Auckland's deputy mayor has officially endorsed Wayne Brown in his re-election bid, after months of speculation she would run against him.In a joint press conference a short time ago Desley Simpson said she endorsed Brown's campaign for a second term as mayor.Desley Simpson said she had ruled out running for mayor in the October local body elections a long time ago.But in April Simpson told RNZ she was still undecided on running for mayor, after she confirmed earlier this year she was mulling it over.The changes Brown had made for Auckland had been significant for the city and praised his vision for the city, she said.Both denied they had ever shared harsh words with each other but agreed there has been disagreements.Brown said if re-elected this would be his last term.

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 6/6Showers. Fairly breezy West to Sou'West windsHigh: 13Low: 7Saturday, 7/6Morning showers. Breezy Sou'West winds.High: 13Low: 6Sunday, 8/6Mostly sunny. Breezy West to Sou'West winds.High: 14Low: 9Monday, 9/6Mainly sunny. Breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 14Low: 7Looking for more weather details? Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

The Blues have locked in their squad for a high-stakes showdown against the Chiefs this Saturday in Hamilton, with just one tweak to the starting XV following their commanding win over the Waratahs.Adrian Choat steps in at blindside flanker, replacing Anton Segner, who will bring firepower off the bench. Hooker Ricky Riccitelli is set to hit a major milestone, running out for his 50th match in Blues colours.This one’s a biggie—not just because it’s finals footy, but because the last time these two sides met, the Chiefs edged it by a single point. Since then, the Blues have tightened up their defence and won three of their last four, keeping opponents to six points or fewer in two of those clashes.Coasties heading south can expect a bruising battle. These are the top two defensive teams in the competition—only 0.8 points separates their average concession rates—so fans might want to brace for a real arm-wrestle.Head coach Vern Cotter said the team is well-prepped and ready to rise to the challenge. “Finals rugby is a clean slate,” he said. “We are certainly up for the fight and looking forward to the opportunity ahead of us.”Cotter also had a message for Blues supporters, urging them to travel down State Highway 1 to back the boys in blue. “We need our Blues fans behind us for this one and hope to see plenty of them in the crowd cheering us on.”And yes—tickets are still up for grabs at flicket.co.nz for any Coasties keen to make the trip and soak up the electric atmosphere of finals night.Blues Team to Play Chiefs7:05pm, Saturday 7 June – FMG Stadium, HamiltonStarting XV:Joshua Fusitu’a (35)Ricky Riccitelli (49)Marcel Renata (64)Patrick Tuipulotu (captain) (122)Laghlan McWhannell (21)Adrian Choat (53)Dalton Papali’i (95)Hoskins Sotutu (76)Finlay Christie (66)Beauden Barrett (42)Caleb Clarke (73)AJ Lam (56)Rieko Ioane (126)Mark Tele’a (78)Corey Evans (27)Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (73) 17. Jordan Lay (25) 18. Angus Ta’avao (80) 19. Josh Beehre (25) 20. Anton Segner (35) 21. Sam Nock (80) 22. Harry Plummer (87) 23. Cole Forbes (28)Unavailable due to injury:Cam Christie (thumb), Stephen Perofeta (leg), Reon Paul (shoulder), Cam Suafoa (medical, season), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season)Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Only around 50% of new businesses survive more than five years, and just one-third make it to ten.So what’s the one thing you can do to help ensure your business is sustainable?Create a clear, actionable growth strategy.A growth strategy is more than a vision for success.Without a concrete plan, you risk stagnation—or worse, losing ground to competitors.Rob Beiderman, writing for Entrepreneur Magazine, outlines a seven-step process for building a successful growth strategy.Here’s a summary of his approach, along with a few of my own thoughts based on real-world experience:1. Establish Your Value PropositionWhat sets your business apart? What makes customers choose you over competitors? Your value proposition should be crystal clear. Focus on the unique benefit you offer – and don’t dilute it by trying to be everything to everyone.2. Identify Your Ideal CustomerYou started your business to solve a problem. Who exactly are you solving it for? Make sure you’re targeting the right audience. The clearer your focus on your ideal customer, the better your chances of sustainable growth.3. Define Your Key IndicatorsYou can’t improve what you don’t measure. Identify the key metrics that drive your business and track them consistently. Growth should be measurable, and your key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential – not just for tracking progress, but for making smart decisions.4. Strengthen Your Revenue StreamsTake a close look at how your business makes money. Are your current revenue streams performing well? Could they be improved? Are there new opportunities worth exploring? More revenue doesn’t always mean more complexity – it’s about smart, strategic refinement.5. Learn from the CompetitionYour competitors may be succeeding in areas where you’re not. Study what they’re doing differently. What’s working for them? Why? It’s not about copying – but about understanding different strategies and deciding what could work for your business.6. Play to Your StrengthsInstead of focusing all your energy on fixing weaknesses, ask: what are we great at? Build on your strengths and create opportunities where those strengths give you a competitive edge.7. Invest in TalentYour team is key to growth. Hire people who believe in your business and align with your values. Be frugal where it counts – but never cut corners when it comes to building a strong, motivated team. The right people are your most valuable long-term asset.What’s striking is how often these principles come up in conversations with clients.It’s reassuring to see that these common-sense approaches are also backed by strategic thinking.But remember: growth strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all.Every business is different, and your strategy should reflect that.While you can draw inspiration from others, blindly copying another company’s playbook won’t deliver sustainable results.A tailored growth strategy – designed specifically for your business and your customers – is what truly drives success.If you would you like to discuss this in greater depth, please feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!

