Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has today welcomed the Health Minister’s announcement around the funding uplift for primary care, as the sector has been underfunded for a number of years now.
Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says: “There is a significant need to invest in primary care, in order to keep people well, out of hospital, and at the same time, help improve the financial sustainability of general practices.
The costs of doing business have outstripped any increases in capitation, and a significant number of practices are struggling to meet the rising costs of supporting their patients, meeting population health needs and providing a service to their local communities.
“An additional $95 million per year, over the next three years, is an excellent start to helping practices who have been struggling. However, we will be very keen to understand what the ‘pre conditions’ and ‘key targets’ are the Minister alludes to in his announcement,” Norwell continues.
In terms of the workforce development announcement, the initiatives will help to ease some of the workforce pressures the sector has been facing.
“We’re around 600 GPs short in New Zealand at the moment, so an additional 100 GPs will certainly help ease wait times and pressure on burnt out GPs. Having experienced GPs driving taxis or Ubers while they wait to be qualified in Aotearoa is as frustrating for those individuals as it is for those desperate to welcome them into their practices.
“Having more nurses will certainly help practices, but we need to ensure that they are receiving the same remuneration as their hospital counterparts, otherwise, we will continue to have the same problems we have today,” points out Norwell.
Commenting on the digital consultation service, ProCare warmly welcomes the announcement, but is keen to see further details.
“On the face of it, a 24/7 service to support New Zealanders see a GP in a timely manner sounds amazing, and it will certainly help ease the pressure on hospitals,” says Norwell.
“However, as with anything, the devil is in the detail. We do have a number of questions that we would like answered in due course – what will the cost to patients be, who will be providing the service, and what does ‘subsidised’ consults look like?” she continues.
“We are meeting with the Minister in a few weeks’ time, so will look forward to whatever updated information we are able to provide our members with,” concludes Norwell.
About ProCare ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz
Changes to the Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) regime take effect today (Sunday 2 March). Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Firearms Prohibition Order regime has been expanded to help Police to keep firearms out of the hands of gangs and other high-risk offenders. “This is part of our commitment to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and keep communities safe. “Our changes target gangs and organised crime groups. We have expanded the qualifying criteria for the court to make an FPO, given police a new search power to monitor compliance with an FPO, and established a process which allows an FPO to be modified or removed,” Mrs McKee says. Minister for Police Mark Mitchell says changes to the Act strengthen the existing FPO regime by sending a strong message that the Government is committed to addressing violent crime and enforcing consequences for gangs. “This Government takes law and order seriously and we have shown we will not back down. These changes complement other tools we’ve already given Police to disrupt gangs and organised crime,” Mr Mitchell says. “The changes in the Act mean courts will be able to issue FPOs to any gang member or associate convicted of a significant offence, and Police will have practical tools to ensure people with FPOs are complying with them.” Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) are made by the court when offenders have committed serious violent offences. They are in force for 10 years – prohibiting offenders from holding a firearms licence, and from being around or accessing firearms. Breaching the conditions of an FPO is a criminal offence, and offenders that do breach conditions can be liable for up to seven years in prison. “This is not an extra punishment. It is about monitoring compliance with the order that has already been placed upon them, and of course, the ultimate outcome is about making our communities safer,” Mrs McKee says.
Saddle Road has reopened following a serious crash this morning.
The road, between Woodville and Ashhurst, closed around 11am and a detour was put in place through Pahiatua Track.
The Serious Crash Unit has now finished its scene investigation.
While the road is now open, please drive to the conditions and expect delays while congestion eases.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi appreciated everyone’s patience taking the detour and their understanding during the closure.
Meanwhile, a reminder a stretch of SH3 at the Vogel Street / Woodlands Road bend remains closed as the new Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway roundabout is completed.
The road is closed 24/7 and is expected to reopen by Sunday 30 March.
Two detours are in place – through Pinfold and Oxford Roads for light vehicles and through Pahiatua Track via Tay and Station streets in Woodville for heavy vehicles exceeding 30 tonnes in weight.
The detours are expected to add less than 5 minutes to the journey times for light vehicles and up to 20 minutes for heavy vehicles.
Additional option for freight
Heavy vehicles, up to 30 tonnes in weight, are also able to take the Saddle Road detour. If the weight of the vehicle exceeds 30 tonnes, the Pahiatua Track should be used. The reason for this restriction is the Oxford Road bridge and corresponding weight limit.
For heavy vehicles using the Pahiatua Track, a temporary addendum has been issued allowing HPMV permit holders to use the section of SH57 between Aokautere and Ashhurst during the Woodville closure.
Drivers travelling on the inland route, State Highway 65, between Murchison and Springs Junction will need to detour from next week with resilience works planned on the highway at Higgins Bluff.
Contractors will be onsite on the Shenandoah Highway near Ariki, from Monday, 10 March, when they will begin rock scaling work on a five-kilometre section of the state highway.
They will remove overhanging rock and debris from the cliff face above the highway. The project is about reducing rockfall risk and improving the highway’s safety, long-term resilience, and its reliability – particularly during severe weather events.
Because rock scaling can only be done safely during the day the work will require daytime road closures.
Full highway closures will be in place on State Highway 65, between 7am and 7pm, from Monday 10 March to Friday 14 March. It means drivers heading south to Springs Junction will have to detour via
State Highway 6 O’Sullivan’s Bridge to Inangahua Junction, then via State Highway 69 to Reefton and State Highway 7 to Springs Junction.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working with the freight industry, the local community, and the local school to ensure those affected by this work can plan in advance.
