Happy last Sunday of 2025, Coasties! Grab a coffee and settle in.This is your essential 5-minute download of the week's biggest Hibiscus Coast news and updates. Don't miss a thing!Bentley Theft Probe Finds Shotgun Under Child’s BedRead more →Avoid A Fine: Hibiscus Coast Fishers Check AppRead more →Millwater Walkers Slam Bagged Poo Left BehindRead more →Watercare Pays Another $1m To Mahurangi Oyster FarmersRead more →Waiwera Boosts Predator Trapping After Record YearRead 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, events, and essential community info, anytime, anywhere.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Still waiting on an IKEA order and feeling a bit stuck? IKEA New Zealand says it has made significant progress on outstanding customer orders since opening to fanfare on Thursday, December 4, and it is asking people to be patient while the early rush works its way through. The store is 34,000m² with 7,500 products available in store, alongside online shopping and Click & Collect, and the 426-seat Swedish Restaurant has picked up a few online comments about queues and wait times, with more than one person comparing it to the motorway. IKEA says its teams have worked intensively over the past week to move through the early volume of orders, with all truck deliveries successfully rebooked by Saturday and parcel orders on track to be sent by early next week. It also says extra delivery slots for both parcel and truck orders will be released each week throughout the new year on a staggered basis, to help manage volume and give customers more flexibility and certainty. Click & Collect slots are now reopened for kitchen orders, with other product ranges to be released progressively in the new year. For Hibiscus Coast families thinking about making the trip, I’ll save our family trip for January, once the first rush has eased and we can actually browse.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coast Chronicles is our regular deep dive into the stories and decisions that shaped the Hibiscus Coast you live in today.Drive into Orewa or Whangaparāoa and the hibiscus is there waiting for you, on signs, badges, and local kit.It feels like it has always belonged.But the name did not come from the land or the plants.It came from a small group of businessmen in the early 1960s, trying to sell a single “holiday” idea that could cover both Whangaparāoa and Orewa.They needed something inclusive and easy to picture.“Hibiscus” sounded warm, seaside, and simple, so they used it, even though the flower was introduced.Once the label was chosen, they moved from words to proof.In 1964, the newly formed Hibiscus Coast Association planted more than 1,000 hibiscus shrubs across the district to make the brand feel real.Then came the problem every good brand eventually faces, someone else wanted it too.In the mid-1960s, Whangārei also leaned into the hibiscus emblem, and the Association treated it like a threat, not a compliment.They lobbied hard and they did not back off.The message was clear, this flower was already taken, and Whangārei was pushed to drop the symbol.In 1971, the marketing name was locked in officially.Local government renamed the Whangaparāoa Riding to the Hibiscus Coast Riding, and a boardroom label became the legal one.Today, more than 69,000 residents identify with “Hibiscus Coast” as their place name, and the flower is stitched into daily life, from school uniforms to club logos to street signs.There is also a native thread, but it sits behind the modern badge most of us recognise.The Māori name Te Kūiti o te Puarangi refers to the puarangi, a rare native hibiscus species, even while the welcome signs show the introduced variety.That is the twist.The Hibiscus Coast did not inherit its identity, it chose it, planted it, defended it, then wrote it into law.Coast Chronicles is written by the Hibiscus Coast App editorial team, under the shared byline “the Coast Chronicler.”Got a local memory or a news tip?We’d love to hear it. Send it to [email protected]

A hot day around the Hibiscus Coast can turn risky for pets faster than people expect, especially when beach plans, errands, and parked cars get mixed together.If you’re heading to the sand, remember the summer dog restrictions on local beaches are before 10am and after 5pm, and if you’re stopping anywhere on the way, never rely on shade or cracked windows to keep an animal safe in a car.The SPCA says leaving animals in cars is still an ongoing problem, even when people think they have made it safer by cracking windows or parking in the shade.“It’s an ongoing problem, with many dog owners thinking that cracking the windows makes it safe,” says SPCA Inspectorate Regional Manager Jason Blair.“This just isn’t the case. Having the windows down and even parking in the shade doesn’t make enough of a difference on a warm day.”In a recent call-out, SPCA Inspectors were alerted to two puppies left in a small carrier on a box on the front seat in full sunlight, with the windows cracked about 10cm, and the temperature reading inside the car was over 45°C.Inspectors broke into the car to rescue them, and the puppies recovered after water and time in a cool environment at the nearest vet clinic.The owner contacted SPCA 50 minutes after they’d been removed, said he wanted them to “see out the window,” and received an infringement.The SPCA warns that on a warm day, a car can heat up to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes, and dogs left in hot cars are at risk of heatstroke, which can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and even death.Parking in the shade or cracking a window offers little relief.The safest rule is to always take your dog with you when you leave the car, or leave them safely at home.If you see a dog left in a hot car in a Hibiscus Coast carpark or roadside spot, call 0800 SPCA NZ or the Police right away.More guidance is available from SPCA here.