The Northland peanut trials are back on track after a wash-out of last year's crops.The three-year project is to see if Northland could be the new home to commercially-grown peanuts.Greg Hall from the Whangārei development agency Northland Inc. Photo: RNZ/Carol StilesThe trials cover five hectares over five planting sites across Kaipara and the Far North.Northland Inc project manager Greg Hall said results from the first year looked promising, so they hope to continue after last year's hiatus.He said new seed has just landed in New Zealand and would be planted out now."They've just come out from Georgia in the United States, so they're still Spanish variety short season cultivars which are similar to what we imported from the first year out of India," he said."The very first season, there was even a very small trial, but that was indicating around somewhere between three and six tonnes per hectare, which is on average to what Australia produces.He said they would do the business case and financial models for the project this season."That'll either prove one way or another, whether it's actually viable for an industry to pick up and then that will require investment to set up processing to stand the industry up," Hall said.He said Pic Picot of Pic's Peanut Butter in Nelson was still backing the project."Pic was the project founder, he's a great champion and it's great to have him on board with this project."They hoped for a hot summer which the peanuts like, he said.This story was originally published by RNZ

Pets are now paw-manently welcome onboard Auckland’s buses, Auckland Transport says.Does this news sound fur-miliar? It follows on from the success of two previous pets on buses trials – small domestic pets in carriers and large dogs with muzzles and leads.This announcement means that household pets can now travel on buses, trains, and ferries in Auckland.Councillor Josephine Bartley is looking forward to seeing more pets on public transport across the city.“My dog Milo and I love travelling on public transport together. This news is really positive and I’m excited to see Aucklanders making the most of it,” says Councillor Bartley.“I’m passionate about reducing barriers to access, so making public transport pet-friendly means more people will be able to live their best lives with their furry friends.“Up until now the rules around pets on public transport have forced many pet owners to rely on cars for essential trips to the vet or the groomers, but now they can use buses, trains and ferries throughout Auckland.”Auckland Transport’s Improvement Delivery Lead Luke Clarke says AT received valuable feedback during the two pets on buses trials.“We’ve used this feedback from our customers, bus operators, and accessibility groups to make this final decision and set the terms and conditions for pets onboard our services."Those of us with pets know how important our animals are as part of the family, and now the whole family are welcome to travel on Auckland’s buses, trains and ferries.“It seems that many of our customers also view this announcement as Auckland catching up with other pet-friendly cities around the world, where pets are a regular sight onboard the tube, subway or metro."And no matter how old your pets are in dog years or cat years, they’ll all be able to travel for free onboard our services, with no need to apply for a Su-paw Gold Card.”There are a few rules for taking pets onboard, including that they must travel outside of peak hours and bigger dogs must wear a cage-type muzzle and a lead if they do not fit into an approved carrier.Service and assistance dogs are allowed on all services at all times and do not ever require a muzzle.With pets now able to travel on Auckland’s public transport, the paw-sibilities of where to take your furry friend are endless!Explainer video here: https://youtu.be/xO0uEfRXIdgFor further information, including terms and conditions, please head to at.govt.nz/pets.

Meteorologists are warning that the weather will take a dramatic turn in the next couple of weeks, as an El Niño is likely to be declared.El Niño is a weather pattern that occurs when the ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean rise above normal levels.It brings with it more frequent, dry westerly winds which heightens the risk of drought.NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll expected one to be declared in the next couple of weeks.He said the climate would change significantly."New Zealand is going to have more westerly winds than normal and westerly winds, they come from Australia, which can be a dry wind," Noll said.''It means the eastern part of both islands, with the likes of Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, eastern Marlborough, Canterbury and parts of eastern Otago, these areas could start to dry out and maybe dry out quite quickly with rainfall looking considerably less than normal for this time of year in those regions."He said while drought was not imminent, it was likely.''When you start to build or string together many weeks or months with reduced rainfall, that's when you can start to have those concerns about drought."At this point it is more about thinking ahead, if we do get many weeks or months of below normal rainfall, what that might mean for summer and of course that has implications on the agricultural sector, farmers, growers," he said.Ths El Niño would be one of the strongest Aotearoa had experienced in 80 years.There had been five or six strong El Niño in that time, he said."The last one we had was in 2015/2016, before that you have to go back to about 1997 or 1998, there [were] a couple in the 80s and then one in 1972 and 1973."Noll said the one that was building now is among those very strong El Niño episodes New Zealand had seen in the past."Some of those, such as the 1997, 1998 events, 1982, 1983, 1972, 1973 were associated with some of New Zealand's most significant drought events," he saidFruit growers in Hawke's Bay had mixed feelings about the incoming weather.Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association president Brydon Nisbet said the industry had been doing it tough over the past 18 months due to severe storms like Cyclone Gabrielle.''The ground has been waterlogged and they haven't been able to operate properly. And in the last few weeks, a lot of that has dried out and it does look like we are coming into a dry spell. I think for growers, they're probably looking forward to something that's not so wet, but of course, with that dry, it will bring other problems and issues for us."Nisbet said the industry needed to start getting ready for the potential impacts."What growers need to do to prepare for this and it's what I am doing right now ... we've got to make sure our irrigation systems are running and are operational. A lot of our systems and dumps were damaged in the floods," he saidNoll said people should consider starting to conserve water.this story was originally posted by RNZ News And written by Delphine Herbert, senior reporter

