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It's been a wild and windy night across the region, with more wind expected and heavy rain later in the day.
What you need to know:
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been called to over 100 weather related events overnight in Auckland and Northland.
- Auckland Emergency Management ask … View moreIt's been a wild and windy night across the region, with more wind expected and heavy rain later in the day.
What you need to know:
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been called to over 100 weather related events overnight in Auckland and Northland.
- Auckland Emergency Management ask if you are travelling to take extreme care; allow extra time and drive to the conditions.
- At 11:30am, due to severe wind gusts Harbour Bridge lanes have been reduced to 2 in each direction temporarily. High-sided vehicles & motorcyclists should consider delaying their journey. Lanes will reopen asap, subject to gusts becoming less severe. Keep up to date on NZTA website.
- Some residents across Auckland are without power, particularly west and north of the city.
- All three ferry companies (SeaLink, Fullers and Island Direct) sailing to Waiheke Island have cancelled their services.
- Gulf Harbour ferry services are also cancelled for the day due to high winds.
- Around 14 domestic flights have either been delayed or cancelled from departing Auckland Airport this morning.
A further 12 have either been delayed or cancelled arriving into Auckland Airport
- Speed was reduced on Auckland Harbour Bridge during morning commute. The speed has been reduced to 50kph and big temporary signs have been put up at the base of the bridge saying “high winds, obey speed restrictions”.
- If you see fallen trees or debris on public land, please report it using Auckland Council’s Report a Problem tool: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
- Average wind speeds of over 75 km/h are being recorded, generating large waves on Auckland beaches. These waves crash on sandy beaches and smash up cells of phytoplankton and pull in air bubbles, producing a soapy foam.
- Auckland Zoo are opening late after night of wild weather
- Keep up to date on weather forecasts at MetService New Zealand.
Read live updates on the Stuff website.
As well as their 4 weeks of annual leave, employees are entitled to 12 public holidays each year (if the public holidays fall on days they’d normally work). Employees who choose to work on public holidays are entitled to be paid time-and-a-half and may get a day’s leave to take later.
… View moreAs well as their 4 weeks of annual leave, employees are entitled to 12 public holidays each year (if the public holidays fall on days they’d normally work). Employees who choose to work on public holidays are entitled to be paid time-and-a-half and may get a day’s leave to take later.
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What you need to know
You can only require an employee to work on a public holiday if it’s written into their employment agreement and it’s a day they would usually work. Otherwise, you can ask an employee to work on a public holiday, but they don’t have to agree.
If an employee works on a public holiday they must get paid at least time and a half
if the public holiday falls on what is a normal working day for them, they must also get a paid day off at a later date.
Employment New Zealand has more information if you need help working out what a normal working day is for your employees.
Easter Sunday
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If you’re a shop owner, you may be able to open on Easter Sunday. But you can’t make your employees work that day – and they don’t have to give you a reason.
If you plan to open on Easter Sunday, you must give your employees written notice of their right to refuse to work at least four weeks in advance, but not earlier than eight weeks before.
Easter Sunday is not a public holiday. If you open, you can pay your staff their normal wage. They are not owed an alternative paid holiday.
Matariki
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Matariki is a new public holiday observed for the first time in 2022. The holiday, which marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, is the first to recognise Te Ao Māori. Matariki is considered a standard national public holiday.
Mondayisation
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, employees who don’t normally work then will have the following Monday as their paid public holiday. This is known as Mondayisation.
These public holidays can be moved to Monday (or in some cases Tuesday) if they fall on a Saturday or Sunday
Waitangi Day – 6 February
Anzac Day – 25 April
Christmas Day – 25 December
Boxing Day – 26 December
New Year's Day – 1 January
Day after New Year's Day – 2 January
If your employees work weekends as well as Mondays, they don’t get both days as public holidays – they just get one.
If public holidays fall inside your annual closedown period, you must pay employees for those that fall on days they’d usually work – including weekend public holidays moved to Monday or Tuesday.
Days in lieu (alternative holidays)
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Employees who are entitled to an alternative holiday get a full day off, no matter how many hours they worked on the public holiday.
