Renewables advocates claim it's "madness" that thousands of new piped gas connections are being installed into houses every year, despite dwindling supply.Organisations pushing for the country to electrify say households will face steeply rising bills in the short term and huge costs when they eventually need to switch.They say the country's declining natural gas supply should be saved as much as possible for manufacturers and other businesses, who are facing a costly and disorderly transition away from fossil fuels.One advocate says, instead of banning new connections, an education campaign combined with a proposed financing scheme to help households switch to electric would be a better choice.Data from the gas registry shows the overall number of 'active' gas connections has dropped and the rate of new connections has slowed.However, new connections are still proceeding - more than 2000 were added in the last year, at a rate of nearly 200 a month.Electrification non-profit Rewiring Aotearoa estimated another 300,000 households may use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bottles for some form of cooking or heating.No public data existed on the number of households using LPG, but the overall volume of LPG powering household cooking appliances, gas water heaters and heating went up nine percent between 2017-23, the most recent year of data.The largest gas retailer in the country, Genesis, stopped accepting new piped connections last year.But some retailers still offered gas-only connections, and Auckland network owner and distributor Vector said it would still allow new connections, if customers paid the full commissioning cost - usually about $2000.The company, which had 120,000 residential connections on its gas network, forecasted earlier this month that it would have no new customers from 2029.However, chief public policy and regulatory officer Mark Toner said it was "important to maintain that customer choice"."Some of the research shows that people really love infinity hot water, never-ending hot water," he said. "They love cooking with gas hobs."Toner said he used gas at home himself and had recently replaced a gas hotwater heater with another one.He acknowledged the long-term future of gas in New Zealand was "highly uncertain", but customers could continue to have confidence in supply for now."There has been a lot of commentary about the state of natural gas in New Zealand," he said. "There is no prospect of residential customers running out of gas any time soon."Green Building Council chief executive Andrew Eagles said the fact that new connections were still going in - even if that number was declining - was "absolute madness".The council published a report earlier this year looking at how much natural gas and LPG could be saved for industrial processes, if gas heating in homes and buildings were replaced with electric heat pumps."The amount that we need for manufacturing and industry is exactly the amount that homes and buildings will be using in 2035," Eagles said."You've got firms that are closing or firing people, and down the road, you've got people connecting new gas, when it's going to be significantly cheaper for that household to electrify their home."Retail gas prices had increased markedly and there was no indication that would change, he said.Green Building Council chief executive Andrew Eagles says it's "madness" that new gas connections are still being put into houses. Photo: Supplied / NZGBCRewiring Aotearoa chief executive Mike Casey said that message was not filtering through to many homeowners."It's preference, plus a very serious lack of knowledge around the energy future for this country."Similarly, developers were encouraged to build and sell houses as cheaply as possible at the moment, he said."Avoiding any form of capex cost is a way to do that, so installing a $2000 gas califont, instead of an $8000 hot water heat pump matches what they're incentivised to do, which is to sell turn-key solution houses at the cheapest price possible."All that did, he said, was "shift the economic burden onto the person who will live in that household".People love gas, but it was unhealthy, increasingly expensive and the arguments for it no longer held up, Casey said."They talk about instant and infinite hot water, but hotwater heat pumps can provide that same outcome now electrically."People say they love cooking with gas, but I think anyone who moves to induction likes induction more."Homeowner who wants outWhen Pip Gay, 71, and her husband moved into their house in Auckland 26 years ago, the water heating, heaters, oven and stove were all gas.Over time, as appliances have reached the end of their lives, they've switched almost everything to electric - except the gas hobs on a large kitchen range."That is wildly inefficient and uneconomic, because of the monthly line charge and the tiny amount of gas we use."Just having the connection now costs more than $70 a month, while the gas itself is only about $3.Gay said she'd be very happy to eliminate gas altogether."It's terrible pumping that gas out from where it's quite happy under the sea and piping it all the way up the country, and forcing it into our houses and then burning it - it's a bit bizarre, really."The upfront cost of replacing the range - which she loved - was prohibitive."If a young family bought this house, it's probably the first thing they'd do, because they'd hopefully be looking at staying here for a good long spell, just like we have - but I don't feel like doing it at the end of our run."The same reasoning had also put them off installing solar panels - another thing they would have liked to do."I wish we'd done it