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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Voting papers hit Coastie letterboxes from 9 September as the 2025 local elections get underway across Auckland, including right here on the Hibiscus Coast.Need to enrol or check if you can vote?Who can vote and how to enrol:https://voteauckland.co.nz/en/who-can-vote-how-to-enrol.htmlA total of 476 nominations were received before the Friday 1 August deadline, meaning all 172 available positions will be contested—except for two uncontested seats in Ōrākei and Rodney. That’s 11 more nominations than in 2022.Every three years, Coasties vote by post to choose:1 Auckland mayor20 ward councillors151 local board membersTwelve people have put their names forward for mayor, with a full list of ward and board candidates available from today at voteauckland.co.nz/candidates.How the winners are decidedAll elections in Auckland use the First Past the Post (FPP) system. You simply tick the name of the candidate(s) you want elected. If three positions are up for grabs, you can vote for up to three people. Those with the most votes win.So why does this matter? Local government decisions directly affect daily life. That includes:The rates you payHow parks, libraries, pools and roads are fundedRules about where your dog can goEvents, building consents, rubbish collection, and moreGovernance and Engagement GM Lou-Ann Ballantyne says the diversity of candidates shows Aucklanders are stepping up for their communities. A newly upgraded Vote Auckland website will help voters find candidate details specific to their address.Ballantyne says, “That voting paper is more powerful than some may think—otherwise someone else will choose for you.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Some local amusement ride and adventure providers on the Hibiscus Coast may soon face fewer hurdles, as the Government proposes changes to simplify health and safety rules.Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has kicked off consultation on easing compliance for recreation and entertainment businesses, aiming to reduce pressure while keeping people safe.At the heart of the changes is a tweak to the definition of “adventure activities.”Right now, it’s so broad that low-risk activities like cycle trail rides may fall under the same strict rules as bungy jumping.The proposed change would tighten that definition so only higher-risk businesses need to meet the tougher standards.For Coasties, that could mean it’ll be simpler for local operators to run family-friendly outdoor experiences without facing unnecessary red tape.The second proposal affects amusement ride rules.Only transportable, high-risk devices like large Ferris wheels would need council permits, not small merry-go-rounds or fixed school fair rides.Ms van Velden also wants to clarify health and safety expectations for volunteers.Groups involved in pest control, trail maintenance, or emergency responses have said unclear rules are discouraging people from helping out.The Government is consulting widely and expects a bill later this year.If approved, these changes could mean fewer forms and lower costs for community events and local operators.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Coast Bakeries Nab Big Pie GloryRead moreRising Gas Bills Squeeze Hibiscus Coast HouseholdsRead moreCoastie Success Story: Dental Suite Silverdale ShinesRead moreVictoria Short, Gary Brown Enter RaceRead moreSilverdale Medical Centre Ups Prices AgainRead moreYour Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

Stand-alone homes are driving the first annual rise in new home consents in two years, according to new Stats NZ data.In the year ended June 2025, 33,979 new homes were consented across New Zealand, up 1.0 percent from the year before. The growth was largely thanks to a 6.3 percent rise in stand-alone house consents, which hit 15,858 nationwide.By contrast, consents for multi-unit homes like townhouses and apartments dipped 3.2 percent to 18,121. Within that, townhouses fell 5.3 percent, while apartments bucked the trend with a 12 percent rise.Auckland’s figures helped tip the scales. The region saw a 3.2 percent annual increase, with 14,295 new homes consented. It’s the first time since early 2023 that Auckland has recorded growth.Coasties may not be surprised. With strong demand for family homes, a move back toward traditional stand-alone builds could mean more developments suited to the local lifestyle and land availability.Regionally, Otago stood out with a 48 percent jump, the fastest growth in the country.While the June 2025 quarter saw a slight dip compared to last year (8,196 homes consented, down from 8,279), stand-alone homes continued to edge up. In seasonally adjusted terms, stand-alone consents rose 1.8 percent over the quarter.It’s a small but steady sign of recovery in the housing sector.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A proposed Government ban on payment surcharges is under fire from the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, who say it could hurt small businesses, including some on the Hibiscus Coast.The new law would stop retailers from passing on card and contactless payment fees to customers. But Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says that while the goal is fair, the impact could be damaging.“No one wants consumers hit with unreasonable fees,” says Bridges. “But banning surcharges outright could do real harm to small businesses, particularly in retail, hospitality, and tourism.”Leeann Watson from Business Canterbury adds that most small and medium-sized businesses use surcharges just to cover merchant fees. If that option disappears, they will either need to raise prices for everyone or absorb the cost themselves. For many, especially those tied to recommended retail pricing, neither option works.The NZCCI says the plan could shift New Zealand from a user-pays model to one where everyone pays, regardless of how they choose to pay.That’s a real concern for Coastie businesses working on tight margins, particularly in tourism or food service.Instead, the Chambers want the Government to focus on the root issue: high merchant fees from banks and payment providers.A formal submission on the bill is expected later this year. Until then, Bridges says there is still time to find a better way that supports both shoppers and small business owners.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Drivers heading south from the Hibiscus Coast next week will need to plan ahead.Full overnight closures of State Highway 1 (SH1) between Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road are planned from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 August.The NZTA has confirmed the southbound lanes will shut from 9pm to 5am each night for maintenance.Closures will include the Silverdale southbound on-ramp and the Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp.Detours will be clearly signposted, with motorists advised to use Twin Coast Discovery Highway, East Coast Road and Oteha Valley Road instead.Weather may impact the schedule, and some ramp or lane restrictions could begin earlier in the evening.There’s also a separate closure tied to the Penlink project in the same area and time window, adding to the disruption.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

