Consumer spending in New Zealand has inched up for the first time since March 2024, according to Worldline NZ figures.Core Retail merchants in the company’s payments network recorded $3.60B in transactions this June, up 0.8% on the same month last year after adjusting for changes in the network.Worldline NZ Chief Sales Officer Bruce Proffit says this follows similar modest lifts in April and May, making the June quarter the first to show annual growth in more than a year.The 1.2% growth for the quarter might be small, he says, but it could mark a turning point for the rest of 2025.June is typically the slowest month for retailers, and this year’s calendar shift meant one fewer Saturday.Even so, Proffit says it was encouraging to see a positive result.Hospitality spending told a different story, falling 2.4% year-on-year to $0.85B.Auckland and Northland saw the sharpest drop at 4.3%, while Nelson’s slight fall of 0.5% was largely due to severe weather late in the month.Waikato bucked the trend with a 3.3% rise, helped by the annual Fieldays event in Hamilton.Within Core Retail, Whanganui saw the strongest June growth at 6.9%, followed by Taranaki at 4.1% and Nelson at 4.0%.Spending slipped in Wellington (down 1.8%) and Auckland/Northland (down 0.7%).For Hibiscus Coast shoppers and business owners, these figures reflect the broader Auckland/Northland decline, but the national lift suggests confidence might slowly be returning to tills.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Former All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga is heading home.Mo'unga has signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury for 18 months from July 2026 to December 2027, putting him in the selection frame for the All Blacks for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.The 31-year-old, who has played 56 tests since making his All Blacks debut in 2017, will play for the Crusaders for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season and Canterbury for the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons.He will be available for All Blacks selection from October 2026.Mo'unga could battle it out with the likes of Beauden Barrett for the All Blacks first-five jersey. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nzMo'unga was a key player of the side for a number of years and played a pivotal role in the All Blacks run to the 2023 World Cup final in France, which they lost by just one point to South Africa.He moved to Japan in 2024 to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo."The Crusaders have always been a huge part of my life - not just as a player, but as a person," Mo'unga said."I can't wait to return in 2027 and continue to build on the legacy of the franchise. I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with the fans and contributing to the environment both on and off the field."Mo'unga still has one more season in Japan before returns to Aotearoa."I've grown a lot during my time in Japan with Toshiba, both on and off the field. It's been an incredible experience with my family that I'll always be grateful for, and I'm really excited for one more season with them," he said.Mo'unga has played 109 games for the Crusaders and head coach Rob Penney said his homecoming is a massive boost for the champions."Richie's connection to this club runs deep and he is a great Crusader man. We're really blessed with the talent that we have in the Crusaders and having Richie back will not only enhance the team and have a positive influence over the group, but it will also ensure his legacy lives on long after he has departed."Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said Mo'unga will improve the team."The word care is thrown around a lot in this place, but the care Richie has for this club and this team is second to none. He has this gift of bringing out the best in those around him and we can't wait to have him back here in 2027."

