The Government has announced a proposal to replace the NCEA qualification system with a new structure aimed at better preparing students for work, training, or further study.Under the proposed changes, NCEA Level 1 would be removed.Year 11 students would instead sit a literacy and numeracy foundation test and be required to take English and Maths.From Year 12, two new qualifications would replace NCEA Levels 2 and 3:The New Zealand Certificate of Education (Year 12)The New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (Year 13)Each would require students to take five subjects and pass at least four, with results graded clearly from A to E.The new system would also introduce a nationally consistent curriculum for Years 9–13, and stronger vocational pathways designed in partnership with industry.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the current NCEA system is inconsistent and doesn’t always meet the needs of students or employers.Education Minister Erica Stanford added that the changes are about lifting standards and giving parents clearer information.For families on the Hibiscus Coast, this means their teens could soon be learning under a more structured, internationally benchmarked system.The Government says it wants every student, whether aiming for trades, uni, or direct employment, to have the skills to thrive.These changes are part of a broader education reform already underway, including daily lessons in reading, writing, and maths, phone bans in class, and updated curricula in English and maths.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

North Shore Hospital has an entire ward of people stuck in hospital with no medical reason to be there.The 20-bed ward was created in May for patients who were effectively medically discharged but did not have anywhere to go for lower level care, such as an aged care facility.RNZ understands they were not under the direct care of doctors, but were looked after by nurses and allied health staff such as physiotherapists and social workers.Some were there for weeks.Health NZ's Waitematā operations director Brad Healey said started the dedicated ward to help boost capacity in the busy winter period.It had helped improve the flow of patients because people were spending less time in emergency departments and were getting the care they needed sooner, he said.Deborah Powell heads the APEX Union, which includes allied health workers.It was not unusual for the patients to be in the ward for two or three weeks, but sometimes it was longer, she said.It was not ideal but it was a good, practical decision to have them in one place rather than dotted around the hospital, she said."It would be better to have them in the community but we just don't have that capacity out there at the moment."The head of the senior doctor's union, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Sarah Dalton, said it was not good for people to be in hospital when they did not need to be."You're much better off to be in the community where you can be dressed and walking around and doing your daily things and doing exercise and getting rehab and all of those good things," she said.Having people stuck in hospital, also helped create longer surgical waiting lists, she said."One of the biggest contributors to cancellations of elective surgeries in hospitals is that there aren't enough staffed beds to put the patients in after their surgery.""It has a domino effect back through the hospital in terms of other people's ability to access care."The government needed to do more to fund public aged residential care and also support services that allowed people to go back to their own homes, rather than the "last resort" of having to stay in hospital, Dalton said.Association of Salaried Medical Specialists chief executive Sarah Dalton. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroHealth NZ's Brad Healey said each patient in the ward had a "responsible medical clinician" and could access medical care if their condition changed and a further medical assessment was needed."The patients have complex discharge pathways, requiring specialist nursing and allied health workforces," he said.Those teams worked closely with the patients and their whānau to get the discharge support they needed, he said.

Voting papers hit Coastie letterboxes from 9 September as the 2025 local elections get underway across Auckland, including right here on the Hibiscus Coast.Need to enrol or check if you can vote?Who can vote and how to enrol:https://voteauckland.co.nz/en/who-can-vote-how-to-enrol.htmlA total of 476 nominations were received before the Friday 1 August deadline, meaning all 172 available positions will be contested—except for two uncontested seats in Ōrākei and Rodney. That’s 11 more nominations than in 2022.Every three years, Coasties vote by post to choose:1 Auckland mayor20 ward councillors151 local board membersTwelve people have put their names forward for mayor, with a full list of ward and board candidates available from today at voteauckland.co.nz/candidates.How the winners are decidedAll elections in Auckland use the First Past the Post (FPP) system. You simply tick the name of the candidate(s) you want elected. If three positions are up for grabs, you can vote for up to three people. Those with the most votes win.So why does this matter? Local government decisions directly affect daily life. That includes:The rates you payHow parks, libraries, pools and roads are fundedRules about where your dog can goEvents, building consents, rubbish collection, and moreGovernance and Engagement GM Lou-Ann Ballantyne says the diversity of candidates shows Aucklanders are stepping up for their communities. A newly upgraded Vote Auckland website will help voters find candidate details specific to their address.Ballantyne says, “That voting paper is more powerful than some may think—otherwise someone else will choose for you.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Some local amusement ride and adventure providers on the Hibiscus Coast may soon face fewer hurdles, as the Government proposes changes to simplify health and safety rules.Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has kicked off consultation on easing compliance for recreation and entertainment businesses, aiming to reduce pressure while keeping people safe.At the heart of the changes is a tweak to the definition of “adventure activities.”Right now, it’s so broad that low-risk activities like cycle trail rides may fall under the same strict rules as bungy jumping.The proposed change would tighten that definition so only higher-risk businesses need to meet the tougher standards.For Coasties, that could mean it’ll be simpler for local operators to run family-friendly outdoor experiences without facing unnecessary red tape.The second proposal affects amusement ride rules.Only transportable, high-risk devices like large Ferris wheels would need council permits, not small merry-go-rounds or fixed school fair rides.Ms van Velden also wants to clarify health and safety expectations for volunteers.Groups involved in pest control, trail maintenance, or emergency responses have said unclear rules are discouraging people from helping out.The Government is consulting widely and expects a bill later this year.If approved, these changes could mean fewer forms and lower costs for community events and local operators.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Coast Bakeries Nab Big Pie GloryRead moreRising Gas Bills Squeeze Hibiscus Coast HouseholdsRead moreCoastie Success Story: Dental Suite Silverdale ShinesRead moreVictoria Short, Gary Brown Enter RaceRead moreSilverdale Medical Centre Ups Prices AgainRead moreYour Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

