Latest news with #Willis
NZ Herald
5 hours ago
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Te Puke residents demand council action on frequent flooding
Peter Willis' land borders the stream. He said there had been six large flooding events since 2022. The worst was the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods in 2023 when his paddocks were underwater and water reached halfway up his shed, about 1.5m high, he said. Willis grazes sheep in the paddock but moves them to a neighbour's land if flooding was likely. He no longer used the shed after numerous floods, and had not rebuilt damaged fences as they would get knocked down by water and debris. It would cost $60,000-$70,000 to relocate the shed, Willis said. 'We stress every time it rains, we're all out here at midnight. 'These last three rain events, we were all out here with torches checking how the creek's going.' Peter Willis' Raymond Ave land on the Ōhineangaanga Stream in Te Puke floods during heavy rain. Photo / Brydie Thompson Willis believed the new Te Mania subdivision on nearby Dunlop Rd, which started in 2022, contributed to the flooding because its stormwater drained into the stream. Willis and other residents want the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to build a stopbank for the stream to alleviate flooding. Kate King and her neighbours also wanted regular maintenance to keep the culvert downstream clear. The residents warned the council about the logs and debris blocking the culvert before the January 2023 flooding, but it wasn't cleared, she said. One of her neighbours was 'constantly' calling if the culvert was blocked and being told it would be cleared in two or three weeks, King said. Kate King worries for her elderly neighbours because their properties flood from the nearby stream. Photo / Brydie Thompson 'It's not good enough when they know that the area is prone to flooding. 'Every time it has flooded, it has flooded because they [the council] have not responded to the fact that there has been a blockage of the culvert.' King's property was far enough from the stream that it was less likely to flood, but she worried for her elderly neighbours, some of whom lived alone. During the January 2023 event the water flooded a car on an elevated driveway at least 200m from the stream, she said. Before the Dunlop Rd subdivision, their properties had never been so threatened by floods, King said. The water would rise no further than a fence near the driveway. Silt and debris left on the Muir Place right-of-way after the nearby stream flooded in January 2023. Photo / Supplied Bev Steenson said she and three other neighbours were in their 80s. One slept with a suitcase under her bed in case she needed to evacuate. 'It's not how you want to live your retirement. We don't particularly want to lose our assets or our sense of peace. 'We are in an immediate need of some sort of protection for our houses.' Roy Ogle's property runs along the Muir Place side of the stream. He has lost fences and had to redo his driveway after flooding. His neighbour's properties needed to be safeguarded, but he said a stopbank would cost millions and he believed the chances of getting one were 'zilch'. Roy Ogle wants action from the council to alleviate flooding. Photo / Brydie Thompson Ogle suggested a gabion basket wall replace the wooden fence at the edge of the driveways to prevent water reaching homes. Council asset management team lead James Abraham said the Ōhineangaanga Stream and nearby properties had always been susceptible to flood hazards. Extensive hydraulic modelling was done to assess the effects of the Te Mania subdivision, which was accepted by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, he said. The modelling showed the development would not cause increased flood depth in the surrounding area. The council aimed to respond to blocked stormwater culverts within 10 days, and had an eight-hour average response time over the past four years, he said. Flooding at Roy Ogle's Muir Place property in May 2023. Photo / Supplied 'Our approach is to proactively inspect culverts and open drains at least every six months, clear debris as it accumulates, and respond promptly to service requests.' The upstream catchment was rural and included kiwifruit orchards and forestry operations that could contribute 'significant' slash and debris during storms. 'This is a challenge faced by many councils across New Zealand.' The council focussed on protecting homes from flooding. Sheds were not a priority, Abraham said. Specific mitigation works had not been funded through the council's Long-Term Plan, but council had agreed to investigate what options might be feasible for the area, he said. This included assessing the effectiveness and cost of stopbanks or other interventions including those suggested by residents, Abraham said. A Te Mania spokesperson said the completed stages and those under-construction were designed and approved in line with the relevant district and regional council standards. All development stormwater discharge was approved by the district council before construction, and construction stormwater was managed in line with regional council requirements, they said. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
19 hours ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Government eyes more spending cuts as patience with economic strategy frays
