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.

The Blues have confirmed the return of experienced midfielder Pita Ahki for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons. It’s a full-circle moment for the 33-year-old, who grew up in Auckland and made his professional debut with the Blues in 2014 before heading to Europe.Ahki went on to enjoy a stellar career with French club Toulouse, winning five Top 14 titles and two European Rugby Champions Cups. Known for his composure under pressure and strong defensive play, he brings proven leadership and a winning mindset back to New Zealand rugby.“I’m really excited to be coming home, back to where my rugby journey first started,” Ahki said. “It means a lot to return with my family after our time in France and I’m looking forward to bringing those experiences with me and contributing on and off the field.”Ahki is expected to slot into the midfield role left open by Rieko Ioane, who will miss the 2026 season while on sabbatical in Ireland.Blues GM Rugby Murray Williams called Ahki’s signing a special moment. “Pita’s a world-class midfielder with immense experience in Europe, and he’s also one of our own who grew up in Auckland and started his professional journey here. To have him back in Blues colours bringing that leadership and winning mentality is exciting for our squad.”Ahki will re-join the Blues during pre-season later this year, giving fans across Auckland and the Hibiscus Coast plenty to look forward to when Super Rugby kicks off in 2026.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 24/10A few early showers, then fine with a light southerly turning breezy southwesterly.High: 20Low: 11Saturday, 25/10Mostly fine with a mix of sun and cloud, southerly easing then light westerly later.High: 18Low: 12Sunday, 26/10Partly cloudy and windy with a few brief showers and strong westerlies.High: 19Low: 13Monday, 27/10Showers developing, turning to rain with strengthening nor’westerlies.High: 21Low: 14See the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need, accessible at any time and from any location.

Investors who take more risk in their KiwiSavers are generally being rewarded for it.Morningstar has released its latest KiwiSaver survey, which shows the September quarter was a positive one for KiwiSaver providers.The highest performance in the three months was Koura's clean energy fund, which returned 33.6 percent.Over the year, Koura's bitcoin fund was the top performer, with a near-100 percent return.At the bottom over three months was InvestNow's Mint Australasian equities fund and over a year, OneAnswer's international property fund.Over a year, conservative funds returned 6.1 percent on average, moderate funds 7.3 percent, balanced funds 10.7 percent, growth funds 11.2 percent and aggressive funds 15.2 percent.The report shows that since 2007, when KiwiSaver launched, conservative funds have had an average cumulative return of 129.6 percent, moderate funds 141.1 percent, balanced funds 184.5 percent, growth funds 240.6 percent and aggressive funds 210.2. percent.Riskier funds are more likely to experience volatility but they should deliver better returns over the long term."If we look back very long term, to the start of KiwiSaver just shy of 50 funds that we know about started with KiwiSaver on 01/10/2007 in multi asset class categories and still exist today," report author Greg Bunkall wrote."In between we have had notable events which shook markets and included the GFC, and Covid to name but a few. While the participation throughout the whole time at category level is small in numbers, you can see generally, like other periods we look at, risk has been rewarded once again."Koura founder Rupert Carlyon said aggressive funds would normally be expected to outperform growth funds but he said that could be due to the makeup of the market.He said aggressive funds would be stronger performers over five years, because there had been significant growth in aggressive fund numbers in that time. "The category was smaller until recently, when we've realised that actually, long-term investors need that extra allocation to growth and that's why you've seen a massive proliferation of funds."He said it was easier to have those conversations about the need to take more risk after a long bull market run, where markets have performed well for investors."I think investors, particularly in the last four or five years, have become more aware of the market, of the need to take on risk. That's due to a combination of ultra-low interest rates ... and then also through Covid emergency money, Sharesies - we've got a whole other generation of investors who understand things a bit more."He said retail investors were driving the market more than they ever had in the past. "Why aren't they picking and choosing, why aren't we seeing a whole lot more different sector funds, thematic funds... I'm very biased but I'd also say with what we've seen in the last couple of months with clean energy and bitcoin, it shows doing something different can really add value in KiwiSaver."Over five years, aggressive funds have on average returned 10 percent a year, compared to 8.3 percent for growth.Bunkall said the September quarter was a constructive period for diversified investors.Inflation pressures eased and major banks around the world cut rates.ASB had the best performing conservative, balanced and moderate funds over a year. Quay St was top of the growth and aggressive categories. Milford remained the top-performing growth fund over 10 years.Bunkall noted that some of Kernel's low-cost multi-asset funds had strong showings.Top performers over 10 yearsConservative: Milford Conservative FundModerate: Generate ModerateBalanced: Milford BalancedGrowth: Milford Active GrowthAggressive: Booster Socially Responsible High GrowthTop performers over five yearsConservative: Quay St ConservativeModerate: Milford Moderate FundBalanced: Quay Street Socially Responsible InvestmentGrowth: Quay St GrowthAggressive: SuperLife High Growth

