Newly re-elected Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says his second term will be focused on boosting the region's economic growth, making the CBD more inviting and securing a city deal.And he thinks he has the leverage to get the most for the city out of the government, taking umbrage with the suggestion he won the recent Auckland mayoral election by more than 90,000 votes."It was actually over 100,000," he told Morning Report on Monday. "I mean, the cricketers like to get 100, don't they? They don't like to go at 90. "Brown and Auckland Council are currently hashing out a deal to boost the city's economy and productivity. While the government was keen to get it done by December, Brown said, he was more interested in making sure the result was in Auckland's interests."The government has set a finish date for the city deal, and so they put the time pressure on, not me. I think it's in December sometime, but I don't feel any time pressure on that."The most important part is that having created one really big city in New Zealand, we have to be treated as kind of like a partner, not like just a small mayoralty somewhere else."This is a third of New Zealand, of the GDP, and the place which decides who wins the government next time, so I'm expecting quite a lot of contact with the leaders of both parties."And in fact, this morning I'm speaking to a large [group of] Chinese mayors and I noticed at the minute the leader of the opposition is there, I'm not sure if the government are there or not. I'll wait until I show up."Asked about his relationship with central government, Brown said he was "very popular" with both National - noting party leader Christopher Luxon at the weekend used the phrase "fixing the basics and building the future", which he found remarkably similar to his own "fix Auckland, fix New Zealand" - and Labour."Labour last week had a future fund announced, which was also something I've done. So imitation is the best form of flattery, I suppose."To win over Auckland voters, Brown said the two major parties should act more like him."Auckland voters like the fact that I have policies, a clear direction, and I speak the unvarnished truth. And it would be great if the major parties did those three things."One Brown policy some Aucklanders were wary of was his push for intensification - particularly along transport corridors and in central city suburbs, which contain some of the city's most expensive properties, and few of them, with high-density in the past generally pushed to the city's outer suburbs.Brown said it would take time, but people would come around."I live in Ponsonby, in a street which has got multi-storey apartments. I live in the top floor of one of those. It's got small factories, it's got office buildings, and it's got about 30 or 40 high-value, beautifully restored character homes, and we all get on fine…"It doesn't happen immediately, it happens slowly. And the multi-storey buildings will be right near the railway stations and right near the bus stations first up, and they'll slowly grow out… beyond that."There are still huge numbers of character housing areas protected, but we go on and on in New Zealand about having low productivity. The best way to improve productivity is have people living near where they work…"We've invested a lot of money in busways and a city rail link, and we want to intensify along those links. And so I don't think it'll take much to get people across the line. It's a sensible and important thing."The Sky Tower stands tall behind the Karanga Plaza pool. Photo: RNZ / Leonard PowellOther initiatives included the nearly finished International Convention Centre and City Rail Link, as well as what he's dubbed "Brownie's Pools" - free-to-use outdoor pools. The first opened at Karanga Harbour nearly a year ago."More Brownie's Pools. I went past it yesterday after I'd been surfing at our river and it was crowded at Browny's Pool. They are cheap, they are clever."I think the next one will probably be, we're going to put about six in the next couple of years, but I think down in the Okahu Bay area there by Akarana may well be next. There are people calling for them now they've seen how successful that is and how cheap they are."

