Spring has kicked off with a bang, and the forecasters say we’re in for a real mix this September.August wrapped up with some of the harshest winds recorded, and those southerlies are still hanging around.That means frosty mornings for parts of the country this week.Looking ahead, high pressure is building over Australia and northern New Zealand, but spring is living up to its reputation.Wild storms in the Southern Ocean and bubbling low pressure systems north of us will keep things unsettled.For the rest of the week, expect windy westerlies across New Zealand.There may be a short lull on Wednesday before the breeze picks up again.By next week, it’s a toss-up of warm sunny spells and cooler, wet days.Overall, both rainfall and temperatures are expected to sit above average this month.For Hibiscus Coast locals, that means keeping an eye on the skies.Outdoor plans might be spoiled one day and back on the next, and gardeners will notice the extra moisture.It’s the classic spring shuffle, with a few surprises thrown in.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Watercare is set to pour $500 million into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure over the next 18 months, Local Government Minister Simon Watts has announced.The investment is a 44% increase on the last renewal cycle and will focus on renewing pipes and assets, with a third of the funding earmarked for treatment plant upgrades. The move comes under the Watercare Charter, designed with Auckland Council to keep household bills lower while improving service quality.Watts said the arrangement would save households nearly $900 million over four years and ensure services remain affordable. “This is about accelerating investment while making sure Aucklanders aren’t paying more than they need to,” he said.For Coasties, the upgrades should mean more reliable water services and fewer disruptions as ageing pipes are replaced. With $75 million worth of contracts for pipe replacements going to public tender before Christmas, there will also be opportunities for smaller local businesses to compete for work.Much of the project will be delivered by Watercare’s existing contractors, but the additional finance is expected to support job growth across the region. Watts said the plan reflects “a shared commitment to faster delivery, stronger regional economies, and improved water services for Aucklanders.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

All across New Zealand, people are being invited to give Chinese language a go this week. From 31 August to 6 September, the country is marking the 11th New Zealand Chinese Language Week, a celebration of language learning and cultural connection.The week opens with a ceremony at Parliament, honouring teachers, youth ambassadors, and language champions. Wētā Workshop’s Sir Richard Taylor will also unveil a major cultural project in Guangdong, highlighting how learning languages and building relationships can create new opportunities for Kiwi businesses.For Coasties, the celebration is as much about the everyday as it is the big announcements. On the NZCLW website, you’ll find simple phrases to practise at home, along with videos to help with tones and pronunciation. For instance, try saying nǐ hǎo (hello), xièxiè (thank you), or zàijiàn (goodbye). These small steps can be fun to share with friends and family. an easy way to try something new and share it with family and friends.There’s a tasty twist too. Ahead of New Zealand Dumpling Day later this month, locals can register online and vote for their favourite dumpling spot. It’s a fun way to celebrate culture while supporting a dish loved across generations.Organisers say the week is also about building skills and boosting opportunities.Learning another language helps with literacy, numeracy, and memory, and it can open the door to business connections overseas. For Coast families, it’s a reminder that trying out a new word today could spark fresh chances tomorrow.Zàijiàn.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government has signed off key policy changes to make tolling easier on new and upgraded roads, with Transport Minister Simeon Brown confirming Penlink is among three projects that will be tolled.Alongside Penlink, which connects Whangaparāoa Peninsula to State Highway 1, the Takitimu North Link in Tauranga and the Ōtaki to north of Levin corridor have also been approved for tolling after consultation.Brown said the reforms would allow New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to introduce corridor tolling, apply inflation-based price rises automatically, and make it easier to set up and collect tolls. Heavy vehicles may be required to use toll roads in some cases to keep traffic away from built-up areas, but every tolled project must still offer a free alternative route.The new system will also see tolls linked to vehicle owners rather than drivers, making collection more straightforward.For Coasties, the big news is Penlink. The road is under construction and expected to ease congestion for thousands of Hibiscus Coast commuters. Tolling, the Government says, will support the cost of building, maintaining, and operating the road while protecting the National Land Transport Fund for other highways and local roads.Legislation to support the changes will be introduced next year, but tolling for Penlink is now confirmed.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Business confidence up 2 points to net 50 percentOwn activity outlook 39 pct vs 41pct in July, but past activity shows weaknessFirms still not inclined to hire, construction may still be losing jobsInflation expectations ease a shadeBusiness confidence has risen for the third month in a row in ANZ's latest business outlook survey, but firms are still enduring tough trading conditions.ANZ's chief economist Sharon Zollner said forward-looking indicators were a mixed bag, but measures of activity over the past year showed how tough it had been for businesses."Reported past activity - the best indicator of economic growth in the survey - eased further and remains negative for retail, construction and manufacturing."Reported past employment remains soft for every sector. The construction sector in particular, appears likely to be shedding jobs again," she said.Wage growth over the past year fell to 2.1 percent, and future wage growth expectations also eased to 2.4 percent.Zollner said responses after the Reserve Bank's recent interest rate cut and signal of more to come were slightly more upbeat in rate-sensitive sectors such as retail and construction."This month's survey is consistent with the RBNZ's updated view that the economy needs a little more support to head off downside risks."It's too early to judge the confidence impacts of this month's shift in stance, but our view is that it will shore up the recovery that is now underway."She said with the Reserve Bank now more focused on growth over inflation, it would keep cutting interest rates until the economy showed clear signs of recovery.

