Coasties, get ready to celebrate a remarkable milestone!The Matakana Village Farmers' Market is turning 20, and the community is invited to join in the festivities.Just 30 minutes up the road from Hibiscus Coast, this charming destination is not to be missed.On Saturday, 23 November 2024, from 8 am to 1 pm, the market will host a special morning with unique finds and surprise giveaways.Live music from local buskers will add to the lively atmosphere.The anniversary celebration will continue from 1 pm to 4 pm, featuring live music from the Pippi Pickers Band and words from the market's founders at 2 pm.This special event honours the community that has made the market a cherished gathering place.The Matakana Village Farmers' Market was established in 2002 by locals Richard and Christine Didsbury, who transformed the old timber yard into a thriving destination.The market's philosophy emphasises food provenance, with producers selling locally-made products.Over the years, the market has become a launchpad for several well-known gourmet brands.Today, Matakana Village boasts beautifully landscaped open spaces, independent specialty shops, and a world-class arthouse cinema complex.The village has maintained its small-town charm while offering a perfect weekend escape.

A University of Auckland study has identified a carbon tax as the most effective approach for New Zealand to cut emissions while maintaining economic stability. The research compared carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes (ETS), and emission intensity targets, evaluating their impact on both the environment and the economy.The study found that while all three policies lead to some short-term welfare losses, a carbon tax is less disruptive to household welfare in the long term. Associate Professor Stephen Poletti noted that a carbon tax provides businesses with greater certainty about carbon pricing, unlike the volatility associated with an ETS.Professor Emilson Silva, director of the university’s Energy Centre, highlighted the potential for revenue from a carbon tax to offset cost-of-living increases, such as rising food, transport, and energy costs. He suggested that funds could be redistributed through income tax rebates or direct support to families in need.Lead author Simon Tao, a doctoral candidate, emphasised the challenge of agricultural emissions, which are currently exempt from New Zealand’s ETS. Lead author, Business School doctoral candidate Simon TaoThe study suggests that a carbon tax, used alongside the ETS, could be a more effective strategy for achieving the country’s environmental goals.The researchers also addressed the cyclical nature of emissions, which tend to rise during economic growth and fall during downturns. Tao proposed dynamic carbon pricing, where prices increase during periods of economic expansion, to stabilise emissions.Dr Selena Sheng emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, suggesting New Zealand and Australia explore joint forums to align environmental policies. She noted that harmonising tax strategies could maintain investment appeal while promoting sustainability.The study underlined the critical role of public education in building support for a carbon tax, encouraging policymakers to communicate its long-term benefits effectively.

Looking ahead, Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 22/11Mainly sunny. Breezy to brisk Sou'West winds.High: 19Low: 14Saturday - 23/11Cloudy. Breezy to brisk Sou'West winds.High: 18Low: 13Sunday - 24/11Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West windsHigh: 19Low: 13Monday - 25/11Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 20Low: 14Get real-time weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and lots more.Anytime, anywhere – everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App.

The Hibiscus Coast community is gearing up for a fun-filled evening as the annual Orewa New World Santa Parade takes place this Saturday, 23 November. Coasties of all ages are invited to join in the festive cheer.The parade begins at 4:30 pm from Alice Avenue, proceeding down Florence Avenue and along the Hibiscus Coast Highway, culminating at the Orewa Beach Reserve car park adjacent to the Orewa Surf Club.A rain date is set for Sunday, 24 November, at 4:30 pm.To ensure a smooth and safe event, several road closures will be in effect:Alice and Edward Avenue: 8 am to 5 pm (residents only)Florence Avenue: 4 pm to 6 pmHibiscus Coast Highway (Westhoe Road to Centreway Road): 4 pm to 6 pmMark your calendars and bring your family and friends to enjoy this delightful community event.

Auckland's mayor has lost confidence that the City Rail Link will be finished on time, despite assurances from officials.The City Rail Link project is set to cause major disruption for Aucklanders over the next year, as it hurries to finish work in time for opening in 2026.The Minister for Transport recently announced Auckland's railway system would be shut with no running trains for up to 96 days between December 2024 and January 2026, to make time for crucial rail rebuild work for City Rail Link.Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said the project had been marked by budget and time blow-outs.He was asked if City Rail Link - set to open in 2026 - would be his last big project as mayor."That project has had a terrible track record. It was supposed to have finished before I became the mayor, and it was supposed to have cost a third of what it has cost," he said."I've kind of lost confidence in hearing back from the people that that's what's going to happen. It requires intense pressure at this stage. It's quite a good project, but it was set up very poorly."Brown said it was disappointing City Rail Link had not been finished, but he was determined to get it across the line.In a joint statement from Auckland Transport, City Rail Link and KiwiRail, the agencies said they remained confident about opening in 2026."There's a lot of work underway between AT, City Rail Link Ltd and KiwiRail to complete work on City Rail Link and across the wider Auckland rail network to be ready for more frequent, faster and reliable trains and we remain confident about opening in 2026."

Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide. But in New Zealand it’s a particularly pressing issue.With one of the highest rates in the OECD, about one in three New Zealand children are overweight or obese.Obesity in children can lead to severe health issues that persist into adulthood.While many factors contribute to childhood obesity – such as diet, physical activity and genetics – one often-overlooked factor is screen time.Children are constantly surrounded by devices such as TVs, tablets and smartphones, and screen time has become a normal part of daily life.The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Paediatrics both suggest preschool-aged children should have no more than one hour of screen time daily.But many young children in New Zealand and overseas are spending significantly more time on screens, with many regularly surpassing these guidelines.Our new study explored how simple family screen time rules could reduce childhood obesity risk.Our work revealed ways parents and policymakers can tackle this growing challenge.Screens and the risk of obesityExcessive screen time has been linked to various health issues in children, ranging from mental and emotional problems to physical health concerns like obesity.Spending too much time with screens often means more sitting and less physical activity, both of which can lead to excess weight gain.Additionally, screen time is associated with snacking, as children often eat while watching shows or playing games.These snacks are typically high in sugar and fat, contributing to weight gain over time.Advertisements for high-calorie foods are also common in children’s media, increasing cravings for unhealthy snacks.Moreover, screens emit blue light, which can disrupt sleep cycles if used close to bedtime.Poor sleep has been shown to increase hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods, making children more susceptible to weight gain.Noticeable benefits from limitsOur research used data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study, which followed over 5,700 children and their families.We examined how family screen time rules established at the age of two influenced obesity risk by the time the children were four-and-a-half.The results were eye-opening. We found families who set and implemented clear rules about screen use saw noticeable benefits.These rules indirectly helped reduce obesity risk by supporting better sleep habits and limiting excessive screen use – two factors strongly linked to healthier weight.While the study didn’t find a direct link between screen time rules and a reduced obesity rate, it did show how these rules can prevent behaviours associated with weight gain.For example, children in families with screen time rules slept longer and spent less time on screens, both of which are critical for maintaining a healthy weight.The most effective screen time strategies covered three main areas:Quality: deciding what type of shows or apps children can use. Previous research recommend prioritising educational or calming media over fast-paced or violent shows, as intense content can overstimulate children, making it harder for them to relax and sleep well.Quantity: setting a limit on how much time children spend on screens each day.Timing: establishing rules on when screens are allowed. For instance, avoiding screen time right before bed can help prevent sleep disruption from blue light exposure.The findings suggest setting all three types of screen rules can make a big difference in helping children form healthier habits.When families combine these rules, it doesn’t just reduce screen time; it also supports better sleep, which is vital for children’s overall health.Over time, these small but consistent rules can have a lasting, positive impact on children’s physical and mental wellbeing, reducing the risk of developing unhealthy weight.Other factorsIt’s worth noting that screen time habits don’t exist in a vacuum.The study also highlighted how socioeconomic factors can affect screen time and, subsequently, childhood obesity.Families in financially disadvantaged situations often have fewer resources to manage screen time effectively.These families might rely more on screens to entertain or occupy children due to limited access to alternative activities or safe outdoor spaces.Additionally, food insecurity – a lack of access to affordable, nutritious food – can increase reliance on inexpensive, unhealthy food options, further contributing to childhood obesity.When we accounted for factors such as poverty and food insecurity, the link between screen time and obesity became less direct.This suggests that tackling childhood obesity effectively requires addressing these underlying socioeconomic factors alongside screen time habits.Guiding parentsFor families, the key advice is to implement and maintain rules that address the quality, quantity and timing of screen use.These rules encourage children to balance their screen time with other activities, like physical play and adequate sleep, which are essential for healthy growth and development and reduce obesity risk.Policymakers can also play a role by supporting initiatives that assist families in lower-income brackets.Policies which reduce poverty, make healthy food more affordable and accessible, and create safe and attractive neighbourhood spaces would all make it easier for parents to establish and follow screen time rules.With rates of childhood obesity rising and long-term health consequences becoming more apparent, tackling this issue requires coordinated action from families, communities and policymakers alike.Authors: Ladan Hashemi and Boyd SwinburnThis research was completed with Maryam Ghasemi, Deborah Schlichting, Maryam Pirouzi and Cameron Grant.