What makes a home truly ‘drier’? It’s a question Coasties might be asking this winter as condensation creeps across windows and dehumidifiers hum in the background. A new study suggests we might be measuring it all wrong.Dr Michael Rehm from the University of Auckland, along with researchers Dr Rochelle Ade and Dr V. Vishnupriya, studied winter humidity in a 7-Homestar certified Auckland apartment block for residents aged over 65. While the green-rated building promotes warmer, healthier, and drier homes, relative humidity inside often sat above the recommended 40 to 60 percent range.But here’s the twist. That doesn’t mean it was unhealthy.Senior property lecturer Dr Michael Rehm from Auckland University Business School.When the team measured absolute humidity (the actual moisture in the air), the levels fell within the healthy range. Most residents also reported feeling comfortable, despite the numbers.So why does this matter for the Hibiscus Coast?Because green ratings like Homestar are being used to shape future housing. If key words like “drier” aren’t properly explained, it could lead to confusion or poor design decisions for coastal areas that are naturally humid.“In places like Auckland, outdoor air is already humid, so natural ventilation won’t always lower relative humidity,” says Dr Rehm. “That doesn’t make a home damp.”The researchers want green building tools to define ‘drier’ clearly and consider both types of humidity. It’s a small fix that could make a big difference in how we measure comfort and health in local homes.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The demolition of an aging grandstand will increase the crowd capacity at the home of the ASB Classic, ahead of next year's tennis tournament and bring the venue in line with international requirements.A grant from Auckland Council's Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund will allow Tennis Auckland to demolish the Robinson Grandstand at the southern end of the arena on Stanley street, which is one step towards getting a long-debated roof for centre court.The Robinson Grandstand, built in 1962, has "come to the end of its useful life" and will be replaced with a removable grandstand in place in time for the ASB Classic on 5 January, 2026.The new removable structure will allow the tournament organisers to ensure the Manuka Doctor Arena - formerly the ASB Tennis Centre - meets updated requirements from world tennis governing bodies WTA and ATP.In recent times, the ASB Classic has received dispensation to host the tournament due to the courts not meeting minimum court size and capacity for spectators also falling short of the minimum requirements.ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said the new stand, like those used in UK tournaments including the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, will be a significant positive development for the tournament."We have had dispensation on minimum court size, but this has become challenging," Lamperin said."We also need the extra capacity and the planned grandstand will provide an excellent addition for fans at the tournament. I am sure it will help attract some players and will be well received by all players."Work will start immediately on the demolition of the Robinson Stand, with council funding combined with a grant from Grassroots Trust.The court extension would allow for the potential to host other sports events, including basketball, netball, volleyball and beach volleyball.Tennis Auckland chief executive officer Rohan West said the new stand would accommodate seating to ensure the arena meets the ATP criteria and had the flexibility to offer a range of options from standard seats to high-end padded seats.West said Tennis Auckland was working "diligently" on its vision of a roof for the centre court, with the new grandstand part of that overall concept."The ASB Classic is the largest driver of economic growth on Auckland's event calendar," West said."Our overall vision for the Manuka Doctor Arena is a crucial way for the ASB Classic to compete against competition from more modern venues in Australia, Asia and the Middle East."

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

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

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

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