Locals across the Hibiscus Coast should be aware of a recent update from Medsafe regarding the misuse of nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas.” As concerns about its recreational use grow, Medsafe has issued updated guidance aimed at clarifying the legalities surrounding the sale and use of the substance.Medsafe, New Zealand's regulatory authority for medicines and medical devices, has confirmed that when nitrous oxide is sold with the intention of inducing a psychoactive effect, the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 comes into play. Under this law, no products containing nitrous oxide have been approved for recreational use. This means selling or possessing the substance for such purposes is now clearly illegal, with harsh penalties for those who break the law.In its statement, Medsafe warns, “People who sell, offer to sell, or possess nitrous oxide for recreational use may face up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to $500,000 for companies.” Additionally, individuals found in possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use could face fines up to $500.For some time, nitrous oxide has been viewed as a medicine under New Zealand law when used for inhalation in therapeutic settings. However, as the substance has become more popular for recreational use, Medsafe has shifted its stance to regulate these activities under the Psychoactive Substances Act. This change comes amid increasing public concern over the drug’s potential for harm.Medsafe also advises against recreational use of nitrous oxide due to its serious health risks. These risks can include dizziness, loss of coordination, and in more severe cases, long-term neurological damage or even death. “Using nitrous oxide can lead to dangerous situations, particularly when people perform tasks under its influence,” Medsafe cautioned.The move is part of a broader effort to curb the rising misuse of nitrous oxide in New Zealand, and Medsafe’s guidance serves as a reminder for locals to stay informed about the risks associated with psychoactive substances.

New transport officers are not deployed where they need to be to prevent attacks, an Auckland bus driver says.Violence and aggression on public transport, and against operators, have been on the rise in Auckland. The latest numbers of risk events reported by Auckland Transport operators from July showed a 35 percent increase on the previous month, with 27 cases reported across the month.The majority of those, over 80 percent, were violence, threats or aggression.The bus driver, who did not want to be named, said drivers were powerless to stop disorderly passengers from getting onboard when they did not pay a fare. He said drivers were being put in dangerous situations with aggressive passengers "once a week"."We are not allowed to refuse to [take] a ride," he said. "Auckland Transport ask us to just record that on the console. Because there are no checks on these people, these people come back [and] create problems."He said if a driver was to refuse, they put themselves at risk of getting beaten up.Auckland Transport recently debuted newly trained transport officers, bringing the workforce up to about 60. But the bus driver told RNZ he had not seen a transport officer on any of the routes outside of central Auckland."[Transport officers] have the authority to take them off the bus, give them fines for evading fares. So when these fare evaders see them regularly, they won't coming on the back on the bus, or they will be willing to pay."He said without a visible officer presence, passengers were encouraged to not pay and have unruly behaviour.Auckland Transport public transport services operations manager Duncan McGrory said transport officers were deployed across buses, trains and ferries, and worked between stations, seven days a week.He said there were between 19 and 22 officers on the network at any given time - but with 1.6 million public transport trips a week in the city, it was impossible to cover the entire network."You could argue that there's not enough, but I don't think we could ever find enough transport officers to cover every single trip on bus, ferry and train that we do."McGrory said fare evasions had increased since the Covid-19 pandemic - likely due to the removal of cash fares to minimise contact, which was causing risks for drivers from thefts."We would prefer that everybody pay a fare - but at the same time, if questioning someone about paying a fare is going to cause an issue, then we tell the operators 'just let them ride for free'.""There's lots of arguments about 'everybody needs to pay' and we understand that and agree with that, but at the end of the day, drivers' safety is our priority."Protective screens for bus drivers were fitted to all new buses, but 80 percent of the fleet needed screens retrofitted, which McGrory said was a longer process.Sixty screens would be installed over the next two to three months, and 300 over the first half of 2025."It's a society-based issue, it's nothing that were doing or that anyone's doing in particular. There just seems to be a feeling at the moment from a small demographic of our society that they should be able to ride public transport for free."

