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Beach Sprint Champs Hit Orewa
Beach Sprint Champs Hit Orewa

03 April 2025, 12:44 AM

Orewa Beach is set for a thrilling weekend as it hosts the Rowing New Zealand Beach Sprint Championships on Saturday, 5 April and Sunday, 6 April.Top Elite and U19 athletes will race for a coveted place on the national squad bound for the World Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Rio this October.The fast-paced knockout format promises excitement for spectators, with racing starting at 8:30am Saturday and wrapping up around midday Sunday.This year’s expanded two-day schedule, based at Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club, gives competitors more opportunities to prove themselves in this growing sport.Beach sprint rowing is unique—athletes sprint from the sand to their boats, tackle a tight slalom course, and finish with a run back to the beach. It’s high-speed, high-energy, and made for fans.Two Olympic Gold Medallists, Michael Brake and Emma Twigg, will also be in attendance, adding even more buzz to the weekend.Organiser David Vallance says Orewa is the perfect host: “We’ve seen fantastic engagement from the local community. Orewa is the ideal location—not just for this event, but for the future of beach sprint rowing.”Photos: @rowing.pictureshowWith the stunning coastline, strong surf club support, and a Coast community known for its love of water sports, this championship could be a game-changer.Whether you're a rowing fan or just keen for some weekend action by the sea, this is one to catch.Photo: @rowing.pictureshowGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Penlink Bridge Beams Installed
Penlink Bridge Beams Installed

02 April 2025, 10:29 PM

A major step forward for the Penlink project took place last week, with the first beams installed on the new bridge over State Highway 1.During a full SH1 closure, the team placed four of six Super T girders, each 34.5 metres long and weighing 68 tonnes. A 600-tonne crane was used to lift the beams into place. The final two will be installed this week.This new bridge is one of six connecting Whangaparāoa to SH1. It’s designed to make travel quicker, improve network resilience, and support growth, including new housing developments. The bridge has been future-proofed to allow for SH1 to be widened later.Construction continues along the route in April. On both sides of SH1 and Ara Weiti Road, earthworks and drainage are underway. With beams now in place, concrete will soon be poured to form the bridge deck. Work is also progressing on retaining and MSE walls at the Link Road tie-ins.High Reach Drill installing rock bolts (photo credit: Geovert)At Stillwater, land-based piers on the Weiti River bridge are complete, and river piers are rising. Temporary supports for the bridge deck are being built. Later this month, part of Duck Creek Road will return to two lanes, with traffic lights during work hours only—helping ease local travel.In Whangaparāoa, realignment of the road continues, and the Cedar Terrace intersection remains temporarily closed. Earthworks are ongoing between Whangaparāoa Road and the Weiti River, including drainage, culverts and watermain works. The site office near Wiriana Place is being relocated.Near the river, a high-reach drill is being used to install steel rock bolts and crest pins, reinforcing the rock face where the bridge will land.Across the project, around 800,000 cubic metres of earth have been excavated so far, much of it reused on site. Locals may notice this work near SH1 and East Coast Road, where excess earth is being placed to reduce waste and truck movements.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Gary Brown, Victoria Short May Run
Gary Brown, Victoria Short May Run

02 April 2025, 8:00 PM

Two well-known local board members are considering a run for the Albany Ward councillor seats. Gary Brown and Victoria Short—both long-serving members of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board—say they’re exploring a joint campaign in response to growing community concern.“We have been inundated by members of our beloved community encouraging and requesting us to put our hands up and run for councillor,” they said. “We feel this may be because many people are unhappy and dissatisfied with the current situation and that they are not being heard or listened to.”Mr Brown, a long-time Hibiscus Coast resident and current Deputy Chair of the Local Board, has served in local government for six years.“Having lived here for decades and served within Auckland Council for the last 6 years, I’ve witnessed both the opportunities that have been missed and the challenges facing North Auckland. I strongly believe it’s time to advocate for a fairer share of resources for our community.”Ms Short, a fellow board member and the first person of Kiribati descent elected to office in New Zealand, echoed the sentiment.“We in the Albany Ward aren’t getting our fair share and our elected representation at the Governing Body has been sorely lacking, and unfortunately this has meant that the Albany Ward always appears to come last.”Both say they’re tired of political grandstanding.“We are sick and tired of the ‘populist politics’ and want Auckland Council to knuckle down, make the hard decisions and get back to basics,” said Mr Brown.“Albany Ward deserves so much better,” added Ms Short. “There is a strong feeling in the community that they are being treated as second-class citizens within Auckland Council. This change must happen, it is apparent our community is getting left behind while subsiding the rest of Auckland.”They’re confident in their partnership.“We have worked together for 6 years, and in that time, we have achieved a great deal. However, to make a more meaningful impact for our community we might need to fight at the higher level.”The pair plan to finalise their decision next month, after taking time to consult with locals and develop a clear local priorities plan.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Quiet Start for Auckland Housing Market
Quiet Start for Auckland Housing Market

