Written by Susan Edmunds, Money Correspondent for RNZ NewsFalling interest rates are cause for celebration for borrowers - but they are less welcome for people with money in the bank.As expectations increase that the official cash rate will soon drop, term depositors are being warned to expect their returns to fall, too.According to Reserve Bank data, new term deposit rates for one-year deposits have risen from less than 1 percent in 2020 and 2021 to more than 5.5 percent.Longer terms have followed a similar trajectory, but rates have started to soften since the start of this year.Kiwibank recently cut some of its term deposit rates by between five and 20 basis points, taking the five-year rate for someone with $5000 to $9999 to 4.9 percent.Westpac reduced its 12-month rate by 20 basis points (bps) and its eight-month rate by 10bps, but increased its five-month by 20bps and its six month by 10bps.BNZ chief economist Mike Jones said people should expect term deposit rates would move roughly in line with the official cash rate and broader interest rate cycle.BNZ expects the rate OCR to move down in 25 basis point increments, taking it from 5.5 percent to 3.5 percent by the end of next year.But he said it was still unlikely that rates would drop as low as they were before the pandemic.Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, agreed."The expectation at this stage is we are in a higher inflation, higher interest rate environment than prevailed through the 2010s when you had inflation surprisingly low for a long period of time and it was almost like China was exporting deflation."Chris Tennent-Brown, a senior economist at ASB, said he expected all term deposit rates to drop below four percent over the course of 2025 and 2026."Savers need to trade off locking in the current rates versus their need for flexibility. There is also the tricky trade-off between locking in the higher short-term rates, versus the lower long-term rates. Many savers don't like locking in the longer terms, for all sorts of personal reasons. But based on our forecasts, the longer terms do have some appeal now, if our forecasts of lower rates over the next few years proves correct."But Jones said it was worth noting that although interest rates might fall, a return to lower inflation was good for savers."As inflation continues to come down, 'real' or inflation-adjusted term deposit rates will likely fall by less. And it's these rates that are probably more important for savers."Dean Anderson, founder of Kernel, said people should be able to get a better return from a conservative managed fund if there was a fixed interest allocation or exposure to bonds."In short - 'bonds are back' is the mantra. A couple of years ago, there was no interest in fixed interest/bond funds. Now, with yields higher and the potential for capital gain as rates fall, they are an attractive asset class. Interest moving out of term deposits can look at conservative funds, as well as bond funds."He said Kernel had launched target maturity bond funds in recent months."Investors and advisers often buy direct bonds, that they get a set income from and then matures and pays back capital. The other option was to buy a bond fund, but they never mature and are marked to market. We have two funds in our series, which will grow to a full suite of about five or six options soon, gives investors the best of both - a diversified fund that gives them PIE tax benefits, but the fund matures and pays back out the capital. We have a set quarterly distribution from these funds too - 1.5 cents per unit per quarter, which is roughly a 6 percent income yield."

Police are investigating after a woman was located deceased between Omamari Beach and Aranga Beach on Friday 2 August.Police were called to the scene around 2pm after her body was located, and Police later located her vehicle at Omamari Beach.She was reported missing earlier that day after she failed to return home Thursday night, and enquiries began to locate her.The scene, including her vehicle have been cordoned off and forensic examinations are underway today.The deceased has been transported to Auckland where a post-mortem examination is due to take place today.Her death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances leading up to her body being located.If you saw a woman wearing a green puffer jacket north of Omamari Beach between 8pm Thursday 1 August, and Friday 10am 2 August, please contact Police on 105 and reference file number: 240803/9062.Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 9 August 2024.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 4-5 & 8 AugustSilverdale southbound on-ramp, 4-5 & 8 AugustNorthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 7-8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 7-8 AugustCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Hobson Street on-ramp, 4-6 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 4-6 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 4-6 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Nelson Street (SH16) off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 4-6 AugustEastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 7-8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 7-8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 7-8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 7-8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 6 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 6 AugustRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 6 AugustNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 7-8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 7-8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hill Road northbound on-ramp, 7-8 AugustTakanini northbound on-ramp, 7-8 AugustPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 7-8 AugustPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 7-8 AugustDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 7-8 AugustSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 4-8 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 4-8 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 4-8 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 4-8 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 4-5 AugustPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 4-5 AugustPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 4-5 AugustDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 4-5 AugustNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 6 AugustDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 6 AugustSH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 4 & 8 AugustNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 4 August (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 4 August (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 5-8 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 5-8 August (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hobsonville Road southbound on-ramp, 4-8 AugustSouthbound lanes between Lincoln Road off-ramp and Te Atatu Road on-ramp, 4 & 8 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road southbound on-ramp, 4 & 8 AugustTe Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 4 & 8 AugustSouthbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off-ramp and Rosebank Road on-ramp, 5-6 AugustTe Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 5-6 AugustTe Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 5-6 AugustSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 5 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 5 AugustDominion Road southbound on-ramp, 5 AugustSouthbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 4 AugustHillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 4 AugustQueenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 4 AugustCoronation Road northbound off-ramp, 7 AugustSouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 6 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 6 AugustSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 6 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 6 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Kirkbride Road southbound off-ramp, 7-8 August

The two people charged in relation to a homicide investigation sparked by a body found in Auckland's Gulf Harbour in March, can now be named.They are Kaixiao Liu, 36, and Lanyue Xiao, 36.The pair were charged with offering an indignity to a dead human body after being stopped and arrested at the airport early last month.They were initially granted interim name suppression, but the judge had declined an application for continued name suppression at a subsequent call of the case.That application was also opposed by a lawyer acting for several media, Daniel Nilsson, who submitted that any reporting would be fair and accurate, that jurors would comply with what is expected of them and that there was a significant public interest in this case.The pair's names continued to be suppressed for some time as one of their lawyers, Angela Roebeck, intended to appeal that decision.Roebeck had argued that any publication of the names would prejudice the defendants' rights to a fair trial, considering the influence it would have on future jurors.At the time, defence lawyer Michael Kan had also argued that one of the defendants had not yet had a chance to inform their family members, who are believed to be in China.However, defence lawyer Michael Kan confirmed on Thursday that they are no longer seeking name suppression.The two defendants have been remanded until a case review hearing in September.Police at the scene in March after the discovery of the body off Gulf Harbour. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroThis story was originally posted by RNZ News

Here's your LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS - dont forget to shop local and support local. Get out of your comfort zone and try some new places!Snells Beach Four Square is still being built and off track a bit with their open, previously it was due to open October, looks like December now. But they are advertising for staff already. Check out their FB page for more details.Ascension Wine Estate which has been on the market for nearly two years has finally sold for an undisclosed amount and will soon be handed over to the Catholic Diocese of Auckland. The purchase price has not been disclosed, though the listing suggested a figure of $7.5 million.The diocese has plans to establish a new church and community centre on the 6.23-hectare property, located just outside Warkworth.There is a new business on the block in the small town of lights Kaiwaka. Kaiwaka Laundromat is up and running by the same owners as the Maungaturoto Laundromat. Open 24/7 - with state-of-the-art machines and eftpos/paywave/credit card facilities.Located on the main highway opposite Kaiwaka Cheese Shop an Eutopia Cafe at 1956 SH1, Kaiwaka. Here is their FB page. Chocolate Brown is back – previously closed awhile back it is now open again during weekdays 10am - 3pm selling chocolates, sweets and fudge. The café is NOT open. In the same premises 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. https://www.facebook.com/chocolatebrownnzToast on Wood Street has recently opened in Mangawhai Heads, funnily enough located on Wood Street! They offer all sorts of goodies, not just gourmet tasty toasties…also coffee, poke bowls, soup, and even a range of house plants and other pretty things! Go get your Toast on today https://www.toastmangawhai.co.nz/  If you have other local business news you want featured email us at [email protected] us your stories, we want to tell them to our community.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 2nd August - North of Whangaparaoa: cloudy with occasional rain, possibly heavy, easing towards evening. Elsewhere: the odd shower, clearing in the afternoon and fine spells increasing. Easterlies.Saturday 3rd August - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower. Fresh easterlies.Sunday 4th August - Cloudy, with occasional rain developing in the evening. Fresh easterlies, easing in the evening.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 2nd August - Showers, some heavy, turning to rain in the afternoon. Easterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 57hrs from 9am Fri, 2 Aug - 6pm Sun, 4 AugArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the eastern hills. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Saturday 3rd August - Rain, becoming persistent in the morning with heavy falls. Easterlies, becoming strong in the morning.Sunday 4th August - Rain. Fresh easterlies, turning lighter southerly in the evening.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 57hrs from 9am Fri, 2 Aug - 6pm Sun, 4 AugArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the eastern hills. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Dana Johannsen, in ParisHayden Wilde had hoped it would come down to this. Just him and his long-time friend and rival, Alex Yee of Great Britain, duking it out on the run leg on the picturesque streets around Paris for the Olympic triathlon title.He got the showdown he wanted. The result - a silver medal - he is happy to settle for, knowing he chanced his arm.For nine of the 10-kilometre final sprint leg, Wilde raced like a god. He spotted his opportunity early on the second leg, when Yee looked to be slowing up and taking the opportunity to recover, and made a bold surge.And he continued to surge, extending his gap over the Brit to 10, then 12, then 15 seconds. As the sun bore down on the central streets of Paris, illuminating its famous landmarks, Wilde looked to be cruising.Hayden Wilde in front near the end of the triathlon. Photo: Screenshot/BBCBut over the final kilometre, despite his best attempts to keep a "poker face", the heat, and the red-hot pace he set on the run, had clearly begun to catch up with him. Soon, Yee would too.Just 400m from the finish line alongside the gilded columns on the Pont Alexandre III, Yee summoned one last push to streak past the Kiwi. Wilde could not respond."I was just depleted. I was gone. I was done. I had nothing left and I just had to survive to get to the finish line," Wilde says of that moment Yee ran past him to snatch the gold from his grasp.Wilde crossed the finish line six seconds after Yee to claim New Zealand's second medal of the Olympic Games, following the Black Ferns Sevens historic victory at the Stade de France the previous night (Paris time).And when all was done, Wilde sat down beside the Brit, who had collapsed just beyond the line, and draped his arm over Yee's shoulder. Together they reflected on another chapter in their storied rivalry."It was actually really nice. Alex and I finally got the battle that we both deserved and there were no penalties. Both of us finished and it was just a clean, fair race for the both of us," says Wilde, referencing the contentious penalty at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games that ruined the sprint finish between the pair."It was just everything that we dreamed of - a foot battle for an Olympic gold medal. We go back eight years when we roomed together in Jersey for the Super League tri. To be together on the podium eight years later, it was something special."The pair also shared the podium at the Tokyo Olympics, where Yee claimed silver behind Norway's Kristian Blummenfelt, who could only manage 12th in Paris, and Wilde bronze.Gold medallist Britain's Alex Yee, centre, silver medallist New Zealand's Hayden Wilde, left, and bronze medallist France's Leo Bergere stand on the podium during the victory ceremony in Paris. Photo: AFP/ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULATYee pays tribute to KiwiYee later told a press conference that his long-running battles with Wilde in the years since Tokyo had driven them both to new levels.The clock told the story. Yee's final time for the run leg was an astonishing 29:47. The pair both averaged under three minutes per kilometre - all after completing a 1.5km swim and 40km bike ride."The level of our running at the moment is unfathomable," Yee said."It's amazing to be part of this level of short course and to be pushed by Hayden and to have those battles is something I'll relish forever, as much as winning a gold medal."'What he did out there was selfless'That Wilde was even in contention for the run leg was largely down to the efforts of teammate Dylan McCullough.Wilde got off to a rough start in the race, which was delayed a day due to bacteria levels in the Seine being deemed unsafe for swimming, emerging from the water one minute off the front group and 30 seconds back from Yee.The Seine swim leg presented a brutal challenge with the whirling currents adding an extra layer of fatigue to what is already one of the most physical of Olympic tests.Early in the bike leg Wilde found a few "allies" in the chase pack to get the deficit on the lead group, which included McCullough and Yee, to 30 seconds.Dylan McCullough Photo: OISNot wanting to risk Yee getting any further advantage, New Zealand coach Craig Kirkwood got a message to his young charge on the course. It came via the simplest of mediums - a white board. The message read: "drop back".McCullough obligingly sat up on his bike and drifted back to the group to give them a "tow" back to the main bunch.By the end of the bike leg, which took in some the city's most famous landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees, the 19-man lead group had swelled to a mass of 32. McCullough had set the stage for an epic footrace between Wilde and Yee."I couldn't have asked for a better teammate," says Wilde."He's a first-time Olympian, he's obviously got his own ambitions and I don't want anyone to sacrifice their race for me. What he did out there was selfless. It was fantastic. That guy deserves the keys to New Zealand."This story was originally published by RNZ

The Black Ferns Sevens have won New Zealand's first medal of the Paris Games with a 19-12 victory over Canada in the final.The United States took the bronze medal in a stunning 14-12 win over Australia - the first time the USA has won an Olympic medal in this event.It has been a successful night on the water for NZ so far, with Emma Twigg and Tom Mackintosh comfortably winning their single sculls quarter-finals.Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors won their double sculls semi, and Robbie Manson and Jordan Parry came third in the men's event, so both duos are through to the final on Thursday evening.Kiwi swimmers have been less fortunate, with Lewis Clareburt (200m butterfly), Cameron Gray (100m freestyle) and Eve Thomas (1500m freestyle) all failing to progress in their heats.The men's individual triathlon is postponed until Wednesday night].Follow all the action with RNZ's blog:This story was originally published by RNZ

