Hibiscus Coast App

Hibiscus Coast News


Labour Day: What's open, what's not
Labour Day: What's open, what's not

20 October 2025, 1:07 AM

Labour Day is a public holiday that falls on the fourth Monday in October and commemorates the eight-hour working day.This year, it's on 27 October in New Zealand.Unlike Christmas, Easter and Anzac Day, shops do not have to close, but labour laws state people who work must be compensated.Large chain stores generally open on Labour Day in New Zealand, with some - such as The Warehouse and Noel Leeming - opting to hold Labour weekend sales.Supermarkets generally also open, although their hours may change, so it's worth checking with the individual store whether this is the case.Restaurants and cafes often open on Labour Day, but some will require you to pay a surcharge. Keep in mind that many restaurants that open five days a week often close on Monday anyway, whether it's Labour Day or not.It's definitely worth either phoning or checking the establishment's social media site to see whether the place you intend dining is open.Government departments, such as Inland Revenue and Work and Income, close on Labour Day.Work and Income says that will mean anyone usually paid on Tuesday, 28 October, will be paid on Saturday, 25 October.SurchargesEmployees are paid time-and-a-half and entitled to a paid day off, if a public holiday falls on a normal working day for them.To recoup this increased cost, businesses like restaurants, bars and cafes are able to charge customers a surcharge.Consumer NZ says a business can charge any amount as a surcharge, as long as it informs customers of the surcharge and explains why it has been applied.This can be done with the display of signs detailing the surcharge, a message on the business's website, or by verbally letting the customer know at the time of purchase or before they order.If customers believe they have been misled about a surcharge, they can complain to the Commerce Commission.The typical surcharge is 15 percent, the Restaurant Association says.Why do we have Labour Day?Labour Day is commemorated in many countries on a range of dates.It celebrates the idea of an eight-hour working day and, in New Zealand, it was championed by Wellington carpenter Samuel Parnell.In 1840, Parnell refused to work for more than eight hours each day and, because there were not many people who had his carpentry skills in New Zealand at the time, his employers had to agree to him working those hours, according to Christchurch City Library's website.On 28 October 1890, he led a Labour Day parade of 1500 people to commemorate his establishment of the eight-hour working day and to encourage other industries to do the same.Although the government was reluctant to enforce the eight-hour working day across the board, it did pass the Labour Day Act 1899 to establish a public holiday on the second Wednesday of October, teara.govt.nz said.From 1910, Labour Day was observed on the fourth Monday in October.

Inflation Hits 3 Percent as Power Costs Surge
Inflation Hits 3 Percent as Power Costs Surge

19 October 2025, 10:54 PM

Annual inflation rose 3.0 percent in the year to September 2025, driven by sharp increases in electricity, rent and council rates, according to Stats NZ. The figure sits at the top of the Reserve Bank’s 1 to 3 percent target range and follows a 2.7 percent rise in June.Electricity prices climbed 11.3 percent, the biggest annual jump since 1989, while rents rose 2.6 percent and local authority rates were up 8.8 percent. Together, these three areas made up nearly a third of the total rise in living costs.Stats NZ spokesperson Nicola Growden said electricity costs were at their highest in decades, reflecting structural pressures in the market. “Annual electricity increases are at their highest since the late 1980s,” she said.Households in the Hibiscus Coast are experiencing an increase in power bills and rate notices. While rents have risen more slowly this year, many local families are still feeling the flow-on from higher service costs and housing expenses.Quarterly inflation came in at 1.0 percent, with rates and vegetables leading the charge. Seasonal increases for tomatoes, cabbage and lettuce pushed vegetable prices up 12.2 percent over the quarter.Petrol, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications gear eased slightly, offering a small offset. But overall, the cost of living remains high, leaving Coasties balancing budgets just as summer energy use and council rate instalments kick in.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Armageddon Expo Celebrates 30 Years
Armageddon Expo Celebrates 30 Years

19 October 2025, 9:32 PM

What started as a small comic and trading card meet-up in the ‘90s has grown into New Zealand’s biggest pop-culture festival.Armageddon Expo marks its 30th year this Labour Weekend with four days of gaming, fandom and celebrity guests at Auckland Showgrounds.Organiser Bill Geradts says this year’s event is the most ambitious yet.“It’s got the biggest lineup we’ve ever hosted and the biggest gaming displays since the pandemic,” he says.“People are going to come and just have a blast.”Running from Friday 24 October to Monday 27 October 2025, the anniversary show brings a stacked guest list including Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Billie Piper, Evangeline Lilly and John Boyega.Anime and gaming stars such as Jim Cummings and Nolan North will also appear, alongside voice actor Mela Lee who’s performing her new album Stealing Moonlight live on Saturday.Fans can dive into zones like the Battlefield 6 Helicopter experience, Marvel Rivals arena, and Nintendo Switch 2 preview area, plus join cosplay parades, panels and competitions all weekend.For Hibiscus Coast fans, it’s a trip south for a dose of nostalgia and new tech in one.The Geradts family has run every Armageddon since 1995, making it a true Kiwi success story.As Adele Geradts puts it, “We’ve put our heart and soul into this. It feels like a celebration.”Tickets are available now at armageddonexpo.com.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

