John Gerritsen, ReporterThe government underestimated the cost of passing on school and kindergarten teachers' pay rises to early childhood teachers by $253 million.A September Cabinet paper from Education Minister Jan Tinetti showed the government set aside $428m over four years for the flow-on cost of teachers' pay settlements to early learning services. But it was not enough."The final settlements of the kindergarten, primary and secondary teacher collectives, and the change to offer funding rate parity for some education and care services with kindergartens, increases the cost of passing on salary improvements to education and care services," the paper said."This is $253 million above the funding set aside in the bargaining contingency to pass on the increases to the unified base salary scale (UBSS) from all three teacher collectives. Vote Education has no further capacity to absorb this additional cost."The pass-on of the full range of salary increases may be considered in future. It is not currently affordable for the government to continue to commit to pay parity and pass on the full settlement to education and care services."The paper said the Ministry of Education realised in June when it was updating kindergarten funding rates in light of its teachers' pay settlement there was a "mismatch" between the amount of money set aside for extending those rates to some early learning services and the likely actual cost.Jan Tinetti. Photo: RNZ / Angus DreaverIt had initially estimated the figure based on the pay gap between early childhood and kindergarten teachers and the number of teachers, but later calculated the cost of applying kindergarten subsidy rates to early childhood services that opted into pay parity."I have expressed my disappointment to officials for not identifying the problem sooner that has resulted in this funding shortfall," Tinetti's paper said."The ministry is improving its processes for managing the cost implications of new policy initiatives and calculating bargaining contingencies. I have received assurance from the ministry that I will be advised of risks such as these sooner in future."However, the error has further highlighted the complexities of the funding model for the ECE sector and the need to review the system so we can have better costing, modelling and accountability of public funds."Cabinet later agreed to pass onto early childhood centres the subsidy increases that kindergartens would receive up to and including December this year, but not subsequent increases.'Really angry and very frustrated'Early childhood teachers already knew the government could not afford pay parity, but Educational Institute national secretary Stephanie Mills said its members would not be happy to learn about the ministry's miscalculation."Early childhood teachers are going to be really angry and very frustrated because they've fought for pay parity to be recognised as professionals for decades, we've finally got there it seemed and now it's been undercut, not just by I guess accounting problems at the ministry but because education is still seen by government as something that is a cost - not an investment."Mills said the ongoing mismatch between kindergarten and early childhood funding rates was bad news for early childhood teachers and also for families."We've already got a sector that is in crisis because we've got too few qualified teachers in the workforce, we've got a high churn because pay and conditions are pretty terrible and so I think what we are going to see is real impacts on teachers, but also on the families and the children that they serve.We'll see teachers leaving for Australia, we'll see teachers leaving the sector go to into primary teaching for example, we might I think also see increases in costs to families because one of the perverse consequences of this is that if services don't get funded enough to pay for parity and they need to keep their teachers they will have to pass those costs on to parents."Mills said the incoming government should put the problem at the top of its priority list because it affected 25,000 teachers and hundreds of thousands of families.She said early childhood funding needed a "transformative review" because funding rates were based on average teacher costs which penalised those services with long-serving, more expensive teachers.Mills said the Early Childhood Education Agreement covering teachers working at about 100 mostly community-based services was still under negotiation.Simon Laube. Photo: suppliedEarly Childhood Council chief executive Simon Laube said the paper showed how stretched the government's finances were."They had a secret allowance that no one knew at the time for the collective, but actually once the secondary teachers settled they just simply did not have enough money to flow on that outcome to 18,000 teachers in education and care services, by a huge amount."Laube said funding for early learning was complicated and the paper showed the outgoing government had taken pay parity off the table until the system was reviewed."The line seems to be pay parity's off the table for education and care but we would like to do a funding review because of all these concerns," he said."Pay parity's just gone further out of reach."This story was originally published by RNZ

More than half of the 71 slips still impacting Kaipara roads in the wake of multiple severe weather events that hit Northland earlier this year should be repaired by the middle of next year.Kaipara District Council has already repaired 245 of the 330 slips caused by back-to-back storms and cyclones since February 2023. That includes Cyclone Gabrielle in February, which brought record levels of rainfall and devastated parts of the North Island and the localised damage from the 24 February Mangawhai significant rainfall event.Of the 330 slips on the Kaipara roading network, 71 of the most serious and complex required detailed inspections by engineers to confirm repair options. These investigations have often been hampered by ongoing instability of the slips caused by continued wet weather.Last week, Council finalised its formal emergency works site assessment and has confirmed that repairs to 43 Kaipara sites should be completed this financial year. The work will reinstate roads to pre-event conditions and are each estimated to cost $100,000 or less.“The remaining 28 of the Kaipara’s 71 slip sites are the most complex, requiring specialised design and will cost over $100,000 each. These repairs will require formal procurement processes before contracts can be let. Some of these repairs could take up three years to complete.Anin Nama, General Manager for Infrastructure, says some of the initial repairs will be revisited so the roads can be repaired to standard.“With ongoing wet weather, and the need to work quickly, we've had to make some temporary repairs. We’re going back over those sites to restore them to their previous condition,” says Anin.“We’re now prioritising a couple of key sites to improve access before the busy Christmas period. We’ve already started work to restore the Devich Road bridge and we’re planning to open Mangawhai Road up to two-way traffic as a temporary measure by Christmas.”Mayor Craig Jepson acknowledges the frustration felt by many residents who, for several months, have had to negotiate damaged roads, some of which are reduced to one lane.“The level of damage done over two weeks in February would normally take five years under normal conditions. We’ve completed over $11 million of an estimated $28 million of works attributed to the 2023 events. I want to thank the teams who have made huge progress to restore the network,” says Mayor Jepson.“At the same time, they are continuing with general road maintenance planned for the summer construction season. This includes repairs to potholes, grading, trimming trees and improving drainage. Slips that existed before major weather events will be included in this work.”View our schedule for repairing the remaining slips caused by the weather events. This information will be updated as slips are scheduled for repair.Updated 11:23am Friday 17 November to correct number of storm and cyclone related slips from 300 to 330. 

