Government plan fails on growing public housing stock

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February 4, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says the Government is giving up on growing the country’s public housing stock, despite overwhelming evidence that we need more affordable houses to solve the housing crisis.

“The Government has given up on the housing crisis, using the review into Kāinga Ora to push their privatisation agenda,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Housing Tamatha Paul.

“Public housing is as essential as public healthcare and public education. Housing is a human right that this Government is denying our communities from accessing.

“The housing crisis in Aotearoa is getting worse and worse. Instead of making excuses to allow poverty and homelessness to skyrocket, the Government needs to back Kāinga Ora to build at scale and at pace.

“This Government is deliberately stripping Kāinga Ora to the bare bones, playing straight into the hands of wealthy landlords looking to exploit housing insecurity for private profit. We cannot rely on the private market to solve our problems, we have seen it entrench poverty and homelessness across generations.

“The last Government sold just 276 state houses over six years, but increased public housing supply by over 7,000 homes. With this new direction, Bishop will sell 900 per year. That’s not just opening the door to privatisation, it’s welcoming it in with open arms.

“In the past, our country’s leaders made a conscious decision to house everybody and grow public housing stock at scale. We can make that decision again and we must resist the sale of public housing at all costs because it will have consequences for generations to come.

“Public housing is a crucial part of ensuring we don’t have gentrified, segregated communities, and that our neighbourhoods reflect the make-up of our wider society, culturally and economically.

“Housing is a public good that provides the basis for a stable home for whanau, so that no one is left behind. The Government should be building thousands of new homes,” says Tamatha Paul.

MIL OSI

Home consents up in Otago in 2024, down in all other regions – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: December 2024

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February 4, 2025

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Home consents up in Otago in 2024, down in all other regions – 4 February 2025 – There were 33,600 new homes consented in Aotearoa New Zealand in the year ended December 2024, down 9.8 percent compared with the year ended December 2023, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“Otago was the only region with an increase in the number of new homes consented in 2024,” economic indicators spokesperson Michael Heslop said.

The five regions with the highest number of new homes consented in the year ended December 2024 were:

Auckland with 13,939 (down 10 percent compared with the year ended December 2023)
Canterbury with 6,544 (down 6.0 percent)
Waikato with 2,755 (down 22 percent)
Otago with 2,338 (up 19 percent)
Wellington with 1,833 (down 24 percent).

Files:

MIL OSI

Local News – Porirua set to host another massive Waitangi Day event

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February 4, 2025

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Source: Porirua City Council

You can expect another awesome Waitangi Day event in Porirua.

Waitangi Day at Te Rauparaha Park on Thursday 6 February, runs from midday to 5pm and will feature live music performances from homegrown talent PERE and Kings.

Also hitting the stage will be Swiss, The Voice Australia’s Roland Williams, Ella Monnery and Hoseah Partsch, and Leisure Tomlins.

Don’t miss cultural performances by Mana Whenua me te Kāhui Kuratea, and visiting Canadian Indigenous group the Kumugwe Cultural Society.

The fun continues inside Te Rauparaha Arena and Pātaka Art + Museum, with lots of free activities for tamariki and art and history to discover.

Visitors will also have the chance to check out the many stalls set up on Te Rauparaha Park, as well as choosing from a range of tasty kai options from food trucks located along Norrie St.

The popular free waka tours are also returning for the day, giving people the chance to paddle around Te-Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour, thanks to Toa Waka Ama.

“Last year we welcomed more than 30,000 people into our city centre for Waitangi Day, with many coming from outside of Porirua,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.

“The range of musicians, performers, activities, stalls and kai on offer means there will be something for everyone.”

Last year the event was named Best Arts, Culture or Heritage Event at the NZEA Event Awards.

This year’s event has a zero waste kaupapa, so remember to pack your keep cups for inu (drinks) and kai (food), and is smoke and vape free.

There are plenty of ways to get to Te Rauparaha Park for Waitangi Day – walk, scoot or bike to the city centre if coming from nearby.

As it’s a public holiday Council parking is free in the city, although there will be fewer available parks due to event road closures. Visitors are encouraged to catch the train to Porirua city and make the five-minute walk around the waterfront to the action. Some mobility parking spaces will be available at Te Rauparaha Arena.

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Local News – Elections 2025 – are you Porirua Proud?

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February 4, 2025

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Source: Porirua City Council

It’s an election year, and we’re asking people in Porirua to show how much they care about their city. This year you’ll decide who represents you around the Council table. There will also be a poll on whether the city should keep its Māori ward.

There are three phases to an election year – enrol, stand, and vote.

Council’s Manager Democratic Services, Jack Marshall, says while the election is just over eight months away, now is a great time to find out more. You can check you’re enrolled and, if you’re interested, start thinking about standing for Council. You can find out online anytime whether you’re enrolled for the general or Māori roll.

“We’ll be out and about at events across our city (including Waitangi Day), helping people to show how ‘Porirua Proud’ they are. Come have a chat about enrolling, standing, or how voting works,” Jack says.

“Our mayor and councillors make key decisions on how the city is run and these decisions impact our lives every day.

“Council is responsible for delivering essential services and infrastructure like roading, rubbish, recycling, the landfill, three waters, animal control, planning and building consents, as well as things like parks, reserves, sports fields and events that help make Porirua the great place it is.

“If you’ve ever thought about being mayor or a councillor, now’s the time to start thinking about standing. Come help ensure the Council reflects our diverse and vibrant city.”

Local elections are by postal vote, with voting closing on 11 October. Porirua has a mayor, and 10 councillors, which includes one councillor for the Parirua Māori Ward.

A key decision to be made this election by voters is whether the city should keep its Māori ward.

“There are big decisions to be made for our city’s future. Make sure your voice is heard – either by voting or by standing,” Jack says.

Check you’re enrolled at vote.nz or call the Electoral Commission on 0800 36 76 56.

MIL OSI

Local News – Have your say – three Porirua City consultations open for submission

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February 4, 2025

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Source: Porirua City Council

Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025

Porirua City Council is reviewing the way it manages freedom camping. Under the proposed bylaw, freedom camping on reserves would still be managed under the Reserves Act, but freedom camping on other Council land would be managed under the Freedom Camping Act 2011.

The proposed bylaw would give Council officers the ability to issue on-the-spot fines. We hope this will reduce the number of people not complying with our freedom camping rules. There are six proposed sites where freedom camping in a self-contained motor vehicle is permitted, with restrictions. Submissions close 10 February.

Keeping of Animals Bylaw 2025

Updated rules are being proposed if you keep cats, poultry, bees or other animals in Porirua, and we want to hear what the community thinks. The Keeping of Animals Bylaw is a general bylaw that has rules around all domestic animals, apart from dogs, which are covered by the Dog Control Bylaw.

It’s proposed to strengthen the bylaw by putting in stronger provisions to prevent noise and mess nuisance by animals and clearer enforcement rules. This includes new rules for cats (requiring owners to desex, microchip and register their cat), new rules for beekeepers and proposed changes for keeping stock in the city centre and suburban areas. Submissions close 10 February.

Local Alcohol Policy

Feedback is sought to help shape the sale and supply of alcohol in Porirua. We are proposing to introduce priority areas in suburbs where alcohol-related harm is more common, which could then have conditions applied to manage alcohol sale and supply.

The hours that alcohol can be sold in both off-licence premises (that sell alcohol to drink elsewhere) and on-licence premises (where alcohol is sold to drink at that venue) is also being consulted on, with options proposed for feedback. Submissions close 7 March.

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Fire Safety – Hot, dry conditions prompt fire restrictions in Southland

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February 4, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has placed Southland District into a restricted fire season from 8am, Tuesday 4 February until further notice.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz .

Southland District Manager Julian Tohiariki says a combination of above-average temperatures, moderately strong winds and reduced rainfall has contributed to increased fire risk in the area.

“These conditions make it too easy for fires to get started and get out of control,” he says.

“The wildfire on Tiwai Peninsula last week showed just how quickly fire can spread through dry vegetation, and the devastating impact it can have on our environment and wildlife.

“We have a lot of very dry and flammable vegetation out there in the district at the moment, so we need to restrict how and when outdoor fires are lit.

“If you’re thinking about starting any kind of open-air fire, you must go to checkitsalright.nz first to find out if you can do that in your location, and what restrictions apply.

“It’s important we take all the steps we can to reduce the fire risk to our safety, property and environment this summer.”

MIL OSI

Chipping away at North Auckland’s summer SH16 maintenance programme

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February 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises road users to plan ahead for upcoming chipsealing work on State Highway 16 Kaukapakapa.

Work will be carried out between 7am and 7pm over 5 days, beginning Monday 10 February, with stop/go traffic management and a reduced temporary speed limit in place. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

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

Chipsealing helps ensure a smooth, skid-resistant surface, free of potholes and slippery sections to reduce the risk of crashes and help keep everyone traveling on our roads safe.

Details of specific work sites for the week ahead can be found on the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website.

Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)

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 (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) for up-to-date information, including any changes due to weather.

This work is part of Northland’s significant summer maintenance programme, which will see approximately 203 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May.

NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and support while we carry out this essential maintenance.

MIL OSI

Upcoming road reconstruction east of Thomsons Creek Bridge, west of Omakau

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February 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Five weeks of highway reconstruction gets underway near Thomsons Creek Bridge, west of Omakau, in Central Otago in a week’s time.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) crews will be starting on Monday 10 February, running through to Friday 14 March. The bridge is close to the intersection with Ophir Bridge Road. (See map below for the site being repaired and relaid).

Close to 600 metres of highway needs to be replaced, from the eastern end of the Thomsons Creek Bridge to about 40metres south of the Wilton St/SH85 intersection.

This work to fully reconstruct the road surface to give good traction and improve safety for road users is weather dependent. Dates could vary if it is wet or cold, says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA in Central Otago.

Drivers will face delays up to ten minutes as one lane of the road will be tackled at a time and traffic managed with Stop/Go, with speeds down to 30km/hour. Crews will be on site from 7 am each day through to 6 pm, weekdays only.

Outside of these hours, the road will be unattended with speeds reduced to 30km/hour and open both directions.

NZTA thanks all road users for taking care around our crews while this work is underway and building in the extra ten minutes daytimes to keep everyone’s journey stress-free over the five weeks or so.

The area east of the bridge is about to get a new lease of life:

The location of the road rehabilitation starting 10 February. Note the bridge deck is not included in the reconstruction.

MIL OSI

Marking World Cancer Day

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February 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

World Cancer Day is an opportunity to recognise those who are impacted by cancer and highlight initiatives that are delivering better and faster access to cancer care, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour say.Speaking to patients and staff at the Bay of Plenty Cancer Centre in Tauranga today, Mr Brown acknowledged the thousands of New Zealanders and families whose lives are touched by cancer each year. “Ensuring New Zealanders have faster access to cancer care is a priority for the Government, which is why it is one of our five key health targets.“It is encouraging to see a gradual improvement in our efforts to provide faster cancer treatment, with more patients receiving their first treatment within 31 days in the first financial quarter than in the previous quarter and more cancer treatments available. “Continuing to deliver initiatives that address wait times for cancer treatment so that 90 per cent of patients receive cancer management within 31 days to treat is something I am committed to.”Mr Seymour, who has responsibility for Pharmac, says improving access to cancer medication in New Zealand has been a focus of this Government.“Since our $604 million uplift, Pharmac has made decisions to fund 19 cancer treatments. In the first year of funding for each medicine, Pharmac anticipates that over 1,400 Kiwis will access the treatments they need that were not available last year, making a real difference in Kiwis lives,” Mr Seymour says.“I am pleased to see Pharmac show what it is capable of when given the support it needs.”“This unprecedented and transformative investment in cancer medicines is fundamental to delivering better outcomes for those fighting cancer.”The Government has also:

increased breast screening eligibility for 70 – 74-year-olds
provided an extra $18 million per year to help people who are required to travel for treatments
funded PET scanning accessibility for prostate cancer
invested in a new radiotherapy machine at Whangārei Hospital, which means 520 Northlanders each year will no longer have to travel to Auckland for treatment
invested in radiology services in Hawke’s Bay, which will result in a doubling in CT scan capacity that will be able to deliver a further 6,000 – 10,000 scans per year, a new MRI scanner, and a new LINAC machine that will mean 500 people per year will no longer have to travel for treatment
expanded cancer infusion services in Whanganui for up to 10 patients a day

“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to delivering better outcomes for those with cancer, I know there’s still a lot more work to do,” Mr Brown says.“As Minister of Health, I am focused on ensuring better access to more cancer medicines, better cancer management driven by our faster cancer treatment target, and earlier detection of cancers through screening programmes.”Echoing these comments, Mr Seymour says that decisions to expand access to cancer medicines reflects the Government’s commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centred approach.“We want to build a world-class health system, and that requires world-class medicines,” Mr Seymour says.“This is all made possible due to the Government’s record $16.88 billion investment in health, ensuring we can deliver timely, quality access to care for all New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

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Most Aucklanders continue to rate their quality of life highly

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February 4, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s topline results for the 2024 Rangahau te Korou o te Ora / Quality of Life Survey have been released, showing 75 per cent of Aucklanders rate their overall quality of life positively.

The survey, which is undertaken every two years, is a collaborative local government research project that collects data on a range of current and topical issues relevant to residents’ wellbeing in urban New Zealand.

Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee chair, Councillor Richard Hills says he is pleased to see from the latest survey results that most Aucklanders have a strong sense of connection and support in their daily lives.

“The results show in part, that the work council does with Auckland communities makes a difference and can help people to thrive. These results are helpful in shaping how we plan for the future to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes,” Cr Hills says.

“Although the results show there is always more work to do, it is fantastic to see that 72 per cent of Aucklanders think their local area is a great place to live. Auckland is a wonderful place, and we can be proud of where we call home.”

Although reports of quality of life remain relatively high, there has been a decrease since 2022, when 82 per cent of Auckland respondents rated their quality of life positively.

When asked to rate their quality of life compared with one year prior, 25 per cent said it had increased and 30 per cent said it had decreased.

Reasons for a decline in perceptions of quality of life were largely driven by economic pressures, says Alison Reid, Team Manager, Social and Economic Research and Evaluation.

“Of those Aucklanders who said their quality of life had decreased, more than two-thirds (67 per cent) said this was due to reduced financial wellbeing,” she says.

Other findings reflected economic pressures on Aucklanders. Almost half (49 per cent) of those surveyed disagreed that their housing costs were affordable, one in five (22 per cent) said they did not have enough money to meet their everyday needs, and more than a third (37 per cent) said they often worried about their own or their family’s financial circumstances.

Crime is another key concern raised in the survey, with many Auckland respondents rating theft and burglary (67 per cent), dangerous driving (64 per cent) and vandalism (58 per cent) as problems in their local area in the previous 12 months.

It’s not all bad news though, says Alison. “One in four Aucklanders said their quality of life had increased in the last year. Of that group nearly a third (32 per cent) reported that this was related to their health care and wellbeing. Improved financial wellbeing (26 per cent), lifestyle (23 per cent) and work-related factors (23 per cent) also featured.”

Sixty-eight per cent of Auckland respondents rated both their physical and mental health positively. Most feel they have people in their lives they can call on if they need practical or emotional support (86 per cent and 85 per cent, respectively).

Most Aucklanders (72 per cent) also agreed that their local area is a great place to live, and more than half (57 per cent) agreed that they are happy with the way their local area looks and feels.

The results will be used by the council to help plan for the future and to monitor economic, social and environmental outcomes, such as outlined in the Auckland Plan 2050 and Ngā Hapori Momoho, our Thriving Communities Strategy.

Read the full Topline Report on the Quality of Life website.

About the survey

The Quality of Life survey is a collaborative local government research project. Several councils participated in this year’s survey including Auckland Council, Hamilton, Tauranga, Porirua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin City Councils, as well as Waikato Regional Council.

Most Auckland respondents feel they have people in their lives they can call on if they need practical or emotional support.

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