Ruth Hill, ReporterPeople who have suffered acute mental breakdowns fear the health system will not be ready to fill the gap when police withdraw from crisis callouts.Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said it was working with police on plans to move to "a multi-agency response" to mental distress.Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has also floated the idea of having a specific mental health option when people call 111.Vee is among those who are sceptical that such a plan will be adequately resourced.A 40-something professional with a young family, she has experienced multiple episodes of mental distress since she was a teenager, which often result in someone calling 111 and police attending."I've been restrained by police, I've been handcuffed, I've been manhandled into a car, I've been held in a cell."I'm a person who's quite successful, if you met me on the street you wouldn't know any of those things about me. But those experiences are quite terrifying."And to be treated in such a way, which really doesn't do anything to advance recovery or bring about recovery, is just not OK."This was not primarily the fault of police - it was the failure of mental health services, she said."This is not a new thing. I remember being 16 years old and the CAT [crisis assessment and treatment] team not being available. We're talking about years and years and years of underfunding. So where are they now? I don't know. But I don't believe they were there before either."Te Whatu Ora is continually pushing things back to police, [but] that's not their job."Vee said she believed it was "possible" to turn it around."But it's not enough to direct people in mental distress to some website, or give them a crisis line to text...."They need to come to the party with money. And for Te Whatu Ora to come to the party with money, we need the government to come to the party with money."BJ, who is also in his 40s, started suffering extreme anxiety, impulsive behaviour, angry outbursts and suicidal thoughts four years ago - but had to wait more than three years to start treatment."When there's no treatment available, or treatment is delayed, you're kind of in a holding pattern as your health declines, you're waiting, you're just waiting for the phone call that says 'Yes, we can get you treatment now'. And you're like 'Yes, I'm going to learn new things, I'm going to get back to normal'."However, getting "back to normal" has got more difficult for BJ following a run-in with police in October.During a violent argument with his wife, he called 111 pleading for help - but ended up assaulting her before police arrived."No-one's really listening to what's going on, I'm not in my right mind. For the most part I am, but when I'm in extreme circumstances, my reactions are beyond extreme."My behaviour is beyond what's even reasonable."BJ pleaded guilty to assault and is awaiting sentencing next month.However, he believed the protracted criminal justice process - which had been traumatic for him, his wife and family - could have been avoided if he had been able to get the health care he needed.Currently, the only medical option was being "sectioned" - assessed under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act, which would be the first step to making a plea of not guilty due to insanity.BJ was not insane, so that was not an option."There needs to be an element of compassion, not a punitive approach, to this sort of thing."Last year, police attended 77,000 call-outs involving people in mental distress, or threatening suicide - of which only 4 to 5 percent involved criminal behaviour.Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said the fact that police were responding to mental distress was a symptom of a system that was sick."One of the things that's been really infuriating in the last few years has been the lack of a plan, an overall plan for staffing across our whole response to mental health health."Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora declined an interview.However, in a written statement, specialist mental health and addiction director Karla Bergquist conceded there was "significant pressure and demand".New Zealand was not alone in dealing with long-standing workforce shortages - but those with acute mental health needs would always get priority treatment, she said."Crisis teams use evidence-based tools to assess the level of response required."This means people with the most acute needs are seen first and unfortunately may result in some people having to wait to access services."We want to acknowledge how difficult it would be for someone in distress being unable to access our crisis services."If there is an immediate threat to someone's safety, police may be contacted."Meanwhile, joint work was underway with police to explore options, and plan the transition to a multi-agency response for those in mental distress.One option was to extend the co-response teams, which involved mental health specialists working alongside police.Where to get help:Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email [email protected]'s Up: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7days/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254Healthline: 0800 611 116Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 18th March -Partly cloudy with the odd shower, clearing this afternoon. Southwesterlies developing this morning, becoming fresh from afternoon.Tuesday 19th March - Fine. Fresh southeasterlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 20th March - Fine. Southeasterlies, easing in the afternoon.Thursday 21st March - Fine. Light winds.Friday 22nd March - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.Saturday 23rd March - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Sunday 24th March - Partly cloudy. Southerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 18th March - Cloudy periods with isolated showers developing this morning. Southerlies developing this afternoon.Tuesday 19th March - Morning cloud with the chance of a shower, then fine. Southeasterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Wednesday 20th March - Fine. Southeasterlies.Thursday 21st March - Fine. Light winds.Friday 22nd March - Isolated showers, clearing but becoming cloudy. Light winds.Saturday 23rd March - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing later. Light winds.Sunday 24th March - A few showers. Light winds.