About the projectAuckland Transport is planning to make the complex and confusing Hill Street intersection safer and easier to useThe Hill Street intersection in Warkworth needs improvements to make it safer and easier to use. We need to include safe walking and cycling facilities to create a welcoming connection for everyone to the Warkworth town centre.The intersection of the old SH1 (Brown Road) and Matakana Road, Elizabeth Street, Millstream Place, Sandspit Road and access to Kowhai Park, the Hill Street intersection has been a traffic bottleneck for decades. Locals and holiday makers travelling between Auckland, Northland and the Kowhai Coast experienced major traffic congestion during week-day peak hours, weekends and public holidays.Since the opening of Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and Te Honohono ki Tai (Matakana Link Road) in June 2023, traffic volumes at the Hill Street intersection have dropped by 50%. Additional future transport connections like the Sandspit Link will help cater for increases in traffic as the area grows in population and popularity.What we're proposingWe’re planning to make the Hill Street intersection safer and easier to navigateAuckland Transport is finalising a new design for the Hill Street Intersection to:Improve traffic flow and reduce congestionProvide safer and easier ways to get around on foot or by bikeIntroduce an attractive gateway to the Warkworth town centreProvide better access to active and public transport optionsPlan for future growth.We’ve talked with key stakeholders (affected property owners, local iwi, the Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council Parks and representatives from the One Mahurangi Transport and Infrastructure Forum), tweaked our plans and would now like feedback from the local community and visitors to the area.Preferred design optionAn improved Hill Street intersection will make it easier to get around Warkworth safelyThe preferred design option:The preferred design option includes the following features:A large five-arm roundabout at the Hill Street intersectionA smaller three-arm roundabout through the Sandspit Road and Matakana Road intersectionSingle lane approaches to provide better legibility and safety for all usersA free left-turn lane from Sandspit Road to Elizabeth StreetBetter and safer cycling and walking facilitiesSafer (raised dual) pedestrian crossings on Hill Street, Great North Road, Brown Road, Elizabeth Street and Sandspit RoadBoardwalks on the Kowhai Park side of Sandspit Road and at the corner of Elizabeth Street.E pīrangi ana mātou ki te rongo i ō whakaaro - We want to hear from youAuckland Transport is consulting on this proposal from 17 November 2023 until 4pm, 17 December 2023Share your thoughts by:Using the feedback form belowComing along to an information drop-in session at the Warkworth Town Hall onSaturday, 25 November at 12:30-2pmTuesday, 28 November at 12:30-2pmNext StepsWe will use all feedback received to inform the Hill Street Intersection Improvements detailed design. Once the design is confirmed we will share it on this web page.For any queries, please email [email protected]  or call us on 09 355 3553

Warkworth RegionMonday 20th November - Partly cloudy. A few showers, some heavy with thunderstorms and hail possible from afternoon, then easing evening. Southwesterlies, fresh from evening.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 6hrs from 2pm - 8pm Mon, 20 NovArea: Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of PlentyForecast: Thunderstorms are expected to develop about northern regions of the North Island this afternoon and continue into the evening, producing heavy rain and hail. However, in areas of Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Rotorua, there is a moderate risk that some of the thunderstorms could become SEVERE, producing localised downpours of 25 to 45 mm/h. Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.Tuesday 21st November - Mainly fine, isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies, easing in the evening.Wednesday 22nd - Fine. Southerlies developing in the morning.Thursday 23rd - Fine, but becoming cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 24th - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Saturday 25th - Showers, clearing but remaining partly cloudy. Fresh southerliesSunday 26th - Fine with southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 20th November - A few showers, increasing and becoming heavier for a time this afternoon with possible thunderstorms. Southwesterlies, fresh from afternoon.Tuesday 21st November - Partly cloudy, with a few showers in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies.Wednesday 22nd - Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the afternoon. Southwesterlies, turning southeasterly in the morning.Thursday 23rd - Fine, but becoming cloudy later. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 24th - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 25th - Partly cloudy, with showers developing. Southerlies.Sunday 26th - Fine with southwesterlies.

