diff --git a/CODEOWNERS b/CODEOWNERS
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+# see https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners
+# the last match is the one that takes preference, so more general rules need to come first
+#
+# Note: this file primarily exists to ensure that PR's are tagged to review to a sensible audience, we
+# deliberately allow review by any approved committer, not just the code owner.
+
+# to reduce renovate spam: just send these to the core team
+/.github/workflows @IanKrieger
+
+.node-version @IanKrieger
+
+package*.json @IanKrieger
+
+