Amending legislation to the government's controversial Three Waters programme has passed its third reading under urgency at Parliament.The bill would put in place the final series of changes to the drinking, waste and stormwater management systems, including the increase from four entities to 10 smaller ones, announced in April.It also delayed the start date of the entities by two years, to 2026. Some of the entities are expected to come online earlier, however, including the largest one covering Auckland and Northland.The greater number of entities will mean they are more localised, and councils will typically have more influence in strategic oversight groups, but also means costs for ratepayers will likely be higher than under Labour's previous plan.Labour and the Green Party supported the Water Services Entities Amendment Bill, while National, ACT, and Te Pāti Māori opposed it.National and ACT have both promised to repeal the entire suite of reforms - but keeping the water regulator Taumata Arowai - if elected in October.With just three weeks before the House rises for election campaigning, the government is sitting under urgency to get several big pieces of legislation passed.The two pieces of legislation for the reforms to the Resource Management Act are also expected to pass today.This story was originally published by RNZ

Plans for a multi-million-dollar conference centre in Whangārei appear to be on the rocks after the government withdrew its share of the funding.In 2020, Ōruku Landing conference and event centre was granted $60 million from the government's "shovel ready" Covid Response and Recovery Fund, with Whangārei District Council pledging just over $11m to the development in March this year.The total cost of the on-again, off-again conference centre was put at $64m.Private investors were expected to stump up another $140m for the rest of the project, which was to have included riverside apartments and a four-star hotel.However on Tuesday, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said ministers were not convinced the project was financially sustainable."The Ōruku Landing project has been complex which has affected progress ... The local council reconsidered their position on supporting the project and it has been challenging to make the project economically viable," Robertson said."There have been a number of changes to the proposal to get it over the line, but ministers did not have the confidence that the project was sustainable financially and in a challenging economic environment they have decided to decline the application for the project."We know this will be disappointing for those in the Northland community who have worked on developing Ōruku Landing. The government is doing its bit to support regions while responsibly managing its finances and restrain spending, and ministers are facing tough choices in a deteriorating global economy."The decision came as a shock to Northland Development Corporation, the company behind the project.Director Barry Trass said he was "extremely disappointed".The project had been in the pipeline for four years and the government had already given three extensions, he said.Reasons for the extensions included increased construction costs, which had forced the company to find more money."We've done everything the government asked of us, so we're extremely upset it's come to this, when we believe we've done everything that we needed to do," Trass said."It was such a fantastic project for the city, and the whole region ... We saw the event centre as a catalyst for the rest of the development, which is the hotel, a block of apartments and a marina," he said."For the $60 million the government was putting in, there was another $140 million of private money coming into the project ... It's really jeopardising the whole project now."Trass said he wanted to meet government ministers and ask why they had declined the funding after the corporation had done what it had been asked to do."They're saying the project isn't financially sustainable. Well, all the expert advice we've had says that it is. We just want to sit down and ask, 'Where to from here?'. We can't just let this go."Trass said $1m of the original $60m funding application to the Provincial Growth Fund had been spent on due diligence.Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo said councils and the government alike faced greater demands on their resources than ever before."It's always disappointing for people who have a vision and work hard on these projects to suffer setbacks like this. I also empathise with our Crown Infrastructure people who have had to make this call."Cocurullo said he would be happy to be part of a delegation to discuss the matter with the finance minister.The council had not yet put funding into the proposal, though staff time had been spent in meetings and preparing material for councillors to consider.A short history of the Ōruku Landing planAlthough the Ōruku Landing project has some strong backing, it has also been controversial from the outset - in particular because of the degree to which it would be supported by ratepayers.The proposal has gone through several iterations as a result.In an earlier version of the plan, Whangārei District Council was to have contributed $57m and Northland Regional Council $7m.The district council would have also underwritten any construction cost overruns.However, district councillors voted against that proposal in 2021 after it was opposed by more than 80 percent of the 5000 submitters.Under the current scaled-back plan, passed with a one-vote majority in March this year, Whangārei District Council agreed to a $5m grant for fittings and equipment plus an operating grant of $650,000 per year for the first five years, if needed.The council also agreed to a marketing grant of up to $50,000 a year for three years.Unlike an early version of the plan, the council would not be responsible for building or owning the centre.Instead, the event centre would be owned by Prosper Northland Trust, while Northland Development Corporation would develop the rest of the 12,500 square metre site beside Hātea River.Many Northland projects funded by the Provincial Growth Fund, and the subsequent "shovel-ready" Covid Response and Recovery Fund, have now been completed.Others, such as a series of water storage reservoirs near Kaikohe and on the Pouto Peninsula, are well on the way.Ōruku Landing is one of a handful of high-profile projects to have stumbled.Others include an $8m Paihia breakwater project, which has been axed, and a boat ramp/reclamation at Rangitane, near Kerikeri, which has stalled amid sharp divisions in the local community.This story was originally published by RNZ