Netsafe says it's not aware of New Zealanders being tricked into giving up their bank details by a sophisticated new malware but it is possible they have without realising.The ABC reported that Russian cyber criminals have targeted hundreds of bank customers across the Tasman with a malware called Octo.The scam tricks Android phone users into sharing their banking information using fake log-in screens.Netsafe's chief online safety officer Sean Lyons said it was a "pretty nasty piece of malware", as it not only attacked people's bank accounts but shut down their phones, leaving them helpless to act.Customers from 15 banks in Australia, including ANZ and Westpac, had fallen for the scam.Australian consumer advocates had warned the nation was seen as a soft target.But Lyons says that was misleading, as anyone could be a victim of cyber crime."The technology is ever changing, the technology is using the mechanisms that are out there, to become ever more sophisticated, to evolve, and to get past the tips and tricks that we have to stop ourselves falling for these," he said."I don't know that they're necessarily looking for an age demographic .... really, they're targeting people with bank accounts and that's quite a lot of us."Octo targeted Android phones - brands such as Samsung, Google and HTC - and could be hidden in what look like legitimate apps on the Google Play store.It could also be downloaded and installed independently, because of the way software on Android phones works.Lyons said people should be careful when downloading apps and software that were depositing Octo on their phone."Perhaps we could be a little more careful in what it is that we download, and look a little more closely into what permissions we're giving to the apps that we're installing."This story was originally published by RNZ

By Rachel Helyer DonaldsonThe Kaipara District mayor Craig Jepson says the surge of dog attacks in Northland is extremely concerning but the issue needs to be a top priority for all councils.A two year old child was critically injured on Friday when they were attacked at home by a family pet in Mangawhai.Police said the dog belonged to the family and they were not treating the incident as suspicious.It has since been seized by Animal Control and destroyed.Jepson said the region's councils were working hard to deal with dangerous dogs in the wake of a large number of attacks."We've had a number of dog attacks in northern districts and the Far North and it's become an issue that's been at the forefront for all councils to try and grapple with the situation."He said Kaipara District Council had been very proactive in tracking roaming dogs down, and getting rangers to take them in.But he admitted it was even more difficult when dogs turned on owners.Jepson said there seemed to be a recurring pattern of dogs who were poorly trained.He also said that children could be very trusting and were vulnerable to dogs with a bad nature.Jepson said the attack on the Mangawhai toddler was "terrible"."My first concern is that this child has been injured and my wishes go to the family and the child."It's just over a month since a woman was killed by a whānau dog in her backyard in Moerewa, in the Far North.This story was originally published by RNZ

Watercare says it is hoping to make amends to improve the health of Auckland's Waitematā Harbour because it has "suffered a lot in the past 100 years".After seven weeks, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on Thursday morning lifted the rāhui over the harbour at Ōkahu Bay, meaning swimmers can get back in the water.Raw sewage spilled into it at the end of September when a storm and wastewater pipe burst, creating a sinkhole in a Parnell carpark and blocking the Ōrākei main sewer.On Friday, Watercare met with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to discuss the next steps in the harbour's restoration. The two groups were joined by environment regeneration experts to find a way to get the water back to health.Following the meeting, environmental care manager Nathaniel Wilson said the water quality was back to normal, but there were "subtle changes" that could take months or years to resolve."You just get a slight change in what makes up the ecosystem, so different things move in, other things move out. Just getting that equilibrium back will take some time."While results showed it had affected the water quality of the harbour, he said, "there's not a lot to directly clean up"."Natural processes will resolve that better than we can intervene."The Parnell sinkhole. Photo: Desley SimpsonIn the meantime, Wilson said action was being taken to restore the Waitemata Harbour from the poor treatment it had experienced in recent history."Through unfortunate circumstances we are in a position to do some good. It is very much acknowledging that the harbour has suffered a lot over the last 100 years, and this is an opportunity to start making things right."He said Watercare was working alongside Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Revive Our Gulf to replenish "ancestral mussel - or kūtai - beds'.Wilson hoped there would be opportunities with other habitat restoration projects around the harbour."That's artificial reef building, and planting habitat like seagrasses and seaweed."This story was originally published by RNZ

