Kumeu Courier

15/09/2025

Brendon Hodge – Why I love living in the Northwest

I can say with confidence that I feel privileged to be now working from the Raine & Horne office at 327 Main Road, Huapai. I am very glad to have made the move and now be able to serve in the area I have loved living in for almost thirty years (I should have done this several years earlier).
I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Huapai/Kumeu and Waimauku area with my family and know that my daughters and granddaughters loved their association and benefitted from there early years at Huapai School and Waimauku School for their education and the friends they have made here.

This brings me to a list of reasons why I will always prefer living in North West Auckland and look
forward to the future enhancements.

1, Lifestyle Appeal Still has a Semi- rural charm with space ,privacy and green surroundings. Kumeu Showgrounds and
Huapai domain. Life style blocks, vineyards and hobby farms are common – ideal if you’re after fresh air and elbow room. Close to Muriwai Beach, the Waitakere Ranges, assorted restaurants, a good variety of local shops and healthy activities with gyms and personal workshops. Plus also has good access to Westgate shopping hub.

2, Strong Community & Schools Family- friendly suburbs with well rated schools Community events, local farmers markets, and wineries support a connected small-town feel. Low density zoning in parts, offering a quieter alternative to urban Auckland.

3, Long-term Growth Potential The area is part of Auckland Council’s Future Urban zone and is set to undergo significant
development, including: A planned town center in Kumeu Upgrades to roads, transport links, and schools. Population is growing fast – demand for amenities, housing and infrastructure will likely push prices up long term.

4, Lower Entry Point (Compared to Central/Inner West) You get more house and land for your money than inner suburbs like Grey Lynn or Mt Eden. Median house prices in Kumeu are about $1.145 million versus well over $1.6 million in parts of
Auckland.
5, Rental demand (if investing) Many families and professionals are priced out of central Auckland and looking for alternatives. Steady rental yield (3.25%) and growing demands from tenants seeking more space.

6 Recent Infrastructure Commitments Road improvements and planning for rapid transit (even if slow moving) show long term intent. Potential SH16 upgrades will ease pressure on current traffic issues.

Brendon Hodge Raine & Horne Kumeu - Hobsonville
327 Main Road, Kumeu

14/09/2025

Are you spring ready? Zash Hair

Getting your hair ready for Spring at Zash Hair is the perfect way to refresh your look and embrace the new season with confidence. As the weather warms up and nature blossoms, it's essential to update your hair care routine to keep your locks healthy, shiny, and vibrant.

At Zash Hair, we recommend starting with a professional consultation to assess your hair’s current condition and discuss your desired spring look. Whether you're considering a fresh haircut, highlights, or a colour boost, our expert stylists tailor each service to suit your individual style and hair type.

Spring is a great time to indulge in deep conditioning treatments to repair winter damage and add moisture back into your hair. Our hydrating masks and nourishing serums will leave your hair soft, manageable, and glossy. Additionally, trimming off dull, split ends will give your hair a healthier appearance and prepare it for the upcoming months.

Embrace lighter, brighter styles by exploring balayage or subtle highlights that catch the spring sun beautifully. Don't forget to switch to a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and incorporate regular heat protection to maintain your hair’s health amid styling.

Finally, protect your hair from the sun’s rays by using UV protection sprays and wearing hats when outdoors. At Zash Hair, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a fresh, vibrant look perfect for spring. Book your appointment today and step into the new season with gorgeous, revitalised hair.

13/09/2025

Mum Camp is back

An all-inclusive weekend in Muriwai to support, inspire, and nurture the person inside the role. Mum Camp is time out to hear experts talk about getting your sparkle back, to get tools to forge closer connections with our children, time to be creative, to be spoiled rotten, to chat with other women.

From 7 to 9 November, Mum Camp is a one of a kind, locally made, not for profit weekend for you.

