Auckland Transport has welcomed Dale Dillicar to its board, filling its final voting member seat and expanding the expertise guiding the region's public transport system. Mrs. Dillicar will also chair the Finance and Assurance Committee, a role key to ensuring robust financial governance and oversight.Councillor Christine Fletcher, who chaired the selection panel, expressed optimism about Mrs. Dillicar's future contributions to Auckland Transport. "I am delighted to welcome Dale to the board of Auckland Transport. She brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of financial experience that will add a valuable dimension to our board, complementing the talents of our existing members as we continue to deliver long-term value for Auckland," she said.Mrs. Dillicar, a Chartered Accountant and qualified Treasurer, has over 25 years of global experience in finance and risk management. During 12 years in the United Kingdom, she developed deep expertise in treasury management, strategic risk, and financial operations. She is currently General Manager of Risk Assurance at Fonterra and previously served in roles focused on commercial strategy, innovation, and financial leadership.Her professional background aligns with Auckland Transport's focus on developing a safe, efficient, and integrated transport network for the people of Auckland. As a board director, Mrs. Dillicar’s experience is expected to contribute significantly to the organisation’s mission, bringing a strong focus on financial integrity and accountability.The appointment was ratified by Auckland Council’s Performance and Appointments Committee on 22 October. This committee is responsible for appointing board members to council-controlled organisations in line with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members, as well as the Local Government Act.

The Government is introducing several amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, aiming to reduce youth access to vaping products.Under the new Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2), these changes, expected to take effect from November 2024, will primarily impact specialist vape retailers and address the sale, display, and disposal of vaping products.The first of the upcoming changes will require all new specialist vape stores to be at least 100 metres away from licensed Early Childhood Education centres (ECEs).This rule does not apply to existing vape stores or general retailers.New applications for specialist vape stores within the restricted zones will not be approved.Existing regulations, which require vape stores to be at least 300 metres from schools and marae, remain unchanged.The amendment will also introduce higher penalties for violations.Fines for selling vapes to minors will rise sharply, increasing from $10,000 to $100,000 for businesses and from $5,000 to $10,000 for individuals.Retailers found selling to minors may also face increased infringement fines, with penalties rising to $2,000 for a retailer and $1,000 for other parties involved.Another major change involves stricter controls on the visibility of vaping products.General retailers will no longer be allowed to display vaping products, and specialist vape stores must ensure their products cannot be seen from outside.The Ministry of Health plans to release further guidance to assist retailers in complying with these regulations.Additionally, the Bill will implement a ban on disposable vapes, aiming to reduce waste and prevent easy access for minors.The ban will take effect six months after the Bill becomes law, allowing retailers and manufacturers time to adjust their operations.

Kiwis are facing rising expenses as the cost of living increased by 3.8 percent over the past year, according to figures released today by Stats NZ. The Household Living-Costs Price Indexes (HLPIs) – which track the cost of everyday essentials for various household groups – have shown steady increases, with the latest figure reflecting ongoing financial pressures on households across the Hibiscus Coast.The latest HLPI data revealed that rising interest payments were the single largest contributor to the overall increase, climbing by 18.2 percent over the past 12 months. Insurance premiums also spiked by 16.4 percent, while rent rose by 4.8 percent. These increases follow a 5.4 percent jump in the previous quarter, marking the third consecutive quarter of rising living costs for New Zealanders.A separate measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which captures overall price changes across the country, rose by 2.2 percent. However, the CPI and HLPI differ in scope; while the CPI tracks price increases broadly, the HLPI focuses specifically on household spending, capturing the impact of costs on daily budgets.According to Nicola Growden, Stats NZ’s Consumer Prices Manager, high mortgage interest rates are weighing heavily on households, with interest payments rising sharply since 2021. "Mortgage interest payments remain high and continue to contribute significantly to living costs for many households," Growden said.Various groups are affected differently. For beneficiary households, costs rose by 3.8 percent, with rent making up a substantial 29 percent of their total spending. Meanwhile, Māori households also saw a similar 3.9 percent rise, largely driven by higher interest payments and rent increases. The highest increase in living costs was felt by low-income households, where the cost of living rose by 4.3 percent over the past year.Superannuitants have seen a 3.9 percent increase in living costs, due mainly to insurance and property rates, which take up a larger share of spending for this group compared to others. By contrast, high-income households experienced a slightly lower increase of 3.7 percent, but also felt the impact of increased interest rates and property-related expenses.

