Podcasts about auckland mayor phil goff

Two term Auckland mayor Phil Goff is hanging up the chains this election. The former Labour leader and cabinet minister has spent more than 40 years in local and central politics. Goff led the city through the Covid pandemic and lockdowns, locked horns with fellow councillors over the prospect of a waterfront stadium, fought for and got a regional petrol tax and a targeted rate for climate action. The rumour is he won't be unemployed. Outgoing Mayor Phil Goff talks to Lisa Owen.  

On Breakfast this morning, bFM Breakfast farewelled Auckland Mayor Phil Goff as he prepares to retire from politics.  The Wire team revisited his very first interview on bFM with Mikey Havoc all the way back in 2017. Rachel then asked Phil Goff about what he was able to achieve during his tenure. 

This week, the Wire with Christina kicked off with a Dear Science Nobel Prize special with Joel Rindelaub. Christina also spoke to Dr Shane Reti from the National Party for their weekly segment, where they discussed meningitis and a bill to reduce alcohol harm In the wake of last week's poll results on whether Aotearoa should become a republic, Christina spoke with the New Zealand Republic campaign chair Lewis Holden. She also spoke to Dr Roshini Peiris-John about her study on the impacts of skin tone on racial discrimination. And earlier on Breakfast, the b farewelled Auckland Mayor Phil Goff as he prepares to retire from politics. Jess takes us all the way back to the outgoing mayor's very first bFM Breakfast interview with Mikey Havoc in 2017.

After two terms in what is described as one of the toughest jobs in politics, Auckland mayor Phil Goff is hanging up his boots. Goff has been at the pointy end of politics with more than four decades in Government and another 32 years as an MP under his belt, including becoming New Zealand's youngest Cabinet Minister and leader of the opposition. Speaking on Tova on Friday morning Goff reflected on his 40 years, going through the good, the bad and the ugly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two terms, current Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is stepping aside. As things stand, Efeso Collins and Wayne Brown look the most likely candidates to take the supercity's top job.   So, after 40 years across both local and central government, what has the former Labour Party leader learned about New Zealand politics? And who's got his vote in these local body elections?  Today, Damien is joined by Phil Goff to hear what it takes to lead Aotearoa's only super city. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducers: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the newly released Transport Emissions Reduction Plan is "hugely ambitious, but I'm told that it is achievable". He said it's only achievable with the buy-in of Aucklanders. "The public at the moment is saying to us, you need to do more and you need to do it faster. The crunch point comes of course when we start to affect the way people live. "You've got to be prepared to make changes in your lifestyle In order for this to happen. So this will be a combination of incentives to make alternative forms of transport more attractive, but it will involve some pressure the other way, and things like congestion charging, obviously, that's going to have an impact."

Transport Minister Michael Wood plans to give councils the power to ban cars on roads at certain times and remove kerbside parking in favour of cycleways and bus lanes - without prior consultation. Wood also wants councils to restrict traffic outside schools to encourage parents and children to walk and cycle - improving exercise safety. But the minister has assured parents who drive their children to school that they have nothing to worry about and will still be able to drop them off nearby. The proposals come from the "Reshaping Streets" report, devised to help councils and Auckland Transport (AT) quickly make widespread changes to streets to support public transport, cycling, walking and people-friendly spaces. Transport Minister Michael Wood. Photo / Alex Burton Wood said the changes will also help meet the country's climate change emission reduction targets and make roads safer for all users. National Party transport spokesman Simeon Brown described "Reshaping Streets" as a radical proposal that revealed Labour's deeply ingrained anti-car ideology. Under the proposals, as drafted, councils would have the power to "prohibit or restrict the use of motor vehicles, or one or more classes of motor vehicles, on the roadway". They will also be allowed to pilot street changes for up to two years without consulting with impacted people, businesses and communities beforehand. Councils will have to give the public a reasonable opportunity to provide feedback during the trial and can modify the pilot. Before the pilot ends, councils need to decide whether to make any or all of the piloted changes permanent. Another proposal allows councils to "filter" traffic on roads by installing bollards or planter boxes. This will stop cars and/or other vehicles using roads in favour of pedestrians, cyclists and people on scooters and skateboards. Wood's proposal to get more parents and children out of cars and walking or cycling to school is called "School Streets" and follows similar changes in the United Kingdom and Canada. It would restrict traffic at or near a school during drop-off and pick-up times. Councils will also have the power to create a "School Street" or set one up as part of a pilot, but Wood said he expected councils will work with schools when making changes. The combined changes go beyond AT's controversial new parking strategy to remove kerbside parking for cycleways, which has been pushed back until after the local body election in October after failing to get public support and for some further consultation. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff trashed the first version that gave AT unfettered power to remove parking as "totally arrogant" and anti-democratic. Goff said the "Reshaping Streets" proposals will not undermine the democratic process and said it allows for greater flexibility around consultation. "Local authorities would be able to modify a pilot while it is underway in response to feedback, leading to improved outcomes for streetscape upgrades that better meet the needs of local communities," he said. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff. Photo / Dean Purcell AT, which is responsible for any new roading powers, would be working with Auckland Council to prepare a joint submission on the proposals, a spokesman said. "We're not in a position to give an AT perspective until we have finalised our submission with the council," said the spokesman, adding AT had not formally advocated for any of the proposals.He said the revised version of the draft parking strategy will be the overarching strategy guiding the management of on-street parking in Auckland. Simon Douglas, general manager of motoring affairs for the Automobile Association, said there were some sensible technical adjustments in Wood's proposals, such as changes around bus shelters, making it easier to create pedestrian malls and community street events. But he said AA would want to look closely at the proposal to pilot street changes for up to two years with no pre-consultation with people, businesses and communities who might be impacted. "We have seen recently in Wellington cycleway changes that involved the removal of parking has really concerned small local businesses and it got as far as proposing judicial challenges," Douglas said. Simeon Brown said councils will have significantly heightened powers to carve up streets at their own discretion. "This means less consultation with communities when it comes to creating cycleways, removing on-street car parks, installing speed bumps and reducing speed limits. National Party transport spokesman Simeon Brown. Photo / Mark Mitchell "Kiwis could also lose access to their street due to 'modal filters', which would effectively allow the banning of cars, or some types of cars, from some streets. Additionally, streets could even be used as playgrounds at certain times during the day. "These proposals are radical and take road users out of the picture," he said. Wood sees the proposals through a different lens, saying many streets do not allow people to live, shop and meet with friends and whānau safely and easily. "Some of the rules for managing streets are 50 years old and outdated. We're moving to update them to reflect people's needs and give communities new ways to be involved in changes that affect them," he said. Public consultation on the proposals runs for six week until September 19. Wood plans to have a new regulatory rule for the "Reshaping Streets" proposals in place by the end of the year and some changes to the Local Government Act coming to Parliament next year. - Bernard Orsman, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's First Up pod - Auckland Mayor Phil Goff discusses the pedestrianisation of the city centre. Will it become a no-go zone for cars? If you've gotten out of the habit of wearing your mask, best you get back in!! A virologist tells us about the BA 2.75 variant which was detected in the community yesterday; and we bring you the story of a nurse practitioner who's started up clinic in an isolated rural school so residents can get the treatment they need. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

The biggest challenges for Auckland's City Rail Link are likely yet to come, according to the watchdog on government spending. A report into the multibillion dollar project by the Auditor General's office says it will cost more than is budgeted and will take longer than expected, partly due to Covid. The 3.4 kilometre twin tunnel underground rail link is expected to double the number of Aucklanders living within 30 minutes' travel of the city centre. But the report also says the CRL will likely face more disruptions due to supply chain delays and competition for workers. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff talks through the details with Lisa Owen.

