Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 7/11Cloud clears to fine with a nor’easter easingHigh: 23Low: 16Saturday, 8/11Partly cloudy with a shower risk and a developing nor’easterHigh: 23Low: 17Sunday, 9/11Mostly cloudy with a few showers, easterly turning northerlyHigh: 23Low: 16Monday, 10/11Occasional rain with northerlies turning westerlyHigh: 23Low: 16See 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.

Urgent recall for People4ocean SPF 50+ Mineral Bioactive Shield Lightly Tinted Cream.MBIE says preliminary testing shows the product’s SPF is unlikely to match the label, increasing sunburn risk and reducing long-term protection against skin cancer.If you’ve got any batch, don’t use it.Return it to the place of purchase for a refund or contact customer service to arrange a return and refund.Anyone worried about use should speak to their doctor.The product was sold from February 2024 to September 2025 via Holistic Aesthetics and Advanced Cosmeceuticals.People4ocean confirms a low SPF rating raises sunburn risk and says customers can return affected product for a refund.Coasties can expect stores to handle returns promptly, though keep proof of purchase if you have it.Check bathroom cabinets, let friends know, and replace with a trusted SPF product that meets your needs.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Most small businesses on the Hibiscus Coast advertise to win new customers, yet many don’t know which channels actually bring them in.Here's a quick test.When someone calls to buy a gift voucher, does your team ask the single most important question: “What made you call us today?”If not, you’re spending in the dark. Stop guessing and start growing.Digital channels like the Hibiscus Coast App and social platforms make tracking straightforward.Many other formats don’t.Advertising where “everyone else does” is a herd effect that can drain budget.Treat marketing like stock or suppliers. It’s an investment, so it needs proof it pays.What to track every timeCapture the source on every enquiry.Ask “How did you hear about us?” on calls, contact forms, and at the counter.Log answers in a simple spreadsheet or your POS notes.Tally phone calls, emails, website visits, and walk-ins by source each week.Don’t chase perfect. Consistent beats complex.What the numbers unlockYou’ll see which channels bring first-time customers and which drive repeat visits.Shift spend from weak performers to the few that deliver.Your team will learn which headlines and images earn clicks and calls.Over a quarter, this lowers cost per lead, smooths bookings, and gives clear yes or no answers on where to show up next.When you know where customers come from, you stop marketing blind and grow on purpose.Your local attention platformThe Hibiscus Coast App is a dedicated, trackable, hyperlocal way to reach people nearby and see what converts.40,892 active Auckland users, including 5,000+ on the Hibiscus Coast, and 52,256 unique readers across New Zealand.We remove the hassle of digital ads, reduce your workload, and raise your visibility.The audience are local professionals, homeowners, and families with real spending power.They invest in services, shopping, dining, fitness, and family activities.The 40+ age group is our largest segment, with strong buying power and a bias to support local.We can partner with you on a targeted plan that gets your business noticed by the right people every day.If you want a simple plan that reaches locals and keeps your brand visible around the clock, let us help you build a campaign on the Hibiscus Coast App.Two things you can do today1). Start your free marketing health checkTakes 2 minutes.Start your free marketing health check2). Contact us to plan a simple campaignTell us your goal. We will map the next steps.Contact us

Unemployment edged up to a near nine-year high as businesses halted hiring, but slack in the jobs market increased, and wage growth slowed further.Stats NZ numbers showed the unemployment rate rising to 5.3 percent in the three months ended September, from 5.2 percent in the previous quarter. The data was largely in line with expectations.Unemployment has been steadily rising as business either sacked staff or stopped hiring because of the weak economy, while the workforce has increased despite a slowdown in migration.The actual number of unemployed was 160,000, the highest since early 1994.The number of unemployed for more than a year was 22,700 or 14.5 percent.The level of underutilisation, including the unemployed and under-employed and a measure of slack in the jobs market, rose to 12.9 percent from 12.8 percent, the highest rate since late 2020.The number employed was unchanged from the previous quarter, but the economy lost 18,000 jobs over the past 12 months.The level of unemployment of young people between 15 and 24 years was 15.2 percent, with the total not in education or training rising to 13.8 percent.The regions with the highest unemployment were Northland, Auckland and Waikato with rates of more than 6 percent, with all South Island regions below 5 percent.The broad measure of wages showed overall growth slowing to a five year low of 2.1 from 2.4 percent, compared with a 3 percent rise in consumer prices.The data was close to Reserve Bank forecasts and is likely to support another 25 basis point cut in the official cash rate to 2.25 percent later this month.Analysts were expecting that the unemployment figures would nudge up to 5.3 percent, compared with 5.2 percent in the previous June quarter.Last year's recession and the weak economy have resulted in businesses not hiring and, in some cases, laying off staff.Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Morning Report today unemployment was always the last thing to correct in a recovering economy.She said the government was growing the economy and business confidence with things like tax relief, and big infrastructure spending.

