Congestion charges need to be introduced as soon as possible to change driver behaviour, a business sector group says.Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has floated a plan to introduce congestion charges to some of the city's busiest roads.Brown is suggesting 'a time of use' charge of between $3.50 and $5 a trip for travel during peak times on State Highway One between Penrose and Greenlane, and SH16 between Lincoln Road and Te Atatū Road.Auckland Council's transport and infrastructure committee will meet today to discuss the proposal.Congestion costs the city an estimated $1.3 billion a year.There is concern the charges will hit the worse-off the hardest, however, the Employers and Manufacturers Association says the extra funds would bring economic and social benefits to the city.EMA head of advocacy and strategy Allan McDonald said there was not enough capacity on the roads at peak times now, so more needed to be gained from the existing network - meaning behaviour needed to be changed.One of the most effective ways to discourage motorists from travelling at peak times was to introduce the charges to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads."It's a bit like driving around Auckland during the school holidays," he told Morning Report.While some workers did not have the flexibility to start or finish their jobs at off-peak times, McDonald said those who did could be encouraged to change their habits so that the motorways were freed up for those who needed to travel."You come back to getting the most out of the system you can and finding different ways to help those who may be disadvantaged by the cost but there are significant benefits too."McDonald agreed the city needed better public transport, however, it also needed to make the existing roading system better.He suggested the Goldcard (for those over 65) and community services card could be used to help those who would struggle to make the congestion payments.▶ LISTEN - "It's a bit like driving around Auckland during the school holidays" Employers and Manufacturers Association's Allan McDonald Council should consider range of offersOrganisational psychologist John Eatwell said a similar charge has been successful in London - but the charge is much higher - about $30 per day.He doubted the fees suggested for Auckland motorists would have the desired effect.Different measures to ease congestion have been tried in other cities such as in Chicago where parking charges were doubled and the city radically increased the frequency of public transport while cutting the cost."The key thing with behaviour change is you've got to work out: what makes it easy for people to do what you want them to do."Eatwell said "a nudge unit" has been established in the UK. It established through talking to people that the reason they weren't taking up offers of free insulation was that they didn't want to clear out their ceilings.As soon as there was a paid cleaning service available to do the work free of charge, people accepted the insulation offer.Eatwell said the council might need to look at who was travelling at peak hours and the reasons, and then consider what could be done differently.One example was retailers who might look at changing their opening hours to be 10am till 6pm, he suggested.This story was originally published by RNZ

Designs for two community hubs will proceed as originally planned after a motion agreed by Council to reallocate the funding did not receive iwi support.The previous Council decided to build community hubs in Dargaville and Mangawhai with the two tranches of Government funding provided through the Better off Funding package. Of the $4.04 million Tranche 1 funding, $1.02 million was allocated to design and prepare for the Dargaville hub on land already owned by Council and $3.02 million would go to land purchase and hub design in Mangawhai. Tranche 2 funding ($12 million) was to be spent on building the hubs.When the Government withdrew the offer of Tranche 2 funding, they allowed Councils to revise their plans for Tranche 1 spending ($4.04 million). This was a key consideration of the new Council as there was a strong preference to ensure the funds were used on immediate projects to benefit the community. Council provided a list of alternative projects that the funding could be used for in Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Dargaville.To change the funding allocation, Council needs to demonstrate iwi support. In advance of the meeting last week, support was not provided by iwi to reallocate the funding to new Dargaville projects. As a result, Deputy Mayor Larsen tabled a motion to continue with the original plans for the Dargaville hub and to reallocate the $3.02 million, currently allocated to Mangawhai, across several projects in Kaiwaka and Mangawhai. However, confirmation has since been received from iwi that those projects were also not supported. Mayor Craig Jepson said while it was disappointing not to receive iwi support for the reallocation, the funds were still being used to benefit Kaipara communities.“While the new Council would have preferred the funding to be used on projects that could be funded now, we know the community hubs have been long desired by the community. This will allow us to get them shovel ready and prepared for any possible future funding opportunities,” says Mayor Jepson.Without receiving iwi support the plans revert back to the original proposal to design the community hubs and purchase land in Mangawhai (if needed). The two community hubs could each include a library, digital facilities, meeting rooms and a multi-purpose space that can be used for events, activities and learning. About the Better off FundingBetter off Funding is part of the Three Waters Reform process (now known as Affordable Waters Reform) to recognise the significance to the local government sector (and their communities) of the transfer of responsibility for water service delivery. The purpose was to support councils to transition to their new role post-reform.To be eligible, funding must be used to:help transition communities to a sustainable and low-emissions economy; ordeliver infrastructure or services that enable housing development and growth; ordeliver infrastructure or services that support local place-making and improvements in community well-being.The funding criteria do not allow for money to be spent on roading, any waters infrastructure or other operational costs.Funding was provided in two tranches. Tranche 1 funding for Kaipara District Council came to $4.04 million. Tranche 2 of $12 million was withdrawn before the election.Kaipara District Council prepared a staged plan to get community hubs designed and consented to ‘shovel ready’ stage in Dargaville using Tranche 1 funding and build them (as much as possible) with Tranche 2 funding. Communities were consulted on building new libraries in Dargaville and Mangawhai before they were included in the Long Term Plan 2021-2031.View the Council discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (from 3:02:19, 3.18.40).

