Leonard PowellPeople who fail their driver's licence tests will be breathing a sigh of relief from Sunday, when the fee to resit examinations is scrapped.From 1 October 2023 you will only have to pay an application fee, as changing, rebooking and cancelling of tests becomes free.The initial cost to book will rise slightly for both learners (from $93.90 to $96.10) and restricted (from $134.80 to $167.50), while a full licence will now be cheaper (from $109.50 to $98.90).The major saving will come from the new cost being a one-off fee, which currently sits at $45.70 for learners, $59.50 for full and to $86.60 for a restricted licence.'Everyone knows you'll never pass the first time'The change could not come soon enough for North Shore teenager Amanda*. When First Up spoke to her, she had just failed her restricted licence for a second time, despite 15 driving lessons and countless hours driving with her mother.Dejected, Amanda said the first test had sapped her confidence, after the examiner shamed her for a botched parallel park."She opened the door and she's like 'when you go shopping with your friends like you expect them to jump onto the curb?' I was like, whoa, didn't expect to hear that. It threw me off of it from there, I almost started crying because it was just really out of the blue and she just got a really bad tone."Still confident of passing, Amanda rebooked another test, but failed that just five minutes into the hour-long examination. She was now waiting until the rebooking fee disappears, to save money.Amanda said the talk among her peers, one of whom had failed seven times, was that the system was against them."Everyone knows you'll never pass the first time, which is quite weird to know that you're just never gonna pass the first time and you have to keep giving them all your money," Amanda said.Her mother said she had seen posts on social media saying the system was designed to fail, and was prepared for the result."There is an expectation that no one passes on the first round. It's almost a given, which surprises me, because it's a lot of money."She was also weighing up whether she would accompany her daughter in the back seat for the next test, something she had previously considered "helicopter parenting"."It's a difficult one because it's her journey, right? And normally I would sit back and just go 'this is your moment.' But it does seem, especially with the first one where there's demeaning kind of conversation, it seems there's a very unequal power imbalance."'There is no quota'Craig Basher is the national technical manager for Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ).He was used to hearing people's theories, but assured First Up there was no funny business going on, and that driving tests were not a money-making venture."There is no quota at all for restricted, full or learners' tests."Basher said despite the online discourse, VTNZ's pass rates had remained relatively consistent for the last eight years, with a 55 percent pass rate for the restricted test and a 66 percent pass rate for a full driver's licence."It's all based around the how the candidate performed on the day and whether they passed all of the assessable tasks."Basher said the most common reasons for failing were speeding through road works, not coming to a complete stop at stop signs - and poor gap selection.Some people even fail the test before leaving the carpark."One of the things I will say is that when you get there, make sure you've got your licence make sure your car's fit to drive, because some people fail because the car doesn't have a WOF [warrant of fitness], or it's not registered, or the seat belts don't work, or the indicators don't work."The eye of an expertAlistair McGregor has run the Counties Driving School for 20 years in Auckland's Pukekohe. He said he had heard all of the excuses from people who had not passed.People should be patient with learner drivers, Alistair McGregor said. Photo: RNZ / Leonard Powell"A lot of rumours go out when students fail the test. They often feel that they've been victimised in some ways, but the reality is people fail the test because they're ill-prepared, don't have enough time on the road and then when they go out, basic errors are created and the test is failed."He blamed a lack of preparation by learner drivers for failing, and said with more parents working full-time now, they often have less time to teach their children.The change in standards over the years also meant parents might not be teaching their children to drive correctly."It's often quoted by parents 'You know, we just took 20 minute tests around the block with the traffic officer', etc etc. And so they're teaching their children out on the road skills that are not necessarily applicable or will be looked for on the restricted."McGregor also took the chance to urge "notoriously impatient" New Zealand drivers to be kinder with those starting out."As soon as they see a vehicle with an L plate on or drive a training plate on, they feel a need to overtake or drive really closely now. You have to ask yourself, why would you drive close to a learner driver? If the learner driver panics and breaks hard, both vehicles are gonna be damaged."Everyone had to learn at some point or other, just take your time be patient with learners on the road."*Amanda's real name has not been used to protect her privacy.This story was originally published by RNZ

We are updating our draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (WMMP) and want your input. The Plan includes actions and goals for improving how waste is managed and reducing the recyclable and compostable material that ends up in landfill.The image below shows what Kaipara sent to landfill in the 12 months to July 2023 - we want to work together with our communities to improve these stats Give your feedback on our draft WMMP before 5pm on Friday 6 October: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/wmmp