Auckland Transport is seeking local feedback on two Hibiscus Coast projects.A new bus station is proposed at the Penlink and Whangaparāoa Road intersection to extend the NX2 rapid service, aiming for trips up to 20 minutes quicker to the city with better links to Red Beach, Albany and the City Centre.Designs will be shared for community input in 2026, but funding to build is not yet confirmed.The station would serve Whangaparāoa within the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, connecting Gulf Harbour and Matakatia to Stanmore Bay and Red Beach.Benefits include more reliable journeys, lower petrol and parking costs, and fewer cars on the road, with one full bus potentially replacing 30 to 40 vehicles.Locals might see quicker, easier city trips if plans proceed.AT is inviting comments now, with the survey open until Sunday, December 7.AT is also reviewing parking in Silverdale town centre and wants to hear from businesses about what works, what does not, and ideas to improve supply and turnover.Have your say about parking supply and demand in Silverdale, here.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A NZ$500,000 manuka honey vessel debuts in France, claiming the world’s priciest jar.New Zealand brand Naki is unveiling its limited-edition Eternal Gold collection at the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata in Le Quesnoy, blending art, heritage and science into a collectible designed to last.The series is inspired by archaeologists finding 3,000-year-old honey in Egyptian tombs.“Honey is the only natural, ready-to-eat food that doesn’t perish,” said Derek Burchell-Burger, Naki’s GM sales and marketing, who wants a “legacy piece that could be passed down through generations.”Each vessel holds ultra-rare UMF 25+ manuka harvested deep in Taranaki bush.Only 73 pieces exist: one two-litre collector’s vessel at NZ$500,000 (€250,000), six mid-tier pieces around NZ$10,000 (€5,000), and 66 smaller vessels at about NZ$1,000 (€500).NZ$1,000 vessel. Photo: Supplied.The ceramics are by South African artist Gabrielle Weinstein with gold-plated dippers by jeweller York Van Rheede Van Oudtshoorn.Naki says its UMF 25+ harvest comes only every two years when conditions align.The company is expanding across 23 markets, preparing a $7 million export shipment to the United States and eyeing growth in the UAE following the new free trade agreement.The launch aligns with Le Quesnoy’s annual November 4 commemorations and highlights ties between two agricultural nations.Future editions will mark each biennial harvest with new artists.“We’re not just selling honey; we’re creating something timeless,” Burchell-Burger said.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Think paracetamol is harmless? Many Kiwis are overdosing.University of Auckland researchers, writing in the New Zealand Journal of Primary Health Care, report many people exceed safe doses because they assume the medicine is harmless.Senior research fellow Dr Samantha Marsh says, “People think it’s safe, which it is, if you take it at the right dose,” warning that the liver can be damaged when limits are exceeded.The study of almost two thousand people found one third commonly take more than two tablets at once and 11 percent exceed the daily limit.Dr Samantha Marsh, UoA Senior Research Fellow Gen.Practice & Primary Healthcare.Many struggle to spot paracetamol in cold and flu products like Lemsip or Coldral, raising the risk of accidental overdosing; Marsh supports clearer front-of-pack warnings such as “contains paracetamol”.The recommended adult dose is one or two 500mg tablets every four to six hours, with at least four hours between doses and no more than eight tablets, or four grams, in 24 hours.Children are a particular concern, with the National Poisons Centre receiving about 1000 calls a year for paracetamol poisonings, roughly half involving children who helped themselves; 60 to 65 percent of poison calls involve under-fives.Marsh urges parents to record doses, especially overnight.Locals might see pharmacists reinforce dose spacing and remind families to check labels before combining products.For Hibiscus Coast households, the message is simple: follow the pack, track each dose, and ask your GP or pharmacist if unsure.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand home values rose 0.2% in October, a second lift that matters for Hibiscus Coast buyers watching the market. Cotality NZ’s Home Value Index shows the national median at $811,662 after a 0.1% rise in September, following five monthly falls. Chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said the back-to-back increases “may signal the early stages of a market recovery,” but urged restraint. “Sentiment remains tilted to the cautious end of the spectrum, and of course, the economy and labour market are still subdued.” He linked the small gains to lower mortgage rates and flagged looser loan-to-value rules from Monday, December 1, after the Tuesday, October 14 announcement. Banks often move early, so effects could appear in October lending data due late November. In Auckland, October was mixed: Franklin rose 0.3% and North Shore edged up, while Rodney, Manukau, and Papakura dipped 0.1%, with larger drops in Auckland City and Waitākere. Over 12 months, Auckland values fell 2.0%, with key areas still 20–25% below peak. Davidson said attention now turns to the Reserve Bank’s Wednesday, November 26 OCR call, likely a 0.25% cut that could end this cycle. He sees 2026 bringing more sales and modest price growth, around 5% or less, with values still about 17% under early-2022 peaks—conditions some Coast buyers may view as opportunity.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