This is a significant detour and will require around 45-minutes extra travel time. Drivers should plan their journeys accordingly.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi acknowledges the closure will create delays and disruption for drivers. However, it is necessary as it is not safe to have traffic driving through the project site when rocks are being removed from the cliff face.
Following the road closures, work will continue under stop/go and 30 km/hr temporary speed limits from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, until March 28. During this time anchors and mesh rock-protection will be installed on the bluff face.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working with the freight industry, the local community, and the local school to ensure those affected by this work can make arrangements in advance.
Works schedule:
Full road closure. Monday, 10 March to Friday 14 March, 7am – 7pm.
The road will reopen to two lanes outside of work hours, except at Higgins Bluff which will remain under stop/go and a 30km/h reduced temporary speed limit.
During work hours the detour route will be via State Highway 6 O’Sullivan’s Bridge to Inangahua Junction, then via State Highway 69 to Reefton and State Highway 7 to Springs Junction.
Allow an extra 45 minutes travel time when travelling on the detour route.
Emergency services will be accommodated through the closure.
Following the closures, work continues under stop/go and temporary speed limits, Monday to Friday, 7am – 7pm, between Monday 17 and Friday 28 March 2025.
More information
This work is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks. The total crown resilience programme comprises $279 million for activities on State Highways, and $140 million for activities on Local Roads – Crown Resilience Programme (CRP)
New Zealand businesses and consumers continue to face significant economic challenges in 2025, with data fromCentrix revealing a 38% year-on-year increase in company liquidations.
The services sector including advertising, accounting, and management consulting have all seen a rapid increase in company insolvencies in recent months.
Meanwhile, insights collected from Buy NZ Made’s 1400 small businesses reveals a third say their main focus for 2025 will be staying afloat.
Executive Director Dane Ambler says the news underscores the urgent need for a collective effort to support local industries and strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.
“The escalating liquidation figures paint a clear picture of the pressures facing New Zealand businesses.
“Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer spending habits are contributing to a challenging environment, impacting businesses across various sectors.”
Ambler says the pain continues to hit consumers too.
“Mortgage arrears are at an eight-year high, with personal loans, buy now pay later, retail energy and telco arrears all up across the board. Financial hardship cases have also reached the highest level since 2020.
“In times of economic uncertainty, supporting local businesses becomes more crucial than ever.
“By choosing New Zealand-made products and services, we are directly contributing to the survival and growth of our communities, safeguarding jobs, and fostering a more robust and sustainable economy.”
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today visited Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru Crisis Café where he announced they are the latest recipient of the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.
“I am thrilled that the Wellington Mission will be receiving funding to deliver on an important initiative that is designed to increase early access to support for people who are experiencing mental health challenges,” Mr Doocey says.
“Todays announcement will allow the Mission to operate the Crisis Café twenty-four hours, four days a week.
“Often sitting in an ED or clinical settings in times of mental distress can be a very challenging place for people, Crisis Cafés provide an alternative welcoming place where people can go when they need support. The service also has the potential to help alleviate demand on EDs, Police, and specialist secondary mental health teams.
The Crisis Café is a peer-delivered service and provides a safe, relaxed, non-clinical setting for people who are in distress related to either mental health and/or addiction issues, and need to talk to someone face-to-face.
“Initiatives such as this Crisis Café are exactly what the Innovation Fund was designed for. This Government is here to support community-driven and delivered solutions that will make a real difference to people facing mental health and addiction challenges.
This is the fifth successful recipient from the first round of the Innovation Fund with Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction and the Mental Health Foundation already announced, with more still to come.
In addition, last year, Mr Doocey announced six new Crisis Recovery Cafés will be rolled out around the country over the next two years.
“I am committed to trialling new and innovative solutions to help address unmet need. Crisis Recovery Cafés are safe, welcoming places where people can go when they need support. It’s an alternative model of care that can prevent people ending up in ED,” Mr Doocey says.
Police conducting a homicide investigation following the death of a woman at Beach Road Reserve on Thursday can now release her name.
She was Yvonne Ann Chapman, 66, of Parua Bay.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police enquiries into the events leading up to her death are continuing.
“Our team has been working hard to piece together the circumstances leading to the tragic death of Yvonne.
“Our thoughts are with her whānau and those closest to her during this unthinkable time.
“We understand this was a distressing incident for those involved and the wider community, and want to reassure those affected we have a dedicated team working on this case.”
Anyone with information can call Police on 105 and quote file number 250227/1223.
Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111 via Crime Stoppers.
Please attribute to Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison:
A $100,000 reward is offered for information in relation to the death of Brett Fraser in October 2014.
Fifty-one-year-old father Brett Fraser was killed on Tuesday 21 October 2014 in the West Auckland home he shared with his flatmate.
We want to provide answers to Brett’s family, and to hold the person or persons responsible for his death to account.
Police will pay a reward of up to $100,000 for material information or evidence which leads to the identity and conviction of any person, or persons, responsible for Brett’s death.
The offer will remain in force until 3 June 2025. The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will apportion it if there is more than one claimant.
Immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being a principal offender, who gives such information or evidence to Police.
We urge anyone that has personal knowledge of the circumstances of Brett’s death and who are prepared to assist the investigation team to please contact Police.