A total of $14.4 million will go towards Rodney facilities, services and environmental activities this financial year.Rodney Local Board recently approved operational spending for work across parks, recreation facilities, community and environmental projects for the benefit of its local community. A further $10.2 million was allocated towards capital investment in the area.Board Chair Brent Bailey says the programmes’ activities align with the 2020 local board plan outcomes of environmental protection, community resilience, and developing parks and recreation facilities to meet growth needs.“Community feedback on the budget strongly supported ecological restoration projects, library services, community grants, and hall subsidies which helped prioritise these services.“We have carefully reviewed our programmes and services to ensure we meet community’s needs as best we can, and we have listened to feedback on what their priorities are."This funding means a range of customer, community services and environment activities will be delivered this financial year, including:Restore Rodney East Facilitator, Pest Free Coatesville, Rodney West Coordinators, Shorebirds Trust Coordinator - $158,000Helensville construction and demolition waste minimisation programme – $20,000Local Crime Prevention Fund, safety initiatives investment - $67,591Support and activation of community centres and halls – $85,000Increase physical activity and access to play for children and young peoplePest control and large-scale community restoration activities take place throughout Rodney and it’s the facilitators and co-ordinators who help groups collaborate and achieve predator free goals.Te Arai Shorebirds Trust are setting up a predator control zone from Mangawhai to Pākiri to act as a buffer for Tara Iti Wildlife Sanctuary and Te Arai Regional Park. They aim to provide coastal protection for shorebirds and a breeding habitat for the critically endangered fairy tern. Funding is for a co-ordinator to assist with community engagement, landowners’ permissions and trap installations.Among the many planned activities in the workstream is funding for community centres and halls.“We are keen to support an activator role to work across several of our community venues, promote a wide range of activities to help establish well-used community spaces.“Now that the funding is locked in, we are supporting a wide range of activities and initiatives that will benefit Rodney residents. We hope the work being delivered will have a positive impact on our community and make a huge difference to people’s lives.” says Bailey.More information about all the work programmes can be found here.

Warkworth RegionMonday 25th September - Mostly cloudy with occasional rain, turning to showers this afternoon, possibly heavy. Southeasterlies.Tuesday 26th - Partly cloudy, with showers clearing in the evening. Northerlies, turning to strong southwesterlies in the morning.Wednesday 27th - Partly cloudy, with a few showers developing in the evening. Fresh westerlies, easing in the afternoon.Thursday 28th - Partly cloudy, with showers. Northwesterlies, turning to fresh southwesterlies.Friday 29th - A few showers. Strong westerlies.Saturday 30th - Showers. Strong westerlies.Sunday 1st October - A few showers with southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 25th September - Cloudy with a few showers. Fine spells developing this evening. Southwesterlies.Tuesday 26th - Showers, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Southwesterlies, becoming strong in the morningWednesday 27th - Cloud increasing, with a few showers developing late. Fresh westerlies, easing.Thursday 28th - A few showers. Southwesterlies.Friday 29th - Fine, then showers developing. Westerlies.Saturday 30th - Cloudy, with showers developing. Strong westerlies.Sunday 1st October - Showers with southwesterlies.

Catch limits and allowances across a range of fisheries will change from 1 October 2023 as part of Fisheries New Zealand's regular sustainability review.The changes are part of a 6-month cycle of catch limit reviews conducted by Fisheries New Zealand, says Fisheries New Zealand's director of fisheries management, Emma Taylor."These reviews are about ensuring long-term sustainability so there are plenty of fish in the water for current and future generations to enjoy."Catch limits are adjusted based on the best available science information along with feedback from the community. This tells us what's happening in our fisheries and helps identify what course of action to take."Where there is evidence more fish can be harvested sustainably, we look to increase limits, and this is the case for 8 of the stocks reviewed. On the other hand, if the information suggests a stock isn't as healthy, we look at reducing the catch limits to help the fishery recover as we have for 2 of the stocks reviewed."In addition to the catch limit changes, deemed value rates for 3 stocks have also been reviewed and adjusted. These are the fees commercial fishers pay for catch that is outside of their Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE)."The adjustments to deemed value rates have been made to reflect market value and to incentivise commercial fishers to catch within the limits that are set for the year."Most of the changes are for commercial catch limits except for kina which has also had an increase to the allowance for customary fishing recognising the significance of kina as a taonga species and local source of kaimoana.Summary of the changesStocks with catch limit increasesKutai/Green-lipped mussel in Waikato, the west coast of Auckland and Northland, and Te Oneroa a Tōhe/Ninety Mile Beach (GLM 9) – increased for the six months to April 2024, then will revert to the current total allowable catch.Kina in the east of Northland, Auckland, Hauraki Gulf, and Bay of Plenty (SUR 1A and SUR 1B).Tiikati/Gemfish in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Hawke's Bay, and the east coast of Wellington (SKI 1 and SKI 2).Araara/Trevally in East Cape, Hawke's Bay, and the east coast of Wellington (TRE 2).Kumukumu/Red gurnard in the east coast of the South Island, Chatham Rise, sub-Antarctic, Southland, Rakiura, and Fiordland (GUR 3).Silver warehou in the east coast of the South Island (SWA 3).Stocks with catch limit reductionsPūwhara/Monkfish in the West Coast and top of the South Island (STA 7).Nihorota/Orange roughy in the Chatham Rise and southern Aotearoa (ORH 3B).Deemed value adjustmentsTāmure/Snapper on the west coast of the North Island (SNA 8) – deemed value rate increased.Tāmure/Snapper on the West Coast and top of the South Island (SNA 7) – deemed value rate decreased.Tupere/School Shark in Southland and sub-Antarctic (SCH 5) – deemed value rate increased.Public consultation on the proposed changes took place between June and July 2023.A prohibition on all commercial kina dredging in Tory Channel in the Marlborough sounds will also take effect on 1 October 2023. Proposals to restrict kina dredging in Tory Channel were publicly consulted between January and February as part of Fisheries New Zealand's April sustainability reviewFisheries New Zealand provides recommendations to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries who makes the final decisions. The advice from Fisheries New Zealand is based on the latest stock assessments, feedback from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishing interests, environmental interests, and the public."I'd like to thank tangata whenua and everyone who provided feedback during the public consultation," Emma Taylor said. More information about the consultation including the minister's decision

