The summer cruise season has begun, and Aucklanders can expect a bustling few months ahead. More than 100 ships are scheduled to dock at the Port of Auckland, bringing an estimated 230,000 passengers to our shores between October 1 and April 30, 2025.Last season's economic analysis revealed Auckland reaped $604.7 million in benefits and supported 4,184 jobs. This season promises to be just as prosperous, with Auckland remaining the primary port-of-call for most cruise ships. Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf will temporarily transform into passenger terminals, facilitating the safe embarkation and disembarkation of visitors.Avinash Murthy, Port of Auckland Head of Marine & Cruise Operations, notes, "Cruise passengers and crew bring a welcome economic boost to the region, supporting our visitor and tourism sector. Our central location makes it easy for passengers to explore Auckland's great restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions."Scenic Eclipse II, owned by Australian company Scenic GroupTwelve ships will make their maiden call to New Zealand, including Cunard's luxury Queen Anne and ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II. Disney Wonder returns for its second season in late November, offering Broadway-style entertainment and themed experiences.To minimise disruptions, the port plans to build a multi-purpose berth at Bledisloe Terminal and has extended the evening stand-down period for cruise ships in the Downtown Ferry Basin from 6.05 pm to 7.05 pm daily.

New Zealanders are living longer, and as our population continues to age and grow, the Ministry of Health is seeking input on how to create an environment that supports "active ageing."The Ministry has launched a public consultation on "Unlocking the Potential of Active Ageing," focusing on health-promoting and supportive environments that empower older people and enhance their contributions to society.Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati emphasised that active ageing is crucial for maximising older people's health and participation in society."Older people are making more valuable contributions than ever, because of better health, technology changes, and societal changes."Statistics New Zealand data shows that in 2022, one in six people was aged over 65.This number is expected to increase to one in five by 2028 and potentially one in four by the 2050s.Dr Sarfati noted that this initiative is future-focused, looking ahead to the needs of Gen X and Millennials in the decades to come.The Ministry invites the public to share their views on:The topic of active ageingHealth-promoting environmentsBarriers to active ageingRisks of not supporting active ageingTo participate, visit the Ministry's online consultation platform before 5 pm on Monday, 2 December.This Long-term Insights Briefing will contribute to informed decision-making and public discussion, encouraging a proactive approach to ageing.

Families across the Hibiscus Coast may soon benefit from a wider range of home-based early childhood education (ECE) options, as the Government has announced regulatory changes aimed at easing constraints on local providers. These changes, set to take effect from 1 January 2025, are intended to make it easier for providers to operate, maintain compliance, and meet the growing demand for flexible ECE services.Associate Education Minister David Seymour shared that feedback from ECE providers highlighted excessive administrative demands. “I have heard from providers that some of the red tape around home-based ECE care is too onerous and makes them spend too much time on compliance,” Seymour stated.One of the significant changes involves educator qualification requirements. Currently, 60% of educators in home-based ECE must hold a Level 4 qualification, with the remaining 40% working toward qualifications. A planned increase to an 80% qualification threshold in 2025 has now been cancelled. Instead, the revised regulation will require all educators to be either fully qualified or enrolled in a training programme within six months of starting. Seymour noted that this flexibility will allow more educators to enter the field and support sustained growth in the sector.Funding adjustments accompany these changes. From January, all licensed home-based providers will receive a standardised quality funding rate, replacing the current system that ties funding to the number of qualified educators on staff. This shift is designed to provide consistent financial support to providers, particularly smaller services that may struggle to meet existing compliance requirements.In a further move to reduce constraints, coordinators (also known as “persons responsible”) will now be allowed to oversee more than two licensed services per month, a change that gives providers more staffing flexibility.“These changes, which I expect to be made by the end of this year, are part of our effort to reduce red tape in the early learning sector,” Seymour said, adding that the Ministry for Regulation is reviewing the ECE sector’s regulatory framework to address broader issues.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are learning more today about a tragic case that has shocked the Gulf Harbour community. Following an extensive eight-month investigation, Police have charged three people in connection with the death of Shulai Wang, a 70-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a black rubbish bag in the waters of Gulf Harbour on 12 March.A dedicated team of investigators, led by Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams from Waitematā CIB, has spent hundreds of hours on the case, seeking justice for Ms. Wang and her family. The arrests took place this morning at a residence in Orewa, where a 37-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman, and a 61-year-old woman were taken into custody. All three individuals now face charges of kidnapping and manslaughter.Additionally, the 37-year-old man and 36-year-old woman have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and providing false immigration information, while the man also faces a charge related to the Search and Surveillance Act. All three will appear in North Shore District Court tomorrow.“This morning’s arrests are the result of thousands of hours of investigative work,” Acting Detective Inspector Williams stated, acknowledging the efforts of the investigation team, as well as support from New Zealand Customs, Immigration New Zealand, and other agencies. “The team has worked countless hours over months, piecing together who the victim was and what happened to her.”The complex investigation remains ongoing, as Police continue working alongside Chinese officials to keep Ms. Wang’s family informed. “I would like to acknowledge the team’s painstaking work in providing answers for Mrs Wang’s family,” said Williams, also thanking members of the public who came forward with information.While many questions linger, Police have indicated that they cannot provide further details now that the case is before the courts.

