Orewa Surf Sounds Concert is set to bring the Hibiscus Coast together on Saturday 22nd March at the Orewa Surf Club Reserve, starting at 4.30 pm. This free, community-focused event is a fundraiser for the Orewa Surf Club and promises an exciting afternoon and evening for all ages.The event will feature live entertainment, with local favourites Off the Wall performing a lively set of tunes guaranteed to get you on your feet. The concert will also host a variety of food trucks offering delicious options, and kids will be entertained with amusement rides. Professional fireworks will light up the sky at approximately 8.15 pm, adding a spectacular finish to the night.Key Details:Date: Saturday 22nd March (rain date: Sunday 23rd March)Time: 4.30 pm start, fireworks at 8.15 pmLocation: Orewa Surf Club ReserveParking: Available at Western ReserveTravel Tip: Local residents are encouraged to walk to the eventTo ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please note that dogs are not permitted, and BYO fireworks are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the Hibiscus Coast Highway, between Riverside Rd and Centreway Rd, will be closed from 7.45 pm to around 9.15 pm for the safety of event-goers.The event will be hosted by Nick from More FM Rodney, adding a lively atmosphere to the community celebration.Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening of fun, music, and fireworks. Grab your blankets, bring your family and friends, and join in the fun at the Orewa Surf Sounds Concert!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

New Zealand will showcase its extensive infrastructure pipeline and emerging growth sectors at the upcoming Infrastructure Investment Summit, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.The event, set for next week, will be attended by international investors managing over $6 trillion in capital.The summit is designed to draw investment into vital infrastructure projects aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy and enhancing living standards for Kiwis.It will bring together a range of global investment entities, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and major banks, alongside representatives from the construction and engineering sectors.“These entities manage enormous assets globally and their decision to come here demonstrates the international confidence in New Zealand’s economy,” said Mr Bishop.“We will highlight the vast opportunities available in sectors such as transport, health, education, and renewable energy, as well as four key growth areas—aquaculture, clean technology, advanced transportation, and space exploration.”The event, which spans two days, will also spotlight the Māori economy and its growing role in New Zealand’s infrastructure landscape.Iwi investment entities will present their own opportunities to international investors, further underscoring New Zealand’s potential as a destination for long-term capital.New Zealand is actively fostering an investment-friendly environment, with reforms to foreign investment laws, immigration policies, and streamlined approval processes.The Government’s “Fast Track Approvals” system aims to expedite the development of essential projects.The summit is part of a wider government strategy to drive economic growth and create more opportunities for New Zealanders.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Sporting organisations across the Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland region are being encouraged to apply for their share of a $508,000 fund aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation.Applications for Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Regional Programme Grant opened on 10 March and will remain open until 6 April 2025. The grant is specifically designed to support programmes that offer affordable sporting opportunities, targeting children, young people, Māori communities and inactive groups.Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of Auckland Council’s Community Committee, highlighted the grant's importance, saying, “Many tamariki and rangatahi across Auckland love participating in sports, physical activity and recreation. The grant aims to fund organisations that enable children and young people to develop skills, so they can enjoy sport and recreation activities now and into adulthood.”Kenneth Aiolupotea, general manager of Community Wellbeing at Auckland Council, is encouraging applications from eligible groups, particularly those with a regional focus.“Auckland Council encourages sports organisations including community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply for the grant."Organisations eligible for the funding include:Community groups, charities, and voluntary organisationsPlay, recreation, and sport “umbrella organisations” with regional reachRegional federations or groupings of local sports organisationsSport and recreation providers and advocacy groupsIwi and Māori organisations active in sport and recreationThe council recommends applicants seek partial funding and advises against relying solely on this grant to finance their programmes.Funding decisions will be made by the Community Committee in July 2025.Further details on applying can be found on the Auckland Council website.