As the festive season approaches, Auckland Airport is gearing up for its busiest period, with 1.8 million travellers expected to pass through its terminals between 9 December and 12 January. The holiday rush will see 1 million international passengers and 800,000 domestic travellers.Auckland Airport Chief Operations Officer Chloe Surridge highlighted the significance of this time of year. "It’s an exciting time at the airport as we head into the busy travel season. The best part about this time of year is helping to re-connect families. We’re proud of the important role we get to play here,” she said.Of the international arrivals, 40% are visiting friends and family, making this period one of joyful reunions. Alongside passengers, the airport is also managing the transport of 26,000 tonnes of cargo during December and January. Key exports include salmon, snapper, lamb, cherries, and honey, which are destined for global markets, ensuring New Zealand’s fresh produce reaches festive tables worldwide.Travel tips have been issued to assist passengers and their families during the holiday rush. Auckland Airport advises that the Transport Hub will be especially busy, with a three-minute dwell time for vehicles in drop-off and pick-up zones. For a smooth arrival, the airport recommends using digital declarations for international arrivals and checking bags for biosecurity compliance.In addition, the airport’s festive touches include a giant “Love NZ” sign featuring iconic Buzzy BeesTM located past duty-free for travellers departing New Zealand.Ms Surridge also acknowledged recent disruptions caused by an external network outage but assured travellers that the issue has been resolved. "Our focus for the festive season remains helping travellers to get where they need to be and doing all we can to ensure people have smooth journeys," she said.With 26 airlines flying non-stop to 41 destinations, including major trade partners such as Australia, China, and the United States, Auckland Airport is prepared for the surge in holiday travel and festive exports.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast locals may soon see a boost in healthcare capacity, thanks to a major initiative by the Medical Council and Health New Zealand.The announcement triples the number of exam places available for internationally-trained doctors seeking registration in New Zealand, paving the way for more qualified medical professionals to join the workforce.Health Minister Dr Shane Reti shared the update, confirming that the New Zealand Registration Exam (NZREX) will now accommodate up to 180 international candidates in 2025.This marks a significant increase from the originally planned 60 spots.Exams will be held in March, June, and September next year, an increase from two sittings in 2024.“These hardworking overseas doctors are eager to contribute to our health system, and this change ensures they can take the exams required for registration,” Dr Reti said.He acknowledged long-standing barriers, including limited exam slots and clinical placement opportunities, which have hindered internationally-trained doctors from practising in New Zealand.Health New Zealand has been tasked with securing clinical placements for successful candidates, particularly in general practice, where demand remains high.Dr Reti explained that securing first-year house officer roles, or PGY1 positions, has been another obstacle, but reassured that steps are underway to address this issue.The Minister highlighted the urgency of these changes, sharing stories of internationally-trained doctors who, unable to secure exam spots, have taken non-medical jobs such as driving services.“Their stories have made for sad reading, knowing our health system could benefit from their expertise,” he said.The Medical Council’s swift response to these challenges has been praised, ensuring that no doctors are left scrambling for exam spots.“They shouldn’t be fighting for places as if they were lining up for a pop concert,” Dr Reti added.With these developments, internationally-trained doctors residing in New Zealand will have a clear pathway to employment, complementing the efforts of local healthcare providers.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Hibiscus Coast community and New Zealanders nationwide can now report scam messages with greater ease, thanks to a new feature in Apple’s latest iOS update. This initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and New Zealand telecommunications providers, aims to combat scam texts and protect users from fraud.With the iOS 18.2 update, available to iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users (depending on their mobile provider), suspicious messages can be reported directly to the DIA using the “Report Junk” option. Once selected, the message details are automatically forwarded to the DIA, enabling swift action.The DIA has partnered with Apple, 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, and Modica Group to enhance scam reporting and detection. Information gathered from public reports is shared with mobile providers, who use it to identify, disrupt, and block phone numbers associated with scams. This collaboration aims to safeguard Kiwis’ privacy and prevent financial losses.Joe Teo, Manager of Digital Messaging at the DIA, highlighted the importance of public participation: “We know that we need all hands on deck to help protect New Zealanders from scammers, and this initiative is a