Leah Tebbutt, Producer and Reporter.Tomarata School is more than a school - it's a hub for the community that surrounds it. While chickens cluck loudly in harmony with the sound of children playing, cows peer over the neighbouring fence to glimpse what they're missing out on. In the summer evenings, a pile of utes line the school fence while the farmers that drive them use the school's courts for a match of tennis.And while Country Life visits, pupils are busy planting fruit trees kindly donated by Ballance Agirnutrients. Click here to listen to the audio filePrincipal Chris King believes there is such a unique element to a country school that they will always exist. "I understand why there's a pull to a bigger school. There may be different opportunities there. "But the uniqueness of a small school and the more personalised approach to education, I think it's really special and I think the community recognises that."Tomarata school pupils planting fruit trees. Photo: RNZ/Leah TebbuttTomarata is Auckland's northernmost school situated halfway between Pakiri Beach and Mangawhai in the Wellsford area. It's just shy of celebrating 90 years after being established in 1934, which is a feat for any country school after many rural-based schools were shut down under Trevor Mallard at the turn of the century.King says in a community such as Tomarata the school is a hub and its role and importance shone earlier in the year when a local family's house was affected by the Auckland floods. King says they found comfort at the school where staff made them cups of tea and cared for them until short-term housing was available. There are 62 children on the Tomarata School roll. Photo: RNZ/Leah Tebbutt"I think the community views the school as a meeting place and a place that's historical and important to the community."There's just a lot of community buy-in to the school, not just the parent community."Tomarata School is host to an orchard, chickens, vegetable gardens, and an off-site Nature Classroom, set in native bush, where students learn bush craft, plant identification, and how to be kaitiaki of the natural environment. King says the rural philosophy helps children feel connected. "It's part of our school's vision that kids will be outdoors, enjoying the outdoors, being healthy and getting involved. So things like having the fruit trees and the chickens and the vegetable gardens, are just ways to get kids outdoors and interacting with nature."You see the smiles on their faces. And I guess that's reassurance that we're on the right track."One of the benefits of rural schools is the ability to connect with nature. Photo: RNZ/Leah TebbuttOnce, dozens of local farms sent their children to the school, however, as these farms have been bought by bigger corporate setups the student population has changed, King says."Now, there are many children who come from families of farm workers. These families often move around from season to season, so our student population has become quite nomadic."There are 62 children on the school roll. King hopes there will be another, somewhat special pupil, starting soon - his daughter.King was enlisted as the principal at the beginning of the year. He, his wife and four-year-old daughter made the 1700km journey from Invercargill. "The thing that appealed to me was...reading the vision and values of the school and it resonated with me. And my wife and I had the conversation that wouldn't that be a great school to send our daughter to."This story was originally published by RNZ

One of the world's most common banana varieties - Cavendish - is facing possible extinction, stoking concerns of a worldwide shortage.A fungal disease called the Panama Disease TR4 is spreading to plantations across the world.It is a big threat to the Cavendish banana, which about half of the world's population imports and eats.Northland banana grower and Tropical Fruit Growers of New Zealand chair Hugh Rose told Morning Report anyone who was growing Cavendish bananas as a monopoly would be "doomed eventually, if they get that virus into their plantations"."I don't think it's the last word for bananas."He said banana varieties were spread across the world and they "mutate quite successfully in different soils and different conditions"."Cavendish was developed - and I don't really know the history - in England as a banana. It's a laboratory-grown banana and each one is a clone and a direct replica of the other one."So when you plant out 100,000 trees, they're all identical and along comes the disease and wipes out the plantation. But no, never fear ... those experts in the science community will produce another variety."Rose said "99.9 percent" of the banana produce in New Zealand was Cavendish.He said he was a small collector. "I think about 40 odd different varieties. I'm always keen to get some more that's of edible bananas."Cavendish varieties came from "various research stations and notably Israeli Cavendish, Honduran Cavendish, and of course the British".However, the bananas grown in New Zealand were tastier, he said."Cavendish is grown mainly through a thick skin so it transports easily and [has] uniformity of appearance and size. Whereas the typical Auckland backyard banana is usually a variety known as Misi Luki ... and that has a much creamier texture to the flesh, much sweeter."In Australia, the government has put out an alert on its website: "Panama TR4 is a serious banana disease that has been found on farms in Far North Queensland. It is caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. The fungus is not eradicable and can survive in the soil for decades without host plants."In some countries, it has had a devastating impact on industries and livelihoods. If not managed it has the potential to do the same in North Queensland."This story was first published by RNZ

