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Annual Plan open now for public feedback

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Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 is open for public consultation, as the council invites all Aucklanders to have their say on its investment and services for the year ahead.

The consultation also includes an opportunity to give feedback on the funding of events and destination marketing, and the priorities of local boards.

The proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 focuses on delivering the second year of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034. Consultation runs from 28 February-28 March 2025.

Mayor Wayne Brown says it’s important Aucklanders have their say.

“Council is here to serve Auckland ratepayers, and the Annual Plan is an opportunity for Aucklanders to speak up and have their say on what the council is focused on,” says Mayor Brown.  

“We want the community’s thoughts on a bed night levy to fund major events like bringing the America’s Cup back to Auckland, hosting NRL rugby league matches, the ASB Classic and concerts like Coldplay and Taylor Swift.  None of these will happen without it, as I won’t rate struggling households to fill hotels.

“This is also a chance to tell us what they want from their Local Boards and on the proposed rates for the next year. My message to Aucklanders is speak up, help inform our decision-making.”

Auckland Council group chief financial officer Ross Tucker says the Annual Plan focuses on getting on with strengthening the financial and physical resilience of Auckland, while investing where it is needed most to manage growth.

“This Annual Plan is about delivering on our Long-term Plan commitments, at a time when we know the cost of living is high for our ratepayers. This year we are prioritising investment in transport, water and fair funding for local communities,” says Mr Tucker.

The plan sets out the proposed way to pay for services and investments, including a 5.8 per cent rates increase for the average value residential property, which is in line with the Long-term Plan.

“We are also asking our communities for feedback on funding major events and destination marketing for the region. To help cover a shortfall in funding that was outlined in the Long-term Plan, the council would like to see the introduction of a bed night visitor levy,” says Mr Tucker.

“The levy requires new legislation and, to inform the government, the council would like to hear Aucklanders’ views on a bed night visitor levy that could help raise $27 million and not just meet the shortfall, but fund even more destination management, marketing and major events activities in Auckland.”

Local board agreements

The final Annual Plan 2025/2026 will also set out local board agreements – with each of the 21 local boards setting out priorities for their community and where funds will be invested.

A fairer funding approach will begin to be phased in for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 to enable local boards to better respond to the needs of their communities, by addressing funding imbalances between the 21 local boards.

“Each local board’s priorities for the year are included in the Consultation Document,” says Mr Tucker. “Local boards provide a wide range of services such as local parks, libraries, pools, community facilities, and local art and environment activities, along with community events.

“This makes their plans and priorities really relevant at a local level, and we encourage Aucklanders to take a look at what is planned by their local board, and provide feedback.”

While the council is not proposing significant changes to services or investment levels compared with what is in the Long-term Plan, it is important to check in each year with all Aucklanders in our communities, to make sure plans are still on the right track.

Additional proposals

There are some proposed changes to targeted rates, fees and charges – including refuse collection being rolled out in North Shore, Waitākere and Papakura, and targeted rates for refuse in Franklin and Rodney. There are also some changes for fees relating to additional council services, such as dog adoption, cemetery and cremation, and bach fees.

“We are also seeking input on the annual plan for Tūpuna Maunga Authority, which governs the 14 Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau. Public feedback is an important part of developing these plans.”

The Annual Plan 2025/2026 Consultation Document for feedback is available online at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.

Want to learn more?

Join our online information session where you can hear more from the Auckland Council Finance team about the topics we are consulting on in this annual plan.

You can also ask questions to subject matter experts.

Wednesday 5 March 2025

6pm to 7.30pm

Register for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 Online Information Session via akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan (events).

MIL OSI

Turnip the Beet: Cook up savings with better meal planning

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Source: Auckland Council

The average New Zealand household wastes $1,500 worth of food each year—that’s the equivalent of three full shopping trolleys of groceries!

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to cut down on food waste and 80 per cent of us say we plan meals in advance. But judging by the amount of food wasted, it seems we might be planning to waste it instead.

With four simple steps, you can plan your meals for the week ahead to make the most of your food, reduce waste and save money and time.

Before heading to the shops, follow the four C’s for better meal planning:

  1. Check your week

  2. Check what you’ve got

  3. Choose your meals

  4. Create your list

Check your week – who is home on which days? What days will you be too busy or too tired to cook?