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 8/8Cloudy with morning rain, breezy westerly – take a brolly!High: 15Low: 10Saturday, 9/8Partly cloudy, brisk sou’wester – crisp start to the day.High: 13Low: 6Sunday, 10/8Sunny skies and a cool southerly – perfect for a stroll.High: 12Low: 5Monday, 11/8Sun and cloud mix with a breezy sou’easter.High: 13Low: 7Want more weather info? Tap into the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.Everything you need, right here in the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

New Zealand businesses are strong on day-to-day operations but often miss strategic opportunities that could boost long-term growth, according to Bank of New Zealand’s latest Growth Levers Insight Report.The research, based on surveys from over 1,000 businesses and case studies of six high-growth companies, found customer focus (49%), operational efficiency (38%) and people and culture (35%) were the most common drivers of past success.But only 13% credited innovation, and even fewer pointed to professional advice (9%) or market understanding (6%).BNZ’s GM Growth Sectors Brandon Jackson says many owners are stuck “working in their business rather than on it,” limiting time for strategic thinking.He warns this may contribute to New Zealand’s sluggish productivity growth, which has averaged just 0.2% annually over the past decade.Strong foundations, untapped potential. Photo/SuppliedFor Hibiscus Coast businesses, the findings are a reminder that while solid service and efficient operations keep customers happy, growth often comes from taking calculated risks, adopting new technology, and seeking outside expertise.The report highlights examples like Spring Sheep, which created a high-yield dairy sheep breed to tap into the global dairy-intolerance market, and Auckland’s Independent Traffic Control, which improved productivity by restructuring operations and adapting to new markets.BNZ is rolling out a five-step framework and expanding its Growth Academy programme to help business owners assess their own “growth levers” and prioritise where to invest for maximum impact.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Continuing from last month’s discussion on vehicle expense claims for sole traders and partnerships, this article focuses on companies .Understanding Company Vehicles and Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT)A company is a distinct legal entity as such, when a company provides a benefit to an employee or shareholder-employee – such as the use of a company-owned vehicle for private purposes – that benefit is typically subject to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).What is FBT?In simple terms, FBT is a tax applied to non-cash benefits that employees (including shareholder-employees) receive as part of their employment.The FBT cost is typically the equivalent of getting the value of the benefit as extra salary or wages.Who is Responsible for Paying FBT?The obligation to pay FBT lies with the employer not the employee.Business vs. Personal Use of Company VehiclesIf a company vehicle is used exclusively for business purposes and is not available for private use, FBT does not apply.However, Inland Revenue takes a strict stance: if a vehicle is available for private use – even if not actively used for personal trips – it is deemed to be a fringe benefit.Notably, commuting between home and work is classified as personal use with some exemptions.Work-Related Vehicle ExemptionThere is an exemption for certain work-related vehicles, such as utes and vans.To qualify, the following conditions generally apply:The vehicle must be sign-written with the company’s name.It should be designed or modified primarily for business tasks (e.g. carrying tools or equipment).The vehicle use must be for more than carrying passengers and relate to the business tasks.Personal use must be restricted via a formal, written directive to the employee, stating that the vehicle is not to be used privately. Minor deviations in travel for private purposes is allowed.Opting Out of FBTCompanies that own fewer than two vehicles and do not provide any other fringe benefits may elect to opt out of FBT.In this case, vehicle use is treated similarly to sole trader arrangements, where expenses (including depreciation and interest) and GST can be claimed based on the actual business use percentage.Maintaining a logbook for three months is the normal proof of the percentage.Reimbursing Employees for Personal Vehicle UseAn alternative to providing company vehicles is to reimburse employees (including shareholder-employees) for the use of their private vehicles.This can be done via:Mileage (Km) rates, based on IRD-approved rates, which may offer better tax efficiency, due to the rates been generous.Cost-based reimbursements, calculated using actual vehicle expenses proportionate to business use.Key Considerations for Small CompaniesFor closely held companies, determining whether a vehicle should be owned by the company or retained privately is an important strategic decision.To