If you're in the market for a new house, you might be wondering what to offer on any you're interested in.Do you offer the asking price? Try to cut 10 percent off? How hard do you negotiate?As new data from Realestate.co.nz shows a 1.5 percent dip in average asking price in January, Cotality has confirmed that the gap between what sellers are asking and buyers are willing to pay appears to be shrinking.Chief economist Kelvin Davidson said, excluding auctions, the median discount that buyers paid on the original list price of properties sold in 2025 was 3.8 percent.It was 4.2 percent in 2024, 4.6 percent in 2023, 5.1 percent in 2022 and 2.9 percent in 2021.Gisborne had the biggest discount, at 5.9 percent. That was followed by Northland at 5.5 percent and the West Coast at 5 percent. Taranaki had the smallest, at 3.1 percent.Davidson said that could be affected by sellers in Taranaki setting more reasonable asking prices to start with."In some ways it's a marketing tool. You're never quite sure if someone is just hoping for too much of whether they're actually setting a reasonable asking price or what their true motivations might be."Over time the availability of information to both sellers and buyers has widened. Any time, anybody can look up a free valuation estimate or you could come to Cotality, for example, and pay for a higher grade one but either way that information is widely available. It suggests that the chances vendors can sneak an above-market asking price in there have probably reduced because everybody's got the same information and they are going to know what' s unrealistic."I guess it applies to buyers as well …the chances putting in a sneaky 10 percent under offer and getting it accepted are also reduced because maybe asking prices are more realistic to start with."The scope for an excessive price is probably reduced but at the same time the scope for buyers to get a sneaky deal is probably reduced."The data does not include properties that went to auction.Property prices have been broadly flat in recent years even as vendor discounts have reduced, suggesting it is sellers who have shifted their expectations."The longer the flat patch goes on the more people are saying 'I just want to get this done I'll set a more reasonable asking price'," Davidson said."I think if you're a market watcher, maybe you've been thinking about selling, maybe you held back because you thought 'oh the market might pick up I'll wait'. Now you might not necessarily be… you have to sell at some point. I think in general the fact those discounts have been slowly trending down suggests people are just being a bit more realistic than they might have been a few years ago."Realestate.co.nz said national stock levels rose 2.3 percent year-on-year in January, the first time the number of available properties for sale hit more than 33,000 in January since 2014.Gisborne led the pack, with a 15.1 percent increase in available stock.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

For Hibiscus Coast drivers, AMI Insurance claims data shows the Toyota Aqua is New Zealand’s most stolen car for the fourth straight year.AMI says it received more than 9,000 claims for vehicle theft and attempted theft in 2025, across more than 760 makes and models.The Toyota Aqua made up 8% of all stolen vehicle claims, followed by the Toyota Corolla (7%) and the Nissan Tiida (6%).AMI says Aquas are disproportionately targeted. It recorded 54 theft claims per 1,000 insured Aquas, compared with 15 per 1,000 insured Corollas.Auckland is the top region for vehicle theft claims, followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and Bay of Plenty.AMI says nearly nine in ten stolen vehicles were older than 10 years, which it links to older locking systems that are easier to compromise.AMI Executive General Manager Claims Steph Ferris says claim volumes have been relatively lower since a peak in 2023, which she links to lower crime rates, improved security in newer vehicles, and people being more mindful about where they park.AMI says about 64% of stolen vehicles are recovered. It says 40% of recovered vehicles are repairable, with the rest typically written off and auctioned for parts.AMI’s top 10 stolen cars listToyota AquaToyota CorollaNissan TiidaMazda DemioToyota VitzToyota HiluxSubaru ImprezaMazda AtenzaToyota Mark XMazda AxelaGet the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland's mayor says the government's proposed legislation to cap rates rises is "ridiculous" and "nonsense".The government wants councils to limit annual rates increases and is seeking feedback on a rates cap.At Tuesday's full Auckland Council meeting, Wayne Brown put on a cap saying 'RATES' in a self-described move to mock the proposal.He said the rates cap plan was a "fascinating piece of nonsense from Wellington"."I shall put my rates cap on while we mock this piece of ridiculous legislation," Brown told the Council meeting."And I have a can of baked beans here which represents the amount of saving [over] a month that ratepayers will get, as a result of this fine work."The council opposes the cap on the grounds it is not an effective tool to provide affordability and would result in more debt."Auckland