Boost Lab has issued a voluntary recall of its Everyday Hydrating Cleanser after identifying a potential risk of skin irritation associated with two specific batches.The affected batches are #38126 and #38394. Customers are advised to stop using products from these batches immediately.To assist customers, Boost Lab has outlined several options for managing the recall. Affected products can be returned to the original place of purchase for a full refund. Customers unable to return the product or those who have sold or gifted it to someone else are encouraged to contact Boost Lab for further assistance.For enquiries, customers can email [email protected], call (02) 8644 0678, or visit the company’s website for more details.Boost Lab has assured customers that it is committed to addressing the issue promptly and providing full support to those impacted by the recall.

Some Auckland public transport users say they will stick with their AT HOP cards to retain the discounted fares.As of the weekend, Auckland Transport has introduced contactless payments.Commuters can now use any paywave-enabled device, such as card or phone, to tag on or off. However, these payments will incur the full adult fare.Unfortunately, this change will not benefit everyone, as concession prices and the $50 seven-day fare cap are excluded.User reviewsJakub Přikryl, 25, who recently arrived from the Czech Republic, believes the new system is a great idea because many people use mobile devices or cards daily."I arrived three days ago and didn't know how to pay. I'd really appreciate being able to pay through mobile."It's much easier because I don't carry cash. I'll definitely use it."However, some users are concerned about losing concession discounts.Reed, 19, a regular public transport user, plans to keep using his HOP card despite the convenience of the new system."Having a HOP card is better for compartmentalising funds, so I'll stick with it."Thomas Michael Daly, another frequent user, expressed disappointment: "I was excited about the convenience, but I wouldn't get the discount. I rely on that... Yeah, kind of disappointed."Christina, a minimum wage worker, commented: "It's accessible, but more expensive. It doesn't make sense. You want to give the cheaper option, especially with the cost of living. I'm getting minimum wage."She will continue using her HOP card because it is cheaper.University students Rosie and Honour expressed frustration at the inability to use their student concessions with the new system. Honour said: "It's convenient, but the full fare is hard for some parents to afford."David, who uses a gold card, feels the new system is not ideal for older people: "I prefer the old card. The new contactless payment is good for those who are tech-savvy, but it's not ideal for older people."Despite the drawbacks, many users acknowledge the progress the change represents.Carter, 17, from Christchurch, said: "It's way easier, 100 times easier."Nevertheless, his mother, Theresa Pearson, pointed out a downside: "It's easier with contactless payment. But that's a disadvantage for people who can't get a concession or cheaper rates."Local politicians weigh inMāngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board chairperson Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich said that the change would make public transport much more accessible, with advantages for seniors and Pacific communities."For seniors 65+, it's still free with their gold card-buses, trains, ferries - it's all free for them. For Pacific people, you don't have to buy a $10 HOP card before you can start loading it," he said.Tauanu'u, who frequently uses the train for work meetings, added: "For those who aren't regular users, they won't have to deal with the inconvenience of buying a HOP card. They can just rock up and use their debit card."Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chairperson Apulu Reece Autagavaia noted that while the system removes the hassle of topping up HOP cards, it has drawbacks as contactless payments do not offer concession discounts."The next step is cheaper fares, which would really help families who rely on public transport for schooling and work. This programme doesn't fully benefit those people yet, but hopefully, technology will allow for concessions in the future."He added that the local board has advocated for free public transport, eliminating the need for any card.Manurewa-Papakura Ward councillor Daniel Newman emphasised the importance of providing people with choices, including contactless payment options.However, he said: "My strong preference is that customers use their AT HOP wherever they can, as it provides the means to enjoy any fare concessions that may apply to the customer."Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward councillor Josephine Bartley acknowledged the convenience but raised her concerns about the costs."I think it's good for people who don't have HOP cards, but it's a very expensive system to put in place. I think of local boards that tried to push HOP cards, and now it seems they didn't need to."Users paying with devices or debit cards will be charged the full adult fare until the national ticketing solution is in place in 2026.- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Aucklanders have helped divert over 30,000 tonnes of food scraps from landfill since the introduction of the food scraps collection service in April last year. These scraps now generate renewable energy and fertiliser, contributing to homes and farmland across New Zealand.For the first time, renewable gas created from Auckland's food scraps is being added to the national gas pipeline. This milestone contribution is enough to regularly supply 18,000 homes, with total energy production equivalent to powering 300,000 homes for a month.“This is a proud moment for Auckland,” said Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee. “Thank you to every Aucklander who is helping to keep food scraps out of landfill so they can be transformed into resources. By participating, you’re reducing our environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable future.”The initiative has also produced enough liquid fertiliser to cover nearly 100 square kilometres of farmland, equivalent to 13,500 rugby fields. Aucklanders have further saved the equivalent of 19,600 tonnes of harmful greenhouse gas emissions—comparable to taking 6,000 cars off the road or planting 500,000 trees.The food scraps are processed at Ecogas, New Zealand’s only anaerobic digestion facility, which converts them into biogas, electricity, heat, and fertiliser for farmers in the North Island.Council Tips for Managing Food Scraps in SummerTo prevent pests and odours during warmer months, Aucklanders are encouraged to try these tips:Pour boiling water over banana skins to kill fruit fly eggs.Keep vegetable peelings dry to minimise smells.Add baking soda or bokashi zing to food scraps.Store scraps in the fridge or freezer before disposal.Use compostable bin liners made of cornstarch.Empty kitchen caddies frequently and clean bins regularly.Apply tea tree oil around bin lids to deter pests.Keep bins in shady spots away from direct sunlight.This initiative supports Auckland’s vision of becoming zero waste by 2040.

