The Blues have confirmed Eden Park will remain their home for the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons, following months of consultation with supporters and stakeholders.All home matches will be played at Eden Park, except for a one-off Super Round clash against the Reds in Christchurch on Anzac Day. The decision came after surveys, forums, and feedback sessions with players, members, commercial partners, and the wider community.Blues GM Commercial Todd Hewitt said supporters made their feelings clear. “Our fans told us Eden Park provides the scale and history that matches the ambition of the Blues,” he said.Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner welcomed the news, noting the venue has hosted the Blues since 1996. “We’re delighted to continue this partnership and deliver the world-class game day experiences fans expect,” he said.For Hibiscus Coast locals, the decision means less uncertainty about where to head on game days and easier planning for trips into the city. With the season opener against the Chiefs set for Saturday 14 February 2026 at 7:05pm, many Coasties will already be marking their calendars.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 5/9Mostly cloudy with a breezy nor’wester.High: 19Low: 12Saturday, 6/9Rain with breezy west to sou’wester.High: 15Low: 8Sunday, 7/9Partly cloudy and windy with sou’wester.High: 15Low: 8Monday, 8/9Sun and cloud with breezy sou’easter.High: 15Low: 5September Brings Classic Spring SwingsWant more weather info? Tap into the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.Everything you need, right here in the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Mark your calendars, Coasties: on Thursday 4 December 2025, IKEA will finally open its doors at Sylvia Park.The massive 34,000m² store is now proudly wearing its bright yellow wordmark, signalling the end of years of anticipation.Inside, shoppers will find 7,500 products, styled showrooms to spark ideas, and a self-serve warehouse full of flatpacks ready to load into the car.If you’d rather not brave the crowds, IKEA is also offering online shopping, Click & Collect, and 29 Pick Up Points across the country.Food is a big part of the experience too.The 426-seat Swedish Restaurant will serve up famous meatballs, salmon dishes and plant-based options, while the Bistro has hotdogs, cinnamon scrolls and frozen treats to take home.For locals driving down from the Hibiscus Coast, new traffic lights, extra lanes and even a covered walkway have been built to keep things moving.Public transport is strongly encouraged during the opening rush.So what’s in it for us?A new weekend destination, fresh ideas for our homes, and a chance to finally taste those legendary Swedish meatballs without leaving Auckland.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand’s visitor numbers are climbing again, and they’re spending more while they’re here. MBIE’s latest figures show international visitors spent $12.1 billion in the 12 months to June 2025, up 4.3% on last year.Holidaymakers made up the bulk, pouring $7.6 billion into the economy. Australians are digging a bit deeper, with their daily spend jumping 17% to $273. American visitors topped the charts, spending $338 a day.What are people doing while they’re here? The survey says most are getting outdoors — 71% went walking, hiking or trekking. Nature spots like beaches, lakes and national parks remain big drawcard, and plenty also explored local museums and galleries.Overall, 3.38 million visitors came in the past year, about 87% of pre-pandemic levels. But in dollar terms, tourism is already back at 106% of those earlier highs (though only 86% once inflation is considered).Tourism is still New Zealand’s second biggest export earner, behind dairy. For Coasties, it’s more than numbers — it’s families booking motels, day trippers stopping for ice cream in Orewa, and visitors filling cafés after a morning at Shakespear Regional Park. Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand’s solar power capacity is surging, and new data suggests the country could generate enough electricity to power every home by 2032.Analysis by Harrisons Solar shows total capacity hit 665 MW last month, up 43% on last year and double the figure from two years ago. If growth continues, capacity will top 10,250 MW within seven years, enough to cover the electricity needs of all 2.05 million households.Managing director Phil Harrison says the shift is accelerating as technology improves and power bills climb. “For the first time, we can realistically forecast a future where New Zealand will have enough solar capacity to power every home in the country – and that milestone is now firmly within reach,” he says.Residential installations now make up more than half of all solar capacity, with nearly 68,000 Kiwi homes fitted with rooftop panels. That number is growing by more than 8,700 each year. The use of batteries has also jumped 72% since mid-2024, giving households more independence from the grid.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the change could be especially welcome. With power prices rising and grid stability a growing concern, the chance to cut bills and rely more on local sunshine makes solar an attractive option for families looking to future-proof their homes.