A controversial $200 million fund for investment in local gas exploration aims to tackle ever-dwindling supplies, but it won't be soon enough for thousands of households trapped with gas connections they don't want, a consumer expert says.The four-year contingency fund to subsidise new fossil fuel fields was announced by the Resources Minister Shane Jones at last month's budget.Just weeks later, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment revealed that our natural gas supply is running out faster than previously thought, with latest data showing reserves have fallen 27 percent from last year.But any new developments will take years, and gas households already face surging costs, says Paul Fuge, manager of Consumer New Zealand's Powerswitch.Residential consumers make up only four percent of the country's total gas use and Fuge says it won't be running out in the near future. But that is no consolation for gas customers who are being hit in the pocket twice."It costs more to have gas than electricity so an electricity-only house is much cheaper to run than a gas-electricity house because you can substitute all your gas appliances for electric appliances ... but you can't run a TV on gas or your lights on gas," Fuge says.That means gas customers have to have an electricity connection, which means double the costs of the infrastructure - gas pipes and electricity lines - needed to deliver the energy to people's homes.Gas customers are also locked out of cheaper electricity plans because most gas suppliers also demand that customers take their electricity. The companies that provide cheap electricity don't provide gas, Fuge says.Add to that the phasing out of low electricity charges for low users, which was a benefit for gas customers."What that means is people's electricity connections for the low users are getting more expensive every year over five years and that disadvantages gas customers," he says.Customers who are renters are stuck with gas, as are people on low incomes because they can't afford to switch, Fuge says.He explains to The Detail why he thinks thousands of new households have connected to gas in recent years, despite rising prices."I wonder if it's when people are building new houses, developers may be putting in gas for various reasons."MBIE does not have specific figures for new connections but based on rising residential use, Fuge calculates that the number of household connections has increased by around 18,000 since 2019, to 290,000.Residential customers make up the smallest proportion of gas use. According to industry group GasNZ more than half a million New Zealand homes and businesses rely on gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).There are 300 large industrial gas customers, from methanol exporter Methanex to dairy plants and wood processors.Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder says the large industrial users are more imperilled by the declining gas supply, as well as the electricity generators that rely on gas.He says the coalition's plans to repeal a ban on new oil and gas exploration will not solve our dwindling gas supplies any time soon."The fastest we've had from a conversion from finding that gas to producing that gas is 10 years and it's hard to say in 2035 we know exactly what our gas needs are going to look like."The reality is they're probably going to be a lot lower because we're going to be electrifying everything and some of the industries that we've got that rely on gas are going to be electrifying or closing down."The other option is finding more gas in the existing fields which has been going on consistently and continually for many years, including since the exploration ban was put into place."About a billion dollars has been spent trying to find extra gas in those existing fields and there have been a few minor successes but nothing major."However, two fields are showing potential new gas finds, which the $200 million government co-investment fund could boost."Shane Jones would really like for the government to be able to completely revitalise the gas industry and send people out looking for brand new gas in brand new places. The reality is we haven't found any gas in a brand new place for two decades or longer," says Daalder."It's not like the Gulf of Mexico where there is all this gas sitting there. The resource probably isn't that strong; $200 million isn't going to suddenly make it commercial to take that big of a gamble."Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you're flying in or out of Auckland Airport these school holidays, brace yourself for crowds. From Saturday 28 June to Sunday 13 July, nearly 800,000 people are expected to pass through the terminals.The busiest days? Tomorrow Saturday 28 June and Sunday 13 July will see more than 14,000 international departures and 15,000 arrivals respectively. Domestically, Friday 11 July tops the list with around 14,500 departures.Australia, Fiji and the US are the most popular international destinations, while Christchurch leads the way for domestic travel, followed by Wellington and Queenstown.Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, says Kiwis are eager to get away during this time. “We’ll get around 60,000 travellers flying in and out of AKL on each of the busy days. That’s about 18 percent more than usual.”New tech is helping keep things smooth. New CT scanners at security mean travellers no longer need to remove laptops or tablets from bags. Still, liquids must be in containers under 100ml and water bottles should be emptied before security.To avoid stress, travellers are being urged to plan ahead, especially with airport parking and travel documents like the NZ Traveller Declaration.While this might not directly affect day-to-day life on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s good to know if you're heading away for a winter break — or picking someone up — it might take a bit longer than usual.