Coasties can now access fresh insights into the state of New Zealand’s health following the release of the 2023/24 New Zealand Health Survey by the Ministry of Health.The annual survey explores a range of topics including alcohol consumption, vaping, mental health, diet, and access to healthcare. Deputy Director Public Health Dr Harriette Carr highlights its importance as a critical tool for identifying trends and shaping health strategies."The data shows that most New Zealanders continue to be in good health," Dr Carr said. "Progress has been made in areas such as reducing hazardous drinking rates among young people. However, there are areas needing more attention, and work is underway to address these challenges."Key Findings from the SurveyOverall Health: 85.4% of adults reported their health as good, very good, or excellent.Smoking and Vaping: Smoking rates remain low, with 6.9% of adults smoking daily, compared to 12.9% five years ago. Daily vaping, however, has increased to 11.1%.Hazardous Drinking: Rates among young adults aged 18–24 have significantly declined from 35.8% to 22.6% over five years.Mental Health: Psychological distress is most common among young and disabled adults, who also face challenges accessing mental health care.Physical Activity: Less than half of adults (46.6%) met recommended physical activity guidelines.Healthcare Access: Barriers to GP visits have risen, with 25.7% of adults citing delays in getting appointments. Emergency department visits have increased over the same period.Oral Health: Over three-quarters of adults (76.6%) rated their oral health positively.Food Security: One in four children (27%) lived in households where food ran out often or sometimes in the past year.The findings underscore both progress and challenges across key areas of public health. The Ministry of Health will use this data to continue shaping policies and improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Mayor Wayne Brown has unveiled his Draft Mayoral Proposal for Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2025-26, outlining significant reforms to council-controlled organisations (CCOs) that he had committed to during his 2022 mayoral campaign. The proposal aims to address issues such as a lack of democratic accountability, inefficiency, and wasteful spending within the current CCO model.“I was clear when I ran for mayor that I would take back control of council organisations and make them democratically accountable,” Mayor Brown said. “Aucklanders voted for CCO reform, and they expect us to get on with the job.”The proposed changes seek to improve the way Auckland Council functions by enhancing accountability, eliminating inefficiencies, and strengthening decision-making processes. CCOs currently absorb more than half of Auckland’s $6.4 billion annual budget and manage two-thirds of the region’s publicly owned assets, valued at nearly $47 billion. The mayor hopes that restructuring will help restore public trust, improve cost-effectiveness, and reduce service duplication funded by ratepayers.Among the key reforms, Mayor Brown suggests bringing urban regeneration and property management services back under council control, which would result in the disbandment of Eke Panuku Development Auckland. He also proposes consolidating economic development, destination marketing, and major events under the council, while retaining the trust structure of Auckland Unlimited to manage regional facilities like the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Zoo.For Auckland Transport (AT), the mayor has made progress in discussions with central government to restore democratic oversight. While full structural changes to AT will require new legislation, immediate steps will include transferring some of its back-office functions to Auckland Council control.The draft proposal, which has been informed by public input, will be discussed in a workshop with the council’s Budget Committee this week. A final decision on the changes will be made in December, with implementation following once the final proposal is adopted.The full Draft Mayoral Proposal is available on the Auckland Council website.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has highlighted early successes in crime reduction, following a year of law and order reforms. The Minister, reflecting on his first year in office, expressed confidence that the changes are starting to show positive results in public safety.In August 2023, Mitchell committed to resigning if the public had not seen a measurable improvement in safety within 12 months. “The public expects Ministers to be accountable,” he said, underscoring his determination to make New Zealand the safest country in the world.Among the key improvements, crime victimisations have fallen by 3 per cent, while foot patrols have increased by 30 per cent. Notably, ram raids have dropped by over 60 per cent, and there have been reductions in serious assaults (down 3 per cent) and aggravated robberies (down 11 per cent).However, retail crime remains a challenge, with thefts continuing to rise, though violent incidents in the sector have slowed. Gang membership growth has also significantly slowed, with a 1 per cent increase this year compared to 10 per cent in 2023.Mitchell pointed to several successful police operations targeting gangs such as the Mongrel Mob and Comancheros, with no towns overtaken by gang activity. High-profile gang events, including funerals and runs, have been closely monitored by police without major disruption.While acknowledging there is more work to be done, Mitchell expressed optimism about continued progress. “I believe I have delivered on my promise to show change in my first 12 months as Police Minister,” he said. He also highlighted that future efforts, including the Government’s social investment approach, will play a significant role in further improving safety across the country.*The data is sourced from the Police’s monthly victimisations and ram raids statistics, both of which are publicly available on the Police Data website, with September data to be uploaded by the end of the month.