Information can be provided to the investigation team on 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273) or email to Op.Frankfort@police.govt.nz
An annual event on the North Island hunting calendar, the competition is managed by DOC’s Maniapoto team with support from the NZ Deerstalkers Association. It opens on 15 March and concludes on 27 April with a prizegiving at the DOC Pureora workshop.
DOC Senior Ranger Community Ray Scrimgeour – who has a long association with the event – says this year’s competition puts the focus on the “dynamic” deer herd found within Pureora Forest.
“From our own data and reports from hunters, we’re seeing deer in different condition depending on where they’re taken in the forest,” Ray says.
In some parts of the forest, particularly around the forest’s edges, the deer are in good condition. In more remote areas there are indications the condition of the animals is poor – suggesting a diet of less palatable plants and high dependency on litter (leaf and vegetation) fall.
Less palatable plants dominate in forests where high numbers of deer eat through appetising plants, reducing forest diversity and ecosystem health.
“We’re aware the Pureora Forest deer herd is increasing, so the competition – and any deer hunting in the area – helps us keep deer numbers in balance with the habitat, resulting in healthy animals and a healthy ecosystem,” Ray says.
“We get a range of information about the deer herd from the competition entries we receive, as well as the discussions we have with the hunters who participate in the competition. It’s very valuable for us.
“Although a big stag with impressive antlers is always a sought-after prize, we’re also encouraging hunters to target hinds across the forest, as analysing their jaw bones will give us very helpful data on the herd.”
There are no pig hunting categories in the competition this year. DOC has recently completed an aerial predator control operation across parts of the forest to protect the forest’s significant stands of native trees and birds such as kokako, kākā and kākāriki.
Because dogs are at risk from scavenging affected animals, pig hunting categories have been removed from the competition this year.
The competition is free to enter for any hunter with a current DOC permit to hunt in the area.
Entries can be sighted at one of nine recording centres throughout the competition and all entries registered at the prizegiving are eligible to win category and spot prizes.
Competition prizes have been donated by a range of organisations in the hunting sector and by local businesses. Many of these sponsors have consistently supported the competition over many years.
For more information on the Pureora Hunting Competition, including this year’s competition categories and rules, visit Pureora Hunting Competition.
French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls left New Caledonia at the weekend after a one-week stay which was marked by the resumption of inclusive political talks on the French territory’s future.
He has now submitted a “synthetical” working document to be discussed further and promised he would return later this month.
He has confirmed France’s main pillars for its assistance to New Caledonia, nine months after deadly and destructive riots broke out, leaving 14 dead, several hundred businesses destroyed, and thousands of job losses for a total estimated damage of 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4 billion).
The French aid confirmed so far mainly consisted of a loan of up to 1 billion euros (NZ$1.8 billion) as well as grants to rebuild all damaged schools and some public buildings.
Valls also announced French funding to pay unemployment benefits (which were to expire at the end of this month) were now to be extended until the end of June.
However, the main feature of his stay, widely regarded as the major achievement, was to manage to gather all political tendencies (both pro-independence and those in favour of New Caledonia remaining a part of France) around the same table.
The initial talks were first held at New Caledonia’s Congress on February 24.
Two days later, talks resumed at the French High Commission between Wednesday and Friday last week, in the form of “tripartite” discussions between pro-France, pro-independence local parties and the French State.
As some, especially the pro-independence umbrella FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front), insisted that those sessions were “discussions”, not “negotiations”, there was a general feeling that all participants now seemed to recognise the virtues of the exchanges and that they had at least managed to openly and frankly confront their respective views.
Valls, who shared a feeling of relative success in view of what he described as a sense of “historic responsibility” from political stakeholders, even extended his stay by 24 hours.
Speaking at the weekend, he said he had now left all parties with a document that was now supposed to synthesise all views expressed and the main items remaining to be further discussed.
New Caledonia’s parties begin talks at the French High Commission in Nouméa last Wednesday. Image: RNZ Pacific/RRB
‘A situation no longer sustainable’ “Political deadlocks, economic and social stagnation, violence, fear, and the lack of prospects for the territory’s inhabitants create a situation that is no longer sustainable. Everyone agrees on this observation,” the document states.
A cautiously hopeful Valls said views would continue to be exchanged, sometimes by video conference.
Taking part in the same visit last week was Eric Thiers, a special adviser to French Prime Minister François Bayrou.
Valls also stressed he would return to New Caledonia sometime later this month, maybe March 22-23, depending on how talks and remote exchanges were going to evolve.
In the meantime, the shared document would be subjected to many amendments and suggestions in order to take the shape of a fit-enough basis for a compromise acceptable by all.
The work-in-progress document details a wide range of subjects, such as self-determination, the relationship with France, the transfer of powers, who would be in charge of international relations, independence, a future system of governance (including the organisation of the three provinces), the electoral roll for local elections, the notion of citizenship (with a proposed system of “points-based” accession system), all these under the generic notion of “shared destiny”.
There was also a form of consensus on the fact that if a future text was to be submitted to popular approval by way of a referendum, it should not be based on a binary “yes” or “no” alternative, but on a comprehensive, wide-ranging “project”.
On each of those topics, the draft takes into account the different and sometimes opposing views expressed and enumerates a number of possible options and scenarios.