The accommodation is true school camp style at secluded Houghton’s Bush Camp, but the food is next level. Gorgeous buffet style brekkies, delicious lunch and superb dinners with a highlight being Saturday night dinner by the divine Good From Scratch. There will be art tables, try something new movement workshops, fun, laughter and guest speakers including Jo from the Happiness Project, and Tarisha from radiantwoman.co.nz. From Friday 7 November at 5.30pm until Sunday 9 November 12.30pm. Tickets including everything $345 pp.

We would absolutely love to see you there. Tickets are already over half sold. Numbers are limited to 40. Read the testimonials and see photos of past Mum Camps on Facebook @ Mum Camp Muriwai and register, or email us on [email protected].
https://www.facebook.com/events/1627592678176551/

's Bush Camp

12/09/2025

V2G unlikely here, says IT expert

Information technology (IT) specialist Steven Perreau says cost and complexity rule out any moves to introduce vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in New Zealand at the moment.

He doesn’t know of any country supporting it, although trials are being held in some parts of the world.

However, Steven says solar power has gained significant traction in Australia and could provide a solution.

The Swanson resident’s home features 34 rooftop solar panels covering the house and garage roofs, a storage battery, and two electric vehicles (EVs) – an MG4 and a Kia EV6.

Steven says direct current (DC) needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) to power the grid and a control system is required to “tell” the EV how much power is needed without depleting the EV’s battery to the point where the vehicle cannot be used properly and to avoid impacting the rest of the grid.

“it’s likely to be extremely expensive – if you can even buy it.”

He also reckons it’s not in power companies’ best interests to foster V2G, especially for profit.

Steven says some EVs can be used to power key appliances in a home which is subject to a power cut or blackout, particularly using extension cords.

But supplying the grid is fraught with problems, he says.

Steven believes more households using solar energy is the answer.
He says a storage battery helps stabilise the grid, provides the house with power during a power cut and reduces or almost eliminates power bills..

Steven has criticised some previous Labour government electricity policy changes, especially around the phasing out by about mid-2027 of the “low use” electricity regulations which he believes will see the opposite of what is intended to provide new, fairer electricity pricing.

11/09/2025

Village Market Helensville Showgrounds

Sunday 21st September 8.30am to 1pm
Come and spend a relaxing Sunday morning with us and enjoy browsing the fabulous selection of stalls while you enjoy the country surrounds and live music from Kenny. We have local crafts & art, pet health care, jewellery, candles, preserves, gifts, cards, crochet, hand knits & spinning. Plus indoor & outdoor plants, locally grown fruit and vegetables, flower bouquets, fresh eggs, delicious coffee and food and much more.
No dogs please with the exception of assistance dogs. Gold coin donation for parking – proceeds to the Helensville/Kaukapakapa scouts and St John youth.

For more information contact [email protected]

11/09/2025

Te Henga wetland restoration gets global recognition

Te Henga’s Matuku Link Wetland Centre has been recognised on the world stage
Matuku Link, a community-led wetland restoration project, won one of only three Gold Star Awards in the world at the Wetland Link International (WLI) Star Wetland Centre Awards, announced during the United Nations 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties of the Convention on Wetlands (COP 15) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Matuku Link celebrates this win with open days on November 22-28 to which all are welcome with guided tours and an exhibition on wetlands provided.

The Star Awards are the world’s only accreditation recognising excellence in wetland education and visitor engagement.

Matuku Link joins centres in Australia and Hong Kong as the only Gold Star winners, selected from 39 recognised centres worldwide.

Judges praised Matuku Link’s volunteer-led model, strong educational focus, and deep community roots.

“Matuku Link has achieved something extraordinary,” says Awards Judging Panel Chair Connor Walsh.

“They’ve shown that a small local centre, powered by passion and purpose, can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.”

With 9% of New Zealand’s wetlands remaining, Matuku Link is working to shift perceptions from “smelly swamps” to “biodiversity beauties”.

