A $4 million research project led by the University of Auckland is developing a new AI tool to predict who might develop dementia, aiming to pick up early warning signs before symptoms set in.Dr Catherine Morgan and Professor Lynette Tippett, alongside experts from Singapore and Otago, are creating a tool that could help doctors more accurately identify people at high risk of dementia using memory tests, blood results, genetics, MRI scans, and more.Backed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the project combines years of local health data, including findings from New Zealand’s Dementia Prevention Research Clinics, to train the AI system.The team’s goal?Over 85% accuracy in predicting dementia risk.Why does this matter to locals?With 70,000 Kiwis currently living with dementia—and that number expected to double by 2050—this research could help Hibiscus Coast families get earlier answers, plan for the future, and potentially slow the disease’s progression.“It’s about finding those red flags early,” said Morgan.“Then we might be able to delay or even prevent it.”The tool will produce an explainable risk score, showing doctors exactly which factors contributed to the result.That could lead to earlier referrals, specialist advice, and more proactive care.The project, which also includes Siemens Healthcare and Te Whatu Ora clinicians, will run for three years and finish with a pilot trial of the new tool.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Locals in Arkles Bay have been following the search for 20-year-old Tyler Porter, who was last seen on Wednesday, 16 July.Over the weekend, police confirmed a body had been found near where Tyler was last spotted.His mother, Shara-Lee Porter, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, thanking the many volunteers and community members who spent hours helping with the search.A Givealittle page has now been set up to help support the family with funeral costs and other expenses.You can find the fundraiser here: givealittle.co.nz/cause/in-loving-memory-of-tyler-porter-supportingOur thoughts are with Tyler’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.It’s clear from the outpouring of support that he was deeply loved by many.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New World Birkenhead has become the first supermarket in the country to trial a reverse vending machine (RVM), letting locals recycle empty drink containers while raising money for nearby schools.Launched in partnership with TOMRA, the trial aims to test how Aucklanders respond to the technology, which is already common overseas.The machine takes plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminium cans, using sensors to sort the materials.Each returned item adds 10 cents to a local school of the customer’s choice, capped at $1,500 per month.Sandy Botterill from Foodstuffs, the co-operative behind New World, says the team picked Birkenhead because of strong community support for past recycling schemes.“We’re pretty sure they’ll back the reverse vending machine too, especially with the chance to help out local schools at the same time.”Kauri Park School principal Thomas Bigge agrees: “It’s a great way to get children thinking about recycling and making a tangible difference in their community.”Auckland Council and local councillor Richard Hills are backing the initiative, which aligns with the city’s zero-waste goals.While it's just a trial, it could pave the way for a future nationwide container return scheme.Fingers crossed a Hibiscus Coast New World is next. Watch the video below to see how it works.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.More Classrooms Coming to Orewa CollegeRead moreCoast Jobs You Should Know AboutRead moreSilverdale Butchery Crowned NZ’s BestRead moreCoast's Fast-track Projects Gain MomentumRead moreMorris & James Pottery to CloseRead moreYour Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates, anytime, anywhere.

Air New Zealand is stepping into the future, becoming the first Kiwi company to partner directly with OpenAI in a groundbreaking move to boost efficiency and improve customer service across the airline.The collaboration gives Air New Zealand access to OpenAI’s enterprise-grade tools, including ChatGPT Enterprise.Already, 3,500 corporate team members are using “Companion AI” to speed up internal processes and decision-making.More than 1,500 custom GPTs have been developed to support different teams.The national carrier is also looking at smarter customer self-service options and better-integrated maintenance and operations planning, thanks to the AI-powered insights.Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says it’s a big moment for the airline.“It helps us solve problems faster, serve our customers better, and reimagine how work gets done,” he said.Why it hits close to homeMany Coasties work in roles where tech and customer service go hand-in-hand.As AI tools become part of everyday work life, this kind of innovation gives a glimpse into how local businesses and employees might adapt, grow, and make smarter decisions.OpenAI’s Oliver Jay praised the airline’s early adoption and focus on responsible AI use.The partnership also signals New Zealand’s growing role in shaping how global tech is applied locally and ethically.