A 7.9% rates rise is proposed as Auckland Council’s next annual plan heads to consultation in February 2026.The council’s Budget and Performance Committee has approved the items that will go out for public feedback.The draft plan puts transport front-and-centre, including investment tied to the reform of Auckland Transport, plus improving infrastructure, urban regeneration, development and property management, and supporting local boards to deliver for their communities.Mayor Wayne Brown said the plan is about staying within budget while big costs keep landing.“I’m pleased to say my plan, our plan, is working, so we need to stay the course,” he said.A major highlight is the expected start of the City Rail Link, with the council saying it will transform public transport when it launches in the second half of 2026.For 2026/2027, the council plans to invest $3.9 billion in capital projects and fund $5.3 billion in essential services.It also targets $106 million in savings next year and says it will manage debt prudently.The City Rail Link is named as the main driver of the proposed rates rise, with net operating and ownership costs of $235 million a year.Consultation is set to run from Friday, February 27, 2026 to Sunday, March 29, 2026.If a 7.9% rates rise is on the table, we should make sure the Hibiscus Coast priorities are heard while consultation is open.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Waiting on someone to get home and wondering why they’re not here yet?A road hazard is affecting SH1 at the Auckland Harbour Bridge northbound, where debris before the Shelly Beach Rd overpass has blocked the right three northbound lanes.If you’re heading home to the Hibiscus Coast from the City, consider delaying your journey or allow extra time while the lanes remain blocked, and with rain around the roads may be wetter and slower than usual. If you’re expecting someone home soon, it may take them a bit longer today.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast shoppers are still feeling it at the checkout, with food prices up 4.4 percent in the year to November 2025, Stats NZ says.Grocery food drove most of the annual lift, up 4.6 percent. Meat, poultry, and fish were up 7.7 percent.Stats NZ said the average price of milk was $4.91 for 2 litres, up 15.8 percent over the year. Porterhouse or sirloin steak averaged $45.39 per kg, up 26.7 percent. A 600g white loaf averaged $2.13, up 53.2 percent. Stats NZ noted these milk and bread prices are the cheapest available options for each.“Bread is a staple food for many households,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said. “It now costs 74 cents more for a loaf of white bread than this time last year.”There was a small break in November, with food prices down 0.4 percent compared with October. Fruit and vegetables fell 4.5 percent over the month, with seasonal produce like tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce contributing.Rent prices were up 1.4 percent annually, with the yearly increase slowing since May 2024.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

In Orewa, All Time Golf opens with an open day on Saturday, December 20.It’s on from 10am to 4pm at 12 Florence Ave, Orewa, and it’s a chance to pop in, see the simulator bays in action, and get a feel for the place.The business is run by Steve, Kieren and Jono, three local dads from Red Beach, who want to make golf easier to fit into life on the Hibiscus Coast, rain or shine.Inside, you play on high-end simulators, with accurate ball tracking, realistic shot data, and a huge list of courses to choose from, then settle in with food and drinks.It’s designed for everyone, from first-timers and families to competitive golfers, and it’s all ages.Each bay fits up to four people, they can host groups of up to 30, and you can bring your own clubs or hire them there.Casual play is $NZD 49 per hour, with up to four people included.Bookings are made online, members can also book through their portal, and members can book 24/7.Walk-ins are welcome when a bay’s free, but they suggest booking ahead for evenings and weekends.Regular hours are Monday and Tuesday for members only (book online), Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to late, and Sunday from 10am to 8pm, so Coasties might see this become an easy go-to for a midweek hit or a weekend catch-up.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Explainer - It is nearly the end of the year. Do you know where your 3G is?The 3G mobile network that once kicked off the explosion in smartphones across New Zealand started to shut down this past weekend.It is meant to allow full transition and spectrum space for the faster newer-generation 4G and 5G networks.All three main mobile operators - Spark, 2degrees and One NZ - are shutting down their 3G networks and upgrading their sites to either 4G or 5G.The shutdown was originally flagged to be "by Christmas," but will extend slightly into 2026.Telecommunications experts are now giving one last set of warnings for people to check their devices for compatibility.Most people will not notice a difference as 3G fades out, but people with older phones - or certain wired devices like home