If you have wandered past Metro Park West in Millwater, you will know it is mostly just a big stretch of grass.Apart from the odd paraglider practising, golfers working on their swing or the occasional dog class, it is usually the mowing tractors that make the most use of the park.That is about to change.Auckland Council’s Parks and Community Facilities team has confirmed the long-delayed project is back in the current work programme.The design is complete, resource consent granted, and the plan includes tree planting, a playground, walking paths and a car park near Butler Stoney Crescent and Botanical Drive.An independent design review will happen this financial year.Construction is expected to begin late 2026 and be finished in 2027.For Millwater families, it means swings and slides instead of empty turf, shaded areas for picnics, and proper paths for walkers.For everyone who passes it daily, the park will finally feel like a space to gather rather than just a lawn waiting its turn.After years of waiting, Metro Park West is set to come alive.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The gastropub has lost its right to sell alcohol after renewal applications for both its on and off licences were rejected by a district licensing committee.The District Licensing Committee (DLC) released its decision on 19 September, declining off and on licence renewals for Parāoa Brewing Company at Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay.Residents Richard and Vivan Field opposed the renewals, complaining of the noise at night, particularly from live bands and events.But the decision said that the Fields, despite their frustration with the applicant, did not want him to have his licence renewal declined. They simply wanted him to be compliant.At a hearing in August, the couple said they had complained to the owners for years and had spent $8000 to soundproof their home.“We shouldn’t have to spend this much to get peace and quiet in our own home,” Vivan Field told the DLC.The couple said the noise was often loud enough to be clearly heard from inside their home, and the bass vibrations shook the house.The noise would start on a Thursday night with the DJ’s and games nights and continued on to Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday, with music including live bands.The Fields said the noise had contributed to stress, sleep disruption and anxiety about weekends or event nights.Company director Zenice Ishwarlal Gujarathi said they had sought ways to mitigate the noise complaints.Curfews for live music were established at 11pm on weekends and 9pm on weekdays, with exceptions for long weekends, public holidays or nationally recognised acts booked in advance, he said.They had added soundproofing, and invested in technical solutions and implemented a formal Noise Management Plan (NMP), which he claimed was monitored by a sound technician.Gujarathi said the premises was a valued community hub on the Hibiscus Coast, and hosted cultural and community events, seminars for businesses, school holiday programmes and performances.He said they consistently sought to engage constructively with the objectors, noting the objectors had grievances dating back several years and despite ongoing efforts to resolve these, complaints continued to be lodged.Alcohol inspector Andrew Thomas said the premises was subject to several noise callouts in 2024 and 2025, resulting in excessive noise directions (ENDs) and abatement notices and two environmental infringement notices being issued.The infringements were recently upheld following a hearing in the Environment Court, he said.Thomas said the applicant had retained a noise consultant and told him that noise limiters would be installed on the sound equipment, and the premises would be soundproofed.However, on further inquiry, Thomas learnt that guest performers had control over the noise limiters and because of costs, only part of the venue had been soundproofed.During a visit to the premises he used a phone app which showed that noise levels regularly exceeded Unitary Plan limits on noise.In its decision, the DLC said they were not impressed with the evidence provided by the applicant where Gujarathi gave no commitment to comply with the noise limitations.“We would have expected at the very least, given the numerous END notices, abatement notice and the Environment Courts findings, that a comprehensive NMP which included external control of the amplification of music would have, or should have been provided and already have been implemented.“There was no such assurance before us, indeed the continued breaches of the noise levels even after the Abatement Notice had been served left us with the undeniable conclusion that we could not rely upon the Applicant going forward that, there would not be any further breaches of the Unitary Plan and that the objectors would continue to experience disruption to their lives.”The DLC said the applicant should not be surprised that the committee would find it unsuitable to hold a licence.Parāoa Brewing Company’s current licences will expire at 1am on 20 December.Gujarathi said they were disappointed with DLC’s decision and would file an appeal with the Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority.“We believe the decision is one-sided, they have taken a very hard stance.”

