For many people this summer – especially those across Northland Auckland and Coromandel – showery days and bursts of heavy rain have become all too familiar.Last week, fresh downpours on already saturated ground have again triggered flood warnings and road closures across the upper North Island.These are individual weather events, but they are unfolding against unusually warm seas that load the atmosphere with extra moisture and energy.Understanding ocean heat – and how it shapes rainfall, storms and marine heatwaves – is central to explaining what we experience on land.Looking beyond the surfaceFor decades, scientists have recognised sea surface temperatures as a key influence on weather and climate.Warmer surfaces mean more evaporation, altered winds and shifting storm tracks.But surface temperatures are only the skin of a deeper system.What ultimately governs how those sea surface temperatures persist and evolve is the ocean heat content stored through the upper layers of the ocean.A clearer global picture of that deeper heat began to emerge in the early 2000s with the deployment of profiling floats measuring temperature and salinity down to 2,000 metres worldwide.Those observations made it possible to extend ocean analyses back to 1958; before then, measurements were too sparse to provide a global view.While sea surface temperatures remain vital for day-to-day weather, ocean heat content provides the foundation for understanding climate variability and change.It determines how long warm surface conditions last and how they interact with the atmosphere above.Recent analysis by an international team, in which I was involved, show ocean heat content in 2025 reached record levels, rising about 23 zettajoules above that of 2024’s.That increase is equivalent to more than 200 times the world’s annual electricity use, or the energy to heat 28 billion Olympic pools from 20C to 100C.Ocean heat content represents the vertically integrated heat of the oceans, and because other forms of ocean energy are small, it makes up the main energy reservoir of the sea.The ocean’s huge heat capacity and mobility mean it has become the primary sink for excess heat from rising greenhouse gases.More than 90% of Earth’s energy imbalance now ends up in the ocean.For that reason, ocean heat content is the single best indicator of global warming, closely followed by global sea-level rise.This is not a passive process.Heat entering the ocean raises sea surface temperatures, which in turn influence exchanges of heat and moisture with the atmosphere and change weather systems.Because the ocean is stably stratified, mixing heat downward takes time.Warming of the top 500 metres was evident globally in the late 1970s; heat in the 500–1,000 metre layer became clear in the early 1990s, the 1,000–1,500 metre layer in the late 1990s, and the 1,500–2,000 metre layer around 2004.Globally, it takes about 25 years for surface heat to penetrate to 2,000 metres.Ocean heat content does not occur uniformly everywhere.Marine heatwaves develop, evolve and move around, contributing to impacts on local weather and marine ecosystems.Heat is moved via evaporation, condensation, rainfall and runoff.As records are broken year after year, the need to observe and assess ocean heat content has become urgent.What happens in the ocean, matters on landIt is not just record high OHC and rising sea level that matter, but the rapidly increasing extremes of weather and climate they bring.Extra heat over land increases drying and the risk of drought and wildfires, while greater evaporation loads the atmosphere with more water vapour.That moisture is caught up in weather systems, leading to stronger storms – especially tropical cyclones and atmospheric rivers, such as one that has soaked New Zealand in recent days.The same ocean warmth that fuels these storms also creates marine heatwaves at the surface.In the ocean surrounding New Zealand and beyond, these marine heatwaves are typically influenced by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation.This Pacific climate cycle alternates between El Niño, La Niña and “neutral” phases, strongly shaping New Zealand’s winds, temperatures and rainfall from year to year.During 2025, a weak La Niña, combined with record high sea surface temperatures around and east of New Zealand, has helped sustain the recent unsettled pattern.Such warm seas make atmospheric rivers and moisture-laden systems more likely to reach Aotearoa, as seen in early 2023 with the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.For these reasons, continued observations – gathering, processing and quality control – are essential, tested against physical constraints of mass, energy, water and sea level.Looking further ahead, the oceans matter not only for heat but also for water.Typically, about 40% of sea-level rise comes from the expansion of warming seawater; most of the rest is from