Gun crime is up in Auckland, and police data shows illegally owned guns are the problem.Data provided to RNZ through the Official Information Act shows there were 879 firearms offences committed across Auckland in the first six months of this year, up 28 from the same time in 2023.Only 18 of those offences were carried out by people with an active firearms licence.The South Auckland suburb of Manurewa had the most reported firearms offences in the first six months of 2024, with 102 reported, up by 11 offences from 2023.Henderson reported the next highest number at 75 offences, followed by Auckland Central at 72.Both suburbs saw more firearms offences reported than at the same time in 2023.A member of the Indian Business Association, who did not want to be named, told RNZ about an incident at his Auckland petrol station, in which he tried to stop a customer driving away without paying.He had opened the passenger side door and was confronted with a gun, he said."He just pointed the gun toward me, and that was a shotgun," he said."He said 'f*** off', so I immediately hands up, and just left the car, let him go."The man was arrested, however, a year on the petrol station owner told RNZ he had concerns the man could come back to the petrol station.The owner said illegally held guns were the issue."The police know who has the licensed firearm, that is not a dangerous situation. Only danger is people are having the illegal firearms, which are not registered over there."He wanted tougher policing of those who were found with firearms they should not have."This is a very, very dangerous situation and very threatening, you know," he said."There should be a, at least, five-year jail time if a person is carrying an illegal firearm in public."The problem is not restricted to Auckland.Manish Thakkar with his wife, Rupali. Photo: SuppliedHamilton dairy owner Manish Thakkar knows all too well the impact of gun crime. He was held at gunpoint during a robbery in 2023."They wanted to take money and cigarettes, everything from the counter," he said."One guy, he just [pointed a gun] at me, his first finger was on the trigger and it was moving so quickly that he could press the trigger anytime."He described the moment he saw the offender's gun."It was terrible," Thakkar said."I'd never seen such incidents in my life."Waikato bottle store owner Ash Parmar said the threat of gun crime loomed over business owners."We have deep sympathies for the wider public which is facing threats from these criminals who are using the guns," he said."And, obviously, all the shootouts that are happening at houses, and drive-by shootings and stuff, which makes us all very nervous that that threat of a gun being used in a retail setting is not very far away, so we remain very nervous and on edge."The executive director of the Firearms Safety Authority, Angela Brazier, said keeping track of guns in the community could be a challenge."The firearms investigation team, half of their investigations are where a licence holder has diverted a firearm to an unlicensed person, so a criminal or a gang member."Those are the firearms that are turning up in crime scenes."She said a firearms registry, introduced in 2023, would help keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them."It brings benefit to communities in terms of disrupting the pathways that criminals acquire firearms, it also gives frontline police access to real-time information to help them make risk assessments about the presence of firearms in a property or a vehicle, and it will help licence holders to have more confidence when they are buying or selling firearms."More than 90 firearms offences were reported where the offender was a patched or prospect gang member.As of last month, 145 firearms offences committed in the first six months of this year were under investigation.Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said part of her job was to develop legislation to improve public safety."It is well known that gang members and criminals generally do not adhere to legislation," she told RNZ."We tackle the illegal possession and use of firearms by utilising consequences to non-compliance within the Arms Act but also by using other legislation like the Crimes Act as an example."She said she, along with Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, were working to try to address some of those issues and get relief for the victims of crime.For the petrol station owner, the threat of gun crime looms large."Sometimes we just think, 'that man can pull a trigger, this is a matter of seconds'," he said."If he pulled the trigger, I was so close, hard to survive."

Coasties and fellow Aucklanders are embracing a new seven-day fare cap from Auckland Transport (AT), which limits public transport costs to $50 a week. Since its launch 12 weeks ago, over 20,000 people have benefited from the initiative.The fare cap applies across buses, trains, and inner harbour ferries, making it easier and more affordable for locals to get around. The initiative is part of AT's broader efforts to encourage public transport usage through improvements like contactless payments and bus priority systems at traffic lights.Mayor Wayne Brown, who championed the fare cap, expressed his satisfaction with the programme’s initial success. “It’s great to see that over 20,000 people have already reached the cap, saving them money on their public transport journeys,” he said. “This is a great example of how things should work, with council setting strategy and direction and AT implementing it.”The fare cap automatically activates when a customer tags on and off with an AT HOP card, capping their fares at $50 for the week. Riders know they've reached the cap when the card reader displays a $0.00 fare, allowing them to travel at no further cost.Andy Baker, Franklin Ward Councillor and Chair of the Transport Resilience and Infrastructure Committee, highlighted the benefit of the fare cap for residents in areas like Warkworth and Pukekohe. “For communities further away from the city, like Warkworth and Pukekohe, this is a real game changer,” he said. “The feedback I’m hearing is that some people are saving upwards of $20 per week. The price certainty makes taking public transport more attractive and budgeting easier, which is welcome in a cost-of-living crisis.”AT’s Director of Public Transport & Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, pointed out the initiative's success as part of broader efforts to improve Auckland’s public transport system. “This builds on work we are doing across the board to encourage Aucklanders to mix their go and get on board public transport. We now have 40 frequent bus routes compared to just nine in 2016, more electric buses than any city in Australasia, and ferries are returning to their full timetables,” she explained. The fare cap has contributed to a 22% increase in public transport usage compared to last year, she added.Local Hibiscus Coast resident Liam Waller, a regular bus user, shared his experience with the new fare cap. “It’s been easier to budget now that I know I won’t spend more than $50 a week on public transport,” he said. “It makes the most difference when I’m going into the office regularly. After three return trips, I’ve reached the cap, and any other travel I want to make during the week is free.”

