It’s decision time for the Hibiscus Coast. Ballot papers are out, and locals have just a few days left to choose who’ll shape our region for the next three years.Voting in the 2025 local elections closes this Saturday, 11 October at 12 noon, and Coasties will be choosing one mayor, 20 ward councillors and 151 local board members across Auckland.You can pop your completed papers into any NZ Post box before Tuesday, 7 October, or drop them into an orange vote box at your nearest library, supermarket or transport station up until midday Saturday.These elections use the First Past the Post system, which means the candidate with the most ticks wins.If there are three positions, you can vote for up to three people.Your vote helps decide how our beaches are managed, how local roads are maintained, and who speaks up for the Hibiscus Coast at the Council table.If you’ve been meaning to post it, now’s the time.Every tick counts.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New research shows Kiwi kids are at risk of leaving home without the life skills they need to thrive, with cooking topping the list.The HelloFresh study* found that 77 percent of parents believe it is "very important" for children to learn to cook before leaving home, but 60 percent said kids today are less likely to learn basic cooking skills at home compared to when they were growing up.The study also revealed 65 percent worry kids will become reliant on takeaways, 59 percent predict struggles to eat healthily, while only 21 percent of parents with children aged 5-17 say their kids are often involved in cooking.Chef and restaurateur Al Brown told Morning Report it all comes back to time restraints on families."It all comes back to that word time. Especially if mum and dad are running two jobs, when they get home they just want to get food on the table."Also, we are a consuming society, so we'd rather buy than make."Brown said cooking doesn't have to be too complex, and a few basic skills go a long way to helping teenagers feed themselves."A tomato or an avocado on some Vogels would be a good place to start."The thing about New Zealand is we are a produce driven country, so we don't have to do too much with the food. You buy a piece of fish, all you need is a squeeze of lemon and a dob of butter."Alongside being a basic life skill, Brown championed the creativity of cooking, and the joy cooking can provide for people."If you start with learning to make pikelets, and you pass those on to your flatmates, and sit around and have a cup of instant coffee, a cup of tea, there's something wonderful about that."By starting small and experiencing the gratitude from cooking for others, Brown said it could inspire people to try more complex dishes.Brown said one irony with the new research is teenagers love taking photos of food, but actually learning how to cook it isn't so popular.But social media and the internet also provides opportunities for people to access recipes, according to Brown."We are very lucky in this country, it's a melting pot of cuisines and every recipe is at your fingertips."I just encourage the young to have a go and it will put you in great stead when you leave the nest."*The findings are based on a nationwide survey conducted by Talbot Mills Research on behalf of HelloFresh. Fieldwork was carried out between 5-17 September 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 1,130 New Zealanders aged 18+.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the Government’s final-quarter plan is about “a lot more yes and a lot less no”, aiming to get more projects off the ground and boost growth across New Zealand.The Q4 Action Plan outlines 33 actions to rebuild the economy, restore law and order, and deliver better public services. Key moves include replacing the Resource Management Act to speed up construction and introducing new rules so small structures, like granny flats up to 70 square metres, can be built without consent.There’s also a push to modernise how infrastructure and housing are financed, along with a new loan guarantee scheme to help community housing providers reduce borrowing costs.For the Hibiscus Coast, these changes could mean faster progress on housing developments and transport projects, easing pressure from ongoing population growth and long commutes.The plan also introduces a fast lane for supermarket developments to lift competition, earthquake-prone building reforms expected to save $8.2 billion, and steps towards smarter road pricing in major cities.Luxon says these measures will help Kiwis “build things, grow their businesses, employ more people and contribute to a stronger economic future.”Progress has been strong so far, with 26 of 28 actions from the Q3 2025 plan completed and two partially finished. The last tasks involve Cabinet decisions to approve rules for open banking and work on laws to make foreign interference a crime and toughen espionage laws.If the “yes” mindset takes hold, Coasties could see real benefits through quicker builds, new jobs, and more investment flowing into local communities.