Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 31/1Morning clouds followed by afternoon sun. Breezy Easterly winds.High: 25Low: 16Saturday, 1/2Afternoon showers. Breezy East to Nor'East winds.High: 24Low: 17Sunday, 2/2Mostly sunny. Breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 26Low: 18Monday, 3/2Partly cloudy. Breezy East to Nor'East winds.High: 25Low: 17Looking for more?Check out our 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!

The new year has brought a fiery challenge for Auckland’s waste collection services, with five rubbish and recycling truck fires reported in the first two weeks of January.The incidents are largely attributed to an increasing number of battery-powered devices and batteries being placed in household bins. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electronics, can ignite if damaged or crushed during the waste collection process.In December alone, nearly 600 laptops and over 300 12-volt batteries were discovered at Auckland’s regional recycling facility. These items accounted for almost a third of the total number of laptops and 12V batteries recorded at the site since June 2024. The facility, which processes all kerbside recycling for the region, experiences one or two small fires weekly, often linked to lithium-ion batteries.Justine Haves, General Manager of Waste Solutions, emphasised the importance of proper disposal. “Electronic devices and batteries can be recycled in most cases, but they contain hazardous substances and require specialist handling,” she said.“We encourage people to use takeback and drop-off schemes run by retailers and local community recycling centres.”Lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk due to their flammable electrolyte and stored energy, which can lead to thermal runaway—a rapid and uncontrolled release of heat energy. This process emits toxic gases and can reignite even after being extinguished.To address the issue, Auckland Council’s Waste Solutions team is developing a new testing programme to provide early warnings to drivers and improve fire suppression within trucks. This initiative aims to reduce environmental contamination and enhance safety for Fire and Emergency responders.Currently, drivers who detect smoke or fire must notify their supervisor, contact Fire and Emergency, and find a safe location to empty their load.Batteries are not the only hazardous items found in bins. In January, recycling truck drivers discovered a half-full 40kg LPG bottle and a partially filled petrol jerry can. Over the past six months, more than 300 LPG bottles and gas canisters have been recorded at the recycling facility.How to Dispose of Hazardous Materials Safely:Mitre 10 and Bunnings offer battery drop-off schemes. Check their websites for details.Retailers like Noel Leeming provide take-back schemes for used battery-powered devices, including items they did not sell.Empty gas bottles and canisters can be taken to community recycling centres or MataGas outlets. Some camping stores sell tools to fully empty canisters before disposal.Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whereitgoes for specific recycling options.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

A pressing issue affecting older New Zealanders will be addressed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 February. The "Ageing, Mobility and Staying Upright" event brings together international experts to share cutting-edge research on preventing falls among older adults.Falls are a significant concern in Aotearoa, with around 30% of people aged over 65 experiencing a fall each year. In aged residential care, this number increases to 60%. Professor Ngaire Kerse, Joyce Cook Chair in Ageing Well, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly given the growing proportion of older Kiwis.The symposium features experts from Europe, Australia, and Aotearoa, who will present their research on various aspects of fall prevention. Topics include the latest Cochrane research on interventions in aged care facilities, wearable devices to measure mobility, and exercise programs designed to reduce falls.Attendees will also hear from experts on disorders of the inner ear that cause dizziness and loss of balance, as well as new evidence challenging assumptions about walking restrictions to minimise fall risks.The event aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and aged care providers. By bringing together international experts, organisers hope to stimulate innovation and improvement in fall prevention strategies for older Kiwis.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Government has confirmed that Budget 2025, named the "Growth Budget," will be delivered on Thursday, 22 May.Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the date and outlined the Budget’s focus on economic growth and fiscal management.“This year’s Budget will drive forward the Government’s plan to grow our economy to improve the incomes of New Zealanders now and in the years ahead,” Willis said.The Minister added that Budget 2025 would continue efforts to "secure New Zealand’s future prospects" and address what she described as "Labour’s era of wasteful spending."According to Willis, the Budget will introduce "bold steps to support economic growth," including initiatives to address New Zealand’s productivity challenges. These measures, she noted, would extend beyond traditional spending and savings initiatives.“The Government intends to introduce several legislative and regulatory measures at the Budget focused on removing barriers that hold back job and wealth creation for New Zealanders,” she stated.Willis said Budget 2025 would build on the previous year’s efforts to address the cost of living, improve health and education services, and strengthen law and order. She also mentioned plans for new social investment measures aimed at improving outcomes for those in greatest need.The Government’s Budget priorities were outlined in the Budget Policy Statement 2025, released on 17 December.Budget 2025 will be presented in Parliament on 22 May.