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Dame Lisa Carrington Honoured by AUT
Dame Lisa Carrington Honoured by AUT

07 June 2025, 12:16 AM

Dame Lisa Carrington, New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Auckland University of Technology (AUT), recognising her exceptional achievements in sport. With nine Olympic medals to her name, including eight golds, Dame Lisa has become a role model for athletes worldwide—and a true inspiration for young girls on the Hibiscus Coast who dream of excelling in sport.While not from the Hibiscus Coast, Dame Lisa’s journey serves as a powerful example to local girls, proving that with dedication, determination, and a focus on their goals, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement. Her remarkable success is a reminder that anyone from any background can achieve greatness.In her acceptance speech, Dame Lisa spoke of the importance of encouraging young girls, especially those in sports, to aim high. “It’s not just about medals and records,” she shared. “It’s about showing young girls that they can dream big, work hard, and stand tall in any space they choose.”AUT Chancellor, Rob Campbell, praised Dame Lisa’s contributions to both sport and society, calling her an exemplary figure who embodies the values of excellence and perseverance that the university stands for.“We are proud to confer this honour upon Dame Lisa, whose journey continues to inspire countless young athletes, especially girls who aspire to greatness.”For the girls of the Hibiscus Coast, Dame Lisa’s recognition is not just a celebration of her individual success.It’s a reminder that dreams are within reach, no matter where you come from.Her story shows that hard work, passion, and belief in yourself can take you to places you never imagined.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Food Safety Booklet for Coasties
New Food Safety Booklet for Coasties

06 June 2025, 8:15 PM

A new food safety booklet has just been released by New Zealand Food Safety, packed with essential, science-backed tips to help Coasties avoid foodborne illnesses. With today being International World Food Safety Day, this updated guide offers practical advice for safely handling food in your home, whether you’re preparing family meals, packing lunches for the kids, or hosting a summer barbecue.Every year, thousands of New Zealanders fall ill from foodborne diseases, and many of these illnesses are caused by poor food preparation, cooking, or storage. Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, reminds us that these illnesses can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening for vulnerable individuals.The booklet covers everything from how to wash your hands properly (one of the best ways to prevent illness), to the latest tips on cooking meat, barbecuing, and safely storing leftovers. It’s all about keeping your family and friends safe—especially during the busy holiday season when food prep often takes centre stage.For example, did you know you can safely store leftovers for up to four days in the fridge if you’re planning to reheat them? But things like pasta salad should only be kept for two days.It’s also packed with tips on use-by dates, and how to stay safe while gathering shellfish.To make sure Coasties are fully equipped, this booklet also covers advice for those who live with at-risk individuals, such as elderly family members or young children. So, whether you're gearing up for a family dinner or thinking about that next summer barbecue, these tips are your go-to resource to keep everyone safe and healthy.Download the 'Food safety at home' booklet on the Ministry for Primary Industries website and stay safe in the kitchen!Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Missing out on your last chance for $521 of 'free money'?
Missing out on your last chance for $521 of 'free money'?