Dairy co-operative Fonterra's full year net profit has nearly tripled, with revenue growth of 12 percent.The dairy exporter said the strong result reflected the execution of its strategy, against a backdrop of weak farmgate milk prices.Key numbers for the 12 months ended July compared with a year ago:Net profit $1.58b vs $583mRevenue $26.05m vs $23.4bProfit from continuing operations $1.54b vs $752mNormalised net profit 95 cents per share vs 36 cpsNet debt $3.2b vs $5.3bMilk payout $8.22 per kilogram of milk solids vs $9.30 per kgMSFinal dividend 40 cps vs 15 cpsFull year dividend 50 cps plus 50 cps capital return to shareholders."Our FY23 performance demonstrates that we are focusing on the right strategic priorities. This said, we are aware that there are challenging conditions on the ground for many of our farmers," chief executive Miles Hurrell said."Our 2022/23 season farmgate milk price was impacted by reduced demand for whole milk powder from key importing regions."Average whole milk powder prices fell 16 percent from the 2021/22 season."We are watching market dynamics closely and there are indications demand for New Zealand milk powders will start to return from early 2024," he said.The co-operative was forecasting a farmgate milk price in a range of between $6.00 and $7.50 per kilogram of milk solids for the 2023/24 season.It also expected to make a profit of between 45-to-60 cents a share in the coming year, which compared with 95 cents in the year just ended.The co-op also reported a 12 percent return on capital for the last 12 months, compared with 6.8 percent the year earlier.Hurrell said demand for other products, including foodservice and our value-added ingredients, continued to be robust."There were a number of key drivers that helped us deliver this result, including favourable margins in our ingredients channel, in particular the cheese and protein portfolios," he said."We also saw improved performance in our foodservice channel due to increased product pricing and higher demand as Greater China's lockdown restrictions started to ease from the start of calendar year 2023."This story was originally posted on RNZ News

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 25 September (approx. 9:30pm to 7:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 25 September (approx. 9:00pm to 7:00am)Northbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 24 September (approx. 9:30pm to 7:00am)SH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 28 September (approx. 8:00pm to 4:30am)Constellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 24 September (approx. 9:00pm to 7:00am)Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 26 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 26 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Southbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 27 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 27 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Northbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Esmonde Road on-ramp, 26 & 28 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 26 & 28 SeptemberOnewa Road southbound on-ramp, 28 SeptemberOnewa Road northbound off-ramp, 27 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 27 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 27 SeptemberShelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 28 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00amCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 28 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 24-25SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 26-28 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 24-25 SeptemberSH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 26-28 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 24-28 SeptemberHill Road northbound on-ramp, 28 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 24-28 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 24-28 September (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 24 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 25-28 SeptemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 24-28 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 24 SeptemberRamarama southbound on-ramp, 24 September Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 25-28 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 24 SeptemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 24 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 25 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 25 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata Northbound off-ramp, 24-28 SeptemberTe Kauwhata northbound on-ramp, 24-28 SeptemberNORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road Roundabout and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 24 SeptemberUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Paul Matthews Road and Albany Highway on-ramp, 28 September (approx. 8:00pm to 4:30am)Paul Mathews Drive westbound on-ramp, 28 September (approx. 8:00pm to 4:30am)SH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 24 September (approx. 9:00pm to 7:00am)Albany Highway westbound off-ramp, 26 SeptemberAlbany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 26 SeptemberAlbany Highway westbound on-ramp, 28 SeptemberAlbany Highway eastbound off-ramp, 28 SeptemberWestbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 25 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Albany Highway westbound on-ramp, 25 SeptemberEastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 25 & 27 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive westbound off-ramp, 25 SeptemberSquadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 27 SeptemberEastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 27 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Squadron Drive off-ramp and Hobsonville Road on-ramp, 24 SeptemberBrigham Creek Road westbound on-ramp, 24 SeptemberSH18 westbound to SH16 southbound link, 24 SeptemberSOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Southbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Walmsley Road on-ramp, 28 SeptemberNeilson Street northbound off-ramp, 26 SeptemberNeilson Street southbound on-ramp, 27 SeptemberMahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 27 SeptemberRimu Road northbound on-ramp, 26 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 24-25 SeptemberLambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 24-28 SeptemberSH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 24-25 SeptemberSH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 24-25 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 24-28 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 24-28 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 24-28 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

