With winter school holidays in full swing, New Zealand Customs is encouraging Kiwis heading overseas—or returning home—to ditch the paper forms and complete their arrival declaration online.More than five million digital declarations have already been submitted, and Customs hopes even more travellers will give it a go these holidays.“It’s easy, it’s free, and it can be done within 24 hours of your flight,” says Holly Stringer, Manager of the New Zealand Traveller Declaration programme.“You can even save your details for next time.”The online form is available at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or through the official app. It supports multiple languages, and those needing help can have someone complete it on their behalf.Across June, about 68 percent of New Zealand passport holders submitted their declaration digitally, compared to 73 percent of Australians. Customs is keen to see that local figure rise as more Kiwis get comfortable with the system.Stringer adds that digital is now the standard for most travel tasks. From booking tickets to ordering Ubers, and this is just one more way to streamline the journey.While most Coasties are more likely to head off from Auckland Airport, anyone travelling overseas will need to complete the declaration, so it’s worth spreading the word.If you're not flying, Customs is asking locals to let friends and family know—going digital makes everyone's arrival smoother.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

In today’s job market, staff turnover has become a regular challenge. Once-stable workforces are shifting, and with that comes a cost – one that goes well beyond simply swapping one salary for another.Yes, rising wages are a reality. Many employees expect pay rises due to inflation and increased living costs. Employers, still recovering from COVID impacts and supply chain issues, may feel squeezed. But here’s the critical question: can you afford not to meet a pay rise request?The true cost of replacing a staff member is much higher than many realise. Depending on the role, replacing someone can cost 30-50% of their annual salary – and that’s for mid-level staff. For senior or highly specialised roles, the replacement cost can be up to four times their annual salary before the new hire is fully effective.What Makes Replacing Staff So Expensive?Many of the costs are hiding in plain sight. Here are just some of the direct, often unavoidable expenses:Advertising the roleRecruitment agency feesScreening and background checksPsychometric testingTemporary staff or contractors to cover the gapRelocation costs or recruitment incentivesExternal training for the new hireAnd that’s just the beginning.There are also substantial indirect costs that affect time, morale, and productivity:Hours spent by management and team members on recruitment tasksClient handovers and introductionsOnboarding, training, and supervision of the new recruitReplacement of equipment and workspace setupReduced output during the transitionDisruption to team dynamics and moraleLoss of institutional knowledge and potential customer relationshipsThen there’s the emotional and performance toll. Remaining staff may feel overburdened or anxious. Productivity often drops – not just because someone is leaving, but because they may have mentally checked out well before their last day.A Costly Trade-OffSo, when a team member earning $70K asks for a raise to $75K, it’s tempting to say no. But if that refusal triggers a resignation, you may find yourself paying far more than $5K to replace them – both financially and culturally.Final ThoughtsRather than viewing pay rise requests as a threat to your bottom line, consider them a potential investment in stability. Sometimes the cheapest, most efficient move is to retain the staff you already have – especially if they’re performing well.Of course, there’s another solution altogether: create a workplace so engaging and rewarding that no one wants to leave. Let me know if you’d like to talk more about this, or any other, business management topic. I’m happy to help.

