New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Pendarves Ltd in recalling a specific range of imported frozen anchovies after testing revealed the presence of domonic acid, a neurotoxin. The toxin can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans. These products should not be eaten, and consumers are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them.The affected products were sold at several locations across Auckland, including selected Pak’n Save supermarkets and specialty stores, such as Lim Chhour Supermarket on Karangahape Road, Sunnyray Seafood on Archers Road, Wild Ocean Seafood Limited on Universal Drive, and Seafood Harbour Limited on Kent Street.Consumers are urged not to eat the affected product. If you have purchased the recalled anchovies, you can return them to the store for a full refund. If it is not possible to return the product, you should dispose of it.Symptoms of poisoning typically appear within 24 hours and may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. In more serious cases, neurological symptoms can develop up to three days later, including headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and in severe cases, coma.If you have consumed any of the affected anchovies and are concerned about your health, you are advised to contact your healthcare professional or call Healthline at 0800 611 116 for free advice.New Zealand Food Safety continues to monitor the situation. The recalled products have been removed from store shelves, and no further shipments have been made.For up-to-date information and photos of the affected products, visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page.This recall affects Hibiscus Coast residents who shop in Auckland. Take immediate action if you’ve purchased any of the affected products to help prevent potential health risks in the local community.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

An Auckland recycling plant that burnt down on the city's North Shore last night is calling on donations from the public to support staff and replace essential equipment.The Abilities Group recycling plant in Glenfield caught fire yesterday evening, sending plumes of toxic smoke over the city.The fire led to emergency alerts about toxic smoke. Photo: RNZ/Calvin SamuelAbout 90 firefighters from across Auckland and from Hamilton responded to the fire, which was contained on Thursday evening.The Abilities Group said a fire investigator had been at the site on Friday, and the building was being dismantled.Fire on Auckland's North Shore as seen from the city. Photo: Supplied / Geordie WinloveThe blaze destroyed critical equipment, it said.Managing director Peter Fraher was calling on the public to support recovery efforts."Abilities is more than a workplace - it's a supportive environment where disabled people find purpose, opportunity, and community," he said in a statement."Losing that is a huge blow."Fraher said the organisation provided employment and support to over 100 disabled people, and was launching an urgent drive to raise funds.Donations would go towards supporting those staff affected by the fire, finding a temporary site, and replacing what was destroyed in the blaze.The Abilities Group recycling plant in Glenfield burnt down on Thursday night. Photo: RNZ / Kaye AlbertA Give-a-Little page has been set up for those wishing to donate.Fraher said the support from the community had been overwhelming, and thanked emergency responders for their work controlling the fire."We've had an incredible outpouring of kindness from the community already, and we're so grateful."Now we're asking anyone who's ever believed in our mission - or simply wants to help us support our team as we rebuild - to support our fundraiser."

The NZ Transport Agency has announced essential maintenance work on State Highways 1 and 18, set to impact traffic on the Hibiscus Coast. Roadworks will take place at various locations from Sunday, 27 April through Thursday, 1 May.SH1 Maintenance:Oteha Valley Road to Silverdale Interchange: Sunday, 27 April, 9pm–5am.Silverdale Interchange to Oteha Valley Road: Monday, 28 April to Thursday, 1 May, 9pm–5am.Constellation Drive to Oteha Valley Road: Monday, 28 April, 10pm–5am.SH18 Maintenance:Albany Highway to Paul Matthews Road: Monday, 28 April, 10pm–5am.Several lane restrictions, closures, and detours are expected, particularly northbound on SH1. Full closures will occur on the Oteha Valley and Constellation Drive ramps, with signposted detours provided.Despite the closures, traffic will be allowed to travel southbound. Drivers are urged to slow down and follow all instructions.Expect higher-than-usual noise levels due to slip remediation and other maintenance activities, such as road resurfacing and vegetation control.Local residents and commuters should allow extra time for travel during these periods.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties enjoyed a dry and cool start to ANZAC Day, with temperatures in the mid-teens for Dawn Services. However, cloudier skies and a risk of rain will affect parts of Northland, and this will gradually spread south as the day progresses.By Friday afternoon, rain will begin to push south, reaching Auckland by Saturday. This system brings warm, humid air, so heavy rainfall is a possibility for the region.MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris explains, “Northland and Auckland may face a wet weekend, and there’s uncertainty around how much rain will fall, so it’s advised to keep up with the latest forecasts.”Saturday looks to be the wettest day, with rain continuing into Sunday. Despite the showers, there will still be pockets of sunshine, so outdoor activities may be possible with some flexibility.For those heading to the Auckland FC match on Sunday evening, expect rain, but hopefully, the weather won’t dampen the supporters' spirits.Stay updated with the latest MetService forecasts to make sure you're ready for whatever the weekend brings.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Anzac Day with Going BananasFri 25 AprMore details MTV Taylor Swift Eras TourFri 25 AprMore details Orewa Beach Farmers MarketSun 27 AprMore detailsWant to see more events? Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