02 April 2025, 3:29 AM

The Auckland housing market had a slow but steady February, with prices and sales tracking close to January levels, according to Barfoot & Thompson.685 homes sold in February—highest February in 3 yearsMedian price slipped to NZD$930,000 (down NZD$20,000)Average price rose to NZD$1.1M (up NZD$54,000)25% of sales were under NZD$750,000Listings reached 5,997—highest in 14 yearsPeter Thompson, Managing Director at Barfoot & Thompson, said February’s activity followed the same early-year pattern seen over the past three years.“Prices remained there or thereabouts with where they were in January, as was the number of sales made,” he said.He noted that sales at this time of year are largely influenced by January’s holiday period, with any impact from recent interest rate changes unlikely to appear until March.New listings reached 2,073 in February, supported by a strong supply of new builds and lived-in homes. A key driver behind the high listings was the steady stream of new builds entering the market.For Coasties keeping an eye on affordability, 25% of all homes sold were under NZD$750,000—many being apartments and townhouses. Meanwhile, high-end sales over NZD$2 million made up just over 5% of total sales.In the rural and lifestyle sectors around Auckland—north, south and west—sales volumes held steady, reaching NZD$44 million, matching last year’s performance.With more stock on the market and signs of increased activity ahead, March may bring a clearer picture of where the year is heading for local property trends.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Accounting: Take the Pressure Off Your Tax Bill
Accounting: Take the Pressure Off Your Tax Bill

01 April 2025, 11:00 PM

Having trouble meeting your tax deadlines? A simpler solution is available.Instead of incurring penalties for missed or upcoming tax payments, you can take advantage of tax pooling.This approach lets you purchase overpaid tax amounts from other taxpayers.The purchased tax is then credited to your IRD tax account on the original payment date of the seller.Although a small interest fee applies—typically lower than the IRD rate—you avoid late payment penalties.The process is streamlined, requiring no credit application; however, it can be a bit complex, so we suggest consulting your accountant.Often, accountants can secure a slightly discounted rate for their clients.For example: If a tax payment due on 28 August 2024 is missed, you can purchase it from the tax pool to avoid penalties, with the payment deferred as late as mid-June 2025.Similarly, if a tax payment is due on 7 May 2025, you can finance it so that the deadline extends to as late as mid-June 2026.There are additional variations of tax pooling designed to improve business cash flow.Your accountant can explain which options best suit your needs.Only a limited number of tax pool providers are authorised by legislation and are subject to strict monitoring.Funds typically flow through entities such as The Public Trust Office to ensure the security of deposits.At David Hooper CA Limited, we exclusively partner with Tax Traders, enabling our clients to benefit from reduced interest charges.For more information, visit: https://home.taxtraders.co.nz/who-we-areLet us help you get your head above water and keep the monkey off your back. Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

Tech Adoption Lag Hurts Kiwi Productivity
Tech Adoption Lag Hurts Kiwi Productivity

01 April 2025, 1:00 AM

New Zealand businesses are falling behind in productivity, and slow tech adoption may be the reason why.That’s according to a new 2025 report by 2degrees, released this month, titled “Productivity Propelled.”The study surveyed more than 600 Kiwi businesses and found that while 88% see tech as essential to growth, only 37% believe they are using it effectively.The report highlights a clear link between innovation and output—businesses that regularly adopt new tech tools are up to 68% more productive than those that don’t.But with cost, time, and fear of change holding many back, the gap continues to grow.“New Zealand has a strong entrepreneurial spirit,” says 2degrees CEO Mark Callander, “but we’re not making the most of digital tools.”For Coasties, this has real implications.Local businesses may be missing opportunities to automate, scale, or streamline their services— especially as customer expectations shift.From AI-powered bookings to cloud-based inventory systems, smarter tools can boost capacity without adding staff.The report calls on business leaders, government, and telcos to collaborate on practical solutions to help more businesses embrace innovation and grow sustainably.For small and medium businesses on the Hibiscus Coast, this could be the nudge needed to explore how digital tools can improve efficiency, free up time, and ultimately support growth.The full report is available at 2degrees.nzGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