Warkworth RegionMonday 11th September - Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, turning to rain, possibly heavy, for a time this afternoon and evening. Fresh northerlies, turning lighter westerly this afternoon.Tuesday 12th September - Fine. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.Wednesday 13th September - Cloudy periods. Southwesterlies.Thursday 14th September - Partly cloudy. Westerlies.Friday 15th September - Showers becoming widespread, some heavy. Fresh westerlies, turning lighter southerly.Saturday 16th September - Fine. Southerlies, easing.Sunday 17th September -Fine. Southwesterlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 11th September - A few showers becoming more frequent this morning, turning to rain, possibly heavy, for a time this afternoon and evening, then easing to isolated showers. Fresh northerlies, turning lighter westerly this afternoon..Tuesday 12th September - Mainly fine, but chance shower in the west. Southwesterlies.Wednesday 13th September - Partly cloudy with southwesterlies.Thursday 14th September - Cloudy periods. Southwesterlies, turning northwesterly.Friday 15th September - Showers becoming widespread, some heavy. Fresh westerlies, turning lighter southerly.Saturday 16th September -Fine. Fresh southerlies, easing.Sunday 17th September - Fine. Southwesterlies.

The insurance watchdog says problems with car insurance are the number one complaint received in the past year.Vehicle complaints make up 23 percent of all complaints received by the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman's Scheme.One of the main issues was the reduction of the car's value at the time of policy renewal.Auckland-based Rawiri* had his car damaged in the Auckland Anniversary floods earlier this year.He thought he would be fully covered, as he had arranged car insurance with an agreed value of $19,000 just a year earlier.However, when Rawiri made his insurance claim, the insurer offered him only $14,000, after deduction of a $400 policy excess.The reduction was because his latest policy renewal documents, sent to him a month before the flood, had listed his car's agreed value as $14,400 - a decrease of 24 percent on the year before.As the amount was below the market value of the car, Rawiri complained to the IFSO Scheme, saying the decreased agreed value had not been properly communicated to him.After an investigation, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman found that price reduction was unusual."When consumers take out comprehensive vehicle insurance, if their car is written off, the insurer will pay the agreed or market value of the car, depending on the type of policy," Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens said."As vehicles get older and depreciate, insurers normally reduce their agreed value at the time of policy renewal, however not usually as much as 24 percent."She said the law requires unusual clauses to be brought fairly to the notice of the insured."Where something like the agreed value is reduced as substantially as 24 percent, we would expect an insurer to discuss this with their customer and make sure they're aware of the change."In Rawiri's case, the insurer hadn't included any warning in its cover letter or email alerting to the decrease, and the agreed value was not highlighted in any way."After the IFSO Scheme's investigation, the insurer offered to settle the claim by paying Rawiri $17,500.'Don't sit and forget' - Insurance CouncilStevens said that, generally, it was up to the insured person to read and understand the terms and conditions of any policy."What we advise all consumers to do is to look at their renewal documentation every year and to make sure that they're happy with whatever reduction has been made."People have to keep an eye on what that devaluation value is, because if they're not happy, the time to say it is before an accident happens, not after."She said insurers should clearly notify their customers if there was an unusual reduction in the agreed value of a vehicle."The obligation is on the insurer to make sure that they communicate that really clearly with the customer."But equally the customer really should be reading that renewal document. Then they can raise it if there is an issue."Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) chief executive Tim Grafton said customers should get a notice from their insurer at least a month before the renewal policy came into effect."And that's the time for someone to look at the terms and conditions and, for example, the value of the motor vehicle that they have insured, and to decide how much they want to insure it for."People should take their time to read through the documentation, he said."It is important for people, whether it's their house insurance or their motor vehicle insurance or their contents insurance, that they just set time aside to really think whether [the insurance policy] is up to date."Do not sit and forget. We don't want to get into situations where people are not aware of significant changes in their policy and the insurer should advise them if that is proposed."Customers with a problem with an insurer can make a complaint to the IFSO Scheme at www.ifso.nz or by calling 0800 888 202.* name changed to protect privacyThis story was originally posted on RNZ News

