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Health – More nurses in primary care will be a welcome boost says ProCare

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Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has today welcomed the Health Minister’s announcement to increase the number of training places for nurse practitioners specialising in primary care to 120 a year, and support advanced education for up to 120 primary care registered nurses.

This announcement, alongside the two announcements made earlier this week will provide a welcome boost for an underfunded primary care sector.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says: “Nurses are a vital part of any general practice and investing in their skills means better, more accessible healthcare for our communities. We are pleased to see a longer-term commitment to nurse practitioner training and advanced education for primary care registered nurses.

“Increasing the number of skilled nurses will undoubtedly support primary care practices. However, it’s crucial to ensure they receive equitable remuneration compared to their hospital counterparts. Without this, we risk facing the same challenges we do today,” says Norwell.

“We have a meeting with the Minister in the coming weeks and look forward to sharing any updates with our members following those discussions,” concludes Norwell.

Anna Wright, Associate Nursing Director at ProCare highlights, “Nurse practitioners are highly skilled professionals who can provide a valuable alternative for patients who need care but are facing long wait times to see their GP. Additionally, nurses with prescribing authority can provide care for certain conditions while also helping to free up GP capacity.”

“Expanding opportunities for nurses to upskill and take on greater roles in primary care not only keeps them engaged in their profession but also gives patients more choices when seeking care within a practice,” concludes Wright.

It’s no secret there has been immense workforce pressures in healthcare, so these initiatives will go some way to easing this pressure.

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

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Climate – Summer overall milder and drier for most areas of New Zealand – NIWA release Summer 2024-25 Seasonal Climate Summary

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Source: NIWA

The New Zealand summer was milder overall, and dry for many parts of the country, according to the Summer 2024-25 Seasonal Climate Summary issued by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
Summer temperatures were above average or well above average for northern, western and southern parts of the South Island, and many central, western, and northern parts of the North Island. Rainfall was below normal or well below normal for northern, central, and western parts of the North Island, as well as for western, inland, and southern parts of the South Island.
Rainfall was above normal or well above normal for some eastern parts of Canterbury, northern Hawke’s Bay, and Gisborne.
At the end of summer, soil moisture levels were lower than normal for most of the North Island, parts of the West Coast, inland northern Canterbury, coastal parts of the South Island from Dunedin to Invercargill, and Stewart Island, according to the NIWA summary.
The highest temperature was 34.8°C, observed at Kawerau on 29 December, while the lowest temperature was -0.4°C, observed at North Canterbury’s Waipara River North Branch on 25 January. The highest 1-day rainfall was 154 mm, recorded near Greymouth, on 15 December, with the highest wind gust 196 km/h, observed at Manawatu-Wanganui Tararua district’s Cape Turnagain on 5 December.
The sunniest four locations so far in 2025 are Taranaki (621 hours), West Coast (606 hours), Mackenzie Basin (584 hours), and Central Otago (582 hours).Of the six main centres in summer 2024-25, Auckland was the warmest, Hamilton was the driest, Tauranga was the sunniest and wettest, Dunedin was the coolest, and Christchurch was the least sunny.
More detailed information is available at the full Summer 2024-25 Seasonal Climate Summary available at NIWA’s website: Seasonal | NIWA
The Summer summary is attached as a Word and pdf file, with images available within it for download and use.
The Summer summary is attached as a pdf file, with images available within it for download and use.

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Climate – A warm and dry February for most regions – NIWA’s Climate Summary: February 2025

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Source: NIWA

February was warm and dry for most regions, according to the February 2025 Climate Summary issued by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
Temperatures were above average or well above average for most regions of the country, while rainfall was below normal or well below normal in almost all regions of the country. 
At the end of February, soil moisture levels were lower than normal for most of the North Island, parts of the West Coast, inland northern Canterbury, coastal parts of the South Island from Dunedin to Invercargill, and Stewart Island. 
February 2025 was characterised by above normal mean sea level pressure (MSLP) over and to the south of Aotearoa New Zealand. This led to extended periods of settled weather throughout the country. 
NIWA’s February 2025 Climate Summary shows that sunshine was abundant for wide swathes of the country. Queenstown and Hokitika observed their sunniest February on record, with 275 hours and 278 hours of sunshine, respectively. A further 12 locations observed near-record high sunshine hour totals from as far north as Kaitaia to as far south as Dunedin. 
Further highlights include the highest temperature of 33.0°C, observed at Kawerau on 4 February and Clyde on 15 February, while the lowest temperature was 2.1°C, observed at Manapouri on 3 February.
Of the six main centres in February 2025, Auckland was the warmest, driest and sunniest, Dunedin was the coolest, Tauranga was the wettest, and Christchurch was the least sunny.
The sunniest four locations so far in 2025 are Taranaki (621 hours), West Coast (606 hours), Mackenzie Basin (584 hours), and Central Otago (582 hours).

