Good news for Coast families with teens eyeing uni.Auckland’s top university has climbed even higher in the global rankings, landing at #65 in the world.In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, four of New Zealand’s eight universities moved up the list, and all eight sit within the top 30 percent of more than 1,500 institutions worldwide.The University of Otago also made a strong return to the top 200 at #197.Massey University ranked at #230, Victoria University of Wellington at #241, University of Canterbury at #261, University of Waikato at #282, Lincoln University at #407, and AUT at #410.Globally, the top three were MIT (USA), Imperial College London (UK), and Stanford University (USA).In our region, the University of Melbourne placed at #19, while the National University of Singapore came in at #8.The rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation, graduate employment outcomes, faculty-student ratio, international research strength, and sustainability.QS Vice President Ben Sowter called New Zealand one of the few places in the world where every university is in the global top 500.He said the results reflect the work of outstanding staff and students across the country.For families on the Hibiscus Coast, this reinforces that high-quality study options are available right here at home, without the cost or stress of heading overseas.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Hibiscus Coast Fire Risk WarningRead moreSilverdale Rugby Club Seeks Board MembersRead moreBig Cheers for Coastie VolunteersRead moreWho Will Stand for Council?Read morePenlink Slip Delays Early OpeningRead moreStay Connected, Stay Informed. Get the latest updates, stories, and events from around the Hibiscus Coast. All the time.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.

China Eastern Airlines has announced a major new international route set to take off this December—linking Shanghai, Auckland and Buenos Aires in a first-of-its-kind connection across the Pacific.From December 2025, the airline will add two weekly flights from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, with Auckland as the transit point.This new link is in addition to China Eastern’s existing daily Shanghai–Auckland service, plus flights from Hangzhou direct to Auckland and via Sydney.For locals on the Hibiscus Coast who love to travel, or have roots in China or South America, this news opens exciting new options.It's also the first time in years that New Zealand will be directly connected to Argentina by air.“This enhances not just travel, but also trade, education and tourism links between three continents,” said Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui.She noted the new route gives South American Kiwis, around 40,000 live here, a fresh and efficient way to connect with home.China Eastern has flown to Auckland since 2014, and during that time has grown into the airline with the most flights between New Zealand and China.Auckland Airport has recently upgraded its transit area, including a big boost in space and new security tech, making transfers faster and smoother.Good news for Coasties keen to take the long way round the world.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Toyota has once again taken the top spot in New Zealand’s most trusted corporate reputation rankings.The 2025 Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, which benchmarks the public perception of the country’s top 50 corporates, reveals a tightening at the top. Only a few brands are now standing out with truly strong reputations, giving them a competitive edge.Pak’nSave landed at number two, followed by Air New Zealand, TVNZ, and Lotto NZ. The rest of the top ten includes AA Insurance, New World, Samsung, Auckland Airport, and Kiwibank.Established in 2015, the Index uses a globally recognised framework to assess trust (35%), leadership (25%), fairness (23%), and responsibility (16%). Trust continues to be the strongest driver of corporate reputation in New Zealand.The Index is considered the gold standard for measuring public trust and brand strength and is closely watched by business leaders and media alike.For Coasties, it’s a good reminder of the local impact of these national names, many of which have a strong presence on the Hibiscus Coast through retail stores, services, or partnerships. Brands like Pak’nSave, New World, and Lotto NZ are part of daily life here, and seeing them rank so highly reflects the connection many locals feel.As reputation becomes harder to earn, those who get it right are clearly doing something special.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New clues found in brain tissue by Auckland and Sydney researchers could soon help doctors tell Parkinson’s disease apart from multiple system atrophy (MSA) much earlier and far more accurately.Dr Victor Dieriks and Dr James Wiseman from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research, alongside Professor Glenda Halliday from the University of Sydney, discovered distinct differences in a protein called α-synuclein, found in both diseases. Scientists at the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research Dr James Wiseman (left) and Dr Victor Dieriks.They noticed it clumps differently and in much higher levels in MSA than in Parkinson’s.This is significant because both conditions share early symptoms and are often misdiagnosed. “When misdiagnosed, patients with MSA are often given Parkinson’s drugs that don’t help and can even make things worse,” says Dieriks.Currently, diagnosis is based only on symptoms. But this new finding could lead to a non-invasive test, such as a nasal swab or urine sample, that picks up the disease long before symptoms appear.Parkinson’s and MSA affect people on the Hibiscus Coast just like anywhere else, but it’s often a long road to diagnosis. A test like this could mean quicker answers and better treatment options for our local families.MSA is rare but fast-moving. “It can turn active, independent people into full-time care patients in just a few years,” Dieriks says. Parkinson’s, by contrast, usually progresses slowly over decades.Now, there’s hope for faster answers and better futures.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

