Police investigating the discovery of a woman in pyjamas in Gulf Harbour in March are continuing to appeal to the public for help.Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams, Waitematā CIB, says the investigation team have been working tirelessly in the almost two months since the homicide investigation was launched and we would like to again thank those in the community who have come forward with information since our initial appeal.“We have now had more than 120 calls to both our dedicated number and through to the 105 service providing Police with information to assist us in our investigation.”A Black Notice was issued through Interpol last month and Police have received information in regards to this.“While we cannot go into the specifics, Interpol continues to receive information from a myriad of countries, the most recent being from Canada earlier this month,” Acting Detective Inspector Williams says.“Police are continuing to work closely with Interpol in regards to this investigation.”We are also continuing to work with our Ethnic Liaison Officers within Police.Acting Detective Inspector Williams says despite the continued work from the team to date, we are still urging the community to get in touch with Police if they have any information which may assist.“I am proud of the efforts of the team over the last eight weeks on what is a complex and challenging investigation and we are committed to bringing justice to our victim.”Acting Detective Inspector Williams says this work will continue.“Our dedicated team are still working to understand the who, where, and why of this investigation, but we do need your help.“As such, we are again asking those in the community to consider the people they have dealt with in the past and think about if there is anyone you have concerns for.“Is there a neighbour you haven’t seen for a while? A tenant who hasn’t paid rent in this time? Or just someone in your community you are worried about, or who matches the description we have provided.“If you do have information, please do not hesitate to report it to Police.”𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 -Acting Detective Inspector Williams says Police can today release some further details about the woman located in her pyjamas.“Police are working with a number of experts including a forensic odontologist, forensic anthropologists, the pathologist, and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).“These, alongside genealogy testing for unidentified deceased persons, have outlined that it is highly likely the woman is of Chinese decent,” he says.“We have also received advice she was likely aged between her early thirties to early fifties.“During the post mortem, it was also identified that she was of very slight build and that, at some stage of her life, she had her gallbladder removed.” Acting Detective Inspector Williams hopes that with releasing some of these further details we will be able to jog someone’s memory or have them consider coming forward.The public can contact us on 0800 755 021 to speak directly to the investigation team.You can also provide information via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.Please reference file number 240312/9837.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Police will continue to provide further proactive updates as our investigation allows.

An "extreme" geomagnetic storm is affecting Earth at present.Material fired out from a sun spot, is crashing into the planet's atmosphere this weekend .Transpower says it has put the electricity grid into a 'more' resilient state to protect equipment.A spokesperson says today's geomagnetically induced currents are below the levels Transpower has been preparing for in its 'worst case scenario' planning.The spokesperson says the electricity industry held a meeting at 1.30pm today to discuss the effects of and response to the storm.Transpower says it is still not anticipating having to cut power in any areas, but teams are continuing to monitor the event.Earlier in the day it issued a grid emergency notice and said it was removing some transmission lines from service across the South Island as a precaution.The storm has the potential to disrupt power and satellites, as well as communications and GPS.The US Space Weather Prediction Centre says G5 (extreme) geomagnetic storms can impact power grids, satellites, and radio communications.The solar storm is expected to peak tonight, with the US Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasting severe conditions from 6-9pm (NZ time) on Saturday.NIWA says although most solar events do not cause much impact, this is an "unusually strong event" so it pays to be prepared.It recommends people ensure they have charged batteries and flashlights in case the power goes out.

One Mahurangi Business Association (OMBA) is holding a 6 week AI Workshop SeriesLearn to navigate AI advancements & make strategic decisions for your business's future success. Designed for local business leaders.Venue & Dates:● Venue: Bayleys Real Estate, 41 Queen Street, Warkworth.● Dates: Wednesday May 29th, fortnightly for six sessions, up to and including 7th August.● Times: 7:30 pm - 9 pm.By booking the first session on Wednesday, May 29th you are committing to the full six fortnightly sessions up to Wednesday, August 7th.NOTE: Due to limited spaces and the large interest in this workshop series, ticket numbers will be limited to 2 per business. Email [email protected] if you would like to add additional employees to the waitlist in case of last-minute cancellations.BOOK HEREWhat to bring to each class:Laptop with a ChatGPT Plus subscription installed.