More Jobseekers Moving Off Benefits
More Jobseekers Moving Off Benefits

17 October 2025, 9:56 PM

The Government says more people are finding work despite ongoing economic challenges, with new Ministry of Social Development data showing a 6% rise in main benefit recipients moving into jobs compared with the June 2025 quarter.That’s 20,775 people who left benefits for employment.The Minister for Social Development and Employment, Louise Upston, asserts that the data signifies "independence, security, and lives transformed" for thousands of families.The figures include a 6.9% increase in exits from Jobseeker Support and a small drop in young people receiving that payment.While total benefit numbers have risen as forecast, Upston says employment conditions are expected to improve later in the year.The Ministry has expanded its frontline and phone-based case management to support 10,000 more people at a time, alongside Kōrero Mahi seminars that help jobseekers with CVs, interview preparation, and finding suitable roles.“These small things can make all the difference,” she says.“We know many New Zealanders are still doing it tough, and that’s why we’re focused on practical, hands-on support while people seek employment.”For the Hibiscus Coast, where many residents commute into Auckland for employment, the continued focus on job placement and workforce support helps sustain local households and keeps the region’s economy moving.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Teachers Vote to Strike as Talks Stall
Teachers Vote to Strike as Talks Stall

17 October 2025, 7:02 PM

Secondary teachers have voted to strike again, with schools across the Hibiscus Coast expected to shut their doors on Thursday, October 23.The Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) confirmed members backed a full-day national strike after negotiations with the Government broke down.That will be followed by a ban on extracurricular activities on Wednesday, October 29 and a two-hour nationwide strike from 1.15pm to 3.15pm on Wednesday, November 5.For local schools, it means no classes on Thursday, October 23.PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said teachers are reaching breaking point as workloads climb and support systems fall short.“Keeping up with constant change is one of the biggest stress factors for teachers in New Zealand,” he said.PPTA president Chris Abercrombie. Photo: RNZThe industrial action adds pressure for Coast families juggling routines disrupted by earlier rolling strikes.Meanwhile, the Government has announced fresh funding to keep the Bikes in Schools programme rolling.Transport Minister Chris Bishop says $3.5 million from the NZ Transport Agency will help more primary and intermediate students learn cycling safety skills and access on-site bike tracks through to June 2027.“Bike riding is a really useful skill for life, and we want to make sure Kiwi kids get the chance to learn how to ride safely from a young age,” he said.For Coast schools already part of the programme, it’s welcome news amid a turbulent term.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Consumer inflation set to break 3% level
Consumer inflation set to break 3% level

17 October 2025, 1:18 AM

Food prices fall 0.4 pct in September, annual rise eases to 4.1 pctAnnual rate lowest since March this yearGrocery prices driver of annual food inflation - dairy, meatFuel, airfares, accommodation, energy prices edge higherNumbers suggest annual inflation headed to 3 pct - due next weekConsumer inflation looks set to test the 3 percent level next week after new data showed higher food, transport, and energy prices.Stats NZ said food prices fell 0.4 percent in September on the previous month, slowing the annual rise to a five-month low of 4.1 percent."All five food groups continue to grow annually but the rate of increase for overall food prices has slowed this month," prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.Prices for grocery items such as dairy, bread, and eggs rose, but off their highs, rising 3.9 percent annually, followed by a 6.4 percent increase for meat and poultry, and a 2.5 percent gain for restaurant and takeaway meals.Fruit and vegetable prices rose 5.2 percent for the year, reflecting usual seasonal supply pressures with cabbages and lettuces among notable price increases.Transport costs rose in September with petrol pump prices rising along with airfares and accommodation.The items cover just under half of the consumers price index, with latest data for the three months ending September due next week.ANZ senior economist Miles Workman expected a quarterly rise of 1.1 percent, taking the annual rate to 3.1 percent from 2.7 percent in June."Accelerating tradable inflation - the more volatile side of the CPI (consumers price index) - is expected to push headline inflation higher."He said household costs driven by rates and ACC levies would add to food prices and airfares as the main drivers.Workman said the RBNZ would not be unduly "spooked" by headline inflation going through the top of its 1-3 percent target band and would be counting on underlying inflation pressures caused by the slack economy to ease over time.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Karl Budge Appointed Blues CEO
Karl Budge Appointed Blues CEO

