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The Government proposes removing the practical driving test for a full licence to streamline the process.
Chris Bishop said the changes aim to make licensing more efficient and affordable.
New safety measures include a clean driving record, halved demerit threshold, and zero-alcohol limit for … View moreThe Government proposes removing the practical driving test for a full licence to streamline the process.
Chris Bishop said the changes aim to make licensing more efficient and affordable.
New safety measures include a clean driving record, halved demerit threshold, and zero-alcohol limit for learners.
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The Government wants to remove the practical driving test needed to attain a full licence and reduce the number of eyesight tests required to allow more people to become qualified drivers.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said New Zealand was an international “outlier” in requiring a practical test for a person on a restricted licence who was applying for their full licence.
“Other countries such as Australia require those on restricted licences to have longer learner periods, reduced demerit thresholds or mandatory practice hours,” he said.
Bishop said the Government’s proposal, which will go out for public consultation on Monday, included new safety measures such as demanding a “clean driving record” of restricted drivers, halving the demerit threshold and introducing a zero-alcohol limit for learner and restricted drivers of any age. Currently, any driver under 20 years of age must adhere to a zero-alcohol limit.
Bishop also outlined potential changes to the necessary frequency of eyesight tests. Given tests were required at each of the three licence test stages, it meant a person over 25 years old could have their vision tested three times in nine months.
“Evidence suggests there is little safety benefit from this repeated eyesight testing. Instead, we propose that people would still need to have their vision tested when they apply for their first licence and when they first renew their licence after they turn 45,” Bishop said.
Current eyesight-testing standards would be retained for heavy vehicle licences and endorsements and for people over 75 years of age.
Bishop argued the changes were designed to make getting a licence more efficient and affordable, noting that going from a learner’s to a full licence cost a minimum of $362.50.
“Around one million adults in New Zealand don’t have a full driver[‘s] licence and nearly half of these people have no licence at all,” he said.
“Right now, the process for getting a driver licence is time-consuming and inefficient. It involves a theory test to get a learner licence and then two practical tests – one when going for a restricted licence and another when going for a full licence.”
The consultation document and a survey will be available from tomorrow on the Ministry of Transport’s website. The consultation period closed on June 9. Any changes would be implemented in July 2026.
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Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?
Every day in Aotearoa, tonnes of food go to waste while many families struggle to eat.
KiwiHarvest is tackling this by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to over 220 community groups across the country.
With $150,000 in Local Grants funding from Lotto NZ, KiwiHarvest delivered … View moreEvery day in Aotearoa, tonnes of food go to waste while many families struggle to eat.
KiwiHarvest is tackling this by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to over 220 community groups across the country.
With $150,000 in Local Grants funding from Lotto NZ, KiwiHarvest delivered 159,914kgs of food—equivalent to 355,366 meals—while preventing 423,774kg of CO2 emissions.
Since 2016, they’ve rescued 14.5 million kgs of food, providing over 32 million meals.
“Just $5 feeds a family for a day,” says Anne-Marie Friis, Head of Fundraising. Every Lotto ticket helps support crucial initiatives like KiwiHarvest.
Read more Local Grants recipient stories on mylotto.co.nz/community-winners
Juanita Parata graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) from Unitec this week.
Parata, 58, had chemotherapy over the course of her four-year degree and completed some of her studies from her sickbed.
She is now fully qualified and works at Whangārei Hospital as a medical … View moreJuanita Parata graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) from Unitec this week.
Parata, 58, had chemotherapy over the course of her four-year degree and completed some of her studies from her sickbed.
She is now fully qualified and works at Whangārei Hospital as a medical imaging technologist.
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The return of cancer for a second time didn’t stop Juanita Parata from completing her Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging) and graduating this week.
The 58-year-old mother-of-eight overcame cancer for a second time while completing the four-year degree, often logging in to study while having chemotherapy at Auckland hospital.
Supported by her whānau, Parata (Ngāpuhi) finally donned her capping gown and korowai for the graduation at Auckland’s Aotea Square on Tuesday, at an event Parata said made her feel “blessed”.
Parata began her studies in 2018 in her 50s, inspired by her two younger sisters - both nurses.
“I had always been interested in the medical field but had never until then acted on it” she told the Herald.
She chose medical imaging because it appealed more at her age than nursing.
I am full of admiration for her. She is working in an area where we need more Māori practitioners, and doing the business in Northland.
Medical imaging involves using techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to create pictures of the inside of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
It’s a specialty Parata has hard-won lived experience of.
In 2009 she experienced invasive breast cancer, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The cancer returned in 2018, when she was about to embark on her studies.
“In February 2019, I underwent a full mastectomy of my left breast and in April of that year, chemotherapy,” she said.
“After lengthy discussions with whānau and Unitec staff, I made the decision to continue with studies.”
Through treatments, fatigue and lockdowns, Parata continued the four-year degree, finishing late last year.
Dr Joanna Thorogood, Unitec’s medical imaging academic programme manager, said she found Parata’s work ethic and determination inspirational.
Even her classmates didn’t know of her health issues, she said.
“It is incredible that she managed to get through the degree with the health challenges she faced,” she told the Herald.
“She said I want to get on with this. We offered to defer things and asked if she wanted to take a year out, but she said ‘no, I’m carrying on and I’m going to do this.’
“I am full of admiration for her. She is working in an area where we need more Māori practitioners, and doing the business in Northland.”
After completing her studies, Parata got a job at Whangārei Hospital serving her people as a new graduate.
