Two drivers are in hospital with serious injuries after a wrong-way crash on the Northern Motorway near Wainui early this morning.Around 6.20am, a stolen Toyota Aqua—being tracked by the Police Eagle helicopter—entered the motorway from the Wainui off-ramp, driving against traffic for about 50 metres before colliding head-on with another car.“The car travelled roughly 50 metres before it collided with an unsuspecting member of the public, who’s effectively had no time to react,” said Inspector Danny Meade.The vehicle had been stolen overnight from Constellation Drive and was first spotted in Westgate around 5.35am. After failing to stop near Oteha Valley Road, the driver fled at speed. Police did not pursue, but Eagle kept watch as the vehicle moved through Wainui.While police on the ground prepared to deploy spike strips, the driver unexpectedly turned onto the motorway in the wrong direction.“It is incredible that nobody died,” said Inspector Meade.The motorway was closed for two hours while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.It reopened just after 8.15am.An investigation is ongoing, and charges are being considered against the youth allegedly behind the wheel.For Coasties commuting south from Wainui and Ōrewa, the incident caused early morning disruption—and served as a chilling reminder of how quickly danger can unfold on familiar roads.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

More than 80,700 people came off a main benefit and moved into work over the last financial year, according to Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston.“Despite challenging economic conditions, the Government has been relentlessly focused on getting New Zealanders into work,” she said. “It’s encouraging that 80,000 Kiwis were able to kick start new roles over the past 12 months and there will be more to come.”The Ministry of Social Development’s latest statistics, released today, show that overall benefit numbers increased between March and June 2025.As of June 2025, 406,128 people were receiving a main benefit, an increase of 7,965 (2.0 percent) since March. Jobseeker Support numbers rose to 216,009, up 6,171 (2.9 percent) over the same period.Minister Upston noted this increase is in line with past seasonal patterns. “Over the last three years, MSD have traditionally seen a trend of more people coming onto benefit in the March to June period. It’s likely this is partially because there’s less seasonal work around during the winter months.”To support more people into work, MSD has expanded its services. The number of people receiving case management has increased from 60,000 to 70,000, with 10,000 supported through a new phone-based service. There are also 2,100 new places for young people to access community job coaching, alongside more regular seminars, employment plans, and a new traffic light system to help people stay on track.MSD now also requires people to reapply for their benefit every six months rather than annually, creating more opportunities to engage and support people into work.With more targeted support now available, Coasties looking for work, especially young people, may find it easier to access help and step into employment sooner. For local employers, it could also mean more ready-to-work candidates coming through in the months ahead.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Supermarkets aren't moving fast enough to lower the price on dairy products for consumers when there is a drop in cost, says the Federated Farms dairy chair.Latest figures out on Thursday had food prices shooting up 4.6 percent from last year.The price of a block of butter is now 120 percent higher than it was 10 years ago, and increases in dairy prices in general helped pull up food prices in June, Stats NZ said.Milk was up 14.3 percent for the year, to $4.57 for two litres, butter was up 46.5 percent to $8.60 for a 500g block, and cheese was up 30 percent to $13.04 for a 1kg block.Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean said while the market always fluctuated, supermarkets could move quicker to lower their prices when costs do go down."Most farms have to buy butter themselves, they can't make it on the farm, we feel the pain as well," he told Morning Report."The big thing is prices do fluctuate all the time but when the prices drop back down, how quickly are those passed on to consumers?"We've all seen it before ... it seems to take a very long time for dairy products in the supermarket to drop in price, where it should, in my view, be a little bit faster, if those companies can wrangle some deals with suppliers."Dean said export prices continue to drive the cost of dairy, as well as the whole foods trend, which was a direct correlation."The one that consumers aren't going to want to hear is because they've heard it so much already is the global exporting prices is at an all-time high," he said."It does seem to be that the global demand for butter at the moment just seems to be a new trend and global production hasn't ramped up as a result yet."The commodity price for butter is double what it was 10 years ago, he said.He said as a result, farmers are at a record-farm gate milk price this year, which has largely been led by the likes of butter and cheese.But the main export of New Zealand, whole milk powders and skim milk powders, were not at a record-high level, he said."We actually have a very different pricing mix to what we've seen a decade ago," he said.Finance Minister Nicola Willis recently asked for a please explain from Fonterra - which pinned the pricing on global prices.But Dean said there is not much Fonterra could do."There is probably very little Fonterra can do, they are obviously looking at selling their consumer brand business of Australasia and that'll mean there is no longer any form of control in that local market," he said."To put in it in perspective, there hasn't been any new players onto the domestic market in the last 10 years in terms of butter, other than the likes of Westgold - Westland have got their very premium product."But there are another one or two manufacturers of butter in New Zealand and they don't supply to the domestic market at all, so that doesn't help competition."

