Startups have always been at the forefront of innovation.But factors such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and decentralisation are set to reshape industries in 2025.Businesses are defined as startups when they are in the initial stages of development.They are characterised by the potential for rapid growth and external funding.And they are also sensitive to economic shifts and investment uncertainty.For Australia and New Zealand, startups play an important role in overcoming geographic and market constraints.They can also help address both countries' persistent productivity challenges.Industry body Startup Genome estimates Sydney's startup ecosystem was worth US$72 billion in 2024 with more than 3000 startups.New Zealand's ecosystem is valued at $9 billion across 2400 startups.Both Australia and New Zealand have weathered global challenges such as recent slowdowns in investment activity when startups struggled to secure funding.But venture investments in both countries recovered well in 2024 compared to elsewhere.And the outlook for 2025 is cautiously optimistic.Global trends in 2025As global trends reshape industries, local startups could take the lead.Here are eight key trends set to define their path in 2025.Generative AI: driving creativity and efficiencyGenerative AI - a type of artificial intelligence technology that can produce text, images and audio - helps firms to automate complex tasks, create personalised user experiences and lower costs.The challenge will be to balance rapid innovation with ethical considerations around data privacy, bias and environmental impact.Businesses that demonstrate transparency and accountability are more likely to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.Sustainability: a competitive advantageSustainability has evolved from a compliance requirement to a strategic benefit.Globally, carbon capture and green technology are attracting record investments.Sustainability drives some of the most innovative solutions in Australia and New Zealand, where climate resilience is a critical issue.The rise of sustainable startups aligns with growing consumer expectations and government incentives.Health tech: the personalisation revolutionHealth tech is undergoing a profound shift, moving from reactive care to proactive, personalised solutions.In 2025, personalisation will continue to influence healthcare.Startups using AI and data analytics to improve outcomes and accessibility are likely to see growth.Remote work evolutionThe shift to remote and hybrid work has reshaped business operations worldwide.This is particularly the case in the aftermath of the global pandemic.Tools that enhance productivity and enable startups and big companies alike to build global teams will help businesses access talent across borders.Decentralisation: blockchain beyond cryptocurrencyBlockchain technology is moving beyond its roots in cryptocurrency and is now integral to transparency, efficiency and data security.Decentralised applications, which run on blockchain technology and rely on peer-to-peer networks, are changing how businesses do things in areas like finance, healthcare and entertainment.Space tech: scaling the final frontierSpace technology is no longer the exclusive domain of government agencies.Startups such as New Zealand's Rocket Lab are increasing access to space.Australian company Fleet Space Technologies is deploying nanosatellites to improve connectivity in remote industries like mining and agriculture.Diversity in funding and leadershipGlobally, funding disparities remain a challenge for underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship, including women, Indigenous peoples and minority communities.Startups led by these groups often receive a fraction of the funding allocated to their counterparts, limiting their ability to scale and compete.Female-led startups, for example, attract less than 3 percent of venture capital.Indigenous and minority entrepreneurs frequently face unique barriers such as limited access to networks and culturally tailored support.Programs designed to address these inequities can play an transformative role.These initiatives include those aimed at women founders, offering mentorship, funding and business development resources.Similar programs for cultural groups providing funding and culturally aligned advisory services are also important.In 2025, systemic barriers will continue to attract attention, with increasing demands for startups to be more diverse and inclusive.Alternative financing modelsIn the face of a continuing economic downturn, startups will likely continue to explore alternative financing models to fund growth without sacrificing significant equity.Traditional venture capital often leaves gaps, especially for early-stage ventures or those in underserved sectors.Bootstrapping, where founders self-fund and grow sustainably, continues to be a cornerstone for many entrepreneurs.However, crowdfunding platforms are evolving rapidly.Other options allow startups to engage directly with their communities and raise significant capital while building customer loyalty.In 2025, new fintech developments and AI-driven platforms could streamline access to grants, loans and investment opportunities, making funding faster and more accessible.These changes are set to expand the range of options for founders, reducing reliance on traditional venture capital and creating a more inclusive and dynamic funding ecosystem.Startups as catalysts for changeStartups will continue to experience greater than usual uncertainty and must navigate the complexities of 2025, tackling global challenges with local ingenuity.They will continue to reshape industries and address critical economic and environmental issues, harnessing generative AI, advancing green technologies and innovating financing models.However, to succeed, startups must prioritise inclusivity and support innovative funding approaches to ensure broad-based participation in technology-driven growth.By Rod McNaughton, professor of entrepreneurship, University of Auckland.