five years ago."Her example illustrated the plight of many households who could see the benefit of switching to electric or installing solar, but either could not afford the upfront cost or were running out of runway to make it worth it, Casey said.The cost of decommissioning gas, once it was connected, could become a further disincentive."You often hear stories of people being charged $2000 for a disconnection, but that involves digging up all the pipes," he said. "It should be no more than the labour cost of getting the guy around to cap the pipe."Toner confirmed a current charge of $2500 for full decommissioning, but said capping the pipe was also an option, at a cost of a few hundred dollars."If you're doing works on property and earthworks in particular, you would want a full disconnection at the street to make the site safe," he said. "If you've simply replaced an appliance in your house, it would be a very sensible option just to cap and remove the meter."'Running out of gas'Earlier this year, the government rolled back the previous ban on new oil and gas exploration, and set aside $200 million as a 'co-investment' to encourage development of new fields, recently extending that to include new drilling in existing fields.It was also exploring options to import liquified natural gas (LNG) as a back-up option in the meantime - a move that has been widely criticised as expensive and inefficient.Gentailer Genesis, which has a 46 percent share in the Kupe field, stopped accepting new household gas connections last year.Chief revenue officer Stephen England-Hall said the decision was made "once the national gas supply began to decline faster than was expected"."The thought then was, how do we prioritise existing customers on the gas network and also electricity generation, and not necessarily prioritise new connections to an infrastructure that is clearly going to come under stress?"While the decision was partly driven by economics, it was also "better for the environment and everybody", England-Hall said."One of the things we're very focused on is how do we help customers electrify as much of their lifestyle as they can? Fundamentally, electricity is a very, very efficient and very cost-effective type of energy."Genesis chief revenue officer Stephen England-Hall says the energy crisis prompted the company to stop accepting new gas customers. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-KingEven so, Genesis had not ruled out accepting new customers again, if future supply became more certain - but the data "continues to show signs of decline", he said."We're not seeing any major new finds occurring and we're not seeing major new drilling investment occurring that would give us confidence that there's going to suddenly be a big supply of new gas in the New Zealand market."Importing LNG was "technically viable", he said. "What we are very interested in around that discussion is at what cost?"Eagles described the search for new gas as "a strategy of hope"."[Companies] have spent billions of dollars searching and the massive amount of territory they've still been able to search over the last 20 years has not found anything," he said. "We are running out of gas."Alternatives like biogas offered false hope, because it was still mostly fossil gas, he said.Financing transitionEven if new natural gas was found, it would take 12-14 years to bring online - time and money that Eagles said would be better spent electrifying the country."If you look at the state of Victoria in Australia, they've said all new builds will be all-electric… and at end-of-life for existing homes, you need to move to electric systems."More than 60,000 households had taken up hotwater heat pump support packages in Victoria, since the policy was introduced in 2024.Similar policies were needed here, he said."The poor and people who can't move are going to be stuck with unhealthy, massively rising costs on a network that has less and less people."Energy Minister Simon Watts said there was "not a clear case for further subsidies at this time in the residential gas market".Energy Minister Simon Watts Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneThe Warmer Kiwi Homes programme had provided subsidies for heat pumps for many years, he said."In addition, most major banks in New Zealand provide low-rate loans for households who are installing renewable energy or switching their appliances to more energy-efficient options."There was no need to intervene in the residential gas market to "limit consumer choice", Watts said."With new builds, data shows the rate of new connections has been declining and I understand that only one gas retailer is offering new connections where existing infrastructure is not in place."Ending gas connections for existing homes would impose extra costs for households, and the government had "a clear plan" to improve gas supply through encouraging exploration and procuring an LNG import facility.Casey said simply banning new gas connections was likely to create "an allergic reaction"."We saw it happen in America, when the Biden administration… tried to ban gas cooktops and you literally had celebrity chefs handcuffing themselves to their stovetops, saying 'Over my dead body'.Finance was the solution, but the switch could happen without subsidies, Casey said.His organisation supported a Local Government New Zealand business case to develop a ratepayers' assistance scheme, funded by capital raised by councils.The scheme would offer long-term, flexible loans to anyone who wanted to make renewable upgrades to their property."Most New Zealanders can't access [bank] loans - pensioners, renters, and also those who are struggling