Police have successfully located farming machinery worth more than $100,000, following the execution of a search warrant at a Mangawhai address. The items, including a John Deere Tractor and post rammer, were stolen from a Tauhoa property in August.Sergeant Dan McDermott, Officer in Charge at Wellsford Police Station, confirmed that officers had been working diligently to trace the stolen items and identify the perpetrators. On Sunday, the search warrant led to the recovery of not only the John Deere tractor and post rammer, but also an implement trailer, a digger, and a wood chipper.“All the stolen items, except for the wood chipper, have been returned to their rightful owners,” Sergeant McDermott said.However, the police are still looking for the owner of the Hansa C13 Wood Chipper, which remains unclaimed. The chipper had its identifying features removed, and authorities are seeking information from the public to help identify its owner.“If you know who may own the wood chipper or have information on its origin, we encourage you to come forward,” Sergeant McDermott added. Proof of ownership will be required for the return of the item.The victims of the tractor theft expressed their gratitude to the police for recovering the stolen equipment. One victim shared their relief, saying, “This theft has had a massive impact on our livelihood and made both us and the wider community feel unsafe. We appreciate the support from the community and thank the police for their persistence.”Police are urging anyone with information related to the investigation to get in touch, either by updating online or calling 105. The reference number for the case is 241125/7163. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new report from the Education Review Office (ERO) has called for significant changes to NCEA Level 1, citing concerns over fairness, consistency, and its effectiveness in preparing students for further education or employment.The review, commissioned in April by Education Minister Stanford, examined the current state of NCEA Level 1 amid a growing trend of schools opting out.Next year, fewer than three-quarters of schools plan to offer the qualification, with high-achieving schools leading the move away from it.ERO’s findings revealed widespread concerns among educators.Three in five teachers and nearly half of school leaders believe NCEA Level 1 is not a reliable measure of knowledge and skills.Additionally, differences in subject difficulty and assessment standards mean students face varying workloads and chances of success.Three-quarters of school leaders reported that credit values often fail to reflect the actual effort required.Assessment inconsistency was another key issue.Last year, students were nearly twice as likely to achieve excellence in internal assessments compared to external ones.This variability, combined with gaps in course content, leaves many students unprepared for NCEA Level 2.According to the report, fewer than one in three schools offer all four required parts of a course, while nearly three-quarters of school leaders said NCEA Level 1 does not provide a strong foundation for further study.The report also identified motivational challenges.Almost two-thirds of teachers said NCEA Level 1 does not inspire students to achieve their full potential or stay engaged until the end of the year.For students entering the workforce directly after NCEA Level 1, the qualification appears undervalued by employers.Seven in 10 employers consider it an unreliable measure of knowledge and skills, and nine in 10 believe it fails to reflect work ethic.Parents, too, face challenges with NCEA Level 1.Nearly half of parents reported struggling to understand its requirements, making it difficult to guide their children in making informed educational choices.ERO has outlined several reform options for consideration.These include removing NCEA Level 1 entirely, redefining it as a foundational qualification, or enhancing its rigour to better prepare students for NCEA Levels 2 and 3.If retained, reforms would aim to standardise workload and content across subjects, ensuring all students gain the knowledge they need for further study.In addition to long-term structural changes, ERO has proposed immediate improvements, such as better resources for parents and schools, to address some of the challenges by next year.

Locals in Waitoki were shaken this past weekend after a fatal crash claimed the lives of two people. The two-vehicle collision occurred on Kahikatea Flat Road at around 10 pm on Saturday.Emergency services responded to the scene and both drivers were rushed to Auckland Hospital in critical condition. Tragically, both individuals later passed away from their injuries.Police have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash is currently ongoing, though no further details have been released at this stage.As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking incident, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved.