Blessen Tom, journalistLatest figures from Auckland Transport confirm that assaults against bus drivers appears to be climbing in New Zealand's largest city.According to data from AT, the number of assaults against drivers in the first six months of 2024 rose to 33, up from 21 over the same period a year earlier.Fifty-one assaults on drivers were logged with AT over 2023, with more than 120 cases of verbal abuse registered in that period.Twenty-four assaults on drivers were recorded by AT in 2022, ranging from minor to severe, as well as more than 50 accounts of verbal abuse.In the first six months of this year, 47 cases of verbal abuse were reported to AT, including five incidents of threats to harm or kill.In April, a man was charged with assault after punching and kicking a driver in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby.Passengers have also been caught up in the violence on buses.On June 28, a 16-year-old student sustained severe facial injuries following an vicious attack by a passenger on an AT bus in East Auckland.Police later arrested a 39-year-old woman, describing the attack as a "hate-motivated crime".On Monday, an Auckland bus driver asked his dispatcher to call police after a woman boarded the bus and started using some racist slurs.Henry Liu, who was driving a route 70 bus from Britomart to Botany, said the incident left him "traumatised"."Police acknowledge that there have been some high-profile instances involving violence on buses, and at bus stations this year in Tāmaki Makaurau," said Scott Gemmell, director of Tāmaki Makaurau Partnerships.Gemmell told RNZ the public could help police by reporting violent incidents they witnessed by calling 111."This can help give police staff the time they need to deploy and hold offenders to account," he said.In response to the increasing reports of violence, AT said the plan to retrofit 80 percent of its bus fleet with transparent screens was still in progress.The organisation believed the screens would serve as barriers to protect drivers from potential attacks by passengers."There are now several prototype bus safety screens being tested on the bus network," said Rachel Cara, group manager of public transport operations at AT."This allows us and the operators to get feedback from drivers and identify any issues before large orders for more are placed," she said.Previously, AT said it would install screens on 33 buses in the city centre and South Auckland, but that number was expected to change."There is still an intent to get the 11 Citylink buses done, but the 22 South Auckland ones have been superseded by another agreement with Ritchies," Cara said.AT said that 40 percent of its buses would have screens protecting drivers by June 2025, with another 40 percent fitted in the next 12 months.Additionally, AT had been working towards adding more transport officers to increase deployment onboard buses and at public transport hubs across the network as well as extend the CCTV network to monitor high patronage bus stops.Cara said AT was working on community-centric engagement and targeted initiatives from agencies to assist in keeping the public transport network safe for all."As this is a societal issue, we need everyone's help to ensure these public places can be safe and feel safe for everyone," she said.This story was first published by RNZ

Maia Ingoe,Two appeals on an Environment Court decision allowing a landfill in Auckland's Dome Valley to go ahead have begun.Ngāti Whātua and Forest and Bird have both taken separate appeals to the Auckland High Court against the decision, which allowed the landfill consent to go ahead, with conditions to its proposal which aimed to mitigate negative impacts.The landfill consent was given conditional approval in 2021, kicking off opposition to the 60-hectare mega-dump from iwi and community groups in the Environment Court.Representing Te Rūnganga o Ngāti Whātua lawyer Rob Enright said the Court wrongfully assessed its relationship to the landfill site and the downstream Kaipara flats."The wrong and unlawful approach and the process followed by the Environment Court was to prefer Ngāti Manuhiri's position of support of the proposed landfill, without first reaching determinations needed to resolve competing tikanga and strength of relationship," he told the Court.Ngāri Manuhiri Settlement Trust originally opposed the landfill - but mid-way through Environment Court hearings last year, changed their position to support the landfill, with waste management providing them with $2 million for the construction of nearby homes, a $10m environment fund, the promise of jobs and return of land once the site was no longer needed.Enright said the landfill would have significant effect on Ngāti Whātua way of life and kaitiakitanga activities, which could not be avoided with the conditions provided to Ngāti Manuhiri."It is vitally interested in the question of iwi tribal boundaries, and the active protection of the whenua, waters and tribal taonga of the iwi. It is a common cause that transcends acknowledged differences and nuances in tikanga within Ngāti Whātua and between hapu. There is a unanimous position opposing the landfill at the site selected. The stakes could not be higher."He said adverse affects caused by the landfill, at the headwaters of the Hotea awa, would be both irreparable and intergenerational.The hearing continues with submissions from Ngāti Manuhiri, Waste Management and Auckland Council this week.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 29th July - Cloudy with the chance of a shower. Rain from evening, possibly heavy. Northerlies becoming fresh this afternoon.Tuesday 30th July - Showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Fresh northerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 31st July - A few showers, turning to rain for a time in the afternoon and evening. Northeasterlies, turning northwesterly in the evening.Thursday 1st August - Partly cloudy, with showers developing. Easterlies developing.Friday 2nd August - Partly cloudy. Easterlies.Saturday 3rd - Fine. Southeasterlies.Sunday 4th - Fine. Southeasterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 29th July - Mostly cloudy with the chance of a light shower. Rain from evening, possibly heavy. Northerlies developing this morning.Tuesday 30th July - A few showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Fresh northerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 31st July - Fine, then showers in the afternoon and evening. Northerlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.Thursday 1st August - Fine, then a few showers developing. Northwesterlies, easing.Friday 2nd August - Rain with easterlies.Saturday 3rd - Rain, clearing and becoming fine. Easterlies.Sunday 4th - A few showers. Southeasterlies.