Rayssa Almeida, ReporterWork has begun to demolish a former Auckland water park, ahead of a fresh marketing campaign.Waiwera Thermal Resort on the North Shore has been closed for more than five years after refurbishment fell through and the owners went into liquidation. The demolition crew moved in on Monday.Urban Partners now owns the land.Chief executive Greig Staples said the 1.7 hectare resort had long been a place of fond memories and nostalgia for many New Zealanders."Waiwera holds a special place in the hearts and minds of so many Aucklanders and visitors, whether it was hanging with friends in the pools or hooning down the slides," Staples said.The prospect of an upgrade back in 2018 initially brought excitement, but when the operators went into liquidation the resort was in an unviable state."Since then, it has been an ongoing struggle to secure the site against vandalism, which has degraded the property further."It is now at the point where the existing structures offer no value to a buyer, and it will be a positive for the wider community to remove what is left of the buildings."The closed Waiwera water park has become more run down as the years have gone by. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroStaples said the start of the demolition process was bittersweet: "As it represents the end of an era - but also the beginning of Waiwera's revitalisation".In 2022, Urban Partners contracted Colliers to sell the property, but there had been no sale yet.The real estate company hoped demolishing the structures might pull buyers into a cleared site.Colliers capital markets director Blair Peterken said he expected plenty of interest in the land from both within New Zealand and overseas."The decision to present a cleared site paves the way for an exciting spring marketing campaign that will appeal to a wider range of buyers."It is recognised as a regional tourist attraction by the Auckland Unitary Plan and has zoning allowing for business, residential developments, health and wellness, tourism, hospitality and visitor accommodation."Waiwera was one of the most beautiful areas in New Zealand, Peterken said."We are expecting plenty of local and international interest in this remarkable destination.""Iconic attraction" - community boardPhoto: RNZ / Nick MonroWaiwera was the birthplace of New Zealand's first spa, historically celebrated for the therapeutic properties of its waters.The resort's well-documented demise was caused by the sudden departure of its investor, Russian businessman and reported billionaire Mikhail Khimich in 2018, who is reported to have since died in Russia of Covid-19.Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson said it was a shame to see the water park go."I think it's sad that such an iconic water park that brought so much fun to generations of Aucklanders and tourists is being demolished."She said the council did not know of any new resource consents."But the one lodged in 2015 does stand until 2026."Hibiscus and Bays Local Board deputy chairwoman Julia Parfitt said local businesses took a hit when the park was shut down."You've got a café just opposite, a dairy and a number of touristic businesses which I'm sure (have) been struggling without the pools nearby," Parfitt said."Right now, they are heavily reliant on the locals to support them."Residents would like to see the space turned into something that would be used by the community, she said."We don't want another fancy building that would cut out the public. Waiwera desperately needs something like the pools."Residents would like to see something that will be open for public usage, not yet another high-rise development."The board wanted to see more community involvement in the future of the land."During the last few years it's looked increasingly forlorn. I'm so sad there are no redevelopment plans for the facility yet."This a massive call for local investors to think about the economy boost the park would bring back to the region."The resort had a special place in the hearts of people in the area, Parfitt said."People are full of sweet memories of Waiwera. It has been such a key amenity in the area."This story was first published by RNZ

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, 18 August 2023. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Constellation Drive southbound off-ramp, 13 AugustConstellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 13 AugustCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Stanley Street westbound off-ramp, 15 August (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)Nelson Street eastbound off-ramp, 14 & 16-17 AugustSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 13 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 13 AugustSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 13 AugustMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 13 AugustNorthbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 14 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 14 AugustHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 14 August.East Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 14 AugustSouthbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Manukau on-ramp, 13 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 13 AugustSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 13 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/ SH22 on-ramp, 15 August (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 15 August (approx. 12 Midnight to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 16-17 August (approx. 9pm to 5:00am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 16-17 AugustSouthbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 13-14 AugustPapakura southbound on-ramp, 13-19 August (24/7)Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 13-17 AugustRamarama northbound on-ramp, 13-17 AugustBeaver Road southbound off-ramp, 15 & 17 AugustBeaver Road southbound on-ramp, 15 & 17 AugustBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 14 AugustBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 14 AugustNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 14 AugustRidge Road northbound off-ramp, 16 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 16 AugustSH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 16 August (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 16 AugustPokeno northbound off-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 16 AugustNorthbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 16 AugustNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Lincoln Road off-ramp and Te Atatu on-ramp, 17 August (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lincoln Road southbound on-ramp, 17 AugustGreat North Road westbound off-ramp, 14 AugustUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Hobsonville Road westbound off-ramp, 13-14 AugustSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 17 AugustNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 13 AugustPuhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 13 AugustCavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 13 August

Warkworth Region Monday - Partly cloudy. Isolated showers becoming widespread for a time this afternoon and evening, Northwesterlies, turning southwesterly this afternoon.Tuesday - Isolated showers, turning to rain in the evening. Westerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday - Showers, some heavy, becoming isolated with longer fine breaks early. Southerlies, turning to fresh westerlies in the morning.Thursday - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Fresh westerlies, easing.Friday - Fine. Westerlies, easing.Saturday - Cloudy, with rain developing. Northerlies, becoming fresh.Sunday - Rain with westerlies.Mangawhai Region Monday - Partly cloudy with isolated showers, becoming widespread and possibly heavy this morning, then becoming isolated this evening. Northwesterlies, turning southwesterly this afternoon.Tuesday - Isolated showers, but rain in the afternoon and evening, with some heavy falls. Northwesterlies, easing in the afternoon, turning strong southwest at night.Wednesday - Showers, mainly in the west. Westerlies, strong early morning.Thursday - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing. Southwesterlies.Friday - Fine. Northerlies developing.Saturday - Showers, clearing later but remaining partly cloudy. Fresh northerlies, easing.Sunday - Rain with westerlies.