Based on this draft working document, the next round of talks would lead to a new agreement that is supposed to replace and offer a continuation to the ageing Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998 and install a new roadmap for New Caledonia’s future.
As part of discussions, another topic was the future of New Caledonia’s great council of chiefs, the Customary Senate, and possible changes from its until-now consultative status to a more executive role to turn New Caledonia’s legislative system from a Congress-only system to a bicameral one (Congress-Parliament and a chiefly Senate).
Struggling nickel mining industry The very sensitive question of New Caledonia’s nickel mining industry was also discussed, as the crucial industry, a very significant pillar of the economy, is undergoing its worst crisis.
Since August 2024, one of its three factories and smelters, Koniambo (KNS) in the north of the main island has been mothballed and is still up for sale after its majority stakeholder, Anglo-Swiss Glencore, decided to withdraw after more than a decade of losses (more than 13 billion euros — NZ$24 billion).
Another nickel-producing unit, in the South, Prony, is currently engaged in negotiations with potential investment companies, one South African, one from the United Arab Emirates and the other Indian.
New Caledonia’s historic nickel miner, Société le Nickel (SLN, a subsidiary of French giant Eramet), is still facing major hurdles to resume operations as it struggles to regain access to its mining sites.
The situation was compounded by a changing competition pattern on the world scale, New Caledonia’s production prices being too high and Indonesia now clearly emerging as a world leader, producing much cheaper first-class nickel and in greater quantities.
‘A new nickel strategy is needed’, Valls says While political parties involved in the talks (all parties represented at the Congress) remained tight-lipped and media-elusive throughout last week, they recognised a spirit of “constructive talks” with a shared goal of “listening to each other”.
However, the views remain radically opposed, even irreconcilable — pro-independence supporters’ most clear-cut position (notably that from the Union Calédonienne) consists of a demand for a quick, full independence, with a “Kanaky Accord” to be signed this year, to be followed by a five-year “transition” period.
On the pro-France side, one of the main bones of contention defended by the two main parties (Les Loyalistes and Rassemblement-LR) is to affirm that their determination to maintain New Caledonia as a part of France has been confirmed by three referenda (in 2018, 2020 and 2021) on self-determination.
Pro-independence parties argue, however, that the third and last referendum, in December 2021, was boycotted by the pro-independence movement and that it was not legitimate, even though it was ruled by the courts as valid.
They are also advocating for significant changes to be made in the way the three provinces are managed, a system described as “internal federalism” but decried by opponents as a form of separatism.
In the pro-France camp, the Calédonie Ensemble party holds relatively more open views.
In between are the more moderate pro-independence parties, PALIKA and UMP, which favour of a future status revolving around the notion of “independence in association with France”.
‘At least no one slammed the door’ “At least no one slammed the door and that, already, is a good thing,” said pro-France leader and French MP Nicolas Metzdorf.
“We’re still a long way away from a political compromise, but we have stopped moving further away from it,” he added, giving credit to Vall’s approach.
On his part, Valls stressed that he did not want to rush things in order to “maintain the thread” of talks, but that provincial elections were scheduled to take place no later than 30 October 2025.
“I don’t want to force things, I don’t want to break the thread . . . sometimes, we wanted to rush things, and that’s why it didn’t work,” he elaborated, in a direct reference to numerous and unsuccessful attempts by previous French governments, since 2022, to kick-start the comprehensive talks.
“Some work will be done by video conference. I will always take my responsibilities, because we have to move forward”, Valls told public broadcaster NC la 1ère.
He said France would then return with its proposals and offers.
“And we will take our responsibilities. The debate cannot last for months and months. We respect everyone, but we have to move forward. There is no deadline, but we all know that there are provincial elections.”
Those elections — initially scheduled in May 2024 and then in December 2024 — have already been postponed twice.
They are supposed to elect the members of New Caledonia’s three provinces (North, South and Loyalty Islands), which in turn makes up the territory’s Congress and the proportional makeup of the government and election of President.
All parties involved will now to consult with their respective supporters to get their go-ahead and a mandate to embark on full negotiations.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Paying incentives to GP clinics to hire nurses won’t fix the systemic funding issues causing chronic staff shortages in primary and community health care, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced incentive payments for primary care providers such as GP clinics of $15,000 for every graduate nurse hired in cities and $20,000 for every graduate nurse hired in rural areas.
NZNO College of Primary Health Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says the funding gives health care providers outside hospitals a temporary reprieve from the financially crippling co-payment system.
“Paying incentives to hire nurses to aged care providers, and now primary and community providers, won’t address the underlying cause of chronic staff shortages. Once the incentives run out, these clinics will still struggle to keep the doors open and see new patients.
Tracey Morgan says there is consensus that until primary nurses are paid parity with their hospital counterparts nothing will improve.
“There is also nothing in today’s announcement to boost much needed Māori nurse numbers.
“It is time for the Government to pay primary care nurses the same as their hospital counterparts and introduce a sustainable funding model for the primary care sector,” Tracey Morgan says.
The arrests, announced by Police Commissioner David Manning, follow a two-week investigation supported by forensic experts from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Margaret Gabriel, 32, was abducted from her home at Port Moresby’s Watermark Estate by more than 20 armed men. She was was later raped and murdered.
The attack sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for stronger protections for women and faster justice in gender-based violence cases.
Commissioner Manning confirmed the suspects were apprehended on February 27 and subjected to DNA and fingerprint testing.