Auckland councillor Chris Darby says the scrapping of the controversial container terminal at Ports of Auckland is an expensive mess that will exacerbate supply chain issues and affect the ports' reputation. The port's new board has quashed the project at Fergusson Wharf, costing the council-backed port 65 million dollars. It was supposed to lift productivity and profitability, with driverless straddle carriers or cranes load and unload trucks. The Ports former board has decided to fund it, amid claims it was groundbreaking and innovative. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has previously called for a review of the project which he says has failed to deliver. Councillor Chris Darby says the cost of the failure will ultimately far exceed a 65 million dollar write-off.

There were at least five drive by shootings in Auckland last night. The armed incidents are believed to be the result of rising tensions between the Killer Beez and Tribesmen gangs. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland’s city centre may be small, but it's a big economic contributor - generating $23.2 billion dollars to Auckland’s GDP last year. That’s 19 percent of the city's overall GDP. But the pandemic has taken a toll on Auckland’s inner city business community, and here to discuss what that means for the country’s overall economic health and a plan to kick start the sector is Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the cover of darkness New Zealand 's cup became Spain's cup. The 2am announcement confirmed what had long been speculated the regatta is headed off shore for 2024. Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton is adamant the government funding package of $99 million, including $31 million cash, was not enough to fund a wining defence. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says it is a let down and PM Jacinda Ardern says Team NZ was offered enough money to keep it local. So who is right? Yachting commentator Richard Gladwell talks to Lisa Owen.

The next Americas Cup will be held in Barcelona in Spain. A bid from the Government and the Auckland Council to hold the event on Waitematā Harbour has been turned down by Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Team New Zealand chief Grant Dalton says there was not enough money invested into holding the event in Auckland to cover costs. He says the Government and Auckland City Council pledged about $90 million, but only $30 million was tangible money. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the city's residents will be disappointed that the America's Cup will be held overseas, but commercial interests have won out. He told Morning Report the last Cup in Auckland was a great event.

With the news today that Team New Zealand will be defending the America's Cup offshore, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff reflects on what has been lost to the Supercity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months at home workers can trade the trackies and kitchen commute for a return to the actual office, with the government ending most mandates from early April. The question is will they? Some of our largest companies - Spark, Vodafone, and Auckland Council said today it will take them some time to carry out a health and safety risk assessment - and talk to their staff about a return. Until then the downtown coffee shops and retailers will have to wait. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff talks to Lisa Owen.

The Mayor of Auckland says National's proposal to scrap the city's transport taxes will only cripple development after years of underfunding. In a speech yesterday, National Party leader Christopher Luxon said if elected Prime Minister at the next election, he would reverse every tax increase imposed by the current government. Some of these include Auckland's regional fuel tax and the proposed light rail tax. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff told Corin Dann the city simply couldn't afford it.

Vehicle access to Auckland Domain remains closed due to a small number of anti-mandate protesters setting up camp and refusing to leave. They moved there after Saturday's harbour bridge march organised by the Freedoms and Rights Coalition, which saw thousands cross the bridge on foot. A protester in a video claimed to have mana whenua status, saying they were occupying a pā site at the domain. But Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the tangata whenua of central Auckland, says protest action against vaccination and mandates is in "direct opposition" to their values. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff spoke to Corin Dann.  

Sir Bob Harvey says the retirement of Auckland Mayor Phil Goff from local politics is for him a moment of personal sadness. The former Waitakere City mayor and onetime Labour Party leader says he was naturally sad to learn that Phil Goff will be stepping away from the political life he's been a part of for more than forty years. He says its also a bit because from his point of view there isn't an obvious standout candidate to replace the two-term Auckland leader. Sir Bob speaks to Corin Dann.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon wants to scrap Auckland's regional fuel tax, and instead wants to explore congestion charging. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has in the past called the tax "unwelcome but nescessary". He spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has taken an optimistic view on the move to the orange Covid protection level at the end of December. "I'm not surprised because the government has exercised caution. And that caution has served us pretty well in the past. "So better this year then not this year... It's more cautious than perhaps I would have seen but then I'm not making the hard decisions. "I'm not knocking what the government's done. I just thought that it was a little bit more cautious than I would have liked to have seen."

Looking through the fog of an ongoing pandemic, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has proposed a billion dollars to fight what he says will have a much greater impact than Covid. His climate change-centred budget proposal would put more buses on the road, electrify ferries, and provide better walking and cycling routes. But a catch: Aucklanders will have to pay even more in rates. Jordan Bond reports.

The Mayors of Auckland and Timaru aren't happy with three waters reform and have come out against the government's plan to move forward with reforms. The government is pushing ahead with plans to set up four regional bodies to manage drinking, waste and stormwater infrastructure and services. Timaru's Mayor Nigel Bowen told Morning Report he's worried smaller rural councils will struggle with water responsibilities taken away from them "With a smaller council, or probably even smaller than ours, they might have one person managing infrastructure, which would be roading and three waters infrastructure, so is that person going to be viable? Moving forward, are the smaller councils even going to be viable?" [audio_play] "Our council will be fine, but a lot of the rural councils will be really heavily affected." - Nigel Bowen. Bowen thinks in light of that, there needs to be a wider discussion about the future of local government. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said while there are advantages in scale his city already serves a third of the country's population and would not benefit from amalgamation. What we're opposed to absolutely, is the removal of democratic accountability from the water services entity that the people of Auckland have always had through their elected representatives over the assets that they have built up over generations. "This model means that effectively 28 percent of the assets of the people of Auckland held by council go to a new entity which Aucklanders no longer control."

The Mayors of Auckland and Timaru aren't happy with three waters reform and have come out against the government's plan to move forward with reforms. The government is pushing ahead with plans to set up four regional bodies to manage drinking, waste and stormwater infrastructure and services. Timaru's Mayor Nigel Bowen told Morning Report he's worried smaller rural councils will struggle with water responsibilities taken away from them "With a smaller council, or probably even smaller than ours, they might have one person managing infrastructure, which would be roading and three waters infrastructure, so is that person going to be viable? Moving forward, are the smaller councils even going to be viable?" [audio_play] "Our council will be fine, but a lot of the rural councils will be really heavily affected." - Nigel Bowen. Bowen thinks in light of that, there needs to be a wider discussion about the future of local government. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said while there are advantages in scale his city already serves a third of the country's population and would not benefit from amalgamation. What we're opposed to absolutely, is the removal of democratic accountability from the water services entity that the people of Auckland have always had through their elected representatives over the assets that they have built up over generations. "This model means that effectively 28 percent of the assets of the people of Auckland held by council go to a new entity which Aucklanders no longer control."

Do you ever wonder why you bother to obey the rules when so many don't?The latest one is the top cop who was driving a private car, but in full police uniform. He was driving iwi contacts he deals with through his job.A second source said the office was "doing a favour" for those contacts. It was revealed last night that the man crossed the border earlier this month, while Auckland was still under stringent alert level restrictions and formal exemptions were needed to leave the area.One source said the officer was challenged by police staff manning the southern border - but they reportedly allowed him through after he insisted, they couldn't say no to him.He told them that he could cross the border because he was an essential worker.However, it is understood the trip was not considered official Police business and police have confirmed no exemption was given for travel.And then you have the Tamakis.The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner met virtually with the Destiny Church boss over his plans for an anti-lockdown rally.Can you believe it? Auckland Mayor Phil Goff certainly can't.This is doing my head in.  If you're Māori, if you're a gang member, if you're an entitled, narcissist twit like the Wānaka runaways, like Brian Tamaki, you stick two fingers to everyone and go your own way. I don't like the rules either, but we have been told that we will get out of Level 3 if we obey them.  But if people are going to break the rules - with official sanction - I don't know how much longer the Government can expect wholesale public compliance. Like I said when the Wānaka runaways were exposed, good people don't break the rules - but they do have a breaking point. I am very close to reaching mine.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff thinks the city should go down to alert level 3 this week to prevent lockdown fatigue. Cabinet will decide today on whether to ease restrictions. Phil Goff says elimination of Covid-19 should still be the goal. But he thinks level 3 would ease the economic and psychological pressures on Aucklanders who are facing their longest lockdown since the pandemic began. Goff says Auckland's vaccination rates are also on a positive trajectory - 80 percent of the population have had at least one dose.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says it's frustrating not all the details of the attacker can be revealed because of a court order. He knew nothing about the individual beforehand. But he said from his experience in government, the amount of people like this individual being monitored are extremely few. "What's frustrating for all of us who have just listened to the Prime Minister and the police commissioner, is that they were constrained from sharing all of the information that they know about this individual, because of a court order, and I understand that the Prime Minister of all people have to live under the law, and cannot go outside the law. "But what is clear about it is that this person is an ideologically motivated terrorist... It's appalling that he could cause so much hurt in the space of a minute, just with a knife. But I guess the police interceded as quickly as they were able and ultimately, he has paid the price of his actions."

