Ratepayers across the country, including on the Hibiscus Coast, now have a clearer view of where their money is going, thanks to new council performance metrics published this week.Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the move is about putting facts into the hands of locals, especially during a cost-of-living crunch.“Some ratepayers are getting more and more fed up with rising rates hitting pockets harder than ever,” he said.“It’s important that they can see how their council is performing and what it’s delivering.”The new data shows how much councils are spending on essentials like infrastructure, how rates compare across the country, and how much debt and staffing is involved.You can now check how your council stacks up at www.dia.govt.nz/local-government-performance-metrics.The Minister also confirmed the Government is exploring a system to cap rates increases.With many Coasties already feeling financial pressure, any future change to rates policy could have a direct local impact.For our community, the bigger takeaway is transparency.This gives Coasties the chance to ask harder questions and push for spending that truly benefits our area.Especially when it comes to basic services and infrastructure.Whether you're concerned about the state of our roads, how council staff are funded, or what’s driving your latest rates bill, this is a new chance to get informed and stay engaged.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you've noticed Lyme disease popping up in your newsfeed, you're not imagining things. Kiwi Google searches have surged this week, and it’s all linked to pop star Justin Timberlake.The singer, who just wrapped his Forget Tomorrow world tour, shared in a heartfelt Instagram post that he’s been dealing with some health struggles—one of them being Lyme disease. His goal? To help others understand what it really is and why early treatment matters.So what is Lyme disease?It’s a bacterial infection passed to humans through the bite of blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks). The ticks carry Borrelia burgdorferi, and the illness is most common in parts of North America, Europe and Asia.New Zealand doesn’t have a known population of these ticks, so local cases are rare and usually travel-related. Still, it’s a timely reminder to check symptoms and get medical advice after overseas hiking trips.Lyme disease isn’t contagious between people. Most cases can be cleared with antibiotics, but some people still experience fatigue and other issues months later.Justin Timberlake’s honesty is prompting a fresh wave of public awareness—and for many Kiwis, it’s the first time they’ve really looked into the disease.So if you’ve been Googling it too, you’re not alone.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Country Rock Mini FestivalSat 2 AugClick here for more detailsShe Loves GolfSun 3 AugClick here for more detailsElectrify Hibiscus CoastTue 12 AugClick here for more detailsWant to see more events?Explore Things To Do in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App anytime, anywhere.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here

Mayor Wayne Brown has announced two candidates for the Albany Ward under the 'Fix Auckland' banner: Victoria Short and Gary Brown.Both are set to run for Auckland Council, with a focus on accountability, financial discipline, and community-first leadership.Victoria Short is a trained accountant with experience in both local and central government.She’s known for her focus on value-for-money decision-making and is a volunteer trustee for Life Education North Shore.Gary Brown, a familiar face on the Hibiscus Coast, currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and brings over 30 years of community involvement, including work with Silverdale Rugby Club and North Harbour Rugby.Wayne Brown says the pair reflect Fix Auckland’s practical and results-driven approach to governance.“They understand the importance of fixing our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and making sure every ratepayer dollar delivers real value.”Locally, this is a big move.The Albany Ward covers East Coast Bays, Upper Harbour, and the Hibiscus Coast—areas where residents have often voiced concern about infrastructure, rates, and council efficiency.“Residents can expect a team that stands firmly for accountability, transparency, and results,” says Victoria.Gary adds, “We want to ensure that the ratepayer is at the forefront of every financial decision we make.”With local elections drawing near, the duo will be campaigning on promises of better services, less waste, and community-first leadership.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Applications are now open for the 2026 round of On Farm Support science scholarships, aimed at growing the next generation of on-farm advisers for New Zealand’s primary sector.The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is offering six scholarships worth a total of $30,000 to students studying agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, or science degrees. Applicants must have completed at least one year of study and have a clear interest in advisory work with farmers and growers.Launched in 2023, the programme is already showing results. Recipients like Ffion White and Nerissa Edwards have gone on to secure roles in farm consultancy and nutrient management. Ffion is now interning with Ballance Agri-Nutrients, while Nerissa works full-time at KS Agri in Feilding.Both credit the scholarship for helping them build connections and gain hands-on experience. MPI’s director of On Farm Support, Vanessa Winning, says that’s exactly the goal—supporting students to enter science-backed advisory roles that help boost farm productivity and sustainability.For Coasties with teens studying ag or science at uni, this could be a great stepping stone into a meaningful, land-connected career. Applications close 15 September 2025.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

