this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read There are no plans to manage the retreat of flood-prone Kumeū in northwest Auckland by relocating it the Kumeū River does need to be proactively maintained rather than reactively maintained The council said a second shopping centre was planned to cope with future growth Auckland Council concluded an upstream dam or a drainage tunnel bored from the river across to the Waitematā Harbour both costing hundreds of millions of dollars Locals suggested the council was missing a vital and cost-effective solution by not keeping the river clear of dead trees the legacy Rodney District Council would regularly carry out work along the Kumeū River removing materials that could potentially cause blockages and increase the risk of flooding that proactive work had stopped and been replaced by a policy of reactive maintenance work which they said was often too little According to industrial landowners with businesses along the river edge as well as the affected residential land owners the lack of river maintenance is resulting in the unwanted build-up of debris restricting water flow during high rainfall events The restricted areas acted like “giant plugs” backing up the water and eventually spilling over stop banks and flooding the low-lying land The strong feeling from the meeting was that if the river was better maintained this would help protect the town from flooding I promised those attending I would “go in to bat for them” with Auckland Council to get the proactive maintenance programme reinstated asking if the new maintenance work could be tendered locally rather than automatically given to a council preferred supplier giving the town greater transparency over the work being done and allowing them to use local knowledge to better pinpoint the “real work” needed The positive outcome has been that the council has listened This is a great win for the flood-prone property owners along the Kumeū River Auckland Council has positively stated it will tender out a new proactive maintenance contract this year exclusively to local contractors as a pilot scheme for Kumeū Not only will the river be proactively maintained but the work will be carried out by a local contracting firm If the trial is successful for Kumeū the same concept may be able to be rolled out to other areas of Auckland It is impossible to stop flooding occurring during extreme weather events especially if rainfall is more than 100mm within a seven-hour period the council is still obligated to keep the town’s flood plain maps updated to show what properties will flood in an extreme rain event These maps show the worst-case scenario of 200mm falling within a seven-hour period — and this amount of rainfall will be very rare insurance companies do not seem to be willing to acknowledge this rarity when assessing the insurability of properties Most importantly it means the town will be safer from flooding banks and insurance companies will be able to tangibly see an improvement in the river’s maintenance local landowners and investors will hopefully have an improved feeling of optimism about Kumeū and Huapai’s future most recently in the three significant storm events in 2021 and 2023 where numerous homes and businesses were flooded These events increased the urgency to find ways to reduce the flooding in Kumeū and Huapai and to understand how much each option would cost and how much risk they would reduce The Kumeū and Huapai catchment is over 6,000 hectares with a large portion of the township located in the floodplain which makes reducing flood risk challenging Auckland Council has been thoroughly investigating different options to try to find a way to reduce the flooding in Kumeū and Huapai Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience department investigated to see if there was an infrastructure solution to reduce flooding impacts for the community Several options were investigated including extending the existing floodway diversion of the Kumeū river and building a detention pond it was found that these interventions would not be able to drop the flood water level enough and do not reduce the flood risk for enough properties to make the possible solutions feasible we built interventions into the Auckland Unitary Plan so anyone applying to build in an area at risk of flooding needs to prove that the risks will be avoided or managed well enough to not impact people or property This means any properties built since then will be more resilient to flooding and will not increase the flood risk to neighbouring properties we are now looking to strengthen these rules even further This relies on a change to the law – specifically the Resource Management Act - that the government is looking to make that will enable the council to strengthen the rules it has to manage building in areas with a flood risk,” he says Under the Town Centre Plan for Kumeū-Huapai it was proposed to expand the existing town centre – as long as there was a viable flood management solution As the Healthy Waters investigation work could not identify a viable solution There is land that would be suitable for housing and another centre to the west of Kumeū-Huapai town centre this area needs to be supported by significant transport so it is a long-term plan that is unlikely to see any development in this area for at least 25 years the council will continue to work to find the best long-term solutions for Kumeū-Huapai © Auckland Council 2025 All rights reserved For more information on what data is contained in the cookies please click the 'Find out more on the Auckland Council website' button Sign up for our e-newsletter and be the first to know about exciting events and news A proposal to shift Kumeū's town centre over a number of years was revealed to the community by the Auckland Council on Monday night The Kumeū and Huapai area has a repeated history of flooding - and while infrastructure proposals were also put forward community leaders are advocating for the shift Ward councillor Greg Sayer told Morning Report the northwest Auckland township was very concerned "There was about 200 people at the meeting last night very concerned property owners both in terms of their land values and their properties flooding more and more as the years go past as we get heavier rain fall The Auckland council was sent away to investigate how the flooding could be prevented At the meeting on Monday night they presented their options - drilling a tunnel "What they reported - probably to the disappointment to the crowd there last night - was that none of the solutions reported last night would drop the flood level by over a metre which is required to actually stop that flooding." He said it would effect mainly the people in the town centre "so we are talking a few hundred properties." "The council also presented what they could do that included putting in an early warning system so people have about four hours warning so they can get out of their houses and deal with flooding in advance "They also talked about creating stronger rules to prevent consenting houses to be built in the flood zone "They also talked about a plan to move the town centre from that low lying flood area which historically is just where the town centre has built up over many many years to higher ground on the otherside of the railway station He said insurance was also a significant issue "People are under extreme financial stress not only by seeing their property values drop but also the inability to get insurance "This won't be an overnight fix - to move a whole towncentre is going to take decades." He said he believed the council would begin by not allowing new businesses to build or open in the current town centre Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday People scrambled to save what they could as "massive amounts" of floodwater hit parts of West Auckland The weather has eased across Northland after a night of heavy rain that led to power outages and school closures The country is scrambling to deal with flood rescues in the face of growing threats fuelled by climate change crops have been destroyed and culverts and valuable feed have been washed away due to the heavy rainfall New Zealand RSS Follow RNZ News My Vaccine Pass requirements have not been set for this event RodneySet Sale Date522130m²6.82haDeceased estate - 6.82ha golden opportunityLand bankers growers and/or opportunists cannot discount this golden 6.82 hectare (more or less) opportunity which the Executor must sell to finalise the Estate near Auckland’s growing suburban fringe and close to all amenities A dated three-bedroom Lockwood home can either be upgraded and utilised permanently or whilst developing your personalised own new home and afterwards Multiple sheds including one with unconsented two-bedroom accommodation will suit most purposes Previously an Alpaca farm the easy contoured land suits grazing and there is a bore to supply extra water A very generous road frontage is an added bonus if considering other entrances and/or for future development should it become possible Rarely is a land parcel of this size available in this desirable neighbourhood and with beaches cafes and restaurants all close by here is an opportunity to change your lifestyle without losing convenience to amenities The Executors instructions are clear - “ignore the CV sell the property ‘as-is’ now” based on a borrower’s individual credit assessment.Canstar's Most Awarded Personal LoanGet a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started Julie Sheppard joined the Decanter team in 2018 and is Regional Editor for Australia New Zealand and South Africa & Spirits Editor she worked for a range of drinks and food titles including as managing editor of both Imbibe and Square Meal associate publisher of The Drinks Business senior editor of the Octopus Publishing Group and Supplements editor of Harpers Wine & Spirit she has over 20 years\u2019 experience writing about food drink and travel for a wide range of publications Time Out and national newspapers including The Telegraph and The Sunday Times Kumeu River Winery is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s winemaking legacy. It stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of the Brajkovich family, beginning with the migration of Mick and Kate Brajkovich from Croatia to New Zealand in 1907 Settling initially to dig kauri gum in the small settlement of Kumeu the Brajkovichs transitioned to viticulture in 1944 Their purchase of a small vineyard estate would lay the foundation for one of the world’s most celebrated Chardonnay producers “There is no cavalry coming to save the town,” said Rodney Local Board member Guy Wishart who lost his Kumeū home to the 2023 floods and moved to Helensville He is referring to a report by the council’s stormwater division, Healthy Waters which looked at flood risk solutions last year and concluded there is no viable or cost-effective solution for Kumeū-Huapai The only potentially viable solution was a $163 million large dam upstream from the township causing significant damage and risk to life The report will be presented at a public meeting in Kumeū tonight “The Kumeū-Huapai community has been significantly impacted by the trauma of repeated flood events .. the community is concerned and is looking for answers and some certainty for the future,” the report said Sayers said there is no alternative now but to look at a managed retreat relocate the town centre to an appropriate location and the council not to consent buildings in flood zones “We could be looking at decades [to relocate the township] but a decision should be made sooner rather than later “I feel sorry for people who cannot get insurance and tenants Financial and mental health issues are taking a toll on people,” he said Wishart said if Healthy Waters believes capital works to protect the township are not viable plans to move to non-flooding land must begin now He said there are about 100 businesses on the flood plain where the 2021 and 2023 floods peaked at 800mm with higher levels closer to the Kumeū River this will weaken the viability of most businesses over time “Central Kumeū’s residential area has been raised to tolerate up to about 250-300mm flood events and they have an advantage over all the businesses at the original ground level.” Wishart said an earlier Kumeū-Huapai Centre Plan that envisaged commercial and residential properties looking more to the river was deeply flawed and would have required raising the town by several metres Planner Pete Sinton is a member of Future Kumeū who have gone to the Environment Court to oppose a rapid transit corridor through the town Future Kumeū has proposed a concept plan shifting the town centre to higher ground further north of Huapai on State Highway 16 where about 6500 homes and 20,000 new residents are proposed Sinton said the Healthy Waters report is a “tipping point” and gives Future Kumeū all the ammunition to prove its case to move commercial and industrial businesses to a flood-free area “There has to be a long-term solution that is flood-free and allows for growth,” he said There are no estimates yet for what the proposal could cost The Herald is seeking comment from the council 'It did not involve a visit to Wairoa, that we are aware of.' Rodney$1,865,0003264,596m²Easy Country Living in KumeuThis peaceful and picturesque one-acre property enjoys all the benefits of country living It's also conveniently located just a five-minute drive from the heart of Kumeu The modern brick and tile residence was a copy of one of GJ Gardner's show homes that the owners further elevated with a series of bespoke design touches Interiors are incredibly spacious and well-proportioned with the light-filled floorplan sprawling out over one easy and accessible level The expansive living and dining space is open plan with the well-equipped entertainer's kitchen the hub of the home built-in cabinetry and an oversized scullery The formal lounge is a cosy evening retreat or ideal second living space for the kids with the covered patio overlooking the heated inground swimming pool complex Stunning gardens are a haven for native birds and have been meticulously and lovingly planted from the ground up the soil is of excellent quality and a thriving orchard is filled with pear Two bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom while the master retreat has a walk-in robe and generous ensuite Three heat pumps throughout provide all-year-round comfort and solar panels on the roof ensure energy efficiency there is ample secure parking space for additional vehicles Two garden sheds offer good storage space and there's room on the front lawn for an even bigger shed The ultimate Country Living with City convenience Auckland Americana country blues act The DeSotos are delighted to be performing at Kumeu Live on Saturday 12 April their first show there since 2021.The DeSotos’ debut album Cross Your Heart became the soundtrack to the Marcus Lush TVNZ series ‘South’ and was selected as National Radio’s New Zealand album of that year.The band’s sophomore album ‘Your Highway for Tonight’ followed in 2011 and featured on the subsequent ‘North’ TV show and their music has also appeared in Brokenwood Mysteries.Lead vocalist and guitarist Paul Gurney has since produced two solo albums - ‘Shadow of Love’ (2017) and 2022’s ‘Blue Horizon’ which received extensive airplay on US radio and led to Paul performing a showcase at Americanafest in Nashville in September of 2023.During 2024 the band were at the Lab Recording Studio working on a brand new album and these songs were taken out on tour last November The full length album will be released later in 2025.The DeSotos are a tight and dynamic live act with strong vocals and melodic songwriting In late 2023 they gained the services of American drummer Greg Tell and toured with her and Marcia Hines extensively while living in Australia.Their influences range from Neil Young and Tom Petty through to the Allman Brothers Band and New Orleans jazz and funk.The DeSotos lineup is;Paul Gurney – lead vocals guitars & blues harpStuart McIntyre – bass & vocalsRon Stevens – Hammond keyboards & vocalsGreg Tell – drums & percussionwww.facebook.com/thedesotospaulgurneymusic.comBYO venue Plumber Darryl McDonald says the Kumeū River should be cleaned properly before considering moving the township A Kumeū plumber of over 50 years says the fundamental problem with the town’s long history of flooding is a lack of maintenance of the Kumeū River in northwest Auckland Darryl McDonald said a substantial cleaning of the river should be done so the water can flow through it “I can’t recall the last time I saw any work done on the Kumeū River from Waitakere