More than 70 vacant flats in Auckland Council's pensioner villages will be refurbished and rented out after sitting empty for years, some almost in ruin.There are 14 of the pensioner villages across Auckland, and more than half of the 150 units are now vacant because the council stopped on-selling the flats.They are part of an own-your-own-home scheme that was set up in the 1970s to provide affordable housing for retirees, with council buying back units then on-selling at 80 percent of the market value.It has been two years since the council put its share of the scheme on the market, raising concerns among village residents.The council's property arm Eke Panuku was in negotiations with an undisclosed buyer earlier this year, but that sale fell through.General manager of assets and delivery Marian Webb said the 78 vacant units were council owned and these will be refurbished to healthy homes standard and rented to tenants that are "compatible with existing homeowners".She said when council has bought back all the units in a village, Eke Panuku will sell that village.Webb said a village in Panmure is fully vacant and this would be demolished and the land sold next year, with the proceeds from the sale used to start refurbishing vacant units in other villages from February.Refurbished units would be rented out from about the middle of next year."Our dedicated property management team has the experience and expertise to manage the scheme to a high standard and form strong relationships with existing homeowners," Webb said."We already manage a significant number of residential tenancies on behalf of council. Crucially, it provides homeowners a single point of contact for resolving issues."She said there would be no change to current homeowners' contracts and no pressure placed on them to sell back to council."Most of all, we're pleased to be able to give homeowners a clear answer on the next steps. They have been very patient and understanding, given the challenges of this very complex process," Webb said.The council's plan to sell its share in the scheme raised concerns among the homeowners of the privately owned 72 units who wanted the villages to remain as affordable housing for retirees.Pauline Sheddan - who bought a unit in the Sandringham village four years ago at 80 percent market value - said the outcome was a good compromise."We're very happy that finally a decision is made," she said."Some of us expect to be here for a very long time, so to have a good neighbourhood obviously is much more comfortable."Sheddan said some villages had many vacant units and remaining homeowner residents had started to feel unsafe."There are other people who have just not been able to cope at all and have had to move on, go into a retirement home or had family take care of them in some way... because the stress has been enormous for them."She said Eke Panuku's answers to her questions, provided to RNZ, showed there would be no more than two people renting each unit and tenants would generally be over the age of 65.Sheddan said affordable housing for the elderly was needed in Auckland and having units sit vacant for years had been a shame."There's an enormous demand and it also gives the new tenants the security of a long term rental. They're not at the whim of a private landlord."Auckland Council's Finance and Performance Committee agreed to sell council's interest in the own-your-own-home scheme in 2022, after a review found it was no longer fit for purpose.

The latest 2023 Census results shed light on demographic trends in the Hibiscus and Bays area, underscoring continued population growth, housing expansion, and evolving diversity in one of Auckland’s most dynamic regions.Conducted on 7 March 2023, the Census recorded 114,033 usual residents in the Hibiscus and Bays area, an increase of 10,023 people since 2018.This represents a growth rate of 9.6%, outpacing Auckland’s overall rate of 5.4% during the same period.While slower than the 15.8% growth observed between 2013 and 2018, the region’s population now accounts for 6.9% of Auckland’s total, up from 6.6% five years ago.Housing Development on the RiseHousing growth has kept pace with the population increase, with 40,341 occupied private dwellings recorded in 2023, a 9.4% jump from 2018.Additionally, 1,461 unoccupied private dwellings were noted in the census.The area’s dwelling growth exceeded Auckland’s overall rate of 8.7%.Ownership remains a defining feature of the local housing market, with 73.9% of properties owned, partly owned, or held in family trusts—significantly higher than Auckland’s citywide average of 59.5%.The remaining 26.1% of homes are rented, reflecting a mix of private and public sector tenancies.Ageing Population and DiversityThe Hibiscus and Bays area continues to have one of the oldest populations among Auckland’s local boards, with a median age of 41.3 years, compared to Auckland’s 35.9 years.Residents aged 65 or older make up 18.6% of the population, well above the city average of 13.3%.In contrast, the proportion of residents under 15 years (18.8%) and those aged 15–64 (62.6%) are both slightly below Auckland-wide averages.Ethnic diversity in the region reflects a unique profile compared to Auckland as a whole.European ethnicities make up 75.9% of the population, compared to 49.8% citywide.Asian ethnicities account for 20.6%, Māori for 7.2%, and Pacific Peoples for 2.4%.The Māori population, in particular, saw a significant 21.3% increase since 2018.Smaller groups identifying as Middle Eastern, Latin American, or African (MELAA) represent 2.2% of the community.Gender Identity InsightsFor the first time, the census collected data on gender identity.In Hibiscus and Bays, 51.0% of residents identified as female, 48.6% as male, and 0.3% as another gender.These figures align closely with Auckland-wide averages.The 2023 Census results provide a comprehensive snapshot of the Hibiscus and Bays area, highlighting its steady growth, evolving demographics, and community characteristics that continue to shape its future.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new study has revealed that New Zealand’s low-carbon beef production could significantly increase, offering a more sustainable alternative to current practices in the dairy and beef industries. The AgResearch report, commissioned by Māori-owned agribusiness Miti, indicates that younger dairy cattle produce up to 48% less greenhouse gas emissions than older beef cattle.The findings come at a time when the dairy industry faces increasing scrutiny over the practice of culling nearly two million bobby calves annually, with many questioning its ethical and environmental impacts. The research shows that dairy-derived beef raised to 10-18 months has a carbon footprint 29-48% lower than the average for mixed beef cattle.Daniel Carson, the founder of Miti, explains that by raising dairy calves for up to a year, rather than slaughtering them shortly after birth, farmers could generate a viable low-carbon protein source. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also adds value to both the dairy and beef industries.Carson envisions the creation of a new low-carbon beef category, “Mataora,” designed for high-quality, value-added products, such as meat snacks for export and low-carbon leather for the fashion sector. Currently, bobby calves are considered surplus and sold for minimal returns, around $35 per calf, primarily for pet food. In contrast, Miti’s model could see farmers earning four times more per kilogram of beef, thus creating a more profitable and sustainable system.The project has received support from the New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN), which helps businesses scale up production for export. NZFIN’s Co-CEO, Grant Verry, highlights the potential of Miti’s product to inspire new business models and foster growth in New Zealand’s food manufacturing sector.Miti has launched a pre-sales fundraising campaign through PledgeMe to increase awareness and support for its low-carbon beef products. Carson aims to introduce the product to international markets, starting with Asia, with the backing of NZFIN’s export network.

Housing developments across Auckland continue to gain momentum, with the Auckland Council reporting 13,821 new dwellings consented in the year ending September 2024.September alone saw 1,362 new homes approved, with medium-density options dominating the mix.Townhouses, flats, and other attached dwellings accounted for 52 per cent of consents, while standalone houses comprised 30 per cent, and apartments made up the remaining 18 per cent.The majority of new homes—95 per cent over the past year—were consented within Auckland’s Rural Urban Boundary (RUB), aligning with the city’s urban planning goals.Further emphasising sustainability, 27 per cent of September’s consents were within 1,500 metres of Auckland’s rapid transit network, offering future residents better access to public transport.Public housing developments also made steady progress, with 74 new dwellings consented in September on Kāinga Ora or Tāmaki Regeneration Company land.The number of completed homes continues to rise, with 1,451 dwellings issued Code Compliance Certificates (CCCs) in September, bringing the year’s total to 18,410.Additionally, land development activity saw the creation of 1,131 new residential parcels in October, including 1,129 under 5,000m².While housing development continues, hazard zone overlaps remain an important consideration.Eight per cent of September consents and 14 per cent of the year’s total were on properties overlapping hazard zones.With long-term arrivals reaching 5,618 in September and 1,273 public housing applications addressed in the June quarter, Auckland's housing initiatives are crucial to meeting demand as the city grows.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new police base will soon be established in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, with the goal of increasing visibility and community reassurance.Police have signed a lease for the building at 210 Federal Street, which will be fully operational by mid-2025.The base, located near Aotea Square and across from Te Waihorotiu Railway Station, will house a public counter that provides access to policing services.The public counter will offer a more centralised location for residents and visitors, moving from its current location at College Hill, about two kilometres from the city centre.This move is part of ongoing efforts to address crime and safety concerns in Auckland CBD.Through Operation Safer Streets and the expansion of beat teams, police have made significant progress in enhancing public safety.The new base will build on these efforts by improving response times and boosting the police presence in the area.In total, 51 beat positions are currently stationed across Auckland CBD, contributing to a more visible and accessible policing service.The establishment of this 24/7 base will further support these efforts, ensuring that police can respond swiftly and effectively to incidents in the area.Police Commissioner Richard Chambers highlighted the importance of this initiative for public safety.“A 24/7 Police Base in the central business district will go a long way to address crime in Central Auckland,” he said.“This presence will make responding to crime in the CBD faster and more effective.”The base will be a valuable resource for the community, offering better access to police services and contributing to a safer, more secure environment for Auckland's city centre.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Health authorities have declared New Zealand in the early stages of a whooping cough epidemic following a sustained rise in cases across the country. The announcement, based on recommendations from health officials, marks the activation of a nationally coordinated response to the outbreak.Data from ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research) revealed 263 cases in the past four weeks alone, the highest recorded for any four-week period in 2024. This resurgence follows significant spikes earlier in May, June, and July.Dr Nicholas Jones, Director of Public Health, explained that several countries are experiencing record levels of whooping cough (pertussis), potentially due to suppressed infection rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. “New Zealand should also prepare for elevated case numbers over the next 12 months or more,” Dr Jones said. He emphasised that Māori and Pacific babies, or pēpi, are likely to be most affected.“Our main concern is the risk of severe illness among babies too young to be immunised or whose immunisations are delayed. The focus must remain on timely vaccination, particularly during pregnancy,” Dr Jones noted.Dr Susan Jack, National Clinical Director of Protection at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, stated that the National Public Health Service is well-prepared to address the epidemic, with a response team already coordinating efforts nationwide.“Whooping cough is highly contagious and can be fatal, particularly for newborns,” Dr Jack said. “Three babies died from whooping cough last year, and our goal is to prevent that from happening again. This will be a marathon, not a sprint.”Health experts are urging healthcare professionals to promote vaccinations and remain alert for symptoms. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to receive the free pertussis vaccine from 16 weeks of pregnancy, ensuring protection for their babies.Routine vaccinations for children are scheduled at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 5 months, with boosters at 4 years and 11 years (Year 7). Adults are eligible for a free pertussis and tetanus booster at ages 45 and 65.For those who missed vaccinations, Dr Jack reassured, “It’s never too late to catch up.”

