The number of jobs being advertised continues to outpace applications, as business struggle to fill skills gaps.Figures from the job website Seek show job ads rose 3 percent in May to a fresh record, and were 15 percent higher than a year ago.However, applications had fallen by 4 percent."Job ads continue to grow to record heights, and interestingly, there has also been an increase in the number of full-time roles being advertised, compared to part-time, casual and temporary roles," Seek country manager Rob Clark said.Full time roles made up 74 percent of all roles advertised on the website prior to the pandemic but it had jumped to 81 percent of all roles.Clark said the shift was occurring because firms that relied on casual workers could not afford to lose them."While the pandemic saw many Kiwis reassessing how much of their life was spent at work, it appears as though businesses are keener than ever to secure talent in full-time roles, perhaps with the lure of flexibility and hybrid working as a compromise.There was a sharp increase in demand for workers from the the hospitality and tourism, retail and community services sectors.Clark said it was encouraging to see tourism firms looking to hire staff again, as they had been hard-hit by the pandemic.However, they were now struggling to find staff in time for what would be their busiest winter in three years."For these businesses, the reopening of borders for international skilled and student visas from July offers some hope that fresh talent may be on its way."Every part of the country recorded a growth in jobs ads over the past 12 months.However, some regions reported declines over the past month.

A message from Auckland Council:Do your part to keep Auckland’s waterways, and ecosystems healthy by making sure your septic tank is well maintained.From June 2022, properties not connected to a wastewater network will be asked to provide Auckland Council with proof their onsite wastewater system is working well. This means your septic tank, aerated system, composting toilet or other wastewater treatment needs to be serviced by a professional. Most properties in Auckland are connected to Watercare's piped network and pay for wastewater disposal. About 45,000 households in rural areas and on the Hauraki Gulf islands do not have access to this network and rely on onsite wastewater systems to treat their sewage and wastewater.In an effort to reduce faecal contamination of our waterways, the water quality targeted rate is funding compliance monitoring of onsite wastewater systems to ensure property owners are meeting their obligations by regularly servicing their septic systems.Since the Safe Septic programme began, staff in Healthy Waters and Regulatory Services have been working with servicing companies and communities to raise awareness of their maintenance obligations. Under the Auckland Unitary Plan, property owners are responsible for maintaining their onsite wastewater systems.“These systems can be really expensive to replace, but regular maintenance, taking care of what goes down your drains, and protecting the disposal field will keep it running well. Think of this like a WOF for your car – a regular check-up gives you assurance it is safe and means you can address small issues before they cause a big stink.” Elizabeth Johnson, Safe Septic programme leadWhat do I need to do?Contact a private company to arrange a service. Your basic septic tank needs to be serviced every three years. A modern aerated system needs to be serviced every six months. You can expect them to clean out any pumps and filters, address any blockages in the tank or disposal field pipes, and advise you of further repairs or improvements that could be made. They will also be able to tell you if the system needs to be pumped out. Service costs range between $100 and $250 depending on the system. Search online for septic tank maintenance in Auckland to find your local professional.Take care of your system in between services. The bacteria living in the tank love organic matter, but will not be able to do their job of treating your wastewater if there is bleach in the water, or if wipes get into the system.Fines can be issued if property owners are unwilling to repair problems or provide proof of maintenance.Questions? Visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/septictanks or email [email protected]

