Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will receive a significant funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, according to Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey.“Heading to the beach for a day of fun in the water is part of the Kiwi way of life, particularly in summer," said Mr Brown. "With that comes inherent risk, and these frontline organisations do critical work to help ensure people can head home safe."This funding will ensure that Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand can continue to deliver water safety services, save lives, and work to reduce New Zealand’s high drowning toll on the water and beaches. Costs are rising across the board for these largely volunteer-driven organisations. The funding will cover operational expenses, rescue equipment, facilities, and maintenance for both organisations.“The work of close to 4,500 volunteer lifeguards at Surf Life Saving New Zealand provides the public with an incredible service," Mr Brown stated. "I want to thank all of those people who help keep Kiwis safe in, on, or around the water for the work that they do each summer."The funding injection will contribute to lifeguard training and gear, beach and coastal safety initiatives, as well as maintaining and upgrading lifesaving club buildings. Coastguard New Zealand rescues over 6,000 people who get into trouble on the water each year. With demand for their water safety services growing, this funding will ensure they can continue to deliver their essential prevention and rescue services.Funding for Coastguard New Zealand will cover personal protective equipment, critical marine communications equipment, and the continued provision of emergency call-out rescue services for recreational boat users that get into trouble out on the water.“New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll, and this Government is committed to investing in these frontline organisations so they continue their work saving hundreds of lives each year and ensuring thousands of people return home safe after a day at the beach or on the water,” Mr Doocey said.“Our Government is investing in the frontline and New Zealanders can expect to see more of that in Budget 24, as well as tax relief for low-and-middle-income workers,” Mr Brown added.This funding underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of New Zealanders as they enjoy the nation’s beaches and waterways.

Last week's headlines regarding potential power cuts highlighted the growing concern around access to energy for households across the country. While nationwide efforts prevented winter blackouts, anxieties linger as colder weather approaches.Professor Gardner emphasises that access to heating is considered a basic human right by scholars, advocates, and even some at the United Nations. A recent UK survey found that nearly all respondents (97%) viewed it as essential for a decent quality of life.Despite this, a significant number of New Zealand households struggle to afford electricity.In 2023, an estimated 40,000 homes had their power cut due to unpaid bills, and one in five reported difficulty affording their monthly power costs.Market Forces and the Rise of Fuel PovertyProfessor Gardner attributes this situation partly to New Zealand's market-driven approach to essential services like electricity. Major energy companies enjoyed substantial profits in 2023, with Meridian, Contact, Genesis, and Mercury collectively reporting a combined total of NZ$2.7 billion.Fuel poverty, or difficulty affording adequate heating, is an ongoing challenge in New Zealand, particularly concerning home heating costs. The UK government defines a fuel-poor household as one that spends more than 10% of their income on energy to maintain a minimum indoor temperature.The situation has been exacerbated by recent events, including COVID-19, rising inequality, and the cost-of-living crisis. According to the government, in 2022, 110,000 households couldn't afford to keep their homes adequately warm. Māori, Pacific, and low-income households were disproportionately affected.The consequences of inadequate heating extend beyond discomfort. Dampness, mould growth, compromised nutrition due to prioritising heating costs, worsened health issues, and spoiled food are all potential risks.Limited Government Assistance Leaves Many VulnerableWhile Consumer NZ reported that 19% of households faced difficulty paying power bills in 2023 (not meeting the official "hardship" threshold), limited government assistance exists. Work and Income grants function as loans, adding to the financial strain.Professor Gardner criticises the current system, which largely places the responsibility on individual consumers. Those who cannot afford to pay their electricity bills risk disconnection and additional fees. This approach fails to consider the rising cost of living, with inflation outpacing minimum wage increases.Social Tariffs: A Potential SolutionNationalising energy companies may not be a practical solution, but implementing "social tariffs" is a viable alternative. These government-funded discount plans would specifically target low-income households.Social tariffs are used internationally to lessen the impact of profit-driven companies in essential sectors. The UK provides an example, where some telecommunications companies offer subsidised internet and phone plans for those on specific benefits. This reflects the growing recognition of internet access as a basic human right.Professor Gardner concludes by calling for a serious review of the system in New Zealand, considering the substantial profits of energy companies and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. With winter approaching, ensuring access to affordable energy necessitates immediate action to ensure all New Zealand households can stay warm.

