Welcome to 2025! Coasties, here's your first four day weekend weather forecast for the new year:Friday, 3/1Windy, with periods of rain in the morning. Breezy to brisk Westerly winds.High: 22Low: 15Saturday, 4/1Windy and partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk Sou'West winds.High: 21Low: 15Sunday, 5/1Windy and partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 20Low: 13Monday, 6/1Mostly sunny. Breezy to brisk South to Sou'West winds.High: 21Low: 15Looking for more?Check out our Reports section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasEverything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

House prices are expected to increase over the next 12 months, but by how much, and how fast, are still up for debate.The housing market had a flat 2024, as the impact of falling interest rates was offset by uncertainty about the labour market, and large numbers of houses for sale.But economists expect lower interest rates to become more of a force in 2025.Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said he expected house prices to lift 8 percent over the coming year.It would be a relatively sharp change from 2024. "A lot of the indicators of the housing market have shown a pretty significant turnaround because interest rates have fallen quite a long way very quickly."Normal house price growth, over the long term, was about 6.5 percent a year, he said.His forecast was a bit above that - "but not necessarily the boom we have certainly seen in years within the last 15 when prices have gone up 10 percent, 15 percent or even 20 percent per annum. We're not expecting that."He said the large number of properties available for sale should be eroded."There's a very good balance now between demand and supply."Eckhold said the pick-up should start in the first quarter of next year."As we go through next year you've got the combination of improving consumer confidence, interest rates noticeably lower than they have been for three or four years, and a recovering economy."There should also be signs that the labour market had stopped deteriorating, he said."The unemployment rate is expected to peak in the second quarter of next year."Corelogic head of research Nick Goodall said he expected 90,000 transactions in the housing market in 2025, about 10,000 more than 2024."Knowing that when volumes increase, values typically do too, we expect some growth in the market."Corelogic expected 5 percent annual growth in prices.The big difference for 2025 would be interest rates, he said."They're falling now and will be sustainably lower next year as opposed to this year, when they have been constraining for the majority of the year. That's a pretty big difference and will add to demand."The economy was also expected to improve, which was likely to flow through to increasing property prices."But some things that have been constraints will continue to be constraints - there are relatively high listings, decent choice for buyers... and unemployment will increase as well."He said debt-to-income ratios could become a restriction in the second half of the year, too."There is enough that says things will improve in 2024 but there are other restraints which is why we come back to saying 5 percent, not something in the realms of 7 percent to 10 percent that you might otherwise expect if you were told interest rates would be materially lower than this year."ANZ's economists expected house prices to increase 6 percent in the year.Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said he expected a slight upward trend in house sales through until mid-2026, and the annual sales total to lift 3.7 percent in 2025."We expect labour market weakness and sharply slower population growth to be key constraints on activity, limiting the positive effects of lower interest rates and debt-servicing costs on activity levels."However, the mortgage rate cuts and dominance of interest rates driving trends in the housing market over the last five years suggest there could be some upside risks to our sales forecast."'Rental marketAnd what about the renters?Rents have lifted sharply in recent years, particularly as the effects of migration were felt on that market.But the pace softened notably through 2024.Kiernan said the softening labour market was likely to limit rental growth until the middle of the year and weaker net migration would also limit tenant demand through 2026 and 20-27."As a result, rental yields will remain low, keeping investor demand for housing subdued."Eckhold said rents had been rising at unsustainable levels."What we have seen in 2024 is rents decelerate... that's been a feature of a few things, there's been lower population growth - last year we had a big flow of migrants into the country and a lot of those people came into rental properties. We don't have the same impetus this year."Also importantly, wage growth inflation is moderating. The reduced rise in wages and reduced increase in costs on landlords are all factors that mean rents haven't got the upward pressure they had last year."Goodall agreed the population would grow more slowly in 2025 than in recent years."Supply of rental property has been relatively high, too."People might be willing to pay more in rent as the economy improved, but the market was unlikely to take off.It would be interesting to see what happened with new builds, he added.There were signs of consent numbers bottoming out but construction activity was likely to remain weak for some time to come.People who were affected by restrictions such as loan-to-value ratios or debt-to-income restrictions might opt for a new build because they were not captured by the rules.But he said they would want to have confidence that the companies operating them were solid and likely to remain in business for the 12 or 18 months it might take to build a house.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast and across New Zealand are being reminded to prioritise safety on the roads this summer as police efforts to curb road deaths continue.Provisional figures show 289 road fatalities in 2024, a significant decrease from 341 the previous year. While the reduction is notable, authorities stress that any loss of life on the roads is too many.Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, highlighted the ongoing commitment of officers to prevent fatal and serious crashes.“Our officers have done, and are doing, as much as humanly possible out on the roads working to reduce the number of death and serious-injury crashes,” Superintendent Greally said.A key focus has been on enforcing speed limits and conducting alcohol breath tests. Police have more than doubled the number of breath tests conducted in recent years, with more than 4 million tests expected by the end of the financial year in June 2025.Operation Open Roads, launched in December 2022, has contributed to the reduction in severe accidents. Increased enforcement has raised the likelihood of offenders being caught, and motorists are being warned not to expect leniency.“Our frontline is passionate about preventing serious crashes,” said Superintendent Greally. “So if you are one of those people who is determined to put people’s lives at risk and you are caught, you should not expect a warning.”Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices, including wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, and driving without impairment from fatigue, alcohol, or drugs.As summer travel ramps up, police are urging patience and vigilance to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destinations.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties looking to restock or tackle those DIY projects on New Year's Day can breathe a sigh of relief, with several local retailers remaining open.A quick check of local shopping hours revealed Mitre 10 MEGA Silverdale will close its doors at 7 pm. Liquorland stores in Manly and Whangaparaoa will welcome shoppers until 8 pm.For those needing to stock up on groceries, Pak'nSave supermarket will close at 7 pm, while Woolworths Supermarkets will remain open until 8 pm. New World Supermarkets will have the latest closing time, shutting up shop at 9 pm.And for those seeking a break from the rain, BurgerFuel Silverdale is open for online orders, or eat-in lunch or dinner until 10 pm tonight.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