Police are aware of a Facebook scam circulating where a person is messaging people and posing to be New Zealand Police.The message advises victims that their computer has been hacked.Then, phone contact is made and the victim is sent an email claiming to be from “New Zealand Police, Cyber Crime Unit.”The victim is requested to cooperate in a supposed Police investigation.The scammers then gets the victim to grant them remote access to their computer and subsequently accesses their online banking.From here, the scammers attempt to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account.Police want to urge a warning to the public that this is a scam and should not be engaged with.We have received several reports of this scam and an investigation is underway.𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝘀:Please remember that Police or other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details, or ask you to give them remote access to your computer. Police’s message on scams like this is simple – do not engage with anyone online or on the phone if you think you are being scammed – block them or hang up immediately and report the incident.We urge people to have conversations with vulnerable or elderly family members, to help ensure they are aware of the tactics often used by scammers and don't become victims.If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105 either by phone or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105. For scams involving your bank or other organisation, please report it to them too.Visit www.scamwatch.govt.nz for more information on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed.

HON DR MEGAN WOODSNew Zealand is on track to have greener steel as soon as 2026 with New Zealand Steel’s electric arc furnace project reaching a major milestone today.  The Government announced a conditional partnership with New Zealand Steel in May to deliver the country’s largest emissions reduction project to date. Half of the coal being used at Glenbrook steel mill is being replaced with electricity to recycle and reuse scrap steel.A feasibility study has been completed on the viability, risk, expected costs and other outcomes and the project now has the full green light from New Zealand Steel.“It’s an exciting step – this project will eliminate one per cent of the country’s total annual emissions and deliver huge benefits for our environment, our industry and to New Zealanders,” said Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods. “There has been rigorous due diligence on the project, which has been a critical process before New Zealand Steel fully embarks on its journey to decarbonise its activities while maintaining onshore steel production.”Production using the new furnace is expected to start as early as mid-2026, in line with agreed commissioning milestones.The Climate Change Minister James Shaw says the installation of an electric arc furnace at Glenbrook means New Zealand Steel will cut its emissions by more than 45 per cent.The emissions reductions will be equivalent to keeping approximately 300,000 cars off the road.“Once commissioned, the completed project will reduce Glenbrook’s carbon footprint by 800,000 tonnes per annum. That means 100% of its annual steel production will be lower carbon from day one,” said James Shaw.“This project will mean the production of very low carbon steel by world standards – that’s a win for New Zealand,” James Shaw said.The deal is being part funded with up to $140 million from the $650 million Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund, which enables businesses of all sizes to reduce their emissions. The balance of the $300 million project will be funded directly by New Zealand Steel.“The project getting off the ground adds real momentum in pushing fossil fuels out of the energy system and lowering emissions through renewables and energy efficiency,” Megan Woods said.“We’ve come a long way in the last three years GIDI has been operating with 30 of the 81 process heat focused projects complete or in commissioning.“This deal was the first in a number of bespoke opportunities that the government has been exploring, to deliberately target appropriate support for New Zealand’s largest emitters where the greatest emissions reductions can occur quickly,” Megan Woods said.A second large partnership deal was announced in July with Fonterra to cut coal use at its dairy factories and support a 50% reduction in the company’s manufacturing emissions by 2030 – increasing the existing target of 30%.