Looking ahead, Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 8/11Afternoon showers. Breezy Northerly winds.High: 22Low: 13Saturday - 9/11Afternoon showers. Breezy North to Nor'West winds.High: 22Low: 15Sunday - 10/11Afternoon showers. Breezy North to Nor'West winds.High: 22Low: 15Monday - 11/11Showers. Fairly breezy Westerly winds.High: 20Low: 12Get real-time 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.

A product recall notice has been issued for the Kids Hooded Towel - NOXEN, affecting Coasties with young families. The recall is due to non-compliance with the mandatory safety standard for children's nightwear.According to the notice, the fire hazard labelling on sizes 55x100 and under is incorrectly positioned at the waist instead of the back neck of the garment. This oversight may lead to consumers being unaware of necessary precautions to prevent fire injury risk.NOXEN urges affected customers to contact them at [email protected] for instructions on obtaining and attaching an additional fire label, ensuring the product meets safety standards.Locals are advised to keep the recalled towels away from sources of heat or fire until the label is correctly applied.The recall highlights the importance of verifying product safety compliance, especially for items intended for children.For more information, affected customers can reach out to NOXEN directly at [email protected]

Coasties are set to see some changes on Millwater Parkway as Auckland Transport undertakes essential resurfacing work between Silverdale Street and The Settlement in Silverdale.The project, aimed at improving road conditions and safety, will involve temporary traffic adjustments and restricted on-street parking.The resurfacing is scheduled to begin on Friday, 8 November, and is expected to last three days, with additional days reserved until Saturday, 16 November, in case of delays.Auckland Transport will conduct the work between 7 am and 7 pm, applying chip seal surfacing to extend the road’s lifespan and maintain safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.During these hours, temporary traffic controls will be in place, including stop/go signs, lower speed limits, and traffic lights to help manage traffic flow and protect both workers and road users.Residents and visitors are advised that on-street parking along Millwater Parkway will be limited.Auckland Transport suggests parking on private property or nearby streets and following all posted parking restrictions.The project will involve a phased approach: one day prior to resurfacing, no-parking signs will be posted, and notifications left on vehicles.Once the resurfacing is completed, Auckland Transport will perform an initial sweep to clear loose chip, with a second sweep planned six weeks later to ensure the road remains smooth and safe.Auckland Transport’s team will be on-site to guide drivers, and signage will be posted to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has extended congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump following his victory in the US presidential election. This gesture reaffirms the strong and enduring relationship between New Zealand and the United States.Locals on the Hibiscus Coast may be interested to know that the US is New Zealand's second-largest export destination and a significant source of global innovation and growth. Prime Minister Luxon emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, "Our long-standing cooperation... has helped ensure our prosperity and security."In a statement, Prime Minister Luxon expressed his eagerness to develop closer relations with the incoming Trump Administration. He highlighted key areas for collaboration, including enhancing trade and economic ties and building security and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.Mr. Luxon also acknowledged outgoing President Joe Biden, commending the vibrant relationship between the two nations during his tenure."I admire his dedication to public service and the American people," he said.The Prime Minister's congratulations and commitment to cooperation reflect the significance of the US-NZ relationship for our local community and the nation as a whole.

