Social and wellbeing support

January 8, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Various community and wellbeing support is available to storm-affected residents, including free help with processing home insurance claims, rates relief, temporary accommodation assistance, and wider financial and mental health support.

Storm Recovery Navigation Service

We know how much you want to get back on your feet and how overwhelming things can be on your road to recovery.

The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office has put in place a team of Storm Recovery Navigators to support individuals, whānau and families impacted by the extreme weather events.

Navigators provide a free and confidential wrap-around service to:

Provide one-on-one support and assistance
Make sure you have the most up-to date-information, while connecting you to other support agencies like Work and Income, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS)
Help you to gain access to specialist services like legal advice and budget advice
Update you on grant applications/financial assistance available
Support you with Housing/tenancy issues/temporary accommodation/resettlement
Help you access other social and health services like counselling services and GP services

How do I access the Navigator Service?

To opt into the service, please either fill in our online referral form or phone 09 884 2070. For general enquiries relating to the service, please email navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone 09 884 2070.

Temporary Accommodation Support

If you were displaced from your home by the 2023 extreme weather events, you may be eligible to receive interim financial support if your insurance payments for rental accommodation runs out. 

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) website: Temporary Accommodation Assistance.

If you are having trouble accessing financial support for temporary accommodation through Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) we would like to hear from you at navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office is providing advice to MSD and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) on whether the eligibility criteria is working for Tāmaki Makaurau.

We want to understand how the current support packages are meeting the needs of storm-affected Aucklanders. If you have applied for Temporary Accommodation Assistance (TAA) and been declined, please email us with details of your experience at navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Mental wellbeing support and services

Free counselling support

Trained counsellors are available for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for mental health support following the extreme weather events.

To speak to a counsellor, phone or text Need to Talk? on 1737 for help with anxiety or mental health after an extreme weather event.

As well as this help line, did you know you’re also able to receive three free sessions with a counsellor. You’ll just need a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) / family doctor.

Free Wellbeing Apps

Below are some really helpful and free apps to support your wellbeing. You can download these apps for Android and Apple devices from Google Play and the App Store.

The Balance App

The Balance app is a wonderful resource which helps you manage your mental health and improve stress, sleep, mood, and more. This app is free in your first year of using it. Download the app on the Apple Store or on Google Play.

Groov

Co-founded by All Black legend, Sir John Kirwan, Groov gives you the tools to make small daily steps that create big changes for your daily wellbeing. Download it on the Apple Store or on Google Play.

Headstrong

Headstrong is the result of a co-design between the University of Auckland research team and young people. Dubbed as a ‘personal trainer for the mind’, Headstrong’s interactive chat function helps rangatahi feel like they’re texting with a trusted friend.

Crafted especially for New Zealand’s secondary school students, Headstrong’s interactive chat function helps rangitahi build resilience, foster a positive mindset, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence all while feeling like they’re texting with a trusted friend. Download it on the Apple Store or on Google Play.

Podcasts

What Matters Most’ Podcast – Vol X Looking After Yourself In The Face Of Natural Disasters

Hosted by Jacqui Maguire, a clinical psychologist, and Antonia Prebble, actor and presenter, in this episode Jacqui breaks down the three stages we typically go through following a natural disaster and how we can best look after ourselves – and one another – during these different periods. The pair also discuss what PTSD can look like, plus how to find a new routine, hope and gratitude in the wake of a major event. And, importantly they delve into exactly what we can do to care for and support children who are caught up in natural disasters.

Listen to this chat on Player FM or Apple podcasts.

‘After the Disaster’ Podcast

Hosted by disaster recovery expert, Dr Kate Brady, and with the support of the Australian Red Cross and the University of Melbourne, After the Disaster is another brilliant resource which gives you practical tips and evidenced-based advice on how to find your way through a disaster.

This includes tips for responding to questions like what should you expect? How do you look after yourself and the people around you? Why are relationships, the endless paperwork, emotions and parenting so hard right now? When are things going to feel normal again?

Listen to the podcast on Apple podcasts.

You can also contact:

Wellbeing support for tamariki and rangatahi

In case of an emergency, call 111.

For more wellbeing tips, resources, and tools, go to allsorts.org.nz.

Free support for processing home insurance claims

If you would like support and advice on your residential home insurance claim, the New Zealand Claims Resolutions Service (NZCRS) can help.  

The NZCRS is a free and independent service that provides residential homeowners with advice, case management support where appropriate and access to legal, technical and wellbeing services to help them achieve timely, fair and enduring resolution of their residential insurance claims resulting from natural disasters.   

