Locals are set to benefit from an expanded range of medicines, thanks to a significant funding increase for Pharmac, New Zealand's medicine funding agency. Associate Health Minister David Seymour highlighted the progress made possible by the Government's record-breaking $6.294 billion Pharmac budget, allocated over four years.When the current Government assumed office, Pharmac faced a $1.7 billion funding shortfall, limiting its capacity to increase access to essential treatments. Mr Seymour explained that addressing this funding gap became a priority, enabling Pharmac to negotiate better deals and increase the availability of life-saving medicines.As of December 2nd, the funding uplift is bringing tangible results.Lenvatinib, used for treating thyroid, liver, and kidney cancers, is now accessible to an estimated 112 patients. Additionally, empagliflozin, a medication for chronic heart failure, will support around 18,000 patients, with this figure expected to rise to 33,000 annually after five years.Pharmac has also funded low-sensitivity urine test kits, allowing approximately 9,300 women to confirm the effectiveness of abortions at home, avoiding the need for blood tests. For individuals with ADHD, Lisdexamfetamine is now available as a new once-daily treatment option, easing pressure on the supply of other ADHD medications.Earlier this year, Mr Seymour called for Pharmac to strengthen its processes for involving patients, carers, and families in medicine funding decisions. “We want to build a world-class health system, and that requires access to world-class medicines,” he stated.Pharmac operates independently, setting its priorities within the Government's allocated budget. Further details on the newly funded medicines can be found on Pharmac’s website.

Deaths by drowning are on track to be the lowest since 2018, but advocates are still urging people to stay vigilant around the water.Water Safety New Zealand numbers show there have been 61 drownings so far in 2024.That is 17 fewer than last year, and 22 fewer than the 10-year average.Chief executive Daniel Gerrard said the reduction was something to celebrate, but the numbers were expected to increase before the year is over."It is down 26 percent year to date, based on the 10 year average, but the predictive modelling is still saying there's likely to be 70 fatalities in total for the year. So we're still looking at potentially a fatality, one every three days [until the end of the year]."Gerrard said people needed to remain vigilant and keep safety at front of mind when heading out to beaches and rivers this summer.The drop in drowning deaths shows the impact of good messaging and education, he said, leading to actions like keeping small kids close and choosing safe places to swim."If you're not a particularly good swimmer, going for a swimmer at Piha beach is perhaps the not the best choice. And it's things like that we're starting to see more and more."Gerrard said the efforts put into education and water skills training for children had also made a difference, with drownings in under 24 year olds at record lows."We're giving more education opportunities to our little people, so little New Zealanders have more skills and knowledge than they ever have," he said."We've been spending - and I'm talking about the entire water safety community - has really been focusing on providing skills and knowledge to young New Zealanders. What that's now translating to is those primary school aged kids are much safer, and the numbers are representing that."The drowning statistics still show the same trouble areas, however, with men making up the majority of drownings, and many happening at un-patrolled beaches, or involving alcohol."This is a male problem in New Zealand - 85 percent of the fatalities are male. It's still around going to the beach and getting in trouble in some of those environments - and often they are un-patrolled beaches."He encouraged New Zealanders to make smarter swimming decisions this summer, like going to a patrolled beach, and said people should stay out of the water if they were not sure it was safe.

Hibiscus Coast residents with an interest in technology and education may be intrigued by a new study from the University of Auckland.Researchers are investigating the role of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in enhancing learning experiences for university students.The study explores how these digital assistants can provide personalised guidance while helping teachers manage workloads.The research team, led by Shahper Richter, Guy Bate, Shohil Kishore, Inna Piven, and Patrick Dodd, has developed two AI chatbots—John and Jack—designed with distinct interaction styles.John takes on a warm and supportive role, offering empathetic feedback and encouragement. In contrast, Jack adopts a formal, efficient approach, delivering concise and precise responses.Feedback from students revealed varied preferences.Those from engineering disciplines often favoured Jack’s professional style, appreciating his ability to highlight areas for improvement clearly.One engineering student remarked:"Jack felt like someone I could take more seriously. He also pointed out a few additional things that John hadn’t when asked the same question."Other students preferred John’s friendly, approachable tone, particularly when tackling challenging subjects. One participant noted:"John’s encouraging feedback made me feel more comfortable exploring difficult topics."The study also highlighted some challenges.Students reported that both chatbots occasionally gave generic answers that lacked depth.Others raised concerns about the potential for over-reliance on AI, which could hinder critical thinking skills.Privacy and data security also emerged as significant issues, with students expressing unease about how their interactions were stored and used.To address these challenges, researchers propose customisable chatbot personas that cater to diverse learning styles.They stress that AI tools should complement, not replace, human educators.Enhancements in context understanding and more robust privacy policies are also recommended to improve the effectiveness and ethical use of AI in classrooms.The research team plans to expand their study to include a broader range of students and courses, aiming to refine AI tools further.By tailoring chatbots to meet varied needs and ensuring ethical implementation, universities hope to create a balanced partnership between human teachers and AI, fostering more effective and personalised learning experiences.

