A number of Aucklanders have received Watercare bills that say they've used zero water, while others claim they're being overcharged.The zero fee bills claim customers have not used a single drop in the past month or in some cases for months.The issue stems from Watercare's smart meters, which it told Checkpoint more than 13,000 of are not working.The water supplier also said they've known about problems with one type of smart meter since October last year, and the fault has so far affected around one third of the 40,000 meters installed since 2022.Greg is one customer who has been receiving zero fee bills, the first one arriving in May."We got the bill that said we had used no water and there was just the sort of standard monthly charge. And I just thought oh well, they've forgotten to read it or they haven't got around to reading it. And I just made a note that the next bill was gonna be bigger and then the next bill came and once again we'd used no water."Greg contacted Watercare about the issue, who told him his smart meter must not be working."They said could you take a photo of the meter and then we can send you the proper bill. And I said, well, no, that's not possible because I've had knee surgery. I can't get down to take a photo."He was then told the water supplier could send someone out to take the photo for him, but it would cost $35.He said he was yet to receive the correct bill but had been told they would now be reading his meter manually.Kyle was on to his second smart meter after the first one stopped sending signal a few months ago. But he told Checkpoint his water bills were now coming in much higher than he would expect."Our water bill on average was about $100 or $120 a month and then it jumped to about $200 and it I'm like yeah, no, that doesn't seem quite right."[Watercare] were basing it on estimates from the previous water bill, which would have been around summer, and me being a gardener I obviously used a bit more water."Kyle said Watercare made no effort to contact him about the issue, and it was him who raised it with the agency.He said they came back to him and told him his meter had temporarily stopped communicating."They used the word temporary, but if it was temporary, then why are they replacing it?"He said he was still waiting to have the issue resolved."I disputed it initially. Sent them a photo of the meter, heard nothing back for them... then I sent them the photo and said, 'hey, can I please get a bill amended?' They said it would take three to five working days and I'm still waiting for it."Watercare's head of retail operations Evan James said the fault means the meter eventually stops sending data but keeps recording water use.Watercare stopped installing that particular model and started returning affected meters to manual reading, leading to ''catch up'' bills that are higher than previous months.He said Watercare sincerely apologised for the inconvenience and it was offering payment options to help ease the impact.Utilities Disputes told Checkpoint they would expect Watercare to inform customers if it was aware of issues with meters, and explore the options, like letting customers know they can self-report their use to avoid significant back bills.Watercare has around 500,000 meters and of these, around 70,000 are smart meters.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Dinghy Found Drifting Off Kawau BayRead more Golf NZ rejects Council planRead moreCoasties Urged to Speak Up on FishingRead moreSilverdale Medical Reduces Urgent Care HoursRead moreMinister Demands Fair Pricing in SupermarketsRead moreStay connected, stay informed.Get the latest updates, stories, and events from around the Hibiscus Coast. All the time.Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for instant access to local news and stay ahead of the curve. Whenever, wherever.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A major win for North Shore shoppers is on the way, with Foodstuffs North Island confirming that resource consent has been granted for a new PAK’nSAVE in Takapuna. The large-format supermarket will be built on a 9,826m² site and is expected to open in 2029.At 6,461m², the new store will include nearly 200 carparks and is forecast to create over 200 jobs, helping to support families across Takapuna and surrounding suburbs.While the exact location hasn't been publicly shared yet, the development promises a significant boost for the area. Not only will it bring more access to PAK’nSAVE’s famously low grocery prices, it also introduces a thoughtfully designed building that accounts for flooding risks on the site.The store’s retail level will sit above an undercroft carpark and feature a custom civil engineering setup to safely manage stormwater and flood challenges.“This is a thoughtfully designed development that responds to the site’s constraints,” said Lindsay Rowles, General Manager of Retail & Property at Foodstuffs North Island. “We’re incredibly excited about our plans to bring PAK’nSAVE to the Takapuna community.”Recently ranked second overall in the 2025 Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, PAK’nSAVE has held the top spot for fairness for nine years running, reinforcing its reputation for value and trust.For Coasties commuting to the North Shore or visiting family nearby, this will offer another affordable grocery option in the area.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

