News in Brief

Risk of ‘summer ice’
Rain is back in Northland’s weather forecast and NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers to be aware of the risks of ‘summer ice’.

Transport Agency Northland System Manager Jacqui Hori-Hoult says after an extended run of warm, dry weather, any rain can result in slippery road surfaces, otherwise known as summer ice.

“Even a very small amount of rain can make the roads very slippery. In fact, it can be more hazardous than heavy rain because grime and exhaust particles that have built up on the road take longer to be washed away.”

Summer ice is invisible – you can’t see it and you can’t predict where it will occur. That means in adverse conditions motorists should lower their speed, and read and adhere to any advisory signs.

Quiet end to rates stoush
An ongoing rates battle headed by Mangawhai ratepayers Bruce and Heather Rogan has ended quietly with the Supreme Court ruling against the couple in their case against the Kaipara District Council over rates payments. The Rogans objected to rates rises as a result of a mismanaged Mangawhai sewerage scheme that incurred huge construction cost overruns. A rates strike ensued and many, including the Rogans, refused to pay late penalties on a subsequently validated rates rise.

Observers put the cost of the whole legal saga at close to $3 million. The Council may yet demand the $13,000 in overdue penalties from the Rogans, plus other costs.

Elder wellbeing workshop
The Club, Mangawhai, will host and elder wellbeing workshop on March 25, 10am-2.30pm. Guest speakers Julie Mulligan (Age Concern Whangarei) and Marilyn Brooks (Public Trust) will touch on some sensitive topics such as elder risk and exposure as well as some key information regarding Enduring Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care, and Welfare.

Attendees will have a chance to workshop ideas of what matters to them in regards to their legal rights and general personal safety.

The free workshop is ideal for seniors, or somebody who currently works in that space, or has a vested interest in the wellbeing of the elderly. Numbers are limited and running out fast. Call 0800 438 894 between 8am-4pm Mon-Fri to book.

Puhoi closure for bridge build
Night work has begun to install large beams on the Arawhiti ki Puhoi Bridge across Puhoi Road. A small section of Puhoi Road will be closed while this happens, signposted detours will be in place.

For safety reasons, all work will take place at night from 9pm to 4.30am when traffic volumes are lower. The next closure will be Sunday March 15 to Thursday March 19.

Detours may add a considerable amount of time to journeys, people are encouraged to plan their travel for outside the closure hours where possible. Access will be available for emergency services throughout the closures.