Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Vinyl Record SaleSat 24 MayMore detailsHibiscus Coast Painters Group ExhibitionSun May 25More detailsDrag Bingo & TriviaSun 25 MayMore detailsWant to see more events?Explore what’s happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for FREE - click here

If you’ve ever looked for property around Millwater or Milldale, you’ve likely come across Bob Qin’s name.Now, he’s got another reason to stand out—taking home one of the highest honours at the 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Awards.Bob Qin, a standout salesperson from Barfoot & Thompson’s Millwater branch, has been named Residential Salesperson of the Year for 2025, winning the prestigious Val Barfoot Cup.This award is one of the top honours handed out at the annual event, which celebrates excellence across Auckland, Northland, and Bay of Plenty regions.Barfoot & Thompson, New Zealand’s largest family-owned real estate company, hosts these awards to recognise outstanding performance, leadership, and commitment to service.Bob Qin.According to CEO Chris Dobbie, the awards highlight individuals who not only achieve exceptional sales results but also lead with integrity, build strong client relationships, and lift those around them.Bob wasn’t the only local to shine.Bob Qin and his team from the Millwater branch were also named the top-selling team—a recognition that speaks volumes about their dedication and local expertise.With Barfoot & Thompson selling around four in every ten homes across Auckland and managing more than 20,000 rental properties, this recognition places Bob among the best of the best.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A fourth person has now been charged in the 2024 Gulf Harbour homicide, following a painstaking 14-month police investigation.Police confirmed today that a 64-year-old man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and manslaughter in relation to the death of 70-year-old Shulai Wang. Her body was discovered in a black rubbish bag in the water at Gulf Harbour on 12 March last year.The man was taken into custody this morning at an address in Orewa and is due to appear in the North Shore District Court tomorrow.This latest development brings the total number of people charged in the case to four. A 37-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman, and a 61-year-old woman are already before the courts, each facing the same charges.Acting Inspector Tim Williams of Waitematā CIB said Police are limited in the comments they can make while the case is before the court.Wang’s death has cast a long shadow over the Gulf Harbour community. For many Coasties, the shocking nature of the case has lingered in memory, especially given how close to home it unfolded. With a fourth person now charged, residents will be watching closely as the case continues through the justice system.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 23/5Mostly cloudy. Light Sou'West winds.High: 18Low: 9Saturday, 24/5Partly cloudy. Breezy East to Nor'East winds.High: 18Low: 13Sunday, 25/5A mix of sun and cloud. Fairly breezy North to Nor'East winds.High: 19Low: 14Monday, 26/5Rain. Fairly breezy Northerly winds.High: 19Low: 15Looking 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!

If you spot the Sky Tower glowing red and yellow this Saturday night, here’s why: over 1,100 firefighters from across New Zealand, Australia and Canada—including our own teams from Manly, Silverdale and Puhoi—will have just climbed all 1,103 stairs to the top.The 2025 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge kicks off at 7:30 AM this Saturday, 24 May, and runs until 15:30.Now in its 21st year, it’s become a powerful show of strength and solidarity—raising funds and awareness for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ.Firefighters will be suiting up in full gear (that’s an extra 25kg!) and climbing in groups of 30, every 15 minutes.It’s no small feat, and this year’s turnout is a record-breaker: 270 brigades and a fundraising goal of more than $1.8 million.For comparison, the very first challenge in 2005 raised $17,500.Local volunteers taking part include some familiar faces from our Coast stations, and every dollar raised helps fund patient support services, research, and advocacy through LBC.For Coasties wanting to cheer them on, the event will be livestreamed on YouTube—just search for “Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge 2025.”Or, if you’re in the city, you might even catch a glimpse of the action at the base.It’s an inspiring day that blends community spirit, determination, and a great cause—one step at a time.