The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has announced a reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, lowering it from 4.75% to 4.25%.This marks the lowest OCR level since November 2022 and follows a similar 50-basis-point cut in October.The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made the decision in response to easing inflationary pressures and subdued economic activity.Annual consumer price inflation is now close to the midpoint of the Committee’s 1–3% target band.Core inflation has also shown signs of convergence toward this midpoint, aligning with the Committee’s long-term objectives.Economic conditions within New Zealand remain restrained, with economic output below its potential and employment growth expected to remain weak until mid-2025.Excess productive capacity in the economy and a reduction in domestic price and wage-setting pressures have contributed to the easing of inflation.Additionally, falling import prices have further reduced headline inflation figures.Globally, economic growth continues to face challenges, with geopolitical uncertainties and policy instability contributing to potential volatility.However, the Committee noted that having inflation close to the midpoint of its target range allows for greater flexibility in responding to unexpected economic developments.Looking ahead, the Reserve Bank indicated that further reductions to the OCR might occur early next year, should economic conditions evolve as projected.Lower interest rates are expected to encourage investment and spending, supporting a gradual economic recovery by 2025.In a statement, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said the decision underscores the Reserve Bank’s commitment to maintaining price stability while addressing current economic challenges both domestically and internationally.

One KiwiSaver provider says there is "no way" that people would want to retire with less than $1 million.Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura Wealth, said how much people needed to save for retirement would depend on the sort of lifestyle they wanted. But he said it would easily run into seven digits.Carlyon said international research indicated something between 70 percent and 100 percent of a person's pre-retirement income was needed in retirement, and the "big spending" periods happened in the first 10 years, when people wanted to celebrate not working, and in the last 10 years, when they spent it on healthcare."If we model it out for someone earning $120,000 today [who has post tax income of $87,644 per year] and wants to live until 95, also assume they get $400 per week from NZ Super… If they keep it invested in a balanced fund earning 3.5 percent they will need [for 70 percent replacement] a starting balance of $1.1 million [and for 100 percent replacement] a starting balance of $1.8m."The truth though is that people are also working longer and learn to adapt. I suspect the honest truth is the number is closer to $1m than $2m. But no way would you want to retire with less than $1m."NZ Super pays $519 a week after tax for a single person - or two lots of $400 for a couple.Actuaries suggest that it is reasonable to forecast taking 4 percent of the starting value of your investment fund each year as income. That means if you want to have $60,000 in income above the pension, you would need to have about $1.5 million.Massey University research last year estimated, a single person in a metro area would need a lump sum of $717,000 for a choices life, with a few luxuries.A two-person household would need almost $1 million in a metro centre.In the provinces, it was not much easier - a choices life for a single person would cost $824,000 and $609,000 for a couple.That data will be updated soon.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said it was people's savings and investments that would help make retirement more comfortable and enjoyable."People are living longer these days. On average, 80 percent of 65-year-old men can now expect to live until they're 90, and 65-year-old women until they're 94."If you plan to stop working at 65, and many don't, on top of NZ Super most will need to save and invest, or have another plan, to provide the income you want for 25 to 30 years or more. The Sorted retirement calculator can help you with some assumptions. It's also important to remember, if you have savings, that your spending in retirement is likely to gradually reduce over time. Plan for higher amounts until perhaps your early-mid 70s, while you enjoy your new-found freedom, then reduce a bit after that. Don't be scared to ask for advice."Financial coach Liz Koh said the ball park she suggested was to have saved about one third to a half the value of a person's house."So if you have a house worth $1m then $300,000 to $500,000, and if it's worth $2m then twice that."She said the cost of a house was a proxy for lifestyle and the area that people lived in."Cities are much more expensive to retire in."Koh says you're not alone if you don't have $1m to retire on."There are few people who have $1m to $2m. They would be in the top few percent of the population."An 18-year-old starting out in KiwiSaver earning $50,000 is on track to save about $340,000 by 65 in a growth fund - but that assumes no withdrawal for a first home.To save $500,000, that person would need to save more like 6 percent of their income - or have their income increase faster than average over their career.

