A 15-year-old male has been arrested in connection with a series of aggravated robberies and burglaries on Auckland's North Shore over the past nine days. The arrest follows an intensive investigation by local police into the string of crimes.Inspector Michael Rickards, Waitematā East Relieving Area Commander, announced that the police are actively investigating two aggravated robberies on Rangatira Road in the Beach Haven suburb. These incidents are part of a broader investigation that also includes three burglaries in Birkenhead, Beach Haven, and Takapuna, where vehicles were used to force entry into properties."North Shore CIB charged a 15-year-old male in relation to this investigation," said Inspector Rickards. "He will appear in the Manukau Youth Court facing multiple counts of aggravated robbery, burglary, intentional damage, and vehicle charges."Inspector Rickards emphasised the community impact of these crimes, stating, "Police are aware of the impact that this careless criminal activity has on the victims and the community. We remain committed to holding offenders to account and ensuring our community can feel safe."The police are continuing their investigations and have not ruled out further arrests and charges. They are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation or who witnessed the incidents to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant information can contact the police through their 105 phone service or online at the police website, using the reference file number 240523/2661. Anonymous tips can also be provided via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

The transport agency is refusing to release a briefing on two public-private partnerships used to build expensive sections of state highway.Waka Kotahi prepared a detailed status update on both the Pūhoi-to-Warkworth and Transmission Gully motorways in December.While both roads have been open for months or more, Transmission Gully remains technically unfinished and beset by legal wrangling.Pūhoi, though it missed deadlines as it struggled with landslides, appears on track for a final close-out in December.The existence of the Waka Kotahi update was disclosed in a Treasury note, but Waka Kotahi rejected RNZ's Official Information Act request to release it on the grounds of commercial sensitivity and legal privilege.The Infrastructure Commission, in a long overdue independent review earlier this month, found the public-private partnership (PPP) was not the root cause of Transmission Gully's time and cost overruns.The final bills have yet to land for either motorway due to contractors' claims still being worked through.Nominally, the 27km-long Transmission Gully cost about $1.25 billion, and the 18km Pūhoi motorway possibly about $900m - but the latter has been hit by claims of more than $200m, related to Covid delays.The latest progress report on Pūhoi, released under the Official Information Act, had two full pages about "claims and determinations" completely blanked out. It listed 24 outstanding issues and five "high risks" to completely finishing the project, but said there had been good progress on them.Forty-two design changes had been finalised by April, and only three were still being worked on.The Pūhoi PPP consortium missed a goal of opening the road in August 2022 by several months, but it had made "excellent progress" on fixing non-compliant items as full works completion neared in April, the report said.Final "close-out" tests were forecast for December 2024.The Pūhoi motorway goes through patches of unstable land. RNZ earlier revealed that a large, slow-moving slip had cracked concrete barriers and damaged the road shoulder at a northern section, around the time the popular motorway opened in mid-2023.Waka Kotahi confirmed at the time there was deep-seated movement.It now said this site was fully repaired by September 2023 and was causing no concern now."Regular monitoring reports are produced by the contractor as part of this exercise."At one point there was a slip on surplus land that needed fixing, the progress report said.

The government has announced new social housing funding in Budget 2024, aimed at supporting more families into warm, dry homes from July 2025.Housing Ministers Chris Bishop and Tama Potaka revealed that $140 million has been allocated to fund 1,500 new social housing places provided by Community Housing Providers (CHPs). "This new investment underlines the Government’s commitment to housing New Zealanders in need in a fiscally sustainable way," said Mr Bishop.The social housing waitlist currently exceeds 25,000 applicants, with many families living in emergency housing motels or staying with relatives.Mr Potaka emphasised the urgency of the situation, noting, "The government has made the tough but fair decision to reprioritise money currently spent on first home grants and redirect it to community housing providers to help address the lack of social houses."The announcement was made during a visit to Dwell Housing Trust’s social housing development in Kilbirnie, which exemplifies the type of projects eligible for the new funding.Associate Housing Minister Tama PotakaMr Bishop outlined the allocation process for the 1,500 new homes, which will be managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from 1 July 2025 onwards. "These new homes will be contracted over the next 12-18 months," he said.Currently, social housing is procured from CHPs on a project-by-project basis.The new funding will see around 500 homes quickly allocated using the existing pipeline of CHP opportunities.Housing Minister Chris BishopMr Bishop highlighted three key objectives for this allocation: achieving value for money from government investment, contributing towards reducing the number of people in emergency housing motels, and ensuring a balanced approach between achievability and building capability in underserved regions."In short, this means the government will be prioritising social housing places where it will make the biggest difference and get whānau out of motels," added Mr Potaka.The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will communicate revised criteria for the 500 places to Community Housing Providers by 30 June 2024.The remaining 1,000 social housing places will be allocated using an "active purchaser" approach, which officials are developing for Ministerial approval throughout 2024.This concept, developed in the Independent Review of Kainga Ora, involves the government gaining a deeper understanding of housing needs at various levels and adopting a Social Investment approach to improve housing outcomes.Mr Bishop elaborated on the potential shift to active purchasing, saying, "HUD will be looking at developing longer-term strategic partnerships with some CHPs to achieve specific social and housing outcomes, rather than evaluating single proposals one by one."This approach will be part of a broader response to the Kainga Ora review and the government's wider review of housing funding programmes.The objective is to ensure that the new social housing places effectively address the current housing crisis and provide stable, secure homes for those in need.