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, 17 May 2024.  Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.         NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1) Tristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 12-16 MayCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 13 & 16 May CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ) Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 14 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 14 MaySH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 12-13 & 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 14 & 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 14-16 MayWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Newton Road on-ramp, 14 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 14 MaySH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 14 MayWellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 14 MayWestbound lanes between Gladstone Road and Parnell Rise, 14 & 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Tamaki Drive and Gladstone Road, 12 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1) Khyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 13 & 15-16 MayGillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 13 & 15-16 MayNorthbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 12 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 12 MaySouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 12 MayMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 12 MayHighbrook Drive northbound off-ramp, 14-15 MayNorthbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 13 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 13 MayHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 13-15 MayEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 13 MaySH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 15 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 15 MaySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 12-16 MayTakanini southbound on-ramp, 12-16 MaySouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 17 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 17 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 12-16 MayNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 12 & 14-16 MayPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 12 & 14-16 MayPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 12& 14-16 MayNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 13 MayDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 12-16 MayPioneer Road northbound off-ramp, 10-18 May (24/7)Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 12-16 MayDragway Road northbound off-ramp, 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 12-13 May (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 12-13 May (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16) Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 12 May (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 12 May (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)Southbound lanes between Waimauku Roundabout and Trigg Road, 13-16 MayNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku Roundabout, 13-16 MayTe Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 13-14 MayNorthbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 15 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road northbound on-ramp, 15 MayPatiki Road northbound on-ramp, 15 MayGreat North Road northbound on-ramp, 15 MaySH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 13-14 MaySH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 13-14 MaySH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 13-14 MayEastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 16 MaySt Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 16 May SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20) Cavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 13-16 MayNorthbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links, 15-16 MaySH20 northbound to SH16 westbound Link, (Waterview northbound tunnel closed) 15-16 MaySH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound Link, 15-16 May (Waterview northbound tunnel closed)Maioro Street northbound on-ramp, 15-16 MaySouthbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and Lambie Drive on-ramp, 13-16 May (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 13-16 MaySouthbound Service Road (Puhinui Road to Cavendish Drive), 13-16 MayCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 13-16 May 