It’s a question locals often ask: how many of those new housing consents actually turn into homes?In Auckland’s case, the answer is most of them.New data from Auckland Council shows more than 90% of consented homes are being built, with most construction starting within six months.That’s a promising figure, especially as Auckland continues to tackle its housing shortfall.Gary Blick, Chief Economist at Auckland Council, says the shift is clear.Since the Auckland Unitary Plan took effect in late 2016, nearly 100,000 homes have been completed, with a strong trend toward townhouses and apartments in central locations.“The number of homes completed jumped from 10,200 in 2018 to a record 18,100 in 2023,” Blick says.Another 17,200 were added in 2024, with thousands more in the pipeline, 13,800 under construction and 6,400 consented but yet to begin.While some demolitions make way for more intensive housing, around 89% of these new builds are net additions to Auckland’s housing stock.That means more homes where people actually want to live, close to jobs, schools, shops, and transport.For Coasties who work or travel into the city, this matters.A better-supplied Auckland means less pressure on prices, and more chances for family or friends to find homes closer to where they need to be.It’s one of the clearest signs yet that planning changes are making a real difference.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Four of New Zealand's eight universities have improved their standing in one of the major international university league tables.The QS World University Ranking ranked more than 1500 institutions in 106 countries based on measures including a survey of academic reputation, staff to student ratios and citations of lecturers' research.The University of Auckland was New Zealand's highest-ranked institution in 65th place, with the other seven universities ranked between 197 and 410.Otago, Massey, Victoria and AUT improved their rankings with Otago returning to the top 200 for the first time since 2022.Considered as a university system, New Zealand's universities performed well, the ranking said."Among countries and territories with at least eight institutions featured in this year's rankings, New Zealand's overall average score of 51 puts the country fifth in the world for the overall quality of its higher education," it said.Only Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland had better-performing university systems.The ranking placed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) first for the 14th consecutive year followed by Imperial College London and Stanford University.Other ranking systems last year placed New Zealand universities lower in their league tables.In the THE ranking they ranged from 152nd to a band of 501-600th place, while in the Academic Ranking of World Universities they ranged from a top placing in the 201-300 band to a bottom placing of 801-900.

Looking for plans?Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Bella Mae BrownFri, 20 JuneMore detailsMillwater parkrunSat, 21 JuneMore detailsHoedown at the RanchSun, 22 JuneMore detailsWant to see more events? Explore what’s happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here