Massey University’s initiatives to enhance student success, especially among Māori and Pacific learners, are yielding positive results, according to the latest Education Performance Indicators.Massey University has implemented a comprehensive strategy, known as Pūrehuroatanga, aimed at increasing student success and course completion by addressing learning barriers. The university’s recent data, submitted to the Tertiary Education Commission, reveals significant strides in key performance areas. Notably, first-year retention rates have surpassed targets ahead of schedule. The government’s performance metrics focus on course completion, first-year retention, student progression, and cohort-based qualification completion.Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes highlighted the progress among priority groups, stating, "We should collectively be very proud of these results. There have been some significant changes to the way we do things, including becoming far more student-centric to understand the complexities of the barriers our students face and how we tailor support to help them overcome these challenges."From 2016 to 2023, the parity gap for Māori learners has narrowed significantly, dropping from 10.1% to 1.6%. Similarly, the gap for Pacific learners has decreased from 12.8% to 6.4%. The overall course completion parity gap for Māori students improved from 12.9% in 2016 to 7.5% in 2023, while Pacific learners saw a reduction from 20.4% to 18.0% in the same period.Professor Byrnes and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly co-chair Pūrehuroatanga. Established in 2021, this initiative aims to consolidate existing student support activities across the university.Dr McGonagle-Daly remarked, "This collective and collaborative approach is about ensuring the university is removing barriers to students’ learning success. There are student-facing and academic support teams working alongside student representatives on large and complex projects to remove barriers, and these results show the changes are making a difference."Projects under Pūrehuroatanga range from simplifying student support access to utilising data to identify and assist students in need. These efforts include culturally appropriate learning support and mentoring programmes.Approximately 70% of Massey’s Pacific learners pursue their studies primarily or entirely by distance. Recognising the unique challenges faced by these students, the Office of Pacific Student Success offers comprehensive support through a culturally safe approach, building strong relationships within and beyond the university community.Dean Pacific Professor Tasa Havea shared an example of adaptive course delivery: "In one instance, we identified a course with notably high failure rates. Upon examination, we discovered the course featured weekly tests, which posed a challenge for students juggling multiple responsibilities. We asked the course coordinator to reconsider the assessment strategy, emphasising the importance of testing comprehension rather than organisational skills. By reducing the frequency of tests to two - one midway and one at the end - the course saw the highest pass rates among our Pacific students."Massey’s Ākonga Māori Student Success Support team delivers administrative, pastoral, and cultural support through Te Rau Tauawhi Māori Student Centre and academic support via a tuakana-teina mentoring programme. This initiative pairs experienced Māori students (tuakana) with newer students (teina) to offer tailored guidance and advice.Pou Ākonga Professor Dame Farah Palmer praised the mentoring programme, stating, "The Kaihāpai programme has the ability to inspire Māori to strive for success. It provides mentors with an opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge, and successes relating to their journey at Massey University and in tertiary study."Professor Palmer also noted the need for further improvements for part-time learners. "We are aware part-time learners have different challenges to overcome, and we’re looking at ways of culturally appropriate outreach. For example, we’re exploring working with iwi to engage part-time and distance learners through whakapapa, while also providing more online opportunities for whakawhanaungatanga and manaaki to be demonstrated from Massey to our Māori distance learners."

The Dental Suite Silverdale celebrated its third anniversary this month, marking a significant milestone under new leadership.Over the past three years, the clinic has undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding its services and dedicating itself to providing high-quality dental care.With new leadership taking charge three years ago, there was a clear vision to enhance the practice's standards.This vision has spurred continuous improvements, including the modernisation of facilities and the integration of state-of-the-art technology, all aimed at enhancing patient comfort and well-being.The team of skilled dental professionals is deeply committed to achieving exceptional results and fostering meaningful relationships with patients.Dr. Sherona Singh, Lead Dentist, and Owner, along with the entire team, express sincere gratitude to their patients for their unwavering loyalty, eagerly anticipating many more years of service ahead.

