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Public Cloud Data Centres Certified in Silverdale
Public Cloud Data Centres Certified in Silverdale

18 May 2025, 12:14 AM

Ever driven past that massive building on Highgate Parkway in Silverdale and wondered what goes on inside?Well, it’s not just any building—it’s home to one of New Zealand’s first ever GCDO-certified hyperscale Public Cloud Data Centres.CDC Data Centres New Zealand Limited (CDC) has made Silverdale part of a digital milestone, housing two state-of-the-art facilities—SD1 and SD1A—with a current operating capacity of 22 MW.This is more than just a tech hub—it’s a secure, efficient, and resilient digital fortress supporting everything from government services to critical infrastructure.But what does this really mean for locals?It means that right here on the Hibiscus Coast, we’re at the forefront of a secure, cutting-edge digital infrastructure that powers government services and protects vital data.This isn’t just about some big data centre—it’s about making sure our digital lives, from healthcare to education, are secure and reliable.This certification, part of the Public Cloud Data Centre Certification (PCDCC) initiative led by the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO), provides a standardised and consistent security assessment for onshore public cloud data centres.It aims to boost the security, efficiency, and reliability of cloud services for government agencies.Richard Ashworth, General Manager All-of-Government Services Delivery, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating that it will strengthen New Zealand’s digital infrastructure and support the country’s long-term digital transformation goals.“This certification provides New Zealand government agencies and organisations with confidence that the Public Cloud Data Centres they use meet security obligations and reduce ownership, control, and supply chain risks,” Ashworth said.For Coasties, having a hyperscale data centre in Silverdale means being part of a national initiative to secure critical digital infrastructure.It enhances the region’s role in supporting secure cloud services for local and national organisations.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Food Prices Surge Again: Dairy Costs Soar
Food Prices Surge Again: Dairy Costs Soar

17 May 2025, 1:31 AM

Food prices rose 3.7% in the 12 months to April 2025, up from 3.5% in March, according to Stats NZ.Grocery items, especially dairy, and non-alcoholic beverages saw the biggest jumps.Dairy prices surged, with butter up a staggering 65.3%, while milk rose 15.1% and cheese 24%.A 500g block of butter now costs an average of $7.42, nearly $3 more than last year.Nicola Growden, Stats NZ's prices spokesperson, highlighted the impact.“Price increases were widespread, with all five food groups recording an increase,” she said.Notably, the fruit and vegetables group saw its first price rise since January 2024, climbing 0.2%.Non-alcoholic beverages were also hit, driven by a 21.3% jump in instant coffee prices.A 100g jar now costs an average of $8.21, up $1.44 from a year ago.Tips to Beat Rising Food CostsAs grocery bills climb, Coasties can take a few steps to save money:Shop Smart: Switch to store brands or look for discounts on bulk items.Focus on Seasonal Produce: Buy fruits and vegetables that are in-season for better prices.Save on Dairy: When butter is on special, buy in bulk and freeze it. Properly wrapped, frozen butter can last up to 9 months without losing quality.Cut Coffee Costs: Try cheaper coffee brands, buy larger packs, or brew at home.Use Price Tracking Apps: Tools like Grocer NZ can help you find the best deals.These simple changes can help Coast households manage the impact of rising food prices.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Workplace Mental Health Neglect Hurts Coasties
Workplace Mental Health Neglect Hurts Coasties

16 May 2025, 11:46 PM

Mental health in the workplace is too often an afterthought, but neglecting it can have lasting consequences.EMA Health and Safety Facilitator Peter Simunovich is warning businesses that treating mental health as a “nice to have” rather than a necessity is leading to a dangerous trend—slow harm.Simunovich highlights that slow harm is the gradual, often unnoticed decline in employee wellbeing.It shows up as chronic stress, burnout, and even physical illness over time.“Mental health decline doesn't usually happen in dramatic moments. It’s the accumulation of minor changes—like feeling a bit more exhausted, a little more irritable, or losing motivation,” he explained.The Covid-19 pandemic initially brought mental health to the forefront, with many companies adopting support systems.But as the urgency has faded, so too has the focus on employee wellbeing.Simunovich warns this is a mistake. “We are wired not to notice slow harm immediately. By the time we recognise it, the damage is often done.”For Coasties, this message is a timely reminder that maintaining good mental health isn’t just a personal responsibility—it’s a workplace priority.Simunovich’s work with EMA includes training employees to identify signs of slow harm and practical techniques to prevent it, like mental redirection and structured visualisation.He emphasises that businesses need more than basic mental health first aid.A true commitment means building a culture where mental health is prioritised, and early signs of deterioration are addressed before they become crises.Simunovich’s advice is clear: local businesses must treat mental health as an essential aspect of health and safety, just like any physical hazard.Without it, slow harm will continue to impact employee performance, engagement, and overall wellbeing.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New site found for North Shore recycling plant destroyed by fire
New site found for North Shore recycling plant destroyed by fire