A person has died following a two-car crash on East Coast Road in Stillwater during Tuesday night’s stormy weather.The crash happened just before 7pm, with emergency services responding quickly. One person was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, while another was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.At the time of the crash, the Hibiscus Coast was being hit by heavy rain and strong winds, making for dangerous driving conditions.Police confirmed the Serious Crash Unit attended and an investigation is now underway to determine what led to the incident.For many on the Coast, this is a devastating reminder of how unpredictable our roads can be—especially when the weather turns.Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’ve walked past the Orewa Surf Life Saving Club lately, you might’ve noticed a new addition—right at the top of the concrete ramp. It’s not a piece of art, though it could save a life.A new public rescue buoy has just been installed at Orewa Beach, thanks to ACC, and AON. Designed to be used when lifeguards aren’t on patrol, this rescue tool gives anyone nearby the chance to help someone in the water—without putting themselves at risk.It’s simple, but powerful: a rigid flotation device with a shoulder strap and long lanyard. In a real emergency, it can keep a struggling swimmer afloat until help arrives.Here’s how to use it:Place the strap over your shoulderPull the buoy behind youStay 2 metres from the person until they’re calmSupport them until trained help arrivesAnd here’s the key point: if you see someone in trouble, always call 111 and ask for police first. This tool is only to be used if you’re confident in the water yourself.This isn’t just a box-ticking safety measure. Between 2013 and 2023, not one bystander who drowned in New Zealand had a flotation device with them. These buoys change that. By mid-2025, Surf Life Saving NZ aims to have them installed at all 74 clubs and other high-risk locations.For Coasties, having one now at Orewa means one more chance to keep our beachgoers safe—especially as the cooler months bring fewer lifeguards but just as many walkers, dog owners, surfers and kids exploring the shore.It’s a small piece of kit, but it could make a huge difference when seconds count.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’ve ever driven past a maze of road cones and wondered if they’re all really necessary—you’re not alone.A new digital hotline on the WorkSafe New Zealand website now lets anyone report concerns about road cone overuse across the country, including here on the Hibiscus Coast.The 12-month pilot, launched as part of Government health and safety reforms, aims to rein in excessive cone use on our roads—while still keeping workers and the public safe.WorkSafe Chief Executive Sharon Thompson says the pilot encourages a more “risk-based approach” to traffic management. “While cones are primarily there to keep people safe, sometimes the usage is over the top,” she explains.Once a concern is logged, WorkSafe reviews it and may follow up with those responsible. That could mean sending out an inspector, or simply providing some educational guidance on best practices.What does this mean for Coasties? Well, next time you're crawling through a lane merge that seems unnecessary—or spotting cones long after road crews have left—you now have a direct line to raise it.It’s not about catching people out. The goal is to promote balance—protecting lives without blocking roads needlessly.And with peak winter traffic approaching, any effort to improve flow on local roads like Whangaparāoa Road or the motorway on-ramps will be welcomed by anyone stuck behind the wheel.You can lodge a report directly on the WorkSafe website.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Each week, I oversee the steady production of content that keeps our digital platform fresh and engaging.Over the course of a month, that adds up to well over 100 unique pieces—delivered consistently, day in and day out.Most are local news stories between 350 to 500 words.But we also craft customer emails, write compelling ad copy, highlight customer success stories, post to social channels, and send push notifications designed to drive action and clicks.Am I a natural wordsmith?Not at all.If anything, I suspect I might have a touch of dyslexia—though I’ve never been formally diagnosed.But here’s what I do know: consistency wins every time.That belief comes from years of experience in content and media across different cities around the world.To manage this volume, we’ve built tools and systems that streamline planning, writing, editing, and publishing.That structure gives us the freedom to stay focused on what matters most: delivering relevant, high-quality content every single day.Success in content isn’t about being the most eloquent writer in the room.It’s about knowing your audience.Understanding what they care about—and what they’ll scroll past.Then showing up with that content, day in and day out.No fluff. No guesswork.Just sharp focus and relentless delivery.At the Hibiscus Coast App, that’s how we’ve built trust and traction—by showing up every day with stories locals actually care about.Are we perfect?Heck no.But we are organically getting better every day.Want to build momentum with your own content?Start with this: consistency over perfection.Nail that, and you won’t lose.