Heads-up, Coasties. If you're heading south at night next week, you’ll want to plan ahead. NZ Transport Agency has announced a series of overnight closures on State Highway 1 between Silverdale and Onewa Road from Sunday 20 July to Thursday 24 July.Each night, different northbound sections of SH1 will be closed for maintenance between 9pm and 5am (some start at 10pm), along with key ramps like those at Oteha Valley Road, Constellation Drive, Tristram Ave, and Northcote Road. Detours will be in place via Dairy Flat Highway, Paul Matthews Road, and Wairau Road, among others.On Thursday 24 July, expect stormwater and soil testing work to affect the Onewa Road on-ramp and Northcote Road ramps, with lane restrictions in place. Harbour Bridge northbound lanes will be reduced too, although at least two lanes will stay open.These works matter to locals commuting into or out of the Hibiscus Coast, especially those with late shifts or early starts. If that’s you, allow extra time and follow detour signage.And a heads-up for August: full SH1 closures are planned again. Southbound from Silverdale to Oteha Valley Road from 3 to 11 August, and northbound from 12 to 20 August, Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am.We’ve read the notice, so you don’t have to.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Looking for plans?Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!A Night of Stars - Frankie Stevens MNZM & Guy CaterSat, 19 JulMore detailsLearn to Dance French JiveSun, 20 JulMore detailsCommunity Planting DayWed, 23 JulMore detailsWant to see more events? Explore things to do in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here

A new report, State of the City 2025, has just been released by the Committee for Auckland, in partnership with Deloitte and Auckland Unlimited, on behalf of Auckland Council.We’ve read the report so you don’t have to.It outlines the biggest issues facing Auckland, including rapid growth, housing pressure, and transport delays. It also highlights where the city needs to go next.Here are 10 key findings and recommendations from the report:Auckland’s growing fast – 55 more people every day. That puts pressure on housing, roads and local services.We need more housing and better – Not just more homes, but connected, liveable communities.Transport is falling behind – Congestion is costing $1.3 billion a year in lost productivity.There’s a big funding gap – Council can’t meet long-term needs with short-term budgets.Long-term investment is a must – Especially in transport, housing and stormwater upgrades.Storm resilience is critical – Flooding and infrastructure failures have exposed weak points.Growth should be around centres – Communities near town hubs and public transport will see more focus.Diverse voices need to be heard – Better outcomes come from involving Māori, Pacific and ethnic communities.We need better tracking – Public data and shared goals can help measure progress and guide spending.Aucklanders want clarity – People want a clear plan and better alignment between Council and Government.Why it matters to the Hibiscus Coast:Silverdale, Millwater and Orewa are already growing quickly. With more growth likely near transport routes and centres, this report helps locals understand what’s coming. Whether it’s better stormwater systems, transport upgrades or future housing plans, the Coast has a real stake in what happens next.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

There's been a noticeable shift in New Zealand’s job landscape between April and June this year, with fewer jobs advertised but salaries reaching a record peak, according to Trade Me Jobs' latest quarterly report.Nationwide, job listings dropped by 17.7% compared to last year, hitting their second-lowest point on record. Despite this downturn, the national average pay rose to an all-time high of $73,823, marking a 1.6% increase from the previous quarter.“We’re seeing businesses being more cautious about new hires, especially in major cities, but it’s reassuring to see wages holding strong or rising,” said Nicole Williams, Head of Jobs at Trade Me.Regionally, Wellington took the lead with a 2.2% salary increase, maintaining its top position ahead of Auckland. Nearly every region reported fewer job listings, but Otago and Southland bucked the trend, showing modest growth.Education roles saw the sharpest rise in applications, while Transport & Logistics, Retail, and Hospitality & Tourism fields were most competitive.For Coasties, these trends suggest employers are willing to invest in talent even if hiring has slowed. This means potential for better-paid roles here on the Hibiscus Coast as businesses look to secure quality staff.