From 1 September, vintage vehicle and private motorhome owners will no longer need to queue up twice a year for inspections. New rules will shift these checks to once a year.Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the change, calling it "commonsense and freeing people up to enjoy their vehicles." The update affects around 128,000 vintage light vehicles (40 years or older) and 39,000 privately owned heavy motorhomes across the country.Public support was clear. Ninety-eight percent of submissions backed annual inspections for vintage cars, and 89 percent supported the same for motorhomes. These vehicles are often driven less and cared for more. They are also half as likely to be at fault in serious crashes compared to modern vehicles.For Coasties, this means more time behind the wheel and less time in the queue. Whether it's a well-loved classic parked in the garage or a motorhome prepped for a long getaway, this update brings a welcome win for local owners.The change is part of the Government’s wider Land Transport Rules Reform Programme. A broader review of WoF and CoF rules for all light vehicles is still to come.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 1/8A bit of sun and cloud with a chilly southerly breeze.High: 14Low: 5Saturday, 2/8Mostly sunny and breezy with a crisp sou’wester.High: 14Low: 7Sunday, 3/8Plenty of sun and a cool sou’easter blowing through.High: 13Low: 6Monday, 4/8Clouds rolling in with a fairly breezy sou’easter.High: 13Low: 9Want 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!

Is it time to consider selling your property investments and put the money into assets that actually grow the economy?One investment expert says New Zealand would be a lot better off if such a change were to occur.Jeremy Williamson, head of private wealth and markets at Craigs Investment Partners, said there was momentum building for a move away from a "love affair with property and property investing"."We think that's great for a number of reasons. New Zealand is always going to have an affinity with property investment but there are so many benefits for us as a country if we can turn the dial away from it, into more productive parts of the economy."He said property investment was not the most efficient way to help create a better life for the next generation of New Zealanders."What does it do on a national scale for us if we're just buying and selling houses back to each other to create wealth? I don't necessarily believe for the collective it works."He said New Zealanders' knowledge about investing in other assets was growing."If you put $100 into a New Zealand house 30 years ago it would be worth nearly $600. If you put it in New Zealand shares, it would be $1100."He said people had favoured property investment for the reassurance of being able to "touch and see" it, but that was changing."There is a whole generation of people who got burnt in 1987 in the sharemarket crash. But the reality is that generation is starting to pass and there is a new generation of people coming through that have had a really positive experience in asset classes outside property."He said the ability to leverage a property investment - borrow money from the bank to buy a house with only a 30 percent deposit, for example - would also make it appealing.But he said if even 10 percent of the money being invested into property went into other assets, it would make a big difference."We over-allocate to property, we're reinforcing inequality through investment in an asset class that isn't productive. We're inflating the asset class and putting it out of reach for the next generation."If we were to set ourselves an objective, we want a more productive economy, more opportunities for our kids, all that stuff, if we're allocating capital into more productive asset classes the tax take from that downstream is going to increase anyway."He said there was also a conversation to be had about creating the right tax incentives to encourage that."It's worth discussing at a national level. A house can't grow an economy. Investing in productive, growing companies can change the economy for the good."He said now could be a good time to realise property investments and put the money into other asset classes.Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said the average residential property investment return over the 10 years to March 2025 was 9.5 percent a year, including rents and capital gains.Morningstar said the per annum return of a typical aggressive KiwiSaver fund over that period was 9.34 percent."The worst 10-year stretch was the 10 years to June 2017 (8.7 percent per annum), and the best was the 10 years to December 2021 (14 percent per annum)."He said housing could be less central to investments in the future."The house price falls in 2022/23 have demonstrated that house prices are not a sure bet to always go up."Significant increases in insurance costs and local government rates mean that the operating expenses associated with rental property are much higher than in the past."He said KiwiSaver had also made people more familiar and comfortable with financial investments."A lack of expectations about capital gains for housing is also likely to limit investor demand for property for some time yet. Poor housing affordability and low rental yields suggest limited room for house prices to be bid up significantly - and rising property values are a key component of property being an attractive investment."Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura KiwiSaver, said he agreed that New Zealand needed to move away from property."With the world moving into negative population growth in the next few years it will have massive implications on property prices. The dynamics for property don't look great over the next 10 to 15 years when you consider the potential for slowing to no population growth, falling real wages and higher interest rates driven by inflation."He said Bitcoin had been the asset class that had delivered the best performance of the past decade.It had given investors a 45,000 percent return."However it is important to point out that during this period it went from being a small speculative asset class to gaining acceptance into the mainstream. That is evidenced by the launch of the ETFs the inclusion by governments of Bitcoin in their reserves."While it is highly unlikely that we see this type of growth again - it is important to point out that Bitcoin is still a small asset class compared to others. With a market cap of US$2.4tr it is only 10 percent of the value of gold, just over 50 percent of the market cap of Nvidia and tiny compared to the value of the real estate market. If adoption continues we expect to see some of these gaps close."Though while less risky than it was a few years ago, risk still exists. It is important that investors remain diversified and don't place all their bets on any single asset or asset class because history shows assets will always move in cycles."