Nearly 2,000 submissions have been received on the Government’s proposals to simplify building granny flats of up to 60 square metres without requiring resource or building consent. This unprecedented response, more than double the previous high of 800 submissions, was highlighted by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.“This is the highest number of submissions we’ve received for a building and construction consultation,” Mr Penk said. “It is fantastic to see such a high level of engagement, especially from homeowners and those in the building and construction industry.”The consultation, part of the National-NZ First Coalition Agreement, ran from June to August. Many submissions identified council and regulatory processes as major obstacles to construction. Mr Bishop noted, “Our proposals aim to create a more enabling system that retains important checks and balances but lifts the handbrake on much-needed growth.”The policy suggests adopting a risk-based consenting regime to ease requirements for low-risk building work. Some submitters recommended broadening the scope to include larger granny flats, multiple units on single properties, and provisions for papakāinga housing, which could bring significant social and economic benefits to Māori communities.Financial savings emerged as a key theme, with 55 per cent of respondents expecting cost reductions. Among them, 19 per cent estimated savings of $15,000 or more, while 15 per cent predicted savings between $3,000 and $15,000.Mr Penk also acknowledged concerns around building risks and environmental impacts, pledging that these would be managed in the final policy design. “Kiwis need confidence in the safety and quality of the built environment, but it’s possible to do this while also making it faster and more affordable to build,” he said.Legislation to amend the Building Act 2004 is planned for next year, with new National Environmental Standards for granny flats expected to come into effect in 2025.

The Hibiscus Coast community continues to benefit from an innovative traffic solution on Whangaparāoa Road, with a dynamic lane system helping over 25,000 vehicles travel efficiently each day.Since its installation in 2018, the dynamic lane has utilised the median strip as an additional lane during peak hours, saving commuters up to ten minutes daily despite the area’s growing population.Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Alexis Poppelbaum described the system as a crucial improvement.“Whangaparāoa Road is a vital link for our community. By continuously investigating improvements, it eases traffic and ultimately gets our people to their destination quickly and safely.”To further enhance these benefits, Auckland Transport (AT) plans to extend the dynamic lane’s morning operating hours, addressing early congestion.“We’ve noticed this road often gets busy early in the morning, so they are maximising the existing road space to save commuters precious time,” Poppelbaum added.Looking ahead to the new year, AT intends to engage with the community about extending the lane’s operational hours in the afternoon.Albany Ward Councillor John Watson emphasised the significance of optimising current infrastructure.“Despite our region’s growing population, the time savings for commuters show the value of prioritising smarter use of our roads before committing to new developments,” Watson said.“Dynamic laning has been a real success in reducing congestion on Whangaparāoa; this type of innovative thinking is cost-effective and relatively quick to implement.”This initiative is part of a broader effort by AT and the NZ Transport Agency to incorporate new technology and road improvements, ensuring Auckland’s transport network can accommodate tens of thousands of additional vehicles each year.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Retirement Commission has brought together hundreds of financial service providers to help New Zealanders grow their money and build resilience.It has launched a new National Strategy for Financial Capability that sets out goals and projects to be taken on by banks, fintechs, and community organisations.The goals include encouraging customers to save and invest and promoting options to protect against financial shocks.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said people have been hammered by high inflation, pandemic related hardship, and unemployment, and businesses want to help."The interest in this kind of collaboration is rising because the problems we're all dealing with are quite gnarly ones now right."So, the only way you can get to wicked problems like people not having enough money for retirement because of all the life shocks, not saving enough because of their economic circumstances, not understanding how growing money works which is around education, the more we can tackle these together and think collectively the better."The strategy is a three-year plan involving more than 900 representatives from the financial services sector and builds upon the previous scheme put in place in 2021.Wrightson said there were plenty of projects in the pipeline for providers to get involved in."There will be a special women's project again. There was one in the last strategy which was very successful where the industry which is more male than female had an entire month, courtesy of the FSC [Financial Services Council of NZ] and a women's group, thinking about how they might serve their women employees and women customers better."There will be a focus on increasing contributions and participation in KiwiSaver for young people, there will be Money Month again... and we're working on a consistent financial education core competency framework for young people so that what's taught in schools will have a framework around it."The four goals of the strategy are:Supporting people to grow their moneyHelping build resilience for the unexpectedLifting financial capability through education and trainingLeveraging collective impact

