Coasties heading to Auckland Airport can look forward to quicker transport connections starting 10 September, as the new pick-up zone for taxis, rideshare services, and Super Shuttles moves next to the international terminal.The updated zone will be just a two-minute walk from the arrivals area, significantly reducing the current five-minute walk from the temporary pick-up location.Auckland Airport's Chief Customer Officer, Scott Tasker, said this is a much-anticipated improvement for travellers.“We’ve heard the feedback from travellers loud and clear that they would like the option of a closer pick-up area, so that’s what we’re getting on and delivering,” said Mr Tasker.The new transport facility, located at the western end of the terminal, will accommodate around 70% of commercial pick-ups.The area will feature 180 metres of pick-up zones, with shelter to protect travellers from the elements.Travellers using premium pre-booked taxi services will have three pick-up options, including bookable VIP spaces outside the terminal for the closest access.For those requiring Total Mobility services, the dedicated pick-up point outside door 11 will remain in place, ensuring easy access for pre-booked journeys.Longer term, Auckland Airport plans to move all commercial transport pick-ups to purpose-built lanes outside the terminal as part of a larger upgrade.In addition to improved transport access, this redevelopment will also include wider footpaths, more seating, and better lighting.

Coasties may soon find themselves paying for groceries with a glance, but are they ready to embrace facial recognition payment technology?Researchers from the University of Auckland and Queensland University of Technology have explored how New Zealand residents feel about the potential rollout of this futuristic payment method.Already in use across parts of China, facial recognition technology allows customers to pay by scanning their face at checkout, linking directly to their bank accounts.While it promises convenience and speed, the study reveals local residents may be hesitant due to concerns around privacy, control, and ease of use.Associate professor, Marketing, Laszlo Sajtos"People need to feel confident using the technology, in control of their decision, and comfortable with the process," explains Associate Professor Laszlo Sajtos, co-author of the study. Technical glitches, such as the system failing to recognise a face, could easily discourage users. "Imagine being stuck at the checkout, moving your head around to get recognised—most won’t want to go through that experience again."The study also highlights concerns around privacy and security. "While people are used to unlocking their phones with their face, linking it to financial details is a different level of trust," says Dr Shasha Wang from Queensland University of Technology. Issues like data breaches and the rise of deepfakes have left some wary.Dr Shasha Wang, Queensland University of Technology.Retailers keen to introduce the technology are encouraged to offer customer support during the rollout, including staff assistance and clear signage, to make the process smoother and help build trust.Promotions and incentives could also help encourage early adoption.Despite some concerns, the study suggests that social influence could play a role in uptake.

Locals will soon find it easier to compare mobile coverage between providers, thanks to a new push by the Commerce Commission (ComCom).The changes, aimed at helping Kiwis switch mobile providers more confidently, also include an “exit right,” allowing users to leave without penalties if coverage falls short.“Coverage is a key consideration for consumers but can vary considerably across networks. Too many Kiwis are signing up to find they’re not getting the coverage they expected – so we’ve been working with stakeholders on how to help consumers make more confident and informed choices,” said Telecommunications Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson.ComCom has outlined a plan requiring mobile operators to:Standardise coverage maps for better comparison.Make maps more accessible on their websites.Allow customers to exit contracts penalty-free if actual coverage doesn’t match what’s shown.Providers such as One NZ and 2degrees already offer a “network guarantee” allowing new customers to leave if their coverage doesn’t meet expectations.The Commission hopes all mobile providers will adopt this practice within six months, giving consumers greater peace of mind when switching.ComCom also wants coverage maps to use clear descriptors like “excellent,” “good,” and “no coverage” to make it easier for customers to understand the quality of service in their area.Access to these maps should be simple too, available within two clicks from the homepage of each provider’s website.According to ComCom’s recent survey, 20% of residential consumers and 30% of small business owners are dissatisfied with their mobile coverage.Around 25% of those who switched providers did so based on claims of better coverage.The Commission hopes these changes will help consumers make smarter, more informed choices about their mobile service.