The future of the troubled North Harbour Stadium precinct is being thrown open to the public.The stadium has faced criticism over flagging attendance and use, including Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown recently calling it a "white elephant" that should be pulled down.LISTEN ▶ 'We've reached the point of needing to have a closer look at what the region needs for the future' - Deputy Chair Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Jennah WoottenNorth Harbour Stadium is a 25,000-seat stadium opened in 1997 and is home to North Harbour Rugby and other clubs, but has faced less use than venues like Eden Park and Go Media Stadium Mount Smart.Poor turf conditions also meant a Moana Pasifika game last week had to move to Hamilton because of player safety concerns.As part of Brown's Long Term Plan proposal, part of the proposed consultation covers improvements to the North Harbour Stadium, with $33 million of investment over the next 10 years.There are three options on the table as described on the council website.The first is to keep things as they are and do essential maintenance over the next ten years using $33m over 10 years.Option two is redevelop the precinct using the $33m in funding - which could result in the "deconstruction" of the stadium, described as similar to demolition but "but involves the careful dismantling and removing of building parts (such as fixtures, fittings and materials) without causing damage to materials".The third option listed is to "change the operational management of the facility" so it gets used more, improving community access and overall efficiencies and reducing costs to the ratepayer. Another operator could be appointed to manage the stadium.Deputy Chair Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Jennah Wootten is in charge of the stadiums across Auckland and told Checkpoint the council is looking at the stadium's future closely."None of those options include bowling it and getting rid of it."The North Harbour Stadium has been a wonderful asset to have in the Auckland region for some time but over the years the way in which consumers want to engage in sports and entertainment has changed."We also have a number of other stadium infrastructure across the region, so we've reached the point of needing to have a closer look at what the region needs for the future and how we can best ensure that the stadia we do have provide a really unique offering that will work."There are multiple reasons the stadium has been neglected compared to its peers."I think there is an interesting sort of mental block around transport over the bridge ... the ease of getting to the North Harbour Stadium vs an Eden Park or a Mount Smart."You know, something like a Coldplay or a Pink, that's realistically only going to an Eden Park because of the size and the scale."Wootten said she has had feedback that a smaller stadium around the 8000 to 10,000 seat level, with seating around all four sides and meeting space potential, "something more boutique like that would seem to have a greater demand."The current stadium has a capacity of about 25,000.There is no plan to build a covered stadium, as the cost would be "extraordinary, and in the fiscal climate we're in I don't think we would have budgets that extend that far".If costs for reworking the stadium exceeded the $33m already set aside, other funding options such as public-private partnerships could be considered, or possibly selling off part of the North Harbour precinct as necessary.The public needs to step forward and express their preference of the proposed plans by the 28 March deadline, Wootten said.The location of the stadium cannot change, but its image could, she said."We're trying to look at what would be a unique offering for North Harbour Stadium. How could we make it unique in the context of what other infrastructure exists in Auckland so that rights holders and promoters are attracted to that for very specific reasons?"If it was a more boutique size around that 8 to 10,000 I think it would have quite a unique proposition in the Auckland market."Aucklanders can express their opinion by going to the council's Have Your Say website by 11.59pm on 28 March.This story was originally published by RNZ

Police investigating the discovery of human remains located off the water in Gulf Harbour on Tuesday are today releasing further information in the hopes of identifying the victim.Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams, Waitematā CIB, says despite the post-mortem examination being completed earlier this week, Police have limited details to assist with who the victim is.“We have established the victim is a female, small in stature, who we believe is to be middle-aged.“At this stage, I am not able to be more specific with the age range, but we can say the victim is not a child, nor do we believe she is a teenager.“She is believed to be of Asian descent, and from our enquiries to date, we believe the victim may be Chinese.”Acting Detective Inspector Williams says Police are also releasing images of the clothing the victim was located in.“These are blue pyjama pants with a distinct pattern on them, and a brands’ emblem on a light-coloured singlet.“We hope that in releasing these images that someone will come forward with information on who this victim might be.“She could be somebodies’ mother, sister or even grandmother.”Police’s next priority will be to then identify and notify the victim’s next-of-kin.“We want to reassure the community our investigation is continuing to establish the facts to ascertain the full circumstances around the death of this woman,” Acting Detective Inspector Williams says.“This includes establishing when, where, and how, however the nature of this discovery provides some complexities to the investigation.”Police are continuing to treat this matter very seriously and we are determined to hold the person, or persons, responsible for her death to account.“We do appreciate how unsettling this incident is for both the Gulf Harbour and wider community and we want to reassure you we do not believe there is a wider risk to the public in relation to this death,” Acting Detective Inspector Williams says.The Waitematā investigation team has also been liaising with our colleagues in Canterbury.“I am aware there has been some speculation that the victim is Ms Yanfei Bao from Christchurch.“Our teams across the country have made enquiries into this possibility, but we can rule out that this victim is Ms Bao,” Acting Detective Inspector Williams says.𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻Police would again like to thank those who have already come forward and given us information.“We have set up a dedicated phone line to assist us with receiving queries relevant to our investigation,” Acting Detective Inspector Williams says.The community can contact us on 0800 755 021 to speak directly to the investigation team.We are continuing to ask anyone who may have information on a woman matching the description who they have concerns for to please get in touch.Additionally, anyone who was near the water, between Gulf Harbour and Long Bay in the last few days who saw anything of concern to contact us.If you have a property facing the water, we ask that you check your CCTV, and call Police if there is anything of note.No piece of information is too little as we work to establish what has occurred.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.

