Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern will provide evidence to the Royal Commission investigating New Zealand's Covid-19 pandemic response.The inquiry is looking into the government's response to the pandemic and its effects.This week's hearings have concentrated on the impact of the extended lockdown in Auckland and Northland in 2021 and on vaccine mandates and safety.RNZ previously reported that the commission had requested Ardern to give evidence at a public hearing in August.But the commission said no decisions had been made about who would appear."The witness list is still under consideration, and it is not appropriate to make further comment about it at this stage," they said in a written statement."The Inquiry will share the witness list and more information about the planned August public hearing in due course."A spokesperson for Ardern said she will provide evidence to assist the commission meet its terms of reference and are in discussions about the best way for that to happen.She provided testimony to the first phase of the Inquiry, the spokesperson said."She is also happy for the commission to access her previous testimony," the spokesperson said.The first phase was conducted behind closed doors with conclusions and recommendations made public afterwards.The impact of the extended lockdown in Auckland and Northland in 2021 has been the main topic of discussion at this week's hearings.On Tuesday, Dr Antje Deckert told the Inquiry that 63,000 lockdown breaches were reported to police by citizens during levels 4, 3 and 2.Police road stops were also counterproductive because officers were often unclear on how to enforce lockdown rules, she said.Deckert said people found it difficult balancing government messaging of being kind while also enforcing lockdown rules.Representatives from the disabled community have revealed they were often a target of abuse during lockdowns.A Pasifika health expert said the Pacific population was over-represented in all aspects of the pandemic.Auckland Council disability advisory group co-chair Barry De Geest said because disabled people were often mask or vaccine exempt, it led to cases of discrimination."The number of people we had crying because they'd been uptown or done something and they were being abused by people saying you know 'put your mask on', you know 'think of us', you know so there was so much of that."

Heads up if you’re driving late next week.Overnight road closures are planned for State Highway 1 and 18, and they’ll likely affect some Hibiscus Coast commuters.On Wednesday 16 July, SH1 southbound will be closed between Oteha Valley Road and Constellation Drive from 10pm to 5am.At the same time, SH18 westbound will be shut between Paul Matthews Road and Albany Highway.Several ramps around Greville Road and Constellation Drive will also be closed.Then on Thursday 17 July, SH1 southbound will be closed from the Silverdale interchange to Oteha Valley Road, between 9pm and 5am.From 3 to 20 August, a much larger stretch of SH1 between Silverdale and Oteha Valley will be affected by night-time paving works.Expect southbound closures from 3 to 11 August, and northbound closures from 12 to 20 August, all running Sunday to Thursday nights from 9pm to 5am.During this time, bpConnect Dairy Flat will not be accessible.Maintenance activities include resurfacing and vegetation control, so you might notice increased noise in some areas.This matters to Coasties because many of us rely on these routes to get to work or home late.If you’re travelling overnight, allow extra time or take the recommended detours via East Coast Road, Albany Expressway, or Bush Road.More info and detour maps are available via the NZ Transport Agency.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand saw a net migration loss of 30,000 people to Australia in the year to December 2024, according to new Stats NZ figures. It’s the highest calendar-year loss in over a decade, matching levels last seen between 2004 and 2013.A total of 47,300 people left for Australia, while just 17,300 arrived from across the Tasman. The numbers are similar to 2023, when 29,400 more people left than arrived.Most of those leaving were New Zealand citizens, making up 85 percent of departures in 2024, and over half were aged between 20 and 39. Interestingly, more than a third of the Kiwis who moved to Australia were actually born overseas.Despite the loss to Australia, New Zealand still gained 54,100 people from the rest of the world last year. That’s well down from the record-setting 157,300 in 2023, but still enough to keep the population growing overall.This story matters to Coasties because it reflects a broader trend of young Kiwis looking offshore for opportunities. Whether it’s better pay, lifestyle, or job prospects, Australia continues to be the first stop. With many locals having friends or family across the ditch, the ripple effects are felt right here on the Hibiscus Coast.