Latest from 1News
1News
2 hours ago
- Health
- 1News
Gaping holes, rusty bolts: Titirangi locals want dodgy footpaths fixed
Residents of an Auckland beachside community are frustrated with the dangerous footpaths on their roads, some of which have caused severe injuries. Titirangi resident Zoe Hawkins has been trying for years to get Auckland Transport (AT) to hear their concerns for the footpaths on Wood Bay Rd, Otitori Bay Rd, Tanekaha Rd and Kohu Rd. She bashed her knee a few years ago while she was out running and tripped over wired mesh. After talking to a few other residents, Hawkins found others too have not been so lucky. "We need urgent maintenance on our wooden footpaths," Hawkins said. ADVERTISEMENT "I'm not talking cosmetic - I'm talking gaping holes, nails, and rusty bolts." Teenager Annika Hogguer Mearns broke her ankle last year, while out walking her dog Issy on Wood Bay Rd (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) She said the footpaths, wooden and concrete have been deteriorating for years. Areas in the concrete path were cracked and uneven, the wooden boardwalks were slippery, had rotting wood, some with holes and loose mesh netting. Hawkins said the state of the footpaths was not ideal, especially for disabled people and mothers who take their babies out. "People are resorting to walking on the road, to avoid having to walk on these footpaths, and some who just choose not to walk at all because it's so unsafe." Teenager, Annika Hogguer Mearns, broke her ankle last year, while out walking her dog Issy on Wood Bay Rd. Three metal rods were inserted during surgery, and she couldn't walk for more than a month. She was in crutches for a further two months. ADVERTISEMENT "I slipped on the wooden footpath, and the mesh gripping was coming off. It had been raining that day, it was slippery ... was just quite a bad combination," the 17-year-old said. A resident says they've asked AT to do something for years, but nothing has come been done (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) She said she was annoyed after the accident, because slippery, deteriorating and dishevelled footpaths were common in Titirangi. "I would just like them to be fixed so no one ends up in the same situation I was in, because it's not fun." Hawkins was calling on AT to do something, and consider longer-term maintenance. "It desperately needs someone to come out, walk down the street, find the areas that are damaged and fix it. "But also, to look at a long-term maintenance plan to make sure that this doesn't keep happening." ADVERTISEMENT An AT spokesperson said they have received photos of the footpaths in question from a concerned member of the Titirangi community. "But we were not provided with their specific locations," he said. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a deadly car crash south of Auckland, Trump's surprise phone call, and the healing power of soup. (Source: 1News) "We are currently working through this to find the locations, make assessments, and then plan our next steps to fix the issues." He said AT was happy to carry out maintenance, as and when required. "We do rely on support from the public who can help us with specific reports of problems they encounter. "We advise that people call our call centre 09 355 353 to report specific issues with specific locations, or use our web service link." This would ensure contractors were dispatched to make safe any urgent issues, and other repairs would be quantified and put on their priority-based forward works program, he said. Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
1News
2 hours ago
- 1News
Victims of Waiuku crash an adult and two children
Police have confirmed an adult and two children were killed when a car left the road and became partially submerged in a creek in Waiuku yesterday. The accident occurred around 3.30pm yesterday when the vehicle left Masters Rd, which is known locally as 'The Rollercoaster'. All three occupants were found dead at the scene, Counties Manukau South Area Commander, Inspector Jared Pirret, said. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a deadly car crash south of Auckland, Trump's surprise phone call, and the healing power of soup. (Source: 1News) 'All emergency services deployed to the scene and worked together to carry out a rescue operation, and we acknowledge their professionalism.' ADVERTISEMENT The trio have not been named, but Pirret confirmed they were an adult and two children. The serious crash unit is investigating. The site where three people lost their lives in a crash in Waiuku (Source: 1News) 'This incident will impact the tight-knit community in Waiuku, and I know people's thoughts are with the families caught up in this event.' Police were on site today, clearing the culvert where the vehicle landed. Pieces of the car and a booster seat were visible. Members of the family, who came to pay their respects, told 1News that the two younger victims were aged seven and five. ADVERTISEMENT Police on scene at Masters Rd, Waiuku. (Source: 1News) Billy McLean was working in his workshop nearby when he heard what sounded like a car going off the road, he told RNZ. "It's not the first time I've heard it. It's not the first time it's happened here. "I knew what it was straight away and just ran straight down there to find the car upside down in the ditch, unfortunately." A map showing Waiuku (Source: 1News) He told RNZ he tried his best to get them out, but 'there was absolutely no way that car was going to open'. "There's not much anyone could have done.' He then called 111. He wanted action from authorities, including speed cameras on the road.