Phil Pennington, ReporterOfficials are looking at better ways of choosing who gets the power in the face of occasional shortages - like Friday's - and relentlessly growing and competing demands.The Electricity Authority (EA) told RNZ it was "considering improving the prioritisation processes to filter out more speculative applications" to connect to power networks.This is among a long list of measures the authority, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and others say they have begun work on to make the country's electricity supply better.But a new Ministry of Energy will not be among them."The government has no plans to create a Ministry of Energy," Energy Minister Simeon Brown told RNZ late on Thursday.The largest distributor, Vector in Auckland, has its own long list of connections it has to make and networks it has to build to keep up.It has warned the country needs "a coordinated strategy and a plan" for critical decisions, such as around the new demands of data centres and electric vehicle (EV) charging."We're not saying we want to interfere with the market or anything, but we have to have visibility so we can manage the impact of them," chief executive Simon Mackenzie said."You've got multiple operators coming in and trying to provide new solutions to customers, but they all have to still be coordinated, so that the networks can manage them and ... you're not building network unnecessarily."The government had an overarching Electrify NZ programme focused on boosting investment in renewable electricity generation. Just how that will be done, and just who will do it, are among the big questions.MBIE said there was "no work underway to create a Ministry of Energy or a 'nationwide long-term plan'."Planning and regulating was widely dispersed across MBIE, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, EA and the Commerce Commission.The commission later this year will reset how much revenue is available to the country's 29 distributors - Vector by far the largest - to invest in network upgrades.EA determines how prices are set to access the networks."We are hearing that EV charge point operators believe they face high costs and difficult processes for new connections from distribution businesses," MBIE general manager of energy markets Justine Cannon told RNZ on Thursday.Coincidentally, EA put out its next steps on distribution pricing reform, including connection costs, just on Tuesday."We want distribution pricing to send the right signals about the cost of the electricity that's being fed to homes and businesses," EA said online. It has set up a new group to consult with the industry.The EA gave RNZ a long statement detailing a host of moves it was taking to boost "investment, innovation and transparency"."We're already working with industry to determine what regulatory changes are needed to make it easier to connect load, like public EV charging stations," network pricing director Tim Sparks told RNZ.A 'Supercharging EV Infrastructure Cross-Agency Taskforce' has been set up. Some users were facing "inefficiently high up-front charges that could act as a barrier to electrification", and the authority was working to counter that.It was not all about making it easier; its work included the filter on "more speculative application", Sparks said.On the big job of spreading out peak demand so networks did not have to be over-engineered, its work included improving visibility around how chargers or batteries and other smart devices were being used - what Vector has called for."Less poles and wires" could result from work on a 'flexibility services market' to encourage a wider spread of energy resources, including in more locations.Vector's Mackenzie said other countries had renewable energy zones so "you don't have to upgrade big transmission systems to cater for something that's thousands of miles away from the load"."That all comes under energy strategy," he said.Brown said in a statement the government was pulling down regulatory barriers and overhauling rules that were a decade out of date. This included setting standards for smart devices to shift home charging away from network peaks.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionFriday 10th May - Fine. Southerlies.Saturday 11th May - Fine. Southerlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 12th May - Fine. Light winds.Mangawhai RegionFriday 10th May - Fine, apart from the odd evening shower in the west. Southerlies, fresh for a time this afternoon.Saturday 11th May - Fine. Southerlies, easing late.Sunday 12th May - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing in the evening. Light winds.

A homicide investigation has been launched after a man was discovered deceased following a house fire in Northland last month.Emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a Thomas Street address at around 3.09am 0n Monday 29 April.Whangārei Police Detective Senior Sergeant John Clayton says Hoani Reupena-Tuoro, 61, was located inside the Tikipunga property, but despite efforts from first responders he sadly died at the scene.“Police enquiries have now established that this was an arson and subsequently, this is now being treated as a homicide investigation.”Investigators are making steady progress with enquiries and have now spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time.“We would still like to hear from anyone who knows who started this fire, or saw anyone in the area that night between the hours of 1.30am through to 3.30am.“We are also seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this person who was captured on CCTV in the Te Kura Kaupapa school at the rear of the property that was set alight.“If you know who this person is, Police would like to speak with them.”Detective Senior Sergeant Clayton says Police are urging people in the Tikipunga are to upload any photos or video they may have between the hours of 1.30am-3.30am on 29 April.Anyone with footage that could assist our investigation can upload it by going to https://egret.nc3.govt.nz/Police would still like to hear from anyone who has information via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105.Please reference file number 240429/4766.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The national electricity grid operator is warning of possible insufficient power generation to meet households' demand on Friday.Transpower has issued a notice saying there was a risk that power generation and reserves would not meet demand between 7.30am-8.30am.It said if power generators could not provide enough electricity, Transpower would manage demand to avoid a grid emergency."The system operator may instruct the grid owner to disconnect feeders without further notice to connected parties," it said.MetService has forecast temperatures to plunge overnight, with Christchurch set to fall to -4 degrees Celsius.In 2021, almost 34,000 households lost power on one of the coldest nights of the year, as insufficient supplies were arranged for the surge in demand.An industry panel fined Transpower $150,000 for its role in the blackouts.This story was first published by RNZ

