January felt unsettled, and the searches reflected it.Last month the top Google queries in New Zealand clustered around a few clear needs.Weather and news sat near the top.So did generic “how do I find this” behaviour, like looking up video, social, and forum sites.Then came the daily admin stack: maps, email, translation, quick calculations, and checking results for the national lottery.Money and compliance also featured, with people searching tax and currency conversions.Shopping intent showed up, but more as categories than cravings, with groceries, pharmacy and health buys, and home DIY running through the list.Sport and live entertainment spiked too, which is what you’d expect in a summer month when big events land.On the Hibiscus Coast App, behaviour is more task-led, with people opening local news, weather, events, and jobs to decide what to do next.The local business directory is rising too, which fits what people do when they are ready to call, visit, or book.Stats NZ says the Hibiscus Coast has 67,800 residents and 26,283 occupied homes, with 95% internet access.In our January GA4 data, 79.1% of the Hibiscus Coast App views were on a mobile device.So most of this “what do I do next” behaviour is happening on a phone.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

As February begins we enter the last weeks of summer. It's been a season of extremes, with record-breaking temperatures and heat warnings at the start being swept away by the devastating storms just after the new year began.Following the warmer, settled weekend, you could be excused for wondering if summer is making a comeback.The short answer is most likely, but it'll be a bit of a rollercoaster.What is coming?Niwa meteorologist Chris Brandolino said the start of February, although still uncertain, could bring dry clear weather for parts of the country."I think the theme for the next sort of probably week, maybe two weeks, is for much of the country, there is likely to be pretty dry conditions."That being said, Monday night and through to Tuesday will bring some rain for both islands before clearing out from Wednesday.The West Coast will be the first to get some rain which would then move to the east coast, particularly Canterbury."They could be seeing a really significant drop of rain, now ahead of that rain it'll be quite warm," Brandolino said.MetService had placed heavy rain watch on Fiordland and Westland south of Franz Josef Glacier until Monday.There is also a heavy rain watch in Marlborough south of Seddon and Canterbury north of the Rangitata River until Tuesday night.From Tuesday the South Island could see some cooler weather but in the upper north, Brandolino said it would be "grossly humid"."So Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Northland, Auckland, it is going to be a hot day."But a hot day does not mean a dry one because most of the North Island can expect "pockets of rain" on Monday and Tuesday."Because of that warmth and humidity, especially that tropical humidity, there could be some localised heavy showers. But it'll be localised, it won't be kind of a widespread thing."Despite the rocky start to the week, from Wednesday onwards most of the country was expected to have a "dry lean", with the exception of some rain in Southland.Temperatures on a roller coasterThe South Island was still in for a roller coaster ride with temperatures bouncing up and down.Brandolino used Christchurch as an example saying the temperature could hit 30 degrees on Monday, but could also struggle to hit 20 on Tuesday.Hawke's Bay was forecast to see 28 degrees on Monday and Auckland was set to heat up to 28 degrees."So this is the up and down sort of roller coaster weather pattern in terms of temperature that'll be especially prevalent for the South Island. The North Island will still see some variability, but it won't be as wildly as dramatic as the South Island.""The upper North Island, so places like Auckland, places like Northland, they're more likely to find kind of a steady, persistent sort of like summertime feel."Is La Nina still a thing?New Zealand is currently experiencing La Nina conditions.Brandolino said February and March have historically been the busiest times of the tropical cyclone season, irrespective of La Nina.The late summer period sees the warmest ocean temperatures around New Zealand and up to the north of the tropics."Warm water is fuel. You need more than that, of course, to get a tropical cyclone, but that's a key ingredient."When La Nina conditions are active, it plays a role in which areas are favoured to see tropical cyclones."What it does is it tilts the odds towards something developing between, say, Fiji and the Queensland coast."What about those storms brewing in the Pacific?Brandolino said there had been tropical activity in the