Ports of Auckland says the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill is the only way to keep its promise to Auckland Council.Earlier this year, Ports of Auckland struck a deal to sell the Captain Cook and Marsden wharves back to the council to be converted into a waterfront attraction."We've made a commitment to exit Cook and Marsden in the period two to five years, and the fast-track just gives us that ability to honour that commitment to the city," Ports of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray said.Ports of Auckland plans to shift its cruise ship operations east, constructing a new wharf on the northern face of Bledisloe Terminal and extending the Fergusson North Wharf out to meet the mooring dolphin."We'll fast-track those two wharves, we'll be submitting an application once the legislation's passed," Gray said."We had to give ourselves a wharf that was capable of doing roll-on and roll-off, and the most logical location for that is on the northern face of Bledisloe which is currently used as our roll-on, roll-off terminal."The project is one of 149 included in the government's fast-track list, and Gray hoped to have it consented by early next year."It'll take us about 18 months from once we get consented, so we'll get cracking on that," he said."We'll get building straight away."The new cruise terminal would free up Princes Wharf for ferries, which have been plagued by cruise-induced delays and cancellations over recent years."Our objective is to have less and less [cruise] ships using Princes, and in the ferry basin, and as a result we expect there will be less cancellations from Auckland Transport," Gray explained."Princes is not a great customer experience right now, we have to use the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, passengers go up and down stairs, and our preference is to build a purpose-built cruise terminal in the base of the car handling facility [at Bledisloe]."Queens Wharf, Auckland. Photo: Supplied / SnapIT HDBut cruise ships would still use the neighbouring Queens Wharf."We'll still use Queens as our primary cruise wharf, the issue is cruise ships are getting bigger and we need to have a purpose-built facility for the cruise ships because of their size."Without a fast-tracked consent, Gray feared the project would drag on indefinitely."I think you've only got to look at what's been happening in the Port of Tauranga ... These things can drag on for years and our preference was to honour the deal with the city," he said.But he acknowledged that the fast-track legislation was a heated issue, and circumstances could change following the next election."Everything's a risk in regards to flip-flopping under new governments coming in and out," he said."But our intention is to seek fast-track consent and start construction so I think by the time of the next election we'll be largely finished."He was confident Ports of Auckland's use of the fast-track legislation would be agreeable."You talk about the controversy [around the fast-track bill]... We've done significant community engagement in our preparation for the fast track application," he said."We've had in excess of 140 community engagements, ranging from town hall meetings through to meeting with significant numbers of iwi, and there is genuine consensus that this is a pretty reasonable outcome for the city."

Coasties experienced an unexpected disruption on the northern motorway yesterday afternoon as Police arrested a man following an alleged car theft and multi-vehicle crash near Dairy Flat. At approximately 2:40 pm, Police responded to reports on Walmer Road, Point Chevalier, where a man allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle from an elderly woman. After the initial attempt, he reportedly succeeded in stealing a car from a second person nearby.With assistance from the Air Support Unit and traffic cameras, Police tracked the stolen vehicle north. However, due to safety concerns, officers opted against pursuing the vehicle, explained Inspector Daniel Meade. Instead, officers deployed road spikes in an attempt to slow the suspect, but the driver evaded them and continued driving.The incident came to a dramatic conclusion around 3 pm, when the stolen vehicle was involved in a multi-vehicle crash that caused it to roll over. “The driver came to a stop following a multi-vehicle crash where the vehicle has rolled,” stated Inspector Meade. Two people, including the suspect, sustained moderate injuries, but no serious harm was reported.During his flight, the suspect allegedly caused damage to multiple vehicles and struck a motorcyclist. “While the offender was travelling along the northern motorway, he has allegedly damaged a number of vehicles and knocked a motorcyclist off their bike,” Inspector Meade confirmed.Following the crash, the Serious Crash Unit arrived on the scene to investigate, with officials announcing that the road would reopen shortly thereafter. The 34-year-old man now faces possible charges as enquiries into the incident continue. Police confirmed that the case would be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) for further review.