Sheryl CampbellLicensed Real Estate SalespersonM: 021 285 0402   E: [email protected] Sheryl is delighted to have joined the Team at Premium Real Estate working out of the local Matakana Office which services the Residential, Waterfront and Lifestyle segments of the local Real Estate community. Sheryl lives in beautiful Omaha and has an extensive career in Real Estate spanning over 23 years. Experienced in Sales, Management and Franchise ownership she brings a wealth of knowledge in an ever changing and growing property market. Sheryl is passionate about maximising every home owners real estate assets along with providing a stress free experience, supportive assistance and personal tailormade marketing to suit each individual situation. Sheryl has a friendly and approachable style and is always willing and available to have a confidential chat regarding real estate and the local market. Call Sheryl now – she would love to meet with you. 

Amy Williams, JournalistLISTEN / WATCH to Checkpoint for this article.Waka Kotahi says it needs to fully close State Highway One over the Brynderwyn Hills to fix storm damage on the vital connection for Northland.A spokesperson for the agency said closure dates and detour routes would be confirmed next month."We will work around key dates such as Waitangi Day and Easter and... will engage with our partners, stakeholders and the community to ensure the work is carefully planned to minimise disruptions as much as possible."Long detours were in place after Cyclone Gabrielle caused several huge slips over the Brynderwyns, which were closed, off and on, for weeks.Waka Kotahi's board is due to sign off recovery and rebuild work in the Brynderwyns this month - but it is a short- to medium-term fix, which requires closing the highway. "This recommendation seeks funding to ensure this vital connection for Te Tai Tokerau is maintained for the short to medium term," the spokesperson said."This recommendation would result in a full closure of SH1 Brynderwyn Hills in order to complete this work as safely and as efficiently as possible." The agency said it was working to ensure alternative routes would be fit for purpose. "A business case for long-term resilience options is still being considered, alongside the proposed recovery and rebuild works," the spokesperson said."As this is unfunded, long-term resilience options will follow our standard business case processes."A consortium of businesses in Te Tai Tokerau/Northland is concerned that the lack of a reliable transport link between Northland and Auckland is holding back the region's economic growth. Northland Corporate Group includes Channel Infrastructure NZ, Culham Engineering, Marsden Maritime Holdings, McKay and Northpower.Cyclone Gabrielle caused huge slips over the Brynderwyns, which were closed, off and on, for weeks. Photo: RNZ / MARIKA KHABAZIIts co-chair Andrew McLeod, who is also chief executive of Northpower, told Checkpoint that there needed to be urgent investment into critical road infrastructure to connect the region with the rest of the North Island.The partial closure of SH1 at the Brynderwyn Hills was costing Northland $2 million a day, and Waka Kotahi needed to come up and take the time to talk to businesses about long-term solutions, he said. "Brynderwyn was never an ideal route, and it's just got worse and worse."We can't have that corridor compromised long-term. We've got to get past this patching idea and look to long-term solutions.The connection was important not just for tourism, horticulture and agriculture but also the transport of construction materials to Auckland, he said. Any closure needed to be timed carefully and take these industries into account. "We can't afford to get that window wrong."Northland has beautiful beaches, like Matai Bay on the Karikari Peninsula. Photo: 123RFNorthland was still open and accessible to tourists despite the disruption to SH1, he said. There were still corridors suitable for light traffic to the east and west of the highway - with "quite nice scenery". "A lot of people decided they couldn't get to the north, or thought they'd get stuck here... But we're open. Come up - it would really help our businesses here."The winterless north feels very much like the isolated north, and we want to make the case to fix that. But first we need to demonstrate the economic prosperity that can be unleased with robust roading links and that's why we are calling on all businesses to complete our survey, which will support a case for investment." This story was originally published by RNZ

