Author: Press Room

Environment Southland has landed itself in hot water for undertaking work at a stream which resulted in a self-inflicted abatement notice.The August 2024 notice came to light last week during a pointed presentation to council from Mataura Catchment Liaison Committee chairman Hugh Gardyne.Gardyne’s submission on a review of river management funding was interrupted by council chairman Nicol Horrell and ended with a question about what would happen to an abatement notice — now revealed to be in relation to Waimea Stream, rural Southland.The question was shut down by councillor Lyndal Ludlow who called for a point of order.Local Democracy Reporting…

For the first time in 20 years, Rotorua residents can wake up and officially breathe in clean air.Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor Lyall Thurston said it had taken a collective effort from the community, councils, government and public health officials for Rotorua to officially shed its “polluted” air quality status.”It’s a major day for Rotorua and New Zealand, in particular in terms of public health,” he said.Rotorua has long struggled with poor winter-time air quality, due to smoke from wood burners getting trapped by Rotorua’s unique landscape.Smoke contains tiny particles, called particulate matter, and there is a national standard for…

Run It Straight took over Sylvia Park on Thursday night, running giveaways and a meet and greet after two South Auckland events were canned.Charizma, real name Christian Lesa, was born in Aotearoa and moved to Sydney as a kid. The CEO and owner of Run It Straight told Local Democracy Reporting that a couple of events had been cancelled.”Tonight [Thursday] was just about still finding ways to give back to the people, especially with the low economic status happening right now, with everything being so expensive,” Charizma said.”Like I said in one of the videos: you can stop our events,…

The sole occupant of a truck has died after colliding with a power pole in Whangārei overnight.The crash at the intersection of Riverside Dr and Ewing Rd was reported to police shortly before 1.30am today. “The driver of the truck was the sole occupant,” a police spokesperson confirmed. Inquiries were under way into the circumstances of the crash.

Auckland FC are one win or draw away from hosting the biggest football event the city has seen in years. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kickoff. Auckland FC v Melbourne VictoryKick-off: 6pm Saturday, May 24Go Media Mt Smart StadiumAuckland FC are one win or draw away from hosting the biggest football event the city has seen in years.Auckland have the advantage going into the second A-League semi-final against Melbourne Victory and success in front of their home fans will secure a place in the Grand Final.Finals football comes with nerves and tension, but Auckland coach Steve Corica…

Brace yourself — your phone will make itself heard on Sunday night.The annual national test of the emergency mobile alert system is scheduled for between 6-7pm.That distinctive buzzing alarm may come as a mild shock to the system, but it can be a matter of life and death, says the National Emergency Management Agency Te Rākau Whakamarumaru.”If you get an alert, you should stop and read the message, and take it seriously,” NEMA civil defence emergency management director John Price said. “It will tell you what the emergency is, what to do and where to go for more information.”What exactly…

Twelve-month prescriptions could put diabetics and other patients with long-term conditions at serious risk, warn GPs and specialists.Budget 2025 includes $91 million over four years to support the change.Health Minister Simeon Brown said having to get a fresh prescription every three months had created “unnecessary and costly barriers for patients” on long-term medications, like asthma inhalers, insulin and blood pressure tablets.”It means more paperwork for health professionals, taking time away from patients with more urgent or complex needs.”However, General Practice Owners Association chair Dr Angus Chambers said many patients with chronic conditions needed regular reviews by a doctor or nurse.”Just…

Insurers can pay billions of claims each year, but many people are still disappointed, when they have a claim turned down or receive less than they expected.Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens says her office is dealing with more complaints than ever before from people for whom the process has not gone as expected.”For years and years, we would do around 3000 complaints a year and 300 investigations,” she said. “By the end of this financial year, we’ll be over 500 investigations — it’s gone way up.”Last year, we had just on 5000 complaints into the office.”She said part…

A community-led healthcare project in Matakana Island near Tauranga has received international acclaim, after being presented at a conference in Portugal.Telehealth services have been boosted for the remote and rural island, which has a population of around 350, following years of poor internet and cell coverage.Until recently, residents had to travel by boat to the mainland for medical appointments, at a cost.“When we go to town we more or less need $100 before we even get in our car to catch the barge, that pays for the return trip and maybe some petrol,” Te Awanui Hauora Trust’s Te Uta Roretana…

An arrest has been made, after police negotiations with a person at an Auckland bottle store, after a report of a robbery there.Officers were called to the block of shops at Northcote’s Pearn Crescent, shortly before 6pm yesterday.A police spokesperson earlier said officers were talking to a person who remained at the scene. No one had been injured, and no firearms were involved.But by 8.45pm police said the incident had been resolved and one person was in custody.At least 15 police officers responded to the incident at the Northcote shops in Pearn Crescent, on Saturday night. Photo: RNZ/ Ella Stewart…