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New job listings on SEEK dropped by 2% in May, but experts say the market has stabilised after two years of decline.The latest SEEK Employment Report shows job ads are 8% lower year-on-year, the smallest annual drop since late 2022.While the headline number is down, it marks the third straight month of steady volumes, with trend data showing no major shifts since October.Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, says that’s a sign the worst may be over.“After close to two years of near uninterrupted decline between 2022 and 2024, this shows that volumes have stabilised and are even beginning to see some pockets of growth.”Healthcare & Medical, and Community Services & Development were among the larger industries to record modest growth in May.Smaller sectors like Consulting & Strategy (up 29%) and Science & Technology (up 10%) saw the biggest gains.Wellington stood out with broad growth, along with Southland and Taranaki.These regions were among only three to record a month-on-month increase in job ads.However, candidate competition is heating up.Applications per job ad rose 2% in May, reaching the highest level on record.That means fewer jobs, more applicants, and a tougher hunt for jobseekers.While Information & Communication Technology saw a sharp 14% drop in listings, education, trades, and HR roles all saw quarterly gains.Why this matters to CoastiesWith many Hibiscus Coast residents commuting to jobs across Auckland, this data offers insight into what’s shifting in the national job market.Whether you're applying locally or in the city, competition is higher than ever.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

More than 9000 people aged over 65 earn more than $200,000 a year, and another 33,000 earn between $100,000 and $200,000 - and the Retirement Commissioner says it's fair to question whether they should be able to claim NZ Super as well.The data comes from the 2023 Census.The number earning between $150,000 and $200,000 has decreased from 2018 but the number earning between $100,000 and $150,000 has lifted by 10,000.The Census also showed that the number of people over 65 still in the workforce had increased.Just over 24 percent of people aged over 65 were in work, up from 22.1 percent in 2013.The biggest increase was among people aged 70 to 74.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson is opposed to putting up the age of eligibility for NZ Super.She said if there were questions about the cost or fairness of the scheme, they needed to be addressed with a package of measures.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson. Photo: supplied"Then you absolutely have to look at means-testing again. It's really unpopular but it would be improper if we didn't look at all the sensible options if the goal is to reduce the cost to the state."She said the problem to be solved needed to be defined and then the possible solutions assessed."Means testing is absolutely one of those options but politicians run away from it because it's got a pretty ugly history and it does make it a more complex system. There's no doubt about it, people will start arranging their affairs and start avoiding tax and all that kind of stuff."But if you boil it down to a very simple thing - is it right that someone earning over $180,000 or $200,000 - I think $180,000 is probably about the mark because that's when the tax rates go up - is it right that people out there earning over $180,000 can also acquire Super, it's an extremely good question."She said it would be easy to capture the earnings of people being paid a salary while receiving NZ Super but much harder to assess other income."It's both complicated and it's easy. The easiest thing is to leave well alone. The next easiest thing is to just put the age up but that is too easy because there is harm attached to that…. So that's what I'm talking about when I say please could we have a package if we do any system change at all and can we please stop talking about this as single issue?"She said there should be a cross-party political conversation to determine a path forward.University of Auckland associate professor Susan St John. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyUniversity of Auckland associate professor Susan St John earlier outlined a plan to treat NZ Super as a tax-free basic income grant and put recipients on a higher tax rate.She said it would be a better option than the age of eligibility or the amount paid.It would create a situation where there was a break-even point beyond which people would be better off, on a net basis, not claiming NZ Super and instead being taxed at standard rates.She said the tax scales she had modelled were less harsh than the abatement that applied to people receiving a benefit.The government has introduced parental income tests for young people receiving the JobSeeker benefit and will restrict access to the member tax credit in KiwiSaver to those who earn more than $180,000.St John said the reason that similar moves weren't made on NZ Super might reflect historical attitudes towards the "deserving and undeserving".She said NZ Super was effectively income-tested through the tax system because people who were earning other income would pay higher rates of tax."Just far less draconian than the clawbacks for children with Working for Families and adults in the benefit system."Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said means and income testing in Australia meant that only about 60 percent of the population would qualify for the pension.If that were true in New Zealand, it could save about $9b a year.There are 74,850 people aged 30 to 64 earning more than $200,000.The median income for people aged over 65 is $26,600.