The former head of Auckland's water services says ratepayers face hikes in water charges that are wrong and unnecessary. Water charges are forecast to double over the next decade, beginning with a 7 percent rise this year. But the ex-chief executive of Watercare, Raveen Jaduram, says people would pay far less if the company was not owned by Auckland Council, so saddled with the council's debt problems. Jaduram, who resigned a year ago amid the city's worst drought in decades and suggestions he was overpaid on a salary of over $700,000 dollars, said he is speaking out because what is happening is 'criminal'. He said this is a good reason to back the Government's 3 Waters reform, which retains ratepayer ownership of the assets while reducing what he says is unhelpful influence from the council. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff opposes 3 Waters. He says the approach Raveen Jaduram advocates would undermine local control. Watercare declined to comment.

A business owner in West Auckland says his situation feels like a kick in the guts when he's already down after multiple lockdowns, and a deluge of rain. Floodwaters ripped through dozens of homes and businesses following downpours on Monday night, now residents are coming to terms with the damage. Mechanic Paul Stewart says, the water came up to his waist, ripping through some customers' cars, and damaging about 90 percent of his tools.  Auckland Mayor Phil Goff spoke to Susie Ferguson about the upcoming clean-up.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is calling for the Government to vaccinate before the rest of the country if supplies start to run low.He says "you vaccinate according to levels of risk [...] so, we started with the border workers and then we went to those with comorbidities." But he says if we look at the current risk in New Zealand, it's clear where it lies. "It lies in Auckland because we're the Gateway City and we've got most of the quarantine facilities."So he's asking the Government to maintain Auckland as a priority, saying "it doesn't mean that you stop vaccinating elsewhere, it's simply that you maintain a very high level of vaccination in Auckland."Goff says it's the best way of protecting not only Auckland, but the whole of the country.With 49 new cases in Auckland announced today, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the community is now 612. Apart from 15 in Wellington, the rest are all in Auckland.LISTEN ABOVE

Ninety-nine of the 107 cases in this Delta cluster are in Auckland. Just eight are in the capital. So far no other cities or towns have returned positives for the more transmissible strain. And the Crowne Plaza in the Auckland's CBD is at the centre of an investigation into how Delta got into the community after genome sequencing linked the outbreak to a Sydney returnee who was isolating there. It also turns out six members of the public were using a thoroughfare through the hotel, which is only separated from isolating guests by a perspex divider, at the time the positive case was in lobby. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff tells Lisa Owen the latest outbreak proves his point Auckland should have been given priority for Covid-19 vaccination.

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says all possibilities on the table for the South Island if no cases are found by Friday. "I wouldn't rule anything in or out, we'll make those decisions based on what information we've got on Friday." He said Alert Level 1 is still possible despite Delta. “We are still pursuing an elimination strategy here, we're still aiming to stamp this outbreak out completely.” Hipkins said ending use of central city hotels as MIQ facilities cannot be done currently. “Effectively we would be stopping movements in and out of the country and I don't think we are in a position to be able to do that,” he told Checkpoint. Health expert Nick Wilson says the facilities are not appropriate for purpose, and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has asked government to reconsider use of central city hotels.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is calling for everybody to play their part and follow the rules to successfully contain the virus. Council facilities, such as libraries, leisure centres, playgrounds and public toilets are now closed. Essential services, such as recycling, waste collection, and other critical infrastructures, will continue. Goff spoke to Jane Patterson.

All of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 4 lockdown for three days from 11:59pm Tuesday, as a Covid-19 case in the community in Auckland threatens the country with a Delta variant outbreak. Auckland and Coromandel township will most likely stay in Level 4 for seven days. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff tells Lisa Owen he supports the move fully.

Councils all over the country are pushing back against the government's water reform plans.Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta wants to create four water bodies to deal with all water infrastructure in New ZealandWhangarei, Auckland, and Canterbury councils are strongly opposed to this.Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai says it'd have to be a pretty good deal to entice her into this plan.“The only thing that is in the dashboard that we can see that gives us pause for thought is that our ratepayers could potentially be paying less in the future for their waters if we join in with our neighbouring councils.”Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says he doesn't accept Mahuta's explanation for why Aucklanders should be paying for Northland councils' water.“We'll create an entity where Auckland puts in 92 percent of the assets – 90 percent of the population – and it has some say over 40 percent of the representation on the governance of that organisation.”LISTEN ABOVE

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the Government put its best foot forward in its offer to Team New Zealand - and wants Kiwis to tell the team how they feel about the prospect of the event moving overseas.The comments come after Team New Zealand officially rejected the Government's $99 million bid to host the next America's Cup in Auckland.Ardern, speaking from Fieldays today, said: "The Government, on behalf of taxpayers, went into those negotiations in good faith, in the hope of being able to retain the competition here in New Zealand. We wanted to have that home crowd, and for every Cup where we've held it, we've hosted."We have to make sure that not only we put our best foot forward and make every endeavour to hold and host the race here, we also needed to identify the point where it wouldn't be value for money for New Zealanders."The ball is in their court. We believe we've made a decent offer, and now it's for them to resolve where the Cup will be raced."Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash said it was "really disappointing" to have not agreed on a deal that saw the races hosted here."But the commercial reality of America's Cup in 2021 is that this is multi-million dollar commercial proposition as well as a yacht race."Not all is lost now but Team NZ are now able to negotiate with other parties. If no one can offer them what we have offered, then they come back here and if something has to go back to Cabinet, it will."Ardern urged Kiwis to tell Team NZ how they felt."Make your voice heard. There are still negotiations being had, and if you feel really strongly about this in the same we did, let the team know."I, like every Kiwi, want to see that race hosted here. You can't replace a home crowd, and you cannot replace the huge strength of feeling that New Zealanders bring to that race. That's what makes it so exciting."Asked if the Government's bid could go higher, Ardern said there comes a point when the economic benefit no longer stacked up."At some point, we have to say we can't justify investment beyond that for the taxpayer."We have to make a call about where that line exists. I could not hand on heart stand here in front of you and say that it would have been good value for money for New Zealanders to go beyond where we have. So I wouldn't do it."She said she wouldn't go as far as saying that Team NZ "didn't give it a good run with us"."The team themselves, I do think, want to race here. I do think they want a home crowd. That's the team. But of course there are other commercial imperatives that play."Nash said Kiwis will still support Team NZ."It's just a shame they won't be able to go down to the viaduct."Auckland Mayor Phil Goff told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Team New Zealand wanted twice as much as the $100 million offer that came from council and Government. "I can't go out to the ratepayers of Auckland in these Covid-19-stretched times and say we should be putting lots of money in to a hosting fee, we simply can't do that."But it is disappointing, because in order to make provision for the America's Cup earlier this year, we did something like $113 million worth of infrastructure work." He said that while that infrastructure is still there and can be used, the hope had been they would stay here to contest the next Cup.Goff said that the Viaduct Events Centre, which has been leased to Team New Zealand at a heavily discounted rate, will go commercial when the lease ends in March. text by Derek Cheng, NZ Herald

