Road closures in Whangārei
Police are closing Kokupu Block Road in Whangārei due to severe surface flooding and fallen trees caused by Cyclone Hale.
Motorists are advised to stay clear of the area until further notice and to avoid travel around Northland unless urgent, as heavy rain continues to batter down.
With high tide coming in by 11.15am. Hikurangi/Coastal General Ward councillor Scott McKenzie said the main concern is that the river might rise to a level where it spills over the road around Ngunguru.
Water levels need to reach roughly 4.5m in order to flood the road - they’re currently sitting above 3m, he said.
Other roads affected are:
Kaka Street, Morningside - flooded
Matapouri Road - fallen tree, passable with caution
Nook Road, Parua Bay - tree blocking both lanes
Parua Bay Road (west of Kerr Road) - heavy surface flooding, please avoid
Pataua North Road - road blocked due to slip
Places that have recently flooded are likely to flood again: Punaruku Road (Russell Rd), Whananaki North and South roads. Please travel with caution.
Residents are urged to stay off the roads, away from the coast and stay indoors. Further updates can be found on the Whangarei District Council website.
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
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.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.