ratepayers are unlikely to achieve the savings estimated by central government of $2.79 a month for each household, or the cost of a can of baked beans as noted by some commentators," council's manager of financial strategy and modelling violet bird said in a report."This assessment from the government excluded Auckland Council from its calculations due to the council's 'moderate rates forecast' and size."Ratepayers 'fed up', Luxon saysPrime Minister Christopher Luxon previously said ratepayers were "fed up"."They're tired of having to prudently manage their own budgets while rates continue to go up, only to see their local council fail to demonstrate the same fiscal discipline."He said the government was not considering allowing councils to raise revenue through a levy on tourists, like a bed tax."We want councils to be focused on the money that they've got and make sure they're doing a much better job of managing it. Some councils are doing a really good job, some councils are doing a very very poor job."Consultation on the changes opened immediately, and was set to close in February 2026 with the legislation expecting to be passed by the end of that year.In December, the government announced it wanted councils to limit rates rises and more detail was released later that month, leaving councils a short runway to prepare a response.The rates rise cap would likely start with minimum increases of two percent and a maximum of four percent, with the cap taking effect from 1 January 2027.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland led the national lift in new homes consented in 2025, accounting for more than half of New Zealand’s annual increase, according to new data from Stats NZ.There were 36,619 new homes consented nationwide in the year ended December 2025, up 9.0 percent on the previous year. Auckland recorded 15,617 consents, a 12 percent annual increase and the highest of any region.Stats NZ economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said Auckland continued to hold a large share of national building activity.The national increase was supported by a shift toward medium-density housing. In 2025, 16,139 townhouses, flats, and units were consented, up 14 percent, alongside 2,359 apartments, up 19 percent. Stand-alone house consents rose more modestly, increasing 5.4 percent to 16,635 homes.More than half of Auckland’s new homes consented over the year were multi-unit dwellings, reflecting ongoing pressure to build up rather than out.While the highest consent numbers sit elsewhere in Auckland, demand for housing continues to flow north, supporting further medium-density development around Silverdale, Orewa, and Whangaparaoa as infrastructure and transport projects come online.On a population basis, Auckland consented 8.6 new homes per 1,000 residents. Canterbury and Otago recorded the highest per-capita rates nationally, each at just over 10 new dwellings per 1,000 residents, compared with a national average of 6.9.Stats NZ says consent levels remain sensitive to construction costs, financing conditions, and population growth, with medium-density housing playing a growing role in meeting demand.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

A New Zealand-founded AI education platform has raised $2.3m to expand a tool designed to reduce teacher burnout worldwide.Teacher’s Buddy, created by entrepreneurs Matt Abraham and Ben Sze, helps teachers cut workload by automating lesson planning, assessment, marking, and report writing while staying aligned to curriculum requirements.The company has secured $2.3m in trans-Tasman seed funding led by Soul Capital and Australia-based Giant Leap, following rapid uptake across more than 130 countries in its first 18 months.The platform uses AI to generate differentiated lesson plans, assessments, planning documents, and personalised learning materials. It can align content with Te Reo language preferences, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, and curriculum values, while supporting neurodiverse learners, English language learners, and students at different ability levels.Data from the company shows teachers using the platform save an average of two hours each day, time that can be redirected to face-to-face work with students. Research cited by the founders shows New Zealand teachers report higher stress levels than the OECD average, with one third saying they experience stress frequently and full-time teachers averaging 47.5 hours a week.Abraham says the platform was built after nearly a decade on the board of trustees at his children’s school in Northland, where he saw first-hand the pressure teachers face. More than 25 schools across New Zealand are already adopting, trialling, or contributing to the platform.For Hibiscus Coast students, reduced teacher admin time can mean more one-to-one support in the classroom.Many local students attend schools grappling with the same workload pressures seen nationwide, and tools that free teacher time can support more individual attention in the classroom.Soul Capital venture principal Jon Sandbrook says the education sector is caught between rising expectations and limited capacity, and that AI-enabled tools offer a chance to rethink how teachers are supported without losing sight of learner needs.Teacher’s Buddy is now preparing to launch a second-generation platform, including personalised professional development tools for teachers and a new extension allowing textbook publishers and education resource providers to license curriculum-aligned content into the system.The company aims to grow to more than 30,000 teachers and 200 school partners across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK within the next 12 months, with founders saying New Zealand will remain central to its long-term vision.