Kakariki Health & Wellbeing Health Shop has moved location from Bennetts to the Dune complex on Moir / Molesworth intersection.They are still in the process of setting up, but have a brand new coffee machine and are pumping out Organic coffee, with fresh Durham Farms A2 milk or Organic Plant based milks. Pop into support them.Open 7 days from 9am to 5pm.Mangawhai Toy library has reopened as of last week and operates every Wednesday 10am to 12pm. They are currently accepting quality used toys. 73 Moir Street.Pacific Coast Taproom and Eatery are opening their restuarant and taproom at the old Dune in in mid June! Their plan is to create a great place to eat and drink, all while developing a centrepiece for their growing brewery and distillery. EDIT: Corner Bistro has just announced they are closing for good, not moving accross the road to the old Dune complex.It appears Oasis Bar and Eatery in Mangawhai is also closing at the end of the month.Finally a little birdie has advised the empty space where Kakariri was will soon become a bakery, from the Bennetts owners. Watch the space!Remember to SHOP LOCAL and SUPPORT LOCAL! Now more than ever your dollar is needed and appreciated!If you are a business why not adverise with Matakana Coast App. We have a number of options available. Check out our Advertise With Us page or contact Louise on 021681005

Ara Tūhono P2W – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will be closed overnight for five nights beginning Sunday, May 12 until May 17, for finishing work on the road. Closed from 9pm-5am in both directions, from Orewa to the Pukerito roundabout north of Warkworth. Works are weather-dependent. If weather conditions are bad, the contingency plan is set for 5 nights from Sunday 19 May.During the overnight closures drivers in both directions can use the old State Highway 1 and Twin Coast Discovery Highway. Southbound traffic will be unable to join the motorway north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, so will need to travel via Waiwera into Ōrewa before rejoining the motorway at the Grand Drive southbound onramp.It is still yet to be determined just how long the Brynderwyns will remain closed after the massive slip on 30th April. In an NZTA email update - the big slip is now looking at around 60,000 cubic meters of soil, could be more.As you can see by the photos the slip is not small, as it covers all the area from the waterfall to the sharp corner. There will hopefully be an update on when it can be opened next week.

