Coasties travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will soon see faster check-ins, thanks to the introduction of self-service kiosks.The airport is set to replace 100 traditional check-in counters over the next few years as part of a major upgrade.Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, highlighted the benefits of the upgrade, stating, “Travellers can save up to 13 minutes with the new system, and typical wait times for the self-service options are no more than five minutes."Scott TaskerThe upgrade allows passengers to manage check-in and luggage drop-off themselves while staff remain available to assist those who need it.The aim is to create a smoother, more relaxed experience for all passengers, whether they’re frequent flyers or first-time travellers.The installation is part of a larger investment in Auckland Airport’s infrastructure, including a new domestic jet terminal and an advanced baggage handling system.The kiosks will be available for all airlines, increasing both capacity and efficiency in the check-in hall.During the installation, some temporary disruptions are expected, but Tasker assures that the end result will greatly enhance the traveller experience."We ask for travellers’ patience as we bring this significant improvement to life,” he said.Once fully operational, the new system will cater to both domestic and international travellers, making Auckland Airport more streamlined and ready for future growth.

Kiwis are seeing a mixed bag in the latest employment figures, with new data shedding light on job trends for the June 2024 quarter.According to the latest report from Stats NZ, the total number of filled jobs across the country stands at 2.3 million, showing a slight decrease of 0.4 percent from the previous quarter.The June 2024 quarter compared to March 2024 saw a decline of 8,789 jobs.However, when looking at the year-on-year figures, there was a notable increase in gross earnings, rising by 7.6 percent, or $12.5 billion, reflecting an overall positive trend in income despite fewer job openings.Sector-wise, the health care and social assistance industry experienced the largest increase, adding 3,843 jobs or 1.4 percent.Conversely, sectors such as administrative and support services, construction, and accommodation and food services saw declines, with the latter two experiencing drops of 1.2 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively.Regionally, Auckland reported the largest decrease, with a drop of 5,248 jobs or 0.7 percent.Other regions, including Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki, also saw reductions, indicating a broader trend of job losses across multiple areas.In terms of gender, the number of filled jobs rose equally for both men and women, with increases of 0.4 percent over the year.On the earnings front, significant gains were noted in several industries.Health care and social assistance saw a remarkable 17 percent increase in gross earnings, amounting to an additional $3.3 billion.Public administration and safety, and education and training also saw notable rises of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively.Additionally, the report includes a revision for the June 2023 quarter, correcting previous errors in regional job coding.Jobs originally misclassified under the Westland territorial authority are now accurately assigned to the Selwyn territorial authority in the Canterbury region.

