Cosy Place residents in Howick are upset and angry that they are yet another casualty of the Unitary Plan.
Residents have been fighting to stop the building of seven two-bedroom dwellings in the place of one.
They have lost the battle.
Cosy Place residents, off Union Rd, were first alarmed when they heard there were plans to build eight dwellings at the 14 Cosy Place property that has access through a shared driveway.
Neighbours were shocked to hear that the owner had sold the property to a developer and not an individual house owner.
In December, the house at 14 Cosy Place was demolished, with major excavation works starting in December and going on in January.
Zan Iqbal, a resident of 16 Cosy Place, was even more upset when her 85-year-old father developed a severe rash, skin irritation and breathing problems allegedly due to asbestos content found during the demolition and stirred soil dust from diggings.
Strong winds that allegedly blew the toxic stuff over to neighbouring properties made things worse for her elderly parents.
“They didn’t take proper safety measures for the disposal of asbestos and left approximately 12 plastic bags of asbestos over the weekend with no warning tape or any formal communication. It was a huge health risk for all of us,” she said.
After doing some spadework Zan discovered that resource consent from Auckland Council had not been approved.
“The right of way just cannot serve eight more families. Even if they have just two cars per family, there is no question of finding parking considering people living in the cul-de-sac are struggling to find parking for their vehicles.
“The project of multiple units is totally inappropriate. This probably was the reason that the project of eight units was stalled due to objections raised by the residents to Auckland Council staff and contractors.”
At that time Zan was appreciative of council staff including the compliance response specialist, John Manuel-Barbarich, and relationship manager, Manesha Morarji, who was helpful.
“I would advise everyone to know your rights,” she said.
“The positive outcome was that the developer was called by the council and asked to stop work.”
Zan’s father, Mohammed Iqbal who has lived in Cosy Place for 50 years said he was glad the Council put a stop to the building activity.
“I am all for progress but this is ridiculous
“Both 14 and 16 and 16a Cosy Place are served by a long right of way that can only serve a limited number of residences,” he said.
In mid-January a warning letter was sent to the developer.
“The plot of land cannot have more than two small houses, so that it can serve the right of way and not cause traffic problems in the cul-de-sac,” said Iqbal.
The neighbours submitted a petition to the mayor.
Adrian Wilson Team Manager Compliance Investigations said, “On January 15 we instructed the owners of 14 Cosy Place that all works needed to stop until they received the appropriate resource consent. We attended the site again on February 10 and discovered the site was secure and no work was being undertaken, making it clear the property owner was complying and we did not need to issue an abatement notice. We issued a warning letter to the owner instead, reiterating the need to obtain the right resource consent before starting work again. If the owner fails to comply further action will be taken.”
However, at the time of going to press the excavation work at the site has begun again.
Residents are still upset that the developer EA Civil has been given the resource consent for amended plans to build seven, two-bedroom units instead of eight. A report from a Traffic Consultant gives detailed answers to the questions put forth by the council.
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says he is pleased to see that this development is slightly smaller than what was first proposed.
“However there are still significant issues which are unaddressed such as the impact that significant intensification like this will have on things like the lack of off-street car parking and local infrastructure. Auckland Council continues to believe people moving into these new developments will all take the bus and only own one car.
“The proposed development at Cosy Place is another example of the problems with the Unitary Plan. Instead of intensification being focussed around key transport networks, we are seeing extreme housing intensification is being proposed in suburban communities without any regard for the character of the community, on-street car parking, stormwater and other infrastructure needs.”
Since last Thursday New Zealand has been at Covid-19 Alert Level 2, opening up our ability to get back to some normalcy following our battle with the coronavirus. There is a lot of work to be done, particularly around small businesses and growing unemployment, but our fight against the pandemic has gone well, allowing us to think about the next steps.
Please familiarise yourself with the full list of changes under Level 2, which can be found by clicking here and visiting the Covid-19 government website. These will continue to change as we go forward so it is worth keeping on top of the rules to ensure we are doing everything right, and so that we don’t end up taking a step backwards.
