Auckland Council has delivered more than $600 million in financial benefits for ratepayers over the past three years, the largest savings recorded in any council term.The $608 million total includes $418 million in direct savings, $96 million from the sale of unused assets, and $94 million through improved procurement.Without these savings, residential rates would have been around 7 per cent higher this year.Mayor Wayne Brown called the result “fantastic news” and said it showed his commitment to stop wasting ratepayer money.He pointed to the Better Value Projects programme, launched earlier this year, which has already saved $5 million.Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, who chairs the Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, said the result exceeded the council’s target by $44 million.“Aucklanders expect us to maximise every dollar, and this shows we’ve been able to do that,” she said.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the savings matter because they help keep rates down while still funding local infrastructure, amenities, and essential services.Council says non-rates revenue has also been kept above 60 per cent of income, further easing pressure on households.The council confirmed savings were made through cost efficiencies, value-for-money projects, and growth in non-rates revenue such as consents, leasing, and dividends.Council’s chief financial officer Ross Tucker said the focus now is to continue “implementing enduring savings initiatives” to ensure ongoing financial sustainability.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The government is hoping that supermarket reforms announced this week will tempt another player into the supermarket sector in New Zealand.When she unveiled plans for an "express lane" for supermarket developments and other policy changes to boost competition, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said five players, as well as Costco, had expressed interest.But who could our new supermarket player be?Experts say there are a few potential options.An existing New Zealand businessOne option is that a business already in New Zealand might branch out into grocery, or expand its current offering significantly.Retail expert Chris Wilkinson said the ideal solution would probably be a partnership through The Warehouse because it already had accessible sites at locations around the country, which were typically well located with nation-wide coverage."I think that the most logical move to get penetration and to achieve success would be a New Zealand brand, The Warehouse or whatever, partnering with some sort of supplier or developing some supply arrangement with a brand that could develop that consistency and continuity," Wilkinson said."We've already seen The Warehouse struggle with grocery and in many cases they've pulled out their fresh produce… it would be a step change in how it delivers to market, so that's not going to be a switch you can turn on overnight."Damien Yeo, a senior analyst at Fitch Solutions company BMI, agreed The Warehouse was an option and said Night'n Day could also expand its operations.Otago University marketing senior lecturer Rob Hamlin said in the UK and Ireland, major supermarkets were branching out into more non-food items which reflected The Warehouse's offering."The Warehouse has actually got quite a lot of its distribution situation already set up.," Hamlin said."So, I would have thought that if you're going to see somebody enter the food market, they're likely to do it from an established platform like The Warehouse, or much less likely, but possible, would be one of the other house goods or do-it-yourself chains."CostcoWillis said Costco had indicated it wanted to open more sites around New Zealand.Wilkinson was not convinced that was practical."The reality is that big organisations like Costco need that critical mass. Christchurch is there, with the critical mass, places like Wellington don't have the space at the moment."Minister of Finance Nicola Willis and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Photo: Marika KhabaziA new local businessLabour's Peeni Henare has indicated that his party would like to see an iwi-led supermarket operation enter the market. It is understood that Waikato Tainui had some work under way. It has been approached for comment.University of Auckland marketing expert Mike Lee said this would be a good option."At the regional level, where there is a need for more job opportunities and where food growing areas are already nearby," Lee said.University of Sydney supermarket expert Lisa Asher said a local player would be preferable."There is strong academic evidence that locally grown supermarkets, not just retailers but supermarkets, have a greater chance of success than a foreign entrant," Asher said."They understand the customer. They understand the landscape and they can curate according to that."She said, if the barriers to entry could be addressed in a meaningful way, and a group of "really enthusiastic entrepreneurs" could get some financial backing, that would be a good solution."I think we've had too long a period in New Zealand where competition is disappearing and this idea that you can start your own business - that's not even a consideration for anyone anymore, and I think that that's really sad."Hamlin said there could be an opportunity to set up a venue where a lot of smaller sellers could operate under one roof."A builder, an area in which individual traders can rent space with a carpark outside or nearby."One example of that working is the farmers market in Dunedin, which happens every Saturday morning. Every Saturday, several thousand people go to the railway station in Dunedin because everybody's there and they do a lot of their high-end, high-margin shopping for the week there."He said Melbourne's markets were another good example.An international playerLee said Aldi would be a likely candidate."They are already well established in Australia and their model, which focuses on easy-to-ship and non-perishables, might make expansion slightly easier and quicker."Hamlin was sceptical because he said its discounter model would be difficult to bring here."They don't compete head on... the problem from New Zealand's point of view is that while they would offer marginally cheaper groceries, the population of New Zealand has been well trained to pay far too much for their groceries. And the discount is not going to spoil that market. It's just low enough below the big boxes to make their business model work."Act Party leader David Seymour has mentioned wanting to get Walmart into New Zealand.Asher said that would be a difficult situation to manage."If the GDP of the nation in US dollars is $260 billion and Walmart turns over $648 billion, New Zealand's productivity is a fraction of that company. There is no way the New Zealand Government would even be prepared for some of the requests that would come from a company of that size. The concessions that would have to be made."Maybe no oneAsher said the barriers to entry still had not been addressed."Until this occurs, no one's coming to save the country from a situation created by successive governments."Wilkinson said there were significant hurdles."You're going to need to establish a logistics operation, and then the size of the prize is not realty there. In the likes of Australia and the UK, you've got growth of residential areas, you've got intensification… Australia is probably quite a good example because you've got new suburbs that spring up. In New Zealand we just don't have that scale," he said."I think we're all really struggling to work out who would be interested because even with significant incentives, New Zealand is a very costly market to service for those organisations… the logistics for one, the yields likely from those sites, it just really doesn't stack up in terms of a significant commercial proposition for these businesses despite the fact we wish it would happen."