to make ends meet and struggling to pay off the mortgage."The scheme would fund electric appliances like heat pumps and hot water heat pumps, switchboard upgrades where needed, solar panels and batteries, Casey said.Crucially, it would allow homeowners to transfer the remaining portion of the loan when they sold their house - making it a viable option for anyone who might not plan to stay in a property long term.Watts gave tentative support to the idea earlier this year, and said Local Government New Zealand and the Local Government Funding Agency were currently revising the business case."I understand they have taken a few additional months to get it right and are ready to present it to me shortly."Once he received it, he would consider it alongside official advice and expected to make decisions in the new year."I endorse the efforts made to bring relief to ratepayers, but I will be looking at the proposal closely to understand the mechanics and viability, before sharing any further views."Casey said it was positive that the numbers showed people starting to leave the gas network of their own accord, but not all households were in a position to make that choice."If we don't plan for a decommissioning of the gas network, then it's going to be a chaotic transition, where vulnerable New Zealanders really suffer."Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Penlink crews are pausing for the holidays from Monday, December 22, with work set to restart on Monday, January 5, 2026.A few teams may still be active on Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23, so locals may notice some site movement.Regular site checks will continue during the break, and the work area remains an active construction site that is not safe for public access at any time.One of the biggest milestones sits over the Wēiti River, where multiple cranes are building two V-shaped pylons that will eventually stand 60 metres tall.Work on the bridge super-structure is underway, and crews are preparing to install form travellers, movable platforms used to build the bridge deck section by section.That deck build is expected to start in early 2026.The Wēiti River bridge is planned to be 535 metres long and 45 metres above the water.It is designed to carry vital services including water, power, communications, and wastewater.It will include two vehicle lanes and a 3.5-metre shared path for walking and cycling, with a deck width that allows for future bus lanes.Watch the Weiti River Bridge timelapse video.Across the wider project in 2025, more than 1 million cubic metres of earth has been moved, two of six bridges are complete, and 2,300 metres of drainage and 83 manholes have been installed.Stillwater residents are now using the new Duck Creek Road bridge and a new two-lane section opened on Thursday, December 11.A short section is expected to return to one lane in early 2026, with more details to come in the new year.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand Food Safety is urging Kiwis to keep food safety front of mind this festive season, as food poisoning cases typically rise over summer.“No one wants to spend their holiday sick or knowing that they have made others ill from food,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle.One key reminder is to skip washing raw chicken. It does not make it safer and can spread harmful bacteria around the kitchen. Pat it dry with a paper towel, bin the towel straight away, then wash hands. Keep raw chicken away from ready-to-eat foods, and use separate boards, plates, and utensils.For barbecues, use separate tools for raw and cooked meat. Cook meat right through, with chicken, pork, and sausages turned often until juices run clear. New Zealand Food Safety says meat should be more than 75°C all the way through.If you’re eating outdoors or travelling, keep salads, meats, and cheeses cold in a chilly bin with ice packs. Chill leftovers within 2 hours and eat them within 2 days if they’re usually eaten cold. Reheated leftovers should be eaten within 4 days and reheated until piping hot. Rice-based leftovers should be eaten within 2 days.For Hibiscus Coast families planning picnics, camping, or backyard BBQs, these are the small steps that help keep everyone well.New Zealand Food Safety also points people to download the MPI “Food Safety in the Home” booklet (PDF).Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

SEEK data shows job ads rose 1% in November, up 9% on last year.Hiring demand also strengthened on a quarterly view, with job ads up 4% quarter-on-quarter and 7% compared with the same quarter last year. Applications per ad fell 1% month-on-month, the first drop since early 2022.Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, said the steady lift points to “a genuine recovery phase rather than simply stabilising”.Regionally, Marlborough was the only area to record a monthly decline, down 1%. Tasman, Northland, Manawatu and Waikato led the monthly rises, each up 2%. Annual growth was strongest in parts of the South Island, including West Coast (30%) and Southland (27%). Auckland was steady month-on-month and up 1% year-on-year, with a reported 18% annual increase in demand for Information & Communication Technology workers.By industry, Advertising, Arts & Media rose 4% month-on-month. Information & Communication Technology rose 1%, marking 12 straight months of growth. Table: Industries with fastest annual job ad growth – November 2025 v November 2024Healthcare & Medical lifted 2% and has increased every month since February 2025. Banking & Financial Services fell 3% and Hospitality & Tourism fell 2%.For Hibiscus Coast readers job hunting or hiring, the Auckland picture is improving, but it is not moving evenly.