A Heavy Rain Watch remains in effect for the upper North Island until 8 pm tonight.The MetService has been warning of periods of heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and localised downpours, for several hours.According to MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker, "Auckland northwards, the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel, will see periods of heavy rain until late on Monday, with thunderstorms possible."The Heavy Rain Watch is part of a broader change in weather patterns, as a front sweeps up the country today and tomorrow, followed by strong southerlies and cooler temperatures.Locals are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates, and to drive to the conditions.See the latest Weather and Travel reports here.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast may be interested to learn about recent research that defines kindness in a healthcare setting.A researcher at the University of Auckland has developed a definition of kindness through a structured analysis of published research papers. Nicki Macklin, a doctoral student in the School of Population Health, found that kindness is action-oriented, positively focused and purposeful in nature.Macklin explains that kindness is built on a foundation of civility and respect. "When we get into conflict, it's a mindset and an approach where you are actively maintaining that other person's respect through the ways you are choosing to respond," she says.Macklin's research highlights the importance of distinguishing kindness from compassion and empathy. While these terms are often used interchangeably, kindness can exist regardless of other people's emotional states and can be taught in medical education.The researcher believes that kindness can be embedded in the culture of healthcare teams and organisations, leading to improved communication and patient care. "This is something practical that we can measure and expect, for example, in medical education, in policies or in organisations," Macklin says.Macklin's interest in kindness was sparked by her own experiences with the healthcare system when her child was unwell. She observed that kindness within healthcare teams had a significant impact on patient safety and trust.The researcher's next steps include publishing further studies on kindness in healthcare, involving surveys and interviews with healthcare professionals globally.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland’s state highways will undergo critical maintenance and improvement works during the upcoming holiday season, with projects set to minimise future disruptions to motorists.Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has announced that the works will begin on State Highway 1 (SH1) Central Motorway Junction and the Auckland Harbour Bridge from 26 December through to 6 January, while further improvements are scheduled for State Highway 16 (SH16) Port area early next year.Jacqui Hori-Hoult, Regional Manager for Maintenance and Operations, said the holiday period offers an optimal window for these projects due to reduced traffic in central Auckland."Traffic volumes are at their lowest at this time of year, giving our teams the best opportunity to carry out this work," she stated.Key projects on SH1 include:Central Motorway (Spaghetti) Junction: Replacement of a bridge joint on southbound lanes between Symonds Street and Grafton Road overbridges, running from 9 pm, 26 December, to 5 am, 6 January. There will be daytime lane reductions and overnight full closures, with detours available for ramp and link closures.Auckland Harbour Bridge: Resurfacing and maintenance on southbound and northbound clip-on lanes, requiring 24/7 lane restrictions while keeping traffic flowing in both directions.Ms Hori-Hoult urged motorists to plan ahead and use the Western Ring Route (SH18, SH16, and SH20) where possible to bypass congestion.“We will be working hard to keep disruption to a minimum. However, you may experience delays, and we ask that you plan your journey.”The projects on SH16 Port area, commencing January through to April 2025, will involve weekend lane closures and weeknight restrictions to consolidate improvements and reduce the need for additional closures throughout the year.Ms Hori-Hoult also made a plea for patience and safe driving around work zones.“Be kind to our people working on the road and bridge, spending time away from their whānau over the holidays. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits, and follow traffic management directions at our work sites.”Motorists are encouraged to check for live updates and detour information on the NZTA website to navigate the closures.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals and visitors are set to gather in Auckland’s city centre this New Year’s Eve for an evening of spectacular celebrations. With New Zealand leading the world into 2025, the event promises vibrant displays and community festivities.Auckland Council, SkyCity, and Vector have collaborated to host the celebrations, with highlights including a five-minute fireworks display from the iconic Sky Tower at midnight. Meanwhile, the Auckland Harbour Bridge will feature an extraordinary Vector Lights show, viewable from multiple vantage points across the city.In the lead-up to the midnight countdown, the bridge will turn ‘teal,’ showcasing designs inspired by Auckland's local cultural heritage. Spirals, sail shapes, and the letters M and W will also pay homage to the mana whenua of the region.Authorities anticipate large crowds and advise attendees to plan their journeys well in advance. Public transport, shared rides, and taxis are recommended as inner-city road closures will prioritise pedestrian safety. Auckland Transport (AT) will operate buses and ferries on a Saturday timetable, with additional late-night services. Replacement bus services will accommodate train users, and contactless payment options will be available for buses and ferries.For optimal viewing of the Vector Lights, spectators are encouraged to choose eastern-side locations, as maintenance work on the western side of the bridge will cause some lighting outages.Important safety measures include portable toilets and extra rubbish bins to maintain cleanliness. Police will be supported by security guards and wardens, with medical assistance available at key locations, such as Te Komititanga Square and Aotea Square.