If you're new to the world of borrowing money, it might seem like we're speaking another language! The loan industry is filled to the brim with words that seem to be designed to make things unclear, instead of the opposite. Hopefully this will help untangle the jargon and make it easy for you to understand the ins and outs of loans. Here are some words you will likely come across: Arrears If your loan or account is "in arrears", that means that you've missed one or more payment. You want to avoid being in arrears – it's not great for your credit score and can ultimately cause further fees. If you think you might fall behind on repayments, it's a good idea to contact your lender as soon as possible. Asset An "asset" is something of long-term value that is owned by you, or your business. This is often also called "collateral". Common personal assets are your home and car. If you're in business, you might own office computers or factory equipment. Authority In loan terms, giving authority means giving permission - not putting someone in charge. When we set up a direct debit for your loan repayments, we will request payment authority. When you grant this authority, you are saying that we are allowed to withdraw money from your bank account, on a regular schedule and at a pre-set amount. CCCFA This is NZ legislation that lays out many of the rules for both parties in a contract for consumer finance (its full name is Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act). The most important job of the legislation is to protect consumers from being taken advantage of when taking out a loan and to make sure you're given the opportunity to fully understand what you're signing. Co-borrower This refers to someone who will join you in signing the loan contract. The reason for including a co-borrower are varied, and the co-borrower has the same legal responsibilities under the loan as the borrower. Credit Score or credit history Credit scores are like haircuts: we all have one, and some are better than others! Your credit score is a number between 1 and 1000 that gives lenders an idea of what your previous financial history is like, along with how good you are at paying your bills. Most credit scores are between 300 and 850; if yours is above 500 you're doing OK. Credit scores are based on everything you've done financially in the past - so if you've had a loan, buy now / pay later or internet bill and paid it off on time, then that's a good thing for your credit score. Having a negative history - like a bankruptcy, debt collection, or a lot of missed payments - lowers your overall score. If you have a good credit score, it will be easier to borrow money and it may assist in getting a better interest rate. Was the above useful? We hope this has helped you to cut through some of the jargon - it's important to us that you understand the language and feel comfortable and confident about your lending. If we've missed something, or there's another term you'd like to know more about, please call in and talk to us or give us a quick call. You are protected by responsible lending laws. Because of these protections, the content above is not regulated financial advice. This means that duties and requirements imposed on people who give financial advice do not apply to this content. This includes a duty to comply with a code of conduct and a requirement to be licensed. As this is part 1 of 3 instalments, if you feel you want to know the rest now, don't hesitate to email us at [email protected] for the full Loan Jargon Buster!

The New Year is here and thousands of us will be sitting down and writing out our New Years Resolutions. And, you know the drill, within two weeks they will be forgotten as we get caught up in the daily grind of life. Our fresh enthusiasm for the New Year will be gone and long forgotten.Don't let this happen to you!Instead, why not ditch your New Years Resolutions altogether and focus on just one big goal (or Gulp!)? Maybe its time to switch careers, or travel the world, or change something in your relationships. Whatever your goal is, don't let it fizzle.Make it happen and stay on track by following this 7-day crash course designed to help you master fear and break through any challenge:STEP 1: DARE & DEFYPut a stake in the ground and commit to doing it. I call this Daring & Defying. Write down your One Big Gulp! on a post-it note and put it somewhere where you can see it every day. Tell your friends about and make sure you set a deadline (gulp!).STEP 2: BREAKDOWN & BREAKTHROUGH FEARIt's natural to feel afraid because you're stepping outside your comfort zone and into the void of the unknown. The thing with fear is it starts in the mind and is triggered by your thoughts and what you imagine might happen. So imagine the worst, and then put strategies in place to make sure it never happens. And then imagine the best possible outcome and focus on creating that.STEP 3: CENTER & CONNECT TO YOUR COREWhen you calm your mind and create space and stillness, not only do you connect to your inner sage, that wise old voice within, it means you can actually hear it! When you do things that are aligned to your soul, there is no fear, there is just an inner knowingness of what feels right. So spend time walking in nature, listening to relaxing music, doing a Pilates class or meditating. And then listen closely to your inner wisdom.STEP 4: IMAGINE & INVENT NEW POSSIBILITIESYour sense of possibility is only limited by the extent of your imagination. So as you think about your One Big Gulp!, imagine all the possible outcomes or scenarios. Expand your vision of what could be. Visit a cafe, or art gallery or a park somewhere that sparks your imagination and then brainstorm and write down all your ideas no matter how wild and wacky.STEP 5: PLAN & PREPARE YOUR PATHIt's time to chart your course. As soon as you step outside your comfort zone you step into the unknown that gap or void between where you are and where you want to be. The secret to making your One Big Gulp! easy is to plug as much of this gap as possible. In other words do some research, gather information, ask questions, spend some time on Google, put together an action plan. And practice and rehearse as much as possible.STEP 6: FOCUS & FLOWFrom personal experience I know that when I'm doing something that makes my heart sing and my soul dance everything just flows if I let it. So stay focused on where your'e heading and use your intuition to guide you.Also, let go of anything that is part of the old. It can be hard to let go of things before the new has arrived, but as you know, sometimes you've got to close one door before you can open another.STEP 7: JUST GULP! AND GO FOR ITAs you move through this journey, you'll reach a point where you've just got to do it. The opportunity is there, you're prepared and ready, and all you need to do is take that big step forward. You never know until you try and you never know where it all might lead next.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Emergency services at summer hot spots are preparing for an influx of rowdy visitors on New Year's Eve.As Aucklanders prepared to flock to beachside towns on the Coromandel Peninsula including Whangamata, Whitianga and Tairua, police were doing the same."We bring extra police into our areas because of the massive increase in population for those limited times through the holiday period," Eastern Waikato area commander Mike Henwood explained."[The officers] mostly come from elsewhere in the Waikato region and Auckland, and we're quite flexible in terms of where they go. Crowds change and where's popular changes from year to year, so we move our staff to where the need is."The typically serene towns would be overrun with visitors, and they weren't all coming for a quiet getaway."When you have a town where the population increases significantly [over summer] it obviously changes the lifestyle there a bit," Inspector Henwood said."A lot of people's idyllic beach lifestyle is definitely compromised for a period... That sort of comes with the territory."He said New Year's parties often involved heavy drinking."For young people, typically the behaviour is they've been looking forward to this for quite some time, there's a lot of peer pressure around it particularly to drink," he said."We're talking about people that perhaps shouldn't be drinking alcohol but they've had it supplied to them."The conditions made overconsumption a serious issue."Often very hot temperatures and not a lot of food consumed, people getting quite intoxicated and being in a place they're not familiar with. Losing friends, not having a plan to get home," he said."Have that plan of how you're going to get home because a lot of these places don't have taxis or public transport."Hato Hone St John said it is also sending extra staff to popular summer locations."We see a lot of alcohol intoxication and injuries as a result of falls [at parties], which make up about 11 percent of our callouts over that period," St John's Auckland district operations manager Andy Everiss said."We also see a lot of drug intoxication as well, and that causes a concern for us because these people will often present as severely dehydrated or unconscious."Everiss said dehydration was a serious risk."Dehydration is huge, particularly in New Zealand we are more at risk of sunburn and exposure to the sun so you need to take precautions and stay out of the sun," he said."Really important that you stay hydrated... [If you're drinking] make sure you have a decent meal beforehand and a glass of water between each drink."Everiss stressed that ambulance staff would not report patients to police if they had taken an illegal substance."Please just be honest with our team, we're not there to judge at all. We're only there to care for the community so please be honest."Police Inspector Mike Henwood said it was rare for police to get involved in a party, but that would change if attendees spilled into the streets."Getting intoxicated on private property, that's fine, but when they go wandering often the disorder and assaults and sexual assaults that come from that... People intoxicated wandering streets they're not familiar with, it can cause issues," he said."Laws, things like liquor bans, they apply 365 days a year. They don't get temporarily suspended because you want to enjoy New Year's Eve."He urged visitors not to get carried away."[The] key thing is having fun for everybody. As soon as your activities impact on someone else's holiday that's not okay, and if it's illegal that's where police get involved."