Good news for Coasties planning a new build or renovation—getting consent is finally getting quicker.Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says consent and compliance delays have dropped noticeably since the Government started publishing council performance data last year.And while the changes are nationwide, the impact will be felt right here on the Hibiscus Coast.“One of the most common frustrations I’ve heard from tradies and aspiring homeowners is how long it takes to get the paperwork sorted,” Penk said.In early 2025, 92.7% of building consents and 96.8% of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe. That’s a clear improvement from a year ago, when the figures sat at 88% and 93.6% respectively.Nearly 32,000 consent-related applications were handled in just the first three months of this year—almost 1,000 more than during the same period in 2024.The Government believes that public accountability is helping councils lift their game. But it’s not stopping there.Two big changes are on the way:Trusted professionals may soon be able to self-certify their work, cutting down the number of consents needing council sign-off.Councils will soon be required to inspect 80% of builds within three working days, helping reduce delays on-site.Both changes are expected to take pressure off overwhelmed Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) and speed things up for everyone involved—from builders to homeowners.For Coast-based builders and families trying to get into new homes faster, this is a welcome shift.MBIE’s full quarterly data is available online, and new legislation enabling the self-certification scheme is expected by the end of 2025.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A groundbreaking new study co-led by researchers from the University of Auckland and Yale has found something simple yet powerful—singing to your baby really does lift their spirits.Over four weeks, Kiwi and US parents took part in a randomised controlled trial through the Music Lab, a joint research initiative based in Auckland and the US.The results?Regular singing at home led to happier babies.In fact, babies whose parents sang frequently were rated as being in better moods than those in the control group.And here’s the beautiful part—parents weren’t told when to sing, yet many instinctively reached for music during fussy moments.“They intuitively used music to manage their infants’ emotions,” said Auckland-based researcher Dr Samuel Mehr, who led the study.“It’s one of those natural, cross-cultural behaviours that turns out to have real emotional benefits.”Dr Samuel Mehr.The study didn’t show a change in caregivers’ moods over the short term, but the researchers believe the flow-on effects could be significant.“A calmer, happier baby changes the tone of the whole household,” says Mehr.Closer to home, it’s an encouraging reminder for Coasties raising little ones.Whether it’s lullabies at bedtime or singing along in the car, the act of singing can become a daily mood-booster—not just for baby, but for family life in general.With so many young families on the Hibiscus Coast, this low-cost, feel-good activity could easily become part of the local parenting toolkit.The Music Lab team is now expanding their research.Their follow-up project, Together We Grow, will explore how singing affects sleep, stress levels, and even symptoms of postnatal depression over a longer eight-month period.They’re currently inviting more families to take part.Previous work by the same team has shown that lullabies are recognised across cultures—even in languages people don’t speak—suggesting a universal human connection to infant-directed song.As Mehr puts it, “When parents sing lullabies, they’re sending a powerful message: ‘I’m here, I hear you, and you’re safe.’”Apparently, babies really are listening.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Fresh Coast Jobs for Fresh Starts! Check out this week’s top picks for local roles—and share with a mate who’s looking!Waste Management NZPosition: Environmental AnalystLocation: Dairy FlatKey role in tracking and reporting environmental performance across national sitesFocus on emissions reduction, compliance, and sustainability initiativesView the full listing & applyHibiscus Coast AppPosition: Local Sales ConsultantLocation: Red BeachFlexible, remote role with warm leads and strong local supportHelp Coasties businesses grow while earning commissionView the full listing & applyCareer Tip of the Week:Don’t underestimate the power of your professional summary—it’s your elevator pitch. Use it to clearly state who you are, what you bring, and the value you offer in just 3–4 impactful lines at the top of your CV.Help a friend discover their next career move—share these opportunities with your network today!Need to hire fast? Reach thousands of Coasties for $97 + GST. Post your job today.