From August 1st, Auckland Council will roll out updated dog access rules at nine regional parks, with more changes coming on 1 January 2206, including how many dogs can be walked at once.The changes are part of the council’s updated Dog Policy and Bylaw, adopted by Mayor Wayne Brown and councillors on 26 June. The decision follows extensive community consultation, with thousands of submissions from dog lovers and concerned locals.Dog access rules have been updated for nine popular parks, including Long Bay, Shakespear, Whakanewha, and Tāpapakanga. Some areas will now require dogs to be on leash, others remain dog-free, while many will still offer off-leash zones if dogs are under control.In a notable shift, a new cap has been placed on how many dogs can be walked at once:Qualified dog walkers can walk up to 12 dogs (with registration)Everyone else is limited to four dogs at a time, with no more than two off leashThese limits will apply from 1 January 2026, giving dog walkers time to prepare and for the council to finalise registration conditions.While this might not directly impact many Hibiscus Coast beaches or local parks, it’s something Coasties should keep in mind if they walk their dogs further afield. Shakespear Regional Park, a favourite weekend spot for many local families, is one of the parks affected.The changes aim to balance the joy of dog walking with public safety and wildlife protection, especially for vulnerable species like the fairy tern and northern dotterel.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Drivers heading south on State Highway 1 between Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road should be prepared for daytime lane restrictions starting this weekend.NZ Transport Agency has advised that southbound lanes will be affected from Sunday 29 June to Thursday 3 July, between 11:00 and 17:00 daily.The works are part of planned maintenance on this busy stretch of motorway.Traffic will still be able to move south throughout the day, but motorists are urged to slow down and follow all traffic management instructions to keep workers and other drivers safe.While these lane restrictions are temporary, they’re likely to cause minor delays, especially during school holiday travel.Locals travelling between the Hibiscus Coast and the city are encouraged to plan ahead.These updates were shared by NZ Transport Agency to help minimise disruptions and keep road users informed.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A controversial $200 million fund for investment in local gas exploration aims to tackle ever-dwindling supplies, but it won't be soon enough for thousands of households trapped with gas connections they don't want, a consumer expert says.The four-year contingency fund to subsidise new fossil fuel fields was announced by the Resources Minister Shane Jones at last month's budget.Just weeks later, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment revealed that our natural gas supply is running out faster than previously thought, with latest data showing reserves have fallen 27 percent from last year.But any new developments will take years, and gas households already face surging costs, says Paul Fuge, manager of Consumer New Zealand's Powerswitch.Residential consumers make up only four percent of the country's total gas use and Fuge says it won't be running out in the near future. But that is no consolation for gas customers who are being hit in the pocket twice."It costs more to have gas than electricity so an electricity-only house is much cheaper to run than a gas-electricity house because you can substitute all your gas appliances for electric appliances ... but you can't run a TV on gas or your lights on gas," Fuge says.That means gas customers have to have an electricity connection, which means double the costs of the infrastructure - gas pipes and electricity lines - needed to deliver the energy to people's homes.Gas customers are also locked out of cheaper electricity plans because most gas suppliers also demand that customers take their electricity. The companies that provide cheap electricity don't provide gas, Fuge says.Add to that the phasing out of low electricity charges for low users, which was a benefit for gas customers."What that means is people's electricity connections for the low users are getting more expensive every year over five years and that disadvantages gas customers," he says.Customers who are renters are stuck with gas, as are people on low incomes because they can't afford to switch, Fuge says.He explains to The Detail why he thinks thousands of new households have connected to gas in recent years, despite rising prices."I wonder if it's when people are building new houses, developers may be putting in gas for various reasons."MBIE does not have specific figures for new connections but based on rising residential use, Fuge calculates that the number of household connections has increased by around 18,000 since 2019, to 290,000.Residential customers make up the smallest proportion of gas use. According to industry group GasNZ more than half a million New Zealand homes and businesses rely on gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).There are 300 large industrial gas customers, from methanol exporter Methanex to dairy plants and wood processors.Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder says the large industrial users are more imperilled by the declining gas supply, as well as the electricity generators that rely on gas.He says the coalition's plans to repeal a ban on new oil and gas exploration will not solve our dwindling gas supplies any time soon."The fastest we've had from a conversion from finding that gas to producing that gas is 10 years and it's hard to say in 2035 we know exactly what our gas needs are going to look like."The reality is they're probably going to be a lot lower because we're going to be electrifying everything and some of the industries that we've got that rely on gas are going to be electrifying or closing down."The other option is finding more gas in the existing fields which has been going on consistently and continually for many years, including since the exploration ban was put into place."About a billion dollars has been spent trying to find extra gas in those existing fields and there have been a few minor successes but nothing major."However, two fields are showing potential new gas finds, which the $200 million government co-investment fund could boost."Shane Jones would really like for the government to be able to completely revitalise the gas industry and send people out looking for brand new gas in brand new places. The reality is we haven't found any gas in a brand new place for two decades or longer," says Daalder."It's not like the Gulf of Mexico where there is all this gas sitting there. The resource probably isn't that strong; $200 million isn't going to suddenly make it commercial to take that big of a gamble."Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you're flying in or out of Auckland Airport these school holidays, brace yourself for crowds. From Saturday 28 June to Sunday 13 July, nearly 800,000 people are expected to pass through the terminals.The busiest days? Tomorrow Saturday 28 June and Sunday 13 July will see more than 14,000 international departures and 15,000 arrivals respectively. Domestically, Friday 11 July tops the list with around 14,500 departures.Australia, Fiji and the US are the most popular international destinations, while Christchurch leads the way for domestic travel, followed by Wellington and Queenstown.Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, says Kiwis are eager to get away during this time. “We’ll get around 60,000 travellers flying in and out of AKL on each of the busy days. That’s about 18 percent more than usual.”New tech is helping keep things smooth. New CT scanners at security mean travellers no longer need to remove laptops or tablets from bags. Still, liquids must be in containers under 100ml and water bottles should be emptied before security.To avoid stress, travellers are being urged to plan ahead, especially with airport parking and travel documents like the NZ Traveller Declaration.While this might not directly affect day-to-day life on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s good to know if you're heading away for a winter break — or picking someone up — it might take a bit longer than usual.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New job listings on SEEK dropped by 2% in May, but experts say the market has stabilised after two years of decline.The latest SEEK Employment Report shows job ads are 8% lower year-on-year, the smallest annual drop since late 2022.While the headline number is down, it marks the third straight month of steady volumes, with trend data showing no major shifts since October.Rob Clark, SEEK NZ Country Manager, says that’s a sign the worst may be over.“After close to two years of near uninterrupted decline between 2022 and 2024, this shows that volumes have stabilised and are even beginning to see some pockets of growth.”Healthcare & Medical, and Community Services & Development were among the larger industries to record modest growth in May.Smaller sectors like Consulting & Strategy (up 29%) and Science & Technology (up 10%) saw the biggest gains.Wellington stood out with broad growth, along with Southland and Taranaki.These regions were among only three to record a month-on-month increase in job ads.However, candidate competition is heating up.Applications per job ad rose 2% in May, reaching the highest level on record.That means fewer jobs, more applicants, and a tougher hunt for jobseekers.While Information & Communication Technology saw a sharp 14% drop in listings, education, trades, and HR roles all saw quarterly gains.Why this matters to CoastiesWith many Hibiscus Coast residents commuting to jobs across Auckland, this data offers insight into what’s shifting in the national job market.Whether you're applying locally or in the city, competition is higher than ever.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