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, 22 March 2024.Please note this traffic bulletin is updated every Friday. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Warkworth Roundabout and Silverdale on-ramp, 20 MarchPuhoi southbound on-ramp, 20 MarchOrewa southbound on-ramp, 20 MarchMillwater southbound on-ramp, 20 MarchNorthbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Warkworth Roundabout, 19 MarchOrewa northbound on-ramp, 19 MarchSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 19 MarchSouthbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 17 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Constellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 17 MarchTristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 17 MarchCurran Street northbound on-ramp, 19-21 MarchShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 17-21 MarchCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off ramp and Alten Road, 17-21 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off ramp and Alten Road, 17-21 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 17-21 MarchWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 17-21 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)St Marks Road southbound on-ramp, 20 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Market Road southbound off-ramp, 20 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Market Road northbound off-ramp, 17-19 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 20 MarchRedoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 20 MarchSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 17-21 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 21 MarchPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 21-21 MarchPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 21-21 MarchPapakura northbound off-ramp, 15-23 March (24/7)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 17 & 19-20 MarchDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 17 & 19-21 MarchDrury/SH22 northbound off-ramp, 15 March (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)Beaver Road northbound on-ramp, 17 & 19 MarchBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 17 & 19 MarchNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 17 & 19 MarchSouthbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 18 & 21 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Ridge Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 18 & 21 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 18 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 18 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 18 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road southbound off-ramp, 21 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 21 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 21 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 21 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 19 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 19 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata southbound off-ramp, 17-21 March (24/7)Te Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 17-21 March (24/7) Rangiriri southbound off-ramp, 17-21 March (24/7)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Road, 17-21 MarchNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku roundabout, 17-21 MarchTe Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp 20-21 MarchUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)None plannedSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Massey Road southbound off-ramp, 17 & 21 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road southbound off-ramp, 19-20 MarchMassey Road southbound on-ramp, 19-20 MarchCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 21 MarchSTATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)SH2 westbound to SH1 southbound link, 21 March (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Police in Auckland say they have not yet been able to identify the body pulled from Gulf Harbour.A homicide investigation was launched after a fisherman found the body wrapped in plastic bags on Tuesday by the Gulf Harbour ferry terminal.A post mortem was conducted on Wednesday, but police say they haven't been able to identify the woman.Interpol had been contacted in the hope of identifying the woman, Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams said."It is complex because we don't know who she is. Someone must be missing their mother, sister or grandma," Inspector Williams says.Police are also asking the public to help identify items of clothing found on the woman's bodyPolice say they are treating the crime very seriously, and acknowledge how unsettling it is to the community.They say they don't believe there is an ongoing risk to the public, but declined to say how the woman had died.Follow the live blog for the latest updates from the conference:This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionFriday 15th March - Cloudy with periods of rain, easing to a few showers this evening. Northwesterlies turning southwesterly this morning.Saturday 16th March - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing in the afternoon.Sunday 17th March - Fine, but becoming cloudy late. Southerlies, easing late.Mangawhai RegionFriday 15th March - Cloud increasing and occasional rain developing this afternoon. Northwesterlies developing this morning, turning southwesterly late afternoon.Saturday 16th March - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing in the evening.Sunday 17th March - Fine. Southerlies, easing late.