In a big win for Kiwi consumers, banks are introducing stronger safeguards and a new compensation scheme for scam victims, now including the potential for reimbursements of up to $500,000.This comes in response to the Government's call for greater responsibility from banks in protecting their customers.Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson applauded the changes, noting that these protections are crucial for consumers across New Zealand, including those here on the Hibiscus Coast.“These changes will make a difference for our local community, ensuring that Kiwis can continue to bank and shop online with more confidence,” said Mr Simpson.“Scams have become a real issue for many of us, but with these new commitments, banks are stepping up to prevent them.”The banks’ updated Code of Banking Practice will feature vital improvements such as pre-transaction warnings, identifying high-risk transactions, and offering a Confirmation of Payee service.This service lets consumers ensure that the recipient’s name matches their bank account before transferring funds.As scams continue to evolve, these new protections are a welcome development for Coasties, but the Government stresses that staying vigilant is still essential.The updated Code will take effect from 30 November 2025, giving banks time to fully implement these safeguards.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government is overhauling its work-based learning system to give industries more control over apprenticeship and traineeship training. Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced that starting next year, a new, independent, industry-led model will replace the current centralised approach.This change follows feedback from industry leaders, who felt the existing model was not meeting the needs of trades like carpentry, mechanics, and other essential skills. For the Hibiscus Coast community, which is home to a number of tradespeople and small businesses, the shift means that training will become more relevant to local industries, helping businesses here better prepare workers for the jobs that matter most."From 1 January 2026, Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be responsible for setting standards, approving programmes, and overseeing assessments," said Simmonds. Local employers and learners in the Hibiscus Coast can expect minimal disruption, with apprentices and trainees currently enrolled with Te Pūkenga transitioning to the ISBs for up to two years.Students will also have the opportunity to enrol directly with private providers, polytechnics, or Wānanga, which will ensure more options for Coasties looking to build their skills in a way that is directly relevant to the demands of local employers."Your qualifications remain valuable, and your training continues on track," assured Simmonds, reinforcing that the changes aim to better support learners and industries alike.The new structure is expected to contribute to economic growth by ensuring workers are better equipped to meet the demands of the modern job market.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 25/4 (Anzac Day)Windy and cloudy. Breezy to brisk East to Nor'East winds.High: 19Low: 16Saturday, 26/4Showers. Breezy to brisk Nor'East winds.High: 20Low: 17Sunday, 27/4Rain. Fairly breezy Nor'East winds.High: 21Low: 17Monday, 28/4Showers. Fairly breezy East to Nor'East winds.High: 22Low: 17Looking for more details?Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

The history of the Anzac biscuit can be traced back to the 1700s - and contrary to popular belief, it did not evolve from the Scottish oat cake, a culinary historian says.Australian-based historian Allison Reynolds told RNZ's Anzac Morning that the precursor to the Anzac biscuit was featured in a 1747 book by Englishwoman Hannah Glasse, called The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy.The biscuit was not identical to today's Anzac biscuit, but featured many of the same ingredients and the same method of making, using melted butter, she said.Many people believed it evolved from the oat cake, but that was not true, she said.Allison Reynolds is an Australian based historian. Photo: Supplied.Anzac biscuits used rolled oats, while oat cakes used ground oat meal.Oat cakes and Anzac biscuits were also made, baked and served differently.Reynolds said the biscuits Kiwis knew and loved today were perfected by Scottish migrants to both Australia and New Zealand.Prior to 1915, they were known by other names, such as 'nutties' or 'munchies', she said.During World War I, wives and mothers began sending the biscuits to soldiers at the front, and they became known as 'Red Cross biscuits' or 'soldiers' biscuits'."They wanted to send something nutritious because they were worried the troops weren't getting that well fed."Earlier versions featured two biscuits sandwiched together with jam, but that changed during the war years.Eggs were also removed from the recipe at that time and golden syrup was added, Reynolds said."The sensible wives and mothers knew that the biscuits would not keep long and because of the war rationing, eggs were not always in ready supply."As well as being sent to soldiers and nurses at the front, the biscuits were baked for fundraisers for the war effort.They became known as Anzac biscuits sometime after the formation of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in 1914.Reynolds said the first printed reference to that name that she could find was in the eighth edition of the St Andrew's Cookbook, which was published in 1919.However, there was often a lag of two or three years between when a recipe became popular and when it was published in a cookbook, she said.Reynolds said golden syrup was "absolutely essential" to Anzac biscuits - "don't change it for honey, don't change it for anything else".It should come from a tin rather than a squeezy bottle, as bottled golden syrup was often more liquid, she said.Her findings are published in her book ANZAC Biscuits: The Power and spirit of an everyday icon.