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Got a dish you’d happily detour for, even on a busy day?Nominations are now open for Iconic Auckland Eats 2026, and Hibiscus Coast locals can put forward the Auckland dish that means the most to them, from a go-to fish and chips order to an ice cream or gelato stop you keep coming back to.Entries are open until Sunday, February 22, 2026, and anyone in New Zealand can submit a story online at https://www.aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats, sharing why the dish is iconic and the moment, memory or meaning behind it.Now in its sixth year, the programme celebrates a Top 100 of dishes that can only be experienced in Auckland, across neighbourhood favourites, family-run eateries, destination restaurants, markets, food trucks and late-night dining spots, with a bigger focus this year on the stories behind the food.Iconic Auckland Eats is run by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council, in partnership with Restaurant Hub, and Head of Tourism Karen Thompson-Smith says “a great dish becomes iconic because of the story that sits behind it.”The five best storytellers will each win $NZD 500 to spend at their top five Iconic Auckland Eats, judged by Mark Gregory (co-owner of Restaurant Hub) and Connie Clarkson (Manager of Auckland Council’s The Kitchen Project), with a guest judge still to be announced.The programme also lands as it was recently announced the MICHELIN Guide will launch in New Zealand next year.Last year, the public submitted 3109 nominations, up 67 per cent from 1857 in 2024.Fish sliders from Depot and lamingtons from Sugar at Chelsea Bay make the Top 100 every year since 2020, so locals might see this become an easy go-to for a midweek hit or a weekend catch-up.Got a Hibiscus Coast favourite worth a shout, what’s the dish and where is it from?Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Thinking about changing your car on the Hibiscus Coast? November registrations eased slightly. Stats NZ transport vehicle registrations record motor vehicles currently licensed by type, and new and ex-overseas motor vehicles registered by type.New cars and station wagons totalled 17,034 in November 2025. That was down 697 from October 2025, and up 1,144 on November 2024.Cars and station wagons previously registered overseas came in at 6,785. That was down 234 from October, and down 138 on a year earlier.Total commercial vehicle registrations were 3,510 in November. That was down 191 from October, and up 269 on November 2024. New motorcycle registrations were 644, up 10 on October, but down 74 on a year earlier.On the fleet side, total vehicles currently licensed across both 6-month and 12-month licences were 4,661,076 in November, up 22,481 from October. Total cars currently licensed were 2,981,520, up 7,734.For Coasties, it is a simple monthly signal of how busy the vehicle market is, and how many vehicles are staying on the road.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A 7.9% rates rise is proposed as Auckland Council’s next annual plan heads to consultation in February 2026.The council’s Budget and Performance Committee has approved the items that will go out for public feedback.The draft plan puts transport front-and-centre, including investment tied to the reform of Auckland Transport, plus improving infrastructure, urban regeneration, development and property management, and supporting local boards to deliver for their communities.Mayor Wayne Brown said the plan is about staying within budget while big costs keep landing.“I’m pleased to say my plan, our plan, is working, so we need to stay the course,” he said.A major highlight is the expected start of the City Rail Link, with the council saying it will transform public transport when it launches in the second half of 2026.For 2026/2027, the council plans to invest $3.9 billion in capital projects and fund $5.3 billion in essential services.It also targets $106 million in savings next year and says it will manage debt prudently.The City Rail Link is named as the main driver of the proposed rates rise, with net operating and ownership costs of $235 million a year.Consultation is set to run from Friday, February 27, 2026 to Sunday, March 29, 2026.If a 7.9% rates rise is on the table, we should make sure the Hibiscus Coast priorities are heard while consultation is open.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Waiting on someone to get home and wondering why they’re not here yet?A road hazard is affecting SH1 at the Auckland Harbour Bridge northbound, where debris before the Shelly Beach Rd overpass has blocked the right three northbound lanes.If you’re heading home to the Hibiscus Coast from the City, consider delaying your journey or allow extra time while the lanes remain blocked, and with rain around the roads may be wetter and slower than usual. If you’re expecting someone home soon, it may take them a bit longer today.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast shoppers are still feeling it at the checkout, with food prices up 4.4 percent in the year to November 2025, Stats NZ says.Grocery food drove most of the annual lift, up 4.6 percent. Meat, poultry, and fish were up 7.7 percent.Stats NZ said the average price of milk was $4.91 for 2 litres, up 15.8 percent over the year. Porterhouse or sirloin steak averaged $45.39 per kg, up 26.7 percent. A 600g white loaf averaged $2.13, up 53.2 percent. Stats NZ noted these milk and bread prices are the cheapest available options for each.“Bread is a staple food for many households,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said. “It now costs 74 cents more for a loaf of white bread than this time last year.”There was a small break in November, with food prices down 0.4 percent compared with October. Fruit and vegetables fell 4.5 percent over the month, with seasonal produce like tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce contributing.Rent prices were up 1.4 percent annually, with the yearly increase slowing since May 2024.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

