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Wellsford Wastewater Plant Foundation Completed
Wellsford Wastewater Plant Foundation Completed

23 February 2025, 12:44 AM

Watercare has successfully completed the cementing of the foundations and plinths for the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, marking a key milestone in the plant’s $38.3 million overhaul.The reinforced concrete plinths, installed atop 99,000 litres of concrete poured the previous week, will support critical tanks designed to improve the facility’s capacity and efficiency.The upgrades are set to meet stricter resource consent requirements and help the plant better manage peak flows during wet weather.Six of the nine plinths will hold Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) tanks, two aerobic tanks, and two anoxic tanks, while the remaining three plinths will allow for future growth with the potential for additional tanks.Jonathan Piggot, Head of Wastewater at Watercare, highlights the importance of the new MABR and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technologies, which will enable the plant to discharge cleaner water into the Hōteo River and its surrounding environment.“The MBR and MABR technology are very efficient in removing organic matter and nutrients. Microorganisms work to break down pollutants, and any pathogens that pass through the membranes are treated with ultraviolet disinfection,” he said.Capital Delivery General Manager Suzanne Lucas explained that the modular design of the upgraded plant not only saves on time and costs but also allows for future flexibility as the area grows.“We can incorporate existing infrastructure into the new build, ensuring we have the ability to scale up and update technology as needed,” she said.In the coming months, crews will install the MABR tanks and other components, including a new inlet pump station, dosing area, control building, and outfall pipeline.Coasties should note, traffic management will remain in place along State Highway 1, around 2.5 kilometres outside of Wellsford, to accommodate construction vehicles.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Fruit and vegetables movement restricted after fruit fly found
Fruit and vegetables movement restricted after fruit fly found

22 February 2025, 7:31 PM

Legal controls over the movement of fruit and vegetables in areas of Auckland's North Shore are in place after the discovery of another Oriental fruit fly.The single male Oriental fruit fly was found in a trap in the North Shore suburb of Birkdale thursday afternoon.It's the second time the pest has been detected in Auckland since the start of the year, after it was first located in Papatoetoe.Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis said so far the other traps in the areas of concern have shown no signs of other flies."While there is no evidence of a breeding population at this stage, we need community help to make sure we successfully find and eradicate any further fruit flies that may be present in the area," Inglis said."There have been 13 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand, which we have successfully eradicated so we have a very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work."The rules now in place prohibit moving fruit and vegetables out of a specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found."The controlled space in Birkdale and nearby areas has two zones - Zone A (covers 200 metres) and Zone B (covers 1500 metres).A detailed map of the controlled area and a full description of the boundaries and rules in place can be found here.About 100 additional traps which target the oriental fruit fly are being placed within a 1500 metre area of the original find."These legal controls are an important precaution. Should there be any more flies out there, this will help prevent their spread out of the area," the Inglis said."It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least two weeks."Signs notifying people of the restrictions and the controlled area boundaries will be put in place."While it's disappointing to detect another Oriental fruit fly so soon after closing our previous response in Papatoetoe, the latest find highlights the value of our trapping and surveillance efforts," Inglis said."It is not unprecedented to have multiple detections. In 2019, we successfully responded to fruit fly detections in three Auckland suburbs, showing the effectiveness of New Zealand's biosecurity system."We all appreciate this will be inconvenient for the many people living in and around the controlled area, but following these directions is a critical precaution to protect our horticultural industries, home gardens and our New Zealand way of life."

Union Demands Fire Response Review
Union Demands Fire Response Review

21 February 2025, 9:01 PM

Following a devastating house fire in Milldale, the firefighters’ union has called for an urgent operational review into Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s (FENZ) response and resourcing for the fast-growing Hibiscus Coast.The fire destroyed a home, severely damaged two neighbouring houses, and spread beyond property boundaries, raising serious concerns about fire safety in new subdivisions. The union has formally requested FENZ investigate key factors, including building design that enabled rapid fire spread, vehicle access in areas with narrow roads and traffic-calming measures, and outdated response zone classifications that may hinder resource allocation.With a population of over 69,000, the Hibiscus Coast is the second-largest area in Auckland, yet it remains the only urban centre in New Zealand’s top 20 without 24/7 career firefighter coverage. The community relies on volunteer fire stations in Silverdale and Manly, supported by a weekday crew at Silverdale. Emergency backup from North Shore’s career stations typically takes 15–20 minutes to arrive.Calls for permanent staffing are not new. In 2007, Auckland fire officials agreed Silverdale Station should transition to a full-time career station, yet a timeline was never established. The union argues that with increasing fire risks and growing public concern, it is time for a serious discussion on resourcing.As investigations into the Milldale fire continue, residents and officials will be watching closely to see if FENZ acts on these concerns.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Property Price Index Sees New Year Surge
Property Price Index Sees New Year Surge

