A competition held by the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) during Youth Volunteer Week was a clean sweep for Auckland secondary schools, with students at KingsWay School collectively volunteering 408 hours.SVA Head of Collaboration, Georgia Gumbrell, says "Held in May each year, Youth Volunteer Week is an opportunity to showcase the incredible mahi our young people put in every day, and celebrate the diverse ways in which they choose to contribute to their communities.”Through the SVA Service Award - a programme designed to formally recognise the volunteering of intermediate and secondary school students across the country - SVA launched a competition in all 250 active schools to encourage participation in the initiative.Collectively, SVA volunteers logged over 9,000 hours during Youth Volunteer Week.Students at Epsom Girls Grammar contributed 845 hours; KingsWay 408 hours; and Rangitoto 312 hours.Students were awarded certificates by SVA in special assemblies in August.“It was fantastic to visit the winning schools and hear how they participated in the initiative,” said Georgia.Since its inception in 2019, the SVA Service Award has seen tens of thousands of students sign up and log over a million hours of volunteering.The five-level badge system celebrates the diverse acts of service students partake in, within their community, whānau or school.Students log hours in the SVA web app, building a Summary of Service to support applications for scholarships, leadership opportunities, tertiary education or employment.

Coasties, the Government has launched a new strategy to maximise the benefits of major events across New Zealand. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) aims to ensure future investments in these events will deliver significant economic and social outcomes.Kylie Green, MBIE’s Major Events Manager, highlighted the positive impact major events have had on the country. "Major and mega events have the power to create meaningful economic and social change in Aotearoa New Zealand," she said. She pointed to the success of events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the ITM Super 400, which have boosted both the economy and New Zealand’s global reputation.The new strategy sets a vision for New Zealand to be internationally recognised as a prime destination for major events, focusing on five key investment priorities: securing economic benefits, driving international exposure, building national pride, enhancing New Zealand’s reputation, and advancing government priorities.Three investment pathways are outlined in the strategy: funding events that deliver economic benefits, sports events that align with high-performance goals, and events that celebrate New Zealand’s identity and diversity.One example of the strategy in action is the ITM Taupo Super 400 event held in April. The Government invested $2 million from the Major Events Fund, resulting in a cost-benefit ratio of 1.14. The event drew over 3,000 international visitors, generating approximately $5.8 million in spending and significant international media coverage.The full strategy and additional details are available on the Major Events website, with eligibility and application information accessible from 1 September 2024.

Locals May See More Job Opportunities with New Government Plan.The Government has introduced a new Employment Action Plan aimed at helping Kiwis find work, ensuring the community leads happier, healthier, and more productive lives. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced the plan, emphasising the importance of a robust labour market in boosting the economy."Our economy is stronger when more people are in work, and a well-performing labour market is critical for giving New Zealanders more opportunity to realise their potential," Upston stated.The plan focuses on supporting those facing challenges in securing employment, aiming to improve labour market outcomes. It promises to streamline New Zealand’s welfare, employment, education, and immigration systems to better equip individuals with the skills needed to find and retain jobs.Key initiatives include helping people get into work quickly, reducing the negative impacts of job loss, and providing continuous opportunities for upskilling. The plan also aims to enhance employers’ access to skilled workers and assist students and employees in making informed decisions about their career development.The Employment Action Plan outlines 12 specific actions across various portfolios, including Social Development and Employment, Immigration, Education, and Regional Development. Upston highlighted that progress has already been made in several areas, such as updating the welfare system to better support job seekers, refreshing the education curriculum, and adjusting immigration settings to attract skilled migrants.The new plan replaces the previous government’s strategy, which had more than 200 actions spread across multiple agencies, making collaboration challenging. By consolidating these efforts, the government hopes to rebuild the economy and provide more opportunities in education and employment, creating a stronger foundation for New Zealanders' success.