In Orewa, All Time Golf opens with an open day on Saturday, December 20.It’s on from 10am to 4pm at 12 Florence Ave, Orewa, and it’s a chance to pop in, see the simulator bays in action, and get a feel for the place.The business is run by Steve, Kieren and Jono, three local dads from Red Beach, who want to make golf easier to fit into life on the Hibiscus Coast, rain or shine.Inside, you play on high-end simulators, with accurate ball tracking, realistic shot data, and a huge list of courses to choose from, then settle in with food and drinks.It’s designed for everyone, from first-timers and families to competitive golfers, and it’s all ages.Each bay fits up to four people, they can host groups of up to 30, and you can bring your own clubs or hire them there.Casual play is $NZD 49 per hour, with up to four people included.Bookings are made online, members can also book through their portal, and members can book 24/7.Walk-ins are welcome when a bay’s free, but they suggest booking ahead for evenings and weekends.Regular hours are Monday and Tuesday for members only (book online), Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to late, and Sunday from 10am to 8pm, so Coasties might see this become an easy go-to for a midweek hit or a weekend catch-up.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Explainer - It is nearly the end of the year. Do you know where your 3G is?The 3G mobile network that once kicked off the explosion in smartphones across New Zealand started to shut down this past weekend.It is meant to allow full transition and spectrum space for the faster newer-generation 4G and 5G networks.All three main mobile operators - Spark, 2degrees and One NZ - are shutting down their 3G networks and upgrading their sites to either 4G or 5G.The shutdown was originally flagged to be "by Christmas," but will extend slightly into 2026.Telecommunications experts are now giving one last set of warnings for people to check their devices for compatibility.Most people will not notice a difference as 3G fades out, but people with older phones - or certain wired devices like home security systems - need to pay attention, says Telecommunications Forum chief executive Paul Brislen.What is 3G, anyway?The 3G network brought us the world of the internet in our pockets, allowing real mobile internet access and the start of streaming audio and low-resolution audio. It was revolutionary at the time it started to first roll out in New Zealand around 2005, but technology has moved on quickly."It was introduced way back when the iPhones first launched," Brislen told Morning Report."So it's getting quite long in the tooth now, it's very old, it doesn't do what everybody wants it to do, and all around the world, networks are switching it off this year."Spark has said that less than 2 percent of its total network data traffic runs on 3G, while 3G voice calling has dropped 85 percent since 2019.Pretty much everyone is actually still using the 3G network right now at certain times, but soon 4G or 5G will entirely take its place."It's like closing a road, people still use it until the road's gone," Brislen said."The phones we all have, even the 4G and 5G phones, will use 3G networks when they find them. It's simply the way the phones operate. They look for the nearest strongest signal that is compatible with their chip set."So when is this happening?It has already started. 2degrees has said it would begin shutting down its 3G network starting on 14 December.One NZ's schedule, announced last week, begins with Dunedin shutting down starting 20 January and will end with Auckland and Wellington in mid-March.Spark said it will shut down all its 3G on 31 March.Part of the reason for the adjusted timeline instead of shutting off at year's end is the famed Kiwi "long summer.""Over the Christmas break because of increased demand for services and reduced staff in the office you have a period of time where we won't make any dramatic changes to the network," Brislen said."I think they're all coming to the conclusion that in fact, switching off 3G while people are away at the beach is probably not a good idea."A free text number has been set up for people to check their phone's status as 3G networks shut down. Photo: SuppliedHang on, how do I know if my phone will work?If you have got an older model phone - or perhaps one that was parallel imported or not bought in New Zealand - you should check to make sure the 3G shutdown won't affect it.The quickest way to do that is to free-text '3G' to 550, which will let you know if your device can use 4G. If it says you can not, you will need to investigate further.That service is "absolutely free, you don't need to worry about paying for it, and you can do it as often as you like," Brislen said."And I recommend doing it on other peoples' phones too, if you've got elderly relatives or people who aren't so familiar with technology, just do that on their phone."While you may use your phone more for texting, YouTube and TikTok, it is also critical to make sure you can still use emergency 111 voice calling, experts have said.There may be some changes to network coverage with the switch but fine-tuning it will be ongoing, Brislen said."We don't expect