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Job listings across New Zealand nudged up 1% in April, marking the second month of consecutive growth and signalling early signs of stability in the job market, according to SEEK’s latest Employment Report.The national rise was helped along by growth in key regions like Auckland (3%) and Waikato (4%).That’s especially relevant for Coasties commuting into the city or looking for roles that are increasingly offering hybrid options.One industry standout was Retail & Consumer Products, with a 10% month-on-month jump.Another was Information & Communication Technology, which saw a 7% boost, continuing a slow but steady rebound from pandemic-era lows.SEEK’s Country Manager Rob Clark described the uptick as “modest but notable,” reflecting signs of returning business confidence—particularly in skilled sectors like design, architecture, and tech.For those job-hunting on the Coast or eyeing a career shift, it’s worth noting that while job ads are still down 10% year-on-year, this is the slowest rate of decline since 2022.SEEK says the employment market may be entering a more stable phase after nearly two years of downward trends.Locally, any signs of hiring growth—especially in Auckland—are welcomed by Hibiscus Coast residents, many of whom juggle long commutes or remote work arrangements.Sectors like retail and tech often feed into our regional economy through part-time, flexible, and remote roles.However, the report also highlighted a 3% dip in applications per job, possibly due to increased listings giving jobseekers more choice.Healthcare, medical, and engineering sectors were among those that saw ongoing declines, with healthcare job ads down 3% in April and 20% year-on-year.As the market steadies, Coasties watching job boards might feel cautiously optimistic.Whether you're job-hunting, considering a return to work, or just keeping tabs on local trends, this month’s data suggests we’re not out of the woods—but we’re on firmer ground than we’ve been in some time.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland Council is making big changes behind the scenes to do more with less—and the impact could be felt right across the Coast.As part of its Long-term Plan 2024–2034, the council has launched a Group Shared Services initiative aimed at improving efficiency, cutting costs, and delivering better customer service across all departments and council-controlled organisations.At May’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, chair Desley Simpson highlighted the significance of this fresh approach.“We’re seeing technology and services that are smart for the council business at all levels—benefiting our ratepayers, delivering better customer service and building efficiency,” she said.So far, the changes are already paying off:Nearly $18 million saved over 10 years by renegotiating major contracts$32 million in economic benefits from new aerial imagery techShared IT systems saving $270,000 across Watercare and Ports of AucklandNew in-house tools like Vote Aucklanders built quicker and cheaperGroup Shared Services director Richard Jarrett said the team is focused on spotting everyday opportunities to add value.“In each case, we challenge ourselves on how we can deliver differently and better than before,” he said.While it might sound like back-office stuff, it matters for us here on the Coast too.These efficiencies help keep rates from rising more than they have to, speed up council services, and stretch every dollar further—whether it’s getting potholes fixed, permits processed, or local projects off the ground.And with tools like GIS mapping and flood recovery data analysis now being developed in-house, there's a clear push to become less reliant on expensive third-party providers and more responsive to what Aucklanders—Coasties included—actually need.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

After 145 years in business, Auckland department store Smith & Caughey's has announced it will close on 31 July.In a statement posted to social media, Smith & Caughey's said 98 staff would be made redundant when the Queen Street retail and online stores close.Smith & Caughey's closed its Newmarket store last year and reduced its CBD store to a single-floor format due to financial difficulties.The company cited increased competition from new shopping malls, continued economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence and spending power has contributed to their closure.Smith & Caughey's also said many city office workers were continuing to work from home, post-Covid.They said the city centre has also faced significant disruption and change in the form of ongoing roadworks and the slow progress of CRL causing traffic congestion.Smith & Caughey's were loved for their Christmas window displays. Photo: Supplied / Smith and Caughey'sThe company also said a large decline in foot traffic on Queen Street and an increase in parking costs had caused an impact, forcing the "heartbreaking" closure of the entire business."We are acutely aware that this has been a difficult and uncertain time for our staff and today's announcement is a deeply emotional one for all the team, our suppliers and our loyal customers," acting chief executive Matt Harray said."Our intention has always been to address the business challenges so that Smith & Caughey's can continue. Every attempt has been made to achieve this and every feasible option investigated, no stone left unturned."However, it's sadly clear it is no longer viable for us to keep the doors open."The online store will close on 30 May.