Locals can look forward to significant ecological restoration projects in Okoromai Bay and O Mahurangi next year.Auckland Council is leading the charge to transform these areas into thriving habitats.In February, work will begin on restoring the Waterfall Gully stream terminus at Okoromai Bay in Shakespear Regional Park.The project aims to reconnect the wetland with the bay, reviving a long-lost ecological link.Chair of the Parks Committee Ken Turner explains that this restoration work is part of a larger effort to offset ecological losses caused by infrastructure developments."The scale of this impact means we need to strike a balance by revegetating or protecting land elsewhere," Mr Turner says.The Waterfall Gully stream, currently culverted under the amenity lawn area, will be 'daylighted' and restored to its former natural path.This will improve the ecological health of the area, creating a more vibrant wetland habitat.A pedestrian bridge will be constructed over the revitalised stream, and extensive landscape planting will line the stream's edges.In addition to the stream restoration, a massive revegetation effort will take place in O Mahurangi in winter 2025.Approximately 38 hectares will be covered, with large areas of pasture retired to make way for new forest and wetland habitats.Auckland Council's Manager Regional Parks Scott De Silva notes that this will create vital connections for wildlife across the open sanctuary."The reduction in pastureland will result in a decrease in grazing sheep, and the new forest corridors will benefit native birds like the bellbird, tui, kererū, and kiwi," De Silva adds.These projects reflect a broader vision for ecological offsets, where the loss of native habitat due to development is mitigated by creating or enhancing habitats elsewhere.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Many bottle shops and supermarkets in Auckland are gearing up for a stricter cut-off time to sell alcohol just as the festive season kicks off.From 9 December, all off-licence alcohol outlets will have to stop trading from 9pm, every day.Liquor City Manurewa manager Durjot Heer said while he fully supported the new legislation, he wondered why it was not implemented in January after the busy season."[The change is] much safer for everyone, after 9pm there is always trouble," Heer said.Heer said he had hoped the Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) trading hours were implemented after Christmas."It's our most busiest time of the year - it's party season."December 9 is not a hassle for us, but why couldn't they implement it from January 1, instead of before Christmas."Off-licence liquor stores in the region currently can trade till 11pm, if allowed.The new rules apply to off-licence alcohol outlets, which are bottle shops, supermarkets and outlets that sell alcohol for consumption elsewhere.It is part of Auckland Council's stricter rules under the Local Alcohol Policy, adopted in August.Botany Liquor Centre Flat Bush manager Aniked Kumar said their shop currently closed at 10pm."It's just one hour lost of trading, it will save on our expenses like bills," Kumar said."We're always busy, but we've been informing people of the upcoming change so our customers are aware."Supermarket giants, Foodstuffs and Woolworths said they would work with the requirements set out in the new LAP, when it came into force."We remain focused on safe and responsible sale and supply of alcohol at all our licensed stores and will continue to serve our local communities responsibly," a Foodstuffs spokesperson said.A Woolworths spokesperson said the change would be a big adjustment for some shoppers."We take our responsibilities as an alcohol retailer seriously, and are well prepared for the changes that Auckland Council's Local Alcohol Policy brings," they said.They have included in-store signage and radio to remind customers about the new rules, and will have barriers and checkout amendments that will activate at the 9pm cut-off."As we all adapt to this new council policy, we'd thank Aucklanders for treating our team members with respect and courtesy as they communicate the change."Trusts chief executive Allan Pollard said the 9pm closure created a fair and level playing field for all retailers.The Trusts control the sale of alcohol in west Auckland.Pollard said the financial impact on their stores would be minor, with most of stores already closing at or before 9pm."It is our larger stores that continue to trade