You might’ve seen him around the Coast—young, focused, and probably heading off with a helmet in hand.Logan Rowell’s racing journey started early, and it’s only grown faster with time.“Dad’s been a motorbike guy since before I was born,” Logan says.That passion quickly passed down.By the time he was five or six, Logan was riding little dirt bikes—and that’s where it all began.He spent much of his childhood around dirt bikes, with his dad also following MotoGP and World Superbikes closely.“That sort of piqued my interest more than dirt bikes,” Logan explains.The family didn’t even know road racing was an option here until they stumbled across a few guys at a motorcycle show.“We didn’t really know it was available in New Zealand,” he says.That unexpected discovery quickly became a path—and they’ve followed it ever since.Now 23, Logan has raced competitively for seven years and recently returned to the Supersport 600 class—stepping back in after a year off due to injury.“I broke my pelvis the last time I raced in this class,” he says.“That really set me back for a while.”He’s now representing KTM New Zealand and the Double Six Motorsport Race Team in national and local championships.His short-term goal?Win the Supersport 600 championship.Long-term?Move up to the 1000cc Superbike class and, if possible, race internationally with KTM.“They’ve provided me so much in my career… being able to just progressively move up the classes with them has been really beneficial.”That journey hasn’t just been powered by talent and grit—it’s also had strong backing from the Hibiscus Coast community.“One of them is Phil at MTF Finance in Silverdale. He’s helped me pretty much since the beginning.”Through his dad’s connections, Logan has partnered with several Coast-based businesses over the years.Alongside MTF, support has come from brands like Wet and Forget, TradeZone New Zealand, Eurobike Wholesale, and Chemz New Zealand.“It’s nice to feel the backing from where you’re from,” Logan says. “It just really motivates you to do better.”His proudest moment so far? That first podium.“It took me a real long time to get there,” he says.“It was just such an amazing release of emotion when I crossed the line.”Even better, he backed it up the next day with another.From starting in the back of a van with his dad to racing with national teams, Logan’s come a long way—and he’s not slowing down.“The sport has taught me so much—discipline, commitment, how to present myself,” he says.And for young Coasties thinking of giving it a go?“All you have to do is watch. You’ll feel it the moment you’re there.”Logan Rowell.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government has introduced the Investment Boost initiative as part of Budget 2025.This new policy allows businesses to claim an immediate 20% tax deduction on the cost of eligible new assets.To qualify, assets must be new to New Zealand—either brand new or previously unused within the country.Eligible assets include assets such as commercial and industrial buildings, plant and machinery, equipment, and work vehicles.This does not apply to residential buildings and fixed-life intangible property (e.g. copyrights, trademarks, or land-use rights).This incentive applies to qualifying assets purchased on or after 22 May 2025, with deductions claimable in your income tax return for that income year.E.g. Buy a $80,000 vehicle on 31 March and claim an expense of $16,000 in that year plus normal depreciation.You may want to plan ahead as I expect a lot of purchases timed for March 2026 which could lead to stock shortages.The deduction reduces the cost price for calculating depreciation.For example:If your business acquires a qualifying asset for $100,000:You may immediately deduct $20,000 under the Investment Boost.The remaining $80,000 is added to your depreciation schedule and depreciated as normal.This results in a front-loaded tax benefit, reducing taxable income earlier and improving after-tax cash flow.KiwiSaver Changes – Contribution Rates and Eligibility UpdatesSeveral key changes to KiwiSaver will affect both employers and employees:Contribution Rates Increasing:From 1 April 2026, the default employer and employee contribution rates will increase from 3% to 3.5%.From 1 April 2028, they will rise again to 4%.Employees may opt to remain at the 3% rate temporarily from 1 April 2026, with applications open from 1 February 2026.Expanded Eligibility:From 1 July 2025, 16- and 17-year-olds will be eligible for government KiwiSaver contributions.From 1 April 2026, employers will be required to contribute for enrolled employees aged 16 or 17.Full Budget 2025 details are available at: budget.govt.nzGovernment Contributions Adjusted:From 1 July 2025, the government contribution will reduce from 50 cents to 25 cents per dollar contributed, up to a maximum of $260.72 per year.Individuals earning over $180,000 per year will no longer qualify for the government KiwiSaver contribution.At David Hooper Chartered Accountants, we help local businesses make smart financial decisions—from asset planning to managing KiwiSaver obligations.Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

