Auckland’s economy is still in the red, but fresh figures from Auckland Council’s Social and Economic Research and Evaluation Team suggest the worst may be passing.GDP fell 1.0% in the year to June 2025 and retail sales dipped 2.6%, yet both results are less negative than earlier in the year. It’s the first sign of improvement since the slide began in 2023.The housing market is showing stability. Auckland’s median price in July sat at $975,000 — steady on last year and far more affordable than at the 2021 peak. Annual sales have lifted 29% from the 2023 trough, giving buyers and sellers more confidence. Rents averaged $678 a week in June, their lowest in real terms since 2022, which may bring relief to families.Employment remains under pressure, down 2.3% over the year, but business confidence has surged. A net 35% of firms expect conditions to improve, the strongest result in over a decade. Consumer confidence has also risen compared with the past two years.For Coast households, this mix means a cautious outlook with a few bright spots. Lower real rents and steadier house prices are easing pressure, and stronger business sentiment could translate into new opportunities in the months ahead.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Property values across New Zealand slipped another -0.2% in August, marking the fifth straight monthly fall, according to Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index.National values are now down -0.6% in 2025, wiping out the small gains seen late last year.The median home is sitting at $809,113, the lowest since August 2023 and still -17.2% below the January 2022 peak.Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says the downturn that followed the post-COVID boom has steadied but not yet turned.“Caution is the dominant theme,” he said, noting that rising unemployment and subdued confidence are keeping a lid on growth.Auckland continues to feel the pinch, with August falls across every sub-market.Image: Cotality NZAuckland City, North Shore, Manukau, Papakura, and Waitakere each dropped between -0.4% and -0.6%.Franklin and Rodney fared a little worse, while Rodney’s three-month drop of -1.3% was the smallest of the region.Even so, all Auckland areas remain -20% to -25% below peak values.For Coasties, that means it’s still a buyer’s market.First home buyers and smaller investors are holding a bigger share of activity, helped by lower mortgage rates and more choice on the market.Sellers, meanwhile, may find it harder to get prices they’d hoped for.Looking ahead, Davidson expects steadier growth only from 2026, with lower mortgage rates, easing unemployment, and fewer listings likely to bring some balance back to the market.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Govt Signs Off Toll Plan for PenlinkRead more →Classic Spring Swings Hit Hibiscus CoastRead more →Hibiscus JetSki Hire Riding High AgainRead more →Rodney Properties Feature in New Foreign Buyer RulesRead more →Orewa Town Centre Welcomes New Business MovesRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

Consumer spending across New Zealand nudged up again in August, with Worldline NZ figures showing $3.77B spent through Core Retail merchants, a 2% rise on the same month last year.It’s the fifth straight month of modest annual growth.Worldline’s Chief Sales Officer Bruce Proffit says the lift is welcome but still patchy.“The growth is low, but it is at least positive overall,” he said, noting much of the increase comes from higher food prices and a slight pickup in regional spending outside the big cities.The real test, Proffit adds, will come in spring and summer as interest rates ease and international tourism continues to rebound.Housing-related retailers like hardware, furniture and appliance stores remain down 4.9% on last year, while hospitality managed only a 0.5% lift.For Hibiscus Coast businesses, that means the busy months ahead will be closely watched.Lower rates could boost big-ticket sales, while more tourists would be a welcome lift for local cafes, restaurants and accommodation providers.With Christmas trading around the corner, many Coast retailers will be hoping the numbers start to move in the right direction.