pacific, particularly between Fiji and New Caledonia, which had the possibility of moving towards New Zealand and causing a rainy Waitangi Day weekend.The activity dissipated over the weekend, giving the country a much greater likelihood of a rain-free long weekend.The impact of this tropical activity will instead be a wave of humidity."So, the reason for the warmth and humidity for the North Island on Monday is because what is left over of that tropical low, let's call it, that was to our North, it's going to make its way over the North Island.""I would say Waitangi is looking promising for people who want to get outdoors from much of the country."Brandolino said with so much changeable weather on the horizon, it was important keep up to date with the latest forecasts.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland Council has desexed 1,000 dogs through its free pilot programme.The milestone is tied to efforts to cut roaming dogs, dog attacks, and pressure on shelters, while helping dogs live healthier lives. Auckland receives more than 15,000 reports of roaming dogs each year and more than 1,300 recorded dog attacks on people. Similar numbers of attacks on other animals are also reported annually.Animal Management manager Elly Waitoa said reducing the dog population is critical if Auckland wants fewer roaming dogs, fewer dog bites, and less strain on shelters. “Every dog desexed today prevents countless unwanted litters in the future,” she said.The programme has two initiatives. An in-house desexing clinic in Henderson was established in June 2025. A desexing voucher partnership with the SPCA launched in April 2025.The Henderson clinic is led by veterinarian Dr Roz Holland. The clinic removes a major barrier for many owners, cost, and includes a pick-up and drop-off service. The service mainly supports owners referred by shelter teams, animal management officers, and organisations already helping families who need extra support, such as assistance with food or veterinary care.The free service has also been offered in neighbourhoods with higher numbers of roaming dogs, with strong uptake. Dr Holland said some owners are hesitant at first, and staff take time to talk things through, answer questions, and build trust.The SPCA partnership trial currently involves 18 veterinary clinics. Animal Management officers can issue desexing vouchers in the field using mobile devices.For Hibiscus Coast households needing extra support, the Henderson clinic offers free desexing with pick-up and drop-off.Funding comes from infringements under the Dog Control Act. That means responsible owners who register and manage their dogs correctly are not paying for the programme.The desexing initiatives sit within a wider action plan that also includes stronger compliance, community education, partnerships, and advocacy for changes to the Dog Control Act.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Time magazine ranked 500 universities using three measures: academic capacity and performance (60 percent), innovation and economic impact (30 percent), and global engagement (10 percent). University of Auckland scored 67.63 for innovation and economic impact, 62.84 for academic capacity and performance, and 57.4 for global engagement, for a total score of 63.73. The methodology also emphasised societal and economic impact, international reach, and student success such as patenting inventions or moving into business leadership roles.Professor Rod McNaughton. Photo: SuppliedProfessor Rod McNaughton said the “real significance” is what the ranking reveals about New Zealand’s innovation capability, and that the university would rank about 20 places higher if ranked only on innovation. He said it sits in a similar innovation-impact band to the University of Sydney, Boston University and the University of Manchester.For Hibiscus Coast readers weighing up New Zealand study options, this list has one local headline. University of Auckland is the only New Zealand university in the top 100, with University of Otago at 155, University of Canterbury at 258 and Victoria University of Wellington at 260.Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater. Photo: SuppliedVice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said the ranking reflects growing international recognition for the university’s academic and research activity, and its ability to translate that strength into innovation and economic impact. The top ten were University of Oxford, Yale University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Harvard University, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Twelve-month prescriptions for long-term medications take effect from today.Patients can now get a script for up to 12 months of medication - up from three - with their doctor's permission.People with 12-month prescriptions will still need to collect their medication every three months, so the changes will not reduce their overall number of visits.Pharmacists remain concerned. Some have previously told RNZ that explaining the changes, and getting used to a new system, will only add to their already heavy workload when staff are in short supply.Gemma Perry-Waterhouse, who owns Sanders Pharmacy in Te Awamutu, said a shortage of pharmacists would make explaining the new system while keeping up with other responsibilities challenging."There has been a decline in the number of pharmacies in New Zealand, and there's a serious workforce issue. We don't have enough pharmacists."We are concerned about this rollout and how much time it will take to explain to all patients what to expect with 12-month scripts; the fact that it isn't for everyone, that their doctor needs to decide that."Be kind to your pharmacy if you're popping in to talk about a 12-month script and what to expect, because we're all under a lot of pressure at the moment."In announcing the plan, Health Minister Simeon Brown said the previous system "creates unnecessary barriers for patients on stable, long-term medications like asthma inhalers, insulin for diabetes, and blood pressure tablets."It means added costs for patients and more paperwork for health professionals, taking time away from patients with more urgent or complex needs…"It's a win-win for patients and the health system - fewer avoidable hospitalisations, better health outcomes and reduced long-term costs."Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Happy Sunday, Coasties! Grab a coffee and settle in.This is your essential 5-minute download of the week's most read Hibiscus Coast news and updates. Don't miss a thing!Auckland Congestion Charges Move Closer, Council StudiesRead more →Auckland Job Ads Dip, SEEK ReportsRead more →Manly Stanmore Bay Post Shops Lose ServicesRead more →Whangaparaoa Rockpool Limits, Shane Jones DecidesRead more →Penlink February Closures, SH1 Night DiversionsRead more →Never miss a beat again. Get instant alerts and local updates delivered straight to your pocket.Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for news, jobs, events, and essential community info, anytime, anywhere.

MoneyHub says the median New Zealand salary is $69,836, with a 16% gender pay gap.MoneyHub’s analysis of Stats NZ data puts the median at $69,836, up from $45,760 in 2015. It estimates real wage gains of about 15–20% after inflation. The average annual salary is $81,484, and the median hourly rate is $34.25.The analysis says earnings peak at ages 45–49, with a median of $81,900. It also says the gender pay gap is 16.0% nationally, down from 25.5% in 2010, and the widest age gap is 20.9% for 50–54 year olds.For Coasties, Auckland at a $72,800 median, behind Wellington at $76,544. The lowest listed region is Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough/West Coast at $63,232.MoneyHub says the full breakdowns, including age, regional gender gaps, and ethnicity data, are in its guide “NZ Average Salary Statistics”.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland Airport has unveiled a 3m Lego model to mark 60 years since opening on Thursday, January 29.The model shows the original 1960s terminal and the future integrated terminal.It is on display at the international terminal, level one.Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said: “Auckland Airport is a story of community, connection, and commerce.”Auckland Airport says almost half a billion travellers, 458 million, have passed through since it opened on Thursday, January 29, 1966.Auckland Airport 1966 Grand Air Pageant. Photo: SuppliedTraveller numbers rose from 700,000 in 1966 to 18.9 million in 2025.Freight grew from 8,300 tonnes of domestic and international cargo in 1966 to more than 169,000 tonnes of international cargo in 2025.For Hibiscus Coast residents travelling through Auckland Airport, the lego display is inside the international terminal and is now part of the airport’s public space.Lego builder Jon-Paul Hansen. Photo: SuppliedThe airport says its $5.7 billion, 10-year capital plan to 2032 is building an integrated domestic and international terminal, with an indoor walk between domestic jet services and international flights.What’s next is continued construction.The airport says about 1,500 construction workers are on site each day, peaking at 2,500, as work progresses on the new domestic jet terminal and other upgrades.Watch the video: Auckland Airport history and the Lego build celebrating 60 years.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