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties may be heartened to learn that significant strides are being made in dementia research, thanks to a fellowship awarded to a University of Auckland researcher.Dr Catherine Morgan, a senior research fellow based at Waipapa Taumata Rau, has received nearly $600,000 through the Health Research Council's Sir Charles Hercus health research fellowship.This funding enables her to dedicate the next four years exclusively to studying ways to predict dementia at its earliest stages.Dr Morgan’s research focuses on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify changes in the brain that may signal the onset of dementia.Her study will utilise an extensive database of brain scans and other data collected over nine years from dementia prevention research clinics in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin.These clinics work with individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment, a condition that involves memory loss but allows normal daily functioning."To be able to do this project full-time feels like a freedom," says Dr Morgan, one of the few MRI physicists in New Zealand.She will examine thousands of variables within brain scans, such as structural changes in the hippocampus, reduced blood flow, and white matter tract abnormalities.University of Auckland senior research fellow Dr Catherine Morgan.Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in analysing this data to determine which factors are the strongest predictors of dementia.Dr Morgan's team includes notable researchers such as University of Auckland Psychology Professor Lynette Tippett and Pharmacology Professor Mike Dragunow, who is working on drugs to delay or prevent dementia.Their collective efforts aim to identify early indicators of dementia and explore interventions that could delay its onset.Dementia, which affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning, is a growing concern globally.Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form, accounts for 70% of dementia cases.Dr Morgan’s previous studies have shown reduced blood flow in the brains of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.She is now investigating how vascular function and the blood-brain barrier—responsible for removing harmful proteins—might contribute to cognitive decline.This latest project also incorporates innovative MRI techniques that eliminate the need for gadolinium, a metal commonly used in contrast agents but linked to potential risks for patients undergoing multiple scans.Dr Morgan hopes her research will contribute to global efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease.“Even if we don’t find a cure, delaying the onset for a few years could significantly reduce the prevalence of dementia in New Zealand and globally,” she says.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Hibiscus Coast community will soon see changes that could impact its local hairdressing and barbering businesses. The Ministry for Regulation has announced a comprehensive review of the rules governing the hairdressing and barbering industry, aiming to simplify outdated regulations.Minister for Regulation David Seymour revealed the initiative today, noting that the industry contributes over $1 billion annually and consists of more than 5,000 businesses employing around 13,000 people nationwide. Seymour described the review as a necessary “buzz cut” to rules that have been in place since the 1980s.“Hairdressers and barbers provide a valuable service in every community,” said Seymour. “Some of these rules, like whether salons can offer customers coffee or allow dogs on the premises, don’t make a practical difference to public health but have been frustrating for business owners and customers alike.”The call for reform has been growing for years. Organisations like Business New Zealand, through its report “Reducing Compliance Burden on New Zealand Small Businesses,” and Dana Kirkpatrick MP, via her member’s bill, have highlighted the need to modernise the industry’s regulatory framework.The Ministry for Regulation will lead the review in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. It marks the Ministry’s third sector review, following evaluations of early childhood education and agricultural and horticultural products. The terms of reference for the review have been published online, providing a roadmap for the upcoming engagement with industry stakeholders early next year.This review is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2025, with a focus on ensuring public health while reducing unnecessary compliance hurdles for small businesses.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals across Auckland are set to benefit from significant savings on their water bills, thanks to the Government’s approval of the Watercare Charter. This initiative, introduced under the Local Water Done Well plan, is projected to save households approximately $899 million over four years while also improving water service quality and enabling critical infrastructure investments.Local Government Minister Simeon Brown highlighted the key outcomes of the Watercare Charter, which was developed through consultation with the Secretary for Local Government, the Commerce Commission, and Auckland Council. These include setting minimum service quality standards, improving response times, and ensuring record capital expenditure by Watercare, averaging $1.3 billion annually from 2025 to 2028.