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast job seekers will soon have a cheaper, simpler path to a full car licence. New figures suggest licence support is already helping more people into work.The Ministry of Social Development’s Driver Licence Support programme has exceeded its targets. It recorded 21,063 enrolments in the past year, ahead of a 19,000 target.Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says this matters because around 70 percent of jobs require a driver licence.The programme began in 2023. More than 34,000 licences have been issued since then.Nearly 40 percent of participants are aged 18 to 24. The overall pass rate is 82 percent.Upston says gaining a licence is often the turning point. It can open up shift work, traffic management roles, and jobs that involve travelling between sites.For Hibiscus Coast residents, that is a practical barrier. Many local roles in construction, trades, traffic management, care work, and logistics involve driving across Silverdale, Orewa, Whangaparaoa, and down the motorway to the North Shore or beyond.Alongside the support programme, the Government has confirmed the first major changes to New Zealand’s Graduated Driver Licensing System since 2011.Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the changes are designed to cut costs and complexity, while keeping road safety front and centre.Under the new system, drivers will no longer sit a second practical test to move from restricted to a full Class 1 car licence.For under 25s, the learner period will be 12 months. There will be an option to reduce this back to six months by recording practice hours or completing an approved practical course.Restricted licence periods will be 12 months for under 25s and six months for over 25s. There is no option to reduce the restricted period with a defensive driving course.The total cost of getting a full Class 1 licence will drop by $80. It will fall from $362.50 to $282.50.A zero-alcohol limit will apply to all learner and restricted drivers, regardless of age.Eyesight screenings will be required only at first application and at renewal. Oversight of training providers will be strengthened by NZ Transport Agency.Most changes take effect from Saturday, January 25, 2027. Until then, current rules remain.The Ministry of Transport will review the impact three years after implementation, including road safety, employment, and economic outcomes.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford says nationally consistent assessment and reporting starts this year in primary and intermediate schools.Students returning to classrooms in 2026 will be assessed and reported on using a single national framework.The change applies across primary and intermediate schools and is designed to give parents clearer, comparable information on how their children are progressing, regardless of which school they attend.The new system introduces nationally consistent reporting in reading, writing and maths, supported by twice-yearly progress check-ins.Parents will receive information on learning progress over time, attendance, phonics achievement, and clear guidance on next learning steps.Erica Stanford said parents have long asked for clearer reporting and that the new approach responds directly to that concern.She said consistent information helps parents play an active role in supporting learning at home and allows earlier support when students fall behind.The framework replaces an assessment system more than 20 years old.It was developed after consultation with principals and teachers, and trials in 85 schools involving about 12,000 student assessment engagements.Feedback from participating schools was reported as positive.The changes also reflect long-standing advice from the Education Review Office and the New Zealand Assessment Institute, which have both called for more reliable and consistent assessment data to support students and system-wide decision making.For Hibiscus Coast families, the practical impact is clearer, more comparable reports from local schools, even if children move between schools in Orewa, Silverdale, Whangaparaoa, or further afield.Parents will be able to see progress across the year, not just at a single reporting point.For students in Years 3–8, the second part of the change introduces twice-yearly progress check-ins using the new SMART progress monitoring tool.The Minister said the tool is designed to support teacher judgement, not replace it, and is intended to be low-stakes and light-touch.Consistent reporting across schools will also support targeted help for students.The Government is rolling out structured literacy and maths intervention teachers, expanding early intervention services, adding 800,000 teacher aide hours, and introducing new learning support coordinators and specialist staff this year.The Ministry says reporting on other learning areas, values and behaviour will continue as it does now, and schools can keep existing templates if they meet the new national expectations.