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“Super Weekend” of work coming up on SH20A roundabout to Auckland Airport

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: “Super Weekend” of work coming up on SH20A roundabout to Auckland Airport

Work started earlier this month to transform the roundabout into an eight lane intersection controlled by traffic lights because heavy traffic flows to and from the airport mean the roundabout does not function efficiently.

The changes are to improve safety, traffic flows and journey reliability, says the Transport Agency’s Senior Manager Project Delivery, Chris Hunt.

So far, the roundabout has been reduced in size with lanes re-aligned. The next big step is what the construction team is calling a “Super Weekend” to change the slip lane for traffic coming from the city and turning left off SH20A on to Verissimo Drive. The work includes a traffic switch, excavation, installing ducts and pits for traffic signal, laying concrete pavement and asphalt surfacing.

The team will work extended hours from 10pm on Friday 16 March until 5am on Tuesday 20 March to complete the work. The dates may change or be extended if the weather is bad.  The slip lane into Verissimo Drive will be closed but motorists will still be able to enter Verissimo Drive from the roundabout.

The “Super Weekend” strategy is to achieve in 4 days and nights what would otherwise take several weeks with the Verissimo Drive slip lane closed for the entire time.

“We recognise there will be an impact on traffic flows. The Super Weekend  will keep that disruption to the shortest possible timeframe, says Mr Hunt.

The Transport Agency asks drivers to be patient, approach the area with caution, keep to the speed limit and stay in your lane.

There are temporary traffic lights on George Bolt Memorial Drive and Verissimo Drive about 40 metres before the roundabout. Drivers still need to give way at the roundabout.

“”The team is working with Auckland Airport, Auckland  Transport and the Auckland Traffic Operations Centre to minimise the effects , but travellers should allow extra time for journeys to and from the airport,” says Mr Hunt. 

 The transformation from roundabout to intersection is expected to take several months.

When completed the intersection will have 8 lanes for north and south-bound traffic flow with dedicated left and right turn lanes. Landing Drive and Verissimo Drive will also have dedicated turning and straight through lanes to improve the flow of traffic entering and exiting the industrial areas.

The upgrade of the Landing Drive roundabout is part of ongoing improvements to SH20A, which is the primary route to and from Auckland Airport and forms a strategic link between SH20 and SH16, the Airport business district and the greater Auckland area. Other improvements include the upgraded Kirkbride intersection, with its trench underpass separating local and airport traffic.

For more information on SH20A upgrades see https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh20a-to-airport/

The Landing Drive roundabout with Verissimo Drive “Super Weekend” work area highlighted in yellow

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Methamphetamine easier to buy than cannabis

Source: Massey University – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Methamphetamine easier to buy than cannabis

Fifty-four per cent of methamphetamine users who took part in the country’s first online Drug Trends Survey reported the current availability as “very easy”.

Associate Professor Chris Wilkins.

Preliminary findings from New Zealand’s first online Drug Trends Survey has found methamphetamine is currently more available than cannabis, throughout the country.

The study, carried out by researchers from Massey University’s SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre, aimed to measure the availability of alcohol and drugs and demand for help services for substance use problems in all regions of New Zealand. The first of a series of research bulletins reporting the findings has been released today. Detailed analysis of the findings will be presented to the Ministry of Health and other government agencies later this month.

Lead researcher, Associate Professor Chris Wilkins says higher availability of methamphetamine was found in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Waikato, Manawatu-Wanganui, West Coast and Southland.

The anonymous online survey, promoted via a targeted Facebook campaign, was conducted from November 2017 to February 2018. A total of 6,100 people completed the survey. Participants were asked a series of questions about the availability of the drugs they had used in the past six months. Anonymised surveys were carefully reviewed to ensure high quality and consistent data.