Police are investigating the unexplained death of an infant in Dargaville.Detective Senior Sergeant Kevan Verry, of the Northland Child Protection Team, says the sudden death of the 10-month-old girl, Kween Thompson, was reported to Police in July 2023, however it was not until the following days Police were notified of potential unexplained circumstances.“It was in these following days Police were made aware of a non-accidental injury, which is now the focus of a child protection investigation.“As part of that investigation we are looking into the circumstances of the death, which at this stage is being treated as unexplained.”“It appears the non-accidental injury does not relate to the death.Detective Senior Sergeant Verry says Police are engaging with medical experts to understand more about the injury, which may take some time and we are keeping an open mind as to what has occurred.“However, we can confirm the cause of death has been determined to be asphyxia.“Police, including Dargaville CIB and the District Child Protection Team, are making enquiries into this matter, and are gathering facts about events on the day of baby Kween’s death from a variety of sources.”Police are unable to comment further at this point on the nature of the injuries while these enquiries continue.The death of a child is a tragic and distressing incident for the family involved and Police are working to analyse the information to understand the circumstances.Detective Senior Sergeant Verry says Police have spoken to a number of family members and have had varying degrees of co-operation.“We will continue to approach and speak with witnesses and family members as the investigation progresses and are hoping that all persons involved will cooperate and provide any information they may have that helps us understand what has happened to the baby.”Police are now seeking information from family members or witnesses who had any interactions with baby Kween in the two weeks prior to her tragic death.Detective Senior Sergeant Verry says Police is aware of a number of different theories from the wider family as to what has occurred and we encourage anyone with information that may assist our enquiries to consider speaking with Police in confidence.“Information can be provided in person at a local Police station or through our 105 reporting line.Please reference file number 230714/4866.“Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police say a person has been critically injured in a dog attack in Northland yesterday.They said the person was attacked on Tara Road in Mangawhai about 1pm.They were taken to hospital and animal control has been contacted.

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, 24 November 2023.  Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.Northern Motorway (SH1)Northbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 23 NovemberOteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 23 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 21-22 NovemberOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 21-22 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 22 November(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 20 & 22 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 20 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Constellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberSH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 19 NovemberNorthcote Road northbound on-ramp, 19-21 NovemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)None plannedSouthern Motorway(SH1)Khyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 19-20 NovemberGillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 19-20 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Princes Street on-ramp, 23 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Highbrook Drive on-ramp, 19-21 NovemberMt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 19-21 & 23 NovemberPrinces Street southbound on-ramp, 19-21 NovemberHighbrook Drive northbound off-ramp, 20 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 23 NovemberEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 23 NovemberTe Irirangi Drive southbound off-ramp, 19 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Te Irirangi Drive northbound on-ramp, 22 NovemberRedoubt Road southbound off-ramp, 21 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 19 NovemberSH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 19 NovemberHill Road northbound on-ramp, 19 NovemberTakanini northbound on-ramp, 19 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 21-24 NovemberPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 19 & 21-24 NovemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 19-24 NovemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 21-24 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 20 NovemberRamarama northbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 21 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 21 NovemberBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 21 NovemberBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 21 NovemberNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 21 NovemberRidge Road northbound off-ramp, 22 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 22 NovemberSH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 22 NovemberPokeno northbound on-ramp, 22 NovemberHampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 20 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 17-24 November (24/7)Northwestern Motorway (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 19-23 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 19-23 NovemberSt Lukes Road eastbound off-ramp, 21 November (approx. 08:30pm to 02:00am)Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18)Westbound lanes between Paul Mathews Road and Albany Highway on-ramp, 19 NovemberPaul Mathews Road westbound on-ramp, 19 NovemberEastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Mathews Road, 19 NovemberSH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 19-20 NovemberAlbany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 19 NovemberWestbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 23 November(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Albany Highway westbound on-ramp, 23 NovemberEastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp, 23 November(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp, 23 NovemberWestbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 19-22 November(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive westbound off-ramp, 23 NovemberSouthwestern Motorway (SH20)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 20 NovemberMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 22 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Walmsley Road southbound off-ramp, 21 November (approx. 8:30pm to 5:00am)George Bolt Memorial Drive (SH20A)Bader Drive northbound off-ramp, 23 November

