Aotearoa is celebrating Matariki for the fourth time since it was officially made a public holiday, with a particular focus on the star Puanga.The theme for this years holiday is Matariki mā Puanga - which highlights the star Puanga or Rigel - an important star in the astronomical traditions of many iwi especially in the western half of New Zealand, in areas such as Taranaki, Whanganui and parts of Northland.In late autumn and early winter Puanga can be seen in the eastern night sky.To find Puanga look to the eastern horizon above the three stars of Tautoru or Orion's Belt.The national Matariki ceremony is being hosted this year by Ngāti Rangi, at Tirorangi Marae at the base of Ruapehu.The Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po will be in attendance at Tirorangi alongside other dignitaries including Ministers Paul Goldsmith and Tama Potaka.Mixed forecast for star-gazingBoth the Matariki star cluster and Puanga will be visible low on the eastern horizon just before the rising of the sun.According to NIWA's 2025 Matariki cloud cover forecast, the best viewing likely on Friday and Saturday in many areas.NIWA meteorologist and forecaster Chris Brandolino said eastern regions, such as Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa and the lower North Island, along with parts of the upper and eastern South Island, can expect clearer skies this weekend to observe Matariki.

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 20/6A mix of sun and cloud. Fairly breezy Westerly winds.High: 17Low: 10Saturday, 21/6A mix of sun and cloud. Light South to Sou'West winds.High: 16Low: 6Sunday, 22/6Mainly sunny. Breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 15Low: 10Monday, 23/6Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 16Low: 8Looking 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!

Locals hoping for early access to parts of Penlink will need to wait a bit longer. A major slip at the project’s largest earthworks site has forced NZTA to delay early openings planned near Stillwater and Ara Wēiti.Cracks first appeared back in December, and after months of geotechnical testing, it was confirmed that the land beneath the surface was weaker than expected. Emergency works were declared in March to reduce the risk of further movement or damage to nearby property.NZTA has now confirmed that instead of a staged opening, the entire corridor will open in one go—still currently on track for 2028.“This will be disappointing for residents who hoped to access SH1 earlier,” says Regional Manager Stephen Collett. “But it also means the full benefits will be felt from day one.”Meanwhile, work continues in other areas:Beams and decks are in place at key overbridgesSH1 ramps are taking shapeMajor progress has been made at Duck Creek and the Wēiti River bridgeLandscaping has startedOver 600,000 cubic metres of earth has been shifted—equivalent to 250 Olympic poolsWhile the delay affects some Coasties’ timelines, the long-term outcome remains the same: a safer, more resilient connection from the Hibiscus Coast to central Auckland. Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you picked up a baby bodysuit from The Warehouse this month, it’s worth double-checking your purchase.A product recall has been issued for the Young Originals Baby's Cosy Inner Henley Bodysuit, sold between 4 and 13 June 2025. The issue? These garments are missing a crucial fire hazard warning label that’s required under New Zealand’s safety standard for children’s daywear.That means the bodysuit doesn’t meet the mandatory safety regulations designed to help parents make informed choices about clothing for young children.While there haven’t been any reports of injuries, the absence of the label means it’s not clear how the fabric will behave near heat or flame, a detail that matters when safety’s involved.If you’ve got one at home, The Warehouse is asking you to return it to any store for a full refund.It’s a good reminder for all Coastie parents and gift-buyers to keep an eye out for fire safety labels, especially when buying clothes for little ones.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Nominations for Auckland Council’s local elections open on Friday 4 July, and with just weeks to go, only a few candidates have confirmed they’re standing.There are 171 positions to be filled across the region, including local board members, ward councillors, and one mayor. But if there aren’t enough candidates, it could trigger costly by-elections in 2026.For locals thinking about running, now’s the time to act. Fewer candidates could mean a smoother path to election. In some areas, like Rodney, if only one person stands for a single-seat ward, they’ll be elected unopposed.And here’s something many people don’t realise: you can stand in any area, not just where you live. You’ll need two nominators who are enrolled to vote in that ward.Auckland Council’s Lou-Ann Ballantyne says candidates should get ready now: “Think about your candidate statement, your social media profiles, your community connections, and the issues that matter in your area.”If no one stands in a particular ward or board by the midday 1 August deadline, an extraordinary vacancy will be declared, and a by-election will be held in March 2026. The cost? It could range from thousands to millions, depending on the position.To learn more or start your nomination, visit: voteauckland.co.nz/beacandidateKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has handed back the Victoria Park New World to its owners, more than 24 hours after the fire began.Incident Controller Phil Larcombe confirmed that fire crews have now left the site.