New Zealand Food Safety has recalled two batches of Piper’s brand Milkshake Biscuits after tests revealed undeclared pistachio in the ingredients, creating a risk for people with nut allergies.The recall covers Piper’s Milkshake Biscuits Original (120g, best before 15/04/2026) and Caramel (120g, best before 18/04/2026).The products were sold nationwide at Reduced to Clear stores, but not on the Hibiscus Coast itself. Coast shoppers who may have bought them elsewhere in Auckland are advised to check their cupboards and look closely at the date mark printed on the front of the box.New Zealand Food Safety says people with a pistachio allergy or intolerance should not eat the products. Anyone who has consumed them and is concerned about their health should seek medical advice.For those not allergic or intolerant to pistachio, the recall does not apply.Affected customers are asked to return the products to their retailer for a full refund. No other Piper’s products are affected by the recall.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.Silverdale Village MarketSat Oct 4Click here for more detailsOrewa Repair CafeSun Oct 5 Click here for more detailsOrewa Beach Farmers MarketSun Oct 5Click here for more details Want to see more events?Explore Things To Do in our community in the Hibiscus Coast App anytime, anywhere.Got an event coming up? List it free today →

If you were driving along Orewa this week, you might’ve noticed damage at Shoreward, the popular local gastrobar near the beach.In the early hours of Tuesday, a vehicle was driven into the gastrobar and a fire was set during what police say was a burglary.Thankfully, quick-thinking members of the public acted fast to put out the flames before emergency crews arrived.Their efforts likely saved the building from more serious damage and meant the establishment could be secured before dawn.Police are investigating the break-in and are asking for the community’s help.If you saw anything unusual or have video footage from the area, you can contact police on 105 or online at police.govt.nz/use-105, quoting job number P063967549.For Coasties, this is a reminder of how close-knit the Hibiscus Coast is.The fact that locals were on the scene and acted so quickly shows the strength of community spirit here.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Aucklanders have until midday Saturday 11 October to return their local election votes, but many still face the challenge of choosing who to support.Council leaders say the key is to look for candidates who bring capability, representation, and clear policies to the table. That means checking whether a candidate has the decision-making skills to handle budgets, planning changes, and public assets.“Elected members are expected to absorb many reports, attend lots of meetings, talk to communities about issues that affect them and work with staff and colleagues productively,” says Auckland Council’s General Manager Governance and Engagement, Lou-Ann Ballantyne.Representation also matters. Candidates should be able to stand up for the full range of people in their area, making sure diverse voices are heard when decisions are made.Policy positions are another important guide. From public transport and urban growth to climate change and budget management, voters are encouraged to support candidates whose ideas match their own priorities.Past performance can also help voters decide. Council meeting webcasts, media coverage, and social media activity show how current members engage with their communities.Candidates may stand on a political ticket or run independently. Either way, the advice is the same: choose those who reflect your values and can bring balance.For Coasties, where local decisions directly affect transport, housing, and community facilities, making an informed choice ensures stronger representation at the council table.For more information about candidates, check out our local elections 2025 section hereKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The mayor is urging as many Aucklanders as possible to vote ahead of next weekend's local election to "send Wellington a message".The incumbent, Wayne Brown, made the late plea to the city's residents on Thursday, determined to exceed the 2022 election turnout.In the 2022 elections, 405,149 people - just 35.5 percent of those enrolled - voted.Brown said a vote for his campaign "gives a mandate to negotiate with Wellington for funding and a city deal"."This is our chance to send Wellington the message loud and clear: Auckland is not your ATM," Brown said."They need to know we're serious about fixing our city, stopping the waste and getting things done. A high turnout gives us the power to make that stand."Don't just complain about the state of the city - get your ballot in the box and vote to fix it."That message was backed by Ōrākei Councillor Desley Simpson."Voting is a lot simpler than relying on the post office. Convenient boxes are located in city libraries, Woolworths supermarkets and other community