to see any material reduction in coverage overall after our 3G network is switched off," One NZ has said on its website. "There may be changes to coverage at a limited number of specific locations due to propagation differences of the technologies."My phone says it's 4G, what's the problem?Well, it might not actually fully be 4G for all functions, so it will pay to double-check.Some phones are not set up to use the VoLTE network that uses 4G for voice calls, or they might not be loaded with NZ carrier VoLTE settings.The problem has been particularly noted in some phones purchased overseas or from parallel importers.Some of those phones rely on 3G just for voice calls, and 4G for the data functions."The ones that worry me are the ones who have a 4G phone that uses 3G for voice and they may not actually check their device," Brislen said."They'll just look at it and say, 'Oh look I can see 4G in the corner, my phone is fine,' and that's not necessarily the case."5G is the latest iteration of cellular technology. Photo: 123RFWhat are the Gs anyway?The "g" stands for generation, and the first generation of cellular system technology that was introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s was called "1G." It's the basic framework for how cellular networks first originated but its primary use was making voice mobile.2G began the transition from analog to digital in the 1990s, and the very first rough uses of mobile data. By the way, what's left of the 2G network is also being shut down in New Zealand along with 3G. One of the things that may impact is older GPS trackers, one company has said.But 3G, introduced in the early 2000s, is when the networks shifted more from voice to data and what we think of as smartphones today.4G in the 2010s kicked things up another notch to allow perpetual connectivity, fast downloads, video streaming and mobile gaming, while 5G - the latest generation - began rolling out around 2019 and brought even faster speeds and response times.Is there a 6G? Not yet, but research into it is well underway and it could be here by the 2030s.Still unclear? Here's some resources you can use:NZ Telecommunications ForumThe 3G Shutdown GuideOne NZ information and scheduleSpark2DegreesDoes all this mean I have to buy a new phone?"For some people you will have to buy a new device," Brislen said."They're in the minority though, because natural attrition has generally weeded most of those devices out."While some worry that they might be talked into spending thousands on a new device, Brislen said the Telecommunications Forum had not heard of any such conduct and most retailers had plenty of options available."I haven't had any complaints from anybody about being upsold."I think the cheapest 4G handset I've seen is about $60 so you don't need the latest top of the range whatever the new iPhone is."It's also not just your phonesIt is also important to consider evaluating any other devices you have that might still use 3G such as medical alarms, vehicle trackers, tablets and security systems.Earlier this year RNZ highlighted the case of a Christchurch woman who was told that if she wants her automatic gate to keep working, she would have to spend almost $1000 to get it upgraded.Are people actually paying attention?The campaign to let people know about the shutdown has been going on all year.Brislen said Commerce Commission research showed that 85 percent of New Zealanders were aware of the shutdown.For many, the big switch might be a non-event."Ninety-nine percent of people will not notice the actual shut-off," he said. "It's not as if your phone will go 'beep beep beep' and suddenly look different."Still, not everyone may have gotten the message.Telcos and other agencies have been working together to deliver a unified response - and a lot of that is in reaction to Australia's own 3G networks shutdown last year, which was widely considered a bit of a disaster. Government ministers and telecoms squabbled over how messaging was delivered and how much notice was given to customers.New Zealand has learned from that, Brislen said."No other country had quite the same level of angst that the Australian shutdown generated."Largely it was an awareness problem, not a technical problem."It is probably inevitable there will be some complaints and issues reported as the 3G shutdown begins, but Brislen said he hopes steady communications will alleviate a lot of that."The whole idea of the project is to take everybody on the journey," he said.While 3G won't vanish entirely for a few more months, it's "better you get your phone and your devices sorted out this side of Christmas until waiting after".

Hibiscus Coast drivers eyeing an EV are being warned some brands may not last.Dogandlemon.com editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says buyers could end up with a near-worthless “lemon” if the maker goes bust. “If you buy an EV from a company that goes bust, you’ve basically blown your money,” he says, adding many electric car brands may not exist in five years.Rivian is one example he points to. The US electric pickup maker has made substantial losses every financial quarter, including over $1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, and $4.7 billion in 2024. Tesla is also “in trouble”, in his view, though he says it is “too big to fail” and expects restructuring.He describes the EV sector as being in a shake-out phase, with manufacturers coming and going. An AlixPartners prediction, reported in the New York Times, suggested only 15 of 129 Chinese EV brands will be financially viable by 2030. Matthew-Wilson also says 400 Chinese EV companies ceased operations between 2018 and 2025, and points to the bankruptcy of Neta Autos, which had planned to expand into New Zealand and Australia.For Coastie buyers, the practical risk is support. If a manufacturer disappears, Matthew-Wilson says warranties and parts back-up can become effectively meaningless. Consumer Reports has warned that EV trouble areas include the electric motor, battery, and charging systems. He also gives an example of a Tesla breakdown on Auckland’s Northern motorway.Read the full article here.