High housing costs and clogged roads aren’t just a frustration for Coasties — they’re holding back Auckland’s whole economy, says Auckland Council Chief Economist Gary Blick.Auckland pumped out $157 billion in GDP in the year to March 2024.That works out to $88,400 per person, about 13% higher than the national average.Not bad, but similar cities overseas do much better, often sitting 25–35% above.Blick says Auckland is productive compared with the rest of New Zealand, but it’s not reaching its full potential.On the Hibiscus Coast, you can see it in long SH1 commutes and the wait for Penlink to finally ease the pressure.For families, it also shows up in housing costs.If house-price-to-income ratios had stayed at 2000 levels, the median home today would be around $680,000 instead of $1 million.The barriers are clear: high housing costs that drive workers away, too much money tied up in property instead of business investment, growth sprawling out to the fringes, and congestion that drains nearly $700 million a year — about 0.5% of Auckland’s GDP.Jobs are also under pressure.In the June 2025 quarter, Auckland had 985,000 people in work, down 23,000 on the year before — a 2.3% fall compared with 0.9% nationally.“Stronger productivity growth is key to lifting wages and living standards,” Blick says.He points to local fixes like building more homes near jobs and transport, smarter road pricing to manage congestion, and making sure investment goes where it delivers the most value.For Coasties, it comes down to this: less time stuck in traffic, more affordable housing, and better chances for local families to get ahead.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.Hibiscus Coast Voters’ Guide: Who’s Standing?Read more →Orewa’s New Chatterbox Seat Sparks ConversationRead more →Mystery Car Found Submerged At Stanmore BayRead more →Father’s Day Gifts Locals Will LoveRead more →Penlink Works Push Ahead This SeptemberRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

The Ministry of Justice has apologised after a text message about fines was sent to thousands of people.It has blamed a system error for the texts, which were sent to about 8000 people.The texts were sent on Monday afternoon, and contained the words "Amount $135.00," the ministry's bank account details, a fines reference number, and the surname of the person receiving the text message."We sometimes send text messages to people who owe fines. In this case a system error meant a message went to approximately 8000 people. Some people would have received the same message up to eight times," said Tracey Baguely, the ministry's group manager, National Service Delivery.Baguely said people's personal information had not been shared, and the issue had now been resolved.Anyone who paid money they did not owe would be refunded.It said the text could be deleted, but if anyone was unsure of what to do they could call the contact centre on 0800 434 637 (0800 4 FINES).