Written by Jane Patterson, Political editor for RNZOne of Labour's big election promises is to take the 15 percent goods and services tax (GST) off fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables from April 2024, if re-elected.That would mean savings of about $4 a week, on an average spend of $30 in the fruit and vegetable section.The determining factor for which products are covered, and which are not, is whether there has been any processing; so the exemption would not apply to "canned and dried items, or to juices", according to the guidelines released with Labour's policy.Reference to "zero-rated" means no GST applied."Processed in this context means cooked or combined with other ingredients."This rules out anything canned because of the heating process that accompanies canning. 'Processed' does not mean being cut up and wrapped without additives. This means that pre-prepared vegetables like fresh spinach in a bag would be zero-rated."Frozen mixed vegetables would avoid GST, however "potatoes mashed into chips, coated in canola oil and then frozen would be excluded and would still attract GST".A list was run past Labour leader Chris Hipkins at the weekend's policy launch.A fresh corn cob would be exempt, but not a can of corn - he said people would "still have that choice if it's cheaper".Cut pineapple - "that's fresh and it's unprocessed" - would be included.The jury was out on dried or semi-dried tomatoes. However "dried products are processed", Hipkins said.Bags of mixed lettuce and mixed frozen peas and corn would be exempt.Coleslaw, though, would be a different story if there was "value-added ... if it has mayonnaise added into it then it won't be covered".A technical group would "make sure the technical details of this would be worked through before the 1st of April when it comes in," Hipkins said.A newly established Grocery Commissioner would monitor supermarkets' pricing behaviour "to ensure retailers are passing on the full impact of the GST removal ... and will take action if it's not happening".National offers tax cut alternativeThe GST policy would cost the government about $2 billion over four years, made up in part by cancelling a Covid-related depreciation for commercial property owners.Labour says it is a targeted way of easing the cost of living pressures and stacks up well against the National Party's tax plan."The current economic environment means now isn't the time for unfunded and inflationary tax cuts," Hipkins said."New Zealanders now have a clear choice in this election. Huge tax cuts for millionaires and CEOs under National, or relief at the checkout and support for working families under Labour."Hitting back, National said removing GST would do "very little to help families suffering through the cost of living crisis, but will have supermarket owners rubbing their hands with glee".Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis said New Zealanders were "being smashed by a cost of living crisis that has dragged into its third year and the best Labour has to offer is a tax change worth less than a kumara"."Labour are foolish to suggest supermarkets will pass all of this reduction on to shoppers," she said."National would cut out the middle-man - instead of passing tax cuts through the local Pak'nSave, we would put the relief direct into people's bank accounts with income tax reduction."This story was originally posted by RNZ News

Campaigning for October's election is in full swing today, with two parties expected to make major policy announcements.Labour leader Chris Hipkins will make a tax announcement in Lower Hutt in the afternoon.There have been reports it will include removing GST from fruit and vegetables.New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is holding a public meeting in Invercargill on Sunday afternoon.The Green Party have also made a climate-focused announcement about clean power.The Clean Power Payment, which is planned to be part of a broader Zero Carbon Homes upgrade, will allow:grants of up to $6000 to cover the cost of installing solar power and making energy efficient upgrades,interest-free loans of up to $30,000 to cover the cost of additional zero carbon home upgrades,tax deductible zero carbon upgrades for rental homes.The Zero Carbon Homes upgrade is planned to:scale up solar on Kainga Ora homes to 30,000 more households in the next three years,expand Warmer Kiwi Homes to cover more zero carbon upgrades such as replacing gas heaters,fund Community Energy providers and by Māori, for Māori approaches.Grants could be used to cover 25 percent of the cost of things like better insulation; replacing fossil-fuel appliances, like gas heaters, with clean alternatives, like heat pumps; and to purchase rooftop solar powerThe funding would come from revenue from the Emissions Trading Scheme, through the Climate Emergency Response Fund.The total operating expenditure for all the initiatives in this area it planned would be about $682 million by the year 2026/27.The party claims the Clean Power Payment will save households up to $1200 on their energy bills, every year, and slash carbon emissions.It would be scaled up over three years, with an initial focus on lower-income households.Green Party co-leader James Shaw said while people struggled with energy challenges, the planet was heating "at frightening speed"."There is a clear answer staring us in the face: warm homes powered by clean, cheap, low-carbon energy, supplied straight from our roofs," Shaw said."The Clean Power Payment is as close to a perfect investment as you can get: slashing soaring bills for families, slashing emissions, and creating thousands of good jobs," he said."Most people want action on the climate crisis and action on the cost of living. The time is now for a government that will deliver solutions that last, saving people money and cutting emissions month-after-month, year-after-year. That's exactly what the Clean Power Payment will do."In its policy document, the party claimed the emissions saved from replacing gas appliances in households would be the same as taking 200,000 cars of the road.Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said this would bring more relief to families in addition to their Income Guarantee plan, which would ensure people had at least $385 each week."Everything we need to upgrade our homes exists. However, most of us do not have thousands of dollars spare to pay for things like solar panels, heat pumps, or double-glazing," Davidson said."The Clean Power Payment will help people to upgrade their homes to be warmer, without relying on dirty fuels, so everyone can come home to a warm place which doesn't pollute the planet."This story was originally posted on RNZ News