A man wanted over a central Auckland fatal shooting, and revealed to be a gang member, has been found dead near Taupō.Police were searching for Hone Kay-Selwyn, 31, who they believed shot one person dead on Ponsonby Road on Sunday night.The shooting victim, who had been with a group of people at the time of the shooting, was found dead by police when they arrived at the scene, outside a bar.Police said multiple shots were fired by another man who had earlier been refused entry to the bar.The motivation behind the shooting was not yet clear, police said.On Wednesday morning, a source confirmed the discovery of the body to RNZ.It was not known how Kay-Selwyn died.The man sought by Police in relation to the Ponsonby homicide investigation has been located deceased.Detective Inspector Chris Barry said homicide investigators were travelling to the Taupō region on Tuesday afternoon to find the man sought."On the way, police were notified of a man located deceased at a rural address in the Broadlands area."The death was being treated as unexplained, he said.He was found by an associate on Tuesday. Police also confirmed the suspect was a member of the Killer Beez gang."While a post-mortem examination is yet to be completed, it is believed the deceased is the man sought by police in relation to the homicide investigation."Police did not believe there was any relationship between the Ponsonby shooting victim and the suspect, nor did they believe the victim and his associates on the night have any criminal group links.Auckland City CIB will be working with Bay of Plenty CIB counterparts as part of the investigation.Barry said the homicide investigation remained ongoing, but they were not seeking anyone else in relation to it."Our investigation team will continue to piece together the information received to date and we will continue to make enquiries on behalf of the Coroner."Police have notified the victim's family of these developments, and we have been in touch with the family of the man sought."Police thanked the public for the information received regarding the identity of the man sought.The identity of the Ponsonby shooting victim was yet to be released by police, but was expected later today.A woman, who said she was the partner of Kay-Selwyn, had expressed remorse for his actions.In a now deleted Facebook post earlier this week, she said her inbox had been "overflowing" with messages about her partner's actions on Sunday night in Ponsonby."I want to express my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. I'm deeply sorry and feel a great sense of shame about the situation."She said she was "grappling" with the fact he had taken someone's life.When contacted by RNZ the woman did not want to comment further.Police would not comment directly on the social media post or confirm if they had spoken to the woman.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Bus route 999 will run one way around Warkworth every 30 minutes, enhancing local access to public transport. Project overviewAuckland Transport, in partnership with the Rodney Local Board, is implementing a new a one-way bus service. The new bus route, 999, will run one way around Warkworth in a clockwise direction approximately every 30 minutes.Route 999 will enhance access to public transport for local commuters along Percy Street, Lilburn Street, Pulham Road, Woodcocks Road, Mansel Drive and Hill Street. These bus stops aim to provide residents with convenient access to the bus route, improving public transport connectivity within the community and safety for buses, bus users, pedestrians and other road users.To allow buses to pull into and out of the proposed bus stops safely, some parking will be removed as part of this proposal. We understand that the removal of parking can be inconvenient, so we’ve minimised it as much as possible.Project detailsThis project includes the installation of 6 new bus stops along the new route. The locations of these bus stops are:1. 21 Percy Street (outside medical centres)Install new bus stop with road marking and signage2. 25 Lilburn StreetInstall new bus stop with road marking and signageReplace existing footpath with wider, extended concrete hardstand (concrete pad)Replace drop kerb with new kerbing in line with TDM standards3. Opposite 7 Pulham RoadInstall new bus stop with road marking and signage4. 15 Woodcocks Road (outside Mahurangi College)Install new bus stop with road marking and signage5. Opposite 20 Mansel Drive (outside Summerset Falls Retirement Village)Install new bus stop with road marking and signageInstall new hardstand (concrete pad)Install yellow tactile pavers to help guide blind and low-vision users6. 62 Hill StreetInstall new bus stop with road marking and signageInstall concrete hardstand (concrete pad) in line with TDM standardsDownload project drawings (PDF 8.6MB)What happens nextConstruction is expected to begin in June 2024. We will notify nearby properties a week before construction works start.Your local knowledge can help us make better decisions. Together, we can achieve the best outcomes for your neighbourhood.Contact UsIf you have any concerns or enquiries related to this project, please contact the Project Team on the details below:Email: [email protected]: 09 930 5090

The board of trustees of Whangārei Boys' High School has been charged for health and safety failures over the death of a student on a caving trip.Karnin Petera, 15, died on a school trip to Abbey Caves on 9 May 2023.Fourteen students and two adults were rescued from the cave in heavy rain. Karnin's body was later found.The school had a risk assessment done for the trip that stated Abbey Caves were "prone to flooding" in heavy rain.It recommended to postpone the trip if water levels were too high.The trip went ahead, despite Northland being under a MetService orange rain warning.WorkSafe said the charges had been filed against the legal entity of the Board of Trustees, not individual members of the board.WorkSafe's head of inspectorate Rob Pope said it acknowledged the "profound impact" Karnin's death had on whānau, friends, and the wider community."A year on, our sympathy and thoughts are with all of those who knew and loved Karnin."Flowers outside Whangārei Boys' High School in tribute to Karnin Petera. Photo: RNZ / Jordan DunnAn "extensive" investigation had now pieced together the circumstances of the tragedy and charges had been filed in the Whangārei District Court."We encourage school boards of trustees across the country to reflect on their own systems and processes to ensure they are meeting legal requirements for education outside the classroom," Pope said."Students should be able to participate safely, and parents must have confidence their rangatahi will be kept safe."Whangārei Boys' High School principal Karen Smith sent a letter to parents advising them of the charges.In the letter, Smith said: Our thoughts remain with the whānau of Karnin Petera, his friends, our school whānau, the wider Whangārei community and everyone who has been touched by this tragedy."WorkSafe has notified us that it has laid charges against Whangārei Boys' High School Board of Trustees for health and safety failures related to the staff and students on the caving trip."We can confirm that throughout the investigation, the school has worked closely with WorkSafe to provide all information required by the agency."Smith said the school had developed and implemented new outdoor education policies following the tragedy."We will be reviewing the charges laid by WorkSafe and take these findings very seriously. The Board of Trustees will continue to work with WorkSafe as we move through the next stage of the process."Smith said it would be a difficult time for the community, given it was just shy of the anniversary of Karnin's death."We would like to reaffirm that there is support available at any stage if this is required by your son or family by contacting the school guidancecounsellor."WorkSafe has charged the board under sections 36(2), 36(1)(a), 48(1) and 2(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.Charges include:Being a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking), having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of other persons is not put at risk from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking, namely the outdoor education caving activity to Abbey Caves Reserve, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed other persons, including Karnin Petera, to a risk of death or serious injury.Being a PCBU, having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, namely undertaking an outdoor education caving activity to Abbey Caves Reserve, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed workers to a risk of death or serious injury.This story was originally published by RNZ

