The Coromandel Peninsula and parts of Bay of Plenty are in for a damp start to the second week of school holidays, with a heavy rain warning issued.MetService said all of the Coromandel Peninsula, and much of the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, could expect up to 110mm or 120mm of rain in the 12 hours from 8am Monday into Monday night or early Tuesday morning.They advised drivers to drive cautiously, for people to avoid low-lying areas, and to prepare for the rain by clearing drains and gutters so rainwater would not build up.Streams and rivers could rise rapidly, and the rain could build up as surface flooding and cause slips.Forecasters have also issued a heavy rain watch for Northland, Auckland north of Whangaparāoa and the Tasman District around Motueka.Those areas could be in for a period of heavy rain approaching the intensity of the orange warning criteria.Thunderstorms were also likely for Northland and Auckland thunderstorms were likely, and gale strength winds in Northland.The rain would arrive with a frontal system coming from the north Tasman Sea.People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts via MetService.

First-home buyers generally need to be earning at least $100,000 per year to get into the housing market.Data from CoreLogic shows that the median price paid by first-home buyers across April and May was $688,000.According to the mortgagerates.co.nz calculator, to borrow 80 percent of that amount, an individual would normally need to be earning about $100,000 if they had one car but few other expenses.A couple would need roughly $124,000 if they had two cars and no children.A couple with two cars and two children, but no childcare expenses, would need to earn closer to $140,000 a year.An individual wanting to borrow $800,000 might need income of nearly $150,000 and a couple with two children might need closer to $180,000.Squirrel chief executive David Cunningham said while individual circumstances would affect the final amount that could be borrowed, the figures were a good ballpark.Jeremy Andrews, of Key Mortgages, said there could sometimes be tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars' difference in the maximum that different lenders would approve, depending on the type of income someone earns, their outgoings and the type of property they were buying.He said if someone was buying a three-bedroom property, some banks would allow a borrower to include the income from two boarders to show they could afford the repayments.He said he had had a client who was single approved for a mortgage of more than $500,000 on an $85,000 income with boarders.A couple might need to be earning twice that to be approved for the same amount, he said, particularly if they had childcare expenses or other debt,Cunningham said applications would be tested against the bank's test rates, which were usually significantly higher than the rates being charged.Glen McLeod of Edge Mortgages said couples often had less borrowing power on the same annual income as an individual because they had more expenses to cover - twice the food and more power and transport bills, for example.He said things like consumer debt and credit cards could also limit how much people could borrow on any set income.New debt-to-income ratios had also put a cap on how large debts could be compared to household incomes. Owner-occupiers could not have debt of more than six times their household income, including other debts such as student loans.McLeod said that had not limited any deals he had tried to do yet, but it would increasingly be a consideration.Andrews said some of the most attractive options for first-home buyers were if they could qualify for a First Home Loan, which was available to single buyers earning up to $95,000 and couples or single parents earning up to $150,000.Cunningham said banks had a "fairly decent" appetite for lending at the moment.The market was weak and they had capacity for deals even for borrowers with smaller deposits."We're getting good deals away - first-home buyers are a strong part of the market."Interest rates are likely to start falling. It's a good time to be looking, if you can afford things now it probably gets better."