Written by Rayssa Almeida, Reporter for RNZAuckland fruit and vegetable growers are worried that lack of sunshine is harming the quality of their produce and lowering its value.In July, Auckland had only four days without rain and growers say the lack of daylight is causing a major drop in production. They believe it is time to consider more resilient planting methods.For more than a decade, Earl Mardle has grown most of what his family consumes at his property in Bombay, south of Auckland.However, in recent months, he has noticed a change in the quality of his produce."Our olive trees flowered beautifully in spring; it was the best flowering I've ever seen."But when I came to press it, and I squeeze every last drop of olive oil I can from the fruit we get, I got about 12 or 13 litres of oil from 150 kilos of olives, when I would normally expect 17 [litres]."The reduced yield was not restricted to his olives."The same kind of thing happened to my kumara. This year they were extravagant, they grew like crazy."But, when I came to harvest, what I found was that the tubers were half, if that, the amount of tuber that I would expect."Mardle said people might need to rethink what they were growing."What kinds of food can we grow that goes with the type of climate that we are starting to see?"I don't know how we are going to deal with that, but if we don't, we are going to go hungry."Hawi Winter has lived in the rural Auckland community of Pukekawa for 33 years, where he grew more than 200 varieties of fruit and veggies.He said this year's crop was the worst he had seen in decades."The apples ... we had a very poor crop, most of the apples didn't get as big as we are used to."Likewise, grapevines didn't like it [the lack of sun] that much. Same with kiwifruit, we didn't get many of them, and avocado, same story, we had very few avocados this year," Winter said.'Good follows bad'Produce experts warned the prolonged low light and heavy rainfall could create a shortage of fresh fruit and vegetables.United Fresh president Jerry Prendergast said tomato growers were struggling to get their winter crop thriving."A lot less crop available, compounded by low light and growing challenges."As a result of that, there was a lot less planting and getting those back to a cycle again, that doesn't happen immediately. It is a nine-month growing process," Prendergast said.The New Zealand Tree Crops Association (NZTCA) was a voluntary organisation promoting interest in useful tree crops.National president David Whyte said sunlight was the driver for plant and fruit growth."Without sunlight the correct hormones are not created and thus blossom buds are not created. Hence why pruning is in part about maximising sunlight striking all parts of the tree thus having fruit produced over as much of the tree as possible."If there is less sunlight there is going to be less sugars to pump into the fruit or less oil for nuts. So, fruit are either going to be smaller or less of them."That is why many members crop volumes/production had struggled in the areas of the very wet summer, as sunlight hours were down on a typical day causing flow-on effects, Whyte said."The good news is that the weather is variable and although every year seems to give its challenges, growers know that good follows bad and next year's challenges will be different."MetService said in July, only three days had eight or more hours of sunshine."And three days had less than one hour of sunshine for the whole day," MetService meteorologist Thapi Makgabutlane said.She said the total sunshine hours at a station in Auckland for July was 137 hours - about five and a half days - a little higher than the region's July climatological average of 128 sunshine hours for this time of the year."So not too bad, but this is not typically a very sunny time of year - second only to the month of June in terms of the least amount of sunshine," Makgabutlane said.The longest stretch of consecutive rainy days recorded last month was 10 days between 7 and 16 July, she said."Although it must be said that some of rain was likely due to a passing shower as the amounts were very small."Greens in good supplyThe lack of sunshine might also weigh heavily on consumers' pockets.Foodstuffs North Island head of produce Brigit Corson said with tight supply, supermarkets would need imports to meet demand."Once-a-year crop products are the expensive ones at the moment."Like kumara, that really got hammered earlier on [with the floods and Cyclone Gabrielle] and obviously they are not going to come back and be harvested again until January and February next year."Other high-priced items at the moment are things like tomatoes. We are going to need to supplement our supply for customers with some imported products for the next few weeks."She said consumers should be alert for supermarket deals."Greens have been in good consistent supply, particularly broccoli."Key things are to always buy in season and look for those big bins at the front of your produce department, they are the overflow with that in-season produce, so they are great deals," Corson said.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

A US lobby group is calling for increased tariffs on New Zealand lamb in a bid to help the struggling local industry.R-CALF USA, the largest body representing producers of cattle and sheep in the United States, said the sheep industry there has been decimated over the last three decades with an explosion of lamb and mutton from Australia and New Zealand pushing down returns for local producers.It is petitioning the United States trade ambassador - calling on her to slow imports of lamb.Speaking from Montana this morning the group's chief executive Bill Bullard said lamb production in the US has declined by 60 percent in the last 30 years."We began to see an increase in imports back in the early 90s and while the imports increased, our domestic production began to fall because the imports were cheaper and our domestic sheep meat couldn't compete with it."Farmers have left the industry, packing plants have closed and we've seen a drastic reduction in the economic viability of our sheep shipping industry in the United States."Bullard said the country only has about five million sheep left."It's still being eaten and in fact lamb consumption in the US is increasing significantly year after year, but imported meat makes up 74 percent of the market and domestic supply is only 26 percent - something we want to see changed."New Zealand lamb exported to the US currently faces tariff rates of between 0.7 and 2.8 cents depending on the product.Bullard would like to see that increased as well as stricter quantity restrictions on imports which would provide space for the domestic industry to rebuild - creating more of an even playing field."We're proposing this is done over a 10-year period because we're not trying to stop imports, because if we did, we could not meet domestic demand for lamb. But what we need to do is provide space for our industry so it can recapture at least half of the domestic market share."We have no ill-will towards New Zealand or Australian sheep producers. We understand that prices have been depressed there as well and so we have an international problem in that we have a high level of concentration on a global scale and as a result, it's the middleman that is capturing much of the profits."The New Zealand Meat Industry Association has been approached for comment.This Story was originally posted on Radio New Zealand US group exerts pressure over NZ lamb exports | RNZ News