As Guy Fawkes Night arrives, locals are encouraged to celebrate responsibly, with safety as a top priority. With recent dry, windy conditions across the Hibiscus Coast and beyond, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has warned that fireworks pose an elevated fire risk this year.For those planning to light fireworks, it’s recommended to start with a quick check of current conditions at checkitsalright.nzIf winds are high or conditions appear risky, officials urge residents to consider rescheduling their displays to reduce the chance of unintentional fires.Here are a few steps to ensure safe celebrations tonight:Choose the Right Spot – Use an open area away from dry grass, trees, or structures that might catch fire.Safety Supplies – Keep a hose or a large bucket of water handy in case of sparks or accidents.Be Considerate – Let neighbours know if you’ll be setting off fireworks, especially those with pets or livestock.Dispose of Fireworks Properly – Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them out.Fireworks are typically permitted only on private property, but locals are advised to check local bylaws for specific guidelines and restrictions.Enjoy the evening’s festivities, but remember – a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.

Locals will bid farewell to Stanmore Bay Chiropractic Clinic on Wednesday, November 20, its last day for appointments.Chiropractor Jared Stebbings cited rising expenses at his other clinic as the reason for the closure."I'm unable to split my time and resources effectively between both locations," he said.Stebbings thanked the community for trusting him with their care and supporting the clinic over the past two years.He invites patients to reach out to discuss ongoing care and ensure a smooth transition.The closure marks the end of an era for local healthcare services, but Stebbings is committed to supporting patients through the transition.For more information or to discuss care, contact Stanmore Bay Chiropractic Clinic before November 20.

The Government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at enhancing New Zealand's creative sector, focusing on bolstering the economy and increasing community engagement with culture and the arts. Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith introduced the strategy, titled Amplify, as a public consultation document, inviting feedback from all Kiwis.“Amplify has been released for public consultation, and I encourage people to read the strategy and to share their feedback,” Goldsmith stated. “There’s an opportunity to increase the impact of our arts and culture here and on the world stage, and significantly increase the sectors’ contribution to GDP and export revenue by 2030.”The strategy identifies four primary goals: positioning New Zealand among the top 25 nations globally for cultural influence, aligning creative professionals’ earnings closer to national median wages, increasing the sector's GDP contribution to $20 billion, and inspiring more New Zealanders to engage with the nation’s arts, culture, and heritage.Goldsmith also acknowledged the sector's challenges, highlighting how Amplify intends to support creative communities across the country. The strategy outlines three key areas for action over the next six years:Investment Impact: Maximising the $450 million annual Crown investment to boost sectoral growth.Talent Development: Building a sustainable talent pipeline to foster long-term creative careers.Growth Enablers: Streamlining regulations to lower entry barriers and support expansion."This is just a draft, and I am open to ideas," Goldsmith added, urging all New Zealanders to engage with the document.

Auckland's residential property market has shaken off its winter blues, with sales numbers and prices surging in October.The latest data from Barfoot & Thompson reveals a 2.2% rise in median price to $955,000 and a 4.5% jump in average price to $1,129,950.This welcome upturn is music to the ears of Coasties, who saw 969 sales for the month – a 14.5% increase on October last year.Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & ThompsonPeter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson, credits reduced mortgage interest rates, falling inflation, and the arrival of spring for the boost."The perfect storm of positive factors has instilled confidence in buyers and sellers," Thompson said."We've seen a remarkable 51.3% increase in new listings, reaching 2,361 – the highest in nearly three years."First-home buyers and those in the under $750,000 segment accounted for 23% of sales, while luxury buyers in the $2 million-plus bracket made up 7%.The rural and lifestyle markets, though slower to respond, are showing signs of life, with salespeople reporting a significant improvement over the past 12 months.The increased listings and sales may moderate price growth, providing relief for buyers.With 5,611 properties on the market, Coasties have ample choice."This momentum is expected to continue, but the high number of available properties will likely prevent prices from rising too quickly," Thompson noted.The dataMedian price: $955,000 (up 2.2% from September)Average price: $1,129,950 (up 4.5% from September)Sales: 969 (up 14.5% from October 2023)New listings: 2,361 (up 51.3% from September)Month-end stock: 5,611 (up 11.4% from September)