great example of how we are actively working together with industry to make New Zealand networks safer.”Paul Brislen, CEO of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum, echoed this sentiment, describing the new tool as “a very powerful tool in Aotearoa’s fight against scammers” by enabling real-time blocking of offending numbers.Stuart Wilson, CEO of Modica Group, emphasised the value of automation in scam detection: “Being able to use our safe and secure platform to automate scam reporting and provide it in an easily consumable format to DIA and other fraud teams is a significant step forward in combatting scams.”Users who report scam messages can expect an automated response from the DIA. The feature is set to expand to other Apple and Android devices by 2025. For now, New Zealanders can continue using the free 7726 Report Spam Service by forwarding suspicious messages to that number.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The NZ Transport Agency has scheduled the following overnight motorway closures for improvement works.Closures will occur from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, with traffic management potentially starting earlier.If work is delayed due to bad weather, it will be rescheduled for the next available night, ensuring completion by Friday, 10 January 2025.Northern Motorway (SH1)Wednesday, 9 January (10:00 pm – 5:00 am)Northbound closures:Lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-rampNorthcote Road northbound on-rampSouthbound closures:Lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-rampNorthcote Road southbound on-rampEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp24/7 closures:Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp: 25 December – 2 JanuaryStafford Road northbound off-ramp: 1–5 JanuaryCurran Street northbound on-ramp: 1–5 JanuaryUpper Harbour Motorway (SH18)Saturday, 6 January:Westbound closures:Lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-rampEastbound closures:Lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-rampSquadron Drive eastbound on-ramp (10:00 pm – 5:00 am)Lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp (10:00 pm – 5:00 am)Sunday, 7 January:Eastbound closures:Lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-rampHobsonville Road eastbound on-rampTrig Road eastbound on-rampBrigham Creek Road eastbound on-rampFor live updates and more information, visit the NZ Transport Agency website or click here.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties and Kiwis across the country are embracing the convenience of digital travel declarations, with more than 58% of New Zealand passport holders using the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) in the past month. The digital option, introduced in August 2023, replaces the traditional paper arrival card for passengers returning home.To date, over 2.8 million digital declarations have been submitted by air travellers, with Customs and its border partners encouraging even more passengers to make the switch.Jamie Bamford, Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations, praised the growing adoption of the digital system. “With many families now heading overseas for the summer holidays, it’s a chance to discover the digital option, which is convenient and will help with an easier arrival process when they return home,” he said.He added that the NZTD is especially beneficial for families and frequent travellers. “Sometimes, parents don’t realise they must complete a declaration for children, regardless of age, which can hinder the arrival process and cause setbacks. With a digital declaration, it’s easy to fill out multiple declarations before you even get on the plane.”The NZTD collects essential travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information as part of border processing, aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of arrivals into New Zealand. Passengers can submit their declaration online or via the NZTD app up to 24 hours before their flight, ensuring a smoother arrival experience.What Travellers Need to KnowAll travellers to New Zealand, including Kiwis returning from holiday, must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).A declaration is required for each traveller, including babies and children.The NZTD app, available on Apple and Android devices, allows users to scan passport details directly into the declaration and create a profile for future travel.Families or groups can copy travel details into multiple declarations, with all submissions displayed together in the app.The earliest travellers can submit their declaration is 24 hours before their flight, and it must be submitted by the time they reach passport control in New Zealand.The NZTD is available in multiple languages, including Te Reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan.For more details, including what you need to declare, visit www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nzHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals may soon benefit from significant savings on payment fees, as the Commerce Commission (ComCom) has issued a draft decision proposing to reduce the fees Kiwi businesses pay for accepting Visa and Mastercard payments.The proposal could result in a reduction of approximately $260 million annually in fees charged to businesses, which are typically passed on to consumers through higher prices or surcharges on goods and services.John Small, the Commission’s Chair, outlined the proposed reduction, stating, “We’re proposing a reduction of around $260 million a year to the largest component of the fees charged to New Zealand businesses to receive Visa and Mastercard payments. We’re also setting the clear expectation that payment providers and businesses should pass these savings on to customers.”In July, the Commission revealed that New Zealanders spend around $95 billion each year using Visa and Mastercard, with businesses incurring approximately $1 billion in fees to process these payments.