Hibiscus Coast residents can now try ChatGPT group chats as OpenAI rolls out a new shared conversation feature in New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Logged in users on Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans can invite up to 20 people into one chat, then plan a group dinner, compare ideas for a weekend away, or settle a friendly debate with ChatGPT helping in the background. For local clubs, committees and small businesses, it could help plan events, draft posts or sort through options while ChatGPT summarises links, notes and questions everyone shares. The feature is starting to roll out this week, so some Hibiscus Coast users may see the option before others. To check, open ChatGPT on the web or app and look for a small people icon in the top right of any chat. Group chats live in a clearly labelled section, stay separate from your private conversations, and do not use your personal ChatGPT memory. You choose who joins, you can leave at any time, and parents can switch group chats off for under 18s. ChatGPT follows the flow of the conversation, only replying when needed, and can still search, generate images and work with files. Coasties can expect more shared tools as OpenAI listens to early feedback and updates the pilot over time.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Summer trips from the Hibiscus Coast to Northland just got easier with State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills open.NZTA System Manager for Northland Steve Matene says an outstanding effort on the ground delivered the early finish, despite heavy rain early in the closure. Crews worked day and night to stick to a carefully coordinated plan and reopen the route safely without needing a second “super weekend” closure.A full closure meant crews could use the entire width of the road for paving machinery and achieve a high-quality finish. NZTA says partial or night-time closures would have stretched the work out to 12 to 14 weeks and caused far more disruption for people heading north.To make the most of the shutdown, nine crews also carried out more than 100 essential maintenance tasks, including pavement repairs, vegetation control, drainage work, guardrail repairs and signage maintenance. Doing this now should mean fewer delays for holiday traffic leaving the Hibiscus Coast and returning home over summer.“This completes the recovery project, and we look forward to providing safer, more reliable journeys for locals, businesses and visitors heading north,” says Mr Matene. Drivers are still being asked to take care over the Brynderwyns as people adjust to the changes.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Four businesses have been ram-raided or fire-damaged in Orewa in the past three months, but police say so far no arrests have been made.Officers launched Operation Governor after a deliberately lit fire at Orewa's Sunflour Cafe left the interior of the building destroyed.Several fire crews responded to the blaze at Sunflour shortly before 11.30pm on 1 November.It was the latest in a series of businesses targeted on the main strip of the coastal town of Orewa, going back to September.The first was between 21 September and 22 at takeaway business Bossburger. Images posted to social media showed the front of the store smashed in.It was followed by a burglary and arson reported at the Shoreward Gastrobar in the early hours of 30 September.It was understood the offenders drove a vehicle into the bar, before setting fire to the premises and fleeing on foot, police said.Members of the public extinguished the fire before officers arrived at the scene."In both incidents, we are not aware of any items being stolen from these businesses," police said.Damage to Orewa's Bossburger in September. Photo: SuppliedPolice told RNZ the Operation Governor investigation continued, and could not comment further.Both businesses, and the local business association Destination Orewa, also declined to comment.Waitematā North area commander Inspector John Thornley said previously attacks on local businesses would not be tolerated."These arsons are not only damaging property, but it's affecting peoples' livelihoods, and police is open-minded about whether any of these incidents are linked," he said.Damage done to the Sunflour cafe in Orewa. Photo: SuppliedThornley said they would be engaging with the public over the coming days, and they could expect a larger police presence in the area."We want to hear about any suspicious activity that people might have seen on Saturday night."I'm asking anyone with dashcam footage around the Ōrewa township, between 10pm and midnight, on Saturday 1 November to make themselves known to the investigation team.""No piece of information is too small, so please come forward as soon as possible."