A new report has found creating one to four providers is the most efficient way to overhaul management of New Zealand's three waters network.The affordability challenge of tackling decades of underinvestment is eye-watering.Up to $185b will be needed for pipes across the country over the next 30 years, which will result in ballooning household water bills without reform.Documents consisting of more than 600 pages have been proactively released this afternoon outlining expert advice for the Government's massive water overhaul.Water in New Zealand is currently managed by 67 territorial authorities, Watercare, and Wellington Water.The Government is in the middle of reforming local government's three waters services into a small number of multi-regional entities.The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) has completed a report that considered 30 scenarios for amalgamation, which ranged from 13 entities across the country to just one.For example, under a model of three entities, two could look after the North Island and one could serve the Wellington region and South Island. Or two entities could serve one island each.International evidence suggests entities that supply less than 800,000 citizens would typically struggle to realise full efficiencies.So analysis showed models ranging from one to four entities provided the greatest opportunity for scale efficiencies and related benefits like improved levels of service and more affordable household bills.The documents released today only present evidence, it is up to the Government to make the call on how many entities there will be.This will include consideration of other factors like alignment with regulatory catchments and rohe/takiwa.Modelling also showed up to $185b will be needed to fix three waters infrastructure across the country over the next 30 years.Councils are facing the consequences of significant underinvestment in water pipes, most notably exemplified in Wellington.Authorities have responded to this crisis by almost doubling the average national spend on water in their recent long-term plans to $2.7b annually.That's a significant lift in investment, $81b over 30 years, but it's nowhere near enough.Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said it was clear the affordability challenges facing water infrastructure were too great for councils alone."Together, the reports confirm the need for major reform to upgrade and maintain our water infrastructure, protect our environment, and avoid unaffordable increases to household bills."For example, without reform, average household bills in 2051 are forecast to range from $1900 to $13,900.Under reform proposals with five providers those figures range from $800 to $1800. With three providers the range is $800 to $1600."Our plan means the required upgrade of infrastructure for our most precious natural resource will be much more affordable for New Zealanders than continuing on the current path", Mahuta said.Another report, by Deloitte, showed the three waters reform is forecast to impact every corner of the economy.It's estimated to increase GDP by $14.4 billion over the next 30 years.Up to 9300 extra jobs would also be created.Provincial and rural regions would experience the highest economic impact relative to their current regional GDP, with metropolitan areas getting the smallest relative gains.It's acknowledged there will be labour market challenges in the short term, particularly finding skilled labour with the borders shut due to Covid-19.Mahuta said she expected to announce Cabinet decisions on the way forward for the reforms in coming months.Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said it was important not to impose a one-size-fits-all approach to the challenge.He noted Auckland, which provides water services to nearly 1.7 million people through Watercare, has already gone through an amalgamation process."Council is not convinced that [further] amalgamation would improve the efficiency and eff...

The embattled Ports of Auckland Chief Executive has quietly announced his resignation, amid the flurry of Budget Day. Tony Gibson had been facing mounting pressure to resign following a scathing independent review into Health and Safety at the Port. In a video statement to staff, Mr Gibson said it had been a very difficult decision. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff joins Lisa Owen with his reaction. In response to Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett's comment that the resignation was about political and union bullying, Goff said Auckland councillors' questions of his management were appropriate, and not bullying.  "I would be negligent in my responsibility not to ask those questions. I don't think you can characterise that as bullying." 

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says worsening gang warfare is putting innocent people at risk and he warns the city cannot go down the track of "gangland America".His comments follow a dramatic shooting at a 5-star waterfront hotel yesterday, which police say was linked to an escalating dispute between the Head Hunters and Mongols gangs.A gun was fired soon after 9am at the Sofitel hotel at the Viaduct, sparking a citywide response with armed officers and the Eagle helicopter.Detective Inspector John Sutton said the incident - described by witnesses as "a moment of terror" - was linked to a shooting at the Head Hunters' gang pad in Mt Wellington last weekend.Goff told the Herald it was "intolerable that gangs are carrying out their feuds in public using firearms and risking public safety"."It really is important that New Zealand not go down the track of gangland America and zero tolerance is now shown to gangs employing firearms against each other or anybody else."While police were yet to make arrests, Goff said they were pouring massive resources into the investigation and officers believed they knew the culprits' identities.Police outside the Sofitel in the Viaduct Harbour responding to a firearms incident. Photo / Jason OxenhamGoff said he hoped those responsible were bought swiftly to justice and that subsequent convictions and sentences reflected the seriousness of the crimes."There has to be a clear message that Aucklanders, New Zealanders and police are not prepared to tolerate this kind of behaviour, of factions involved in criminal activities warring with each other."The escalating violence was a stain on the city's reputation and undermined people's basic right to feel safe in their city."What we don't expect in downtown Auckland is to have squads of armed police sorting out gangs who are at war with each other over who owns the patch."He acknowledged the arrival of so called "501" deportees from Australia was fuelling the turf war as gangs like the Mongols and Comancheros gained in numbers and strength."They're treating this like the Wild West."Goff also acknowledged the arrests of three men yesterday in connection with the fatal shooting of Favona grandmother Meliame Fisi'ihoi, who was gunned down in an apparent case of mistaken identity in January last year.While the arrests were "a long time coming", Goff hoped they would bring some conciliation to Fisi'ihoi's family.And he praised police for their "extraordinary efforts" in tackling the broader problem of gun violence and organised crime, including raids on houses and seizure of weapons, restraining criminals' assets under proceeds of crime legislation and a police campaign to crack down on firearms.Finally, Goff called on members of the public who had knowledge of illegal firearms or criminal activities to share that information with police, who could not tackle the problem on their own.

The wife of an injured Ports of Auckland worker is furious about management's claims they were unaware of the extent of health and safety failings revealed this week in a highly critical report. Following three deaths linked to the port, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff ordered the independent review. It found systemic safety failings, suspected under-reporting of accidents, with workers fearing speaking up. Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson maintains he was not aware things were so bad and is refusing resign, despite growing calls for him to walk. Speaking out for the first time Neil's wife, Jo Bower says she's angry about Tony Gibson's comments. Checkpoint approached the Ports of Auckland for comment, but have not received a response.  

After a report revealing systemic failings in safety practices at Ports of Auckland, Independent Māori Statutory Board deputy chair Tau Henare says port chief executive Tony Gibson has to "just bugger off". Auckland Mayor Phil Goff commissioned the report, which also found suspected under-reporting of accidents, with workers fearing retaliation if they raise concerns. It calls for Ports of Auckland [POAL] to put safety ahead of profit. Chief executive Tony Gibson maintains he will stay in the role to push through changes, despite the report laying much of the blame for failings at the feet of management. Henare is the deputy chair of the board that advises Auckland Council on Māori issues. He wants to see Gibson gone.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the infrastructure is there and he is keen to see the America's Cup hosted in Auckland again in 2023. It comes as the govt has pledged an initial $5 million for Team NZ to prepare for the next America's Cup.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the city, particularly south Auckland, needs to be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccine. He told Checkpoint he has pushed the idea with the Prime Minister.  "Where do you roll the vaccine out first? Where there's most risk. And that's us. "If you protect Aucklanders, that protects the disease being spread out into other parts of the country." 

The Auckland Mayor Phil Goff doesn't think prosecuting those rule breakers in the Papatoetoe covid cluster would achieve much. The mother of the latest community cases had gone for a walk with the mother of another family identified in the cluster during Alert Level 3. The Police says they've not begun an investigation into the rule breach. They'd need information referred to them from the Ministry of Health, which they have not yet received. Phil Goff told political reporter Charlie Dreaver the Covid-19 response relies on high trust but he admits there might be times that is not enough.

Aucklanders let out a collective gasp last night when news broke that the city would be going back into Alert Level 3 lockdown after a new community case of Covid-19 was detected. Mayor Phil Goff joins the show with his reaction.

