Today it’s National Cheesecake Day, and Coasties with a sweet tooth have the perfect excuse to dig in. Whether you’re picking up a slice from your favourite café or baking something special at home, today is all about celebrating the rich, creamy dessert that’s loved the world over.While the day originated in the U.S. back in 1985, it’s found plenty of fans here on the Hibiscus Coast. From classic New York styles to berry-topped, lemony or chocolate-infused versions, cheesecake is one of those desserts that brings joy to any table.Local cafes, bakeries and restaurants are likely embracing the occasion with their signature cheesecakes—served chilled, baked, swirled or stacked. And for those who enjoy a bit of kitchen creativity, it’s a great excuse to try your hand at something homemade. Whether you're using ricotta, cream cheese or even quark, the base might be humble, but the end result is usually a showstopper.What makes today extra sweet is the way food has a knack for bringing people together. Sharing a slice with friends, surprising your family after dinner, or just treating yourself, cheesecake does it all.So if you’re out and about on the Hibiscus Coast, keep an eye out for specials or just drop a hint at home. And if you’ve baked something brilliant, don’t forget to show it off!Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Sir Michael Hill has died.The founder of the well-known chain of jewellery stores was 86.Sir Michael died on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the business he founded to the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.Born in Whangarei, Sir Michael worked as a young man for his uncle, Arthur Fisher, at the family jewellery store.In 1979 he opened his own store nearby, and over the next 45 years the chain expanded to nearly 300 (281 in April 2023) stores in Australia and Canada as well as New Zealand.The company, now based in Brisbane, is currently chaired by Rob Fyfe.Sir Michael's daughter, Emma, is a non-independent, non-executive director, after being executive chair between 2015 to 2021.In 2001 Sir Michael's lifelong love of violin music led him to found the biennial Michael Hill International Violin Competition for 'emerging young violinists'.He was knighted in 2011.A private memorial to celebrate the life of Sir Michael will be held in Arrowtown.'It's hard to imagine life without Michael'Fyfe told RNZ news of Sir Michael's death was "hard to come to terms with".The pair had known each other for two decades, since Sir Michael rang wanting to learn more about Fyfe's success at the helm of Air New Zealand."Michael has been, well for me personally, you know he's been an inspiration - a mentor for the last 20 years and you know he's an example of how to live life," Fyfe said."I don't have a better example in my life," he said."One of the most creative, driven innovative people that I've ever met and you know what I love so much about Michael is just how he could touch anyone," Fyfe said from Canada."From the youngest kid to, you know, the super successful businessman, he just had a way of sort of challenging, of wanting you to make you want to do better with your life."Fyfe said Sir Michael became an entrepreneur in his 40s and only ever saw opportunity."He'd come across a challenge, many people would turn their back on that challenge because it looked insurmountable," Fyfe said."Michael just loved finding ways to solve problems and create solutions. His legacy is going to live on a lot longer than him for sure."Fyfe said even though Sir Michael had been fighting cancer, the news of his death still came as a shock."Emotionally I wasn't prepared for it, he's been an integral part of my life... he's been such a key part in so many lives and he's touched so many people.""I just feel this overwhelming sense of loss," Fyfe said.Sir Michael was an accomplished violinist. Photo: Sheena Haywood'We've lost an enormously valuable member of our community'Former Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult said he was devastated to hear the news."My heart goes out to Lady Christine and the wider Hill family, Emma and Mark and their children and their families. I'm just terribly sorry for them at the present time. But from a Queenstown Lakes District point of view, we've lost an enormously valuable member of our community," he said.Boult said Hill's name was synonymous with golf - having built The Hills, a championship course near Arrowtown that went on to host the New Zealand Open - and with the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, a prestigious biennial event he founded in 2001 that drew young talent from around the world to Queenstown."Something that a lot of people forget is that he was a very accomplished violinist himself. And on his boat with my wife and Lady Christine, and listened to many solo performances by Michael. And they're always wonderful. I'll miss them," Boult said.Boult said Hill had been a friend for many years."He was always positive, always thinking about the greater good of the community," he said."He was full of energy. He was highly intelligent person.... just a great bloke."'Inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs'Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took to social media to say that Michael Hill has inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs."Sir Michael Hill's aspiration, grit, and determination to succeed not only built a globally recognised brand, but also inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs to dream big," he said in a post on X.He built a brand from scratch and gave back to the country that he loved, Luxon said."May he rest in peace."MPs also paid tribute to Sir Michael as they made their way into the House for Question Time this afternoon.Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said he was lucky to have met the well-known businessman in person."He was incredibly kind. He even sent me personalised cartoons of encouragement when I was having a dark or difficult day."Just a wonderful man, may he rest in peace, he's gone, but he's not forgotten."Seymour said Sir Michael's success in business was admirable."The fact that he started his career as an entrepreneur in his 40s shows it's never too late. He's one of the few business people who's succeeded in Australia and in Canada big time."A lot of people struggle, after succeeding in New Zealand, to translate that success overseas. Sir Michael Hill did that. He was just a fabulously decent human being."Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith said Sir Michael had contributed to both business and the arts."It's obviously very sad. He was a phenomenally successful businessperson but also a real patron of the arts, most famously with his violin competition. A very sad day."Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he had not met Sir Michael but remembered seeing him on television advertisements growing up."He had a very, very distinctive voice. I think you've made it in New Zealand when you can speak on the radio without saying you name and everybody knows who's speaking."He clearly contributed a lot to New Zealand, very successful businessperson but I understand quite the philanthropist as well, involving in giving to charity and so on."