melting glaciers and the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.Sea levels are also influenced by where rain falls.During El Niño, more rain tends to fall over the Pacific Ocean, often accompanied by dry spells or drought on land.During La Niña, more rain falls on land – as seen across parts of Southeast Asia in 2025 – and water stored temporarily in lakes and soils can slightly reduce the amount returning to the ocean.A striking example occurred in Australia in 2025, when heavy rains from May through to late in the year refilled Lake Eyre, transforming the desert saltpan into a vast inland sea.Such episodes temporarily take water out of the oceans and dampen sea-level rise.Monitoring sea-level rise through satellite altimetry is therefore an essential complement to tracking ocean heat content.Tracking both heat and water is crucial to understanding variability and long-term trends.Author: Kevin Trenberth - Distinguished Scholar, NCAR; Affiliate Faculty, University of Auckland.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

On the Hibiscus Coast, Auckland Anniversary Day can feel like a simple long weekend.Its roots go back to a much bigger turning point. Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson arrived in the Bay of Islands on Thursday, January 29, 1840, sent to establish British sovereignty and set up a new government in New Zealand.A week later came another defining date. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed shortly after on Thursday, February 6, 1840.The odd part is the name. Auckland’s “anniversary” is tied to a moment that happened in the Bay of Islands, and the capital had not yet been established when Hobson arrived. The seat of government did not move from the Bay of Islands to Auckland until 1841.Over time, the holiday gathered its own local traditions. The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta became one of the best-known, with the first one held on Saturday, January 29, 1842, two years after Hobson’s arrival.It’s also not just an Auckland day. The modern public holiday is observed across Northland, where it’s known as Northland Day, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, as well as parts of Manawatū-Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay.Each year, the holiday falls on the Monday closest to 29 January.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

If you are looking for a simple day out beyond the Hibiscus Coast, the Waitematā will be busy for Auckland Anniversary Day. The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is back today. It marks 186 years since the first event in 1840. It’s free to watch from the waterfront, beaches and headlands.Racing runs across the region through the day. A new Sail Past leaves Westhaven at 12pm for North Head.Boats of all kinds can join in, whether they are racing or not. Three NZ Warbirds Harvards are due to fly over the harbour at the same time. On the water you’ll see everything from dinghies and keelboats to classic yachts, launches, waka ama, dragon boats and radio-controlled yachts. Dragon boat racing is the biggest it has been, with more than 40 local teams and four visiting crews from China. That takes it to over 500 paddlers, racing throughout the day in the Viaduct Harbour for close-up viewing. The tugboat race also marks 20 years since it was added in 2007, and it remains a crowd favourite in the central harbour.Youth sailing is again in focus at Kohimarama Yacht Club, with the Optimist and Starling Auckland Championships incorporating the regatta and bringing hundreds of young sailors onto the water. Competitors can round the day off at a new After Party at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, with live entertainment from the Royal New Zealand Navy Band. It’s a nice family day out in the City of Sails. From the Hibiscus Coast, you can head in for a look, get a feel for the boats in motion, and head home once you’ve had your fill.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

Happy Sunday, Coasties! Grab a coffee and settle in.This is your essential 5-minute download of the week's most read Hibiscus Coast news and updates. Don't miss a thing!Vote: Orewa Beach Hits NZ Top 50Read more →Hibiscus Coast Commute Costs To RiseRead more →Asian Families Fear Abuse After Army Bay PostsRead more →Auckland Confidence Rises As Jobs SlideRead more →Need A Local Tradie? Check New ListingsRead more →Never miss a beat again. Get instant alerts and local updates delivered straight to your pocket.Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for news, jobs, events, and essential community info, anytime, anywhere.