Latest news with #LabourWeekend
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Woodhill Forest Gears Up For Iconic Off-Road Racing Showdown
Press Release – Auckland Offroad Racing Club AUCKLAND, NZ – The rugged trails and sand tracks of Woodhill Forest will thunder to life this Sunday, 1 June, as the fifth round of the 2025 New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship rolls into action. Hosted by the Auckland Offroad Racing Club, the event will bring together the North Island's top off-road racers for a day of high-octane endurance and skill in one of the most celebrated fixtures on the national offroad racing calendar – the Landscape Yard Woodhill 100. Now in its fifth round of a six-round national series, the championship sees drivers accumulate points across three of six regional rounds – three held in the North Island and three in the South. The top contenders will ultimately face off for national honours at the Championship Final, held at TECT Park, Bay of Plenty, over Labour Weekend. This weekend's event is more than just a race. The Woodhill 100 is New Zealand's longest-running one-day off-road endurance race, tracing its origins back over four decades. Held in the dense and unpredictable terrain of Woodhill Forest, northwest of Auckland, the race is regarded as a cornerstone of the sport. Competitors must complete 160 km of punishing track, navigating multiple laps of shifting sand and treacherous gravel in a test of mechanical durability, physical resilience, and raw speed. The race attracts an elite field of purpose-built vehicles, from unlimited-horsepower Pro1 race cars to mighty Thunder-trucks. For most, it's a quest for championship points. For a few, it's about glory—winning outright and claiming a place in the storied history of this prestigious event. Among those chasing legend is six-time Woodhill 100 winner Tony McCall. Known for his relentless driving style and fierce competitiveness, McCall's decades-long rivalry with fellow six-time winner Ian Foster has become the stuff of off-road folklore. Now, McCall returns to Woodhill chasing a record-breaking seventh title—one that would place him alone at the top of the all-time leaderboard. 'It's not just another race,' says race organiser, Donn Attwood. 'For racers like Tony, it's personal. It's obsession. Winning the Woodhill defines their careers.' Also returning is #193 Daynom Templeman, who clinched his third Woodhill title in 2023 and is known for treating the grueling 160 km like a sprint. With cars pushing upwards of 700 horsepower, competitors must fine-tune their machines for the punishing dual nature of sand and gravel. Sand destroys drivetrains; gravel demands razor-sharp handling and braking, especially on the infamous Coast Road – a 4km straight that ends in a high-speed right-angle turn. Keeping your head while all others are losing theirs helps a lot, but also the Mechanical attrition is brutal—only half the starters finished in 2024. Preparation is paramount. Qualifying, too, is critical. Last year, McCall (#157) claimed pole position after laying down the fastest time from the eighth qualifying run. Before the main event, spectators will be treated to the Landscape Yard Junior Enduro – a 30-minute timed battle on a shortened junior circuit. With the crowd lining the track and roaring support, New Zealand's youngest off-road racers will demonstrate their emerging talent, pushing KiwiTrucks to the limit in an all-out sprint that is as thrilling as the main race itself. The Auckland Offroad Racing Club, formed through the merger of the Auckland Buggy Club and Western District Offroad Racing Club, continues to build on a proud legacy. The ABC was born in the Muriwai dunes and was known for its legendary sand enduros, while WDORC created the original Woodhill 100, a race that remains the crown jewel of the championship calendar. The Woodhill 100 is more than a race—it's a proving ground, a tradition, and a rite of passage for those who dare to conquer it.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Woodhill Forest Gears Up For Iconic Off-Road Racing Showdown
AUCKLAND, NZ – The rugged trails and sand tracks of Woodhill Forest will thunder to life this Sunday, 1 June, as the fifth round of the 2025 New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship rolls into action. Hosted by the Auckland Offroad Racing Club, the event will bring together the North Island's top off-road racers for a day of high-octane endurance and skill in one of the most celebrated fixtures on the national offroad racing calendar – the Landscape Yard Woodhill 100. Now in its fifth round of a six-round national series, the championship sees drivers accumulate points across three of six regional rounds – three held in the North Island and three in the South. The top contenders will ultimately face off for national honours at the Championship Final, held at TECT Park, Bay of Plenty, over Labour Weekend. This weekend's event is more than just a race. The Woodhill 100 is New Zealand's longest-running one-day off-road endurance race, tracing its origins back over four decades. Held in the dense and unpredictable terrain of Woodhill Forest, northwest of Auckland, the race is regarded as a cornerstone