The Deputy-Auditor General is urging Auckland Transport (AT) to do better in communicating unplanned transport disruptions to the public, and to improve its processes for managing disruptions.A report published by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has found that AT's systems for identifying and managing disruptions are largely manual, complex, and have resulted in long delays for patrons to be informed.It takes on average 22 minutes for AT to inform patrons about unplanned disruptions after an incident occurs, according to AT's data - and in one instance in 2023, a bus operator took three hours to notify AT's operations team that it had cancelled services on a route due to weather conditions.There have also been multiple instances when children have been stranded due to school bus services not arriving on time, between 2021 and 2024, the report found.The Deputy-Auditor General Andrew McConnell acknowledged that AT manages between 67 and 144 disruptions every day - including planned ones - across its high volume of services, but he stressed that the organisation had a responsibility to provide people with clear and accurate information."Frequent disruptions can undermine public confidence in the public transport system and people's willingness to use it," McConnell said.Unplanned disruptions include bus delays, diversions due to traffic accidents, cancellations due to severe weather, breakdowns and mechanical issues.McConnell said that while AT had a mobile app accessed by 300,000 people monthly, and 970 digital displays across 15 percent of its stops, the information on these portals were not always accurate.Outdated technology and complex manual systemsThe Deputy-Auditor General highlighted AT's problematic reliance on a largely manual system and outdated technology for managing disruptions.He said this had limited AT's capacity to communicate unplanned disruptions out-of-hours, and to identify issues in a timely manner.AT has a "disruption communication system map" which consultants have described as the most complex they have ever mapped.Informing the public about an unplanned rail disruption could involve up to 20 different people across AT, KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail.The OAG has been told that only 3 percent of the actions were automated.The OAG has also been told by AT staff that sometimes they must rely on others - including operators and members of the public - to alert them to what was happening on the network.The report said the manual processes meant that AT provided limited, or sometimes no information, about unplanned disruptions that happened outside of its business hours.McConnell has given AT a number of recommendations, including reviewing the information it holds about passengers' experience to make improvements, and be more specific on how it will learn from its reviews to better manage disruptions.He said AT was aware of what it needed to improve its communications around disruptions based on its own surveys and research.McConnell acknowledged that AT had a programme underway to address these issues.

The government has launched the NZ Verify App, aiming to simplify identity verification for international visitors.Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins and Tourism Minister Louise Upston introduced the app, which will initially focus on verifying mobile drivers’ licences from Queensland and several US states.Visitors can now check into hotels and rent cars with just their phones, without needing to carry physical ID.The app will also allow businesses to verify age and identity while keeping other personal details private, a step that strengthens privacy and safety for users.“Anything that makes it easier for tourists to visit New Zealand is always welcome,” says Ms Upston.She highlights the positive economic impacts of this initiative, encouraging businesses to adopt the app to help streamline visitor experiences.The app will continue to expand, eventually supporting more types of international credentials.Currently, it’s available for download on the New Zealand Apple Store, with a Google Play version coming soon.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The iconic Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, will return to Aotearoa in 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1985 bombing at Marsden Wharf in Auckland.The original ship was targeted by French government agents, resulting in the tragic death of crew member Fernando Pereira.Russel Norman, Greenpeace’s Executive Director, emphasised the significance of the ship’s return, especially as environmental crises such as climate change and species extinction continue to escalate. "The fight to protect our planet has never been more critical," said Norman. "Forty years ago, we were targeted for our effective campaigns to stop nuclear testing in the Pacific. Now, the oil industry is attempting to silence us through legal means, but just as we stood strong in 1985, we stand firm today."The Rainbow Warrior continues to champion causes like ocean preservation, forest protection, and climate justice.The ship’s return to Aotearoa will be celebrated with several public events in Auckland, including open days with tours of the ship, offering locals the chance to connect with Greenpeace’s mission and history.