As the holiday season arrives, the Hibiscus Coast is alive with the spirit of Christmas, and local businesses are leading the charge in spreading cheer throughout the community.From heartwarming messages to festive events, this time of year brings a sense of togetherness and joy to the region.One of the most memorable moments so far was the Orewa Santa Parade, where the community gathered to celebrate the season.This year, it was Harold the Giraffe who stole the show, much to the delight of spectators.While Santa may have been outshone this time, he’ll have his turn at Christmas!Local business owner Jürgen Kolb from Hibiscus JetSki Hire was thrilled by the parade’s festive atmosphere, marking the beginning of a season filled with celebration and local pride.Several businesses have shared heartfelt holiday greetings, expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received throughout the year.Acorn Stairlifts New Zealand extended their warm wishes to the community, wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season, with the promise of continued support in 2025.Cato Bolam also took a moment to thank their customers for their support in 2024, looking forward to working together again in the New Year.Just Bliss Beauty joined in the festive cheer, sending their clients best wishes for a joyful and safe Christmas.Happy Hearts ELC in Red Beach shared their gratitude with parents and caregivers across the Hibiscus Coast, saying, "We so appreciate your support of our family-owned centre and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."The team at Whangaparaoa Dental Centre expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the community, sending Merry Christmas wishes and a promise to brighten even more smiles in the year ahead.Additionally, we would like to send our best wishes to Michelle McAteer-Ross from Barfoot & Thompson for a speedy recovery, along with warm holiday greetings for a joyful and restful Christmas season.As we enter the bustling Christmas period, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the importance of supporting local businesses.The Hibiscus Coast App is a fantastic resource for staying connected with businesses in the area, keeping the community informed of festive events, special offers, and more.Let’s continue to support one another this Christmas and beyond.Stay connected with the community this holiday season by checking the Hibiscus Coast App for the latest updates and events.Plus, discover how we can Supercharge Your Visibility! Our strategic local ads drive traffic to your business, ensuring you stand out and reach more customers.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Hibiscus Coast App has unveiled its new Go-To Coast Expert section, providing locals with direct access to expert advice across a variety of fields.The section, which launched today, is designed to connect the community with professionals specialising in money, law, accounting, insurance, property, and health and wellbeing.The initiative allows local experts to showcase their skills and insights while positioning themselves as leaders in their respective industries.By offering clear and reliable information, these professionals aim to support locals in making well-informed decisions about their everyday challenges and opportunities.Experts featured in the section are defined as individuals with deep knowledge and significant experience in their fields, gained through education, training, and practical application.Recognised for their problem-solving capabilities and ongoing commitment to learning, they are equipped to deliver advice that exceeds the capabilities of a lay person.This concept has already seen success on similar hyper-local apps across the country, where it has helped professionals establish themselves as trusted voices in their communities.The addition of this section to the Hibiscus Coast App is expected to further strengthen connections between locals and the skilled professionals they rely on.The launch underscores the app’s dedication to supporting local businesses and residents by creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and accessible expertise.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Consumer confidence highest since 2021Pessimists and optimists almost level peggingFalling interest rates and slower inflation offset employment fearsBut still not a good time to buy big ticket itemConsumer confidence has hit its best level in three years as the number of pessimists and optimists almost matched.The ANZ-Roy Morgan survey showed a nine-point rise in November to 99.8, fractionally pessimistic.However, the latest survey showed fewer consumers reported being worse off financially than a year ago, and more were upbeat about their current and future outlook.ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner said conditions were looking up."Both firms and households are reporting in aggregate that things are already a little bit less bad here and now."Potential drivers include interest rate relief, a turn higher in the housing market, and easing inflation - though households are going to take some convincing on that front, with inflation expectations at 4 percent."A net 12 percent of respondents said they were worse off financially than a year ago, a drop of 10 points from October, with a net 22 percent expecting to better off next year, an eight-point rise.Pessimism about the near term economic outlook fell, and optimism about longer term prospects improved.Respondents remained less inclined to buy a big ticket item.Zollner said Wellington was the most pessimistic region in the survey as public sector job losses weighed, and also had lower expectations of rises in house prices."It's still very tough out there for many ... but the dial is starting to shift."