“This work is the next step to further reduce, and simplify, payment costs for New Zealand businesses, and to save merchants and consumers a considerable amount of money,” said Dr Small.The fees that businesses pay when customers use cards like Visa or Mastercard are known as merchant service fees.These fees are often recovered by businesses through surcharges or increased prices for goods.Some businesses, however, may set surcharges higher than necessary, resulting in extra costs for consumers.“We’ve been clear businesses should not be surcharging their customers more than the cost to them of accepting that payment,” said Dr Small.The Commission is working to simplify these complex fees and expects that, if the draft decision is implemented, consumers could see a reduction in surcharges of around 0.7% to 1.0%, or benefit from lower prices on goods and services.The average merchant service fee for small businesses is between 1.2% and 1.5%.Businesses with fees higher than 1.5% are encouraged to check whether they could secure a better deal from their payment providers.The Commerce Commission is now seeking public feedback on the draft decision.Submissions are open until 5 pm on 18 February 2025.For further details or to provide feedback, visit the Commission’s website or submit via the provided online forms for consumers and merchants.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties can look forward to a busy year ahead for the Penlink project, with the construction crew returning from their well-deserved break on Monday, 6 January 2025.The team has made significant progress this year, achieving several milestones. Some of the highlights include:780,000 cubic metres of earth moved295 metres of network drainage pipes installed1,216 metres of pipe culverts installedOver 3,000 cubic metres of concrete poured for the Wēiti River Bridge piers and abutmentDuck Creek Road Bridge beams placed, deck poured and barriers installedTo see the progress firsthand, watch the December 2024 aerial flyover of the entire project.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Hibiscus Coast community can now plan ahead with clarity as the Government confirms final levy rates to fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). The new rates will come into effect from July 2026, following a decision by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden.The levy, applied to most insurance contracts covering properties, vehicles, and contents, will see significant changes aimed at balancing affordability for New Zealanders while ensuring FENZ remains well-resourced.“Earlier this year, the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire and Emergency publicly consulted on an increase of 5.2 percent earlier in the year. However, this was revised down as I was not convinced that such an increase is justified and requested an alternative solution from Fire and Emergency,” Ms van Velden said.The maximum annual levy for homeowners will drop to $107.40, down from $119.50. Personal property insurance, such as contents, will also see a decrease, with a maximum levy of $21.48, compared to the previous $23.90. Vehicle insurance, including third-party-only cover, will be subject to a flat fee of $25, significantly reduced from the $40.12 initially proposed during consultation.Ms van Velden acknowledged the insurance industry’s request for early confirmation of regulations, giving businesses 18 months to implement the changes. “I am pleased that the Government has approved the regulations this month, providing confidence to businesses about how the levy will be applied and collected,” she added.In addition to the revised levy rates, Ms van Velden highlighted the importance of prudent financial management. “I have also asked FENZ to deliver savings of $60 million by the end of the three-year levy period. These savings will provide a reserve for significant unexpected costs or under-collection of the levy.”The changes aim to address the cost-of-living pressures faced by New Zealanders while maintaining essential services for communities, including those on the Hibiscus Coast.For more details, the summary of public submissions on the levy consultation is available at: Public-Consultation-Outcome-Levy-consultation-2024.pdfHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Your Weekly News Fix.Catch up on the top local stories that made headlines this week!Top Stories You Need to Know…Penlink Highway Confirmed as Toll RoadRead moreChristmas Repairs Planned for Auckland HighwaysRead more New Directory Listings Highlight Local ExcellenceRead moreBoaties Reminded to Wear LifejacketsRead more Manly Prepares for International Moth-Class Sailing RegattaRead moreStay ahead of the curve.Get the latest local news and information through the Hibiscus Coast App. Download the app now!