Some of the major changes include the limit on the number of people we can have at gatherings. The Government originally announced a 10 person limit on most events and gatherings, but thanks to pressure from the New Zealand public this was lifted to 50 for funerals and tangi, which are vitally important times for Kiwi families. There are still concerns with this limit for other gatherings and how it affects our ability to live our lives, so hopefully these limits are raised in the near future.
From today, schools can reopen fully and students can return to their studies, and from Thursday this week bars will be allowed to reopen, though everyone must continue to follow relevant health and safety guidelines.
As I have said in previous emails, it is vital that we support our local businesses as they get back to work, so where possible, please shop local. The best pathway to a full recovery is through economic growth, so helping our local businesses re-establish themselves will go a long way for us all.
For many Kiwis, lockdown provided a chance to practise a new skill. However, for Kiwi sheep farmer Garth Coleman and his daughter Lucy Coleman, they took a newly acquired skill one step further by creating remarkable images out of the sheep they care for.
Armed with a camera, a quad bike, feed, and of course some good ol’ Kiwi ingenuity, Garth and Lucy turn the mundane into the magical. By strategically placing feed on the ground, they create striking depictions as their sheep happily munch away.
Lucy, who is currently completing her PhD in animal science, said the idea came as result of the drought many farmers have had to contend with over the recent summer.
“As a result of the lack of grass due to the drought, we’ve had to put our animals on supplementary feed to ensure they are healthy and happy. One day I was out on the farm and saw Dad had ‘drawn’ the word ‘Hi’ into the side of the hill and it all went from there really. There is no doubt the last few months have been challenging but you get through it all with a bit of fun like this, giving people something to smile about.”
In celebration of National Lamb Day on 24 May, Beef + Lamb New Zealand are calling out other farmers to get in on the fun and create their own ‘sheep art’. Can you – the great sheep farmers of New Zealand – create anything to match Lucy’s masterpiece?
There are no new cases of Covid-19 to report in New Zealand today.
This means New Zealand’s combined total of confirmed and probable cases remains at 1499 of which 1149 are confirmed cases of Covid-19.
We have 1433 people reported as having recovered from Covid-19, no change from yesterday. This is 96 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases.
Again today there are two people receiving hospital-level care for Covid-19 – one each in Auckland and Middlemore hospitals. Neither of these patients is in ICU.
We still have 16 significant clusters.
There are no additional deaths to report.
The total number of tests completed to date is 230,718.
World Health Assembly
Tonight the Director-General of Health will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2020 World Heath Assembly.
This year the Assembly is being held virtually and will focus on Covid-19. The entire meeting will be live streamed for anyone who wants to view it.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros, on his thoughts for the future efforts around Covid-19 globally, as well as hearing from other countries on the important themes in their responses both to date and in the future,” says Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
The Minister of Health Dr David Clark will deliver the New Zealand country statement via video.
While fulfilling the responsibility as lead of the delegation Dr Bloomfield is not expecting to have a speaking part given the nature of this virtual meeting. However, if there is something relevant that Member States need to speak to or vote on, he may offer some remarks.
New Zealand is co-sponsoring a resolution on Covid-19. The purpose of the resolution is to agree, at the high level, future areas of work specific to Covid-19 that Member States, the WHO and other organisations should deliver in unity, such as fair access to vaccines.
“At a time of global crisis around a public health issue, it is critical that countries come together, and the Covid-19 resolution aims to do exactly that. Such solidarity will ensure we respond collectively to global situations like a pandemic, which it is in every country’s interests to do.
“This will also include reference to the review of the pandemic. I will note that after every global health emergency it is common practice for there to be a review. This happened after Ebola and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic for example. The findings from these reviews help improve how countries respond both from a domestic and international cooperation perspective. They also help WHO develop new technical guidance and support.”
There is general agreement amongst WHO members on the issues outlined in the resolution and it is expected to be adopted unanimously.
Religious and faith-based gatherings
At today’s media conference, Dr Bloomfield also spoke briefly on church and faith-based gatherings.
“There has been fantastic support from churches and faith based organisations right through Levels 4 and 3 and they have been incredibly supportive because they have been wanting to help protect all New Zealanders.
“I know many people, including those of faith, want to move as quickly as possible to increase the size of these gatherings; I know how important it is for people to be able to practise their faith together.