More than 9000 people aged over 65 earn more than $200,000 a year, and another 33,000 earn between $100,000 and $200,000 - and the Retirement Commissioner says it's fair to question whether they should be able to claim NZ Super as well.The data comes from the 2023 Census.The number earning between $150,000 and $200,000 has decreased from 2018 but the number earning between $100,000 and $150,000 has lifted by 10,000.The Census also showed that the number of people over 65 still in the workforce had increased.Just over 24 percent of people aged over 65 were in work, up from 22.1 percent in 2013.The biggest increase was among people aged 70 to 74.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson is opposed to putting up the age of eligibility for NZ Super.She said if there were questions about the cost or fairness of the scheme, they needed to be addressed with a package of measures.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson. Photo: supplied"Then you absolutely have to look at means-testing again. It's really unpopular but it would be improper if we didn't look at all the sensible options if the goal is to reduce the cost to the state."She said the problem to be solved needed to be defined and then the possible solutions assessed."Means testing is absolutely one of those options but politicians run away from it because it's got a pretty ugly history and it does make it a more complex system. There's no doubt about it, people will start arranging their affairs and start avoiding tax and all that kind of stuff."But if you boil it down to a very simple thing - is it right that someone earning over $180,000 or $200,000 - I think $180,000 is probably about the mark because that's when the tax rates go up - is it right that people out there earning over $180,000 can also acquire Super, it's an extremely good question."She said it would be easy to capture the earnings of people being paid a salary while receiving NZ Super but much harder to assess other income."It's both complicated and it's easy. The easiest thing is to leave well alone. The next easiest thing is to just put the age up but that is too easy because there is harm attached to that…. So that's what I'm talking about when I say please could we have a package if we do any system change at all and can we please stop talking about this as single issue?"She said there should be a cross-party political conversation to determine a path forward.University of Auckland associate professor Susan St John. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-FarrellyUniversity of Auckland associate professor Susan St John earlier outlined a plan to treat NZ Super as a tax-free basic income grant and put recipients on a higher tax rate.She said it would be a better option than the age of eligibility or the amount paid.It would create a situation where there was a break-even point beyond which people would be better off, on a net basis, not claiming NZ Super and instead being taxed at standard rates.She said the tax scales she had modelled were less harsh than the abatement that applied to people receiving a benefit.The government has introduced parental income tests for young people receiving the JobSeeker benefit and will restrict access to the member tax credit in KiwiSaver to those who earn more than $180,000.St John said the reason that similar moves weren't made on NZ Super might reflect historical attitudes towards the "deserving and undeserving".She said NZ Super was effectively income-tested through the tax system because people who were earning other income would pay higher rates of tax."Just far less draconian than the clawbacks for children with Working for Families and adults in the benefit system."Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said means and income testing in Australia meant that only about 60 percent of the population would qualify for the pension.If that were true in New Zealand, it could save about $9b a year.There are 74,850 people aged 30 to 64 earning more than $200,000.The median income for people aged over 65 is $26,600.

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!HFO - Kiwi Eagles Experience Tribute ShowFri, 27 JuneMore details Pre-Loved Fashion & Thrift MarketSat, 28 JuneMore detailsMahurangi Winter Festival of LightsSat, 28 JuneMore detailsWant to see more events? Explore things to do in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here

Pak’nSave Silverdale has pleaded guilty to seven charges of misleading customers over pricing, following a Commerce Commission investigation into alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has now written to all major supermarket chains, urging them to clean up their act. The charges against the Silverdale store, and a similar case in Hamilton, highlight problems that hit close to home for Coasties.Willis said she was “disappointed” to remind major retailers like Foodstuffs North Island and Woolworths that they have a legal obligation to ensure prices on shelves match those at the checkout.“I am concerned to hear from the Commerce Commission and Consumer NZ that misleading promotional practices and pricing errors are still occurring,” she said.Customers have reportedly paid more at checkout than the advertised price, been misled by ‘specials’ that weren’t actually discounted, and faced multibuy deals that cost more than buying items individually.Willis says tougher penalties are on the table.Australia allows fines of up to A$50 million for similar breaches. New Zealand’s cap is currently just $600,000.She’s asked supermarkets for an update on what they’re doing to fix the issues.If you spot a pricing discrepancy, you can report it to the Commerce Commission at www.comcom.govt.nzIt shouldn’t be your job to monitor supermarket pricing, but if something feels off, there’s a way to raise it.