Celebrate Father’s Day in style at the Hibiscus Coast RSA!The event will be at 43a Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, this Sunday, 1 September.The event is from 12 to 3 pm and is free entry.The entire family is encouraged to come.A lineup of activities and entertainment will be prepared for the whole family to enjoy.The Best Dad Dancer competition will be on, and your skills in karaoke, as well as your arm wrestling strength, will all be put to the test.Of course, there will also be a special prize for the best “Dad” joke.Alan Reeves helps to organise the event alongside the RSA.He has helped them prepare events over the last two years, including the Mother’s Day celebration.“Our biggest goal is getting more young people here.”“People think the RSA is just for old people who fought in the war, but we need more young people here. The RSA is not just that, it is a place for the whole community.”The RSA regularly hosts events such as line dancing, a children’s disco, and a Hoedown on weekends.The Father’s Day celebration also features a buffet at $30 per person.This is a separate cost to the event.

Builders and developers in the Hibiscus Coast can breathe a sigh of relief as the latest data shows that building costs have stabilised. According to the August QV CostBuilder update, the cost to build a home has seen only minor fluctuations, offering more certainty for those planning construction projects.The update applied around 12,700 of the latest material and labour prices to a comprehensive database of over 60,000 rates across major New Zealand cities, including Auckland and Wellington. This quarter, the average building cost per square metre for residential buildings increased by just 0.3%. This is consistent with the rate of increase reported in the February and May updates, signalling a period of stability after years of volatility since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.Simon Petersen, spokesperson for QV CostBuilder, described the findings as encouraging for those in the construction industry. "This is good news for anyone looking to build right now, as it will give them more confidence that the estimated cost of a project will indeed be in the same ballpark," Petersen stated.The report also noted a modest increase in the average building cost per square metre for non-residential buildings, which went up by 0.2% this quarter. This is a slight reduction from the previous quarterly growth rates of 0.3% in February and 0.4% in May.Despite these stable figures, Petersen warned of ongoing economic and geo-political uncertainties that could impact future construction costs. "There is still an abundance of economic and geo-political uncertainty that has the potential to impact construction costs moving forward," he said. Factors such as potential escalations in conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine could disrupt global supply chains.The report highlighted that the most significant price increase since May was in the cost of interior doors, which rose by 0.9% due to higher hardware rates. Sanitary plumbing costs also climbed by 0.5%, driven by a rise in copper pipework prices.Meanwhile, trade rates saw an average increase of 0.2%, with hardware and demolition costs up by 2.9% and 1.4% respectively. On the flip side, the cost of steel framing decreased by 5.7%, and suspended ceiling costs dropped by 4.5%, largely due to reductions in framing and panel rates.QV CostBuilder, a subscription-based platform by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value (QV), continues to be a vital resource for tracking building costs. The platform now offers quarterly updates in February, May, August, and November, with additional monthly updates.

An initial public engagement phase on the next Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) for Auckland will start later this year, expected to be in November.Following the Biosecurity Act, Parliament has vested rules and powers to coordinate pest management.The RPMP guides all our pest control programmes, identifying threats to our economy, natural biodiversity, health and cultural identity.​The RPMP will last for 10 years once commenced unless otherwise declared by Auckland Council the RPMP has achieved its objectives.While the current plan won’t lapse until 2030, Auckland Council’s rural advisory panel was told this month that the process could be lengthy, so the council was starting work early.Biosecurity principal advisor Dr Imogen Bassett said the upcoming engagement would target specific issues, with broader consultations taking place further down the line.This plan aims to minimise harm to a range of items, such as endangered species, water quality, human health, and Māori culture.The existing plan covers more than 300 pest (and pathogen) species.This includes mammals, reptiles, kauri dieback disease, wasps and marine pests.However, several new pests, such as freshwater gold clam have emerged since the current plan was drafted.Bassett said Auckland’s changing climate, and evolving community perspectives, were altering patterns of risk and social views on some existing pests.