An Auckland school principal who is having to find up to 20 relief teachers a day says the shortage is putting too much pressure on staff and students and it is only going to get worse, unless there is a nationwide solution found.Orewa College on the Hibiscus Coast emailed parents last week warning them that some students may have to be rostered home to study if it could not find enough relievers to plug staff shortages.It has managed to narrowly avoid that but is still facing the daily challenge of finding relievers.It is the same for other schools too and in June the New Zealand Relief Teachers' Association told Checkpoint demand was outstripping supply.Orewa College principal Wiri Warriner told Checkpoint the shortage meant the rest of his staff were under pressure to do even more and the college was currently advertising for staff in 2025 and had eight vacancies."We've looked at other avenues of how we can still keep things functioning for teaching and learning. We've looked at combining classes, multiple classes in libraries and halls," he said."Year 13's have been unsupervised at times, but which is quite frustrating because it's the crunch time of the years and then we've had to resort to the goodwill of teachers utilising some of their entitled times in non-contact time to give up for relief as well."Warriner said from a staff perspective, the pressure put on staff was one of the biggest frustrations for the workforce."In terms of maintaining strong well-being for our staff, I think that's probably the pivotal point for us in terms of supporting them," he said."No one likes to be given additional duties of teaching, if you've dedicated that time to planning and moderation in marking, especially at this time of the year, it's setting a lot of frustration and for our own staff, which, if our staff are frustrated, it can kind of lead on to other things in terms of the enjoyment of the work area."He said he was worried about what the state of the shortages in the workforce would be five years from now."A large portion of our workforce are leaning on towards retiring and what does that look like considering the number of teachers that are coming from university and New Zealand teachers especially."It would be good to look at other provisions, especially at ministry level, so other avenues could be explored, he said."We've actually had a couple of emails that have come through from people from the community saying how they could they help," he said."Obviously they're not certified, but they've got the skill sets to do something from a reliever point of view, so other provisions may be needed to be looked at if we're looking five years down the track from now."Warriner said he would like the ministry to look at the shortages as a nationwide problem rather than schools having to deal them it themselves."It's definitely a trend amongst other schools where there's a strong demand or pressure internally for teachers to be doing what we call internal relief weekend above their entitlement," he said."I think we just need to look at other provisions so we can support our teachers that are in these schools, so it's not putting so much pressure on the system, but also not on our students as well."The school had to plan with a pool of teachers to make sure they had relievers on call each day, he said."We tend to call on anywhere up to 10 to 20 relievers a day and I think we try to roster in at least five relievers a week, but any other day if sickness or dependency where teachers need to be at home with their kids who are sick, it can be at times uncertain of what the day could look like," he said."I think that's where the provision of internal cover is utilised from a goodwill perspective from teachers, and I don't think it's necessarily always sustainable."The school has also asked some relievers who used to teach at the school to potentially come back to teach classes that were hard to staff, he said."We're kind of relying on some of our relievers to work a long-term arrangement, just to support us through some of the harder kind of staffing areas of the school."

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are receiving a crucial reminder about gambling safety after SkyCity Auckland underwent a five-day voluntary closure. The shutdown, prompted by an investigation from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), follows breaches of the casino’s licence related to its harm minimisation duties.The investigation revealed that SkyCity had failed to effectively monitor prolonged gambling sessions, a key aspect of their host-responsibility obligations. This oversight has the potential to cause significant harm to individuals and the community, highlighting the necessity for stringent adherence to gambling regulations.Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling at the DIA, remarked, “Taking this kind of enforcement action isn’t our preference. We would rather see hosts meeting their responsibilities in the first instance. However, we will take strong action where breaches have occurred to support the prevention of gambling-related harm in New Zealand.”SkyCity’s closure, coinciding with Gambling Harm Awareness Week, underscores the need for all gambling providers to reinforce their commitment to preventing harm and ensuring customer safety. The casino has apologised for its lapses and is collaborating with the DIA to prevent similar issues in the future.The Department of Internal Affairs continues to monitor and regulate gambling activities to ensure compliance and safeguard public wellbeing. Those with concerns about gambling practices or seeking support can visit dia.govt.nz/Gambling for more information.If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, reaching out for help can provide valuable support. Click here.

Coasties are getting a closer look at how Auckland’s housing landscape is evolving. With Auckland’s rapid growth, medium-density housing—like terraced homes and apartments—has become increasingly popular. A new Auckland Council study has explored how these housing options are working for the city’s residents, shedding light on both the benefits and challenges.The research, which surveyed over 1,300 Aucklanders living in recently built homes, aims to understand how well these spaces meet the needs of those living in them. One of the standout findings was that smaller households reported higher satisfaction with their homes compared to larger households, indicating that medium-density housing could be better suited to certain household sizes.One common challenge identified in the study is the lack of storage, which affects the overall functionality of the homes. Residents also expressed a need for more versatile spaces to accommodate activities such as working from home, hobbies, and exercise.The council has noted these findings as an opportunity for improvement. While they don’t build homes themselves, they are working closely with developers to ensure future housing developments meet the diverse needs of Aucklanders. The insights from this study will also be used to inform the Auckland Design Manual, a guide that promotes best practices in housing design.With 64,800 new homes added since 2018, Auckland’s housing supply is growing, but the city’s leadership is focused on ensuring that this growth provides suitable, affordable, and well-designed homes for its residents. By listening to those living in medium-density housing now, the council hopes to create better outcomes for future developments.

