Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Canterbury Museum pleads for millions of dollars after another budget blow-out

Source: Radio New Zealand

Canterbury Museum’s redevelopment had an original budget of $205 million, which has now been pushed out to almost $262 million. Supplied/Canterbury Museum

Canterbury Museum is pleading for councils and central government to stump up an extra $64 million for its cost-plagued redevelopment following another budget blow-out.

The project had an original budget of $205 million, which rose to $247m last year, but escalating construction costs and funding delays had now pushed it to almost $262m.

Museum trust board chair David Ayers said the board needed help plugging a shortfall of almost $92m to keep the museum on track to open in mid-2029.

“Throughout the redevelopment project, we’ve continued to undertake value engineering and make compromises to reduce costs. We’ve now exhausted all feasible options for reducing costs without undermining the building’s functionality or asset life,” he said.

The board was calling for $26.9m from Christchurch ratepayers over four years, in addition to $2.4m from the Selwyn district, $2.1m from Waimakariri and $300,000 from Hurunui.

It had made a request to the central government through Minister for the South Island James Meager for $32m over four years to match the local government contribution.

This year’s bid follows a failed attempt last year to secure funding.

The museum trust board made its case to the Christchurch City Council on Tuesday morning.

Deputy director Sarah Murray told councillors there would be an economic benefit to the city.

“When the museum reopens, it’s estimated there will be 800,000 visitors a year to the museum. We’re forecast then to generate around $83 million in regional and economic activity in that year alone. That will benefit local accommodation providers, businesses, retail and transport services,” she said.

The museum was also proposing an entry fee for overseas visitors.

Ayers said a cost review had found the museum needed a higher contingency allowance to complete the final two construction stages – the new basement and building and their fit-out – to give greater confidence that the project cost or schedule would not be exceeded.

The contingency allowance had been increased to $9.8m and a six-month delay in securing additional funding has added $5.1m to the project’s cost.

Ayers said the museum had hoped to secure additional capital last year so the final two stages of construction could be completed simultaneously, which would have saved money.

“Further delays in securing the extra capital will just keep adding to the cost – $7.2 million a year – and will push the opening date to 2030,” Ayers said.

Canterbury Museum was a significant heritage building and one of the last major public buildings to be fully upgraded and reopened since the Canterbury earthquakes, he said.

“It’s also much more than a public attraction and shouldn’t be viewed solely through the heritage buildings we occupy. The services we deliver define our public value,” Ayers said.

“We care for a collection of 2.3 million objects which tell the stories and history of Canterbury and the people who live here. We look after an internationally significant Antarctic collection and a quarter of Aotearoa New Zealand’s nationally distributed collection. Like libraries, museums are critical civic infrastructure, central to learning, identity, discovery and cultural life.”

Funding for the redevelopment had come from the museum’s own funds ($63.4m), private donations ($1.05m), grants and lotteries funding ($850,000), central government ($35m) and local government ($69.8m), including $24.5m from Christchurch City Council for strengthening the Robert McDougall Gallery.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Posted on

Fatal Crash: SH2, Mangatāwhiri

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri.

Emergency services were called to a crash involving a truck and car at around 11.10am.

Sadly, the driver of the car died at the scene.

The truck driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

State Highway 2 remains closed in both directions between Rawiri Road and Kopuku Road.

The road is expected to remain closed until this evening.

ENDS

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

Posted on

Waitaki council rejoins Southern Waters partnership

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ratepayers are being warned of massive rates rises ahead, no matter what plan is implemented. RNZ

Waitaki District Council is rejoining the Southern Waters partnership it ditched last year.

The council has announced it will team up with Central Otago, Clutha and Gore district councils to deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services after its in-house water services plan was rejected by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Mackenzie and Timaru District Councils are also expected to make a decision about joining the partnership on Tuesday afternoon.

Waitaki Mayor Mel Tavendale said a large organisation would deliver clear benefits in efficiency and cost savings.

