A $1m payment to Mahurangi oyster farmers is only a start, says Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft, after sewage contamination hit livelihoods at peak harvest.She said Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair yesterday announced an immediate $1m compensation payment to Aquaculture New Zealand for distribution to 10 oyster farmers affected by the latest overflow near Warkworth. The spill followed a power surge that tripped pumps.Marcroft welcomed the swift move but said repeated sewage overflows over several years have pushed farmers to the edge. She urged Watercare to work with Aquaculture New Zealand to fully compensate those who have suffered ongoing financial hits and personal strain.Marcroft also warned the public should be concerned about polluted waterways.“The sea is our food basket and our playground. No sewage should ever be flowing into it,” Jenny Marcroft said.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Making plans?Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast. From live music and local markets to family fun and outdoor adventures.Auckland Céilí/Cèilidh Band – Celtic Dance NightFri 14 NovClick here for more detailsHibiscus Coast Colour RunClick here for more detailsRed Beach Food Truck NightSat 15 NovClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Have an event coming up? List your event for FREE now.

Need your groceries faster and without the hassle?Pak’nSave is adding EV chargers and a Click & Collect drive-through.Four new ChargeNet bays are due online by the end of November in the main carpark, and construction has begun on the store’s first purpose built Click & Collect drive-through near the main entrance.Owner operator Vinod Bhaga said the project is going well, with the aim to finish by the end of April 2026, weather permitting.“We’re very conscious of having minimal disruption for our customers,” he said.When complete, the drive-through will have six dedicated carpark spaces under full cover, with more planned as demand grows.It’s designed as a concierge service, with staff bringing orders to vehicles and loading them.Coasties can expect quicker pickups and easier charging in one stop.The supermarket opened in early 2012 and was built at 6,540m² with 330 car parks, 24 checkouts, and an on site fuel outlet.The new Click & Collect drive-through will also create four to five roles to run the service.Looks like grocery shopping on the Hibiscus Coast is about to get a little easier.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

From February 1, 2026, New Zealanders on stable long-term treatments can get prescriptions for up to 12 months, cutting costs and repeat appointments for Coasties who manage regular medicines.Patients will still collect repeats at their pharmacy, but they will not need a new script each time.Ministers say this simple change, confirmed in Budget 2025, could save up to $105 a year and free up GP time for people with more complex needs.“We are focused on reducing costs and making it simpler and more convenient for patients to access the medicines they need,” Health Minister Simeon Brown says.Health New Zealand is working with primary care and community pharmacies to support the rollout.Conditions named include asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.The Government has also passed the Medicines Amendment Bill to remove pharmacy ownership restrictions that blocked pharmacists from becoming prescribers.Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the change will enable more flexible models of care and increase access to some prescription medicines.About 100 pharmacist prescribers currently work in GP clinics, hospices, and hospitals, but none in community pharmacies because of the previous limits.“Extending prescription lengths and removing ownership barriers for pharmacists makes life easier for patients,” Mr Seymour says.“When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer.”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, 14/11Morning showers clear to fine. Fresh southwesterlies.High: 21Low: 14Saturday, 15/11Early showers, then fine. Westerlies turn southerly.High: 21Low: 12Sunday, 16/11Partly cloudy with a developing nor’easter.High: 21Low: 15Monday, 17/11Mainly fine. Nor’easter strengthens later.High: 21Low: 16See 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.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need, accessible at any time and from any location.

A new study finds online harms rising across New Zealand schools in the past year, putting student mental health at risk.The Linewize Digital Harm Study analysed more than 22,000 high-risk real-time alerts from schools over 12 months.That is about three an hour.Bullying made up nearly 45% of alerts, followed by offensive behaviour (20%) and adult content (15%).In collaborative documents used in classrooms, 1,000 severe bullying alerts were recorded and “Vulnerable Person” was the third most common category.Of 12,310 categorised alerts, 40% came from collaboration and docs, 23% from gaming, 13% from learning platforms, and 10% from AI tools.Students are also turning to AI to explore emotions or ask questions they avoid with adults.Compared with 2024, bullying still dominates but its share is shrinking as offensive behaviour and sexual content rise.“Vulnerable Person” alerts are increasing, pointing to mounting wellbeing concerns.Around 10% of New Zealand schools, more than 250 nationwide, now use early detection and intervention tools that help protect over 60,000 students each day.More than 20% use the broader Linewize ecosystem.The technology monitors seven risks in real time: bullying, violence, self-harm, suicidal ideation, grooming, gang activity, and radicalisation.Linewize Education Director Saunil Hagler says online harm is a critical public health concern.“New Zealand already has disproportionately high levels of bullying compared to other OECD countries nearly double the average. Unlike traditional bullying, harmful content online persists indefinitely, it spreads at speed, and it follows students home where teachers and parents cannot see it.”A Parliamentary Inquiry is now examining the harms young New Zealanders face online.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Well Coasties, I didn’t pick the winning numbers, like anyone else in last night’s Lotto.Hibiscus Coast shoppers now have their eyes on Saturday’s must be won $55m Powerball, the biggest jackpot Lotto NZ has ever offered and only the fourth time the top prize has reached $50m or more.If no one matches all the winning numbers for Powerball First Division, the full $55m prize pool will roll down to the next highest division with winners.Lotto NZ says it’s paid out more than $878m in prizes this year and created 58 new millionaires.Looking to next year, the team is rolling out a major technology upgrade to improve the website and apps.They’re also proposing changes to the game, including more balls in the Powerball machine, some movement in jackpot size, and a review of prizes across the board.“We are also proposing to increase the number of balls in our Powerball machine, with some movement in jackpot size and a review of prizes across the board,” says Lotto NZ Chief Executive, Jason Delamore.Coasties can expect a steady buzz at local counters as hopefuls grab tickets ahead of the draw.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

