Auckland Councillor John Watson announced today that the Gulf Harbour ferry service will return to its full timetable on September 9, following progress in the Accelerated Training Programme.Since last October, the service has been operating at reduced capacity with only six daily sailings during peak hours.The reinstated schedule will include 24 sailings per day, covering inter-peak times and offering additional evening services.The adjustment comes as welcome news to local commuters who have relied on the ferry for over 25 years.Acknowledging their steadfast support during challenging times, Watson emphasised the importance of continued community backing for the service.The Gulf Harbour ferry plays a crucial role in connecting Coasties to Auckland's transport network.The upcoming timetable restoration aims to improve accessibility and convenience for passengers.

Coasties will see significant changes in local housing policy as the Government rolls out stage one of its Going for Housing Growth plan. The initiative aims to make housing more affordable and accessible across New Zealand.Housing and Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced the plan, focusing on freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers. “Housing in New Zealand is too expensive because we have made it very difficult for our cities to grow,” Bishop said. “Fixing our housing crisis will improve our economy and decrease material hardship.”The plan includes six major changes:Establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councilsNew rules allowing cities to expand outwardStrengthened intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD)Requirements for councils to enable mixed-use developmentsAbolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirementsMaking Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) optional for councilsBishop emphasised the importance of balancing urban expansion with increased density, saying, “The Government rejects the view that cities can only grow outwards, as well as the view that density is the answer to everything.”The new policy aims to ensure that housing capacity aligns with demand and connectivity to services and transportation. It also seeks to abolish restrictive planning instruments like the Rural-Urban Boundary in Auckland.The Government's commitment includes setting long-term housing growth targets and ensuring that infrastructure costs are covered, with a focus on sustainable urban development. This move is expected to result in more mixed-use developments, making cities more liveable and connected.Bishop concluded, “Solving our housing crisis will mean a more productive, wealthier, and better New Zealand.” The Government plans further announcements on infrastructure funding and incentives for growth in the coming months.

An Auckland couple, possibly Coasties, has finally claimed their $7.18 million prize from the 8 June Powerball Must Be Won draw, Lotto NZ announced today.The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, bought their ticket due to the Must Be Won draw and took over two weeks to check it. “We usually only check our tickets when we remember to – we weren’t in a rush,” the man said.Upon finally scanning the ticket using the MyLotto App, they were directed to a Lotto store, where they discovered they had won the major prize.“We were so excited!” he added.The couple immediately called a family meeting to share the news with their children.One child recalled, “We thought something serious had happened. When they told us they won $7 million, we were all so excited for them!”The family celebrated with drinks, discussing potential plans for the money.“They can now finish the house renovations and take the special overseas trip they’ve always talked about,” another child shared.Reflecting on the win, the man said, “It’s all for them – everything has been. It means so much to know that my family will be looked after.”