For many New Zealand small businesses, the struggle isn’t just finding new customers. It’s getting paid by the ones you already have.Unpaid invoices can creep up quietly, building a “90 days +” column that’s far too big for comfort.But there’s a fine line between staying firm on payments and keeping good customer relationships intact.Managing that balance is the key to long-term success.Be clear from the startThe first step in effective debt management actually starts before the sale.Every quote, order form, and invoice should include your payment terms in plain English, not buried in fine print.If you expect payment within 14 days, say so. If you apply late-payment interest, make that clear too.The goal isn’t to scare people off, but to set expectations.Good customers appreciate transparency.Invoice promptly and accuratelyIt sounds basic, but many overdue debts start with a delay or error in invoicing.Send invoices as soon as work is completed or goods are delivered, and double-check all details — pricing, dates, and purchase order numbers.A missing PO number or even an inaccurate description of the work done can push payment out by another whole month for some clients.Efficient invoicing tells your customers you take your business seriously.Follow up early, and stay politeDon’t wait 60 days to start chasing payments. A friendly reminder a few days after the due date is often all that’sneeded.Keep your tone courteous. Most overdue accounts are due to oversight, not intention.Try something like: “Hi [name], just a quick reminder that invoice #1234 was due last week. Please let us know if it’s already been paid, or if there’s any issue we can help with.”This shows professionalism, not aggression.Know when to escalateIf reminders don’t work, it’s time to have a firm but respectful conversation.Be calm, factual, and solution- focused: “We’d really like to continue working with you, but we do need to get this settled.”Offering a structured repayment plan can often recover the money without damaging the relationship.If that fails, using a collection agency or legal pathway might be necessary, but always as a last resort.Review and refineRegularly review your debtor list.Who pays late every month? Are your terms too generous? Do you need deposits for new clients?Sometimes prevention is more effective than collection.Keep communication open and systems simple.The bottom lineDebt collection isn’t about being harsh.It’s about keeping your cash flow healthy and your business sustainable.It’s a balancing act between professionalism and empathy.Never give upOne business I know recently received payment for 3 invoices totalling nearly $10k, which had been overdue for between 21 and 25 months.Giving up would been easier, but that wasn’t the path taken. Persistence did pay off. Eventually.If you’d like to know more about setting up an effective, customer-friendly debt collection process, or would like a free, no-obligation meeting to discuss your situation — get in touch today.We’d be happy to help you keep your overdue column under control and your customer relationships strong.

Struggling Auckland oyster farmers will receive financial support from Watercare after a fault at its Warkworth wastewater pump station left their farms contaminated and unable to harvest.Watercare estimated the overflow volume was about 1200 cubic metres, but did not know how much had reached the harbour.The fault was not flagged by Watercare's internal alert system.From Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning, wastewater entered the adjacent stormwater pond and then flowed into the Mahurangi River.Watercare confirmed on Monday in a statement that it was discussing the issue of financial support with Aquaculture New Zealand, which was acting for the oyster farmers.Chief executive Jamie Sinclair said Watercare was deeply sorry."We understand how serious this is - it's caused disruption and hardship for people whose livelihoods depend on a clean harbour. We are genuinely sorry and we're committed to making it right," said Sinclair.Watercare said the pump station was stabilised and normal operations were restored on Thursday, with the combined wastewater and stormwater pumped from the stormwater pond back into the pump station on Thursday and Friday.The agency said a thorough clean-up of the area was carried out over the weekend and the pond was refilled with clean, unchlorinated water in line with advice from Auckland Council's freshwater ecologist.It said testing had since shown the pond water was now within safe levels.Watercare said the overflow was a unique incident caused by a technical failure following a power surge, which disrupted operations at the Warkworth site.It is understood the surge tripped the pumps, causing the pump station's storage tank to fill.Sinclair said the cause of this overflow was different to previous issues that were caused by rainfall and growth putting pressure on existing infrastructure, and which was being addressed by infrastructure upgrades."This overflow was caused by a power surge and compounded by our alert system not working as we would expect, which meant it was not identified as quickly as it should have been."Sinclair said two investigations were underway - one looking at the cause of the power surge that tripped the pumps and resulted in the overflow; while the second review would look at why alarms did not immediately alert Watercare to the problem.

