Coasties should prepare for upcoming overnight road closures along State Highway 1 (SH1), which may affect travel between Warkworth and Silverdale.The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced that both directions of SH1 will be closed from the Pukerito roundabout near Warkworth to Silverdale over five consecutive nights.These closures will take place from Sunday, 22 September to Thursday, 26 September, starting at 8 pm each night and reopening at 5 am the following morning.The aim is to carry out essential maintenance and finalise work on two key projects: the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and the Highgate Bridge project.During the closure, all vehicles will be detoured via Old State Highway 1 (Pōhuehue Road) and Hibiscus Coast Road, ensuring motorists can still reach their destinations while work is completed.The Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway project is nearing completion, and this final round of maintenance will help ensure the motorway's readiness.In addition, the Highgate Bridge project will create a vital link between John Fair Drive in Milldale and the Highgate Business Park, extending on to Silverdale and Millwater, further enhancing the area’s infrastructure.NZTA emphasises that this work is being done overnight to minimise the impact on local traffic.However, motorists should note that weather conditions could lead to schedule changes.Significant rain or high winds may cause a postponement, with work rescheduled for the next available night.NZTA encourages road users to plan ahead by checking the NZTA Journey Planner before setting out.Being informed of closures and potential weather-related changes can help avoid disruptions to travel plans.

Coasties will be delighted to hear they have the opportunity to see some of the highest quality classical music performed by young people over the weekend.On Saturday, September 21, Orewa College will be hosting the Aotearoa Youth Orchestra. The address is 76 Riverside Road, Orewa, and will be from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The programme will consist of four pieces. Smetana – Vltava (“The Moldau”), Dvorak – Slavonic Dance No.2 in E min, Op.72Strauss – Till EulenspiegelJenny McLeod – Rock Concerto (soloist: Charles Sang, piano)Mary Lin and Caleb Goldsmith, manager and a player of AYO, respectively, commented on what the youth orchestra offers for young people.“AYO provides an enriching experience for our senior secondary school students, tertiary and postgraduate musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform symphonic repertoire at the very highest level.” Caleb shared that the youth orchestra travels across the country for their performances. They perform 10 times a year, with large concerts played in the Auckland town hall. “AYO embarks on often ambitious and challenging pieces bringing out the best in the musicians, with the highest standard of performance.” Mary says the travelling can be difficult, but it certainly teaches players important life skills. “Our players balance a rigorous academic workload with music and a range of other sporting and cultural pursuits.”“We always ask players to discuss their issues and share their points with us so we can support them when we are able to.” Being the national youth orchestra, you can expect a high level of quality. Mary shares that AYO hosts auditions at the end of each year. Current players are required to participate in this to maintain their place and seating order within the orchestra. “We look for musicians who are grade 8 and above for strings, wind, brass and orchestral percussion. Musicians auditioning go through a rigorous process of preparing orchestral excerpts from standard orchestra repertoire.Results are posted by mid-December with the repertoire finalised that highlight our strength.”The performance you will see on the night is surely one worth watching. To purchase tickets and learn more information about the events, follow the link below.https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/ayo-auckland-youth-orchestra-september-series/auckland/orewa

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas are being called on to provide feedback on Auckland Council’s new draft Shoreline Adaptation Plans (SAPs) for the Waitematā Harbour West and Weiti Estuary to Devonport Peninsula shorelines.These plans aim to address coastal hazards and climate change impacts over the next century, ensuring long-term preservation of the region’s coastlines.The SAPs were developed using the latest climate change projections, coastal hazard models, and technical data to offer a robust framework for how communities can adapt to rising sea levels, erosion, and other climate-related risks.The council is keen to involve residents, as their feedback will play a crucial role in refining the plans to meet community needs.“We want to understand how you use these shorelines, what you value about them, and whether you think our proposals are right for the area,” said a council representative.The Weiti Estuary to Devonport Peninsula SAP stretches from Okura to Devonport and encompasses areas such as Takapuna, Browns Bay, and Silverdale.These regions are vital to the local economy, environment, and community life, making the adaptation plans an important step towards safeguarding their future.Consultations for SAPs are open until 26 September 2024, with two key ways for residents to share their thoughts.Locals can engage in the conversation by using the council’s interactive map on Social Pinpoint, where they can mark areas of importance and provide direct feedback.Those who participate will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of two $100 GiftPay vouchers.Additionally, feedback can be submitted through the AK Have Your Say portal, which offers more detailed reports on the draft adaptation strategies.The council encourages residents to review these documents and contribute their insights on how the shoreline should be managed in the face of climate challenges.As these plans will shape the region’s response to coastal hazards for the next 100 years, community input is vital to ensuring they reflect local values and priorities.