through to Waimauku, let alone from Waimauku out to the Kaipara. The flow is restrictive, the water can’t get away. You get a substantial downpour and it’s got nowhere to go and comes down the main road and floods all the buildings,” he said McDonald said his business on the main road has flooded three times - “it’s not pretty” - saying clearing the river of debris is an option that should be tried The plumber said he was not against moving the low-lying town centre but said that would be a “pretty drastic measure” without properly cleaning the river first head of sustainable partnerships for the council’s stormwater division Healthy Waters said the council does not “clean” or “clear” streams but do things like remove critical blockages “We take the management and maintenance of waterways seriously,” said Mansell saying the council does not have the resources to proactively manage 17,000km of streams “We don’t believe stream clearance would have a significant impact on the level of flooding that occurred in 2021 or 2023 While good stream maintenance will optimise stormwater conveyance in smaller storms in a large flood event it will make little difference,” said Mansell He said the last inspection of the Kumeū River was done in December the next inspection is planned for March/April this year and extensive scrub and critical blockage clearance was done in 2024 along sections of the river More than 200 people packed into the Kumeū Community Centre on Monday night to discuss a report by Healthy Waters that found no viable or cost-effective solution to the town’s flooding problems The report found only one potentially viable solution - a $163 million large dam upstream from the township “would have catastrophic impacts” causing significant damage and risk to life The other two options were a $573m 70m wide and a $295m 1.9km tunnel to divert water upstream of Kumeū village to Waitematā Harbour Rodney councillor Greg Sayers said council officers presented flood-risk solutions talked about stronger consenting rules for building on flood plains like an early warning system to give people four hours' warning of a flood He believes there is no alternative now but to look at a managed retreat and relocate the town centre to an appropriate location It was disappointing news for them that the council can’t build an infrastructure solution to stop the town from flooding,” Sayers said the council’s planning general manager of planning told the Herald that Healthy Waters' solutions would not be able to drop the flood water level enough and reduce the flood risk for enough properties to make them feasible saying the council is looking to strengthen rules for building in flood plains Kumeū-Huapai has a history of flooding stretching back to 1926 when the Kumeū Post Office flooded to a depth of 1.2m Since then there have been five notable floods and more recently floods in August 2021 and two floods in 2023 John Francis, who owns Kumeū Garden Hub and Carriages Cafe, also wants to see Kumeū River cleaned properly and two culverts under the main road enlarged to reduce the risk of severe flooding The Carriages Cafe was flooded during the 2023 storms and repaired after an insurance payout but Francis said he has been unable to lease it because it is in the path of a proposed rapid transit corridor who have gone to the Environment Court to oppose the rapid transit corridor through the town Future Kumeū is also opposed to the Kumeū Central Centre Plan which envisages commercial and residential properties facing the river shifting the town centre to higher ground further north of Huapai on SH16 where about 6500 homes and 20,000 new residents are planned “The Future Kumeū plan includes a park and ride That is what the community wants,” said Francis He said Supporting Growth - a collaboration between Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency - has drawn up the riverside town proposal with virtually no consultation and ignored community concerns about flooding Duguid said because there is no viable option for flood management Duguid said the council no longer supports the Town Centre Plan for Kumeū-Huapai The council has identified land for housing and another centre to the west of the existing Kumeū-Huapai town centre we are clearing the stream more often to help water flow better during smaller storms We are also testing new tools like a river-level alert system that will be piloted with community involvement in the coming months,” he said who owns two blocks of land in the Kumeū flood plain and runs a building relocation business also believes the Kumeū Central Centre Plan is wrong and needs rethinking and is opposed to the route of the rapid transit corridor we want that rapid transit corridor very much “If Future Kumeū can eliminate the rapid transit plan through the main street of Kumeū it opens the books for future sensible planning on the development of the Northwest “A brilliant outcome would be to see a bit of a pause on development plans and private partnership plans put on ice to allow a rational outcome,” said Walker He said things are getting to a tipping point with Healthy Waters drawing a line in the sand over no viable or cost-effective solution which allows council planners to rethink plans for the town Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. Rodney$3,995,00054112.52haPOMONA VILLASUBDIVISION POTENTIAL & BEAUTIFUL LAND Nestled on 2.52 hectares of gently rolling land Pomona Villa is a seamless blend of heritage charm & modern luxury this elegant villa was relocated 25 years ago & offers space A tree-lined driveway leads to beautifully landscaped grounds where established specimen trees showcase vibrant seasonal colours blonded timber floors & soaring ceilings enhance its timeless appeal while modern updates blend effortlessly with its character The open-plan layout features four spacious bedrooms & two luxurious bathrooms experience a private retreat with stunning sunsets creates a perfect oasis for relaxation & entertaining and a charming Airbnb-ready caravan with an outhouse add flexibility this property offers subdivision potential (subject to council consent) with the proposed bypass commuting will be effortless - A lime rock driveway with turning circle Pomona Villa offers the best of country living with city convenience - Kumeu wineries to sample award-winning wines & enjoy lunch with friends - Riverhead Forest with scenic hiking trails - Woodhill Forest provides something for all with a Mountain Bike Park thrilling trails for all levels plus a new world-class course under development Contact us today to experience Pomona Villa for yourself Seventy firefighters have battled a massive fire at a battery recycling plant overnight in Kumeū. Fire and Emergency said they were called to the scene on Main Rd in Kumeū around 10.05pm last night. They responded with eight fire trucks and two aerial appliances and had 70 firefighters battling the blaze at its peak. “It’s about 50m by 10m in size,” a Fenz spokesperson said. Assistant Commander Shaun Pilgrim said the fire was well-established upon arrival. He said they immediately called for back up from over a dozen fire stations across Auckland. He said the back of the building had been “virtually destroyed” by the fire. Although the fire was contained around midnight, crews remained on standby overnight. A local told the Herald they were “absolutely gutted” for the owners. “It’s been an absolute hell for them; they have had two major floods over the past few years and have finally rebuilt, and now it’s gone. “I understand insurance was quite difficult for them to get, it’s been a battle.” Katie Oliver is a Christchurch-based Multimedia Journalist and breaking news reporter. RodneyPrice by Negotiation536262m²9,385m²More Than a Home - A Whole SetupIf your dream home involves sipping morning coffee on a lavender-lined wraparound porch or cannonballing into a heated pool - this one's got your name on it Set back behind electric gates on expansive grounds this lifestyle haven on 9385sqm feels like a secret garden cleverly split across two wings - ideal for families -Three bathrooms (including a private ensuite) plus a separate toilet - never a morning queue -Large living space with timber floors and a roaring fireplace for rainy days and winter evenings -Modern country kitchen with an epic gas stove and oversized island - the hub of the home -Dining area flows out to the massive plantation style porch speakers and even a playground under construction -Double garage + 4 off-street parks for all the gear (and guests) -Two frangipani trees and gardens that feel like they've been here forever -Two 40ft shipping containers and a 12x10m shed - storage this property gives you that elusive blend of countryside calm with urban convenience west and east coast beaches all within easy reach and enough fruit to stock your own stall - this isn't just a house bring your buyers - we offer conjunctional from day one Property document: https://www.agentsend.com/LRED Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read. Melba Brajkovich with her children Milan, Marijana, Michael and Paul, the third generation to run Kumeu River winery. Photo / Michael Craig Eighty years ago Mick and Kate Brajkovich joined other Dalmatian immigrants in west Auckland’s Kumeū, planting grapes and making wine. Jane Phare visits the Kumeu River vineyard to talk to the third generation of the Brajkovich family about their world-class chardonnay. This was Dally (Dalmatian) country, where the majority of the vineyards in Kumeū and Henderson – well over 60 – were owned and run by Croatian families who had emigrated from Europe, bringing with them the skills of growing grapes and making wine. They were names that would become familiar with Kiwi wine drinkers – Selaks, Nobilo, Soljans, Delegat, Fistonich (Villa Maria), Yukich (Montana Wines) and Brajkovich. Dalmatian immigrants Mick and Kate Brajkovich arrived in New Zealand in 1937 with their 12-year-old son Mate and, seven years later, bought farmland 25km northwest of Auckland city on which to plant grapevines. Growing grapes and making wine were things they knew about from the old country. Mate married Croatian immigrant Melba Sutich in 1958, and together they ran the vineyard, then called San Marino. Their four children, Michael, Marijana, Milan and Paul helped in the winery at the weekends, picking grapes, labelling on the bottling line, and selling wine to visiting Aucklanders. Renamed Kumeu River in 1986, it’s now one of the last surviving wineries out west. When Mate Brajkovich died in 1992, aged 65, Melba took over running the vineyard with the help of her three sons, later joined by Marijana. Now the Brajkovich siblings run a multimillion-dollar wine-producing business together. Michael is the winemaker, Milan is the viticulturist and engineer, Marijana, is in charge of finance and marketing, and Paul is in marketing and sales. Melba, 87, is sitting in the sun in the Kumeu River courtyard when the Herald visits. Behind her, one of the gardeners is dead-heading a prolific rose bush in park-like grounds studded with towering trees by the Kumeū River. She still lives in the house built by her late husband Mate Brajkovich 65 years ago, a home designed by the late architect Stephen Jelicich, who co-founded JASMaD Group, now Jasmax. Back then she was a 21-year-old bride who loved dancing at the Dally Club in town in the late 50s. She and her husband grew grapes on what was then a farm, and planted vast plots of strawberries, bringing in relatives from Croatia to help during picking season. An unsealed road ran past the vineyard, and cars were so rare workers looked up as one passed. Now State Highway 16 rumbles past the house that Mate built, a four-lane annoyance that divides the vineyard in two. We zoom across in cars to inspect Mate’s Vineyard and Hunting Hill’s rows of chardonnay vines on the other side – safer than running across, Michael Brajkovich says. As he and brother Milan stroll through the rows of vines they remark on the encouraging fruit set beneath the leaves. With a bit of luck, it looks like it will be an abundant season for the grapes. At the end of each row, yellow Serendipity rose bushes in full bloom provide splashes of gold as cars speed past. The vineyards still produce a little pinot gris and pinot noir but it’s the Kumeu River chardonnays that are attracting international attention from wine buffs, critics and collectors. Of the 250,000 bottles produced annually, 80% are chardonnay. That includes 120,000 bottles of the entry-level Kumeu River Village Chardonnay and between 72,000 and 108,000 bottles of the Estate Chardonnay. One international wine critic wrote: “... the quality gap between their Kumeu River Village Chardonnay and the Single Vineyards is much narrower than the difference in price suggests.” Mate’s Vineyard sells for more than $100 a bottle with Hunting Hill and Coddington chardonnays close behind, pricy by New Zealand standards but not against other premium brands. Paul Brajkovich: “You can either buy a bottle of Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard at $100 a bottle or you can buy some premier cru or grand cru Burgundy at anywhere between $200 to $1000.” The world, it seems, can’t get enough of the brand, or the chardonnay. Thirty years ago, between 5% and 10% of the Kumeu River range was exported; now 70% is sold to more than 20 countries, mainly the UK, Australia, the US, Denmark and the Netherlands. Ten to 15 years ago, allocations of Kumeu River wines to overseas markets were a bit of a “juggling act” to make sure everything was sold, Brajkovich says. That’s changed in the past five to six years. “Every overseas customer has said ‘yep, we’ll take it all. And if you have any more we’ll take that too. Export has been a very strong growth for us.” Stephen Browett, a co-owner of UK wholesale merchants Farr Vintners which turns over $186 million a year selling some of the world’s finest wines, has a favourite trick, Brajkovich says. He serves Kumeu River chardonnay in blind tastings, fooling tasters into thinking they are drinking a premier chardonnay from one of the top Burgundy producers in France. “Many of them are surprised to find it is in fact a lovely little wine from Kumeū in New Zealand.” In charge of making sure that lovely little wine meets international standards is winemaker Michael Brajkovich who decided as a young teenager he would follow in his father’s footsteps. Consequently, he studied the sciences at school, and French so he could talk to top French winemakers. He attended Roseworthy Agriculture College in Adelaide, leaving as dux in 1981 and joined the family business the following year. Brajkovich, who became New Zealand’s first Master of Wine in 1989, soon realised that the Kiwi knack of adapting quickly was the key to success. Acknowledged as an industry leader, he was an early adopter of the screw top, arguing that it protected the quality of the wine better than cork. One aspect he won’t change, though, is how the grapes are picked. The fruit is still harvested and sorted by hand in all the vineyards to ensure top quality. Brajkovich was initially intent on producing a top Merlot from the vineyard but Auckland’s weather patterns soon changed his mind. “We thought that variety (a Merlot) would be very good in this area and it is to a degree.” But the success was one year out of three or four, whereas chardonnay planted around the same time produced more consistent quality, he says. “So when it came to replanting vineyards it made sense to plant more chardonnay.” Since then the vineyard’s premier chardonnays have built up a following from wine collectors and drinkers overseas, benefiting from an increased demand for fine wine. “Around the world, there is more interest in luxury wines. People are probably drinking less but deciding to drink better,” Brajkovich says. “White Burgundy, made from the chardonnay grape, has never been more popular and the prices keep going up. Our wines correspond with that style of wine.” As the prices of white Burgundy keep increasing, those who enjoy that wine are looking for better value, he says. The family has weathered recessions, extreme weather events that flooded the vineyards and the creeping inevitability of urban sprawl. The expanding northwestern motorway and land zoning changes meant vineyards, farms and hothouses gradually disappeared as the land became more valuable for housing. The four Brajkovich siblings, watching vineyards sold to land bankers and developers, and new subdivisions creep closer, vowed they were not going anywhere. The family own 40ha in Kumeū, 30ha of which are planted in vines, and they lease another 10ha of vineyards in the Kumeū, Huapai and Waimauku