Are you a news avoider? Do you turn off the six o’clock TV news, scroll past headlines, skip radio bulletins – or just ignore news entirely?If you do some or all of these things, you are not alone. A new survey shows New Zealand has some of the highest rates of news avoidance in the world.With news media already struggling with declining revenues and audiences, this adds to the immense challenges the sector faces in a competitive and politically polarised environment.Previous research has found news avoidance is increasing around the world. But New Zealanders have also shown something of a love-hate relationship with the news: avoidance rates are high, but so too is general interest in the news. At the same time, trust in the media has been steadily declining.Are you a news avoider? Do you turn off the six o’clock TV news, scroll past headlines, skip radio bulletins – or just ignore news entirely?If you do some or all of these things, you are not alone. A new survey shows New Zealand has some of the highest rates of news avoidance in the world.With news media already struggling with declining revenues and audiences, this adds to the immense challenges the sector faces in a competitive and politically polarised environment.Previous research has found news avoidance is increasing around the world. But New Zealanders have also shown something of a love-hate relationship with the news: avoidance rates are high, but so too is general interest in the news. At the same time, trust in the media has been steadily declining.Women reported higher rates of news avoidance than men. This could be due to a legacy of unequal access to the news, and a perceived lack of diverse voices in New Zealand’s news production, causing some to feel the news just isn’t for them.We also found people with far-left or far-right political beliefs were more likely to avoid the news than those with centrist views. Those nearer the ends of the political spectrum are less likely to find their views represented in major news outlets and therefore seek alternative news sources that support their worldview.Avoiding depressing and untrustworthy newsThe major reason given for news avoidance is the negative effect news has on mood (32.7%).Most immediately, New Zealand had been hit by severe floods in Auckland and Cyclone Gabrielle in the North Island only a month before our survey. But more generally, there has been increased concern about the impact of news consumption on personal wellbeing since the pandemic.Similarly, many New Zealanders are experiencing news fatigue, with nearly 20% of respondents saying they were worn out by the sheer quantity of news these days.The second most popular reason given was a perception the news was untrustworthy or biased (30.1%). People with right-wing political beliefs were more likely to cite this.This suggests the decline in trust might be more about right-wing audiences perceiving a left-wing bias in the media, rather than a general distrust of New Zealand media overall.Roughly a quarter of respondents said the news is too sensationalist (25.3%). Ironically, the use of clickbait and alarming headlines to engage audiences may be driving them away in the competitive attention economy.In contrast, younger people (18–24) were more likely to cite not having enough time as a reason for avoiding the news.Does news avoidance matter?Our high rates of news avoidance say several things about audiences. On one hand, skipping the news occasionally can help manage stress and keep people interested in the long run.This might explain why New Zealanders show high rates of both news avoidance and interest in the news: avoiding the news some of the time might help people manage their overall ability to engage and care.Furthermore, despite high news avoidance rates, voter turnout at the 2023 general election was 78%. News avoidance may not affect civic participation.However, we also found New Zealanders have high rates of very low or no news consumption at all. Just over 13% of participants reported they avoid the news “almost always”, more than in any other survey internationally.Instead of consuming traditional news, many are likely turning to YouTube, social media and blogs, which often lack the more rigorous journalistic standards applied by mainstream media.Scapegoating the news mediaIt might be easy to conclude New Zealand’s high rates of news avoidance are an implicit criticism of the media themselves. But this is to overlook the nature of their work and the immense challenges they face.Holding governments to account and covering crises or divisive issues can be an unpopular and thankless task. Blaming the messenger is perhaps an understandable response.But we also expect the news media to compete with information giants such as Facebook and Google, which do not employ journalists or recognise any real responsibility in disseminating news.This feeds a commercial environment where traditional media must compete for attention and revenue against platforms that operate without the same ethical and professional standards.Our findings also highlight the difficulty of satisfying an increasingly polarised news audience. With diverse groups perceiving bias and untrustworthiness differently, it’s nearly impossible to keep everyone happy.With Google recently threatening to remove local news from its search engine due to its opposition to the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill (which would require digital platforms to pay for news content), these issues are not going away soon.Rather than scapegoat the media for high news avoidance rates, we see our survey results as part of a broader argument for supporting and strengthening what is an essential service in a functioning democracy.Authors:Alex Beattie, Lecturer, Media and Communication — Victoria University of WellingtonJohn Kerr, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Public Health — University of OtagoRichard Arnold, Professor of Statistics and Data Science — Victoria University of Wellington

A new study highlights a surprising trend: despite advancements in artificial intelligence, investors continue to place more trust in human analysts over AI systems for stock market predictions.The research, conducted by Dr. Gertjan Verdickt from the University of Auckland and Francesco Stradi of KU Leuven, surveyed 3,600 U.S. participants to gauge their trust in different sources of financial forecasts. The study presented stock predictions from human analysts, AI systems, and a combination of both. Ultimately, human analysts were deemed the most trustworthy, with AI predictions facing significant skepticism."We found that investors are more likely to believe human analysts first, followed by a combination of both human and AI," Verdickt said. He added that these findings were unexpected, given AI's reputation for precise data analysis. "While AI can outperform human analysts in some cases, trust remains a considerable barrier."University of Auckland lecturer Dr Gertjan VerdicktThe study also revealed demographic differences in trust levels. Women and people with a strong understanding of AI were more receptive to AI-generated advice, while men generally showed more skepticism. "Men tend to be overconfident in their financial abilities, which may explain their reluctance to trust AI," Verdickt explained. Political affiliation also influenced trust, with Democrats showing a greater tendency to trust AI forecasts than Republicans.The researchers further tested whether familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT might boost trust. However, substituting "AI" with "ChatGPT" did not increase trust. In fact, ChatGPT was viewed with even more caution. "Our results suggest that merely replacing ‘AI’ with a more familiar name like ChatGPT does not improve investor confidence," Verdickt said.Verdickt believes these insights could guide financial institutions in how they implement AI. He emphasised the need for clear communication about AI's role in financial analysis and suggested that organisations should consider demographic factors when integrating AI tools. The findings also hint at the potential need for regulatory guidelines to ensure transparency in AI-based financial services.