Tavendale said she was hopeful the other two councils would also join.

“Choosing a larger entity will deliver the best outcome for Waitaki,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Rebecca Ryan said the decision to join Southern Waters was a leap of faith, “but not a blind leap”.

“It makes sense from an affordability and sustainability perspective, and ultimately that is the biggest issue our community is facing,” she said.

Councillor Frans Schlack said an in-house model was ultimately unsustainable.

“It would fail in the foreseeable future in terms of water services compliance and charges to Waitaki’s water customers. The establishment of a six-district CCO will be. .. the most economical long-term water service delivery option for our district,” he said.

Waitaki District Council said it was continuing a review of the condition of its water assets ordered by the Department of Internal Affairs.

It would submit its plan to be part of a joint water entity by the deadline of 30 June 2026, a council spokesperson said.

In a statement shared on the council website on Tuesday, councillor Sven Thelning warned ratepayers should still be aware of massive rates rises ahead.

“It wouldn’t have mattered even if we’d gone in-house, or whatever option we picked. It’s going to hurt,” Thelning said.

“There’s a lot of work needing done out there, and it’s going to cost – and your elected council no longer has the ability to kick the can down the road, which is how we’ve got here. We should have better asset management over time, to prevent this happening again.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Posted on

New Zealanders’ dismal savings balances revealed

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

A third of New Zealanders have savings of less than $500, Westpac says, with Auckland and Northland lagging the rest of the country.

Westpac has released new data that shows Canterbury and Otago are top of the savings stakes – in both regions 28 percent of Westpac customers are making monthly payments into savings, and they have the highest median savings balance of $4200.

Those regions also had the highest proportion of customers with savings of $15,000 or more, at 32 percent.

Auckland and Northland were at the opposite end, with only 20 percent of customers making monthly payments into savings and median savings balances of less than $1500.

Overall, 36 percent of people had less than $500 in savings. The median amount being saved each month was $150 and only 38 percent had a Westpac KiwiSaver balance over $40,000.

Some savings account interest rates are quite low.

Warren Ngan Woo, programme manager for financial wellbeing for Westpac NZ, said that could be driving people to look at other options.

“I think people are looking at those options around other sort of investment types.

“When you think of platforms that are out there, those micro investment platforms that are on the market … people are sort of saying, maybe I’ll shave a little bit off my savings, put a little bit into that to have a little bit of a dabble, a bit of a go into that.

“I always encourage people to just do your research, make sure it fits you and what you’re looking at … people should look at other avenues, try not to have all your eggs in one basket but have a look at different investment classes that might suit their life and stage and their position and what their goals are now and into the future.”

Sarah Hearn, Westpac’s managing director of product, sustainability and marketing, said customers with money in low-interest accounts received nudge emails encouraging them to look at better options.

“Good savings habits can make a big difference in the long run. Even if you’re only putting aside a small amount each month, simply establishing the behaviour is a great start,” she said.

She said some people would be focusing on paying off their mortgages rather than saving but 81 percent of Westpac home loan customers had a savings account.

“We know costs are typically higher in Auckland than in other regions and that’s reflected in this savings data,” she said.

“And around the country, households and businesses continue to grapple with high costs. Saving more money might feel unrealistic for many people right now and we understand that. But taking some time to review your overall spending and making small savings commitments can have a big impact over time.”

Ngan Woo said the South Island’s outperformance reflected the positive signs of activity in the economy.

“Auckland being a big economic hub that it is, we haven’t been immune to a few things with business closures and the like and restructures across businesses.”

He said the overall figure of 36 percent having a balance of less than $500 painted a picture of things still being difficult for households.

“We’re trying to do our best to keep things as optimistic and positive as possible, it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, if we keep talking about, ‘oh, it’s hard, it’s tough’ .”

He said he encouraged people to start small and build lasting habits that could be built upon when circumstances improved.