Aucklanders are being urged to plan their travel ahead of the busy Black Friday shopping period, with Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) working together to manage expected traffic surges.The Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) has partnered with mall operators to develop strategies for managing carparks and traffic flow around major shopping areas.Active monitoring will be in place to ensure smoother journeys during one of the busiest times of the year.Simon Buxton, AT’s Director of Customer and Network Performance, noted the challenges ahead.“Our Operations Centre is doing everything they can to help keep traffic flowing around shopping centres this festive season, though we’re also encouraging shoppers to make the most of all the transport choices that are available to them,” he said.Auckland’s major shopping hubs are accessible via AT’s frequent transport network, with buses and trains running every 15 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm daily.Mr Buxton encouraged Aucklanders to consider public transport, walking, or cycling to avoid the stress of parking.“Contactless payment options like debit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches make it easier than ever to hop on a bus or train,” he added.For those driving, NZTA Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations Jacqui Hori-Hoult advised checking traffic conditions before heading out.“Prepare for delays, especially around shopping outlets in Westgate, Newmarket, Mt Wellington, and the airport,” she said.Congested areas may include motorway ramps such as SH16 Westgate, SH1 Gillies Ave, and SH20A Airport.The NZTA Journey Planner tool and AT Mobile App offer real-time traffic updates to assist with trip planning.“We’d encourage shoppers to check traffic conditions and, if necessary, stay a little longer to enjoy dining or entertainment rather than joining the congestion,” Mr Buxton said.Black Friday in New Zealand falls on Friday, November 29, 2024, as it is observed on the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday, which is the fourth Thursday of November.

Elon Musk's satellite broadband service Starlink might have topped Consumer NZ's ranking of the country's best internet providers - but there's a warning it won't be the best solution for everyone.Product Test writer Nick Gelling said 80 percent of Starlink's customers were very satisfied with its service, reliability and connection speed.It was particularly welcomed by rural customers who had not had access to strong internet services in the past, he said.Starlink was the first satellite service that Consumer had received enough responses about to include in the survey."While more expensive than its competitors, Starlink offers triple the speed. That would be a big deal for rural customers who haven't experienced such fast internet before. It might also explain Starlink's extremely high satisfaction score, 80 percent compared with the average of 58 percent."Starlink is able to provide a better service in rural areas, it's quite a lot faster than copper internet and even the 4G wireless internet that gets out into the regions."While it was a good option for people who could not connect to fibre, it would probably not be best for those living in cities, he said."Starlink doesn't really compete with fibre internet. If you are in a place that can get fibre internet, you're better off going with that than with a satellite provider."The satisfaction results [for Starlink] wouldn't be anywhere near that high if you were just talking to people in urban areas."Now NZ was the second-best performer, he said."They've been around a few years but are still not a huge player in the market. They're notable for having really good customer service."Sky Broadband, which was the top performer last year, was bottom of the table.Sky had been a fairly new entrant to the market last year and had made a push with competitive pricing and putting its "best foot forward", Gelling said."Now they've captured that core base maybe they've relaxed a bit and their service has slipped. We're really keen to emphasis that SKy Broadband is a good reminder not to get complacent. Just because your provider was good it doesn't mean they'll be good into the future."Internet providers could be doing better by New Zealanders, he said."The fact that our overall market average for customers satisfaction is only 58 percent across the whole industry shows there's definitely plenty of space to improve."Many people were worried about how difficult it would be to change providers, but 80 percent of those who had switched said it was a simple process, Gelling said.