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A business customer who was told it could take two months and $7500 to decommission gas is one of a number who complained to complaint resolution provider Utilities Disputes (UDL) about gas disconnection issues.UDL said most of the complaints it received related to disconnections were due to payment arrears, when a disconnection and reconnection fee could apply.But fees that were sometimes substantial were also charged when a gas supply was permanently stopped, it said.UDL received 35 complaints in the past six months about gas disconnection, compared to 11 in the previous six.The number of complaints about decommissioning had been increasing steadily over the years, from one in 2021 to seven so far this year.When UDL looked into the complaint about the $7500 charge, the company reduced lines charges by 30 percent while waiting for the decommissioning. UDL did not identify the companies involved.Auckland gas lines owner Vector told RNZ that from next month it was changing its pricing for permanent gas disconnections "to enable full cost recovery" when someone wanted the gas infrastructure taken off their property.The cost ranges from $750 to $2500.In Wellington it costs $1500 for a disconnection, while in Wairarapa it is about $700.If gas is disconnected at the house but not fully decommissioned, some retailers can continue to charge a daily fee for the gas supply.Paul Fuge, Powerswitch general manager, earlier said gas supply to residential homes was in a "death spiral", with prices rising quickly.A reducing number of customers were having to pay increasing network costs. Those who could not afford to leave - or were not able to - were left with the bills, he said.Gas NZ chief executive Jeffrey Clarke told Nine to Noon people who were thinking about disconnecting should talk to their retailer, who could explain the charges involved.He said residential customers did not need to worry about the future availability of gas and there was an increasing supply of biomethane coming into the system.But Andrew Eagles, chief executive at Green Building Council, said the "death spiral" claim was accurate.He said the decommission and disconnection situation was a "shambles" and people did not have enough information at a time when it would benefit the country to have them move away from gas.He said it did not make sense that at the same time that industrial customers were struggling for gas, more homes were connecting.He said it seemed unlikely that biogas would be the saviour of the system."It's many times more expensive… we've already seen gas prices rise 18 percent year-on-year."

The Silverdale Junior Rugby Club has pulled in just under $6.5k through its annual Business Raffle, money that will go straight into new field and playing gear for junior players in the 2026 season.From a limited pool of entries, five local businesses were drawn as winners, each securing a year of branding across the club’s home base. That includes signage on Field 1, digital placement on the club’s new LED scoreboard, a spot on the interior sponsorship board, and acknowledgement on the big GoMedia billboard along the Hibiscus Coast highway. A 2026 club membership and free venue hire were also part of the prize pack.This year’s winning businesses are Rebel Electrical, Tandem Property Management Ltd, Urban Dogs, Neville Brothers, and David Hooper CA Limited. Rebel Electrical came out on top with the Premier prize.For Coasties, the raffle is more than just a bit of fun. It shows how the Hibiscus Coast’s business community continues to step up and keep New Zealand’s biggest rugby club thriving. With hundreds of junior players pulling on the jersey each weekend, the funds raised help make sure there’s gear, fields, and a place to play for the next generation.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Police are asking for help to find 16-year-old Alyssa, who has been reported missing from the Dairy Flat area.She was last seen yesterday afternoon wearing a maroon hoody with a white zip. Alyssa is described as being between 160cm and 170cm tall, with brown hair and green eyes.She is known to spend time in Dairy Flat, Hobsonville, and Flat Bush. Police and her family have concerns for her welfare and want to locate her quickly.For Coasties, this is close to home, and locals are being urged to keep an eye out in the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas in case Alyssa has travelled north.If you have seen Alyssa, or have information that may help, please call 111 immediately and quote reference number 250905/0579.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Orewa’s town centre has welcomed two business moves worth noting.Xanadu, a new women’s boutique clothing store, has opened its doors down Bakehouse Lane.It adds another splash of style to the local shopping mix, giving Coasties fresh options when browsing for fashion close to home.Just around the corner, Gallagher Insurance has shifted into Gallagher House at 50 Centreway Road.The site has history, once housing Nexus Orewa and before that the Auckland Council Service Centre.The move signals a strong commitment to being part of the community’s core business hub.For the Hibiscus Coast, these changes show how our local business landscape keeps evolving, with fresh energy and familiar names finding new spaces.It’s a reminder to take a wander through town and see what’s new.Thanks to Hellen and Ramona at Destination Orewa Beach for keeping everyone in the know.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!Digital SeniorsWed 10 SepClick here for more detailsABBA HEAVENSat 6 SepClick here for more detailsA Fathers Day CelebrationSun 7 SepClick here for more detailsWant to see more events?Explore Things To Do in our community in the Hibiscus Coast App anytime, anywhere.Got an event coming up? List it free today →