Warriors-mania has reached boiling point for New Zealand fans in Brisbane, as they prepare for the preliminary final against the Broncos on Saturday night.From the UFC, to the NBA, Parliament chambers and even the top of Machu Picchu, the Warriors catch cry is being heard across the planet.Khan Wirepa will be one of thousands proudly representing the country and says it will be a home away from home for the side.He and his fellow New Zealanders in the crowd are set to bring the noise."It's gonna be Broncos supporters dominant, but I'm pretty sure the Kiwis that are there are going to make themselves heard."Another diehard fan, Kyle Fenton, plans to drown out the Broncos support."I know all of them have got the drum ready to go, I chant nearly 24/7 at all the games with the drums. There will be more Broncos supporters there, because it's in Brizzy, but I think with the heart and soul of the Warriors fans cheering we'll be able to neutral the ground."Fenton said the excitement on the streets had been palpable."You can just tell, even the fans in New Zealand who have travelled over but in Brisbane in general. It was funny because the tickets for the Warriors bay were the first ones to sell out before the Broncos bay."For game day, the pre- and post-match will be celebrated at the Lord Alfred Hotel - the bar of choice for Warriors fans.Luke Mellers, sales manager of Hallmark Group which owns the hotel, said the relationship they had built was special."They are absolute diehards and there's plenty of them in Brisbane. So we've sort of become the official home of the Warrior supporters in Brisbane."Mellers said there were no fans quite like Warriors' fans."They do make plenty of noise, which is what we like, the more atmosphere, the better, and they take up the whole second floor of the hotel here. They've got all the banners up there, balloons. So it's pretty special, but to be honest I think this weekend they will fill more than just upstairs, they will probably take over the whole place.Speaker of the house, Adrian Rurawhe- "Up the Wahs." Photo: parliamentABC Sport commentator Zane Bojack said the parochial supporters would be out in force as they were whenever the Warriors came to town."I have no doubt there's going to be a lot of New Zealand fans in the stadium. It's going to be rocking with the wires, whether they can outnumber the Broncos, I don't think that's the case, but there is a lot of support in southeast Queensland, and the Wahs, they will have plenty of support that's for sure."Bojack believed Broncos fans would be weary after a dominant Warriors win against Newcastle."If they are not in the ground, there will be a lot of support there to try and give them as much positive energy as they can to the Warriors."Mellers said 'Up the Wahs' chants would echo through the night should they win.With so many New Zealanders now calling Australia home, Wirepa said there was a strong Warriors community."I wear my jersey as much as I can. Pretty much every time I go out anywhere. There's always a fair few people yelling up the Wahs.".The Warriors and Broncos kick off on Saturday at 9.50pm (NZT).General view during the NRL elimination final match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Newcastle Knights at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday September 16, 2023. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions / PhotosportThis story was originally posted by Jonty Dine, Sports Reporter for RNZ News

Police are warning businesses, especially in the Waitematā District to be on the lookout for counterfeit banknotes circulating in the area.Businesses handling cash should be careful and double check the security features of any cash they receive as payment for goods.Here are some security features to look for Check the hologram featuring a fern and map of New Zealand. This will also contain the same bird that is featured on the left-hand side of the banknote. Look for the numeral on the front and back of the bank note. There is microtext including “RBNZ” on the front. Check for ink runs (there should not be any). Hold it up to the light, check the watermark of the late Queen to the right of the feature portrait. Feel it – polymer banknotes have raised printing which can be felt. The notes are made of one piece of plastic and shouldn’t tear easily. Tilt it to see the colour of the bird change.If anyone presents a counterfeit note, do not accept it and notify Police.The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has clear guides outlining the security features of New Zealand banknotes and how to spot counterfeit notes including a downloadable PDF quick guide on their website https://bit.ly/3t1RRlQCall 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report any information about counterfeit money.

Warkworth RegionFriday 22nd September - Cloudy periods with the odd shower. Northerlies, fresh this afternoon.Saturday 23rd - Rain, with heavy falls developing in the evening. Northerlies, becoming strong for a time in the afternoon and evening.Sunday 24th - Rain, heavy at first, clearing but remaining cloudy. Fresh southwesterlies, easing in the afternoon.Whangarei RegionFriday 22nd September - Cloudy periods with a few showers. Northerlies.Saturday 23rd - Occasional rain, becoming persistent and heavy at times from afternoon. Fresh northerlies, turning westerly in the evening.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 26hrs from 9pm Sat, 23 Sep - midnight Sun, 24 SepArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may reach warning criteria.Sunday 24th - Rain, clearing to partly cloudy in the morning. Fresh southerlies, easing in the afternoon.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 26hrs from 9pm Sat, 23 Sep - midnight Sun, 24 SepArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may reach warning criteria.

