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Moth plants beware

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Source: Auckland Council

South Auckland schools and community groups are being encouraged to join the fight against moth plants.

The popular Pest-free South Auckland Moth Plant Competition 2025 is open for registrations. Pods can be collected from 3 March 2025 to 9 May 2025.

So – if you live, work, play, or learn in Ōtara-Papatoetoe or Māngere-Ōtāhuhu be sure to sign up.

There are awesome cash prizes to win at the celebration at the June prizegiving, plus plenty of fun prizes just for participating.

The chairs of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Boards enjoy this competition because for those who join in, they show great teamwork, stay dedicated, and are actively learning about and taking care of te taiao (environment). They’re excited to see tamariki (children), rangatahi (youth), and kaiako (teacher) come up with fun, creative ways to compete and connect.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of this competition that the boards heard at last year’s prizegiving was that tamariki and youth are noticing fewer moth plants around – it’s because they’ve been busy collecting moth pods around the area for the past few years. This proves that their efforts are making a difference in our community and initiatives like Pest-free are having a real impact.

“This year is shaping up to be even more competitive, we’d love to see more schools and groups join in, and we can’t wait to see the progress they make over the next three months,” says Ōtara-Papatoetoe chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia.

Hi-fives all round. Overall, 2024 winners Nga Taonga Aroha ECE from Bairds Road, Ōtara.

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich adds, “Community-led conservation initiatives like Pest Free Ihumātao and Pest Free South Auckland are central to our climate action in our Local Board Plan.

“It is important for maintaining healthy, biodiverse streams, estuaries, and harbours.  Special thanks to our Pest Free South Auckland team. Alongside kaiako and community leaders, they’re creating a pest-free environment in our own backyard. It’s fun, engaging, and inspires our tamariki to care for and protect our natural environment. We’re eager to see more Māngere-Ōtāhuhu schools and groups join in this year.”

Waterlea Primary School, top pod collectors for the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu area in 2024.

Many people have encountered the moth plant without realising it is an infamous weed that poses a significant threat to our native plants.

Pest Free South Auckland supports Auckland Council’s regional Pest-free Auckland initiative to protect biodiversity and restore council-managed land.

The Pest-free South Auckland team.

Categories include:

To register: contact PFSA@otarawaterways.org.nz. Competition closes 9 May 2025.

The competition is also supported by Manurewa and Papakura local boards.

What is a moth plant?

Moth plant is a vigorous evergreen climbing vine with arrow-head shaped leaves, dark green on top and grey-green below. The flowers grow in creamy white to pink clusters, present from December to May.

Why is it a problem?

Moth plant can become dominant in many situations and out-competes and replace native plants. It smothers and strangles whatever it climbs on. The seeds are poisonous, and the milky-white sap is very sticky, and insects can become trapped.

When removing this weed from your backyard, remember to wear protective gloves and remove it from the roots along with any pods and vines. Put them in a secure plastic bag and send them to the landfill via your regular council rubbish bins or through a community weed bin in your area.

Stay up to date 

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area? Sign up here for Ōtara-Papatoetoe or for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu.

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Weather News – Cold mornings, showers, and sunshine – MetService

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Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 6th – Monday 10th March – Autumn is in full swing, and it is starting to feel like it. MetService is forecasting a chilly night for the North Island tonight (Thursday), followed by a weekend that brings a mix of sunshine and cloudier periods, with a lingering crispness in the air. While showers are expected late Friday into Saturday across many parts of the country, there will still be plenty of opportunities to take advantage of clearer weather.

Parts of the South Island woke up to their coldest temperatures of the year so far this morning, with inland Canterbury dipping below zero and the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch recording lows around 3°C . The cooling trend continues overnight into Friday morning for the North Island, where single-digit temperatures are expected, and even frosts possible for parts of Waikato and the Central Plateau.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “Friday morning is shaping up to be one of the chilliest starts the North Island has seen in a while, so an extra layer may come in handy!”

Despite the cool mornings, Friday and the weekend will feature periods of sunshine, with temperatures in Auckland rebounding to the mid-20s after a chilly spell. However, a southwesterly to southeasterly wind will keep a slight nip in the air for many across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Showers are also in the mix for parts of the South Island on Friday and Saturday, with the North Island seeing some wet weather on Saturday, particularly in the lower and eastern regions. Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne could even see a few thunderstorms on Saturday. By Sunday and Monday, settled weather returns to most of the South Island under a ridge of high pressure, while the eastern and lower North Island continues to see a few showers. Elsewhere in the North Island, conditions are expected to remain dry.

“It will be a mixed bag at times, so it’s worth making the most of the clear spells when they come,” Makgabutlane advises.

