Thousands of credit card users have been hit by a technical glitch that caused transactions to be duplicated.One Kiwibank customer said almost $5000 was taken from his card after a pizza purchase made last night was duplicated 300 times.Kiwibank said about 500 customers were affected due to an issue with one of its vendors, and it was working to fix the problem.BNZ said 6000 of its customers had been impacted, but it had resolved the issue.It said an external credit card service provider told it the glitch happened between 10 and 10:30pm on Friday night.This story was originally posted on Radio New Zealand

Police are seeking witnesses to two fatal crashes that occurred near Whangārei, Northland last week.The first fatal crash occurred just after 7.00pm on Friday 9 June on State Highway 1 in the Mata area, 15 kilometres south of Whangārei.The crash involved a northbound blue ute and a southbound black-coloured station wagon. The crash was just north of the John’s Hill passing lanes and south of the Metal Pit by Hewlett Road, north of the Mata Hall.Sadly a 17-year-old passenger died at the scene of the crash.Police would like any witnesses of the crash, or driving prior to the crash, or anyone with dash camera footage to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.People can call our free 105 phone number quoting the file number: 230610/2511.The second fatal crash occurred at about 9.50am on Saturday 10 June at the intersection of Western Hills Drive and Percy Street, Whau Valley, Whangārei.The crash involved a silver-coloured hatchback and a white-coloured station wagon.Sadly, the 87-year-old driver of the hatchback later died in hospital.Once again, Police would like any witnesses of the crash, or driving prior to the crash, or anyone with dash camera footage to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.People can call 105 quoting the file number: 230610/4146.

Story by Delphine Herbert, senior reporter for RNZNew Zealanders have the opportunity to get up close and personal with treasures from Egypt, as the largest collection of ancient artefacts goes on display in Aotearoa.The collection, Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs, opens on Thursday at Auckland War Memorial Museum.It reveals the everyday life of one of history's most influential cultures, showcasing more than 300 artefacts, including mummified remains and jewellery. Some date back as far as 4500 years.The exhibition aimed to transport visitors back in time, to life at the time of Egypt's powerful pharaohs, legendary pyramids and classic art.Egyptologist and professor Regine Schulz who helped put the display together said there was plenty to see."Ancient Egyptian pharaohs, and there is a wonderful head of a pharaoh which comes from the first century, and we also have beautiful jewellery."Included in the exhibition are the mummified remains of Ta-Khar, a wealthy Egyptian woman who lived in Thebes during the 25th Dynasty, and adornments worn by ancient Egyptians.Bust of a New Kingdom Queen. Early new Kingdom (ca. 1550 BC). Dark red granite. Photo: Roemer- und Pelizaeus Museum HildesheimThere are also stunning carved reliefs and statues of animals, deities and pharaohs.Auckland War Memorial Museum chief executive David Gaimster said it was significant for the whole country."This is a one-in-a-generation opportunity. We don't get the opportunity to bring major exhibitions from Europe like this, on this scale, very often."We've been planning this for a long time. We really wanted to create a very rich and exciting programme for rebooting the museum after Covid and all those lockdowns."A coffin for the overseer of the granary Nakht in the exhibition Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs. Photo: MuseumsPartnerHe said New Zealanders were very interested in Egypt's history."Ancient Egypt was a foundational civilisation that inspired many societies around the world and continues to do so. Ancient Egyptians created symbols of power that we still recognise today and had sophisticated spiritual beliefs. They demonstrated humanity's ingenuity in architecture, engineering and construction, and used the river Nile landscape to support a rich and complex culture."The collection will be on display until 12 November.Story originally posted by Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has officially opened the new Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway heading north from Auckland.Watch the PM speaking here:After joining other officials to cut the ribbon on the $880 million Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth - motorway Hipkins said it was a "really significant day for the north".The motorway was a "vital transport link between Auckland and the Northland Region", he said, and while there was still more work to do on it, today's opening was a milestone worth celebrating.The 18.5-kilometre stretch of motorway was built as a partnership between Waka Kotahi and the Northern Express Group and will open to the public shortly, with only finishing works outstanding and expected to be completed over the next few months.More than 35,000 vehicles are expected to travel the stretch of road every day, including 1300 trucks.Hipkins said the roading project was one of the biggest the country had seen in recent times, with thousands having worked on it and thousands of others standing to benefit from it.The weather events of earlier in the year had shown how "vulnerable" some of New Zealand's roading network was and the new motorway would be a "great thing for the community", he said."This is a really significant step in the right direction in terms of getting a more resilient and more reliable and a safer road up network up here."Planning and consenting work was "well advanced" for the next section of the road, he said."We certainly acknowledge the vital importance of this section of road."Linking the Auckland Region to the Northland Region, this is the main lifeline, this is the main highway - we need to make sure that we're investing in it."Photo: Stuff / Jason DordayLabour had been wrong to call the motorway the 'holiday highway' he said, though he stood by his party's earlier criticism that it was wrong that "all of the funding was being directed into roads of national significance and away from maintenance and away from local roads"."We're still seeing the long-term effects of that now in the number of potholes we've got in our roads and the maintenance that just wasn't done during that period when all the funding was being diverted to roads of national significance," he said."The reality is we need to do both, we need to invest in new roads, but we've also got to make sure we're maintaining the existing roads that we've got."Both Ara Tūhono and the $62m Te Honohono ki Tai Matakana Link road were due to open to motorists "very soon" Associate Transport Minister Kiri Allan said, though exact times had not been announced in a bid to avoid traffic building up."Waka Kotahi says [announcing the opening times] does increase the chance of people coming up and causing some disruption."Together with the Matakana link road project, the new stretch of motorway will allow motorists heading to Matakana and the coast to bypass an often-congested intersection in Warkworth.The link road, Te Honohono ki Tai, was finished and ready to open.Auckland Transport (AT) chief executive Dean Kimpton said the road would reduce traffic through the Hill Street intersection at Warkworth by about half."It'll really free it up and allow people to move more quickly... people will enjoy the difference. We'll have bus services in place and you'll see increased frequency and reliability."Kimpton said the Warkworth Community Transport Hub would be the logical place to park and ride, freeing up car park spaces in the township for business and retail visitors."The Hub opening was meant to coincide with Te Honohono ki Tai Road and Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth, but was finished early. Once bus commuters realise there's plenty of free parking with new facilities, the Hub will come into its own."The 995 bus between Wellsford and Hibiscus Coast Station in Silverdale will run along the new motorway.The link road was 1.35km-long and connected Matakana Road and SH1 just north of Warkworth. It featured a bridge as well as walking and cycling facilities.The link road cost $62m to complete and was jointly funded by AT and Waka Kotahi.Wellsford-based Wharehine Construction managed the build, which took just under three years to complete, including delays due to Covid-19 and storms.The name Te Honohono ki Tai was gifted to the project and the road by Warkworth-based iwi Ngāti Manuhiri.It means "from the land to the sea", and reflects the pathway Te Honohono ki Tai Road takes from SH1 to Matakana Road.This story was originally posted by Radio New Zealand

