Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s call for workplaces to “man up” overlooks a key driver of economic growth—women entrepreneurs. Darsel Keane, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland, and Rod McNaughton, Director of Innovation and Professional Development, argue that increasing female participation in startups could significantly boost workforce engagement and productivity.Despite progress, women remain underrepresented as startup founders, particularly in high-growth industries. According to Startup Genome, women make up just 26 percent of startup founders in New Zealand—one of the highest rates globally—yet only about 7 percent of local venture capital funding goes to female-led businesses.The University GapKeane and McNaughton’s research, based on the 2021 Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students’ Survey (GUESSS), found that early undergraduate interest in starting a business is relatively balanced between genders—8 percent of men and 6 percent of women at the University of Auckland expressed entrepreneurial ambitions. However, by the time students consider their five-year career paths, the gap widens: 28 percent of men versus just 18 percent of women aspire to run their own businesses. Both figures still lag behind global averages (37 percent for men, 30 percent for women).A key factor is the underrepresentation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and business disciplines, where students are more likely to be exposed to entrepreneurial concepts, role models, and industry networks. Without this exposure, many women miss out on vital opportunities that could lead to business creation.Steps Toward ChangeProgress is being made. Female participation in the University of Auckland’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) has grown from 23 percent in 2015 to 44 percent in 2024. Last year, two of the centre’s alumni were named Cartier Women’s Initiative Fellows, a global recognition of female entrepreneurs making a social and economic impact.However, Keane and McNaughton highlight that women still enrol in entrepreneurship courses and extracurricular activities at lower rates than men, limiting their early business exposure. To close the gap, they recommend:Embedding entrepreneurship across all disciplines—not just STEM and business, but also health, law, and social sciences.Increasing access to role models and mentors, ensuring female students see successful women entrepreneurs in action.Making startup incubators, pitch competitions, and funding programmes more accessible to women, including creating dedicated funding streams for female-led ventures.Reframing entrepreneurship to highlight social impact, as many women are drawn to careers that address sustainability, healthcare, and community development.By fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, universities have the power to break down barriers and help unlock the economic potential of female founders. If New Zealand wants to boost innovation and productivity, it must ensure more women have the support and opportunities to launch their own businesses.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Auckland’s economy faced a downturn in 2024, with key indicators showing a contraction driven by high interest rates and household debt pressures, according to the Auckland Council Chief Economist Unit’s latest Economic Quarterly report.However, easing monetary conditions and policy adjustments are expected to support a gradual recovery in 2025.The report highlights a 4.1% decline in real card spending in Auckland—more than double the national average drop of 1.9%—reflecting subdued consumer confidence.Additionally, employment in the region fell by 2.0%, with 20,000 job losses recorded across multiple sectors.The effects of high borrowing costs were evident throughout the economy, though recent Official Cash Rate (OCR) cuts from 4.25% to 3.75% signal a shift toward recovery.Housing Affordability and Population TrendsAuckland’s population grew in 2024, driven primarily by international migration.However, the city saw a net loss of approximately 10,000 residents to other regions, continuing a trend linked to housing affordability pressures.The median house price-to-income ratio stood at 7.5, significantly higher than the national figure of 6.4, making it challenging for many residents—especially skilled workers—to remain in the city.To combat these affordability issues, policy experts are calling for flexible land-use reforms to increase housing supply near employment hubs and transport infrastructure.The report also underscores the long-term importance of infrastructure pricing reforms to ensure sustainable urban development.Shifts in Productivity and Work PatternsAuckland remains the most productive region in New Zealand, but its GDP premium relative to the rest of the country is lagging behind global city benchmarks.Improving productivity remains a key focus for long-term economic growth.One notable shift is the rising prevalence of remote work.In 2023, 17.9% of Aucklanders worked remotely, compared to just 8.7% in 2018.While this trend has reduced commuting costs for