Far North Briefs: Essential Mangamuka roadworks.

NZTA is undertaking essential resilience works on SH1 through Mangamuka Gorge.

Paper trail

Northlanders keen on exploring the outdoors now have more information over where they can walk, thanks to a major map upgrade by Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission. The maps identify public access to the outdoors and, after two years’ work, now confidently identify 55,000km of publicly accessible unformed legal roads in New Zealand, also known as paper roads. Go to herengaanuku.govt.nz/maps to view the interactive maps.

Mangamuka works

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is undertaking essential resilience works on SH1 through Mangamuka Gorge from Monday, September 15 for up to four weeks (weather dependent). These works are to repair a new slip that occurred during Cyclone Tam in April this year. Road users can expect a one-lane closure with stop/go operations in place Monday to Friday, 7am – 5pm. Please allow extra time for your journey. Outside of working hours Monday to Friday, 7am – 5pm, both lanes will be open to traffic. For real-time travel information, visit www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).

Women’s Club

The Northland Women’s Club is excited to announce that its Annual Charity Ball is just 42 days away. Now in its third year, the club has grown to over 300 members, uniting the community through impactful charitable events held annually to raise vital funds that remain within Northland. The upcoming event promises an unforgettable evening on October 18, from 5.30pm to midnight at the Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Rd, Kerikeri.

Term extension

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said that the Governor-General, Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, has agreed to a short extension of her term of office. The Governor-General’s term was due to conclude on October 21, 2026 and will now conclude on March 31, 2027.

Metlifecare decision welcomed

RVResidents has welcomed Metlifecare’s decision to cover repairs and replacement of operator-owned chattels across its villages from October 1. The move follows years of advocacy by RVResidents and its members at Greenwich Gardens residents, alongside a Commerce Commission investigation.