Wetlands are vital ecosystems, filtering water, storing carbon, and providing habitat for rare species like the matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern), tuna kuwharuwharu (longfin eel), and pāteke (brown teal), says Matuku Link, which takes its name from the bittern.

Founded in 2016 after a $2.04 million fundraising campaign, Matuku Link is a charitable trust run by five trustees and powered by volunteers.

Since purchasing its wetland and bush property in Te Henga, the group has transformed an old barn into a Wetland Education Centre, constructed two native plant nurseries, and with support from Jobs for Nature created boardwalks and trails through Auckland’s largest mainland wetland.

Every year Matuku Link also sees more than 1000 school aged children visit through their education programme, school holiday programme, and family-oriented events. Matuku Link’s education programme focuses on real hands-on science within the wetland.

By fostering curiosity and connection Matuku Link says it is helping inspire the next generation of kaitiaki to protect New Zealand’s remaining wetlands.

10/09/2025

Sayers Says It Greg Sayers - Councillor for Rodney

Many Rodney residents have opened their latest Auckland Council rates bill to find increases of 20%, 30% or more — far beyond the 5.8% rise the public was told to expect during consultation earlier this year.

Both elected members and ratepayers have been blindsided. Franklin ward, at Auckland’s southern rural edge, faces the same problem. These rural areas, furthest from the CBD, are carrying a disproportionate share of the rates burden without any increase in council services. This is unfair and unreasonable.

The cause lies in Auckland Council’s capital value (CV) revaluation. Across Auckland, values fell by an average 9.1%. But in Rodney and Franklin, particularly rural and lifestyle areas, CVs remained steady or even rose.

Rates are based on relative property values. If an area’s CVs drop less than the Auckland average, that area ends up paying more of the city’s rates increase. Even properties whose CVs fell slightly still saw increases because Rodney’s overall values stayed high. The total amount collected by the council has not changed from what the average 5.8% rate increase was intended to raise across Auckland. Even properties whose CVs decreased were not immune from a rate increase of some amount.

Inner city suburbs saw minimal increases — Mt Roskill 1.9%, Royal Oak 1.5%, Mangere 1.0%, Point Chevalier 0.6%. In contrast, Rodney households face double-digit rises with no service improvements from the council. We are paying more while other parts of the city benefit.

Two key failings have caused this outcome:

Timing of CV release —The revaluation results were not made public until June, yet the public consultation about a 5.8% rate increase took place back in February. Therefore, elected members had no forewarning about the large drop in CV values or how they would affect Rodney - no warning to them, and equally no warning for the public.
No cap on annual increases — Without a maximum on the percentage amount rates can increase by extreme jumps are possible, as we have now seen.

I have written to the Mayor and Chief Executive calling for a cap on annual rates increases to prevent one area from being disproportionately hit. I am hoping this cap can be applied retrospectively to this year’s bills for immediate relief.

The CV revaluation process must also be aligned with the rates-setting timetable so results inform public consultation. Without this, we will repeat the same mistake every three years when CVs are recalculated.

If you believe your CV is inaccurate, you can request a review from the Auckland Council, providing evidence such as recent sales data. While it may not reverse the increase entirely, it could reduce your rates bill if your CV is adjusted.

I have already called an emergency meeting with Rodney Local Board members. We agreed a cap, earlier CV release, and a fairer distribution of rates are essential.

Rodney’s communities must not be treated as the city’s ATM cash machine.

10/09/2025

Introducing the 111 Vet VIP Pet Club – Limited Memberships Now Available @111 Vet Clinic Kumeu

Peace of mind, exclusive savings, and the very best of veterinary care have just arrived in Kumeu.

111 Vet Clinic – your local 24/7 emergency and regular veterinary hospital – is proud to launch our brand-new VIP Pet Club, designed for pet owners who want comprehensive coverage, predictable costs, and integrative options that go beyond the basics.

