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Land Information Minister to tour Antarctic monitoring sites

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Source: New Zealand Government

Land Information Minister and Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk will travel to Antarctica this week to see New Zealand’s scientific and international cooperation efforts on the ice. 

“Our scientists carry out globally significant research in one of the most challenging environments in the world, alongside essential conservation work,” Mr Penk says.  

The Minister will meet with teams from Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Defence Force who support our scientific programmes.  

“I will visit monitoring sites in Antarctica where there is critical instrumentation that informs navigation systems, topographical maps, and nautical charts. I’ll also observe active research that helps us understand land movement,” Mr Penk says.  

The visit coincides with the HMNZS Aotearoa’s fuel resupply mission to McMurdo Station, an important contribution by New Zealand to the US-NZ Joint Logistic Pool.  

Mr Penk will meet with NZDF staff assisting the mission and offloading the ship, and our closest neighbours, the United States, at McMurdo Station. 

“The US is a critical partner in supporting New Zealand’s operations at Scott Base, and we work closely to preserve the region for future generations as a place for peace and science.” 

Mr Penk is scheduled to depart from Christchurch on Thursday 8 November and is expected to return to New Zealand on Tuesday February 11. 

He is the third Minister to visit Antarctica in recent months, following visits from Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts in November 2024.  

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Weather News – A sunny start before brief rain for the South Island – MetService

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Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 3 – Thursday 6 February – MetService is forecasting a mostly settled start to the week before a brief spell of rain moves over the South Island in time for Waitangi Day. This will bring a cooler day for the island, while sunny skies are on the cards for other parts of the country. Meanwhile, activity continues to develop in the tropics.

Monday and Tuesday offer sunny and dry weather for many parts of the country, thanks to a ridge of high pressure. While some areas may experience cloud cover at times or an isolated shower, particularly in the northern half of the North Island, as well as the lower and eastern South Island, most places can expect a summery couple of days.

Temperatures climb in the lower South Island on Wednesday, with highs in the mid to upper 20s. However, this warmth will be short-lived as a weather system approaches from the west, bringing rain at night.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “Brief rain spreads up the South Island on Thursday, bringing a cooler day for many. For the rest of the country, Waitangi Day is shaping up to be mostly settled, including in Waitangi itself.”

At the same time, MetService continues to keep a close watch on the tropics, where a couple of low-pressure systems between Australia and Vanuatu have the potential to develop into tropical cyclones. These systems may bring heavy rain to parts of Vanuatu and New Caledonia, along with strong winds and large waves across the region, including waters near Australia’s east coast.

“At this early stage, these systems appear likely to remain north of Aotearoa New Zealand as they move eastwards, but our meteorologists will continue to monitor their development,” Makgabutlane says. Further details on these systems can be found on the websites of the Fiji Meteorological Service and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Back home, a new month means the latest Monthly Outlook for February is out. In short, the month is starting off on the drier side, but be watchful of any northerly lows as we approach mid-month, with the month ending on a more seasonal flavour. For the full outlook, check it out here: https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=eba4f3adbc&e=852c839bf9

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Name release: Fatal crash Fairlight

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Pete Graham

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Fairlight on Thursday 30 January.

He was 29-year-old Thomas George Murdoch of Frankton.

Our thoughts are with those close to him at this time.

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Living cost inflation continues downward trend

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Source: New Zealand Government

Average household living cost inflation has continued a downward trend, showing the steps the Government has taken are having an impact, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. 

Data released by Stats NZ today shows the yearly household living costs increased by 3 per cent in the year to December 2024, after increasing 3.8 per cent in the year to September 2024 and 7.4 per cent in the year to September 2023. 

“Today’s statistics release shows Kiwis are still battling with the cost of living, but the pressure is starting to ease,” Nicola Willis says. 

“The Government said it would address the cost of living. We are making progress. 

“We worked fast to refocus the Reserve Bank solely on tackling inflation, and we made its job easier by reining in wasteful public spending and respecting taxpayers’ dollars. 

“Drops in the Official Cash Rate have flowed through to average interest rates, easing pressure on household budgets.  

“We also delivered New Zealanders their first tax relief package in 14 years, and we’re helping low and middle-income families through FamilyBoost. 

“There is still more work to do.  

“That’s why we’re focused on economic growth to deliver a stronger economy for New Zealanders. Economic growth will lift New Zealanders’ incomes, improve their living standards and support future investment in health, education and other vital public services.” 

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SH2 Oringi rail overbridge to close for 1 night of maintenance

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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Oringi rail overbridge, just south of Dannevirke, on State Highway 2 will be closing for 1 night at the beginning of March for asphalt resurfacing.

Crews will be resurfacing the bridge on Monday 3 March working between 6pm and 6am (Tuesday 4 March).

During these work times, a section of SH2 will be closed with the following detour in place:

  • All northbound traffic will be detoured via Pinfold Road, Coppermine Road to Top Grass Road, to Tamaki River Road before rejoining to SH2.
  • Southbound traffic will be detoured via Maharahara Road, Kiritaki Road, Top Grass Road, Coppermine Valley Road to Pinfold Road then back to SH2.