A multi-vehicle crash blocked the northbound lanes of the Northern Motorway near Dairy Flat around 2:50pm.Police were alerted after a vehicle was stolen in Point Chevalier and pursued to the motorway, where the collision occurred.The section of the motorway between Oteha Valley and Dairy Flat is currently closed, and police investigations are underway.The Serious Crash Unit is on-site, and traffic diversions are in place to assist motorists.Expect long delays.NZTA recommends, exit at Oteha Valley Off-Ramp and detour via East Coast Hwy or Dairy Flats Hwy. Far North Traffic use SH16.

Kiwis are poised to see some exciting developments in renewable energy, as the Government moves forward with plans to establish a framework for offshore renewable energy generation.This initiative aims to unlock the potential of New Zealand's untapped offshore energy resources and further the nation’s commitment to sustainable, low-emission power.According to recent announcements, the Government will soon introduce legislation to create a comprehensive offshore renewable energy regime.This regime is designed to foster investment in large-scale clean energy projects, with the ultimate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting an eco-friendly economy.By setting up this framework, New Zealand aims to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050, while doubling its supply of affordable, clean energy for various sectors, including transport and industry.A key feature of the new legislation is the introduction of two types of permits tailored specifically for offshore renewable energy projects: a feasibility permit and a commercial permit.The feasibility permit will provide developers with exclusive rights to apply for commercial permits and secure environmental approvals within designated areas.On the other hand, the commercial permit will allow developers to proceed with the construction and operation of offshore energy infrastructure, once all necessary consents are obtained.The move signals the Government’s intent to support renewable energy projects that align with national interests.By clarifying the requirements and granting specific permits, the legislation aims to offer developers greater certainty and attract investment.Officials expect the Bill to reach Parliament by late 2024.With these new regulations, New Zealand is taking a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.This shift also promises to diversify the country’s energy sources and bolster the economy with green job opportunities.

A new law dedicated to restoring the health of the Hauraki Gulf has officially passed, marking a pivotal moment in the conservation efforts for the region. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill, recently approved by Cabinet with amendments, aims to bolster marine protection and ensure the Gulf’s unique habitats are preserved for future generations.Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka acknowledged the extensive work that has gone into this legislation, highlighting the importance of focusing efforts on areas that yield the highest conservation benefits.“Committing to progressing this Bill means we are targeting our efforts into high-value conservation areas delivering the best outcomes for biodiversity,” Potaka stated.The Hauraki Gulf, known for its diverse marine ecosystems, is home to dog cockle beds, kelp forests, and fragile coral structures. Remarkably, one-third of all seabirds that breed in New Zealand nest in this region. The new Bill establishes 19 additional marine protection areas, which will almost triple the protected zones within the Gulf.In addition to conservation, the legislation acknowledges the Gulf’s significant economic role. The NZ Institute of Economic Research recently estimated the Gulf’s economic value at approximately $100 billion, highlighting its contribution to sectors such as tourism and fishing. Minister of Conservation Tama PotakaPotaka emphasised the need to strike a balance between ecological preservation and economic interests.“Our amendments ensure we are putting in place modern marine protection that balances the needs of communities, the environment, and the economy,” he said. An example of this balance is the provision allowing customary non-commercial fishing rights to continue, maintaining traditional practices while safeguarding marine habitats.Some restrictions, like limited ring-net fishing in protected zones, will remain for a small number of fishers supplying local communities. According to Potaka, this method minimally impacts non-targeted marine species, aligning with the Bill’s environmental goals.The Government also plans to introduce monitoring initiatives to assess the effectiveness of the new protected areas, funded by the International Visitor Levy and reallocated resources from Vote Conservation. Potaka concluded with an optimistic note on securing biodiversity for future generations, emphasising a commitment to both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The Government is taking significant steps to ensure that all Coasties have access to affordable and secure electricity. Energy Minister Simeon Brown recently unveiled the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity, which lays out a comprehensive plan aimed at keeping electricity prices competitive for both households and businesses.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. This is one of the Government’s top priorities,” Mr Brown said.The GPS sets forth the Government's expectation that the Electricity Authority will promote a more competitive and fuel-agnostic electricity sector. The goal is to ensure that this sector operates in the long-term interests of consumers while avoiding excessive pricing.Energy Minister Simeon BrownMr Brown explained that an increase in electricity demand is anticipated due to the electrification of transport and industrial processes. “In the coming years, New Zealand will see greater electrification of transport and process heat. This will shift demand from imported fuels to domestically produced electricity, and more distributed electricity generation will be brought online to enhance regional resilience,” he said.To meet this demand, the Government has set a goal to double renewable electricity generation. The plan includes committing to policies that encourage private investment in this area."The GPS provides certainty about the Government’s role in the sector. This certainty will help create a stable investment environment for renewable energy, driving affordability through a secure supply," Mr Brown added.He also noted that previous government interventions had sometimes resulted in higher prices and dampened investment. “The GPS confirms that the role of Government is to ensure the market settings are right, enabling the private sector to invest and allowing consumers to benefit from innovations,” he stated.Moving forward, the Electricity Authority will consider the GPS as it works to create the right market conditions to stimulate private sector investment and help consumers take advantage of advancements in energy supply.As our community navigates these developments, the Government's commitment to affordable electricity may play a pivotal role in supporting local businesses and households on the Hibiscus Coast.

