Auckland Airport experienced disruptions to domestic flights on Saturday morning due to heavy fog.From 7am, dense fog blanketed the airport, leading to the cancellation of four domestic regional flights.Eleven other domestic regional flights faced delays, affecting travellers and schedules.Auckland Airport confirmed that international flights remained unaffected by the weather conditions.Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information.

Four Auckland heritage sites will receive $22 million in funding to strengthen them against earthquakes.Auckland's Leys Institute and Library will receive $9.5m for earthquake strengthening, after being closed for the last five years.It was feared the historic Ponsonby building built in 1905 would remain closed after a halt on seismic strengthening by Auckland Council last month."The Leys Institute is a unique and historically significant taonga in Tāmaki Makaurau," councillor Richard Hills, chairperson of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, said in a statement.Friends of Leys Institute coordinator Helen Geary applauded the plan."After advocating for close to five years for the Leys Institute seismic upgrade and restoration, the hundreds of members of Friends of Leys Institute and the local community will be relieved the project will progress."Our precious library and listed heritage building has been an integral part of the Ponsonby community for 120 years and we will be delighted to have it back."The Planning, Environment and Parks committee has now allocated a total of $22m for work on heritage buildings over the next four years.The Remuera Library, Titirangi War Memorial Hall and Library and the Nathan Homestead will also receive funding.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Laos this week to engage in a series of ASEAN-led ministerial meetings in Vientiane. The gatherings aim to bolster New Zealand's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region's stability and prosperity."ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific," Peters said. "This will be our third visit to Southeast Asia and sixth visit to an ASEAN member state since the start of the year. Through concrete actions, we are demonstrating our steadfast commitment to the region, which is central to New Zealand’s prosperity and security."Peters will participate in the annual Foreign Ministers' meetings of the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, which assemble ASEAN and its key Indo-Pacific partners. Peters' experience with the summit spans nearly 20 years, having attended the inaugural Foreign Ministers meeting in December 2005 and eight more since."With next year marking 50 years since New Zealand became an ASEAN dialogue partner, these meetings present a valuable opportunity to engage our partners on strategic issues facing the wider region and advance practical cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, transnational crime and cyber security," Peters added.In addition to the formal sessions, Peters is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the margins of the ASEAN-led events.These discussions underscore New Zealand's dedication to fostering strong relationships with ASEAN countries, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance regional security and economic partnerships.

The cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased by 5.4 percent in the 12 months to June 2024, according to Stats NZ. This rise follows a 6.2 percent increase in the year to March 2024 and marks a notable change from the 8.2 percent peak in December 2022.James Mitchell, consumer prices manager at Stats NZ, highlighted that mortgage interest payments, which surged by 26.7 percent, remain a significant contributor to the rising living costs. "Mortgage interest payments remain high and continue to make a significant contribution to living costs for many households," Mitchell stated.Private transport supplies and services, including petrol, saw a 13.0 percent increase, while insurance costs rose by 18.0 percent. These factors have collectively impacted household budgets across the country.The Household Living-Costs Price Indexes (HLPIs), which reflect the varying effects of inflation on different household groups, showed that beneficiary households experienced a 4.5 percent increase in living costs. For Māori households, the rise was 5.5 percent, with private transport and rent being significant contributors.Superannuitant households saw a 4.6 percent increase, driven by a 19.8 percent rise in insurance and a 9.7 percent increase in property rates and related services. The highest-spending households faced a 5.6 percent rise, with the lowest-spending households seeing a 5.0 percent increase.The Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a 3.3 percent inflation rate for the year to June 2024, a decrease from the 4.0 percent seen in the previous quarter. The CPI and HLPIs serve different purposes; while the CPI informs monetary policy, the HLPIs offer insight into the cost of living for various household groups.Overall, the data reflects the ongoing challenges faced by New Zealand households in managing increased living expenses.

