weather over Christmas and New Year has seen flows in Kaitaia’s main water supply, the Awanui River, drop to worrying levels, prompting the Council to apply Level 3 water restrictions to the town.
From today, Kaitaia households and businesses connected to the Council water supply can only use a bucket or watering can to water gardens, and wash cars and buildings. The use of garden hoses, sprinklers or any irrigation device connected to the mains supply is banned, along with water blasting and the filling of swimming pools. Some commercial water use is also banned, such car washes on mains supply that do not have water recycling facilities.
Mayor John Carter says the decision to move to Level 3 was not taken lightly. However, with only moderate rain forecast for Kaitaia in coming days, the Awanui River will likely fall below minimum consent levels set by Northland Regional Council within a week.
“Kaitaia is still recovering from the 2019/20 drought and has not received similar levels of rain experienced in other parts of the district. This has seen flows in the Awanui River fall steadily, closely tracking levels seen at the same time last year.”
Level 2 water restrictions were applied to Kaitaia on 23 December, along with the Council’s Kawakawa-Moerewa supply. While flows in the Awanui River and Kawakawa’s Tirohanga Stream increased slightly following rain last week, low soil moisture levels in both catchments mean the recovery was short-lived.
Mayor Carter says plans to complete a second supply for Kaitaia should see the end of regular summer water restrictions. “Work on a new bore at Sweetwater near Kaitaia is progressing steadily and is due to be operational before next summer. This will permanently supplement supplies from the Awanui River, making Kaitaia’s water supply far more resilient to prolonged dry weather.”
Meanwhile, testing of a second bore drilled at Kaikohe’s Monument Hill is due to begin this month. It is projected the 120-metre-deep bore will access more sustainable groundwater supplies and could provide up to 45 per cent of the town’s summer water needs. Both Kaikohe and Kaitaia were particularly hard-hit during last year’s drought with both towns almost running out of water.
For more information on water restrictions in your area and tips on saving water, go to the Be Waterwise Whakanuia tō Whakaaro ki te Wai website at bewaterwise.org.nz/. To tell the Council about water leaks or breaches to water restrictions, phone 0800 920 029.
Whangarei Campus Orientation
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi will be hosting an orientation day at our Whangarei Campus on Wednesday 24th February for our Te Tai Tokerau students.
This is an opportunity to visit our Northland campus, meet our staff and support services and your fellow … View moreWhangarei Campus Orientation
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi will be hosting an orientation day at our Whangarei Campus on Wednesday 24th February for our Te Tai Tokerau students.
This is an opportunity to visit our Northland campus, meet our staff and support services and your fellow students. If you are still considering study options for 2021, we also welcome you to attend our orientation event.
Our campus is located at 12A Murdoch Crescent, Raumanga Heights, Whangarei. Nau mai, haere mai.
You can find out more about our programmes here.
One Whangārei community is having a sea wall built to help stop coastal erosion while in another Northland community locals are advocating for managed retreat. What do you think we should do in response to this very real threat on our doorstep?
We hope you’ve managed to enjoy the break, or if you’ve had to work through, that you get some time off soon. We’ve been dreaming of relaxing at this colourful retro Kāpiti bach which features in our January issue. It’s the perfect sanctuary for its Wellington owners, who find themselves … View moreWe hope you’ve managed to enjoy the break, or if you’ve had to work through, that you get some time off soon. We’ve been dreaming of relaxing at this colourful retro Kāpiti bach which features in our January issue. It’s the perfect sanctuary for its Wellington owners, who find themselves unwinding as soon as they walk through its front gate. Where's your favourite place to unwind over the summer?
Thank you so much to The Whangarei Leader and Stuff Media for their sponsorship of Pet of the Week for 2021 in the Whangarei Leader. This helps us reach an audience that doesn't use computers/social media, it helps us find homes for the animals, it saves lives. On behalf of all the animals and… View moreThank you so much to The Whangarei Leader and Stuff Media for their sponsorship of Pet of the Week for 2021 in the Whangarei Leader. This helps us reach an audience that doesn't use computers/social media, it helps us find homes for the animals, it saves lives. On behalf of all the animals and staff here at the SPCA Whangarei Centre, thank you so much.