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The latest population data released today indicates New Zealand is gaining approximately one new resident every 7 minutes and 17 seconds, driven by births and net migration.As of 15:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, the country's estimated resident population stands at 5,370,450, according to Statistics New Zealand's population clock.The steady increase reflects ongoing demographic trends, with forecasts estimating:One birth every 8 minutes and 40 secondsOne death every 13 minutes and 13 secondsOne net migration gain every 10 minutes and 15 secondsThese figures are derived from the estimated resident population count as at 31 December 2024 and are based on recent demographic trends. Statistics New Zealand noted that the population clock figures do not directly correspond with census counts but rather rely on adjusted estimates from the 2018 Census data, factoring in net census undercount, residents temporarily overseas during the census, and subsequent population changes.The estimates provided are indicative and may differ from actual population changes recorded in census data.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Several months ago, Auckland Transport (AT) began looking into installing bus shelters at various stops along Bankside Road in Millwater.After receiving feedback from locals, AT acknowledged the need for better weather protection at these bus stops.Now, AT has confirmed that they are moving forward with a work package to design and install shelters and seats at the following stops along Bankside Road:Stop 4546 – 60 Bankside RdStop 4553 – Opposite 60 Bankside RdStop 4555 – 39 Bankside RdStop 4548 – 20 Bankside RdStop 4553 – opposite 60 Bankside Road, Millwater.However, the project has faced significant delays due to financial and resource constraints.AT has advised that construction work on the shelters will not be resourced until 2026 at the earliest, pushing back the anticipated timeline for residents who have been waiting for weather protection at these stops.Despite this setback, Auckland Transport’s response indicates that once funding and resources are available, the project will move forward with the design and consultation processes that were initially planned.In the meantime, residents of Millwater will need to continue using existing bus stops without shelter.What Can Locals Do?Locals can continue to voice their concerns and feedback to Auckland Transport through their website.The more input they provide, the better the chances of prioritising the project in future budgets.For now, school students and other locals who rely on public transport will have to wait a bit longer for better protection from the elements during their daily commutes.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

As a landlord in New Zealand's residential rental market, you may be overlooking a significant opportunity to reduce your tax burden. Many landlords fail to take full advantage of depreciation claims on chattels—everyday items in a rental property that lose value over time. Understanding how this process works and keeping track of your assets could mean substantial savings. Here’s what you need to know.What Are Chattels and Why Is Depreciation Important?In the context of residential rentals, chattels refer to movable personal items that are not permanently fixed to the property. These can include:Furniture: Beds, sofas, wardrobes, and dining setsAppliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and hot water cylindersElectronics: Televisions, coffee machines, and other small devicesFit-out items: Carpets, curtains, and blindsDepreciation represents the loss of value in these assets due to wear and tear, usage, or obsolescence. For landlords, depreciation is more than just an accounting tool—it’s a way to reduce taxable income. By recognising the gradual decrease in value of these chattels, you can claim a deduction, effectively lowering the amount of tax you pay.How Depreciation Claims Work for Residential RentalsUnlike commercial properties, residential rental properties in New Zealand come with specific rules around depreciation:Building Depreciation Limitations: The structure of a residential property cannot be depreciated. However, chattels, which are items you provide to tenants for their use, are eligible for depreciation.Claiming Depreciation: If your rental property is furnished with items, you may be able to claim a portion of the cost each year. For example, if you provide a washing machine or a fridge, you can deduct the depreciation for these items from your taxable rental income.Depreciation Calculation: The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has established guidelines and prescribed rates for calculating depreciation. These rates reflect how the value of each type of asset decreases over time, and they determine how much you can claim in deductions each year.Timing: It’s crucial to claim depreciation in the first year of ownership, as failing to do so means you cannot revisit past years for deductions. Once you opt out, you are deemed to have elected not to claim depreciation.For detailed IRD guidelines, you can check the official link here.The Bottom Line: Maximise Your Tax SavingsDepreciation claims on chattels provide a valuable tax deduction for residential landlords, acknowledging the natural wear and tear of everyday items. By understanding what qualifies as a chattel and following the IRD’s guidelines, you can reduce your taxable income and manage your tax liabilities more effectively.To take full advantage of these deductions, it’s important to maintain accurate records and stay updated on any changes to tax regulations. As tax laws can be complex, seeking professional advice is always a smart move. When done right, depreciation claims can be a powerful tool in your overall property management strategy.Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax or legal advice.At David Hooper Chartered Accountants, we help landlords maximise depreciation claims to reduce tax liabilities. Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