Locals across Auckland, may soon find it easier to navigate the region's traffic rules. Auckland Transport, in collaboration with Auckland Council, has proposed consolidating multiple traffic-related bylaws into one streamlined document. This review aims to simplify Auckland’s existing traffic bylaws without making any changes to current driving, parking, or vehicle-use regulations.Andrew McGill, Group Manager for Transport Network Planning and Policy at Auckland Transport, explained the benefits of this approach. “The aim is to have all of Auckland’s traffic-related rules in one place instead of spread across three different bylaws,” he said. “It won’t change how you can currently drive, park and move around Auckland, but it will help make the rules clearer and easier to follow.”The proposal would merge Auckland Transport’s Traffic Bylaw 2012, Auckland Council’s Traffic Bylaw 2015, and elements of the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 into a new, unified Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw.While this update won’t alter existing driving practices, it does aim to address some specific issues more effectively. For example, it would allow authorities to respond more efficiently to concerns such as unpermitted vehicles on beaches or unsafe truck parking. Additionally, the review will remove outdated regulations that are no longer enforceable, such as setting speed limits—a responsibility now managed by central government under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.Louise Mason, General Manager for Policy at Auckland Council, clarified the purpose of bylaws in supporting local needs. “Bylaws are local rules designed to respond to issues that affect residents and to reflect the views of the region’s communities,” Mason stated. “The council’s elected governing body gives the final sign-off on bylaw changes, which can then be enforced by the police, councils, and council-controlled organisations.”Auckland residents are encouraged to share their views on this proposal. Public feedback is open from Monday, 4 November to Wednesday, 4 December 2024, on Auckland Transport’s “Have Your Say” page, with details available on in-person events for those interested in attending.

The government has announced a $2.5 million plan to help teens who failed critical NCEA reading, writing and maths tests earlier this year.Education Minister Erica Stanford said the money would provide teachers at about 160 schools with literacy and numeracy teaching training, as well as release time to hold small group sessions with their students.She said about 10,000 students would benefit in the current school term and in term 1 next year.The funding was targeted based on results from the May round of tests, in which just 46 percent of the 55,000 students who attempted the numeracy test passed. In reading and writing, the pass rates were 59 and 56 percent.The government's announcement followed teachers' and principals' warnings that some students were struggling with the online tests and the alternative - 20 credits in specific standards - was also proving difficult.They warned that NCEA achievement rates would plummet because students must pass the corequisites before they could be granted any NCEA qualifications.Stanford said there was a delicate balance to be struck with the corequisites."When you see young people who are struggling to get across the line the first thing is 'oh well I will just drop the standard' but that doesn't help anyone and it doesn't help those young people. This is a foundational literacy and numeracy assessment, I need to get them across the line," she said.Teachers had been very vocal about "the issues with the literacy and numeracy corequisite", Stanford said."It's really important that ... young people who are struggling to get their literacy and numeracy corequisite have more targeted support."So, small group interventions from teachers who are well-versed in the literacy and numeracy corequisites, who can sit and work in a tailored situation with those students to help them get across the line."Stanford said certain schools and parts of New Zealand needed particular help.The shift to structured literacy and numeracy in primary schools would ensure future cohorts of students were better prepared for the corequisites but in the meantime the government wanted to help teenagers who would not benefit from that change, she said."Those are the kids that are at the moment working really hard, they're sitting the co-requisite two or three or four times to get across the line."Being able to pay for release time to have that small-group, tailored support intervention in place to hep them get across the line is going to be just one of many things that we'll be announcing."Stanford said schools in the initiative had students in Years 9-11 and she expected some would extend the extra help to students in Years 12-13 who were running out of time to pass the corequisites before they finished secondary school.Funding for the intervention might be extended if results from the May round of corequisite tests next year showed it had been effective and if there was still need for it.In September, Stanford announced the alternative pathway would remain until the end of 2027, two years later than originally planned.'Playing catch up'Secondary Principals' Association president Vaughan Couillault told Morning Report teachers were playing "catch up" with students.He said $2.5m might seem like a lot of money, but divided up among schools and students, it wouldn't go far.There were a number of reasons students were behind in literacy and numeracy, Couillault said."They're starting from a place further back than historically we would be comfortable with."And that went all the way back to students starting primary school, he said."All along the way there's people playing catch up."Couillault said it was important to get the curriculum changes in place and then worry about measuring achievement against that.