Aucklanders let out a collective gasp last night when news broke that the city would be going back into Alert Level 3 lockdown after a new community case of Covid-19 was detected. Mayor Phil Goff joins the show with his reaction.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff joins Lisa Owen with his reaction to the government's Covid-19 alert level decision. Responding to question about him informing decision to move to level 2, Goff says he has ongoing discussions with government. Cabinet is advised by health officials but he does let Cabinet "know what's happening" in Auckland and the effect on Aucklanders.  Goff says he imagines given alert level 2 gathering restrictions that Pride events will not be going ahead.  On America's Cup, Goff says his preference would have been to postpone it for a week, but Luna Rossa "said no way". 

I have come full circle with my love of the America's Cup.There is no other competition like it right?I'm always on board when we're racing – whether it goes our way or not. Like so many New Zealander's, when it comes to the actual competition I'm there. Full support.I also become an expert at foiling, which to be honest I know little about.Okay so maybe yesterday's first two races of the Prada Cup Final where a little underwhelming; but most of the time it's thrilling, unpredictable and dangerous as crews attempts to control these technical AC75 beasts in our fickle winds.The great thing about the America's Cup these days is it's not huge time commitment, which means it's easy to make it appointment viewing, although yesterday I missed both the starts, and the starts are where you get to see the best sailors in the world strut their stuff.At some point during an America's Cup campaign however I lose interest. It's got nothing to do with the action on the water. I lose interest when questions about the America's Cup event management hit the news, when high court action is threatened over graphics and undertaken to keep news organisations from publishing details of a leaked confidential draft report. I lose interest when the rules are constantly changed. Honestly google rule changes American's Cup 2021, there's a list.And let's not forget the course selection drama of October 2020.This is a game played like few others, and it seems anything goes as long as it's in the best interest of the team.While I call it a game, it's not really. It's a business, an expensive business that requires partnerships and sponsorship's to make it work, and if it's going to continue to grow and increase in popularity it needs more than 4 teams to enter.That's why I wasn't surprised this week when the latest America's Cup leak revealed Team New Zealand had commissioned a major London based sports consultancy to run a world wide selection process aimed at finding a host for the 2023 or 2024 America's Cup Event.If Team New Zealand retains the Cup, Auckland will not necessarily be the host city.According to Grant Dalton, Covid-19 and the lost revenue from this year's tournament was the driver behind the move to look overseas because the team needed to find a way to come up with the money needed to compete again. Once again, team first.Commentators, the Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and other personalities around Auckland spoke out about how due to Covid, New Zealand hasn't been able to get a return on its investment.Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I would think that if we're committing $250 million of local and central government money to this event, someone would have thought to put a clause in the agreement stating Auckland had first dibs on the next event if Team New Zealand won it.But of course we have to win it first.And that's why I'm no longer interested in the machinations of this turbulent event. At the end of the day much of the infrastructure that's been put in place for the Cup was always going to be done, it's just been done quicker. It's been more painful for Aucklanders but it should be complete soon, so let's take that as a win.Over 200,000 people have visited Auckland's waterfront to watch the sailing since racing started in December. It's not the numbers we were expecting - but it's better than nothing.Viewing numbers have been impressive too it's been reported that preliminary international viewing statistics provided to Auckland Unlimited show around 100 million people watched the four days of December racing, about 25 per cent of the total viewership of the whole of AC35, the previous cup in Bermuda. That's not so bad for New Zealand either.So from now on, I'm going to take a cue from the fearless, talented sailors on these boats, and stay out of the messy squabbles. There's bound to be more but I'll focus on the racing, and just enjoy the tournament while it's here.

Two people in Auckland have tested positive for Covid-19 after leaving managed isolation. The pair left isolation at the Pullman Hotel on 15 January. Auckland mayor Phil Goff speaks to Corin Dann.

Police have put the brakes on training new officers, despite a rise in gun violence and gang activity.The delay has left hundreds of recruits in limbo and means the Government is still well short of its promise last term to put an extra 1800 cops on the streets by last year.Candidates of an upcoming training wing were initially scheduled to attend the Royal New Zealand Police College in February.But they were told in a document obtained by the Herald on Sunday that their training would be deferred until later in 2021 after recruitment requirements were reconsidered.The decision will mean a six-month drought of new cops hitting the streets between March and September.A wing of 60 recruits is set to be deployed in March at the end of the last scheduled four-month training.Police say the earliest next intake for training is scheduled to start in May, so no new officers will be available for work until September.Police halted recruitment in June last year, because of an increase in applications during the Covid-19 lockdown, but assured those already in the pipeline that their training would continue.In a statement, executive director of people and operations Kaye Ryan said attrition rates as low as 2 per cent meant there was now "less of a need for police recruits," despite police falling more than 400 short of the 2017 Government Coalition Agreement goal of adding 1800 new police officers above attrition over three years.Ryan said the growth target was always funded over a five-year period.Police Association president Chris Cahill. (Photo / Mark Mitchell)But Police Association spokesperson Chris Cahill said he believed police had to stop training because they had got ahead of their five-year budget. He urged that the money be brought forward so training could restart immediately."Labour are actually budgeting this over five years from June 2018 to June 2023 and we think that's crazy because they said if it could be done, they would do it in three years," he told the Herald on Sunday."New cops are needed now more than ever. We've got over 200 police staff working in the managed isolation facilities so that's 200 staff not out on the street. Why would you not get the recruits through while you've got people wanting to join and police have the capacity to train?"Our members are telling us they've seen some real gains with the extra numbers which came through, it had a real effect on morale in the police and their ability to do the job. By cancelling wings, we risk losing all those gains."The Government fell short of its growth target of 1800 new police over three years. (Photo / Getty)Last month, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff called on police to boost the number of frontline officers to crack down on drug trafficking and organised crime as the city wrestles with spiralling gun violence.Gang membership is also on the rise nationwide. At least 900 people reportedly joined a gang in 2020, an increase of 13 per cent on the year before, according to police figures.National's police spokesman Simeon Brown said the postponement of training in light of this reflected a "lack of commitment" from the Government to its "goals in law and order in keeping New Zealanders safe"."What's happened is failure in the Government not achieving their promise and kicking the can down the road," Brown said."It's time we take this seriously and actually ensure we have the police resources to match."The public are waking up to the fact that crime is on the rise, particularly organised criminal activity, and they need the police to be as effective and as well-resourced as possible."Cahill added his concern that the May intake would mean just 40 recruits were trained and would only go ahead if attrition rates increased.He feared the extended delay would risk them losing candidates with great potential in the police force.A police candidate, who asked to remain anonymous, agreed the process had been "disheartening"."There's been a m...

The chief executive of the underperforming Ports of Auckland is insisting the delays to offloading freight and problems with its new automation system are the fault of Covid-19. Importers are frustrated at the backlog of stock still at sea or stuck on the wharf as some shop shelves remain bare before Christmas Port workers have told Checkpoint they have ongoing concerns about safety at the port following two deaths there. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff told Checkpoint he cannot express confidence in the chief executive until he sees things improve. Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson told Checkpoint he himself is not happy with the port's performance. "I think that we have to go back to the impact what Covid-19 has had on the organisation," Gibson said.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is refusing to express confidence in the chief executive or leadership of the Ports of Auckland, following major delays clearing cargo and a spate of serious accidents, including deaths. The port says Covid-19 and interruptions to supply chains worldwide have contributed to its problems, but it concedes staff shortages and problems with its automated unloading system are also to blame. Last week it was fined more than half a million dollars for its role in the death of a man who was crushed when the straddle carrier he was driving toppled over.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says his 10-year Recovery Budget proposal prioritises value for money.Goff is proposing selling surplus properties to invest in critical infrastructure - as a response to the $1 billion loss in revenue.He also wants a one-off 5 percent rates increase for the next financial year, before reverting to 3.5 the following year.Phil Goff says it was a tough budget to put together.He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Covid-19 has thrown a spanner into the works of what the council was hoping to do.Asked about Herald sources that have said water rates could rise by 8 per cent, Goff says that would be Watercare's decision."They have a statutory ability to set their water rates."He says that they have raised it, but have not yet made a decision, and he doesn't know if it will be 8 per cent.On congestion charges proposed yesterday, Goff says that they will likely replace the Regional Fuel Tax in 2025, once the City Rail Link opens and there are alternative transport options for Aucklanders."One will be phased in and one will be phased out."LISTEN ABOVE

Motorists could be charged $3.50 to drive through Auckland's central city during peak hours. A joint government - Auckland Council report says there's a strong case for congestion charging in the city, but the main problem's likely to be push back from the government. Included in the shortlist of five charging options is one that would ping motorists for driving into the city centre along with strategic corridors including main motorways. A new law would be needed for any tolling regime. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff talks to Lisa Owen about the proposal.