You might’ve heard the sniffles going around again—and yep, COVID-19 hasn’t packed its bags just yet.This past week, Auckland reported 93 new cases, part of a steady national rise with more than 900 cases recorded across New Zealand.Health experts are pointing to a new Omicron subvariant called NB.1.8.1, which is spreading more easily than earlier strains.It’s already the dominant version in China and Hong Kong, and while it hasn’t been labelled a “variant of concern,” it’s definitely on the radar.The World Health Organisation has tagged it as a “variant under monitoring,” which means it’s being tracked for any changes.For now, the good news is that NB.1.8.1 doesn’t seem to cause more severe illness.Symptoms look familiar—sore throat, cough, fever, runny nose, and fatigue are the main ones, though some people are also experiencing tummy troubles like nausea or diarrhoea.Most cases remain mild, and there's no marked rise in hospitalisations or deaths.There’s no specific vaccine for this subvariant yet, but doctors say your current immunity—either from past Omicron infection or vaccinations—should still help protect against the worst of it.So what does that mean for us Coasties?If you’ve got that back-of-the-throat scratchiness or a lingering cough, it might be worth popping a mask in your bag again.And if you’re feeling unwell, staying home could help keep others safe—especially those a bit more vulnerable.No need for panic, just a friendly reminder that the virus is still making the rounds.Keep the tissues close and look after yourself and your family.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’ve noticed more RAV4s and compact SUVs zipping around the Coast lately, you're not alone. The Toyota RAV4 remains New Zealand’s top-selling vehicle for 2025 so far—and Coasties are right in step with the national trend favouring hybrids and compact SUVs.With an estimated 3,140 units sold year-to-date, the RAV4’s mix of petrol and hybrid options has helped it stay on top. Mitsubishi’s ASX and Outlander follow, showing strong demand for compact, practical options that still have enough space for beach gear, shopping runs, and family trips north.Kia’s Seltos and Stonic are also gaining traction, proving popular with younger buyers and urban commuters alike. Meanwhile, the Suzuki Swift remains the country’s most popular compact car, holding its own in a sea of SUVs.What’s especially striking is the rise in hybrid sales—now accounting for about 34% of all new vehicle purchases. EV sales have softened with the end of government incentives, but brands like Polestar and BYD are offering more choice in the electric space. The Polestar 2 is leading the EV segment in 2025, nudging out the BYD Atto 3 and Tesla’s declining Model Y and 3.Utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux are still going strong in the commercial category but have slipped out of the top 10 overall for the first half of the year.For Coasties, these trends matter. Our lifestyle often blends city commutes with weekend getaways, and buyers want vehicles that handle both with comfort and efficiency. Hybrids fit that bill, balancing environmental concerns with practicality. And with rising fuel prices, the shift makes even more sense.As more Coast families and small businesses consider their next vehicle, it’s clear the market is moving toward smart, efficient options that don’t sacrifice utility—or style.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Consumer sentiment has soured amid tariff-induced economic uncertainty and rising food prices.The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index fell 5 points fell in May to 92.9 - a reading below 100 means overall sentiment remains pessimistic.It comes after business confidence fell for the third month in a row.The fall in consumer sentiment erased gains from April.ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner said it was the first consumer survey where most people answered after the start of "tariff noise"."That could be a factor," she said. "Also, we're experiencing quite high food price inflation at the moment and that tends to go down very badly with consumers."Perceptions about the outlook for the economy over the next 12 months fell 4 points to a net negative 20 percent - indicating most people thought the economy would see bad times financially.A net 10 percent of people felt it was a bad time to buy a major household item, a key indicator for the retail sector."While that did lift 1 point, it's still a long way from suggesting happy days for the retail sector," Zollner said.Other questions in the survey showed a net 12 percent expected to be better off in a year's time, down 11 points.Household inflation expectations were largely steady, only easing 0.1 percentage points to 4.6 percent."That's a lot higher than a couple of months ago, with the jump possibly caused by global tariff talk, though household inflation expectations can also be sensitive to food prices," Zollner said."Household inflation expectations don't have a tight correlation with actual inflation outcomes," Zollner said. "But the perception that inflation is going to be so high is likely to contribute to the sense of a cost of living crisis, potentially dampening spending, if anything."ANZ continued to expect the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates three more times this year, lowering the Official Cash Rate to 2.5 percent."Our best judgement is that the RBNZ will end up just shoring up the recovery because it's nothing flash at the moment," Zollner said.