New Zealand should copy the Australian ban on social media for children under 16, a public health researcher says.The Australian government said it would pass a law banning social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced yesterday that a bill will be introduced to parliament within weeks.Under the law, social media platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram would be responsible for working out how to block children under 16 from using the sites.Nine to Noon host Kathryn Ryan spoke with University of Auckland senior research fellow Samantha Marsh - who is also spokesperson for the lobby group Before 16 - who said New Zealand should follow Australia's lead.Marsh said the responsibility should shift to social media platforms, where age verification technology was increasingly effective."They're huge tech industries - they know how old kids are ... I don't think it should be falling on kids themselves. It's a platform that elicits addictive-like behaviours. We can't rely on teenagers and kids to monitor themselves."Monitoring children's online behaviour shouldn't fall to parents and caregivers either, as that would be a "full-time job", Marsh said.The Australian legislation was designed to empower parents, she added."It's about standing up and saying, we know this is harming our kids and we need to do something about it. Just like we do with alcohol and vaping."Kids will find a workaround ... but that's the same for those other products as well."Ryan queried whether the age of 16 was too high to be practicably enforceable?The key was to keep children off social media before then, Marsh said, as that was when they were especially vulnerable to adverse effects on their mental health."In a perfect world I'd say 18 - like we do with other products like this. But I don't think 16 is at all too old."Before that age, there's a lot of brain development going on that these products can really interfere with."Among the downsides found in research were increases in anxiety, depression, self harm, sleep, self esteem and attention."I see this as a real public health issue, and it impacts kids differently."Most parents these days remembered the time before social media, and kids needed to be supported to transition "back to the life ... we grew up in, where we had great friendships without social media".Australian opposition to banThe Australian Child Rights Taskforce - made up of over 100 academics and 20 civil society organisations - wrote an open letter to the Australian government last month, calling instead on Albanese to impose "safety standards" on social media platforms.Among the concerns were the affects the ban would have on access and participation for young people, and that it would dis-incentivise social media platforms from having safety features.One of those signatories was Professor Judith Bessant, from RMIT University in Melbourne.She told Nine to Noon there were significant benefits to social media, and the policy would not be enforceable."The idea that platforms will self-regulate is ridiculous. It's in their interest not to."They benefit themselves from surveilling everyone ... they scrape the personal data and then they sell it on to others, and then it's used to hit you with advertisements.""They idea that they will regulate themselves - it's not gonna happen."Albanese's suggestion the law would make it easier for parents was false, and there was no clarity on how it would enforced, she said."It's not being thought through... It will create more tension and ... family conflict. A lot of parents won't understand what's going on, but will be fearful that it's illegal."She also questioned how it would be enforced in schools."Young people still use it at lunchtime, before and after school. It's going to cause a lot of tension."Bessant said there needed to be communication with children about the impact of social media use."I'm not saying we have a laissez-faire approach. We do have a responsibility and duty of care to young people, but this is not going to work."