If you rely on Google to bring people to your website, there’s a new twist in the story.Google’s fresh “AI Mode” is changing the way people search—and it might mean fewer clicks for your business.Unveiled at Google I/O, AI Mode is a chatbot-style upgrade powered by Gemini 2.5.It gives people direct answers without needing them to click through to a website.Think fast, chatty summaries pulled from multiple sources—sometimes skipping your site entirely.So what does that mean for local businesses like yours?For starters, even if your business ranks high on Google, you could still see less traffic.AI Mode prefers to answer right there in the search window.Fewer clicks, fewer visits.That’s why it’s more important than ever to build your own visibility.Here’s what you can do now:Double down on owned platforms – Whether it’s your email list or the Hibiscus Coast App, channels you control are key. That’s where you won’t get lost in the algorithm shuffle.Update your Google Business Profile – This is one place Google still pulls info from. Add fresh photos, double-check your hours, reply to reviews, and use every feature.Go visual – With “Search Live,” people are using their cameras and voice to search. If your business isn’t represented in photos or short videos, you’re missing out.Answer common questions – Write in a conversational tone on your website and app. AI Mode prefers content that mimics real conversation and directly answers questions.Be hyper-local – Talk about things specific to the Hibiscus Coast. If someone searches “best sushi near Stanmore Bay,” make sure your content has that exact phrase.This shift is huge—but not all bad news.It’s a strong reminder to focus on platforms where you have direct access to your customers.And if you're advertising on the Hibiscus Coast App? You’re already a step ahead.Now’s the time to check your digital presence—and make sure you’re not left behind as the internet evolves.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

When it’s done right, a restructure can set your business up for smoother operations and long-term growth.But when it’s handled badly?You could end up with legal headaches and staff morale issues—something no Hibiscus Coast business wants to deal with.An insightful breakdown from Employment Relations Consultant Lisa Oakley outlines the many ways restructuring can go sideways, even when your intentions are good.And given how many small to medium-sized businesses operate here on the Coast, her advice couldn’t be more relevant.The biggest misstep?Rushing into change without a clear organisational design.As Lisa explains, structure should always follow strategy—yet many restructures are launched before anyone’s stopped to ask, “What problem are we solving?”Whether it’s reducing costs, cutting duplication, or boosting communication, you’ll need solid evidence to back up your plan.Timelines are another trap.“Ambitious” schedules often skip over the time needed for proper consultation and feedback.That’s risky—especially when Coasties know their rights.A rushed restructure can leave businesses vulnerable to personal grievances, even if the business case is sound.Then there’s the human side.Change makes people emotional—sometimes even those not directly affected.Good communication is key. So is getting your selection criteria and position descriptions watertight.The devil really is in the detail.Lisa also warns against the misuse of restructuring to deal with underperforming staff.If you're disestablishing roles only to rehire into near-identical ones, expect trouble.It’s a red flag for unjustified dismissal claims—and Coast employers need to be especially cautious given how tight-knit our business community is.One smart piece of advice?Consider a s149 Settlement. It’s a formal, legally binding agreement signed off by a mediator—and it can protect your business from future disputes.If you're navigating change or planning a restructure, Lisa is running a workshop titled Restructuring Misconceptions and Unintended Consequences at the EMA in Auckland on 28 May.It's a chance to learn from real-world examples and avoid mistakes that could cost you time, money, and peace of mind.Restructuring isn’t something to fear—but it is something to plan properly.For Coast businesses doing it right, the results can be transformative.But without the right process, it’s a recipe for disruption. And in a community like ours, reputation matters.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling the Hibiscus Coast App, you’re not alone.Just over two years since launch, the app has become a must-have for locals, now reaching over 45,500 unique readers in New Zealand—most of them right here on the Hibiscus Coast and in Auckland.And it’s not just about the numbers.Coasties are sticking around, spending an average of 3 minutes and 55 seconds with the app—proof that they’re not just scrolling but actually engaging.Whether it’s local news, weekend events, or job opportunities, there’s always something worth a quick read.Thursdays and Fridays are the busiest days, with afternoons being the prime time to catch up.And with 84% of views coming from mobile devices, it’s clear locals love having everything they need right in their pocket.But it’s the Push Notifications that really keep Coasties coming back—those handy alerts that land right on your phone, letting you know about important news, traffic updates, or local events.Weekly favourites like Coast Jobs You Should Know About, This Weekend on the Coast: Top Picks, and The Week That Was are among the most-read features.Local businesses are tapping into the action too.The app offers a simple, affordable way to get noticed without competing against big corporates.Attractions, Health & Wellness, Professional Services, Real Estate Agents, Retail, and Service & Trades are all using it to reach customers who live, work, and play right here.The idea is simple: keep locals connected, support local businesses, and make life on the Hibiscus Coast just that little bit easier.And judging by the numbers, it’s working.If you’re a local business looking to get noticed, it might be time to see what the buzz is about.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Council has announced a strategic alliance with the tech sector in hopes of becoming New Zealand's "premier tech city".Mayor Wayne Brown said on Tuesday the Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance will help the public and private sector align their efforts and boost the city's influence and reputation.Brown hoped Auckland could set itself apart from California's Silicon Valley."Silicon Valley has concentrated huge technological skills to produce mostly trivia and entertainment," he said in a statement."I've told industry leaders today that I want our tech brains to produce meaningful, profitable applications that lift our city and country's already great advantages in food tech, medtech, biotech and fintech."The opportunities available within the tech sector could not be ignored, he said.Could Auckland’s Tech Future Start Here on the Hibiscus Coast?"Auckland's stagnant growth here will not be easy to change; productivity has been persistently low for a long time, and I'm aware others have tried and failed to fix this. But our recent recession and opportunities in waiting in this sector mean there's too much to lose to leave it as is."He wanted to cement Auckland as New Zealand's technology centre."Right now, growth is more city to city than country to country. Auckland - being New Zealand's tech city and economic powerhouse of the country - is the key to unlocking nationwide growth."Brown also called for the government to establish an 'Advanced Technology Institute' in Auckland to guide local start-up companies so they wouldn't "die on the vine"."There is great opportunity for central government in this. Kiwis make good deals, and we've done well overseas. Let's open Auckland up so our kids don't have to leave New Zealand to take advantage of growth elsewhere."