That first-round feeling is back, equal parts focus and nerves.Hibiscus Coast rider Logan Rowell starts his New Zealand Superbikes national campaign in Christchurch at Euromarque Motorsport Park on Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 1, racing in the Supersport 600 class.He arrives with form already on the board from the Suzuki International Series, including P3 at Round 2 at Circuit Chris Amon at Manfeild, plus a double P4 at Round 1 at Taupo Motorsport Park.Moving up to the 600 class has changed the whole equation.The bike costs more to build and run, and there are more consumables like tyres, fuel, and brake pads, plus extra safety gear such as an airbag vest.Logan Rowell, and Cameron Leslie. Photo: Ninja PhotographyOn track, he says the speed and intensity lift again, with more variables and tougher competition.He has made a clear step forward in braking and corner speed.He is still chasing that perfect drive out of corners, which he puts down to how committed he is prepared to be on the throttle.“I feel ready, the time has finally come to start my national campaign. After a strong Suzuki International Series I feel ready to bring the fight to the front and show everyone what im capable of.”Photo: ASP Photography Looking ahead, his home round is Hampton Downs Motofest on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Tickets are listed at nzsuperbikeseries.co.nz/motofestbikeshow.Logan says to come find him and the Double Six Motorsport team and say hi.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

The head of an Auckland high school is defending high uniform costs, arguing it is in students’ best interests.Westlake Boys High School headmaster Paul Fordham told Morning Report while he acknowledged the start of the year was an expensive time for families, wearing a uniform was more economical long-term.“It’s a high-quality uniform that we believe to be quite accessible. The fact that it’s high-quality means it lasts longer.“I know there’s some commentary around school uniforms and the cost attached to that, but it means there’s no other clothing required to be purchased for school throughout the year.”The Westlake Boys uniform set, which includes a formal blazer, costs roughly $550 a year – a similar cost to several other high schools.Fordham said there were also social and cultural benefits to requiring a uniform.“Boys at our school are proud to wear the uniform. It gives them a strong sense of identity and belonging.“It aligns with our school image. We consider ourselves a relatively high-performing, conservative, traditional boys’ school.“The uniform being a shirt, a tie, and a blazer, when the boys put that on to come to school each day, they’re prepared and ready to go and understand the expectations of the school and the school day ahead of them.“I believe it contributes to a better learning environment.The school also expected students to wear their blazers at assemblies twice a week and at special events throughout the year.“They also wear them as extra layers of clothing,” Fordham said.“They might wear that as an alternative to a jersey or a jumper in winter. It’s a really warm garment to be wearing.”He said the school sold second-hand uniforms at a lower cost and families could both buy and sell uniform pieces.Education Minister Erica Stanford told The Post on Tuesday it was up to “individual schools to make sure that school uniforms are affordable for families, and it’s my expectation that they do that”.“I have noticed that other countries are moving in that direction, and it’s certainly something I’ll take a look at.”Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Penlink construction has moved past one million cubic metres of earth, with February night diversions set for SH1.Teams returned on Monday, January 5, to keep building the new highway linking Whangaparaoa with State Highway 1.Much of the progress is in earthworks that are not easy to see from the road.A behind-the-scenes video features the engineers working on this stage.In February, work continues on the new SH1 connection near Ara Weiti Road.A base for future signage over SH1 is planned, along with removal of temporary barriers and installation of permanent concrete barriers.Northbound lanes on SH1 will be closed at night for about three weeks, with northbound traffic diverted between Oteha Valley Road and Silverdale.Hibiscus Coast drivers should also expect short-term one-lane sections on key local routes.East Coast Road will drop to one lane for about one week during daytime hours in mid-February.In Stillwater, part of Duck Creek Road will run as a single lane under traffic lights while a retaining wall and drainage are built.In Whangaparaoa, some nights will see parts of Whangaparaoa Road reduced to one lane for wastewater pipe installation and asphalt works.Other February work includes bridge construction over East Coast Road, stormwater pipe installation along Ara Weiti Road, base layers for the new motorway offramp, and widening of Ara Weiti Road.A 104 metre concrete retaining wall is also starting in Whangaparaoa, alongside base layers and underground services visible from Whangaparaoa Road.