Job ads have now climbed for four straight months, showing stronger hiring confidence across New Zealand. SEEK’s latest Employment Report shows September listings rose 1%, with annual growth reaching 6%, the longest run of growth in more than three years.Construction led the rise, up 6% on the quarter and 13% over the year. Banking and Financial Services followed with a 5% monthly increase, the fastest of any sector. SEEK Country Manager Rob Clark says the upswing is broad-based. “Almost every industry is seeing rising demand, but Construction and Professional Services are where growth is accelerating.”The South Island is ahead, with Canterbury and Otago both up 17% year-on-year.Canterbury’s steady climb in listings since late 2024 reflects ongoing infrastructure work, while Otago’s gains have been sharper month to month.Auckland recorded its second consecutive 1% rise, narrowing its annual drop to just 1%, the smallest gap since 2022.National SEEK Job Ad percentage change by industry (September 2025 vs August 2025) – Ordered by job ad volume.Applications per job ad also continue to increase, up 1% month-on-month and 10% over the year. Manawatu, Auckland, and Waikato are seeing the biggest lifts in candidate activity, showing strong competition for each role.For Hibiscus Coast residents, it signals a livelier Auckland job market and more openings in trades, construction, and hospitality.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Locals walking their dogs at Big Manly or Tindalls Beach this summer might spot new yellow and red markers along the sand. They’re not random. Each one shows where tiny dotterel and oystercatcher families are nesting, and where special temporary dog rules now apply.From October to 30 March 2026, Auckland Council is running a two-year pilot to help protect these vulnerable shorebirds during nesting season. The plan came from Forest & Bird Whangaparāoa Dotterel Minders and Dog Friends Auckland Region, with support from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.Instead of closing whole beaches, the focus is on education and simple, visible rules. Dogs must be on-leash within 200 metres of any yellow-marked nest area, and are prohibited in red-marked fenced zones. The markers shift if chicks begin feeding elsewhere.Volunteer dotterel minders will help install signs and explain what they mean. It’s a partnership built on trust, with dog owners keeping a respectful distance and the community helping rare birds thrive.Forest & Bird’s Derek Kelsey says the shared goal is understanding, not restriction. “We hope locals get behind this plan and help the dotterels and oystercatchers raise their chicks safely.”A community information day in October will outline how everyone can play a part in keeping these birds and our beaches safe.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

With summer just around the corner, skin safety is back in the spotlight and researchers say New Zealand is not doing nearly enough to protect people from the sun.A new report from the Public Health Communication Centre shows that while skin cancer remains our most common and preventable cancer, government funding for prevention has dropped sharply over the past two decades. Today, just $300,000 a year is spent on prevention, about a quarter of what it once was, while the health system spends roughly $450 million annually treating skin cancers.On the Hibiscus Coast, where weekends often mean beaches, parks and outdoor sports, experts say stronger national policy could make a real difference.The report highlights gaps in schools, workplaces and even council-managed spaces. Only six of the country’s 67 councils have sun safety policies, despite most Kiwis saying they want more shade in public areas.Researchers are calling for mandatory sun protection standards, national prevention funding and a complete ban on sunbeds to align with Australia.Dr Bronwen McNoe from the University of Otago says the solutions are already known and what is missing is action. “Effective policy would save both lives and money,” she says.For Coasties planning long summer days outdoors, that is a reminder to stay SunSmart while the country catches up on policy.