In a bid to address New Zealand's infrastructure deficit, the Government announced a modernisation of the Public Works Act. The move aims to facilitate the faster and more cost-effective construction of essential public infrastructure, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk said.An independent panel will review the Act over the next eight weeks, recommending pragmatic changes to expedite large-scale projects. "Critical infrastructure projects like schools, roads, water services, and energy projects have not kept pace with our nation's needs," Penk stated.The outdated Act has delayed projects by up to five years, adding time, cost, and uncertainty for taxpayers and planners. "Every year, millions of dollars are spent litigating under the Act," Penk noted. "Updating the Act is part of a broader reform to make infrastructure delivery quicker and more efficient."The review panel, to be appointed by the Chief Executive of Land Information, will deliver its findings to support the legislation, which is slated for introduction in mid-2025. Minister for Building and Construction, Chris Penk.Public feedback will be invited during the select committee process.Meanwhile, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, which provides an overview of planned projects, has surpassed $120 billion in value. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop highlighted the Government's record investment to rebuild the economy. "The pipeline shows local government and the private sector are also meeting the infrastructure challenge," Bishop said.Infrastructure Minister, Chris Bishop.Currently, there are $44 billion worth of projects under construction, with projections of $12.1 billion in spending for 2024 and $11.6 billion for 2025. "Almost 70 per cent of the projects in the pipeline have confirmed funding sources," Bishop added.Insights from the pipeline will contribute to the development of a 30-year National Infrastructure Plan, led by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. "I encourage all infrastructure providers to participate and maintain their project information," Bishop concluded.Key points in the Pipeline:$121.2 billion total project value as at March 31 (up 11.7 per cent from December 2023)1356 projects greater than $10 million82 contributing organisations, including 37 councils that represents around three-quarters of all rates revenue collectedNew Zealand Infrastructure Commission projections show a spend of $12.1 billion in 2024 and $11.6 billion in 2025. Three-quarters of all projected spend occurs within 3.5 years.

If you want to bring your power use down, take a look at the way you use your smaller appliances, says Community Energy Action senior energy advisor Michael Begg.How about putting the jug on?"We can see on most of our kettles, they have a gauge on the side. So, if we're only making tea for two, then we only need to fill it as far as that."Begg has been teaching people about energy efficiency for 40 years.And of course, the more water there is, the more steam is created - and moisture is not our friend, he said."If we're boiling the jug, pop the rangehood on for 30 seconds when it's getting towards the boiling stage, because we want to try and reduce the amount of moisture in our rooms."What about ovens? Don't ignore the microwave, he said."A very, very good appliance used for all sorts of things. And they don't use a lot of energy, they're short, sharp and to the point and work really, really well."A conventional floor-standing oven takes a lot of energy to heat up, he said."We've got a very big oven there with a really big element on it, and it's quite slow compared to cooking something in a microwave."With older ovens check the seals are in good nick and that the thermostats are all working well, he said.Michael BeggMichael Begg Photo: RNZNot everyone needs a large stove, he recommends a benchtop oven for small households."Because the oven is so small, when you look at the capacity of the little oven, I can preheat it to 200c in under ten minutes"He also rates slow cookers which he thinks are under-used here in Aotearoa."I heard that in the States, for example, most homes would have at least two slow cookers. And they are very, very good because they use hardly any power at all."The hidden power sappersBegg is often called upon to get to the bottom of electricity sapping mysteries, and more often than not the old, wheezing fridge-freezer in the garage is the culprit.An old fridge-freezer can cost as much as $200 a year to run, he said.Begg has seen some garages with two or three fridges or chest freezers. All well and good if those they are packed with produce you've grown, or meat you've hunted.But a fridge ticking away with a six-pack of beer and an empty freezer is leaking dollars, he said."Older ones are using a lot more electricity, and the less in them, the more energy they use."Look out for a newer, smaller bar fridge with an energy efficiency star rating, he said.Do re-arrange the furnitureIs your fridge in the right spot? Begg sees the fridge in modern homes often placed in direct sun."Sunshine on an appliance is just going to create a higher energy use."And in bedrooms, keep beds away from external walls that are often uninsulated, try an internal wall instead, he said."I always recommend having the bed head up against an internal wall it can stop issues such as mould and cold occurring."If space is constrained, and you do have to go against an external wall, pull your bed slightly away from the wall, he said.We can introduce dampness into our home unwittingly, he said. Clothes on a dryer inside being a common source of moisture."We get home and that washing may be dry. But where's all the moisture out of the washing gone?"Don't forget to ventilate, he said.Hot water can be a power leakHot water is being used seven days a week, 52 weeks a year and Community Energy Action said up to 30 percent of our power bill is hot water.It's worth looking into the pressure in your cylinder, he said"If you have high pressure cylinder, and you've got an ordinary showerhead, the flow rate from that showerhead can be quite high.""I have measured some that have had flow rates of 30 litres a minute. So, in a 10-minute shower, there's 300 litres of water."You can check your flow rate with a bucket test, he said. See how much is in the bucket after 15 seconds and multiply by four.Ten to 12 litres a minute is fine, he said, 15 to 20 or even as much as 30, then you need to address that - a low flow shower head is a good solution.Michael Begg's energy saving tipsIf you're planning to sit down with a cuppa, consider just how many cups you or your guests will drink and only fill the jug with the amount you need.Don't ignore the microwave or slow cooker.If you do have beer fridge, consider how much that fridge is costing you and maybe upgrade to a more efficient one.Try as often as possible to take your washing outside to dry.Consider moving things around appliances furniture within your house to get the most efficient use out of each thing.Take a shorter showers - and check that flow rate.