Analysis - 'No-one watches the 6pm news anymore,' many claim. But plenty of people this week read and watched lots in the media about the end of Newshub at 6 - and the start of ThreeNews by Stuff this weekend. So do we still care about the old-fashioned evening TV news? And if so, what do we want at 6pm?Former broadcaster Paul Henry hosts a new reality game show The Traitors in primetime on Three each Monday.Former colleagues at the channel's news operation may have labelled Henry as one himself recently when he told a conference of ACT Party backers he'd advised his bosses to kill Newshub in 2020."We don't need to congregate around a TV at 6pm any more to find out who's dead and what the weather will be tomorrow," he said to rich applause.Henry also said so to actual Newshubbers on one of the last ever AM shows this week."Sorry guys. If I'd been running the place, I'd have closed it down four or five years ago. Habits are changing," he told them.They are, but they are also enduring. And national TV still has clout.Henry is only hosting The Traitors long after his prime because he was a TV news personality in the past.Paul Henry during his AM hosting days. Photo: screenshot / NewshubAnd without a broadcast channel, even big TV personalities fail to launch.Former AM host and 3 News political editor Duncan Garner is a household name. His new live morning show Editor-in-Chief streams on every possible online platform live. Short on-demand video bits are pushed out later and boosted on social media.TV3's Duncan Garner reads Sky's statement announcing free-to-air coverage of the Americas Cup.Duncan Garner had a post at the AM desk as well. Photo: screenshotBut not much of it seems to find an audience. One item about renting this week had been watched just once hours after it was posted on YouTube.Former Newshub chief Hal Crawford recently told Mediawatch a live news bulletin also gives a TV channel life. Without one, they end up mere "content databases" that quickly shed alienated viewers.That is the reason that, after deciding to kill off Newshub, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) agreed to pay undisclosed millions to Stuff to make the 6pm replacement - ThreeNews - starting on Saturday.That - and the fact that more than a million Kiwis still tune in for news at 6pm at least once a week these days. And many of them watch the entire news hour (including commercial breaks) while most comparable countries have far shorter evening bulletins.The received wisdom says it's a thinning cohort of the boomer-age-and-beyond still watching. And like newspaper readers, viewers who die are not replaced.But the sun may take a while to set yet."I'm still an appointment viewer at six o'clock every day," the Between Two Beers podcast co-host Seamus Marten told Mediawatch last month. Marten is 42 - squarely in the advertiser-friendly 25-54 age bracket TV3 used to target heavily in primetime. He's probably not typical of people his age.But while not many Kiwis Marten's age or younger will be keeping the 6pm appointment with him, timeshifting has been an option ever since '+1' digital channels appeared in 2012. The +HR=E Now and TVNZ+ apps mean you can watch when and wherever you want.TVNZ+ stats show 1News content is important to the platform - even though it's not exactly highlighted on the homepage.1News at Six was the most watched programme on TVNZ+ (with Shortland Street a distant second) accounting for a significant chunk of the 40.5 million streams in April alone.Even if people aren't watching the full 1News at Six bulletin on TVNZ+, many online users will still see the content created by the TVNZ newsroom for 1News.The video-heavy 1NewsNow site and app had 22.3 million views and 2.8 million unique browsers in April. Many would have been attracted by news alerts and push notifications to phones.Spinoffs from TV news also find new audiences and relevance.For example, The Spinoff's Duncan Greive pointed out Newshub succeeded in reaching younger people unlikely to watch its 6pm news with the Paddy Gower has Issues current affairs show.Mark Jennings has overseen more 6pm news than anyone else New Zealand. He was head of news at TV3 for more than 20 years.These days he's a co-editor at Newsroom.co.nz which also pitched to make the replacement for Newshub at 6."I think it should go back to being an 'uber' summary of the day with high-quality vision and articulate reporters layering in context - and all curated expertly by good producers. But the economics of TV news make that very hard."Jennings says interactive gimmicks would be a mistake."People respond to conciseness and don't want reckons or opinions from young reporters. People do want astute balanced analysis in context. You don't get that with people just whacking breaking news video online. That's the chance at 6pm."6pm news is also a product that must attract advertisers though. Do they call the shots in the end?"They're looking for large aggregated audiences - and those are disappearing. The networks have had to reduce the rates and it becomes a vicious circle."What do we want from TV news?When TVNZ operated under a public service charter from 2003 to 2011, the state-owned broadcaster was obliged to survey Kiwis annually. Year after year, a healthy majority said they did watch local news and current affairs - and the proportion of those who said they valued it was often even higher.But that was then.After super-popular current affairs shows Fair Go and Sunday were controversially culled by TVNZ in May, they have been replaced by Border Patrol repeats and local property porn hosted by British import Phil Spencer.Fair Go was pulled back in May. Photo: YouTube / 1NewsThree's timeslots vacated by Newshub will be filled with foreign renovation, baking and Bondi Rescue. There have not been howls of outrage about that either.Digital disruption is also acute for Māori TV news.Whakaata Māori - which recently marked 20 years on air - doesn't publish news audience figures but a recent Te Mangai Paho survey found 34 percent of the Māori general population accessed Māori TV content online - and only 28 percent of rangatahi.The bilingual Te Ao Māori News and the Māori+ app give instant online access to Whakaata Māori news.Te Ao with Moana current affairs show airs at 8pm on Mondays but also finds an audience via its 124,000 Facebook followers.The dilemma for Stuff in replacing Newshub at 6 is whether to mimic what's familiar to the rump of habituated TV appointment viewers - or pivot to something new, like ThreeNews did back in 1990 when 'digital' was still synonymous mainly with wristwatches from Japan.A preview piece in the Stuff-owned TV Guide seemed to suggest the latter:"ThreeNews will have a new set and a new, vibrant look and feel. There will be innovative opportunities for audience engagement and participation," it said.But Stuff digital managing director Nadia Tolich signalled the former when she told the New Zealand Herald this week: "We don't want this to be a cold plunge pool for the existing audience."The reality is there is an expectation there that it will feel somewhat similar."We'll see for ourselves how they square the circle from Saturday at 6pm.

