Rapid Relief Team NZ's (RRT) biggest Farmer's Community event ever went gangbusters last week!Farmers from as far away as Kaitaia and down to Thames have collected the free fencing donation and stopped by for a BBQ breakfast/lunch and a community get-together with family, neighbors, and friends RRT our venue in Wellsford! Since February, RRT has donated $1.4 million worth of fencing materials to more than 1000 adverse weather-affected farmers.

The rain didn't stop us - The Warkworth Santa Parade 2023 was our biggest yet! What a delightful way to welcome in the festive season. Thanks to all involved, from volunteers to sponsors, participants, and spectators! You brought the joy of this town out for all to see. Merry Christmas everyone!Here are a few phone photos from our Santa Parade volunteers and committee. Special thanks to the main Warkworth Santa Parade sponsors Harcourts Cooper & Co Rodney District | Warkworth Toyota | Rodney Local Board **Prizegiving was postponed due to the increase in rain so we will be announcing the parade float winners online soon - Stay tuned!**

Warkworth RegionMonday 4th December - Showers, possibly heavy from afternoon with thunderstorms possible about Great Barrier Island, clearing in the evening. Southwesterlies from afternoon.Tuesday 5th December - Mostly cloudy, with showers developing in the morning. Easterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Wednesday 6th - A few showers. Northeasterlies, turning southwesterly in the afternoon.Thursday 7th - Fine, but becoming mostly cloudy with isolated showers. Fresh southwesterlies.Friday 8th - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Saturday 9th - Fine. Northwesterlies developing.Sunday 10th - Fine. Light winds.Mangawhai RegionMonday 4th December - Showers, mainly from afternoon when some may be heavy and thundery, clearing evening. Southwesterlies from afternoon.Tuesday 5th December - A few showers, turning to rain in the afternoon, possibly heavy and thundery. Easterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 6th - Showers, some heavy, clearing in the evening. Southeasterlies, easing early.Thursday 7th - Fine, but becoming cloudy. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh.Friday 8th - Drizzle, clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 9th - Fine. Northerlies.Sunday 10th - Fine. Light winds.

From Checkpoint, 5:07 pm on 30 November 2023 A pharmacist warns bringing back over-the-counter cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine could make chemist shops a target for robberies and ram raids.Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant used in cold and flu medications but it has been prescription-only since 2011 because it can be used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine.But in its first 100 days one of the things the new government plans to do is loosen the rules to allow the sale of cold medication containing pseudoephedrine.▶ Listen to the audioMangawhai Pharmacist Lanny Wong told Checkpoint she was worried the change would result in more crime. "When it was available I can remember many pharmacies that I worked at were always worried about break-ins."There was also a need to ID people and to refuse to sell them medication containing pseudoephedrine if it was suspected they were buying it to make methamphetamine (also known as P) or if they were suspected of on-selling it to dealers to make P, she said."And it's a very uncomfortable and unsafe situation for pharmacists to be in."There was mixed feedback from pharmacists about whether pseudoephedrine should return to being an over the counter drug, Wong said.It was an effective drug, but from a health perspective the conditions it treated were relatively minor in the form of colds or flu, she said."We really need to think about the balance between benefits and harm, and that's how we think about it through medicine and pharmacists will have to make a really conscious decision about what to do."Wong said community need was how she decided what to stock in her pharmacy and if the community wanted it she would stock it."But if it becomes a danger and you know there are P labs starting in my community, or there's the risk of break-ins, of putting my staff at risk of hold-ups and things like that then I have to make that tough decision not to sell it."If they wanted to bring it back, safeguards needed to be put in place, she said.Pharmacists could also fall victim to ram-raids if they stocked pseudoephedrine, she said.If the government chooses to reintroduce the drug to pharmacies they should qualify for the same assistance to prevent ram raids that the previous government has made available to dairies, she said."It is still a precursor to make P and if it is available locally then we will probably see the return of P labs at home."If it were made available then safety measures would need to be put in place, she said."We know what the harm is and we've already seen it in the past, so if we're going to bring it back then we need to have measures in place to prevent those harms."There are also now cut price pharmacies whose business model is to sell cheap products, she said."We need to think about what measures are in place to make sure you know people just can't walk into a big department store and buy lots of pseudoephedrine products."In the past, people buying pseudoephedrine had to present ID to the pharmacist and pharmacies would keep a record of the sale, she said.But she said that was quite haphazard and there was no national database with each pharmacy having their own processes."So if we're going to bring it back and we already know what the harm was then we can be more proactive about it, maybe start a national register, you know have a way that we can record things so there's a bit more information sharing between pharmacies so we can safeguard our community."The Medicine Classification Committee would deal with the issue of what safeguards were necessary, she said."So perhaps they might want to consider bringing it back as a pharmacist only medicine, you know where you have to have a consultation with the pharmacist before you can purchase this product."This story was originally published by RNZ

