Podcasts about Coromandel Peninsula

John Freer is a CFM local news reporter from the Coromandel Peninsula.

Ever wanted to go bikepacking in New Zealand? Well today's episode features listener Warwick Prewer sharing his experiences from a trip he took along the stunning Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand.Support the showBuy me a coffee and help support the show!Follow us on Social Media!Instagram - @SeekTravelRideWebsite: Seek Travel RideFacebook - Seek Travel Ride Sign up to the Seek Travel Ride Newsletter Leave me a voicemail message Seek Travel Ride Music Playlist available now on both Spotify or Apple Music Thank you to RedShift Sports for supporting the show! - Check them out here

This week Country Life heads to the saleyards in Canterbury, meets a Taranaki woman weaving locally-grown wool into blankets and finds out what it's like to be a rural midwife working in a very remote part of the Coromandel Peninsula. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - Rural News Wrap6:02 - Lambs are flying out of the pens at the Canterbury Saleyards14:18 - Where there's wool there's a way27:01 - A day in the life of a rural midwifeWith thanks to guests:Tim Kyle, Grant Nordstrom, and Brent McCauleyAlison Ross, The Taranaki BlanketSheryl WrightMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

John Freer is a CFM local news reporter, from the Coromandel Peninsula

While I was away tramping all over the top of the Coromandel Peninsula we had some good and bad news. GDP Came out better than we expected with a rise of 0.7 per cent in the fourth quarter. Which should signal the start of green shoots and recovery and confidence. But at the same time the consumer confidence figure came out and it was the worst we've seen since the 90s. And then Paul Bloxham the Australian economist who invented the rock star economy name came out and said our recession has been the worst in the OECD. So why aren't we confident? And why was our recession so hard. Here's my take. The Reserve Bank and the Government need to start working together. During the pandemic the bank slashed interest rates while the Government turbo charged spending leading to a hangover that needed medicine. The previous Government was rightly blamed for the mess it was responsible for but we had been double hit by the bank and the Government. All levers pulled. The new Government came in and promptly slashed spending to reduce borrowing and reduced revenue through tax cuts. But the Reserve Bank had already started attacking inflation a year before hand with interest rates. So once again we were doubly hit. And the tax cuts which Fran O'Sullivan 6 weeks ago described as badly timed meant we weren't paying back debt. We're struggling to pay interest. So, as Paul Bloxham has now described we had an excessive pandemic reaction followed by an excessive inflation reaction. Now all the stuff we've done is technically correct. And this is easy to criticise with 20/20 hindsight. But it's been as if the left hand and the right hand doesn't know what each other are doing which means our recovery will be slow. All parties claim they are the prudent fiscal managers, and all Reserve Bank Governors claim the same. But on the evidence of the past 5 years that's not true. We need to learn from this unless we want to keep reeling from boom the bust over and over again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While I was away tramping all over the top of the Coromandel Peninsula, we had some good and bad news. GDP came out better than we expected with a rise of 0.7% in the fourth quarter, which should signal the start of green shoots and recovery and confidence. But at the same time, the consumer confidence figure came out and it was the worst we've seen since the 90s. And then Paul Bloxham, the Australian economist who invented the rock star economy name, came out and said our recession has been the worst in the OECD. So why aren't we confident? And why was our recession so hard? Here's my take: the Reserve Bank and the Government need to start working together. During the pandemic the bank slashed interest rates while the Government turbo charged spending, leading to a hangover that needed medicine. The previous Government was rightly blamed for the mess it was responsible for but we had been double hit by the bank and the Government. All levers pulled. The new Government came in and promptly slashed spending to reduce borrowing and reduced revenue through tax cuts, but the Reserve Bank had already started attacking inflation a year before hand with interest rates. So once again we were doubly hit. And the tax cuts, which Fran O'Sullivan six weeks ago described as badly timed, meant we weren't paying back debt. We're struggling to pay interest. So as Paul Bloxham has now described, we had an excessive pandemic reaction followed by an excessive inflation reaction. Now all the stuff we've done is technically correct, and this is easy to criticise with 20/20 hindsight. But it's been as if the left hand and the right hand doesn't know what each other are doing, which means our recovery will be slow. All parties claim they are the prudent fiscal managers and all Reserve Bank Governors claim the same. But on the evidence of the past five years, that's not true. We need to learn from this unless we want to keep reeling from boom the bust over and over again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John discusses the latest events in the Coromandel Peninsula including the 25th anniversary of the Beach Hop, the Kubota Billfish Classic, the council's latest options for coastal protection, and a new environmental and marine education centre has been opened by Hillary Outdoors. John Freer is a CFM local news reporter and former Mayoral Candidate for the Thames Coromandel District Council.