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast locals heading out fishing this summer are being urged to download the free NZ Fishing Rules app.Fisheries New Zealand says the app puts key rules in one place, so people can check what applies before they drop a line or gather shellfish.“You wouldn’t go fishing without your rod, hooks or other gear, so make sure you have the app on your phone too,” says Steve Ham, Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries compliance.The app includes daily bag limits, minimum legal sizes, closures, gear restrictions, and biotoxin alerts.Ham says rules vary by species and area and can change, so people should stay up to date.He also says the app will work once downloaded, even in places with no cellphone coverage.Recreational fishers are also encouraged to speak with a local fishery officer or visit a local office.Fishery officers and honorary fishery officers will be patrolling coasts, boat ramps, and at sea over summer.Ham says they are there to help, and to avoid people “hook[ing] a fine”.MPI is also asking people to report suspected illegal activity to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224).Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Watercare has fulfilled a promise to give another $1 million to beleaguered oyster farmers north of Auckland after a catastrophic sewage failure.It's after an initial $1m was given last month after the spill obliterated crops in late October.Watercare agreed to give that money to 10 affected farmers.It said the second tranche is so it can give support them while an independent assessment on losses is still being done.Watercare has previously said it expects that assessment to be finalised in the new year.Confirmation of the second payment comes days after oyster farmers expressed their frustration, desperation and said they were losing faith.Lynette Dunn from the Mahurangi Oyster Farmers Association told RNZ the second million-dollar payment came after a battle."We've been putting pressure on Watercare, they were supposed to have the final assessment all sorted out by the end of the year," she said."And they emailed us to say basically that they won't be doing anything until the new year until the final assessments come through."Dunn believed there might not have been a second payment without efforts from Aquaculture New Zealand."We're still paying off debts and it's coming into our quiet season as well, so we've missed the bull mark with the peak of our season," she said."So hopefully this will help us just get through our quiet period when all the oysters are spawning out and they're not sellable."Dunn said many farmers were wondering how they would fare in the coming years."The last spill they decided to get some sucker trucks so it didn't overflow into the harbour, so why haven't they been able to do that all along?" she asked.Farmer Tom Walters said he had only been able to farm for about six weeks of this year and bills and debts had mounted with little time to harvest.He had already twice considered closing the doors of his business."This year's been diabolical, I wouldn't even be in business if it hadn't been for lovely people who had donated and kept me going," he told Checkpoint on 18 December.The overflow was a power surge combined with monitoring and alert systems failing.More than 1000 cubic metres of sewage overflowed, contaminating thousands of oysters in the Mahurangi River and stopping harvesting for nearly a month.It came at the peak of the season."This incident should not have happened," Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne said on Wednesday.Oyster farmers have faced ongoing contamination problems for several years, but Watercare said the October spill was unique.The payments go toward losses directly caused by that overflow and not other historical losses caused by the likes of weather or consented overflows"These matters are governed separately under environmental consents and regulatory frameworks," it said.Watercare said it will be contacting farmers individually and confidentially to discuss the outcomes of the loss assessment once it is finished.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Got plans this afternoon that rely on dry skies. MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for six hours from 2pm to 8pm today, as a complex trough in a moist, unstable air mass moves east across the upper North Island, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms for Northland, Auckland.That puts the Hibiscus Coast in the firing line for intense bursts of rain and possible thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with localised downpours bringing hourly rainfall of about 25 to 40mm. Driving conditions may deteriorate quickly, with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain. Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Making plans?Three Hibiscus Coast events to check out this week.Sonic Boom - A live band Concert for the kidsSun Dec 28Click here for more detailsNew Years Eve PartyWed 31 DecClick here for more details80s New Year’s Experience!Wed 31 DecClick 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 may feature selected events in next week’s Top Picks.