Replacing Poto Williams as Police Minister could just be "window dressing for the public" if it doesn't bring changes, says National's police spokesperson Mark Mitchell.Williams was stripped of her responsibility for the police portfolio yesterday, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a string of Cabinet changes. Chris Hipkins has stepped in to replace her.It came less than a week after National Party leader Christopher Luxon called for Williams' removal from the role.Now that Williams had been replaced, the party said it wasn't convinced Hipkins stepping into the role would deliver for New Zealanders."They tend to use Chris Hipkins to try and fix portfolios that aren't going very well," National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell told Morning Report."If he's passionate about it and he really believes in getting behind the police, and I hope he does, then we might see some changes but fundamentally the risk is that it's window dressing for the public."Mitchell said Labour continued to adopt a "soft on crime" approach and there needed to be a very strong response to gang activity.It was something National were "deeply passionate about", he said."We signalled four years ago what the government needed to do to get on top of a rising gang problem, they didn't act."There had been a number of shootings and arsons in Auckland and Northland in recent weeks, linked to escalating tensions between the Killer Beez and Tribesmen.The National Party proposed four steps to give police new powers to tackle the gang problem.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern rejected those and yesterday said the government had asked police what other tools they wanted to address gang behaviour.Giving police a warrantless search power inside the Firearms Prohibition Order Bill (FPOs) was among the things needed, Mitchell said.The government had worked on introducing FPOs but they do not grant warrantless search powers."The police have got the intelligence, they know who the gang members are, they know who's organising all of this, they've got very good intelligence gathering capability and they absolutely know what's going on. But they can't take action unless they've got the powers to do it."The government had put a lot of money into addressing gang behaviour but things were going backwards, Mitchell said."If Chris Hipkins comes in and he sits down with me and he says 'Right, let's have a look at this Firearms Prohibition Order, does it actually genuinely have the warrantless search powers that the police need?' and he can't see that they don't, and they make a change - that's a good thing."NZ Police Association president Chris Cahill didn't think switching out the minister would make a dramatic difference."It's good to see the Labour has accepted law and order issues are a significant problem and they've put someone of a high Cabinet ranking of five but the reality is, are ministers really going to be able to change the significant problems we've got with gangs at the moment or with ram raids?"Legislative amendments wouldn't make changes overnight but National's proposals were worth looking at, Cahill said, noting any steps needed to be made slowly."I'd like to look at the gang patch for a start."But he said people should not go to prison for wearing a patch."What I want to make sure is that anything we introduce is practical and has the ability to work and won't just get thrown out by the courts."He said while people were concerned about increased gang presence in communities, why young people were joining gangs needed to be addressed."That'd be the best result, is turn off the tap in the first place."

Monday - Showers, some heavy with squally thunderstorms and hail. Westerlies, gale gusting 110 km/h in exposed places, easing tonight.Strong Wind Watch today until 4pm. Northwest winds may approach severe gale at times. The area may be affected by severe thunderstorms and wind gusts of more than 110km/h and localised tornadoes.Tuesday - Partly cloudy. A few showers, clearing early morning, returning at night. Fresh southwesterlies.Wednesday - Partly cloudy, a few showers. Westerlies.Thursday - Partly cloudy, a chance of a shower. Westerlies.Friday - Fine, then a few showers developing. Northwesterlies dying away.

