Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming.

Beach water quality for week starting 14 February:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Matapouri 1st Bridge
• Kerikeri Skudders Beach
• Opua Foreshore
• Paihia Waitangi Bridge

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a beach swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci.  Find out more about what NRC test for

Green: safe to swim
Enterococci count less than 140/100ml

Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
Enterococci count more than 140/100ml

Red: unsafe to swim
Enterococci count more than 280/100ml

This weeks' results:

Far North

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

North West (Hokianga Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

South West (Kaipara District)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.  

Bay of Islands and Oakura

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites. 

Tutukaka

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites. 

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming.

Freshwater quality for week starting 14 February:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Ocean Beach Stream
• Otamure Bay Stream
• Lake Waro
• Whangarei Falls
• Raumanga Stream
• Waipu Cove Stream
• Langs Beach Stream
• Ruakaka River
• Coopers Beach Stream
• Aurere River
• Waipoua River at DoC headquarters

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a freshwater swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).  Find out more about what NRC test for

 Green: safe to swim
 E. coli less than 260/100ml

 Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
 E. coli count more than 260/100ml

 Red: unsafe to swim
 E. coli count more than 550/100ml

This weeks' results:

The table below shows the most recent results for all the freshwater sites sampled in Northland.  All locations are in alphabetical order.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Aurere River, at Aurere Beach Road	110324	Green:  Safe to swim	131
Coopers Beach Stream	101870	Red: Unsafe to swim	4611
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Green:  Safe to swim	231
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Orange: Caution	496
Kerikeri, Stone Store	101530	Green:  Safe to swim	121
Lake Coca Cola	110323	Green:  Safe to swim	52
Lake Ngatu, south end	100402	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Langs Beach, toilets	100686	Green:  Safe to swim	213
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	No data	No data
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	74
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Red: Unsafe to swim	4106
Otaua Stream	108510	Green:  Safe to swim	201
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Orange: Caution	309
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Green:  Safe to swim	10
Twin Bridges	105973	Green:  Safe to swim	134
Victoria River	104908	Green:  Safe to swim	122
Waipapa Basin, at Charlies Rock	110348	Green:  Safe to swim	175
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	No data	No data
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Green:  Safe to swim	243
Waipu Cove Stream	101207	Green:  Safe to swim	201
Waitangi, at Lilypond	104830	Orange: Caution	262
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Orange: Caution	288
Whangarei Falls	105972	Red: Unsafe to swim	1956

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

Beginner Gardener Workshop

Wednesday 16th Feb, 10am – 1pm.

FREE

At the Community Garden

By Te Hauora O Te Hiku O Te Ika and the College on Redan Road

Grow food for your family year round!

• Plan your garden
• Prepare your soil
• Seed raising
• Mulching Watering
• Making compost
• Growing common veges
• Tools

Part of a workshop series about practical ways of living more sustainably

All welcome – morning tea provided.

“hands-on ways of living cheap & healthy”

Transition Town Kaitaia

& Far North REAP 33 Puckey Ave,

Kaitaia, 09 408 1380,

www.ireap.co.nz

KAITIAKITANGA * RESILIENCE * TAIAO * ENVIRONMENT * WHANAU * COMMUNITY

AHIPARA COMMUNITY PLAN

PUBLIC MEETING

Nau mai, Haere Mai Welcome

Wednesday 16th February at 10.00am

Korou Koro Marae

Foreshore Rd, Ahipara

This meeting will discuss issues relating to Ahipara and the Community Planning process that were raised at an earlier meeting held at Korou Koro Marae on 7th December 2010. All people who are interested in the production of a Community Plan for Ahipara are invited to attend.

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming.

Freshwater quality for week starting 07 February:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Ocean Beach Stream
• Otamure Bay Stream
• Lake Waro
• Whangarei Falls
• Raumanga Stream
• Waipu Cove Stream
• Langs Beach Stream
• Ruakaka River
• Coopers Beach Stream
• Aurere River
• Waipoua River at DoC headquarters
• Kaihu River at campground

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a freshwater swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).  Find out more about what NRC test for

 Green: safe to swim
 E. coli less than 260/100ml

 Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
 E. coli count more than 260/100ml

 Red: unsafe to swim
 E. coli count more than 550/100ml

This weeks' results:

The table below shows the most recent results for all the freshwater sites sampled in Northland.  All locations are in alphabetical order.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Aurere River, at Aurere Beach Road	110324	Green:  Safe to swim	86
Coopers Beach Stream	101870	Orange: Caution	435
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Red: Unsafe to swim	712
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Orange: Caution	448
Kerikeri, Stone Store	101530	Green:  Safe to swim	197
Lake Coca Cola	110323	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Lake Ngatu, south end	100402	Green:  Safe to swim	10
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green:  Safe to swim	10
Langs Beach, toilets	100686	Orange: Caution	441
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	Green:  Safe to swim	122
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	109
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Red: Unsafe to swim	4352
Otaua Stream	108510	Orange: Caution	282
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Orange: Caution	314
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Green:  Safe to swim	185
Twin Bridges	105973	Green:  Safe to swim	256
Victoria River	104908	Green:  Safe to swim	98
Waipapa Basin, at Charlies Rock	110348	Green:  Safe to swim	121
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	No data	No data
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Green:  Safe to swim	97
Waipu Cove Stream	101207	Green:  Safe to swim	86
Waitangi, at Lilypond	104830	Green:  Safe to swim	211
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Green:  Safe to swim	63
Whangarei Falls	105972	Red: Unsafe to swim	727

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming.