Auckland Harbourmaster Andrew Hayton is urging water users to slow down and wear lifejackets as summer crowds pack the harbour.So far this year, 70 people have died in water incidents in New Zealand.Most were swimmers who drowned.Several incidents involved recreational craft such as boats and jetskis, with 16 deaths.Ten of those deaths were preventable because people weren’t wearing lifejackets.“Every death or injury off our beaches is an avoidable tragedy,” Hayton says.He says most happen because people don’t follow the rules in place to prevent these incidents.The Harbourmaster’s Operations Manager, Marc Davis, says boaties “especially are mostly compliant”, with 24 infringements issued so far this summer.He warns it only takes “one person’s reckless actions” to put many lives at risk.Auckland Transport’s rules for recreational craft include lifejackets for everyone on vessels under 6 metres unless permitted otherwise, and a 5-knot limit within 200m of shore, structures, diver flags, or within 50m of other boats or swimmers.It is illegal to be in charge of a vessel if impaired by alcohol or drugs.Jetski riders are reminded that speeding in these zones can bring a $200 fine, as can piloting an unregistered jetski.Riders must be 15 or over for faster craft, and should always wear a lifejacket.There’s also a reminder to follow beach driving and parking rules during launching or retrieval.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

We hope you've had a terrific Christmas Day. Here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 26/12Cloud thickens, rain arrives afternoon with possible thunder, gusty northerly turning westerly late.High: 26Low: 16Saturday, 27/12Partly cloudy with the odd shower, a light nor’wester develops in the afternoon.High: 22Low: 14Sunday, 28/12Mostly fine with sun and cloud, a nor’easter picks up and a late shower is possible.High: 23Low: 16Monday, 29/12Showers return, some heavy at times, brisk sou’easterlies easing into a nor’easter later.High: 25Low: 16See the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need, accessible at any time and from any location.

Christmas feels better when you know your community is behind you.On behalf of the Hibiscus Coast App team, thank you to our loyal readers and to every local business partner who has backed us through a tricky 2025.Every read, share, review, ad booking, and kind message has helped keep local stories moving and local businesses visible, and we do not take that support for granted.We’re heading into 2026 hopeful that things will feel a little easier for all Coasties, and proud of the way the Hibiscus Coast shows up for each other when it counts.From all of us at the Hibiscus Coast App, stay safe and have a happy Christmas.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

By now, for many of us, the presents will be wrapped and the groceries bought. But for those who need a last-minute gift or a dash to the supermarket, you may be in luck. many places close their doors on Christmas Day, there are a few exceptions.Here's RNZ's guide to what is and isn't open on Christmas Day.I need a last-minute Christmas gift. Are any shops open?Pharmacies and petrol stations are open as essential services on Christmas Day. Image: UnsplashChristmas Day is one of four restricted trading days in New Zealand (Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and until 1pm on ANZAC Day), meaning almost all retail shops will be closed. But if you're desperate for a last-minute gift, there are a few options.Petrol stations are generally open as an essential service, and many of them stock small gift items like chocolates, gift cards and novelty items. The same goes for pharmacies, which often hold gifts like candles and skincare sets. But with both, it would pay to check holiday hours first.Can't be bothered cooking Christmas dinner?Takeaways, cafes, and restaurants are all allowed to open on Christmas Day. Image: UnsplashIf you can't be bothered cooking, or your Christmas dinner turned out to be a disaster, you're in luck as there are a few food options.Most major supermarkets - including Woolworths, New World and Pak n Save - are closed on Christmas Day.However, dairies and fruit shops are allowed to stay open.If you're in the mood for fast food, you're in luck. Select KFC stores, McDonald's, Domino's and Pizza Hut will be open on Christmas Day.If local takeaways or fish and chips are more your speed, these establishments are also allowed to open on Christmas Day - just check opening hours ahead of time.For a sit-down lunch or dinner, a 15 percent public holiday surcharge may apply at restaurants and cafes. But it can be well worth going out for the day - some restaurants even serve up special multi-course Christmas menus, complete with Christmas pudding.How about bottle shops?If you need your Christmas Day booze, it's a good idea to stock up early as no takeaway alcohol is sold or supplied on Christmas Day.How can I get around on Christmas?Public transport will be operating on a reduced timetable on Christmas. During public holidays, bus and ferry services tend to run on weekend timetables. It is best to check your local council's website for the holiday timetable.Ubers and taxis run on Christmas Day, however, it may be harder and more expensive to secure, as fewer available cars are expected.Major airports are also open on Christmas Day with flights operating.Anything to do on Christmas?Places providing services rather than goods can open on Christmas, such as hairdressers, although many will opt to close. It's best to check opening hours ahead of time.A trip to the movies could be on the cards. HOYTS Cinemas are open on Christmas Day at select cinemas in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch.If you would like to get into the Christmas spirit, churches across New Zealand will be offering Christmas Masses and carol services.