“While there have been anecdotal reports around the country that meth is easier to obtain than cannabis, to date there had been no data available to verify these claims, or confirm the extent of the issue throughout New Zealand,” Dr Wilkins says. “These findings suggest a need to further prioritise the focus on meth, rather than on cannabis. This could include increasing access to help services for substance use problems for people living in the regions.”

Overall, 14 per cent of those who used cannabis described the current availability to be “very easy”, while 54 per cent of methamphetamine users reported the current availability as “very easy”.

“Only 14 per cent of the cannabis users could purchase cannabis in 20 minutes or less, while 31 per cent of the methamphetamine users were able to purchase methamphetamine in 20 minutes or less,” he says.

This raises some serious questions concerning the supply of drugs and policy settings in relation to different drugs types. “Is the higher availability of methamphetamine the result of an intentional strategy by drug dealers who are seeking to maximise profits by promoting the sale of a more addictive drug type with a higher profit margin? Does the current supply reduction strategy need to be refocused on methamphetamine rather than cannabis?

“Methamphetamine is widely considered to be the more harmful drug, but cannabis is more vulnerable to routine law enforcement activity due to the space and time required to cultivate it, and its bulky and distinctive physical appearance and smell,” Dr Wilkins says.

Higher availability of methamphetamine relative to cannabis was found in all regions. “In Northland, 65 per cent of users described the current availability of methamphetamine to be ‘very easy’ compared to only 15 per cent for cannabis. Thirty two percent of the Northland respondents could purchase methamphetamine in 20 minutes or less, compared to only 13 per cent who could purchase cannabis in 20 minutes or less,” Dr Wilkins says.

Regions where lower availability of methamphetamine was found were in Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, Nelson/Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago.

Survey demographics

Forty-five percent of the sample was female and the average age was 29 years old (range 16-87 years). Twenty-one per cent identified as Māori and 72 per cent Pakeha. Thirty-five percent had completed high school education, 33 per cent a polytech or trade qualification and 28 per cent had a university degree. Eighteen percent were students, 11 per cent unemployed or on a sickness benefit and 65 per cent were employed.

The research was carried out by Dr Wilkins, with Jitesh Prasad, Dr Marta Rychert, Dr Jose Romeo and Thomas Graydon-Guy.

The SHORE and Whāriki Research Centre would like to acknowledge the support of the Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) with special thanks to the Te Runanga O Ngai Te Rangi Iwi Trust.

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Anzac Day 2018

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Anzac Day 2018

Anzac Day Commemorations will be held in West Flanders on Wednesday 25 April 2018; there will be a series of ceremonies organised in partnership with the Australian Embassy to Belgium and the local communities of Ieper (Ypres), Mesen (Messines), Zonnebeke and Comines-Warneton.

New Zealanders who are residing or travelling in Belgium are welcome to participate in the Anzac commemorations.

As in previous years, the New Zealand Embassy will organize a bus that will leave Brussels in the early morning of 25 April. Like last year, we are offering an extended programme, including attendance at the Dawn Ceremony at Passchendale (6am), commemorative ceremonies in Ieper (11am), Messines (130pm) and Comines-Warneton (4pm).

The bus will leave Brussels around 3am, and will return to Brussels by approximately 7:30pm. The bus is also able to make pick-ups and drop-offs at Ieper railway station.

The number of seats on the bus is limited. Registration forms can be obtained via email request to nzemb.brussels@mfat.govt.nz

Once your registration for the bus is confirmed, please book your ticket for the post Dawn Ceremony breakfast in Zonnebeke at www.passchendaele.be

A copy of the ANZAC programme will be posted on the Embassy website and Facebook page, and will be emailed to confirmed participants closer to the day.

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Evaluation of a Nurse Practitioner Education Programme

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Evaluation of a Nurse Practitioner Education Programme

Published online: 
12 March 2018
Publication cover

Summary

Nurse practitioners are highly skilled health practitioners who can provide a wide range of assessment and treatment interventions. Their broad scope of practice enables them to safely and appropriately meet changing health needs.