workers, it has created challenges for businesses reliant on in-person customers, particularly in retail and hospitality sectors.Economic Outlook and Policy PrioritiesWith inflation easing to 2.2% CPI, businesses are showing cautious optimism, with 9% of firms expecting improved conditions in 2025.Lower interest rates are expected to stimulate demand, particularly in the housing sector.Residential construction is projected to rebound, with building consents forecasted to increase to 16,000–17,000 homes in 2025, up from 13,900 in 2024.Historical trends suggest a strong correlation between declining mortgage rates and increased construction activity, further supporting the outlook for economic recovery.The report recommends focusing on productivity-enhancing investments, land-use flexibility, and infrastructure pricing to address long-term structural challenges rather than reacting to short-term economic fluctuations.A Path to RecoveryAuckland’s economy struggled in 2024, with key challenges in employment, housing affordability, and productivity.However, with interest rate cuts, policy adjustments, and an improving business climate, 2025 offers a pathway to gradual economic recovery.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Schools across Northland, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland face teacher shortages in 2025, with 750 primary and 500 secondary teachers needed, according to the Ministry of Education’s latest Teacher Demand and Supply Report.While primary schools may see a surplus by 2027, secondary schools will remain understaffed, particularly in Taranaki (-6%), Otago (-4%), and Auckland (-4%). The report, delayed due to last year’s data error, includes a regional breakdown for the first time, giving a clearer picture of where the biggest challenges lie.Anna Welanyk, Deputy Secretary of the Education Workforce, said local insights will help address supply issues:“The regional breakdown improves our understanding of supply and demand differences, allowing better tailoring of initiatives. It also supports discussions on teacher supply and the challenges faced at the local level with schools.”For families on the Hibiscus Coast, these shortages could lead to larger class sizes, heavier workloads for teachers, and difficulty filling specialist roles. Student numbers are rising faster than expected, with 1,000 more primary teachers and 400 secondary teachers needed in 2025 to keep up.Despite strong retention rates (88-90%), more educators are needed to replace retiring teachers and fill growing gaps. To help, the Ministry is rolling out recruitment and retention initiatives, including:School Onsite Training Programme – Hands-on training for future teachers, with 147 places taken up in 2024.Voluntary Bonding Scheme – Up to $17,500 for teachers who commit to high-need schools.Overseas Recruitment Support – Grants and finder's fees for international hires.BeTTER Jobs Programme – Matching new and returning teachers with schools in need.Fast-Track Training for Teacher Aides – Helping aides transition into teaching roles.What’s Next?With up to 1,000 primary and 1,200 secondary teachers expected to enter the workforce in 2025, the Ministry hopes to ease the pressure on schools. However, ongoing shortages in key regions remain a concern.Parents and communities can stay informed and support local schools as they navigate these challenges. Those interested in teaching or returning to the profession can explore training and incentive programmes through the Ministry of Education’s website.“These initiatives are part of a targeted plan to build a strong pipeline of both domestically trained and overseas recruited teachers,” said Welanyk.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Motorists from the Hibiscus Coast should prepare for a series of overnight motorway closures as part of essential maintenance and improvement work on State Highways 1 and 18. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has advised that closures will begin at 9 pm each evening and finish by 5 am, with traffic management potentially in place earlier for the mainline. Any work delayed by bad weather will be rescheduled to the next available night before Friday, 28 February 2025.The Northern Motorway (SH1) will experience multiple closures:Southbound: Lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp will be closed from 23-27 February (10 pm – 5 am), along with the Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp during the same period.Northbound: Lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp will be closed on 25-26 February (10 pm – 5 am), with the Northcote Road northbound on-ramp affected slightly earlier from 9:30 pm – 5 am.Additional northbound closures include the Stafford Road off-ramp and Curran Street on-ramp, both from 23-27 February.The Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp will be closed for an extended period from 9 pm on 22 February to 12 pm on 23 February.The Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18) will also see disruptions:Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Albany Highway on-ramp will be closed on 23 and 27 February.The Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp will also be closed on these dates.NZTA advises motorists to follow signposted detours and allow extra time for travel during these periods. These closures form part of the agency’s regular maintenance programme to ensure safe and efficient roads.