Auckland has a new millionaire after one lucky player won a jaw-dropping $23.3 million in last night’s Lotto draw.The winning numbers were 10, 31, 24, 19, 22, 40, with the bonus ball 37 and Powerball 1.This lucky player matched both the Powerball First Division and a split Lotto First Division prize.Here’s the breakdown of their winnings:$23 million from Powerball First Division$333,333 from a split Lotto First Division prizeIf you bought a ticket from Pak’nSave Mangere or via MyLotto, make sure to check it—either in-store, online, or on the MyLotto app. You could be the lucky winner!In other news, there’s still a mystery player out there sitting on a $500,000 First Division prize.The ticket was bought at Fresh Choice Pāpāmoa in the Bay of Plenty on New Year’s Day, Wednesday 1 January 2025.Will Hine, Head of Corporate Communications at Lotto NZ, is urging anyone who bought a ticket in Pāpāmoa over the holidays to check their numbers.“It could be anyone,” says Hine. “It might be a local or someone visiting the area to ring in the New Year.”“We’re excited to get the winner their prize,” Hine adds. “It’s a substantial amount, and we really want them to claim it soon.”Hine imagines the winner might be a family enjoying a summer getaway, picking up a ticket while shopping for a BBQ at Fresh Choice.“We can’t wait to hear their story when they come forward,” says Hine.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand’s investment in research and development (R&D) has reached a major milestone, with total expenditure climbing to $6.4 billion in 2024. This marks a 21% increase from 2022, reflecting a growing commitment to science, innovation, and technology as key drivers of the economy.Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Shane Reti, praised the surge in funding, emphasising its role in strengthening New Zealand's economic future. He noted that R&D boosts productivity, supports high-value job creation, and enhances opportunities in global export markets."The continued investment in R&D is essential to ensure our economy grows, diversifies, and thrives on the world stage," Dr Reti said.Stats NZ data reveals a 24% rise in average R&D expenditure per entity, reaching $2.8 million, with a 9% increase in R&D full-time equivalents (FTEs), totalling 42,000. The business sector saw a 9% growth in R&D expenditure, reaching $4.0 billion, with businesses reporting that expanding into new markets and maintaining their competitive edge were key motivators.“The focus on R&D is crucial to diversifying New Zealand’s economy and creating more high-paying jobs," Dr Reti added. "It supports the Government’s wider trade and investment agenda, ensuring New Zealand remains competitive internationally."With R&D accounting for 1.54% of GDP, Dr Reti highlighted that the Government’s ongoing investment in technology and innovation is creating a robust platform for long-term economic growth and global trade.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Blues are bringing out every old rugby adage as they eye an increasingly unlikely title defence.Sitting eighth on the points table with just three wins and six losses, the Blues have been a shell of the side which broke its 20 year title drought last year.A quick glance at their draw may suggest a favourable run home, with just a single derby to come in the form of Moana Pasifika.But the Australian sides in 2025 are proving a different beast, and no team provides an easy win.Coach Vern Cotter was adamant they were paying no attention to future fixtures."I'm not being silly, I just really think we need to focus on the now and we've got to adapt to each situation before you start looking too far ahead. It's about fighting tooth and nail for everything and if after 80 minutes we get the win, well then that helps us qualify. If we don't well then we'll deal with that as well."So tight is this year's competition, that even with only three wins, the Blues sit just four points off the top six."Look too far ahead and then you're just going to pile too much pressure on yourselves. There is no point getting too far ahead. Every week is a big game."Last weekend's heartbreaking defeat in Christchurch had plenty of positives for Cotter."If you look at the Crusaders game, that was a reasonable performance. I thought there was a real desire to do well in that game and the players are playing for each other and backing each other up. If you look at those incremental improvements, I think that's the key."Friday night sees the Blues head to Brisbane to meet the fourth placed Reds, fresh off a bye.While recent history has seen kiwi sides hold a the edge over their Australian rivals, this season has been a different story with no New Zealand team having picked up a win across the ditch.But the Blues aren't shying away from the challenge that awaits with just five regular season games remaining for them."We spoke about dark places and getting used to going to them and this we have to be at our best, in under pressure situations that we need to respond."With the weekend's round coinciding with Anzac Day, Cotter said he has looked to inspire his men through the stories of our soldiers."They are very conscious and aware of what Anzac means. I think most families have had some sort of impact from that at some stage in previous generations - we heard some firsthand accounts and what it actually meant."The camaraderie and the cohesion that people under difficulty went through back in those days. There's a lot of things that are relevant in today's society."