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Posted on

Farmers being cautious with profits

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

While many farmers are riding a wave of strong farm-gate prices, the profits are only trickling into regional economies as they’re being cautious when it comes to spending.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good said farmers are using their profits to service debt and pay for upgrades and maintenance on the farm.

“Farmers have had a superb two seasons and now they have the makings of a third great season, their balance sheets have increased substantially. A year ago, people were getting 60 bucks for a lamb now you’re getting over $220. And cows, you could have bought them two, three years ago for around $900, they’re now between 3 to $4000 a head.

“Even wool is doing well and long may it continue because it certainly makes a difference to the Waikato.”

Good said on-farm profits were trickling into the wider economy.

“The general feeling is that farmers are a lot more conservative than they have been in the past, but they are investing in upgrades to the farm so money is beginning to flow through to the wider Waikato economy and our members are very comfortable with that.”

He said spending did differ from individual to individual.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good. Supplied

“I mean we had a boat show here in September and I know manufacturers were selling $300,000 boats quiet comfortably.”

“But equally what I’m hearing is that farmers, when they’re looking at the payout range that Fonterra comes out with, which might be between $8-$10, farmers are hearing the eight not the 10, so they’re being conservative.”

He said retail and hospitality businesses that have survived the last few years are starting to feel things pick up.

“The Waikato economy is actually starting, or has been, taking off for some time. The money is coming in certainly through the farming sector, but equally we’re seeing manufacturing pick up, order books have lengthened and there’s a little bit of quiet confidence that this year could see a recovery. But everyone was thinking that in 2025, so we’re actually waiting to see it actually hit the bank accounts.”

It’s a similar story in South Canterbury, chief executive of the local Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Smith, said.

While farmer confidence is up – spending is slow.

“Yeah it’s been a great season, costs for some farm inputs are down while production is up, so whether or not it’s in dairy, beef, sheep prices, hort, they’re all doing nicely.

“So we’re certainly seeing improved farmer confidence, which is great to see and that will feed through to the economy but it’s still early days.”

Smith said there are pockets of retail and pockets of other industries that are doing really well.

“So some of those areas are construction, retail and car sales, they are doing really well. Others are still saying it’s tighter, but they’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

When Fonterra’s farmer-shareholders are paid out for the sale of the company’s consumer brands arm – businesses are expecting an uptick in spending, she said.

“We’re anticipating that there will be an increase in expenditure, obviously a number of them will retire debt, but we are anticipating that they’ll upgrade farm equipment, invest in new machinery and other off-farm assets. So that is coming. It’s just taking a little bit of time to feed through. And I think that’s just the reality of people being cautious. You know, there’s been a few tough years. So people are sensibly cautious and investing carefully.”

Head of agribusiness at financial advisory firm Findex, Hayden Dillon, said farmers are in a good position and the momentum is flowing through to service towns and the industries that back agriculture.

Speaking at the recent Southern Fieldays, he said our $80 billion export engine is helping kick-start regional economies that have been sluggish.

“It was highlighted at Fieldays that the highest unemployment rate is in Auckland and the lowest is in Southland. That is a clear example of an export-led recovery.

“We know New Zealand’s productivity record is not flash overall. But that is not the case on farms in Southland and other rural regions. Here, business owners are leading the recovery through exports, bringing in hard foreign currency and building real value in the regions.”

While that is undoubtedly positive, Dillon said good governance and caution still matter.

“We often say farmers are good in a drought and poor in a flush, but microeconomics means staying on top of costs, not taking your eye off the ball, and consistently pushing your service providers, whether that is interest rates or fertiliser pricing. It means making disciplined calls on capital expenditure, thinking carefully about expansion, and using the upside to build long-term legacy and succession plans.”

It also means keeping the same frugal habits that see you through the lean years.