If you haven't checked out the upgraded Orewa Library yet, you’re in for a treat.The new space is lighter, brighter, and more spacious—an inviting spot for locals to enjoy.The mezzanine area offers a new large meeting room that can be divided, perfect for community events and gatherings. For those needing internet access, the library provides plenty of public computers for browsing the web or checking emails.We dropped by today, and librarian Sandra mentioned there's still some new furniture on the way. Janet pointed out her favourite area for light-filled reading.But even now, the transformation is clear.Natural light streams into Audio Books area.Choose a magazine to flick through in this sun trap.Plenty of public computers available.Head upstairs.Plenty of space.Book the new meeting room.Take the stairs or use the elevator.The $6.3 million revamp has truly created a terrific space for the community to use.So next time you’re in Orewa, pop in and see it for yourself.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Fresh Coast Jobs for Fresh Starts! Check out this week’s top picks for local roles—and share with a mate who’s looking!The WarehousePosition: Sales Support 2ICLocation: SilverdaleSupport the Sales Support Manager in leading a customer-focused teamManage front-of-house and back-of-house operations in a dynamic retail settingView the full listing & applyBupaPosition: CaregiverLocation: Red BeachProvide person-first care to residents, building meaningful connectionsRotating roster with AM and PM shifts, averaging 25 hours/weekView the full listing & applyCV Makeover TipNever badmouth a previous employer in an interview. Even if your experience was negative, focus on what you learned and how it prepared you for future roles. This shows professionalism and emotional maturity.Help a friend discover their next career move—share these opportunities with your network today!Need to hire fast? Get noticed locally.Reach thousands on the Coast for $97 + GST. Post your job today.Explore more local job openings on our jobs page.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is hoping to open part of the building within days, as it loses thousands of dollars daily after being forced to close because of an asbestos scare.The museum has been closed since 10 May, after asbestos dust was found in Te Marae Ātea Māori Court and the Pacific Galleries.It was then discovered in the Grand Foyer - a major evacuation route for the building. The museum has been waiting on Fire and Emergency to review and approve an alternative exit before it can reopen.The museum usually collects more than $2500 a day, with international adult visitors paying a $32 entry fee.Auckland Museum chief executive David Reeves told Checkpoint a contamination report had been received today."It's a comprehensive look at what we are dealing with, which is samples of more than 500 sites across the complex museum building, and gives us the raw material for a proper clean up plan."He said he was hopeful this would lead to a staged reopening of the museum, "hopefully in a short number of days or weeks".Reeves said the contamination did not look too bad. "But any contamination must be dealt with seriously, so hoping a clean up plan will be pretty straightforward."The museum has been conducting nearly 200 air monitoring tests day and night since becoming aware of the issue and Reeves said all the sites were all within the legal threshold for safe occupancy.He said museum staff would go over the new report in the next day or two, and work with a licensed asbestos removalist to find out how long it was going to take."We really want to get our wonderful museum back open to the public, and we are working as quickly as we can to do that."The museum still needs the alternative evacuation route signed off by Fire and Emergency to avoid people going through the exclusion zone.Reeves said Fire and Emergency "understand the urgency of the situation".The museum employs about 300 staff, with many now working from an off-site office in Newmarket, while a small number of staff are still in the main museum to do the planning for the removal and provide security.Reeves said all staff were still occupied with training schemes and other tasks."Nobody is getting a holiday or a break, we're busy."But he said the museum staff understood the frustration from the public."It frustrates all the staff that we're not able to open the doors and do the job that we love doing. We are working as quickly as we can, but we must do it methodically, we must do it safely, I really don't want to rush this and open and find that we've tripped up and have to close again."