areas. The two main wineries, Mate’s Vineyard named after their father, and Hunting Hill, are mostly zoned rural general. However, their land and vineyards on Waitākere Rd is now rural residential, meaning it can be subdivided into 2ha blocks. One of the labels produced from a leased Waimauku vineyard, Coddington, may disappear if the land is sold. As a result of the need to futureproof, the family expanded into Hawke’s Bay in 2017, buying 25ha of vineyard land from Trinity Hill. Now known as Rays Road, the vineyard is gradually being transplanted from sauvignon blanc to chardonnay varieties. The conversation turns to succession and what the fourth generation will do. The four Brajkovich siblings have nine children between them, aged from 21 to 32, who have worked in the winery during school holidays when they were younger. Now they’re pursuing their own careers although Marijana’s son Scott, 29, is interested in coming back into the business. Paul Brajkovich is confident that Kumeu River will survive the encroachment of civilisation because the land provides them with a lucrative return – top-quality wine that sells for premium prices. “We’re producing terrifically good wine from the sites and getting decent value for them. And of course, as the vineyards get older they get better.” Jane Phare is a senior Auckland-based business, features and investigations journalist, former assistant editor of NZ Herald and former editor of the Weekend Herald and Viva. Retail NZ members reported more than 140,000 crime incidents in 2023-2024. RodneyPrice By Negotiation42227m²649m²A breath of fresh air!Meander along one of Kumeu's prettiest streets to discover a magnificent home that will truly surprise and delight cross the threshold and enjoy the relief of having discovered 'the one' this immaculately presented and beautifully styled home boasts a refreshingly large 227sqm contemporary floorplan on a huge 649sqm freehold site to ensure comfortable accommodation for the entire family with ease Feel the stress of the day melt away as you survey the generous open plan kitchen dining and family living spaces - with an adjoining study nook and spacious high stud ceilings The separate media room/formal lounge means kids can have their own space while still staying connected to the family - or ample room for family Netflix nights sun-drenched outdoor flow to a covered outdoor living area: A high quality pergola and floor tile system means you can be reassured of spacious weatherproof entertaining - whether it's 2 or 20 guests Keep ticking those boxes with four good sized double rooms and 2 modern bathrooms (including ensuite) and the all important master bedroom also enjoying its own north facing outdoor flow to a tiled patio Little ones and pets can roam safely on the lush lawns surrounded by mature landscaped gardens - compete with raised vege garden beds and a greenhouse for the green fingered types Life gets easy with a double internal-access garage loads of cupboard storage as well as a spacious separate laundry/utilities room - this really is a home designed and crafted to meet even the most discerning of wish lists and requirements Vendors have committed to meeting the market with plans firmly in place for their next move - their instructions are clear PRESENT ALL OFFERS RodneyAsking Price $1,130,000311110m²5,598m²An exciting opportunity awaitsStep into a time capsule this cherished property has been home to the same owner for 65 years While the house itself isn’t exactly a "show pony," the manicured gardens and over 5,500sqm (more or less) of prized Kumeu land will have your imagination running wild with possibilities build your dream residence in the paddock above one thing is certain: this property will be sold in just four weeks Everyone will agree this is a manageable lifestyle block just waiting to welcome its next generation of owners or call Chris today - viewings by appointment They had landed in New Zealand in 1937 and worked on smallholdings and local vineyards until they saved enough money to buy their own property It became one of the first to establish Chardonnay and Pinotage Melba helped to continue the growth of the business (until retiring to the Cellar Door in recent years) together with eldest son Michael (winemaking) Paul (marketing) and sister Marijana (sales & marketing) and not forgetting the cellarmaster Nigel Tibbits Jancis Robinson OBE MW at the 30 year landmark tasting with Paul Brajkovich It was not until 1986 that the Kumeu River name was established; Michael had over the previous few years been evolving a new range of vines and wanted to develop a Burgundian style of Chardonnay in New Zealand In 2015 Stephen Browett of Farr Vintners organised a benchmark blind tasting of the Kumeu Single Vineyard Chardonnays and Estate against the best Premier Cru wines from Burgundy and the Kumeu range was undefeated Fast forward the clock to September 2024 and a select group of acclaimed tasters were given an unique chance by New Generation Wines to try 30 Kumeu River Chardonnays back to 2002 There were four flights with two vintages in each flight Here are Roger Jones’s notes from the tasting Jones also continued his marathon tasting over lunch with Paul Brajkovich where they tried the most recent 2023 release There are three Single Vineyard Kumeu River Chardonnays produced: Mate’s together with an Estate and a Village Chardonnay All Kumeu wines have been enclosed by Stelvin (screw cap) since 2001 having had huge issues with cork taint previously I appreciate that many people (especially our friends across the Channel) do not want wine comparisons between Old and New World but here we go; In lay terms the Coddington reflects Meursault Hunting Hill Puligny and Mate’s a Grand Cru Burgundy such as Montrachet which delivers pretty much perfect ‘fine Burgundy’ especially with age and the Village Chardonnay is a dream value-for-money class act evolves on the palate giving tropical notes 2020 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay guava and stone fruit mingle with spice and some herbaceous notes chalky and creamy on the long extensive finish with clean butterscotch notes uplifted with fine refreshing acidity fresh vibrancy on the mid-palate this will age well clean finish with hints of guava and pink grapefruit focused with layers and layers of outstanding stone fruit 2019 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay Love the nose on this… focused mineral on the mid-palate with clean straight purity Depth in this Estate vintage is lovely with a great full flavour of stone fruit – not over ripe just well balanced – with that perfect acidity which leaves a brooding mineral and chalky mid-palate; the purity of the fruit and white nuts bring the wine together purity on the finish is pretty perfect with a hint of grip and tension some caramelised pineapple juices giving it true excellence 2014 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay Holding on to my stocks of this superlative 2014 layers of classy white stone fruit with some hazelnuts The freshness and ease to drink is just outstanding fresh citrus; the toasty notes are lovely and attractive Medley of lovely fruits linger on the finish Peaches and Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream with nectarine syrup 2013 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay Well balanced with lots of aromatic stone fruit with fresh and rich fruit to the fore Evolves on the palate and in the glass – pretty seamless on the palate it’s a joyful mixture of stone fruit and nutty notes with pineapple chunks I love the focus and purity and grip at end creamy and concentration working in harmony Very rare with less than two cases left at the estate 2010 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay A touch closed on first taste – still fresh but not oozing with fruit – a bit more of a refined style juicy ripe full mid-palate with that bright acidity and citrus carrying the wine well – fresh and focused the toasty white almonds give it depth and character creamy and textured with an elegant restrained feel 2007 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay melon and paw paw combine with ripe stone fruit 2004 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay luxurious stone fruit reveal themselves with a creamy texture 2002 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay Two sample trials of wines from 2002 placed under cork closure were shown after the main tasting with Paul Brajkovich and top New Zealand restaurateur Mel Brown of The Brixton Laundry Kumeu River Cremant NV Blanc de Blancs (disgorged July 2024 This is a classy sparkling Chardonnay delivering flavour not fizz and is great value This wine is the perfect balance between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay delivers pretty much everything you want from a modern clean New World Chardonnay Barrel fermentation gives it that extra purity and depth Not much more you want from a classic Burgundian style Chardonnay Mel Brown of the Brixton Laundry with Roger Jones There are few vineyards in the world that can be so consistent in quality and offer such a wide breadth of one single grape variety farmed in an area where temperatures never go over 30°C where it is wet and often windy and the frosts are a bugger A true family affair that has established a unique piece in the history of wine globally The 2023 Kumeu River Chardonnays are imported and sold in the UK through New Generation Wines which is a commercial partner of The Buyer. To discover more about them click here The Buyer TVClick below to watch The Buyer's library of online debates, videos and webinars. - A formal lounge/TV room and separate family room/formal dining room - both flooded with natural light - Original features throughout, from timber floors to sash/multi-paned windows - Two garages, plus a huge workshop and loft space - perfect for a studio or extra storage This is a true country home It's cosy, inviting, and full of quirks that reflect its era - ideal for someone who appreciates the character of a bygone time. If you're looking for sleek and modern, this may not be your match. But if you dream of morning light through wooden windows, sprawling lawns, and the stillness of the countryside, this home will feel like it was made for you. Tenants must be comfortable with the age and original features of the home. It's a special property, which has been in the family for over 70yrs - and we're looking for someone special to love it. RodneyPrice by Negotiation422400m²Live Here or Rent It Out!Situated on a quiet street in Huapai's Triangle this home embodies the essence of family living complete with a charming white picket fence you'll be welcomed by high ceilings and a spacious open-plan living and dining area that flows effortlessly onto a large covered outdoor entertainment deck this versatile space makes entertaining a breeze The kitchen has been custom-designed with cooking in mind featuring a generous oversized island bench that serves as a perfect spot for gathering and conversation This home offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms including a master suite with its own ensuite and a supersized walk-in wardrobe The double internal-access garage is a sought-after feature with additional off-street parking available with beautifully manicured grassy areas and space for a trampoline or raised veggie patch at the rear Conveniently located within walking distance to Huapai Primary School and a footbridge connecting the Kumeu/Huapai village shops and bus stops RodneyPrice by negotiation74165.9haMAJESTIC COUNTRY RETREATA Slice of Tuscan Inspiration -MINOR DWELLING -SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL -WATER BORE Nestled on a sprawling 5.8953-hectare parcel of gently contoured countryside with its exquisite blend of Tuscan charm and modern elegance Masterfully extended and remodelled by the renowned House of Nautica in 2009 this home perfectly balances luxurious living and rustic appeal you're greeted by many mature specimen trees that create a park-like atmosphere The primary residence features a stunning chef's kitchen with a Falcon range and open-plan living spaces with grand exposed beams and polished coloured concrete flooring the views of the meadows and expansive grounds captivate creating the perfect environment for hosting guests or simply relaxing in serene comfort The property's rustic barn and large workshop with three-phase power and a three-bay garage add to its impressive functionality and charm A fruitful orchard and ample grazing land further enhance the experience This estate also features a private minor dwelling and a deck overlooking the stunning rural landscape With excellent subdivision potential and the luxury of year-round water from its own water bore this property presents an incredible opportunity for family living or development boast the perfect mix of rustic elegance and modern convenience making it ideal for those seeking a private sanctuary The current owners have lovingly cared for this breathtaking property for over twenty years With easy access to all commuting corridors and conveniently close to the proposed bypass but not close enough to hinder this location holds enormous potential for access and commutes It is also a gateway to the Northwest and offers all recreation Get a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life. With no need for quotes from tradies, we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started. RodneyPrice by Negotiation6410414m²4.23haSubdivisible multi-generational families and/or anyone seeking an outdoor work from home business opportunity must view this exceptionally well located 4.23ha (more or less) blue-chip property •Subdivisible 4ha (more or less) zoned Countryside Living •1.4ha (more or less) of SunGold Kiwifruit •Registered bore and water take allocation •Blue-chip location experiencing significant growth and development immaculate operation has a long-term history of healthy returns Options here are endless and all of them lucrative and secured by the flat parcel of land which can be subdivided into approximately 2-hectare blocks and potentially four 1-hectare blocks with Transferable Titles and subject to Council approval This property is being sold plus GST (if any) Lifestyle Retreat and Soo Much More!Nestled on an expansive 40,469 sqm (approximately 10 acres) of picturesque land 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of space Located in the highly sought-after area of Kumeu being conveniently close to local amenities 4.0 ha) it is a fantastic opportunity for the handyperson to turn this into a fantastic family homestead This property is right in the hub of the long-term future development for Kumeu three of which are doubles and have doors to the outdoors original kitchen and extra-large dining / living room again with doors to the north facing decking grassed area just waiting for a new replacement There are paddocks suitable for grazing and an implement shed midway of the property At the house are more sheds great for vehicles with plenty of room for workshop space this property should be on your list to view Ring for an appointment or visit us at the scheduled open homes Disclaimer: This property is in the Notice of Requirement area Please don't hesitate to contact the agents for further information A Fire and Emergency spokesperson told 1News calls were initially received at about 10pm, and the fire reached a third alarm level calling for additional firefighting crews. Speaking from the scene, Fire and Emergency assistant area commander Shaun Pilgrim said on arrival crews found a "well-established fire" in the rear part of a paint and panel shop next to a battery recycling building. "Couldn't tell you accurately where [the fire] started at this point, but it was around that rear end of the building. "That end of the building has been virtually destroyed by the fire, but the other 90% remains intact," he said. At the height of the fire, nine fire trucks and two aerial appliances with "about 70 personnel" were in attendance. "The fire is contained but we're just double checking there has been limited fire spread between the units," Pilgrim said. One truck remained at the scene to monitor hotspots and a fire investigator was set to arrive later this morning. At the height of the fire, nine fire trucks and two aerial appliances were in attendance. (Source: 1News) Around 70 firefighters have extinguished a large blaze in a building in Auckland's Kumeū which began late last night. Fire and Emergency were called to the commercial building in Kumeū just after 10pm. (Source: 1News) About 70 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze in the rear of the building. (Source: 