From tomorrow, State Highway 1 southbound will be closed between the Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road each night until Wednesday 4 September.Closures run from 9pm to 5am.The work is part of NZTA’s planned motorway maintenance.During this time, the Silverdale southbound on-ramp and the Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp will also be closed.A signposted detour will send traffic through Twin Coast Discovery Highway, Dairy Flat Highway and back to Oteha Valley Road.Coasties heading into the city late at night, or on airport runs, should allow extra travel time.The closure won’t affect daytime traffic.All work is weather dependent, so dates may shift if conditions don’t play ball.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland Council has delivered more than $600 million in financial benefits for ratepayers over the past three years, the largest savings recorded in any council term.The $608 million total includes $418 million in direct savings, $96 million from the sale of unused assets, and $94 million through improved procurement.Without these savings, residential rates would have been around 7 per cent higher this year.Mayor Wayne Brown called the result “fantastic news” and said it showed his commitment to stop wasting ratepayer money.He pointed to the Better Value Projects programme, launched earlier this year, which has already saved $5 million.Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, who chairs the Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, said the result exceeded the council’s target by $44 million.“Aucklanders expect us to maximise every dollar, and this shows we’ve been able to do that,” she said.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the savings matter because they help keep rates down while still funding local infrastructure, amenities, and essential services.Council says non-rates revenue has also been kept above 60 per cent of income, further easing pressure on households.The council confirmed savings were made through cost efficiencies, value-for-money projects, and growth in non-rates revenue such as consents, leasing, and dividends.Council’s chief financial officer Ross Tucker said the focus now is to continue “implementing enduring savings initiatives” to ensure ongoing financial sustainability.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The government is hoping that supermarket reforms announced this week will tempt another player into the supermarket sector in New Zealand.When she unveiled plans for an "express lane" for supermarket developments and other policy changes to boost competition, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said five players, as well as Costco, had expressed interest.But who could our new supermarket player be?Experts say there are a few potential options.An existing New Zealand businessOne option is that a business already in New Zealand might branch out into grocery, or expand its current offering significantly.Retail expert Chris Wilkinson said the ideal solution would probably be a partnership through The Warehouse because it already had accessible sites at locations around the country, which were typically well located with nation-wide coverage."I think that the most logical move to get penetration and to achieve success would be a New Zealand brand, The Warehouse or whatever, partnering with some sort of supplier or developing some supply arrangement with a brand that could develop that consistency and continuity," Wilkinson said."We've already seen The Warehouse struggle with grocery and in many cases they've pulled out their fresh produce… it would be a step change in how it delivers to market, so that's not going to be a switch you can turn on overnight."Damien Yeo, a senior analyst at Fitch Solutions company BMI, agreed The Warehouse was an option and said Night'n Day could also expand its operations.Otago University marketing senior lecturer Rob Hamlin said in the UK and Ireland, major supermarkets were branching out into more non-food items which reflected The Warehouse's offering."The Warehouse has actually got quite a lot of its distribution situation already set up.," Hamlin said."So, I would have thought that if you're going to see somebody enter the food market, they're likely to do it from an established platform like The Warehouse, or much less likely, but possible, would be one of the other house goods or do-it-yourself chains."CostcoWillis said Costco had indicated it wanted to open more sites around New Zealand.Wilkinson was not convinced that was practical."The reality is that big organisations like Costco need that critical mass. Christchurch is there, with the critical mass, places like Wellington don't have the space at the moment."Minister of Finance Nicola Willis and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Photo: Marika KhabaziA new local businessLabour's Peeni Henare has indicated that his party would like to see an iwi-led supermarket operation enter the market. It is understood that Waikato Tainui had some work under way. It has been approached for comment.University of Auckland marketing expert Mike Lee said this would be a good option."At the regional level, where there is a need for more job opportunities and where food growing areas are already nearby," Lee said.University of Sydney supermarket expert Lisa Asher said a local player would be preferable."There is strong academic evidence that locally grown supermarkets, not just retailers but supermarkets, have a greater chance of success than a foreign entrant," Asher said."They understand the customer. They understand the landscape and they can curate according to that."She said, if the barriers to entry could be addressed in a meaningful way, and a group of "really enthusiastic entrepreneurs" could get some financial backing, that would be a good solution."I think we've had too long a period in New Zealand where competition is disappearing and this idea that you can start your own business - that's not even a consideration for anyone anymore, and I think that that's really sad."Hamlin said there could be an opportunity to set up a venue where a lot of smaller sellers could operate under one roof."A builder, an area in which individual traders can rent space with a carpark outside or nearby."One example of that working is the farmers market in Dunedin, which happens every Saturday morning. Every Saturday, several thousand people go to the railway station in Dunedin because everybody's there and they do a lot of their high-end, high-margin shopping for the week there."He said Melbourne's markets were another good example.An international playerLee said Aldi would be a likely candidate."They are already well established in Australia and their model, which focuses on easy-to-ship and non-perishables, might make expansion slightly easier and quicker."Hamlin was sceptical because he said its discounter model would be difficult to bring here."They don't compete head on... the problem from New Zealand's point of view is that while they would offer marginally cheaper groceries, the population of New Zealand has been well trained to pay far too much for their groceries. And the discount is not going to spoil that market. It's just low enough below the big boxes to make their business model work."Act Party leader David Seymour has mentioned wanting to get Walmart into New Zealand.Asher said that would be a difficult situation to manage."If the GDP of the nation in US dollars is $260 billion and Walmart turns over $648 billion, New Zealand's productivity is a fraction of that company. There is no way the New Zealand Government would even be prepared for some of the requests that would come from a company of that size. The concessions that would have to be made."Maybe no oneAsher said the barriers to entry still had not been addressed."Until this occurs, no one's coming to save the country from a situation created by successive governments."Wilkinson said there were significant hurdles."You're going to need to establish a logistics operation, and then the size of the prize is not realty there. In the likes of Australia and the UK, you've got growth of residential areas, you've got intensification… Australia is probably quite a good example because you've got new suburbs that spring up. In New Zealand we just don't have that scale," he said."I think we're all really struggling to work out who would be interested because even with significant incentives, New Zealand is a very costly market to service for those organisations… the logistics for one, the yields likely from those sites, it just really doesn't stack up in terms of a significant commercial proposition for these businesses despite the fact we wish it would happen."