A new Government App will let people securely store and share ID details instead of carrying paper documents around Auckland. That includes families and business owners on the Hibiscus Coast dealing with agencies or banks.Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins has confirmed New Zealand tech company MATTR will build the platform that sits behind the app. The Department of Internal Affairs will manage it as a shared service for government agencies, including Internal Affairs itself and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.Many common tasks still need in-person visits or certified copies of passports and birth dates. Collins says “government-accredited digital identity services will allow you to easily present credentials in a way that is safer, trusted and more secure”. No one will have to use digital identity, but the app is designed for those who want the convenience.MBIE will be among the first to use the system, issuing New Zealand Business Number digital credentials as part of an early trial. That will help company directors prove who they are and that they have the authority to act when dealing with both government and private services.By building one platform for all agencies, the Government expects lower costs, less paperwork and a faster, more consistent experience for people nationwide.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast parents are urged to check children’s craft sand at home after a precautionary recall over asbestos fears.The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has confirmed that EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) may pose a health risk.The products come in various colours and are often used for arts and crafts or sensory play.Testing in Australia found asbestos in similar products and, while New Zealand testing is still under way, the supplier has issued a voluntary recall.MBIE says testing so far has found a form of asbestos in some sand, but no breathable fibres in samples collected in New Zealand. The risk is considered low because asbestos is most hazardous when fine fibres become airborne, yet the supplier has still chosen a voluntary recall while further testing continues.Asbestos can cause serious long-term health problems, including lung disease and cancer. Children are especially at risk because they can inhale dust while playing.Parents and caregivers are advised to:Stop using these products immediatelyKeep children away from the sandSeal the sand in a sturdy container and store it out of reachAvoid putting it in household rubbish or vacuuming itArrange safe disposal through a Class A licensed asbestos removalist listed by WorkSafeOnce secured, contact the retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees ActThese products have been sold through retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, Qizzle and other outlets, as well as online, so local families may have them at home without realising.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Scammers took $265 million from Kiwi bank accounts in the past year, putting Hibiscus Coast residents on alert.Payments NZ has released its first Reported Fraud Monitor for New Zealand, drawing on data from 12 banks. It shows $265 million in reported gross fraud over the last 12 months taken from customer accounts.The figure covers scams where people were tricked into sending money and cases where personal details were stolen without the account holder knowing. For Coasties banking online or on their phones, it is a clear sign to slow down and double-check what lands in their inbox or messages.This Fraud Awareness Week, the Consumer Protection team is urging everyone to pause and think before clicking, replying, or paying. Whether it is a fake online store, a suspicious delivery text, or an offer that seems too good to be true, taking a moment could save you a lot.Their advice is summed up in three steps.Stop, Check, Report:• Stop and think before clicking, sharing, or making any payments.• Check the source to make sure it is real.• Report scams when you see them.If you have been targeted, stop all contact with the scammer, do not make any more payments, and contact the bank or service you sent money through. Be alert. Stay scam safe.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Food, power, and gas costs kept rising in the year to October 2025, tightening household budgets from the supermarket aisle to the power bill, according to Stats NZ.On the Hibiscus Coast, many families will be feeling the pressure when they shop and switch the lights on.Food prices rose 4.7 percent over the year, up from 4.1 percent in the year to September. Grocery food had the biggest impact, up 4.9 percent, followed by meat, poultry, and fish, up 7.6 percent.Some pantry basics have jumped sharply. The average price for milk was $4.78 per 2 litres, up 13.5 percent in a year. Instant coffee averaged $7.88 per 100 grams, up 25.5 percent. A 1 kilogram block of cheese averaged $12.71, up 30.1 percent, while a dozen fresh eggs averaged $9.88, up 18.5 percent.