The head of the country's biggest retailer, The Warehouse, has abruptly left the company.The company said Nick Grayston would immediately step down from the chief executive's job."As we look to the future, we have agreed a change in direction is necessary for the company and that it needs fresh energy to execute," Warehouse chairperson Joan Withers said in a statement.Grayston had led the group, which combines the large Red Shed stores, Warehouse stationery, and appliance and electronics retailer Noel Leeming, through significant change, Withers said."His focus on sustainability, adopting agile ways of working, navigating the challenges of Covid and initiating the significant and successful programme of critical infrastructure upgrades have been hallmarks of transformation of The Warehouse Group in the last five years."Grayston said his time leading the retailer had been one of his most rewarding experiences."While it is the right time for me to step aside, I have every confidence in the talented team at The Warehouse Group in delivering value to shareholders and customers and getting the group's strategic and financial performance back on track."Track recordGrayston joined The Warehouse from American retail giant Sears in 2016, after previously working for a range of British and European retailers, charged with improving sales and shareholder returns as well as developing its online market presence.But his tenure has been characterised by restructurings, unsuccessful ventures such as a consumer finance operation, less than successful online ventures, asset write downs and erratic earnings.Earlier this year, the company posted a half-year loss of $23.7 million because of asset write downs involving outdoor goods company Torpedo7 which it ultimately sold for $1.Earlier this month, it confirmed the closure of its separate online site TheMarket, because it could not find a buyer. However, the Red Sheds have been increasing grocery sales.Board member John Journee, a former head of Noel Leeming, will be interim chief executive until a permanent replacement is found.

MediaWorks Outdoor has bolstered its presence in Auckland with the activation of two new premium digital billboards this week.These large-format displays aim to provide advertisers with high-impact opportunities to reach a wide audience in strategic locations.The first billboard, measuring 3m x 6m in portrait format, sits prominently on the Hibiscus Coast Highway near the entry point to the busy Northern Motorway. This location captures traffic flowing throughout the day from Rodney, Orewa, Silverdale, Red Beach, and Whangaparaoa as it merges onto the main arterial route.The second billboard boasts a landscape format measuring 9m x 3m. Situated at the intersection of Lincoln Road and Central Park Drive in West Auckland, it targets the continuous stream of vehicles exiting the North Western Motorway towards Henderson and surrounding areas.Mike Watkins, CEO of MediaWorks Outdoor, emphasised the strategic placement of these new billboards. "These two locations are in peak traffic areas, guaranteeing high impact and unparalleled reach for our advertisers," Watkins stated. "We're bringing attention-grabbing premium digital screens out of the city centre and into these hard-to-reach growing suburban areas, where they are sure to stand out."With the addition of these new displays, MediaWorks Outdoor boasts a comprehensive network of 92 digital billboards across New Zealand. This network, combined with over 5,000 other outdoor advertising touch points, provides nationwide coverage, stretching from Invercargill to Whangarei.