Auckland, get ready! In just a year, locals will head to the polls to select the next Auckland Council Governing Body and local board members. These officials will shape the city’s future, tackling big projects like the City Rail Link and Central Interceptor, due to finish in 2025.For Auckland’s Governing Body, the elected leaders, including the mayor and ward councillors, will focus on city-wide decisions. Meanwhile, 21 local boards will each choose members who’ll concentrate on community-level issues. Together, they’ll manage a range of responsibilities, from parks and libraries to infrastructure and emergency readiness.Auckland Council’s chief executive, Phil Wilson, highlights the importance of the upcoming elections. “Elected members need to blend leadership, advocacy, and decision-making,” Wilson says. “They’ll represent Auckland’s diverse population, which makes this city so unique.”Auckland’s rapid growth and diverse communities require leaders who understand the city’s needs. Whether it’s advancing housing, transportation, or environmental goals, these elected officials will have a hand in nearly every aspect of city life.Thinking about running? Candidate nominations will open on 4 July 2025. It’s a great opportunity to make a difference and represent your community. You can find all the nomination details online. And whether you’re running or not, make sure you’re enrolled to vote!

Welcome to This Week’s News Recap!Catch up on the top local stories from the past week before the weekend hits.We’ve rounded up the must-know headlines so you’re fully informed about our community.Missed something or just need a quick update? We’ve got you covered.Dive into this week’s key events now!Greater Awareness of Shingles Complications Risk NeededRead more hereLife Pharmacy Orewa Celebrates 75 Years Serving CommunityRead more hereHibiscus Coast 4-day ForecastRead more hereSH1 and SH18 Closures ScheduledRead more hereStay Informed and Connected.Get all your local updates at your fingertips.From breaking news and local business finds to job listings and events—our app has it all.Don’t wait for the recap.Explore the Hibiscus Coast App and stay ahead!

The New Zealand government has announced a comprehensive plan to improve the country's emergency management systems, focusing on bolstering resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell shared the long-term vision, following insights from the recent North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry.“It’s clear from the North Island Severe Weather Events Inquiry that our emergency management system was not fit-for-purpose,” Minister Mitchell explained.He referenced the profound impact of recent events like Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods, which underscored the need for systemic change.The strategy, called Strengthening Disaster Resilience and Emergency Management, outlines a five-year roadmap to enhance New Zealand’s disaster response capabilities.The Government aims to build a more adaptive and capable system, prepared for future challenges.Key Areas of ImprovementThe Government’s approach will focus on five critical areas:Adopting a Whole-of-Society Approach: The strategy emphasises collaboration across sectors and communities, underscoring the shared responsibility of emergency management.Supporting Local Government: Local authorities will receive enhanced resources to ensure consistent emergency preparedness and response standards nationwide.Professionalizing the Workforce: To improve response capabilities, the plan includes measures to strengthen training and develop a more skilled emergency management workforce.Streamlining System Coordination: Efforts will be made to facilitate better communication and cooperation among all emergency services and support agencies.Strategic Investment and Implementation: The plan includes a long-term focus on sustainable funding and strategic planning to ensure reliable delivery of improvements.Minister Mitchell acknowledged that while some findings from the NISWE Inquiry were not new, the urgency for change is growing.“While changes will take time, there are things we can all do now to strengthen our emergency management system,” he remarked, encouraging New Zealanders to take proactive steps like creating personal emergency plans.Looking ahead, the Government plans to introduce an Emergency Management Bill later this term, providing a legal framework for these enhancements.Minister Mitchell also announced that a public-facing roadmap will be released early next year, detailing the implementation timeline for the proposed initiatives.Mitchell emphasised that preparing for emergencies is a collective responsibility.“We all have a role to play to keep ourselves and our communities safe in an emergency,” he stated, encouraging everyone to contribute to a more resilient future.The NISWE Inquiry served as the foundation for these updates, highlighting areas where New Zealand’s emergency response system could be strengthened.Minister Mitchell’s plan reflects a commitment to building a disaster management framework that can adapt to evolving challenges while protecting the well-being of all New Zealanders.