A man has tragically died following a crash involving a motorbike and a vehicle on Postman Road in Dairy Flat on Saturday afternoon.Emergency services responded to the scene at approximately 5.30 pm, situated between Dairy Stream Road and Wilks Road.The motorbike rider was confirmed dead at the scene, with police offering support to both his family and the driver of the other vehicle involved.The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, and investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

In this opinion piece, Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning at the University of Auckland, argues that the government’s push to raise speed limits on roads is both unsafe and financially unwise. Despite expert warnings and evidence showing the benefits of slower speeds, the government is moving ahead with its plan.Welch points to documents released by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which show concerns raised by Land Transport Director Brent Alderton. Alderton warned in 2024 that decisions should be based on evidence, not ideology, especially since research links higher speeds to more crashes and worse outcomes.A report by consulting firm WSP, released under the Official Information Act, highlights the economic benefits of reduced speed limits. It found that lower speed limits led to 27 fewer deaths and serious injuries annually. For every dollar spent on slightly longer travel times, New Zealand saved between NZ$2 and $10 in crash costs.Despite this evidence, the government insists that raising speed limits will boost productivity by reducing travel times. However, Welch argues that any productivity gain is outweighed by the increased costs of crashes. The Ministry of Transport estimates that serious injuries cost NZ$769,400 each, and fatalities cost NZ$14,265,600.Welch also points to data showing that speed limit reductions led to fewer accidents than expected. For example, the Blenheim to Nelson stretch of State Highway 6 saw an 82% reduction in deaths and injuries, far more than the 22% predicted. Similarly, increasing speed limits in Waikato led to a 133% increase in serious accidents.In Auckland, speed limits are set to rise from 50 km/h to 60 km/h on several urban roads, and from 60 km/h to 80 km/h on a few key roads. Welch warns that these increases could lead to more crashes and injuries, pointing to the evidence of higher crash risks when speed limits are raised.Timothy Welch argues that lower speed limits are safer and more cost-effective. Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Takapuna Golf Course Faces Major OverhaulRead moreTips for Smoother Commuting This MarchRead moreFlood of Small Businesses Expected to Come Up For SaleRead moreSilverdale Rugby to Host Sir Graham LoweRead moreEconomist Proposes New Approach to Pension ReformRead moreStay ahead of the curve—get the latest Hibiscus Coast news delivered directly to your phone.Download the Hibiscus Coast App today and never miss a story!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Small businesses across Australia and New Zealand are facing one of their toughest periods in decades.A flat economy and shifting consumer behaviour have put pressure on already thin operating margins. A 2024 survey by business finance company ScotPac found 29% of Australian small businesses say they could face insolvency if they lose a major client.Accounting organisation CPA Australia’s latest small business survey shows only 48% of New Zealand’s small businesses grew in 2023. This is significantly down from 60% in 2022. There have also been a record number of business liquidations in both New Zealand and Australia.Yet some small and medium-sized businesses are thriving. Part of the reason for this is because they have embraced the concept of “digital leadership”.This is the ability to strategically integrate digital technologies – such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics and automation – into a business’s operations, decision-making and long-term vision.Digital leaders use emerging technologies to improve efficiency, redesign business models, scale operations and reach new customers in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.Our review of the research on digital leadership, recently published in Digital Leadership and Contemporary Entrepreneurship, found that firms treating digital leadership as a core business strategy, rather than just using technology for isolated tasks, are the ones that successfully scale, grow and future-proof their organisations.Without this change in mindset, firms risk stagnation and missed opportunities. That difference is critical in an economic environment where small margins separate thriving businesses from struggling ones.Why some small businesses fall behindIt’s easy to assume small businesses lag in digital adoption because of costs or technical complexity. However, most of the studies we reviewed suggest the real issue is hesitancy at the leadership level.Some business owners are risk-averse and take a “wait and see” approach. Others believe their current solutions are sufficient even when new technology could improve efficiency.A 2021 survey commissioned by cloud accounting software company Xero, found fear of change, overconfidence in existing processes and decision paralysis are among the biggest barriers preventing small businesses from embracing digital solutions.Even