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Community pharmacies serving the Hibiscus Coast are preparing for 12-month prescriptions from Sunday, February 1, with no detail yet on how dispensing will be reimbursed.From February 1, people with stable long-term conditions such as asthma and diabetes will be eligible for 12-month prescriptions, up from a three-month limit. The change is intended to reduce GP visits and lower costs for patients by allowing medicines to be paid for or collected less frequently.Sector leaders say the public funding model needs urgent reform so pharmacies can be financially sustainable from dispensing and clinical services alone, rather than relying on retail margins to support core healthcare functions.Zoom Health director David Taylor says the shift adds uncertainty for pharmacies already under pressure. He says retail cross-subsidy is no longer sustainable, particularly for New Zealand-owned community pharmacies competing with large discount operators.Te Whatu Ora data cited in the statement shows rising demand. As at September 2025, 1,806,836 New Zealanders were using community pharmacy services each month, up from 1,693,515 in September 2022. Pharmacies dispensed 98.6 million prescription items annually over the same period, up 4.4 percent year on year.Capacity has moved the other way. The number of community pharmacies fell to 1,069 in September 2025, down from 1,091 in September 2022. Workforce constraints are also flagged, with the statement citing around 8 pharmacists per 10,000 people in mid-2025, compared with about 9.4 in Australia and around 11 per 10,000 in Canada and the United States. It also cites regional gaps including Tasman at around 2.5 pharmacists per 10,000 people and Northland at about 6.8 per 10,000.Long-term condition demand is rising. Te Whatu Ora data cited shows publicly funded long-term condition medicine management services increased from 144,733 people in September 2022 to 170,078 in September 2025.Zoom Health pharmacist and director Din Redzepagic says declining physical access can increase the risk of missed doses, delayed treatment, and avoidable deterioration in health. He also says pharmacies have become an essential provider of vaccination services, and reduced access can push more pressure back onto general practice.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the immediate change is eligibility for 12-month prescriptions for stable long-term conditions from Sunday, February 1. Sector leaders are calling for a funding structure that recognises dispensing and clinical work, so access remains reliable as demand grows.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

If someone on the Hibiscus Coast searches for what you do, they should find you in seconds, not scroll past and give up.That is the point of the Hibiscus Coast App’s Local Businesses directory.It puts your key details in one place, so locals and visitors can quickly decide who to call, where to go, or what to book.That matters when someone is searching between Milldale and Gulf Harbour and wants to choose fast.We have added more Featured Listings over summer, and it has been a good reminder that “being good” is not enough if you are hard to find.A few of the newer Featured Listings show the range.NZHL (Brett Haeger), based in Silverdale, supports locals with home loan structuring and practical insurance advice for first home buyers, refinancers and investors.Studio Pilates Silverdale offers 40-minute Reformer workouts with an instructor present, from early morning to evening, plus a 6-classes-for-$60 intro offer for new clients.Auto Service Centre HBC does servicing, repairs and WOFs for Whangaparaoa locals, with diagnostics and EFI work, and courtesy cars if booked ahead.SBA Accounting Silverdale helps small businesses and rental property owners with bookkeeping, GST, tax returns, end-of-year financials, and Xero setup and support.If you want that kind of visibility, a Featured Listing is $87 + GST per quarter.It gives you priority placement and a full profile, including links, a map pin, and photos.If you are ready, use the “Create Featured Listing” link and we will do the setup for you.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