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast are keeping a close eye on the Auckland housing market, with the latest data showing a significant shift. For the first time in nearly four years, Auckland’s average asking price for properties has dipped below the one-million-dollar mark, sparking interest from potential buyers.According to Trade Me Property, the average asking price in Auckland fell to $986,750 in August 2024, a 1.3% drop from July. This marks the fifth consecutive month of falling prices in the region. Gavin Lloyd, Trade Me Property’s Customer Director, explained that the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this trend continues.“It’s going to be interesting to see what happens to prices over the next month as we come into Spring,” said Lloyd. “September results should give us a clearer picture of whether the recent drops are due to a difficult winter or if there’s a deeper issue in the housing market.”One local couple, Sam and Pam Gaviola, recently took advantage of the price drop, purchasing a four-bedroom home in Henderson Heights for $900,000. After a long search, attending more than 50 open homes, they found the right property.Despite some moisture issues and necessary roof repairs, they managed to negotiate the price down from $999,000.Pam shared that their persistence paid off: “While it took us a long time to find the right property, it helped us understand our price point and what we were willing to shell out for.” The couple financed their purchase with savings and KiwiSaver, even taking on side jobs to boost their income.Across the country, property prices are also trending downwards. Nationally, the average asking price in August was $818,250, a 2.3% year-on-year decrease. Mr Lloyd highlighted that consecutive monthly declines could push the national average below $800,000, creating potential opportunities for buyers.While North Island regions have struggled, four regions in the South Island have seen year-on-year price increases, with Marlborough, West Coast, Otago, and Southland showing positive growth. Gisborne was the only North Island region to see a significant rise, with prices jumping by 9.9% in August.As the housing market continues to evolve, locals and first-home buyers may find themselves well-positioned to take advantage of these lower prices.

Looking ahead, Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 20/9Windy, with showers. Breezy to brisk West to Nor'West winds.High: 16Low: 12Saturday - 21/9Morning showers. Fairly breezy Westerly winds.High: 18Low: 10Sunday - 22/9Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Nor'West winds.High: 20Low: 12Monday - 23/9Afternoon showers. Fairly breezy Westerly winds.High: 18Low: 11Get real-time weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and lots more.Anytime, anywhere – everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App.

Coasties have faced their fair share of challenges over the past year, with rising costs and high interest rates affecting local families, businesses, and the wider Hibiscus Coast community. New GDP data from Stats NZ, released today, offers a glimpse into how these economic pressures have played out across the country.For the June 2024 quarter, New Zealand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 0.2%, signalling the continued impact of the long-running cost of living crisis. Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledged the difficulties but noted that signs of recovery are beginning to emerge.“Today’s GDP data confirms what we already know – that the economy has been suffering the after-effects of a long cost of living crisis, with the Reserve Bank having to keep rates high to tackle inflation,” said Willis.While the Hibiscus Coast, like the rest of New Zealand, has felt the strain of rising prices and tight business conditions, the Minister offered a positive outlook for the months ahead. “The New Zealand economy is resilient, and it will recover. Forward-looking data shows the work we are doing to rebuild the economy is already having an impact, and green shoots of recovery are coming through,” she added.Inflation, which has remained high over the last few years, is projected to fall below 3% this quarter. This shift is welcome news for households and businesses, many of whom have had to navigate the pressures of increased living costs and financial uncertainty.In August, the Reserve Bank made its first cut to the official cash rate since 2020, reducing it by 25 basis points. The decision provides some relief to those with mortgages and offers a glimmer of hope for struggling businesses.Local business owners may find particular comfort in the news that business confidence is at its highest level in a decade.“Some businesses are feeling a lot better about the future, with business confidence recently reported as the highest in a decade,” said Willis. "It’s pleasing to see many businesses have the confidence to hire, invest, and grow once again."Although economic recovery is still in its early stages, the government’s approach appears to be helping, with Finance Minister Willis assuring that brighter days lie ahead. “There is still more work to do, but our careful and deliberate plan is laying the foundations for economic recovery,” she said.For now, locals can look forward to easing financial pressures and the hope that better times are just around the corner.