He said farmers shouldn’t let costs creep, manage payroll and people well, shop your interest rates when rolling debt, maximise profits while you can, because the next tight season is never far away.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Posted on

Bamboo: beloved backyard feature or Auckland’s quiet green invader?

Source: Auckland Council

Bamboo has a reputation problem. To some Aucklanders it’s a design darling – sleek, fast-growing and perfect for privacy. To others, it’s the plant that ate the fence, cracked the driveway and popped up next door without permission.

Originally from South America and Asia, bamboo is one of the most extraordinary plants on earth, with more than 1,400 species. None, however, are native to New Zealand.

Bamboo first arrived in the mid-1800s, reportedly with Governor Grey, who planted it for ornamental appeal. Those historic plantings still stand today at the Auckland Domain and Kawau Island’s Mansion House.

Over time, crown research institutes imported bamboo for agricultural trials, and by the 20th century it was being grown for food, construction and gardens. That’s when the love–hate relationship began.

Running bamboo – a pest plant in Auckland.

Auckland Council’s Senior Regional Advisor Pest Plants Holly Cox says bamboo quickly became a plant that inspires strong feelings.

“People admire its beauty and versatility, but those dealing with invasive plantings can find it incredibly frustrating.”

The key difference lies underground.

Clumping bamboo stays put and is widely used in Auckland’s courtyards and compact gardens that do not cause any problems. Running bamboo, however, is a pest plant that spreads through aggressive underground rhizomes and can take over large areas if left unchecked. Large running species push through fences, paths and even underground services.

Running bamboo pest plant that has spread from one property to another.

With Auckland’s diverse population, demand for bamboo has grown, particularly from communities wanting edible shoots or a reminder of home. But the nuisance and likely damage risks are real. Invasive running bamboo can outcompete regenerating native trees, forming dense stands that dominate the landscape, also making it a potential environmental risk.

For those wanting to plant bamboo, Auckland Council encourages gardeners to talk to suppliers and nurseries to establish which bamboo species with best for their space.

To limit the damage, Auckland Council has banned six high-risk species under the Regional Pest Management Plan. These bamboos can’t be sold, bred or planted, although existing plants can be moved within the same property boundary.

Bamboo doesn’t spread by birds or wind. Instead, it creeps quietly through rhizomes which is why neighbour disputes are common.

Senior Conservation Advisor Michelle Brinsden say she gets many requests for help with bamboo removal on private property.

“Council can’t enforce removal unless it breaches the pest plan. The responsible action is to remove your bamboo or at the very least control it, so it doesn’t spread beyond your boundary.

“If invasive running bamboo isn’t controlled early, it can quickly spread underground, cross property boundaries, and become extremely costly to remove.”

There is some unexpected, good news. Several invasive species, including black and golden bamboo, are currently flowering worldwide, a rare event that often leads to the plant’s death. In Auckland, many affected groves are already thinning and weakening, reducing their invasive impact.

Bamboo isn’t Auckland’s villain but planted carelessly, it can become one.

For more information on bamboo, visit the Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau website.

Posted on

Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges pest control delivers outstanding gains for native wildlife

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges are thriving, with new monitoring results confirming a dramatic reduction in possum and rat numbers while delivering ideal conditions for native wildlife to flourish.

Results from Auckland Council’s 2025 Hūnua aerial pest control operation, funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate, show possum numbers have dropped from a pre-control Residual Trap Catch (RTC) of 2.2 per cent to just 0.16 per cent post-control. Rat numbers saw an even more dramatic decline, falling from a pre-monitor Rodent Tracking Index (RTI) of 90–100 per cent to 1.34 per cent.

Auckland Council’s Project Manager Miranda Bennett says these results are outstanding and exceed the targets set in the 2025 operational plan.

“We aimed for under two per cent RTC for possums and under three per cent RTI for rats, and both were comfortably achieved. At these levels, the forest can recover, and native species can thrive.”