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast travellers are being urged to check their passport expiry dates before summer plans lock in.Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says a surge in renewals is expected next year, as the first wave of 10-year passports reaches the end of its term. Passport validity changed from five to 10 years in November 2015, which means many passports renewed in 2015 and 2016 will be nearing expiry.“The Department of Internal Affairs is forecasting a surge in applications due to the anniversary of the ten-year passports. I encourage you all to ensure yours is up to date before you will need it,” Ms van Velden says.The Department anticipates:Over 1.3 million passports expiring in the next two yearsIn 2026, around 622,000 applications expectedIn 2027, 759,000 passports set to expireMs van Velden says processing times have improved sharply, dropping from 25 days in 2023 to three days for all passport applications, not only urgent ones.“If your passport expires in 2026, renew now before the rush. Don’t let an expired passport get in the way of your travel,” she says.Most people can renew online at passport.govt.nz.In related travel news, Air New Zealand cabin crew have called off their planned Christmas strike after reaching an “agreement in principle” with the company. More than 400 staff will no longer be striking, after the airline estimated action across all of its fleets could affect 10,000 to 15,000 customers.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast travellers can expect packed terminals at Auckland Airport this summer.Auckland Airport says the summer peak is already underway, with more than 2.5 million travellers expected between Monday, December 8, 2025 and Sunday, January 18, 2026.That includes around 1 million domestic and 1.5 million international travellers, up about 4.7% domestically and 7.5% internationally on last summer.Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker says, “Plan ahead, arrive with plenty of time and pack smart.”The busiest days are forecast to include:Domestic departures: Friday, December 19, nearly 15,000 travellersInternational departures: Sunday, January 4, over 19,500 travellersInternational arrivals: Thursday, January 15, nearly 20,000 travellersDomestic arrivals: Friday, January 16, over 14,000 travellersAirlines have added an extra 207,000 international seats over summer, lifting total capacity to 5.8 million seats across 43 destinations.The airport is also reminding travellers to get “battery wise”. Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked luggage, including power banks, wireless earbuds, hearing aids and vapes. Mr Tasker says some airlines have new rules, so travellers should check their airline’s website.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Red Beach Park is set for a permanent pump track next year. Just off William Bayes Road on the Hibiscus Coast, the park has become a regular meet-up for families, friends, birthday parties, and weekend kickabouts, with a playground that suits a range of ages plus sports fields used by local clubs. Locals Tamara Eyre and Claire Torckler say the balance logs, playground frames, flying fox, and open grass keep their kids busy and help neighbours connect, with Tamara calling it “a fantastic space that encourages outdoor play” and Claire saying her family spent hours there when a temporary pump track visited last summer. The park’s latest additions also lean into nature, with a balancing log trail installed earlier this year using large logs cut from a Norfolk pine donated by a homeowner in Ōrewa. Play Portfolio Lead Jacquelyn Collins says play is not just about playgrounds, and that kids can have fun “climbing trees, balancing on logs, and exploring what nature puts in their path”. Volunteers have also been planting native oioi, backed by local board funding, to help drainage and biodiversity, with Restore Hibiscus and Bays advisor Deborah Colson saying it builds pride by bringing people together. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has confirmed $540,000 is set aside for the pump track, with a draft design to be shared after specialist input.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Plunket is urging online Christmas shoppers to check out their 6-point checklist for toy safety.Every year in New Zealand, children three and under experience around 1,250 toy-related injuries, according to new ACC statistics.To keep babies and young kids safe, it's important to remember that some toys bought second-hand and from overseas retailers may not meet New Zealand's product safety standards, says Plunket nurse Keli Livingston-Filipo.She urges people shopping for Christmas gifts for little ones to first check out their 6-point toy safety checklist, which includes warnings related to sharp edges, too-long strings and small batteries.Following a string of recent headlines about toy recalls, including kinetic sand contaminated with asbestos, Gemma Rasmussen from Consumer NZ urged parents to resist the temptation of buying cheap toys from Temu and Shein, as they have "a really high failure rate in safety testing".In New Zealand, imported products which don't