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Most New Zealanders still value work-life balance above all else, but new research shows many would give it up for the right pay rise.SEEK’s Money Matters report, which surveyed 1,000 workers, found 68% prioritise balance over a bigger salary. Yet, for a rise of up to 20%, almost a third would work extra hours and 28% would take on more responsibilities.At the same time, 63% said they wouldn’t take a pay cut to get more balance, highlighting the tension between lifestyle and financial security.Working from home remains a sticking point. One in five who can work remotely said no pay rise would get them back in the office full-time. That reluctance was strongest among Gen X (32%) and Baby Boomers (47%).For Coasties, who often face long commutes to Auckland, these findings ring true. Flexibility is worth more than just dollars, especially when it means avoiding hours on SH1 or paying rising transport costs.Beyond pay, the top perks workers want are extra annual leave (43%), flexible hours (29%), reduced working hours (29%), and a company car (29%). Gen Z stood out for being most willing to accept longer commutes and most keen on the car perk.SEEK’s country manager Rob Clark says the line between pay and lifestyle is shifting: “Workers aren’t choosing one over the other – they’re seeking roles that support both their financial security and lifestyle needs.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government has announced a major reform package for New Zealand’s universities, designed to give students better opportunities while making sure taxpayer funding delivers real results.Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti said today that although New Zealand’s universities sit in the top three per cent worldwide, the sector must adapt to a fast-changing economy.The plan includes a new Tertiary Education Strategy to align teaching with future skill needs, a University Strategy Group to link universities with government and industry, and a simplified $315m Tertiary Research Excellence Fund to replace the Performance-Based Research Fund.Stronger quality systems and updated governance rules are also part of the shake-up.“These changes will help universities focus on what matters, developing the workforce we need now and in the future, and delivering excellent research and innovation that creates real value for New Zealand,” Dr Reti said.For Hibiscus Coast families, the changes are significant.Many local students move into Auckland universities, and reforms that tie study more closely to jobs could mean stronger career paths and research that benefits local businesses.The reforms, shaped by a report from Sir Peter Gluckman’s University Advisory Group, will be rolled out in consultation with universities, students, and industry in the months ahead.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

There’s something special about seeing locals get recognised on the world stage, and this week it’s Hibiscus JetSki Hire bringing home the honours.The Coast-based favourite has just won Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, placing it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide.Even better, it’s the second year in a row they’ve taken the title.Owner Dr Jürgen Kolb has built a reputation for blending fun with safety, and that’s struck a chord with more than 550 reviewers who’ve given the business five-star ratings.Families rave about sea biscuit rides, fishing trips and private island escapes, while couples have booked oyster tastings and bespoke outings. “We’ve worked hard to offer unique experiences that are memorable and stress-free,” Jürgen said.Hibiscus JetSki Hire owner, Dr Jürgen Kolb. Photo: suppliedIt’s not just about the thrills.Hibiscus JetSki Hire is deeply tied to the community, lending support to school fundraisers, youth programmes and conservation work across the Hauraki Gulf.This year they were also named a finalist in the 2degrees Business Awards for Excellence in Strategy, showing that a small local operator can match it with the best in business.For Coasties, it means world-class experiences are right on our doorstep.Whether it’s an afternoon of high-speed action or a relaxed day exploring hidden coves, Hibiscus JetSki Hire continues to prove that passion, care and a touch of adventure can take you far.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Houses in Devonport, Matakana, Remuera and Rodney, an apartment in Tauranga and large plots of land are among the properties that foreign buyers might be able to buy under new rules.The government has confirmed that holders of "golden visas" will be able to buy or build one home worth at least $5 million.Since 2018, buyers have generally needed to be residents or citizens to be allowed to buy any residential property.But there are only about 7000 homes in New Zealand in that price range.Cotality chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said $5m+ homes were only about 0.4 percent or 0.5 percent of all dwellings.In Auckland, there were 4300, or about 0.8 percent of all properties.There were another 1250 in Queenstown, about 5.5 percent of that market."It's a more notable share of the Queenstown market but even in Auckland it's fairly small," Davidson said."If you add up 4300 in Auckland and 1250 in Queenstown, it only leaves about 1500 across the country everywhere else."Trade Me has 424 properties listed nationwide with a price indication of more than $5m, including a six-bedroom house in Rodney, Auckland, a clifftop house in Devonport, a waterfront home in Matakana, and a five-bedroom house with tennis court in Remuera.There are also large plots of land