businesses that already use digital tools – for example, to manage their social media – often fail to go further and integrate technology into core operations such as supply chain management and automation.Embracing digital leadershipThe lesson is that simply adopting digital tools without a strategic plan doesn’t lead to growth. True digital leadership requires businesses to rethink how they operate, compete and scale.The firms making the most of digital transformation embed technology in their core strategy. They use data-driven decision-making to refine products, forecast demand and identify new opportunities.They streamline operations by automating routine tasks, such as using AI-powered invoicing, chatbots for customer inquiries and predictive analytics for inventory management. This frees up time for strategic initiatives such as product development and market expansion.At the same time, they invest in training employees to effectively use and adapt to new technologies. Perhaps most importantly, they take an experimental approach – testing, learning and adapting in real time.Learning to thrive in the digital economyBusinesses that have successfully grown through digital leadership illustrate this approach in action.Set up in 2016, New Zealand-based investing company Sharesies fundamentally changed how everyday people access financial markets.Traditional investment firms required large deposits and complex paperwork, excluding many potential investors. Sharesies took a different approach. The company designed a mobile-first platform where users could start with as little as $5. The company now has more than 650,000 users and NZ$3 billion in investments.In Australia, The Very Good Bra, a sustainable bra company, used digital leadership to create a global, sustainable fashion brand without traditional retail infrastructure.Founder Stephanie Devine developed a direct-to-consumer model through e-commerce, bypassing wholesalers and physical stores. She utilised digital tools such as social media platforms for community engagement, online surveys to collaborate with customers to design products, and data analytics software for demand forecasting, ensuring every product had a market before it was manufactured.Both companies succeeded by leveraging digital technologies to disrupt traditional business models. Sharesies democratised investing by making it accessible to individuals with minimal capital, while The Very Good Bra utilised e-commerce and customer collaboration to create sustainable fashion products.Their digital-first approaches enabled them to identify and fill market gaps effectively.To thrive in the tougher economic climate, businesses need to think beyond software tools. The question is no longer whether to go digital, but how fast a business can rethink their work for the digital future.Authors: Rod McNaughton - Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Auckland and Guy Bate - Professional Teaching Fellow, Strategy and Innovation, University of Auckland.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Overnight wire rope barrier maintenance will be carried out on the Pūhoi on- and off-ramps at the southern end of the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway next week, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced.Contractors will be modifying and checking the concrete post footings of the barriers to ensure the continued safety of motorists. The work is set to take place between 8 pm and 5 am, and it will require a full closure of one ramp per night. Each ramp is expected to be closed for two nights.The work schedule includes the following:Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 March: Northbound road users on the motorway heading to Pūhoi will need to detour at Grand Drive, Ōrewa, travelling to Pūhoi via Hibiscus Coast Highway, or continue north to Warkworth and take the southbound exit onto old SH1.Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March: Southbound travellers intending to use the Pūhoi on-ramp will detour at Grand Drive, Ōrewa, through Hibiscus Coast Highway and Old SH1, or continue north to Warkworth and use the motorway south.A contingency night is scheduled for Monday 17 March in case any work is delayed.Temporary traffic management will be in place at the top and bottom of each ramp on their respective work nights. Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and expect disruptions during the maintenance work.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Ongoing dry weather has triggered the activation of Auckland’s Drought Management Plan, with the city’s total dam storage now sitting at 66.5 per cent. While the levels have dipped below the historical average for this time of year, officials assure Aucklanders that mandatory water restrictions are unlikely in the coming months.Over summer, the Hūnua dam catchments, which provide two-thirds of Auckland’s water, experienced 27 per cent less rainfall than usual, while the Waitākere catchments saw less than half the normal rainfall. Despite this, Auckland's chief operations officer, Mark Bourne, reassured residents that the situation is being managed effectively.