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!HFO - Kiwi Eagles Experience Tribute ShowFri, 27 JuneMore details Pre-Loved Fashion & Thrift MarketSat, 28 JuneMore detailsMahurangi Winter Festival of LightsSat, 28 JuneMore 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

Pak’nSave Silverdale has pleaded guilty to seven charges of misleading customers over pricing, following a Commerce Commission investigation into alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has now written to all major supermarket chains, urging them to clean up their act. The charges against the Silverdale store, and a similar case in Hamilton, highlight problems that hit close to home for Coasties.Willis said she was “disappointed” to remind major retailers like Foodstuffs North Island and Woolworths that they have a legal obligation to ensure prices on shelves match those at the checkout.“I am concerned to hear from the Commerce Commission and Consumer NZ that misleading promotional practices and pricing errors are still occurring,” she said.Customers have reportedly paid more at checkout than the advertised price, been misled by ‘specials’ that weren’t actually discounted, and faced multibuy deals that cost more than buying items individually.Willis says tougher penalties are on the table.Australia allows fines of up to A$50 million for similar breaches. New Zealand’s cap is currently just $600,000.She’s asked supermarkets for an update on what they’re doing to fix the issues.If you spot a pricing discrepancy, you can report it to the Commerce Commission at www.comcom.govt.nzIt shouldn’t be your job to monitor supermarket pricing, but if something feels off, there’s a way to raise it.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland Council has officially adopted its Annual Plan 2025/2026, locking in a $4.3 billion investment in infrastructure and services from 1 July.The plan continues the priorities laid out in last year’s Long-term Plan, with confirmed funding for all 21 local board agreements—including Hibiscus and Bays.More than 13,000 Aucklanders gave feedback during public consultation in March.Mayor Wayne Brown says the final plan keeps investment flowing while staying financially disciplined.“I’m proud we’re sticking to our savings targets and investing in critical infrastructure, while keeping rate rises lower than any other metro council,” he said.Residential rates will increase by 5.8 percent on average, adding about $223 a year (or $4.29 a week) for the average property.The council will invest $4.3 billion in capital projects like roads and water infrastructure, backed by $1.7 billion in debt.Another $5.1 billion in operational spending will keep community services like libraries, parks and events running.For Coasties, that could mean upgrades to parks, commuter routes, or local facilities.Depending on the local board’s priorities.Chief executive Phil Wilson says the focus remains on growth and value.“We’re investing where it matters most, from transport to the natural and built environment.”Locals can view what’s changing in their neighbourhoods from 1 July by visiting aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annualplanKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, for the start of school holidays, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 27/6Windy, with heavy thunderstorms. Brisk Northerly winds.High: 17Low: 12Saturday, 28/6Showers. Breezy to brisk West to Nor'West winds.High: 16Low: 12Sunday, 29/6Partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 15Low: 10Monday, 30/6Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 17Low: 10Looking for more weather details? Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Coasties with big business dreams just got a welcome boost. Kiwibank has launched StartUp+, a new funding solution built especially for startups, and it could make a real difference for early-stage founders on the Hibiscus Coast.Unveiled this week, StartUp+ ditches traditional lending models in favour of flexible, progress-based funding that grows alongside your business. It’s designed for fast-moving ventures that don’t tick the usual banking boxes."Startup founders deserve financial solutions that work with them, not against them," says Elliot Smith, Kiwibank’s Chief Customer Officer – Business. "We’re making funding simple, easy, and accessible to help them unlock their potential early."The pilot programme is launching in partnership with the Ministry of Awesome, with feedback from participating businesses shaping how it evolves.Joanna Greaves, Kiwibank’s GM of Business Banking, says it’s part of a bigger push to back Kiwi entrepreneurs. “We’ve accounted for 25% of all business lending in New Zealand last year. That momentum gives us real insight into what founders need.”Marian Johnson, Chair of Electrify Aotearoa and the Ministry of Awesome, says this kind of support can transform New Zealand’s startup landscape. “It’s exciting to see a New Zealand-owned bank lead the way with something truly fit-for-purpose.”With so many Coasties turning side hustles into businesses, StartUp+ could be the boost locals need to get started, and grow with confidence.