Nelson's roundabouts and traffic islands have a huge problem with unkempt weeds.

Waka Kotahi is meant to maintain it, but this isn't done regularly. They’ve said this task is too dangerous for their contractors and not cost effective.

There have been complaints about this before, but it has got to the point where Nelson council has labelled it a safety hazard.

Nelson mayor Nick Smith explained the extent of the problem.

LISTEN ABOVE

Nelson's roundabouts and traffic islands have a huge problem with unkempt weeds.
Waka Kotahi is meant to maintain it, but this isn't done regularly. They’ve said this task is too dangerous for their contractors and not cost effective.
There have been complaints about this before, but it has got to the point where Nelson council has labelled it a safety hazard.
Nelson mayor Nick Smith explained the extent of the problem.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Nick Smith: Nelson mayor on out of control weeds blocking Nelson roundabouts

It's being reported the UK Government considered using Iraq to process asylum seekers - similar to the Rwanda scheme.

This move could have seen people sent from the UK to a country the Government advises against travel to.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Iraq was willing to move forward without a formal or public agreement, according to leaked documents.

LISTEN ABOVE

It's being reported the UK Government considered using Iraq to process asylum seekers - similar to the Rwanda scheme.
This move could have seen people sent from the UK to a country the Government advises against travel to.
UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Iraq was willing to move forward without a formal or public agreement, according to leaked documents.
LISTEN ABOVE

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK Government considering using Iraq to process asylum seekers

New Zealand universities are urging Immigration to figure out a quick solution to approving student visas.

18 percent of student visas remained unconfirmed by the time universities started for the 2024 year.

Immigration NZ visa director Celia Coombes says a number of student visa applications were sent in too late to process.

"We provided advice recommending people apply 3 or 4 months ahead of travel, but we were quite clear over the summer period to please allow for at least 8 weeks."

LISTEN ABOVE

New Zealand universities are urging Immigration to figure out a quick solution to approving student visas.
18 percent of student visas remained unconfirmed by the time universities started for the 2024 year.
Immigration NZ visa director Celia Coombes says a number of student visa applications were sent in too late to process.
"We provided advice recommending people apply 3 or 4 months ahead of travel, but we were quite clear over the summer period to please allow for at least 8 weeks."
LISTEN ABOVE

Celia Coombes: Immigration NZ visa director on the backlog of unapproved student visa for 2024

There's hopes Auckland's water deal with the Government can be replicated in the Wellington region.

The Government and Auckland Council yesterday announced an agreement to help Aucklanders avoid a previously-signalled 25.8 percent water rates hike.

Carterton mayor Ron Mark says they've agreed to working collaboratively to producing a regional water plan.

LISTEN ABOVE

There's hopes Auckland's water deal with the Government can be replicated in the Wellington region.
The Government and Auckland Council yesterday announced an agreement to help Aucklanders avoid a previously-signalled 25.8 percent water rates hike.
Carterton mayor Ron Mark says they've agreed to working collaboratively to producing a regional water plan.
LISTEN ABOVE

Nick Smith: Nelson mayor on out of control weeds blocking Nelson roundabouts

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