Consumers faced an extra USD $80 million bill as the Electricity Authority found Meridian’s spilling also raised emissions and fossil fuel use.
Construction firms warn that without tender dates, thousands of workers could be laid off despite USD $2.6 billion already allocated.
The project will add 93 MW of capacity and offset 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year as MainPower begins site works near Waipara.
Auckland still faces unresolved transport and housing pressures after Cabinet ended the twin-track light rail process and sent it back to officials.
Global cooperation and heavy state intervention would favour low-carbon infrastructure, while fossil-fuel projects and greenfield builds are marginalised.
A shake-up of district health boards could ease long-standing failures, but the Government may lack the clout to deliver it.
Private technology firms are poised to dominate infrastructure, as automation and data reshape jobs, services and investment across the sector.
Hospitals need GBP £14 billion over the next decade to fix ageing assets and close major infrastructure gaps, the report says.
Physical distancing has been eased on building sites, but workers must still sign in, wash hands and stay home if unwell.
Regional blocs and national champions could leave infrastructure slower to innovate, more monopolistic and less resilient as climate risks mount.
Planners warn the rushed consents could sideline community input and environmental safeguards as recovery projects are sped through this month.
Deloitte urges New Zealand businesses to prioritise reskilling, with fewer than 5% confident in identifying future skills. Leaders must adapt to thrive.
New rules will impose tougher farm controls and swimming standards, but scientists warn implementation will determine whether waterways actually improve.
Homeowners could save NZD $18 million a year as councils drop consents for sheds, carports and other low-risk work from August.
Rail operators under pressure from Covid-19 can join a 24-hour virtual summit with 50 speakers live or on-demand.
Domestic travel spending could help cushion the sector as international arrivals slump and businesses await the effect of a new campaign.
Experts say the $50 billion COVID-19 recovery plan will lift jobs and infrastructure, but warn it leaves big tax and housing gaps.
Better freight services and more reliable trains are set to follow, as the funding also covers new ferries and ageing locomotives.
New Zealand’s wage subsidy extension and infrastructure spending are meant to blunt soaring unemployment as the economy heads into recession.
New distancing and travel rules aim to help builders restart safely under Level 2, with updated protocols now available online.