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Vandalism appears to have struck the well-used bus stop on Silverdale Street.This morning, school students and public transport users were met with smashed glass panels piled inside the shelter.The glass appears to have been forced inward, with large sections collapsed onto the seating area, making the stop unsafe to use.There did not appear to be any obvious street-facing CCTV covering the stop, so anyone with nearby business cameras or dashcam footage is encouraged to report it to Police and Auckland Transport.Damage like this is often left unreported, which can delay clean-up and repairs.In this case, the damage has been logged.If you spot vandalism at a bus stop or other public transport facility, it can be reported directly to Auckland Transport via their online form.Reporting helps prioritise repairs, especially at stops used daily by students and commuters.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland households are staying put with their power companies despite falling satisfaction, new research shows.A consumer electricity survey by Entrust found satisfaction with electricity retailers dropped from 74 percent in 2018 to 64 percent in 2025. Over the same period, switching rates fell from 51 percent to 32 percent, with fewer households comparing plans or changing providers.Entrust says the trend suggests competition is not working as intended. Confidence among consumers that they are on the right electricity plan has declined, yet this has not led to more switching. Even when people do change retailer, results are mixed. Only 47 percent said they were more satisfied after switching, while 35 percent reported no difference.Entrust Chair Denise Lee says switching should be increasing, not falling, when satisfaction is dropping. She says the figures raise concerns about whether consumers are getting the benefits a competitive electricity market is meant to deliver, including lower prices.The findings align with monitoring data from the Electricity Authority, which shows residential switching peaked in 2018 and has declined since.For Hibiscus Coast households, the issue is practical. Power bills remain a major household cost, and lower switching rates mean fewer families may be accessing cheaper plans that could be available to them. With no local price relief built into the system, staying inactive can mean paying more than necessary over time.Entrust says improving competition is critical to making electricity more affordable for households and businesses, and to ensure consumers feel confident to shop around when prices rise.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Seven people, including pedestrians, have been injured after two cars collided in Whangaparāoa.A police spokesperson said the crash happened on the arterial route of Whangaparāoa Road, Manly, just before 4pm.The spokesperson said people have received minor injuries.Pedestrians were hit in the crash. Photo: RNZ/Nick MonroTwo Fire and Emergency crews were called to the scene. FENZ shift manager Paul Radden said on arrival, firefighters saw a crash involving pedestrians and two cars.One crew has since left, and one remained in attendance working alongside St John and the police.The road is closed while the scene is cleared.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

January felt unsettled, and the searches reflected it.Last month the top Google queries in New Zealand clustered around a few clear needs.Weather and news sat near the top.So did generic “how do I find this” behaviour, like looking up video, social, and forum sites.Then came the daily admin stack: maps, email, translation, quick calculations, and checking results for the national lottery.Money and compliance also featured, with people searching tax and currency conversions.Shopping intent showed up, but more as categories than cravings, with groceries, pharmacy and health buys, and home DIY running through the list.Sport and live entertainment spiked too, which is what you’d expect in a summer month when big events land.On the Hibiscus Coast App, behaviour is more task-led, with people opening local news, weather, events, and jobs to decide what to do next.The local business directory is rising too, which fits what people do when they are ready to call, visit, or book.Stats NZ says the Hibiscus Coast has 67,800 residents and 26,283 occupied homes, with 95% internet access.In our January GA4 data, 79.1% of the Hibiscus Coast App views were on a mobile device.So most of this “what do I do next” behaviour is happening on a phone.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