The Hibiscus Coast community is abuzz with excitement as Luke Jamieson, a distinguished basketball player from Orewa College, recently departed for Canada.Jamieson has joined the Toronto Terror, a prestigious prep school known for its competitive basketball programme that tours across America, facing off against other prep schools and NCAA colleges.Jamieson’s impressive career at Orewa College spanned from Year 11 to 13, where he played with the Premier team and captained the Men’s Premier Basketball team in 2023.Under his leadership, Orewa College achieved a historic milestone by winning their division, securing a place in Auckland’s top basketball division for the 2024 season.His exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Year award for three consecutive years—2021, 2022, and the inaugural Basketball Player of the Year award in 2023.Beyond his on-court achievements, Jamieson has made significant contributions as a coach.In 2023, he led the Year 7/8 boys' basketball team to the AIMS Games in Tauranga.His talent and dedication extended to representing Coast Basketball at national events in the U13, U15, and U17 categories, and playing for North Harbour at the U19 National Champs, where the team clinched third place.Reflecting on his new journey, Jamieson shared, “I’m very grateful for the opportunity given to me by Coach Menelik and Coach Cam at Terror Prep. I’m excited to learn and play under their programme and guidance.”Over the next seven months, Jamieson hopes to further develop his skills and aims to return in 2025 to compete in Division 1 or Division 2 college basketball in the USA.Orewa College Principal Wiri Warriner expressed the school’s pride, stating, “Luke’s achievement is a source of immense pride for our kura and community. We wish him every success as he takes this significant step in his basketball journey.”The Hibiscus Coast extends its warmest wishes to Luke as he embarks on this promising new chapter in his career.

Struggling to find your favourite chilled orange juice?You're not the only one.A combination of lower yields on the East Coast due to Cyclone Gabrielle damage and smaller yields from Brazil, the world's largest orange grower, have left supermarket chiller shelves bare of orange juice.Brazilian orchards have been hit by drought and disease and yields are down by at least a third.In July, industry group Citrus New Zealand said it didn't anticipate New Zealand's orange juice supplies would be impacted by the shortage of oranges from Brazil.But throughout August, supermarket chillers were left empty as local producers run dry of OJ.Distributor Better Drinks Company said its Charlie's brand orange juice has been affected by the global shortage, prompting inquiries from the public.It ran out of stock last month - but it said orange juice should be back on the shelves soon.It's the same story for Hastings-based Homegrown Juice which produces raw, cold-pasteurised juices.A Foodstuffs spokesperson said the global shortage of orange juice was impacting supply at some of its stores."We're working with our suppliers to increase production of smaller bottles so more units will be on the shelves. We're also boosting the supply of blended juices like orange and apple and orange and mango to provide customers with more options."A Woolworths spokesperson said some suppliers were experiencing procurement issues with juices from Australia, so it's introduced its new own brand line this week to address it.Auckland-based organic produce vendor and juice maker Bruce Coventry of Living Juices said the shortage speaks to the wider issue of fewer oranges orchards being planted because it was not financially viable for growers.Coventry said prices were stuck at $1 a kilogram for growers for about a decade, and they've only just increased to $2 a kilo - which he said was still tight for him, but good for growers."I am starting to see a lot of small growers just giving up, in fact properly every couple of months I see a grower give up because of the cost and stringency of certification, especially in the organic side of things," he said."The bigger players have whole departments for their admin, they're the only ones who can afford to make any decent money because of the compliance issues and the fact they have money to produce at a larger scale."Coventry said smaller growers might have a high quality product but it's difficult to make a living.