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties dreaming of a career with IKEA won’t have to wait much longer.The Swedish homewares giant is set to open its first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park later this year, and it’s hiring big.Over 500 roles, up from the 400 initially planned.Recruitment is already under way, with 66 new team members, called “co-workers” at IKEA, onboard and more joining every fortnight through to early November.Most of the roles, spanning everything from sales to warehouse logistics and the iconic Swedish meatball-serving team, will open to applications in early July.As of late May, more than 15,000 Kiwis had thrown their hats in the ring.That says a lot about IKEA’s appeal as a workplace.From five weeks of paid annual leave to low-cost daily meals in the staff restaurant, the perks go well beyond flat-packs and Allen keys.“Whether you’re helping a customer pick a sofa or sorting stock in the warehouse, everyone’s in it together,” says Lauren Clegg, People & Culture Manager for IKEA New Zealand. “We’re building careers here, not just filling shifts.”The Sylvia Park location is about 44.9 kilometres from the Hibiscus Coast, so locals considering the commute will need to weigh up the travel.That said, some flexible or remote roles in customer service could be a great fit for Coasties keen to join the global brand without the daily drive.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Locals heading to Silverdale Medical from next week will want to double-check the clock.From Monday 1 July, the clinic’s urgent care hours are changing, and Millwater Medical is temporarily closing later next month.In an email sent to patients, Silverdale Medical announced it will shorten its urgent care availability due to ongoing staffing pressures.Weekday hours will run from 8:00am to 8:00pm, while weekends and public holidays will be limited to 9:00am to 5:00pm.From 24 July to 28 September 2025, Millwater Medical will be closed for general medical services.During that time, all GP and nursing care will be provided at Silverdale Medical (7 Polarity Rise) and Weiti Creek Medical (3 Brian Smith Drive).The only exception is Foot Doctor Podiatry, which will remain open at Millwater.For care outside the revised urgent hours, patients are encouraged to visit one of the nearby 24-hour or after-hours clinics, including ShoreCare Pinehill (8:00am to 8:00pm daily) and Smales Farm in Takapuna, which remains open 24/7.While these changes may cause a bit of reshuffling, especially for regular Millwater patients, Silverdale Medical assures the community they’re working hard to keep care consistent and accessible.That means Coasties can still count on getting help when needed. Just with a little extra planning.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand is buzzing again with strong travel and economic signs in April and May 2025.Visitor arrivals and Kiwi travel numbers are both trending upwards, showing continued recovery and renewed momentum post-Covid, according to new figures from Stats NZ.April 2025 saw 267,300 overseas visitors, with Australians making up half of those arrivals—a big jump from 43 percent in April 2019.This uptick was helped by Easter and school holidays lining up perfectly.Visitor numbers overall hit 87 percent of pre-pandemic levels, showing travel is well on its way back.Kiwi travel also lifted, with 244,800 New Zealand-resident arrivals, slightly above April 2019 levels.More Kiwis are exploring destinations like China, Japan, and Indonesia, which saw strong gains from the year prior.On the economic front, GDP grew by 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter.Household spending rose, especially on services like travel and accommodation.New Zealand’s real purchasing power also rose 0.5 percent, helped by favourable export prices.Electronic card spending remained solid at $9 billion in May, spread across 166 million transactions.Small lifts in hospitality and motor vehicles helped balance out modest dips in fuel and durables.And with unemployment holding steady at 5.1 percent, the overall outlook remains stable.Why it matters to CoastiesWith Aussies back and locals travelling more, tourism is picking up steam.That’s good news for Hibiscus Coast businesses and hospitality, as both visitor numbers and domestic spending show positive momentum heading into winter.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

An award-worthy food tech breakthrough is quietly reshaping the future of farming in New Zealand, and it started right here at home.Powered by Plants (PbP), a Kiwi sustainability venture, has developed a world-first upcycling system that turns wasted fruit and veg into high-value powders, extracts and concentrates. Backed by the NZ Food Innovation Network, the system could reduce New Zealand’s reliance on imported ingredients and give struggling growers a new revenue stream.The model captures waste from crops like onions, carrots and berries, and processes it into food-grade ingredients. What can’t be used for food is turned into insect meal, biogas or fertiliser, nothing goes to landfill.Dr Andrew Prest from PbP says the idea came from seeing perfectly good produce dumped or sold for peanuts. “We’re importing onion powder while 20% of our local onions rot in landfill. That doesn’t make sense.”Grant Verry says the innovation could be a turning point for growers.