Sally Murphy, ReporterNo fall armyworm has been discovered across the country this spring, but growers are being told to keep an eye out.First discovered in New Zealand in March last year, the pest can chew through more than 350 plant species - which means it could be detrimental to arable and horticulture crops.Foundation of Arable Research (FAR) biosecurity officer Ash Mills was out searching for the pest in Northland corn crops when we caught up with him."We've not found anything that has over-wintered from last years populations, so at the moment we're at zero."He said it was not time to get complacent because with new crops in the ground and increasing temperatures, the chances of finding fall armyworm was increasing daily."My advice would be keep walking crops, get out there and do some scouting, and you can also go onto the FAR website there are some great resources which will help you identify some of the damage you see from fall armyworm."There was a network of traps around the country, with more in Northland because the warmer climate there was kinder to the pest, he said."Even if there was the potential that it did die out through the winter, with El Niño we do have some good weather patterns that could bring a new incursion in from Australia, winds that could potentially pick up some moths in Aussie and drop them off here again, which is a great reason why growers should keep a close eye on their crops."This story was originally published by RNZ

Tony and Jenny Enderby have been invaluable members of our community for many years. Some of their community involvement includes;Editing the Leigh Rag for 5 plus years Establishing in the Penguin Project,Pest Free Leigh, Forest and Bird Coast Care   LeighVolunteer Fire ServiceRangers at Goat IslandTossiLeigh Business communityLeigh Library And I am sure other organisations over the years.  They are leaving our lovely village for flatter terrain in Cambridge. With so much involvement, the Leigh Community Club has decided to organise a Community farewell.  Where: Leigh Central : our thanks to Alan and JasmineWhen: Sunday November 26thTime 3pm to 5.30pmThere will be a few words spoken by a few people, starting at 3.30pm.Format.: Relaxed, bring your own snacks and refreshments.We hope that you might drop in for a chance to thank them for their service and contribution to Leigh and to wish them well with their future endeavours.Helen Parkes on behalf of the Leigh Community Club.

Warkworth RegionMonday 13th November - Fine apart from areas of morning cloud. Northwesterlies.Tuesday 14th - Cloud increasing, with occasional rain developing in the evening. Northwesterlies, becoming fresh in the morning.Wednesday 15th - Occasional rain, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Westerlies.Thursday 16th - Mostly cloudy, with scattered afternoon and evening showers, some possibly heavy. Northerlies developing.Friday 17th - Cloudy, with rain developing. Northerlies.Saturday 18th - Showers. Northeasterlies.Sunday 19th - Showers with southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 13th November - Mainly fine, but chance afternoon or evening shower. Northwesterlies developing this afternoon.Tuesday 14th - Partly cloudy. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 15th - A few showers, clearing to fine in the evening. Westerlies, easing in the evening.Thursday 16th - Partly cloudy, with a few morning and afternoon showers. Northerlies developing.Friday 17th - A few showers with northerlies.Saturday 18th - Rain. Northeasterlies.Sunday 19th - Showers with southwesterlies.