August’s property market shows steady trends for Coasties, reflecting optimism and growing confidence across New Zealand, according to the latest report by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).REINZ’s August 2024 figures reveal a mixed bag of results, with overall sales volumes down slightly by 0.7% compared to the previous year. However, several regions, including Northland and Bay of Plenty, saw significant upticks in activity. National median prices decreased by just 0.6% year-on-year, with the median price now sitting at $765,000.Despite the slight dip in prices, month-on-month trends indicate a stable market, as prices increased by 1.3%. REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird emphasised this cautious optimism, noting: “August data shows a level of stability in the market.”Notably, Northland led regional growth, with a 22.7% increase in sales compared to the previous year. This trend reflects stronger buyer interest and the return of investors, especially as interest rates continue to decline. “There is a rise in optimism and confidence,” Baird added, though she cautioned against calling it a turning point just yet.While sales volumes saw only minor changes, the number of new property listings grew significantly across the country, with an 8.1% increase nationally. Gisborne recorded a staggering 69.2% rise in listings, while Northland, in contrast, experienced an 11.1% decline.Looking ahead, Baird mentioned that falling interest rates may provide much-needed relief to property buyers, which could lead to a more significant uptick in sales before year’s end.

Coasties may soon see increased clarity in contracting arrangements, thanks to upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the adjustments, which aim to give both businesses and contractors greater certainty.“These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement," said Ms van Velden. "It is an ACT-National coalition commitment and is another action completed in the Government’s Quarter 3 Action Plan.”The coalition Government plans to introduce a gateway test as part of the updated Employment Relations Act. This test will provide businesses with clear criteria to determine whether a person is a contractor or an employee, potentially reducing the legal disputes that have previously plagued the gig economy.Gateway Test CriteriaUnder the proposed changes, a contractor must meet the following four conditions:A written agreement confirming their status as an independent contractor.Freedom to work for other businesses, including competitors.No requirement to work specific hours or days, or the ability to subcontract the work.Protection from contract termination if they refuse additional tasks.The new rules aim to allow businesses to adopt flexible, innovative models without the fear that contractor status might be challenged. Ms van Velden hopes to introduce these changes through the Employment Relations Amendment Bill by 2025.“Contractors play an important role in New Zealand’s economy and society. This new approach will provide businesses with more certainty to proceed with innovative business models involving contractors,” she added.The changes come as a relief for businesses in industries like the gig economy, which rely heavily on contractors.By providing clear guidelines, the new legislation seeks to reduce the risk of misclassification and legal disputes.