Far North District Council is paying tribute to the magnificent work carried out by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) in tackling a very significant blaze at Ahipara Tuesday night.
Far North Mayor, John Carter QSO, says it was a very significant fire for the coastal settlement. “I would like to pay… View moreFar North District Council is paying tribute to the magnificent work carried out by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) in tackling a very significant blaze at Ahipara Tuesday night.
Far North Mayor, John Carter QSO, says it was a very significant fire for the coastal settlement. “I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding work carried out by FENZ and the other emergency services. Without their intervention I shudder to think what might have happened. I also want to thank the many individuals and organisations in the area that provided a wonderful level of support to those in the community who were evacuated at the height of the emergency.”
Mayor Carter also has a strong fire safety message to visitors and residents alike: “It is so important that advice and instructions offered by FENZ is followed – to do otherwise is both foolhardy and dangerous. This fire was a warning to us. Fortunately, we've escaped without loss of life, loss of property or injury this time. Every resident and every visitor to Northland has a responsibility to make sure this sort of thing doesn't happen again. This has been a massive warning.”
A total fire ban has been in place for Whangārei and Kaipara since Thursday 24 December. The Far North remains in a restricted fire season meaning a permit is needed for all outdoor fires. However, fire permits are suspended in the area until further notice due to the weather conditions. For the latest details on where and when you can light a fire, go to the FENZ www.checkitsalright.nz... webpage.
Far North District Council is paying tribute to the magnificent work carried out by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) in tackling a very significant blaze at Ahipara Tuesday night.
Far North Mayor, John Carter QSO, says it was a very significant fire for the coastal settlement. “I would like to pay… View moreFar North District Council is paying tribute to the magnificent work carried out by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) in tackling a very significant blaze at Ahipara Tuesday night.
Far North Mayor, John Carter QSO, says it was a very significant fire for the coastal settlement. “I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding work carried out by FENZ and the other emergency services. Without their intervention I shudder to think what might have happened. I also want to thank the many individuals and organisations in the area that provided a wonderful level of support to those in the community who were evacuated at the height of the emergency.”
Mayor Carter also has a strong fire safety message to visitors and residents alike: “It is so important that advice and instructions offered by FENZ is followed – to do otherwise is both foolhardy and dangerous. This fire was a warning to us. Fortunately, we've escaped without loss of life, loss of property or injury this time. Every resident and every visitor to Northland has a responsibility to make sure this sort of thing doesn't happen again. This has been a massive warning.”
A total fire ban has been in place for Whangārei and Kaipara since Thursday 24 December. The Far North remains in a restricted fire season meaning a permit is needed for all outdoor fires. However, fire permits are suspended in the area until further notice due to the weather conditions. For the latest details on where and when you can light a fire, go to the FENZ www.checkitsalright.nz... webpage.
Decking, Retaining Timber, Multiple Mixed Packs, Battens and more.
1213 State Highway 10, Kerikeri
(2km South of Kerikeri roundabout)
Enquiries:
Phone: 09 407 7271
Email: sales@mtpokaka.co.nz
It’s coming up to our Tinopai School annual fishing Contest and this year Kaipara North Property Management are the proud sponsors of the Kids Sprat comp, so save the date 9th January 2021 and help support our gorgeous little school! Lots of great prizes to be won and an all round fabulous day! … View moreIt’s coming up to our Tinopai School annual fishing Contest and this year Kaipara North Property Management are the proud sponsors of the Kids Sprat comp, so save the date 9th January 2021 and help support our gorgeous little school! Lots of great prizes to be won and an all round fabulous day! Look forward to seeing you all there.