Demolition work began on the Gulf Harbour Country Club’s buildings yesterday, with the project expected to take a few days to complete.The demolition comes on the heels of significant fires that recently devastated the club's structures. Auckland Councillor John Watson expressed his outrage on Facebook, saying, “This is absolutely reprehensible. For months now, people have been saying the next thing that will happen at the abandoned golf club is the building will be burnt down – that happened to the pro-shop on Friday and barely two days later it is the Country Club itself next.”The local community, particularly members of Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS), are deeply affected by the fires and the subsequent demolition. The group, alongside Gulf Harbour and the wider Whangaparāoa community, mourns the loss of the Gulf Harbour Country Club (GHCC). "We believe these fires have resulted in the total loss of the main clubhouse and associated buildings," a KWGS representative stated.KWGS has long advocated for the preservation of the golf course, viewing it as a crucial element of the Gulf Harbour community, along with the Gulf Harbour Marina. They maintain that the golf course remains a viable business and an essential part of the area's original master-planned community. Despite the fires, the group believes that a new owner could rebuild the clubhouse, which required significant repairs, and create a more suitable facility for the community.The group continues to lobby both Auckland Council and the government to prevent any residential development on the GHCC land. The golf course land is protected by a 999-year Green Space encumbrance, a legal restriction that many Gulf Harbour residents relied upon when purchasing their properties. KWGS argues that this encumbrance must be upheld to preserve the character and green spaces of the area.As demolition progresses, the future of the Gulf Harbour Country Club site remains uncertain.

The Government has announced a significant investment in social housing, allocating $140 million to provide 1,500 new social housing places. This funding will be provided to Community Housing Providers (CHPs) starting from July 2025, addressing the urgent need for warm and dry homes for New Zealanders.According to Housing Minister Chris Bishop, this investment is crucial as funding for new social housing places under the previous Government ends in June 2025. The new social housing places will be allocated solely to CHPs, which currently provide over 13,000 social houses nationwide.The funding for these new social housing places will come from ending the First Home Grant, which was deemed an expensive and inefficient way to support first home buyers. The Government has chosen to reprioritise low-value expenditure to more important policy priorities, focusing support on New Zealanders who need it most.The First Home Loan, which allows first home buyers to purchase a home with a deposit as low as five per cent, will be retained. Additionally, KiwiSaver members can still withdraw funds for a first home house deposit. The discontinuation of the First Home Grant is expected to generate savings of $245 million over a four-year forecast period with minimal effect on home ownership rates.Kāinga Ora is no longer accepting new applications for First Home Grants, but will process existing applications and honour existing approvals. This significant investment in social housing aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in New Zealand.

Anyone walking around Auckland city centre should stay alert, the deputy mayor says, amid growing criminal behaviour in the CBD.There were anecdotal reports of criminal activity like "banging on shop doors, fighting with staff, loud language, intimidating behaviour", Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson told Checkpoint.Antisocial behaviour was "getting more frequent" and putting people off from the city centre and a solution was needed urgently, she said.Speaking from her own experience, she said: "I'm just very cautious about where I walk on my own. I shouldn't have to be, but I am very cautious. I think until we get this problem addressed more positively, everyone needs to have a high degree of personal awareness when they walk around the city, especially after dark."Statistics NZ is leaving its Auckland CBD office due to safety concerns. Staff have reported antisocial behaviour on the street and around the entrance to the office.Simpson said she had written to the ministers of police and mental health to find a solution together to address antisocial behaviour and crime in the central city."We're doing quite a lot from our perspective. We have added more money into the city centre in April for a safety coordinator with safety hubs, community patrols, New Zealand Māori and Pacific wardens," she said."And then again in May we've put some more funding in there for compliance wardens, but those compliance wardens really can only address low-level antisocial behaviour such as enforcing liquor bans and obstruction and general nuisance."But criminal behaviour has to be dealt with by police and we need the resources for that."There needed to be a bigger police presence in the city, she said.The Auckland Central Police Station is about 2.5km away from Ford and Queen streets.Simpson said people have had issues near the bus top on the corner of Ford St.On Tuesday, police area commander Grant Tetzlaff said crime in Auckland CBD had been growing over recent years, but had plateaued in the past six months.In a statement, Tetzlaff said police were working to help prevent alcohol-related disorder and crime."The issues causing crime in the CBD can be complex in nature and involve a number of agencies and community partners."For that reason, police cannot solve these issues alone."Simpson also wanted wraparound mental health services."We are hearing that a lot of this behaviour is potentially driven by mental health challenges."Simpson said she was aware the city could go into a downward spiral but "I wouldn't say it's critical"."I think we've got to a point where it is of serious concern and it does need some serious address."