Friday 16th JuneInvoke Wellness - Free Wellness ChecksLeigh Sawmill Friday Happy HourLive Music Friday Nights @ Matakana Village PubFiji Fridays @ SmithsLate Night Music With Unchained Duo @ Matakana EstateWhats on this month at Warkworth RSAWellsford Community Solutions Session 🏠 For renovations and architectural new builds in Northland check out Smith Construction 🔨Saturday 17th JuneMangawhai Community MarketMangawhai Tavern MarketMatakana Village Farmers MarketMixed Messages Saturdays @ SmithsThe Forest Bridge TrustPuppy Pre-School (Coleman Canine Coaching)Sunday 18th JuneSunday Service @ SmithsBones for Life

Warkworth RegionFriday 16th June - Periods of rain, possibly heavy. Easterlies.Saturday 17th - Mainly fine, a few showers especially in the morning. Easterlies, turning southerly in the morning.Sunday 18th - Partly cloudy, chance of a shower until late. Southerlies, easing in the afternoon..🏠 Contact Shade Design in Warkworth for your Canopies, Screens & Blinds, Louvres and Awnings needs.🏠Mangawhai RegionFriday 16th June - Showers becoming frequent and possibly heavy this afternoon. Light winds.Saturday 17th - Mostly cloudy with the chance of a shower, becoming fine in the evening. Southerlies, turning westerly late at night.Sunday 18th - Fine, then showers in the afternoon and evening. Westerlies, easing late.

Apparently we are only a few days away from the public being able to drive on the NEW Puhoi to Warkworth Motorway.So a good time perhaps to advise again of the permanent speed limits which will take effect on the day SH1 Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway opens.