minimise FBT exposure:Restrict vehicle use for business-only purposes (though this may not always be practical)Use personally owned vehicles and reimburse mileage.Disclaimer.This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.While care has been taken to ensure the content is current and accurate at the time of publication, tax legislation and Inland Revenue (IRD) guidance may change over time.Readers are strongly advised to consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant before acting on the information contained herein, especially in cases involving complex or unique business circumstances.DHCA assumes no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.At David Hooper Chartered Accountants, we help local businesses make smart financial decisions. Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

Opportunities for Auckland voters to see democracy in action in this year's mayoral election might be few and far between.Incumbent Auckland mayor Wayne Brown is seeking re-election against 11 other contenders.But few mayoral debates are being lined up before voting opens on 9 September.In what is already a battle to draw interest to local body elections, which notoriously struggle to attract a strong turnout, one mayoral candidate is concerned a lacklustre campaign will ensure the vote remains low.The University of Auckland Debating Society told RNZ it had hoped to hold a mayoral debate on Tuesday, 5 August.External events manager Robert Hoskins said it invited three candidates: Kerrin Leoni, Ted Johnston and current mayor Wayne Brown, but only Leoni responded.He said the team had spoken to someone from the mayor's office last month, who said they would pass their request to the mayor's campaign team.The society's lively candidate debate in 2022, hosted by broadcaster Jack Tame, attracted hundreds of students. It also held a debate in 2019."In both cases, we had all major candidates willing to attend, though we ran our 2022 debate quite early, before Wayne Brown was considered a major candidate, and as such, we did not invite him," Hoskins said.He was still hopeful Brown might agree to participate."Students appreciate getting direct engagement with candidates. These events are well attended. We sometimes get upwards of 500 students attending, and many more watch the livestream."Students do care about what's going on in Auckland and their local wards. Not having any engagement with them is a real shame."The Auckland Business Chamber, which held a mayoral debate in 2022, told RNZ it would not have one this year, but did not elaborate why.The Penrose Business Association said it planned to hold a mayoral debate, but it had not come together yet.Leoni said she received debate invitations from the Auckland University Debating Society and the Institute of Directors."It's unacceptable that they [the Debating Society] have not been able to go ahead with their event, knowing that the main person I'm up against, or he's up against me, has not even responded to the invite."I'm still waiting to hear back from the Institute of Directors if we're going to go ahead. But from what I've heard, Wayne Brown is saying no to debates."She was eager to debate Brown and called on him to front up."Organisations organising debates and events want to have the sitting mayor there, and so he should be."I actually think it's quite arrogant. He's basically saying to Aucklanders, I'm better than anyone else, so why should I turn up. That's not good enough."He should be fronting up to debate anyone else standing for mayor."It's concerning for democracy, and I'm disappointed in Wayne Brown."In the city's last local elections, just 405,149 votes were returned, 35.4 percent of enrolled voters.In 2019's election, the voter turnout was 35.3 percent.Leoni said debates were a way to bolster interest."We have a responsibility as candidates to debate our policies in public so Aucklanders can hear our opinions and know what they're actually voting for."She said she had committed to a handful of meet the candidates events.Community Hub Future Whangaparāoa said Kerrin Leoni was the only mayoral candidate registered for its meet the candidates meeting on Sunday, 14 September.When contacted by RNZ, a spokesperson for Wayne Brown's campaign was non-committal about debates or panels."Wayne has a very busy schedule as mayor across the city. He gets many requests from various groups across Auckland's many diverse communities and will be engaging with them as the election continues."He will be strongly contesting this race against the 11 other candidates."RNZ asked all mayoral candidates who provided contact details if they wanted a debate.Rob Mcneil from the Animal Justice Party said he was "very interested to debate other mayoral candidates at any point".He said he had been invited to a debate in Warkworth on 10 September, held by One Mahurangi Business Association.Johnston told RNZ he was also "quite willing to debate the other candidates".He said he had received four debate invitations.The Institute of Directors has been contacted for comment.

