From 1 July, Watercare is officially running its own financial show, securing a record-breaking $3.4 billion in funding as it separates from Auckland Council.It’s a move that sets the stage for major investment across the region, including on the Hibiscus Coast, where upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure have long been on the radar.Watercare’s chief executive Jamie Sinclair called it a “fantastic result” for Aucklanders.The funding includes a $2.6 billion revolving credit facility and $800 million standby facility, underwritten by big players like BNZ, Westpac, and the Commonwealth Bank.With interest costs now projected to be $21 million lower over the next two years, locals are unlikely to see steep price hikes as a result of the changes.The split is part of the government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.It means Watercare can now forge ahead with its $13.8 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan, covering over 1,000 projects including many that impact Coasties directly.Mayor Wayne Brown says the move is a win-win.“This will strengthen Council’s finances and give Watercare the independence to focus on delivering vital upgrades where they’re needed most,” he said.The company has also agreed to repay its $4 billion debt to Auckland Council over the next five years.For the Hibiscus Coast, it means more certainty around future upgrades, and less risk of costs falling unfairly on current residents.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Need to see a doctor at 3am or on holiday in another region? A new 24/7 digital GP service is now available to all New Zealanders, giving locals instant access to trusted healthcare, no matter the time or place.Launched on Monday, the service lets users consult registered Kiwi doctors and nurses online, using secure technology to assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, or provide referrals.Health Minister Simeon Brown says it’s a game-changer for after-hours care, especially for those who struggle to get timely GP appointments or aren’t enrolled with a local doctor.“Whether it’s a sick child in the night or a farmer in a rural area needing help after hours, this service means care is available when and where it’s needed,” he said.Nearly 4,500 people have already used the service since a soft launch in May. Now fully live, it aims to ease pressure on emergency departments by handling non-urgent issues remotely.Importantly, clinical notes are shared with a patient’s regular GP to ensure continuity of care. It’s designed to complement, not replace, local practices.For Coasties who can’t always get to their doctor, this service could fill the gap. Especially over weekends or during travel.The 24/7 service is now available via info.health.nz/onlinegp, with full pricing and provider details online.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A new prescription option for weight loss has arrived in New Zealand, with the Government confirming the obesity treatment Wegovy is now available. Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the move delivers on the Government’s promise to improve access to medical treatments.Wegovy, a medication already used overseas, was approved by Medsafe in April and is now available for Kiwis with a prescription. It is not currently publicly funded, so patients will need to pay for the treatment themselves.“More than two in three adults and nearly one-third of children in New Zealand live with obesity or are overweight,” says Mr Seymour. “This puts a major strain on the health system and can lead to serious health problems down the track.”The cost of obesity-related issues in New Zealand is estimated at between $4 billion and $9 billion per year. Cardiovascular disease alone costs around $3.3 billion annually. Seymour says early intervention with treatments like Wegovy could reduce the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.“These drugs are making an enormous difference in other countries. I hope that they can be a game-changer for a lot of people in New Zealand now as well,” he says.While this rollout affects people nationwide, it may be particularly welcomed by those living on the Hibiscus Coast, where local GPs could begin prescribing it as part of weight management plans.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland is now home to its very own Police College, offering recruits and senior officers a closer, more accessible training base. Officially opened today, the new Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus is based at Massey University’s Ōtehā site.Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, joined by Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister Casey Costello, cut the ribbon on a facility that’s already buzzing with activity. The first senior course is underway, and Recruit Wing 390, made up of 40 future officers, many from Northland—is settled in.The Auckland campus features classrooms, dorms, offices, car parks and access to Massey’s gym and recreation centre. For many aspiring officers, especially those from northern districts, training in Auckland removes the barrier of relocating to Porirua for 20 weeks.“This opens the door for people who couldn’t realistically move to Wellington,” Commissioner Chambers said. “Training closer to home gives them their chance.”While some parts of the course will still happen in Wellington, this new setup is already easing pressure on the Porirua facility and making the recruitment path more accessible.This matters for the Hibiscus Coast too. With the new college just down the motorway, locals who’ve dreamed of becoming officers no longer have to travel far. It’s a big win for growing our local police force and making the career more achievable for Coasties.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New regional dog rules have been adopted by Auckland Council, which includes how many dogs one person can walk at a time, and where.The changes, approved at last Thursday's Governing Body meeting, included updates on leash, off leash and dog free areas at nine regional parks, and a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at once.Councillor Josephine Bartley said the review of Auckland's Dog Policy and Bylaw was needed so everyone could enjoy Auckland's shared spaces safely."We know how much Aucklanders love getting out with their dogs, particularly in our beautiful regional parks," Bartley said."Our dog rules aim to carefully accommodate these needs as well as those of others who also want to use shared outdoor spaces safely and freely."Qualified dog walkers will be allowed to walk up to 12 dogs at once, on or off-leash, as long as they kept under control.To walk up to 12 dogs, dog walkers must register with the council and follow the conditions attached to their registration.Other dog owners can walk a maximum of four dogs at once, with two off leash, as long as they are kept under control."We have listened to public feedback and recognise, for example, that commercial dog walking is a growing industry with many walkers regularly using Auckland's public spaces."To support this to be done in a safe and responsible way, council was introducing a registration system, she said."This will allow commercial dog walkers to walk a higher number of dogs, as long as they keep them under control and stick to the conditions, so we can all enjoy our public places."The limit of how many dogs can be walked at once will come into effect from 1 January, 2026.Changes at regional parks will come into effect from 1 August.On leash, off leash and dog-free areas have been updated in nine regional parks.They are - Auckland Botanic Gardens, Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Long Bay Regional Park, Mahurangi Regional Park, Pākiri Regional Park, Shakespear Regional Park, Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Waitawa Regional Park and Whakanewha Regional Park.Additional work is being done to finalise changes to dog rules at Te Ārai Regional Park."Dogs are clearly an important part of our lives - by the end of 2024, more than 135,000 dogs were registered in Tāmaki Makaurau."But our regional parks are also home to native species like the northern dotterel and critically endangered fairy tern, and unfortunately, dogs do pose a threat to these birds and their habitats."

Reading business news might do more than keep you informed. It could help you manage your money.That’s the finding from a new study by University of Auckland finance lecturer Dr Justin J. Case and Queensland University of Technology’s Professor Adam Clements. They discovered that analysing articles from The Wall Street Journal can forecast stock market volatility better than commonly used models.“Volatility is a common proxy for financial risk,” says Dr Case. “By accurately forecasting this risk, investors can take strategic steps to protect their investments before market shifts occur.”The team analysed more than 1.1 million articles published between 2000 and 2022. Business School finance lecturer Dr Justin J. Case.Using machine learning, they grouped news topics and linked them to high-frequency movements in the S&P 500 index.Their results showed that news coverage is strongly related to market volatility. News about stock market activity, economic shocks, financial institutions, and government policy were most relevant. On the flip side, mergers and acquisitions were linked to lower volatility, suggesting greater investor confidence. Sports news was also tied to calmer markets, possibly due to a distraction effect.The researchers tested their method in a simulated investment strategy. Returns improved when they adjusted investment exposure based on expected volatility from news, compared to traditional models.They also tested ChatGPT’s ability to forecast volatility from headlines, but it was less accurate over longer timeframes.