Locals can expect a significant shift in how infrastructure projects are handled, with the Government announcing the launch of the National Infrastructure Agency (NIA) on 1 December. The NIA, set to replace Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP), aims to unlock more capital for infrastructure projects and enhance the Government’s private finance and commercial capabilities.The NIA will serve as the Crown’s main point of contact for private sector investment in infrastructure. It will facilitate partnerships between government agencies and private investors, administer central government infrastructure funds, and continue the work CIP has been doing.Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop emphasised the importance of this new agency, stating, "The NIA will help facilitate private capital into New Zealand’s infrastructure to help close our infrastructure gap faster."The NIA’s responsibilities will include partnering with local government on projects involving private finance, administering various government infrastructure funds, and providing expertise in complex procurement models. The agency will also focus on innovative funding tools such as tolling, value capture, and levies to ensure those benefiting from public infrastructure contribute to its costs.Infrastructure Minister Chris BishopTo support its mission, the NIA is expected to have around 60 staff by 2025, with an annual budget of approximately $26 million. This represents a 50% increase in staffing and a 44% increase in base operating funding compared to CIP’s current operations.The establishment of the NIA is part of a broader effort to streamline the Crown’s central infrastructure system, which will also see the Infrastructure Commission and Treasury take on clarified roles. These changes aim to eliminate inefficiencies and duplication within the public sector infrastructure system.Minister Bishop expressed confidence in the NIA’s ability to unlock more capital and improve infrastructure delivery across New Zealand. “I am confident that the NIA will unlock more capital and lift capability in the infrastructure system. Both are necessary to deliver the projects that New Zealand needs,” he said.

A popular e-scooter company will have to deactivate all its scooters in Auckland after its license was cancelled by Auckland Council for a serious compliance breach, which will be referred to police.Beam has been ordered to deactivate its scooters by 11.59pm on Tuesday, after information given to the council indicated Beam had been deploying numbers of e-scooters above the permitted limit and providing misleading data to conceal it from monitoring reports.Auckland Council allowed Beam to have up to 1400 scooters across Auckland, but found that was being exceeded by almost 40 percent."Limits on e-scooter numbers are in place for the safety of other road and footpath users and to minimise nuisance in and around our city," the council's manage of licensing and environmental health Mervyn Chetty said."It appears that Beam found a way to sidestep these requirements, which is very disappointing and has resulted in a loss of trust and confidence in the operator."The license was cancelled effective immediately, Chetty said, and Beam has been asked to deactivate all scooters one minute before midnight, with all the devices removed from Auckland streets by 5pm on Friday.The council had been provided with evidence of anomalies between the reported and actual number of e-scooters operating in Auckland and other Australiasian cities by a concerned person at the beginning of August."The evidence suggests that these anomalies were intentional, with Beam providing misleading data to Ride Report to appear compliant with cap limits," Chetty said."The council has since undertaken its own investigation including requesting further analysis by Ride Report, with resulting data received on 18 August consistent with the allegations and the council's own findings."Ride report indicated between 26 July 2023 and 15 August this year, Beam consistently exceeded their device allowance by almost 40 percent."We have not taken the decision to cancel Beam's licence lightly, however, once we had reason to believe there were clear breaches of the licence conditions, we were able to quickly verify the scale and seriousness of the changes to the data," Chetty said.There would be a drop in the number of e-scooters in Auckland following the removal, Chetty said, and the council was exploring options to mitigate the shortfall.Beam said the cancellation was disappointing and it had apologised to the council.It was working to appoint an independent auditor to examine the breach.The council confirmed the matter would be referred to police.

A man who has been freedom camping at the shut-down Gulf Harbour Country Club has caused concern and unease among residents.For much of the past year, with implicit approval from the site’s owner, Tim Stewart has been living on the site over the past year.Last week, Auckland Council compliance manager Adrian Wilson had been in touch with the owner, inquiring whether police would be allowed to issue a trespass notice to occupiers.That offer was declined.After the golf course closed, the abandoned clubhouse quickly attracted vandals and thieves.“At the start it was teenagers, but over time they became bolder – and older,” Stewart said.He assisted police with information about what he had seen.Stewart said as more thuggish behaviour started occurring, he worried about his safety and that of his 11-year-old daughter, who sometimes stayed over.At a recent public meeting called by advocacy group Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS) Stewart spoke to some people about those concerns, but came away unsatisfied.At the public meeting, KWGS’ legal adviser Chris Geyde said in relation to the freedom campers that residents “need to keep the pressure on police for the logical conclusion that there should be a prosecution.”“The freedom campers on the privately owned golf course land are the business of the golf course owner, council and police.KWGS remains focused on reinstating the golf course and protecting the green space,” Baldwin says.“We advise residents to stay away from the freedom camping site and report any issues to police.”