Unemployment is slightly better than expected, with 5.2 percent of New Zealanders out of work in the June quarter. That’s lower than the Treasury’s forecast of 5.4 percent.Finance Minister Nicola Willis says that’s 8000 fewer unemployed than predicted.While any rise in joblessness is tough, Willis says it’s the knock-on effect of inflation, high interest rates and sluggish growth over the past few years.But she points to signs of a turnaround:Inflation is easingInterest rates are fallingGDP grew in the first quarter of the yearThe Government is putting $6 billion into construction projects before Christmas, aiming to create more jobs. It’s also rolling out fast-track development plans and a new tax policy to encourage business investment.Wages are also outpacing inflation.Average hourly earnings rose 4.5 percent over the year, while inflation sat at 2.7 percent. The wage growth was driven mostly by private sector increases.For Coasties, this means potential relief from job uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures. With building projects on the horizon and economic recovery underway, local trades, small businesses and workers could start feeling a bit more optimistic.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Thousands of leaked email logins tied to New Zealand’s government, banks and health providers have turned up for sale on the dark web, according to a new cybersecurity study.The nWebbed NZ Cybersecurity Study found more than 150 million compromised credentials linked to New Zealand, with over 198,000 local organisations affected.That includes more than 18,000 government workers, 3,200 banking staff and 2,000 privileged healthcare accounts.Julian Wendt, founder of Kiwi tech start-up nWebbed Intelligence, says many organisations are unaware their data has already been leaked.“These are real emails and passwords, sitting in the wild. They’re searchable, for sale and vulnerable to exploitation,” says Wendt.The dark web is often used by cybercriminals to trade stolen information.Wendt says many breaches remain undetected for months or even years, with some staff credentials exposed in multiple leaks.Julian Wendt, founder of nWebbed Intelligence. Photo: supplied.The study highlights the urgent need for better visibility, not just perimeter defence.“Even businesses with good internal practices are often shocked to see what’s already out there. This is about knowing where your data lives, not blaming anyone,” says Wendt.Locally, the story hits close to home.Coasties rely on the same government services, health providers and banks now shown to have compromised credentials.If your email ends in a .govt.nz, or belongs to a large provider, it might already be circulating online.nWebbed has launched a real-time threat monitoring platform using AI to help organisations act fast and close security gaps before they’re exploited.How to Check if You’ve Been ExposedHere’s a quick checklist to help you stay safe:Check your email at haveibeenpwned.comSearch all personal and work email addressesUse a breach monitoring tool (e.g. Firefox Monitor, 1Password, or nWebbed)Change any leaked passwords immediatelyDon’t reuse passwords—make each one uniqueEnable two-factor authentication (2FA)Watch for suspicious logins or activityUse a password manager to stay on top of it allSeen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties can now track the health of their beaches with a new online tool from Auckland Council. The Coastal Monitoring Portal, launched this week, gives the public access to live and historical data from popular beaches across the region.You can now explore sand level surveys, wave and water levels, camera imagery, and marine forecasts up to seven days in advance.“Council staff collect so much useful data from Auckland’s beaches – like sand levels before and after storms as well as camera imagery and wave conditions. The data is used to inform a range of research as well as allow our teams to better understand the current state of and the impact of climate change on our coastline,” says Cr Richard Hills.“Now, volunteers, community groups, students, researchers and general members of the public who are interested can also access this data.”The Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Unit collects coastal data using GPS surveys, drones, tidal gauges and wave buoys. There are currently eight coastal cameras operating, with a new one coming to Onetangi. The latest cameras have been installed at Long Bay, Te Arai and Mairangi Bay.Paul Klinac says, “Data is collected from a wide range of Auckland’s beaches, and we continue to look at growing this list and expanding our scope of monitoring sites across the entirety of Tāmaki Makaurau.”Beaches like Orewa and Red Beach face seasonal sand shifts and storm damage. Now Coasties can watch changes in real time and access the same data used for emergency planning and climate resilience.“We encourage anyone who loves and uses the coast – whether you’re a surfer, fisherman, ocean swimmer, or a beach goer to access Auckland’s Coastal Monitoring Portal to check the current and likely future conditions at your local beach and learn more about changes along our coastlines,” says Klinac.Visit knowledgeauckland.co.nz to view the data or email [email protected] with questions.