1News
2 hours ago
- 1News
'It's not too late': The search for Baby Anahera's mum
A coroner's report into the death of a newborn baby found at a recycling plant in Auckland nearly four years ago has revealed the "extensive" inquiries to try and identify her family. The coroner says while the identity of the baby's mother remained a mystery, the circumstances in which the baby was found suggested she "endured an extremely traumatic and scary experience". "I can only hope that she has received the support and help she needs from somewhere." The newborn baby was found at the Visy Recycling Plant in Onehunga, Auckland, on 16 August 2021. Despite significant publicity and police investigation, neither the baby, nor her parents were identified. After her discovery, the Onehunga community named her Baby Anahera (Angel). Coroner Alison Mills carried out an inquiry into Anahera's death. ADVERTISEMENT Her findings, released to RNZ, looked into the background circumstances of Anahera's death, the police investigation, the release of Anahera and the post-mortem report. The report said that on 16 August 2021, a staffer at the recycling plant was working on a waste conveyor belt when they thought they saw something that looked like a baby's body pass by on the conveyor belt. "Understandably, the worker was initially in shock and confused by what he had seen. He was unsure what to do and a bit panicked, so he did not immediately stop the conveyor belt. "A short time later, the worker told his shift supervisor about what he thought he had seen, and the machinery was stopped." A search was carried out by staff who found Anahera, and police were called. Detective Inspector Scott Beard. (Source: 1News) Coroner Mills said police undertook an "extensive investigation" to try and identify who the baby was and her parents or wider family. ADVERTISEMENT The investigation established Anahera must have arrived at the recycling plant on the day she was found. On that day 104 trucks delivered loads of rubbish from across Auckland. "The delivery trucks had dumped the rubbish into a large mixed pile, and the incoming deliveries were not sorted individually or separated. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a deadly car crash south of Auckland, Trump's surprise phone call, and the healing power of soup. (Source: 1News) "Police searched the rubbish found near Anahera but as the rubbish had been dumped into one big pile prior to being processed, they were unable to pinpoint a specific area in Auckland where Anahera may have come from." Police also reviewed CCTV footage from the centre to try and identify which truck she was on. They also made inquiries with hospitals in the Auckland area, but were unable to identify any possible recent births that could be linked to Anahera. Police also used her DNA to try and find her family. "Several hundred names were captured on the list as being possibly related," Coroner Mills said. ADVERTISEMENT "These were prioritised, and DNA samples were obtained from the top 78. However, this did not lead to the identification of her parents." Coroner Mills said there was an "extensive media publicity campaign", which resulted in "numerous possible names" being given to police. "Police conducted enquiries with all nominated persons and obtained DNA samples where required, however, again this did not lead to the identification of Anahera's mother or father. "Police have also received numerous names from the public of women who could possibly be Anahera's mother. However, despite investigating these individuals, they have been unable to positively identify Anahera's mother." Police told the coroner the case was being treated as unexplained and would remain open until the mother and or father have been identified and spoken to. "I encourage anyone who has further information about the circumstances of Anahera's birth and death to speak to police," the coroner said. A full forensic post mortem was carried out, however it was not possible to establish the cause of Anahera's death due to the number of injuries she sustained after her death. ADVERTISEMENT "The pathologist noted the injuries were consistent with how she was found. No definitive ante mortem (prior to death) injuries were identified and no anatomic cause of her death was identified." The pathologist was also unable to confirm whether Anahera had been born alive, or was a stillbirth. Coroner Mills said the circumstances around Anahera's death were "particularly distressing". "I do not know who Anahera's mother was or what she experienced prior to Anahera's birth and death. However, the circumstances in which Anahera was found, suggests her mother endured an extremely traumatic and scary experience." Police had advised the coroner that Anahera's body could now be released. On Friday, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said a burial for Anahera would be held next month. The burial, organised by members of the community, will mark four years since she was found. Beard wanted to reiterate to the family that police wanted to help resolve the case for the baby and her family. ADVERTISEMENT "It's not too late for the baby's mother or someone within her immediate circle of family or friends to come forward," he said. "We urge them and anyone else who might know what happened to do the right thing and talk to somebody, whether it's police or someone who can notify us on their behalf." Anyone with information is urged to contact 105 quoting file number 210816/2825 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Coroner Mills encouraged any woman who needs support with an unplanned pregnancy to reach out to the numerous agencies that offer support and services in these circumstances including:
1News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- 1News
No more open-plan school classrooms to be built
The Government will stop building open-plan classrooms, the Minister of Education announced today. In a statement, Education Minister Erica Stanford said she had received "overwhelming feedback" from schools that the classrooms were not meeting the needs of students. "While open-plan designs were originally intended to foster collaboration, they have often created challenges for schools, particularly around noise and managing student behaviour.' Modern Learning Environments (MLEs), which utilise flexible layouts, fewer walls, and at times have multiple classes and teachers, were introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2011 under John Key's National Government. They were designed to promote collaboration and flexibility. 'In many cases, open-plan classrooms reduce flexibility, rather than enhance it. We have listened to the sector, and new classrooms will no longer be open plan,' Stanford said. ADVERTISEMENT Since being elected, Stanford said the Government had not designed or built any open-plan classes, other than those that had been specifically requested. All new classrooms would now be built using standard designs "that prioritise flexibility over open-plan layouts". "For example, the use of glass sliding doors mean spaces can be open when classes collaborate but can also close for focused learning. This approach ensures schools have fit-for-purpose environments that support a range of teaching and learning styles." Stanford also said the new classrooms would be "efficient and sustainable". She said the Government had lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, allowing for more to be built. "We're continuing to drive down costs so more Kiwi kids can access them, faster. In 2025, new classrooms cost on average $620,000 compared to $1.2 million at the end of 2023.' Stanford announced that two schools in Wellington would receive new classrooms as part of a $25 million targeted investment to address population growth. ADVERTISEMENT Newlands Intermediate would get 10 new classrooms, while Aotea College would receive 16. 'Aotea College is a prime example where existing open-plan classrooms did not support learning outcomes. The lack of functionality of the open design meant spaces could not be shared or multipurpose due to disruption and noise," Stanford said. Planning was underway for both projects, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months.