20 February 2025, 10:14 PM

Coasties keeping an eye on the local property market will be interested to know that the number of residential real estate listings on Trade Me Property has reached a five-year high.According to Trade Me Property, January 2025 saw a significant rebound in property listing views, up 43% from December. This rapid recovery is attributed to recent interest rate cuts and increased consumer curiosity in the market.Gavin Lloyd, Trade Me Property Customer Director, notes, "While a decrease in listing views over the holiday period is typical, this rapid rebound suggests that many Kiwis may be considering buying or selling in 2025."The national average asking price in January was $842,900, a 0.8% decrease from December. Source: TradeMe.Most regions showed relatively stable market conditions, with minor fluctuations.Gisborne, West Coast, and Southland experienced notable growth, with Gisborne property prices surging 6.9% in January. The West Coast and Southland took the top spot, achieving the highest year-on-year increases in average asking prices.Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) for January 2025 showed some positive signs across the New Zealand property market.REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird stated, "While the numbers predictably show January being a slower month due to the holidays, sales and listings were higher compared to January 2024."The median price for New Zealand decreased slightly, down 1.7% from $763,000 to $750,000 year-on-year.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Have Your Say on Cemetery Bylaw Updates
Have Your Say on Cemetery Bylaw Updates

20 February 2025, 8:00 PM

Auckland Council is seeking feedback from Coasties on proposed updates to the Cemetery and Crematoria Bylaw, following a statutory review conducted in 2024.The proposed changes aim to clarify and streamline the bylaw without altering the daily operations of Auckland’s public cemeteries.Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, explained that the bylaw is a crucial tool for maintaining safety and ensuring cemeteries meet the needs of Aucklanders.“Our cemeteries are special places, and they deserve to be treated with care and respect,” she said.The bylaw governs the operation of more than 50 cemeteries across Tāmaki Makaurau, including notable sites such as North Shore Memorial Park, Waikumete Cemetery, and Manukau Memorial Gardens.The purpose of the statutory review was to ensure that the bylaw continues to serve Aucklanders effectively.According to Cr Bartley, the review found that the current regulations were working well, so no changes to the operational rules for the public are being proposed.However, the review uncovered outdated and duplicated information within the accompanying code of practice.To improve clarity, most of these rules will be incorporated into the bylaw, ensuring all relevant information is in one place.“These proposed changes will not affect the rules Aucklanders follow, but they will make the bylaw clearer and easier to navigate,” Cr Bartley added.While the changes are administrative, the council invites feedback from the public to ensure that the bylaw continues to meet the needs of the community.The consultation is open until Sunday, 23 February, and Aucklanders are encouraged to share their thoughts through the council’s “Have Your Say” website.The bylaw, supported by a code of practice, ensures the safe and respectful operation of Auckland’s cemeteries and crematoria.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Energy Savings at Work: Empower, Don’t Enforce
Energy Savings at Work: Empower, Don’t Enforce

