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Auckland reporters:
People should be able to freely enter Auckland under alert level 3 lockdown, instead of waiting up to six hours just to get home, ACT leader David Seymour says.
Some people have had to be rescued from the long queues in the heat by ambulance, Seymour said. People have been … View moreAuckland reporters:
People should be able to freely enter Auckland under alert level 3 lockdown, instead of waiting up to six hours just to get home, ACT leader David Seymour says.
Some people have had to be rescued from the long queues in the heat by ambulance, Seymour said. People have been toileting on the side of the road.
Police checkpoints returned to the borders when the region plunged back to level 3 at 6am on Sunday as authorities try to trace the origin of infection for the latest community case.
Seymour said it does not make sense to have restrictions for people coming from a lower-risk area and entering Auckland.
“If the Government believes there’s a risk of people outside of Auckland bringing Covid into Auckland, then they would have to put the rest of the country into a higher alert level.”
Seymour said he had been contacted by numerous people on Sunday complaining about the wait and the distress it caused, with some waiting up to six hours, 45 minutes.
There should be strict control of people leaving Auckland, but there was no need to have the same control on people entering, especially after Aucklanders had been away for a busy weekend, he said.
“Covid is bad and we need to maintain eradication but kids and elderly people stuck in hot cars can lead to serious problems too.”
Aucklander Fernanda Leone said it took her five-and-a-half hours to go through the check point at State Highway 1 at Mercer, after leaving Hamilton at midday on Sunday.
The trip usually take 90 minutes and, before she left, Google Maps said the trip would take two hours, 20 minutes.
“There are lots of cars with people with kids and animals in it, and I’m pretty sure – just like us – they didn’t know it would take this long so didn't come prepared.”
Leone had been in Hamilton for the Six60 concert and is travelling to her home in West Auckland.
Another Aucklander said she was in Hastings for the Good Vibes Summer Festival.
After 90 minutes at a standstill, she was unsure how much longer it will be until she reached the checkpoint.
“We're watching people going to the toilet on the side of the road. It’s really hot and people have kids and animals – they look really bothered.”
At Auckland's northern border, the wait is about two hours heading into Auckland, with no queue into Northland.
Were you stuck in traffic queues driving back to Auckland?
If so, how long did you have to queue?
How long did your trip back home take you?
What was it like being stuck in your car?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
UPDATE: Thank you for all your questions. We're picking the best to send off to the houseplant doctor from Kings Plant Barn and the answers will be published in an article on Homed soon.
Are your houseplants looking worse for wear? The experts at Kings Plant Barn would love to help. Send us … View moreUPDATE: Thank you for all your questions. We're picking the best to send off to the houseplant doctor from Kings Plant Barn and the answers will be published in an article on Homed soon.
Are your houseplants looking worse for wear? The experts at Kings Plant Barn would love to help. Send us your houseplant questions and problems to homed@stuff.co.nz, or leave them in the comments, for the houseplant doctor to diagnose. Pictures are encouraged.
Hi Auckland neighbours,
Have you lost your job or your business due to the financial fallout from Covid-19?
Or are you about to lose your job due to the pandemic?
Is your business already in liquidation?
… View moreHi Auckland neighbours,
Have you lost your job or your business due to the financial fallout from Covid-19?
Or are you about to lose your job due to the pandemic?
Is your business already in liquidation?
If this has happened to you, would you be happy to be interviewed by Stuff?
Feel free to email ged.cann@stuff.co.nz
Thanks,
Ged Cann
Senior Journalist
Stuff.co.nz
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says there have been no new coronavirus cases overnight.
Bloomfield said he was looking for a run of days of zero community cases to inform a decision on moving alert levels.
Auckland is now in its third day of alert level 3 lockdown.
A 21-year-old… View moreDirector-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says there have been no new coronavirus cases overnight.
Bloomfield said he was looking for a run of days of zero community cases to inform a decision on moving alert levels.
Auckland is now in its third day of alert level 3 lockdown.
A 21-year-old (Case M) and his mother (Case N) tested positive for the virus during the weekend, prompting the snap lockdown.
Initially it was unclear how Case M caught the virus.
But on Monday Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced undisclosed contact between Case M's mother and another mum involved in Auckland's February cluster.
They had gone for a walk during the region’s level 3 lockdown earlier this month.
Bloomfield said authorities "couldn't take any chances" with alert levels given there were "quite a few exposure events" connected to Case M.
He said there had been high infection rates in the families connected to the cluster and some casual exposure.
“We want to make sure there is not more of those, and we stamp it out.”