The Hibiscus Coast residents will see significant changes in transport infrastructure following Auckland Council’s endorsement of the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2024-2034. The plan outlines a $62 billion investment in transport over the next decade.From 17 May to 17 June, locals provided feedback on the draft RLTP, highlighting their priorities for the region’s transport network. Councillor John Watson, Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, noted the public's strong support for public transport services and network maintenance.“The RLTP also reflects Aucklanders’ strong support for prioritising investment in new public transport infrastructure projects, and I look forward to NZTA taking this priority into account and seeing it reflected in funding decisions,” Cr Watson said.Key highlights of the plan include $28 billion for public transport services and infrastructure, $17 billion for state highway improvements, and $13.3 billion for maintenance and renewals, with $5.5 billion specifically for the local road network. Additionally, $3.1 billion is allocated for local road improvements, $0.9 billion for walking and cycling, and $0.7 billion for safety measures.Hamish Bunn, Auckland Transport’s GM Transport System Strategy, expressed satisfaction with the public’s engagement. “We were really pleased to see so many Aucklanders take an interest and tell us what’s most important to them when it comes to transport,” Bunn said. Feedback indicated a desire for faster, more connected, and reliable public transport, as well as enhanced local road maintenance.Changes to the draft plan, based on the feedback, include bringing forward funding for unsealed road improvements and bus optimisation programmes, and increasing the priority of state highway improvement projects. An additional $600 million has been allocated to make public transport faster, more reliable, and easier to use, with $503 million directed to removing the Takaanini rail level crossings and $92 million to park and ride programmes.The RLTP will now go to the Auckland Transport Board for approval on 30 July 2024 before being submitted to NZTA for funding allocation from the National Land Transport Fund.

Coasties, get ready to indulge in the best bacon and ham in the country!The 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards have announced this year's top producers, with Cameron Harrison Butchery in Upper Hutt taking out the Supreme Award for their Honey Cured Streaky Bacon and Sam's Butchery in Silverdale winning the Supreme Award for their Mini Champagne Ham.Ian Anderson from Sam’s Butchery says it's incredibly humbling for Sam and the team to receive this accolade. “It’s a trifecta for us – we’ve previously won the Supreme Bacon and Supreme Sausage titles, and now we have the Supreme Ham. We are beyond thrilled and extremely happy.”Judging took place over three days, involving a team of butchers and culinary experts who inspected and sampled bacon and ham products made from 100% New Zealand pork.Medals were awarded across seven bacon categories and three ham categories, with category champions re-judged to determine the supreme winners.Chef judge Jess Granada, owner of Nanam in Takapuna, emphasised the importance of flavour balance in the winning products. “I was looking for that harmony of flavour where I could taste the pork itself with a balance of sweet, salty, and slight acidity,” she said.Veteran judge Todd Treadwell from Well Hung Butchery in Milford noted the rising standards of entries.“Retailers are taking pride in what they are making which is great news for the public,” he said. “The winning products had the best flavour with excellent moisture content which left you wanting more.”In addition to the expert panel, the public cast over 7,500 votes for their favourite bacon and ham retailer via an online judging portal.The People’s Choice award went to The Aussie Butcher New Lynn in Auckland for their popular bacon and ham products.Chef Jess Granada offered a cooking tip for perfect bacon: use a cast iron pan at the right temperature.Todd Treadwell advised that nothing beats freshly sliced ham off the bone.

Small businesses on the Hibiscus Coast and across New Zealand are grappling with declining sales, according to the latest Xero Small Business Insights data. Sales fell 1.5% year-on-year (y/y) in the June quarter, marking the largest drop since the initial Covid-19 lockdown in May 2020."After what looked to be a more positive start to 2024, this sharp decline in sales suggests small businesses are not faring so well," said Paul Churchman, Xero NZ Head of Sales.Sales in May and June experienced significant decreases, with June seeing an 8.3% y/y fall. All industries reported declines, with hospitality, construction, and retail trade being the hardest hit, down 10%, 10%, and 11.4% respectively in June.These sectors are particularly sensitive to high interest rates, which have led consumers to cut back on non-essential spending. Churchman highlighted the broader economic pressures, noting, "The latest inflation figure from Statistics New Zealand was 3.3% for the June quarter. Adjusting the nominal XSBI data to real data, this indicates small business sales are even weaker, down 4.8% in the June quarter."Regionally, Waikato, Taranaki, and Manawatu-Whanganui saw the sharpest drops, with Waikato recording a 13.5% y/y decline in June. However, Northland experienced a slight rise of 1.5% y/y for the quarter.Despite the financial strain, small businesses are still attracting staff. Jobs rose 6.7% y/y in the June quarter, although this is a slight decrease from the previous quarter's 7.0% rise. "This steady jobs growth reflects how small business owners remain hopeful about the future," Churchman commented.Wages have also grown, with a 3.6% y/y increase, the largest since March 2023. Construction and other services sectors offered wages above the national average. Churchman emphasised the need for small businesses to manage their finances carefully, urging them to work with financial advisors to navigate these challenging times.

