/news/auckland/rss 九一星空无限 Keep up with the latest news from around the Auckland region with 九一星空无限talk ZB. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:09:32 Z en /news/auckland/wayne-brown-unveils-79-auckland-rates-increase-to-pay-for-city-rail-link-running-costs/ /news/auckland/wayne-brown-unveils-79-auckland-rates-increase-to-pay-for-city-rail-link-running-costs/ Auckland households face a 7.9% rate rise next year, primarily to fund operating costs for the$5.5 billion City Rail Link when it opens for passengers. The increase will cover the $235 million annual cost of operating the new underground rail service, and is the largest rate rise since Auckland Council was formed in 2010. For the average household, already strained by the cost‑of‑living crisis, annual rates will climb from $4023 to $4341, a weekly cost of $83. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s rates announcement came shortly after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed at his post‑Cabinet press conference this afternoon, alongside Local Government Minister Simon Watts, that the Government will introduce a rates cap of 2% to 4% from January 2027. The cap excludes water charges and non-rate revenue such as fees and other charges. “Ratepayers are fed up,” said Luxon, saying some communities had faced regular double-digit increases and the Government expected councils to demonstrate fiscal prudence. Auckland’s proposed 7.9% rate increase is contained in Brown’s mayoral proposal for next year’s budget and is in line with the rate increases in the council’s long-term plan. After next year, rates are set to rise by 3.5% each year. Brown said his proposal was focused on progressing and finishing what the council started last term – transport reform, governance improvement and value for money. “This proposal sets direction for the year ahead – consolidating what we have achieved and focusing our resources on what matters most. It keeps faith with Aucklanders, maintains our contract with the community, and ensures we are ready for the next long-term plan [in 2027],” he said. Brown acknowledged the 7.9% average household rates rise was higher than he would have liked, but said it reflected the costs of the City Rail Link, a project he has criticised for blowouts and delays, but now sees as vital to reinvigorating Auckland and driving economic growth. The $235m bill to run the CRL includes maintenance costs, interest on debt to fund construction, depreciation, facilities such as new stations, track access charges from KiwiRail, and running more services. As well as the proposed rate rise in the budget, there is a $50m budget gap that officers are developing options to address, and an extra $15m for the 21 local boards under a fairer funding review. There is a savings target of $106m and asset sales of $34m, with Brown expressing disappointment at progress made in this area. Under the transport reforms, Auckland Council will become the road controlling authority for the city from March. Photo / Dean Purcell Brown said he expected the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill to return control of Auckland Transport to the council would become law in March next year. This would be followed by a six-month implementation period when Auckland Transport will become responsible for public transport, and the council will be responsible for transport planning matters and the road controlling authority. “The decisions we make in the coming months will impact the daily lives of Aucklanders, who expect things to be better. If we get this right, we will deliver progressive and long-lasting improvements to transport in Auckland. “Ultimately, I want to eliminate the dumb stuff that infuriates me and ratepayers,” said the mayor. Last week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and the Auckland Mayor said the CRL would open to passengers in the second half of next year. Two sources have told the Herald the opening date is set for September. Auckland Minister Simeon Brown (left) and Transport Minister Chris Bishop aboard the first passenger train ride on the City Rail Link, in August. Auckland Transport director of public transport, Stacey van der Putten, said there was no set opening date but she was confident the new rail line would open in the second half of the year. “We should be able to provide a tighter opening-date range in the coming months, but the opening date will ultimately be announced when a satisfactory level of testing, commissioning, and readiness has been demonstrated,” she said. A Herald investigation in October found the council’s annual rates revenue has nearly doubled from $1.57b to $3b since it was formed in 2010. Over that period, the typical household’s yearly rates rose by 85.4%, from $2025 to $3800 in the 2024-25financial year. The average annual rate increase was 4.52%. While the hefty rise in rates may surprise many, it coincided with 34% inflation, a 22% population increase, and major boosts in the council’s other revenue streams and infrastructure investment. Rate increases have been used to fund storm recovery work. Photo / Alex Burton Council financial strategy manager Michael Burns said rate increases had averaged 2.16% a year above inflation, helping fund key priorities such as public transport, water quality, storm recovery and resilience, environmental initiatives and the response to Covid-19. To keep rates as low as possible, he said, the council had reduced its reliance on rates revenue, from 49% of total income at the start of the Super City to about 35% today. Councillors will consider the mayoral proposal on December 15 and it is to go out for public consultation in late February. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:49:08 Z /news/auckland/death-of-te-anihana-pomana-referred-to-coroner-body-formally-identified/ /news/auckland/death-of-te-anihana-pomana-referred-to-coroner-body-formally-identified/ Police have formally identified the body of Te Anihana Pomana and confirmed her death has been referred to the coroner. It follows the discovery of her body in the dense Pukekohe bush on November 22. A post-mortem was carried out last week and a funeral is expected to be held in Dunedin this week. Her mother was also updated on the findings of the post-mortem last week. Auckland central area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend confirmed the development in the three-month disappearance. Friend said the police can advise that the body found in Pukekohe on November 22 “has been formally identified as Te Anihana Pomana”. “As always, our thoughts and sympathies are with Te Anihana’s whānau and friends at this difficult time.” He said Pomana’s death had been referred to the coroner. The 25-year-old was last seen leaving the SkyCity Hotel in Auckland on August 21 and her last confirmed sighting was at 5.16am on Victoria St West outside Seven Poke Asian eatery, heading towards Victoria Park. Pomana’s family have previously criticised police for the way they announced a body had been found. “The media releases were done without official confirmation with formal identification,” a Facebook post linked to the family said. “Whānau hadn’t got the chance to inform many close to Te Anihana. “Apologies to anyone that has had to read and find this information out in this manner.” A Givealittle page set up to assist with the search for Pomana said her body would be brought to Dunedin once it was confirmed it was her body found in Pukekohe. “Our new focus for this page,” the page said. “Donations will be used to cover these transportation and funeral costs.“ The missing woman’s sister, Ebony Pomana, described the 25-year-old as a beautiful person who was a “well-educated and driven” individual. “I love you and I’m only here to find you,” she told the Herald last month. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 01:19:55 Z /news/auckland/security-guards-bystander-attacked-during-alleged-shoplifting-incident-at-auckland-mall/ /news/auckland/security-guards-bystander-attacked-during-alleged-shoplifting-incident-at-auckland-mall/ Two women have been charged with aggravated assault after security guards and a bystander were injured attempting to foil an alleged shoplifting incident at an Auckland mall. Police were called to Glenfield Mall at around 1.30pm on Friday, responding to reports that security guards had been assaulted while trying to stop the alleged shoplifters from leaving an unidentified store. Two security guards and a member of the public were violently assaulted, with two of the victims requiring hospital treatment. Acting Senior Sergeant Alex Waworis, the relieving Waitematā East Communities Manager, said police quickly responded to the incident and arrived at the scene within minutes. But as the alleged offenders had already left Glenfield Mall, officers then had to track them down. The women were found close by and taken into custody, with the allegedly shoplifted items subsequently returned to the targeted store, said Waworis. “We are pleased to have apprehended these alleged offenders and hold them to account for their actions. “This type of offending is unacceptable, and police will not tolerate it in our community,” he said. The two women were due to appear in court later this week to face a range of charges. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:19:50 Z /news/auckland/demonstrably-unfair-auckland-faces-harsher-housing-density-rules-than-christchurch-critics-say/ /news/auckland/demonstrably-unfair-auckland-faces-harsher-housing-density-rules-than-christchurch-critics-say/ Opponents of Auckland’s planning rule changes for greater intensification argue that Christchurch has been given a softer target. Character Coalition chairwoman Sally Hughes said RMA Minister Chris Bishop had allowed Christchurch 30 years of zoned development, while she claims Auckland must provide more than 100 years. Auckland councillor Christine Fletcher and Ōrākei Local Board member Troy Churton highlighted the contrast between the country’s two largest cities, saying Auckland had capitulated to the Government’s “golden number” that had to be met or exceeded. However, Bishop said Auckland Council was not required to zone for 100 years of development, and noted that the requirements for the two cities differed. Public consultation is under way on Plan Change 120, a controversial council proposal for a major makeover of Auckland’s skyline. It would allow for greater intensification, which opponents claim would provide capacity for two million homes over the coming decades – a prospect that has delighted a pro-housing group. Plan Change 120 also restricts the development of about 12,000 properties at risk from floods and landslides. Christchurch has been allowed by the Government to withdraw from intensifying across a wider area of the city. Mayor Phil Mauger says: "We know what's best for our city and its unique character." A series of public meetings, featuring presentations from council planners, is being held to help residents understand the proposals in their neighbourhoods and prepare submissions before the December 19 deadline. Among the concerns are the proposal to upzone suburban areas of single houses to Mixed Housing Urban for three-storey terrace housing and four-storey housing with a resource consent and the impact on physical and social infrastructure. Character Coalition chairwoman Sally Hughes. Photo / Corey Fleming Hughes said Bishop’s different approach to Auckland and Christchurch was “demonstrably unfair” and created a double standard. “Christchurch is being allowed to plan for 65,000 dwellings, which is approximately 30 years of housing supply, while Auckland is expected to plan for more than two million, well over 100 years’ worth. “This is not justifiable. No city in the world tries to foresee more than 100 years of future growth.” Many people were upset with plans for six- and 15-storey apartment blocks in long-established character housing areas in St Marys Bay, Parnell, Kingsland and Mt Eden, she said. Greater intensification is being allowed in those suburbs because they are near main public transport routes and the central city. Bishop said Auckland had been allowed to withdraw from Plan Change 78, allowing three three-storey houses on most sections. In its place is Plan Change 120. He said Auckland, as New Zealand’s largest city, played a critical role in productivity and growth, and its requirements were different from Christchurch’s. RMA Minister Chris Bishop said Auckland plays a critical role in productivity and growth, and is different to Christchurch. Auckland needed to retain the same housing capacity as in Plan Change 78, while Christchurch could withdraw Plan Change 14 only if its district plan provided 30 years of feasible housing capacity, based on Stats NZ’s high-demand projections plus a 20% buffer, he said. That capacity had to be enabled in planning terms and be commercially viable for developers. “There is no feasible capacity test for Auckland. This means the test applying to Christchurch City Council is in some sense more stringent than the test applying to Auckland.” Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger was “over the moon” that the Government had allowed the council to withdraw from intensifying across a wider area of the city. “We know what’s best for our city, its unique character, environment and needs, so this decision means we can keep the momentum going with planning rules that make Christchurch more liveable,” he said. In an opinion article for the Herald, Fletcher and Churton said Christchurch had successfully pushed back on the 3 x 3-storey requirements and agreed on a 30-year high-growth capacity with a 20% buffer. They said Plan Change 120 was a capitulation to the Government, saying the council had a fast-track plan to enable natural hazard controls, but had not challenged the Government’s blanket approach. Fletcher told the Herald: “Any radical rezoning to achieve intensification must be evidence-based. What evidence is there that Auckland requires a capacity of two million homes over 100 years”, saying that “a far more reasonable target” would be to allow for 1.2-1.4 million houses. What’s more, Fletcher and Churton said, under Plan Change 120, areas outside walking distance of frequent public transport and town centres have been upzoned for mostly three-storey townhouses to meet the “irrational two million threshold”. Currently, suburban Auckland contains around 326,000 standalone houses and 190,000 terraced homes or apartments. Under Plan Change 120, those figures would effectively reverse. Over the coming decades, the capacity for terraced homes and apartments is projected to rise to about 370,000, while standalone houses decline to 140,000. The shift would have been more dramatic under Plan Change 78, which envisaged 427,000 terraced homes and apartments, leaving just 14,000 standalone houses. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger is happy with the planning rules for his city. The Coalition for More Homes has been “stoked to see more homes” planned for Auckland, with spokesman Scott Caldwell describing the overall capacity as promising. He has emphasised the importance of aligning housing with existing infrastructure, saying it helps with affordability, the environment, and people having close connections to the city centre. A report this year from the council’s chief economist, Gary Blick, showed nearly 100,000 homes have been built over the past seven years, climbing from 10,200 in 2018 to 18,100 in 2023. Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:15:47 Z /news/auckland/auckland-s-waikaraka-park-speedway-reopens-after-11m-upgrade-marks-final-chapter-in-bitter-wrangle/ /news/auckland/auckland-s-waikaraka-park-speedway-reopens-after-11m-upgrade-marks-final-chapter-in-bitter-wrangle/ New Zealand’s newest speedway track in 25 years is ready to open up to motor racing fans, closing the final chapter in a bitter fight over the home of speedway in Auckland. The $11 million upgrade project at Waikaraka Park Speedway has been completed and racing will begin this Saturday. A purpose-built new track, speedway safety wall and catch fence, new lighting and improved toilet facilities and enhanced safety features have all been introduced as part of theupgrade. Other features include a new pit area which can house up to 130 racers at a time and a restored heritage wall to honour the track’s history to when speedway racing started there in 1967. Initial spectator capacity will be 4500, with 3000 in the grandstand, while the new pit area will also be open to fans during racing, meaning they can mingle with the drivers during events. “It’s great to see these upgrades completed in time for Waikaraka Park Speedway to open for families to enjoy summer,” said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. The Waikaraka Park Speedway track will open for motor racing fans this Saturday, November 29. “It’s clear that Aucklanders love and use this venue, and places like this help contribute to a thriving Auckland.” The track, designed by an architect who is also a former speedway driver, has been brought more in line with international speedway tracks and is scheduled to host 24 race nights this season, with at least 11 dedicated race nights for the open wheel classes. The initial spectator capacity at Waikaraka Park Speedway track will be 4500. The project has not been without its objectors. The Western Springs Speedway Association lodged a judicial review in the High Court at Auckland over the lawfulness of Auckland Council’s decision to move speedway across town to Waikaraka Park. Twenty four race nights will be held at Waikaraka Park speedway track this season. Photo / Supplied The association, which included about 1000 members from speedway and the community, alleged several breaches of processes and legal obligations by the council in terms of consulting with affected parties. Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said decisions about the future use of Western Springs Stadium were expected to come before the Auckland Council in the current term, but the exact timing hadn’t been determined. “The governing body resolved that further decisions about the future of Western Springs Stadium would come back to it with appropriate engagement. “No final decision has been made about the long-term use of the stadium.” Councillors voted 11-8 last October to spend $11 million upgrading Waikaraka Park and ultimately ending Western Springs’ 97-year run as speedway’s home. Speedway NZ said previously that it was “blindsided” by the forced move, while former Western Springs promoter Bill Buckley said he was “really p***ed off” about the move. Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:57:44 Z /news/auckland/police-investigating-fire-at-gay-nightclub-on-karangahape-rd-auckland/ /news/auckland/police-investigating-fire-at-gay-nightclub-on-karangahape-rd-auckland/ A fire that broke out in an Auckland Central nightclub basement is now being considered suspicious by police. Emergency services rushed to G.A.Y on Karangahape Rd at 1.40am on Sunday. Crews found the 40x20m fire in a two-storey basement, which was quickly extinguished, and the building was cleared of smoke. Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said the fire happened in a rubbish bin inside a bathroom at the nightclub. “Based on our enquiries to date, police consider the fire is suspicious,” Friend said in a statement released today. “Our enquiries are still in the early stages, which will include reviewing available CCTV footage and speaking further to any witnesses. “We continue to keep an open mind as to why this event occurred.” A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said an automatic fire alarm activated at 1.40am on Sunday. The road was blocked while Fire and Emergency worked, and a fire investigator was called to the site. Hato Hone St John said one person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. A fire investigator was called to the site. Anyone with information that could assist our enquiries can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251123/9438. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:08:57 Z /news/auckland/waiuku-fire-drains-town-reservoir-as-police-treat-blaze-as-suspicious-warnings-of-toxic-smoke/ /news/auckland/waiuku-fire-drains-town-reservoir-as-police-treat-blaze-as-suspicious-warnings-of-toxic-smoke/ Waiuku residents are being told to watch their water use after the town’s reservoir was drained fighting a large rubbish fire that burned through the night. After earlier warnings to keep their windows and doors shut to ward off toxic smoke, the township now faces a drastic water shortage after efforts to control the blaze drained the local water reservoir. Watercare is now asking people to only use water if it is essential, as the town’s supply now sits at 3%. This morning, police confirmed they were treating the fire as suspicious. Huge clouds of smoke filled the skies over Waiuku last night. Photo / Hayden Woodward A local business owner told the Herald he heard there was footage of a man running from the scene moments before the fire broke out. He said it started in Future Post’s warehouse, away from any machinery, so he believed there was a “rare chance” it was started by accident. Fire and Emergency referred this statement to police, who have been approached for comment. The man recounted his terrifying journey to his store after seeing the flurry of social media posts about the blaze. He told the Herald he could see the large orange flames illuminating the sky and thick clouds of smoke billowing from 20km away. The power to the cameras surrounding his store quickly shut off, so he was left with an anxious drive, praying his livelihood would be intact. The man arrived along with many of the fire engines, and with the help of the wind blowing in the right direction, his store, filled with thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise, was spared from the massive blaze. “It was pretty wild,” he said. A local business owner said he could see the flames from 20km away. Photo / Michael Craig People were being advised to cover their faces and mouths if they were in the affected area near Kitchener Rd, and to only leave the house for essential reasons. A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they received multiple calls at 10.55pm yesterday. At its peak, the fire covered an area of 100m by 60m, with mostly plastic burning, along with six shipping containers. Sixteen fire engines were called in from 13 fire stations across Auckland, and more than 60 firefighters battled the blaze through the night. The fire ripped through the Waiuku business park, which contains a recycling centre, a plastic fence post manufacturer, a panel-and-paint store and a laundromat. Watercare said it had four tankers trying to refill the supply, but urged locals to avoid running the dishwasher or washing machine and to have short showers. As of 5am, the fire was contained but not extinguished and seven crews remained at the scene. There are no reports of injury and a police guard remains in place. A scene examination is due to be carried out today. The aftermath of the fire in the Waiuku business park. Photo / Michael Craig Fire and Emergency New Zealand urged residents to keep windows and doors shut and stay inside. “Remember to also keep the ventilation systems in your house and car turned off. “We also advise people in the affected area to wear a face mask or cover their nose and mouth with clothing if going outside for essential reasons. “If the smoke causes respiratory problems, please ring Healthline for free advice on 0800 611 116 or see your doctor if you have breathing difficulties or chest pain.” Photos from the scene showed huge clouds of thick smoke rising from the fire. Large orange flames illuminated the night. The fire burned overnight, fed by plastic and shipping containers. The Waiuku volunteer fire brigade said that several roads were closed as firefighters battled the blaze. Kitchener Rd remains closed between Racecourse Rd and Queen St. There was no access to View Rd from Kitchener Rd. Traffic trying to enter Kitchener Rd from King St will be diverted up Queen St and through the detours. “Use alternative routes and follow the signs. “Please stay clear of the area and follow any instructions from firefighters, police, or other personnel on scene.” The brigade also advised residents in the area to be mindful of wind changes and any smoke from the fire. “Sending love to our community, thanks for the support and helping us to help you.” Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:12:26 Z /news/auckland/auckland-councillor-bo-burns-pushes-review-of-city-s-flat-rates-system/ /news/auckland/auckland-councillor-bo-burns-pushes-review-of-city-s-flat-rates-system/ New Auckland councillor Bo Burns has raised the thorny issue of flattening the rates system, a change favouring owners of higher-value properties. Mayor Wayne Brown said it was too early to discuss the issue, but he looked forward to hearing the views of fellow elected members. Senior councillor Greg Sayers has backed the proposal, placing it on the agenda for a budget committee workshop he chairs on December 3. After barely getting her feet under the table as a councillor for Howick, Burns issued a social media post two days ago, headed “Let’s Talk Rates – and More Importantly, Let’s Do Something About Them”. New Auckland councillor Bo Burns wants a review of the rates system. “Over the past few weeks, I’ve had multiple meetings, including a dedicated session with council’s specialist rates team, to dig deep into how our residential and business rates are structured, what levers we actually have, and where the pressure points are,” she said. It followed her maiden speech, where one of Burns’ key priorities was to review the structure and framework of rates, specifically the uniform annual general charge (UAGC). “It’s one of the biggest issues raised by Aucklanders to all of us over the recent election campaign. There are levers available to us, so let’s use them, or at least bring them to the table to discuss,” she said in her speech. The UAGC flattens the rates system by shifting more of the rates burden on to lower-value properties and reducing the share paid by higher-value properties. A higher uniform annual general charge favours higher-valued properties, such as those in Herne Bay. Photo / 九一星空无限 In practical terms, it means households in modest homes pay higher rates, while households in more expensive homes pay relatively lower rates. In her post, Burns noted the UAGC has remained unchanged at $604 since 2012, holding steady at 13.9% of the rates take despite the council being legally permitted to set it as high as 30%. She said the last meaningful discussion on the UAGC at council was in 2016 – a decade with no real conversation about one of the biggest issues for households and businesses. Burns has requested a rates review be part of next year’s mayoral budget – a draft of which will be released before Christmas – or included in the 10-year budget the following year. Burns told the Herald she favoured raising the UAGC. She said the issue appeared to be gaining traction and would come to the table, with councillors examining the levers and options for a fairer model. Brown said Burns was new and he was pleased to see her interest in rates, but also wanted to hear from other elected members. “It is a bit early to be talking about this. It’s a matter for the long-term plan when we get to it,” he said. Sayers said he would gauge the temperature among councillors on December 3 before placing it in either next year’s budget or, as seems likely, the long-term plan the following year. “It’s appropriate to have another look at it [UAGC],” said Sayers, whose personal view was to review and increase the UAGC. Labour councillor Josephine Bartley said she had read the 2016 report, when the council decided not to increase the UAGC partly because of equity concerns, and was worried about the implications for owners of lower-value properties. She said it would be important to discuss the UAGC at the governing body before any decisions are made. City Vision councillor Julie Fairey said, politically, she favoured a lower UAGC and that it was timely to consider the issue with solid information and decide whether it should be consulted on. Councillor Julie Fairey says, politically, she favours a lower UAGC. Photo / Corey Fleming Fairey said she was not afraid to examine the numbers and test whether the current level remained appropriate. In theory, the UAGC was the council’s only tool for varying charges according to means, so her instinct was to keep it low, though $604 may not be the right figure. She noted the UAGC was only one component of rates, which accounted for about 38% of the council’s income, and argued context is crucial to the discussion. Fairey said she was keen for the council to develop new tools to boost non-rate income and reduce reliance on rates, but said this would require support from the Government. Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, who represents the wealthy Ōrākei ward, said the UAGC had not been considered for some time and she would be happy to listen to advice about whether the balance in the rating system is correct to ensure equity between ratepayers. Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:08:07 Z /news/auckland/basement-fire-at-karangahape-rd-nightclub-in-auckland-s-cbd/ /news/auckland/basement-fire-at-karangahape-rd-nightclub-in-auckland-s-cbd/ Emergency services rushed to Auckland’s Karangahape Road early this morning after fire broke out in a club’s basement. A Fire and Emergency spokesperson confirmed they received an automatic fire alarm for a club on Karangahape Rd at 1.40am. The fire was in a two-storey basement measuring about 40x20 metres. Auckland Central crews found the fire in the basement, which was quickly extinguished, and the building was cleared of smoke. St John was also called to treat people for smoke inhalation A fire investigator was called to the site and will return later today. Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:17:40 Z /news/auckland/car-hits-supermarket-driver-critical-after-crash-in-dominion-rd-mt-eden/ /news/auckland/car-hits-supermarket-driver-critical-after-crash-in-dominion-rd-mt-eden/ A car rolled into an Auckland supermarket after a serious crash in Mt Eden critically injured one person this morning. A person at a local business told the Herald they heard a very loud crash and saw a black car rolling down the road. Other cars were beeping at it before it hit the Farro gourmet food store on Dominion Rd. The witness said the black car struck a silver car before rolling back down the road. They told the Herald no pedestrians were hit. Police said emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Dominion Rd about 10.18am. A local said this silver car was struck by a black car earlier today on Dominion Rd, Auckland. Photo / Cameron Pitney St John sent two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle. “One patient was ...transported to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition,” a St John spokesperson said. Dominion Rd is closed between Milton Rd and Elizabeth St. Diversions are in place and police advise motorists to expect delays. The Serious Crash Unit has also been notified, said police. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:13:55 Z /news/auckland/police-treating-death-at-%C5%8Dt%C4%81huhu-housing-complex-as-unexplained-cordon-in-place/ /news/auckland/police-treating-death-at-%C5%8Dt%C4%81huhu-housing-complex-as-unexplained-cordon-in-place/ Police are investigating an unexplained death at an Ōtāhuhu housing complex after a body was found. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said police were called to Atkinson Ave, Ōtāhuhu, after a person was found dead at 1.50am. An apartment block in the South Auckland suburb has been cordoned off, with no one allowed to enter the building. Emergency services remain at the scene and cordons are in place along a section of Atkinson Ave. “Police investigators are currently undertaking inquiries to establish the circumstances around what has occurred, but at this stage the death is being treated as unexplained,” Hayward said. The public was advised to avoid the area at this time. This morning three police vehicles were parked outside a Housing NZ complex on the street. The entrance to the apartment block was cordoned off by security on behalf of police. Security workers told the Herald they had been advised not to let anyone into the building while police investigated the death. Hayward said further information will be provided when police are in a position to do so. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:53:17 Z /news/auckland/person-dead-after-hit-and-run-in-henderson-early-this-morning/ /news/auckland/person-dead-after-hit-and-run-in-henderson-early-this-morning/ A person is dead following a hit-and-run in the Auckland suburb of Henderson overnight. Police said emergency services were called to the intersection of Tango Place and Larnoch Rd at around 2.50am after a person was located injured on the road. They said the person died at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency services. Police are now working to establish the circumstances of what has occurred. Police have launched an investigation following a hit-and-run on Tango Place in Henderson overnight. Photo / 九一星空无限 Cordons have been put in place while a scene examination is carried out. Members of the public are being advised they may see an increased Police presence in the area. Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have information about the incident, or CCTV or dashcam footage in the Larnoch Rd area between 2am and 3am. A Herald photographer at the scene said police had closed Tango Place following the incident. There's a visible police presence in Tango Place in Henderson this morning. Photo / 九一星空无限 A team of detectives, the specialist search group, a forensic photographer, and the Serious Crash Unit had arrived along with frontline officers. A forensic tent was placed in the middle of the roadway, with officers standing guard on either side of the incident. Police at the scene were unable to comment. Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:29:35 Z /news/auckland/charter-schools-opus-dei-inspired-t%C5%8Dtara-point-school-to-be-taxpayer-funded/ /news/auckland/charter-schools-opus-dei-inspired-t%C5%8Dtara-point-school-to-be-taxpayer-funded/ Taxpayers are funding a new charter school with a “Catholic ethos” in an Auckland suburb already served by two Catholic primary schools. Tōtara Point School is due to open in January on Manukau Rd, Epsom, within 4km of Catholic schools Good Shepherd and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Approved by the Charter Schools Authorisation Board, the Year 1-5 primary school would be run by a charitable trust set up by a group of parents. The fee-free school would be open to students of all backgrounds and offer the Cambridge Primary international curriculum. It takes its inspiration from the Catholic Church’s secretive branch, Opus Dei, made famous by the Da Vinci Code book and movie. Tōtara trust board chair and cardiologist Jithendra Somaratne said the school respected church teachings but would not be governed by the Auckland Diocese. “We’re independent, so that’s why we don’t call ourselves a Catholic school.” Its opening comes amid debate over the Government’s reintroduction of charter schools, which are independent or private schools funded by taxpayers. They are championed by Associate Education Minister David Seymour, who has a $153 million chest of public money to spread their uptake. Supporters believe the model gives parents more educational choice. Critics believe it funnels taxpayer cash from public schools into private hands in a process lacking transparency. That criticism intensified when a small group recently launched a hostile takeover bid to turn Kelston Boys’ High School into a charter school. A new education model? The new school's website includes videos by teachers speaking about its Catholic ethos and teaching values. Somaratne said Tōtara Point School brought more choice to parents. It would be the first publicly funded school in New Zealand to offer the Cambridge Primary syllabus, which