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The much-anticipated $6.3 million upgrade of the Ōrewa Library is now complete, ahead of schedule. The upgraded space at 12 Moana Avenue will open to the public on 19 May, bringing a fresh, modern hub for the community. Throughout 2024, library services continued at the Ōrewa Community Centre while the library building underwent a complete transformation.Key to the renovation is the addition of a new mezzanine floor. This new space will allow for two meeting rooms, perfect for book groups, language classes, and study sessions. "The mezzanine will offer students the ideal space to study and provide a variety of other options for community use," says Ōrewa Library Manager Carolyn Hickey.Designed with local culture in mind, the building’s entry panel, Te Kete Mātauranga, created by local iwi artist Hokimai Rosieur, reflects Māori concepts of learning. The modern library will also feature natural wood finishes and a coastal-inspired blue-grey colour scheme, with energy-efficient upgrades like double glazing and solar-powered energy generation.With more space for reading, relaxing, and working, the library is set to support more than 235,000 visitors annually. Local community groups are invited to explore the new library, which includes a children’s area, updated collections, and a lift for accessibility.A Family Fun Day is set for Saturday, 28 June, to mark the official opening. With activities for all ages, including bouncy castles, ice cream, and a sausage sizzle, it's the perfect opportunity for locals to enjoy the new space.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Auckland Blues will face off against Moana Pasifika this Saturday at North Harbour Stadium.For Coasties planning to attend, gates open at 5:30pm, with the kick-off scheduled for 7:05.This will be the final home game of the season for Moana Pasifika, and it's set to be an exciting clash with fierce rivals, the Blues.Tickets are available starting from $10 for adults and $5 for children.Keep an eye on All Blacks Vice-Captain, Ardie Savea, who will be leading Moana Pasifika and has delivered some incredible performances so far this season.It's a perfect opportunity for locals to support their teams and enjoy a thrilling night out!Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The government needs to take the lead on implementing any age verification processes in its proposal to restrict social media use for under-16s, rather than relying on social media platforms to do the policing, an information systems expert says.National MP Catherine Wedd's member's Bill would - if passed into law - require social media platforms to verify that users are aged 16 or over.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Sunday that the government will look into a ban as part of its work programme.University of Auckland lecturer Shohil Kishore, whose research focuses on social media, said the proposed ban was a step in the right direction, but would meet obstacles in its implementation.He said social media platforms generated huge revenues from advertising - including advertising to children - and would be reluctant to devote resources to enforcing the rules."I don't think they're going to like doing this, it will just be extra work for them, but it is really important for us as a country to think about how we can regulate technology to best serve us," he said.Kishore said it would also be unsafe, from a data privacy perspective, for social media companies to be tasked with age verification processes.He said the safest way would be for the age verification to be done through a government service, such as the Realme service which was already being used.Kishore said the cost of implementation needed to be part of the government's discussions around this proposal.He expected that this would be a significant cost.Social media platforms also needed to step up to their moral responsibilities, he said."This lack of accountability that we currently have is completely unfair for kids, it puts them at risk of sexual exploitation, cyber bullying and exposure to a lot of harmful content , so they [companies] have to be accountable, we have to make sure these platforms are accountable," said Kishore.Kishore said he hoped that the government will also consider other factors, and bring social media platforms, parents and schools into the conversation.He said parents often lacked awareness about the kind of content children were exposed to - such as "confession pages" set up by students, where children were posting anonymously and engaging in cyber bullying.Another aspect to consider was the definition of social media, and whether online interactive games such as Roblox would be included in the definition, he said.National MP Catherine Wedd's member's Bill would - if passed into law - require social media platforms to verify that users are aged 16 or over. Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneWedd's bill does not currently have the formal backing of the coalition government - meaning that if it is randomly drawn from the current crop of members' bills, it would then be debated in Parliament, before all MPs would vote on its future. However, the members' bill does have the backing of the prime minister - who has earlier said he wanted the government to explore possibly backing it into law quicker.ACT opposed the ban, preventing National from pushing ahead with a government bill.ACT leader David Seymour said he was concerned about social media's effect on children, but wanted a public inquiry to explore options.Seymour is backing the new plan to set up a policy advisory group, however, he told Morning Report Luxon's optimism may have got ahead of him in saying ACT had shifted its position on a social media ban for under 16s."Maybe he's letting the sunny optimism get a bit ahead of him but we reserve the right to speak for our own position, and, if anything, in the last week the rest of politics has come towards ACT's position," Seymour said."... We can't do an immediate bill, there's got to be more investigation into what's happening on social media."Seymour said we need to "stop, collaborate and listen".