Ex-Cyclone Lola has once again lashed the shores of Snells Beach, taking out further land on the public walkway along the beach front.It was previously damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and had recently had some repairs done including the new concrete path you can now clearly see floating over tree trucks and in pieces.Online comments by locals are furious the Council left it so late to do repairs and only marginally repaired some areas, with no retaining walls.Locals have pointed out big retaining walls like the boulders at Point Wells need to be put in at Snells to avoid further erosion so there will still be some space for a public walkway, before its totally reclaimed in further weather events.Snells Beach Ratepayers & Residents Association (SBRRA) are holding a public meeting to discuss The Shoreline Adaptation Plan, feel free to attend to have your say.Photo credit: Rebe Henriksen from Facebook.Photo credit: Paul Shanahan from Facebook

Online grocery business Supie has gone out of business after being placed in voluntary administration.The Auckland-based grocer was placed into administration by its sole director after a key investor stopped funding the business, which began as a start-up two-and-a-half years ago.PWC voluntary administrator Richard Nacey says the company, which employed 120 people, has run out of cash.The grocer was set up to introduce more competition into the grocery industry, but struggled to achieve the scale necessary to be competitive and profitable.Earlier this year, it said it was under pressure from suppliers to raise its prices.This story was originally published by RNZ

NORTHPOWER UPDATESMangawhai Heads has been without power since midnight last night.The cause and the estimate restore time is unknown, with approximately 50 customers affected.Unfortunately due to dangerous conditions they are having to leave this area isolated until tomorrow. They apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience. Please treat all lines as LIVE.Parts of Brynderwyns, Maungaturoto, Waipu Gorge, Whakapirau, Ruakaka and Whangarei are also affected.For updates check Northpowers website.VECTOR UPDATEAccording to Vector website there are power outages in parts of Wellsford, Leigh, Matakana, Omaha, Puhoi, Whangaporoa.Reason for outage and estimate restoration times are yet to be determined.

Warkworth RegionMonday 30th October - Periods of rain, heavy at times. Thunderstorms possible north of Papatoetoe until evening. Strong easterlies, gusting 120 km/h in exposed places in the north and 110 km/h elsewhere this morning.Strong wind warning set to ease at 10am today. Strong rain warning set to ease at 9am estimated today.Tuesday 31st - Showers, some heavy, easing in the evening. Easterlies, easing in the evening.Mangawhai RegionMonday 30th October - Periods of rain, heavy at times. Thunderstorms possible north of Papatoetoe until evening. Strong easterlies, gusting 120 km/h in exposed places in the north and 110 km/h elsewhere this morning.Strong wind and rain warning set to ease today estimated from 7am.Tuesday 31st - Showers, some heavy, clearing in the evening. Easterlies, turning southerly in the afternoon.Another system maybe moving through on Thursday this week.

OPENNEW SH1 P2W Puhoi to WarkworthOLD SH1 Puhoi to AucklandAuckland Harbour Bridge - Strong Wind gusts are expected to affect the Harbour Bridge between 5pm Sunday 29 October and 12pm (midday) Monday 30 October. Speed restrictions and lane reductions are likely, while temporary full closures may be required if severe winds gust over 90km/h. Caution is advised, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists. Lane configuration will remain in 4x4 layout during the morning peak period. Drive with care and expect delays, especially for southbound traffic. Detour route Consider using the Western Ring Route (SH16 and SH18) as an alternative route Start 29 Oct 2023 5:28pm.SH1 Auckland to Johnstone Hill TunnelSH1 Warkworth to Wellsford inc Dome ValleySH16SH1 Wellsford to BrynderwynsCove Road from Waipu through to WhangareiThis may change and we will update when we can.If you have a road update email us on [email protected] Safe!

Widespread power outage affecting Warkworth, Matakana, Leigh, Omaha, Kaipara Flats, Sandspit and Point Wells.Vector is indicating an estimated restoration of 8.00pm - 9.00pm today.The cause of the outage is currently unknown but there have been several reports of trees coming down with the high winds.