Pakiri Beach Horse Rides owner Sharley Haddon is looking for extra special new homes for 40 beloved horses - and admits it's with quite some reluctance that she's calling it a day."It's been my life for 42 years and it's pretty hard to just walk away... I'm really sad that I've had to stop. I'm not a happy retiree." The former school teacher explained it all started with "two fat ponies" she bought for her children when she moved up from South Waikato.  Word spread fast and visitors, from first time riders to experienced equestrians, were soon travelling from all over New Zealand in the hundreds.They were enticed by the chance to go for a guided trot through pristine vistas and hear hoofbeats under them on the deserted, white sand beach. It was a roaring success story. "I moved into the international market and marketed overseas and it grew from two fat ponies to, well, I had 80 horses on the place at one stage," Haddon said."I think I probably introduced a lot of people that live here now to Pakiri." Today, the stable walls are scrawled with messages from former trekking guides, who came from all over the world. "They still contact me on Facebook and write wonderful things about how it was one of the best times of their lives," Haddon said."I'm not so sure that I was the best boss but it's so nice living here. They had a staff house that came with the job and I think it was a lot of fun. It was a pretty horrible house but it always was happy." Some of her own fondest memories are the seven-day treks down to Muriwai beach in Auckland. "We used to stay in a little hut at the top of the Kaipara hills. It was semi camping, but everything was there. It was fabulous. I used to love that. Especially when we lit the fire and we were all wet and hanging around the fire drinking whiskey," she said. Haddon had been gradually wanting to retire when the pandemic forced her hand.A tough two years made it untenable to keep employing staff or running the treks - and she explained four legged staff didn't qualify for the wage subsidy. A broken neck from a fall three years ago has kept her out of the saddle herself, and she said increased health and safety regulations for tourism operators have gradually put the squeeze on her operations.While Haddon would love someone else to swoop in and take over the business, she said she isn't selling the land, only the horses. She knows each of the 47 horses by name and unique personality.Seven "old favourites" will remain on the farm for herself, her daughter, her son and her granddaughter.Any prospective buyers of the other 40 will have to be pretty special people, Haddon explained she'll be making sure they're the right fit for the horse that they choose. Pakiri Beach Horse Rides owner Sharley Haddon. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi"It's not easy to sell horses. For me, when I love them, it's not easy to sell them," she said.  As for the owner herself, Haddon isn't putting her feet up just yet.She has been keeping busy writing and illustrating stories, and toying with the idea of a new job. Her happy chapter running Pakiri Beach Horse Rides might be over - but what a ride it has been.  

For those of you travelling to Auckland check the roads before you head off.Northwest winds may approach severe gale at times. Warning of the possible full closure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge is possible..This area may be affected by severe thunderstorms bringing wind gusts of more than 110 km/h and localised tornadoes.Watches for severe thunderstorms have been issued. Note that winds may ease for at time Monday morning but severe gales are again possible from late Monday morning and into the afternoon.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 17 June 2022.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Waiwera off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 12-13 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Orewa southbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneMillwater southbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneSouthbound lanes between Waiwera off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 15-16 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Waiwera on-ramp, 12-13 & 15 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Silverdale northbound on-ramp, 12-13 & 15 JuneOrewa northbound on-ramp, 12-13 & 15 JuneOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 13 June (approx. 08:30pm – 05:00am)Northbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 12-16 June (approx. 09:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp 12-16 JuneSouthbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Esmonde Road on-ramp, 13-15 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 13-15 JuneNorthcote Road southbound on-ramp, 13-15 JuneCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Hobson Street southbound on-ramp, 13 JuneHobson Street westbound on-ramp, 13 JuneWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 14 JuneWellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 14 JuneGrafton Road southbound on-ramp, 14 JuneSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneKhyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 13-16 JuneGillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 13-16 JuneGreenlane northbound off-ramp, 12-13 June (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound off-ramp, 12 JuneEllerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneSouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/ SH22 on-ramp, 12-16 JunePapakura southbound on-ramp, 12-16 JunePapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 12-16 JuneNorthbound lanes between Drury/ SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 12-16 JuneDrury/ SH22 northbound on-ramp, 12-16 JuneBombay southbound off-ramp, 13 JunePokeno southbound off-ramp, 15 June (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound on-ramp, 15 JunePioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 15 June (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Mercer southbound off-ramp, 15 June (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 15 June (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 15 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 16 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mercer southbound off-ramp, 16 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 16 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Pioneer Road off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 12-13 June (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Pioneer Road, 12-13 June (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Mercer northbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneSouthbound lanes between Mercer and Oram Rd, 14 June (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Mercer southbound on-ramp, 14 JuneHampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 12-13 JuneHampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneHampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 13-15 JuneHampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 13-15 JuneTe Kauwhata southbound off-ramp, 14-16 JuneTe Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 14-16 JuneNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 15 JuneGreat North Road westbound off ramp, 14 JuneSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 JuneMaioro Street northbound on-ramp, 13 JuneMassey Road southbound on-ramp, 12-16 JunePuhinui Road southbound off-ramp, 14 June