There is a well-known whakatauki (Māori proverb) that goes: “Ka mua, ka muri” – “walking backwards into the future”.It applies to many areas of life, but in education the idea of looking to the past to inform our way forward seems more relevant than ever.New Zealand was once a world leader in reading.In the early 1970s, as leading literacy educationalist Warwick Elley reminds us, Kiwi teenagers performed best of all countries participating in the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.New Zealand students remained good readers throughout the 1990s, earning the top results for reading out of 32 participating countries in the first Programme for International Student Assessment survey in 2000.Overall, New Zealand children are still above average. But while many children learn to read successfully, significant numbers do not.And concern about reading capability has led to a recent curriculum overhaul.The reforms focus on raising reading standards and regular testing.But the lessons of the past suggest we performed better with less focus on raising test scores.In fact, it was a more flexible, balanced approach to English education that provided a strong foundation for literacy.Some clues to why this was possible can be found in the 1953 Primary School Reading Syllabus from the old Department of Education.It was among the first of many research-based reading initiatives in the mid-20th century, along with Ready to Read books in the 1960s, and the Reading Recovery program developed by Marie Clay in the 1970s.Given New Zealand was a conservative postwar society that was yet to grapple meaningfully with colonial history and Treaty rights, the document is surprisingly less rigid than one might expect.In fact, it is largely compatible with contemporary ideas about teaching and learning.In some areas, the 1953 syllabus seems more progressive than the current curriculum, with clear views on inclusiveness and designing teaching to meet individual needs.Ironically, many of today’s parents and grandparents – some of whom support a “back to basics” school system – were educated using this flexible and purpose-driven approach.New Zealand in 1953According to the New Zealand Official Yearbook for 1953, the country was enjoying postwar prosperity with 72% of its exports going to other Commonwealth countries.England was still the “mother country” and the young Queen Elizabeth’s post-coronation visit – also in 1953 – fuelled intense royal fervour.Edmund Hillary conquered Everest, and a highly publicised air race from London to Christchurch helped popularise plane travel.Society was far more egalitarian.In a population of just over two million, only 15 people received an unemployment benefit (there were a variety of other welfare payments such as war pensions).At the same time, New Zealand did not view itself as bicultural in the way it does today.For many Pākehā, Māori culture was little more than a curiosity or a tourist attraction.School was already compulsory from ages seven to 15, and roughly 17% of the population were enrolled in primary schools.These were the children taught to read according to the 1953 syllabus.A brief A5-sized booklet of just 13 pages, it recognises reading as a central component of a rich and full life – and that it can be used for “useful, harmless or nefarious” purposes.Competing with other temptations such as “the exploits of Superman and Mighty Mouse”, as well as cinema and radio, is one of its concerns.But its main aim is to “teach the child to read […] in ways that will encourage him (sic) to use his skill freely and naturally”.Postwar prosperity and a royal tour too: schoolchildren wave Union Jack flags at the Duke of Edinburgh during in early 1954. Getty ImagesAvoiding a standardised approachThe syllabus outlines ideal components of a classroom reading programme: reading to self (silently) and peers (aloud), listening to story and verse, participating in dramatisation, word study and study skills.Word study should include learning about phonics.But the syllabus tempers this with the advice that “there can be no doubt that too early a preoccupation with phonics may serve to kill interest in reading”.This might have been written today by those concerned that structured approaches to literacy will crowd out other important parts of early reading education.The 1953 syllabus says reading material should encompass fiction (including local authors), non-fiction, plays and poetry.While competent reading by all is the goal, the syllabus also states: “A uniform standard of achievement […] is a mistaken aim.”This recognition of variable individual capability is something critics say is missing from today’s curriculum.Expectations are set for each year at school, with teachers strongly encouraged to teach to the year level.The fear is that some students will fall behind as their class moves on, while progress for others will be restricted if they are ahead of those expectations.The 1953 syllabus cautions that the “results of standardised tests should be weighed against the teacher’s own observation […] and modified accordingly”.Encouraging teacher autonomyBy comparison, the new English curriculum is long at 108 pages, complex and prescriptive.It includes a range of aims clustered under the headings “Understand”, “Know” and “Do”.The first encompasses five big ideas learners are expected to develop during their schooling.The second covers the knowledge required in English to become literate.The third outlines the practical steps learners will take in the different phases of their schooling.To be fair, the new curriculum