Sea spurge is an invasive plant that could take over large areas of New Zealand's coastIts sap is toxic and can cause temporary blindnessA newly discovered infestation at Mitimiti, in the Far North, is the biggest to dateA toxic plant, which can temporarily cause blindness and is threatening to take over large areas of New Zealand's coast, has been found in large numbers established on a remote Northland beach, and efforts are now on to get rid of it before it is too late.Sea spurge, which is native to the Mediterranean, first arrived in Aotearoa in 2012 on ocean currents from Australia, where the invasive plant has already caused environmental havoc.Since 2020 it has been found at more than 30 locations along the west coast of the North Island, mostly between Taranaki and Wellington.However, a new find at Mitimiti, in a remote part of the Far North's west coast, has dwarfed all previous infestations and set alarm bells ringing.Now, Far North hapū and biosecurity officials hope to eradicate what they say is the largest infestation to date.It consists of more than 200 adult plants spread over two sites, totalling more than 2300sq m.Mitimiti hau kāinga representative Debbie Martin said a local kaitiaki [guardian] made the "incredibly concerning" discovery in an area known as Moetangi, in early October.Local hapū Te Tao Maui and Te Hokokeha had been working hard to replant the dunes with native tihetihe, or spinifex, and pīngao - and had earmarked Moetangi as the next area for planting."Unfortunately, what sea spurge does - and the evidence is pretty glaring from Australia - is that it completely sweeps over native plants. It changes the natural pattern of sand and it displaces any bird life. What we would see if it was left unchecked would be a blanket of sea spurge replacing our native tihetihe and pingao, which our taonga species toheroa depends on," Martin said.Sea spurge seedlings emerging from the beach at Mitimiti, in Northland. Photo: SuppliedGiven their isolation and long tradition of looking after the coast, local hapū were taking the lead on decision-making and managing sea spurge, while making use of the resources of the Northland Regional Council (NRC), the Department of Conservation and Ministry for Primary Industries."We've made a really considered decision based on all the available information, including our own matauranga, as to what pathway we're going to take for eradication. Part of the removal process will include herbicide treatment, and this will enable us to get really quickly on top of this infestation, which is the largest in Aotearoa."Plants would also be pulled out manually, Martin said.Herbicides would be used for targeted spot treatment only, and precautions would be taken to ensure protection of people and the environment, including water and kai moana testing."We really want to get it before the summer rush of our whānau coming home. The plant is toxic, so if you break it, the sap can burn your skin and also cause temporary blindness. The area where the sea spurge is growing is where our beautiful awa [river] Moetangi meets the sea, so it's where kids often swim and play in summer."The infestation site was currently fenced off, and was likely to remain that way all summer.Martin said the seeds were thought to travel on ocean currents from Australia, so monitoring for fresh infestations would likely have to continue "forever and ever".NRC biosecurity manager Joanna Barr said previous sea spurge sites in Northland were small, so the plants could be removed immediately.When the Mitimiti infestation was discovered, hau kāinga and DOC staff held a working bee to map it and "deadhead" adult plants to prevent any further seeding.Experience from elsewhere in New Zealand was that sea spurge could be eliminated through consistent control, Barr said.Sea spurge Photo: Northland Regional Council/ Frank Vincentz"We expect new sites to be found in future, because sea spurge seed can float across on ocean currents from Australia. The key is finding them early, so anyone who thinks they've seen sea spurge shouldn't touch it, and call the MPI hotline to report it so it can be controlled."Barr said sea spurge was first detected in Northland late last year on Poutō Peninsula, on the northern side of the Kaipara Harbour.It had now been found at 11 sites around the region, with three near Mahuta Gap on the Poutō Peninsula, five in the Waipapakauri area on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe [Ninety Mile Beach], and a single plant near Ahipara. The two sites at Mitimiti were about 200m apart.According to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), sea spurge posed a serious threat to New Zealand's coastal environment.Left uncontrolled, it could spread quickly and dominate beaches and dunes, taking over areas where native plants grew and destroying habitat for birds.Its sap was toxic to humans and animals, and could cause skin irritation, as well as temporary blindness. If it spread into pasture it could also affect the health of livestock.MPI said Biosecurity New Zealand, DOC, regional councils, iwi and hapū, and local groups were working to stop the pest plant becoming established in New Zealand.Outside Northland, sea spurge had also been found at Karekare Beach and Aotea Harbour in the Auckland Region; Mokau in south Waikato; Ōakura in Taranaki; Scotts Ferry, Himatangi, Foxton Beach, Waitārere and Ōhau in south Horowhenua-Manawatū; and Waikawa Beach and Paraparaumu in on the Kāpiti Coast.A fungal biocontrol agent is being trialled for use against sea spurge in Australia, but would require extensive testing in New Zealand to ensure it did not harm native plants.How to recognise sea spurge:Sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) looks like a small shrub, usually up to half a metre tall.It has multiple stems that are often reddish at the base. Its spiky, tightly packed bluey-green leaves are 4-20mm long and 1-16mm wide, with greenish flowers on the end of the stems.It looks similar to the native spurge, waiūatua/waiū-o-kahukura (Euphorbia glauca) and New Zealand linen flax (Linum monogynum). However, the native spurge has much larger leaves: 30-80mm long.Sea spurge is usually found on dunes or among debris, washed up on beaches.What to do if you find sea spurge:Don't disturb the plants, because that can spread the seeds. The sap is toxic so don't cut or break the stems.Take clear photos of the location and the plants, ideally including closeups of parts of the plant, especially the flowers.Record your location accurately as possible, using Google maps or GPS if possible.Call the MPI hotline on 0800 80 99 66, or report it online at https://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest/Photo: Ministry of Primary IndustriesThis story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 11th November - Occasional rain, clearing this afternoon with fine spells increasing. Northwesterlies turn southwesterly this morning.Tuesday 12th November - Mainly fine, chance of a shower from afternoon. Easterlies developing in the afternoon.Wednesday 13th November - Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower from morning. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.Thursday 14th November - Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower. Northerlies, becoming fresh.Friday 15th November - Rain. Northwesterlies.Saturday 16th November - A few showers. Southwesterlies.Sunday 17th November - Partly cloudy with easterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 11th November - Cloudy with occasional rain developing this morning, clearing late evening. Northwesterlies, turning southwesterly about midday.Tuesday 12th November - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the afternoon. Southeasterlies, easing in the evening.Wednesday 13th November - Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower until evening. Northeasterlies developing.Thursday 14th November - Mostly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Northerlies, becoming fresh.Friday 15th November - Rain. Northerlies easing.Saturday 16th November - A few showers. Southerlies.Sunday 17th November - Rain with southeasterlies.

Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open now until 8 December 2024 and are inviting Aucklanders to provide feedback.Have your say on how the region should protect its natural environment and primary production over the next decade from invasive species and new threats.“The ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation will ask what we can do to continue to protect what Aucklanders’ value — like our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values, rural primary production, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities and natural habitats.What will we be asking Aucklanders?The current plan, which runs until 2030, is still in effect. However, with Auckland’s changing climate and the arrival of new exotic species, we need to start reviewing our current plan now, so the new plan is ready to take effect in 2030.Before we begin drafting the new plan, we want to know your views about:Achieving pest-free islands and peninsulas in the Auckland region and contributing to a predator-free Aotearoa by 2050Managing exotic caulerpa seaweed and other harmful marine speciesReducing the spread and impact of harmful freshwater species like freshwater gold clamOptions for cat management to protect threatened native wildlifeAddressing the impact of climate change on our natural environment.Get involvedHave your say and let us know how we can work together and protect Auckland’s environment – the ‘Let’s Protect Our Environment’ consultation is open from 25 October to 8 December 2024.To have your say, you can:Complete our online feedback form from Friday 25 OctoberEmail [email protected] with your completed feedback formTake your completed form to a library with council servicesPost your completed form to:Let’s protect our environment Auckland Council Free post 190198 Private Bag 92300 Victoria Street West Auckland 1142Public feedback, along with input from mana whenua, stakeholders, and technical experts, will help shape the next 10-year plan. When the draft plan is ready in 2027, Aucklanders will again have the chance to provide feedback.

A diabetes charity is organising an event to raise awareness as data projects what it describes as a worst case scenario.Diabetes New Zealand's chief executive, Heather Verry, says Aotearoa is on track for more than half a million cases by 2040.The Virtual Diabetes Register showed nearly 96,000 new cases in the past three years alone, which brought the total number to 324,000.qqqqqIn 2021, Diabetes NZ predicted an increase of 70 to 90 percent, and this data is close to the worst possible outcome, Verry said.Many people did not know that type two diabetes could be delayed or even reversed with lifestyle changes, she said."The sooner that people can be diagnosed with diabetes the better the health outcomes, so it really needs a full-on support service, a full-on awareness. More than what Diabetes New Zealand can do on their own, it really needs to be government led."Although the data from the Virtual Diabetes Register was welcome, it failed to distinguish between Type one and Type two diabetes, which made it difficult to offer targeted healthcare and support, she said.Diabetes NZ has organised a fundraising event this week to raise awareness called Sneaker Friday.Verry said she hoped the event would help to raise awareness and encourage people to get active."People need to get out there - they don't necessarily have to go to a gym. Even walking is really good, regular walking, regular exercise will have a huge impact on diabetes," Verry said.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Investment manager says Reserve Bank should go hard and fast on rate cuts.Greg Smith of Devon Funds says 75 basis point rate cut at the RBNZ's 27 November meeting is needed.'Extreme measures for extreme circumstances' are needed, he says.Market prices have an 88 percent chance of 50 point cut and 12 percent for a 75 point cut.Like a dog with a bone, investment manager Greg Smith of Devon Funds refuses to give up on a call for a jumbo-sized cut to the official cash rate (OCR) at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's last meeting of the year due to take place in a couple of weeks.He made the same bold call for a 75 basis- point cut for the recent October decision, only to be confounded by the RBNZ's 50 point cut to 4.75 percent.Smith is not deterred that he's swimming against the tide, which overwhelmingly backs a more modest 50 basis point reduction."A general comment by dissenters to a cut of such magnitude is that such large reductions are generally reserved for extreme circumstances."It is not too difficult to argue that we are in such circumstances now," Smith said.He said the RBNZ no longer had to be concerned with preserving jobs, but had to avoid unnecessary instability in output, employment and interest rates, and the exchange rate.Inflation has fallen back into the RBNZ's 1 to 3 percent target band and could undershoot the desired mid-point by 2 percent and go to the bottom of the target range."It is therefore not hard to argue that we should be at, or below, the RBNZ's 'neutral' rate - neither boosting nor restricting growth - of 3.8 percent ... right now."The case for a 75-basis point reduction in the official cash rate does indeed seem legitimate."Dire economy - flashing red lights"Our economic data is dire, and the RBNZ should probably be pushing the panic button."The economy is in recession, and unemployment is on the rise," Smith said.He cited the weakness in the monthly measures of manufacturing and services sectors."Key parts of the Kiwi economy do appear to be stuck in a rut, which therefore increases the need for extraordinary measures."Smith doubled down on the domestic risks by warning of "flashing red lights" from overseas."The growth outlook for China, our largest customer, remains uncertain... which poses downside risks to New Zealand's real export growth, as well as export and import prices," he said.Smith's call for a jumbo-sized OCR cut has not been completely ruled out by economists and finance sector observers, but it's certainly a minority view.BNZ's head of research, Stephen Toplis, an early advocate of rate cuts at the start of the year, believed drastic measures were not needed and won't be used."Given the RBNZ has already cut the cash rate 25 basis points more than it had assumed ... and given that it's likely a further cut of 50 basis points will be delivered later this month, we see no reason to advocate anything more," Toplis said.ASB senior economist Mark Smith agreed. He said the hurdles to large rate cuts were high, and conditional on the economic numbers and balance of risks."We expect the RBNZ to revert to a more measured pace of OCR easing over 2025 with a 3.25 percent OCR endpoint being reached by late 2025."But Greg Smith said there was a further imperative - the gap between the final 2024 meeting and the first meeting next year in February."That's nearly three months during which quite a lot can happen to our growth profile and not necessarily in a good way."Anecdotal evidence they were receiving from businesses, big and small, pointed to struggling firms, some on the brink of failure."A larger rate cut this side of Christmas might make all the difference," Smith said.He questioned whether "the much-needed real jumbo cut [will] be avoided altogether?""To save an admission that the New Zealand economy is lagging many others and that rates were pushed up too high too fast and kept there for too long?"Time will tell."this story was written by Gyles Beckford, Business Editor @RNZBusiness and originally posted on RNZ News 