Coasties, good progress is being made on the Northland Expressway, with the preferred corridor for the Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei sections now confirmed. This announcement comes from NZTA, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.The Northland Expressway is being developed in three sections:Warkworth to Te HanaTe Hana to Port Marsden HighwayPort Marsden Highway to WhangāreiThe Warkworth to Te Hana section will be a 26km-long four-lane road, connecting to the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway. It is currently in procurement after announcements made at the NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit.The emerging preferred corridor for Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway involves a new route to the east of SH1, bypassing the challenging Brynderwyn Hills. For the final section, Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei, a new road will run near SH1, with a widened SH1 corridor approaching urban Whangārei.NZTA Northland Corridor Programme Director Derek Robertson highlights the urgency behind the project. "The Northland Corridor will address the critical resilience and safety issues facing the current road," he says. This new expressway is designed to provide a safer, more resilient, and efficient road for Northland, particularly after years of disruptions due to severe weather.For Coasties, this means reduced travel times, fewer weather-related disruptions, and improved access between the Hibiscus Coast and Whangārei. The upgraded transport network will help unlock new business opportunities, provide smoother commutes, and create a more connected region.While this is an exciting development, landowners within the emerging preferred corridor area may face uncertainty. Robertson acknowledges the concern, stating that NZTA will begin contacting potentially impacted landowners to provide clarity on next steps. The final route will be confirmed later this year, offering landowners greater certainty.In addition, detailed design and construction for Section 1 (Warkworth to Te Hana) will begin in late 2026, with an expected completion around 2034. This vital infrastructure will not only boost Northland’s economic growth but also enhance resilience, ensuring the region is better equipped to handle future weather events and transport disruptions.Ministers continue to emphasise that the Northland Expressway will help link Northland to Auckland’s economy and bring long-term benefits to the region.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Cyclone Tam left over 40,000 homes in Northland and Auckland without power, underscoring the need for urgent reforms to New Zealand's tree regulations.The ongoing issue of trees and branches interfering with power lines has caused numerous power outages during storms, and experts are calling for immediate change.Tracey Kai, CEO of Electricity Networks Aotearoa (ENA), says the current tree regulations are outdated."For over a decade, lines companies have been requesting updates to the law.The current rules, in place for more than 20 years, are not suited to the challenges of today," she explains.In 2024 alone, power companies spent over $67 million on tree management, including pruning and removing dangerous trees.Despite this, major outages continue when storms like Cyclone Tam hit.Beyond the inconvenience, the financial toll of power cuts is substantial.Businesses lose thousands in perishable stock, and many homes face disruption with heating, refrigeration, and communication systems going offline.The ENA has long pushed for changes to the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003.These outdated rules make it difficult for power companies to remove dangerous trees before storms strike and do not require landowners to take action on hazardous vegetation.Kai stresses that without updating these laws, the frequency of outages will only increase."Severe weather events are becoming more common. The current regulations aren’t fit for the future," she says.The Government has pledged to improve New Zealand's infrastructure, and ENA sees updating the tree regulations as a critical first step.If enacted, it could reduce the risk of tree-related outages, keep power prices stable, and prevent future disruptions.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Parents across New Zealand are encouraged to provide feedback on the teaching of relationships and sexuality education (RSE) in schools.The Ministry of Education has released a draft framework for RSE, which outlines the content to be taught from Years 0 to 13.Developed by education experts and reviewed by both internal and external professionals, the framework aims to provide age-appropriate and evidence-based lessons on relationships, consent, and sexuality.Minister for Education, Erica Stanford, emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate respectful relationships.