“This was a challenging fire, because it was initially too dangerous to fight the fire from inside the building,” he said.At the height of the response, there were 23 trucks, 80 firefighters, and support personnel involved.“We were very relieved that all people in the supermarket were able to get out quickly and safely yesterday,” Larcombe said.He thanked the firefighters, commanders, operational support, and partner agencies including Police, Hato Hone St John, Auckland Emergency Management, and the building’s owners.He also reminded other businesses to make sure their fire evacuation schemes are up to date and meet requirements.The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland Transport’s expanded bikes-in-buses trial is rolling out from July.Fifteen double-decker buses on the Northern Express (NX1) route will now include interior bike racks, finally giving cyclists a legal, safe way to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge using public transport.The initiative follows a successful pilot in November 2024 and could soon reshape how people commute to Auckland CBD.From Albany or Constellation Drive bus stations, it’s now possible to bring your bike on board and finish your journey in town.You’ll be able to spot the upgraded buses by a green bike icon on the front and side.Plus, the AT Mobile App will show if a bus has a bike rack, so you’re not left guessing.The racks are a sleek, flip-down design with secure restraints.They’re being rolled out in May and June, and AT expects about 250 bike spaces will be available daily once all 15 buses are in service.The trial runs until July 2026, and AT is keen for feedback through an online survey.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A crash on State Highway 1 has blocked the right southbound lane just north of Lonely Track Road as of 10:45am today.Two cars collided around 10:10am between the Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road offramps. One of the vehicles is badly damaged, but thankfully, there are no reports of injury.Emergency services are on-site and directing traffic through the area. Motorists are being asked to expect delays and pass with care.Police are urging drivers to be patient, with long queues building in both directions.Real-Time TrafficWe’ll keep you posted with updates as soon as they come through.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Police are calling on the public to help locate 17-year-old Mya, who has been reported missing from the North Shore area.She was last seen around 1.45am on Monday, 17 June, in the Takapuna area.Officers are working closely with Mya’s family and carrying out searches across several spots she’s known to visit, including Hauraki, Red Beach, and Manly.There are serious concerns for Mya’s wellbeing, and finding her is now Police’s top priority.If you’ve seen Mya or have any information about where she might be, please call 111 immediately.Alternatively, you can update Police online or phone 105 and quote file number 250617/6276.This is a worrying time for Mya’s loved ones, and anyone on the Hibiscus Coast who can help, even with a small detail, is urged to reach out.Let’s keep an eye out, Coasties.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

While some of us are enjoying fish and chips on a Friday night, a quiet crew of volunteers is working behind the scenes to make sure our kids and grandkids can do the same.This National Volunteer Week (15–21 June), it’s time to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our coastlines: honorary fishery officers, or HFOs.These local legends support Fisheries New Zealand by donating at least 100 hours a year to help protect our shared fisheries. They’re not just patrolling beaches and boat ramps—they’re educating fishers, answering questions, and stepping in when something doesn’t look right.One example was a tip-off from a Manukau HFO about people illegally taking cockles from a closed beach. That single call led to the recovery of more than 1,300 cockles. In another case, 1,442 oysters were found in a car boot thanks to vigilant HFOs in Kawakawa Bay.There are around 180 of these volunteers across the country, including right here near the Hibiscus Coast, helping keep our local fishing spots sustainable. With 11,000 to 14,000 inspections carried out annually, it’s safe to say they’re making an impact.If you spot someone in uniform checking buckets or chatting with fishers this week, give them a nod—or a thank you. If you have questions about becoming an HFO, email [email protected] something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A major fire at New World Victoria Park is still not under control, with fire crews battling flames from outside the building due to dangerous conditions inside.Emergency services were first alerted at 11:18am on Monday after a fire alarm went off. Since then, 20 fire trucks and support vehicles have been deployed, with more still on the way. Even Hamilton’s aerial appliance has been called in to assist Auckland’s already stretched resources.