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 18/7Bit of sun and cloud with a gusty sou’wester—maybe a quick shower, so take a brolly!High: 15Low: 9Saturday, 19/7Mostly fine with light sou’westerlies—cloud rolls in later.High: 16Low: 9Sunday, 20/7Fine with a few clouds and a light sou’easter.High: 14Low: 8Monday, 21/7Sunny spells and breezy southerlies easing later.High: 15Low: 8Want more weather info? Tap into the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.Everything you need, right here in the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Locals who’ve tried Escapism in Whangaparaoa already know it’s something special.Now, the rest of the country agrees.Escapism is currently ranked the #1 escape room in New Zealand on Tripadvisor by Traveller Ranking.And now it’s also the first escape room company in the country to be officially certified ‘New Zealand Made’.Every experience is designed and built in-house, from the intricate set builds and decorations to the software that runs the room itself.Nothing is outsourced. That means every detail is original, right down to the tech behind the scenes.Because everything is created locally, each room offers something completely unique.You won’t find these storylines or puzzles anywhere else in the world, let alone at another escape room location.Escapism’s first year has been a strong one, with more than 600 five-star Google reviews and growing recognition across the country.With the Buy New Zealand Made campaign now open to service providers, the team saw a great opportunity to highlight what makes their offering truly Kiwi.They’re also committed to supporting other local businesses, with partnerships across the Hibiscus Coast and a local tourism hub at adventuresonthehibiscuscoast.com helping shine a light on the region.Congratulations David and the Escapism team!Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Council is calling on the Government to tighten national dog control laws, aiming to reduce the growing number of roaming and uncontrolled dogs across the region.At a meeting this week, the council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee backed a push for legislative changes under the Dog Control Act 1996.The goal?To give councils stronger powers to manage dog-related harm and crack down on irresponsible owners.The proposed reforms include fencing requirements, desexing policies, mandatory reporting of attacks, and greater powers to detain dogs after an incident.In the past year alone, Auckland Council’s Animal Management team logged over 16,700 reports of roaming dogs, more than 1,300 attacks on people, and 1,500 on other animals.But officials believe that’s just the tip of the iceberg.“Most serious dog attacks on children happen inside the home and go unreported,” said Licensing and Compliance GM Robert Irvine. “We need hospitals and medical centres to report these incidents so we can step in before it happens again.”For Coasties, these changes matter.Families walking the dog at Red Beach or letting kids play in the front yard deserve to feel safe.The council has already invested $5.9 million in more staff, patrols, and public education, but says legislative change is the missing piece.“There’s no quick fix,” Irvine added. “But these changes are a big step toward safer communities.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

There has been an uptick in the number of houses sold last month with fewer listings, though little change in overall prices.The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) House Price Index (HPI) for June was up 0.3 percent year on year, which was well below the five-year average for June at a growth rate of 3.9 percent.The national median house price was steady year-on-year at $770,000, while the Auckland region saw a drop of 3.4 percent to $990,000."The unchanged national median price suggests stability, yet this reflects contrasting regional dynamics, with some areas experiencing renewed growth year-on-year," REINZ chief executive Lizzy Ryley said."We're seeing a market that is steady on the surface but with some movement underneath at a regional level."Ten out of the sixteen regions reported an increase in median prices compared with the year earlier, with the West Coast up more than 35 percent, while Southland hit a record high median price of $502,500."Most vendors are entering the market with realistic price expectations and a willingness to adapt to current conditions, especially those motivated to sell," Ryley said."However, many are receiving offers below their anticipated value, prompting some to delay listing, or relisting, until spring or summer, when market activity may show signs of improvement."The number of properties sold across the country increased by 20 percent year-on-year, though Gisborne saw a 70 percent increase, while Southland's sales rose 35 percent, and Bay of Plenty and Marlborough were both up 33 percent."June is typically a quieter month for real estate, and while the seasonal slowdown was expected, sales came in slightly below typical early winter levels," Ryley said."Nationally, seasonally adjusted sales fell by around five percent, suggesting some caution in the market, but compared to this time last year, sales remain significantly stronger overall."Still, national inventory levels rose two percent year-on-year."While properties are still selling, the increase in median days to sell indicates that buyers are taking a more considered approach," she said."This shift probably reflects a broader sense of caution, with many buyers feeling they have the time to explore their options, especially with the amount of choice they have."