aims to make all children feel good about reading.It encourages using different kinds of texts, focuses on assessment activities that build on one another, and supports teachers to adapt for student differences.And, given its contemporary context, there is an awareness of the important role of culture and the unique place of Māori in New Zealand that is entirely missing in the 1953 document.But the new curriculum also contains directives the 1953 syllabus warned teachers against – namely a preoccupation with teaching phonics, and teaching linked to prescriptive progress measurement and outcomes.Although brief, the 1953 document is arguably broader in scope and requires teachers to have greater skills.A strength of the old syllabus is that it encouraged teacher professionalism, autonomy and judgement in deciding the best next steps for each learner.Overall, the 2025 curriculum seems the more constrictive document.The 1953 syllabus presents a view of reading that prioritises the human experience – reading as an aesthetic experience as well as a practical skill.Authors:Ruth Boyask - Director of LitPlus, AUT School of Education, Auckland University of Technology and John Milne - Senior Lecturer in Education, Auckland University of Technology

A popular toy duck, sold on MightyApe on 25 March 2025, has been recalled due to a defect that poses a choking hazard to young children. The issue, identified in one of the toy’s components, could cause a child to choke if it becomes detached.The product, designed for children under 36 months of age, does not meet the children's toy safety standards, which require that toys for young children must not have small parts that could be pulled apart or break off.MightyApe has urged all customers who purchased the toy to stop using it immediately, keep it out of children's reach, and safely dispose of it. NZ toy safety standards ensure that toys for children aged three and under are thoroughly tested, including a bite test and drop test, to ensure no small parts will break off. The acceptable size for toys in this age group is typically around the size of a ping pong ball to mitigate any choking risk.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Government is stepping up its efforts to tackle anti-social driving, including boy racers and fleeing drivers, with new tougher penalties.Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced the proposed measures, which include vehicle forfeiture or destruction for repeat offenders, and stricter fines for noise and illegal vehicle gatherings.For Hibiscus Coast residents, these measures could have a significant impact on reducing dangerous driving behaviour seen in some local hotspots.Police are increasingly dealing with anti-social driving events, particularly on rural roads and in more remote areas of the Coast, where street racing and noisy vehicle gatherings are becoming more common.With these tougher penalties, authorities will be better equipped to curb these behaviours and create safer conditions for our local communities.Key highlights of the plan include:Stronger penalties for those who flee from police, engage in street racing, or participate in intimidating convoys, including mandatory vehicle destruction or forfeiture.More powers for the police to manage illegal gatherings, such as closing off roads or public areas and issuing fines.Noise fines for making excessive noise from a vehicle will increase, from $50 to $300.The new laws, set to be introduced in mid-2025, will make it clear that there will be serious consequences for reckless and dangerous driving behaviours.Bishop and Mitchell say Kiwis are fed up with the danger and disruption caused by these drivers, and it’s time to take decisive action.This comes as police have reported an increase in such anti-social driving behaviours, with many offenders showing no regard for the safety of others.The measures aim to ensure that those who put others at risk face consequences that will deter future offences.The Government has committed to stronger action to protect communities, with the new penalties sending a clear message to boy racers and fleeing drivers across the country, including those causing trouble on the Hibiscus Coast.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

With Road Safety Week kicking off today, 12 May, Auckland Transport has revealed plans to increase speed limits on several local streets. For Coasties, this could mean changes to familiar routes, including those closer to home.Using Auckland Transport's interactive map, locals can check if speed limits will rise in their neighbourhoods. These changes are designed to improve traffic flow, but they also come with added responsibilities. As always, keeping our roads safe is a shared effort.Road Safety Week is a timely reminder of the importance of safe driving. With more cars on the road, it’s crucial that drivers adjust to any new limits and stay vigilant. Let’s remember, slower streets help maintain the safety and well-being of our communities.You can find the full map of upcoming changes on the Auckland Transport website. Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A new measles case has been confirmed in Auckland, with Health New Zealand linking it to recent overseas travel. The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is now supporting the individual and their household, while non-immune people exposed are being asked to stay in quarantine to help prevent the disease's spread.The individual travelled to Asia and contracted the virus there, though they were not infectious while on their flight back. Public health authorities have identified several public locations in Auckland where the individual was present during their infectious period, including Fullers360 ferries and a local supermarket.Measles, a highly contagious virus, can affect both children and adults. Health authorities are advising everyone to check their immunisation status, as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the only effective protection. Those unsure of their vaccination history should contact their healthcare provider.For those who may have been exposed at these locations, it’s important to monitor for measles symptoms, which include a high fever, cough, sore red eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.Locals on the Hibiscus Coast who frequent Auckland’s public transport system or local supermarkets are urged to check their immunisation status, especially if they have recently travelled or were in these high-traffic locations.Measles cases are rising globally. If you are not immune and have been in contact with the individual, please call Healthline at 0800 611 116 for advice.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

This King’s Birthday Weekend, Auckland Showgrounds will come alive with Wintergeddon, bringing three action-packed days of gaming, cosplay, and more. From May 31 to June 2, fans can enjoy everything from Stranger Things displays to the world’s-first CARmageddon super-car.Wintergeddon 2025 will feature an incredible lineup of TV, film, and gaming talent, with stars like Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four), Renee O'Connor (Xena: Warrior Princess), and Kim Rhodes (Supernatural) ready to meet fans. Cosplay is a major part of the event, with international guests like Alyson Tabbitha and Rachel Maksy showcasing their detailed craftsmanship and creative flair.Don't miss the Stranger Things costume exhibit, featuring iconic pieces from the show, or the debut of CARmageddon, a custom 1975 Cadillac Eldorado with missile launchers and a flux capacitor.Esports tournaments, anime screenings, and unique experiences like Minecraft VR and the Spookers Horror Hall will keep attendees entertained all weekend. Grab your tickets and prepare for an unforgettable event celebrating pop culture in all its glory now at www.armageddonexpo.comKnow 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.New Air Ambulance Helicopter Launched Read moreGolf Course Plans Stir Property ConcernsRead morePilot's flight path reveals sweet messageRead moreCoasties Travelling Overseas Soon? Passport Still Valid?Read moreiHeart Country: NZ's Newest Radio StationRead moreStay Connected, Stay Informed. Get the latest updates, stories, and events from around the Hibiscus Coast—right at your fingertips.Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for instant access to local news and stay ahead of the curve—whenever, wherever. Don’t miss out on the stories that matter most to you!Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

It’s Mother’s Day, a time to celebrate all the wonderful mums, grandmothers, and maternal figures in our lives. For those of us here on the Hibiscus Coast, today offers a perfect moment to reflect on the importance of the women who’ve shaped our families and our communities.The tradition of honouring mothers dates back centuries, starting with ancient Greek and Roman festivals dedicated to mother goddesses. In medieval Britain, people celebrated Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, a time for families to reunite. Today, the modern Mother’s Day is a beautiful celebration of the love and care mothers give, not only to their families but to the broader community as well.Whether you’re treating mum to a special breakfast, enjoying a family outing, or simply sharing a quiet moment, today is about showing appreciation for all that she does. So here’s to all the mums on the Coast—your dedication, love, and care make this community what it is.Wishing you all a beautiful and peaceful Mother’s Day!Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Maintenance work is set to begin on State Highway 1 (SH1) from the Silverdale interchange to Oteha Valley Road, scheduled for Monday, 12 May, through Thursday, 15 May, between 11:00am and 7:00pm. The work is weather-dependent, so these dates could change based on conditions.During this period, there will be southbound lane restrictions in place. Additionally, some ramps may close, and lane restrictions could be implemented ahead of the scheduled closure times. Southbound traffic will remain open at all times, but drivers are advised to slow down and follow the traffic management instructions.Expect increased noise levels as slip remediation work is carried out.This maintenance is essential to keep our roads safe and in good condition, NZTA appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period. Stay safe on the roads!Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