They are there to help whether you’re unsure of what your insurer is telling you or have specific questions about either your insurance policy or the process that will be followed to settle your claim.

Do your homework before accepting a settlement.

NZCRS Director, Darren Wright says they are seeing a flow of settlements being presented to homeowners by insurers, and that it’s important for homeowners to understand their rights and obligations. He says homeowners should ask their insurer who will manage the repair – will your insurer arrange for the repair work to be done, or will you be responsible?

“If you receive a scope of work and payment from your insurer, it’s important to understand this is the insurer’s assessment and an interim payment based on what they believe the repair cost and strategy should be. The homeowner needs to engage their own builder to assess the scope and provide a quote for the repair costs. 

“If your builder’s scope is different from the insurer’s assessment, or the money paid by the insurer is not enough to cover your builder’s quote, then get in touch with your insurer. You should clearly set out what is different and what costs are not included. 

“It’s critically important you don’t incur any costs or agree with your builder on any contract until the insurer has accepted the changes and/or the cost variations. If the insurer is going to carry out the repair, it’s still important to check the scope to make sure you agree with it.”

You can contact NZCRS on 0508 624 327, email 2023/2024 rates relief – how to apply

Auckland Council announced it will be giving a 100 per cent rates relief to all households that are uninhabitable as a result of extreme weather events in the first half of 2023.

We hope this support helps to ease the financial burden for those most severely impacted.

If your house was red placarded as at 30 June 2023, you will receive a 100 per cent rates relief for the full 2023/2024 rating year. A credit will be automatically applied to rates invoices, so you don’t need to do anything. 

UPDATE: Stay up to date

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Oriental fruit Fly – Papatoetoe/Māngere area

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

A single male Oriental fruit fly was found on 3 January in a surveillance trap in a suburban back yard in the Papatoetoe/Māngere area. An operation, led by Biosecurity New Zealand which is part of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), is now underway in response to the discovery of the fruit fly, and restrictions are in place.

For the most up to date information on this response, visit Biosecurity New Zealand’s website.

This area is divided into two zones, A and B, which have different restrictions. To check if you are in the controlled area and which zone applies to you visit Biosecurity New Zealand ‘s website.

These restrictions mean some changes to rubbish (particularly food scraps) collections in the area.

Auckland Council waste collections in Zone A

There will be no food scraps collections (the small 23L bin) in this area until further notice.
Follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions to dispose of your fruit and vegetable waste.
All other food waste e.g. meat, cooked meal scraps, dairy products, rice and pasta etc, can go into your rubbish bin.
Rubbish and recycling collections will continue as usual.
Do not put food waste into your recycling bins.

Zone A general restrictions (source: Biosecurity New Zealand)

No whole fruit and vegetables (other than leafy or soil free root vegetables and cooked, processed, preserved, dried, frozen and canned fruit) can be moved from Zone A of the controlled area.
Compost and green waste from gardens also cannot be moved out of this zone.
Do not compost fruit and vegetables.
Biosecurity New Zealand is providing all households in Zone A with bins for fruit and vegetable waste. Please follow all Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions for disposal of fruit and vegetable waste.

Auckland Council waste collections in Zone B

Rubbish, recycling and food scraps collections continue as normal however all homegrown produce waste and garden waste needs to be disposed of in Biosecurity New Zealand bins.

Zone B general restrictions (source: Biosecurity New Zealand)

No fruit and vegetables grown in Zone B can be moved out of the controlled area.
You can move commercially purchased fruit and vegetables (e.g. fruit and vegetables brought at the supermarket) out of the area.
Home grown produce waste and garden waste needs to be disposed of in Biosecurity New Zealand bins.
Biosecurity NZ is placing bins throughout Zone B for collection of home grown produce and garden waste.

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New Year’s Eve celebrations in Tāmaki Makaurau

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council, SkyCity and Vector are proud to bring together this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Auckland’s city centre as Aotearoa New Zealand leads the global welcoming in of 2025.

Highlights will include a five-minute fireworks display at midnight from the Sky Tower, and those at the Viaduct and multiple other vantage points will see a stunning Vector Lights show across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Leading up to midnight, the harbour bridge will turn ‘teal’ to reflect the region’s maunga, landscape and moana, and display a series of spirals, sail shapes and the letters M and W acknowledging the mana whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Large crowds are expected to gather into the evening, so please allow time for travel and plan well ahead using public transport, shared rides and taxis. Traffic access will be limited as some inner-city streets will be closed to vehicles later in the evening, allowing pedestrians to move about safely throughout New Year’s Eve.