Heavy rain warnings have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula as well as for Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay. MetService Meteorologist John Law spoke to Corin Dann.

John discusses the latest in the Coromandel Peninsula including tourist operators reporting a very successful summer season.

On today's First Up pod: we hear about a new trapping project that's aiming to get rid of pests on Coromandel Peninsula, in a humane way; step aside Santa - a Northland town's Christmas parade has a new star; the Mountain Safety Council has summer advice for trampers and trail runners and Leonard Powell checks out one of the oldest theatre's in the Country, and meets some characters along the way First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

An early Christmas present for the Coromandel Peninsula as the walking track to Hahei's Cathedral Cove reopens. It closed in Feburary last year because of damage caused in Cyclone Gabrielle. Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt says combined with the reopening of State Highway 25A, the region is ready for a busy summer. He told Mike Hosking the next step will be repairing other tracks in the area. “Not just down to the Cove, but the other bays. We've got Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay which is still closed to access.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John takes a look at local body politics and who might be standing in the Thames Coromandel district next year. 

Wayward visitors wombling onto the closed Cathedral Cove track are getting in the way of contractors and slowing down repairs. The track to the popular tourist attraction on the Coromandel Peninsula has been closed since February 2023 after it was badly damaged in extreme weather events including cyclone Gabrielle. A report subsequently showed up to 180 landslips along the 3.8km of tracks around the cove and debris up to the size of a kayak. The closure means the hugely popular attraction can only be accessed from the sea and DOC contractors are trying to finish the repair work by the end of the year, but there's been a few unwelcome interruptions.Thames Coromandel District Councillor Deli Connell spoke to Lisa Owen.

John has been looking through the recent Census Data which shows the Coromandel Peninsula has the oldest population in the country, with 34 percent of residents being aged over 65.

A red heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of Otago with up to 150 millimetres of rain expected to fall in some areas. Dunedin Civil Defence has activated its bunker and sand bags are being made available in South Dunedin, Mosgiel and Middlemarch. Rising rivers are bing monitored by the Otago Regional Council. Elsewhere, Coromandel Peninsula has been dealing with power cuts and blocked roads this morning. Mathapelo Makabulane is a Metservice forecaster.

Power is out to one hundred properties in Whitianga after wild and wet weather hit the Coromandel overnight. Thames-Coromandel Civil Defence Controller Gary Towler spoke to Corin Dann.

John says challenges facing local government is no more evident than in Thames with a massive potential infrastructure bill of around $140 million facing the town 5500 ratepayers.

A business owner says after a tough period, money to re-open the Coromandel Peninsula's Cathedral Cove track is great news.   The Government's allocated $5 million to plan, build, reopen, and maintain the walking track.   The beach has been inaccessible by land since February 2023 after Cyclone Gabrielle.   Destination Hauraki Coromandel General Manager Hadley Dryden told Andrew Dickens it's their biggest attraction.   He says it has a lot of pulling power for the region and the country, so it's important it's back for summer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The terms recovery and resilience are well connected to the Coromandel Peninsula.

cloud ribbon is a new exhibition by Kathryn Tsui (TEE-EW) at Object Space.  Kathryn is a textile based artist who currently lives in Tairua in the Coromandel Peninsula. In beaded compositions and woven wall-hangings, cloud ribbon explores Kathryn's own cultural heritage and craft practice by reflecting on intersections of Asian and European cultural histories. Sofia spoke with Kathryn about the show and some of the research that went into it.

John discusses the issues facing the Hauraki Gulf Forum and their response to last week's Budget. 

The cyclones which hit the region last year still have a long tail. Thames Coromandel District Councillors are about to review submissions and develop their long term plan. The Hauraki Rail trail is growing in popularity and John has another chapter in the ongoing saga of Cathedral Cove.

A investigation is underway into alleged paua and kina poaching on the Coromandel Peninsula. MPI said calls to the fisheries poacher hotline last Tuesday night saw 3 people caught in Pauanui. It's alleged they took at least 60 undersize paua from the south end of the beach. Fisheries New Zealand Director of Fisheries Compliance, Steve Ham speaks to Lisa Owen.

John talks about why the legacy of the late potter Barry Brickell is growing.

The early reopening of the cyclone-ravaged State Highway 25A on the Coromandel Peninsula increased GDP in the region by almost $86 million. That's according to a new report out by Infrastructure New Zealand, which argues planning and consenting attitudes have to change for wider economic gain. The report from the lobby group also recommends regional, or even a national, emergency panel be established to respond to other emergencies. Nick Leggett is chief executive of Infrastructure NZ, and he spoke to Corin Dann.