Job ads across New Zealand dipped again in June, down 3% month-on-month, according to SEEK’s latest Employment Report. That’s the second monthly drop in a row, though the national decline over the past year now sits at just 3%.Trend-wise, the outlook was slightly steadier, with job ads down 1% for the month. Meanwhile, applications per job ad (tracked with a lag) dropped 2% in May after a small lift in April.Locally, while the Hibiscus Coast isn’t broken out as its own region, Auckland’s figures feed into the wider picture. Job ads for Healthcare & Medical, Administration, and Trades all declined in June, reflecting a quieter winter for hiring. However, Information & Communication Technology showed signs of life, jumping 6% month-on-month, with demand for ICT Managers spiking 42% and Network Administrators 24%.Rob Clark from SEEK said, “We’re seeing pockets of growth despite the overall flat trend. Industries like Government & Defence are up 51% year-on-year, and Professional Services are showing signs of steady recovery.”For Coasties watching the job market, it’s a mixed bag. Roles in tech, call centres, HR, and banking are growing, but many traditional sectors have eased off. If you’re job hunting, it may pay to broaden your search into flexible or remote roles in emerging industries.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A recall has been issued for Ecostore’s Ultra Sensitive Multi Purpose Cleaner (500ml) due to a contamination risk affecting several major retailers, including Woolworths and Briscoes.The affected batch, ET25147, was sold between 27 June and 15 July 2025 across a number of outlets, including My Goodness, Naturally Organic Northridge Albany, and Ecostore’s own website.The issue? Naturally occurring environmental bacteria were found in this batch, posing a risk of infection to individuals with broken skin or compromised immune systems.Customers are advised to dispose of the product in general waste. Ecostore is offering full refunds and has set up a dedicated customer care line:NZ Freephone: 0800 33 55 33Email: [email protected] Coasties who shop regularly at local branches of Woolworths or Briscoes, this is one to double-check under the kitchen sink. While most healthy people aren’t likely to be affected, it’s especially important for families with vulnerable members to take extra care.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Being part of New World's latest promo is unlikely to hurt Smeg's higher-end image, even if people are picking up its products for nothing, marketing experts say.The supermarket is offering baking dishes and utensil organisers in return for stickers collected at a rate of one per $20. Some items, such as the cast iron braiser, require cash on top of stickers.Kitchen Things is selling Smeg casserole dishes for more than $450 and a set of three containers for $439.Sarah Dodds, a senior marketing lecturer at Massey University, said it was a smart move for Smeg to be involved in the New World giveaway."It gives them exposure to a broader target market, a sensible growth strategy in today's market to increase market share."Although Smeg is typically positioned as a premium, designer appliance brand, partnering with a major supermarket like New World offers widespread visibility across New Zealand, creating brand awareness and interest from aspirational consumers who may not have previously considered high-end appliances."She said giveaways could often generate excitement and goodwill."Associating the brand with a Kiwi supermarket can personalise the brand and increase its relatability."The key will be to preserve the brand's premium appeal while benefiting from New World's broad reach to grow the brand in New Zealand. Having said that, New World is positioned as a supermarket that offers quality product and a full-service, premium shopping environment, so in that sense, Smeg fits reasonably well with New World."University of Auckland marketing professor Michael Lee said, if it was a new type of promotion, it could be detrimental to the Smeg brand, but the model was well known."New World has done enough of these now, all with high-end brands, that they have sort of become pseudo status promoters of the brands involved."Foodstuffs said the promotion was a successful one, with 92 percent awareness among New World shoppers.