Bloomfield said Auckland was only a few days in from when Case M was most infectious, so people would need to “wait and see” if there was any more cases linked to him.
Although he suspected Case M “was not having a good time of it” in terms of backlash over breaching the rules, he said a “punitive approach” could be “counter-productive”.
“We can’t afford to give this virus an inch.”
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Immerse yourself in our wide-open spaces, epic activities, hidden gems, and untamed wilderness in the Ruapehu region. The perfect place to relax, refresh, and have a bit of adventure.
Get inspired and tick these off your bucket list:
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Take a ride on the … View moreImmerse yourself in our wide-open spaces, epic activities, hidden gems, and untamed wilderness in the Ruapehu region. The perfect place to relax, refresh, and have a bit of adventure.
Get inspired and tick these off your bucket list:
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Take a ride on the Sky Waka, NZ’s most unique gondola experience
- Cycle the Ohakune Old Coach Road
- Paddle down the Whanganui River
- Explore the Bridge to Nowhere
- Take a ride with Forgotten World Adventures ...and much more!
There's still plenty of awesome deals available in Ruapehu, so book now!
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Good morning Auckland neighbours,
Auckland residents are up in arms after a row of trees was turned into an “eyesore” in a bid to protect some power lines.
Residents of Alford St, in the central Auckland suburb of Waterview, woke up last week to find the trees on their berms cut into deep V … View moreGood morning Auckland neighbours,
Auckland residents are up in arms after a row of trees was turned into an “eyesore” in a bid to protect some power lines.
Residents of Alford St, in the central Auckland suburb of Waterview, woke up last week to find the trees on their berms cut into deep V shapes.
John Jones, who lives opposite one of the trees, said they were “quite an eyesore”.
Auckland Council’s regional arborists and ecological manager David Stejskal said the trees were pruned by contractors Treescape as part of routine maintenance of trees growing under power lines.
The overzealous pruning was brought to the council’s attention by a local board member.
Officials have since visited the site and spoken to the contractor about the unacceptable nature of the pruning, Stejskal said.
“The power lines clearance programme needs to strike a balance between the regulatory clearance required to protect power lines and maintaining the viability of the tree,” he said.
Our contractors agree to clear trees to regulatory and contract specifications and best practice guidelines which in this case were not carried out.
“We are currently speaking to Treescape about what needs to be done to remedy the situation.”
Treescape confirmed it is working with the council to remedy the situation.
“We understand the concerns of the residents, and we’re working together to resolve the issue,” a spokesperson said.
“That’s all we can say at this stage.”
What do you think of the way the trees have been cut?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
With some rapid planning, we have managed to transform our programme to online cooking demonstrations with the students preparing their own dishes at their homes. The flow of our timetable has pivoted to the patisserie module as the ingredients are easier for the students to purchase at the … View moreWith some rapid planning, we have managed to transform our programme to online cooking demonstrations with the students preparing their own dishes at their homes. The flow of our timetable has pivoted to the patisserie module as the ingredients are easier for the students to purchase at the supermarket (we are reimbursing them for this cost).
A MacBook camera does a reasonable job recording and live-streaming and the laptop does not seem to mind the heat of the oven when Chef Finn opens to door to check if the Rhubarb tart is ready.
Today is Crème caramel, Rhubarb custard tart with Raspberry Coulis.
During level three our office will remain closed, they will reopen at 8:30am on Monday 8th March unless advised otherwise.
The GECA Team will be working from home, please don't hesitate to call if you need assistance during this time. 0800 758 766
Stay Safe from the GECA Team.
This month is all about bringing your community together and having a great time! We want March to be all about celebrating the connections we have while making new ones along the way. As we all know, what makes a neighbourhood great isn’t the houses and cars, gardens and streets - it’s the … View moreThis month is all about bringing your community together and having a great time! We want March to be all about celebrating the connections we have while making new ones along the way. As we all know, what makes a neighbourhood great isn’t the houses and cars, gardens and streets - it’s the people who share their presence and aroha with each other.
A wonderful way to take part is to participate in Neighbours Day Aotearoa which takes place from 20 - 30th March. This year’s theme is ‘The Great Plant Swap’ - as an easy way for our neighbourhoods to grow stronger together. If you’re hosting an event, make sure to register it on their website: neighboursday.org.nz/join-in
Show us how you’re celebrating community this month by tagging us in your social media posts or emailing us your photos, videos, or experiences to: info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
Save $30 off RPP when you subscribe to your local newspaper at mags4gifts.co.nz, and enjoy the convenience of safe delivery straight to your home.