for development, including large rural landholdings in Wanaka and higher-density housing areas in south Auckland.Real estate agency Barfoot & Thompson said it had 16 sales worth more than $3m in July.The $5m properties in Auckland would be mostly around Herne Bay, Remuera, St Mary's Bay and Westmere, Davidson said."Will this transform NZ housing market? It seems unlikely. Could it have an effect in some fancy suburbs of Auckland and upmarket properties in Queenstown? Possibly. But nobody likes overpaying. It's all very well to be wealthy but you're still not wanting to overpay. I still think it's hard to get carried away about the scale that this might impact the New Zealand housing market."He said any transaction would also rely on the relevant properties being available for sale."It's all very well to say there's 7000 properties, that's a small number in itself, but they have to be for sale… in a given year there might only be 5 percent of properties actually listed so out of that 7000 there might only be about 300 or 400 actually listed."For some upmarket real estate agents this will be a good piece of news but for the housing market as a whole I don't think this will change it from a subdued state to a fresh boom."There was no mention of taxing the foreign buyers when the announcement was made on Monday.National campaigned in 2023 on letting foreigners buy homes worth more than $2m subject to a 15 percent tax, but was forced to abandon that plan during coalition negotiations with NZ First.Brad Olsen, chief executive at Infometrics, agreed there would be limited impact because of how different $5m homes were from the rest of the stock of housing."They're buying in a very different market as opposed to a $600,000 house in Whangarei - it could influence places with a higher average house price, parts of Auckland and Queenstown but even there the values are on average close to $1m, $5m is still quite a big difference."Davidson said it seemed to be a decision based on proving New Zealand was "open for business" for high-wealth individuals.

Parents on the Hibiscus Coast are being urged to check their child’s car seat after a recall was issued for the Zummi 360 Degree Rotation Superia Car Seat, sold at Farmers from 27 August 2024 to 29 August 2025.The issue affects seats with article number 6901241 and batch numbers 06/2024 or 08/2024. The harness adjuster button can jam if it isn’t cleaned regularly, which may cause the harness to loosen unexpectedly.If your seat is one of these batches, test the button. It should click and release smoothly. If it’s sticking or feels jammed, stop using it straight away and take it back to Farmers. You’ll be able to swap it for the updated model or get a full refund. If the button works fine, keep using the seat but give it a regular clean as the manual suggests.For Coast families, this isn’t just a product issue — it’s about everyday safety. By law, children must use an approved restraint until they’re at least 7, and if there’s a seat in the car, they must use it until 8. That includes infant capsules, car seats, booster seats and child harnesses.With car seats being one of the most important bits of kit for local parents, checking now could make all the difference on your next trip down the motorway.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Swedish furniture giant IKEA will confirm its first New Zealand opening date this Thursday, with the Sylvia Park store set to welcome customers before the end of 2025.Ahead of the announcement, IKEA has revealed that NZ Post and Mainfreight will be its transport partners, delivering products nationwide from day one. From small accessories to flat-pack furniture, orders will reach every corner of the country through home delivery and a network of 29 Pick Up Points.For Coasties, this means a Billy bookcase or new sofa can be ordered online and collected at a Pick Up Point or delivered straight to the door, rather than trekking into Sylvia Park. Regional centres like Whangārei and Kaitaia are included, so families living north of Auckland won’t miss out.Deliveries across Auckland will be made with electric vans and trucks, part of IKEA’s goal to achieve 100% zero emission deliveries in the city. Charging stations have already been installed at Sylvia Park and IKEA’s Mangere warehouse to support the fleet.IKEA New Zealand Fulfilment Manager Jan Vanderstappen said the focus was on accessibility and sustainability. “We knew from the start that IKEA had to be truly nationwide, not just for those in Auckland. Partnering with NZ Post and Mainfreight allows us to make that vision real.”The long-awaited opening date will be revealed to shoppers on 4 September.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Supermarket chain Woolworths is increasing the price and minimum spend required for its 'Delivery Saver' option .Delivery Saver allows customers to pay a fee in return for no delivery fees on their orders, provided they reach an order value threshold.This used to cost $118 per six months but Woolworths said on Monday it was increasing this to $132.99 for six months.The minimum that has to be spent to receive free delivery will also increase from $80 to $100.Woolworths said it had not increased its Delivery Saver price in five years."But with fuel, wages, and maintenance costs rising, we need to adjust the subscription to keep delivering your order straight to your door."The new price starts on 1 October and applies to subscription renewal from that point.