06 June 2025, 4:29 AM

Time is running out for KiwiSaver members to ensure they get the full $521 in their accounts from the Government this year - the last time that amount will be available.When people contribute at least $1042 into their KiwiSaver accounts in the year to 30 June, they can receive the maximum $521 from the Government.Those who contribute less receive the credit at a rate of 50c per $1 contributed.But this is the last year that $521 will be available - from next year, the contribution will be halved and people who earn more than $180,000 a year will not qualify for any credit at all.Anyone who earns more than about $34,000 and contributes 3 percent of their income to KiwiSaver will probably have contributed enough to get the maximum.But each year, many people miss out.Only about two-thirds of all KiwiSaver members receive the contribution. For those missing out it may be because they are not working, on a contributions holiday or self-employed and not contributing enough.Of those receiving a contribution, 77 percent received the full $521.43.The contribution cost the Government about $1 billion last year.A Fisher Funds spokesperson said about 60 percent of its members usually received the contribution. There was usually a spike in contributions in the last week of June, she said."We ran a campaign and emailed clients who hadn't yet reached the $1042 threshold. Of those more than 4000 have contributed the full amount. And 1500 have made a deposit to get the 50c for every dollar they have contributed."Westpac said over the last two years, 44 percent of eligible members did not receive the maximum top-up."People who are in a financial position to top up their KiwiSaver contributions to $1042.86 for the year should do so, to maximise their retirement savings for the year," said Nigel Jackson, Westpac KiwiSaver scheme provider BT Funds Management chief executive said."There may be a variety of reasons why people haven't contributed up to the threshold, for example, some members may be on parental leave, some may be working part time, or others may have temporarily suspended contributions."However, if people can afford to top up their contributions they should do, so as every dollar contributed up to the threshold has an immediate investment return of 50 percent."At Pie Funds, chief executive Ana-Marie Lockyer said about 85 percent of members received the full amount."Government contributions can have a big impact on KiwiSaver balances at retirement, and it's a shame so many people are missing out. As an industry there's always more we can do to boost awareness and ensure more KiwiSavers benefit, recognising that even following the recent budget changes this contribution along can grow to more than $41,000 over a 16-year old's working life."The Retirement Commission said, for people earning less than $30,000, the contribution as expected to create up to 20 percent of their balances at 65 on the existing settings. Once the government contribution is halved, it will be 6 percent to 11 percent."For members earning $100,000, the percentage point change is much smaller, with the government contribution reducing from 5 percent down to 1 percent of accumulated balance, and from 3 percent down to 0 percent for members with earnings of $180,000."

Auckland Market Steadies After Dip
Auckland Market Steadies After Dip

05 June 2025, 11:46 PM

After a tough stretch for Auckland’s economy, the latest update shows signs of stabilisation—particularly in the housing market, where activity is slowly rebounding and prices appear to be levelling out.According to Auckland Council’s Social and Economic Research and Evaluation team, real GDP fell 1.3% over the year to March 2025.It’s been a challenging period citywide, with retail sales down 3.7% and employment softening slightly.But in several areas, the downward trend is easing.House sales are a clear bright spot.Across Auckland, 22,667 homes changed hands in the 12 months to April—up 24% from the market low last May.That makes it the seventh month in a row of rising sales.While the median house price has slipped 6% over the past year, it’s now holding steady at $1 million in real terms—similar to 2015 levels.For Hibiscus Coast locals, this is especially relevant.A more active market brings fresh opportunities for both buyers and sellers, particularly for Coasties looking to upsize, downsize, or relocate within our growing community.Rental prices are also holding firm, with the Auckland average sitting at $690 per week.When adjusted for inflation, rent has been relatively stable for two years—good news for tenants navigating cost-of-living pressures.Unemployment rose to 6.4% in the March quarter, but remains lower than the levels seen a decade ago.And while job growth dipped slightly, Auckland’s population continues to rise, creating long-term demand for housing and services.Building activity is down from previous highs, with new dwelling consents 37% below the 2022 peak.However, consent numbers have held relatively steady for nine months, suggesting the sector may be adjusting to more sustainable levels after a post-Covid construction surge.Even in imports, there are cautious signs of recovery—seaport volumes in Auckland have been rising since October.So while it’s not a full rebound yet, there’s a clear shift in direction.For the Coast, where local businesses and families are closely linked to the wider Auckland economy, this update offers a glimmer of stability after a rocky year.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Trade Me Buys Half of Stuff Digital
Trade Me Buys Half of Stuff Digital

05 June 2025, 8:31 PM

In a major move for New Zealand’s media and digital landscape, Trade Me is acquiring a 50% stake in Stuff Digital Ltd, the company behind the country’s most-visited website, stuff.co.nz.Announced this week, the deal brings together two Kiwi heavyweights—Trade Me, New Zealand’s go-to platform for property, jobs, and cars, and Stuff, which owns the largest digital news audience in the country.Under the new agreement, Stuff’s property section will carry Trade Me Property branding, with listings and some content shared across the two sites.Trade Me CEO Anders Skoe says the partnership is about helping Kiwis live their best lives.“This is an exciting investment to accelerate our growth by connecting with even more Kiwi to help them live the life they’ve always dreamed of.”Stuff’s owner Sinead Boucher, who led the buyout of Stuff five years ago, says this is the first time she’s brought on an equity partner—and it had to be the right one.“Trade Me is that partner,” she says. “A great Kiwi success story with the largest property and motoring audiences in New Zealand.”The deal excludes Stuff’s printed mastheads, events business, and Neighbourly social platform, and is expected to be finalised in the next few months.For Coasties, it’s another sign of how digital platforms are reshaping the way we access news, jobs, and property listings.With Trade Me and Stuff teaming up, and local apps like the Hibiscus Coast App already offering homes for sale alongside news and events, it’s clear the future of local content is increasingly digital—and increasingly collaborative.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Blues Name Side for Chiefs Clash
Blues Name Side for Chiefs Clash