16 May 2025, 9:14 PM

The recycling centre that burnt down on Auckland's North Shore last month has found a new site to accommodate staff.The Abilities Recycling plant caught fire, burning to the ground and destroying critical equipment.The organisation employs almost 120 employees with disabilities.A smaller site has been found in Wairau Valley, which will continue the organisation's recycling work.It intends setting up another Wairau Valley site for E-waste and will be announcing drop-off details shortly.Abilities managing director Peter Fraher said it was likely to take two years before they were fully operational once again."To replicate what Abilities had before, which was a totally integrated site, is, in the short term, almost impossible," he said."So we're looking at taking it step by step, our first priority is to look after our staff with disabilities."Fraher said they had not defined just how many staff would be able to work at the new site, but they were looking at rostering."We hope that a good percentage of our people with disabilities can be accommodated at this location, which is still in the Wairau Valley and close to their normal commute."The support the organisation has had from the community since the fire has been overwhelming and uplifting, Fraher said."When I get out of bed in the morning, and I think 'we've got a big road ahead', I just think of all the support we've had and it just uplifts me, and it uplifts all our team," he said."It's just been amazing, the New Zealand community, it's alive and well, and we want to thank everybody, just from my heart, from the support we've had, it's just unbelievable."Fraher said there was still more work to do."Our current planning is that it's a two year project, and we have that ultimate goal, but like any journey it's a step at a time, and we're working very hard to do it as soon as possible but we also have to be practical," he said."To accommodate 120 people with disabilities, and hopefully more, it's a big task and it's got to be done safely, so it's not going to happen overnight."

Blues Star Caleb Clarke Returns for Local Clash
Blues Star Caleb Clarke Returns for Local Clash

16 May 2025, 4:00 AM

Blues winger Caleb Clarke is set to make his much-anticipated return from injury in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash against Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium.After missing four games with a thigh injury, Clarke will take his spot on the left wing, while AJ Lam shifts to the right.For Coasties, this is a prime chance to see some of the country’s top rugby talent right on their doorstep.In a further boost for the Blues' lineup, Angus Ta’avao returns to start at tighthead prop, Josh Beehre steps into the second row, and Adrian Choat fills in at blindside flanker, replacing Anton Segner, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.Blues head coach Vern Cotter is focused on maintaining the team’s momentum.“This is another big match for us. We need to be clinical as a group and lift our physicality and intensity,” Cotter said.“We’ve built some good momentum in recent weeks, and this is another step forward as we focus on continually improving our game.”Starting XV:Joshua Fusitu’a (33 caps)Ricky Riccitelli (47 caps)Angus Ta’avao (78 caps)Patrick Tuipulotu (Captain) (120 caps)Josh Beehre (23 caps)Adrian Choat (51 caps)Dalton Papali’i (93 caps)Hoskins Sotutu (74 caps)Taufa Funaki (32 caps)Beauden Barrett (40 caps)Caleb Clarke (71 caps)Xavi Taele (4 caps)Rieko Ioane (124 caps)AJ Lam (54 caps)Corey Evans (25 caps)Reserves:Kurt Eklund (71 caps)Mason Tupaea (7 caps)Marcel Renata (62 caps)Laghlan McWhannell (19 caps)Cam Christie (7 caps)Finlay Christie (64 caps)Harry Plummer (85 caps)Cole Forbes (26 caps)Injury Updates:Anton Segner (shoulder)Stephen Perofeta (leg)Reon Paul (shoulder)Cam Suafoa (medical)Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season)Sam Darry (shoulder, season)For Coasties, this is more than just a game—it's a chance to watch world-class players like Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, and the returning Clarke light up North Harbour Stadium.Don’t miss it.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