Seymour said the Government was getting a few 'whispers' about the next Budget. 'Last year, we saved $115 million. [The] year before that, half a billion,' Seymour said, referring to the savings attributed to him personally. 'Let's see if we can't save more next year,' he said. Seymour said Budget 2026's savings exercise would not be 'radically different'. He said there was still wasteful spending to be found, noting the last Labour Government had inherited core public spending of about 28% of GDP and left behind a state spending about 33% of GDP a year. Even accounting for increases in superannuation spending and debt servicing for the pandemic, Seymour reckoned there was still a large portion of spending that could be trimmed. Seymour said Finance Minister Nicola Willis had put pressure on Treasury to 'upgrade the supply of information', allowing better quality budgeting. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said more savings could be found. Photo / Mark Mitchell Willis said funding new spending initiatives by cutting spending the ministers deemed less essential was important, given the size of the Government's deficit, which Treasury forecasts to be $14.1b this year, or 3.1% of GDP. 'The Government's got a great track record of reprioritising funding so that we can put more investment into the things Kiwis care about: schools, hospitals, roads, police,' Willis said. Willis said the Government's first Budget found $23b in savings and the second found $21b. These figures are calculated over multiple years. 'What the number will be in our next Budget is yet to be worked out,' Willis said. When asked whether a similar dollar figure of savings could be found for the 2026 Budget, Willis said, 'we'll see'. Willis said she did not think all the low-hanging fruit had been found when it came to savings. 'There are always areas where we should be demanding better value for taxpayers' money and I always ask myself, 'can I really justify spending that money when a New Zealand household could probably do with it in their wallet?'' Willis said. Willis said each Budget approach was similar. She sat down with the Prime Minister and her associate Finance Ministers, Seymour, Chris Bishop, and Shane Jones. 'We sit down together. We identify key themes where we think that there is room to find value. We also identify programmes of work that we think ministers should undertake to find savings,' she said. Willis said it was 'far too soon' to describe the nature of the savings programme. It is not uncommon for a Government to cut spending it no longer thinks is valuable, to pay for something else. The last Finance Minister, Grant Robertson, also undertook reprioritisation exercises prior to his budgets although these were far smaller in quantum. In 2018, word of Labour's Budget 2019 reprioritisations exercise leaked to National, who accused Labour of covert spending cuts. Asked whether three successive savings programmes in a row risked prolonging negative economic sentiment, Willis accused people who made that argument of being 'fiscally and economically ignorant'. 'We have one of the largest deficits in the OECD, which is to say we are spending billions more than we are earning as a country. Compared to many countries around the world, we are in a more deficit position than they are. 'To say that when we are running a deficit ... is economically ignorant. I have heard that ignorance from our political opponents. They need to get a maths textbook,' Willis said. Labour leader Chris Hipkins compared Luxon and Willis to a washing machine. Photo / Mark Mitchell Earlier this year, the Herald spoke to the big three ratings agencies for their view on the public finances. New Zealand maintains a high credit rating. While the agencies said they were not alarmed with the fiscal situation at the moment, they wanted to see evidence of improvement. S&P's primary analyst for NZ, Martin Foo noted that NZ's general government balance, his company's preferred metric for whether the Government was in surplus or deficit, showed a deficit greater than 6% of GDP - putting NZ in the realm of France and the United States, countries known for running huge deficits. The Government's fiscal and economic strategy is partly to reduce the deficit to help put downward pressure on inflation and interest rates, stimulating confidence and economic recovery. Month after month of gloomy economic data, only partly offset by a recovery in the primary sector, has frayed voters' patience in that strategy, polling suggests. The most recent Ipsos Issues Monitor Poll found voters trust Labour more on the cost of living, the first time Labour has come ahead in that poll since before the last election. Voters still trust National more on the overall economy, according to that poll. In a speech ahead of his post-Cabinet press conference on Monday, Luxon said the Government needed to 'double down' on its economic strategy. 'The most important thing we can do to make you better off is to double down on our economic plan,' he said. 'Spending more, taxing more and borrowing more as Labour and other parties advocate for didn't work in the past and it won't work in the future,' Luxon said. Labour leader Chris Hipkins shot back, noting the length of Luxon's post-Cabinet speech, which he gave alongside Willis. 'I think we should start calling them Fisher and Paykel because they've got more spin than a front-load washing machine,' Hipkins said, referring to Luxon and Willis. Hipkins has come under pressure from the Government for Labour not releasing policy of its own. He defended this on Tuesday morning, saying 'we will be doing policy'. 'But some of those bigger issues around spending, borrowing, taxation, many of those will have to wait until closer to the election,' he said, noting National finalised its tax policy less than two months before the election date in 2023 - although it published a version of its tax policy about a year earlier.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is frontotemporal dementia? All about the condition Bruce Willis suffers from (early signs to watch out for)