Coasties and visitors to Shakespear Regional Park may have the unique opportunity to spot the rare hihi (stitchbird) this summer. Forty hihi, one of New Zealand’s rarest forest birds, have been translocated from Tiritiri Matangi Island to the open sanctuary at the regional park, which is a pest-free haven for threatened native species.The hihi are known for their curiosity, often approaching people. Auckland Council Senior Ranger Open Sanctuary Matt Maitland advises birdwatchers to look for a small, fantail-sized bird with a white wing bar and a high-pitched whistle. Males are especially distinctive with their black heads and yellow neck markings.The translocation effort was a collaborative project involving Auckland Council, the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI), and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, with support from the Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, the Department of Conservation Hihi Recovery Group, and Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi.In the late 1880s, hihi lived in multiple forest locations across the North Island, but the only naturally surviving population today is on Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island. Since 2004, a recovery plan led by the Department of Conservation has established seven populations on predator-free islands and protected sanctuaries. Despite this, hihi recovery remains uncertain, and adaptive management is essential for ongoing success."The project aims to establish the eighth secure hihi population in New Zealand," said Maitland. "The open sanctuary has the necessary factors for this translocation to succeed, and we hope this project will significantly contribute to hihi conservation."A male hihi (left) and female bird. Photos/ Janice McKennaShakespear Regional Park already hosts many native birds, including korimako (bellbird), kākāriki (red-crowned parakeet), kererū (pigeon), ruru (morepork), kotare (kingfisher), pīwakawaka (fantail), tauhou (silvereye), and tui. Maitland hopes the hihi will thrive alongside other successfully translocated species like the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), popokatea (whitehead), toutouwai (robin), and tīeke (North Island saddleback). Each hihi will be closely monitored throughout winter to ensure they are well fed with supplementary nectar and have access to safe nesting boxes.Councillor Richard Hills praised the dedication of rangers, external partners, and the local community for maintaining the sanctuary’s effectiveness through pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration. "This network of passionate conservationists has consistently achieved zero predator control targets since a pest-proof fence was built in 2010. They are truly committed to protecting and conserving the precious biodiversity in this wildlife reserve that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep," he said.All hihi whakapapa to Hauturu o Toi and are considered taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with ancestral connections to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi, and Shakespear. Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane acknowledged the dedication of all involved in this conservation effort. "It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that Shakespear Regional Park continues to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna," she said.

It only took a few hours, but the full house signs are up at Eden Park for Saturday night's Super Rugby Pacific final.The Blues and Chiefs will play in front of 47,000 people at the country's largest stadium, with tickets going on sale at 9am Tuesday morning and being snapped up by midday.Veteran Blues prop Angus Ta'avao is fizzing at the prospect of playing a final in front of such a big crowd."A final at Eden Park, mate. Blues against the Chiefs. What more could you ask for, It's going to be awesome," said Ta'avao, who spent six seasons down the road in Hamilton with the Chiefs between 2018-23.He is the most experienced current player to have spent time at both teams, who have an otherwise heated rivalry."I've been real present, being in this moment," he said, reflecting on his season so far."But I know being down there, how they feel about this, it's a massive, massive battle. It's all about heading up State Highway 1 and the physical battle up front. They always have the skilful backs … it always comes down to the wire."The Blues and Chiefs met only three weeks ago in the final regular season game of the season, which ended in a 31-17 win for the Blues. At the time the lost bonus point looked to have cost the Blues a potential home final, however the Chiefs' subsequent semi-final win over the Hurricanes on Saturday meant the final would be played at Eden Park for the second time in three years.Ta'avao played in the Chiefs side that lost to the Crusaders last year in Hamilton, a heart-breaking result after they had won every game that season to that point."I know last year, after losing to the Crusaders in that final, the boys will be looking for redemption. Clayton (McMillan) has already been talking about, you know, making their own story about being able to win away from home and to make a change and win a championship," Ta'avao said.It will be a family affair for the 34-year-old, whose career has taken him for a stint at the Waratahs as well as playing 22 tests for the All Blacks. Ta'avao and Anton Lienert-Brown's fathers are good friends and said the two would meet up before attending the game on Saturday night. He will also be up against a fair few of his old teammates when he takes the field."I know a lot of them. Quinn Tupaea, we went through the rehab process last year. I mean like six years - even though some of the boys that I played with have left, there's a lot of familiar faces. Obviously after the game a few weeks ago, I had a good chat, chat and catch up with them."This will easily be the biggest Super Rugby Pacific crowd of the year, with the only other sold-out game in New Zealand being the Chiefs and Hurricanes regular season match in Hamilton.The Chiefs are currently sweating on an injury crisis at hooker, with third string Tyrone Thompson set to be named in the starting team on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile the Blues will likely be unchanged from the side that comfortably beat the Brumbies in their semi-final on Friday night.