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’ve ever watched a grandparent frown at their phone or wonder how to “find that photo again”, here’s some good news. Digital Seniors, the free tech support group for over-65s, has now opened a new hub at Orewa Library every Thursday from 10am to 12noon.The non-profit started in the Wairarapa back in 2018 and has been growing fast, helping older adults build confidence with phones, tablets and computers. After a warm response at the Whangaparaoa Library hub, the expansion to Orewa means more Coast residents can now get friendly, patient help right in town.It’s all free and relaxed. No tests, no pressure, just one-on-one guidance in a social setting. You can bring your own device, ask that niggling question, or finally learn how to video call the grandkids.Digital Seniors says it’s all about connection and wellbeing, not just technology. By helping people stay in touch online, it reduces isolation and builds digital confidence across our community.Bookings are encouraged by calling 0800 373 646, emailing [email protected], or simply dropping in with your device.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says the next wave of AI apps will feel less like tools and more like talking with a helpful companion.Speaking at the recent Developer Day, Altman announced that ChatGPT will now include built-in apps that are interactive, adaptive and personalised, and they’ll meet users right inside their chat.Users can discover these apps when ChatGPT suggests one at the right time or by simply calling them by name.Say, “Spotify, make a playlist for my party this Friday,” and ChatGPT can bring up Spotify right in your conversation.The first time you use an app, ChatGPT will prompt you to connect it, making clear what data might be shared.After that, the experience blends naturally with your chat.Altman says this is the start of a new generation of applications that combine familiar elements like maps, playlists and presentations with interactive AI.You might ask Canva to turn an outline into a slide deck or have Coursera explain something mid-video.To make discovery easier, OpenAI will also launch an App Directory, its version of an App Store.The directory will provide an organised way to find and manage third-party apps built for ChatGPT, improving accessibility and the overall user experience.Altman also highlighted OpenAI’s mission to empower developers and businesses, showcasing new tools and models designed to accelerate AI adoption and make it easier to build with AI.Early apps now available include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma and Spotify.With AI evolving quickly, this new era of chat-based apps could reshape how we learn, create and get things done, and for Coasties using ChatGPT, it’s a glimpse of where everyday tech is heading next.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Ninety-seven percent of young people in Aotearoa use the internet several times a day or almost constantly, and many say they are inundated with alcohol, vaping and junk food marketing online.Researchers say social media’s constant pull is putting young people at risk, from addictive use to harmful marketing that’s hard to escape.On Monday 6 October, experts presented evidence to Parliament’s Education and Workforce Select Committee Inquiry into online harm.They urged tougher rules to protect young New Zealanders from unhealthy digital environments.Professor Antonia Lyons from the University of Auckland’s School of Population Health said young people valued being online for connection and creativity, but they also reported relentless exposure to advertising for alcohol, vaping and junk food, often before they were legally old enough to buy them.“Young people told us that social media can be a positive space, spreading awareness, making people happy, and keeping them connected. But they also spoke of constant exposure to harmful marketing and content that was inescapable,” said Professor Lyons.The study drew on surveys and interviews with more than 3,600 people aged 14–20.Almost all were online several times a day, often juggling five or more platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok.The findings painted a troubling picture:Targeted ads pushing alcohol, vaping and ultra-processed foodsAlgorithms driving compulsive scrolling and data harvestingUnwanted exposure to body-shaming, hate speech and self-harm contentResearchers say the impact falls unevenly, with Māori and disadvantaged communities facing greater harm.For families on the Hibiscus Coast, the message is clear: young people’s digital worlds can feel empowering, but they’re also being shaped by powerful marketing forces beyond their control.