Check what you’ve got – see what needs using up in your fridge, freezer and pantry.

Choose your meals – plan easy, flexible meals. Remember to use your leftovers.

Create your list – and remember to take it with you when you go shopping.

By adopting these steps, you’ll have a plan that saves money, cuts waste and keeps meal times stress-free.

Photo credit: WasteMINZ

During March, Love Food Hate Waste NZ is running a nationwide campaign to teach New Zealanders how to save money and save food using the better meal planning checklist.

To help you choose your meals, the Easy Choice – Family Kai cookbooks by Love Food Hate Waste NZ feature healthy seasonal meal plans and budget-friendly recipes for families designed to create zero food waste. These cookbooks help families shop for, cook and eat nourishing and affordable food. There are versions available for all four seasons and they come with great advice on meal planning, storing food so it lasts, and shopping on a budget.

Go to the Love Food Hate Waste website for the Autumn Easy Choice Family Kai Cookbook. You will also find many more helpful resources and guides for reducing food waste, including creative ways to use leftovers.

Keeping Auckland’s food scraps out of landfill

Prior to Auckland’s food scraps bins collection service, food waste made up 45 per cent of the weight of an average Auckland household’s rubbish bag or bin. Of this, waste audits have shown that a significant proportion could have been avoided in the first place or eaten.

To reduce food waste going to landfill, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, Auckland Council supports Love Food Hate Waste to prevent waste at its source, supports food rescue initiatives to redistribute surplus food, and promotes home and community composting through the Compost Collective.

Any remaining food scraps are then collected through Auckland Council’s kerbside food scraps collection service and converted to energy. Because every little bit helps!

MIL OSI

Grape News! Drivers urged to be ready for Marlborough grape harvest

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Marlborough drivers are being asked to take extra care on the region’s roads with the annual grape harvest underway.

Harvest season sees an increase in heavy machinery moving between vineyards from now until mid-April, with activity peaking in the middle of March.

Drivers can expect to see harvesters and an increase in the number of trucks on the roads across the wider Marlborough region, as vineyards bring their grapes in for pressing and processing.

Road users can expect activity on all of the region’s state highways – SH1, SH6, SH62, and SH63 – and on local roads.

Drivers must take extra care on the roads and drive appropriately when they encounter harvesters and trucks.

This especially applies when overtaking. Drivers must check their passing distances, look out for oncoming traffic, and for trucks and harvesters entering and leaving vineyard areas.

Truck drivers carrying grapes for processing are also urged to watch their speed and drive with caution through roundabouts as these have been hot spots for spill incidents in the past.

Grape harvester travelling in Marlborough.

MIL OSI

Update: Crash closes State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton (SH2 OPEN in both directions)

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Update 1:45pm: The northbound lane is now open, and State Highway 2 is now OPEN in both directions.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while emergency services and contractors responded to the crash.

Update 1.10pm:

The highway’s northbound lane has reopened. However, a closure remains in place for southbound traffic.

Southbound traffic must continue to detour via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

12.35 pm:

State Highway 2 is currently closed between Masterton and Carterton following a crash early this afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash occurred north of Clareville and was reported shortly after midday.

State Highway 2 is closed between the Wiltons Road roundabout and the Hughes Line intersection.

Local road detours are available via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line.

Emergency services are at the scene.

Drivers can expect  traffic delays until the crash scene is cleared. Please take extra care when travelling through the area, follow all instructions of emergency services, and allow extra time for your journeys.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

MIL OSI

Going for growth in exports and aquaculture

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government is going for growth by unlocking additional exports and creating jobs in the aquaculture industry Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Minister for Agriculture, and Trade and Investment Todd McClay announced today.

The two ministers have confirmed support for salmon farming which is estimated to create an additional sector wide $500m of salmon exports by 2035. 

“The Coalition Government will be co-investing $11.72 million over five years from the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund as part of a $29.3 million programme, led by New Zealand King Salmon to increase production and drive up exports, Minister McClay says. 

The joint project will look at ways to expand salmon farming around New Zealand including in deep water while continuing to meet environmental obligations.”

“The ‘Future Salmon Farming Programme’ will prove the viability of open ocean farming for the King Salmon species to make New Zealand a leading global supplier for this high value product.

“It will also drive innovation, allowing fish farmers to maximise productivity and profitability and get a better return for their product.”  