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast and across New Zealand will notice changes to speed limits on certain roads as the government begins reversing reductions implemented under the previous administration.The first changes take effect tonight, with further adjustments to be completed by 1 July 2025.Minister of Transport Chris Bishop announced the reversals, stating that the new Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 requires the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and local councils to revert speed limits lowered since January 2020 on specified roads.The new rule mandates that NZTA and councils prioritise reversing speed limits on 38 sections of state highways automatically, while 49 other sections will undergo public consultation.Communities will have six weeks to provide feedback on whether to retain current lower limits or revert to previous higher speeds.Local councils have until 1 May 2025 to identify roads subject to reversal.Mr Bishop also highlighted the government’s focus on road safety, particularly around schools.By 1 July 2026, urban streets outside schools will require a 30km/h variable speed limit during pick-up and drop-off times, while rural roads near schools will have limits of 60km/h or less.“We are prioritising the safety of Kiwi kids,” Mr Bishop said.“Countries like Norway, Denmark, and Japan, with strong road safety records, use 50km/h as the standard urban speed limit. Our government is committed to improving road safety outcomes.”The NZTA will integrate speed limit reversals with planned maintenance and project works to ensure efficiency.Public consultation on the 49 state highway sections begins tomorrow and will run for six weeks.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast residents who purchased the Cozy 360 Rotating and Convertible Car Seat with ISOFIX from Baby Way NZ Ltd between 1 September 2024 and 5 January 2025 are advised of a product recall due to a labelling issue.A specific batch of Model G405 car seats was sold with an incomplete ECE R44/04 safety label in a foreign language, a manufacturing oversight that does not comply with New Zealand safety regulations.Although the car seat meets all ECE safety standards, the missing complete label may cause uncertainty regarding certification and proper use.Baby Way NZ Ltd assures customers that the product remains safe for use.To resolve the issue, the company is providing a fix-up kit containing the correct English-language ECE R44/04 safety label and clear instructions on how to attach it to the car seat.Customers are encouraged to continue using the car seat, as it meets all necessary safety standards.Those needing assistance or wishing to request the fix-up kit can contact Baby Way NZ Ltd at [email protected] a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

The post-Covid reset has not gone smoothly for the hospitality sector, with a choppy recovery for restaurants, bars, hotels and tourism.Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, due to come into effect in stages from the end of the month, are expected to help ease short-term hospitality staff shortages.The new Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis is also hinting at changes to visitor visa requirements to boost visitor numbers.Industry representatives said changes to immigration demonstrated the government was listening.However, change was needed to address a shortage of highly skilled hospitality workers to match New Zealand's high-priced tourism industry.The gaps in the employment market were already affecting the cruise industry which was experiencing a sharp 20 percent fall in cruise visits this year, with a further 30 percent drop for next year's season.The cruise industry would not see a return to growth under current conditions, with a lack of industry coordination making it difficult to offer a consistent level of service, Craig Harris, the managing director of booking operator ISS-Mckay, said.The post-Covid industry had not returned to what it was, he said."The reset's been quite difficult," he said.The hotel industry had not fully recovered from the Covid lockdowns, but a more flexible immigration policy could improve labour productivity, Hotel Council director James Doolan said."Ever since we closed borders as part of Covid, we've had shortages in the hospitality sector. And those shortages have arisen in both skilled positions but also at times in unskilled positions in certain parts of New Zealand, like Queenstown."Some of the issues could be addressed by giving national hotel chains the flexibility to transfer staff to high demand areas - something they could not do under current immigration rules, Doolan said.Hospitality NZ communications manager Sam MacKinnnon said the industry was working to fill the skills gap with a coordinated approach to recruitment and skills development, but that approach also relied on having a skilled resident workforce to guide the process."There's currently no hospitality roles on the green list, and wage thresholds and lack of New Zealand recognized qualifications make it hard for a hospitality worker to obtain points needed for skilled migrant visa."In addition to low productivity, hospitality's revenue and earnings were under pressure.The latest data from payments company Worldline showed the value of spending on hospitality fell 2.7 percent in 2024 from a year earlier.The pain was acutely felt in cafes, restaurants and bars throughout New Zealand, Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said.Some businesses closed down over the summer, while others were barely hanging on."Being able to reinstate industry specific advisors within the immigration department would assist in helping to process, visas more quickly, that's sort of one of our main issues."Despite all that, there's a lot of optimism that remains, and many businesses are very hopeful that things will start to pick up. That was the mantra for last year - 'Survive 'til 25'."The industry was hoping Louise Upston, the recently appointed minister responsible for tourism and hospitality, would be able to pick up where the former minister Matt Doocey left off, with a commitment to work on a longer-term strategy.