A health and fitness expert who has made millions of dollars from his online programme is urging Kiwis to limit their screen use while working out, in a bid to combat NZ’s growing rates of obesity.The call comes ahead of the winter season, which research shows is the second most high-risk time of the year for weight gain for those living in the Southern Hemisphere, behind Christmas.The $82 million online fitness programme, 28 by Sam Wood, created by celebrity personal trainer and former star of The Bachelor Australia, Sam Wood, has grown to be the largest of its kind - used by almost a million New Zealanders and Australians to date.Wood says using social media while in between sets at the gym, also known as ‘gym scrolling’, can add as much as 20% to 30% to the total workout time and the reduction in exercise intensity could be enough to derail weight loss goals.He says research has also shown that just half an hour of social media use prior to exercise creates mental fatigue which leads to decreases in the amount of repetitions.Wood says these research insights align with what he has witnessed after more than 50,000 personal training sessions over 15 years with his clients.He says to maximise results in the gym the average person needs to have a 60-second to two-minute rest between sets.“I see people go down a rabbit hole on their phones for much longer than that,” he says.Wood says it may be time for gyms to intervene when members are spending excessive time on gym equipment and inconveniencing others while they scroll on social media.“As well as disrupting fellow gym-goers, ultimately they are sabotaging their success and they need to determine what their goals are and what they are prepared to sacrifice to achieve them.“What I notice is it isn’t just young people on social media who let it interrupt their exercise routine, I see older clients doing the same thing, I’m even guilty of it myself on occasion. I think I’ll just clear this one email and before you know it, I’m ten minutes in…“For those who lack discipline, in-person classes with an instructor, or online sessions involving a structured programme can make it harder for someone to pick up their phone midway through a workout.“I’ve got four kids and I know that technology can be your best friend and your worst enemy and if you do not have the control and discipline to use it in your favour then you are better off steering clear of it,” he says. New on-the-go protein snack line, 28GO.In addition to ‘gym scrolling’ Wood says there are several other common mistakes people make when it comes to their fitness routine.“The best results come from consistent short(ish) workouts, so adding scroll time to your sessions won’t help in the long run.“The more you try and jam everything into a week or two the less success you will have. People need to discover there is no wrong way or right way to get into shape, but rather finding the thing that works most for them so they can commit to it and carry it out in a sustainable manner,” he says.Wood says around 70% of physical change is achieved through managing nutritional intake and this becomes even more critical during the winter season.He says the key to success is adapting your exercise programme to the winter months to ensure you are moving your body regularly.“You can’t out-train a poor diet. I often see people who have been disciplined all week with their eating and exercise, only to undo all of their results over a weekend. We need to constantly be asking ourselves how our choices are impacting our results especially when it comes to food and alcohol.“In winter we need to be more mindful of what type of comfort foods we are putting in our mouth. Your body doesn’t discriminate because it's a different season, calories in, are calories in and what’s not used will be stored as fat.“If the weather is bad and you can’t make it to the gym do something at home online, maybe hire or buy an exercise bike and cycle while you watch your favourite TV show or walk in your lunch hour rather than early morning so it's not as cold.“Even in the cooler months, I will try and work out for 30 to 40 minutes a day for 4-5 days a week. I will also try and get incidental exercise in whenever I can including; taking work calls while out walking, bike riding with my girls and walking the dog,” he says.Wood who has trained more than 940,000 women in Australia and New Zealand via his online programme says they still have the misconception that protein and resistance training will make them bulky.He says the volume of questions on nutrition and snacking he received from women, led him to create a supplement range, 28GO, that is now being launched in New Zealand. “The one message that I have worked hard on with them than any other is that they need to do more strength training and to increase their protein intake, nothing gets better results for females than adopting these two principals,” he says.When it comes to his own fitness and nutrition routine Wood says he tries to keep it simple, adding protein to every meal and often having a late breakfast as a form of intermittent fasting.Wood says there has been an increase in education around gut health and its impact on physical and mental well-being and he now advocates for having a daily source of probiotics, collagen and protein.

Coasties are urged to assist in locating Amelia, a 15-year-old reported missing from Beach Haven.Amelia was last seen on Sunday 16 June in Beach Haven, dressed in a black puffer vest, a black hooded sweatshirt with green lettering, grey trackpants, and white shoes. She is identifiable by her gold hoop earrings and ponytail hairstyle."We have concerns for her safety given her age," expressed local authorities, urging anyone with information to contact Police immediately at 111."We are keeping an open mind on her whereabouts," said Police, asking for information across the Auckland area. Additional details can be provided to Police at 105, quoting file number 240617/7557.