There's been an increase in cold and flu illnesses, but Covid-19 cases have been around all summer and are expected to spike as winter nears, experts say."We are starting to see an increase in respiratory illnesses," General Practice New Zealand chair Porirua GP Bryan Betty said."Those flus and colds you often see in winter are certainly starting to pick up as the weather gets colder."Children were presenting more often but it was starting to affect different age groups too. Schools are splitting classes up and sending students home as they struggle to find enough relief teachers to cover staff sickness."We're only starting the winter illness season now," he said, expecting an increase in cases in June and July.There were also cases of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and adenovirus that GPs were seeing.Porirua GP Bryan Betty says it is just the start of the winter illness season. Photo: Supplied"General practice is under more pressure at this point. We know that it can be difficult at times to access your general practitioner," Betty said.The national telehealth service, which runs 24/7, was a good start if a GP was hard to access, he said.Health bosses were also pointing people to pharmacies as a first port of call, warning Healthline call volumes increased during winter.It comes as Te Whatu Ora Health NZ looks at extending telehealth to include overseas-based doctors."We are now in the 'flu season'," Otago University epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said.It typically runs from May to October in New Zealand.It was also when the highest rates of influenza, RSV, and other seasonal respiratory infections circulate."Currently we are seeing a large rise in RSV infections, and rhinovirus, as well as moderate numbers of influenza cases (including both influenza A subtypes and influenza B)," Baker said.He said a rise in respiratory infections was in the usual range for this time of the year based on calls to Healthline, and hospitalisations for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).'Sharp increase' in Covid casesCovid had been around all summer, and it was still circulating through the community, Betty said."At this point, we're not seeing a huge upswing, however, we would expect to see Covid cases increase over winter."Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker says Covid has been spreading all year round. Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneBaker said while current wastewater testing and hospitalisations showed a "sharp increase in cases, we will need to wait for another week or two to see if this increase is sustained".Covid was not a "seasonal infection" with cases popping up all year round, he said."Some of our largest peaks have been in summer - such as the fifth wave we are currently coming out of."People should get vaccinated against the flu and Covid, particularly those in an at-risk group, Betty and Baker said."Stay home for at least five days if you have respiratory symptoms. Wear a mask in enclosed indoor environments with other people, such as public transport and health care waiting rooms," Baker said.And Health NZ was also urging people to have a plan and get vaccinated.For those with pre-existing health issues, who may need more complex medical support, Health NZ primary and community care clinical director Dr Sarah Clarke said contacting their GP was "a critical part of winter preparedness"."If you have conditions like asthma, COPD or other chronic diseases, make sure you make a plan with your GP practice for if you get sick and, most importantly, ensure you have enough medication to last you through the colder months."

Eke Panuku has announced the extension of its trial of a temporary free ferry service to Wynyard Quarter, ensuring continued access to the popular hospitality venues and waterside views despite the Wynyard Crossing Bridge maintenance closure.The ferry service operates from 8am to 5:30pm, is free of charge, and fully accessible. However, bikes and scooters are not permitted onboard. The ferries can be boarded beside the Maritime Museum and beside the Viaduct Events Centre.While the ferry service is a welcome alternative, it cannot replicate the bridge's capacity. Therefore, Eke Panuku continues to promote alternative routes, such as the existing City Link Bus service, which runs every 7 minutes, 7 days a week.The Wynyard Crossing Bridge, initially built as a temporary solution for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, has required increasingly frequent short-term fixes. Given the significant funding required to replace the bridge entirely, a thorough maintenance programme is the only option. The planned programme includes a full overhaul of old parts, sand-blasting, steelwork remediation, and new anti-rust coating. The work is expected to be completed before next summer (late 2024).

Auckland's housing market is showing signs of growth, with a significant increase in dwellings consented and completed in March 2024. According to the Auckland Council Research and Evaluation Unit's monthly housing update, 1259 dwellings were consented in March, with 14,699 consented in the year ending March 2024.The majority of new dwellings consented (61%) were townhouses, flats, units, retirement village units, or other types of attached dwellings, while 27% were houses and 8% were apartments. Notably, 46 dwellings were consented on Kāinga Ora or Tāmaki Regeneration Company owned land, and 1228 dwellings consented were inside the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB).In terms of completions, 1728 dwellings were issued a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) in March 2024, with 18,888 dwellings completed in the year ending March 2024. Additionally, 863 new residential parcels under 5000m2 were created in April 2024, with 15,245 created in the past 12 months.The update also highlights the ongoing demand for housing, with 6512 long-term arrivals in February 2024 and 1092 public housing applications housed in the December quarter 2023. Understanding the land and housing markets is crucial for managing population growth and economic development in Auckland, and ensuring secure, healthy, and affordable housing for all Aucklanders.