Habitat for Humanity’s latest ReStore Op Shop is set to open on October 1st in Stanmore Bay, offering locals a chance to support a great cause while hunting for quality pre-loved items.Coasties can visit the new ReStore at 65 Karepiro Drive, Whangaparāoa, where all proceeds will go towards local housing programmes and initiatives.The store’s opening adds to the area’s vibrant op-shop scene and joins twenty-two other Habitat ReStores across Aotearoa.In 2024 alone, Habitat for Humanity supported 862 families in making their homes warmer, healthier, and safer, and helped 44 families achieve affordable homeownership.The ReStores play a significant role in this effort, with over half a million items sold in the past year, thanks to the 30,727 hours dedicated by volunteers.Diane Dakin, Store Manager at Habitat ReStore Stanmore Bay.Diane Dakin, Store Manager at Habitat ReStore Stanmore Bay, said, “To fulfil Habitat’s commitment and vision of healthy homes for everyone across Aotearoa, we need volunteers and donations at our ReStores. We are so excited to be expanding to Stanmore Bay and meet like-minded people in the community who want to support Kiwis in housing need.”Volunteers are an integral part of the ReStore community.Takui Finau, a volunteer at ReStore Ormiston, shared, “I really enjoy being a volunteer. We get to talk to the customers and meet new people... This experience has helped develop my connection to the community.”Julia Tukiri, Habitat for Humanity Northern Operations Manager for ReStores, described the new store’s location as an “Op-shoppers dream destination,” highlighting its proximity to other op shops in Stanmore Bay.Habitat for Humanity Northern is eager to join the Whangaparāoa community and collaborate with local organisations.Interested volunteers can apply online at Habitat for Humanity’s website, email [email protected], or call 0800HABITAT.

New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join the US-led multinational space initiative, Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced.The initiative aims to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space, and reduce debris in orbit.Current members include the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.New Zealand’s contribution will involve deploying a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) liaison officer to the US Space Command in Colorado for two years.“New Zealand is committed to the safe, responsible, secure, and sustainable use of space, and ensuring the resilience of space infrastructure. This decision highlights our commitment to playing our part to support the international rules-based system as it relates to freedom of access to space,” said Collins.The liaison officer’s deployment will provide the NZDF with vital experience in space operations and demonstrates New Zealand's dedication to upholding responsible behaviour in space.Defence Minister, Judith Collins“Space-based technologies are essential to New Zealand’s security and well-being, such as using satellite imagery to track illegal fishing or GPS to support our maritime supply chains,” Collins added.“These assets allow for better communication, faster decision-making, and help maintain an effective, efficient, combat-capable Defence Force.”New Zealand is also a member of the Combined Space Operations initiative, a forum focused on building norms of behaviour in space and fostering military cooperation among like-minded nations.

Locals are on high alert as police in Dargaville launch a homicide investigation into the death of Joanna (Jo) Mai Sione-Lauaki.The 38-year-old’s body was found between Omamari Beach and Aranga Beach on Friday, 2 August.This case, initially treated as an unexplained death, is now being investigated as a murder following post-mortem results that revealed signs of foul play.Detective Inspector Al Symonds from Northland CIB expressed his concern: “Our thoughts are with Jo’s whānau and friends. We are dedicated to bringing the responsible individual to justice.”The police are calling for public assistance in locating Jo’s missing clothing.The items include a white Nike t-shirt with a red tick, black or dark grey tracksuit pants, and red Adidas scuffs.These articles might be found on the beach or nearby properties.Anyone who comes across these items is urged to contact the police immediately.The investigation team is also seeking information on two vehicles of interest.Jo’s black Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered parked at Omamari Beach’s entrance on 2 August.Police believe the vehicle was parked after 7 pm on 1 August and are looking for anyone who saw the car or its occupants between 31 July and 2 August.Additionally, officers are searching for details on a white 2012 Toyota Hilux flat deck Ute, featuring an orange hazard light and aluminium dog cages.This vehicle was seen in the area where Jo’s body was found.Witnesses who saw this Ute or have relevant dashcam footage from around this time are encouraged to come forward.Detective Inspector Symonds noted, “Every piece of information is crucial as we piece together the events leading to Jo’s death.”Anyone with photos or videos related to the case can upload them at: https://cloth.nc3.govt.nzFor direct information, please call Police on 105 and quote file number 240803/9062.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