until 10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday but we don't not envisage any issues with closing only 60 minutes earlier.""West Auckland customers are a resilient bunch who I have found through Covid, cyclones and floods to be very adaptive and supportive to any market changes, we will all pivot accordingly."The first phase of the LAP was implemented on 16 September, with a two-year freeze for new off-licence applications in the CBD and 23 town centres in priority overlay areas with the highest alcohol-related harm.Council's policy general manager Louise Mason said they implemented the LAP in stages to give businesses and their customers time to prepare for the changes."We've been sharing information with businesses and have sent out some materials they can use to communicate the next stage with their customers if they'd like to," Mason said.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

The New Zealand economy is experiencing stagnant growth, ranking near the bottom of the 190 countries tracked by the International Monetary Fund, according to Professor Robert MacCulloch from the University of Auckland Business School."The economy is stagnant, and it's presently experiencing one of the lowest GDP growth rates in the entire world," Professor MacCulloch said.Finance Minister Nicola Willis has been criticised for her handling of the economy. Despite promising change, her government's reforms have been limited. International tourism has yet to recover to pre-Covid levels.Professor Robert MacCulloch holds the Matthew S. Abel Chair of Macroeconomics at the University of Auckland Business School.Professor MacCulloch noted that inflation, although lower, has been decreasing globally."Willis' tweak of the Reserve Bank Act had nothing to do with the drop here," he said.The government's efforts to reduce red tape and regulation have been underwhelming. The Department of Regulation, led by Act leader David Seymour, has made little progress, and Willis' new Social Investment Agency has done little more than rebrand."National has no room to move on taxation," Professor MacCulloch said. "They've only tweaked the system, adjusting tax brackets to account for inflation."The government's housing reforms have also been criticised for offering less of an increase in supply than previously proposed. The reforms focus on building out into green fields rather than increasing density in urban areas.

As summer approaches and temperatures climb, water safety organisations across New Zealand are urging locals to prioritise safety near the water. A newly redeveloped Water Safety Code has been introduced, offering five critical tips to help prevent drownings and injuries during what is expected to be a busy summer season.Maritime New Zealand, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, New Zealand Search and Rescue, and Drowning Prevention Auckland are working together to promote the new guidelines. These safety measures are based on extensive research, including local drowning and injury statistics, as well as international evidence on effective water safety practices.The initiative replaces a previous safety code introduced in 2013 and encourages people to consider their environment and decision-making before venturing into New Zealand’s waterways, which include beaches, rivers, lakes, and pools.Water Safety New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Daniel Gerrard, emphasised the importance of remembering basic safety tips, which are often overlooked.“Safety basics are just that – basic. Unfortunately, this can mean messages are taken for granted. When things go wrong in the water, it is these basics from dry land that often could’ve prevented tragedy,” he said.Gerrard highlighted the need for widespread community involvement in adopting the new Water Safety Code. “The Five Ways to Survive target the critical decisions people need to make to stay safe. All of us are encouraging New Zealanders to learn the tips, get involved and practice them – talk about them and get everyone home safe this summer,” he added.With thousands of people expected to visit New Zealand’s coastlines and inland waterways, the organisations behind the campaign are calling for a cultural shift in how Kiwis approach water safety. They are urging individuals to make smart decisions, respect the water, and look out for one another.The hope is to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all, with fewer accidents and more lives saved.