United Airlines has announced changes to its Northern Winter 2024/2025 long-haul schedule, canceling its Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL) route. The airline had only recently launched the Los Angeles to Auckland and Brisbane routes last winter but has decided not to operate them for the upcoming winter season.Despite this, joint venture partner Air New Zealand will continue to fly between Los Angeles and Auckland, with plans to operate 12 weekly flights this winter. This comes as both Australia and New Zealand have seen an increase in capacity from U.S. carriers in recent seasons. Delta Air Lines launched a new Los Angeles to Auckland route last winter, while American Airlines restarted its Los Angeles to Auckland route.These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the airline industry, with carriers continually assessing demand and adjusting their schedules accordingly.

Rates increases for Aucklanders were in the 10-year budget that council approved on Thursday.One of the big changes in the proposed budget was a significantly downsized regional wealth fund, which Mayor Wayne Brown wants to provide a better return on Auckland Council's investments.The Long-term Plan also set out rates increases for the average Auckland household of 6.8 percent in 2025, 5.8 in 2026, and 7.9 percent the 2027 financial year.After that, Brown proposed an average rates increase of no more than 3.5 percent for the rest of the 10-year-budget.The amendment was voted down 17 to six, after nearly an hour of debate.The Budget Committee approved the final mayoral proposal 22 votes to one.Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson said the plan balanced the need for investment to cope with growth and continued to protect the environment, build resilience and sustain valued services.Wilson said it also recognised the cost-of-living concerns and put pressure on the organisation to continue pursuing cost savings and improvements."This Long-term Plan is about Auckland and Aucklanders, and priority areas where we can provide the greatest benefit to our communities."The plan also takes a fresh approach to tackle our financial challenges with more rigour and greater accountability than ever before. The organisation is behind this and ready to deliver on it for Auckland."In a statement after the meeting, Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman said he was uncomfortable with the 6.8 percent rates increase next year."A lot of councillors get paid in the region of $2500 a week so we can afford the consequences of this but for a lot of my constituents - this will hurt. But coming off the negotiation with government on Watercare's off-balance sheet borrowing facility, which is good, we're dealing with the Long-Term Plan."The long-term plan reflected the nearly 30,000 pieces of feedback collected by council during the consultation period.Sporting a hat with "rescue" written across it, Brown kicked off the budget committee meeting, reminding councillors of the many hours already sunk in the lead up to today.He stressed to councillors the need to crack on with the task at hand."I wanted to focus on fixing Auckland and not just kick the can down the road."Believe it or not, we had over 65 workshops and 120 hours of meetings, plus the drop-ins and other briefings."Let's land on a plan so we can get on with delivering it, I want to keep this focus today on the LTP [Long Term Plan] and not stray into new things that we did not consider or did not come up in 120-plus hours of discussions that we've had."The mayor came out with a final, revised proposal for the budget earlier in the week, with changes including a million-dollar cash injection for Auckland Transport.Divided opinions on Future FundThe Auckland Future Fund was originally set to be a $3 billion to $4 billion wealth fund for the city, made up of an initial investment of Auckland Airport shares and the proceeds of any lease on the Port of Auckland.Earlier this month, a deal was struck to keep the port under council control, after it projected significantly improved returns of $1.1b across the timeline of the plan. This exceeded the the projected net returns from investing the proceeds of a port lease by $172 million.With the lease taken off the table, the fund would now be initially capitalised only with shares from Auckland International Airport Limited.The shares would be set up as a trust, with the council seeking additional protection in the form of legislation against any raids on the fund.Brown's new proposal included a 'Fix and Finish' reserve fund of $20m, achieved by setting up the Auckland Future Fund earlier in the 2025 financial year and taking advantage of the expected returns.Councillor Christine Fletcher voiced her concerns over the changes to the fund."The focus today is not as large as what [the mayor] originally proposed," she said."And I suppose I have some disappointment that the size of the fund has diminished, and that you have not chosen to include port dividends under the enhanced status quo."She asked council chief executive Phil Wilson for confidence the fund would not get in the way of council's savings."I want your assurance, today as CEO, that this will not in any way negate the work that is underway to find further savings within this council."Questions were raised around the establishment of the fund, which would cost half a million dollars to set up.Councillor Alf Filipaina asked whether more work should be done before launching into the fund."For this Auckland Future Fund to be successful, wouldn't it be better if we did the work around what could be put in to the fund before it gets established?" he said.Filipaina proposed an 11th hour amendment to hold off establishing the Future Fund, wanting to take a closer look at the fund over 12 months."I'm supportive of the Future Fund," he said."And this is only to say 'let's do the work, let's do the work around what we can put into the Future Fund', this is what it's all about."Councillor Newman said he supported the Future Fund and that share dividends being used to hold down rate increases was "an unhelpful legacy behaviour".He believed his ward would be one of the biggest winners of the "fairer funding", although he had not seen consensus on a funding model."My hope is that our boards can move quickly to recast their respective work programmes to help accelerate the maintenance and renewal of assets and facilities, and that projects such as the future redevelopment of War Memorial Park in Manurewa can be enabled for 'fix and finish' community projects in legacy Manukau City and Auckland City."The Long-term Plan, including the approved budget, will be formally adopted by the council's Governing Body on 27 June.