20 February 2025, 6:31 PM

A new international study suggests that businesses can significantly cut energy waste by cultivating a workplace culture that encourages energy-saving behaviours, rather than enforcing them.The research, co-authored by the University of Auckland, emphasises the power of engagement over enforcement when it comes to motivating employees to save energy.The study, published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, reviewed 70 research papers focused on employee energy-saving actions.It found that personal attitudes, social norms, workplace habits, organisational culture, and peer feedback play a crucial role in influencing energy conservation practices.Encouragement and positive reinforcement were identified as key drivers, while punitive measures often proved ineffective.Professor Sholeh Maani from the University of Auckland's Business School, a co-author of the study, explains that businesses should focus on creating an environment that values energy-saving behaviour.Employees who feel supported in their efforts are more likely to adopt lasting energy-saving habits. “A work environment that recognises the value of energy-saving behaviour and employees with intentions to save energy are very effective,” Maani says.Study co-author, Professor Sholeh Maani, University of Auckland Business School.The research also highlights the importance of empowering employees with control over their work environment, such as adjusting lighting and temperature settings.Combining this autonomy with regular feedback on energy usage can help motivate employees to save energy consistently.Digital tools like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and gamified apps can offer real-time tracking of energy consumption, allowing employees to take ownership of their energy-saving efforts.These tools encourage both individual responsibility and teamwork by making energy use visible and actionable.While many businesses rely on educational campaigns to raise awareness about energy conservation, the study found that simply providing information is often not enough.In fact, in some instances, it may backfire if it feels like surveillance.One study conducted at a university in Canada showed that feedback and peer education reduced energy use by 7% and 4%, respectively.However, providing only educational materials led to a 4% increase in energy consumption.A similar study in the Netherlands found that public recognition of energy-saving efforts was more effective than monetary incentives.The 13-week initiative showed that employees who received positive public feedback for their energy-saving efforts reduced consumption significantly, highlighting the power of social recognition in fostering sustainable behaviours.Dr Le Wen, co-author of the study, agrees that practical interventions—such as peer feedback and recognition—are far more effective than simply imparting knowledge.She adds that when colleagues and managers actively participate in energy-saving initiatives, it fosters a culture where everyone feels motivated to contribute.The researchers stress that businesses aiming to reduce energy waste should focus on fostering a workplace culture that supports energy conservation.When employees see their colleagues saving energy and feel supported to make changes, they are more likely to follow suit.As electricity costs continue to rise and New Zealand's commitment to sustainability strengthens, businesses have a unique opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint while also engaging their staff in meaningful energy-saving efforts.Maani notes, “In a country where sustainability is a priority, reducing workplace energy waste is a low-cost, high-impact way for businesses to reach their environmental goals.”Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Most Common Family Names Revealed for 2024
Most Common Family Names Revealed for 2024

20 February 2025, 4:00 AM

New Zealand's diversity is reflected in the latest data on the most common registered family names for newborns in 2024, announced by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.Locals, it's interesting to note that for the seventh consecutive year, Singh has taken the top spot, with over 680 babies given this name.Kaur follows closely in second place with 630 babies, while Smith rounds out the top three with 300 babies sharing the family name.According to Ms van Velden, "A decade ago, in 2014, Smith was the most common registered family name, followed closely behind by Wilson and Brown."New Zealand's cultural diversity is evident in the varying popularity of family names across different regions.In the North Island, Singh, Kaur and Patel were the most common registered family names, while in the South Island, Kaur, Singh and Smith took the top spots.The family name Singh has a rich history, originating from the Sanskrit word for 'lion.'It is traditionally used by Sikh men and has become a common family name among the global Indian diaspora.Ms van Velden emphasised the importance of registering children, especially those born overseas, to ensure they have full access to citizenship rights."It's crucial for Kiwi parents to register their children as citizens by descent, enabling them to obtain a passport and exercise their citizenship rights."For more information on registering your child and accessing guidance on their early years, visit SmartStart.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Harbour Bridge Lane Closures for Resurfacing
Harbour Bridge Lane Closures for Resurfacing

19 February 2025, 11:00 PM

Coasties are advised of significant lane closures on the Harbour Bridge this weekend as the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) carries out resurfacing work.Southbound lanes 1 and 2 (the clip-on lanes) will be closed from 9 pm Saturday 22 February until 12 pm Sunday 23 February, with the Shelly Beach off-ramp also shut during the works.The scheduled resurfacing aims to enhance the longevity of the Harbour Bridge, but due to the nature of the materials used, the closure will last longer than typical overnight maintenance.Despite the closures, traffic will still be able to cross the bridge in both directions at all times.However, NZTA is urging drivers to avoid the area when possible, recommending State Highway 16 as an alternative route to avoid congestion.State Highway 16, also known as the Western Ring Route, provides a detour between SH1 Constellation Drive and SH1 Manukau, using SH18, SH16, and SH20.This detour helps maintain traffic flow while work on the bridge is in progress.To minimise disruption, the resurfacing has been scheduled over the weekend to avoid affecting weekday commuter traffic.However, the work is weather dependent, meaning that adverse conditions may lead to delays or rescheduling.Motorists should plan ahead and consider using alternative routes to avoid delays this weekend.As always, please reduce speed and follow all traffic management instructions to ensure safety for both crews and drivers.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown launches re-election campaign
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown launches re-election campaign