As February begins we enter the last weeks of summer. It's been a season of extremes, with record-breaking temperatures and heat warnings at the start being swept away by the devastating storms just after the new year began.Following the warmer, settled weekend, you could be excused for wondering if summer is making a comeback.The short answer is most likely, but it'll be a bit of a rollercoaster.What is coming?Niwa meteorologist Chris Brandolino said the start of February, although still uncertain, could bring dry clear weather for parts of the country."I think the theme for the next sort of probably week, maybe two weeks, is for much of the country, there is likely to be pretty dry conditions."That being said, Monday night and through to Tuesday will bring some rain for both islands before clearing out from Wednesday.The West Coast will be the first to get some rain which would then move to the east coast, particularly Canterbury."They could be seeing a really significant drop of rain, now ahead of that rain it'll be quite warm," Brandolino said.MetService had placed heavy rain watch on Fiordland and Westland south of Franz Josef Glacier until Monday.There is also a heavy rain watch in Marlborough south of Seddon and Canterbury north of the Rangitata River until Tuesday night.From Tuesday the South Island could see some cooler weather but in the upper north, Brandolino said it would be "grossly humid"."So Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Northland, Auckland, it is going to be a hot day."But a hot day does not mean a dry one because most of the North Island can expect "pockets of rain" on Monday and Tuesday."Because of that warmth and humidity, especially that tropical humidity, there could be some localised heavy showers. But it'll be localised, it won't be kind of a widespread thing."Despite the rocky start to the week, from Wednesday onwards most of the country was expected to have a "dry lean", with the exception of some rain in Southland.Temperatures on a roller coasterThe South Island was still in for a roller coaster ride with temperatures bouncing up and down.Brandolino used Christchurch as an example saying the temperature could hit 30 degrees on Monday, but could also struggle to hit 20 on Tuesday.Hawke's Bay was forecast to see 28 degrees on Monday and Auckland was set to heat up to 28 degrees."So this is the up and down sort of roller coaster weather pattern in terms of temperature that'll be especially prevalent for the South Island. The North Island will still see some variability, but it won't be as wildly as dramatic as the South Island.""The upper North Island, so places like Auckland, places like Northland, they're more likely to find kind of a steady, persistent sort of like summertime feel."Is La Nina still a thing?New Zealand is currently experiencing La Nina conditions.Brandolino said February and March have historically been the busiest times of the tropical cyclone season, irrespective of La Nina.The late summer period sees the warmest ocean temperatures around New Zealand and up to the north of the tropics."Warm water is fuel. You need more than that, of course, to get a tropical cyclone, but that's a key ingredient."When La Nina conditions are active, it plays a role in which areas are favoured to see tropical cyclones."What it does is it tilts the odds towards something developing between, say, Fiji and the Queensland coast."What about those storms brewing in the Pacific?Brandolino said there had been tropical activity in the pacific, particularly between Fiji and New Caledonia, which had the possibility of moving towards New Zealand and causing a rainy Waitangi Day weekend.The activity dissipated over the weekend, giving the country a much greater likelihood of a rain-free long weekend.The impact of this tropical activity will instead be a wave of humidity."So, the reason for the warmth and humidity for the North Island on Monday is because what is left over of that tropical low, let's call it, that was to our North, it's going to make its way over the North Island.""I would say Waitangi is looking promising for people who want to get outdoors from much of the country."Brandolino said with so much changeable weather on the horizon, it was important keep up to date with the latest forecasts.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland Council has desexed 1,000 dogs through its free pilot programme.The milestone is tied to efforts to cut roaming dogs, dog attacks, and pressure on shelters, while helping dogs live healthier lives. Auckland receives more than 15,000 reports of roaming dogs each year and more than 1,300 recorded dog attacks on people. Similar numbers of attacks on other animals are also reported annually.Animal Management manager Elly Waitoa said reducing the dog population is critical if Auckland wants fewer roaming dogs, fewer dog bites, and less strain on shelters. “Every dog desexed today prevents countless unwanted litters in the future,” she said.The programme has two initiatives. An in-house desexing clinic in Henderson was established in June 2025. A desexing voucher partnership with the SPCA launched in April 2025.The Henderson clinic is led by veterinarian Dr Roz Holland. The clinic removes a major barrier for many owners, cost, and includes a pick-up and drop-off service. The service mainly supports owners referred by shelter teams, animal