“The policy intent for gatherings is clear in the Alert Level 2 framework. This includes that the current maximum number of people who can gather is currently 10 and this applies to both private and public gatherings including church and faith based ones. This number is one of the specific issues being reconsidered by Cabinet next Monday.”
Today there is one new confirmed case of Covid-19 to report in New Zealand.
The case is linked to the Rosewood cluster as a household contact of an earlier case.
This means New Zealand’s combined total of confirmed and probable cases is 1499, of which 1149 are confirmed cases of Covid-19.
We now have 1433 people reported as having recovered from Covid-19, an increase of five on yesterday. This is 96 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases.
Today there are two people receiving hospital-level care for Covid-19 – one each in Auckland and Middlemore hospitals. Neither of these patients is in ICU.
We still have 16 significant clusters.
There are no additional deaths to report.
The total number of tests completed to date is 228,148, an increase of 4211.
Wellbeing in Level 2
New Zealanders have done a great job acting together against Covid-19 and we’ve worked hard to ensure physical distancing.
Now we’re moving to a new phase where many of us are heading back to work and school for the first time in a while.
While some of us will be looking forward to being around people again, it might also feel strange and some people may feel anxious.
These feelings are completely normal. It’s ok to notice that it feels different and to reach out to someone to talk about it or to look for useful tips and guidance online.
There are several different ways for people to seek help as we settle into this next phase. There is a range of different resources available on the Ministry of Health website.
It’s also a really good time to start a daily wellbeing routine that can help keep you feeling physically and mentally fit. Looking after your mental wellbeing every day helps make coping with tougher times easier.
Today there are no new cases of Covid-19 to report in New Zealand.
This means New Zealand’s combined total of confirmed and probable cases remains at 1498, of which 1148 are confirmed cases of Covid-19.
We now have 1428 people reported as having recovered from Covid-19, an increase of seven on yesterday. This is 95 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases.
Today there are three people receiving hospital-level care for Covid-19 – one each in Auckland, Middlemore and Waikato hospitals. None of these patients are in ICU.
We still have 16 significant clusters.
There are no additional deaths to report.The death toll due to Covid-19 in New Zealand is 21.
The total number of tests completed to date is 223,937, an increase of 7150.
Level 2
During this first weekend of Alert Level 2, it is vital that all New Zealanders maintain the good habits we have learned and implemented in our daily lives over the past weeks.
To ensure Covid-19 is stopped from spreading in New Zealand, these key health measures need to be strictly adhered to:
· most importantly – if you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise
· keep your distance from other people when you’re out in public, including on transport
· if you have symptoms of cold or flu call your doctor or Healthline immediately and get tested
· good hand hygiene will continue to be a simple and effective tool to keep COVID-19 at bay
· keep your social gatherings to a maximum of 10 people at once
· keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help with contact tracing if we need it.
Auckland Transport is reminding Aucklanders that as the city begins to open again under Alert Level 2, more vehicles are returning to the road.
In a statement AT advises that paid parking is back throughout the city for both on and off-street parking under Alert Level 2. In addition, parking restrictions such as time and other illegal parking is being monitored, including bus lanes, cycle lanes, T2 and T3 lanes and clearways.
Parking officers will be seen throughout the city to help remind drivers of their responsibilities.
Parking officers were back on the job in Howick today.
“We saw fewer vehicles on the road under Alert Levels 4 and 3, which meant we were able to provide some flexibility for essential movement around the city,” says John Strawbridge, AT’s group manager of parking services and compliance.
“But now with much of the city reopening under Alert Level 2, we will be returning to our usual work to help make sure everyone can keep moving and get to where they need to go quickly.
“And as a reminder, the bus lanes, T2/T3 lanes and clearways are operating normally so please comply with the restrictions. We don’t want to issue you infringements, we want to keep the city moving,” Mr Strawbridge added
AT is also reminding drivers that people walking and cycling also need to use roads, shared pathways, crossings, and footpaths safely. They are asking people to be aware of the increase in these areas under Alert Level 2 and remember their responsibilities.
