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.

Hibiscus Coast locals can expect a cheerful theme today. Sunday, November 2 is International Doge Day, a light prompt to “Do Only Good Everyday.”The story traces back to Kabosu, a Shiba Inu born in 2005 and adopted in 2008 by teacher and blogger Atsuko Sato, whose 2010 blog photos became the meme many of us recognise. Reddit users helped the playful “Doge” name stick and the message spread well beyond the internet. Kabosu died in 2024 at 14, but the spirit of the meme carries on in small, practical kindness.Here on the Hibiscus Coast that could mean checking on an elderly neighbour, picking up litter on the Beach, offering a patient wave in traffic, or adding a friendly comment to local posts. It’s not about big gestures. It’s simple habits that brighten someone’s day. If you mark the day online, keep it upbeat and local. A quick photo, a kind word, or a shout-out for someone doing good work fits the brief. Locals might see extra smiles on morning walks.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland oyster farmers are furious after what is believed to be the biggest wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River this year.Ten marine farms have been in a lengthy battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflow contaminating their oyster crops.Mahurangi Oysters owner Jim Aitken told RNZ that, in an email on Thursday, Watercare informed them of an overflow at its Lucy Moore Memorial Park pump station.In the email, seen by RNZ, Watercare said at about 2.30pm the pump station overflowed to the stormwater pond and wastewater began entering the Mahurangi River."We believe the overflow was caused by a power surge that tripped our pumps."Unfortunately, this was not flagged by our internal alert system, and we did not discover the overflow until a site visit this morning. The pump station was reactivated, and the overflow stopped about 8am [on Thursday]."Watercare estimated the overflow volume was about 1200 cubic metres, but did not know how much had reached the harbour.Aitken said continuous pollution of the water had ruined his business."We're going under, simple as that. I'm now burning through my personal cash flow. I actually advertised this week for another staff member to help us out over Christmas and next year. I've pulled the pin on the whole thing, I can't afford it."It's heartbreaking to see New Zealand, once known for clean, green food production, become unsafe because of repeated spills by Watercare."The future we've invested in for our family's legacy and our retirement is going down the drain. Watercare needs to be held to account."Aitken said the family-owned farm had to close for 28 days because of this latest spill.He said it had 80,000 dozen oysters ready to be sold, many of which would now have to be dumped.Matakana Oysters' Tom Walters said he's not only concerned about his fellow marine farmers, but also the Mahurangi Harbour environment.He said the persistent sewage spills will have damaged the harbour's marine ecosystem."You'll have oxygen levels depleted and marine organisms that are coming, like snapper that are coming into spawn right now, they'll be affected too.""Fish, people swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating. It's coming up to that time. We see people out there all the time at the moment bringing boats in."They'll have no idea that they're literally playing in a whole bunch of sewage."Walters said he'd lost faith in Watercare and said their latest apology was "ticking a box".He said this latest spill was different to the previous ones, considering it was a dry weather event."There's no dilution factor here, being a dry weather spill and also a high sewage component. You're not looking at much stormwater being in there, even though that is a stormwater pond. All of it would have been wastewater going in."Walters said he feared for the oyster industry in the Mahurangi Harbour, especially as they come into the busiest time of the year.He said he's only staying afloat financially by sourcing oysters from other areas."You're just trying to keep the lights on and the doors going until you open back up again."Mahurangi Oyster Association chairperson, Lynette Dunn told Morning Report the sewage overflow comes at the peak of their season."We need financial support from Watercare as this is going to continue happening for the next two years until the new treatment plant is up and running."Dunn said issues regarding sewage had been a problem oyster farmers in the area had been battling for seven years."So we are just pretty worn out about the whole thing, just the whole non caring about the harbour itself as well."She said it can create dead zones in the harbour where marine life can't survive.Dunn said there was not one business in the harbour that was not struggling.'Extremely disappointed' - WatercareIn a statement, Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair confirmed the "significant" wastewater overflow and said the company had alerted Auckland Council's pollution response team and the Ministry for Primary Industries."We are extremely disappointed and sorry that this has happened, particularly for the impact it is having on the local oyster farmers, who now face a 28-day harvest closure," Sinclair said."We had been seeing a positive impact from our recent improvements to the Warkworth wastewater network that had allowed oyster harvesting to resume, so we know this news will be very upsetting to farmers who are nearing the end of their harvest season."I have been in touch with the oyster farmers to convey how disappointed we are, and hope to meet them soon so I can apologise in person on behalf of Watercare and offer our support."The pump station did have internal storage, but this had overflowed to the nearby stormwater pond, and wastewater began entering the river.Crews had pumped the combined wastewater and stormwater from the pond back into the pump station, which was operating normally, on Thursday afternoon, Sinclair said."We have begun an investigation into what caused the power surge, and to look into why our alarm systems and monitoring didn't work as we'd expect. We are determined to learn from this and ensure we don't face a similar incident in the future."Jenny MarcroftNZ First MP Jenny Marcroft. Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneNZ First MP Jenny Marcroft, also the under-secretary for oceans and fisheries, told Morning Report that Watercare had a responsibility to compensate the farmers."Their businesses have been crippled by these ongoing continuous overflow incidents and this latest one is probably going to break some of these oyster farmers' businesses," she said."At this stage 'sorry' is just not good enough. We have seen some financial support earlier for the oyster farmers, and I do acknowledge that. One of the important things they could do now is actually get their hands in their pockets and find some financial support for these oyster farmers."Marcroft said the farmers were now unable to harvest during a crucial time of year."This is when the oysters are their fattest and creamiest, and they feature premium price. Closing down now for 28 days, they will not be able to harvest those beautiful oysters and get top price for them."But she said there was nothing the government could do to help."In terms of what central government can do, there are no levers that we can use to get money out the door to them."This is a failure of Watercare, which is an organisation owned by Auckland Council. It is their responsibility."

Auckland’s mayor used his 2025 inauguration to set a five-point plan and promise faster fixes.He framed the result as a clear mandate to “carry on fixing Auckland, and prepare it for the future,” pointing to progress since the floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. Emergency Management has been strengthened, Making Space for Water is underway, and a new plan will stop homes being built on floodplains. He said savings targets have been exceeded, capital spending rules enforced, and a Better Value Projects programme now scrutinises big builds.On infrastructure, he confirmed record investment, Watercare finances reset to fund depreciation and growth, and two milestones looming, with the New Zealand International Convention Centre opening within months and the City Rail Link carrying passengers next year. CCO reform is central: Eke Panuku and economic development are back in-house, Auckland Transport will become a public transport service provider, and decision-making will return to elected members.For Coasties, the transport focus matters. He wants smarter traffic lights and dynamic lanes to speed trips, and intensification near key transport hubs under Plan Change 120, rather than pushing sprawl. That could shift where new homes go and how people commute to work and study across the region.Looking ahead, the “future five” policies target transport upgrades, a consensus on Plan Change 120, lifting economic performance, a safer, more inviting city centre, and a city deal with Government. He backed a user-pays bed levy to prepare for tourism growth and highlighted new tech initiatives, including the Auckland Tech Alliance and a national institute based in Auckland.“We must change Auckland from the world’s largest suburb to a global city,” he said, adding that the Port of Auckland will return $100 million a year to ease pressure on rates. “It’s a privilege and an honour, now let’s get on with it.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

As many as 150 people a week could get infected with measles if an epidemic takes hold, in a "pessimistic" scenario, official measles modelling suggests.Modelling to estimate the impact of a potential measles epidemic was done last year by the government-owned ESR, now known as the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF).The pessimistic scenario described what could happen if the virus took off in unfavourable conditions, such as in a community with low vaccination rates.However, it suggested any epidemic was more likely to look like the one in 2019, with a peak of about 100 cases a week.Then, there were 2185 known cases, with 768 people hospitalised, about half of them children.Health officials are currently trying to stamp out an outbreak, with 13 known cases across six regions centres, and 2142 people known to have been exposed.They have warned the health system would struggle to cope with more than 100 measles cases a week if the current outbreak got out of control.A summary of the modelling was included in measles advice given to Minister of Health Simeon Brown in May.That advice noted there was a high degree of variability between the two scenarios, but considering a higher one would be useful for planning.PHF's full report said the modelling used AI to create simulated populations and scenarios that ran over six months.It could not predict exactly what would happen, but looked at how measles could spread in similar conditions to the 2019 outbreak, with the lowered 2024 childhood vaccination rates factored in.It then looked at whether other variables would come into play, such as the outbreak taking hold in an area with particularly low vaccination rates, which could increase the rate of infection.The modelling also found that increasing vaccination rates by five percent could halve the number of hospitalisations in an outbreak, but noted that had to be done quickly to be most effective.PHF said the work was not a prediction or forecast. Instead, it looked at how scenarios might play out to help with planning a response.Experts have been saying for some time an outbreak of measles was inevitable in New Zealand given waning vaccination rates.There was a large cohort of young adults who likely missed out on getting the full dose of two jabs of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in childhood, and current childhood rates have dropped to 82 percent for under-fives, and just 72 percent for Māori under-fives.Coverage of 95 percent was needed for herd immunity, where those who were not vaccinated would also be protected.'Entirely preventable'Tairāwhiti Medical Officer of Health Dr Oz Mansoor told Morning Report about 500,000 people could be susceptible to measles.He said the outbreak could be worse than the one in 2019 because vaccination coverage has dropped."The other aspect of what's going to happen is the vaccine uptake, because this is an entirely preventable condition."Unfortunately we are in a situation where coverage has not been so good, plus we have our young adults, so we