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Watercare has successfully completed the cementing of the foundations and plinths for the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, marking a key milestone in the plant’s $38.3 million overhaul.The reinforced concrete plinths, installed atop 99,000 litres of concrete poured the previous week, will support critical tanks designed to improve the facility’s capacity and efficiency.The upgrades are set to meet stricter resource consent requirements and help the plant better manage peak flows during wet weather.Six of the nine plinths will hold Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) tanks, two aerobic tanks, and two anoxic tanks, while the remaining three plinths will allow for future growth with the potential for additional tanks.Jonathan Piggot, Head of Wastewater at Watercare, highlights the importance of the new MABR and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technologies, which will enable the plant to discharge cleaner water into the Hōteo River and its surrounding environment.“The MBR and MABR technology are very efficient in removing organic matter and nutrients. Microorganisms work to break down pollutants, and any pathogens that pass through the membranes are treated with ultraviolet disinfection,” he said.Capital Delivery General Manager Suzanne Lucas explained that the modular design of the upgraded plant not only saves on time and costs but also allows for future flexibility as the area grows.“We can incorporate existing infrastructure into the new build, ensuring we have the ability to scale up and update technology as needed,” she said.In the coming months, crews will install the MABR tanks and other components, including a new inlet pump station, dosing area, control building, and outfall pipeline.Coasties should note, traffic management will remain in place along State Highway 1, around 2.5 kilometres outside of Wellsford, to accommodate construction vehicles.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Silverdale Firefighters Compete NationallyRead moreChicken Nuggets Recalled Over Blue Rubber RiskRead moreMilldale Home Destroyed in BlazeRead more Crucial Penlink Detour Road RepairedRead moreWhy Are Chocolate Prices Rising?Read more Stay ahead of the curve—get the latest Hibiscus Coast news delivered directly to your phone.Download the Hibiscus Coast App today and never miss a story!Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Legal controls over the movement of fruit and vegetables in areas of Auckland's North Shore are in place after the discovery of another Oriental fruit fly.The single male Oriental fruit fly was found in a trap in the North Shore suburb of Birkdale thursday afternoon.It's the second time the pest has been detected in Auckland since the start of the year, after it was first located in Papatoetoe.Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis said so far the other traps in the areas of concern have shown no signs of other flies."While there is no evidence of a breeding population at this stage, we need community help to make sure we successfully find and eradicate any further fruit flies that may be present in the area," Inglis said."There have been 13 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand, which we have successfully eradicated so we have a very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work."The rules now in place prohibit moving fruit and vegetables out of a specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found."The controlled space in Birkdale and nearby areas has two zones - Zone A (covers 200 metres) and Zone B (covers 1500 metres).A detailed map of the controlled area and a full description of the boundaries and rules in place can be found here.About 100 additional traps which target the oriental fruit fly are being placed within a 1500 metre area of the original find."These legal controls are an important precaution. Should there be any more flies out there, this will help prevent their spread out of the area," the Inglis said."It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least two weeks."Signs notifying people of the restrictions and the controlled area boundaries will be put in place."While it's disappointing to detect another Oriental fruit fly so soon after closing our previous response in Papatoetoe, the latest find highlights the value of our trapping and surveillance efforts," Inglis said."It is not unprecedented to have multiple detections. In 2019, we successfully responded to fruit fly detections in three Auckland suburbs, showing the effectiveness of New Zealand's biosecurity system."We all appreciate this will be inconvenient for the many people living in and around the controlled area, but following these directions is a critical precaution to protect our horticultural industries, home gardens and our New Zealand way of life."