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, 17 November 2023. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Southbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberSilverdale southbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Greville Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:30am)Northbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 12-13 November (approx. 9:30pm to 7:00am)Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 12-13 November (approx. 9:00pm to 7:00am)Southbound lanes between Greville Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH18 westbound link, 15 November (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 14-15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 14-15 NovemberEsmonde Road (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 14-15 NovemberOnewa Road northbound on-ramp, 14-15 NovemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)SH1 Wellesley Street East northbound off-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 Wellesley Street East eastbound off-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Wellesley Street East westbound on-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Khyber Pass Road northbound off-ramp, 15-16 NovemberGillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 15-16 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and Greenlane on-ramp, 12 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberSouth Eastern Highway (SEART) northbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberMt Wellington Highway northbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberNorthbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Mt Wellington Highway on-ramp, 13-14 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Princes Street northbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberHighbrook Drive northbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberEast Tamaki Road northbound on-ramp, 13-14 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 14-17 November (approx. 09:00pm to 05:00)Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 14-17 NovemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 14-17 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 12-17 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 15 NovemberDrury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 15 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberRamarama southbound on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 12-13 NovemberSH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 12 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Kauwhata southbound on-ramp, 10-17 November (24/7)Te Kauwhata southbound off-ramp, 10-17 November (24/7)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 12-16 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 12-16 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off-ramp and Patiki Road on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 7:00pm to 10:00am)Te Atatu Road (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 11 November (approx. 7:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 NovemberGreat North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 NovemberSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 14 NovemberUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)SH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 14 November (approx. 9:00pm to 6:30am)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 16 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberMaioro Street northbound on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 13 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 16 NovemberMaioro Street southbound on-ramp, 15-16 NovemberDominion Road southbound on-ramp, 16 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 15 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 15 NovemberQueenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 15 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 12 NovemberMassey Road northbound off-ramp, 14 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)Cavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 14-15 November

By Nick JamesInfrastructure New Zealand has already written its Christmas wish list for the incoming government, with a faster consent process and more public-private partnerships for large-scale projects high on the agenda.The industry body has penned an open letter to incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon regarding problems facing the sector.The letter, seen by RNZ, includes a range of recommendations in the infrastructure portfolio.These include:considering alternative funding and financing mechanisms for projectsfaster consenting for renewable energy infrastructurechanges to the funding model of local governmentan examination of public sector deliveryand a "modified" Three Waters reform programme.To discuss the sector's issues, Infrastructure NZ wants to hold a forum with the incoming government before Christmas.Nick Leggett Photo: RNZ/ Tom KitchinInfrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett said the summit - which he has already named 'Uplift New Zealand' - would bring together government, the infrastructure sector, iwi and wider communities.Leggett said it would be an opportunity to identify "quick wins" and medium-to-long-term priorities."There's some good social infrastructure and economic infrastructure that can be probably rolled out quite quickly, and really get building to provide confidence to the infrastructure sector and the New Zealand public that the government's serious."New Zealand had to widen the ways it funds infrastructure to get more built faster - including "better utilising the market" to drive efficiency and productivity, he said."If we can guarantee to the industry that there's more coming online and that it's well planned, well-funded and the business plans are in place we are going to get efficiencies."The first cars drive down the new Transmission Gully section of the SH1 motorway on March 30, 2022 in Wellington. Photo: Getty Images / Lynn GrievesonThe sector had seen worthy projects like Auckland Light Rail and Let's Get Wellington Moving suck up a lot of money on preparing information - but because they lacked guaranteed funding, they got picked off and became politicised, Leggett said."We've got to get projects considered earlier, the planning in place, the funding committed so they can actually start building towards a much quicker outcome."I think Kiwis are sick of a lack of delivery and the incoming government has a real chance to harness the frustration and send all the signals to the infrastructure sector that it wants to deliver."He said on the topic of Three Waters the status quo was "not an option"."National and Act have committed to repealing the Affordable Water Act and that will be their prerogative if they get a majority with New Zealand First."Infrastructure NZ's members were more interested in what happened after that, he said."Quite quickly we want the incoming government to be briefed by officials so it can actually map out a plan that gives New Zealanders confidence."Leggett said the current system for managing water assets could not deliver and fund the investment needed to meet the standards that had been set for the environment and for health over the next decade and beyond.This story was originally posted by RNZ News

