Proudly NZ Owned
FREE A division of Local Matters
Puhoi • Warkworth • Snells • Matakana • Omaha • Leigh • Pakiri • Wellsford • Port Albert • Kaiwaka • Mangawhai
Your LOCAL Community Newspaper
www.localmatters.co.nz
19 June 2013
Inside this issue
Students star in ‘mystery’ musical
Smoking & alcohol ban
Mahurangi College students (back, from left) Becky Moon, Sam Stevenson, Daniel Collings, and (front) Elspeth Free, Jessie Wrigglesworth and Nicholas Lee prepare for their big night. See story page 3.
Council cracks down in public places
page 3
New rules for Matakana Auckland Council approves Plan Change 64
page 6
Volunteer Week We salute those who give a helping hand
pages 18 to 21
Warning over double-digit rates hikes The likelihood of double-digit rates increases for many Rodney residents over the next three years looks set to become an issue in this year’s local body elections. At least one of the candidates for the of the Mahurangi East Residents and increased by at least 46 percent. Rodney Local Board is concerned that Ratepayers Association, is unimpressed While Auckland Council has tried to many residents do not seem to realise that his own rates have already increased manage the transition as best it can, how big the hikes will be. by 30 percent since amalgamation. it is unable to show what additional Dr Bruce Scoggins, who is chairman By next year, he expects them to have continued page 2
Karate champ Snells Beach man ranked fifth in the world
page 39
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A QUALITY BUILDER? New Homes • Alterations • Additions • Decks • Sheds BUILDING QUALITY HOMES THE WAY YOU WANT THEM Contact Richard Denton 021 423 943 or a/hrs 423 9445 Email: richarddenton@ihug.co.nz References available on www.nocowboys.co.nz/RD-Construction-Ltd
visit Mahurangi Matters online at www.localmatters.co.nz
Includes Carpentry Site 1 & Site 2 Licences (All aspects of residential construction including multi-story construction)