“Those who enjoy eggs and coffee in the morning may have noticed them becoming more expensive,” Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said. She noted that over the last two years, milk is up 91 cents per 2 litres, while eggs are up 8.8 percent and coffee 12.4 percent.There was a little relief in October. Overall food prices fell 0.3 percent from September, driven by a 10.7 percent drop in vegetable prices, with lettuce, capsicums, and cucumbers all cheaper. This is the first time this year food prices have fallen in consecutive months, although some fruits, including kiwifruit and apples, became more expensive.Power costs continue to climb. Electricity prices rose 11.8 percent and gas 14.4 percent over the year, with 11 straight months of increases for both. For Hibiscus Coast households, any dip in salad prices helps, but higher energy and staple costs are still doing the real damage.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Takapuna Beach, police have confirmed a man died this afternoon after being pulled from the water. Around midday, police were called after a person was seen unresponsive in the water and brought onto the beach. Police staff on the scene gave immediate medical assistance before other emergency services arrived, but despite their efforts the man could not be revived and has since died. His death will be referred to the Coroner, which is the usual process for sudden deaths. No further details about the man have been released at this stage. Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Big changes are coming for businesses that mislead shoppers, with the Government set to sharply increase penalties under the Fair Trading Act. The shift will affect Hibiscus Coast residents who rely on clear pricing and honest advertising from both big chains and local operators.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says serious offenders could soon face fines in the tens of millions of dollars when they gain large sums from breaking the law. Legislation due early next year will lift the current $600,000 maximum to the highest of three times the commercial gain, the value of the transactions, or $5 million.“Presently, there are circumstances in which the gains to be made from breaching the Act can outweigh the penalties for breaching it. The new regime will eliminate the financial incentives for breaching the Act,” Nicola Willis says.The move follows a 23 per cent rise in complaints to the Commerce Commission over the past five years, including recent cases involving misleading pricing at Pak’nSave and Woolworths.Between July 2020 and July 2025, the Commission received more than 48,000 complaints covering inaccurate pricing, refund refusals, subscription traps and misleading advertising.Most breaches will shift to a civil penalties regime, making it easier for the Commerce Commission to act without meeting the higher criminal standard. Serious or deliberate offences will stay criminal.Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says the tougher approach will protect consumers and stop repeat offenders gaining an unfair edge over honest businesses.The changes are expected to become law late next year after select committee consultation.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Frustration among general practice owners with what they call "bloated bureaucracy" is behind a move to set up a breakaway nationwide primary health organisation (PHO).The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro), which has made an application to Health NZ, said it would ensure more money for frontline patient care.Its chair, Dr Angus Chambers, said the new entity would be a standalone organisation, enabling GenPro to continue to advocate for its members without any conflict of interest."GenPro is not and will not be a PHO. But we'd welcome a lean, cost-effective PHO for GenPro members that reduces the bureaucratic burden on the health system and facilitates greater funding for high-quality, sustainable, accessible, and equitable front-line patient care."PHOs are not-for-profit organisations, funded by Health NZ to oversee primary care, including general practices.There are currently about 30 PHOs, made up of practices working together to care for the patients enrolled with them.GenPro chair Dr Angus Chambers. Photo: SuppliedGenPro's move comes in the same week that Green Cross became the second big corporate to receive approval from Health NZ to set up its own PHO.Its 54 practices - which are currently distributed among multiple PHOs - will shift to a stand-alone entity, Community Care Ltd, from 1 July 2026.Another corporate provider, Tend, started operating its own PHO in July after receiving approval in May.Chambers said his members feared this would give the corporates a competitive advantage."There's a lot of concern among our members that we're heading towards a duopoly like the