Warkworth RegionHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 10hrs from 2am - noon Friday, 16th JunArea: Auckland from Whangaparaoa northwards, also Great Barrier IslandForecast: Rain could be heavy at times. Localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h are possible.Issued: 8:42am Thu 15 JunNext update: 9:00pm Thu 15 JunSevere Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 9pm Thursday, 15th Jun - 9am Friday, 16th JunArea: Northland, Great Barrier IslandForecast: A band of rain associated with an active trough is expected to move southeastwards onto Northland during Thursday evening. There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms with this rain band, which may spread as far south as Whangarei and Dargaville by midnight, then further south after midnight. There is also moderate risk that these thunderstorms could become severe over Northland and Great Barrier Island, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h, and possibly damaging tornadoes.Mangawhai RegionHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 16hrs from 6pm Thursday, 15th Jun - 10am Friday, 16th JunArea: NorthlandForecast: Rain could be heavy at times. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially in northern and eastern areas. Localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h and thunderstorms are possible.Severe Thunderstorm WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 9pm Thursday, 15th Jun - 9am Friday, 16th JunArea: Northland, Great Barrier IslandForecast: A band of rain associated with an active trough is expected to move southeastwards onto Northland during Thursday evening. There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms with this rain band, which may spread as far south as Whangarei and Dargaville by midnight, then further south after midnight. There is also moderate risk that these thunderstorms could become severe over Northland and Great Barrier Island, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h, and possibly damaging tornadoes.

Susan Botting, Local Democracy ReporterNorthland Regional Council divers have today set up a New Zealand-first caulerpa attack tool in the Bay of Islands.The new-to New Zealand approach is being trialled by Northland Regional Council (NRC) and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in an isolated patch of caulerpa in Albert Channel. It uses swimming pool chlorine tabs under a large heavy black tarpaulin attached to the sea floor with the equivalent of giant tent pegs, in a two-pronged attack on the superspreader invasive seaweed.The tool has been successfully used to fight caulerpa in California. Technical specialists from around New Zealand recently attended an online meeting with Californian caulerpa experts to learn more about tools to fight the pest.NRC divers put down the trial treatment tool in place today on a small, isolated patch of caulerpa about 500 metres outside the boundary of the government's less than 24-hour-old Controlled Area Notice (CAN) legally banning anchoring and fishing.The isolated patch of about one square metre of caulerpa has been covered in a 12 square metre heavy black tarpaulin anchored to the sea floor with tent pegs.More than 1000 hectares of the Bay of Islands moana now has a fishing and anchoring ban due to new government biosecurity controls and a mana whenua rāhui in the wake of caulerpa being found across 200 hectares of the iconic New Zealand visitor marine destination. The bans took effect yesterday, 12 June.👷🏼‍♂️ Do you need earthworks or drainlaying undertaken on your property? Dynamic Pipeworks can do that for you 💦NRC marine biosecurity specialist Kaeden Leonard said four chlorine pool tabs expected to kill the plant had been put on top of the caulerpa. The heavy black tarpaulin went over the top of this. It was aimed at starving any of the runners that spread horizontally out from the plant of light.The tarpaulin covers an area three times bigger than the caulerpa clump. Its use aims to also seal in the chlorine chemical to maximise the chemical's impact.A second adjacent much smaller area of caulerpa has also been treated with a single chlorine tab and covered in a one square metre of tarpaulin.NRC divers will return to the site to check progress in a month, monitoring in the meantime.NRC marine biosecurity officer Toby Dickson checks the New Zealand-first caulerpa treatment trial he and the council team have newly set up in the Bay of Islands on 13 June 2023. Photo: Supplied/ Brett Sutton, Marine Environmental Field ServicesThe trial is located near Mahenotiti Island and is hitting the additional small isolated caulerpa patches found in NIWA's eastern Bay of Islands surveillance checking late on Friday afternoon.Specialist NRC divers will continue to carry out surveillance dives in the immediate area of this isolated outcrop of Bay of Islands exotic caulerpa to provide confidence that all exotic Caulerpa around the trial site has been located.Mats covering the sea floor have been used in Great Barrier Island caulerpa treatment trials that used huge quantities of salt to try and kill the pest. However, these mats were hessian.The Bay of Islands' trial technology has previously been used in California to treat small areas, but of a different species of the exotic pest called caulerpa taxifolia. This type of caulerpa is known as aquarium caulerpa and can make people sick. It contains a toxin to prevent animals from eating it. The toxin accumulates in the flesh of fish which eat caulerpa taxifolia, this in turn getting passed on to humans. Caulerpa taxifolia is banned in Aotearoa.The Bay of Islands caulerpa infestation is made up of caulerpa brachypus and caulerpa parvifolia, the same two species as are found on Great Barrier Island - only about 100 kilometres to the south by sea from the Bay of Islands. These two species are not toxic.This story was first published by RNZ