Hibiscus Coast families may gain fresh insights from a University of Auckland study examining why some young people struggle to attend school regularly.The report, led by researchers including Dr. Georgia Rudd, identifies key factors influencing student motivation: reduced stress, positive relationships, and curriculum relevance to future goals.New Zealand’s school attendance rates have declined more steeply over the past decade compared to Australia and the UK, though absenteeism remains a global issue.Dr. Rudd, a social and community health research fellow, emphasised the complexity of addressing absenteeism and the importance of incorporating student perspectives.“Most young people feel positive about school, value learning and recognise its importance,” she said.The study surveyed approximately 1,000 13-year-olds participating in the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) longitudinal study, which tracks 6,846 children born between 2009 and 2010.Respondents highlighted the role of family expectations, peer connections, and teacher relationships in their attendance decisions.One student described the current education system as “outdated, rigid and overly focused on conformity”.Dr Georgia Rudd, one of the report's authors: "Most young people feel positive about school, value learning and recognise its importance." Photo: William CheaDr. Rudd noted that structural changes, such as aligning curricula with career readiness and adjusting daily schedules, could improve engagement.The findings form part of the broader Our Voices project, aiming to inform policies supporting youth wellbeing through data from the Tō Mātou Rerenga - Our Journey app.Funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, the initiative involves multidisciplinary experts analysing themes like school environments and social challenges.Further reports will explore topics including overcoming adversity and navigating adolescence.The full study, School Attendance, Enablers & Barriers, is available on the Our Voices website.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Hibiscus Coast and communities across New Zealand can expect a strong focus on economic growth and investment in 2025, according to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.In his Statement to Parliament today, Mr Luxon outlined the Government’s key economic agenda, emphasising efforts to boost productivity, create job opportunities, and support local businesses.“Just over a year ago this Government was elected by the people of New Zealand with a mandate to change course. Since then, we have made big changes and we are seeing promising signs of success, with inflation dropping and remaining low, interest rates starting to fall, and wages continuing to rise,” Mr Luxon said.According to the Prime Minister, business and consumer confidence are increasing, and mortgage interest rates have fallen for the first time in more than three years. Treasury’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update forecasts GDP growth to reach 2.1 per cent in 2025, reinforcing the Government’s strategy.Mr Luxon stressed the importance of immediate action to sustain and accelerate economic recovery. “We need to act now to strengthen growth and productivity – both in the very near term and over the years to come,” he said.He highlighted specific areas of focus, including reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA), health and safety laws, and regulations affecting farming and mining. The Fast Track approval process for infrastructure and development projects is also among the measures aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and encouraging investment.“In 2025, we will take action to end the culture of no – whether that’s through Fast Track, comprehensive RMA reform, rewriting our health and safety laws, enabling more mining, allowing our farmers to grow their businesses with much less red tape, or other changes designed to promote more growth and investment,” Mr Luxon stated.Reflecting on the Government’s first year in office, Mr Luxon noted that difficult decisions had been made to ease cost-of-living pressures and lay the groundwork for economic stability. The focus now, he said, is on ensuring that early signs of recovery translate into long-term benefits for all New Zealanders.“This year we will continue to build on this early progress to make sure these green shoots of recovery grow into lasting improvements that benefit all New Zealanders,” he said.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties, get ready to welcome a new wave of visitors to our shores.The New Zealand Government has announced changes to visitor visa requirements, allowing tourists to work remotely for overseas employers while holidaying in the country.The move, announced by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, and Tourism Minister Louise Upston, aims to boost tourism and attract “digital nomads” – individuals who combine work with travel.“Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, generating revenue of almost $11 billion and creating nearly 200,000 jobs,” Nicola Willis said.“Making the country more attractive to digital nomads will enhance New Zealand’s appeal as a destination.”From today, visitor visas will permit remote work for foreign employers, enabling tourists to extend their stays and contribute to the local economy.However, those planning to work remotely for more than 90 days are advised to consider potential tax implications.Erica Stanford highlighted the shift as a response to modern, flexible work trends.