The Blues will celebrate 30 years of Super Rugby in style with a packed home schedule for the 2026 season, announced this week.Kicking off with a fiery opener against the Chiefs, the Blues will also host the Hurricanes, Crusaders, Highlanders, Moana Pasifika, and Fijian Drua in Auckland. Venues will be confirmed in the coming weeks, with four home games in the first seven rounds.A highlight of the draw is an Anzac Day clash against the Reds in Christchurch during Super Round.Blues CEO Andrew Hore said 2026 is about more than just rugby fixtures. “Every game this year will carry a special connection to our history and identity, while looking ahead to the next generation. We want our fans, members and community to feel part of this journey every step of the way.”For Coasties, the season offers a chance to back their Auckland side close to home, with family-friendly matches set to attract strong local support. Hore added that the squad, coaching group and purpose are settled heading into the milestone year. “2026 is about honouring that legacy and pushing forward from it. We’ve got a talented squad and a clear purpose to represent our region with pride.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

There’s often chat about how close is too close on our Hibiscus Coast roads, especially when traffic bunches up on Whangaparāoa Road or through Silverdale.The truth is, the NZTA keeps it simple with the 2-second and 4-second rule.On a clear day, Coasties can check their distance by picking a landmark like a street sign or a power pole, then counting “one thousand and one, one thousand and two” as the car in front passes it. If you reach the spot too soon, you’re tucked in a bit too close.Image: NZTAWhen the weather turns wet or you’re towing a trailer, it’s time to double that count to four seconds.The extra space gives you a better chance to stop safely and with less stress.But what if the driver behind won’t back off?In that case, it’s best not to speed up or brake suddenly.Instead, increase the gap between you and the car in front so you’ve got more time to slow down gradually.That way, if traffic stops suddenly, you won’t be forced into sharp braking and the risk of being hit from behind is reduced.When it’s safe, Coasties can always pull over and let the impatient driver past — it’s often the quickest way to get back to a calmer trip.It might sound basic, but giving yourself those few extra seconds makes every journey safer, smoother and far less tense for everyone sharing the road.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

September will bring another big month of progress on Penlink, with crews working across SH1, Stillwater, and Whangaparāoa.On State Highway 1, earthworks will keep shaping the new off-ramp on the western side.Over on Ara Weiti Road, crews will test pavement layers and continue bridge foundations and drainage.In Stillwater, pavement construction kicks off along with new safety barriers and slope stabilisation.From mid-September, the traffic light-controlled single lane will be extended as vehicles are shifted onto the old Duck Creek Road route and new overbridge.Duck Creek Road overbridge which will be excavated underneath to form the new highway. Photo SuppliedRiver users will also notice a temporary pedestrian bridge at the Wēiti River, while work continues on piers with the help of one of the largest tower cranes in New Zealand.The crane can be seen towering over the permanent bridge works. Photo SuppliedCloser to home for many Coasties, September brings earthworks near Cedar Terrace on Whangaparāoa Road, as well as drainage upgrades and bank stabilisation.A temporary footpath will also go in near the future Beverley Road intersection as the slip lane is realigned.Render looking towards Whangaparaoa of the future Duck Creel Road connection. Image Supplied.The East Coast Road overbridge remains on hold while the ground settles.NZTA says pre-loading is under way to create a firm base before the deck is built.Watch the latest flyover video here.The tolled road is set to open in 2028, with charges of $3 at peak and $2 off-peak for cars.A shared path for walkers and cyclists will run the full length of the route, linking into future networks.