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A body has been found in the water at a North Auckland beach this morning.The person was found dead at Arkles Bay near Whangaparāoa by a member of the public at 6.50am.Police are working to identify the person."The person has been recovered from the water and work is now under way to identify them and establish the circumstances of their death," a police spokesperson said."At this stage no further information is available."Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand has joined a global alliance to fight cybercrime, passing new legislation this week to boost online safety and strengthen international cooperation.Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed the country will now adopt the Budapest Convention, the world’s only binding cybercrime treaty, following a year in which 11 percent of Kiwis were hit by online scams, costing an estimated $1.6 billion.“The emotional and financial harm is significant,” Goldsmith said. “This law gives us the tools to keep up.”For Coasties, the changes mean better protection from email scams, identity theft, and online fraud. Police and agencies will now be able to preserve digital evidence faster and work more closely with overseas counterparts when crime crosses borders, as it often does online.The Crimes Act has also been updated to better define and prosecute cyber offences.Why it hits close to homeCybercrime isn’t just a big-city problem. It affects everyday Coastie, from small business owners caught in phishing scams to parents dealing with hacked accounts.These new laws give law enforcement stronger tools to step in before things spiral.Whether it’s a local tradie scammed out of payment or a teen hacked on social media, the goal is the same: faster action, stronger protections, and safer digital lives for all of us.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

All slip repairs in the Hibiscus Coast area are now complete, marking a major milestone in Auckland’s storm recovery effort.The 2023 weather events triggered more than 2000 slips across local roads. While most minor ones were fixed quickly, 114 major and complex sites in the wider north urban area needed full-scale rebuilds. As of late June, only five sites remain. None of them on the Coast.“It’s been a big job but we’re almost there,” said Ian Bielawa, the Auckland Transport engineer leading the recovery in the north. His team has worked across challenging sites, including Glenvar Road, Duck Creek Road in Stillwater, and parts of the Hibiscus Coast Highway.“These were never one-size-fits-all jobs,” he said. “Every site needed its own smart, fit-for-purpose solution.”Local Board Chair Alexis Poppelbaum says Coasties can now breathe a little easier.“We’re incredibly grateful to all the crews involved,” she said. “Local roads are back in action, and the last of the region’s storm scars are finally being stitched up.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you're anything like me, you’re constantly negotiating screen time with your kids. One moment they’re laughing at dog videos, the next they’re glued to a feed that’s making bedtime impossible. It turns out, our instincts might be spot on.Dr Samantha Marsh, a researcher at the University of Auckland, says the evidence is now clear: social media is linked to rising rates of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, eating disorders, and low self-esteem in teens. Her latest report shows the risks are especially high for kids under 16.She’s calling for a nationwide shift—raising the minimum age for social media to 16 and backing it with public campaigns that speak to teens in their own language. Think less lecture, more empowerment. Like the anti-smoking campaigns that didn’t scold, but sparked change.Schools also have a role to play. Dr Marsh recommends phone-free policies, limiting device-based homework, and avoiding social media as a way to communicate with students.For Coastie families, this is a moment to pause and ask: what kind of digital environment do we want for our kids? Maybe it’s not about banning screens altogether, but helping our teens build healthier habits. Before the algorithms do it for them.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties heading to Auckland Airport's domestic terminal will need a fresh plan for parking from 1 August, as major changes kick in to accommodate regional airfield expansion.The airport’s popular Car Park M, right outside the domestic terminal, is becoming a short-stay area for single-day visitors, pickups, and drop-offs only.This shift makes way for four new aircraft parking spots and an extra 8,500m² of airfield space, ensuring Auckland can meet growing demand for regional flights.Travellers staying longer than 24 hours are encouraged to pre-book Car Parks K, L, or O—offering discounts of up to 35%.Accessibility remains a priority, with dedicated parks still available close to the terminal at Car Parks R, O, K, and M.Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker says the changes are essential to keep regional air connections thriving, supporting families, businesses, and tourism across the Hibiscus Coast and beyond.Anyone uncertain about where best to park or needing special assistance is encouraged to contact Auckland Airport's online customer service team.