management officers, and organisations already helping families who need extra support, such as assistance with food or veterinary care.The free service has also been offered in neighbourhoods with higher numbers of roaming dogs, with strong uptake. Dr Holland said some owners are hesitant at first, and staff take time to talk things through, answer questions, and build trust.The SPCA partnership trial currently involves 18 veterinary clinics. Animal Management officers can issue desexing vouchers in the field using mobile devices.For Hibiscus Coast households needing extra support, the Henderson clinic offers free desexing with pick-up and drop-off.Funding comes from infringements under the Dog Control Act. That means responsible owners who register and manage their dogs correctly are not paying for the programme.The desexing initiatives sit within a wider action plan that also includes stronger compliance, community education, partnerships, and advocacy for changes to the Dog Control Act.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Time magazine ranked 500 universities using three measures: academic capacity and performance (60 percent), innovation and economic impact (30 percent), and global engagement (10 percent). University of Auckland scored 67.63 for innovation and economic impact, 62.84 for academic capacity and performance, and 57.4 for global engagement, for a total score of 63.73. The methodology also emphasised societal and economic impact, international reach, and student success such as patenting inventions or moving into business leadership roles.Professor Rod McNaughton. Photo: SuppliedProfessor Rod McNaughton said the “real significance” is what the ranking reveals about New Zealand’s innovation capability, and that the university would rank about 20 places higher if ranked only on innovation. He said it sits in a similar innovation-impact band to the University of Sydney, Boston University and the University of Manchester.For Hibiscus Coast readers weighing up New Zealand study options, this list has one local headline. University of Auckland is the only New Zealand university in the top 100, with University of Otago at 155, University of Canterbury at 258 and Victoria University of Wellington at 260.Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater. Photo: SuppliedVice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said the ranking reflects growing international recognition for the university’s academic and research activity, and its ability to translate that strength into innovation and economic impact. The top ten were University of Oxford, Yale University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Harvard University, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Twelve-month prescriptions for long-term medications take effect from today.Patients can now get a script for up to 12 months of medication - up from three - with their doctor's permission.People with 12-month prescriptions will still need to collect their medication every three months, so the changes will not reduce their overall number of visits.Pharmacists remain concerned. Some have previously told RNZ that explaining the changes, and getting used to a new system, will only add to their already heavy workload when staff are in short supply.Gemma Perry-Waterhouse, who owns Sanders Pharmacy in Te Awamutu, said a shortage of pharmacists would make explaining the new system while keeping up with other responsibilities challenging."There has been a decline in the number of pharmacies in New Zealand, and there's a serious workforce issue. We don't have enough pharmacists."We are concerned about this rollout and how much time it will take to explain to all patients what to expect with 12-month scripts; the fact that it isn't for everyone, that their doctor needs to decide that."Be kind to your pharmacy if you're popping in to talk about a 12-month script and what to expect, because we're all under a lot of pressure at the moment."In announcing the plan, Health Minister Simeon Brown said the previous system "creates unnecessary barriers for patients on stable, long-term medications like asthma inhalers, insulin for diabetes, and blood pressure tablets."It means added costs for patients and more paperwork for health professionals, taking time away from patients with more urgent or complex needs…"It's a win-win for patients and the health system - fewer avoidable hospitalisations, better health outcomes and reduced long-term costs."Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Happy Sunday, Coasties! Grab a coffee and settle in.This is your essential 5-minute download of the week's most read Hibiscus Coast news and updates. Don't miss a thing!Auckland Congestion Charges Move Closer, Council StudiesRead more →Auckland Job Ads Dip, SEEK ReportsRead more →Manly Stanmore Bay Post Shops Lose ServicesRead more →Whangaparaoa Rockpool Limits, Shane Jones DecidesRead more →Penlink February Closures, SH1 Night DiversionsRead more →Never miss a beat again. Get instant alerts and local updates delivered straight to your pocket.Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for news, jobs, events, and essential community info, anytime, anywhere.