Residents on the Hibiscus Coast and frequent commuters should be aware of upcoming closures on State Highway 1 (SH1) and State Highway 18 (SH18) due to maintenance work scheduled by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).The work will take place over several nights, with closures affecting both northbound and southbound lanes at various locations.Starting Sunday, October 13, SH1 will see full closures southbound between Oteha Valley Road and Constellation Drive from 10 pm to 5 am.This section of SH1 will also be closed on Monday, October 14, between Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road, beginning at 9 pm and lasting until 5 am.Work will then continue northbound on Tuesday, October 15, from Oteha Valley Road to Orewa interchange from 10 pm to 5 am.Finally, on Wednesday, October 16, the northbound section between Constellation Drive and Oteha Valley Road will close during the same overnight hours.In addition to SH1, SH18 will also be affected, with closures westbound from Paul Matthews Road to Albany Highway on Sunday, October 13, between 10 pm and 5 am.Each night, multiple maintenance activities such as road resurfacing and vegetation control are expected to increase noise levels in the areas.NZTA advises drivers to be mindful of ramp closures along these routes.For example, the southbound Greville Road on-ramp and off-ramp will be closed on October 13, while the Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp will shut down on October 14.Similar closures will occur on SH18 at Paul Matthews Road and Albany Highway, with detour routes signposted for affected drivers.For those driving northbound on Tuesday, closures will include ramps at Oteha Valley Road, Silverdale, and Orewa.Heavy vehicles over 3,500 kg will need to follow an alternative route via the Hibiscus Coast Highway and Old State Highway 1, as Grand Drive will be restricted for such vehicles.This maintenance work is weather-dependent and may result in date changes.

A Northland business group is welcoming the heavy focus on infrastructure in the government's list of local projects singled out for fast-tracked consenting.The 11 projects on Northland's list are mostly essential infrastructure such as roads, rail and housing with broad community support - but they also include a contentious sand mining proposal and a port expansion which was refused consent earlier this year.Few Northlanders will argue with the plan to build an alternative route to the notoriously slip-prone State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills, or with a Māori health provider's plan to build up to 100 affordable homes for the "working poor" in Kaikohe.Crucial but unglamorous projects such as upgrading Kaikohe's ageing sewage treatment plant are also on the list, as is a long-delayed proposal for a railway link to Northport - one of only a few ports in New Zealand not connected to the national rail network.NorthChamber chief executive Leah McKerrow said the list was good news for Northland."We are very pleased, particularly with the heavy focus on infrastructure because, obviously, accessibility for Northland businesses is critical. The key for us is that that they are able to be moved along as quickly as possible."McKerrow said some projects, such as the wastewater upgrade, were "absolutely critical"."But anything that's actually helping our roading and our rail link is going to be advantageous to a much greater number of businesses in Northland. So those are the ones that we really feel are quite urgent to progress," she said.A plan to expand Northport, rejected by independent commissioners earlier this year, is on the list of Northland projects eligible for fast-tracked consenting. Photo: SuppliedConsent for a major expansion of Northport, at Marsden Point, was refused by independent commissioners in July this year.The main reason was the loss of recreational and cultural values arising from the reclamation of a popular beach to make way for a container terminal.Northport is already appealing that decision, but chief executive Jon Moore said the project's inclusion on the fast-track list added an extra consenting pathway for the board to consider.Whether it was a viable option would depend on the final wording and provisions of the fast-track consenting bill.Moore said Northport firmly believed the project had the potential to stimulate economic development in Northland and strengthen the resilience of the national supply chain network.Opposition to the port expansion was led by the Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board.At the time, spokesperson Juliane Chetham hailed the commissioners' decision at the time as "clear and correct".Patuharakeke has been contacted for comment.Perhaps the most controversial project on the list - given opposition to similar operations further down the coast - is a proposal to mine sand off Waipū Cove in Bream Bay.Natalie Jessup, general manager of Tāngaro Tuia te Ora-Endangered Species Foundation, said the potential fast-tracking of sand mining was deeply disappointing."This is a heart-breaking blow for Aotearoa's coastline. Bream Bay, like Mangawhai and Pākiri, is home to some of our most vulnerable species, including the critically endangered tara iti [New Zealand fairy tern]. Approving sand mining here is not only environmentally destructive but a betrayal of the communities who have fought to protect these areas for decades."Jessup said sand was not a critical mineral, because it was neither rare nor facing supply shortages, so should not be included in the fast-track list.Some projects are notable for their omission from the list.There had been speculation a $14 million project originally funded by the Provincial Growth Fund to build breakwaters around Paihia, protecting the town from easterly storms, might be included.That project, however, was abandoned in 2022 not due to consenting difficulties but due to soaring costs. It had also divided the Paihia community.Another contentious project not on the list is a stalled, PGF-funded boat ramp and reclamation at Rangitane in Kerikeri Inlet.The Northland listFar North housing (applicant: Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Takoto): Development of 140 house sites, water storage and campsite redevelopment.Kaikohe housing (Te Hau Ora O Ngāpuhi): 100-unit affordable housing development on Bisset Rd.Northport expansion (Northport): New container terminal and wharf extension.SH1 Whangārei to Port Marsden Highway (NZTA Waka Kotahi): Four-laning of 22km of SH1 south of Whangārei, including upgrade of the SH1/SH15 intersection.SH1 Brynderwyn Hills alternative (NZTA Waka Kotahi): Plan, design and deliver an alternative to the current SH1 over the Brynderwyns.Shipyard and drydock (MBIE): Build and operate a marine maintenance facility at Northport capable of servicing Navy ships and New Zealand's biggest vessels.Kaikohe wastewater treatment plant upgrade (Far North District Council): Resolve noncompliance and improve the treatment process, and create capacity for planned affordable housing developments.Marsden Point rail link (KiwiRail): Build a 19km rail link from Oakleigh, south of Whangārei, to Northport.Lake Ōmāpere restoration (Lake Ōmāpere Trust): Restore the mauri [life force] and water quality of Lake Ōmāpere through dredging, wetland construction and water level management.Bream Bay sand extraction (McCallum Brothers): Sand mining over a proposed 35-year consent period.Muriwhenua aquaculture (Te Aupōuri Fisheries Management): Develop nine marine farms around the top of the Far North.To see the full list click here.