Coasties are invited to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with SkyCity Auckland’s iconic fireworks display. The annual event, featuring fireworks launched from the Sky Tower, promises to be a spectacular experience whether viewed from a local peak, the beach, or through the livestream.This year, the celebration has been elevated with a synchronised laser light and animation show, complemented by stunning visuals projected onto the Harbour Bridge. To enhance the experience, locals can tune in to www.morefm.co.nz to enjoy a specially curated soundtrack accompanying the light show.SkyCity Chief Operating Officer Callum Mallett expressed excitement about the event, saying: “The Sky Tower fireworks are an iconic part of celebrating the new year in New Zealand and across the globe, bringing communities together to reflect on the year gone by and look ahead to the future.”He added, “We’ve worked hard to make this year’s event even more spectacular, with a synchronised fireworks and laser light show that promises to be one of our best yet - it’s a true celebration for Auckland and Aotearoa.”The highlight of the night will be the five-minute fireworks display, billed as the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. Beginning with a dramatic 10-second countdown projected on the base of the Sky Tower, the display will feature over 500 kilograms of pyrotechnics launched from three strategic locations between levels 55 and 64 of the tower, standing 200–240 metres above the ground.Adding to the visual feast, a seven-minute laser light show will pay tribute to Aotearoa’s diverse communities and landmarks. With displays every half hour starting at 9 pm, highlights will include imagery of a Formula One racing car, tributes to local sports heroes, and nods to New Zealand’s Bird of the Year and iconic landscapes.Months of preparation have gone into the event, with over 350 hours dedicated to installing 14 kilometres of electrical cabling and wiring. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on the 1News YouTube channel, ensuring everyone across New Zealand can share in the celebration.Happy New Year Coasties!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Summer's here, and it's the perfect time to unwind and catch up on some of the top entertainment from 2024.Whether you're a music lover, a TV binge-watcher, a movie buff, or an avid reader, we've got you covered.Top Streamed Songs of 2024Spotify's top 10 streamed songs of 2024 are in, and here's what's been making waves:1. Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso2. Billie Eilish - Birds Of A Feather3. Benson Boone - Beautiful Things4. Anne-Marie - Friends5. FloyyMenor - Gata Only6. Lady Gaga - Die With A Smile7. Jimin - Who8. Hozier - Too Sweet9. Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please10. Ariana Grande - We Can't Be Friends (wait for your love)Confession time: I've only listened to four of these tracks so far. How about you - have you discovered any new favourite artists or songs?Top TV Series of 2024Our team at the Hibiscus Coast App has curated a list of the top 10 TV series of 2024. Here's what made our cut:1. The Day of the Jackal2. The Gentlemen3. The Penguin4. Clarkson’s Farm5. Lioness6. The Diplomat7. Mayor of Kingstown8. The Old Man9. Griselda10. House of the DragonYellowstone fans might notice that it didn't make our list - unfortunately, the season 5b episodes just didn't quite live up to expectations.Top Grossing Movies of 2024BoxOfficeMojo.com reported these blockbusters leading ticket sales this year:1. Inside Out 22. Deadpool & Wolverine3. Despicable Me 44. Moana 25. Dune: Part Two6. Wicked7. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire8. Kung Fu Panda 49. Venom: The Last Dance10. Beetlejuice BeetlejuiceLooks like there are plenty of great movies to catch up on over summer!Top Selling Books of 2024Circana.com’s bestseller list reflects a mix of gripping fiction and practical reads:1. The Women by Kristin Hannah2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas3. Dog Man: the Scarlet Shedder by Div Pilkey4. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden5. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover6. Atomic Habits by James Clear7. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros8. Forth Wing by Rebecca Yarros9. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas10. It Starts with Us by Colleen HooverWhether you're reading solo or sharing with friends and family, there's something for everyone here.Happy New Year!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Here is the full list of all the New Year Honours recipients.To be Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Julie Clare Chapman - For services to children and the communityNea Ingrid Collins, MNZM - For services to Māori, business and health governanceBogyung Ko (Lydia Ko), MNZM - For services to golfGolf star Lydia Ko, 27, is believed to have become the youngest-ever Dame in the modern Commonwealth, capping an extraordinary year.To be Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:John Allan Gallagher, CNZM, KStJ - For services to business, education, philanthropy and the communityEdward Colin Manson, CNZM - For services to philanthropy, the community and businessPeter Robert Skelton, CNZM - For services to environmental lawTo be Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Graeme Hilton Blick - For services to geodesyIan Douglas Foster - For services to rugbyEsther Frances Fung, ONZM - For services to the Chinese communityFrederick John Graham, ONZM - For services to Māori artJohn Bernard Hart, ONZM - For services to sports governanceJillian Jeanette Hooks - For services to accountancy and educationKai-Shek Luey, QSM - For services to the Chinese communityHelen Linda Pilmore - For services to nephrology and transplantation servicesSuzanne Lena Prentice, OBE - For services to music and the communityRobin Scholes, OBE - For services to the screen industryHarjinder Singh - For services to food scienceAlan Richard Baillie Smythe - For services to the community and philanthropyWilliam Murray Thomson - For services to oral healthKennie Tsui - For services to the environment and governanceKeith Sharman Turner - For services to the electricity industryFormer All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who guided New Zealand to a runners-up finish at the 2023 World Cup, has been recognised in the New Year's Honours.To be an Honorary Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Laurie Ann Hilsgen - For services to family carersTo be Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Denise Katherine Astill - For services to the prevention of foetal anticonvulsant syndromesCarlos Edward James