The All Blacks have claimed their second Six Nations scalp in a week, with a 23-13 victory over Ireland in Dublin.Following on from the squeaky 24-22 win over England last Sunday, this was a win that did not come easy, but after their final quarter woes early this season, they finished strongly in the second half, landing a decisive blow against the Six Nations champions and world number one side.The win also gives New Zealand a chance of regaining world number one status, though they need Scotland to beat South Africa at Murrayfield on Monday morning (NZT) to achieve that.It took 68 minutes for the All Blacks to score their first try, but it was a match-defining one as Will Jordan crossed over, after some sustained attacking.That gave them a 10-point lead and though Ireland surged in the closing minutes, they could not breach the defence the All Blacks' line.Damian McKenzie was the key figure in the match, kicking six goals from eight attempts and orchestrating the attacks in the second half, figuring a couple of times in the lead-up to Jordan's try.The win was all the more sweet with key players Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor out injured, with McKenzie and Asafo Aumua having a big impact in their places.The All Blacks also survived a yellow card against Jordie Barrett for a high tackle on the knock of halftime, even though the Irish scored a try in his absence two minutes into the second half.The All Blacks led 9-6 at halftime after a scrappy first 40, with messy breakdowns as the Irish continually slowed down the All Blacks ball.It was a constant of the game, with Nic Berry letting many of the Irish breakdown infringements go, even though the final penalty count was 13-5 in favour of the All Blacks.Light rain falling on Aviva Stadium at the start of the game made handling difficult while the marking was intense.McKenzie's three penalties gave the All Blacks a 9-3 advantage late in the half but Tupou Vaa'i was pinged for not rolling away at a breakdown, and Jack Crowley narrowed the gap to three with the penalty shot.Worse for the All Blacks was that in the same phase of play, Jordie Barrett was adjudged to have gone too high in a tackle on Garry Ringrose. The yellow card left the New Zealanders starting the second half with 14 men.The Irish took only two minutes to take advantage, attacking hard at the All Blacks line, with flanker Josh van der Flier crashing over for the try which Crowley converted.McKenzie missed a penalty in the 57th minute, but the side was taking the game to the Irish, who were looking less disciplined than usual with sloppy handling.Then came Jordan's try, his 37th for the All Blacks.He was on the end of an attack which moved from side to side and featuring some skilful passing, particularly from McKenzie. He missed the conversion but the All Blacks were 10 points ahead.McKenzie was delighted with the result, telling Sky Sport: "We are over the moon."The Irish are a great side. We knew coming here that it was going to be a tough match down to the wire."Just really proud of the boys' efforts, particularly our forward pack who really muscled up and our backs were able to build pressure through our kicking game."As to his own 18-point effort, McKenzie said his mindset was to make the forwards' job as easy as possible, but putting the ball in front of them.Ireland had high hopes of atoning for their Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to the All Blacks, but were left disappointed by their own lack of accuracy and firepower.Captain Caelan Doris summed up the match succintly: "They were quality, we were not good enough.''The Irish were quite reactive in an intense match, he told Sky."Our discipline obviously wasn't where it needed to be. But they are a quality side, they put us pressure right from the start. It felt we got a little momentum back early in the second half, but they came back and put us under pressure again."Scott Robertson's All Blacks will play France in Paris next weekend.This story was originally posted on RNZ News

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed Auckland's train system will close for up to 96 days through to the end of January 2026, as work continues on the City Rail Link.He announced the plan alongside acting Auckland mayor Desley Simpson at Mt Eden Railway station on Friday morning.The first major closure will go from December 27 until January 28.Another long outage is planned from April 12 to April 22, around Easter.Trains will also run at reduced capacity for large parts of the rest of the year. In total there are up to 96 days of full closures and 53 days of partial closures planned.Some $200 million was being invested through the Budget to get the rail network completed on time, he said, and while the closures would have a significant impact on passengers and freight, it would help Auckland realise the full benefits of the CRL."To ensure the success of the City Rail Link, the Rail Network Rebuild needs to be completed ahead of the CRL opening to ensure Aucklanders can benefit from increased train services and improved reliability.He said the exact date of the opening was yet to be confirmed but the fitout was well under way. Commissioning of the trains was a critical element as well."The work KiwiRail will carry out includes replacing aging track foundations, including in the busiest part of the network in South Auckland; making the network more resilient to weather by improving drainage and culverts; replacing worn rail and sleepers, improvements to bridges and a tunnel, and upgrades to critical track infrastructure, signals and power supplies."He said it would be "one last push" to get the CRL completed.Simpson said the disruption was an unavoidable necessity - but Kiwirail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail had focused