Maintenance work to ensure the continued safety of wire rope barriers along State Highway 1 (SH1) – Ara Tūhono, between Pūhoi and Warkworth, commenced this week. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has reported that crews are focused on maintaining a 5km stretch of barriers located between the Johnstones Hill tunnels and the Watson Rd bridge crossing (the third bridge when heading north).To minimise disruption for motorists, the maintenance work will occur overnight, from 6pm to 6am, Monday to Thursday. During these hours, a temporary speed limit of 60km/h will be in place, with a shoulder and single-lane closure near the work zone. At any given time, the work will be confined to a maximum of 1.5km within the larger 5km stretch.The maintenance is expected to take up to three weeks to complete, with work dependent on favourable weather conditions. Motorists are advised to stay alert for changes in road conditions during this period.This maintenance work aims to keep the motorway's safety features in top condition, ensuring smoother and safer travel for everyone using this key route.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland has earned two prestigious accolades at the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Sky Choice Travel Awards, securing the title of "Destination of the Year" and seeing Auckland Airport crowned "International Airport of the Year."The January awards, assessed by a panel of travel experts, media professionals, and frequent travellers, acknowledged 120 standout brands across aviation, hospitality, and destinations.Auckland's recognition was based on its exceptional tourism offerings, growth in global aviation links, and its vibrant cultural scene.Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, expressed pride in the achievements, highlighting the city's commitment to excellence in providing a world-class experience for visitors."This recognition not only reflects the hard work and dedication of our team but also underscores Auckland’s growing stature as a leading global destination,” Hill said.“We’re excited to continue promoting Auckland’s stunning landscapes, rich Māori culture, and diverse cuisine.”Key strengths in Auckland’s submission included its cultural diversity, with over 200 ethnic communities, and its wide array of events such as sailing regattas, music festivals, and Māori celebrations.Auckland's natural beauty was also spotlighted, from its three harbours and 48 volcanic cones to its pristine beaches and nature reserves, offering outdoor experiences like sailing, surfing, and hiking.Auckland’s aviation connections to China were another highlight, with direct flights to seven major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.These strong air links have cemented Auckland’s position as a key global destination, further bolstered by the city’s recognition in Lonely Planet’s "Best in Travel 2022" and ranking third in TripAdvisor’s South Pacific region awards.As the recipient of the "Destination of the Year" award, Auckland joins a prestigious list of destinations vying for recognition from the Chinese travel industry.This award marks a significant milestone in the city's tourism sector, reaffirming Auckland’s appeal to international visitors and its growing global influence.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

A devastating fire has destroyed a home on Lees Street in Milldale today, with a parked car in the driveway also engulfed by flames. Nine fire engines from Fire and Emergency New Zealand were dispatched to the scene, along with police. While authorities have not confirmed if anyone was home at the time, neighbouring homes may have been affected by the blaze, with some residents reporting smoke damage.An eyewitness described the rapid spread of the fire, stating that the house was completely engulfed in flames within less than 30 minutes. "It was shocking how quickly it went up," they said.Despite the swift response, the house and car were destroyed. FENZ’s primary focus was controlling the blaze, and as of now, the cause of the fire has not been determined.The investigation will begin once fire crews have fully dealt with the situation.Local residents remain concerned about the potential impact on nearby homes, and Police are continuing to secure the area.Photos: The Hibiscus Coast App staff reporter.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties may have noticed something sweet becoming a little more expensive lately—chocolate bars.Whether it’s your daily treat or a gift for someone special, prices on the shelves have been creeping up, and it’s all due to a mix of global and local factors.A big part of the price increase comes from a shortage of cocoa.The majority of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, particularly Ivory Coast and Ghana, but poor harvests there have caused cocoa prices to skyrocket.A combination of extreme weather, disease, and underinvestment in cocoa farming has led to a dramatic drop in production.This has sent cocoa prices up by three times since early 2023, and as a result, chocolate makers worldwide—including in New Zealand—have had no choice but to pass those costs on to consumers.While New Zealand doesn’t grow cocoa, our local market hasn’t been spared.Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 caused damage to infrastructure, which disrupted supply chains and drove up the cost of transporting goods.That’s made imported items like chocolate even more expensive here on the Hibiscus Coast.There’s also the issue of the New Zealand dollar (NZD).The NZD has weakened against the US dollar in the past year, and since a lot of the ingredients used in chocolate—like sugar and dairy—are priced in US dollars, this has added to the overall cost of chocolate bars.Big brands like Whittaker’s and Mondelez (which owns Cadbury) have confirmed they’ve raised prices in response to these rising costs.For example, Whittaker’s hiked prices by about 10% in late 2023. Supermarkets like Woolworths and Foodstuffs have reflected these price increases in their shelf prices as well.On top of all that, there’s ongoing talk about a potential sugar tax in New Zealand.Although it hasn’t been introduced yet, some believe chocolate makers might be raising prices now in anticipation of it, which could add further pressure on costs down the line.Another factor is the growing demand for ethically sourced cocoa.As more people want to ensure that their chocolate is Fair Trade-certified, manufacturers are facing higher costs to meet these sustainability standards.These costs, too, often get passed onto consumers.For now, it seems that chocolate prices are likely to stay high, with cocoa production expected to stabilise only in the coming years.This increase in prices is part of a wider trend in rising living costs that is impacting many household staples here on the Hibiscus Coast, making it a little harder for everyone to enjoy a good piece of chocolate.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

New Zealand Food Safety is urging customers to check their freezers after a recall was issued for Pams brand Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets due to the possible presence of small pieces of blue rubber. The affected product is a 1kg bag with a best-before date of 16 October 2025.Deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, Vincent Arbuckle, said, "If you have a 1kg bag of Pams Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets with a best-before date of 16 October 2025, don’t eat them. Return the nuggets to the place of purchase for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw them out."The affected products were sold at a number of New Zealand supermarkets, including Four Square, Gilmours, New World, Pak’nSave, and Social Supermarket stores nationwide.As a precautionary measure, the products have already been removed from the shelves.This issue was flagged by a customer complaint, and no injuries have been reported. "As is our usual practice, we will work with Foodstuffs Own Brands to understand how this issue arose and to prevent it from happening again," said Arbuckle.Consumers are advised to check the best-before date of the 1kg packages and to dispose of or return any affected products for a full refund. The recall is specific to this product, and no other Pams brand items are involved.If you have consumed any of the affected chicken nuggets and have health concerns, New Zealand Food Safety recommends seeking medical advice. The recall does not affect any other Pams products.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

In her opinion piece, Professor Alexandra Andhov from the University of Auckland’s Business and Law Schools warns that New Zealand faces significant challenges in regulating powerful tech companies such as Meta, Google, and Microsoft.As these multinational corporations expand their global influence, they operate beyond the control of most governments, raising concerns over national sovereignty and the effectiveness of local regulations.New Zealand has made several efforts in the past decade to curb the growing power of big tech through voluntary agreements and tax legislation.However, the rapid growth of these companies, predominantly based in the United States, has made it increasingly difficult for New Zealand to manage their impact on its society and economy.One of the most prominent challenges faced by New Zealand is the increasing role these tech companies play in moderating speech.Facebook, for example, has been accused of censoring political content and amplifying hate speech.The Christchurch terrorist attack livestreamed on Facebook highlighted New Zealand's limited power to prevent such content from spreading globally.In response, then-prime minister Jacinda Ardern launched the Christchurch Call initiative, aimed at combating online extremism.However, the ongoing cooperation of tech companies remains uncertain, with recent reports suggesting that support for the initiative is waning.New Zealand has also proposed measures to regulate big tech, including a 3% digital tax on the revenue of global tech giants.While this proposal signals an important step toward holding these companies accountable, its implementation is uncertain, with clauses in the law allowing for tax collection to be deferred until 2030.As big tech companies continue to push back against regulation, New Zealand's ability to manage their influence remains under strain.For residents of the Hibiscus Coast, the growing influence of big tech companies could have significant effects on local businesses, privacy, and access to information.As these global entities continue to dominate the digital landscape, it’s crucial for locals to stay informed about how New Zealand’s efforts to regulate them could shape the community.Whether it’s through taxes, content moderation, or competition laws, these decisions will have a direct impact on both the local economy and how residents interact with technology.The challenges New Zealand faces in regulating big tech reflect a broader global issue, with tech companies wielding unprecedented power.As these corporations continue to influence the digital world, there is an urgent need for more effective regulations to balance the benefits of digital connectivity with the protection of local democratic processes and sovereignty.