Hibiscus Coast locals will soon notice a change at the Gull Millwater station as the company phases out 98 octane fuel in favour of Premium 95. Gull, New Zealand’s largest independent fuel retailer with 115 stations, announced the switch due to strong demand for "great value premium fuel."The change has stirred discontent among motorists who prefer 98 octane, especially those whose vehicles require higher octane levels. Gull provided limited explanation but hinted at several factors influencing the decision.The shift might be driven by cost-effectiveness, with 95 octane being cheaper to produce and distribute, allowing for more competitive pricing. Additionally, consumer demand patterns appear to favour 95 octane fuel. Production challenges, particularly related to the ethanol component in the 98 octane blend, have also played a role. Concerns over compatibility with certain vehicle fuel systems and a strategic move to simplify their product lineup further explain Gull’s decision. Despite the disappointment among some motorists, Gull’s move aligns with its goal to remain a competitive player in New Zealand’s fuel market.

Australia's "big four" banks are under constant attack, says the National Australia Bank's executive for group investigations Chris Sheehan."Every bank. Every bank is being attacked all the time."Australia's big four banks, it has been revealed, are being bombarded by cyber attacks every minute of every day, leaving customers increasingly vulnerable to scams.The attackers were trying to get into the banks' computer systems, deny services to customers, use malicious code or breach security logins.And the purpose of these attacks?"If it's not us being attacked, then our customers are being attacked, in an effort to steal their information and their money."There's no typical demographic."The entire community is at risk," Chris Sheehan told ABC's The World Today.Indeed, Chris Sheehan is blunt - it is warfare out there."We're engaged in asymmetrical warfare on a day-by-day basis," he said."We're dealing with threat actors of all different types."From, being colloquial, Larry the loser, in the basement at home that's having a bit of a chop away at the laptop and trying to steal money from people or hack into a system, all the way to highly sophisticated, ruthless and resilient transnational organised crime groups and they're the ones that are driving 90 percent of the scams that are hitting Australian victims."And then at the top end of the scale, we're dealing with nation-state actors, malicious nation-state actors."So, it's asymmetrical warfare."It changes every day," Sheehan said.Massive theftAustralians were being fleeced to the tune of $3 billion (NZ$3.3bn) a year by cyber criminals via scams, according to cyber security expert Troy Hunt.And while he was hesitant to label the attacks "warfare", he said the extent of the cyber attacks on Australia's financial institutions was not well understood by the public."I imagine most people are not aware of how prevalent the online attacks are, probably in part because they don't have a sense of the fact these attacks do originate from all over the world, all sorts of different demographics are mounting them.""There are attacks online, attacks against individuals, attacks against corporations."It really is prevalent," Hunt said.He argued the exponential increase in cyber crime related to the perceived lower risk compared to, say, physically robbing a bank.The risk involved with engaging in cyber crimes was different for those in countries where it was unlikely the perpetrator could be extradited."The risk is totally different. And the reward's totally different as well."It's not about grabbing cash out of a till, it's about potentially grabbing hundreds of thousands of dollars or millions of dollars in one go," Hunt said.Daily defenceThe result was that banks, including the NAB, worked hard on their cyber defences."We have a call centre and an operations team focused on the frauds and scams issue that is close to 350 to 400 people - they're on the phone and available to our customers 24/7, 365 [days a year]," Sheehan said.Like other institutions, the NAB had also told customers it no longer sent text messages to customers with links, so if there was a link in a text message, the customer knew it was a scam.Sheehan conceded, though, that once a bank customer hit "send" on a scam payment, it was usually too late for the money to be recovered."If it looks or sounds too good to be true, or if someone's applying pressure to you that you're going to miss out on something, or you're going to suffer a penalty, if you don't make that payment, they are massive red flags."If the story you're being given, either by a text message, email, whatever, contains either of those elements, don't hit send on a payment, run a mile."Seek advice from your bank, talk to friends or relatives, but don't hit send."The Australian Banking Association, which represents the banking industry, agreed with the NAB that the nation's financial institutions were effectively at war."We are amidst a scams war in this country," an Australian Banking Association spokesperson told the ABC."Banks are working around the clock to protect Australians from scams and the industry will continue to invest record amounts in the latest scam-fighting technology to protect customers."Extra safeguards from banks are helping to ensure less Australians are losing money to the international criminal gangs who run many scams."The ABA said Australian banks were known to have some of the strongest anti-scam protections in the world.- This story was first published by the ABC

