Category: 24/7

Posted on

Auckland News – Water Restrictions Threaten Auckland’s Housing Development Pipeline

Source: WarkWorthWeb

Auckland’s housing development face a significant hurdle as Watercare, the region’s water and wastewater provider, implements water restrictions across several areas. The move, aimed at managing water supply amid growing demand, has blindsided developers who warn of delays, increased costs, and potential financial strain on the industry.

The restrictions, which limit the amount of water, stormwater and/or sewer available for new connections, come as Auckland grapples with infrastructure challenges and population growth. Developers in affected areas, including parts of the city’s northwest and south, are now unable to secure water connections for new housing projects, effectively putting developments on hold.

 “This decision has caught many developers off guard”, says Troy Patchett, Director at Subdivide Simplified. “Water & Drainage is obviously a fundamental requirement for any housing project. This will undoubtedly delay the delivery of much-needed housing stock and could push some developers to the brink”. (ref. https://www.subdividesimplified.co.nz/ )

Patchett emphasised the broader implications for Auckland’s housing crisis. “Auckland is already facing a housing shortage, and these restrictions will only exacerbate the problem. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the city is in desperate need of more affordable, healthy, and accessible housing.”

Watercare has defended the restrictions, citing the need to balance water supply with increasing demand. A spokesperson for the organisation stated, “Rapid growth in some areas has put pressure on our infrastructure. These restrictions are a necessary step to manage capacity while we work on long-term solutions.”

Patchett believes the changes could have been handled far better, with a more structured approach to minimise disruption. “A decent lead-in time would have allowed developers to adjust their plans and manage the transition more effectively. Instead, we’ve been hit with a sudden blanket ban, which is causing chaos across the industry,” he said. “Most people were expecting restrictions to be applied on a case-by-case basis, not this sweeping measure that affects entire regions.”

The decision has sparked calls for better planning and collaboration between Watercare, local councils, and developers. Patchett urged authorities to prioritise infrastructure investment to support growth. “This situation highlights the need for proactive planning and investment in water infrastructure. Without it, Auckland’s growth ambitions will remain constrained,” he said.

The restrictions have also raised concerns about the financial viability of projects already in the pipeline. Developers who have invested heavily in land and planning now face uncertainty, with some warning of potential losses if the situation is not resolved promptly.

As Auckland continues to grow, the pressure on its infrastructure will only intensify. The current restrictions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the city and the urgent need for coordinated action to ensure sustainable development.

For now, developers and homebuyers alike are left in limbo, waiting for clarity on when and how the restrictions will be lifted. In the meantime, the housing crisis shows no signs of abating, and the stakes for Auckland’s future have never been higher.

Posted on

Release: Labour welcomes reinstatement of Heath NZ board

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Labour welcomes Simeon Brown’s move to reinstate a board at Health New Zealand, bringing the destructive and secretive tenure of commissioner Lester Levy to an end.

“It’s past time that Lester’s time as commissioner ended – we called for this last week and are pleased to see Simeon Brown take our advice,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

“Lester Levy was Christopher Luxon’s pick for commissioner, yet all he’s done is destabilise our health system by cutting more than 3000 jobs with more to come, and going on a fantasy quest to find ‘back office bloat’ that doesn’t exist.

“When they couldn’t find the wasteful spending they’d imagined, they took Milo and toast from new parents, before having to backtrack.

“Levy failed to deliver the turnaround plan, hadn’t published a health plan, and showed up to meetings without information on major decisions.

“On his watch, our hospitals experienced a hiring freeze, making it nearly impossible to fill vacancies in time. Almost half of Health NZ’s data and digital team are facing cuts and another 358 from the National Public Health Service roles – a quarter of the workforce.

“Now Levy is gone, the cuts must stop, so our healthcare system can run smoothly and communities can get the healthcare they need,” Ayesha Verrall said.