“We expect this investment to boost exports and produce more higher paying jobs in our regions,” Todd McClay said.  

Minister Shane Jones says this is another example of the Coalition Government’s commitment to growing the aquaculture industry and supporting innovation in the sector, to the benefit of all New Zealanders.

“We have a strong track record of supporting New Zealand aquaculture, including investing in projects to boost mussel spat availability, extending the resource consents for marine farms, and listing seven aquaculture projects in the Fast-Track Bill, which includes two new open ocean salmon farms.

“It’s clear that open ocean aquaculture is going to be key for the industry’s growth. These farms will increase our capacity for farmed salmon by 40,000 tonnes annually in addition to the expected 10,000 tonnes from New Zealand King Salmon’s pilot open ocean farm.”

“The Coalition Government has got big plans for the aquaculture sector, which I’ll be releasing in full soon. Open ocean salmon farming is a big part of these plans, as it directly supports our focus on delivering profitable, resilient, and sustainable marine farms around New Zealand, that work for the regions, Māori, our marine farmers, and the economy as a whole,” Mr Jones says.

MIL OSI

Local News – Wellington Water review reinforces the need for change – Porirua City

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Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua City Council says today’s reports into Wellington Water Limited’s operations reinforce the urgent need for change in water service delivery in the region.
A series of reports were released today, with a particular focus on costs, and the value for money of the services delivered by the council-controlled organisation.
Porirua City Mayor Anita Baker said the shareholding Councils had sought assurance that Wellington Water had an absolute focus on delivery, value for money and sustainable operational improvements.
The need for this assurance became even more obvious when the company revealed a $51 million budget error in 2024.
“In response to this requirement for assurance, and with the appointment of a new Chief Executive in September 2024, Wellington Water commenced a series of immediate changes to company structure, organisational culture and processes to lift capability and improve outcomes,” Mayor Baker said.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of the board and new CE in finding and fixing these huge issues.
“Today’s reports confirm our concern that Wellington Water is not operating efficiently. In particular, the report finds that when benchmarked against councils across the country, costs have been ‘consistently more expensive’, particularly for drinking water and wastewater assets”.
The reports also found a lack of oversight, assurance and weak financial processes and controls in the management of consultant and contractor panels.
Mayor Baker said the results showed that we need to fix water services “once and for all”.
“The results are terrible, and I’m not surprised. This is the reason we need change, and why I have consistently been a supporter of water services reform.”
She said the fact that Wellington Water had been relying on other organisations’ IT systems was symptomatic of the many structural issues with the current model.
“The Wellington Water model is past its use by date. It has not worked as intended and we need to move to a more mature and accountable model that will serve us into the future ,” she said.
“We’ve been on a five-year water reform path, and if we proceed with the preferred new model Wellington Water won’t exist after 1 July 2026”.
Porirua City is working with Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City and Greater Wellington Regional Councils, alongside iwi partners, on a new model for water services delivery.
The councils have agreed, subject to community feedback, that establishing a new multi-council-owned water organisation is the best way to deliver water services in the future. Each council will be consulting on this proposal starting on 20 March 2025.
Mayor Baker says in the meantime, Council has asked Wellington Water to do two things:
1. to concentrate on making their current operation as cost effective as possible
2. to prepare the organisation to be disbanded in anticipation of establishing a new water company with clearer accountability and a stronger investment path.
“What we do next is critical – we need to move as quickly as possible to a new delivery model.”

MIL OSI

Health – Virtual care, real impact: ProCare funding provides Kiwis with summer healthcare support

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Source: ProCare

This summer, health didn’t have to go on hold for hundreds of patients, thanks to funding from ProCare to provide subsidised virtual GP appointments via CareHQ. This funding ensured that patients within the ProCare Network could access the care they needed, even as general practices and their hardworking staff took a well-deserved break after another demanding year. Virtual appointments bridged the gap during the holiday period, meaning patients could continue to connect with trusted medical professionals from the comfort of their homes, or holiday spots.

Between Monday 16 December and Sunday 9 February, CareHQ saw hundreds of patients through the ProCare Christmas funding programme, helping with concerns from viral upper respiratory tract infections, right through to gastroenteritis, or UTIs.