Police have successfully located farming machinery worth more than $100,000, following the execution of a search warrant at a Mangawhai address. The items, including a John Deere Tractor and post rammer, were stolen from a Tauhoa property in August.Sergeant Dan McDermott, Officer in Charge at Wellsford Police Station, confirmed that officers had been working diligently to trace the stolen items and identify the perpetrators. On Sunday, the search warrant led to the recovery of not only the John Deere tractor and post rammer, but also an implement trailer, a digger, and a wood chipper.“All the stolen items, except for the wood chipper, have been returned to their rightful owners,” Sergeant McDermott said.However, the police are still looking for the owner of the Hansa C13 Wood Chipper, which remains unclaimed. The chipper had its identifying features removed, and authorities are seeking information from the public to help identify its owner.“If you know who may own the wood chipper or have information on its origin, we encourage you to come forward,” Sergeant McDermott added. Proof of ownership will be required for the return of the item.The victims of the tractor theft expressed their gratitude to the police for recovering the stolen equipment. One victim shared their relief, saying, “This theft has had a massive impact on our livelihood and made both us and the wider community feel unsafe. We appreciate the support from the community and thank the police for their persistence.”Police are urging anyone with information related to the investigation to get in touch, either by updating online or calling 105. The reference number for the case is 241125/7163. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new report from the Education Review Office (ERO) has called for significant changes to NCEA Level 1, citing concerns over fairness, consistency, and its effectiveness in preparing students for further education or employment.The review, commissioned in April by Education Minister Stanford, examined the current state of NCEA Level 1 amid a growing trend of schools opting out.Next year, fewer than three-quarters of schools plan to offer the qualification, with high-achieving schools leading the move away from it.ERO’s findings revealed widespread concerns among educators.Three in five teachers and nearly half of school leaders believe NCEA Level 1 is not a reliable measure of knowledge and skills.Additionally, differences in subject difficulty and assessment standards mean students face varying workloads and chances of success.Three-quarters of school leaders reported that credit values often fail to reflect the actual effort required.Assessment inconsistency was another key issue.Last year, students were nearly twice as likely to achieve excellence in internal assessments compared to external ones.This variability, combined with gaps in course content, leaves many students unprepared for NCEA Level 2.According to the report, fewer than one in three schools offer all four required parts of a course, while nearly three-quarters of school leaders said NCEA Level 1 does not provide a strong foundation for further study.The report also identified motivational challenges.Almost two-thirds of teachers said NCEA Level 1 does not inspire students to achieve their full potential or stay engaged until the end of the year.For students entering the workforce directly after NCEA Level 1, the qualification appears undervalued by employers.Seven in 10 employers consider it an unreliable measure of knowledge and skills, and nine in 10 believe it fails to reflect work ethic.Parents, too, face challenges with NCEA Level 1.Nearly half of parents reported struggling to understand its requirements, making it difficult to guide their children in making informed educational choices.ERO has outlined several reform options for consideration.These include removing NCEA Level 1 entirely, redefining it as a foundational qualification, or enhancing its rigour to better prepare students for NCEA Levels 2 and 3.If retained, reforms would aim to standardise workload and content across subjects, ensuring all students gain the knowledge they need for further study.In addition to long-term structural changes, ERO has proposed immediate improvements, such as better resources for parents and schools, to address some of the challenges by next year.

Locals in Waitoki were shaken this past weekend after a fatal crash claimed the lives of two people. The two-vehicle collision occurred on Kahikatea Flat Road at around 10 pm on Saturday.Emergency services responded to the scene and both drivers were rushed to Auckland Hospital in critical condition. Tragically, both individuals later passed away from their injuries.Police have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash is currently ongoing, though no further details have been released at this stage.As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking incident, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved.