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of human remains in water off Gulf Harbour on Tuesday afternoon. The investigation team are also asking for assistance from the public to identify the victim.Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams, Waitematā CIB, says a post-mortem examination has been completed and Police are now in a position to provide some details about the victim. “At this stage, we have not been able to confirm the identity of the victim, but we can say they are a female of Asian-decent, possibly Chinese, and small in stature.“Police are asking anyone who may have information on a woman matching the description who they have concerns for to please get in touch.“Our priority will be to then identify and notify the victim’s next-of-kin.”Acting Detective Inspector Williams says the Police investigation is ongoing into the circumstances that led to her death.“We understand there is significant public interest in this matter, however until we have made further enquiries, we will not be speculating on what has occurred.“Police appreciate this is very unsettling for both the Gulf Harbour and wider community and we reiterate we do not believe there is a wider risk to the public in relation to this death.”Acting Detective Inspector Williams says the investigation team is working hard to piece together the information received so far, and are continuing to appeal to the public for any other information relevant to our enquiries.“We would like to thank those who have already come forward and given us information.“Anyone who was near the water in the last few days, or in the Gulf Harbour area, who saw anything suspicious or of concern should get in touch with Police as soon as possible.“No piece of information is insignificant as we work to determine exactly what has occurred.”Police can be contacted 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 updates as they become available.

Elissa Mah likes to go fast.The 33-year-old Christchurch rider represented New Zealand at last month's World Downhill Skateboarding Championships in the Philippines, coming third in the elite women's class.The event, which saw more than 80 competitors assemble from 18 nations, took place on the beautiful but treacherous Sampaloc to Talisay Road on a 2,300 metre-long track which drops almost 300 metres along its snaking course of sweepers and hairpin bends.Riders reached speeds of more than 80kph on the course and they can clock 100kph on other tracks.Elissa Mah sliding at the Downhill Skateboarding World Championships. Photo: Max Heaton"Downhill Skateboarding is basically riding your board down a hill as fast as you can. It's all in the name and is pretty straightforward," Mah said."The main form of competition is races. Races are generally four person heats, head to head racing and single rider timed racing."Mah is a self described "late bloomer" when it comes to skateboarding and sport in general."I started really late. I grew up as a really non-sporty kid," Mah said."In New Zealand, we're a sporty country, but the sports that get promoted here are ball sports; netball, soccer, rugby, those kind of things. Non of that ever really clicked for me, so I always thought I was not capable of doing anything physical."But, I tried aikido, a Japanese martial art, and was actually quite decent and got up to third down black belt and I realised I could do things and I started to try more physical activities."Though it wasn't until she was in her 20s that Mah got into skateboarding.Elissa Mah racing at the Downhill Skateboarding World Championships. Photo: Larry Seron"When I was at UC (University of Canterbury) around 2010, my brother and his friends started skating and I gave it a try and it was really fun being able to put a little effort in and then just balance and roll without having to push. That was a really great feeling. I started doing it more and got my own board and found a group in Christchurch called the 'Garden City Sessions" and they skated hills a lot as well."I gave that a go, didn't really expect much of it because I was like 'oh my god you have to pad up and wear helmets and slide gloves and this seems really dangerous and scary'. But, I worked my way into it, learning how to stop at slower speeds and how to be safe and it just grew from there."Knowing how to slow down is an important part of the sport, but it's not easy when you don't have any brakes."Before you learn to go fast you need to be able to stop. So we have a strong emphasis on safety and learning to control your speed through a variety of methods," Mah said."They include sliding your board, so that's using the friction of your wheels on the road surface to slow you down. Foot braking is using the sole of your shoe on the road to slow you down and air braking, shifting from our aerodynamic tuck position to standing up and increasing your surface area to create wind resistance and slow you down."Elissa Mah at the Downhill Skateboarding World Champs. Photo: Larry SeronMah finds the sport exhilarating but also therapeutic."It's freeing because it takes such a high level of concentration that you're not thinking about other things. You're not thinking about issues you might be having at work or any other problems or stresses you might have at home or in your life because you have to concentrate on what's around you."Mah headed to February's postponed 2023 Downhill Skateboarding World Championships in the Philippines and fell in love with the course and scenery."The track was amazing. It was the first time we've raced at it and it was incredible. The surface was amazing, the corners were banked properly and cambered correctly. It was on point. The location was really cool, too. We were racing right next to an active volcano and it was