The Blues will celebrate 30 years of Super Rugby in style with a packed home schedule for the 2026 season, announced this week.Kicking off with a fiery opener against the Chiefs, the Blues will also host the Hurricanes, Crusaders, Highlanders, Moana Pasifika, and Fijian Drua in Auckland. Venues will be confirmed in the coming weeks, with four home games in the first seven rounds.A highlight of the draw is an Anzac Day clash against the Reds in Christchurch during Super Round.Blues CEO Andrew Hore said 2026 is about more than just rugby fixtures. “Every game this year will carry a special connection to our history and identity, while looking ahead to the next generation. We want our fans, members and community to feel part of this journey every step of the way.”For Coasties, the season offers a chance to back their Auckland side close to home, with family-friendly matches set to attract strong local support. Hore added that the squad, coaching group and purpose are settled heading into the milestone year. “2026 is about honouring that legacy and pushing forward from it. We’ve got a talented squad and a clear purpose to represent our region with pride.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

There’s often chat about how close is too close on our Hibiscus Coast roads, especially when traffic bunches up on Whangaparāoa Road or through Silverdale.The truth is, the NZTA keeps it simple with the 2-second and 4-second rule.On a clear day, Coasties can check their distance by picking a landmark like a street sign or a power pole, then counting “one thousand and one, one thousand and two” as the car in front passes it. If you reach the spot too soon, you’re tucked in a bit too close.Image: NZTAWhen the weather turns wet or you’re towing a trailer, it’s time to double that count to four seconds.The extra space gives you a better chance to stop safely and with less stress.But what if the driver behind won’t back off?In that case, it’s best not to speed up or brake suddenly.Instead, increase the gap between you and the car in front so you’ve got more time to slow down gradually.That way, if traffic stops suddenly, you won’t be forced into sharp braking and the risk of being hit from behind is reduced.When it’s safe, Coasties can always pull over and let the impatient driver past — it’s often the quickest way to get back to a calmer trip.It might sound basic, but giving yourself those few extra seconds makes every journey safer, smoother and far less tense for everyone sharing the road.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

September will bring another big month of progress on Penlink, with crews working across SH1, Stillwater, and Whangaparāoa.On State Highway 1, earthworks will keep shaping the new off-ramp on the western side.Over on Ara Weiti Road, crews will test pavement layers and continue bridge foundations and drainage.In Stillwater, pavement construction kicks off along with new safety barriers and slope stabilisation.From mid-September, the traffic light-controlled single lane will be extended as vehicles are shifted onto the old Duck Creek Road route and new overbridge.Duck Creek Road overbridge which will be excavated underneath to form the new highway. Photo SuppliedRiver users will also notice a temporary pedestrian bridge at the Wēiti River, while work continues on piers with the help of one of the largest tower cranes in New Zealand.The crane can be seen towering over the permanent bridge works. Photo SuppliedCloser to home for many Coasties, September brings earthworks near Cedar Terrace on Whangaparāoa Road, as well as drainage upgrades and bank stabilisation.A temporary footpath will also go in near the future Beverley Road intersection as the slip lane is realigned.Render looking towards Whangaparaoa of the future Duck Creel Road connection. Image Supplied.The East Coast Road overbridge remains on hold while the ground settles.NZTA says pre-loading is under way to create a firm base before the deck is built.Watch the latest flyover video here.The tolled road is set to open in 2028, with charges of $3 at peak and $2 off-peak for cars.A shared path for walkers and cyclists will run the full length of the route, linking into future networks.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!Tradie FridaysToday (and every Friday)Click here for more detailsEarly Nights with White Chapel JakSat 30 AugClick here for more detailsOnline Safety TalkThu 4 SepClick here for more detailsWant to see more events?Explore Things To Do in our community in the Hibiscus Coast App anytime, anywhere.Got an event coming up? List it free today →