Beach water quality for week starting 07 February:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Kowharewa Bay
• Ohawini Bay
• One Tree Point
• Matapouri 1st Bridge
• McLeod Bay
• Urquharts Bay
• Whananaki East Beach
• Whananaki footbridge
• Ruakaka River
• Kerikeri Skudders Beach
• Opua Foreshore
• Paihia Waitangi Bridge

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a beach swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci.  Find out more about what NRC test for

Green: safe to swim
Enterococci count less than 140/100ml

Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
Enterococci count more than 140/100ml

Red: unsafe to swim
Enterococci count more than 280/100ml

This weeks' results:

Far North

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

North West (Hokianga Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

South West (Kaipara District)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.  

Bay of Islands and Oakura

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites. 

Tutukaka

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites. 

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

Whilst the course detailed below started this week, it is not too late to enrol. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact Bronwyn Hunt:

Click here to email Bronwyn

Text or call 0275222116

 Te Kura Kohi Miere

INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING

Would you like to be a beekeeper?

Are you interested in running a beekeeping business or working for a beekeeper - then this is your opportunity.

In response to the burgeoning Manuka honey industry in the Far North and the demand for high value export product, a beekeeping school operating out of Kaitaia has been established with the course commencing February 2011. Students can expect to graduate with The Telford Certificate in Apiculture and The National Certificate in Apiculture (Level 2 and Level 3).

Students at the successful completion can expect to hold the knowledge and skills to operate a beekeeping business if all work is completed successfully and within the 39 weeks.

Key benefits include:

• Local employment for local people
• Be involved in the world’s best Manuka honey here in the north
• Sustainable use of local land and resources
• Great future - as the industry grows, the opportunities for over 200 beekeepers will be required to tend over 100,000 hives
• Opportunity to build a business and be self-employed
• Participation of local iwi and hapü.

Please register interest or obtain further information by contacting Bronwyn Hunt:

Click here to email Bronwyn

Text or call 0275222116

By Wayne Thompson NZ Herald 5:30 AM Tuesday Feb 8, 2011

More than half a billion dollars will be spent on sinking tidal power turbines to the seabed of the Kaipara Harbour after the approval of New Zealand's first tide-driven power station.

But the Environment Court has set conditions of consent for the project after a year of mediation among four objectors.

Artist impression of a Crest Energy marine turbine for electricity generation to be built in the Kaipara Harbour. Picture / Supplied

The key requirement for applicant Crest Energy is two years of environmental monitoring and evaluation and starting with only three turbines.

The company wants to sink up to 200 turbines off the harbour mouth in a $600 million plan to harness the swift tidal flow to power homes from Albany to Cape Reinga.

It appealed to the court in 2008 when Northland Regional Council allowed only 100 turbines to be sunk.

On Thursday, a final decision was issued by the court, Judge Laurie Newhook and commissioners Ross Dunlop and David Bunting.

They sought to overcome concerns about effects on the North Island's west coast snapper stocks and survival of the rare Maui's dolphin.

Heavy-duty changes to earlier draft conditions were made and they insisted on an adaptive management style for the project to ensure effects were no more than minor.

Crest's evidence was that the project would have no adverse effect on either the snapper fishery or Maui's dolphin breeding, nursing or feeding and that the dolphins rarely ventured into the Kaipara.

The conditions say if results with three turbines satisfy the Northland Regional Council, the company can add up to 17 turbines, provided operation of the 20 turbines is monitored for a year to give sufficient information on the impact on fisheries.

From there, the council will decide whether to allow turbines to be built up in further stages from 20 to 40, then 80 and then to a maximum of 200.

The director-general of conservation wanted the company to monitor operations for three years between going from 20 turbines to 40.

Iwi-based objector Environs Ltd wanted consent refused altogether or at least three years of monitoring after finishing each stage.

Judge Newhook said Crest and the parties worked co-operatively to resolve key issues.

He said the proposal was "very significant in terms of its contribution to power generation and the national economic interest". There was no basis to accept Environ's appeal that the term of consent should be for 10 rather than 35 years, he said.

Crest Energy director Anthony Hopkins last night expressed delight and said the company was now awaiting the consent of the Conservation Minister.

By Wayne Thompson NZ Herald 5:30 AM Tuesday Feb 8, 2011