The Government has advised that the general rule for Alert Level 2 is to play it safe. This means that if you are feeling sick you should stay home. Do not go to work or school. Do not socialise, and if you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 you should avoid using public transport when travelling to a medical appointment.
The best place to find the latest information about the Covid-19 situation in New Zealand is on the Government’s special Covid-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz/
Auckland Transport’s Covid-19 page, which includes up to date public transport timetables, is at: https://at.govt.nz/COVID-19
Apothecary Cafe almost back to normal on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Apothecary Cafe almost back to normal on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Locals flocked to Half Moon Bay’s Cinnamon Cafe for long awaited coffee fix on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Grangers restaurant owners Gina & Clinton Henry gladly welcomed Peter & Loraine Carpenter, their first customers back from Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Howick Mens Hairdressers busy on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Howick Mens Hairdressers busy on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Howick Mens Hairdressers busy on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Gary Reid ready to welcome people back into Howick Village Butcher on Day 1 of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Picton St, Howick, almost back to normal on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Picton St, Howick, almost back to normal on the first day of Covid 19 Level 2. Photo Wayne Martin.
Westpac NZ staff will be “shaking the virtual bucket” this Friday to raise much-needed funds for New Zealand’s rescue choppers.
With the annual Street Appeal Day cancelled due to Covid-19, Kiwis are being encouraged to donate online to their local helicopter trust at the dedicated Givealittle page: https://gal.to/westpac-chopper-2020.
Westpac NZ CEO David McLean says New Zealanders have been incredibly supportive of the rescue choppers during the pandemic, but they still need our help to continue their lifesaving work.
“The pandemic has severely impacted helicopter trusts’ ability to fundraise, while increasing their operating costs around personal protective equipment and decontamination,” Mr McLean says.
“So far we have raised more than $500,000 nationwide, which shows the generosity of Kiwis even in these tough times. The rescue choppers are still flying critical missions, and are on standby to help as part of the country’s Covid-19 response, so your support is as crucial as ever.
“If you normally give to our staff members who are out shaking buckets on Street Appeal Day, we ask you to consider donating online, even if it’s just the equivalent of a gold coin.”
Last month Westpac NZ donated an extra $1m to be shared among the 15 helicopter trusts, on top of our usual sponsorship and fundraising campaign, to help make up for the shortfall in donations and additional challenges they are facing due to Covid-19.
Today we are reporting one new confirmed case of Covid-19.
This means New Zealand’s combined total of confirmed and probable cases is now 1498, of which 1148 are confirmed.
Today’s confirmed case is linked to the Marist cluster in Auckland and was identified through recent follow-up testing of the school community. The person first had symptoms nearly two months ago and had a previous negative test. The result is considered a ‘weak positive’ and the person, who has been in isolation through the lockdown period, is not considered infectious now.
We have previously identified instances of ‘weak positive’ cases, which can occur some time after an individual’s illness.
We now have 1421 people reported as having recovered from Covid-19, an increase of 10 on yesterday. This is 95 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases.
There are now just 56 active cases across the country.
Today there are two people receiving hospital level care for Covid-19 – one each in Auckland and Middlemore hospitals. Neither are in ICU.
We still have 16 significant clusters.
There are no additional deaths to report.
There were 7174 laboratory tests processed yesterday, which brings the total number of tests completed to 216,787.
Level 2
The Director-General of Health says today’s confirmed case reinforces the long tail of the Covid-19 outbreak in New Zealand.
“While we do not consider this case to be infectious, it does demonstrate once again that we must stay vigilant. Covid-19 will continue to linger, so we need to keep consistently doing the things which will help keep all New Zealanders safe and allow us to continue to relax restrictions,” says Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
“Heading into this first weekend of Level 2, here’s what we all have to do:
· most importantly – if you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise
· keep your distance from other people when you’re out in public, including on transport
· if you have symptoms of cold or flu call your doctor or Healthline immediately and get tested
· good hand hygiene will continue to be a simple and effective tool to keep Covid-19 at bay
· keep your social gatherings to a maximum of 10 people at once
· keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help with contact tracing if we need it.
Auckland Transport wants businesses to mix it up under Alert Level 2 and try different start times as we head back to work.
The Prime Minister has said safe physical distancing on our buses, trains and ferries means we can’t all turn up at the same time.