More than 70 vacant flats in Auckland Council's pensioner villages will be refurbished and rented out after sitting empty for years, some almost in ruin.There are 14 of the pensioner villages across Auckland, and more than half of the 150 units are now vacant because the council stopped on-selling the flats.They are part of an own-your-own-home scheme that was set up in the 1970s to provide affordable housing for retirees, with council buying back units then on-selling at 80 percent of the market value.It has been two years since the council put its share of the scheme on the market, raising concerns among village residents.The council's property arm Eke Panuku was in negotiations with an undisclosed buyer earlier this year, but that sale fell through.General manager of assets and delivery Marian Webb said the 78 vacant units were council owned and these will be refurbished to healthy homes standard and rented to tenants that are "compatible with existing homeowners".She said when council has bought back all the units in a village, Eke Panuku will sell that village.Webb said a village in Panmure is fully vacant and this would be demolished and the land sold next year, with the proceeds from the sale used to start refurbishing vacant units in other villages from February.Refurbished units would be rented out from about the middle of next year."Our dedicated property management team has the experience and expertise to manage the scheme to a high standard and form strong relationships with existing homeowners," Webb said."We already manage a significant number of residential tenancies on behalf of council. Crucially, it provides homeowners a single point of contact for resolving issues."She said there would be no change to current homeowners' contracts and no pressure placed on them to sell back to council."Most of all, we're pleased to be able to give homeowners a clear answer on the next steps. They have been very patient and understanding, given the challenges of this very complex process," Webb said.The council's plan to sell its share in the scheme raised concerns among the homeowners of the privately owned 72 units who wanted the villages to remain as affordable housing for retirees.Pauline Sheddan - who bought a unit in the Sandringham village four years ago at 80 percent market value - said the outcome was a good compromise."We're very happy that finally a decision is made," she said."Some of us expect to be here for a very long time, so to have a good neighbourhood obviously is much more comfortable."Sheddan said some villages had many vacant units and remaining homeowner residents had started to feel unsafe."There are other people who have just not been able to cope at all and have had to move on, go into a retirement home or had family take care of them in some way... because the stress has been enormous for them."She said Eke Panuku's answers to her questions, provided to RNZ, showed there would be no more than two people renting each unit and tenants would generally be over the age of 65.Sheddan said affordable housing for the elderly was needed in Auckland and having units sit vacant for years had been a shame."There's an enormous demand and it also gives the new tenants the security of a long term rental. They're not at the whim of a private landlord."Auckland Council's Finance and Performance Committee agreed to sell council's interest in the own-your-own-home scheme in 2022, after a review found it was no longer fit for purpose.

The latest 2023 Census results shed light on demographic trends in the Hibiscus and Bays area, underscoring continued population growth, housing expansion, and evolving diversity in one of Auckland’s most dynamic regions.Conducted on 7 March 2023, the Census recorded 114,033 usual residents in the Hibiscus and Bays area, an increase of 10,023 people since 2018.This represents a growth rate of 9.6%, outpacing Auckland’s overall rate of 5.4% during the same period.While slower than the 15.8% growth observed between 2013 and 2018, the region’s population now accounts for 6.9% of Auckland’s total, up from 6.6% five years ago.Housing Development on the RiseHousing growth has kept pace with the population increase, with 40,341 occupied private dwellings recorded in 2023, a 9.4% jump from 2018.Additionally, 1,461 unoccupied private dwellings were noted in the census.The area’s dwelling growth exceeded Auckland’s overall rate of 8.7%.Ownership remains a defining feature of the local housing market, with 73.9% of properties owned, partly owned, or held in family trusts—significantly higher than Auckland’s citywide average of 59.5%.The remaining 26.1% of homes are rented, reflecting a mix of private and public sector tenancies.Ageing Population and DiversityThe Hibiscus and Bays area continues to have one of the oldest populations among Auckland’s local boards, with a median age of 41.3 years, compared to Auckland’s 35.9 years.Residents aged 65 or older make up 18.6% of the population, well above the city average of 13.3%.In contrast, the proportion of residents under 15 years (18.8%) and those aged 15–64 (62.6%) are both slightly below Auckland-wide averages.Ethnic diversity in the region reflects a unique profile compared to Auckland as a whole.European ethnicities make up 75.9% of the population, compared to 49.8% citywide.Asian ethnicities account for 20.6%, Māori for 7.2%, and Pacific Peoples for 2.4%.The Māori population, in particular, saw a significant 21.3% increase since 2018.Smaller groups identifying as Middle Eastern, Latin American, or African (MELAA) represent 2.2% of the community.Gender Identity InsightsFor the first time, the census collected data on gender identity.In Hibiscus and Bays, 51.0% of residents identified as female, 48.6% as male, and 0.3% as another gender.These figures align closely with Auckland-wide averages.The 2023 Census results provide a comprehensive snapshot of the Hibiscus and Bays area, highlighting its steady growth, evolving demographics, and community characteristics that continue to shape its future.