A Hibiscus Coast teenager will appear in the North Shore District Court this week after police allege he and two others stole clothing and personal items from other teenagers near Westfield Albany on Friday morning.Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Mike Rickards says the group approached two victims near the shopping centre and made demands before taking their belongings.“On Friday morning, three offenders have approached our two teenage victims near the shopping centre. From there they have made demands and stolen clothing as well as other personal items from the unsuspecting teenagers,” Inspector Rickards says.Police quickly traced the investigation north to the Red Beach area, where an 18-year-old man was arrested. He has been charged with demanding with menace. Two others, aged 13 and 15, were referred to Youth Aid.Property allegedly stolen from two 12-year-olds in a separate Albany incident on 24 September was also recovered. Police are considering further charges.“It’s an awful experience for these young victims during school holidays to go through what they have,” Inspector Rickards says. “Police hope that this provides some reassurance to the community that we are holding offenders to account while also recovering stolen property.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Fresh Coast Jobs for Fresh Starts! Looking for a new role, or know someone who is?Check out this week’s top local job picks and help a mate land their next move.BupaPosition: CookLocation: Northhaven Care Home, Red BeachCasual role preparing and planning meals for residentsNZQA culinary qualification preferred; 1+ year experience requiredView the full listing & applyAuckland CouncilPosition: Team Member – Learn to SwimLocation: Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure CentrePart-time role (6–7 hrs/week) with full training providedTeach swimming in a safe, fun, and supportive environmentView the full listing & applyCareer TipNetworking isn’t just for job hunting. Stay connected with peers and industry contacts regularly, as opportunities often come through relationships built over time.Know someone looking for work?Share these roles and help them take the next step!Need to hire fast?Reach thousands of Coasties, Post your job today.

October is set to bring fresh changes on the Penlink project as crews move into the main earthworks season. Locals can expect more trucks shifting soil, bridges taking shape and some temporary road layout changes.On State Highway 1, night closures are scheduled southbound on 15 and 16 October so the team can install CCTV under the new overbridge. Ara Weiti Road will also see short stop/go traffic later in the month while drainage is installed.Ara Weiti Road - Bridge 3 at the future Link Road 1 connection. Photo: SuppliedIn Stillwater, work begins beneath the new Duck Creek Road bridge where the future SH19 will pass. Traffic will be shifted onto permanent sections of road, while the Wēiti River bridge pylons continue to rise. Retaining wall and temporary diversion road on Duck Creek Road. Photo: SuppliedRiver users may notice a new pedestrian gangway set up to give workers easier access across the staging.On the Whangaparāoa side, ground stabilisation and drainage continue. Preload work at Cedar Terrace is ongoing, while layout changes near Wiriana Place prepare the way for the future Beverley Road intersection.Locals keen for updates can head to a drop-in event at the Hibiscus Coast RSA on Tuesday 11 November, 4–7pm. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions and explain what’s coming up.If you’re travelling through these areas in October, allow a little extra time. Each step brings us closer to a faster, easier link between the Hibiscus Coast and SH1.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Aspect Sun’s Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ and Tinted Physical SPF50+ sunscreens are being recalled after testing showed their sun protection levels may not match what’s on the label.Independent lab results suggest the SPF rating is lower than advertised, which could increase the risk of sunburn and reduce long-term protection against skin cancer.Clinics and retailers have been told to stop selling the products, and customers are urged to stop using them immediately.Shoppers who bought these sunscreens can return them, with proof of purchase, to the place of purchase for a refund. Refunds are also available online.The recall covers:Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ (SN-075-054), batch numbers A2450, A2190, A1958, A1492Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF50+ (SN-075-057), batch numbers A2451, A2191, A1976, A1629The products were sold between November 2022 and August 2025 at clinics and retail outlets nationwide, including those used by Coasties.Health authorities say stopping use now is the best way to avoid the risk. Anyone concerned about sun exposure should switch to an alternative sunscreen with a verified SPF rating.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