Peter Wilson, Political commentatorAnalysis - Christopher Luxon smiled his way through media interviews this week, giving calm assurances that talks to form his "strong and stable" coalition government were progressing at pace.He's doing it well. The messaging hasn't changed since day one.That's despite the obvious difficulties he's experiencing with his potential partners ACT and NZ First - particularly NZ First.Tuesday didn't go well.New Zealand First's Winston Peters didn't show up in Wellington for what appeared to be the first planned three-way meeting between the party leaders.Luxon and ACT leader David Seymour gave the clear impression early in the day that the meeting was on the agenda.There was no explanation on the day for Peter's absence. His party's MPs were meeting in the capital for a "solidarity meeting", according to Peters' de facto deputy Shane Jones, and Peters missed that as well.Seymour went ahead and met Luxon, later telling reporters: "Not everyone showed but hey, what can you do?"That evening Luxon and Seymour flew out of Wellington for Auckland on a late flight, after it had been confirmed that the incoming prime minister wouldn't be going to the APEC summit in San Francisco.To do that he would have to leave on Wednesday night.The government announced that Trade Minister Damien O'Connor would represent New Zealand.Luxon had previously said he would like to attend APEC and would go if he could.It had become an informal, undeclared deadline for forming the new government, because he obviously wouldn't be able to go if he hadn't been able to seal the deal.A 'bruising lesson'National Party leader Christopher Luxon arrives for coalition talks in Auckland on 16 November 2023. Photo: RNZ / Katie ScotcherStuff's Tova O'Brien thought he shouldn't have talked about going in the first place and said Luxon had been taught "a bruising lesson"."Whatever Luxon's opening offer was to his respective coalition partners, it clearly didn't pass muster," she said."It wasn't enough for the prime minister-elect to safely meet his foolhardy self-imposed APEC deadline."O'Brien put it down to Luxon's political inexperience."Luxon may have thought all his experience with 'mergers and acquisitions', which he keeps reminding us about, would have put him in good stead to form a government, to negotiate with a 40-year-veteran of politics who played a key role in forming three other governments," she said."He thought wrong."O'Brien's conclusion that Luxon's opening offer to ACT and NZ First wasn't good enough was echoed in a report filed by Newshub's political editor Jenna Lynch."Newshub understands both ACT and New Zealand First were unhappy with being low-balled by National - leading to the great thawing of New Zealand First-ACT relations and multiple meetings of the minor parties," she said.That's what led to reports last week that the two minor parties were "ganging up" on National, using their combined clout to get a better deal.First three-way meetingWednesday was much better for Luxon.A three-way meeting had obviously been arranged the previous evening, which accounted for Luxon and Seymour leaving Wellington for Auckland, and it happened as planned, early in the day.Winston Peters, Christopher Luxon and David Seymour all in a room together for the first time on 15 November 2023. Photo: SuppliedPictures of the three smiling leaders, sitting together in a room in an Auckland hotel, appeared on social media.The meeting was their first three-way encounter.Seymour was reported to have been in the meeting for about an hour while Peters stayed on for a total of about three hours. Later in the day further meetings took place between Luxon and Peters.Seymour said he didn't need a long meeting."It certainly served its purpose of getting us together and getting that dynamic of us three talking about how we can operate together and how a government can function," he said."But obviously each of us has quite a lot of detail to work out with each other in terms of how those particular policies and so on will go."Peters didn't explain his Tuesday absence until Thursday.He said a foreign minister who had been at the Pacific Island Forum in Rarotonga was heading to APEC and had wanted to see him in Auckland, RNZ reported."So I had to cancel five flights to fit in with him, I was never going to Wellington in that consequence, and both Mr Seymour and Mr Luxon know that," he said.On Friday morning Stuff's O'Brien described Peters' no show as "one of the most stunning and humiliating displays of political brinkmanship".Luxon having to fly back to Auckland on Tuesday night so a three-way meeting could be held the next day was a "frankly jaw-dropping display of simpering servitude from National".On Thursday Luxon explained what went on after the three-way meeting, RNZ reported."It started with the three leaders coming together, Winston Peters and myself and our chiefs of staff met then for most of the morning," he said."David Seymour and I had lunch yesterday talking about a few issues, and then we met with the full ACT team yesterday afternoon - and then Winston Peters and our chiefs, we carried on again at 6 o'clock last night," he said."We are making great progress, we're in the final stages."Promised tax cuts and foreign buyersIt became clear this week that National's promised tax cuts and the way they're paid for was one of the most important issues being thrashed out, probably the most important - and Luxon wasn't getting his own way on it.The estimated cost is $14.6 billion over four years, and part of National's funding plan when the policy was announced was allowing foreigners to buy expensive properties and tax them on the purchase price.It estimated that would bring in $740 million a year, a figure which Labour and numerous economists said just didn't stack up.Implementing it would mean repealing the ban on foreign buyers passed by the previous Labour/NZ First coalition government.Peters has always opposed selling just about anything to foreigners and probably has public opinion behind him on that, which he knows.There doesn't seem to be much doubt that he's applying the famous "hand brake" which he used to scupper various policies when he was in coalition with Labour, and National will have to give up on that funding channel.Herald columnist Matthew Hooton, in an article published last Friday, said National's foreign buyer proposal was completely at odds with NZ First's most fundamental policy position since 1993, and thus was out of the question."NZ First negotiators certainly weren't impressed this week when their National interlocutors angrily told them in that case, NZ First would have to find the extra revenue to fund National's tax cuts," Hooton said."NZ First says that just isn't its problem."What happens if National can't use it? Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen was asked that on Checkpoint."I think most likely the two areas you could see are either a phasing in of those tax changes… or you might see a cutback, a further, deeper cutback, in the likes of public sector funding to instead fund that tax relief," he said.Olsen said all the parties plans and proposals were coming up against reality during the negotiations."None of these plans avoid first contact with reality," he said. "They're always good on paper but you're never sure exactly what comes out of coalition negotiations."Nicola Willis and Christopher Luxon outside the Cordis hotel in Auckland on 16 November 2023. Photo: Rayssa AlmeidaNational's deputy leader and incoming finance minister, Nicola Willis, wouldn't commit to the foreign buyers tax when she arrived for the Thursday morning meeting."She stood by her commitment to deliver tax cuts for New Zealanders but, despite being asked several times, refused to say it would be funded by a proposal the party campaigned on, a foreign buyers tax on houses sold for more than $2m," RNZ reported."Our tax cuts will be funded responsibly, there's really good agreement on that and as you will have seen before the election we went to the election with a manifesto that had a tax policy funded through eight different areas - of reprioritisation, of new revenue measures," Willis said."We're discussing every aspect of that."The 'mini' budgetEarlier this week Willis confirmed she would deliver a mini budget by Christmas despite the slow pace of coalition negotiations."I've always put emphasis on the word 'mini' because we're not talking about a budget in the sense of the one you get in May, but more an opening of the books done with the half year economic and fiscal update to see the true state of New Zealand's economy and the government's finances," she told First Up."You'll see us introduce legislation before Christmas to respond to our economic situation and get the economy growing again, to deal with the cost of living, (and) so ensure that we're delivering more money into New Zealanders' back pocket."Labour updateOn the other side of the political divide, the Herald's Thomas Coughlan reported on the lead up to Labour's caucus vote that confirmed Chris Hipkins as leader."A compromise was reached within the Labour Party to quell dissent about the leadership of Chris Hipkins and allay concerns the party had abandoned its base," he said."Almost immediately after the vote, Hipkins confirmed that wealth and capital gains taxes were back 'on the table' for the next election, after Hipkins ruled both out earlier this year."Coughlan said that confirmation from Hipkins raised eyebrows, because he had been clear that he was ruling those taxes out under any government he led, this year, next year, or after the next election."The Herald understands the decision is every bit the u-turn that it appears to have been, and came about as something of a compromise with the disappointed and disaffected group of MPs who were frustrated with the wealth tax decision," Coughlan said.Inside the meeting, dissenters wanted action on tax, saying it would be difficult to survive the next three years and fight another election if Hipkins' rule-out meant wealth and capital gains taxes were in deep freeze, the report said."Hipkins, without much of a fight, agreed to put both back on the table - an olive branch to the dissenters," Coughlan said.New government incomingFinally, how long should it take to form a government under MMP?Jim Bolger and Winston Peters at the head of the first MMP coalition government in 1996. Photo: SuppliedStuff looked at the 10 previous MMP elections and said that excluding 2020 when a rare one-party majority was elected, the average time between election day and the reopening of Parliament was 36.5 days.The longest was two months in 1996, the first MMP election. That's how long it took National's leader Jim Bolger and Winston Peters to form a government, although at the time Peters was also talking to Labour leader Helen Clark.The quickest turnaround was in 2011, when John Key was returned as prime minister and continued to work with United Future, ACT and Te Pati Maori. Three weeks after the election Parliament was up and running.Perhaps we should be thankful and a bit more patient. After Germany's 2017 elections it took Angela Merkel 171 days to form a government.Belgium holds the record. After their elections in 2010 the country was without a government for 541 days.*Peter Wilson is a life member of Parliament's press gallery, 22 years as NZPA's political editor and seven as parliamentary bureau chief for NZ Newswire.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionFriday 17th November - Fine spells, then a few showers from late morning. Northwesterlies, becoming strong in exposed places this morning.Saturday 18th November - Rain, easing late. Northerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 19th November - Rain becoming persistent. Easterlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 17th November - Morning fine spells, then clouding over. The odd shower. Fresh northwesterlies developing this morning, easing late afternoon.Saturday 18th November - Occasional rain developing in the morning. Northerlies.Sunday 19th November - Rain becoming persistent. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.