do have quite a lot of measles susceptible - perhaps something around half-a-million or more people who are susceptible to measles - so that's where that potential for the very large outbreak that's been modelled."The measles outbreak in 2019 infected more than 2000 people, with about a third being admitted to hospital.There were currently 13 confirmed measles cases, with more than 2000 close contacts identified."It's like it's a fire ready to go, and I think we have eliminated measles - certified in 2017 by the World Health Organisation… and we've had a very aggressive response whenever we've had incursions because measles has been on the rise locally."He said the vaccine is close to 100 percent effective after two doses, and while it was not perfect, anyone vaccinated was less likely to get severe disease and to pass it on."We're not yet close to reaching our 95 percent [vaccination] target, but we are doing our best."I think the problems we have with immunisation is a reflection of the challenges we have in our health system."The Immunisation Advisory Centre's Dr Mamaeroa David told Morning Report that adults who are not sure whether they've been vaccinated or twice, should go and get the jab.The centre's senior Māori medical advisor said those born before1969 were likely to have good measles immunity."After 1969 there's a possibility that you only had one dose of MMR, which gives you a little bit of protection, but two doses gives you up to 98 percent or more, so it's very very effective."Adults are the people who pick up this disease and take it around to our babies, so that's why it's very important for adults to be protected."David said the vaccine was not free for non New-Zealand residents who haven't been exposed to the virus.She said people should see their GP or pharmacist if they wanted to get vaccinated.

AUT becomes Auckland FC’s Exclusive University Partner for 2025/26, backing research, player pathways, and fan engagement at Go Media Stadium.AUT Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Engagement, Amy Malcolm says the fit is natural. “With AUT widely recognised as being New Zealand’s leading sports science university, we are thrilled to have broadened our existing partnership with Auckland FC to become its Exclusive University Partner.” She adds that the club “is bold, young, diverse and inclusive and shares the same values of excellence, opportunity and community,” and that AUT looks forward to engaging with fans from the city’s many community groups and showing support for “one of the most exciting sports teams in Australasia.”The agreement keeps AUT’s expertise close to the pitch. It continues support with research and specialist knowledge, creates opportunities and pathways for players, and supplies a pipeline of graduates with sought-after skills. Eleven AUT alumni already work in support roles at the club, across performance analysis, sports science, physiotherapy, marketing, and commercial operations, showing how classroom learning carries through to professional football.Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker says the club has benefited from AUT since day one. “We have been very fortunate to have had the support of, and access to, New Zealand’s top sports university since the inception of the club and we’re delighted to have strengthened our partnership, securing them as our Exclusive University Partner.” He points to AUT’s long record in sports science. “The university’s people, educational resources and innovations are extremely valuable to us and our aim of developing clear professional pathways and opportunities for New Zealand’s top talent.”For Coast-based fans following Auckland’s A-League journey, the partnership signals stronger links between higher education, elite performance, and the match-day experience.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government has confirmed a streamlined process for Auckland’s new housing plan, Plan Change 120.Auckland Council asked Parliament for the option to withdraw Plan Change 78 to avoid applying the Medium Density Residential Standards in some areas and to downzone places vulnerable to floods. Ministers agreed and the Council has now withdrawn PC78. The new plan must provide at least the same overall housing capacity as PC78 and enable greater building heights and housing density around key stations that will benefit from the City Rail Link when it opens next year.RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the shift returns choices to residents. “By giving Auckland Council the option to withdraw PC78, we’ve returned decision-making to locals. Aucklanders will once again decide how and where housing growth happens in this important city for New Zealand’s future.”PC120 will proceed under the Streamlined Planning Process over 20 months. Public submissions open Monday, November 3, 2025, and close Friday, December 19, 2025. Hearings will be held in 2026 before a panel of eight to nine members, with four appointed by Ministers and the remainder by the Council. Ministers are working with the Council on who the Council will appoint as Chair. A friend-of-submitter service will be available to help people engage with the plan change.The panel and Council are asked to consider whether any provisions unduly frustrate development, to test the distribution of housing capacity across the city including greenfield development, and to check that all planned rapid transit stops have been identified, including the Northwest Busway. The Government declined the Council’s request to remove the greenfield reference.For the Hibiscus Coast, the submissions window is the practical moment to weigh in on housing capacity and transport-linked density that could affect commuting patterns and local centres. The direction takes effect on the date it is published in the New Zealand Gazette.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Making plans?Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast. From live music and local markets to family fun and outdoor adventures.Free Gentle Yoga for adults 50+Every FridayClick here for more detailsPre-Loved Fashion & Thrift MarketSat 8 NovClick here for more detailsThe Retro Event Volume 6Sat 8 NovClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Got an event coming up? List it free today.