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!Tradie FridaysToday (and every Friday)Click here for more detailsEarly Nights with White Chapel JakSat 30 AugClick here for more detailsOnline Safety TalkThu 4 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 salty air is turning softer with spring, and Coasties will be marking Father’s Day on Sunday, 7 September.It’s the day we pause to celebrate dads, granddads and father figures, with a thank you that goes beyond socks and ties.Father’s Day falls on different dates around the world, shaped by each country’s traditions.Here in New Zealand, we share the first Sunday of September with Australia, a time that neatly lines up with the start of spring.It’s a chance to recognise the guidance, support and sacrifices dads make in our families and communities.Many locals will be on the lookout for something thoughtful, and there are plenty of options right here on the Hibiscus Coast.Adventure: Hibiscus JetSki Hire is ready to give thrill-seeking dads a blast on the water.Relaxation: Liquorland Whangaparaoa can help with a favourite bottle to toast the day.Retail: Auckland Engineering Supplies might surprise practical dads who love a good gadget.Health & Fitness: Northern Arena has wellness covered with fitness and swim passes.Family Time & Dining: Orewa Beach is perfect for a picnic, sandcastle competition, or dining out at one of the many cafés and restaurants nearby.That means you don’t have to travel far to find something personal and memorable.Whether your dad is happiest with an adrenaline rush, a quiet drink, new tools, a health boost or just time together, the Hibiscus Coast has you covered.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Job ad volumes across New Zealand have held flat for ten months, according to SEEK’s July Employment Report. Ads are now 2% lower than a year ago, but the pace of decline has slowed.Applications per job ad were steady in June, remaining high compared with historic levels.Several regions showed modest monthly growth, including Canterbury, Hawkes Bay, Southland, Tasman and the West Coast. Southland has now posted seven months of increases, up 9% on last year. Canterbury is also stronger, with ads 7% higher year-on-year, while Wellington is up 6% and Otago 5%. Auckland remains subdued, with no growth in three years and a 7% annual decline.By industry, demand is rising in Information and Communication Technology, Construction and Professional Services. Ads for engineers and construction workers have been climbing since late 2024, while IT roles such as software engineers and product managers show double-digit growth on last year.SEEK Country Manager Rob Clark says while overall volumes are low, the market has stabilised. “Ad volumes are at a low but have stopped declining and we have seen very promising growth within certain sectors, industries and regions year-on-year.”For Coasties, it means the job market isn’t sliding further, and opportunities in construction and IT may be worth watching as big projects and tech investment flow into Auckland and beyond.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

While the national property market has stayed steady, some suburbs are breaking away, with thirteen recording six-figure jumps in average asking price over the past year, according to Trade Me’s latest figures.Trade Me Property spokesperson Casey Wylde says demand in certain areas is driving standout growth.“It shows that even in a more subdued market, properties in certain areas are still in hot demand and Kiwi are prepared to pay for them.”At the top of the list is Long Bay on Auckland’s North Shore, where the average asking price jumped $426,450 to $1.87m, up nearly 30% year-on-year.Devonport followed with a $350,100 rise to $1.97m, and Drury saw the fastest growth, up 61% to $874,400.Closer to the Hibiscus Coast, Riverhead recorded a jump of $148,100 to $1.95m, highlighting strong demand in Rodney.Other Auckland movers included Epsom, Meadowbank, Mount Eden, Sandringham, Forrest Hill and Westgate.Wylde says lifestyle appeal and relative affordability are big drawcards.“What we’re often seeing is that suburbs offering a great lifestyle, good local amenities, or better affordability compared to their inner-city neighbours are becoming hotspots.”For Coasties, the data shows that while the local market may feel calmer, neighbouring areas are heating up.It’s another reminder that Auckland’s property market can change quickly, and the ripple effects are never far from home.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 29/8Windy with showers and breezy westerliesHigh: 16Low: 11Saturday, 30/8Afternoon showers with a steady nor’westerHigh: 17Low: 11Sunday, 31/8Windy with light rain and strong westerliesHigh: 14Low: 11Monday, 1/9Windy and partly cloudy with brisk southwesterliesHigh: 16Low: 11Want 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!