DOC is gearing up to host approximately 60,000 campers over the upcoming summer at more than 300 campsites spread across New Zealand.Popular holiday destinations include the Coromandel, Hauraki Gulf Islands, and Northland, some of which are expected to sell out during the peak season.DOC takes pride in providing affordable holiday options in pristine natural settings and staff have worked hard to address the aftermath of last summer’s cyclone which impacted some campsites across the North Island says DOC's Heritage and Visitors Director, Cat Wilson."DOC's campsites have long been a fixture of summer holidays for many Kiwis. Although a number are booked out over the busy two-week period, some still have space – and many do if you look to book in off-peak times.”The cyclone recovery efforts have included repairing water infrastructure, rebuilding internal roads within the campsites, fixing bridges and culverts, repairing toilets, and clearing debris and fallen trees.“The main impact visitors will experience from last year’s turbulent summer is reduced capacity of around 25 – 30 per cent at some Coromandel and Northland campsites.”DOC campsites are particularly popular through the peak Christmas-New Year season, and during any summer long weekend. They draw campers looking to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and walking in sometimes isolated locations. Visitors planning to head to these locations are urged to go properly prepared and keep up to date with weather conditions and road network alerts, especially in the northern Coromandel.Adjusted capacities for DOC campsitesCoromandel:Port Jackson: Reduced from 250 to 185 visitors.Fletcher Bay: Reduced from 300 to 200 visitors.Fantail Bay: Reduced from 80 to 60 visitors.Whangarei:Uretiti Beach Campsite: reduced from 1000 to 750 visitors. Although floodwaters have receded over the past year, two main pools alongside the ring-road appear to be permanent.DOC campsite availability for the upcoming summerNorthland:Otamure Campsite: Full from December 24 to late January.Puriri Campsite and Urupukapuka Campsite: Full from December 25 to the end of the first week of January.Trounson Kauri Park Campsite, Puketi Campsite, Uretiti: All have space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.Coromandel:Port Jackson Campsite, Fantail Bay Campsite, and Waikawau Bay Campsite: Full from December 25 to the end of the first week of January.Fletcher Bay Campsite and Stoney Bay Campsite: Have space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.Kauaeranga Valley campsites: Plenty of capacity, but visitors are encouraged to book early, particularly for the busy Christmas-New Year period.Inner Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana:Motuora Island Campsite: Full from December 25 to the end of the first week of January.Home Bay / Motutapu Island Campsite and Motuihe Campsite: Space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.Aotea/Great Barrier Island:Akapoua Bay, Awana Beach, The Green, Whangapoua, Harataonga, and Medlands Beach Campsites: All have space available for Christmas/New Year bookings.Some campsites do not need to be booked and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.Advice for campersBe prepared – learn about the wildlife you’ll see, the best walking tracks, and the gear you’ll need before setting out.Check out the campsite rules, such as where to pitch a tent and when to boil water.Look after river, lake and ocean wildlife by using biodegradable products and washing away from water bodies.All DOC campsites have toilets.Most DOC campsites have special areas for your cooker, fireplace, or BBQ. Before you light any fires outdoors, check if any fire bans or restrictions are in place at Check its alright  (external site). Not all DOC sites have waste disposal – make a plan to take your rubbish away with you.Book in advance where possible to secure a campsite.Link to original article

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, 8 December 2023. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 3-7 December(approx. 9:00pm to 5:00pm)Orewa southbound on-ramp, 3-7 DecemberMillwater southbound on-ramp, 3-7 December(approx. 9:00pm to 5:00pm)Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 3-5 DecemberSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 3-5 & 7 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 6 DecemberSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 6 December(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00pm)Oteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 6-7 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 7 DecemberGreville Road northbound on-ramp, 7 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 3-5 & 7 DecemberOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 3-5 & 7 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 4 December (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 4 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 4 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 4 DecemberEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 4 DecemberShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 3-7 DecemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH1 southbound to SH16 (Port) eastbound link, 3-4 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 3-4 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 3-4 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) link, 3-4 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Tecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 3-7 DecemberEast Tamaki Road northbound off-ramp, 3 DecemberEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 3 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 3 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 3 December(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 3 DecemberTakanini southbound on-ramp, 3 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 4-7 December(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 4-5 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 4-5 DecemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 4-5 DecemberBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 4 & 7 DecemberBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 4 & 7 DecemberNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 4 & 7 DecemberRidge Road northbound off-ramp, 5-6 December(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 5-6 DecemberSH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 5-6 December(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 5-6 DecemberTe Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 1-3 December (24/7)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 5-6 DecemberNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 5-6 DecemberSouthbound lanes between Matua Road and Riverhead Road, 1 December(approx. 