Coasties running small businesses could see faster payments from government clients under new rules aimed at improving cash flow and reducing administrative delays.The updated guidelines, announced by Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly and Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee, will require government agencies to adopt quicker payment timelines and switch to eInvoicing systems.Beginning 1 January 2025, around 135 government agencies will need to pay 90 per cent of domestic invoices within 10 business days.This target will increase to 95 per cent in 2026, with eInvoicing becoming mandatory for agencies managing over 2,000 invoices annually.Under this digital system, eInvoices will need to be processed within five business days.“Prompt payment is especially important for small businesses with limited cash reserves,” Bayly explained.“Government agencies are major clients for businesses across the country, from suppliers of stationery to security services, and reliable payment can be essential for meeting payroll and covering daily costs.”Economic Development Minister, Melissa LeeThe shift to eInvoicing aims to streamline processing, reducing risks tied to manual data entry and ensuring fewer delays due to human error.The government estimates productivity savings of NZD 4.4 billion over the next decade as businesses experience faster transactions and less paperwork.Economic Development Minister Lee added, “Government agencies should set the standard by embracing efficient, tech-driven solutions. With a procurement budget of NZD 51.5 billion, we can leverage these practices to support business innovation, productivity, and growth.”

Recent figures from Auckland Council’s Social and Economic Research and Evaluation Team reveal subtle economic shifts in Auckland, pointing to stabilising house prices, slowing retail sales, and consistent rental rates. This latest data provides insight for Coasties tracking regional trends and the ripple effects they may have locally.Auckland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw a slight decline of 0.1% for the year ending June 2024, mirroring a 0.2% decrease across New Zealand. This dip highlights a gradual slowdown that began in mid-2023.In housing, the median sale price remained steady at $970,000 in September 2024, down 7% from last year and 36% below the 2021 peak. Sales activity has been moderate, with 20,822 homes sold in the year ending September 2024 – a 43% decrease from the high in July 2021.Rent prices in Auckland averaged $673 weekly as of August 2024, closely mirroring the prior year and aligning with stable rates across New Zealand, where the average is $575. New dwelling consents, however, have seen a decline. Auckland recorded 13,821 new housing consents in the past year, down 37% from a 2022 peak but consistent with pre-pandemic levels in early 2019. Non-residential building consents also dropped, though values remain 25% above the 2020 low point, indicating ongoing investment in commercial projects.The report also flags a notable dip in retail sales. Real retail sales in Auckland fell 3.7% over the year ending June 2024, the sharpest drop since 2009, with national figures showing a similar 4.4% decline. Coasties observing consumer trends may note that the downturn reflects broader economic challenges impacting discretionary spending.In the labour market, Auckland’s unemployment rate ticked up to 4.6% as of June 2024, aligning with lower labour force participation but still remaining below peaks seen during the 2009–2016 period.This latest economic snapshot offers a glimpse of the city’s current state, as Auckland continues to adjust following recent highs and lows across sectors.

