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Novels, set of 6
Set of 6 books, in a series.
Christian authors
The Russians
Set in the late 1800's
By Michael Phillips & Judith Pella
The crown & the crucible
A house divided
… View moreSet of 6 books, in a series.
Christian authors
The Russians
Set in the late 1800's
By Michael Phillips & Judith Pella
The crown & the crucible
A house divided
Travail & triumph
Heirs of the motherland
The dawning of deliverance
White nights, red morning
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
Severe weather risk: MetService issues weather watches as storms sweep northern North Island
A slow-moving front over central New Zealand is forecast to move eastwards today, while another front is expected to move northwards over the lower South Island tonight.
MetService meteorologist Dom Barry told the Herald a complex trough affecting the North Island is bringing a large amount of … View moreA slow-moving front over central New Zealand is forecast to move eastwards today, while another front is expected to move northwards over the lower South Island tonight.
MetService meteorologist Dom Barry told the Herald a complex trough affecting the North Island is bringing a large amount of rain for Northland all the way down to Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
A number of weather watches have been issued and many may be upgraded to warnings, Barry said.
Associated with those fronts, Kiwis are forecast to see thunderstorms and localised downpours, particularly for the likes of Northland, this morning.
Aucklanders should expect to see the heaviest falls in the morning.
“If there happens to be a thunderstorm pop up, that will also have some heavier falls associated with that,” Barry said.
For the South Island, there are multiple fronts affecting the southern part of the island.
“For areas north of Otago and Southland and southern Westland, mainly fine for eastern coast areas, Canterbury, Canterbury High Country, Marlborough-Nelson area, not looking too bad,” Barry said.
“There’s just a bit of rain about Buller in the morning, which turns to showers in the afternoon.”
A number of regions were likely to have also experienced muggy temperatures overnight.
“We’ve got some areas, the likes of Taupō, Rotorua, looking at temperatures that are six-ish degrees above average overnight,” Barry said.
Those areas were looking at overnight temperatures of 12-14C, he said.
Weather watches and warnings
==========================
A heavy rain watch is in place for Northland until 10am today.
Aotea Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula are under the same watch until 8pm tonight.
Auckland is also under a heavy rain watch until 11am and Waikato until 1pm.
Bay of Plenty and the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers are under the same watch until 3am on Thursday.
This comes after a week of heavy rain across the country. Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt all recorded their second-wettest days of this year so far on Monday.
“This is not the greatest news for parents and caregivers who may be wanting their kids outside to burn energy,” Barry said.
“However, it is not all bad news – there will be gaps between periods of rain where the little bundles of energy can get outside."
=====================================================
Moving to Australia? NZ recruitment agency says don’t as job vacancies drop off
With the number of job vacancies in Australia falling, New Zealanders are being warned against moving to the “lucky country”.
“I’m not sure Aussie is the answer,” said Jonny Peters, director of recruitment agency Hirestaff.
“My advice is just to do your research and make sure you get … View moreWith the number of job vacancies in Australia falling, New Zealanders are being warned against moving to the “lucky country”.
“I’m not sure Aussie is the answer,” said Jonny Peters, director of recruitment agency Hirestaff.
“My advice is just to do your research and make sure you get a job offer before moving over,” he told the Herald.
Peters said Kiwi job hunters in Australia he had spoken to recently “haven’t walked into a role” and were “feeling it a little”.
He said a few ex-recruits of his had moved there but were struggling to find work. Peters said one of his own staff members shifted to Australia and found it so hard that Peters hired him again.
“It is not a given to walk into something [a job].”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released job vacancy figures yesterday, revealing they had plummeted compared with just three months ago.
There were 336,400 vacancies in May and 327,200 in August, representing a fall of 9100, or 2.7%.
The bureau’s head of labour statistics, Robert Long, said: “Private-sector job vacancies drove this quarter’s movement, falling by 3.4%. Public-sector vacancies went up by 2.2%, which was the fourth increase in a row.”
Looking at yearly data, the number of vacancies in the year to August fell by 5000.
“This is a much smaller decrease than the same time last year, when there was a drop of 67,300 vacancies, or 16.9%,” Long said.
