John Hartevelt, Executive Editor, Investigative & Longform JournalismChristopher Luxon practically begged voters to keep Winston Peters out of his government. It didn't work.It could just as well have been John Key in the suit Christopher Luxon filled at Parliament on Friday.An hour after the (almost) final result of the election was announced, the National Party leader breezed into a room at Parliament for a press conference.National had lost two seats. It no longer had the numbers to govern with the ACT Party alone. It must strike a deal with NZ First, a scenario National had given grave warnings about less than a month ago.But no worries, Luxon reckoned. All good, he said. This was what they'd expected - "we'll crack on".National Party leader Christopher Luxon speaks to media after the announcement of the final count of the 2023 election results. Photo: RNZ/ Angus DreaverIt was the kind of pollyanna performance Key gave regularly during his three terms as PM.Luxon had good reason to act like this. His audience isn't just five million people hanging out for a government, but a much smaller group of people in ACT and NZ First analysing his every move. Of course he wants to look, sound and act like it's all under control.But there is no hiding from the fact National desperately wanted to avoid this scenario. The importance of keeping NZ First out of government was one its main closing arguments.Luxon, his deputy Nicola Willis, campaign chair Chris Bishop and even Key, spent the last three weeks of the campaign finding different (and only slightly more diplomatic) ways of saying to voters: 'Please, please, pleeeeeeeeease, don't make us work with NZ First. They're awful.'For a time, on election night, it looked like the gamble might have worked. Now, it's clear that it didn't.Winston Peters Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneOnly one real winnerOn election night, most parties could credibly claim some satisfaction with the result. Of the six parties with seats, only Labour had nothing at all to cheer. The tally of special votes has changed that picture. National and ACT now have a result they both publicly, repeatedly, said they didn't want.National won't have time or the inclination to argue over it now, but it seems likely Luxon's 25 September announcement ruling NZ First in was decisive.In July, NZ First was at 2.67 percent on RNZ's poll of polls. Luxon was still saying, back then, that Peters wasn't likely to make it to Parliament so he didn't have to say if he'd work with him or not.But in early August, a Newshub-Reid Research poll put NZ First at 4.1 percent. This was the beginning of a quick march upwards for the party. With the addition of a dozen more polls up to the eve of election day, NZ First climbed in the RNZ poll of polls after all but one of them.On Monday, 25 September, it broke the crucial 5 percent threshold in our poll of polls for the first time in half a decade. What else happened on that day? Luxon's Facebook video ruling NZ First in as a last resort.NZ First then, was clearly on the way up when Luxon ruled them in. But it sure seems like his comments accelerated the trend.It looks too, like NZ First's gain was ACT's loss in the final weeks of the campaign.This all makes for a fraught backdrop to the talks Luxon, Seymour and Peters are apparently already engaged in.Seymour might blame Luxon for handing Peters an electoral advantage. Luxon might blame Seymour for shedding so many votes in the final stretch. And Peters enters the room in the full knowledge that neither of the other two men want him there.ACT leader David Seymour after the final results were announced for the 2023 election. Photo: RNZ/ Nick MonroMaking it work … somehowSeymour seems to be struggling the most with this. On Friday, he refused to climb down from his earlier remarks about Peters being totally untrustworthy, and described the situation as "unfortunate". He's also been the most willing to talk about the detail of negotiations - he called out some priority areas and even some portfolios in comments on Friday.There has been no contact between ACT and NZ First yet but all three leaders made it clear on Friday that there would be a moment where all parties were represented in the same room at some stage.Luxon will have some egos to bruise in his own party as MPs who would have been hopeful of a ministerial post are forced aside to accommodate slots for NZ First and ACT.It's finding a way to make the policy priorities all fit together that will be harder. This is so tricky because almost anything that comes with a cost will have to be paid for via a sacrifice of something on National's list. There is very little room to move in its fiscal plan.A deal concluded within days, rather than weeks, seems possible only if it omits anything very expensive or complex. Such a high-level agreement, however, would have to survive on the strength of the chemistry between senior members of the three parties. That'd be another, even bigger gamble for Luxon's National Party.This story was originally published by RNZ