hubs across the city."A strong Auckland needs a representative council, and that only happens when people vote. We need a positive focus, and that starts with every Aucklander making their voice heard."Brown's main rival in the mayoral election race, Kerrin Leoni, though disagreed with the incumbent mayor's campaign focus on central government."In terms of increasing the voter turnout, that should definitely be about getting the voice of Aucklanders as opposed to your mandate to central government."I think that there should be a better agreement between Auckland and Wellington and I've obviously talked about GST. There should be some form of resources that is given specifically to Wellington knowing that we are the biggest city."But I wouldn't agree that we are an ATM. I don't know where he's got that phrase from. When you look at Wellington and what they're providing for other cities, there's a shortage right across the country."So I think that that's a comment that can be seen, possibly because we don't have a state law like other countries like Australia who have got states in between where, regardless of who's in central government, that money is locked in for that region, for infrastructure and regardless of whether it's left or right that's in government, that money is there."I think we've only gone up to 11 percent or 12 percent now of voter turnout right across the whole city of 1.2 million potential voters. And for me, that is a true reflection of the fact people are just not confident with what they've been offered in terms of the way that the messaging has gone out."If we only reach 20 percent for this election, I believe that that is a huge reflection of Aucklanders not even knowing that there's an election on. And that's the danger here… that people will be elected without Aucklanders understanding who else is standing and who else they can choose from."Kerrin Leoni at her fiscal plan announcement.Kerrin Leoni. Photo: RNZ / Jessica HopkinsAs of Thursday 2 October, voter turnout was at 14.7 percent according to the Auckland Council website.Leoni said a big part of that was because Brown had not engaged in mayoral debates with her in the media."Now that's just unheard of, and that's actually blocking democracy for Aucklanders because they should be listening to us debating together. We should both be posed questions and given the ability to respond to them so that Aucklanders can see the difference on how we respond and what the difference on our policies are."I think the low voter turnout is due to the fact that we have not had the huge amount of media that you would normally get as a result of these debates."The focus should be giving Aucklanders, you know, more of an idea of who is standing, how they're standing, what they're standing on in this last week. Of course, it is about getting the vote turnout. It shouldn't be about our mandate to Wellington at all."Voting in the 2025 local elections is open until 12 noon, Saturday 11 October.

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the government’s reply to the long-awaited Frontier Economics electricity market report has fallen flat, with just two of ten recommendations taken up.EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald said many of the proposals, such as selling off government stakes in power companies or forcing distribution firms to merge, were never realistic.But he argued rejecting regulatory reform and market consolidation leaves local businesses stuck with volatile power bills.“Under the current settings, we’ve gone from attracting international business with low electricity costs to the closure of our own businesses as a result of higher domestic pricing,” McDonald said.He pointed to some firms being hit with contract renewals up 30–50 percent.The report followed last winter’s sharp electricity price spikes.While the government has ruled out large-scale changes, industry is pressing ahead with its own measures: Huntly’s coal-fired units could run for another decade, new gas fields are being tapped, and fast-track consents are expected to bring more solar and wind generation online.McDonald said options like deep-bore geothermal look promising, but the ban on gas exploration without a transition plan remains a problem.“If you don’t look, you certainly won’t find any new gas,” he added.For the Hibiscus Coast, where many small manufacturers and trades rely on stable supply, ongoing price shocks mean higher operating costs and tougher conditions for growth.Locals waiting on promised savings from new renewables may have to brace for higher bills before relief arrives.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 3/10Rain turning heavy, chance of thunder, strong northerlies.High: 21Low: 13Saturday, 4/10Showers, heavier in afternoon, easing nor’wester.High: 19Low: 11Sunday, 5/10Showers increasing later, fresh westerlies.High: 17Low: 11Monday, 6/10Partly cloudy with a shower, strong westerlies.High: 18Low: 13Want 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!