Doctors from Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia will now be able to fast-track their registration to work in New Zealand, thanks to a new decision by the Medical Council.Health Minister Simeon Brown says the move will help get more qualified doctors into hospitals and clinics across the country, and more quickly.The three new countries have been added to the Comparable Health System pathway, bringing the total to 29. Doctors from countries on this list can bypass some of the longer registration steps if their qualifications meet New Zealand standards.Earlier this year, Japan and South Korea were also added to the list.Brown says overseas-trained doctors are a vital part of the health system, especially in areas where demand is high.“We received over 180 expressions of interest for our two-year training programme for overseas doctors earlier this year, which shows just how keen people are to work where they’re most needed.”The Government has committed $16.68 billion across three Budgets to strengthen healthcare, including funding for urgent care upgrades and 24/7 digital health services.For Hibiscus Coast locals, this means faster access to care and more staff on the ground. With demand rising, especially in growing communities, having more qualified professionals ready to step in makes a real difference.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

After a year as Club Manager, Graeme Wallace is stepping down from Silverdale United Rugby & Sports Club to pursue a personal business opportunity in the event management space.“I have loved my tenure as club manager and am proud to leave the club on a great financial footing with a packed roster of winter and summer activities,” Graeme says.“The job was challenging, but immensely fulfilling, and I have been privileged to meet so many wonderful Coasties, sponsors, volunteers, and players alike.”The club is now looking for someone to take on the role and carry its community-focused vision forward.The position calls for a dynamic, self-starting leader with a passion for sport and community.As Graeme puts it, “The incoming club manager will need to have a love for community sport, preferably a love for Silverdale itself, and be prepared to go the extra mile to keep all the independent parts of the club and the many personalities aligned.”Even if you’re not part of the club, chances are someone you know plays, volunteers, or cheers from the sidelines, this is a big part of community life on the Hibiscus Coast.If that sounds like you (or someone you know), click the link to learn more and apply.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Power prices are hurting families and small businesses across Auckland, and now the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) has joined an urgent call for energy market reform.In an open letter to the Prime Minister, independent energy retailers and business groups, including the EMA, say New Zealand’s electricity market is broken and no longer serving everyday households or businesses.The letter warns that new power generation isn’t being built fast enough, gas is running out, and a lack of genuine competition is keeping prices high.“We’re running out of gas, and new electricity generation just isn’t being built fast enough,” the letter states.For many Coastie businesses, wholesale electricity costs have more than doubled.Smaller, independent retailers are disappearing, and families are struggling with steep winter bills.“Power prices are soaring, leaving New Zealand families with stark choices to make about whether to heat their homes,” the letter continues.The EMA, which represents thousands of businesses across Auckland and the Hibiscus Coast, says the current market structure, where a few companies control both generation and retail, limits innovation and fair pricing.That, in turn, is hurting productivity and competitiveness.The letter urges the Government to take bold action: unlock investment in renewables, protect consumers, and develop a bipartisan energy strategy that secures long-term affordability.For Coast-based employers trying to stay afloat, this push could be a lifeline.If reform is taken seriously, it might finally bring the fairer, more competitive energy system locals need.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A person has been rescued by firefighters after their car went off a bank.The person was taken to hospital in a serious condition following the crash on Hibiscus Coast Highway at Puhoi.Emergency services were called to the scene, between Schischka Rd and Fowler Access Rd, just before 5pm on Tuesday.Fire and Emergency NZ said the car had gone off a bank and crews rescued one person trapped inside.