6:00pm to 8:00pm)Northbound lanes between Matua Road and Riverhead Road, 1 December(approx. 6:00pm to 8:00pm)Eastbound lanes between St Lukes Road off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 3-4December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)St Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 3-4 DecemberSt Lukes Road westbound off-ramp, 4-6 DecemberUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 5 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 5 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 5 DecemberEastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 5 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street on-ramp and SH16 links (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 4 DecemberMaioro Street northbound on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 4 DecemberLambie Drive southbound off-ramp, 5-6 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 3 December(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 3 DecemberSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 3 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 3 December (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp (SH20A) and Coronation Road on-ramp (SH20), 7 DecemberKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 7 December

Women in New Zealand are effectively working for free until the end of the year, from 2.38pm yesterday.Based on the current pay gap of 8.6 percent, according to Statistics New Zealand, the average Kiwi woman is paid 333 days for the equivalent 365 days for men.The pay gap for Pasifika women and wāhine Māori is 15.2 and 14.3 percent respectively, which means they have been working for free since the start of November.Year on year, New Zealand's gender gap had decreased by 0.6 percent, moving from 9.2 percent in 2022, to 8.6 percent this year.However, that had only decreased the pay gap by 52 hours and 32 minutes in real terms.Theresa Gattung is the chairperson of Global Women, a collective of influential leaders advocating for equity and equality for women.She said people may think a 8 to 9 percent gap was not a big deal, compared to other countries."But 8-9 percent does matter in normal life. If we were told that 9 percent of New Zealand's population had disappeared overnight, we'd think that was a problem. At the basic level of ... we bought something and it was partly defective, it wouldn't matter whether it was a bit defective. We'd still be annoyed about it."I think we have to be implacable as women and say any pay gap is not on, end of story."Global Women chair Theresa Gattung. Photo: www.theresagattung.comGattung said in the past year, more companies had committed to reporting their gender pay gap and taking action around it."But as long as there's any gap, women can't stop advocating. Any gap is unacceptable."She said the new government should commit to seeing women paid fairly and introduce pay transparency measures, like in Australia and the UK."It's not a time-consuming piece of policy to put in place and why should women wait? It isn't listed in the [National-led government's] priorities for the top 100 days, but why should we wait? It's not a lot of work."The year-on-year figures show positive signs that our gender pay gaps are closing. However, we can't become complacent, as the gap won't continue to close without sustained, intentional action."As a country we have come a long way in recognising the latent value of a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce; however, the existence of the pay gap means more needs to be done."Minister for Women Nicola Grigg. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnonThe newly-sworn Minister for Women Nicola Grigg said it would be a key focus area she planned to prioritise this term."Much of the solution relies on rebuilding the economy and restoring the hiring confidence of businesses, which is the number one objective for the new coalition government," Grigg said.Global Women is today calling on all New Zealanders to reflect on the role they can play in closing the gender pay gap.Gattung urged New Zealanders to use this day to talk about pay equity and pay transparency."Whether it's asking HR about your organisation's pay gap, to revisiting your [diversity, equity and inclusion] strategy in a leadership meeting. We need to keep challenging ourselves to do better until there is no pay gap to talk about."This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionFriday 1st December - Mostly cloudy. Southwesterlies dying out tonight.Saturday 2nd December - Partly cloudy with isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Sunday 3rd December - Occasional rain developing in the morning. Fresh northerlies.Mangawhai RegionFriday 1st December - Partly cloudy, then clouding over this evening. Light winds.Saturday 2nd December - A few showers, clearing to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh for a time in the afternoon and evening.Sunday 3rd December - Occasional rain developing in the morning. Northerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.

The new government has confirmed its plan for its first 100 days, with 49 items Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says are "ambitious for New Zealand".The new Cabinet met today for the second time to discuss the plan, which combines the 100-day plan National campaigned on with the priorities of its two partner parties ACT and New Zealand First.Announcing it at his first post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, Luxon said New Zealanders voted for a change of government, a change of policies and a change of approach."Our government is starting the way we mean to go on - ambitious for New Zealand. With 49 actions to deliver in the next 100 days, this plan is hugely ambitious but we will be working as hard as we can," he said.Leader of the House Chris Bishop said the new Parliament would get started from next week with the usual ceremonial matters.This starts with the election of a Speaker on Tuesday, and the official opening on Wednesday with the Governor-General delivering the Speech from the Throne - laying out the government's agenda.This would be debated by party leaders, with a few first speeches from new MPs rounding