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Heard the buzz? Someone woke up $10.3 million richer and while the winner’s from Auckland, it’s close enough to make any Coastie’s ears perk up. The life-changing ticket was bought through MyLotto and scooped up both the $10 million Powerball First Division and a tidy $333,333 from Lotto First Division.That’s one heck of a midweek surprise.This marks the twelfth Powerball multi-millionaire win this year, and it comes just a couple of weeks after two players from Wellington and Invercargill shared $15.08 million. Word is they’re planning to help out family, buy homes, and finally book those dream trips.Two other Lotto players, both in Auckland, also picked up $333,333 in Wednesday night’s draw. And while Strike Four didn’t go, it’s now sitting at $400,000 for Saturday.Grabbed a ticket this week? Might be time for a quick check on the MyLotto app or website.And if it turns out you’re one of the lucky ones, give Lotto NZ a ring on 0800 695 6886 to get the ball rolling.No harm in dreaming a little today, is there?Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 11/7Wet and windy with a brisk nor’easter—take a brolly!High: 16Low: 12Saturday, 12/7 Showers sticking around and a breezy nor’wester.High: 17Low: 10Sunday, 13/7Mostly cloudy with a steady nor’wester blowing.High: 16Low: 9Monday, 14/7Arvo showers rolling in—take a brolly.High: 16Low: 9Want more weather info? Tap into the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.Everything you need, right here in the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Northland's business community says Auckland was one of the region's biggest obstacles during the Covid-19 pandemic.The region's chamber of commerce was questioned as part of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's pandemic response.When the country went into a two-month lockdown in March of 2020, businesses like those owned by NorthChamber president Tim Robinson took it on the chin.Speaking to the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Monday, Robinson said Northland's business community accepted the lockdown was necessary."Because of the nature of our business, there was nothing we could do until we came out of lockdown. We just had to sort of just accept that and just kind of, you know, carry on," he said."All in all, I think all of us just sort of thought, yep, we're dealing with something brand new. The response was absolutely appropriate. It gave us a chance to sort of stop and then think, well, what's going to happen next and where are we going to head to next?"But when a second nationwide lockdown started in August of 2021, NorthChamber chief executive Leah McKerrow said the sentiment shifted."A lot of fear existed. And fear is one of those core emotions that permeates through, and unless you can actually address that fear, then it is very difficult to help people shift," she said."In that second lockdown, some of that fear was starting to be replaced with anger."That was compounded by a vaccine mandate that a number of New Zealanders found a step too far, she said."It comes back to human beings and emotion. The fear that is driven through people who didn't want to be vaccinated and it started to, I think, unravel some of that community cohesion."Tim Robinson said the unrest made it difficult to do business."You just never knew who was going to pop their hand up and say, 'this is ridiculous, I'm not going to buy into that. I'm never going to get vaccinated'. And somebody walking in the shop thinking, oh, yep, they're a kind, rational person, and next thing they're ranting and raving," he said."And you've got to somehow deal with that and try and be polite and say, well, actually, those are the rules. I didn't make them."Robinson said Northland also faced unexpected challenges during Auckland's own citywide lockdowns.He said the supercity became a wall separating his region from the rest of the country."A lot of companies started to make decisions based around 'how easy is it to transact in and out of Northland?' The overwhelming perception became, well, it's bloody hard," he said."So many companies still see us as being very hard to do business with. You know, we had Covid, then we had the year of rain and the cyclones and the road closures, and people just going, 'you know what, it's just so hard'."Leah McKerrow agreed."I think, for me, the biggest challenge for Northland was Auckland," she laughed."But, you know, quite seriously, the fact is we have to drive through this place. And so finding a solution to that so that if Auckland, you know, does have some sort of disease in the future that we can at least drive through."She said maintaining road access to Northland should be a key lesson for the Royal Commission.The hearing continues.