Trick-or-treaters will be out across the Hibiscus Coast this evening. Kids in costumes will wander with family and friends, knocking at homes that are taking part and swapping lollies on the footpath. If you’re joining in, remind the kids to skip houses that are opting out. A simple “No Halloween here tonight” note keeps things smooth, and no one is obliged to open the door.From Sunday, 2 November, fireworks are on sale for four days under national retail rules and buyers must be 18 with valid ID. Auckland Council sets local use rules: fireworks are only for private property and are banned on council land, including parks and beaches, and on roads, berms, forests and conservation areas. Fire and Emergency NZ advises keeping water handy, lighting one at a time, standing well back, avoiding wind or very dry conditions, and finishing by 10pm after telling neighbours if possible. The reasons are simple. Fewer fires, fewer callouts, and less stress for pets and shift workers. Elly Waitoa from Auckland Council’s Animal Management reminds owners to plan ahead, bring animals inside, and ensure dogs are registered and microchipped in case they bolt. On rural private land, daylight bonfires during 2–5 November must be fully out before nightfall, and any Restricted Fire Season needs a permit. That means Hibiscus Coast families can enjoy tonight’s fun and a quieter week if everyone follows these simple rules.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties heading out this month might notice more cones and night crews as NZTA pushes ahead on Penlink and nearby works.On State Highway 1 and Ara Weiti Road, teams are shaping the on and off ramps.Abutment beams for the East Coast Road overbridge start this month.Bridge 3 at the Link Road 1 connection gets its beams, plus deck and headwall reinforcement.Expect a five-day stop go on Ara Weiti Road while drainage pipes and manholes are installed.Pavements team working at Duck Creek Road.In Stillwater, excavation for the Duck Creek Road bridge is about to begin.A single lane will remain, including over the new bridge once traffic is switched, so the old road can tie in.At the Weiti River Bridge, pylons keep rising with regular concrete pours and Pier 1 is close to its first diaphragm pour.Earthworks continue across all areas.Around Whangaparāoa, the future Whangaparāoa Road and Beverley Place intersection is taking shape with drainage underway.Traffic from Wiriana Place will be temporarily diverted.Future intersection of Whangaparaoa Road and Beverley Road.Night works will shift safety barriers.Locals might also see excavation for a retaining wall and new underground ducting for services.Check out the latest flyover video.Got questions?The NZTA team hosts an information evening on Tuesday, November 11, 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Hibiscus Coast RSA.Heading north in November? SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills will close for two super-weekends: Thursday, November 13, 12:01am to Sunday, November 16, 11:59pm, and Thursday, November 20, 12:01am to Sunday, November 23, 11:59pm.Allow extra time. Detours will be in place.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 31/10Mostly fine with a breezy southwesterly.High: 19Low: 11Saturday, 1/11Mostly sunny with easing southerlies.High: 20Low: 12Sunday, 2/11Sunny spells with a fresh nor’easter developing.High: 21Low: 12Monday, 3/11Partly cloudy with a steady nor’easter.High: 21Low: 13See 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.