“Our method allows for a more granular analysis of news text,” says Dr Case.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A faster trip between Auckland and Northland is just hours away, with a new 110km/h speed limit coming into effect on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway from 1 July 2025.Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the change this morning, saying the motorway’s design and safety features meet the criteria for the higher limit. “With over 20,000 vehicles using this route every day, this will help people and freight move more quickly and safely,” he said.The updated limit applies to a stretch of SH1 from 2.5km north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels to just south of the Warkworth roundabout. The tunnel section itself will stay at 80km/h, with a 100km/h transition zone in between.The decision follows a public consultation in late 2024, which saw nearly 8,000 submissions across Auckland and Northland. A massive 94% supported the change, with 91% strongly in favour.Safety was a key focus. The motorway includes flexible median barriers, two lanes each way, and long, straight sections with clear visibility. Since opening in 2023, there have been zero fatalities.For Coasties commuting north or heading away for a weekend, this makes a real difference. Quicker, smoother travel means more time at your destination—and a little less stress on the road.As always, police are reminding drivers to stick to the conditions and keep safety front of mind.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

We love shining a spotlight on the local businesses that make our community thrive.Today, we’re excited to share the story of BurgerFuel Whangaparāoa, located in the heart of our beautiful peninsula.Walking into BurgerFuel Whangaparāoa feels like stepping into a burst of energy.The smoky scent of grilled beef, the sound of a good playlist humming in the background, and bold artwork splashed across the walls create a vibe that’s fast, fun, and full of flavour.Behind the counter, the crew always greet you with genuine Coastie warmth and a bit of banter.But the real story starts before the first burger was flipped.This locally owned store began with a simple idea.The owners wanted to bring something special to Whangaparāoa.They saw the need for more than just a standard takeaway.They imagined a place that brought people together, served real food with real flavour, and became part of everyday life on the Coast.And that’s exactly what they’ve built.Families stop in after school runs and beach days.Teens roll through after footy, sandy and smiling.Locals swing by not just for the food, but for the feeling. Like you belong. Like you’re known.Community is at the heart of everything they do.One of their favourite initiatives is supporting local sports teams with “Legend of the Day” and “Most Valuable Player” vouchers.Seeing a young player proudly walk in to claim their burger is what it’s all about.Parents and coaches often reach out with heartfelt thanks, saying how much it means to the kids.That spirit of connection is what makes BurgerFuel Whangaparāoa more than just a burger joint.It’s a place where first jobs turn into confidence.Where regulars become mates. Where every meal feels like a little celebration.Of course, the food speaks for itself.Right now, The Ultimeatum is the star of the show.It’s a bold, no-compromise burger stacked with grass-fed New Zealand beef, slow-cooked brisket, bacon, smoked cheddar, parmesan, fresh salad, and their famous aioli.All served on a toasted artisan bun.Pair it with Spud Fries and a Coke and you’ve got yourself a serious feed.But what really brings people back is the experience. It’s the music. The smiles.The feeling that you’re not just a customer. You’re part of something.A place that gets what it means to live local, eat well, and have a bit of fun while you’re at it.Looking ahead, the team is not chasing flash or fast growth.Their focus is on deepening their roots.They want to be a top employer for local youth, back more community events, and stay true to the values that brought them here in the first place.So if you haven’t yet made your way to BurgerFuel Whangaparāoa, this is your invitation.Come hungry. Come curious.Leave fuelled in every sense of the word.