Multiple videos of a man charged in relation to a homicide investigation - sparked by a body found in Auckland's Gulf Harbour - have been uploaded to YouTube, showing the man singing what appears to be Christian worship music.The remains of a woman inside a plastic bag were fished out of the sea in North Auckland's Gulf Harbour in March.Kaixiao Liu, 37 and Lanyue Xiao, 36, were arrested in July after being stopped at Auckland Airport, and each face a charge of performing an indignity to a dead human body.The identity of the victim - whom police believed to be a middle-aged Chinese woman of small stature - remains a mystery as the homicide investigation continues.Police conducted a 12-day scene examination of a house in Orewa in connection to the caseThe pair charged in relation to the woman's body have pleaded not guilty and are both on bail.Since Thursday, a YouTube account by the name of "Kaixiao Liu" has uploaded multiple videos of original worship songs by Liu in Mandarin, in which he sings about salvation, God and Jesus.In one video, Kaixiao Liu is seen dressed in a suit, performing a song named 'Real Salvation', as he paces around a beachfront area in Orewa.Two of the videos showed Liu singing, and the rest were accompanied by photos and short clips of the Christian cross and generic images of the universe and natural scenery.The YouTube account was created in October 2023 and has the description in Chinese: "Here are my original worship songs, you're welcome to communicate with me."A history of musicMeanwhile, a classical musician, who does not want to be named, told RNZ that they were among about 20 musicians hired by Liu as freelancers to perform orchestral music Liu had composed in the 2020/21 summer.The musician said late in 2020, they and other musicians - some were music students and others were from Auckland Philharmonia - were contacted by former Auckland Symphony Orchestra conductor Peter Thomas, about an opportunity to help Liu to record an album.The musician told RNZ the initial request for a few hours of playing turned into a few months of weekly sessions and hundreds of hours of playing music for Liu's project. They said the musicians were each paid a couple of hundreds of dollars for each session.They said the recording took place at a studio in an Auckland CBD building with "top of the line microphones, top of the line recording systems", and multiple people hired by Liu to take videos of them playing."It was this kind of ethereal, god-like music, that he kind of wrote to, in his words 'to connect people' and connect people across the universe," they said.They said they did not think much of the arrangement, other than that it was strange."Every week, it slowly unravelled and got a bit stranger and stranger, he would always be there in a kind of a nice looking suit, always had sunglasses on, always had a mask on, and Michelle, who was the other person accused, was always there," they said.They said they only saw Liu remove his mask twice when he drank water.Liu would often gather the musicians around after each session, treat them with food and sing them songs, and offer them wine in "crystal goblets", they recalled.They said the collaboration ended when Liu requested them to make recordings of themselves playing music when one of the Covid lockdowns hit and the musicians were not comfortable with that.They said all the musicians were asked by Liu to write paragraph long statements about why they loved to work with him for Liu's website for his music project - to which they obliged as they felt it was required in order to be hired for more work.They said they felt that Liu "wasn't much of a musician", but used a method where he would humm a tune and record it in his phone, then send it to a man in Austria who would turn the audio into a cohesive three minute piece of music.They said Liu claimed to have millions of dollars available for promoting his music and was looking for excellent expert teams to promote it - however they were under the impression that the hundreds of hours of music they recorded was never released.

Coasties traveling through Auckland Airport will soon see big changes on the horizon.Auckland Airport has officially partnered with Hawkins, a subsidiary of Downer Group, to manage the construction of a new domestic jet terminal.This development is part of a broader $2.2 billion terminal integration program aimed at modernising and expanding the airport’s infrastructure.The new terminal is expected to be a game-changer for both the airport and the local economy.The project, valued at approximately $800 million, is set to create 2,500 jobs at its peak and will support thousands more in South Auckland through subcontracting and supply chain opportunities."We’re pleased to announce that we have partnered with Hawkins on the delivery of the domestic jet terminal building," said Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui."This investment will create essential resilience, greater capacity, and improved services for domestic jet travellers."Construction will include a new terminal headhouse and a 240-metre gate pier, offering passengers 44% more processing space and 26% additional seating capacity.Another feature many Coasties will appreciate is the shorter indoor walk between domestic and international flights, making travel more convenient for local jetsetters.This project is Auckland Airport's largest terminal expansion in nearly 50 years.While construction is scheduled to take five years, with an opening slated for 2029, Ms. Hurihanganui emphasised the long-term vision.“It’s investment for the coming decades and beyond,” she said, underscoring the airport’s commitment to being a good neighbour to the South Auckland community.Peter Tompkins, CEO of Downer Group, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Hawkins is proud to be involved in this significant project, which will deliver a world-class terminal for travellers and provide employment opportunities for the local community.”