In 2017 the Ministry of Health commissioned Malatest International to undertake an independent evaluation of the pilot nurse practitioner training programme being provided at The University of Auckland and Massey University. The programme was designed to provide a more coordinated and strategic approach to nurse practitioner education, registration and employment.

Overall the evaluation report is positive. Most students completed the course in the time required and achieved registration within three months of completion.

The programmes are very popular (2 + applications for every available place) and programme graduates have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the scheme and have been successful in moving into employment as a nurse practitioner.

Feedback on nurse practitioner training and development

Based on the report’s findings and help develop the nurse practitioner role in New Zealand, Health Workforce New Zealand and the Office of the Chief Nurse welcomes feedback from the nursing profession, employers, training providers and other stakeholders. Feedback will be received at info@healthworkforce.govt.nz until Friday, 27 April 2018.

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SH5 – Road Closures CORRECTION

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: SH5 – Road Closures CORRECTION


Location:

Bay of Plenty

CORRECTION:  Please note SH5 is closed between Tapapa and Rotorua while Police investigate the scene of a fatal crash this afternoon. 

Alternatve routes to Rotorua are:

SH 28  (road to Tauranga).

SH 1 (road through Tokoroa).

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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UPDATE : SH5 Crash – Rotorua

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: UPDATE : SH5 Crash – Rotorua


Location:

Bay of Plenty

The driver of the car which collided with a cattle truck at 4.30pm today has since died from their injuries.

The crash occurred today on SH5 near Tapapa.

The road, SH28 will be closed until at least 10pm this evening while the scene is examined by the Serious Crash Unit.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

 

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Free Press, Monday 12 March 2018

Source: ACT Party

Headline: Free Press, Monday 12 March 2018




Who Needs Economics, Anyway? 

New Zealand’s economic fundamentals are under threat from a government determined to tax and spend more of your money. All of the evidence suggests that will make us much poorer. This week, Free Press looks at some of the recent local developments and international evidence with regard to Government spending.

Cullen’s Tax Speech

Michael Cullen says our attitude to tax is “atavistic,” and complains his Tax Working Group will be misrepresented as a “tax grab.” After he suggested we don’t pay enough tax, and then floated at least eight new taxes, Free Press wonders what might give New Zealanders the idea that this working group is a tax grab.

What is a “Behaviour Tax?”

Politicians and bureaucrats love nothing more than drawing up new social engineering plans. Cullen’s speech referred to “behavioural taxes.” Nanny’s back. One such tax will be on sugar. You see, you can’t be trusted to control yourself. There’s a catch with sugar taxes, though – they don’t work.

Whoops – The Evidence on Sugar Taxes

NZIER recently completed a report for the Ministry of Health on sugar taxes. Its conclusions were pretty damning. After reviewing forty-seven studies, NZIER concluded that no study based on actual experience with sugar taxes had identified an impact on health outcomes, and that it hadn’t seen any evidence that imposing a sugar tax would meet a cost-benefit analysis.

Robertson wants a Capital Gains Tax

There’s no doubt that Grant Robertson wants to slap a capital gains tax on New Zealanders. On Q+A this weekend he complained there wasn’t enough “balance” in the tax system, and that the system favoured property speculators. Robertson has misdiagnosed the problem as one of demand when in fact supply is the real issue.

Whoops – The Evidence on Capital Gains Taxes

Putting aside the fact that capital gains taxes are incredibly complex, there’s no evidence that a CGT would help house prices. You only need to ask the people of Sydney, Vancouver, Los Angeles, or London whether or not a capital gains tax has any noticeable effects on price levels in housing markets.

Lower Government Spending Good for Growth

The International Monetary Fund has published a study looking at the best way for countries to reduce their level of debt. It found that cutting spending is less harmful to economic growth than raising taxes. This contradicts the message of Keynesians on the political Left who suggest spending cuts lead to deeper recessions. The Labour-NZ First-Greens recipe of higher taxes and higher spending will deliver lower economic growth, fewer jobs, and lower wages.

