Commuters to face new layout: Rosedale
North Shore motorists are advised to allow more time for travel ahead of a new road layout in Rosedale.
Opening this weekend, the new Paul Matthews Rd will join the SH18 Caribbean Drive intersection overnight on Friday as part of the Northern Corridor Improvements project.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Senior Manager Project Delivery Andrew Thackwray said people should allow extra time while they get used to the new layout.
“We’re advising people to plan their journeys as delays are expected during this busy time of the year," Thackwray said.
"This is a significant change to how people move around the area so they need to be patient while everyone adjusts.”
The biggest change is that people must turn right much earlier on SH18 westbound to access Paul Matthews Rd and the Rosedale industrial area.
The old intersection and right turn off the state highway will close permanently.
Commuters are encouraged to avoid SH18 and use SH1 instead, especially during the morning and afternoon peaks.
Motorists heading to Rosedale can exit at the SH1 Greville Road off-ramp.
Waka Kotahi will monitor the traffic signals and queues at the intersection in real time and change the signal phases to help improve traffic flows.
People should consider using public transport to travel to Albany Station and Westfield Albany Mall, especially during late night Christmas shopping hours.
The new layout includes a new walking and cycling path on Paul Matthews Rd that will connect to shared paths on Caribbean Drive and SH18.
The road will be in a temporary layout until further new connections and ramps open mid next year, eventually connecting SH18 to the Northern Motorway.
What do you think of the new layout?
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
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Blessing scam
Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China.
They arrived in New Zealand on 10 October. Police alleged that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam – a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to two victims – one who lost $14,500 and jewellery and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today. Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered, but it is a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items. Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the Financial Crime Unit has identified two victims so far, it’s highly likely more people were targeted.
We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealand’s Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz... or call 105.
In New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses. This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years.
Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm, and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.
If you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, please contact Police via 105 immediately.