Council has identified sites of significant biodiversity value that require possum control at or below two–five per cent RTC, while national technical guidance, including from the Kōkako Recovery Group, supports rat control targets below three per cent RTI. The Hūnua results sit well within these benchmarks.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee says the outcome clearly demonstrates the value of pest control and maximising the tools we currently have available.

“This work shows what is possible when science, experience and long-term commitment come together. The return of native birds nesting again in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges, is a powerful signal these forests are healthier and more resilient.”

Despite significant weather delays, the aerial operation was completed park-wide by the end of October, perfectly timed for the summer bird breeding season. Kōkako, kererū, kākā and other native species are now benefiting from a low-pest environment during their most critical breeding period.

The 2025 operation treated 19,885 hectares using aerially applied 1080, alongside 130 hectares of ground control. In total, 22 private land parcels were treated, and 855 kilometres of tracks and roads were cleared of bait by volunteers and council staff, ensuring public access could reopen quickly and safely.

This work is part of a long-term, integrated pest management programme, with aerial control carried out around every three years to maintain ecological gains. Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunu has now remained below five per cent possum levels for a decade, with clear biodiversity benefits to show for it.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels,” says Bennett.

“Rats in particular can reinvade within six months, so our rangers, volunteers and community partners are already back on the ground checking traps and protecting key kōkako breeding areas.”

Since 2019, Auckland Council has also funded possum control across the 14,000-hectare “Hunua Halo” on surrounding private land, working alongside landowners, mana whenua, DOC, Watercare and community groups to slow reinvasion and protect the park’s gains.

“This is collaboration and targeted investment delivering at its best,” says Cr Hills.

“Together, we’re giving nature the breathing space it needs and the results speak for themselves.”

Posted on

A forest on the brink of recovery: Kawau Island poised for a pest-free comeback

Source: Auckland Council

Te Kawau Tūmaro ō Tōi / Kawau Island’s forests are showing strong signs they can recover – when long-standing pressures from introduced mammalian pests are removed.

A new baseline forest monitoring report, prepared ahead of a major pest eradication programme, paints a clear picture of both the damage done by browsing animals such as wallabies and possums, and the hopeful future that could follow their removal. 

Once the programme is fully completed, Kawau could become one of the largest permanently inhabited islands in the Hauraki Gulf to be free of pest mammals.

Introduced to Kawau Island in the mid-to late-1800s, the four remaining species of wallabies have had a profound impact on the island’s forests. Alongside other pest mammals, they have heavily eaten seedlings and saplings, creating what ecologists describe as a “recruitment bottleneck”– where young plants struggle to grow into the next generation of forest.

Despite this, the forests have not lost their resilience.

Auckland Council’s Principal Specialist for Natural Environment Operations Lisa Tolich says the really encouraging thing is that the building blocks for recovery are still there.

“We’re seeing a dominance of native plants, plenty of seedlings waiting for their chance to grow, and bird communities that are still relatively intact. That tells us these ecosystems are ready to respond once the pressure is lifted.”

Kawau Island has been identified as a strategic priority area under Auckland Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan. The ‘working towards a pest-free Kawau Island’ programme is a collaborative effort led by Auckland Council with funding through the Natural Environment Targeted Rate as well as funding from central government and third-party philanthropic donations. The project is supported by the Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, the Department of Conservation and developed alongside the local community.

The programme is being rolled out in stages. Stage one, which began in autumn 2025, focuses on removing wallabies and possums – the primary browsing pests. A second stage, subject to feasibility, approvals, funding and further community engagement, would target mammalian predators such as rats and stoats.

Before any eradication work began, a network of forest monitoring plots was established across the island to capture a detailed snapshot of current forest health. This baseline allows scientists and land managers to track changes over time, understand how different forest types respond, and adapt management as needed.

The recent findings show recovery is unlikely to look the same everywhere.

Broadleaved forests with existing diversity are expected to bounce back more quickly, while kānuka-dominated areas and exotic forests may take longer to diversify. There is also a note of caution: removing browsing pressure could allow some invasive weeds, currently kept in check by pests, to spread rapidly if not closely monitored.