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New data from Auckland Council shows housing development is slowing, with fewer new homes consented in May than completed.A total of 1,392 dwellings were consented across the region in May 2025, while 1,316 dwellings were completed, receiving final sign-off through a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). Over the past year, 13,835 new homes were consented compared to 15,550 completed, signalling a possible catch-up from previous years' builds.Most of May’s new homes were attached dwellings like townhouses, units, and retirement village flats (63%), with standalone houses making up just 31%. Apartments trailed at 7%.Nearly all (95%) of the new homes consented over the past year were located within Auckland’s Rural Urban Boundary (RUB), and 30% were within walking distance of the city’s rapid transit network.Interestingly, 196 of the homes consented in May were on properties overlapping hazard zones, making up 14% of the month’s total. Kāinga Ora or Tāmaki Regeneration Company land accounted for 34 dwellings consented.Land development is also holding steady, with 1,219 new residential parcels created in June, most under 5,000 square metres.For Coasties, this data helps paint a picture of where Auckland’s housing growth is headed and how it might impact neighbourhoods, infrastructure, and transport. Especially as more people look to live near transit hubs and within the RUB.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Pre-Loved KIDS MarketSat 26 JulMore detailsCommunity Wetland Planting DaySat 26 JulMore detailsHoedown at the RanchSun 27 JulMore detailsWant to see more events? Explore Things To Do in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here

Fonterra says price increases reflect strong demand.Chief executive Miles Hurrell rejects the idea of discounted prices for New Zealand shoppers.Supermarkets say they are working to keep prices "as low as possible".The head of dairy giant Fonterra says the co-operative cannot and will not have different butter prices for local and overseas customers.It comes amid soaring prices for the household staple, with Stats NZ data showing the price of a 500g block of butter rising 46.5 percent in the year ended May.Other dairy products such as milk and cheese have also recorded steep price increases amid global demand.Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell fronted the media in Christchurch on Thursday, after a highly publicised - but regular - meeting with Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Tuesday, where the pair discussed the price of butter, amongst other things.He sympathised with households feeling the pinch but said price increases were a reflection of supply not being able to keep up with demand.Hurrell said for a block of butter at the supermarket, roughly 80 percent was determined by the international market.He said globally there was a growing need for both dairy fats and dairy protein, underpinned by strong demand from China and other nations.Hurrell rejected that Fonterra had a social responsibility to offer cheaper products to local consumers."We know we have an obligation to sell here in New Zealand, and we do that, and we support the New Zealand economy," he said. "But our job is to not come in with a two-tier pricing system ... and discount here in the New Zealand market - where we have an international obligation to operate as well," he said."If you're going to get into discounting by product - this is not a game that we're playing."Hurrell said Fonterra's responsibility was to its farmer suppliers, a comment he had made earlier."We're a co-operative, and our job is to go and support the 8500 family farms that we support here in New Zealand," he said."I know for a fact that when they get their share of $25 billion [in estimated] revenue that comes back, they do a heck of a lot ... to support their own communities."He said strong dairy prices were in fact a "good news story" for the New Zealand economy."It talks to the economic recovery that I know the New Zealand government have been talking about."Recent economic data showed annual inflation rose to its highest level in a year in the June quarter, partly driven by food prices, which in turn, were driven by dairy prices.Hurrell said the final prices on local shelves were set by retailers, who set their own costs and margins.He said he explained all of this to Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Tuesday.Supermarkets working to keep prices 'as low as possible'In response to the strong public debate around the price of butter, Woolworths New Zealand - one of the country's two big supermarket operators, said it was "working hard to keep butter prices as low as possible, for as long as possible"."Market conditions have changed significantly in the last few months and international butter prices are now at record highs," a spokesperson said."While this is great news for our farmers, it does mean we have to pass on these increased prices to our customers, which is why we've changed the shelf price for butter products," they said.Foodstuffs North Island - the operator of PAK'nSAVE and New World - referred RNZ to previous comments made by chief executive Chris Quin on social media last month."Analysis as of May 2025 confirms that among major grocery retailers operating throughout the North Island (as distinct from those in a limited number of locations), PAK'nSAVE offers the most affordable 500g block of butter, at $8.29," Quin wrote.Quin said while tough for households, strong global dairy prices were "ultimately good for New Zealand's economy".

