As a child, Michele Clarke juggled raising a duckling in Auckland’s suburbia with saving insects from spider webs, foreshadowing what her future would hold.

Recognisable community member and owner of Matakana Cinemas, Dan Paine, is a creative-minded person, and for years has combined his love of music and film as both a cinema owner and talented DJ.

Setting her sights on the global stage of freestyle and freeride skiing, at just 13 years old, Michaela Bridgens has already amassed an impressive array of achievements and experiences that belie her age.

Pancreatic cancer, often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ is one of New Zealand's least talked about and most deadly cancers. With symptoms that are difficult to diagnose and less than 12% of patients surviving for more than five years after diagnosis, the need for awareness and early detection is critical.

Meet the passionate duo behind Sustainable Kaipara, who you’ll likely find digging freshly made compost or with whiteboard markers in hand while planning the next moves for their community organisation.

In the tranquil landscapes of our local community lies a hidden gem, Morris & James Pottery, a Matakana institution established in 1977.

Recently launched tech company, Ahiko, offers New Zealanders guidance and perspective on usage and price data transparency problems, ensuring every household gets energy solutions that are right for them. So how can you benefit?

Hailing from a musical family, Andy Lynch has toured the globe playing guitar with bands Zed, Atlas and The Feelers. We asked him about his musical experience so far and relocating to his five-acre haven in Warkworth.

Warkworth local, Kade Banks, is anything but blue about his first full- time contract to play rugby for the Auckland Blues in 2024. “I’ve been in and around the environment for a couple of years, but it’s good to finally be locked in for the next year at least.”

Tikitibu has been working with New Zealand artisans since 2011, connecting their diverse base of reputable retailers with New Zealand creatives. Their small but very dedicated team, based in the Matakana region, is passionate about supporting, growing and developing the creative sector.

“A good friend of mine from Taranaki had been trying to get me into speedgolf for several years and I said, ‘Mike, why would I want to run around the golf course?’ My only regret is I didn’t get into it sooner,” says Craig Russell of Speedgolf North.

Small communities survive and thrive on the basis of their volunteers. This is epitomised by the dedication of people like Jenny Schollum of Puhoi who was recently awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community and heritage preservation.

The Women's Centre Rodney, based in Warkworth, has been supporting women in the community since 1987. Dedicated to providing ways to inform, support, and empower women and their families, with a focus on connecting women with each other and with the Women’s Centre Team, 2023 saw increased and improved services offered under the leadership of Jo Nicholson in her first year as Centre Manager.

The driving force behind Tofu Auto Works in Kaiwaka, owner Chris Watson, discusses his latest winning creation and plans for the future.

Growing up as a sponsored surfer in the United Kingdom, Matt Burner has used a wide range of surf products. He’s come full circle and is now supporting aspiring pro surfers in New Zealand with wetsuits from his start-up, Flex Wetsuits.

Helicopter pilot, Simon Owen, on his work with the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, where each flight can be the difference between life and death.

Tucked away on the shores of the sparkling Kaipara Harbour, are two ex-dairy farms that are in the process of being regenerated and repurposed into a biodiverse region with organic market gardens, native forest, a concert and festival venue, and an off-grid eco village. The project is being directed by Franko Heke, one of the team behind music and wellness festivals, NZ Spirit Festival and Resolution.

If you've flipped through magazines featuring the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's golf courses, chances are you've seen the work of Mangawhai resident Ricky Robinson. His work with golf courses throughout the country has earned him recognition as a leading figure in the world of golf course photography.

Nestled in the heart of the lively Matakana village, Daily Organics welcomes you to a world of wholesome beverages. Renowned for their iconic kombucha, this locally owned brand has recently opened a charming shop at their factory and brewery, marking an exciting new chapter in the Daily Organics journey.

In the world of mountain biking, where rugged trails and adrenaline rushes define the sport, one young woman from Warkworth, is taking her talent international. George Swift is a determined and adventurous rider who has turned her passion into a global pursuit, competing in the 2023 Mountain Bike Enduro World Series.