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A body has been recovered from the Mahurangi River near Warkworth, ending a difficult search.Inspector Simon Walker, Waitematā Police, says the body was located yesterday evening during ongoing search efforts.Formal identification is still underway, but Police believe it is the 47-year-old Kiribati man reported missing after being washed away during severe weather on Wednesday.Police have extended condolences to the man’s family.Family members have been informed and are being supported by Police.Police also thanked those involved in the search over recent days, including Land Search and Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, other supporting agencies, and community members who assisted in challenging conditions.Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast locals can have their say on proposed Auckland waste rule changes, with consultation open until 11.59pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026.Auckland Council is consulting on updates to its Waste Bylaw and associated controls.The bylaw sets the rules for how waste is stored, collected, transported, and disposed of across Auckland.The council says the rules help keep footpaths clear of bins, reduce contamination in recycling, and ensure it collects the data needed to plan for future waste services.Regulatory and Safety Committee chair Cr Josephine Bartley says the proposed changes will not affect most people’s day-to-day routines.“It’s important we have clear and robust rules around how and where people can dispose of their waste and who can collect waste in our growing city,” she says.The council says the proposed changes are largely administrative and will not affect kerbside collections.It says they will help ensure waste is better managed across the region and that it has the data needed to meet long-term waste minimisation goals.Key proposed changes include:Expanding the range of waste facilities requiring a licence to include cleanfills and resource recovery facilities, while limiting the licence focus to data collection.Streamlining licensing rules for waste collectors, removing the current 20-tonne licensing exemption and adding exemptions for incidental waste services.Expanding approved options for waste disposal, such as supermarket soft-plastic drop-off points.Adding clearer rules to ensure waste is properly stored and contained on site, including for waste collection on private properties.Removing unnecessary or duplicated rules where matters are already regulated through the Auckland Unitary Plan.The proposal also recommends clearer explanations about approved containers, what can be placed in each type of bin, prohibited items, food scraps, use of public bins, and private-property collections.The council says waste collectors and facilities must continue to obtain a licence to operate in Auckland.Construction and demolition waste is not included in this review, with further investigation planned.Coasties can take part by visiting AKHaveYourSay.nz to view the proposed changes, find engagement events, and submit feedback.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

Emergency crews spent the day scouring the Mahurangi River north of Auckland for any signs of a man swept away earlier this week.The 47-year-old Kiribati man was last seen on Wednesday when he and his vehicle were washed away near Falls Road in Warkworth.The man's nephew was able to escape and sound the alarm.On Friday, emergency crews made up of about 30 people resumed their search.Police say additional resources were deployed to the area. Photo: RNZ / Finn BlackwellA number of people wearing hi-viz were wandering the banks of the river Friday morning, searching through dense bush and debris left by the storm.Drones were also deployed during the day.A large drone flew high above the river while a smaller drone flew close to the bank.Later, a fire and Emergency rescue raft was seen making its way down the river.Those on board were searching under large piles of branches and detritus left behind by this week's earlier severe weather.Police said additional resources had been deployed to the area.Searchers have been going through dense bush and debris left by the storm. Photo: RNZ / Finn BlackwellSenior sergeant Carl Fowlie said 17 Land Search and Rescue staff as well as the water rescue crew from Fire and Emergency were assisting in the search."Police is continuing to support the man's family through this difficult time," Fowlie said."We thank all other agencies who have been called upon in recent days for their assistance."Fowlie said everyone involved in the search operation was focused on finding the man.On Friday evening police said they will continue to monitor conditions over the coming days and deploy resource accordingly.Meanwhile, the wife of the missing man, who RNZ agreed not to name, told a reporter on Thursday she was still holding out hope her husband was alive.The Mahurangi River where the search has been taking place. Photo: RNZ / Finn BlackwellSeen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