80% of NZ Now Mapped in 3D
80% of NZ Now Mapped in 3D

31 March 2025, 9:44 PM

More than 80 percent of New Zealand has now been mapped in 3D, creating a powerful new tool for councils and communities to plan land use, manage hazards, and support growth.Land Information Minister Chris Penk and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson say the new dataset, created through the PGF-LiDAR programme, represents the first time LiDAR information has been made available as a single, national dataset.“For the first time, we can analyse most of the country at once, rather than taking a fragmented region-by-region approach,” Mr Penk said. “This has enormous value for decision-making, planning, and modelling.”The technology, known as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), was gathered using aircraft equipped with pulsed light scanners, generating high-resolution 3D data accurate to the nearest metre.Funded in part by a NZD$14.6 million grant from the former Provincial Growth Fund, and supported by 10 regional councils, the project has widespread applications—from modelling flood zones and identifying slip-prone areas, to tracking erosion and infrastructure changes over time.3D view to Orewa using LINZ Data Service.For the Hibiscus Coast, this means local council can now better assess flood risks, manage development, and even monitor environmental impacts like runoff and tree loss.Councils can also use the data for land use compliance, identifying excessive earthworks, building activity, and unauthorised vegetation removal.All data is freely accessible through the LINZ Data Service.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Sneaky Surcharges Adding to Credit Card Bills
Sneaky Surcharges Adding to Credit Card Bills

31 March 2025, 7:29 PM

Shoppers blindly accepting credit card surcharges need to understand the full impact they can have over the course of a month or a year, particularly if they're allowed to compound, one investment adviser says.Credit card surcharges have become common as retailers try to recover the cost of increasing use of contactless payment technology.Use of the much cheaper eftpos network has fallen in recent years, as more shoppers opt for contactless debit and credit cards, as well as cards loaded on to phones.In January 2017, eftpos cards were used for about 40 percent of in-person payments.By July 2023, its share had fallen to about 22 percent.It has been estimated that New Zealanders are paying up to $90 million a year in surcharges.Late last year, the Commerce Commission issued a draft decision outlining plans to reduce interchange fees, which make up a large part of the service fees that businesses pay when they make or receive card payments.It said surcharges should be no more than 0.7 percent for contactless debit card payments and no more than 2 percent for credit card payments.Consumer NZ earlier this month said there was no guarantee that the commission's moves on interchange fees would reduce surcharges for customers, and they should be banned."Less thought would be required about what card to use, whether to swipe, insert or tap; what the surcharge amount is and whether there's a way to avoid the surcharge," spokesperson Jessica Walker said."You could just leave the house with your phone in your pocket, knowing you wouldn't have to pay a hefty surcharge for the convenience of not carrying any cards. A ban makes things simpler for merchants too."Jeremy Sullivan, an investment adviser at Hamilton Hindin Greene, said people might not think about how much of an impact even a 2 percent credit card surcharge could have.It could make even a theoretically "interest free" credit card a lot more expensive than paying with eftpos or cash."When compounded monthly, these charges result in an effective annual cost that is higher than expected."He said, assuming every payment made in a month had a 2 percent surcharge, over a year that was equivalent to the additional cost that would be incurred with an interest rate of 26.82 percent."A 2 percent credit card surcharge may seem small, but when capitalised on your monthly balance, it equates to an effective annualized cost of 26.82 percent - comparable to taking out a high-interest loan. Many consumers overlook these charges, yet they can significantly eat into disposable income over time."Obviously, there's not a surcharge on everything but every purchase that has a surcharge if it was 2 percent is an effective interest rate of 26 percent. If you were to take out a loan with a 26 percent per annum interest rate you'd be charged 2 percent a month."Even if it was a few hundred dollars a month it does start to eat into the money that you're wasting effectively."If someone was not clearing their balance each month and also paying 13.95 percent, a typical low-interest card rate, that could create an effective annual cost of 44.8 percent including the surcharges."Even if you take into account the rewards points or the interest free days if you're offsetting your mortgage there's still a material difference."Some of them are higher than 2 percent, I've seen them as high as 3. That doesn't take into account your card fees as well. They're designed to change people's behaviour, make people think why don't I just press the cheque option and save myself the money, but with payWave and so forth it makes it a bit more difficult."I can understand retailers doing it - if you're running a sushi shop like the one downstairs and being charged 2.5 percent, their margin's only 10 percent, so 25 percent of their profit's going out the door if they don't pass it on."Sullivan said other parts of the world had banned the charges."It wouldn't be unprecedented to say you can't do that. At the moment it's user pays. The convenience of payWave or using your phone doesn't really give you an option. That's something that needs to be opened up - can you use your phone to access a chequing account as opposed to it only being payWave?"