John talks to Kathryn about the Christmas present everyone hoped for - to get SH25A - known locally as the Kopu-Hikuai Road, is now open, however the Cathedral Cove track remains closed. And Thames is taking on Oamaru in steampunk stakes, John has the details. CFM local news reporter from the Coromandel Peninsula

The worst year for business in over 20 years, that's how one business owner describes the last ten months living without the Coromandel Peninsula's vital link, State highway 25A. The route between Kopu and Hikuai will re-open by the 20th of December, with a 124 metre bridge, which spans the abyss that severed the highway in late January. It's three months ahead of schedule, giving some businesses a lifeline before Christmas, but for others it comes too late. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

It's finished three months early and under budget. A huge sigh of relief for Coromandel residents and businesses with the announcement today that State Highway 25A will be open in time for Christmas. It means the two sides of the Coromandel Peninsula will be reconnected again. The highway has been closed since January after a massive slip, affecting families, businesses, schools and tourism to the region. Jo Wilton from Waka Kotahi speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025378112

The early reopening of State Highway 25A is being called a 'game-changer' for the Coromandel Peninsula economy.  The route between Kōpū and Hikuai was severed in Cyclone Gabrielle.  A new 124-metre bridge that now spans the resulting abyss will open by December 20, three months earlier than expected.  The tourism-reliant area suffered a severe economic downturn as a result of the extra effort required to get there.  Thames-Coromandel Mayor, Len Salt, told Mike Hosking that some of their hospitality operations have already booked out for this year's holiday period and are taking bookings for next year.  He said that the official date gives both businesses and visitors certainty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our food slot today we examine how you can turn your excess garden produce into pickles, preserves and more. Niva and Yotam Kay run Pakaraka Farm on the Coromandel Peninsula, located in the Kauaeranga Valley, near Thames. The couple run workshops, online courses and sell their produce. What they grow is featured in their book The Abundant Kitchen which has lots of tips and recipes.

It's Rātu, Tuesday October the 31st Today on RNZ National... Hamas has released a video of three hostages captured durings its attack on Israel more than three weeks ago Heavy rain continues to batter the Coromandel Peninsula as ex-Cyclone Lola moves over the motu We'll have more on the demise of supermarket competitor Supie Police say they thought there was a second terror attack at Al Noor mosque in March 2019, after watching the shooter's livestream on delay It's Halloween -- our reporter finds out just why some kids are so keen on the spooky season

More heavy rain is expected across the Coromandel Peninsula on Tuesday, with an Orange heavy rain warning in force there until 5-o'clock Tuesday evening. The rain, combined with a gale force easterlies and king high tides on Monday, swamped numerous roads - closing parts of State Highway 25 at Manaia, Hikuai and just north of Whitianga. Residents are also asked to conserve water in Matatoki, Puriri and Omahu due to the extra silt in the streams their drinking water comes from. Thames Coromandel civil defence controller Garry Towler spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

John talks to Kathryn about how Labour weekend has been positive for the region's business community as bach, holiday homeowners and visitors made the most of the break, however the major tourist attraction Cathedral Cove remains closed. He also has the latest on repairs to State Highway 25A, which is a crucial link and outlines what is happening with the sea wall at the northern end of Thames.

A Coromandel Peninsula community is set to hold an emergency meeting after a gang caused chaos over the weekend.  A video obtained by Newstalk ZB shows several Rebel gang members attacking what appears to be members of the public on the side of the street in Coromandel township.   Locals say there were multiple attacks and thefts.  Coromandel Business Association Vice Chair Anne Louden told Mike Hosking that they're shocked by the experience.  She says she's stunned to see the level of gang violence on the videos, specifically the brutal violence shown in their local hotel on Saturday night.   The meeting starts at 6pm in the Coromandel Citizens Hall.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the majority of the Coromandel Peninsula coastline forming part of the Hauraki Gulf there has been significant interest in the Government's announcement on a Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill and the release of the Hauraki Gulf Forum's State of the Gulf Report. John also talks to Susie about the local biking and cycling revolution and how things are faring with Waka Kotahi's create the vibe project in Thames. John Freer is CFM's local news reporter

A comprehensive look at how Coromandel Peninsula is coping in the face of continuous bad weather.

More poor weather is on the way over the coming days. MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for Coromandel Peninsula (11pm Thursday until 8pm Friday) and Tairawhiti (6am Friday until 6am Saturday). There are also heavy rain and strong wind watches for most of the top half of the North Island. Metservice meteorologist John Law spoke to Corin Dann.