Congestion charges need to be introduced as soon as possible to change driver behaviour, a business sector group says.Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has floated a plan to introduce congestion charges to some of the city's busiest roads.Brown is suggesting 'a time of use' charge of between $3.50 and $5 a trip for travel during peak times on State Highway One between Penrose and Greenlane, and SH16 between Lincoln Road and Te Atatū Road.Auckland Council's transport and infrastructure committee will meet today to discuss the proposal.Congestion costs the city an estimated $1.3 billion a year.There is concern the charges will hit the worse-off the hardest, however, the Employers and Manufacturers Association says the extra funds would bring economic and social benefits to the city.EMA head of advocacy and strategy Allan McDonald said there was not enough capacity on the roads at peak times now, so more needed to be gained from the existing network - meaning behaviour needed to be changed.One of the most effective ways to discourage motorists from travelling at peak times was to introduce the charges to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads."It's a bit like driving around Auckland during the school holidays," he told Morning Report.While some workers did not have the flexibility to start or finish their jobs at off-peak times, McDonald said those who did could be encouraged to change their habits so that the motorways were freed up for those who needed to travel."You come back to getting the most out of the system you can and finding different ways to help those who may be disadvantaged by the cost but there are significant benefits too."McDonald agreed the city needed better public transport, however, it also needed to make the existing roading system better.He suggested the Goldcard (for those over 65) and community services card could be used to help those who would struggle to make the congestion payments.▶ LISTEN - "It's a bit like driving around Auckland during the school holidays" Employers and Manufacturers Association's Allan McDonald Council should consider range of offersOrganisational psychologist John Eatwell said a similar charge has been successful in London - but the charge is much higher - about $30 per day.He doubted the fees suggested for Auckland motorists would have the desired effect.Different measures to ease congestion have been tried in other cities such as in Chicago where parking charges were doubled and the city radically increased the frequency of public transport while cutting the cost."The key thing with behaviour change is you've got to work out: what makes it easy for people to do what you want them to do."Eatwell said "a nudge unit" has been established in the UK. It established through talking to people that the reason they weren't taking up offers of free insulation was that they didn't want to clear out their ceilings.As soon as there was a paid cleaning service available to do the work free of charge, people accepted the insulation offer.Eatwell said the council might need to look at who was travelling at peak hours and the reasons, and then consider what could be done differently.One example was retailers who might look at changing their opening hours to be 10am till 6pm, he suggested.This story was originally published by RNZ