security systems - need to pay attention, says Telecommunications Forum chief executive Paul Brislen.What is 3G, anyway?The 3G network brought us the world of the internet in our pockets, allowing real mobile internet access and the start of streaming audio and low-resolution audio. It was revolutionary at the time it started to first roll out in New Zealand around 2005, but technology has moved on quickly."It was introduced way back when the iPhones first launched," Brislen told Morning Report."So it's getting quite long in the tooth now, it's very old, it doesn't do what everybody wants it to do, and all around the world, networks are switching it off this year."Spark has said that less than 2 percent of its total network data traffic runs on 3G, while 3G voice calling has dropped 85 percent since 2019.Pretty much everyone is actually still using the 3G network right now at certain times, but soon 4G or 5G will entirely take its place."It's like closing a road, people still use it until the road's gone," Brislen said."The phones we all have, even the 4G and 5G phones, will use 3G networks when they find them. It's simply the way the phones operate. They look for the nearest strongest signal that is compatible with their chip set."So when is this happening?It has already started. 2degrees has said it would begin shutting down its 3G network starting on 14 December.One NZ's schedule, announced last week, begins with Dunedin shutting down starting 20 January and will end with Auckland and Wellington in mid-March.Spark said it will shut down all its 3G on 31 March.Part of the reason for the adjusted timeline instead of shutting off at year's end is the famed Kiwi "long summer.""Over the Christmas break because of increased demand for services and reduced staff in the office you have a period of time where we won't make any dramatic changes to the network," Brislen said."I think they're all coming to the conclusion that in fact, switching off 3G while people are away at the beach is probably not a good idea."A free text number has been set up for people to check their phone's status as 3G networks shut down. Photo: SuppliedHang on, how do I know if my phone will work?If you have got an older model phone - or perhaps one that was parallel imported or not bought in New Zealand - you should check to make sure the 3G shutdown won't affect it.The quickest way to do that is to free-text '3G' to 550, which will let you know if your device can use 4G. If it says you can not, you will need to investigate further.That service is "absolutely free, you don't need to worry about paying for it, and you can do it as often as you like," Brislen said."And I recommend doing it on other peoples' phones too, if you've got elderly relatives or people who aren't so familiar with technology, just do that on their phone."While you may use your phone more for texting, YouTube and TikTok, it is also critical to make sure you can still use emergency 111 voice calling, experts have said.There may be some changes to network coverage with the switch but fine-tuning it will be ongoing, Brislen said."We don't expect to see any material reduction in coverage overall after our 3G network is switched off," One NZ has said on its website. "There may be changes to coverage at a limited number of specific locations due to propagation differences of the technologies."My phone says it's 4G, what's the problem?Well, it might not actually fully be 4G for all functions, so it will pay to double-check.Some phones are not set up to use the VoLTE network that uses 4G for voice calls, or they might not be loaded with NZ carrier VoLTE settings.The problem has been particularly noted in some phones purchased overseas or from parallel importers.Some of those phones rely on 3G just for voice calls, and 4G for the data functions."The ones that worry me are the ones who have a 4G phone that uses 3G for voice and they may not actually check their device," Brislen said."They'll just look at it and say, 'Oh look I can see 4G in the corner, my phone is fine,' and that's not necessarily the case."5G is the latest iteration of cellular technology. Photo: 123RFWhat are the Gs anyway?The "g" stands for generation, and the first generation of cellular system technology that was introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s was called "1G." It's the basic framework for how cellular networks first originated but its primary use was making voice mobile.2G began the transition from analog to digital in the 1990s, and the very first rough uses of mobile data. By the way, what's left of the 2G network is also being shut down in New Zealand along with 3G. One of the things that may impact is older GPS trackers, one company has said.But 3G, introduced in the early 2000s, is when the networks shifted more from voice to data and what we think of as smartphones today.4G in the 2010s kicked things up another notch to allow perpetual connectivity, fast downloads, video streaming and mobile gaming, while 5G - the latest generation - began rolling out around 2019 and brought even faster speeds and response times.Is there a 6G? Not yet, but research into it is well underway and it could be here by the 2030s.Still