05 June 2025, 12:16 AM

The Blues have locked in their squad for a high-stakes showdown against the Chiefs this Saturday in Hamilton, with just one tweak to the starting XV following their commanding win over the Waratahs.Adrian Choat steps in at blindside flanker, replacing Anton Segner, who will bring firepower off the bench. Hooker Ricky Riccitelli is set to hit a major milestone, running out for his 50th match in Blues colours.This one’s a biggie—not just because it’s finals footy, but because the last time these two sides met, the Chiefs edged it by a single point. Since then, the Blues have tightened up their defence and won three of their last four, keeping opponents to six points or fewer in two of those clashes.Coasties heading south can expect a bruising battle. These are the top two defensive teams in the competition—only 0.8 points separates their average concession rates—so fans might want to brace for a real arm-wrestle.Head coach Vern Cotter said the team is well-prepped and ready to rise to the challenge. “Finals rugby is a clean slate,” he said. “We are certainly up for the fight and looking forward to the opportunity ahead of us.”Cotter also had a message for Blues supporters, urging them to travel down State Highway 1 to back the boys in blue. “We need our Blues fans behind us for this one and hope to see plenty of them in the crowd cheering us on.”And yes—tickets are still up for grabs at flicket.co.nz for any Coasties keen to make the trip and soak up the electric atmosphere of finals night.Blues Team to Play Chiefs7:05pm, Saturday 7 June – FMG Stadium, HamiltonStarting XV:Joshua Fusitu’a (35)Ricky Riccitelli (49)Marcel Renata (64)Patrick Tuipulotu (captain) (122)Laghlan McWhannell (21)Adrian Choat (53)Dalton Papali’i (95)Hoskins Sotutu (76)Finlay Christie (66)Beauden Barrett (42)Caleb Clarke (73)AJ Lam (56)Rieko Ioane (126)Mark Tele’a (78)Corey Evans (27)Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (73) 17. Jordan Lay (25) 18. Angus Ta’avao (80) 19. Josh Beehre (25) 20. Anton Segner (35) 21. Sam Nock (80) 22. Harry Plummer (87) 23. Cole Forbes (28)Unavailable due to injury:Cam Christie (thumb), Stephen Perofeta (leg), Reon Paul (shoulder), Cam Suafoa (medical, season), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season)Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Business: Seven Steps to Growth
Business: Seven Steps to Growth

04 June 2025, 9:46 PM

Only around 50% of new businesses survive more than five years, and just one-third make it to ten. So what’s the one thing you can do to help ensure your business is sustainable? Create a clear, actionable growth strategy.A growth strategy is more than a vision for success. Without a concrete plan, you risk stagnation—or worse, losing ground to competitors.Rob Beiderman, writing for Entrepreneur Magazine, outlines a seven-step process for building a successful growth strategy. Here’s a summary of his approach, along with a few of my own thoughts based on real-world experience:1. Establish Your Value PropositionWhat sets your business apart? What makes customers choose you over competitors? Your value proposition should be crystal clear. Focus on the unique benefit you offer – and don’t dilute it by trying to be everything to everyone.2. Identify Your Ideal CustomerYou started your business to solve a problem. Who exactly are you solving it for? Make sure you’re targeting the right audience. The clearer your focus on your ideal customer, the better your chances of sustainable growth.3. Define Your Key IndicatorsYou can’t improve what you don’t measure. Identify the key metrics that drive your business and track them consistently. Growth should be measurable, and your key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential – not just for tracking progress, but for making smart decisions.4. Strengthen Your Revenue StreamsTake a close look at how your business makes money. Are your current revenue streams performing well? Could they be improved? Are there new opportunities worth exploring? More revenue doesn’t always mean more complexity – it’s about smart, strategic refinement.5. Learn from the CompetitionYour competitors may be succeeding in areas where you’re not. Study what they’re doing differently. What’s working for them? Why? It’s not about copying – but about understanding different strategies and deciding what could work for your business.6. Play to Your StrengthsInstead of focusing all your energy on fixing weaknesses, ask: what are we great at? Build on your strengths and create opportunities where those strengths give you a competitive edge.7. Invest in TalentYour team is key to growth. Hire people who believe in your business and align with your values. Be frugal where it counts – but never cut corners when it comes to building a strong, motivated team. The right people are your most valuable long-term asset.What’s striking is how often these principles come up in conversations with clients. It’s reassuring to see that these common-sense approaches are also backed by strategic thinking.But remember: growth strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every business is different, and your strategy should reflect that. While you can draw inspiration from others, blindly copying another company’s playbook won’t deliver sustainable results.A tailored growth strategy – designed specifically for your business and your customers – is what truly drives success. If you would you like to discuss this in greater depth, please feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!