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to take house fire safety seriously. Seventeen people have died in preventable residential fires over the past year—marking the worst toll in a decade.With cooler weather increasing the use of heaters and electric blankets, Risk Reduction and Investigations Manager Peter Gallagher says it's time for every household to make fire safety a priority.“A fire can be un-survivable within just three minutes,” he said. “It’s crucial to have working smoke alarms in the right places.”Many of the recent fatal fires had smoke alarms installed, but not in the rooms where fires started. Gallagher stresses the need for alarms in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas—including sleepouts and caravans.For Coasties, this hits close to home. Many local homes have older wiring, rely on plug-in heaters, or include separate sleepouts, which increases the need for a proper escape plan.A good three-step escape plan includes:Working smoke alarms in every key areaA primary and alternative exitA safe meeting point outsideGallagher also reminded people to keep clothing and bedding at least a metre away from heaters, check electric blankets for hot spots, and never use outdoor equipment to heat your home.“Take the time this weekend to put some of these simple steps in place. They can save lives.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Penlink works are picking up pace this August, with several key phases kicking off across the project.From Sunday 10 to Thursday 14 August, SH1 will close overnight while crews stitch the overbridge barriers into place and install stormwater pipes beneath. If you're travelling through, it’s worth planning around the closures.Along Ara Weiti and East Coast roads, earthworks and pavement construction continue. Bridge 3 is starting its foundations, and precast concrete panels are going in on the retaining wall near Link Road 2.In Stillwater, the tower crane installed at the end of July signals the start of the bridge superstructure.Concrete pours begin this month on Pier 4, which sits on the eastern side of the river, while work progresses on the future Duck Creek Road interchange following Auckland Transport’s recent widening of ‘turkey bend’.Early August brings a unique sight near Whangaparāoa, where a helicopter will carry drilling gear into place beside the river. Four short lifts per day across several days.Locals will also see action around the Cedar Terrace corner, where earthworks are underway for the new Whangaparāoa Road alignment.From mid-August, road surfacing, kerbing, and footpaths will start near Beverley Road. Night-time drainage works along Whangaparāoa Road have also resumed, after delays from earlier wet weather.These updates bring Penlink one step closer to connecting our Coast with the city, safer and faster.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Silverdale Medical Centre has confirmed another fee increase, with the cost of a standard consultation rising to $81 from Friday, 1st August 2025.It’s the second increase in under a year. In October, fees rose from $73.50 to $79.20. This time, the clinic says it’s still grappling with rising costs, limited funding, and the need to fairly pay skilled staff.In an email to patients this week, Silverdale Medical acknowledged the strain. “We understand that this may add pressure on you, especially as many people in our community are already struggling with rising living costs.”The centre points to key challenges:A 12% increase in healthcare delivery costsOnly a 4% bump in government fundingA need to pay staff the new living wage of $27.80 per hourThey also say they’ve been blocked from setting fees based on actual costs.“Health NZ’s research shows costs are up over 12%, but we’re only allowed to lift patient fees by just over 2%.”For Coasties, that means more money out of pocket for everyday healthcare. It’s a reminder of the financial squeeze facing both patients and providers in our community.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

We love shining a spotlight on the local businesses that make our community thrive.Today, we’re excited to share the story of The Dental Suite Silverdale, located in the heart of Silverdale.The first thing you notice is the calm.There’s no clinical chill or harsh lighting here.Just soft smiles, the gentle hum of modern dental equipment, and the subtle scent of clean eucalyptus drifting through the air.The waiting area feels more like a cosy lounge than a medical space, and the warm greeting from the front desk immediately puts any lingering nerves at ease.The Dental Suite is not your typical dental clinic.Run by a passionate, family-rooted team with over 75 years of combined experience across three continents, this practice has become a trusted destination for Coasties seeking expert care without the stress.Their approach is simple yet powerful: pair world-class technology with a deeply human touch.For Sherona Singh, dentistry was never just about teeth.