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency today announced the successful construction partners for delivering Penlink, a new two-lane, proposed toll road in North Auckland.HEB, Fulton Hogan, Aurecon and Tonkin + Taylor gathered today with Waka Kotahi to formally sign an agreement, that saw the group become an alliance to construct the eagerly awaited new connection.The seven-kilometre road and shared path for people walking and on wheels is part of the Government’s $8.7 billion New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP), and will provide better, safer, more reliable transport options for communities across Whangaparāoa, Hibiscus Coast and Silverdale.Mark Kinvig, National Manager Infrastructure Delivery at Waka Kotahi said, “Penlink is a highly-anticipated project that will enhance the lives of those living and working in these growing communities. That’s why we needed the best in the industry, and this alliance brings that skill set and experience to the table.”All projects in the New Zealand Upgrade Programme will have targets to reduce construction emissions in order to meet the Waka Kotahi vision to have a low carbon, safe and healthy transport system.“The Penlink alliance will have a strong focus on reducing construction emissions, with a minimum reduction target of 10 percent and a stretch goal of more than 20 percent,” said Mr Kinvig.“Waka Kotahi identified that the Wēiti River Crossing would be the largest single contributor to Penlink’s embodied emissions, so exploring innovative solutions and ways to reduce its carbon footprint was a strong focus for the alliance during the procurement process.”During the tendering process the alliance refined the design which now delivers significant improvements from the original bridge, including reducing the number of piers in the Wēiti River, from three to two. This reduces the impact on the marine environment and allows clearer views and passage through the navigation channel.Construction methodologies have been improved, including a reduction in temporary staging which help to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. A lowered entrance to the crossing will better fit with the landscape, enabling 235 metres to be trimmed off the overall crossing, reducing the amount of steel and concrete required.A cable supported crossing reduces the amount of concrete required, significantly reducing construction emissions and the northern pier has also been moved away from the coastal cliff to avoid excavation into the cliff face.The project will provide increased travel choice and reduced vehicle emissions through new separated path for walking and cycling and give people on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula better and faster access to the Northern Busway.Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.

Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai says the government needs to get a loud and clear message that her council would not be fluoridating its water unless the government pays.Compulsory fluoridation for Whangārei and Bream Bay council drinking water supplies is moving closer  at a cost of more than $3 million - as the government moves to impose the controversial additive's inclusion in council water supplies nationally."If you (the government) don't fund us, we will not be complying and we are expecting funding for the ongoing operating costs too," Mai said.Her comments came at a Whangārei District Council (WDC) briefing meeting on Thursday."If you (the government) want fluoride, you pay for it," Mai said.The government brought in the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021 in November. It gives the Director-General of Health the power to direct a local authority to add fluoride to its drinking water supply.Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield late last year wrote to WDC, ahead of likely issuing a "direction to fluoridate" from the middle of this year.Bloomfield wrote to WDC for second time on 3 May, asking how the council could speed up its efforts to fluoridate, after they initially told him that would take three years to achieve. His correspondence to the council also included reasons why fluoridation was to be introduced locally.Mai said WDC's letter of reply, to be sent to Bloomfield next week in response to that May correspondence, needed to clearly pass on the council's position on fluoridating its Whangārei and Bream Bay water supplies."This is a health issue and we are being forced into putting fluoride into our water supply," Mai said.Could fluoridation soon be added at the Whau Valley water treatment plant? Photo: Northern Advocate / Tania Whyte via LDRWDC does not fluoridate any of its drinking water. This follows a 2002 referendum where 62 percent of people were opposed to fluoridation. That position has been re-affirmed through long term planning over the subsequent two decades.Council chief executive Simon Weston said upgrading council water supplies to be able to dose with fluoride would cost WDC $2.9 million. Annual operating costs would be $100,000.Weston said the work to be able to add fluoride to council drinking water along with forecast time allocations provided to Bloomfield would be dependent on funding."These timeframes are dependent on adequate funding and resources including consultants, contractors and staff, and materials being available," Weston said."If external funding is not available, then other projects will need to be cut from council's water projects lists over these (fluoridation conversion) years to avoid further water rates increases."Weston said the compulsory introduction of fluoridation could be delayed until three waters reforms were completed.This would allow existing water suppliers time and money to meet the new toughened water standards requirements of the government's newly set up national water regulator Taumata Arowai.It would also allow co-ordination, creating a uniform and consistent approach across each of the government's four new giant inter-regional water services entities.Weston said if directed, work on setting up for fluoridation at the WDC's Whau Valley water treatment plant could begin immediately. This plant provided most of Whangārei city's water.If directed, the council could include fluoride dosing equipment in the current upgrade of its Poroti water treatment plant.Work on Maunu Springs Ruddells water treatment plant could be done by the end of next year.Bream Bay's two Ahuroa and Ruakākā water treatment plants could be upgraded, resources permitting during the 2023/2024 financial year.Bloomfield said fluoridating Whangārei and Bream Bay drinking water - at a rate of .7-1mg/litre - would significantly reduce the prevalence and severity of dental decay. Fluoridation at these levels was considered safe and effective."Overall, a person living in the Whangārei District Council area is likely to have significantly poorer oral health outcomes than the average person in New Zealand," Bloomfield said."The data shows there are significant opportunities for improvement. There are inequitable oral health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori," he said.

