Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says good progress is being made in the response to the detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, but there is more work to do. “Rigorous testing and monitoring continue to show no confirmed signs of the disease in chicken farms outside of Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove egg farm in … Read more

Lockout of disability workers before Christmas unacceptable

CTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting President Rachel Mackintosh is condemning the actions of disability support provider Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau Trust in deciding to respond to legitimate strike action by locking out their workers with just a few weeks before Christmas. “The actions of Te Roopu Taurima are totally unacceptable and represent a flagrant … Read more

Funding for Hawke’s Bay water security project

NZ Government

Up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been allocated for pre-construction development of the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke’s Bay, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The grant for the project, which is being co-funded by the Tukituki Water Security Project, is limited to work to investigate the technical, environmental, and … Read more

Politics

Waimārama ban on taking pāua to continue

NZ Government

A two-year temporary closure banning the take of pāua from Waimārama south of Hastings will support efforts by local iwi to rebuild pāua stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The closure includes Waimārama Beach and Ocean Beach, two beaches popular with holidaymakers and recreational fishers. Ngāi Hapū o Waimārama requested the two-year temporary … Read more

Health

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Waihao River at Bradshaw Road

Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning for Waihao River at Bradshaw Road. The warning follows finding moderate to high cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the Waihao River at Bradshaw Road. People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water … Read more

Health

Smoke from Fire at Bridge Hill – Public Health Warning

Te Whatu Ora

Smoke from Fire at Bridge Hill – Public Health Warning Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora National Public Health Service has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire located Bridge Hill. Smoke is now drifting towards Castle Hill Village. Air around this location is smoky and there is potential that people … Read more