The salty air is turning softer with spring, and Coasties will be marking Father’s Day on Sunday, 7 September.It’s the day we pause to celebrate dads, granddads and father figures, with a thank you that goes beyond socks and ties.Father’s Day falls on different dates around the world, shaped by each country’s traditions.Here in New Zealand, we share the first Sunday of September with Australia, a time that neatly lines up with the start of spring.It’s a chance to recognise the guidance, support and sacrifices dads make in our families and communities.Many locals will be on the lookout for something thoughtful, and there are plenty of options right here on the Hibiscus Coast.Adventure: Hibiscus JetSki Hire is ready to give thrill-seeking dads a blast on the water.Relaxation: Liquorland Whangaparaoa can help with a favourite bottle to toast the day.Retail: Auckland Engineering Supplies might surprise practical dads who love a good gadget.Health & Fitness: Northern Arena has wellness covered with fitness and swim passes.Family Time & Dining: Orewa Beach is perfect for a picnic, sandcastle competition, or dining out at one of the many cafés and restaurants nearby.That means you don’t have to travel far to find something personal and memorable.Whether your dad is happiest with an adrenaline rush, a quiet drink, new tools, a health boost or just time together, the Hibiscus Coast has you covered.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Job ad volumes across New Zealand have held flat for ten months, according to SEEK’s July Employment Report. Ads are now 2% lower than a year ago, but the pace of decline has slowed.Applications per job ad were steady in June, remaining high compared with historic levels.Several regions showed modest monthly growth, including Canterbury, Hawkes Bay, Southland, Tasman and the West Coast. Southland has now posted seven months of increases, up 9% on last year. Canterbury is also stronger, with ads 7% higher year-on-year, while Wellington is up 6% and Otago 5%. Auckland remains subdued, with no growth in three years and a 7% annual decline.By industry, demand is rising in Information and Communication Technology, Construction and Professional Services. Ads for engineers and construction workers have been climbing since late 2024, while IT roles such as software engineers and product managers show double-digit growth on last year.SEEK Country Manager Rob Clark says while overall volumes are low, the market has stabilised. “Ad volumes are at a low but have stopped declining and we have seen very promising growth within certain sectors, industries and regions year-on-year.”For Coasties, it means the job market isn’t sliding further, and opportunities in construction and IT may be worth watching as big projects and tech investment flow into Auckland and beyond.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

While the national property market has stayed steady, some suburbs are breaking away, with thirteen recording six-figure jumps in average asking price over the past year, according to Trade Me’s latest figures.Trade Me Property spokesperson Casey Wylde says demand in certain areas is driving standout growth.“It shows that even in a more subdued market, properties in certain areas are still in hot demand and Kiwi are prepared to pay for them.”At the top of the list is Long Bay on Auckland’s North Shore, where the average asking price jumped $426,450 to $1.87m, up nearly 30% year-on-year.Devonport followed with a $350,100 rise to $1.97m, and Drury saw the fastest growth, up 61% to $874,400.Closer to the Hibiscus Coast, Riverhead recorded a jump of $148,100 to $1.95m, highlighting strong demand in Rodney.Other Auckland movers included Epsom, Meadowbank, Mount Eden, Sandringham, Forrest Hill and Westgate.Wylde says lifestyle appeal and relative affordability are big drawcards.“What we’re often seeing is that suburbs offering a great lifestyle, good local amenities, or better affordability compared to their inner-city neighbours are becoming hotspots.”For Coasties, the data shows that while the local market may feel calmer, neighbouring areas are heating up.It’s another reminder that Auckland’s property market can change quickly, and the ripple effects are never far from home.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 29/8Windy with showers and breezy westerliesHigh: 16Low: 11Saturday, 30/8Afternoon showers with a steady nor’westerHigh: 17Low: 11Sunday, 31/8Windy with light rain and strong westerliesHigh: 14Low: 11Monday, 1/9Windy and partly cloudy with brisk southwesterliesHigh: 16Low: 11Want 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!