SH1 northbound will close overnight for maintenance near Albany on Thursday, January 29.NZ Transport Agency says the closure runs from Constellation Drive to Oteha Valley Road between 10pm and 5am.The work is weather dependent, so dates may change.Ramps and links closed on SH1 northbound include:Constellation Drive northbound on-rampGreville Road northbound off-rampGreville Road northbound on-rampOteha Valley Road northbound off-rampSH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound linkThe recommended detour is to exit at Constellation Drive, turn left onto SH18 Constellation Drive, then use Paul Matthews Road, Bush Road, Albany Expressway, and Oteha Valley Road.SH18 will also have a full eastbound closure from Albany Highway to Paul Matthews Road on Thursday, January 29 between 10pm and 5am.Ramps and links closed include:Albany Highway eastbound on-rampPaul Matthews Road eastbound off-rampSH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound linkThe recommended detour is via Albany Highway, Bush Road, and Paul Matthews Road.Ramp closures and lane restrictions may be in place before the mainline closure times. Nearby properties may notice more noise during the work.Penlink project works on SH1 will also see a full northbound closure between Oteha Valley Road and the Silverdale interchange from Tuesday, January 27 to Wednesday, January 28, between 9pm and 5am.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast food lovers can now put a local favourite on Auckland’s Iconic Eats list for 2026.Nominations are open for Iconic Auckland Eats 2026, inviting people from across New Zealand to share the story behind the Auckland dish that means the most to them. Entries close on Sunday, February 22, 2026.Now in its sixth year, Iconic Auckland Eats is an annual celebration of 100 much-loved dishes that can only be experienced in Auckland. From neighbourhood favourites and family-run eateries to destination restaurants, markets, food trucks and late-night dining spots.For 2026, the initiative is putting a stronger spotlight on the stories behind the dishes. The five best storytellers will each win $500 to spend at their top five Iconic Auckland Eats.Karen Thompson-Smith, Head of Tourism at Auckland Unlimited, says a great dish becomes iconic because of the story behind it.“Iconic Auckland Eats is about capturing the story behind a dish, the people who make it, the community it represents, or the memories it creates,” she says.She says the 2026 programme comes at a significant moment for Auckland’s dining scene, with the MICHELIN Guide set to launch in Aotearoa New Zealand next year.Last year, the public submitted 3,109 nominations, up 67 percent from 1,857 in 2024. Two dishes have made the Top 100 list every year since 2020, fish sliders from Depot and lamingtons from Sugar at Chelsea Bay.Anyone in New Zealand can submit a story about a dish that has left a lasting impression in Auckland. Judges include Mark Gregory, co-owner of Restaurant Hub, and Connie Clarkson, Manager of Auckland Council’s The Kitchen Project, with a guest judge still to be announced.The final Top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats list will be announced in May 2026.Coasties who want to back a Hibiscus Coast dining venue can submit their story online.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

Inflation has edged higher on the back of higher fuel, travel, and telecommunication costs backing the view the Reserve Bank will hold interest rates steady for the medium term at least.Stats NZ data showed the consumer price index rose 0.6 percent in the three months ended December, raising the the annual inflation rate 3.1 percent from 3.0 percent, the highest since June last year."While the annual inflation rate has slowed considerably since its most recent peak of 7.3 percent in the June 2022 quarter, it has increased each quarter since the December 2024 quarter, when it was 2.2 percent," senior manager of prices Nicola Growden said.She said price increases were widespread."More than 80 percent of the CPI basket increased in price over the past year - the highest proportion of increases recorded in 8 months."Domestic pressures easingDomestic prices - non-tradables - such as power, rents and rates remained the dominant factors for inflation, rising 0.6 percent for the quarter and by 3.5 percent for the year, but that was the slowest increase in more than four years.The 12.2 percent rise in electricity prices was the single biggest contributor to the annual increase, followed by an 8.8 percent rise in rates, and then rentals rising 1.9 percent for the year.Growden said annual electricity prices were at their highest since the late 1980s.The costs of purchasing a new house rose 1.2 percent for the year because of competitive pricing and cheaper fit out costs.The price of imported goods and services - tradables - rose 0.7 percent for the quarter and by 3 percent for the year, the highest since the end of 2023.The imported