Police are reminding the public about airspace restrictions in place over parts of the Waitematā Harbour, with SailGP racing over the coming days.
Keen photographers and videographers are being reminded about temporary restrictions in place between 17 and 19 January.
Those restrictions are in place over the racecourse on each day between 4 and 7pm.
Helicopters will be flying about the course on either side of those times as well.
Police Operation Commander, Inspector Jason Homan, says this means no drones or other aircraft can operate within the restricted exclusion zone.
“We are asking Aucklanders to comply with these restrictions given there will be helicopters flying at low altitude capturing the race action.
“If a drone were to operate in this environment it poses significant safety implications for everyone concerned.
“We would like to advise the public that regardless of whether they are certified to operate a drone, under Civil Aviation rules they still cannot fly within an exclusion zone.”
There are significant penalties that apply for those found to be breaching CAA rules.
Inspector Homan says: “We hope that common sense prevails, and that everyone has a good time and enjoys the event safely.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling for people in the Manawatū-Whanganui area to take extra care not to spark fires this weekend.
Manawatū-Whanganui Community Risk Manager Kerry O’Keefe says fire danger is increasing across the region due to the hot, dry conditions and brisk winds.
“We’ve had several large preventable wildfires already this summer, including beach fires and other fires in Taihape, Whanganui and Levin areas,” he says.
“There’s also one still burning now on forestry land at Parewanui near Bulls.
“Our team is continuing to monitor the weather and vegetation conditions closely, and with the vegetation in the area drying out, there’s more potential for fires to get started and get out of control.
“While we are still in an open fire season – where permits aren’t required – we ask people to be careful about where and how they light fires.
“Before starting a fire, you must go tocheckitsalright.nzfirst to find out if you can, and what restrictions apply. There’s also information and guidance about using fires safely.
“We’re also asking people to take extra care with any activities which generate heat or sparks – such as welding, lawn-mowing, using chainsaws, or parking hot vehicles on long, dry grass.
“These can easily start fires which are hard to stop.”
State Highway 29, Lower Kaimai, has reopened following a crash this morning.
One person received critical injuries and was airlifted hospital. The injured person was travelling in a vehicle with two other occupants, both of whom were taken to hospital by ambulance with moderate injuries.
The sole occupants of two other vehicles involved were uninjured.
Police would like to thank motorists for their patience.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 January 2025 – Habitat Property, Hong Kong’s award-winning specialist in unique luxury properties, is thrilled to announce the details of its latest project, ‘Stanley House Project’. After more than four years of careful planning, ‘Stanley House Project’ is now ready for construction. Victoria Allan, Founder and Managing Director of Habitat Property, has secured permits and approvals, sparing buyers the time, expense, and effort required to navigate this intricate process. Located on Stanley Link Road overlooking Tai Tam Bay and just minutes from the golden sands of Stanley Beach, this ambitious residential development will be a once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity.
(Left) The current property on 30 Stanley Link Road. (Right) ‘Stanley House Project’ represents the highest standard in contemporary design adapted for a coastal living experience. Across the 3,269 square feet, the design will bring a stunning integration of indoor and outdoor living areas, while the elevated terrace brings ample relaxing space. It puts views, privacy, interconnectedness, and comfort all in one place. * For visualisation only
Personally owned and curated by Victoria, ‘Stanley House Project’ comprises an iconic waterfront site with approved architectural plans in place, allowing prospective buyers to build their own luxurious dream complex. With nothing like this available on the market, the complex will be perched above a five-vehicle carpark and will span over 3,269 square feet of internal living space, and also feature a sea-facing swimming pool, a spacious terrace of 2,420 square feet[1] and a roof terrace of 357 square feet [1] .
The Apex of Waterfront Design
As envisioned by Victoria and renowned Australian Interior Design and Architecture studio K.P.D.O., ‘Stanley House Project’ represents the pinnacle of luxury waterfront living, prioritising the marriage of sophistication, comfort and security. Each of the three levels with full sea views and impressive 3.5-metre ceilings, all connected by an indoor lift. The integrated living and dining areas will organically engage with the home’s 2,777 square feet exterior space [1] , and the elevated swimming pool will blend effortlessly with Tai Tam Bay, offering complete privacy. ‘Stanley House Project’ will be the epitome of bespoke coastal living at its finest.
‘Stanley House Project’ is the culmination of Victoria’s long-term vision to create a singular luxurious residential experience. It is ultimately a labour of love, demonstrating her property foresight and architectural acumen. Leveraging knowledge gleaned from over two decades as one of Hong Kong’s leading property professionals, Victoria purchased her own home on one of the plots in 2010. Eight years later, she acquired the adjacent plot to combine the two. Securing the permits for the consolidation, proposed complex and approvals for a pool, terrace, and land lease modification took over four years.