Access to New Zealand's tallest surviving kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta, will be closed for the next two months while the boardwalk and viewing platform are replaced.The upgrade is the first phase of a project by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Te Roroa iwi to improve visitor infrastructure in Northland's Waipoua Forest.The work also aims to protect the forest from the spread of kauri dieback, a deadly pathogen already present at Waipoua.DOC Kauri Coast manager Stephen Soole said facilities at Tāne Mahuta were no longer fit for purpose and put the forest and its 200,000 visitors per year at risk.Work by Milton Harward Construction would start on 30 September, and was due to be completed by the end of November in time for the busy summer season.Other walks in Waipoua Forest, including to another immense kauri, Te Matua Ngahere, remained open in the meantime.The new walkway was part of the wider Rākau Rangatira project to upgrade infrastructure and improve the visitor experience in Waipoua Forest, while prioritising forest health.Future initiatives could include guided walks and a park-and-ride option.If introduced, Soole said they could "deepen visitors' connection to culture and nature, increase public safety, minimise environmental impact, and allow visitors to play an active role in contributing to ongoing conservation".Improved infrastructure could allow visitors to experience previously inaccessible areas, such as a wetland behind Te Matua Ngahere.Tāne Mahuta, 51.5m tall with a trunk diameter of 4.5m, was estimated to be 1500 years old.Kauri dieback was caused by Phytophthora agathidicida, a soil-borne pathogen that infected kauri trees through their roots.It restricted the ability of kauri to transport water and nutrients between their roots and leaves, eventually causing the trees to starve.Kauri dieback had so far been found in Northland, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula.

Coasties, heads up! The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is reminding all motorists about planned closures on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Silverdale and Warkworth starting tonight.These closures are part of road resurfacing and essential maintenance work to keep our highways safe and smooth.For those heading northbound, a full overnight closure will be in place from Silverdale to Warkworth, including the Johnstones Hill tunnels.The closure starts tonight, Tuesday, 17 September, from 9 pm, and will continue until 5 am tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 September.A detour will be clearly signposted, directing traffic via Hibiscus Coast and Old State Highway 1.Southbound traffic will face a full closure tomorrow night, Wednesday, 18 September, from 9 pm until 5 am on Thursday, 19 September, between Warkworth and Silverdale.Motorists are advised to follow the same detour using Old State Highway 1 and Hibiscus Coast Highway.The Johnstones Hill tunnels will remain reduced to one lane in each direction until 5 am on Friday, 20 September.However, over-dimension vehicles cannot use the contraflow through the tunnels.NZTA asks drivers of such vehicles to contact them in advance at [email protected] for further instructions.

Snow season is coming as we draw closer to the Orewa Festival.On September 22nd, 20 tonnes of snow will find itself at Moana Reserve from 10 am to 2 pm.The event is funded jointly by Destination Orewa Beach, the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board and Harcourts Cooper & Co Millwater & Silverdale.In speaking to Hellen Wilkins, Destination Orewa Beach’s Business Association Manager, she shared about the planning that goes into the Winter Festival.She offers Coasties a teaser of what they can look forward to on the day.“Harcourts Cooper and Co Millwater & Silverdale branches came on board to partner with this event.""The Orewa Surf Life Saving Club will set up the floating prizes on the day…for the snow – it had to be Snow Planet… [and] the 20 tonnes of snow is being transported for free by Mike from Hiway Stabilisers and Skip from Golden Contracting.”Hellen also explains that they always work hard to find local food vendors and entertainers.Over half of the food options this year will be local to the Coasts, not to mention the activities available.This event happens once a year and is certainly not to be missed with all the attractions that are on offer.Bring your family and friends, and enjoy a fun time taking part and making new friends in your community!As the event is weather-dependent, please use this link to follow the Winter Festival as it develops. Updates regarding current weather forecasts and the event will be there.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast, get ready to dive into an exciting new development in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent study, led by University of Western Australia researchers, sheds light on how giving employees early control over AI decisions can enhance motivation and job performance—something that might shape how local businesses approach technology.The research, conducted by Business School lecturer Dr. Frank Ma, along with colleagues Stijn Masschelein and Vincent Chong, involved 161 participants in a series of online tasks. These tasks simulated real-world decision-making scenarios, especially in fields like banking and manufacturing, where AI is increasingly used to make recommendations."Imagine you're a financial specialist at a bank," Dr. Ma explains. "You input details for a mortgage application, and the AI system suggests declining it. As a human, you might recognise nuances—‘soft’ information—that AI might miss. Having the ability to override the system can be crucial."Accounting and Finance lecturer Frank Ma.The study's findings suggest that employees who are empowered to overrule AI from day one are not only more motivated but also quicker to grasp complex tasks. Dr. Ma believes that this early autonomy creates an environment where employees feel more engaged in their roles, which leads to improved learning and performance.The research also explored the role of incentive schemes in combination with early autonomy. Employees who were allowed to overrule AI decisions and given performance-based incentives showed higher engagement and a deeper understanding of their tasks. This combination, the study suggests, can significantly boost employee productivity."Humans can pick up on nuances that artificial intelligence can’t," Dr. Ma says, "so giving people the power to make the final call over AI decisions is critical."The study, titled Incentive Contracts and the Timing to Introduce Flexibility on Employee Learning, won the Best Paper Award for Management Accounting at the 2024 Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand conference. The findings have sparked discussions across various industries that rely on AI, and they could very well influence how businesses on the Hibiscus Coast, and beyond, think about integrating technology into the workplace.