Fire and Emergency urges greater care with fireworks this Guy Fawkes after last year’s spike.National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery Adrian Nacey says crews responded to 166 calls last year, the worst year for fires caused by fireworks since 2019.“Nine of those callouts were structure fires caused by fireworks. All these incidents put communities and our firefighters at risk and create an additional workload for our crews,” he says.Nacey says people should be vigilant when lighting fireworks, particularly with recent high winds.While there has been rain in parts of the country, he notes things dry out quickly at this time of year and conditions can let fires spread and get out of control very fast.He encourages people to attend public fireworks displays, saying fireworks are best left to professionals.If you do light your own, check conditions first at www.checkitsalright.nz.Do not light fireworks if it is windy.Set up in a wide open space, away from anything that could catch fire, and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby.Check you have the landowner’s permission and remember many public spaces have fireworks bans in place, including most council-managed parks and beaches.Ensure fireworks are pointed at the sky, not at people, pets, or anyone’s home.Let neighbours know your plans and keep pets inside.Dispose of fireworks safely by soaking them in water before throwing them out.Nacey reminds the public they are responsible for the fireworks they set off.Causing or allowing a fire to get out of control and spread to vegetation or property is an offence that can carry significant penalties.Do not stockpile fireworks for summer when the fire risk is much higher.More guidance is at www.checkitsalright.nz.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland police are investigating an arson at a cafe on the Hibiscus Coast at the weekend.Sunflour Cafe posted on social media saying their business was broken into and set on fire on Saturday night."Thankfully, no one was hurt - but our little home away from home has suffered some serious damage," the post said."We're devastated, to say the least. This place means so much to us and to so many of you who've made it part of your daily routine, celebrations, and community. But we want you to know one thing: we're not going anywhere."The cafe was already working on clean up and repairs, and hoped to reopen as soon as possible, the post said.Police in Ōrewa have now launched Operation Governor to investigate the most recent blaze.It comes after another attempted arson and damage caused at nearby businesses over recent months, police said.There had been four incidents to date, including wilful damage.Damage done to the Sunflour cafe in Orewa. Photo: Sunflour / suppliedWaitematā North Area Commander Inspector John Thornley said attacks on local businesses would not be tolerated."These arsons are not only damaging property, but it's affecting peoples' livelihoods, and Police is open-minded about whether any of these incidents are linked," he said.Thornley said they would be engaging with the public over the coming days, and they could expect a larger police presence in the area."We want to hear about any suspicious activity that people might have seen on Saturday night," he said."I'm asking anyone with dashcam footage around the Ōrewa township, between 10pm and midnight, on Saturday 1 November to make themselves known to the investigation team.""No piece of information is too small, so please come forward as soon as possible."

New Zealand marks Gumboot Friday on Friday, November 7, raising funds for free youth counselling that’s in high demand.Founded by mental health advocate Mike King, Gumboot Friday offers free counselling for anyone in New Zealand aged 25 and under.While there’s public funding, organisers say demand keeps growing, so donations help more young people access support when they need it.How to take part is simple: wear gumboots, drop a gold coin, and spread the word.All donations to the Gumboot Friday Fund support the administration and delivery of the service for young people 25 and under across the country.If you’re 25 and under, visit GUMBOOTFRIDAY.COM for free, timely counselling.For immediate support at any time, text or call 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor.To learn more or donate, click here to get involved.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Secondary school routines change on Wednesday, November 5 as a nationwide PPTA strike hits school days.Most state secondary schools for Years 9-13 are affected, with many closing or finishing early at 1:15pm.NCEA exams will go ahead unaffected.Across November, families will also see planned closures tied to end-of-term routines and staff-only days.Boards can close schools for four half-days for curriculum reasons if they give six weeks’ notice. These dates differ by school.On the Hibiscus Coast, Whangaparaoa College has a Teacher Only Day on Friday, November 14. It is an MOE curriculum day and the school will be closed.Check with your school for specific dates and times.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Stats NZ has opened consultation on the next census, inviting Hibiscus Coast feedback. You can share views on how data is collected and what topics are included until 5pm on Friday 19 December.New Zealand is shifting to a model that uses existing government “admin” data, backed by a new annual census survey and other targeted approaches. Acting Chief Executive and Government Statistician Mary Craig said the aim is to “better meet the needs of customers and communities through modernising the way official statistics are collected and produced,” and to deliver insights more often in a more sustainable way.The consultation outlines proposed data collection and content, including possible additions such as new quality-of-life indicators, more detail on dwellings like floor area, age, and coldness, ‘income amount by income source,’ expanded questions on smoking to include vape use, and access to cellphones at an individual level. Deputy Chief Executive Tia Warbrick said census information supports planning and decision-making across communities, businesses, iwi, non-government organisations, and government, and that Stats NZ expects strong interest.Warbrick said the approach will evolve, and this consultation helps identify where further development is needed.Locals can review the changes, consider the proposed content, and complete the online questionnaire to say what matters most to them.