After acquiring the consolidated site with GFA (Gross Floor Area) of 4,359 square feet , the new owner can either retain or demolish the existing structures. From there, the new owner can build their own dream home or utilise the existing plans of ‘Stanley House Project’ for a three-level complex envisaged by Victoria in partnership one of Australia’s most esteemed architects,K.P.D.O.The architecture captures and distills the very best elements of Australian coastal living, representing a major departure from the typical Hong Kong home. Having undertaken an S16 planning application to relax the site coverage to 33%, the design features rare lateral living space spanning nearly 60 feet, directly facing the sea view, that will open seamlessly to 2,420 sf of external terrace [1] and entertaining area with private pool & BBQ area. These plans maximise the plot’s gross floor area, the superb Southside location, and Stanley’s sophisticated lifestyle.
‘Stanley House Project’ will strive for a seamless connection between the generous, open interiors and the spacious, accommodating outdoor areas. Overlooking the magnificent Tai Tam Bay and mere steps from Stanley Main Beach, the location of ‘Stanley House Project’ is perfect for those looking to balance coastal tranquillity with modern convenience. * For visualisation only
“As a long-time resident of the Southside, I’ve always dreamed of creating a truly exceptional beachfront property that captures the essence of this beautiful coastline. ‘Stanley House Project’ is the realisation of that dream, a labour of love meticulously planned and designed to offer an unparalleled luxury experience. This is more than just a complex; it’s a legacy, a testament to timeless elegance and refined taste,” said Victoria Allan, Founder and Managing Director of Habitat Property.
The site has a guide price of HK$238 million which includes fully paid land premium. In addition, Habitat Property has provided an estimate[2] of HK$45 million for the demolition of the current buildings and construction of ‘Stanley House Project’, which would take approximately two years. Habitat Property will serve as one of the sales brokerages of the property on 30 Stanley Link Road site.
[1]This is not included in the saleable area.
[2] The estimate is subject to change based on fluctuations in material and building costs, as well as final selections made.
Hashtag: #HabitatProperty
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Rotorua Area Prevention Manager
Police are extending our thanks to local council camera operators in Rotorua and Tauranga after their eagle eyes assisted Police in the arrest of five young people early this morning, following an attempted burglary in Rotorua.
About 2am Police received a report of an attempted burglary at a store on Amohau Street, after an alarm activation alerted Rotorua Lakes Council CCTV operators to the incident.
Police observed the vehicle as it fled on Amohau Street and signalled for it to stop. It did not stop and instead drove dangerously and at speed, on to Fairy Springs Road and out of town. A pursuit was abandoned due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was then sighted by Tauranga City Council CCTV operators in Tauranga, where Police in the area successfully spiked the vehicle, and it came to a stop near Paraone Koikoi Drive.
The alleged offenders exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but did not make it far before being located and arrested with the assistance of a dog unit.
Five youth, aged between 15 and 17 were due to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court today.
This good result comes after a similar burglary incident involving a commercial premises on Ruapehu Street, Taupo on Monday 13 January. Four alleged youth offenders aged between 15 and 17 were arrested after fleeing the scene in a vehicle after using that vehicle in an attempt to gain access to the premises.
CCTV was once again utilised here to sight the vehicle, before it was successfully spiked near Clayton Road. The suspects fled from the vehicle on foot. They were located and arrested with the assistance of a dog unit.
These two incidents are not believed to be linked.
The arrests across these two incidents outline the coordination between Police and local councils across multiple towns and areas in an attempt to apprehend offenders.
The use of CCTV footage continues to be an asset to investigations and serves as an extra tool for Police, one that helps us maintain a strong partnership with our local councils.
Applications are now open for the sixth Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards which recognise individuals, groups and organisations helping to protect and improve Northland’s environment.
Council Chair Geoff Crawford says the 2025 awards are the first since the transition to a biennial event. (The previous awards were in 2023.)
“Holding the awards every two years allows entrants valuable time between award cycles to continue their mahi in protecting and enhancing the environment and strengthens their awards application in the process.”
Chair Crawford says entering the Environmental Awards helps tell the story of the environmental work happening in Northland and shows that collectively we are making a difference.
Award categories include:
Environmental action in the community
Environmental action to protect native life
Environmental action in water quality improvement
Environmental action in education
Environmental leadership
Youth environmental leader
Kaitiakitanga
Environmental action in business
Environmental action to address climate change
Entries opened 15 January and close Sunday 30 March 2025.