Fresh Coast Jobs for Fresh Starts!Looking for a new role, or know someone who is?Check out this week’s top local job picks and help a mate land their next move.Auckland CouncilPosition: Libraries & Council Services AssistantLocation: WhangaparāoaPermanent part-time, 22 hrs/week (Wed, Fri & Sat) supporting library, council services, and community programmes.Engage with diverse patrons, assist with technology, and support tamariki activities in a welcoming environment.View the full listing & applyThe WarehousePosition: Christmas Team Member (Nightfill)Location: SilverdaleFixed-term seasonal role (Sept–Jan), night shifts 5pm–1am with $24.67/hr pay and staff discount.Unpack stock, fill shelves, and create festive displays with opportunities for extra shifts and career progression.View the full listing & applyCareer TipIn an interview, don’t just state your skills—back them up with examples. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate how you’ve applied your expertise to solve problems, add value, or achieve results.Know someone looking for work?Share these roles and help them take the next step!Need to hire fast?Reach thousands of Coasties, Post your job today.

Voting in Auckland’s local elections opens on Tuesday 9 September, and a new online candidate catalogue is set to help voters decide who deserves their tick.The Vote Auckland candidate catalogue acts like a digital yellow pages, showing which ward and local board areas you’re voting in, and listing everyone standing in your patch.Each candidate has supplied a short statement outlining their priorities and what they hope to achieve if elected.Lou-Ann Ballantyne, Auckland Council’s General Manager Governance and Engagement, says the tool could be a game-changer.“Take a few minutes to learn a bit about who the candidates are, and which ones deserve your vote. Because if you don’t vote, someone else will choose who represents you and your area.”For Hibiscus Coast residents, this means a chance to compare who’s promising to focus on things that matter close to home, like public transport, the environment and local infrastructure.It’s also a reminder that voting isn’t just about the mayor — decisions are made by 20 councillors and 21 local boards too.Click here to see all the candidates.Voting papers will arrive between 9 and 22 September.If yours doesn’t show up, Coasties can cast a special vote at Whangaparāoa Library or at one of the Vote-on-the-Go sites that will pop up around the region.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Spring has kicked off with a bang, and the forecasters say we’re in for a real mix this September.August wrapped up with some of the harshest winds recorded, and those southerlies are still hanging around.That means frosty mornings for parts of the country this week.Looking ahead, high pressure is building over Australia and northern New Zealand, but spring is living up to its reputation.Wild storms in the Southern Ocean and bubbling low pressure systems north of us will keep things unsettled.For the rest of the week, expect windy westerlies across New Zealand.There may be a short lull on Wednesday before the breeze picks up again.By next week, it’s a toss-up of warm sunny spells and cooler, wet days.Overall, both rainfall and temperatures are expected to sit above average this month.For Hibiscus Coast locals, that means keeping an eye on the skies.Outdoor plans might be spoiled one day and back on the next, and gardeners will notice the extra moisture.It’s the classic spring shuffle, with a few surprises thrown in.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Watercare is set to pour $500 million into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure over the next 18 months, Local Government Minister Simon Watts has announced.The investment is a 44% increase on the last renewal cycle and will focus on renewing pipes and assets, with a third of the funding earmarked for treatment plant upgrades. The move comes under the Watercare Charter, designed with Auckland Council to keep household bills lower while improving service quality.Watts said the arrangement would save households nearly $900 million over four years and ensure services remain affordable. “This is about accelerating investment while making sure Aucklanders aren’t paying more than they need to,” he said.For Coasties, the upgrades should mean more reliable water services and fewer disruptions as ageing pipes are replaced. With $75 million worth of contracts for pipe replacements going to public tender before Christmas, there will also be opportunities for smaller local businesses to compete for work.Much of the project will be delivered by Watercare’s existing contractors, but the additional finance is expected to support job growth across the region. Watts said the plan reflects “a shared commitment to faster delivery, stronger regional economies, and improved water services for Aucklanders.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