smoking when we arrived. It was an epic location."While the track was top tier, Mah wasn't sure how she'd go at the event which ranked racers based on solo timed runs down the course."You've got some of the fastest women in the world there. The pressure was on."I usually tend to do better at full grip tracks where I'm doing a lot of tucking. Historically in the Asia-Pacific region a lot of the races are on fast, less technical hills, so drifting on corners and I don't have as much practice at that."Mah knew she could compete, but she still didn't expect a top three finish.New Zealand team members Elissa Mah and Josh Evans embrace at the Downhill Skateboarding World Championships. Photo: Max Heaton"It was a big surprise to get on the podium. I was aiming for a semi-final finish and went into race day seeded No.4."I actually crashed in the quarter-finals. I was very lucky to be able to get back up and catch up to the other three riders and come second to progress, with the bottom two failing to advance."I knew from then on couldn't make any mistakes."She said standing on the podium was a career highlight.New Zealand's Elissa Mah (r) stands on the podium after finishing third at the 2024 Downhill Skateboarding World Championships. Credit Max Heaton. Photo: Max Heaton"It was an amazing feeling. I've done races before when I've been on the podium but this was the World Champs run by World Skate (the sport's world governing body) and was completely different."Having the New Zealand flag draped over my shoulders was an incredible feeling. Being able to wave the New Zealand flag on the podium meant so much more to me than any other time I've been up there as I was representing my country and I want to grow my sport and inspire others to take it up and it felt symbolic of that. It was really, really cool."Mah's next competition is in Australia this weekend at the Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival.It's the only World Skate sanctioned race in Australia this year.Later in 2024 Mah hopes to be in Italy for the World Skate Games, which happens every two years."That one is going to be big, everyone wants to be there."Mah also hopes to one day see her sport included in the Olympics.Speed climbing and park and street skateboarding have been added for this year's Paris Games and Mah believes downhill skateboarding should feature in the future."Definitely. That is what the downhill advisory board for World Skate are advocating for. We would love to get downhill skateboarding into the Olympics."It's a really easy sport to understand, you chuck four people on a board and the first one down the hill wins."This story was originally published by RNZ

PHASE THREEStarting today (Thursday 14 March) works to construct raised speed tables on Dune View Drive and Pearson Street intersections with Molesworth Drive is kicking off.Constructing the raised speed tables will take approximately 20 days (weather dependent). While the crew are working there will be a lane closure at each intersection with a priority give way system. Please follow signage and instructions from the onsite team. Phase Three of the Mangawhai shared path is a 1.5km section between the village and Mangawhai Central, and a 900m section between ITM and Wood Street. Works started 7 February 2024. As work progress, construction will move north along Molesworth Drive.While the crew are working temporary traffic and pedestrian management will be in place. For the section between Old Waipu Road and Dune View Drive two-way traffic will be maintained. Please follow any directions of staff on site and take care.Read the February project update (Downer) for phase three works

Monique Steele, JournalistA Northland horticulturist is hoping to slash the carbon miles of one of the country's most popular fruits.New Zealand imported more than 81,000 tonnes of bananas in 2022 - which makes up about a third of all fresh produce imports, according to large pan-industry group United Fresh.But at Kotare Subtropicals, a wholesale nursery at Maungatapere southwest of Whangārei, its orchard manager Geoff Mansell hoped consumers would soon be able to buy locally-grown bananas.The nursery has around three hectares of feijoas trees, figs and now bananas - including Honduran hybrids such as Goldfinger, Mona Lisa, Bonanza and High Noon, grown both outdoors and indoors.Mansell said the business was hoping to add value to the land by establishing the bananas, which were a burgeoning sector of tropical and sub-tropical produce."We started the new banana plantation to provide an additional crop type so we could generate more value from our land," Mansell said."After a few seasons we realised we couldn't make enough income off our feijoa and figs crops."In addition to bananas, Kotare Subtropicals specialises in growing subtropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple and jackfruit. Photo: RNZ/Leah TebbuttPart of a collective of tropical growers, hundreds of kilograms of locally-grown bananas can go out to Northland supermarkets each month, when supply is good, he said.Mansell said they hoped to expand into Northland and Auckland - and to help growers in other areas of warmer climates establish banana plantations and shore up local supplies."In terms of import substitution, it's a good way to bring New Zealand food to the table and into supermarkets, growing a crop or other crops such as papayas and pineapples and other sub-tropicals which are now viable in our climate."That brings about also employment benefits and give us a wider range of products available to the public to customers at supermarkets or through the markets."He said interest in growing bananas locally had been growing over the past five years amid land-use change and as growers sought high-value crops."What we want