The first official day of the 2024 Olympic Games has begun in Paris, following a colourful opening ceremony on the banks of the River Seine.Erika Fairweather has narrowly missed out on winning New Zealand's first medal at the Paris Olympics after finishing fourth in the women's 400-metre freestyle final."Obviously a little bit gutted to get fourth. Nobody wants to be there, but I have done myself proud. I mean that was an Olympic final and I just came fourth in it," Fairweather told media after the race."That was everything I had in the bank today. It wasn't the performance I wanted to put out there at all. I've been much faster, and I think I can go much faster, but that is the nature of sport - you can't always be on."I might be a little bit upset now, but I can definitely see the bright side of it."Follow all the action with RNZ's liveblog:This story was originally published by RNZ

At KML Construction, we specialise in turning your dreams into finely crafted homes with unparalleled attention to detail. From architectural builds to renovations, reclads and maintenance, our dedication shines through in every project, ensuring a seamless journey from concept to completion.Based in Matakana we service all areas from Puhoi to Mangawhai, experience the difference with KML Construction – where your vision becomes our masterpiece. Why Choose KML Construction?Expertise and Experience: With over 15 years of experience, our team of skilled professionals handles everything from residential renovations to large-scale projects.Quality and Reliability: We use high quality processes and follow strict safety standards to ensure durable and reliable construction.Customized Solutions: Every project is unique, and we work closely with you to tailor our services to meet your specific needs and budget. Client Success Stories"I engaged Kurt from KML Construction to undertake a major renovation of my home - an altered 60's Bach. Every part of the exterior and interior was upgraded - including digging out under the house to create a spacious entrance. Kurt and his team pushed through cyclones and weather events, always with a "Can Do" attitude. Kurt adapted & delivered within some tight timeframes. I am thrilled to say the transformation has matched the vision." Amy – Interior Architect" Kurt accepted our plan to build our brand new Madison Park Home in 2023. Due to this being an architectural design of 300sqm we wanted somebody who could deliver, he certainly did that! Kurt is extremely professional and hardworking, and our site was always clean and tidy. We would highly recommend Kurt as he exceeded our expectations both with the finer details and build completion ahead of schedule. His communication was regular and always clear, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with him and his team." Anthony & Maria "I happily provide a professional reference for KML Construction, who have recently completed major works on my home. Including recladding and construction of new decks. As in many cases it was not a straightforward job and there were unforeseen obstacles that were dealt with in an efficient and professional manner. The Team showed exceptional consideration given that I was living in my home while major works took place, for example, at the end of each day a full clean-up was conducted which showed their true professionalism and was something I really appreciated. Communication was consistent and I was fully informed in all levels of progress. Kurt (owner) was instrumental in project management of the job and was exceptional in the coordination and organisation of other trades on site. Quality of workmanship was second to none and I have received numerous positive comments in regards to the finished product and final look of my home. I would have no hesitation in recommending Kurt and his team for any work big or small and will be getting them back for future works." Cherie Ready to start your next construction project with a team you can trust? Contact KML Construction New Zealand today!Visit our website: www.kmlconstruction.co.nzCall us: 027 480 1246Email us: [email protected] KML Construction, we create homes that match your lifestyle and personality. Experience the difference of working with a builder who cares about your satisfaction every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey..