Construction job vacancies were down 12.7% compared with May, and down 22.4% compared with a year ago.
The number of vacancies in the electricity, gas, water and waste services industry were down 2.7% compared with May, and down 23.6% compared with last year.
There were 15% fewer vacancies in the financial and insurance services compared with May and 5.2% fewer than last year.
The mining industry showed a 13.8% drop in job vacancies in the three months to August. Over the year, however, the number of vacancies increased by 2.9%.
There was also a huge increase in vacancies in manufacturing, with 9.7% more than three months ago and 46% more than a year ago.
In New Zealand, meanwhile, the number of advertised job vacancies in the year to the June quarter fell by 7.6%. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said its “jobs online” dataset showed a decline of 21.7% in the year to the March quarter.
Peters, of Hirestaff, said people worried about finding work here and feeling pushed to make the leap to Australia should wait before rushing across the Ditch.
He said it would be concerning when job prospects here start turning and “half your workforce is going to be over there”.
“If people can hang tight in New Zealand for just a bit longer, there will be opportunities coming up.”
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City Vision team for Albert-Eden
"Kia ora,
We’re your City Vision team for Albert-Eden. Our candidates for council and the local board are hard-working, experienced and ready to make things better for our community. In Albert-Eden, we’ll fund great events to bring people to our historic town centres, get public … View more"Kia ora,
We’re your City Vision team for Albert-Eden. Our candidates for council and the local board are hard-working, experienced and ready to make things better for our community. In Albert-Eden, we’ll fund great events to bring people to our historic town centres, get public transport moving, and make sure we have the green space and infrastructure we need for a growing city. We want to hear from you: find us on Facebook, Instagram, or at our website
Your team for Albert-Eden
Jacqui Tay, Margi Watson, Christina Robertson, Emma McInnes, Paul Chalmers, Jonty Carroll, Mark Graham and Michelle Thorp for Albert-Eden Local Board
Julie Fairey and Jon Turner for Council.
Authorised by Gwen Shaw, 027 414 4074. Endorsed by City Vision, 2/21 Emmett Street, Herne Bay, Auckland"
Poll: Hybrid Work ... Game-Changer or Culture Killer? 🚀
Many workplaces now embrace hybrid working — splitting time between home and the office. For years, people have built their routines and lifestyles around this flexibility.
But critics say it weakens team spirit, slows training, and makes collaboration harder.
💬 What do you think? Hybrid… View moreMany workplaces now embrace hybrid working — splitting time between home and the office. For years, people have built their routines and lifestyles around this flexibility.
But critics say it weakens team spirit, slows training, and makes collaboration harder.
💬 What do you think? Hybrid forever, or back to the office full-time?
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32.9% It’s a modern world and we need modern ways of working!
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20.1% Back to the office!
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33.3% There’s no 'one-size-fits-all'.
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13.7% This doesn’t affect me.
Make Old New Again: Refresh Your Furniture with Resene Style
Transform an old piece of furniture into a cool home entertaining statement with your favourite Resene colour. Find out how to refresh your furniture with these easy step by step instructions.
Poll: Will we reach our Predator Free target in 2050?
Aotearoa New Zealand is aiming to be predator-free in 2050 to ensure our islands' unique species of birds, frogs, lizards and plants can thrive.
New Zealand has among the highest proportions of threatened or at-risk species in the world, and around 25 million native birds are killed by … View moreAotearoa New Zealand is aiming to be predator-free in 2050 to ensure our islands' unique species of birds, frogs, lizards and plants can thrive.
New Zealand has among the highest proportions of threatened or at-risk species in the world, and around 25 million native birds are killed by introduced predators every year. But it's not all bad news - when predators are removed or controlled, nature bounces back fast. We’ve already seen it happening in many parts of the country!
People all over Aotearoa are doing their bit - setting traps in their backyards, planting natives, volunteering, or donating. You can too! Backyard trapping is one example of effective individual action.
What do you think? Can we reach our Predator Free target in 2050?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
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25.7% Yes - through government, community and individual action.
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33.5% No - this is not a realistic goal.
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38.5% Maybe - perhaps adjust the goal to 'predator management'?
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2.3% This is a nuanced issue (share in the comments).