All across New Zealand, people are being invited to give Chinese language a go this week. From 31 August to 6 September, the country is marking the 11th New Zealand Chinese Language Week, a celebration of language learning and cultural connection.The week opens with a ceremony at Parliament, honouring teachers, youth ambassadors, and language champions. Wētā Workshop’s Sir Richard Taylor will also unveil a major cultural project in Guangdong, highlighting how learning languages and building relationships can create new opportunities for Kiwi businesses.For Coasties, the celebration is as much about the everyday as it is the big announcements. On the NZCLW website, you’ll find simple phrases to practise at home, along with videos to help with tones and pronunciation. For instance, try saying nǐ hǎo (hello), xièxiè (thank you), or zàijiàn (goodbye). These small steps can be fun to share with friends and family. an easy way to try something new and share it with family and friends.There’s a tasty twist too. Ahead of New Zealand Dumpling Day later this month, locals can register online and vote for their favourite dumpling spot. It’s a fun way to celebrate culture while supporting a dish loved across generations.Organisers say the week is also about building skills and boosting opportunities.Learning another language helps with literacy, numeracy, and memory, and it can open the door to business connections overseas. For Coast families, it’s a reminder that trying out a new word today could spark fresh chances tomorrow.Zàijiàn.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government has signed off key policy changes to make tolling easier on new and upgraded roads, with Transport Minister Simeon Brown confirming Penlink is among three projects that will be tolled.Alongside Penlink, which connects Whangaparāoa Peninsula to State Highway 1, the Takitimu North Link in Tauranga and the Ōtaki to north of Levin corridor have also been approved for tolling after consultation.Brown said the reforms would allow New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to introduce corridor tolling, apply inflation-based price rises automatically, and make it easier to set up and collect tolls. Heavy vehicles may be required to use toll roads in some cases to keep traffic away from built-up areas, but every tolled project must still offer a free alternative route.The new system will also see tolls linked to vehicle owners rather than drivers, making collection more straightforward.For Coasties, the big news is Penlink. The road is under construction and expected to ease congestion for thousands of Hibiscus Coast commuters. Tolling, the Government says, will support the cost of building, maintaining, and operating the road while protecting the National Land Transport Fund for other highways and local roads.Legislation to support the changes will be introduced next year, but tolling for Penlink is now confirmed.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Business confidence up 2 points to net 50 percentOwn activity outlook 39 pct vs 41pct in July, but past activity shows weaknessFirms still not inclined to hire, construction may still be losing jobsInflation expectations ease a shadeBusiness confidence has risen for the third month in a row in ANZ's latest business outlook survey, but firms are still enduring tough trading conditions.ANZ's chief economist Sharon Zollner said forward-looking indicators were a mixed bag, but measures of activity over the past year showed how tough it had been for businesses."Reported past activity - the best indicator of economic growth in the survey - eased further and remains negative for retail, construction and manufacturing."Reported past employment remains soft for every sector. The construction sector in particular, appears likely to be shedding jobs again," she said.Wage growth over the past year fell to 2.1 percent, and future wage growth expectations also eased to 2.4 percent.Zollner said responses after the Reserve Bank's recent interest rate cut and signal of more to come were slightly more upbeat in rate-sensitive sectors such as retail and construction."This month's survey is consistent with the RBNZ's updated view that the economy needs a little more support to head off downside risks."It's too early to judge the confidence impacts of this month's shift in stance, but our view is that it will shore up the recovery that is now underway."She said with the Reserve Bank now more focused on growth over inflation, it would keep cutting interest rates until the economy showed clear signs of recovery.