She recently gave a presentation at the Northland/Auckland New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology (NZIMRT) study day, to support medical imaging technologists’ knowledge of an unusual and highly specialised hip X-ray projection.
Parata’s cancer is in remission but she will continue with annual CT and mammogram tests and remain on hormone suppressants until 2029.
Tuesday’s graduation capped a great year for Parata and her whānau.
“I have had really good support from my husband, whānau and kids, and we have just had our 13th grandchild and our first great-granddaughter was born a month ago” she told the Herald.
Parata credits her parents for her drive and determination: they were rural Māori who settled in west Auckland and helped establish urban Māori organisations such as Hoani Waititi Marae.
She hopes her story will inspire others.
“I hope my journey will serve as an inspiration to others to do what it takes to achieve their dreams - particularly tangata Māori,” Juanita said.
“I ... acknowledge and thank those who supported me, my whānau as well as my whānau whānui o Te Pukenga me Te Whatu Ora Te Taitokerau.
“I see this as our success and our celebration. He mihi nunui tenei kia koutou mo o tautoko mai, no reira ma te kaukura ka rere te manu ka rere au. Thank you all for your support, which has allowed me to soar.”
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Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!
Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
… View moreLooking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!
Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
Mags4Gifts.co.nz.
This Mother's Day, save up to 35% on subscriptions – perfect for Mum, Grandma, a special mother figure, or even as a treat for yourself!
Don't miss out – shop now and make her day unforgettable!
From the team at Mags4Gifts
There is a lack of support for the elderly in our communities due to our ageing population, and more seniors living alone. We need more people and resources to advocate and address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.
If you are … View moreThere is a lack of support for the elderly in our communities due to our ageing population, and more seniors living alone. We need more people and resources to advocate and address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.
If you are interested to support this social cause, and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com. Depending on the response, we might have enough people to form a non-profit group. We plan to have an initial meeting by the end of this month or early next month.
Thank you.
Mabel
Balmoral April 2025 Holiday Programme
258 Balmoral Road, Sandringham, Auckland 1025
form.jotform.com...
Book now
With bricks4kidz
Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive… View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the June issue.
BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY is ON THIS MORNING, SUPPORT LOCAL PEOPLE, BUY NZ MADE, FIND A BARGAIN. FFREE PARKING AVAILABLE OPPOSITE AT MEDICAL CENTRE OR BEHIND COMMUNITY CENTRE ITSELF!
That’s right – if you’re ready to adopt, you can swing by your nearest SPCA Centre tomorrow (Saturday 5 April) to meet the animals without an appointment ?
It’s our goal to Clear the Shelters, so we’re offering 50% off all adoption fees until Sunday 13 April. With 1,100 animals … View moreThat’s right – if you’re ready to adopt, you can swing by your nearest SPCA Centre tomorrow (Saturday 5 April) to meet the animals without an appointment ?
It’s our goal to Clear the Shelters, so we’re offering 50% off all adoption fees until Sunday 13 April. With 1,100 animals currently available for adoption across the country, we’d love for you to come along tomorrow and meet those waiting. ?
You can also head over to our website to check out their profiles, and register your interest early if there’s a particular cutie who catches your eye – this will speed things up on the day.
To keep the experience as calm and positive as possible for our animals and staff, we kindly ask that only those seriously considering adoption attend.
See you tomorrow!
Night works to start from late April until July 2025. The southbound on-ramp will be closed Sunday to Thursday nights between 9pm and 5am. Detour to Princes Street southbound on-ramp will be in place.
Be prepared for delays when the closure is in. Click for more information.
COME AND JOIN US AT THE BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY MARKET TOMORROW SATURDAY 12th April, SUPPORT LOCAL PEOPLE, BUY NZ MADE, FIND A BARGAIN. PARKING AVAILABLE OPPOSITE AT MEDICAL CENTRE OR BEHIND COMMUNITY CENTRE ITSELF!
Hi There,
I have few booklets of different knitting patterns and few balls of wool, free for anyone interested. Please contact me.Attached the images of the same
Thanks,
Uma Chinni
Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays? We have reduced our adoption fees until 13 April by half to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. With over 1,100 animals patiently waiting for adoption across the country you are… View moreReady to welcome a new furry friend into your family these school holidays? We have reduced our adoption fees until 13 April by half to make it easier than ever to find your perfect companion, just in time for winter. With over 1,100 animals patiently waiting for adoption across the country you are sure to find your perfect match. Apply online for a private meet-and-greet now.
It hasn't been that long since our last list of recalled products but they keep coming! There's been some popular products recalled recently and we want to make sure you're not using these.
Check out the list and click on the blue text to find more information.
Food recalls:
… View moreIt hasn't been that long since our last list of recalled products but they keep coming! There's been some popular products recalled recently and we want to make sure you're not using these.
Check out the list and click on the blue text to find more information.
Food recalls:
Pams afghan oat baked bars
Daily Bread / Dough Boys hot cross buns
Gilmours beef stock and bouillon
Daily Foods Co hot and sour seasoning & spicy perilla leaf seasoning
Lianhua Supermarket ready to eat chicken and pork pieces
Dr Bugs fruit candy popcorn
Product recalls:
Serene S2068 bathroom heaters
Kmart/Anko Double Walled Coffee Cups with Lids
Panda Mart baby walker
Panda Mart fairy cake toy
Panda Mart ice cream car
Panda Mart toy cars
Panda Mart various table lamps
Makita grease guns and flexible hoses
Panda Mart gardening tool
Polaris Ranger kinetic
Panda Mart mini night light
Conversion lead
Turbo Como e-bike
The Warehouse / Young Original sleepsuits
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