meet our safety standards are "falling through the cracks", Rasmussen says."Often, the enforcement and recall is happening once something's landed on our shelves. We're sort of in a model where, until something goes wrong, there's not really a lot that's happening. That's quite a dangerous model because it means potentially someone is getting hurt."Earlier this year, a Gisborne-based importer was fined $140,000 for selling small toy cars that were deemed a choking hazard - hundreds of which remain unaccounted for despite a recall notice.Toys which have small parts that can easily be removed, broken pieces that create sharp edges or built-in button batteries or small magnets can pose huge risks to babies and young children, Keli Livingston-Filipo says.A range of coloured sand products were recalled this year over asbestos fears. Photo: SuppliedIf you're shopping around for second-hand toys on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace, she recommends making sure they don't contain any magnetic parts or batteries, she adds."Normally, you would see those in soft toys that can do stuff like hold hands or connect to another toy. You've also got the magnets of alphabet letters that can go on the fridge."As we know, children are very inquisitive, and if there's a little [battery or magnet] to be found and pulled out, they're going to find it."The Six S's of toy safety:Size matters – Ensure toys are large enough to not be put in their mouth, ears or nose.Surface check – Look for smooth finishes and avoid sharp edges.String safety – Avoid toys with long cords or strings.Supervision and safety instruction – Check packaging and know which toys need adult supervision. " That's a huge one, because obviously if you're getting stuff from overseas or second-hand, you might not have safety instructions."Volume control – Make sure toys aren’t too loud for little ears.Swallow risk – Watch for small parts or items like button batteries that could be ingested.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Happy Sunday, Coasties! Grab a coffee and settle in. This is your essential 5-minute download of the week's biggest Hibiscus Coast news and updates. Don't miss a thing!Holiday Bus Shake-Up for Hibiscus Coast Commuters Read more → Where Has All the Anchor Trim Gone?Read more → Five Arrested After Gang Arsons Rock Ōrewa BusinessesRead more → The App Putting Hibiscus Coast in Every PocketRead more → Hibiscus Coast Beekeepers Asked to Watch Hornet HuntRead more → Never miss a beat again. Get instant alerts and local updates delivered straight to your pocket. Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for news, events, and essential community info, anytime, anywhere.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Summer is a wonderful time for walks, play, and sunny adventures with your dog, but it also comes with some important safety reminders. As the temperatures rise it’s important to remember hot weather can pose serious risks to your dog; they’re more vulnerable to heat than we humans are.Here’s some essential tips to ensure your dog stays safe when the mercury climbs:Always make sure your dog has access to shade and fresh water; refill their bowls often, make sure they cannot tip it over and add a few ice cubes for a fun cooling treat!Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car even for a minute; temperatures inside can rise dangerously fast, putting them at serious risk.Plan walks for early morning or evening and avoid the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.Be mindful of hot footpaths, roads and sand; before heading out, test the ground with your hand; if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for their paws.Adjust activity levels during the hot weather; opt for grassy or forest walks or play that involved water like swimming but always supervise your dog around water; don’t be afraid to let them rest.Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress; heavy panting, drooling or vomiting are all signals your dog needs a break in the shade with cool water; groom your dog regularly to remove excess fur.With a little planning and care, you and your dog can enjoy a happy safe summer together.A guide for dog ownersVisit the Auckland Council website for all the information you need about owning and looking after your dog in Auckland, including registering your dog, rules on public places, and tips for choosing a dog.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Police arrested five people within an hour after an aggravated burglary at a commercial premises in Albany on Friday.Police say that about 11.20am, five people entered a store on The Avenue and began taking items when an altercation broke out. The owner was assaulted and received minor injuries.The offenders fled in a vehicle but were located by Police near the intersection of Queen Street and Coatesville-Riverhead Highway. By 12pm, all five had been arrested.Four young men, aged 17, 18, 18 and 21, have been charged with shoplifting. A 21-year-old Manukau man has been charged with aggravated assault and shoplifting.The 17-year-old will be referred to Youth Aid. The other four are due to appear in the North Shore District Court on Monday.Police say further work has linked three of the offenders to a shoplifting incident at a commercial premises in Riverhead near the end of October. Two males have been charged, with a third person referred to Youth Aid.Waitematā East Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Caroline Miles said: “It’s a great feeling knowing the alleged offenders have been caught, especially in less than an hour.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]