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland FC’s captain Hiroki Sakai has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him with the Black Knights until the end of the 2025/2026 season.The experienced Japanese right-back has become a key player for the team, contributing defensively and offensively.Sakai has been instrumental in Auckland FC’s strong defensive record, with the team conceding the fewest goals in the competition and keeping nine clean sheets.He has also made his mark on the score sheet, scoring once and providing an assist.Notably, Sakai has been involved in two memorable own goals, one in the season opener against Brisbane Roar and another during Auckland’s 2-1 derby win against Wellington.The 34-year-old, who has 74 appearances for the Japanese national team, expressed his delight in extending his stay in Auckland.“My family and I have really taken to Auckland. It is a beautiful city; we are all very settled, and the support we have all received has been incredible. As for this team, they are fantastic. I love playing with them and running out in front of our fans – the love and support I have received from them is like nothing else,” Sakai said.Having played in three FIFA World Cups and two Olympic Games, Sakai is one of the most high-profile overseas players in the A-League.He has made a significant impact in the competition, drawing praise for his professional attitude and technical ability.Head coach Steve Corica commended Sakai’s leadership, both on and off the field.“For all his quality, he is a very humble guy. He’s a great pro, a great influence on the younger guys, and a player who is highly regarded by everyone at the club,” said Corica.“On the pitch, he’s just fantastic. He covers an incredible amount of ground and is technically very gifted.”Auckland FC Head Coach Steve Corica. Photo: Auckland FCSakai’s extensive European experience includes 96 appearances for Germany’s Hannover 96 and over 145 matches for French club Olympique de Marseille.His contract extension ensures that Auckland FC fans can continue to enjoy his performances for at least another season.The extension of Sakai’s contract is not only great news for the club but also for the supporters who have grown to admire his talent and commitment.With so much more to achieve this season, Sakai's presence will be crucial for Auckland as they look to build on their successes.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Every Tuesday, we spotlight a few standout job openings in our community. Check out this week’s picks, and be sure to share with anyone who might be looking!CHT Care HomesPosition: Healthcare Assistant (Casual)Location: Red BeachProvide personal care and support to residents, contributing to care plan reviewsOpportunity to advance in your healthcare career with flexible, roster-based shiftsView full listing & applySt. Pierre's SushiPosition: Sushi Staff MemberLocation: SilverdaleFlexible, varied hours with availability required for busy lunch shiftsNo experience needed; opportunity to learn and grow in the hospitality industryView full listing & applyWainui Golf Club & Function CentrePosition: Kitchen HandLocation: SilverdalePart-time position with 20-25 hours per week, including day-time shifts and potential weekend workOpportunity for career advancement in a supportive kitchen environmentView full listing & applyCareer Tip of the weekAlways follow up after an interview with a thank-you note. It shows gratitude, reinforces your interest in the role, and gives you an opportunity to briefly reiterate why you’re the best fit for the job.That’s it for this week’s local job roundup. Looking for more opportunities? Browse all local job listings on our jobs page. Keep an eye out next Tuesday for more great opportunities, and don’t forget to share with friends and neighbours who might be interested!Have a job to post? Submit your listing here.

A Northland fishing company has been fined $16,500 after failing to use mandatory bird-scaring equipment and submitting false statements on fish landing returns.Macnicol Fishing Limited was sentenced in the North Shore District Court on Friday, 14 February 2025, after being found guilty of three charges under the Fisheries Act. The prosecution was led by Fisheries New Zealand, which uncovered the violations while monitoring the company’s operations.The company’s fishing vessel, the Carolina M, was found to have longlined without using tori lines, which are designed to prevent seabird bycatch during surface longlining. Fisheries New Zealand district manager Glen Blackwell emphasised that these lines are a key tool for protecting endangered seabirds."All longliners are expected to use tori lines when surface longlining. Video footage showed the Carolina M was operating without this essential equipment, increasing the risk of capturing protected seabirds," said Blackwell.In addition to this, another of Macnicol Fishing’s vessels, the Kiella, was caught misreporting its catch location in electronic reports. The vessel indicated that fish were caught off the Bay of Plenty when, in fact, they were harvested from waters north of Auckland. A second incorrect report was filed the following month, detailing the location of snapper and trevally catches.Mr Blackwell stressed the importance of accurate reporting for sustainable fisheries management. "It is a fisher’s responsibility to accurately report their catch. This information is crucial when setting catch limits, which is why we take misreporting seriously," he explained.The incidents have raised concerns about the company’s commitment to complying with regulations designed to protect marine life and ensure sustainability. Fisheries New Zealand is continuing to monitor commercial fishing practices closely to prevent similar violations.For Coasties who suspect illegal fishing activities, MPI urges the public to report them through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER helpline (0800 476 224).Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties can show their support for the Silverdale Fire Station team as they travel to Mataura to compete in the UFBA National Waterway Challenge.The event, held on Friday, 21 February, and Saturday, 22 February, at the Tulloch Rugby Park in Mataura, brings together over 130 firefighters from around New Zealand.The Silverdale team will join forces with other volunteer fire brigades from the North and South Islands, including Wellsford, Ahuroa, and West Harbour.Competitors will demonstrate their teamwork and firefighting skills in a series of challenges, testing their hose-running and pump-operating abilities.The United Fire Brigades' Association National Waterway Challenge has been a staple of New Zealand's firefighting community since 1885.The event provides a fun and competitive environment for firefighters to showcase their skills and learn from one another.The challenges will take place on a specially designed track featuring 19 different setups, simulating various rural and urban firefighting scenarios.Teams will compete against each other and the clock, with the goal of completing each challenge in the fastest time possible.We wish the Silverdale team all the best for a successful and enjoyable competition!Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Overseas visitor arrivals to New Zealand totalled 3.3 million in the year ending December 2024, marking a notable increase of 12 percent (357,000 more arrivals) from the previous year, according to data released by Stats NZ.Australia was the leading source of this growth, contributing 127,000 additional visitors (10 percent increase). China followed with a 64 percent surge, adding 97,000 visitors, and the United States saw an increase of 32,000 visitors (10 percent). “There were just over 2,200 more international flights to New Zealand in 2024 than in 2023,” said Sarah Drake, Stats NZ’s international travel statistics spokesperson. “This included 1,700 more direct flights from Australia, China, and the United States, combined. These countries were the three main sources of visitor arrivals to New Zealand.”The overall breakdown showed that Australia remained the dominant source, with 1.4 million visitors. The United States followed with a record-breaking 370,000 visitors, marking the highest annual arrivals from the US to date. Other notable contributors included China with 248,000 visitors, the United Kingdom (180,000), and India (83,000).Notably, a significant portion of these visitors came for leisure travel. In 2024, 1.6 million overseas visitors came for holidays, representing a 21 percent increase (279,000 more) compared to 2023. “A holiday was the main purpose of travel for just over half of visitor arrivals in 2024,” Drake added. In addition, visiting friends and relatives remained a popular reason for travel, accounting for one-third of arrivals, with 1 million people travelling for this purpose, up 6 percent from the previous year.December 2024 marked the highest monthly total for visitor arrivals in five years, reaching 469,800, up 12 percent from 418,900 in December 2023. This was the highest monthly total since December 2019, just before the COVID-19 disruptions to international travel. Visitor numbers for December 2024 were 89 percent of their pre-pandemic level, reflecting a strong rebound in international tourism.The increase in overseas visitors is a welcome development for the local economy, especially for tourism-dependent regions, and underscores New Zealand’s recovery as an international destination.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Cirque du Soleil’s highly anticipated show Corteo will make its debut in New Zealand this October, bringing its whimsical charm and breathtaking performances to Spark Arena. Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, the show has captivated over 12 million spectators worldwide since its premiere in 2005. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience this iconic production during a limited six-show run from October 30 to November 2, 2025.Geoff Jones, CEO of TEG Group, expressed excitement for the show’s arrival in New Zealand: "It is no secret that New Zealand loves Cirque du Soleil. We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with this incredible organisation. It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of people who embrace boundless creativity. We know the fans will be blown away by Corteo. This show is everything that you love about Cirque du Soleil and so much more."The performance tells the story of a clown envisioning his own funeral in a carnival setting, watched over by angelic figures. The show blends comedy, tragedy, and the beauty of imperfection, portraying the clown’s wisdom, kindness, and strength. Set against a unique double-sided stage design, Corteo offers an innovative viewing experience, with the audience split into two facing halves of the arena, creating an immersive atmosphere like never before.Corteo’s one-of-a-kind stage, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, adds grandeur to the show, which fuses the charm of traditional circus artistry with modern theatrical elements. The set’s hand-painted curtains and central staging enhance the spectacle, making it a visual and emotional journey for both performers and audience alike.Tickets for Corteo will be available exclusively to Club Cirque members starting tomorrow at 11am. General ticket sales open on Monday 24 February, 12pm.