Looking ahead, Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 26/7Partly cloudy. Light South to Sou'West winds.High: 15Low: 6Saturday - 27/7Partly cloudy. Calm/Variable winds.High: 15Low: 7Sunday - 28/7Mostly cloudy. Light Northerly winds.High: 16Low: 10Monday - 29/7Afternoon showers. Fairly breezy Northerly winds.High: 16Low: 12Get real-time weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and lots more.Anytime, anywhere – everything you need is right inside the app.

Locals may be affected by a recent Customs arrest involving a 36-year-old Auckland-based businessman. The individual, scheduled to appear in the Waitakere District Court, faces charges related to importing 133 second-hand vehicles from Japan using allegedly falsified documents.According to Customs, the investigation began in April 2024 after NZTA raised concerns about incorrect import records. The probe identified discrepancies in vehicle odometer records, years of manufacture, and gross vehicle mass.Chief Customs Officer Fraud and Prohibition Nigel Barnes stated, "This investigation identified 133 second-hand vehicles with understated odometer readings and false information. This offending is serious, not just from a border but also consumer fraud perspective."The businessman faces charges of being knowingly concerned in the importation of prohibited goods, carrying a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or a $10,000 fine. Further charges are possible. NZTA will contact affected owners directly, and there are no immediate safety concerns with these vehicles.

As Coasties, we're no strangers to the water's edge, but the harsh reality of drowning hits close to home. Today, July 25, marks World Drowning Prevention Day, a global initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to unite us against this preventable tragedy.Locals are urged to join the "Going Blue" movement, led by Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA), to raise awareness and take action. Last year, New Zealand witnessed its highest drowning toll in a decade, with 90 lives lost. Tasmin O'Sullivan from DPA emphasises, "Anyone can drown, no one should... Knowing how to prepare, protect, and prevent will save lives."To combat this, DPA has launched the "Float First" water safety campaign, providing free resources and survival skills training. Educators and community facilitators can sign up to "go blue" and access free learning materials to spread the word.Let's come together to make a difference and reduce drowning deaths in our community. Join the movement and let's "go blue" for a safer tomorrow.

Aucklanders are experiencing a glimmer of hope in the relentless rental market, with the latest Trade Me Rental Price Index indicating a potential shift. While the city remains the country’s most expensive for renters, with a median weekly rent of $690, there are signs of a cooling market.Despite holding its position as the priciest region, Auckland has bucked the national trend of declining rents, showing stability in the past month. This could signal a potential turning point for long-suffering tenants who have faced relentless upward pressure on rental costs.Trade Me Property Sales Director Gavin Lloyd confirms the slight reprieve for Auckland renters. "Auckland was once again the most expensive region to rent - however the average asking price remained stable at $690," he said.However, it’s important to note that while the month-on-month change is minimal, Auckland’s rental market remains highly competitive, with limited affordable options available. Experts caution against reading too much into a single month’s data and advise renters to remain vigilant.As the market continues to evolve, Aucklanders will be watching closely to see if this stability is a temporary reprieve or the start of a more sustained trend.

Singapore has achieved a record-breaking visa-free score, with its citizens enjoying access to 195 destinations worldwide.This marks a new record and solidifies Singapore's position as a global leader in travel freedom.Locals will be pleased to know that New Zealand has jumped up the ranks, improving from 6th place to 4th, tied with several other countries, with a visa-free score of 190.New Zealand shares the 4th spot with Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, notes that "the general trend over the past two decades has been towards greater travel freedom, with the global average number of destinations travellers are able to access visa-free nearly doubling from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024."The UK and the US have experienced a decline in their passport rankings, with the UK hanging onto 4th place and the US dropping to 8th spot.Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains the world's weakest passport, with its citizens having access to only 26 countries visa-free.Find the full list here.

We may soon see a boost in economic growth as two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament. According to Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee, the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill aim to "cut red tape" and reduce bureaucracy.The Bills, which cover various sectors including commerce, science, and immigration, make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. "Many of the changes in these Bills are small in nature, but together they add up to countless hours no longer wasted on paperwork and barriers to success in our economy," says Ms Lee.The updates aim to keep legislation current with changing technology and information, reducing compliance burden, clarifying unclear provisions, and removing redundant provisions. By addressing these issues, the Government hopes to rebuild the economy and deliver better public services. As Ms Lee states, "Fixing problems in legislation and regulation that cause barriers to business and our economy is one of the ways this Government delivers better public services."