on extending existing closures during public and school holidays."Full closures are cost effective, reducing delivery costs by 30 percent, and are necessary for large scale work. They also give greater clarity to commuters on whether a line is open or closed."It is our expectation that KiwiRail and Auckland Transport will continue to work at pace on these upgrades, minimise disruption to commuters where possible, and communicate effectively and in advance about available alternatives."This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Two people charged after a woman's body was found in the Gulf Harbour have pleaded not guilty to all charges.The body of 70-year-old Chinese woman Shulai Wang was found in a black rubbish bag in the water in Gulf Harbour on 12 March, but her identity wasn't revealed until October.Three people have been charged with manslaughter and kidnapping, a 36-year-old man, a 37-year-old woman, and a 61-year-old woman.The younger man and woman are facing additional charges related to obstruction and providing false immigration information.Both appeared in the North Shore District Court on Friday morning and entered not guilty pleas.The man applied for bail with a 24-hour curfew but was denied and detained.

Celebrate being in business!I had a chat last week with the owner of a small business here in Warkworth. During our conversation, they said something that stuck with me: “I’d probably be better off working at a supermarket, where I could clock out at the end of the day and not worry about staff rosters, taxes, suppliers, or council fees.”This comment got me thinking about how business owners are often perceived. There’s a common belief that business owners are raking it in, while all the pressure falls on their workers. But those of us who have been in business know the reality is quite different. In fact, around 97% of businesses in New Zealand are classified as small to medium, and making a success of any business is no easy feat.Sure, people might think that being a business owner means you have the freedom to come and go as you please. But they don’t see the late nights and weekends spent trying to balance the books, worrying about whether they can pay the suppliers, the tax office, and their staff. Often, paying themselves comes last on the list.These are the things that keep many business owners awake at night. Of course, some businesses do well, but people don’t always see the hard work and long hours it took to get them there, or the personal sacrifices along the way.So, why am I mentioning this? Because when you look at our local business owners, I want you to remember that they’ve invested more than just money and time into their businesses. Often, their homes are tied up in it, too. For them, this isn’t just a job—it’s their future. They’re responsible not only for their business but also for the wellbeing of their staff. You’d be surprised how often wages are paid out, but the owner is left without a paycheck.I know people might be tired of hearing me push the “Buy Local” message, but these businesses are the backbone of our community. They deserve our support and respect for the risks they’ve taken and the effort they’ve put in.The answer is simple: Buy Local. Support Local. Employ Local. Love Local.We really are stronger together.Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi Business AssociationEmail: [email protected]// Celebrate Local Business! //Northland Waste Takes Top Honours at This Year’s Northland Business Awards!We’re thrilled to announce that Northland Waste, a One Mahurangi member and Silver Sponsor, has been named the Supreme Winner at this year’s awards, earning recognition across three major categories—a testament to their remarkable leadership and community impact.Here’s a closer look at Northland Waste’s achievements:Supreme Excellence Award – Celebrating their outstanding leadership and influence within the business community.Excellence in Business - Large Business Award – Acknowledging their resilience and consistent growth over the years.Best Digital Adaptation Award – Recognising their forward-thinking approach to digital innovation.Judges' CommentsThe judges commended Northland Waste for its steady growth since 2008, highlighting their innovative, tailored solutions that benefit both employees and clients. Their strong, people-centered culture and unwavering commitment to innovation set them apart as they continue to shape the future of waste management.Congratulations to Northland Waste on these well-deserved accolades!Read the NZ Herald article HERE>Davco Electrical Services Shines Bright with Award-Winning Riverbank Lighting Project!Congratulations to Davco Electrical Services, a valued One Mahurangi Silver Sponsor, on their recent success at the Master Electricians Awards! Davco was honoured with the Lighting Design Award for their impressive work on the Mahurangi Riverbank lighting installation as part of the Te Hokinga Mahara (Collection of Memories) project.This award-winning installation is no ordinary lighting project. Davco's work reflects a meticulous blend of cultural respect, ecological consideration, and technical prowess. Designed to illuminate the riverbank with both beauty and purpose, the installation also required Davco to navigate complex civil, health and safety, and technical challenges. Their dedication and skill in executing this vision have set a new benchmark for lighting design in the region.This achievement is a fantastic recognition of Davco’s expertise and commitment to creating projects that enhance our community spaces with creativity and care. Well done to the Davco team!Read the full Master Electricians Press Release HERE>OMBA SILVER SPONSOR// Community Noticeboard //🔗 Event link: Read more and register hereFacebook Event listing HERE>Facebook Event listing HERE>TO READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER HEAD HERE

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 8th November - Cloudy periods, with patchy morning fog possible. A few showers developing around midday, possibly heavy. Northerlies developing this morning.Saturday 9th November - Mostly cloudy, with a few showers in the afternoon. Northerlies, turning westerly for a time in the afternoon and evening.Sunday 10th November - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Northwesterlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 8th November - Mainly fine after morning cloud and possibly fog. A few afternoon showers. Northerlies developing this morningSaturday 9th November - Partly cloudy, with a few showers in the afternoon. Northerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 10th November - A few showers. Northerlies developing.

