Lane changes to Hospital Rd will help traffic exit the hospital more efficiently. Photo / NZME
Lane changes to Hospital Rd will help traffic exit the hospital more efficiently. Photo / NZME
Peak-hour congestion is set to improve outside Whangārei Hospital, with work getting under way to improve traffic flow at the SH14/Hospital Rd intersection. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is making lane changes to Hospital Rd to help traffic exit the hospital more efficiently. Works will take place overnight betweennow and Christmas to minimise disruption to road users. Traffic management will be in place, but the intersection will remain open and hospital access will remain open at all times. The work is weather-dependent but expected to take about three weeks.
ADHD drug feedback sought
Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund Rubifen LA, a long-acting methylphenidate brand for ADHD, from July 1, 2026. The generic drug would complement the currently funded Ritalin LA and include a new 60mg strength. Pharmac says the move aims to boost supply and treatment options. Consultation closes at 5 pm on December 4, 2025. Feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or submitted via the online form.
Native land cover declining
Indigenous land cover in New Zealand continued to decline between 1996 and 2023, according to figures released by Stats NZ. Over the same period, urban land continued to expand. “The latest version of the New Zealand Land Cover Database (LCDB) shows the cover of our land is continuing to change,” environment statistics spokesman Tehseen Islam said. “Land cover changes reflect ongoing pressures on natural ecosystems as population and industries grow.” New Zealand’s indigenous land cover includes native forests, shrublands, tussock grasslands and natural bare surfaces like snow-covered mountains.
Employment is rising in the lead-up to Christmas, but hours and wages are slipping, putting pressure on households, Employment Hero’s latest Jobs Report (October) shows. The report shows employment was up 4.5% year-on-year, yet average hours dropped 0.6% and median wages fell 1.4% quarter-on-quarter. Traditionally, summer brings more hours and higher pay, but 2025 may buck the trend, with casual hours plunging and hours for younger workers (18-24) declining.
Chat group scam warning
ANZ is warning people about a fake investment ad circulating on social media using its name and logo. The scam promotes a sharemarket education programme and directs people to join “investment advice” chat groups, where victims are pressured to invest. ANZ says it never offers such programmes and urges people to verify ads via official channels. The bank blocked 1800 scam sites last year and supports Fraud Awareness Week (November 16–22). The bank urges people to report suspicious ads and do their research before investing.