of the sport. Competitors must complete 160 km of punishing track, navigating multiple laps of shifting sand and treacherous gravel in a test of mechanical durability, physical resilience, and raw speed. The race attracts an elite field of purpose-built vehicles, from unlimited-horsepower Pro1 race cars to mighty Thunder-trucks. For most, it's a quest for championship points. For a few, it's about glory—winning outright and claiming a place in the storied history of this prestigious event. Among those chasing legend is six-time Woodhill 100 winner Tony McCall. Known for his relentless driving style and fierce competitiveness, McCall's decades-long rivalry with fellow six-time winner Ian Foster has become the stuff of off-road folklore. Now, McCall returns to Woodhill chasing a record-breaking seventh title—one that would place him alone at the top of the all-time leaderboard. 'It's not just another race,' says race organiser, Donn Attwood. 'For racers like Tony, it's personal. It's obsession. Winning the Woodhill defines their careers.' Also returning is #193 Daynom Templeman, who clinched his third Woodhill title in 2023 and is known for treating the grueling 160 km like a sprint. With cars pushing upwards of 700 horsepower, competitors must fine-tune their machines for the punishing dual nature of sand and gravel. Sand destroys drivetrains; gravel demands razor-sharp handling and braking, especially on the infamous Coast Road – a 4km straight that ends in a high-speed right-angle turn. Keeping your head while all others are losing theirs helps a lot, but also the Mechanical attrition is brutal—only half the starters finished in 2024. Preparation is paramount. Qualifying, too, is critical. Last year, McCall (#157) claimed pole position after laying down the fastest time from the eighth qualifying run. Before the main event, spectators will be treated to the Landscape Yard Junior Enduro – a 30-minute timed battle on a shortened junior circuit. With the crowd lining the track and roaring support, New Zealand's youngest off-road racers will demonstrate their emerging talent, pushing KiwiTrucks to the limit in an all-out sprint that is as thrilling as the main race itself. The Auckland Offroad Racing Club, formed through the merger of the Auckland Buggy Club and Western District Offroad Racing Club, continues to build on a proud legacy. The ABC was born in the Muriwai dunes and was known for its legendary sand enduros, while WDORC created the original Woodhill 100, a race that remains the crown jewel of the championship calendar. The Woodhill 100 is more than a race—it's a proving ground, a tradition, and a rite of passage for those who dare to conquer it.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Safe Rail Bridges Coming For Glen Innes, Takaanini And Te Mahia
Press Release – Auckland Transport Three Auckland train stations where there have been dozens of near misses between pedestrians and trains during the past decade will have their pedestrian level crossings replaced by modern,accessible overbridges, Auckland Transport (AT) says. New pedestrian overbridges at Glen Innes, Takaanini and Te Mahia stations will improve safety and support more frequent and reliable train services when the City Rail Link opens. The Government and Auckland Council have brought forward funding to allow construction of the three pedestrian bridges to be fast-tracked, with work starting at Labour Weekend when the rail network is closed and continuing during the summer rail closure. From this week, AT is asking for feedback on the proposed bridge designs for Glen Innes, Takaanini and Te Mahia stations. Local boards onboard with plan to improve safety in their communities Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Maria Meredith says it will be great to have safer access for the Glen Innes community. 'The City Rail Link will enable more efficient travel times from the Glen Innes station, but more importantly, the removal of the level crossing will also enable a far safer environment,' she says. 'By removing level crossing incidents, we'll have a more efficient and safer network for all users.' Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole says removing level crossings will help keep people moving safely. 'Many crossings were built back when there were less people and less trains operating,' he says. 'As our community grows and more people live near train lines, removing level crossings will help keep people moving safely with less congestion.' Manurewa Local Board Chairperson Matt Winiata says he is pleased to see AT progressing plans for the replacement of the pedestrian level crossing at Te Mahia Station. 'The new pedestrian bridge will allow safer access to and from the station platform from both Great South Road and Ferguson Street,' he says. 'This follows significant investment by the Local Board in the Te Mahia pedestrian plaza, transforming a train station with a once uncertain future into a notable transport hub for the surrounding area.' Safe rail bridges part of AT's plan to get ready for the City Rail Link opening Auckland Transport Director of Infrastructure and Place Murray Burt says the new pedestrian bridges will make it safer to access the stations and are part of a broader level crossing programme that will support more frequent and reliable train services when the City Rail Link opens. 