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A serious crash on Upper Harbour Highway (SH18) has left one person with major injuries and is causing delays for drivers heading west from the Hibiscus Coast.The crash happened near the Tauhinu Road on-ramp, which is now closed. One lane on SH18 heading towards Westgate is also shut while emergency services work at the scene.The injured person has been taken to hospital in a serious condition.Police confirmed that the Serious Crash Unit has been advised and will attend shortly. In the meantime, traffic is already building, so Coasties commuting towards Westgate or Costco should expect hold-ups and allow extra time for their journeys.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The eagerly anticipated Auckland Surf Park is expanding, and it’s not just about waves anymore.Plans to add a town centre, around 500 new homes, and a members’ surf clubhouse have just been referred under the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Act.The project is led by AW Holdings, a joint venture between global surf park developer Aventuur and New Zealand partners including Sir John Kirwan and Mark Francis.It’s based at 1350 Dairy Flat Highway, just a short drive inland from the Hibiscus Coast.At the heart of the community is a world-class 56-module Wavegarden “Cove” lagoon.It’ll offer safe, consistent surf year-round using the latest design tech, including new sideshores.Source: AventuurBut the vision goes much wider.The masterplan includes walking and cycling trails, eco-cabins, sports and wellness facilities, restaurants, and outdoor recreation spaces.Sustainability is a big focus.The park will feature a solar farm and Spark data centre campus.In a world-first, excess heat from the data centre will warm the surf lagoon.Other eco moves include native planting, composting, rainwater harvesting and removing single-use plastics.Source: AventuurSir John Kirwan says the response has been humbling.“There’s a lot of people who’d love to not only be members, but live here and shape something authentic.”Over 600 locals attended a recent community day, including MP Mark Mitchell and Mayor Wayne Brown, who called the project “a unique proposition of significant scale.”If approvals are finalised, construction will begin in late 2025.The surf park is set to open in 2027.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

You might’ve noticed a few more grey heads around the Hibiscus Coast, and you’re not imagining things.New census data shows the 65+ population in Auckland has grown by more than a third since 2013, now making up 13.3% of the region.That’s 219,753 older Aucklanders, and while most still live in standalone homes, more are shifting into joined dwellings or retirement villages.Nearly 79,000 are men, 93,000 are women, and over 100,000 were born overseas.The numbers also reflect growing diversity.While European New Zealanders still make up the majority, the proportion is declining.More older Aucklanders now identify as Asian (21%) and Pacific Peoples (7.9%), with Northern Chinese, Yue, and Samoan among the most spoken languages after English.Closer to home, that means more Coasties will likely be navigating life with a parent, grandparent, or neighbour needing a bit of extra care, or working well past retirement.One in four older Aucklanders are still in the workforce, with most in professional or managerial roles.Only 2.4% live in crowded homes, and fewer are dealing with damp or mouldy houses than five years ago.Still, nearly one in five live alone, and one in six live with a disability.It’s a reminder that ageing isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey.Whether it’s supporting independence or building more accessible spaces, the Coast’s changing age mix is something we’ll all need to plan for.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you’ve driven past Gull Millwater lately, you’ve probably seen the diggers and fencing.Construction is now in full swing on the vacant site right next door.The 1,700m² lot, managed by Scarborough Group, is being developed by iLine Construction.Scarborough say there’s already interest from a potential F&B operator, and both single and multi-tenanted options are on offer.That means we could see a mix of shops, a new café, or even something fresh like a Circle K-style store in the months ahead.For Coasties, it’s another sign of Millwater’s steady growth.With more housing and traffic through the area, extra spots to grab coffee, lunch, or essentials will be a welcome addition, especially for nearby families and commuters topping up at Gull.No confirmed tenants yet, but the groundwork’s being laid. Watch this space.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.