out of it is to grow that enthusiasm for locally-grown and high quality produce going into the supermarkets."Mansell said strong subtropical plant sales indicated good demand for them, and local groups like the NZ Rare Fruit Growers Facebook page had gained around 20,000 members within five years.Geoff Mansell (left) is part of a collective of tropical growers and says when supply is good, hundreds of kilograms of locally-grown bananas can go out to Northland supermarkets each month. Photo: RNZ/Leah TebbuttThe most critical element for a banana plantation in New Zealand was to have adequate shelter to buffer plants from the strong winds, he said.Mansell worked on industry trials to test the feasibility of growing tropical and sub-tropical fruits in New Zealand before establishing the new banana plantation.The nursery also specialises in other subtropical fruits like papaya, pineapple and jackfruit.This story was originally published by RNZ

A fisherman has described the moment he pulled a bag of human remains out of Auckland's Gulf Harbour on Tuesday.Paul Middleton said he was in the Whangaparaoa area to do some fishing, trying to catch some some decent-sized kahawai or snapper.He had gone to Army Bay this morning, but had not found much fish so he came back around the ferry terminal."I [threw] my lure out ... and nothing much was happening but there was a bag out there."▶ Watch the interview with Paul Middleton here (warning - contains some graphic details):He said at the time he did not know it was a bag, and thought it was a log or a dead animal. Boat had been passing through the area, near the entrance to the marina."Anyway the wind changed, brought it in to the coast. I think yeah, anything floating in the water brings fish around, so I'm targeting it. I got that perfect shot, like millimetres to the side of it."He hooked it and pulled it into the shore - it was heavy but easy to move - and managed to pull it up the rocks a little."Took the hook out and thought 'Right, let's see if it's a bag of rubbish and I need to dump it in a rubbish bin or something'."Paul Middleton hands over his fishing rod. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroHe struggled through "layer and layer" of plastic to open the bag.There was "a bit of clothing ... and then there was this hand sticking out".It was at that point that he called police."Two cops turned up and they thought I'd actually said there's just a hand in a bag and then they went down there and went, 'Oh no we've got a body'," Middleton said.The hearse carrying the human remains found near the Gulf Harbour ferry terminal. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroMiddleton said he did not try to open the bag further once he discovered the hand.Police earlier confirmed that a body had been found in the water near Laurie Southwick Parade on Tuesday afternoon.They were treating the death as unexplained and the area was cordoned off while officers made enquiries in the nearby area, they said.There was no immediate risk to the public in relation to this death, said police.Police at Gulf Harbour. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroThis story was originally published by RNZ

Are you up to speed with the changes to kerbside recycling?Test your knowledge with WasteMINZ’s #RecycleRight quiz Recycling right reduces waste, gives items a second life, and makes the job of the recyclers safer and easier. WasteMINZ is the largest representative body of Aotearoa New Zealand's waste, resource recovery and contaminated land sectors. They have been a huge support in bringing in the new kerbside recycling rules. Go on – see if you know how to recycle right from home: https://www.canirecyclethis.org.nz/

A toroa chick has died after eating plastic at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, near Dunedin.The 10-day old northern royal albatross swallowed soft plastic that had been regurgitated by its parent.The plastic was found blocking its intestinal tract after it died at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital last month.An example of plastic found in the regurgitation of an albatross chick. Photo: Department of ConservationDepartment of Conservation biodiversity ranger Sharyn Broni said it was the first death of its kind at the Taiaroa Head colony, but rangers had feared something like this could happen after other close calls in recent years."The parent will have picked up the plastic while foraging at sea and then regurgitated it for the chick, which unfortunately has blocked the digestive system," she said."This heartbreaking incident is a reminder it's vital to dispose of plastic rubbish carefully. People can also help by picking up litter they see on beaches, near waterways, or out on the ocean. Every piece you pick up could save a seabird's life."In May 2021, a 9cm-long plastic pony toy, which had been regurgitated by a parent, was found in a chick's nest. Fortunately in that case the chick did not swallow it, Broni said."DOC staff found plastic in almost all the toroa chick regurgitations checked last season. The most common plastics seen were bottlecaps, however items like a plastic syringe were also found."Plastic pollution is a significant threat facing our seabirds like toroa, because they can mistake floating plastic for food and eat it. Algae can grow on the plastic, making it smell like food and can encourage the birds to eat it."As well as being a risk for chicks, it can also kill adult birds because it sits in the stomach and they can't digest it, causing dehydration or starvation."Te Pōari a Pukekura chairperson Nadia Wesley-Smith said every piece of plastic discarded had an impact on the delicate balance of our environment."The devastating death of this albatross chick serves as a poignant reminder our actions, no matter how small, can have profound consequences not only on the mauri of Pukekura and the toroa that live there, but also on the world around us."Dunedin Wildlife Hospital director Lisa Argilla said vets were distressed that plastic was the cause of death of this toroa chick."The soft but very tough plastic was discovered at necropsy and had caused an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately led to starvation and organ failure."We echo the call from DOC to please dispose of plastic carefully. Even better would be to try to limit how much plastic you use and therefore reduce waste."Toroa, one of the largest seabirds in the world, had a conservation status of "nationally vulnerable".This story was originally published by RNZ