TikTok's breakneck rise from a niche video-sharing app to a global social media behemoth has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly over its links to China.In Washington, the platform has been accused of espionage.The European Union suspects it was used to sway Romania's presidential election in favour of a far-right candidate.And now Albania has banned it for a year, Prime Minister Edi Rama calling it the "thug of the neighbourhood".Here are the main controversies surrounding TikTok.Albania: minimum one-year banAlbanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Saturday the government would shut down social network TikTok for at least a year from 2025.The move came less than a month after a 14-year-old student was killed and another injured in a fight near a school in Tirana.The fight had developed from an online confrontation on social media.Romania: suspected influence campaignThe EU is probing whether far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu's surprise victory in the first round of Romania's presidential election was aided by Russian meddling and "preferential treatment" by TikTok.It is the third investigation the commission has launched against TikTok, which risks fines of up to six percent of its global turnover.The platform said it had taken "robust actions" to tackle election-related misinformation.Russia has denied interfering in the vote.US: sell-off pressureThe United States in April passed a law obliging TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell off the platform by 19 January on the grounds it allowed China to access data on US users.If not, the platform would be banned in the United States - denying TikTok its claimed 170 million users in the countries.TikTok admitted ByteDance employees in China had accessed Americans' data but it has denied giving data to the Chinese authorities.To protect data, the US government, the European Commission and Britain's government had already banned TikTok from their employees' work devices in 2023.Australia: teenage banTikTok was among the many platforms targeted by a landmark law passed in Australia in November banning those under 16 from accessing social media.Social media firms that fail to comply with the law face fines of up to AU$50m (NZ$55.2m) for "systemic breaches".TikTok said it was "disappointed" by the Australian legislation, claiming it could push young people to the "darker corners of the internet".Nearly a third of TikTok users are between 10 and 19 years old, according to the Wallaroo agency.EU: engagement feature ditchedIn August, the company, under pressure from EU regulators, was forced to ditch a feature in its TikTok Lite spinoff in France and Spain rewarding users for time spent in front of their screens.In that rewards programme, users aged 18 and over could earn points to exchange for goods like vouchers or gift cards by liking and watching videos.It was accused by the EU of potentially having "very addictive consequences".TikTok's editing features and powerful algorithm have kept it ahead of the game, attracting an army of creators and influencers as well as creating many of its own.TikTok and ByteDance employees also manually increase the number of views on certain content, according to a report in Forbes.TikTok has said manual promotion only affects a tiny fraction of recommended videos.DisinformationThe app is regularly accused of putting users in danger with the spread of hazardous "challenge" videos.Several children have reportedly died while trying to replicate the so-called blackout challenge, which involves users holding their breath until they pass out.And, around one-fifth of videos on topical issues such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine were found to be fake or misleading in a study by the misinformation group NewsGuard.AFP, along with more than a dozen fact-checking organisations, is paid by TikTok in several countries in Asia and Oceania, Europe, the Middle East and Spanish-speaking Latin America to verify for internal moderation videos that potentially contain false information.The videos are removed by TikTok if the information is shown to be false by AFP teams.By Jules Bonnard for AFP

Let's be real – running a small business on the Hibiscus Coast isn't just a job, it's a passion.And in today’s digital world, that passion needs a powerful voice.The reality: businesses that aren’t mastering content are becoming invisible. Content is the language of growth – it's how you stand out in a noisy digital landscape.We know the struggle. Limited time and tighter budgets make it hard, but smart, practical strategies can help you connect, compete, and convert in 2025.Here are three actionable ways to transform your business, even with limited resources:1. Your Google Business Profile: Your Digital StorefrontThink of your Google Business Profile as the digital window display for your business.Most potential customers will check you out here before they even step foot in your store.Quick Wins That Actually Work:Review Hustle: Ask happy customers for reviews. Make it easy and personal.Response is King: Respond to all reviews, even negative ones. It shows you care.Keep It Fresh: Regularly update business hours, contact info, and photos.2. Email Marketing: Not Dead, Just