The second man charged with murdering Auckland couple Fuk Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong has been given interim name suppression.A 26-year-old man was found at a property in the Auckland suburb of Glenfield on Friday evening and taken into custody, police said in a statement.He has been charged in relation to both murders and has also been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicleIn the Auckland District Court this morning, the accused appeared in the dock in front of Susan Walker, JP, with his head down cast.He has been remanded in custody until his next appearance on 29 November in the High Court.On Friday a 42-year old man charged with the murders of the couple appeared in court and was also granted interim name suppression.The man was arrested in Hamilton on Thursday night and will reappear in court on 29 November.Scott Beard Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroDetective Inspector Scott Beard, from Auckland City CIB, who is heading the investigation, said police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the investigation."The investigation team has worked hard to reach this point."While arrests have been made, there are still a number of enquiries yet to be completed."We can advise the scene examination has now been completed at the Greenhithe area where Ms Chong was located."A post-mortem on Chong's body is due to be carried out today.Her husband's body was found in their home on Monday. He had been stabbed several times."Police are continuing to provide support to the family at the centre of this tragic incident," Beard said.Kwok worked as a theatre nurse at North Shore Hospital.Te Whatu Ora Waitematā operations interim group director Brad Healey said on Friday he was a "respected colleague"."Joseph was a valued and well-liked member of our North Shore Hospital family and I would like to acknowledge his exceptional service. Our hearts are with those who worked with him. They are feeling this loss immensely and we will ensure they are supported through this period."Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong who have been the focus of a homicide investigation in Auckland this week. Photo: Supplied / NZ policeThis story was originally posted by RNZ News

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Northland east coast because of paralytic shellfish toxins.In addition, it has extended an existing shellfish biotoxin warning from Cape Kidnappers right up to East Cape. “Routine tests on mussels from Houhora have shown levels of paralytic shellfish toxins over the safe limit,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. “The warning extends from Cape Karikari north to Kokota (the Sandspit), just south of Parengarenga Harbour.”“The current warning in Hawkes Bay has now been extended to extend from Cape Kidnappers right up to East Cape. Levels of paralytic shellfish toxins are increasing and the latest results from Tolaga Bay mussels have risen dramatically and are now 11 times over the safe limit”.As algal blooms increase in size, the levels of toxins in shellfish can reach higher levels. “Please do not gather and eat shellfish from these affected areas because anyone doing so could get seriously sick.“Cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin, so shellfish from these areas should not be eaten.”Symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning usually appear within 10 minutes to 3 hours of eating and may include:• numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, hands, and feet• difficulty swallowing or breathing• dizziness and headache• nausea and vomiting• diarrhoea• paralysis and respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process. Finfish are not affected by this public health warning.NZFS has had no notifications of associated illness.If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately.You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.“NZFS is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle. Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by NZFS to ensure they are safe to eat.

Watch live video clip here - Police have arrested and charged a man with the murder of Auckland man Fuk-Fu Kwok, and his wife Mei Han Chong.Kwok, who was 66, was found dead at his Ellerslie home on Monday evening having suffered violent injuries, while Chong had been missing since then, along with their car.The 42-year-old Glenfield man charged with their murders is due to appear in Auckland District Court this morning, lead investigator Detective Inspector Scott Beard told media at Auckland Central Police Station.The arrested man was found in Hamilton on Thursday night.Chong and the car were found early this morning."Auckland city police have sadly located 67-year-old Mei Han Chong deceased. As a result of enquiries, a male has been taken into custody overnight. This Glenfield man, who we believe to be involved, was identified and located by detectives in hamilton late last night and has now been charged with two counts murder," Beard said.Police believe multiple people were involved in Kwok's murder, due to the nature of his injuries.They could not yet say the same about Chong, until her post mortem is carried out tomorrow.A scene guard remains at the Ellerslie address.There will be an increased police presence across Auckland as the investigations are ongoing, Beard said.At this stage police are not ruling out further charges and arrests.He would not provide any more detail about the arrested man, as the matter is before the court.Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage were reviewed, and helped to lead to the arrest."Our investigation team identified activity near the Celtic Crescent homicide scene on the night of the alleged homicide, which has allowed us to scour hours and hours of CCTV footage, which located a vehicle of interest. We're of course devastated to locate Mrs Chong in these circumstances, and we're now providing support to a son who has lost both his mother and his father," Beard said.The vehicle registration plates on Chong's car had not been found but based on CCTV footage it had different registration numbers at different times, Beard said.At a briefing on Thursday Detective Inspector Beard told the media that police held grave fears for Chong and suspected that she was also a victim of foul play.The couple's son said it was totally out of character for her not to contact them.This story was originally published by RNZ