The detour is expected to add an additional 10 minutes to journey times. Please note, this detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles. High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) and over-dimension loads will be escorted through the SH2 worksite.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks all road users for their patience and for taking the detours during this work, which will boost the long term resilience of this stretch of road.

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SH1 Flyger Road rebuild: Plan ahead and expect delays

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is reminding people to plan ahead and expect delays as contractors will be rebuilding the southbound left lane on State Highway 1, between Flyger Road and Prescott Road, from Monday 10 February 2025.

This work had been scheduled to start at the end of January but has been pushed back due to delays completing other works because of poor weather.

Contractors will undertake approximately 4 weeks of day works, followed by 2 weeks of night works, with work expected to be complete by Friday 21 March 2025.

The passing lane will remain closed for the duration of the works, with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place 24/7.

During the day works, traffic flow will be maintained in both directions, except for brief periods of stop/go to allow contractors to shift equipment or set-up and pack-down the site.

During night works, the road will operate under stop/go traffic management.

Alternative southbound passing lanes are located between Puwera and Oakleigh (slightly south of Puwera) and between Oakleigh and Mata (near Totara Road).

Travel delays during these works are expected to be 5-10 mins.

Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management staff and signs.

Rebuilding the road, which often involves replacing all or most of the structural road layers, improves the longevity of the network, the resilience and ultimately the safety and efficiency for all road users.

This summer maintenance period (September 2024 to May 2025), we’re investing in the largest road rebuild programme ever for the region, with Northland one of three regions across Aotearoa with the most significant road rebuild programmes over the next three years. 

Work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

Journey Planner(external link)

For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland state highway maintenance programme website: 

Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)   

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we undertake this important work to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads.

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Online portal for COVID-19 Inquiry opens

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Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is welcoming the opening of an online portal for the public to submit to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned.

“The portal is an easy way for members of the public to have their say to the Inquiry about how the response to the COVID-19 pandemic affected them, their families, and their businesses. The terms or reference covered by Phase 2 of the Inquiry includes the use of vaccines, lockdowns, testing, and public health materials,” says Ms van Velden.

Last year the Government announced that there would be a second phase of the Inquiry into COVID-19 covering outstanding matters of public concern. Both the ACT-National and New Zealand First-National coalition agreements include commitments to expand the Inquiry into COVID-19. Phase 2 of the Inquiry began on 29 November and will deliver the final report in February 2026. 

Any member of the public can submit to the Inquiry using the portal at www.covid19inquiry.nz. Submissions close at midnight on 27 April 2025.

“I would strongly encourage New Zealanders to have their say by making a submission to the Inquiry. I look forward to seeing the final report delivered to me in February 2026.”

The full terms of reference for Phase 2 of the Inquiry is available here: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2022/0323/latest/LMS792965.html

Note to Editors:

The Phase 1 report is publicly available at the Royal Commission’s website. [https://www.covid19lessons.royalcommission.nz/]

Bios for the Commissioners:

Grant Illingworth KC (Chair)

Mr Illingworth is a litigation specialist, and he has conducted his own practice since 1975. During this time, he has conducted a wide range of civil, criminal, and immigration cases, and tribunal proceedings. Mr Illingworth has appeared as counsel at every level of the New Zealand legal system, including in the Court of Appeal, Privy Council, and the Supreme Court.

His area of expertise is in public law, including constitutional law, administrative law, and judicial review. He has experience in tribunal proceedings, particularly disciplinary proceedings for medical, legal, and accountancy professions. Mr Illingworth has acted as counsel in proceedings involving two constitutional crises in Fiji.

Judy Kavanagh (Commissioner)

Ms Kavanagh is a public policy professional with experience and expertise in evaluating evidence and in making evidence-based policy recommendations to Government. She has held Director of Inquiries roles including at the Infrastructure Commission and ten years at the Productivity Commission. She has a background in economics with a particular interest in urban economics, infrastructure pricing and policy. Ms Kavanagh worked as a lecturer in Economics for fifteen years and produced research on regulatory systems.

Anthony Hill (Commissioner)

Mr Hill is a practicing barrister, and has a background in health and disability sectors, having held senior positions at the Ministry of Health for 15 years. Mr Hill served as the Health and Disability Commissioner for 10 years, after six years as a Deputy Director-General of Health. This involved oversight of the funding and performance of the District Health Boards, and a range of health crown entities. He also served as the Ministry of Health’s chief legal counsel and was a solicitor with the Ministry of Commerce.

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New benefit sanctions for Traffic Light System

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Source: New Zealand Government

Two more non-financial benefit sanctions will be added to MSD’s Traffic Light System to drive economic growth by incentivising more job seekers to enter the workforce, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.

“Our economy is stronger when more people are in work, and as we look to unleash economic growth, it’s important that as many Kiwis as possible share in the benefits.

“It’s important that beneficiaries who can work are taking reasonable steps to re-enter the workforce or remain work-ready, and that consequences exist for those who don’t.