Bagrie - For services to the food and rural industriesMajor General John Raymond Boswell, DSD, (Rtd.) - For services to the New Zealand Defence ForceRobert James William Campbell - For services to farming and governanceMarguerite Diane Christophers - For services to Para sportsPeter John Cleave - For services to Māori language educationTrisia Angela Farrelly - For services to ecologyCatherine Mary Ferguson - For services to otolaryngologyHeke-Turoa Ropine Huata - For services to Māori and educationAlbert Puhirake Ihaka - For services to Māori and governanceSudesh Kumar Jhunjhnuwala - For services to the hospitality industry and philanthropyPrudence Elizabeth Lamerton - For services to nuclear medicineNadia Rui-Chi Lim - For services to the food industryProfessor Cyril Wayne McIlwraith - For services to veterinary medicine and the equine industryMatthew Christian Metcalfe - For services to the film industryLee Wei-Hahn Murray - For services to literature, particularly speculative literatureOliver Michael Newland - For services to real estate and the communityChristine Rewa Panapa, MNZM - For services to MāoriTe Taku Parai - For services to Māori, governance and the communityRear Admiral David Colin Proctor, RNZN (Rtd.) - For services to the New Zealand Defence ForceTe Tuhi Robust - For services to Māori and educationAnthony John Shaw - For services to people with intellectual disabilities and the communityMargot Alison Skinner - For services to physiotherapyMervyn John Solly - For services to the transport industry and businessDebra Mary Delores Sorensen - For services to Pacific healthKate Elizabeth Sylvester - For services to the fashion industryIain Clark Taylor - For services to educationMurray William Tilyard - For services to healthSamuel Laurence Whitelock - For services to rugby and the communityBryce Derek Wilkinson - For services to economicsTo be an Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Clara Elisabeth Hutchinson-de Ranitz - For services to midwiferyTo be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit:Peter Wallace Allen - For services to disabled peopleDale Cameron Bailey - For services to educationPaula Val Baker - For services to health governance and the communityJudith Anne Bell - For services to music educationRichard Marshall Lovelace Bull - For services to conservation and the communityPaul Francis Burns - For services to Search and Rescue and Fire and Emergency New ZealandMichael John Dyer Camm - For services to wildlife conservationSusan Jayne Clement - For services to educationRoss Anthony Cocker, JP - For services to Search and Rescue and the communityKaren Ann Colgan - For services to wildlife conservation and educationLinda Ann Cooper, JP - For services to the communityMaria Carmela Dalli - For services to educationPriyani Therese de Silva-Currie - For services to multicultural communities, netball and civil engineeringMakarena Diana Dudley - For services to people with dementia, particularly MāoriRoss James Craufurd Dunlop, JP - For services to local governmentIosefo Fa'afiu - For services to mental health, youth and the Pacific communityAnne Maria Fitisemanu - For services to businessJulian Richmond Fitter - For services to conservationBronwyn Joy Groot - For services to fraud prevention awarenessNoel Graham Harris - For services to the thoroughbred racing industryRawinia Ruth Higgins - For services to Māori language, education and governanceDavid Warwick Hodder - For services to outdoor recreation and conservationIngrid Louise Maria Huygens - For services to education and MāoriLeonard George Frederick Irvine - For services to woodcraft and educationMarian Elizabeth Johnson - For services to technology and businessShelley Aroha Katae - For services to Māori and Pacific communitiesDavid John Kent - For services to the deaf and hard of hearing communityDinesh Kumar Khadka, JP - For services to the Nepalese communityTania Phillippa Kingi - For services to Māori and people with disabilitiesMalcolm Erskine Legget (Deceased. His Majesty's approval of this award took effect on 31 October 2024, prior to the date of death.) - For services to cardiologyNicola Maree Ataria MacDonald - For services to the environmentDeborah Claire Mackenzie - For services to victims of domestic violenceCedric Paul Malpass - For services to healthLachlan John Marshall - For services to water poloAdele Marie Mason - For services to New Zealand-Asia relationsDuncan Paul Matthews - For services to rainbow communitiesJohn Leslie McKoy - For services to fisheries science and environment managementRoss John McQueen - For services to the communityAsad Mohsin - For services to the Muslim community and educationJanice Molloy - For services to wildlife conservationSheryll Ann Ofner - For services to educationLouise Claire Parr-Brownlie - For services to neuroscienceDaniel Oshana Pato - For services to the hairdressing industryKirsten Pauline Eddy Patterson - For services to governance and womenJohn Kenneth Peters - For services to governance and palliative careIan Martyn Pickard - For services to Fire and Emergency New ZealandBillie-Jean Potaka Ayton - For services to education and MāoriTania Mateohorere-Carole Pouwhare - For services to Māori and Pacific communities, and the environmentSarah Jane McDonald Rae - For services to choral musicIan Dugald Reid - For services to musical theatreAlan Kenneth Richards - For services to the New Zealand Police and educationNorefjell Jacquiline Marama Tanga Royal, JP - For services to Māori and governanceHilary Dawn Sangster - For services to governanceRachel Simon-Kumar - For services to women's studies, health research and to ethnic communitiesRoy Martin Sloan - For services to conservation and game huntingHilary Anne Smith - For services to linguistics and the communityHelen Julia Snell - For services to nursing and diabetes careSharon Carol Stevens-Cottle - For services to dance and theatreMichael Leslie Burton Styles - For services to people with dyslexia and educationLinda Naumai Te Aho - For services to Māori and legal educationGary Raymond Trail - For services to martial arts, particularly Jiu JitsuKeith Winton Trembath - For services to the community, agriculture and educationKateryna Turska - For services to the Ukrainian communityAnita Gay Varga - For services to women and the construction industryMelissa Amy Vining - For services to charitable fundraising and the communityBelinda Henderson Walker - For services to the communityTo be Companions of the King's Service Order:Rūpene Paul Amato - For services to survivors of abuse in careJocelyn Anne Armstrong - For services to interfaith communitiesBarry Joseph de Geest - For services to disabled peopleJames William Goodwin - For services to survivors