Gwen Mcclure, for The DetailOver the course of years, patients at North Shore Hospital's gynaecological and obstetric theatres were examined and treated by medical students, without giving their consent.In the obstetrics and gynaecological theatres at North Shore Hospital, patients were treated or examined by trainee doctors without giving their consent.And the nurse who raised concerns was stood down for doing so.Now a report that looked at the issues has made adverse comments about what happened, but has stopped short of saying the events had breached health's code of ethics on patient rights.The former North Shore Hospital nurse, known as Registered Nurse A, contacted Stuff Circuit investigative journalist Paula Penfold to share her story. For years, she had been concerned with the processes around informed consent in the theatres where she worked."She says, 'you know, somebody that you hadn't consented to having their hands in your vagina, trying to find your cervix, would you want to know?' She says 'I would want to know, and I would want my children and my granddaughters to know," says Penfold.Eventually, after her complaints were ignored, she went to the Health and Disability Commissioner Morag McDowell, who investigated and released the findings of her report in October.That report found 'weaknesses in the systems' around obtaining informed consent at what was then Waitematā District Health Board.But Registered Nurse A had much more to say."She wanted to describe what the process had been like, because it was a fight for her and even though there are aspects of the eventual finding that she's happy about, there are some that she's not, so she wanted the story to be told in a fuller way than the report ever could."That story began in 2012, when Nurse A was concerned about medical staff not following protocols around getting informed consent from patients. She complained to the DHB, and it came back with updated policies.But after a medical leave, she came back to the hospital in 2018 to find that things had 'significantly deteriorated in terms of issue of consent'," says Penfold.Those issues of consent included "a dossier of more than 40 cases of varying types of concerns."The report refers to two of these."One of them was a situation in which a woman had been examined vaginally by a junior doctor... she was already under anaesthetic and then the house officer, who's a doctor in training, was told by the junior doctor to do the same examination... for the purposes of teaching. As the nurse describes it, so that this house officer could find out where the cervix was."In this case, Nurse A protested that the patient had not given consent for that, and that secondary examination didn't go ahead."Another situation was where Nurse A walked into the theatre to be met by a surgeon saying 'oh you're here, we better do it properly,' and so then updated the consent on the documentation."Nurse A says that if she had been allowed as a part of the investigation to go back into the DHB and find those records, she would have been able to show that there were two different coloured inks used, i.e. that the consent had been recorded after the woman was already anaesthetised."For Nurse A, the concept of informed consent was straightforward."She talks about wanting to know - having the right to know - who's touching your body, who's going to be present and who's going to be carrying out the procedure. It's quite simple to her," says Penfold.But it doesn't seem it was simple to her employer."One of the criticisms that the Commissioner makes of North Shore Hospital is that in large part its defences were around the fact that it's a teaching hospital and that as such it was almost implicit - I'm paraphrasing - but because it's a teaching hospital of course teaching is going to happen on women, on patients and if you were to seek explicit consent for every possibly situation then one of its arguments... was that the patient might say no and then that would interfere with training."The commissioner was very clear on that: that's not good enough. The purpose of consent is exactly that."The fact that they might say no is not a good enough reason to not ask them."Monique Jonas, who teaches ethics to medical students at Auckland University, agrees."Informed consent is not just about patients agreeing to something, it's really about patients being able to make their own choice, and that means sometimes patients will refuse things and that's all part of informed consent."In New Zealand, the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights spells out what rights patients have, including the "Right to Make an Informed Choice and Give Informed Consent.""[It's] really the anchor for informed consent and for how treatment decisions should be made in New Zealand," says Jonas.At North Shore Hospital, Nurse A's colleagues grew increasingly hostile toward her, and in 2020 she was put on leave, before retiring nine years early.Find the full story on today's episode of The Detail, and read Penfold's articles here and here.Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.This story was originally published by RNZ

Farah Hancock, Data journalist, In DepthA sand mining company has been ordered to pay $500,000 in costs to community groups who fiercely opposed its plans to mine near Pākiri beach north of Auckland.McCallum Bros was ordered to pay the costs to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust and Pākiri local Damon Clapshaw after losing its Environment Court case in April.The award appeared to be among the largest ever ordered by the Environment Court. A $412,000 costs order against a Waiheke vineyard in 2022 was thought to be the highest at that time.McCallum Bros, which has mined offshore from Pākiri previously, was seeking to take up to two million cubic metres of sand from the area.It has appealed the case to the High Court.In the meantime, the Environment Court ordered the company to pay $50,000 to Clapshaw and $450,000 to Manuhiri Kaitiaki. Other parties to the case, including Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird and several community groups, settled their costs outside of court.RNZ understands that includes at least $100,000 in additional payments.Clapshaw chose to fight the company's mining bid after discovering the company had breached conditions of its previous resource consent by digging deep trenches in the seabed.The Environment Court found evidence provided by the company about the ecological effects of the mining had been "patchy", "inconclusive" and even "incorrect" in the past.It also found the effects on mana whenua could not