Running a small business often means using your car for both work and personal errands.Navigating the tax rules for vehicle expenses in New Zealand can be confusing.For Sole Traders and PartnershipsBusiness vs. Personal Vehicle UseBusiness use vs. private use: You can only claim business-related vehicle costs.Any personal use of the car is not tax-deductible.This means trips like driving to meet a clients count as business use, while driving your kids to school is private use.Importantly, commuting from home to your regular workplace is considered personal travel, not business use, even if you’re driving to your business office each morning.100% business or mixed use: If you have a vehicle used exclusively for business (and not for any private trips), you can claim all of its running costs as business expenses.Most small business owners use the same car for both work and personal purposes.In that case, you’ll need to split the costs between business and private use and only claim the business portion.Keeping a Logbook: Tracking Business UseA vehicle logbook is only required for 90 days (about 3 months) to establish your usage pattern, and then you can use that information for up to three years as long as your usage doesn’t change significantly (say 20% as a guide).What to record: Date of the tripOdometer readings (start and end, or at least total distance)Distance travelled for that tripPurpose of the trip (business or personal reason)Two Ways to Claim Vehicle Expenses (for Sole Traders)Actual Costs MethodMileage Rate MethodMethod 1: Actual Costs MethodHow it works: Under the Actual Costs method, you claim a percentage of all the actual expenses of running your vehicle, based on your business-use percentage.Expenses include all running costs, interest on loans, depreciation or lease costs if you lease the car.Method 2: Mileage Rate Method (IRD Kilometre Rates)How it works: You need to record every business trip for the year.Once you have the total business kilometres, you simply multiply that by the IRD’s rate for your vehicle.Tiered rates: The IRD’s mileage rates are tiered to be fair for both low and high mileage drivers. There are two tiers:Tier One rate: This rate applies to the first 14,000 km of travel per year (this is total km the vehicle travels, not just business kms.Tier Two rate: This lower rate applies to any travel beyond 14,000 km in the year.No double dipping: If you use the Mileage Rate method, remember that the per-kilometre rate is all-inclusive.Note that GST can be claimed (including vehicle purchase) if using the actual cost method, but not for the mileage method.The table of rates for the 2024-2025 income year.DisclaimerThis article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content at the time of publication, tax laws and Inland Revenue (IRD) policies are subject to change.Readers are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified tax advisor or accountant before making decisions based on this information, particularly where unique circumstances or complex business arrangements are involved.DHCA accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information contained in this article.At David Hooper Chartered Accountants, we help local businesses make smart financial decisions. Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

Butter, a staple in Hibiscus Coast households, is again making headlines due to soaring prices, prompting locals to question why they're paying significantly more than their Australian neighbours.Currently, a quick check of the Grocer app reveals stark price differences right here on the Hibiscus Coast. Rolling Meadow Butter (500g) at Pak'nSave Silverdale is selling for $8.29, while Anchor Butter (500g), a long-time local favourite, starts at $10.49 in nearby supermarkets.With butter integral to toast, sandwiches, and the Coasties beloved savouries and cakes, these rising costs are hitting budgets harder than ever.While the reasons behind the price hike remain debated, they may include international dairy market pressures, differences in taxes, and currency fluctuations. Using local price comparison tools like the Grocer app can help find the best deals available locally. After all, in tough times, every dollar counts, and staying informed on local pricing just might ease the squeeze.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A new national strategy is giving Coastie businesses a clearer path into the world of artificial intelligence, with the Auckland Business Chamber calling it a “confidence boost” for small and medium-sized enterprises.Released this week, New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: Investing with Confidence sets out a practical, light-touch policy framework to help Kiwi companies adopt AI tools responsibly.It’s especially welcome news for the many small businesses on the Hibiscus Coast still figuring out where to begin.“This removes unintended barriers and clears up uncertainty,” said Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges.“Whether you’re a manufacturer in Onehunga or a tech start-up in Takapuna, it’s about enabling real productivity gains.”The strategy focuses on helping businesses invest in AI with confidence, providing principles-based guidance rather than heavy regulations.It’s a timely move, with AI expected to contribute up to $76 billion to New Zealand’s economy by 2038. Yet 68% of SMEs currently aren’t planning for it.Bridges says the new plan offers something real: “It’s practical, not hype… this gives Auckland a real platform to lead.”For the Hibiscus Coast, the message is simple.AI isn’t just for big tech firms.Local shops, tradies, and service providers now have a roadmap to get ahead, boost efficiency, and stay competitive.The Chamber also welcomed support for attracting global talent and investment, helping position Auckland — and by extension, the Coast — as a hub for smart innovation.