What is the Total Mobility Scheme and How to Apply?
The Total Mobility scheme reduces the cost of taxi services for eligible people who have a permanent disability and cannot independently use regular public transport services, all or some of the time. The Scheme covers physical, sensory, neurological, psychological, mental/psychiatric, cognitive, and intellectual impairment.
You will need to get an assessment done, and each regional council sets its own criteria for the assessments.
What you can get if you are eligible:
👉 If you are eligible you will get an electronic card or vouchers that allow you to get a discount of up to a 75% on taxi rides, up to a maximum fare. The maximum fare is set by your regional council. You must use one of the approved taxi companies for the scheme.
👉 If you have a carer, you can get subsidised taxi travel for both of you when you travel together.
The scheme also provides:
* funding to scheme providers to help purchase and install wheelchair hoists
* payment to the owner of the wheelchair accessible vehicle for each Total Mobility scheme member who requires the use of a wheelchair hoist or ramp.
How to apply:
Contact your regional council to apply to be part of the Total Mobility Scheme. Each region in New Zealand has different rules, so you need to check with your local council and find out what their rules are.
Info credit: Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand: cab.org.nz
Image credit: New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
NZCCM Massage and English Programmes
The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine (NZCCM) offers industry-focused Massage and English programmes that prepare students for professional practice.
Students gain strong Anatomy and Physiology knowledge, hands-on experience in the student clinic, and pathways into health and wellbeing careers. NZCCM actively incorporates tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori, partnering with local marae for cultural learning and community treatments.
As Auckland’s only provider of Massage diplomas, NZCCM is enrolling now for February 2026 Programmes include the Level 5 Wellness and Relaxation Massage Diploma and the Level 6 Remedial Massage Diploma, both NZQA-approved with intensive block courses. NZCCM also offers NZCEL Level 4 for academic English preparation.
Open Days will be held on 12 December and 23 January.
Contact: 09 580 2376 or auck@chinesemedicine.ac.nz
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Night-time roadworks on SH16
From 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
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