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The country’s largest employer group says proposed education reforms could help solve a long-standing issue: school leavers not being ready for work.The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA), which represents thousands of businesses including on the Hibiscus Coast, supports the plan to replace NCEA with new, internationally benchmarked qualifications.Joanna Hall, EMA’s Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, says employers regularly report that young people are leaving school without the skills they need.“Communication, digital literacy, basic reading and maths, these are the gaps we keep hearing about,” she says.The government’s proposal includes giving Industry Skills Boards more say in shaping vocational subjects in secondary schools.Hall says this cross-system link between secondary and tertiary learning is a step in the right direction, but warns it needs proper backing.“The ISBs need funding and stronger employer involvement in decision-making,” she says.She’s also calling for a fully integrated workforce strategy across all industries and education levels.For Hibiscus Coast businesses, many of which rely on capable young staff, this reform could make a real difference.A more practical, industry-connected curriculum means local employers spend less time on basic training, and more on growing their teams.The EMA is encouraging local business owners to speak up in the government’s education consultation so the needs of employers on the Coast are represented.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Education is in the spotlight nationwide this week, with NCEA changes coming in 2026 on many Coastie parents’ minds.Professor Danping Wang is on a mission to future-proof language learning. The University of Auckland scholar, who leads the Chinese programme, says artificial intelligence is already reshaping classrooms worldwide and New Zealand cannot afford to lag behind.After hosting an AI-and-languages conference at the University in January, Wang redesigned her courses so students use tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Canva to create projects instead of sitting memory-based exams. “Assignments are now creative and useful beyond the grade,” she says. One student even produced a picture book with AI that delighted children at a local early childhood centre.Associate Professor Danping Wang.Wang’s data show grades and confidence rise when AI supports vocabulary and grammar practice.She also uses the technology to generate level-specific resources in minutes, a task that once took hours.The stakes, she argues, go beyond tertiary halls. Beijing will make AI lessons compulsory in all schools from September, giving learners there an eight-hour annual head start. “When our students work in East Asia, AI is normal. We must catch up,” she says.Wang is surveying teachers nationwide with the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers and running workshops in the University’s new AI lab. She wants schools and tutors on board, especially to ensure Māori and Pacific language communities are not left out.“AI isn’t just coming, it’s already here. Our job now is to shape how it’s used, and who it serves.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you’ve got a teen in high school or one starting soon, you’ve likely heard murmurs about the big shake-up coming to NCEA.The familiar system that’s shaped school leavers’ results since 2002 is on its way out, with a more globally aligned approach planned to phase in from 2026.So, how does our current system stack up internationally?NCEA has long been praised for flexibility.Students can tailor subject choices to suit their interests or career paths. But that same flexibility has led to patchy results.One school’s science credits might not match another’s, and many students have left with a certificate but weak maths or literacy skills.That’s been a concern for parents, employers, and even universities, both here and overseas.While NCEA is accepted by top institutions like Oxford and Harvard, those applying with A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate are often on more familiar ground.These qualifications are better known internationally and sometimes seen as more academically rigorous.New Zealand once ranked among the world’s top-performing education systems.In the early 2000s, our 15-year-olds were ranked 3rd in maths and 4th in reading.But by the 2018 PISA tests, our maths ranking had slipped to 27th, with reading and science results holding steady but still trending down.To address these issues, the government is planning a full qualification overhaul.From 2028, Year 11 students will no longer sit NCEA Level 1.Instead, they’ll focus on core skills in literacy and numeracy through a new standalone Foundational Skills Award.In the following years, two new certificates will replace NCEA Levels 2 and 3: the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) in Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) in Year 13.These will be subject-based qualifications, assessed using a consistent national curriculum.Students will no longer receive “Achieved,” “Merit,” or “Excellence” grades.Instead, their work will be marked out of 100 and reported using letter grades from A to E—making results easier for parents, employers, and universities to interpret.Year 11 students will still be required to take English and maths, and students in Years 12 and 13 must study five subjects, with at least four passes needed to gain their certificate.The full rollout is expected to take place between 2026 and 2030, with public consultation open until later this year.The aim is a simpler, stronger, and more consistent system.One that supports every learner while standing up to global scrutiny.