Special votes have given Te Pāti Māori two more electorates, the Greens an extra list seat, while National loses two MPs.It means National and ACT lose their majority and will need NZ First to form a government.Follow all the latest developments with RNZ's live blog.Labour gets the same number of MPs total, but its wins for Rachel Boyack in Nelson (29 vote margin) and Phil Twyford in Te Atatū (131 votes) mean two who expected to get in on the list - Shanan Halbert and Tracey McLellan - look set to lose their places barring further resignations from sitting MPs.Despite the wins of Takutai Kemp - by just four votes - and Mariameno Kapa-Kingi (517 votes) in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau, Te Pāti Māori's slightly larger share of the party vote means the number of overhang seats only increases by a further one seat compared to election night.This means 122 seats total, increasing to 123 after the Port Waikato by-election - making for the largest New Zealand Parliament in history.With National and ACT on 59, they will need Winston Peters' New Zealand First to reach the 62 needed for a majority to form a government in the larger Parliament - giving Peters greater bargaining power in coalition negotiations.National's losses in Nelson and Te Atatū mean its candidates in those seats - Angee Nicholas and Blair Cameron - are out.The Greens bring in Kahurangi Carter as an additional list MP.ACT and New Zealand First's results are unchanged.Party votes:National: 38.06 percentLabour: 26.1 percentGreen Party: 11.6 percentACT: 8.64 percentNZ First: 6.08 percentTe Pāti Māori: 3.08 percentThe turnout for special votes was larger than initially expected, with 603,257 special votes cast (20.9 percent of the total 2,883,412 votes cast) compared to the roughly 570,000 the Electoral Commission projected.This makes for a turnout of 72.8 percent of enrolled voters, which compares to 82.2 percent in 2020 and 79.8 percent in 2017. However, enrolment was up to 94.7 percent, marginally higher than previous years.With some of the final electorate results so close, recounts are possible - with applications required to be filed by next Wednesday, 8 November.

Warkworth RegionFriday 3rd November - Rain, heavy at times, clearing to fine this afternoon as northeasterlies turn northwesterly.Saturday 4th - Mainly fine, chance of an evening shower. Westerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 5th - Fine. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 3rd November - Rain, heavy at times, clearing to fine early afternoon. Northwesterlies.Saturday 4th - Mainly fine, chance of an evening shower. Westerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 5th - Fine. Southwesterlies.

A message from Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade:Be smart with fireworks Light them in an open space, away from buildings or vegetation. Have a large bucket of water or hose on hand.Make sure your fireworks are pointed at the sky and not each other Be a good neighbour. Let people around you know you’re planning to set of fireworks, especially those with pets and livestock. Dispose of your fireworks safely - soak them in water before throwing them out.https://www.checkitsalright.nz/

The Tamahunga Trappers and Ngāti Manuhiri are delighted to announce that the first kiwi chicks in 50 years have recently hatched on Tamahunga. After 10 adult kiwi were released into the forest in March this year, the transmitter signal of a male kiwi – Scottie – recently changed from a pattern indicating incubation to one of normal nocturnal activity, before giving some unusual signal combinations. All the birds were fitted with specialised transmitters that monitor their location - and movement; indicating nesting, foraging and how active they are at any given time. A team of Tamahunga Trappers, along with a Kiwi Accredited Handler, tracked the kiwi to capture and check his transmitter. When they found the nest, Scottie ran and hid, not wanting to be caught. On checking the nest to confirm that there was a hatched chick, the team was delighted to see two healthy young chicks snuggled in the nest. Ngāti Manuhiri have gifted the names of Uenuku (Rainbow) and Tohu (gift/sign of something happening) for these new additions to the maunga. As they are twin/siblings, their names together mean: Gifts of the Rainbow. The Tamahunga Trappers would like to take this chance to thank all of the volunteers that do the mahi, trapping predators and tracking the kiwi, the land owners and neighbours who enable the work to continue and also undertaking predator control, as well as a huge thanks to all our partners, sponsors and supporters.Photo credit: Tamahunga Trappers - Kiwi accredited handler holding one of the new kiwi chicks on Tamahunga.Photo credit: Tamahunga Trappers - Scottie with one of his chicks (before he did a runner).Photo credit: Tamahunga Trappers - The two little fluff balls - Uenuku (Rainbow) and Tohu (gift/sign of something happening).