It’s been just over a year since University of Auckland law student Jean-Luc Ellis and two friends founded WasteXpert, a start-up focused on diverting construction and demolition waste from landfills.In that short time, the WasteXpert team has turned their passion for sustainability into tangible results, gaining recognition for their innovative approach.Ellis, alongside co-founders Max Lawton and Logan Soole, started WasteXpert with a vision to revolutionise waste management within the construction sector.The team developed a software platform, WasteX, which tracks, analyses, and reports waste data in real time.This technology helps contractors streamline waste management, reduce costs, and minimize their environmental impact.The start-up’s efforts caught the attention of major partners like Auckland Council, as well as key stakeholders across the industry.WasteXpert’s commitment was further recognised when they won the Velocity $100k Challenge in 2023, providing the financial backing and industry validation needed to fuel their growth.The WasteXpert team: Logan Soole, Jean-Luc Ellis and Max LawtonThis week, Ellis was honoured with the prestigious University of Auckland Blues Award for Most Meritorious Innovation, acknowledging his team’s contribution to sustainable practices.The award, given to outstanding individuals in various fields, underscores WasteXpert’s success in disrupting a traditionally wasteful industry.Innovative Approach and Industry ImpactThe construction industry is known for its high waste output, with much of the debris ending up in landfills.WasteXpert’s software and consulting services offer an alternative, guiding clients on waste separation and diversion to reduce their carbon footprint.“The typical way of doing things increases the industry’s carbon footprint,” Ellis explained.“We offer contractors a way to combat inefficiency, save money, and reduce emissions and waste.”The team currently monitors waste on over 20 projects, with real-time data tracking being a game-changer for their clients.“Being adaptable has allowed for quick changes to ensure our solutions always maintain value for customers,” he added.Jean-Luc says convincing contractors to explore new waste management methods has required persistence and adaptability.A Bright Future for WasteXpertWinning the Velocity $100k Challenge was a significant milestone for WasteXpert, boosting their resources and morale.Ellis sees this as just the beginning: “Over the next year, we’ll develop version two of our software platform, continue to grow, and begin our expansion into the UK and European markets.”The WasteXpert team is now focused on securing additional funding, engaging with investors and venture capital firms to support their next phase of growth.With their entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability, Ellis and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the global stage.