Weaker than expected spending, business activity delaying recoveryTreasury revising down its economic and fiscal forecastsWeaker activity hitting the tax take making it harder to balance booksMid-year economic update next monthLonger term - productivity, ageing population, climate change big challengesTreasury's chief economist has warned a weaker economic outlook means a delay in a return to growth.Dominick Stephens has told an accountants' conference that recent indicators have been softer than expected in the Budget and this has forced a downward revision of its forecasts."Treasury's May Budget forecasts anticipated a return to economic growth in the second half of 2024, but the latest data now suggests that the recovery will begin later."One should always read real-time economic data with caution, but this presents further downside risks to the Treasury's productivity, economic growth, and tax revenue forecasts."Stephens gave no details of revisions, which will likely be in next month's half-year economic and fiscal update.Treasury's chief economist Dominick Stephens. Photo: SuppliedHowever, he said weaker consumer spending, and the contraction in the manufacturing and service sectors were factors.The May Budget forecast growth of 1.7 percent for the year ended June 2025, but most private sector economists have been forecasting growth of around 1 percent.Stephens said the government's financial outlook has also deteriorated and forecasts of the size and duration of budget deficits may also be revised."Economic growth falling short of expectations has been making it harder for the government to bring the books back into balance."Recent monthly data has shown that tax revenue overall has been close to the Treasury's Budget forecast, but the detail reveals that GST collections have been surprisingly low relative to underlying economic activity. If this trend continues, there could be further downside risks to the Treasury's revenue forecasts," Stephens said.He said longer term, the country had to contend with the poor productivity outlook, which had generally been worsening for more than a decade, along with the pressures from an ageing population and climate change.But he said future growth should benefit from more private investment, new technology, improved overseas links, and changes to regulations.

When media company NZME proposed the closure of 14 community newspapers last week, the so-called “news desert” encroached a little further into the local information landscape.The term refers to those many regions in both town and country where newspapers that for generations have kept their citizens informed – and local politicians and planners (mostly) honest – have been shut down.As a metaphor, the desert evokes a sense of arid emptiness and silence.But it also suggests a featureless place where we lose a sense of direction.Many of these papers were their community’s central or only source of verified local news.Research from the United States has shown the death of a local newspaper leaves citizens struggling for information about community events, and feeling more isolated.People worry about a loss of community pride and identity. Volunteers struggle to fill the void.Among the NZME titles facing closure for being unprofitable is the Te Awamutu Courier, which has been publishing for more than a century.It and its stablemates may well soon join the 28 local papers Stuff sold or closed in 2018.Between those two headline events many other little papers have gone, financial burdens on their owners in an age of online advertising and shifting consumption habits.Those that still exist, at least the ones owned by major news publishers, are often shadows of their former selves.The power of a local pressThe effect of this trend, of course, is to remove a kind of media town square.Affected communities are left to the perils of community social media, which are not professionally moderated, can be defamatory, and which post largely unverified content.For all the faults that come with local newspapers – and most journalists can tell you about an editor who was too vulnerable to influence, or a publisher who meddled in the newsroom – these news organisations connect their communities to their cultural, physical and human geographies.Good ones – and there have been many – identify the social issues that unite and divide their communities, and then represent and champion their readers or play the role of moderator.Authorities are put on notice when local coverage amplifies the complaints and demands of residents and ratepayers.When enough pressure on politicians and officials is exerted in this way, things have even been known to change.The papers that survive now are often the ones which reinforce a strongly-felt community identity in places as diverse as the West Coast of the South Island, Waiheke Island and Mahurangi.Readers will rally behind a paper that gets behind them, and a collective voice of sorts emerges.A community’s struggles – be they over housing, employment or the environment – help define its identity, building