out the week. The following week would then include further debate and maiden speeches, while the government would also move into urgency to pass and repeal a series of laws.They were aiming to pass four pieces of legislation repealing laws Labour brought in, as well as progressing 90-day trials to select committee, by Christmas."The first bill that we will introduce and move through all stages will be a bill to return the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to a single mandate, a single focus on fighting inflation," Bishop said."We intend to move a bill to repeal the Labour government's Fair Pay - or so-called Fair Pay - legislation to repeal that through all stages. We will remove and repeal the Natural and Built Environment Act, and the Spatial Planning Act - Labour's RMA 2.0 Acts - through all stages."We will repeal the ute tax - the Clean Car Discount - through all stages, and we will introduce and refer to select committee a bill to extend 90-day trial periods for all businesses."Luxon again said the plan was ambitious."I think we're going to do more in 100 days than the (last) government did in the last six years".The plan revolves around three focus areas: The economy, law and order, and public services.Rebuilding the economy and easing the cost of living:1 Stop work on the Income Insurance Scheme2 Stop work on Industry Transformation Plans3 Stop work on the Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme4 Begin efforts to double renewable energy production, including drawing up a national policy statement on renewable electricity generation.5 Withdraw central government from Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM)6 Meet with councils and communities to establish regional requirements for recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent major flooding events7 Make any additional Orders in Council needed to speed up cyclone and flood recovery efforts8 Start reducing public sector expenditure, including consultant and contractor expenditure9 Introduce legislation to narrow the Reserve Bank's mandate to price stability10 Introduce legislation to remove the Auckland Fuel Tax11 Cancel fuel tax hikes12 Begin work on a new government policy statement reflecting the new Roads of National Significance and new public transport priorities13 Repeal the Clean Car Discount scheme by 31 December 202314 Stop blanket speed limit reductions and start work on replacing the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022.15 Stop central government work on the Auckland Light Rail project16 Repeal the Fair Pay Agreement legislation17 Introduce legislation to restore 90-day trial periods for all businesses18 Start work to improve the quality of regulation19 Begin work on a National Infrastructure Agency20 Introduce legislation to repeal the Water Services Entities Act 202221 Repeal the Spatial Planning and Natural and Built Environment Act; introduce a fast-track consenting regime22 Begin to cease implementation of new Significant Natural Areas and seek advice on operation of the areas23 Take policy decisions to amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 to make it easier for build-to-rent housing to be developed in New Zealand24 Begin work to enable more houses to be built, by implementing the Going for Housing Growth policy and making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councilsRestoring law and order:25 Abolish the previous government's prisoner reduction target26 Introduce legislation to ban gang patches, stop gang members gathering in public, and stop known gang offenders from communicating with one another27 Give police greater powers to search gang members for firearms and make gang membership an aggravating factor at sentencing28 Stop taxpayer funding for section 27 cultural reports29 Introduce legislation to extend eligibility to offence-based rehabilitation programmes to remand prisoners30 Begin work to crack down on serious youth offending31 Enable more virtual participation in court proceedings32 Begin to repeal and replace Part 6 of the Arms Act 1983 relating to clubs and rangesDeliver better public services:33 Stop all work on He Puapua34 Improve security for the health workforce in hospital emergency departments35 Sign an MoU with Waikato University to progress a third medical school36 By 1 December 2023, lodge a reservation against adopting amendments to WHO health regulations to allow the government to consider these against a "national interest test"37 Require primary and intermediate schools to teach an hour of reading, writing and maths per day starting in 202438 Ban the use of cellphones in schools39 Appoint an expert group to redesign the English and maths curricula for primary school students40 Begin disestablishing Te Pukenga41 Begin work on delivering better public services and strengthening democracy42 Set five major targets for health system, including for wait times and cancer treatment43 Introduce legislation to disestablish the Māori Health Authority44 Take first steps to extend free breast cancer screening to those aged up to 7445 Repeal amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 and regulations46 Allow the sale of cold medication containing pseudoephedrine47 Begin work to repeal the Therapeutics Products Act 202348 Establish a priority one category on the social housing waitlist to move families out of emergency housing into permanent homes more quickly49 Commission an independent review into Kāinga Ora's financial situation, procurement, and asset managementAsked about his confidence in getting through all the items on the 100-day plan, Luxon said the way they went through negotiations was working through the policy programmes from all three parties."We know there's a lot in it, we know we've got a massive amount of ambition, we know we're biting off a lot in order to get it done, but we're determined to do so. So frankly, hitting the country with a lot more intensity than we've observed in the last six years, to say 'we are going to get things done'."This story was originally published by RNZ