MetService says those in the upper North Island should prepare for strong wind gusts and heavy rain as ex-Tropical Cyclone Lola begins to make itself felt. The tail of ex-Tropical Cyclone Lola, which caused extensive damage as it smashed through parts of Vanuatu earlier this week, has merged with another trough as it bears down on the upper North Island.MetService has issued several severe weather warnings as a result, with heavy rain warnings in place for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula from later today into tomorrow morning and for Tai Rāwhiti/Gisborne, from Tolaga Bay northwards, throughout Monday and into the evening.A strong wind warning is also in place for Northland, with easterly gales expected to hit Auckland, north of Whangaparaoa, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula later on Sunday as the weather system slowly moves south.MetService meteorologist Clare O'Connor said the remnants of Cyclone Lola had "picked up a bit of another system" as it approached New Zealand and the combination of the two was causing the bad weather.While things would not get as bad as they had in Vanuatu, people should keep up to date with the latest forecasts, she said.MetService said damaging easterly gusts of 130 kilometres an hour could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures in exposed places and eastern coastlines were likely to get large waves.Strong wind gusts were expected to affect Auckland Harbour Bridge between 5pm Sunday and midday Monday, Waka Kotahi said, with speed and lane restrictions likely.Temporary full closures of the bridge might also be required if there were severe winds gusts of over 90km/h.Some power outages were being reported in Auckland north of the Harbour Bridge.Gisborne would be next in line for heavy rain from early on Monday morning, persisting into the evening, MetService said.Heavy rain watches were also due to come into effect for the area of Tai Rāwhiti - south of Tolaga Bay - and the western ranges of Hawke's Bay, from late on Monday morning.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Aucklanders voted overwhelmingly for me because of my five key policies.Accountability is important to me, and coming up to my first anniversary as Mayor, I think it’s a good time to do a stocktake of my progress on these so far.Commentators have said my first year has seen me lead a council through what’s been perhaps the most difficult period since the supercity amalgamated in 2010.Yes, there were the catastrophic Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.On top of that, I inherited a heap of debt and an ever widening $325 million budget hole.I swore I would face issues head-on, make tough decisions, and fix Auckland.  A majority of Aucklanders voted to stop wasting money.They said they wanted better, cheaper, and faster services.My councillors and I managed to agree on a budget that cut costs following lengthy discussions articulating the reality of our debt situation.It involved compromise, but I don’t see that as a weakness. It means we listened to Aucklanders and made decisions, which is our job. We reduced our operating spend by $83 million in the Annual Budget.Just by being grumpy and asking for better returns, the Port of Auckland increased their dividend by $10 million this year. I also asked council to accelerate their office consolidation programme, which was good but going too slow for my liking.As of today, this acceleration has really shrunk the number of offices council and CCO’s have in the CBD, a move that will contribute to $13 million a year in savings.I don’t think it’s unreasonable that CCO’s share offices with the council to reduce costs. Councillors agreed to the partial sale of Auckland Airport shares, which is now saving around $25million a year in interest costs. What I am also trying to get across to our organisation is the need to sell investments that don’t return our cost of capital. If it is costing Aucklanders more money to keep owning assets than they return in cash to us, then it’s time to sell up and invest in something that can help reduce rates in the long term. Right now, in this high interest rate environment, the best investment we can make is to pay down debt. This isn’t politics; this is good decision-making.  I also campaigned on finishing the big projects and making the most of what we have before starting any new projects.This couldn’t be more true than in transport and infrastructure. I am leading the development of an integrated transport plan that we will agree with central government, which is already underway and has many priorities already adopted.I want to prioritise rail infrastructure and the use of rail to get big trucks off the road. Early in my term I secured government funding for completing the Eastern Busway; the next priority is the Northwest Busway, and it is my vision that these will be up and running as smoothly and efficiently as the Northern Busway already is.I’m pushing to make better use of transponders on buses to wake up traffic lights when a bus approaches.I’m pushing for more dynamic lanes to move traffic better in peak times and exploring the options here.I’m also looking at where time-of-use charging might be helpful. Funding is underway for level crossings to get the most out of the City Rail Link (CRL) and I look forward to seeing this mega project finished.It is unfortunate that light rail has turned into the expensive political football it is.With my background, I know we could do it better, faster, cheaper. This makes more sense than building more motorways and tunnels. When we look at overseas models, surface light rail could be 20 times cheaper than the proposed model; it does not need to be tunnelled, and making use of existing infrastructure couldn’t ring truer here when we consider cost-saving measures.  On infrastructure, we have a significant capital programme being delivered for more efficient growth, and our Making Space for Water programme, as well as things like the Central Interceptor to deal with wastewater overflows, under construction. These are important moves following the catastrophic floods at the start of the year. I’m sure I don’t need to emphasise the need forMaking Space for Water in our region's infrastructure.  I also promised to take back control of Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs).I have been reminding staff that while they are experts in their field, it is their job to advise elected officials, and it is the role of elected officials alone to make the decisions on behalf of Aucklanders. That is how democracy works. On that note, I’ve been able to get councillors to provide stronger and clearer direction to CCOs, and even Auckland Transport is beginning to change its approach. Legislative change is also on the way here.  The Long-Term Plan is our next big challenge to get consensus on what we invest in for the next ten years. So far, I have ensured it is done differently from the start, bringing councillors in from the beginning with a joint direction document for the council group on what our priorities are and what we want to see in the LTP (Direction document). We are getting more information than we have had before to make the best decisions for Aucklanders on the things that matter to them. I am looking forward to a new relationship with Wellington and to making an Auckland Deal with the government that is in lock-step with Aucklanders and why they voted for me. Stopping waste, getting Auckland moving, taking back control of CCOs, fixing our broken infrastructure, and making the most of our environment and harbour.  

