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Ratahi leaves Waiuku for last time

On Wednesday 28 May 2025, the little ship Ratahi which moored alongside the Jane Gifford Wharf left Waiuku for the last time.  She made her way with her new owner Sarah Ensor and her brother Rusty Ensor and former owner Trevor Pennington at the helm.The Ratahi departed Waiuku shortly after 10am on the high tide bound for Te Toro where she would stay for two days before starting her lengthy journey out through the Manukau Harbour entrance, around North Cape and down the east coast to Taurang...

Boosting Our Rural Businesses

As I write this, I’ve just returned from Fieldays where the mood amongst the farming community is upbeat. There is a sense that we have turned a corner and better times are ahead.Our Government is working super-hard to grow our economy. This is how we will raise living standards, create higher-paying jobs, and fund public services that Kiwis depend on....

What's Changing with Rates and Rubbish in Franklin

Auckland Council has published its latest rating valuations, revealing notable shifts across property categories. These valuations, certified by the Valuer-General, provide a snapshot of property values as of 1 May 2024, impacting rates calculations for the 2025/2026 financial year....

Manukau Harbour Matters

This was well attended – perhaps 120 people from right round the harbour, generally very enthusiastic – but one has to wonder whether it achieved anything. The Manukau Harbour Forum Chair, Jon Turner, gave a good introduction about the slow pace of progress on Manukau Harbour improvement; but unfortunately few subsequent speakers addressed the challenges he raised....

Harbour Tunnelling Gets Underway as part of Watercare's Transformational Southwest Wastewater Scheme

Next week Watercare will start tunnelling a new harbour outfall at Clarks Beach as part of the southwest wastewater servicing scheme.This will improve the quality of the Manukau Harbour with significant benefits for the community and environment.On Monday, May 12 a 1.2-metre-wide tunnel-boring machine (TBM) will get the ground moving on the $22 million Clarks Beach Outfall wastewater pipeline. Watercare programme delivery manager Dave Kennerley says the treated wastewater will be discharged...

Clarks Beach Celebrates Stunning New Playground

On Sunday, January 19th, the Clarks Beach and Waiau Pa community came together to celebrate the grand opening of their brand-new playground, Ngahere Ki Uta, located on Stevenson Road. The day was a joyful culmination of nearly a decade of planning and effort, showcasing a spectacular facility that has far exceeded community expectations.Alan Cole, Deputy Chair of the Franklin Local Board and FLB representative for Clarks Beach and Waiau Pa district, spearheaded the push for an upgrade back in 20...

Lift The Lid On a Drive-Past Mystery

Long-time locals might remember the huge amount of voluntary work that went into setting it up, but many of us have, some of us for years, just driven past wondering what’s out of sight at 171 Clarks Beach Road. And are we welcome?...

Manukau Harbour Matters

Renewal of discharge consents for NZ Steel. Commenting closed in early August on NZ Steel’s resource consent application to continue to discharge to the harbour and the coastal marine area for the next 35 years material resulting from the manufacture of iron and steel products, and associated activities at its Glenbrook plant. The pile of documents submitted as part of the process is large!One interesting element of it is that NZ Steel have submitted that the encroachment of mangroves is imper...

Celebrating Local Success - Megan O'Neill

Megan O'Neill grew up in Waiau Pa, attending the local primary school, followed by Rosehill College and AUT. Although she now lives in Christchurch, enjoying the wild nature on her doorstep and everything else the South Island has to offer, she still has strong family ties to the area with her parents, siblings, nephew and nieces all living locally. In her debut novel The Mess We Made, she was inspired to write characters who were messy, raw and real. If you’re looking for your next great read...

Matariki 2024 at Waitete Pa, Waiau Beach

Dawn was an hour away. Torches and headlamps lit up friendly faces. A quiet group of early risers walked across the damp grass together, united in purpose. We were there to join with representatives of Ngati Te Ata Waiohua and Ngati Tamaoho, to honour the significance of Matariki with a special karakia.Although clouds covered most of the stars, the spirit of harmony and appreciation for the beauty of our world and remembrance of loved ones shone bright. And, the rain held off. For that we were a...