Get ready to spring into summer; daylight saving begins this month which will mean we lose an hour of sleep late September - but the days will be warmer and brighter.So when do the clocks switch over? Why do we observe daylight saving? And how do you check the time on your phone is accurate?Here's everything you need to know.When does daylight saving start in New Zealand?Clocks will go forward one hour at 2am on Sunday 29 September.Do the clocks go forward or back?Spring into summer!Clocks go forward for summer, from 2am to 3am.That means you'll lose an hour's sleep and it will be lighter when you wake up in the morning.It also means the sun will go down an hour later, allowing extra extra time in the evening for those summer BBQs.How do I change the time on my phone?You probably won't need to, because most smart phones will adjust to time zones automatically.Here's how to check if your smartphone does that:Android: Go into the clock app, tap more and then go into settings.Then go into change date and time, select set time zone automatically and then select use location to set time zone.iPhone: Open settings, select general, to go date & time and make sure set automatically is turned onSamsung: Open settings, go to general management, select date and time and then make sure automatic date and time is turned on.This should mean your phone will automatically reflect the time depending on where you are.Why do we have daylight saving?Because the Earth is on a tilt (of about 23 degrees, for those curious), we are exposed to more sun during summer and less during winter.That means the days are longer during the warmer months and shorter in the colder months.Daylight saving is intended to make the most of those long daylight hours.It means an extra hour of light on summer evenings, rather than super early in the mornings when hardly anyone is awake to enjoy it.How long have we been doing this?New Zealand first observed daylight saving in 1927.However, the dates that clocks went forward and back, and the amount of time they were changed, varied over the following years.In 1941, daylight saving was extended year-round under emergency regulations to help save energy during World War II.Five years later, daylight saving time (or summer time as it was then known) was adopted as standard time, effectively discontinuing daylight saving.In 1975, daylight saving was introduced again.It was extended to its current dates - from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April - in 2007.When will daylight saving time end?Daylight saving time ends every year at 3am on the first Sunday in April.That means it ends in 2025 at 3am on Sunday 6 April.Do other countries observe daylight saving?They do, but they're in the minority. About two thirds of the world's countries do not change their clocks throughout the year, according to Pew Research.The practice is most popular in Europe, where 37 out of 44 countries observe daylight saving, and it's also observed in parts of North America, Latin America and Australia.Egypt is the only African nation with daylight saving after bringing it back in 2023.Countries close to the equator do not usually change their clocks as the length of their days does not vary enough throughout the year to justify it.What if I'm working when the time changes?The rules around getting paid for working during daylight saving time are set out in the Time Act 1974.It says that if you're working when clocks go back an hour, you are entitled to be paid for that extra hour.For example, if your shift started at 10pm and finishes at 6am, you will have actually worked nine hours and must be paid for nine hours of work.If you're working on 29 September when the clocks go forward, you are still entitled to be paid for your normal hours.In this instance, a 10pm-6am shift will only mean seven hours of work, but you must be paid for eight.I've changed the clock on my microwave - what next?Daylight saving is a good time to check the batteries on your smoke alarm by pushing the test button to sound the alarm.Check the alarm's expiry date too - most last a maximum of 10 years - and give the cover a clean to avoid false alarms from dust buildup.

Coasties were dismayed to discover on Tuesday morning that the newly installed 18m x 2.4m sign on the vacant land at Millwater Parkway and Silverdale Street had been defaced overnight.Erected by Ivan and his team from Craft Carpentry NZ just a day earlier, the sign quickly became a topic of heated discussion on social media.By Wednesday afternoon, Ivan’s team had efficiently addressed the issue, painting over the vandalism. “We will keep an eye on the sign’s condition until the permanent wrap is installed,” Ivan stated.The purpose of the sign, along with its smaller counterpart on Stella Maris Lane, has garnered local interest.Farhad Moinfar, Director at Citadel Capital, informed the Hibiscus Coast App that Citadel Capital recently entered into an agreement with the Catholic Dioceses of Auckland to acquire the site.The 9.8-hectare land at the junction of Silverdale and Millwater is now under consideration for development.“We are currently working with our professional team at a planning and conceptual stage to explore the options for development of this remarkable site. Our view is that there is no other piece of real estate in Auckland which compares to this—in terms of the potential afforded by its direct proximity to living, working, learning, and recreational amenities,” Moinfar said.“Once we have developed our concept for the site further, we will be more than happy to provide more information” he added.The land, originally zoned for educational purposes, is set for a new development project named Millwater Crossing.Further details about the project will be provided as they become available.