Heads up if you're driving late next week. State Highway 1 will be closed in both directions across two nights between Silverdale and Warkworth.On Monday 23 June, there will be a full northbound closure from the Silverdale interchange to the Orewa interchange between 9pm and 5am.The following ramps will also be closed:Silverdale northbound on-rampOrewa northbound off-rampRecommended detour: Use the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to reach the Orewa interchange.Noise warning: Crews will be resurfacing the road and trimming vegetation, so increased noise is expected.On Tuesday 24 June, SH1 will be closed southbound from Warkworth to the Silverdale interchange between 9pm and 5am.Ramp closures include:Warkworth roundabout southbound on-rampPuhoi southbound on-rampOrewa southbound off-rampOrewa southbound on-rampMillwater southbound on-rampSilverdale southbound off-rampRecommended detour: Use Old State Highway 1 and Hibiscus Coast Highway.Heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes cannot use Grand Drive during this closure. They will need to exit at Pohuehue Road in Warkworth and follow Old SH1 to Twin Coast Discovery Highway.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Aotearoa is celebrating Matariki for the fourth time since it was officially made a public holiday, with a particular focus on the star Puanga.The theme for this years holiday is Matariki mā Puanga - which highlights the star Puanga or Rigel - an important star in the astronomical traditions of many iwi especially in the western half of New Zealand, in areas such as Taranaki, Whanganui and parts of Northland.In late autumn and early winter Puanga can be seen in the eastern night sky.To find Puanga look to the eastern horizon above the three stars of Tautoru or Orion's Belt.The national Matariki ceremony is being hosted this year by Ngāti Rangi, at Tirorangi Marae at the base of Ruapehu.The Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po will be in attendance at Tirorangi alongside other dignitaries including Ministers Paul Goldsmith and Tama Potaka.Mixed forecast for star-gazingBoth the Matariki star cluster and Puanga will be visible low on the eastern horizon just before the rising of the sun.According to NIWA's 2025 Matariki cloud cover forecast, the best viewing likely on Friday and Saturday in many areas.NIWA meteorologist and forecaster Chris Brandolino said eastern regions, such as Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa and the lower North Island, along with parts of the upper and eastern South Island, can expect clearer skies this weekend to observe Matariki.

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 20/6A mix of sun and cloud. Fairly breezy Westerly winds.High: 17Low: 10Saturday, 21/6A mix of sun and cloud. Light South to Sou'West winds.High: 16Low: 6Sunday, 22/6Mainly sunny. Breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 15Low: 10Monday, 23/6Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 16Low: 8Looking 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!