The Blues have confirmed Eden Park will remain their home for the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons, following months of consultation with supporters and stakeholders.All home matches will be played at Eden Park, except for a one-off Super Round clash against the Reds in Christchurch on Anzac Day. The decision came after surveys, forums, and feedback sessions with players, members, commercial partners, and the wider community.Blues GM Commercial Todd Hewitt said supporters made their feelings clear. “Our fans told us Eden Park provides the scale and history that matches the ambition of the Blues,” he said.Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner welcomed the news, noting the venue has hosted the Blues since 1996. “We’re delighted to continue this partnership and deliver the world-class game day experiences fans expect,” he said.For Hibiscus Coast locals, the decision means less uncertainty about where to head on game days and easier planning for trips into the city. With the season opener against the Chiefs set for Saturday 14 February 2026 at 7:05pm, many Coasties will already be marking their calendars.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, 5/9Mostly cloudy with a breezy nor’wester.High: 19Low: 12Saturday, 6/9Rain with breezy west to sou’wester.High: 15Low: 8Sunday, 7/9Partly cloudy and windy with sou’wester.High: 15Low: 8Monday, 8/9Sun and cloud with breezy sou’easter.High: 15Low: 5September Brings Classic Spring SwingsWant 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!

Mark your calendars, Coasties: on Thursday 4 December 2025, IKEA will finally open its doors at Sylvia Park.The massive 34,000m² store is now proudly wearing its bright yellow wordmark, signalling the end of years of anticipation.Inside, shoppers will find 7,500 products, styled showrooms to spark ideas, and a self-serve warehouse full of flatpacks ready to load into the car.If you’d rather not brave the crowds, IKEA is also offering online shopping, Click & Collect, and 29 Pick Up Points across the country.Food is a big part of the experience too.The 426-seat Swedish Restaurant will serve up famous meatballs, salmon dishes and plant-based options, while the Bistro has hotdogs, cinnamon scrolls and frozen treats to take home.For locals driving down from the Hibiscus Coast, new traffic lights, extra lanes and even a covered walkway have been built to keep things moving.Public transport is strongly encouraged during the opening rush.So what’s in it for us?A new weekend destination, fresh ideas for our homes, and a chance to finally taste those legendary Swedish meatballs without leaving Auckland.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand’s visitor numbers are climbing again, and they’re spending more while they’re here. MBIE’s latest figures show international visitors spent $12.1 billion in the 12 months to June 2025, up 4.3% on last year.Holidaymakers made up the bulk, pouring $7.6 billion into the economy. Australians are digging a bit deeper, with their daily spend jumping 17% to $273. American visitors topped the charts, spending $338 a day.What are people doing while they’re here? The survey says most are getting outdoors — 71% went walking, hiking or trekking. Nature spots like beaches, lakes and national parks remain big drawcard, and plenty also explored local museums and galleries.Overall, 3.38 million visitors came in the past year, about 87% of pre-pandemic levels. But in dollar terms, tourism is already back at 106% of those earlier highs (though only 86% once inflation is considered).Tourism is still New Zealand’s second biggest export earner, behind dairy. For Coasties, it’s more than numbers — it’s families booking motels, day trippers stopping for ice cream in Orewa, and visitors filling cafés after a morning at Shakespear Regional Park. Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand’s solar power capacity is surging, and new data suggests the country could generate enough electricity to power every home by 2032.Analysis by Harrisons Solar shows total capacity hit 665 MW last month, up 43% on last year and double the figure from two years ago. If growth continues, capacity will top 10,250 MW within seven years, enough to cover the electricity needs of all 2.05 million households.Managing director Phil Harrison says the shift is accelerating as technology improves and power bills climb. “For the first time, we can realistically forecast a future where New Zealand will have enough solar capacity to power every home in the country – and that milestone is now firmly within reach,” he says.Residential installations now make up more than half of all solar capacity, with nearly 68,000 Kiwi homes fitted with rooftop panels. That number is growing by more than 8,700 each year. The use of batteries has also jumped 72% since mid-2024, giving households more independence from the grid.