1News
3 hours ago
- Climate
- 1News
'Very big mess' - Tasman's flood clean-up to take 'months and months'
Tasman's mayor says the region faces "months and months" of clean-up work as it recovers from historic flooding that's devastated parts of the district. More than 800 properties are being assessed for damage while the region grapples with 51 road closures, from local roads to State Highway 6 at Rocks Rd in Nelson, which NZTA said would be closed for "at least the next two days". Nelson Tasman remains under a state of emergency. Mayor Tim King told Breakfast it was easy to see from the air the hardest-hit properties. Tasman Mayor Tim King spoke to Breakfast following more bad weather over the weekend. (Source: Breakfast) ADVERTISEMENT "There are large areas that are a very big mess," King said of the most recent inclement weather. "The damage that's been done this time around compounds the damage - a lot of the same areas have been affected [with the] same property owners." Strong winds over the weekend had been the "big difference" and resulted in "hundreds and hundreds" of falling trees on property and blocking roads, he said. The mayor added weather had mostly impacted rural land. "It's the biggest flood we've had in this region since the late 1800s," he said. King said the weather forecast looked better over the next week, but that "the message is still, if you don't need to travel, please don't" today. ADVERTISEMENT "Complete rebuild" after Tasman homes and businesses hammered by repeated weather events. (Source: 1News) NZTA Nelson/Tasman system manager Rob Service said further inspections at Rocks Rd were completed this morning. "Geotechnical investigations confirm that heavy rain has created another unstable wedge of soil, with vegetation and rocks hanging above the highway. Pieces of debris are continuing to fall intermittently." While sluicing to remove debris had begun, Service said the road must remain closed for "at least two days" due to the ongoing risk. "At this stage, we do not expect to have SH6 Rocks Road open before Thursday." State Highway 6 at Rocks Rd would remain closed until further notice, NZTA said. (Source: NZTA) Six schools and early learning centres remain closed today: Tapawera Area School, Riwaka School, Brooklyn School, Parklands School, Tapawera Kindergarten and Horizons Montessori Riwaka. ADVERTISEMENT Around 80 customers remained without power this morning, with crews working to restore electricity to the hardest-hit parts of Thorpe-Dovedale, where flooding has made access to damaged poles on private land difficult. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a fire at an Auckland chapel, new plan for international students, and a first time Wimbledon winner. (Source: 1News) Council property assessment teams visited 417 properties yesterday and will continue today where they're aiming to visit a further 413 properties, according to Civil Defence. "We will be focusing on the south of Tapawera, Rocky River, Dovedale, Baton River, Pretty Valley, Trass Valley and Hoult Valley areas." Picking up the pieces Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that the Government was focused on supporting the clean-up, but that the scope of support was still being decided on. The Prime Minister spoke to Breakfast as the Nelson Tasman region began recovery from flooding. (Source: Breakfast) ADVERTISEMENT "Let's get a sense of what the scope of recovery is needed and support is needed. I've been pleased with the way that central government and local government work together very seamlessly," he told Breakfast. King said it would take "months and months" to pick up the pieces from the floods. He said there would be "a lot of difficult discussions" to have over the years ahead about how to improve the region's resilience to bad weather and "build back better". Torrential downpours deluge districts still trying to recover from last week's floods. (Source: 1News) "Trying to ensure that where we're repairing roads that they may have bigger culverts through them. In the rivers, there'll be a case of exactly, where do you put back protection? "Where is it needed? How much of the river needs to be given room to move in? Then stop banks in the lower areas, which, very fortunately, in this event, held up really well, but they were tested to their absolute maximum. "There'll be a lot of difficult discussions to have over the months and years ahead." ADVERTISEMENT