knowledge and resilience.A training ground for good journalismIn telling these stories, young journalists (many of whom are destined for metropolitan newsrooms later in their careers) learn how government is meant to work – and how it actually works in practice.It’s where they learn how to report without fear or favour, how to find reliable sources, and where official information can be accessed – the nuts and bolts of journalism, in other words.It’s also often where journalists first experience the powers of the bureaucracy and the executive.There’s nothing like a bully on a local board or a vindictive council official to help a young reporter up their game.Of course, local politics are now often conveyed via social media in disordered, fragmented and incendiary ways.Politicians and other powerful players can reach voters directly, telling their own stories, effectively unchallenged.Yet this persuasive power, and the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation, only underscore the need for political information to be ordered and moderated by accountable community journalists.Digital solutions struggleNewspapers do seem anomalous today, it’s true.Growing pine forests to share news is, frankly, quite ridiculous.But online-only ventures in community news have largely struggled.Crux, a Central Otago site for robust community journalism since 2018, was proposed as a model for a network of regional news sites, but it has recently gone into hibernation.According to its founder, journalist Peter Newport, Crux had “tried, tested and implemented every single type of digital publishing innovation”.Newport has instead taken to Substack, where freelancers can build paying newsletter audiences, to publish his brand of investigative community journalism.With Google now threatening to stop promoting New Zealand news content if the government goes ahead with the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, the plight of local papers is in danger of being overshadowed by a wider crisis.Whole television news networks have closed, and others are being hugely downsized.Elsewhere, philanthropists such as the American Journalism Project are recognising the risk to democracy and social unity from the loss of local news sources, and are funding attempts to restore it.As yet, however, a sustainable model has yet to rise.In Aotearoa New Zealand, there are now calls from local councils themselves to strengthen existing government support for local-democracy reporting.This and more should be done.The longer we wait, the closer the news desert creeps every day.Author - Greg Treadwell

Your Weekly News FixCatch up on the top local stories that made headlines this week!Top Stories You Need to Know$194 Million Lost to Bank ScamsRead more Mayor Proposes Changes to Council StructureRead morePolice Minister Highlights Early Crime ReductionsRead moreOrewa New World Santa Parade Returns This SaturdayRead moreMatakana Village Farmers' Market Celebrates 20 YearsRead more Stay Ahead of the Curve.Get the latest local news and information through the Hibiscus Coast App. Download the app now!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland’s bus drivers are set to benefit from increased security measures with the rollout of driver safety screens across the region’s bus fleet. The initiative, funded by Auckland Council and the Government, aims to enhance safety for drivers who play a vital role in the city’s public transport network.The first batch of safety screens was unveiled today by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown at an event attended by Ritchies Transport Chief Executive Michele Kernahan and Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton. The screens are being installed on buses operated by Ritchies at depots in Takanini and Albany.Mayor Brown emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “We’ve all been appalled by recent cowardly attacks on bus drivers who are just trying to do their job. This investment ensures their security and acknowledges the critical work they do to keep Auckland moving.”The rollout, which includes input from bus drivers on the screen designs, is expected to significantly improve conditions for the more than 2,330 drivers employed by the eight operators contracted by Auckland Transport. Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt was also recognised for his leadership in consulting on the project.Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton highlighted the progress, noting that 35 buses are already equipped with the safety screens. “By June next year, more than 300 buses will feature these protective measures,” Mr Kimpton said. “With the Government co-funding announced today, we aim to have 80% of AT’s buses equipped with screens by July 2026.”Buses play a pivotal role in Auckland’s transport system, carrying about 80% of all public transport passengers and making over 13,500 trips daily.The rollout marks a critical step toward improving safety for both drivers and passengers, ensuring a secure and reliable network for the community.