Two species of exotic caulerpa seaweed (Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia) have been found in the North of New Zealand, including in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This invasive marine pest has the potential to seriously harm and transform our coastal environments.It is critical that all Aucklanders, from boat users to beach goers, understand how to recognise exotic caulerpa, avoid places where we know it's there and know what action to take if it's seen somewhere else.What does exotic caulerpa look like?It's important to know what exotic caulerpa looks like so you can recognise it. If you think you see exotic caulerpa, note the location, take a photo and report it to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz.Exotic caulerpa underwater, 2021. (Photo credit NIWA)Blind Bay beach cast.Where should I avoid going?As of October 2023, exotic caulerpa has been found in these Hauraki Gulf Marine Park locations:Aotea Great Barrier Island: Blind Bay, Whangaparapara Harbour, Tryphena Harbour and southern Port FitzroyAhuahu Great Mercury Island: between Ahikopua Point and Maunganui PointKawau Island: Iris ShoalWaiheke Island: Onetangi Bay and around Thompsons PointIf you are boating, there is no anchoring and fishing in these areas. In the Auckland region, a Controlled Area Notice (CAN) is in place at Aotea Great Barrier Island, legally restricting some boating and fishing activities. Mana whenua have imposed rāhui in Aotea Great Barrier Island​ and Waiheke Island with similar restrictions.If you are out walking on the beach or out on the water, please be vigilant and if you think you see exotic caulerpa, note the location, take a photo and report it to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nzWhat is a rāhui and what does it mean?A rāhui is a Māori principle that restricts or prohibits access to an area or resource to protect the future well-being of the people and natural resources such as the ocean.In addition to the legal Controlled Area Notices (CANs) in place at Aotea Great Barrier Island and Ahuahu Great Mercury Island, mana whenua have also imposed rāhui in these same areas with the same restrictions.Ngāti Paoa has imposed a rāhui at Waiheke Island on disturbing the seabed or anchoring within 1 nautical mile (1.8 kilometres) of Thompson’s Point or Onetangi Bay.Please respect and observe the rāhui.About the incursionsMap of exotic caulerpa locations in the Auckland region.Aotea Great Barrier Exotic caulerpa was first detected in New Zealand at Okupe/Blind Bay by a visiting fisherman and ecologist in 2021. There is an extensive area of exotic caulerpa that extends from Tryphena, into Okupe/Blind Bay and Whangaparapara, and through to the entrance of Port Fitzroy. A technique called suction dredging (using a large vacuum cleaner-like machine) to remove the caulerpa was recently trialled at Tryphena and on the smaller incursion at Port Fitzroy. The treated areas will be monitored in the coming months to help understand the effectiveness of the method.Ahuahu Great Mercury IslandA smaller area of exotic caulerpa has been found at Ahuahu Great Mercury Island. It does not appear to have spread to the level it has at Aotea Great Barrier.Iris Shoal, Kawau IslandExotic caulerpa was discovered during surveying near Kawau Island in 2023. This is patchy coverage across an 18 hectare area. Hand removal has been attempted by NIWA divers but more investigation is ongoing.Waiheke Island There is an established population, first detected at Onetangi Beach, Waiheke Island, in 2023. This is a popular boating location and a rāhui is in place. Further surveys and control efforts are underway. Like at Aotea Great Barrier Island, iwi and community groups are strongly engaged.If you find exotic caulerpa outside of these locations – note the location, take a photo and please report it immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz.In response to this threatThe Ministry for Primary Industries is leading the response to exotic caulerpa, working closely with iwi, community groups and Auckland Council’s marine biosecurity team in Tāmaki Makaurau.The elements of the response are:SurveillanceUnderstanding how far exotic caulerpa has spread and detecting new incursions quickly.ResponseDeveloping a toolbox to combat exotic caulerpa. This can could include hand removal by qualified divers and for larger incursions, a combination of tools such as suction dredging, benthic mats (mats made from jute, hessian or plastic on the bottom of the seafloor) and treatment using chlorine or salt is possible. Research into the effectiveness of these control methods is ongoing.LearningWe have heard from experts in countries that have dealt with exotic caulerpa incursions. Mātauranga Māori is intertwined in this response.As we learn more about how to manage exotic caulerpa, it is hoped that we can slow or stop the spread.Our goal is to protect our moana while further science and technology solutions are developed and scaled up.Visit Biosecurity New Zealand for more information.