inflation rise reflected the high prices of fuel, the seasonal increase in international airfares, as well the high prices being gained for export food such as dairy and meat, and more expensive overseas accommodation.The inflation numbers were just above economists' expectations, and more than double the Reserve Bank's (RBNZ) dated 0.2 percent quarterly and 2.7 percent annual forecasts, which were made in November.Various measures of underlying inflation pointed to an annual rate remaining steady at around 2.5 percent.Expectations are the RBNZ has finished cutting the official cash rate, and the governor Anna Breman reaffirmed that was the most likely course, but emphasised the door would remain open for further cuts if the economy needed it.The consensus among analysts has been the RBNZ will hold the official cash rate (OCR) at 2.25 percent until early next year.However, there is a growing view that if inflation pressures are slow in falling, and a recovering economy threatens to add to them that the RBNZ may be forced to start raising the OCR as early as September this year.New Zealand's inflation rate was lower than Australia, the UK and the OECD's average of 3.9 percent, but above the sub-3 percent levels of the US and the European Union.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

WorkSafe says Hibiscus Coast clean-up crews should treat post-storm work as high-risk and plan ahead.With clean up and rescue efforts underway in storm-damaged parts of the country, WorkSafe is urging workers to be aware of the risks that can follow extreme weather.Flooding, slips, downed power lines, debris and waterlogged ground can all change what’s safe, and what’s not.WorkSafe’s Acting Northern Regional Manager Jason Gibson says floodwater, silt and debris can be contaminated with farm run-off, sewage and chemicals.“For workers involved in the clean up, they need to take precautions like wearing appropriate PPE.”He says there’s also an increased risk of outbreaks of the water-borne disease leptospirosis, and workers should speak up if they feel unsafe.WorkSafe is also warning about households without power using portable generators and gas barbeques.“These should be used in a well-ventilated place so exhaust gases can escape safely, we don’t want people breathing them in,” Gibson says.As more recovery work rolls on, WorkSafe’s advice is to slow down, assume conditions have changed, and take basic precautions before the next job.Tips for staying safe during the clean up:If the work is not necessary, postpone it until conditions improve.Always assume that debris, flood water and silt is contaminated, stay away from it, or wear appropriate PPE.Minimise the risk of exposure to leptospirosis by washing your hands thoroughly and wearing PPE.Never use portable LPG stoves in a confined space and allow good ventilation for generators.Even if you know the land very well, waterlogged ground can be very unstable. Ensure you’re using the correct vehicle to move around, especially on farms.Make a plan to check in if out on a job, in case you run into trouble.If comms are down, have an alternative means of communication.Always assume downed power lines are live, stay away from them.If you notice things aren’t working when the power comes back on, get an electrician to check it out.Ensure fatigue is managed, businesses should monitor how long employees work, the sort of jobs they carry out and the conditions they’re working in.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

It’s hard to stop thinking about a family waiting for news. Waitematā North Police say the search for a missing man is resuming today at the Mahurangi River near Warkworth, after he was swept away by water on Wednesday. Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie says extra resources are being deployed as water levels continued to subside overnight. Police Search and Rescue is carrying out ground-based searching around the banks of the river, supported by 17 Land Search and Rescue members and a water rescue crew from Fire and Emergency. A Police drone is also searching from the air, so locals may see teams on the banks and the drone overhead as the operation continues. Police say they are supporting the man’s family through this difficult time, and they have thanked the agencies assisting in recent days. For Hibiscus Coast readers following the updates, police say everyone involved remains focused on locating the man on behalf of his family.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast locals spend long summer days outdoors, and a new national survey shows sunburn is still common across New Zealand.The 2025 National Skin Cancer Survey found 64% of adults reported at least one sunburn last summer. About 26% reported a severe sunburn, defined as pain lasting two or more days or blistering. The survey sampled 2,198 adults aged 18 and over.Rates were highest among 18 to 24 year olds. In that group, 87% of females and 77% of males reported sunburn. More than one-third reported more than three sunburns over the summer.