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Morning commuters heading south on State Highway 1 still facing heavy delays today after a multi-vehicle crash near Okura closed the right lane.The crash happened on the southbound side between Silverdale and Oteha Valley.NZTA have advised us that emergency services are at the scene, and NZTA says drivers should pass with care and expect delays until further notice.A detour route is being managed by emergency staff, and motorists are urged to follow their directions.NZTA has not given an estimated time for reopening the lane, and clean-up work is ongoing.If you’re planning to head south today, allow extra travel time, drive to the conditions.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Smartfoods Limited has recalled several snack products sold across New Zealand, including stores on the Hibiscus Coast, after discovering small metal pieces may be present in certain batches.The recall affects Tom & Luke brand Protein Peanut Brownie Snackaballs (132 g, best before 24 September 2026), Vogel’s brand Cluster Crunch Granola Peanut Butter (375 g, best before 31 July, 2 September and 26 September 2026) and Vogel’s brand Daily Protein Plus Almond Pistachio (300 g, best before 14 August, 4 September and 26 September 2026).The Snackaballs come in a 132 g plastic pouch, while the Vogel’s products are sold in cardboard boxes.Customers are urged to check the date markings and not consume the affected batches. No injuries have been reported, but anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice.Smartfoods says all other Tom & Luke and Vogel’s products remain safe to eat. Shoppers can return recalled items to their retailer for a full refund.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Startup Week kicks off 20–24 October, uniting over 2000 investors, experts, and founders for five days of workshops, panels, and pitch sessions across nine central Auckland venues.Centred at GridAKL in Wynyard Quarter, the event showcases the people and ideas driving Auckland’s innovation economy, and it’s already proving popular, with many of the 32 sessions sold out.Mayor Wayne Brown says the week is part of a wider push to build momentum in Auckland’s tech and innovation sectors. “It’s events like these that link up investors with entrepreneurs and allow new ideas to flourish.”The new Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance will play a key role in turning those connections into real-world results, he says.Pam Ford, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Economic Development, calls Startup Week a runway for local success. “We’re excited about the interest already shown in Auckland Startup Week, working with our private-sector partners, and we look forward to it becoming a sought-after annual fixture.”With 95 speakers lined up, topics range from early-stage funding and recruitment to women-led startups and Māori voices in tech.Could Auckland’s Tech Future Start Here?For Coasties running or dreaming up their own business, the event’s focus on growth and collaboration highlights the opportunities within reach. Especially as more founders look beyond the city centre to the likes of the Hibiscus Coast for talent, ideas, and expansion.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Job hunting can feel daunting when you don’t tick every box on a job ad.But SEEK says many employers are looking for more than just a perfect résumé, they’re looking for enthusiasm.Over a third of job seekers (37%) say they struggle to know if they’re a good match for a role.Yet 65% of hirers are more likely to hire someone who shows strong passion for the job over someone who simply fits the skill list.And 71% will still consider a candidate without all the required years of experience if they bring transferable skills.So, if you’re hesitating to apply because you don’t meet every requirement, don’t hold back. Passion and potential count.When scanning job ads, SEEK suggests focusing on six key things:Technical skillsPeople-related skillsEducation and qualificationsIndustry experienceCompany cultureCareer goalsRight now, SEEK has more than 700 listings across Rodney and the North Shore.TradeMe lists over 350, and Indeed has 75-plus.Closer to home, there are 10 local jobs listed this week on the Hibiscus Coast App — all within reach for Coasties wanting to work closer to home.And if you’re a local business hiring, you can post a job for just $49 +GST and get unlimited exposure to local job seekers.Weekly job posts on the Hibiscus Coast App go straight to locals via social media and text, putting Coast employers in front of the right people fast.