If you’ve heard friends chatting about pay this week, here’s the news behind it.Stats NZ says the gender pay gap has dropped to 5.2 percent in the June 2025 quarter, down from 8.2 percent a year ago.That’s the lowest it’s been since records started back in 1998.What does that mean in real terms?Women’s median hourly pay is now $33.76, up $1.68 in a year.Men’s is $35.62, up just 67 cents.That’s the biggest shift we’ve seen in years, and it shows women’s pay is rising faster across all age groups, jobs, and backgrounds.Labour market spokesperson Abby Johnston summed it up: “Increases in women’s median hourly earnings were seen across age groups, ethnicity, and occupation.”For families on the Hibiscus Coast, it could mean a little extra breathing room each week. Maybe that’s a few more dollars towards the food shop, school activities, or even a treat out together.It’s small steps like these that start to close the gap.There’s still work ahead before pay is truly equal, but for now, it’s heartening to see the numbers finally moving in the right direction.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A recall has been issued for the Toy Mania 3D Mini Animal Toy – Assorted, sold at Kmart between 12 June and 13 August 2025, after it was found to pose a choking hazard.The toys contain small parts that may separate, creating a risk of serious injury or even death if a child swallows them.Parents and caregivers are urged to stop using the toy immediately and return it to the nearest Kmart store for a refund.Those unable to return the product can phone Kmart Customer Service on 0800 945 995 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).Families who have sold or gifted the toy should also notify the new owner.For Coastie households with little ones, the warning is especially important.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Watercare has started a $3.3 million project to reline more than two kilometres of sewer pipeline along the foreshore at Snells Beach and Algies Bay.The work, which began this week, is designed to reduce the risk of saltwater entering the wastewater network during high and spring tides.As part of the project, 40 manholes will also be renewed.Senior programme manager Dirk Du Plessis says the goal is to protect key infrastructure, including the new Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is under construction.He explains that saltwater is highly corrosive, damaging pipes, pumps and treatment plants, and can also disrupt the processes used to safely treat human waste.By relining the pipeline with a spiral wound PVC liner, Watercare can restore structural integrity without excavation.Work sites will be set up at both beaches, with crews working around low tides.While most of the activity will happen along the foreshore, some work will also take place in residential backyards.For Coasties who spend plenty of time at these beaches, the project means construction activity will be visible through summer.Watercare says beach access will remain open, though people are asked to keep clear of work areas and keep dogs and children safe.The rehabilitation is expected to be completed by late January.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Sixteen members of the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad will play for their provincial unions this weekend.Round 5 of the NPC kicks off on Friday night when North Harbour host Bay of Plenty, who will be bolstered by the return of backs Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter as well as prop Tevita Mafileo.Emoni Narawa and Timoci Tavatavanawai will play NPC this weekend. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nzOn Saturday afternoon, hooker Brodie McAlister will be available for Canterbury when they host Manawatū, while Josh Lord will play for Taranaki against Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.Tasman and Otago will welcome back Timoci Tavatavanawai and George Bower respectively for their Saturday night clash in Nelson.Wellington will have four members of the All Blacks squad at their service when they host Auckland on Sunday afternoon with backs Kyle Preston and Ruben Love and forwards Peter Lakai and Asafo Aumua available.Clarke is set to return from his high ankle injury for Auckland at Porirua Park.Ranfurly Shield holders, Waikato, will have Anton Lienert-Brown, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau and Ollie Norris for their Shield defence against Southland on Sunday evening.The All Blacks face the Springboks in Auckland on 6 September with New Zealand's 50 match and 31 year unbeaten run at Eden Park on the line.