They don’t get an alternative day if:
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they wouldn't usually have worked that day
they only work on public holidays
they were on call but didn't have to do anything, and being on call didn't stop them doing what they wanted to do with their day.
If you can't agree on when your employee will take an alternative holiday, you can choose a day for them – but you have to give them 14 days' notice. After 12 months, if they still haven’t taken the day off, you can agree with them to exchange the time off for an extra day's pay.
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Relax, we’ve got it covered, enjoy a year of free fees*
At Ryman you won’t pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.
That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, … View moreRelax, we’ve got it covered, enjoy a year of free fees*
At Ryman you won’t pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.
That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great financial certainty.
*Participating villages only, Ts and Cs apply
Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present by attending an Anzac Day service on Friday 25 April.
**🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥OUR MEGA SALE CONTINUES UNTIL EASTER MONDAY
🏃⚡🔥🏃⚡EVERYTHING REDUCED
🏃⚡🔥MATTRESSES
🏃⚡🔥BASES
🏃⚡🔥LOUNGE SUITES
🏃⚡🔥OUTDOOR FURNITURE
🏃⚡🔥ALL HEAVILY REDUCED
🏃🏃🏃33 NELSON ST PUKEKOHE AND 211 GREAT SOUTH RD … View more**🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥OUR MEGA SALE CONTINUES UNTIL EASTER MONDAY
🏃⚡🔥🏃⚡EVERYTHING REDUCED
🏃⚡🔥MATTRESSES
🏃⚡🔥BASES
🏃⚡🔥LOUNGE SUITES
🏃⚡🔥OUTDOOR FURNITURE
🏃⚡🔥ALL HEAVILY REDUCED
🏃🏃🏃33 NELSON ST PUKEKOHE AND 211 GREAT SOUTH RD TAKANINI - CLOSED EASTER FRIDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY**
ASB bank have shared a message to make people aware that messages from scammers claiming they are from our ASB Securities team are doing the rounds.
If you receive one of these messages don’t act on it, don’t click on any links on suspicious emails and text messages, or provide any personal… View moreASB bank have shared a message to make people aware that messages from scammers claiming they are from our ASB Securities team are doing the rounds.
If you receive one of these messages don’t act on it, don’t click on any links on suspicious emails and text messages, or provide any personal or banking information.
If you think you’ve provided your details to a suspicious person or company, please call your bank immediately.
ASB are available 24/7 on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or +64 9 303 0332 if you're overseas.
For ASB users, if you want some more info on staying safe online visit asb.co.nz/asbscamhub
Food prices have steadily increased in March, with the monthly change driven by higher prices for grocery food and non-alcoholic beverages.
According to the latest Stats NZ Selected Price Index, monthly food prices increased by 0.5% in March compared with a 0.5% monthly decrease in February.
But … View moreFood prices have steadily increased in March, with the monthly change driven by higher prices for grocery food and non-alcoholic beverages.
According to the latest Stats NZ Selected Price Index, monthly food prices increased by 0.5% in March compared with a 0.5% monthly decrease in February.
But on an annual basis, food prices were 3.5% higher than in March 2024.
Grocery food and non-alcoholic beverages had the biggest monthly impact on food price in March 2025, up 0.9% and 1.1%, respectively.
Higher prices for chocolate and yoghurt drove the increase in grocery food prices, while higher prices for instant coffee and soft drinks drove the increase in non-alcoholic beverage prices.
On an annual basis, butter prices are more expensive by 63.6% compared to March 2024, cheese is up by 20.4%, and milk is more expensive by 16%.
Stats NZ prices and deflators spokeswoman Nicola Growden said “The average price for a 250g block of chocolate was $5.99 in March 2025, that’s $1.60 more expensive than three years ago”.
Monthly fruit and vegetable prices fell by 0.3% compared with February, and were down 2.7% compared to March 2024, still the only food group to record lower prices compared to 2024.
Tomatoes and cabbage had the largest monthly price shifts, with their weighted average retail price up by 15.2% and 12.1% respectively.
