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- May 01, 2025
Health warning – Kaiwaka and Otamatea rivers, Kaipara Harbour
A temporary health warning is in place for Kaiwaka and Otamatea rivers and the Kaipara Harbour by the Tinopai wharf after this week’s rains caused a wastewater spill from the Kaiwaka Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The heavy rainfall this week has meant high volumes of stormwater overwhelmed the Kaiwaka wastewater treatment plant, causing a mix of partially treated excess wastewater and stormwater to bypass the membrane plant (final stage of treatment) and discharge to the river.
With the rain having eased off, the level of stormwater has dropped and the treatment plant is no longer overwhelmed – there is no overflow and the treatment plant is operating again as normal, with staff continuing to monitor levels.
For now, please follow Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora advice:
- avoid swimming in the Kaipara Harbour by Tinopai and these rivers for another 48 hours or until SafeSwim shows it’s safe to go back in the water
SafeSwim(external link) - kayakers and sailors also need to be careful around the water and avoid going in or getting wet
- hold off collecting kaimoana after heavy rainfall for 28 days. This is because there’s an increased risk of contamination from stormwater and sewage.
If you feel unwell after contact with contaminated water, call your doctor or Healthline for free on 0800 611 116.
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ANZAC commemorated around Kaipara District
- April 28, 2025
Commemorative ceremonies took place around Kaipara District on Friday in observance of ANZAC day.
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- April 27, 2025
Replacement corridor for the Brynderwyn Hills section of State Highway 1, announced.
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Orange weather warning – Cyclone Tam
- April 18, 2025
Update Friday 18 April, 8:57am
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Roading report - March 2025
- April 11, 2025
Northland experienced an exceptionally dry March, which brought grading work across the district to a halt.
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Council prepares to consult on future water service delivery
- March 27, 2025
The community of Kaipara will soon be asked for feedback on a way forward for the district’s water services.
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Roading report - February 2025
- March 18, 2025
A dry February has put the brakes on unsealed road maintenance, shifting our focus to wet roll grades.
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- March 06, 2025
Kaipara District Council has agreed to consult with the community on a targeted rate for the district’s museums.
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Roading report - December to January 2025
- February 24, 2025
Work across the 1126km unsealed network will pick back up in late March, having slowed down during the dry season.
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Roading Report - November 2024
- December 18, 2024
Pre-seal repairs progressed well in November, with 71% of sites finished.
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- December 11, 2024
Hubert Linnell Reserve is now ready to welcome visitors for the summer season.
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Roading report - October 2024
- November 14, 2024
In October, Kaipara's roading team powered through 55% of necessary pre-seal works, in preparation for re-seals next year.
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Award-winning paper a win for Kaipara
- November 07, 2024
A joint paper on the suite of upgrades for the Mangawhai wastewater treatment plant has won the prestigious Paper of the Year award at the Water NZ conference.
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- July 19, 2024
The first stage of the Rangiora Road park upgrade will include car and boat trailer parking, lighting and a public toilet.
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June roading report
- July 18, 2024
We made the most of June’s relatively dry weather, carrying out culvert placements and water tabling across the district.
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May roading report
- June 11, 2024
Teams are in full swing across both unsealed and sealed networks, preparing for the upcoming winter season.
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- June 04, 2024
Stage one of a plan to expand Mangawhai’s wastewater capacity is complete, and stage two is well underway, catering for projected community growth to at least 2030.
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Waters infrastructure projects better off thanks to redirected funding
- May 31, 2024
More than $3.2million of external funding will be redirected into Kaipara District’s waters infrastructure budget after Council deciding to redirect existing uncommitted Better Off and Transition Support funding.
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- May 20, 2024
New toilets are on the way for Baylys Beach, to provide safe and accessible facilities for the community and visitors.
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New system for Kaipara District Libraries
- May 08, 2024
We are making changes to the system that Kaipara District Libraries uses for our library catalogue, customer records and other library services.
