Orewa’s new tsunami sirens were tested for a second time last week. Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) general manager Kate Crawford said the sirens were activated three times on November 23 and measured for volume and clarity from eight sites...... Read More

The lower cost fee for connecting to the public water network was announced last month. At this stage it is for Whangaparaoa residents only and is a trial. Local councillors successfully lobbied Watercare for the lower cost option to give people on...... Read More

Catherine Smith receives her medal from Mike McAulay.  Awards recognising long service with the St John ambulance service were presented in Silverdale on November 14. St John Silverdale hosted the North Auckland Service Awards, and representatives...... Read More

Whangaparaoa MP Mark Mitchell, centre, with members of Silverdale volunteer Fire Brigade that were awarded their long service and good conduct medals for 14 years service. From left, Darren Hodgetts, Daniel Capon, Sarah Capon, Mike Price. Silverdale...... Read More

Whangaparaoa College School student Madison Blackburn (Downs), aged 16, was awarded a top prize of ‘Overall Merit Award’ at a Blue Light Camp in Auckland, held last month. Blue Light life skills coordinator Abbe-Mae Henry says it was Madison’s...... Read More

The local art community supported the recent Hibiscus & Bays Art exhibition and awards in large numbers. More than 150 people attended a celebratory award function at Estuary Arts Centre on November 21, along with local board chair Gary Brown and members...... Read More

The derelict interior of Waiwera Thermal Resort will become a set for the international cast of Netflix production Cowboy Bebop next week. Waiwera residents received a letter recently advising of the timing of the filming, by Intergalactic Productions. The...... Read More

Wayne Pienaar’s passion for rocks, fossils and collecting in general seems to have passed down to his sons, Silverdale School students Eli and Leo. The result is the Kids Hands on Museum, crammed with artifacts of all kinds, that occupies part...... Read More

If you get your hair and beauty treatments locally, it seems you are in good hands. Three local salons recently won national awards: Megan Bowyer, senior stylist at B-Studio in Orewa, won the People’s Choice award in this year’s national...... Read More

Pet owners who are keen to adopt a more back-to-basics health care regime for their dog or cat may find what they are looking for at a new centre in Moana Court, Orewa. After working on animal health issues for more than 40 years, animal naturopath Sarndra...... Read More