Hibiscus Coast families are urged to stop using certain coloured sands after two more recalls for asbestos.The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has confirmed asbestos in several coloured sand samples after fresh testing.Two more products are now recalled: Rainbow Sand Art Toy and Craft Sand 380g, both sold at discount stores nationwide.That brings the total to four recalls, alongside Kmart’s 14 piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand, and Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand.“We know this is worrying anyone who may have come into contact with these products,” said MBIE product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin.“Our advice is that people stop using them immediately and follow the relevant advice for safe containment and disposal.”Households should check coloured sand at home, stop using it, avoid touching the sand, and follow Health New Zealand advice on safe containment, removal and disposal.Schools, early learning centres and other workplaces should stop using these products, not let children play with the sand, and follow guidance from the Ministry of Education or WorkSafe on how to handle and dispose of it.Recall details and the full list of retailers are on the Product Safety New Zealand website.There is no need for urgent medical attention, and anyone with health concerns can call Healthline on 0800 611 116.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Dairy Flat has scored a spot on Trade Me’s most-viewed homes of 2025 with a French-style lifestyle property. Trade Me Customer Director Gavin Lloyd said the annual list shows Kiwi love to “dream scroll”, whether that is multi-million dollar homes or one-of-a-kind places. “It’s a testament to the sheer variety of homes on Trade Me, proving that a home doesn’t just have to be a house, it can be an ark, a luxury resort, or even an architectural work of art,” Mr. Lloyd said. This year’s most-viewed listing was the Ark House in Sumner, a Noah’s Ark replica with 151,330 views.Next, a grand Remuera mansion owned by entrepreneur Diane Foreman and broadcaster Paul Henry on 119,432 views, then a newly built sculptural “spec” house in Ōrākei with 94,935 views. Character properties, pools, European-inspired designs and homes with income potential all drew big audiences, including a Golden Retriever homestay in Te Horo that combined lifestyle and business. Closer to the Hibiscus Coast, “A Slice of France Near Auckland” at 770 Blackbridge Road in Dairy Flat took 8th place, giving locals a nearby dream home to talk about. See the home here.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Drivers on the Hibiscus Coast are being warned about urgent overnight maintenance on State Highway 1 between Grand Drive, Orewa and Millwater after damage to wire ropes in an incident over the weekend.Truck Crash Causes Motorway DelaysNZTA says site investigation will take place tonight, Monday, November 24, between 12am and 5am to confirm the scope of repairs.The main repair work is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25 and Thursday, November 27 between 9pm and 5am.Lane restrictions will be in place in both directions on SH1 while crews fix the damaged wire rope barriers.Traffic will still be able to travel north and south throughout the work, but drivers are asked to slow down and follow all traffic management instructions.The work is weather dependent, so timings may change if conditions do not allow crews to work safely.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Last week the New Zealand dollar fell to multi-year lows against a broad range of currencies.The Kiwi had fallen about 1 percent in the past day to a seven-month low against a stronger US dollar, at just below 56 US cents.It also returned to a near 13 year low against the Australian currency, and was at 13 year lows against the British pound and the Chinese yuan.The trade weighted Kiwi, based on the value of a basket of currencies of New Zealand's main trading partners, was touching a five year low.ANZ currency strategists said there was a wide range of factors buffeting global currency markets."With Bitcoin struggling and risk appetite on the back foot, the consequences for the Kiwi and Aussie were severe," they said in a market note.The US dollar was broadly stronger with falling expectations of a further interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, and a move by investors for the safe haven of the greenback."We're heading into very important releases in the US, so naturally there's a bit of wait-and-see momentum, although the momentum seems to be in favour of the dollar," said Francesco Pesole, FX strategist at ING.Another factor making investors wary has been the decline in the Japanese yen since the new Prime Minister Takaichi took office amid talk of a major stimulus package."The currency has been on a weakening trend since Takaichi won the LDP leadership vote early October and at some point the MoF [Ministry of Finance] will be forced into some currency intervention to stem the rout," BNZ senior markets strategist Jason Wong said.The Kiwi's attraction has also been reduced by the weak state of the economy, the softening in dairy prices, and the likelihood of another Reserve Bank cash rate cut next week.The New Zealand dollar is one of the most traded currencies in investment markets because it is freely tradable and its level is not regulated or set by authorities, but is prone to being sold off when investors are nervous.A weaker Kiwi usually means better export returns but also makes imports more expensive.