Meat, poultry and fish prices were virtually flat for the month, growing by 0.1%, but on an annual basis they remain high, up by 5.3% compared to March 2024.
Likewise, restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food remained steady, also increasing by 0.1% for the month.
Alcohol monthly prices grew slightly in March, up by 0.2%, while monthly tobacco prices fell by 0.1%.
Monthly petrol prices fell in March, dropping by 2.1%, and are now 6.2% cheaper than in March 2024.
Monthly diesel prices were down by 2.3%. Annually, diesel prices were down by 10.6%.
Domestic air travel prices rose in March by 2.2%, while international air transport prices fell by 4% compared to February.
Domestic accommodation service prices fell 2.9% in March but international accommodation services increased by 8.8%.
After a few months of delay, Stats NZ has also been able to reveal the changes in rental prices.
The stock measure grew by 0.3% monthly, now 3.3% more expensive compared to last year.
The stock measure shows rental price changes across the whole rental population, including renters currently in tenancies.
The flow measure of rents captures rental price changes only for dwellings that have a new tenancy started in the reference month.
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Don’t wait until summer to get painting. Simply add Resene Wintergrade Additive to selected waterborne Resene paints to waterborne Resene paints to winterise them to help you keep decorating through winter.
Winterised paints can dry down to a super cool 3’C!
Available from … View moreDon’t wait until summer to get painting. Simply add Resene Wintergrade Additive to selected waterborne Resene paints to waterborne Resene paints to winterise them to help you keep decorating through winter.
Winterised paints can dry down to a super cool 3’C!
Available from Resene ColorShops.
📚✨ Get Ready for Books, Bagels & Banter 2025! ✨📚
⭐️ Key Information
📅 Friday Night Opening Event – 23 May from 6:00 pm
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Kennedy Warne – Author, radio commentator, and founder of New Zealand Geographic
📚 Weekend Book Fair – Saturday 24 May … View more📚✨ Get Ready for Books, Bagels & Banter 2025! ✨📚
⭐️ Key Information
📅 Friday Night Opening Event – 23 May from 6:00 pm
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Kennedy Warne – Author, radio commentator, and founder of New Zealand Geographic
📚 Weekend Book Fair – Saturday 24 May & Sunday 25 May, 9 am – 3 pm
🥯 The café will be serving delicious bagels, including gluten & dairy-free options.
⛪ Sunday Service – 25 May at 9:30 am
📖 Preacher: Revd Glynn Cardy sharing insights from his latest book, Pinches of Wisdom. Morning tea to follow in the Parish Centre.
⭐️ How to Support the Event
📍 Reserve Your Seat – Reserve your place at the Friday night opening event by reserving online or seeing Karen at the office o
📚 Donate Books – Contribute good-quality books (no encyclopaedias, atlases, magazines, or readers' digests).
🙋 Volunteer at the Event – Sign-up sheets are available at the back of the church.
📢 Help Spread the Word – Share this post with your friends and family
👉 #BooksBagelsBanter #EpsomEvents #AucklandBookFair #KennedyWarne
Warm, fragrant hot cross buns are always a firm favourite in Ryman villages over the Easter holidays. It’s also the perfect time to spend with family – and what better way to create a festive atmosphere than by baking some delicious hot cross buns with your grandkids?
Nothing beats … View moreWarm, fragrant hot cross buns are always a firm favourite in Ryman villages over the Easter holidays. It’s also the perfect time to spend with family – and what better way to create a festive atmosphere than by baking some delicious hot cross buns with your grandkids?
Nothing beats home-made, and this recipe, shared by Ryman chef Matt Orr, will make a perfect Easter treat. As they bake, your home will be filled with the sweet aromas of Easter, and you’ll have a wonderful snack to enjoy together. So, let’s get baking!
Click read more for the full recipe.
The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back and we’re searching for the standout local businesses that have made a real impact over the past year!
It’s time to celebrate the incredible businesses that help make our communities such special places to live. Nominations are now open – … View moreThe Prospa Local Business Hero Awards are back and we’re searching for the standout local businesses that have made a real impact over the past year!