As fintech transforms how Kiwis bank, invest, and save, New Zealand is facing a critical question: can we build a trusted, inclusive financial system that protects privacy? On Thursday, 22 May, a panel of international and local finance experts will explore this at the University of Auckland Business School's event, Trust in Finance and the Rise of Fintech.Panellist Becki Butler, Co-CEO of Tax Traders, highlights that true financial inclusion isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. "Māori and Pacific communities have long been underserved by financial systems not built for them. Fintech offers tools to change that, but only if we challenge the status quo," she says. Co-CEO of Tax Traders, Becki Butler.Butler believes inclusion means designing alongside communities, not simply digitising outdated models.Professor Raghavendra Rau, a leading finance expert from Cambridge Judge Business School, agrees. He emphasises that adapting successful fintech approaches means aligning them with New Zealand’s unique social, economic, and cultural context. “If we engage directly with communities, we avoid reinforcing historical inequalities,” Rau explains.Professor Raghavendra Rau, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild Professor of Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School.The panel will explore how fintech can be harnessed for good, from impact investing and green bonds to microfinance. But while technology can drive positive change, it also introduces risks. Dr Chanelle Duley, an economics lecturer at the University of Auckland, stresses that cybersecurity is central to maintaining trust. “For fintech to thrive, we must invest in strong cybersecurity infrastructure and ensure transparency and accountability.”Dr Chanelle Duley, University of Auckland Business School.Duley also points to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s work on a potential central bank digital currency, which is now in its second stage of a four-phase evaluation. "Public engagement is crucial to avoid the mistakes seen in other countries," she adds.Professor Rau warns that using finance to address social inequalities can be complex.“Sometimes, recipients of financial support may never be in a position to repay, especially when dealing with structural issues like poverty and inequality.” Yet, he believes that when done right, financial interventions can lead to sustainable growth and positive economic contributions.The panel will also feature Christopher Swasbrook, founder of Elevation Capital, and Decio Nascimento, founder of Norbury Partners, bringing a global perspective to the discussion. As fintech continues to reshape financial services, their insights will be crucial for anyone interested in the future of finance in New Zealand.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

This year’s budget will be one of the tightest in a decade, with the New Zealand government halving its operating allowance – the new money it has available to spend – from NZ$2.4 billion to $1.3 billion.The cut reflects weaker than expected growth owing to global economic turmoil. It also highlights just how difficult it is to predict what is going to happen when it comes to the economy.Economies are dynamic systems where relationships between variables shift. Even the current state of the economy is uncertain due to data revisions and lags in reporting.Despite this uncertainty, governments have to assume paths for revenue and expenditure to make meaningful plans.Based on the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU 2023), the National Party announced plans to achieve an operating surplus in the year ending June 2027 during the 2023 election campaign.As forecasts changed, so did those plans. By the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU 2024), released in December 2024, the goal of an operating surplus had been pushed back to 2029.Nominal gross domestic product (GDP) measures the value of goods and services produced within a country during a specific period. It is a key determinant of tax revenue. Real GDP measures the volume of output of the New Zealand economy.Ultimately, the 2027 nominal GDP forecast at the half-year update was weaker than expected. This weakness was driven by lower than expected output, not by changes in prices.The 2027 forecast tax revenue fell even more sharply than the nominal GDP forecast. This was in part due to the government’s personal income tax cuts which have been costed at $3.7 billion a year.Finance Minister Nicola Willis has warned that the 2025 budget will be very tight, reflecting uncertainty in the global economy.More changes afootWe’re likely to see further downward revisions in economic growth. The Treasury has already lowered its economic growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026, in part due to the expected impact of global tariffs.While the direct effects of the tariffs on New Zealand may be limited, the indirect effects – particularly through increased global economic uncertainty – are likely to be substantial.Research has shown that United States-based uncertainty spills over into the New Zealand economy by making firms more pessimistic about the future. This pessimism leads to firms delaying investment, ultimately reducing potential output in the future.Potential output is important as it represents the