Earlier this week, Silverdale Medical Centre announced an adjustment to their patient fees due to rising operational costs. The Hibiscus Coast offers various healthcare options, with each centre providing different enrolled patient fees.If you’re considering your healthcare options, here’s a breakdown of current fees, listed from lowest to highest:Stanmore Bay Medical Centre: $55.00Manly Medical Centre: $64.00Orewa Medical Centre: $68.00The Doctors Red Beach: $72.00The Doctors Whangaparaoa: $75.00Silverdale Medical Centre: $79.20Hibiscus Coast Medical Centre: $81.00Many of these centres are open to new patients, though initial consultations typically carry a higher cost than follow-up visits. Additionally, several clinics offer discounted rates for seniors and community card holders. Be sure to contact each centre directly to confirm specific rates and eligibility.With various fees and options available, Coasties have the flexibility to find a healthcare provider that best suits their needs.

A new customer loyalty programme, Cashpoints, is being rolled out from early next year, with the support of multiple national retail brands.Cashpoints founder Ian Sutcliffe said Cashpoints gave retailers their own loyalty programme at an affordable price, while being a part of a network that allowed consumers to collect and spend their Cashpoints at any member retailer.Consumers can use the card at a variety of in-store and online partners, across multiple product categories ranging from frequent purchases through to big ticket items.He said the programme will launch with a number of large national retailers, which would be disclosed at the launch, early next year.Sutcliffe said Cashpoints was a real-time, easy-to use and understand rewards programme, giving retailers all the tools they need to run their own loyalty programme, but without having to worry about building their own system."We take care of it all - cards, point of sale assets, an advanced real-time data platform, cyber security, database functionality and consumer insights. We know what works and have made implementing a loyalty solution easy for retailers," Sutcliffe said."We've made it affordable - it's a monthly licence fee with unlimited transactions and the retailer pays for the rewards only after they've been issued to the customer, with no up-front commitment to issue a minimum amount of rewards."Sutcliffe said the card was also designed for consumers in mind.He said a recent survey showed 80 percent of customers preferred a loyalty programme that involved multiple brands."Consumers want a real time rewards programme that has choice of reward, relevancy of reward, and is super easy to understand."

With summer just around the corner, Coasties will be hitting the beaches to enjoy fresh shellfish. However, it’s essential to stay informed about the risks of toxic shellfish poisoning before diving in. New Zealand Food Safety’s Vincent Arbuckle has shared key insights to help locals enjoy their harvest safely.New Zealand hasn’t seen a toxic shellfish poisoning outbreak in a decade. The last incident was in 2014, when 13 people fell ill. To prevent such cases, New Zealand Food Safety monitors over 40 recreational shellfish areas for harmful biotoxins. Shellfish samples are tested fortnightly, while water is tested weekly. Last year alone, 17 public health warnings were issued due to unsafe toxin levels in shellfish.It’s crucial to note that cooking doesn’t eliminate these toxins. “Cooking will not make toxic shellfish safe to eat,” Arbuckle said. He advised that anyone who becomes ill after eating shellfish should seek medical help immediately. Healthline can also provide assistance at 0800 61 11 16.Shellfish become poisonous when they consume toxic algae, which release biotoxins that build up in their tissues. Bivalves, such as mussels and oysters, are the most affected, as they filter large volumes of water daily, absorbing these toxins. While finfish aren’t impacted by algal toxins, Arbuckle recommends discarding the liver before cooking, as a precaution.Interestingly, not all algae are harmful. Phytoplankton, the microscopic algae that shellfish feed on, are mostly harmless. However, certain species can cause toxic blooms, typically under specific conditions like high water temperatures or slow currents. New Zealand Food Safety ramps up monitoring during these blooms to ensure public safety.Arbuckle also highlighted the four main types of toxic shellfish poisoning in New Zealand, with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) being the most severe. Symptoms can appear within minutes and may include numbness, difficulty breathing, and, in extreme cases, respiratory failure.As you head out to enjoy the Hibiscus Coast’s beautiful beaches this season, make sure to stay updated on shellfish safety alerts and harvest responsibly.

