Hunker down, Auckland!
MetService have issued a strong wind warning and heavy rain watch for Auckland. Already ferries have been cancelled, there are power outages and drivers are being cautioned about driving in these conditions. From 3pm, a severe thunderstorm watch is in place, as well as a strong wind watch until 8pm on Friday night.
Here's what you need to know:
- All Pine Harbour ferry services have now been cancelled until further notice, due to weather conditions. The 7am, 8am & 9am Pine Harbour to Auckland services will be replaced by Bus.
- Areas of North Auckland around Te Arai are without power as of 6.20am on Friday. Some areas near the Auckland border have had power cuts since at least 3am on Friday.
- Drivers heading over the Auckland Harbour Bridge advised by Waka Kotahi NZTA to watch out for strong gusts and wind. Commuters should drive to the conditions, look out for full bridge closures, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists should avoid the Harbour Bridge and use the Western Ring Route on State Highways 16 and 18.
Keep up to date with weather warnings on the MetService website and be cautious if travelling this Auckland Anniversary weekend.
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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82.4% Same!
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17.6% Would have liked to try something different
By-election for Otara-Papatoetoe area
Just to let everyone know that we have another by-election happening, and here is the reason why. Below are details and dates, so keep an eye on your letter boxes.
The Manukau Court’s Ruling
The Manukau District Court determined that the Papatoetoe subdivision result of the Ōtara–Papatoetoe Local Board election was invalid, ruling that the outcome had been “materially affected” by voting irregularities. Judge Richard McIlraith found that the scale and nature of the irregularities met the legal threshold required to void an election under New Zealand’s local electoral laws.
In his decision, Judge McIlraith stated that the evidence presented — including reports of stolen voting papers, fraudulent use of ballots, and other procedural irregularities — was sufficient to conclude that the integrity of the election had been compromised. The court noted that at least 79 voting papers were identified as having been cast without the rightful voter’s knowledge during a judicially supervised examination of ballot boxes.
While the judge acknowledged that the election had been administered “properly and in accordance with all requirements” by Independent Election Services and the electoral officer, he concluded that the fraudulent activity originated outside the official process and nonetheless impacted the final result to a degree that required the election to be voided.
As a result of the ruling, the court ordered that a new election must be held, with Auckland Council confirming that the fresh poll must be completed by 9 April 2026
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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