The Government is proposing changes to make building granny flats on existing properties simpler and more affordable. Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters says the move aims to address housing affordability concerns and offer families more flexible living arrangements.“Making it easier to build granny flats will open doors for families who want to live together but with some independence,” Mr. Peters said. “This is particularly helpful for seniors, adult children, or those needing extra support.”The proposals involve amending the Building Act and the Resource Management Act. This would potentially allow granny flats up to 60 square meters to be built without requiring resource consent in most cases.“A National Environmental Standard (NES) would ensure consistency across councils,” said RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “This would likely streamline the process and reduce costs significantly.”A discussion document outlining the proposals is available for public feedback. Submissions are open until mid-August 2024. The aim is to finalise the policy later this year with legislative changes coming into effect by mid-2025.The proposals include establishing clear criteria for exemption from building consent and ensuring these dwellings meet safety and quality standards. Public feedback is encouraged to help refine the policy for a successful implementation by emailing [email protected]

Buy-now-pay-later service Laybuy has been placed into receivership.Founder Gary Rohloff said the economic downturn had been more drawn-out than expected and had hurt the business."I am absolutely heartbroken at today's decision to request the appointment of receivers to the Laybuy Group," he said in a statement."This is a devastating time for the Laybuy team, and I will be doing everything I can to support them as we go through this process."He said the business had been working "incredibly" hard to execute a plan to achieve profitability after years of rapid growth."While we have been making good progress over the last two years, the economic downturn has been longer than we expected, and this had had a significant impact on the retail sector in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom."As a result, we have see reduced consumer spending, higher credit losses, and increased fraudulent activity. This alongside increased financing costs created a perfect storm that was difficult to recover from."He said the business had tried "everything" including an attempted sale, but this had fallen over at the last hurdle."This left the board with no option but to make the gut-wrenching decision to voluntarily request the appointment of Deloitte as receivers.This is a difficult time for our team and I am devastated."He said his priority was to work with receivers to ensure the best outcome for staff, creditors, suppliers and merchantsCustomers could continue to make their payments as normal.The company listed in the Australian stock exchange in 2020 and shares traded as high as A$2.30.But they had dropped to A0.6c before a decision was made last year to delist.

Researchers at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Mātai Institute have developed a new metric for measuring blood circulation in the brain, potentially advancing the understanding of dementia and other neurological conditions.The metric, published in the journal Scientific Reports Nature, was developed by a team led by Sergio Dempsey. It uses 4D flow MRI technology to provide a comprehensive measure of small vessel pulsatility risk, crucial for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. This innovation allows for the detailed assessment of brain vascular health by measuring how blood pulsatility is transmitted through brain vessels."Our method allows for a detailed assessment of the brain’s vascular health, which is often compromised in neurodegenerative disorders," said Dempsey.Traditional MRI methods face limitations due to anatomical variations and measurement constraints, but this new technique integrates thousands of measurements across all brain vessels. This results in a richer, more representative metric of the entire brain."The ability to measure how pulsatility is transmitted through the brain’s arteries could revolutionise our approach to neurological diseases, and support research in vascular damage hypotheses," Dempsey added.The research team at the Mātai scanner in Tairāwhiti, from left, Wright (Mātai), Taylor Emsden (Mātai), Sergio Dempsey (ABI), lead author, Chiara Colombo (visiting student, University of Trento, Italy), Paul Condron (Mātai), and Haribalan Kumar (Mātai/ABI/GE Healthcare).The study also highlights the potential for enhanced clinical assessments and research on brain health. Incorporating this metric into diagnostic procedures could lead to more precise and personalised care plans for individuals at risk of cognitive impairments.The research tools have been made publicly available, integrating them into open-source software to foster further research and collaboration worldwide."Our findings are a promising step towards better understanding the vascular contributions to neurodegeneration," said Associate Professor Samantha Holdsworth, Mātai Director of Research. "We’re excited about the metric's potential to become a standard part of neurological assessments and the positive impact it could have on millions of lives."The research team plans further studies to explore the applications of this technique in larger and more diverse populations, starting with the 'Digital Twin Dementia Study' at Mātai later this month. They also plan a new study focusing on sex-related dynamics in vascular health, set to begin at Mātai and the Centre for Advanced MRI in November.

Across New Zealand, volunteers are celebrated during National Volunteer Week for their invaluable contributions to safeguarding local fisheries. Among them are Honorary Fishery Officers (HFOs), whose dedication plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable fishing practices for future generations.Introduced in Auckland in 1967, HFOs now number approximately 200 nationwide, offering guidance, education, and vigilance in support of marine conservation efforts. Steve Ham, Director of Fisheries Compliance at Fisheries New Zealand, emphasises their integral role: "Nearly 60 years later there are about 200 HFOs working in communities around the country providing advice, conversation, and a watchful eye in the name of sustainability."These volunteers commit a minimum of 100 hours annually to patrolling recreational fishing areas, undergoing rigorous training and operating under the authority of the Fisheries Act. Ham underscores their impact, stating, "Their work is critical to ensuring sustainability throughout all our fisheries. HFOs are front and centre on New Zealand's coastlines, conducting between 18,000 and 22,500 inspections each year. They do around 40% of the recreational compliance work."Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, united by a passion for preserving New Zealand's marine resources. Ham encourages recognition of their efforts: "If you see them out on the water or at the wharf, tell them how much you appreciate them." He also advises recreational fishers to stay informed by using the NZ Fishing Rules mobile app, which provides essential guidelines for fishing responsibly.As National Volunteer Week highlights their commitment, HFOs stand as exemplars of community spirit and environmental stewardship, embodying the ethos of giving back to ensure a sustainable future for all.NZ fishing rules app