Two individuals have been arrested and charged with interfering with human remains, months after a woman's body was found in a rubbish bag in Gulf Harbour.The pair, both in their 30s, were apprehended while attempting to leave New Zealand.The arrests followed the discovery on March 12 when fisherman Paul Middleton found the woman's body wrapped in multiple layers of black bin bags.Despite extensive efforts, the victim has yet to be identified.Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams stated in May that DNA tests indicated the woman was likely of Chinese descent, aged between her early 30s and early 50s.The police have sought help from forensic experts and issued a black notice through Interpol in April to gather more information.The pair first appeared in court on Monday.Their names cannot be published until the opportunity to appeal the ruling against continued name suppression expires.Despite requests from their lawyer, the judge declined to keep their identities confidential, stating it would not affect their fair trial rights.In Ōrewa, a residence has been cordoned off since Monday and is currently under police investigation.Authorities have stated that the examination of the scene is ongoing.Further details about the case, initially suppressed by a court order, were allowed to be published following another hearing today.Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 0800 755 021 to speak to the investigation team directly.Information can also be provided via 105 or online, referencing file number 240312/9837, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Coasties are gearing up for a thrilling showdown as the All Blacks prepare to face England in the opening match of the 2024 Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.Head Coach Scott Robertson, alongside his selectors, has unveiled a formidable squad of 23 players for Saturday’s encounter. Leading the charge will be lock Scott Barrett, who will captain the team for the first time on home turf. The lineup includes seasoned stars like TJ Perenara, returning after a two-year absence due to injury, and Sevu Reece, noted for his stellar Super Rugby Pacific season despite overcoming ACL injury setbacks."This was a very tough squad to pick, but we’ve selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday," said Robertson. All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets) 1. Ethan de Groot (22)2. Codie Taylor (85)3. Tyrel Lomax (32)4. Scott Barrett (69) (Captain)5. Patrick Tuipulotu (43)6. Samipeni Finau (1)7. Dalton Papali’i (32)8. Ardie Savea (81) (Vice Captain)9. TJ Perenara (80)10. Damian McKenzie (47)11. Mark Tele’a (9)12. Jordie Barrett (57) (Vice Captain)13. Rieko Ioane (67)14. Sevu Reece (23)15. Stephen Perofeta (3) 16. Asafo Aumua (6)17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (57)18. Fletcher Newell (13)19. Tupou Vaa’i (25)20. Luke Jacobson (18)21. Finlay Christie (21)22. Anton Lienert-Brown (70)23. Beauden Barrett (123)With a collective 934 Test caps, the team boasts experience and depth, bolstered by the leadership of vice captains Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett.The All Blacks, having last faced England in New Zealand in 2014, anticipate a spirited contest for the Hillary Shield. The series, honouring Sir Edmund Hillary, marks a significant chapter in rugby history between the two nations.7:05 pm Kickoff at Forsyth Barr Stadium promises a spectacle as fans eagerly await the clash between these rugby giants.