supermarkets in primary healthcare, and we want to see the settings changed to prevent that because it's not good for consumers."A report by retired accountant Murray Lilley earlier this year highlighted the growth in "bureaucracy" within PHOs, and suggested they were siphoning off too much government funding before it reached frontline GPs.The Lilley report was criticised for ignoring PHOs' role in population health, including programmes for mental health, diabetes, immunisation, sexual health, smoking cessation and community radiology.Chambers said while he was not sure that all the conclusions drawn from the report were accurate, it did "mirror concerns" among some GPs regarding PHOs, especially around "transparency"."Many feel we're struggling, some have borderline viability, and we see PHOs growing and that really concerns our members."Current policy settings and existing PHO structures had significant problems, he said."These include conflicts of interest between patient care and commercial operations, bloated governance and management costs, a focus on accumulating reserves instead of funding front-line services, regional variations creating a postcode lottery, and trust issues."The new PHO will aim to address these challenges head on."PHOs respondGeneral Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty. Photo: SuppliedGeneral Practice NZ, which represents PHOs, said as registered charities, they were set up for transparency and obliged to publish audited accounts.Its chair, Dr Bryan Betty, a Porirua GP, said PHOs were not simply responsible for passing on capitation funding (the funding for enrolled patients), but also for delivering wider population health activities."At the moment 100 percent of capitation gets passed through directly to practices and the majority of what we call 'flexible funding' [for mental health, diabetes and a range of other services] also gets passed through to general practices."But what remains in the PHO is for things like practice support: data and digital, supporting high needs practices that may be marginally sustainable, to ensuring things like interpretation services, transport for rural patients - a whole range of services that practices may not be able to provide on their own."There were some problems with the current funding mechanisms, he conceded."There is a need for more funding to be flexible to support patients across a region to access timely medical care, to access immunisation, screening, and other primary care services."Most individual practices can't afford specialist diabetes nurses or podiatrist, for instance, they need to work across a group of practices."

Orewa’s most anticipated event is nearly here, with the annual New World Santa Parade set to bring festive cheer to the Hibiscus Coast on Saturday, November 29. The parade draws more than 10,000 locals and visitors, making it the biggest Christmas parade north of the bridge. Coasties can look forward to colourful floats, lively marching bands, plenty of cheerful characters, and Santa himself waving along the route.The parade begins at 4:30 pm, setting off from Hillary Square on Florence Avenue, then travelling down Hibiscus Coast Highway before finishing at the Orewa Beach Reserve car park next to the Surf Club. For safety and space, all parking bays along the route will be closed from 8 am, and cars left on Florence Avenue or Hibiscus Coast Highway between 3 pm and 6 pm will be towed.Expect local road closures too: Alice and Edward Avenue will be residents only from 8 am to 2 pm, then fully closed until 6 pm. Florence Avenue and the Hibiscus Coast Highway (from West Hoe Road to Centreway Road) will be shut from 4 pm to 6 pm. Free parking will be at Western Reserve off Centreway Road, weather permitting.Best viewing spots are along Florence Avenue by Hillary Square and The Coffee Club, or anywhere on the Hibiscus Coast Highway between Florence Avenue and the Surf Club. From 3 pm to 7 pm, the Rotary Christmas Carnival will add more fun at the Surf Club car park, with amusement rides for all ages, food trucks, and sweet treats. Locals might see everything from bouncy castles to donuts, snow cones and more.This is a true community day out, and a Coast tradition that signals the start of summer and the Christmas season.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Albany’s North Harbour Stadium will open its doors for a free community open day on Sunday, December 7. Co hosted by Auckland Stadiums, Auckland Conventions, North Harbour Rugby, Moana Pasifika and Auckland FC, the event runs from 10am to 2pm with free entry and on site parking. Visitors can join guided tours into usually restricted areas, heading through the players' tunnel to sit in the dugouts and step inside the home changing rooms. Children can burn off energy with skills, drills and games on the oval training field, led by representatives from the resident teams, while families enjoy local food and music in a relaxed, festival-style setup. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Auckland Stadiums James Parkinson says the day is about giving people a rare look at what happens behind the curtain at one of Auckland’s busiest venues and celebrating a much-loved community asset. Local board chairs Anna Atkinson and Alexis Poppelbaum say the open day caps a standout year for the stadium and gives the North Shore community a chance to explore a venue that supports both grassroots sport and elite teams. For Hibiscus Coast families, it is an easy day out to see where Moana Pasifika, North Harbour Rugby and Auckland FC train and play. Coasties can expect plenty of photo-worthy moments for sports-mad kids and a chance to feel what it is like to walk out towards the hallowed turf.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Coast Seniors Paying Too Much For BroadbandRead more →Where To See Hibiscus Coast BioluminescenceRead more →Hibiscus Coast Commuters. Plan Around Oteha WorksRead more →Spring Listings Surge. More Choice On Hibiscus CoastRead more →Silverdale Pak’nSave Adds Click & Collect Drive-ThroughRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

Some residents at an Auckland retirement village want to put the brakes on a policy that would ban any more electric vehicles (EVs) within its gates.Fairview Lifestyle Village in Albany said it was concerned about the risk an EV fire would pose to the busy community's residents and homes.While rare, EV fires can be more difficult to put out than petrol car fires and the village said it was unclear who was legally responsible for managing that risk.The policy was still in mediation, and residents who already owned electric vehicles would be allowed to keep them, but it was not letting any new EVs into the gated North Shore community.As well as cars, the policy extended to e-bikes, e-scooters and wheelchairs.Retirement Village Residents Association chief executive Nigel Matthews told RNZ's Checkpoint this was the first case concerning electric vehicles that he had seen.While the issuing had concerned some retirement residents, he said it was great that consultation was underway."We have been aware that this has been an ongoing discussion since early February, March of this year and, unfortunately, some of these processes take a while."Matthews said concerns about the risks of EVs had seemingly been increased via the media."There's been obviously a tension in the media - as soon as there's an EV that blows up or catches fire, it's on the front page. [If] it's a diesel or a petrol car, you won't hear about it."He said the issue was complicated by policies being formed after people had already moved in with EVs."Prior to people moving in, no policy on this. However, there's obviously - you know - discussion that has occurred, and now they're wanting to put in a policy, which would ban charging in your own garage and obviously underneath in the car parking area of the apartment."I get it, but you know, if the council imposed a sudden policy change on me and said, 'You can no longer charge your EV in your own personal garage', we need to actually change that. I would then want to engage in consultation and I'd want there to be some sort of resolution."Despite the decision causing frustration for some, he said the retirement village had acted properly."The law's pretty clear - if operators change something that's going to have a material impact on you, then you must consult. These operators have done exactly that."There was currently no end in sight for that consultation."At some point, there's going to have to be a resolution at the end and you've got some residents that clearly want to be able to continue to use their EV."It'll be like telling someone who drives a Ford now, 'You can no longer drive your Ford, but we've got some Holdens you might like'."Matthews said if the village wanted to look at also banning things like electric bikes and wheelchairs, they would have taken a broader look at the issue."I've seen the YouTube clips where things have exploded - either ebikes and EV of some sort that are being charged and then just caught alight... but I've also seen it with cell phones."At what point do you actually stop and say, 'We need to have a bigger holistic look at this and come up with some sensible parameters?'"Fairview Lifestyle Village said its overriding concern and objective was the safety of its 300 residents, as well as staff, visitors and property.It said, in New Zealand, the legal responsibility framework around the safe management of EVs in residential care settings was completely undefined, so it had to define its own safety parameters.It said it had taken a measured approach in consulting on and developing a policy to address the current technology and set guidelines for future advancements.Fairview Lifestyle Village said it anticipated debate and welcomed ongoing robust conversation to ensure that the policy ultimately implemented was fit for purpose and put residents' safety first.