“DNA evidence and fingerprints are conclusive forensic evidence and afford irrefutable evidence to ensure convictions in a court of law,” he said.
The nine men join three others already in custody, though police have not clarified their specific roles in the crime.
Forensic analysis AFP forensic specialists from Canberra assisted PNG’s Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in analysing evidence.
Manning praised the collaboration, saying it underscored the integration of these advanced investigative techniques into PNG’s investigations is strengthening the cases put before the court.
Gender-based violence remains pervasive in PNG, with a 2023 UN report noting that more than two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetimes.
Limited forensic resources and slow judicial processes have historically hampered prosecutions.
Police increasingly rely on international partnerships, including a longstanding forensics programme with Australia, to address these gaps.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
The 25-year-old Mangere man has been reported missing in Blockhouse Bay.
He was last seen heading eastbound towards the Caltex service station from the Woolworths supermarket on Donovan Street last Friday, 28 February around 7:20pm.
He was last seen wearing a light grey hoodie, dark-coloured shorts and black sandals.
Jarridyn has familiar links to the South Auckland region.
Police and Jarridyn’s family have concerns for his wellbeing and would like to see him return home safely.
If you have any information, or have seen Jarridyn, please contact Police on 105 and quote reference number 250225/1525.
Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)
General practice is giving a cautious thumbs up to the government saying it will increase investment in general practice and help grow the workforce, said Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).
“On the face of it, today’s announcement is good news for general practice and our patients, but we’ll need to look more closely at the package before celebrating,” Dr Chambers said.
“While general practice will welcome the focus on growing the numbers of GPs – which is essential to an accessible high-quality GP service – and we’re pleased to see investment in nursing, we are disappointed that the key issue of nurse pay parity has not yet been addressed.”
In regard to the announced 100 placements for overseas-trained doctors, Dr Chambers said while this was positive, retaining the current workforce should have equal priority to bringing in new staff.
“And we need to see the detail around the 24/7 digital service, as overseas experience suggests that telehealth has little impact on key targets for access and waiting times,” Dr Chambers said.
GenPro looks forward to working with the Minister of Health to support this investment achieving the right outcomes.
GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz
To be attributed to Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers:
Police are continuing with a critical incident investigation surrounding the events leading up to a man dying after being taken into Police custody in Ōrere Point on 2 March.
Today, Police are in a position to release some further information as those enquiries continue.
This was an incredibly fast-moving and volatile incident which unfolded over a short period of time.
We would like to acknowledge the impact that yesterday’s events will have had on the community and our thoughts are with everyone involved.
We are providing support to staff involved in this incident and there are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation.
As is standard procedure, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified, along with WorkSafe.
Clarification around Sunday’s events:
Police can advise that the vehicle sighted in Papakura on Sunday afternoon was a vehicle of interest in an aggravated robbery at a Takapuna bar on Saturday night.
That investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been laid as yet.
In an earlier release, Police advised the passenger of the vehicle challenged Police staff with a samurai sword.
We can now confirm this was in fact a metal pole.
Officers have then deployed taser and pepper spray however the man has continued to resist arrest and an officer has suffered a serious hand injury after being bitten by the man.
A Police dog was then deployed, and the man was eventually taken into custody but has quickly become unresponsive.
Medical assistance was rendered immediately and a medical helicopter was dispatched, however he was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Injuries to Police officer:
A Police officer suffered a serious hand injury after being bitten by the passenger of the vehicle.
We are continuing to support this officer after they underwent medical treatment at Middlemore Hospital and have since been discharged.
Further information around the deceased man:
Until the next of kin notifications have been carried out, further details regarding the deceased are unable to be released.
A post mortem examination will be carried out in the coming days, to establish the cause of death, and Police will make enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
Footage at Ōrere Point:
Police are aware members of the public may have filmed the incident at Ōrere Point yesterday afternoon.
Given the man has yet to be formally identified, and next of kin not yet notified, we would encourage people not to share footage.
This is for the family’s sake, and there is a critical incident investigation underway.
Police ask anyone with footage to contact Police to assist with the investigation.
A critical piece of State Highway 6 infrastructure is about to be worked as part of the state highway summer maintenance season.
The Doctor Creek Bridge, between Belgrove and Kohatu is due to be resurfaced, weather permitting, later this month.
Contractors will be onsite at the bridge on the night of Wednesday, 19 March to complete asphalting work.
Because of there is limited road space, the bridge and the highway must be closed to traffic while this work is completed.
Resurfacing bridge decks cannot be completed effectively under stop/go traffic management. A full closure also allows the job to be completed much faster, meaning less over all disruption for road users.
A closure will be in place on State Highway 6 between Wai-iti Valley Road and North Road from 7 pm on Wednesday, 19, March until 6 am on Thursday, 20 March. However, access will be available for affected residents and emergency services.
A local road detour will be available via Wai-iti Valley Road to Stock Road, to Valley Road, onto North Road then back onto State Highway 6 near Kohatu Junction. The reverse for northbound road users.
This detour will add an extra 20 minutes to travel time. Drivers should plan their trips accordingly.
If weather or any unforeseen circumstances mean work cannot be completed on Wednesday night, the contingency night for this work is Thursday, 20 March.
Regular users of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for 2025 need to be ready for a planned closure this Sunday.
The route will be closed for planned maintenance for one night between 9 pm and 4 am, on Sunday, 9 March.