Stand-alone homes are driving the first annual rise in new home consents in two years, according to new Stats NZ data.In the year ended June 2025, 33,979 new homes were consented across New Zealand, up 1.0 percent from the year before. The growth was largely thanks to a 6.3 percent rise in stand-alone house consents, which hit 15,858 nationwide.By contrast, consents for multi-unit homes like townhouses and apartments dipped 3.2 percent to 18,121. Within that, townhouses fell 5.3 percent, while apartments bucked the trend with a 12 percent rise.Auckland’s figures helped tip the scales. The region saw a 3.2 percent annual increase, with 14,295 new homes consented. It’s the first time since early 2023 that Auckland has recorded growth.Coasties may not be surprised. With strong demand for family homes, a move back toward traditional stand-alone builds could mean more developments suited to the local lifestyle and land availability.Regionally, Otago stood out with a 48 percent jump, the fastest growth in the country.While the June 2025 quarter saw a slight dip compared to last year (8,196 homes consented, down from 8,279), stand-alone homes continued to edge up. In seasonally adjusted terms, stand-alone consents rose 1.8 percent over the quarter.It’s a small but steady sign of recovery in the housing sector.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A proposed Government ban on payment surcharges is under fire from the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, who say it could hurt small businesses, including some on the Hibiscus Coast.The new law would stop retailers from passing on card and contactless payment fees to customers. But Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says that while the goal is fair, the impact could be damaging.“No one wants consumers hit with unreasonable fees,” says Bridges. “But banning surcharges outright could do real harm to small businesses, particularly in retail, hospitality, and tourism.”Leeann Watson from Business Canterbury adds that most small and medium-sized businesses use surcharges just to cover merchant fees. If that option disappears, they will either need to raise prices for everyone or absorb the cost themselves. For many, especially those tied to recommended retail pricing, neither option works.The NZCCI says the plan could shift New Zealand from a user-pays model to one where everyone pays, regardless of how they choose to pay.That’s a real concern for Coastie businesses working on tight margins, particularly in tourism or food service.Instead, the Chambers want the Government to focus on the root issue: high merchant fees from banks and payment providers.A formal submission on the bill is expected later this year. Until then, Bridges says there is still time to find a better way that supports both shoppers and small business owners.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Drivers heading south from the Hibiscus Coast next week will need to plan ahead.Full overnight closures of State Highway 1 (SH1) between Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road are planned from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 August.The NZTA has confirmed the southbound lanes will shut from 9pm to 5am each night for maintenance.Closures will include the Silverdale southbound on-ramp and the Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp.Detours will be clearly signposted, with motorists advised to use Twin Coast Discovery Highway, East Coast Road and Oteha Valley Road instead.Weather may impact the schedule, and some ramp or lane restrictions could begin earlier in the evening.There’s also a separate closure tied to the Penlink project in the same area and time window, adding to the disruption.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