Monday 13 June 2022, northbound and southbound SH1 traffic will move to the new motorway.Northbound motorists will drive onto the viaduct immediately after exiting the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, while south-bound motorists will enter the new motorway at the Pūhoi on-ramp.The road layout change will be formed over a period of three weeks, with several night works required during this time.Safety is our highest priority, and a reduced speed limit of 50km/h will be in place at the Pūhoi Intersection, for the duration of these works.The temporary speed limit along the new alignment will be 60 km/h. The free route along Hibiscus Coast Highway will always be accessible.For a video explanation https://fb.watch/dy9gY_6plM/

Events Roundup for this Weekend!!Saturday 11th June- La Soiree at the Stables- Creative Carving Workshops - with a Tour of Carvings within the historic village!- Matakana Village Farmers MarketSunday 12th June- Matakana Country Park Market- Warkworth Roller Skating Class- Matariki Community Planting Days- Leys Orchestra Family Concert

SH1 BRYNDERWYN HILLS - DELAYS, 12-13 JUNRetaining wall inspection work is planned for State Highway 1 on the south side of the Brynderwyn Hills on Sunday and Monday nights, 12 & 13 June. This work will require an extended Stop/Go traffic management operation along the entire south side of the hill, from the summit to the base, from 7pm until 5am.Delays are expected and motorists may wish to consider alternative routes on these nights. Suggested detours are northbound via SH12 and Paparoa Oakleigh Rd and southbound via Waipu, Mangawhai and Kaiwaka which may add up to 40 minutes to your journey: http://spr.ly/6181zZHa5