SmarterForget those spammy newsletters.We're talking about emails that people actually want to read.Your Email Game Plan:Irresistible Sign-Up Incentives: Offer discounts, guides, or local tips.Speak Directly to Them: Personalise content based on audience segments.Value, Value, Value: Share useful tips and insights – make your emails feel like friendly messages, not sales pitches.3. Advertise Locally with Precision and ImpactThe Hibiscus Coast App is changing the game for local advertising.This hyperlocal platform lets you connect with potential customers exactly where they are – on their smartphones.With 3-5x higher engagement than traditional media, it’s an opportunity you can’t afford to ignore.Why This Matters:Always-On Audience: The average smartphone user checks their device 58 times per day.Instant Engagement: Your message appears when and where it matters most.Real Insights: Platforms like the Hibiscus Coast App offer real data on who’s engaging with your ads.The Real Numbers (No BS)A recent survey revealed some eye-opening stats about small businesses like yours:Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees spend less than $500/month on marketing.65% of business comes from word-of-mouth.Most businesses spend just 1-10 hours per week on marketing.Over half of small businesses use AI to streamline content creation and social media.Your 2025 Game PlanBe Consistent: Small, steady actions beat sporadic big efforts.Embrace Digital Tools: They’re here to help, not replace you.Stay Connected: Your community is your greatest asset.Ready to Elevate Your Business in 2025?Success begins with strategy. Whether you’re optimising your Google Business Profile, creating impactful email campaigns, or exploring hyperlocal advertising, small, focused actions can lead to transformative results.At Townsquare Media, we specialise in helping businesses like yours achieve sustainable growth through tailored marketing and media solutions. Let’s turn your vision into a data-driven, results-focused strategy. Contact us today to discover how we can help your business thrive.

Auckland Council has been confiscating recycling bins in an effort to stop people throwing rubbish in the wrong bin.104 bins were seized from households from Manurewa, Papakura and Wiri in the first phase of a trial to combat growing contamination of recycling, which ended in May 2024.General manager of Waste Solutions, Justine Haves, said bins were confiscated from residents who repeatedly put rubbish in their recycling bin, even after warnings.Recycling contamination from bagged waste, clothing and textiles was getting worse, Haves said, and intervention was needed."The contamination in recycling actually costs us, it obviously slows down the recycling of good material, and at the moment, contamination is costing us about $3.5 million a year to deal with.""We really need to reduce that and make sure we're getting good recycling through the system, to make sure that the system is working well for all Aucklanders."The trial had varying approaches in four locations, and at least two warnings were served before a bin was taken away."If the contamination has occurred and customers have received a first and second warning, then in some areas of the trial we then remove the bin after the third time of contaminating. So we really try and do the informed phase first, and then the bin removal is the third step," Haves said.Of 1504 total properties in the trial, 1046 put bagged waste or other non-recyclables in their bins and had their bins red-tagged.Three hundred and ninety-two households in three areas - Wiri, Papakura and Manurewa - got a second warning for finding rubbish in the bin again, and repeat offenders in Papakura and Wiri were treated to a door-knock from a council officer or community partner.After that, it's goodbye to the wheelie bin, and hello to a plastic bag for recycling.Haves said the good news is that tagging bins and having conversations with repeat offenders, were helping people recycle better."We're getting more of an impact in areas where we are doing both tagging and conversations. So either with council officers or with our community partners to really help create an understanding of why recycling right helps.""It's really showing that creating understanding for people is just as important as the intervention I guess. So now we are interested in exploring further to how we can make that approach scalable across Auckland to really help reduce our contamination overall."The second phase of the trial is currently being expanded further out to South and West Auckland, and will run until February 28, 2025. After that, council officers will be developing a plan for how to take the strategy to crack-down on waste in the recycling bin to the rest of Auckland.What can go in the recycling bin"We can recycle plastic bottles, trays, and containers, any of those items that are numbered 1, 2 or 5, you can also recycle glass bottles and jars," Haves said.That includes clean food and drinks containers, steel, aluminium and tin cans, and paper and cardboard."One of the things that we don't want in our recycling bins is plastic bags or soft plastics, they get caught in the sorting machines. You may be able to drop these at collection points at local retailers."