Coasties will soon find it easier to access effective cold and flu medicine as pseudoephedrine returns to pharmacy shelves.Associate Health Minister David Seymour expressed his satisfaction with the recent law change that allows the public to purchase pseudoephedrine to protect against winter illnesses."Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their shelves," said Mr Seymour."In coming days, more and more Kiwis will be able to head down to their local pharmacy and get their hands on some effective cold and flu medicine."Mr Seymour highlighted the importance of this change, especially during the winter season when colds and flu are prevalent."This accessibility will be a real relief to New Zealanders suffering from colds and flu this winter.They will be able to access the same effective cold and flu medicines that are available in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States."While the accessibility of pseudoephedrine has been increased, safeguards remain in place to prevent misuse.Mr Seymour emphasised that pseudoephedrine will continue to be classified as a controlled drug and a precursor substance.Restrictions on importing and exporting these medicines are still in effect, and authorities like New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs have the power to seize illicit products."The coalition government has delivered on its commitment to making principled decisions by getting rid of red tape that doesn’t make sense and allowing sick New Zealanders greater freedom and choice to purchase effective cold and flu medicines," Mr Seymour stated.This decision marks a significant shift in policy, reflecting a balance between providing necessary healthcare options to the public and maintaining strict control measures to prevent the potential misuse of pseudoephedrine.The government's swift action and the efficient approval process by Medsafe have been crucial in implementing this change in time for the winter season.As pharmacies across the country begin to restock pseudoephedrine-based medicines, New Zealanders can look forward to better management of cold and flu symptoms with increased access to these effective treatments.

A $145 million finance deal has been secured by Ocean Flyer, a sustainable maritime transport pioneer, to acquire all-electric seagliders for New Zealand.Ocean Flyer and global asset manager MONTE have signed an agreement to finance the acquisition of seagliders from REGENT, marking a significant step towards enhancing connectivity across New Zealand. This deal is part of Ocean Flyer's larger $700 million agreement with US-based manufacturer REGENT to bring 25 seagliders to the country.Shah Aslam, CEO of Ocean Flyer, highlighted the importance of this initiative. "This initiative marks a significant step in Ocean Flyer’s mission to enhance prosperity and economic development in the regions, through efficient and affordable connectivity," he said.The seagliders, developed by a team of MIT graduates and former Boeing engineers, are designed to float, foil, and then fly 10 meters above the water at high speeds. These high-speed, zero-emission vessels promise to reduce travel time between Whangārei and Auckland to just 35 minutes.Ocean Flyer CEO Shah Aslam (right) with MONTE COO Timothy Eyre (left).MONTE, a UK-based investor, has a long history of arranging financing for transportation assets, amounting to more than NZ$42 billion over the past 30 years. The financing agreement with MONTE paves the way for the deployment of the first seagliders, which are backed by prominent investors such as Peter Thiel and Mark Cuban. REGENT’s order book now stands at NZ$15 billion, supported by major airlines like Japan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, as well as US defense primes.The high cost and reliability issues of domestic travel in New Zealand have been major concerns recently. Ocean Flyer's seagliders are expected to address these issues by providing an affordable and sustainable transport option. Ocean Flyer's mission is to revolutionise public transport in New Zealand, offering a new mode of travel that is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.This achievement comes after a series of strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed by Ocean Flyer throughout the year. These MOUs include agreements with Northport and Northland Inc to develop infrastructure for the launch of seaglider services. Additionally, partnerships with MetService and MetOcean will enhance Ocean Flyer's operational capabilities in New Zealand waters by leveraging historical and current weather data.In April 2022, Ocean Flyer signed a historic $700 million agreement with REGENT to bring 25 seagliders to New Zealand. Ocean Flyer is the world's first seaglider-only company, committed to providing a sustainable, fully electric, fast, and affordable mode of mass public transport.Ocean Flyer is dedicated to connecting communities across New Zealand, addressing climate change, and building a more resilient and affordable transport network for everyone. The introduction of seagliders represents a major milestone in New Zealand’s transport sector, promising to transform regional connectivity and support economic growth.