1News) Blaze at McDonald's in east Auckland treated as suspected arson Counties Manukau CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Michele Gillespie said a scene guard has been in place at the restaurant overnight Crime and Justice Person dies following morning crash on Auckland motorway A person has died following a crash on Auckland's south-western motorway this morning New Zealand 'Wake up call': Businesses warned over lithium battery fires Authorities urge the public to avoid putting lithium batteries in the rubbish or recycling but have also told merchants to "take responsibility for disposal" Explosions heard in 'suspicious' blaze at east Auckland McDonald's Pakuranga Rd was closed in both directions and buildings were being evacuated around the immediate area as a precaution Tree planted as Kyle Whorrall's mother Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei blessed and planted a provided pōhutukawa tree at St Johns Bush in honour of the slain PhD student from the United States New Zealand's most valuable state house cannot be subdivided The almost $4 million villa sits on 619 square metres of land in one of Auckland's sought-after heritage areas Politics National introduces members' bill to ban social media for under 16s 57 mins ago Three in hospital after Christchurch house fire 9:29am US states push for speed-limiting devices on the cars of dangerous drivers 9:20am Ten dead after tourist boats capsize in sudden storm in China 9:07am Qantas confirms new Auckland-Perth flights 8:52am Britain's VE Day parade draws thousands celebrating 80th anniversary 15 mins ago 1Two men's shared name brings years of trouble and a hefty bill to one Person dies following morning crash on Auckland motorway The 'Trump slump' boosts the left in Canada and Oz – but what about NZ? Destiny Church to move out of its South Auckland headquarters Erin Patterson shared love of mushrooms in online group Aziz Al Sa’afin: Australian Labor's comeback a wake-up call for Luxon Two arrested over alleged plot targeting Lady Gaga concert in RioBrazilian police said they thwarted an alleged bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Lady Gaga rocks Copacabana Beach with free concert for over 2 million fansCries of joy rose from the tightly-packed fans who sang and danced shoulder-to-shoulder on the vast stretch of sand. Lorde announces new album name, dateThu, May 1 Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over 2016 armed robberyMon, Apr 28 Chubby Checker, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper join Rock & Roll Hall of FameMon, Apr 28 Lorde releases new single after weeks of cryptic teasesThu, Apr 24 Chubby Checker, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper join Rock & Roll Hall of FameMon Around 70 firefighters have extinguished a large blaze in a building in Auckland's Kumeū which began late last night A Fire and Emergency spokesperson told 1News calls were initially received at about 10pm and the fire reached a third alarm level calling for additional firefighting crews Fire and Emergency assistant area commander Shaun Pilgrim said on arrival crews found a "well-established fire" in the rear part of a paint and panel shop next to a battery recycling building "Couldn't tell you accurately where [the fire] started at this point but it was around that rear end of the building "That end of the building has been virtually destroyed by the fire but the other 90% remains intact," he said nine fire trucks and two aerial appliances with "about 70 personnel" were in attendance "The fire is contained but we're just double checking there has been limited fire spread between the units," Pilgrim said One truck remained at the scene to monitor hotspots and a fire investigator was set to arrive later this morning Police say a fire at a McDonald's restaurant in Pakuranga is being investigated as a suspected arson Emergency services attended the fire on Pakuranga Rd just before 3pm yesterday Large plumes of smoke could be seen and explosions heard at the fast food restaurant which has "sustained significant fire damage as a result" "At this point in time we are treating this fire as a suspected arson "A scene examination is being conducted this morning and police will work alongside a fire investigator," she said Gillespie said part of these inquiries would be working to understand how the fire began She said police would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity prior to the fire Anyone with information was urged to contact police online or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 A person has died following a crash on Auckland's south-western motorway this morning The single vehicle crash was reported to police shortly before 5am the sole occupant of this vehicle died at the scene," a police spokesperson said "Earlier closures of northbound lanes have now lifted and police advise motorists to continue to expect delays as earlier backlogs clear "We appreciate motorists' understanding this morning while emergency services carried out their work." Police said the serious crash unit examined the scene this morning and an investigation was underway into this morning's crash on behalf of the Coroner This is in addition to an earlier crash on Auckland's northern motorway near the Auckland Harbour Bridge Emergency services responded to a two-truck collision on the northern motorway near the Auckland Harbour Bridge shortly after 5am New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said all lanes south on State Highway 1 were open again following this earlier crash with five lanes available on the Harbour Bridge "Allow extra time for delays on the Northern Motorway to slowly ease this morning three lanes going south were now open again between Onewa Rd and the Harbour Bridge," NZTA said A large fire which caused "significant damage" to a McDonald's restaurant in east Auckland this afternoon is now being treated as suspicious Emergency services were notified of the fire at around 3pm on Monday Fire and Emergency NZ said the building was "totally involved" in flames by the time crews arrived and Papatoetoe were in attendance at the blaze "Everyone was out at the time and there are no reports of injuries." FENZ said the fire was being treated as suspicious "A fire investigator is attending to determine cause and origin." Pakuranga Rd was closed for nearly two hours in both directions with road users advised to avoid the area "Investigations into the cause of the fire at the McDonalds are underway," police said told 1News he heard a couple of explosions coming from the restaurant as the blaze began He said he heard "one or two" explosions The restaurant was adjacent to a Z petrol station and 250 metres along the same road from Pakuranga College A staff member at the service station said they had closed their fuel pumps and there was "huge fire and huge smoke" coming from the fire The Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre Courts were also closed this evening due to the blaze Auckland Transport said several bus routes Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown thanked emergency services who had been responding to the incident "Please follow the advice of emergency services A McDonald's spokesperson said the McDonald's restaurant in Pakuranga had "suffered significant damage" in the fire "Procedures were followed to raise the alarm and safely evacuate staff and customers McDonald’s is assisting emergency services as they begin the investigation into the cause of the fire." A pōhutukawa tree has been planted in honour of Kyle Whorrall the US PhD student slain during an attack at an Auckland bus stop last month The 33-year-old was attacked at a bus stop on St Johns Rd in Meadowbank on April 19 friends and colleagues of Whorrall gathered for a vigil on April 24 at the bus stop where he was attacked Whorrall's mother Carole was joined by members of the community and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for the blessing and to plant a pōhutukawa tree in honour of his life The planting ceremony began with a blessing by Otene Reweti from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei "This tree will stand as a memorial to Kyle to come to this special place and remember Kyle and what he has done and what he was looking to do "This tree indicates times to harvest different things in our seasons and also pōhutukawa in terms of the star from Matariki and pleiades So Kyle is one of those that we are reminded again of his tragic passing in this area," said Reweti Carole was flanked by Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and one of Whorrall's flatmates as she shovelled dirt onto the base of the tree She softly commented that she enjoyed gardening as the sun shone down on her in St Johns Bush Others shared a poem or short tribute to Whorrall's life and the tragedy that it was cut short Ōrākei Local Board chairperson Scott Milne said that in times of tragedy it was important to "look at the good stuff" and find moments of connection with one another "We have now forged a relationship across the waters This family will come back to see this tree thrive and out of that tragedy we will find good," he said He told Te Karere the tragedy had "turned our community upside down" "Yet in the matter of a few short weeks the community have come together certainly like nothing I have ever seen before "There is just this deep disappointment and we all feel so privileged to live here He said he hoped over time the grief would "turn to healing" and that Carole would continue to come back and see the tree flourish and grow "People understand they have to talk more to each other watch out for one another and we want to make something of this lovely young man's life by changing our attitude." He said the board had worked hard to build relationships over the past six years "The relationship with Ngāti Whātua is deeply personal and important to this board A 16-year-old youth has been remanded in custody after being charged with his murder and a 32-year-old woman was also charged with being an accessory to murder after the fact Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said the investigation was "by no means over" as police believed "there were other occupants in the vehicle" when Whorrall was attacked He said officers have since seized a black SUV on the North Shore It was being forensically examined by police "Our enquiries are ongoing to locate these persons of interest and I encourage them to do the right thing and come into their nearest police station or phone us." The detective inspector said police were also seeking "critical witnesses" including a white Toyota ute that was cut off by the black SUV doing a U-turn in front of them He said police were still working to fully understand the events leading up to his death The country's most valuable state house sits on a large plot of land that cannot be subdivided because it is in one of Auckland's sought-after heritage areas The state house is a 1900s villa on a leafy street in the inner city suburb of Ponsonby and is worth close to $4 million It is a neighbourhood associated with celebrities from sailors to pop stars — last year Lorde sold her luxury villa next door for $4.3m Auckland Council records show the state house is on 619sq metres of land and is subject to hefty development restrictions because it is in both a special character area and historic heritage area That means the land could not be subdivided and any changes to the villa would need council permission Data from Corelogic shows the five most valuable single dwelling homes in Kāinga Ora's portfolio are all worth more than $3.5m Building projects that would create more than 1000 state homes are on hold while Kāinga Ora reviews its portfolio The agency also intends to sell about 900 homes nationally over the next 12-18 months — currently 49 state homes are on the market — of which 32 are in Auckland The money generated by selling off those properties would then be reinvested in more affordable areas The woman living in the country's most valuable state house last week told RNZ it should be sold in part because she feels increasingly out of place in the upmarket suburb finance and policy Gareth Stiven said none of the five most valuable state homes were for sale or had development plans "Like other high value properties in our portfolio these five homes could be sold further down the track Our current national divestment programme has just begun so assessing homes that will be sold is an ongoing process." All five of the most valuable state homes are in Auckland and all but one could be subdivided according to council planning rules is worth $3.7m and the 4626 square metre land has no significant development constraints is worth $3.5m and is on 2904 square metres of land that could be developed into up to 20 homes could potentially be subdivided into four units Corelogic head of research Nick Goodall earlier said the properties' values were tied up in large plots of land "It shows that you could probably build multiple units on that block of land to get better use and more people living in that area which would be well in demand from people wanting to live there to be closer to town." Goodall believed Kāinga Ora should be considering the future of all five of its most valuable properties "There's probably lots of potential development all across Auckland You would expect that these would be ones that would be on the list to look at." rnz.co.nz We want to protect our kids from the harms of social media. That’s why today National has introduced a members bill to ban social media for kids under 16 years old. pic.twitter.com/TiQJs87DhQ A teenager who admitted being "addicted to speed" behind the wheel had totalled two other cars in the year before he slammed into a minivan at 180km/h in a Seattle suburb killing the driver and three of the five children she was transporting for a homeschool co-op After sentencing Chase Daniel Jones last month to more than 17 years in prison the judge tacked on a novel condition should he drive again: His vehicle must be equipped with a device that prevents accelerating far beyond the speed limit Virginia this year became the first state to agree to give its judges such a tool to deal with the most dangerous drivers on the road already is using it and similar measures await governors' signatures in Washington state and Georgia New York and California also could soon tap the GPS-based technology to help combat a recent national spike in traffic deaths "It's a horror no one should have to experience," said Amy Cohen who founded the victims' advocacy group Families for Safe Streets after her 12-year-old son was killed by a speeding driver in front of their New York home more than a decade ago the minivan driver who was killed when Jones ran a red light was building a backyard greenhouse with her husband to help educate several kids who shuttle between homes during the school day Also killed in the March 2024 crash near Hudson's home in Renton were Boyd "Buster" Brown and Eloise Wilcoxson Hudson's two children were sitting on the passenger side and survived "You always hear of these horrific accidents Smith knew Washington state Representative Mari Leavitt who reached out to offer condolences and tell him she was sponsoring legislation to mandate intelligent speed assistance devices as a condition for habitual speeders to get back their suspended licenses Leavitt predicts it will have an even more powerful impact than revoking driving privileges citing studies showing around three-quarters of people who lose their licenses get behind a wheel anyway the state saw a 200% increase in drivers cited for going at least 80km/h over the speed limit according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission "I guess I don't understand why someone is compelled to want to drive that fast," Leavitt said "But if they choose to drive that fast with the speed limiter It's going to stop them in their tracks." which Washington legislators passed last month and Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson is expected to soon sign using the first letters of the names of the four victims: Buster didn't receive a speeding ticket in his two previous crashes he likely wouldn't have been required to use the speed-limiter ahead of the fatal one And because it could be 2029 before the law takes effect the judge's requirement at sentencing only applies to his time on probation after being released from prison Competing tech companies that joined forces to lobby for ignition interlock requirements for drunken drivers have been working in unison again the last few years to pitch intelligent speed assistance chief government affairs officer