Govt answers industry pleas to weaken freshwater law

The Waimakariri District Council seeks feedback on future parking needs in Kaiapoi and Rangiora, including the possibility of paid parking and a new parking building for Rangiora by 2035. Proposed measures for Rangiora include graduated priced parking and acquiring additional parking sites to meet anticipated high demand. Consultation will be held later this month, with a parking management plan set to be adopted in May. Full Article

Liv Sisson attends An Evening with David Sedaris at Auckland’s Town Hall, where Sedaris captivates the crowd with his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques through stories ranging from mispronunciations to travel mishaps. Sedaris, dressed in his signature quirky outfit, reads new material and diary entries, engaging the audience with his iconic voice and keen observations. The night culminates in a lively question session, showcasing Sedaris's ability to find humor in real-time events and interactions...

Ratepayers in Edgecumbe, Westland, Christchurch, and across New Zealand are facing significant financial burdens due to the rising frequency of severe weather events. This has led to an unprecedented increase in insurance costs for these communities, creating a triple financial strain on residents. The impact of these events highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to address the growing threat of climate change. Full Article

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Bed Bath and Beyond has been fined $230,000 for selling non-compliant children's pyjamas and hot water bottles, breaching the Fair Trading Act. The retailer failed to include required safety information, such as detailed instructions for hot water bottle use and permanent warning labels on pyjamas. Over 27,000 consumers were put at risk due to the lack of fire safety information on the products, resulting in the largest non-compliance case seen by the Commerce Commission. Full...

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has lifted the outdoor fire restrictions in Wairarapa's southern coastal area, transitioning the entire region into an open fire season starting on Monday, February 3. Wellington District Manager Brett Lockyer attributes this decision to the improved conditions that have reduced the fire risk, making fires easier to control. Despite not needing permits during this season, Lockyer urges people to exercise caution when lighting fires and to refer to fire safety...