Age Well Kiwi
We are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.
With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our … View moreWe are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.
With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.
We meet on the first Saturday afternoon of the month in Mt. Roskill.
If you are interested in joining us and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com.
Support Pots for Tots with Resene!
Get painting and help Kiwi kids. Buy any Resene 60 mL testpot colour starting with the letter P, O or T and Resene will donate $1 to Plunket NZ.
Visit your local Resene ColorShop to find all the colour you need to bring out the best in your home.
Local Holiday Programme
Thinking of what the kids are going to do these holidays?
Join our Netball Holiday Programme at Windmill Park in Week 2.
Can't do half days? Our combination programme is double the fun with fun themed activities!
FINAL DAYS
Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*
We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View moreSome of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*
We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.
And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.
*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply.
NZ First breaks with Government over ‘unfocused immigration proposal’ to establish two new pathways to residency
New Zealand First is invoking the rarely-used “agree to disagree” clause in its coalition agreement over two new pathways to residency the Government is today announcing for skilled migrants.
The clause has been triggered only a handful of times, with this the first time this term over … View moreNew Zealand First is invoking the rarely-used “agree to disagree” clause in its coalition agreement over two new pathways to residency the Government is today announcing for skilled migrants.
The clause has been triggered only a handful of times, with this the first time this term over immigration policy, which is expected to be a significant focus for NZ First at the 2026 election.
Leader Winston Peters said the Government’s two new pathways to residency represented “unfocused immigration proposal”, with his party having concerns it may be used as a stepping stone to Australia.
“We take them in, train them, up-skill them, look after their families, and then they emigrate. How is this an effective immigration policy?” Peters asked.
However, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said today the invoking of the agree to disagree clause reflects “stable coalition management” and from time to time parties have different perspectives on issues.
“We have a different perspective [to NZ First]. We have designed this policy to be really really careful it is a narrow pathway,” Willis said.
“It is NZ First signalling their concerns. We have shared those concerns, so in developing this policy we have been careful there are belts and braces.”
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has previously said New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant immigration category was not fit-for-purpose, claiming tradies do not have adequate pathways to residency.
One of the new pathways to residency looks to cover that. Called the “Trades and Technician Pathway”, it will “recognise the practical skills needed in industries where sub-degree qualifications are widely used and valued”.
To be eligible to apply under this pathway, migrants in specified skilled roles will need to hold a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above and have at least four years of relevant post-qualification skilled work experience. At least 18 months of this needs to have happened in New Zealand, where they have been paid at or above the median wage.
There’s also a new “Skilled Work Experience Pathway” for migrants in certain skilled roles who have at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including two in New Zealand where they have been paid at least 1.1 times the median wage.
“The Skilled Work Experience pathway is designed to help employers retain experienced workers who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles,” said Stanford.
She said that to ensure the new pathways are focused on where skilled and experienced migrants are most needed, additional eligibility restrictions will be placed on some occupations.
Further information about the occupations covered by the pathways and their requirements will be provided before the pathways open in mid-2026.
“We are also reducing the amount of time that migrants with New Zealand university qualifications need to work in New Zealand before they can get residence,” Stanford said.
“This is about further incentivising people to study here - and keep contributing after they graduate.”
She said the Government was “carefully balancing attracting higher-skilled workers, while managing migration levels responsibly, and ensuring New Zealanders remain prioritised for jobs”.
“This helps Kiwi businesses access the skills and experience needed to grow the economy, while hiring New Zealanders where they can. These changes are part of a suite of smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions we’ve introduced.”
Willis also added that skilled and experienced migrants “play an important role plugging workforce gaps, and in turn helping businesses to grow”.
“Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce. We’re fixing it.”
But Peters said New Zealand needed a system that provided young Kiwis with the skills New Zealand needed domestically.
“While we recognise the importance of retaining some critical workers, we have serious concerns about this unfocused immigration proposal,” he said.
“This is why we would support extending existing work visas for those workers already here for another three years to address the short-term demand - not making them residents.
“We cannot maintain this decades-old papering over the cracks for short-term needs.”
Stanford said New Zealand doesn’t need to be concerned about the new pathways being used as a stepping stone to Australia, claiming it is easier to use Australia’s immigration pathways to be a stepping stone to New Zealand.
“It is not something that is happening,” Stanford said.
Asked why NZ First didn’t believe that, Willis said “sometimes they just have a different perspective”.
In the long term, Peters said a “smart immigration system”, focusing on the needs of employers, industry and Kiwi workers, was needed.
The “agree to disagree” clause in the coalition agreements is rarely used. Earlier this year, Act invoked it amid a disagreement over the firearms registry. Act also opposed the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill and NZ First raised it in relation to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response.
Immigration has traditionally been a key area of focus for NZ First, and Peters previously told the Herald he was concerned about “careless” immigration policies overseas “transforming cities”.
At his party conference earlier this month, Peters confirmed NZ First would campaign next year on a “Kiwi values document” for all new migrants.
“If you don’t want to sign up to those values, we have a clear answer; don’t come,” he said.
A similar values statement has been mooted by the Act Party, with minister Brooke van Velden saying she had work under way to take to Cabinet by the end of the year.
Stanford, who has made adjustments to various different visa categories since taking office in 2023, has been vocal in the past about wanting to make changes to the Skilled Migrant Category.
The current set-up requires a migrant to have a skilled registered job, a Bachelor’s qualification or higher, or earn 1.5 times the median wage. There is also the Green List pathway to residency for those with in-demand jobs.
In a speech last year, Stanford said there were limited options for skilled migrants to get residency.
“There is a whole category missing of skilled workers, predominantly in the trades, who may have many years of experience, are well qualified and can help train up Kiwi workers but who have no pathway to residence.
“I know for many employers, it is a source of deep frustration that they cannot retain their skilled workers in trades or manufacturing because they do not have a pathway to residence.”
The Government has already changed the Accredited Employer Work Visa to remove median wage thresholds and reduce the experience required.
=====================================================
Come Try Walking Netball
Come WALK THIS WAY and try Walking Netball!
A low-impact version of the game that is kind on the joints and kinder on the heart.
Perfect for those coming back from injury or after a long break from sport.
Try it out FOR FREE at our Walking Netball Taster session in Mt Eden.
Where: Windmill Park… View moreCome WALK THIS WAY and try Walking Netball!
A low-impact version of the game that is kind on the joints and kinder on the heart.
Perfect for those coming back from injury or after a long break from sport.
Try it out FOR FREE at our Walking Netball Taster session in Mt Eden.
Where: Windmill Park
When: Wednesday 15th October
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
See you there!
Thousands of senior hospital doctors on 48-hour strike
6000 senior doctors and dentists on strike until midnight Wednesday
Health Minister says they're putting pay and politics ahead of patients
Health NZ says more than 1800 elective procedures, more than 3600 first specialist appointments, about 7000 follow-up appointments and more than 800 … View more6000 senior doctors and dentists on strike until midnight Wednesday
Health Minister says they're putting pay and politics ahead of patients
Health NZ says more than 1800 elective procedures, more than 3600 first specialist appointments, about 7000 follow-up appointments and more than 800 out-patient procedures postponed
====================================================
Some patients blame government for failing to invest in healthworkers
Six thousand senior hospital doctors and dentists are striking for 48 hours as the battlelines harden in their long-running pay dispute with Health NZ.
Their message to Health Minister Simeon Brown laid bare on placards on the picketline outside the Minister's Pakuranga electorate office in Auckland: "Code Brown, Simeon's in charge", reads one.
"We serve the interests of New Zealanders, Do you?", reads another.
In contrast to his predecessors - who tended to gratefully defer to Health NZ "as the employer" in contract negotiations - Health Minister Simeon Brown has taken a more hands-on approach.
He has openly criticised doctors who "chose" to strike, calling it "a decision by some of the most well-paid public servants in New Zealand to walk away from patients and cancel care", and voiced his disappointment over the union's refusal to enter binding arbitration.
Based on the previous 24-hour strike in May, Health NZ estimated about 13,000 patients would likely be affected by the two-day action by members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
'He doesn't speak for me'
====================
Wellington cancer patient Charyl Robinson, who had her first date for surgery cancelled due to the nurses' strike at the end of July, said healthworkers had her "full support".