Travel tips:

Please be patient when approaching and leaving the city as traffic delays are likely.
The southbound clip-on lanes (lanes 1 & 2) of the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed on New Year’s Eve for essential resurfacing.
Plan your trip and arrange a safe ride home before heading out for New Year’s Eve festivities – trains will not be running but replacement bus services will be available.
On New Year’s Eve, buses and ferries will operate on a Saturday timetable, with additional buses running after midnight. Use the Auckland Transport mobile app or Journey Planner for travel options.
The last ferry departures will be from downtown to Devonport/Matiatia at 12:15am, Devonport to downtown at 12:30am, and Matiatia to downtown at 1am.
Contactless payment options will be available to catch a bus or ferry home.
Check AT’s Christmas and New Year timetables for more information about transport and travel on New Year’s Eve.
Lime and Flamingo scooters will not be running in the central city from 10pm to 3am, to ensure a safe zone for pedestrians.
Free secure bicycle parking will be available at Queens Wharf on New Years Eve between 5pm and 1am.

Important reminders:

Vector Lights viewing is recommended from the eastern side of the bridge as routine NZTA maintenance work will cause some lighting outages on the western side. Visit vector.co.nz/lights for suggestions on where to watch the show.
Use the extra rubbish bins and portable toilets provided to keep the city centre clean.
Enjoy yourself responsibly – outside bars and restaurants, the streets are alcohol-free.
Security guards and safety wardens will support police throughout New Year’s Eve to ensure celebrations run smoothly.
Medical support and first aid will be onsite at Te Komititanga Square, Aotea Square, at 205 Queen Steet’s ANZ, and Wynyard Quarter’s Karanga Plaza.
Stay connected –take a fully charged phone to capture the countdown!

Aucklanders outside the city centre can enjoy the midnight show from afar –there will be great views of the fireworks and Vector Lights at many of the city’s maunga including:

A reminder to please keep to the paths on the maunga, don’t use fireworks, and remember to take all rubbish home.

For all those who wish to see the action from the comfort of home, TVNZ will be streaming the countdown and midnight show online.

[embedded content]

Read more detail on the midnight countdown here: ‘Seconds to Midnight’ leads New Year’s Eve countdown – OurAuckland

Happy New Year from everyone at Auckland Council!

Auckland Transport’s central city map showing New Year’s Eve street closures.

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Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road eastbound lanes closed Saturday 18 Jan 

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (SH2) eastbound lanes between Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa (towards Whakatāne / Rotorua) will be closed between 5.30am and 1pm on Saturday 18 January 2025 for the cycle-leg of the Tauranga Half Triathlon, which is part of the Mount Festival of Multisport.  

This is the fifth year the event has used the Toll Road lanes for the cycle leg and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is pleased to be able to support the on-going success of the event. 

The alternative route for motorists during this time is via Te Puke Highway.

Minor delays may be experienced for Toll Road users during this time and traffic management will be in place at the Domain Road Interchange and Paengaroa Roundabout.

The westbound lanes between Paengaroa and Pāpāmoa will operate as usual.   

For safety reasons, the Paengaroa Roundabout will be closed to spectators and traffic management will be in place. The best place to watch the event is along Marine Parade and Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui. 

Road closures relating to the Mount Festival of Multisport(external link)

Detour information

View larger map [PNG, 631 KB]

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SH5 road rebuild between Oturoa Road, Rotorua and South Waikato

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

To kick start the New Year, State Highway 5 (SH5) from Oturoa Road west to the South Waikato boundary will be getting a refresh. The 8-week road rebuild will take place 5- 6 days a week from 7am to 6pm beginning Tuesday 14 January. Enabling works are underway this week to get the worksite ready.

Both lanes of SH5 are being rebuilt says Sandra King, Bay of Plenty System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

“The work involves digging down to remove the existing road pavement and replacing it with new layers.

“The worksite is almost 2 kilometres long, so motorists should expect some delays during the day, but we’re starting it during the school holidays when traffic volumes are lighter, meaning less disruption for motorists and the community,” says Ms King.

There will be stop/go in place for the majority of the week as well as lane switches and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h while the work is taking place.  The crews may also be required to work on Saturdays.

“Our state highway network is essential for moving people and goods around the country, and our work ensures the road is safe and accessible for everyone who travels on it,” says Ms King.