New research from Consumer NZ shows supermarket promotions aren't always as special as they appear - and "boosts" offering higher rewards may come at a higher price.Consumer NZ conducted an eight-week survey of pricing at supermarkets in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.But researcher Belinda Castles said it found that when products were advertised as specials, it did not always mean they were the lowest price available."For instance, at Woolworths Lower Hutt, 15 of the 22 tracked products were on special four or more times, while New World Hutt City had 13 items frequently on sale. Pak'nSave Lower Hutt maintained the lowest price for our basket of goods despite fewer specials."Fresh'n Fruity yoghurt was priced as "extra-Low" at Pak'nSave Papanui for all eight weeks of Consumer NZ's survey and the price was lower than the New World club deal during that period, and two weeks of Woolworths' special.But Consumer NZ was worried the consistent "extra low" message could mislead shoppers into believing it was only for a limited time.Foodstuffs told Consumer NZ its supermarkets were individually owned and operated and could set their own prices. "Our store owners use a variety of measures to set their in-store pricing. It's not uncommon or misleading for one store's promotional pricing to be similar to another store's regular pricing."At New World Hutt City, Palmolive dishwashing liquid was marked at $2.79 as a 'super-saver'. while at Pak'nSave, it was regularly priced between $2.39 and $2.99 without any special pricing.It was on special at Woolworths for $2.50 for one week and $2.80 for three weeks.Professor of marketing analytics at Massey University Bodo Lang told Consumer NZ the excessive use of sales promotions made it harder for shoppers to know what a normal price would be."Consumers are easily manipulated in a highly complex environment like a supermarket, where there are tens of thousands of products vying for shoppers' attention.".Consumer NZ said there should be more transparency and accountability in supermarket pricing."We support the idea of everyday low pricing to enhance consumer confidence that they are getting a genuinely good price," Castles said,Consumer NZ earlier looked at the value offered by "boosted" products at Woolworths, which offer a shopper extra rewards points.But Consumer NZ's Rebecca Styles said for the three weeks she tracked her boosted offers earlier this year, she could have got the products cheaper at Pak'n Save."Of the 35 boosted products I was offered over those weeks, only one was cheaper at Woolworths than Pak'nSave."While not all of the boosted products were available at Pak'nSave, we substituted with a similar branded product. If there wasn't a suitable substitution, we left it out of the comparison."If I had bought all of the boosted products I was offered, I would have accumulated 4850 points - enough for two $15 vouchers and 850 points towards the next one."Yet those vouchers could be false economy, given I could probably have spent less on an alternative product."This week, a two-litre bottle of Anchor cream was offered as a boost with a price of $16.30, but it was on sale at Pak'nSave for $15.77.Styles said her concern with the Boost programme was that people had to choose to "boost" the products before shopping, which was an incentive to then choose that product rather than looking for a better deal.Everyday Rewards NZ director Mark Burger said boosts were a key way to earn points.He said offers were personalised to shoppers based on their prior purchases."The Everyday Rewards app is the easiest way to access Boosts, with the offers also accessible on the Everyday Rewards website."Over 200,000 Everyday Rewards members are activating their Boost offers every week and enjoying the additional rewards. Members who activate and redeem their Boosts are getting 5x more rewards vouchers than members who just scan their card, and we're hearing great feedback from our members on the programme and the added value they're receiving with Everyday Rewards."Consumer NZ last year complained to the Commerce Commission about supermarket specials, which launched an investigation. A spokesperson said it was expecting a decision this year.

Residents of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula are invited to share their thoughts on future bus and ferry services as Auckland Transport (AT) launches a four-week public engagement campaign.This initiative aims to gather input from Coasties about their transport needs ahead of the opening of O Mahurangi Penlink.The opening of this new road is expected to bring significant changes to public transport on the peninsula, according to Dave Hilson, AT’s Principal Service Network Planner.“We need to plan what this means for public transport on the peninsula and are asking people what’s important to them,” he said.Options under consideration include a range of transport choices, more frequent services, and improved travel times.AT has outlined three scenarios for community feedback:Existing bus and ferry services running more frequently.The NX2 bus servicing a new Whangaparāoa Station via O Mahurangi Penlink while the Gulf Harbour ferry does not operate.The continuation of the Gulf Harbour ferry service, complemented by a frequent bus route between Gulf Harbour and Hibiscus Coast Station.The proposed bus services could lead to quicker journeys between the peninsula and key locations like the North Shore and City Centre, potentially enhancing connectivity for locals.Public feedback is open until Sunday, 1 December.This input will contribute to the Whangaparāoa Public Transport Study, which aims to develop a comprehensive network to be included in the draft 2025-2034 Regional Public Transport Plan.AT will host five drop-in sessions where residents can discuss their views directly with the project team.These sessions are scheduled at various locations, including Gulf Harbour Marina and Hibiscus Coast Station, from 13 to 21 November.Residents are encouraged to visit haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/wpstudy for more details and to submit their feedback.