of abuse in careTristram Richard Ingham, ONZM - For services to survivors of abuse in careLeoni Frances McInroe - For services to survivors of abuse in carePaora Crawford Moyle - For services to survivors of abuse in careMoeapulu Frances Eileen Tagaloa - For services to survivors of abuse in careKeith Vernon Wiffin - For services to survivors of abuse in careGary Michael Williams, MNZM - For services to survivors of abuse in carePaul Andrew Zentveld - For services to survivors of abuse in careThe King's Service MedalAlister David Argyle - For services to the communityVictoria Elizabeth Barnard - For services to the RNZSPCACynthia Jane Brooks - For services to local government and historical researchMichael Russell Buick - For services to the performing arts, particularly musical theatreColin Terence Campbell - For services to horse racing and governanceIan Peter Carter - For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the communityLeslie Edward Clarke - For services to the New Zealand Police and the communityKathleen Patricia Coster - For services to survivors of abuse in careShannel Peter Courtney - For services to conservation and choral musicSandra Lois May Curd, JP - For services to the communitySally Elizabeth Davies - For services to hockey and nursingVaine Puapii Elia - For services to the Cook Islands communityRouruina Emile-Brown - For services to the Cook Islands communityPatricia Mary Anne Eyles, JP - For services to the communityHans-Josef Erwin Freller - For services to survivors of abuse in careNeta Bernadette Gilbert (Neta Kerepeti) - For services to survivors of abuse in careMarie Eleanor Gilpin - For services to the communityThomas Michael Gray - For services to local government and the communityBryan Robert Guy - For services to the communityPeter Colin Hensman - For services to cricket and the communityToni Lee James Jarvis - For services to survivors of abuse in careJeremy Wiremu Alexander Johnson - For services to the Anglican Church and the LGBTQI+ communityHans Allen Key - For services to health and safety and Pacific communitiesPaul Hendrick Lampe - For services to youthMichael Joseph Ledingham - For services to survivors of abuse in carePeter Fala Aperila Leilua - For services to the community, particularly youth and Pacific peoplesTiliilagi Leilua - For services to the community, particularly youth and Pacific peoplesValerie Joan Lissette - For services to danceMoira Catherine Lockington - For services to the communityPamela Anne Logan - For services to theatrePatricia Annette Macaulay - For services to the communityCarolyn Mayes - For services to conservationRonald James Moles - For services to education and the communityFiona Mary Murdoch - For services to danceDelza Reay Neben - For services to print media and the communityJohn William Oliver - For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the communityJyoti Parashar, JP - For services to the communityGraeme Victor Pearce - For services to heritage preservation and the communityMarie Teresa Pearce - For services to the community and local governmentNeville Gordon Phillips - For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ice sportsPeter Herehere Priest - For services to Māori and conservationSusan Lyall Priest - For services to Māori and conservationDavid John Ramsay - For services to the communityRangimahora Mokomoko Reddy - For services to Māori healthDavid Malcolm James Richmond - For services to sport, particularly athletics and cricketEugene Shane Te Awamate Ryder - For services to survivors of abuse in careBarbara Anne Simpson - For services to conservation and the communityAnne Acton Sinclair - For services to the communityDarryl William Smith - For services to survivors of abuse in careRichard Antony Dougal Steele, JP - For services to the rural communityPeter David Swain - For services to the communityTeremoana Terepai - For services to the Pacific community and seniorsMargaret Ann Vickers - For services to the communityGrahame Roy Perry Webber - For services to local government and farming governancePhyllis Rosemary Weir - For services to cricket and horticultureCraig John Wells - For services to business and the communityJennifer Gai Wotten - For services to the community and squashThe New Zealand Antarctic MedalAlastair Robin Fastier - For services to Antarctic heritage conservationColin Chalmers Monteath, QSM - For services to Antarctic field support, archival preservation, literature and photographyThe New Zealand Distinguished Service DecorationSquadron Leader Paul Leslie Stockley - For services to the New Zealand Defence Force

Summer is upon us, and as the hordes head to the beach to enjoy the water, some sharks are also heading inshore.In November, diver Jade Kahukore-Dixon died in a shark attack near the Chatham Islands.And in recent weeks, there had been sightings of great white sharks in the Kawhia harbour, prompting the Department of Conservation to issue a warning to swimmers.But shark scientist Dr Riley Elliott said the risk of shark attacks was actually pretty low.Over summer, sharks headed inshore to drop off their pups in nursery habitats, he said.Those areas were usually warm, calm, shallow and had lots of small fish, and generally happened to be the nice places people liked to swim in."But what that does mean is we don our Speedos and we go to the beach and we see sharks."The most common shark that people would see in the North Island and Upper South Island was the bronze whaler, Elliott said.The bronze whaler is the most common shark that people would see in the North Island and upper South Island. Photo: NIWAFurther south, they could encounter the sevengill shark and the great white shark.Sharks predominantly did their own thing, but to reduce being appealing to a shark, he recommended avoiding swimming in areas where people were fishing.Likewise, fishers should not discard their filleted fish parts in areas where people would swim, Elliott said.Sharks, like the bronze whaler, also loved fish and were drawn to areas where people went fishing.People needed to remember that when they were in the sea, they were in a wild environment with wild animals, he said."We should remember that it is their supermarket that we are venturing into."The deadliest of the sharks was the great white, but Elliott said they usually posed the biggest risk to surfers."That's usually aligned with the fact that surfers dress up like seals wearing wetsuits and surf around where seals aggregate."But that was a very small portion of the population and most surfers understood that risk, he said.The risk of a shark attack was tiny compared to the risk of drowning, he said.For the safest way to enjoy the ocean, he advised people to swim between the flags.