In its first week, New Zealand's new Red Tape tipline has already received over 300 submissions, as frustrated locals raise concerns about unnecessary regulations.Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomed the response, saying it highlights a widespread dissatisfaction with bureaucratic barriers across various sectors.“Red tape wastes time, money, and energy. It’s clear that people are fed up with the delays and complications caused by excessive regulation,” said Seymour.The majority of reports so far have come from the building and construction sector, with many workers citing difficulties with slow or convoluted consenting processes.Minister of Regulation, David SeymourTraffic management has also been a significant source of complaints, with reports describing the widespread use of road cones as contributing to frustrating detours and delays.The Ministry for Regulation’s review team is currently triaging the reports, prioritising them for further investigation.Seymour explained that the feedback will not only help identify regulations that need to be removed, but will also inform future reviews of existing legislation.“Some issues are more complex than others, and addressing them will take time,” he added.“But the goal is to restore New Zealand’s ‘can do’ attitude and make it easier for people to work, save, and invest.”The tipline will continue to accept submissions, as Seymour urges more locals to report their red tape issues.He emphasised that the goal is to create a more streamlined regulatory environment that supports productivity and reduces unnecessary obstacles.For those who wish to report their own red tape challenges, the tipline is open for further submissions.

Locals will be pleased to learn about new government initiatives designed to provide additional support for students struggling with reading and maths.The expanded programmes aim to help more children achieve their academic potential across the country, including those in the Hibiscus Coast.Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the expansion, emphasising the importance of early intervention for young learners.“We are relentlessly focused on giving more Kiwi kids confidence at school so they can achieve their potential. Due to high demand, we’re expanding literacy and maths intervention support so more students who need help, get it,” she said.Education Minister Erica Stanford.Earlier this year, $33 million was redirected from Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support to structured literacy approaches, benefiting 770 schools nationwide.Beginning in Term 1 next year, an additional 200 schools will gain access to a trained structured literacy teacher to assist Years 0-2 students requiring extra support.The Government has reprioritised $5 million to ensure the programme meets growing demand.In addition, the Government is expanding a targeted maths acceleration trial for Year 7 and 8 students.The 12-week programme, which includes small group tutoring and supervised online tuition sessions, will now assist 3000 students—an increase of 1000 from its original scope.Students will receive up to four 30-minute sessions per week during Terms 1 and 2 in 2025, helping them reach curriculum benchmarks in maths.“These measures ensure schools are well-equipped to deliver structured literacy and maths in the years ahead,” said Ms Stanford.The Government has also committed to raising the percentage of Year 8 students achieving curriculum expectations in reading, writing, and maths to 80 per cent by 2030.With the expansion, the structured literacy initiative will now benefit 970 schools nationwide, while the increased maths trial will cost an additional $3 million.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A Treasury report puts the cost of the preferred option for a second Waitematā Harbour crossing at between $23 and $27 billion.The Transport Agency and Auckland authorities had been looking at, and bickering over, what to do about relieving pressure on the Harbour Bridge for years.A business case was completed several months ago, and it's current recommended option included both a tunnel and second bridge, according to a newly released Treasury investment report.It also encompassed upgrades to the Northern Busway, Harbour Bridge and State Highway One."The total cost of Stage 1 capex [capital expense] is $22.9- 27.2 billion," it said.The government rejected a plan hatched under it's predecessor costed at over $50 billion."To ensure that the project achieves value for money, I have directed NZTA to refine the scope of the crossing and develop a more detailed understanding of the costs, risks, trade-offs, and assumptions for the tunnel and an equivalent bridge option, prior to seeking a decision from ministers on which option to progress," Transport Minister Simeon Brown told RNZ in a statement on Wednesday.Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said a second bridge will be "hugely cheaper, massively cheaper." Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziAuckland's mayor Wayne Brown recently urged the government to abandon the tunnel option completely. A second bridge was "hugely cheaper, massively cheaper", he said.The new investigations would take 12-18 months, NZTA Waka Kotahi said, which would include sounding out potential partners on what they prefer, and taking "market sounding to understand market appetite for options".It had yet to do a geotechnical study either - Brown said this might start as soon as the next few weeks.The agenda must also update consenting pathways and protect the route, and look into funding and contract options, Brown said.All major highways must now consider charging tolls. Public-private partnerships - PPPs - were also much more on the table.A detailed business case may begin next year, with the construction itself from 2029-40, the Treasury report said.So far, at least $36m had been spent on the preliminary business case, three quarters of that on consultants.