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April roading report
- May 08, 2024
Roading teams made the most of April’s dry weather, resurfacing 129,042m2 across the network and carrying out culvert replacements and water tabling.
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ANZAC commemorations across Kaipara District
- April 26, 2024
Commemorative ceremonies took place across Kaipara District on Wednesday in observance of ANZAC day.
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March roading report
- April 19, 2024
Relatively dry weather in March enabled our roading team to push through our drainage maintenance and renewals.
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Online map shows latest slip repair details
- March 28, 2024
A new online mapping tool developed by Northland’s three district councils shows the latest repair plans for the remaining slips still affecting district roads following severe weather events that hit the region during 2022-23.
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February roading report
- March 19, 2024
Our team made the most of February’s mixed bag of weather.
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January roading report
- February 29, 2024
January saw our teams commence routine spraying rounds, pavement repairs are full steam ahead and preseals and reseals are underway across the district.
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SH1 Brynderwyn Hills closure - detour routes in place
- February 26, 2024
State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills is now closed for crucial recovery works. Detour routes through the Kaipara district are open and operating.
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It's Northland Time - campaign to promote Northland
- February 22, 2024
A nationwide campaign to promote Northland during the Brynderwyn Hills closure is just kicking off and will run throughout the period of the closure.
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December roading report
- February 12, 2024
Our roading teams worked hard throughout December to prepare our roads for a surge in traffic over the summer.
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Detour routes and dates confirmed for upcoming SH1 Brynderwyn Hills closure
- February 09, 2024
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has confirmed detour routes and dates ahead of the upcoming closure of State Highway 1 (SH1) Brynderwyn Hills for critical restoration work.
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- January 29, 2024
Our district is buzzing with summer. Everywhere I go in Kaipara our communities and our many visitors can be seen making the most of these sunshine hours.
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Alternative routes to Northland ready for SH1 Brynderwyn Hills closure
- January 24, 2024
Roading crews have made strong progress improving and stabilising the local alternative routes around the Brynderwyn Hills in anticipation of additional traffic due to the upcoming closure of SH1 Brynderwyn Hills.
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November roading report
- December 22, 2023
We are now into the final stretch of 2023 and are pushing hard to complete outstanding work before the end of the year.
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- December 15, 2023
New facilities are on the cards for Pine Beach campground at Taharoa Domain.
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October roading report
- December 12, 2023
Despite the unexpected interruption from Cyclone Lola,October was a very productive month on roads across Kaipara.
Read moreKaipara slip repair timeline announced
- November 17, 2023
More than half of the 71 slips still impacting Kaipara roads in the wake of multiple severe weather events that hit Northland earlier this year should be repaired by the middle of next year.
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Expansion of wastewater network capacity set to enter first stages
- October 27, 2023
Elected Members agreed to commence the first two stages of a multi-year project to increase the capacity of the Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme.
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Suite of renewals and upgrades shores up water resilience
- October 24, 2023
A number of infrastructure renewals and upgrades completed in recent years have strengthened water security in Kaipara.
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September roading report
- October 17, 2023
We are only just on the other side of Winter and are already feeling the benefits of warmer and drier weather.
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August roading report
- September 29, 2023
The end of another winter gave us some much-needed sunshine and blue skies. Now with Spring upon us and the days getting longer, our focus moves to pavement works.
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- September 01, 2023
The number of trustees administering Matakohe Cemetery is set to grow after Kaipara District Council agreed to proceed with a trustee appointment process.
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Kaipara's July roading report
- August 24, 2023
The rainy weather persisted through July, resulting in 949 new pothole reports. To tackle the pothole issue, we introduced an additional pothole truck to speed up repairs.
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Northern Wairoa River flood prevention
- August 08, 2023
An update from Kaipara District Council and Northland Regional Council.
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Kaipara's June roading report
- July 19, 2023
The unsealed network has remained a significant point of focus throughout this traditionally rainy month.