NZ Broadcasters Go Digital
NZ Broadcasters Go Digital

16 May 2025, 12:00 AM

If you love flicking on the car radio or catching the nightly news on TV, here’s something to keep an eye on. The BBC in England has announced it’s preparing to ditch traditional television and radio broadcasts entirely—going online-only within the next decade. And here in New Zealand, our broadcasters seem to be following a similar path.We’ve already seen it with iHeart Country New Zealand, which just launched this month. It’s a new station with a fresh country music mix, but there’s a twist—no live presenters, just pre-programmed music. And Gold FM? It’s moved entirely online.It’s not just radio either. TVNZ has its "TVNZ+" digital platform, Sky’s expanding its streaming, and Discovery NZ is pouring resources into on-demand shows. Even your favourite local stations might soon be app-only.There’s a deadline too. All AM and FM radio licences in New Zealand expire in 2031, along with digital television licences. Unless the government extends them, this could be the final chapter for traditional broadcasts.For Coasties, that means your drive-time radio could become an app, and the six o’clock news might be something you stream whenever you want. Sure, it’s more convenient—watch or listen on your terms—but it’s a big change from the old way.So, if you love the comfort of a familiar voice on the radio or catching the nightly news on the telly, the move to streaming and on-demand might feel like the end of an era.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Luxury Rentals Surge as Wealthy Seek NZ Visas
Luxury Rentals Surge as Wealthy Seek NZ Visas

15 May 2025, 9:00 PM

Coasties might notice a new trend in the luxury property market—high-end rentals are soaring, thanks to wealthy North American investors. These well-heeled visitors, particularly from the United States and Canada, are driving demand for multimillion-dollar homes while waiting for clarity around New Zealand’s investor visa rules.Local real estate expert Caleb Paterson, who specialises in high-value properties, says these clients are willing to pay $20,000 to $30,000 a week for premium rentals—homes they may eventually buy if visa pathways open.“It’s a ‘try-before-you-buy’ situation for many,” Paterson explains. He adds that vendors who once wouldn’t consider renting their properties are now embracing the idea, hoping to convert tenants into buyers.While Auckland’s luxury market is slowing—properties valued at $3.5 million now take an average of 64 days to sell, up from 42 days last year—these high-net-worth renters are providing a fresh opportunity.Even on the Hibiscus Coast, where coastal homes offer a premium lifestyle, local homeowners with high-end properties may find interest from international renters, especially given the falling New Zealand dollar, which makes rentals look like a bargain to overseas clients.Paterson believes the trend will continue as visa rules remain uncertain. For local homeowners, it could be a chance to benefit from a slow market without selling.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Transport Urged to Do Better
Auckland Transport Urged to Do Better

14 May 2025, 8:29 PM

The Deputy-Auditor General is urging Auckland Transport (AT) to do better in communicating unplanned transport disruptions to the public, and to improve its processes for managing disruptions.A report published by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has found that AT's systems for identifying and managing disruptions are largely manual, complex, and have resulted in long delays for patrons to be informed.It takes on average 22 minutes for AT to inform patrons about unplanned disruptions after an incident occurs, according to AT's data - and in one instance in 2023, a bus operator took three hours to notify AT's operations team that it had cancelled services on a route due to weather conditions.There have also been multiple instances when children have been stranded due to school bus services not arriving on time, between 2021 and 2024, the report found.The Deputy-Auditor General Andrew McConnell acknowledged that AT manages between 67 and 144 disruptions every day - including planned ones - across its high volume of services, but he stressed that the organisation had a responsibility to provide people with clear and accurate information."Frequent disruptions can undermine public confidence in the public transport system and people's willingness to use it," McConnell said.Unplanned disruptions include bus delays, diversions due to traffic accidents, cancellations due to severe weather, breakdowns and mechanical issues.McConnell said that while AT had a mobile app accessed by 300,000 people monthly, and 970 digital displays across 15 percent of its stops, the information on these portals were not always accurate.Outdated technology and complex manual systemsThe Deputy-Auditor General highlighted AT's problematic reliance on a largely manual system and outdated technology for managing disruptions.He said this had limited AT's capacity to communicate unplanned disruptions out-of-hours, and to identify issues in a timely manner.AT has a "disruption communication system map" which consultants have described as the most complex they have ever mapped.Informing the public about an unplanned rail disruption could involve up to 20 different people across AT, KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail.The OAG has been told that only 3 percent of the actions were automated.The OAG has also been told by AT staff that sometimes they must rely on others - including operators and members of the public - to alert them to what was happening on the network.The report said the manual processes meant that AT provided limited, or sometimes no information, about unplanned disruptions that happened outside of its business hours.McConnell has given AT a number of recommendations, including reviewing the information it holds about passengers' experience to make improvements, and be more specific on how it will learn from its reviews to better manage disruptions.He said AT was aware of what it needed to improve its communications around disruptions based on its own surveys and research.McConnell acknowledged that AT had a programme underway to address these issues.