Aucklanders will soon see relief at the pump as the regional fuel tax is set to end on June 30. The tax, which added an extra 11.5 cents per litre, was introduced in 2018 to fund transport projects.Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the decision back in February, highlighting the financial strain the tax has placed on residents. “Since 1 July 2018, Aucklanders have faced an additional 11.5 cents per litre tax on fuel, over and above what the rest of the country pays, increasing the cost of living at a time when they can least afford it. Ending this tax is one way to reduce the price of fuel and ease some of the financial pressure facing households in our largest city.”Brown noted that removing the tax means the driver of a Toyota Hilux will save approximately $9.20 per fill-up, while a Toyota Corolla driver will save around $5.75. “Fuel tax is becoming an increasingly regressive form of taxation and costs people on lower incomes with less fuel-efficient vehicles more than those who have newer more fuel-efficient vehicles. We intend to fully remove the legislative framework for regional fuel taxes,” he added.Since its implementation, the regional fuel tax has generated around $780 million, with approximately $341 million still unspent. The remaining funds, which amount to more than two years’ worth of revenue, have been a point of contention among Aucklanders.The decision to end the tax addresses public concerns about rising living costs. However, there are criticisms regarding the potential impact on future transport funding. While supporters believe the tax cut will provide much-needed economic relief, detractors worry about the long-term implications for Auckland's transport infrastructure.As the end date approaches, Coasties can prepare for the financial reprieve, weighing the immediate benefits against the potential future costs to the city's transportation projects.

A 26-year-old woman reported missing from Te Atatū Peninsula on Friday has been found deceased, police confirmed.Locals were alerted to the disappearance late last week, prompting a community-wide search.On Sunday, the tragic news of her death was announced, bringing a somber conclusion to the days-long efforts to locate her.Her death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner.Further details about the circumstances have not been disclosed.In a brief statement, police expressed their condolences: "We extend our sympathies to the woman’s family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Kiwi women are being urged by a gynaecological cancer foundation (Talk Peach) to learn to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer with rates in NZ expected to grow 29% by 2035, according to WHO data.Wahine Maori and Pacific women are generally at higher risk of ovarian cancer compared to those of the European/Other ethnic groups. Notably, Samoa and Fiji have the world’s highest rates of mortality from this disease.The call comes as a newly funded medicine, Zejula (Niraparib), becomes available to dozens of Kiwi women living with advanced ovarian cancer, which may offer significantly more time without their cancer recurring after chemotherapy.Research shows around 70% of women with advanced ovarian cancer will relapse after initial treatment, however while not a cure, Zejula may reduce the likelihood of death or the disease progressing by up to 38% - when compared to patients who were administered a placebo during a trial.According to Ministry of Health data, ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death for New Zealand women. Every 48 hours approximately one Kiwi woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer and one also dies from this form of the disease during this time.Data from the World Health Organisation shows the incidence of the disease in New Zealand is projected to grow 29% by 2035.The risk from the disease is highest for Maori and Pacific peoples, with mortality rates around a third higher for these ethnicities, when compared to the European/Other ethnic groups.Unfortunately, as the early-stage disease is usually asymptomatic and symptoms of late-stage disease are nonspecific, a large proportion of women are diagnosed when ovarian cancer is well advanced.Symptoms of the disease may include having a bloated abdomen, always feeling full, discomfort, pressure, or pain in the abdomen or pelvic area, change in bowel habits, fatigue, kidney or bladder problems, abnormal vaginal bleeding or weight changes for no reason.This newly publicly funded treatment option, which has been registered under the name Zejula, is available to women with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer, when the disease has responded to platinum-based chemotherapy.Zejula, which is a poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, is administered to block the repair of damaged DNA in the cancer cell after chemotherapy, resulting in tumour cell death, and helping to maintain the benefit from chemotherapy.Tash Crosby, ovarian cancer survivor and founder of Talk Peach Gynaecological Cancer Foundation says early detection of ovarian cancer is vital.Tash Crosby.She says it's important that women are proactive about their health and visit the doctor with any concerns about symptoms of the disease.“The majority of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at the later stages of the disease and treatment options become more limited.“With early detection and the statistics for survival change quite drastically between each stage - catching the disease in the initial stages could have a significant impact on life longevity.“In the past, there was a bit of a stigma attached to anything ‘gynae’ and it was often referred to as ‘stomach issues’ by some women. We need to make sure we are having open and frank conversations because they have the potential to save lives.“It is also important to understand the symptoms and talk with family about any family history of ovarian or breast cancer as these cancers can result from mutations (changes) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are passed on in families. There are several types of gynaecological cancer and, cervical smear tests will not show ovarian cancer.“A lot of women are busy and they put their family first but they need to also prioritise themselves and their own health,” she says.Brett Marett, GSK medical director, says with the burden of ovarian cancer expected to increase within New Zealand and globally, the development of treatment options is critical.He says PARP inhibitors are a targeted cancer therapy that are showing significant promise in international research - helping to increase the length of time before the cancer progresses for those living with the disease.This newly funded treatment option for ovarian cancer may offer hope for the many Kiwi women and their family that are impacted by this disease each year,” he says.