be mitigated.Damon Clapshaw was among those awarded costs in the case. Photo: SuppliedClapshaw described the case as prolonged, complicated and "acrimonious" at times.He sought $96,000 in costs he incurred hiring experts to analyse information, and nothing to cover his own time.The court awarded him $50,000, which he said he was content with."In terms of the overall return, if I looked at the investment of both time and energy and resources and opportunity loss, it's about a fraction, but it's something I would do again."The other amount, awarded to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, consisted of $100,000 for costs related to expert witnesses, and a further $350,000 to cover other costs.Part of the cost related to a last-minute attempt by McCallum Bros to have the trust struck out of the case on the basis it was a trade competitor.The court called the attempt a "concerning aspect" of the case, as the matter had been covered many weeks earlier. The application was "without merit" and should not have been made in the final days of the case, the court found.Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust received 57 percent of the $795,000 in costs it applied for and Clapshaw 52 percent. Environment law firms cite 25 to 33 percent of actual costs as more typical.The court's cost decision noted McCallum Bros called the sum sought by Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust "unprecedented" if awarded by the court.However the court decision said what stood out in the case was the late attempt to remove the trust from the case.McCallum Bros chief executive Shayne Elstob did not want to comment on the cost decision, but has talked previously about the court process in the select committee hearings for the Fast-track Approvals Bill.Pākiri beach is about an hour's drive north of Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziThe company's attempt to gain consent to carry on mining had been a "horrendous" process, Elstob said."When all is said and done, this process could take more than seven years and has come at a huge cost to the business," Elstob told the committee."Had we known what we would have been dealing with through the current Resource Management Act process, I'm really not sure whether we would have made the application in the first place. We would have possibly invested our money elsewhere."Until the company's appeal to the High Court is resolved it is operating under a temporary consent with the agreement of parties involved in the case.Clapshaw said there have been breaches of the temporary arrangement, with more trawls taking place than were allowed. The company had admitted this and put the error down to an incorrect spreadsheet, he said.In a letter RNZ has seen, a McCallum Bros staff member told Auckland Council the error was due to an incorrectly-set-up spreadsheet."That does speak volumes to competence, because for most people counting something eight times in a 30 day period is not really requiring the work of an Excel spreadsheet."The company also applied for the consent to be included in the proposed fast-track legislation, which could allow projects rejected by courts to proceed.The expert advisory group recommended it be included, but it did not make the final list of 149 projects selected by Cabinet.Another McCallum Bros project, seeking to mine up to 8 million cubic metres of sand from Bream Bay, further up the coast from Pākiri, has been greenlit for fast-track consideration.This story was originally published by RNZ

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Our friends at LESS WASTE – Warkworth and Wellsford are now offering a FREE drop-off service for old cellphones!We absolutely love product stewardship schemes, especially when they support amazing charities. Thanks to RE:MOBILE NZ, you can now drop off your old cellphones at LESS WASTE locations in Warkworth and Wellsford for free! The Mobile Phone Recycling Scheme grades your old phones, wipes or destroys any data and SIM cards, refurbishes them, and resells them to those in need of basic devices. The profits from these sales are donated to Sustainable Coastlines, supporting their mission to reduce coastline litter by 60% by 2030.So far, over 30 tonnes of phones have been recycled, keeping them out of landfills thanks to the RE:MOBILE initiative. Take your clunky old bricks or smartphones that have bitten the dust to LESS WASTE! The free drop box is located at the pay station as you enter through the main gate.Why Recycle Your Phone?- Environmental Protection:** Mobile phones that end up in landfills can release harmful substances into the surrounding land and waterways. Recycling your phone helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent hazardous material buildup.- Supporting a Circular Economy:** Mobile phones contain valuable materials like gold, silver, and other precious metals. Recycling allows these resources to be reused, minimising the need for new materials.- Safe Disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries:** Phones contain lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires if they end up in landfills. Recycling ensures these batteries are disposed of safely.- Raising Money for a Great Cause:** For every phone recycled through RE:MOBILE, donations are made to Sustainable Coastlines, a New Zealand charity focused on reducing plastic pollution and litter. So far, they’ve removed over 1.7 million litres of litter from our coastlines!- Extending the Life of Phones:** If your phone still works and is in good condition, it can be refurbished and resold, reducing demand for new handsets and lowering the environmental impact of manufacturing.What’s Inside Your Mobile Phone?Aside from your SIM card, your phone is packed with valuable materials like gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. Although each phone contains only small amounts, it adds up when you consider that there are an estimated 7 billion mobile phones in use worldwide! Nearly all the components of your phone can be recycled and used to make new devices.Did You Know?It’s estimated that 4,000 tonnes of silver, 380 tonnes of gold, and 200,000 tonnes of copper are trapped in unused mobile phones worldwide!How to Recycle Your Phone with RE:MOBILE1. Drop it off at any 2degrees, Spark, or one.nz retail store, or one of our other collection points.2. Post or courier it directly to RE:MOBILE using one of their addresses.Recycling your phone is easy, good for the environment, and supports a fantastic cause. So, take your old phones to LESS WASTE or one of the other drop off points and help make a difference today!