was previously accessible only to children at fee-paying private schools. “We’re going to be offering it in a way that gives parents the opportunity to have it without the price tag,” he said. The school would set up a mentoring system in which teachers regularly met every student one-on-one and would involve parents more deeply in their children’s education. “Finally, the school will use the Spalding Method, which is a multisensory language programme that teaches listening, speaking, spelling, reading and writing simultaneously.” The method was highly regarded, especially for helping students with learning difficulties, he said. Epsom’s central location was chosen to make the school accessible to families from “all parts of Auckland”. Opus Dei Catholic inspiration Father Sam Fancourt, ordained into the Catholic Church's Opus Dei, speaks in a video on the website of the new Totara Point School opening in Epsom. Somaratne said the school would uphold Catholic teachings by imbuing them into daily life and developing virtues such as “perseverance” and “fortitude”. Father Sam Fancourt, who was ordained into the Opus Dei prelature in Rome, would hold Mass at the school. The founding families were also motivated by the teachings of St Josemaria Escriva, who established Opus Dei in 1928, Somaratne said. Opus Dei is a Catholic faction not bound to a diocese or geographic area; its leaders report directly to the Pope. Its priests are often seen as strict and conservative. Inspired by Escriva, some still wear a cilice – a spiked chain – and use a whip to create pain or personal discomfort as repentance and meditation. The group has also been involved in controversies, including a lawsuit by a group of women in Argentina who claim Opus Dei trapped and exploited them. Somaratne said the new school’s founders had been “completely open” with potential parents about Escriva’s inspiration for them. Why the Catholic Church prefers integrated schools NZ Catholic Education Office chief executive Kevin Shore, pictured here in 2020 in a previous role as principl of Cullinane College in Whanganui. Photo / Stuart Munro Tōtara Point School’s model differs significantly from the 238 state-integrated Catholic schools nationwide. Catholic schools follow the New Zealand national curriculum and a specially designed religious studies programme. NZ Catholic Education Office chief executive Kevin Shore said the church’s education team had little to do with charter schools. The country’s Catholic bishops had signalled no interest in converting to charter schools. “The reason we’re so committed to the state-integrated [character school] model is that there are very clear protections around special character that don’t exist under the charter school model,” Shore said. That included requiring a high percentage of teachers to be “special character” staff. In Catholic schools, that meant staff whose religious training was typically assessed by the local bishop. Catholic primaries required 60% of staff to meet this character. Charter schools required only one, Shore said. That was a “key difference” for parents to understand. Catholic school students must also demonstrate a connection to the church, while charter schools must accept any student who doesn’t object to the school’s character. James van Schie, Auckland Diocese general manager, said that, although the new school was independent, the founding families had made the church aware of their plans. “The school has not opened yet, but the early days of our relationship is warm and supportive, we expect this to grow over time. “We don’t see this school as a competitor.” Somaratne agreed, saying the “thriving” Epsom Catholic primaries with full rolls served their local parishes. His school, however, brought choice and marked a “new chapter in education”. To symbolise that, he said, the parents had incorporated Tōtara Point in their school’s name because it was the location of the first Mass held in New Zealand. Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:11:43 Z /news/auckland/getting-battered-woman-rescued-from-rocks-after-tide-traps-her-at-castor-bay/ /news/auckland/getting-battered-woman-rescued-from-rocks-after-tide-traps-her-at-castor-bay/ A woman was rescued from the rocks at a North Shore beach as rising tides threatened to trap her. Police said the woman was stuck on rocks at Castor Bay and had a lucky escape thanks to a charged mobile phone and the work of police officers. Just after 1.30pm, police received a call from the woman trapped on rocks between Castor Bay Beach and Kennedy Park. Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant CJ Miles, said a unit arrived to her aid shortly after. Miles said an officer scaled the rocks around the bay to find the woman. “She was getting battered by waves and an incoming tide. “Officers were able to provide some reassurance until the Auckland Police Maritime Unit arrived and threw her a lifejacket,” he said. The constable jumped into the water to help the woman on to the Maritime Unit’s vessel. Miles said the woman was taken back to Mechanic’s Bay for a medical assessment. “This was a team effort and a great example of our resources and staff working together to achieve great outcomes. “This rescue also highlights the importance of a working mobile phone, and to contact emergency services if you need help. “If you get into trouble, please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity,” Miles said. Fri, 14 Nov 2025 02:57:03 Z /news/auckland/waterspout-spotted-off-west-auckland-coast-amid-stormy-weather/ /news/auckland/waterspout-spotted-off-west-auckland-coast-amid-stormy-weather/ A large waterspout resembling a tornado was spotted off the coast of West Auckland this morning. Local Robert Waddell said he spotted the spout about 1km off the coast of Muriwai Beach, stretching around 400m in the air with a large base about 100m in diameter. “It was this huge white column,” he said. “It was heading off towards the Helensville sort of area, but only over the sea obviously. “And it just kept on going till it hit the beach.” Robert said the waterspout was around 1km off the coast of Muriwai Beach. Photo / Robert Waddell He said he was not nervous about standing out and photographing it because it was headed in the opposite direction. “I’ve never seen one before. It was quite spectacular.” MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said the spout was a feature in the unstable conditions crossing the North Island, which also threatens to bring heavy downpours and marble-sized hail. Water spouts typically occur in unstable conditions and humidity when an updraft mixes with showers, so the rising warmer air cools and condenses into vapour. Fri, 14 Nov 2025 01:53:19 Z /news/auckland/auckland-man-charged-after-lamborghini-crash-and-fire-in-remuera/ /news/auckland/auckland-man-charged-after-lamborghini-crash-and-fire-in-remuera/ One person has been charged after a three-car crash involving a Lamborghini bursting into flames in an Auckland suburb. Video has surfaced online of a Lamborghini driver attempting a dangerous overtake manoeuvre and crashing into two vehicles in Remuera, Auckland. The luxury sports car can be seen attempting to overtake a Mini Cooper as it moves into the right-hand lane before clipping its front and then hitting a separate parked car. Police said the incident occurred about 2.10pm on Saturday and emergency services were called to the intersection of Remuera Rd and Cotter Ave following reports of a three-vehicle crash. The Lamborghini was seen catching fire in a separate video online, but police said this was quickly extinguished by Fire and Emergency and there were no reported injuries. A 39-year-old man has been summonsed to appear in the Auckland District Court on November 14 charged with dangerous driving. In a video supplied to the Herald, traffic can be seen building up around the crash as the wind blows smoke towards surrounding homes. A signpost was bent on the footpath, and debris from the vehicles was strewn across the road. A witness described the incident as a “crazy scene”. The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said the car had just started to smoke when they drove past. “The smoke started to get quite big. People were sort of backing away, like we didn’t know if it was going to blow. “We were definitely feeling quite anxious watching the whole thing. I felt bad for the owner. “I was just like, of all the cars,” they said. A Lamborghini burst into flames on Saturday afternoon. Photo / Supplied A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said they were called to the crash and responded with one fire truck from Remuera. On the crew’s arrival, no one was trapped in either vehicle. The spokesperson said the blaze was extinguished shortly afterwards. Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:52:39 Z /news/auckland/stronger-hazard-rules-will-apply-auckland-council-tightens-flood-zone-building/ /news/auckland/stronger-hazard-rules-will-apply-auckland-council-tightens-flood-zone-building/ High-density housing will be prohibited in parts of Henderson, Milford and Māngere from today, as new rules take effect to reduce flood risk in vulnerable Auckland areas. After being unable to prevent about 4000 new builds in hazard zones since the devastating floods of 2023, Auckland Council now has the power to restrict development in flood-risk and landslide areas. This follows changes to Auckland’s planning rulebook, now open for public consultation and taking effect today, which enable greater intensification while strengthening protections against natural disasters. Under the new rules, about 12,000 properties most at risk from natural hazards are being “downzoned”, making new developments on them harder or not permitted at all. Of the properties, 2000 are in floodplains. In the worst-affected flood areas, such as parts of Henderson, Milford and Māngere, only single houses will be allowed to be built. The Eastern Bays suburbs of Kohimarama, Mission Bay and St Heliers, plus Browns Bay on the North Shore, are the areas most impacted by coastal erosion. About 10,000 properties are subject to coastal erosion. West Auckland was hit hard by the Auckland floods in 2023.West Auckland was hit hard by the Auckland floods in 2023. According to John Duguid, the council’s general manager of planning and resource consents, the new powers require any development in a hazard zone to undergo a stricter assessment than before. Resource consent applications will face tougher risk assessments and require clear evidence that any build can withstand the impacts of more extreme weather. “The stronger hazard rules will apply regardless of whether a zone allows apartments, terraced houses, high-rise buildings or single homes,” Duguid said. Among the changes are: “non-complying” activity status used to assess consents for development in high-risk areas, giving the council the strongest ability to determine whether development can go ahead. tighter risk assessments for development in locations impacted by natural hazards in any zone, raising the bar that must be met for an activity to be approved. downzoning to single-house zones in the worst-affected areas, such as parts of Henderson, Milford and Māngere, to limit density and exposure. updated mapping so Aucklanders have an up-to-date view of the natural hazards that could impact their area. natural systems protected so floodplains and overland flow paths are protected from being built over The changes come only days after the council made it easier to understand the potential risks from natural hazards, such as flooding and coastal erosion, when buying and selling homes. The council has improved Land Information Memorandums (Lims) as part of new legislation and launched a free online tool that allows users to search for flood risk by address and view landslide risk maps by area. Council planning director Megan Tyler. Photo / Corey Flemming Council planning director Megan Tyler said development in flood-risk areas was a challenge the council had been working to overcome since the 2023 floods. “Along with Auckland’s communities, the council has carried