Coasties can expect big changes in the financial services landscape as the Government announces a package of reforms aimed at improving access to finance. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly shared details about the plan, focusing on reducing complexity in the system and making it easier for Kiwis to secure loans when needed.“Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives,” Bayly said. He explained that the current financial environment has become overly complex due to layers of regulation, which has led to conservative lending practices and unnecessary burdens on businesses.The reforms are designed to simplify the rules and responsibilities of financial institutions while maintaining consumer protections. One major change includes removing personal liability for directors and senior managers of financial institutions and shifting responsibility back to businesses. Bayly noted that while lenders will still be held accountable for bad loans, enforcement will focus on genuine cases of financial harm.Another key change is the transfer of consumer lending regulation from the Commerce Commission to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). The FMA will play a stronger role in protecting consumers and monitoring market conduct. Lenders will also transition to a new licensing model, aligning them with other financial entities regulated by the FMA.Bayly described the reforms as a significant shift towards a more common-sense approach, reducing the restrictive landscape and offering a more proportionate response to lending practices.

New Zealanders are feeling financial strain which is threatening emergency and retirement savings.One in five retirees have less than a year's worth of savings to maintain their current lifestyle.50 percent of people reported the economy has had a negative impact on personal finances.Renters are less likely to manage through these tough conditions compared to homeowners.A new report shows short term financial strain is leading to a looming retirement savings crisis.The Financial Services Council's latest research reveals households are facing the choice between relieving immediate financial pressures or saving for the future.Its latest Money & You research showed 94 percent of people are concerned about their finances as the cost of food, petrol, rent, rates and insurance hits households.Acting chief executive Haydee Stroud said people's retirement savings are sitting on the back burner."New Zealanders are having to make a trade off between the short term and the long term, often prioritising the short term just to get through paying heating bills or putting food on the table," Haydee Stroud said."Those choices are meaning that for many individuals the level of KiwiSaver savings are not where they need to be and they are not going to have enough for a dignified retirement."The research report, Consumer Resilience and the Road to Prosperity examined why New Zealanders aren't prepared for retirement."Individual investment levels are falling short of what's needed," she said.KiwiSaver review to boost contributions?The Financial Services Council (FSC) is calling for a review of KiwiSaver settings to future-proof the scheme and help New Zealanders in the long-term "no matter the economic climate.""For retirees, one in five reported having less than a year's worth of retirement savings to maintain their current lifestyle," Haydee Stroud said.Lloyd Kavanagh, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, which partnered with the FSC on the research said they supported the council's call for a comprehensive review of KiwiSaver to ensure the scheme is fit for the future."Whether your concerns are about the short-term cost-of-living or long-term investment and retirement planning, we encourage you to talk with your whānau, providers, or a registered financial adviser. It will help boost your financial confidence and wellbeing," he said.People going without essential medicationsAll age groups reported a decline in their ability to access a month's worth of income for emergencies.The report showed while some New Zealanders can cut back on non-essential purchases like takeaways and treats, others are confronting difficult decisions, such as whether to heat their homes (24%) or afford essential medications (16%).The FSC reported renters are less likely to manage through these tough conditions compared to homeowners."The reality is stark: 94 percent of New Zealanders are concerned about their finances, and many are being forced to adjust their spending habits out of necessity," Haydee Stroud said.