Meanwhile, many of us will be thinking about our friends and whānau across the ditch as Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues its westward track, bringing severe weather to Brisbane and the Queensland coast. MetService is closely monitoring the system, but at this stage, it is not expected to have a direct impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s weather. Updates on Alfred’s progress can be found on the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s website.

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Urgent repairs near Te Hana River Bridge tonight

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises contractors will undertake urgent repairs near Te Hana River Bridge on State Highway 1 overnight tonight (Thursday 6 March).

Due to the narrow road environment, a lane closure with stop/go traffic management is required to ensure our crew has the required space to work safely.

Site set-up will get underway from 6pm, with construction starting at 7pm.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and expect some delays.

NZTA appreciates people’s patience and cooperation as we work to maintain the safety and integrity of the bridge.

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Expect delays on SH49 Tangiwai for urgent rail maintenance

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users on State Highway 49 (SH49), northwest of Waiouru, should prepare for delays over 2 weekends this month, while KiwiRail undertakes urgent maintenance on the Tangiwai Rail Crossing.

To enable KiwiRail to undertake this work safely, SH49 will be down to 1 lane under stop/go traffic management at the Tangiwai Crossing this weekend, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March, and again on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March (weather dependent). 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) appreciates there is increased traffic using SH49 currently as it is the main detour while State Highway 1 (SH1) is closed between Rangipō and Waiouru, as part of the Tīrau to Waiouru Accelerated Maintenance programme. 

SH1 between Rangipō and Waiouru (including the Desert Road) is on track to reopen mid-March (weather dependent). 

NZTA thanks road users for their patience while KiwiRail completes this important work at Tangiwai and our team completes the vital road rebuilding and bridge repairs on SH1. 

Use our Journey Planner before you leave to plan your travel. 

Journey Planner(external link)

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First Financial Statements including 2025 released

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Source: New Zealand Government

The latest interim Financial Statements of the Government show results were more positive than expected at the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update for most indicators, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
Treasury published the Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the Seven Months ended 31 January 2025 today.
“The results show the OBEGALx deficit was $1.4 billion smaller than forecast.
“Core Crown tax revenue was $600 million higher than forecast, while core Crown expenses were lower than forecast by $600 million – the latter mainly due to timing.
“Net core Crown debt was $66 million lower than forecast – so is tracking as expected.
“Core Crown expenses rose by 2 per cent in the seven months to January 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier. In the same period to January 2024, they rose by 9.7 per cent.
“The fiscal fix-up job is underway, but it won’t happen overnight. Rectifying the state of the books underpins the Government’s push to get the country back on track. 
“Healthier books will help support economic growth, which will mean more and better paid jobs, and money to support the public services New Zealanders expect.”

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Expanded specialist youth services coming for regions in need

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Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced details for a $3.5 million annual funding boost to increase access and expand specialist infants, children and adolescents mental health services (ICAMHS) in Tairāwhiti, Counties Manukau, and Waitematā.  

“Through data we know these three regions have lower investment in Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services compared to other regions, this funding will help address that disparity,” Mr Doocey says.

“One of the biggest barriers to timely mental health support in New Zealand is workforce and this additional funding will enable the expansion of ICAMHS teams and services to some of their most vulnerable members of their communities.

The three regions all have individual plans for the additional funding: 
•    Counties Manukau will receive the largest uplift of more than $2 million a year and will establish a dedicated clinical team for children up to intermediate schooling age who have moderate to severe mental health needs. 
•    Waitematā plans to use the additional funding on specialist clinical roles to meet the needs of children with neurodevelopmental issues. 
•    Tairāwhiti is still developing their approach, it expects to expand Hospital and Specialist Services to support the mental health needs of young people in their region.

“This is an example of the Government’s commitment to improving access and support for New Zealanders across the mental health continuum,” Mr Doocey says.

“This funding will also help enable these regions to deliver on the Government’s mental health and addiction targets and better support their mental health and addiction workforces.”

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Northland News – CityLink bus service diverted after more stone throwing incidents

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Source: Northland Regional Council

Services on CityLink Whangārei’s Otangarei Route Four will temporarily bypass Matai St from today until further notice while police investigate a series of rock throwing incidents that have damaged buses and put drivers and passengers at risk.
The 16-bus CityLink network is operated by Ritchies Transport Whangarei under contract to the Northland Regional Council.
The council’s Transport Manager Chris Powell says the council and Ritchies were already dealing with a spate of recent rock throwing on Matai St that had seen bus windows smashed in separate incidents on both Saturday and Monday.
“We take these incidents very seriously as in both cases there were passengers on board and either incident had the potential to injure either those passengers or our drivers, although fortunately that did not occur.”
Both the drivers involved and their passengers had been shaken by the incidents.
Mr Powell says there have unfortunately been several more incidents of Matai St rock throwing since Monday and things had come to a head today when yet more rocks were thrown.
After discussions between Ritchies and the council, the decision had been made to temporarily stop travelling along Matai St on safety grounds while police investigate.
Instead the Route Four bus would do a loop around nearby William Jones Dr.
The council estimated several regular passengers a day would be directly impacted by the decision, but all involved felt they had no choice but to avoid Matai St until the matter was resolved.
“We take health and safety considerations very seriously.” “We’ve got a responsibility to both our drivers and passengers to ensure that we’re operating in a safe environment hence today’s decision.”
Mr Powell says the council and Ritchies hoped to meet with Otangarei community leaders to discuss the situation and what might be able to be done to prevent the issue going forwards.
Things had been quiet in the area since a previous spate of rock throwing in the suburb 10 years ago. In that case the council and Ritchies had worked together to stress the importance of the buses to the community and that the incidents of rock throwing were putting the service at risk locally. 