“Eradication isn’t the end of the story, it’s the beginning of a new phase of stewardship,” says Tolich.

“Ongoing monitoring will be critical so we can spot emerging issues early and respond before they become major problems.”

To do this, the report recommends re-measuring forest plots every two to three years in the short term, then every five years over the longer term. It also suggests targeted monitoring of high-value native species to better understand how individual populations respond to a pest-free future.

Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee Councillor Richard Hills says the findings offer a hopeful message.

“While decades of browsing have destroyed native flora and held Kawau Island’s forests back, the potential for recovery is strong. 

“With sustained effort, careful monitoring and community support, Te Kawau Tūmaro ō Tōi forests will once again grow, regenerate and thrive which is promising news for the biodiversity of all of our Hauraki Gulf islands not just Kawau.”

Read the full report on Knowledge Auckland.

Posted on

‘We can’t keep telling people just to stay away from the beach’ – Wellington mayor

Source: Radio New Zealand

A rāhui is in place on the southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, which covers anything the water touches or can touch with the high or low tides. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Wellington mayor says the current blanket direction for people to stay off all south coast beaches is not sustainable when test results show little risk, and is hinting at a possible change of policy.

There was a major sewage spill earlier this month – the city’s southern coast has been off limits since the Moa Point treatment plant failed catastrophically, pumping millions of litres of untreated sewage into the sea.

There is currently a rāhui in place on the southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, which covers anything the water touches or can touch with the high or low tides.

Public health advice has been that people should not swim, surf, dive, fish, collect kai moana, walk dogs along the shore until further notice.

Mayor Andrew Little said the city and regional councils, Wellington Water and public health officials were now getting a picture of the level of risk, with nearly three weeks of monitoring of the impact of the untreated sewage being discharged into the Cook Strait on south coast beaches.

“We wanted to see what happened with the storm last weekend. We’ve worked our way through that and we’re showing good results in terms of a little or no contamination.

“On that basis, what we are looking at being able to say to people is: ‘here are the results, this is what it shows, the risk is pretty low, you make your own decision about whether you want to go onto the beach and and have a swim in the sea’.”

Little said they would also look at having a place where people could go daily to get an update on the risk and factors that could affect it on any given day.

“We can’t keep telling people just to stay away from the beach, stay away from the sea and producing testing results that show little or no risk.”

Little said they had to be practical and realistic.

“It is summertime, this is a beautiful part of Wellington to go to and if there is little or no risk, then let people make the decision about whether they want to use the amenity.”

Little said some risk remained near the outfall pipe, which could be used again.

“But in terms of [places] like Lyall Bay, Princess Bay, Houghton Bay, Island Bay, Ōwhiro Bay the testing results are showing little or no risk.”

Little said they had also had “good discussions” with iwi representatives about the current rāhui.

“They will continue to maintain a position that the health of the sea is at risk.

“But they’re clear to me that that doesn’t affect the public health advice we give about going onto the beaches and having a swim in the in the on the beaches.”

Health New Zealand directed RNZ’s requests for comment to the Wellington City Council and Wellington Water.

RNZ has contacted Wellington Water, the regional council, and Wellington iwi Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Posted on

Two measles cases detected, linked to overseas travel

Source: Radio New Zealand

AFP / Science Photo Library

Two new cases of measles have been detected and both have been linked to international travel.

Health New Zealand said locations of interest include Auckland International Airport and Waitākere Hospital’s emergency department.

Health officials are attempting to contact people on flight SQ281 from Singapore.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Vipond said measles is a serious and highly infectious illness.

He said anyone with symptoms should phone health care providers before turning up to prevent the spread and the best form of protection was the MMR vaccine.

The measles outbreak which began in September 2025 officially ended earlier this month, but health officials warned the risk remained.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand