NZTA is asking for public feedback from October 29 to December 17 on proposed changes to light vehicle warrants and certificates that could reduce visits and costs for many Hibiscus Coast motorists while keeping higher-risk vehicles on yearly checks.The proposal would shift warrant of fitness timing for private light vehicles, which include cars, motorcycles, mopeds, vans, people-movers, and trailers:• New vehicles: WoF valid for 4 years• Vehicles 4–10 years old: WoF every 2 years• Vehicles over 10 years: WoF yearlyNZTA says New Zealand checks vehicles more often than most countries, and more frequent inspections do not necessarily improve safety. The aim is to lower costs for people using lower-risk vehicles while maintaining safety settings for higher-risk vehicles.Other changes on the table:• Certificates of fitness for light rental vehicles, including taxis and rideshares• Inspectors checking fault lights for driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist• Higher penalties, or demerit points, for offences like no valid WoF or CoF A, and for bald or damaged tyresFor the Hibiscus Coast, the two-year WoF for vehicles aged 4–10 years would mean fewer trips for many family cars, tradie vans, and trailers. Taxi and rideshare drivers operating locally should review the proposed CoF A settings and the new checks on safety system warning lights. Annual checks would remain for older vehicles, so owners of 10-plus-year cars still need to plan for a yearly visit.Consultation runs from 29 October 2025 to 17 December 2025. Have your say by 17 December using the online feedback form. Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Explainer – It’s the time of year some people love – and some people dread.Between Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali celebrations, suburbs around Aotearoa have been echoing with the sound of fireworks late into the night. For many it’s a celebration, but for others it’s an infuriating time of year.Every November, social media reliably fills up with chatter about banning fireworks sales to the public, and yet nothing has changed.What exactly is happening with proposed fireworks bans, and how would they affect people? Here’s a rundown of an explosive ongoing debate.What are the current rules around fireworks sales?Fireworks can only be sold for four days a year, from 2 November to the end of the day on 5 November, Guy Fawkes Day.They can only be sold to people over 18 and must comply with safety regulations.They must not be sold to the public unless the fireworks have been tested and have a fireworks certificate that confirms they meet the requirements of the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001.Those changes were made back in 2006 – previously fireworks were on sale for 10 days and people as young as 14 could buy them. The government of the time said it stopped short of a total ban but expressed frustration with rising damage and injuries, the New Zealand Herald reported.“The market is very heavily regulated,” said James York of Bad Boy Fireworks, a family-owned business which has been selling fireworks in Auckland since 1948.“The market has changed a lot in the last 10 years, with less importers, importing higher quality products. The importers all work together on compliance.”While sale periods are tightly restricted, there’s no general law against using fireworks any time of the year.Restrictions on where they can be used vary by location, and can be set by local councils. Many places such as Wellington and Auckland ban the use of them on public spaces or beaches and restrict them to private spaces.Temporary fireworks bans were placed on several regions by Fire and Emergency New Zealand during last week’s wind-fuelled storms.Some major chains stopped selling fireworks some time ago. Countdown – now Woolworths – stopped selling fireworks in 2019, while the Warehouse stopped selling them in 2021, saying “we no longer feel fireworks have a place on our shelves”.Will they ever be banned entirely?It’s unlikely the government will introduce a bill to ban the sale of fireworks to the public any time soon.The National MP who was presented with a petition calling for a ban told RNZ that “there’s no appetite whatsoever from the government’s agenda for looking at this”.“It’s well outside of our batting lane with everything focused on economic growth and controlling government expenditure, et cetera,” Maungakiekie MP Greg Fleming said.“If it is going to proceed I would imagine that its best chance is going to be through a member’s bill.”A member’s bill is pulled at random from the House’s famed “Biscuit tin” for consideration – previous issues that have come from the tin include marriage equality, end-of-life choice, or anti-smacking law reform.The petition calling for a ban was signed by 90,000 people – and a lot of animal pawprints as well – and was presented to Parliament in July.There’s actually three petitions currently before Parliament on the issue, said Fleming, who is deputy chair of the petition committee.So who’s calling for a ban – and who’s against it?The SPCA and many other animal rights groups have long called for a ban, said Christine Sumner, the SPCA’s scientific officer. They say that annual fireworks displays terrify animals.“We have received a number of reports of pets that had gone through fences,” Animates general manager of marketing Nathalie Moolenschot said recently. “A Saint Bernard jumped through a window to try and escape the noises.”“Every year, veterinarians are called to see horses that have been badly injured by panicking and running through fences, attempting to jump out of paddocks, or have run on to roads, endangering themselves and motorists,” New Zealand Veterinary Association spokesperson Sally Cory has said.Momentum for a ban is growing, the SPCA said.“This year, more people have signed petitions calling for a ban on the private sale of fireworks than ever before, with a combined 95,354 signatories between the three petitions currently under consideration of the Petitions Select Committee,” Sumner said.“This clearly demonstrates that previous actions have not been adequate in addressing the concerns of the public; the status quo is not tenable.”But others who sell fireworks disagree with a complete ban, and call for more responsible use.“We believe there is a small minority of people who would like to see a ban on the sale of fireworks,” York said.“If retail fireworks were banned this would cause significant harm to our business and others. It would also cause harm to the hundreds of people and families that sell fireworks around the country. This includes many charities, fund raising events etc.”It’s hard to get a firm picture of how many people support a ban, although a 2023 survey commissioned by AA Insurance showed that 53 percent of those surveyed supported a ban for recreational use, while an additional 20 percent wanted to go further and have fireworks banned entirely.So what will happen with these petitions?A hearing which will combine all three fireworks petitions will be heard on 6 November, the day after Guy Fawkes Night.“It’s just coincidence but I did think that was an appropriate time to be holding it,” Fleming said, laughing.The petitions committee would make a report to sum up the hearings and make a recommendation to the House on possible action, if any.The SPCA’s Sumner said 13 petitions have been presented in the past to Parliament.“Previous committees considering the petitions in recent years chose to make no recommendation, allowing the status quo to continue,” she said.“Despite assurances from the Petition Select Committee in 2021 that private sales of fireworks would decrease, there was an increase in sales, and subsequently an increase in fires and service calls to the NZ Police relating to fireworks.”Still, SPCA has sent in a submission on this latest petition.“We will be attending the hearing for this petition to advocate support of a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks in New Zealand,” Sumner said.Fleming said he personally has come around to the idea of a ban of some sort, and expressed willingness to potentially support a member’s bill on the subject.“We should review these with the idea in mind that maybe we end the … retail sale of fireworks and instead have that you’ve got to be a licensed operator to be able to purchase them.“And we could extend that license to people like schools or other public bodies … and I think that would also mean that you could protect fireworks for things like Diwali.”He felt there was still an appetite for change from some MPs in the Coalition.“My side of the house tends to have a little more libertarian view… but I would say even on my side of the House from the conversations I’ve had I reckon the majority are leaning towards saying, yeah let’s have a serious look at this.”Fleming also floated the idea of a conscience vote, in which MPs are officially not bound to vote along party lines.Sumner said “we need more leadership from government on this issue”.“SPCA urges the Petition Committee to recommend legislation be developed to ban the private sale and use of fireworks. Such a ban would not impact the use of fireworks at controlled and publicly notified events.“A member’s bill may be an alternative way forward, however, these bills rely on being lucky enough to be drawn from the ballot … and may sit for years never being drawn at all. New Zealanders have already waited long enough for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks.”Are people using fireworks less?According to a December 2024 report from the Ministry of Environment, not really – and the number of fireworks coming into the country has gone sharply up.The report found:A total of 575,544kg of fireworks were imported in 2023 (around a 52 percent increase when compared with the 378,134kg of fireworks imported in 2022)One hundred and six fires were reported to be caused by fireworks in 2023 (around a 58 percent increase on the prior year which had a total of 67 incidents)A total of 341 new claims to ACC for fireworks-related injuries in 2023 (an increase of 92 injuries)A total of 1572 service calls to NZ Police relating to fireworks (around a 124 percent increase on the prior year)The report said overall it saw “an increasing trend in the quantity of fireworks imported, along with fireworks-related fires, calls to the police and fireworks-related injuries in the short term,” but that there had actually been an overall decline in firework-related incidents since 2000.“The majority of kiwis still purchase fireworks and use these responsibly,” York said. “It is seen as a start of summer event and a great way for families to spend time together, have a barbecue and some fun in their own backyard. It has been a tradition in NZ for decades.”How do people really feel about fireworks, anyway?One big source of irritation for many is fireworks going off long outside the Guy Fawkes or Diwali celebration periods, often for weeks on end. A Facebook page called “Ban the Boom NZ” has more than 15,000 members.This year Diwali, the Hindu Festival of lights which is arranged by the lunar calendar, fell close to Guy Fawkes around 20 October, which means fireworks have been heard from mid-October on.“New Zealand is now a very multicultural country and some of these cultures like to celebrate events such as Chinese New Year and Diwali,” York said. “With the growing population of the Indian community in NZ the demand for fireworks is increasing for Diwali.“The fireworks you see going off at other times of the year are from people who buy these during the four-day sales period and keep them for other events.”“People using fireworks at all hours of the night can be an issue,” York agreed.The idea of restricting fireworks to public displays only has also gained some traction.York said a retail sales ban would impact fireworks sellers’ overall ability to do business, however.“Retail fireworks make up over 95 percent of our business. Without retail fireworks we would no longer be in a position to do firework displays. Many of these are funded by our business selling retail fireworks.“For example our long-running display for Taupaki School, that we have been doing for them as a fundraiser for 38 years. This event draws in over 12,000 people each year and without retail fireworks this event would no longer exist. This is a major fundraising event and there are also many other businesses that attend and make revenue from this, such as the 30-plus food vendors.“Retail fireworks essentially props up the display firework market. There are simply not enough sponsors or councils willing to pay for displays.”Sumner said the SPCA supports public displays which would avoid harming animals.“We acknowledge that many New Zealanders include firework displays when celebrating special occasions such as Matariki, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Guy Fawkes. We are supportive of efforts to minimise the impact of fireworks such as controlled and notified public firework displays, which allow communities to celebrate while minimising harm on animals.”Fleming said ultimately, responsible use of fireworks comes down to people being mindful of others – but that’s easier said than done sometimes.“There is one way and that’s for neighbours to be considerate but that’s not the world in which I inhabit.”The issue of fireworks bans won’t be resolved this year, but Fleming said it could still reach some kind of critical mass.“There’s been plenty of things over the years that their time has eventually come … If they can hit a tipping point I think this one definitely could.”

The Government will back the biggest Hauraki Gulf restoration in a generation with up to $26m in public and private investment to revive marine life, support jobs, and improve access for families across Auckland, including the Hibiscus Coast.At the heart is the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Act, creating 19 new protected areas so reefs, kelp forests, and marine life can recover while people still enjoy the water. Twelve are high protection areas, five protect seafloor habitats, and two extend existing marine reserves. The Department of Conservation is allocating $10.5m over four years to stand up these new protections.Tourism infrastructure gets a lift too. The Government is putting $6m from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy into upgrades on Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi, and Kawau. More than 150,000 people visit these islands each year, so safer wharves, better tracks, and improved water systems aim to make access easier for families, schools, and tour operators.A major philanthropic drive led by the NEXT Foundation will add up to $20m over five years for reef restoration.Starting with $2m for pilot projects around Little Barrier Island, the Noises, and a research programme at Motutapu with mana whenua, the University of Auckland, and the Department of Conservation. The work focuses on clearing urchins from barren reefs to allow kelp forests to regrow, boosting biodiversity and fish stocks. “Divers and local experts will clear urchins from damaged reefs, giving kelp a chance to regrow, and creating underwater forests that bring back fish, crayfish, and shellfish,” Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Within a couple of years, those reefs will be teeming with life again, real results for our moana and for the people who depend on it.”The plan builds on recent private efforts to seed millions of shellfish in the Gulf and on prior IVL spending of $8.5m at hotspots such as Cathedral Cove and Goat Island, plus $1.5m for weed control on pest-free islands. Officials say the Gulf contributes more than $5b a year to the economy, so restoring it is both an environmental and local livelihoods win for communities from the North Shore to the Hibiscus Coast.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

International Internet Day is today, October 29, and locals are more connected than ever. The day marks the 1969 moment a UCLA researcher sent the first network message to Stanford, when only “LO” from “LOGIN” got through before a crash. It’s a simple start to what became the modern internet, now central to work, learning, and daily life on the Hibiscus Coast.Globally, around 5.64 billion people use the internet in 2025, about 68.7% of the world’s population. Mobile rules how people connect, with about 4.32 billion users on phones. Roughly 96.3% of internet users go online by mobile, and more than 64% of website traffic now comes from mobile.The internet’s daily pull is clear. Users average 6 hours and 39 minutes online each day, including about 2 hours and 32 minutes on social media. Growth continues, though slower than in the past, with 136 million more users added in 2024, or roughly 370,000 people per day.Traffic concentrates on a handful of giants. In 2025, the most visited sites are Google (97.23 billion monthly visits), YouTube (44.49 billion), Facebook (9.16 billion), ChatGPT (5.43 billion), and Instagram (5.34 billion).New Zealand sits near the top for access. At the start of 2025, about 5.03 million people were online, a 96.2% penetration rate. Household access is even higher at an estimated 97.4%. There were 6.03 million active mobile connections, equal to 115% of the population because many people carry more than one device.For everyday habits, the average New Zealander spends about 3 hours online for personal use. Time varies by age. Sixty-seven percent of those aged 18–29 spend four or more hours online daily, compared with 53% for those aged 30–39. For Coast businesses, clubs, and schools, that attention is an opportunity, as long as privacy, security, and digital inclusion stay front of mind.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Lawyers say elderly couples married for more than 50 years and applying for visas are being asked to prove their relationship is real with WhatsApp chats.They want reform of partnership visas and a different approach to what evidence is requested by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)."They are asking for chat messages between 70-year-olds," said immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar. "There's no balance there, and there's no actual holistic assessment of that individual application. And especially when you're asked to provide such evidence for those who are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and have lived together for the last 60 years of their lives."They are asked, 'Why is there no evidence of chat logs or messages or call logs between the two of you? If it's genuine and stable relationship evidence, show me texts that you send each other.' They don't send each other texts, they see each other every day. It's a relationship. They're living the relationship."Partnership visa criteria prioritised proofs such as shared assets and joint utility bills, which was also not possible for some applicants."It's a thought process that is both Western-centric and stuck in time. It's a mix of both. It is expecting there to be the possibility and the ability for people to be named on documents together. It doesn't take into account things like in some parts of the world, women can't own land. Therefore, you're not going to have shared assets."It is also expecting culturally arranged marriages to happen as they did 30, 40, 50 years ago and not realising they've also developed into something different now. I feel like they really haven't caught up in a certain way."Immigration minister wouldn't qualifyAbout 12,000 people had temporary partnership visas issued since July, and last year almost 14,000 people were granted residence as partners of New Zealanders.The problem cropped up for various visas, including parent visas, or when elderly relatives who arranged marriages for children or grandchildren were asked to show how the arrangement came about."The old granny's not on WhatsApp sending messages to this other old granny and another family," said immigration lawyer Stewart Dalley. "They're meeting, they're talking about it. But what INZ wants is the WhatsApp conversation with the old grannies that does not exist."Partnership visas needed reform, including the requirement for couples to maintain one residence, he added."It doesn't take into account how a lot of people work. I mean, it doesn't even take into account how the minister of immigration works. The minister works in Wellington four days a week. Is she no longer in a relationship with her husband and children because they don't live together seven days a week, because she's got a separate house in Wellington that she uses for legitimate business at Parliament?"But according to Immigration New Zealand, if she was to apply for a visa, she would not be living together with her husband because they're maintaining two separate houses. Clearly that's stupid. And nobody thinks that. But [INZ] thinks that because that's what the policy says. So there needs to be a change to recognise modern ways of living."Immigration Minister Erica Stanford Photo: Kim Baker Wilson / RNZReligious, cultural and practical reasons could prevent genuine partners from living together for 12 months before they apply for a visa, he added.Immigration NZ visa director Jock Gilray said evidence of a genuine and stable relationship will depend on each relationship, and officers consider "whatever evidence a couple can provide"."This might be, for example, documents showing shared accommodation. The immigration officer will need to be satisfied the couple is living together before an application can be approved. We recognise that applicants may have varied or limited evidence, depending on their unique circumstances."Factors include the duration of the relationship, the couple's common residence, their financial interdependence, children and public recognition of their relationship.Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said last year culturally arranged marriage visas were not fit for purpose.INZ policy manager Siân Roguski told the annual NZAMI conference on Friday its work programme for next year included looking at either visa policy for spouses in culturally arranged marriages or victims of family violence.

The Government will overhaul aged care funding, with a new Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend fixes by mid-2026, a move that could affect services used by many Hibiscus Coast families.Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Health Minister Simeon Brown say the goal is better outcomes for the 900,000 New Zealanders over 65 and a fair, sustainable system. “Essentially, our aged care model is out of date and piecemeal change isn’t the solution,” Ms Costello says. “We want a system that provides the right type of care in the right place… that’s fair, and that is sustainable and will endure as our population ages.”The independent Group will report on three areas: a funding model that keeps services sustainable, including a reliable supply of standard aged care beds; how costs should be shared between people receiving care and the Government; and how to better connect aged care with health and disability support services.Mr Brown says the task is to identify the changes needed to build the system New Zealand requires. “Ensuring a sustainable supply of standard aged care beds is critical to ensuring all New Zealanders have the care they need as they age,” he says.The Government expects recommendations by mid-2026 and changes to the funding model from 2027. Ministers also stress a bipartisan approach, with this work continuing reviews started under the previous government and supported by a select committee inquiry.While long-term reform is developed, the Government says it has boosted sector funding by $270m over the past two years to relieve pressure and improve services. For the Hibiscus Coast, the focus on bed supply, clearer navigation, and support to stay at home if possible are likely to shape how local families access and move between levels of care.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Labour plans a 28% gains tax on most property sales from 1 July 2027, excluding family homes and farms.You pay capital gains tax only when you sell an asset for more than you paid. The taxable gain is the sale price minus what you paid and allowable costs. Holding an asset does not trigger tax.If this plan takes effect, Coasties selling rentals or other investment properties from 1 July 2027 would face a 28% tax on profit. Family homes would remain out of scope, as would farms.Key points:• Applies on sale, not while you hold.• Rate: 28% on the profit from eligible property.• Exclusions: family homes and farms.• Start date proposed: 1 July 2027.What it could change locally: timing. Some owners may weigh selling before the start date, keeping properties longer, or budgeting for tax at sale. Retirees planning to downsize an investment, parents freeing equity to help adult children, and small landlords reviewing cash flow will all need to run the numbers.Simple example: buy an investment property for $900k, sell later for $1m. Ignoring costs, the $100k gain would face a 28% tax, leaving $72k after tax. If you do not sell, no tax is due.For the Hibiscus Coast, where many households hold one rental as a nest egg, the after-tax return from a sale could be lower than expected after 1 July 2027. Plans to renovate, refinance, or sell may shift accordingly.Bottom line for Coasties: no sale, no tax. Sell an eligible property on or after 1 July 2027 and the profit would be taxed at 28% under Labour’s plan.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast motorists using State Highway 1 will see traffic management near Wellsford as Watercare’s $38.3m wastewater plant upgrade pushes ahead, lifting treatment standards and preparing for growth.Foundational works are wrapped and wetland planting is underway at the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant, which began its upgrade in November last year. The project introduces Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor and Membrane Bioreactor technologies to improve the quality of treated wastewater discharged into the Hōteo River.Watercare wastewater production manager Kenny Williamson says these processes treat wastewater to a much higher standard. “These treatment processes are highly effective at removing organic matter and nutrients, largely thanks to the microorganisms, or ‘bugs’, that do the heavy lifting. We simply create the right conditions for them to thrive.”He says membranes remove pathogens, and any that pass through are treated with ultraviolet disinfection so the final discharge meets stringent environmental standards.The upgrade supports future growth in Wellsford and Te Hana. Capacity lifts to about 3200 people, with design allowances for later expansion. “Wellsford is expected to be home to around 5000 people by 2052,” Williamson says.Construction is moving quickly, with most interconnecting pipework, valves and instrumentation well underway. Watercare chief programme delivery officer Suzanne Lucas says a seven-metre-diameter timber tank is installed to store water for firefighting, which is important given the plant’s relatively remote location. Work is advancing on the inlet section and the two-storey process building.A 1.3-hectare wetland around the site is being restored with native plants that help filter water naturally, stabilise soil and prevent erosion. “So far, we’ve replanted about 70 per cent of the wetland,” Lucas says. By month’s end, 15,718 plants are expected to be in the ground.Desludging of the oxidation pond is due in the coming months. Cold commissioning is planned for early next year, with the upgraded plant targeted to be in service by the middle of next year. Traffic management remains in place approximately 300 metres on either side of the site entrance on State Highway 1, around 2.5km outside Wellsford, to manage high truck movements. “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to increase the plant’s capacity and ensure its long-term sustainability,” Lucas says.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A general practitioner warns the country's hospitals and doctor clinics are already strained, and would not cope with a measles outbreak.On Thursday, healthcare workers were part of a nationwide strike, concerned that poor working conditions and staff shortages were putting patients at risk.Eight cases of measles have been confirmed and health officials have warned of the risk of an outbreak.Immunisation Advisory Centre senior adviser Mamaeroa David said hospitals and family doctors would not cope, if there was an outbreak."Our hospital systems are overwhelmed and not coping already, and as a GP in the community, our waiting times are 3-4 weeks," David said. "I've been a GP for 11 years and it has never been that long."The perfect storm continues to build and it's frightening. My biggest concern is we're going to start actually losing children to measles this round."In 2019, a series of measles outbreaks resulted in more than 2000 people contracting the virus and more than 700 needing hospital care.Auckland was the worst-hit region with 1736 cases.The consequences were devastating for Samoa, when a person contagious with measles travelled there, resulting in 5700 cases and 83 deaths."Some of those were children in the same family, so it was horrific," David said. "They're kind of erased from our memory, because then COVID-19 came along... but I have not forgotten that and my colleagues at Middlemore Hospital have not forgotten that outbreak."She said, if there was another measles outbreak and people could not get prompt appointments with their family doctor, more people would need hospital care."We can't always predict which children will get sick or unwell. These kiddies need 24-hour care to get them through the worst and out the other side."It takes a lot of care to look after kids with measles."A Ministry of Health update to the Minister of Health Simeon Brown on measles preparedness in May said vaccine coverage was below the level required to prevent widespread outbreaks.At least 95 percent coverage is needed to achieve herd immunity, which prevents community spread, but the latest stats show 82 percent of the population are covered.The update also said there were other gaps and the country was at "high risk" of an outbreak that would put pressure on the health system."Given existing pressures across the system, it remains likely that a large and/or prolonged epidemic would create considerable pressure on the health system that would likely require additional funding and redirection of existing resources."The update said improving immunisation had been a key focus area.David said a vaccination drive was needed to make immunisation against measles accessible for all communities."The No.1 resource that we need to be pouring into is vaccination. Those community days, weekends and after-hours vaccination services that we did during COVID are very much what we need everywhere."She said the vaccine was safe to administer, including to babies at six months."We have a very effective vaccine that will stop these kids from getting measles."I don't want to imagine the nightmare of another 2019 outbreak, the number of children who would have needed intensive care... and the enormous fear we're not going to get away with a zero death rate this time."

Dialysis patients on the North Shore and in West Auckland will soon have better access to life-saving treatment, with 35 upgraded machines and new evening dialysis sessions rolling out, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.The Community Dialysis Centre in Albany will receive 21 of the new machines, while 14 have already been installed at Waitākere Hospital. The upgrades replace older equipment and make it easier for patients to receive treatment closer to home, especially for those commuting from the Hibiscus Coast.Evening dialysis will also be introduced at Waitākere, giving patients more flexibility to fit treatment around work, family, and daily life.“By extending operating hours, we’re not only reducing pressure on daytime capacity but offering greater flexibility for those juggling work, family, and other commitments,” Mr Brown says.The new dialysers offer “Haemodiafiltration-like” treatment that’s more effective and better tolerated, with fewer side effects such as low blood pressure.Mr Brown says improving dialysis access across the North Shore and West Auckland strengthens the region’s health system. “It provides life-saving, flexible, and patient-centred care, allowing more New Zealanders to receive treatment closer to home.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you’ve been dreaming about putting up a garden shed, sleepout, or small garage on the Hibiscus Coast, it just got a whole lot simpler.New setback rules have kicked in, meaning you can now build single-storey detached buildings closer to your boundary without needing building consent. The old rule—where a shed had to be as far from your fence as it was tall—has been scrapped.That means small sheds under 10 square metres can now sit right up to the boundary, and larger ones between 10 and 30 square metres only need a one-metre gap.Regulation Minister David Seymour says the change came after hearing from frustrated homeowners through the Red Tape Tipline. “No one wants to put their shed in the middle of their lawn or pay for a consent to store tools,” he said.Building Minister Chris Penk added that it’s good news for property owners, builders, and local companies that make modular sheds and workshops. “We’re cutting bureaucracy so Kiwis can make practical improvements to their own backyards.”Homeowners will still need to follow the Building Code and local district plans, but the change makes smaller projects faster and cheaper to complete.So, if you’ve been putting off that shed project, now’s the time to dust off your plans.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.Auckland’s Armageddon Turns 30 With Epic LineupRead more →Labour Day Monday: Who’s Open, Who’s ClosedRead more →Silverdale Pioneer Festival Returns Bigger Than EverRead more →Big Manly, Tindalls: New Rules for Dog WalkersRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

Police are warning Hibiscus Coast businesses to stay alert after several recent attempts to obtain goods fraudulently.Detective Sergeant Mark Renfree from Waitematā CIB says there have been four cases in recent weeks where someone has called hardware-type stores, placed large orders, and tried to charge them to a legitimate company’s account.“Once approved, the scammer has sent an Uber driver to collect the items,” he says. “They’re not only committing fraud, but dragging innocent drivers into it.”The investigation is ongoing, but Police say the pattern is clear and local businesses should take steps to protect themselves.“Our message is simple: don’t allow anyone to charge items to an account without verifying them and obtaining identification,” says Detective Sergeant Renfree. “Anyone purchasing goods should know the company details they’re charging to.”Police recommend businesses:Verify all phone orders, especially from unknown callersCross-check contact details with official recordsHold goods until the order is confirmed by a known contactReport suspicious activity to Police“Be vigilant and cross-check all details,” Renfree says. “And most importantly, don’t hand over anything until you’re sure it’s correct.”Suspicious behaviour can be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Kiwis will soon be able to build granny flats up to 70 square metres without needing a building consent, following new legislation passed this week to unlock more housing options.RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop says the change cuts through red tape to make it faster and cheaper for families to add small dwellings on their properties.“It’s currently far too hard to build the homes New Zealanders need, with even the simplest dwellings requiring complicated and costly consent processes,” he says.The exemption, part of the Government’s Q4 Action Plan, is designed to boost supply and lower living costs by adding roughly 13,000 new granny flats nationwide over the next decade. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says it’s also a win for the construction sector. “Local councils will be freed up to focus their attention on more complex building work where the need for inspection and thorough consenting is much greater.”The new rule will apply to simple standalone dwellings meeting Building Code standards and built by authorised professionals. Homeowners will still need to notify councils before and after construction.On the Hibiscus Coast, the change could open doors for families wanting to house relatives, support young adults, or create extra income through small rentals.The exemption takes effect in early 2026, with official templates and guidance due out before summer so homeowners can start planning now.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties who’ve made the trip to Albany since Popeyes opened there in July 2025 won’t have to travel much longer.The fast-food chain has confirmed a new restaurant for Dairy Flat, bringing its world-famous Louisiana-style fried chicken, biscuits, and sides closer to the Hibiscus Coast.Popeyes first arrived in New Zealand in 2024 and has quickly become a hit, with fans lining up for hours at each new launch.Founded in New Orleans in 1972, the brand now operates more than 4,300 restaurants worldwide and 10 across New Zealand, with another 10 expected to open in 2026.The new Dairy Flat store is already hiring, with job listings live now at popeyes.careercentre.net.nzApplications close Saturday, October 25.That means it won’t be long before those unmistakable orange boxes and southern flavours become part of the local food mix.Perfect for Coasties looking for a new dinner option after the school run or weekend sport.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Ingka Investments, the parent company of furniture giant Ikea, has bought 10,000 hectares of production forestry in Northland from Greenheart Group.It takes the company's investment in the country's forestland to nearly 30,000 hectares, worth about $616 million.This includes nine existing forestry blocks planted in mostly pinus radiata, and an additional 3000ha of indigenous forest, most of which will be dedicated to biodiversity conservation and other environmental purposes.It comes as Ikea plans to open its first New Zealand store in Auckland in December.Forestland acquisition manager Simon Honour said its main focus was production forestry as opposed to carbon farming, and had hopes of using the timber for Ikea products."Obviously wood is an essential part of the Ikea identity and our ultimate goal is to get that wood into the Ikea supply chain."He said it would focus on domestic processing and was working to develop relationships with local sawmills and traders, though he did not rule out looking to develop their own further down the track.Honour said most of the forestland was not eligible for carbon units.Where blocks are registered under the Emissions Trading Scheme, or ETS, he said this helped quantify how many units are being sequestered and the carbon units are not traded."We have no focus on carbon whatsoever, and we have a pure timber focus."Overseas Investment Office figures from last year show Ingka Investments had bought about 19,200ha of farmland to turn into rotational pine forests.Some of the more prominent sales included Huiarua Station and Matanui Station in the Gisborne region, with a combined area of just over 6000ha.Honour acknowledged much of the land purchased by Ingka Investments since 2021 was farmland converted to forestry."Even from the start, if we could buy forests we would have. Unfortunately they don't come up for sale that often."We wanted to get