From the Northland Regional Council
Meri Kirihimete! All BusLink services are free tomorrow. December 24th
We're ringing the Christmas bells - all BusLink services across Northland are free all day tomorrow.
• Ride any of our BusLink services for free on Thursday 24 December.
• Get your … View moreFrom the Northland Regional Council
Meri Kirihimete! All BusLink services are free tomorrow. December 24th
We're ringing the Christmas bells - all BusLink services across Northland are free all day tomorrow.
• Ride any of our BusLink services for free on Thursday 24 December.
• Get your Christmas giveaways from the CityLink team on Thursday 24 December at the Rose Street bus terminus.
• For those outside Whangārei, check with the bus driver for your Christmas goodies.
• Remember we have a Summer Beach Bus trial running from 17 December to 28 January 2021. The bus will run from Rose Street bus terminus to Oceans Beach
For timetables and more information visit www.buslink.co.nz...
A total fire ban is in place for Whangārei and Kaipara effective from 8am Thursday 24 December.
This means open air fires are not permitted across the Whangārei and Kaipara districts and all fire permits have been suspended.
The ban on private use of fireworks also remains in place in the … View moreA total fire ban is in place for Whangārei and Kaipara effective from 8am Thursday 24 December.
This means open air fires are not permitted across the Whangārei and Kaipara districts and all fire permits have been suspended.
The ban on private use of fireworks also remains in place in the Karikari peninsula and Ahipara township.
The Far North remains in a restricted fire season but fire permits are still suspended in the area until further notice due to the weather conditions.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz... for more information.
"It’s very important people follow the fire ban and don’t light any outside fires or let off fireworks," says Principal Rural Fire Officer Myles Taylor.
"It’s too risky. In the current hot and dry conditions a stray ember or firework could easily start a fire which would quickly spread."
"It’s still very dry in the Far North but we are expecting some rain to come through the area over the next few days," says Myles Taylor.
"We will continue to monitor the conditions and fire danger level. Fire permits will be reinstated when it’s safe to do so and when there is less risk of a fire getting out of control.
"We need the people of Northland, and those planning a holiday in Northland, to do their part to prevent a wildfire this summer."
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz... for more tips on how you can reduce the risk of fire this summer.
A total fire ban is in place for Whangārei and Kaipara effective from 8am Thursday 24 December.
This means open air fires are not permitted across the Whangārei and Kaipara districts and all fire permits have been suspended.
The ban on private use of fireworks also remains in place in the … View moreA total fire ban is in place for Whangārei and Kaipara effective from 8am Thursday 24 December.
This means open air fires are not permitted across the Whangārei and Kaipara districts and all fire permits have been suspended.
The ban on private use of fireworks also remains in place in the Karikari peninsula and Ahipara township.
The Far North remains in a restricted fire season but fire permits are still suspended in the area until further notice due to the weather conditions.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz... for more information.
"It’s very important people follow the fire ban and don’t light any outside fires or let off fireworks," says Principal Rural Fire Officer Myles Taylor.
"It’s too risky. In the current hot and dry conditions a stray ember or firework could easily start a fire which would quickly spread."
"It’s still very dry in the Far North but we are expecting some rain to come through the area over the next few days," says Myles Taylor.
"We will continue to monitor the conditions and fire danger level. Fire permits will be reinstated when it’s safe to do so and when there is less risk of a fire getting out of control.
"We need the people of Northland, and those planning a holiday in Northland, to do their part to prevent a wildfire this summer."
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz... for more tips on how you can reduce the risk of fire this summer.
Water restrictions for Kaitaia and Kawakawa
Level 2 water restrictions are being applied to Kaitaia and Kawakawa-Moerewa due to low flows in rivers and little prospect of significant rain over the next two weeks.
The restrictions being applied from today ban the use of unattended garden hoses, … View moreWater restrictions for Kaitaia and Kawakawa
Level 2 water restrictions are being applied to Kaitaia and Kawakawa-Moerewa due to low flows in rivers and little prospect of significant rain over the next two weeks.