Aucklanders can expect to be paying higher water bills next year, with WaterCare reviewing its pricing as the effects of Covid-19 continue to bite. The council-controlled organisation has faced mounting costs this year with the region experiencing an ongoing drought. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the cost of additional water supplies will have to be paid for somewhere down the line. Katie Doyle reports.

Workers in Auckland's CBD are being asked to stay at home on Friday if at all possible as Health authorities race to find the source of a new community case of Covid-19. A woman in her 20s returned a positive test on Thursday, but has no apparent connection with overseas travel, the border, or managed isolation. Health authorities are racing to find her contacts and the source. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff joins Lisa Owen to discuss the implications of the case.

Aucklanders are anxiously waiting to find out today if they'll have to deal with another Covid-19 clampdown as health officials work round the clock to contain a new mystery community case. They have no idea how the woman in her twenties who lives and works in the CBD caught the virus. Her workplace is now under fire after it was the Ministry of Health said she was told to isolate and stay home from work, but went in anyway after a conversation with her manager. Her work denies this happened, but Auckland Mayor Phil Goff called the news "unbelievable". He speaks to Corin Dann.

To some other news now and Ports of Auckland has stepped in to save the America's Cup for spectators eager to get a look at the racing. It's given the green light to use two inshore courses in the Waitemata Harbour, that were effectively struck out last month in a disagreement between Team New Zealand and Challenger of Record Luna Rossa. The courses are located in a shipping channel, which means disruption to port activity. But after a nudge from Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Ports of Auckland have reconsidered just how disruptive it would be. Felicity Reid has more.

Big week with Auckland moving to Alert Level One and early voting spots are now open. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff catches up with Rach about all the happenings, plus, Surf Life Saving at Piha beach as we start to look into swimming weather.

North Shore local board members are demanding to know what has been agreed for a second harbour crossing. Planning and location work is underway with a tunnel identified by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff as the most likely option. Twelve members of Devonport-Takapuna and Kaipātiki Local Boards have penned an open letter calling on Waka Kotahi, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to reveal design work and expected build dates. Kaipātiki board member Paula Gillon speaks to Susie Ferguson.  

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is optimistic a pilot plan to bring 1200 international students back into the country can start early next year, but says safety must be paramount for it to work. Goff wants the University of Auckland to be able to bring students back using their own hostel facilities for isolation, under a user pays system. He has submitted a plan to government ministers laying out how that would work, and while it was completed before the latest Auckland outbreak, he's hopeful it can still go ahead next year. Nita Blake-Persen reports.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has responded to the Prime Minister's decision to continue level three restrictions until Sunday night. He says he's disappointed in the extensions of the Covid-19 level 3 restrictions but agrees that the gains made so far can't be risked with an early exit. Checkpoint reporter Nita Blake-Persen is at the council building in the city, and joins us live.

Monday is decision day for Auckland's Alert Level 3 restrictions, but has two weeks of lockdown been enough to rid the city of the virus? Aucklanders crowding skate parks, basketball courts and off-limit playgrounds prompted one councillor to say the city risks going the same way as Melbourne. Some experts want the government to extend the lockdown for another week to ensure case numbers stay low before the city is released from restrictions. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff speaks to Corin Dann.

Auckland has been at Alert Level 3 for five days, but not everyone is sticking to the rules. Residents have already been taking Waiheke Island day trips and calling real estate agents to view homes for sale. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff joins us now to talk about how the lockdown is going.

Auckland's mayor is relieved the severity of his city's lockdown has not been ramped up, or extended for too long. Phil Goff, told Kim Hill the extension of the wage subsidy beyond the end of this month will provide a vital lifeline for Auckland businesses and others affected by its slow down. He says going hard and going early remains the right approach. Goff says the city's economy is still set to benefit from a $2.5 billion infrastructure spend from the council.

Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 from 12 noon on Wednesday until midnight Friday. The area for Alert Level 3 is the Auckland Super City boundaries - from Wellsford in the north to Pukekohe in the south. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff speaks to Corin Dann.

Labour and New Zealand First are once again at odds, this time over where to shift the port of Auckland. Transport Minister and senior Labour MP Phil Twyford has joined forces with his former colleague and now Auckland Mayor Phil Goff against New Zealand First and the party's push to move the port north. And with two conflicting reports on the move, the future of the port is unclear. Mackenzie Smith reports.

But we begin with a developing story involving two conflicting reports and two ministers at loggerheads over the future location of the Port of Auckland. The first report, led by Wayne Brown and released last year, favoured moving the port to Marsden Point - a position New Zealand First has long held. The second, released today, favours the Manukau Harbour. Transport Minister and senior Labour MP Phil Twyford today joined forces with his former colleague and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff saying the Brown report had a pre-determined outcome and was overseen by New Zealand First MP Shane Jones. Shane Jones disputes this. He says any suggestion the outcome of the report was pre-determined is disrespectful.

New Zealand First MP Shane Jones says moving the Ports of Auckland to the Manukau harbour would go against 200 years of shipping expertise. A new report published yesterday recommends moving the port to Manukau or the Firth of Thames. An earlier report New Zealand First backs identified Northport at Marsden Point as the best option. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has called the previous Northport work 'shoddy' and Transport Minister Phil Twyford has aligned himself with Goff. New Zealand First stands by the previous report that recommends the Northland option. Jones speaks to Kim Hill.

The Mayor of Auckland wants the government to fast-track a bid to more than double the city's daily water grab from the Waikato River. Phil Goff has asked the Environment Select Committee to have a hearing on the resource consent application and include the project in the Covid-19 Recovery Bill lineup. Waikato-Tainui iwi and the Waikato River Authority have both condemned the move, saying the crisis has nothing to do with Covid-19. The original consent was made in 2013 and remains 106th in the queue. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff told our environment reporter Rachel Thomas the region is facing a major drought and it can't wait any longer.

Auckland has been warned it cannot rely on the Waikato River alone to get it out of a drought-induced water supply crisis.Waikato Regional Council chair Russ Rimmington said while the Waikato could help the country's largest city with its water woes to some extent, it was important for other options - such as harvesting rainwater from roofs and enlarging dams - to be considered."To actually run the water supply today just on the weather gods is probably foolhardy, that's the nicest way to put it," Rimmington said."They've got to look at longer, more sustainable ways of water harvesting and collection and retention in the dams."He said Watercare had "dropped the ball" with its strategic planning."We are water-conservation conscious, the city of Hamilton put on water restrictions as early as October but in Auckland it was more like [May], then it was like 'oh there's no water'."Rimmington was among the regional council leaders who met with the heads of Watercare and Auckland Council on Friday to discuss options.They will next meet with Waikato-Tainui and the Waikato River Authority.Rimmongton and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff both said that if the drought continued into spring, Auckland's water shortage would be a crisis come summer.Goff said the meeting with Waikato Regional Council was a crucial step towards ensuring a more joined-up approach."With Auckland facing its worst drought on record, it's critical that additional supply from the Waikato River is made available in the short to medium term, without sacrificing the health of the awa," he said.Yesterday, the seven-day rolling average of water use in Auckland was 408 million litres per day, below Watercare's 410 million litre target."However, even with the significant efforts Aucklanders are making, the record low rainfall we've seen in recent months continues to be a serious challenge," Goff said."If we do not get enough rain in winter and spring, Auckland will face a crisis in water supply this summer. I have instructed Watercare to seek supply from every available water source to head off a potential emergency.By RNZ