“Infrastructure is vital for our cities to thrive,” Mr. Brown stated. “Because this Government listened and worked with Auckland Council, we delivered a solution that ensures Watercare has the flexibility and revenue certainty to fund future water infrastructure projects.”The Government’s reforms also addressed Watercare’s proposed 25.8% rate increase earlier this year, shielding Aucklanders from unsustainable costs. By financially separating Watercare from Auckland Council, the plan has allowed for interim economic regulation, with full oversight by the Commerce Commission set to commence in 2028.This new framework is expected to support Auckland’s growth by maintaining and renewing water infrastructure while unlocking housing development opportunities across the city. In addition, it frees up Auckland Council’s budget to invest in other critical infrastructure projects.The Watercare Charter will be monitored by the Commerce Commission over the next three years, prior to full economic regulation being extended to all water service providers under the upcoming Local Government Water Services Bill.“I want to thank the Department of Internal Affairs, Auckland Council, and the Commerce Commission for working together to deliver this Charter,” Mr. Brown added. “It will help keep costs down for consumers while supporting record investment in water infrastructure in our biggest city.”Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast may welcome news of legislative changes affecting tenants and landlords, as the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act restores the 90-day no-fault termination provision.The Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) has expressed support for the Act, citing its balanced approach to rental sector challenges.The 90-day provision allows landlords to end tenancies without citing a specific cause, a measure General Manager Sarina Gibbon describes as a "last resort" when all other options have been exhausted. “Landlords understand that stable, long-term tenants are crucial to successful property investment,” Gibbon says.“This provision offers relief to landlords, ensuring they feel secure in their property rights.”APIA highlights that most landlords operate responsibly, as noted in Parliament by Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni, who praised property investors’ contributions to providing healthy, safe homes.Gibbon reiterated the importance of communication in maintaining positive landlord-tenant relationships.“We continue to advocate for transparency when giving notice,” she says, underscoring the importance of clear reasoning to maintain professional standards.The Act also strengthens protections for tenants by extending the timeframe for seeking exemplary damages for retaliatory notices from 28 days to 12 months.Gibbon describes these changes as complementary, creating a more balanced framework for both parties.Minister Chris Bishop has framed the legislation as part of an ongoing process, and APIA is committed to staying engaged.“Our goal is to help shape sensible policies that reflect fairness and modern sensitivities around the landlord-tenant relationship,” Gibbon says.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties will soon see toll charges implemented on the much-anticipated Penlink Highway, a key transport link between Whangaparāoa Peninsula and State Highway 1 at Redvale.The confirmation comes as part of the Government's initiative to accelerate road investments through tolling.Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced yesterday that tolling will help fund the highway’s maintenance and operational costs.The two-lane highway, currently under development, aims to reduce travel times and improve connectivity for residents and commuters in the region.In 2022, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) consulted the community on tolling options for the Penlink project.Originally, three tolling points were proposed, but the finalised approach will include two tolling points, with an end-to-end toll rate of $3 during peak hours and $2 during off-peak for light vehicles.Heavy vehicles will face charges of $6 during peak hours and $4 during off-peak times.To streamline toll collection, the highway will feature free-flow electronic toll gantries, allowing payments through automated NZTA toll accounts, online platforms, or cash at selected service stations.An analysis by engineering consultancy Beca Ltd informed the tolling strategy, with gross revenue expected to reach $12.1 million in 2026, increasing to $17.6 million by 2048.While the system includes varying charges based on time of day and destination, NZTA will need to ensure the tolling structure is clearly communicated to drivers.Penlink is seen as a vital addition to the Hibiscus Coast's infrastructure, promising to ease congestion and enhance accessibility.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Your Weekly News Fix.Catch up on the top local stories that made headlines this week!Top Stories You Need to Know…Safeswim Expands Coverage for SummerRead more Hillary House Investment Property for SaleRead more Five in Custody After Mall BurglaryRead more Silverdale Launches Holiday Campaign, “Season of Joy”Read moreOvernight Closure on SH1 Orewa to Silverdale InterchangesRead moreStay ahead of the curve. Get the latest local news and information through the Hibiscus Coast App.Download the app now!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals may soon see significant changes in Auckland’s industrial landscape, as experts warn of a growing shortage of industrial-zoned land that could impact the future growth of big-box retail in the region.Drury South Crossing, a large-scale mixed-use property development in South Auckland, is at the forefront of this change. The site is set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in investment for some of New Zealand’s most substantial retail infrastructure projects over the next two years.Among the developments is a $100 million distribution centre for Briscoes, which is scheduled to open in 2026. Briscoes planned new North Island distribution centre.The facility will dramatically increase Briscoes' storage capacity, accommodating over 17,000 pallets of goods compared to its current 4,500-pallet capacity. Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings and NZ Safety Blackwoods are also planning large-scale facilities at the site.Stephen Hughes, CEO of Drury South Crossing, explained that over half of the second phase of the industrial project has already been sold to businesses seeking large-scale retail, manufacturing, and industrial infrastructure. Hughes highlighted the challenges posed by limited land availability in the Auckland region.“There are very few sites remaining in the wider Auckland region zoned to accommodate the 20-30 metre height required for automated warehousing,” Hughes said. “This shortage could constrain the scale of future retail distribution operations, potentially impacting the variety of options available to consumers as the population grows.”The rise of e-commerce and consumer demand for faster delivery times are key drivers for the implementation of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). These systems require purpose-built facilities, making land availability a critical factor for future developments.Ben Stewart, associate director of Property at Calder Stewart, noted a growing trend among big-box retailers to consolidate multiple warehouses into single, large automated facilities to improve efficiency. Calder Stewart has secured 14 hectares at Drury South Crossing, including sites for Briscoes and NZ Safety Blackwoods.“Auckland's geography and internal waterways, combined with reluctance from planners to rezone arable land, mean there are limited options for businesses needing contiguous, large-scale land close to major transport routes,” Stewart said.The development also includes plans for a new 60MW substation, a $30 million investment that will power industrial users and potentially support tech companies building data centres. Hughes emphasised the importance of future-proofing infrastructure, noting that the substation will be among Auckland’s largest, with the capacity to power 45,000 homes and double the transmission capabilities of other city areas.As Drury South Crossing continues to attract interest from large-scale industrial and retail operators, the region's remaining land parcels are becoming increasingly valuable.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties, be prepared for a planned overnight closure on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Orewa and Silverdale interchanges. The NZ Transport Agency has scheduled maintenance work for Monday, December 16, from 9 pm to 5 am.The closure will affect both directions, with the Orewa (Grand Drive) southbound on-ramp, Millwater (Wainui Road) southbound on-ramp, and Silverdale southbound off-ramp closed during this time.A recommended detour will be in place via Grand Drive, West Hoe Road, Florence Ave, Centreway Road, Twin Coast Discovery Highway to the Silverdale southbound on-ramp. However, please note that vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will not be able to use Grand Drive and will need to take an alternative route.Residents can expect increased noise levels due to the maintenance activities, including road cutting and vegetation control.The work is weather dependent.

Coasties, Google’s Year in Search 2024 reveals what captured New Zealand’s attention this year.From major global events to uniquely Kiwi moments, the report showcases the topics that sparked curiosity and conversation nationwide.The “US election” topped overall searches, highlighting the nation’s interest in international politics.“EURO (football)” came second, reflecting the strong passion for sports, while “Connections,” an engaging puzzle game by The New York Times, claimed third place.Other major searches included the Olympics and the late singer Liam Payne.Sports were a key focus in 2024.In the sports-specific category, the EURO (football), Olympics, and T20 World Cup drew significant interest.Local fans also searched for updates on the Australian Open and Rugby Championship, underscoring the importance of these events.Practical questions drove the “How to” category, with many searching for tips on “how to watch Olympics in NZ” and “how to lock Facebook profile.”Meanwhile, the “When is” category reflected a nation keen to plan ahead, with Black Friday, Easter Day, and Matariki among the most searched terms.Liam Payne, former member of the globally renowned band One Direction, was among the most searched people following his untimely death earlier this year.Closer to home, New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington earned a place on the list, reflecting national pride in her sporting achievements.Local events also resonated with Kiwis.Highlights included the Manawa Bay Outlet opening and the Christchurch Port Hills fire.Jacinda Ardern’s wedding also ranked high, alongside searches for Countdown’s Easter hours.Google’s Year in Search provides a snapshot of the moments and topics that brought New Zealanders together in 2024.From global news to local milestones, it paints a vibrant picture of what mattered most.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals may be interested in new research shedding light on investor behaviour and its impact on Auckland's property market. A doctoral thesis by Dr David White explores the relationship between investors and house price escalation in Auckland between 2003 and 2018.Dr White's research utilised behavioural economics and the user-cost equilibrium model to understand how property decisions were made. By interviewing investors, banks, and real estate agents, he identified that investor reliance on biases and heuristics—mental shortcuts in decision-making—contributed to upward pricing trends.