unclear? Here's some resources you can use:NZ Telecommunications ForumThe 3G Shutdown GuideOne NZ information and scheduleSpark2DegreesDoes all this mean I have to buy a new phone?"For some people you will have to buy a new device," Brislen said."They're in the minority though, because natural attrition has generally weeded most of those devices out."While some worry that they might be talked into spending thousands on a new device, Brislen said the Telecommunications Forum had not heard of any such conduct and most retailers had plenty of options available."I haven't had any complaints from anybody about being upsold."I think the cheapest 4G handset I've seen is about $60 so you don't need the latest top of the range whatever the new iPhone is."It's also not just your phonesIt is also important to consider evaluating any other devices you have that might still use 3G such as medical alarms, vehicle trackers, tablets and security systems.Earlier this year RNZ highlighted the case of a Christchurch woman who was told that if she wants her automatic gate to keep working, she would have to spend almost $1000 to get it upgraded.Are people actually paying attention?The campaign to let people know about the shutdown has been going on all year.Brislen said Commerce Commission research showed that 85 percent of New Zealanders were aware of the shutdown.For many, the big switch might be a non-event."Ninety-nine percent of people will not notice the actual shut-off," he said. "It's not as if your phone will go 'beep beep beep' and suddenly look different."Still, not everyone may have gotten the message.Telcos and other agencies have been working together to deliver a unified response - and a lot of that is in reaction to Australia's own 3G networks shutdown last year, which was widely considered a bit of a disaster. Government ministers and telecoms squabbled over how messaging was delivered and how much notice was given to customers.New Zealand has learned from that, Brislen said."No other country had quite the same level of angst that the Australian shutdown generated."Largely it was an awareness problem, not a technical problem."It is probably inevitable there will be some complaints and issues reported as the 3G shutdown begins, but Brislen said he hopes steady communications will alleviate a lot of that."The whole idea of the project is to take everybody on the journey," he said.While 3G won't vanish entirely for a few more months, it's "better you get your phone and your devices sorted out this side of Christmas until waiting after".

Hibiscus Coast drivers eyeing an EV are being warned some brands may not last.Dogandlemon.com editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says buyers could end up with a near-worthless “lemon” if the maker goes bust. “If you buy an EV from a company that goes bust, you’ve basically blown your money,” he says, adding many electric car brands may not exist in five years.Rivian is one example he points to. The US electric pickup maker has made substantial losses every financial quarter, including over $1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, and $4.7 billion in 2024. Tesla is also “in trouble”, in his view, though he says it is “too big to fail” and expects restructuring.He describes the EV sector as being in a shake-out phase, with manufacturers coming and going. An AlixPartners prediction, reported in the New York Times, suggested only 15 of 129 Chinese EV brands will be financially viable by 2030. Matthew-Wilson also says 400 Chinese EV companies ceased operations between 2018 and 2025, and points to the bankruptcy of Neta Autos, which had planned to expand into New Zealand and Australia.For Coastie buyers, the practical risk is support. If a manufacturer disappears, Matthew-Wilson says warranties and parts back-up can become effectively meaningless. Consumer Reports has warned that EV trouble areas include the electric motor, battery, and charging systems. He also gives an example of a Tesla breakdown on Auckland’s Northern motorway.Read the full article here.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast travellers are being urged to check their passport expiry dates before summer plans lock in.Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says a surge in renewals is expected next year, as the first wave of 10-year passports reaches the end of its term. Passport validity changed from five to 10 years in November 2015, which means many passports renewed in 2015 and 2016 will be nearing expiry.“The Department of Internal Affairs is forecasting a surge in applications due to the anniversary of the ten-year passports. I encourage you all to ensure yours is up to date before you will need it,” Ms van Velden says.The Department anticipates:Over 1.3 million passports expiring in the next two yearsIn 2026, around 622,000 applications expectedIn 2027, 759,000 passports set to expireMs van Velden says processing times have improved sharply, dropping from 25 days in 2023 to three days for all passport applications, not only urgent ones.