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 2 August 2024. Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday. Check daily updated closure information: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.         NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1) Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 28-31 July & 1 AugustOrewa southbound on-ramp, 28-31 July & 1 AugustMillwater southbound on-ramp, 28-31 July & 1 AugustNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 28-30 JulySilverdale northbound on-ramp, 28-30 JulyOnewa Road southbound off-ramp, 31 July & 1 AugustOnewa Road northbound off-ramp, 31 July & 1 August CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ) Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 28-31 July & 1 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 28-31 July & 1 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 28-31 July & 1 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 28-31 July & 1 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1) SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 29 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 29 JulySH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 29 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 29 & 31 July-1 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 29 & 31 July-1 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 29 & 31 July-1 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 29 & 31 July-1 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 30 JulySouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 28 JulyPapakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 28 & 30 JulyPapakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 28 & 30 JulyDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 28 JulyNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 31 July-1 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Takanini northbound on-ramp, 31 July-1 AugustNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 29-30 JulyPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 28-31 July & 1 AugustPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 29-31 July & 1 AugustNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 28 JulyDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 28-31 July & 1 AugustRamarama northbound on-ramp, 28 JulyRidge Road northbound off-ramp, 29 July (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound on-ramp, 30 July & 1 AugustPokeno northbound off-ramp, 30 July & 1 AugustHampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 29 JulyNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16) Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 28 July (approx. 7:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Foster Road, 28 July (approx. 7:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 31 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku Roundabout, 31 July (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am) UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18) Hobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 29-31 July & 1 August SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20) Southbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 1 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 1 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Walmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 1 AugustSouthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 31 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 31 JulyNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 28 July (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 28 July (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 28 July (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 30 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 30 JulySouthbound Service Road (Puhinui Road to Cavendish Drive), 30 JulyCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 30 JulyLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 30 JulySH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 30 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 30 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Manukau off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 29 July (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound Service Road (Cavendish Drive to Puhinui Road), 29 JulyCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 29 JulyLambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 29 July

Embracing the Change of SeasonsAs we get closer to warmer weather, a sense of excitement rises in the town. The streets of Warkworth begin to come alive with activity, and it's heartening to see our community buzzing.New businesses are opening their doors, adding fresh energy and opportunities to our town. It's wonderful to walk through Warkworth and see new shops and cafes filled with locals and visitors alike. This growth is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our community.We've seen an increase in visitors recently, bringing not just their smiles but also their support for our local businesses. These visitors infuse our town with a unique energy and contribute significantly to our local economy. It's a reminder of how important it is to support each other and continue to create a welcoming atmosphere for all.The recent networking event to welcome new business Decking Direct on Elizabeth Street was a great success. It's clear that people are eager to connect and promote each other's ventures. If you're interested in hosting a similar event, please reach out to us – it's a fantastic way to build relationships and strengthen our business community.As we enjoy the warmer weather and the opportunities it brings, let's continue to support our local businesses. Every purchase made here helps ensure Warkworth remains a vibrant and thriving town.So, while we may not be near summer quite yet, better times are certainly on the horizon. With our collective support and enthusiasm, we can look forward to a bright and prosperous season ahead. Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi Business AssociationEmail: [email protected] BUS LOOP IN WARKWORTH!From Sunday 21 July, Warkworth will be served by a new local bus service – the 999.The 999 will run in a one-way loop from Warkworth town centre to Mahurangi College, Woodcocks Road, Warkworth Show Grounds, Warkworth Community Transport Hub and back to the town centre. Buses will run every 30 minutes from 6am until 7:30pm, seven days a week.Visit the AT website for more info HERE>The Warkworth Information Centre1 Baxter Street, WarkworthOpen Weekdays 10am - 4pmonemahurangi.co.nz/warkworth-info-centreNew noticeboard outside the WW Info Centre has the latest updates on the Watercare Pipeline Proposal.

Police are frustrated after a fictitious mayday call from a vessel off Whangārei Heads tied up emergency services resources for three hours today.Senior Sergeant Clifford Metcalfe, from Northland Police, says the call made at around 10.44am, could have put lives in danger.“We had multiple resources deployed from Police and Coastguard looking for this vessel, including search and rescue boats and a fixed wing aircraft,” he says.“Not only were these assets tied up, but staff and volunteers were called out.”If there had been a real emergency during the time, some emergency services resources may have been tied up and unable to assist.“When Coastguard respond alongside us, it’s important to remember that their volunteers often have to leave their work and study to respond,” Senior Sergeant Metcalfe says.“It is incredibly frustrating for our staff who are there to help.“People need to respect the safety of others, and the people and services that are entrusted to keep them safe.”Senior Sergeant Metcalfe says enquiries are being made into the source of the hoax calls.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 26th July - Partly cloudy with patches of morning mist. Chance of a light morning shower in the west. Light winds and afternoon southerlies.Saturday 27th - Fine, but becoming cloudy in the evening. Light winds.Sunday 28th - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the evening. Light winds, northerlies developing in the evening.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 26th - Fine. Light winds.Saturday 27th - Fine, but becoming cloudy in the afternoon. Light winds.Sunday 28th - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower. Light winds.