Silverdale’s Jetts Millwater opens a much larger second-level training space from midday on Tuesday, November 25.The gym at 175 Millwater Parkway, Unit 19, is growing by about 70 percent, with all new strength equipment, a fresh functional training area and more room for members to move.Jetts New Zealand marketing manager John Cruickshank says the club has awesome members and the team wanted to give them a greater and expanded training experience.Coasties can expect a brighter layout, more training choices and a little more breathing space at peak times, all close to home.Anyone curious about the changes can try the club for free with a three day trial and talk to the team during staffed hours to see what suits their fitness goals.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Plans for Takapuna’s A F Thomas Park, a key flood protection site in the Wairau catchment, are now under review after public consultation closed on Sunday, November 23.From 20 October to 23 November 2025, Auckland Council asked residents how the 44-hectare park should balance flood storage, public golf and wider recreation.The project team will now present the results to the Kaipātiki Local Board, which is expected to decide on the park’s future in early 2026.The park is named after Arthur Frederick Thomas, who served as mayor of Takapuna from 1965 to 1986.In the late 1960s he led opposition to plans to redevelop the municipal golf course beside the Northern Motorway into a regional centre.In recognition of his role in keeping the land as public open space, the course was officially renamed A F Thomas Park in 1971.Today the park sits in one of the areas hardest hit by the 2023 Anniversary floods and has been identified as critical stormwater storage.It is intended to anchor a wider “blue-green” network of wetlands, streams and parks that reduce flood risk while creating new public spaces.Residents were asked to comment on options ranging from keeping an 18-hole public course with upgrades to shifting land into walking and cycling tracks, sports fields, playgrounds and event areas.For people on the Hibiscus Coast who travel to the North Shore for work, hospital visits or sport, the final call will affect both future flood resilience and where they might spend their leisure time.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A new national education law is reshaping how schools and universities work, affecting families and students on the Hibiscus Coast.The Education and Training Amendment Act 2025, passed in November, makes raising educational achievement the top priority for every school board, with new supporting objectives around attendance and assessment.At the same time, it removes the explicit obligation on boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Instead, boards must seek equitable outcomes for Māori students, take all reasonable steps to provide teaching and learning in te reo Māori when parents or caregivers ask for it, and ensure school policies and practices reflect New Zealand’s cultural diversity.Every school must now have an attendance plan. Most need this in place by late January 2026, while distance schools have until July 2026. The strike notice period has also changed, with schools required to give seven days’ warning instead of three so families have more time to plan care.Boards do not need to produce a new long-term strategic plan in 2026. The next plans are due in 2027, while annual plans and reports for 2025 and 2026 still go ahead. Other changes remove the Minister’s power to issue national education and learning priorities, and tighten teacher education and Teaching Council settings, including a ministerial majority on the Council.Universities must now publish a statement on freedom of expression, set up a complaints process for academic freedom and free speech, and report on these in their annual reports, alongside other measures intended to support the wider education system.For Coast families, this means local schools and universities their young people attend will be working under clearer rules on achievement, attendance, strikes and free speech from 2026.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Air NZ cabin crew will strike on next month after months of negotiations failed to secure a fair deal on pay and conditions.Around 1250 E tū cabin crew across the international, domestic, and regional fleets will stop work for 24 hours on Monday, 8 December.Unions have been negotiating with Air NZ since April.Crew are unhappy with Air NZ's latest offer, saying it does not reflect the responsibilities, pressures, or fatigue risks that come with their work.An anonymous crew member said Air NZ was expecting more from crew without addressing core safety and fatigue concerns."Air New Zealand is prioritising efficiency over crew wellbeing," they said."They're asking us to be more productive when our rosters are already stretched, and that increases the risk of fatigue. Fatigue in aviation is dangerous, affecting the safety of both crew and passengers.""We're also being asked to trade away hard-won conditions just to get an inflation-level pay rise, and that isn't a fair deal."The staffer said the overall mood across the fleet has been steadily deteriorating."Right now, morale is low. Crew feel disconnected from management, undervalued, and ignored. The company talks about people being its biggest asset, but the offer on the table doesn't show that."Air NZ said it received formal strike notices from E tū and FAANZ on behalf of around 80 percent of its cabin crew.Air NZ chief executive officer Nikhil Ravishankar said strike action on regional fleets is planned to take place at various times between 5am and 11pm on 8 December. For domestic and