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NZ Post cost-cutting another blow to Kiwi employment – E tū

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Source: Etu Union

Workers at NZ Post’s call centre have been told their jobs are being gradually moved to Manila, in the Philippines, as part of NZ Post’s need to cut costs.

While workers’ jobs are safe for now, they will be replaced by workers in Manila by attrition, with people not being rehired in Aotearoa New Zealand when one leaves.

NZ Post worker and E tū delegate Samatha Boe says the move is out of line with NZ Post’s values.

“I find it disappointing a government-owned business is looking to send jobs offshore, thus taking away from everyday New Zealanders trying to earn a living in a difficult economic climate,” Samantha says.

“The Government should be prioritising having Kiwis in jobs. They might save in some running costs, but they’ll lose out in tax revenue and unemployment benefits.

“One of NZ Post’s values is ‘stronger together’ – we should be keeping these values here in Aotearoa.”

E tū Negotiation Specialist Joe Gallagher fears this is just another signal of the Government’s overall goal of preparing NZ Post for privatisation.

“Our postal network is core infrastructure designed to help our communities and businesses, not just another thing to make a quick buck on,” Joe says.

“We’re deeply concerned that the Government is allowing NZ Post to make these kinds of changes in preparation to sell off this service to the highest bidder.

“The state-owned enterprise model has been appropriate for NZ Post, and we have worked very constructively with the company through some significant changes, always putting the interests of workers and the wider community who use the services first.

“Offshoring work, inadequate government support, and the talks of privatisation all point to an abdication of responsibility for both New Zealand’s workforce and the services we need.”

ENDS

For more information and comment:
Joe Gallagher, 027 591 0015

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Crown settles eight years of Treaty negotiations

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is demonstrating its commitment to prioritising treaty settlements with the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passing third reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 
“It is a privilege to conclude eight years of negotiations between the Crown and the three central North Island iwi who comprise Te Korowai o Wainuiārua: Tamahaki, Tamakana and Uenuku ki Manganui-o-te-Ao, nā Tūkaihoro. 
“The settlement addresses the historical grievances endured by the three iwi, which include 19th century warfare and land purchased or taken for public works.
“The settlement includes an agreed historical account, Crown acknowledgements of its historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and a Crown apology. Te Korowai o Wainuiārua will receive financial and commercial redress of $21.7 million, a cultural revitalisation fund of $6.85 million and cultural redress, including the return of 19 sites of cultural significance. 
“The settlement will contribute towards supporting the aspirations of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua. The redress will help the iwi to grow their economic base, provide housing for their whānau, develop their culture and enhance the natural environment.
“The historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua with the Crown relate to 19th century warfare and land purchased or taken for public works. That land was then used for the North Island Main Trunk railway, power generation projects and it was included in two National Parks. 
“This led to Te Korowai o Wainuiārua becoming virtually landless.
“It is my hope that this settlement can form the basis of a positive future for the people of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, and a renewed relationship with the Crown.
“I want to acknowledge Te Korowai o Wainuiārua for working so tirelessly during the negotiations process to reach this significant milestone.”
Copies of the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Deed of Settlement are available at Te Tari Whakatau – Central Whanganui (Te Korowai o Wainuiārua)
 
The Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill can be found at: Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill 286-2 (2023), Government Bill – New Zealand Legislation

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Building activity down 4.4 percent in December 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Value of building work put in place: December 2024 quarter

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Building activity down 4.4 percent in December 2024 quarter – 6 March 2025 – The seasonally adjusted volume of building work in New Zealand was $7.4 billion in the December 2024 quarter, down 4.4 percent compared with the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“There has been a downward trend in building activity volume since the most recent peak in the September 2022 quarter,” economic indicators spokesperson Michael Heslop said.

Residential building work fell 4.9 percent to $4.5 billion and non-residential building work fell 3.1 percent to $2.8 billion (seasonally adjusted) in the final quarter of 2024.

“Residential building activity volume reached its lowest level in over four years, in seasonally adjusted terms,” Heslop said.

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