Bindi Norwell, Group Chief Executive at ProCare says: “Our network of practices has been telling us that funding, and workforce, have been two big areas of concern this year. This funding initiative has offered crucial support for both patients and general practices. By supporting virtual consultations through CareHQ, we’ve helped alleviate pressure on in-person clinics, ensuring they could take a well-earned break after another demanding year.

“At the same time, we’ve helped provide patients with an affordable, accessible way to get the care they need, whether they’re at home or holidaying across New Zealand. This flexibility has been a win for all involved, supporting the health of our communities while also looking out for the wellbeing of our hardworking primary care teams,” continues Norwell.

“We’re under no illusion, that 2025 is going to continue to put pressure on practices, as government funding increases have been minimal and not enough to cover inflation, let alone increased costs to running a practice. This means that practices will continue to grapple with workforce shortages and need support with overflow and afterhours to keep up with high levels of patient demand moving forward, an issue for which we will continue to look for solutions,” concludes Norwell.

Brett Butler, General Manager of CareHQ says: “Our team of highly qualified GPs and nurses were an exceptional resource over the Christmas break, demonstrating how virtual healthcare can be a vital support solution now and into the future. At CareHQ we are pleased to be able to offer this overflow and afterhours service throughout the year, including public holidays, keeping Kiwis healthy. Our care with patients, and flow through of consultation notes back to the practice ensure a smooth continuity of care, while also making sure individuals can be flexible with the type of care they need and when they need it.”

Notes:

About CareHQ

CareHQ is a virtual consultation service that provides New Zealanders with a convenient and easy to use telehealth consultations with specialist General Practitioners (GP), there for when they can’t see their regular GP or need support after-hours. CareHQ has delivered more than 100,000 consults to New Zealanders to date and continues to grow every day.

CareHQ is made possible by a partnership between Southern Cross Health Insurance and ProCare however CareHQ exists as an independent service from both these organisations.

Collectively Southern Cross Health Insurance and ProCare already care for and are trusted by more than one million New Zealanders:

Southern Cross has more than 920,000 members
ProCare supports 143 general practices across Tāmaki Makaurau, covering almost 700,000 enrolled patients.

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

MIL OSI

New management for Pūponga Farm Park

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  03 March 2025

HealthPost Nature Trust will carry out restoration work in the Triangle Flat area of the farm park. They aim to build a 3 km-long low predator fence across the base of the spit to provide a line of defence against reinvading introduced predators. The farm and crossing road area will remain open to the public.

Pax Leetch and Ellie Miller, who manage land next to the farm park, have successfully applied to graze land from the west of Old Man Range to Greenhills. This area will remain as a working farm.

These concessions run for five years while DOC works with our Treaty partners —Iwi Chairs of Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Rārua and Te Ātiawa, and Manawhenua ki Mohua — to develop a long-term strategic vision for the site, which is rich in ecological and cultural values and a popular visitor destination.

Last September, the Department of Conservation (DOC) ran an expression of interest process inviting parties to put in proposals for managing these sites as the previous license to graze was ending after 27 years.

Eight proposals were received and an evaluation panel made up of Manawhenua ki Mohua, Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board representatives and DOC staff decided on the successful applicants.

HealthPost Nature Trust will also fund 50 per cent of a salary for a DOC ranger to be based in Pūponga, who will spend half of their time working on the Trust’s biodiversity initiatives and half keeping the popular area maintained for visitors to enjoy.

They will work closely with Pest Free Onetahua, a large-scale conservation project removing pests on Onetahua/Farewell Spit and the surrounding areas.

Triangle Flat is a very significant archaeological site, and any proposed restoration would need to be careful not to impact these important values.

The Trust’s agreement will expand the significant restoration work they have been carrying out at Cape Farewell since 2017 to benefit burrowing seabirds, including creating a 3-hectare predator-free sanctuary.

The Trust has worked in partnership with Manawhenua ki Mohua and DOC for several years which has led to pakahā/fluttering shearwaters translocated to the area.

DOC Golden Bay Operations Manager Ross Trotter says Onetahua/Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is a unique ecosystem and a significant biodiversity hotspot, with several rare plants and more than 90 bird species recorded in the area. It’s recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

“HealthPost Nature Trust’s vision is exciting because if we can get predators down to really low numbers, Onetahua would be a much-needed safe haven for some of our threatened species in the area. It might also mean more rare species could be released into the area in the future.”