A phishing email posing as the AA is currently circulating, targeting locals with a false promise of a "Car Emergency Kit." The fraudulent email includes phishing links, aiming to steal credit card information by directing recipients to a malicious website.AA has expressed concern over the misuse of its trusted brand. “We’re disappointed to have our trusted brand used in a scam,” the AA said, urging members and customers to stay cautious. They are proactively working to educate the public through various channels.The fraudulent email urges recipients to click a link and claims they have won a car emergency kit. Once clicked, users are taken to a website designed to gather sensitive credit card details. To protect yourself, follow these steps if you receive such an email:Delete the email immediately.If you’ve provided credit card details, contact your bank straight away to replace your card.Report any data breaches to CERT New Zealand at cert.govt.nzHow to Spot a Phishing EmailPhishing scams can be tricky to spot, but AA encourages locals to remain vigilant. Here are some key ways to identify a phishing email:Urgency: If the email pushes you to act quickly, take a moment to verify the sender’s details.Check the sender’s address: Always cross-check the domain of the sender’s email against the official AA website to ensure it matches.Avoid suspicious links: Hover over any links to see the full URL before clicking. If it looks unfamiliar, don’t click.Personal information safety: AA will never request sensitive details such as credit card information or passwords via email.Phishing scams are becoming more widespread across New Zealand. AA reminds customers only to use official channels, such as aa.co.nz or an AA Centre, when purchasing products or services to safeguard their personal information.

Coasties will be glad to hear that a coordinated effort to reduce crime in Auckland’s central business district (CBD) is showing positive results.Recent police data reveals a 22% decrease in serious assaults in the Auckland CBD from 1 January to 31 July this year, compared to the same period last year.Police Minister Mark Mitchell credits this decline to a cross-government strategy aimed at tackling both crime and anti-social behaviour.“Our central cities should be great places to live and work,” says Mitchell.“In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as violent crime soared. Kiwis ought to feel safe going about their daily lives, and that is why this Government is focused on restoring law and order.”In July, an additional 21 police officers were deployed to the Auckland CBD, raising the total number of beat officers to 51.This increased police visibility, along with the government's broader initiatives, appears to be making a tangible difference.In addition to the reduction in serious assaults, incidents of assault resulting in injury have dropped by 18%.Police Minister Mark Mitchell.A coordinated strategy involving multiple stakeholders has been crucial in these improvements.Since May, representatives from the Auckland City Council, Kāinga Ora, the Ministry of Social Development, Māori wardens, and other community groups have been meeting regularly to address the issues.“Police cannot do this on their own, but together we are seeing positive results,” Mitchell adds.One standout success is the 68% reduction in the number of households relying on emergency housing in the CBD, which has decreased from 53 to 17.This drop has allowed for the closure of two emergency motels. Additionally, retail crime has fallen by 50%, according to Heart of the City, and Auckland Council reports an overall 35% drop in crime in the CBD.Despite these gains, Mitchell acknowledges there’s still work to be done.“Our government will keep working every day to ensure every Aucklander living or working in the CBD feels safe. That’s why we’re rolling out new powers for Police and introducing tougher sentencing laws for violent and repeat offenders.”