“Sunburn is an important risk factor for melanoma development, so these high rates are concerning,” said Dr Bronwen McNoe, lead author from the University of Otago.The survey points to gaps between what people know and what they do. Many people spend time outdoors during peak ultraviolet hours. Fewer consistently use effective sun protection.It also found misconceptions. Only 4% correctly identified the ultraviolet index level at which sun protection is recommended.Nearly one-quarter believed a suntan protects against melanoma and other skin cancers.Around one-third believed SPF50 sunscreen does not need to be reapplied as often as SPF30, or that a cap provides adequate protection.Attitudes toward tanning remain common.Half of respondents said they like to get a suntan. About 43% believed a tanned person looks healthier.Support for government action was strong. Between 82% and 90% supported investment in prevention, including SunSmart programmes, public education campaigns, more shade in public spaces and schools, and stronger sun protection policies in schools and workplaces.“The high level of public support provides a clear mandate for increased, sustained and coordinated investment in skin cancer prevention,” said Dr McNoe.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Making plans? Three Hibiscus Coast events to check out this week.Rodders Beach FestivalFri 23-25 JanClick here for more detailsMillwater parkrunSat 24 JanClick here for more detailsTradie FridaysFridaysClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App. Browse the full Events Calendar for what’s on this week.Got an event coming up? List it free now. We’ll review submissions for next week’s Top Picks.

The Commerce Commission has warned Woolworths New Zealand for what it believes is a likely breach of the Grocery Industry Competition Act, following a review of the major supermarkets' product delisting processes.The warning comes after the Commission analysed the range review processes of all major supermarkets to assess whether they were meeting their obligations under the Grocery Supply Code.As part of range reviews, supermarkets assess which products they will continue to stock. In some cases, products may be "delisted", meaning they are removed from shelves.The updated Grocery Supply Code is due to come into force on 1 May. The revised code gives suppliers clearer rights to challenge delisting decisions and greater transparency in their dealings with major supermarkets.Any breaches of the code are breaches of the Grocery Industry Competition Act.Commerce Commission head of groceries Dr Alice Hume said Woolworths, Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island together controlled about 82 percent of New Zealand's grocery market. She warned losing access to supermarket shelves could effectively be the end of the road for smaller suppliers."The possibility of products being removed from shelves is a significant weight on suppliers that can reinforce the power imbalance between major supermarkets and smaller suppliers," Hume said."The risk of losing market access can lead to suppliers accepting conditions that aren't beneficial to them, and a lack of trust about how supermarkets make these decisions."During the Commission's review, it identified and investigated instances where it considered Woolworths was at risk of failing to meet its obligations under the code.The Commission said it issued Woolworths with a warning for what it believe was a likely breach of the act, noting that only a court can determine whether a breach had occurred.Woolworths has since updated its processes to meet its obligations, the Commission said.In reply, Woolworths supplied the following statement."We take our obligations under the Grocery Supply Code seriously and we are proud of the strong relationships we have with our suppliers."We work hard to make sure we comply with all of our obligations under the code. If we become aware of potential issues, we fix them as quickly as we can."We reviewed and updated all of our templates when the code first came into force, but the Commission expressed concerns about whether one of our template letters included specific language that was required under the code."We fully cooperated with the Commission's enquiries, and have updated our template letter in light of the Commission's views."Levelling the playing fieldHume said the updated code played a crucial role in helping level the playing field between major supermarkets and smaller suppliers, and that the Commission took compliance seriously.She said range reviews remained an ongoing area of focus for the regulator.Hume also urged suppliers to come forward if they had concerns about delisting or other potentially unfair treatment."You can contact the Commission directly, or through the anonymous reporting tool on our website."Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