As the warmer months approach, Coasties can expect to see more police checkpoints on our roads. In a bid to boost road safety, Auckland Police have launched a series of operations targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Last week, police set up over 20 checkpoints across the district, breath-testing more than 12,000 drivers over two days. According to Acting Inspector Scott Jones, Relieving Road Policing Manager for Auckland City, the majority of motorists made the responsible decision to drive sober.However, 18 drivers were found to be over the limit and are facing enforcement action. One driver was discovered to be more than double the legal limit, resulting in an immediate licence suspension and a court appearance."It's great to see so many people driving drink-free, but that result is still too many drinking and driving on our roads," Acting Inspector Jones said. "The decision made by all 18 of these drivers has put themselves and other members of the community at enormous risk."Police also issued infringement notices for high-risk driving behaviours, including speeding, failing to wear seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving.With summer approaching, police will intensify their focus on drink and drug-related driving. Acting Inspector Jones urged locals to plan ahead, appoint a sober driver, or use public transport to get home safely."We ask that people make the responsible decision to keep themselves and others safe," he said. "Your family and friends will appreciate this, and so will we."

Hibiscus Coast locals should be on alert for a new and sophisticated phishing scam targeting Gmail users. This latest scam combines spoofed emails with AI-driven calls, a tactic designed to deceive even the most cautious tech users.Sam Mitrovic, a Microsoft solutions consultant, shared his experience of being targeted by one such attack. It began with a Gmail account recovery notification, which he quickly denied. Shortly after, Mitrovic received a missed call from a number he recognised as Google’s Sydney office. Though initially dismissive, he was contacted again a week later with another recovery request and a follow-up call from what seemed to be Google Support.Despite the convincing setup, Mitrovic became suspicious. “The email address looked off, and the voice on the call was too perfect, like an AI-generated voice,” he noted. These discrepancies ultimately alerted him to the scam.The hackers reportedly use AI-generated voices, coupled with seemingly authentic Google phone numbers, to manipulate users into revealing their Gmail credentials. Mitrovic’s quick thinking and scrutiny helped him spot the scam, but he emphasised how easily it could deceive others. “This isn’t your usual phishing attempt; it’s well-crafted to trick experienced users.”In response to these rising threats, Google has joined forces with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and the DNS Research Federation to develop the Global Signal Exchange. This new platform leverages Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to share real-time insights and disrupt scams across the globe.While this initiative aims to combat online scams more effectively, Google urges users to remain vigilant. Key advice includes checking sender details carefully, avoiding suspicious links, and installing reliable antivirus software to safeguard against phishing threats.

Exciting news, Coasties! Get ready to relive the magic of British music legend Sir Cliff Richard as he announces his highly anticipated 2025 New Zealand tour.After a 12-year hiatus, Sir Cliff Richard is set to captivate Kiwi audiences once more with his energetic and charismatic stage presence. The 2025 tour promises an unforgettable experience, featuring iconic hits like "Living Doll," "We Don’t Talk Anymore," and "Devil Woman."As one of Britain's most celebrated artists, Sir Cliff Richard has sold over 250 million records worldwide, securing his status among the best-selling artists of all time. With 14 number-one singles and seven No. 1 albums under his belt, he remains the only artist to achieve UK Top 5 albums across eight consecutive decades.Locals can catch Sir Cliff Richard at Auckland's Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Friday, November 14th, 2025, and Saturday, November 15th, 2025. Presale tickets are available from 1 pm today, October 16th, 2024.Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness a music legend perform live at 85. Mark your calendars and get ready to sing along to the timeless classics that have defined Sir Cliff Richard's remarkable eight-decade career.

Coasties, as we navigate our way through local governance, it’s important to stay informed about how decisions made by the Auckland Council may impact us on the Hibiscus Coast.The council has recently announced an update regarding its three-yearly property revaluations, which are essential for determining fair rates for property owners.The revaluations are conducted ahead of the 2025/2026 rating year to ensure that property valuations accurately reflect market values as of 1 May 2024.Rhonwen Heath, head of rates, revaluations and data management at Auckland Council, emphasised the commitment to delivering precise valuations.“As part of the process, the Valuer-General audits property valuations and has requested some additional work on the Auckland valuations prior to public release,” she stated.This additional review means that property valuations will now be released in early 2025, instead of the previously planned late 2024.“The additional time we will take to get property valuations right will help Aucklanders have confidence that the values used to determine rates from 1 July 2025 have been accurately and consistently calculated," Heath added.While the revaluation process does not alter the total rates revenue collected by the council, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the rates are distributed fairly among property owners.Heath noted, “The Valuer-General has very high standards, which reflects the importance of this work, and we are committed to meeting those.”Auckland Council acknowledges the public’s interest in the valuations and is dedicated to transparency throughout the process.For more information about the upcoming Revaluation 2024, locals can visit the Auckland Council website at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/revaluationAs we await further developments, understanding this process could help Coasties prepare for any potential impacts on rates in the future.