Coasties will see some relief with the Government's recent decision to lower the proposed levy increase for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced the change, which will take effect from July 2026, after the Government reconsidered FENZ’s initial proposal.Earlier this year, FENZ had proposed a 5.2% increase to the levy, which helps fund its services. However, after reviewing the impact on local households and businesses, Minister van Velden requested a revised plan. “I was not convinced that such an increase is justified and requested a solution from FENZ which would ensure continuity of services, while managing levy revenue responsibly,” she said.The newly approved levy will now rise by 2.2%, a significant reduction from the original plan. This decrease aims to strike a balance between ensuring FENZ is adequately funded and minimising financial strain on Kiwis. "I am assured that this will sufficiently fund FENZ to carry out the essential frontline work that they do keeping New Zealand communities safe, while mitigating the impact on levy-payers – Kiwi households and businesses,” said Ms van Velden.Among the key changes, vehicle insurance holders will notice a new charge. Initially, FENZ had suggested a flat $40.12 fee for vehicles, but after public feedback, the final rate was adjusted to $25. “Fairly apportioning costs to the rate of incidence was a message that came through strongly from the public during consultation,” noted the Minister. This adjustment acknowledges the rising costs while ensuring the levy better reflects the costs of motor vehicle incidents that FENZ responds to.Residential property owners will also benefit from lower rates, with the maximum annual levy dropping from $119.50 to $107.40.Similarly, those with contents insurance will see their levy decrease from $23.90 to $21.48, offering some relief amidst cost-of-living pressures.Minister van Velden emphasised that keeping costs manageable for New Zealanders was a priority. "It is important that Kiwis are not paying more than necessary to ensure FENZ is resourced to maintain high standards of frontline services," she said.While the levy is essential for maintaining FENZ’s operations, the Minister also tasked the organisation with finding $60 million in savings over the next three years. These savings will act as a buffer for unexpected costs or any shortfall in levy collection, helping ensure fiscal responsibility.The revised levy will officially replace the current transitional levy from July 2026. Draft regulations are expected to be presented to Cabinet later this year for approval.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are being urged to check their toy collections following a recent safety warning from the Commerce Commission. The concern revolves around the "Roo Crew Take-Apart Vehicle Toys," sold by The Warehouse, which may pose a serious risk to young children.The Commerce Commission is set to file criminal charges against The Warehouse Limited, accusing the retailer of selling a product that does not meet New Zealand’s strict safety standards for children's toys. According to the Commission, these toys may present a choking hazard, particularly to children under the age of three.“Businesses must ensure that the products they supply comply with legal requirements and are safe for the intended user—particularly toys for small children where the consequences of unsafe toys can be dire,” says Grant McIntosh, Principal Compliance Adviser at the Commerce Commission.Toys marketed for children under three years old must comply with safety standards outlined in the Fair Trading Act.These standards prohibit toys with small parts or pieces that could come loose during play, as they can pose a significant choking hazard.The Commission believes that the "Roo Crew Take-Apart Vehicle Toys" were designed and marketed for young children, despite being labelled for children over three. “Businesses cannot avoid their responsibility under the Fair Trading Act by simply labelling toys for children over three if the toy is designed or marketed for use by younger children,” McIntosh adds.In response, The Warehouse has issued a voluntary recall of the product and is offering full refunds to customers who return the toys. McIntosh encourages any parents with these toys to take immediate action: “We urge all parents who may have these toys to return them—the dollar value of the toy might be small, but the risk of harm to young children is not worth taking.”Due to the upcoming legal proceedings, the Commerce Commission has indicated they will not be providing further information at this stage.

Auckland's Mayor has made fun of the controversial Milford Beach stairs.In a statement to RNZ, Wayne Brown said he was unhappy Auckland Council spent over $263,000 to replace old concrete stairs at the popular North Shore beach."I find this disgraceful."It does not represent the 'better, faster, cheaper' message I have been trying to get council to adhere to since I've been mayor.The four sets of stairs connected a coastal walkway down to the beach.In an X post, Brown took a dig at the costly conundrum and shared a picture of himself at a construction site.In the picture, a beaming Brown posed next to a row of concrete steps."Council spent 256k on 4 sets of 7 steps. That's $9142 PER STEP!!"Visited the Simplicity Site today and found these steps at a bargain cost of $3500! That's $388 PER STEP!"Brown told RNZ he had made it clear Auckland Council projects needed to be properly costed and justified before getting the signoff."This cannot happen again. I have instructed the CEO that we must work out how much we're prepared to spend on solving a problem before doing design work."That way, we can ensure value for ratepayers' money."