HON DR MEGAN WOODSEnergy and ResourcesHomeowners are being encouraged to check their eligibility for the Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme after changes to its eligibility criteria, announced by the Minister of Energy and Resources Dr Megan Woods today.“Extending the eligibility criteria will help more homeowners and their families to enjoy comfortable homes, without feeling they need to economise on heating,” said Megan Woods.“The changes mean up to 58,000 more lower-income homeowners will now meet the criteria so I encourage homeowners who think they, or those close to them, might benefit from this programme to check the Warmer Kiwi Homes website. People who have applied previously, may now be eligible,” Megan Wood said.Run by EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), it has delivered warmer, drier, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes for tens of thousands of New Zealanders since it began in 2018. Last year, the programme reached a significant milestone of having achieved over 100,000 retrofits in that time.Grants were previously set at 80% of the cost of insulation, and up to 80% for heating, capped at $3,000 for those living in an area with a ‘Deprivation Index’ of 8, 9, or 10. Further top ups from community organisations in some centres have made the cost of insulation even lower or no-cost.The change means insulation grants have been extended to include level 7. Further, those in levels 9 or 10 – and Community Services Card holders – will now be eligible for a grant that is 90% of the cost of an insulation retrofit.“Increasing the grant to 90% for insulation will extend the number of potential homeowners, who may be the hardest to reach,” said Megan Woods.“It will also allow funding from community organisations who support the programme to spread twice as far, reducing the cost to zero for many people.”The new criteria will support the Government’s target of over 26,000 heating and insulation retrofits being delivered each year.“Last year’s independent evaluation of the heat pump aspect of the programme found homes are warmer, particularly in the colder mornings and evenings; homes are drier, with 89 per cent of homeowners reporting a reduction in condensation on windows; and homes use 16 per cent less electricity through the winter months,” said Megan Woods.“This is truly an impactful programme. We have a network of community organisations and service providers who are incredibly committed to the programme and are more than ready to roll out these grants to people across the country.”Minister of Climate Change James Shaw said this will lead to warmer homes, lower bills, and less pollution.“Energy-efficient homes are a core part of the Government’s plan to tackle the climate emergency while improving people’s lives and wellbeing. No one should go to bed cold because they cannot afford to keep their home warm. This will reduce energy bills and cut emissions. The more people we can help the better,” James Shaw said.The eligibility changes follow the expansion of Warmer Kiwi Homes as part of Budget 2023. The programme has been extended to June 2027 and will cover components like hot water heating upgrades and LEDs. It will receive $402.6m allocated over four years.For more information on Warmer Kiwi Homes: Warmer Kiwi Homes programme | EECAEligibility for insulation grants has been extended to people living in areas with a Deprivation Index of 7, in addition to those in 8, 9, and 10 who are still eligible.Those in areas with a Deprivation Index of 9 or 10, and Community Services Card holders, will be eligible for 90% of the cost of insulation.To be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes people must:own and live in a home built before 2008.have a Community Services Card or live in an area identified as lower income as defined by the Deprivation Index .(For heating) have ceiling and underfloor insulation installed to EECA standards.The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme has been granted $318m over four years, to fund:26,500 insulation and heating retrofits per year in eligible households,an expansion of the current Warmer Kiwi Homes programme to include simple low-cost energy efficiency measures,community-focused outreach to better target high-need and hard-to-reach households,targeted basic home repairs to bring homes up to the necessary standard to allow for subsequent Warmer Kiwi Homes retrofits.In addition the following have also been funded in budget 2023$64.6m to include hot water heat pump installations$20m for broad-based support of around 5 million LEDs over four years.Total of $402.6m over four years

Friday 11th AugustLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourFiji Fridays at SmithsMahu Express - Bus to the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ | Quarter Finals Late Night Music With Danny Crocome @ Matakana EstateWarkworth Theatre Group Presents The Ghost Train Live bands every Friday night at Warkworth RSABeatroots: Dave Ti (DiCE) + Matt Sawyer At The Matakana Village PubMahurangi College Presents Dance ShowcaseSaturday 12thMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketMixed Messages at SmithsGlow Collective Beauty Clique NZ Open DayLed Repplica at the Leigh SawmillSunday 13thSunday Service at SmithsRainbow's End Reserve Planting DayMatakana Junior Artisans' Market

Warkworth RegionFriday 11th August - Mainly fine. Cloud increasing this evening. Southwesterlies.Saturday 12th August - Mostly cloudy, with a few showers developing in the evening. Northerlies developing in the morning.Sunday 13th August - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the evening. Fresh westerlies, easing in the afternoon.Mangawhai RegionFriday 11th August - Fine. Southwesterlies.Saturday 12th August - Mostly cloudy, a few evening showers. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.Sunday 13th August - Partly cloudy. Westerlies.