Supermarket Shake-Up on the Table
Supermarket Shake-Up on the Table

31 March 2025, 2:30 AM

The Government is calling for bold ideas to help lower grocery prices for Kiwi shoppers—potentially even breaking up the country’s supermarket giants.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has announced a formal Request for Information (RFI), seeking input from both local and international supermarket investors.The goal is to identify what changes are needed—legal, regulatory or otherwise—to allow new players to compete on a national scale and drive prices down.Minister Willis says Kiwi families are being let down by the current system, where just two companies—Foodstuffs and Woolworths—dominate the market.“Our current supermarket system isn’t working for Kiwi families,” she said.“Two dominant players are limiting competition, and shoppers are paying the price.”While previous reforms have aimed to improve things, the Minister believes they haven’t gone far enough.This new RFI asks potential challengers what’s holding them back and what the Government can do to help.At the same time, officials are working with external advisors to explore more significant options—including the possibility of breaking up existing supermarket chains to create space for more competition.No decisions have been made yet, but Minister Willis says if legislation is needed, she expects to bring proposals to Cabinet by mid-2025 and introduce a bill to Parliament by the end of the year.While change won’t happen overnight, this could be the first serious step toward more choice at the checkout, better prices, and fairer competition for Coast families.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Clocks Go Back 1 Hour
Clocks Go Back 1 Hour

30 March 2025, 8:00 PM

This Sunday, 6 April, daylight saving time ends and clocks go back one hour at 3am, giving Coasties an extra hour of sleep. While the evenings will get darker earlier, the mornings will feel a little lighter—making it easier to get out of bed and get going.The shift in daylight can take some getting used to, but it also comes with its perks. That bonus hour of sleep can improve rest, support better routines, and help ease sleep struggles—especially for early risers or young families adjusting to the darker evenings. Kids, in particular, often find it easier to wind down when it’s already dark outside.Less daylight in the evenings doesn’t mean we need to retreat indoors completely. Lunchtimes become a golden window to head outside and soak up the sun. Just 10–15 minutes in natural light helps your body top up on vitamin D, which supports strong bones, muscle function and even mood—thanks to its role in producing serotonin. A stroll through the local shops, a walk along the beach or lunch in the park can do wonders.This seasonal shift can also be a good time for a gentle reset. Autumn and winter bring a slower rhythm, making it easier to find space for things that often get pushed aside. Night classes offer a way to focus on yourself or learn something new. Local libraries are stocked with fresh reads too—Whangaparāoa and Ōrewa Libraries both feature the Bestie Collection, a special shelf of popular books you can borrow straight away, no waiting.If you’re craving movement, try a new routine that suits the cooler weather. The Ōrewa Estuary Path is ideal for a weekend walk or after-school loop—bike, scooter, pram or skateboard friendly. On rainy days, Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre, Northern Arena in Silverdale, and other local gyms offer ways to stay active indoors.Whether it’s more sleep, more sunlight, or more time with loved ones, the end of daylight saving is a chance to rebalance. It’s a nudge to pause, breathe, and make the season work for you.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

F1: Liam Lawson says 'it's tough' after demotion
F1: Liam Lawson says 'it's tough' after demotion