The 2024 Olympics are just days away.Across an array of sports, 10,000 top athletes will battle it out for a coveted medal - and the right to be called an Olympic champion.Here is all you need to know about dates, tickets, the schedule and more.A man plays basketball at the Place de la Concorde, which is being transformed into an urban sports arena for the Olympics. Photo: AFP/Kaname MutoWhere are the 2024 Olympics going to be held?This year, the Olympics will be held in France, with most of the competitions being held in Paris and its surrounds.Temporary venues are being set up throughout the city, including a stadium beside the Eiffel Tower and an open-air arena at the Place de la Concorde. (For history buffs, that's the site of Marie Antoinette's execution.)The former will host beach volleyball, while the latter will become the home for urban sports, including 3x3 basketball, breaking (also known as breakdancing), skateboarding and freestyle BMX.Just north of Paris, the Stade de France will host rugby, athletics and the closing ceremony, while equestrian events and the modern pentathlon will be held at the glittering Palace of Versailles, about 21km from the city.Not all of the events will be held in or near the City of Lights. Basketball and handball will be played at Villeneuve-d'Ascq in northern France and football heats will be played at stadiums throughout the country, including Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes and Nice.Sailing races will be held in Marseilles, on the Mediterranean coast, while the surfing competition will be held in Teahupo'o, on the southwestern coast of Tahiti (part of French Polynesia).The surfing competition will be held in Tahiti. Photo: Supplied/Paris 2024How many times has Paris hosted the Olympics?This is the third time Paris will host the Summer Olympics. It previously hosted in 1900 and 1924.When are the Paris Olympics?The Olympics will be held from 27 July to 12 August NZT, with the opening ceremony beginning at 5.30am on 27 July.However, some competitions with multiple heats will begin prior to the opening ceremony. Football and rugby sevens will begin on 25 July NZT and archery and handball on 26 July.Eliza McCartney won bronze at Rio in 2016 and will contest her second Olympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORTHow much are Paris Olympics tickets?Tickets to watch many competitions are already sold out at time of writing, but there are plenty still available for some sports, including football and rugby sevens.The cheapest tickets available are for the football heats and will set you back €24 (NZ$43).A ticket to a rugby sevens pool round are available for €24 (NZ$43), while handball preliminaries are from €140 (NZ$253), rowing heats are from €65 (NZ$117) and canoe slalom heats are from €24 (NZ$43).Tickets cost more as the competition progresses. For example, tickets to the men's swimming semi-final are €690 (NZ$1250).At the most expensive end of the scale, hospitality packages - including lounge access, food, drinks and entertainment - are still available for a select number of sports and cost up to €1995 (NZ$3613).Where can I buy Paris Olympics tickets?Tickets can be bought from the official 2024 Olympics site.People are being warned only to buy from there, as those who purchase tickets from other websites may be denied entry.What sports will be played at the 2024 Olympics?The sports being played at this year's Olympics are: archery, gymnastics (both artistic and rhythmic), artistic swimming, athletics, badminton, basketball (both 5x5 and 3x3), beach volleyball, boxing, breaking, canoeing (slalom and sprint), cycling (BMX freestyle, BMX racing, mountain biking, road cycling and track cycling), diving, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, handball, hockey, judo, marathon swimming, modern pentathlon, rowing, rugby sevens, sailing, shooting, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, trampoline, triathlon, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling.Breaking will be judged at the Summer Olympics for the first time. Photo: AFP/Takuya MatsumotoWhich sports will be new at the 2024 Olympics?Breaking is the only sport having its Summer Olympics debut this year. It was previously held at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.Sixteen B-Boys and 16 B-Girls will face off in solo battles, with a panel of judges awarding each breaker points for creativity, personality, technique, variety, style and musicality. The breaker with the highest points is declared the winner.Surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing have all been added to the Paris Olympics lineup after successful debuts at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.When is the opening ceremony and what will it look like?The opening ceremony will be held on the evening of 26 July in the centre of Paris. For those watching from New Zealand, it will run from 5.30am-9.15am on 27 July.For the first time in the history of the modern Summer Olympics, the opening ceremony will take place outdoors. Ten thousand athletes will wind their way down the Seine on boats, finishing at the Trocadéro Gardens where the final formalities will take place.If you're travelling to France and hoping to catch the opening ceremony, you're in luck: there is no admission fee for most spectators and you do not need a ticket to access the upper quays of the river. However, you'd be advised to get there well in advance to secure a spot, as about 300,000 people are expected to attend.Those wishing to watch the ceremony from the lower quays will need to buy tickets, which are available at time of writing for €900-€2700 (NZ$1627-$4890) from the official site.An artist's impression of the opening ceremony on the Seine. Photo: Supplied/Paris 2024How can I watch the 2024 Olympics?Sky has the New Zealand broadcast rights for the 2024 Olympics, including the opening ceremony.Sky will have 12 channels dedicated to the games. Some will be screened on Sky Open, which is free-to-air.How can I find out the schedule for the Olympic Games?The full schedule can be found here.It is subject to change right up until the end of the games, so check back regularly to ensure you don't miss your favourite athletes in action.When and where will the next winter and summer Olympics be held?The next Winter Olympics will be hosted by the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from 6-22 February 2026 (local time).The next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, California from 14-30 July 2028 (local time).Olympics 2024: Trampolining couple fall head over heels before ParisLisa Carrington to lead Kiwi canoe sprint team at Paris Olympics15-strong NZ athletics team named for OlympicsParis Olympics 2024: 'Unprecedented' security will be in placeOlympic kākahu blessed ahead of Paris GamesThis story was originally published by RNZ