A move to make the default contribution rate to KiwiSaver 4 percent could give a median-income earner an extra $100,000 in their accounts at retirement.Lifting the default rate from 3 percent of income to 4 percent, matched by a person's employer, was one of a range of suggestions made by the Retirement Commission this week to improve the savings scheme.Commissioner Jane Wrightson said balances were lower for all age groups than would be expected after 18 years of the scheme, and change was needed.Increasing the amount you contribute can make a big difference over an investing lifetime. A 20-year-old joining the scheme earning $65,000 a year and contributing 3 percent plus an employer's 3 percent would have about $300,000 at 65, according to Sorted's calculator.If the rate was lifted to 4 percent plus 4 percent, they would have $400,000.Here are four other changes that you can make to improve your outcome:Check your fund typeGetting your KiwiSaver fund type right for your own circumstances can make a significant difference to your investing outcome.If you have a while until you need the money, you can often afford to take a bit more risk. Growth funds tend to be more volatile than balanced or conservative options, but can deliver better returns over the long term.For that hypothetical 20-year-old, switching from a balanced fund to a growth fund would have given an extra $80,000 at retirement, or a total of about $380,000, even on the 3 percent plus 3 percent contribution rate.Check you're getting value for moneyAll KiwiSaver managers charge fees for their services, and what they cost can vary a bit. In general, active managers, which make active choices about which investments they put your money into, tend to charge a bit more than their passive counterparts.What is usually most helpful is to compare after-fee returns. That will give you more of a guide as to whether you are getting value for money.Past returns are no guarantee of the future but if you look over a longer time horizon, you may be able to see patterns of some funds generally delivering better returns.Understand the impact of a first-home withdrawalKiwiSaver is a significant part of most people's first home-buying plans.In the year to April, $129.1 million was withdrawn from KiwiSaver for first-home purchases.It is hard to argue with this as a financial decision - having a freehold house in retirement can make a big difference to how easy it is to get by.But it does make a difference to your final outcome. If that 20-year-old wanted to withdraw her savings in 13 years' time, she might have $78,000 saved for a deposit, if she had been in a growth fund (she would probably need to dial down the risk close to the time of withdrawal).However, that would lower her balance at 65 to $251,902.Make voluntary contributionsIf you are self-employed or out of the workforce for a while, it can be easy to forget about your KiwiSaver.Time spent not saving can make a difference, though. If that 20-year-old paused contributions to her growth fund in 10 years' time, for 12 months, it could reduce her final balance by $10,000. If she was out for another year, it would lower her final balance to $363,367.A payment of just over $20 a week is required throughout the year to contribute enough to get the full $521 member tax credit from the government, which is available to people who contribute at least $1,042. That probably won't grow your balance as quickly as if you were making contributions from a salary, but it keeps you moving in the right direction in the meantime.

MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Auckland, effective from 9 pm tonight to 2 am Monday, due to an unstable northwest airflow over the northern North Island.There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms in the Auckland area, with potential localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm per hour.The Hauraki Gulf and nearby regions are most likely to experience these heavy rains, though other parts of Auckland may also be affected.Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers, and narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.MetService warns that driving conditions will be hazardous due to surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and exercise caution when traveling during this period.

In a boost for the healthcare sector, new data released by Health New Zealand shows significant growth in the number of doctors, nurses, and midwives joining the workforce.Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti highlighted the encouraging trends during his address to the New Zealand Association of Medical Students."Frontline healthcare workers are the beating heart of the healthcare system. Increasing and retaining our health workforce is a priority for this Government and will improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders," he said.Health New Zealand’s latest workforce data for the quarter ending March 2024 reveals an increase across multiple categories. Hospitals now employ 29,404 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurses, an increase of 1,198 compared to the previous quarter and an overall rise of 2,900 over the last year. The numbers of registered medical officers (RMOs) and senior medical officers (SMOs) have also grown, with 4,950 RMO FTE, an increase of 309 over the last quarter, and 5,452 SMO FTE, an increase of 94.Midwifery has seen record numbers as well, with 1,117 FTE employed across various districts, marking an increase of 76 over the last quarter. Other healthcare roles, including allied health workers, scientific and technical staff, and care and support workers, have also seen increases."Our Government is fully committed to improving the frontline health services that New Zealanders rely on," Dr. Reti said. "We have set ambitious targets for the health sector, and increasing our workforce will play a critical role in achieving them."The recent investment of $16.68 billion through Budget 2024 underscores the Government's commitment. This funding supports the retention of essential frontline healthcare workers and includes $22 million for 25 additional medical school places each year starting in 2025.While acknowledging the progress, Dr. Reti noted that there are still challenges ahead. "I acknowledge there are still gaps, but I am encouraged by the progress we’ve seen just this year," he said.