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new campaign is set to boost New Zealand's tourism industry, aiming to encourage Australians to choose the country for their next holiday. Launching in Australia this week, the initiative marks the first phase of the Government’s Tourism Boost, an effort to drive both international tourism and economic growth in 2025.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston expressed excitement about the campaign’s potential. "We always love to see our Australian friends holidaying here, staying with local accommodation providers, soaking up Kiwi experiences, and enjoying hospitality in restaurants, bars, and cafes," she said.Tourism remains a key economic driver for New Zealand, with domestic and international tourism expenditure approaching $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs. Minister Upston highlighted the role of this campaign in sustaining the sector’s growth. “This is the first investment for our Tourism Boost, utilising $500,000 from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, with more initiatives planned,” she said.While Australian visitor numbers are currently at around 88 per cent of 2019 levels, the campaign seeks to boost this figure further. "Visitor arrivals from Australia increased by over 90,000 last year, rising from 1.27 million to 1.36 million," Upston noted. The new push, with the tagline “Everyone must go,” is designed to inspire even more Australians to visit New Zealand soon, highlighting both the affordability of the trips and the country's open-for-business attitude.Upston revealed that figures show around 4 million Australians are actively considering a holiday in New Zealand, indicating a large potential market for growth. “We all want to encourage Australians to visit, spend, and have a fantastic time in New Zealand,” she added, pointing out that Tourism New Zealand has partnered with other organisations to support the campaign.The campaign is part of the broader Government initiative known as Going For Growth, which aims to unlock New Zealand’s economic potential through strategic investment and industry collaboration. Upston emphasised the importance of working alongside businesses to ensure both short-term and long-term tourism growth.The campaign follows the Government's commitment to strengthening the tourism sector, which continues to be an essential pillar for New Zealand's economic recovery and sustainability.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Higher-growth and aggressive KiwiSaver funds have delivered strong returns in recent times, but there's a warning they're not for everyone.Morningstar's latest data shows that "aggressive" KiwiSaver funds returned 19 percent on average over the past year, compared to 13.4 percent for default options, 15 percent for growth and 7.4 percent for conservative.Aggressive funds take the most risk, often with about 95 percent or more of their money invested in growth assets such as shares.That means they can be much more volatile than a fund that spreads its allocation across other things, like fixed interest investments, but should deliver more returns over time.Founder of Kernel Dean Anderson said they were increasingly popular."With 63 percent of Kernel's KiwiSaver money in our high growth fund, investors are clearly voting with their wallets."But he said they would only suit people who were planning to remain invested in them for some time."When you're looking at a 10, 20 or 30-year horizon, short-term market jitters matter less than maximising your growth potential - and Kiwis are getting savvier about this reality."For those who won't touch their retirement savings for decades, embracing share market volatility through high growth funds can be smart investing. We're also seeing growth in investors who are investing their KiwiSaver directly into one or two global index funds, such as the S&P 500 or a world index."He pointed to the Financial Markets Authority's most recent KiwiSaver report, which showed that the number of people in growth and high growth funds had doubled over a decade, while the number in conservative funds only increased 2.5 percent.Morningstar data director Greg Bunkall said there had been a proliferation of 100 percent equity funds and he would expect flows of investment funds to follow.There is currently $12 billion in aggressive funds.Over five years they have returned 8.3 percent a year, and over 10 years, 9.3 percent, the best return of the categories.Westpac spokesperson Nigel Jackson said its high-growth KiwiSaver was designed for people with an investment timeframe of 13 years or more.He said that period of time would allow people to ride out volatility and obtain better returns.He said Westpac had seen strong demand, with $430 million in the fund, which was only launched in September.Much of that had come from the growth fund, he said.He said it was notable that more male investors were putting their money into the high-growth fund than female.