State Highway 1 drivers face new overnight closures and daytime lane restrictions near the Hibiscus Coast starting next week.The Wainui Road northbound off-ramp will be closed from 9pm to 5am on Monday, November 17. Motorists should exit at Dairy Flat Highway or Grand Drive in Orewa.Then, on Thursday, November 20, SH1 southbound between Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road will close completely for maintenance from 9pm to 5am. Both the Silverdale southbound on-ramp and Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp will be closed. Drivers are advised to detour via Twin Coast Discovery Highway, East Coast Road, and Oteha Valley Road.Further works are planned before Christmas. From Friday, November 21 to Friday, November 28 (weekdays only), there will be southbound lane restrictions from Lonely Track overbridge to Oteha Valley Road between 11am and 6pm each day. The Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp will remain open, but all traffic must follow reduced speeds and traffic management. Southbound lanes will stay open, but expect delays.Coasties are urged to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling through these sections of SH1 this month.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A new government platform could help Hibiscus Coast employers tackle chronic staff shortages by tapping into the skills of disabled New Zealanders.Developed by workforce development council Hanga-Aro-Rau, the multimedia hub launched on November 10th.It gives manufacturing, engineering, and logistics businesses practical tools to recruit and support disabled workers.The move comes as New Zealand faces record infrastructure spending, with $237.1b in projects planned or underway.Employers nationwide, including those on the Hibiscus Coast, are struggling to find and retain skilled staff.Chief Executive of All is for All, Grace Stratton. Photo: Supplied.Research shows that while 83% of non-disabled adults are in work, only 44% of disabled adults are employed.If that gap were closed, it could deliver up to $1.45b in fiscal benefits and ease the forecast 156,000 vacancies expected by 2030.Deputy chief executive Samantha McNaughton says inclusion is not just good practice but vital to the economy.“Reaching out to parts of the population that haven’t traditionally been targeted, including Māori, Pacific peoples and disabled New Zealanders, is not a social goal, it’s an economic necessity.”Co-designed with Auckland consultancy All is for All, the platform includes podcasts, videos, and short guides to make inclusion simple to apply.Chief executive Grace Stratton says, “Employers told us they wanted to do the right thing but didn’t know where to start.”Engineering New Zealand chief executive Dr Richard Templer says the approach builds resilience.“Inclusion starts with asking what someone needs to thrive,” he says.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A $1m payment to Mahurangi oyster farmers is only a start, says Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft, after sewage contamination hit livelihoods at peak harvest.She said Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair yesterday announced an immediate $1m compensation payment to Aquaculture New Zealand for distribution to 10 oyster farmers affected by the latest overflow near Warkworth. The spill followed a power surge that tripped pumps.Marcroft welcomed the swift move but said repeated sewage overflows over several years have pushed farmers to the edge. She urged Watercare to work with Aquaculture New Zealand to fully compensate those who have suffered ongoing financial hits and personal strain.Marcroft also warned the public should be concerned about polluted waterways.“The sea is our food basket and our playground. No sewage should ever be flowing into it,” Jenny Marcroft said.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Making plans?Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast. From live music and local markets to family fun and outdoor adventures.Auckland Céilí/Cèilidh Band – Celtic Dance NightFri 14 NovClick here for more detailsHibiscus Coast Colour RunClick here for more detailsRed Beach Food Truck NightSat 15 NovClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Have an event coming up? List your event for FREE now.

Need your groceries faster and without the hassle?Pak’nSave is adding EV chargers and a Click & Collect drive-through.Four new ChargeNet bays are due online by the end of November in the main carpark, and construction has begun on the store’s first purpose built Click & Collect drive-through near the main entrance.Owner operator Vinod Bhaga said the project is going well, with the aim to finish by the end of April 2026, weather permitting.“We’re very conscious of having minimal disruption for our customers,” he said.When complete, the drive-through will have six dedicated carpark spaces under full cover, with more planned as demand grows.It’s designed as a concierge service, with staff bringing orders to vehicles and loading them.Coasties can expect quicker pickups and easier charging in one stop.The supermarket opened in early 2012 and was built at 6,540m² with 330 car parks, 24 checkouts, and an on site fuel outlet.The new Click & Collect drive-through will also create four to five roles to run the service.“We’re always looking for ways to give our shoppers even better value, and we look forward to delivering a faster, more seamless online shopping experience," Vinod Bhaga said.Looks like grocery shopping on the Hibiscus Coast is about to get a little easier.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.