New Zealand’s future electricity demand is set to increase significantly, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).The Electricity Demand and Generation Scenarios (EDGS) report highlights a substantial rise in electricity usage due to a shift from fossil fuels, the uptake of electric vehicles, and new demands like large-scale data centres. "By 2050, it is expected around half of all energy demand will be met by electricity," said Mike Hayward, MBIE Markets Manager.Modelling shows wind and solar power as the most cost-effective means to meet this demand, with innovations likely to improve their efficiency. The EDGS scenarios, used by the Commerce Commission to evaluate Transpower’s future investment proposals, predict an 80.9% increase in demand by 2050, from 39.6 TWh to 71.7 TWh.“The 2030s will see considerable change in electricity demand and generation,” Hayward stated, noting the retirement of coal and natural gas plants. While renewable energy will predominantly meet new demand, gas will still play a supportive role. By 2035, it is expected that 92.1% of New Zealand’s electricity will come from renewable sources, rising to 96.3% by 2050.

Auckland Council is advancing changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan to enhance resilience to natural hazards, addressing high-risk areas for flooding, land subsidence, and coastal erosion."The unique geography of Tāmaki Makaurau, with its 3200km of coastline and three harbours, makes Auckland special but also vulnerable to natural hazards," said Planning Committee Chair Richard Hills.Feedback on the Future Development Strategy indicated that locals want to limit growth in hazard-prone areas. Hills explained, "We’re seeing more frequent extreme weather events, and residents are concerned about new developments in flood-prone zones."The proposed changes will require higher standards for developers in these areas, aiming to reduce potential harm. The plan change is part of broader efforts, including the Making Space for Water programme and the Shoreline Adaptation Programme, to bolster Auckland's climate resilience.Aucklandwide Planning Manager Phill Reid added, "This plan will help protect our region by strengthening controls over building in hazard-prone areas and ensuring better assessments of resource consent applications."The council is currently defining the scope of the plan change, with opportunities for public input expected later in 2024.

Coasties, a local home renovation company founded in Auckland, has become one of the largest in the world.Refresh Renovations, started in 2009 to address inefficiencies in the building industry, now has over 170 franchised operations in North America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.Founder Jon Bridge attributes their success to a focus on business processes rather than traditional trade skills.“We needed to attract business people who were more process and customer-focused,” Bridge said.The company aims to reach $1 billion in annual sales within the next decade.The firm’s unique franchise model, which prioritises process and customer experience, has significantly reduced dispute rates.“Our complaint rate is well under 1%,” Bridge noted.With the New Zealand renovation market valued at $9 billion annually, the US market’s $570 billion presents a significant growth opportunity.Refresh Renovations is also investing in IT, developing proprietary software to streamline project management and enhance customer satisfaction.

Coasties facing long wait times for driver licence tests can expect relief with new changes from the Government, aiming to streamline the process across New Zealand.Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced changes to the driver licensing system, which have been overwhelmed by high demand and increased failure rates since the previous government removed re-sit fees last year."Demand for driver licence test bookings has increased significantly, leading to unacceptable delays," Brown said. Some regions have seen wait times extend beyond 60 days, a sharp rise from the previous average of 13 days.Starting 8 July, applicants for Class 1 driver licences will be eligible for one free re-sit, with additional tests requiring payment.Overseas licence conversions will no longer receive free re-sits.Brown emphasised that the aim is to incentivise better preparation and reduce no-shows.NZTA is also expanding operational measures, such as hiring more Driver Testing Officers, extending testing hours, and increasing training courses for DTOs.Text alerts will remind applicants of their test dates to ensure attendance."Getting a driver licence makes a big difference in a person's life," Brown said, underscoring the importance of an efficient licensing process while allowing time for skill development.A three-month transition period will assist those already in the system under the previous rules.