Police and customs seized $63m worth of cocaine at the Ports of Auckland yesterday and have arrested four men, following a joint operation.The operation, named Blanco, resulted in officers taking 140kgs of cocaine, or 1.4 million doses of cocaine off the New Zealand market.The cocaine haul was found concealed within a cavity of a container, which is understood to have originated in Ecuador and travelled through Panama to its final destination of New Zealand.National Organised Crime Group detective inspector Tom Gollan said three of the men who were arrested in Auckland yesterday were deportees."Three of the men were deported back to New Zealand in July and August 2023, and a fourth man is an Australian National who recently entered New Zealand as a visitor."Police found a drone that the group used for surveillance when officers carried out search warrants.Officers also found newly purchased angle grinders, and equipment to be used to recover the drugs in the container, said Gollan.Police also found a firearm as a part of Operation Blanco. Photo: Supplied / Police"What was particularly chilling is the discovery of a pistol with a silencer attached, and ammunition, which was found in possession of one of these men."These organised crime groups try all sorts of concealment methods to attempt to beat law enforcement authorities."This investigation highlights the extreme lengths this organised criminal enterprise went to to try and avoid detection," he said.All four men have appeared in the Auckland District Court facing charges relating to the importation of cocaine, firearm offences, and participating in an organised crime group.This investigation also identified the trend of organised crime groups aggressively targeting and attempting to "rip" or take possession of the imported drugs while they are transiting through the port or other associated facilities.This has been a method seen in overseas jurisdictions and was now happening more and more in New Zealand, said police.Acting customs investigations manager Simon Peterson said the seizure was just one example of what customs and its partners were dealing with on a regular basis."It further demonstrates the constant threat we face at Aotearoa New Zealand's border from well-funded, sophisticated, and determined transnational organised crime groups," he said."The success in bringing down this smuggling attempt also shows Customs' commitment and determination, working alongside our police partners and offshore and industry partners, to disrupt this predatory criminal activity, hit the profits these gangs aim to make from exploiting our communities and play our part in reducing the wide-ranging social harm drugs they cause in our communities."This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 3 November 2023. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.  NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 29-30 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 29-30 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)SH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 29-30 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 30-31 October & 1-3 NovemberOnewa Road southbound on-ramp, 29 October (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 29 October (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 29 October (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm) CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Fanshawe Street southbound on-ramp, 29 October (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 30 OctoberSH16 eastbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 30 OctoberSH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 30 OctoberWestbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp, 2 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 2 NovemberSH16 Hobson Street westbound on-ramp, 2 NovemberSH16 westbound (Port) to SH1 northbound link. 2 NovemberSH16 westbound (Port) to SH16 westbound link, 2 NovemberWellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 2 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Wellington Street on-ramp, 1-2 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 1-2 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 29-31 October & 1 November (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 29-31 October & 1 NovemberTe Kauwhata northbound on-ramp, 29-31 October & 1-4 November (24/7)Te Kauwhata Northbound off-ramp, 29-31 October & 1-4 November (24/7) NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16) Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 29- 31 October & 1-2 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Lincoln Road off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp, 1 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road southbound on-ramp, 1 NovemberTe Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 1 NovemberTe Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 1 NovemberRosebank Road southbound on-ramp, 1 NovemberRosebank Road northbound off-ramp, 30 OctoberNorthbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 31 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road northbound on-ramp, 31 OctoberPatiki Road northbound on-ramp, 31 OctoberGreat North Road northbound on-ramp, 31 OctoberSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed). 31 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound off-ramp, 2 November (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 2 November (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 1 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 1 November (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 2 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Wellesley Street, 30 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 30 OctoberSt Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 30 October UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Paul Matthews Road and Albany Highway on-ramp, 30 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Paul Matthews Road westbound on-ramp, 30 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Eastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Mathews Road, 31 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Albany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 31 October (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am) SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 30-31 October (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 30-31 October (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 30-31 October (approx. 9:00pm to 5:00am)Maioro Street northbound on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 30-31 OctoberSouthbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 29 OctoberWalmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 29-30 OctoberSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 29 OctoberMassey Road northbound on-ramp, 29 OctoberCavendish Drive northbound off-ramp, 29 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive northbound off-ramp, 30 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