Work is steadily progressing at the fire-damaged New World Victoria Park site, with Foodstuffs North Island confirming a full rebuild is on the way.The blaze, which destroyed the central Auckland supermarket in June, left the building unsafe to enter.Specialist crews and engineers are now stabilising the site, removing debris, and preparing for internal demolition.Cranes are being used to lift heavy roof materials while damaged stock and equipment are being cleared.“Our first priority is making the building safe,” said Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin.“The damage is significant, but we’re working with urgency and care behind the scenes to get on with the job.”The company expects the internal demolition to be complete within six weeks, weather permitting.Once done, engineers will assess which parts of the building can be kept and what must be torn down.For Coasties who shop or work in the city, the news of a rebuild is reassuring.The Victoria Park location is popular with commuters and locals alike, and its loss has been widely felt.To help fill the gap, New World Point Chevalier will now open earlier than planned, on 19 August. It's just 5km away.All roles at Victoria Park have been disestablished, but more than 100 positions across 23 Auckland stores have been offered to affected staff.Foodstuffs thanked the local community for their support and patience during the recovery.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 25/7Bit of everything, with a breezy nor’easter keeping things fresh.High: 16Low: 11Saturday, 26/7Mainly cloudy skies, breezy nor’easter sticking around.High: 16Low: 11Sunday, 27/7A few sunny spells, breezy nor’easter still in play.High: 16Low: 11Monday, 27/7Afternoon showers blowing in—windy nor’easter, take a brolly.High: 16Low: 12Want more weather info? Tap into 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.Everything you need, right here in the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Nearly six months into the government's new Fast-track Approvals system, over 50 major infrastructure and housing projects are already moving swiftly through the process, promising to unlock billions in economic growth and thousands of jobs across New Zealand.The Fast-track Approvals Act, introduced by the National-NZ First coalition government and operational since 7 February, aims to bypass bureaucratic hurdles traditionally seen under the Resource Management Act.Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say the scheme is on track, with eight projects before expert panels expecting decisions by mid-September.Local interest is building, with Milldale's residential development already before an expert panel.Nearby, Auckland Surf Park in Dairy Flat is another significant local development progressing through the Fast-track pipeline, now set to lodge its full application.Minister Bishop highlighted recent referrals including Stage 2 of Auckland Surf Park, combining residential living, retail, and even an AI data centre, as evidence of the scheme's value.For Coasties, faster approvals mean quicker community benefits, from housing and infrastructure improvements to local job creation.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The mother of an Auckland 20-year-old who has been missing for more than a week is begging the public to keep searching for her boy.Tyler Porter was last seen on Wednesday, July 16 in the Arkles Bay area and both his family and police have serious concerns for his welfare.He was last seen wearing black shorts, a white T-shirt, black DC shoes and a black hat and has been described as having brown hair and distinctive blue eyes.A recent photograph of Tyler Porter, with a haircut. Photo: NZ Police / SUPPLIEDHis mum, Shara-Lee Porter, said her son had last been seen at 4.35pm that day at the top of Ladies Mile Rd crossing over into a walk way."Please everyone don't stop searching, sharing our social media post and showing his photo," she said.Porter was tall, standing at six-foot-four, gentle, and much-loved by the local community, his mum said.Tyler Porter has been described by family as a tall and gentle young man. Photo: SHARA-LEE PORTER / SUPPLIED"We just want to give him a big tight hug. Myself, his dad, little brother, grandparents, everyone just wants our baby home."Police asked anyone who had seen Porter or who had heard from him to call 111 and use the reference number 250719/0868.

Great news for bacon lovers on the Hibiscus Coast. Sam’s Butchery in Silverdale has just been crowned Supreme Bacon winner at this year’s prestigious 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards. Their Naturally Maple Streaky Bacon clinched the top spot, impressing judges with its irresistible aroma and standout flavour.Puvi Nadason accepted the award on behalf of his father, Sam, acknowledging the dedication behind their win. “Dad puts in so much hard work, and with the standard getting higher every year, this win really means a lot,” he said.Judges, including culinary expert Kathy Paterson, praised the bacon's originality. "It just made you want to start eating it straight away—that's always a good sign," she remarked.The nationwide competition, judged by a panel of butchers and food experts, saw products evaluated across multiple categories, with Sam’s Butchery ultimately rising to the top.Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion, Coasties can proudly say they’ve got some of New Zealand’s best bacon right here at home. You might want to swing by Sam’s for a taste of award-winning deliciousness this weekend.

The value of fully electric vehicle imports fell nearly 60 percent in June over the year earlier.Stats NZ said the total value of passenger motor vehicle imports for the 12 months to June was down 23 percent or $1.4 billion to $4.9b."Electric vehicle imports saw the largest decline, down by $518 million," Stats spokesperson Viki Ward said.The value of electric vehicle imports fell 57 percent, totalling $395m, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles down 38 percent to $234m, while hybrid electric vehicle imports rose 3.8 percent to $1.6b.