A trio’s time was up in Tutukaka following a string of offending against Northland businesses.Police have charged the group following a series of aggravated robberies and burglaries in recent weeks.Whangārei Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom says on Thursday afternoon a convoy of vehicles came to Police attention.“Two stolen vehicles were travelling through Ngunguru and our staff attempted to signal these vehicles to stop, one vehicle stopped with the other attempting to evade police.“Unfortunately for the offenders, they didn’t get too far.“I would like to acknowledge the Tutukaka locals for their assistance as they were quick to point out where they had gone,” Inspector Nordstrom says.The three are all males, aged 16 and 19, were all taken into custody. Police have now laid a range of charges against the trio.“Police have been investigating a range of dishonesty and violent offences that have taken place in our district in recent weeks,” Inspector Nordstrom says.“We have now reached a point in this investigation where we have charged them for 18 separate offences.”Those charges include aggravated robbery for incidents at a Paihia tavern on 27 August and a Tikipunga dairy on 3 September.Burglary charges have been laid for offences at two retail stores in Whangārei on 20 August and Kerikeri on 5 September.They are now before the Whangārei District and Youth Courts. Further charges cannot be ruled out.“Police continue to take a dim view on this brazen and often violent offending being inflicted on our community,” Inspector Nordstrom says.“We will continue to utilise all tools available to us to hold offenders to account.”

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, 15 September 2023.Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.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, 10 & 12 & 14 September Silverdale southbound on-ramp, 10 & 12 & 14 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 11 & 13 SeptemberOteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 11 & 13 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Esmonde Road on-ramp, 11 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 10 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 10 SeptemberNorthbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Esmonde Road on-ramp, 11 & 13 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 11 & 13 SeptemberCENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 12-14 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 12-14 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Tamaki Drive, 10-12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Tamaki Drive, 10-12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 10-12 SeptemberSOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Tecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 14 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 10 September (approx. 9:00pm to 5:30am)Takanini southbound on-ramp, 10 September (approx. 9:00pm to 5:30am)Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 11 SeptemberPapakura southbound on-ramp, 8-11 September (24/7Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 10-14 SeptemberPapakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 10-14 SeptemberPapakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 10-14 SeptemberDrury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 10-14 SeptemberDrury/SH22 northbound off-ramp, 10 September (approx. 5:00am to 6:00pm)Southbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Mercer off-ramp and Mercer on-ramp, 12 September (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 11 & 13 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 11 & 13 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 11 & 13 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Newton Road westbound on-ramp, 11-12 SeptemberUPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Brigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 10-14 September (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp to SH16 links (Waterview tunnel closed), 11 SeptemberMaioro Street northbound on-ramp (Waterview tunnel closed), 11 SeptemberSouthbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 11 September (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 11 SeptemberQueenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 11 SeptemberWalmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 13 SeptemberGEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)None plannedPUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)None plannedSTATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)Eastbound lanes between Mangatawhiri off-ramp and Rawiri Road, 12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Westbound lanes between Rawiri Road and Mangatawhiri Road, 12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Koheroa westbound on-ramp, 12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)Mangatangi westbound off-ramp, 12 September (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

Warkworth RegionFriday 8th Sept - Areas of low cloud or fog clearing to fine this morning. Light winds.Saturday 9th Sept - Mainly fine, chance of a shower. EasterliesSunday 10th Sept - Mainly fine, chance of a shower. Northeasterlies, becoming fresh.Mangawhai RegionFriday 8th Sept - Low cloud or fog clearing to fine this morning. Some evening cloud with a light shower possible. Light winds.Saturday 9th Sept - Mainly fine, a few showers. Easterlies.Sunday 10th Sept - Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the morning and evening. Northeasterlies.

Two people will face court after a car chase in Whangārei in which the driver is accused of ramming into police vehicles.Officers say they approached a car at a petrol station in Raumanga about 10.30pm on Wednesday because the owner had a warrant out for his arrest.They say the car sped away, almost hitting an officer.Police chased the car down State Highway 1, where they say it swerved onto the wrong side of the road as it drove west on Loop Road towards Otaika Valley Road.While trying to escape, the driver is accused of ramming into pursuing police cars multiple times.A 31-year-old male driver was facing charges relating to failing to stop, assault, and resisting police and was due to appear in the Whangārei District Court on Thursday.A 29-year-old woman was due to appear at a later date. Two other passengers were arrested and released.This Story was originally posted on RNZ News

