Search continues for missing 24-year-old Travis

Auckland News – Developers Urged to Act Swiftly as Auckland Council Plans Major Development Fee Increases

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: WarkWorth Web

The Auckland Council is planning a considerable hike in development contributions, which are the monetary fees residential property developers pay to fund local infrastructure projects. These contributions, currently calculated over a 10-year timeframe, are proposed to be spread over 30 years, leading to significant cost increases for developers.

The average development contribution in Auckland is projected to increase from $21,000 per lot to around $50,000 per lot. In some areas, such as Tamaki, the rise is even steeper, jumping from $31,157 to $119,000 per lot. The Inner Northwest region is set to see contributions soar from $25,167 to between $89,000 and $101,000 per lot.

Troy Patchett, Director of Auckland residential development company Subdivide Simplified, expressed concern over these proposed changes. “This increase could halt housing developments. Many developers may struggle to pass these costs on to consumers, making some projects unfeasible. This could further restrict future development and worsen the housing shortage in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing city,” Patchett stated.

Patchett also warned that the increased contributions could lead to fewer housing developments and place upward pressure on the value of existing properties.

He strongly advises developers to submit their council applications as soon as possible. “If you can get your applications in before March, you should only need to pay the current development contributions and avoid this increase. Don’t delay starting your development projects,” he urged.

The calculation of development contributions takes place when development applications are lodged, with this window expected to close around April.

Swimwerks Launches Sponsorship for Lifeguard Training Initiative in Singapore

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Through this program, Swimwerks not only promotes water safety but also creates meaningful training opportunities for deserving individuals.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2025 – Swimwerks, a leading authority in swimming education and water safety, has announced the launch of its Lifeguard Sponsorship Initiative, a social responsibility program designed to elevate water safety standards across Singapore.

The initiative aims to empower up to 10 individuals with professional lifeguard training, internationally recognized certifications, and immediate job placements, addressing a growing demand for skilled lifeguards in aquatic environments.

Participants will undergo comprehensive lifeguard training delivered by industry experts. Upon successful completion, they will receive globally recognized certifications and guaranteed employment, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce dedicated to ensuring safety in aquatic environments across Singapore.

“As a trusted name in swimming education, Swimwerks is dedicated to empowering individuals with life-saving skills while addressing the growing need for certified lifeguards,” said Herron Ho, Founder of Swimwerks. “This sponsorship program represents our commitment to creating lasting value within the community by equipping individuals with the tools to build a meaningful career.”

Applications are now open for individuals who meet the swimming proficiency requirements. Anyone qualified and interested is encouraged to visit Swimwerks’ website for a detailed program information and application guidelines.

https://swimwerks.com.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swimwerks-asia-pte-ltd
https://www.facebook.com/swimwerks
https://www.instagram.com/swimwerks

Hashtag: #Swimwerks

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Chipsealing works on SH1 Te Kamo Bypass Sunday, Monday

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesperson advises chipsealing work will take place on State Highway 1 Kamo Bypass overnight on Sunday 2 February, with temporary traffic management remaining in place until contractors return to sweep and line mark overnight on Monday 3 February.

This work had been scheduled to happen earlier this month, following resurfacing works, but was delayed due to poor weather.

Between 8pm Sunday night and 5am Monday morning, the road will operate under stop/go with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Between 5am and 8pm on Monday, the road will operate with a lane shift and 50km/h temporary speed limit in place to help bed in the new seal.

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.

Contractors will then return to undertake sweeping and line marking between 8pm Monday night and 5am Tuesday morning under stop/go and a 30km/h temporary speed limit.

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.

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

We appreciate there may be more traffic on the roads on Monday morning as people travel to work and some schools returning for the year, and ask that people plan ahead and expect delays.

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

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 on these works, 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.

For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/northland/roadworks(external link)

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

Major negotiations with iwi of Taranaki conclude

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Nine years of negotiations between the Crown and iwi of Taranaki have concluded following Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its third reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“This Bill addresses the historical grievances endured by the eight iwi of Taranaki, and the longstanding association Ngā Iwi o Taranaki have with their ancestral mountains.

“Arrangements include the National Park being renamed Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, and the highest peak having its name changed to Taranaki Maunga.

“They also include the recognition of a legal person, repealing the Mount Egmont Vesting Act 1978, the vesting of the National Park land in Te Kāhui Tupua, recognition of a set of values to guide decision-making within the national park, and the establishment of a statutory body to act as the human face and voice of the legal personality.

“A firm condition for the Crown, is that all New Zealanders will be able to continue to visit and enjoy this most magnificent place for generations to come. It has been agreed that access to the mountain will not change.

“The Crown formally and publicly recognises the hardship and heartache it has caused whānau and hapū, and recognises the resilience of Ngā Iwi o Taranaki in the face of such adversity.

“We must acknowledge the hurt that has been caused by past wrongs, so we can look to the future to support iwi to realise their own aspirations and opportunities.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of the iwi and Crown negotiators to reach this momentous day. It has been a long journey, since Ngā Iwi o Taranaki signed the Terms of Negotiation in 2016.”

Firearms, cash and drugs seized in Hawke’s Bay search warrant

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Leonard

Police have arrested one person and seized firearms, drugs and cash from the central Hawke’s Bay property of an Outlaws gang member.

Three firearms, methamphetamine and cash were seized after Police executed a warrant at the address, this included a fully loaded Beretta pistol that was found in a bag alongside a quantity of methamphetamine.

A 46-year-old man appeared in the Hastings District Court today and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance.