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Park legally for safer, accessible communities
- July 12, 2023
Please do your part to help make our communities safe and accessible by parking in the right spot when you’re out and about
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Kaipara's May roading report
- June 19, 2023
It’s been nearly six months since Cyclone Gabrielle, however we are still actively repairing damages and working through a substantial backlog.
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Kaipara's April roading report
- May 11, 2023
This month, we have been primarily focused on clearing slips, performing tree and drainage works, and continuing with the unsealed rehabs program.
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Kaipara roading updates - 09 May weather event
- May 09, 2023
There are a number of roads impacted after heavy rainfall throughout the district on Tuesday 9 May 2023.
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Kaipara roading updates - Feb extreme weather events
- May 04, 2023
February’s extreme weather events have impacted roads across Kaipara. Our roading network has suffered significant long-lasting damage, and many issues will not be a simple fix.
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Kaipara's March roading report
- April 11, 2023
Our roading team were kept busy all summer, responding to urgent roading issues following the extreme weather events we’ve had.
Read moreCouncil agrees to maintain existing waste strategy in changing environment
- April 05, 2023
Council has pressed pause on any changes to Kaipara’s waste and recycling services while a new waste strategy from central Government is assessed.
Read more- April 04, 2023
If you’re looking for some activities for your kiddies in the holidays there are exciting things happening at Kaipara Libraries for the April school holidays.
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Restriction on truck and trailers on Cove Road to be reinstated
- March 10, 2023
In the leadup to the reopening of the eastern Brynderwyns detour route (Kaiwaka/Mangawhai/Waipu), authorities have confirmed that restrictions will again apply to truck and trailer units.
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Langs Beach bridge, Cove Road and Mangawhai area | Roading Update
- February 27, 2023
Contractors working on the Lang’s Beach bridge on Cove Road have encountered further challenges, delaying the reopening of the bridge until Wednesday morning.
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Message from the Mayor - one step back, two steps forward
- February 27, 2023
I am not sure anyone would have believed me had I said we would have to contend with another extreme weather event during the on-going aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
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Mangawhai severe weather event l Places of shelter now closed
- February 25, 2023
Everyone has now left the overnight accommodation centres at Campbell Park Christian Camp, Moir Point Christian Camp and the community-led centre at St John's Hall in Kaiwaka.
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Mangawhai severe weather event l Roading updates
- February 24, 2023
UPDATED: 2.18PM Thursday 02 March 2023
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Response to Cyclone Gabrielle continues
- February 23, 2023
Kaipara District continues to respond to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
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Mental health support is available
- February 22, 2023
After February's extreme weather events, you or someone you know, may be feeling upset, exhausted, overwhelmed or uncertain. You don’t have to manage this on your own, there are free resources available to support you during this time.
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Road conditions Friday 3 February 2023
- January 31, 2023
This article with be updated as information on Kaipara's roading network is available.
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Kaipara's December roading report
- January 12, 2023
Our team worked hard throughout December, preparing our roads for the expected influx of summer traffic.
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Kaipara's November roading report
- December 22, 2022
On the final stretch of 2022, the team have been pushing hard to complete outstanding work before the end of the year. Work continues on both the unsealed and sealed networks in anticipation of the summer rush and the expected increase in traffic.
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- December 21, 2022
Look after your loo and Kaipara's wastewater network this summer by reminding your household members and visitors what not to flush.
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Looking after Kaipara this summer
- December 14, 2022
Kaipara’s population is expected to explode during the summer break, with people enjoying the district’s beaches, lakes, and vibrant communities.
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Council services during Christmas and New Year break
- December 05, 2022
Summer holidays are fast approaching! During this time critical Council services continue, with some changes due to staff availability.
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Kaipara's October roading report
- November 15, 2022
With the continued improvements in weather, we are now full swing into unsealed and sealed pavement works. We have approximately 50kms of road to reseal in the 2022/23 season.