🆕🆕🆕🆕We have some new business listings for you to check out, under SHOP LOCAL - Warkworth 🥥 Groconut – Grow Better Plants is Groconut’s tag line. They offer horticultural coconut water powder products to accelerate your plants natural growth boosting properties. You’ll notice healthier root systems, faster growing plants, bigger yields, increased resistance to stress, enhanced propagation, and seed germination and more. 📱 iDigital Smartphone Services is a local family business based in Warkworth.They specialise in phone, tablet, iPad, laptop, and computer repairs. They are happy to look at any device and provide advice, support, and a quote to repair it if necessary. They also have a range of ex-lease phones and laptops for sale and the full range of cables and accessories. 👢 The 8.55 to Cairo is a clothing store and perfumery in the heart of Warkworth. To step into ‘The 8.55’ is to take a step back in time, finding yourself somewhere between the 1920’s and the 1940’s. A gathering of Jenny the owners favourite clothing labels, rare fragrances, jewellery, scarves, gifts and more.  🍅 Supie prides itself on being a better and fairer online supermarket, driven every day to make a real impact on people’s lives and the planet. Now delivery North of Auckland to Warkworth, Omaha and Snell’s Beach.🥑 Warkworth Countdown needs no introduction and has been a staple in Warkworth for many years. Open 7 days 7am to 10pm. You can order online for delivery or click and collect.ℹ One Mahurangi Business Association (OMBA) – located at the Warkworth Information Centre, OMBA aims to support and boost business growth in the area. A champion of local businesses, creating opportunities, connections and more.☕ The Food Market Snells Beach is open 7 days and located close to where The Warehouse used to be. It is a is a specialty food store selling fresh produce, meat from the Matakana Butchery, delicious Atomic Coffee, St Pierres Sushi, real fruit ice creams & more!SUPPORT LOCAL TODAY!!✅ If you want your business to be on the App get in [email protected] or Contact

All packaged alcoholic drinks produced from 1st August and sold in stores must carry labels warning that alcohol can cause harm to unborn babies.To help people become further aware of the risk that alcohol presents for their unborn child - and the potentially life-changing consequences drinking while pregnant can have - Food Standards Australia New Zealand have developed the new labelling requirement, which will be monitored in New Zealand by New Zealand Food Safety. The new requirement is supported by Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora.Each year, between 1800 and 3000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in New Zealand, which can result in heart defects, behavioural problems, and intellectual disability. There is no cure for FASD.The new warning label is required on any packaged drink for retail sale that contains more than 1.15% alc/vol. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3DvIyMS

Gluten may cause brain inflammation in mice, a new study indicates, posing questions about the implications for humans.The study is believed to be a world first, and was carried out by scientists from the University of Otago's Centre for Neuroendocrinology, and published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology.Lead researcher for the study Pprofessor Alexander Tups told Afternoons he results suggest moderating gluten might be beneficial for humans as well. "It is quite possible that the same inflammation we found in mice could happen in humans" - professor Alexander Tups  (Audio File)"Mice are an excellent model to study human physiology. They have a very similar circulatory, reproductive, digestive, hormonal and nervous system," Tups said."So, it is quite possible that the same inflammation we found in mice could happen in humans."The study investigated whether a standard diet, referred to as a low fat diet (LFD), enriched with 4.5 percent gluten (matching human average daily consumption), or a high fat diet (HFD), enriched with 4.5 per cent gluten, altered body weight, metabolic markers or central inflammation in male mice.Tups said it was known that a high fat diet could increase the number of particular immune cells in the brainWhat he said was interesting was that both the standard and high fat diet saw increases in the number of a type of immune cells that indicates inflammation."This increased the number, and also the activity, of certain immune cells in the brain", Tups said.Brain inflammation could be linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.And he believed brain inflammation could also be impacting the brain's control over body weight."When we get brain inflammation we believe that the brain cannot make this decision so easily anymore, and it's somehow disrupted and that then leads to this chronic increase in body weight."If similar patterns of brain inflammation were found in humans, Tups said it was possible that diet choices such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent it.This story was originally published by RNZ

We have developed a draft local board plan for Rodney and we want your feedback.Local board plans are strategic three-year plans based on community feedback.Local boards can now make more decisions about services and facilities in their area.However, the cost of living and providing these services has gone up, along with the costs of borrowing money and doing business.The impact of Auckland’s recent storm events have also affected how much money is available.We are responding to these challenges in our local board plan by doing things differently and prioritising spending.What we want your feedback onWe want to hear your thoughts on our draft local board plan [PDF 5.2MB] to help us understand what matters most to you and your community.Five key focus areasThe key aspects of local board plans are:Our people: our people support each other and have what they need to live well and adapt to change.Our environment: our land, waterways and coastlines are nurtured and protected.Our community: our community spaces, facilities and parks are great places to play, grow and connect.Our places: our towns, villages and rural areas are vibrant, prosperous and liveable.Our transport: our transport networks are safe, accessible and well-maintained.Effort is being made to integrate these five strategic areas into our contributions to climate mitigation and our legal obligations to Māori.How to give feedbackWe want you to be part of the conversation before any important decisions are made.You can fill out our feedback form using the interactive tool at the bottom of this page after 12 noon on 13 July 2023.When you can have your sayYou can have your say from 12 noon on Thursday 13 July to 4pm on Monday 14 August 2023.What happens nextWe have completed the first round of feedback and used your ideas to create our draft plan.The draft local board plan is now published and we want further feedback from you to ensure the plan is heading in the right direction.We will report back any final changes based on your feedback and notify you when the plan is adopted by 31 October 2023. Our draft local board plan has key focus areas  https://tinyurl.com/34zycych We want to know which three are most important to you. Here's one of them (see below)  Give feedback here  https://tinyurl.com/yc3u96kz Want to talk to us at our hearings-style event next week? Book your spot here https://tinyurl.com/2pb57s9b It's your place, your voice!