Northland🌧 Heavy Rain Warning - OrangePeriod: 18hrs from 11am Sunday, 29 Oct - 5am Monday, 30 OctArea: NorthlandForecast: Expect 90 to 130 mm of rain, especially in eastern areas. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h from Sunday evening with thunderstorms possible.Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.💨 Strong Wind Warning - OrangePeriod: 20hrs from 11am Sunday, 29 Oct - 5am Monday, 30 OctArea: NorthlandForecast: Severe gale easterlies with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places.Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.Auckland🌧 Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 15hrs from 6pm Sun, 29 Oct - 9am Mon, 30 OctArea: Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible Monday morning.💨 Strong Wind Warning - OrangePeriod: 15hrs from 6pm Sun, 29 Oct - 9am Mon, 30 OctArea: Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: Severe gale easterlies with damaging gusts of 120 to 130 km/h in exposed places.Impact: Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Warkworth RegionFriday 27th October - Rain easing to scattered showers this afternoon, then clearing to partly cloudy skies. Fresh southwesterlies.Saturday 28th October - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower in the morning and evening. Southerlies, turning easterly in the morning.Sunday 29th October - Cloudy, with rain developing in the evening. Easterlies, becoming strong in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 27th October - Rain developing this morning, clearing this afternoon. Northwesterlies turning fresh southwesterly around midday.Saturday 28th October - Partly cloudy. Southerlies, turning to fresh easterlies in the afternoon.Sunday 29th October - Rain developing in the morning. Easterlies, rising to gale in the afternoon.