Big news for our little learners—Budget 2025 includes a $39.9 million investment to ensure all Year 0 to 8 students across the country get access to hands-on science kits.That means every classroom, including those here on the Hibiscus Coast, will soon be equipped to bring science lessons to life.The funding, spread over four years, will support the development and delivery of curriculum-aligned kits packed with experiments and equipment tailored to each year level.Education Minister Erica Stanford says the move is designed to spark excitement in science and help students build strong foundations in STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.“We want students to love learning about science,” says Minister Stanford.“Hands-on learning improves critical thinking and understanding, and that’s key to student success.”Teachers won’t be left to figure it all out alone.Alongside the kits, they’ll receive professional development modules to help confidently deliver engaging and practical science lessons.The first kits are expected to roll out at the beginning of the 2026 school year, and bilingual resources—plus dedicated pūtaiao kits—will ensure all learners are catered for.So, what does this mean for Coasties?For our local schools—from Orewa to Red Beach, Gulf Harbour to Millwater—it’s a huge opportunity.Practical science kits can turn the classroom into a mini lab, where kids can test, explore, question, and create. It’s not just about textbooks—it’s about discovery.And that kind of learning can ignite lifelong curiosity.The Government sees this as more than just education—it’s a strategic move to support the country’s future talent pipeline in fields like biotech, clean energy and agritech, where Kiwi innovation is already making waves globally.With the world changing fast, this initiative helps ensure our Coastie kids grow up not only equipped for the future—but excited about shaping it.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Mighty Ape’s Bumpy Start to 2025Read moreMilldale’s Next Village Hub BeginsRead moreCoast Jobs You Should Know AboutRead morePenlink Progress Along SH1 and CoastRead moreInside Africa Opens in SilverdaleRead moreStay Connected, Stay Informed.Get the latest updates, stories, and events from around the Hibiscus Coast—right at your fingertips.Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for instant access to local news and stay ahead of the curve—whenever, wherever.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coast vape retailers—take note.A big shake-up to vaping rules is landing next month, and there’ll be no wiggle room once it hits.From 17 June, Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health are introducing strict new regulations aimed at curbing youth vaping. These include:A total ban on disposable vapesNo more vape ads in-store or in newslettersOnline retailers can't show product images or link to overseas pagesHefty fines for non-complianceSpecialist vape stores will also be barred from promoting products to their existing customers—a move that signals just how serious the Government is about limiting young people’s access and exposure to vaping.Dr Corina Grey, Director of Public Health, says enforcement will be swift and focused.“There’s no grace period,” she confirmed, adding that compliance officers will be visiting stores with these new rules top of mind.While some changes began rolling out in December—including increased fines and new buffer zones around early childhood centres—this next batch is the toughest yet.The new laws align vaping promotion more closely with the tight restrictions already placed on tobacco products.For Coasties, this will likely mean changes to how vape shops in places like Silverdale, Orewa and Whangaparāoa look and operate.Retailers may need to adjust window displays and signage, and some products could vanish entirely from shelves.Why it matters?Vaping among young people has skyrocketed in recent years, and the Coast is not immune.These changes aim to reset the balance—keeping support in place for those quitting smoking while making it harder for under-18s to pick up a vape in the first place.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.