Hopper Developments has submitted an application to the Ministry of the Environment to fast-track approval for a proposed marina at Hobbs Bay.The application includes preliminary planning information but lacks detailed designs for the marina project.Hopper Developments, recognising a need for additional boating facilities on the Hibiscus Coast, aims to alleviate the current shortfall. According to their research, there are significant delays in trailer boat access for both launching and retrieval, causing frustration among local boaters."Our proposal is designed to alleviate some of this frustration and help address the existing undersupply," a Hopper Developments spokesperson said.The company sees the Hobbs Bay area as a potential premium coastal community. Construction is currently underway on the first stage of lots at Hobbs Bay Estate. This development includes 88 large residential lots, ranging from 700 to 2000 square metres. The estate will feature reserve areas, a children's playground, public beach access, and the restoration of the historic Hobbs homestead into a café.Hopper Developments has outlined plans for a future marina that would include a public beach and boat ramp. They note that expanding with a marina development will become more challenging once the Hobbs Bay Estate subdivision is completed. They believe such opportunities are rare, with few other suitable locations for a marina in the Auckland region."We believe boating is integral to the quintessential Kiwi lifestyle of coastal living, and we understand that there is a responsibility on developers like us to fulfil the needs of our community to recreate on the water," the spokesperson added. "In this case, the wonderful Hauraki Gulf playground is just on the other side of the boat ramp."Hobbs Bay Estate.Located on Whangaparaoa Peninsula, the development promises to blend residential lots with the natural beauty of the area. The site offers cliff-top views stretching across the Waitemata Harbour to the iconic Sky Tower.Hopper Developments is committed to preserving the rich history of the land. The Heritage Homestead, built in 1861 by banker and ship’s captain Ranulph Dacre, will be restored and converted into a café. This historic landmark will serve as a central point for the community, providing a space for residents and visitors to connect and enjoy the area.In addition to the marina and residential lots, the development will include lush recreational reserves, playgrounds, patches of native bush, and public access to Hobbs Bay Beach.The application by Hopper Developments marks a significant step in enhancing local infrastructure and boosting community recreation on the water. With the completion of the Hobbs Bay Estate and potential future marina, the development aims to create a harmonious blend of community, heritage, and natural beauty.

Dairy cooperative Fonterra is looking to sell all or part of its global consumer business as it shifts its focus to becoming a global business-to-business provider of dairy nutrition products.Fonterra's consumer business brands included Anchor, Mainland, Kāpiti, Anlene, Anmum, Fernleaf, Western Star, Perfect Italiano and others.Those brands used about 15 percent of the co-op's total milk solids and represented about 19 percent of its underlying profit in the first half of this financial year.Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell said the co-op could increase its value to farmers as a business-to-business dairy nutrition provider.The company expected to continue supplying milk to the consumer brands through its ingredients business."We believe we can grow further value for the Co-op by focusing on being a B2B dairy nutrition provider, working closely with customers through our high-performing ingredients and foodservice channels," Hurrell said."This will be enabled by strong relationships with farmers, a flexible manufacturing and supply chain footprint, deeper partnerships with strategic ingredients customers, further investment in our Foodservice channel, continued delivery on our sustainability commitments and investment in innovation."The divestment of its consumer businesses could also include integrated businesses, including Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell Photo: RNZ / Dan CookThe sale could include 17 co-op-owned manufacturing sites around the world, including three in New Zealand.The sale of its business units was expected to take at least 12 to 18 months and would require shareholder support.Fonterra said it had already received unsolicited interest in the consumer parts of the business.Global markets chief executive Judith Swales was leaving the co-op, as the company changes strategic direction