“It’s about people,” she says.From a young age, Sherona was drawn to the connection between health, confidence, and a person’s smile.Starting her own practice meant creating a space where patients feel genuinely seen and cared for.A place where every visit builds trust, not tension.And it shows. Patients describe her and the team as “professional, skilled, and caring,” with one even saying their experience was “nothing short of first rate.”Stepping into The Dental Suite feels like being welcomed into a family.One patient, who admits to having always feared the dentist, now says they feel “happier knowing the team at The Dental Suite are the ones going to be looking after me.”Others speak of how “immaculate and cozy” the clinic is, how relaxed they feel in the chair, and how procedures they once dreaded now feel almost effortless.That welcoming atmosphere is no accident.It stems from the team's shared philosophy that prioritises trust, compassion, and connection.Whether it’s a child’s first visit or a senior’s complex dental work, everyone is met with the same blend of kindness and clinical precision.And this isn’t just a story about today. The legacy is already growing.A recent highlight for the team has been watching the next generation of their family prepare to study dentistry in Ireland.“It’s a full-circle moment,” Sherona says with pride.The Dental Suite is building something far more lasting than just great smiles. It is cultivating a legacy of care.In true community spirit, The Dental Suite is opening its doors for a special Invisalign Open Day on August 9th.With exclusive offers including up to $2,000 off treatment, plus giveaways and refreshments in a relaxed setting, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore a straighter, healthier smile without the pressure.To learn more or secure your place at the Invisalign Open Day, visit www.thedentalsuite.co.nz or call 09 426 5262.You’ll be in gentle, expert hands from the moment you arrive.

Auckland’s water storage is on the brink of a milestone, with dam levels expected to hit 100 percent for the first time since September 2023.As of Tuesday, total dam storage was sitting at 99.8 percent, with rain still falling across the region.Sharon Danks, head of water, said staff are watching closely as water levels rise.Seven of Auckland’s 10 major supply dams are already full and spilling, and the last to fill — Wairoa Dam in the Hūnua Ranges — is nearly there.Thanks to a wet four months, both the Wāitākere and Hūnua catchments have received over one metre of rainfall, about 50 percent more than normal.That means less reliance on the Waikato River, which costs five times more to treat than local dam water.“It’s like having more taps to fill a bath,” said Danks, explaining why the western dams fill more quickly than larger, slower ones like Wairoa.For Coasties, this has a ripple effect.Every time Auckland can lean on its dams instead of the Waikato River, it saves energy and cost. A win for everyone’s water bill.With more rain forecast through winter and into early spring, Auckland could enjoy sustained high water levels for the months ahead.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Never has a pie created such buzz as it does at the annual Bakels Supreme Pie Awards, and this year several Hibiscus Coast bakeries have risen to the occasion.The 2025 awards attracted around 600 entries from across the country, celebrating the very best in Kiwi pie-making. Locals will be chuffed to hear that Wild Grain Bakery in Silverdale earned a Gold in the Gourmet Meat category for its Creamy Paua pie, plus a Bronze in Chicken & Vegetables and Highly Commended nods for both Mince & Cheese and Vegetarian.Over in Milldale, Milldale Bakery took home Gold in the highly competitive Steak & Cheese category, while nearby Dairy Flat Bakery nabbed a Silver for its Potato Top and Highly Commended in Steak & Cheese.Whangaparaoa’s Bakers Oven was also recognised with a Highly Commended in the Bacon & Egg category.In the commercial space, Silverdale’s own Dad’s Pies scored Gold in the Commercial/Wholesale category, a proud moment for a local business operating at scale.For foodies on the Hibiscus Coast, this news means one thing: award-winning pies are just around the corner. Whether you're after a creamy paua treat or a classic mince and cheese, you don’t need to head far to find the best.The Supreme Winner overall was Rosedale Bakery & Cafe for its standout Potato Top pie.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