Coasties are being called upon to shape the future of Auckland’s coastline as the Council invites residents to share their vision for the region over the next century.Facing increasing challenges like flooding, erosion, and climate change, Auckland Council is developing Shoreline Adaptation Plans (SAPs) to manage coastal land and assets across 20 areas, spanning 3,200 kilometres from Te Arai to Whakatīwai.The Council is keen to hear from locals on how they use and value their coastal areas, ensuring future strategies align with community needs while addressing climate challenges.Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, stresses the importance of public participation, stating, “We need to make some smart long-term decisions on where we allocate our resources for our coast and our coastal communities.”The SAPs represent the Council’s first round of adaptive planning, focusing on four key strategies: No Active Intervention, Limited Interventions, Hold the Line, and Managed Realignment.These strategies aim to balance the need for protecting infrastructure with preserving natural shoreline environments.Auckland Council’s General Manager of Engineering, Assets, and Technical Advisory, Paul Klinac, underscores the significance of public input, highlighting the plans' intention to reflect the coast’s intrinsic value to both mana whenua and the local community.Coasties can participate by visiting the Council’s interactive regional map.The feedback collected will play a crucial role in refining the SAPs throughout 2024.

Kiwis media habits are beginning to settle after a period of rapid change, according to NZ On Air’s latest research. The report highlights that global media platforms, which have seen significant growth in recent years, are now showing signs of a slowdown, while local platforms appear to be stabilising.The Where Are The Audiences? study reveals that 64% of New Zealanders engage with global video-sharing platforms daily, while 60% still watch local TV, either through traditional linear channels or on demand. Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) services like Netflix now reach 56% of Kiwis daily, marking a slight decrease from last year. Additionally, 49% of locals stream music each day, while 46% tune into radio, including online broadcasts. Notably, podcast listening is on the rise, with 18% of New Zealanders now tuning in, particularly among those aged 15-39.Television remains the most engaging medium, with viewers spending over three and a half hours a day on average. SVOD viewers follow closely, with 2 hours and 40 minutes spent watching daily. Music streaming, online gaming, and global video platforms see users spending around two and a half hours each day. Interestingly, time spent listening to traditional radio has experienced a slight rebound after several years of decline.Age continues to play a significant role in media consumption patterns. Younger audiences, aged 15-39, are the most engaged with global video-sharing platforms, SVOD, and music streaming. In contrast, those aged 40-59 are most engaged with TV, global video platforms, and SVOD. The 60+ demographic primarily consumes TV and radio content.Allanah Kalafatelis, NZ On Air’s Head of Communications and Research, emphasised the importance of creating content tailored to specific audiences and ensuring it is easily discoverable across a variety of platforms. “In spite of the tough times our local media sector is experiencing, there is still a solid core local audience consuming media on local TV and radio, although younger New Zealanders are more likely to be on global platforms,” Kalafatelis said.The research, conducted by Glasshouse Consulting, surveyed 1,408 people aged over 15 years across the country from April 10 to May 13. Among other key findings, TVNZ 1 remains the most popular TV channel, while Netflix’s use has declined from 42% to 38%. YouTube leads as the most popular global video-sharing platform, and Instagram continues to grow, particularly among those aged 40-59.