It’s time to celebrate the incredible businesses that help make our communities such special places to live. Nominations are now open – click the link below to nominate your Local Business Hero and help them get the recognition they deserve.
If you haven't nominated your favourite local business yet, make sure you do it today.
Our Mt Roskill Centre meet every Thursday except school holidays at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall, 276 Mt Albert Road, 9:30am to 12:30pm , there's something for everyone! Whether it's crafts, games, or other activities, our activities are tailored to suit all interests and abilities. … View moreOur Mt Roskill Centre meet every Thursday except school holidays at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall, 276 Mt Albert Road, 9:30am to 12:30pm , there's something for everyone! Whether it's crafts, games, or other activities, our activities are tailored to suit all interests and abilities. Plus, every session includes a light lunch and our Forever Fit Mind and Body exercise session. First Visit Free! Call 09 6315968 to book your visit today!
The Government proposes removing the practical driving test for a full licence to streamline the process.
Chris Bishop said the changes aim to make licensing more efficient and affordable.
New safety measures include a clean driving record, halved demerit threshold, and zero-alcohol limit for … View moreThe Government proposes removing the practical driving test for a full licence to streamline the process.
Chris Bishop said the changes aim to make licensing more efficient and affordable.
New safety measures include a clean driving record, halved demerit threshold, and zero-alcohol limit for learners.
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The Government wants to remove the practical driving test needed to attain a full licence and reduce the number of eyesight tests required to allow more people to become qualified drivers.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said New Zealand was an international “outlier” in requiring a practical test for a person on a restricted licence who was applying for their full licence.
“Other countries such as Australia require those on restricted licences to have longer learner periods, reduced demerit thresholds or mandatory practice hours,” he said.
Bishop said the Government’s proposal, which will go out for public consultation on Monday, included new safety measures such as demanding a “clean driving record” of restricted drivers, halving the demerit threshold and introducing a zero-alcohol limit for learner and restricted drivers of any age. Currently, any driver under 20 years of age must adhere to a zero-alcohol limit.
Bishop also outlined potential changes to the necessary frequency of eyesight tests. Given tests were required at each of the three licence test stages, it meant a person over 25 years old could have their vision tested three times in nine months.
“Evidence suggests there is little safety benefit from this repeated eyesight testing. Instead, we propose that people would still need to have their vision tested when they apply for their first licence and when they first renew their licence after they turn 45,” Bishop said.
Current eyesight-testing standards would be retained for heavy vehicle licences and endorsements and for people over 75 years of age.
Bishop argued the changes were designed to make getting a licence more efficient and affordable, noting that going from a learner’s to a full licence cost a minimum of $362.50.
“Around one million adults in New Zealand don’t have a full driver[‘s] licence and nearly half of these people have no licence at all,” he said.
“Right now, the process for getting a driver licence is time-consuming and inefficient. It involves a theory test to get a learner licence and then two practical tests – one when going for a restricted licence and another when going for a full licence.”
The consultation document and a survey will be available from tomorrow on the Ministry of Transport’s website. The consultation period closed on June 9. Any changes would be implemented in July 2026.
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Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?
Every day in Aotearoa, tonnes of food go to waste while many families struggle to eat.
KiwiHarvest is tackling this by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to over 220 community groups across the country.
With $150,000 in Local Grants funding from Lotto NZ, KiwiHarvest delivered … View moreEvery day in Aotearoa, tonnes of food go to waste while many families struggle to eat.
KiwiHarvest is tackling this by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to over 220 community groups across the country.
With $150,000 in Local Grants funding from Lotto NZ, KiwiHarvest delivered 159,914kgs of food—equivalent to 355,366 meals—while preventing 423,774kg of CO2 emissions.
Since 2016, they’ve rescued 14.5 million kgs of food, providing over 32 million meals.
“Just $5 feeds a family for a day,” says Anne-Marie Friis, Head of Fundraising. Every Lotto ticket helps support crucial initiatives like KiwiHarvest.
Read more Local Grants recipient stories on mylotto.co.nz/community-winners
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