By May 2026, the government will scrap in-store payment surcharges, aiming to save New Zealanders up to $150 million a year.Announced by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson, the move will ban all extra charges for contactless and credit card payments, including the vague percentages often tacked on at the till.“That pesky note or sticker on the payment machine will become a thing of the past,” Simpson said.Surcharges, which retailers have used to cover payment processing fees, have long frustrated shoppers and added up to an estimated $65 million in excessive costs.For Coasties, it means peace of mind at checkout, whether you're tapping your phone at the dairy or swiping at a local café, the price you see will be the price you pay.The decision follows a recent Commerce Commission move to reduce Visa and Mastercard interchange fees for businesses, which is expected to save retailers around $90 million a year.Simpson says the goal is transparency.“It means no more surprises for people who currently feel like they’re being charged to use their own hard-earned money.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A new outpatient hysteroscopy service at Auckland's North Shore Hospital will help gynaecological patients get a faster diagnosis.Health Minister Simeon Brown said it combines their first specialist assessment (FSA) and diagnostic procedure into a single visit."This is a practical, patient-focused pathway that means women can get the answers they need sooner, without the stress and delays of multiple appointments or hospital admission," Brown said.A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to look inside the womb (uterus) and at the lining of the womb.A sample (biopsy) of the lining is usually taken as part of a diagnostic hysteroscopy, to look for abnormalities.Patients with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular periods and infertility might be referred for a hysteroscopy."Previously, women needing a hysteroscopy would attend an initial specialist appointment and then wait weeks to undergo the procedure in theatre under general anaesthetic."Brown said the new approach removed that delay for women suitable for the treatment."Now, women needing an uncomplicated hysteroscopy procedure can choose to have both the specialist assessment and the procedure in a single outpatient appointment."That means fewer hospital visits, less time off work or away from family, and a much more streamlined experience."For women with a high suspicion of cancer, this pathway can reduce the diagnostic timeline by two to six weeks compared to traditional models. That time could make all the difference."Health Minister Simeon Brown. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKERNorth Shore Hospital expects to deliver around 60 outpatient hysteroscopy clinics over the next 12 months, with approximately 240 procedures."Every outpatient procedure frees up valuable theatre space and clinical teams for patients who require more complex surgery. That's better for patients, and better for the whole system," Brown said.The new service meant a significant proportion of uncomplicated hysteroscopies that would have otherwise been performed in theatre under anaesthesia can now be done safely as outpatient procedures."This is part of a regional effort to improve the quality, timeliness, and experience of care for women undergoing investigation for gynaecological cancers."It will also play an important role in meeting our faster cancer treatment target by speeding up diagnosis and helping women start treatment sooner."The new service followed similar successful models already operating in Auckland, Counties Manukau, and Waikato.