The community celebrates as an anonymous couple from the Hibiscus Coast who recently discovered their fortune after winning last Wednesday’s Lotto.The couple occasionally played Lotto but had forgotten about last Wednesday's draw until the evening after they were relaxing after work.The two had won a total of $4.3 million.The win was “surreal” to the couple.While the man described his reaction with excitement, jumping off his sofa, his partner was more reserved.“I just kept thinking it couldn’t be true. I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” the woman said.After their ticket was confirmed by their family, the couple shared the news with their parents.They celebrated with champagne and takeaways.“On Saturday morning, we still got up, put on our Crocs, grabbed a coffee and took the dog out as normal – it just doesn’t feel real. I don’t think I’ll fully believe it until I see it in the bank,” the man said.The two intend to pay off their mortgage and finish renovations for their home using their Lotto winnings.A new car was overdue, and there were certainly plans for visiting family overseas more often.

Welcome to This Week’s News Recap!Catch up on the top local stories from the past week before the weekend hits.We’ve rounded up the must-know headlines so you’re fully informed about our community.Missed something or just need a quick update?We’ve got you covered. Dive into this week’s key events now!Man charged over body found in plastic bag appears in videos of worship musichttps://hibiscuscoastapp.nz/NewsStory/man-charged-over-body-found-in-plastic-bag-appears-in-videos-of-worship-music/66ea04617e3134002dee9425#topHighgate Bridge Construction Progressing On Schedulehttps://hibiscuscoastapp.nz/NewsStory/highgate-bridge-construction-progressing-on-schedule/66e37f4b13578100337be37c#topWinter Fest Brings Whole Community Togetherhttps://hibiscuscoastapp.nz/NewsStory/winter-fest-brings-whole-community-together/66e76125e7cb0f002d2ed037#topOrewa College Hosts Aotearoa Youth Orchestrahttps://hibiscuscoastapp.nz/NewsStory/orewa-college-hosts-aotearoa-youth-orchestra/66ecb49db403fa00fbc4da59#topCouncil Seeks Feedback on Shoreline Planshttps://hibiscuscoastapp.nz/NewsStory/council-seeks-feedback-on-shoreline-plans/66eb82e3609d4e0abc8eb243#topStay Informed and Connected.Get all your local updates at your fingertips. From breaking news and local business finds to job listings and events—our app has it all.Don’t wait for the recap. Explore the Hibiscus Coast App and stay ahead!

Coasties should prepare for upcoming overnight road closures along State Highway 1 (SH1), which may affect travel between Warkworth and Silverdale.The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced that both directions of SH1 will be closed from the Pukerito roundabout near Warkworth to Silverdale over five consecutive nights.These closures will take place from Sunday, 22 September to Thursday, 26 September, starting at 8 pm each night and reopening at 5 am the following morning.The aim is to carry out essential maintenance and finalise work on two key projects: the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and the Highgate Bridge project.During the closure, all vehicles will be detoured via Old State Highway 1 (Pōhuehue Road) and Hibiscus Coast Road, ensuring motorists can still reach their destinations while work is completed.The Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway project is nearing completion, and this final round of maintenance will help ensure the motorway's readiness.In addition, the Highgate Bridge project will create a vital link between John Fair Drive in Milldale and the Highgate Business Park, extending on to Silverdale and Millwater, further enhancing the area’s infrastructure.NZTA emphasises that this work is being done overnight to minimise the impact on local traffic.However, motorists should note that weather conditions could lead to schedule changes.Significant rain or high winds may cause a postponement, with work rescheduled for the next available night.NZTA encourages road users to plan ahead by checking the NZTA Journey Planner before setting out.Being informed of closures and potential weather-related changes can help avoid disruptions to travel plans.