Hibiscus Coast residents and all Kiwis will soon benefit from expanded access to funded medicines, thanks to the government’s largest-ever investment in Pharmac. This milestone follows a $6.294 billion allocation over four years to the independent Crown entity responsible for managing New Zealand’s medicine funding.From January 1st 2025, four new treatments will be available through Pharmac, improving care for patients with conditions such as cancer, respiratory issues, and severe infections in young children. The changes result from Pharmac’s recently strengthened funding and a public consultation process that incorporated patient feedback.Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomed the advancements, noting Pharmac’s renewed focus on patient-centred care and resourceful procurement strategies.Associate Health Minister David Seymour.“When this government assumed office, New Zealanders were facing an uncertain future for medicine access. Pharmac had a $1.8 billion funding hole and no new money to increase access to medicines,” said Mr Seymour.The latest government uplift of $604 million has facilitated agreements with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, resulting in the following new treatments being funded:Osimertinib (Tagrisso): A treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu): A therapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.Palivizumab (Synagis): A preventive treatment for RSV in high-risk babies and young children.Breztri Aerosphere: A triple inhaler for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).“Pharmac continues to show what it is capable of when given the support it needs,” Mr Seymour added, highlighting that the procurement process reflected patient voices, aligning with his expectations for 2025.Pharmac’s expanded scope follows a challenging period of budget constraints but demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between government and health agencies. Details of the changes can be found on Pharmac’s official website and communications channels.The government emphasises its commitment to building a world-class health system, with access to world-class medicines forming a critical component of that vision.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Customs has arrested three alleged drug couriers at Auckland International Airport in two separate incidents this week, seizing an estimated 27 kilograms of methamphetamine worth NZ$10.23 million. The two cases are not believed to be related.In the first incident, two men, aged 33 and 39, arrived in Auckland on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, on a flight originating from Toronto, Canada. Following questioning and a search of their luggage, Customs officers found approximately 20.44 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in the 33-year-old’s checked-in suitcase. The bag tag on this suitcase linked it to the 39-year-old man.Both men were scheduled to appear in Manukau District Court on Friday, 3 January 2025, charged with the importation of a Class A controlled drug. The 33-year-old man also faces charges of possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug. This seizure is estimated to have a potential street value of NZ$7.66 million, preventing harm estimated at NZ$21.42 million to New Zealand communities and the economy.In the second case, Customs officers arrested a 59-year-old woman last night, Thursday, 2 January 2025, after her arrival in Auckland on a flight from Honolulu, USA. During a search of her baggage, officers discovered clothing that felt unusually stiff. Border testing confirmed the presence of methamphetamine soaked into the fabric, weighing approximately 6.87 kilograms.The woman is also set to appear in Manukau District Court on Friday, facing charges of importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine seized in this incident is NZ$2.57 million, preventing an additional NZ$7.2 million worth of harm.Paul Williams, Customs Manager at Auckland Airport, praised the efforts of frontline officers and intelligence experts who worked throughout the holiday season to identify and intercept potential drug couriers.“Day three into the new year and Customs has already stopped approximately NZ$10.2 million worth of methamphetamine from causing harm in our communities,” said Williams. “This is a result of the hard work of our frontline officers, supported by intelligence and targeting experts.”Williams also urged travellers to remain vigilant. “Keep your eyes out for suspicious activity, and if you notice anything unusual, report it to a Customs officer,” he said.Anyone with suspicions about potential drug smuggling can contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties, it's time to show your support! Orewa Beach, proudly crowned 'Best City Beach' in New Zealand for two consecutive years, is up for the title again.With nominations now open, locals have the opportunity to make it a three-peat.The NZ Herald, in partnership with Fruju, is on the hunt to find New Zealand's best beaches for 2025.The competition is calling on Kiwis to nominate their favourite beaches before midnight on January 12th, 2025.This is a chance for the Hibiscus Coast community to rally behind Orewa Beach and showcase its beauty to the rest of the country.By casting your vote, you'll be helping to put Orewa firmly on the map as one of New Zealand's top beach destinations.So, Coasties, get online and nominate Orewa Beach today! Click here to cast your vote now!