For just $1,270 per year (or $127/month) per pet, our VIP members receive:

• 4x standard consultations @$75 each = $300 value
• 1x routine annual vaccination (Felocell for cats or 5 in 1 for dogs) =>$115
• 12x acupuncture sessions @ $125 each = $1,500 value
• 1x routine wellness blood test @ $240 value
• Waived 20% surcharge on all afterhours drugs - savings plus!
• 10% off drugs during daytime rates - potentially save hundreds of dollars!
• Regular consultation pricing all hours (except 12am - 6am) - save $45-$125/visit

That’s over $2,150 in value for just $1,270 – plus unbeatable peace of mind knowing your pet has round-the-clock access to expert veterinary care, integrative therapies, and discounted after hours support. Even better, members who pay annually upfront save the equivalent of two months’ payments.
Spaces are strictly limited as we roll out the VIP Pet Club. Once this first intake is filled, VIP enrolments will close.

Don’t miss the chance to be one of the founding members of this exclusive program.

111 Vet Clinic – leading the way in West Auckland with compassionate, cutting-edge care, 24 hours a day.

To find out more visit us at 48 Main Road, Kumeu or phone 09 86 96 111

Join the VIP Pet Club today – your pets deserve it.

09/09/2025

Motutara Waimauku Scout Group races to an outstanding finish

The Motutara- Waimauku Scout group held their annual race night on Saturday 6th August at the Muriwai Links Golf Course.
A fantastic evening full of laughs and excitement as the little wooden horses raced down the track. The betting was wild, drinks flowed, and the games provided awesome fun and competition from the crowd.

We would like to thank the following businesses and community groups that supported our event by sponsoring a table and helped to make this a really great event.

Wyatts Landscape Supplies Waimauku
Franklin Farms
Hardfell Arborists
Power & Diesel Helensville
Waimauku Lions
Tanya Franklin Travel Brokers .franklin.12
Spiller & Spiller Bayleys Real Estate .realestate
Victor Sports Ltd.

The support and generosity from these and other local businesses allow us to continue to provide experiences and activities to the youth in our community.
We are incredibly proud to be part of such a wonderful and supportive community.
Motutara-Waimauku Scout Group

09/09/2025

08/09/2025

Spring Into pet care: Seasonal tips for health & happiness Pet Patch nz

As the days grow longer and the air gets warmer, spring is the perfect time to refresh your pet’s routine. At Pet Patch, we know that just like people, pets respond to seasonal changes—and a few small adjustments can make a big difference in their comfort, health, and happiness.

One of the most important things to stay on top of in spring is parasite protection. Fleas and ticks thrive in warmer temperatures, so now’s the time to ensure your pets are up to date with their treatments. We can help you choose the best option based on your pet’s lifestyle and needs.

You might also notice more shedding at this time of year. Regular grooming helps keep your pet comfortable and reduces loose hair in the house. For pets with sensitive skin or spring allergies, we stock gentle shampoos and supplements that may help relieve itching and irritation.

Spring also brings more opportunities for outdoor adventures. Check that collars, leads, and harnesses are still secure and fit properly. Consider enrichment toys or treat puzzles to keep your pets mentally stimulated as they get more active.

No matter what kind of pet you have, the Pet Patch team is here to help. Come visit us at our brand-new location at 1 Shamrock Drive, Kumeu—we’d love to help you make this spring your pet’s best one yet.

08/09/2025

The Kumeū Hospice Op Shop – Great finds for a great cause West Auckland

Discover a treasure trove of quality clothing, homeware, furniture and more at the Kumeū Hospice Op Shop. With something for everyone and stock changing daily, it’s the perfect place to shop local and find a bargain. Best of all, every purchase enables Hospice to provide free specialist palliative care to our community. Donations of good quality items are always welcome – drop them in during opening hours or phone us on 0508 446 7742 to arrange a free pickup for large items or bulk loads.

The Kumeū Hospice Op Shop, open 9am – 5pm, 7 days at 46 Main Road.