A $4 million research project led by the University of Auckland is developing a new AI tool to predict who might develop dementia, aiming to pick up early warning signs before symptoms set in.Dr Catherine Morgan and Professor Lynette Tippett, alongside experts from Singapore and Otago, are creating a tool that could help doctors more accurately identify people at high risk of dementia using memory tests, blood results, genetics, MRI scans, and more.Backed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the project combines years of local health data, including findings from New Zealand’s Dementia Prevention Research Clinics, to train the AI system.The team’s goal?Over 85% accuracy in predicting dementia risk.Why does this matter to locals?With 70,000 Kiwis currently living with dementia—and that number expected to double by 2050—this research could help Hibiscus Coast families get earlier answers, plan for the future, and potentially slow the disease’s progression.“It’s about finding those red flags early,” said Morgan.“Then we might be able to delay or even prevent it.”The tool will produce an explainable risk score, showing doctors exactly which factors contributed to the result.That could lead to earlier referrals, specialist advice, and more proactive care.The project, which also includes Siemens Healthcare and Te Whatu Ora clinicians, will run for three years and finish with a pilot trial of the new tool.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Locals in Arkles Bay have been following the search for 20-year-old Tyler Porter, who was last seen on Wednesday, 16 July.Over the weekend, police confirmed a body had been found near where Tyler was last spotted.His mother, Shara-Lee Porter, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, thanking the many volunteers and community members who spent hours helping with the search.A Givealittle page has now been set up to help support the family with funeral costs and other expenses.You can find the fundraiser here: givealittle.co.nz/cause/in-loving-memory-of-tyler-porter-supportingOur thoughts are with Tyler’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.It’s clear from the outpouring of support that he was deeply loved by many.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New World Birkenhead has become the first supermarket in the country to trial a reverse vending machine (RVM), letting locals recycle empty drink containers while raising money for nearby schools.Launched in partnership with TOMRA, the trial aims to test how Aucklanders respond to the technology, which is already common overseas.The machine takes plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminium cans, using sensors to sort the materials.Each returned item adds 10 cents to a local school of the customer’s choice, capped at $1,500 per month.Sandy Botterill from Foodstuffs, the co-operative behind New World, says the team picked Birkenhead because of strong community support for past recycling schemes.“We’re pretty sure they’ll back the reverse vending machine too, especially with the chance to help out local schools at the same time.”Kauri Park School principal Thomas Bigge agrees: “It’s a great way to get children thinking about recycling and making a tangible difference in their community.”Auckland Council and local councillor Richard Hills are backing the initiative, which aligns with the city’s zero-waste goals.While it's just a trial, it could pave the way for a future nationwide container return scheme.Fingers crossed a Hibiscus Coast New World is next. Watch the video below to see how it works.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [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.More Classrooms Coming to Orewa CollegeRead moreCoast Jobs You Should Know AboutRead moreSilverdale Butchery Crowned NZ’s BestRead moreCoast's Fast-track Projects Gain MomentumRead moreMorris & James Pottery to CloseRead moreYour Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates, anytime, anywhere.

Air New Zealand is stepping into the future, becoming the first Kiwi company to partner directly with OpenAI in a groundbreaking move to boost efficiency and improve customer service across the airline.The collaboration gives Air New Zealand access to OpenAI’s enterprise-grade tools, including ChatGPT Enterprise.Already, 3,500 corporate team members are using “Companion AI” to speed up internal processes and decision-making.More than 1,500 custom GPTs have been developed to support different teams.The national carrier is also looking at smarter customer self-service options and better-integrated maintenance and operations planning, thanks to the AI-powered insights.Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says it’s a big moment for the airline.“It helps us solve problems faster, serve our customers better, and reimagine how work gets done,” he said.Why it hits close to homeMany Coasties work in roles where tech and customer service go hand-in-hand.As AI tools become part of everyday work life, this kind of innovation gives a glimpse into how local businesses and employees might adapt, grow, and make smarter decisions.OpenAI’s Oliver Jay praised the airline’s early adoption and focus on responsible AI use.The partnership also signals New Zealand’s growing role in shaping how global tech is applied locally and ethically.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A body has been found in the water at a North Auckland beach this morning.The person was found dead at Arkles Bay near Whangaparāoa by a member of the public at 6.50am.Police are working to identify the person."The person has been recovered from the water and work is now under way to identify them and establish the circumstances of their death," a police spokesperson said."At this stage no further information is available."Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand has joined a global alliance to fight cybercrime, passing new legislation this week to boost online safety and strengthen international cooperation.Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed the country will now adopt the Budapest Convention, the world’s only binding cybercrime treaty, following a year in which 11 percent of Kiwis were hit by online scams, costing an estimated $1.6 billion.