University of Auckland researchers have $853,000 to study who benefits from upzoning across Auckland, including the Hibiscus Coast, and what that means for inequality.Project lead Associate Professor Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy and Distinguished Professor Peter Phillips will examine the social and economic effects of large-scale zoning reforms, including Auckland’s Unitary Plan, to see how intensification changes neighbourhoods, opportunity, and social mobility.“Where we live and grow up matters for a variety of life outcomes,” says Greenaway-McGrevy.“On the one hand, the potential for upzoning to exacerbate inequalities within cities raises real concerns. On the other, widespread reforms may also enable housing options in neighbourhoods that were previously inaccessible to many households.”Earlier Marsden-funded work by Greenaway-McGrevy and co-authors found the 2016 reform upzoned about three-quarters of Auckland’s residential land, sparking construction and easing rental pressures.Lead principal investigator Associate Professor Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy (Business School, UoA)The new study aims to provide robust case studies on how large-scale upzoning affects neighbourhood composition and opportunity, informing current policy proposals.The 2025 Marsden Fund awarded 107 grants, including 31 totalling $24.3 million to University of Auckland researchers.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Advanced notice: SH1 Oteha Valley Road southbound lanes face daytime restrictions from Friday, November 21 to Friday, November 28.NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will install a fence near the edge of the southbound lanes between the Lonely Track overbridge and Oteha Valley Road. Crews will work weekdays from 11am to 6pm. They will be on the slope and may not always be visible, but traffic management will be in place.The Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp will stay open. One lane will close between the Lonely Track overbridge and the off-ramp. Expect delays.The later start and finish have been chosen to reduce congestion at peak times. This work is weather dependent, so dates may change. NZTA says it will minimise disruption.For Hibiscus Coast commuters heading south, plan for slower trips during the daytime window.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland is set to get a second Costco store.Property developer Kiwi Property has agreed to sell a 6.4 hectare site in its new Drury development to the US-based mega store.Drury is a small rural town about 35 kilometres south of Auckland city, but has been picked as the site for a new town development, with Kiwi Property recently approved to go ahead with building the town centre."We are very excited to be entering into this agreement with Kiwi Property in a location as great as Drury," Costco country manager Chris Tingman said.An exact opening date for the new store was not immediately clear.Illustration of Kiwi Property's Drury development. Photo: Supplied / Kiwi Property"Whilst still subject to planning and corporate approvals, our aim is to introduce our unique high-quality, low-cost merchandise to Drury, serving our significant membership base in the south of Auckland, as well as Hamilton and the Waikato region," Tingman said.The only other Costco store is at Auckland's Westgate, which opened three years ago.Kiwi Property chief executive Clive Mackenzie said the deal marked a major milestone for its Drury development - which received fast-track consent for its first two stages last week."Costco has been a hit with Kiwi consumers since it opened its first store in Auckland and we're pleased to be working with them on this exciting opportunity to bring Costco further south," he said.The deal followed Kiwi Property's earlier sale of 1.2 hectares to supermarket operator Foodstuffs.