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new study has revealed that New Zealand’s low-carbon beef production could significantly increase, offering a more sustainable alternative to current practices in the dairy and beef industries. The AgResearch report, commissioned by Māori-owned agribusiness Miti, indicates that younger dairy cattle produce up to 48% less greenhouse gas emissions than older beef cattle.The findings come at a time when the dairy industry faces increasing scrutiny over the practice of culling nearly two million bobby calves annually, with many questioning its ethical and environmental impacts. The research shows that dairy-derived beef raised to 10-18 months has a carbon footprint 29-48% lower than the average for mixed beef cattle.Daniel Carson, the founder of Miti, explains that by raising dairy calves for up to a year, rather than slaughtering them shortly after birth, farmers could generate a viable low-carbon protein source. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also adds value to both the dairy and beef industries.Carson envisions the creation of a new low-carbon beef category, “Mataora,” designed for high-quality, value-added products, such as meat snacks for export and low-carbon leather for the fashion sector. Currently, bobby calves are considered surplus and sold for minimal returns, around $35 per calf, primarily for pet food. In contrast, Miti’s model could see farmers earning four times more per kilogram of beef, thus creating a more profitable and sustainable system.The project has received support from the New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN), which helps businesses scale up production for export. NZFIN’s Co-CEO, Grant Verry, highlights the potential of Miti’s product to inspire new business models and foster growth in New Zealand’s food manufacturing sector.Miti has launched a pre-sales fundraising campaign through PledgeMe to increase awareness and support for its low-carbon beef products. Carson aims to introduce the product to international markets, starting with Asia, with the backing of NZFIN’s export network.

Housing developments across Auckland continue to gain momentum, with the Auckland Council reporting 13,821 new dwellings consented in the year ending September 2024.September alone saw 1,362 new homes approved, with medium-density options dominating the mix.Townhouses, flats, and other attached dwellings accounted for 52 per cent of consents, while standalone houses comprised 30 per cent, and apartments made up the remaining 18 per cent.The majority of new homes—95 per cent over the past year—were consented within Auckland’s Rural Urban Boundary (RUB), aligning with the city’s urban planning goals.Further emphasising sustainability, 27 per cent of September’s consents were within 1,500 metres of Auckland’s rapid transit network, offering future residents better access to public transport.Public housing developments also made steady progress, with 74 new dwellings consented in September on Kāinga Ora or Tāmaki Regeneration Company land.The number of completed homes continues to rise, with 1,451 dwellings issued Code Compliance Certificates (CCCs) in September, bringing the year’s total to 18,410.Additionally, land development activity saw the creation of 1,131 new residential parcels in October, including 1,129 under 5,000m².While housing development continues, hazard zone overlaps remain an important consideration.Eight per cent of September consents and 14 per cent of the year’s total were on properties overlapping hazard zones.With long-term arrivals reaching 5,618 in September and 1,273 public housing applications addressed in the June quarter, Auckland's housing initiatives are crucial to meeting demand as the city grows.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new police base will soon be established in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, with the goal of increasing visibility and community reassurance.Police have signed a lease for the building at 210 Federal Street, which will be fully operational by mid-2025.The base, located near Aotea Square and across from Te Waihorotiu Railway Station, will house a public counter that provides access to policing services.The public counter will offer a more centralised location for residents and visitors, moving from its current location at College Hill, about two kilometres from the city centre.This move is part of ongoing efforts to address crime and safety concerns in Auckland CBD.Through Operation Safer Streets and the expansion of beat teams, police have made significant progress in enhancing public safety.The new base will build on these efforts by improving response times and boosting the police presence in the area.In total, 51 beat positions are currently stationed across Auckland CBD, contributing to a more visible and accessible policing service.The establishment of this 24/7 base will further support these efforts, ensuring that police can respond swiftly and effectively to incidents in the area.Police Commissioner Richard Chambers highlighted the importance of this initiative for public safety.