This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund. 

Also in Rotorua, resurfacing work which started on Tuesday 7 January on State Highway 30 Te Ngae Road, will continue for 10 nights between 8pm and 5am. While the work is taking place the road will be closed and traffic detoured. All traffic travelling north including heavy traffic will be required to turn left at Vaughan Road and follow detours to Ōwhata Roundabout. All southbound traffic will turn right at Ōwhata Roundabout and follow detours to Marino Road/SH30 Te Ngae Road intersection. 

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80% reduction in building determination wait times

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The time it takes to process building determinations has improved significantly over the last year which means fewer delays in homes being built, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

“New Zealand has a persistent shortage of houses. Making it easier and quicker for new homes to be built will not only mean more Kiwis can enjoy the benefits of a warm dry home, but it will also grow the economy and create well-paying jobs.

“If a builder disagrees with a council decision, they can apply for a determination from MBIE to resolve the issue and make a legally binding decision on whether the building work complies.

“These decisions are critical to support innovation in construction practices like the use of new building products, along with providing guidance for builders, designers and councils in cases that are more complex.

“Despite their importance, in September 2023 applications had been waiting for 500 days on average for a decision. These delays are not only immensely frustrating, but they create uncertainty, lower confidence and add costs, all of which gets in the way of building the homes this country desperately needs.

“However, following a clearer focus on the basics, there has been a significant improvement in processing times over the last 12 months, with the average number of days reducing by 80% from 516 days in September 2023 to 111 days in November 2024.

“These improvements have also been achieved with an increased number of applications received and while there is still more work to be done to reduce these times further these improvements mean Kiwis can get on with building.

“MBIE has made a number of recent changes to drive improvement, including finding efficiencies in their processes and targeting the oldest cases, which are often very complex with multiple issues.

“The building and construction sector has a central part to play in rebuilding the economy and that’s why this Government is laser focused on reducing delays across the board.”

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Fire Safety – Easing of fire restrictions for Hawke’s Bay

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire restrictions in Hawke’s Bay have been eased on Tuesday following recent wet weather.

The fire danger has decreased in the area, with Fire and Emergency New Zealand District Manager Glen Varcoe revoking prohibited and restricted fire seasons in some areas until further notice.

The changes are as follows:

– Heretaunga, Tukituki West, Tukituki East, Southern Hawkes Bay Coast and

Porangahau – Move from prohibited to restricted.

West – Move from restricted to open.

Tararua Central, Tararua South, Esk-Tutaekuri, Te Haroto, Wairoa Inland and Coast to remain at restricted.

A restricted fire season means people need a permit to light an open-air fire. You can go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check what fire season you are in and to apply for a permit if needed.

Glen Varcoe says people should not become complacent because the fire seasons have changed.

“Recent rainfall has reduced the fire risk in many areas of Hawke’s Bay, but people must remain vigilant to prevent unwanted fires from occurring.

“Even if you are in an open season, you should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to see if it is safe to have an outdoor fire.”

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Consumer NZ launches guide to buying second-hand appliances: helping New Zealanders save money and shop sustainably

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Consumer NZ

As more New Zealanders turn to secondhand markets to tackle rising living costs and contribute to environmental sustainability, Consumer’s guide provides essential tips to navigate the secondhand market with confidence.

Recent Consumer data reveals that 87% of New Zealanders have bought secondhand items in the last 6 months, up from 76% just 5 years ago.

Economic pressures are driving this growing trend, with a notable increase in secondhand purchases of electronics and household appliances.

At the same time, a growing awareness of environmental impacts has encouraged 21% of New Zealanders to consider sustainability when making purchases.

Your trusted guide to buying second hand appliances
Consumer’s new guide includes expert advice on what to look for when buying secondhand, with tips for ensuring quality, reliability and value.

As many New Zealanders seek to balance affordability, durability and sustainability, the guide highlights how to identify high-performing, long-lasting appliances and avoid common pitfalls, such as faulty or poorly maintained products.

“We know that the rising cost of living has made people more conscious of how they spend their money, and secondhand shopping is an appealing option,” says James le Page, Consumer’s Product Test Manager.

“Our new guide helps New Zealanders navigate this growing market by providing essential information about product quality, lifespan and potential risks.

“With the consumer landscape shifting, not every purchase is made from the shop floor but rather often from online platforms, and we want to instil people with more trust and guard-rails to work with when they are making those often tricky purchasing decisions.”