The restrictions being applied from today ban the use of unattended garden hoses, sprinklers and irrigation devices by households and businesses connected to Council water supplies.
Acting Council CEO William Taylor says the restrictions recognise that Kaitaia’s Awanui River and the Tirohanga Stream at Kawakawa have not recovered well from the 2019/20 drought. “While both water sources are running above minimum consent levels, flows are trending downwards which is cause for concern. We know demand for water is likely to increase over the Christmas and New Year period, so as a precaution we need to reduce demand now to avoid the need for even tighter restrictions in coming weeks.”
He says the restrictions are a reminder to all Far North residents to use water sensibly over summer and the need to adopt simple conservation measures. These include:
· Shorter showers
· Flushing less often
· Only washing clothes on a full load
· Turning off taps while brushing teeth
· Fixing leaking taps, toilets and other fittings.
Mr Taylor says an increased holiday season population will increase pressure on water supplies. “I am asking all residents and business owners to remind visitors, friends and whanau of the need to conserve our precious resource.”
He says work to develop secondary water supplies for Kaitaia and Kaikohe – the two communities most seriously impacted by the recent drought – are progressing well. A bore site at Sweetwater near Kaitaia is due to supplement supplies from the Awanui River before next summer. Meanwhile, a second bore at Monument Hill in Kaikohe should be operational soon and could meet up to 45 per cent of the town’s summer water needs if required. The Council is also undertaking detailed research on the Tirohanga Stream near Kawakawa. It is hoped new evidence will show it is safe to take water for Kawakawa and Moerewa residents even when flows in the Tirohanga are lower.
From the Northland Regional Council
Meri Kirihimete! All BusLink services are free tomorrow.
We're ringing the Christmas bells - all BusLink services across Northland are free all day tomorrow.
• Ride any of our BusLink services for free on Thursday 24 December.
• Get your Christmas … View moreFrom the Northland Regional Council
Meri Kirihimete! All BusLink services are free tomorrow.
We're ringing the Christmas bells - all BusLink services across Northland are free all day tomorrow.
• Ride any of our BusLink services for free on Thursday 24 December.
• Get your Christmas giveaways from the CityLink team on Thursday 24 December at the Rose Street bus terminus.
• For those outside Whangārei, check with the bus driver for your Christmas goodies.
• Remember we have a Summer Beach Bus trial running from 17 December to 28 January 2021. The bus will run from Rose Street bus terminus to Oceans Beach
For timetables and more information visit www.buslink.co.nz...
I was at a meeting recently when a gentleman spoke about a petition he was promoting calling on our local bodies to hold a referendum before instigating the inclusion of Maori representation on our local council. I believe this petition is racism in its worst form, playing on peoples’ fears, … View moreI was at a meeting recently when a gentleman spoke about a petition he was promoting calling on our local bodies to hold a referendum before instigating the inclusion of Maori representation on our local council. I believe this petition is racism in its worst form, playing on peoples’ fears, despite the man’s assurance that he “...has Maori friends”. The hidden message is of course: ‘there are more of us than them, so of course the vote will go against it, but it will seem to be more than democratic in the process.’
There are some who will be unsure, fearing the promotion of a separatist movement/governance for Maori but that could not be further from the truth. Our whole system has not honoured the Treaty sufficiently and the inclusion of Maori voice/s on the Council is a wonderful way to really ‘hear’ from tangata whenua as partners with a ‘real’ voice - not an advisory committee - but actually being heard and having their vote counted.
There are others who will just be fearful of some perceived threat from Maori as taking over, but this too is a fallacy – the Maori representatives will be only a portion of the votes cast on any given subject – the important thing is that all matters discussed will have their input.
While I am the first to criticize our Council if I believe they have erred, I am now applauding them for this long overdue step towards inclusiveness and true adherence to their Treaty obligations.
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