“A 24/7 Police Base in the central business district will go a long way to address crime in Central Auckland,” he said.“This presence will make responding to crime in the CBD faster and more effective.”The base will be a valuable resource for the community, offering better access to police services and contributing to a safer, more secure environment for Auckland's city centre.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Health authorities have declared New Zealand in the early stages of a whooping cough epidemic following a sustained rise in cases across the country. The announcement, based on recommendations from health officials, marks the activation of a nationally coordinated response to the outbreak.Data from ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research) revealed 263 cases in the past four weeks alone, the highest recorded for any four-week period in 2024. This resurgence follows significant spikes earlier in May, June, and July.Dr Nicholas Jones, Director of Public Health, explained that several countries are experiencing record levels of whooping cough (pertussis), potentially due to suppressed infection rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. “New Zealand should also prepare for elevated case numbers over the next 12 months or more,” Dr Jones said. He emphasised that Māori and Pacific babies, or pēpi, are likely to be most affected.“Our main concern is the risk of severe illness among babies too young to be immunised or whose immunisations are delayed. The focus must remain on timely vaccination, particularly during pregnancy,” Dr Jones noted.Dr Susan Jack, National Clinical Director of Protection at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, stated that the National Public Health Service is well-prepared to address the epidemic, with a response team already coordinating efforts nationwide.“Whooping cough is highly contagious and can be fatal, particularly for newborns,” Dr Jack said. “Three babies died from whooping cough last year, and our goal is to prevent that from happening again. This will be a marathon, not a sprint.”Health experts are urging healthcare professionals to promote vaccinations and remain alert for symptoms. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to receive the free pertussis vaccine from 16 weeks of pregnancy, ensuring protection for their babies.Routine vaccinations for children are scheduled at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 5 months, with boosters at 4 years and 11 years (Year 7). Adults are eligible for a free pertussis and tetanus booster at ages 45 and 65.For those who missed vaccinations, Dr Jack reassured, “It’s never too late to catch up.”

Nearly 2,000 submissions have been received on the Government’s proposals to simplify building granny flats of up to 60 square metres without requiring resource or building consent. This unprecedented response, more than double the previous high of 800 submissions, was highlighted by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.“This is the highest number of submissions we’ve received for a building and construction consultation,” Mr Penk said. “It is fantastic to see such a high level of engagement, especially from homeowners and those in the building and construction industry.”The consultation, part of the National-NZ First Coalition Agreement, ran from June to August. Many submissions identified council and regulatory processes as major obstacles to construction. Mr Bishop noted, “Our proposals aim to create a more enabling system that retains important checks and balances but lifts the handbrake on much-needed growth.”The policy suggests adopting a risk-based consenting regime to ease requirements for low-risk building work. Some submitters recommended broadening the scope to include larger granny flats, multiple units on single properties, and provisions for papakāinga housing, which could bring significant social and economic benefits to Māori communities.Financial savings emerged as a key theme, with 55 per cent of respondents expecting cost reductions. Among them, 19 per cent estimated savings of $15,000 or more, while 15 per cent predicted savings between $3,000 and $15,000.Mr Penk also acknowledged concerns around building risks and environmental impacts, pledging that these would be managed in the final policy design. “Kiwis need confidence in the safety and quality of the built environment, but it’s possible to do this while also making it faster and more affordable to build,” he said.Legislation to amend the Building Act 2004 is planned for next year, with new National Environmental Standards for granny flats expected to come into effect in 2025.