A charity donating truckloads of free farm fencing hopes to bring "mighty big smiles" to storm-hit farmers in the upper North Island.Around 300 farmers are in line to receive a bundle of fence posts to help restore their farms hit this year by adverse weather events.The convoy of eight trucks filled with 90km worth of wooden fence posts left Pōkeno in north Waikato early on Wednesday morning, headed for Auckland and then Wellsford to make the drop-off.LISTEN ▶ "We've got farmers coming from as far as Thames ... and Kaitaia, which just shows the level of need" - Danny Blampied ′ The donation mission was organised by Rapid Relief Team (RRT), a charity started by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church nearly a decade ago.The charity had been busy on the East Coast this year helping farmers in Hawke's Bay, Te Tai Rāwhiti and Wairoa on their long and continued recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.RRT New Zealand director Danny Blampied told First Up their mission was about community, compassion and support."We look out for events where there's homeless people, people suffering through various natural disasters - and [Cyclone] Gabrielle was one of those situations."We've done a lot in the farmers' zone for a while, supporting them while they get back on their feet after that natural disaster."He said the cyclone and the Auckland Anniversary floods had a huge impact on the regions - and he hoped the $1500 donated fencing bundle for each of the 300 farmers might help them out."Many of the farmers.. had a lot of slips, a lot of flooding (and) extensive damage across their farms," he said."We just wanted to give them a token so we can actually encourage them to get off farm and come and talk to like-minded farmers."A lot of them have had a lot of mental health stress since the storms, financial pressure, and we just think it's a great way to come talk to people - (to) realise there's some hope, realise there's people that care about them."Fencing was a great way of doing that - and it meets a need. It's expensive for them to re-erect their fences and they walk away with a mighty big smile on their faces."He said the response shows many are still recovering from recent wild weather events."We've got farmers coming from as far as Thames up to Wellsford, and from Kaitaia down to Wellsford, which is quite remarkable - and I guess it shows the level of need."The charity will also hold a community event on Thursday, where there will be a barbecue lunch, and veterinary, financial and mental health support services.Since February, it had donated $1.4 million worth of fencing materials to more than 1000 farmers.This story was originally published by RNZ

From Checkpoint, Waka Kotahi says repairs on State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyns need to be carried out before winter.The main route in and out Northland needs to be completely closed for a number of months for recovery and rebuild work after suffering significant damage in various extreme weather events this year. There is $62 million earmarked for the job, but dates are yet to be signed off with businesses worried the closure will mean a big economic hit.An independent report put the cost of an earlier closure of the Brynderwyns at almost $2m a day.▶ Listen to the interview by CheckpointWaka Kotahi regional relationships director Steve Mutton said the agency had delayed the work so it could consult with local communities.Work on SH1 on the Brynderwyns had been going on since Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused significant damage to the connection between Auckland and Whangārei, he said.The work needed to be done to ensure the route could withstand any weather events this coming winter, he said."So to date the work's really been focused on the short-term emergency response which made sure that the route was open as quickly as we could, safely and efficiently for people to use that critical link."But urgent repairs were now needed to return the road back to a pre-cyclone condition, Mutton said."So now we're actively working with the people of Northland on a way forward to make sure that we get their feedback and they can inform our next steps."Asked how urgent the work was, Mutton said the weather over the last year had been very unfavourable for Northland."We've just got some concerns there around some overslips and hills are still moving, we've still got some concerns around some of the retaining walls around the edge of the road."So it's important that we get in there and we shore that up to make sure it can last through this next winter period, (during) which we know more rain will come."Deciding when to close the road to get the work done was challenging, he said."We really understand and acknowledge the impact that this closure will have, this proposed closure will have on businesses and the local community."That was why further consultation was being done on the best timing for the work, he said."It really involves balancing the need to complete these works during the drier warmer months while meeting the needs of the businesses and the people in the local communities."Tourism and freight needs such as for the kiwifruit industry were two important considerations, he said.When the Brynderwyns closed it was important that any alternate routes were fit for purpose and Waka Kotahi had been working with the local councils to ensure that any alternate routes were safe and could deal with the expected amount of traffic, he said.Mutton said it was important to make the decision quickly in order to give people as much notice as possible as to when the closure would take place.The decision should be announced before Christmas, he said.

Miss Nikki, is a very observant little girl. She’s 4 months old and pictured here in her ladybug costume on Halloween. Nikki is fostered with multiple other dogs including her sister Nelly and brother Nico. They enjoy a bit of puppy rough and tumble followed by a big snooze. Nikki is looking for a family to call her own, are you the family for this sweet girl? To apply to adopt Nikki or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to https://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information.Mr Lorax is 5 months old and such a chill boy. He loves to sunbathe on the deck and sleep on the couch. He is fostered with multiple other dogs including his sister Lexi, as well as 3 kids aged from 4 months to 9 years old. Lorax is toilet trained, crate trained and knows basic commands - sit, down, bed, outside and walks great on a lead. He is a beautiful family dog and will be an excellent work site buddy. Are you the one for this cruisey boy? To apply to adopt Lorax or if you’d like to help foster a puppy, please head over to https://www.savinghope.co.nz for more information.