Anna Sargent , ReporterYoung people are hacking their used disposable vapes to wring more use out of them, in a growing trend that has parents and emergency services worried.Fire and Emergency said the DIY method to prolong the life of vaping devices - opening them up and exposing the battery - posed serious fire and injury risks.An Auckland mother, whom RNZ agreed not to name, said she was shocked to find her daughter had been doing it after finding broken USB adapters around her house."I found out that she had been trying to recharge single-use vapes. I'm gutted, just pure frustration from a parent - how do you stop them from doing it?"She said she knew her 15-year-old had a vaping problem, but did not know she had been resorting to this to get her fix.And she was not the only one. Multiple posts in the 1800-strong Vape-Free Kids NZ Facebook were from other parents who had made similar discoveries.One mother in the Far North described how her 15-year-old son had been in a downward spiral of addiction since he started vaping a year ago."He was almost demanding from us that we buy him vapes, that we buy him fluids - which we didn't do - but it got to the point where it felt like, this is what you see hardcore drug addicts doing."Then earlier this year we kept finding the split wires in his room, so he was trying to recharge disposables."She said the household had to hide wires and scissors, and they tried warning him about the danger."We talked to him, saying, 'Actually, you've got a lithium-ion battery in there, if it explodes it's going to explode in your face and it could set the house on fire'."And that was a real danger. Fire and Emergency risk reduction and investigations manager Peter Gallagher said there had been an increase in the number of fires resulting from lithium-powered devices.Gallagher said young people were relying on sources such as YouTube tutorials to recharge disposable vapes, but messing with lithium-ion batteries posed serious fire and injury risks."We are aware that this is a bit of a growing trend particularly overseas, and obviously with the internet that information comes to New Zealand very quickly."When people are manufacturing their own charger they're cutting out some of the regulators that prevent overcharging, and that can be catastrophic for the battery."He warned this risked the batteries exploding, or causing a fire that would be very difficult to extinguish.Vaping can be an alternative to smoking cigarettes. Photo: 123rf"They don't burn necessarily for a long time, but they burn with a lot of heat and so anything around them is ignited."Electrical and electronics engineer Dave Chisholm echoed this concern."It's very dangerous because you're talking about charging a battery using an unspecified or uncontrolled method."I was a bit horrified to find that kids were basically just grabbing something that delivers power and feeding it into a vape without any knowledge of the consequences, should what they're doing result in overcharging the battery."The Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand said the issue of vapers making home-made chargers was confined to cheaply made disposable devices, which were able to be broken into to gain access to the battery.It believed all vaping products should have sealed batteries - rather than replaceable ones - to prevent this type of risky DIY from happening.This story was originally published by RNZ