“Finalists will be announced in May and the winners announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 26 June.
Chair Crawford says people interested in learning more about the awards – including previous winners – can visit:awards.nrc.govt.nz
Northlanders and visitors to the region are being urged to conserve water as a dry summer continues.
Northland Regional Council Chair Geoff Crawford says parts of the Far North and Kaipara Districts have been under water restrictions since late last year and the region has only got drier since then.
“That – coupled with an influx of the tens of thousands of visitors we’re expecting over Northland-Auckland Anniversary weekend and Waitangi week – all puts pressure on our water supplies.”
Chair Crawford says the regional council, which monitors river flows, groundwater and manages resource consents to take water, is urging everyone to play their part and do what they can to conserve water.
“Water shortages affect everyone – albeit in different ways – with farmers and water tank users needing to pay to top up their supplies. That water has to come from somewhere.”
“Rainfall is the key to it all…we’ve been hoping for it and while some areas have had some rainfall in recent weeks and some further rain is predicted in the coming week, unfortunately it has not fallen across the whole region and has not been enough to top up our rivers.”
While the region waits for rain, Chair Crawford urges people to use water sensibly and notify any leaks to their local district council.
ASB has today announced changes to some of its most popular fixed home lending rates, including the 6-month and 1-year terms. ASB’s 1-year term drops 20 basis points from 5.79% to a market- leading rate of 5.59%, while its 18-month term also drops 20 basis points to 5.39%.
ASB’s General Manager Product Emma-Jayne Liddy says “We want to help customers looking to refix, or Kiwi looking to buy, get off to a strong start in 2025. Today’s rate changes reflect the recent fall in short-term wholesale rates. With more than two-thirds of our mortgage customers opting for a term of 18-months or less, we expect these changes to be popular.”
ASB has also reduced some of its term deposit rates by between 5 and 25 basis points.
All rate adjustments are effective immediately for new and current customers.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 24 January 2025. Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.
Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.
Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.
NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Southbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 21 January
Silverdale southbound on-ramp, 21 January
Northbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 22 January
Oteha Valley Road northbound on-ramp, 22 January
Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 20 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Oteha Valley Road southbound on-ramp, 20 January
Greville Road southbound on-ramp, 20 January
SH1 Southbound to SH18 Westbound Link, 20 January
Southbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 19 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Constellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 19 January
Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 19 January
Northbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Oteha Valley Road on-ramp, 23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Greville Road northbound on-ramp, 23 January
Constellation Drive northbound on-ramp, 23 January
Southbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 21-23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 21-23 January
Onewa Road northbound off-ramp, 19-23 January
Stafford Road off-ramp, 19-23 January
Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 19-23 January
CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)
Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and St Marks Road on-ramp, 20-21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 20-21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Hobson Street southbound on-ramp, 20-21 January
Symonds Street southbound on-ramp, 20-21 January
SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 20-21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Wellesley Street East on-ramp, 20-21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 20-21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Grafton Road southbound on-ramp, 20-21 January
SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Khyber Pass Road southbound on-ramp, 20-22 January
Tecoma Street southbound on-ramp, 19-20 & 23 January
Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Takanini on-ramp, 20-21 January
Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 20-21 January
Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 20-21 January
Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 20-21 January
Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 19 January
Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 19 January
Southbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 19-23 January
Ramarama southbound on-ramp, 19-23 January
Bombay southbound off-ramp, 19-23 January
NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)
Southbound lanes between Foster and Trigg Road, 19 January (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 19 January (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Rd, 20-23 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku roundabout, 20-23 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 21 January
Northbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 21 January
Te Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 20 January
UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)
Eastbound lanes between Albany Highway off-ramp and Paul Matthews Road on-ramp, 23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Albany Highway eastbound on-ramp, 23 January
SH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Westbound lanes between Paul Matthews Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp, 20 January
Paul Matthews Road westbound on-ramp, 20 January
SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)
Northbound lanes between Queenstown Road off-ramp and Dominion Road on-ramp, 22-23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Hillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 22-23 January
Neilson Street northbound off-ramp, 21 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 21 January
Southbound lanes between Puhinui Road off-ramp and SH1 links, 19-23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Southbound Service Lane (Puhinui Road to Cavendish Drive),19-23 January
Puhinui Road southbound on-ramp, 19-23 January
Cavendish Drive southbound on-ramp, 19-23 January
Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 19-23 January
SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 19-23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 19-23 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)
None planned
PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)
None planned
STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)
None planned
STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)
None planned
Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.