Auckland's mayor is signalling more rates rises will be needed as the city faces "big financial challenges" to maintain infrastructure and pay for public transport.Earlier this year, Auckland Council put rates up by 7.7 percent as part of a plan to plug its $375 million budget hole, including about $50m for storm costs.The council said rates could increase by 13.75 percent next year, as it looks to once again balance the books.Today, mayor Wayne Brown said decisions made in the past had caused the current budgetary woes."Nobody here is lacking vision, but we are lacking resources and we need to put Auckland on stable footing," Brown said."We must get better value from our strategic assets and make provision for our biggest risks."This week, the mayor will release his proposal for the city's 10-year budget for councillors to discuss, before the long-term plan goes out for public consultation."We need to slow down the growth of our capital programme and play catch-up with the associated costs. Now is not the time for new mega projects," Brown said."I want to be confident that we have value out of our current assets and what we are already building, before we acquire more."Rates needed to increase and more costs should be cut - including back office jobs, he said."Auckland Council has to stop wasting money, and start getting things done faster, better, and cheaper."Brown said this could include having Auckland Council and council-controlled organisations share services, such as IT, property management, and HR.Congestion charges were needed, but some cycleway projects should be scrapped, he said."My plan is to speed up the traffic and cut congestion, which means we need to make better use of what we have."I will propose that we continue with time-of-use charging."I also want us to maintain progress on speeding up buses through the city with dynamic lanes and affordable rapid transit projects."Brown's proposal includes stopping funding for new raised speed-tables and reducing the cost of temporary traffic management.The running costs of the City Rail Link are expected to account for about 10 percent of rates paid by Aucklanders.Brown wanted the region's transport and water networks better maintained."The ongoing costs of owning, operating and maintaining assets have been piling-up on our books. Now, they're overdue," he said."We need to fix our pipes and roads. Auckland's infrastructure is spread thin and falling into disrepair."The city was struggling to keep up with population growth and demands from central government had put pressure on the council, he said."Too often, Auckland Council has deferred maintenance works to accommodate new infrastructure works, made worse by unfunded mandates handed down by central government, such as those enabling greenfield developments to intensify at the city's outskirts."The plan will be finalised and adopted next year.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 27th November - Partly cloudy. Chance of a light shower. Southwesterlies, fresh this afternoon.Tuesday 28th November - Cloud increasing, with isolated showers turning to rain in the evening. Northwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 29th November - Rain easing to partly cloudy with isolated showers early, then clearing in the evening. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 30th November - Mainly fine. Southwesterlies.Friday 1st December - Cloudy. Southerlies.Saturday 2nd December - Fine with northeasterlies.Sunday 3rd Dec - Rain with northwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 27th November - Partly cloudy. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 28th November - Cloud increasing, with occasional rain developing in the evening. Westerlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 29th November - Early rain easing to a few showers, then clearing to fine. Southwesterlies.Thursday 30th November - Morning cloud clearing and becoming fine. Southwesterlies dying out.Friday 1st December - Cloudy with southerlies.Saturday 2nd December - Fine, then showers developing. Northeasterlies.Sunday 3rd Dec - Rain with northwesterlies.

It's a wrap! We have now finalised the design for Wood Street. A huge thanks to everyone who has been involved over the years and through the design trials to get to this permanent design.Check out the permanent design, and read more about the background of the project, and the rationale for each of the design choices at the link below.View a high-res image of Wood Street permanent designMangawhai Community Plan websiteCommunity workshopWhile the design for Wood Street itself is complete, we are still working to finalise the layout for the back area down Fagan Place. This includes the old firestation site, the two carparking areas, as well as the public playground in the middle. We now have the opportunity to reconfigure these elements within this area, and make the most of this space (note that this does not include the medical centre or the hall, which are not Council-owned or operated).Want to get involved? Come along to a mapping workshop, details below.Sunday 10 December, 3.00pm - 5.00pmMangawhai Senior Citizens HallWe’ll be looking at the elements required in this back area (carparking, playspace, loading zone, public toilets) and where they could go. If you can, please RSVP if you plan to attend the workshop by emailing [email protected] Wood Street Revitalisation ProjectIn September 2019 the Mangawhai Business Association approached Kaipara District Council, to address issues relating to high levels of congestion, traffic issues, and pedestrian safety around Wood Street.Since then, the Council has been collaborating with the Mangawhai Business Association and community and testing layout and design, to create a vibrant, unique, warm and people-friendly place.The current interim design has been in place since December 2020. Using temporary materials has allowed features to be tweaked and changed throughout the testing period, informed by community and business feedback, vehicle data, and regular monitoring.This year (2023/2024) Kaipara District Council project team have continued to meet with individual landowners, business operators, impacted residents and the Mangawhai Business Association to clarify the final technical layout, identify public and private boundary lines and make sure that due consideration is given to concerns or opportunities presented such as upgrading of premises/loading zones/deliveriesWork to construct the permanent layout is planned to start in the latter half of 2024 (subject to funding from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency). You can read our previous update about that on the Kaipara District Council website. 