​Paddling with their hands, torches clenched between their teeth, Constables Josh Kauika and Rory Jones headed into darkness towards desperate cries for help after two fishermen capsized in the cold waters of Whangārei Harbour.The drama began when two Auckland visitors were reported overdue from a recent kayak fishing trip at Parua Bay. The duo had set off from Ritchie Road foreshore on a plastic double kayak that seemed to be taking on water.They continued to a rocky outcrop, about 300m offshore, where they landed a snapper. Their friends, who had been watching through binoculars, then lost sight of the men due to darkness closing in and raised the alarm.Answering the call, Josh and Rory headed to the end of Wharf Road, where they parked the patrol car and shone its headlights across the black expanse.“We could hear calls for help but we couldn’t see anyone,” says former Navy diver Josh. “They were about 400m from shore and drifting.“We yelled out for them to stay where they were. The next response back was, ‘we need help he’s drowning’. That sent chills up my spine.”Rory, a keen surfer, knew it was going to be too far to swim and they would need some means of getting the men back to shore.“I knew we were going out," he says. "There was no way we were just going to stand there.”Onerahi Constable Spence Penney heard the job on the radio and, with knowledge of the area and experience as a former Search And Rescue member, recommended the officers try to get a dinghy or a vessel to go out on the water.The constables ran to a nearby house where the owners gave them a kayak, minus the paddle, and a surfboard to use. The duo used the vessels like kneeboards, and holding their torches in their mouths, paddled towards where they had last heard the desperate fishermen.Josh says after about 400m, anchored boats came into view.“I couldn’t hear the voices anymore. I was thinking the worst. But then I heard splashing behind a catamaran, and they were trying to scramble up the back.”Josh pushed the men aboard. Both were hypothermic but one was close to stopping shivering – a bad sign. Josh got on board and phoned Spence on shore to update him, saying: “They’re in bad shape.”Rory was also on hand and together they removed the men’s wet clothing, towelled them dry and wrapped them in blankets.“We were lucky we got there when we did,” says Josh. “One guy was at the point where his body was about to shut down.”In the meantime, SAR incident controller Detective Sergeant Paul Overton had rung a local he knew in Parua Bay and asked if he could launch his rib to look for the missing fisherman. Coastguard had been contacted but were at least 30 minutes away.Coincidentally, the boat the men had scrambled aboard was owned by the man dispatched to help find them. He boarded with his teenage son and quickly brewed up hot drinks before pulling alongside the wharf at the Parua Bay boating club to avoid the men being further exposed to the elements.The men were checked over by a paramedic and deemed well enough to return to their Airbnb accommodation.Josh and Rory returned to Whangārei Station, had a shower, a meal and went back out on the road until the end of their shift.The fishermen had been wearing lifejackets, but they were not fitted well and one of the men could not swim. When their kayak flipped after taking on water they were unable to get back on.Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says the incident highlights the need to check all vessels before going out on the water, and the importance of having two forms of communication and making sure lifejackets are fitted correctly.“It was great team work between all those involved and being able to respond quickly avoided a tragic outcome.”​

New drone footage of Ara Tūhono (connecting pathway) - Pūhoi to Warkworth Motorway project area is here!This footage was taken in May 2022, flying from Warkworth in the North to Pūhoi in the South.Currently scheduled to open in 2023.Enjoy!https://nx2group.com/page/10/project-photos-drone-footage-and-videosor https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=325597206415169

An international study has found a link between the first Covid lockdown and worsening mental health for people with mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar.The study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry questioned 997 people, with just over half of them (521) in New Zealand.Other countries taking part were Australia, Scotland, Canada, the United States and the Netherlands.Of those questioned, 40 percent reported moderate to severe depression during the lockdown in 2020.Researcher for the New Zealand part of the study and head of the department of psychological medicine at the University of Otago, Richard Porter, said those with mood disorders are vulnerable to disruptions in their circadian rhythms, the body's rhythm over a 24-hour period.He said the rhythms are disrupted if a person's social interactions are disrupted, as was the case in lockdown.''It really is a very important part of the way the body functions."''It is set mainly by light but also by all sorts of social interactions and things that happen for people at the same time each day.''Porter said while only 12 percent of participants self-reported minimal depressive feelings from Covid-19 disruption to their circadian rhythms, 20 percent reported having mild depression; 27 percent moderate depression; 21 percent moderate-to-severe depression and 18 percent severe depression."The fact that nearly 40 percent of these already vulnerable people reported their symptoms as moderate to severe raises concern.''Prof Richard Porter Photo: Supplied / Otago UniversityHe said with the potential prospect of future lockdowns, more emphasis is needed from a public health standpoint to help people with mood disorders better regulate their circadian rhythms and maintain good mental health.Porter said participants in the study reported the worst causes of Covid-19 disruption as an inability to go to work, forced isolation at home, not being able to socialise as normal, and struggling to maintain their usual eating and sleeping patterns.These factors negatively affected mental health such as their general mood, outlook on life, positivity and irritability levels.He said practical responses, such as giving those most at risk the tips, tools and strategies to allow them to better support their circadian rhythms and mental health should be a priority for health professionals delivering their care.Psychotherapy is being used to help regulate social and circadian rhythms - with participants recording meal times, social interactions, sleep and waking times, to better scaffold and regularise their activities and support circadian patterns.The use of light therapy is also being trialled, as well as the use of blue-blocking glasses before sleep to help suppress melatonin secretion.Porter said helping your body clock to stay on track during major life disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic may help you feel better.He has provided are some easy tips for improving the regularity of daily routines, even when nothing about your life feels regular.Set up a routine for yourself while you are in quarantine or working from home. Routines help stabilise body clocksGet up at the same time every day. A regular wake time is the most important input for stabilising your body clockMake sure you spend some time outdoors every day, especially in the early morning. Your body clock needs to "see" light in the morning to know "when" it is.If you can't go outside try to spend at least two hours next to a window, looking into the daylight, and focusing on being calm.Set times for a few regular activities each day such as home tutoring, telephone calls with a friend, or cooking. Do these activities at the same time each day