Last week's headlines regarding potential power cuts highlighted the growing concern around access to energy for households across the country. While nationwide efforts prevented winter blackouts, anxieties linger as colder weather approaches.Professor Gardner emphasises that access to heating is considered a basic human right by scholars, advocates, and even some at the United Nations. A recent UK survey found that nearly all respondents (97%) viewed it as essential for a decent quality of life.Despite this, a significant number of New Zealand households struggle to afford electricity.In 2023, an estimated 40,000 homes had their power cut due to unpaid bills, and one in five reported difficulty affording their monthly power costs.Market Forces and the Rise of Fuel PovertyProfessor Gardner attributes this situation partly to New Zealand's market-driven approach to essential services like electricity. Major energy companies enjoyed substantial profits in 2023, with Meridian, Contact, Genesis, and Mercury collectively reporting a combined total of NZ$2.7 billion.Fuel poverty, or difficulty affording adequate heating, is an ongoing challenge in New Zealand, particularly concerning home heating costs. The UK government defines a fuel-poor household as one that spends more than 10% of their income on energy to maintain a minimum indoor temperature.The situation has been exacerbated by recent events, including COVID-19, rising inequality, and the cost-of-living crisis. According to the government, in 2022, 110,000 households couldn't afford to keep their homes adequately warm. Māori, Pacific, and low-income households were disproportionately affected.The consequences of inadequate heating extend beyond discomfort. Dampness, mould growth, compromised nutrition due to prioritising heating costs, worsened health issues, and spoiled food are all potential risks.Limited Government Assistance Leaves Many VulnerableWhile Consumer NZ reported that 19% of households faced difficulty paying power bills in 2023 (not meeting the official "hardship" threshold), limited government assistance exists. Work and Income grants function as loans, adding to the financial strain.Professor Gardner criticises the current system, which largely places the responsibility on individual consumers. Those who cannot afford to pay their electricity bills risk disconnection and additional fees. This approach fails to consider the rising cost of living, with inflation outpacing minimum wage increases.Social Tariffs: A Potential SolutionNationalising energy companies may not be a practical solution, but implementing "social tariffs" is a viable alternative. These government-funded discount plans would specifically target low-income households.Social tariffs are used internationally to lessen the impact of profit-driven companies in essential sectors. The UK provides an example, where some telecommunications companies offer subsidised internet and phone plans for those on specific benefits. This reflects the growing recognition of internet access as a basic human right.Professor Gardner concludes by calling for a serious review of the system in New Zealand, considering the substantial profits of energy companies and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. With winter approaching, ensuring access to affordable energy necessitates immediate action to ensure all New Zealand households can stay warm.

Mayor Wayne Brown has announced a comprehensive plan to revitalise the city's public transport system, aiming to make it faster, cheaper, and more reliable. The proposal, to be considered by councillors this week, includes a $50 weekly fare cap for buses, trains, and inner-harbour ferries, as well as an expansion of Auckland Transport's Fareshare scheme to support businesses in subsidising staff travel costs."I'm listening to Aucklanders who asked for more spending on public transport in the LTP consultation. It's time we got on with making buses fast and reliable. That will ensure a smooth transition to Time of Use Charging, which is needed to decongest our roads," Mayor Brown stated.The plan allocates $5.8 billion in funding for Auckland Transport's operating expenses over the next decade, alongside $14 billion in capital investment. This includes additional funding to protect existing bus routes, essential track maintenance, and initiatives to deliver dynamic lanes and low-cost network improvements.Bus driver safety is also a priority, with $6.5 million set aside for the rapid installation of security screens on AT buses. Auckland Tramways Union president Gary Froggatt welcomed the proposal, stating, "We welcome this because something needs to be done. Drivers will be pleased this has been progressed in the Mayor's final proposal."The proposal further provides funding for the removal of railway level crossings in Takanini, a crucial step in realising the full benefits of the City Rail Link. The Budget Committee, comprising all 20 councillors and two members of the Independent Māori Statutory Board, will meet on Thursday, May 15, to consider the mayor's final proposal.

Penlink Joins NZ Transport UpgradesTransport Minister Simeon Brown has revealed that the Penlink project is now part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme. Additionally, the coalition government is introducing Roads of Regional Significance to complement Roads of National Significance, aiming to advance priority roading projects countrywide. This decision comes as a response to the mismanagement of the NZ Upgrade Programme by the previous government, which led to significant cost overruns, project cancellations, and delays nationwide. Moving forward, all responsibilities regarding project scope and delivery will be delegated to the NZ Transport Agency, marking a positive shift towards efficient and effective infrastructure development across New Zealand.Auckland Ratepayers Call on Minister to Support PetitionTransport Minister Simeon Brown has voiced his backing for Mayor's plea for greater accountability following Auckland Transport's implementation of 24-hour parking charges in the CBD. Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance Spokesperson, Sam Warren, criticised Auckland Transport's decisions, highlighting the lack of accountability to Aucklanders. Warren expressed concerns over the autonomy of Auckland Transport, urging the Minister to join in signing a petition aimed at reversing the proposed parking changes and restoring accountability. The petition can be accessed at ratepayers.nz/cbd_parkingFraudster Sentenced for Gambling FraudIosefa Ta’alo Ape, also known as Joseph Aiono, from Auckland, has been sentenced for offences relating to the misappropriation of class 4 (pokies) grant funds.Mr Ape, associated with the Hoop Star Basketball Academy, submitted grant applications with fictitious costs exceeding $75,000.His sentence includes 6 months of home detention, followed by another 6 months under post-detention conditions, along with reparations.Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling at DIA, hailed the prosecution as a community triumph, vowing zero tolerance towards such dishonest practices.