“If your passport expires in 2026, renew now before the rush. Don’t let an expired passport get in the way of your travel,” she says.Most people can renew online at passport.govt.nz.In related travel news, Air New Zealand cabin crew have called off their planned Christmas strike after reaching an “agreement in principle” with the company. More than 400 staff will no longer be striking, after the airline estimated action across all of its fleets could affect 10,000 to 15,000 customers.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hibiscus Coast travellers can expect packed terminals at Auckland Airport this summer.Auckland Airport says the summer peak is already underway, with more than 2.5 million travellers expected between Monday, December 8, 2025 and Sunday, January 18, 2026.That includes around 1 million domestic and 1.5 million international travellers, up about 4.7% domestically and 7.5% internationally on last summer.Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker says, “Plan ahead, arrive with plenty of time and pack smart.”The busiest days are forecast to include:Domestic departures: Friday, December 19, nearly 15,000 travellersInternational departures: Sunday, January 4, over 19,500 travellersInternational arrivals: Thursday, January 15, nearly 20,000 travellersDomestic arrivals: Friday, January 16, over 14,000 travellersAirlines have added an extra 207,000 international seats over summer, lifting total capacity to 5.8 million seats across 43 destinations.The airport is also reminding travellers to get “battery wise”. Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked luggage, including power banks, wireless earbuds, hearing aids and vapes. Mr Tasker says some airlines have new rules, so travellers should check their airline’s website.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Red Beach Park is set for a permanent pump track next year. Just off William Bayes Road on the Hibiscus Coast, the park has become a regular meet-up for families, friends, birthday parties, and weekend kickabouts, with a playground that suits a range of ages plus sports fields used by local clubs. Locals Tamara Eyre and Claire Torckler say the balance logs, playground frames, flying fox, and open grass keep their kids busy and help neighbours connect, with Tamara calling it “a fantastic space that encourages outdoor play” and Claire saying her family spent hours there when a temporary pump track visited last summer. The park’s latest additions also lean into nature, with a balancing log trail installed earlier this year using large logs cut from a Norfolk pine donated by a homeowner in Ōrewa. Play Portfolio Lead Jacquelyn Collins says play is not just about playgrounds, and that kids can have fun “climbing trees, balancing on logs, and exploring what nature puts in their path”. Volunteers have also been planting native oioi, backed by local board funding, to help drainage and biodiversity, with Restore Hibiscus and Bays advisor Deborah Colson saying it builds pride by bringing people together. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has confirmed $540,000 is set aside for the pump track, with a draft design to be shared after specialist input.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Plunket is urging online Christmas shoppers to check out their 6-point checklist for toy safety.Every year in New Zealand, children three and under experience around 1,250 toy-related injuries, according to new ACC statistics.To keep babies and young kids safe, it's important to remember that some toys bought second-hand and from overseas retailers may not meet New Zealand's product safety standards, says Plunket nurse Keli Livingston-Filipo.She urges people shopping for Christmas gifts for little ones to first check out their 6-point toy safety checklist, which includes warnings related to sharp edges, too-long strings and small batteries.Following a string of recent headlines about toy recalls, including kinetic sand contaminated with asbestos, Gemma Rasmussen from Consumer NZ urged parents to resist the temptation of buying cheap toys from Temu and Shein, as they have "a really high failure rate in safety testing".In New Zealand, imported products which don't meet our safety standards are "falling through the cracks", Rasmussen says."Often, the enforcement and recall is happening once something's landed on our shelves. We're sort of in a model where, until something goes wrong, there's not really a lot that's happening. That's quite a dangerous model because it means potentially someone is getting hurt."Earlier this year, a Gisborne-based importer was fined $140,000 for selling small toy cars that were deemed a choking hazard - hundreds of which remain unaccounted for despite a recall notice.Toys which have small parts that can easily be removed, broken pieces that create sharp edges or built-in button batteries or small magnets can pose huge risks to babies and young children, Keli Livingston-Filipo says.A range of coloured sand products were recalled this year over asbestos fears. Photo: SuppliedIf you're shopping around for second-hand toys on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace, she recommends making sure they don't contain any magnetic parts or batteries, she adds."Normally, you would see those in soft toys that can do stuff like hold