“Parents deserve clarity and certainty on what their children are learning in RSE, so they can make informed choices about their child’s education,” she said.Research by the Education Review Office (ERO) revealed that many school leavers felt they lacked sufficient education on consent.In response, the draft framework includes consent education at every year level, ensuring young people receive the tools they need to engage in safe and healthy relationships.The consultation process is open until 9 May 2025.Feedback gathered will help refine the broader health and physical education curriculum, which will be released for public consultation in Term 4, 2025.Minister for Women, Nicola Grigg, reiterated the need for comprehensive relationship education to help combat sexual violence.Minister for Women, Nicola Grigg.“Both boys and girls need to understand healthy relationships, and we must ensure that parents are fully informed of what their children are taught in schools,” she said.This consultation marks a critical step in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, receive consistent, relevant, and empowering education.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has announced that Auckland City, Waitematā, and Counties-Manukau Districts will return to an open fire season from 8am on Wednesday, 23 April, until further notice. This change means residents no longer need to apply for permits to light outdoor fires, with some exceptions.The Hauraki Gulf Islands will move to a restricted fire season, where permits will be required before lighting fires. In contrast, Department of Conservation islands will remain in a prohibited fire season, with all outdoor fires banned.Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin explained that recent rainfall and cooler weather conditions across Auckland have reduced the fire risk. "The damper autumn conditions mean there is now less of a fire risk throughout Tāmaki Makaurau," he said.Despite the change, Fire and Emergency urges people to remain cautious when lighting fires and to follow location-specific fire requirements, which can be found on checkitsalright.nzIt is important to ensure fires are fully extinguished and monitored for reignition in the coming days.Northland District also moved to an open fire season last Friday, joining the rest of Auckland in easing restrictions.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland Airport is gearing up for a major influx of travellers this April school holiday period, with an estimated 846,000 people passing through its terminals. This includes 437,000 international travellers and 409,000 heading to domestic destinations.The busiest day at the international terminal is expected to be Sunday, 27 April, with over 14,000 international departures. At the same time, 13,700 domestic arrivals are anticipated on Thursday, 17 April, marking the peak day for domestic travel.Auckland Airport Chief Operations Officer Chloe Surridge noted, “It’s the first time in years that both the long Easter weekend and Anzac Day have fallen within the school holiday period. We’re ready for a busy few weeks.”With families planning their trips, Surridge encourages travellers to allow extra time for check-in and security. For smoother arrivals, the airport has introduced express lanes and additional staff to support peak periods.For international travellers, completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration form online or through the app is highly recommended to save time upon arrival. Tips also include ensuring no restricted items like food or plants are brought in to avoid delays at customs.In celebration of its Transport Hub, which opened a year ago, Auckland Airport reports over 3.2 million vehicles have passed through its covered drop-off area, ensuring smoother pick-ups and drop-offs.Travellers can also take advantage of nearby hotels for early morning departures, with the Novotel and Ibis hotels conveniently located near the terminal.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Professor Nathalie Gontard, a leading French plastics expert, will speak on the alarming scale of plastic pollution and its impact on human health.Gontard, the research director at France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), says microplastics now make up about 0.5% of our brains.In her upcoming talk at the University of Auckland, Gontard will discuss the global threat posed by plastic particles, which cause a variety of health issues, including neurotoxicity, inflammation, and an increased risk of cancer.She highlights that, between 1950 and 2025, 12 billion tons of plastic were produced, with 10.5 billion tons still remaining in the environment.“Microplastics are jeopardising the proper functioning of both the environment and our bodies,” she says.While recycling is often seen as a solution, Gontard points out that plastic production, use, and even recycling still release microplastics into the world.A particular concern is the recycling of tyres into artificial turf, a major source of microplastic pollution.She urges careful consumption as the most effective solution: “A plastic toy can be replaced by a wooden alternative, or simply by a gift of time.”The free event, organised by the University of Auckland’s Centre for Climate, Biodiversity, and Society, will take place on 30 April from 2pm to 3pm.To attend, register here.