Coasties are facing a growing health challenge, with obesity rates among Asian communities doubling over the past 20 years, according to a new report.The findings, detailed in the "Asian Health in Aotearoa" report, shed light on significant health issues affecting these groups.Commissioned by The Asian Network Incorporated, the report will be launched in Parliament on 27 August at 6 pm.Vishal Rishi, the director of The Asian Network Incorporated, described the report as the most comprehensive yet on Asian health in New Zealand."It sheds light on several critical issues that require urgent attention to improve health outcomes within our Asian communities," said Rishi.The report is based on 20 years of data from the New Zealand Health Survey and focuses on three ethnic communities: South Asian, Chinese, and Other Asian.The most striking finding was the rise in obesity among adults across these groups, jumping from 26% in 2002-03 to 53% in 2019-21.This surge in obesity rates took researchers by surprise, especially considering the traditionally healthier profiles of immigrant communities.Lead author Zhenqiang Wu of the University of Auckland noted, "Usually, because of 'the healthy migrant effect,' you'd expect these groups to have better health outcomes. But when it comes to obesity, the rates are significantly higher than for European and Other groups."The research also revealed that Asian adults, alongside Māori and Pacific adults, were less physically active and less likely to consume the recommended five-plus servings of fruit and vegetables daily.Additionally, the consumption of fast food more than once a week has risen since 2006-07 among these communities."This is concerning," said Professor Robert Scragg, a senior author of the report, "because obesity is linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes."Another critical issue highlighted in the report is the persistently high rates of ethnic discrimination, with Chinese adults being the most frequently targeted.According to the data, 41.2% of Chinese adults have experienced ethnically motivated verbal attacks, an increase from 27.3% in 2015-16.The report also found that all Asian groups, along with Māori and Pacific people, are more than twice as likely as European and Other groups to face discrimination when renting or buying a house due to their ethnicity.Despite these challenges, the report also identified some encouraging trends.Asian populations have lower rates of smoking and harmful alcohol use compared to other ethnic groups in New Zealand.However, access to healthcare remains an issue, particularly for newer immigrants, with Asian adults being less likely to have a usual health practitioner or visit a hospital when unwell.As the Asian population in New Zealand continues to grow, now making up 17% of the total population and projected to reach 26% by 2043, these findings underscore the need for more targeted research and healthcare strategies."We need to address the diverse health needs of these communities effectively," said Wu, stressing the importance of ongoing research and careful planning to improve health outcomes for New Zealand's growing Asian population.

Coasties, the Government is taking significant steps toward a greener future with a series of reforms aimed at accelerating New Zealand’s transition to renewable electricity. The initiative, announced by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simeon Brown, is a critical part of the Government’s strategy to power the nation with clean, renewable energy while enhancing economic growth and tackling climate change.The Government’s Electrify NZ plan seeks to simplify and reduce the costs associated with consenting, building, and maintaining renewable electricity generation, as well as improving the distribution and transmission infrastructure. According to Minister Brown, electrification will "supercharge our economy, tackle climate change, and strengthen our energy security."A 2022 study by Sapere for the Infrastructure Commission revealed that infrastructure developers in New Zealand spend approximately $1.29 billion annually on project consents, with costs rising by 70% since 2014. With over 40% of current renewable generation needing re-consenting in the next decade and demand expected to grow by over 40% by 2050, the Government argues that the current system is unsustainable for achieving climate and energy goals.To address these challenges, the Government’s plan includes the establishment of a one-stop-shop fast-track approvals regime, currently progressing through the Environment Select Committee. This regime is expected to expedite the consenting process for major renewable energy projects.In addition, the Government will introduce amendments to the Resource Management Act (RMA) aimed at reducing processing times for renewable energy consents to within one year. The amendments will also extend consent lapse periods to 10 years and default consent durations to 35 years.The Electrify NZ plan also outlines the development of stronger national directives for renewable energy and a new regime for offshore wind energy, expected to be in place by mid-2025. This new regime is designed to attract investments and prioritise developments that offer the greatest benefit to New Zealand.Updated regulatory settings for electricity networks and new connections are also on the agenda, with the Commerce Commission and Electricity Authority working to ensure the system can support the Government’s goal of supercharging EV infrastructure.These initiatives represent a significant shift in how New Zealand approaches energy infrastructure, with the Government committed to removing barriers to renewable energy development and ensuring a sustainable, electrified future for the country.