The Department of Conservation is bottom of the pack when it comes to paying invoices on time, data shows.Central government agencies have committed to paying 95 percent of their domestic invoices within 10 business days.Data for the June quarter shows that the Ministry for Women, Serious Fraud Office, Crown Law Office and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) all paid 100 percent of their invoices within that timeframe.MPI processed 7207 invoices.But the Department of Conservation only paid 70 percent of its invoices within that time and the Customs Service was at 74 percent.Both had improved from the previous quarter.The Department of Conservation had just under 15,000 invoices in the quarter.It has been approached for comment.The Ministry of Transport was the only other agency at less than 90 percent, recording 88 percent of invoices paid, and no change from the previous quarter.The Department of Corrections, Ministry of Defence, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Ministry for the Environment were between 90 and 94 percent of invoices paid in 10 days.Charted Accountants Australia and NZ sustainability and business reform leader Karen McWilliams said the data was positive - across the board, 95.3 percent of invoices were paid within 10 working days, from 93.6 percent he pervious quarter."Chartered accountants around the country tell us that slow payments create cash flow issues, places strain on business relationships and, in some cases, leads to insolvency. We need a culture shift, to speed up payment times, and this transparency is leading by example."She said the government publishing its data sent a message to other businesses that payment times were important."Our members tell us that most small businesses don't have a genuine choice to accept or reject a proposal from a large business, on the basis of their payment times. There's a clear power imbalance there."She said there appeared to be a correlation between better payment times and e-invoicing.The government promised to "ramp up" e-invoicing when it repealed the previous government's Business Payments Practices Act.Xero country manager Bridget Snelling has highlighted the problem of late payments for small businesses and called for all big businesses to commit to the same timeframe as the government.Xero's data shows an 81 percent increase in the cost of late payments to small businesses, from an estimated $456 million in 2021 to $827m in 2023.

Patients of Silverdale Medical will see a change starting today, October 15th.The primary consultation fee has increased from $73.50 to $79.20, reflecting the centre's efforts to balance rising costs while maintaining quality care."We understand this may add pressure on our community, especially with the current cost of living," says Ranvani Perera, CEO of Silverdale Medical."We remain committed to advocating for more accessible and affordable healthcare."Key drivers behind the fee adjustment include:Paying permanent skilled workers a living wage, now $27.80 per hour (up from $26)Healthcare delivery costs rising over 12%, contrasted with a 4% government funding increaseOngoing pay disparity and pay equity issues in primary and secondary healthcareTo help offset costs, patients using the myIndici portal for prescription renewals will receive a $2 discount.Silverdale Medical encourages patients to support their advocacy for better healthcare funding by emailing Dr Shane Reti, Minister of Health, and our local MP.

Coasties, be prepared for changes on your daily commute. As of yesterday, Monday, 14 October, Auckland Transport has begun repair work on the Hibiscus Coast Highway.AT will reduce the highway to one lane with traffic light stop/go near the intersection with Ocean View Road. The work is necessary to repair damage caused by severe weather in early 2023.Here's what to expect:Initially, drainage upgrades on the eastern side will occur during work hours only, with single-lane restrictions in place.From around 28 October, steel barriers will be installed, and 24/7 stop/go traffic lights will operate for the remainder of the project.Additional repairs on the eastern side will be undertaken simultaneously.The four-month project includes:Additional drainage, including a new kerb and channelTree trimming and service relocationConstructing a 53-metre-long reinforced concrete in-ground palisade wallUpgrading the western footpathRoad pavement repairs and other improvementsAuckland Transport will provide regular updates on the project's progress. To minimise delays, consider planning your commute accordingly or exploring alternative routes.