Your 4-day Forecast.Friday - 17/5 Mainly sunny. Breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 18Low: 8Saturday - 18/5Partly cloudy. Light South to Sou'West winds.High: 17Low: 8Sunday - 19/5 Partly cloudy. Breezy East to Sou'East winds.High: 17Low: 11Monday - 20/5 Partly cloudy. Breezy Easterly winds.High: 17Low: 13Get real-time weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and more at your fingertips.Experience convenience anytime, anywhere with everything you need right in the app.

The future of the Waikato to Auckland passenger train service will be decided in a Transport Agency (NZTA) meeting on Thursday.Te Huia is part way through a five-year trial but NZTA has not committed funding past the end of June.Te Huia exceeded initial targets set for the service by the NZTA board, but not meeting new passenger targets, which were set by NZTA staff in 2022, according to an interim performance assessment prepared by Waikato Regional Council.RNZ understands one option NZTA could consider is slashing the funding assistance rate (FAR) for Te Huia from 75.5 percent to 51 percent.The council's draft 2024-2034 Long Term Plan said if funding in line with the FAR was not able to be secured long-term, the service would need to be reviewed, and it might not be able to continue."Council has signalled that with reduced support from NZTA, the service will be unaffordable for ratepayers."The NZTA board will be reviewing the interim performance assessment. It was a condition set by the board that full funding of the five-year trial be released only after a two-year review.No one from council has been invited to attend Thursday's meeting to address the report or answer questions from the NZTA board.RNZ asked for details about the board meeting but was told NZTA board meetings are not public.In comparison, Auckland Transport meeting are held publicly and agendas are published in advance.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon previously called Te Huia a "white elephant" while Transport Minister Simeon Brown has incorrectly said the service was one of the most heavily subsidised public transport service in the country.This led to concerns from Te Huia users that NZTA will not support funding the service for the remainder of the trial period.A community-based petition to support the continuation of Hamilton to Auckland Te Huia train service has gained more than 4000 signatures in less than four days.TRON local spokesperson Georgie Dansey said the government needed to commit to finishing the five-year trial so a fair assessment of the service could be made."It deserves a fair go," Dansey said.