On the top of the hill that is the Matakana Cemetery you will find a beautiful granite Gravestone of a mother and her only son.Elizabeth Quirie born on the 7th of May 1813, in Crimond a small village in the Northeast of Scotland some 30 miles north of Aberdeen. A place where the summer temperatures peak at 16 Celsius. Elizabeth’s parents James and Sophia are crofters, eking out a living as tenant farmers and tartan weavers.In 1835 at the age of 22, she married a young carpenter, Alexander Stuart from Fort George, Inverness, Scotland.On the 2nd of June 1841 with 3 daughters, they leave Scotland for Australia. At the port of Dundee, they boarded the 365 ton; 106 foot; barque rigged; “Mathesis” for her maiden voyage. This journey would take them into the Atlantic at Cape Verde Islands across to Rio De Janeiro; around Cape of Good Hope; into the Australian Bite and up the east coast to Sydney. With 83 passengers on board, the ship was expected to arrive in Sydney at Christmas 1841.However, 60 days into the voyage and halfway across the Atlantic they are in trouble. Water and food supplies are so low they are rationed, and the next supply stop is Rio de Janeiro 15 days away. But the worst comes on the 9th of August, a fire breaks out in the storeroom and according to documents, this was caused by a spark from an oil lantern, which fell on straw packing materials in the hull.A fire at sea is one of the scariest events and the crew saw complete disaster and took to the longboats, leaving the ship, captain, and passengers to perish. Fortunately, the captain showed common sense, courage, and leadership. The passengers, realizing their lives were in danger, took instruction, banded together, and extinguish the blaze.This took 36 hours and was achieved due to the captain’s experience – it involved filling the hull with water and sealing off the deck with wet sail cloth with the hope that water and lack of oxygen would prevail. There is a comprehensive account of how they managed this feat, available online.After the fire was out the crew realized that rowing to Rio was impossible so asked to re-join the ship and sensibly the captain agreed. You can just imagine the tension between the passengers and crew!Elizabeth tending 3 young children, would have been amongst these brave passengers fighting for their lives.After 2 days of work on the ship, the pumping out of water, drying of sails, and making repairs, the "Mathesis" sailed on. 10 days later on the 25th of August the port of Rio de Janeiro came into view. Most of the cargo was damaged and the fire had burnt through many of the Mathesis’s structural timbers. It was here that major repairs were undertaken and after 92 days in port the "Mathesis" left for Sydney on the 2nd  November 1841 with fresh supplies and a new passenger the British Consul General of Belgium Mr. Henry Van Nyvel.However, even after replenishment of supplies at the Cape of Good Hope rationing was again necessary during the last leg to Sydney. In my humble opinion and of course, great hindsight the "Mathesis" was inadequately prepared for this journey for several reasons – firstly the captain and his brother were part owners of the vessel and would have been very budget-conscious on supplies for the ship. Secondly, this was the ship's maiden voyage – which in most seagoing vessels is a journey of discovery. Discovery of how the boat handles at sea and weathers the storms of elements and humankind.The 8-month nightmare journey ended on Monday 31st January 1842 in the Port of Sydney. Immediately upon arrival in Sydney, 3 major legal problems arose for the captain of the Mathesis.Firstly, the Australian Immigration Board Report was critical of the captain and ships surgeon, charging them with not supplying enough provisions and reprehensible conduct. They concluded that the captain was incapable of performing the contracted task of safely transporting emigrants to Australia and taking ‘short cuts’ to minimise expenditure and maximise profit. They also mentioned that according to witnesses the captain (in order) to keep the crew happy gave them access to the 10 single immigrant women passengers. This was a clear violation of contracted captains bringing immigrants to Australia. Crew and passengers must never mix.Secondly, 6 women were refused entry, reasons being – 2 married members of the crew, 3 were under “no proper protection” (in that they travelled alone) and one was just of “immoral character”. They were all refused entry into Australia.Thirdly the Marine Police were informed of a violent and humiliating act performed by the Captain upon the passenger that boarded the Mathesis in Rio De Janeiro. According to court documents Captain Gordon had agreed to taking on a passenger in Rio for Sydney in the only first-class cabin for which he demanded 15 pounds Stirling in payment. In comparison the other passengers paid only several pounds for the voyage. During the voyage and because of rationing of food and water Mr. Van Nyvel suggested to the other passengers that they should complain to the captain. After several other suggestions and comments by Mr. Van Nyvel, Captain Gordon broke into his cabin, dragged him out and suggested that he was to bunk down with the steerage passengers below decks.Captain Gordon assaulted Mr. Van Nyvel again upon arrival at the dock in Sydney harbour. Two court cases ensued and in April the Judge dismissed the case and Captain Gordon continued on his way. Alexander and Elizabeth settled in Sydney however within a year they are aboard the schooner “Georgiana” on their way to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland 15th April 1843. Alexander found work as a Wheelwright on the corner of Vulcan Lane and O’Connell Street. Two more daughters are born, Sophia and Mary.In November 1853 under the Private Sale of Brown Lands Act, Alexander purchases 189 acres of land in Matakana for 90 pounds. Within weeks the Stuart family arrive aboard the cutter “Tay” and settled on their farm off Anderson’s Road, Matakana. Alexander set about building a house for the family which still stands today – “Rosemount Cottage”. The name may have been taken from Rosemount parish in Aberdeen.This is where two more children are born, both boys, Alexander, and David.We read that in 1857 Alexander is growing Oats on his farm and his efforts are widely reported throughout New Zealand as a very successful venture.Sadly, on the 24th March 1858 at the age of 52 years of age Alexander passes away. We have no record of why he died, however he died at the house of George Fraser the engineer for the Whytlaw Flax Mill at Glen Eden. This may suggest that he was working at the Whytlaw Flax Mill at the time. The story about the Whytlaw Flax Mill of Matakana is another great story for later.Alexander is buried in the Symonds Street Cemetery along with his son David and several other of his children.Elizabeth is 44 when her husband dies, and she has 3 children under 10 years. Her daughters Elizabeth and Margery would have been of great comfort as they are 19 and 16. She would also have had help from the local Scottish immigrants living in the area such as the, Frasers, Youngs and Matthew Whytlaw. In the New Zealander Paper of March 1867, we see that they are helping her plough the fields.Within a few short years Elizabeth and Margery marry and settle outside the district. Then in 1872 young Sophia marries a local man called David James Cruickshank, son of Dr Alexander Cruickshank of Greenlaw Matakana - Scottish immigrants, who arrived in NZ in 1859.A few years later tragedy strikes again and the only surviving son of Alexander and Elizabeth, Alex junior suddenly dies at the age of 22, his death certificate states cause as “heart disease”. Elizabeth lives on with help from her daughters and passed away at the age of 82 in 1895.The Stuart genes survive and live on in the Potts, Burningham, Croker and Cruickshank families. Young Sophia Cruickshank (nee Stuart) was able to acquire the farm and Rosemount Cottage which is passed down to the Cruickshank family for several generations.Together, Alexander James Stuart Jnr and his Mother Elizabeth Stuart (nee Quirie) lie in our Cemetery, a magnificent gravestone atop the hill.

Part time sales positionThe Matakana Coast App is looking for a part time salesperson.For 5-10 hours per week working from home/remotely.With occasional training in Matakana.With full training provided. A working knowledge of Hubspot would be a bonus but not essential. We are a small team running The Matakana Coast App, we are passionate about our community and everything it has to offer. We are growing steadily and havegreat plans.If you are computer savvy, have a great phone manner, sales experience, adaptable and willing to work hard please call Louise or email through your [email protected]