Incumbent Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has backtracked after saying he might not finish a full term if reelected.In an interview with Stuff, Brown would not rule out handing over the mayoralty to Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson before his three-year term was up.Launching his reelection campaign in February, Brown said he would only seek one more term as mayor.He told RNZ on Wednesday that he intended to complete an entire second term.Brown said his earlier comments were in response to a hypothetical question and had been blown out of proportion.But his Auckland mayoral rival Kerrin Leoni accused him of not being fully committed.Auckland mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni accused mayor Brown of "not being fully committed". Photo: RNZ / Jessica Hopkins"Why would you put your name up to be mayor if you're talking about possibly finishing the job halfway through the term and handing it over to someone else? That's really poor leadership."She speculated his comments were a campaign strategy."Voter turnout is low. I'm sure he and his campaign team are concerned whether they had to pull a comment out like that because the feedback I'm hearing - even from people who would normally be voters from the right - is that they're not confident about his leadership."Saying something like Desley taking over, I think, is just a tactic to try and get more votes."Less than two weeks out from a new mayor being elected, almost 12 percent of eligible Aucklanders had cast their votes.Brown previously confirmed Simpson would remain as deputy mayor if he was reelected on 11 October.Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. Photo: MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZShe is standing for reelection as the Ōrākei Ward councillor unopposed on Brown's Fix Auckland ticket.Leoni said Simpson was also her first choice to be her deputy if she was elected."I would be more than happy to have her as my deputy mayor and to work with her to run the city."A spokesperson for Brown's campaign said Leoni's suggestion was laughable."Wayne and Desley have been on a united ticket for this election. People have been impressed by having a strong team approach, united in wanting to fix Auckland."Simpson said she was not expecting to replace Brown if he was reelected."As I have said many times, I am very happy to support Wayne as we deliver for Auckland through the next term. My understanding is that he was talking about a purely hypothetical scenario as it's not something we've discussed."

Business consultants spend a lot of time helping clients deal with staff issues. More often than not, the problem isn’t that someone is doing a bad job — it’s that they’re not doing things the way the boss “would have done back in my day.” This generational clash is common in modern workplaces. Younger employees often have different expectations, values, and approaches to work. That doesn’t make them wrong — but it does mean leaders need to adapt. Sometimes just a little. Sometimes a lot.For many business owners, this shift can feel uncomfortable. It’s tempting to expect the team to change rather than question your own leadership style. But real leadership often means evolving yourself too — meeting people halfway, showing flexibility, and learning new ways of motivating and supporting your team.This doesn’t mean giving in to every demand or throwing financial caution to the wind. It means modelling the kind of behaviour you want to see. Pay rises, for example, shouldn’t be automatic — but fairness, respect, clear communication, and empathy should be non-negotiable. A great boss isn’t the one who always says yes; they’re the one people want to follow.I came across a short piece some years ago that illustrates this point beautifully. It’s often attributed to Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts, and while it applies to life in general, it’s especially relevant to how we work and lead.It starts with a simple quiz:Name the three wealthiest people in the world.Name the last three Masters’ golf champions.Name the last three Miss World winners.Tough, isn’t it? Yet these people were all exceptional — the best in their fields.But their achievements fade from memory. Awards tarnish. Records are broken. Recognition doesn’t last forever.Now try this quiz instead:Name your first primary school teacher.Name someone who helped you through a tough time.Name three people you love spending time with.That one’s easier. The point is simple: the people who truly make a difference in our lives aren’t necessarily the richest, most famous, or most accomplished. They’re the ones who care. They show up. They invest in others.It’s the same in business. The most impactful leaders aren’t those who rigidly enforce the old ways or those who give in to every request. They’re the ones who listen, empathise, and genuinely care about the people they lead. They adapt not because they have to, but because they understand that leadership is about more than authority — it’s about influence, trust, and human connection.So here’s a challenge: at work and in life, ask yourself whether you are someone who counts. Are you the kind of leader people remember — not for your title or achievements, but for the difference you made in their lives?Because in the end, that’s what leadership — and legacy — is really about.If you’d like to talk more about this, please contact me on 027 433 1430. I’d be happy to expand on this subject with you.