“The fire is currently burning on the mezzanine floor and in the roof, which makes accessing it really difficult,” said Incident Controller Vaughan Mackereth. “We’re expecting to be here well into the night.”All people have been safely accounted for. However, smoke is still a risk. An Emergency Mobile Alert advised those southwest of the scene to stay inside with windows and doors closed.Roads around the supermarket remain closed, and the public is urged to avoid the area.While fire investigators are on site, the cause of the blaze remains unknown at this stage.For Coasties heading back this afternoon from the city it’s worth noting the disruption near this central location. 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!Mitre 10Position: Café Cook Columbus CoffeeLocation: WhangaparaoaPart-time role (14 hours/week) at Mitre 10’s in-store Columbus Café, Sundays and MondaysIdeal for experienced café cooks who enjoy fast-paced kitchens and creating quality foodView the full listing & applyThe Doctors WhangaparaoaPosition: General Practitioner (GP)Location: Stanmore Bay Permanent role with 6–8 sessions per week and no on-callSupportive team, coastal location, and healthy work/life balanceView the full listing & applyCV Makeover TipUse action verbs to start each bullet point on your CV. Words like “led,” “developed,” or “implemented” instantly show impact and keep your achievements results-focused.Help a friend discover their next career move—share these opportunities with your network today!Need to hire fast? Reach thousands of Coasties, Post your job today.

The latest QV House Price Index shows Auckland property values continued to soften in the May 2025 quarter, while Northland saw modest growth.The average Auckland home is now worth $1,240,029, down 0.5% over the quarter and 2.2% lower than the same time last year. Values remain 19.1% below their late 2021 peak. Localised growth was seen in Papakura (1.3%) and central Auckland (0.4%), while areas like Manukau (-1.2%) and the North Shore (-1.0%) declined further.QV’s Hugh Robson said open homes and auctions remain quiet across many suburbs, but first-home buyers are starting to re-enter the market, mainly in mid- to lower-value areas. He noted that investment properties and multi-unit developments are also more common, while the rental market has “flat-lined.”In contrast, Northland values rose 2.2% this quarter. Whangarei led the way with a 3.2% lift, followed by the Far North (1.7%) and Kaipara (0.1%). The region’s average value is now $738,936—down just 0.9% year-on-year.Nationally, house prices inched up 0.1%, with the average home valued at $913,772. While still down 1.1% from last year, this signals a slowing in the rate of decline.For Coasties, it’s a mixed bag.Auckland remains flat, but signs of buyer activity and regional strength hint that the tide may be turning.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Retailers across the Hibiscus Coast are facing a big shift from today as the Government's vape law changes officially kick in. Disposable vapes are now banned nationwide, and new rules mean vape products must be hidden from view in dairies, petrol stations, and supermarkets.Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says these changes aim to reduce youth vaping, calling them “practical steps to protect young people.”Shops that don’t follow the new rules face hefty penalties, up to $400,000 for manufacturers or major retailers, and $50,000 for others. Online stores are also affected: vape product images are now banned, and links to overseas sites showing products are no longer allowed.For Coasties, this means vape store signage and product visibility are going to look very different. Local dairies and convenience stores will need to keep products out of sight, while specialist vape retailers will be bound by tighter location rules introduced earlier in the year.Eighteen new smokefree enforcement officers have been recruited to help ensure compliance.While vaping has helped some adults quit smoking, the Government is drawing a clear line: it’s not for kids.The new law could reshape how Coast parents, schools, and retailers manage the issue in the months ahead.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

It’s National Volunteer Week (15–21 June), and across the Hibiscus Coast, we’re raising a toast to the everyday legends who make this place better, quietly, constantly, and with heart.They’re the ones coaching at rugby practice, putting out fires, planting trees on Saturdays, helping at the library, or making cups of tea at hospice.They’re our neighbours, our mates, our family, and they show up time and time again.Volunteers are the glue that keeps our community strong.Whether it’s behind the scenes at fundraisers or out front leading beach clean-ups, their generosity is felt everywhere.So if you spot one this week—say thanks.Or better yet, ask how you can lend a hand too.From all of us at the Hibiscus Coast App, thank you. Your work matters.