Locals will be encouraged by new figures showing a significant drop in the number of households relying on emergency housing motels. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka announced the milestone, highlighting the Government’s ongoing focus on reducing reliance on temporary housing solutions.As of October 2024, the number of households in emergency housing motels has fallen to 993, marking a 68 percent reduction compared to December last year when the total stood at 3,141. This reduction has also led to a sharp decline in spending, with October 2024’s figure of $10.76 million nearly a third of the $31.6 million spent in October 2023.“The total number of households living in emergency housing motels has been reduced by 68 percent under our Government,” Mr Potaka said. “National campaigned on a promise to deliver real change for people stuck in emergency housing, and we are delivering on that promise.”Much of the progress is attributed to the Priority One policy introduced in April 2024. This initiative prioritises families with children who have been in emergency housing for over 12 weeks, fast-tracking them into social housing. So far, 786 households, including 1,608 children, have benefited from the policy.To further address emergency housing needs, the Government is trialling a social outcomes contracting approach.This two-year trial, in partnership with Emerge Aotearoa and the Wellington City Mission, will support up to 100 single people and couples without children who have been in emergency housing for over 12 months. Eligible households, not already registered for other housing support, will be offered tailored assistance.The trial will operate in Wellington and Hamilton, regions with high numbers of emergency housing cases. As of October, 198 households were in emergency housing in Waikato, and 180 in Wellington.The Government has also set a long-term goal of reducing emergency housing reliance by 75 percent by 2030.

Your Weekly News Fix.Catch up on the top local stories that made headlines this week!Top Stories You Need to Know...Dynamic Lane Reduces Whangaparāoa CongestionRead moreHibiscus Coast Census Highlights GrowthRead more Fatal Crash in Waitoki Claims Two LivesRead moreTransforming Okoromai BayRead moreNew Business Listings Now Live on the Hibiscus Coast App!Read more Stay Ahead of the Curve.Get the latest local news and information through the Hibiscus Coast App. Download the app now!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland Transport (AT) is making strides in keeping its promise to improve road conditions for Aucklanders. In the five weeks since the agency announced its commitment to swift pothole repairs, 785 potholes have been filled, with 95% completed within targeted response times.Councillor Andy Baker, Chair of Auckland Council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee, praised the efforts. “I’m really proud of AT and the team of contractors who have stepped up to deliver on AT’s promise to ensure potholes are fixed quickly and improve levels of service for road users,” he said.The pledge includes a 24-hour repair timeframe for potholes on Auckland’s arterial and regional road networks, which span 1,400 km of sealed roads carrying more than 10,000 vehicles daily. On other sealed roads, the goal is to complete repairs within five working days.Alan Wallace, AT’s Group Manager for Road Asset Maintenance and Renewals, highlighted the positive response from the public. “Our contractors have done a great job and demonstrated their commitment to maintaining the network as best we can,” Wallace said.Over half of the repairs in the past five weeks occurred in Franklin, Waitakere, and Albany. These areas are also slated for extensive upgrades under AT’s Summer Road Reno programme, which aims to reseal or rehabilitate more than 410 km of sealed roads during the 2024/25 year. This figure represents an increase in road renewal activity, supported by additional funding from the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council.Looking ahead, the plan includes strengthening 30 km of unsealed roads and progressively increasing the renewal rate in coming years. With 40% of the programme already completed this year, AT is on track to improve road conditions across the region.