Keiller MacDuff, Senior reporterPets and their owners can tune into the country's first Concert for Animals tonight to soothe nerves during Guy Fawkes.The concert, a collaboration by RNZ Concert and the SPCA will include music shown to help calm animals.SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan said there was a body of research around the impacts of music on animals, in particular for animals in shelters, which have been used to form the basis of the playlist.SPCA centres around the country will be tuning in on Tuesday night, she said.She said the SPCA has been campaigning for decades for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks.An online petition to end private sales had topped forty four thousand signatures by midday Monday.Dr Vaughan told Midday Report the best thing owners could do was be with their animals.She advised getting some exercise in early, closing doors and windows before it gets dark, and settling in for the night.SPCA supports the use of fireworks in controlled and notified public displays.Some may find the use of pheromone diffusers and sprays useful, and Vaughan suggested owners who know their animals react badly should talk to their vets about the use of medication.The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) said every year veterinarians see badly injured horses who have panicked and run through fences, attempted to jump out of paddocks, or run on to roads, endangering themselves and motorists.Cats and dogs often get anxious and attempt to flee, resulting in an increased risk of injury and trauma. Large animals in general suffer from fear and stress related to fireworks, and fireworks also impact wildlife.In its position statement on fireworks, the SPCA says wild animals change their behaviour in response to loud and abrupt noises which can lead to physical injury, disrupted feeding, abandonment of young, stress and death.People also directly target wildlife and other animals who are injured or killed deliberately with fireworks.In New Zealand, the sale of fireworks is restricted to just four days a year, from Saturday 2 November to Tuesday 5 November but there are no restrictions on when they can be used.NZVA Head of Veterinary Services (Large Animals) Cristin Dwyer said this unpredictability, especially when fireworks are stockpiled and set off at other times of the year, is one of the biggest challenges for pet owners."This means animal owners often feel helpless because they may not have a choice or be given enough warning to move their animals to a safe place," she said."Fireworks have a significant impact on livestock animals, specifically on horses, so we urge anyone setting off fireworks to consider their surroundings, discuss their plans with their neighbours, and be prepared to stop if someone indicates their animals are distressed."The Warehouse, once New Zealand's largest fireworks retailer, stopped selling them in 2021, saying they "no longer reflected the company's values."The 'Concert for Animals' playlist is available here (scroll down to 6pm). You - and your pets - can tune in on the radio, or stream from rnz.co.nz, the RNZ App, SKY TV channel 422, or Freeview Channel 51.This story was originally published by RNZ

Susan Edmunds, Money CorrespondentPower prices offered to customers through comparison website Powerswitch have increased significantly this year, one retailer says, and there is a warning more bill pain may be to come.Octopus Energy has looked at data from Powerswitch and compared January pricing with that available at the end of September.It shows Contact had an average increase of 10 percent in Auckland, and Mercury 5 percent. Mercury's short term discounted offers lifted more than 30 percent in Auckland, Octopus said,In Christchurch, Contact's prices were up almost 15 percent, Mercury's almost 10 percent, Meridian's almost 15 percent and Mercury's short-term discount offered more than 40 percent.In Wellington, Contact's prices were up almost 10 percent, Mercury more than 5 percent, Mercury's short-term discount almost 25 percent and Meridian more than 5 percent.Powerswitch general manager Paul Fuge said the situation was "not looking good"."We are seeing a lot of price changes coming through."He said it had been expected that higher wholesale prices would flow through to retail prices at some point. "But we didn't know when or to what extent... this analysis shows that is starting to happen."Fuge said pricing could be hard to track because households even next door to each other could be paying "radically different" electricity prices.But he said lines prices would increase 8 percent to 10 percent next year when prices go up $15 a month.People who had been paying low user charges, which are being fazed out, would also face another increase of about $150 a year."You've got a perfect storm of price increases, all going in the same direction."Normally you might see, as has happened before, energy price increases offset by a lines price decrease. But what we are seeing at the moment is all those things going up, there's no offsetting going on."He said that was concerning when 20 percent of people already said they struggled to pay their power bills. "What happens when the price is put up again... we are really worried."He said, if there was another crisis in wholesale prices next year, as seen in the middle of this year, "it could get really dire".Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, said the price increases were not showing through in official data yet. The consumer price index showed household electricity cost up 5.9 percent in the last year."It doesn't sound that rapid and there is probably more to come but it's still the fastest since 2009 with the exception of the increase in GST in 2010."He said the futures market had moderated in the last two or three months but prices were still double what they were three years ago.A spokesperson for Mercury said it reviewed its pricing from time to time,."We recently changed our Powerswitch offerings as we are conscious that from April 1, the forward path for transmission and distribution pricing, which is set by the Commerce Commission, will increase and this will flow through to consumers. Indications are there are further increases in April 26. Our Powerswitch offers are a mix of one- and two-year fixed offers and therefore need to reflect these increases. Prices for our existing standard rate and fixed rate customers have not changed."Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.This story was originally published by RNZ