Hibiscus Coast beaches can glow bright blue at night.The light comes from tiny plankton that flash when waves or splashes disturb the water.Locals most often see it from late October to April on calm, dark nights around the new moon, usually a few hours after sunset.A hot, dry day helps.Light onshore winds and gentle tides can gather plankton along the shoreline.After rain, run-off may feed blooms, but strong swell or wind can scatter them.Stanmore Bay is the favourite. On glassy nights Arkles, Red Beach, north Orewa, Manly, Tindalls, and Matakatia also glow.Auckland photographer Matthew Davison is one of the best at capturing the spectacle.When he’s not taking spectacular photographs of bioluminescence at Stanmore Bay, he’s the driving force behind Extreme Pursuit.Matthew has dedicated his life to exploring NZ’s wildest places.See more of his terrific work, including his YouTube channel, here: https://extreme-pursuit.com/.Coasties can expect patchy nights, with one bay lighting up while another stays quiet.For the best chance, try a new-moon window, look for small breakers, and drag a foot through the shallows to check for sparks.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New rules will force telcos to speak plainly and show full costs on plans.The Commerce Commission wants broadband and mobile offers to be easy to compare, which matters for Hibiscus Coast households watching every dollar.Providers must follow new product disclosure guidelines on price and fees.They must show a monthly average price when it differs from the headline price and provide standard offer summaries so plans can be compared side by side.Early termination fees must be clear up front and reduce over the contract.Customers should be able to see what they still owe at any time.Why this mattersMany Kiwis struggle to know their true monthly cost.Some plans bill every 28 days, which means 13 bills a year.Others start cheap, then jump later, costing more over 12 months than a steady-price plan.The guidelines aim to remove those surprises.NZ Compare says they’re pleased. On Broadband Compare, rankings already weigh more than teaser prices, including set-up fees, router costs, post and packaging fees, customer reviews, and more.Clear, consistent info should help Coasties pick a plan that fits the budget with fewer headaches.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Fresh Coast Jobs for Fresh Starts! Looking for a new role, or know someone who is? Check out this week’s top local job picks and help a mate land their next move.Auckland CouncilPosition: Animal Shelter Officer (Operations)Location: SilverdaleHighlights:Office-based admin role with occasional kennel work supporting animal and community welfare$69,345, full-time (40 hrs), rotating roster incl. weekends/public holidays; safety-sensitive with pre-employment drug/alcohol testView the full listing & applyGenesisPosition: LPG Delivery AgentLocation: SilverdaleHighlights:Fixed-term 12 months; early starts, Mon–Fri plus some Saturdays and paid on-call weekendsClass 2 licence required; DG endorsement or training provided; physically demanding cylinder deliveriesView the full listing & applyMetlifecarePosition: Café AssistantLocation: Red BeachHighlights:Permanent part-time, 19 hrs; Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun from 10:00 (Sun 08:00)Barista service, café duties, and Sunday baking; strong customer service requiredView the full listing & applyCV Makeover TipTailor your CV and cover letter for each role by highlighting the most relevant skills and achievements. A personalised approach shows employers you’re genuinely interested and increases your chances of landing an interview.Know someone looking for work? Share these roles and help them take the next step!Need to hire fast? Reach thousands of Coasties looking! Post your job here today.

From Monday, December 1, Hibiscus Coast rentals shift to clearer pet consent rules and a new online bond system that trims paperwork and speeds up decisions.If your tenancy allows pets or you have written consent, you can keep one. A landlord can only refuse on reasonable grounds and may set fair conditions. Tenants cover pet damage beyond fair wear and tear. From December 1, a single pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent is allowed. Disability assist dogs sit outside these settings, so no consent or pet bond applies.Landlords must state the type and amount of each bond. When a pet leaves, the pet bond can be refunded. A new pet can mean a new pet bond. If rent rises, landlords can ask for a top-up on general and pet bonds. The Tenancy Tribunal can order either bond to meet any shortfall. If you already have a lawful pet before the change, you don’t need fresh consent and you can’t be charged a pet bond or given new conditions. Add a new pet later and consent conditions and a pet bond can apply.Also on December 1, Bond Hub goes live for lodgements and top-ups, including pet bonds. Landlords register and verify with RealMe, Microsoft or Google, then manage everything from a dashboard. Tenants complete their part via emailed links, no login needed. Refunds keep using the Bond Refund Form until the process moves into Bond Hub in 2026.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