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown made headlines after saying he might hand over the mayoralty to his deputy before his three-year term was up, in a pre-election media interview.Brown quickly backtracked, telling RNZ he had every intention of serving a full second term.He said his comments were a "hypothetical answer to a hypothetical question".The Local Government Act 2002, which sets out the rules all local authorities must follow, states that if a mayor is away, the deputy mayor fills in."The deputy mayor or deputy chairperson must perform all the responsibilities and duties, and may exercise all the powers, of the mayor or chairperson,With the consent of the mayor or chairperson, at any time during the temporary absence of the mayor or chairperson:Without that consent, at any time while the mayor or chairperson is prevented by illness or other cause from performing the responsibilities and duties, or exercising the powers, of his or her office:While there is a vacancy in the office of the mayor or chairperson."However, if the mayor resigns or is unable to complete their term for another reason, such as passing away, that would create what is known as an extraordinary vacancy.According to the Local Electoral Act 2001, if a mayoral vacancy occurs less than 12 months out from local body elections, a member of the council must nominate another member to be mayor.If there are no other nominations, or a majority of councillors support that nomination, the member will be mayor for the rest of the term.Otherwise, a by-election would be held, and constituents would have to vote for a mayor.The deputy mayor would cover mayoral duties until someone was elected.The deputy mayor's councillor seat would remain with them during that time.A mayor cannot simply hand over the mayoralty to their deputy but in theory they can step down less than 12 months before elections.A councillor could nominate the deputy to be mayor for the rest of the term.If there were more than 12 months of a term left and a deputy mayor wanted to become mayor for that time, they would need to stand in the by-election against any other challengers.However, there is no definition of the word 'temporary' stated in the Local Government Act, in regards to how long a mayor can 'cover' for the mayor if they are away.Although attendance records of elected officials are public, so people would know if the mayor was regularly missing meetings.Councillors cannot remove a mayor, but can (and have in the past) undertake a 'vote of no confidence' in a mayor if they collectively believe them to be unfit to serve.This in itself would not oust a mayor, but it could spur the central government to replace the mayor and their council with commissioners if they believed it necessary.

Local retailer Gatmans Mowers and More has shut after liquidation.Stilwell & Co. Limited, trading as Gatmans Mowers and More, was placed into liquidation on Wednesday, October 22All enquiries should go to the liquidators at Grant Thornton via [email protected], with customers and suppliers to receive direct communications in due course.The owners thanked the Hibiscus Coast community for decades of support and said a challenging 12 months left no choice but to close.The closure follows Peninsula Mowers’ exit, reducing options for local sales and servicing of ride-on and push mowers, garden equipment, tractors and outdoor power tools.Locals might see longer trips for repairs, though the owners recommend Stihl Shop Silverdale, Warkworth Motorcycles and Stihl Shop Albany as nearby alternatives.If you’re waiting on servicing, parts, or have queries about warranties or orders, contact the liquidators using the email above so your case is recorded.Gatmans has been part of the Coast since 1953 and many households will feel this loss, from lifestyle blocks to home gardeners, but we’ll share verified updates as they’re confirmed for affected customers.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Sunflour Café was hit by a suspected deliberate fire.Emergency services were alerted about 11.20 pm, with Fire and Emergency crews from Silverdale, East Coast Bays, and other stations attending.No injuries were reported and the extent of the damage hadn’t been confirmed at the time of writing.This is the third incident affecting a dining spot in Orewa this year, and locals are calling for more security and patrols to protect hospitality and neighbouring businesses across the Hibiscus Coast.The café’s owners thanked customers and the wider community on social media this morning for their overwhelming support, saying they’ll keep working and reopen as quickly as possible.Police inquiries are ongoing to determine what happened.Locals might see extra patrols around town as investigations continue and businesses review their security.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.35 New Dialysis Machines Ease Coast CommutesRead more → $38m Wellsford Upgrade Lifts Water QualityRead more → $26m Push To Restore Hauraki Gulf LifeRead more → Penlink Night Works And SH1 Closures AheadRead more → Will New Zealand Curb Backyard Fireworks?Read more → Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.