Coasties may soon have a new tool in the fight against head lice as health experts push for a real-time register to track cases across New Zealand.The call comes in response to growing concerns about the rising prevalence of the condition, with subsidised prescriptions for treatment reaching 25,848 in 2022—a 27% increase over the past five years.Kate Ricketts, founder of ISpyNits, a treatment designed to address the entire lifecycle of lice, is spearheading the initiative.She highlights that the lack of accurate data on head lice has hindered effective research and preventive measures.Ricketts points out that the Ministry of Health’s current data, which is historical and limited to one cohort of patients, does not capture the full extent of the problem.Ricketts, who holds a postgraduate research Masters degree, has collaborated with researchers at the University of Auckland to develop a new fluorescent powder that helps identify lice eggs in low light.This work has underscored the need for better local data, as New Zealand is one of the few developed countries where the nationwide prevalence of head lice is unknown.The proposed nits register, which Ricketts envisions as a crowdsourced platform, could be modelled on the COVID-19 tracer technology.Parents and caregivers would be able to anonymously log cases online or via a mobile app, providing real-time data to help schools and healthcare providers manage outbreaks more effectively.“Many cases reflected in the Ministry’s data likely represent our most vulnerable children,” says Ricketts.“With greater awareness of localised outbreaks and earlier intervention, we could reduce the number of subsidised GP visits for a condition that could be addressed in a pharmacy or with a kit purchased at school.”Ricketts is currently seeking funding to develop the nits register and is open to collaboration with organisations and technology providers interested in addressing the growing rates of head lice across New Zealand.

Richard Field is a war veteran who has lived in Stanmore Bay for the last 10 years.His assistance dog, Jett, has been with him everywhere.They have captured the community's attention since arriving here.Richard and Jett now have hundreds of local friends, even some international ones.Recently, Jett was diagnosed with a tumour and five cancer growths.Richard was left with the decision of leaving Jett with nine months to live or extending her life with surgery.When I met with them for tea, they had finished their trip to the doctor’s.Despite the difficulty of the cancer’s location, Jett’s surgery was a success and she has been recovering well.The tumour was cancerous, and additionally, the cancer growths she had were benign, two of which were on her spleen.All of these were completely removed.Richard also underwent a colonoscopy for cancer himself.Thankfully, this also came back with negative results.At age 77 this year, Richard has lived with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and hearing impairment ever since his military service.Jett’s role as an assistance dog has been to watch over and help him with daily living.However, support is needed now for Jett’s aftercare to prevent the cancer’s return.The financial burden of the aftercare medication has not been without its difficulties.Richard explained that it has been very hard to save, and at times, he has had to delay Jett’s medication she now takes.Richard and Jett ask for your help through your generosity, whatever size it may be.The charity of the community was what made the initial surgery possible.If you are willing to support Richard and Jett, please donate using this Givealittle link.

Coasties will find crucial insights in the newly published research on the health and wellbeing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. This rapid study, commissioned by the Ministry of Health in 2023, aims to shed light on the effects of extreme weather conditions on community health.Dr Ian Town, Chief Science Advisor at Manatū Hauora, emphasised that the results will enhance our understanding of the cyclone’s impact. The research, conducted by the University of Auckland and Te Weu Charitable Trust, is now available online and has been shared with staff across the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other government agencies.The study offers several key recommendations:Strengthening local community capacity and connections to better manage emergency responses and improve health outcomes.Enhancing the presence and integration of health services within communities to support wellbeing during and after extreme weather events.Revising government disaster procurement policies to incorporate health and wellbeing outcomes, considering the damage to essential infrastructure such as telecommunications, power, and transport.Dr Town noted, “The Ministry will use these findings, along with other evidence, to inform our work programmes in emergency management, the National Health Adaptation Plan for climate change, and all-of-Government science advice. We are committed to ensuring that the insights from this research continue to influence decision-making and that the expertise gained from local experiences remains central.”This research will play a vital role in shaping future responses to weather-related emergencies, ensuring communities are better prepared and supported.