established in New Zealand and at that time, back in 2021, acquiring farms was a way to do that."He said there were "pros and cons" to establishing new forestry blocks."Creating forests from the start where you can set your riparian zones, your set back from waterways right from the start does have some benefits."He would not rule out purchasing future farms for conversion, but said it was not Ingka's focus for now."We would much rather procure existing forests because it just fits with our values better."He said the strategic acquisition underscored Ingka Investments' long-term commitment to responsible forest management, sustainable land stewardship and regional economic development.Addressing farmer concerns about the risk of fire and pests on forestland, Honour said management plans were in place for both.Planned restoration projects focused on indigenous reforestation, and enhancement of existing native vegetation will be complemented by ongoing pest-control programs designed to safeguard biodiversity, improve forest health, and support the long-term success of restoration efforts.While pinus radiata will remain the dominant commercial species due to its proven performance, future replanting cycles will selectively introduce alternative species where appropriate.This diversification strategy will strengthen ecosystem resilience, support biodiversity, and improve overall forest health.The Northland forests were certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and would remain so.New Zealand's first Ikea opens in December. Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziHonour said a commercial production forest contributed to regional employment and he hoped to grow the number of Northland jobs.Local forestry company, Northland Forest Managers, would continue daily operations.Manager Neil Geerkens said he looked forward to the partnership."Together, we will maintain sustainable harvesting practices, enhance biodiversity conservation and ensure continued community access, delivering enduring environmental, social, and economic benefits for the region."The acquisition was subject to OIO approval, and shareholder and regulatory approvals by Greenheart Group.Kelvin Meredith, Ingka Investments' forestland country manager New Zealand, said it was committed to responsible forest management, including restoring natural landscapes, supporting biodiversity and collaborating with local communities to create meaningful, lasting impact."People value recreational access to these forests, and we're committed to ensuring these opportunities continue."The Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park, located at Baylys Forest and operated by the Kaipara Cycling Club, will continue to be free to access by the public, subject to seasonal safety restrictions.Seasonal beehives located on parts of the estate, operated in consultation with the landowner, will also remain in place to support local apiarists and contribute to biodiversity across the forest landscape.

Making plans?Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast. From live music and local markets to family fun and outdoor adventures.Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club 75th Reunion WeekendFri 24 - Sun 26 OctClick here for more details Armageddon ExpoFri 24 - Mon 27 OctClick here for more details Hoedown at the RanchSun 26 OctClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Got an event coming up? List it free today.

Coasties might fancy a bubbly start to the weekend today, as October 24 marks Global Champagne Day, the annual toast to France’s most famous sparkling wine.First created by Californian wine tutor Chris Oggenfuss in 2009, the day has since become a worldwide celebration of craftsmanship, elegance and connection. It’s all about pausing to appreciate Champagne, the only sparkling wine legally allowed to carry that name, made exclusively in France’s Champagne region through the traditional méthode champenoise.From royal banquets to backyard barbecues, Champagne has long symbolised joy and togetherness. Its history stretches back to the 13th century, though it wasn’t until the 17th that it really began to fizz in popularity.While still growing in profile here, Global Champagne Day is catching on across New Zealand, with restaurants and bottle stores offering tasting events and specials.So whether you’re unwinding at home in Orewa or clinking glasses with friends in Manly, it’s a fine excuse to celebrate life’s sparkling moments. To friendship. To love. To life.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Biosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders, including those on the Hibiscus Coast, to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets after a queen was found building a nest in Glenfield. The nest was removed on 17 October before a colony could establish, says Mike Inglis, North Commissioner for Biosecurity New Zealand.“This is the first time we’ve found a queen yellow-legged hornet in New Zealand,” Mr Inglis says. “We responded quickly to this threat, but we need the public’s help to eliminate any further risk.”Two male hornets were spotted earlier this year in Grafton and Albany, so officers are keen to confirm there are no others around. The species is a serious biosecurity concern because it preys on bees, wasps, and flies, threatening local ecosystems and horticulture.“It’s a highly adaptable predator,” Mr Inglis says. “It also feeds on ripe fruit and flower nectar, posing a risk to growers and competing with native insects and birds.”The yellow-legged hornet is not established in New Zealand, and officials want to keep it that way.Coast residents who think they’ve seen one are urged to photograph it and report sightings at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling the Biosecurity New Zealand exotic pest hotline on 0800 80 99 66.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.