Work involves clearing vegetation and replacing two of the most severely impacted retaining walls, constructing a third retaining wall, repairing the scouring damage, and then overall strengthening works on the bridge. Work is expected to take five weeks and be completed before the holiday period. The bridge will remain closed until repairs have finished. Thank you for your patience while we carry out this work. We know it will be a huge relief to the many residents affected by the closure of the bridge. Since February’s extreme weather events, we have restored most roads that were damaged but are still working on a number of sites in the Kaipara District. You can find information on the recovery works at www.kaipara.govt.nz/road-repairs

Warkworth RegionFriday 10th November - Mainly fine. Isolated showers from afternoon. Easterlies, easing evening.Saturday 11th November - Mainly fine, chance of a shower until evening. Light winds.Sunday 12th November - Fine. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Mangawhai RegionFriday 10th November - Mainly fine. A shower or two this afternoon. Easterlies from midday, easing this evening.Saturday 11th November - Fine, then a few showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.Sunday 12th November - Fine, then one or two showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.

Auckland City Police investigating a homicide in Ellerslie are now in a position to provide a further update.Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City CIB, says unfortunately our enquiries to date suggest Mei Han Chong, the wife of deceased man Joseph Kwok, may also be the victim of foul play.Sadly, we have not received any information on the whereabouts of Mei, or the family’s blue Kia Rio."We have grave concerns for her safety and wellbeing,” Detective Inspector Beard says.“This is very out of character for her, especially for her to have not reached out to her son.”Police are speaking with the couple’s son, who reiterates our concerns and is extremely worried about his mum.Mei, 67, was last seen at the family home on the weekend and has not been sighted since.She is described as of Asian descent, small in stature: 5 foot tall, weighing 48kgs and has short dark grey hair and wears glasses.“We are urging the public to please help us in locating Mei, and bringing this whānau back together.“This family needs our help.A man is dead and a woman is missing and we need answers.“We know there is someone out there who will know where she is and now is the time to come forward.“A son has lost his father, and we are desperate to help him be reunited with his mother.“If anyone has any information at all, about either Mei or the blue Kia Rio, registration NJN927, please contact us.”As previously mentioned, Detective Inspector Beard says Mr Kwok was killed in a violent and brutal manner.“He died as a result of multiple stab wounds.“The nature of some other injuries suggest that more than one offender could have been involved.“We are working to understand why he was the target of this aggressive and unwarranted assault.”Anyone with information that may assist with our enquiries is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.Please reference file number 231106/8053.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Police will continue to provide updates as they become available.

A homicide investigation has been launched as Police continue to appeal for information regarding the death of a man in Ellerslie.Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City CIB, says the post-mortem examination of the 66-year-old male located at the address has been completed today. “While Police had always been treating this investigation as a homicide due to our initial enquiries, the post-mortem has sadly confirmed the injuries received to the victim are violent, and consistent with foul play.“Police now believe the victim died prior to Sunday afternoon as a result of the injuries sustained,” Detective Inspector Beard says.“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this time and we are committed to holding the person, or persons, involved to account.”At this stage, a formal identification is yet to be completed, however Police will look to release details about the victim in due course.Police continue to appeal for information:Detective Inspector Beard says the investigation team is working hard to piece together the information received so far, however are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance.“We are very concerned for the safety and wellbeing of Mei Han Chong.“Police have not yet located 67-year-old, nor the vehicle which belongs to the family.“We urge anyone with information on Mei Han Chong’s whereabouts, or their blue Kia Rio, registration NJN927, to please contact us” Detective Inspector Beard says.“No piece of information is insignificant as we work to determine exactly what has occurred.”A scene guard remains in place at the Celtic Crescent address today while the scene examination continues, however this is likely to be completed this afternoon.“Police will continue to remain in the area over the coming days while our investigation is ongoing,” Detective Inspector Beard says.Anyone with information that may assist with our enquiries is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.Please reference file number 231106/8053.Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Police will continue to provide updates as they become available.