Around 400 locals packed into the Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club Café on Tuesday for a passionate public meeting on the future of Ōrewa Reserve. The crowd turned out in force to oppose Auckland Council’s proposed “naturalisation” plan, known as Concept C, which includes removing over 60 trees and significantly reducing car parking.Organised by the Orewa Residents and Community Association (ORCA), the meeting featured detailed presentations on the potential impact of Concept C. Concerns raised included the loss of up to 191 car parks, the removal of 11 Norfolk Pines and more than 50 notable pōhutukawa, and insufficient consultation with the Orewa Surf Club and local community.Instead, speakers from ORCA and the surf club proposed a revetment-style rock wall to better protect the reserve’s edge. They argued it would trap sand, protect trees, and preserve community spaces like the playground and courts. With no council staff in attendance, ORCA members led the conversation and called for proper engagement.By the end of the evening, three strong resolutions had been passed unanimously, including the formation of a working group to explore the rock wall option and a formal rejection of Concept C.Why Coasties CareThis is more than a planning proposal. It’s about protecting a beloved part of daily life in Ōrewa. Coasties want to be heard, and they want to keep the beach the way they know and love it. Safe, usable, and accessible for everyone.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A powerful new digital system is now helping women across New Zealand, including right here on the Hibiscus Coast, detect breast cancer earlier and more easily.Called Te Puna, the platform rolled out nationally this month and is already changing how women engage with breast screening.Instead of waiting for women to opt in, the system now automatically identifies those eligible and invites them to book a mammogram.This proactive approach could make a huge difference, especially for the 135,000 eligible women who aren’t currently getting screened.Health Minister Simeon Brown says the old system was overdue for replacement.“Te Puna makes it easier for women to enrol, book, and manage appointments, helping more women get screened earlier,” he said.Women can now book or change appointments using a personalised link or QR code sent by text, email, or letter.Providers can also track data more accurately, helping reach those who’ve never screened or aren’t regular.This matters to Coasties too.Regular mammograms can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by about 34 percent.The upgrade to Te Puna is part of a broader effort to save lives and improve outcomes.Especially important as the government begins extending screening to women aged 70 to 74 later this year.More efficient, more inclusive, and more local.That’s a win for women’s health across New Zealand, and here on the Coast.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A number of Aucklanders have received Watercare bills that say they've used zero water, while others claim they're being overcharged.The zero fee bills claim customers have not used a single drop in the past month or in some cases for months.The issue stems from Watercare's smart meters, which it told Checkpoint more than 13,000 of are not working.The water supplier also said they've known about problems with one type of smart meter since October last year, and the fault has so far affected around one third of the 40,000 meters installed since 2022.Greg is one customer who has been receiving zero fee bills, the first one arriving in May."We got the bill that said we had used no water and there was just the sort of standard monthly charge. And I just thought oh well, they've forgotten to read it or they haven't got around to reading it. And I just made a note that the next bill was gonna be bigger and then the next bill came and once again we'd used no water."Greg contacted Watercare about the issue, who told him his smart meter must not be working."They said could you take a photo of the meter and then we can send you the proper bill. And I said, well, no, that's not possible because I've had knee surgery. I can't get down to take a photo."He was then told the water supplier could send someone out to take the photo for him, but it would cost $35.He said he was yet to receive the correct bill but had been told they would now be reading his meter manually.Kyle was on to his second smart meter after the first one stopped sending signal a few months ago. But he told Checkpoint his water bills were now coming in much higher than he would expect."Our water bill on average was about $100 or $120 a month and then it jumped to about $200 and it I'm like yeah, no, that doesn't seem quite right."[Watercare] were basing it on estimates from the previous water bill, which would have been around summer, and me being a gardener I obviously used a bit more water."Kyle said Watercare made no effort to contact him about the issue, and it was him who raised it with the agency.He said they came back to him and told him his meter had temporarily stopped communicating."They used the word temporary, but if it was temporary, then why are they replacing it?"He said he was still waiting to have the issue resolved."I disputed it initially. Sent them a photo of the meter, heard nothing back for them... then I sent them the photo and said, 'hey, can I please get a bill amended?' They said it would take three to five working days and I'm still waiting for it."Watercare's head of retail operations Evan James said the fault means the meter eventually stops sending data but keeps recording water use.Watercare stopped installing that particular model and started returning affected meters to manual reading, leading to ''catch up'' bills that are higher than previous months.He said Watercare sincerely apologised for the inconvenience and it was offering payment options to help ease the impact.Utilities Disputes told Checkpoint they would expect Watercare to inform customers if it was aware of issues with meters, and explore the options, like letting customers know they can self-report their use to avoid significant back bills.Watercare has around 500,000 meters and of these, around 70,000 are smart meters.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Dinghy Found Drifting Off Kawau BayRead more Golf NZ rejects Council planRead moreCoasties Urged to Speak Up on FishingRead moreSilverdale Medical Reduces Urgent Care HoursRead moreMinister Demands Fair Pricing in SupermarketsRead 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.