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’ve spotted a green bin with a red lid outside your place, you’re not the only one.New Council bins are being delivered right across the Hibiscus Coast, all set for the start of Auckland Council’s new rubbish service kicking off on 1 September.If you’re still using rubbish bags, the change is simple.Come September, you can start using your new bin as part of the weekly collection.But if you’re already with Econowaste and have the all-red bin, things are a little different.You’ll still be able to use the new green Council bin from 1 September, but you won’t be able to opt out of the rates-funded service.And while it’s weekly for now, the Council is looking into shifting to fortnightly collections down the track.Econowaste says they’ll be in touch with customers soon to explain what it means for you.Keep an eye on your inbox or letterbox.In the meantime, the full rundown is already live on their website.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

AI is changing how people find businesses like yours—especially when they're ready to buy.And if you're not prepared, your business could be left out of the conversation entirely.Let’s break it down.AI Is Now Answering Questions DirectlyWhen someone searches online, Google and other platforms are starting to show AI-generated answers right at the top, called “AI Overviews.”These summaries scan the web and try to answer user questions instantly, often without users needing to click on a website.So if your business isn’t part of the content AI pulls from, you might not be seen at all.What That Means for Your BusinessTo stay visible in this new search environment, your business needs two things:Content that clearly and directly answers questions people ask.A presence in trusted sources that search engines and AI tools rely on.In short: be findable, be credible, be helpful.The New Rules of Getting Found1. Be Super SpecificInstead of saying "we do repairs," say "we fix cracked iPhone screens in 30 minutes." Specific, useful content is more likely to be chosen by AI to answer search queries.2. Share Unique InformationGot glowing reviews, local awards, or interesting stats about your services? Share them. AI favours original, verifiable information that builds trust.3. Answer Real Customer QuestionsWhat does it cost? Do you offer emergency service? Are estimates free? Create content that answers common questions clearly. This is the kind of material AI prefers to surface.4. Keep Your Info FreshStale or outdated content gets overlooked. Regularly updating your website or listings signals that your business is active and relevant.5. Get Mentioned ElsewhereWhen your business is referenced by other local websites, community groups, or news outlets, it strengthens your online credibility. Something AI and search engines take seriously.Why Local Directories Matter More Than EverAI and local search engines rely on multiple data sources to verify and recommend businesses.Well-structured local directories are one of those trusted sources.Credible Signals: Local directories provide structured business data—like your name, address, and phone number—which helps AI verify you’re a legitimate business.Visibility Advantage: If you're listed and your information is consistent across sources, your chances of being included in local AI-driven results improve.Reviews Make a Difference: Positive directory reviews influence trust signals, which may affect how AI tools prioritise your business.How the Hibiscus Coast App Gives You the EdgeA directory listing on the Hibiscus Coast App isn’t just about local exposure.It supports your visibility in AI-powered search tools too.Structured & Searchable: The app functions as a local directory with clearly formatted business information that can contribute to your overall online discoverability.Community Credibility: When locals interact with your business through the app, and when that activity is reflected online via mentions or reviews—it helps build trust signals used by search engines and AI systems.Accurate Business Info: Each listing provides consistent details that support verification and help your business rank more reliably in local searches.Even better: every listing is built to perform. These are more than just name-and-number entries.They're branded profile pages, like mini landing pages, designed to convert high-intent local searchers into real customers.And because listings are optimised for AI, humans, and Google, your business is well-positioned to be found, trusted, and chosen.The Bottom LineIf your business isn’t visible in local directories and doesn’t have helpful, searchable content, AI-powered search tools are far less likely to find and recommend you.Which means your next customer might not either.That’s why starting with a high-quality directory listing on the Hibiscus Coast App is so important.It builds a strong digital foundation.Making sure you’re findable, trusted, and ready to be discovered by both AI and your local community.And once you're visible, it opens the door to even more powerful ways to reach locals, from targeted exposure to high-visibility ad placements—because being found is just the beginning.Ready to take the first step?Get started with the Hibiscus Coast App and make sure AI—and your next customer—finds you next.