Mayor Phil Goff says the challenge is to get businesses up and running but not to have everyone travelling at the same time.
“I encourage businesses to look at how they can be flexible to reduce the load at peak times.
“This might mean staggering start and finish times and providing options for employees to travel off-peak if possible. We should also encourage the option of people spending part of their workweek working from home where they can do so productively.
In Auckland, passengers on trains, buses, and ferries will have allocated seats – that will mean seated capacity of around 43 percent.
AT recommend you plan your journey using the AT Mobile app, which now also displays how many people are on a bus or train service at any given time, or the journey planner on our website.
Marc England, chief executive of Genesis says the lockdown gave the energy company an opportunity to test new ways of working.
“We introduced a watch system at Level 2 with each team split between the home and office. With almost all but our essential operating teams at home, the learnings gained has seen our mindset shift from business continuity to business productivity.
“As we move back to Level 2 the weekly watch system is back, letting each team decide whether being physically together every one or two weeks will improve collaboration and productivity while keeping people safe in the office and reducing their impact on public transport and roads.”
Barney Irvine, Principal Advisor for Infrastructure at the Automobile Association says, “This is a time when the transport system and retailers are going to be under a lot of strain. As individuals and businesses, we’re all going to have to think a bit differently about how and when we get around our busy cities, to help spread the load.”
Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck believes, “That a simple idea of staggering start and finish times could make a real difference whilst physical distancing is a requirement, for those businesses that can be flexible with hours. This sort of thinking is also important to help reduce congestion at peak times and ensure our city centre is accessible for commuters and customers.”
$50bn fund to deliver COVID response and economic recovery plan at centre of jobs budget
$4bn business support package, including targeted $3.2bn wage subsidy extension
$3bn infrastructure investment and 8,000 public house build programme to boost productivity and create jobs
$1.4bn for trades and apprenticeships training package
$1bn environmental jobs package
$3.3bn new funding to strengthen core services including health and education
Finance Minister Grant Robertson this afternoon delivered his budget for the 2021 financial year.
Declaring “this budget is about jobs” he delivered one that is heavy on spending aimed to recover the economy from the Covid-19 crisis, with some $50 Billion earmarked to fight the economic devastation caused by the pandemic.
The $50b will focus upon job and apprenticeship training, particularly in the trades, and creation of shovel-ready infrastructure.
Minister of Finance Grant Robertson. Photo Health Central
The employer’s wage subsidy will be extended for an additional eight weeks.
Robertson says the government expects unemployment to peak at 9.8 percent in September, and expects the provisions allowed by the budget to save 140,000 jobs.
He also promised to deliver 8000 new homes over the fiscal year.
Robertson says the $50 billion fund announced today will grow jobs and support New Zealanders and the economy through the effects of Covid-19 and the global recession.
At this Budget, the Covid Response and Recovery Fund will invest in a targeted wage subsidy extension, free training and apprenticeships, an 8000 state and transitional house build programme, $3bn for infrastructure development, job-rich environmental projects and support for SMEs, exporters and entrepreneurs to grow the economy.
“Today is about jobs. It’s about creating new jobs and it’s about preparing people for new jobs,” Robertson said.
New Treasury forecasts incorporating the fiscal stimulus announced today show:
Up to 140,000 jobs saved over the next two years, and employment growth of 370,000 supported over four years.
Unemployment can be reduced from a peak of 9.6% in June 2020 to the current 4.2% rate within two years
The economy could start growing again in the year beginning 1 July 2020
The Government is planning a similar return-to-surplus track to the previous Government following the GFC and Canterbury earthquakes
“We are doing what it takes to cushion the blow, support businesses and workers, and position the economy for recovery. We’re answering calls for significant new investment as we face up this 1-in-100 year global shock and rebuild together,” he said.
“We can do this because we went hard and early with our health response. Due to the amazing work of all 5 million New Zealanders during lockdown, our economic recovery is getting a head start.”
Investments totalling $13.9 billion have already been made from the fund to fight the virus and cushion the blow. Cabinet has agreed a further $15.9 billion of investments to continue the immediate response and kickstart the economy, leaving $20.2 billion remaining for future investment.