From today, Kiwi families can claim more back on early childhood education (ECE) fees under the Government’s expanded FamilyBoost scheme.Households earning up to just under $230,000 a year are now eligible, up from the previous cap of $180,000. Families can also claim 40 per cent of their ECE costs, up to $300 a week, compared with 25 per cent previously. That means the maximum weekly refund rises from $75 to $120.Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the changes will help ease the squeeze on family budgets. “More than 68,000 households have already benefited from FamilyBoost, making life with a little one that much easier,” she said.Families can apply now for costs from July to September through Inland Revenue. “It’s very easy to register and apply for FamilyBoost. Just head to the Inland Revenue website – ird.govt.nz/familyboost,” Willis added.For parents on the Hibiscus Coast, where childcare fees are a significant part of household spending, the boost could free up extra money each week. That might cover groceries, fuel for the daily commute, or simply take some pressure off in the run-up to Christmas.The changes were signed into law at the end of September with support from all parliamentary parties except the Greens. About 21,000 more households across New Zealand are now expected to qualify for help with ECE costs.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you have wandered past Metro Park West in Millwater, you will know it is mostly just a big stretch of grass.Apart from the odd paraglider practising, golfers working on their swing or the occasional dog class, it is usually the mowing tractors that make the most use of the park.That is about to change.Auckland Council’s Parks and Community Facilities team has confirmed the long-delayed project is back in the current work programme.The design is complete, resource consent granted, and the plan includes tree planting, a playground, walking paths and a car park near Butler Stoney Crescent and Botanical Drive.An independent design review will happen this financial year.Construction is expected to begin late 2026 and be finished in 2027.For Millwater families, it means swings and slides instead of empty turf, shaded areas for picnics, and proper paths for walkers.For everyone who passes it daily, the park will finally feel like a space to gather rather than just a lawn waiting its turn.After years of waiting, Metro Park West is set to come alive.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The gastropub has lost its right to sell alcohol after renewal applications for both its on and off licences were rejected by a district licensing committee.The District Licensing Committee (DLC) released its decision on 19 September, declining off and on licence renewals for Parāoa Brewing Company at Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay.Residents Richard and Vivan Field opposed the renewals, complaining of the noise at night, particularly from live bands and events.But the decision said that the Fields, despite their frustration with the applicant, did not want him to have his licence renewal declined. They simply wanted him to be compliant.At a hearing in August, the couple said they had complained to the owners for years and had spent $8000 to soundproof their home.“We shouldn’t have to spend this much to get peace and quiet in our own home,” Vivan Field told the DLC.The couple said the noise was often loud enough to be clearly heard from inside their home, and the bass vibrations shook the house.The noise would start on a Thursday night with the DJ’s and games nights and continued on to Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday, with music including live bands.The Fields said the noise had contributed to stress, sleep disruption and anxiety about weekends or event nights.Company director Zenice Ishwarlal Gujarathi said they had sought ways to mitigate the noise complaints.Curfews for live music were established at 11pm on weekends and 9pm on weekdays, with exceptions for long weekends, public holidays or nationally recognised acts booked in advance, he said.They had added soundproofing, and invested in technical solutions and implemented a formal Noise Management Plan (NMP), which he claimed was monitored by a sound technician.Gujarathi said the premises was a valued community hub on the Hibiscus Coast, and hosted cultural and community events, seminars for businesses, school holiday programmes and performances.He said they consistently sought to engage constructively with the objectors, noting the objectors had grievances dating back several years and despite ongoing efforts to resolve these, complaints continued to be lodged.Alcohol inspector Andrew Thomas said the premises was subject to several noise callouts in 2024 and 2025, resulting in excessive noise directions (ENDs) and abatement notices and two environmental infringement notices being issued.The infringements were recently upheld following a hearing in the Environment Court, he said.Thomas said the applicant had retained a noise consultant and told him that noise limiters would be installed on the sound equipment, and the premises would be soundproofed.However, on further inquiry, Thomas learnt that guest performers had control over the noise limiters and because of costs, only part of the venue had been soundproofed.During a visit to the premises he used a phone app which showed that noise levels regularly exceeded Unitary Plan limits on noise.In its decision, the DLC said they were not impressed with the evidence provided by the applicant where Gujarathi gave no commitment to comply with the noise limitations.“We would have expected at the very least, given the numerous END notices, abatement notice and the Environment Courts findings, that a comprehensive NMP which included external control of the amplification of music would have, or should have been provided and already have been implemented.“There was no such assurance before us, indeed the continued breaches of the noise levels even after the Abatement Notice had been served left us with the undeniable conclusion that we could not rely upon the Applicant going forward that, there would not be any further breaches of the Unitary Plan and that the objectors would continue to experience disruption to their lives.”The DLC said the applicant should not be surprised that the committee would find it unsuitable to hold a licence.Parāoa Brewing Company’s current licences will expire at 1am on 20 December.Gujarathi said they were disappointed with DLC’s decision and would file an appeal with the Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority.“We believe the decision is one-sided, they have taken a very hard stance.”