By subscribing, you will also be supporting our journalists across the country who work tirelessly to ensure you remain informed as situations … View moreSave $30 off RPP when you subscribe to your local newspaper at mags4gifts.co.nz, and enjoy the convenience of safe delivery straight to your home.
By subscribing, you will also be supporting our journalists across the country who work tirelessly to ensure you remain informed as situations evolve.
Hello everyone,
I was hoping to get in contact with someone from the Māori, Pasifika and Indian community who have either struggled to find a rental or buy a home.
The housing crisis has affected all three groups particularly badly, so if there's anyone who comes from these groups who … View moreHello everyone,
I was hoping to get in contact with someone from the Māori, Pasifika and Indian community who have either struggled to find a rental or buy a home.
The housing crisis has affected all three groups particularly badly, so if there's anyone who comes from these groups who is willing to talk please drop me a message: ged.cann@stuff.co.nz
Thanks,
Ged Cann
Senior Reporter
stuff.co.nz
Auckland houses are less affordable than those in all but three other cities from eight countries surveyed for the 2021 Demographia international housing affordability report.
It’s now more affordable to buy a house in San Francisco or London than in Auckland. A new report has ranked the Super… View moreAuckland houses are less affordable than those in all but three other cities from eight countries surveyed for the 2021 Demographia international housing affordability report.
It’s now more affordable to buy a house in San Francisco or London than in Auckland. A new report has ranked the Super City as the fourth least affordable housing market in the world.
The 2021 annual Demographia international housing affordability report, which is a scaled down version of previous years’ reports, looks at housing affordability in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK and the US.
It ranks 92 major housing markets – with populations of more than one million – in eight countries based on the median multiple, which measures median house price divided by gross median household income.
According to the report, Auckland now has a “median multiple” of 10.0. That’s up from 8.6 last year when it was the equal sixth most unaffordable market with Toronto, and from 6.4 in 2010, just a decade ago.
Regions with house prices more than three times the median regional income are considered unaffordable, so Auckland’s median multiple makes it severely unaffordable.
Read more here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Hi Neighbours,
Here's an important Covid-19 update:
Georgia Forrester and George Block
A Kmart and a vape store in Auckland are the latest locations linked to the movements of a person who has tested positive for Covid-19.
The owner of the vape store, Dark Vapes, in East Tamaki, said the … View moreHi Neighbours,
Here's an important Covid-19 update:
Georgia Forrester and George Block
A Kmart and a vape store in Auckland are the latest locations linked to the movements of a person who has tested positive for Covid-19.
The owner of the vape store, Dark Vapes, in East Tamaki, said the closure of his shop on Wednesday for deep cleaning, followed by his mandatory self-isolation, would be tough for his small business.
Three new community cases of Covid-19 in south Auckland were announced on Tuesday.
The first was a student at Papatoetoe High School, which the Ministry of Health announced earlier in the day. Two other cases – the student’s siblings, who are a teenager and an infant – were confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Kmart in Botany, in east Auckland, and Dark Vapes are among the places of interest visited by one of the cases, with further locations expected to be released on Wednesday.
Kmart Botany
The teenager reported as a new case on Tuesday night works at Kmart Botany.
They were at work on Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, between 3.30pm and 10.30pm.
The store was closed on Tuesday night, and a thorough sanitisation of the store was being carried out, a Kmart spokesperson said.
Thirty-one Kmart staff have been identified as close contacts and are self-isolating, the ministry said.
Any members of the public who visited Kmart Botany at the times the student was working is considered a casual plus contact, and must self-isolate at home immediately.
Casual plus contacts are those who would have been considered casual contacts, but have been upgraded due to the risk of the more transmissible strains of the virus.
“If you are a casual plus contact, you are advised to immediately isolate at home and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on isolation time frames and testing requirements,” the ministry said.
Dark Vapes
One of the two high school students announced as new cases on Tuesday also twice visited Dark Vapes in East Tamaki, on Friday and Saturday.
The owner, who did not want to be named, said the store would be closed on Wednesday for deep cleaning, and he would isolate at home for 14-days, as per Ministry of Health advice.
“It's going to be tough for the business.”
He said the store would be able to reopen after cleaning as another staff member was available to help run it.
The owner did not know the identity of the case who visited.
A Ministry of Health spokeswoman said she was not sure which of the cases visited the store.
The visits to the vape store took place on Friday, February 19 between 2.30pm and 4pm, and also Saturday, February 20, between 7pm and 8.30pm.
People who visited the store during these times are considered to be casual-plus contacts.
More locations are expected to be released by the ministry on its website.
From 6am tomorrow morning, Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2. The measures will remain in place for the next seven days.
More details available at www.covid19.govt.nz....
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