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A commercial dry dock, fuel pipeline, and long-awaited rail link are setting Marsden Point up to become one of New Zealand’s top trade and energy hubs, and that matters for Coasties too.Big moves are happening just north of the Hibiscus Coast. Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say Marsden Point is becoming a “powerhouse” for jobs, trade, and manufacturing.A refurbished tank, part of a Channel Infrastructure and Z Energy partnership, will soon supply jet fuel to Auckland Airport through the pipeline from Marsden Point to Wiri.A dry dock facility at Northport is also on the horizon. The Government is close to confirming a commercial provider for the project, which will be partially funded by the Regional Infrastructure Fund. The dry dock would allow large ships to be serviced locally, something New Zealand currently lacks.KiwiRail will also open up design data for the Marsden Point Rail Link, enabling commercial discussions to help fund and build the line.Minister Jones says the area is shaping up to include sustainable aviation fuel production, a bitumen import terminal, a diesel peaker, and a biorefinery.Better transport links, stronger regional freight options, and more job opportunities could ripple down to the Hibiscus Coast. As Northport and Marsden Point grow, the entire upper North Island stands to benefit.A proposal is also going to Cabinet soon on special economic zones (SEZs), which could offer tax breaks and streamlined rules to attract even more investment.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A good case study doesn’t just tell a story. It builds belief.For businesses on the Hibiscus Coast, where word travels fast, a well-written case study can do more than any polished pitch. It shows people what you’ve actually done, not what you say you can do.At its simplest, a case study walks through how you helped a real customer solve a real problem. It spells out what wasn’t working, what you did to fix it, and what happened next.There’s no fluff. No theory. Just results. And that’s what makes it so usefulwh, ether you’re trying to land new clients, train your team, pitch for funding, or simply build trust in your community.Why case studies workBig companies use case studies to win contracts or train their sales teams. But for small businesses, they’re even more valuable.They help you:Build trust quicklyShow the outcomes you deliverStand out from competitorsLet others do the talking for youAnd here on the Hibiscus Coast, where people like to buy from those they know or have heard good things about, real stories from real customers carry real weight.Where to use themWhenever you’ve had a great result, consider turning it into a case study. That might be a strong project win, a successful launch, or a client who saw a big shift thanks to your help. Capture it while it’s fresh and use it to your advantage.You can share it:On your websiteIn sales conversationsAs social media postsIn your email newslettersAnd don’t overlook your directory listing on the Hibiscus Coast App. Instead of writing a generic blurb, you can highlight a real success story. A short teaser and a link to the full case study gives people a reason to trust you and a reason to choose you.They also work brilliantly in ads. Use a strong result as the headline, add a client quote, or shape the whole ad around the story. When locals see something real, they pay attention.How to write oneStart with a customer who’s genuinely happy and has a measurable result. Interview them, write up their experience, and keep it clear and relatable.Here’s a simple structure that works:Title: Make it about the result (e.g. How We Grew Bookings by 50%)Overview: Who the client is and what they doThe Challenge: What wasn’t workingThe Solution: What you didThe Results: Numbers, outcomes, or specific changesClient Quote: Something genuine from themVisuals: Charts, screenshots, or photosTakeaways: What others can learnAim for one or two pages. Keep it skimmable but useful. Get your client’s sign-off before you publish it and update it down the track if results improve.If you’re putting your case study online, structure it so it’s easy to read for both people and AI. Use clear headings, simple language, and keywords your ideal customers might search on Google, LinkedIn, or tools like ChatGPT. Then share it via email, socials, or even in one-on-one conversations.Nothing builds trust like real results.A good case study keeps working long after the job is done. It can start conversations, win new clients, and quietly prove that you know what you’re doing.If you’ve helped someone get a great outcome, don’t let that story go to waste.