19 February 2025, 8:16 PM

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says he is all in for the next three years, as he launches his campaign for a second term of the mayoralty.Brown made the announcement at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland on Wednesday afternoon.The 78-year-old has been the mayor of the super city since 2022.Speaking at his campaign launch, Brown said there was still more to do in the city."We still manage to waste money at the council and it's CCOs," he said.Brown said he wanted Aucklanders to bring him back to finish what he started three years ago."With experience, leadership, and a deep love for this city, I know what it takes to keep Auckland moving forward," he said.Brown said he had the right tools to benefit Auckland."I'm sure that my political neutrality, and my own unique, friendly style, have helped get councillors to support many of the changes that I've driven..." he said."Similarly my neutrality and well known kind, gentle negotiating style have helped in the battle with governments of both major parties to get Auckland to be treated with respect."Brown told RNZ he invited people from the business sector, the property sector, Māori, Chinese, and Indian sectors, and people from South Auckland businesses to the campaign launch, but no sitting councillors were invited.Brown said he had not had discussions around who would be his deputy mayor for a second term."We don't know who's going to get in," he said."There'll be retirements, and so I didn't discuss that until well after I won last time."Brown was also asked who he was most scared to run against in the upcoming election."I hadn't even thought about that to be quite honest... Elon Musk," he said.Auckland councillor Kerrin Leoni was the only councillor to put her name forward for the city's top job so far and would be running as an independent candidate.It was also speculated Brown's own deputy Desley Simpson could challenge him for the job after the domain name, "DesleyforMayor.co.nz'' was registered by Desley Simpson's son in December.She told RNZ last month she had "not yet made a decision about what I intend to do this year"/

Crucial Penlink Detour Road Repaired
Crucial Penlink Detour Road Repaired

19 February 2025, 7:29 PM

Repairs to a crucial section of Duck Creek Road, a key detour route during the construction of the O Mahurangi – Penlink highway, have now been completed.The work comes after significant storm damage caused a slip, which put local access and the Penlink project's progress at risk.The slip occurred at a corner on the northern side of Duck Creek Road, which links Stillwater to East Coast Bays Road. Auckland Transport (AT) identified the urgency of repairs to avoid further disruption."While Duck Creek Road usually caters for around 2,000 vehicle movements per day, the additional trucks hauling materials and machinery for the Penlink construction added stress to the road," said Alan Wallace, AT's General Manager of Road Asset Maintenance & Renewals.Fulton Hogan, AT's contractors, focused on reinforcing the road with three retaining walls, enhanced drainage, and improved driveway entrances.The contractors worked in phases, alternating sides of the road, and carefully manoeuvred a 55-tonne crane to maintain a power pole during construction.The improvements were finished with the installation of new pavement, a guardrail, and landscaping, with the road fully reopened on 7 February.Local resident Karen expressed satisfaction with the completed work: "I am really pleased with the completed roadworks, including our driveway. It's much easier to get out now it's all finished and the stretch of road looks amazing. Thank you for keeping us updated during construction, it wouldn't have been easy!""AT and Fulton Hogan would like to thank the residents of Duck Creek Road and visitors for their patience during this project," said Wallace.This road repair ensures continued smooth access to the Penlink construction site, a key development connecting Whangaparaoa Road to State Highway 1.It also reassures the local community that necessary precautions were taken to safeguard their access during this significant infrastructure project.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Economic Outlook Brighter for Kiwis
Economic Outlook Brighter for Kiwis

19 February 2025, 6:16 PM

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's decision to reduce the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points has sparked optimism about the country's economic recovery. Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the move, stating that the outlook for the economy was positive, with more jobs and opportunities on the horizon for New Zealanders.The OCR now stands at 3.75 percent, down from 5.5 percent last August. Willis highlighted that this was the fourth rate cut since August, with the Reserve Bank expecting further reductions throughout the year. These reductions are designed to ease the financial strain on families and businesses, while also supporting job growth.According to Willis, a growing economy means more money in people's pockets, which, in turn, stimulates consumer spending and supports business activity. “There are signs that this is already beginning to happen,” she said. “Business and consumer confidence are both trending upwards, and last week the BNZ and Business NZ reported that growth in manufacturing has risen to its highest level since September 2022.”Despite the challenges faced by many households and businesses, the Finance Minister expressed confidence in the nation's recovery. “The Government knows many families and businesses are doing it tough, but evidence is mounting that they can look forward to better times,” Willis said.The reduction in the OCR is expected to put downward pressure on interest rates, which will provide relief for those facing high borrowing costs. It also marks a significant shift from the period of high inflation, which had led to elevated interest rates and cost-of-living pressures for several months. With inflation now under control, the economy is heading in the right direction, according to Willis.For Hibiscus Coast residents, this news could bring relief. Local businesses may see increased consumer spending as lower interest rates take effect, and job seekers could benefit from the expected boost in employment. While challenges remain, the outlook for the region’s economy is brighter, with more opportunities ahead.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

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