Lawyers for the multi-billion dollar global ride-share company Uber are taking the fight over driver's employment status to the Supreme Court in Wellington on Tuesday.Uber is appealing - for a second time - after losing a previous appeal against a landmark Employment Court decision in 2022 when four Uber drivers were granted workplace protection.This could give the drivers employee benefits such as leave entitlements, minimum wage and holiday pay.Uber appealed against the decision in June 2023, but the court dismissed the appeal, ruling in favour of the drivers.The company has now taken the case to the Supreme Court.Uber had previously argued the drivers were independent providers of transportation services to "riders" and "eaters", with whom they entered into contracts using software and facilitation services - an app - provided by the Uber companies.In 2023 Court of Appeal Justices Goddard, Ellis and Wylie declined Uber's appeal against the original Employment Court decision, pointing out that - while logged into the Uber app - drivers had no opportunity to establish any business goodwill of their own."Or to influence the quantity of work they receive, the quality of the work they receive, or their revenue from that work except to the extent that Uber agrees to give them some preference in relation to access to ride requests, information about rides, or supplementary payments," they said.The judges also asserted that Uber held a high degree of control over the services drivers offered, their conditions and remuneration while they were logged into the app."We do not consider that drivers can, in reality, be said to be carrying on transport service businesses on their own account at times when they are logged into the driver app, providing services to riders referred to them by Uber for the remuneration determined by Uber, and subject to the high level of control and direction that Uber exercises over the provision of services by drivers while logged in," they said.The judges concluded that the drivers were employees of the Uber companies at times when they were logged into the Uber driver app.The decision applied to the four drivers who took the case against Uber, but could set a precedent for thousands of other contractors who work in the gig economy.An Uber spokesperson said the Supreme Court hearing was an important step in providing clarity on how gig work fitted into New Zealand's modern workforce."Gig workers are an essential part of communities across Aotearoa and make a significant contribution to the economy."The spokesperson said many chose this kind of work because it allowed them to earn on their own terms, wherever and whenever it suited them."Our focus is on protecting the flexibility and independence that driver and delivery partners consistently tell us they value most."

The latest data from Auckland Council shows the city’s economy is sending mixed signals this winter. While business confidence has hit an 11-year high, employment and spending continue to slide.Consumer confidence sat at 95.9 in June, higher than recent years but still below the long-term average. Business sentiment was more upbeat, with a net 35 percent of Auckland businesses expecting improvement. This marks the fourth straight quarterly rise and the strongest reading since 2014.House sales are showing signs of life again. In the year to May, 22,900 homes were sold across Auckland. That’s 25 percent more than the 2023 low, although still far below the 2021 boom. Median prices are holding steady at $975,000, which is similar to ten years ago and 36 percent below the 2021 peak.New building activity remains slow. Just 13,864 new dwellings were consented in the year to May, which is 37 percent down from the 2022 high. The commercial building sector is also quiet, with non-residential consent values down 23 percent on last year.Wages may feel like they’re standing still too. The average Auckland rent is $684 per week. That’s nearly unchanged over the past three years. Retail sales and GDP figures are also soft, both down more than 1 percent in real terms compared to last year.Locally, the economic drag may feel very real. Auckland’s unemployment rate has climbed to 6.4 percent. That’s higher than during the COVID lockdowns and the worst since 2015.But for Coasties running small businesses, the lift in business confidence could signal better months ahead. More activity in the housing market and stable rents may create new opportunities, even as challenges remain.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Construction to turn Takapuna Golf Course into a flood storage wetland is set to begin in 2027, Auckland Council has announced.It has chosen a design concept that could allow for both flood resilience and a nine-hole golf course with a driving range at AF Thomas Park, also known as Takapuna Golf Course.The council said the project aimed to reduce downstream flood flow through Wairau Creek, cutting flood risk to more than 250 homes and three residential care homes in Milford.It would also protect critical infrastructure and access to key facilities such as North Shore Hospital and Westlake Boys' and Girls' High Schools, as well as Eventfinda Stadium.Auckland Council general manager, healthy waters and flood resilience Craig Mcilroy said the project was a response to the 2023 Auckland floods which heavily impacted parts of Auckland's North Shore."We heard from the community that they wanted us to move swiftly and decisively while protecting the recreational greenspace they love. This design concept achieves both