Plane watchers gathered today for a landmark event as Defence Minister Judith Collins officially welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base in Whenuapai.“This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation,” Ms Collins stated. “The new Hercules fleet is a vital investment, enhancing our ability to respond swiftly to both national and international events.”The C-130J-30 Hercules, with its advanced capabilities, marks a significant upgrade from the C-130H Hercules it replaces. The new model boasts extended range, higher speed, and greater cargo capacity, making it well-suited for transporting personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid.The remaining four aircraft are scheduled to arrive by the end of the year, replacing the ageing C-130H fleet, which has been in service since the 1960s and has completed over 97,000 flights. The retiring fleet has been integral to major NZDF missions, including evacuations, disaster relief, and support operations abroad.“The new Hercules will be the workhorse of the NZDF, performing a range of roles from combat operations to disaster relief and search and rescue missions,” Collins explained.The C-130H fleet will be retired early next year after nearly 60 years of service. The new aircraft will enhance New Zealand’s operational compatibility with international allies such as Australia, the United States, Canada, France, and Germany.NZDF crews have spent the past 18 months training in the United States to operate and maintain the new Hercules, reinforcing ties with the United States Air Force.The C-130J-30 fleet will be operated by No. 40 Squadron, based at Whenuapai.

Official advice from the Infrastructure Commission shows the government could be set to spend 10 percent of its total budget for new infrastructure for the next 25 years on one roading project.The project "Accelerating Northland Expressway" is a four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei, which the government has agreed in principle to speed up as part of its Roads of National Significance programme.The commission's advice was sent to infrastructure minister Chris Bishop, in order for him to provide feedback to the transport minister Simeon Brown, and was obtained under the OIA by climate campaign group 350 Aotearoa.Sent in early July, the advice document reads: "Based on historic annual investment by central government and Treasury's projections of future GDP, we estimate this project alone could consume 10 percent of the total non-maintenance/renewal investment for the next 25 years across all types of central government infrastructure (roads, hospitals, schools, defence, justice, public admin, etc)."It said it saw a risk that the plan prioritised speed ahead of other considerations, and that "in doing so it may not deliver the pace or outcomes expected".On 23 July, transport minister Simeon Brown announced plans to speed up the construction of the expressway from Warkworth to Whangārei by combining three separate roading plans into one mega-project, to be built as a public-private partnership.The project's cost has yet to be estimated.An investment case will be considered by Cabinet later this year.The commission also says the paper "should be more transparent about the uncertainty of current cost estimates" - including the risks posed by the difficult terrain the highways would traverse."The actual costs could be much higher, and it would not be abnormal for projects of this complexity to cost 50 percent - 100 percent more than initial estimates."It said it was concerned about the process by which the project had been "identified as being of such high priority for delivery, amid scarce funding".The commission confirmed on Monday it was "unaware of any changes to Treasury's projections of future GDP or other matters" that would materially alter its estimate, or its advice.Brown said the paper was intended to "test the market for firms interested in delivering the Northland Expressway", a process which was currently underway.Officials were due to report back in the coming months, and the government was committed to the four-lane highway.Bishop declined to comment.350 Aotearoa campaigner Adam Currie said it showed the government's priorities were "all wrong"."Is this one motorway really worth one-tenth of our entire country's spending on schools, hospitals, houses and public transport infrastructure?" he asked.He said bigger roads caused more climate pollution, and the funds would be better spent on other projects."The eye-watering cost of this project shows the funds our communities need are there - but the government has their priorities all wrong."