Locals hoping for early access to parts of Penlink will need to wait a bit longer. A major slip at the project’s largest earthworks site has forced NZTA to delay early openings planned near Stillwater and Ara Wēiti.Cracks first appeared back in December, and after months of geotechnical testing, it was confirmed that the land beneath the surface was weaker than expected. Emergency works were declared in March to reduce the risk of further movement or damage to nearby property.NZTA has now confirmed that instead of a staged opening, the entire corridor will open in one go—still currently on track for 2028.“This will be disappointing for residents who hoped to access SH1 earlier,” says Regional Manager Stephen Collett. “But it also means the full benefits will be felt from day one.”Meanwhile, work continues in other areas:Beams and decks are in place at key overbridgesSH1 ramps are taking shapeMajor progress has been made at Duck Creek and the Wēiti River bridgeLandscaping has startedOver 600,000 cubic metres of earth has been shifted—equivalent to 250 Olympic poolsWhile the delay affects some Coasties’ timelines, the long-term outcome remains the same: a safer, more resilient connection from the Hibiscus Coast to central Auckland. Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you picked up a baby bodysuit from The Warehouse this month, it’s worth double-checking your purchase.A product recall has been issued for the Young Originals Baby's Cosy Inner Henley Bodysuit, sold between 4 and 13 June 2025. The issue? These garments are missing a crucial fire hazard warning label that’s required under New Zealand’s safety standard for children’s daywear.That means the bodysuit doesn’t meet the mandatory safety regulations designed to help parents make informed choices about clothing for young children.While there haven’t been any reports of injuries, the absence of the label means it’s not clear how the fabric will behave near heat or flame, a detail that matters when safety’s involved.If you’ve got one at home, The Warehouse is asking you to return it to any store for a full refund.It’s a good reminder for all Coastie parents and gift-buyers to keep an eye out for fire safety labels, especially when buying clothes for little ones.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Nominations for Auckland Council’s local elections open on Friday 4 July, and with just weeks to go, only a few candidates have confirmed they’re standing.There are 171 positions to be filled across the region, including local board members, ward councillors, and one mayor. But if there aren’t enough candidates, it could trigger costly by-elections in 2026.For locals thinking about running, now’s the time to act. Fewer candidates could mean a smoother path to election. In some areas, like Rodney, if only one person stands for a single-seat ward, they’ll be elected unopposed.And here’s something many people don’t realise: you can stand in any area, not just where you live. You’ll need two nominators who are enrolled to vote in that ward.Auckland Council’s Lou-Ann Ballantyne says candidates should get ready now: “Think about your candidate statement, your social media profiles, your community connections, and the issues that matter in your area.”If no one stands in a particular ward or board by the midday 1 August deadline, an extraordinary vacancy will be declared, and a by-election will be held in March 2026. The cost? It could range from thousands to millions, depending on the position.To learn more or start your nomination, visit: voteauckland.co.nz/beacandidateKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has handed back the Victoria Park New World to its owners, more than 24 hours after the fire began.Incident Controller Phil Larcombe confirmed that fire crews have now left the site.“This was a challenging fire, because it was initially too dangerous to fight the fire from inside the building,” he said.At the height of the response, there were 23 trucks, 80 firefighters, and support personnel involved.“We were very relieved that all people in the supermarket were able to get out quickly and safely yesterday,” Larcombe said.He thanked the firefighters, commanders, operational support, and partner agencies including Police, Hato Hone St John, Auckland Emergency Management, and the building’s owners.He also reminded other businesses to make sure their fire evacuation schemes are up to date and meet requirements.The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Transport’s expanded bikes-in-buses trial is rolling out from July.Fifteen double-decker buses on the Northern Express (NX1) route will now include interior bike racks, finally giving cyclists a legal, safe way to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge using public transport.The initiative follows a successful pilot in November 2024 and could soon reshape how people commute to Auckland CBD.From Albany or Constellation Drive bus stations, it’s now possible to bring your bike on board and finish your journey in town.You’ll be able to spot the upgraded buses by a green bike icon on the front and side.Plus, the AT Mobile App will show if a bus has a bike rack, so you’re not left guessing.The racks are a sleek, flip-down design with secure restraints.They’re being rolled out in May and June, and AT expects about 250 bike spaces will be available daily once all 15 buses are in service.The trial runs until July 2026, and AT is keen for feedback through an online survey.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A crash on State Highway 1 has blocked the right southbound lane just north of Lonely Track Road as of 10:45am today.Two cars collided around 10:10am between the Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road offramps. One of the vehicles is badly damaged, but thankfully, there are no reports of injury.Emergency services are on-site and directing traffic through the area. Motorists are being asked to expect delays and pass with care.Police are urging drivers to be patient, with long queues building in both directions.Real-Time TrafficWe’ll keep you posted with updates as soon as they come through.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Police are calling on the public to help locate 17-year-old Mya, who has been reported missing from the North Shore area.She was last seen around 1.45am on Monday, 17 June, in the Takapuna area.Officers are working closely with Mya’s family and carrying out searches across several spots she’s known to visit, including Hauraki, Red Beach, and Manly.There are serious concerns for Mya’s wellbeing, and finding her is now Police’s top priority.If you’ve seen Mya or have any information about where she might be, please call 111 immediately.Alternatively, you can update Police online or phone 105 and quote file number 250617/6276.This is a worrying time for Mya’s loved ones, and anyone on the Hibiscus Coast who can help, even with a small detail, is urged to reach out.Let’s keep an eye out, Coasties.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

While some of us are enjoying fish and chips on a Friday night, a quiet crew of volunteers is working behind the scenes to make sure our kids and grandkids can do the same.This National Volunteer Week (15–21 June), it’s time to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our coastlines: honorary fishery officers, or HFOs.These local legends support Fisheries New Zealand by donating at least 100 hours a year to help protect our shared fisheries. They’re not just patrolling beaches and boat ramps—they’re educating fishers, answering questions, and stepping in when something doesn’t look right.One example was a tip-off from a Manukau HFO about people illegally taking cockles from a closed beach. That single call led to the recovery of more than 1,300 cockles. In another case, 1,442 oysters were found in a car boot thanks to vigilant HFOs in Kawakawa Bay.There are around 180 of these volunteers across the country, including right here near the Hibiscus Coast, helping keep our local fishing spots sustainable. With 11,000 to 14,000 inspections carried out annually, it’s safe to say they’re making an impact.If you spot someone in uniform checking buckets or chatting with fishers this week, give them a nod—or a thank you. If you have questions about becoming an HFO, email [email protected] something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.