National News
Hauraki fund for drought-stricken farmers
Rain clouds have been few and far between this year, but a small silver lining is on the way for drought-stricken Thames Valley farmers. Hauraki District Mayor Toby Adams says the council is now accepting applications to a $250,000 Mayoral Drought Relief Fund provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for partial reimbursement of […]
Paeroa’s giant L&P Bottle on the move
Hauraki District Council is floating the idea of relocating the 50-year-old world famous in New Zealand L&P bottle. The town’s giant bottle has been such a selfie-magnet that its current location on the eastern outskirts of Paeroa is not maximising its potential to lure dollars out of visitors, some say. Hauraki mayor Toby Adams says […]
Work starts on $1.1 million riverboat dream
After years of driving past the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park on his way to Auckland and wanting to stop, Deputy PM Winston Peters finally paid the place a visit this week. As well as a tour of the park, he received a progress update on a $1.1 million development aimed at boosting tourism in the […]
All eyes on China as NZX steadies itself from rollercoaster ride
New Zealand and Australian stock markets could be in for more volatility as concerns rise about another Covid-19 outbreak in China. According to AAP, Beijing has locked down 11 residential communities near a wholesale food market after 45 workers tested positive to COVID-19. The market will also have an eye on Wall St, where US […]
Families of Chinese New Zealanders stuck in Fiji for months
A Chinese New Zealander says she’s struggling to reopen her Auckland business because her mother has been stranded in Fiji for almost three months. Ms Liu in Fiji. She says stranded parents have become restless. Ms Liu in Fiji. Li Yuning’s mother flew to Fiji to renew her New Zealand visa on 19 March, just […]
Taupō Airport open for essential services at Alert Level 4
Taupō Airport Authority is reminding the community that the Taupō Airport remains fully operational for essential services at Alert Level 4. Taupō Airport Authority General Manager Rhys Frearson said the airport continues to provide an important link with the rest of New Zealand. “Whilst we may not be facilitating our normal scheduled flights for passengers, […]
Council hits pause on projects in bid to save money
Taupō District Council has decided to halt a number of key projects programmed for this financial year as it moves to reduce the effect of COVID-19 on its hard-hit community. The no-go projects are the Kiddle Drive-Arrowsmith Avenue roundabout, investigation work into the northern access to the Taupō Town Centre, sealing of the former RSA […]
Final stage of Mangakino sewer relining to get underway
The final stage of a major upgrade to Mangakino’s sewer network will get underway this month. In 2018, 6.8km of the network was upgraded. Now, a further 6.0km of sewer line will be relined over the next six months. Head of operations Kevin Strongman said once complete, the entire Mangakino sewer network of over 18km […]
Taupō introduces smoking and vaping ban, but it won’t be enforced
The Taupō council yesterday voted to make the district “smoke and vape free”, which will include “smoke free” signage and education and awareness campaigns. The council stoped short of making the plan a bi-law meaning there will be no repercussions for thoes who flaunt the law, however coucnil representatives are confident that through good signage […]