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland Council has officially adopted its Annual Plan 2025/2026, locking in a $4.3 billion investment in infrastructure and services from 1 July.The plan continues the priorities laid out in last year’s Long-term Plan, with confirmed funding for all 21 local board agreements—including Hibiscus and Bays.More than 13,000 Aucklanders gave feedback during public consultation in March.Mayor Wayne Brown says the final plan keeps investment flowing while staying financially disciplined.“I’m proud we’re sticking to our savings targets and investing in critical infrastructure, while keeping rate rises lower than any other metro council,” he said.Residential rates will increase by 5.8 percent on average, adding about $223 a year (or $4.29 a week) for the average property.The council will invest $4.3 billion in capital projects like roads and water infrastructure, backed by $1.7 billion in debt.Another $5.1 billion in operational spending will keep community services like libraries, parks and events running.For Coasties, that could mean upgrades to parks, commuter routes, or local facilities.Depending on the local board’s priorities.Chief executive Phil Wilson says the focus remains on growth and value.“We’re investing where it matters most, from transport to the natural and built environment.”Locals can view what’s changing in their neighbourhoods from 1 July by visiting aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annualplanKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, for the start of school holidays, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 27/6Windy, with heavy thunderstorms. Brisk Northerly winds.High: 17Low: 12Saturday, 28/6Showers. Breezy to brisk West to Nor'West winds.High: 16Low: 12Sunday, 29/6Partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 15Low: 10Monday, 30/6Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 17Low: 10Looking for more weather details? Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Coasties with big business dreams just got a welcome boost. Kiwibank has launched StartUp+, a new funding solution built especially for startups, and it could make a real difference for early-stage founders on the Hibiscus Coast.Unveiled this week, StartUp+ ditches traditional lending models in favour of flexible, progress-based funding that grows alongside your business. It’s designed for fast-moving ventures that don’t tick the usual banking boxes."Startup founders deserve financial solutions that work with them, not against them," says Elliot Smith, Kiwibank’s Chief Customer Officer – Business. "We’re making funding simple, easy, and accessible to help them unlock their potential early."The pilot programme is launching in partnership with the Ministry of Awesome, with feedback from participating businesses shaping how it evolves.Joanna Greaves, Kiwibank’s GM of Business Banking, says it’s part of a bigger push to back Kiwi entrepreneurs. “We’ve accounted for 25% of all business lending in New Zealand last year. That momentum gives us real insight into what founders need.”Marian Johnson, Chair of Electrify Aotearoa and the Ministry of Awesome, says this kind of support can transform New Zealand’s startup landscape. “It’s exciting to see a New Zealand-owned bank lead the way with something truly fit-for-purpose.”With so many Coasties turning side hustles into businesses, StartUp+ could be the boost locals need to get started, and grow with confidence.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties dreaming of a career with IKEA won’t have to wait much longer.The Swedish homewares giant is set to open its first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park later this year, and it’s hiring big.Over 500 roles, up from the 400 initially planned.Recruitment is already under way, with 66 new team members, called “co-workers” at IKEA, onboard and more joining every fortnight through to early November.Most of the roles, spanning everything from sales to warehouse logistics and the iconic Swedish meatball-serving team, will open to applications in early July.As of late May, more than 15,000 Kiwis had thrown their hats in the ring.That says a lot about IKEA’s appeal as a workplace.From five weeks of paid annual leave to low-cost daily meals in the staff restaurant, the perks go well beyond flat-packs and Allen keys.“Whether you’re helping a customer pick a sofa or sorting stock in the warehouse, everyone’s in it together,” says Lauren Clegg, People & Culture Manager for IKEA New Zealand. “We’re building careers here, not just filling shifts.”The Sylvia Park location is about 44.9 kilometres from the Hibiscus Coast, so locals considering the commute will need to weigh up the travel.That said, some flexible or remote roles in customer service could be a great fit for Coasties keen to join the global brand without the daily drive.