New Zealand is confronting a perfect storm.Its energy grid faces three pressing challenges at once: an unreliable electricity supply, strict emissions reduction targets and ongoing environmental issues related to wastewater ponds.As the country prepares to meet growing energy demands, the variability of wind, solar and hydroelectric power has made year-round electricity generation hard to ensure.Compounding the issue are New Zealand's emissions targets and avoidable emissions from wastewater treatment plants.We need immediate, practical solutions. One lies hidden within our wastewater systems.Three challenges, one solutionIn the search for viable renewable energy sources, one option is to install floating solar panels on wastewater ponds. However, the initial costs and environmental concerns related to manufacturing and disposal may pose temporary challenges.A more immediate and cost-effective solution is already available: biogas membrane covers.These covers generate continuous energy at half the cost of solar while addressing environmental concerns such as methane emissions and algal growth.Even greater efficiency and environmental benefits are possible through combining biogas covers with heat systems and floating solar panels. Together, these three technologies suggest a multi-pronged solution that could help stabilise the grid, meet emissions targets and improve wastewater management.Biogas from wasterwaterMethane emissions from wastewater ponds are a major environmental concern, contributing significantly to New Zealand's overall greenhouse gas footprint. By installing biogas membrane covers, this methane can be captured before it escapes into the atmosphere, and instead be used to generate electricity.This creates a year-round, consistent energy supply - something traditional renewables such as wind, solar and hydro cannot always guarantee.From a cost perspective, biogas systems are about 50 percent cheaper to install than solar power per kilowatt of energy produced. Also, because these systems produce energy continuously, they are ten times more cost-effective than solar panels, which suffer from intermittency issues.But beyond energy production, these covers offer other environmental benefits. They limit harmful emissions and curb ongoing complaints about unpleasant odours in neighbourhoods near wastewater treatment plants.Repurposing excess heatWhile biogas systems have enormous potential, they do have one significant drawback. The heat generated during methane combustion can cause wastewater ponds to overheat, leading to operational challenges such as excessive algal growth.This is where cogeneration or combined heat and power systems come into play.These systems capture the excess heat from biogas combustion and convert it into additional electricity. This not only improves energy efficiency but also regulates the temperature of the wastewater ponds, helping to reduce algal growth and evaporation.The third part of an integrated solution involves solar panels which can be installed on top of the biogas covers. While these are more expensive to install initially, they collectively contribute valuable gains. When installed on the surface of wastewater ponds, the panels generate additional renewable energy without taking up valuable land space.Floating solar panels can also help manage the ponds themselves. By reducing sunlight penetration, they help limit the growth of algae.Wastewater ponds as energy hubsThe beauty of an integrated approach is that it addresses several problems simultaneously.By rethinking wastewater ponds as renewable energy hubs, New Zealand can turn an existing problem into a key part of the solution.Biogas membrane covers provide immediate energy and emissions benefits. Combined heat and power systems boost efficiency by converting waste heat into electricity. And floating solar panels maximise renewable output while improving wastewater management.Independently, these systems have been successful overseas. In Melbourne, methane from wastewater ponds is captured and converted into renewable energy, powering thousands of homes. Meanwhile, in parts of the United States, floating solar panels are increasingly being used to boost energy production while managing water systems.The success of these projects provides a blueprint for New Zealand. By combining these technologies into cohesive systems, New Zealand could demonstrate how environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities.The future of renewable energy will require continued exploration and integration of emerging technologies, such as tandem solar cells capable of producing 60 percent more energy. These could be integrated into biogas membrane covers.For now, though, an integration of biogas, heat and floating solar panels represents a significant step forward for New Zealand. It could generate enough power to supply about 27 percent of households with renewable energy from wastewater ponds, offering immediate relief from the electricity crisis while supporting emissions reduction targets.Author - Faith Jeremiah is a lecturer in Business Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) at Lincoln University New Zealand.

Coasties, along with communities nationwide, could soon witness a surge in infrastructure projects under the newly proposed Fast-track Approvals Bill. With 149 projects listed, this bill aims to expedite developments in housing, transportation, and renewable energy— all intended to bolster New Zealand's economic growth.Announced by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, the bill’s purpose is to cut through bureaucratic red tape and fast-track projects critical for the nation’s recovery. “Since 2022, New Zealand has battled anaemic levels of economic growth,” Bishop said. “If we want Kiwi kids to stop moving overseas, better public services, and a lower cost of living, economic growth is the only answer.”The bill promises quicker approvals for a range of projects by allowing them to bypass traditional processes and go directly to an expert panel with the Environmental Protection Authority. This panel will oversee assessments and attach any necessary conditions, aiming to streamline the path from planning to execution.Local business leaders and industry voices have largely welcomed the announcement. Bridget Abernethy of the Electricity Retailers Association, for example, praised the inclusion of renewable energy projects, saying they “will help provide confidence to build and deliver affordable clean electricity for our low-emissions future.” James Smith from the National Road Carriers Association noted that the focus on road and rail projects is “balanced and achievable,” and crucial for enhancing productivity across the country.Katherine Rich, Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, highlighted the potential for job creation. “These projects will stimulate job creation and economic activity at a time when we need it most,” she stated, underscoring the immediate impacts that these projects could have on local employment.Despite the positive outlook, some environmental advocates have urged caution. Gary Taylor, head of the Environmental Defence Society, acknowledged the benefits but reminded readers of the need for responsible development. “While I come from an environmental perspective, I am also a Kiwi interested in the economic welfare of our nation. A lot of the infrastructure projects look good to go to me, subject to environmental assessment,” he remarked.The bill is set to be reported back from the Environment Committee in mid-October, after which projects could quickly progress. This move is positioned as one piece of the government’s broader strategy to stimulate the economy, with plans to transform these projects from proposals into reality by the end of the year.

