Latest news with #Buller
RNZ News
24-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Severe weather warnings for NZ as heavy rain, strong wind approaches
MetService has issued 11 severe weather warnings across the country. Photo: Romolo Tavani / 123RF Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit the western coast later on Sunday as a front sweeps in from the Tasman Sea. MetService has issued 11 severe weather warnings across the country. "A front sweeps over southern and central New Zealand from the Tasman Sea during Sunday and Monday, bringing a period of heavy rain and strong north to northwest winds," the forecaster said. Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for Buller, the Westland ranges, parts of Canterbury and parts of Otago from Sunday evening until Monday morning. In parts of Canterbury and Westland, rain could reach 200mm. Heavy rain watches have also been issued for Taranaki, parts of Tasman, Tararua Range and Grey District. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. Photo: MetService MetService is warning drivers to be careful on Canterbury's High Country roads, with winds already reaching more than 100km/h. The region is under a strong wind watch for 12 hours from 6pm Sunday. Wellington and Marlborough have also been issued strong wind watches. Meteorologist Devlin Lynden said people on mountain roads need to take care as Mount Hutt is being battered with 120km winds. MetService said there was a moderate risk of thunderstorms in the Canterbury Alps, Fiordland and the Otago headwaters on Sunday. These thunderstorms will boost localised rainfall rates to 10-25mm/h, or possibly higher in a few places. A low risk of thunderstorms covers northern Westland, western parts of Southland, Stewart Island, the Queenstown Lakes District and the Mackenzie Basin from late evening as indicated on the chart. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
09-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Provinces have confidence in NZ Rugby - but with a limit
Buller team celebrate winning the Heartland championship Lochore Cup Final. Buller v South Canterbury. Victoria Square, Westport. Photo: Chris Symes Losing the essence of New Zealand Rugby remains a prevalent fear among the grassroots level of the game. This comes in the wake of the news that NZ Rugby recorded a third consecutive financial loss in 2024, just shy of $20 million . The nation's 26 provincial rugby unions met with the country's governing body at the AGM yesterday to strategise for a sound financial future. Despite again being in the red, Horowhenua Kāpiti chair Corey Kennett said most provinces were willing to give the board time. "I think there is confidence, but it does have a limit. We obviously are in a very tough times where we need to see deliverables and in particular around funding around how we look after the community game and the financial horsepower needed to make that happen has got to keep going. We're hopeful and there has been some great developments." Kennett understood these were trying times. "When we look at the loss, any loss is undesirable, but there are extenuating circumstances." He noted the investment in the commercial strategy and a drop in the US dollar as reasons for the shortfall. Bay of Plenty CEO Mike Rogers shared similar sentiments. "They did a really good job of helping us understand the position, and we know there's already work underway with New Zealand Rugby around financial sustainability." He was also noted needing to allow the new board time to implement its strategies. "We all know that that's not a sustainable model to make losses like that. So I think the next phase of how New Zealand rugby operate in terms of the actions they take are going to be pretty critical for the game. I think we do have to be prepared to have some patience, but that doesn't mean that we can sort of sit on our hands. We certainly need to see action." Kaleb Foote of King Country celebrates his try during the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Hawkes Bay and King Country at Hastings Sports Park (Mitre 10 Park) in Hastings, New Zealand on Wednesday June 26, 2024. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Buller CEO Phill Gower was also pragmatic about the losses. "Rugby costs money to run, doesn't it? And we've got to get money from somewhere. So if we have a shortfall, it's either from the fact that we haven't received enough money in sponsorship or revenues, so therefore that's what we've really got to look at and try and bring up." Kennett said he feels the new NZR board are far less disconnected to the grassroots game than their predecessors. "The new board I can report have made more efforts than we have seen previously. There's been a positive realisation that work needed to be done in that space to increase collaboration, communication. The proof will be in the pudding." Rogers said there must always an ongoing conversation around supporting the community game. "That is obviously the foundation of what's made New Zealand rugby so strong over 130-odd years. Our job as provincial unions is to advocate as strongly as possible for investment in the community game. We do also need to appreciate that it is a balance and value the role of the All Blacks and Black