Auckland Transport (AT) should go back and consult with affected parties over its new overnight on-street parking changes, says deputy mayor Desley Simpson.From 1 July, AT plans to make drivers pay for on-street parking 24 hours a day in central Auckland, and introduce paid parking in some areas of the city where it was currently free.Simpson said AT's strategy had been "poorly executed" and she felt for inner city residents and businesses.No one had directed AT to bring in 24/7 parking charges without consultation, she said."The trouble with the plan is it has come as a shock to everybody, and I think there needed to be a wider stakeholder consultation around what Auckland Transport was planning and how to work with key stakeholders who potentially use overnight parking and to find a more reasonable solution."Simpson told Checkpoint she agreed with mayor Wayne Brown that AT needed to look at revising parking charges to increase revenue, "but somehow that's been translated into immediately hit the centre city parking zone, immediately take everything overnight and take all the loading zones that were traditionally free after 6pm... so I just think it's been poorly executed, and we haven't looked at it more regionally and I'm a bit surprised, really."I feel for a lot of residents in the CBD and a lot of business owners who are basically saying, 'Heck, what's all this about, and why didn't I know, and why couldn't I have a say, and how do I deal with my own solution in a more reasonable way?'"Questions had been raised about how the new parking charges had been communicated to council representatives. Simpson said she had been told that the Waitematā Local Board received a memo from AT about them on 11 April but it was unclear what was their response."I just think the communications around this ... to the mayor, to all councillors ... could have been better."However, AT chief executive Dean Kimpton told Morning Report he personally delivered the news to Brown in April.In addition, it had been "an open discussion all the way through the Long-Term Plan process"."Auckland Transport needs to find $73 million worth of savings in the year coming - that includes cost reductions, but it also includes looking at revenue sources, and this is one of those," Kimpton said."If we don't find those savings, the ratepayers - including the business ratepayers inside the central city area - could face up to 3 percent increase on rates."Could there be exemptions for overnight workers in the CBD, such as cleaners?"I think there definitely should be something for that particular sector ... absolutely," Simpson said."This has been brought in when we do not have 24/7 public transport available to all users."In many cases, there is no other transport option for these people ... and I think there is a reasonable case for some exemptions there."Residential parking permits for inner-city dwellers could "absolutely" be an option.The issue was who ultimately controlled Auckland Transport, she said."And like the Minister for Auckland [Simeon Brown] and the mayor, I think there needs to be political direction around public transport."The political direction to Auckland Transport was try and be more commercial when it comes to parking, but it was about ... the region as a whole."From my perspective, no one ever gave Auckland Transport the direction to hit the city, start charging for parking 24/7 and do it now."Asked if AT needed to consult further on the changes, she said, "Yes i do believe that would be fair."Earlier on Monday, Kimpton said the parking price hikes were not happening in isolation, saying AT was working on a permit system for people who work odd hours in the city, capping the cost of public transport for regular users and "encouraging employers through our fair share scheme to subsidise the cost of their employees coming into the city, or anywhere across Auckland, on public transport"."Money that we do raise through this - and we expect to raise about just under a million dollars - we will reinvest in the great public transport into the city and safety, so that people feel safe and it's available."So this is not just an increase without context. There's a lot of context, and Auckland Council does support it."

A recent Customs investigation in Auckland has resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the confiscation of significant contraband, including over 1.36 million illicit cigarettes, two firearms, and a substantial amount of cash.This morning, Customs executed search warrants in Auckland’s North Shore, leading to the apprehension of a 35-year-old male suspect, who is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court this week.The operation uncovered illicit cigarettes and a substantial sum of cash.The arrests follow a series of search warrants carried out last Friday, with assistance from the Police, targeting three residential properties, a private catamaran, and a storage facility in the North Shore, as well as a commercial business in Greenlane.During the raids on Friday, three men and one woman, aged between 35 and 45, were apprehended and appeared in the North Shore District Court the same day. At one residential property, authorities discovered a significant amount of cash, two firearms, ammunition, and additional evidence. In a self-storage facility, 286 black rubbish sacks containing over 1.3 million undeclared cigarettes were seized, representing approximately NZ$2 million in revenue evasion.The defendants face multiple charges, including defrauding Customs revenue, possession or custody of undeclared goods, sale of undeclared goods, and participation in an organised crime group. Further charges are under consideration.Customs Investigations Manager, Dominic Adams, disclosed that Operation Montreal, initiated in February 2024, targeted a network believed to be responsible for the large-scale distribution of undeclared cigarettes across Auckland.Adams highlighted the broader implications of illicit tobacco trade, emphasising its association with organised crime and its adverse impact on communities. He urged public cooperation in combating such activities, underscoring Customs' commitment to addressing tax evasion and related crimes."This issue extends beyond smuggling cheap cigarettes. Well-resourced organised criminal groups often exploit this trade, potentially funding more serious criminal activities," Adams stated.Concerned individuals can report suspicions or knowledge of illegal smuggling activities to Customs via the 24-hour confidential hotline at 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.