Designs for two community hubs will proceed as originally planned after a motion agreed by Council to reallocate the funding did not receive iwi support.The previous Council decided to build community hubs in Dargaville and Mangawhai with the two tranches of Government funding provided through the Better off Funding package. Of the $4.04 million Tranche 1 funding, $1.02 million was allocated to design and prepare for the Dargaville hub on land already owned by Council and $3.02 million would go to land purchase and hub design in Mangawhai. Tranche 2 funding ($12 million) was to be spent on building the hubs.When the Government withdrew the offer of Tranche 2 funding, they allowed Councils to revise their plans for Tranche 1 spending ($4.04 million). This was a key consideration of the new Council as there was a strong preference to ensure the funds were used on immediate projects to benefit the community. Council provided a list of alternative projects that the funding could be used for in Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Dargaville.To change the funding allocation, Council needs to demonstrate iwi support. In advance of the meeting last week, support was not provided by iwi to reallocate the funding to new Dargaville projects. As a result, Deputy Mayor Larsen tabled a motion to continue with the original plans for the Dargaville hub and to reallocate the $3.02 million, currently allocated to Mangawhai, across several projects in Kaiwaka and Mangawhai. However, confirmation has since been received from iwi that those projects were also not supported. Mayor Craig Jepson said while it was disappointing not to receive iwi support for the reallocation, the funds were still being used to benefit Kaipara communities.“While the new Council would have preferred the funding to be used on projects that could be funded now, we know the community hubs have been long desired by the community. This will allow us to get them shovel ready and prepared for any possible future funding opportunities,” says Mayor Jepson.Without receiving iwi support the plans revert back to the original proposal to design the community hubs and purchase land in Mangawhai (if needed). The two community hubs could each include a library, digital facilities, meeting rooms and a multi-purpose space that can be used for events, activities and learning. About the Better off FundingBetter off Funding is part of the Three Waters Reform process (now known as Affordable Waters Reform) to recognise the significance to the local government sector (and their communities) of the transfer of responsibility for water service delivery. The purpose was to support councils to transition to their new role post-reform.To be eligible, funding must be used to:help transition communities to a sustainable and low-emissions economy; ordeliver infrastructure or services that enable housing development and growth; ordeliver infrastructure or services that support local place-making and improvements in community well-being.The funding criteria do not allow for money to be spent on roading, any waters infrastructure or other operational costs.Funding was provided in two tranches. Tranche 1 funding for Kaipara District Council came to $4.04 million. Tranche 2 of $12 million was withdrawn before the election.Kaipara District Council prepared a staged plan to get community hubs designed and consented to ‘shovel ready’ stage in Dargaville using Tranche 1 funding and build them (as much as possible) with Tranche 2 funding. Communities were consulted on building new libraries in Dargaville and Mangawhai before they were included in the Long Term Plan 2021-2031.View the Council discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (from 3:02:19, 3.18.40).

Sheryl CampbellLicensed Real Estate SalespersonM: 021 285 0402   E: [email protected] Sheryl is delighted to have joined the Team at Premium Real Estate working out of the local Matakana Office which services the Residential, Waterfront and Lifestyle segments of the local Real Estate community. Sheryl lives in beautiful Omaha and has an extensive career in Real Estate spanning over 23 years. Experienced in Sales, Management and Franchise ownership she brings a wealth of knowledge in an ever changing and growing property market. Sheryl is passionate about maximising every home owners real estate assets along with providing a stress free experience, supportive assistance and personal tailormade marketing to suit each individual situation. Sheryl has a friendly and approachable style and is always willing and available to have a confidential chat regarding real estate and the local market. Call Sheryl now – she would love to meet with you. 