Phil Pennington, ReporterPolice officers have been diverted away from the frontline, trying to deal with an ever-growing logjam in the courts.The backlog for district court jury trials has doubled in five years, alarming officials that public confidence in the justice system will be undermined.Police play a vital role in court presenting evidence from their investigations, but problems with disclosing evidence on time have led to trials being delayed or even aborted.Police responded with Operation Surge, and the courts themselves with "demand-driven" scheduling, to get more cases heard.But this had strained police prosecution resources, OIA papers showed."Police has had to scale up to support Operation Surge, redeploying a number of frontline staff to support the increase in court time since May 2023," a briefing in July to the police minister said.Even with Police Prosecutions units fully staffed, extra positions created, and bringing in frontline officers, more was needed.So police have now come up with a $26 million, two-year plan for adding 100 staff - 44 new hires - into prosecutions by 2025, on salaries of up to $365,000."This will relieve the pressure of police redeploying constabulary resources to deliver the increase in scheduled hours to address the backlog."Government ministers signed it off in July, despite Treasury stating that a cheaper $21m plan should be looked at.The police plan will take a large chunk out of a 'justice cluster' contingency fund of up to $27m a year. The fund was already under pressure from having to pay $5m compensation for the wrongful conviction of Alan Hall and to upgrade a prison, Treasury said.Police held out the prospect of getting officers back on the beat."Once funding is confirmed, police will backfill these roles to enable staff to return to the frontline," it told ministers.Police play a vital role in court presenting evidence from their investigations. They have a duty to disclose what they have to defence lawyers. However, delays have been bedevilling this 'disclosure' process and tripping up cases.In August, a High Court murder trial in Auckland was aborted after it emerged police had not disclosed 250 photographs and two notebooks in time. Police are reviewing what happened in that trial, and RNZ has asked for the outcome.The OIA briefings noted that defence lawyers were too often being left in limbo by delayed disclosure."Defence lawyers do not have sufficient information to properly advise defendants about whether or not to elect a jury trial, so they advise defendants to elect a jury trial just to preserve their options," a briefing said.This was one reason the wait list for district court jury trials has almost doubled since 2018, to 1700 cases. The wait time has recently lifted from 374 days to 500."This presents risk to the integrity of, and public confidence in, the court system and adversely affects participants including defendants, victims/survivors and witnesses," police told ministers in July.New guidelines for the High Court came out in March, to introduce pre-trial conferences between both sides "to put measures in place to avoid delay in making disclosure from disrupting criminal trials".The courts told RNZ on Tuesday the Justice Ministry had not collected any data to measure the impacts of the guidelines.Retired district court judge,Dr David Harvey in online comments said that the "same approach should be adopted in the DC [district court] without delay"."I recall disclosure often clogged the progress of a case. Very frustrating and a churn contributor," he said.Police's $26m spend was on top of $90m for the courts to get another 15 judges, under the Criminal Process Improvement Programme, or CPIP, that began being tested in three district courts in September. This also introduced new "demand-driven" scheduling for when and where it heard cases.In the police plan, the need for a strong back office was clear."Providing administrative support to progress a case will enable more timely disclosure and free up frontline staff for deployment into communities or emergencies."Police told ministers its plan aimed "to quickly make a significant difference in capability and capacity".It had to move away from a"just-in-time operating model" towards what it dubbed "meaningful court appearances", "to ensure we have ongoing public confidence in the court systems, and victims and defendants receive the service they expect and deserve".Short-term jobs would be turned into fixed-term ones, and they would take on some subject matter experts for initial hearings and bail applications."File quality will improve, and disclosure will be made in an increasingly timely way, resulting in a reduction in the number of adjournments."A project manager position was expected to pay $365,000, and a change manager $360,000. Most support staff in the plan would be paid well over $120,000 a year."There will be a focus on providing surge capability across the country to respond to increases in location-based demands and challenges."This story was originally published by RNZ

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)