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 6–12 October, with this year’s theme — Top Up Together — encouraging everyone to strengthen wellbeing through connection.The nationwide campaign builds on the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, give, take notice, keep learning, and be active.The focus this year is on doing these things together, with research showing that shared, community-based activities bring lasting mental health benefits.Social connection plays a huge role in wellbeing, helping people feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger.Activities such as volunteering, group fitness, shared learning, or community events can lift mood and build a sense of belonging.Workplaces and schools across the Hibiscus Coast are encouraged to get involved by trying simple activities that make a real difference.From mindful colouring breaks and wellbeing quizzes to team chats using conversation cards designed to spark open conversations.Local organisations can also use free online resources like event guides, social media graphics, and wellbeing activity templates to help staff and students join in the week.Mental Health Awareness Week is about slowing down, connecting, and remembering that small moments of care and connection can have a big impact.Whether it’s a chat over coffee or a shared walk along the beach.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The past year has tested every business owner on the Hibiscus Coast.Rising costs, cautious customers, and economic uncertainty have created real pressure to tighten belts across the board.Yet amid these challenges, smart business owners are recognising opportunity.Here's the hard truth: cutting marketing when times get tough is like turning off your lighthouse in a storm.Your business becomes invisible precisely when visibility matters most.Marketing isn't an expense.It's your lifeline to customers, your tool for building trust, and your competitive edge.It ensures you're top-of-mind when Coasties are ready to buy.Practical Strategies That WorkStart Close to Home:Your existing customers are your greatest asset.Focus on encouraging genuine reviews, creating simple referral incentives, and following up with past customers to maintain relationships.Build Your Digital Foundation: Every Hibiscus Coast business needs a professional website that loads quickly on mobile, active presence on 1-2 social channels, and local platform visibility where neighbours actually look for services.Focus on What Counts:Track website traffic and conversion rates, cost per lead across different channels, and return on marketing investment.The businesses thriving right now are those measuring performance and adapting quickly.The Changing Marketing Reality Consumer behavior has evolved dramatically, leaving many traditional marketing approaches ineffective.Physical advertisements generate awareness but rarely drive immediate purchases.Monthly publications depend on perfect timing and customer memory.Online searches now compete with automated responses and multiple distractions.Today's customers operate in decision mode rather than discovery mode.Instead of actively hunting for services, they make choices from options that appear naturally within their daily routines.Frequency matters more than reach.Being seen repeatedly by the right people builds trust faster than being seen once by everyone.Where Coasties Actually Look The Hibiscus Coast App serves over 40,892 active Auckland users with a 70% engagement rate and 1.1 million user interactions over the past 12 months.Every day, thousands of Coasties open the app to find local businesses.They're not browsing casually.They're searching for someone nearby to call, visit, or book.When Coasties turn to the app, they're ready to act, not just browse.This shift from awareness marketing to action marketing is where real results happen.You're visible where trust already lives, in the app they know and use daily.Your Action PlanThis season, focus on three simple steps:Keep what works - Double down on your best-performing marketingCut what doesn't - Stop spending on channels that aren't deliveringStay visible locally - Be present where Coasties are already lookingThe businesses thriving right now aren't spending more on marketing. They're spending smarter.Your marketing doesn't need to be expensive or complicated.It just needs to reach locals when they're ready to buy.Ready for easy local visibility?The Hibiscus Coast App is where locals find trusted businesses, news, events, jobs, and more, all in one place. Done-for-you local ads, mobile-first, no stress.Click here to get started →This article is sponsored content designed to help local businesses understand effective marketing strategies for the Hibiscus Coast market.