Road crews will be carrying out drainage, culvert maintenance and other general maintenance work, and inspections.
Drivers of light vehicles can book an escorted crossing if they need to travel the route at night. The only alternative detours are via the Pahiatua Track or Saddle Road to the north – a much longer trip. This can be done on the NZTA website.
Bookings are essential. While every effort is made to accommodate drivers on the night, those who do not have a booking may be turned away.
Full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster, and they are safer for road crews.
Traffic volumes are also lighter at night – while around 7,000 vehicles travel the route daily, fewer than 300 use it at night. It means night works affect fewer drivers and are far less disruptive than day works.
Three more sets of night closures are planned in April, May, and June. Road users, especially those who travel over the Remutaka Hill regularly, should make a note of the planned dates.
Important information for Remutaka Hill closures
Escorted crossings for light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
Full access is always available for emergency services.
More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website:
State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. February – June 2025:
Imagine it’s 2030. The St James Theatre has opened its doors again.
You’ve just seen Six60 play on the newly restored stage inside the amphitheatre, or heard Sol3Mio soar at great heights through the harmonies of the Pearl Fishers opera duet.
And you step out into the street.
There are plants and trees lining both sides of Queen Street – mature and lush-green. Footpaths are generously wide and the Waihorotiu path has become a gentle lane of riders who give priority to pedestrians. Shoppers have right of way.
You’re thinking about which travel option you’ll choose to get home. And there are many.
Render of Te Hā Noa, Victoria Street – under construction.
Will you stroll to your apartment a short distance away? Will you cross Queen Street to the Wellesley Street bus interchange and catch a bus – now smoothly funnelling people to all parts of the region?
Will you catch a train at Te Waihorotiu Station? The City Rail Link – Auckland’s new underground train system – has been operating for a few years and is already a hit with Aucklanders of all ages.
Will you grab an e-scooter and ride the Waihorotiu path to catch a ferry at the bottom of town, or hop on your bike parked on a rack outside the theatre and ride the cycleway now lining Te Hā Noa, Victoria Street? You’ll see beautiful artwork, mature trees on either side of the upgraded street and spacious streetside spaces for socialising.
Or will you meet friends after the show at one of the area’s vibrant hospitality lanes bustling with people, and drive home later? Or will a taxi meet you at a pick-up zone nearby, making the theatre experience accessible especially for the disabled and elderly.
If the St James Theatre had eyes, it would have witnessed a metamorphosis. It would have seen a burgeoning population and a transforming city centre since it first opened in 1928.
Back then, the theatre would have seen trams pulling up outside, an asphalted roadway, women daring to lift their hemlines, department stores leading a new retail trend, and the splendour of the Civic Theatre taking shape across the street, among many other stitches of an everchanging urban tapestry.
When the much-adored St James Theatre opens again, it will open to a city centre re-designed and responsive to changing times, a century after the theatre’s 1928 opening. There will be pedestrian-prioritised spaces, trees, rain gardens, public art, more visibility of te ao Māori narratives, and more transport options.
More information on the history of the St James Theatre is available via PDF [1.16 MB].
Theatregoers might even hear the singing of waiata in the underpass at nearby Myers Park, something they might not have been able to imagine a century ago. Read about Waimahara here and explore six other majestic icons in the central city here.
Pictures tell the story of our city centre’s transformationhere.
Volunteers, businesses and schools making a positive impact to protect and restore the Waitākere Ranges have been recognised in the 2024 Love Your Place Awards.
Around 100 guests came together to celebrate the mahi of these exceptional people at an awards ceremony held at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall on Sunday 2 March 2025.
The awards are held every second year, thanks to the funding from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and are organised by EcoMatters Environment Trust.
“It’s inspiring and humbling to see all the amazing initiatives and passion from the community who are so dedicated to protect our beloved natural environment,” says Greg Presland, Chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.
“The board is immensely proud of everyone who contributes to helping preserve the special place we call home. Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”
EcoMatters CEO Carla Gee says it’s always encouraging to see how many people are contributing to conservation and climate action in the Waitākere Ranges.
“It’s so inspiring to hear about how much is happening in this very special part of Auckland, from grassroots conservation efforts to waste minimisation. As judges, it’s always a struggle to choose just one winner from all the nominees. We’re grateful to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board for continuing to support these awards, so that those doing the mahi here know their efforts are appreciated,” says Carla.
Awards were given in five categories, recognising youth, school groups, businesses, volunteer groups and individual volunteers who have made an impact in stream restoration, environmental education and protection, pest control, native planting, invasive weeding and waste management.
Winners
Denise Yates Award: for youth (under 18) showing emerging leadership around local environmental issues.
Karaka Award: for a school or school group taking action on a local environmental issue.
Nīkau Award: for a business or social enterprise making a contribution to improve the environment.
Rātā Award: for an outstanding volunteer group or organisation taking action on a local environmental issue.
Winner: Restoration Ruatuna
Judges Commendation: Friends of Whatipu
Judges Commendation: Petrelheads
Kahikatea Award: for an outstanding individual volunteer taking action on a local environmental issue.
Find out more about the award winners here.
Stay up to date
Sign up for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board E-news to get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month, or follow them on Facebook.
Israel announced its latest humanitarian outrage against the Palestinian people of Gaza as it tries to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement it signed with Hamas in January.