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are being called to play a vital role in shaping the region’s coastline for the next 100 years.With challenges like flooding, erosion, and climate change becoming more pressing, Auckland Council is asking residents for their thoughts to guide the Shoreline Adaptation Plans (SAPs), which will outline how coastal land and assets will be managed.Covering 20 coastal areas, from Te Arai in the north to Whakatīwai in the east, the SAPs will influence decisions over Auckland’s 3,200 kilometres of dynamic coastline.The plans seek to balance protecting essential infrastructure with preserving natural environments, all while working closely with mana whenua and local communities.Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, underscored the importance of public involvement."Across Tāmaki Makaurau, residents are facing the impacts of climate change on their homes, neighbourhoods, and community spaces," he said."It’s crucial that we make smart, long-term decisions about our coastlines, and community input is key."Recent severe weather events, which caused widespread damage earlier in 2023, have underscored the need for adaptive planning.The SAPs will focus on four core strategies:No Active Intervention: Letting nature take its course in low-risk areasLimited Intervention: Maintaining current coastal defences while shifting vulnerable assetsHold the Line: Protecting key infrastructure with solutions like seawalls and dune restorationManaged Realignment: Relocating important assets to reduce future risks.Paul Klinac, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Engineering, Assets, and Technical Advisory, stressed the importance of public feedback."Our coastline is highly valued, and these plans must reflect its significance to mana whenua and the wider community," he said."The goal is to ensure a balanced, thoughtful approach to managing our coastal areas for future generations."Residents can participate by sharing their thoughts through the Council's website, interactive maps, or online surveys.This feedback will be vital in refining the SAPs throughout 2024, ensuring community needs and values are at the heart of Auckland’s coastal planning.

Today, September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a time for Coasties and Kiwis nationwide to reflect on New Zealand’s troubling suicide rates, particularly among youth, according to Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey.“Every death by suicide is a tragedy, and we must do better as a country to address this,” Mr Doocey said. He highlighted his concerns about the rising levels of distress among young people, adding that the youth suicide rate remains “unacceptably high.”Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Doocey launched public consultation on the Government’s draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025-2029. With the current plan set to expire at the end of the year, the new draft aims to meet evolving challenges by improving access to prevention support, expanding the suicide prevention workforce, and focusing on early intervention.The proposed plan, shaped by community feedback, includes clear milestones and accountability measures for lead agencies. “Your feedback is crucial,” Mr Doocey said, calling for input from those affected by suicide and those working to support them.While confident the new plan will help prevent future tragedies, Mr Doocey acknowledged that achieving a future with no suicide in New Zealand “will not happen overnight.”

Auckland Transport (AT) is enhancing safety and accessibility around the Gulf Harbour Ferry Terminal following requests from Coasties. The upgrades aim to improve the bus stop area, benefiting both passengers and bus drivers.Work is set to begin at the southern car park adjacent to the ferry terminal. The project will focus on installing new shelters, converting existing parking spaces, and adding accessible mobility features.Key improvements include a new bus stop shelter and converting a drop-off zone into a formal bus stop, ensuring safer boarding. AT also plans to install four new mobility parking spaces, each extended by 1.8 metres to accommodate larger mobility vans. A new footpath will connect these spaces with the bus stop and ferry.Additional features include pram ramps for improved accessibility and new bench seating near the bus stop and drop-off bay. These upgrades are designed to enhance access to public transport and offer better shelter for passengers waiting for their next bus.Auckland Transport encourages locals to share their feedback on the project by emailing [email protected] before 27 September.

Locals can expect better access to essential medicines thanks to a significant funding increase for Pharmac.Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced that the Government’s recent investment will substantially improve medicine availability across New Zealand.Pharmac, the Crown entity responsible for medicine and medical device funding, had faced a challenging financial situation.“Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” Seymour stated.“When our Government assumed office, Pharmac had a $1.7 billion funding gap and no new resources to improve medicine access.”In response, the Government has allocated a record $6.294 billion to Pharmac over the next four years.This unprecedented funding aims to enhance Pharmac’s capacity to secure better deals for medications.As of 28 August 2024, Pharmac has reviewed funding for 24 treatments, including 13 for cancer and 11 for other conditions.Starting 1 October 2024, several new treatments will be funded, including Keytruda for advanced cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and advanced bladder cancer.Opdivo will also be available from 1 November 2024 for those with advanced kidney cancer.Additionally, there will be expanded access to preventative treatments like posaconazole and voriconazole for immunocompromised patients.This follows earlier decisions to fund ten new medicines for 2024/25 and to provide Continued Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps from 1 October.Seymour praised Pharmac’s efforts, highlighting the positive impact on patients and their families.“I’m pleased to see Pharmac’s responsiveness to patient needs, particularly with expanded access to Keytruda for various cancer types. This reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centred health system.”Pharmac remains an independent entity, but the Government’s increased funding marks a significant shift towards improving medicine access and overall healthcare quality in New Zealand.