Auckland Transport has welcomed Dale Dillicar to its board, filling its final voting member seat and expanding the expertise guiding the region's public transport system. Mrs. Dillicar will also chair the Finance and Assurance Committee, a role key to ensuring robust financial governance and oversight.Councillor Christine Fletcher, who chaired the selection panel, expressed optimism about Mrs. Dillicar's future contributions to Auckland Transport. "I am delighted to welcome Dale to the board of Auckland Transport. She brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of financial experience that will add a valuable dimension to our board, complementing the talents of our existing members as we continue to deliver long-term value for Auckland," she said.Mrs. Dillicar, a Chartered Accountant and qualified Treasurer, has over 25 years of global experience in finance and risk management. During 12 years in the United Kingdom, she developed deep expertise in treasury management, strategic risk, and financial operations. She is currently General Manager of Risk Assurance at Fonterra and previously served in roles focused on commercial strategy, innovation, and financial leadership.Her professional background aligns with Auckland Transport's focus on developing a safe, efficient, and integrated transport network for the people of Auckland. As a board director, Mrs. Dillicar’s experience is expected to contribute significantly to the organisation’s mission, bringing a strong focus on financial integrity and accountability.The appointment was ratified by Auckland Council’s Performance and Appointments Committee on 22 October. This committee is responsible for appointing board members to council-controlled organisations in line with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members, as well as the Local Government Act.

The Government is introducing several amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, aiming to reduce youth access to vaping products.Under the new Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2), these changes, expected to take effect from November 2024, will primarily impact specialist vape retailers and address the sale, display, and disposal of vaping products.The first of the upcoming changes will require all new specialist vape stores to be at least 100 metres away from licensed Early Childhood Education centres (ECEs).This rule does not apply to existing vape stores or general retailers.New applications for specialist vape stores within the restricted zones will not be approved.Existing regulations, which require vape stores to be at least 300 metres from schools and marae, remain unchanged.The amendment will also introduce higher penalties for violations.Fines for selling vapes to minors will rise sharply, increasing from $10,000 to $100,000 for businesses and from $5,000 to $10,000 for individuals.Retailers found selling to minors may also face increased infringement fines, with penalties rising to $2,000 for a retailer and $1,000 for other parties involved.Another major change involves stricter controls on the visibility of vaping products.General retailers will no longer be allowed to display vaping products, and specialist vape stores must ensure their products cannot be seen from outside.The Ministry of Health plans to release further guidance to assist retailers in complying with these regulations.Additionally, the Bill will implement a ban on disposable vapes, aiming to reduce waste and prevent easy access for minors.The ban will take effect six months after the Bill becomes law, allowing retailers and manufacturers time to adjust their operations.

Kiwis are facing rising expenses as the cost of living increased by 3.8 percent over the past year, according to figures released today by Stats NZ. The Household Living-Costs Price Indexes (HLPIs) – which track the cost of everyday essentials for various household groups – have shown steady increases, with the latest figure reflecting ongoing financial pressures on households across the Hibiscus Coast.The latest HLPI data revealed that rising interest payments were the single largest contributor to the overall increase, climbing by 18.2 percent over the past 12 months. Insurance premiums also spiked by 16.4 percent, while rent rose by 4.8 percent. These increases follow a 5.4 percent jump in the previous quarter, marking the third consecutive quarter of rising living costs for New Zealanders.A separate measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which captures overall price changes across the country, rose by 2.2 percent. However, the CPI and HLPI differ in scope; while the CPI tracks price increases broadly, the HLPI focuses specifically on household spending, capturing the impact of costs on daily budgets.According to Nicola Growden, Stats NZ’s Consumer Prices Manager, high mortgage interest rates are weighing heavily on households, with interest payments rising sharply since 2021. "Mortgage interest payments remain high and continue to contribute significantly to living costs for many households," Growden said.Various groups are affected differently. For beneficiary households, costs rose by 3.8 percent, with rent making up a substantial 29 percent of their total spending. Meanwhile, Māori households also saw a similar 3.9 percent rise, largely driven by higher interest payments and rent increases. The highest increase in living costs was felt by low-income households, where the cost of living rose by 4.3 percent over the past year.Superannuitants have seen a 3.9 percent increase in living costs, due mainly to insurance and property rates, which take up a larger share of spending for this group compared to others. By contrast, high-income households experienced a slightly lower increase of 3.7 percent, but also felt the impact of increased interest rates and property-related expenses.