Coasties will be delighted to hear they have the opportunity to see some of the highest quality classical music performed by young people over the weekend.On Saturday, September 21, Orewa College will be hosting the Auckland Youth Orchestra.The address is 76 Riverside Road, Orewa, and will be from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.The programme will consist of four pieces.Smetana – Vltava (“The Moldau”),Dvorak – Slavonic Dance No.2 in E min, Op.72Strauss – Till EulenspiegelJenny McLeod – Rock Concerto (soloist: Charles Sang, piano)Mary Lin and Caleb Goldsmith, manager and a player of AYO, respectively, commented on what the youth orchestra offers for young people.“AYO provides an enriching experience for our senior secondary school students, tertiary and postgraduate musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform symphonic repertoire at the very highest level.”Caleb shared that the youth orchestra travels across the country for their performances.They perform 10 times a year, with large concerts played in the Auckland town hall.“AYO embarks on often ambitious and challenging pieces bringing out the best in the musicians, with the highest standard of performance.”Mary says the travelling can be difficult, but it certainly teaches players important life skills.“Our players balance a rigorous academic workload with music and a range of other sporting and cultural pursuits.”“We always ask players to discuss their issues and share their points with us so we can support them when we are able to.”Being the national youth orchestra, you can expect a high level of quality.Mary shares that AYO hosts auditions at the end of each year.Current players are required to participate in this to maintain their place and seating order within the orchestra.“We look for musicians who are grade 8 and above for strings, wind, brass and orchestral percussion.Musicians auditioning go through a rigorous process of preparing orchestral excerpts from standard orchestra repertoire.Results are posted by mid-December with the repertoire finalised that highlight our strength.”The performance you will see on the night is surely one worth watching.To purchase tickets and learn more information about the events, follow the link below.https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/ayo-auckland-youth-orchestra-september-series/auckland/orewa

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas are being called on to provide feedback on Auckland Council’s new draft Shoreline Adaptation Plans (SAPs) for the Waitematā Harbour West and Weiti Estuary to Devonport Peninsula shorelines.These plans aim to address coastal hazards and climate change impacts over the next century, ensuring long-term preservation of the region’s coastlines.The SAPs were developed using the latest climate change projections, coastal hazard models, and technical data to offer a robust framework for how communities can adapt to rising sea levels, erosion, and other climate-related risks.The council is keen to involve residents, as their feedback will play a crucial role in refining the plans to meet community needs.“We want to understand how you use these shorelines, what you value about them, and whether you think our proposals are right for the area,” said a council representative.The Weiti Estuary to Devonport Peninsula SAP stretches from Okura to Devonport and encompasses areas such as Takapuna, Browns Bay, and Silverdale.These regions are vital to the local economy, environment, and community life, making the adaptation plans an important step towards safeguarding their future.Consultations for SAPs are open until 26 September 2024, with two key ways for residents to share their thoughts.Locals can engage in the conversation by using the council’s interactive map on Social Pinpoint, where they can mark areas of importance and provide direct feedback.Those who participate will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of two $100 GiftPay vouchers.Additionally, feedback can be submitted through the AK Have Your Say portal, which offers more detailed reports on the draft adaptation strategies.The council encourages residents to review these documents and contribute their insights on how the shoreline should be managed in the face of climate challenges.As these plans will shape the region’s response to coastal hazards for the next 100 years, community input is vital to ensuring they reflect local values and priorities.

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast are keeping a close eye on the Auckland housing market, with the latest data showing a significant shift. For the first time in nearly four years, Auckland’s average asking price for properties has dipped below the one-million-dollar mark, sparking interest from potential buyers.According to Trade Me Property, the average asking price in Auckland fell to $986,750 in August 2024, a 1.3% drop from July. This marks the fifth consecutive month of falling prices in the region. Gavin Lloyd, Trade Me Property’s Customer Director, explained that the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this trend continues.“It’s going to be interesting to see what happens to prices over the next month as we come into Spring,” said Lloyd. “September results should give us a clearer picture of whether the recent drops are due to a difficult winter or if there’s a deeper issue in the housing market.”One local couple, Sam and Pam Gaviola, recently took advantage of the price drop, purchasing a four-bedroom home in Henderson Heights for $900,000. After a long search, attending more than 50 open homes, they found the right property.Despite some moisture issues and necessary roof repairs, they managed to negotiate the price down from $999,000.Pam shared that their persistence paid off: “While it took us a long time to find the right property, it helped us understand our price point and what we were willing to shell out for.” The couple financed their purchase with savings and KiwiSaver, even taking on side jobs to boost their income.Across the country, property prices are also trending downwards. Nationally, the average asking price in August was $818,250, a 2.3% year-on-year decrease. Mr Lloyd highlighted that consecutive monthly declines could push the national average below $800,000, creating potential opportunities for buyers.While North Island regions have struggled, four regions in the South Island have seen year-on-year price increases, with Marlborough, West Coast, Otago, and Southland showing positive growth. Gisborne was the only North Island region to see a significant rise, with prices jumping by 9.9% in August.As the housing market continues to evolve, locals and first-home buyers may find themselves well-positioned to take advantage of these lower prices.