and we can now progress this important work."The project has garnered opposition from golfing bodies and prominent figures in the sport.Insurance companies said using the golf course to prevent flooding may be a necessary sacrifice for golfers.Auckland Council said staff evaluated more than 100 flood mitigation options.The Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee endorsed a business case in April to integrate flood storage with recreational facilities at AF Thomas Park.At the same April meeting, the committee requested that the proposed concept be reviewed alongside an alternative put forward by existing leaseholders of AF Thomas Park, Takapuna Golf Course.It explores whether an 18-hole golf course could be retained on the land while providing the same level of flood storage.Tom Mansell, Auckland Council head of sustainable partnerships (healthy waters & flood resilience) said the golf club's initial proposal, creating a large number of smaller stormwater storage ponds throughout the park, was soon found to be unfeasible due to cost and maintenance requirements.The council granted the golf course a one-month extension to provide another option.A subsequent design was submitted by the golf club which was a very similar approach, both in land formation and stormwater detention, to the Auckland Council design."The council has worked closely with Takapuna Golf Course to complete a feasibility assessment of the two proposals. An eight-step technical review ensured both options were evaluated fairly for feasibility, cost-effectiveness as well as addressing environmental considerations," Mansell said."Both the council proposal and the golf course's revised proposal have similarities in terms of placement and the method of storing stormwater on the site. We're confident in the single design concept that's come out of the feasibility assessment and are ready to move this project forward for our communities."Auckland Council said while the confirmed design concept could allow for a nine-hole golf course and a driving range on the site, how the recreational sport could be incorporated into the park's future use was still to be determined and would be decided by the Kaipātiki Local Board in consultation with the community, mana whenua, and advice from council staff.Consultation with the wider community was planned for later this year on potential recreational activities in the green areas surrounding the new wetland.Any additional costs for sport or recreation come at a cost and were currently unfunded.They would be subject to Long-term Plan and alternative budget availability.A Community Advisory Group has been established for the project, with representatives from local community groups, rōpū Māori, schools, and the local board to provide ongoing input and help guide decisions that reflect local needs and aspirations.The Wairau flood resilience project is part of the $760 million Making Space for Water programme and aims to make Auckland's infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events.Making Space for Water is co-funded with central government, which will provide 62 percent of the project costs.

Beef Wellington is the kind of dish you pull out to impress.It’s the showstopper at Christmas tables, the star of many a fancy dinner party, and thanks to Gordon Ramsay, a bucket-list recipe for confident home cooks.But this week, it’s at the centre of a murder trial that’s left many Coasties speechless.Australian woman Erin Patterson, 50, has been found guilty of murdering three of her relatives after serving them a homemade Beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms.The meal was served during a quiet family lunch in Victoria, Australia.Three guests later died. Two others were hospitalised.The case has shocked both sides of the Tasman.Not just because of the outcome, but because the dish itself is usually associated with joy and celebration.If you’ve never had it, Beef Wellington is a labour of love.A centre-cut beef fillet, often seared and brushed with mustard, wrapped in a layer of finely chopped mushrooms called duxelles, sometimes pâté too, all tucked inside golden puff pastry.Slicing into it reveals pink, juicy meat, rich savoury flavour, and flaky crust.Done right, it’s a masterpiece.But in Patterson’s version, the mushroom layer contained one of the world’s most poisonous fungi.Death caps are nearly impossible to identify without expert knowledge.They grow in parts of New Zealand too, so it’s a sobering reminder to steer clear of wild mushrooms unless you’re absolutely sure.Patterson is awaiting sentencing.And the rest of us?Honestly, I think I’ll just stick to Gordon Ramsay’s version and leave the wild mushrooms right where they are.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A New Zealand startup says its new tech could change how we power our homes and protect them too. The Basis Smart Panel, launched this month, is being called the world’s first fully digitised energy safety system.Unlike traditional switchboards, which only react once a fault occurs, the Basis panel monitors each circuit in real time. The company claims it could help households save over $1000 a year by detecting faults early and reducing power wastage.Using the Basis Home app, homeowners can track electricity use down to individual circuits and receive alerts for overheating wires, overuse, or any unusual activity. It’s all about spotting problems before they turn into hazards.“You’re not waiting for the power to cut out. You’re seeing exactly what’s happening and can act before anything serious happens,” says a spokesperson.The system can also be personalised. This is ideal for families wanting to safeguard areas like nurseries or grandparents’ rooms. It adapts as your home evolves too, whether you’re installing new appliances or extending the house.There’s no word yet on if or when the technology will roll out to Hibiscus Coast electricians, but the innovation could signal a shift in how local homes manage energy and safety.For Coasties keen on smarter living, this kind of tech might be worth watching.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