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Police executed search warrants yesterday at two drug rehabilitation facilities on the North Shore, uncovering a significant cache of firearms, drugs, and cash as part of an ongoing investigation.Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams of the Waitematā Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) confirmed that officers located an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle, a lever-action rifle, a pistol with a silencer, numerous rounds of ammunition, and approximately 2kg of crystal methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia and cash were also seized during the searches.It was also reported that attempts were made to flush controlled substances down the toilet at one of the facilities.Two men, aged 37 and 35, were arrested during the operation and are facing charges related to the supply and distribution of methamphetamine, as well as offences under the Arms Act. One of the men is a patched gang member, while the other has known gang affiliations.The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests and charges are expected. The two men are due to appear in North Shore District Court today.As the matter is now before the courts, police have limited further comment to provide at this time.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

With the festive season fast approaching, locals are being reminded to prioritise safety on the roads. Police have announced an increased presence across New Zealand during the Christmas break, aiming to ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, emphasised the need for motorists to play their part alongside law enforcement efforts. “Drivers need to be clear that if they are detected speeding or driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, they will be ticketed,” he said. “The best way to avoid being ticketed is not to speed, not to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. It’s that simple.”Last Christmas period, 21 lives were tragically lost in road crashes. Police and road safety partners are working to prevent a repeat of such devastation. To achieve this, there will be a coordinated, highly visible police presence at high-risk locations, including State Highways and rural areas, especially during peak travel times.The focus remains on addressing the four key behaviours contributing to road deaths and injuries: speeding, impaired driving, distractions such as mobile phone use, and failure to use seatbelts. Superintendent Greally highlighted the importance of enforcement, stating, “Since 1 July, we have conducted over 2 million breath tests nationally. This should be viewed as a motivating factor for all motorists to drive safely.”Holiday road toll data will be updated throughout the season by the Ministry of Transport. Historical crash data for previous holiday periods is also available at Ministry of Transport website.Locals are encouraged to do their part to make this holiday season a safe one. By driving responsibly, we can ensure a summer to remember for all the right reasons.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals and sailing enthusiasts alike are gearing up for the International Moth-Class Sailing Regatta, set to take place in Manly from Friday, 27 December 2024, to Thursday, 9 January 2025.A section of Laurence Street, between Manly Park Avenue and Cross Street, will be subject to stop/stop traffic management to accommodate the event.Motorists can expect short delays while boat-trailers cross the road to and from the Manly Beach boat ramp.The International Moth is renowned as the fastest single-handed sailing dinghy, boasting an innovative design that has evolved significantly since its inception in Australia in 1928.This cutting-edge racing vessel promises to deliver thrilling performances during the regatta.Event details are as follows:Date: Friday, 27 December 2024, to Thursday, 9 January 2025Time: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm dailyPlace: Laurence Street, ManlySpectators are invited to attend and enjoy the excitement of this premier sailing event.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 20/12Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Nor'West winds.High: 23Low: 16Saturday - 21/12Thunderstorms. Breezy to brisk Northerly winds.High: 21Low: 16Sunday - 22/12Morning showers. Fairly breezy West to Nor'West winds.High: 23Low: 17Monday - 23/12Morning showers. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 22Low: 16Check out our Reports section for weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and lots more.Anytime, anywhere – everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals will see advertised salaries continue to climb, with the SEEK Advertised Salary Index (ASI) reporting a 0.7% increase nationwide in the quarter to November.While annual growth has slowed compared to last year’s peak, salaries remain ahead of inflation.SEEK’s data shows a year-on-year growth rate of 3.1%, surpassing the annual inflation rate of 2.2% for the year ending September 2024.Regional TrendsWellington led the country with a 1.0% quarter-on-quarter increase in average advertised salaries.Auckland and Canterbury followed closely, both recording a 0.8% rise.Wellington, Canterbury, and the North Island (excluding Auckland) showed the strongest annual growth at 3.6%.Meanwhile, growth across the South Island’s regional areas slowed following faster gains in 2023.Industry TrendsThe Education & Training sector experienced the fastest annual growth at 6.3%.Increased demand, particularly from international students, and upcoming agreed pay rises for teachers contributed to the sector’s performance.Government-related sectors, including Healthcare & Medical, also reported robust increases, supported by public sector wage growth.In contrast, advertised salaries in Real Estate & Property declined slightly by 0.3% year-on-year, although they rose by 0.6% during the quarter.Legal (-1.1%) and Consulting & Strategy (-0.1%) industries also recorded declines in the quarter to November.SEEK Country Manager Rob Clark said the figures reflect sustained growth despite an overall slowdown.