Finn Blackwell, ReporterKiwiRail says its plans for rail network development are not dependent on whether Auckland light rail goes ahead.At a round table earlier this week, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail released their vision for investment into passenger and freight rail over the next 30 years.The Strategic Rail Programme includes a designated rail corridor across town, adjacent to State Highway 20 and through Onehunga.KiwiRail chief capital planning and asset development officer David Gordon said it would share the space with the proposed light rail, if the latter goes ahead."In general terms, we'll tuck ourselves as close to the motorway as you can, and they'll be on the outside, if that proceeds," he said.Gordon said the Strategic Rail Programme was on a similar scale to proposed mega projects like the light rail.In a statement to RNZ, Gordon said the programme had been developed with the assumption that light rail would go ahead, but it was in no way dependent on it.If it were to be cancelled, he said, the demand on the passenger rail network would increase marginally, but not substantially, as they generally served different catchments.The programme identifies six areas for investment over the next 30 years, including station upgrades, and the removal of level crossings.The process included developing options, gathering feedback from key stakeholders, incorporating feedback and following approvals pathway through to submission to the transport minister.AT chief executive Dean Kimpton said the programme had to work in collaboration with the Auckland Integrated Transport Plan."That's the game plan for Auckland, how we deliver transport outcomes for Aucklanders into the long term," he said."Aucklanders love rail, and we know that, they love to catch the train."KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy described the programme as a forward look into Auckland's rail network.Currently, the programme is unfunded, with AT and KiwiRail saying they needed to work with the Crown to deliver on the programme.The estimated budget for the programme is about $22 billion.The next steps were to go through the boards at Auckland Transport, KiwiRail, and Waka Kotahi for approval.This story was originally published by RNZ

Northland’s three District Council roading teams are gearing up for a major resurfacing and road repair programme in the hope wet weather is set to ease.Spring and summer are traditionally the seasons roadcrews can ramp up activity around roading improvements and road renewal programmes.Roading crews hampered by ongoing wet weather have focussed on temporary repairs in recent months to get Northland motorists through winter, while plans were finalised to launch into a full resurfacing programme from now. Those more permanent repairs will continue throughout spring, summer and autumn.While the extremely wet summer of 2022/2023 only allowed crews five clear weeks of road construction, NTA General Manager Calvin Thomas is hoping for an ongoing break in the weather, particularly from September onwards, to allow crews to undertake an uninterrupted stretch of critical work across Northland’s Council roading networks.“Because it was such a wet season last summer, we could not do anywhere the amount of resurfacing or unsealed network improvement works that we had planned, which was very frustrating and we were also contending with emergency event repairs from all of the storm events over the past year or two,” says Mr Thomas.“Northland’s three District Councils are planning for delivery of a combined $200 million of investment in repairs, maintenance and improvements to our local roading and transport networks over the next 12 months. So, from September and throughout summer, it will be a very busy time on our roads as we play catch up.”Mr Thomas says following Cyclone Gabrielle, crews have completed approximately $25 million of emergency repair works out of the estimated $89 million across the Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara District Council networks. These initial repairs are focussed on the less complex sites, with planning underway to begin the programme of initiating repairs on larger sites.As work continues on these slip repairs, with over 100 significant slip sites remaining across the region, some of the repairs are expected to take several years to fully complete.Summer is also time to properly fix areas under stress, usually indicated by potholes because it can effectively be done when the ground is dry, he says.“On average, we are identifying and attending to more than 8,500 potholes per month, but again we ask ratepayers to phone their local council and report any urgent potholes or roading damage.”His sentiments are reiterated by WDC Chief Executive Simon Weston who, speaking on behalf of all three Councils, says Northlanders can look forward to more roading progress in months to come.“Northland’s elected members, staff and contractors are all aware that the current state of Northland’s local road network is significantly below where it needs to be,” says Mr Weston.“The significant amount of work planned over the next six months will result in improvements, however, on top of this we are also undertaking a full review of our roading activities to ensure our communities are receiving quality and value outcomes.”Key roading projects to get underway in Kaipara in the coming weeks and months are as follows:Unsealed road rehabilitation (pavement rebuild) treatments are planned for approximately 20 roads across the Kaipara District, including Awakino Point North Road, Gorge Road, Lawrence Road and Oruawharo Road.Sealed road rehabilitation works are also planned on sections of roads across the Kaipara District, including Baylys Coast Road, Baldrock Road and Moir Street.Phase three of the Mangawhai shared path will begin late 2023, filling in the remaining sections to provide a continuous link between Mangawhai village and the heads.Dargaville shared path will commence (pending final Council approval) creating a number of off-road cycle routes throughout the town connecting key locations to provide safe walking and cycling access between schools, shopping areas and residential areas.Ratepayers and residents can keep up to date with resurfacing and road repair programmes at: https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/road-repairs

A Northland man has been fined more than $33,000 for an incident that saw dozens of tyres burnt on a property south of Kaiwaka.Bernard Glen Stewart was sentenced earlier this month in the Whangārei District Court, after admitting to three charges relating to discharging contaminants and polluting the air and groundwater.Stewart earlier told enforcement officers that he had to burn a pile of waste left by a previous tenant to prevent his stock from getting tangled in it, and that he did not know that he was not allowed to burn tyres.In early January last year, firefighters attended a smouldering pile of burnt material on the land which Stewart used for grazing livestock, after being called to the scene by a neighbour.The burnt area was 20 by 15 metres and contained steel belts from tyres, as well as the remains of over 100 tyres.The fire took about 13,600 litres of water to fully extinguish.Neighbours had told council staff that Stewart had returned to the property the day after the burning and used a digger to bury the remains of the burnt material.The Northland Regional Council said an estimated 40 cubic metres of waste had to be removed and disposed of in Northland's Puwera landfill in mid-May this year, after "lime stabilisation" was done on the land to reduce the mobility of zinc in the waste.But the land remains on the hazardous activities and industries list.Judge DA Kirkpatrick said the thick smoke and noxious fumes should make any person realise that burning tyres was unlikely to be permitted."Taking that one step further, a person using land for farming activities should recognise that burying the remains of such a fire could have adverse effects, including the leaching of contaminants into ground water," he said.Judge Kirkpatrick said while the disposal of tyres was not a simple matter, the tyres could have been disposed of at the Kaiwaka transfer station which would have cost $25 tyre.Meanwhile, Stewart's lawyer stressed that his client had been cooperative with the council and had paid for cleaning the roofs of his neighbours.Stewart was initially fined $47,500 but was given a 5 percent discount for his previous good character and efforts at remediation, and another 23 percent discount for an early guilty plea - taking his fine to $33,250.This story was originally published by RNZ