According to the Auckland Council Land Use Research and Evaluation Team, 1,342 new dwellings were consented in July 2025, bringing the yearly total to 14,347.Houses made up just over a third, while most consents were for townhouses, flats, or units. Apartments accounted for only 5 per cent.Kāinga Ora and Tāmaki Regeneration Company land contributed 58 dwellings. A striking 94 per cent of new homes over the past year were inside the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB), showing growth continues to be directed towards established areas.Yet not all consents are in safe spots. In July, 154 homes were approved on land overlapping hazard zones, 11 per cent of the month’s total. Across the year, 12 per cent of new dwellings have been in hazard areas, raising long-term concerns.On completions, 1,539 dwellings were signed off with Code Compliance Certificates (CCC) in July, and more than 15,300 over the year. New residential parcels under 5,000m² also remained strong, with 1,353 created in August and more than 14,100 in the past 12 months.For Coasties, the data reinforces a familiar squeeze: while homes are being delivered, most are packed into townhouses rather than stand-alone houses. With 20 per cent of consents sitting near rapid transit catchments, it’s clear the city is shifting towards compact growth. The challenge will be ensuring enough safe, affordable housing reaches the Hibiscus Coast to ease pressure on families.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A clear majority of New Zealanders back government intervention in the energy sector if it would mean lower costs, a new poll shows.In a survey of more than 1,000 people conducted by Curia for Octopus Energy and the Auckland Business Chamber, 62 per cent supported the Government underwriting the cost of new electricity generation to bring down prices. That could begin with a long-term contract for new generation covering the Government’s own energy use.Support also remained high for separating the generation and retail arms of the four gentailers, with 49 per cent saying it would improve competition, 20 per cent saying it would not, and 31 per cent unsure.Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says the findings show Kiwis want bold action. “Whether it’s the rising household bills, or the ongoing stories of major employers having to shut up shop, costing thousands of jobs, Kiwi businesses and households have had enough,” he says.He warned that without decisive action the economy risks sliding further. “If decisive action isn’t taken, what we’re going to see more and more is the economy going backwards – the current state of economic activity could be as good as it gets.”The poll found 55 per cent of people were more concerned about their power bill than a year ago, while only 5 per cent were less concerned. Power company profits were most often blamed for higher bills (29 per cent), followed by not enough competition (20 per cent), poor regulation (16 per cent) and inflation (13 per cent).Curia’s polling took place between August 31 and September 2, with 700 phone interviews and 300 online panel responses.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

While New Zealand might have about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000 a year, there are almost as many paying barely more than the minimum wage.Data compiled by Infometrics showed the median and mean salaries across industries throughout the country.The data does not adjust for hours worked, and some of the workers may not be working a 40-hour week.But it shows that on an annual basis, many sectors were not delivering incomes that were equal to the minimum wage.The minimum wage of $23.50 an hour works out to just under $49,000 a year for a full-time, 40-hour a week worker.Fuel retailing was paying a median of almost exactly the same amount.Food retailing was paying less, at $45,030. Accommodation was slightly more, at $49,240, and food and beverage services was significantly less at $40,170.Also within $10,000 of minimum wage were "other store-based retailing" at $53,220, sport and recreation services at $53,350 and personal and other services at $54,170.Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data last year showed that about 141,900 people would be directly affected by the minimum wage rising to $23,500, indicating they were at that point being paid less than that amount per hour.Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon said skills and experience explained a lot of the variation in incomes."Industries that need a more skilled workforce generally pay more - because they can get a lot of value out of their workers, and workers need a good incentive to gain those skills - for example, medicine. Industries that take in a lot of lower qualified staff, like hospitality, can get away with paying a lot less, and still get plenty of job applicants."There are other factors like desirability - some jobs might not have a high skill requirement but are somewhat undesirable - say underground coal mining - so higher pay is necessary to find workers."CTU policy director and economist Craig Enney said "hours adequacy" was a big problem in many sectors."You've got someone who's working 20 hours a week or 25 hours, on $25 an hour, so you're earning $500 a week. Is that enough? No."The challenge is often about the structure of employment in some of those sectors…In hospo, in retail, in catering, in a range of other sort of service-based industries, it's wanting more hours and not getting it."The latest labour market statistics showed the the number of underutilised people in the country had risen to 403,000."These are people who want more hours, want more work and can't get it. And that may be a key reason why, you know, total incomes are so inadequate for some people. And that's also partially helping to explain why the headline unemployment rate is not rising as quickly as some people had predicted."Jake Lilley, a spokesperson for financial mentor network Fincap, said it was something mentors dealt with."They also help people work out what is realistic in terms of taking on hours while balancing additional childcare costs. Our latest Voices reporting recorded 31 percent of those supported by a financial mentor as having a mix of income from salary or wages as well as income support."It is a real juggle to navigate finances when unpredictable sporadic hours of work need reporting to Work and Income in what can be impractical timeframes. An example might be someone being asked to stay on for a longer shift by their manager and being unable to contact Work and Income when that day is the deadline to report other income."Someone might also not know exactly what their pay will be until a payslip is provided after the reporting date. Such situations can often result in overpayment debts from Work and Income compounding the difficulty of administering already tight finances."