“This is a brand-new market of tourists New Zealand can tap into. We want people to see our country as the ideal place to visit and work while they do it,” she said.Tourism Minister Louise Upston noted the growing global trend of digital nomad visas.“Compared to other kinds of visitors, international remote workers have the potential to spend more time and money in New Zealand, including during the shoulder season,” she said.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Tourism Minister Louise Upston, and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.The updated rules apply to all visitor visas, including tourists, family visitors, and partners or guardians on longer-term visas.However, the policy only permits remote work for overseas-based employers.Visitors requiring physical presence in New Zealand, such as sales representatives, performers, or those working for local employers, must still obtain appropriate visas.“This Government is committed to supporting a smarter, efficient, and predictable immigration system to grow our economy,” Erica Stanford added.The changes aim to strengthen local businesses, lift incomes, and create opportunities for New Zealanders, while positioning the country as a top destination for remote workers.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Every Tuesday, we spotlight a few standout job openings in our community. Check out this week’s picks, and be sure to share with anyone who might be looking!Wainui Golf Club & Function CentrePosition: Kitchen HandLocation: Silverdale Part-time role (20–25 hours per week) with weekday and possible weekend shifts.Hands-on kitchen experience with opportunities for career growth.View full listing & applyMetlifecarePosition: Receptionist (Part Time)Location: Red Beach2 x receptionists required at Gulf Rise village.Duties include reception and general admin support View full listing & applyThe Hibiscus Coast AppPosition: Local Business Advertising ConsultantLocation: Remote (must be based on the Hibiscus Coast)Flexible part-time schedule; work from home.Make a local impact helping small businesses thrive.View full listing & applySilverdale United Rugby ClubPosition: Cook / Chef / Kitchen ManagerLocation: Silverdale (On-Site)Part-time role (Thu/Fri evenings, Sat 12:30–7:00 PM in season).Manage the kitchen from menu to service, feeding members and supporters.View full listing & applyCareer Tip of the weekWhen answering behavioural questions, use STAR: explain the Situation, your Task, the Action you took, and the Result achieved. This keeps your answers clear, concise, and impactful, helping you stand out in interviews.Looking for more opportunities? Browse all local job listings on our jobs page. That’s it for this week’s local job roundup. Keep an eye out next Tuesday for more great opportunities, and don’t forget to share with friends and neighbours who might be interested!Have a job to post? Submit your listing here.

Comfortable retirement for couple in big city needs $1.1 million in savings, provinces $446,000No frills lifestyles $120,000 in big cities, in provinces $252,000Savings needed based on 2023 household spending patternsTime for Generation X and Millennials to plan ahead for retirementAround half a million dollars in savings on top of superannuation should be sufficient for most retirees to have a reasonable standard of living, but those in the big cities may need more than $1 million, according to a new study.The latest Retirement Expenditure Guidelines from Massey University's New Zealand Financial Education and Research Centre show the projected savings needed to live to the age of 90, on top of super payments, has increased.The report shows a two-person household will need $1.14m for a comfortable city retirement, while in the provinces it will cost $446,000.A couple living a simpler life in the city would need $120,000, while a rural retirement would cost $252,000, on top of super payments.The sums, for the year ended June 2024, are based on household spending patterns for various groups compiled by Stats NZ for 2023.The numbers are generally lower than a comparable survey in 2023, which was based on 2019 Stats NZ data, and reflect slowing inflation and changing spending patterns.The impact of inflation varied between 1.8 percent and 3.46 percent on the various household groups driven by higher utility bills, transport and insurance, when the official inflation rate was 3.3 percent.Report author Associate Professor Claire Matthews said some people survived on NZ Super payments alone but most people could not."As a result, it's crucial to recognise that the landscape of retirement planning is always changing. Regularly reassessing your retirement plans to account for external factors is essential."It's wise to carry out regular reassessments of retirement plans, Claire Matthews says. Photo: Supplied/ David WiltshireA comfortable retirement was defined as being able to travel, eating out, and higher discretionary spending, compared to a "no frills" approach to life and spending.Matthews said the slight fall in the lump sums needed on top of superannuation pointed to households cutting back their spending because of inflation, and adjusting their finances to counter a "fear of running out" of savings."Rather than keep buying the same thing and paying