Amy Williams, JournalistLISTEN / WATCH to Checkpoint for this article.Waka Kotahi says it needs to fully close State Highway One over the Brynderwyn Hills to fix storm damage on the vital connection for Northland.A spokesperson for the agency said closure dates and detour routes would be confirmed next month."We will work around key dates such as Waitangi Day and Easter and... will engage with our partners, stakeholders and the community to ensure the work is carefully planned to minimise disruptions as much as possible."Long detours were in place after Cyclone Gabrielle caused several huge slips over the Brynderwyns, which were closed, off and on, for weeks.Waka Kotahi's board is due to sign off recovery and rebuild work in the Brynderwyns this month - but it is a short- to medium-term fix, which requires closing the highway. "This recommendation seeks funding to ensure this vital connection for Te Tai Tokerau is maintained for the short to medium term," the spokesperson said."This recommendation would result in a full closure of SH1 Brynderwyn Hills in order to complete this work as safely and as efficiently as possible." The agency said it was working to ensure alternative routes would be fit for purpose. "A business case for long-term resilience options is still being considered, alongside the proposed recovery and rebuild works," the spokesperson said."As this is unfunded, long-term resilience options will follow our standard business case processes."A consortium of businesses in Te Tai Tokerau/Northland is concerned that the lack of a reliable transport link between Northland and Auckland is holding back the region's economic growth. Northland Corporate Group includes Channel Infrastructure NZ, Culham Engineering, Marsden Maritime Holdings, McKay and Northpower.Cyclone Gabrielle caused huge slips over the Brynderwyns, which were closed, off and on, for weeks. Photo: RNZ / MARIKA KHABAZIIts co-chair Andrew McLeod, who is also chief executive of Northpower, told Checkpoint that there needed to be urgent investment into critical road infrastructure to connect the region with the rest of the North Island.The partial closure of SH1 at the Brynderwyn Hills was costing Northland $2 million a day, and Waka Kotahi needed to come up and take the time to talk to businesses about long-term solutions, he said. "Brynderwyn was never an ideal route, and it's just got worse and worse."We can't have that corridor compromised long-term. We've got to get past this patching idea and look to long-term solutions.The connection was important not just for tourism, horticulture and agriculture but also the transport of construction materials to Auckland, he said. Any closure needed to be timed carefully and take these industries into account. "We can't afford to get that window wrong."Northland has beautiful beaches, like Matai Bay on the Karikari Peninsula. Photo: 123RFNorthland was still open and accessible to tourists despite the disruption to SH1, he said. There were still corridors suitable for light traffic to the east and west of the highway - with "quite nice scenery". "A lot of people decided they couldn't get to the north, or thought they'd get stuck here... But we're open. Come up - it would really help our businesses here."The winterless north feels very much like the isolated north, and we want to make the case to fix that. But first we need to demonstrate the economic prosperity that can be unleased with robust roading links and that's why we are calling on all businesses to complete our survey, which will support a case for investment." This story was originally published by RNZ

Sally Murphy, ReporterNo fall armyworm has been discovered across the country this spring, but growers are being told to keep an eye out.First discovered in New Zealand in March last year, the pest can chew through more than 350 plant species - which means it could be detrimental to arable and horticulture crops.Foundation of Arable Research (FAR) biosecurity officer Ash Mills was out searching for the pest in Northland corn crops when we caught up with him."We've not found anything that has over-wintered from last years populations, so at the moment we're at zero."He said it was not time to get complacent because with new crops in the ground and increasing temperatures, the chances of finding fall armyworm was increasing daily."My advice would be keep walking crops, get out there and do some scouting, and you can also go onto the FAR website there are some great resources which will help you identify some of the damage you see from fall armyworm."There was a network of traps around the country, with more in Northland because the warmer climate there was kinder to the pest, he said."Even if there was the potential that it did die out through the winter, with El Niño we do have some good weather patterns that could bring a new incursion in from Australia, winds that could potentially pick up some moths in Aussie and drop them off here again, which is a great reason why growers should keep a close eye on their crops."This story was originally published by RNZ

Tony and Jenny Enderby have been invaluable members of our community for many years. Some of their community involvement includes;Editing the Leigh Rag for 5 plus years Establishing in the Penguin Project,Pest Free Leigh, Forest and Bird Coast Care   LeighVolunteer Fire ServiceRangers at Goat IslandTossiLeigh Business communityLeigh Library And I am sure other organisations over the years.  They are leaving our lovely village for flatter terrain in Cambridge. With so much involvement, the Leigh Community Club has decided to organise a Community farewell.  Where: Leigh Central : our thanks to Alan and JasmineWhen: Sunday November 26thTime 3pm to 5.30pmThere will be a few words spoken by a few people, starting at 3.30pm.Format.: Relaxed, bring your own snacks and refreshments.We hope that you might drop in for a chance to thank them for their service and contribution to Leigh and to wish them well with their future endeavours.Helen Parkes on behalf of the Leigh Community Club.

Warkworth RegionMonday 13th November - Fine apart from areas of morning cloud. Northwesterlies.Tuesday 14th - Cloud increasing, with occasional rain developing in the evening. Northwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 15th - Occasional rain, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Westerlies.Thursday 16th - Mostly cloudy, with scattered afternoon and evening showers, some possibly heavy. Northerlies developing.Friday 17th - Cloudy, with rain developing. Northerlies.Saturday 18th - Showers. Northeasterlies.Sunday 19th - Showers with southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 13th November - Mainly fine, but chance afternoon or evening shower. Northwesterlies developing this afternoon.Tuesday 14th - Partly cloudy. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 15th - A few showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 16th - Partly cloudy, with a few morning and afternoon showers. Northerlies developing.Friday 17th - A few showers with northerlies.Saturday 18th - Rain. Northeasterlies.Sunday 19th - Showers with southwesterlies.