“We’ve been monitoring dam levels, water demand, and weather patterns closely and actively managing our supply network to ensure we are in a strong position to weather an extended dry spell,” Bourne said.Aucklanders have been urged to continue being mindful of water use, following habits formed during previous dry spells. Bourne highlighted that although the weather forecast for March looks dry, normal rainfall is expected to return by autumn, with the potential for wetter-than-usual conditions in winter.For now, the primary focus is on managing demand and maintaining efficient water use. Simple actions like taking shorter showers, using trigger nozzles on garden hoses, and addressing any leaks can help reduce water consumption. Bourne commended Aucklanders for their efforts, pointing out that water consumption last week remained well below peak levels seen during the 2020 summer drought.To put it in perspective, Auckland's water consumption averaged 496 million litres per day, compared to 549 million litres during the height of the 2020 drought. Watercare’s efforts to manage supply are ongoing, with water being produced at the Waikato water treatment plants to slow the rate of dam decline.The city’s maintenance crews are also working diligently to fix leaks, with 16,112 leaks reported and repaired since the start of summer. Proactive leak detection efforts continue across Auckland to address hidden issues.Mayor Wayne Brown has expressed confidence in Watercare’s management of the situation. “Watercare is taking appropriate actions, and I am satisfied with how they are handling the situation,” he said.To support water conservation, Aucklanders are encouraged to:Keep showers to four minutes or less, even on hot daysUse water pistols or small paddling pools to cool off children, rather than sprinklersAttach a trigger nozzle to garden hoses to reduce wastageWater gardens during early morning or dusk to minimise evaporationRegularly check for leaks in the homeBy continuing to take these simple steps, Aucklanders can help ensure that the city remains prepared, even if the weather proves drier than expected.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Paul Brislen is on a mission this year and it could probably be summed up as: 'don't stuff things up like Australia did'.It is to do with New Zealand's 3G networks being shut down by the end of 2025, and upgraded to the next generation of technology.It is a world-wide move and Australia turned its 3G off last year. The trouble is, the repercussions are still going on there - to the extent that a Senate committee is investigating why some customers were left worse off, unable to make calls or send text messages in areas where they previously could - and that included emergency calls.Brislen is the chief executive of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum, a quasi-regulatory body in charge of dealing with umbrella issues in the sector.He says we will be hearing a lot of him this year as he pushes the message that by Christmas, anyone whose device relies on 3G to work will have had to replace it. That could mean tens of thousands of people.Working out if that is you is not as easy as reading your phone to see what you are operating on."All the phones around today use 3G," he says. "You'll see it quite often on your handset when you are travelling around the country, you'll see it will pop up, it will connect to whatever network your phone wants to connect to."So at the moment everybody's using it. The problem is if your phone will only use 3G, or if it's reliant on 3G for various bits and pieces. And that is a problem because that will not connect to anything come early next year."Our three mobile network operators - Spark, 2degrees and One NZ - are upgrading their sites to either 4G or 5G now.You may not have to throw out your phone - in fact you should not throw it out, you need to recycle it - but you may have to take it into your provider and get a setting changed."Unfortunately there's no simple way to say, 'if you've got one of these, it won't work'," he says. "You actually have to check. New Zealand is wide open, we're very transparent when it comes to phones coming into the country, you can bring them in from overseas... we don't track all of the devices that come in and some of them are set up in a way that's different in other countries to the way we set them up in New Zealand - they may not work."For those old bricks though, it is going to become clear that a new phone is in order.Brislen says in the coming weeks there will be an announcement of a short code you can text to check to see if you are okay, if your phone needs replacing, or if it's in a 'grey area'.The 3G technology has been around since the early 2000s - considered ancient in the tech world - and is now out of date. 4G and 5G are much faster and more internet-connected.Phones are not the only issue with the changeover - some lifts, air conditioning, medical devices including pacemakers, electric vehicle chargers, security systems and burglar alarms use 3G. Brislen is making his way through companies whose devices connect to the internet to alert them to potential issues.The Detail also talks to e-waste expert Patrick Moynahan from Echotech, on the importance of safe disposal of devices that contain lithium and other rare earth minerals, many of which are a fire risk.He tells Amanda Gillies that there are more than 10 fires a day in New Zealand caused by batteries, often in landfills or rubbish trucks after people have dumped their old phones or gaming controllers in the bin - and that is just what gets reported."Five rubbish trucks and recycling trucks caught fire the first two weeks of 2025 alone."Moynahan says there would be a significantly higher number of phones disposed of that way than recycled properly."For me, it's wasteful. There's no regulation in the New Zealand market so there's not a tremendous amount of awareness for consumers."But if your phone ends up in landfill, chances are the toxic chemicals inside it will leach out into waterways or soil.