A recent analysis by dogandlemon.com suggests that New Zealand's low road toll in 2024 can be largely attributed to the economic recession.According to Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the website and a road safety campaigner, recessions tend to lead to lower road tolls globally."The overall road toll in New Zealand has been steadily falling since the late 1980s, but the annual highs and lows of the toll closely follow the economy," he explains.Matthew-Wilson points to historical data, noting that New Zealand's worst road toll was in 1973, with 843 fatalities.Following the 1973 fuel crisis, the road toll dropped significantly.Similarly, after the 1987 global sharemarket crash, the road toll decreased by 70.Several factors have contributed to the long-term decline in New Zealand's road toll, including the importation of safer used Japanese cars, highway improvements, and stricter enforcement of speed, drink-driving, and seatbelt laws.However, Matthew-Wilson emphasises that poverty and socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in road safety."Poor people die more often on the roads than rich people," he notes.Motorcyclists are disproportionately represented in fatal crashes, accounting for 18% of fatalities and 23% of serious injuries between 2019 and 2023.Trucks also pose a significant risk, making up nearly 20% of the road toll.Matthew-Wilson argues that the key to lowering the road toll lies in improving roads, vehicles, and enforcement strategies.He advocates for measures such as moving freight from trucks to rail, making motorbike licenses harder to obtain, and targeting high-risk groups.Ultimately, Matthew-Wilson believes that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the complex issue of road safety.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The ASB Classic Women’s Tennis Tournament kicks off today in Auckland, drawing some of the world’s top talent to the ASB Tennis Arena. With 14 nationalities represented and a lineup featuring seven Grand Slam champions, fans can expect a thrilling week of tennis action.New Zealand’s own Lulu Sun, currently ranked 40th in the world, enters the tournament as the fourth seed. Sun, who made headlines by reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals this year, will face Canadian Rebecca Marino in her first-round match. Born in Te Anau and raised in Switzerland, Sun recently made the switch to represent New Zealand, generating significant hometown support.Adding to the excitement is the return of 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu. The British star, fresh off an undefeated run at the Billie Jean King Cup finals, is seeded sixth. Raducanu is joined by another global icon, Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who is making her comeback after the birth of her daughter. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1, enters the tournament as the seventh seed.Other notable players include Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion and 2016 ASB Classic winner, and Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion.ASB Classic Women’s Tennis Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin.Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin expressed his excitement about the strong field, stating, “I am very pleased with the quality of the field this year, with the winners of seven Grand Slams, a US Open runner-up, and a mix of proven performers and exciting young players. To have Lulu Sun back home as the No. 4 seed is evidence of her incredible year. This is a wonderful opportunity for Kiwi fans to watch their own New Zealand star playing at home.”Women’s Singles Draw HighlightsLulu Sun (NZL) vs. Rebecca Marino (CAN)Emma Raducanu (GBR) vs. Robin Montgomery (USA)Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs. QualifierSloane Stephens (USA) vs. Ann Li (USA)Sofia Kenin (USA) vs. Xinyu Wang (CHN)Event DetailsGates Open: 10:30 AMMatches Begin: 11:30 AMWith its blend of local talent, returning champions, and rising stars, the ASB Classic promises an unforgettable experience for tennis fans.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Auckland Zoo's Australia Bush Track has reopened after undergoing significant upgrades, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience this summer.Locals and their families can explore the revamped habitat, featuring an expansive new 4m high enclosure for rock-dwelling skinks and arboreal dragons.This new habitat is already home to 18 Cunningham's skinks, which were relocated from 'Lizard Lane' prior to the January 2023 Auckland flood.In 2025, the zoo will welcome frilled-necked dragons, a unique and extraordinary arboreal lizard native to northern Australia.This will mark the first time these dragons have been showcased in New Zealand.Currently, visitors can see emus, including Elvis and Ellie-May, and brolga roaming the habitat.Although the arrival of Eastern grey kangaroos from Australia has been delayed, they are expected to join the zoo's collection later in 2025.The zoo has also upgraded the entry and exit point of the walkthrough Australian aviary, creating a more spacious and attractive area that improves visitor flow while maintaining the safety and security of the birds.When visiting the Australia Bush Track habitat, be sure to explore the rest of the track, which features various bird and reptile species, fish, and Tasmanian devils.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland FC bounced back from last week's defeat with a convincing 4-1 away victory over the Central Coast Mariners, reclaiming their position at the top of the league table.The match saw Auckland FC welcome experienced centre-back Tommy Smith to the starting lineup, allowing Hiroki Sakai to shift to right-back.This tactical adjustment paid off early, as Sakai headed in a cross from Francis de Vries in the 22nd minute.However, the lead was short-lived, as Alfie McCalmont equalised for the Mariners just three minutes later.Auckland reclaimed the lead with a stunning volley from Jake Brimmer in the 31st minute.Guillermo May extended Auckland's lead in the 39th minute, tapping in a cross from de Vries.The second half saw the Mariners apply pressure, but Auckland sealed the win with a late goal from substitute Rogerson.Auckland FC will host Melbourne Victory on New Year's Day, with tickets available online here.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties planning to enjoy a fishing trip this summer are reminded by Fisheries New Zealand to brush up on the rules to ensure a safe and sustainable experience.With thousands of Kiwis taking to the water for recreation and sustenance each year, Fisheries NZ is encouraging fishers to download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app. The app offers essential details such as daily bag limits, minimum legal sizes, gear restrictions, and alerts about closures or biotoxins."The app has everything you need to know," says Steve Ham, director of fisheries compliance. "Having it on your phone gives you the peace of mind of having the right information at your fingertips, even in areas without cell coverage."NZ Fishing Rules appFisheries officers and honorary officers will be patrolling coastlines, boat ramps, and open waters over the summer to help ensure compliance and protect shared fisheries. Fishers can also text 9889 with the name of a species to receive limits via text or seek guidance from their local fisheries office."By following the rules, you’ll not only avoid fines but also contribute to sustaining fisheries for future generations," Ham says.Recreational fishers are urged to report suspected illegal activities via MPI's 0800 4 POACHER hotline (0800 47 62 24) or seek further advice by contacting MPI directly at 0800 00 83 33 or [email protected] a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Some New Zealand roads are notorious due to the number of fatal and serious crashes there, others because they are steep and narrow with no room for driver error.Most