Aucklanders will be pleased to hear that Auckland Transport (AT) has welcomed two of its 23 new trains at the Port of Auckland.This is part of a significant expansion aimed at supporting the city’s growing passenger rail network.The new trains are a key component of AT’s plan to increase its fleet to 95 units in the coming months.Each train can operate as a 3-carriage unit or in pairs as 6-carriage trains, with the potential to expand to 9-carriage trains in the future.Stacey van der Putten, AT’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, highlights the urgency of this expansion.Auckland Transport Director Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten.“Auckland will soon have five new train stations – three south of Papakura and two in the city centre with the City Rail Link. The rail network will also be electrified to Pukekohe Station, which is set to reopen next year,” Ms van der Putten said.She further explained, “The increased number of stations and electrified lines will make train travel a more viable option for Aucklanders. To meet this new demand, we need more services and greater capacity on our network.”In addition, efforts are underway to enhance the frequency of train services across the city.This includes KiwiRail’s rail network rebuild and the City Rail Link, both crucial to improving service levels.The new trains are being assembled at AT’s Wiri depot, having been built at CAF’s factory in Mexico.The first set of trains arrived in July, and the latest two are en route to the Wiri depot.They are expected to enter service next year, following a thorough testing phase.To accommodate the expanded fleet, the Wiri train depot is also undergoing significant upgrades.

Coasties, the Energy Competition Task Force has announced an ambitious programme aimed at enhancing New Zealand’s electricity market. The Task Force, which includes experts from the Commerce Commission Te Komihana Tauhokohoko and the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko, along with observers from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, is set to tackle several key issues with a two-pronged approach.The Task Force's work programme focuses on two main areas: facilitating entry for new generators and independent retailers, and expanding options for consumers. These actions are designed to drive competition, encourage investment, and offer better ways for locals to manage their electricity usage and costs.New Generators and RetailersDr John Small, Chair of the Commerce Commission, highlighted the urgency of this initiative, particularly following last month’s fuel shortage. The first package of measures aims to streamline the entry process for new market participants and accelerate the development of new generation capacities. This includes exploring improvements in wholesale contracting arrangements to support investments in solar and wind power.“The aim is to strengthen the security of supply and promote competition,” Dr Small said. “We are evaluating various options to bring new competitors into the market and to ensure that we make the most of emerging technologies.”Empowering ConsumersAnna Kominik, Chair of the Electricity Authority, outlined the second package’s focus on providing consumers with more control over their electricity usage. This involves regulatory changes that could encourage the adoption of time-of-use pricing, rooftop solar, and batteries. The Task Force is considering incentives for consumers who export surplus power or reduce their usage during peak times, which could help manage network congestion and lower system costs.“We are committed to empowering consumers and driving greater uptake of technologies that can benefit everyone in the long run,” Kominik said. “Our goal is to ensure that consumers are rewarded appropriately and that we create a more responsive and efficient energy system.”Both packages are being developed with input from stakeholders and will undergo a public consultation process before any final decisions are made. The Task Force expects to present detailed advice to the boards of the Commission and Authority in the coming months.