Locals are urged to remain vigilant after Police uncovered seven firearms at a Warkworth property on Sunday morning. A 50-year-old man is now facing multiple firearms-related charges following the discovery.Waitematā North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Roger Small, stated that Police responded to a report of a firearm at an address just after 9 am. "Armed Police conducted multiple door-knocks at the property, but the occupants were not at home," he said.During the search, officers observed two firearms in plain sight inside an old bus on the property. Upon further inspection, two additional firearms were found hidden under a makeshift bed inside the bus. Shortly after, the occupier of the house returned, and the 50-year-old man was immediately arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions.A comprehensive search of the property later revealed three more firearms and an undisclosed amount of cannabis. In total, seven rifles of varying calibres were seized.The arrested individual is scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court, facing ten counts of illegally possessing a firearm, restricted weapon, or explosives. He also faces charges related to cannabis possession."Police are very happy to have these firearms out of the hands of those who might use them recklessly in our community," said Senior Sergeant Small. The origins of the weapons are now under investigation, with authorities considering the possibility that some of the firearms may have been stolen.Anyone who has had firearms, particularly rifles, stolen is encouraged to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 240825/7107. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

Coasties may have noticed significant activity on Duck Creek Road, as Auckland Transport (AT) embarks on essential repairs to secure this vital access route during the construction of Penlink, the new 7km highway linking Whangaparaoa Road and State Highway 1.Duck Creek Road, the only connection to Stillwater, is currently accommodating increased traffic, including heavy haulage vehicles associated with the Penlink build.Normally serving around 2,000 vehicles daily, the road has been under pressure since it experienced an under-slip on its northern side during the severe weather events of 2023.Alan Wallace, General Manager of Road Asset Maintenance and Renewals at AT, explained the urgency of the repairs: "The road began to slump due to the increased traffic, so a decision was made to fix it promptly to ensure safe access for residents and visitors. The urgency of this project is paramount, as further slips could sever community access and disrupt material and machinery supply for the Penlink project."To stabilise the road, AT is constructing three retaining walls—two on the northern side, measuring 16 metres and 86 metres wide, and one on the southern embankment side, which is 95 metres long.The repairs also include pavement, drainage works, footpaths, and driveways.Currently, Duck Creek Road remains open but has been reduced to one lane through the construction area.Wallace also highlighted the challenges faced during the repairs, especially in accommodating heavy haulage traffic for the O Mahurangi Penlink Alliance."This has been managed well so far, with short full road closures where necessary and the installation of safety barriers to protect the public and workers. We're also collaborating with Vector to protect or relocate their assets compromised by slips."Repairs on Duck Creek Road began at the end of June and are expected to take seven months to complete.So far, 60 per cent of the timber poles for the southern retaining wall have been installed, along with significant earthworks.The storm events of 2023 caused over 2,000 slips and other road issues across Auckland, with repairs projected to take 2 to 3 years and cost $390 million.

Coasties will soon see more of New Zealand’s green-lipped mussels in their pets’ food bowls. Mars Petcare, the world’s largest pet nutrition company, is increasing its use of this native marine resource in its pet food products to support canine joint health.Canine osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects up to 20% of dogs over one year of age, with the condition becoming more prevalent in older and overweight dogs. This chronic condition can cause pain and limit mobility, impacting up to 80% of dogs aged eight years or more.The green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), native to New Zealand, plays a crucial role in this new development. This mussel species, a key export generating $336 million annually, is known for its beneficial effects on joint health. Research conducted at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in the UK over 25 years ago identified its potential to promote cartilage regeneration and reduce joint inflammation in dogs.Mars Petcare has been incorporating green-lipped mussel extract into its Advance brand pet food, initially launched in Australia. Due to rapid sales growth, Mars is now expanding this line to New Zealand, with production volumes increasing to meet demand.Dr Fiona Patterson, a veterinarian at Mars Pet Nutrition, highlighted that while there is no cure for osteoarthritis, managing its symptoms is essential. "Advance pet food diets containing green-lipped mussel powder are clinically proven to support joint health in dogs," Dr Patterson stated.Mark Vette, a dog behaviourist from Dog Zen, emphasised the importance of diet not just for physical health but for overall well-being. "A good diet supports a dog’s mood and behaviour, impacting their overall quality of life. Osteoarthritis can exacerbate stress and affect mood, making proper nutrition crucial."As dogs live longer, reaching up to 17 years, research into their nutritional needs continues to grow. Fortified pet foods, like those from Advance, provide essential nutrients that support not only joint health but overall wellness, contributing to a happier and healthier life for our canine companions.