Wasting 100K a day

Chris Hipkins’ didn’t get the IMF’s memo, but Free Press will send him a copy. Hipkins has confirmed the Government will this year waste about $38 million of your money on its flagship fees-free policy. In official documents, Hipkins confirmed the dropout rate for first year students studying a bachelor’s degree was 14 per cent. ‘Fees-free’ will cost $275 million this year, so New Zealanders can except about $38 million of their taxes to deliver nothing whatsoever.

Economics 101

We literally taught Econ 101, explaining concepts like elasticity to students. Elasticity measures how much more of a thing is supplied or demanded when the price changes. Things that are supply inelastic get more expensive when demand increases. It would be much easier to explain to students in Wellington today. Student flats are supply inelastic because it’s nearly impossible to build anything under the RMA. As a result, giving students an extra $50 per week has put the price up $50 per week.

Families Commission Makes Useful Contribution to Debate

It caught us off guard too, but we don’t judge the source if the policy is good. Superu (as the Families Commission was renamed a few years back) showed that land use regulations – rules that determine what can be built and where – are choking the ability of the private sector to build new homes.

How Much?

Supply can’t keep up with demand and so prices are going through the roof.  In Auckland, land use regulation could be responsible for up to 56 per cent, or $530,000, of the cost of an average home.  Even if Superu have doubly exaggerated the effect, and bad land use planning has only added a quarter million dollars to the average house price, it would be the most economically vandalous policy we have.

No Move on RMA

ACT can reveal from Written Parliamentary Questions that Cabinet hasn’t even decided whether to think about the RMA, after more than four months in the Beehive.

Will the Nats defend limited government and free markets?

National’s track record as a party of the status quo suggests they will disappoint. They had 9 years to deal with the ballooning cost of Superannuation, meaningfully cut taxes, reduce corporate welfare and corporate taxes, and replace the RMA to deal with house prices. Amy Adams’ elevation to Finance spokesperson isn’t likely to represent a radical break with the Nats’ woeful record. A few days ago, we set out some of the things Adams should do, but won’t.

And ACT?

ACT would cut election bribes and other wasteful spending to deliver a top personal and company tax rate of 25 per cent. That would make the economy hum. Our tax package is here.

ACT Regional Conferences

Our next regional conference is in the Central North Island region in Hamilton this Saturday. If you’re a member anywhere between Taranaki/Hawke’s Bay and the Bombays, you should have received an invitation. If you have not, please email the General Manager danae.smith@act.org.nz.

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Name release – Waihi fisherman

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Name release – Waihi fisherman


Location:

Waikato

Police can now release the name of the man who was found in the water near the rocks at Homunga Bay, Waihi, yesterday afternoon.
 
He was Yingbo Xu, 28, from Hamilton.
 
Another man, who was believed to be fishing with Mr Xu, is still missing.
 
Police have undertaken shoreline and air searches today but unfortunately the missing man has not yet been located.
 
Search teams will recommence searching in the morning, weather conditions permitting.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Public and sector urged to have their say on financial advice code of conduct

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Public and sector urged to have their say on financial advice code of conduct

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi has welcomed the beginning of public consultation on a new code of conduct for financial advice.
“Consumers trust the people and institutions that provide financial advice, so it is important that financial advice is held to appropriate standards,” said Mr Faafoi.
“This is one of a range of significant changes to the regulation of financial advice contained in the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill, which is currently before select committee.
“Under the Bill, all financial advice to everyday clients will have to meet standards of conduct and competency. This is really important because we know that small changes to investments or savings can ultimately make a big difference, for example to funds saved for retirement. This really affects people’s ultimate quality of life – so we do want to ensure the advice is as good as it can be to enable the best outcomes.”
Mr Faafoi says he hopes those who give financial advice will get involved to ensure the new code will be manageable both for advisers and consumers.
The Financial Advice Code Working Group was appointed in mid-2017 to develop the new code, alongside the legislative process to introduce the new financial advice regime.
Once the new code of conduct has been approved, businesses will have about nine months to get a transitional licence. Businesses will then have two years to become fully licensed.