“Behavioural economics proposes that when making decisions, we sometimes take ‘shortcuts’ in our analysis, such as relying on biases and heuristics rather than objective analysis,” said Dr White. “There was strong evidence for biases and heuristics in investor decision making in Auckland, and these all had an effect of an upside bias in pricing and thereby contributed to house price escalation.”His findings align with the widely held view that investors have played a role in driving up property prices. Dr David White.However, Dr White also uncovered a surprising dimension to investor motivations. Many participants in the study noted a 'social good' aspect, highlighting the role investors play in providing quality homes and lease term certainty for tenants.Dr White’s work offers valuable insights for potential buyers. He advises exercising caution when entering the market, noting that house price escalation is often cyclical.A graduate of Massey University, Dr White has contributed to the property sector for decades and currently teaches property development at the university’s School of Economics and Finance.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties interested in the business community will find promising news in the latest Auckland Business Chamber confidence survey.The survey reveals a significant improvement in business confidence, with negative sentiment dropping to 45%, the lowest level recorded since July 2022.This milestone reflects a growing sense of optimism, with businesses reporting improved expectations for New Zealand’s economic performance over the next 12 months.Survey HighlightsKey findings include a shift in economic and business performance trends:Business Confidence: Negative sentiment has fallen sharply to 45%, down from 66% in August.Economic Performance: 51% of businesses expect New Zealand’s economy to improve over the next year, up from 43%.Business Revenue: Revenue challenges persist but are easing, with 54% reporting a decline compared to last year, an improvement from August's 59%.However, challenges remain.Cost pressures are expected to rise, with 80% of businesses forecasting increased costs in the next 12 months, compared to 72% in August.Consumer confidence remains the top concern, but its impact has lessened, falling to 61% from 65%.Insights from the ChamberSimon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, noted that businesses are demonstrating resilience despite ongoing hurdles.“The number of businesses with a negative outlook has significantly dropped, and expectations for New Zealand’s economic performance are stronger. Despite ongoing challenges, such as revenue pressures, businesses are showing resilience and a renewed belief that better times are ahead,” he said.However, Bridges also highlighted emerging risks.“The rising concern over international trade and geopolitical risks signals that businesses are becoming more attuned to the global uncertainties impacting their operations. These new concerns highlight the challenges businesses are likely to face in 2025, within a volatile global market, alongside rising costs and revenue pressures at home.”Looking AheadWhile challenges such as cash flow and rising costs persist, the survey indicates that businesses are adapting and remain optimistic about the future.For locals and business owners on the Hibiscus Coast, these trends offer a glimpse into broader economic shifts and their potential impact on the community.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Meta's Facebook and Instagram were down for thousands of users around a number of countries, including in New Zealand, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.Shortly after the outage started about 6.50am NZT on Thursday, there were more than 105,000 incidents of people reporting issues with Facebook and over 70,000 with Instagram.WhatsApp, Meta's messaging application, had been down for more than 12,000 users, according to Downdetector.com. Reports from users affected by the outage had fallen significantly by 8.30am.In a post on X, Meta said it was aware a technical issue was impacting some users' ability to access its apps."We're working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience."Some Facebook and Instagram users posted on rival platform X that they were encountering an error that said "something went wrong" and that Meta was working to get it fixed.Hundreds of thousands of Facebook and Instagram users were impacted globally for more than two hours early this year by an outage that was caused by a technical issue.The platforms faced another outage in October, when services were largely restored within an hour.

The Hibiscus Coast community, along with the rest of New Zealand, may soon see changes in how and when traditional media outlets can advertise. Legislation introduced to Parliament this week aims to repeal restrictions on advertising for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays.Media Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the proposal, highlighting its potential benefits for the media sector. "Traditional media outlets are operating in an extremely difficult environment, and as the Government, we must ensure regulatory settings are enabling the best chance of success," Goldsmith said.The Minister estimated that the proposed change could generate approximately $6 million for the broadcasting industry. He emphasised that lost revenue opportunities are particularly significant given the current financial pressures facing the sector.Goldsmith pointed out that the restrictions, initially designed for traditional linear broadcasting, no longer align with how audiences consume content. He noted the growing shift toward digital streaming platforms, which are not bound by the same advertising limitations. "This will level the playing field by ensuring local media companies are not disadvantaged," he said.The New Zealand media sector has long advocated for this reform. Goldsmith remarked, "The New Zealand media sector has been calling for this change for a long time, and this Government is listening."The proposal reflects broader efforts to support the sustainability of local media amid technological changes and financial challenges. If passed, it could provide a financial boost to traditional broadcasters while addressing inequities in advertising regulations.