Four of New Zealand’s major power generators have joined forces to create a national energy reserve, aiming to avoid future winter power shortages and price spikes. The 10-year fuel stockpile agreement between Genesis, Mercury, Meridian and Contact was announced by Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Minister Shane Jones.The move follows last year’s dry winter, which exposed serious gaps in New Zealand’s energy supply and left households and businesses under pressure. According to Minister Watts, the shortage could’ve been avoided with more fuel in reserve.The reserve is designed to act as a buffer during times when hydro lakes are low and wind or solar power aren’t producing enough. It’s a response to both past energy issues and changes brought in by the previous government, including a ban on new gas exploration and a push for 100% renewable electricity.“Power companies now understand the expectation: boost supply, avoid outages, and keep energy affordable,” said Mr Watts.Locally, the announcement is a reminder of the need for reliable energy here on the Hibiscus Coast, especially with our growing population and businesses. It’s not just about the big picture. It’s about making sure our lights stay on and power prices don’t spike when the weather turns.The Government is also reviewing regulations, fast-tracking energy infrastructure, and pushing for better market competition to make sure our energy system stays secure, affordable and fit for the future.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland FC pivoted on plans to create their own home base and are now planning to seek to stay longer in their council-controlled split stadium situation.The owners of the A-League club this month withdrew their plans to transform Western Springs Stadium into Auckland Arena which would have been their home ground and training facility.Challenges with public land led them to withdraw their proposal for the privately funded venue, according to the club.Last year Auckland FC signed a five year deal with Go Media Mt Smart Stadium to host their home games and a three year deal with North Harbour Stadium to be the team's training base.Auckland FC chief executive officer Nick Becker said the length of the deals with the two stadiums nearly 30 kilometres apart could be secured for longer terms as both suited the club's current set up.The shorter contract with North Harbour Stadium was a precautionary move as Becker said when the club came into existence last year they were unsure how the space would work for their needs.The club made several modifications - put in a kitchen, gym, transformed corporate boxes into offices and a created a players' lounge - to feel more at home.But the club has a vision for more."The guys love it up here," Becker said of the Albany base where the players are a couple of weeks into pre-season training ahead of the A-League kicking off on 17 October."We're going to need additional facilities obviously for our women's team when it comes on, our youth, our reserves, our football schools."We're really happy up at North Harbour. We'd love to continue to be here for a longer term."I think as a space relatively central, there's so much potential here to create a really fantastic home for our professional teams and our youth teams."What sort of development that requires we're not sure about that right now, but I'd definitely love to see some development here into a more high performance centre."North Harbour Stadium is home to football and rugby sides. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nzAuckland FC are not the first to float the idea of turning the stadium and surrounds into a high performance or sporting hub - it is an idea that has been around for decades - but the timing might be right.Tātaki Auckland Unlimited was this month retained as operators of North Harbour Stadium and the surrounding Domain Precinct after a better alternative could not be found.The council-controlled organisation's chief executive Nick Hill said Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) "will pursue a refocused operational model at North Harbour Stadium".The search for a new operator by the North Harbour Steering Group had aimed to find an operator that could deliver increased connection with the community and improved financial performance.The Steering group, with TAU, was now working to determine the long-term future of North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct, focusing on the most appropriate ownership, funding, governance, improvements, and operational management model which was expected to take until December 2026 to be decided.Auckland FC has shared the training field space with Super Rugby Pacific side Moana Pasifika and their game day home ground with the Warriors NRL club.Scheduling clashes were avoided last season during the cross-over in the A-League and NRL seasons at the stadium in Penrose.Becker said he had a draft draw for the 2025/26 A-League season that would have a "few tweaks" before "key fixtures" were drip-fed out to fans next week.