As Guy Fawkes Night arrives, locals are encouraged to celebrate responsibly, with safety as a top priority. With recent dry, windy conditions across the Hibiscus Coast and beyond, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has warned that fireworks pose an elevated fire risk this year.For those planning to light fireworks, it’s recommended to start with a quick check of current conditions at checkitsalright.nzIf winds are high or conditions appear risky, officials urge residents to consider rescheduling their displays to reduce the chance of unintentional fires.Here are a few steps to ensure safe celebrations tonight:Choose the Right Spot – Use an open area away from dry grass, trees, or structures that might catch fire.Safety Supplies – Keep a hose or a large bucket of water handy in case of sparks or accidents.Be Considerate – Let neighbours know if you’ll be setting off fireworks, especially those with pets or livestock.Dispose of Fireworks Properly – Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them out.Fireworks are typically permitted only on private property, but locals are advised to check local bylaws for specific guidelines and restrictions.Enjoy the evening’s festivities, but remember – a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.

Locals will bid farewell to Stanmore Bay Chiropractic Clinic on Wednesday, November 20, its last day for appointments.Chiropractor Jared Stebbings cited rising expenses at his other clinic as the reason for the closure."I'm unable to split my time and resources effectively between both locations," he said.Stebbings thanked the community for trusting him with their care and supporting the clinic over the past two years.He invites patients to reach out to discuss ongoing care and ensure a smooth transition.The closure marks the end of an era for local healthcare services, but Stebbings is committed to supporting patients through the transition.For more information or to discuss care, contact Stanmore Bay Chiropractic Clinic before November 20.

The Government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at enhancing New Zealand's creative sector, focusing on bolstering the economy and increasing community engagement with culture and the arts. Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith introduced the strategy, titled Amplify, as a public consultation document, inviting feedback from all Kiwis.“Amplify has been released for public consultation, and I encourage people to read the strategy and to share their feedback,” Goldsmith stated. “There’s an opportunity to increase the impact of our arts and culture here and on the world stage, and significantly increase the sectors’ contribution to GDP and export revenue by 2030.”The strategy identifies four primary goals: positioning New Zealand among the top 25 nations globally for cultural influence, aligning creative professionals’ earnings closer to national median wages, increasing the sector's GDP contribution to $20 billion, and inspiring more New Zealanders to engage with the nation’s arts, culture, and heritage.Goldsmith also acknowledged the sector's challenges, highlighting how Amplify intends to support creative communities across the country. The strategy outlines three key areas for action over the next six years:Investment Impact: Maximising the $450 million annual Crown investment to boost sectoral growth.Talent Development: Building a sustainable talent pipeline to foster long-term creative careers.Growth Enablers: Streamlining regulations to lower entry barriers and support expansion."This is just a draft, and I am open to ideas," Goldsmith added, urging all New Zealanders to engage with the document.

Auckland's residential property market has shaken off its winter blues, with sales numbers and prices surging in October.The latest data from Barfoot & Thompson reveals a 2.2% rise in median price to $955,000 and a 4.5% jump in average price to $1,129,950.This welcome upturn is music to the ears of Coasties, who saw 969 sales for the month – a 14.5% increase on October last year.Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & ThompsonPeter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson, credits reduced mortgage interest rates, falling inflation, and the arrival of spring for the boost."The perfect storm of positive factors has instilled confidence in buyers and sellers," Thompson said."We've seen a remarkable 51.3% increase in new listings, reaching 2,361 – the highest in nearly three years."First-home buyers and those in the under $750,000 segment accounted for 23% of sales, while luxury buyers in the $2 million-plus bracket made up 7%.The rural and lifestyle markets, though slower to respond, are showing signs of life, with salespeople reporting a significant improvement over the past 12 months.The increased listings and sales may moderate price growth, providing relief for buyers.With 5,611 properties on the market, Coasties have ample choice."This momentum is expected to continue, but the high number of available properties will likely prevent prices from rising too quickly," Thompson noted.The dataMedian price: $955,000 (up 2.2% from September)Average price: $1,129,950 (up 4.5% from September)Sales: 969 (up 14.5% from October 2023)New listings: 2,361 (up 51.3% from September)Month-end stock: 5,611 (up 11.4% from September)