The Hibiscus Coast community continues to benefit from an innovative traffic solution on Whangaparāoa Road, with a dynamic lane system helping over 25,000 vehicles travel efficiently each day.Since its installation in 2018, the dynamic lane has utilised the median strip as an additional lane during peak hours, saving commuters up to ten minutes daily despite the area’s growing population.Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Alexis Poppelbaum described the system as a crucial improvement.“Whangaparāoa Road is a vital link for our community. By continuously investigating improvements, it eases traffic and ultimately gets our people to their destination quickly and safely.”To further enhance these benefits, Auckland Transport (AT) plans to extend the dynamic lane’s morning operating hours, addressing early congestion.“We’ve noticed this road often gets busy early in the morning, so they are maximising the existing road space to save commuters precious time,” Poppelbaum added.Looking ahead to the new year, AT intends to engage with the community about extending the lane’s operational hours in the afternoon.Albany Ward Councillor John Watson emphasised the significance of optimising current infrastructure.“Despite our region’s growing population, the time savings for commuters show the value of prioritising smarter use of our roads before committing to new developments,” Watson said.“Dynamic laning has been a real success in reducing congestion on Whangaparāoa; this type of innovative thinking is cost-effective and relatively quick to implement.”This initiative is part of a broader effort by AT and the NZ Transport Agency to incorporate new technology and road improvements, ensuring Auckland’s transport network can accommodate tens of thousands of additional vehicles each year.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Retirement Commission has brought together hundreds of financial service providers to help New Zealanders grow their money and build resilience.It has launched a new National Strategy for Financial Capability that sets out goals and projects to be taken on by banks, fintechs, and community organisations.The goals include encouraging customers to save and invest and promoting options to protect against financial shocks.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said people have been hammered by high inflation, pandemic related hardship, and unemployment, and businesses want to help."The interest in this kind of collaboration is rising because the problems we're all dealing with are quite gnarly ones now right."So, the only way you can get to wicked problems like people not having enough money for retirement because of all the life shocks, not saving enough because of their economic circumstances, not understanding how growing money works which is around education, the more we can tackle these together and think collectively the better."The strategy is a three-year plan involving more than 900 representatives from the financial services sector and builds upon the previous scheme put in place in 2021.Wrightson said there were plenty of projects in the pipeline for providers to get involved in."There will be a special women's project again. There was one in the last strategy which was very successful where the industry which is more male than female had an entire month, courtesy of the FSC [Financial Services Council of NZ] and a women's group, thinking about how they might serve their women employees and women customers better."There will be a focus on increasing contributions and participation in KiwiSaver for young people, there will be Money Month again... and we're working on a consistent financial education core competency framework for young people so that what's taught in schools will have a framework around it."The four goals of the strategy are:Supporting people to grow their moneyHelping build resilience for the unexpectedLifting financial capability through education and trainingLeveraging collective impact

Aucklanders are being urged to plan their travel ahead of the busy Black Friday shopping period, with Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) working together to manage expected traffic surges.The Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) has partnered with mall operators to develop strategies for managing carparks and traffic flow around major shopping areas.Active monitoring will be in place to ensure smoother journeys during one of the busiest times of the year.Simon Buxton, AT’s Director of Customer and Network Performance, noted the challenges ahead.“Our Operations Centre is doing everything they can to help keep traffic flowing around shopping centres this festive season, though we’re also encouraging shoppers to make the most of all the transport choices that are available to them,” he said.Auckland’s major shopping hubs are accessible via AT’s frequent transport network, with buses and trains running every 15 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm daily.Mr Buxton encouraged Aucklanders to consider public transport, walking, or cycling to avoid the stress of parking.“Contactless payment options like debit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches make it easier than ever to hop on a bus or train,” he added.For those driving, NZTA Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations Jacqui Hori-Hoult advised checking traffic conditions before heading out.“Prepare for delays, especially around shopping outlets in Westgate, Newmarket, Mt Wellington, and the airport,” she said.Congested areas may include motorway ramps such as SH16 Westgate, SH1 Gillies Ave, and SH20A Airport.The NZTA Journey Planner tool and AT Mobile App offer real-time traffic updates to assist with trip planning.“We’d encourage shoppers to check traffic conditions and, if necessary, stay a little longer to enjoy dining or entertainment rather than joining the congestion,” Mr Buxton said.Black Friday in New Zealand falls on Friday, November 29, 2024, as it is observed on the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday, which is the fourth Thursday of November.