From next Tuesday (13 May), the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin rolling out its first mobile safety camera, marking a significant step in the transition of safety camera operations from NZ Police to NZTA. This new initiative will see speeding vehicles detected not only by the traditional vans used by the police but also by camera-equipped Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), as well as trailers later this year.This is the first time in New Zealand’s history that safety cameras will be deployed from cars, a move that NZTA hopes will increase road safety across Auckland and beyond. The cameras will detect vehicles exceeding speed limits, helping to reduce accidents and save lives. For those of us here on the Hibiscus Coast, this will be an important step in improving safety on our busy roads—especially as many of us regularly travel to Auckland for work or leisure.Speeding vehicles will be detected by cameras operating in SUVs from next week, with trailers to be added to the fleet later this year. Photo: Supplied.Tara Macmillan, NZTA's Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes, shared the importance of this initiative: “Speeding drivers can cause serious and irreparable harm on the roads, including deaths and serious injuries. Evidence shows that we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes if drivers travel within speed limits, and that is why we have safety cameras.”While the SUV-mounted cameras will be visible to drivers, they won’t be signposted, following research showing that unsigned mobile safety cameras are twice as effective in reducing crashes compared to those with signage. The aim is clear: reduce road fatalities and injuries by catching speeding drivers, wherever they are.NZTA's initiative will be part of a broader transition, with NZTA set to take full responsibility for safety camera operations by July 2025. At that point, NZ Police will no longer operate their mobile safety camera vans. Importantly, all funds from infringement fees will go directly into the Government Consolidated Fund, not to NZTA.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

With Auckland's rainy weather making it the perfect evening to stay in, rugby fans are in for a thrilling match as the Auckland Blues face off against the Fijian Drua in Suva tonight.The forecast for Suva predicts overcast skies, 78% humidity, and possible thunderstorms with a warm 27°C, making for challenging conditions on the pitch. But the Blues will be ready for the heat as they aim to continue their impressive run from their recent victory over the Western Force.Head coach Vern Cotter has made only two changes to the starting XV from that dominant win. Corey Evans earns a well-deserved start at fullback, while AJ Lam replaces Stephen Perofeta on the left wing after a late change in Round 12. Perofeta misses out due to injury, with Zarn Sullivan returning to the bench, alongside Finlay Christie and Harry Plummer."We were much more consistent against the Force, and we want to carry that momentum into tonight’s game," Cotter said. "The Drua are a dangerous side, full of flair, and they will be confident at home. We need to bring high intensity from the get-go and feed off their energy."The match kicks off at 7:05 PM, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter as the Blues take on one of the competition's most dynamic teams.Blues Starting XV for Round 13:1. Joshua Fusitu’a (32)2. Ricky Riccitelli (46)3. Marcel Renata (61)4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (119)5. Laghlan McWhannell (18)6. Anton Segner (33)7. Dalton Papali’i (92)8. Hoskins Sotutu (74)9. Taufa Funaki (31)10. Beauden Barrett (39)11. AJ Lam (53)12. Xavi Taele (3)13. Rieko Ioane (123)14. Cole Forbes (25)15. Corey Evans (23)Reserves:16. Kurt Eklund (70)17. Mason Tupaea (6)18. Angus Ta’avao (77)19. Josh Beehre (22)20. Adrian Choat (50)21. Finlay Christie (63)22. Harry Plummer (84)23. Zarn Sullivan (40)Enjoy the game from the comfort of your home, Coasties!Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

People are being told to stop charging their e-devices once they are full as the number of fires caused by batteries rises.Data from insurer AMI said there had been a 17 percent increase year-on-year in fires started from lithium ion batteries - which are used in phones, hearing aids, power tools, computers and more.Insurance Council of New Zealand consumer affairs manager Sarah-Jane Knox told Nine to Noon the fires were often caused because people were charging incorrectly.That could mean using the wrong charger, using a device that had been physically damaged, or over charging."Really with these lithium ion batteries, once they are charged you should unplug them... they're not safe to be left on overnight for things like power tools," she said.That advice tended to be different for cars because the manufacturers' instructions allowed that.People charging their phones while they slept should take precautions, she said."You shouldn't have it on any soft furnishings like beds or couches, that sort of thing."If the batteries overheated they emitted a toxic, flammable, explosive gas, she said."It causes quite an intense fire and you can't extinguish it and, because it's so explosive, it can quickly spread," she said.The batteries were responsible for 10 percent of all total-loss house fires, Knox said.This week, Auckland recycling firm Simsmetal Industries was fined $30,000 after a fire at a scrap metal yard in 2023 caused by a lithium-ion battery.In Western Australia, an average of three house fires a week were caused by the batteries exploding, and a growing number of Australian apartment buildings were banning electric vehicles due to fire-risk concerns.Australian insurers, many of which were the same companies that operated in New Zealand, have said while there were no immediate plans to charge higher premiums for households with the batteries, or to try to restrict their use, they were deeply concerned.

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Tradie FridaysFridaysMore detailsThe Black Flames are BackSat 10 MayMore detailsDigital SeniorsEvery WedMore detailsWant to see more events?Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here