Sandra Conchie

Multimedia Journalist at New Zealand Herald

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Articles

Budget: What budgeting service managers think

1 week ago | sunlive.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

Also announced were a tax incentive for businesses forecast to cost $6.6 billion, longer-lasting prescriptions and tweaks to Working for Families tax credits. Bay Financial Mentors general manager Shirley McCombe told the Bay Plenty Times the Budget unfortunately ”does little" to significantly improve the lives of the people her team work alongside.
BoP Māori figure denies family violence charges

1 week ago | sunlive.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

The defendant is also charged with driving while suspended in Tauranga on April 19, his third or subsequent offence of that type. Defence lawyer Bill Nabney told Community Magistrate Shaun Cole he had only recently been assigned and only received part of the defendant’s file on May 22 from the Public Defence Service. Nabney said an intimated guilty plea should be entered to the driving charge and not guilty pleas to the other two charges.
Budget 2025: What Bay of Plenty household budgeting service managers think

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

Changes announced in Budget 2025 will do “little” to improve the lives of financially struggling clients of a Bay of Plenty household budgeting service, the manager believes. Another says “bits and pieces” may help but it is too soon to say. Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered a growth-focused Budget last Thursday, including changes to KiwiSaver contributions and tightening young jobseekers’ benefit eligibility.
Prominent Bay of Plenty Māori figure denies family violence charges, name suppressed

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

The man faced two family violence charges and a driving charge when he appeared in court in Tauranga on May 26. Photo / NZMEA prominent figure in the Bay of Plenty Māori community accused of family violence offences has denied the allegations. The defendant, who cannot be named, appeared in the Tauranga Community Magistrates’ Court today and pleaded not guilty to two charges.
'Lifting a dark cloud': Bar thrives after ditching pokies

1 week ago | newstalkzb.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

The Matua Bar in Tauranga removed its pokie machines, creating a family-friendly atmosphere and boosting business. Owners Jeff Hazelwood and April Fletcher reported no negative financial impact, with increased dining space and comfort. Problem Gambling Foundation praised the move, highlighting pokies as the most harmful form of gambling. A Tauranga bar is thriving after getting rid of its pokies.
Bar in Tauranga thrives after removing pokies

1 week ago | sunlive.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

They say the move has created a new vibe and atmosphere, and has been positive for the Warrington St business and the community. “So many people say to us, ‘It’s warm, it’s family-friendly, the food’s great, with no bright lights and no annoying noise of the machines going off, ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching’,’’ Fletcher told the Bay of Plenty Times. “We get a lot of visitors from England who often tell us this is what English corner pubs used to be like.
On The Up: The Matua Bar in Tauranga thrives after removing pokies

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

The Matua Bar owners Jeff Hazelwood and April Fletcher say getting rid of all the pokie machines has been good for business and the community. Photo / Sandra Conchie The Matua Bar in Tauranga removed its pokie machines, creating a family-friendly atmosphere and boosting business. Owners Jeff Hazelwood and April Fletcher reported no negative financial impact, with increased dining space and comfort.
Warning after ute driver brandishes knife at Tauranga motorist

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

A Tauranga motorist claims he was chased by a knife-wielding driver in a road-rage incident. Other locals say they have had confrontations with a person in a similar vehicle. Police urge anyone with information to contact them, referencing file 250520/5191. “I was in survival mode,” says a Tauranga motorist who claims he was chased and confronted by a knife-wielding driver in an alleged “road-rage” incident caught on dashcam.
Sunken launch sparks 24/7 salvage operation

2 weeks ago | sunlive.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

When the Maketū Coastguard rescue vessel Eastpack arrived, the bow was still visible and the stern had hit the seafloor, but the vessel was taking on water quickly. Rob Campbell, Pāpāmoa-based Bay Underwater Services NZ Ltd director, said the company had been engaged by the launch owner’s insurer to salvage the vessel, and protect the environment from diesel and oil. The submerged 60 foot [18.2m] launch near Motiti Island after it hit hidden rocks on May 16.
Sunken launch sparks 24-7 salvage operation near Mōtītī Island - divers 'buzzed' by sharks

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Sandra Conchie

A 60-foot (18.2m) launch is raised from the sea bed near Mōtītī Island after it hit submerged rocks. Photo / Sean Kelly, Pacific 7 LtdA salvage operation is under way to fully re-float a private launch that sunk after hitting rocks near Mōtītī Island off Tauranga’s coast. Coastguard services were alerted by police at 1.40pm on Friday to help with the private launch that had originated from Sulphur Point Marina.