In recent months, concerns have grown among New Zealanders about the impact of crossbreeding on animal welfare, particularly as trends in designer pets like the ‘XL Bully cat’ gain popularity. Associate Professor Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere from Auckland Law School recently highlighted potential welfare issues on platforms including RNZ and TVNZ. His comments stem from a broader conversation about the ethics and health implications of New Zealand’s largely unregulated breeding industry.The ‘XL Bully cat,’ a cross between the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds, has garnered global attention due to its unusual appearance. However, according to Rodriguez Ferrere, crossbreeding for appearance can come at a significant cost to animals. “We see many adverse effects,” he told 95bFM’s Joel Armstrong. One prominent issue is that cats bred without coats, like the XL Bully, struggle to regulate body temperature effectively, which can lead to serious health problems.Associate professor Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere (Auckland Law School)While agricultural animals in New Zealand are bred under regulated practices, with oversight aimed at ensuring productivity and efficiency, Rodriguez Ferrere notes that companion animals such as dogs and cats are not subject to the same legal framework. The absence of strict guidelines allows some breeders to prioritise aesthetics over animal health, resulting in pets prone to chronic conditions. In popular breeds like the French Bulldog, selective breeding for physical traits has led to respiratory and spinal issues, which can impact quality of life.The demand for specific designer breeds also drives a lucrative underground market in New Zealand. Popular pets, such as French Bulldogs and Jack Russells, can sell for thousands of dollars, attracting both responsible breeders and those operating outside of ethical standards. Without robust regulatory standards, animal welfare advocates worry that more animals will face poor breeding conditions, driven by high demand.Rodriguez Ferrere suggests that stricter regulations could help address these issues. "We have a massive blind spot,” he said, pointing to the gap between animal welfare laws and the realities of the designer breeding market. Increased awareness and legal frameworks, he argues, could lead to better protections for animals bred in New Zealand.

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast and Auckland will see their rates contributing to a diverse range of essential services and development projects aimed at improving the city’s resilience, liveability, and growth.Auckland Council is working to keep rates increases as low as possible, with a modest rise of 6.8% for 2024/2025, among the lowest rate adjustments nationwide for average residential properties.Auckland Council's rates help deliver vital community services and infrastructure that keep the city thriving.For the current period, Auckland has implemented one of the smallest rates increases, aiming to balance fiscal prudence with necessary investments in community assets.The new rates will support various projects that improve public transport, local amenities, safety, environmental resilience, and neighbourhood revitalisation.The Council’s recently released Long-term Plan for 2024-2034 outlines strategic investments planned for the next decade.Priorities include enhanced public transport options, flood risk mitigation, community development, and ongoing urban revitalisation.The plan details a significant commitment to improving travel choices and road safety, which includes investments in congestion alleviation and road safety improvements.As Auckland’s population continues to grow, the demand on council-provided services and facilities also increases.To address this, Auckland Council has set out a clear strategy through its Long-term Plan.This plan focuses on leveraging rates revenue to support growth while addressing rising living costs and enhancing the city’s resilience, especially following recent storm events.Community-focused investments will continue to be a priority, with $35 million earmarked for sports and recreation facilities, extended library services, and new arts and cultural initiatives.Local boards will also receive increased funding under a fairer model designed to better meet community needs.A notable addition includes a weekly kerbside food scraps collection service, expanding to more households across the region in a bid to improve sustainability.Over the next ten years, Auckland Council also plans to progress city safety initiatives through enhanced community patrols and CCTV surveillance in key areas.These developments are part of a broader transformation that includes city centre rejuvenation projects intended to support Auckland’s growing economy and make the city more inviting for residents and visitors alike.