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A major biosecurity operation is underway in South Auckland after an Oriental fruit fly was found in a surveillance trap in a suburban backyard in Papatoetoe, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed.As a result, restrictions are set to be enforced on the movement of fruit and vegetables with trapping and testing stepping up around the Papatoetoe and Mangere areas.Checks of the other 187 traps within this zone did not find any fruit flies.The insect is considered one of the most "destructive and widespread" of all fruit flies, that can jeopardise the country's produce exports if found in New Zealand.Biosecurity NZ spokesperson Mike Inglis said details of the controls and the "exact area affected" will be outlined on Sunday, once an initial investigation had been completed."In the meantime, we ask that people who live and work in the suburb not take any whole fresh fruit and vegetables out of your property."Inglis said previous experience when eradicating different fruit flys suggested other insects could be found."It is important we move quickly, look for any others and eradicate them," he said."We will be ramping up trapping and testing, with daily checks in a 200-metre zone from the original find and three daily testing in a second zone out to 1500m."The Oriental fruit fly is native to Asia but has now spread to many warmer countries, especially as the climate warms.Adult flies lay eggs into fruit and the young stages (maggots) feed inside the fruit, causing it to rot and become unmarketable.The Oriental fruit fly maggots can feed on 300 different fruit and vegetables, particularly apple, guava, mango, peach, and pear.There have been 12 incursions of different fruit flies across Auckland and Northland since 1996 and had all been successfully eradicated courtesy of the work of Biosecurity New Zealand, the horticulture sector, and local communities, Inglis said.MPI's lure-based surveillance trapping network involves about 7900 throughout the country."By setting traps for these pest insects, we are able to find them early, know exactly where the problem is, and respond quickly and effectively," Inglis said.The fruit fly poses no human health risk, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here."The capture of a single male does not mean we have an outbreak. However, while we do our checks for any other fruit flies, we need community help to prevent any possible spread," Inglis said."As a precautionary measure, we'll be putting legal restrictions in place on the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the area where the fruit fly was found."Biosecurity staff will be out on Saturday providing local residents with information."You may notice increased activity in the neighbourhood as we go about inspections and trapping."Our field officers may ask to look at fruit trees on your property."They will always show you a form of official identification and will only enter your property with your permission."

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates from the Hibiscus Coast community.Catch Up on 2024's Top EntertainmentRead moreMoney: Loan Jargon BustedRead moreWhat's Ahead for the Property Market in 2025?Read more Milldale Bridge Nears CompletionRead moreBusiness: New Year Resolutions for BusinessRead moreThank you for exploring The Week That Was. Stay informed and connected with your community by downloading the Hibiscus Coast App today!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

This story has been updated to clarify that RNZ was not permitted to sit on MSD jobseeker seminars in order to protect the privacy of those attendingJobseekers are competing with hundreds of other applicants in a tight labour market, and recruiters warn it is not going to get any easier to land a role.The labour market is expected to become increasingly challenging in 2025, with the number of people on a jobseeker benefit expected to rise before it falls.In a tight employment market, it was important to stand out from the crowd, Frog Recruitment managing director Shannon Barlow said."We're seeing a huge increase in the number of applications per job. If you don't have the relevant skills for that job it can have a negative effect. It's actually a lot better to be targeted in your job search."She said a spray and pray approach would not cut it."Be selective and then put in that extra effort into customising your application, which may just mean studying the ads to see what's most important to the employer and focussing on those areas."Barlow said it was not unusual for a job listing to attract 200 applications, depending on the level, and she was not surprised at reports that some jobs had attracted substantially more.That tight labour market was different to the job losses induced by the pandemic, which were focussed on certain sectors that lost customers due