'Every single incident at a level crossing has an impact that can be deadly or life-changing, taking a huge toll on train drivers and those who narrowly miss a collision,' Mr Burt says. Mr Burt says these three level crossings have been prioritised for replacement with accessible overbridges because of how busy the rail network is through those areas. 'Takaanini and Te Mahia stations have been prioritised because that section of the Southern Line is the busiest on the Auckland rail network with a large number of freight and passenger trains,' Mr Burt says. 'Removing the level crossing at Glen Innes Station is needed because it is the last remaining level crossing on the Eastern Line, which will have trains every five minutes at peak after City Rail Link opens.' Feedback wanted before AT finalises bridge designs The designs for the three bridges have been developed to provide good access to the train stations, improve pedestrian safety, and to deliver value for money for ratepayers. 'We now want to hear feedback from our passengers and local communities about what the designs will mean for access, connection, and safety,' Mr Burt says. This feedback will be used to finalise the bridge designs and to help with AT's plans to integrate the bridges and station access into the wider neighbourhoods nearby. Notes: The feedback period on the proposed bridge designs opened today and runs until 30 May. Have your say at Level Crossing Removal Programme | Have your say About AT's level crossings programme · Level crossings increase safety risks for pedestrians and people in vehicles and make travel time longer for both people travelling on trains and those wanting to cross the tracks. · Level crossings restrict train frequencies and have safety, productivity and accessibility implications on the road network, particularly when barrier arms need to be down longer. · AT, KiwiRail and NZTA are working together to remove or replace all remaining 42 level crossings in Auckland over the next 10-30 years. · The phasing of removals is driven by a range of factors including the frequency of trains, traffic delays, safety, available funding and future passenger growth in the years after City Rail Link opens. · Following the removal of crossings to support increased train frequencies when City Rail Link opens in 2026 the priority order of removals is: o Takanini – three new road bridges to replace level crossings. Funding has been confirmed and AT is beginning the detailed design, consenting, property acquisition and construction phase. o Inner Western Line and other high priority crossings on the Western Line from the 2030s when passenger numbers have grown. o Remaining Western Line crossings.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Safe Rail Bridges Coming For Glen Innes, Takaanini And Te Mahia
Three Auckland train stations where there have been dozens of near misses between pedestrians and trains during the past decade will have their pedestrian level crossings replaced by modern, accessible overbridges, Auckland Transport (AT) says. New pedestrian overbridges at Glen Innes, Takaanini and Te Mahia stations will improve safety and support more frequent and reliable train services when the City Rail Link opens. The Government and Auckland Council have brought forward funding to allow construction of the three pedestrian bridges to be fast-tracked, with work starting at Labour Weekend when the rail network is closed and continuing during the summer rail closure. From this week, AT is asking for feedback on the proposed bridge designs for Glen Innes, Takaanini and Te Mahia stations. Local boards onboard with plan to improve safety in their communities Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Maria Meredith says it will be great to have safer access for the Glen Innes community. 'The City Rail Link will enable more efficient travel times from the Glen Innes station, but more importantly, the removal of the level crossing will also enable a far safer environment,' she says. 'By removing level crossing incidents, we'll have a more efficient and safer network for all users.' Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole says removing level crossings will help keep people moving safely. 'Many crossings were built back when there were less people and less trains operating,' he says. 'As our community grows and more people live near train lines, removing level crossings will help keep people moving safely with less congestion.' Manurewa Local Board Chairperson Matt Winiata says he is pleased to see AT progressing plans for the replacement of the pedestrian level crossing at Te Mahia Station. 'The new pedestrian bridge will allow safer access to and from the station platform from both Great South Road and Ferguson Street,' he says. 'This follows significant investment by the Local Board in the Te Mahia pedestrian plaza, transforming a train station with a once uncertain future into a notable transport hub for the surrounding area." Safe rail bridges part of AT's plan to get ready for the City Rail Link opening Auckland Transport Director of Infrastructure and Place Murray Burt says the new pedestrian bridges will make it safer to access the stations and are part of a broader level crossing programme that will support more frequent and reliable train services when the City Rail Link opens. 