Mayor Wayne Brown unveiled a revised mayoral proposal for the Long-term Plan (10-year Budget) 2024-34 at this week's Budget Committee workshop. This plan includes a new approach to establish the Auckland Future Fund, initially capitalised using the council’s remaining shares in Auckland International Airport Ltd (AIAL).“My new proposal would see the Auckland Future Fund established faster, without the port lease, creating a potential windfall gain of around $20 million next year," Mayor Brown said. "I’m proposing that this money be channelled into a reserve fund to fix and finish community projects for legacy councils that didn’t sell their airport shares before merging into a single Super City."The Auckland Future Fund, valued at approximately $1.3 billion with the airport shares alone, is intended to provide higher and steadier returns than the dividends currently received from the AIAL shares. Mayor Brown highlighted that this option has the strongest public support. He also noted that the council would retain its existing self-insurance fund rather than complicating matters by using the new fund for self-insurance.Based on independent advice, the fund’s cash contribution to Auckland Council is expected to be $400 million more than its dividends from AIAL shares over the next 10 years. This translates to a 2.2% annual savings for each ratepayer.The revised mayoral proposal outlines a rates increase for the average Auckland residential property of 6.8% in FY25, 5.8% in FY26, and 7.9% in FY27, with an average rates increase of no more than 3.5% for the rest of the Long-term Plan 2024-34.“I’ve proposed the lowest rates increase of any metropolitan council in New Zealand," Mayor Brown stated. "It’s less than half the national average, and this year’s rates bill will be even lower than what I originally consulted on.”Water charges will also be significantly lower than projected, with an increase of 7.2% rather than 25.8%. This reduction is attributed to a new operating model for Watercare that the Mayor negotiated with central government.Under the Mayor’s final proposal, the average Auckland household will pay an extra $6.38 per week in rates and water charges, compared to $11.79 under the original proposal.To ensure financial sustainability and to prevent wasteful spending, Mayor Brown has proposed that the council group find additional savings of $141.8 million over the next three years. This is in addition to the $83 million in savings found in last year’s annual budget.“We are responding to what our communities are telling us, that people are hurting financially. We can help ease the pain by keeping rates as low as possible,” Mayor Brown said.The Mayor is proposing to set aside increased returns from the Auckland Future Fund in the first year, estimated at $20 million, to fix and finish important community projects. This will focus on areas from the legacy Manukau City and Auckland City councils, which did not sell their airport shares before amalgamation into the Super City.“It’s been pointed out that some areas of Auckland have already benefitted from the sale of airport shares by legacy councils," Mayor Brown explained. "Also, some local boards have benefitted more than others from the asset-based funding model put in place since amalgamation. My proposal will redress this imbalance.”The Auckland Future Fund will be protected to ensure it cannot be raided for short-term gain. It will be established as an unincorporated non-charitable trust with high levels of protection against divestment. Legislation is also being sought for added protection.A local bill has been drafted, and further steps will be taken once the Auckland Future Fund proposal is passed. The final mayoral proposal will be considered by the Budget Committee for endorsement and adoption by the Governing Body today.

Auckland Transport has confirmed it will delay changes to overnight on-street parking charges in the city centre.The plans were set to remove free kerbside parking in the central city outside peak hours, overnight and at weekends from 1 July. Instead, vehicle owners will need to stump up between $2 and $3 an hour.However, Mayor Wayne Brown had said he had no idea the changes were coming. Deputy mayor Desley Simpson urged AT to go back and consult with affected parties over its new overnight on-street parking changes.AT chief executive Dean Kimpton previously told Morning Report he personally delivered the news to Brown in April and the plan had been "out there" since 23 April as part of their parking strategy.The plans were also a result of cost-saving measures AT was looking at, including revenue sources, he said at the time."If we don't find those savings, the ratepayers - including the business ratepayers inside the central city area - could face up to 3 percent increase on rates."In a statement on Wednesday, Kimpton apologised to Brown saying they could have done better on keeping him informed.The delay to overnight charges from 1 July to 1 October would allow them to have further talks with key stakeholders and those most affected, he said."It also enables us to consider mitigations for those impacted by the changes."I have also told the mayor we are sorry and could have done better at keeping him and other important stakeholders sufficiently informed."We acknowledge the pressure on residents and business, whilst balancing the need to make city centre parking available and in a way that is consistent with the 'Room to Move' parking strategy adopted by Auckland Transport in May 2023."We are going to consider possible mitigations for overnight parking changes."Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck welcomed the delay."Given the widespread concern, we appreciate that Auckland Transport has made a sensible decision to allow for discussions to be had with those affected. This has created unnecessary anxiety and it's critical that these discussions are open and undertaken with a willingness to consider new ideas to meet people's needs," she said.Charges for Sundays and public holidays will begin as planned from 1 July.Wynyard Quarter is exempt from any changes until the Wynyard Crossing pedestrian bridge is operating.

Foodstuffs Own Brands has issued a recall of Pams brand Plant Based Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake due to the presence of foreign matter, specifically metal. The affected product comes in 400g packets and has been sold at various Four Square, Gilmours, New World, Pak'nSave, Raeward Fresh, and Trents stores nationwide.Consumers who have purchased this product are advised not to consume it and to return it to the store for a full refund. While there have been no reports of injury, anyone who has consumed the product and has health concerns should seek medical advice.This recall affects all batches and dates of the Pams Plant Based Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake, but does not impact any other Pams brand products. Foodstuffs Own Brands has apologised for the inconvenience and encourages customers to return the affected product to ensure their safety.The recall aims to prevent any potential harm from consuming the contaminated product, and customers are urged to take prompt action to return the affected pasta bake.