Private operators, instead of police, will run mobile speed cameras on highways nationwide for the first time.Waka Kotahi/New Zealand Transport Agency put out a tender a week ago to run the country's 45 mobile cameras from next year.It said the provider that won the contract would not issue speeding tickets or get bonuses for pinging more drivers.Waka Kotahi would have responsibility for processing the images and issuing fines, as well as deciding where and when the cameras would be placed.Bidders must show they can meet future requirements, "which could include point-to-point mobile operations", the tender said.The move comes as Waka Kotahi readies to take over all of New Zealand's mobile cameras - as well as 150 fixed speed cameras - from police by July 2025.It also aims to add another 50 fixed cameras soon.Waka Kotahi already has a contract with United States company Verro Mobility to start running the fixed cameras from later this year. These run on automated number plate recognition (ANPR) software.The agency has previously estimated the whole system upgrade will triple the number of camera-issued tickets to three million a year by 2030, and increase prosecutions to around 3300.It had been aiming to achieve an "anywhere, anytime" camera deterrent to cut average speeds by between 20 and 30 percent, and increase driver compliance with speed limits by 60 percent. However, the coalition government may change that directive.Waka Kotahi said neither it, nor the provider, would receive any funds from mobile cameras, with all fees going to the government consolidated fund.The mobile camera tender, which has a deadline of mid-April, is for spot-speed tickets only, using the private company's unbranded vehicles and staff.Under the new contract, speed tolerances will be set by the Director of Land Transport."Internationally, it is a well-established practice for mobile camera operations on the roadside to be delivered by a third-party operator," Waka Kotahi said.The footage captured will be sent to Sydney, to data centres run by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, and be retained for 30 days while Waka Kotahi assesses it.The agency has been warned to manage the risks around "the public's trust and confidence in the system".A privacy impact assessment three months ago told Waka Kotahi to safeguard the personal data that cameras caught, and strike a balance between automation using artificial intelligence and human oversight.The privacy assessment showed Waka Kotahi wanted to quadruple the number of fixed cameras nationwide, to 800 in a decade.But the agency pulled back on that this week, telling RNZ any expansion beyond 200 cameras was up to the government.As for mobile cameras, Waka Kotahi "does not have a specific number of cameras that we are expecting to be in use, but will specify a number of hours of operation per year", it said.Tickets issued by the mobile cameras look likely to expand beyond speed limit breaches. Bidders must show they have the potential to spot people without seatbelts on and drivers using cellphones.Bidders must also have a track record in a comparable market such as Australia. Europe or the US, and be able to set up in New Zealand by next January."A high degree of evidential accuracy and assurance is required" along with effective cybersecurity, the tender said.The tender is giving only a very small weighting - five percent - to a bid's broader benefits, such as to job creation in New Zealand.Waka Kotahi said whoever won the tender would be monitored and audited, including in its responsibilities to keep its mobile camera operators safe.In 2021, a police operator was badly hurt when a car was deliberately driven into a mobile camera van at about 150kph.WorkSafe originally charged police over the incident, then dropped the charge when police agreed last month to a suite of health and safety measures.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 11th March - Fine breaks, then cloudy periods from afternoon. Fresh southwesterlies from late morning.Tuesday 12th March - Mostly cloudy. A few showers clearing in the evening. Southwesterlies.Wednesday 13th March - Cloud and isolated showers clearing and becoming fine in the morning. Westerlies.Thursday 14th March - Fine. Westerlies.Friday 15th March - Rain with northwesterlies.Saturday 16th March - A few showers, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Sunday 17th March - Fine with southerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 11th March - Fine breaks, then cloudy periods from afternoon. Southwesterlies developing this afternoon.Tuesday 12th March - Cloudy periods. Chance of a shower or two. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Wednesday 13th March - Morning cloud, then fine. Southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 14th March - Fine. Westerlies developing.Friday 15th March - Fine with northwesterlies.Saturday 16th March - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies easing.Sunday 17th March - Fine with southerlies.