Careful economic management means this is affordable, with New Zealand remaining with one of the lowest debt positions among advanced economies. The Budget also sets out a path back to surplus similar to the previous Government following the GFC and Canterbury earthquakes.
Significant investments from the Fund are being announced today alongside $3.3 billion in the Budget to ensure essential public services like health, education and domestic violence services continue to receive the funding they need to meet pressures like population growth.
“Strong public services have underpinned our success in controlling Covid-19. We need our health and education systems more now than ever as we recover and rebuild.”
Fiscal outlook – supporting the economy and a path back to surplus
The Government has decided to go hard against the economic impact of Covid-19 by using its strong balance sheet to cushion the blow for households and businesses. This is possible because of our careful economic management before Covid-19, Grant Robertson said.
OBEGAL (operating balance before gains and losses) deficits will average 9.3 per cent of GDP, or $28 billion, from 2020 to 2022 as the Government injects funding into households and the private sector to support businesses and jobs. Careful economic management will see the deficit reduced to 1.3 per cent of GDP, or $4.9 billion by June 2024.
“It is then possible that the Government books return to surplus from 2024/25,” Grant Robertson said. Treasury projections show a deficit of just 0.7% of GDP in 2024/25, moderating to 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent in 2026 and 2027, before a surplus of 0.1 per cent of GDP in 2028.
“We know from the previous Government’s experience with six years of deficits and a small surplus in the seventh year following the GFC and Canterbury earthquakes, that these projections are sensitive. We are targeting a surplus in a similar period of time as we respond to a 1-in-100 year shock.”
Running operating deficits to support households and businesses means core Crown expenses peak at 38.7 per cent of GDP in 2020, before falling back to 30.2 per cent in 2024. The Government has decided to keep tax revenue steady at just under 30 per cent of GDP.
This means investments to grow the economy will be funded through long-term borrowing. The Treasury forecasts net core Crown debt to rise to a peak of 53.6 per cent in 2023 and 2024 before the growing economy then allows the Government to start funding repayments.
“New Zealand is in one of the best positions in the world to cushion the blow of Covid-19 through long-term borrowing at historically low interest rates – we can currently lock-in ten year bonds at an annual rate of below 1 per cent. Importantly, interest costs will stay low at only 1.2 per cent of GDP when net debt peaks – the same as last year when net debt was 19 per cent of GDP,” Grant Robertson said.
“At its peak, net debt will be 30 percentage points below the average for advanced economies pre-Covid. It is forecast to remain lower than New Zealand’s most recent peak of 54.8 per cent of GDP in 1992.
“Governments around the world are responding the same way. Analysts expect Australia’s net debt to also rise to between 50 per cent and 60 per cent of GDP, while the UK Government forecasts it staying over 90 per cent.
“That shows what a good position our economy is in to be able to go hard against Covid-19, position for recovery and rebuild together.”
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Budget 2020: Rebuilding Together
$50 billion fund to deliver Covid-19 response and economic recovery plan at centre of jobs budget
$4bn business support package, including targeted $3.2bn wage subsidy extension
$3bn infrastructure investment and 8000 public house build programme to boost productivity and create jobs
$1.4bn for trades and apprenticeships training package
$1bn environmental jobs package
$3.3bn new funding to strengthen core services including health and education
Funding boost for Defence
Budget 2020 provides a boost of $1.77 billion in operating and capital funding to enable Defence to continue to deliver on the tasks expected of it.
Disability support gets biggest-ever funding boost
$833 million to take pressure off disability support services and ensure access
$12 million to assess innovations that empower people with disabilities
$4.4 million to pay for in-between travel costs for disability carers
Budget lifts investment in rail to a record $4.6 billion
State Owned Enterprises Minister Winston Peters says Budget 2020 is another milestone in securing the future of our rail system, and another step towards economic recovery.
Postal services maintained for Kiwis
The Coalition Government is supporting New Zealand Post to continue to deliver a postal service in the face of challenges presented by a changing mail environment and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Funding of $130 million from Budget 2020 will allow New Zealand Post to maintain service levels as it positions itself for the future of mail, while an equity injection of $150 million will also be provided from the Government’s Covid Response and Recovery Fund.