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Minister acknowledges outgoing RBNZ Governor

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Source: New Zealand Government

Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledges the resignation of the Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr, and his seven years of service.

“I wish him well for the future,” Nicola Willis says.

Mr Orr was appointed as Governor in March 2018.

Nicola Willis also welcomes Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby, who will be Acting Governor until March 31.

Mr Hawkesby has served as Reserve Bank Deputy Governor since 2022.

From April 1 the Minister of Finance, on recommendation from the RBNZ Board, will appoint a temporary Governor for a period of up to six months.

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Pair stumped after petrol station burglary

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have arrested two young offenders following an early morning burglary in Clevedon.

Just before 3am, a burglary in progress was reported at a petrol station on Papakura-Clevedon Road.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright says the front door had been smashed in the burglary.

“The petrol station was closed at the time,” she says.

“On arrival a short time later, units confirmed the cash register had been stolen and the offenders had left the area.

“Meanwhile a Crime Squad unit was heading to the scene and came across a stolen Mazda Demio driving at speed along Clevedon Road.”

This hatchback fled from the unit after being signalled to stop.

It carried on at speed towards Papakura.

Detective Inspector Bright says the vehicle was eventually abandoned on Artillery Drive.

“A dog handler was deployed in the area and located the two teenagers hiding up a tree, after they had run into a park.

“The pair, aged 14 and 15, were arrested without further incident.”

Police have since recovered a cash register and other stolen items from inside the stolen Demio.

Detective Inspector Bright says the pair will be referred to Youth Aid over the burglaries.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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State Highway 2 closed following crash, Clareville

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 2 is closed at the intersection with Somerset Road in Clareville following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at 1:30pm.

Two people have been seriously injured, and a third person has sustained moderate injuries.

Detours are in place via Hughes Line and Park Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

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Reserve Bank NZ Governor Adrian Orr resigns

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Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

05 March 2025 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr has resigned and will finish in the role on 31 March.

Mr Orr, who was first appointed as Governor in March 2018, says it has been a privilege to lead an institution that plays a critical role in the economic wellbeing and prosperity of all New Zealanders.

“Over the last seven years we’ve significantly built our capability and capacity so we can respond to an increasing complex and challenging global environment. We’ve made considerable progress in our approach to monetary and financial policy, alongside driving much-needed maturity uplifts in our balance sheet capital, digital, data and technology.”

“We’ve advanced many major, multi-year programmes, to modernise and strengthen the RBNZ and the New Zealand financial system and led the implementation of strategies related to the Future of Money and Cash, Future of Payment and Settlements, Financial Inclusion, Climate Change, and Māori Access to Capital,” Mr Orr says.

“I’m incredibly proud of the RBNZ’s people, our work and the impact of our mahi on all New Zealanders,” Mr Orr says.

“I leave the role with consumer price inflation at target, and an economy in a cyclical recovery following the long period of COVID-related disruption. The financial system remains sound. However, there is much work left to do on the major multi-year strategies RBNZ is following. Ongoing focus and funding will be critical to these projects’ success.”

RBNZ Board Chair Professor Neil Quigley thanked Mr Orr for his leadership and commitment to the central bank. “Adrian has been critical to leading the institutional reforms needed to implement the new Reserve Bank Act, Deposit Takers Act, and Depositor Compensation Scheme. In particular, Adrian has demonstrated resilience and fidelity to the Bank in operationalising the changes in governance and decision-making that followed from the creation of a Monetary Policy Committee with external members from 2019 and the Reserve Bank Act coming into force in July 2022.”

“He has also driven a significant uplift in leadership and capability across the Bank, and modernised its culture to reflect contemporary New Zealand society,” Professor Quigley says.

Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby will be Acting Governor until 31 March. From 1 April the Minister of Finance, on recommendation from the RBNZ Board, will appoint a temporary Governor for a period of up to six months. Mr Hawkesby will also chair the Monetary Policy Committee.