The ongoing Wellbeing@Work research, led by Professor Jarrod Haar of Massey Business School, delves into the challenges of job burnout in New Zealand.The study, which tracks burnout rates every four months, identifies emotional exhaustion, mental distancing, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment as key dimensions of burnout.Since 2020, Professor Haar has surveyed over 1000 representative New Zealand employees in each wave of the study.Recent data from April 2024 paints a worrying picture.It indicates a significant rise in burnout rates, with one in two employees, or 57 per cent of the workforce, now falling into the high burnout risk category.This represents a doubling since December 2023, when the rate stood at 25 per cent, surpassing the previous high of 43 per cent recorded in November 2021.Professor Haar highlights the severity of the situation, describing the doubling of burnout risk as both shocking and perilous for individuals and employers alike.Burnout not only increases the likelihood of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression but also leads to higher rates of insomnia.Moreover, burnt-out workers are significantly more inclined to contemplate quitting their jobs and engaging in poor work behaviours, which can incur substantial costs for employers.The research also unveils disparities across professions.Clerical workers (87.9 per cent), educational professionals (86.6 per cent), office managers (70.7 per cent), and health professionals (63.5 per cent) report the highest levels of burnout.Conversely, business professionals (22.2 per cent), salespeople (23.1 per cent), office support workers (23.3 per cent), and information and communication technology professionals (25 per cent) experience lower rates.The primary driver behind the surge in burnout is identified as the escalation of job insecurity.The perception of job threat has surged from 22 per cent in December 2023 to 48.4 per cent in April 2024.Professor Haar underscores the profound impact of this trend on the workforce, with those in the high job insecurity group being 14.5 times more likely to be at risk of burnout.In a noteworthy shift, employees now exhibit higher burnout rates than managers, with both groups reaching alarming levels according to Professor Haar.While no gender differences were observed, significant variations emerged across sectors, with the private sector leading at 59.8 per cent, followed by the public sector at 48.7 per cent, and the not-for-profit sector at 40 per cent.Regional discrepancies are evident, with the South Island reporting the lowest burnout numbers (Nelson at 14.3 per cent, West Coast and Otago both at 33.3 per cent), while Gisborne recorded the highest at 81.1 per cent, followed by Bay of Plenty at 71.9 per cent and Waikato at 67 per cent.Ethnicity also plays a role, with Pākehā at 65.1 per cent, Māori at 43.3 per cent, and Asian at 17.6 per cent reporting varying levels of burnout.Moreover, differences in working environments contribute to burnout rates, with full-time home workers reporting the lowest levels (15.4 per cent), followed by full-time office workers (31.8 per cent), and hybrid workers, who experience the highest productivity levels but also the highest burnout rate at 72.4 per cent.Professor Haar emphasises the urgent need for action from employers and leaders to address these concerning trends.Clearer and faster job restructures, coupled with empathetic communication, are essential steps to alleviate worker stressors and mitigate burnout risks.The rising prevalence of job burnout underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the wellbeing of employees and maintain a healthy workforce.

Sleep positions can affect how you sleep and cause or aggravate some health issues, a sleep scientist says.Sleep scientist Dr Kat Lederle said some people did not mind what position they slept in, whilst others had a preferred position but that could also change over time."But I think one that a lot of people like is sleeping on the side, then I think some people like sleeping on their front and then we've got the back sleepers."There are two main problems that people talk about in relation to sleep position, she said.The first is pain in the back, neck or hip which can be due to a misalignment of the spine and the neck, she said."That's predominantly for those who are lying on their front - the head either goes to the left or to the right and that puts quite some tension on the neck."The other relates to breathing difficulties, for example sleep apnoea can be aggravated by sleeping on your back, she said.For those who got shoulder pain as a result of sleeping on their side, special pillows were available to place between the knees in order "to try and keep everything in alignment and thereby reduce pressure perhaps on the shoulder", she said.People who suffered from neck pain may benefit from using a flatter pillow, she said."I'm thinking there of alignment of the neck, of the spine, of the hip, that it's all on one level, or as much as you can get it on one level. I would avoid having a thick big pillow because then you actually put some strain on your neck."It may not be a good idea to sleep the entire night on your stomach as that can lead to neck pain and potentially stomach issues such as acid reflux, she said.People who have some type of pain during the day can be restless sleepers, she said."There is something about trying to find a comfortable position and often if there's chronic back pain no position is perfect for the entire night, so there's a lot of sort of restlessness, a lot of shifting and tossing and turning."The person is not necessarily completely awake, but that type of restless sleep meant they probably get less restorative deep sleep, she said.That can lead to a vicious cycle, she said."You haven't slept so very well because of pain but then not having slept well we know we're more sensitive to pain so then you've got another painful day ahead of you followed by probably a painful night."Pregnancy can also disrupt sleep due to discomfort and it seemed to be more helpful for pregnant people to sleep on their left side, she said."That sort of can release tension and pressure and generally support their wellbeing and the baby's wellbeing."It was recommended that anyone who suffered from acid reflux also sleep on their left side, she said.But although it was worth being informed about different sleeping positions and their potential benefits and hazards, there were no hard and fast rules about what position people should sleep in, she said.It was important "not to get too hung up and stressed about it because that can actually then lead to poor sleep", she said.There was no one size fits all in terms of mattresses, duvets and pillows, she said.That was because everyone had different body shapes and preferences..If possible, people should trial a mattress to find out if it was right for them before buying, she said."That is sort of the little niggle or problem I sometimes have when there is one product that's being advertised as the sleep solution for every single person on this planet, it's just not true."Unfortunately we have to all find what is working for me at this moment in my life."