From 1 September 2025, Mercury Energy will increase piped gas prices, with some Hibiscus Coast households set to feel the pinch.The daily fixed charge is rising for some from $1.49 to $1.82, while the variable usage rate will increase from $0.1287 to $0.1448 per kWh. These prices exclude GST and any discounts.Gas retailer Mercury says the changes reflect broader pressures across the piped gas supply chain, including rising wholesale gas prices, transmission costs, metering services, carbon charges, and their own retail operating costs.One major factor is the ongoing drop in gas production nationwide, which is pushing up wholesale prices and creating volatility. Since Mercury purchases, rather than produces, its gas, this puts direct pressure on the prices they charge customers.For Coasties, this means another bump in the household budget, especially heading into the warmer months when usage often dips but bills may still rise due to the higher fixed charge.The company warns that prices may continue to climb in the short to medium term if supply issues aren’t resolved. While the letter stops short of offering specific advice, it urges customers to think about their energy future.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Today it’s National Cheesecake Day, and Coasties with a sweet tooth have the perfect excuse to dig in. Whether you’re picking up a slice from your favourite café or baking something special at home, today is all about celebrating the rich, creamy dessert that’s loved the world over.While the day originated in the U.S. back in 1985, it’s found plenty of fans here on the Hibiscus Coast. From classic New York styles to berry-topped, lemony or chocolate-infused versions, cheesecake is one of those desserts that brings joy to any table.Local cafes, bakeries and restaurants are likely embracing the occasion with their signature cheesecakes—served chilled, baked, swirled or stacked. And for those who enjoy a bit of kitchen creativity, it’s a great excuse to try your hand at something homemade. Whether you're using ricotta, cream cheese or even quark, the base might be humble, but the end result is usually a showstopper.What makes today extra sweet is the way food has a knack for bringing people together. Sharing a slice with friends, surprising your family after dinner, or just treating yourself, cheesecake does it all.So if you’re out and about on the Hibiscus Coast, keep an eye out for specials or just drop a hint at home. And if you’ve baked something brilliant, don’t forget to show it off!Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Sir Michael Hill has died.The founder of the well-known chain of jewellery stores was 86.Sir Michael died on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the business he founded to the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.Born in Whangarei, Sir Michael worked as a young man for his uncle, Arthur Fisher, at the family jewellery store.In 1979 he opened his own store nearby, and over the next 45 years the chain expanded to nearly 300 (281 in April 2023) stores in Australia and Canada as well as New Zealand.The company, now based in Brisbane, is currently chaired by Rob Fyfe.Sir Michael's daughter, Emma, is a non-independent, non-executive director, after being executive chair between 2015 to 2021.In 2001 Sir Michael's lifelong love of violin music led him to found the biennial Michael Hill International Violin Competition for 'emerging young violinists'.He was knighted in 2011.A private memorial to celebrate the life of Sir Michael will be held in Arrowtown.'It's hard to imagine life without Michael'Fyfe told RNZ news of Sir Michael's death was "hard to come to terms with".The pair had known each other for two decades, since Sir Michael rang wanting to learn more about Fyfe's success at the helm of Air New Zealand."Michael has been, well for me personally, you know he's been an inspiration - a mentor for the last 20 years and you know he's an example of how to live life," Fyfe said."I don't have a better example in my life," he said."One of the most creative, driven innovative people that I've ever met and you know what I love so much about Michael is just how he could touch anyone," Fyfe said from Canada."From the youngest kid to, you know, the super successful businessman, he just had a way of sort of challenging, of wanting you to make you want to do better with your life."Fyfe said Sir Michael became an entrepreneur in his 40s and only ever saw opportunity."He'd come across a challenge, many people would turn their back on that challenge because it looked insurmountable," Fyfe said."Michael just loved finding ways to solve problems and create solutions. His legacy is going to live on a lot longer than him for sure."Fyfe said even though Sir Michael had been fighting cancer, the news of his death still came as a shock."Emotionally I wasn't prepared for it, he's been an integral part of my life... he's been such a key part in so many lives and he's touched so many people.""I just feel this overwhelming sense of loss," Fyfe said.Sir Michael was an accomplished violinist. Photo: Sheena Haywood'We've lost an enormously valuable member of our community'Former Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult said he was devastated to hear the news."My heart goes out to Lady Christine and the wider Hill family, Emma and Mark and their children and their families. I'm just terribly sorry for them at the present time. But from a Queenstown Lakes District point of view, we've lost an enormously valuable member of our community," he said.Boult said Hill's name was synonymous with golf - having built The Hills, a championship course near Arrowtown that went on to host the New Zealand Open - and with the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, a