Coasties and river users near the Wēiti River should prepare for a short closure of the river channel from 2 to 8 December as work progresses on the new Wēiti River Bridge, part of the Penlink project linking the Hibiscus Coast and Stillwater. The one-week closure will allow the safe transfer of large equipment, including a drilling rig, to the eastern working platform, supporting the start of construction on Pier 4.The Penlink Alliance team noted that vessels can still navigate downstream of the worksite during this time. Once work is complete, the current setup will be restored, allowing an 18-metre-wide navigable gap for vessels to pass through. However, brief periods of limited passage may occur during working hours, Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, as loads are occasionally lifted over the channel gap.Looking ahead, another temporary closure is scheduled for January 2025 to further advance bridge construction. The Penlink team has expressed gratitude to local residents and river users for their patience and support throughout this extensive project.For those interested in shaping the Penlink Alliance’s communication efforts, a stakeholder survey is currently open until 1 November. Take the survey here.This survey provides an opportunity to share feedback on the team’s engagement approach.

Locals frustrated by potholes on Auckland’s roads may soon see improvements, as Auckland Transport (AT) commits to addressing potholes on major roads within 24 hours of notification.This new “pothole promise” has been welcomed by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, who voiced strong support for the initiative and encouraged residents to report any delays in repairs.“This is an excellent initiative. I am totally behind the ‘pothole promise’ and hope AT can deliver it.I encourage Aucklanders to report potholes and also any instances where repairs are delayed,” said Mayor Brown.According to AT’s Group Manager for Road Asset Maintenance and Renewals, Alan Wallace, over 3,600 potholes have already been repaired across the Auckland region this year.“The pothole promise is to repair 95% of potholes within 24 hours of notification on our busiest roads,” Wallace said, adding that AT aims to keep pace with the NZ Transport Agency’s similar target for state highways.The 24-hour response applies to AT’s arterial and regional roads, encompassing 1,400 km of high-traffic routes.Other roads, comprising a larger network of over 7,000 km, will see repairs within five working days due to the sheer size of Auckland’s road system.Explaining the causes of potholes, Wallace noted that high rainfall and water infiltration through road cracks can weaken the pavement, leading to holes under traffic loads.New Zealand roads, generally made of granular pavement with a bitumen surface, are vulnerable to water damage if the top layer deteriorates.Funding constraints and heavy traffic over the past decade have exacerbated wear and tear on the network.However, an increase in road maintenance funding from the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council will allow AT to maintain and improve road quality across the region.In the recent “Summer Road Reno” campaign, AT resurfaced 400 km of roads, a number expected to rise to over 500 km annually in the coming years.“Potholes are a symptom of a larger problem, with an ageing network and a resurfacing backlog due to limited funding,” Wallace said.“We can temporarily repair potholes, but long-term solutions require keeping roads waterproof to prevent recurrence.”Residents are encouraged to report pothole locations through the AT website at at.govt.nz/potholepromise helping keep Auckland roads safer for all.