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the change could be especially welcome. With power prices rising and grid stability a growing concern, the chance to cut bills and rely more on local sunshine makes solar an attractive option for families looking to future-proof their homes.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Most New Zealanders still value work-life balance above all else, but new research shows many would give it up for the right pay rise.SEEK’s Money Matters report, which surveyed 1,000 workers, found 68% prioritise balance over a bigger salary. Yet, for a rise of up to 20%, almost a third would work extra hours and 28% would take on more responsibilities.At the same time, 63% said they wouldn’t take a pay cut to get more balance, highlighting the tension between lifestyle and financial security.Working from home remains a sticking point. One in five who can work remotely said no pay rise would get them back in the office full-time. That reluctance was strongest among Gen X (32%) and Baby Boomers (47%).For Coasties, who often face long commutes to Auckland, these findings ring true. Flexibility is worth more than just dollars, especially when it means avoiding hours on SH1 or paying rising transport costs.Beyond pay, the top perks workers want are extra annual leave (43%), flexible hours (29%), reduced working hours (29%), and a company car (29%). Gen Z stood out for being most willing to accept longer commutes and most keen on the car perk.SEEK’s country manager Rob Clark says the line between pay and lifestyle is shifting: “Workers aren’t choosing one over the other – they’re seeking roles that support both their financial security and lifestyle needs.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government has announced a major reform package for New Zealand’s universities, designed to give students better opportunities while making sure taxpayer funding delivers real results.Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti said today that although New Zealand’s universities sit in the top three per cent worldwide, the sector must adapt to a fast-changing economy.The plan includes a new Tertiary Education Strategy to align teaching with future skill needs, a University Strategy Group to link universities with government and industry, and a simplified $315m Tertiary Research Excellence Fund to replace the Performance-Based Research Fund.Stronger quality systems and updated governance rules are also part of the shake-up.“These changes will help universities focus on what matters, developing the workforce we need now and in the future, and delivering excellent research and innovation that creates real value for New Zealand,” Dr Reti said.For Hibiscus Coast families, the changes are significant.Many local students move into Auckland universities, and reforms that tie study more closely to jobs could mean stronger career paths and research that benefits local businesses.The reforms, shaped by a report from Sir Peter Gluckman’s University Advisory Group, will be rolled out in consultation with universities, students, and industry in the months ahead.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

There’s something special about seeing locals get recognised on the world stage, and this week it’s Hibiscus JetSki Hire bringing home the honours.The Coast-based favourite has just won Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, placing it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide.Even better, it’s the second year in a row they’ve taken the title.Owner Dr Jürgen Kolb has built a reputation for blending fun with safety, and that’s struck a chord with more than 550 reviewers who’ve given the business five-star ratings.Families rave about sea biscuit rides, fishing trips and private island escapes, while couples have booked oyster tastings and bespoke outings. “We’ve worked hard to offer unique experiences that are memorable and stress-free,” Jürgen said.Hibiscus JetSki Hire owner, Dr Jürgen Kolb. Photo: suppliedIt’s not just about the thrills.Hibiscus JetSki Hire is deeply tied to the community, lending support to school fundraisers, youth programmes and conservation work across the Hauraki Gulf.This year they were also named a finalist in the 2degrees Business Awards for Excellence in Strategy, showing that a small local operator can match it with the best in business.For Coasties, it means world-class experiences are right on our doorstep.Whether it’s an afternoon of high-speed action or a relaxed day exploring hidden coves, Hibiscus JetSki Hire continues to prove that passion, care and a touch of adventure can take you far.