Coasties dreaming of a soul-stirring night out might want to pop Sunday 14 December in the calendar. Oprah Winfrey is making her way back to New Zealand for a special event at Spark Arena, and it's shaping up to be an unforgettable evening.Called ‘Oprah In Conversation: Presented by Lilly’, the one-night-only show will see Oprah share personal stories, life lessons, and reflections on resilience, purpose and reinvention. It's a rare chance to hear directly from one of the world’s most respected voices in a format that promises honest, heartfelt conversation. Not a performance, but a moment of connection.Locals who caught her last time know the energy she brings. “The warmth and spirit I felt from audiences in New Zealand have stayed with me,” she said in a release. “This tour is a chance to reconnect, reflect, and be reinspired, together.”Pre-sale tickets start rolling out on Wednesday 6 August at 10:00, with general sales opening Friday 8 August at 12:00. Coasties heading into the city should plan early, it’s bound to sell fast.Whether you grew up watching her iconic talk show or have since followed her book club, podcasts or philanthropic work, this is a chance to be part of something inspiring just before Christmas.Feel like a spark of Oprah magic might be just what you need this year? You won’t be the only one.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government has announced a proposal to replace the NCEA qualification system with a new structure aimed at better preparing students for work, training, or further study.Under the proposed changes, NCEA Level 1 would be removed.Year 11 students would instead sit a literacy and numeracy foundation test and be required to take English and Maths.From Year 12, two new qualifications would replace NCEA Levels 2 and 3:The New Zealand Certificate of Education (Year 12)The New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (Year 13)Each would require students to take five subjects and pass at least four, with results graded clearly from A to E.The new system would also introduce a nationally consistent curriculum for Years 9–13, and stronger vocational pathways designed in partnership with industry.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the current NCEA system is inconsistent and doesn’t always meet the needs of students or employers.Education Minister Erica Stanford added that the changes are about lifting standards and giving parents clearer information.For families on the Hibiscus Coast, this means their teens could soon be learning under a more structured, internationally benchmarked system.The Government says it wants every student, whether aiming for trades, uni, or direct employment, to have the skills to thrive.These changes are part of a broader education reform already underway, including daily lessons in reading, writing, and maths, phone bans in class, and updated curricula in English and maths.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

North Shore Hospital has an entire ward of people stuck in hospital with no medical reason to be there.The 20-bed ward was created in May for patients who were effectively medically discharged but did not have anywhere to go for lower level care, such as an aged care facility.RNZ understands they were not under the direct care of doctors, but were looked after by nurses and allied health staff such as physiotherapists and social workers.Some were there for weeks.Health NZ's Waitematā operations director Brad Healey said started the dedicated ward to help boost capacity in the busy winter period.It had helped improve the flow of patients because people were spending less time in emergency departments and were getting the care they needed sooner, he said.Deborah Powell heads the APEX Union, which includes allied health workers.It was not unusual for the patients to be in the ward for two or three weeks, but sometimes it was longer, she said.It was not ideal but it was a good, practical decision to have them in one place rather than dotted around the hospital, she said."It would be better to have them in the community but we just don't have that capacity out there at the moment."The head of the senior doctor's union, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Sarah Dalton, said it was not good for people to be in hospital when they did not need to be."You're much better off to be in the community where you can be dressed and walking around and doing your daily things and doing exercise and getting rehab and all of those good things," she said.Having people stuck in hospital, also helped create longer surgical waiting lists, she said."One of the biggest contributors to cancellations of elective surgeries in hospitals is that there aren't enough staffed beds to put the patients in after their surgery.""It has a domino effect back through the hospital in terms of other people's ability to access care."The government needed to do more to fund public aged residential care and also support services that allowed people to go back to their own homes, rather than the "last resort" of having to stay in hospital, Dalton said.Association of Salaried Medical Specialists chief executive Sarah Dalton. Photo: RNZ / Nick MonroHealth NZ's Brad Healey said each patient in the ward had a "responsible medical clinician" and could access medical care if their condition changed and a further medical assessment was needed."The patients have complex discharge pathways, requiring specialist nursing and allied health workforces," he said.Those teams worked closely with the patients and their whānau to get the discharge support they needed, he said.