Brick Bay Folly Competition 2024: "Femme-ly Velues" Highlights Women's Contributions in ArchitectureThis year's Brick Bay Folly, titled "Femme-ly Velues", is designed and built by an all-women team—Claire Ford, Elise Cautley, and Jennifer Gao. It is the first time a team composed solely of women has led the project, highlighting the evolving role of women in architecture and construction.The structure, "Femme-ly Velues", explores the theme of femininity and feminism, drawing inspiration from the fabric crafts traditionally passed down through generations of women. The design reflects the intricate processes of sewing and weaving, where the vertical and horizontal elements intertwine to form a complex, layered structure.Composed of three parts, the folly uses 272 linear metres of pinus radiata timber and 9 square metres of equine canvas, combined with stainless steel and other materials. It also incorporates about 30% of recycled timber from last year's folly, "The Nest", emphasising sustainability and the reuse of materials.The folly is painted in vibrant Resene colours like ‘XO’, ‘Bright Spark’, and ‘Colour Me Pink’, enhancing its visual appeal. Pip Cheshire, Chair of the Folly judging panel, commended the project for its innovative use of materials and its playful yet sophisticated design."Femme-ly Velues" not only demonstrates architectural innovation but also celebrates the artistic and cultural contributions of women, aligning with the ethos of the Brick Bay Folly competition.Read more about the winning Folly [https://www.brickbaysculpture.co.nz/folly-2024] or see it on the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail - open 7 days. Photo credit: Sam Hartnett Photography  

Anyone who bought Value Pack Roasted Salted Peanuts since 11 April is urged to check whether they are part of a batch that was recalled on 5 April."Prolife Foods recalled specific batches of products containing peanuts last month over concerns that they could contain levels of aflatoxins above the allowable level in New Zealand," says New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. "Disappointingly, some of these recalled products have been released for sale in error by Prolife."NZFS is investigating how this could have happened. We will be reviewing Prolife’s recall system to find out what went wrong, and to prevent it happening again."Please check your pantry for any of these peanuts. Don’t consume them and return them to the place of purchase for a refund."The products affected by today’s recall are:Value Pack (VP) Roasted Salted Peanuts (400g) with best-before dates of 08 OCT 2024 and 15 OCT 2024The affected products were sold at selected New World, FreshChoice, Pak’nSave and Four Square stores nationwide.Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for more information about batch details and photographs of the affected product here:Prolife Foods Value Pack and Refill Pack Products Containing Peanuts"Aflatoxins are naturally occurring in many food products and are produced by a group of moulds that grow on foods produced in hot and tropical climates," Mr Arbuckle says."Levels of aflatoxin in the New Zealand diet are usually very low and don't represent a health risk, however, consumption of food products with increased levels of aflatoxin over an extended period of time can be harmful."But despite the health risk being low in this case, any release of recalled products is of concern."New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16 for free advice.The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS food recall page.Recalled food products listFor more information please email: [email protected]