The 'Die Hard' Hollywood legend Bruce Willis , reportedly, has become non-verbal and immobile now, as his battle with frontotemporal dementia worsens. Known for his decades-spanning career in action, drama, and comedy, Willis officially stepped away from acting in 2022 following a diagnosis of aphasia and was later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects personality, language, and motor skills. Although there have been rumors that Willis is bedridden or losing his speech, Emma Heming Willis, his wife, set the record straight when she posted a clear message to both fans and the media on her Instagram Stories, saying: "To Whom It May Concern: If you ever come across a story that begins with "sources close to the family say...," do yourself a favor and stop reading." But what is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)? How does it affect personality, language, and motor skills? What is frontotemporal dementia (FTD) Frontotemporal dementia, also known as frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), encompasses a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal and temporal lobes. These lobes govern personality, emotional regulation, language, and movement. Over time, the affected brain regions shrink and connectivity breaks down, leading to significant cognitive and behavioral symptoms. FTD is rare but devastating; unlike Alzheimer's, it often strikes between the ages of 45 and 65, though cases can appear earlier or later. FTD accounts for approximately 10–20% of all dementia diagnoses and is the most common form in individuals under 60. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Prices May Surprise You) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo Subtypes of FTD Behavioral‑variant FTD (bvFTD): The most frequent type, formerly known as Pick's disease, is characterized by changes in personality and behavior such as impulsivity, apathy, inappropriate social conduct, poor judgment, and compulsions. Primary progressive aphasia (PPA): A language‑based variant affecting speech production or comprehension. Within this group are: Non‑fluent variant (nfvPPA): stumbling or labored speech. Semantic variant (svPPA): loss of word meaning and object recognition Movement‑related FTD: Though less common, it is associated with disorders such as corticobasal syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy, or ALS‑related FTD, leading to tremors, stiffness, or mobility issues. Risk factors Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) risk factors include a family history of FTD (especially a parent or sibling with FTD), genetic mutations, and possibly head trauma. While some cases are familial and linked to specific genes, most are considered sporadic, with no clear family history. Other factors like age (most common between 40 and 65) and certain lifestyle factors (like head injuries) may also play a role. FTD often results from abnormal protein buildup in brain cells, including tau or TDP-43, leading to cell death and lobar atrophy. About 30–50% of cases involve a genetic component; mutations in genes like MAPT, PGRN, or C9ORF72 are common culprits. Early signs to watch for Recognizing FTD early can be challenging, as symptoms are often mistaken for psychiatric issues or stress. Typical early signs include: Personality or behavior changes: Reduced empathy, inappropriate social conduct, impulsivity, apathy, neglect of hygiene, compulsions. Language difficulties: Difficulty speaking or understanding language, word-finding problems, simplified or hesitant speech. Executive dysfunction: Problems with planning, organizing, and multitasking; distractions increase. Emerging motor symptoms (in some): Tremors, stiffness, poor coordination, swallowing issues, or difficulty walking emerge later in certain variants. Diagnosis and prognosis Diagnosis involves neurological exam, cognitive testing, gathering detailed medical history (often from family), and imaging such as MRI or PET to detect frontal and/or temporal lobe shrinkage or metabolic changes. FTD typically progresses steadily, with survival ranging from 2 to 20 years, averaging around 6–10 years post-diagnosis. There is no cure or disease-modifying treatment for FTD. Management focuses on addressing symptoms, providing support, and improving quality of life. Treatment strategies include medications for behavioral and mood changes, speech and physical therapy, and strategies for managing daily living tasks and communication. Furthermore, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are administered to reduce disinhibition, while speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies assist daily function. Bruce Willis' Daughter Shares Rare Family Moment Amid Actor's Dementia Struggles | Watch
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Paywave costs should be passed on to customers