Ferns play in generating revenue and that can be invested back in the community, it's not an easy position for New Zealand rugby to manage." Junior Rugby Open Grade, Carlton v University, Saturday 21 August 2010. War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Cornaga Kennett believed while most provinces were smartly spending their money on the community, some were prioritising 'buying trophies'. "We have to look at what is our reason for being and our reason for being is for promoting the in all areas, the professional, semi-professional and amateur game." He said there is a risk of losing what makes New Zealand Rugby not only special, but successful. "In the heartland space in particular, we are working hard with our heartland brother and sister unions to make sure that we stay in the amateur game and don't try and go into the semi-professional, paying for players to pay when we are in an amateur game." He believed with the right innovations, the NPC will endure. "I mean it's no secret. There were models that were very difficult to sustain. Some unions are sustaining it, but what is evident is there needs to be change in some ways. I think NPC will always be there. To what level of professionalism or semi-professional the competition is, that's probably the real question going forward and whatever it is, it has to be financially sustainable in whatever mode you come up with." Rogers also stressed the importance of our domestic competitions. "The NPC and FPC are our point of difference and sort of a secret sauce of what makes rugby in New Zealand so strong. Our challenge is to continue to grow it, make it strong, and viable." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
09-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Provinces have in NZ Rugby - but with a limit
Buller team celebrate winning the Heartland championship Lochore Cup Final. Buller v South Canterbury. Victoria Square, Westport. Photo: Chris Symes Losing the essence of New Zealand Rugby remains a prevalent fear among the grassroots level of the game. This comes in the wake of the news that NZ Rugby recorded a third consecutive financial loss in 2024, just shy of $20 million . The nation's 26 provincial rugby unions met with the country's governing body at the AGM yesterday to strategise for a sound financial future. Despite again being in the red, Horowhenua Kāpiti chair Corey Kennett said most provinces were willing to give the board time. "I think there is confidence, but it does have a limit. We obviously are in a very tough times where we need to see deliverables and in particular around funding around how we look after the community game and the financial horsepower needed to make that happen has got to keep going. We're hopeful and there has been some great developments." Kennett understood these were trying times. "When we look at the loss, any loss is undesirable, but there are extenuating circumstances." He noted the investment in the commercial strategy and a drop in the US dollar as reasons for the shortfall. Bay of Plenty CEO Mike Rogers shared similar sentiments. "They did a really good job of helping us understand the position, and we know there's already work underway with New Zealand Rugby around financial sustainability." He was also noted needing to allow the new board time to implement its strategies. "We all know that that's not a sustainable model to make losses like that. So I think the next phase of how New Zealand rugby operate in terms of the actions they take are going to be pretty critical for the game. I think we do have to be prepared to have some patience, but that doesn't mean that we can sort of sit on our hands. We certainly need to see action." Kaleb Foote of King Country celebrates his try during the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Hawkes Bay and King Country at Hastings Sports Park (Mitre 10 Park) in Hastings, New Zealand on Wednesday June 26, 2024. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Buller CEO Phill Gower was also pragmatic about the losses. "Rugby costs money to run, doesn't it? And we've got to get money from somewhere. So if we have a shortfall, it's either from the fact that we haven't received enough money in sponsorship or revenues, so therefore that's what we've really got to look at and try and bring up." Kennett said he feels the new NZR board are far less disconnected to the grassroots game than their predecessors. "The new board I can report have made more efforts than we have seen previously. There's been a positive realisation that work needed to be done in that space to increase collaboration, communication. The proof will be in the pudding." Rogers said there must always an ongoing conversation around supporting the community game. "That is obviously the foundation of what's made New Zealand rugby so strong over 130-odd years. Our job as provincial unions is to advocate as strongly as possible for investment in the community game. We do also need to appreciate that it is a balance and value the role of the All Blacks and Black Ferns play in generating revenue and that can be invested back in the community, it's not an easy position for New Zealand rugby to manage." Junior Rugby Open Grade, Carlton v University, Saturday 21 August 