Looking for plans?Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Orewa Repair CafeSat, Jul 5More detailse-Waste Drop Off DaySat, Jul 5More detailsRural Rhythm Co-Op LaunchSat, Jul 5More 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

Drivers heading between Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road on State Highway 1 should expect delays and lane restrictions from 6 to 11 July, with works happening during both day and night hours.From Monday 7 to Friday 11 July, the southbound lanes between the Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road will have restrictions between 11 AM and 7 PM daily. Traffic will still be able to head south, but reduced speeds and traffic management will be in place. Expect noise from slip remediation works during these hours.Northbound drivers will also be affected. From Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 July, lane restrictions will apply between 9 PM and 5 AM. Crews will be carrying out stormwater-related work during the night, and traffic management will remain in place throughout. While lanes will stay open, motorists are asked to slow down and follow all instructions.In addition, there will be full overnight closures in both directions between Oteha Valley Road and Silverdale interchange from Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 July (9 PM to 5 AM), due to works on the SH1 Penlink project.If you commute south for work, it’s worth planning ahead. Night works and lane closures could add delays to your usual route, especially during peak hours. With Penlink in full swing, these temporary disruptions are part of the long-term push to ease future congestion.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, 4/7Thunderstorms could pop up later in the day. Warm, with a bit of a breeze from the north.High: 19Low: 13Saturday, 5/7Expect a few showers. Still breezy, with winds from the west.High: 17Low: 12Sunday, 6/7Some sunshine with a few clouds around. Light southerly breeze.High: 16Low: 9Monday, 7/7A mix of sun and cloud. Breezy easterlies to start the week.High: 15Low: 9Want 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!

Running a small business often means using your car for both work and personal errands.Navigating the tax rules for vehicle expenses in New Zealand can be confusing.For Sole Traders and PartnershipsBusiness vs. Personal Vehicle UseBusiness use vs. private use: You can only claim business-related vehicle costs.Any personal use of the car is not tax-deductible.This means trips like driving to meet a clients count as business use, while driving your kids to school is private use.Importantly, commuting from home to your regular workplace is considered personal travel, not business use, even if you’re driving to your business office each morning.100% business or mixed use: If you have a vehicle used exclusively for business (and not for any private trips), you can claim all of its running costs as business expenses.Most small business owners use the same car for both work and personal purposes.In that case, you’ll need to split the costs between business and private use and only claim the business portion.Keeping a Logbook: Tracking Business UseA vehicle logbook is only required for 90 days (about 3 months) to establish your usage pattern, and then you can use that information for up to three years as long as your usage doesn’t change significantly (say 20% as a guide).What to record: Date of the tripOdometer readings (start and end, or at least total distance)Distance travelled for that tripPurpose of the trip (business or personal reason)Two Ways to Claim Vehicle Expenses (for Sole Traders)Actual Costs MethodMileage Rate MethodMethod 1: Actual Costs MethodHow it works: Under the Actual Costs method, you claim a percentage of all the actual expenses of running your vehicle, based on your business-use percentage.Expenses include all running costs, interest on loans, depreciation or lease costs if you lease the car.Method 2: Mileage Rate Method (IRD Kilometre Rates)How it works: You need to record every business trip for the year.Once you have the total business kilometres, you simply multiply that by the IRD’s rate for your vehicle.Tiered rates: The IRD’s mileage rates are tiered to be fair for both low and high mileage drivers. There are two tiers:Tier One rate: This rate applies to the first 14,000 km of travel per year (this is total km the vehicle travels, not just business kms.Tier Two rate: This lower rate applies to any travel beyond 14,000 km in the year.No double dipping: If you use the Mileage Rate method, remember that the per-kilometre rate is all-inclusive.Note that GST can be claimed (including vehicle purchase) if using the actual cost method, but not for the mileage method.The table of rates for the 2024-2025 income year.DisclaimerThis article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content at the time of publication, tax laws and Inland Revenue (IRD) policies are subject to change.Readers are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified tax advisor or accountant before making decisions based on this information, particularly where unique circumstances or complex business arrangements are involved.DHCA accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information contained in this article.At David Hooper Chartered Accountants, we help local businesses make smart financial decisions. Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

North Harbour Stadium will stay under the management of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), following a review that found no better option.A search for a new operator began in January, led by local board members from Upper Harbour and Hibiscus and Bays.Two proposals were received, but neither met the full criteria set out in the process.The evaluation panel said keeping TAU was the best option, especially as a change could have cost ratepayers more.The new plan includes stronger partnerships with local community groups and aims to improve how the stadium serves the public.Anna Atkinson, Chair of the Upper Harbour Local Board, said the goal was to find the best outcome for locals.“We’re pleased the process was robust. Now we can focus on delivering real improvements.”TAU chief executive Nick Hill said the stadium has had a strong year, with games from the All Whites, Black Ferns and Moana Pasifika.He said TAU is ready to build on that momentum.The next step is to develop a long-term plan for the stadium and surrounding area.This will look at ownership, funding and possible upgrades.That process is expected to wrap up by December next year.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A familiar Wainui property has just picked up a prestigious national award for its stunning transformation.The purpose-built Windowmakers facility on Haruru Road has been honoured with a Silver Award in the Industrial Category at the 2025 Commercial Project Awards.The site was once home to a well-known horse arena and later a film studio.Locals might remember the site for its connection to international films like The Chronicles of Narnia and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Now, it’s making headlines for a different reason—its clever reuse as a 5,500-square-metre aluminium joinery manufacturing hub.The project consolidated all of Windowmakers' operations into one location, complete with an on-site apartment and a staff cafeteria. It’s more than just practical. It’s beautiful, sustainable, and smartly designed.Managing Director Heidi Johnston says, “This facility represents a major step forward—not just for our business, but for local manufacturing innovation.”For the Hibiscus Coast, it’s another example of how forward-thinking businesses can breathe new life into iconic spaces while staying true to the community’s character.Locals can even pop into the new Design Room, where clients can view and try out the latest joinery products.From sliding doors to sleek windows, it’s all there to see and touch, helping builders and homeowners make confident, informed decisions.Congratulations to the Windowmakers team on this well-deserved recognition—a proud moment for Wainui and a promising sign of what’s ahead for local industry.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A heads-up for Coasties: MetService has issued a Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Watch from midday to 9pm today. It’s not unusual weather for this time of year, but it’s worth being prepared.Rain is expected to pick up from midday, and some areas may see short bursts of heavier downpours and a few rumbles of thunder. Winds will be breezy, especially in exposed spots, with gusts possibly reaching up to 100km/h before easing later this evening.MetService says there’s a moderate chance the watch could be upgraded if things intensify, but for now it’s simply a reminder to stay weather-aware. Everything’s expected to ease tonight, with drier skies heading into tomorrow.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A weekend crime spree in Schnapper Rock has landed a 28-year-old man in court, charged with 17 offences linked to car break-ins across the North Shore suburb.Waitematā East Police say the offending took place between 26 and 29 June, with multiple vehicles targeted for items like sunglasses, wallets, and bank cards left in plain sight.Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams says the turning point came when offenders were caught in the act on Sunday.Thanks to sharp-eyed victims who noted down a vehicle description, police were able to move quickly.Frontline officers traced the vehicle registration with help from camera operators.By Tuesday, the Tactical Crime Unit had identified a suspect and executed a search warrant at a Te Atatū Peninsula property, leading to the man’s arrest.Inside the West Auckland home, officers found multiple items of interest.The man was due to appear in the North Shore District Court today, and police have confirmed they will oppose bail.Williams praised the Schnapper Rock community for their quick reporting and helpful information, which helped stop further victimisation.Police say enquiries are ongoing and more charges may follow.This case is a reminder for Coasties and other Aucklanders to lock vehicles, remove valuables, and report suspicious behaviour.If you see something concerning, call 111 immediately or use the Police’s 105 line or online reporting tools.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

AI is changing how people find businesses like yours—especially when they're ready to buy.And if you're not prepared, your business could be left out of the conversation entirely.Let’s break it down.AI Is Now Answering Questions DirectlyWhen someone searches online, Google and other platforms are starting to show AI-generated answers right at the top, called “AI Overviews.”These summaries scan the web and try to answer user questions instantly, often without users needing to click on a website.So if your business isn’t part of the content AI pulls from, you might not be seen at all.What That Means for Your BusinessTo stay visible in this new search environment, your business needs two things:Content that clearly and directly answers questions people ask.A presence in trusted sources that search engines and AI tools rely on.In short: be findable, be credible, be helpful.The New Rules of Getting Found1. Be Super SpecificInstead of saying "we do repairs," say "we fix cracked iPhone screens in 30 minutes." Specific, useful content is more likely to be chosen by AI to answer search queries.2. Share Unique InformationGot glowing reviews, local awards, or interesting stats about your services? Share them. AI favours original, verifiable information that builds trust.3. Answer Real Customer QuestionsWhat does it cost? Do you offer emergency service? Are estimates free? Create content that answers common questions clearly. This is the kind of material AI prefers to surface.4. Keep Your Info FreshStale or outdated content gets overlooked. Regularly updating your website or listings signals that your business is active and relevant.5. Get Mentioned ElsewhereWhen your business is referenced by other local websites, community groups, or news outlets, it strengthens your online credibility. Something AI and search engines take seriously.Why Local Directories Matter More Than EverAI and local search engines rely on multiple data sources to verify and recommend businesses.Well-structured local directories are one of those trusted sources.Credible Signals: Local directories provide structured business data—like your name, address, and phone number—which helps AI verify you’re a legitimate business.Visibility Advantage: If you're listed and your information is consistent across sources, your chances of being included in local AI-driven results improve.Reviews Make a Difference: Positive directory reviews influence trust signals, which may affect how AI tools prioritise your business.How the Hibiscus Coast App Gives You the EdgeA directory listing on the Hibiscus Coast App isn’t just about local exposure.It supports your visibility in AI-powered search tools too.Structured & Searchable: The app functions as a local directory with clearly formatted business information that can contribute to your overall online discoverability.Community Credibility: When locals interact with your business through the app, and when that activity is reflected online via mentions or reviews—it helps build trust signals used by search engines and AI systems.Accurate Business Info: Each listing provides consistent details that support verification and help your business rank more reliably in local searches.Even better: every listing is built to perform. These are more than just name-and-number entries.They're branded profile pages, like mini landing pages, designed to convert high-intent local searchers into real customers.And because listings are optimised for AI, humans, and Google, your business is well-positioned to be found, trusted, and chosen.The Bottom LineIf your business isn’t visible in local directories and doesn’t have helpful, searchable content, AI-powered search tools are far less likely to find and recommend you.Which means your next customer might not either.That’s why starting with a high-quality directory listing on the Hibiscus Coast App is so important.It builds a strong digital foundation.Making sure you’re findable, trusted, and ready to be discovered by both AI and your local community.And once you're visible, it opens the door to even more powerful ways to reach locals, from targeted exposure to high-visibility ad placements—because being found is just the beginning.Ready to take the first step?Get started with the Hibiscus Coast App and make sure AI—and your next customer—finds you next.

If you’ve picked up a pack of Woolworths 18% Fat Beef Mince lately, it’s worth checking your fridge. Woolworths New Zealand has issued a recall for the 500g and 1kg packs sold at Woolworths and Countdown stores across the North Island, including local stores here on the Hibiscus Coast.The reason? A potential plastic contamination. The affected products have a best before date of 05/07/2025. While no one has reported being harmed, the company is urging customers not to eat the mince and instead return it to the store for a full refund.This might be a hassle, especially if dinner plans were already underway, but it’s a simple fix. Locals can bring the product back to the Orewa, Whangaparaoa or Silverdale stores, no receipt needed.Food recalls like this are thankfully rare, and Woolworths says it’s taking the matter seriously. No other beef products are affected.If you’ve already eaten the mince and feel unwell or unsure, it’s best to check in with your GP.For more details, you can call Woolworths’ Customer Care team on 0800 40 40 40.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

From 1 July, Watercare is officially running its own financial show, securing a record-breaking $3.4 billion in funding as it separates from Auckland Council.It’s a move that sets the stage for major investment across the region, including on the Hibiscus Coast, where upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure have long been on the radar.Watercare’s chief executive Jamie Sinclair called it a “fantastic result” for Aucklanders.The funding includes a $2.6 billion revolving credit facility and $800 million standby facility, underwritten by big players like BNZ, Westpac, and the Commonwealth Bank.With interest costs now projected to be $21 million lower over the next two years, locals are unlikely to see steep price hikes as a result of the changes.The split is part of the government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.It means Watercare can now forge ahead with its $13.8 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan, covering over 1,000 projects including many that impact Coasties directly.Mayor Wayne Brown says the move is a win-win.“This will strengthen Council’s finances and give Watercare the independence to focus on delivering vital upgrades where they’re needed most,” he said.The company has also agreed to repay its $4 billion debt to Auckland Council over the next five years.For the Hibiscus Coast, it means more certainty around future upgrades, and less risk of costs falling unfairly on current residents.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Need to see a doctor at 3am or on holiday in another region? A new 24/7 digital GP service is now available to all New Zealanders, giving locals instant access to trusted healthcare, no matter the time or place.Launched on Monday, the service lets users consult registered Kiwi doctors and nurses online, using secure technology to assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, or provide referrals.Health Minister Simeon Brown says it’s a game-changer for after-hours care, especially for those who struggle to get timely GP appointments or aren’t enrolled with a local doctor.“Whether it’s a sick child in the night or a farmer in a rural area needing help after hours, this service means care is available when and where it’s needed,” he said.Nearly 4,500 people have already used the service since a soft launch in May. Now fully live, it aims to ease pressure on emergency departments by handling non-urgent issues remotely.Importantly, clinical notes are shared with a patient’s regular GP to ensure continuity of care. It’s designed to complement, not replace, local practices.For Coasties who can’t always get to their doctor, this service could fill the gap. Especially over weekends or during travel.The 24/7 service is now available via info.health.nz/onlinegp, with full pricing and provider details online.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A new prescription option for weight loss has arrived in New Zealand, with the Government confirming the obesity treatment Wegovy is now available. Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the move delivers on the Government’s promise to improve access to medical treatments.Wegovy, a medication already used overseas, was approved by Medsafe in April and is now available for Kiwis with a prescription. It is not currently publicly funded, so patients will need to pay for the treatment themselves.“More than two in three adults and nearly one-third of children in New Zealand live with obesity or are overweight,” says Mr Seymour. “This puts a major strain on the health system and can lead to serious health problems down the track.”The cost of obesity-related issues in New Zealand is estimated at between $4 billion and $9 billion per year. Cardiovascular disease alone costs around $3.3 billion annually. Seymour says early intervention with treatments like Wegovy could reduce the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.“These drugs are making an enormous difference in other countries. I hope that they can be a game-changer for a lot of people in New Zealand now as well,” he says.While this rollout affects people nationwide, it may be particularly welcomed by those living on the Hibiscus Coast, where local GPs could begin prescribing it as part of weight management plans.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland is now home to its very own Police College, offering recruits and senior officers a closer, more accessible training base. Officially opened today, the new Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus is based at Massey University’s Ōtehā site.Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, joined by Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister Casey Costello, cut the ribbon on a facility that’s already buzzing with activity. The first senior course is underway, and Recruit Wing 390, made up of 40 future officers, many from Northland—is settled in.The Auckland campus features classrooms, dorms, offices, car parks and access to Massey’s gym and recreation centre. For many aspiring officers, especially those from northern districts, training in Auckland removes the barrier of relocating to Porirua for 20 weeks.“This opens the door for people who couldn’t realistically move to Wellington,” Commissioner Chambers said. “Training closer to home gives them their chance.”While some parts of the course will still happen in Wellington, this new setup is already easing pressure on the Porirua facility and making the recruitment path more accessible.This matters for the Hibiscus Coast too. With the new college just down the motorway, locals who’ve dreamed of becoming officers no longer have to travel far. It’s a big win for growing our local police force and making the career more achievable for Coasties.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New regional dog rules have been adopted by Auckland Council, which includes how many dogs one person can walk at a time, and where.The changes, approved at last Thursday's Governing Body meeting, included updates on leash, off leash and dog free areas at nine regional parks, and a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at once.Councillor Josephine Bartley said the review of Auckland's Dog Policy and Bylaw was needed so everyone could enjoy Auckland's shared spaces safely."We know how much Aucklanders love getting out with their dogs, particularly in our beautiful regional parks," Bartley said."Our dog rules aim to carefully accommodate these needs as well as those of others who also want to use shared outdoor spaces safely and freely."Qualified dog walkers will be allowed to walk up to 12 dogs at once, on or off-leash, as long as they kept under control.To walk up to 12 dogs, dog walkers must register with the council and follow the conditions attached to their registration.Other dog owners can walk a maximum of four dogs at once, with two off leash, as long as they are kept under control."We have listened to public feedback and recognise, for example, that commercial dog walking is a growing industry with many walkers regularly using Auckland's public spaces."To support this to be done in a safe and responsible way, council was introducing a registration system, she said."This will allow commercial dog walkers to walk a higher number of dogs, as long as they keep them under control and stick to the conditions, so we can all enjoy our public places."The limit of how many dogs can be walked at once will come into effect from 1 January, 2026.Changes at regional parks will come into effect from 1 August.On leash, off leash and dog-free areas have been updated in nine regional parks.They are - Auckland Botanic Gardens, Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Long Bay Regional Park, Mahurangi Regional Park, Pākiri Regional Park, Shakespear Regional Park, Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Waitawa Regional Park and Whakanewha Regional Park.Additional work is being done to finalise changes to dog rules at Te Ārai Regional Park."Dogs are clearly an important part of our lives - by the end of 2024, more than 135,000 dogs were registered in Tāmaki Makaurau."But our regional parks are also home to native species like the northern dotterel and critically endangered fairy tern, and unfortunately, dogs do pose a threat to these birds and their habitats."

Reading business news might do more than keep you informed. It could help you manage your money.That’s the finding from a new study by University of Auckland finance lecturer Dr Justin J. Case and Queensland University of Technology’s Professor Adam Clements. They discovered that analysing articles from The Wall Street Journal can forecast stock market volatility better than commonly used models.“Volatility is a common proxy for financial risk,” says Dr Case. “By accurately forecasting this risk, investors can take strategic steps to protect their investments before market shifts occur.”The team analysed more than 1.1 million articles published between 2000 and 2022. Business School finance lecturer Dr Justin J. Case.Using machine learning, they grouped news topics and linked them to high-frequency movements in the S&P 500 index.Their results showed that news coverage is strongly related to market volatility. News about stock market activity, economic shocks, financial institutions, and government policy were most relevant. On the flip side, mergers and acquisitions were linked to lower volatility, suggesting greater investor confidence. Sports news was also tied to calmer markets, possibly due to a distraction effect.The researchers tested their method in a simulated investment strategy. Returns improved when they adjusted investment exposure based on expected volatility from news, compared to traditional models.They also tested ChatGPT’s ability to forecast volatility from headlines, but it was less accurate over longer timeframes.“Our method allows for a more granular analysis of news text,” says Dr Case.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A faster trip between Auckland and Northland is just hours away, with a new 110km/h speed limit coming into effect on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway from 1 July 2025.Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the change this morning, saying the motorway’s design and safety features meet the criteria for the higher limit. “With over 20,000 vehicles using this route every day, this will help people and freight move more quickly and safely,” he said.The updated limit applies to a stretch of SH1 from 2.5km north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels to just south of the Warkworth roundabout. The tunnel section itself will stay at 80km/h, with a 100km/h transition zone in between.The decision follows a public consultation in late 2024, which saw nearly 8,000 submissions across Auckland and Northland. A massive 94% supported the change, with 91% strongly in favour.Safety was a key focus. The motorway includes flexible median barriers, two lanes each way, and long, straight sections with clear visibility. Since opening in 2023, there have been zero fatalities.For Coasties commuting north or heading away for a weekend, this makes a real difference. Quicker, smoother travel means more time at your destination—and a little less stress on the road.As always, police are reminding drivers to stick to the conditions and keep safety front of mind.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]