Auckland Council has announced that Geoff Hunt will be taking the reins as the new chair of the Watercare Services Limited Board. This appointment comes after a thorough review by the council’s Performance and Appointments Committee, with Hunt stepping into the role from 12 October 2024.The process behind this appointment has been unique, as it revisits a previous decision made earlier this year. Back in June, the High Court intervened, setting aside the original appointment due to concerns over the process followed. However, the ruling was not against the appointment of Hunt himself but focused on the procedural elements involved. To address this, the council carefully revised its approach, emphasising the importance of sound practices for appointing leaders to council-controlled organisations.Alastair Cameron, Auckland Council’s Manager for CCO/External Partnerships, commented on the updated process, stating, “Ensuring the appropriate appointment practices are in place, and carried out, to deliver well-governed council-controlled organisations is a priority for us, and we have adjusted our processes accordingly.”The Performance and Appointments Committee, responsible for appointments to the boards of council-controlled organisations, carried out the revised process under the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members and in line with the Local Government Act.Geoff Hunt brings a wealth of experience to his new position. With over 27 years in the construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure, Hunt has held CEO roles in four New Zealand-based companies and has overseen projects across the UK, USA, Australia, the Pacific, and parts of Asia. He is also involved with the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission and holds directorships in two privately owned businesses that supply materials to the construction sector. Through his consultancy, Geoff Hunt Consulting Ltd, he offers expertise in areas such as business performance improvement, construction project delivery, and dispute resolution within the sector.Hunt's credentials include a master’s degree in engineering, and he is a Distinguished Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and a member of the Institute of Directors. His diverse experience, spanning both government and private sectors, positions him well to lead Watercare in its mission to provide essential water services to Auckland.

Gun crime is up in Auckland, and police data shows illegally owned guns are the problem.Data provided to RNZ through the Official Information Act shows there were 879 firearms offences committed across Auckland in the first six months of this year, up 28 from the same time in 2023.Only 18 of those offences were carried out by people with an active firearms licence.The South Auckland suburb of Manurewa had the most reported firearms offences in the first six months of 2024, with 102 reported, up by 11 offences from 2023.Henderson reported the next highest number at 75 offences, followed by Auckland Central at 72.Both suburbs saw more firearms offences reported than at the same time in 2023.A member of the Indian Business Association, who did not want to be named, told RNZ about an incident at his Auckland petrol station, in which he tried to stop a customer driving away without paying.He had opened the passenger side door and was confronted with a gun, he said."He just pointed the gun toward me, and that was a shotgun," he said."He said 'f*** off', so I immediately hands up, and just left the car, let him go."The man was arrested, however, a year on the petrol station owner told RNZ he had concerns the man could come back to the petrol station.The owner said illegally held guns were the issue."The police know who has the licensed firearm, that is not a dangerous situation. Only danger is people are having the illegal firearms, which are not registered over there."He wanted tougher policing of those who were found with firearms they should not have."This is a very, very dangerous situation and very threatening, you know," he said."There should be a, at least, five-year jail time if a person is carrying an illegal firearm in public."The problem is not restricted to Auckland.Manish Thakkar with his wife, Rupali. Photo: SuppliedHamilton dairy owner Manish Thakkar knows all too well the impact of gun crime. He was held at gunpoint during a robbery in 2023."They wanted to take money and cigarettes, everything from the counter," he said."One guy, he just [pointed a gun] at me, his first finger was on the trigger and it was moving so quickly that he could press the trigger anytime."He described the moment he saw the offender's gun."It was terrible," Thakkar said."I'd never seen such incidents in my life."Waikato bottle store owner Ash Parmar said the threat of gun crime loomed over business owners."We have deep sympathies for the wider public which is facing threats from these criminals who are using the guns," he said."And, obviously, all the shootouts that are happening at houses, and drive-by shootings and stuff, which makes us all very nervous that that threat of a gun being used in a retail setting is not very far away, so we remain very nervous and on edge."The executive director of the Firearms Safety Authority, Angela Brazier, said keeping track of guns in the community could be a challenge."The firearms investigation team, half of their investigations are where a licence holder has diverted a firearm to an unlicensed person, so a criminal or a gang member."Those are the firearms that are turning up in crime scenes."She said a firearms registry, introduced in 2023, would help keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them."It brings benefit to communities in terms of disrupting the pathways that criminals acquire firearms, it also gives frontline police access to real-time information to help them make risk assessments about the presence of firearms in a property or a vehicle, and it will help licence holders to have more confidence when they are buying or selling firearms."More than 90 firearms offences were reported where the offender was a patched or prospect gang member.As of last month, 145 firearms offences committed in the first six months of this year were under investigation.Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said part of her job was to develop legislation to improve public safety."It is well known that gang members and criminals generally do not adhere to legislation," she told RNZ."We tackle the illegal possession and use of firearms by utilising consequences to non-compliance within the Arms Act but also by using other legislation like the Crimes Act as an example."She said she, along with Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, were working to try to address some of those issues and get relief for the victims of crime.For the petrol station owner, the threat of gun crime looms large."Sometimes we just think, 'that man can pull a trigger, this is a matter of seconds'," he said."If he pulled the trigger, I was so close, hard to survive."