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Outdoor and sports retailer Torpedo7 will become an online-only store by the end of February.It closed two Torpedo7 stores earlier this year and converted 10 others into its The Outlet retail concept, which specialises in selling discounted branded clothing lines.Its owner, Tahua Group, said it would convert the remaining six stores in early 2026 into The Outlet stores, bringing that number to 17.After that, Tahua Group said Torpedo7 would become a digital-only brand, focused on premium outdoor products.Tahua also owns retailers Number One Shoes and Hannahs as well as The Outlet, plus the rights for Starbucks, Burger King, and Popeyes in New Zealand.It bought Torpedo7 from The Warehouse Group in February 2024 for $1.Retail division chief exectuive Lesley Francis-Ziogas said Torpedo7 remained an important part of the Tahua portfolio."By going digital-only, Torpedo7 can streamline, scale and grow profitably."Tahua Group managing director Roger Harper said Tahua's strategy was focusing investment where it delivers the best customer value and commercial returns."This is a decisive move - one that protects the business, grows our reach, and sets us up for long-term success."Torpedo7 was founded by Luke Howard-Willis in Hamilton in 2004 as an online retailer selling outdoor equipment.The Warehouse Group paid $33 million for a 51 percent stake in 2014, before eventually acquiring the entire company.It moved Torpedo7 into physical stores from 2014, but mounting losses saw it sell Torpedo7 to Tahua last year.It booked a $60 million loss in its accounts for the year to July 2024.

From Saturday, October 25, new marine protection areas come into effect across the Hauraki Gulf, creating safe zones for marine life to recover and flourish.The Department of Conservation (DOC) will oversee 19 new protected areas across the Gulf, including locations east of the Coromandel Peninsula. DOC Operations Manager Marine, Kirsty Prior, says the focus this summer is on helping people understand the new boundaries and what they mean.“We’ve got a new team of marine rangers, community rangers and seasonal staff gearing up for summer. We’ll be heading to events, boat clubs, ramps and out on the water to chat about these new marine protections,” says Prior.The DOC team, based in Whitianga, Warkworth and Auckland, is installing signs at boat ramps, sharing maps with local fishing retailers and working with chart-plotter providers to update digital maps.“The law is brand new, and it will take time for changes like signage and electronic charts to be completed,” Prior says. “Our focus for now is on education and support. Compliance checks will increase over time as people become familiar with the new protections.”For Hibiscus Coast fishers, most of the Gulf remains open. High Protection Areas prohibit recreational and commercial fishing. Customary non-commercial fishing is still allowed with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki. Seafloor Protection Areas restrict bottom trawling and dredging but still allow line fishing and diving.DOC says these measures will help reefs and sensitive sea floors recover, creating a healthier Gulf with more fish for future generations.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand households are wasting an average of $1300 each per year on unused food, and misunderstanding of best-before dates may be part of the reason.Love Food Hate Waste has released research that shows that confusion over food date labels could mean millions of dollars' worth of food is binned unnecessarily each year.It is estimated that New Zealanders collectively waste about $3 billion worth of food every year.Love Food Hate Waste's research showed one in 12 people incorrectly thought food should not be eaten after its best before date.A third thought 'use by' was only a quality guide. One in eight threw out food when it was past its best-before date without checking it.Best before dates are a quality guide while use-by dates are for food safety.Love Food Hate Waste programme manager Sophie Wolland said the confusion was leading to "perfectly good" food being thrown away.She said younger people were more likely to be unsure about date labels. "There's a real lack of confidence around their understanding."She said even people who understood the difference did not always treat food accordingly."That all comes down to confidence around being able to trust our senses… it just takes a sensory check [when something is past the best-before date]."But many people report that they're not entirely sure or don't have great confidence in what to look for when you're checking a product or when you're smelling it, what should I be smelling for? Or when you're giving it a taste, a lot of people are hesitant to even just taste a little bit for fear of safety. Again, the younger the age group, the higher the fear around safety. And the research showed that they say they were taught to just trust the date."She said when people were assessing a product that was past its best-before date, they should check for damaged packaging or mould, or changes to the colour and texture."If everything's looking normal, then it's likely still good to go to the next step, which is smell it. So they just go open the food, give it a bit of a sniff. If it smells as they would expect, then it's likely good to go."If it's unusually sort of tangy, or has an eggy or rotten smell, or just sort of smells a bit off, then it probably is. But if it's as you expect, move on to giving it a small taste… you'll know pretty quickly if it's bitter or tangy or kind of rancid flavour, then you'll