M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Flooding in West Auckland has led the Insurance Council of New Zealand to remind customers that insurers are able to support them during the higher Covid-19 alert levels.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has confirmed that insurers are able to support customers despite the current Covid-19 alert level settings.
The announcement has come after flooding affected West Auckland overnight.
“If you have been affected by the rain and floods, don’t hesitate to contact your insurer, who is open and available to support you with processes in place to comply with alert level requirements,” says Tim Grafton, chief executive of ICNZ.
As an essential service, insurers are able to support critical work and make safe repairs. All ICNZ members have confirmed that processes have been established to ensure all necessary steps are taken to limit or eliminate the risk of spreading Covid-19.
“Your first step is to contact your insurer, they will then be able to walk you through what their response will be like at Level 4,” says Grafton.
ICNZ says that after the initial steps to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, there are some things you can do to help with the necessary recovery and support a smooth claim process.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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