international fleets, strike action would take place at various times between 12.01am and 11.59pm on 8 December."We deeply value our cabin crew and acknowledge the important role they play in our airline," Ravishankar said."They deliver the experience our customers love and represent the warmth and professionalism of Air New Zealand. We remain committed to working with the unions to reach a fair and sustainable outcome that recognises the valuable contribution of our crew while balancing the affordability of travel for our customers and the challenging economic environment we're operating in."Ravishankar said Air NZ is doing everything it can to minimise disruption for customers."If the strike goes ahead, the airline is committed to supporting any impacted customers. This will include rebooking, and may include providing meals and refreshments and accommodation if required. We will do everything we can to get customers to their destination as soon as possible while keeping them informed throughout their journey."Affected travellers would be contacted directly as soon as more information becomes available, Ravishankar said."We remain hopeful that we can reach a fair agreement."E tū said negotiations will continue this week.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Orewa Santa Parade Brings Christmas Magic BackRead more →Check Kids’ Craft Sand After Asbestos RecallRead more →Four Orewa Businesses Hit, No Arrests YetRead more →Four In Gulf Harbour Body Case Sack LawyersRead more →How Redvale Landfill Extension Hits Hibiscus CoastRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Shoppers on the Hibiscus Coast could soon see digital food labels as the Government tests new rules for supermarkets.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have launched public consultation on a proposal to trial digital labels for lower risk imported foods in New Zealand.Under the Food Act, the Government must consult before changing food regulations.Nicola Willis says one barrier to new supermarkets entering the New Zealand market is the cost of re-labelling pre-packaged products to meet New Zealand and Australian standards. Retailers would still need to give shoppers information about allergens, ingredients and nutrition, but they would not have to pay to re-label products. Instead, information could be provided in store and online through on-shelf QR codes, in-store digital labels, websites and mobile apps.“If successful, the proposed trial would make it easier for new supermarkets to get established in New Zealand,” Nicola Willis says. Andrew Hoggard says physical labelling can be a costly barrier and that if digital labelling can provide extra flexibility, “we should. It’s about fixing what matters.”Products in the trial would be imported from trusted trading partners with strong food regulatory systems and must still meet the Food Act, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and all other relevant law. Food must remain safe and suitable, with food affordability described as front of mind.Public consultation on the trial closes on Friday, December 19. Members of the public can have your say before then.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Daytime works on SH1 between Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road will bring southbound lane restrictions next week.From Monday 24 to Friday 28 November, crews will be working between 11am and 8pm each day to install a fence near the southbound lanes between the Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road.During this period there will be lane restrictions for southbound traffic, but vehicles will still be able to travel south at all times. Drivers are asked to slow down and follow traffic management instructions through the work area.Nearby properties may notice increased noise while the work is underway, and motorists should allow extra time for possible delays while the lane restrictions are in place.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Government has added feral cats to New Zealand's Predator Free 2050 goal to protect wildlife and support communities.Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says people want reserves, beaches and bush tracks full of birds, not predators, and this change is meant to back that up. Feral cats are found across the country, from farms to forests, and they put heavy pressure on native birds, bats, lizards and insects. They also spread toxoplasmosis, which harms dolphins, affects people, and costs farmers through lost stock.A review of the Predator Free Strategy drew nearly 3,400 submissions, with more than 90 percent backing stronger feral cat control. “New Zealanders were clear. They want action,” Mr Potaka says.Adding feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 target list will:Support national coordination of feral cat controlLet Predator Free groups apply for funding to target feral catsBoost research into effective and humane tools and technologyStrengthen efforts to protect threatened speciesExamples already show the damage. More than 100 short-tailed bats were lost in a week near Ohakune, and pukunui/southern dotterel on Stewart Island came close to extinction.Pet cats are not part of the target. Mr Potaka says the country is full of proud cat owners, and that desexing, microchipping and keeping pets away from wildlife still matter.For communities such as the Hibiscus Coast, the move means local predator projects can seek stronger backing to protect birdlife in favourite reserves and coastal spots, with more detail due in a revised Predator Free Strategy in March 2026.