“Israel is trying to weasel its way out of the agreement because it doesn’t want to negotiate stage two which requires it to withdraw its troops from Gaza” says PSNA Co National Chair John Minto.
“Israel signed the ceasefire agreement and it must be forced to follow it through.”
“Cutting off humanitarian aid is a blatant war crime and New Zealand must say so without equivocation”
“Our government has been complicit with Israeli war crimes for the past 16 months and has previously refused to condemn Israel’s use of humanitarian aid as a weapon of war”
“It’s time we got off our knees and stood up for international law and United Nations resolutions.”
NRC seeking feedback on Marsden Maritime Holdings, Northport proposal
Northland Regional Council is seeking feedback on a proposal that would see the ownership structure of Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) and Northport simplified, to set the region’s port up for the future.
Together with investment partners Port of Tauranga and Tupu Tonu (Ngāpuhi Investment Fund Ltd), the council is proposing to create a new joint-venture company combining MMH and Northport.
Shareholding in the new company would be NRC (43%), Tupu Tonu (7%) and Port of Tauranga (50%), and would increase Northland’s stake in the port – a regionally-significant asset.
CityLink bus services at Vine St
A reminder to CityLink Whangārei bus passengers that the bus hub has moved from Rose Street to Vine Street.
All CityLink buses now start and finish their journeys at Vine Street, while construction of the new Rose Street bus hub is ongoing.
The bus office and toilets are available in the Vine Street car park. Staff are ready to help with all your BeeCard top-ups, purchases and queries. Look for the portacom with the posters! Vine Street car park remains open.
The construction works for the new bus hub are estimated to take around seven months, so should complete in July 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience while the works are ongoing.
Police have arrested four people following an aggravated robbery in Ōrākei this morning.
Just before 9am, a group of offenders entered a dairy on Kepa Road.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, of Auckland City Crime Squad, says the group ran into the store armed with a machete and two hammers making threats towards the attendant working.
“The attendant was chased out of the store,” he says.
“These offenders have taken the store’s cash register as well as other products from the store.
“Following this, the group fled in a stolen vehicle.”
Police were conducting enquiries in the nearby area, when suspicious activity reports were made by local residents.
“A group of offenders were seen abandoning a vehicle and stealing a small van, and this detail was relayed to Police.”
The van was later sighted in the Panmure area, when it fled from staff from an address.
Police did not pursue the vehicle, but the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and took over monitoring the van.
“It was observed by Eagle travelling at speed south towards Weymouth,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.
“Eagle has observed the van drop off various occupants at different locations around the area.
“Ground staff have since located all of those occupants, who are young people.
“The driver eventually stopped the van in the Clendon Park and was arrested by Police.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says Police have since recovered the cash register and some items stolen this morning.
Those arrested this morning were aged between 12 and 17. Charges are still to be confirmed.
Please attribute to Acting Counties Manukau District Commander, Inspector Jared Pirret:
A man has been charged following a serious crash that left a member of the public injured near Pōkeno on Saturday.
The crash occurred at about 3pm on State Highway 2, when the fleeing driver attempted to avoid road spikes that had been laid across the road and swerved directly into the path of the oncoming car.
The driver of that car initially suffered critical injuries, and now remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The fleeing driver also suffered injuries and was transported to hospital.
The 42-year-old man appeared in Auckland District Court today charged with dangerous driving causing injury and driving while disqualified.
We would like to acknowledge the impact this incident had on those involved.
We are providing support to everyone affected and there are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation.
As is standard procedure, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified.
The Government is delivering on its commitment to fix New Zealand’s broken healthcare system by ensuring Kiwis get better access to healthcare.
Making it easier for New Zealanders to see a doctor or other health professional is a key priority under Health Minister Simeon Brown.
“We are already investing record funding into healthcare, but many New Zealanders are still finding it too hard to get an appointment with their GP, which is putting pressure on our emergency departments,” Mr Brown says.
“I am announcing today:
100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors to work in primary care.
Incentives for primary care to recruit up to 400 graduate registered nurses per year for three years.
A new 24/7 digital service for all New Zealanders to be able to access online medical appointments.
Health New Zealand providing a $285 million uplift for general practice over three years.
“We are taking action to ensure New Zealanders have increased access to more doctors and nurses and more choice of where they can access that healthcare.
“We know we will need more doctors. That’s why we are funding a new two-year primary care training programme for up to 100 extra overseas-trained doctors once they are registered to work in New Zealand.
“It makes no sense that overseas-trained doctors living in New Zealand are willing to work in primary care, but can’t, because there aren’t enough training opportunities.
“We are fixing this by building on a successful pilot in the Waikato and will support their transition into general practices that need them most.
“Under the plan, GP practices and other providers outside hospitals will also be paid an incentive to attract, recruit, and support up to 400 graduate registered nurses a year from this year.
“Just over $30 million has been allocated over five years for this initiative. Primary care providers, including general practice, will receive $20,000 per graduate nurse in rural areas, with those in our cities receiving $15,000.
“This helps attract essential healthcare staff where they’re desperately needed, particularly in rural areas.
“The Government will also invest in a new 24/7 digital healthcare service that will provide all New Zealanders with better access to video consultations with New Zealand-registered clinicians, such as GPs and nurse practitioners.
“This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for lab tests.
“This is a practical solution which expands access to primary care for Kiwis and will provide an additional service to ensure New Zealanders have more access to timely and quality care.