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’ve spent any time down at Silverdale Rugby fields, you’ll know how much this club means to the community.Now, there’s a chance to give back in a big way.Silverdale United Rugby & Sports Club — New Zealand’s largest rugby club , is looking for new volunteer board members ahead of its Annual General Meeting this November.With some long-serving members stepping aside, the club is inviting fresh energy and new voices to the table.“We’re looking for some new blood,” says Club Secretary Graeme Wallace.“It’s an opportunity to make a big difference in the community and with local youth.”Two key roles are open: Director of Operations and Director of Rugby Development.The board meets monthly and helps steer everything from strategic planning to sponsor relationships, club finances and rugby development.But Graeme says it’s not just about boardroom skills.“We’re interested in different skills and backgrounds, whether that’s corporate, marketing, HR, or of course sports — we’d love to hear from you.”It’s a great fit for someone who wants to stay connected, pitch in, and help shape the future of grassroots rugby.To express your interest, email: [email protected] something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Older Kiwis are most at risk in winter house fires, especially right now.Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging Coasties to check in on elderly neighbours, friends, and family before tragedy strikes.More than half of all house fire fatalities in the past five years were people over 60.That’s 55%, according to Acting Deputy Chief Executive Nick Pyatt.“Every one of these tragedies was preventable,” he says.The main culprits?Heaters, electric blankets, hot ashes, and overloaded dryers.These fires surge in May, June, and July, making this the most dangerous time of year for older people.Coast homes are often a mix of older properties and retired residents.It’s up to all of us to keep each other safe.If you’re heading out for a visit this week, take a few moments to check:Are there working smoke alarms in bedrooms and living spaces?Is anything too close to the heater?Are there at least two safe exits from the home?It only takes five minutes, but it could save a life.Not sure what to look for?Use Fire and Emergency’s easy online safety checklist here: fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety/sort-your-home-fire-safetyLet’s make sure no one on the Hibiscus Coast is left vulnerable this winter.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Big changes are coming that could make it much easier and quicker for Coasties to go solar.The Government has just announced several updates aimed at encouraging more households to install rooftop solar panels.The biggest shift?You’ll no longer need building consent to add panels to an existing home.Plus, if you’re building new and include solar in your plans, the council will now need to process your entire building consent in just 10 working days instead of the usual 20.That could save homeowners around $400 a day in delays.There’s also a behind-the-scenes technical change that matters.The permitted voltage range for electricity networks is expanding, which will make it easier for homes to send unused solar power back to the grid.Energy Minister Simon Watts says this could add more than 500 gigawatt-hours of solar generation across New Zealand, which is enough to make a real difference in power supply and household bills.For the Hibiscus Coast, where sunshine is generally plentiful and community interest in sustainability is growing, these updates are likely to spark a surge in local solar installs.They’re especially welcome at a time when many Coasties are looking for ways to save on power and future-proof their homes.As Minister Watts put it: “Common-sense and cost-effective changes like these will make it easier for Kiwis to build sustainable homes and help strengthen our electricity system for the future.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Big changes are coming to KiwiSaver, and if you’re an employer on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s time to take note.From 1 July 2025, 16- and 17-year-olds will become eligible for government contributions for the first time.But at the same time, the maximum government contribution will be halved from $521.43 down to $260.72 per year.Those earning over $180,000 will no longer qualify for the top-up at all.In 2026, both employers and employees will see default contribution rates rise to 3.5%, with a further bump to 4% in 2028.If employees choose to stick with 3%, they’ll be able to apply for a temporary rate reduction and as an employer, you can match that if you wish.There’s more: from 1 April 2026, if your 16- or 17-year-old staff members contribute from their wages, you’ll also need to start contributing.For Coast-based businesses, these changes could mean rethinking payroll systems and budgeting ahead especially those with younger team members or high earners.Inland Revenue will be in touch if and when your contribution requirements change.The government says these updates aim to make retirement savings more accessible while ensuring long-term sustainability of the KiwiSaver scheme.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.