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Houses in Devonport, Matakana, Remuera and Rodney, an apartment in Tauranga and large plots of land are among the properties that foreign buyers might be able to buy under new rules.The government has confirmed that holders of "golden visas" will be able to buy or build one home worth at least $5 million.Since 2018, buyers have generally needed to be residents or citizens to be allowed to buy any residential property.But there are only about 7000 homes in New Zealand in that price range.Cotality chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said $5m+ homes were only about 0.4 percent or 0.5 percent of all dwellings.In Auckland, there were 4300, or about 0.8 percent of all properties.There were another 1250 in Queenstown, about 5.5 percent of that market."It's a more notable share of the Queenstown market but even in Auckland it's fairly small," Davidson said."If you add up 4300 in Auckland and 1250 in Queenstown, it only leaves about 1500 across the country everywhere else."Trade Me has 424 properties listed nationwide with a price indication of more than $5m, including a six-bedroom house in Rodney, Auckland, a clifftop house in Devonport, a waterfront home in Matakana, and a five-bedroom house with tennis court in Remuera.There are also large plots of land for development, including large rural landholdings in Wanaka and higher-density housing areas in south Auckland.Real estate agency Barfoot & Thompson said it had 16 sales worth more than $3m in July.The $5m properties in Auckland would be mostly around Herne Bay, Remuera, St Mary's Bay and Westmere, Davidson said."Will this transform NZ housing market? It seems unlikely. Could it have an effect in some fancy suburbs of Auckland and upmarket properties in Queenstown? Possibly. But nobody likes overpaying. It's all very well to be wealthy but you're still not wanting to overpay. I still think it's hard to get carried away about the scale that this might impact the New Zealand housing market."He said any transaction would also rely on the relevant properties being available for sale."It's all very well to say there's 7000 properties, that's a small number in itself, but they have to be for sale… in a given year there might only be 5 percent of properties actually listed so out of that 7000 there might only be about 300 or 400 actually listed."For some upmarket real estate agents this will be a good piece of news but for the housing market as a whole I don't think this will change it from a subdued state to a fresh boom."There was no mention of taxing the foreign buyers when the announcement was made on Monday.National campaigned in 2023 on letting foreigners buy homes worth more than $2m subject to a 15 percent tax, but was forced to abandon that plan during coalition negotiations with NZ First.Brad Olsen, chief executive at Infometrics, agreed there would be limited impact because of how different $5m homes were from the rest of the stock of housing."They're buying in a very different market as opposed to a $600,000 house in Whangarei - it could influence places with a higher average house price, parts of Auckland and Queenstown but even there the values are on average close to $1m, $5m is still quite a big difference."Davidson said it seemed to be a decision based on proving New Zealand was "open for business" for high-wealth individuals.

Parents on the Hibiscus Coast are being urged to check their child’s car seat after a recall was issued for the Zummi 360 Degree Rotation Superia Car Seat, sold at Farmers from 27 August 2024 to 29 August 2025.The issue affects seats with article number 6901241 and batch numbers 06/2024 or 08/2024. The harness adjuster button can jam if it isn’t cleaned regularly, which may cause the harness to loosen unexpectedly.If your seat is one of these batches, test the button. It should click and release smoothly. If it’s sticking or feels jammed, stop using it straight away and take it back to Farmers. You’ll be able to swap it for the updated model or get a full refund. If the button works fine, keep using the seat but give it a regular clean as the manual suggests.For Coast families, this isn’t just a product issue — it’s about everyday safety. By law, children must use an approved restraint until they’re at least 7, and if there’s a seat in the car, they must use it until 8. That includes infant capsules, car seats, booster seats and child harnesses.With car seats being one of the most important bits of kit for local parents, checking now could make all the difference on your next trip down the motorway.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.