State Highway 1 between the Orewa interchange and Silverdale interchange will close southbound overnight on Sunday, February 1.NZTA says the full southbound closure is for general maintenance, running between 9pm and 5am. The Orewa (Grand Drive) southbound on-ramp, Millwater (Wainui Road) southbound on-ramp, and the Silverdale southbound off-ramp will also be closed, with signposted detours in place.For Hibiscus Coast drivers heading south late Sunday night, this means a longer trip and changed access from Orewa, Millwater, and Silverdale. NZTA notes ramp closures and lane restrictions may start before the advertised mainline closure times.NZTA’s recommended detour for light vehicles is via Grand Drive, West Hoe Road, Florence Ave, Centreway Road, and Twin Coast Discovery Highway to the Silverdale southbound on-ramp. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will not be able to use Grand Drive during the closure and must exit at Pohuehue Road, Warkworth, then take Old SH1 to Twin Coast Discovery Highway.On Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3, NZTA says there will be southbound lane restrictions between the Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road, from 9pm to 5am, for safety improvement works near the southbound lanes. Traffic will be able to travel south at all times, with drivers asked to slow down and follow traffic management instructions.NZTA also advises a separate SH1 O Mahurangi Penlink project closure, with a full northbound closure between Oteha Valley Road and Silverdale interchange from Sunday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 4, between 9pm and 5am.This work is weather dependent and NZTA says dates may change. Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Auckland Council says using AI to help sort through bins will make the region's rubbish management more cost-effective.Almost a third of Auckland's recycling now ends up in landfill, and the council said it was costing ratepayers about $3.5 million a year.Auckland Council general waste manager Justine Hayes said that people putting the wrong items in the recycling bin was a big problem."We are getting rubbish in the recycling bins, which essentially means that the sorting process takes longer, and we have to pay to dispose of that rubbish in a landfill rather than recycling it."We're seeing people bagging recyclable items that unfortunately end up going into the rubbish, and nappies and soft plastics are unfortunately a common find in recycling bins."Hayes said the council conducting inspections and giving warning notices before confiscating bins, had been effective, but the new AI technology they had started using would speed up this process."AI is being trialled to see whether we can monitor the recycling that's coming into the truck. Through the use of AI, we can pick up the contamination as it enters the truck instead of having to inspect every bin manually."She said the AI technology would help them focus on areas where rubbish contamination was highest.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Positive sign for the economy: Stats NZ says New Zealand’s annual exports reached a record $80.7b in 2025.Total exports were valued at $80.7 billion in the year ended December 2025. Stats NZ said this is the first time annual exports have reached $80 billion.The value of total exports increased by $9.9 billion, or 14 percent, compared with the year ended December 2024.Stats NZ international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said milk powder, butter, and cheese led the rise in exports, up $4.2 billion (21 percent) to $24.3 billion in the year ended December 2025.Ward said milk powder was up $1.6 billion and milk fats, including butter, were up $1.4 billion in the same period. She said the increase in milk powder, cheese, and butter was primarily due to higher unit prices.Ward said milk powder, butter, and cheese made up 30 percent of annual exports in December 2025.Meat and edible offal were the second largest value change, increasing by $1.8 billion to $10.4 billion in the year ended December 2025.The largest value increases for meat and edible offal exports by destination were the United States, up $379 million (15 percent), and the United Kingdom, up $343 million (69 percent) in the year ended December 2025. Ward said meat contributed to the largest proportion of increases in exports to the United Kingdom.For the Hibiscus Coast, if export prices stay high, more money can flow into local suppliers and local spending.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have for us.Friday, 30/1Fine with some cloud, sou’wester breezes ease.High: 25Low: 17Saturday, 31/1Sun and cloud, breezy nor’wester at times, sou’wester may develop late.High: 26Low: 17Sunday, 1/2Mostly sunny, sou’wester breezes ease during the afternoon.High: 27Low: 17Monday, 2/2Partly cloudy, afternoon showers develop, northerlies swing westerly later.High: 27Low: 16See the full Weather section in the app for:🌊 Tides🌬️ Wind☔ Rain radar🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and more.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need for the region, accessible at any time and from any location.