A major win for North Shore shoppers is on the way, with Foodstuffs North Island confirming that resource consent has been granted for a new PAK’nSAVE in Takapuna. The large-format supermarket will be built on a 9,826m² site and is expected to open in 2029.At 6,461m², the new store will include nearly 200 carparks and is forecast to create over 200 jobs, helping to support families across Takapuna and surrounding suburbs.While the exact location hasn't been publicly shared yet, the development promises a significant boost for the area. Not only will it bring more access to PAK’nSAVE’s famously low grocery prices, it also introduces a thoughtfully designed building that accounts for flooding risks on the site.The store’s retail level will sit above an undercroft carpark and feature a custom civil engineering setup to safely manage stormwater and flood challenges.“This is a thoughtfully designed development that responds to the site’s constraints,” said Lindsay Rowles, General Manager of Retail & Property at Foodstuffs North Island. “We’re incredibly excited about our plans to bring PAK’nSAVE to the Takapuna community.”Recently ranked second overall in the 2025 Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, PAK’nSAVE has held the top spot for fairness for nine years running, reinforcing its reputation for value and trust.For Coasties commuting to the North Shore or visiting family nearby, this will offer another affordable grocery option in the area.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

From August 1st, Auckland Council will roll out updated dog access rules at nine regional parks, with more changes coming on 1 January 2206, including how many dogs can be walked at once.The changes are part of the council’s updated Dog Policy and Bylaw, adopted by Mayor Wayne Brown and councillors on 26 June. The decision follows extensive community consultation, with thousands of submissions from dog lovers and concerned locals.Dog access rules have been updated for nine popular parks, including Long Bay, Shakespear, Whakanewha, and Tāpapakanga. Some areas will now require dogs to be on leash, others remain dog-free, while many will still offer off-leash zones if dogs are under control.In a notable shift, a new cap has been placed on how many dogs can be walked at once:Qualified dog walkers can walk up to 12 dogs (with registration)Everyone else is limited to four dogs at a time, with no more than two off leashThese limits will apply from 1 January 2026, giving dog walkers time to prepare and for the council to finalise registration conditions.While this might not directly impact many Hibiscus Coast beaches or local parks, it’s something Coasties should keep in mind if they walk their dogs further afield. Shakespear Regional Park, a favourite weekend spot for many local families, is one of the parks affected.The changes aim to balance the joy of dog walking with public safety and wildlife protection, especially for vulnerable species like the fairy tern and northern dotterel.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Drivers heading south on State Highway 1 between Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road should be prepared for daytime lane restrictions starting this weekend.NZ Transport Agency has advised that southbound lanes will be affected from Sunday 29 June to Thursday 3 July, between 11:00 and 17:00 daily.The works are part of planned maintenance on this busy stretch of motorway.Traffic will still be able to move south throughout the day, but motorists are urged to slow down and follow all traffic management instructions to keep workers and other drivers safe.While these lane restrictions are temporary, they’re likely to cause minor delays, especially during school holiday travel.Locals travelling between the Hibiscus Coast and the city are encouraged to plan ahead.These updates were shared by NZ Transport Agency to help minimise disruptions and keep road users informed.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A controversial $200 million fund for investment in local gas exploration aims to tackle ever-dwindling supplies, but it won't be soon enough for thousands of households trapped with gas connections they don't want, a consumer expert says.The four-year contingency fund to subsidise new fossil fuel fields was announced by the Resources Minister Shane Jones at last month's budget.Just weeks later, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment revealed that our natural gas supply is running out faster than previously thought, with latest data showing reserves have fallen 27 percent from last year.But any new developments will take years, and gas households already face surging costs, says Paul Fuge, manager of Consumer New Zealand's Powerswitch.Residential consumers make up only four percent of the country's total gas use and Fuge says it won't be running out in the near future. But that is no consolation for gas customers who are being hit in the pocket twice."It costs more to have gas than electricity so an electricity-only house is much cheaper to run than a gas-electricity house because you can substitute all your gas appliances for electric appliances ... but you can't run a TV on gas or your lights on gas," Fuge