Coasties and fellow Aucklanders are embracing a new seven-day fare cap from Auckland Transport (AT), which limits public transport costs to $50 a week. Since its launch 12 weeks ago, over 20,000 people have benefited from the initiative.The fare cap applies across buses, trains, and inner harbour ferries, making it easier and more affordable for locals to get around. The initiative is part of AT's broader efforts to encourage public transport usage through improvements like contactless payments and bus priority systems at traffic lights.Mayor Wayne Brown, who championed the fare cap, expressed his satisfaction with the programme’s initial success. “It’s great to see that over 20,000 people have already reached the cap, saving them money on their public transport journeys,” he said. “This is a great example of how things should work, with council setting strategy and direction and AT implementing it.”The fare cap automatically activates when a customer tags on and off with an AT HOP card, capping their fares at $50 for the week. Riders know they've reached the cap when the card reader displays a $0.00 fare, allowing them to travel at no further cost.Andy Baker, Franklin Ward Councillor and Chair of the Transport Resilience and Infrastructure Committee, highlighted the benefit of the fare cap for residents in areas like Warkworth and Pukekohe. “For communities further away from the city, like Warkworth and Pukekohe, this is a real game changer,” he said. “The feedback I’m hearing is that some people are saving upwards of $20 per week. The price certainty makes taking public transport more attractive and budgeting easier, which is welcome in a cost-of-living crisis.”AT’s Director of Public Transport & Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, pointed out the initiative's success as part of broader efforts to improve Auckland’s public transport system. “This builds on work we are doing across the board to encourage Aucklanders to mix their go and get on board public transport. We now have 40 frequent bus routes compared to just nine in 2016, more electric buses than any city in Australasia, and ferries are returning to their full timetables,” she explained. The fare cap has contributed to a 22% increase in public transport usage compared to last year, she added.Local Hibiscus Coast resident Liam Waller, a regular bus user, shared his experience with the new fare cap. “It’s been easier to budget now that I know I won’t spend more than $50 a week on public transport,” he said. “It makes the most difference when I’m going into the office regularly. After three return trips, I’ve reached the cap, and any other travel I want to make during the week is free.”