prestigious biennial event he founded in 2001 that drew young talent from around the world to Queenstown."Something that a lot of people forget is that he was a very accomplished violinist himself. And on his boat with my wife and Lady Christine, and listened to many solo performances by Michael. And they're always wonderful. I'll miss them," Boult said.Boult said Hill had been a friend for many years."He was always positive, always thinking about the greater good of the community," he said."He was full of energy. He was highly intelligent person.... just a great bloke."'Inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs'Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took to social media to say that Michael Hill has inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs."Sir Michael Hill's aspiration, grit, and determination to succeed not only built a globally recognised brand, but also inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs to dream big," he said in a post on X.He built a brand from scratch and gave back to the country that he loved, Luxon said."May he rest in peace."MPs also paid tribute to Sir Michael as they made their way into the House for Question Time this afternoon.Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said he was lucky to have met the well-known businessman in person."He was incredibly kind. He even sent me personalised cartoons of encouragement when I was having a dark or difficult day."Just a wonderful man, may he rest in peace, he's gone, but he's not forgotten."Seymour said Sir Michael's success in business was admirable."The fact that he started his career as an entrepreneur in his 40s shows it's never too late. He's one of the few business people who's succeeded in Australia and in Canada big time."A lot of people struggle, after succeeding in New Zealand, to translate that success overseas. Sir Michael Hill did that. He was just a fabulously decent human being."Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith said Sir Michael had contributed to both business and the arts."It's obviously very sad. He was a phenomenally successful businessperson but also a real patron of the arts, most famously with his violin competition. A very sad day."Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he had not met Sir Michael but remembered seeing him on television advertisements growing up."He had a very, very distinctive voice. I think you've made it in New Zealand when you can speak on the radio without saying you name and everybody knows who's speaking."He clearly contributed a lot to New Zealand, very successful businessperson but I understand quite the philanthropist as well, involving in giving to charity and so on."

Job ads across New Zealand dipped again in June, down 3% month-on-month, according to SEEK’s latest Employment Report. That’s the second monthly drop in a row, though the national decline over the past year now sits at just 3%.Trend-wise, the outlook was slightly steadier, with job ads down 1% for the month. Meanwhile, applications per job ad (tracked with a lag) dropped 2% in May after a small lift in April.Locally, while the Hibiscus Coast isn’t broken out as its own region, Auckland’s figures feed into the wider picture. Job ads for Healthcare & Medical, Administration, and Trades all declined in June, reflecting a quieter winter for hiring. However, Information & Communication Technology showed signs of life, jumping 6% month-on-month, with demand for ICT Managers spiking 42% and Network Administrators 24%.Rob Clark from SEEK said, “We’re seeing pockets of growth despite the overall flat trend. Industries like Government & Defence are up 51% year-on-year, and Professional Services are showing signs of steady recovery.”For Coasties watching the job market, it’s a mixed bag. Roles in tech, call centres, HR, and banking are growing, but many traditional sectors have eased off. If you’re job hunting, it may pay to broaden your search into flexible or remote roles in emerging industries.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A recall has been issued for Ecostore’s Ultra Sensitive Multi Purpose Cleaner (500ml) due to a contamination risk affecting several major retailers, including Woolworths and Briscoes.The affected batch, ET25147, was sold between 27 June and 15 July 2025 across a number of outlets, including My Goodness, Naturally Organic Northridge Albany, and Ecostore’s own website.The issue? Naturally occurring environmental bacteria were found in this batch, posing a risk of infection to individuals with broken skin or compromised immune systems.Customers are advised to dispose of the product in general waste. Ecostore is offering full refunds and has set up a dedicated customer care line:NZ Freephone: 0800 33 55 33Email: [email protected] Coasties who shop regularly at local branches of Woolworths or Briscoes, this is one to double-check under the kitchen sink. While most healthy people aren’t likely to be affected, it’s especially important for families with vulnerable members to take extra care.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.