We can expect greater choice and potentially lower prices in banking and electricity services, thanks to new legislation introduced by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly. The Customer and Product Data Bill, which had its first reading, aims to improve regulation of digital markets and create a more competitive environment.Bayly emphasised that competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities, and lift living standards. The Bill lays the foundation for 'open banking,' making it easier for innovative start-ups to compete with traditional banks. This could lead to more competition and lower prices for Kiwi customers.Additionally, 'open electricity' has the potential to enable considerable customer savings by making it easier for households to measure their power use, compare pricing, and swap providers. The Bill improves data privacy standards, is entirely opt-in, and has the support of the Privacy Commissioner.New Zealand is catching up with international counterparts like Australia, the UK, and the EU, which have or will soon have similar consumer data regimes. As Bayly noted, "It's time we harnessed the benefits of the modern, digital economy."

The Hibiscus Coast may soon benefit from more accurate long-term weather forecasts thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).Google's NeuralGCM model, combining machine learning with traditional atmospheric physics, is setting new standards in climate forecasting.Developed with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), NeuralGCM outperforms older models. Using Google's AI tensor processing units, it can simulate 70,000 days of climate data in just 24 hours. In comparison, the X-SHiELD model from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can only simulate 19 days.NeuralGCM's accuracy is notable. It identifies nearly as many tropical cyclones as traditional trackers and detects double the number found by X-SHiELD. The model also has a 15-50% lower error rate in predicting temperature and humidity.Despite these advances, experts like Peter Dueben from ECMWF and Cédric M. John from Queen Mary University of London note that further improvements are needed. Future work will focus on better understanding the effects of CO₂ on global temperatures and simulating unusual climate scenarios.Google's commitment to environmental efforts includes satellite missions to track methane emissions and partnerships with NASA for air quality monitoring, highlighting its dedication to using technology for a sustainable future.

Degrees that can be completed in the workplace as an apprenticeship instead of in a lecture hall are in the pipeline.The Construction and Infrastructure Centre of Vocational Excellence has developed a degree apprenticeship in architectural technology, and has others planned in construction management and quantity surveying.Executive director Katherine Hall said degree apprenticeships had proved to be popular in the UK, but in New Zealand there was only one - a Bachelor of Engineering Technology launched in 2020.Hall said the degree apprenticeship in architectural technology was expected to take its first enrolments via Canterbury polytechnic Ara in 2026, but the centre had developed a model that could be adopted by other education providers too.She said like a traditional apprenticeship, the qualification would allow people to earn while they learned."The idea will be that you will be employed but also studying, and you don't have to do it part-time because the content that you're actually going to be learning in your day-to-day employment helps to support the delivery of your degree."It's going to create pathways for people who may have also gone through trades apprenticeships as well, to then progress into a degree apprenticeship and actually get that access to that higher-level qualification, plus also the people who might have been doing a normal degree previously would then have the opportunity to work and earn while they're learning in the same way that trade-based apprenticeship operates."Hall said apprentices would not have to put their career on hold while they studied their degree."There absolutely are people who have to forego earning a wage to help support themselves and and their families whilst they're learning... and it also slows their entry into the workforce by three or four years, depending on the qualification that you're doing."And then once you reach the workforce, you've then got to relearn what industry wants you to learn, whereas this fast tracks that right from the get-go."Figures provided by the centre showed 71,590 people were enrolled in degree apprenticeships in the UK in 2022/23.'Proven model'Universities New Zealand chief executive Chris Whelan said it was very supportive of the initiative."It is a proven model internationally and Universities New Zealand has been arguing since 2016 that it should be supported here in New Zealand."However, Whelan said it was expensive and universities needed government investment to develop and deliver apprenticeship programmes in each workplace."Lessons from countries like the United Kingdom show that it is enormously beneficial for learners and their employers and better supports those who learn best in real world situations. It leads to better outcomes for everyone."