After 47 years of crafting bold, colourful ceramics that have brightened homes and gardens across New Zealand, much-loved pottery studio Morris & James is closing for good on 16 November.Founded by Anthony Morris and Sue James in 1977, the Matakana workshop became a regional treasure, a favourite stop for many Hibiscus Coast locals on weekend trips north.The decision to close was not sudden.Read more here: Morris & James Pottery to CloseThe team explored selling but ultimately chose to wind things down gently, finishing production on 10 November with the last of their clay and bisqueware.That means there is still a short window for Coasties to visit, pick up a keepsake, or use any remaining gift vouchers before the doors close.Morris & James say stock is moving quickly, and it is best to phone rather than message or email if you are after something special.Their Closing Down Sale runs from 1 to 16 November, a final chance to take home a piece of genuine New Zealand craftsmanship before it is gone for good.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Check in with your mates, your family and your friends - that's the message from Matt Doocey for Mental Health Awareness Week.New Zealand's first minister for mental health said the awareness week - which runs from Monday to Sunday - was a great opportunity to connect with friends and family "to see how they're going".It was part of the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, he said.The 2025 theme was Top Up Together and focused on the five ways of wellbeing - connect/me whakawhanaunga, give back/tukua, be active/me kori tonu, take notice/me aro tonu, and keep learning/me ako tonu."The five ways of wellbeing is an evidence-based initiative whereby implementing the five ways of wellbeing in your life daily can actually improve your mental wellbeing," Doocey said.Monday's connect theme was about making social connections and having a sense of feeling connected, loved or belonging, according to the Mental Health Foundation website.On Tuesday the theme was "give" which was about kindness, altruism or generosity including carrying out acts of kindness to bring happiness and satisfaction.Being active, Wednesday's theme, was not only important for physical wellbeing, but was also a powerful mood booster, the website said.Taking notice, on Thursday, referred to the practice of mindfulness, being receptive and aware.And on Friday, the keep learning theme was about "exercising our mind"."Learning something new together with friends or whānau can boost motivation, enhance understanding and offer a sense of shared growth and discovery," the website said.Doocey encouraged people to try implementing the five ways of wellbeing in their life every day this Mental Health Awareness Week.He said it was very "mportant to acknowledge" Mental Health Awareness Week and he was keen to "really showcase the great work that the community is doing"."I'd encourage everyone to head to the Mental Health Foundation website and look for Mental Health Awareness Week initiatives in their local community to either participate in, or people might like to think about setting up their own Mental Health Awareness Week programmes."The minister said his message was to reach out to others."Quite often people can suffer in silence with mental health and it's an opportunity to really break down the barriers and reach out and talk to someone who might have the need to want to share their concerns at the time."He said it was important that Kiwis continued to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination around mental health."We've done very well as a country creating an environment where people are more open talking about their mental health needs, but quite often people can be still a bit shy about reaching out."And I think the ability for someone to check in with a friend or family member allows them the permission to actually maybe voice for the first time that they are under a bit of pressure, maybe a bit of stress and they need someone to talk to."And that might be the first time that they felt safe in doing that. So it's a good week to try something new of checking in with your mates, your family and your friends."

Cyber Smart Week is back, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is urging New Zealanders to take their online safety as seriously as their home security.The NCSC says over 4.3 million Kiwi account details are already in the hands of scammers.A worrying figure that’s prompted the launch of a new tool, How Exposed Am IThe site, part of the Own Your Online initiative, lets users check whether their email or password has been caught up in any of the 73 billion data points from global data breaches.Director of Mission Enablement, Mike Jagusch, says the risks are real and rising. “This year, 53% of New Zealand’s small to medium businesses told us they experienced a cyber threat in the past six months, significantly higher than the 36% reported last year.”While 94% of small businesses agree that cyber security is important, many wrongly believe they’re already protected. “That perception is preventing them from taking simple but crucial steps like turning on two-factor authentication or regularly backing up data,” Jagusch says.The consequences are costly.From financial losses and downtime to damaged reputations.For Hibiscus Coast businesses, the message is clear: check your exposure, switch on 2FA, and back up your data. Whether you’re a tradie, café owner, or working from home, a few simple steps could make the difference between a normal workday and a crisis.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Penlink Project Powers Ahead With October WorksRead more →Coast Teen Arrested After Albany Theft
Read more →Coast Gastropub Denied Alcohol Licence RenewalRead more →Metro Park West Finally Gets Green LightRead more →Orewa’s Shoreward Hit by Burglary and FireRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