2010. War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Cornaga Kennett believed while most provinces were smartly spending their money on the community, some were prioritising 'buying trophies'. "We have to look at what is our reason for being and our reason for being is for promoting the in all areas, the professional, semi-professional and amateur game." He said there is a risk of losing what makes New Zealand Rugby not only special, but successful. "In the heartland space in particular, we are working hard with our heartland brother and sister unions to make sure that we stay in the amateur game and don't try and go into the semi-professional, paying for players to pay when we are in an amateur game." He believed with the right innovations, the NPC will endure. "I mean it's no secret. There were models that were very difficult to sustain. Some unions are sustaining it, but what is evident is there needs to be change in some ways. I think NPC will always be there. To what level of professionalism or semi-professional the competition is, that's probably the real question going forward and whatever it is, it has to be financially sustainable in whatever mode you come up with." Rogers also stressed the importance of our domestic competitions. "The NPC and FPC are our point of difference and sort of a secret sauce of what makes rugby in New Zealand so strong. Our challenge is to continue to grow it, make it strong, and viable." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
09-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Provinces have 'limited confidence' in NZ Rugby
Buller team celebrate winning the Heartland championship Lochore Cup Final. Buller v South Canterbury. Victoria Square, Westport. Photo: Chris Symes Losing the essence of New Zealand Rugby remains a prevalent fear among the grassroots level of the game. This comes in the wake of the news that NZ Rugby recorded a third consecutive financial loss in 2024, [just shy of $20 million]. The nation's 26 provincial rugby unions met with the country's governing body at the AGM yesterday to strategise for a sound financial future. Despite again being in the red, Horowhenua Kāpiti chair Corey Kennett said most provinces were willing to give the board time. "I think there is confidence, but it does have a limit. We obviously are in a very tough times where we need to see deliverables and in particular around funding around how we look after the community game and the financial horsepower needed to make that happen has got to keep going. We're hopeful and there has been some great developments." Kennett understood these were trying times. "When we look at the loss, any loss is undesirable, but there are extenuating circumstances." He noted the investment in the commercial strategy and a drop in the US dollar as reasons for the shortfall. Bay of Plenty CEO Mike Rogers shared similar sentiments. "They did a really good job of helping us understand the position, and we know there's already work underway with New Zealand Rugby around financial sustainability." He was also noted needing to allow the new board time to implement its strategies. "We all know that that's not a sustainable model to make losses like that. So I think the next phase of how New Zealand rugby operate in terms of the actions they take are going to be pretty critical for the game. I think we do have to be prepared to have some patience, but that doesn't mean that we can sort of sit on our hands. We certainly need to see action." Kaleb Foote of King Country celebrates his try during the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Hawkes Bay and King Country at Hastings Sports Park (Mitre 10 Park) in Hastings, New Zealand on Wednesday June 26, 2024. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Buller CEO Phill Gower was also pragmatic about the losses. "Rugby costs money to run, doesn't it? And we've got to get money from somewhere. So if we have a shortfall, it's either from the fact that we haven't received enough money in sponsorship or revenues, so therefore that's what we've really got to look at and try and bring up." Kennett said he feels the new NZR board are far less disconnected to the grassroots game than their predecessors. "The new board I can report have made more efforts than we have seen previously. There's been a positive realisation that work needed to be done in that space to increase collaboration, communication. The proof will be in the pudding." Rogers said there must always an ongoing conversation around supporting the community game. "That is obviously the foundation of what's made New Zealand rugby so strong over 130-odd years. Our job as provincial unions is to advocate as strongly as possible for investment in the community game. We do also need to appreciate that it is a balance and value the role of the All Blacks and Black Ferns play in generating revenue and that can be invested back in the community, it's not an easy position for New Zealand rugby to manage." Junior Rugby Open Grade, Carlton v University, Saturday 21 August 2010. War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Cornaga Kennett believed while most provinces were smartly spending their money on the community, some were prioritising 'buying trophies'. "We have to look at what is our reason