In some exciting news, the new substation at Mangawhai Central is almost complete and ready for commissioning. It's nearly time to connect it and switch it on! Northpower will need to turn off the power to some of the area to connect the new substation safely. This work cannot be completed on live high-voltage lines, and when power starts flowing through the transformers it takes a while to warm things up. There will be a couple of widespread power outages overnight on the 19th and 26th of March to complete this work. We will contact those customers who are affected either by email (if we have received this information from your retailer) or by post. You may be affected by one or both outages. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.Please call Northpower directly if you have any questions 0800 10 40 40

Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick will be the Green Party's new co-leader alongside Marama Davidson, as James Shaw steps down.Last month, Shaw said he would be stepping down from his duties as co-leader in March.Dunedin-based activist and conservationist Alex Foulkes had put his hand up too for the role but announced on Sunday that he had conceded defeat.Swarbrick received 169 votes from party delegates, Foulkes received no votes.Speaking to media on Sunday morning, Swarbrick thanked both Davidson - who could not be at the conference because she had Covid-19 - and Shaw.She said the Greens were a party that would speak for all voices in New Zealand, and believed it could make changes for the better of all in New Zealand, sharing finite resources "justly and equitably" as well as protecting the environment."We know our environment is not an endless resource to keep drawing from - we know there is enough to go around.The Greens have the political courage and ability to invest in public services and address housing problems, and to provide a guaranteed minimum income for all, she said.Swarbrick criticised the government's 100-day plan and said, as Green co-leader, she was equally as comfortable marching in the streets as she was in Parliament."The Greens' see you, we hear you and we will represent you in the halls of power."Change would "require human cooperation on a scale we have never seen before", she said: "Democracy can work better for all of us."Politics belongs to those who show up, and we need everyday people to not leave politics to the politicians or we'll get what we've got".The Greens were concerned about a drift to the right side of politics in New Zealand, she said.Change would not come "from top down vested interest", she said."Legacy politics is not working to serve people and the planet."Swarbrick said both the "red and blue" parties were tying up votes and not serving voters effectively: "I believe we are the leading voice on the left."In a statement earlier on Sunday morning, Swarbrick thanked the party's members and reiterated the Greens' vision for the future."Aotearoa can be a place where everyone has what they need to live a decent life, and our natural world is restored and protected, on a foundation honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi. That is the Greens' vision, and one we work to see realised every single day."Shaw said there was no-one else he would rather take his place as co-leader than Swarbrick."Ever since I first sat down to coffee with her after her mayoral campaign in 2016 she has struck me as a remarkable leader with an extraordinary belief in the power of people to make a difference."Her passion and strength is second to none, and alongside Marama, will lead the Greens to make even more of a difference in the future."Davidson said it was fantastic to be have Swarbrick by her side, leading their biggest caucus."Chlöe is an incredible MP, colleague, and friend. She has proven time and time again her unique ability to mobilise communities to push for the change Aotearoa needs," Davidson said in a statement."It has never been more important for there to be a strong voice for an Aotearoa that works for everyone, where everyone is supported to live good lives, in warm dry homes, and where we take bold action to cut pollution and protect native wildlife," she said."Chlöe and I will be in communities up and down Aotearoa working with people to build an unprecedented grassroots movement fighting for the future Aotearoa deserves."Foulkes, who admitted defeat in the co-leadership race, congratulated Swarbrick and said she would do an incredible job."I am confident Chlöe and Marama will lead the party from strength to strength."I have enjoyed the debate with Chlöe and the party members and would like to commend and thank the party staff for the efficient organisation of the election and the members for their engagement and respectful, intelligent, and thoughtful questions throughout this process."He described her as "one of the most talented politicians in Aotearoa New Zealand", and said he never expected to win against her."Indeed, someone suggested to me that I had more chance of spotting the fabled South-Island kokako than winning this election."However, he said his goal in contesting was to discuss and debate policies. Last month, he put forward a radical manifesto, outlining his vision.Who is Chlöe Swarbrick?Ranked third on the party list, the Auckland Central MP appeared to be the popular choice from when Shaw made his announcement.After losing the mayoral race in 2016, she joined the Green Party.Winning the Auckland Central seat in 2020 and becoming the country's youngest MP in 42 years, she has proven her popularity from early on.She is the first Green MP ever to hold on to a seat for more than one term after winning again in the 2023 elections.Swarbrick denied leadership ambitions in 2022, when more than 25 percent of delegates at the party's annual general meeting voted to reopen Shaw's position.She has regularly registered in preferred prime minister polls ahead of the party's co-leaders.Last year, she had to apologise to Parliament a week after saying in the debating chamber Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had lied - a breach of the rules.This story was originally posted on RNZ News

Police can confirm that a person has died, following a water-related incident at Omaha yesterday afternoon.Shortly before 3pm Police received a report of a person needing assistance in the water off the north end of Omaha Beach.Emergency services responded to Ida Way, Omaha where the person had been brought into the shore by Surf Life Saving New Zealand.Attempts were made to resuscitate the person but sadly they could not be resuscitated.Police and victim support are helping the family through this difficult time and we extend our condolences to all affected. The incident will be referred to the Coroner.