“Although the rate of annual growth continued to slow, average advertised salaries continue to outpace annual inflation. Additionally, we saw an increase in the rate of growth in the November quarter.”The latest data shows that while salary growth is moderating, sectors experiencing high demand, particularly government-related industries, continue to see gains.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

With summer in full swing, Aucklanders are making the most of the warm weather by heading out on the water. Whether on a boat, kayak, or other vessel, the Auckland Council is reminding residents to prioritise safety by wearing lifejackets during the holiday season.Ahead of the Christmas and New Year period, Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee, highlighted the devastating impact of water-related tragedies across New Zealand this year.“Drownings and water-related incidents have had a devastating impact on families and communities across New Zealand,” Bartley said. “Making sure you wear a lifejacket is one simple action you can take to dramatically increase your chance of survival if you get into trouble on the water. Also, don’t forget to ensure children who are on the water are wearing a lifejacket.”Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the council’s Community Committee, reinforced the importance of lifejackets, urging Aucklanders to plan ahead and make sensible decisions before setting out.“Lifejackets save lives, it’s that simple,” Dalton said. “Please make sure you have correctly-fitted lifejackets for everyone on board your vessel before heading out on the water. Taking them and wearing them have never ruined a day out on the water. Over the holiday period, please take the time to plan safe journeys, take care on or in the water, and come home safely to your family.”Auckland’s changeable marine weather can present additional challenges for boaties. The council encourages checking forecasts before and during outings, using tools like the free Coastguard App, which also allows users to log trip reports.Boaties are reminded to carry at least two forms of waterproof communication, such as a charged mobile phone in a dry bag and a working VHF radio. Additionally, carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is recommended for emergencies.Under Auckland’s Navigation Bylaw 2021, wearing a lifejacket is compulsory for anyone on board a vessel up to 6 metres long unless the person in charge permits otherwise.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A proposed legislative change aiming to repeal restrictions on Sunday and public holiday advertising for broadcasters has progressed to its first reading in Parliament, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith announced.The legislation seeks to eliminate advertising limitations that currently apply to traditional broadcasters but not to digital streaming platforms. The move comes as more New Zealanders turn to online services for news and entertainment.“New Zealand on Air data shows this year YouTube was the most popular platform in the country, reaching 44 per cent of the population daily,” Goldsmith said. “We need to level the playing field by ensuring local media companies are not disadvantaged by restricted advertising times that don’t apply to digital streaming platforms.”The Minister noted that the media industry has welcomed the proposal, which has been under discussion for some time. “New Zealand’s media sector has been calling for this change for a long time, and this Government is listening,” he added.Industry estimates suggest the change could generate approximately $6 million annually for broadcasters, potentially bolstering the sector amid financial pressures. Goldsmith highlighted the significance of this measure as part of a broader package announced in July to support New Zealand’s media and content production industry.The legislative adjustment coincides with ongoing discussions regarding the proposed Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, designed to address financial challenges faced by local media.The next steps for the legislation will involve further parliamentary readings and debate before a final decision is made.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals, get ready to dive into the most talked-about books of the year! Auckland Council Libraries has unveiled its Top 100 list, featuring a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction reads that cater to all ages and interests.From page-turning novels to informative non-fiction books, and from kids' favourites to teen bestsellers, this curated list has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a gripping thriller to devour on the beach this summer or seeking inspiration for your next great read, Auckland Council Libraries' Top 100 is the perfect place to start.Browse the list today and discover new authors, genres, and topics to explore. Top 10 fictionTop 10 non-fictionTop 10 beach readsTop 10 book club picksTop 10 life and timesTop 10 graphics for all agesTop 10 books in translationTop 10 illustrated non-fictionTop 10 for kidsTop 10 for teensWith so many great books to choose from, you're sure to find your next favourite read.