Economy News
Auckland Harbour Bridge closures costing millions, economist estimates
Auckland’s Harbour Bridge has limited traffic due to strong winds, causing delays and extra costs. On Monday, the bridge operated with only two lanes open in each direction and speed limits were enforced. When winds reach 90 km/h, speed restrictions apply, and if gusts hit 110 km/h, the bridge may close completely. This forces drivers […]
Calls for regulation on short-stay rentals as Waiheke Island faces housing crisis
Waiheke Island is facing a housing crisis. Many homeowners are renting their houses to tourists instead of long-term residents. This has led to a high rate of homelessness on the island, which has a small population. Although many homes are available, over a third are unoccupied, causing problems for local people looking for affordable housing. […]
Patient faces 14 hour roundtrip to doctor as Kaitāia’s GP shortage bites
Kaitāia residents are struggling to find doctors due to a shortage of GPs. Many have to travel long distances, even to Auckland or Tokoroa, to see a physician. Local clinics stopped taking new patients years ago, leaving newcomers to remain with their doctors in other towns. Tangipo Ryder, who moved back to Hihi near Kaitāia, […]
Why can I not stop using Facebook Marketplace?
Time to Slow Down on Shopping? I didn’t realize when I got my new TV cabinet that it would start a shopping problem. The Facebook Marketplace ad said “Classic 1970s,” and I went out of my way to get it. It was beautiful! Next, I bought a wooden table and a baby gate for my […]
Hauraki Gulf’s economic value at threat from invasive seaweed
The Hauraki Gulf is worth $5 billion a year, according to a report from the NZ Institute of Economic Research. This report was created for Auckland Council’s Hauraki Gulf Forum. Most of the $5 billion comes from recreation, which is valued at $2.49 billion, and shipping, valued at $1.34 billion. The gulf also adds $526 […]
Heat goes on power regulator as prices spike
Prices for electricity have risen sharply this winter. The Electricity Authority (EA) is facing criticism for rising wholesale power prices. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones called the EA ineffective in regulating power companies, known as gentailers. He compared the EA to a “chocolate teapot,” saying it can’t manage the gentailers’ high prices. Energy Minister Simeon […]
The Week in Politics: Sir John Key – still a powerful presence
Former Prime Minister Sir John Key made a strong impression at the National Party’s annual conference in Auckland. His achievements during his three terms in office highlighted how the party’s current support is lower than during his leadership. National Party’s current leader, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has struggled to raise poll numbers above 40%. Key […]
Should coffee cost $7?
New Zealand’s coffee prices are rising due to several factors. Coffee beans cost more because of a weak New Zealand dollar, higher shipping costs, and increased business costs. One coffee roaster believes that if coffee prices had kept pace with cafe costs, a flat white would now cost $7 instead of the usual $5. Over […]
Council boss trumpets savings after massive staff restructure
The head of the New Plymouth District Council, Gareth Green, shared the savings from a year-long staff restructuring. Initially, the council aimed to save $20 million each year, but now they expect to save $10 million. Since the restructuring began, they have reduced staff positions from 750 to 677, cutting $7 million from the budget. […]
How Wellington house prices stack up against the other cities
Property values in the Wellington region have dropped about 20% since their peak after Covid. According to Corelogic’s Home Value Index, the median house value in Wellington is now $837,425. Wellington City saw the largest quarterly drop at 3.2%, followed by Porirua at 2.7%, Lower Hutt at 2.5%, and Kāpiti Coast at 2.2%. Upper Hutt […]