Daylight saving is upon us once again, which means more daylight hours to enjoy Summer!Daylight saving starts each year at 2am on the last Sunday in September, and ends at 3am on the first Sunday in April.This year daylight saving starts this Sunday 24 September 2023 at 2amWhere we move forward 1 hour, for example, from 10am to 11am.We lose an hour of sleep but have an extra hour of daylight at the other end of the day.

Police have arrested and charged a 16-year-old after a homicide investigation was launched in Albany on Monday.The youth has been charged with murder and will appear in the Hamilton Youth Court today.Detective Inspector Callum McNeill, Waitematā CIB, says Police travelled to Hamilton last night and arrested the 16-year-old with the assistance of Waikato CIB.Emergency services responded to an incident at Albany Bus Station at around 12.50pm on Monday afternoon.One person was taken to Auckland Hospital but later died.“A post-mortem examination is scheduled to get underway today,” he says.“We are working through the process of formal identification and contacting the family. Once the proper processes have been carried out we will be able to release the victims details.”The scene has now been cleared and investigations remain ongoing.Detective Inspector McNeill says Police are continuing to speak to a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time.Anyone who saw the incident and has not yet spoken to Police is encouraged to contact us via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report and quoting reference file number 230918/6677.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.As the matter is now before the courts, Police cannot comment further.Police will continue to be highly visible in the Albany area following the incident at the bus station yesterday afternoon.We acknowledge how frightening this incident was for those involved, and for the wider community, and we are ensuring there is support in place for the victim and their friends and family.We want to reassure the community there is no further risk to the public in relation to this incident.North Shore Police will be seen patrolling the area regularly to ensure those using the bus network and nearby areas feel safe.

Auckland’s bi-annual tsunami siren test will take place at the beginning of daylight saving on Sunday 24 September at 12pm (midday). “It’s important to test the sirens to make sure they’re working as expected. There’s no cause for alarm during the testing and no action is required by the public,” Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Paul Amaral says. Located at a number of coastal sites, sirens give a combination of alert sounds and voice instructions advising what actions residents should take in a real emergency. You can check and listen to the siren sound sample on the Auckland Emergency Management website [.WAV]. We would also appreciate if you could fill out the tsunami siren testing reporting form to let us know if you heard the sirens during the test and what it sounded like.  Where are tsunami warning sirens located in Auckland? Rodney: Point Wells, Whangateau, Omaha Albany Ward: Waiwera, Ōrewa, Hobsonville, Herald Island Waitākere: Bethells / Te Henga, Piha North, Piha South, Karekare, Whatipu, Little Huia, Te Atatū South, Te Atatū Peninsula North Please note that tsunami sirens at some of these locations have been vandalised or stolen. This means the audible warnings for a tsunami threat at those locations will not be functioning or functioning below full capacity. Changes to our tsunami risk and alerting The Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee has voted to decommission the aging and compromised Meerkat tsunami siren network.  AEM General Manager Paul Amaral acknowledges the decision may concern some communities. “We want to assure our communities that there will be timely communication in the event of a potential tsunami.”  “If there is a tsunami threat, an Emergency Mobile Alert will be broadcast to all capable mobile phones. As well as this, news media and social media channels will be used to alert Aucklanders.” Councillor Sharon Stewart, Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee chairperson says tsunami siren testing is a good prompt for Aucklanders to familiarise themselves about what to do in an emergency. “Aucklanders have become increasingly familiar with the Emergency Mobile Alert as an effective way to alert them to danger, having experienced this through the pandemic and during this year’s extreme weather events. The Emergency Mobile Alert will be used to alert Aucklanders to a potential tsunami. “The siren testing day is a good prompt for Aucklanders to talk with their whānau about planning for emergencies and importantly organising a getaway bag and meeting place.” Visit getready.govt.nz for great tips on making a plan for an emergency.  This decommissioning decision only relates to the older siren network, and not to the two new sirens installed in 2020 in Ōrewa, which are working as expected and have not experienced any vandalism or thefts.  New computer modelling of Auckland’s tsunami risk has led to the development of new tsunami evacuation maps. When the new evacuation maps are released, residents might notice a change in how they look.  The traditional 3-colour maps will be replaced by a simpler version which shows the area at risk when a land-based warning is issued, and when a marine-based warning is issued. Keep an eye on Auckland’s Hazards Viewer on the Auckland Emergency Management website for the changes later in the year. What are the official tsunami alert channels in the event of a tsunami emergency? In the event of a tsunami emergency, an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) will be triggered. Your mobile phone will receive a message which will tell you what the emergency is and what to do. Besides Emergency Mobile Alerts, we will also get the messages out on radio, television, news media and social media platforms. However, if you see the natural warning signs, evacuate immediately to higher ground without waiting for an official alert. Follow AEM’s official Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter) channels to stay updated. For more information on tsunami warnings, visit Auckland Emergency Management website. What are the natural warning signs for tsunami? Remember LONG or STRONG, GET GONE. If you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more, see a sudden rise or fall in sea level, hear loud or unusual noises from the sea, don’t wait for an official warning. Go immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, taking the route quickest for you. Be prepared Tsunami siren testing time is a great reminder to check out whether you live, work, or play in one of Auckland’s three tsunami evacuation zones. Check the Auckland hazard viewer map. We are updating the tsunami evacuation maps this year so remember to check back regularly to see if your zone has changed from the previous year. Prepare your household emergency plan and practice it so everyone knows what to do in an emergency and what you need to take if you are evacuating. Check the tsunami preparedness tips and what to do before, during and after a tsunami. 