The Hibiscus Coast community, alongside the wider Auckland region, continues to make strides in addressing climate disruption. Over the past year, Auckland Council’s efforts have involved more than 74,000 residents in programmes designed to empower community-led climate initiatives.Through grants, education, and advocacy, 61 community groups have been supported to tackle climate challenges head-on. Together, these initiatives have reduced 6,600 tonnes of carbon emissions—the equivalent of removing 3,400 cars from Auckland’s roads for a year.Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts. “By harnessing the collective wisdom and ingenuity of iwi and communities, we are supporting and enabling bold, community-led climate action,” he said.The council’s approach has included:Distributing over $360,000 through the Auckland Climate Grant to fund local projects.Dedicating 20% of grant funding to Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and youth-led initiatives.Generating more than $700,000 in non-rates revenue to scale pilot projects.Implementing eight Māori-led initiatives focused on energy resilience, infrastructure, and employment.One standout programme, Spongy Schools, Spongy Cities, offers hands-on education at the Auckland Botanic Gardens Experience Centre. It teaches students about nature-based solutions to flooding and equips them to bring these concepts back to their schools. To date, over 520 students from five schools have participated, learning how to manage water flow, improve biodiversity, and prevent flood damage.Senior Sustainable Schools Advisor Susie Bettany emphasised the programme’s importance, noting, “As we experience more extreme weather events, communities are facing repeated flooding and damage to cherished places. Supporting schools to absorb excess water is empowering students to make a meaningful difference.”

Locals are being urged to stay vigilant as new figures reveal that New Zealanders lost $194 million to bank scams last year. The data, provided by major banks to Consumer Protection for Fraud Awareness Week, shows a slight decrease in the amount lost compared to the previous year, but the ongoing threat remains significant as scammers continue to adapt and develop more complex strategies.During this week, Consumer Protection is highlighting the importance of recognising the signs of phishing, imposter, and online shopping scams. These scams are among the most common and can have a serious impact on individuals and families.Consumer Protection stresses the importance of trusting your instincts when approached for money or personal information. “If you receive an unexpected request for money or sensitive details, it’s vital to stop the conversation immediately,” the agency advises. “Don’t hesitate to delete suspicious messages or hang up on calls that seem out of the blue.”If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, Consumer Protection recommends taking these steps:Cease all communication with the scammerStop any further paymentsContact your bank or the relevant service providerReport the incident to Cert NZWith scammers continually evolving their methods, it’s crucial for locals to stay informed and take action at the first sign of a scam. Fraud Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder to always be cautious and act swiftly to protect yourself and your family.

The Ministry of Health is urging action to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, held from 18 to 24 November. AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to drugs like antibiotics, has been labelled a top global health threat by the United Nations.Globally, AMR was directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to nearly 5 million fatalities. In New Zealand, resistant strains are already challenging health services and treatment options. Ministry of Health Chief Science Advisor Dr Ian Town warned that AMR poses significant risks to medical treatments, including cancer therapies, organ transplants, and surgeries, due to the potential for untreatable infections."Resistant strains of bacteria and viruses are already being detected in New Zealand, directly affecting the health of New Zealanders and making infections harder to treat," Dr Town said.Examples include outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), first detected in 2022 in the Central North Island region, and the increasing presence of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO). These bacteria can cause life-threatening conditions like sepsis and are resistant to all commonly used antibiotics, including last-resort treatments.The Ministry is promoting careful use of antimicrobials and preventative measures to slow the spread of resistance. Recommendations include practising hand hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and following health professionals' advice on antibiotic use. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics, particularly for viral illnesses like colds and flu, contributes to the development of resistance.Additional advice includes safe food preparation, covering wounds, and returning unused antibiotics to pharmacies for safe disposal. Taking these steps, the Ministry says, will help preserve the effectiveness of vital medicines for future generations.