The NZ Transport Agency has announced that the reopening of State Highway 1 Brynderwyn Hills, initially scheduled for May 13, has been delayed until the end of June due to two significant slips on April 26 and 30. Despite the setback, NZTA and its contractors are working urgently to find a solution."Our priority has been to undertake geotechnical and safety assessments to determine the best option for stabilising the hillside and getting State Highway 1 Brynderwyn Hills open as quickly as possible," said NZTA National Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Mark Kinvig.Excavation has begun, with operators working from a platform at the top of the ridge to remove up to 55,000 cubic meters of earth and stabilise the site. The team is working seven days a week, weather permitting, to get the road open.While the closure is in place, NZTA is proactively monitoring the three official detour routes to ensure they are safe and of high quality. Essential repairs will also be undertaken on these routes. The agency thanks everyone for their patience and reminds people to drive safely when using the detour routes.NZTA will keep the public updated through their e-newsletter and social media channels as they work to complete the recovery works as quickly as possible. However, if there is a significant amount of unexpected rain or further instability is found, the reopening timing could be delayed.

Mayor Wayne Brown has announced a comprehensive plan to revitalise the city's public transport system, aiming to make it faster, cheaper, and more reliable. The proposal, to be considered by councillors this week, includes a $50 weekly fare cap for buses, trains, and inner-harbour ferries, as well as an expansion of Auckland Transport's Fareshare scheme to support businesses in subsidising staff travel costs."I'm listening to Aucklanders who asked for more spending on public transport in the LTP consultation. It's time we got on with making buses fast and reliable. That will ensure a smooth transition to Time of Use Charging, which is needed to decongest our roads," Mayor Brown stated.The plan allocates $5.8 billion in funding for Auckland Transport's operating expenses over the next decade, alongside $14 billion in capital investment. This includes additional funding to protect existing bus routes, essential track maintenance, and initiatives to deliver dynamic lanes and low-cost network improvements.Bus driver safety is also a priority, with $6.5 million set aside for the rapid installation of security screens on AT buses. Auckland Tramways Union president Gary Froggatt welcomed the proposal, stating, "We welcome this because something needs to be done. Drivers will be pleased this has been progressed in the Mayor's final proposal."The proposal further provides funding for the removal of railway level crossings in Takanini, a crucial step in realising the full benefits of the City Rail Link. The Budget Committee, comprising all 20 councillors and two members of the Independent Māori Statutory Board, will meet on Thursday, May 15, to consider the mayor's final proposal.

The Department of Internal Affairs has admitted the upgrade to the passport system caused a larger queue and slower processing time than expected.The changes to the online system means new passports now have a 10 weeks plus postage wait time, urgent applications are taking three days plus postage - this exceeds the government target of 10 days.The department said the upgrade changed how staff processed applications and had resulted in a "sharp" and "prolonged" increase in the waiting times.In a bid to get on top of the ballooning applications the department now has a dedicated team to respond to the backlog.Additionally department staff worked after-hours and weekends to meet demand.It was also fast-tracking the recruitment process to hire more front line staff to support the delivery of passport services, as well as grouping people in the same physical location to allow for more team collaboration.All of these measures are beginning to speed up the process for some applicantsLast week, 56 percent of applications issued were within 15 working days which was a 7 percent increase on the previous week, a statement from the department said.Seventy-four percent of applications were issued within 30 working days, it said."With the added focus on returning to our service standards as quickly as possible, we expect to be using our new system with full efficiency by the end of this month. "The department was aiming to have over 90 percent of applications issued within two weeks by the end of August, the statement said.There were 27,579 passports processed in April, a drop on the 39,677 processed in February.Customers with a current application who have an urgent need to travel were asked to contact the Department of Internal Affairs.