As of Monday, 16 September, Auckland’s local alcohol policy will impose a freeze on new off-licence liquor stores across 24 areas, including the city centre. This new regulation, adopted unanimously by Auckland councillors on 29 August, aims to curb the proliferation of liquor stores in areas already heavily impacted by alcohol-related issues.Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland’s Regulatory and Safety Committee, highlighted the community's long-standing call for such measures. “Communities have been crying out for change,” Bartley said. “They want to see better for their neighbourhoods, and they’ve had enough of new liquor stores opening up.”Under the new policy, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) will now take into account the local alcohol policy when evaluating applications for new off-licences, which include liquor stores, bottle shops, and supermarkets selling alcohol. The policy strongly recommends denying applications in the 24 designated areas due to their already high concentration of liquor stores and associated alcohol-related harm.Rob Abbott, Principal Specialist Alcohol Licensing at Auckland Council, explained the stringent criteria for new licences in these areas. “The DLC must consider the high number of existing bottle shops and the negative impact of alcohol on public health and safety. There must be a very compelling reason for any new licence to be granted,” Abbott said.The freeze will not affect existing stores within these areas. They can continue operating, including during ownership transfers or licence renewals, as long as they adhere to the required conditions.Outside the 24 areas, applications for new off-licences will face additional scrutiny. The policy introduces a ‘rebuttable presumption’ making it more challenging to open new liquor stores in Auckland’s neighbourhood centres, which are typically areas with rows of shops.Additionally, starting Monday, the DLC will also review applications for new alcohol licences and renewals. New conditions may be imposed, including requirements for incident registers, customer transport information, CCTV, and staff training to enhance safety and responsible service.This policy marks a significant step towards creating safer and healthier environments across Auckland.

Coasties, exciting progress is being made on the Milldale State Highway 1 (SH1) crossing, also known as the Highgate Bridge.This important piece of infrastructure will connect John Fair Drive in Milldale to the Highgate Business Park, providing easier access to Silverdale and Millwater.Construction on the bridge foundations kicked off in mid-2023, and the piling work on both sides of SH1 began in September.According to the NZ Transport Agency, piling wrapped up ahead of schedule in October, marking a significant milestone for the project.The bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, bringing long-awaited convenience to locals and businesses alike.As part of this project, there will be some upcoming road closures.Northbound lanes between Silverdale interchange and Orewa interchange will be closed on Wednesday, 18 September, and Thursday, 19 September, from 10 pm to 5 am.Southbound lanes will also be closed on Thursday, 19 September, during the same hours.NZTA advises, "These works are essential to progress on the Highgate Bridge construction and to ensure safety for all."

Coasties, it’s been a record-breaking season for the One New Zealand Warriors at Go Media Stadium, as they set a new benchmark for NRL home game attendance in 2024. Nearly a quarter of a million rugby league fans flocked to the stadium, with an impressive 235,581 fans attending 10 home matches. This makes the Warriors the first NRL team to sell out an entire season of home games.The average attendance of 23,578 per game surpassed their previous record of 22,739, set just last year. In total, 250,395 tickets were sold for the season, drawing fans from across New Zealand and beyond. According to Auckland Stadiums, around a third of attendees travelled from outside Auckland, with 84% visiting solely to see the Warriors in action.“This season will go down in history,” said James Parkinson, Director of Auckland Stadiums. “When the Warriors are thriving, it benefits all of Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa.”Warriors CEO Cameron George echoed this sentiment: “Selling out the season is a testament to our amazing fans. They’ve turned the stadium into a fortress.”The passionate Warriors fans certainly made their presence known. Sound monitors regularly recorded noise levels exceeding 110db, equivalent to a rock concert, proving that the atmosphere at Go Media Stadium is like no other in the NRL.The excitement wasn’t limited to the field. Sustainability efforts saw over 80% of the season’s waste recycled or composted, and fans consumed over 107,000 portions of hot food, including 25,000 servings of hot chips.As for Warriors superfan Robert “The Sign Guy” Harris, he says the 2024 season was unforgettable: “Next season, we’ll be back bigger and better than ever.”