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Hibiscus Coast News


Thinking of Running? Now’s Your Chance
Thinking of Running? Now’s Your Chance

05 July 2025, 8:53 PM

Have you ever thought about standing for local government?Now’s the time to put your hand up.Nominations are open until midday Friday 1 August for this year’s Auckland local elections.And for the first time, candidates can nominate themselves online.Paper forms are still available at selected Auckland Council libraries, from Election Services, or downloadable from VoteAuckland.Auckland Council’s Governance and Engagement GM, Lou-Ann Ballantyne, is encouraging passionate locals to take the leap.“It’s time for Aucklanders to step up... and let voters know more about them,” she says.In 2022, 466 nominations were received across 172 roles, a jump from 423 in 2019.Council hopes to see that grow again—with candidates who truly reflect the people of Auckland.“Voters are more likely to turn out when they feel represented,” says Ballantyne.To run, you must:Be a New Zealand citizenBe at least 18 years oldBe enrolled to voteSubmit a nomination with two voter signatures from your areaPay a $200 deposit (refunded if you get more than 25% of the lowest successful vote)Important dates:Nominations close: Friday 1 August, 12:00Candidate list (preliminary): Released Friday 1 August eveningFinal list confirmed: Monday 4 AugustCandidate profiles online: From 1 SeptemberVoting opens: Tuesday 9 SeptemberWe’d love to see more Coasties throw their hat in the ring.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Customs Pushes Digital Travel Declarations
Customs Pushes Digital Travel Declarations

04 July 2025, 3:15 AM

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]

Business: The True Cost of Replacing a Staff Member
Business: The True Cost of Replacing a Staff Member

04 July 2025, 1:02 AM

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.

Accounting: Optimal Vehicle Expense Claims
Accounting: Optimal Vehicle Expense Claims

03 July 2025, 1:37 AM

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.

Wainui Site Wins National Award
Wainui Site Wins National Award

02 July 2025, 10:27 PM

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]

Schnapper Rock Break-Ins Lead to Arrest
Schnapper Rock Break-Ins Lead to Arrest

02 July 2025, 3:57 AM

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.

Content: Get Found by AI (and Locals Too)
Content: Get Found by AI (and Locals Too)

02 July 2025, 1:47 AM

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.

Watercare Secures $3.4B Funding Boost
Watercare Secures $3.4B Funding Boost

01 July 2025, 10:02 PM

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]

Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Now Available
Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Now Available

01 July 2025, 4:22 AM

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.

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