Locals in the Hibiscus Coast are being advised of a looming staffing challenge at Orewa College as the national shortage of relief teachers reaches critical levels. In a recent message from Principal Wiri Warriner, the school outlined the steps they’ve already taken to keep classes running, but warned that these measures may not be enough to sustain daily operations.“We’ve implemented several strategies, including splitting Year 7 and 8 classes, combining other classes, and allowing Year 13 students to work independently,” Warriner explained. Despite these efforts, the college’s pool of relievers is nearly exhausted, and the increasing number of staff absences is making it harder to manage the situation.Warriner noted that if the shortage continues, the college may have no choice but to follow the lead of neighbouring schools and begin rostering certain year levels to stay home for online learning. “We will do our best to provide parents with as much notice as possible,” he assured parents, asking them to monitor their emails in the morning and to look for alerts through the school’s app.Orewa College Principal, Wiri WarrinerOrewa College has indicated that Year 11 students would likely be the first to transition to online learning if necessary. However, the school remains committed to keeping students in the classroom for as long as possible while balancing the ongoing staff shortages.Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay informed and keep up to date with any announcements as the situation develops.

Coasties might face longer waits for significant road improvements, as the government’s newly unveiled National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) prioritises state highway projects over other transport initiatives.Announced last week, the NLTP designates NZ$7 billion for highway upgrades through 2027 and an additional NZ$1 billion for accelerated planning, but no new highways will commence immediately.The substantial NZ$8 billion budget will largely fund planning, environmental reviews, and route protection rather than actual construction.For example, the State Highway 1 Warkworth-to-Wellsford project is slated to start construction late in this NLTP period, while other major projects, such as the State Highway 16 North-West alternative highway, are not expected to break ground for several years.Dr Timothy Welch from the University of Auckland School of Architecture and Planning cautions that the focus on extensive preparatory work could delay tangible infrastructure improvements, potentially worsening traffic congestion and deferring more urgent urban projects.The NLTP also indicates a retreat from sustainable transport solutions.Investment in cycling and walking initiatives has plummeted to NZ$460 million, and public transport improvements have been restricted to NZ$136 million across New Zealand.Auckland will see just NZ$100 million allocated for its public transport system.Transport Minister Simeon Brown’s emphasis on road maintenance, with NZ$10.06 billion set aside for maintaining the existing road network, further highlights a shift towards preserving current infrastructure over expanding urban transit options.This NLTP’s heavy focus on highways, coupled with reduced funding for public and active transport projects, may reinforce a car-dependent future, rather than supporting more sustainable and efficient urban transport solutions.

A camper living at the abandoned Gulf Harbour Country Club has threatened visitors with a weapon, locals say, but the men camping there say it is them that are being harassed.The property on the Hibiscus Coast was formerly a prestigious golf course and landmark of the area, but has been abandoned and plagued with issues including arson, and a hefty demolition bill owed to Auckland Council.Residents have posted on the neighbourhood Facebook page about two incidents when visitors to the property were threatened.But a man living at the club said this was all part of a vigilante hunt to target him, along with the other campers.He said locals had been harassing and threatening them, and they were only giving as good as they got.Tim Stewart has been living in his caravan at the property since shortly after the course was abandoned last year.Tim Stewart's camp set-up, while he lives at the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Photo: RNZ/ Luka FormanHe is retired and said he could not afford to rent a place - so he lives in his caravan and tries to enjoy some peace and quiet.But he had not had much of that recently. He said last month a local woke him with an early morning visit."By the time I've put my trousers on to come up, I see the car screaming at the camper, as if it was going to hit him. Which is a lot worse than having an object thrown at you - a car is a lethal weapon times 10. So then the camper has chased him, thrown the object and it was nice and peaceful for a few days."Two incidents were posted about on the Keep Whangaparāoa's Green Spaces Facebook page.One described a camper throwing a weapon at a car - the poster did not want to comment to RNZ.Zane Rowe, who also camped at the property, admitted it was him but said the visitor was having a go at Stewart first."He put his window down, started abusing him, telling him to **** off: 'You burned the place down, you smashed the place, you wrecked the place, you shouldn't be here'."I basically came out just to scare the guy."Zane Rowe, who is camping at the abandoned Gulf Harbour Country Club. Photo: RNZ/ Luka FormanRowe threw a type of gardening tool at the car, he said - a sickle, not a machete like the locals on the Facebook page claimed.Another local, who did not want to be named, said he drove up to the club to see what was left of it, and a camper swore at him and then got a weapon out of his van.He lived nearby and said he would consider getting a restraining order if any more violent incidents happened.Stewart said he felt intimidated by the visiting locals, but was not planning on going anywhere."There's a great Winston Churchill speech isn't there: 'We shall fight them on the beaches and we shall fight them on the airfields, we shall never surrender," he laughed."When I feel I'm in the right I will battle for my rights."He said the owner had given him permission to stay there.But Wayne Bailey, director of Long River Investments, which owns the property, did not want to comment on this to Checkpoint.The abandoned Gulf Harbour Country Club, on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Photo: RNZ/ Luka FormanA police spokesperson said as the site was private property it had no jurisdiction to remove the man, and it could not confirm whether he had permission to be there.Albany ward councillor John Watson said the campers at the country club were just the latest in a string of issues at the property."We've had arson - this magnificent country club burned down. We've had anti-social behaviour, we've had vandalism. So the community out here are really at the end of their tether."The owners of the property were allowing the campers to stay on the property, Watson believed, or at least turning a blind eye to it - as part of their plan to let the property go to ruin."I'm quite sure the bad publicity, the want and neglect are all quite acceptable to them. Because it fits in with their narrative that somehow this course can't be run."Where in fact we know it can be, it was in the past. And there are people around who can do it again."The owners wanted to develop the land for housing, he said, though they would need to get around a 1000-year covenant with the council for the land to stay as green space.Checkpoint put this to Wayne Bailey but he did not want to comment on this issue either.Watch the full RNZ interview here