The Mangawhai Education Trust is on track to open Mangawhai Hills College, a new, independent secondary school aimed at providing progressive, future-focused education for the community. Located on Tara Road, the private college is set to welcome its first intake of students in February 2025, catering to Year 7-13 students.Mangawhai Hills College addresses a significant gap in local education, as there is currently no secondary school in Mangawhai. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that establishing a public secondary school in the area is not part of its short- to medium-term plans. As a result, students from Mangawhai currently face long commutes to high schools in Maungaturoto, Wellsford, or Warkworth.Despite its appeal, the school comes with a steep tuition fee of $16,000 per year, which may be out of reach for many local families. However, as a non-profit institution, the college aims to offer a high-quality education experience with small class sizes, maintaining a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1.Mangawhai Hills College will start with 40 students in Years 7, 8, and 9, with plans to expand to include Years 10-13 over the next four years. The school recently received resource consent, and construction is underway. They have also announced the first three foundational teachers for the inaugural school year.For more information or to enrol, visit their website: [Mangawhai Education Trust](https://www.mangawhaieducation.org.nz).

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 4th November - Fine, apart from areas of morning cloud and the chance of an afternoon shower. Light winds, afternoon sea breezes.Tuesday 5th November - Cloud clearing and becoming fine at night. Westerlies.Wednesday 6th November - Fine, but becoming cloudy in the morning. Southwesterlies developing.Thursday 7th November - Mainly fine, chance of a shower. Light windsFriday 8th - A few showers. Light winds.Saturday 9th - A few showers with light winds.Sunday 10th - Showers. Northerlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 4th November - Partly cloudy with the chance of an afternoon shower. Light winds.Tuesday 5th November - Fine. Light winds.Wednesday 6th November - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Thursday 7th November - A few showers developing. Light winds.Friday 8th - A few showers. Light winds.Saturday 9th - Showers with light winds.Sunday 10th - Rain. Northerlies.

Less than a week to go until Tomarata Fireworks celebrates 21 years of bringing its spectacular fireworks show to the region. Having grown in popularity year-after-year, the event now attracts almost 5,000 people, delighting local families and those from the wider region alike.To celebrate turning 21, the event this year boasts a fantastic line-up of food vendors, live-music, a Kids’ Zone with rides and face painting, as well as the signature, world-class fireworks show it has become known for.Many believe the fireworks are the best they’ve experienced, partly because they can safely view them from a closer distance, and because of the event’s rural location, which has no light pollution.While providing a fantastic outing for the whole family, the event is also an important fundraiser for Tomarata School, with all funds raised going to the school to help fund key projects and upgrades.“Being a small, rural school of 70 pupils, there are many projects that fall outside of what the Ministry of Education can support us with, therefore we must fundraise for these ourselves”, says Chris King, Principal of Tomarata School.This year, all funds raised will go towards upgrading the school’s playground, so that children of all ages, and particularly the younger children, can have the opportunity to develop confidence, strength and agility through play.With rising costs of putting on the event, the event’s sponsors play a crucial role in ensuring the fireworks can continue to run year after year as a fundraiser. This year, Tomarata Fireworks is presented by New World Mangawhai, the event’s principal sponsor.“We are incredibly grateful to Scott and the team at New World Mangawhai for helping us bring the event to life this year. Their contribution will have a direct impact on all students at our school,” says Chris.“We’d also like to thank all of our volunteers, including Mangawhai Rotary and Coastguard Kawau, who get involved year after year to help make the event a success.”Regular event goers may notice a few new features at this year’s event. There will be traffic management in place, great public transport options, more delicious food options, fun event merchandise, and cashless payment will also be available.“The event is an opportunity to bring members of our community together and we know many look forward to it each year. We’re looking forward to hosting another night of fantastic entertainment again this year,” says Chris.Tickets are on sale now – visit https://events.humanitix.com/tomarata-fireworks-2024Key event details:When: Saturday 9th November, 2024, gates open at 4pmWhere: Tomarata Domain, 112, Pakiri Block Road, Tomarata 0974.Tickets:Child under 5 freeChild under 16 $15Adult 16+ $20Family - 2 Adult, 2 Children $55Family - 2 Adult, 3 Children $70Booking and service fees applyFor more information, interviews or images, please contact Emma Cameron or Linda Chim at [email protected] or 021 428 708.Presenting PartnerPartnersSupportersRaffle Supporters