MoneyHub says the median New Zealand salary is $69,836, with a 16% gender pay gap.MoneyHub’s analysis of Stats NZ data puts the median at $69,836, up from $45,760 in 2015. It estimates real wage gains of about 15–20% after inflation. The average annual salary is $81,484, and the median hourly rate is $34.25.The analysis says earnings peak at ages 45–49, with a median of $81,900. It also says the gender pay gap is 16.0% nationally, down from 25.5% in 2010, and the widest age gap is 20.9% for 50–54 year olds.For Coasties, Auckland at a $72,800 median, behind Wellington at $76,544. The lowest listed region is Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough/West Coast at $63,232.MoneyHub says the full breakdowns, including age, regional gender gaps, and ethnicity data, are in its guide “NZ Average Salary Statistics”.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland Airport has unveiled a 3m Lego model to mark 60 years since opening on Thursday, January 29.The model shows the original 1960s terminal and the future integrated terminal.It is on display at the international terminal, level one.Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said: “Auckland Airport is a story of community, connection, and commerce.”Auckland Airport says almost half a billion travellers, 458 million, have passed through since it opened on Thursday, January 29, 1966.Auckland Airport 1966 Grand Air Pageant. Photo: SuppliedTraveller numbers rose from 700,000 in 1966 to 18.9 million in 2025.Freight grew from 8,300 tonnes of domestic and international cargo in 1966 to more than 169,000 tonnes of international cargo in 2025.For Hibiscus Coast residents travelling through Auckland Airport, the lego display is inside the international terminal and is now part of the airport’s public space.Lego builder Jon-Paul Hansen. Photo: SuppliedThe airport says its $5.7 billion, 10-year capital plan to 2032 is building an integrated domestic and international terminal, with an indoor walk between domestic jet services and international flights.What’s next is continued construction.The airport says about 1,500 construction workers are on site each day, peaking at 2,500, as work progresses on the new domestic jet terminal and other upgrades.Watch the video: Auckland Airport history and the Lego build celebrating 60 years.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

That first-round feeling is back, equal parts focus and nerves.Hibiscus Coast rider Logan Rowell starts his New Zealand Superbikes national campaign in Christchurch at Euromarque Motorsport Park on Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 1, racing in the Supersport 600 class.He arrives with form already on the board from the Suzuki International Series, including P3 at Round 2 at Circuit Chris Amon at Manfeild, plus a double P4 at Round 1 at Taupo Motorsport Park.Moving up to the 600 class has changed the whole equation.The bike costs more to build and run, and there are more consumables like tyres, fuel, and brake pads, plus extra safety gear such as an airbag vest.Logan Rowell, and Cameron Leslie. Photo: Ninja PhotographyOn track, he says the speed and intensity lift again, with more variables and tougher competition.He has made a clear step forward in braking and corner speed.He is still chasing that perfect drive out of corners, which he puts down to how committed he is prepared to be on the throttle.“I feel ready, the time has finally come to start my national campaign. After a strong Suzuki International Series I feel ready to bring the fight to the front and show everyone what im capable of.”Photo: ASP Photography Looking ahead, his home round is Hampton Downs Motofest on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Tickets are listed at nzsuperbikeseries.co.nz/motofestbikeshow.Logan says to come find him and the Double Six Motorsport team and say hi.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]