out a great deal of advocacy to get tighter rules and Plan Change 120 allows us to bring these in quickly, to better protect communities as soon as possible,” Tyler said. Under the Resource Management Act, any rules relating to natural hazards must take effect as soon as a plan change is notified. They can be amended following the public submission process. John Tookey, a professor of construction management at AUT, has been calling for a realistic and pragmatic solution to building on floodplains, saying 100-year events are occurring every two or three years. Tookey welcomed the changes to restrict the proliferation of new housing in marginal zones, saying the big question is to what degree it will be applied retrospectively. “The question is what effect will this have on existing developments in some of these marginal zones, particularly when it comes to issues like housing insurance and the saleability of a pre-existing property in a marginal zone,” he said. Tookey said transparency will be key, particularly in how the new rules are applied across the “shades of grey” affecting people who have bought in marginal development zones, including areas recently built, currently under construction or earmarked for future development. “I’ve no doubt the council will be absolutely, critically aware of the fact they really don’t want the proverbial [disaster] to eventuate, with accusations flying of favouritism and that sort of thing,” he said. Coastal erosion saw many houses destroyed at Muriwai when Cyclone Gabrielle struck. Photo / George Heard Peter McNally, who lost his home in North Piha when Cyclone Gabrielle struck the remote coastal settlement, said the council must take some responsibility for allowing homes to be built on floodplains and other vulnerable areas. “If someone buys a home in a low-lying area barely above sea level and it floods,” McNally said, “my theory is everything should be pulled back. “Start moving houses and people away from low-lying areas as fast as you can.” Public consultation on the new hazard zone rules is part of Plan Change 120, which promotes greater intensification near City Rail Link stations, along key transport corridors and in town centres and suburbs. Submissions close on December 19. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:18:21 Z /news/auckland/crash-near-ardmore-airport-leaves-one-dead-detours-in-place/ /news/auckland/crash-near-ardmore-airport-leaves-one-dead-detours-in-place/ A person has died following a serious car crash in Ardmore. Emergency services were alerted to the single-vehicle crash around 5.50am today. It occurred at the intersection of Airfield Rd and Mullins Rd, next to Ardmore Airport. Both roads, situated around 30 minutes drive southeast of central Auckland, remain temporarily shut while an investigation takes place and the scene is cleared. Police initially said one person was critically injured in the crash. They sent an update just after 10am to say the person had since died. The Serious Crash Unit was dispatched and remains at the scene alongside emergency services, where enquiries into the circumstances behind the crash continue. Cordons have been set up at Clevedon-Takanini Rd, Mill Rd and Papakura-Clevedon Rd to reroute traffic, with police asking motorists to use detours. “Road closures may be in place for some time,” a spokesperson said this morning. “All road users are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared.” Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:41:18 Z /news/auckland/mayor-wayne-brown-weighs-in-on-billion-dollar-debate-over-auckland-to-northland-highway/ /news/auckland/mayor-wayne-brown-weighs-in-on-billion-dollar-debate-over-auckland-to-northland-highway/ Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has questioned the multibillion-dollar costs of the Northland Corridor, saying a cheaper alternative is needed sooner. But Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it was a long-term project with national benefits, while NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has committed to driving costs down. The 100km corridor, also known as the Northland Expressway, is made up of three Roads of National Significance (Rons), with work due to start in late 2026 on the first part, from Warkworth to Te Hana. The NZTA board has approved the investment case for the other two parts: Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway, including an alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills, and Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei. The Government is funding $187 million for design, consenting, route protection and property acquisition along this 75km stretch, with priority given to the Brynderwyn Hills alternative. It is expected to cost between $15.3 billion and $18.3b, including contingency, making it one of New Zealand’s most expensive infrastructure projects. Tolling has already been signalled for the corridor, with NZTA saying there will be consultation on tolls for both building and maintenance. But Brown, who is also a former Far North mayor, has questioned the high cost, initially asking if it was a mistake. “Northland needs a much improved and more resilient connection to Auckland, but this seems too expensive,” he said. “The quoted cost of $15.3b to $18.3b means this road could cost $200m to $240m per kilometre, or $200,000 to $240,000 per metre! Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says while a more resilient road is needed over the Brynderwyn Hills, the cost of up to $18.3 billion for Whangārei to Te Hana is too expensive. Photo / Waka Kotahi. Inset / 九一星空无限 “This is an extraordinary cost.” The “ridiculously expensive” Pūhoi to Warkworth highway cost a third of this price, at $73m per kilometre, Brown said. “We need to look at options that are affordable; the country can’t afford to build transport projects that are this expensive.” He also criticised the central Government’s $187m funding to design and secure the route, saying it will not build a single metre of road and likely be spent on consultants. Brown said the NZTA has only approved an investment case, and there was still time to make changes. “NZTA need to give their designers and engineers a hurry up and tell them to come back with a cheaper option, that can deliver benefits for Northland sooner.” The Northland Corridor includes three Roads of National Significance. But Bishop said the Northland Corridor will provide nationally significant benefits while it is built in stages over several years. “We’ve been upfront about the fact it is a complex project and will take a long time. The Waikato Expressway is still being built more than 20 years after it started.” The new route will be safer, more resilient and reduce travel times, while unlocking major economic opportunities for Northland, the minister said. “Regular slips have cut off communities, highlighting the need for this new road.” An NZIER report in 2024 found the Northland Expressway would benefit Northland’s economy by $2.1b a year and increase national GDP by $1.2b a year. NZTA said in a statement the $15.3b to $18.3b investment includes design, consent, property acquisition, construction, escalation, contingency and funding risk. It is a conservative estimate, and NZTA will continue working to find efficiencies and drive costs down. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the Northland Corridor will bring national benefits and is part of a long-term infrastructure plan for the country. Photo / 九一星空无限 The Northland Corridor benefits include improved travel times and reliability, economic growth, improved safety and a benefit of $1.40 for every dollar spent, NZTA said. Bishop said tolls are recommended to support both building and maintenance on the Te Hana to Whangārei section. “NZTA will seek approval from the Minister of Transport, currently me, for public consultation on tolling.” Bishop also defended the $187m initial costs, saying investigations, property acquisition and consents are needed before building begins. “Securing land now provides planning certainty and prepares for future construction when funding becomes available.” The coalition Government is committed to developing a long-term pipeline of transport investment, as asked for by the sector and the public, Bishop said. This involves route protection, consents and designations, so building can begin quickly as funding becomes available, he said. Stage one of the Northland Expressway is currently in procurement, with construction set to begin next year, Bishop said. Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference. Sun, 02 Nov 2025 20:44:43 Z /news/auckland/fire-crews-decontaminated-after-smoke-incident-in-central-auckland/ /news/auckland/fire-crews-decontaminated-after-smoke-incident-in-central-auckland/ Fire and ambulance crews have responded to an incident in central Auckland where firefighters were decontaminated as a precaution. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews were alerted to an automated fire alarm at a 15-storey building on Anzac Ave at about 5am. Shift manager Paul Radden said a second alarm was transmitted to bring in additional resources after smoke was found on the fourth floor. Ten crews were sent to the property and eight were still on site, Radden said. A hazardous materials unit was sent from Hamilton to assist. Emergency services attending the incident on Anzac Ave in central Auckland. Photo / Jason Dorday Herald photographs showed firefighters in hazmat gear being sprayed in a portable shower. Radden said decontamination was precautionary because unknown contaminants may be on the smoke-affected level. Hato Hone St John said it was notified of the incident at Anzac Ave at 5.15am today. One ambulance, one rapid response unit and one operations manager attended. Three patients, all in minor condition, were assessed and treated at the scene (no transport required). The crews have since been stood down. Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:43:45 Z /news/auckland/two-early-morning-fires-keep-auckland-crews-busy-in-remuera-and-cbd/ /news/auckland/two-early-morning-fires-keep-auckland-crews-busy-in-remuera-and-cbd/ Fire crews were called to two separate incidents in Auckland early this morning – a house fire in Remuera and a smoke-logged high-rise in the city centre. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said nine crews and several support vehicles responded to multiple calls around 1am about a house fire on Hupua St, Remuera. Crews arrived to find a two-story residential property “well involved”. The fire is now contained, and all occupants are accounted for. After being evacuated safely, the occupants were treated for minor injuries. Two crews remain at the scene, and a fire investigator will examine the cause this morning. Police said they will be working with Fire and Emergency investigators to “understand the circumstances surrounding the fire to determine next steps”. Fire and Emergency was also alerted to a private smoke alarm at a 15-storey residential building in Auckland City Centre around 5am. Nine crews responded after smoke was reported on level four. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:25:10 Z /news/auckland/kelston-boys-high-school-faces-charter-school-takeover-bid-by-community-group-bewt/ /news/auckland/kelston-boys-high-school-faces-charter-school-takeover-bid-by-community-group-bewt/ A prominent Auckland public school is publicly distancing itself from a hostile takeover bid seeking to “forcibly” convert it into a charter school. Kelston Boys’ High School acting principal David Samuela posted an open letter to school parents today, saying the takeover attempt was “not affiliated with Kelston Boys’ High School”. “Our senior leaders and staff do NOT believe that becoming a charter school is in the best interests of our students and community,” he said in the letter, adding he was “disappointed in the lack of transparency in this process”. Siaosi Gavet, a former Kelston Boys’ board member, was named as the applicant in the charter takeover application. The bid was backed by a sponsor called Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust (Bewt), which is a youth charity. The Bewt website said it operated a youth hub in New Lynn and that its board was “made up of Pasifika and Māori youth who are under 25″. It lodged an application this month to convert Kelston Boys’ to a charter school, saying if that was approved, it would complete the conversion and hire a new principal and leadership by January 2026, ready for the new school year. Its unsolicited takeover was based on claims of deep academic failure at the school. “Only 12.1% of [Kelston Boys’] Year 13 students were awarded University Entrance in 2024,” Bewt stated on its website. However, Samuela said the school was making great strides, citing the school’s “highest-ever [NCEA] Level 3 pass rates” in 2024 and numerous national sports and cultural titles. That included winning the World Schools Rugby Festival in Abu Dhabi and placings in Polyfest cultural categories, while the number of enrolled students was also growing, Samuela said. He warned the bid was an “unnecessary distraction”. “This proposal has come at the most crucial time for students and families with exams,” Samuela wrote in his open letter. “We are very proud of the progress that has been made over recent years and the plans to continue to grow and improve for the future.” If its charter school conversion application is successful, Bewt would manage the school. The application said its running of the school would see a narrowed curriculum, staffing flexibility and reduced Ministry of Education interference to “dramatically increase student achievement”. Existing staff would automatically become employees of the charter school under the same conditions, but teachers would no longer be covered by the collective agreement. Bewt’s consultation report said emails in opposition have been received from around 40% of teachers and support staff. “Please cease from emailing me concerning your proposal,” one staff response said. “I am fully supportive of the achievements and direction of our school. Do not contact me again.” The teachers’ union, the PPTA, has also told the trust it is “categorically opposed” to a plan to “forcibly” convert a public school to a charter school. Bewt admitted it had not held public meetings to consult with parents, claiming there were fears supporters would face “retribution”. However, it said it had held several “sideline, coffee-shop or mall” discussions with parents, and “the majority of parents just are not particularly concerned either way”. If successful, the application would have to be approved in a process run by the Ministry of Education that required the Charter School Authorisation Board to consider the “level of support from the school community, school staff, and students” among other categories. The Herald approached Kelston Boys’ High School and Siaosi Gavet for comment. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:27:53 Z /news/auckland/man-in-military-fatigues-stabbed-in-jugular-as-tenancy-dispute-boiled-over-into-murder-crown-alleges/ /news/auckland/man-in-military-fatigues-stabbed-in-jugular-as-tenancy-dispute-boiled-over-into-murder-crown-alleges/ Simmering tensions between a landlord and her two tenants boiled over into murder when a hired man dressed in military fatigues and armed with a Bear Grylls “survival knife” stormed a Mt Wellington flat to “rough” up two boarders and convince them to leave, the Crown alleges. Finauga Faatoia, 40, burst into the couple’s bedroom, telling them to “get the f*** out”, a murder trial in the High Court at Auckland heard yesterday. But the intimidation tactics were about to backfire. Fearing he and his girlfriend were about to die, the man fetched his own knife and stabbed Faatoia in the jugular. Though bleeding heavily from a “significant” neck injury that left blood spatter across the bed and bedroom walls, Faatoia didn’t die immediately. The former actor, whose wife claimed he had worked on Shortland Street and served 16 tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Australian Defence Force, was still moving and making noises. But instead of leaving him to “succumb to his injury” or offering medical assistance, the man and his girlfriend allegedly dragged Faatoia from the bedroom to an outdoor patio and continued the attack. During her opening statement, Crown prosecutor Clare Paterson told the jury of five women and seven men that the man rained more blows with his knife into Faatoia’s body. He also stomped and kicked the victim about the head and face as the woman “encouraged and incited” him. The Crown alleged the woman then joined in the attack, kicking or stomping Faatoia as he lay face down on the patio floor. Parts of the incident were captured on CCTV footage, which would be played to the jury, Paterson said, along with mobile phone footage taken by the woman of a knife-wielding Faatoia threatening the couple in the moments before he was fatally stabbed. An aerial shot of the homicide scene on Tomuri Place in Auckland's Mt Wellington. Photo / Hayden Woodward The couple are both charged with Faatoia’s murder, of which the woman is accused of being a party to because of her actions in encouraging the violence. That the man caused Faatoia’s death is not in dispute. However, the defendants argue the killing was in self-defence. The incident occurred on August 31 last year at a new-build townhouse development in Tomuri Place, Mt Wellington. The court heard the property had been leased by landlord Rebecca Allcock. But Allcock didn’t live there. She sublet individual rooms to flatmates – a commercial arrangement she repeated at various other properties across Auckland. The couple had been living at the property for several months and had got offside with Allcock, the court heard, due to noise issues and rent arrears. Ten days before the killing, Allcock trespassed the couple and had police visit the property for an alleged breach. But when police took no action and left the couple at the property, Allcock needed another plan, Paterson said. “This is where Mr Faatoia came into the picture.” The court heard homicide victim Finauga Faatoia was into body building and had trained in martial arts. Faatoia was also one of Allcock’s tenants and had helped her resolve disputes with other boarders, the court heard. She asked for his help to evict the couple. He agreed to pay them a visit to look for “evidence” of drug use, telling his wife Sarah he would be paid a “significant amount of money”. In messages that would be read to the court, Allcock told Faatoia: “I will be interested to see what you uncover.” He replied: “Just a warning, I may have to rough them up a bit to get them out.” “I’m fine with that,” Allcock responded. The court heard Faatoia rode his motorcycle to the property and entered the defendants’ bedroom unannounced about 1pm. He pulled a knife from his clothing and told the couple to leave, as the woman began recording on her mobile phone. Faatoia demanded the woman’s phone, at which point the recording ended. Tomuri Place in Mt Wellington was cordoned off after the fatal stabbing at the townhouse on August 31 last year. Photo / Hayden Woodward Paterson said there was “no question” Faatoia was intimidating and threatening the couple. “What happened next was a violent altercation.” Paterson said the man grabbed his own knife and sliced Faatoia’s jugular vein, which a pathologist found was the “direct cause” of his death. The defendants then pulled Faatoia out to the patio through a ranch-slider door. “Mr Faatoia wasn’t dead yet. He was still alive and attempting to get up. “The attack on Mr Faatoia did not end there,” Paterson told the jury. The man repeatedly stabbed Faatoia as he lay on the patio, stomping and kicking his head, as the woman “shouted encouragement” and joined the attack, the jury heard. The jury would hear a 111 call in which the woman could be heard screaming. First responders found Faatoia lying motionless and he was pronounced dead at the scene. “We have a situation that starts with a dispute between a landlord and tenants, escalates with a third party, and ends with the third party’s murder,” Paterson said. The Crown was not saying Allcock or Faatoia’s actions were fair or legal. But the violence meted out by the couple went well beyond self-defence and amounted to murder, Paterson said. Police launched a homicide investigation after Finauga "Lee" Faatoia was found dead in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington in August last year. Photo / Hayden Woodward The man’s lawyer Julie-Anne Kincade said her client was innocent and it was for the Crown to prove he was not acting in self-defence. Kincade said Faatoia burst into the bedroom dressed “head to toe” in military-style clothing before producing a knife and attacking the woman in her bed. When the couple warned him they had called police, Faatoia allegedly responded: “Police won’t get here by the time I am done with you.” The man felt he had no choice but to stab Faatoia, Kincade said. “His girlfriend was being attacked by an armed man. It is both good law and good sense that a man who is attacked may defend himself.” Her client suffered a bite wound to his arm and the woman suffered “defensive lacerations” to her hands. Kincade urged the jury to keep and open mind until they had heard all the evidence. Faatoia’s wife Sarah then took the stand. She said her husband had done odd jobs for Allcock in the past, including “mediation” between flatmates. About a week before his death he told her he’d agreed to visit the property to look for evidence of drugs to help Allcock evict the couple. Sarah said she was concerned about Faatoia’s safety, telling him it wasn’t worth the risk. “I had a really bad feeling. I said, ‘Babe, you don’t have to do this’. He said Rebecca was going to pay him and it was going to help our situation. He said, ‘Don’t worry babe, everything will be okay’.” The trial continues before Justice Alexander MacGillivray. Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 20:53:07 Z /news/auckland/t%C4%81maki-drive-lanes-to-close-for-r%C4%81-whakamana-h%C4%ABkoi-supporting-workers-rights/ /news/auckland/t%C4%81maki-drive-lanes-to-close-for-r%C4%81-whakamana-h%C4%ABkoi-supporting-workers-rights/ Lanes have been closed on a section of Auckland’s coastal route, Tāmaki Drive, as iwi, unions and activists hīkoi in support of tangata whenua and workers’ rights. Eastbound lanes on the coastal Auckland link were scheduled be closed between Ōkahu Bay and The Strand from 11.45am till about 1.15pm today, police said. “The partial road closure is being put in place to ensure the safety of all road users while the hīkoi takes place. “Motorists are advised to plan ahead for any traffic delays and to consider taking alternative routes where possible.” The march is part of a national day of solidarity, Rā Whakamana, to “reaffirm the tino rangatiratanga of tangata whenua and protect the rights and wellbeing of all workers”, the National Iwi Chairs Forum and the NZ Council of Trade Unions said in a media release. Rā Whakamana was the first time iwi and unions had collaborated on a national scale, with events taking place across the country. Hīkoi in solidarity with Ngāti Whātua and port workers taking place along Tamaki Drive, Auckland. NZ Herald photograph by Dean Purcell. Iwi, unions, and activist groups had called for mass mobilisations across New Zealand at noon to send a “powerful message” that they wouldn’t back down “in the face of the Government’s ongoing attacks on our people”, they said. Today’s date – October 28 – carried “deep meaning”. “It marks the signing of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni and the first Labour Day demonstrations in 1890 that helped secure the eight-hour working day.” Rā Whakamana was a “tikanga-led stand for cultural wellbeing, dignity, workers’ rights, mana wāhine, rangatahi, and tino rangatiratanga”, iwi spokesman Dr Kenneth Kennedy said. Another iwi spokesman, Na Raihania, said while the Treaty Principles Bill had been defeated, the Government “continues its anti-Tiriti and anti-worker agenda”. Hīkoi in solidarity with Ngāti Whātua and port workers taking place along Tamaki Drive. NZ Herald photographs by Dean Purcell. “They are undermining Te Tiriti o Waitangi, removing Treaty clauses from law, pushing the Regulatory Standards Bill, blocking pay equity for wāhine and eroding workers’ rights and protections while costs keep rising.” Today’s collaboration was not just about resisting, union spokesman Grant Williams said. “Together as iwi, as unions, as tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti ... we are creating a future where tino rangatiratanga [self-determination, sovereignty] is real for everyone and Te Tiriti o Waitangi unites all communities.” Hīkoi in solidarity with Ngāti Whātua and port workers taking place along Tamaki Drive. NZ Herald photographs by Dean Purcell. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:11:32 Z /news/auckland/it-does-my-head-in-auckland-transports-licence-plate-fleet-almost-doubles-fines-issued/ /news/auckland/it-does-my-head-in-auckland-transports-licence-plate-fleet-almost-doubles-fines-issued/ The amount of drivers pinged annually by Auckland Transport’s license plate recognition vehicles has almost doubled. Data provided to 九一星空无限talk ZB shows the licence plate recognition vehicles issued more than 518,000 fines last year. That’s almost twice as many as the 261,713 fines they gave out in 2023. The cars scan licence plates to see if a vehicle has overstayed its paid time in a parking spot. If a violation is detected, the system can issue an infringement notice. Parking Services group manager John Strawbridge said the rise was because the fleet increased from nine cars in 2023 to 16 last year. He said the most common type of infringement is failing to pay for parking in paid zones. Auckland Transport group manager of parking services John Strawbridge says the most common type of infringement is failing to pay for parking in paid zones.  Photo / Chris Gorman, File “That’s a $70 fine. It does my head in because if you use the AT Park app, for example, you only pay for the short time you’re there.” He said people would very rarely pay $70. AA policy director Martin Glynn said the jump between 2023 and 2024 is large, and they had asked AT about it. He said he hopes the system is being used for the stated goal of keeping parking spots clear. “In the past year or so, they’ve been set some pretty big revenue targets by the mayor and Auckland Council from areas they can get revenue from, including parking.” Strawbridge said while no one likes getting a parking fine, there needs to be a way to manage kerbs and other spots. “If we didn’t manage the kerbside, there’d be cars parked everywhere, it would be unsafe, and there’d be very limited opportunity for people to come into the city and find a spot,” he said. Strawbridge said the Auckland Domain is a good example of how the license plate recognition vehicles had helped, with the consistent enforcement keeping the domain at 65% capacity. Strawbridge said the Auckland Domain is a good example of how the licence plate recognition vehicles had helped, with the consistent enforcement keeping the domain at 65% capacity. Photo/ Hayden Woodward “Prior to the LPR cars, we were only able to get up there on foot infrequently, so there was no parking availability.” Glynn said the cars provide another potential benefit. “We know it’s become more unsafe for parking wardens, so there’s an advantage to doing it in that automated way where people don’t receive their tickets on the spot.” Jacob Jones is a 九一星空无限talk ZB reporter working out of the Auckland newsroom. He has an interest in council and local government issues. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:01:47 Z /news/auckland/predator-queen-wasp-found-in-nz-for-first-time-building-a-nest-in-auckland/ /news/auckland/predator-queen-wasp-found-in-nz-for-first-time-building-a-nest-in-auckland/ Biosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders to look out for yellow-legged hornets after the discovery of a queen hornet on the North Shore. On October 17 biosecurity officers removed a nest of yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) in Glenfield. The pest was not known to be in NZ. The yellow-legged hornet presents a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact on honey and wild bee populations. Mike Inglis, North commissioner, Biosecurity NZ said the nest was in the early stages of forming, meaning the immediate threat of a colony establishing was dealt with. However, with summer approaching, any undetected nests could be a biosecurity risk. “This is the first time we’ve found a queen yellow-legged hornet in NZ,” Inglis says. “We responded quickly to this threat, but we need the public’s help to eliminate any further risk.” Yellow-legged hornet characteristics - a queen has been found in NZ for the first time. Photo / Buckeye Yard & Garden, Ohio State University. Inglis says the hornet is “a highly adaptable predator with a broad diet, primarily feeding on bees, wasps, and flies, but also ripe fruit and flower nectar, posing a risk to growers. “It may compete with native insects and birds for food, and it has a painful sting.” Female hornets will protect themselves by stinging, and can sting repeatedly. Getting too close to a hornet nest or disturbing them in flight may result in attack. If you are stung and experience shortness of breath, a rash or pronounced swelling, seek medical attention immediately. If you are stung on the mouth, face or neck, or if pain and swelling persist for a few days, seek medical advice. Two male yellow-legged hornets were spotted earlier this year in Grafton and Albany. “New Zealand is fortunate to be free of hornet populations, and we want it to stay that way,” Inglis says. Following the discovery, Biosecurity NZ say they want to hear from anyone who has seen the insect. What does a hornet look like? The yellow-legged hornet is large, (2cm to 3cm long) with a black head and a yellow face, black thorax, and legs with black femur and tibia and yellow tarsis. Between the first and second abdominal segment is a narrow yellow band, and the fourth abdominal segment is yellow, with the remainder being black or dark brown. Unlike other common wasps the wings of a hornet are a smoky brown colour and not transparent. A hornet is a type of wasp. There are five species of social wasps currently established in NZ. These wasps are all much smaller than the yellow-legged hornet, measuring between 11 mm and 16 mm. Yellow-legged hornet (far left) compared to species established in New Zealand: (from left to right) German wasp (Vespula germanica), Asian paper wasp (Polistes chinensis) and Australian paper wasp (Polistes humilis). Photo / Biosecurity New Zealand What does a yellow-legged hornet nest look like? Yellow-legged hornets construct large nests up to 60cm wide to 80cm tall, usually high up in trees or under the eaves of buildings. It suspends many layers of cells together and “wraps them up” to form a football sized structure. Chinese and Australian paper wasps also like to construct aerial nests in similar locations to the hornet. However, they can be easily distinguished from hornet nests as the cells of paper wasp nests have open rather than wrapped cells. German and common wasps (established in NZ) construct large nests that look quite similar to that of the hornet nest, but these are usually built under ground. If the nest is constructed above ground, they are not usually attached to branches of trees and shrubs. What to do if you spot a yellow-legged hornet Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests online, or by calling Biosecurity NZ’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966. Do not disturb a nest if you see one, instead photograph it and contact Biosecurity NZ. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:37:12 Z /news/auckland/stark-reminder-wayne-brown-mourns-death-of-akl-bus-driver-as-t%C4%81maki-drive-reopens/ /news/auckland/stark-reminder-wayne-brown-mourns-death-of-akl-bus-driver-as-t%C4%81maki-drive-reopens/ A main Auckland road has reopened this morning after being closed all day yesterday following a fatal fiery bus crash. An Auckland bus driver was killed in the head-on collision with a car on Tāmaki Drive late Wednesday night. Auckland Transport said the bus was removed last night and all emergency services staff have been stood down after prior warnings there might be toxic chemicals in the air. All buses have returned to their regular schedules. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said he was saddened by the news of the bus driver’s death. “It is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and how it can change in the blink of an eye,” he wrote. “My thoughts are with those affected, especially the family, colleagues, and friends of the driver who has passed away. “Please take extra care on our roads and look after each other, as we head into Labour weekend.” Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson posted on Facebook, “Our deepest sympathies go out to them, and their family”. “Everyone goes to work expecting to come home again safely, so this comes as a huge shock to many.” Kinetic New Zealand managing director Calum Haslop said the driver was one of their valued staff and the death was a “deeply felt loss for us all”. Tamaki drive was closed to traffic after a fatal car -v- bus crash on Wednesday night. Photo / Michael Craig “Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time. Our team is supporting one another as we come to terms with the news, and additional support is available for those who need it.” He said they were working closely with authorities as they investigate the incident and would not be providing further details at this stage. Workers First Union general secretary Dennis Maga said their thoughts were also with the driver’s family. He asked that their privacy be respected while information was gathered about the circumstances leading to the crash. “It’s a tragedy when any person dies in their place of work, and even more so when they are providing a public service to their community as Auckland’s bus drivers do every day. “We want to offer our support to the driver’s family and colleagues, and will work co-operatively with authorities to understand how this accident happened and what the next steps will be.” Tāmaki Drive between Ngapipi Rd and The Strand was closed on Wednesday night and remained closed all yesterday as fire and police worked on the scene. “All road users are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared,” police said. “Due to the bus’s electric battery, the area could remain hazardous.” Auckland Transport (AT) said it was working closely with police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand after the “very distressing” incident. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:16:19 Z /news/auckland/union-confirms-bus-driver-killed-in-fiery-auckland-crash-tamaki-drive-to-remain-closed/ /news/auckland/union-confirms-bus-driver-killed-in-fiery-auckland-crash-tamaki-drive-to-remain-closed/ An Auckland bus driver was the person killed in a fiery crash on Auckland’s Tamaki Drive, with the union describing the fatality as a “devastating accident”. Workers First Union General Secretary Dennis Maga said their condolences were with the driver’s family. He asked that their privacy be respected while information was gathered about the circumstances leading to the crash. “It’s a tragedy when any person dies in their place of work, and even more so when they are providing a public service to their community as Auckland’s bus drivers do every day. Their work keeps our city moving, and this loss will be felt widely among drivers. “We want to offer our support to the driver’s family and colleagues, and will work cooperatively with authorities to understand how this accident happened and what the next steps will be.” Meanwhile, Auckland Transport confirmed Tamaki Dr would be closed for the rest of the day. A lithium-ion battery expert says chain reactions and toxic fumes will be the reason a key Auckland route remains closed, hours after a fatal electric bus blaze. Large flames lit up the central Auckland street last night and the sky filled with thick black smoke. Auckland Transport says it is working closely with police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand after the “very distressing” incident. “All road users are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared,” police said. “Due to the bus’ electric battery, the area could remain hazardous.” University of Auckland lithium-ion battery expert Dr Shanghai Wei told the Herald the fumes from the batteries are incredibly toxic. He said there was not just one chemical in the batteries that was extremely dangerous when inhaled, but several. He said this would be why the road would be closed. Fire and Emergency said firefighters were still trying to tackle the blaze hours after it started. Emergency services at the scene of a serious crash and bus fire on Tāmaki Drive last night. Photo / NZ Herald Wei said this would be because of the chain reactions of the thousands of single electrochemical cells inside the battery. He said even if it looks like the fire is out, not showing any smoke or flames, the internal temperature of the cells could still be well over 100C and setting off the chain reactions. He said any damage to the lithium battery could have started the fire, and if it did not, it would have exacerbated the flames dramatically. Wei also spoke of the risk to the waterways, given that the crash happened right on the waterfront. On the Auckland Council’s safe swim website, they are advising beachgoers to avoid swimming at Te Tinana and Judges Bay due to the “known wastewater in the area”. Watercare has been approached for comment. Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Chris Lind said crews arrived at the scene last night to find a serious head-on crash and the electric bus on fire. Fire and Emergency said the road remained closed between Ngapipi Rd and The Strand. Photos show the car wedged under an Auckland Transport bus. A witness said he saw flames “about three or four metres high”. Emergency services at the scene. Photo / NZ Herald Others described frantic attempts to rescue those involved before emergency services arrived, amid screams for help. “There was a girl, but then she got out through the back of the bus,” one said. “They got the lady out of the car ... They got her out and she was lying down on the ground and they were helping her out.” Witnesses reported one person on the bus was unable to be freed in time. “People are just continuously just throwing water, but the fire just grew and nothing could have been done.” Tāmaki Drive is closed this morning due to the possible risks from the bus' battery. Photo / Michael Craig Auckland Transport’s Stacey van der Putten said they were working closely with police and Fire and Emergency, and the investigation into the incident will be ongoing this morning. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes (including Shore Rd, Remuera Rd or State Highway 1) to access the city from the Eastern Suburbs. Van der Putten said strike action in the city centre today would also disrupt traffic and so motorists should expect “significant delays”. Eastern line trains are running; however, the footpath and cycleway are closed. Bus routes 76, 774, 775 and TMK are detouring via Ōrākei Rd, Shore Rd and Parnell Rd. Freight access to the port at Solent St remains open. Ōrākei Local Board member Sarah Powrie said her thoughts are with the bus driver and their family, along with anyone who might have witnessed the “horrendous” incident. Hato Hone St John said it responded with three ambulances, a first response unit, rapid response unit, and operations manager. It assessed one patient in a serious condition and another in a moderate condition. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:46:34 Z /news/auckland/tangaroa-college-urges-students-to-cover-uniforms-in-public-after-manukau-brawls/ /news/auckland/tangaroa-college-urges-students-to-cover-uniforms-in-public-after-manukau-brawls/ A South Auckland college has put a plea out to students to cover their uniforms in several public areas out of fear they could be attacked. It comes after a spate of large brawls around the Manukau area, one of which was caught on video and showed 15 young people fighting, with one student getting his head kicked while he lay on the ground. Tangaroa College in Ōtara posted a statement before the school week, asking students not to wear their uniform in public. The school’s principal, Chris Bean, said they were working with other schools in the area and police. “As a safety precaution, I would like to advise that no students travel through Manukau Mall, Hayman Park, or the Manukau Bus / Train station in Tangaroa College uniform this week,” the statement from Bean said. “Unfortunately, there is still some tension amongst a small element of young people in our local schools, and I would like everyone to be safe coming to school and heading home.” Bean told the Herald he was “disappointed” but believed the measure was necessary to keep their students safe. He disputed the action was about protecting the school’s image - it was about protecting them from random attacks. “The uniform is such a distinctive uniform and what I don’t want is for that person who’s travelling through that area, innocent to it all, is caught up in something silly.” He said the fights are being instigated in the “social media realm”, making them hard to police. Bean has contacted other schools, who he declined to name. He said he also requested a police presence before and after school. Last week, police responded to a series of brawls between students in the areas mentioned by Bean. Confronting footage was released of a large group of young people swarming Osterley Way in Manukau, and engaging in a violent brawl, with one person kicked in the head as they lay on the pavement. A woman rushed in to help by shielding their body, as two others attempted to stomp on the young person. The video, which appeared to be filmed from a high-rise building on October 15, showed the group running, pushing, shoving and throwing punches at each other. Days later, police were called to Manukau’s Hayman Park after reports of a large group of people fighting. The group dispersed when police arrived. One person sustained minor injuries. Police have been approached for comment. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 02:15:28 Z /news/auckland/embattled-auckland-school-announces-hostel-closures-amid-safety-culture-concerns/ /news/auckland/embattled-auckland-school-announces-hostel-closures-amid-safety-culture-concerns/ An embattled Auckland school has announced the closure of its hostels amid reports of violence and “ongoing concerns about student safety and hostel culture”. Wesley College was placed under statutory management in 2023 after allegations emerged of bullying and violence at the school, including reports of “coverings”, in which students were made to cover their faces before being punched, kicked and slapped by older students. In April that year, the Herald reported that Oranga Tamariki was working with police to investigate a “report of concern”. The Education Review Office (ERO) launched a special review due to “significant concerns” about the school and its hostels, and warned the college had a duty of care to ensure students are “physically and emotionally safe”. Today, the school issued a statement announcing the closure of its boarding hostels from the end of this term “for a period sufficient to ensure meaningful and lasting improvements are achieved”. Wesley College Trust Board chair Jan Tasker said the decision followed “ongoing concerns about student safety and hostel culture”. “While significant progress has been made in recent years – including improved supervision, safeguarding measures, and upgraded facilities – the Trust Board accepts that further deep, structural change is required. “Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. “We acknowledge that our hostel provision has not yet met the consistent standard we expect. Closing the hostels is a decisive step that will allow us to reset the culture, systems, and facilities once and for all.” Tasker said the closure would take effect at the end of term 4, after students had completed NCEA and other end-of-year assessments, in order to minimise disruption to their academic success. During the closure period, the trust board would undertake a comprehensive review of hostel operations, including culture, staffing, safeguarding and infrastructure. “The goal is to ensure that when the hostels reopen, they provide a safe, inclusive, and values-based environment. “Wesley College will work closely with families, staff, and the Methodist Church during this transition, and is committed to supporting boarders with accommodation and pastoral care options.” School rocked by allegations of violence The Methodist school, which champions the importance of learning institutions that are “real communities” with a “family feel”, was rocked two years ago by allegations of violence against pupils and the appointment of a limited statutory manager (LSM). At the time, principal Brian Evans said the school’s trust board welcomed the support “to assist us in our progress towards being an exemplary model of change”. The Ministry of Education appointed Dr Shane Edwards as statutory manager after concerns emerged about violence and management of the school’s hostels. The school’s hostel licence was revoked in November 2022 for potential breaches of regulations – understood to relate to the “active supervision of boarders” – but was later reinstated for five of its six hostels. 1九一星空无限 reported allegations of students receiving violence “coverings”, with claims by students that it was normal to be assaulted by older students for making mistakes, with “coverings” occurring almost weekly. In response to “significant concerns”, ERO said it commissioned a special review of the college and its hostel operations. “The school board and hostel management of Wesley College have a duty of care to ensure all learners at the school and all boarders in the hostel are physically and emotionally safe.” In a statement on the school’s website, Evans says, “You always know your son or daughter is capable of great things. At Wesley College, we can take them beyond that to be among the best in the world. In the words of John Wesley, ‘Every child matters’.” A trust board document relating to “abuse, harassment or neglect of boarders” says any report or suspicion that a boarder is experiencing abuse must be taken seriously. The document says that, if the principal believes such abuse or neglect has occurred, written notice must be made within 24 hours to the child’s parents, Oranga Tamariki or police. When the statutory manager was appointed, the Herald asked Evans how many written referrals had been made to police or Oranga Tamariki, whether any students had been suspended or expelled for violence, and what guarantees the school could give parents that students in its care were safe. He provided a short statement that did not address the questions. It said ERO launched its special review after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and media coverage. “ERO and the Ministry of Education [MOE] continue to work closely with the school. “We welcome this support as we feel it will assist us in our progress towards being an exemplary model of change.” Ministry of Education North leader Isabel Evans said the statutory manager could advise the board on the health and safety of staff and students, and help the school return to self-management once recommendations had been met. She confirmed the ministry had received one complaint about bullying, which was forwarded to Wesley College for investigation. In October 2022, the Methodist Church told the royal commission it wanted to apologise unreservedly to historic abuse victims. It acknowledged people who had suffered abuse in former children’s homes and other schools overseen by the Methodists. The church admitted some children were horribly abused and neglected, and said 20 redress claims were being resolved. Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry. Sun, 19 Oct 2025 21:49:05 Z