A Hibiscus Coast teenager will appear in the North Shore District Court this week after police allege he and two others stole clothing and personal items from other teenagers near Westfield Albany on Friday morning.Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Mike Rickards says the group approached two victims near the shopping centre and made demands before taking their belongings.“On Friday morning, three offenders have approached our two teenage victims near the shopping centre. From there they have made demands and stolen clothing as well as other personal items from the unsuspecting teenagers,” Inspector Rickards says.Police quickly traced the investigation north to the Red Beach area, where an 18-year-old man was arrested. He has been charged with demanding with menace. Two others, aged 13 and 15, were referred to Youth Aid.Property allegedly stolen from two 12-year-olds in a separate Albany incident on 24 September was also recovered. Police are considering further charges.“It’s an awful experience for these young victims during school holidays to go through what they have,” Inspector Rickards says. “Police hope that this provides some reassurance to the community that we are holding offenders to account while also recovering stolen property.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Fresh Coast Jobs for Fresh Starts! Looking for a new role, or know someone who is?Check out this week’s top local job picks and help a mate land their next move.BupaPosition: CookLocation: Northhaven Care Home, Red BeachCasual role preparing and planning meals for residentsNZQA culinary qualification preferred; 1+ year experience requiredView the full listing & applyAuckland CouncilPosition: Team Member – Learn to SwimLocation: Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure CentrePart-time role (6–7 hrs/week) with full training providedTeach swimming in a safe, fun, and supportive environmentView the full listing & applyCareer TipNetworking isn’t just for job hunting. Stay connected with peers and industry contacts regularly, as opportunities often come through relationships built over time.Know someone looking for work?Share these roles and help them take the next step!Need to hire fast?Reach thousands of Coasties, Post your job today.

October is set to bring fresh changes on the Penlink project as crews move into the main earthworks season. Locals can expect more trucks shifting soil, bridges taking shape and some temporary road layout changes.On State Highway 1, night closures are scheduled southbound on 15 and 16 October so the team can install CCTV under the new overbridge. Ara Weiti Road will also see short stop/go traffic later in the month while drainage is installed.Ara Weiti Road - Bridge 3 at the future Link Road 1 connection. Photo: SuppliedIn Stillwater, work begins beneath the new Duck Creek Road bridge where the future SH19 will pass. Traffic will be shifted onto permanent sections of road, while the Wēiti River bridge pylons continue to rise. Retaining wall and temporary diversion road on Duck Creek Road. Photo: SuppliedRiver users may notice a new pedestrian gangway set up to give workers easier access across the staging.On the Whangaparāoa side, ground stabilisation and drainage continue. Preload work at Cedar Terrace is ongoing, while layout changes near Wiriana Place prepare the way for the future Beverley Road intersection.Locals keen for updates can head to a drop-in event at the Hibiscus Coast RSA on Tuesday 11 November, 4–7pm. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions and explain what’s coming up.If you’re travelling through these areas in October, allow a little extra time. Each step brings us closer to a faster, easier link between the Hibiscus Coast and SH1.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Aspect Sun’s Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ and Tinted Physical SPF50+ sunscreens are being recalled after testing showed their sun protection levels may not match what’s on the label.Independent lab results suggest the SPF rating is lower than advertised, which could increase the risk of sunburn and reduce long-term protection against skin cancer.Clinics and retailers have been told to stop selling the products, and customers are urged to stop using them immediately.Shoppers who bought these sunscreens can return them, with proof of purchase, to the place of purchase for a refund. Refunds are also available online.The recall covers:Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ (SN-075-054), batch numbers A2450, A2190, A1958, A1492Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF50+ (SN-075-057), batch numbers A2451, A2191, A1976, A1629The products were sold between November 2022 and August 2025 at clinics and retail outlets nationwide, including those used by Coasties.Health authorities say stopping use now is the best way to avoid the risk. Anyone concerned about sun exposure should switch to an alternative sunscreen with a verified SPF rating.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

According to the Auckland Council Land Use Research and Evaluation Team, 1,342 new dwellings were consented in July 2025, bringing the yearly total to 14,347.Houses made up just over a third, while most consents were for townhouses, flats, or units. Apartments accounted for only 5 per cent.Kāinga Ora and Tāmaki Regeneration Company land contributed 58 dwellings. A striking 94 per cent of new homes over the past year were inside the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB), showing growth continues to be directed towards established areas.Yet not all consents are in safe spots. In July, 154 homes were approved on land overlapping hazard zones, 11 per cent of the month’s total. Across the year, 12 per cent of new dwellings have been in hazard areas, raising long-term concerns.On completions, 1,539 dwellings were signed off with Code Compliance Certificates (CCC) in July, and more than 15,300 over the year. New residential parcels under 5,000m² also remained strong, with 1,353 created in August and more than 14,100 in the past 12 months.For Coasties, the data reinforces a familiar squeeze: while homes are being delivered, most are packed into townhouses rather than stand-alone houses. With 20 per cent of consents sitting near rapid transit catchments, it’s clear the city is shifting towards compact growth. The challenge will be ensuring enough safe, affordable housing reaches the Hibiscus Coast to ease pressure on families.