A security breach at Auckland Airport caused disruption for travellers as all passengers had to be re-screened.Flights were also delayed or cancelled as a result.There have been reports of large queues at the domestic departures.An Auckland Airport spokesperson said there was a security breach this morning.It had now been resolved."Aviation Security Services is requiring all passengers to be re-screened and that process is underway now," the spokesperson said."We thank travellers for their patience and they should please check with their airline about any impact to their flight."Air New Zealand said it had to cancel four flights as a result of the security breach.Several other flights were delayed."The team are working to re-accommodate any impacted customers and we thank them for their patience while we work to get them to their destination as quickly as possible," the airline said in a statement.Earlier this month there were lengthy queues at Auckland Airport's domestic terminal caused by upgrades to a security machine.

Today, shoppers across the Hibiscus Coast and New Zealand are taking advantage of Black Friday sales, a global shopping event that has grown in popularity in recent years. Known for its deep discounts and competitive deals, Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the festive shopping season.Originally an American tradition, Black Friday is rooted in the Friday following Thanksgiving, with its origins dating back to the 1960s. The term was initially used to describe heavy traffic as people returned to work after the holiday. Over time, it evolved to signify a day of significant profits for retailers, who used the event to draw in crowds with major sales.In New Zealand, Black Friday has gained traction over the past decade, with businesses of all sizes adopting the trend to attract customers. Both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers use the occasion to offer substantial discounts, often extending the sales into the weekend.On the Hibiscus Coast, Black Friday provides local retailers with an opportunity to connect with the community and boost pre-holiday sales. Shoppers can be seen flocking to stores and scouring online platforms for bargains on everything from electronics to fashion. The event has become a key date on the retail calendar, prompting businesses to plan promotions months in advance to meet the growing demand.With its global reach and local adoption, Black Friday has cemented itself as an important day for retailers and consumers alike. For shoppers, it’s a chance to save on holiday purchases, while for businesses, it’s an opportunity to drive sales and build customer loyalty.

Discover fresh local options as new businesses join the Hibiscus Coast App's growing directory!The app, with over 45,000 active users, continues to connect residents with trusted providers while offering local businesses cost-effective, targeted digital advertising.Featured New Listings:With over 50 years of expertise, Cato Bolam offers seamless land development solutions, handling everything from minor projects to large-scale subdivisions. Their team of specialists works under one roof to unlock your property’s potential while ensuring a smooth and successful journey.BurgerFuel Silverdale serves up premium, handcrafted New Zealand-made burgers using grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and innovative plant-based options. Open daily, its your go-to spot for fresh, gourmet burgers that cater to every taste. Based right here on the Hibiscus Coast, Matchbox Consulting helps businesses overcome challenges and thrive with over 40 years of combined banking and consultancy experience. From tackling financial stress to building growth strategies, they provide practical solutions to make your business (and life) easier.You’ll find these new additions in the "Professional Services," "Eat & Drink," and "Services & Trades" sections of the app, making it easier than ever to connect with trusted local providers.The Hibiscus Coast App is your hub for discovering and supporting local businesses. Explore the new listings today and experience the best our community has to offer!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast locals may find renewed optimism in the latest property market figures, with New Zealand’s housing sector showing signs of recovery. The national average asking price for a property in October rose to $848,900, up 3.1 per cent from September, marking the strongest month-on-month growth in nearly three years. Trade Me Property reported the increase alongside a surge in both supply and demand, each rising by nine per cent compared to the previous month.Gavin Lloyd, Trade Me Property Customer Director, said the trend reflects seasonal activity and changes to the Official Cash Rate (OCR). “It’s positive to see property prices continue to trend up across much of the country as we head into summer when we would typically expect to see some momentum,” he noted. Compared to October last year, supply is up 26 per cent while demand has grown by 20 per cent, suggesting an increasingly active market.Auckland made a notable return to seven-figure territory, with the average asking price climbing to $1,038,550 in October, a 4.2 per cent rise from September. Auckland City and North Shore City contributed significantly to this growth, with prices jumping 7.8 per cent to $1,217,300 and 5.1 per cent to $1,235,300, respectively. This comes after five months of declining prices in the region and marks the second consecutive month of increases, offering reassurance to sellers.Nationally, homes are selling faster than in recent months, with the median time for listings dropping to 59 days from 70 in September. Lloyd described this as an encouraging development, adding, “Homes selling quicker is a good sign for our property market, particularly when it coincides with increasing demand as we have seen over the past four months.”Fourteen of the 15 regions monitored by Trade Me Property showed price growth in October. Among the strongest performers were the West Coast, Southland, and Northland, with increases of 6.3 per cent, 4.6 per cent, and 3.1 per cent, respectively. Gisborne was the only region to record a decline, with the average asking price falling 1.8 per cent to $603,650. This marks the fifth consecutive month of declining prices for Gisborne, contrasting with the upward momentum seen across much of the country.