With more Kiwis keen to shop for a Black Friday bargain this year, people will be keeping their eyes peeled for the best deals.Even though New Zealanders traditionally have not celebrated Thanksgiving - the precursor to Black Friday sales that follow the holiday on the fourth Thursday of November - the concept of the sales have swept the globe.The cultural phenomenon, which has generally become known as a four-day sales period, revolves not just around the discounts, but the anticipation of frenzied shoppers pushing, shoving, and sometimes even fighting each other to get a bargain.How has this become such a global phenomenon?And are the sales all they're cracked up to be?Why has it become such a big deal?Black Friday is a time when people often nab Christmas presents - but it's our culture and what we have put a value on as a society that has infused us with this inherent sense of obligation to give gifts, University of Canterbury professor of marketing Ekant Veer says.University of Canterbury professor of marketing Ekant Veer. Photo: University of Canterbury"We get caught up in this frenzy of buying more to show love and marketers prey on that saying, 'hey, you're a good parent because you gave your kid that thing that made them really happy', and 'you're a good kid because your parents clearly got you something'."According to a survey by PriceMe of more than 1100 people, 51 percent of Kiwis are planning to shop on Black Friday this year, compared with 35 percent in 2023.Additionally, sales often have become elongated - including Boxing Day - because there's been a "democratisation of knowledge", where consumers often hold out on buying because they're more aware of when the sales are and how much they could save, Prof Veer says.Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young Photo: SuppliedRetail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young says some businesses also stretch out sales to increase foot traffic ahead of the Christmas sales period, which is "critical in terms of the sustainability of retailers"."It doesn't necessarily mean that you get greater turnover between when the sales starts and the Christmas period, but it just means that you're generating interest earlier."Some smaller retailers can't afford to go that far and will stick to traditional sale seasons, Young says, while others feel the need to jump on the bandwagon to not miss out on the opportunity.What could be worth buying during Black Friday sales?PriceMe's survey data in October found the most interest from would-be shoppers was in technology and electronics (38 percent) followed by fashion and clothing (35 percent) and household appliances (25 percent).PriceSpy says tech products had the most substantial Black Friday discounts last year, with the largest average discounts in games and consoles (-28 percent), keyboards and mice (-24 percent), speakers (-24 percent), televisions (-22 percent), and kitchen appliances (-20 percent)."For 2024, we expect similar trends, with electronics leading the way. Non-tech categories like kitchen appliances, airfryers, espresso machines and vacuum cleaners also consistently perform well, with average discounts of around -20 percent."PriceSpy recommends looking for older models in electronics."Retailers frequently discount previous-generation products, especially in categories like smartphones, headphones, and televisions, offering great value without sacrificing quality."The beauty and health category offered an average discount of -21 percent on products during last Black Friday, according to PriceSpy data.Some research based on average weighted prices conducted by PriceSpy in 2022 showed November was the best time to buy toasters, headphones, juicers and home security cameras. But it was the worst time to buy LEGO.In general, it found the cheapest month in 2022 was November, with prices costing 7 percent less ($57) compared to the average price across the rest of the year.Black Friday 2024 survey by PriceMe shows the average Kiwi plans to spend just over $600 this Black Friday, with the most popular purchases set to be: technology and electronics (38%), fashion and clothing (35%), and household appliances (25%). Photo: SuppliedWhat fish hooks to look out for when you're shopping in the Black Friday sales?There's been a "recurring trend" of fake deals where some retailers raise their price ahead of Black Friday to deceive consumers into thinking their discount is bigger than it actually is, PriceSpy says."Last year, one in 10 offers (10 percent) fell into this category. While this isn't illegal, shoppers should be aware of this and extra cautious if a discount appears unusually large."Don't fall for the pressure tactics like "one left, get in quick" or "don't miss out!", ConsumerNZ says."They're intentionally designed to create a sense of urgency, overwhelm or confusion. Don't fall for it - there's mostly likely enough in stock, and you probably won't "miss out."Also watch out for an increase in delivery charges to offset large discounts, PriceSpy says. "It's wise to consider the full purchase cost, not just the discount percentage."Financial adviser Tracy Hemingway of Debtfreediva NZ says it's wise to be wary of multi-buy deals."Like I know that it's one for $20 or two for $30, but have you just spent an extra $10 on something that you don't need? Rather than just spend the $20 on the one item that you did need."So how do we avoid getting sucked into the frenzy?Prof Veer has these tips:Be mindful and consider what you need versus what you want before you head out.Do your research. Use price checker and comparison websites to see who has the best deal and how it compares to the rest of the year."They will put things on sale that people don't typically want as a way of luring people into the shop to get into the frenzy of 'while I'm here, I will also buy this thing at full retail price'."Set your budget and stick to it. Buying a few things that you don't need because they're at a good price will still mean they add up at the cashier.But how does it compare to the other sales? And is it worth it?Last year, PriceSpy's Price Index, a tool which monitors daily indexed price changes across the most popular products on the comparison website, was -7 percent on Black Friday, a slight improvement over 2022.The average discount among discounted products was 21 percent.But they also found 15 percent of products were actually more expensive on Black Friday compared to a standard shopping day, like 1 November 2023.PriceMe also found many would be taking on extra debt to pay for their Black Friday purchases this year - it's something that's contributing to the idea of "gift poverty" where we overextend ourselves and go in debt just to buy something for others, Prof Veer says.Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler also says the hype around Black Friday "can fuel a culture of overconsumption, leading to unnecessary waste and strain on natural resources".The phenomenon goes against what we're also being told about avoiding "accelerated consumerism", where we buy and consume more, more frequently, Prof Veer says.