Coasties now have a new way to connect with Silverdale, thanks to the launch of the Silverdale Buzz on the Hibiscus Coast App.This feature, created in partnership with Silverdale Business, is dedicated to promoting local businesses, community events, job listings, and initiatives within the Silverdale area.Vanessa Li, Marketing Specialist at Silverdale Business.Vanessa Li, Marketing Specialist at Silverdale Business, praised the collaboration."The Hibiscus Coast App's new Silverdale Buzz button is a fantastic way to spotlight our local businesses. Their expertise and efficiency in making this happen have been outstanding. It’s all about connecting the community with the amazing services and products right here in Silverdale. We’re thrilled to partner with the Hibiscus Coast App to make it easier for everyone to discover and support our vibrant local businesses."Steve Pulley, Managing Director of the Hibiscus Coast App, echoed this enthusiasm."When we launched the Hibiscus Coast App, our goal was simple: to connect our local community," Pulley said."The Silverdale Buzz is another step toward achieving that goal by highlighting the best of what Silverdale has to offer."Steve Pulley, Managing Director of the Hibiscus Coast App.Since its launch in August 2022, the Hibiscus Coast App has rapidly grown in popularity, now boasting over 39,600 unique readers.Free to download from Apple and Google app stores, the app serves as a digital hub, providing everything from daily news updates to business listings and event informationThe Silverdale Buzz, accessible via a dedicated button on the mobile app and as a section on the web app, makes it easy for both locals and visitors to discover what Silverdale has to offer.For local businesses, the app presents a unique opportunity to engage with customers on the go.In-app advertising on the Hibiscus Coast App has proven to be a cost-effective way for businesses to reach potential customers wherever they are, offering real-time insights and tracking capabilities to maximise return on investment.To learn more about advertising opportunities on the Hibiscus Coast App, visit the portal at https://portal.hibiscuscoastapp.nz/

Coasties will be keen to hear that another significant step has been made in the ongoing effort to overhaul the Holidays Act 2003.Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, announced on Monday that Cabinet has approved the consultation exposure draft of the Bill, set for release next week.“This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and payroll providers who will be affected by changes to the Act,” said Ms van Velden.She emphasised the importance of refining the legislation to allow business owners and workers to focus on their core activities rather than grappling with compliance challenges.The consultation will involve 100 organisations and individuals, carefully selected by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).These participants represent a diverse range of perspectives and technical expertise, ensuring that the feedback provided will be comprehensive and balanced.Ms van Velden noted the overwhelming interest in the consultation process, with over 700 registrations of interest, particularly from small businesses.“This is encouraging and gives a sense of how important this reform is to New Zealanders,” she stated.The consultation aims to gather insights from those with hands-on experience in implementing the Holidays Act within payroll and business systems.Additionally, MBIE will collaborate with public service agencies such as Health NZ and the Ministry of Education, given the historical challenges in these sectors that have necessitated large-scale remediation programmes.Ms van Velden reassured the public that while not everyone could be selected for this initial consultation, all New Zealanders will have an opportunity to contribute their views when the Bill reaches the Select Committee stage.The feedback from this targeted consultation will be crucial in shaping the final legislation before it is introduced to Parliament.

This September, New Zealand observes Child Safeguarding Week, a time to spotlight children’s welfare and address the growing threat of online child sexual exploitation. Launched by the Nelson-based organisation Safeguarding Children in 2021, the week aims to raise awareness and encourage community vigilance.Despite the dedicated efforts of Customs, Police, and the Department of Internal Affairs, child sexual exploitation remains a pressing issue. In 2023, New Zealand agencies received over 18,000 referrals from the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding online offending.“Child Safeguarding Week reminds us of the need to stay vigilant and protect our children from online dangers,” says Simon Peterson, Chief Customs Officer for the Child Exploitation Operations Team. “As child sexual abuse material becomes more prevalent, Customs, along with its international and local partners, is committed to safeguarding children.”Tim Houston, Manager of the Department of Internal Affairs Digital Child Exploitation Team, emphasises the dual role of technology. “While technology benefits our daily lives, its misuse has led to an increase in child sexual abuse material,” he notes. “This week highlights the impact of such material on children and the importance of collaborative protection efforts.”Task Force Ruru, a key initiative involving Customs, Police, and the Department of Internal Affairs, exemplifies this collaboration. The task force works diligently to identify victims and locate offenders.Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richard from the NZ Police Online Child Exploitation unit underscores the significance of Child Safeguarding Week.“It is a vital time for discussing online safety with young people and addressing the distress caused by online exploitation,” he says.The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also support child welfare under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, enabling them to share crucial information to protect children.“I commend all the investigators working tirelessly across various agencies to ensure the safety of children,” adds Tim Houston.For more details about Child Safeguarding Week and ongoing efforts by Safeguarding Children, visit childsafeguardingweek.org.nz