New Rescue Buoy Installed at Orewa
New Rescue Buoy Installed at Orewa

04 June 2025, 2:44 AM

If you’ve walked past the Orewa Surf Life Saving Club lately, you might’ve noticed a new addition—right at the top of the concrete ramp. It’s not a piece of art, though it could save a life.A new public rescue buoy has just been installed at Orewa Beach, thanks to ACC, and AON. Designed to be used when lifeguards aren’t on patrol, this rescue tool gives anyone nearby the chance to help someone in the water—without putting themselves at risk.It’s simple, but powerful: a rigid flotation device with a shoulder strap and long lanyard. In a real emergency, it can keep a struggling swimmer afloat until help arrives.Here’s how to use it:Place the strap over your shoulderPull the buoy behind youStay 2 metres from the person until they’re calmSupport them until trained help arrivesAnd here’s the key point: if you see someone in trouble, always call 111 and ask for police first. This tool is only to be used if you’re confident in the water yourself.This isn’t just a box-ticking safety measure. Between 2013 and 2023, not one bystander who drowned in New Zealand had a flotation device with them. These buoys change that. By mid-2025, Surf Life Saving NZ aims to have them installed at all 74 clubs and other high-risk locations.For Coasties, having one now at Orewa means one more chance to keep our beachgoers safe—especially as the cooler months bring fewer lifeguards but just as many walkers, dog owners, surfers and kids exploring the shore.It’s a small piece of kit, but it could make a huge difference when seconds count.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Too Many Cones? Report It Now
Too Many Cones? Report It Now

04 June 2025, 12:00 AM

If you’ve ever driven past a maze of road cones and wondered if they’re all really necessary—you’re not alone.A new digital hotline on the WorkSafe New Zealand website now lets anyone report concerns about road cone overuse across the country, including here on the Hibiscus Coast.The 12-month pilot, launched as part of Government health and safety reforms, aims to rein in excessive cone use on our roads—while still keeping workers and the public safe.WorkSafe Chief Executive Sharon Thompson says the pilot encourages a more “risk-based approach” to traffic management. “While cones are primarily there to keep people safe, sometimes the usage is over the top,” she explains.Once a concern is logged, WorkSafe reviews it and may follow up with those responsible. That could mean sending out an inspector, or simply providing some educational guidance on best practices.What does this mean for Coasties? Well, next time you're crawling through a lane merge that seems unnecessary—or spotting cones long after road crews have left—you now have a direct line to raise it.It’s not about catching people out. The goal is to promote balance—protecting lives without blocking roads needlessly.And with peak winter traffic approaching, any effort to improve flow on local roads like Whangaparāoa Road or the motorway on-ramps will be welcomed by anyone stuck behind the wheel.You can lodge a report directly on the WorkSafe website.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Content: Why Consistency Wins
Content: Why Consistency Wins