North Haven Hospice is really excited to be lifting its presence in Mangawhai with a new charity North Haven Hospice Shop. Mangawhai, Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach, Kaiwaka and Maungaturoto are all within the wider service area for the local hospice and has long been supported by the generous communities of Whangārei and Waipu through their charity shops.North Haven Hospice already provides care for people in these communities every day, supporting their families, whānau and carers through some very challenging times.“Our nurses are out in the community every day as we have approximately 180 people we support at any one time. These are people with a life-limiting or terminal illness, not just cancer patients and can be any age,” says Helen Blaxland, CEO. “We’re just delighted to have found premises for a small charity shop to operate in the Moir St shopping area and hope to be able to tell our story of who we are and what we do even more.”The shop, due to be opened in mid-December, will take donated second-hand goods and from their sale, turn this into first class care. North Haven Hospice has two other charity shops, one in central Whangārei and another in Waipu. Initially stocked with items donated to the central shops, North Haven Hospice hopes the Mangawhai and wider community will contribute locally as well.Head to their website for contact details

Imagine virtual wine tastings from 31,000 feet, robot room service and exploring countries from the comfort of a couch.That's what the tourism industry is exploring with new technology emerging at a rapid pace.Hundreds of industry leaders have been discussing if they are ready - or not - at the Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington on Tuesday.The robot revolution has already arrived at Sudima Hotels, and chief operating officer Les Morgan said they were handy helpers to have around."Now with the addition of a service bot, it is possible to get a cocktail to your door without having to speak, smile or put on pants for a stranger."One hotel has two service robots, serving 90 percent of orders."Their hours are equal to about 1.5 (full-time equivalents) or approximately $90,000 per annum in wages."They require no induction, no training, no staff meals, no leave."Morgan said he did not want hotels to become sterile, staff-free places, but the robots had their uses and could save time.From next year, Sudima will introduce specialist robots to clean common areas and act as helpers for staff to transfer linen and products.Sky Motion uses virtual reality to help people explore places they may never have travelled to before.Director Soraya Sarwary described it as immersive storytelling, using 360-degree sights, surround sound, and motion pods."The way that I best describe it is it feels as if you're standing in a location, rather than just watching it. Giving you the freedom to basically look wherever you want and get a good feel."It did not replace travel, but it gave people an immersive preview to help them decide where they'd like to visit, she said.It can also make travel more accessible to those who could not hop on a plane."I don't think anything would be able to replace that experience, so as detailed as we can go into giving people as much of a taste. You can't get a sun tan from this technology."Air New Zealand is working with digital bag tags where people can link their luggage to their phones, cutting out the paper printouts and kiosks for check-in.Chief executive Greg Foran said it had acquired plenty of new technology - both on the drawing board or already here."Imagine a flight where virtual reality can change your perception of time, offering mindfulness, meditation and ambient lighting to aid sleep."Picture yourself playing a cabin-wide game and watching a movie alongside your family while they're still at home on the couch. Virtual wine tastings set against stunning New Zealand backdrops."The airline is keeping an eye on supersonic and hypersonic travel, which is five times the speed of sound.In the shorter term - about three years away - its first commercial electric plane is expected to take flight."We're investigating the role of drones as it may pertain to Air New Zealand and our role in connecting people, and then also single-seater electric planes that require no licence - other than a few hours' training - but can replace short distance car travel."This story was orginally published by RNZ

New businesses added to our Shop LocalShop Local – Matakana🍗🥩Matakana Village Butchery – Local owners Sarah and Matt have 20+ years of experience, providing the best quality meat to their customers. As well as a great range of meat, they provide a home kill service, stock pet food, herbs and spices and locally sourced free-range eggs.Shop Local – Warkworth👡👢Imelda's Shoe Boutique are passionate soles, dedicated in bringing to you the latest in quality footwear and accessories. They also have a range of handbags. Located in the heart of Warkworth and they are now open Sundays 10am-1pm.Shop Local – Mangawhai🎁🏠Joseph Taylor Homewares – import unique homeware and gifts from around the globe. Check out their stunning range in Mangawhai village soon!Head along and SUPPORT LOCAL!📱 If you want your business to be on the App get in Contact