It is getting closer to the time when locking in a longer-term home loan rate might be worth it, ANZ economists say, with retail rates having dropped further than the official cash rate (OCR) might fall, and global rates pushing up.In their latest property market update, ANZ economists noted interest rates had fallen again through October, led by a fall in floating rates which followed the OCR down by 50 basis points."Large falls were also seen in the median six-month and one-year rates - down 0.36 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively - but two- and three-year rates fell only 0.1 percent and four- and five-year rates were unchanged."Most people refixing their home loans at the moment are now fixing for six months.But at the moment six-month rates are between 6.39 percent and 6.5 percent at the main banks, compared to 5.79 percent to 5.99 percent for one year.ANZ's economists said paying more now in order to fix for a cheaper, longer rate in future had some merit in an environment where rates were falling."We think it's again worth considering this month. But caution is needed; we are inching closer to the point where mortgage rates are likely to find a base. Markets are already pricing in OCR cuts all the way down to 3 percent, which is below our forecast, so timing will be key for anyone who wants to pick the proverbial bottom."They said global rates were rising, which meant wholesale rates were likely to bottom out "fairly soon"."As pleasing as it is to 'beat the market', at some stage, those who have a fixed term expiring soon, no matter when it was entered into, will need to decide whether to keep hoping that mortgage rates keep falling or make the decision to fix for longer."They said while more went into rate setting than just the OCR and wholesale rates, the time was coming when the pace of falls was likely to slow and they would start to find a base."Longer-term rates could even rise if global long-term interest rates keep rising."ASB last week offered customers a one-year rate of 5.59 percent but this week could not go lower than 5.79 percent.ASB said it considered a number of factors when setting rates, including market conditions, wholesale rates and the rates offered to savers and term depositors.Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said the average one-year special rate had fallen 0.99 percent in September from the peak.But over that same period, the OCR only moved 0.25 percent."That's almost four times as much of a fall in actual on special interest rates than the OCR."He agreed with ANZ that meant significant falls in the OCR had already been priced in to the rates on offer from banks - so a 50 basis-point fall this month, for example, would not mean a 50bp fall was likely in most loan terms."It would be much easier to communicate if retail rates dropped in lockstep with the OCR, but they don't. There's not necessarily a full passthrough."Some rates might be front-loaded, some might be back-loaded. It's not that the OCR goes down and interest rates definitely go down by the same amount at the same time."Competitive pressures could also affect the rates offered, Olsen said."I also think, given you've still got sluggish housing activity and sales there is potential that banks are having to be more competitive and offering sharper interest rates to lure or retain customers."If that's the case, if you start to see interest rates come down and a bit more activity in the housing market, banks might not have to be quite as competitive to attract the lending dollar."There was a need for conversations about "where to next", he said."Before the pandemic, people would just fix for a short time because they thought, 'Give it a year and it'll probably fall again.'"I'm not saying that's not going to work, but there's a need for more caution around where the outlook is, especially given how much retail rates seem to have moved ahead of the OCR."It might be that the Reserve Bank thinks we needed to take the foot off the brake a bit, and we have - but maybe we don't have to do a huge amount more. It's not quite as assured that things are definitely going to return to people's expectation of what a lower interest rate should be."Interest rates before the pandemic might have been "abnormally low" anyway, Olsen said."We are all trying to find where the new Goldilocks zone is - it's unlikely to be the same as before."

Police across Auckland executed over 30 search warrants, targeting a large organised crime group involved in illegal cannabis cultivation across residential properties.The multi-district operation, spanning Counties Manukau, Auckland City, and Waitemata, led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of cannabis and the arrest of 11 individuals.The raids uncovered 3,385 cannabis plants at different growth stages and an additional 48 kilograms of dried cannabis, with an estimated total value of $18 million.Acting Detective Inspector Greg Brand noted that the group was running sophisticated indoor growing operations in rented homes, altering properties with dangerous electrical setups to support their cultivation systems.“These syndicates are well connected to gangs, and this cannabis is a large source of income for their illegal operations,” he said.The investigation found that the majority of those arrested were in New Zealand illegally.Following police coordination with Immigration New Zealand, 11 Vietnamese nationals were deported back to Vietnam.Authorities are using intelligence from this operation to explore additional leads, and further arrests are possible.Acting Detective Inspector Brand highlighted the similar nature of recent drug operations in Australia, where syndicates, primarily of Vietnamese descent, were also running large-scale indoor cannabis farms."These operations can look innocuous to neighbours but are capable of producing significant amounts of cannabis,” he said.Police are reminding landlords to remain vigilant, particularly regarding rental inspections, and to conduct thorough tenant vetting.Coasties are also urged to stay alert for unusual signs, such as deliveries of gardening supplies in bulk or tampered electricity meters.Anyone with information on suspected illegal activities is encouraged to contact Police on 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