OpenAI, in collaboration with Microsoft, is poised to revolutionise the search engine landscape with the launch of a new AI-powered search tool. Scheduled for debut on Monday (Tuesday NZ), this innovative product aims to challenge Google's dominance in the search market, leveraging OpenAI's cutting-edge ChatGPT technology.Set against the backdrop of Google's impending annual I/O conference, where the tech titan is expected to unveil new AI-driven features, OpenAI's strategic announcement adds a compelling dimension to the competitive dynamics within the industry.The forthcoming search engine represents a significant advancement, harnessing the capabilities of ChatGPT to deliver web-sourced information augmented with citations. By addressing previous limitations in accuracy and real-time updates, this initiative seeks to redefine the search experience for users.According to sources, the new search tool extends ChatGPT's functionality, enabling it to retrieve directly cited information from the internet. This enhancement marks a pivotal milestone in OpenAI's quest to enhance user engagement and accessibility, building upon the platform's previous achievements in driving record-breaking user interactions.In a landscape marked by rapid technological innovation, OpenAI's foray into the realm of AI-powered search reflects the broader trend of industry players seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible. The integration of generative AI into search engines, exemplified by Google's recent initiatives, underscores the evolving nature of user expectations and the relentless pursuit of enhanced functionality and utility.However, OpenAI's entry into the AI search domain is not without competition. Startup Perplexity, spearheaded by a former OpenAI researcher, has emerged as a formidable contender, boasting a valuation of $1 billion. Perplexity's user-friendly AI search interface, complemented by citations and multimedia integration, has garnered significant traction, with over 10 million monthly active users.The emergence of Perplexity underscores the intensifying rivalry in the AI space, with both established players and newcomers vying for market share and mindshare. As the industry continues to evolve towards more sophisticated and interactive AI solutions, the stage is set for a dynamic and fiercely competitive landscape.

As the economic landscape of Auckland unfolds, recent statistics reveal both shifts and constants in key indicators. The Auckland economy continues to navigate fluctuating trends, with notable updates across various sectors.According to recent data, the real value of imports through Auckland's seaports for the year ended March 2024 stood at $30.9 billion. While this reflects a 7% decline compared to the previous year, it marks a 6% increase from five years ago. In contrast, the rest of New Zealand recorded imports totaling $31.5 billion, reflecting a significant 23% drop from the previous year.In the realm of real estate, the average weekly rent in Auckland for February 2024 held steady at $675. This figure mirrors the rental rates from the same period in 2023, remaining unchanged over the past eight years. Conversely, the national average for weekly rent, at $584, maintained parity with February 2023 figures, echoing a trend observed over the last three years.The housing market in Auckland experienced robust activity, with 20,639 houses sold for the year ending March 2024. This represents a notable 10% increase compared to the preceding year and surpasses the total sales volume for all of 2023. However, it falls short of the sales figures recorded from 2012 to 2022.Median house prices in Auckland for March 2024 held steady at $1,050,000 in real terms, mirroring figures from eight years ago. This marks a marginal 1% decrease from the previous year but aligns closely with pricing trends observed over the last 15 months. Notably, it stands at a significant 29% below the peak recorded in 2021.Despite fluctuations, the number of new dwellings consented in Auckland for the year ending March 2024 reached 14,699. While this represents a 33% decrease from the peak observed in September 2022, it remains above pre-COVID-19 levels. However, it marks the lowest recorded figure since then.In the realm of non-residential construction, the real value of new buildings consented in Auckland for the year ended March 2024 remained stable at $2,982 million. This figure is consistent with the previous year's data, reflecting trends observed over the past twelve months, albeit registering an 11% decline from the peak recorded in November 2022.On the employment front, Auckland recorded an unemployment rate of 4.2% for the quarter ended December 2023. While marginally higher than the record lows observed in the previous two years, it remains lower than the rates recorded from 2008 to 2017 and comparable or below those from 2018 to 2021. Moreover, the number of employed individuals in Auckland for the same quarter saw a 3.6% increase compared to December 2022, attributable to both population growth and a higher labour force participation rate.In summary, the economic landscape of Auckland in April 2024 reflects a mixture of stability, growth, and adjustments across various sectors. While certain indicators demonstrate resilience and positive momentum, others signal the impact of external factors and ongoing trends.