to lockdowns, she said."This time around, it's been more widespread so pretty much every industry has been affected so it's been harder."It was a good time for jobseekers to take stock and reset priorities, Barlow said.It comes as the number of people receiving jobseeker support increased by 8800 in the June quarter to 204,800 in the September quarter.The Ministry of Social Development said economic conditions had contributed to the high number of unemployed people.Meanwhile, a new traffic light system aimed at enforcing beneficiary obligations dramatically increased sanctions handed down to beneficiaries, with 14,400 people losing a percentage of their benefit during the June to September quarter -133 percent higher than the same period in 2023.Most of the sanctions were for people not attending appointments, which included work seminars.MSD runs three seminars aimed at helping people get back into work and from May, those on a jobseeker benefit have been required to attend one of these within two weeks of starting on welfare.RNZ asked to sit in on a seminar but MSD declined, citing the privacy of job seekers attending.Just over 86,000 people on a jobseeker benefit attended a work seminar in a nine-month period last year as a requirement for continued government support.That's less than half the number of people on jobseeker support at any one time.The Kōrero Mahi - Let's talk work seminar is for people new to Jobseeker support. MSD data shows it ran 6102 of these seminars between February and October, which 41,061 people attended.The numbers fluctuate between 4000 to 6000 attendees month to month.A work check-in seminar for people on the benefit more than 26 weeks had 45,627 attendees for the same period.MSD's regional commissioner for North and West Auckland, Daniel Brunt, said getting people into work was the agency's priority."What these seminars do is provide us the ability to talk to people more personally, more directly, and provide them with consistent messaging."Seminar attendees were given information about the support on offer and their obligations while they were on a benefit, he said."There's a range of people in our client base at the moment, some of them need more help and are further from the labour market, some of them have just left the labour market and are looking for an angle to get back in."MSD worked with employers and sectors to offer training to help get people into work, such as in construction, Brunt said."We engage with different industries and specific employers to understand what their needs are and what kind of skills they would like the applicants to have."His top tips for people wanting to get into work were to stay in contact with MSD about their progress and take part in support offered, such as writing a CV and upskilling."There's a real hope that in the new year the economy will shift and will provide people with the opportunity to hire and expand their businesses."

A notable decrease in road deaths has been recorded during the 2024/2025 holiday period, with police reporting a provisional toll of 13, compared to 22 last year.Coasties will be relieved to hear that efforts to improve road safety appear to be paying off, with a significant drop in holiday period road deaths.Director Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally expressed mixed emotions about the result, saying, "While it's fantastic to have seen this number drop, any death on the roads is still one too many."Greally emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in preventing road deaths, stating, "That's still 13 families who have had their lives irrevocably changed at what should be a happy and festive time of year, and our hearts go out to them."Police will maintain a visible presence on roads nationwide this summer, conducting targeted operations and patrols to address unsafe driving practices.Greally urged drivers to play their part in reducing accidents, saying, "Please – make sure everyone in your vehicle is safely buckled up, drive at a safe speed for the conditions under the speed limit, put your cellphone away, and ensure you're driving free of fatigue, alcohol, and drugs."Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

New Year’s Eve – that day we make all sorts of resolutions, often only to start breaking them approximately 24 hours later.But have a look at the following few business ideas, and see how many you can adopt as resolutions for 2025 – and then will stick to as the year goes by….1. To look forward, start by looking back.Review your goals for 2024 – did you achieve them all? Did you achieve any?If not, why not?Use your learnings from this exercise to make sure your goals for 2025 are truly going to make a difference.Targets shouldn’t be so easy to hit that they aren’t really a challenge, but they have to be realistic and within your capabilities at the same time.2. Don’t try to be all things to all people in 2025.Stick to what you know, and what you believe in, and don’t be swayed by others’ strong opinions.3. Don’t say one thing to one person, and the opposite to another especially if they are both members of the same team.Chances are, they will talk to each other.Be consistent in your