Top tips for buying secondhand appliances
When purchasing secondhand appliances, it’s important to do your homework.

Consumer’s guide covers several key factors.

Reliability and satisfaction

Look for trusted brands with high satisfaction ratings.
Check the model’s reliability and past performance through our comprehensive product reviews and test results.

Condition and care

Assess the condition of the appliance. If it looks worn out or poorly maintained, this could be a sign of a rough life.
Ask the seller about its history and always test the product before buying.

Repairability

Ensure spare parts are available or the manufacturer still supports the product’s software (if applicable). This can prevent future headaches and unexpected expenses.

Energy efficiency

Consider the appliance’s energy efficiency. Older models may have higher running costs compared with newer, more energy-efficient options.

Check for recalls

Check the New Zealand Product Safety website before purchasing to make sure the product hasn’t been recalled.

Sustainability and quality

The shift to secondhand shopping isn’t just about saving money – it’s also a key driver of sustainability. By purchasing secondhand, consumers can reduce waste, save energy and lower their carbon footprint.
For many people, buying secondhand is a way to make more environmentally conscious decisions while still getting a good deal.
Currently 21% of New Zealanders believe buying secondhand products is better for the environment, and this movement is gaining momentum.

A guide to older models

Consumer is making it easier for people to compare new and older models of appliances.
We are adding previously tested appliances to our comparison pages, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about whether to buy new or opt for a high-performing secondhand option.
Our guide includes historical product tests, helping consumers find great deals on older models without sacrificing quality.

How old is too old

While purchasing secondhand can be a great way to save, it’s important to know how old the appliance is before you buy.
For large items, like washing machines, dryers and fridges, up to 8–10 years is usually acceptable.
For electronics, like laptops or phones, look for models that are 3–5 years old to ensure ongoing viability.
However, some items may be built to last and remain in excellent condition for even longer than our rule-of-thumb suggested timeframes.

Your rights when buying secondhand

Consumers are still protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act when buying from secondhand dealers.
However, this protection doesn’t apply to private sales, so it’s important to understand your rights before making a purchase.

Start your secondhand appliance search by exploring the full secondhand buying guide on Consumer’s website: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-ftdhukt-ijlytrkuit-d/

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Top baby names for 2024

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is pleased to announce the annual list of New Zealand’s most popular baby names for 2024.

“For the second consecutive year, Noah has claimed the top spot for boys with 250 babies sharing the name, while Isla has returned to the most popular girls’ name after narrowly missing out in 2023, with 190 baby Isla’s. This marks the third time in five years that Isla has topped the list for girls, and the fourth year Noah has appeared in the top two,” says Ms van Velden.

Last year the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] registered 59,199 births with a total of 19,404 unique names.

“There was a bit of regional difference last year with Jack being the most popular boy’s name in the South Island, topping the charts in Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. Noah, however, led in the North Island, being the top name in Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Northland regions. For girls, the most popular names were more varied across regions. Charlotte, Isla, Amelia, Lily, Harper, Aria, and Ella all earned top honours in different parts of the country.

“It’s also interesting to see the popularity of the first names of the coalition leaders with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon having his first name chosen for 24 newborns. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters was more exclusive, with fewer than five babies being named Winston while Minister David Seymour shared his first name with 62 babies last year. My name, Brooke, was given to 14 baby girls.

“Registering your baby in New Zealand is an important first step in ensuring that they have an official identity, allowing them to access their legal rights as they grow up. SmartStart, a platform hosted by the Department of Internal Affairs, is a quick and free way to do this. It also has guidance for families about their children’s first years, including information about what services and assistance may be available to families.”

The Department recommend registering your baby within the first two months of birth.

To view the top baby names from 2024 and previous years, dating back to 1954, visit the SmartStart website: https://smartstart.services.govt.nz/news/baby-names

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Appeal for information: East Tāmaki homicide

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Acting Detective Inspector Veronica McPherson, Counties Manukau CIB:

Police investigating the death of a child which occurred in East Tāmaki on Sunday evening are appealing to the public.

A 37-year-old male appeared before the Manukau District Court on Monday morning charged with murder.

Police are not seeking anyone else in connection to this death.

We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity around the Waiouru Road area in Highbrook and East Tāmaki between 8.30pm and 1am on the evening of Sunday 5 January 2025.

Police would also like to hear from anyone who observed a blue-coloured Nissan Bluebird in that area between those times.

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250106/7049.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Tony Wright/NZ Police

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