The Financial Markets Authority wants consumers to complain more, and for companies to listen.The FMA has found that fewer than than one-third of people were confident that they knew how to complain about their financial service provider.Those who said they would have liked to have complained, said they did not, because they either doubted the outcome, did not know how to complain, or thought it was probably too difficult to complain anyway.FMA executive director, licensing and conduct supervision Clare Bolingford said the authority wanted financial service providers to ensure consumers knew how to complain and how their complaints would be dealt with, were easily accessible, and fit for purpose."Companies are burying complaints processes deep on their websites, requiring details a customer may not have to hand and treating customers in a defensive and dismissive way," Bolingford said.Among the FMA's other findings were: almost one in three complaints were unresolved, and of those who wanted to complain, a third thought there was no point in complaining because nothing would happen.It also found 57 percent of complainants were satisfied with the handling of their complaint, while 21 percent were dissatisfied.Complaining as learningFMA director of deposit taking and insurance and advice Richard Hewes said New Zealanders' own "she'll be right" attitudes often held them back from complaining.But he encouraged consumers to complain more and for financial services providers to use those complaints as a learning exercise, rather than an adversarial situation."Providers should learn from complaints, use it as a mechanism to review your products and services," Hewes said."If you are seeing and hearing about complaints from consumers, use it as a learning opportunity - clearly there is something not quite right with your product and service, and it is a great opportunity to change it."Hewes said where consumers and financial service providers reach a deadlock, the provider would escalate the complaint to a disputes resolution.He said disputes resolution providers did a "fantastic job" for consumers, are independent of financial services providers, and free of charge.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s blunt “F off” reply to the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance has fuelled criticism over his refusal to sign the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, raising questions about his stance on council accountability.Sam Warren, spokesperson for the Ratepayers’ Alliance, said the Mayor’s claims about the pledge were simply wrong.“Wayne Brown clearly hasn’t even read the pledge before mouthing off. He’s claiming it would stop independent members on the Council’s Audit and Risk Committee, but that’s just not true. He’s resorting to making things up and personal abuse. That kind of behaviour does not ‘fix Auckland’,” Warren said.The pledge, designed to protect ratepayers from unelected influence on spending and regulatory committees, makes clear that Audit and Risk, along with advisory committees, are excluded.“The Mayor is either confused or deliberately misleading Aucklanders,” Warren said.For Coast residents already grappling with rising rates and big-ticket infrastructure costs, the clash highlights ongoing worries about trust and transparency at Auckland Council. Locals paying into the city’s budget want clear answers on where their money goes, not political point-scoring.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

More than 6000 fines have been dished out to Auckland dog owners who have repeatedly ignored warnings from Auckland Council to register their pets.Auckland Council has been cracking down on dog owners to register their dogs or be hit with an infringement fine of $300, or face the court.As of 1 October, 6027 infringement notices were sent to dog owners who ignored earlier warnings - an increase of about 7.5 percent on last year's 5572.The fines were sent after earlier pre-infringement notices in August to 21,600 to dog owners, by email and post, and an extension of the usual deadline by two weeks to give people extra time to pay.Animal Management manager Elly Waitoa said the lack of progress was deeply disappointing."Frankly, we're frustrated," Waitoa said."We've done everything we can to make it easy for people - multiple reminders, extended grace periods, and clear communication - but too many dog owners are still refusing to meet their basic responsibilities."In February, council sent out 5572 infringement notices to dog owners.Council figures show more than 29,084 dogs remain unregistered by their owners as of August 1, when council rolled over to charging a late fee.Waitoa said registration wasn't optional."It isn't red tape. It's a legal requirement, and it's how we fund critical animal management services from dealing with roaming dogs to prosecuting owners whose animals attack people or other pets."She said council data showed a clear link between unregistered dogs and higher rates of roaming and attacks.Last registration year was the first time council issued bulk infringements, and a total of 3372 infringements totalling more than $910,000 remained outstanding.While over a third of the dogs who were infringed last year have since been registered, Waitoa said it's still nowhere near enough and the overall level of compliance remains too low."It's frustrating and disheartening to see the message still isn't sinking in, that dog owners think the rules don't apply to them."The time for leniency and excuses is over - it's about fairness to the majority of dog owners who already do the right thing."She said owners now have 28 days to pay their fines.If unpaid, a final reminder will be issued, giving a further 28 days to pay before the infringement is transferred to the Ministry of Justice for enforcement."Ignoring the rules won't make them go away. If you haven't registered your dog yet, do it now or face the consequences."LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air