A person has died and a homicide investigation has been launched following an incident in Albany on Monday afternoon.Detective Inspector Callum McNeill, Waitematā CIB, says one person was transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition.“They have since died as a result of their injuries and a homicide investigation was subsequently launched.“Police are currently following positive lines of enquiry to identify the person responsible and hold them to account.”While enquiries are still in the early stages, Detective Inspector McNeill says this appears to be an isolated incident. “We know the community will be understandably alarmed by what has occurred today.“The public can expect to see an increased Police presence in the area while further enquiries are carried out.Detective Inspector McNeill says Police are continuing to speak to a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time.“We also want to hear from anyone who saw the incident and has not yet spoken to Police.“You can contact us via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.“Please reference file number 230918/6677.“Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”Police will provide further information when are in a position to do so.

Severe gales have caused flight cancellations, road closures and power outages throughout much of the country on Sunday and into Monday morning.Much of the South Island, and the lower North Island were put under strong wind warnings or alerts.The storm has forced ferry sailings to be cancelled and strong winds in Wellington prevented planes from being able to land at the airport from about 5.30pm on Sunday, causing a number of cancellations and delays.MetService data showed a gust of 246.3kmh recorded just before 9pm on Sunday at Cape Turnagain, south of Pōrangahau on the east of the North Island, where sustained winds of 192.6kmh were measured.In Wellington, winds gusted up to 130-140kph and at the Remutaka Hill gusts were measured at 185kph.Emergency services had multiple call-outs today related to trees and vehicles being knocked over due to the wind, with fire station alarms sounding repeatedly through the afternoon and evening in some areas.MetService warned people to stay up to date with the forecast (MetService warnings can be found here).Air New Zealand has cancelled all flights into Wellington for the rest of Sunday, according to their website.In the North Island, Wellington, the Tararua District, and parts of Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay are under an orange wind warning until Monday morning.In the South Island, an orange wind warning is in place for Marlborough until 10pm, and the Marlborough Sounds, Clutha, Southland, Stewart Island, and Fiordland south of Milford Sound, until Monday.State Highway 2 is closed over the Remutaka Hill between Featherston and Kaitoke due to strong winds, Waka Kotahi said.A large macrocarpa tree came down onto Manly Street in Paraparaumu Beach during the storm. Photo: RNZ/ Michael CroppAratere Interislander ferry sailings for Sunday were cancelled due to the rough conditions.But Bluebridge Ferries sailings in the early hours of Monday morning were scheduled to go ahead after earlier weather-related cancellations, but it warned they would be rough and may take longer.In Mt Cook National Park at Mueller Hut, a gust of 199 kmh was reported, the strongest in three years, NIWA said.There had also been reports of vehicles affected by strong winds.Police responded to reports of a crash on Mount Cook Road, where a campervan rolled over into a ditch about 1:50pm and another crash where a caravan went down a bank on the Tekapo-Twizel Road about 1:45pm. There were no reported major injuries.Severe gales in Wellington were preventing planes from landing at the airport.Aircraft had not been able to land since about 5.30pm on Sunday, due to the strong wind, a Wellington Airport spokesperson said.They said passengers should check the status of their flights with their airline.A number of flights in and out of Wellington had been delayed or cancelled.Christchurch was under a strong wind watch until 8pm Sunday.And a number of flights into Christchurch were also listed as delayed or cancelled on Christchurch Airport's website.Power outagesThe strong winds knocked out the power supply to many households across a handful of regions as strong winds pummelled parts of the country.In Wellington, power was cut to thousands of properties on Sunday, Wellington Electricity said.By 10pm on Sunday, the largest of those faults had been fixed, with power back for about 6000 properties in the Hutt Valley, leaving about 1000 properties still blacked out late into the night.But by 11pm, the number without power was back up to 3000 properties.Powerco said the areas most affected included New Plymouth, Wairarapa and Mt Maunganui.By 10pm Sunday their outage map showed just over 3800 outages, but by 11pm the number in the dark had dipped below 3000.Storm disrupts ferries and roads, strong winds expected into MondayInterislander operations general manager Duncan Roy said Kaiarahi had stayed put at Cook Strait, rather than anchor in Wellington harbour overnight from Saturday night into Sunday, due to the high winds in the area.Since then, the Kaiarahi had returned, and the Kaitaki ferry, which was in Wellington, departed at 8.45am on Sunday.MetService also had a heavy swell warning for Kāpiti-Porirua Coast - Otaki to Cape Terawhiti.Police warned drivers travelling on motorbikes or in vehicles with a high point of gravity to take care with the strong winds, in particular for Manawatū, Whanganui-Ruapehu, and Taranaki roads."Drive to the conditions, and stop and wait if you feel unsafe."People reported trees down across SH1 at Himatangi, north of Foxton, on Manly Street in Paraparaumu Beach and across the entrance to Wellington's Northland Tunnel, in Raroa Road. And election hoardings were reportedly being ripped up by the wind and thrown about in many places.Wind gusts of up to 130kph had been expected for Wellington, and by Sunday evening, MetService meteorologist Alec Holden said they were being recorded at 130-140kph."Having walked in it myself, I can confirm that I've had a few of those typical Wellington pauses as the winds pick up."Forecasters did not expect much of the wind to die down until at least the early hours of Monday morning, and a cold front was moving slowly across the country, Holden said.Heavy rain warnings were in place on Sunday for Canterbury, Westland, and Fiordland, with heavy rain watches issued for much of Otago."A series of fast moving fronts affects much of the country during the outlook period, bringing rain to western parts of central and southern New Zealand and west to northwest gales to many places - severe weather warnings and watches are in force for a number of regions," MetService said.Fire in CanterburyEarlier, strong winds were hampering efforts to put out a vegetation fire in Culverden, North Canterbury.Fire and Emergency was called to the scene at Pahau Downs just 5am on Sunday.The blaze was about 150 metres long in a gully and took out an old shed, but was contained.Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said crews were working hard."We are still experiencing high winds, however we have had a little bit of ... nor'west rain which may well be easing the situation, but it's been fairly intense thought the night."Crews from surrounding areas, including Hurunui, also arrived to help. It was not known how the fire started.Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency warned people to be vigilant when doing burn offs in paddocks and vegetation given the high winds.On Thursday, a helicopter was needed to fight a burn that got out of control near Cheviot in Canterbury, and in Clutha in Otago, a vegetation fire was started when a burn-off reignited.A restricted fire season had already been declared for the Upper Waitaki and Central fire zones of Otago.Fire permits had been suspended in those areas until Monday, because of the current very high fire danger.This story was first published by RNZ