Aid spending boost in Budget 2020
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has today announced an increase to aid funding as the world grapples with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Budget 2020 will deliver $55.6 million in additional funding for Vote Official Development Assistance, bolstering the New Zealand Aid Programme’s ability to help those most in need and bringing New Zealand’s overall ODA spend to almost .33 percent of forecasted Gross National Income in 2021.
Supporting Pacific Peoples through a Covid-19 recovery plan
The Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says the Government is backing Pacific Peoples with a $195 million Pacific package to support the recovery and rebuild of Pacific communities from the Covid-19 pandemic.
More than $900 million to support Maori as we rebuild together
The Government will invest over $900 million in response to Covid-19 to support our whanau, tamariki and all Maori so we can rebuild together, Maori ministers announced today.
Major investment in infrastructure projects
The Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund has set aside $3 billion to fund infrastructure projects across the country. This is in addition to the Government’s $12b New Zealand Upgrade Programme and Provincial Growth Fund infrastructure investments.
‘Supporting our people as we rebuild the economy’
$79 million boost to social service providers
$36 million in grants for community groups
$22 million for family violence services
$20 million to ease impacts of Covid-19 on rural and fishing communities
$20 million tertiary student hardship fund for 2020
$15 million boost to Fruit in Schools and digital sales platforms for food producers
More warmer Kiwi homes
The Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund ensures an estimated 9000 additional New Zealand houses will be Warmer Kiwi Homes with a $56 million boost to the Government’s insulation and heating programme, the Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods said.
“Insulation and heating helps to prevent respiratory illness, and the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme protects the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
8000 more public houses to be delivered
The Government will deliver an extra 8000 new public and transitional homes through Budget 2020, in a move that will stimulate the residential construction sector, create jobs and reduce the housing shortage.
The additional housing places will be delivered by Kainga Ora, Community Housing Providers and transitional housing providers. Kainga Ora will finance its proportion of the additional 8000 places by increasing its borrowing over the next 4-5 years, anticipated to be about $5 billion. Budget 2020 delivers $570m of Income Related Rent Subsidy funding to support this build programme.
$1.1 billion investment to create 11,000 environment jobs in our regions
$433 million for new jobs in regional environmental projects
$315 million biosecurity, including weed and pest control.
$200 million for DOCs Jobs for Nature Fund
$154 million for new jobs enhancing biodiversity on public and private land
Budget 2020 will create almost 11,000 new jobs in regional New Zealand to restore our environment.
Rebuilding tourism together
A $400 million targeted Tourism Recovery Fund, alongside the extension of the Wage Subsidy Scheme and a domestic tourism campaign, assist the industry to recover and restart, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced today.
Free trades training to support New Zealanders into work
$1.6 billion Trades and Apprenticeships Training Package
$400 million in MSD Employment Support
$121 million for He Poutama Rangatahi
$19.3 million to place 10,000 people into primary sector jobs
Major expansion of school lunch programme
A major expansion of the free and healthy school lunch programme, funded through the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund, will see around 200,000 more New Zealand children get a free lunch every school day and create an estimated 2000 more jobs.
“The programme will expand over the next year, from feeding nearly 8000 students currently to around 200,000 students by Terms 2-3 in 2021. It will target students in schools with the highest disadvantage.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins says $216.7 million in operating and $3.9 million in capital expenditure has been allocated over the next two years to fund the expansion.
Targeted extension to the Wage Subsidy Scheme
Budget 2020 provides for further assistance for businesses and their staff who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the Wage Subsidy Scheme has been enormously successful, paying out more than $10 billion to support New Zealand businesses and jobs.
“Many New Zealanders will be back at work now, but we know there will be some businesses that are still struggling, particularly in the tourism, hospitality and retail sector. This is why we are extending the Wage Subsidy Scheme,” Robertson said.
“From June 10, businesses that have suffered, or expect to suffer, revenue loss of at least 50 per cent for the 30-day period prior to the application date versus the nearest comparable period last year will be eligible for the extension of the scheme.”