Coasties may find a silver lining in the latest Auckland Business Chamber confidence survey, which presents a mixed picture of the local economic landscape.Despite ongoing challenges, early indications suggest a cautious but growing optimism among businesses.The survey shows that 66% of businesses currently report negative confidence, a slight rise from 65% in May.This reflects continued concerns about the business environment. However, there is notable improvement in economic performance expectations.Now, 43% of businesses anticipate better economic conditions in the next year, up significantly from 29% in May.Business performance remains a concern, with 56% of businesses indicating they are not meeting their expectations, an increase from 49% previously.Revenue challenges persist as well, with 59% of businesses reporting lower revenues compared to last year, up from 55% in May.Despite this, the outlook for revenue shows some improvement, with a decrease in the percentage expecting revenue to decline or stay flat over the coming year.On the cost front, 72% of businesses expect rising expenses in the next 12 months, down from 77% in May.Additionally, 60% of businesses have raised or plan to raise their prices, a decrease from 64% in May.The top concerns among businesses include consumer confidence and demand, with 65% noting this issue, up from 63% in May.Inflationary pressures and interest rates are less of a worry now, with 43% expressing concerns, down from 62%.Productivity and growth challenges are noted by 41% of businesses, an increase from 37%, while 37% are concerned about cash flow, up from 36%.Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, commented on the findings: “Business confidence remains under pressure, with 66% of businesses reporting a negative outlook. However, there are positive signs amid the cautious sentiment—especially in economic performance expectations, which have seen a sharp increase from 29% in May to 43% now. Additionally, concerns over inflationary pressure and interest rates have decreased significantly from 62% in May to 43% now.”Despite facing revenue pressures and underperformance, the reduction in cost and inflation concerns suggests a gradual adaptation to the economic climate.Businesses are showing signs of resilience, indicating that the worst might be behind them.

Coasties are gearing up for a thrilling season as rising tennis star Lulu Sun makes her return to the ASB Classic, stepping onto Auckland’s courts as the first marquee player announced for the 2025 tournament.The ASB Classic, a highlight on the tennis calendar, is set to serve up action from December 30, 2024, to January 11, 2025.The women’s tournament will run from December 30 to January 5, with the men’s competition following from January 6 to 11.Fans can secure their tickets starting next week, with The Classic Club pre-sale opening on Monday and general sales starting on Friday, August 30.Sun, 23, has made a stunning leap in the world rankings, reaching a career-high 53rd position.This remarkable rise is the highest for a New Zealand player since Marina Erakovic, and follows an impressive run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals where she knocked out notable opponents like Emma Raducanu and Qinwen Zheng.ASB Classic Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin praised Sun’s achievements, noting, “Lulu’s ascent has been nothing short of spectacular. It’s been a while since we’ve had a New Zealand player to spotlight in singles, and Lulu is a true standout.”ASB, the event’s sponsor, echoed this sentiment.“We’re thrilled to see a Kiwi player like Lulu climb the rankings so impressively. We’re looking forward to a fantastic ASB Classic with her and other top global players,” said Mark Graham, Executive Manager of Commercial Partnerships.Sun is eager to return to her home crowd, stating, “Playing in Auckland is incredibly special. I’m excited to experience the energy of the ASB Classic again and to perform in front of New Zealand fans.”The ASB Classic will also feature ‘The Serve’, showcasing local entertainment, food, and beverages.The Classic Club offers exclusive benefits and is free to join.For more information and to secure tickets, visit the ASB Classic website.

New Zealanders unite on the last Friday of August for Daffodil Day, a poignant fundraising event supporting cancer research and patient services.The Cancer Society of New Zealand organises the annual campaign, symbolised by the resilient daffodil flower, which has raised vital funds for over a decade.The charity has invested over $50 million in cancer research in the past ten years, improving outcomes for the 27,000 Kiwis diagnosed with cancer annually.Community support on Daffodil Day brings hope to those affected by cancer, with 1 in 3 New Zealanders facing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.