for being and our reason for being is for promoting the in all areas, the professional, semi-professional and amateur game." He said there is a risk of losing what makes New Zealand Rugby not only special, but successful. "In the heartland space in particular, we are working hard with our heartland brother and sister unions to make sure that we stay in the amateur game and don't try and go into the semi-professional, paying for players to pay when we are in an amateur game." He believed with the right innovations, the NPC will endure. "I mean it's no secret. There were models that were very difficult to sustain. Some unions are sustaining it, but what is evident is there needs to be change in some ways. I think NPC will always be there. To what level of professionalism or semi-professional the competition is, that's probably the real question going forward and whatever it is, it has to be financially sustainable in whatever mode you come up with." Rogers also stressed the importance of our domestic competitions. "The NPC and FPC are our point of difference and sort of a secret sauce of what makes rugby in New Zealand so strong. Our challenge is to continue to grow it, make it strong, and viable." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
West Coast Councils Eye Combined Water Company
Article – Lois Williams – Local Democracy Reporter The three WC district councils are moving to set up a joint CCO to manage water. West Coast District councils are preparing to join forces to manage water services. Under the Government's 'Local Water Done Well' reforms, councils must either set up their own units to run drinking water and sewerage systems or form a combined entity with neighbouring districts. Buller mayor Jamie Cleine says his council has had talks with both Tasman and Marlborough but at this stage, those councils are leaning towards separate internal business units. 'They see some merit in joining up into a bigger unit eventually, and they've left the door open for Buller, but at this point the three West Coast councils are pretty much aligned,' Mr Cleine said. Talks between Grey and Westland were more advanced, Mr Cleine said, but all three councils were effectively on the same page. Buller would begin consultation on the joint option this month, the mayor said. 'We've made good progress. We'll see what the community wants us to do, but at governance level we've arrived at the same point, in regard to the benefits and risks of a shared unit versus going it alone. ' The new water business unit would be a multi -council CCO [council-controlled organisation], owned by all three councils Mr Cleine said. 'Obviously the West Coast councils will have to make a final decision on this – it may be that community feedback will steer us in a different direction, but we can see a clear advantage to it. ' The costs and debt of water systems in each district would be ring-fenced within the regional CCO, with no one council cross-subsidising another, Mr Cleine said. 'Each of us has infrastructure work to do and we would not all be paying the same amount for water services, though that could change down the track when all our networks have been upgraded and everyone's getting the same standard of service.' The CCO would take on each council's current sewerage and drinking water assets and debt and would be able to borrow from the Local Government Funding Agency to upgrade them at a cheaper rate than a council going it alone, Mr Cleine said. 'That's the purpose of the whole legislation nationwide: to enable further borrowing and whether you agree with that or not, that is absolutely the intent of Local Water Done Well.' The lower interest rate available to joint CCOs was a 'carrot' or incentive for councils to combine their water services, Mr Cleine said. 'But there's a bit of a stick there as well: we have to increase our borrowing and get our infrastructure up to standard at a faster pace than what any council was proposing to do.' A council going it alone would have to meet all the same Government water standards and obligations but would not be able to borrow as much, and would pay a higher interest rate, he said. It would also have to meet the expectations of the Commerce Commission. 'So if you had an internal business unit, the Commerce Commission would come and do an added audit of your council to make sure you deliver water services in the most commercially efficient manner. ' A combined, independent water CCO could borrow up to 400 percent of its asset value, giving more headroom for intergenerational investment and payback over a longer period. In Buller's case the required work would include separating sewage from stormwater flowing into the Buller River in heavy rain, and upgrading water storage and home filter systems for small rural water supplies. 'We don't have a choice not to upgrade our water systems, the Government requires it and we either go it alone and pay more or do it together and pay less,' Mr Cleine said. Consultation documents to be released in mid-May would explain the options, hopefully in plain English, Mr Cleine said. 'In terms of where we're at with a three-council CCO, West Coast councils are looking good at the staff and political level – the next phase will be hearing from our communities.'