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A clear majority of New Zealanders back government intervention in the energy sector if it would mean lower costs, a new poll shows.In a survey of more than 1,000 people conducted by Curia for Octopus Energy and the Auckland Business Chamber, 62 per cent supported the Government underwriting the cost of new electricity generation to bring down prices. That could begin with a long-term contract for new generation covering the Government’s own energy use.Support also remained high for separating the generation and retail arms of the four gentailers, with 49 per cent saying it would improve competition, 20 per cent saying it would not, and 31 per cent unsure.Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says the findings show Kiwis want bold action. “Whether it’s the rising household bills, or the ongoing stories of major employers having to shut up shop, costing thousands of jobs, Kiwi businesses and households have had enough,” he says.He warned that without decisive action the economy risks sliding further. “If decisive action isn’t taken, what we’re going to see more and more is the economy going backwards – the current state of economic activity could be as good as it gets.”The poll found 55 per cent of people were more concerned about their power bill than a year ago, while only 5 per cent were less concerned. Power company profits were most often blamed for higher bills (29 per cent), followed by not enough competition (20 per cent), poor regulation (16 per cent) and inflation (13 per cent).Curia’s polling took place between August 31 and September 2, with 700 phone interviews and 300 online panel responses.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

While New Zealand might have about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000 a year, there are almost as many paying barely more than the minimum wage.Data compiled by Infometrics showed the median and mean salaries across industries throughout the country.The data does not adjust for hours worked, and some of the workers may not be working a 40-hour week.But it shows that on an annual basis, many sectors were not delivering incomes that were equal to the minimum wage.The minimum wage of $23.50 an hour works out to just under $49,000 a year for a full-time, 40-hour a week worker.Fuel retailing was paying a median of almost exactly the same amount.Food retailing was paying less, at $45,030. Accommodation was slightly more, at $49,240, and food and beverage services was significantly less at $40,170.Also within $10,000 of minimum wage were "other store-based retailing" at $53,220, sport and recreation services at $53,350 and personal and other services at $54,170.Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data last year showed that about 141,900 people would be directly affected by the minimum wage rising to $23,500, indicating they were at that point being paid less than that amount per hour.Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon said skills and experience explained a lot of the variation in incomes."Industries that need a more skilled workforce generally pay more - because they can get a lot of value out of their workers, and workers need a good incentive to gain those skills - for example, medicine. Industries that take in a lot of lower qualified staff, like hospitality, can get away with paying a lot less, and still get plenty of job applicants."There are other factors like desirability - some jobs might not have a high skill requirement but are somewhat undesirable - say underground coal mining - so higher pay is necessary to find workers."CTU policy director and economist Craig Enney said "hours adequacy" was a big problem in many sectors."You've got someone who's working 20 hours a week or 25 hours, on $25 an hour, so you're earning $500 a week. Is that enough? No."The challenge is often about the structure of employment in some of those sectors…In hospo, in retail, in catering, in a range of other sort of service-based industries, it's wanting more hours and not getting it."The latest labour market statistics showed the the number of underutilised people in the country had risen to 403,000."These are people who want more hours, want more work and can't get it. And that may be a key reason why, you know, total incomes are so inadequate for some people. And that's also partially helping to explain why the headline unemployment rate is not rising as quickly as some people had predicted."Jake Lilley, a spokesperson for financial mentor network Fincap, said it was something mentors dealt with."They also help people work out what is realistic in terms of taking on hours while balancing additional childcare costs. Our latest Voices reporting recorded 31 percent of those supported by a financial mentor as having a mix of income from salary or wages as well as income support."It is a real juggle to navigate finances when unpredictable sporadic hours of work need reporting to Work and Income in what can be impractical timeframes. An example might be someone being asked to stay on for a longer shift by their manager and being unable to contact Work and Income when that day is the deadline to report other income."Someone might also not know exactly what their pay will be until a payslip is provided after the reporting date. Such situations can often result in overpayment debts from Work and Income compounding the difficulty of administering already tight finances."