In today’s job market, staff turnover has become a regular challenge. Once-stable workforces are shifting, and with that comes a cost – one that goes well beyond simply swapping one salary for another.Yes, rising wages are a reality. Many employees expect pay rises due to inflation and increased living costs. Employers, still recovering from COVID impacts and supply chain issues, may feel squeezed. But here’s the critical question: can you afford not to meet a pay rise request?The true cost of replacing a staff member is much higher than many realise. Depending on the role, replacing someone can cost 30-50% of their annual salary – and that’s for mid-level staff. For senior or highly specialised roles, the replacement cost can be up to four times their annual salary before the new hire is fully effective.What Makes Replacing Staff So Expensive?Many of the costs are hiding in plain sight. Here are just some of the direct, often unavoidable expenses:Advertising the roleRecruitment agency feesScreening and background checksPsychometric testingTemporary staff or contractors to cover the gapRelocation costs or recruitment incentivesExternal training for the new hireAnd that’s just the beginning.There are also substantial indirect costs that affect time, morale, and productivity:Hours spent by management and team members on recruitment tasksClient handovers and introductionsOnboarding, training, and supervision of the new recruitReplacement of equipment and workspace setupReduced output during the transitionDisruption to team dynamics and moraleLoss of institutional knowledge and potential customer relationshipsThen there’s the emotional and performance toll. Remaining staff may feel overburdened or anxious. Productivity often drops – not just because someone is leaving, but because they may have mentally checked out well before their last day.A Costly Trade-OffSo, when a team member earning $70K asks for a raise to $75K, it’s tempting to say no. But if that refusal triggers a resignation, you may find yourself paying far more than $5K to replace them – both financially and culturally.Final ThoughtsRather than viewing pay rise requests as a threat to your bottom line, consider them a potential investment in stability. Sometimes the cheapest, most efficient move is to retain the staff you already have – especially if they’re performing well.Of course, there’s another solution altogether: create a workplace so engaging and rewarding that no one wants to leave. Let me know if you’d like to talk more about this, or any other, business management topic. I’m happy to help.

New World Birkenhead is one of two stores taking part in a new two-year trial aimed at reducing single-use packaging.From September, shoppers there will be able to ‘borrow’ a reusable container from the deli using a simple tap of their card or phone.The trial, called RePlay, places a temporary $3 hold per container, which is released when the container is returned to a smart bin in-store within four weeks.If a container isn’t returned on time, the $3 is charged. Late returns within six months still earn back $1. There’s no need to sign up in advance, just tap, shop, and drop it back clean.The RePlay system was developed by Bonson Packaging with support from Foodstuffs and the Ministry for the Environment. It uses QR codes, tap-to-borrow tech, and in-store return bins to make reuse feel as easy as single-use.The trial is also running at New World Metro Willis Street in Wellington. As Foodstuffs’ Debra Goulding says, “This is about more than containers. It’s about making change easy.”A key focus will be learning how often customers return containers and how many reuse cycles each one can manage.There’s no word yet on when, or if, any Hibiscus Coast stores will take part. For now, it’s a trial to watch, especially as more supermarkets look for ways to reduce waste and support low-waste shopping habits.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A group of oyster farmers in the north of Auckland have reached their breaking point over sewage overflow and want the government to intervene.The 10 marine farms have been in a seven-year battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflowing into the Mahurangi Harbour, which contaminates their oyster crops.At least one farmer is having to close their business, while many fear they will not survive the year, despite a pipe upgrade in September that will provide a short-term fix.At this stage, a long-term solution to the piping problem on Elizabeth Street in Warkworth is expected in 2026.Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones said Watercare had "failed in their statutory duty of care to the Mahurangi oyster farmers"."They are solely responsible for the collapse of the infrastructure that has ruined the businesses of the Mahurangi oyster farmers."I am astounded that this colossus will not step up to the plate and offer financial compensation to these marine farmers, who through no fault of their own are now penalised because of the failure of water care," he said.Oysters help remove pollution in water, but this means there is a high risk of food poisoning if they were eaten. Photo: Nick MonroJones said he was looking into what levers the government had over Watercare."There are many areas where the Auckland City Council wants the assistance of central government. The Auckland Council is in control of Watercare, and it seems extraordinary that we're expected as central government to deliver positive outcomes for the Auckland City Council, yet one of their organisations is driving local marine farmers to penury and offering no assistance, no relief whatsoever."Watercare is a well-heeled organisation, they're not short of capital. What they're short of, though, is corporate responsibility and obviously, don't place any importance on the maintenance of a social licence to continue to operate."Their organisation should be renamed Zero Care. But more importantly, this is a comment on their culture," said the minister."They know and they've known for a long time about how weak the piping system is around Mahurangi. They've chosen to find every excuse in the world to delay fixing it up and now the oyster farmers are the casualties of this corporate delinquency."According to the farmers, the pipe network was originally scheduled to be upgraded in 2021, but never was.Watercare says it had expedited repairs to the wastewater overflow.Chief executive Jamie Sinclair told Morning Report it had to build a new wastewater treatment plant and pump station, but will make a short-term fix by September."The first part is expediting what I'd call an interim solution, which is an over-pumping solution, which will be in place by the end of August, which will reduce those overflows by about 50 percent."That's not the end solution, there will still be overflows. For the final outcome, we have reorganised our programme - the previous timeline was 2028 - we are now looking to have the outcome, an almost full reduction in overflows by the end of 2026."So I know that that that's still time. There's still pressure today on on the oyster farmers and their businesses, but that is that is our priority is to fix this issue as quickly as possible."He said he felt for the affected farmers, their families and livelihoods, but would not comment on whether the farmers could sue Watercare for lost business."We've been investing for the last six years in this community. We'll be spending about $450 million. And it's really this final piece of the puzzle which will alleviate the overflows at that particular location."The issue of wastewater overflowing into the Mahurangi Harbour has been ongoing since 2018, when farmers first raised it with Watercare.Because oysters are filter feeders, they help remove the pollution in the harbour but by doing so, there was a high risk of food poisoning if they were eaten.Mahurangi Oysters farmer Jim Aitken. Photo: Nick MonroMahurangi Oysters farmer Jim Aitken said his own health working the oyster farms was also at risk."Yeah, we're cleaning up their mess and we're not receiving any support for literally working in human waste," he said."This farm is the exception, but most of these farms, you are in knee-deep in mud, waist-deep in water, getting cut on sharp oysters, nails, all kinds of things, and now we have to worry about potentially getting quite serious infections from sewage."When we get 9mm of rain - which is happening almost weekly - that should not be triggering a spill so easily, and consistently too. Like it's not a random thing, and we're told that the pipes that are connecting storm to wastewater have been disconnected, which should never have been connected in the first place."But the increase has tripled, so far it's on track to quadruple the number of spills because we've already doubled what we did last year, what they did last year for spills, it's pretty astounding that there isn't even an increase in rainfall compared to last year.""We're wondering what's going on here, why has it suddenly increased so dramatically, is another question too, what we're trying to figure out," said Aitken.Lynette Dunn of Orata Marine Oysters said she had not been able to sell any locally grown produce since Christmas and had to approach Work and Income for financial support.She said Members of Parliament needed to take action to save the estimated $8 million oyster industry in the Mahurangi Harbour."They need to start hammering the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, telling him we need some action. The government's the only person, or the only identity that's going to take Watercare on."Dunn's family business has run for 30 years and has overcome many adversities, but she said this has been the toughest period."Every day I've been crying, you know? I think to myself, like, I'm not going to cry today, you know? Because it's not our fault, it's their fault and they're not doing anything about it."You wail awake at night time, thinking, 'okay, how much sewage is going to go into the harbour', you know?"We used to have, like, 5 or 10 mils of rain, and we'd be closed for fresh water, or 50 to 60 mils of rain, we'll get closed for 10 days for fresh water, but now we're getting closed 28 days constantly on 5 mils of rain."In some instances, there's no rain and there's sewage spills, but this last one was 670 cubic metres of sewage pumped into the harbour on Thursday. You know, like, the water in the streets of Warkworth, running down their pipes are overflowing and sewage coming out," she said.