Leaders in the midwifery profession say the government doesn't seem to understand the critical situation the sector is in.New Zealand is hundreds of midwives short and there are concerns a new healthcare recruitment drive in New South Wales could make the staff shortage problem worse.On Sunday, New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet announced a $4.5 billion healthcare package, set to bring 10,000 more staff into the state over the next four years.Midwives' Union co-leader Caroline Conway says some midwives here are already heading overseas, while others are burning out."Some are simply just walking away from the job because it's so stressful because of the shortages. It's a downward spiral - you've got vacancies and shortages which put pressure on your existing workforce and then midwives get to the point where they think 'I can't do this any more,'" she explained."If they leave, then it only applies even more stress to those who stay."She believed at the very least, the government should match the pay offered in Australia and pay midwifery students while they study."If you want our health professionals to reflect the communities of New Zealand, we need to support local people to do those careers in a way that's affordable for them," she said.Conway said healthcare degrees are intensive and often don't allow students to work part-time while they study - creating a massive financial barrier for prospective staff."For many midwifery students, it's a second career option so they're not even eligible for the first year of free tertiary education. They've also just come out of full-time work but still need to support their families."The country cannot rely upon attracting international staff alone to fix chronic staff shortages, she said.New Zealand College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy said now's the time for the government to pull out all the stops to keep healthcare staff in the country.Better pay in Australia and uncertainly around the transition to the Health New Zealand model may prompt people to cross the Tasman, she said.New Zealand College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy. Photo: Supplied / NZ College of Midwives"There simply hasn't been enough attention on the midwifery workforce. It's a critical, relatively small but very specialised workforce, that we really needed to be investing in and looking strategically at how we continue grow our own New Zealand-educated midwives, many years ago," she explained.The country is already hundreds of midwives short and Eddy said we can't afford to lose any more.The sector is playing catch up after years of neglect but she believed there are some short-term solutions which can be put in place to buffer staff shortages while long-term solutions are worked on."There's a lot more that can be done around retention initiatives like issues with pay, voluntary bonding schemes and better support for student fees."Midwives have been in pay negotiations since the start of the year.