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Kaipara's September roading report
- October 11, 2022
Our roading team made the most of the warmer, drier weather that came our way in September.
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- September 23, 2022
Kaipara District Council staff are asking Mangawhai house owners and residents on the wastewater system to flush water through their drains, toilets and showers and prevent gases from backing up into their homes.
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Kaipara's August roading report
- September 09, 2022
August brought a welcome reprieve from the wild weather and storm events of July. A total of 3,100 individual work items were completed throughout August.
Read moreCouncil Briefing on draft wastewater strategy highlights future pressures
- September 07, 2022
A Mangawhai Wastewater Treatment Plant Advisory Group (MAG) is helping to guide a future strategy for the growing town’s wastewater disposal.
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Council improves system resilience
- August 23, 2022
The first part of a multi-phase project to manage Council’s water and wastewater asset network more efficiently and improve its resilience is complete.
Read moreKaipara's July roading report
- August 18, 2022
Wild, wet and windy weather kept crews busy in July. A total of 3,358 individual work items were completed throughout the month.
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Mangawhai balance tank takes shape
- August 08, 2022
Last week saw the first of the pre-cast concrete slabs for Mangawhai’s new wastewater balance tank carefully craned into place.
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Kaipara's June roading report
- July 12, 2022
Maintenance activities have been widespread in June. During this typically wet period, there has been a focus on potholing, running metal and completing grading work.
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- June 27, 2022
Kaipara District Council’s operations and maintenance switches over to a new contractor next month.
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- June 16, 2022
In the bowels of Kaipara’s wastewater networks, rag monsters and fatbergs are causing havoc and costing ratepayers' money.
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Kaipara's May roading report
- June 13, 2022
In May, we saw some great progress happening across the district. Sealed pavement rehabs are now complete, and the unsealed network has received the last of the PGF/IRG funding.
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Council confirms safer speed limits for Mangawhai and Kaiwaka
- May 25, 2022
Amendments to Kaipara District’s Speed Limits Bylaw were unanimously passed at the May Council Meeting, resulting in new speed limits in the Mangawhai – Kaiwaka (including Hakaru) and Kaiwaka West (including Oneriri Road and Oruawharo Road) areas.
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- May 19, 2022
Work to improve the wastewater network in Kaiwaka is scheduled to begin on 23 May 2022.
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Balance tank build begins
- May 11, 2022
A new balance tank for Mangawhai's wastewater treatment plant is one step closer to completion, with the first pre-cast concrete slabs poured for the tank structure.
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- May 10, 2022
April’s relatively calm weather meant that Kaipara’s roading team could focus on jobs carrying over from previous months, and complete work on this year’s sealed pavement rehabs, unsealed heavy metal sites, and footpath kerb and channel renewals before the wet winter weather sets in.
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- May 05, 2022
Work is underway to implement new speed limits in the Mangawhai – Kaiwaka (including Hakaru) and Kaiwaka West (including Oneriri Road and Oruawharu Road) areas.
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New toilet buildings for Mangawhai and Maungaturoto craned into place
- April 29, 2022
Projects to install new toilets in Mangawhai and Maungaturoto reached milestones recently, as the new facilities were delivered to their sites.
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- April 11, 2022
Works to improve the sewer pipe network in Dargaville is scheduled to begin on 19 April 2022.
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Environment Court issues decision on Appeals against Mangawhai Central Private Plan Change
- April 07, 2022
The Environment Court has given the green light to Mangawhai Central’s Private Plan Change 78 (PPC 78) to the Kaipara District Plan.
Read more- March 30, 2022
Two new footbridges were opened at a double ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Kaipara township of Kaiwaka on Saturday 26 March.
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- March 07, 2022
Work to build two new footbridges in Kaiwaka is entering its final stages. The footbridges provide a safer link for pedestrians to cross the river, improving connectivity for the Kaiwaka community.
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- February 23, 2022
Kaipara roading teams have been putting their time to good use during the dry season, preparing for autumn when the damper conditions enable new road pavement to be properly compacted.