03 June 2025, 9:29 PM

Each week, I oversee the steady production of content that keeps our digital platform fresh and engaging.Over the course of a month, that adds up to well over 100 unique pieces—delivered consistently, day in and day out.Most are local news stories between 350 to 500 words.But we also craft customer emails, write compelling ad copy, highlight customer success stories, post to social channels, and send push notifications designed to drive action and clicks.Am I a natural wordsmith?Not at all.If anything, I suspect I might have a touch of dyslexia—though I’ve never been formally diagnosed.But here’s what I do know: consistency wins every time.That belief comes from years of experience in content and media across different cities around the world.To manage this volume, we’ve built tools and systems that streamline planning, writing, editing, and publishing.That structure gives us the freedom to stay focused on what matters most: delivering relevant, high-quality content every single day.Success in content isn’t about being the most eloquent writer in the room.It’s about knowing your audience.Understanding what they care about—and what they’ll scroll past.Then showing up with that content, day in and day out.No fluff. No guesswork.Just sharp focus and relentless delivery.At the Hibiscus Coast App, that’s how we’ve built trust and traction—by showing up every day with stories locals actually care about.Are we perfect?Heck no.But we are organically getting better every day.Want to build momentum with your own content?Start with this: consistency over perfection.Nail that, and you won’t lose.

Consent Delays Drop Across NZ
Consent Delays Drop Across NZ

03 June 2025, 8:00 PM

Good news for Coasties planning a new build or renovation—getting consent is finally getting quicker.Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says consent and compliance delays have dropped noticeably since the Government started publishing council performance data last year.And while the changes are nationwide, the impact will be felt right here on the Hibiscus Coast.“One of the most common frustrations I’ve heard from tradies and aspiring homeowners is how long it takes to get the paperwork sorted,” Penk said.In early 2025, 92.7% of building consents and 96.8% of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe. That’s a clear improvement from a year ago, when the figures sat at 88% and 93.6% respectively.Nearly 32,000 consent-related applications were handled in just the first three months of this year—almost 1,000 more than during the same period in 2024.The Government believes that public accountability is helping councils lift their game. But it’s not stopping there.Two big changes are on the way:Trusted professionals may soon be able to self-certify their work, cutting down the number of consents needing council sign-off.Councils will soon be required to inspect 80% of builds within three working days, helping reduce delays on-site.Both changes are expected to take pressure off overwhelmed Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) and speed things up for everyone involved—from builders to homeowners.For Coast-based builders and families trying to get into new homes faster, this is a welcome shift.MBIE’s full quarterly data is available online, and new legislation enabling the self-certification scheme is expected by the end of 2025.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Singing to Babies Lifts Their Mood
Singing to Babies Lifts Their Mood

03 June 2025, 3:44 AM

A groundbreaking new study co-led by researchers from the University of Auckland and Yale has found something simple yet powerful—singing to your baby really does lift their spirits.Over four weeks, Kiwi and US parents took part in a randomised controlled trial through the Music Lab, a joint research initiative based in Auckland and the US.The results?Regular singing at home led to happier babies.In fact, babies whose parents sang frequently were rated as being in better moods than those in the control group.And here’s the beautiful part—parents weren’t told when to sing, yet many instinctively reached for music during fussy moments.“They intuitively used music to manage their infants’ emotions,” said Auckland-based researcher Dr Samuel Mehr, who led the study.“It’s one of those natural, cross-cultural behaviours that turns out to have real emotional benefits.”Dr Samuel Mehr.The study didn’t show a change in caregivers’ moods over the short term, but the researchers believe the flow-on effects could be significant.“A calmer, happier baby changes the tone of the whole household,” says Mehr.Closer to home, it’s an encouraging reminder for Coasties raising little ones.Whether it’s lullabies at bedtime or singing along in the car, the act of singing can become a daily mood-booster—not just for baby, but for family life in general.With so many young families on the Hibiscus Coast, this low-cost, feel-good activity could easily become part of the local parenting toolkit.The Music Lab team is now expanding their research.Their follow-up project, Together We Grow, will explore how singing affects sleep, stress levels, and even symptoms of postnatal depression over a longer eight-month period.They’re currently inviting more families to take part.Previous work by the same team has shown that lullabies are recognised across cultures—even in languages people don’t speak—suggesting a universal human connection to infant-directed song.As Mehr puts it, “When parents sing lullabies, they’re sending a powerful message: ‘I’m here, I hear you, and you’re safe.’”Apparently, babies really are listening.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

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