Link Foods New Zealand is recalling Golden Island Pork Jerky Korean BBQ Recipe sold at Costco Westgate because some packs may contain metal, and Coast shoppers who stock up there are urged to check their bags now.The recall covers only the 410g plastic pouch.Check the Best Before date printed on the back.Affected dates are 24/11/2025, 25/11/2025, 26/11/2025, and 05/05/2026.If your pack matches one of these, do not eat it.Return the product to Costco for a full refund.This jerky is imported from the United States of America and was sold at Costco Wholesale Westgate. No other Golden Island products are affected.For many Hibiscus Coast households, a Costco run is part of the weekly routine, so a quick date check before opening the bag could save a return trip.If you buy snacks in bulk for sport, work lunches, or holiday roadies, take two minutes to scan the pantry.What to look for:• Product: Golden Island Pork Jerky Korean BBQ Recipe• Size: 410g plastic pouch• Best Before: 24/11/2025, 25/11/2025, 26/11/2025, 05/05/2026• Sold at: Costco Wholesale Westgate• Action: Do not consume, return for refundQuestions about the process or batch details can go to Link Foods New Zealand Ltd on 0800 522 554.Share this with friends who head to Westgate so they can check their shelves too.The simplest steps are best here, check the date, avoid eating affected packs, and take them back for your refund.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A global Microsoft Azure outage disrupted travel and key New Zealand websites, affecting payments and digital boarding for Air New Zealand and interrupting several public services that Coast commuters rely on.Air New Zealand says the outage is impacting payments and digital boarding. Parliament’s website is down, as are NZ Police and Auckland Transport. Users reported issues throughout the day with Office 365, Xbox Live, Copilot, and other services on outage tracker Downdetector.Internationally, the BBC reported problems at Heathrow, plus impacts for Minecraft, British supermarket Asda, and Starbucks in the United States. Microsoft also warned Microsoft 365 users they may see delays with Outlook and other services.What Coast residents may notice is a mix of airline disruptions, slower or unavailable government and transport websites, and interruptions to widely used Microsoft tools. The disruption spans work, travel, gaming, and everyday online services, reflecting how many systems depend on Microsoft’s cloud.Downdetector showed thousands of reports of issues with websites globally as the outage unfolded.Reports cited impacts across Office 365, Minecraft, Xbox Live, Copilot, and many other services, indicating a broad footprint tied to Azure. The situation affected both public-sector platforms and private companies.Amazon is the dominant provider of cloud computing services in most markets, with Microsoft ranked second, ahead of Google. When a major cloud platform experiences an outage, the effects can appear across many unrelated services at once.For Coasties, the immediate takeaway from today’s events is straightforward: Air New Zealand’s payments and digital boarding are affected, and several national websites and tools used for daily life and commuting experienced problems linked to the Microsoft Azure outage.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Population growth slowed in all 16 regions in the year to 30 June 2025.New Zealand’s resident population up 0.7 percent to 5.3 million, a shift that matters for Auckland households and businesses planning around housing, jobs, and transport on the Hibiscus Coast.“Lower net migration gains in the June 2025 year led to slower population growth across all regions,” population estimates, projections, and coverage spokesperson Victoria Treliving said.All regions recorded lower net migration gains than the year before, and seven recorded net migration losses.“The six slowest growing regions all experienced net migration losses in the last year,” Treliving said.Wellington provisionally had the largest net migration loss (1,700), driven by moves overseas rather than to other parts of New Zealand.Auckland’s population surpassed 1.8 million, rising by 17,700 to an estimated 1,816,000.Auckland posted the largest net migration gain (6,300), far below the June 2024 year (32,000).A net internal migration loss of 3,200 was outweighed by an international migration gain of 9,500, and natural increase of 11,400 also added to growth.For the first time since 2013, excluding the pandemic years, natural increase made a larger contribution to population growth than net migration.Canterbury was the fastest growing region at 1.1 percent, followed by Auckland and Waikato at 1.0 percent.Nelson and Marlborough provisionally decreased by 0.3 percent, while Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay slipped by 0.1 percent.For Coasties, Auckland’s slower but steady growth signals a period where births are doing more of the lifting than arrivals.This can shape local demand for housing, school places, and daily travel patterns across the Hibiscus Coast.Estimated resident population change, by regional council, year ended 30 June 2025 (provisional).Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you opened the ANZ app after school pick-up and got “Temporarily unavailable,” you’re not alone. Reports of problems began just after 2pm today, with thousands flagging issues on Downdetector. ATMs, Eftpos and PayWave are still working, and balances are not affected. That means Coasties can still tap to pay in shops, but some online banking and app logins may fail for now. Locals might see delays paying tradies or sports subs this afternoon. If you need to move money urgently, call ANZ on 0800 269 296. Phone banking remains an option while digital channels are patchy. For live outage reports, Downdetector’s New Zealand page is tracking the spike. Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.