“Today, I am also announcing that Health New Zealand will deliver a $285 million performance-based uplift in funding over three years for general practice from 1 July 2025.
“This is made possible due to the Government’s record $16.68 billion in health and is in addition to the capitation uplift general practice receives annually.
“It will incentivise GPs to offer enhanced access, including keeping their books open to new patients, achieving key Government health targets such as increased immunisation rates, or supporting family doctors to undertake minor planned care services, and see patients in a timely manner.
“We know this additional funding will make a real difference in delivering the best health outcomes for New Zealanders, with more detail to be confirmed.
“Our focus remains on strengthening services, reducing pressure on GPs, and ensuring Kiwis can access the care they need, when they need it.
“I look forward to making further announcements about improving access to primary care and how we will increase and retain doctors and nurses as part of this package,” Mr Brown says.
Many of the tenants who will move into the newly completed homes in the fifth and final building in the Community Lane development will be older people or people with health needs. They will start moving in from mid-March.
“In just under two and a half years our build partner CMP Construction have delivered 236 new warm and dry homes. That’s one new home every four days,’’ says Nick Howcroft, Director Delivery at Kāinga Ora.
“I recently met some of the Community Lane tenants who moved in last year and it was so rewarding to get feedback on their new homes. When we hear our tenants say they feel safe, are using the community lounges to connect with each other, and feel blessed to be living here, I know we’ve done a good job and made a difference to the lives of hundreds of New Zealanders.”
Community Lane sits on a site where there were originally 45 older state homes. Now, there are 236 homes spread across five buildings. Most of the homes have been designed with older people in mind but there are also some apartments for small families.
It is high density living so getting the urban design right in the early stages of the planning for Community Lane was critical. All the buildings were designed to capture the light, with many enjoying elevated views of the communal gardens and the local lane connecting tenants to the surrounding neighbourhood.
Separating the development into five buildings provides a sense of space, and the buildings are nestled around common areas to provide a feeling of safety to those living there.
Each building has its own community lounge and there are gardens and greenhouses providing outdoor spaces where tenants can meet and get to know each other.
“Avondale is a central Auckland suburb, and our development supported Auckland Council plans to revitalise this area. Kāinga Ora site works, and the installation of waste and storm water systems through our land, has enabled private developers to connect and build more new homes in the area,” Nick says.
“During the peak of construction up to 300 workers were onsite so this was busy housing development. The unit cost to build 236 new homes was $572,000 including all of the broader construction costs associated with the development. Commencing construction during a period of rising construction costs and supply constraints presented some challenges, and the overall team did well to execute on the delivery programme. Leveraging many of these learnings and engaging with the industry, we are resetting how we deliver density more cost-effectively in the future.”
Watch this video to learn more about the design and build.
Covering period of Monday 3rd – Thursday 6th March – After a warm, dry end to meteorological summer, autumn announces itself in a chilly and wet fashion. MetService is forecasting a cool week for most, with wet and thundery weather, and biting southerlies along southern and eastern North Island coastlines. However, brighter weather returns by the end of the working week. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Alfred now appears less likely to affect Aotearoa New Zealand.
A rain-bearing cold front moves up the South Island today (Monday), delivering heavier falls to eastern areas at times before clearing from the south and west this evening. On Tuesday, it’s the North Island’s turn with rain and showers, reaching Northland by the end of the day. Thunderstorms are also on the cards, particularly for the lower North Island and upper South Island.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane explains, “Hail is likely from thunderstorms on Tuesday, especially for Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough. While many areas have favourable conditions for thunderstorms, not everyone will see one. However, where they do occur, they could bring intense rainfall in a short period. After a dry start to the year, many places need rain, but a sudden downpour may not be the most beneficial way for it to arrive.”
Showers persist through Wednesday and Thursday for eastern regions and the lower North Island. By Friday, most places can expect brighter skies, aside from some cloud and showers in the far south of the South Island.
Alongside wet weather, a shift to cooler temperatures is on the way. “After highs in the upper 20s and even 30s over the weekend, mid-week temperatures will drop to the mid-teens, with cool nights as well. Parts of the Canterbury High Country may even see frost on Thursday morning, with Twizel forecast to dip to 2°C,” Makgabutlane says.
The cooler air is driven by southerlies, which could be strong at times in the eastern and lower North Island, leading to rough sea conditions. “Swell heights will be something to watch along the Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay coastlines from Thursday. Extra care is advised for anyone planning to be near the water,” Makgabutlane cautions.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which initially appeared to have the potential to turn towards Aotearoa, now looks more likely to track westward towards the Queensland coast of Australia. Our thoughts are with those who may be affected across the Tasman. MetService will continue to monitor developments, and more information on the cyclone’s impact in Australia can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology’s website: https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=aec4796a6a&e=852c839bf9
Fifty years ago, seeing a woman in a hard hat on a construction site was a rare sight. Between 1975 and 1986, only nine women graduated from EIT with a qualification in trades. Today, that number tells a different story—730 women earned trades qualifications from 2003 to 2023.
Graduates like Cerise Wilson, who completed EIT’s Carpentry Level 3 Programme, are part of this growth, showing the diverse range of people choosing careers in the trades today.
As EIT marks its 50th anniversary, these numbers highlight the evolution of trades education and the increasing opportunities available to all.
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