On a crisp winter's day, I embarked on a drive to assess the current state of two once-thriving attractions: the Waiwera Thermal Hot Pools and the Gulf Harbour Country Club and Golf Course. The sight that greeted me was a poignant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.These landmarks, formerly buzzing with activity, now stand eerily silent. The contrast between their vibrant past and desolate present is stark, raising questions about their uncertain future.Recently, there's been a glimmer of hope for Waiwera. Urban Partners, who own significant portions of land in the area including the Thermal Hot Pools, have reportedly visited to evaluate the property. However, concrete plans or timelines remain elusive.This lack of clear direction is frustrating for many locals and visitors alike. As a frequent patron of these establishments in their heyday, I can't help but echo the sentiment shared by numerous Kiwis: progress seems excruciatingly slow.The fate of these once-iconic locations remains uncertain.Where vibrant attractions once stood, only vacant lots and remnants remain. At Gulf Harbour, the Country Club's foundation is all that's left after a fire necessitated the building's demolition. The once world-class golf course now lies overgrown, with a collection of camper-vans occupying parts of the car park. In Waiwera, the transformation is even more stark – the land has been cleared entirely, leaving nothing but bare earth where the bustling thermal pools once drew crowds.What future, if any, awaits these ghostly sites? Will entirely new ventures arise from the blank slate left behind? Or will these once-treasured destinations be consigned to memory, serving as cautionary tales of changing fortunes in the leisure industry?As discussions continue behind closed doors, the community watches with a mix of anticipation and concern.These landmarks were more than just businesses; they're integral parts of the Hibiscus Coast's identity and history.While it's easy to succumb to pessimism, I remain cautiously optimistic.The potential for rejuvenation exists, but it requires vision, investment, and community support.As we wait for news, one thing is clear: the resolution of these landmarks' futures will significantly impact the region's character and economy.In the meantime, cleared resort and untended greens serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing our leisure industry and the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing market.

Food prices in New Zealand fell by 0.3 percent in the 12 months to June 2024, marking the first annual decrease since August 2018, according to Stats NZ."The decrease for food prices was driven by lower prices for tomatoes, cheese, and potatoes," said James Mitchell, consumer prices manager at Stats NZ. Fruit and vegetable prices saw a significant decline of 16.1 percent, the largest recorded decrease since the series began. Meat, poultry, and fish prices also fell by 1.4 percent.Despite these declines, other food categories experienced price increases. Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food rose by 4.0 percent, grocery food by 2.3 percent, and non-alcoholic beverages by 4.3 percent."While food prices were cheaper in June 2024 than they were in June 2023, 11 of the past 12 months have actually had cheaper food prices than in June 2024," Mitchell noted.Although overall food prices dropped, some items continued to rise. The price of olive oil, for example, surged by 49.5 percent to $19.99 per litre.The overall food price level remains the third highest since records began in 1961. Prices increased by 1.0 percent from May to June 2024, underscoring ongoing volatility in the food market.

The Hibiscus Coast community has another chance to save lives as the NZ Blood mobile drive returns to Orewa Baptist Church. The drive is scheduled from 12 pm to 6 pm on Monday, 15 July and Tuesday, 16 July, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesday, 17 July.New Zealand needs over 5,000 blood donations weekly to ensure a steady supply of blood and plasma for patients in need. Less than 4% of eligible New Zealanders are blood donors, making regular donations crucial. Each donation can save up to three lives."The gift of blood can only be given from one person to another, and there is no substitute," says NZ Blood spokesperson. "We rely on the generosity of everyday heroes to keep the flow of blood and plasma going."Donors must meet eligibility criteria to ensure their donation is safe. Basic criteria are available online, but additional assessments are conducted in person on the donation day.For those unsure of their eligibility, the NZ Blood website offers an eligibility quiz.Regular donations ensure that a safe and plentiful blood supply is always available. Unseen emergencies happen every day. Don’t wait to save a life.

Locals, brace for a potential gas shortage as New Zealand's natural gas production is forecasted to drop below demand, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE). For at least the next three years, the country's natural gas reserves are expected to produce 10 petajoules (PJ) less than recent demand levels, says MBIE Markets Manager Mike Hayward.New Zealand's natural gas reserves have been steadily declining since 2019 and are expected to remain on this pathway unless there are new discoveries or innovation that enables commercially feasible production from contingent resources. The industrial sector, which accounts for the majority of gas use, is already feeling the impact of limited gas supply, with Methanex's reported production at its Motunui plant down 31% in the March 2024 quarter compared to the same quarter last year.The decrease in reserves is attributed to both gas extraction and revisions to reserves figures from gas field operators, who have downgraded their estimates of extractable gas. While New Zealand holds 8.7 years of natural gas in useable reserves, the expected decrease in production is likely to impact various sectors, including households, schools, and hospitals, which rely on gas for heating and electricity generation.