Auckland is unlikely to have water restrictions this summer but Watercare is asking residents to be go easy on their water use.The region's dam levels are slightly below average for this time of year, sitting at 85.2 percent after a winter where catchments recorded three-quarters of the normal rainfall.Watercare head of water Sharon Danks said water use can spike by up to 100 million litres on a hot summer day and it was important to go easy on the hose."It's pretty safe to assume most of that is being used outdoors. This can put pressure on our treatment plants and networks, so we'll be encouraging our customers to go easy with their water use this summer," Danks said."Being waterwise is important, because it's a precious resource that should be looked after. But it's also in everyone's best interests, because we need to ensure our infrastructure can meet peak summer demand - if we can keep that peak down, we can defer costly infrastructure upgrades and save on interest costs."Danks said Watercare was hoping to avoid a repeat of February 2020, when water consumption hit a record with the rolling seven-day-average topping 549 million litres per day.The average summer consumption is 452 million litres per day.She said Watercare keeps a close eye on dam levels, river flows, water usage and the weather outlook when managing Auckland's various water sources."We'll be sharing this information on our website and on social media - so look out for our 'Easy does it' campaign over the next few months," she said."We don't want to be breaking any more records this summer, so we'll be popping up with advice on how you can be mindful of your water use around home."Danks said weather forecasters were predicting near normal summer rainfall overall, with a likelihood of lengthy dry spells broken up by heavy rain."With our two Waikato water treatment plants, we can treat up to 225 million litres of water from the Waikato River every day, if we need to," she said."Right now, the second plant isn't operational as we have a good amount of water in our dams and don't need to be maximising production from the Waikato. But it certainly provides a good safety net if the weather does turn out to be drier than expected."There were 105 minor leaks across the water network that still required fixing."We'll have our proactive leak detection programme running too, which is particularly useful at finding leaks that aren't easily visible. Over the past year our leak management programme has saved seven million litres of water per day - that's the equivalent of water used by more than 27,000 people," Danks said.Watercare's top tips for going easy with your water use this summer:Keep your showers short - four minutes or less should be plenty. If you're a twice-a-day showerer on those scorching days, keep them to two minutes eachCool off the kids with water pistols, reusable water balloons or even a small paddling pool, instead of under the sprinklerAttach a trigger nozzle to your garden hose, to reduce wastage when wateringWater your garden early in the morning or at dusk to reduce evaporationCheck your home for leaks

Ham has narrowly claimed the top spot as New Zealand’s festive favourite, edging out lamb by just 0.2%.A recent online survey revealed that 34.8% of Kiwis plan to serve ham as the main protein on Christmas Day, while 34.6% will opt for lamb.The close competition reflects New Zealand’s enduring love for these two staples of holiday feasts.The annual survey, now in its seventh year, was promoted via social media and newsletters from NZPork, Retail Meat New Zealand, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.Approximately 1,200 respondents participated, with the chance to win one of five $200 meat vouchers.Brent Kleiss, CEO of NZPork, noted the excitement around ham’s victory this year.“Every year, lamb and ham go head-to-head for the top spot on the Christmas table, and this year was no different! We’re excited to see ham taking the win and being a part of so many festive celebrations,” he said.Kiwis planning to purchase ham are encouraged to check the 100% NZ Bacon & Ham Awards list.This annual competition, judged in June, highlights New Zealand’s top hams, including medal-winning products from national suppliers and independent retailers.The survey also offered insight into Christmas Day traditions.Almost half of respondents (47.8%) plan to enjoy a traditional roast meal, while 35.5% will opt for a barbecue paired with summer salads, showcasing the country’s unique blend of festive and seasonal flavours.When it comes to dessert, pavlova remains a firm favourite, with nearly 70% planning to include the iconic dish.Other popular options include trifle (45.1%) and brandy snaps (30.6%).Beyond food, the survey found that spending time with loved ones is the most valued part of Christmas for 89% of respondents.Nostalgic moments such as backyard barbecues (28.8%), cricket games (29.5%), and travelling to visit family (35.9%) continue to define the Kiwi festive season.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]