A quarter of New Zealand's peak electricity use could be shifted to times of lower demand, lowering household bills and saving up to $3 billion in infrastructure investment, a new report has found.The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), which commissioned the analysis, said lower network costs from shifting demand should flow through to households and businesses.Households had the most potential to shift their demand, but some industrial processes and manufacturing could also make changes with the right financial incentives, the report found.New Zealand's electricity demands will grow by 35 to 82 percent by 2050, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment estimated last year.Upgrades to accommodate growing demand could cost tens of billions of dollars, EECA chief executive Marco Pelenur said.The electricity network is built to handle peak demand, which only occurs a few times a day for short intervals. Spreading the power load could help to defer or avoid increasing demand capacity."This [analysis] shows we could save billions as a country just by moving when we use power."Rooftop solar and batteries could help shift household demand, but much lower-cost measures - that would also save households money - were also available.That included Wi-Fi-enabled devices that could be retrofitted to most hot water cylinders and heat pumps for a few hundred dollars.The devices, which are being trialled by EECA in hundreds of households at the moment, allow users to control appliances remotely, such as switching on a heat pump in the late afternoon before peak demand kicks in, so a house could already be warm when people arrive home."The early results from the pilots show households are saving on their bills right now - and that doesn't include the system benefits of deferring network upgrades," Pelenur said.Peak demand savings would be even bigger if flexible energy use were enabled at scale, and people were paid directly for shifting electricity use off-peak, EECA said.University of Auckland professor Nirmal Nair said demand-side flexibility, as proposed in the report, had been "widely touted", but if households and other retail customers were being encouraged to change their usage, then what they were charged should be revisited."Expecting [retail customers] to invest in more technologies to give value to other upstream agents like electricity retailers and distribution companies appears unreasonable, if not unfair."Major electricity users surveyed as part of the report said continued production was their top priority, but many were open to more flexible electricity use if it did not disrupt production, or cost more money than it saved.The report identified food processing in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and North Canterbury, farming in Canterbury and Waikato, and offices in the main centres as having significant potential.That could be achieved with similar technology to households, such as battery installation and 'smart load controllers' to defer electricity usage to lower-demand periods, when it was possible to do so.The report suggested a "robust reward system" to compensate industries for their participation.That could include direct payments, along with long-term energy cost reductions, it said.Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]

New Zealand homeowners who are planning renovations based on AI-generated designs and reality-TV style timelines that have little resemblance to real-world building requirements are unnecessarily exposing themselves to significant financial risk, according to a leading construction expert.Reagan Langeveld, director of Symphony Construction and a Master Builders gold award winner, says digital design apps and media entertainment formats are oversimplifying the building process at a time when homeowners need accurate guidance.He says AI design tools and renovation reality shows are making the situation worse by presenting versions of the building process that do not reflect compliance requirements or regional differences.“AI can generate a perfect room but it cannot tell you what is inside your walls or whether your local council sees the work as exempt from resource consents. It has no understanding of load paths, moisture management or plumbing locations and it cannot flag when a design triggers additional compliance in one region but not in another.“As a result, homeowners are being shown digital concepts and edited television timelines that ignore the complexities of structural planning, waterproofing standards, trades coordination and regulatory obligations.“Reality TV renovation shows add to the problem by making construction look fast and simple. What you see on screen is the highlight reel. Behind the scenes there are engineers, inspectors and weeks of preparation that never make it to air. None of it reflects the actual process for renovating or building a home,” he says.Langeveld says the surge in AI home-design tools has created a growing misconception that construction is simply a matter of selecting styles and layouts from a digital catalogue.“These tools skip the messy parts. They do not know what is structurally possible and don’t factor in how the plumbing and ventilation will actually run through a house. They can show homeowners a flawless visual but they cannot tell them how to build it, how long it will take or what compliance steps sit in the background,” he says.Langeveld says builders are seeing an increasing number of AI-generated renovation plans that cannot be constructed without significant redesign. That includes layouts that interfere with bracing lines, cabinetry that covers structural fixings, and bathroom concepts that simply do not work with existing plumbing runs.“Homeowners come to us with beautiful digital images that look achievable at first glance, but once you strip back the layers you find structural conflicts, missing drainage, or design elements that are impossible to deliver safely,” he says.Langeveld says overseas research shows renovation reality shows compress timelines for television and rely on off-camera labour, subsidised materials and rapid-fire editing that misrepresents what a renovation actually requires.“When people watch a bathroom or kitchen transformation completed between ad breaks, they naturally assume the real thing should be just as straightforward. They do not see the engineering reviews, the sequencing of trades or the inspections that make up the bulk of a real project.”He says the combination of AI visuals and TV simplification is creating a “renovation optimism bias” that leaves homeowners unprepared for real pricing, lead times and technical requirements.“It creates a gap between expectation and reality that always lands on the homeowner. They are basing decisions on a fantasy workflow that does not exist outside of an app or a television set.”Langeveld is urging homeowners to seek professional advice early, before committing to a design or budget.“Talk to your builder first. It is the fastest way to understand what is possible, what is compliant and what it will really take to deliver a safe, durable and well-executed renovation.”Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]