Finn Blackwell, ReporterA manhunt is continuing in Auckland for a man police believe was involved in the fatal shooting on one of the city's most popular and busiest roads.Police are searching for a gunman after a man was shot dead on Ponsonby Road on Sunday night.A photo of the man - who has been described as extremely dangerous - has been released and police have made an urgent appeal to help identify him.Images of the man sought over the shooting were released by police yesterday. Photo: Supplied / PoliceIt is still not clear whether he and the victim were known to each other.Ponsonby Road was closed for much of the day, but cordons were lifted yesterday afternoon and a short blessing took place on the spot where the man was killed.The shooting has shaken local retailers and residents.Police cordon off a section of Ponsonby Road amid a homicide investigation, on 6 May, 2024. Photo: RNZ / Maia Ingoe'There's got to be more help' - mayorAuckland mayor Wayne Brown expressed his shock, saying his thoughts are with the victim's family.He said the council had been trying to take steps to address safety in the central city."We've put 20 groups of staff out there," he said."Really, it isn't really the mayor's job to be policing the city, there's got to be more help."Brown had twice dipped into the mayor's budget recently to implement crime-stopping programmes.He said there was no excuse for the crime."We need to come like a ton of bricks on these people," he said."I don't want to hear any of this stuff about how they've had a bad life, those are bad people, we've got to stop it."Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro'Someone is going to recognise this person'Police have made an urgent appeal to the public to help identify the gunman.Detective Inspector Chris Barry told Checkpoint someone must know who he is."I think the images [of the suspect] are of a reasonable quality that someone out there is going to recognise this person," he said."It could be a parent, it could be a sibling, another relation, a friend or an associate, and what we need is for someone that does know who this is to pick up the phone and let us know who he is, also, if possible, where he is."Barry said the shooter had been declined entry into Chapel Bar.He said police were continuing to work through CCTV footage but it still was not clear whether they were dealing with a random or targeted attack."It's too early to put firm labels as to what the motivation for this offending is," Barry said."But, at this point in time, we haven't established what the offender's motive is."Barry said the gunman, who it is believed had concealed the gun in a bag, fired several shots and it was lucky no one else was injured.Without giving any details, he said people had come forward with information about the man, and the urgent priority was to find him."We are deeply concerned that he does remain out in the community,""We don't know, at this stage, who he is, and the best possible outcome for us is for us to detain him as soon as possible,""That is going to mitigate the risk to the public," said Barry.A police cordon on Ponsonby Road following reports of a homicide Photo: Finn BlackwellLocals shocked by violenceMeanwhile, locals were still trying to come to terms with what had happened.Jan Farry said she was shocked by the scene as she tried to get into work yesterday."A lot of people walk these street in the evenings, because there's so many eateries and things around, so it's a real worry that it can happen," she said.Retailers along Ponsonby Road have also expressed their shock and sadness.Ponsonby Business Association general manager Vivienne Rosenberg said they send their condolences to the family of the victim."We are shocked and saddened by what has happened," said Rosenberg in a statement to RNZ.Police have said they will maintain a strong presence in the area.This story was first published by RNZ

Armed police have cordoned off a section of Auckland's Ponsonby Road after a person was found dead on Sunday night.Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, Auckland City CIB, said emergency services responded to reports of a firearm being discharged outside an address on Ponsonby Road about 10.18pm."Upon arrival, a man was located deceased."Our investigation is now in the early stages to determine the full circumstances of what has occurred."Police at the scene of a cordon after a reported death on Ponsonby Rd. Photo: Finn BlackwellPolice were still trying to find the person believed to be responsible."Police have been in the area overnight speaking to a number of witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time of the incident," Bolton said."While at this stage, no arrests have been made, police are following lines of enquiry."Auckland Transport said a section of Ponsonby Road, between Richmond Road and Franklin Road, was closed due to an incident."Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services."Bolton said there would be an increased police presence in the Ponsonby area on Monday."A scene guard has also been established and will remain in place today while our enquiries continue."An RNZ reporter at the scene on Monday morning said two armed police could be seen inside the cordon.A post-mortem and formal identification of the man found dead will be carried out over the coming days.