Auckland Council’s January 2026 update shows confidence rising, a key signal for Hibiscus Coast households.Confidence was the standout.Consumer confidence (Westpac McDermott Miller) was 107.0 in the December 2025 quarter.Business confidence (NZIER QSBO) was net +60% expecting the business situation to improve, the highest-equal since 1994, and rising since June 2024.The update notes “improve” can also mean “be bad, but less bad than currently”.Housing stayed subdued in real terms.The November 2025 median sale price was $1,050,000, 32% below the 2021 peak, and the same as November 2015.Annual house sales were 23,720, 29% above the May 2023 trough, but 35% below the 2021 peak.Rents were steady. Auckland’s October 2025 average weekly rent was $668, 13% below February 2021 and the same as ten years ago.Consents picked up. New dwellings consented totalled 15,252 in the year to November 2025, up 10% on a year ago.The real value of new non-residential consents was $2,643m, up 8% on October.Work remained tight. Auckland employment was down 1.7% in the September 2025 quarter versus a year earlier, and unemployment was 6.1%.Real GDP was down 0.8% year-on-year to September 2025 and real retail sales were down 0.9%.Imports through Auckland seaports totalled $31.8bn for the year to November 2025, up 4.8% on the last year.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected]

Coasties, its Auckland Anniversary weekend and here’s what the next four days have for us.Friday, 23/1Cloudy with afternoon showers, some heavier late, with brisk westerlies.High: 24Low: 14Saturday, 24/1Windy with frequent showers, with westerlies pushing gale at times.High: 20Low: 15Sunday, 25/1Windy with a few showers, clearing to fine later, strong westerlies easing evening.High: 22Low: 15Monday, 26/1Partly cloudy and breezy, with westerlies turning sou’wester.High: 22Low: 15See the full Weather section in the app for:🌊 Tides🌬️ Wind☔ Rain radar🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and more.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need, accessible at any time and from any location.

Hibiscus Coast Blues supporters can help pick the club’s greatest-ever Legends XV ahead of the 2026 season.The Blues are marking 30 years of Super Rugby with a fan vote to decide the best players in club history, across every position, as part of the wider Super Rugby Legends XV campaign.The campaign runs in two phases and is designed to build momentum before the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.The Blues’ first home match is against the Chiefs on Saturday, February 14.Phase one is the Blues club vote.The Blues have shortlisted standout players from three decades of Super Rugby for each position.Fans vote to form the Blues Club Legends XV.When club voting is complete, the top player in each position moves into phase two.Phase two is a competition-wide vote starting Monday, February 9.Players chosen in each position from all 11 Super Rugby Pacific clubs will go head-to-head, with fans deciding the greatest player in each position across the full 30-year history of Super Rugby.To recognise the competition’s full history, one wildcard player per position will also be included from teams no longer part of Super Rugby Pacific.The Blues voting categories include front rowers, back rowers, playmakers, and midfielders and wingers.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast employers are about to get a quiet KiwiSaver admin job, right in the middle of the year’s usual payroll grind.From Sunday, February 1, KiwiSaver members can apply for a temporary contribution rate reduction.It is designed to take the edge off the default rate increase coming in April.The default KiwiSaver contribution rate is set to rise from 3% to 3.5% on Wednesday, April 1.If an employee is granted a temporary rate reduction, it will not apply until their first pay on or after that date.You will not need to guess.You will be told what to do, either by your employee or Inland Revenue.That notice will come as one of the following:A certificate from your employee showing the period the rate reduction applies forA letter from Inland Revenue advising which employee has been granted a temporary rate reduction and the approved periodEmployers can choose to match an employee’s temporary rate reduction.When the employee moves back to a higher contribution rate, employer contributions will need to move to the new default 3.5% rate, or to a higher rate the employer chooses.Employees can apply to lower their rate to 3% for between three months and a year.If they have more than one employer, they can choose which employer to notify.A temporary rate reduction is not available for anyone who has a savings suspension.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]