What makes a home truly ‘drier’? It’s a question Coasties might be asking this winter as condensation creeps across windows and dehumidifiers hum in the background. A new study suggests we might be measuring it all wrong.Dr Michael Rehm from the University of Auckland, along with researchers Dr Rochelle Ade and Dr V. Vishnupriya, studied winter humidity in a 7-Homestar certified Auckland apartment block for residents aged over 65. While the green-rated building promotes warmer, healthier, and drier homes, relative humidity inside often sat above the recommended 40 to 60 percent range.But here’s the twist. That doesn’t mean it was unhealthy.Senior property lecturer Dr Michael Rehm from Auckland University Business School.When the team measured absolute humidity (the actual moisture in the air), the levels fell within the healthy range. Most residents also reported feeling comfortable, despite the numbers.So why does this matter for the Hibiscus Coast?Because green ratings like Homestar are being used to shape future housing. If key words like “drier” aren’t properly explained, it could lead to confusion or poor design decisions for coastal areas that are naturally humid.“In places like Auckland, outdoor air is already humid, so natural ventilation won’t always lower relative humidity,” says Dr Rehm. “That doesn’t make a home damp.”The researchers want green building tools to define ‘drier’ clearly and consider both types of humidity. It’s a small fix that could make a big difference in how we measure comfort and health in local homes.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The demolition of an aging grandstand will increase the crowd capacity at the home of the ASB Classic, ahead of next year's tennis tournament and bring the venue in line with international requirements.A grant from Auckland Council's Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund will allow Tennis Auckland to demolish the Robinson Grandstand at the southern end of the arena on Stanley street, which is one step towards getting a long-debated roof for centre court.The Robinson Grandstand, built in 1962, has "come to the end of its useful life" and will be replaced with a removable grandstand in place in time for the ASB Classic on 5 January, 2026.The new removable structure will allow the tournament organisers to ensure the Manuka Doctor Arena - formerly the ASB Tennis Centre - meets updated requirements from world tennis governing bodies WTA and ATP.In recent times, the ASB Classic has received dispensation to host the tournament due to the courts not meeting minimum court size and capacity for spectators also falling short of the minimum requirements.ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said the new stand, like those used in UK tournaments including the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, will be a significant positive development for the tournament."We have had dispensation on minimum court size, but this has become challenging," Lamperin said."We also need the extra capacity and the planned grandstand will provide an excellent addition for fans at the tournament. I am sure it will help attract some players and will be well received by all players."Work will start immediately on the demolition of the Robinson Stand, with council funding combined with a grant from Grassroots Trust.The court extension would allow for the potential to host other sports events, including basketball, netball, volleyball and beach volleyball.Tennis Auckland chief executive officer Rohan West said the new stand would accommodate seating to ensure the arena meets the ATP criteria and had the flexibility to offer a range of options from standard seats to high-end padded seats.West said Tennis Auckland was working "diligently" on its vision of a roof for the centre court, with the new grandstand part of that overall concept."The ASB Classic is the largest driver of economic growth on Auckland's event calendar," West said."Our overall vision for the Manuka Doctor Arena is a crucial way for the ASB Classic to compete against competition from more modern venues in Australia, Asia and the Middle East."

Ratepayers across the country, including on the Hibiscus Coast, now have a clearer view of where their money is going, thanks to new council performance metrics published this week.Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the move is about putting facts into the hands of locals, especially during a cost-of-living crunch.“Some ratepayers are getting more and more fed up with rising rates hitting pockets harder than ever,” he said.“It’s important that they can see how their council is performing and what it’s delivering.”The new data shows how much councils are spending on essentials like infrastructure, how rates compare across the country, and how much debt and staffing is involved.You can now check how your council stacks up at www.dia.govt.nz/local-government-performance-metrics.The Minister also confirmed the Government is exploring a system to cap rates increases.With many Coasties already feeling financial pressure, any future change to rates policy could have a direct local impact.For our community, the bigger takeaway is transparency.This gives Coasties the chance to ask harder questions and push for spending that truly benefits our area.Especially when it comes to basic services and infrastructure.Whether you're concerned about the state of our roads, how council staff are funded, or what’s driving your latest rates bill, this is a new chance to get informed and stay engaged.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you've noticed Lyme disease popping up in your newsfeed, you're not imagining things. Kiwi Google searches have surged this week, and it’s all linked to pop star Justin Timberlake.The singer, who just wrapped his Forget Tomorrow world tour, shared in a heartfelt Instagram post that he’s been dealing with some health struggles—one of them being Lyme disease. His goal? To help others understand what it really is and why early treatment matters.So what is Lyme disease?It’s a bacterial infection passed to humans through the bite of blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks). The ticks carry Borrelia burgdorferi, and the illness is most common in parts of North America, Europe and Asia.New Zealand doesn’t have a known population of these ticks, so local cases are rare and usually travel-related. Still, it’s a timely reminder to check symptoms and get medical advice after overseas hiking trips.Lyme disease isn’t contagious between people. Most cases can be cleared with antibiotics, but some people still experience fatigue and other issues months later.Justin Timberlake’s honesty is prompting a fresh wave of public awareness—and for many Kiwis, it’s the first time they’ve really looked into the disease.So if you’ve been Googling it too, you’re not alone.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Country Rock Mini FestivalSat 2 AugClick here for more detailsShe Loves GolfSun 3 AugClick here for more detailsElectrify Hibiscus CoastTue 12 AugClick here for more detailsWant to see more events?Explore Things To Do in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App anytime, anywhere.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here