People from all over Rodney flocked to Warkworth last Saturday for the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights, illuminating the streets of Wharf and Baxter with vibrant displays. The festival, a winter highlight, drew thousands of visitors, featuring the ITM Parade of Lights as a standout attraction.The parade captivated attendees with its imaginative floats and lively performances. "The joy and excitement on the faces of families were a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved," noted Brent Harbour, one of the organisers. The community spirit was palpable as residents and businesses came together to make the event a success.Live music, a disco floor, and a snow cannon added to the festivities, with amusement rides and food trucks providing endless entertainment. The Laser Light show, a returning favourite, left the crowd in awe with its stunning visuals.Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to local businesses and residents, whose support and enthusiasm were crucial to the festival's success. With this year's event concluded, planning for the 2025 Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights is already underway. Enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars for another unforgettable celebration next year.

The Hibiscus Coast housing market is experiencing a stable yet subdued period, with buyers exercising caution amidst consistent market conditions. Vanessa Jardim, Franchise Owner at Mike Pero Real Estate Millwater, notes that the market remains steady, with buyers often waiting or making cheeky offers, contributing to a widening gap between buyer and seller expectations.“Things have remained fairly consistent week to week, and for now, buyers are keen but cautious,” Jardim said. “With prices nearing their lowest and plenty of stock available, we are hopeful for a market revival, though this change is unpredictable and might take up to six months or more.”Recent regulatory changes, including adjustments to interest deductibility and loan-to-value ratios, have yet to significantly impact the market. However, stability in property prices offers a silver lining for both buyers and sellers.Data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) shows that prices and volumes are up year-on-year, although prices have gradually declined, with a further dip in May. The REINZ House Price Index fell 5.9% over the past seven months since October, with a 4% drop across Auckland. Median prices initially appeared to rebound in April, but adjusted figures reveal a continued decline in May, now down around 2% across Auckland since October. Despite this, median prices are up 3% year-on-year.In Silverdale, sales volumes have tightened as expected for winter, with 13 sales in June, down from 18 in June 2023. The average number of days properties remain on the market has increased to 81 days, up from 55 days last year. Stock levels remain steady despite a slow winter decline, and auction clearance rates continue to soften.Jardim anticipates more listings and a smaller buyer pool over spring, with many homeowners planning to list their properties in October. As the market navigates these changes, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic for both buyers and sellers on the Hibiscus Coast.

The Coalition Government is taking steps to reduce spending on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM) while maintaining the safety of workers and road users, according to Transport Minister Simeon Brown. The government is introducing a risk-based approach to TTM, which will decrease the number of road cones on roads. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will be required to publicly report on TTM expenditure, and independent members will be appointed to the Road Efficiency Group to manage the reduction in TTM expenditure. The government aims to balance safety with cost efficiency and minimise inconvenience to motorists.

Kiwis are urged to take notice following the release of the OECD Product Market Regulation Indicators (PMRI). The report reveals New Zealand's decline from 2nd place in 1998 to 20th this year, highlighting significant regulatory inefficiencies.Minister for Regulation David Seymour expressed concern, stating, "This shocker result should end any and all doubt that the Government must go to war on red tape and regulation." The report identifies barriers to foreign investment, licensing complexities, and excessive administrative burdens as key challenges, ranking New Zealand lowest among OECD nations in regulatory burden.Seymour emphasised the drain on productivity and investment compliance with Wellington's directives imposes. He outlined the Ministry for Regulation's initiatives, including sector reviews to streamline regulations and improve legislative scrutiny.The OECD Product Market Regulation (PMR) indicators assess regulatory alignment with international best practices, measuring barriers to entry and competition in both economy-wide and sector-specific contexts, making product market regulation crucial for fostering innovation, business dynamism, productivity, investment, and employment.Key findings underscore the need for regulatory improvements in New Zealand. These include simplifying administrative burdens, enhancing stakeholder engagement in consultations, and aligning public procurement practices with OECD standards to ensure fair competition. The report suggests reducing barriers to foreign direct investment despite already low trade barriers.Challenges in obtaining licenses and permits persist, suggesting reforms through regular inventory updates, adopting 'silence is consent' principles, and tailoring license complexities to risk levels. Opportunities for streamlining exist within New Zealand's licensing regime, which remains more burdensome than OECD averages.

