Weather events are becoming more unpredictable, more intense and more damaging, posing huge challenges in both preparing for and recovering from their growing impact, says Jeremy Kelly, Global Director of Cities Research at JLL echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0); From extreme heat across southern Europe to the heaviest rainfall on record in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, to flooding in Brazil and cyclones devastating parts of southern Africa, cities face unprecedented physical risks. Continue →

A request for proposals to construct the Humboldt Cable has been issued, which looks to connect with cable systems across Asia and to other countries and territories including New Zealand echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0); Desarrollo País and H2 Cable are looking to begin construction of the estimated 15,000 km Humboldt Cable, the first to connect Latin America, the Asia Pacific and Oceania. Continue →

There has been a significant increase in the number of women joining the construction industry, however, they are still significantly underrepresented, making up just 15% of the trades and construction industry echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0); When Rebecca Gornall, Health and Safety Manager at Mansons TCLM Limited, first started her role in commercial construction six years ago she was one of the only females on site. Continue →

New Zealand needs to shift to micro infrastructure to ensure electricity, water and waste systems remain connected during big weather events, a research student says By Zita Campbell, Local Democracy Reporter echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0); Zainab Rizvi, a PhD student from the University of Auckland, is investigating how to make Gisborne’s energy system more resilient through micro infrastructures. Continue →

Investment in marine and coastal conservation has traditionally been looked after by taxpayers, ratepayers, or community groups – but a changing climate and ongoing biodiversity decline have led to a financing gap, where there is simply not enough money to protect or restore marine ecosystems and maintain their economic return, Sustainable Seas says echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0); That’s why different pathways for funding are needed to support and scale business and restorative activities that are environmentally sustainable and align with community and iwi needs. Continue →

A report by the Infrastructure Commission highlights strong public appetite for funding tools that go beyond rates – particularly usage charging echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0); The Infrastructure Commission has released the results of a survey that asked New Zealanders what they think is fair when it comes to paying for infrastructure services like roads, drinking water, and electricity. Continue →

The newly elected Government intends to re-introduce 90-day employment trial periods, but is this a good and commercially safe way for employers to take on new personnel? Continue →

The Government plans to work with Auckland Council to implement time of use road charging to reduce congestion and improve travel time reliability. Continue →

A proposed Kaipara-based $730 million waste to energy incinerator to burn Auckland’s rubbish and produce electricity could be operational by 2028 By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter Northland echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0);Artist’s impression of the proposed waste to energy plant in Waimate, south Canterbury that SIRRL has been pushing to build since 2021. Continue →

As the government moves to roll out new Local Water Done Well legislation by mid-2025 after repealing the previous government’s Three Waters legislation, the future is uncertain for local councils echo adrotate_group(33, 0, 0, 0); Future of Northland’s $1.8 billion Three Waters assets under the spotlight By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter Northland Northland’s council wastewater, stormwater and drinking water provision for more than 150,000 people had been in the process of shifting off the books of Whangārei District Council (WDC), Far North District Council (WDC) and Kaipara District Council (KDC) and Auckland Council. Continue →