16 October 2025, 10:49 PM

The Blues Board has confirmed Karl Budge as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 20 years of international sports leadership experience to the Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise.Budge is best known for his transformative tenure as CEO of the ASB Classic, where he repositioned the event as New Zealand’s premier summer tournament.More recently, through his company Octosport Partners, he helped drive commercial growth and fan engagement for the New Zealand Olympic Committee and SailGP across the Asia-Pacific region.His background spans both domestic and global sporting codes, with a track record of sustainable growth and commercial innovation.He has also contributed to the wider rugby landscape as a commercial sub-committee board member and secondee to the New Zealand Rugby Board.Budge says leading the Blues is a privilege and an opportunity to build on a proud legacy.“This club is built on a rich history and has a deep connection to its community across Auckland, North Harbour, and Northland,” he said.“My focus will be on ensuring we continue to grow and support a world-class high performance environment, connecting deeply with our fans, and ultimately delivering the success they deserve.”Blues Chair Don Mackinnon said Budge’s mix of commercial acumen and leadership credibility made him the right fit for the next phase.“Karl brings a proven track record of driving significant, sustainable commercial growth in competitive global environments,” Mackinnon said.Budge will start in the New Year, with director Andy Roberts continuing as interim CEO.For rugby fans on the Hibiscus Coast, his appointment signals fresh energy and a renewed focus on connecting the Blues’ regional heartlands.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Consider tax breaks for KiwiSaver
Consider tax breaks for KiwiSaver

15 October 2025, 10:17 PM

New Zealand's pension system has been ranked 17th out of 52 in a new global comparison, with a warning that although the country faces questions about covering the cost, it is not the only one.The Mercer Global Pension Index ranked New Zealand's superannuation and KiwiSaver combined a B for adequacy - which reflects how much income people receive in retirement; a B for sustainability - which covers how affordable the scheme is; and an A for integrity - how much the scheme can be trusted.It said the country could lift the score by increasing the level, coverage and tax efficiency of KiwiSaver contributions, as well as raising the age of NZ Super, increasing New Zealand households' savings and introducing a credit or contribution for people who are off work caring for young children."New Zealand is one of the few countries that does not give tax concessions for preparing for retirement," report author and Mercer partner Tim Jenkins said.It said New Zealand should also focus on retirement income as the primary purpose of KiwiSaver and improve the decumulation options available to draw down the money when people retire.The countries with the top-rated systems were the Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark, Singapore and Israel.While there have been questions about whether NZ Super was sustainable, Jenkins said it was not alone in that. Other countries had even more urgent problems to fix.Austria, Brazil and Italy all scored an E for sustainability for their schemes. France and Germany had an A for adequacy but a D for sustainability.Jenkins said New Zealand had improved on every measure in the latest index update, but other countries had increased more quickly.Sustainability had improved on the basis of economic data published by the IMF that no longer included some of the Covid years.He said New Zealand was in the top third of the countries surveyed - "just" - with a relatively low score for income adequacy.The report looks at how much the average wage earner receives as retirement income. It seeks a benchmark of 70 percent of pre-retirement income."NZ Super is okay," he said. "But KiwiSaver is below average adequacy. It's voluntary with relatively low contribution rates."He said people who were in roles where they were offered a total salary package had less incentive to contribute because they were paying for their employer's contributions, too.Lower-income people and those not in work were also being left behind.Jenkins said thought could be given to decoupling employer and employee contributions to an extent, and introducing a minimum contribution for low-income people."To help them accumulate private savings on top of NZ Super… for people who can't afford to contribute 3.5 percent or 4 percent, they don't get the extra 3.5 percent or 4 percent."He said as people lived longer, thought also needed to be given to how retirement settings responded."If you're retired for 20 years from 65 that's very different from 10 years. Countries around the world are starting the debate about whether state pension ages should increase."He said adequacy and sustainability could be addressed together by looking at KiwiSaver and NZ Super as a package.In Australia it is possible to access super savings before the pension age, which allows people to retire earlier if they need to - such as when they work a manual job."There is mood for change, and the time is right," Jenkins said. "KiwiSaver is 18 years old - when there's a birthday like that it's time to step back and consider what we could do. The world on Tuesday is different to 20 years ago."

1-20 of 1588