Last year 341 people died and 2,453 were seriously injured on New Zealand’s roads.New research from the University of Auckland says driverless cars could sharply reduce those numbers by cutting out human error, which is a factor in 94 percent of serious crashes.Associate Professor Prakash Ranjitkar has studied overseas trials, including Waymo’s US fleet where autonomous vehicles were 85 percent less likely to be involved in injury-causing crashes than human drivers.“Driverless vehicles, especially shared ones like robo-taxis, could make our roads safer, ease traffic congestion, improve our transport systems and cut down on pollution,” he says.He sees the biggest opportunity in Auckland, where car dependency is high.Dr Prakash Ranjitkar is leading research into the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on New Zealand's transport system.Instead of replacing private cars for long journeys, he argues driverless vehicles should be used for short trips that connect people to trains and buses.“This ‘first-mile/last-mile’ solution would reduce reliance on private cars and encourage public transport use,” he says.Trials in New Zealand are already showing how autonomous shuttles could serve both city suburbs and regional towns.But Ranjitkar says scaling up will require investment in infrastructure, clear rules, and public trust.Wireless charging, either at stops or while driving, could keep vehicles operating around the clock.For Hibiscus Coast commuters, the prospect is real.Self-driving vehicles linking Orewa, Silverdale and Albany could trim daily trips, cut congestion on SH1, and offer a cleaner, safer way to get to work or connect with the wider transport network.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

State Highway 1 southbound between Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road will be fully closed overnight on Wednesday 1 October from 9pm to 5am. The closure is part of routine maintenance to keep the motorway safe and in good shape.The Silverdale southbound on-ramp and Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp will also be shut. Detours will be clearly signposted, sending traffic along Twin Coast Discovery Highway, Dairy Flat Highway and back onto Oteha Valley Road.For Coasties, it means taking a longer way round if you’re heading to the North Shore at night or returning home after hours. The closure is set to lift before the Thursday morning rush, but motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Council has approved sweeping planning changes designed to keep homes out of flood-prone areas and concentrate growth around transport hubs.The move scraps Plan Change 78 and introduces Plan Change 120, which gives the council new powers to restrict development in high-risk flood zones and coastal areas.In the worst-hit locations, new housing will be limited to single homes only.Mayor Wayne Brown says the approach is about common sense.“We need a physically and financially resilient future. This will allow us to downzone flood-prone land and build up in areas that make sense—like around transport corridors, walkable catchments, and where we have invested significantly in infrastructure, in water pipes, roads, and train lines.”The 2023 floods, which caused billions in damage and cost lives, prompted calls for stronger rules.Councillor Richard Hills says Aucklanders made it clear they want safer housing choices.“This lets us better protect people and property more quickly than we could under Plan Change 78, while focusing more homes where housing demand and public transport access are highest.”For Hibiscus Coast families, that means tighter controls on risky floodplain sites while town centres and busway corridors remain the main focus for growth.With $5.5 billion already sunk into the City Rail Link, council leaders say it makes sense to build homes near jobs and fast trains instead of far-flung, car-dependent suburbs.Public submissions on Plan Change 120 are expected to open in November, with hearings to follow.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Millwater Medical Back Open For PatientsRead more →The Real Number You Need For RetirementRead more →Holiday Routine Hack Eases Stress For ParentsRead more →New SPCA Rules Crack Down On Dog TetheringRead more →Rowell Impresses In Supersport Debut RaceRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