current prices they've actually reduced their level of spending so they're not doing as much as they were because they don't have the same level of funds to fully cover the cost of inflation."No sleepwalking to retirementMatthews said Baby Boomers were no longer the focus of retirement planning, and it was Generation X and Millennials who needed to be planning."The focus for retirement planning is undergoing a generational shift, with the first of Generation X now facing retirement in the foreseeable future."While Millennials have more time, the first of that cohort are now around 20 years from reaching age 65, making it an opportune moment for them to begin retirement planning," she said."You can't just sleep walk into retirement, you've got to plan for it."Matthews said people should be getting financial advice on their future savings and diversification of investments, so they were prepared.She supported KiwiSaver being changed to require employers to pay contributions after workers turned 65, raising the minimum contribution rate, and changing rules involving KiwiSaver contributions in total remuneration packages, which disadvantaged lower paid employees.The chief executive of industry group Financial Advice NZ, Nick Hakes, said the report would help financial advisers to improve the quality of their work."The data and insights from the guidelines equip advisers with information on spending patterns and the financial needs of retired New Zealanders, to assist with providing tailored professional advice that addresses longevity risk, optimises savings, and ensures a comfortable retirement."

Coasties curious about the latest in AI technology may have noticed a new name making headlines: DeepSeek AI.Google Trends reveals that DeepSeek AI has been one of the most searched terms in New Zealand.This Chinese artificial intelligence company has been gaining significant attention globally, rivalling industry leaders.DeepSeek's latest AI model, DeepSeek-R1, offers high-performance AI access at a lower cost than its competitors.The company's AI assistant, powered by DeepSeek-V3, has become the most downloaded free app on Apple's App Store in several countries.This rapid rise has disrupted the AI industry and raised questions about the future of AI investments.Locals interested in exploring alternative AI options can visit DeepSeek's AI assistant at https://chat.deepseek.com/ for a lower-cost alternative to ChatGPT.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

As children across the Hibiscus Coast prepare to return to school, police are reminding parents and caregivers to be mindful of their online privacy when sharing back-to-school photos, citing concerns raised in a recent public advisory statement.Many families mark the first day of school with photos posted to social media. However, authorities warn that these images can sometimes reveal personal details that may put children at risk.“While it’s rare for police in New Zealand to receive reports of children being located through social media photos, we know from international cases that it does happen,” a police spokesperson said.Parents are encouraged to review their social media privacy settings and consider what personal details their posts might reveal. Uniform logos, school buildings, street signs, and even location settings on apps can inadvertently disclose sensitive information.To help safeguard children’s privacy, police recommend the following precautions:Avoid posting images with identifiable school logos, street signs, or home addresses.Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to limit who can view photos.Disable location tracking on apps before posting.Keep children’s full names, ages, and school details private.Report any suspicious online behaviour to authorities.Police acknowledge that sharing milestone moments is an important tradition for many families. However, they urge the community to take simple steps to ensure children’s safety online.For concerns about online safety, reports can be made to New Zealand Police by calling 105 for non-emergencies or 111 in urgent situations. Netsafe also offers support and advice via their toll-free helpline at 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or online at netsafe.org.nzHave a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Dozens of vessels are set to take to the water on Monday for the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.Throughout the day, racers will compete for one of 60 trophies which are on permanent display at the Maritime Museum, and over $15,000 worth of prize money.Thousands of spectators are also expected to attend the event.It has been running for 185 years, making it New Zealand's oldest sporting event.The regatta starts at 9am with dragon boat races on the Viaduct Harbour.At Westhaven Marina near the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, tugboat races begin at 10am, followed by classic launch and classic and modern keelboat races.Yachts will race down to Ōrākei and back again until 5pm.There will also be miniature radio-controlled yacht racing from 10am at Westhaven Marina and St Mary's Bay.Centreboard and foiling races will also take place at beaches across the city from 9am.This year's regatta is also the opening event of the Moana Auckland festival, with several on- and off-water events happening from 27 January to 9 March 2025, including the Z World Manu Champs and the Auckland Boat Show.