Ōrewa Library Upgrade Completed Early
Ōrewa Library Upgrade Completed Early

13 May 2025, 11:16 PM

The much-anticipated $6.3 million upgrade of the Ōrewa Library is now complete, ahead of schedule. The upgraded space at 12 Moana Avenue will open to the public on 19 May, bringing a fresh, modern hub for the community. Throughout 2024, library services continued at the Ōrewa Community Centre while the library building underwent a complete transformation.Key to the renovation is the addition of a new mezzanine floor. This new space will allow for two meeting rooms, perfect for book groups, language classes, and study sessions. "The mezzanine will offer students the ideal space to study and provide a variety of other options for community use," says Ōrewa Library Manager Carolyn Hickey.Designed with local culture in mind, the building’s entry panel, Te Kete Mātauranga, created by local iwi artist Hokimai Rosieur, reflects Māori concepts of learning. The modern library will also feature natural wood finishes and a coastal-inspired blue-grey colour scheme, with energy-efficient upgrades like double glazing and solar-powered energy generation.With more space for reading, relaxing, and working, the library is set to support more than 235,000 visitors annually. Local community groups are invited to explore the new library, which includes a children’s area, updated collections, and a lift for accessibility.A Family Fun Day is set for Saturday, 28 June, to mark the official opening. With activities for all ages, including bouncy castles, ice cream, and a sausage sizzle, it's the perfect opportunity for locals to enjoy the new space.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Social media restrictions will need to be policed by government
Social media restrictions will need to be policed by government

13 May 2025, 3:00 AM

The government needs to take the lead on implementing any age verification processes in its proposal to restrict social media use for under-16s, rather than relying on social media platforms to do the policing, an information systems expert says.National MP Catherine Wedd's member's Bill would - if passed into law - require social media platforms to verify that users are aged 16 or over.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Sunday that the government will look into a ban as part of its work programme.University of Auckland lecturer Shohil Kishore, whose research focuses on social media, said the proposed ban was a step in the right direction, but would meet obstacles in its implementation.He said social media platforms generated huge revenues from advertising - including advertising to children - and would be reluctant to devote resources to enforcing the rules."I don't think they're going to like doing this, it will just be extra work for them, but it is really important for us as a country to think about how we can regulate technology to best serve us," he said.Kishore said it would also be unsafe, from a data privacy perspective, for social media companies to be tasked with age verification processes.He said the safest way would be for the age verification to be done through a government service, such as the Realme service which was already being used.Kishore said the cost of implementation needed to be part of the government's discussions around this proposal.He expected that this would be a significant cost.Social media platforms also needed to step up to their moral responsibilities, he said."This lack of accountability that we currently have is completely unfair for kids, it puts them at risk of sexual exploitation, cyber bullying and exposure to a lot of harmful content , so they [companies] have to be accountable, we have to make sure these platforms are accountable," said Kishore.Kishore said he hoped that the government will also consider other factors, and bring social media platforms, parents and schools into the conversation.He said parents often lacked awareness about the kind of content children were exposed to - such as "confession pages" set up by students, where children were posting anonymously and engaging in cyber bullying.Another aspect to consider was the definition of social media, and whether online interactive games such as Roblox would be included in the definition, he said.National MP Catherine Wedd's member's Bill would - if passed into law - require social media platforms to verify that users are aged 16 or over. Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneWedd's bill does not currently have the formal backing of the coalition government - meaning that if it is randomly drawn from the current crop of members' bills, it would then be debated in Parliament, before all MPs would vote on its future. However, the members' bill does have the backing of the prime minister - who has earlier said he wanted the government to explore possibly backing it into law quicker.ACT opposed the ban, preventing National from pushing ahead with a government bill.ACT leader David Seymour said he was concerned about social media's effect on children, but wanted a public inquiry to explore options.Seymour is backing the new plan to set up a policy advisory group, however, he told Morning Report Luxon's optimism may have got ahead of him in saying ACT had shifted its position on a social media ban for under 16s."Maybe he's letting the sunny optimism get a bit ahead of him but we reserve the right to speak for our own position, and, if anything, in the last week the rest of politics has come towards ACT's position," Seymour said."... We can't do an immediate bill, there's got to be more investigation into what's happening on social media."Seymour said we need to "stop, collaborate and listen".

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