Locals are encouraged to participate in the National Bowel Screening Programme as it reaches a significant milestone, with two million home screening kits distributed across New Zealand. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced the achievement, highlighting the programme's success since its inception in 2017.“This programme has detected 2,495 cancers as of June 2024, with a third at an early stage where there is a greater than 90 per cent chance of five-year survival,” said Dr Reti. “That’s almost two-and-a-half-thousand New Zealanders who can thank the programme, which has also detected thousands of pre-cancerous polyps.”Dr Reti emphasised the government's commitment to improving cancer outcomes, noting a recent $604 million boost to Pharmac’s budget to fund up to 26 cancer treatments. He added that early detection is crucial, as exemplified by a survivor whose cancer was found through the screening programme.The milestone follows the completion of the nationwide rollout in June 2022, ensuring that all eligible people aged 60 to 74 have been invited to participate in free bowel screening. Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in New Zealand, with around 3,300 diagnoses and over 1,200 deaths annually.“As a GP, I strongly encourage people to take part in bowel screening – it can help detect bowel cancer before you have any symptoms. Bowel screening is simple, quick and free, and could save your life,” Dr Reti said.The programme’s success underscores the importance of regular screening and early detection in combating bowel cancer.

Local football fans have a reason to celebrate as Auckland FC will play their home games at Go Media Stadium in Mt Smart for the next five years, thanks to a new multi-year partnership with Auckland Stadiums, a division of Auckland Unlimited.Their training and administrative headquarters will be based at North Harbour Stadium in Albany. However, some Coasties will be unhappy that North Harbour Stadium wasn't announced as the home ground.Launched this year, Auckland FC is bringing professional football back to Auckland. The team will kick off their inaugural A-League Men season in October, with the first game at Go Media Stadium. Go Media has also partnered with Auckland FC as their official outdoor media partner.“We are thrilled to welcome Auckland FC and look forward to football fans from all over New Zealand joining us at Go Media Stadium over the next five years,” said Auckland Unlimited Stadiums Director James Parkinson. “Auckland FC will write their own history into our sporting tapestry, and we look forward to being a part of the journey.”Auckland FC Chief Executive Officer Nick Becker expressed his enthusiasm: “Go Media Stadium is an iconic football stadium in New Zealand and we can’t wait to write our own stories here. We are building a team packed with young, exciting Kiwi talent who will play an attacking style of football for Auckland football fans to enjoy.”The 2024/25 season begins in October, and Auckland FC inaugural season memberships are now on sale.

Locals are set to benefit from the Government's newly released climate change strategy, aimed at achieving New Zealand’s climate goals. The strategy, just unveiled, outlines a comprehensive approach based on five key pillars: resilient infrastructure, credible markets, abundant clean energy, climate innovation, and nature-based solutions.The strategy includes significant measures such as installing 10,000 public charging points for electric vehicles and doubling renewable energy by 2050. It also focuses on a fair adaptation system to prepare for climate change, pricing emissions to encourage reductions, and restoring biodiversity.“We have seen what severe weather can do to infrastructure and property,” said Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change. “That’s why we need to work together to reduce the impacts of climate change and prepare for its future impacts. The actions we take now, like building more ways to generate renewable energy, can help boost the economy.”The Government's approach emphasises private investment, access to data and evidence, international engagement, and competitive markets to support the transition to a low-emissions economy. This comprehensive plan aims to protect communities, industries, and homes while minimising climate change costs.With New Zealand experiencing more frequent and severe weather events, the strategy aims to address the increasing physical and economic impacts of climate change.The Treasury estimates that recent North Island floods and cyclones cost between $9 and $14.5 billion in damages.Hon Simon Watts added, “We need to think long-term for future generations, taking practical steps to reduce our emissions and build resilience to a changing climate.”