'Every single incident at a level crossing has an impact that can be deadly or life-changing, taking a huge toll on train drivers and those who narrowly miss a collision,' Mr Burt says. Mr Burt says these three level crossings have been prioritised for replacement with accessible overbridges because of how busy the rail network is through those areas. 'Takaanini and Te Mahia stations have been prioritised because that section of the Southern Line is the busiest on the Auckland rail network with a large number of freight and passenger trains,' Mr Burt says. 'Removing the level crossing at Glen Innes Station is needed because it is the last remaining level crossing on the Eastern Line, which will have trains every five minutes at peak after City Rail Link opens.' Feedback wanted before AT finalises bridge designs The designs for the three bridges have been developed to provide good access to the train stations, improve pedestrian safety, and to deliver value for money for ratepayers. 'We now want to hear feedback from our passengers and local communities about what the designs will mean for access, connection, and safety,' Mr Burt says. This feedback will be used to finalise the bridge designs and to help with AT's plans to integrate the bridges and station access into the wider neighbourhoods nearby. Notes: The feedback period on the proposed bridge designs opened today and runs until 30 May. Have your say at Level Crossing Removal Programme | Have your say About AT's level crossings programme · Level crossings increase safety risks for pedestrians and people in vehicles and make travel time longer for both people travelling on trains and those wanting to cross the tracks. · Level crossings restrict train frequencies and have safety, productivity and accessibility implications on the road network, particularly when barrier arms need to be down longer. · AT, KiwiRail and NZTA are working together to remove or replace all remaining 42 level crossings in Auckland over the next 10-30 years. · The phasing of removals is driven by a range of factors including the frequency of trains, traffic delays, safety, available funding and future passenger growth in the years after City Rail Link opens. · Following the removal of crossings to support increased train frequencies when City Rail Link opens in 2026 the priority order of removals is: o Takanini – three new road bridges to replace level crossings. Funding has been confirmed and AT is beginning the detailed design, consenting, property acquisition and construction phase. o Inner Western Line and other high priority crossings on the Western Line from the 2030s when passenger numbers have grown. o Remaining Western Line crossings. o Southern Line Papakura to Pukekohe – aligned with KiwiRail's four tracking.
RNZ News
04-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Surf Life Saving credits lower rescue numbers to prevention focus
Surf lifeguards rescued 577 people this summer. File picture. Photo: Cody Keepa for Surf Life Saving NZ Surf lifeguards rescued 577 people this summer, a big decrease on previous years which Surf Lifesaving NZ attributes to a focus on prevention. Surf Life Saving New Zealand's summer patrol season goes from Labour Weekend to 28 April. Last year, the number of rescues was 873, and the year before that, it was 1472. General manager of lifesaving Andy Kent said the reduction in people needing to be rescued was testament to the ongoing work and education by surf lifeguards. He explained there had been a focus on "preventative action" - when a lifeguard identified a dangerous situation, and took precautions to prevent it developing into a real emergency. That could include preventing swimmers from entering a rip or hole, checking on those who appeared to be in difficulty, or shifting board and ski riders out of flagged areas. Photo: Supplied / Surf Life Saving NZ Surf lifeguards had carried out 47,487 of these preventative actions involving nearly 1 million people this season - nearly double the number of last season. "It's incredibly positive to see those rescue numbers start to trend down," Kent said. The busiest day for surf lifeguards was 29 January, with 90 incidents and nearly 200,000 people on New Zealand beaches. February was the busiest month, with warmer weather encouraging more people into the water. The more than 4000 volunteer surf lifeguards worked more than 240,000 hours this summer season, with surf lifeguard hours increasing every year. "We can enjoy downtime on the beach because others are giving up their time to keep us safer," Kent said. "That isn't just the hours you see them patrolling, but also the time spent training themselves and others to ensure our beaches aren't just safe now, but well into the future." Surf lifeguards would continue to train and upskill over winter, and volunteer Search and Rescue squads would remain on standby for any incidents outside of the summer season. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
