Kiwi charity, TimeOut, connects generous holiday homeowners willing to donate a stay in their property to a person diagnosed with a terminal illness. This invaluable opportunity allows family and friends to spend quality time together and create special memories that last a lifetime.

As a member of several governance bodies, Nicola MacDonald is also Chief Executive of the Ngati Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Chair of the Auckland Conservation Board and Co-chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum. This year she has been honoured with another title - winner of the 2024 Ministry for the Environment Environmental Hero of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau award. A dedicated conservationist, Nicola's approach embodies the essence of kaitiakitanga – safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Local horticulturist Rhonda Whitehead has dedicated her life to plants in our region, drawn to their allure since childhood. In both her professional and personal life, she immerses herself in cultivating, nurturing, and enjoying the world of plants.

In our New Zealand gardens, where the native flora paints a picture of tranquillity, a common herb carries a profound legacy far beyond its culinary use.

In the realm of outdoor access advocacy, Shelley Trotter stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her dedication and passion was recognised when she won the prestigious 2023 Outdoor Access Champion Award. Hosted by the Outdoor Access Commission, this award celebrates individuals who have left a mark on public access to New Zealand's outdoors, and Shelley's contributions shine brightly in this regard.

Less. waste is your local community recycling centre located at 55 Lawrie Road, Snells Beach, with a clear goal of sending as little as possible to landfill.

On Saturday 16 March 2024 the Warkworth A&P Society will present their 156th A&P Show, making it one of the longest running A&P Shows in the country.

An inspiring and heartwarming story despite the heartbreaking ending. Kiwi are back and thriving in our area; and Nicki Morrison, owner of Doggy Bush Break, is encouraging us all to help protect and foster their population resurgence.

Locally, women are answering the call to engage in restoration initiatives and community projects. The Forest Bridge Trust is no exception, currently employing 18 women who all share a passion for conservation.

It’s been a successful year for the Kowhai Swimming Club, based in Warkworth, with a number of wins and great successes for their team of national swimmers.

Headed by Tobie Curtis, a mother of three with a lifetime of experience working with animals, Northern Valley Animal Haven is a permanent shelter for guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, horses and sheep; and now you can benefit from their newly opened fundraising store while also supporting animal rescue efforts.

A group of like-minded volunteers are finding joy in coming together and sharing knowledge to create a magical community garden for all to enjoy.

As the hillsides of Mangawhai are gradually transformed into bustling urban landscapes, with new builds popping up on every other corner, the issue of construction waste has become an ever-present topic in conversation amongst the team at Sustainable Kaipara.

The first of its kind, the recent Matakana Junior Artisans’ Market was met with great enthusiasm from the local community, and children and adults alike had a fabulous time on the day.

Made and managed by kids

Two enterprising local kids, Izzy Wagstaff and Lucy Howlett, invite all young creatives to showcase their skills and products in the first Matakana Junior Artisans' Market, happening in August.

Women who are interested in joining a group of amazing like-minded women, who inspire and support each other within the community, need look no further.

Nestled on a quiet street in Warkworth, Gaby Bailey, a passionate animal lover, has created a sanctuary for neglected and mistreated reptiles. Established in 2022, Be Kind Exotic Animal Rescue has become a haven for reptiles, offering them a safe place until they can find their forever homes.

Paul Bondsfield will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for marathon drumming on Saturday 8 April. But what would inspire someone to keep drumming for six days? Too much cancer.

It’s no surprise that so many from the area rallied to help Hawke's Bay following the cyclone devastation. We wanted to mention a few who went the extra mile (literally, in some cases) to provide for those affected.

Saving lives for over three decades, not only is the Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving Club dedicated to making sure beachgoers are safe in and out of the water, the club also plays an integral part in teaching kids invaluable, lifelong skills.