at one manufacturer said fleet vehicles including school buses in the nation's capital have been trying it out for years But it took a lot of refinement before the GPS technology could instantly recognize speed limit changes and compel vehicles with the devices installed to adjust accordingly "We've got a lot more satellites in the sky now," said Ken Denton a retired police officer who is the chief compliance officer at Cincinnati-based LifeSafer the devices would prevent cars from exceeding speed limits or whatever threshold regulators set An override button allows speeding in emergencies but states can decide whether to activate it and authorities would be alerted any time the button is pushed which beeps to alert drivers when they are going too fast is required for new cars in the European Union California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar proposal last year explaining vehicle safety requirements are set by the federal government and he was concerned a patchwork of state laws could stir confusion Before Delegate Patrick Hope agreed to sponsor the proposal in the Virginia Legislature he tried out the device in Nannini's car which was calibrated to not go more than 14km/h over the speed limit "That was my first question: Is it safe?" Hope said Hope is now pondering whether to install it on the cars of his three children the price could be hefty: US$4 (NZ$6.70) per day and a US$100 (NZz$167.50) installation fee The fee would be less for low-income offenders which provides support services to the loved ones of crash victims knows firsthand the kind of impact slowing down speeders can make A year after her son was struck and killed in front of their New York apartment the road's speed limit had been lowered "When you are going a few miles slower it's much less likely to be deadly." Four boats capsized in a sudden storm at a tourist spot in southwestern China More than 80 people fell into a river when strong winds hit the scenic area in Guizhou province late Sunday afternoon The boats capsized after a sudden rain and hail storm on the upper reaches of the Wu River a man could be seen performing CPR on another person while one of the vessels drifted upside down Initial reports said two tourist boats had capsized but state media said on Monday that four boats were involved and the seven crew members were able to save themselves Guizhou's mountains and rivers are a major tourism draw and many Chinese were travelling during a five-day national holiday that ended Monday Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts to find the missing and care for the injured the official Xinhua News Agency said on Sunday Xi underscored the importance of strengthening safety at tourist attractions large public venues and residential communities as well as for the rush of people returning at the end of major holidays CCTV said the capsized boats had a maximum capacity of about 40 people each and were not overloaded An eyewitness told state-owned Beijing News the waters were deep but that some people had managed to swim to safety the storm had come suddenly and a thick mist obscured the surface of the river Qantas has announced that direct flights between Perth and Auckland will take off later this year Flights between Auckland and Western Australia's capital would begin in December The airline also added flights between Perth and Johannesburg and Sundays with an approximate flight time of 8 hours Perth to Auckland flights would operate as QF111 on Monday The approximate flight time was around six hours and 45 minutes Both flights would use Qantas A330 aircraft with 27 business class seats and 224 economy seats The new flights would allow a one-stop route to London via Perth It would also allow for connections via Perth from Auckland to airports across South Africa the new flight to Auckland would also allow a one-stop connection to New York on the airline's QF3 service “We’re so excited to be launching two new international routes unlocking more options and greater choice for all Australians to connect to the world through our growing network," Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace said “By connecting Perth directly with Auckland and Johannesburg we’re supporting the local economy by opening valuable inbound tourism opportunities for Western Australia as well as generating new jobs for the state These routes also enable further growth throughout Australia with connections across our domestic network." A 100-year-old Royal Air Force veteran accepted the thanks of a nation as Britain paused to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and honour the men and women who fought to save the country during World War II The day featured a procession by 1300 members of the British armed forces accompanied by troops from Ukraine and the UK’s NATO allies The parade didn't begin until Alan Kennett accepted the salute from Garrison Sgt Major Andrew Stokes in front of an audience that included King Charles III “Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago,” Stokes wearing a navy blue blazer with his medals pinned on the left breast This year’s V-E Day events have taken on increased significance because they are likely to be the last major observance to include significant numbers of World War II veterans actor Timothy Spall recited the victory speech wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered to a roaring crowd in central London on May 8 Britain started its V-E Day ceremonies three days early because Monday is a public holiday in the UK “I think we’ve been very lucky that we’ve had 80 years of peace … and we’ve got to think about all those that have (made) the ultimate sacrifice and there’s very few of them left now because they’re all over 100,″ said Michael Burn who wore a suit patterned after Britain’s red “This is the last time we will celebrate the day in this sort of scale.” Then it was time for the parade from the Houses of Parliament through Trafalgar Square and down the Mall to Buckingham Palace won a huge round of applause as their flag swept past the royal viewing platform The event ended with a flyover by British military aircraft including a wartime Lancaster bomber and the RAF’s Red Arrows aerobatic team the Princess of Wales chatted amiably with Bernard Morgan a veteran who worked as a code breaker during the conflict Their place in the front row was a reminder of the gulf between those who fought in World War II and the present generation With even the youngest of those men and women nearing their 100th birthdays and their ranks dwindling rapidly many have said they feel a special imperative to tell their stories and attend events that honour their fallen comrades a mechanic who landed in Normandy to set up an airfield said he was proud to represent the veterans “I just remember those that didn’t come back,” he said Shane William Pritchard has been charged with crimes he didn’t commit and chased for debts he doesn’t owe That’s because the Dunedin man is not the only Shane William Pritchard in town While the duo’s shared name and age has sometimes been a handy loophole for one Shane for the other it has caused problems for 36 years It’s been years of fearing every knock on the door Years of wondering if he’ll be hand-cuffed and taken to jail to be honest,” says Shane William Pritchard a scout and a member of the Air Training Corp remembers getting quite a shock when her friend called one evening She'd been acting as a referee for a gun licence for Shane whose friend informed her that the police had a long list of offences against Shane’s name Not long after that the police turned up to where Shane was working at the local tannery to arrest him “You're scrambling in your head to think of ways that you can prove it's not you.” Another Shane William Pritchard had been born in Otago They were separated by just two weeks and about 50 miles – one growing up in Mosgiel the other in Milton – but also by the lives they’d been leading To watch the full video story go to TVNZ+ Shane from Milton had huge problems focusing at school He was raised in foster care and then boys’ homes I just wanted to look cool and get in trouble,” he tells Fair Go Milton Shane was used to run-ins with police he got pulled over in his car and asked about his driving licence one’s got a licence and the other hasn’t.’ And I’m like ‘obviously it must be the one with a licence’.” he went to his bank to draw out an ACC payment and was asked which bank account was his He says that at that point he was trying to figure out what was going on “I thought it was just an error.” But he took advantage of the situation and withdrew a large sum of cash Mosgiel Shane became aware of the withdrawal when a scheduled car payment was declined and when Milton Shane turned up at the bank to withdraw more money Identity fraud was considered but Milton Shane was legitimately expecting an ACC payment so the withdrawal appeared to be a genuine mistake and the police couldn’t take any action 'Anything I could get away with Mosgiel Shane thought the bank incident would have alerted police to the problem But his nemesis had cottoned on to the advantages of having a second identity to use Milton Shane acquired a suite of furniture on hire-purchase Milton-Shane clocked up more driving offences Mosgiel Shane thought about changing his name but realised he’d have to provide his previous name in the process the courts and debt collectors such as Baycorp should be able to distinguish between himself and Milton Shane The police first addressed the issue in the 1990s after Mosgiel Shane went to the media He was given a letter to carry with him should he be apprehended He and his parents felt his situation wasn’t being taken seriously Mosgiel Shane went to the media a second time in the mid-2000s the police gave their word that a record in their system would stop the misidentification from happening again This does appear to have worked as far as police action goes But while Mosgiel Shane was given the same reassurance by the Ministry of Justice he continued to receive demands from the courts for unpaid fines He’d also get stopped and questioned whenever he left the country for work trips or holidays It took a huge toll on Mosgiel Shane’s mental health not realising the constant stress it placed on his life John Pritchard says that at times his son felt his life wasn’t worth living worrying about what he was going to do to himself and that really ate me up.” he and his son were in tears as Shane admitted he was at breaking point He described going for days at a time unable to eat or sleep wondering what might happen next "Am I going to be in a position where they've got me in handcuffs or I've got debt collectors coming to the door?" ...You're spiralling into this black hole." He started taking anti-anxiety medication which helped And events regarding Milton Shane seemed to settle Milton Shane was charged for fishing without a licence in Twizel and failing to comply with fisheries officers But a court registrar incorrectly entered the birth date of Mosgiel Shane in the system both Shanes were being chased to pay the $1530 fine It was Mosgiel Shane who spotted the error and rang the court He also sent a statement from his manager saying he’d not been fishing in Twizel that day The reply he got was to say he’d been given the wrong form and that they wouldn’t accept his proof They just wanted to know how I was going to pay the fine.” The first Milton Shane knew about this was when Fair Go told him Mosgiel Shane had been chased for the fine He was told to pay up or face the consequences feeling he shouldn’t have to pay good money to correct someone else’s mistake But it cost Mosgiel Shane over $5000 in legal fees and took months of back and forth between him “Why should anybody have to pay their own money to right somebody else's wrongs and prove who they are I’m sick and tired of proving who I am all the time.” He wanted the Ministry of Justice to take responsibility and reimburse him for his legal costs saying court staff such as the registrar in this case have immunity if they make mistakes such as the one made here and if I make a mistake and it's affecting my client that it's going to cost them money to rectify a mistake that I've made.” he deserves a million apologies from those guys,” she says Milton Shane told Fair Go he still gets in trouble but wants the other Shane to know he doesn’t use his birth date anymore And he had a message for him: “We’ve got to get it sorted for you so you can have a good life with you and your family because I’m trying to get my life together with my son and my grandson” He offers to meet to see if they can sort it out together but I’m not interested in meeting him,.” says Mosgiel Shane He says he doesn’t hold any grudges and accepts Milton Shane’s apology And he believes the only way for that to happen is for the courts and the Ministry of Justice to give him a guarantee that mix-ups won’t occur in the future Fair Go asked the Ministry of Justice to appear in person to apologise and provide reassurance to Shane of its plans to guard against these mistakes The Ministry declined our request to be on camera saying any comment on an individual case would compromise the independence of the courts as the Ministry operates separately But it did send a written apology directly to Mosgiel Shane It also admitted mistakes can occur in clerical records but said instructions were clear and the importance of getting things right had been emphasised to staff Mosgiel Shane isn’t totally convinced that’s the end of it “All I want is for the Ministry of Justice and the courts to do their job I'd like to live without this hanging over me all the time his criminal check has come back showing a clean slate Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's landslide win at the weekend following Canadian Prime Minister's Mark Carney's victory less than a week before should indicate to our politicians that the New Zealand "Trump trend" of 2024 may have peaked Trying to capitalise on the electoral success of US President Donald Trump now that his policies are having real-world effects is proving to be a big mistake for conservative leaders Australian voters have delivered a landslide win for the incumbent Labor Party returning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a second term with a clear majority of seats When he said in his victory speech that Australians had “voted for Australian values” an unspoken message was that they’d firmly rejected Trumpian values opposition and Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton had such a bad election he lost his own seat While not the only reason for his electoral demise Dutton’s adoption of themes associated with Trump backfired Opinion polls were projecting Dutton’s Coalition to win and exceeded expectations in the election itself the Liberals were “reduced to a right-wing populist party that is all but exiled from the biggest cities” Commentators identified a number of reasons including his “culture wars” and being depicted by Labor as “Trump-lite” Following a Trumpian pathway turned out to be a strategic blunder And Dutton’s downfall mirrors Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s defeat in Canada’s election on April 28 Canada’s incumbent centre-left Liberals were heading for defeat to the Conservatives But there were two gamechangers: the Liberals switched leaders from Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney and Trump caused a national uproar with his aggressive tariffs and his call for Canada to become the 51st US state Pre-election opinion polls then did a dramatic flip in favour of the Liberals who went on to win their fourth election in a row Poilievre’s campaign had adopted elements of the Trump style such as attacking “wokeness” and using derogatory nicknames for opponents His strategy failed as soon as Trump rolled out “America First” policies contrary to Canadians’ economic interests and national pride The takeaway for serious right-wing leaders in liberal democracies is clear: let Trump do Trump; his brand is toxic Trump’s actions are harming America’s allies affirmative action and climate change have seen voters outside the US react with self-protective patriotism A perceived association with Trump’s brand has now upended the electoral fortunes of (so far) two centre-right parties that had been in line to win and had been banking on the 2024 MAGA success somehow rubbing off on them what has been dubbed the “Trump slump” isn’t a universal trend the centre-left Social Democratic-led government was ousted in February in spite of Trump ally Elon Musk’s unhelpful support for the far-right anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party the populist