What you need to knowA tornado swept through the Northland township of Mangawhai about 3am on Sunday morningTwo people were taken to hospital in a serious conditionAt least 50 homes were damagedAround 150 properties on Moir Street and Old Waipu Road remain without power on MondayNorthland MP Grant McCallum is promising the Government will do whatever it can to support the people of Mangawhai.He told Morning Report he is feeding through information to acting Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Simeon Brown while Mark Mitchell is overseas.In regards to the stickered properties, he encouraged owners to contact their insurance provider first thing on Monday morning."Please get in touch with the insurance companies and talk to them before you start ripping into tidying up things, because they might need to come and make assessments and things like that."McCallum said the Kaipara District Council will carry the cost of clearing away debris."In the affected areas, if people put all the rubbish and all the damaged things on their berms outside their houses, the council will coordinate them being picked up and will be at no charge."Photo credit: RNZ / Finn BlackwellIt could take months for storm damage in Mangawhai to be fully repaired after a devastating tornado, Kaipara Civil Defence expects.At least 50 homes were damaged, and trees and about 20 power poles downed, when the storm ripped through the Northland township about 3am on Sunday, leaving roads covered in debris.Multiple houses had roofs torn off and a few homes and a business were destroyed.Nick Berthoud, owner of a house on Old Waipu Road, said he had only lived in it for one year before it was destroyed in the storm."Two years to build, been one year in it and now this," Nick Berthoud told RNZ. "Yeah, a bit devastating.So far, three properties have been yellow stickered - restricting entry - and another has been white-stickered, meaning it's damaged but people can go inside.

Locals, it's that time of the year again – schools on the Hibiscus Coast are gearing up to welcome students back for Term 1 of 2025. To help you prepare, we've compiled key start dates for Orewa College, Whangaparaoa College, and Wentworth College.At Orewa College, students new to the school will start on Wednesday, 29 January, while returning students will begin on Thursday, 30 January.Whangaparaoa College has scheduled its Year 7 & 8 First Day, along with the New Year 8-13 Learner Orientation, for Thursday, 30 January. The entire school will start on Friday, 31 January. Meanwhile, Wentworth College will hold its orientation day on Tuesday, 28 January, with the full school starting on Wednesday, 29 January.Remember to check your school's website for the most up-to-date calendar dates to ensure a smooth start to the new academic year.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates from the Hibiscus Coast community.Auckland Transport Revises Fares And ZonesRead moreNorth Harbour Stadium Seeks New OperatorRead moreHistoric Puhoi Hotel Secures Preservation FundingRead more Study Outlines Auckland’s Infrastructure PatternsRead moreHave Your Say on Auckland’s Dog RulesRead more The Week That Was. Stay ahead of the curve with daily local news updates, tailored for users on-the-go. Download the Hibiscus Coast App today and stay informed anywhere, anytime!Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Day two of the annual Rodders Beach Festival at Orewa Reserve saw large crowds enjoying hot rods, live music, and community festivities under clear skies.The three-day event continued its strong momentum, with car enthusiasts and families gathering along Orewa Boulevard to admire classic vehicles and enjoy live performances by El Camino Band and Pacific Elvis. The festival atmosphere remained lively as attendees explored the venue and participated in activities.Sunday marks the final day of the festival, with a full schedule of events set to cap off the weekend. Gates open at 8 am for the Sunday Ze Build “Show N’ Shine,” featuring an impressive lineup of hot rods parked along the boulevard. Live entertainment will continue throughout the morning, with the Retro Tiny Tots Competition at 9 am and the newly introduced Teenyboppers Competition at 10:30 am.The main prizegiving ceremony is scheduled for noon, followed by the ‘Ze Gold Coast’ Trip Draw at 12:45 pm, sponsored by Ze Build. At 1 pm, the festival’s signature “V8 Rumble” event will see all participating vehicles rev their engines in unison before the Ze Build Grande Parade rolls along the Hibiscus Coast Highway, returning to Orewa Reserve.Afternoon entertainment includes the bar opening at 1:30 pm, along with the Loudest Sounds and Exhaust Competitions at 2 pm. Prizegiving for these contests will take place at 3 pm, followed by a performance from Whiskey in a Jar. The festival will conclude with a mystery trip giveaway at 3:30 pm, with winners required to be present to claim their prize.Local hospitality venues have seen strong business, benefitting from increased foot traffic. With another full day ahead, the festival appears set to close on a high note, reflecting a positive start to 2025 for the Hibiscus Coast.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]