With the Hibiscus Coast, like much of New Zealand, facing an ageing population, economist Susan St John has introduced a fresh approach to pension reform aimed at reducing costs while supporting those who need it most.In her recent paper, New Zealand Superannuation as a Basic Income, St John, an honorary associate professor at the University of Auckland, explores how New Zealand's superannuation system can be reworked to address the financial pressures ahead.St John, who is part of the University’s Pensions and Intergenerational Equity Hub, highlights the economic challenges posed by the country’s rapidly ageing population.“The idea behind the proposal is to free up funds for those in need. More retirees have inadequate savings, are still renting, or are paying off mortgages. Many organisations, including foodbanks, are alarmed by rising poverty among older people, while aged-care facilities will struggle with the surge in demand,” she says.St John reviews several potential cost-saving measures, including raising the pension eligibility age.However, she argues that this approach would be “an ineffective tool that harms the most vulnerable while leaving well-off retirees untouched.”She also dismisses cutting the rate of New Zealand Super, calling it “another highly unattractive option that would lead to disastrous levels of poverty among older people.”Instead, she proposes a more targeted solution: clawing back superannuation from top earners to generate additional revenue for critical areas such as aged care, education, poverty reduction, and climate change.Her proposal introduces the New Zealand Superannuation Grant (NZSG), a universal, non-taxable weekly payment “set at the current net amount received by those with no other income.”St John argues that transforming the pension into a basic income could achieve significant savings with minimal harm compared to other options.The NZSG would ensure a basic income floor for all people aged 65 and over, regardless of their other income.“Whether other income is from paid work or investments, and whether it reduces or disappears, the right to the basic income floor of the NZSG would remain,” says St John.Under realistic scenarios, St John suggests that the proposal could save “at least 15 percent or $3 billion of the net cost of New Zealand Superannuation (NZS) per annum with little impact on the majority of low-income retirees.”The NZSG system, according to St John, would be simpler and more efficient than other forms of clawback, such as the welfare-type income test or the 1985 surcharge.She notes that because the NZSG “is consistent with current arrangements that don’t require any retirement test, there would be little disincentive to earn extra from paid work.”St John also suggests that once established, the NZSG could be expanded as a basic income to other groups, such as those in their 60s receiving the supported living payment.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Tourism New Zealand's latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) data shows that the surge in spending has significantly boosted the economy.Visitor spending in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone reached $3.2 billion, up 20% from the same period in 2023.The rise in international tourism follows recent data from the Tourism Satellite Account, confirming the sector’s recovery post-pandemic.This increase in spending supports export earnings, benefits local businesses, and creates new job opportunities across the country.Rene de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, commented, “This encouraging trend in spending drives export earnings, but it also contributes to the success of local businesses and communities, and creates employment opportunities. This is a crucial part of supporting a productive and sustainable tourism industry.”The top three international markets for spending in 2024 were:Australia: $3.48 billion (up 2.9%)USA: $1.66 billion (up 20.6%)China: $1.41 billion (up 146.9%)International holiday visitors contributed $7.5 billion, a 30% increase from 2023.Additionally, nearly one-third of these visitors explored four or more regions of the country.Over the year, the appeal of New Zealand’s landscapes and scenery remained the primary motivator for holidaymakers, with many visitors also engaging with Māori culture.An impressive 97% of international visitors from October to December 2024 reported that their experience in New Zealand met or exceeded their expectations.Mr de Monchy is optimistic about the future, stating, “After ending 2024 on a high, I’m confident that the 2025 tourism season will be filled with many more exceptional experiences and memories for visitors to seek out and share with friends and family when they get back home.”Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Whangaparaoa Blues FestivalSat 08 MarchMore detailsDigital SeniorsEvery WednesdayMore detailsPlayful Puppy ClassWed 12 March.More detailsWant to see more events?Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

Emergency services are responding to a three-car crash on the Northern Motorway, near the Silverdale off-ramp, which occurred at 11.55am today.One person has been transported to the hospital, while the crash has resulted in one southbound lane being blocked. Motorists are advised to expect delays or consider alternative routes.Both southbound lanes are now blocked following the incident. Drivers are encouraged to delay their journeys or allow extra time for potential delays and diversions.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Silverdale Rugby Club will host the highly anticipated Men in Business: Game Plan for Success event, organised by the Silverdale Business Association.The event will feature Sir Graham Lowe, the legendary rugby league coach, who will share his expertise on leadership, resilience, and achieving success in business.This exclusive evening offers local business owners and professionals a unique opportunity to connect over drinks and nibbles while gaining valuable insights from one of New Zealand's most respected figures in both sport and leadership.Sir Graham will speak on how the principles of leadership and resilience from rugby league can be applied to thriving in the business world.Event Details:Date: 18 March 2025Location: Silverdale Rugby ClubTicket Info:One free ticket for Silverdale Business Association membersAdditional and non-member tickets: $35 + GSTDon't miss this opportunity to hear from a true local legend and gain practical tools for success.Reserve your spot today and get ready to enhance your business game plan!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Motorists will now face two agencies tracking their speed with the power to fine them - but not for the same offence.Police are running tenders for two types of speed detectors - radar and laser - to be fitted in patrol cars, or operated outside them.The tender says its existing gear is at the end of its life.Up until now, the police had these detectors plus ran the country's network of fixed and mobile speed cameras.But that network is now being handed over to the Transport Agency.On Monday, the police said it would be working with the Transport Agency to complement each other."This work will include steps to ensure that motorists are not ticketed twice for the same offence, due to officers and cameras operating in the same vicinity."