When Monty Knight was toying with the idea of growing grapes on the outskirts of Kaitaia in the 1980s, a respected wine maker gave him a piece of advice."He said to me 'Monty, it'd be better to go out the back of your property and dig a big hole and start throwing your money into it - it'd be cheaper'."Northland, with its humid climate, high rainfall and untested soils, was considered unsuitable for wine production.Monty was one of just two growers brave enough to plant grapes in the region.Monty Knight, Okahu Estate Photo: RNZ/Carol StilesHe decided to heed the advice of another wine maker who told him 'given good grapes, red wine practically makes itself,' and went on to produce the first New Zealand syrah to win a gold meal."You just have to look after them (the grapes) and every one or two years you'll have a really good crop. Sometimes you'll have failure and disaster just like potato growers or kumara growers. There's no magic formula - just do it well."Today Northland has about 40 grape growers. Nearly all of them take their fruit to Marsden Estate near Kerikeri to be transformed into wine.Its owner Rod McIvor says most of the region's vineyards are a hectare or less in size, a handful have three or four hectares in grapes and three have 12 hectares planted.In all the region has less than 100 ha in grapes."Northland is like Central Otago where you buy a block of land, you see your see a neighbours growing grapes and think that's a good idea."He says Northland may be a tiny part of the New Zealand's wine industry but it's an important part."We get a lot of tourists here and their experience of wine here will influence what they think of New Zealand wines."Rod McIvor Photo: RNZ/Carol StilesTo ensure standards are high, Rod organises a number of viticulture and wine workshops each year."We are all one brand ... so we are trying to get consistency and lift the profile and quality of the wines."It doesn't take too many bad wines to spoil the whole brand."Some of this year's grapes are spectacular, he says."We've seen some of the highest sugar rates in 30 years this year and part of that is growers doing their jobs properly and site selection."Rod believes every red variety will do well on a different site in Northland, perhaps excluding thin-skinned grapes which may split in Northland's rain.Peter Jones, The Landing Photo: RNZ/Carol StilesNorthland's chardonnay and viognier also shine, he says."There'll be varieties we haven't planted yet that will be very successful. So that's the excitement, that's the thing that keeps you going."Bay of Islands vineyard The Landing is one of only two in Northland to export wines.Its director Peter Jones says the label is selling well in Orange County, California."I think the idea of a wine from New Zealand that's not a Marlborough sauvignon blanc or a pinot noir actually really piques people's interest over there."The Landing's wine currently sells for US$50 a bottle, more in a restaurant.Vines, Northland Photo: RNZ/Carol StilesMarsden Estate, Northland Photo: RNZ/Carol StilesPietro Aloisi Photo: RNZ/Carol StilesView from The Landing Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles

Today - Cloudy periods and a few showers. Northeasterlies easing this afternoon. High of 18 and low of 12 degrees.Tuesday - A few showers, turning to rain at night with thunderstorms possible. Northeasterlies. High of 19 and low of 13.Wednesday - Rain, possibly with thunderstorms, easing to one or two showers in the morning. Northwesterlies.High of 19 and low of 12.Thursday - Partly cloudy. A few showers possible. Northwesterlies. High of 18 and low of 11.Friday - Fine, then showers developing. Northwesterlies. High of 17 and low of 11 degrees.

A peanut growing trial in Northland is proving successful, with yields of about 2 tonnes of nuts per hectare.Nelson-based Pic's Peanut Butter sources its nuts from overseas but wants to create a viable peanut growing industry here - to make its product NZ grown and to reduce its environmental footprint.A small trial last year went well - so nine hectares were planted around Northland this season.Company owner Pic Picot said the harvest is underway and the results are looking promising."We did some exploratory plantings last year and that turned out pretty fine, we made a little bit of peanut butter out of it, but this year we've got a harvesting machine up there, and we're digging up five different plots in different areas around Northland."We're looking at getting about two tonnes of nuts per hectare, we'd like to double that, then we would be on par with what they're growing in Australia."Pic's Peanut Butter currently sources all of it's nuts from Australia and Brazil which caused some issues during the pandemic.Photo: Supplied to RNZ by Pic's Peanut Butter"Australia is having more and more trouble growing peanuts due to the weather, it's become unpredictable and Brazil is a very long way away so with the disruptions in freight its been touch and go sometimes."We're a peanut butter factory, there's not a lot we can do without peanuts," Picot said.He said they buy about $10 million worth of peanuts a year - money he would like to spend domestically."It would be great and to spend that kind of money in a place like Northland."In the long run the company would like to establish a processing factory to deshell and clean the nuts before they are sent to the Nelson factory for roasting.Picot said there is a lot of work to be done in the meantime with the peanut butter produced last season not tasting the best."I think we harvested a bit early, there is a lot to learn still but we will get there."