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Locals heading to Silverdale Medical from next week will want to double-check the clock.From Monday 1 July, the clinic’s urgent care hours are changing, and Millwater Medical is temporarily closing later next month.In an email sent to patients, Silverdale Medical announced it will shorten its urgent care availability due to ongoing staffing pressures.Weekday hours will run from 8:00am to 8:00pm, while weekends and public holidays will be limited to 9:00am to 5:00pm.From 24 July to 28 September 2025, Millwater Medical will be closed for general medical services.During that time, all GP and nursing care will be provided at Silverdale Medical (7 Polarity Rise) and Weiti Creek Medical (3 Brian Smith Drive).The only exception is Foot Doctor Podiatry, which will remain open at Millwater.For care outside the revised urgent hours, patients are encouraged to visit one of the nearby 24-hour or after-hours clinics, including ShoreCare Pinehill (8:00am to 8:00pm daily) and Smales Farm in Takapuna, which remains open 24/7.While these changes may cause a bit of reshuffling, especially for regular Millwater patients, Silverdale Medical assures the community they’re working hard to keep care consistent and accessible.That means Coasties can still count on getting help when needed. Just with a little extra planning.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand is buzzing again with strong travel and economic signs in April and May 2025.Visitor arrivals and Kiwi travel numbers are both trending upwards, showing continued recovery and renewed momentum post-Covid, according to new figures from Stats NZ.April 2025 saw 267,300 overseas visitors, with Australians making up half of those arrivals—a big jump from 43 percent in April 2019.This uptick was helped by Easter and school holidays lining up perfectly.Visitor numbers overall hit 87 percent of pre-pandemic levels, showing travel is well on its way back.Kiwi travel also lifted, with 244,800 New Zealand-resident arrivals, slightly above April 2019 levels.More Kiwis are exploring destinations like China, Japan, and Indonesia, which saw strong gains from the year prior.On the economic front, GDP grew by 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter.Household spending rose, especially on services like travel and accommodation.New Zealand’s real purchasing power also rose 0.5 percent, helped by favourable export prices.Electronic card spending remained solid at $9 billion in May, spread across 166 million transactions.Small lifts in hospitality and motor vehicles helped balance out modest dips in fuel and durables.And with unemployment holding steady at 5.1 percent, the overall outlook remains stable.Why it matters to CoastiesWith Aussies back and locals travelling more, tourism is picking up steam.That’s good news for Hibiscus Coast businesses and hospitality, as both visitor numbers and domestic spending show positive momentum heading into winter.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

An award-worthy food tech breakthrough is quietly reshaping the future of farming in New Zealand, and it started right here at home.Powered by Plants (PbP), a Kiwi sustainability venture, has developed a world-first upcycling system that turns wasted fruit and veg into high-value powders, extracts and concentrates. Backed by the NZ Food Innovation Network, the system could reduce New Zealand’s reliance on imported ingredients and give struggling growers a new revenue stream.The model captures waste from crops like onions, carrots and berries, and processes it into food-grade ingredients. What can’t be used for food is turned into insect meal, biogas or fertiliser, nothing goes to landfill.Dr Andrew Prest from PbP says the idea came from seeing perfectly good produce dumped or sold for peanuts. “We’re importing onion powder while 20% of our local onions rot in landfill. That doesn’t make sense.”Grant Verry says the innovation could be a turning point for growers.“For some growers, this could be the difference between profit and loss,” he says. “It offers them options, so instead of sending unsold produce to landfill or stockfeed, they can now receive more revenue by choosing to sell into a higher-value, local, circular and sustainable bioprocessing food system.”With several trial hubs already in place, the goal is to roll out regional mini-refineries across the country.For Hibiscus Coast produce lovers, it’s a glimpse of a future where local food stays local, waste is valuable, and jobs are created right where the food is grown.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Footy fans, here’s your shot. Auckland FC is throwing its first ever end of season sample sale this Friday, 27 June, from 11am to 4pm at Coffee AFC, 25 College Hill. With more than 500 items up for grabs, supporters can score big on discounted merch and one-off treasures.The sale includes home, away, goalkeeper, and black third jerseys priced at just $75, retro jackets for $70, and winter-ready hoodies, crew necks, and tops also at $70. T-shirts, polos, and long sleeves will go for $30, and anyone who spends over $100 will walk away with a free coffee.Adding to the buzz is a silent charity auction featuring player-worn Founders’ jerseys from Auckland FC’s historic debut matches against Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC. Jerseys from Dan Hall, Louise Verstraete, Hiroki Sakai, Francis de Vries, Liam Gillion, Nando Pijnaker, and Jesse Randall will be up for bidding.Keep an eye out for Sakai and Pijnaker’s kits—Sakai helped set up the club’s first ever goal, and Pijnaker nailed a 97th-minute winner in Game 2. All proceeds from the auction go directly to Starship Hospital, giving Coasties a great reason to show up and support.Whether you're a die-hard supporter or just love a good local cause, this is one sale not to miss.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]