Drivers heading north on State Highway 1 (SH1) over the Brynderwyn Hills should prepare for overnight delays as NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) begins asphalt resurfacing work this Sunday, 23 February.The works will take place between 9 pm and 5 am for five nights, with stop/go traffic management and a temporary 30 km/h speed limit in place.Delays of 5 to 10 minutes are expected.This resurfacing is part of Northland’s broader summer maintenance programme, aiming to renew approximately 203 lane kilometres of state highway by the end of May.The project will improve road safety by creating a smoother, skid-resistant surface, enhancing waterproofing to prevent potholes, and extending the road's lifespan.Residents in the area may experience increased noise, and all road users are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.However, access for residents and priority for emergency services will be maintained throughout the works.NZTA urges drivers to be patient, follow speed restrictions, and respect work crews while travelling through the area.As the project is weather dependent, scheduling changes may occur if conditions are unsuitable.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Trade Me has issued a warning to customers about fraudulent SMS messages impersonating Trade Me Jobs recruiters. The company confirmed that these messages are not legitimate and urged recipients to take immediate precautions.If you or someone you know receives a text message from an alleged Trade Me Jobs recruiter, Trade Me advises:Do not respond to the message.Report TXT spam to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).Delete the message to avoid any further engagement.For those who have already responded and shared personal information, Trade Me recommends seeking advice from the New Zealand Police on the appropriate next steps.Scam messages like these are designed to deceive recipients into providing sensitive details, so staying cautious and verifying job opportunities directly through official Trade Me channels is essential.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Following a devastating house fire in Milldale, the firefighters’ union has called for an urgent operational review into Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s (FENZ) response and resourcing for the fast-growing Hibiscus Coast.The fire destroyed a home, severely damaged two neighbouring houses, and spread beyond property boundaries, raising serious concerns about fire safety in new subdivisions. The union has formally requested FENZ investigate key factors, including building design that enabled rapid fire spread, vehicle access in areas with narrow roads and traffic-calming measures, and outdated response zone classifications that may hinder resource allocation.With a population of over 69,000, the Hibiscus Coast is the second-largest area in Auckland, yet it remains the only urban centre in New Zealand’s top 20 without 24/7 career firefighter coverage. The community relies on volunteer fire stations in Silverdale and Manly, supported by a weekday crew at Silverdale. Emergency backup from North Shore’s career stations typically takes 15–20 minutes to arrive.Calls for permanent staffing are not new. In 2007, Auckland fire officials agreed Silverdale Station should transition to a full-time career station, yet a timeline was never established. The union argues that with increasing fire risks and growing public concern, it is time for a serious discussion on resourcing.As investigations into the Milldale fire continue, residents and officials will be watching closely to see if FENZ acts on these concerns.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

We love our sport on the Coast! From Saturday morning footy to our talented local athletes competing on the national stage, sport is a huge part of our community.That’s why we’re excited to launch a dedicated Sports News page on the Hibiscus Coast App—your place to keep up with the latest from local clubs and teams.We’d love to feature match results, upcoming games, Player of the Day shoutouts, standout moments, and great action shots. It’s all about celebrating our local talent and keeping the community connected.We want to hear from you! If you're part of a local sports club or team, share your stories, photos, and updates with us.Get in touch at [email protected] to find out how you can get involved and help make our Sports News page the best it can be!Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Good as New PreLoved Kids MarketSat 22 Feb, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PMMore detailsWhite Chapel Jak @ PBSat 22 Feb, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PMMore detailsLets Go CountrySun 23 Feb, 4:00 PM-7:00 PMMore detailsWant to see more events?Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