hands or connect to another toy. You've also got the magnets of alphabet letters that can go on the fridge."As we know, children are very inquisitive, and if there's a little [battery or magnet] to be found and pulled out, they're going to find it."The Six S's of toy safety:Size matters – Ensure toys are large enough to not be put in their mouth, ears or nose.Surface check – Look for smooth finishes and avoid sharp edges.String safety – Avoid toys with long cords or strings.Supervision and safety instruction – Check packaging and know which toys need adult supervision. " That's a huge one, because obviously if you're getting stuff from overseas or second-hand, you might not have safety instructions."Volume control – Make sure toys aren’t too loud for little ears.Swallow risk – Watch for small parts or items like button batteries that could be ingested.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Happy Sunday, Coasties! Grab a coffee and settle in. This is your essential 5-minute download of the week's biggest Hibiscus Coast news and updates. Don't miss a thing!Holiday Bus Shake-Up for Hibiscus Coast Commuters Read more → Where Has All the Anchor Trim Gone?Read more → Five Arrested After Gang Arsons Rock Ōrewa BusinessesRead more → The App Putting Hibiscus Coast in Every PocketRead more → Hibiscus Coast Beekeepers Asked to Watch Hornet HuntRead more → Never miss a beat again. Get instant alerts and local updates delivered straight to your pocket. Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for news, events, and essential community info, anytime, anywhere.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Summer is a wonderful time for walks, play, and sunny adventures with your dog, but it also comes with some important safety reminders. As the temperatures rise it’s important to remember hot weather can pose serious risks to your dog; they’re more vulnerable to heat than we humans are.Here’s some essential tips to ensure your dog stays safe when the mercury climbs:Always make sure your dog has access to shade and fresh water; refill their bowls often, make sure they cannot tip it over and add a few ice cubes for a fun cooling treat!Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car even for a minute; temperatures inside can rise dangerously fast, putting them at serious risk.Plan walks for early morning or evening and avoid the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.Be mindful of hot footpaths, roads and sand; before heading out, test the ground with your hand; if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for their paws.Adjust activity levels during the hot weather; opt for grassy or forest walks or play that involved water like swimming but always supervise your dog around water; don’t be afraid to let them rest.Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress; heavy panting, drooling or vomiting are all signals your dog needs a break in the shade with cool water; groom your dog regularly to remove excess fur.With a little planning and care, you and your dog can enjoy a happy safe summer together.A guide for dog ownersVisit the Auckland Council website for all the information you need about owning and looking after your dog in Auckland, including registering your dog, rules on public places, and tips for choosing a dog.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Police arrested five people within an hour after an aggravated burglary at a commercial premises in Albany on Friday.Police say that about 11.20am, five people entered a store on The Avenue and began taking items when an altercation broke out. The owner was assaulted and received minor injuries.The offenders fled in a vehicle but were located by Police near the intersection of Queen Street and Coatesville-Riverhead Highway. By 12pm, all five had been arrested.Four young men, aged 17, 18, 18 and 21, have been charged with shoplifting. A 21-year-old Manukau man has been charged with aggravated assault and shoplifting.The 17-year-old will be referred to Youth Aid. The other four are due to appear in the North Shore District Court on Monday.Police say further work has linked three of the offenders to a shoplifting incident at a commercial premises in Riverhead near the end of October. Two males have been charged, with a third person referred to Youth Aid.Waitematā East Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Caroline Miles said: “It’s a great feeling knowing the alleged offenders have been caught, especially in less than an hour.