Operation Cobalt has reached a milestone of 50,000 charges laid against gang members and associates, just over a year after it was launched. In the process, Police have removed more than 500 firearms out of the wrong hands as part of ongoing disruption of unlawful activity. Alongside enforcement, there continues to be a focus on prevention opportunities through various initiatives and inter-agency collaboration to reduce harm and address wider issues surrounding organised crime in communities.Detective Superintendent Uraia Vakaruru, the National Controller for Operation Cobalt, says Police have continued to keep pressure on gangs, reinforcing that unlawful behaviour is not acceptable. “Any violence or other unlawful gang activity has no place in our communities, and we have no tolerance for the harm that this inflicts on the public. “Police have run large and visible operations keeping the movements and actions of gang members in check. We have deployed staff across the country and also had checkpoints in operation. We have used disruption and targeting tactics with search warrants, arrests and seizures being made.” The results speak for themselves. Since the end of August, 50,396 charges have been laid against gang members and associates for a offences which include violence, dishonesty, drugs and firearms offending.Police have seized 501 firearms and issued 64,524 Infringement Offence Notices (IONs).“We have seen results from right around the country since Operation Cobalt began,” Detective Superintendent Vakaruru says. “Whether that has been arrests and vehicles seized in the Far North, firearms seized in central Auckland suburbs, or gang members arrested moving through the South Island; Police have continued to target illegal behaviour being employed by gangs.”The milestone is also testament to the work of dedicated Operation Cobalt staff targeting serious offending, as well as work being carried out every day by staff in a range of workgroups.“Alongside Operation Cobalt, each policing district run their own operations and these fall within the priorities as part of our national unlawful gang activity focus,” Detective Superintendent Vakaruru says.“I acknowledge the various teams that have had a part of play with this result, for their tenacity and professionalism in getting the job done.“Police are continuously improving our processes and we continue to see enhanced information and intelligence sharing right across the country which assists with enforcement opportunities.” By the numbers – as of 31 August 2023: Search warrants – 1,369Warrantless searches – 781 Charges laid – 50,396 Infringements – 64,524 Firearms seized – 501

Medicinal cannabis producers are looking at growing more plants and exploring different product options as regulations are being relaxed.The government has approved changes to New Zealand's medicinal cannabis scheme, expected to make it cheaper for patients getting a prescription.Currently, the average cost for patients' prescriptions from a pharmacy is several hundred dollars for up to a couple of months' supply.Cabinet released the changes in July and Medsafe, which regulated medicines and medical devices, said broadening the medicinal cannabis categories meant a wider range of plants could be grown locally, and more cannabis products exported.Acting group manager Derek Fitzgerald said changing the quality labelling requirements for exports of medicinal cannabis meant New Zealand companies could access markets more readily.He said because New Zealand had a small population, our medicinal cannabis market was also small."We recognise that access to export markets is necessary to help ensure our local industry can continue to be commercially viable."The changes are designed to streamline and update the scheme's compliance requirements without compromising the overall quality of cannabis-based ingredients and medicinal cannabis products supplied to New Zealand patients. This will help ensure a sustainable medicinal cannabis industry in New Zealand."He said these changes would support the medicinal cannabis industry, which was important for ensuring that medicinal cannabis products which meet the minimum quality standards could continue to be supplied to local patients.Helius Therapeutics had a medicinal cannabis growing facility in Auckland. Spokesman Bruce Wallace said having fewer restrictions to send their products to offshore markets was a relief, as until now it had been a struggle as the local market was not big enough to be financially sustainable.Wallace believed the pending improvements to the scheme would lead to more plants being grown and new companies getting licences to produce or develop products.The Helius Cannabis factory in Auckland Photo: RNZ / Teresa CowieHe said having easier access to international markets would mean the price patients pay for a cannabis product should drop, as it was expensive to produce and until now only being allowed to sell solely on the local market meant charging higher prices.'We would expect it to drop over time. A stronger industry means more competition, more players and a wider variety of products. We would also encourage patients to shop around, as some pharmacies charge more than others for medicinal cannabis products."Wallace said the majority of products sold here were oral liquids, or whole flowers that patients vaporised using an approved medical device.Cannabis products were predominately prescribed for anxiety, pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.He said Helius Therapeutics' large facility in Auckland had room to grow and expand."Currently the challenge is to make sure we get the exports away that will fund and drive that growth."Wallace said their products would also be sold to researchers, who could start doing local trials with cannabis under the scheme's changes.Medsafe said the changes to the medicinal cannabis scheme would come into effect by the end of this year.This story was originally published by RNZ

FINALLY! Slip repairs to Matakana Valley Road and Pakiri Road are going to happen soon!Stop/Go lane restrictions from Monday 18th Sept for approximately 6 weeks from 7am to 7pm.