This weekend, sports enthusiasts on the Hibiscus Coast are in for a treat with a lineup of thrilling rugby and football matches.Super Rugby ClashesChiefs vs. CrusadersTonight, the Chiefs will face the Crusaders at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm.Both teams are eager to continue their promising early-season start.Hurricanes vs. Fijian DruaTomorrow, the Hurricanes will host the Fijian Drua at McLean Park in Napier, with kickoff at 4:35 pm.Blues vs. HighlandersAlso on Saturday, the Blues will be in Dunedin to take on the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:05 pm.Both teams will be looking for their first win of the season.A-League Football: Auckland FC vs. Wellington PhoenixFootball fans can look forward to Auckland FC facing Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.The match takes place at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, with kickoff at 5:00 pm.This encounter marks the third meeting between the two New Zealand-based A-League teams, with Auckland FC winning the previous two matches.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Coasties keeping an eye on the local property market will be interested to know that the number of residential real estate listings on Trade Me Property has reached a five-year high.According to Trade Me Property, January 2025 saw a significant rebound in property listing views, up 43% from December. This rapid recovery is attributed to recent interest rate cuts and increased consumer curiosity in the market.Gavin Lloyd, Trade Me Property Customer Director, notes, "While a decrease in listing views over the holiday period is typical, this rapid rebound suggests that many Kiwis may be considering buying or selling in 2025."The national average asking price in January was $842,900, a 0.8% decrease from December. Source: TradeMe.Most regions showed relatively stable market conditions, with minor fluctuations.Gisborne, West Coast, and Southland experienced notable growth, with Gisborne property prices surging 6.9% in January. The West Coast and Southland took the top spot, achieving the highest year-on-year increases in average asking prices.Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) for January 2025 showed some positive signs across the New Zealand property market.REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird stated, "While the numbers predictably show January being a slower month due to the holidays, sales and listings were higher compared to January 2024."The median price for New Zealand decreased slightly, down 1.7% from $763,000 to $750,000 year-on-year.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Auckland Council is seeking feedback from Coasties on proposed updates to the Cemetery and Crematoria Bylaw, following a statutory review conducted in 2024.The proposed changes aim to clarify and streamline the bylaw without altering the daily operations of Auckland’s public cemeteries.Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, explained that the bylaw is a crucial tool for maintaining safety and ensuring cemeteries meet the needs of Aucklanders.“Our cemeteries are special places, and they deserve to be treated with care and respect,” she said.The bylaw governs the operation of more than 50 cemeteries across Tāmaki Makaurau, including notable sites such as North Shore Memorial Park, Waikumete Cemetery, and Manukau Memorial Gardens.The purpose of the statutory review was to ensure that the bylaw continues to serve Aucklanders effectively.According to Cr Bartley, the review found that the current regulations were working well, so no changes to the operational rules for the public are being proposed.However, the review uncovered outdated and duplicated information within the accompanying code of practice.To improve clarity, most of these rules will be incorporated into the bylaw, ensuring all relevant information is in one place.“These proposed changes will not affect the rules Aucklanders follow, but they will make the bylaw clearer and easier to navigate,” Cr Bartley added.While the changes are administrative, the council invites feedback from the public to ensure that the bylaw continues to meet the needs of the community.The consultation is open until Sunday, 23 February, and Aucklanders are encouraged to share their thoughts through the council’s “Have Your Say” website.The bylaw, supported by a code of practice, ensures the safe and respectful operation of Auckland’s cemeteries and crematoria.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

A new international study suggests that businesses can significantly cut energy waste by cultivating a workplace culture that encourages energy-saving behaviours, rather than enforcing them.The research, co-authored by the University of Auckland, emphasises the power of engagement over enforcement when it comes to motivating employees to save energy.The study, published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, reviewed 70 research papers focused on employee energy-saving actions.It found that personal attitudes, social norms, workplace habits, organisational culture, and peer feedback play a crucial role in influencing energy conservation practices.Encouragement and positive reinforcement were identified as key drivers, while punitive measures often proved ineffective.Professor Sholeh Maani from the University of Auckland's Business School, a co-author of the study, explains that businesses should focus on creating an environment that values energy-saving behaviour.Employees who feel supported in their efforts are more likely to adopt lasting energy-saving habits. “A work environment that recognises the value of energy-saving behaviour and employees with intentions to save energy are very effective,” Maani says.Study co-author, Professor Sholeh Maani, University of Auckland Business School.The research also highlights the importance of empowering employees with control over their work environment, such as adjusting lighting and temperature settings.Combining this autonomy with regular feedback on energy usage can help motivate employees to save energy consistently.Digital tools like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and gamified apps can offer real-time tracking