Update 11am: Vector has advised it may be 3 or 4pm before the issue/fault is resolved.A massive power outage with Vector this morning is spanning a large area in Leigh, Matakana, Omaha, Whangateau, Pakiri, Snells, Algies, Martins Bay, Warkworth, out in the Kaipara, Glorit and Puhoi.Investigations are underway.For more information check your address on the Vector website

The residential property market may be close to bottoming out, as the drop in prices eases slightly for a second month in a row - but the potential for further volatility continues.The latest Quotable Value (QV) House Price Index showed national home values fell 3.4 percent over the three months to the end of May, slightly slower than the 3.5 percent quarterly fall in April and the 3.9 percent in March.QV operations manager James Wilson said it was still too soon to say if the market had hit the bottom."It is still very early days and sales volumes remain low across the country. We would still need a few more months of continued softening to claim conclusively that we're at the bottom of the market."The national average value was down nearly 14 percent on a year earlier to $888,930, but still 20 percent up on the pre-Covid-19 level.Average values fell in 11 of the 16 largest urban centres, including Auckland (-2.3 percent), Hamilton (-2 percent), Christchurch (-2.5 percent), and Wellington (-2.6 percent).Wellington's average rate of decline (-2.6 percent) had dropped below the national average (-3.4 percent) for the first time since the downturn began.Queenstown continued to buck the downward trend among the main centres, with home values rising by an average of 2.4 percent in the May quarter.Otherwise the quarterly rate of decline increased in Tauranga (-4 percent), New Plymouth (-2 percent), Nelson (-2.4 percent) and Marlborough (-4 percent)."When the market does hit bottom, we won't suddenly see values begin to increase across the board," Wilson said"Instead, what we're likely to see is a bumpy landing, with some centres reaching the bottom of their descent before others."Certain locations and property types may begin to experience some growth sooner rather than later, whereas others may remain flat or continue to soften for a period."First-home buyers likely to be hit firstHe said areas that appealed to first-home buyers and investors would likely be the first to rise."Most areas of the country that have experienced positive value growth or held relatively steady over the last quarter have had average values of well below $1m. In other words, 'first-home buyer territory'."Wilson said investors were less active in the market, as many adopted a wait-and-see approach in many markets."However, indications that the official cash rate has peaked could entice them back, with valuers and real estate agents at the 'coal face' of the market already reporting a small uptick in interest."Time will tell whether we do see a growing number of investors represented in sales volumes over the next few months, competing for entry level stock."Wilson said a high level of uncertainty continued to hang over the housing market as an investment."There's a generally cautious mindset out there, especially among many 'mum and dad' buyer types."While these buyers remain inactive, value levels in areas that used to be strong are likely to remain pretty weak. Strong net migration numbers may add some heat into the housing market over time, but it's likely we'll begin to see the impact of this on the rental market first."He said winter was typically weak, and especially ahead of an election."However, history shows us that elections don't typically have a significant impact on the housing market."Most likely, we'll see some buyer types remain on the sidelines until the result comes in. But it looks likely we're in for a few more bumps in the road between now and then."This story was originally published by RNZ