Reform UK party has risen above 25% while Labour has fallen from 34% in last year’s election to the low 20s in recent polls But other governing centre-left parties are seeing an upside of the Trump effect In early January it looked like the incumbent Labour Party would be trounced by the Conservatives and the right-wing Progress Party Opinion polls dramatically flipped in early February boosting Labour from below 20% back into the lead Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will get another term in office Denmark’s governing Social Democrats have enjoyed a small polling boost since Trump declared he’d like to take Greenland off their hands The common denominator underlying these shifts to the left seems to be the Trump effect Voters in countries normally closely allied with the US are turning away from Trump-adjacent politicians people are rallying patriotically around centre-left Trump is harming leaders who could have been his allies the man himself seemed proud of the impact he had in Canada polls in mid-2024 showed support for Trump was growing – heading well above 20% Australia’s election suggests that trend may now be past its peak with debate over ACT’s contentious Treaty Principles Bill behind it and despite NZ First leader Winston Peters’ overt culture-war rhetoric (which may appeal to his 6% support base) the right-wing coalition government’s polling shows it could be on track for a second term – for the time being While the Trump effect may have benefited centre-left parties in Australia and Canada polling for New Zealand’s Labour opposition is softer than at the start of the year While “America First” policies continue to damage the global economy centre-right leaders who learn the lesson will quietly distance themselves from the Trump brand while maintaining cordial relations with the White House could do worse than follow Anthony Albanese’s example of not getting distracted by “Trump-lite” and instead promoting his own country’s values of fairness and mutual respect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUGWB5HTRVGGNP5PFWDLBH7SXM","content":"Grant Duncan is a teaching fellow in Politics and International Relations This story is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMPLRKQ2NRDPZOPKHPADSUD4UE","content":" Erin Patterson had shared with true crime fans her love of mushrooms excitement over buying a food dehydrator and plans to cook beef Wellington The 50-year-old mother of two has pleaded not guilty to all counts against her including three murder charges for killing her estranged husband's family after feeding them lunch at her Leongatha home Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson all died in hospital from death cap mushroom poisoning after eating a beef Wellington Patterson had prepared for them on July 2023 Patterson claims it was "a terrible accident" Three members of a true crime Facebook group Patterson was part of gave evidence on day five of her Supreme Court trial in Morwell The group was created to go over the case of convicted baby killer Keli Lane she was a really good researcher," group member Christine Hunt said about Patterson's online reputation said in 2023 Patterson had shared photos of a black dehydrator with mushrooms inside "She was a bit excited that she'd purchased a food dehydrator," Barkley said via video link Screenshots of Patterson's messages to the group were also shown to the jury "I've been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything the kids had no idea," she wrote in one post said Patterson "seemed to really like mushrooms" In the weeks before the deadly mushroom meal Patterson asked the group if anyone had cooked a beef Wellington and if they had advice Erin said she was making beef Wellington," Hay said "I think she was at the supermarket and she messaged us something about the beef that she was buying." She said Patterson had told them the mushrooms came from an Asian grocer Hay said Patterson asked her for tips on how to make sure the beef Wellington pastry did not go "soggy" as it was one of Hay's favourite dishes said she joked: "I'd make a tofu Wellington" so we had a good laugh about that," she said Patterson's estranged husband Simon finished his evidence to the jury after almost three days in the witness box Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC put it to Simon that he had asked Erin - two days after the lunch - "is that what you used to poison them?" "I did not say that to Erin," Simon responded The jury of 15 people were shown messages from a family group Signal chat between Simon his former wife and his parents - in December 2022 - after he last week claimed she had sent "extremely aggressive" messages to his mother and father which he said were from a few months later having a crack at me and accusing me of some things in response to what I'd messaged her about," he said After his parents tried to help Erin and Simon resolve a dispute over his child support payments his mother Gail took a step back and stopped reading messages from Erin in the group chat "Mum really struggled with anxiety," he said The trial before Justice Christopher Beale will continue today It was the comeback no one saw coming at the beginning of this year didn’t just hold on to power in Australia’s federal election,­­ they surged ahead — snatching seats off the Greens routing the Liberals and securing a majority stronger than any seen in nearly two decades It marked the first time since federation in 1901 that a Labor prime minister has increased their majority at re-election Because this wasn't a win powered by fear or division And if New Zealand’s major parties — both in government and opposition — aren’t paying attention they could be walking towards their own political reckoning Albanese and his senior ministers made one thing clear: Australia doesn’t want to go the way of Donald Trump Penny Wong said it plain and clear in her speech where I was on election night: "We choose our future Albanese was trailing now-former opposition leader Peter Dutton in the polls But the tone of the campaign changed as Dutton faced growing criticism over a series of policy backflips and cultural positions that drew comparisons to the US president — despite his campaign pushing back on the label Dutton proposed cutting back public service jobs and made controversial comments about women — moves that voters and analysts said echoed Trump-era politics He tried to present himself as strong on international affairs even claiming he was better positioned than Albanese to stand up to Donald Trump over new tariffs Trump replied: "I don’t even know who the other guy is." the exchange highlighted Dutton’s limited influence Little wonder some voters were questioning whether the Liberal Party had drifted too far from the political centre he was even introduced on stage with the phrase "we’ll make Australia great again" capped by the unprecedented defeat of Dutton in his own electorate He was hoping to make history as the first opposition leader to unseat a first-term government in 100 years he became the first opposition leader to lose his seat at a federal election Winston Peters has fuelled a so-called "gender debate" that inflamed division was seen by some as a direct challenge to Māori rights and the status of Te Tiriti Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and National voted against it at first reading while distancing themselves from the bill — but only after allowing it to progress as part of the coalition agreement Political analysts agreed allowing the bill to be introduced came at a cost While Luxon may not have backed the bill himself his alignment with the parties pushing it drew inevitable criticism Kiwis I have spoken to — not just in New Zealand but here in Australia — said it sent a message (intentional or not) that extreme views still had a seat at the table And that's the real lesson from Australia: When you amplify voices that divide As voters across the ditch and recently in Canada have shown they’re tired of leaders who amplify anger instead of offering answers to everyday struggles such as the cost of living I spotted a familiar face in the crowd at Albanese HQ and made my way over Watching Australian Labor's victory up close was none other than Kieran McAnulty He wasn’t just there to cheer; he was there to learn "You’ve got to give people something to vote for not just something to vote against," he told me summing up what he sees as one of the Australian Labor Party’s key strengths "That was one of the big lessons here they were clear about what they stood for." McAnulty has also spent time in the UK observing how centre-left movements rebuild after defeat shoulder-to-shoulder with the architects of Labor’s success and offering voters a story they can be part of "People want to feel like they're included in a bigger plan they gave people a reason to hope again." New Zealand Labour has its own major challenges to overcome Former prime minister Chris Hipkins struggled to inspire voters during the last election campaign and the party’s support among Māori and younger voters was deeply dented "We’re not pretending we’ve got it all figured out But if there’s one thing we’ve taken from here We’ve got to earn that trust back," McAnulty told me That principle applied to every party in New Zealand The reality is that when politics becomes a game of blame We’ve seen that in New Zealand’s lower voter turnout at the last election where voting was not compulsory — unlike Australia there has also been a general move towards Australia’s independents including the so-called "teal" candidates Their appeal lay in offering an alternative to the binary red-versus-blue approach And that’s something both Labour and National in New Zealand would be wise to reflect on Our next general election is expected in October 2026 Especially when it comes to resetting the tone The National-led coalition could risk looking like Dutton’s and less like Luxon’s original pitch of getting New Zealand "Back On Track" with a steady hand on the economy that was also a slogan used by the now-ousted Liberal leader it’s often said that comebacks happen when leaders offer hope Australia reminded us that when parties reconnect with people’s values and focus on the issues that are front and centre — the cost of living housing affordability and universal healthcare — voters respond at the ballot box Lady Gaga gave a free concert Saturday night in front of 2 million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career (...) Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd kicked off the show at around 22.10pm local time with her 2011 song Bloody Mary Cries of joy rose from the tightly-packed fans who sang and danced shoulder-to-shoulder on the vast stretch of sand Concert organisers said 2.1 million people attended the show switching between an array of dresses including one with the colours of the Brazilian flag Some fans – many of them young – arrived on the beach at the crack of dawn to secure a good spot “Today is the best day of my life,” said Manoela Dobes a 27-year-old designer who was wearing a dress plastered with a photograph from when she met Lady Gaga in the United States in 2019 Madonna also turned Copacabana Beach into a massive dance floor last year The large-scale performances are part of an effort led by City Hall to boost economic activity after Carnival and New Years’ Eve festivities and the upcoming month-long Saint John’s Day celebrations in June “It brings activity to the city during what was previously considered the low season – filling hotels and increasing spending in bars generating jobs and income for the population,” said Osmar Lima the city’s secretary of economic development in a statement released by Rio City Hall’s tourism department last month Rio’s City Hall said in a recent report that around 1.6 million people were expected to attend Lady Gaga's concert and that the show should inject at least 600 million reais (NZ$178.3 million) into Rio’s economy Similar concerts are scheduled to take place every year in May at least until 2028 Lady Gaga arrived in Rio in the early hours of Tuesday The city has been alive with Gaga-mania since as it geared up to welcome the pop star for her first show in the country since 2012 Rio’s metro employees danced to Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit song LoveGame and gave instructions for today in a video A free exhibition celebrating her career sold out While the vast majority of attendees were from Rio the event also attracted Brazilians from across the country and international visitors More than 500,000 tourists poured into the city in the days leading up to the show according to data from the local bus station and Tom Jobim airport Rio’s City Hall said in a statement yesterday made a cross-continent trip from Colombia to Brazil to attend the show “I’ve been a 100% fan of Lady Gaga my whole life,” said Serrano who was wearing a T-shirt featuring Lady Gaga’s outlandish costumes over the years the mega-star represents “total freedom of expression – being who one wants without shame” Rio officials have a history of organising huge concerts on Copacabana Beach Madonna’s show drew an estimated 1.6 million fans last year while 4 million people flooded onto the beach for a 1994 New Year’s Eve show by Rod Stewart in 1994 that was the biggest free rock concert in history sixteen sound towers were spread along the beach Rio state’s security plan included the presence of 3300 military and 1500 police officers Among those present were Lady Gaga admirers who remember their disappointment in 2017 when the artist cancelled a performance scheduled in Rio at the last minute due to health issues “She's the best artist in the world,” the 25-year-old said I love you” in Portuguese rose from the crowd behind him whose real name is Ella Yelich O'Connor which also displayed what appears to be the album cover art — an X-ray of a pelvis "100% written in blood," the website read The new album's announcement came a week after she released her latest single What Was That The song's music video was filmed at a mysterious pop-up event in New York City's Washington Square Park that was initially shut down by police. The event ended up going ahead after all, and fans who stayed got to hear the new song for the first time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorde (@lorde) It was the first sign of a follow-up to Lorde's previous album Her other albums were 2013's Pure Heroine and 2017's Melodrama she collaborated with British singer Charli XCX on a remix of Girl so confusing — on a re-release of the Grammy award-winning Brat Kim Kardashian thought she was going to be raped and killed when criminals broke into her bedroom in central Paris tied her up and stole more than US$6 million in jewellery 10 people will go on trial in Paris over the robbery abduction and kidnapping of the media personality and the concierge of the residence where she was staying during Paris Fashion Week the night of October 2 Kardashian’s lawyers said she will testify in person at the trial starting Monday and scheduled to run through May 23 "Ms Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time," they said "She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities "She wishes the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case." In interviews and on her family’s reality TV show Kardashian has described being terrified as robbers pointed a gun at her In a 2020 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix show she tearfully recalled thinking: "This is the time I’m going to get raped Twelve people were originally expected in the defendants’ box and another is seriously ill and can't be tried five of the 10 defendants were present at the scene of the robbery The French press has dubbed them The Granddad Robbers because the main defendants are elderly and have careers as bank robbers with long criminal records Kardashian told investigators she was taken to a bathroom next to her bedroom and placed in the bathtub Her attackers fled on bicycles or on foot and she managed to free herself by removing the tape from her hands and mouth She had also removed the tape from her feet and rushed to her stylist’s room She called her sister Kourtney to tell her about the theft Kardashian told investigators that she had not been injured adding that she wanted to leave France as soon as possible to be reunited with her children According to her testimony and that of the concierge at least one of the suspects had a handgun The gangsters stole many pieces of jewellery estimated to be worth more than US$6 million (NZ$10 million) Only one piece of jewellery — a diamond cross on platinum that was lost during the suspects' escape — has been recovered Two of the accused have partially confessed to the crime is one of two suspected robbers who allegedly entered the apartment his genetic profile was found on the tape used to gag Kardashian who was waiting for him in a parked car at a nearby train station The second robber said he tied up the concierge with cables but did not go up to Kardashian’s apartment said he acted as a lookout in the ground-floor reception area He said he was unarmed and did not personally threaten Kardashian but admitted he shared responsibility for the crime Abbas was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision he co-authored a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian is the second alleged robber suspected of entering the flat although he was filmed by CCTV cameras and numerous telephone contacts with the other co-defendants show his involvement The other defendants are suspected of providing information about Kardashian’s presence in the apartment Others are accused of playing a role in the resale of the jewellery in Antwerp Joe Cocker and Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — in a class that also includes pop star Cyndi Lauper the rock duo the White Stripes and grunge masters Soundgarden the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award who sang at Woodstock and was best known for his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions who argued that Cocker is "about as rock and roll as it gets" Soundgarden — with the late Chris Cornell as singer — get into the Hall on their third nomination They follow two other grunge acts in the Hall — Nirvana and Pearl Jam Bad Company get in having become radio fixtures with such arena-rock staples as Feel Like Makin’ Love Can’t Get Enough and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy The Ahmet Ertegun Award — given to nonperforming industry professionals who had a major influence on music — will go to Lenny Waronker Some nominees that didn't get in this year included Mariah Carey and subsequent Let’s Twist Again are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock 'n' roll The 83-year-old has expressed frustration that he hadn't been granted entry before including telling the AP in 2014: "I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling." Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as Time After Time and Girls Just Want To Have Fun and went on to win a Tony Award for Kinky Boots have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop The White Stripes — made up of Jack White and Meg White — were indie darlings in the early 2000s with such songs as Seven Nation Army Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they’re eligible for induction The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall Nominees were voted on by more than 1200 artists historians and music industry professionals The selection criteria include "an artist’s impact on other musicians the scope and longevity of their career and body of work as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique" Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton were inducted Lorde has dropped her new single What Was That after weeks of cryptic posts and teases that set fans buzzing It's the lead single from her upcoming fourth album and her first original solo release since 2021's Solar Power which is three minutes and 28 seconds in length Some fans had been lucky enough to hear the track in full earlier this week. On Wednesday, Lorde posted a picture of Washington Square Park yesterday with the caption "tonight 7pm". Fans flooded the park an hour before she was supposed to appear, with photos shared of eager fans scaling trees to catch a glimpse of the singer. Shortly before she was to perform, the Royals singer took to social media to tell fans police had shut the event down. "Omg @thepark the cops are shutting us down," the message read. "I am truly amazed by how many of you showed !!! "But they’re telling me you gotta disperse ... I’m so sorry." However, the pop-up event ended up going ahead after all, with fans who stayed getting their first full airing of Lorde's new single. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorde (@lorde) Lorde, real name Ella Yelich O'Connor, announced the single last week sharing a headshot-style photo of her wearing a red shirt with a dripping wet face Earlier this month, she dropped a 15-second snippet of the unreleased song. In the video posted to TikTok on April 10, Lorde was seen wearing a white shirt and jeans while walking through New York City. "Since I was 17, I gave you everything/Now we wake from a dream, well baby, what was that? What was that?” she sings over a synth beat. It was the first sign of a follow up to Lorde's previous album, 2021's Solar Power. Her other albums were 2013's Pure Heroine and 2017's Melodrama. Last year, she collaborated with British singer Charli XCX on a remix of Girl, so confusing — on a re-release of the Grammy award-winning Brat. Rodney$1,320,000634216m²689m²6 Bed Legal Home & Income HousesDiscover this perfect opportunity at 12 Lockyer Road Kumeu- a combination of modern living with exceptional income potential Situated on a rare spacious 689m² section in the heart of Kumeu this thoughtfully designed home with minor dwelling has charm functionality with outstanding income potential The main dwelling features four generous bedrooms offering ample space for families of all sizes With a contemporary open-plan layout and a designer kitchen complete with quality appliances and sleek finishes this home is a culinary delight designed for both comfort and entertaining sunlit living areas flow seamlessly into the outdoor space ideal for enjoying the tranquil surroundings of this desirable neighbourhood A double internal garage provides convenience and security complemented by ample off-street parking for additional vehicles Adding to its appeal is a fully self-contained two-bedroom legal consented minor dwelling or as a rental opportunity to generate additional income (perhaps pay down your mortgage sooner) This separate residence was designed to be private from the main dwelling and well-appointed Located in the vibrant and sought-after community of Kumeu this property offers easy access to local schools and the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area Our owners have made serious plans and are moving on don't miss this incredible opportunity to secure a versatile home and income property at well under its CV which caters to both lifestyle and financial goals Don't miss out on this fabulous home waiting for a new owner Contact Team Fiona Li for a private viewing or visit our open homes *Property particulars have been obtained by a third party A person is in serious condition after a truck collided with a vehicle in Kumeū on Wednesday afternoon The crash was reported at 3.30pm after the truck collided with a vehicle on a section of the highway around the intersection with Kennedys Road Emergency services are currently working to clear the scene Motorists in the Kumeū area are advised to expect delays particularly heading south out of the Kumeū township People are being asked to allow additional time to reach their destination safely this evening Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday RodneyBy negotiation423351m²Top-Tier on TararaWelcome to this beautifully maintained four-bedroom designed with a timeless blend of solid brick and weatherboard it perfectly balances modern style with practical living is an inviting space for relaxation and entertaining Step outside to a private deck with beautiful farm bush views offering a peaceful retreat to unwind and enjoy amazing sunsets The modern kitchen is stylish and functional featuring premium soft-close drawers and cabinets designed for effortless living The bonus of energy-efficient LED lighting enhances brightness throughout while high ceilings create an open and airy feel Four generously sized bedrooms provide ample space for the whole family complemented by two well-appointed bathrooms An internal access garage and two additional driveway parking spaces add convenience Enjoy the best of semi-countryside living with vineyards and surf-friendly beaches just minutes away plus easy motorway access for seamless commuting this home offers the perfect mix of comfort See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson A large industrial building has gone up in flames in Kumeū The fire broke out around 10pm on Wednesday in what Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said was a 50m x 10m commercial building in an industrial area dampening down hot spots and turning over debris and no neighbouring properties were threatened FENZ could not confirm a local resident's report online that an explosion was heard before the blaze broke out Auckland Council's laid out its plan for Kumeū to try to mitigate the impacts of flooding.   Although they had three ideas for mitigation, the council's found no viable solution to the town's history of floods, as none of the options would drop the flood levels by 1 meter as needed.  About 200 people attended a public meeting in Auckland's northwest last night to discuss the issue.  Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers says those attending want a plan to move the town's centre.  He says they also committed to creating stronger rules to prevent people building houses in flood zones.  Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you RodneyPrice by negotiation42121.24haIdyllic Lifestyle Setting Huge Barn and More!TENDER CLOSES Wednesday 9th April 12:00pm (Unless Sold Prior) Uncover the endless potential of 30 Foster Road Kumeu — a superb family home on approximately 1.24ha of gently sloping land with a stunning outdoor entertaining area that features a large heated pool spacious two level barn and loads of character This charming brick family home is perfectly situated on an elevated position offering valley views and soaking up all-day sun Nestled between the vibrant townships of Kumeu and Waimauku 2-bathroom residence offers an ideal sanctuary for those seeking a balanced blend of privacy and convenience The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and family room A separate living area enhances the home’s layout providing excellent indoor-outdoor flow for effortless entertaining The separate large barn presents limitless possibilities with even more space to host family and friends or pursue hobbies and projects A private master bedroom boasts a walk-in robe and ensuite while three additional bedrooms are well-serviced by a contemporary bathroom and separate powder room with internal access to a large double garage complete with a convenient laundry area and adjoining carport you’ll appreciate the proximity to all of the fantastic recreational activities the North West has to offer The combination of rural charm and urban convenience ensures that you’ll have the best of both worlds at your fingertips Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to secure a unique lifestyle property Call James today for more information or to arrange your private viewing 1: This memorandum has been prepared to market the property the whole of which is within the designation footprint of the future Northwestern Strategic corridor for the realignment of the State Highway for the purposes of s185 Resource Management Act 1991 A copy of the plan showing the designation is attached 2: S185(3)(a) RMA requires the vendor to market the property at the value it would have had 3: The issue of the Notice of Requirement for the property has blighted its value 4: If further information is sought on any of these matters you should consult with your solicitor as we are not qualified or prepared to give such advice RodneyPrice by Negotiation4263.6haEquine PropertyWith a lovely home Nestled at the end of a picturesque driveway and a well-established home ready to be treasured by its next new owners 2 bathroom brick and tile home is solid and dependable It has an open plan kitchen and dining with formal and informal lounges - one featuring a closed fire Four generous bedrooms providing ample space for family or guests and two well appointed bathrooms plus a wet room with shower and toilet Overlooking the valley there is a bird's eye view of the land For those with horses this property has been set up for them with stables and paddocks well fenced for grazing The family have always had horses so the property is geared up for them also for sheep and cattle it is the perfect lifestyle set up one a utility shed with covered yards to the rear This has a similar size lean to on one side and then there is an additional storage/hay shed.This property combines the best of rural living with the comfort of a modern home It's an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle - tranquil and beautifully set up for both farming and leisure Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise.ust in case you have concerns this property is not affected by the proposed Kumeu Bypass and with its elevated fabulous views My vendors are extremely motivated and want to see all offers Marketed by Barfoot & Thompson commercial broker Meir Alfassi, this high-potential property is available for sale by deadline private treaty, closing at 12:00pm on Thursday, 12 December 2024 (unless sold prior). “This is an investment with all the right fundamentals,” says Alfassi. “A long-standing tenant, strong growth prospects and a prime location make this an ideal choice for investors seeking both security and future upside.” The freehold asset spans a land area of 4,340m² (more or less) and features a 1,000m² clear-span warehouse designed for durability and efficiency. The building includes a concrete floor and foundations, long-run Colorsteel walls and roofing, and a concrete block base. A 300m² concrete pad provides a practical space for loading and unloading, while the surrounding yard includes hardstand and loose seal surfaces for additional functionality. With a 4 x 3.5 metre roller door at one end and a 15 x 5 metre permanent opening at the other, the warehouse is designed for easy access and versatility. A 5.5-metre knee height further enhances its suitability for a range of industrial uses. Currently, the property is generating a steady income of $120,000 net per annum, underpinned by an established tenant who has committed to a new lease starting 1 February 2025. This ensures both immediate stability and a dependable income stream for the new owner. Positioned prominently at the western end of Main Road, this site enjoys exceptional visibility on State Highway 16. A critical transport link for the region, the highway connects Helensville to the north-western motorway, making the location ideal for attracting high-quality tenants. “Its location is a standout feature,” notes Alfassi, “offering both convenience and prominence.” Kumeū is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by major infrastructure upgrades, a growing residential population, and increasing commercial activity. Nearby developments include a mix of established industrial and retail properties, as well as modern precincts in Hobsonville and Westgate. Significant residential expansion in Kumeu and Huapai adds to the area’s demand and appeal. Zoned Business - Light Industry under the Auckland Unitary Plan, the property is well-suited to light industrial activities, trade suppliers and motor vehicle sales. With a maximum development height of 20 metres and provisions for accessory offices and convenience retail, the site offers significant flexibility for future development or adaptation. “This is a rare opportunity to secure a foothold in an area on the rise,” says Alfassi. “It’s a smart choice for forward-thinking investors looking for a property that combines immediate returns with long-term potential.” RodneyPrice by Negotiation427331m²1haAn extraordinary semi-rural estate in KumeuStep into a world of elegance charm and natural beauty with this stunning Italian-style villa nestled on a picturesque semi-rural property just minutes from Kumeu township This single level villa offers timeless architecture An impressive inground pool and several covered alfresco areas create endless entertaining options for family and friends This exclusive estate also boasts a sprawling country-style barn with extensive living accommodation with two bedrooms and two bathrooms famously used as a filming location for Broken Wood Mysteries - perfect for extended family including a 14kVA generator to power both the barn and house in case of a power failure Adding to the allure is a charming stand-alone one bedroom cottage featured in New Zealand House & Garden Magazine stylish living ideal for an Airbnb to generate a