Ports of Auckland says the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill is the only way to keep its promise to Auckland Council.Earlier this year, Ports of Auckland struck a deal to sell the Captain Cook and Marsden wharves back to the council to be converted into a waterfront attraction."We've made a commitment to exit Cook and Marsden in the period two to five years, and the fast-track just gives us that ability to honour that commitment to the city," Ports of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray said.Ports of Auckland plans to shift its cruise ship operations east, constructing a new wharf on the northern face of Bledisloe Terminal and extending the Fergusson North Wharf out to meet the mooring dolphin."We'll fast-track those two wharves, we'll be submitting an application once the legislation's passed," Gray said."We had to give ourselves a wharf that was capable of doing roll-on and roll-off, and the most logical location for that is on the northern face of Bledisloe which is currently used as our roll-on, roll-off terminal."The project is one of 149 included in the government's fast-track list, and Gray hoped to have it consented by early next year."It'll take us about 18 months from once we get consented, so we'll get cracking on that," he said."We'll get building straight away."The new cruise terminal would free up Princes Wharf for ferries, which have been plagued by cruise-induced delays and cancellations over recent years."Our objective is to have less and less [cruise] ships using Princes, and in the ferry basin, and as a result we expect there will be less cancellations from Auckland Transport," Gray explained."Princes is not a great customer experience right now, we have to use the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, passengers go up and down stairs, and our preference is to build a purpose-built cruise terminal in the base of the car handling facility [at Bledisloe]."Queens Wharf, Auckland. Photo: Supplied / SnapIT HDBut cruise ships would still use the neighbouring Queens Wharf."We'll still use Queens as our primary cruise wharf, the issue is cruise ships are getting bigger and we need to have a purpose-built facility for the cruise ships because of their size."Without a fast-tracked consent, Gray feared the project would drag on indefinitely."I think you've only got to look at what's been happening in the Port of Tauranga ... These things can drag on for years and our preference was to honour the deal with the city," he said.But he acknowledged that the fast-track legislation was a heated issue, and circumstances could change following the next election."Everything's a risk in regards to flip-flopping under new governments coming in and out," he said."But our intention is to seek fast-track consent and start construction so I think by the time of the next election we'll be largely finished."He was confident Ports of Auckland's use of the fast-track legislation would be agreeable."You talk about the controversy [around the fast-track bill]... We've done significant community engagement in our preparation for the fast track application," he said."We've had in excess of 140 community engagements, ranging from town hall meetings through to meeting with significant numbers of iwi, and there is genuine consensus that this is a pretty reasonable outcome for the city."

Coasties experienced an unexpected disruption on the northern motorway yesterday afternoon as Police arrested a man following an alleged car theft and multi-vehicle crash near Dairy Flat. At approximately 2:40 pm, Police responded to reports on Walmer Road, Point Chevalier, where a man allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle from an elderly woman. After the initial attempt, he reportedly succeeded in stealing a car from a second person nearby.With assistance from the Air Support Unit and traffic cameras, Police tracked the stolen vehicle north. However, due to safety concerns, officers opted against pursuing the vehicle, explained Inspector Daniel Meade. Instead, officers deployed road spikes in an attempt to slow the suspect, but the driver evaded them and continued driving.The incident came to a dramatic conclusion around 3 pm, when the stolen vehicle was involved in a multi-vehicle crash that caused it to roll over. “The driver came to a stop following a multi-vehicle crash where the vehicle has rolled,” stated Inspector Meade. Two people, including the suspect, sustained moderate injuries, but no serious harm was reported.During his flight, the suspect allegedly caused damage to multiple vehicles and struck a motorcyclist. “While the offender was travelling along the northern motorway, he has allegedly damaged a number of vehicles and knocked a motorcyclist off their bike,” Inspector Meade confirmed.Following the crash, the Serious Crash Unit arrived on the scene to investigate, with officials announcing that the road would reopen shortly thereafter. The 34-year-old man now faces possible charges as enquiries into the incident continue. Police confirmed that the case would be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) for further review.