says.That means gas customers have to have an electricity connection, which means double the costs of the infrastructure - gas pipes and electricity lines - needed to deliver the energy to people's homes.Gas customers are also locked out of cheaper electricity plans because most gas suppliers also demand that customers take their electricity. The companies that provide cheap electricity don't provide gas, Fuge says.Add to that the phasing out of low electricity charges for low users, which was a benefit for gas customers."What that means is people's electricity connections for the low users are getting more expensive every year over five years and that disadvantages gas customers," he says.Customers who are renters are stuck with gas, as are people on low incomes because they can't afford to switch, Fuge says.He explains to The Detail why he thinks thousands of new households have connected to gas in recent years, despite rising prices."I wonder if it's when people are building new houses, developers may be putting in gas for various reasons."MBIE does not have specific figures for new connections but based on rising residential use, Fuge calculates that the number of household connections has increased by around 18,000 since 2019, to 290,000.Residential customers make up the smallest proportion of gas use. According to industry group GasNZ more than half a million New Zealand homes and businesses rely on gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).There are 300 large industrial gas customers, from methanol exporter Methanex to dairy plants and wood processors.Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder says the large industrial users are more imperilled by the declining gas supply, as well as the electricity generators that rely on gas.He says the coalition's plans to repeal a ban on new oil and gas exploration will not solve our dwindling gas supplies any time soon."The fastest we've had from a conversion from finding that gas to producing that gas is 10 years and it's hard to say in 2035 we know exactly what our gas needs are going to look like."The reality is they're probably going to be a lot lower because we're going to be electrifying everything and some of the industries that we've got that rely on gas are going to be electrifying or closing down."The other option is finding more gas in the existing fields which has been going on consistently and continually for many years, including since the exploration ban was put into place."About a billion dollars has been spent trying to find extra gas in those existing fields and there have been a few minor successes but nothing major."However, two fields are showing potential new gas finds, which the $200 million government co-investment fund could boost."Shane Jones would really like for the government to be able to completely revitalise the gas industry and send people out looking for brand new gas in brand new places. The reality is we haven't found any gas in a brand new place for two decades or longer," says Daalder."It's not like the Gulf of Mexico where there is all this gas sitting there. The resource probably isn't that strong; $200 million isn't going to suddenly make it commercial to take that big of a gamble."Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you're flying in or out of Auckland Airport these school holidays, brace yourself for crowds. From Saturday 28 June to Sunday 13 July, nearly 800,000 people are expected to pass through the terminals.The busiest days? Tomorrow Saturday 28 June and Sunday 13 July will see more than 14,000 international departures and 15,000 arrivals respectively. Domestically, Friday 11 July tops the list with around 14,500 departures.Australia, Fiji and the US are the most popular international destinations, while Christchurch leads the way for domestic travel, followed by Wellington and Queenstown.Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, says Kiwis are eager to get away during this time. “We’ll get around 60,000 travellers flying in and out of AKL on each of the busy days. That’s about 18 percent more than usual.”New tech is helping keep things smooth. New CT scanners at security mean travellers no longer need to remove laptops or tablets from bags. Still, liquids must be in containers under 100ml and water bottles should be emptied before security.To avoid stress, travellers are being urged to plan ahead, especially with airport parking and travel documents like the NZ Traveller Declaration.While this might not directly affect day-to-day life on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s good to know if you're heading away for a winter break — or picking someone up — it might take a bit longer than usual.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New job listings on SEEK dropped by 2% in May, but experts say the market has stabilised after two years of decline.The latest SEEK Employment Report shows job ads are 8% lower year-on-year, the smallest annual drop since late 2022.While the headline number is down, it marks the third straight month of steady volumes, with trend data showing no major shifts since October.Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, says that’s a sign the worst may be over.