New biosecurity rules to prevent the spread of exotic Caulerpa seaweed will make it illegal to fish or anchor a vessel in an area of Te Rāwhiti in the Bay of Islands from 11.59pm on Monday, 12 June 2023.Two species of exotic Caulerpa have been found in the Omākiwi Cove area - Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia, and the amount found suggests the seaweed has been in the area for a number of seasons. These introduced seaweeds can spread rapidly and form dense underwater fields.Biosecurity New Zealand’s deputy director-general Stuart Anderson says mana whenua and others in the Northland community understand that preventative measures are needed to attempt to contain this pest.“These new legal restrictions, known as a Controlled Area Notice, are important to protect the valued Northland marine environment, but also wider Aotearoa New Zealand waters.“We are working in close partnership with mana whenua for Te Rāwhiti and they have supported this Controlled Area Notice (CAN) by enacting a rāhui over the same area.“This has been a partnership approach from the outset with mana whenua and the Northland Regional Council. We had really good conversations at a hui at Te Rāwhiti at the end of May, and we have another hui coming up later this week, cementing that commitment to work together.”🥑 Snells Beach C-Store is your local quick mart / grocer / barista plus more all in one place! Check it out the next time you are at Gull Snells Beach and support local! ☕The area under controls is bounded by Whau Point, the south-eastern tip of Te Ao Island, the eastern shoreline of Poroporo Island and the northern tip of Tokatokahau Point up to the high-tide area. See map provided.Under the CAN, it is illegal to remove any marine organisms (including fish, seaweed, crayfish or shellfish) from the zone – meaning fishing for any species in the area is not allowed. This includes spearfishing, crayfish, kina and other shellfish gathering, net fishing and drift fishing from any type of vessel.In addition, no anchoring is allowed in the controlled area, other than for a few permitted activities such as scientific research or where residents are reliant on a vessel for regular transport. Permits from Biosecurity New Zealand will be needed for this. Anchoring in an emergency, such as to shelter from weather, will be allowed.Diving in the area is also banned.“Caulerpa easily breaks into small fragments which can then be moved to other areas by people going about water activities such as anchoring, diving and fishing, which is why we need these legal controls,” Mr Anderson says.The response work in the Bay of Islands to date has included dive surveillance of known anchorage points with suitable habitat to determine where Caulerpa is present. Ahead of the introduction of the CAN, an extensive public education effort over King’s Birthday weekend included locally employed ambassadors, including from local hapū, distributing information to people all around the Bay of Islands. This effort will continue, along with thorough communication of the CAN and its conditions.“A technical advisory group has been convened to look at suction dredging as a possible control tool and a small group of scientific experts and mana whenua are going to California to inspect attempts to remove exotic Caulerpa there. We are working hard to explore options, but international research and experience tells us that successfully eradicating Caulerpa is extremely challenging."“We are keen to hear from anyone who has seen suspected exotic Caulerpa. This can be reported through 0800 80 99 66 or by completing the online reporting form at report.mpi.govt.nz  . Full information about exotic Caulerpa and the legal controls is at: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/caulerpa 

According to Chris Penk MP the new “Puhoi to Warkworth” motorway official opening will be THIS FRIDAY, 16th June.He also pointed out that it WILL be possible to drive the new route in the coming days (yet to be announced) whereas this Friday is the official opening ceremony.However, news/media outlets are saying it will be days after the official opening before it will be open to the public. Whatever the date we will be ready to drive on it soon!Ara Tūhono have released their latest update which you can read here, giving all the details on the route, speeds, connections, additional roadworks and useful info on the massive project.Image supplied by Ara Tūhono