highways in Aotearoa are sealed and have two lanes but the country also has some narrow unsealed roads, some of which are winding and climbing with spectacular views.What is a 'dangerous road'?Deciding if a road is dangerous is subjective, but one indicator is a high number of fatal or serious crashes on a particular stretch of road over an extended period of time.A dangerous road might also be one that is precarious for a driver to negotiate, or even one that rental car companies refuse to insure you to drive on because they consider the risk is too high.AA communications, research and road safety manager Dylan Thomsen said the highest risk roads are generally highways because they carry the most traffic and at higher speeds.For most drivers, the riskiest ones they travel on are the ones that are higher speed, have no median barrier and are busy, he said."When someone is travelling on a road like that there is much less margin for error because a mistake by anyone is more likely to result in a crash and vehicles also have the ability to go head-on into oncoming traffic."Weather conditions such as flooding, snow or high winds or the risk of rock falls or avalanches may also make it difficult to drive even on roads which are usually straight-forward or familiar.Highways with few passing lanes (such as often occur in the South Island), tricky to negotiate intersections, or blind corners could also contribute to a road being more challenging for drivers.How safe is NZ's highway network?The New Zealand Road Assessment Programme or KiwiRAP developed by the Automobile Association and Transport Agency rated nearly 90 percent of New Zealand's state highway network, covering more than 10,000km of rural highways with speed limits of 80km/h or more.It said that equated to about 12 percent of New Zealand roads, but accounted for nearly half of all fatal crashes.KiwiRAP released a five star rating system for the rural state highway network in 2010 which showed that 39 percent of New Zealand's roads received two stars, with 56 percent getting a three star rating.Only 5 percent of the roads surveyed were rated with four stars, but KiwiRap said that was where 28 percent of the country's travel occurred (ie on motorways with a high traffic volume).The survey showed that at that time only 5 percent of New Zealand's road network was median divided, a move that would improve road safety, while only 20 percent had "forgiving and safe roadside conditions".On the plus side, 96 percent of the network had "good delineation" and 98 percent had wide lanes.Work underway to update crash infoThomsen said the AA Research Foundation was part way through looking at crash rates on a number of highways, but that was not yet finalised."Part of the reason we have undertaken that work is because we wanted to get an update on which highways have the highest crash rates, which can then help prioritise where safety upgrades are most needed."The work was expected to be released early in 2025, he said.The fact a number of new stretches of highway had recently opened made it difficult to determine the country's highest risk roads right now, he said.Previous AA Research Foundation research found that there was on average a 37 percent reduction in deaths and serious injuries where new stretches of road were added, he said.But there was not yet enough data to show how much the new roads had improved road safety, he said.Some of NZ's most dangerous roadsSkippers Road: Skippers Road is 17.4km long, running from the paved Coronet Peak Road to Skippers Campground.It is not one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads in terms of fatalities, but the fact that it is extremely narrow and cut from the middle of a sheer cliff face qualifies it to be on this list.The dangerousroads.org website says in most places the road is "too narrow for most vehicles to pass each other, with no guardrails, and the drop-offs leave absolutely no room for error". It is one of the few roads in New Zealand that rental car companies will not allow you to take their cars.Old North Road: There were 13 deaths and serious injuries on Waimauku's Old North Road from 2014-2019.This year, Auckland Transport said Old North Road was considered a high-risk rural road for crashes and it was intending to install a roadside safety barrier adjacent to 1011 Old North Road in December 2024 "to provide a safer section of road for vehicles, motorcycles and cyclists".SH2 from Katikati to Tauranga - Bay of Plenty: NZTA said the stretch of State Highway 2 was one of the highest risk roads in Bay of Plenty.Between 2009 and 2018, 27 people were killed and 77 were seriously injured on this winding stretch of road, it said.In response to the high crash numbers speed limits were lowered in a number of places, including from Katikati to Te Puna, parts of Te Puna, Bethlehem and Pahoia School zone.In July 2024, NZTA installed flexible wire rope median barriers on sections of SH2, south of Katikati as part of its safety improvements.But the barrier has drawn criticism and protests because it limits cars and trucks from turning into side streets.SH1 from Cambridge to Piarere: The road between Cambridge and Piarere had long been frustrating to motorists travelling south with frequent congestion as two lanes merged into one, the Waikato Times reported.The existing highway south, is also a notorious crash spot, it said.Construction of the Cambridge to Piarere extension of the Waikato Expressway could begin in two years, it reported.SH1 Whangārei to Marsden Point - Northland: NZTA said that from 2011 to 2021, 22 people had lost their lives and 73 people had been seriously injured on that stretch of highway.Mostly they were either head-on crashes or caused by people turning onto or off the highway, it said.The road is one of the government's Roads of National Significance with plans to make 22km of SH1 south of Whangārei four lanes, including upgrading the SH1/SH15 intersection.SH1 north from Kawakawa to Springs Flat - Northland: The State Highway 1 stretch of road from Springs Flat, just north of Kamo, to Kawakawa is just over 45km.According to KiwiRAP data there were 14 deaths, 41 serious injuries and 133 minor injuries on that stretch of road from 2012 to 2016.But in 2017, Inspector Wayne Ewers told The Northern Advocate that it was not necessarily the road but speed, people not wearing a seatbelt or other factors which caused the deaths, many of which could have been prevented.But he did acknowledge "it's a serious piece of road" and that people needed to be alert and concentrating when they drove on it.The camera is located next to State Highway 1 between Kawakawa and Moerewa.SH58, also known as Haywards Hill, connects Porirua to the Hutt Valley - SH58 averages about 20,000 vehicles a day and in the past it has been described it as the most dangerous road in the Wellington region due to high speed, traffic volume and side-road hazards leading to severe road crashes.However, there has been been a safety programme to upgrade the highway which is ongoing.Crown Range Road from Queenstown to Wānaka - This is the highest main road in New Zealand reaching an altitude of 1121 metres.Tourism New Zealand warns that the road is often covered in snow and ice in winter making for difficult driving conditions.It advises anyone driving the Crown Range Road from May to September to carry chains and to know how to fit them.During the summer months the road can be busy so motorists need to slow down and stay alert, it said.Milford Road from Te Anau to Milford - Milford Road is the only way to access the Milford Sound Piopiotahi.It can be a difficult road to negotiate in winter when there is a risk of ice, snow and avalanches.Motorists may need to carry chains between June and November.NZTA said an avalanche control programme was in place to keep the road open as much as possible during the avalanche season.The road was closed for about eight days a year on average, when the weather and high avalanche risk made it unsafe, NZTA said.