Phil Pennington, ReporterWaka Kotahi has paid road builders millions more on top of the billion-dollar cost of the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway.Official information suggests $77 million has been paid to a Fletcher construction alliance with Spanish giant Acciona, and there may be more to come.Last year the claims, mostly over extra costs due to Covid disruptions in 2021-22, were put at $280m.This week, they were put at $203m in the pre-election fiscal update.Waka Kotahi told RNZ it had paid part of the claims, though did not say how much.The rest - which it did not give a figure for - would be tested through a binding dispute process, it said.The fiscal update said the agency "has not been presented with any evidence to indicate that a claim of that size would be supported by an independent reviewer".Fletcher's annual report also shows it was working out the impact on its margin of 18 landslides and damage to the new motorway.The public-private partnership (PPP) road north of Auckland opened in June, while still dealing with a slow-moving landslide pressing up against it, thought to have been triggered by the storms in February and March."Landslides do not give the contractor a right to additional compensation under the Project Agreement," Waka Kotahi said.Earlier, construction costs for the 18km motorway were put at $709m plus two earlier settlement payouts - one for Covid, one for "historic" claims - together totalling $165m.At its June opening, the cost was widely reported as $877m, and this is still how the estimated project cost appears on the official website."The more recent government reported value of $1.05 billion for the project road also includes additional costs such as property purchased," the agency told RNZ."Final costs will not be known until all claims for additional cost entitlement from the contractor have been resolved."Finishing-off work had still to be done, as of last month, including completing earthworks at the northern end where the biggest slip is, and finalising work on local roads nearby.The PPP gives an alliance of Acciona and Higgins 25 years to manage and maintain the road.The next stage through to Wellsford also faces slip-prone terrain. It is still caught up at the Environment Court.Waka Kotahi said it was making good progress with one submitter who had appealed after the resource consents and Notice of Requirement processes began in 2020."No decision has been made on the contract model for the project."It did not expect any work to begin this decade.At least two of the following triggers must occur for the Wellsford stage to get the go-ahead:Death and serious injury savings forecast from Dome Valley safety improvements not achieved within three yearsA 30 percent increase in total number of SH1 closure hours per year from 2018 levelsA forecast of traffic volumes exceeding 25,000 per dayOther roading claims not related to PPPs total about $114m, up from $100m last year, the fiscal update said.It showed a contingent liability for Waka Kotahi over contractual disputes totalling $317m in June, down from $431m in March.This story was originally published by RNZ