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A message from Northern Action Group (NAG):Background to the Survey: Rodney Subdivision Changes for the next Elections Changes to the Rodney Local Board’s subdivision boundaries are again up for grabs in the representation review AC has to conduct next year for the 2025 local elections.The proposal for change was raised by Councillor Sayers and NAG at the last opportunity (Nov 2020) for AC to conduct a review. AC was not intending to conduct a review then, for it was only required to do so next in 2024 but Councillor Sayers presented a Motion to the Governing Body to review the Rodney subdivision boundaries for the 2022 elections. The motion was supported by Local MPs, Chris Penk and Marja Lubeck, and a comprehensive background paper provided by NAG. The Background paper is on our website here: http://www.nag.org.nz/ NAG%20subdivision%20proposal%20document.pdf The boundary change was deferred by the Governing Body (GB) for consideration in the current review. The GB considered it would have been expensive for AC to conduct the consultation as a one-off (no other changes were being proposed) and it could potentially have opened up AC to a complete review. The proposal was covered at the time by our Local Matters paper here https:// www.localmatters.co.nz/news/call-for-rodney-board-subdivision-boundary-change/ The election last year (2022) was conducted using the subdivision boundaries as shown in the left-side diagram above. Currently Rodney has 4 subdivisions and 9 Local Board members (the number of members will not change). The last determination (2019 determination (based on 2017 population estimates)) shows:NAG wants the public to be aware of the proposal at this stage, so that ratepayers have plenty of time to think about it. A wide variety of opinions about the best structure for Rodney are expected in the public consultation process next year. But if AC concludes that the Rodney community is generally supportive, the proposed new boundaries will likely become the basic proposal, so it is important to socialise the proposal at this time. The Rodney Local board (RLB) is also being briefed as they will be affected by the proposal if any of them intend to stand again. The RLB will be asked for its view in the review process. Otherwise, the status quo current boundary arrangements will be expected to form the basis for the AC proposal, with the new boundaries possibly included as an alternative. No change in the number of local board members (9) is proposed. Minor changes, either to the status quo boundaries or the new proposal, are expected because of updated population numbers. NAG is conducting an early poll to gauge ratepayer interest. You most likely have linked here from that poll. If you have, please go back to complete the survey, but if not, Cast your vote at : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HH65GJFWellsford is outside the 10% variation allowed, but the boundaries were approved by the Local Government Commission. Boundary Change Proposal The proposal provides a grouping based on the rural/urban classification determined by StatsNZ, rather than the traditional grouping around major population centres, which biases representation in favour of urban voters. The proposed changes more fairly reflect representation of the half of Rodney’s population which is rural, pays half the rates, and gets little in the provision of services from AC other than roads and drainage. Preliminary work by AC is being done now that will result in a proposal to be put out for consultation next year. The proposal, based on 2022 StatsNZ estimates of population would be (as in the above right-side diagram):

Te Whatu Ora in Auckland has been found in breach of health regulations after surgical equipment was left in a woman's abdomen after surgery.The woman had experienced severe pains in her abdomen after a C-section at Auckland City Hospital.A CT scan found the dinner plate-sized instrument in her abdomen 18 months after her surgery.The instrument itself was an Alexis wound retractor (AWR), a soft tubal instrument used for holding open surgical wounds.The woman had visited her GP several times, as well as the emergency department at the hospital, prior to the AWR being found.The Health and Disability Commissioner found the health board had breached the consumers rights code, which give every patient the right to have services provided with reasonable care and skill.Te Whatu Ora in Auckland told the commission the process for ensuring all surgical tools were accounted for following surgery was laid out in its Count Policy.However, at the time of the woman's surgery, AWRs were not included as part of the policy.Commissioner Morag McDowell said the Count Policy did not provide sufficient guidance for staff to determine which instruments should be included in the count.It instead relied on staff applying their own interpretation of what instruments were "at risk of being retained".She recommended Te Whatu Ora write to the woman to apologise, and offer the opportunity to meet face-to-face."As set out in my report, the care fell significantly below the appropriate standard in this case and resulted in a prolonged period of distress for the woman," McDowell said."Systems should have been in place to prevent this from occurring."McDowell also recommended Te Whatu Ora confirm a directive to include AWRs as part of the surgical count.Te Whatu Ora in Auckland was also referred to the Director of Proceedings to determine whether further proceedings should be taken.This story was originally published by RNZ

Warkworth RegionMonday 4th September - Periods of rain, possibly heavy. Northeasterlies, strong at times.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 24hrs from 3am Mon, 4 Sep - 3am Tue, 5 SepArea: Auckland north of Papakura and Great Barrier IslandForecast: A band of rain is expected to move slowly southwards, with embedded heavy falls. There is a risk that the rain-band could become stationary at times, increasing rainfall accumulation in localised places, where amounts may approach warning criteria especially in the east.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 18hrs from 6pm Mon, 4 Sep - noon Tue, 5 SepArea: Coromandel Peninsula, and the Hunua RangeForecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Note, due to uncertainties, the validity period could be changed.Tuesday 5th September - Occasional rain or showers, possibly heavy, easing in the evening. Northeasterlies. Heavy rain watch see above.Wednesday 6th September - A few showers, clearing in the evening but remaining partly cloudy. Northerlies.Thursday 7th September - Fine, then showers developing. Northwesterlies, easing.Friday 8th September - Cloudy with southerlies.Saturday 9th September - Partly cloudy with northeasterlies.Sunday 10th September - A few showers. Northerlies.Mangawhai RegionMonday 4th September - Rain easing this morning, then clearing this afternoon. Easterlies.Heavy Rain WatchPeriod: 19hrs from 8pm Sun, 3 Sep - 3pm Mon, 4 SepArea: Northland south of the Bay of IslandsForecast: A band of rain is expected to move slowly southwards, with embedded heavy falls. There is a risk that the rain-band could become stationary at times, increasing rainfall accumulation in localised places, where amounts may approach warning criteria especially in the east. Thunderstorms are possible.Tuesday 5th September - Showers, some maybe heavy. Northerlies.Wednesday 6th September - Showers, possibly heavy, clearing late evening. Northerlies.Thursday 7th September - Partly cloudy, with showers developing. Northwesterlies, easing.Friday 8th September - Fine. Southeasterlies.Saturday 9th September - Showers, clearing to partly cloudy weather. Northeasterlies.Sunday 10th September - Showers. Light winds.

Auckland boaters are being asked to stay away from areas of the Waiheke coastline following the discovery of invasive seaweed exotic caulerpa. Local iwi Ngāti Paoa has now placed a rāhui (prohibition) within a nautical mile (1.8 kilometres) of Thompson's Point and Onetangi bay, where exotic caulerpa has been found.Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley says the board supports the call by Ngāti Paoa that asks boaters to take steps to stop the spread of the seaweed which can have devastating consequences on native marine ecosystems.“Ngāti Paoa and the many other groups involved in deterring the spread of exotic caulerpa in the Hauraki Gulf are asking boaters in Waiheke waters to please avoid these areas if possible, and certainly not to anchor or carry out any activity that disturbs the seabed, like fishing or diving while they figure out exactly where the borders of the current infestation are,” Handley says.Exotic caulerpa seaweed on the seafloor near Aotea Great Barrier Island. Photo from the Ministry for Primary Industries.Even tiny pieces of exotic caulerpa transferred on anchors, chains, fishing lines and diving gear can spread the infestation to other areas and people are being asked to check gear for signs of the seaweed. Any disruption of the seabed where matts of exotic caulerpa are present can also further the spread to other areas of the Hauraki Gulf by releasing fragments into ocean currents.The board is being kept up to date with developments on the caulerpa infestation by a Waiheke response group coordinated by the Ministry for Primary Industries that includes NIWA, Auckland Council, Ngāti Paoa and the Waiheke Marine Project.You can find more information on exotic caulerpa at the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website.For updates on exotic caulerpa on Waiheke go to the Waiheke Marines Project’s monitoring page.