Coasties have faced their fair share of challenges over the past year, with rising costs and high interest rates affecting local families, businesses, and the wider Hibiscus Coast community. New GDP data from Stats NZ, released today, offers a glimpse into how these economic pressures have played out across the country.For the June 2024 quarter, New Zealand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 0.2%, signalling the continued impact of the long-running cost of living crisis. Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledged the difficulties but noted that signs of recovery are beginning to emerge.“Today’s GDP data confirms what we already know – that the economy has been suffering the after-effects of a long cost of living crisis, with the Reserve Bank having to keep rates high to tackle inflation,” said Willis.While the Hibiscus Coast, like the rest of New Zealand, has felt the strain of rising prices and tight business conditions, the Minister offered a positive outlook for the months ahead. “The New Zealand economy is resilient, and it will recover. Forward-looking data shows the work we are doing to rebuild the economy is already having an impact, and green shoots of recovery are coming through,” she added.Inflation, which has remained high over the last few years, is projected to fall below 3% this quarter. This shift is welcome news for households and businesses, many of whom have had to navigate the pressures of increased living costs and financial uncertainty.In August, the Reserve Bank made its first cut to the official cash rate since 2020, reducing it by 25 basis points. The decision provides some relief to those with mortgages and offers a glimmer of hope for struggling businesses.Local business owners may find particular comfort in the news that business confidence is at its highest level in a decade.“Some businesses are feeling a lot better about the future, with business confidence recently reported as the highest in a decade,” said Willis. "It’s pleasing to see many businesses have the confidence to hire, invest, and grow once again."Although economic recovery is still in its early stages, the government’s approach appears to be helping, with Finance Minister Willis assuring that brighter days lie ahead. “There is still more work to do, but our careful and deliberate plan is laying the foundations for economic recovery,” she said.For now, locals can look forward to easing financial pressures and the hope that better times are just around the corner.

August’s property market shows steady trends for Coasties, reflecting optimism and growing confidence across New Zealand, according to the latest report by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).REINZ’s August 2024 figures reveal a mixed bag of results, with overall sales volumes down slightly by 0.7% compared to the previous year. However, several regions, including Northland and Bay of Plenty, saw significant upticks in activity. National median prices decreased by just 0.6% year-on-year, with the median price now sitting at $765,000.Despite the slight dip in prices, month-on-month trends indicate a stable market, as prices increased by 1.3%. REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird emphasised this cautious optimism, noting: “August data shows a level of stability in the market.”Notably, Northland led regional growth, with a 22.7% increase in sales compared to the previous year. This trend reflects stronger buyer interest and the return of investors, especially as interest rates continue to decline. “There is a rise in optimism and confidence,” Baird added, though she cautioned against calling it a turning point just yet.While sales volumes saw only minor changes, the number of new property listings grew significantly across the country, with an 8.1% increase nationally. Gisborne recorded a staggering 69.2% rise in listings, while Northland, in contrast, experienced an 11.1% decline.Looking ahead, Baird mentioned that falling interest rates may provide much-needed relief to property buyers, which could lead to a more significant uptick in sales before year’s end.

Coasties may soon see increased clarity in contracting arrangements, thanks to upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the adjustments, which aim to give both businesses and contractors greater certainty.“These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement," said Ms van Velden. "It is an ACT-National coalition commitment and is another action completed in the Government’s Quarter 3 Action Plan.”The coalition Government plans to introduce a gateway test as part of the updated Employment Relations Act. This test will provide businesses with clear criteria to determine whether a person is a contractor or an employee, potentially reducing the legal disputes that have previously plagued the gig economy.Gateway Test CriteriaUnder the proposed changes, a contractor must meet the following four conditions:A written agreement confirming their status as an independent contractor.Freedom to work for other businesses, including competitors.No requirement to work specific hours or days, or the ability to subcontract the work.Protection from contract termination if they refuse additional tasks.The new rules aim to allow businesses to adopt flexible, innovative models without the fear that contractor status might be challenged. Ms van Velden hopes to introduce these changes through the Employment Relations Amendment Bill by 2025.“Contractors play an important role in New Zealand’s economy and society. This new approach will provide businesses with more certainty to proceed with innovative business models involving contractors,” she added.The changes come as a relief for businesses in industries like the gig economy, which rely heavily on contractors.By providing clear guidelines, the new legislation seeks to reduce the risk of misclassification and legal disputes.