of energy consumption, allowing employees to take ownership of their energy-saving efforts.These tools encourage both individual responsibility and teamwork by making energy use visible and actionable.While many businesses rely on educational campaigns to raise awareness about energy conservation, the study found that simply providing information is often not enough.In fact, in some instances, it may backfire if it feels like surveillance.One study conducted at a university in Canada showed that feedback and peer education reduced energy use by 7% and 4%, respectively.However, providing only educational materials led to a 4% increase in energy consumption.A similar study in the Netherlands found that public recognition of energy-saving efforts was more effective than monetary incentives.The 13-week initiative showed that employees who received positive public feedback for their energy-saving efforts reduced consumption significantly, highlighting the power of social recognition in fostering sustainable behaviours.Dr Le Wen, co-author of the study, agrees that practical interventions—such as peer feedback and recognition—are far more effective than simply imparting knowledge.She adds that when colleagues and managers actively participate in energy-saving initiatives, it fosters a culture where everyone feels motivated to contribute.The researchers stress that businesses aiming to reduce energy waste should focus on fostering a workplace culture that supports energy conservation.When employees see their colleagues saving energy and feel supported to make changes, they are more likely to follow suit.As electricity costs continue to rise and New Zealand's commitment to sustainability strengthens, businesses have a unique opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint while also engaging their staff in meaningful energy-saving efforts.Maani notes, “In a country where sustainability is a priority, reducing workplace energy waste is a low-cost, high-impact way for businesses to reach their environmental goals.”Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

New Zealand's diversity is reflected in the latest data on the most common registered family names for newborns in 2024, announced by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.Locals, it's interesting to note that for the seventh consecutive year, Singh has taken the top spot, with over 680 babies given this name.Kaur follows closely in second place with 630 babies, while Smith rounds out the top three with 300 babies sharing the family name.According to Ms van Velden, "A decade ago, in 2014, Smith was the most common registered family name, followed closely behind by Wilson and Brown."New Zealand's cultural diversity is evident in the varying popularity of family names across different regions.In the North Island, Singh, Kaur and Patel were the most common registered family names, while in the South Island, Kaur, Singh and Smith took the top spots.The family name Singh has a rich history, originating from the Sanskrit word for 'lion.'It is traditionally used by Sikh men and has become a common family name among the global Indian diaspora.Ms van Velden emphasised the importance of registering children, especially those born overseas, to ensure they have full access to citizenship rights."It's crucial for Kiwi parents to register their children as citizens by descent, enabling them to obtain a passport and exercise their citizenship rights."For more information on registering your child and accessing guidance on their early years, visit SmartStart.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 21/2Partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 25Low: 15Saturday, 22/2Partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk South to Sou'West winds.High: 24Low: 16Sunday, 23/2Partly cloudy. Breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 24Low: 15Monday, 24/2Mostly sunny. Fairly breezy East to Sou'East winds.High: 25Low: 16Looking for more details?Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere.

Coasties are advised of significant lane closures on the Harbour Bridge this weekend as the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) carries out resurfacing work.Southbound lanes 1 and 2 (the clip-on lanes) will be closed from 9 pm Saturday 22 February until 12 pm Sunday 23 February, with the Shelly Beach off-ramp also shut during the works.The scheduled resurfacing aims to enhance the longevity of the Harbour Bridge, but due to the nature of the materials used, the closure will last longer than typical overnight maintenance.Despite the closures, traffic will still be able to cross the bridge in both directions at all times.However, NZTA is urging drivers to avoid the area when possible, recommending State Highway 16 as an alternative route to avoid congestion.State Highway 16, also known as the Western Ring Route, provides a detour between SH1 Constellation Drive and SH1 Manukau, using SH18, SH16, and SH20.This detour helps maintain traffic flow while work on the bridge is in progress.To minimise disruption, the resurfacing has been scheduled over the weekend to avoid affecting weekday commuter traffic.However, the work is weather dependent, meaning that adverse conditions may lead to delays or rescheduling.Motorists should plan ahead and consider using alternative routes to avoid delays this weekend.As always, please reduce speed and follow all traffic management instructions to ensure safety for both crews and drivers.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]