A year into New Zealand’s ban on certain single-use plastics, the country has successfully removed nearly one billion plastic items from circulation, coinciding with Plastic Free July.As of 1 July, New Zealand celebrated the first anniversary of its prohibition on single-use plastic produce bags, cutlery, plates, and bowls, as well as the restricted use of plastic straws. This ban has led to the removal of approximately 200 million plastic straws, 600 million pieces of plastic cutlery, bowls, and plates, and 150 million plastic produce bags from landfills and the environment, equivalent to 17,000 plastic bags every hour.These recent measures, effective since 1 July 2023, build on earlier bans from 2022, which targeted plastic drink stirrers, cotton buds, certain types of polystyrene and PVC food packaging, and plastics with additives that cause faster breakdown into micro-plastics.Coasties can participate in the Plastic Free July movement, joining millions globally in efforts to reduce plastic waste and contribute to cleaner streets, oceans, and communities.

The saying that it "never rains but it pours" will become truer in much of New Zealand as the planet heats, a new study has found. Wet days will be even wetter and the driest group of days even drier across much of New Zealand - even in places where average rainfall over the course of a year is expected to stay about the same.The trend may dry up some of those drizzly days at the edges of summer, which can be crucial for stopping drought, according to the study, published in the scientific journal Environmental Research Letters.The lead author, climate scientist Luke Harrington of Waikato University, said the results showed even places where scientists did not expect much change to average annual rainfall would still see significant changes on a daily basis.That includes much of the North Island.The findings have implications for droughts and floods.Wet days could get 10 percent wetter and the driest group of days 10 percent drier even in places where previous modelling has shown no change to average yearly rainfall.Harrington said the results showed the importance of looking beyond averages to prepare for climate change.The study adds to a growing body of climate projections, which are used by businesses, the government and town planners to plan corporate strategies, housing developments, infrastructure and flood resilience measures.Those projections have already established that wet places such as the South Island's West Coast will get wetter on average with climate change, while some already dry places - like South Canterbury and Central Otago - will get drier on average.The same pattern holds in many places around the globe.The latest research sheds light on those places in the middle, where changes to wet and dry days can cancel each other out in the course of a year.That includes large parts of the middle of the North Island, down to Wairarapa, including many areas where rain is crucial for farming."For a large part of the North Island, you see no average change in annual rainfall, but we've come up with a way of separating out what's happening for the wettest days of the year and the driest days of the year around the country," Harrington said."When you do that, you find that the wettest days of the year are increasing the amount of rain falling within them and the driest days, which include the drizzle days around the edges of the summer... are decreasing in their amount of rain, and these two things are cancelling each other out."He said although the changes might cancel each other out in average terms, they have important implications.Wetter wet days mean more chance of flooding.Separate research has found drizzly days can be crucial for preventing or lessening drought - so if days of light drizzle become drier, they will not be as effective at busting droughts.The timing of those heavier rain days also becomes important.In some places with no average annual changes, "we're seeing as much as a threefold increase of really extreme dry years, even relative to today's climate," Harrington said."There are some years where it's shaping up to look quite dry in the future but then you have these supercharged individual wet days, such that the amount of rain which falls in a year looks quite normal by the end of it."But then there are other years where you start out and it's shaping up to be quite dry, but these supercharged wet days don't arrive in that year, and then you do have a really extreme drought."The results were calculated for a planet 3 degrees Celsius hotter than today, but the same pattern (only less severe) would apply at lower temperatures, he said.There were already multiple lines of evidence showing wet days would get wetter in New Zealand, Harrington said.This study reinforced that, and also found "unprecedented" dry years were in store.The drier dry days affected some of country's most prominent farming areas, including the middle of the North Island down to Wairarapa, he said.As a general rule, the authors concluded that even parts of the country where no average change was expected, they could expect around 10 percent more rain on wet days, and dry days to be around 10 percent drier, in a 3C hotter world.Harrington said it took a lot of computing power to study changes at a daily scale, at the level of New Zealand regions.The latest research used a network of volunteers who have offered their home computers to supply the computing power needed to run complex climate models, a project called [email protected] study was published in the scientific journal Environmental Research Letters, and includes authors from NIWA and the University of Canterbury.