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals and businesses across New Zealand will be cautiously optimistic as job advertisements recorded a slight increase in November, marking only the second rise this year.According to SEEK NZ’s latest Employment Report, job ad volumes rose 1% nationwide, driven primarily by demand in the country’s major cities.Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury all reported month-on-month growth, up 1%, 3%, and 3% respectively.This upward movement reflects a period of stability in these regions over the last five months, following more than a year of general decline.Outside the main centres, however, job ad volumes fell by 0.4% in November.Regional areas such as Bay of Plenty and Northland recorded declines of 5%, while Waikato fell 4% and Otago slipped 2%.Marlborough was an exception, correcting from a sharp decline in October with a 12% increase last month.Nationally, applications per job ad grew by 3% in October, signalling heightened competition for available roles.All regions recorded year-on-year increases in applications, with Wellington (65%), Hawke’s Bay (60%), and Gisborne (60%) leading the trend.Southland was the only region to report no month-on-month growth in applications.Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, noted the overall significance of November’s numbers.“Any increase in job ad volume is positive news at this stage, though this is only the second time job ads have risen this year, and only by 1%.”Clark also highlighted industry-specific trends, adding, “While demand for workers in most industries has declined throughout the year, there are some that have bucked the trend, notably Banking & Financial Services, where ad volumes have boomed over the past two months.”The Industrial and Construction sectors drove much of the growth in November, with notable increases in Mining, Resources & Energy (15%), Construction (13%), and Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics (5%).The construction industry’s growth marks its largest rise in nearly two years.By contrast, some of the larger industries within Professional and Consumer Services reported declines.Healthcare & Medical saw a 7% drop in job ads, while Hospitality & Tourism, Retail & Consumer Products, and Information & Communication Technology each recorded decreases of 5%.Government & Defence was another standout performer, with ad volumes rising 55% since June after a significant decline earlier in the year.Banking & Financial Services also showed strong recovery, with a 31% rise in job ads since September following earlier declines.With job ads 21% lower year-on-year, this modest increase offers a sign of stability for New Zealand’s employment landscape, particularly in major urban centres.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals and fans alike have reason to celebrate as Auckland’s Eden Park secures its position as a world-class entertainment venue. The national stadium was recently named International Venue of the Year and earned a spot in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Stadiums rankings for concerts. It is the only New Zealand stadium to be recognised in the global rankings.Pollstar, a leading publication for the global concert industry, ranked Eden Park 25th globally for ticket sales and 34th for gross revenue in 2024. The results reflect the venue’s success in hosting major international concerts, selling more than 307,000 tickets across six events featuring high-profile artists such as P!NK, Travis Scott, and Coldplay.Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner attributed the accolades to the stadium’s transformation into a versatile, multi-purpose venue. “We’re delighted with this global recognition, especially following Eden Park being named International Venue of the Year at TheStadiumBusiness Awards. To be recognised alongside iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and Croke Park is an incredible achievement,” he said.With consent to host up to 12 concert events annually, Eden Park has become a key player in attracting major international performers to New Zealand. Notable upcoming concerts include global country star Luke Combs and a sold-out performance by Metallica in November 2025.Mr Sautner highlighted the stadium’s impact on the wider economy. “These events generate significant economic and social benefits for our region. The Coldplay concerts alone brought over 160,000 fans to Auckland, boosting tourism, hospitality, and retail businesses and creating jobs across the city and beyond.”Eden Park’s evolution has been marked by adaptability, with 70% of its 2023 attendance coming from events outside its previous business model. “Innovation and a commitment to delivering world-class experiences for our community are key to our success,” Sautner added.The recognition reinforces Eden Park’s standing as a critical asset for New Zealand, showcasing its ability to host globally significant events while driving economic and community growth.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]