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Takaka Hill, SH 60 Update – increasing access to Golden Bay

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Takaka Hill, SH 60 Update – increasing access to Golden Bay

Since the aftermath of ex-tropical-cyclone Gita, the hill road has been open to restricted convoys morning and evening (7-8 am and 5-6 pm) and Sunday daytime hours, 8 am to 5 pm.

“We understand how vital this road is as a lifeline for people in Golden Bay, and we are doing everything possible to improve access,” says Frank Porter, Transport Agency System Manager.

“We need to balance the need to keep the road open as much as possible with the need to fully rebuild it.”

An extra hour morning and evening Monday to Saturday

As of this Wednesday 14 March, the open hours for Takaka Hill road are extending by an hour each morning and evening, ie 6-8am and 5-7pm.

  • The Sunday 8am to 5pm open hours remain the same.

Lunchtime permitted convoys continue, with commercial passenger transport included from this week

“The lunchtime essential freight convoy with daily permits continues,” says Mr Porter.

“We are also pleased to allow commercial bus and shuttle services to make the lunchtime trip as of this week, so long as they comply with the length restrictions.

“This will ease up access for some people who want to travel out of Golden Bay at lunchtime and come back in the evening on the same passenger service.”

Other easing of restrictions – a way to get bikes over the hill

While pedestrians and cyclists are not allowed to travel by foot or cycle over the hill, people can arrange bike transport through local bus or transport services, to get them over through the convoy system.

Cars or vans towing caravans, trailers and boats can now travel over morning and evening Monday to Saturday, and any time 8am – 5pm Sunday. The length of the object being towed is the only qualification.

  • Trailers/boats/caravans of 7 metres or more in length may not be allowed over the hill.
  • All travel is still by escorted convoy only.
  • Trucks towing trailers are not permitted on the hill at this stage.
  • Over-dimension or over width units or large coaches are not permitted.

What our crews have achieved so far

Transport Agency crews are working hard to widen the road around some of the tight bends that are currently not wide enough for truck and trailer units, says Mr Porter. “We are also surfacing sections of the road damaged in the storm, completing retaining wall repairs, repairing and installing new culverts and drains, and installing safety barriers. 

“We are installing electronic sign boards in Takaka, Upper Takaka, Rai township, Murchison and Richmond to help keep people updated as to the status of the Takaka Hill road.”

Key safety messages for drivers on the hill and people waiting in the convoys

  • No overtaking on the Takaka Hill – people need to stay in their place in the convoy and drive with care once they are over the hill each side.
  • Turn your lights off while waiting at either end of the closure point so that your vehicle battery doesn’t go flat.
  • Please don’t wander out into the oncoming lane while you are waiting to join a convoy (particularly children).  Vehicles are travelling over the hill in that lane.
  • Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and you have sufficient fuel.

Easter opening hours   – open each day, all day

  • The Takaka Hill road will be open 8am – 5pm all of Easter, Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive.
  • The Thursday night (29 March) opening is likely to be later than from 5 pm – 7 pm. The exact hours open will be confirmed closer to Easter.

After Easter hours and access – Tuesday, 3 April onwards

The Transport Agency is aiming to open up the road to be used without convoys, outside of the daytime construction work, ie outside of 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, including overnight.  However, this planned timetable to move beyond the convoy system is dependent on good weather in coming weeks.

A big thank you

“To the people needing to travel over State Highway 60, Takaka Hill, since the storm, a big thanks for your patience and understanding and all the messages of support that have been sent through,” says Mr Porter.  “We also thank our road crews for their hard work under difficult conditions.”

Traffic and travel pages for convoy information which will be updated when arrangements change: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/202314

How to stay up to date:

0800 4 HIGHWAYS

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