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Influenza season is almost here and vaccination is recommended for everyone over six months old.In New Zealand, five vaccines are available.Whether you're eligible for a free shot or having to pay for it yourself, it's worth considering your options.Why are flu shots updated annually?Each year, experts monitor influenza patterns and try to predict how the viruses might mutate.Based on these predictions, vaccines are updated to provide protection from the dominant strains.New Zealand's flu season typically runs from May to October, with the immunisation programme running from 1 April to 31 December.In 2025, the southern hemisphere vaccines are quadrivalent vaccines, with two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains.The five available in New Zealand are Influvac Tetra, Flucelvax Quad, Fluad Quad, FluQuadri, and Afluria Quad.Drug-buying agency Pharmac is responsible for setting the eligibility criteria for funded influenza vaccines. This year, Influvac Tetra is the funded vaccine.Four other, unfunded vaccines are available.Some people may have free access to them through their workplace.Having options is normal, but "the number and types of vaccines have expanded in recent years", Wellington doctor and Immunisation Advisory Centre medical director Nikki Turner told RNZ.What vaccine should I get?All vaccines are protein-based, meaning they're not "live" and cannot cause influenza, Turner said. They all target similar strains.Fluad Quad's point of difference is that it's targeted for people aged over 65."It's got what's called an adjuvant in it," Turner explained. "That's something extra to make a more vigorous immune response."While younger immune systems tend to respond "very well" to traditional flu vaccines, "as you get older, your immune system doesn't respond quite as well".This means the flu is more dangerous for older adults, with research suggesting people aged 65-plus account for up to 80 percent of influenza-related deaths and 70 percent of hospitalisations."There's probably an advantage with the adjuvanted one for frail, elderly patients."Exactly how big an advantage is hard to say, as data comes from observational studies, rather than clinical trials.Flucelvax Quad's point of difference is that it's cell-based, rather than egg-based.Since the 1950s, the most common way flu vaccines are made is by growing the virus in embryonated chicken eggs.When the United States experienced an egg shortage recently, with avian influenza partly to blame, the appeal of alternative vaccine-manufacturing processes became clear.Cell-based vaccines - grown in mammalian cells instead of eggs - are the way of the future, according to Turner.Are they more effective?Again, no randomised trials compare the efficacy of egg-based and cell-based vaccines, but some studies have shown the latter to be slightly better at preventing illness.Who's eligible for a free shot?Adults are recommended to get a flu vaccine every year to protect themselves and reduce the spread of the virus.In New Zealand, the 2025 flu vaccine is funded for everyone aged 65-plus and for those most at risk of becoming very sick, such as those with long-term health conditions, reduced immune function, and pregnant people.Non-funded flu vaccines are available for purchase at medical centres and pharmacies, with most priced between $25-65. It can be worth shopping around.Fewer children funded for flu shotsHealth New Zealand recommends annual vaccination for children from the age of six months.During the 2022 season, Pharmac funded flu vaccines for all children aged 3-12, but in 2023, this was extended to start at six months of age.Since then, funding has been reduced.In 2025, children aged four and under, who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness, can get a free shot.Professor and head of department at Otago University's Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, Peter McIntyre, said young children "have a relatively high burden of hospitalisation due to influenza".Last year, McIntyre and colleagues published research showing universal funding led to "substantially higher" rates of vaccination among children."Focusing flu vaccination funding only on those at the highest risk is a step backwards for New Zealand and will likely reduce uptake."Australia's Pharmac equivalent has funded flu vaccines for children aged between six months and five years since 2019.How well do flu shots work?How well an influenza vaccine works depends on several factors, such as the age and health of the patient, along with the match between the vaccine and the virus strains in circulation.In healthy adults, data collated by Te Whatu Ora suggests the level of protection against confirmed influenza is between 59-66 percent."When you look at the numbers, they're not dream vaccines," epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said.(By comparison, measles vaccines are about 95 percent effective after one dose and 99 percent effective after two, and that immunity is expected to last a lifetime.)Vaccines for respiratory infections, such as Covid and influenza, are good at protecting against "severe disease", but "not as effective as we'd like at stopping the virus from entering".While work is progressing in this area, in the meantime, "any vaccine is better than no vaccine".When should I get my vaccine?"Get it as early [in the season] as you can," Baker told RNZ.People tend to underestimate the flu, but it causes about 500 deaths a year in New Zealand, he said.Even months after an infection, an individual can be predisposed to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.