Analysis: As New Zealand agonises over its hospitals - where they are, how they should be staffed and how they should be funded - a key element in the debate is being missed: the need for single rooms in all public hospitals.It's currently normal for patients to stay in shared rooms with up to five other people. In some hospitals this includes accommodating men and women in the same room, despite serious safety and ethical concerns.But it shouldn't be this way. For a number of reasons, including infection control, privacy and cost, new hospitals and renovations need to be based on single occupancy rooms.Our new research brings together both the clinical and ethical arguments for single rooms for all patients as the most basic standard of care.Infection controlMany may view shared rooms as a cost saving. But one of the key arguments for individual rooms in hospitals is the cost and harm of infections and bacterial resistance.Single rooms reduce risks by eliminating exposure to shared infection sources such as touched surfaces, unfiltered air, toilets and water systems.They also reduce the need for room transfers within the hospital which increase the risk for infection transmission between patients.There is strong evidence single occupancy rooms result in reduced infections in intensive care units. And further research has also found single occupancy reduces hospital transmission of Covid-19.In New Zealand, single rooms are prioritised for patients known to be infectious. But the key word here is known. This policy fails to recognise that a large proportion of transmissible infections are unknown at the time of ward placement.However, even when infection is known, our hospitals cannot meet basic guidelines due to the lack of single rooms. Without single occupancy as the standard in hospitals, infection control will remain compromised.Delirium and dementiaIndividual rooms are also required for older adults. New Zealand's population is ageing; as a result, patients with delirium and dementia needing hospitalisation will increase.Delirium affects about 25 percent of patients in hospital and is associated with a longer stay, more complications and an increased risk for death.Delirium prevention and management requires a low-stimulus environment, undisrupted sleep, and control of light and noise which cannot be achieved in shared hospital rooms.Research has shown a reduction in delirium with single rooms.The behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia also pose significant challenges in hospital. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, sleep disturbance, depression, inappropriate sexual behaviour and aggression.These can be highly distressing for the patient and those around them and - like delirium - cannot be managed to a basic standard of care within a shared room.Dementia prevalence will more than double by 2050. And yet New Zealand hospitals are ill-prepared to accommodate this rise in demand.The right to security, privacy and dignityShared rooms in hospitals clearly undermine clinical care, but they also violate human and patient rights.One of the most fundamental human rights is "security of person". Nobody should have to share rooms with patients who are agitated, aggressive or sexually inappropriate due to delirium or dementia.Unfortunately, patients frequently share with those who are unable to manage their own behaviour. While the risks to women have been highlighted, no patient should be endangered or frightened by another patient's behaviour.Dignity and privacy are also a fundamental patient rights, with privacy covered by by both the Health Information Privacy Code and the Health and Disability patient Code of Rights.Hospital patients often need assistance with dressing, showering and toileting. Many admissions involve vomiting, diarrhoea or incontinence. And design that relies on curtains to maintain privacy renders this right farcical.Research and complaints clearly show patients do not believe their privacy is adequately protected in shared spaces.Some may argue for multi-bed rooms on the basis that some patients prefer company. However patient surveys on privacy and confidentiality are overwhelmingly in favour of single occupancy.Factoring in costWhile there is an increase in up-front costs when building single rooms due to the larger hospital footprint, research has found there is no convincing economic evidence in favour of multi-bed rooms.The potential savings for future pandemics - in mortality, patient transfers and disease transmission - should not be underestimated. Improved management of delirium and dementia, will also decrease length of stay and cost.The argument for single occupancy hospital rooms on clinical, ethical and legal grounds is collectively unequivocal.New Zealand needs to follow international best practice and introduce single occupancy rooms as a basic standard for new hospital builds and upgrades.Not doing so would ignore the lessons learnt in the Covid-19 pandemic, fail to account for the needs of an ageing population and continue to render New Zealand's code of patient rights a fairy tale.First Published on The ConversationBy Cindy Towns, Angela Ballantyne and Matthew Kelly