Multiple videos of a man charged in relation to a homicide investigation - sparked by a body found in Auckland's Gulf Harbour - have been uploaded to YouTube, showing the man singing what appears to be Christian worship music.The remains of a woman inside a plastic bag were fished out of the sea in North Auckland's Gulf Harbour in March.Kaixiao Liu, 37 and Lanyue Xiao, 36, were arrested in July after being stopped at Auckland Airport, and each face a charge of performing an indignity to a dead human body.The identity of the victim - whom police believed to be a middle-aged Chinese woman of small stature - remains a mystery as the homicide investigation continues.Police conducted a 12-day scene examination of a house in Orewa in connection to the caseThe pair charged in relation to the woman's body have pleaded not guilty and are both on bail.Since Thursday, a YouTube account by the name of "Kaixiao Liu" has uploaded multiple videos of original worship songs by Liu in Mandarin, in which he sings about salvation, God and Jesus.In one video, Kaixiao Liu is seen dressed in a suit, performing a song named 'Real Salvation', as he paces around a beachfront area in Orewa.Two of the videos showed Liu singing, and the rest were accompanied by photos and short clips of the Christian cross and generic images of the universe and natural scenery.The YouTube account was created in October 2023 and has the description in Chinese: "Here are my original worship songs, you're welcome to communicate with me."A history of musicMeanwhile, a classical musician, who does not want to be named, told RNZ that they were among about 20 musicians hired by Liu as freelancers to perform orchestral music Liu had composed in the 2020/21 summer.The musician said late in 2020, they and other musicians - some were music students and others were from Auckland Philharmonia - were contacted by former Auckland Symphony Orchestra conductor Peter Thomas, about an opportunity to help Liu to record an album.The musician told RNZ the initial request for a few hours of playing turned into a few months of weekly sessions and hundreds of hours of playing music for Liu's project. They said the musicians were each paid a couple of hundreds of dollars for each session.They said the recording took place at a studio in an Auckland CBD building with "top of the line microphones, top of the line recording systems", and multiple people hired by Liu to take videos of them playing."It was this kind of ethereal, god-like music, that he kind of wrote to, in his words 'to connect people' and connect people across the universe," they said.They said they did not think much of the arrangement, other than that it was strange."Every week, it slowly unravelled and got a bit stranger and stranger, he would always be there in a kind of a nice looking suit, always had sunglasses on, always had a mask on, and Michelle, who was the other person accused, was always there," they said.They said they only saw Liu remove his mask twice when he drank water.Liu would often gather the musicians around after each session, treat them with food and sing them songs, and offer them wine in "crystal goblets", they recalled.They said the collaboration ended when Liu requested them to make recordings of themselves playing music when one of the Covid lockdowns hit and the musicians were not comfortable with that.They said all the musicians were asked by Liu to write paragraph long statements about why they loved to work with him for Liu's website for his music project - to which they obliged as they felt it was required in order to be hired for more work.They said they felt that Liu "wasn't much of a musician", but used a method where he would humm a tune and record it in his phone, then send it to a man in Austria who would turn the audio into a cohesive three minute piece of music.They said Liu claimed to have millions of dollars available for promoting his music and was looking for excellent expert teams to promote it - however they were under the impression that the hundreds of hours of music they recorded was never released.

Coasties traveling through Auckland Airport will soon see big changes on the horizon.Auckland Airport has officially partnered with Hawkins, a subsidiary of Downer Group, to manage the construction of a new domestic jet terminal.This development is part of a broader $2.2 billion terminal integration program aimed at modernising and expanding the airport’s infrastructure.The new terminal is expected to be a game-changer for both the airport and the local economy.The project, valued at approximately $800 million, is set to create 2,500 jobs at its peak and will support thousands more in South Auckland through subcontracting and supply chain opportunities."We’re pleased to announce that we have partnered with Hawkins on the delivery of the domestic jet terminal building," said Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui."This investment will create essential resilience, greater capacity, and improved services for domestic jet travellers."Construction will include a new terminal headhouse and a 240-metre gate pier, offering passengers 44% more processing space and 26% additional seating capacity.Another feature many Coasties will appreciate is the shorter indoor walk between domestic and international flights, making travel more convenient for local jetsetters.This project is Auckland Airport's largest terminal expansion in nearly 50 years.While construction is scheduled to take five years, with an opening slated for 2029, Ms. Hurihanganui emphasised the long-term vision.“It’s investment for the coming decades and beyond,” she said, underscoring the airport’s commitment to being a good neighbour to the South Auckland community.Peter Tompkins, CEO of Downer Group, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Hawkins is proud to be involved in this significant project, which will deliver a world-class terminal for travellers and provide employment opportunities for the local community.”