Warkworth RegionMonday 6th May -Partly cloudy with areas of early fog. Cloud increasing and isolated showers developing this morning, Showers becoming widespread this afternoon and evening. Southerlies.Tuesday 7th May - Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, becoming widespread in the afternoon. Southeasterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 8th May - Showers, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Easterlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Thursday 9th May - Fine. Southeasterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 10th May - Fine with southerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 6th May - Cloudy periods. A few showers, frequent and possibly heavy for a time this afternoon and evening. Northerlies turning southwesterly this afternoon.Tuesday 7th May - Mainly fine. Southerlies.Wednesday 8th May - A few showers. Southeasterlies.Thursday 9th May - Mainly fine. Southerlies.Friday 10th May - Fine. Southerlies.

The government claims Aucklanders will avoid a projected 25.8 percent water rates increase with the coalition's Local Water Done Well plan.Local government Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said on Sunday the financially sustainable model would also retain local control of water assets.They say the previous government wasted $1.2 billion over several years to deliver a water reform plan that was wasteful, took away local control and was rejected by voters."Some said that Local Water Done Well could not be done," Simeon Brown said. "But within the space of just six months, the coalition government has worked with Auckland Council on designing a new model for Watercare."The new plan, with a water rates increase of 7.2 percent, was unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council's governing body."This outcome is exactly what we've been looking to achieve," the mayor said. "The new government asked us to come up with a preferred model, and they've agreed to implement it, which is good."They said the new model meant Auckland's water company, Watercare, would be able to borrow more money for long-term investment in water infrastructure.The government and mayor said the borrowing would be spread over a longer period - up to $1.9 billion over 10 years - rather than front-loading the cost onto current ratepayers."I have long said that this was a balance sheet issue and needed to be treated like one," the mayor said."Councils should have more say about how we manage and deliver our water systems. The government have taken this feedback seriously and worked closely with me to come up with this solution which will put water rates on a much more sustainable footing for the infrastructure we need."Simeon Brown said avoiding a water rates hike would help Aucklanders deal with the rising cost of living.The council would retain ownership and control over Watercare, but Watercare's borrowing would be considered separate to Auckland Council's for credit rating purposes they said, citing agency S&P Global Ratings."Today's announcement means we can deliver a smoother price path for Aucklanders, while still investing in vital projects to maintain and build resilient water and wastewater networks," Watercare board chair Margaret Devlin said."We have been talking with Auckland Council for many years about achieving financial independence, to uncouple Watercare from council's borrowing. As a result of today's announcement, we can avoid a price rise of 25.8 percent on 1 July. Instead, water and wastewater services will only increase by 7.2 percent annually for the next three years, without cutting much-needed projects and maintenance. Infrastructure growth charges will increase by 14.4 percent annually for the next three years."As a result of this change, the average water bill will only go up by $97 in the next financial year - equivalent to $8.08 a month. This is a great outcome for Auckland."A bill to introduce the necessary changes in legislation will be introduced later this month.Labour said under its plan, the increase would have been kept to just 2 percent."This is because the Auckland/Northland entity would have had a credit rating of AA, while Watercare will be a BBB at best so the cost of borrowing will be higher," local government spokesperson Keiran McAnulty said.McAnulty said what worked for Auckland would not for the rest of the country."Every time a ratepayer opens their rates bill and sees an increase, they can lay that at the feet of this government."This story was originally posted on RNZ News