After Saturday's rollover, Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot hits $45 million, a draw many Coasties will be eyeing.“Powerball has jackpotted to an epic $45 million on Wednesday,” said Lotto NZ Head of Corporate Communications, Will Hine. He reminded players that “big jackpots still have small odds, and one ticket is enough to be in the draw.”Hine also urged people to buy early to avoid peak demand, with stores busiest on Wednesday afternoon and MyLotto in the evening.Six Lotto First Division tickets each won $166,667 on Saturday tonight. Winners came from Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga, Tararua, Nelson and Otago. The winning tickets were sold at Whitcoulls Nelson and on MyLotto to players in the other regions.Strike Four was won by three players from Auckland and Canterbury, each taking home $66,667. The tickets were sold at Pak n Save Papakura, Fresh Choice Leeston and on MyLotto to an Auckland player.Hibiscus Coast players planning to enter Wednesday’s draw should buy early to avoid the afternoon rush, or use MyLotto outside peak evening times.The odds per line are:• Lotto First Division (6 numbers): 1 in 3,838,380.• Powerball First Division (Lotto Div 1 + Powerball): 1 in 38,383,800.• Strike Four (first four numbers in order): 1 in 2,193,360.Lotto NZ returns 100% of profits to Kiwi communities through grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

From this mornings Nine To Noon programme on RNZ: Auckland contributes 38 per cent of the country's GDP, but our biggest city is still facing headwinds.Unemployment is at a nine year high, the CBD shop vacancy rate is the highest in the country, and the government is considering measures to move rough sleepers out of the central city.On the bright side - the new Convention Centre is set to open, there are plans for more events at Eden Park and the long awaited City Rail Link is due next year.Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges has been vocal about the need for more central government fiscal stimulus to help Auckland recover from a long, deep recession.But he's cautiously optimistic that sentiment is lifting and better days are ahead.

Older Kiwis risk overpaying for broadband, a concern for Hibiscus Coast households watching costs as bills climb.An independent NZ Compare survey of people aged 50-plus found 49% are struggling or finding it harder to manage finances, and 85% have some financial concern. Nearly a third (30%) haven’t switched provider in more than five years, and one in four (25%) pay over $100 a month. Staying loyal could be costing up to $50 more each month.Confusion drives waste. Almost half (46%) don’t know what speed they’re paying for, and 13% aren’t confident it suits their needs. NZ Compare warns this leaves people open to “speed washing” and “connection confusion” between fixed wireless and fibre.Hassle and habit keep many put. Thirty-two percent think switching is too much effort, 39% say it’s easier to stay, and 36% stay from long-term loyalty.“Broadband prices have risen regularly over the last five years, yet our survey findings show older New Zealanders are among the least likely to switch providers to access a cheaper plan,” says Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare. “Switching and shopping around… can deliver savings of up to $400-600 a year.”The practical fix is simple. Compare plans online, match speed to actual use, and switch if a better deal appears. With more price rises likely next year, a five-minute check could put real money back in Coastie pockets.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Healthy adults who fast stay sharp.A meta-analysis led by Dr David Moreau pooled 71 studies from 1958 to 2025, covering 3,484 people across 222 cognitive tests, and found no meaningful difference between fasted and fed adults.After about 12 hours without food the body shifts from glucose to ketones, keeping the brain fuelled.Fasting can also trigger cellular clean-up and improve insulin sensitivity.Three points matter locally.Children and teens performed worse when they skipped meals, so breakfast still matters on school days.Timing counts. Performance dipped later in the day for fasted people, so tougher tasks may land better in the morning.Context counts too. Neutral tasks held steady or improved slightly, but food cues made hungry minds more distractible.David Moreau, Associate Professor of Psychology - University of Auckland.Coasties can try time-restricted eating with confidence if they’re healthy adults, plan key work earlier, and keep snack temptations out of sight.Those with medical conditions should seek advice first, and anyone working late or around food may find fasting harder to sustain.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

October’s nationwide surge in new property listings points to more choice and momentum for Hibiscus Coast buyers and sellers as summer nears. Trade Me says new listings were up 29 per cent from September and 3 per cent year-on-year, the highest since late 2021, while buyer demand rose 11 per cent month-on-month and more than 18 per cent on October 2024.“It’s awesome to see the property market firing on all cylinders in October, proving that the spring selling season is well and truly underway,” says Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd. “Buyers appear to be feeling the confidence that comes with more choice too as we’ve seen strong demand both compared to September and year-on-year.”Supply kept building into spring, with listings up 5.9 per cent year-on-year and close to 19 per cent higher than August. Property searches jumped more than 24 per cent compared with September 2024.Asking prices lifted. The national average in October was $883,200, up 6 per cent, or nearly $48,000, from September, and flat year-on-year. Twelve of 15 regions rose month-on-month, with Southland down 2 per cent, the West Coast down 1 per cent, and Taranaki unchanged. Biggest movers were Gisborne up 17 per cent, Hawke’s Bay up 13 per cent, Marlborough up 13 per cent, Northland up 11 per cent, and Bay of Plenty up 10 per cent.Homes also moved faster. Median days onsite fell from 65 in September to 57 in October, the lowest since March, a trend Coast sellers will watch closely.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]