Locals are being urged to check their cupboards after a recall of Morinaga baby biscuits due to possible contamination with animal droppings.New Zealand Food Safety is assisting Tokyo Food Company Ltd and Wholesale Club with the recall of imported Morinaga brand Manna Bolo baby biscuits."The concern with these biscuits is that they are marketed at babies and young children, who could get seriously sick from bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella if they swallow animal droppings," said deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.The recalled products, also withdrawn in Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, are sold at ethnic grocery stores nationwide.Consumers can return the biscuits for a refund or dispose of them if returning is not feasible.Symptoms of Salmonella and E. coli infections include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.If a child has consumed the biscuits and shows these symptoms, contact a health professional or call Healthline at 0800 61 11 16 for advice.Arbuckle confirmed that no complaints or illness reports have been received in New Zealand. For more details, visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page.

The Government is initiating swift measures to support New Zealand’s media sector, announced Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith.Goldsmith outlined several steps, including advancing the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill. “We’re aligning the approach with Australia’s digital bargaining code to provide certainty for all companies,” he said. This adjustment will allow the Minister to designate which digital platforms are covered, aiming to mitigate unintended consequences. An independent regulator will be appointed as the bill’s authority.Despite opposition from ACT, the bill is expected to pass with support from other parties.Additionally, outdated advertising restrictions for Sundays and public holidays will be lifted. Eligibility criteria for the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate will also be refined to support local shows, such as Shortland Street.Goldsmith further noted that NZ On Air will report to Cabinet on supporting local news and current affairs by year-end. All these measures are set to be implemented by the end of the year. Broader reforms for a modern regulatory landscape are in progress, with announcements expected later in 2024.