The incoming finance minister has admitted that New Zealand's world-first smokefree laws have been scrapped to fund tax cuts.National's coalition deal with New Zealand First - released yesterday - says it will repeal amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 and regulations before March 2024These changes would remove requirements for denicotisation and remove the reduction in retail outlets and the generation ban, while also amending vaping product requirements and taxing smoked products only.Under the coalition, National could no longer fund its promised tax cuts through a tax on foreign buyers, and had to look elsewhere for revenue.Nicola Willis told TV3's Newshub Nation that New Zealand First and Act were "insistent" the smoke-free legislation be reversed."We have to remember that the changes to the smokefree legislation had a significant impact on the government books, with about a billion dollars there," she said.Public health experts said legislation could have saved the health system $1.3b over 20 years.Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Professor Lisa Te Morenga said scrapping the legislation would cost thousands of lives, with the worst impact on Māori.She said health professionals were shocked at the news."We had believed that Shane Reti supported the Smokefree legislation ... so to hear they're going to repeal it is really a gut punch."National said in a statement it remains committed to reducing smoking rates.National's health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti said responsibility for implementing the new regulations are still to be determined.Dr Reti said the work will likely sit with associate health minister Casey Costello.Te Morenga said the legislation could have saved the health system $1.3 billion dollars over the next 20 years."This is seen as world-leading legislation and some of our closest friends are looking to emulate the work," she said."So to repeal it just seems a completely backwards step."Te Morenga said the laws would have created a smokefree generation, who would never have had to deal with addiction or health loss caused by smoking.The new government has also vowed to reform the regulation of vaping, smokeless tobacco and oral nicotine products while banning disposable vaping products, consider requiring a liquor license to sell vapes and increase penalties for illegal sales to those under 18.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Danielle Clent, JournalistNational's Christopher Luxon has promised New Zealand First and ACT to introduce legislation on a referendum to extend the parliamentary term to four years.The agreement with ACT promises to move this within the first 15 months in power.The new government - a three-way coalition between National, New Zealand First and ACT - was revealed on Friday morning.National's Luxon will be the new Prime Minister, with New Zealand First's Winston Peters and ACT's David Seymour each appointed Deputy Prime Minister for 18 months - with Peters going first.Talks between the parties had been ongoing until earlier this week, with Peters telling media they were "seriously long, difficult and complicated ... arduous and extreme".Among a number of agreements made during the talks, National has agreed to push for four years between general elections.The agreement with ACT states it will: "Pass the Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill through first reading in the first 15 months of the term."Where the agreement with New Zealand First states it will: "Support to Select Committee a bill that would enact a binding referendum on a four-year term of Parliament."Both parties have pushed for an extension of the parliamentary term in the past.Luxon also supports extending the term, the New Zealand Herald reported earlier this year.Peters wanted it done at this year's election, telling a crowd in August that the current three-year term was too short.But he wanted voters - not political parties - to be the ones who decided whether it be extended or not."Elections are expensive so it will save money and get better long-term outcomes for our country," he said at the time.In 2021, Seymour introduced a bill to Parliament - the Regulatory Standards Act Bill - which he hoped would give more time for the government to implement laws.During the 2020 general election, then Labour leader Jacinda Ardern and National leader Judith Collins were asked about four-year terms.Both replied with an emphatic "yes" with Ardern adding "we might be able to do that".New Zealand has one of the shortest parliamentary terms in the world.Of 190 countries with parliaments, 103 have five-year terms, 74 have four-year terms, and just nine governments are in power for three years before an election is held.A 2020 survey, conducted by Research New Zealand, showed of 1000 people, 61 percent supported moving from a three-year term to a four-year term.About 25 percent were against it, and the rest were undecided.This story was originally posted on 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, 1 December 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 26-28 NovemberSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 26-28 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 29-30 NovemberOteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 29-30 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 26 NovemberOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 26 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 27 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 27 NovemberStafford Road northbound off-ramp, 28-29 November(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 28-29 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp,27 & 30 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)​​​​​​Te Irirangi Drive southbound off-ramp, 28 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00amHill Road southbound off-ramp, 29 November (approx. 11:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 26-30 NovemberPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 26-30 NovemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 26-30 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 26 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 30 NovemberDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 26 & 30 NovemberRamarama southbound on-ramp, 30 NovemberBombay southbound on-ramp, 29 NovemberBeaver Road southbound off-ramp, 29 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Beaver Road southbound on-ramp, 29 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Nikau Road southbound off-ramp, 29 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 28 November(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 28 November(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road southbound off-ramp, 28 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 28 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 28 November(approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 30 NovemberPokeno northbound off-ramp, 26 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 26 November(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 26 November(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound off-ramp, 27 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pokeno southbound on-ramp, 27 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Pioneer Road southbound off-ramp, 27 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 27 November(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 27 November(approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 24 November – 1 December (24/7)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Hobsonville Road on-ramp,28-30 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road Roundabout28-30 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)None plannedSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 29-30 NovemberMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 26 NovemberPuhinui Road southbound off-ramp, 26 November (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)Northbound Service Road (Cavendish Drive to Puhinui Road) 27 November(approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive southbound off-ramp, 30 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)None plannedPUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​SH2 westbound to SH1 southbound, 28 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)