“After close to two years of near uninterrupted decline between 2022 and 2024, this shows that volumes have stabilised and are even beginning to see some pockets of growth.”Healthcare & Medical, and Community Services & Development were among the larger industries to record modest growth in May.Smaller sectors like Consulting & Strategy (up 29%) and Science & Technology (up 10%) saw the biggest gains.Wellington stood out with broad growth, along with Southland and Taranaki.These regions were among only three to record a month-on-month increase in job ads.However, candidate competition is heating up.Applications per job ad rose 2% in May, reaching the highest level on record.That means fewer jobs, more applicants, and a tougher hunt for jobseekers.While Information & Communication Technology saw a sharp 14% drop in listings, education, trades, and HR roles all saw quarterly gains.Why this matters to CoastiesWith many Hibiscus Coast residents commuting to jobs across Auckland, this data offers insight into what’s shifting in the national job market.Whether you're applying locally or in the city, competition is higher than ever.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

More than 9000 people aged over 65 earn more than $200,000 a year, and another 33,000 earn between $100,000 and $200,000 - and the Retirement Commissioner says it's fair to question whether they should be able to claim NZ Super as well.The data comes from the 2023 Census.The number earning between $150,000 and $200,000 has decreased from 2018 but the number earning between $100,000 and $150,000 has lifted by 10,000.The Census also showed that the number of people over 65 still in the workforce had increased.Just over 24 percent of people aged over 65 were in work, up from 22.1 percent in 2013.The biggest increase was among people aged 70 to 74.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson is opposed to putting up the age of eligibility for NZ Super.She said if there were questions about the cost or fairness of the scheme, they needed to be addressed with a package of measures.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson. Photo: supplied"Then you absolutely have to look at means-testing again. It's really unpopular but it would be improper if we didn't look at all the sensible options if the goal is to reduce the cost to the state."She said the problem to be solved needed to be defined and then the possible solutions assessed."Means testing is absolutely one of those options but politicians run away from it because it's got a pretty ugly history and it does make it a more complex system. There's no doubt about it, people will start arranging their affairs and start avoiding tax and all that kind of stuff."But if you boil it down to a very simple thing - is it right that someone earning over $180,000 or $200,000 - I think $180,000 is probably about the mark because that's when the tax rates go up - is it right that people out there earning over $180,000 can also acquire Super, it's an extremely good question."She said it would be easy to capture the earnings of people being paid a salary while receiving NZ Super but much harder to assess other income."It's both complicated and it's easy. The easiest thing is to leave well alone. The next easiest thing is to just put the age up but that is too easy because there is harm attached to that…. So that's what I'm talking about when I say please could we have a package if we do any system change at all and can we please stop talking about this as single issue?"She said there should be a cross-party political conversation to determine a path forward.University of Auckland associate professor Susan St John. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyUniversity of Auckland associate professor Susan St John earlier outlined a plan to treat NZ Super as a tax-free basic income grant and put recipients on a higher tax rate.She said it would be a better option than the age of eligibility or the amount paid.It would create a situation where there was a break-even point beyond which people would be better off, on a net basis, not claiming NZ Super and instead being taxed at standard rates.She said the tax scales she had modelled were less harsh than the abatement that applied to people receiving a benefit.The government has introduced parental income tests for young people receiving the JobSeeker benefit and will restrict access to the member tax credit in KiwiSaver to those who earn more than $180,000.St John said the reason that similar moves weren't made on NZ Super might reflect historical attitudes towards the "deserving and undeserving".She said NZ Super was effectively income-tested through the tax system because people who were earning other income would pay higher rates of tax."Just far less draconian than the clawbacks for children with Working for Families and adults in the benefit system."Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said means and income testing in Australia meant that only about 60 percent of the population would qualify for the pension.If that were true in New Zealand, it could save about $9b a year.There are 74,850 people aged 30 to 64 earning more than $200,000.The median income for people aged over 65 is $26,600.