The invasive gold clam discovered in the Waikato River in April had been there for two to three years, the Ministry for Primary Industries says.Native to Asia and now found in North America, South America and Europe, gold clams have the potential to destroy native habitats, clog water supplies and hydro dams if not contained.Efforts elsewhere to eradicate the pest have been unsuccessful as the clam is self fertile and are able to produce up to 70,000 juveniles a year.Once established, densities can reach tens of thousands per square metre.MPI officials gave an update on the response to the Waikato River incursion to the Primary Production and Environment select committees on Thursday.Director of Readiness and Response John Walsh said the clam was well established."We think the clam has been in the Waikato River for at least two years - possibly two to three years."We can tell because of the density, the fact that it's in multiple locations and the size of the cockles, some shells are close to three centimetres and it takes about two to three years to grow to that size."It's well established, when we did our immediate delimiting surveillance downriver from Bob's landing the site where we initially found it, when we went up river we had no trouble finding it anywhere we looked."Nationals spokesperson for biosecurity Nicola Grigg said the revelation is deeply concerning and efforts to contain the clam must be made immediately."It beggars belief it has only just been discovered - and by accident - meanwhile, MPI has spent the past month forming an industry advisory group rather than tackling the issue head-on."Full surveillance of the Waikato River and Lake Taupō is only just beginning, while tributaries won't be checked until the next phase of surveillance. Meanwhile, the threat of further contamination of waterways across the country is a very real possibility"🌱 Want to boost your plant growth naturally? Then look at Groconut, where 97% of users reported bigger plant growth after adding Groconut® into their plant care routine.🥥Grigg said without urgent action gold clams could infest Lake Taupō with the very real possibility it will make its way to hydro water schemes in the South Island as well.But head of Biosecurity New Zealand, Stuart Anderson, stood by the response to date, telling the select committees the issue is being taken seriously."I'm ware there have been some concerns expressed around the timeframes and the activities that have been taking place taking place, to date since we became aware of this, we believe the actions we have taken have been appropriate."Anderson broke down the history of the incursion which began on 19 of April when researchers doing some work around the Bobs Landing area spotted the clams.The first notification of the finding was on 1 May, he said.On 5 May there was visual confirmation that it appeared to be gold clam. "We had people on site doing inspections and some surveying along the river towards Hamilton."We then started the process of notifying councils, iwi and other key stakeholders."On 15 May, the ministry received DNA confirmation that it was a freshwater gold clam.After that there were hui with the river iwi, engagement with the councils and discussions on starting a surveillance programme."We got agreement on the methodology and the scope of the surveillance earlier this week, on Tuesday."That started on Wednesday and we're also getting work underway around doing some targeted inspection surveillance in other main waterways nationally that could be connected to the Waikato River."Anderson said a technical advisory group of New Zealand and international expertise was being formed to give the best advice on how to deal with the clam.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 12th June - Partly cloudy with a few showers. Southwesterlies, becoming fresh this afternoon and evening.Tuesday 13th June - Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing in the afternoon.Wednesday 14th June - Fine. Southerlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 15th June - Fine, but becoming cloudy. Northeasterlies.Friday 16th June - Rain, easing to a few showers. Fresh easterlies.Saturday 17th June - Showers, becoming isolated later but remaining mostly cloudy. Fresh easterlies.Sunday 18th June - Rain. Easterlies.👘 Looking for something different to wear? Two Boutique in Matakana offer a carefully curated collection of NZ & international clothing brands for both men & women. Stocking over 20 brands there is something for everyone! 👗Mangawhai RegionMonday 12th June - Mainly fine. Chance of a shower. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 13th June - Fine. Southerlies.Wednesday 14th June - Fine. Southerlies, easing late.Thursday 15th June - Cloud increasing, with rain developing later. Northeasterlies developing.Friday 16th June - A few showers. Westerlies.Saturday 17th June - Showers, clearing and becoming fine. Easterlies.Sunday 18th June - Rain. Easterlies.

It’s the weed Auckland gardeners love to hate - tradescantia, better known as 'wandering willie'.Arguably the most notorious pest weed to have escaped into the wild, it causes considerable damage to the natural environment, spreading along streams by water movement, infesting waterways and smothering native species.Community groups working in the Roy Clements Treeway, Mt Albert and Oakley Creek, New Windsor local parks requested council support in battling the pest plant. Auckland Council is, for the first time, organising the release of a fungal pathogen biocontrol in an urban environment to help control the weed.Auckland Council’s Senior Regional Advisor Pest Plants, Holly Cox says the council is excited about the long-awaited release of this biocontrol agent. “Tradescantia is very difficult to control and despite the best efforts of volunteers to manage the weed, they’ve been unable to make inroads. “The yellow leaf spot fungus is an ideal control as it disperses itself with water movement and humid air movement spreading to other infestations both inside and outside the stream reserve,” adds Holly.The plants, infected with the yellow spot fungus (Kordyana brasiliensis), will be planted in the waterway and together with the tradescantia leaf beetle already present, it is hoped the fungus will further reduce the impact on the ecosystem.The fungal pathogen, native to Brazil, is host-specific meaning it only impacts tradescantia and is no risk to other species.Tradescantia is identified as a pest plant in the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030, and eradication is tackled under a whole-of-region sustained control programme which aims to reduce the spread and impact of the pest plant.Read more about this pest species here.