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

Posted on

Health and Politics – Yet more Government health plans and priorities: NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

It’s no surprise there’s confusion in the health sector after the Government today released yet another plan to fix the dire state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s public health system, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
Health Minister Simeon Brown today outlined his plan to “fix the system” and his five key priorities.
NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says the Minister’s acknowledgement of the issues facing the health system is good for patients and health care workers.
“However, it isn’t clear how this latest plan fits with the plethora of other current health plans, strategies and legislative frameworks including the Government Policy Statement, the Pae Ora Act and the six accompanying Pae Ora Strategies, the health targets and the Health Workforce Plan.
“And this is not to mention Te Whatu Ora Commissioner Dr Lester Levy’s long awaited ‘reset’. It’s no wonder everyone in the health system is confused.”
There was also no mention in the Minister’s plan or priorities of improving the health outcomes of Māori or that of our vulnerable communities, Kerri Nuku says.
“Lifting the health outcomes of Māori, Pacific people and disabled people ultimately benefits all of Aotearoa New Zealand by creating a more equitable health system and improving access to quality health care for all.
“The Minister was also strangely silent on the role of Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) despite his Government having committed to them previously and his rush to have a locally delivered health system by July. IMPBs are enshrined in the Pae Ora Act and Simeon Brown needs to explain the role he sees them playing in his plan,” Kerri Nuku says.
Posted on

Road closures following fire, Awarua

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

People are being asked to steer clear of a fire in Awarua in the Far North as emergency services work at the scene.

A section of Mangakahia Road has been closed as the fire continues.

Police are in attendance supporting Fire and Emergency New Zealand with traffic management, after receiving a report of a bush fire in the area just after 12.30pm.

The road has been closed either side of Takawhero Road and people are being asked to avoid the area.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Posted on

Road closures following fire, Awarua

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

People are being asked to steer clear of a fire in Awarua in the Far North as emergency services work at the scene.

A section of Mangakahia Road has been closed as the fire continues.

Police are in attendance supporting Fire and Emergency New Zealand with traffic management, after receiving a report of a bush fire in the area just after 12.30pm.

The road has been closed either side of Takawhero Road and people are being asked to avoid the area.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Posted on

Fruit fly controls on Auckland’s North Shore to remain in place until 10 April 2025

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables on Auckland’s North Shore will remain in place for the next few weeks as part of the response to the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly last month, says Biosecurity New Zealand’s commissioner north, Mike Inglis. 

“We’ve had fantastic support from the Birkdale community and sector groups to date, and we’re asking for that to continue a little longer out of an abundance of caution. It is vital to our success in keeping fruit fly from establishing in New Zealand,” Mr Inglis says. 

“To date, no other Oriental fruit flies have been found in surveillance traps since the original find on 20 February 2025, which is encouraging. 

“We’ll continue to regularly check fruit fly traps, and specialist staff in our mobile field laboratory will cut up and inspect fruit and vegetables collected in the area for any signs of larvae.”

Mr Inglis says it’s anticipated the restrictions will remain in place until 10 April 2025. 

“This is so we can be confident that we are not dealing with a breeding population. This timeframe is based on scientific advice about the life cycle of the Oriental fruit fly.”

There is no change to the current movement rules that are in place. The A and B Zone areas in Birkdale will remain the same and the instructions on the disposal of produce waste remain unchanged. More detail on these zones is on our website:

Oriental fruit fly, Birkdale

“Those legal controls prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found. The restrictions are a critical precaution to protect our horticultural sector and exports,” Mr Inglis says. 

“There have been 13 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand which we have successfully eradicated, so we have very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work. 

“The fruit fly poses no risk to human health, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.”

To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s pest and diseases hotline on 0800 809 966.

For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Posted on

Serious crash: Bush Road, Pipiroa

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash involving a car and motorcycle, at Pipiroa in the Hauraki district.

Police were alerted to the crash about 2.20pm, at the intersection of Shellbank and Bush roads. One person is in a critical condition.

The road is likely to be closed for some time and diversions are being put in place at the intersections of Bush Road and State Highway 25, and Bush Road and Orchard East Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Posted on

Auckland overnight motorway closures 8 – 14 March 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

|

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, 14 March 2025.

Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

Daily updated closure information(external link) 

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)

  • Onewa Road southbound on-ramp, 9-13 March
  • Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 9 & 11-13 March
  • Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 10 March
  • Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 9 & 11-13 March

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

  • None planned

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Tecoma Street southbound off-ramp, (approx. 8:00am 8 March to 5:00am 10 March 24/7)
  • Southbound lanes between East Tamaki Road off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 13 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • East Tamaki Road southbound on-ramp, 13 March
    • SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 13 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Southbound lanes between Redoubt Road off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 11-12 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH1 southbound to SH20 northbound link, 11-12 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Redoubt Road southbound on-ramp, 11-12 March
    • Takanini southbound on-ramp, 11-12 March
  • Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9-13 March
    • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9-13 March
  • Drury/SH22 southbound off-ramp, 9 & 13 March
  • Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 10-13 March
  • Southbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Bombay on-ramp, 10 March
    • Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 10 March
  • Southbound lanes between Nikau Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northbound lanes between Ridge Road off-ramp and Nikau Road on-ramp, 9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Razorback Road southbound off-ramp, 9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Pokeno on-ramp, 9 March
  • Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 10-13 March
  • Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 10-13 March
  • Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 10-13 March