The Coalition Government is expediting the construction of a four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei.This project, part of the Roads of National Significance programme, is set to enhance economic growth in Northland by improving transport connections, says Transport Minister Simeon Brown.“For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections between Northland and the rest of the country has been a handbrake on the region’s economic development.The last Government’s decision to stop planning for a replacement to the Brynderwyns has left Northland more vulnerable and requires a significant amount of work to get this project back on track,” Mr Brown says.The Government has endorsed an accelerated delivery strategy enabling the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to efficiently execute the project.The strategy involves a public-private partnership model, which will integrate planning, procurement, design, and construction across the entire roading corridor.“Delivering a programme as large and complex as this at pace requires a significant shift in delivery approach. An accelerated delivery strategy developed by NZTA includes a progressive public-private partnership model that will achieve efficiencies and innovation in planning, procurement, design, and construction across the entire roading corridor between Auckland and Whangārei,” Mr Brown explains.This corridor approach is expected to cut down multiple procurement processes and provide integrated design and construction, potentially completing the project up to 10 years sooner than traditional methods.The Government is also considering legislative changes to speed up the project’s delivery.This could involve modifications to the Public Works Act to streamline processes.The Northland Expressway is anticipated to be one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure undertakings.Funding, financing, and innovative delivery tools are being explored to ensure timely completion.Last year, a report by NZIER commissioned by the Northland Corporate Group highlighted that the Warkworth to Wellsford section alone could boost New Zealand’s GDP by $497 million annually.Once finished, the expressway will offer a reliable and efficient link between Northland and Auckland, promoting economic growth and productivity in the region.“For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections between Northland and the rest of the country has been a handbrake on the region’s economic development,” Mr Brown reiterates.

Charities on the Hibiscus Coast will soon have a permanent option to conduct their fundraising lotteries online, as per a recent government decision. Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that lotteries run by organisations such as the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices will not revert to traditional in-person or postal ticket sales.“Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024,” said van Velden. “This Government has taken action so that charities can operate their fundraising lotteries online permanently in an increasingly digital world.”Initially, these "class three" lotteries, characterised by prize values exceeding $5000, received a temporary exemption from the ban on "remote interactive gambling" during the COVID-19 response. This exemption, set to expire on 31 October 2024, allowed these lotteries to sell tickets online. Without a change, charities faced the prospect of losing customers and increasing operational costs, potentially reducing the funds available for community purposes.“These lotteries are a significant source of funding for some charities and pose a very low risk of causing harm,” van Velden assured. “During the time the temporary exemption has been in place, people have not been presenting for gambling harm from these types of lotteries.”The bill, aimed to be passed before the October deadline, seeks to provide certainty for these non-profit organisations. “This minor amendment will make a significant difference to the non-profit organisations which use the revenue from lotteries to carry out their services to the community,” van Velden added.Charities can now plan their future fundraising efforts with the knowledge that their ability to sell lottery tickets online will continue uninterrupted.

The Commerce Commission is examining the possibility of slashing costs associated with Mastercard and Visa payment networks, potentially saving New Zealanders hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This initiative aims to address the high fees currently impacting both businesses and consumers.Commission Chair Dr John Small highlighted that New Zealanders spend approximately NZ$95 billion each year using these card networks. However, the associated costs amount to around NZ$1 billion annually, which is ultimately passed on to consumers through higher prices and surcharges. Dr Small suggests that reducing these fees could save more than NZ$250 million each year.The Commission's focus is on reducing the ‘merchant service fee’ charged to businesses when cards are used without being inserted into a terminal. By addressing this component of the fee, the Commission aims to help businesses lower their retail prices and surcharges, benefiting consumers directly.“We see the opportunity to reduce a significant component of the merchant service fee,” Dr Small said. “This should allow businesses to reduce retail prices and surcharges, which would be advantageous for their customers.”In addition to fee reductions, the Commission is considering simplifying the complex fee structure to make it easier to identify and address excessive surcharges. Dr Small noted that simplifying these fees could potentially eliminate surcharges altogether in some cases, ensuring they reflect only the true cost of accepting card payments.The consultation also explores other issues, such as a lack of innovation in payment options due to slow advancements in open banking. The Commission aims to enhance both the affordability and variety of payment methods available to consumers and businesses.The public is invited to provide feedback on these issues by 4 pm on 20 August 2024. Feedback can be provided via this form which is tailored to consumers and merchants. Alternatively responses can be submitted to [email protected] using the submission template found here.