Looking ahead, Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 29/11Cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 23Low: 16Saturday - 30/11Showers. Breezy Southerly winds.High: 21Low: 17Sunday - 1/12Morning showers. Breezy Nor'East winds.High: 21Low: 16Monday - 2/12Mostly cloudy. Breezy Nor'East winds.High: 23Low: 16Get real-time weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and lots more.Anytime, anywhere – everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App.

Hibiscus Coast locals are being encouraged to review their mobile plans, as a new report highlights room for improvement among New Zealand’s leading mobile providers. Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees have been assessed by Consumer NZ and the Commerce Commission for their efforts in empowering customers to make informed decisions about their mobile plans.The annual assessment revealed varied performance across the three providers, with each capable of doing more to assist customers in choosing the most suitable plans. Telecommunications Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson emphasised the importance of transparency, saying, “Mobile providers know a lot about their customers – from how much they talk on the phone to the amount of data they use each month and what this all costs. At a minimum, consumers should be able to easily access this information to make informed choices.”Consumer NZ developed criteria to evaluate the providers’ mobile apps and annual email summaries, focusing on the quality and accessibility of information and whether customers were encouraged to explore alternative plans.Provider Ratings:SparkScored 80% overall, excelling in personalised recommendations through its “Made for You Review” feature, which uses AI to analyse customer usage patterns. However, the feature only reviews six months of data and lacks detailed spending insights.2degreesAchieved an overall score of 79%, leading in app transparency by clearly showing usage and spending. However, it does not offer personalised plan recommendations.One NZScored 67%, falling short on data access with its app limited to two-to-three months of information. It provides plan suggestions only for customers with very low usage.The findings come amid Consumer NZ’s push for “right-planning,” where mobile providers proactively suggest the best plan based on customer usage. Nick Gelling, Consumer product test writer, noted, “The data is already there – telcos just need to use it to help their customers make better decisions.”With 60% of New Zealanders remaining with the same provider for over five years, Consumer and the Commission recommend that customers review their mobile plans annually to ensure they are not overpaying.“We hope to see all telcos take the next step in offering greater transparency and right-planning,” said Mr Gilbertson, adding that such efforts could save consumers money and improve overall satisfaction.

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast may soon benefit from innovative traffic solutions transforming Auckland’s busy streets.Auckland Transport (AT) has introduced a series of advancements, including smart traffic lights, on Fanshawe Street, one of the city’s most congested routes.Fanshawe Street, located in Auckland’s city centre, now features a 24-hour bus lane, smart traffic signals, and pedestrian detection technology.These upgrades aim to improve traffic flow, prioritising efficiency and reducing congestion.The bus lane alone now carries up to 5,000 passengers per hour, more than doubling the capacity of adjacent general traffic lanes.Genevieve Sage, chair of the Waitematā Local Board, highlighted the significance of the project.“Fanshawe Street is a key route in the heart of our city. These advancements ensure Aucklanders can commute more efficiently, reduce reliance on vehicles, and experience a smoother journey as they navigate the city centre. We’re prioritising solutions that make a difference now while preparing for the future,” she said.Auckland Transport’s Road Network Optimisation Manager Chris Martin elaborated on the role of the smart traffic signals.“With smart adjustments, we’ve turned Fanshawe Street into a prime example of how Auckland can move more people using existing infrastructure. Now, the volume of bus passengers surpasses the cars on all lanes on Nelson Street,” Martin explained.The smart lights work dynamically, ensuring green signals are prioritised where they are most needed, reducing delays for buses and vehicles.Additionally, pedestrian detection technology cancels crossing signals if no pedestrians are present, further streamlining traffic.These measures are part of a broader programme led by Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency.The initiative aims to optimise existing road infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of vehicles on Auckland’s streets.