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Road, 9-13 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Waimauku roundabout, 9-13 March (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp, 9-10 & 12-13 March
    • Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp, 9-10 & 12-13 March

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 10 March
    • SH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 10 March
    • SH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link, 10 March
    • Maioro Street northbound on-ramp, 10 March
  • Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off-ramp and SH1 links, 11-12 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Lambie Drive southbound on-ramp, 11-12 March
    • SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 11-12 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • SH20 southbound to SH1 southbound link, 11-12 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • Kirkbride Road southbound off-ramp, 9-13 March

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

  • None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

  • SH2 westbound to SH1 southbound, 9 March (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

Tags

Posted on

City and Regional Deals – opportunity for growth

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s City and Regional Deals initiative has received a great response from regions across New Zealand, and is now into the assessment stage to determine which regions will be the first to progress towards a deal, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say.
Councils were asked to work together to form regions and to outline, via a light-touch proposal, how a deal of up to five priority projects would unlock economic growth in their area. Regions had until 28 February 2025 to submit their light-touch proposals to the Department of Internal Affairs.
“The Government has been clear that driving economic growth is a core focus for our Government with our regions playing a key role in delivering that plan. City and Regional Deals will be relentlessly focused on driving our growth agenda,” Mr Bishop says.
“New Zealand has a massive infrastructure deficit. Water pipes are bursting, roads have been falling apart, and there simply aren’t enough houses. Our Government is relentlessly focussed on reducing the infrastructure deficit within this country.” 
“With a growing population, it is critically important we are delivering the long-term infrastructure we need for growth. City and Regional Deals is designed to help reduce New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit through unlocking productivity, attracting investment, and improving connectivity across the country.
“Delivering a joint long-term vision for regions will ensure they remain focused on delivering what matters most to ratepayers, including critical infrastructure like housing and transport.”
“The positive response from regions across the country demonstrates the value councils see in the programme and that central and local government agree that through collaboration we can accelerate long-term vision realisation in our regions and cities. This is critical to accelerate economic growth and productivity,” Mr Watts says.
“I have made it clear to councils that I expect them to demonstrate how each initiative would connect to other projects and other government priorities, such as Local Water Done Well. I look forward to seeing the details of each proposal.”
City and Regional Deals light-touch proposals will now be assessed against the criteria outlined in the strategic framework. The results of the assessment will be provided to Ministers for consideration. The Government will decide which regions progress towards a deal with the intention to have the first deal concluded by the end of 2025. It is expected that three deals will be in place by October 2026.     
More information about City and Regional Deals can be found at www.dia.govt.nz/Regional-Deals. 

Posted on

Pacific community-led solutions to address alcohol harm

Source: New Zealand Government

A new $330,000 funding initiative to help prevent and address alcohol-related harm in New Zealand’s Pacific communities was officially launched today by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey.

“This is an important milestone for alcohol harm prevention among our Pacific communities. This is the first significant alcohol prevention specific investment in the health system to address alcohol harm in Pacific populations,” Mr Doocey says.

“The new Pacific Strengthening and Innovation Fund aims to provide resources to Pacific communities, to help empower locally-led approaches to prevent alcohol-related harm, joining wider work being done in areas like health and education.

“Hazardous alcohol consumption can cause a lot of harm in our communities. That is why this Government is taking alcohol harm seriously, which is evident by it raising the alcohol levy for the first time in 15 years.

“The Government is committed to addressing alcohol harm and that includes enabling and providing support for locally driven solutions.

The New Zealand Health Survey tells us that despite lower overall alcohol consumption rates, Pacific communities face higher rates of hazardous alcohol consumption and heavy episodic drinking.

“As Minister, I set a goal of increasing investment into prevention and early intervention, focusing on population needs for groups and communities which the new Pacific Strengthening and Innovation Fund will help achieve.

“I am very pleased that dedicated funding is now available for Pacific communities. It joins the many other initiatives that are intended to help people overcome challenges and improve their quality of life, and to support healthier, safer, happier communities.”