economy’s capacity to grow without generating inflation. Potential GDP is affected by productivity, which has also been weaker than expected and one of the reasons Treasury lowered its forecasts after the pre-election fiscal update.The lesson from all of thisNew Zealand is running a structural budget deficit. That means the government is spending more than it earns, even accounting for the fact that governments automatically spend more and tax less in economic downturns.These deficits add to government debt, which can limit future spending and taxation choices. High debt can also hamper the government’s ability to assist in counteracting the next downturn if the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate is already near zero.It can also limit the ability of the government to respond to external shocks such as disasters or extreme weather events. These concerns are possibly behind the government’s goal of returning to surplus by 2029.But there are counter-arguments. With pressing needs in many areas, some argue the government should be spending more now to boost productivity and growth. These contrasting views reflect a legitimate debate about values and priorities.Still, one point is clear: weaker than expected economic growth since the pre-election update has made the trade-offs between present and future fiscal choices more acute.The takeaway is that economic growth is essential for expanding the resources available to both households and governments. This is so they can spend money on things they deem important both now and in the future.A growing economy is not just about producing more for prestige – it’s about creating the economic and fiscal resources to improve lives both now and in the future.Authors:Michael Ryan - Lecturer in Economics, University of Waikato and Michael P. Cameron - Professor of Economics, University of WaikatoKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

We love shining a spotlight on the local businesses that make our community thrive.Today, we’re excited to share the story of Just Bliss Beauty, a place where natural beauty meets heartfelt care, nestled in the heart of Ōrewa.Stepping into Just Bliss Beauty is like stepping into a sanctuary of calm.The gentle scent of natural oils lingers in the air, and soft, soothing music wraps around you like a warm hug.At the heart of this serene space is Melissa Giddy, a skilled beauty therapist whose radiant smile and expert touch have made her a trusted favourite among locals.Melissa’s clients come seeking more than just treatments—they come for a moment of self-care, a place to unwind, and a chance to reconnect with themselves.With a focus on natural beauty, Melissa offers a range of luxury treatments, from rejuvenating facials using high-quality natural products to perfectly polished manicures, relaxing pedicures, and precise lash and brow tinting.Her personalised approach means that every client is treated like a cherished friend.But what truly sets Just Bliss Beauty apart is Melissa’s signature hands-on facials—a soothing, nurturing touch that leaves clients feeling both radiant and deeply relaxed.And soon, she will be introducing even more to her menu—specialised Facial Sculpting & Lifting Massage and Buccal Massage, a unique, natural approach to enhancing facial contours.Clients love the peaceful location and the relaxed ambience of Melissa’s space.They appreciate the time she takes with them, her gentle expertise, and the way each visit feels like a personal retreat.And for those seeking something extra special, Just Bliss Beauty has just introduced the Frangipani Infusion by Pure Fiji—a luxurious, limited-time treatment that brings a touch of island bliss right here in Orewa.Ready to experience the magic of Just Bliss Beauty?Visit justbliss.co.nz/booking to book your appointment, or call Melissa on 021 580 852.

It’s getting harder to find optimism among Auckland’s businesses, and it’s a trend that’s also being felt by many Coasties.The latest Auckland Business Chamber confidence survey reveals that tough conditions continue to weigh on local businesses, with most sentiment indicators worsening.Key Findings:Business Confidence: 47% of businesses report negative sentiment—up from 44%.Economic Outlook: 38% expect New Zealand’s economy to improve, down from 44%.Business Performance: 50% say they’re underperforming against expectations, rising from 45%.Revenue Woes: Nearly half (49%) report a drop in revenue over the past year.Rising Costs: 78% expect costs to climb in the next 12 months, up from 76%.Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, didn’t mince words about the challenges.“After a terrible and prolonged period, businesspeople were hoping for better days by now… But the reality is they don’t see that yet.”One of the standout concerns is the rising importance of international trade and geopolitical risks, which jumped from 27% to 42%.Bridges attributes some of this to the “Trump effect,” as global tensions influence local business confidence.But for many local business owners on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s the combination of sluggish sales, rising costs, and ongoing uncertainty that really stings.Still, there’s always a sense of resilience here—Coasties have weathered tough times before and know how to adapt.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]