Mana Tahuna apartments ready | Otago Daily Times Online News

Mayor Wayne Brown is seeking feedback on Auckland Council's draft Annual Plan for 2025/2026, which includes a proposed 'bed tax' to fund tourism and changes to targeted rates for refuse collection. The plan prioritizes investment in transport and water, fairer funding for local communities, and raising a bed night visitor levy to support tourism activities. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback before the consultation closes on March 28. Full Article

Police in Counties Manukau East are prioritizing 'Safer Town Centres' due to a rise in retail crime and anti-social behavior. Efforts include increased foot patrols, arrests of offenders, and collaboration with the National Retail Crime Unit to target shoplifters. Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping their response, with ongoing surveys to ensure the safety and security of local town centres. Full Article

Tasha Black documents the rebuilding efforts in the war-torn village of Partyzanske, where residents like Liubov and her sister Valentyna are determined to restore their homes despite the devastation caused by the Russo-Ukrainian war. With materials donated by ReliefAid, they work tirelessly to repair the damage and create a sense of normalcy in a community ravaged by conflict. The resilience and perseverance of the villagers in the face of adversity shines through as they strive...

Ngāi Tahu is in a High Court case against the Attorney-General to gain recognition of their authority over freshwater within their territory, with Federated Farmers expressing concern over potential implications for farming and rural communities. The new freshwater management regime's unclear structure and potential economic impact raise worries about community buy-in and property rights, with Federated Farmers questioning the transfer of rights to Ngāi Tahu as part of the overhaul. The case also involves discussions...

Winter is the ideal time to service your vehicles to avoid breakdowns, according to Ashburton Contracting Limited's maintenance experts Willie Jacobs and Craig Tutty. They emphasize the importance of post-harvest maintenance for trucks, trailers, and utes to prevent costly issues later on. ACL offers quick and efficient maintenance services to ensure vehicles are ready for the next busy season, urging customers to schedule maintenance now to avoid future problems. Full Article

The recent phone call between President Trump and Putin resulted in a potential ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia, with details still being negotiated. Ukraine has been targeting Russia's air defense systems and oil infrastructure, leading to significant damage and impacting the Russian economy. In retaliation, Russia continues to target Ukraine's power grid and cities, with Odessa experiencing a heavy raid. Full Article