Police will continue to work to disrupt organised crime and ensure the profits of such activity does not land in the hands of those at the forefront of the offending.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Time to pull plug on banking wokery

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: ACT Party

“So far, the inquiry into rural banking has not changed my suspicion that a cabal of woke banks is neglecting rural communities in the name of climate action,” says ACT Rural Communities spokesman Mark Cameron.

“Banks are starving rural New Zealand of capital. Farmers have long complained they’re getting a raw deal on loans compared to their urban cousins. BNZ won’t even lend for people to set up or expand rural petrol stations.

“Banks should be supporting Kiwi farmers. If they are concerned about emissions globally, they should be falling over themselves to lend to the most efficient dairy producers in the world, lest production shift offshore where farming activity creates more emissions.

“The problem is that here we have banks acting in concert to virtue signal with anti-rural lending practices. This is in part thanks to their association with overseas umbrella organisations and the way banks are regulated.

“Through the banks’ parent companies they are part of the UN’s Net Zero Banking Alliance, which was set up to change lending practices for the sake of climate goals. The six largest banks in the United States have all left the Net Zero alliance in the last few months. It’s time for banks in New Zealand to do the same. There’s been a political sea-change and there’s no longer an appetite for corporate virtue-signalling.

“Meanwhile, the Financial Markets Authority imposes emissions reduction reporting on banks. In 2021, ACT was the only party to vote against the legislation that introduced these reporting requirements, warning that they could affect loans to farmers. We continue to support the repeal of these requirements.”

Four-year term: New poll bodes well for better law making

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: ACT Party

ACT Leader David Seymour is welcoming a new Horizon Research poll showing strong support for a four-year Parliamentary term. ACT’s coalition commitment includes introducing Seymour’s four-year term Bill in the first half of this term.

“Better law making is the number one thing that New Zealand can change about itself to get more economic growth, better social services, better regulation, and ultimately give the next generation more reason to stay here,” says Seymour.

“The poll shows more Kiwis support the four-year term than oppose it, by 40-30 per cent. Another 30 per cent remain unsure, and the debate has not been opened yet.

“A four-year term gives Kiwis more time to see whether political promises translate into results, so they can vote accordingly. This will lead to more accountability and better law making.

“Crucially, ACT’s proposal to extend the term comes with a balancing step to turn control of Select Committees over to the Opposition. This gives the Opposition more power to scrutinise legislation and grill Ministers and officials.

“ACT’s proposal is a constitutional change, so we won’t do it without the consent of the voters. The legislation we’ve proposed culminates in a public referendum at the end of a full Parliamentary process.

“ACT will continue to make the case for a four-year term. If New Zealanders agree at a referendum, it will vindicate the risk we took in starting a tough conversation. More importantly, we’ll have better laws and a more mature democracy.”

Release: Frontline providers deserve certainty, not name-calling

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Labour is relieved to see Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has woken up to reality and reversed her government’s terrible decisions to cut funding from frontline service providers – temporarily.

“In August last year, Karen Chhour was calling frontline service providers “disgruntled” and accusing them of using Oranga Tamariki as a “cash cow,” Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

“I hope that she has taken the summer break to reflect on those comments. Frontline service providers have some of the hardest jobs, and they deserve certainty, not name-calling.

“Many vulnerable children and whānau have relationships with these providers and they do the kind of work that can be incredibly difficult, but can change lives.

“It is a relief to see some contracts have been extended out to the end of the year. While this provides immediate relief, it does not fix the uncertainty that many children and whānau face if providers’ funding is not continued.

“It appears Karen Chhour has woken up to the absolutely vital services that are provided on the frontline. Now she must ensure that support continues beyond the end of the year,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

First Responders – Tiwai Peninsula vegetation fire update

By

-

January 30, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have been working hard to contain a large vegetation fire in mixed scrub and wetland on Tiwai Peninsula in Invercargill today.

The fire has grown to 1,200 hectares across the centre of the peninsula, with an 18 kilometre perimeter, due to higher temperatures and wind speed this afternoon.

There are currently eight trucks in attendance, with ten helicopters in support.

Firefighters will work until 6pm tonight, then two crews will monitor the fire overnight. All crews will return at 7am tomorrow to continue battling the fire.

Incident Controller Hamish Angus says the fire is not an immediate threat to people, homes, the smelter, or the Tiwai Bridge.

“The Tiwai Bridge is closed to all traffic except our crews and the smelter staff, and we’re asking people to keep away from Tiwai Road so we can continue to work safely,” he says.

“We are working closely with mana whenua and the Department of Conservation, to ensure culturally and ecologically sensitive areas still threatened by the fire are prioritised for protection.”

Awarua Rūnaka Manager Gail Thompson says she is deeply saddened at the damage caused in such a short time.

“This peninsula is a precious taonga, with a history going back a long way, which is important to Ngai Tahu,” she says.

She’s happy to see the newly-established Mana Whenua Emergency Facilitator for Murihiku, Angie Hopkinson, at the site to support Fire and Emergency and the Department of Conservation with the response.

Department of Conservation’s Operation Manager for Murihiku, John McCarroll, says Awarua Peninsula has considerable environmental value, and today’s fire is a huge blow.

“Awarua has a significant number of biodiversity values and is used by a lot of wading birds for flocking and feeding, including the endangered Southern New Zealand Dotterel/Pukunui,” he says.

“As well as the loss of wildlife, we’ve also lost assets such as predator-trapping infrastructure.

“We will assess the losses once the fire is under control and we can return there safely. We may never know the full impact on biodiversity, but it is likely significant.”

The nearby Awarua wetland is also a Department of Conservation area of environmental significance, which was devastated in April 2022 when wildfire burnt through 1,330 hectares.