The privately owned conservation and recreation park first opened to the public in February 2023 with its centrepiece, the Milky Way Glowworm Cave, which had remained a secret for over a century. Now, the newest glowworm cave sensation in New Zealand, Starburst Cathedral, offers visitors two immersive cave experiences beneath the limestone landscape.

A new grassroots initiative in Warkworth is quietly creating space for connection, conversation, and community.

The Matakana Wharf is not a leftover from another time. It is the anchor point of the village. This bend in the Matakana River fixed Matakana to the land. From here, roads met, homes followed, and the village took shape. Without the wharf, Matakana would not sit where it does today.

This February, locals celebrated a milestone in Mangawhai’s environmental history.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime fundraising experience hosted by the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service. Guests will enjoy an intimate long lunch with surfing legend Kelly Slater and human performance expert Dave Wood, as they share insights on resilience, performance, and purpose.

Rooted in service and community spirit, the Matakana Op Shop has a long and generous history.

Two brothers, one family, and a call for community support – a story of courage, love, and hope.

For many years, Rodney Health Trust (RHT) has quietly supported the Warkworth and wider community with health-related needs, stepping in where gaps in public funding leave families without options.

This year marks a remarkable milestone – the 50th anniversary of Cape Rodney–Okakari Point Marine Reserve, better known as Goat Island Marine Reserve.

Matakana Village has long been known as a destination for boutique shopping, artisan food, and a warm, community-driven atmosphere. But recently, this reputation has also made it the target of overseas scammers.

Perched on the banks of the Puhoi River, the tiny but mighty Puhoi Library has stood the test of time – and water.

In the quiet beauty of Matakana, a small sanctuary hums with the soft flutter of feathers and the quiet determination of two people who have turned their love for birds into a life’s purpose.

With Northland’s dog overpopulation crisis spiralling, The Best Dog Trust is tackling the issue head-on by stopping the problem at its source.

Local mum Flicka Williams is one of the driving forces behind the growing grassroots movement B416, a new charity campaigning for age restrictions to be introduced for social media.

At the southern boundary of the Matakana War Memorial Reserve, an old white gate interrupts the line of the new wooden fence. I call it the ‘Whetter Gate.’ To me, it stands as a quiet reminder of a couple who gave so much to this village and their country.

For Jenna Binnie, education has always been more than just a profession - it’s been a personal journey of discovery, challenge, and, ultimately, transformation.

Heritage Mahurangi, a community-driven initiative formed in 2022, is bringing local history to life while safeguarding the region's cherished landmarks.

Surfing for Farmers (SFF) is a unique New Zealand-based initiative that began in Gisborne in 2018, empowering farmers to take a break from their all-consuming businesses and engage in outdoor activities.

Each year Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FOAM) invites volunteers to identify, measure and count shellfish at Sandspit estuary. This was recently carried out in conjunction with students from Horizon School.

Set to transform the area's nightlife and hospitality scene, this community-driven initiative offers safe, convenient evening transportation for locals and visitors alike.