New bus service includes North
Northland travellers are set to get a new, low-cost, express bus service just in time for the holidays. Skip, launched by InterCity Group, will offer affordable travel between Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Wellington, with fares as low as $5. John Thorburn, InterCity Group chief
executive, said Skip would bring Kiwis a new way of travelling. "We think it's pretty important that people have choice when it comes to travelling around our country. Skip brings Kiwis a new way of travelling – offering cheap travel on an express bus service," Thorburn said. The service will be a welcome one for many budget travellers after ManaBus and Naked Bus ceased operations in July.
DHB-wide employer agreement
E tū union says a new multi-employer agreement, or MECA, for public hospital service workers, including in Northland, is a huge win for members, with many receiving pay-rises of up to 40 per cent over the next three years. The MECA sets the conditions for about 3500 service workers, including cleaners, laundry workers, orderlies, catering and security staff at the country's 20 District Health Boards, including Northland District Health Board. E tū is confident about finalising the same settlement with the major DHB contractors by the end of the year.
Kaikohe Library upgrade