In response to rising food safety concerns, researchers from several prominent institutions are advocating for a more comprehensive approach to microbial food safety. The call comes from a recent review by experts at the Quadram Institute, the University of East Anglia, the Royal Veterinary College, and Massey University, highlighting the need for advanced, genome-based surveillance systems to safeguard the global food supply.The study, featuring contributions from Distinguished Professor Nigel French of Massey University's School of Veterinary Science, underscores the urgent necessity for holistic methods in assessing risks and monitoring microbial communities across the food chain.Globally, food borne illnesses affected one in ten people in 2010, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. Despite decades of knowledge about dangerous bacterial species and their impacts on health, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these bacteria infiltrate, persist, and evolve within an increasingly globalised food system. Additionally, there are concerns about emerging bacterial pathogens that current tools are unable to detect."Understanding how global drivers like climate change and technological innovations affect bacterial profiles in our food systems is increasingly challenging," said Professor French. "We need better data on microbial ecology shifts to develop effective interventions against food borne illnesses."The researchers emphasise the limitations of traditional methods that focus on individual bacterial species. Bacteria exist in complex, interacting communities capable of rapid evolution, making it imperative to monitor these communities comprehensively.Whole genome sequencing and metagenomics have emerged as pivotal tools in this effort. By sequencing the genomes of all organisms in a sample, metagenomics provides a detailed snapshot of the microbial environment. Whole genome sequencing helps identify genetic elements that enable bacteria to adapt to new ecological niches, such as developing antimicrobial resistance.These genomic tools have already proven invaluable in tracking and tracing food borne pathogens. For instance, they have been used to follow the microevolution of the globally prevalent Salmonella Typhimurium strain. This strain has acquired genes for antimicrobial resistance and heavy metal tolerance, as well as viral genes aiding its invasion of host cells, transforming it into a persistent global threat.Similarly, genome sequencing has advanced the prevention and control of Campylobacter, another significant food borne pathogen. These tools have enabled precise tracking of its transmission through the food chain and identification of outbreak sources."Genomic surveillance must be more widely adopted worldwide to stay ahead of emerging microbial threats," said Professor Alison Mather of the Quadram Institute. "Effective surveillance systems require sensitivity and timeliness to allow pre-emptive actions that prevent foodborne illnesses."The researchers call on governments and international agencies to invest in genome-based surveillance, ensuring its benefits are accessible globally. Currently, such surveillance is mostly concentrated in well-resourced areas, but food safety is a global issue requiring a global response.Dr. Matthew Gilmour of the Quadram Institute highlighted the economic and social benefits of global genomic surveillance. "As we gather more genomic and metagenomic data from diverse sources, surveillance becomes more effective. Food producers and businesses are beginning to adopt genomic technologies, recognizing their potential to enhance food safety."With dropping technology costs and increased access to training and knowledge exchange, a 21st-century system for preventing, detecting, and responding to microbial threats is taking shape. This system promises a more resilient food supply chain, benefiting everyone.

