Latest news with #deLange
Scoop
27-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Latest Kapiti Sea Level Predictions
Press Release – Coastal Ratepayers United The Kapiti Coast District Council has uploaded the Waikato University De Lange research and accompanying maps onto its website, which recognise the unique and dynamic environment of the various beaches along the Kapiti Coast. Kapiti residents are now able to view the most up-to-date research on coastal erosion predictions on their beach. The research identifies about 40 homes in danger of sea rise, compared to thousands of homes identified in previous reports. The Kapiti Coast District Council has uploaded the Waikato University De Lange research and accompanying maps onto its website, which recognise the unique and dynamic environment of the various beaches along the Kapiti Coast. Coastal Ratepayers United (CRU) filed a judicial review to urge the council to accept De Lange's updated coastal predictions and make the notification available on LIMs. CRU stated that previous reports were alarmist and failed to recognise the significant variations in soil stratigraphy and vertical beach movement along the Kapiti coast. That judicial review has been withdrawn following the council's publication of the latest research: The De Lange report is now included on the LIMs, assigning it the same weighting as the Council's information. CRU chair Salima Padamsey says climate change research is being updated constantly, with new and different predictions. 'It's hard for councils to keep up with new research, but it is crucial that they do so when it affects their people's lives,' she says. 'Climate change is a real issue facing almost everyone on our coast, since most live within a few kilometres of the shoreline.' She states that one example of outdated reports is predictions relying on formulas like the Bruun Rule, which was developed more than 60 years ago. 'Another problem is reports that predict sea rise based on global averages. Many highly reputable climate experts say sea rise and precipitation changes will affect different areas differently, requiring local knowledge and assessment,' she adds. Dr. de Lange's report urged the KCDC to establish monitoring stations along various beaches to accurately predict trends.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Latest Kapiti Sea Level Predictions
Kapiti residents are now able to view the most up-to-date research on coastal erosion predictions on their beach. The research identifies about 40 homes in danger of sea rise, compared to thousands of homes identified in previous reports. The Kapiti Coast District Council has uploaded the Waikato University De Lange research and accompanying maps onto its website, which recognise the unique and dynamic environment of the various beaches along the Kapiti Coast. Coastal Ratepayers United (CRU) filed a judicial review to urge the council to accept De Lange's updated coastal predictions and make the notification available on LIMs. CRU stated that previous reports were alarmist and failed to recognise the significant variations in soil stratigraphy and vertical beach movement along the Kapiti coast. That judicial review has been withdrawn following the council's publication of the latest research: The De Lange report is now included on the LIMs, assigning it the same weighting as the Council's information. CRU chair Salima Padamsey says climate change research is being updated constantly, with new and different predictions. 'It's hard for councils to keep up with new research, but it is crucial that they do so when it affects their people's lives,' she says. 'Climate change is a real issue facing almost everyone on our coast, since most live within a few kilometres of the shoreline.' She states that one example of outdated reports is predictions relying on formulas like the Bruun Rule, which was developed more than 60 years ago. 'Another problem is reports that predict sea rise based on global averages. Many highly reputable climate experts say sea rise and precipitation changes will affect different areas differently, requiring local knowledge and assessment,' she adds. Dr. de Lange's report urged the KCDC to establish monitoring stations along various beaches to accurately predict trends. Maps of each beach are available under 'community-commissioned information:
IOL News
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Are affordable cars truly worth it? Exploring the hidden costs of ownership
As South Africans grapple with rising living costs, understanding the hidden expenses of car ownership is more crucial than ever. Discover expert insights on how to navigate financing traps, maintenance costs, and insurance pitfalls to make informed car-buying decisions. South Africans are feeling the financial squeeze, and car ownership is no exception. With over 80% of households concerned about the rising cost of living, the difference between securing a good deal and falling into a financial trap often lies in the fine print. One of the most common pitfalls is opting for an 'affordable' car, only to realise later that it comes with significant hidden costs. 'A vehicle should offer freedom, not financial strain, but too often what looks affordable upfront ends up costing far more over time,' says Heide de Lange, spokesperson for Motor Plan Direct. From long-term financing traps to unexpected maintenance costs, de Lange shares seven key strategies to help South Africans reduce financial risk and make smarter long-term car-buying decisions: Beware the 84-month trap Long financing terms may lower monthly repayments, but they often increase the total interest paid, sometimes by as much as 50%, due to compounding interest. Similarly, balloon payments may reduce short-term costs but leave buyers with a hefty final bill. De Lange advises choosing the shortest repayment period possible and putting down a larger deposit to minimise interest payments. Avoid 'creative' finance schemes Step payments or deferred plans assume salaries will rise over time, but real-life expenses like school fees and healthcare often increase faster. Less risky alternatives, such as Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) deals, provide predictable end-of-term options while keeping repayments manageable. Factor in rising maintenance costs Vehicle maintenance costs are increasing by 6%–8% annually. A basic R2,000 service in 2015 could cost over R4,000 today. Luxury models often incur even higher costs for tyres, parts, and labour. To manage this, opt for cars with affordable parts and servicing, and factor maintenance into your monthly budget. Avoid insurance shortcuts High-excess insurance policies may seem cheaper, but they can leave motorists financially exposed when accidents happen. 'It's a short-term saving that can lead to major expenses at claim time,' explains de Lange. Instead, she recommends flexible cover that allows mid-term upgrades or downgrades and reduces risk through smarter driving and parking habits. A used car isn't always cheaper in the long run Although second-hand cars continue to outsell new models, affordability isn't the only factor to consider. Some new brands offer competitive pricing with features rivaling premium cars. Whatever the choice, buyers should prioritise service history, warranties, and long-term value, while considering a maintenance plan to avoid unforeseen expenses. Invest in long-term protection Extended warranties and service plans may seem like grudge purchases, but they provide fixed costs and protection against costly repairs. 'It's important to remember that it's not just about the cost—it's about confidence,' says de Lange. Think beyond the monthly instalment 'With cars being both essential and expensive, the best way to stay on the road is to consider the full cost of ownership, not just the monthly instalment,' de Lange says. 'The first step is to rethink the upgrade. Make sure your dream car doesn't become a financial nightmare. Holding onto a well-maintained vehicle can save thousands compared to the upfront costs of buying a new one.' PERSONAL FINANCE
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Brickbat: Stop and Go
In Auckland, New Zealand, police officer Morne de Lange was convicted for carelessly driving and assaulting a motorcyclist after a chaotic incident at a gas station in April 2024. De Lange, responding to a report of a helmetless rider, approached the motorcyclist without activating his patrol car's lights or siren and didn't indicate he was stopping him until after he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, crashing into the motorbike and pinning it against a bollard. When the rider fled, de Lange unlawfully declared him under arrest, commandeered a bystander's vehicle to chase him about 1,000 feet, and used pepper spray and a Taser to subdue him. Despite his lawyer's plea for no conviction to save his job, Judge Stephen Bonnar noted that de Lange's serious misconduct would likely impact his employment regardless; he sentenced de Lange to 100 hours of community service and ordered him to pay the victim $1,000 (U.S. $596) in restitution for emotional harm. The post Brickbat: Stop and Go appeared first on