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- February 14, 2022
The truss is now up on the abutments at the north bridge, with physical construction of the boardwalk starting last week.
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- February 11, 2022
The council is upgrading wastewater systems and is asking people to flush responsibly.
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Finding balance: meeting wastewater demand
- February 02, 2022
The Council is about to start constructing a balance tank, to increase the capacity of the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme.
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- January 26, 2022
The second season of road surfacing works commenced in the Kaipara District this month, after 14.4kms was completed in December 2021.
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- January 26, 2022
Representatives of the Pahi community met with Council at the wharf last week to work out where a new toilet block could go.
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- January 14, 2022
A small gathering, a prayer and a blessing to keep workers safe marked the start of the work on-site for the Kaiwaka footbridges.
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- December 20, 2021
The Kaipara District's roads continue to hold the right balance of moisture and dryness, which has allowed the NTA and Kaipara District Council to complete a lot of roading work this month, including grading on Avoca Rd, Avoca East Rd and Avoca North Rd.
Read more- December 15, 2021
A new balance tank and inlet works are to be installed at the Mangawhai wastewater treatment plant to expand the existing hydraulic capacity during the peak summer periods.
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- December 02, 2021
Kaipara District Council has adopted a report recommending new speed limits in the Mangawhai and Kaiwaka area. The adoption of this report paves the way for the introduction of lower speed limits this financial year.
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Employment opportunities for Kaiwaka locals
- December 01, 2021
Work to install the Kaiwaka footbridges will start in early January and continue for around seven weeks. With it comes some great employment opportunities for local contractors.
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Council services over the Christmas New Year Break
- November 16, 2021
With the Christmas holidays soon approaching, there will be some changes to a few Council services.
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New cross-Council drought management plan released
- November 11, 2021
Kaipara District Council (KDC) has worked with other Northland Councils on a Drought Management Plan (DMP) to create a consistent drought classification system and approach.
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- October 20, 2021
As part of our Long Term Plan, we undertook to explore options to expand the capacity of the Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme to accommodate growth in the area and summer peak flows.
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Letter from KDC to Hon Nanaia Mahuta
- September 30, 2021
Considerations from Kaipara District about the Three Waters Reforms.
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Upcoming Road Works - October 2021
- September 23, 2021
An update on where the roading team will be working across Kaipara in October.
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How are you represented at the Council table?
- August 26, 2021
Kaipara District Council (KDC) began consultation today on a proposed model of representation.
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- August 24, 2021
The Council has awarded the contract to design and build the two Kaiwaka footbridges to Bridge It NZ.
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- August 11, 2021
Kaiwaka township has seen a number of safety improvements recently, with our team and contractors Ventia busy working along Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road.
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Council responds to community submissions in Long Term Plan decisions
- June 30, 2021
Kaipara District Council today endorsed a future-focused Long Term Plan (LTP) which aims to respond to a growing population while caring for the environment and keeping rates increases low.
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Infrastructure renewal projects roll out across the District
- May 19, 2021
Nine infrastructure renewal projects are being rolled out across Kaipara District this year.
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- April 19, 2021
A number of improvements have been made at the Kaiwaka end of Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road.
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- April 06, 2021
Our Parks team and local contractors Turf Tamer recently completed work by the Kaiwaka River (north eastern side of the bridge).
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- March 05, 2021
Two footbridges are to be erected in Kaiwaka, parallel to State Highway 1 and crossing streams at the northern end of the township.
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- December 16, 2020
Kaiwaka footbridges will form part of the Kaiwaka walking and cycling network and will reduce severance caused by the state highway and rivers.
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- November 25, 2020
Kaipara District Council has been consulting the community about lowering speed limits in the Mangawhai and Kaiwaka area.
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- October 29, 2020
Kaipara District Council is seeking feedback on proposals to set new speed limits in the Mangawhai and Kaiwaka areas, including the Mangawhai urban area.
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