Coasties preparing for tertiary education can look forward to the introduction of a new final-year Fees Free scheme starting 1 January 2025.This initiative, announced by Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds, will provide eligible first-time learners with up to $12,000 to cover their final year of provider-based study or the last two years of work-based learning.The new programme replaces the current first-year Fees Free scheme, which will conclude at the end of 2024.Payments under the final-year model will be available after learners complete their qualifications, with the first payments expected in 2026 for studies completed in 2025.“This decision reflects the Government’s focus on incentivising educational success and ensuring funding delivers maximum value for both learners and communities,” Ms Simmonds said.The entitlement applies to learners studying at Level 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.The initiative aims to reward students for their perseverance, motivating them to complete their studies and achieve their educational goals.The policy, approved by Cabinet in April 2024, was developed as part of the National-New Zealand First Coalition’s commitment to improving tertiary education funding.The Tertiary Education Commission and Inland Revenue will oversee its implementation. Learners will be able to claim the entitlement through myIR from early 2026, supported by a streamlined data-sharing process.“This Government is focused on fostering educational achievement, rewarding perseverance, and preparing learners for bright futures,” Ms Simmonds said.For the Hibiscus Coast community, the new scheme offers local students and families an opportunity to pursue higher education with greater financial support, enabling long-term benefits for individuals and the community as a whole.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

It's been a tough year for proponents of electric vehicles.From 1 January, the Clean Car Discount ended and rebates were no longer available to purchasers.From 1 April, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids started to be charged road user charges.Now, ACC levies are set to increase from $42.09 in the current year - the same as a petrol car - to $109.05 in the next financial year.By the 2027/28 year, the levy for electric vehicle owners will be $122.24 - twice the petrol rate.Until now, electric car ACC rates have been discounted as the Government tried to boost EV ownership rates.But this Government is generally unwinding those incentives. Petrol cars also pay ACC levies on petrol they buy at the pump.Kirsten Corson, chair of Drive Electric, which represents the sector, said it had been "really hard". She said while the changes to the clean car discount scheme and the road user charges had been communicated before the election, the ACC levy was a surprise."It is sending a message to the market which isn't as positive as we would like."Obviously from a Drive Electric perspective, we want to see fair and equitable policies put in place."The average petrol car in New Zealand is 15 years old, the average EV is less than four. They are a lot safer cars with newer technology, the risk of accidents is a lot lower with EVs… in the bigger scheme, it's a small impact but these all add up."Motor Industry Association chief executive Aimee Wiley said the Government wanted to maintain consistency in policy settings."However, the timing of this change could be better for both the new vehicle industry and motorists. The MIA strongly urged the government to carefully consider the broader implications - timing, impacts and outcomes - of such policy decisions before determining when to proceed."Effective policy changes must strike a balance and consider consumer affordability and economic, social, and environmental factors affecting New Zealand."The MIA does not support the timing of this decision, which we believe is premature. We are deeply concerned about its impact on the already fragile EV market. A decline in consumer demand for EVs will significantly hinder the industry's ability to meet the increasingly stringent CO2 targets set for 1 January 2025."Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said the incentives were never going to last forever."Now we've got a good proportion the government is going, 'They need to pay their way just as much' - but it does feel like [the charges and levies] have come through all at once."It comes at a time when everyone has got a much heightened focus on cost after going through the most intense inflation our country has had in a generation."The fuel excise duty probably "undercooked" the cost that petrol cars should be paying, Olsen said.This was calculated on the basis that a car that used a certain amount of petrol would have driven a typical amount."As cars got more fuel efficient it takes less fuel to do the same distance and for the same hit on the road. So cars are using less petrol and paying less fuel excise duty - all else being equal."If or when we can get better use charging on vehicles, if you got rid of fuel excise duty and petrol cars had to pay road user charge, we would probably see something quite similar between EVs and petrol cars."Registrations of new, full battery electric vehicles were down 55 percent in the year to November compared to the same time a year earlier, Olsen said.Plug-in hybrids were down 51 percent.Petrol vehicles dropped 5 percent and diesel 22 percent."The challenge here is you've got much more difficult economic times… [but we've seen] a much greater hit to those vehicle types."EVs cheaper post-rebateWiley said the messaging to consumers had changed and that made it seem as though EVs were not as affordable as they used to be."What consumers don't necessarily know is that EVs are cheaper now than with the rebate. We knew over time the price of technology would come down anyway but the price of technology hasn't come down, it's more because of a sudden change in consumer demand."What used to be two or three months of stock became one or two years because no one was buying. You can't sit on EVs - they don't like to just sit still, the batteries need to be used or refurbished if they're not used."This had led distributors and manufacturers trying to clear stock, Wiley said."There's never been a better time to be buying [in] terms of price point but the problem is once they've cleared their stock the prices won't stay like that forever."Some distributors were making massive losses this year, she said.If people could charge their cars at home they would cost the equivalent of 40c a litre to run, Wiley said."The messaging to the consumer has been heavily dominated by policy this year rather than features. EVs are newer, safer, cleaner but it's a new technology and that comes with hesitation for some people to want to adapt. When the ACC changes hit, that's going to have as similar impact in the short-term as road user charges on EVs did."Corson said EVs still stacked up from a running perspective. "They're still the most cost-effective option for Kiwis to drive. If you're charging at home after-hours, it's a massive saving. If you're charging overnight it's about $3 per 100km."This worked out to about $20 per 100km in a typical car.The futureWiley said the industry needed to consider how it could communicate more strongly how the move to EVs was less about policy change and more about opportunities for consumers."What's best for the consumer, what's best for the environment. What do we want our fleet in New Zealand to look like in the future?"The sentiment around electric vehicles feels negative but I don't think it should. They're a really impressive product… I don't think we should be playing one type of power off against another… when it comes time to buy our next vehicles, if we all buy the cleanest, safest newest car we can afford, it will have the biggest meaningful difference for human safety, human health and air quality and the environment long-term. If people thought about that it would make a big difference."Corson said it would take a while for New Zealand to "flip its fleet" to the point where more cars were electric."In the likes of Norway, where they've had a lot of incentives, over 90 percent of new car sales are electric. The reality is it takes decades to be able to flip your fleet. They're sitting at over 35 percent of the total fleet but they've been working on it since 1990. If you look at New Zealand, we've got one of the oldest and dirtiest fleets in the OECD. It's going to take a bit longer."Corson said she would like the government to consider whether the ACC levies were equitable.Policies to encourage homes and businesses to adopt smart charging infrastructure would also be welcome."That's set to save us billions of dollars - as opposed to doing it retrospectively, which will cost twice as much."