Auckland Emergency Management will run a tsunami siren test in Orewa at 12pm today.You’ll hear a short mix of tones and a clear voice message saying, “This is a test”.It’s just a routine check to make sure the system works in case of a real emergency.No action is needed, and there’s no cause for concern.The sirens will sound briefly at midday, then stop.If you’re new to the Hibiscus Coast, it’s a handy time to think about your nearest safe route inland, just in case.Stay safe, stay prepared.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Advertised salaries rose just 0.5% in the three months to August, with annual growth slowing to 2.0% across New Zealand, according to SEEK’s latest salary index. That’s well down from the stronger gains seen through 2023.The slowdown is most pronounced in Wellington and parts of the South Island, where weaker advertised salary growth has dragged on the national average. Canterbury bucked the trend, recording the fastest quarterly and annual growth at 1.0% and 2.9% respectively.By industry, Mining, Resources and Energy roles topped the chart with advertised salaries up 9.4% over the year, though the sector remains relatively small. Real Estate & Property also lifted 7.6%, while Science & Technology matched that pace. At the other end of the scale, Design & Architecture roles fell 1.4% and Government salaries dropped 0.7% over the year.SEEK country manager Rob Clark says the picture is mixed: “Annual average advertised salary growth continues to slow, despite quickening slightly in the most recent quarter. Growth was relatively slow in Auckland over the three months to August, perhaps reflecting the high number of people looking for work in the region right now.”For Hibiscus Coast families, the numbers underline what many already feel: wage growth isn’t keeping up with the cost of living. While Canterbury workers are seeing stronger increases, Coastie commuters into Auckland are facing a crowded job market and only modest advertised pay rises.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland’s business leaders say the city must seize fresh momentum after the Government announced $70 million to support tourism and major events.The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) argues Auckland is best placed to host global acts that bring visitors, spending and jobs, but the city often misses out on a fair share of national funding.Eden Park is singled out as under-used, with the EMA pushing for greater utilisation. Big shows don’t just stop in Auckland.They add other venues across the country, but they only come if the city is resourced to host them.The EMA also points to new projects like the City Rail Link and the NZ International Convention Centre. Both will bring thousands into the CBD, but only if attractions and events are ready to make the visit worthwhile.For Hibiscus Coast families, the issue is about fairness. When Auckland is short-changed on a per capita basis, the effects are felt north too. Whether it’s housing and schools in Wainui or job opportunities that flow through the wider region.The EMA says smarter sequencing of projects can boost productivity and employment, from Papakura and Drury in the south to Warkworth in the north. That could absorb workers finishing up at Auckland Airport while building stronger communities across the region.“Auckland is the country’s commercial engine,” the EMA says, urging central and local government to co-ordinate efforts. “We’ve got momentum. Let’s not waste it.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

When you head to bed tonight, don’t forget to nudge the clock forward by one hour. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00am on Sunday, 28 September, which means we’ll all wake up to brighter evenings.The tradition goes back to 1895, when George Hudson, an entomologist, first floated the idea of seasonal time changes. He wanted more light for insect hunting after work. People laughed then, but his idea eventually stuck. By 1927, the Summer Time Act had made Daylight Saving official.This year, the clocks will stay forward until 3:00am on Sunday, 5 April 2026. That gives Coasties months of golden evenings to enjoy.So, before you turn in tonight, push those clocks forward.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A recall has been issued for a plug adaptor supplied with some Midea Air Fryers sold at Trade Depot stores nationwide between 13 December 2024 and 5 September 2025.The air fryer itself is fully compliant and safe to keep using. The issue is with a 10A converter plug (a 15A socket to 10A plug cord set) that was packaged with certain units. This adaptor doesn’t meet New Zealand regulations because it’s portable and could be misused with other appliances.Customers who bought the affected model, product code 350117, are being asked to take action. You can return just the adaptor to Trade Depot in-store or by freepost to receive a $20 refund. Proof of destruction, such as a photo of the cord cut, will also be accepted.If preferred, customers can return both the air fryer and the adaptor for a full refund.For Hibiscus Coast families who picked up the popular fryer in-store or online, the advice is clear: keep cooking with confidence, but return the adaptor to ensure your household stays safe.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

It’s been a big month for Auckland Police, and Coasties will be interested to hear one of the suburbs hit was right on our doorstep in Torbay.In a sweeping series of operations, Police destroyed more than 10 tonnes of cannabis, worth over $58 million on the street. That meant four truckloads a week were needed just to cart away cannabis from the Waitematā district alone.Across Auckland, 120 rental homes were found to be secretly converted into cannabis grow houses, including addresses in Pakuranga, Henderson, Pōkeno and Torbay. Police say these setups are often rigged with dangerous, stolen wiring, which not only fuels the operation but also creates serious fire risks.Detective Inspector Callum McNeill says the raids have delivered a heavy financial blow to organised crime. In total, 128 addresses were searched, more than 11,000 plants destroyed, and 30 arrests made—many linked to Vietnamese criminal groups.Photos: Supplied.For landlords, there’s a clear warning. Insurance may not pay out if you haven’t done your homework on tenants. Police are urging property owners to:Meet tenants face-to-face and check IDRun reference, credit and income checksCarry out regular inspectionsNeighbours are asked to stay alert too. If you notice unusual power use, covered-up windows, or tenants pushing to avoid inspections, it might be worth a quiet call to 105 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.It’s a reminder that even an average-looking rental down the street can hide serious risks. Together, Coasties can help keep our communities safe.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]