Coasties will be interested to learn that a New Zealand-designed healthcare model is gaining international recognition for its innovative approach to addressing geriatric malnutrition.A recent study revealed alarming rates of malnutrition among older adults in New Zealand, with up to 93% of those entering aged care facilities at risk.In response, Kiwi dietitians have developed a model that empowers residents to take control of their dining experience.The adaptive model accommodates specific dietary needs, allergies, and cultural requirements.Residents work closely with professional chefs to design menus, create recipes, and prepare meals.Analysis shows significant improvements in malnutrition levels among residents on the programme.New Zealand dietitians showcased the model at the 6th World Congress on Ageing and Geriatrics in Prague, sparking interest from healthcare providers worldwide.Emily Jakubcik.Emily Jakubcik, Arvida dietitian and head of food service, highlights the critical need to address malnutrition among older adults, citing chronic health conditions, medication side effects, and social isolation as contributing factors.The Attitude of Living Well model, developed at Arvida, prioritises resident involvement in meal design and preparation.This approach supports over 1,500 residents in 24 care centres nationwide.Jakubcik emphasises the importance of personalised care, stating that the model "demonstrates how a shift in focus towards personalised care can significantly improve both nutritional outcomes and overall wellbeing for aged care residents."Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Food prices across New Zealand saw a significant rise of 1.9 percent in January 2025, marking the largest monthly increase since July 2022. The increase follows a smaller 0.1 percent rise in December 2024, according to the latest figures from Stats NZ.Of the items in the food basket, around 65 percent were more expensive in January, a notable jump from the average of 54 percent per month in 2024. "The proportion of the food basket that increased by over 5 percent in price was the highest in five years," said Nicola Growden, prices and deflators spokesperson at Stats NZ.One of the biggest contributors to the price surge was higher grocery costs, with boxed chocolates, milk, and chocolate blocks seeing substantial increases. In particular, the price of a 2-litre bottle of milk rose to $4.54, compared to $3.93 in January 2024. The cost of a 250g block of chocolate also increased, reaching $5.72 from $4.90 last year.In addition, fruit and vegetable prices climbed by 2.8 percent, further driving the overall food price rise. However, when adjusted for seasonal effects, fruit and vegetable prices were slightly lower, down 0.6 percent. Growden explained that January typically sees price hikes in fruit and vegetables, and this year out-of-season produce like broccoli, kiwifruit, and apples were the main contributors.Another factor influencing price rises was the excise duty tax increase, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices climbed 2.4 percent, driven primarily by higher prices for cigarettes and tobacco. "The new tobacco excise tax has driven tobacco prices up," Growden added.These rising food and drink costs are likely to put further pressure on household budgets as inflation continues to affect everyday expenses. Have a local news story to share?Contact [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.Orewa to Host Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships Read moreSchool Buses Leave Students StrandedRead moreBusiness: AI – yes or no?Read moreJohn Fair Drive Bridge Opens to Traffic and PedestriansRead moreFirst Test Train Travels Through CRL TunnelRead more and see the videoStay 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!Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

The New Zealand Government has introduced a bill aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, particularly those involved in low-risk activities, such as family trusts.The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which had its first reading in Parliament, proposes 26 amendments designed to simplify compliance requirements for businesses.Associate Justice Minister Hon Nicole McKee said the bill aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009.“This Bill will reduce the compliance burden for businesses by relaxing requirements on low-risk activities,” McKee explained.“It empowers businesses to make decisions on the level of checks they need to conduct on their customers.”The amendments also aim to address common issues faced by businesses that have been required to conduct rigorous checks, even in situations where there is little to no risk.One of the key changes includes the clarification of the definition of "trust and company service providers," helping to eliminate confusion and unnecessary duplication of obligations for some businesses.In addition, the bill proposes removing duplicative border cash reporting when people bring cash into New Zealand, streamlining the process further.These reforms are part of a wider initiative by the Government to improve the AML/CFT system, making it more efficient and better aligned with real-world risks.“We’re simplifying the process for businesses, enabling them to focus on their operations while still protecting New Zealand from crime and terrorism,” McKee said.For Hibiscus Coast businesses, particularly those involved in family-run or low-risk enterprises, the proposed changes come as welcome news.The simplified compliance requirements are expected to reduce administrative burdens and help businesses allocate more resources to growth and customer service.As the Government continues with further reforms, businesses can look forward to a more manageable regulatory environment that still ensures the integrity of New Zealand’s financial system.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Motorists on the Hibiscus Coast should plan for overnight motorway closures between 16 and 22 February 2025 as part of ongoing maintenance and improvements by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).The closures, which will generally occur from 9pm to 5am, aim to improve road safety and infrastructure across the city’s northern and upper harbour motorways.Key closures include several critical northbound and southbound sections of the Northern Motorway (SH1), with disruptions beginning on the evening of 16 February.The southbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp will be closed from 10:00pm to 5:00am each night through to 20 February.Southbound motorists on Shelly Beach Road will also face closures on 20 and 22 February, affecting both the off-ramp and key sections of road.On the Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18), significant closures are scheduled for the eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and the Albany Highway on-ramp, running from 16 to 18 February.The Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp will also be affected during the same period.With these closures, drivers are urged to follow the signposted detours, which will be clearly marked to help manage traffic flow and minimise delays.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]