Ben Leahy

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Ben Leahy

The public will have their say at a May hearing into Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray’s plans for a helicopter pad at their $24 million Westmere home. The five-day hearing will include expert evidence and submissions from those opposing and supporting the plans. Many public submitters have opposed the plans, saying the helicopter will disturb neighbours and endangered coastal birds, while the couple’s consultants say there will be minimal disturbance.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Ben Leahy

Saint Kentigern has spent $3.7 million on a Coromandel farm to help educate its students. The 413ha Wilson Bay Farm will become a third campus for students from Year 4 to 13. The farm will offer activities studying ecosystems, agriculture, watersports, and includes plans for accommodation for up to 100 students. One of Auckland’s wealthiest private schools has spent almost $4 million buying a Coromandel farm that will allow students to grow food, manage waterways and study natural ecosystems.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Ben Leahy

Three adjoining state homes on Amy St in Ellerslie with council valuations each above $2m are part of an estimated half-a-billion dollar sell-off of Kāinga Ora in the coming financial year. Up to 900 state homes will be sold annually, potentially earning $500 million. Priority sales will include hundreds of homes in Auckland’s most desirable suburbs, with all funds reinvested to build replacement homes in affordable areas, Kāinga Ora says.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Ben Leahy

A new 1250-home urban village development called Delmore is set to rise near Orewa if it wins approval from a fast-track consenting expert panel. Photo / SuppliedThe Delmore development near Ōrewa plans to build 1250 homes in a claimed $250 million boost to the economy. The housing estate is among first three projects into the next stage of the Government’s new fast-track consenting regime.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Ben Leahy

Minister of Defence Judith Collins, KC, Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, and President of the Court of Inquiry, Commodore Melissa Ross, will speak to the report. The HMNZS Manawanui sank off Samoa on October 6 after striking a reef and catching fire. The interim report earlier identified human error as the cause, with the ship’s autopilot not being disengaged. Minister Collins and Rear-Admiral Golding expressed disappointment and outlined plans for salvage and risk assessment.