Ross says DOC was impressed with the calibre of the proposals and wants to thank everyone who submitted an expression of interest.

“We believe we’ve got a great outcome for the future of Pūponga Farm Park that is in the best interest of this really special part of the country.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

Napier Sailing Club Proves a Powerhouse

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Source: Press Release Service

Napier Sailing Club’s junior sailors have once again demonstrated their strength on the national stage with an outstanding performance at the New Zealand International Optimist Dinghy Association Ranking Selection Regatta. Eight sailors from Napier’s Optimist program competed against the country’s best, with standout results from Jake Dickey (2nd place) and Blake Duncan (5th place), securing their spots among the top five sailors selected to represent New Zealand at the Optimist World Championships in Slovenia later this year. Impressively, all Napier sailors finished within the top 55 Sailors in New Zealand.

Blake Duncan’s selection marks his second consecutive year qualifying for the Team selected to represent Aotearoa, a testament to his dedication and skill. He will have the opportunity to compete again next year, solidifying his place as one of the country’s top young sailors.

A Legacy of Success Built on Dedication
Napier Sailing Club’s junior program, currently boasting 40 active Optimist sailors, is one of the most successful in New Zealand despite drawing from a small population. The club ranks as the third-best rated junior sailing program in the country (based on results over the last 20 years), a remarkable achievement considering the size and isolation of the region. This success is the result of two decades of dedication from volunteers, parents, and the wider club community. Napier Sailing Club understands that without junior sailors, the club is only one generation away from decline, making its commitment to youth sailing a top priority.
The club runs five Learn to Sail programs annually and has built a strong reputation for developing top talent. A key factor in its success is the strategic use of professional, international-quality coaching, led by program mastermind Adrian Mannering. The club also receives vital support from sponsors such as The Rodney Green Foundation, Theatrical Solutions and Kerbside Services, as well as parents who invest significant time and effort, traveling across the country up to 15 times a year as well as internationally for top-tier competitions.

Sailing: More Than Just a Sport
Beyond competition, sailing provides young athletes with physical and mental challenges that build resilience, discipline, and problem-solving skills. It keeps children active, engaged, and off screens while also instilling a sense of responsibility as they learn to care for and maintain their boats. The friendships formed through sailing are lifelong, forged through shared experiences on and off the water.
Sailing is also woven into the fabric of who we are. From the great Polynesian navigators who first sailed to Aotearoa using only the stars and ocean currents, to the modern sailors competing on the world stage, our connection to the sea is deep and enduring. It is through sailing that we explore, connect, and grow—just as our ancestors did before us.

A Club Committed to Growth and Sustainability
Napier Sailing Club is not only focused on competitive success but also on expanding access to the sport. Programs like the Runa and Kokohaha Schools Sailing Program—run in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Yachting New Zealand—along with the Sailability initiative, ensure that sailing is accessible to a diverse range of participants, including those with disabilities. The club’s exceptional facilities, which hosted the prestigious Optimist World Championships in 2011, provide New Zealand’s premier environment for both learning and high-performance training and racing. Additionally, all regattas at Napier Sailing Club adhere to a Clean Regatta policy, reinforcing a commitment to environmental sustainability.
With a strong foundation of dedicated volunteers, world-class coaching, and an unwavering focus on junior development, Napier Sailing Club continues to punch well above its weight, securing its place as a powerhouse of New Zealand junior sailing.

Join Napier Sailing Club Learn to Sail Program
The September School Holiday Learn to Sail program is now open for bookings, with only 24 spots available. Bookings are essential and must be confirmed. Additional Learn to Sail programs will be held in December (post-school) and late January (before Term 1 starts). Napier Sailing Club are currently taking bookings—don’t miss out on the opportunity to get involved in this fantastic program!

Book in your future Sailor at manager@napiersailingclub.org.nz
www.Napiersailingclub.org.nz | +64 06 835 8311

Media Release 3 March 2025.

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MIL OSI

Major delays expected, Mount Albert

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists are being advised of heavy delays following a multi-vehicle crash on the North-Western Motorway this morning.

The crash, reported to Police just after 6.30am, has blocked one citybound lane near the St Lukes off-ramp.

It appears five vehicles, including one towing a boat, have crashed in the far right lane.

As this stage there are no reports of injury.

Emergency services are responding and motorists are advised to expect delays or seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

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