Six centuries after Rangitoto erupted, scientists have found the magma beneath the island is still hot enough to drive a hidden hydrothermal system, giving Auckland a rare look at how the land might behave after a future eruption.Rangitoto, sitting just 10km from the city centre, is the largest and youngest of the 53 volcanoes that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field.Lead researcher Alutsyah Luthfian (Fian) from the University of Auckland says it’s the first time signs of heat from volcanic activity have been detected in the field.“We expected the unerupted magma to be fully solidified, but were surprised to find it still warm enough to heat groundwater, even after 600 years,” Fian explains.For Coasties, this matters because Auckland’s next eruption won’t just bring lava and ash — the land could stay hot for decades afterwards.That could affect rebuilding, underground services, and how people live around a new volcanic cone.Researchers point to Heimaey, Iceland, where slowly cooling lava powered homes for 15 years.The findings are part of the long-running DEVORA programme, funded by Auckland Council and the Natural Hazards Commission.Using simple clay pots and wire, the team tracked voltage signals that confirmed circulating warm groundwater under Rangitoto, with gas readings adding another layer of evidence.Dr Jo Horrocks, Chief Resilience Officer at NHC, says this work helps prepare Auckland for the long-term impacts of an eruption, not just the event itself.And for now, Rangitoto’s gentle silhouette on the horizon is just a reminder of how much life here is shaped by the land beneath our feet.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A car is partially submerged in the sea at Stanmore Bay.Police were told just after 6.30am that a vehicle was in the water and said they were trying to find the registered owner.There was no information to suggest anyone was inside the vehicle, a police spokesperson said.It would be possible to get to the car once the tide was out.RNZ's photographer at the scene said there were no tyre tracks to suggest how the vehicle entered the water or where it had come from.Waves were crashing over the car three hours before the 10am low tide.Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro

Retail activity in New Zealand rose by 0.5 percent in the June 2025 quarter compared with March, according to new figures from Stats NZ.Eight out of 15 industries recorded higher sales volumes once inflation and seasonal effects were factored in.The strongest gains came from electrical and electronic goods, up 4.6 percent, supermarkets and grocery stores, up 1.3 percent, and pharmaceutical retailing, up 1.2 percent.Department stores also rose 1 percent.Stats NZ spokesperson Michelle Feyen said the results reflected “a modest increase” with growth spread across several sectors.While total sales in the North Island fell slightly by 0.3 percent ($67.3m), the South Island recorded a 0.2 percent lift ($12m).Over the past three years, South Island growth has consistently outpaced the North, rising 17.7 percent compared with 3.5 percent in the North Island.For Coasties, the national uptick in supermarket and pharmacy sales points to steady household spending, while the jump in electronics shows Kiwis are still keen to upgrade gadgets.Even modest increases signal resilience in retail, a sector many local businesses rely on.Retail sales data is closely watched as a pulse check on consumer confidence.With ten of the last 12 quarters showing stronger growth in the South, Hibiscus Coast retailers will be hoping for a rebound closer to home in the months ahead.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

One in three New Zealanders will face cancer in their lifetime, with around 28,000 people diagnosed each year. This Friday, 29 August, is Daffodil Day, a chance for the whole country to come together and support those impacted.Run by the Cancer Society, Daffodil Day is a symbol of hope and a reminder that every donation helps. Over the past decade, the Cancer Society has invested more than $50 million into research that improves prevention, detection, and treatment, giving more New Zealanders a chance to live longer following a diagnosis.Beyond research, the Society also provides everyday support like counselling, transport, and accommodation for people and their families during treatment. For many Coasties, these services have been a lifeline during difficult times.There are simple ways to take part: buy fresh daffodils, volunteer, or donate online at daffodilday.org.nz. Every dollar raised makes a difference.For Coasties, getting behind Daffodil Day is more than just buying a flower. It’s about standing with neighbours, friends, and loved ones who are navigating the tough journey of cancer.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Today, 26 August, is International Dog Day, and New Zealand Customs is marking the occasion by recognising the vital role its detector dogs play in protecting the country’s borders and communities.For more than 50 years, detector dogs have been at the heart of daily operations. Each year, the teams intercept hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs and seize millions of dollars in undeclared cash at airports.Customs Director International, Michael Blades, says the Pacific Detector Dog Programme, which was set up in 2018, has become an important part of keeping the wider region secure. The programme is delivered jointly by New Zealand Police and Customs, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.“Detector dogs are a vital enforcement tool in the fight against transnational, serious and organised crime syndicates that continue to target Pacific nations,” Mr Blades said.Funding for the programme has now been boosted to $6.7 million for the next five years, up from $3.8 million in its first term. The increase will strengthen training and support for Pacific agencies, ensuring well-trained dog teams can disrupt crime before it reaches New Zealand.For Coasties travelling through Auckland Airport, these four-legged guardians are often the first line of defence, working quietly alongside their handlers to keep harmful goods and criminal activity from making it to the Hibiscus Coast and beyond.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.