In the ups and downs of the global economy over the last decade, New Zealand has had one relatively consistent challenge: persistent productivity stagnation.Productivity compares the amount of goods and services produced (output) with the amount of inputs used to produce them.Since the Productivity Commission was set up in 2011, annual productivity growth has averaged at just 0.2% – one of the worst in the OECD.In 2023, New Zealand experienced declines across key metrics: labour productivity dropped by 0.9%, multi-factor productivity (which includes labour, capital, energy, materials and purchased services) fell by 2.2% and capital productivity by 3.8%.There has also been a sharp decline in small business productivity, with a 19% drop from its peak in November 2022.Productivity is not only an abstract concern. It directly impacts income growth, exacerbates inequality and hampers overall welfare.The productivity puzzleBut New Zealand’s stagnation doesn’t have to be inevitable. There are tangible approaches the government can take to boost the country’s productivity. Here’s how.Human capitalThere are at least two ways New Zealand can improve human capital – the sum total of the skills and education a worker has to do their job.In the short-term, the government needs to allow more high-skilled migrants to enter the country. This type of migration can reduce skill mismatch and create knowledge spillovers. That is, migrants bring valuable knowledge, expertise and innovative ideas from their home countries, which can spread to local firms, industries, or individuals via collaboration and competition.Over the long-term, investing in education and cultivating STEM and digital skills will be crucial for combating the country’s productivity stagnation and future-proofing the workforce.TechnologyTechnological advancement is a key driver of progress, yet its integration requires careful planning.Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, holds immense potential to boost productivity. One study found generative AI, for example, could boost a worker’s performance by almost 40%.But the widespread use of AI demands not only technological infrastructure but also a skilled workforce and the ability of organisations to adapt.RegulationRegulation, reducing adjustment costs and barriers, taxation, and industrial policy are interrelated elements of the productivity puzzle.But regulation, in particular, must be balanced carefully. The government needs to ensure worker and environmental safety while also encouraging innovation.The government also needs to encourage the development of new businesses – a key factor to boost productivity. To do this, policy makers need to reduce entry and exit costs of doing business.Industrial policiesIndustrial policies, such as subsidies or tax incentives, if appropriately targeted, can also increase productivity by supporting innovative firms rather than stifling competition. An example is to provide research and development tax credits to encourage innovation in high-tech industries.Industrial policies can also reduce productivity growth, particularly when they slow down the shift of elements such as labour and capital from less productive or declining sectors to more productive or growing sectors.To be effective in addressing productivity, industrial policies need to be targeted at the most competitive sectors. They also need to apply to a broad number of firms with the purpose of benefiting the most competitive in each sector.Tax policyTax policy is another important driver which needs to be carefully designed.For example, if the tax policy subsidises the use of equipment while taxing the employment of labour, policy makers will have increased the incentives for automation and reduced incentives to create new ideas.This would put a damper on increasing productivity. Instead, policy makers could look at an automation tax, applicable to technologies which automate tasks above a certain level.Research and developmentDespite a 17% increase in spending on research and development (R&D) in New Zealand last year, one study found it is not that effective for increasing productivity. Rather than supporting widespread innovation, poorly targeted R&D funding can prop up otherwise unsustainable businesses.Instead, the government needs to tax all firms uniformly, encouraging less innovative firms to exit. This would free up resources for more innovative firms to intensify their R&D efforts. Implementing targeted taxes could further support this selective process.Creating clustersProductivity growth is also influenced by where people work and the density of networks. Research has found tech clusters like Silicon Valley in the United States can play an important role in innovation, business competitiveness, and economic performance.This is not a new idea. As far back as 1991, manufacturing clusters were touted as the key to improving New Zealand’s export competitiveness. But in 2018, a report found the cluster theory had failed to take hold – in large part due to infrastructure issues and the spread of businesses across the country.Thinking long-term on productivityDespite recognising the importance of these factors, New Zealand has faced persistent challenges in implementing comprehensive reforms.In part, this is due to institutional inertia, lack of expertise among government officials in integrating research into policy formulation, fragmented policy approaches across different sectors, insufficient funding and a historical reliance on traditional industries.If we really want to address our lagging productivity levels, an integrated approach is needed.Improving labour market flexibility, infrastructure, and housing regulations enhances mobility and efficiency, unlocking potential across industries.Furthermore, trade liberalisation policies aimed at increasing foreign direct investment and cross-border mergers and acquisitions can increase productivity.By embracing innovation, up-skilling our workforce and implementing targeted policy interventions, New Zealand can chart a path towards a more productive and prosperous future for all.Author - Dennis Wesselbaum, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Otago

The coalition Government's latest action plan aims to enhance safety and law enforcement, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced. The Q3 plan includes 40 actions addressing economic rebuilding, public services, infrastructure, and notably, law and order.Luxon emphasised, "We are making meaningful changes to keep Kiwis safe." Key initiatives include passing laws to empower Police against gangs, increase gun control, and enhance rehabilitation for prisoners on remand. Additionally, efforts to improve court efficiency and access to justice are underway.The Government will also introduce tougher sentencing and launch a military-style academy pilot for young offenders. Road safety will be addressed with legislation for roadside drug driving tests.Educational reforms feature prominently, with applications opening for new or converted charter schools and updates to the English and Maths curriculum. Infrastructure plans include a $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund and sustainable water services legislation.Luxon reiterated, "My Government is committed to delivering for New Zealanders," highlighting successes from previous action plans and promising continued momentum.

Coasties brace for a blustery start to July, with MetService predicting a northward progression of rain again tomorrow.According to meteorologist John Law, low pressure to the south is driving strong winds, particularly affecting western-facing mountain regions with heavy rainfall expected."This weather pattern brings colder air," Law stated."Northland and parts of Auckland could see their chilliest day this year on Friday, with highs in Whangārei and Auckland City peaking at just 13°C."The week ahead promises a shift to drier conditions but maintaining chilly temperatures, marking a reminder of winter's onset.