The Reserve Bank has hinted interest rate cuts may be closer than previously thought.The central bank held the official cash rate steady for an eighth consecutive meeting at 5.5 percent, as expected.It repeated much of previous statements about the slowing economy, easing labour market, and gradually falling inflation."Restrictive monetary policy has significantly reduced consumer price inflation, with the Committee expecting headline inflation to return to within the 1 to 3 percent target range in the second half of this year," the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said in a statement.But in an easing of attitude the MPC statement replaced the standard phrase of the OCR needing "to stay higher for longer" with the OCR needing to "stay restrictive"."The extent of this restraint will be tempered over time consistent with the expected decline in inflation pressures."This review was not accompanied by economic and financial forecasts, but in the May monetary policy statement it had indicated the OCR would stay at its current level until the second half of 2025.Over the next few weeks, there will be updated inflation and labour market data adding fresh input for the RBNZ's August monetary policy statement.Turning pointThe tone of the RBNZ statement and accompanying minutes of the committee's meeting were taken as dovish and pointing to sooner than expected rate cuts, after May's statement had flirted with talk of rate rises.The New Zealand dollar fell markedly against most major currencies, and local wholesale interest rates were lower.ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley said the statement was decidedly dovish compared to the one issued in May, and showed the RBNZ would be watching the economic numbers closely."We continue to expect the RBNZ will cut the OCR by 25 basis points in November. However, the risks are a sooner cut or bigger cut should the signs point to inflation undershooting the RBNZ's view."Financial markets changed to price in a definite prospect of a 25 basis point cut to 5.25 percent in October, and most likely another in November.The MPC minutes showed discussion on the big impact of the high cash rate policy as it looked at sliding consumer and business surveys, rising business failures, weak retail sales, and subdued bank lending."This may indicate that tight monetary policy is feeding through to domestic demand more strongly than expected."Some economists have been critical of the RBNZ's hardline policy stance and suggested it ran the risk of damaging the economy.The MPC said government spending cuts were feeding through slowly, but the impact of tax cuts, due to come in at the end of the month, was uncertain.CoreLogic senior property economist Kelvin Davidson said the latest decision offered little for the housing market in the short term."However, there could now just be some light emerging at the end of the mortgage rate tunnel, and although they might not necessarily fall straight away or particularly quickly, any drops would no doubt be welcomed by borrowers."To be fair, there's already been a drift lower for rates in the past few months, but OCR cuts would clearly add some impetus."

Locals will soon experience the thrill of SailGP as the prestigious sailing championship unveils its 2024/2025 Season calendar, featuring a new event in Auckland.Set to span from November 2024 to November 2025, this season is SailGP’s most extensive yet, with 14 events across five continents. Managing Director Andrew Thompson highlighted the expansion, saying, "SailGP’s 2024/2025 calendar is another significant milestone in our continued expansion across the globe. With an expected 11 teams on the start line, SailGP will establish events in new, strategically important growth territories, while bolstering existing fan bases in some of our most-loved venues to date."Locals can look forward to back-to-back events in the Southern Hemisphere, with races scheduled in New Zealand on January 18-19, 2025, followed by Australia on February 8-9, 2025. The season promises not only high-speed racing but also exceptional hospitality, featuring gourmet food, live music, and world-class entertainment. Ticket details will be announced soon, ensuring fans can fully immerse themselves in the SailGP experience.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are concerned as Fisheries New Zealand reports climate change factors are likely causing Milky White Flesh Syndrome in snapper. This condition results in skinny fish with mushy, white flesh, significantly affecting snapper in the Hauraki Gulf.An update from Stats New Zealand this week indicates that sea-surface temperatures around Aotearoa New Zealand reached their warmest annual levels between 2022 and 2023 since records began in 1982. “Measuring sea-surface temperature tells us how rapidly the ocean's uppermost productive layers are warming,” said Stuart Jones, environment and agricultural statistics senior manager.The data reveals that sea-surface temperatures have risen by an average of 0.16 to 0.26°C per decade in oceanic regions and 0.19 to 0.34°C per decade in coastal regions. The Tasman Sea and East Coast South Island experienced the highest rates of warming.“Even small rises in temperature can disrupt marine ecosystems, cause some species to relocate, and increase disease risks,” Jones explained. “It also contributes to sea-level rise as the warmer water expands.”This phenomenon has had profound effects on the local fishing industry, with Milky White Flesh Syndrome impacting the quality and marketability of snapper, a popular catch among local fishers.