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coast Chronicles is our regular deep dive into the stories and decisions that shaped the Hibiscus Coast you live in today.Henry Glanville moved here to heal his heart.He arrived from New South Wales in 1857 with his wife, Mary, and they settled in a quiet bay that briefly bore their name before becoming Stanmore.Life was hard work in those early days.They cleared bracken fern to plant corn and wheat.The family dined on wild pigeons and ducks caught near the water.But Henry’s bad heart gave out not long after they arrived.Mary returned to Australia, leaving Henry behind in the soil he had just begun to till.His final resting place remains a local mystery.Locals believe he lies somewhere near the original homestead site, further down the bay.It is difficult to imagine Henry’s isolation today.The silence of 1857 has been replaced by the splash of the Leisure Centre pool and the hum of Whangaparāoa Road traffic.Where he once listened for wild ducks, commuters now queue for the morning rush.The solitude he sought has been paved over by the noise of progress.Yet traces of the Glanvilles remain visible if you look closely.Stanmore Cottage still stands at the top of Brightside Road.Once a farmhouse, it now serves as a childcare centre for a new generation.The bach boom of the 1950s saw sections sell for just £30, as holiday homes spread across old gum-digging lands and farm plots.We build our modern lives on top of these early stories, assuming our structures will last.Henry’s story offers a quiet warning about impermanence.In a final twist of irony, the sea washed up his headstone in the 1970s, yet it kept his bones.Nature eventually reclaims everything, no matter what we build on top.Coast Chronicles is written by the Hibiscus Coast App editorial team, under the shared byline “the Coast Chronicler.”Got a local memory or a news tip? We’d love to hear it. Send it to [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast shoppers helped push card spending up in November 2025.Stats NZ says total electronic card spending rose $178 million (1.9%) from October, across retail plus two non-retail categories. The data covers debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. Retail spending lifted $86 million (1.2%). Core retail was up $67 million (1.1%).The biggest retail lifts were in:Durables, up $35 million (2.1%)Hospitality, up $18 million (1.3%)Consumables, up $12 million (0.4%)Apparel, up $11 million (3.4%)Fuel, up $8.7 million (1.8%)Motor vehicles excluding fuel, up $5.1 million (2.6%)Outside retail, non-retail excluding services jumped $87 million (3.9%). Services rose $11 million (2.8%). Those categories include areas like health care, travel, postal and courier delivery, repair and maintenance, and personal care.In actual terms, cardholders made 185 million transactions in November 2025. The average value was $55 per transaction. Total electronic card spending was $10 billion.For local retailers and hospitality spots across Orewa, Silverdale, and Whangaparāoa, a lift like this is a good sign heading into summer. If the momentum holds, it should mean steadier foot traffic and a bit more confidence for businesses gearing up for the holiday rush.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Some simple, evidence-based strategies will help you navigate the Christmas party season without relying on will power alone.“We must have a drink before the end of the year!”December is a perfect storm for anyone trying to cut back on drinking. Between end-of-year deadlines, work parties, family gatherings and school events, alcohol is suddenly everywhere.It can make drinking feel not just normal, but expected.But if you want to drink less (or not at all) this silly season, you don’t have to rely on willpower alone. Having a plan can help.Some evidence suggests when goals are focused on how you’ll approach something – such as a not-drinking strategy – rather than what you’ll avoid (alcohol), it’s easier to follow through.So here are some simple strategies, backed by evidence.1. Make a planWhen making decisions, our brains tend to prioritise immediate goals over long-term ones. Scientists call this “present bias”. This means it’s harder to keep your long-term goal (cutting back on alcohol) in mind when confronted by the chance for immediate gratification (having a drink).But if you plan when you will and won’t drink in advance, you reduce the need to make this decision in real time – when alcohol is in front of you and your willpower may be lower and you’re more driven by emotion.Look ahead at your calendar and choose your drinking and non-drinking days deliberately. Committing to the plan ahead of time reduces the chances of opportunistic drinking when social pressure is high.2. Track your drinksTracking when and how much you drink is one of the most effective and well-supported strategies for reducing alcohol use and staying motivated.You may be surprised how much tracking alone can change your drinking, simply by being more mindful and helping you understand your patterns.It doesn’t matter how you do it – in an app, a notebook or even on your phone calendar. Writing it down is better than trying to remember. And doing it consistently works best. Aim to record drinks in real time if you can.There are lots of free, evidence based apps, such Drink Tracker, that can help you track your drinking and drink-free days.3. Try zero alcohol drinksFor many people, the rise of alcohol-free beer, wine and spirits has made it much easier to enjoy the ritual of drinking at social events, without the intoxication.But they’re not for everyone – particularly those who find the look, smell and taste of alcohol triggering. Know yourself, see what works, and don’t force it if it’s not helping reach your goals.4. Slow the paceIf your aim is to cut back, try alternating each alcoholic drink