Aiming to foster safer online spaces, University of Auckland researchers have unveiled a new tool, Serenity. This innovative app works like a spell checker for toxic language, nudging users to reconsider harmful messages before sending them.Cyberbullying remains a major concern for families and young people, with traditional methods often failing to address its evolving nature. Dr Johnny Chan from the University’s Business School explains how Serenity offers a proactive solution.“This aligns with prior research suggesting that nudges can effectively reduce unwanted behaviours,” Chan says.Serenity uses Google’s Perspective API to analyse messages as they are typed. If a message’s toxicity score surpasses a user-defined threshold, the app flags it and encourages the sender to pause and rethink. To enhance its flexibility, the tool also allows users to create custom lists of words or phrases they find offensive or triggering.“As a father, I know my kids will soon be stepping into online spaces, and we need tools that give young people and families a safer experience,” says Chan.For parents, Serenity includes a “guardian account” feature. This allows them to monitor toxicity scores without viewing message content, empowering early intervention while respecting privacy.Adaptable across platforms such as social media, online gaming, and forums, Serenity aims to mitigate harm before it occurs. Dr Johnny Chan is a lecturer in information systems and operations management.Chan notes that the app addresses the limitations of traditional lexicon-based systems by offering real-time detection and intervention.“Cyberbullying is a huge issue for young people and their parents, and despite our awareness of the harm it causes, we don’t have many tools to combat it,” Chan says.

Fewer deliveries every week, a reduced number of postal outlets, and no longer having mail deliveries to letterboxes at front gates are just some of the proposed changes for New Zealand Post.This would mean posties would eventually stop delivering mail to individual letterboxes and instead leave mail in cluster or community boxes.The Postal Workers Union is not impressed."We are already hearing that people are very unhappy to find out - even though they don't get much mail - they are pretty concerned about where they are going to get it," union president John Maynard told The Detail."All new subdivisions, the developers are going to have to put in nests of boxes, so people won't get delivery to their houses. I already have photos of these nests of post-boxes getting broken into. And people often talk about insecurity."I have also spoken to Grey Power people, who are very unhappy. It's quite a cultural thing - we want a letter box at our front gate and that's where we expect mail to get delivered to."The union said the consultation process, launched by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, was selective, misleading, complicated, and inaccessible to many of those most affected by the proposed changes.It wanted the proposal to be suspended, rewritten and then extended to at least three months "to better provide for a consultation process with a more well-informed and accessible participation by residents".But MBIE communications infrastructure and trade general manager James Hartley told The Detail he was happy with the process in place."We think that the consultation is clear, fair and accessible to the public. It's always a challenge in any consultation to get to every part of the community... and [we] will be relying on key community groups like rural women, Postal Workers Union and others to help represent community views."And six weeks is an adequate time period, and we have no plans to change that."MBIE is consulting on five proposed changes:Reducing minimum delivery frequency in urban areas to two days a week, and in rural areas to three days per week.Reducing the minimum number of postal outlets from 880 to 500, and possibly down to 400 over time.Allowing NZ Post to extend its network by delivering to cluster and community boxes for new addresses.Allowing NZ Post to convert existing delivery points into communal points at a rate of up to 5 percent per year.Reducing the time until the next review to three years, from five."The government wants to know what people think about the proposed changes and how it could impact them if introduced," Hartley said."I really encourage people to give feedback."The final day for feedback is 10 December.The Detail requested an interview with NZ Post but was declined.

The Government has announced a comprehensive review of the electricity market to assess its ability to deliver reliable and affordable energy to households and businesses.This review comes in response to challenges highlighted during the past winter’s power crisis.Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones emphasised the importance of ensuring the market supports economic growth while meeting future electricity demands.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity rely on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices,” said Mr Brown.The review will focus on areas such as investment in infrastructure, market competition, and effective regulation.Key objectives include fostering timely investment in electricity generation and infrastructure, achieving efficiency, and maintaining competitive wholesale and retail markets to manage costs effectively.Mr Jones noted that with increasing electrification across sectors, demand for electricity is expected to grow significantly."We have already made significant progress in enabling investment in renewable electricity generation," he said, adding that effective regulation would play a critical role in maintaining market confidence.The terms of reference released for the review outline four key principles for an effective electricity market:Incentivising investment to meet current and future demand.Achieving efficiency across production and allocation.Ensuring competitiveness to keep costs manageable.Regulating markets where competition is not feasible.The Government recently introduced the first Government Policy Statement on electricity to clarify its role in the sector.The upcoming review will complement ongoing efforts to strengthen energy security and manage electricity prices.The review is set to commence early next year.