Peter de GraafA Northland businessman says a decision to build a Northland expressway as one big public-private partnership has given him hope it will be completed during his lifetime.This week, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the three separate Roads of National Significance making up the planned expressway from Warkworth to Whangārei would be combined into one large project delivered in three phases.It would be built as a public-private partnership (PPP), potentially using fast-track legislation or changes to the Public Works Act to further speed up construction.Riki Kinnaird, co-owner of Russell's Duke of Marlborough Hotel, said many businesses had been hit hard by the lack of a reliable transport link between Northland and Auckland. Anything that would speed up construction of a resilient, four-lane expressway was welcome, he said.Kinnaird said treating it as one end-to-end project, built in three phases, meant none of the three sections would be left out.He welcomed the estimate that the combined approach could shave 10 years off the project's completion time."If they can speed it up by another five, that would be even better - but at least we're going get it done in our lifetime now, it won't drift out," he said."Anything that will bring it forward is amazing. Ten years is huge and it means my kids will be able to see it, versus their kids in the future."Kinnaird said he had no problem with the expressway being built as a public-private partnership."Being a pragmatist, we need it funded one way or another, and public-private partnerships are normal and don't scare us. Without it, it won't be done. There's certainly wonderful examples of partnerships working overseas and we should replicate that."Kinnaird said Northland's business community was grateful for the repairs that had been done to the section of State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns."But it continues to scare the bejesus out of us that it will get blocked again any time there's a decent downpour, so giving us hope is a good thing."Benefits also for AucklandPaul Linton, chief executive of regional development agency Northland Inc, said the expressway would allow Northland to get its goods to Auckland faster and more reliably, benefitting both regions.Rolling the three projects into one was a sensible decision, because that made it less likely to be stopped by a change of government in future. It would also save a lot of money, because whoever ended up building it would look at the project as a totality.Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced the government will accelerate work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei, including over the Brynderwyns. Photo: NZME / Michael CunninghamLike Kinnaird, Linton had no objection to a public-private partnership."The reality is, we are constrained with how much money we've got to actually build infrastructure right across the country, not just in Northland. So we have to look at innovative financing solutions and that includes PPPs and toll roads."Everyone I have spoken to in Northland said they were happy to be tolled, as long as we get the road built and get it built as fast as possible."Linton said there was a question about equity if Northlanders were required to pay tolls, and other regions which had benefited from upgrades to SH1 did not."On the other hand, if that's what it takes to get it done, then we're up for it."The planThe project's three phases will be from Warkworth to Te Hana (just north of Wellsford); Te Hana to Port Marsden (following a yet-to-be-decided alternative route around the Brynderwyn Hills); and Port Marsden to Whangārei.Combined the three sections currently measure 98.7km, but the finished expressway is likely to be longer given the need to go around the Brynderwyns.At 101.4km the Waikato Expressway was a similar length, but it was built on vastly easier terrain.By comparison, the troubled - and costly - Transmission Gully near Wellington was just 27km.Meanwhile, the Employers and Manufacturers Association said the government's announcement would lift business confidence in Northland even before work on the expressway started.Head of advocacy Alan McDonald said Northland had been hampered by poor infrastructure for decades."The current road between Warkworth and Whangārei is too often closed, effectively cutting Northland off from the rest of the country. As a result, we've seen businesses and investors reluctant to put their money into the region," McDonald said."This is why Northland, despite its abundance of resources, has struggled economically. The new expressway will help address this, by fully integrating Northland into the country's golden triangle, which is responsible for the majority of the country's economic activity."The good news is that we won't need to wait for the completion of the expressway to see a positive economic benefit. In anticipation of the new link, it's likely we will see more investment into Northland's economic activity."McDonald said anyone who wanted to understand the potential impact need look no further than the Waikato Expressway, and the rapid growth in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty since their connection to Auckland had improved."The new expressway will connect Northland to both Auckland and these high-growth regions, providing Northland business easier access to goods, services, markets and people. It will also allow Northport to play a greater role alongside the major port Ports of Auckland and Tauranga," he said."There's no reason that Northland shouldn't be a high growth region and that is what the new expressway can help achieve, unlocking the region's potential and helping address some of Northland's long-standing social and economic problems."A study earlier this year by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research found an expressway between Auckland and Northland would lift national GDP by $2.1 billion and deliver more than $560 million in direct economic benefits to Northland every year.This story was originally published by RNZ