Can we imagine a world without fossil fuel advertising, let alone fossil fuels themselves? That was essentially the question posed by United Nations Secretary General António Guterres this week.Calling the coal, oil and gas industries the “godfathers of climate chaos”, who had “shamelessly greenwashed” environmental issues through lobbying, legal action and advertising campaigns, he said:I urge every country to ban advertising from fossil fuel companies.When the head of the UN calls on your industry to take action to help prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change, it should be a wake-up call. The next question is, then, are the New Zealand advertising and public relations industries listening?A movement gaining momentumIn 2022, France became the first country to ban fossil fuel ads, although critics say the law doesn’t go far enough, with natural gas and sponsorship of events exempt. Medical professionals in Canada and Australia have also called for bans on fossil fuel advertising.A private member’s bill in Canada’s parliament, aimed at curbing fossil fuel advertising, has passed its first reading. In Australia, a senate inquiry into greenwashing has heard allegations that Channel Ten blurred the line between news and natural gas advertising.The inquiry is due to report back at the end of this month. Meanwhile, Australian independent and Green MPs have endorsed Guterres’ call for an ad ban.Local governments have gone even further. Last week, the City of Edinburgh Council passed a ban on “high-carbon products and services”. Air travel, airports, SUVs, cruises and fossil fuel companies are specifically excluded from advertising on council-owned sites.Amsterdam was the first city to enact similar laws in 2021, and several smaller cities and regions in the United Kingdom and Europe have done the same.Closer to home, the Fossil Ad Ban campaign, run by Australian creative industries lobby group Comms Declare, has seen 16 local councils, including the City of Sydney, sign on to cut fossil fuel advertising in their regions.Targeting high-emissions industryNew Zealand’s largest fossil fuel company, Z Energy, has been taken to court by Consumer NZ, Lawyers for Climate Action NZ and the Environmental Law Initiative for claimed breaches of the Fair Trading Act.The case is based on Z Energy’s 2022 advertising campaign claim that “we’re in the business of getting out of the petrol business”, while fuel sales have since increased.According to research by the Sustainable Business Council, Z Energy (which is a member of the council) is among the companies “associated with sustainability among at least 50% of New Zealanders”.Z Energy is also one of seven corporate defendants facing court action brought by iwi leader Mike Smith, who alleges “public nuisance, negligence and climate system damage”.Advertising slow to changeTo date, no local or regional councils in Aotearoa New Zealand have enacted any ad bans of the type seen elsewhere in the world. Similarly, no major advertising or PR firms have declared an intention to divest their fossil fuel clients.Local initiative Ad Net Zero was launched last year to encourage decarbonisation within the advertising industry itself. Communications Council chief executive Simon Lendrum, who helped launch Ad Net Zero, said in a podcast interview last year there was a need for “collective systemic change”.But he drew the line at suggesting agencies drop fossil fuel clients from their rosters. Ending fossil fuel advertising without wider support from industry and government, he said, would be “facile”.Given the National-led coalition’s intention to revive oil and gas exploration, and its commitment to building more roads, it would seem unlikely Guterres’ call for an ad ban will gain much traction in Wellington.An anxious industryWithin the advertising industry itself, however, there is support for what Guterres is saying. In my work as a teacher, I find students regularly raise concerns about these ethical conflicts as they look to start their careers.Recent UK research shows climate anxiety is higher among those in the advertising industry than in the general public. More than half of industry respondents felt anxious about climate change, while almost 40% felt demoralised about it.This should come as little surprise. The industry is filled with young, passionate, intelligent and creative people. Advertising is about connecting the dots – bringing together concepts or ideas that might seem unrelated but which create new understandings and emotional “pull”.Perhaps advertising professionals simply made the connection between their own business and climate change sooner. The question is, will advertising agencies be bold enough to recruit and protect their future talent? Or will they continue to take the money, no matter the cost?- Author: Matt Halliday, Lecturer in Advertising and Brand Creativity, Auckland University of Technology

Ageism, often seen as a universally negative bias, can have beneficial aspects, according to Associate Professor Stephen Buetow of the University of Auckland. In his recent publication, Ageism and Person-Centred Care: Rehabilitating Bias for Age-Friendly Practice, Buetow argues for a nuanced understanding of ageism.Coasties may be intrigued by Buetow's perspective, which challenges conventional views and suggests that ageism, unlike other forms of discrimination, can sometimes yield positive outcomes.Buetow, from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, points out that ageism involves discriminating against both current and future selves. He emphasises the importance of distinguishing between harmful and beneficial forms of ageism, citing examples from health care and social policies."Of course, I'd denounce all forms of racism and sexism," Buetow says. "But I'd also question whether ageism is always a problem that people must never tolerate."The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the detrimental effects of ageism, framing older individuals as expendable. This overt ageism contrasted with subtler forms, such as treating children and older adults as invisible. Yet, Buetow argues that recognising ageism’s potentially positive aspects is equally important.Buetow references the World Health Organisation’s definition of ageism as involving stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age. While these terms are usually seen negatively, he argues that they can sometimes be justified and beneficial."Positive action deliberately and legally targets and safeguards the age interests of protected groups without directly and unfairly disadvantaging other age groups," Buetow explains.He cites mentorship programs where older individuals share their knowledge with younger generations and age-targeted health and social care services as examples of beneficial ageism. Other instances include age-appropriate restrictions, such as minimum ages for driving and accessing certain goods, which can save lives and promote maturity.Buetow also points out that society endorses age-based welfare benefits, such as superannuation for older individuals and health care subsidies for younger people. These measures demonstrate that ageism can sometimes result in fair and beneficial outcomes.In the realm of social interactions, ageism manifests in preferences for romantic partners of similar age, which is socially acceptable and often beneficial for shared interests. Additionally, offering an older person a seat on public transport, while seemingly paternalistic, can also be seen as considerate and promoting safety.Buetow’s argument extends to controversial areas, such as mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75, which he says might be welcomed for reasons beyond age alone. He suggests that focusing solely on the negative aspects of ageism misses opportunities to understand its moral implications and benefits.In his upcoming book, Buetow delves deeper into these themes, advocating for a balanced view of ageism. He believes that recognising both its positive and negative aspects can help create fairer and more effective policies."Unlike other ‘isms,’ ageism can have detrimental, favourable, or neutral outcomes," Buetow concludes. "True justice respects individuals' freedom to optimise and access differential treatment based on relevant age differences."Buetow's perspective invites locals to reconsider their views on ageism, encouraging a more nuanced approach that recognises the potential benefits alongside the harms.