Coasties are feeling the pinch as electricity prices in New Zealand soar, highlighting an urgent need for alternative energy solutions.Recent spikes in wholesale prices, reaching as high as NZ$1,000 per megawatt hour, have led to temporary shutdowns at North Island pulp and paper plants.Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones has accused major energy generators of profiteering during this period of scarcity.The government is exploring measures to curb these high prices, including investigating the feasibility of importing liquid natural gas (LNG).However, this solution, which involves setting up a floating LNG terminal and related infrastructure, could take up to three years and is expected to be costly, with imported gas being significantly more expensive.In contrast, experts suggest a more immediate and cost-effective solution: expanding rooftop solar installations across New Zealand.Stephen Poletti, Associate Professor of Energy Economics at the University of Auckland, alongside Professor Bruce Mountain from Victoria University and Geoff Bertram, a visiting scholar at Victoria University of Wellington, argue that increasing the use of rooftop solar could significantly augment the national electricity supply and help lower prices.The recent electricity crisis stems from low hydro-lake levels and a reduction in natural gas supply, coupled with the market power held by major generator-retailers.Since 2015, New Zealand has decommissioned nearly 600 megawatts of gas plant capacity without adding new facilities.The Electricity Authority’s 2023 study anticipates that gas-powered generation will diminish further, making it increasingly uncompetitive against cheaper wind and solar renewables.Grid-scale renewable energy sources are expanding, with projections for 270 megawatts of new geothermal, 786 megawatts of additional solar, and 40 megawatts of new wind power by 2025.However, the proposed expansion of rooftop solar could offer a quicker fix.Research suggests that modest subsidies could rapidly increase solar capacity by up to 700 megawatts annually, potentially reducing electricity prices significantly.New Zealand’s abundant hydro power, combined with distributed rooftop solar, could mitigate the risks associated with fluctuating hydro-lake levels.Countries like Australia, Italy, and Germany have made significant strides in solar energy, and New Zealand’s existing hydro storage could provide a unique advantage, balancing solar power with hydro energy to meet peak demands.As the energy crisis continues, the expansion of rooftop solar emerges as a promising solution, offering a faster and more economical alternative to LNG imports.The Energy Minister is urged to prioritise this approach to enhance the nation’s energy security and affordability.