RBNZ cuts official cash rate by 50 basis points to 4.75% - lowest since February 2023Slowing inflation and subdued economy justify bigger cutEconomists and financial markets overwhelmingly backed 50 basis point cutRBNZ says the size and speed of future cuts will be determined by state of the economyRetail banks already cut some rates in anticipationThe Reserve Bank has cut its benchmark cash rate by 50 basis points.The central bank cut the official cash rate (OCR) to 4.75 percent, as expected, to its lowest level in 18 months, saying the bigger than usual rate cut was justified by slowing inflation and the slack in the economy."The Committee agreed that it is appropriate to cut the OCR by 50 basis points to achieve and maintain low and stable inflation, while seeking to avoid unnecessary instability in output, employment, interest rates, and the exchange rate," the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said in a statement.It said the speed and size of future rate cuts would be determined by economic data.Retail banks have been quick to cut lending rates in anticipation of the big sized cut.Within minutes of the Reserve Bank's announcement that it would cut the official cash rate, banks had revealed they were lowering home loan interest rates.ASB said it would cut its variable home loan rate from 8.39 percent to 7.89 percent.Its Orbit rate would drop to 7.99 percent.Executive general manager, personal banking, Adam Boyd said 120,000 customers would be affected."We do expect this downward OCR trend to continue into 2025 which will provide further relief."ASB was also cutting savings rates - its on-call interest rate would drop from 2.65 percent to 2.15 percent. The Headstart youth account rate would drop from 4.75 percent to 4.15 percent.Earlier in the day, ASB announced cuts of 10 basis points across a number of fixed terms, and a 16bop reduction for the one-year rate.BNZ said it, too, would pass on the full OCR cut to variable home loans.General manager, home lending products James Leydon said the OCR cut would be welcome news for many households."We are continually assessing our interest rates and looking for opportunities to pass on rate reductions to our customers. Customers will benefit from our latest variable rate change which is effective from tomorrow," Leydon said."BNZ will continue to move quickly in response to changes in external factors, including the Official Cash Rate and wholesale interest rates, to ensure we're passing rate changes on to our customers as quickly as possible."Westpac said it would cut its floating rates by 50 basis points and would cut fixed terms by 10.General manager of product Sarah Hearn said it was also reducing its test rate - the rate at which it checks that borrowers can afford lending - to 8.15 percent."We're pleased to be delivering another rate cut for our home loan customers, and confidence boost we expect this will provide to households and small businesses. Westpac's economists estimate that nearly half of all homeowners on fixed rates will have rolled onto lower rates by the end of the year."At the same time, we know many households are still facing cost pressures, while our savings customers will be watching falling interest rates closely."We continue to proactively contact home loan customers who may be facing into financial difficulty, and we encourage anyone who's concerned about their financial situation to get in touch."Kiwibank said on Tuesday it was reducing its variable rate by 50bps.The chief economist at property research firm Corelogic, Kelvin Davidson, said the RBNZ statement had a sense of urgency."There's a sense in the Reserve Bank's commentary that they feel a need to act fairly quickly to get monetary policy back towards a more neutral setting (or even stimulatory), rather than the restrictive territory it's been in for quite some time now."He said he expected mortgage rates to keep falling, which would likely lift confidence in the housing market and help stop the fall in prices.ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley tentatively expected a further 50 basis point cut in the last meeting of the year in November."The outlook appears very data dependent, with a further 50bp not a done deal. The weakness of data through into early next year will influence how long the RBNZ keeps cutting in 50bp moves."'Relief' on way for households, businesses - WillisNicola Willis Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKERFinance Minister Nicola Willis says the OCR cut is welcome news for families and businesses."Lower interest rates will provide much-needed relief for households and businesses, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money and increasing the opportunities for businesses to invest and innovate."Willis said New Zealanders have been doing it tough over the last few years "with the economy in recession, high interest rates and sharply rising prices."That is changing as inflation falls towards the target level, interest rates come down and businesses have the confidence to invest and hire again."For homeowners, Willis said a lot of people would be able to switch to a lower interest rate, meaning that would "free up more cash for many".Willis pointed to ANZ's Business Outlook which showed that businesses were feeling more positive."The Mood of the Boardroom echoed this, showing that confidence in the economy has reached its highest level since 2016."Willis said there was still more work to do but the government's "careful and deliberate plan" to rebuild the economy "is working.""We are confident that brighter days are ahead," Willis added.On unemployment figures, Willis said her government inherited an "economy in trouble.""We said that we would put a lid on inflation so that interest rates could drop and growth could revive," adding the government was making good progress on that goal."We are seeing green shoots."

The Powerball jackpot has rolled over again, now reaching $20 million for this Saturday’s draw.In the latest draw, one player from Hamilton secured a $1 million win in the Lotto First Division.The winning ticket was purchased on MyLotto, confirming a substantial payout for the lucky participant.For those checking their tickets, the winning numbers were 10, 1, 3, 38, 32, and 24, with the bonus ball 7 and Powerball number 3.Prize Collection InformationMyLotto offers an automated credit process for prizes up to $1,000, with larger winnings requiring an online prize form.For physical ticket holders, prizes can be claimed in person at Lotto NZ retailers.Powerball players must match all six Lotto numbers, plus the Powerball number, to claim the jackpot.If unclaimed, the jackpot continues to roll over or, if it reaches its maximum, will be awarded through a must-be-won draw.

The Government is considering stricter regulations for building professionals, aiming to enhance accountability and restore public confidence, according to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. The proposed changes come in response to ongoing concerns about construction quality and the safety of residential projects nationwide.Minister Penk outlined the Government's reform plans, which focus on tougher licensing and registration requirements and implementing new penalties for poor workmanship. The goal, he said, is to make building faster and more affordable while also protecting consumers.“The Government is taking action to make building easier and more affordable,” Penk said. “To address our housing shortage, we need to rethink how we consent homes and remove barriers to imported building products. But, we must also hold tradespeople accountable when things go wrong.”Key aspects of the proposed reforms include:Raising competency and accountability standards for buildersStrengthening consumer protections in the Building ActEmpowering regulators with enhanced licensing and disciplinary authorityIntroducing new fines for deceptive practices during remote inspections, including up to $50,000 for individuals and $150,000 for businessesPenk emphasised that although most tradespeople are skilled and responsible, a minority have caused significant issues, undermining trust within the industry. He noted that current penalties often fall short of deterring non-compliant behaviors, leading councils to adopt overly cautious practices to avoid costly liabilities.“The trade-off for reducing oversight on low-risk projects, like granny flats, is that we ensure builders are both qualified and accountable,” Penk explained. “This way, we can prevent councils from bearing undue risks when construction issues arise.”The reforms align with recent moves to allow small structures, up to 60 square meters, to be built without a building consent. This is part of the Government’s broader agenda to support housing growth while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.“Lifting the competence of building professionals will also pave the way for insurance-backed opt-outs from consents, giving insurance companies the confidence to back new projects,” Penk added.The proposed changes are intended to supplement the Government’s work on “phoenixing” prevention, where businesses evade their liabilities by shutting down and reopening under different names—a tactic that has plagued the building industry in recent years.As consultations continue, these reforms are poised to help rebuild trust in the building sector, making it easier for Kiwis to invest in homes they can rely on.