Tasman District is joining several other local councils in shutting down its public libraries in the face of Covid-19.Mayor Tim King says the closure of the Richmond, Motueka and Takaka libraries will help minimise the risk of inadvertent spread of the virus.He's also postponed all non-essential Council meetings and will make a decision on recreation centres and pools in the coming days.They join Hamilton City Council, which has closed all city Libraries, Waterworld, the Aquatic Centre, Hamilton Zoo, Waikato Museum and the i-SITE until further notice.Gore District Council has also closed its public facilities including libraries and the Multisport Complex.The cities are joined by Auckland, Wellington, Porirua, Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill district and city councils.Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the decision is necessary to protect the health and well being of people in the community.He joined The Weekend Collective to discuss how councils can help battle the outbreak.LISTEN ABOVE

Tasman District is joining several other local councils in shutting down its public libraries in the face of Covid-19.Mayor Tim King says the closure of the Richmond, Motueka and Takaka libraries will help minimise the risk of inadvertent spread of the virus.He's also postponed all non-essential Council meetings and will make a decision on recreation centres and pools in the coming days.They join Hamilton City Council, which has closed all city Libraries, Waterworld, the Aquatic Centre, Hamilton Zoo, Waikato Museum and the i-SITE until further notice.Gore District Council has also closed its public facilities including libraries and the Multisport Complex.The cities are joined by Auckland, Wellington, Porirua, Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill district and city councils.Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the decision is necessary to protect the health and well being of people in the community.He joined The Weekend Collective to discuss how councils can help battle the outbreak.LISTEN ABOVE

Christchurch's mayor says she first heard the Serious Fraud Office was investigating her election spending when she stepped off a flight from Japan.On Friday, the SFO announced it had police referrals to do with expenses for Lianne Dalziel and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.Dalziel had been overseas, giving an official apology in Japan to people whose family members died in the CTV Building collapse.She told Chris Lynch she found out from the media in Auckland Airport."When I read on line that it had been referred to the Serious Fraud Office, I was quite surprised and I guess disappointed I hadn't been provided with any advice."However, Dalziel says she isn't concerned about what people think about the investigation.She says she's taking it seriously, but she has a job to do."It may be there are those who have particular interests in presenting things as if perception is reality. I want to continue in the role. Nothing has changed." 

The SkyCity Convention Centre fire will impact the Apec conference in 2021, but it will not jeopardise Auckland hosting the nearly year-long event, says Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.Speaking on his way into work this morning, Goff said smoke and other health and safety issues from the billowing smoke could mean the evacuation of the council headquarters where thousands of staff work.He said if it is anything like last evening, the council headquarters and other central city buildings would not be suitable for working in because of the effects on people's respiratory systems and eyes."My suit from yesterday just stinks of smoke, my eyes were watering, the back of the throat was sore."The council headquarters are based behind the SkyCity precinct in Albert St, and down wind from the fire at the SkyCity international convention centre.Goff said the wider implications revolve around Apec - the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference that culminates in the most powerful leaders in the world coming to Auckland in November 2021, including US President Donald Trump (if elected next year), China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.The leaders' meeting is scheduled to take place at the SkyCity Convention Centre. Other meetings will occur in the lead-up to the leaders' meeting in Auckland and other cities, but Goff did not think they would be affected by the fire.Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the SkyCity fire will impact the Apec conference. Photo / HeraldGoff said the convention centre was due to be finished by August or September next year and from a lay person's perspective it appears the work will be put back by more than a year."It seems to me, having watched that fire evolve over hours and hours and the difficulty in putting the fire out, the extensiveness of the damage and the water cascading off the building like a waterfall into Hobson, there will be extensive fire and water damage."You have got to believe that has put in jeopardy the ability of the convention centre to host the Apec meeting."The mayor said he would be working with the Government on a plan B for alternative accommodation for the Apec leaders meeting.Goff said he had not spoken with the Prime Minister or senior ministers about the impact of the fire on Apec, but his office has been in touch with the senior officer for Apec at foreign affairs.He expects to have discussions with the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern when she visits the scene of the fire today."It will not jeopardise the hosting of Apec but it means alternative plans have to be put in place," he said."It will be disappointing for Auckland because we were looking forward to a brand new convention centre that was fit for purpose."

On today's podcast, the mother of a young woman who suffocated to death hopes the Hawke's Bay District Health Board has learnt from her daughter's death, so no other family has to experience their pain. Thousands of people showed up to a memorial street clean in North Dunedin and we talk to a new counsellor who could potentially be a thorn in the side of Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff proposes cheaper fares for families, children on Auckland's public transport.Meanwhile Hamilton mayor Andrew King wants free public transport for all city residentsJessica called Andrew Dickens to talk about the rising cost of paying for her children's transport. 

The Government will spend $200 million on housing more than 1000 long-term homeless people in New Zealand.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described today's pre-Budget announcement as the single largest Government investment in tackling chronic homelessness."We are committed to tackling homelessness. That's why we have made it an investment priority for the second year in a row by boosting support for the internationally-acclaimed programme Housing First even further."Housing First is a collective response to homelessness, offering people immediate access to housing.Partners include Auckland City Mission, Link People, Comcare Trust, Te Taumata o, and Lifewise.The $197 million has been allocated over four years.It comes as part of the Government's first Wellbeing Budget."I cannot think of an announcement that really captures the idea of wellbeing more than [today's announcement]," Ardern said.Auckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomed the Government's announcement of more funding."Homelessness is unacceptable in any society. There is a huge social cost and extra funding provided by Government means that we can do more to tackle and eliminate homelessness in Auckland."Goff hoped a "significant amount" of the funding would come to Auckland, where there was the most need."Since launching Housing First, Auckland Council and a collective of five agencies have housed 922 people, including 436 children, who were homeless. This extra funding will mean we can provide more homes for those who need them the most."Ardern said the programme recognised that most long-term homeless people had a number of complex problems such as mental health issues and addictions; and that they have a much higher chance of addressing them once they are housed.The Government funds the programme in Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua."Housing is a basic human right and allows people to love with dignity," the Prime Minister said.She added that the Government was committed to tackling homelessness which is why it has made priority housing for homeless a priority."Budget 2019 is continuing to invest in Housing First and funding 1,044 new places. This will raise the number of people the programme can help to 2,700," Jacinda Ardern said.Since 2017, the Housing First programme has housed 720 households, including 431 children, in Auckland."Homelessness is the sharp end of the housing crisis," Ardern said.She added that the Government has made almost 1000 transitional housing places available since it started it first term in 2017.She said the Government is "well on track" to provide 6400 more public housing places by 2022.Although this is good progress, Twyford said the housing crisis was not going to be fixed overnight – "we still have work to do". 

The Government will spend $200 million on housing more than 1000 long-term homeless people in New Zealand.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described today's pre-Budget announcement as the single largest Government investment in tackling chronic homelessness."We are committed to tackling homelessness. That's why we have made it an investment priority for the second year in a row by boosting support for the internationally-acclaimed programme Housing First even further."Housing First is a collective response to homelessness, offering people immediate access to housing.Partners include Auckland City Mission, Link People, Comcare Trust, Te Taumata o, and Lifewise.The $197 million has been allocated over four years.It comes as part of the Government's first Wellbeing Budget."I cannot think of an announcement that really captures the idea of wellbeing more than [today's announcement]," Ardern said.Auckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomed the Government's announcement of more funding."Homelessness is unacceptable in any society. There is a huge social cost and extra funding provided by Government means that we can do more to tackle and eliminate homelessness in Auckland."Goff hoped a "significant amount" of the funding would come to Auckland, where there was the most need."Since launching Housing First, Auckland Council and a collective of five agencies have housed 922 people, including 436 children, who were homeless. This extra funding will mean we can provide more homes for those who need them the most."Ardern said the programme recognised that most long-term homeless people had a number of complex problems such as mental health issues and addictions; and that they have a much higher chance of addressing them once they are housed.The Government funds the programme in Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua."Housing is a basic human right and allows people to love with dignity," the Prime Minister said.She added that the Government was committed to tackling homelessness which is why it has made priority housing for homeless a priority."Budget 2019 is continuing to invest in Housing First and funding 1,044 new places. This will raise the number of people the programme can help to 2,700," Jacinda Ardern said.Since 2017, the Housing First programme has housed 720 households, including 431 children, in Auckland."Homelessness is the sharp end of the housing crisis," Ardern said.She added that the Government has made almost 1000 transitional housing places available since it started it first term in 2017.She said the Government is "well on track" to provide 6400 more public housing places by 2022.Although this is good progress, Twyford said the housing crisis was not going to be fixed overnight – "we still have work to do". 