More information

RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2cb69240b9&e=f3c68946f8
RBNZ Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=9057f58407&e=f3c68946f8
Reserve Bank Act 2021. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=8952ed0d47&e=f3c68946f8

Under the Reserve Bank Act the Minister of Finance can appoint temporary Governor for a period of up to six months, following a recommendation from the RBNZ Board.

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Firearm located during traffic stop

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police have taken another firearm out of the community after a traffic stop early this morning.

Just before 2.30am, a frontline Police unit stopped a vehicle on Carbine Road in Mt Wellington.

“The vehicle was sought by Police and as staff were speaking with the driver, they noticed a baseball bat in footwell of the car,” Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, of Auckland City East’s Area Prevention Manager says.

“A further search of the vehicle was invoked and uncovered a sawn-off shot gun in the vehicle’s backseat.”

Attending staff also located ammunition for the firearm.

Police have since towed the vehicle and the driver was arrested.

A 27-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court next week on a raft of charges.

Inspector Dolheguy says: “It’s a great result from the nightshift Public Safety Team in taking another firearm out of the community and its potential use for future offending.”

The man will appear on 11 March.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Surfs Up! Intersection improvements incoming on SH2 Hewletts Road

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 2 (SH2) Hewletts Road in Mount Maunganui will be looking fresh by early April, after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) completes the resurfacing of key intersections.

This includes new asphalt layers and new road markings for the Tōtara Street, Waimarie Street and Jean Batten Drive intersections and the Golf Road roundabout,” says Bay of Plenty System Manager, Sandra King.  

“A smoother road will make the trip safer and more enjoyable for the thousands of people who travel through this part of SH2 every day, heading to the Mount and Pāpāmoa, delivering freight to the Port and as part of their daily commute to and from work,” says Ms King.  

Work gets underway on Sunday 16 March for 2 weeks, with crews on site between 8pm and 5am, Sunday to Thursday nights. During these hours there will be lane closures, some full closures and detours in place. No work will take place on Friday or Saturday nights.   

Ms King acknowledges that this type of work can be disruptive.   

“Closing the road at times provides the safest working environment for our crews, which allows them to work effectively and efficiently. NZTA thanks road users for their patience while we carry out this work.”  

While other work was completed on SH2 Hewletts Road early in 2024, the intersections were always programmed to be resurfaced in the 2024/2025 maintenance programme.

Schedule of work 

Phase 1: Tōtara Street intersection  

Sunday 16 and Monday 17 March 

The intersection of Tōtara Street and SH2 Hewletts Road will be closed to enable resurfacing to take place, there will be a detour via Hewletts Road, Newton Street, left on to Hull Road and back on to Tōtara Street and in reverse if travelling from Tōtara Street. On Hewletts Road there will be a lane closure with a temporary speed limit in place within the worksite. 

Phase 2: Waimarie Street intersection and between Waimarie Road to Hocking Street 

Tuesday 18 March to Sunday 23 March (no work Friday or Saturday nights) 

The Waimarie Street intersection is being resurfacing, both exits either side of Hewletts Road into Waimarie Street will be closed during this time. There will be a lane closure with a temporary speed limit in place within the worksite. 

Phase 3: Jean Batten Drive intersection and between Maru Street to Waitomo Service Station 

Monday 24 March to Wednesday 26 March 

The Maru Street intersection on the northern side is being resurfaced, during this time the entry into Maru Street will be closed. Hewletts Road is also being resurfaced between Maru Street and the Waitomo Service Station, there will be a lane closure with a temporary speed limit in place within the worksite. 

Phase 4: Golf Road roundabout 

Sunday 30 and Monday 31 March 

The Golf Road roundabout will be closed at night to enable resurfacing to take place. The road will be closed between Tui Street and Golf Road roundabout with a detour via Maunganui Road, Tweed Street, Oceanbeach Road and back to Golf Road. If travelling along Hewletts Road, the flyover towards Pāpāmoa will be open. Travel towards Mount Maunganui beyond Tōtara Street will be via Newton Street and Hull Road. 

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Crash closes State Highway 2 near Carterton, Wairarapa

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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State Highway 2 is currently closed between Carterton and Clareville due to a crash earlier this morning.

The crash involving a car and a power pole near the intersection of Andersons Line, was reported shortly after 9am this morning.

Lines company contractors are on site and local road detours are available.

Southbound traffic should use Somerset Road, turn right onto Carters Line, then right again onto Park Road, back to SH2. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.

Drivers should follow the directions of emergency services and contractors at the scene and can expect travel delays until the site is cleared later today. Please allow extra time for your journeys.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the Journey Planner website:

Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

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