know, okay, that perhaps has spoiled."She said if food was coming up to the use-by date, it could be put in the freezer to prolong its life. "It's safe so long as once you remove it from the freezer and you defrost it, you need to eat it within 24 hours."She said households estimated they threw out about 11 percent of everything they bought. "It's about $1300 per household annually, on average."Food cannot be sold after its use-by date but can be sold once the best-before date has passed.Consumer NZ spokesperson Belinda Castles agreed there was confusion.Consumer NZ spokesperson Belinda Castles. Photo: D&K Photos Phil ScottShe said how long after a best-before date a product could be expected to last would depend on what it was. "A packet of cereal that is past its best-before date is probably going to be fine. Something that is a yoghurt or dairy product would have a shorter time."Milk is often said to last a week after its date, hard cheeses up to a few months, and many pantry items much longer.She said meat could be eaten after its best-before date because it would be cooked.Castles said people needed to remember that once something was opened, it was its shelf life that would matter rather than the best-before date."Say you buy a pottle of sour cream. The best before date might be six weeks out but once you open that the best before date doesn't apply and you'll see on the instructions 'once opened eat within four days'. So you've got to use those both together."Food that could be expected to last longer than a couple of years, such as a can of tomatoes, might not have a date at all.It was the manufacturer's responsibility to determine what was an appropriate best-before date, she said. "Something might become stale after its best-before date or some of that nutritional quality might reduce if the vitamins or minerals degrade over time but it should be safe from a food safety perspective."Wolland said manufacturers would tend to use 'best before' dates to encourage people to eat their food at its very best. "Often they err on the side of caution because they really do want people to enjoy the product at its prime."She said dried goods like pasta could last years beyond their best-before date.

New Zealand’s biggest band, SIX60, are bringing a taste of Nashville to Kiwi shores with Sweet Home Aotearoa, a brand-new country and roots festival set for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Matakana Country Park.After spending time recording in Nashville, the band felt a strong connection to the city’s authentic spirit and storytelling culture.That experience inspired them to create a local celebration blending Southern soul with Kiwi energy.Curated by SIX60, the one-day festival promises world-class acts, including Yelawolf, Tash Sultana (DJ Set), Tami Neilson, Hori Shaw, Brad Cox, South Summit, Rachael Fahim, TheWesternGuide, Rosie Teese, and of course, SIX60 themselves.“We spent a lot of time in Nashville working on our new album, it felt so similar to home. The authentic nature, storytelling and power to bring people together that roots and country music have was so evident. We knew it was time for New Zealand to have its first country and roots festival – Sweet Home Aotearoa,” said the band.Festivalgoers can expect a day of sunshine, food, and live music from both local and international performers.With its easy drive from the Hibiscus Coast, Matakana’s relaxed country charm makes it an ideal summer destination for Coasties keen to start the new year in style.Tickets go on sale at midday Tuesday, October 28, via sweethome.co.nzThe event is all ages, but under 18s must attend with a parent or guardian.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A combined $1.2 billion in new funding will push the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme into its next phase, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.The NZ Transport Agency Board has endorsed investment cases for major routes including the Northland Expressway, East West Link, Hamilton Southern Links, Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link, SH1 Wellington Improvements (including a new Mt Victoria tunnel), and the Hope Bypass.More than $675 million will go toward design, consenting and early works, with a further $515 million from approved property funds to begin land purchases.“This ensures progress can continue at pace,” Mr Bishop said.“We’re building a credible pipeline of high-value infrastructure that supports jobs and growth.”For Coasties, the impact will be felt closest to home through upgrades north of Auckland.Procurement is underway on the Warkworth to Te Hana corridor, with a preferred bidder expected early 2026 and construction due to start later that year.The Northland Expressway, which links directly beyond Te Hana, will be built in stages and includes a fast-tracked alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills.The investment case projects travel-time savings of up to 38 minutes between Te Hana and Whangārei, and a 66 percent cut in deaths and serious injuries.“This is a transformational opportunity for the North,” Mr Bishop said.“Next steps include property acquisition and lodging consents under the Fast-track Approvals Act by 2026.”Preferred route Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.