The Christchurch City Mission is opening the South Island's first supermarket-style self-serve foodbank.It is part of an $11 million redevelopment completed over the past two years.Missioner Corinne Haines said for some struggling people, shopping at big supermarkets could be intimidating.The new foodbank - operational later this month - would run a bit like a supermarket, where clients could pick and choose items with support from staff.Haines said it would help clients with practical skills to shop for healthy meals, with staff leading them through the process of choosing ingredients."I think people have been put off in the past because their parents didn't know how to shop and it was just easy to buy fast food, but also when you get to the counter and you can't afford to pay, that's a very embarrassing situation."Whereas here it's a points system and we can say: 'Oh, you're over, maybe you can put that one and that one back and you'll be right'."Foodbank coordinator Steve Brinsden said it would change the way the City Mission gave out parcels."Because of the supermarket, we're thinking that we're going to reduce the number of parcels we need to give out by about 70 percent. So about 30 percent of the parcels will still have to remain because some people are always going to want the parcels, they're never going to be able to come to a supermarket and that's fine."The redevelopment had been a four-year plan.In October last year the Mission opened the first stage of it - an on-site cafe and transitional housing building. On Thursday, the Mission opened the last part with the new foodbank, as well as a warehouse area and offices.Haines said the idea was to create a village atmosphere for clients, with the Mission being a one-stop shop. She said that way when a person came in, the Mission could offer them food, financial assistance and other help to get them back on track."We just pass them around our organisation, and being close and being in the same area is very helpful to channel people through our organisation and give them the total support that we can."The foodbank was giving out about 350 boxes a week, and recently had to cut down the number because their food supply was low, she said."We used to give people six food parcels a year, I think we're down to five at the moment because we need to eke it out."Two years ago we didn't buy in much food - we had it all gifted. Now we're buying food every single month."Winter was always the toughest month, and the demand for help was higher, Haines said."A lot of people are struggling financially… there's a lot of pressures on people, but especially in winter when electricity charges are really high."Haines expected demand would get worse before it got better as winter had only just begun.This story was originally 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, 16 June 2023.Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Waiwera on-ramp, 14 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Orewa northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneSilverdale northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 12 JuneSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 14 JuneOteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 12 & 14 JuneGreville Road southbound on-ramp, 11 & 14 JuneNorthbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 12-14 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 12-14 JuneNorthbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 15 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Constellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 15 JuneTristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 15 JuneCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Tamaki Drive, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Tamaki Drive, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 14 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 14 JuneRedoubt Road northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 14 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 15 JunePapakura southbound on-ramp, 15 JuneSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 11 & 13–14 JuneDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 11 & 13–15 JuneNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 12-13 JuneBombay northbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneRamarama northbound on-ramp, 12-13 JuneSouthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 14 JuneNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 14 JuneBeaver Road northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneBeaver Road northbound off-ramp, 14 JuneNikau Road northbound on-ramp, 14 JuneRidge Road northbound off-ramp, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Razorback Road northbound on-ramp, 15 JuneSH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Pokeno northbound off-ramp, 13 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 11 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound off-ramp, 12 & 14 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 11:30pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 12 & 14 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 13 & 15 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 13 & 15 June (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Hampton Downs northbound off-ramp, 11 June (approx. 8:00pm to 12 midnight)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Lincoln Road southbound off-ramp, 11 JuneLincoln Road northbound on-ramp, 11 & 13-15 JuneLincoln Road northbound off-ramp, 13 JuneNorthbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu northbound on-ramp, 12 JunePatiki Road northbound on-ramp, 12 JuneRosebank Road southbound on-ramp, 14 JuneGreat North Road northbound on-ramp, 12 JuneSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 12 JuneUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Eastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Matthews Road, 13 JuneSH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 & 15 JuneAlbany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 13 JuneWestbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 12 JuneEastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 12 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links, (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12 JuneMaioro Street northbound on-ramp, (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12 JuneSH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link, 12 JuneSH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 12 JuneSouthbound lanes between SH20/SH20A links and Kirkbride Road on-ramp, 11-15 JuneSH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 11-15 JuneSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 11-15 JuneSouthbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 11 JuneCavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 11 JuneLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 11 JuneSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and Cavendish Drive on-ramp, 11 June (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Lambie Drive northbound on-ramp, 11 JuneGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 13-15 JuneKirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 13-15 JuneSH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 13-15 JunePUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)SH2 westbound to SH1 northbound link, 15 June (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)

A Whangārei man reported as missing has been found dead.The body was discovered at Parihaka Reserve by a member of the public on Thursday evening.Police said he had been identified as Veon Smith, 48, who was reported missing on Sunday.The death was not being treated as suspicious and had been referred to the coroner, police said.This story was originally published by RNZ