little extra income or a fabulous pad for a fortunate family member For those with bigger plans or recreational toys a massive free-standing shed offering endless possibilities for storage or business use This inspiring property is the ultimate retreat with space All within a short drive to the thriving Kumeu township and a convenient commute of approximately 25 minutes to Auckland's CBD Don't miss your chance to own this truly rare piece of private paradise with great income potential Rodney$1,199,000422181m²407m²Leaving the Country - Need to be SOLD!This one level as new home the open plan family dining area plus the bonus of a separate intimate lounge • Seamless indoor outdoor flow to a private patio area ideal for kids and pets with room for the tramp Offshore bound our sellers are ready to meet the market RodneyAsking Price $1,190,000425171m²431m²Owner On The Move!After years of tranquil living in this brick-and-tile beauty our owner is ready to embark on an exciting new chapter offering you the chance to secure a house that truly feels like a home this masterpiece crafted by Golden Homes is completely move-in ready and perfectly positioned in a safe neighbourhood If you're looking for a home that's completely move-in ready Enjoy open-plan living that flows effortlessly to a low-maintenance garden perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family With three bright bedrooms and two modern bathrooms this home offers comfort and practicality your family will love Nestled at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in a friendly neighbourhood children play safely while parents enjoy peace of mind With excellent schools and Kumeu's conveniences just minutes away this is a lifestyle opportunity you'll fall in love with • 431sqm of prime Kumeu land: Enjoy a fully secure outdoor entertaining area perfect for young children and pets to get their feet alongside a flourishing herb garden complete with a handy shed to store all your tools • Accessible living spaces: Designed for comfort and practicality • Zoned for top schools: Close to Matua Ngaru School simply move in and enjoy the best of Kumeu living Don't miss your chance to experience the charm of 10 Grenache Way Download Property Documents Here: https://vltre.co/vNoacC RodneyBy negotiation424525m²Fantastic Family Living!Make 2025 your year with this better-than-new 31 Jeroboam Loop is a 179m2 home on the elevated side of the street light interior evokes a fantastic sense of space and tranquillity two-bath home has generous proportions and is cleverly designed to take advantage of the sun-soaked 525m2 section dining and informal living are at the heart of the home The kitchen features quality appliances and contrasting colourways for an extra punch with the main bedroom tucked down the end of the hallway You have the luxury of a large walk-in wardrobe the home is a touch of a button away from the perfect temperate all year round expansive entertaining area flows from the kitchen and living room It's great for hosting or watching the kids while cooking dinner inside The gardens are charming and low-maintenance with plenty of room to add more if you have green thumbs The generous two-car garage is the final box this home checks If you're looking for more cafes and vineyards Adventure awaits at Woodhill and Riverhead Forest You can see Melissa at a scheduled open house or call for a private viewing today See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson RodneyPrice by Negotiation422Stylish New Build - Easy to Finance!Set on a desirable corner site this newly built home offers an exceptional living experience with high-end finishes and thoughtful design it's perfect for families or professionals looking for a contemporary retreat with a touch of luxury - Four spacious bedrooms - including a sun-drenched master with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite - Two elegant bathrooms + guest toilet - premium tiling and fittings throughout - Two versatile living areas - ideal for entertaining or quiet relaxation dining & living - complete with a designer kitchen - Internal-access garage & off-street parking - convenience meets security - Expansive decking front and back - creating effortless indoor-outdoor flow - Fully fenced and landscaped - featuring growing hedging for a future private oasis the attention to detail is evident - from the stylish cladding that gives the exterior a fresh modern look to the superior bathroom and kitchen finishes that set this home apart The well-appointed ground floor boasts a welcoming foyer while the upper level offers abundant storage this home is just moments from local wineries Enjoy the perfect balance of urban convenience and laid-back lifestyle with easy access to major transport routes while still feeling a world away from the hustle and bustle Experience a home where design meets function and where you can truly live the way you want https://www.diego.nz/lot1-2kartolinacrescent Rodney$2,370,000537320m²1.15haSUNSET SERENADE- A Perfect HarmonyBe the first to create cherished memories in this stunning new residence Situated on a gentle 1.1521-hectare plot with sweeping country views this home offers unparalleled tranquillity amidst its natural setting As you enter through the gated entrance and meander down the expansive concrete driveway you'll discover a residence built by GJ Gardner The Linea Weatherboard exterior complements the surrounding landscape blending modern elegance with natural beauty Step inside to experience contemporary excellence It seamlessly connects with the open living areas and the sunset-facing portico Three of the five spacious bedrooms offer direct access to the alfresco areas perfect for enjoying the serene environment The bedrooms are light-filled retreats with ample storage Two bedrooms share a stylishly tiled Jack-and-Jill ensuite while the master suite boasts a luxurious walk-in robe Imagine the potential for a stunning in-ground pool The property also features convenient amenities like three water tanks High-end features include ducted heating and cooling and triple garaging with carpet and semi-insulation Additional touches like Rinnai gas hot water heating and a generator inlet enhance the comfort and functionality of this home Location wise it simply couldn’t get better near motorway access and the charming cafes and conveniences of Riverhead and Kumeu Village and just a short drive from Riverhead Forest this location offers the best of both convenience and natural beauty this home invites you to hang your hat and start living the dream Kumeu River chardonnays are attracting the attention of international wine critics 80 years after the Brajkovich family planted the first vines Mairehau house fire: Firefighters battle two-storey house blaze 10 patients were assessed and treated by our crews in total Auckland commuters face a chaotic morning after two highways leading into the central city have been majorly disrupted by crashes NZ film industry faces uncertainty over US tariff ongoing decline in livestock numbers and questions over longer sentences reducing reoffending Reporter Sierra is at Magnificent Moa Day where experts are revealing their incredible 3.6 million year-old find Emergency services are attending the fire at a McDonald's on Pakuranga Rd Christopher Luxon holds a post-Cabinet press conference Air New Zealand's chief executive talks about the $490m Dreamliner retrofit and his job A video of a dog abuse incident is circulating on social media showing a dog swinging in the air and slamming into the ground on a walk in Manurewa Goodman Group is upgrading Highbrook Crossing to add retail dining and public space to New Zealand’s largest business park in East Tāmaki where hip hop crews from all over the world are battling to see who’s the best and Parliament tackles alcohol and mental health The Coleman family has been melting down precious metals for more than 40 years This is the first time they've shared inside their multi-million dollar gold and silver operation The Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking in the Newstalk ZB studio to talk all the big politicial issues Moana Pasifika beat the Highlanders 34-29 in Dunedin Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was joined by Deputy PM Winston Peters and Minister of defence Judith Collins to make a pre-budget defence announcement The NBA star's split-second jab at an Australian reporter’s accent was picked up by microphones and 3D-printed limbs help child amputees in Gaza Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to be joined by Defence Minister Judith Collins and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters make a pre-Budget defence announcement Neighbours heard explosions as a fire ripped through a Mt Roskill house Mum pays tribute after Auckland bus stop killing Australians vote early and insurance companies brace for claims Megyn Cordner and Lucas Prince started their business from the back of a van in 2022 Andrew Che lost his life savings after sending it to the wrong account Barclays Bank has refunded his money after a prolonged battle for compensation Aerial footage reveals the scale of flooding across areas of Canterbury after a destructive weather system hit the region and prompted a state of emergency North Shore real estate agency chief responds to a Real Estate Disciplinary Tribunal decision Mark Mitchell provides an update on the state of emergency in Christchurch and Selwyn A possible mini tornado was spotted about Auckland Harbour as the latest band of wild weather hits the city Fire and Emergency NZ said it responded to more than 30 callouts overnight more Kiwis turning to methamphetamine and Drs are back at the negotiating table NZSA chief executive Oliver Mander speaks about CEO pay in 2024 Waiwhetu woman Julie Paterson heard 'a loud cracking' and saw a tree branch falling towards her during Wednesday's storm Heather Keats updates the powerful system battering New Zealand breaks down why Wellington is under a rare red warning with extreme winds and Local MP Hon Nicola Grigg speak to the media on the local state of emergency in Selwyn Gisborne locals and health workers marched to Heipipi Park where speakers highlighted what they say is a regional health crisis NZ Herald Live: Simeon Brown talks to media A tourist in the Philippines climbed into a crocodile cage to pose for a selfie Toa Henderson is crowned Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games speed shear champion in Palmerston North Only a week after the biggest success of his career in Masterton Kaiwaka’s favourite gun shore the six-man 20-sheep final in Kumeū on Saturday in 16m 2.09s pipping Te Kūiti gun Jack Fagan by just 1.63s Henderson also posted the second-best quality points His winning margin of 2.881 points enabled him to retain the title a week after missing out on a place in the 2024 Golden Shears final but on his way to becoming the No 1-ranked open shearer for the season and fourth was Te Kūiti shearer Mark Grainger who was last to finish but had the best board and pen quality points Two other titles also went to Northland shearers who graced the stage on the big finals day at the Golden Shears seven days earlier Ruawai shearer Tommy Stevenson won a senior final that included four of the Golden Shears senior finalists who had to settle for fifth place on Saturday followed up a fifth placing at Masterton by winning Saturday’s intermediate final in the Palmerston North Square 24 hours later Henderson pipped Fagan again as he beat the reigning Rural Games speed shear champion in the event’s 2025 two-sheep head-to-head final Henderson shore the two in 42.86s, with Fagan shearing 43.6s, having a few minutes earlier top-qualified with a 17.4s single-sheep shear, as the pair faced each other in the semifinals, eliminating Brett Roberts, of Mataura, and Paerata Abraham, of Masterton. A rare absentee from the invited field was Marton shearer Jimmy Samuels, who in 2023 won the event for a second time. On Saturday, he won a speed shear at Wongarbon near Dubbo, New South Wales. Open final (20 sheep): Toa Henderson (Kaiwaka) 16m 2.09s, 53.955pts, 1; Jack Fagan (Te Kūiti) 16m 3.72s, 56.836pts, 2; Simon Goss (Whanganui) 16m 39.86s, 56.943pts, 3; Mark Grainger (Te Kūiti) 18m 1.78s, 54.089pts, 4; Digger Balme (Ōtorohanga) 17m 43.78s, 60.039pts, 5; Dane Phillips (Kaiwaka) 19m 1.91s, 64.196pts, 6. Senior final (10 sheep): Tommy Stevenson (Ruawai) 11m 3.91s, 37.896pts, 1; Gabriel Winders (Kakanui) 11m 5.75s, 38.488pts, 2; Laura Bradley (Papatawa) 11m 10.44s, 39.022pts, 3; John Cherrington (Ōamaru) 10m 52.02s, 39.201pts, 4; Bruce Grace (Wairoa) 10m 57.38s, 39.269pts, 5; Callum Bosley (England/Ōtorohanga) 11m 30.94s, 41.427pts, 6. Intermediate final (4 sheep): Hamuera Henderson (Kaiwaka) 5m 49.41s, 25.971pts, 1; Sarah Bryant (Arohena) 6m 17.25s, 27.363pts, 2; Matthew Smith (Ōtorohanga) 6m 38.64s, 28.932pts, 3; Rex Finlayson (Kai Iwi Lakes) 7m 16.42s, 35.571pts, 4; Shanelle Kemp (Maungatūroto) 6m 54.33s, 38.217pts, 5; Paul Finlayson (Kai Iwi Lakes) 7m 9.91s, 41.746pts, 6. Junior final (3 sheep): Jodiesha Kirkpatrick (Gisborne) 5m 50.5s, 24.525pts, 1; Tessa Berger (Ahuroa) 6m 32.53s, 29.96pts, 2; Cam Henson (Woodville) 6m 13.73s, 33.687pts, 3; Jordan Hildreth (Woodhill) 5m 30.45s, 52.19pts, 4; Nicklin Connor (Dairy Flats) 6m 39.14s, 53.29pts, 5. Novice final (1 sheep): Joshua White (Parakai) 3m 24s, 33.2pts, 1; Hamish Twaddle (Whangārei) 3m 18.22s, 36.911pts, 2; Dave Twaddle (Whangārei) 2m 45.84s, 37.292pts, 3. 'Right now, we aren’t managing the risks for our young people well.' Marketed by Barfoot & Thompson's industrial sales broker, Meir Alfassi, this property is available for sale by negotiation, promising both stability and flexibility for investors. “The main drawcard here is versatility,” says Alfassi. “With a solid mix of established tenants, the property provides a steady income stream while also offering the potential for future rental growth.” Constructed in 2004, the building offers a total net lettable area of 1,057.8m². It sits on a 3,420m² freehold site and is fully leased, generating a net income of $283,900 across five tenancies. This includes the first-floor office space, underwritten by the vendor for two years, contributing $36,900 annually. Tenants such as VTNZ, Carpet Court, a barber, and a recently opened dairy create a reliable and diverse tenant mix, making this a true split-risk investment. Property particulars include a purpose-built, drive-through facility for VTNZ, retail spaces on the ground floor, and offices above. The site’s prominent frontage to State Highway 16 ensures excellent visibility, while shared access with 192 and 196 Main Road provides convenient parking for both tenants and customers. Built with concrete slab floors, timber upstairs, and long-run steel roofing, the property is both durable and low maintenance. “Its purpose-built design maximises functionality, making it an ideal fit for a wide range of businesses" Alfassi says. “And given that Kumeū is experiencing rapid growth, driven by significant infrastructure upgrades and expanding services, this property will only become more valuable.” Zoned Business - Light Industry under the Auckland Unitary Plan, and with a maximum development height of 20 metres, the site also offers future development potential. “The combination of a stable income stream, a high-growth location, and development possibilities makes this a smart choice for investors,” says Alfassi. RodneyPrice by Negotiation422257m²2.84haYour Lifestyle Starts on 2.84ha + Major Potential!Set on 2.8 hectares of versatile land this exceptional property offers the perfect mix of space Ideally located between Riverhead and Kumeu and local conveniences - without sacrificing the tranquility of country living - Spacious Family Home: 257sqm with four well-sized bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen ideal for family life and entertaining - Inviting Living Spaces: A sun-filled double storey dining area and a cozy lounge with a fireplace - Outdoor Enjoyment: A sparkling swimming pool and fruit trees provide the ideal setting for entertaining or unwinding - Prime Location with Growth Potential: Close to Boric Food Market while Auckland Transport's planned SH16 upgrades will further enhance connectivity - Schools Zoning: In the catchment for Riverhead School and Massey High School Enjoy the best of both worlds - you're just a short drive to Riverhead's historic tavern and shopping options are just minutes away With NorthWest Shopping Centre less than 10 minutes away and Auckland North Shore and CBD an easy off-peak commute A rare opportunity to secure a lifestyle property in a sought-after location we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started.