with something non-alcoholic.Water is best, but zero, low or non-alcoholic drinks can still reduce how much you drink overall – and as a bonus they can also help you stay hydrated, which may reduce the chance of a hangover.Eating something healthy and filling before and during drinking is also a good idea. It prevents rapid spikes in blood alcohol levels, as well as slowing the absorption of alcohol into your system. This means your body has a better chance of metabolising the alcohol.Eating well can also help calm the cravings for sugary, fried and salty foods that are often triggered by alcohol.5. Beware of an all-or-nothing approachDon’t fall into the “goal violation” trap (sometimes called the abstinence violation effect). That’s the when slipping up makes you abandon your plan altogether.Maybe someone talks you into “just a splash” – or one drink somehow becomes five – and you tell yourself: “Oh well, I’ve blown it now.”But a slip is just a slip – it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goals. You can reset straight away, at the next drink or the next day.6. Set up accountabilityLetting a friend or partner know that you are trying to drink less helps you stay accountable and provides support – even better if they join you.7. Have responses readyPeople may notice you’re not drinking or are drinking less. They may offer you a drink. Try a simple “I’m good” or “I’m pacing myself tonight”. Work out what feels OK to you – you don’t need to give long explanations.8. Be kind to yourselfWhen you’re making a big change, it won’t always go smoothly. What matters is how you respond if you slip up. Shame and guilt often lead to more drinking, while self-compassion supports longer-term behaviour change.Instead of seeing a slip as failure, treat it as information: What made it hard to stick to your goals? What could help next time?December doesn’t have to derail your goals.Change comes from consistent small steps, even during the busiest month of the year. Focus on developing a relationship with alcohol that you are in control of, not the other way around.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand’s adult minimum wage will rise 2 per cent to $23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026.Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the change, saying it reflects the Government’s agreement to keep annual minimum wage increases moderate as part of the NZ First–National coalition commitment.“This new rate will benefit around 122,500 working New Zealanders and strikes a balance between keeping up with the cost of living and not adding further pressure on the costs of running businesses,” she says.Ms van Velden says the decision comes at a tough time for many employers, and that the Government is aiming for “recovery and relief” through what she calls responsible economic management. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.She links the move to wider goals of growing the economy, boosting incomes and supporting people in jobs across the country.The increase is intended to help minimum wage workers keep pace with the cost of living, with inflation projected to remain relatively stable at around 2 per cent from June 2026. Youth unemployment and wage compression were both considered in this year’s decision.“Past minimum wage increases have driven wage compression, reducing the differentiation in pay between workers based on skills, experience or performance,” she says, adding that recent moderate rises have started to ease this trend and support young people into entry level jobs.Starting-out and training minimum wage rates will be set at $19.16, remaining at 80 per cent of the adult rate when the change takes effect on 1 April 2026.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word

Coasties you’ve got this weekend to help choose New Zealand’s 2025 Quote of the Year.After a first round of public nominations, a panel of communications experts has narrowed it down to ten lines that really caught the country’s attention.Politics features heavily, from Christopher Luxon’s Marmite sandwich crack about school lunches, to Chlöe Swarbrick’s call for “six of 68 Government MPs with a spine,” and Nicola Willis refusing to reward protesters in adult nappies with a meeting.Hamish Kerr’s dream of jumping high enough to clear a ceiling, Taika Waititi’s push for deeper Indigenous stories on screen, Andrea Vance’s blistering take on pay equity, and Mike Bodie’s reminder that wildlife have no one to call the police for them also made the list.The competition, now in its 14th year, was founded by the late Dr Heather Kavan, a much-loved Massey University speechwriting specialist.Voting closes at midnight on Monday, December 15, and you can cast your vote here.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Making plans? Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast, curated by your team at The Hibiscus Coast App.Orewa Beach Fun RunSat 13 DecClick here for more detailsSilverdale Night MarketSun 14 DecClick here for more detailsChristmas Day Buffet LunchThu 25 DecClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Have an event coming up? Get featured next week!List your Event for FREE now.