Total sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics in New Zealand have decreased for a fifth year in a row, dropping by 23% in 2022.The drop was a key finding of the 2022 Antibiotic agricultural compound sales analysis released today by New Zealand Food Safety. The report summarises the trends in the annual sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics as part of a national action plan to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR)."The World Health Organization has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats facing humanity, so seeing a 23% drop in the sale of antibiotics for plants and animals is good news,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle."Antibiotics are antimicrobial medicines essential to the health of humans, animals, and plants, but using them excessively can lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria that don’t respond to antibiotic treatment."With AMR increasing around the world, and few new antibiotics being developed, careful use of the antibiotics we have will help to keep them effective."Of the 16 classes of antibiotics New Zealand Food Safety monitors, 5 are critically important for human health, meaning they should be considered the last line of defence in animal infections."We found that the total sales of antibiotics critical for human health decreased by 8% in 2022 to 6,285kg. This is the lowest they’ve been since 2017, when 8,952kg of antibiotics critically important to human health were sold," Mr Arbuckle said."Overall, the sale of antibiotics has dropped from 71,361kg in 2017 to 41,033kg in 2022. That’s a drop of 42%."The ongoing decrease in the use of antibiotics can be put down to a concerted effort from industry and New Zealand Food Safety to ensure these important medicines are used appropriately."The continued vigilance of veterinarians, farmers and other industry stakeholders, as well as our ongoing monitoring and support, are an effective way to minimise the incidence of AMR."We are also reviewing our regulatory oversight of antibiotics used in plants and animals, which could lead to a further reduction in antibiotic use as controls for some antibiotics might be tightened. This extensive piece of work has a five-year timeframe as it involves reviewing hundreds of antibiotic products."In 2017, the New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan was jointly developed by the Ministry of Health, New Zealand Food Safety and representatives from across the human health, animal health and agriculture sectors.Its vision is for New Zealand to manage antimicrobials as a valuable shared resource and to maintain their efficacy so they can be used to treat infections in humans, as well as to manage diseases in animals and plants. An update to the action plan is due to be released next year.You can read the 2022 Antibiotic agricultural compound sales analysis report here:2022 Antibiotic agricultural compound sales analysis [PDF, 719 KB]Combined veterinary and horticultural antibiotic sales in kgVeterinary antibiotic sales by species/sector57% sold for use in dairy cattle16% sold for use in pigs9% sold for use in horses4% sold for use in beef cattle4% sold for use in meat poultry4% sold for use in sheep4% sold for use in companion and non-production animals1% sold for use in layer poultry<1% sold for use in deerFor further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email [email protected] media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328

Farmers Community Connect – Kaipara & RodneyRapid Relief Team is heading north to support flood affected farmers in Kaipara, Rodney, and Northland by donating fencing packs which include posts, battens, and wire.After the catastrophe of Cyclone Gabrielle and the rippling effect it’s caused, RRT is hosting a further Farmers Community Connect event in Wellsford to connect farmers on New Zealand’s North Island over a fun day out, while donating fencing wire and posts. Farmers will also be able to access local support services on the day, including health services, rural financial counselling and veterinary support.Register for donations of fencing materials here!Registrations close on Thursday 23rd November.WELLSFORD, NEW ZEALANDWhen:Thursday 30 November 2023Where:Centennial Park, WellsfordTime:8:00AM to 12:00PM

The majority of Auckland’s tsunami warning sirens will be deactivated from 1 December 2023 and decommissioned, with the Emergency Mobile Alert the preferred method of notifying the public about dangerous tsunami threats. Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Paul Amaral is reassuring communities that the Emergency Mobile Alert is an effective and reliable way to alert the public to a tsunami threat.  “In the event of a potential tsunami that could cause damaging waves or flood the land, an Emergency Mobile Alert will be broadcasted to all capable mobile phones. This is an effective means of alerting people to danger. “The Meerkat sirens at many sites across Tāmaki Makarau have been prone to vandalism and theft and therefore ultimately couldn’t be relied on as part of our tsunami alerting system.” Councillor Sharon Stewart, Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee chairperson has reiterated the effectiveness of the Emergency Mobile Alert. “Aucklanders have become increasingly familiar with the Emergency Mobile Alert as an effective way to alert them to danger, having experienced this through the pandemic and during this year’s extreme weather events.” On 5 September Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee voted to decommission the aging and compromised Meerkat tsunami siren network. The decommissioning relates to the older siren network, and not the two sirens installed in Ōrewa at in 2020, which will remain. The tsunami sirens that will be deactivated from 1 December are located in: Rodney Ward: Point Wells (3), Whangateau (1), Omaha (6) Albany Ward: Hobsonville (1), Waiwera (1), Herald Island (3) Waitākere Ward: Bethells / Te Henga (3), Piha (9), Karekare (3), Whatipū (1), Huia (6), Te Atatū (5) Many of these sites have older sirens installed which have been stolen or vandalised and use older, outdated technology.  What are the official tsunami alert channels in the event of a tsunami emergency?  Tsunami warnings are published on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website and social media pages. Tsunami warnings will also be broadcast on radio, television and news media, as well as on the Auckland Emergency Management website and social media pages. What are the natural warning signs for tsunami?  If you are near a shore and experience any of the following, take action. Do not wait for official warnings. Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand or a long earthquake that lasts more than a minute See a sudden rise or fall in sea level Hear loud or unusual noises from the sea Remember! If an earthquake is LONG or STRONG, GET GONE and move to higher ground. Be prepared  Prepare your household emergency plan and practice it so everyone knows what to do in an emergency and what you need to take if you are evacuating.  Check the Auckland hazard viewer map. We are updating the tsunami evacuation maps this year so remember to check back regularly to see if your zone has changed.  Check the tsunami preparedness tips and what to do before, during and after a tsunami.  