Mayor Wayne Brown has announced two candidates for the Albany Ward under the 'Fix Auckland' banner: Victoria Short and Gary Brown.Both are set to run for Auckland Council, with a focus on accountability, financial discipline, and community-first leadership.Victoria Short is a trained accountant with experience in both local and central government.She’s known for her focus on value-for-money decision-making and is a volunteer trustee for Life Education North Shore.Gary Brown, a familiar face on the Hibiscus Coast, currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and brings over 30 years of community involvement, including work with Silverdale Rugby Club and North Harbour Rugby.Wayne Brown says the pair reflect Fix Auckland’s practical and results-driven approach to governance.“They understand the importance of fixing our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and making sure every ratepayer dollar delivers real value.”Locally, this is a big move.The Albany Ward covers East Coast Bays, Upper Harbour, and the Hibiscus Coast—areas where residents have often voiced concern about infrastructure, rates, and council efficiency.“Residents can expect a team that stands firmly for accountability, transparency, and results,” says Victoria.Gary adds, “We want to ensure that the ratepayer is at the forefront of every financial decision we make.”With local elections drawing near, the duo will be campaigning on promises of better services, less waste, and community-first leadership.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Applications are now open for the 2026 round of On Farm Support science scholarships, aimed at growing the next generation of on-farm advisers for New Zealand’s primary sector.The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is offering six scholarships worth a total of $30,000 to students studying agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, or science degrees. Applicants must have completed at least one year of study and have a clear interest in advisory work with farmers and growers.Launched in 2023, the programme is already showing results. Recipients like Ffion White and Nerissa Edwards have gone on to secure roles in farm consultancy and nutrient management. Ffion is now interning with Ballance Agri-Nutrients, while Nerissa works full-time at KS Agri in Feilding.Both credit the scholarship for helping them build connections and gain hands-on experience. MPI’s director of On Farm Support, Vanessa Winning, says that’s exactly the goal—supporting students to enter science-backed advisory roles that help boost farm productivity and sustainability.For Coasties with teens studying ag or science at uni, this could be a great stepping stone into a meaningful, land-connected career. Applications close 15 September 2025.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

From 1 September, vintage vehicle and private motorhome owners will no longer need to queue up twice a year for inspections. New rules will shift these checks to once a year.Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the change, calling it "commonsense and freeing people up to enjoy their vehicles." The update affects around 128,000 vintage light vehicles (40 years or older) and 39,000 privately owned heavy motorhomes across the country.Public support was clear. Ninety-eight percent of submissions backed annual inspections for vintage cars, and 89 percent supported the same for motorhomes. These vehicles are often driven less and cared for more. They are also half as likely to be at fault in serious crashes compared to modern vehicles.For Coasties, this means more time behind the wheel and less time in the queue. Whether it's a well-loved classic parked in the garage or a motorhome prepped for a long getaway, this update brings a welcome win for local owners.The change is part of the Government’s wider Land Transport Rules Reform Programme. A broader review of WoF and CoF rules for all light vehicles is still to come.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, 1/8A bit of sun and cloud with a chilly southerly breeze.High: 14Low: 5Saturday, 2/8Mostly sunny and breezy with a crisp sou’wester.High: 14Low: 7Sunday, 3/8Plenty of sun and a cool sou’easter blowing through.High: 13Low: 6Monday, 4/8Clouds rolling in with a fairly breezy sou’easter.High: 13Low: 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!