Locals now have the chance to share their views on proposed updates to the Accident Compensation Corporation’s (ACC) occupational diseases list, known as Schedule 2.The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is inviting feedback on potential additions to this list, which links specific diseases to workplace exposure, simplifying claim approval.Bridget Duley, ACC’s Accident Compensation Policy Manager, explained that Schedule 2 helps claimants access coverage more efficiently when their illness is likely caused by workplace exposure.“For instance, if a person has been exposed to nickel at work and later develops nasal cancer, it is more likely than not that this exposure caused the condition,” says Duley.She adds that public input will be vital in finalising these updates.ACC’s Schedule 2, last revised over 15 years ago, is being reviewed to reflect the latest scientific evidence on occupational diseases.An independent panel of health experts has proposed adding 14 new diseases, including nine new entries and modifications to five existing conditions.These additions are based on research linking specific exposures to disease, aiming to keep ACC’s legislation relevant and accessible.Notably, the panel has recommended including firefighting as a potential factor in bladder cancer and mesothelioma, as well as welding exposure in the development of ocular melanoma.“Evidence shows strong links between firefighting and welding and some associated conditions,” Duley noted.Public consultation is open until 27 November 2024, with final changes to the disease list expected in mid-2025.Locals interested in having their say can visit MBIE’s website for more details on how to contribute.

Coasties eager for a chance at a record-breaking Strike win can participate in Lotto NZ’s first-ever $1.5 million ‘Must Be Won’ draw tonight. This event marks the largest Strike jackpot yet, following changes to the Strike game earlier this year.Strike, an add-on to Lotto that can also be played independently, raised its jackpot threshold in July, requiring a ‘Must Be Won’ draw to be called when the top prize hits $1.5 million. The previous threshold was $1 million, making this the first draw under the new rules.“We’re always looking for ways to keep our games exciting,” said Lotto NZ’s Head of Corporate Communications, Will Hine. “The $1.5 million prize is available to Strike Four players, but if it isn’t won, the jackpot will go to players in the next winning division.” Hine confirmed that the odds of winning Strike Four remain the same, offering players a chance at a higher prize without adjusting their gameplay.Although often played alongside Lotto and Powerball, Strike has seen a boost in standalone plays, with some Coast locals likely picking up tickets specifically for this ‘Must Be Won’ draw. A Strike ticket can be added to any Lotto or Powerball purchase or purchased separately for just $1 per line.Lotto NZ cautions players to keep expectations realistic, with Hine advising people to play within their entertainment budgets despite the tempting jackpot.This year has been full of landmark wins for Lotto NZ, including four Powerball jackpots of $30 million and the nation’s highest single-ticket prize of $44.67 million, claimed in August.The largest Strike win to date was $1.76 million in 2008, before the ‘Must Be Won’ structure was introduced. Since then, the Strike prize threshold was increased, resulting in two recent $1.1 million winners in Auckland.

An Auckland businessman, 41, appeared in the North Shore District Court yesterday, Friday, 1 November 2024, in connection with the smuggling of approximately two million cigarettes.The illicit tobacco was seized by Customs following information from overseas border partners about two suspect sea freight containers destined for the Port of Auckland. Upon x-raying the containers, Customs officers discovered anomalies and subsequently found the hidden cigarettes, valued at approximately NZ$3 million in revenue evasion.The cigarettes were concealed among everyday items like cat litter, face towels, and face masks. Customs investigators executed search warrants at a business premises and the man's residential home on Thursday, 31 October 2024, leading to the arrest.The individual faces six charges, including defrauding Customs revenue, importing prohibited goods, and making erroneous entries. According to Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams, "This is another great example of the global intelligence network collaborating to detect illicit cigarettes at the border, and disrupting significant criminal efforts to defraud Crown revenue and New Zealand taxpayers."Customs encourages anyone with information about suspicious activity to contact them confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.