The Finance Minister says when a ban on contactless card payment surcharges comes into effect, businesses should pass on the cost to customers as they would any other business cost, if they can't absorb the bill. The government plans to ban surcharges on contactless card payments no later than May 2026. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced the change on Monday afternoon, declaring: "That pesky note or sticker on the payment machine will become a thing of the past." "Shoppers will no longer be penalised for their choice of payment method, whether that's tapping, swiping or using their phone's digital wallet." The ban builds on the Commerce Commission's recent decision to reduce the interchange fees imposed on businesses for accepting Visa and Mastercard payments. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told RNZ that change has led to an average reduction in costs for a typical retailer - a small business - of about $500 each week. "So our concern has been, now that reduction has happened, how do we make sure that gets passed through to you, when you're at the shop. What's to stop the retailer just charging you the same fee even though their costs has dropped." Banning the paywave fee was the simplest and most transparent thing to do, Willis said. Businesses need to treat the interchange fee like any other cost in their business "and just include it in the price tag on the shelf", she said. "It'll make it easier for people to compare what they're really having to pay. Just think about how many times you've been at the counter and then suddenly you learn that it's a 2.5 or a 3.5 percent surcharge and that gets added to the price of whatever it is you're buying. That's not very transparent." The sector is warning prices may need to rise at restaurants and cafes due the ban. Asked if she thinks the ban will lead to inflationary prices, the minister said "I think that overall, people will charge the price that they think they can get away with". The change doesn't include international credit card payments or online payments. Willis said these payments were usually much more expensive to process and people using these systems have to pay a bit more because they are protected from things like online scams and fraud. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy told RNZ with a reduction in the interchange fee, businesses would be making a profit off the surcharges if they remained in place. "Retailers still pay a small amount ot offer those services, we think that once... the decrease comes into effect it will be less than 1 percent of the total cost of the transaction," Duffy said. Many businesses would absorb this into the prices though there may be some who need to increase prices to cover the cost, he said. "But it would be just the same as if their... power bill or their rent went up." Consumer NZ was a bit disappointed online transactions were not included but it was understandable for now, he said.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rams named as potential trade suitor for two backup QBs
The Los Angeles Rams might be looking for another quarterback to add to their roster ahead of the 2025 season. With Matthew Stafford still sitting out of training camp with a back injury, the Rams have been relying on Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett to lead the offense. The team also signed Dresser Winn as a camp body, but he isn't a real threat to the Rams' third quarterback spot. Garoppolo is the entrenched backup to Stafford, but the Rams could look to add a more experienced name to fill out the room in place of Bennett or Winn. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed the Rams as the potential trade partner for two veteran quarterbacks this summer: Mac Jones and Malik Willis. Knox picked Jones and Willis as possible heirs to Stafford's role in L.A., too, if the Rams don't want to stick with Garoppolo long-term or draft a rookie in 2026. Both Jones and Willis have experience in a McVay-style offense, making them attractive options if the Rams want to give themselves options. The Los Angeles Rams don't have a successor to Matthew Stafford in place, and Jones could be a strong candidate for that role. He doesn't possess Stafford's raw arm strength, but when at his best, Jones has shown impressive accuracy and timing. Those traits would mesh with a Sean McVay spacing-based offense that is quite similar to Shanahan's conceptually. The Rams should have some interest in Willis as a potential heir to Stafford. While his play style is different than Stafford's, he's flashed in a LaFleur offense that is similar to McVay's—LaFleur was the Rams' offensive coordinator in 2017. Neither option would be a great option for the Rams' future given their career thus far, but both are solid short-term options if they're brought in this year to sit behind Stafford and Garoppolo. Jones, the former No. 15 pick in 2021, signed with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason after he spent the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in seven games in 2024. He began his career with the New England Patriots from 2021 to 2023, where he completed 66.1% of his passes for 8,918 yards, 46 touchdowns and 38 interceptions in 42 games. After a Pro Bowl season in 2021, Jones was benched throughout the 2023 season. As for Willis, he's been a career backup in the NFL. He was a third-round pick in 2022 and spent his first two years with the Tennessee Titans. Willis played in just 11 games during those years and completed 55.3% of his passes for just 350 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He went 2-0 with the Green Bay Packers in 2024, though, when Jordan Love suffered an injury. Willis completed 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in seven total games. Willis might be the better option given he excelled in the Packers offense, but it's still a risk given his time with the Titans. But if the price is right, it's worth a shot for McVay and Les Snead.