Budget 2020: Focus on jobs – Kiwi businesses supported to respond, recover and rebuild
On-the-ground support for Kiwi exporters in key markets to boost trade
$230 million to encourage entrepreneurship and risk-taking to kickstart growth
Giving SMEs a leg-up to increase sales through e-commerce
Protecting small businesses and consumers by sharpening the Commerce Commission’s teeth
Budget 2020 – Rebuilding Together – will create jobs and grow the economy by backing Kiwi exporters, encouraging entrepreneurship, and helping SMEs thrive in the digital economy.
For the third consecutive day, we are reporting no new cases of Covid-19.
This means New Zealand’s combined total of confirmed and probable cases remains at 1497, of which 1147 are confirmed.
We now have 1411 people reported as having recovered from Covid-19, an increase of 9 on yesterday. This is 94 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases.
Today there are two people receiving hospital level care for Covid-19 – one each in Auckland and Middlemore hospitals. Neither are in ICU.
We still have 16 significant clusters.
There are no additional deaths to report.
Yesterday our laboratories processed 6568 tests bringing the total number of tests completed to date to 209,613.
Level 2
On day one of Level 2, the behaviours which will keep Covid-19 out of the New Zealand environment continue to be vitally important. The key health measures in Level 2 are:
· keep your distance from other people when you’re out in public, including on transport
· most importantly – if you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise
· if you have symptoms of cold or flu call your doctor or Healthline immediately and get tested
· good hand hygiene will continue to be a simple and effective tool to keep Covid-19 at bay
· keep your social gatherings to a maximum of 10 people at once
· keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help with contact tracing if we need it.
Clusters
We had previously closed four clusters as they met our definition of two full transmission periods (the equivalent of 28 days) since their last case was notified.
In the meantime, we have received and accepted advice that we will use an improved definition of a closed cluster. This is that there should be two full transmission periods since the last case completed their isolation period.
We are now using that definition and will also be applying it retrospectively which means none of the four previous clusters are considered closed. It’s important to note that there has been no new disease activity in these clusters.
We don’t expect any clusters to close under the new definition until later this month.
From a public health point of view taking this step makes it easier for public health unit staff to retain appropriate public health measures such as isolation while they continue to learn all they can from the different clusters.
From the public point of view this means only minor changes to the information on our website.
Bakers Delight franchisee Arjun Singh Talwar and Megan Scrivener have the shelves stocked and ready to go for a re-opening of the Howick business tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Alex and Flo at Big Fish in Pakuranga have sanitised the fridge tops ready for fishermen & women and a re-opening tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Rachel & Daniel of Cafe Paris in Howick are prepped and ready to go for a re-opening tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Rachel & Daniel of Cafe Paris in Howick are prepped and ready to go for a re-opening tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne martin.
Coopers Tyres are amped, ready to go for a re-opening of the Howick business tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Angela Honeybun of Jeff Honeybun Jewellers cleans down the counter tops ready to go for a re-opening of the Howick business tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Howick Fire crew stopped by the Apothecary Cafe in Howick for a coffee on the eve of Level 2 Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne martin.
Jetts Gym exercise professional Jarred Lee Kerr cleans down machines ready for the Howick gym’s re-opening as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown.
Lily Whyte lingerie shop in Howick is ready to re-open as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown tomorrow. Photo Wayne Martin.
Cockle Bay’s Seaside Meats owner Jintong Guo (left) and butcher Trent Davis prepare sausages ready for re-opening tomorrow as we move into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Yolanda Small and Joanne Spiller are ready for tomorrow’s re-opening of Spiller’s Hardware store in Howick as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown.
Apothecary Cafe owner, Ted Waters, sets about cleaning down ready go for a re-opening of the Howick business tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
LTR: Alex Clark, Murray Clark and Kurt McKee, owners of The Box Office, a brand new boxing fitness gym in Howick. The punch bags are installed, new carpet layed and fresh paint covers the walls, all ready for opening tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
The Good Home owner Barry O’Shaughnessy, ready for re-opening Howick restaurant tomorrow as we move into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
Terry’s sharpened his scissors, charged the clippers and is ready to go for a re-opening of Whiskerz Men’s Hairdressers in Howick tomorrow as we head into Level 2 of Covid 19 Lockdown. Photo Wayne Martin.