30 March 2025, 6:15 PM

New Zealand's Formula One driver Liam Lawson says he is ready to go to work at Racing Bulls after his demotion from the top Red Bull team.Lawson was replaced last night by Yuki Tsunoda in a straight swap between the two Red Bull teams after struggling in the first two F1 events in Melbourne and Shanghai this season.Lawson has posted on Instagram about the change."Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it's what I've worked towards my whole life. It's tough, but im grateful for everything that's brought me to this point. To every one of you who's stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.''Lawson also thanked the Racing Bulls team for their ''warm welcome"."I'm excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places."His post was topped by a photo of him as a youngster at school, with a report praising him for his ability to engage an audience.Lawson drove for the Racing Bulls last year before gaining promotion to be four-time world champion Max Verstappen's teammate in the Red Bull cars.Support for LawsonLawson's demotion has been a big talking point in Formula One, with many rushing to his defence.Among them was former Supercars champion New Zealander Scott McLaughlin, who now races on the Indy Car circuit in the United States.He didn't think Lawson had got a fair deal."Finally heads to Suzuka (venue for the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend) where perhaps he knows that track more than most on the calendar due to racing in Japan etc. But get's axed before it. It's a cruel sport, but I really don't think he was given a fair shot IMO.Announcing the change last night, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch."We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions; to retain the world drivers' championship and to reclaim the world constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision."We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki's experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car," the Briton added."We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21."Horner said Red Bull would do its best to look after Lawson."We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam," he said."And together we see that after such a difficult start it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with (the) Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well."Meanwhile, Verstappen has 'liked' an Instagram post by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde criticising Red Bull for dropping Lawson.Verstappen's Dutch compatriot Van der Garde, who raced 19 times for now-defunct Caterham in 2013, said he was "getting a bit tired of" the narrative of having to deliver under pressure or face the consequences, Reuters reported."Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements," he said."They made a decision - fully aware - gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit."Don't forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now... yes, he underperformed the first two races - but if anyone's aware of that it's himself."Van der Garde urged Lawson to "trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong".The swap with Tsunoda means Verstappen will have his third team-mate in four races in the Japan race.- RNZ Sport/Reuters

Wasp Numbers Soar Across New Zealand
Wasp Numbers Soar Across New Zealand

29 March 2025, 11:29 PM

New Zealand is facing a significant wasp surge this summer, with the highest recorded densities of common and German wasps globally.According to Professor Jacqueline Beggs from the University of Auckland, this rise in numbers can be attributed to a long, dry, hot summer, which has created the perfect conditions for wasps to thrive.Wasp populations tend to follow a cyclical pattern, and this year has marked a high point. While the increase in wasp numbers may seem alarming, Beggs points out that these pests have a considerable environmental impact, especially on native species and ecosystems. The wasp explosion in South Island beech forests is particularly concerning, as wasps feed on native insects and compete for resources with native birds, bats, and lizards.The influx of wasps is a serious environmental issue because they not only feed on protein but also consume sugary substances like nectar. University of Auckland Professor Jacqueline Beggs says exotic wasps do serious harm to native insects and birds.Beggs suggests that, despite the challenges, control measures are within reach. One successful strategy is the use of Vespex, a toxic bait that eliminates wasp nests within days. This method poses no risk to honeybees, as it uses animal protein to lure the wasps, while bees do not consume animal protein. The bait is delivered through stations, which help ensure that the poison remains safe for other species. However, Beggs also cautions against the use of homemade poisons, which may contain sugar and inadvertently harm bees or contaminate honey.Wasp nests, particularly larger ones, can be dangerous, as they are fiercely guarded by workers ready to sting. Professor Beggs advises that the best time to target wasp nests is between January and February when nests are at their peak. Destroying nests before they grow too large can prevent the exponential increase in numbers, which could lead to millions of wasps in just a couple of years. These nests can survive through winter, with multiple queens often taking refuge in them, further escalating the problem.Beggs also highlights that New Zealand is home to a variety of native wasp species, which are solitary and play important roles in the ecosystem. Unlike the invasive species, these native wasps do not pose a nuisance to humans. Despite the challenge of managing wasp populations, Beggs remains hopeful that with careful planning and timely action, it’s possible to mitigate the harm caused by these invasive pests.

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