A reminder that Coasties should prepare for changes to personal income tax thresholds starting 31 July 2024, as announced in the Government Budget 2024.The changes are intended to provide tax relief for individuals and families. Key updates include increasing personal income tax thresholds, extending the independent earner tax credit, and boosting the in-work tax credit and the minimum family tax credit.From 31 July, the minimum family tax credit will rise to $35,316 annually, while the in-work tax credit will increase to $5,070 per year. These adjustments will be applied automatically, with eligible recipients receiving a new Notice of Entitlement.Employers using payroll software will receive updates with the new rates. Those filing manually must use the new tax tables.To estimate the impact on household income, the Treasury calculator is available until 31 July.For more details, visit the IRD website.

The New Zealand Government is moving towards making remote inspections the default for building consents, aiming to simplify and reduce the cost of home construction, according to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.“Building anything in New Zealand is too expensive and takes too long,” Penk said.“Building costs have increased by 41 per cent since 2019, and it takes around 569 days on average to build a home, not including the time to get consent.”The Hibiscus Coast, currently experiencing a surge in housing development, stands to benefit significantly from these changes.Current in-person inspections often cause delays, as builders must wait for available slots, sometimes for weeks.Remote inspections promise significant productivity gains by enabling more daily inspections and reducing the need for inspectors to travel, especially in congested cities and rural areas.“Remote inspections offer significant productivity gains that make it easier and cheaper to build,” Penk noted.However, he acknowledged that adoption is inconsistent, with some councils hesitant to implement them.The Government's initiative aims to make remote inspections the standard nationwide, with benefits including lower costs, reduced delays, fewer transport-related emissions, and improved documentation and quality assurance for homeowners.“The Government will release a discussion document in quarter three of 2024,” Penk stated.This will provide an opportunity for councils and the building sector to give feedback on the best approach to implement this change.

Football fans will have a new star to cheer for as Jake Brimmer, a top recipient of Australia A-League Men’s honours, has been named Auckland FC’s latest recruit.Brimmer, previously at Melbourne Victory, is highly regarded in the A-League, having won the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal for the 2021-22 season. At 24, he was the youngest Australian to receive the award since Mark Viduka in 1995.In addition to the Johnny Warren Medal, Brimmer was part of the 2022 A-Leagues All-Star team and won the Melbourne Victory’s 2022 Victory Medal as Player of the Year. He also received the Mark Viduka Medal in 2021, recognising his performance in the Australia Cup Final.Auckland FC Head Coach Steve Corica expressed enthusiasm about Brimmer’s addition to the team. “He possesses immense talent that will take him beyond the A-League. Auckland FC has the pathways to help him achieve that, and we anticipate he will step up to his role within the club as a key contributor to the team’s success both on and off the field,” said Corica.Brimmer, born in Lilydale, Victoria, credits his early years at Nunawading City FC for shaping his career. “It’s where I learnt at a young age the competitive side of football and the importance of fighting for the badge,” Brimmer said. “Auckland FC will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.”Auckland FC’s 2024/25 season kicks off in October, and inaugural memberships are now on sale.