Following the Hibiscus Coast Local Board meeting on Tuesday, 27th August, the Council considered the feedback taken from the Representation Review.The public consultation took place from July 8 to August 8, receiving 2,359 submissions. Of this number, 2,241 individuals and 27 organisations provided feedback. Proposals were made to expand the North Shore Ward and add two subdivisions to the Rodney Local Board. The North Shore Ward’s expansion is intended to adhere to the fairness of representation rule.At the same time, the changes to Rodney were aimed at better reflecting the shared interests of rural communities.Of the submitters that supported the proposals, the most common theme raised in comments was improved representation, giving feedback that the proposals provided fairer representation.The proposed changes for the Rodney Local Board subdivisions were a notable exception, drawing mixed support. Half the individual submitters supported it, while most campaigns and organisations were against it. There was strong opposition from 76 per cent of submitters who lived in the Rodney Local Board area.The feedback generally given was that submitters believed their needs would not be adequately represented. The purpose of this review is to consider Auckland Council’s representation arrangements every six years. This ensures the council holds local elections representing Auckland’s populace fairly and effectively.The fairness of representation rule that electors of any ward represent a ‘similar number of people’ in terms of population across the Auckland wards and subdivisions. The ratio should be within 10 per cent of the average.

Locals using Trade Me will notice some significant changes as the platform undergoes a major overhaul aimed at enhancing user experience.Trade Me, a cornerstone of Kiwi online marketplaces, is implementing a series of upgrades to modernise its website and mobile app.This update, which began rolling out on 2 September 2024, introduces a fresh look and feel to the platform.The changes are part of a broader effort to keep Trade Me fast, consistent, and easy to use across all devices.The company acknowledges that while the old system wasn’t “broken,” it had become outdated after more than 25 years, making it difficult to introduce new features and tools.According to Trade Me, the revamp will make the platform more consistent in its appearance and functionality, no matter the device.The upgraded system promises to speed up the listing and selling process, making it faster and simpler for users.Additionally, Trade Me is leveraging data to improve search and listing functions, ensuring that results are more relevant to what users are looking for.The rollout is being done gradually, with some pages already updated and others, like the listing details page and My Trade Me, currently in the process of being refreshed.Users may notice differences in how their listings appear during this period.Trade Me is encouraging feedback from its members throughout the transition, emphasising that while they can’t respond to all input, they are listening and making adjustments where necessary.The full update is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Coasties are being urged to stay vigilant as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases rise, particularly among older adults.New data from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) shows RSV is responsible for 24% of detected respiratory viruses in Auckland hospitals this year, surpassing COVID-19 at 13%.The ESR’s findings reveal that severe respiratory illness hospitalisations in 2024 have reached the highest levels in nearly a decade, with admissions up by 21% compared to the previous year.RSV, while affecting people of all ages, poses a significant risk to those over 60, as well as Māori, Pacific peoples, and individuals in lower socioeconomic areas.Infectious disease specialist Dr Hasan Bhally highlights the underestimation of RSV's impact, particularly in older adults."RSV has often been seen as a disease primarily affecting children, but its burden on older populations has been understated. Our routine testing for common respiratory viruses in hospital patients has revealed a surprising prevalence of RSV, especially in those aged 65 and older," Dr Bhally said.Dr Bhally further stressed the need for heightened awareness and early diagnosis of RSV, noting that older adults are more likely to experience severe complications compared to those with seasonal influenza."A study showed that one-fifth of people aged 50 and over, hospitalised with RSV, experienced heart issues such as acute heart failure. Early diagnosis and isolation are critical in preventing the spread and reducing mortality rates," he added.Globally, efforts are underway to combat RSV with the introduction of vaccines like Arexvy, now registered in several countries, including New Zealand.Brett Marett, GSK NZ's medical director, stated that the company is collaborating with Pharmac to review potential funding for the vaccine."It is vital that New Zealanders at risk have access to funded RSV vaccines to reduce the burden of this disease," Marett said, ahead of Global RSV Awareness Week, starting on September 2.