Russell Palmer, Digital Political JournalistNational's foreign buyers tax will not go ahead, NZ First has secured a $1.2 billion regional infrastructure fund, and the new government will support a Treaty Principles bill to Select Committee.ACT's policy for a Minister for Regulation will be accompanied by the disestablishment of the current Productivity Commission. Firearms laws will also be reformed.The three parties have unveiled the details of their coalition agreements this morning, with National making separate coalition agreements with each of its partner parties.Here are some of the major points:National's tax cuts will continue, but the parties do not promise any further tax cuts beyond 2024, and via the agreement with NZ First it will no longer be funded through a tax on foreign buyers - instead the money will be found through reprioritisation and other revenue gathering.The Parties confirm no ongoing commitment to income tax changes, including threshold adjustments, beyond those to be delivered in 2024, and recognise that details of the Fiscal Plan may be subject to amendment in response to significant new information or eventsPublic sector agencies will each have expenditure reduction targets "informed by the increase in back office head count at that agency since 2017"The ACT agreement says the parties will introduce a Treaty Principles Bill based on existing ACT policy and support it to a Select Committee as soon as practicable. However, the NZ First agreement also requires the Coalition Government to "honour the undertakings made by the Crown through past Treaty of Waitangi settlements" and says it would "amend the Waitangi Tribunal legislation to refocus the scope, purpose, and nature of its inquiries back to the original intent of that legislation", accompanied by a review of all existing legislation to replace mentions of the Treaty principles with "specific words relating to the relevance and application of the Treaty, or repeal the references"A Regional Infrastructure Fund, proposed by New Zealand First, that will have $1.2 billion in capital fundingA new agency accountable to the Minister for Regulation will assess the quality of new and existing regulation. This agency proposed by ACT will be funded by disestablishing the Productivity CommissionNZ First secured commitments to "end all Covid-19 vaccine mandates still in operation", and ensuring a full-scale, wide-ranging independent inquiry conducted publicly with local and international experts into the Covid pandemic's handling including use of multiple lockdowns, vaccine procurement and efficacy, social and economic impacts on both regional and national levels, and whether the decisions made, and steps taken, where (sic) justifiedA "national interest test" will also be applied before accepting any "agreements from the UN and its agencies that limit national decision-making and reconfirm that New Zealand's domestic law holds primacy over any international agreements"ACT's plan to issue stop-work notices to departments on projects including Three Waters, Auckland Light Rail, Let's Get Wellington Moving, Income Insurance, Industry Transformation Plans, and Lake Onslow Pumped Hydro would also be carried out "immediately"ACT's policy to speed up the restoration of interest deductibility has been adopted, along with the parties tenancy law proposals like a "pet bond"Concurrent sentences would come to an end, prisoners would be required to work, and Corrections officers would get body camerasLegislation would be introduced to create a specific offence for anyone "who injures or kills someone with a coward punch"All references to gender, sexuality and "relationship-based education guidelines" will be removed and replaced from curriculumsThe Fees Free scheme will be switched from the first year free to the final year, with no change before 2025Requirements to remove nicotine, reduce the number of smoking retail outlets, end the generational ban on buying tobacco products, but penalties for sales to under-18s would be increasedIn addition to National's gangs and youth crime policies, the parties have agreed with ACT to re-write the Arms Act, and agreed with NZ First to train no fewer than 500 new policeFirearms law will be reviewed and reformedNational's commitment to requiring an hour each day of reading, writing and maths will be adopted, along with ACT's policy to reintroduce partnership (charter) schools and allowing state schools to become oneNational's commitments to the "taxpayers' receipt", removing two farming regulations for every new one introduced have been abandoned. The commitment to a new medical school will be subject to a full cost-benefit analysisThe flexibility of the Medium Density Residential Standards will be accompanied by ACT's plan to share a portion of GST from new builds with councilsThe NZ First agreement also confirms the superannuation age will be kept at 65, the Retirement Villages Act will be reviewed, residential care funding will be investigated, a select committee inquiry into aged care provision and upgrading the Super Gold CardAs per NZ First policy, the English language will be legislated as an official language, with all departments having "their primary name in English, except for those specifically related to Māori", a stop to "all work on He Puapua" and confirming the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has no binding legal effect on New ZealandHate speech law would also be ruled out, with work on it stoppedNational's fiscal plan, tax plan, 100-day plan and 100-point economic plan will go ahead, with exceptions as specified in the agreementsThe current review of the Emissions Trading Scheme will be stopped "to restore confidence and certainty to the carbon trading market"NZ First secured a Select Committee inquiry into banking competition, focused on competitiveness, customer services, and profitabilityNZ First got agreement to explore options to strengthen the Grocery Commissioner and address lack of a third entrantAssessment and response to the impact of energy prices on inflation, and the impact of inflation on average tax rates will be assessed by 2026"Moderate" increases to the minimum wage each yearEstablishment of an "essential worker" planning mechanism will be investigatedA study into New Zealand's fuel security needs will be commissionedThe National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity will be urgently reviewed, the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 and the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater will be replaced, and work on the new Significant Natural Areas will be ceasedThe Overseas Investment Act will be amended to limit ministerial decision making to national security concerns, with those decisions more timelyFair pay agreements and Labour's replacements for the RMA will be repealed by Christmas. New resource management laws will be "premised on the enjoyment of property rights as a guiding principle"Ban on offshore oil and gas exploration to be repealed.This story was originally published by RNZ