Access to New Zealand's tallest surviving kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta, will be closed for the next two months while the boardwalk and viewing platform are replaced.The upgrade is the first phase of a project by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Te Roroa iwi to improve visitor infrastructure in Northland's Waipoua Forest.The work also aims to protect the forest from the spread of kauri dieback, a deadly pathogen already present at Waipoua.DOC Kauri Coast manager Stephen Soole said facilities at Tāne Mahuta were no longer fit for purpose and put the forest and its 200,000 visitors per year at risk.Work by Milton Harward Construction would start on 30 September, and was due to be completed by the end of November in time for the busy summer season.Other walks in Waipoua Forest, including to another immense kauri, Te Matua Ngahere, remained open in the meantime.The new walkway was part of the wider Rākau Rangatira project to upgrade infrastructure and improve the visitor experience in Waipoua Forest, while prioritising forest health.Future initiatives could include guided walks and a park-and-ride option.If introduced, Soole said they could "deepen visitors' connection to culture and nature, increase public safety, minimise environmental impact, and allow visitors to play an active role in contributing to ongoing conservation".Improved infrastructure could allow visitors to experience previously inaccessible areas, such as a wetland behind Te Matua Ngahere.Tāne Mahuta, 51.5m tall with a trunk diameter of 4.5m, was estimated to be 1500 years old.Kauri dieback was caused by Phytophthora agathidicida, a soil-borne pathogen that infected kauri trees through their roots.It restricted the ability of kauri to transport water and nutrients between their roots and leaves, eventually causing the trees to starve.Kauri dieback had so far been found in Northland, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula.

Coasties, heads up! The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is reminding all motorists about planned closures on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Silverdale and Warkworth starting tonight.These closures are part of road resurfacing and essential maintenance work to keep our highways safe and smooth.For those heading northbound, a full overnight closure will be in place from Silverdale to Warkworth, including the Johnstones Hill tunnels.The closure starts tonight, Tuesday, 17 September, from 9 pm, and will continue until 5 am tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 September.A detour will be clearly signposted, directing traffic via Hibiscus Coast and Old State Highway 1.Southbound traffic will face a full closure tomorrow night, Wednesday, 18 September, from 9 pm until 5 am on Thursday, 19 September, between Warkworth and Silverdale.Motorists are advised to follow the same detour using Old State Highway 1 and Hibiscus Coast Highway.The Johnstones Hill tunnels will remain reduced to one lane in each direction until 5 am on Friday, 20 September.However, over-dimension vehicles cannot use the contraflow through the tunnels.NZTA asks drivers of such vehicles to contact them in advance at [email protected] for further instructions.

Snow season is coming as we draw closer to the Orewa Festival.On September 22nd, 20 tonnes of snow will find itself at Moana Reserve from 10 am to 2 pm.The event is funded jointly by Destination Orewa Beach, the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board and Harcourts Cooper & Co Millwater & Silverdale.In speaking to Hellen Wilkins, Destination Orewa Beach’s Business Association Manager, she shared about the planning that goes into the Winter Festival.She offers Coasties a teaser of what they can look forward to on the day.“Harcourts Cooper and Co Millwater & Silverdale branches came on board to partner with this event.""The Orewa Surf Life Saving Club will set up the floating prizes on the day…for the snow – it had to be Snow Planet… [and] the 20 tonnes of snow is being transported for free by Mike from Hiway Stabilisers and Skip from Golden Contracting.”Hellen also explains that they always work hard to find local food vendors and entertainers.Over half of the food options this year will be local to the Coasts, not to mention the activities available.This event happens once a year and is certainly not to be missed with all the attractions that are on offer.Bring your family and friends, and enjoy a fun time taking part and making new friends in your community!As the event is weather-dependent, please use this link to follow the Winter Festival as it develops. Updates regarding current weather forecasts and the event will be there.