Exhausted front-line staff at Auckland City Hospital have taken the unusual step of writing directly to management to warn of the danger posed by chronic staff shortages in the emergency department.A formal document earlier this month signed by 150 staff, including doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants, said "safe staffing levels" were "consistently breached", exposing staff and patients to unacceptable risk.Health New Zealand Te Toka Tumai Auckland told RNZ it has successfully recruited staff for all vacant positions in the emergency department and was working on other strategies to relieve the pressure.However, staff nurse Nico Woodward - a Nurses Organisation delegate - said even when the emergency department (ED) and neighbouring clinical decision unit (CDU) were fully staffed, there were still too many patients for them to treat properly."We'll go almost weeks without dipping below 100 percent capacity, which even when we're fully staffed, the pressure is immense."ED staff decided to escalate their concerns in a formal way after repeatedly filing "incident reports" with no tangible result."Submitting incident reports don't seem to be doing much other than creating paperwork for us," Woodward said."People are missing breaks, they're not able to take leave, we've got higher number of patients we're looking after, multiple sick calls, those sick calls aren't being covered, leaving staff having to pick up the pieces of what's left behind."The problem had become especially acute in the last six months, with the emergency department hitting "nearly 200 percent occupancy" in May and continuing at a high level throughout winter, he said.In a written statement, Dr Mike Shepherd, the group director of operations for Te Toka Tumai Auckland, acknowledged "that at times staffing in our ED/CDU has been very challenging, especially over the past six months"."A number of factors have impacted on the daily running of the unit, and these include high demand, staff vacancies, staff turnover and sick leave."We have been providing staff from across the hospital to support, and have either implemented or are working towards implementing, a range of short and longer term solutions to help alleviate the challenges."Those included having "successfully recruited" to fill all vacant positions in ED/CDU as well as recruiting for positions across the hospital, increasing nursing staffing in areas of pressure and putting other measures in place to ensure appropriate staffing levels for each shift."We would also like to assure the public that we are here for them and if they or their loved ones need urgent hospital-level care, they will receive it."However, Woodward said front-line staff wanted management to commit to the agreed acute care ratio of one nurse to four patients."We're not being unreasonable, that's just sticking to the agreed model of care."They want clinical staff redeployed from other roles in the hospital when the ED gets too busy, or for the hospital to close beds.This story was originally published by RNZ.

The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon takes place this weekend and will involve citybound lane and ramp closures on the Northern Mwy and Auckland Harbour Bridge between 4:00am and 12.00 midday on Sunday morning, 29 October 2023.Please note that the Harbour Bridge will be OPEN at all times during this period, however some delays may be experienced by motorists with fewer lanes available than usual (three lanes in each direction will be open). A detour is not required.CLOSURE DETAILS: The Northern Busway Bus Only lanes will be closed from Constellation Dr to Onewa Rd interchange, with runners entering the Busway at Smales Farm. One lane of the Northern Motorway will be closed southbound after Esmonde Rd interchange, with the Onewa Rd southbound on-ramp to the motorway (including the bus-only lane) closed. Esmonde Rd on-ramp will remain open.South of Onewa Rd, the two left southbound motorway lanes will be closed while runners use the two southbound clip-on lanes over the Harbour Bridge, leaving the motorway at Shelly Beach Rd off-ramp (which will be closed to all traffic) and then looping around to use Curran St to run beneath the bridge (the Curran St on-ramp will be closed to all traffic) and along Westhaven Dr into the city. In addition, the Fanshawe St motorway off-ramp (citybound) will be closed from 2am until 3pm for the duration of the event.Other road closures, and parking restrictions, will be in place, with detail available on Auckland Transport's website: http://spr.ly/6181MoJBLRunners and supporters should check the Auckland Marathon website: http://spr.ly/6186uZwOA for information about travelling to/from the event.Please share Auckland's roads with extra care this weekend.