Are you a news avoider? Do you turn off the six o’clock TV news, scroll past headlines, skip radio bulletins – or just ignore news entirely?If you do some or all of these things, you are not alone. A new survey shows New Zealand has some of the highest rates of news avoidance in the world.With news media already struggling with declining revenues and audiences, this adds to the immense challenges the sector faces in a competitive and politically polarised environment.Previous research has found news avoidance is increasing around the world. But New Zealanders have also shown something of a love-hate relationship with the news: avoidance rates are high, but so too is general interest in the news. At the same time, trust in the media has been steadily declining.Are you a news avoider? Do you turn off the six o’clock TV news, scroll past headlines, skip radio bulletins – or just ignore news entirely?If you do some or all of these things, you are not alone. A new survey shows New Zealand has some of the highest rates of news avoidance in the world.With news media already struggling with declining revenues and audiences, this adds to the immense challenges the sector faces in a competitive and politically polarised environment.Previous research has found news avoidance is increasing around the world. But New Zealanders have also shown something of a love-hate relationship with the news: avoidance rates are high, but so too is general interest in the news. At the same time, trust in the media has been steadily declining.Women reported higher rates of news avoidance than men. This could be due to a legacy of unequal access to the news, and a perceived lack of diverse voices in New Zealand’s news production, causing some to feel the news just isn’t for them.We also found people with far-left or far-right political beliefs were more likely to avoid the news than those with centrist views. Those nearer the ends of the political spectrum are less likely to find their views represented in major news outlets and therefore seek alternative news sources that support their worldview.Avoiding depressing and untrustworthy newsThe major reason given for news avoidance is the negative effect news has on mood (32.7%).Most immediately, New Zealand had been hit by severe floods in Auckland and Cyclone Gabrielle in the North Island only a month before our survey. But more generally, there has been increased concern about the impact of news consumption on personal wellbeing since the pandemic.Similarly, many New Zealanders are experiencing news fatigue, with nearly 20% of respondents saying they were worn out by the sheer quantity of news these days.The second most popular reason given was a perception the news was untrustworthy or biased (30.1%). People with right-wing political beliefs were more likely to cite this.This suggests the decline in trust might be more about right-wing audiences perceiving a left-wing bias in the media, rather than a general distrust of New Zealand media overall.Roughly a quarter of respondents said the news is too sensationalist (25.3%). Ironically, the use of clickbait and alarming headlines to engage audiences may be driving them away in the competitive attention economy.In contrast, younger people (18–24) were more likely to cite not having enough time as a reason for avoiding the news.Does news avoidance matter?Our high rates of news avoidance say several things about audiences. On one hand, skipping the news occasionally can help manage stress and keep people interested in the long run.This might explain why New Zealanders show high rates of both news avoidance and interest in the news: avoiding the news some of the time might help people manage their overall ability to engage and care.Furthermore, despite high news avoidance rates, voter turnout at the 2023 general election was 78%. News avoidance may not affect civic participation.However, we also found New Zealanders have high rates of very low or no news consumption at all. Just over 13% of participants reported they avoid the news “almost always”, more than in any other survey internationally.Instead of consuming traditional news, many are likely turning to YouTube, social media and blogs, which often lack the more rigorous journalistic standards applied by mainstream media.Scapegoating the news mediaIt might be easy to conclude New Zealand’s high rates of news avoidance are an implicit criticism of the media themselves. But this is to overlook the nature of their work and the immense challenges they face.Holding governments to account and covering crises or divisive issues can be an unpopular and thankless task. Blaming the messenger is perhaps an understandable response.But we also expect the news media to compete with information giants such as Facebook and Google, which do not employ journalists or recognise any real responsibility in disseminating news.This feeds a commercial environment where traditional media must compete for attention and revenue against platforms that operate without the same ethical and professional standards.Our findings also highlight the difficulty of satisfying an increasingly polarised news audience. With diverse groups perceiving bias and untrustworthiness differently, it’s nearly impossible to keep everyone happy.With Google recently threatening to remove local news from its search engine due to its opposition to the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill (which would require digital platforms to pay for news content), these issues are not going away soon.Rather than scapegoat the media for high news avoidance rates, we see our survey results as part of a broader argument for supporting and strengthening what is an essential service in a functioning democracy.Authors:Alex Beattie, Lecturer, Media and Communication — Victoria University of WellingtonJohn Kerr, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Public Health — University of OtagoRichard Arnold, Professor of Statistics and Data Science — Victoria University of Wellington

A new study highlights a surprising trend: despite advancements in artificial intelligence, investors continue to place more trust in human analysts over AI systems for stock market predictions.The research, conducted by Dr. Gertjan Verdickt from the University of Auckland and Francesco Stradi of KU Leuven, surveyed 3,600 U.S. participants to gauge their trust in different sources of financial forecasts. The study presented stock predictions from human analysts, AI systems, and a combination of both. Ultimately, human analysts were deemed the most trustworthy, with AI predictions facing significant skepticism."We found that investors are more likely to believe human analysts first, followed by a combination of both human and AI," Verdickt said. He added that these findings were unexpected, given AI's reputation for precise data analysis. "While AI can outperform human analysts in some cases, trust remains a considerable barrier."University of Auckland lecturer Dr Gertjan VerdicktThe study also revealed demographic differences in trust levels. Women and people with a strong understanding of AI were more receptive to AI-generated advice, while men generally showed more skepticism. "Men tend to be overconfident in their financial abilities, which may explain their reluctance to trust AI," Verdickt explained. Political affiliation also influenced trust, with Democrats showing a greater tendency to trust AI forecasts than Republicans.The researchers further tested whether familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT might boost trust. However, substituting "AI" with "ChatGPT" did not increase trust. In fact, ChatGPT was viewed with even more caution. "Our results suggest that merely replacing ‘AI’ with a more familiar name like ChatGPT does not improve investor confidence," Verdickt said.Verdickt believes these insights could guide financial institutions in how they implement AI. He emphasised the need for clear communication about AI's role in financial analysis and suggested that organisations should consider demographic factors when integrating AI tools. The findings also hint at the potential need for regulatory guidelines to ensure transparency in AI-based financial services.