The mornings are dark, the heaters are running, and the rain is doing its thing, but the energy across our community feels anything but cold.
We’ve been busy behind the scenes, and June brings some meaningful updates to share with you. A lot of this work has been months (and in some cases years) in the making, so it’s a good feeling to see it come together for the Northwest.
Emergency Hub Steps Into Action: We’re one step closer to launching a fully-resourced Business Emergency Hub for the Northwest. Thanks to the Auckland Emergency Management Local Preparedness Fund, we’ve received four emergency kits that will be stationed at the hub once it’s operational. Real resources our community can tap into when things go sideways.
Our Executive Committee has also signed off on installing a backup generator so the hub stays powered through outages. The generator will also be available under certain conditions between emergencies. More details on that soon.
Watch this space for updates and photos as the kits arrive and the generator goes in. This is the start of building a more resilient, better-prepared Northwest.
Backing Our Community Patrols: Safety matters to all of us, residents and business owners alike. We’re proud to confirm our continued support for our two local community patrols: North West and South Kaipara.
These patrols are quiet but powerful. Extra eyes and ears on the ground, a real deterrent to crime, and a presence that retailers and residents right across the area genuinely value.
To everyone who volunteers, thank you. We see you and we appreciate every shift.
Calling All Northwest Locals: Community Forum Taking Shape
Are you passionate about the future of your neighbourhood? Whether you’re a resident, part of a local group, a school, an emergency service, or just someone who wants to stay informed, the Northwest Community Forum is being formed and we want you at the table. The Forum brings people from across Northwest Auckland together to:
- Share important updates on transport, housing, planning, and more
- Ask questions and raise local concerns
- Connect with council, developers, and emergency services
- Make sure our voices land where they count
Quarterly meetings: Real conversations. Community-driven action. If you’re keen to join or want your group represented, get in touch through our Facebook page or send us a message. Let’s build a stronger, more connected Northwest together.
Santa Parade Grants Approved: We’re delighted to confirm our continued support for our region’s much-loved Santa Parades. This year, $7,000 in grant funding will be shared between the Kumeu Santa Parade and the Helensville Lions Santa Parade.
These festive events are more than seasonal celebrations. They draw hundreds of families into town, create lasting memories, and give local businesses a real boost in the lead-up to Christmas.
We’re proud to help bring the magic to life again, and we can’t wait to see our streets filled with music, joy, and a good dose of Christmas spirit.
Did You Know? The Story Behind Mount Rex: Mount Rex in Helensville was originally called Mount Rix. The wharf and a nearby railway station were both named after George Rix, a local property owner, when the North Auckland Railway line extended to Kaukapakapa in 1889. The wharf opened in April that year, and over time the name shifted from Rix to Rex.
Mount Rex played a real role in the early days of Helensville. The town was established as a kauri logging settlement in 1862 and grew into a regional centre for the south Kaipara through the 1870s, built on timber and shipping. Later, sand extraction became a major employer, with processing facilities right near Mount Rex.
Today, the site is managed by Atlas Concrete as the Kaipara Harbour sand processing unit, where Mount Rex Shipping supplies a significant amount of premium sand to Atlas Concrete. A small piece of local history still shaping the place today.
North West Country. Supporting the people who power our local economy
General Manager, North West Country Inc.
manager@northwestcountry.co.nz