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Suzuki Fronx owners in New Zealand are being told not to carry passengers in the rear seats after a rear safety belt mechanism failed in an ANCAP laboratory crash test.If you drive one around the Hibiscus Coast, the key message is simple: keep the back seats empty until Suzuki provides a remedy.The Fronx has received a one-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on poor performance in the recent crash test.ANCAP safety ratings - Suzuki FronxThe low rating reflects poor results across all parts of ANCAP’s testing, while the seatbelt failure is treated as a serious safety concern because a similar failure in an on-road crash could potentially result in serious injury or death for rear seat passengers.There are 1,115 Fronx vehicles registered for use on New Zealand roads.Officials have met with Suzuki NZ and pushed for urgent action, including considering a manufacturer’s recall.Sales of the Fronx have been stopped in New Zealand, and owners are being contacted from today with further information and the advice not to use the rear seats for passengers at this time.Owners are being encouraged to engage with Suzuki NZ on what solutions can be offered, especially for anyone who needs the rear seats for upcoming travel.Anyone who has not been contacted is urged to contact Suzuki NZ or a local dealer urgently on [email protected] or 0800 929 394.A manufacturer’s recall has now been issued for this model, with details listed in the Vehicle Safety Recalls database.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Worldline NZ data shows pre-Christmas spending is still down, a watchpoint for Hibiscus Coast retailers.Consumer spending processed through Worldline NZ’s Core Retail merchants totalled $3.223B for the first 21 days of December.That is down 1.3% on the same period in December 2024, after adjustments for merchants joining or leaving the network.Worldline NZ Chief Sales Officer Bruce Proffit said spending jumped sharply in the third week of December, as it often does, but year-on-year spending stayed below last year for both the week and month to date.He said Food and Liquor shops continued to lift in week three, with the busiest days still to come.He also said Hospitality was very busy on Saturday, December 20, and likely hit its Christmas peak that day, but the peak was 3.8% below the 2024 peak and below a peak day recorded in February 2025, pointing to more modest pre-Christmas party spending.Across wider Core Retail, Proffit said spending rose again from prior weeks, yet stayed below last year for electronics, gifts, clothing, furniture, appliances, sports equipment, and books.He said toy stores, chemists, jewellers, and home decorating retailers were up on last year.Proffit said the gap may narrow in the next three days, as it did in 2014 when Christmas Day last fell on a Thursday.Worldline noted these figures show general market trends and are not a proxy for Worldline’s market share or earnings.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Police investigating a North Shore Bentley theft have recovered five vehicles and seized a loaded shotgun.Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams says a luxury Bentley Bentayga SUV was stolen during a burglary in the early hours of 1 December.“In the early hours, an unknown person entered a house taking the keys to the Bentley and driving away in the SUV,” he says.“Inside the vehicle were a range of valuable items including a handbag and bank cards.”Police enquiries later led to an address in Glen Eden last week. Williams says Police searched the property and found four other stolen vehicles.“Concerningly, a loaded shotgun was found hidden underneath a bed where a young boy was sleeping.”A 31-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were arrested. Both have been charged with dishonesty charges relating to the alleged use of stolen credit cards, and unlawful possession of a firearm.The Bentley was not located at the property. Police say enquiries continued and the vehicle was eventually located and recovered in Huia late last week.“This is a fantastic result with several investigation teams from the North Shore and West Auckland working together, recovering vehicles and a firearm,” Williams says.Police say the initial burglary and theft is still under investigation, and further arrests are not ruled out. The pair have appeared in District Court and will reappear in March next year.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Police will be out in force nationwide over the Christmas–New Year period, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.The message to drivers is simple. Slow down, buckle up, and do not drive impaired.“Whether you’re heading to see loved ones, taking a road trip with friends, or exploring our country, please make safe choices, road safety is a responsibility we all share,” Bishop says.“Police will be visible anywhere, anytime. They will be out to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users including speeding, driving under the influence, and ensuring road users are wearing their seatbelts.”Alcohol and drug impairment remains one of the biggest killers on our roads, the Minister says. He says around 30% of road deaths involve an impairing drug.“Last week, I watched one of the first roadside drug tests be administered. I am looking forward to these tests being rolled around the country and improving road safety.”Drivers are also being urged to check the weather, plan breaks, and make sure they are fit to drive. “If you’re under the influence, don’t get behind the wheel,” Bishop says.The official Christmas–New Year holiday period runs from 4pm Tuesday 23 December 2025 to 6am Monday 5 January 2026.NZTA has updated its online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool, showing predicted traffic flows over Christmas and New Year based on previous years’ travel patterns. For Hibiscus Coast drivers heading away, it is one way to plan trips and avoid long delays.