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Drivers on the Northern Motorway near Orewa face heavy delays today after a truck crash near the Millwater off-ramp.Police say the crash was reported just after 11.30am and involved a truck on the motorway close to the Millwater exit.There are no reports of injury, but the incident has caused significant congestion in both northbound and southbound lanes.Motorists are being urged to expect delays in the area or use an alternative route while the scene is cleared and traffic slowly eases.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland engineering students are turning wasted bread into flour in a trial that could cut food waste for Coasties.At University of Auckland, civil and environmental engineering students have teamed up with Auckland upcycling company Rescued Kitchen to study flour made from unsold supermarket loaves.Bread is one of the most wasted foods in the world, with about ten percent of all manufactured bread ending up as waste.Globally that is around 900,000 tonnes a year, including roughly 24,000 tonnes in New Zealand, much of it headed for landfill.In a course led by senior lecturer Dr Febelyn Reguyal, students ran a life cycle assessment comparing Rescued Kitchen’s bread flour with imported wheat flour from Australia.They looked at energy use, emissions, land use and water consumption.Their reports to co-founders Diane Stanbra and Royce Bold found the upcycled flour uses far less water, land and fossil fuels and produces much lower carbon emissions.Reguyal says the project gives students real-world practice in tackling industry problems.“These findings will guide the Rescued team by identifying which stages and processes can further improve environmental performance,” she says.By June 2025, Rescued Kitchen had already processed more than 170 tonnes of surplus bread, fruit and vegetables and saved over 75,000kg of CO₂ emissions.For households on the Hibiscus Coast, that kind of work points to a future where less of the weekly shop ends up in landfill and more of it is baked back into something useful.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Making plans?Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast. From live music and local markets to family fun and outdoor adventures.Raising Healthy Families SeminarSat 22 Nov Click here for more detailsThe Eagles Experience Motel CaliforniaSat 22 Nov Click here for more detailsSilverdale Night MarketSun 23 NovClick here for more details Find more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Have an event coming up? List your Event for FREE now.

Dairy Flat residents are watching closely as Auckland weighs a plan to keep Redvale Landfill open into the mid-2030s.The site, which first opened in 1993 and now takes about half of Auckland’s rubbish, was meant to stop accepting waste in December 2028.Its owner, WM New Zealand, has asked the Government for fast-track consent to keep Redvale Landfill & Energy Park operating until around 2036, because the planned replacement site at Wayby Valley is tied up in appeals and not expected to open until the mid-2030s.That leaves a gap where Auckland still needs to safely manage around 600,000 tonnes of waste a year.From the council’s side, this interim plan sits uncomfortably beside its Waste Minimisation and Management Plan, which aims for Zero Waste by 2040, focuses on cutting waste at the source and calls landfill the least preferred option.The council notes that landfilled organics create major greenhouse gas emissions and that current waste facilities are fragmented across many operators, while it directly controls only about 20 percent of what goes to landfill.Redvale neighbours have long expected closure in 2028 and have raised serious concerns about odour, health and ongoing social and environmental impacts.For people on the Hibiscus Coast, this debate is part of a bigger question about how Auckland handles its rubbish in the years ahead.Coasties can expect more talk about waste, climate goals and fair treatment for affected communities as the proposal is considered.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 21/11Fine with some cloud, light southerly turning westerly later.High: 24Low: 15Saturday, 22/11Fine and warm with light southerly winds.High: 23Low: 16Sunday, 23/11Mostly cloudy, chance of a shower and fresh southerly.High: 22Low: 15Monday, 24/11Partly cloudy with a few showers and a nor’easter developing.High: 23Low: 16See 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.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need, accessible at any time and from any location.

A new stalking law with penalties of up to five years in jail passed Parliament yesterday. It creates a clear crime for stalking and harassment that also protects people on the Hibiscus Coast.The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill defines a new offence for patterns of behaviour that an offender knows are likely to cause fear or distress. A pattern means at least two specified acts within two years.Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the change is long overdue after years where stalkers could cause serious emotional, psychological and economic harm without clear legal consequences.“Stalking and harassment is vicious, sinister and can be deadly,” he said. “Parliament has sent a clear message that this behaviour has to stop.”The Bill lists stalking behaviours such as watching or following someone, unwanted contact, and damaging a person’s reputation or relationships. It also includes a Police notice system and sets out legal defences.The law will come into force in May 2026, six months after it receives Royal assent. The delay allows time for training for Police, court staff and judges, and for public information to be prepared.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.