“For some growers, this could be the difference between profit and loss,” he says. “It offers them options, so instead of sending unsold produce to landfill or stockfeed, they can now receive more revenue by choosing to sell into a higher-value, local, circular and sustainable bioprocessing food system.”With several trial hubs already in place, the goal is to roll out regional mini-refineries across the country.For Hibiscus Coast produce lovers, it’s a glimpse of a future where local food stays local, waste is valuable, and jobs are created right where the food is grown.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Footy fans, here’s your shot. Auckland FC is throwing its first ever end of season sample sale this Friday, 27 June, from 11am to 4pm at Coffee AFC, 25 College Hill. With more than 500 items up for grabs, supporters can score big on discounted merch and one-off treasures.The sale includes home, away, goalkeeper, and black third jerseys priced at just $75, retro jackets for $70, and winter-ready hoodies, crew necks, and tops also at $70. T-shirts, polos, and long sleeves will go for $30, and anyone who spends over $100 will walk away with a free coffee.Adding to the buzz is a silent charity auction featuring player-worn Founders’ jerseys from Auckland FC’s historic debut matches against Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC. Jerseys from Dan Hall, Louise Verstraete, Hiroki Sakai, Francis de Vries, Liam Gillion, Nando Pijnaker, and Jesse Randall will be up for bidding.Keep an eye out for Sakai and Pijnaker’s kits—Sakai helped set up the club’s first ever goal, and Pijnaker nailed a 97th-minute winner in Game 2. All proceeds from the auction go directly to Starship Hospital, giving Coasties a great reason to show up and support.Whether you're a die-hard supporter or just love a good local cause, this is one sale not to miss.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Local fishers across the Hibiscus Coast are being encouraged to have their say as Fisheries New Zealand proposes changes to catch limits for nearly 30 fish stocks nationwide.The review, which runs until 23 July, includes favourites like blue cod and snapper. Recreational daily limits for blue cod could be cut, along with commercial quotas, following new stock assessments. Snapper on the South Island’s west coast is also under review, while blue mackerel on the North Island’s west coast may see catch increases due to healthy numbers.“These are just a small portion of the fish stocks in the review,” says Fisheries New Zealand’s Emma Taylor. “They’re important to Kiwis economically, socially and culturally. It’s vital we hear from people before changes are made.”The final decisions will be made by Fisheries Minister Shane Jones before the new fishing year starts on 1 October 2025.For Coasties heading out from Gulf Harbour, Army Bay or Tindalls, these changes could impact what you’re allowed to bring home. Submissions are now open online and locals are being asked to share their views.Full proposals and submission info are available on the Fisheries New Zealand website.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand is seeing a flood of high-value interest from wealthy migrants under the revamped Active Investor Plus visa.Since the changes kicked in on 1 April, Immigration New Zealand has received 189 applications, surpassing the total from the past two and a half years under the old system. So far, 100 of those have been approved in principle, with seven already investing a total of $45 million.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the applications represent a potential $845 million of new investment in Kiwi businesses. She credits New Zealand’s growing reputation as a “safe, pro-business, high-potential economy.”The new visa now includes two simple paths—Growth and Balanced—and removes hurdles like the English language requirement. It also broadens what types of investments qualify.Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says it’s a clear signal that “New Zealand is open for business,” noting strong investor interest particularly from Asia and North America.For the Hibiscus Coast and other communities, the boost in business capital could have long-term flow-on effects—more jobs, more growth, and potentially more entrepreneurial talent in the regions.“These investors bring not just money, but knowledge and experience,” Willis says. “That’s what drives long-term growth.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you're planning a summer escape across the ditch, you're in luck. Air New Zealand is adding more than 1.7 million seats between New Zealand and Australia from October 2025 to March 2026.That includes 130,000 extra seats thanks to more frequent flights and bigger planes on popular routes. Premium seating is also getting a boost to meet strong demand from business and leisure travellers.It’s not just Australia seeing a bump. Over 25,000 more seats are being added to Pacific Island destinations too, supporting growing holiday demand and regional connections.The Auckland–Perth route will see nearly 30,000 extra seats, Auckland–Sydney gets 25,000 more (including 7,500 in premium), and Queenstown–Sydney is marking 30 years of direct flights with a 26% capacity increase.Closer to home for Coasties, the increased flights from Auckland offer better access and flexibility whether you're heading to Melbourne, Rarotonga, or beyond. More widebody aircraft, more premium seats, and more frequent departures mean travel planning just got easier.Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien says it’s all about better options. “We're stepping up our services across the Tasman… giving our customers more comfort, more choice, and more reasons to fly with us.”With strong demand and more aircraft available, this summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet for trans-Tasman travel.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Golf NZ says converting half of a prominent Auckland golf course into a stormwater reservoir would be a missed opportunity.Auckland Council was in the early stages of comparing two plans to incorporate a flood catchment into the Takapuna Golf Course, including its proposal to convert half of the course into a flood catchment and recreational area.The council's proposal was to use the land to capture about 550,000 litres of water during a storm, reducing the flood risk to 10 hectares of homes, nearby schools and North Shore Hospital.Council was working with Takapuna Golf Club to assess the feasibility of an alternative proposal for flood catchment that would retain the 18-hole golf course.The Wairau catchment was one of the most severely flooded areas during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods and two lives were lost in the area.More than 100 homes in the nearby suburb Milford have so far been condemned due to the flooding as part of the council's buy-out scheme - the most of any suburb in Auckland.Golf NZ chief executive Jeff Latch was not in favour of converting half of the golf course into a stormwater reservoir.Golf NZ chief executive Jeff Latch does not want half of Takapuna Golf Course to be converted into a stormwater reservoir. Photo: Supplied"Golf in New Zealand is on an absolute high, the growth that's taken place in terms of golf club membership has been 50 percent in the last five years."If you think about that for a mature sport like golf, that is just colossal growth," he said."Auckland's got a real issue, there's this massive growth in demand and people wanting to play golf but we don't have enough golf courses and so public golf courses like Takapuna are absolutely critical to enable golfers to actually go out and have a hit."Latch said Golf NZ was backing an alternative proposal to keep all of the course's 18 holes but use some of the land for dry-basin flood management."We absolutely need a solution here that enables the golf course to stay and for the flood protection issue to be addressed, and we believe there is a solution that does both of those things."By redesigning the existing course there's the opportunity to preserve Takapuna as an 18-hole golf course while also providing the area required for flood protection."He said cutting the course in half would be wasting a valuable asset."From a golfing perspective [it would be] incredibly detrimental to enabling people in Auckland to play the game they love."As the population of Auckland continues to grow, land is obviously at a real premium and particularly land for recreational facilities. So green spaces like the Takapuna Golf Course are absolutely critical for the future.""I think as a green space in Auckland where we're really pushed for land it's critical that it's maintained."Harbour Sport chief executive Mike Bishop agreed the North Shore needed more golf facilities, not fewer."This is a public course with reasonable fees that anyone can book. During weekends and evenings, you'll see people walking the course just for exercise, it's a public asset with significant community value and we cannot lose it."During Covid this space was a lifeline for physical activity. It's a green area used by thousands every month."Council was still considering the feasibility of the two options and construction on any approved plan for the flood catchment at the golf course was not expected to begin until 2027.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties looking for a festive way to kick off the school holidays might want to head north to Warkworth.This Saturday, the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights is set to light up Wharf and Baxter Streets with music, colour, and family fun.It’s become a much-loved tradition for families after something special without the big-city price tag.Entry is free, the vibe is friendly, and there’s plenty to enjoy for all ages.This year’s entertainment includes the return of crowd favourite ZakTakular and headliner family band Rumpus Machine.There’s also a brand-new Giant Inflatable Maze joining the ever-popular Giant Slide.Add to that a Tunnel of Lights, food trucks, amusement rides, and a dazzling laser light show to top off the night, and you’ve got something for everyone.Festival Committee Chairman Murray Chapman says the heart of the event is the community.“We wanted to create something special, and seeing everyone come together and enjoy it makes it all worthwhile.”Thanks to generous local sponsors and volunteers, the festival keeps costs down so families can enjoy a night out without the pressure.So grab a jacket, rally the family, and head out for a night of lights, laughs, and local love.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]