Consultation begins on Airport Location study
We are seeking public opinion about the future of air transport in the Whangārei District.
We need to plan ahead and be ready for change in the air transport sector. Aircraft types and sizes may change in future, or Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules may change. Either of these could require the airport to shift from Onerahi, potentially some time in the 2030's.
The existing airport at Onerahi has a relatively short runway with smaller than usual safety areas at each end. We have looked at extending the safety margins, but problems with this option mean we must also consider new potential sites elsewhere in our District. We have permission from the CAA to continue using the existing Onerahi airport for the time being, giving us time to examine potential new sites.
We have identified three potential new sites: Ruatangata West, Ruatangata and One Tree Point West. From initial investigations these potential sites all appear to meet the required criteria including enough clear flat land for a runway, clear airspace at either end (ie no mountains or hills), land for the operational area a new airport would require, and relatively close links to state highways.
Now it's time to include the community in this study. Please take the time to examine each of the options, and share your perspective through the 'Have your say' options.
✈👩✈️👨✈️ www.wdc.govt.nz...
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.