Is it time to consider selling your property investments and put the money into assets that actually grow the economy?One investment expert says New Zealand would be a lot better off if such a change were to occur.Jeremy Williamson, head of private wealth and markets at Craigs Investment Partners, said there was momentum building for a move away from a "love affair with property and property investing"."We think that's great for a number of reasons. New Zealand is always going to have an affinity with property investment but there are so many benefits for us as a country if we can turn the dial away from it, into more productive parts of the economy."He said property investment was not the most efficient way to help create a better life for the next generation of New Zealanders."What does it do on a national scale for us if we're just buying and selling houses back to each other to create wealth? I don't necessarily believe for the collective it works."He said New Zealanders' knowledge about investing in other assets was growing."If you put $100 into a New Zealand house 30 years ago it would be worth nearly $600. If you put it in New Zealand shares, it would be $1100."He said people had favoured property investment for the reassurance of being able to "touch and see" it, but that was changing."There is a whole generation of people who got burnt in 1987 in the sharemarket crash. But the reality is that generation is starting to pass and there is a new generation of people coming through that have had a really positive experience in asset classes outside property."He said the ability to leverage a property investment - borrow money from the bank to buy a house with only a 30 percent deposit, for example - would also make it appealing.But he said if even 10 percent of the money being invested into property went into other assets, it would make a big difference."We over-allocate to property, we're reinforcing inequality through investment in an asset class that isn't productive. We're inflating the asset class and putting it out of reach for the next generation."If we were to set ourselves an objective, we want a more productive economy, more opportunities for our kids, all that stuff, if we're allocating capital into more productive asset classes the tax take from that downstream is going to increase anyway."He said there was also a conversation to be had about creating the right tax incentives to encourage that."It's worth discussing at a national level. A house can't grow an economy. Investing in productive, growing companies can change the economy for the good."He said now could be a good time to realise property investments and put the money into other asset classes.Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said the average residential property investment return over the 10 years to March 2025 was 9.5 percent a year, including rents and capital gains.Morningstar said the per annum return of a typical aggressive KiwiSaver fund over that period was 9.34 percent."The worst 10-year stretch was the 10 years to June 2017 (8.7 percent per annum), and the best was the 10 years to December 2021 (14 percent per annum)."He said housing could be less central to investments in the future."The house price falls in 2022/23 have demonstrated that house prices are not a sure bet to always go up."Significant increases in insurance costs and local government rates mean that the operating expenses associated with rental property are much higher than in the past."He said KiwiSaver had also made people more familiar and comfortable with financial investments."A lack of expectations about capital gains for housing is also likely to limit investor demand for property for some time yet. Poor housing affordability and low rental yields suggest limited room for house prices to be bid up significantly - and rising property values are a key component of property being an attractive investment."Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura KiwiSaver, said he agreed that New Zealand needed to move away from property."With the world moving into negative population growth in the next few years it will have massive implications on property prices. The dynamics for property don't look great over the next 10 to 15 years when you consider the potential for slowing to no population growth, falling real wages and higher interest rates driven by inflation."He said Bitcoin had been the asset class that had delivered the best performance of the past decade.It had given investors a 45,000 percent return."However it is important to point out that during this period it went from being a small speculative asset class to gaining acceptance into the mainstream. That is evidenced by the launch of the ETFs the inclusion by governments of Bitcoin in their reserves."While it is highly unlikely that we see this type of growth again - it is important to point out that Bitcoin is still a small asset class compared to others. With a market cap of US$2.4tr it is only 10 percent of the value of gold, just over 50 percent of the market cap of Nvidia and tiny compared to the value of the real estate market. If adoption continues we expect to see some of these gaps close."Though while less risky than it was a few years ago, risk still exists. It is important that investors remain diversified and don't place all their bets on any single asset or asset class because history shows assets will always move in cycles."

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to take house fire safety seriously. Seventeen people have died in preventable residential fires over the past year—marking the worst toll in a decade.With cooler weather increasing the use of heaters and electric blankets, Risk Reduction and Investigations Manager Peter Gallagher says it's time for every household to make fire safety a priority.“A fire can be un-survivable within just three minutes,” he said. “It’s crucial to have working smoke alarms in the right places.”Many of the recent fatal fires had smoke alarms installed, but not in the rooms where fires started. Gallagher stresses the need for alarms in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas—including sleepouts and caravans.For Coasties, this hits close to home. Many local homes have older wiring, rely on plug-in heaters, or include separate sleepouts, which increases the need for a proper escape plan.A good three-step escape plan includes:Working smoke alarms in every key areaA primary and alternative exitA safe meeting point outsideGallagher also reminded people to keep clothing and bedding at least a metre away from heaters, check electric blankets for hot spots, and never use outdoor equipment to heat your home.“Take the time this weekend to put some of these simple steps in place. They can save lives.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.