“Today I’m announcing the Government’s intention to add two more non-financial sanctions with a strong focus on work to the Traffic Light System. They are:

  • Report Job Search – where job seekers will be required to perform a minimum of three job-search activities every week for four weeks and report back to MSD on this. This sanction will support increased accountability for beneficiaries who are meant to be looking for work.
  • Upskilling – where job seekers will be required to attend and participate, to MSD’s satisfaction, in one or more employment-related training courses or programmes for a minimum of five hours per week over a four-week period. This sanction will support beneficiaries with building the skills they need to get into work.

“These new sanctions will ensure there is accountability in the welfare system for those who aren’t taking reasonable steps to seek employment, while also recognising that reducing benefits isn’t the answer for everyone.

“These sanctions are in addition to the new Money Management and Community Work Experience sanctions that will come into force later in the year.

“We’re gearing up the welfare system to make the most of the forecast improvement in economic growth in the coming years by providing MSD with the tools and focus to reduce welfare dependency and support more people into work.

“Our approach has already shown signs of early success with more than 33,000 people moving off Jobseeker into work between July and December, a 22 per cent increase on the same period in 2023. This coincided with about 15,600 more benefit sanctions being issued during that period – an increase of 126 per cent.

“It’s clear that returning consequences for job seekers is having a positive impact by getting more people off welfare and into jobs.”

Notes on new non-financial sanctions

  • Non-financial sanctions provide an alternative to financial penalties for first-time obligation failures for some job seekers, allowing them to continue receiving their full benefit payment while under sanction.
  • The legislative change required for these new non-financial sanctions will be included in the Social Security Amendment Bill, which is currently before Parliament.
  • Those sanctioned will also be required to provide evidence of their activities at the end of their sanction to return to ‘green’ in the Traffic Light System.

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Northland Regional Council media briefs 03/02/25

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Source: Northland Regional Council

Safeswim: Your ‘go-to’ for water safety updates
Before heading to Northland’s beaches, lakes, or rivers, you can check the Safeswim website or app for updates on water conditions, weather, tides, and lifeguard availability.
This service ensures you and your whānau can enjoy a safe and fun day at the beach.
Safeswim is a collaborative initiative by Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and others, offering real-time information on water quality and swimming conditions at popular freshwater and coastal spots.
Visit safeswim.org.nz or download the app by searching “Safeswim” in your app store. A quick check can make all the difference in having a great raumati (summer).
Whangārei Beach Buses Summer 2025
Beach buses are running again this summer with an improved service tailored to passenger requirements, following a community survey.
The buses have two new routes from central Whangārei to Waipū Cove and Matapouri.
Buses depart from Vine Street at 9.30am on Saturdays. (This is a change from Rose Street while construction works for a new bus hub are ongoing.)
A single trip costs $5 and return $10. Bee cards are not accepted – EFTPOS and cash only.
Please note: – There may not be lifeguards at the beach, so please stay safe. – Seats are limited on the bus and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. – Children under 14 years old must be supervised.
Go to buslink.co.nz for all the timetables details and follow CityLink Whangārei on Facebook for the latest updates.
Tū i te ora Scholarships – applications close soon
Applications for Northland Regional Council’s Tū i te ora Scholarships must be with the council by Thursday 13 February.
Six scholarships are available; each includes $4000 to assist with study costs, plus paid full-time work experience with NRC from mid-November 2025 to mid-February 2026.
The scholarships recognise, encourage and support students to undertake study that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions, whilst contributing to council’s vision ‘Tiakina te taiao, tuia te here tangata – Nurture the environment, bring together the people’.
The scholarships have a specific aim to build Māori capacity within Te Taitokerau, with three of the six scholarships earmarked for Māori who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau.
Keen to korero – come see us at events
Northland Regional Council staff will be at various summer events, offering information and advice. This week, they’ll be at Waitangi Day with a large display on the sportsfield.
The focus will be on the moana, discussing water safety and protecting the marine environment from pests.
Land management staff will also be available to talk about caring for the whenua. Councillors will be present for chats throughout the day.
The climate action team will join the Far North District Council stand, while Civil Defence will be with Fire and Emergency.
Visit the NRC stand if you’re heading to Waitangi Day. 

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Household living costs increase 3.0 percent – Stats NZ media and information release – Household living-costs price indexes: December 2024 quarter

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Household living costs increase 3.0 percent – 3 February 2025 – The cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 3.0 percent in the 12 months to the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

The 3.0 percent increase, measured by the household living-costs price indexes (HLPIs), follows a 3.8 percent increase in the 12 months to the September 2024 quarter. The most recent high was 8.2 percent recorded in the 12 months to the December 2022 quarter.

Meanwhile, inflation – as measured by the consumers price index (CPI) – was 2.2 percent in the 12 months to the December 2024 quarter, following a 2.2 percent increase in the 12 months to the September 2024 quarter. The most recent CPI high was 7.3 percent, recorded in the 12 months to the June 2022 quarter. Consumers price index (CPI) has more information.

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