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Wondering if the kids can take new toys outside on Christmas Day?For the Hibiscus Coast, the current call is partly cloudy with light winds and a high of 25, with sunrise at 5:59am and sunset at 8:42pm, so it should suit most outdoor plans if you keep a quick indoor back-up in mind.MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley says, “Most North Islanders will be able to get outside to test their new presents on Christmas Day,” but adds that people north of Waikato may want a back-up plan as showers arriving from the north could sprinkle on celebrations.Looking either side of the big day, Christmas Eve (Wednesday) is forecast to have rain clearing to fine in the afternoon, with strong westerlies easing in the morning, while Boxing Day (Friday) is set for showers, some heavy, easing in the morning, then long fine breaks developing, with northerlies turning westerly in the morning.It is the sort of stretch where you can pop outside when it is good, then duck in if a shower clips through.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Nothing ruins a morning walk like finding bagged dog poo left on the berm.On a stroll in Millwater, two plastic bags of dog droppings were spotted on berms in front of houses, and it is hard to see that as anything but inconsiderate.Auckland Council’s Dog Management Bylaw is clear: when you are in a public place or premise, dog owners must ensure the immediate removal and disposal of their dog’s faeces, and it must be done in a way that does not cause a nuisance.The bylaw also notes that if you do not pick up after your dog, you may get a $300 fine.The practical fix is simple: carry a waste bag, pick it up, then put it in a public rubbish bin or your bin at home.Small actions like that make a real difference, and they help keep Millwater and the wider Hibiscus Coast streets clean and looking their best.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland's mayor says it would be better if council were running the police in the city, but is adamant it's a safe place to be.There's been considerable effort to increase safety in the central city.Community Patrols NZ opened a base in the central city in September, after the launch of police's public facing CBD counter two months prior.Police beat teams and community patrollers have also been out watching the streets.Mayor Wayne Brown is hoping Aucklanders get out and enjoy the city over the summer, though safety concerns loom.He and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown released a city centre action plan in November which they hoped would benefit families, workers, visitors and businesses.RNZ met the mayor on the city's waterfront to talk summer and safety.The mayor said he loved being on the North Wharf part of the city's waterfront."You can get involved with the water here and around at Westhaven, fantastic places to walk, people walking around it's really great."But there's been some problems in the CBD with some poor behaviour."The mayor began by making his position on the issue clear."Council's responsibility is places, government's responsibility is people and behaviour," he said."I'm not the Minister of Police, although I think it would be better if the council ran the police like it does in a lot of cities."Brown said there needed to be more of a police presence, and wanted the government to spend more time addressing issues around mental health issues."The government has the responsibility with some form of mental health," he said."I've put quite a bit of my own mayoral budget into having some of our staff out there, and I've been out with them, but some of the people there are so aggressive and frightening, and they all know that my staff can't arrest them or even touch them."The mayor pointed to the council bylaws, saying they didn't work without enforcement powers."It only works when people are behaving well, we pay taxes to fix those things not rates."The action plan was supported by the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry for Social Development, Police, Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, Auckland Council, businesses, and social services.It also included outreach teams connecting rough sleepers with mental health, addiction, and housing support, adding to the already increased police visibility in the CBD, and police and safety wardens focusing enforcement on areas linked to criminal activity and antisocial behaviour.It hoped to ensure public spaces, like Pocket Park at Queen Street and Fort Street, were designed to be safe and welcoming, which it said reduced crime.Litter and graffiti removal teams were set to operate "at pace", and targeted safety patrols were slated to continue.The action plan would review bylaws to make sure they were fit for purpose.Part of the action plan also focused on rolling out 207 additional houses for Housing First, and 100 social houses being made available by more efficient use of existing Housing First contracts.Wayne Brown said council wasn't paying for it."We're not funding those," he said.The mayor said Auckland was a safe city."The people that are going to cause you trouble, they're quite clearly there, don't go near them."I think the omelette has been over egged," Brown said.He hoped Aucklanders would get out and make the most of the city over Summer, especially the beaches and parks."It's a city to be involved with the harbours and the water, and it's fantastic, we're lucky for having that," Brown said."Very few cities can boast this."Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.