“The emotional and financial harm is significant,” Goldsmith said. “This law gives us the tools to keep up.”For Coasties, the changes mean better protection from email scams, identity theft, and online fraud. Police and agencies will now be able to preserve digital evidence faster and work more closely with overseas counterparts when crime crosses borders, as it often does online.The Crimes Act has also been updated to better define and prosecute cyber offences.Why it hits close to homeCybercrime isn’t just a big-city problem. It affects everyday Coastie, from small business owners caught in phishing scams to parents dealing with hacked accounts.These new laws give law enforcement stronger tools to step in before things spiral.Whether it’s a local tradie scammed out of payment or a teen hacked on social media, the goal is the same: faster action, stronger protections, and safer digital lives for all of us.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

All slip repairs in the Hibiscus Coast area are now complete, marking a major milestone in Auckland’s storm recovery effort.The 2023 weather events triggered more than 2000 slips across local roads. While most minor ones were fixed quickly, 114 major and complex sites in the wider north urban area needed full-scale rebuilds. As of late June, only five sites remain. None of them on the Coast.“It’s been a big job but we’re almost there,” said Ian Bielawa, the Auckland Transport engineer leading the recovery in the north. His team has worked across challenging sites, including Glenvar Road, Duck Creek Road in Stillwater, and parts of the Hibiscus Coast Highway.“These were never one-size-fits-all jobs,” he said. “Every site needed its own smart, fit-for-purpose solution.”Local Board Chair Alexis Poppelbaum says Coasties can now breathe a little easier.“We’re incredibly grateful to all the crews involved,” she said. “Local roads are back in action, and the last of the region’s storm scars are finally being stitched up.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you're anything like me, you’re constantly negotiating screen time with your kids. One moment they’re laughing at dog videos, the next they’re glued to a feed that’s making bedtime impossible. It turns out, our instincts might be spot on.Dr Samantha Marsh, a researcher at the University of Auckland, says the evidence is now clear: social media is linked to rising rates of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, eating disorders, and low self-esteem in teens. Her latest report shows the risks are especially high for kids under 16.She’s calling for a nationwide shift—raising the minimum age for social media to 16 and backing it with public campaigns that speak to teens in their own language. Think less lecture, more empowerment. Like the anti-smoking campaigns that didn’t scold, but sparked change.Schools also have a role to play. Dr Marsh recommends phone-free policies, limiting device-based homework, and avoiding social media as a way to communicate with students.For Coastie families, this is a moment to pause and ask: what kind of digital environment do we want for our kids? Maybe it’s not about banning screens altogether, but helping our teens build healthier habits. Before the algorithms do it for them.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties heading to Auckland Airport's domestic terminal will need a fresh plan for parking from 1 August, as major changes kick in to accommodate regional airfield expansion.The airport’s popular Car Park M, right outside the domestic terminal, is becoming a short-stay area for single-day visitors, pickups, and drop-offs only.This shift makes way for four new aircraft parking spots and an extra 8,500m² of airfield space, ensuring Auckland can meet growing demand for regional flights.Travellers staying longer than 24 hours are encouraged to pre-book Car Parks K, L, or O—offering discounts of up to 35%.Accessibility remains a priority, with dedicated parks still available close to the terminal at Car Parks R, O, K, and M.Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker says the changes are essential to keep regional air connections thriving, supporting families, businesses, and tourism across the Hibiscus Coast and beyond.Anyone uncertain about where best to park or needing special assistance is encouraged to contact Auckland Airport's online customer service team.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New data from Auckland Council shows housing development is slowing, with fewer new homes consented in May than completed.A total of 1,392 dwellings were consented across the region in May 2025, while 1,316 dwellings were completed, receiving final sign-off through a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). Over the past year, 13,835 new homes were consented compared to 15,550 completed, signalling a possible catch-up from previous years' builds.Most of May’s new homes were attached dwellings like townhouses, units, and retirement village flats (63%), with standalone houses making up just 31%. Apartments trailed at 7%.Nearly all (95%) of the new homes consented over the past year were located within Auckland’s Rural Urban Boundary (RUB), and 30% were within walking distance of the city’s rapid transit network.Interestingly, 196 of the homes consented in May were on properties overlapping hazard zones, making up 14% of the month’s total. Kāinga Ora or Tāmaki Regeneration Company land accounted for 34 dwellings consented.Land development is also holding steady, with 1,219 new residential parcels created in June, most under 5,000 square metres.For Coasties, this data helps paint a picture of where Auckland’s housing growth is headed and how it might impact neighbourhoods, infrastructure, and transport. Especially as more people look to live near transit hubs and within the RUB.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Pre-Loved KIDS MarketSat 26 JulMore detailsCommunity Wetland Planting DaySat 26 JulMore detailsHoedown at the RanchSun 27 JulMore detailsWant to see more events? Explore Things To Do in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here