MetService is warning football fans to pack something waterproof for tonight's first game of the FIFA Women's World Cup. A heavy rain watch is in place for Auckland and Northland and an orange heavy rain warning for the Coromandel Peninsula. MetService meteorologist John Law spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A rates rise in on the card when the Thames Coromandel District Council meets tomorrow to discuss the annual plan and weekend rain has caused more roading problems on the Coromandel Peninsula. John Freer is CFM's news reporter.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms have been hitting Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula overnight. On the Coromandel Peninsula, Metservice has recorded more than 500 lightning strikes since midnight. There are orange heavy rain warnings in place for the Coromandel until noon, and northern Gisborne until early this evening, while a heavy rain watch is in place for Hawke's Bay and southern Gisborne until four o'clock this afternoon. Metservice Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane spoke to Ingrid Hipkins.

The Transport Minister has promised the new link to the Coromandel Peninsula will be put in place fast. But for some residents and businesses, "early next year" is still a long way away. State Highway 25A was washed out in the January storm, and 130m of road was washed away. The detour now adds at least an hour to a trip - on already fragile roads. Our Louise Ternouth and camera operator Marika Khabazi are in the Coromandel.

To the Coromandel Peninsula where they've had their fourth major storm in five months. Businesses and locals are feeling the effects of their fragile roading network - and the lashing of severe weather. After years without their usual bustling summer period and now winter on the way, they're desperate for some normality. Checkpoint reporter Louise Ternouth and camera operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

The closure of a key highway into the Coromandel Peninsula has come as a welcome boost to businesses in another Waikato town.

Easter would normally be boom times on the Coromandel Peninsula, a playground for Auckland escapees. But the indefinite closure of State Highway 25A - a main route to a number of holiday hotspots - and widespread cyclome damage means the trip there is likely to be a little longer and potentialy rougher than normal. Do they still want visitors on their roads? Thames Coromandel District Mayor Len Salt talks to Lisa Owen.

Transport Minister Michael Wood says the government is committed to restoring the road connection across the Coromandel Peninsula, after the major dropout on SH25A a few weeks ago. Earlier on Thursday the Prime Minister would not clearly confirm that the connection would be fixed, telling reporters resilient roads in the area would be restored. "There's a staged process," Wood said. "This month contractors are effectively creating access... In April, they'll be able to do the work to assess what the options are for rebuilding it. And it could be that we look to rebuild in that location, or it could be that we have to find an alternative route. "It's not necessarily going to be exactly the same road as the one that we've lost." Wood told Checkpoint he's been talking with Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt about reviving the ferry service between Auckland and Coromandel township.  "I think this is worth exploring."  Fullers 360 which ran the service is keen to revive it but does not have the right staff. It's calling for experienced skippers to be on the immigration fast-track.  "I'm open to consideration of further pathways that might assist, including looking at residency options," Michael Wood said.  "So we have some work underway to look at that at the moment."

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited fragile roads on the Coromandel Peninsula today. It comes as State Highway 25A connecting Kopu with Hikuai remains closed and State Highway 25 between Opoutere and Hikuai remains severely compromised after a major slip earlier in the week.

SH25 at Opoutere is going to reopen tonight to light vehicles, after a washout grew yesterday to take out a lane of the key road to the Coromandel Peninsula. The bus to Whangamatā Area School has not been able to bring children over from the Hikuai and Tairua side of the road damage. Whangamtā Area School principal Alistair Luke says they have just over 80 students and two teachers unable to get to school.

The Coromandel Peninsula is in major recovery mode after 6 weeks of heavy rain, with many parts being cut off following huge landslides. Mayor of Thames-Coromandel Len Salt says the whole district is under threat financially and socially.

The Coromandel Peninsula is feeling the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle, and locals are worried there's more to come tonight. A number of shops in Thames have shut for the day, while more are sandbagging to prevent against floods. Our reporter, Finn Blackwell, is there.

When Swedish backpackers Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen go missing during a camping trip around New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, concerns are quickly raised that the newly engaged couple could have fallen victim to foul play. Worries increase once it's discovered that convicted killer, David Tamihere, was on the loose in the area at the time, having jumped bail on a rape charge. --- Narration – Anonymous Host Research & writing – Elsha McGill Creative direction – Milly Raso Production and music – Mike Migas Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn This episode's sponsors: DoorDash – Get 25% off and FREE delivery for your first order of $15 or more with promo code ‘CASEFILE' Scribd – Get your two first months of Scribd's unlimited number of full-length books, audiobooks, and other content for only $0.99 a month ZipRecruiter – Post your jobs for FREE BetterHelp – Get 10% off your first month of professional counselling with a licensed therapist ShipStation – Try ShipStation FREE for 60 days with promo code ‘CASEFILE' For all credits and sources please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-209-urban-höglin-heidi-paakkonen