The Government will spend $200 million on housing more than 1000 long-term homeless people in New Zealand.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described today's pre-Budget announcement as the single largest Government investment in tackling chronic homelessness."We are committed to tackling homelessness. That's why we have made it an investment priority for the second year in a row by boosting support for the internationally-acclaimed programme Housing First even further."Housing First is a collective response to homelessness, offering people immediate access to housing.Partners include Auckland City Mission, Link People, Comcare Trust, Te Taumata o, and Lifewise.The $197 million has been allocated over four years.It comes as part of the Government's first Wellbeing Budget."I cannot think of an announcement that really captures the idea of wellbeing more than [today's announcement]," Ardern said.Auckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomed the Government's announcement of more funding."Homelessness is unacceptable in any society. There is a huge social cost and extra funding provided by Government means that we can do more to tackle and eliminate homelessness in Auckland."Goff hoped a "significant amount" of the funding would come to Auckland, where there was the most need."Since launching Housing First, Auckland Council and a collective of five agencies have housed 922 people, including 436 children, who were homeless. This extra funding will mean we can provide more homes for those who need them the most."Ardern said the programme recognised that most long-term homeless people had a number of complex problems such as mental health issues and addictions; and that they have a much higher chance of addressing them once they are housed.The Government funds the programme in Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua."Housing is a basic human right and allows people to love with dignity," the Prime Minister said.She added that the Government was committed to tackling homelessness which is why it has made priority housing for homeless a priority."Budget 2019 is continuing to invest in Housing First and funding 1,044 new places. This will raise the number of people the programme can help to 2,700," Jacinda Ardern said.Since 2017, the Housing First programme has housed 720 households, including 431 children, in Auckland."Homelessness is the sharp end of the housing crisis," Ardern said.She added that the Government has made almost 1000 transitional housing places available since it started it first term in 2017.She said the Government is "well on track" to provide 6400 more public housing places by 2022.Although this is good progress, Twyford said the housing crisis was not going to be fixed overnight – "we still have work to do". 

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff today launched his bid for a second term, pledging to continue "building Auckland's Future" but providing no new policies and little in the way of detail behind the slogan."There are hard decisions that must be made over the next three years. None of it is easy. The challenges are immense," Goff told Labour MPs, councillors and other supporters at the Mt Albert Memorial Hall.In an exclusive interview with the "Herald" before the launch, Goff said general rates would increase by 3.5 per cent a year in his second term - an increase on the 2.5 per annual cent rate rises in his first term.The Mayor said he aimed to keep rates low in his first term against all the challenges and pressures on the cash-strapped council, but his long-term budget set rates increases of 3.5 per cent in his second term, which he would stick to.Goff told The Weekend Collective that over the last three years, Auckland has had the lowest rate increases across any city in New Zealand.He said the council consulted with the public about the next 10 years and the amount of investment needed. "The feedback that we got was in support, and almost all councillors voted for it in favour of, a 3.5 per cent general rate increase going forward."He says it would still make our rate increases amongst the lowest in the country. Goff says that you could have no rates increases, but then the city's infrastructure would remain stagnant and traffic would not improve. He says that the rest of the country can't pay for Auckland's problems. "We've got to put our share in, and we equally expect from the Government to have their matching share to tackle those problems."Phil Goff hopes to win a second term as mayor. (Photo / NZ Herald)Goff is placing trust at the centre of his campaign as he squares off against former Labour MP John Tamihere with former National MP Chris Fletcher as his running mate."This year's mayoral election is about who Aucklanders trust with the job of building the future of their city, and whose values and vision best matches up with their own," Goff said.He said he would be standing on his merits, integrity, skill, experience and trustworthiness.Tamihere has "welcomed" Phil Goff's announcement that he is seeking a second term but labelled him "a puppet for central government". Goff is standing as an independent with the endorsement of the Labour Party. On Goff's announcement, Tamihere said Goff had "stumbled" on a decision to seek re-election and claimed the incumbent was a "reluctant" candidate."It's game on. I've been waiting for Phil to make up his mind and I'm glad he has finally come to a decision," he said."Auckland desperately needs strong leadership and that's why I've committed to being Mayor for three terms if I am elected."Tamihere said there were huge problems in Auckland that Goff had "totally neglected"."In fact, they've got worse under his lack of leadership – and it's time we got these issues out in the open and got them sorted," he said.He told the Weekend Collective that he is a viable candidate there is deep dissatisfaction about leadership in the city.Tamihere said council spending and debt levels were also "out of control" and there had been huge cost blowouts in infrastructure projects."And Phil's the only mayor in New Zealand that has imposed new petrol taxes on his own people.However, Tamihere says that he cannot say that he will scrap the regional fuel tax."I've got to get the mandate and the votes of Aucklanders in order to have that conversation with the previous Government. I've got to go back down to Wellington re-negotiate." He says there is no other region with a such a prejudiced tax against it.  John Tamihere and running mate Chris Fletcher will challenge Phil Goff for the Auckland mayoralty. Photo / Michael Craig     

The future of Auckland is in your hands Our harbours and streams are being polluted by overflows from ageing sewerage and stormwater systems that can’t cope with heavy rainfall, while Kauri dieback disease is threatening one of our most iconic tree species. Join the conversation on the future of the city as Auckland Council continues to consult on its 10-year Budget and 30-year Auckland Plan. The 10-year Budget proposes targeted rates to improve water quality and the environment, including tackling Kauri dieback disease, while the Auckland Plan proposes the long-term protection and enhancement of Auckland's environment by doing things differently as Auckland grows and develops. Whose responsibility is it to protect our environment? Should declining water quality be accepted as a trade-off from growth and economic prosperity, and what priority should we put on environmental protection? Bernard Hickey, Managing Editor of Newsroom Pro and Director of Newsroom NZ Ltd, will be joined by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and a panel of industry experts to discuss and debate Auckland’s environmental challenges and the potential solutions available.

The future of Auckland is in your hands Join Auckland Conversations for two events on 28 February and 22 March when Auckland Council consults on the future of the city in its 10-year Budget and the 30-year Auckland Plan. We need to consider the long term challenges facing Auckland and the outcomes that we want to achieve. The council is proposing a regional fuel tax to fund investment in Auckland’s transport network and decongest our city, while also considering small targeted rates to protect our environment, improving water quality in our streams, rivers and harbours, and protecting our native trees, birds and animals from disease and pests. Are these the right priorities? Will they create a world class city? The first of these events will focus on Transport - is a fuel tax the answer to Auckland’s transport challenge? Or is there another way? And does Auckland have its long-term transport plans right? Bernard Hickey, Managing Editor of Newsroom Pro and a Director of Newsroom NZ Ltd, will facilitate this event and will be joined by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and a panel of industry experts to discuss and debate Auckland’s transport challenges and the potential solutions available.

Hotels expert Dean Humphries discusses the effect Auckland Mayor Phil Goff's 'pillow tax' will have on new development. Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/hotel-valuations-be-revamped-and-likely-drop-goffs-pillow-tax-sl-p-203940

TIA chief executive Chris Roberts outlines concerns with Auckland Mayor Phil Goff's 150% targeted rate on hotels and motels. Read more ($): https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/legal-work-needed-goffs-pillow-tax-sl-p-203108