"My second date for surgery was also cancelled, because of a bed shortage, because I'm going to need a couple of days in HDU or ICU," she said. "I have been directly affected by the strain on health services."
While this week's doctors' strike would not affect her treatment directly, she worried that doctors were "not being valued and properly recognised here the way they would be overseas".
"I'm worried constantly that I could lose one of the incredible team of specialists looking after me, they could move for better conditions - that's what worries me. I get fed up with Simeon Brown trying to pit us patients against the people caring for us.
"I find it really quite despicable how he does that, because he doesn't speak for us. He doesn't speak for me, anyway."
Robinson, co-founder of the advocacy group Vape Free Kids, said she did "not buy the excuse" that the government was limited by the current dire financial circumstances.
"When I think about the money that's been set aside for tax breaks for tobacco companies... that stuff is incensing, when you are a person sitting there in hospital, seeing the shortfall in our health system.
"Sitting there in that hospital, my blood was boiling, when I consider the other things that have been prioritised in terms of funds over the very people that are delivering care for patients like me."
Plenty of "frivolous, down-right disingenuous spends" could be walked back to make some room for health workers' needs, she said.
Government 'taking advantage' of doctors' goodwill
==========================================
Another patient, who spent four days in North Shore Hospital last week, after an emergency admission, said the reality on the frontline was "the exact opposite" to what the minister claimed.
"The only reason the wheels haven't fallen off is because the government has taken advantage of the goodwill of all the medical professionals," said the 60-year-old, who did not want to be named.
"If I were to describe the staff, I would liken them to All Blacks, only far more skilful and with much greater levels of stamina, because their match isn't measured in minutes, but in 12-hour shifts, and with such high levels of overloading that only totally professional harmonic team work can keep the cogs turning."
From "the girls that mop the floors and clean the toilets" to specialists and administrators, everyone worked "at full-speed, all day".
Staff were obviously bearing the brunt of years of under-investment in facilities, when patients jammed the ED waiting room and clogging the hallways with stretcher beds, he said.
"After years of Labour's wasteful spending, this National government has decided the best medicine is austerity."
Meanwhile, the government appeared to have plenty to spend on some things, like top-of-the-line military helicopters, he said.
"I think it's absolutely ludicrous... Yes, you have to defend the country, but if there's no-one left alive in the country, what's the bloody point?"
Health NZ says it's out of options
===========================
Meanwhile, Health NZ has taken the unprecedented step of applying to the Employment Relations Authority to make the final decision on terms and conditions, saying it has "exhausted" all bargaining options with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
National clinical director Dr Richard Sullivan, who took part in last-ditch talks last week, said it was frustrating to put forward a new offer and receive "nothing to work with in response".
"We are disappointed this is necessary, but we have been in bargaining with ASMS for over a year. We have attended 11 days of formal bargaining, a number of informal meetings, mediation, six days of facilitated bargaining and accepted the invitation to binding arbitration, which the union refused.
"We believe all bargaining options have been exhausted and that the application for fixing is the best way forward to ensure certainty for New Zealanders."
Hospitals remained open during the strike, but to maintain patient safety, most clinics were closed and planned care appointments for surgery would be postponed.
"The strike will disrupt care for the entire week," he said. "It is estimated that over 1800 elective procedures, over 3600 first specialist appointments, around 7000 follow-up appointments and over 800 out-patient procedures will have to be postponed.
"Anyone who needs emergency care will still be able to receive it and patients who are already in hospital will continue to receive treatment.
"It is very important that our EDs are kept for emergencies only during the strike to protect our capacity to give urgent care to those who need it most."
An agreement was in place with the union to provide life-preserving services throughout the strike, which was due to finish at 11.59pm Wednesday.
The union maintained its members had yet to receive an offer that did not amount to "another pay cut in real terms", at a time when workforce shortages were at crisis levels in many places.
Executive director Sarah Dalton said Health NZ had "failed to turn up with any meaningful improvement on its offer".
"ASMS members are not walking away from patients, they simply know it is critical to have a pay offer that is competitive and continues to attract the medical workforce to New Zealand."
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