approach.4. Whatever system you use, keep it up to date.If it’s MYOB, or Xero, or whatever, keep the data input and the reporting current all the time, and above all don’t let the backlog get too big to tackle.5. Use your system to produce reports that are meaningful and useful to you – and then use them.Reporting just out of habit, and using the info, is about as useful as not reporting anything at all.Put yourself in a better place to identify issues well before they become real problems.6. Stay on top of cashflow.Know ahead of time when the pinch points might be, and take as much action as you can to reduce the impact.Sometimes the simplest of actions can make a difference – here’s just one example: change your invoice payment prompt from 20th of the following month to 7 days after invoice – not everyone will meet this last request, but even if just a few do, then your cashflow WILL get better.7. Don’t ignore the creditors – doing so will NOT make them go away unfortunately.Hoping they don’t notice won’t work, nor will not communicating.8. If you have specific known obligations coming up (tax payments for example) and you put money aside for these things regularly, you will find the bills when they do fall due are so much easier to deal with, and you won’t fall behind.9. If you DO put money aside in this way, remember it is solely for the stated purpose and is NOT to be ‘borrowed’ to pay something else that crops up.Yes, I know you intend to put it back before the tax bill is due, but will you?10. When you are paid by a customer, clear the associated materials immediately from the revenue.Or if you haven’t been billed by your supplier yet, then put the money aside and pay the resulting invoice the day it is received (but don’t forget point 9 above)Paying attention to these suggestions may just make the difference your business needs in 2025, so every best wish for the year ahead.And maybe – just maybe – these goals stand a better chance of being met than the usual ones like eating less chocolate, going to the gym regularly and so on.Send me a message on www.matchboxconsulting.co.nz if you’d like to have a chat about all this over a coffee.Happy New Year, from Andrew.

Coasties are eagerly awaiting the completion of the Milldale bridge, a vital infrastructure project connecting John Fair Drive in Milldale to the Highgate Business Park, Silverdale, and Millwater.The bridge is nearing full completion, with Auckland Council's final sign-off expected shortly. Once approved, the bridge will officially open to the public.This new connection promises to enhance travel convenience and boost local economic growth. The community is looking forward to experiencing the benefits of this valuable infrastructure upgrade.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Welcome to 2025! Coasties, here's your first four day weekend weather forecast for the new year:Friday, 3/1Windy, with periods of rain in the morning. Breezy to brisk Westerly winds.High: 22Low: 15Saturday, 4/1Windy and partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk Sou'West winds.High: 21Low: 15Sunday, 5/1Windy and partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 20Low: 13Monday, 6/1Mostly sunny. Breezy to brisk South to Sou'West winds.High: 21Low: 15Looking for more?Check out our Reports section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasEverything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

House prices are expected to increase over the next 12 months, but by how much, and how fast, are still up for debate.The housing market had a flat 2024, as the impact of falling interest rates was offset by uncertainty about the labour market, and large numbers of houses for sale.But economists expect lower interest rates to become more of a force in 2025.Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said he expected house prices to lift 8 percent over the coming year.It would be a relatively sharp change from 2024. "A lot of the indicators of the housing market have shown a pretty significant turnaround because interest rates have fallen quite a long way very quickly."Normal house price growth, over the long term, was about 6.5 percent a year, he said.His forecast was a bit above that - "but not necessarily the boom we have certainly seen in years within the last 15 when prices have gone up 10 percent, 15 percent or even 20 percent per annum. We're not expecting that."He said the large number of properties available for sale should be eroded."There's a very good balance now between demand and supply."Eckhold said the pick-up should start in the first quarter of next year."As we go through next year you've got the combination of improving consumer confidence, interest rates noticeably lower than they have been for three or four years, and a recovering economy."There should also be signs that the labour market had stopped deteriorating, he said."The unemployment rate is expected to peak in the second quarter of next year."Corelogic head of research Nick Goodall said he expected 90,000 transactions in the housing market in 2025, about 10,000 more than 2024."Knowing that when volumes increase, values typically do too, we expect some growth in the market."Corelogic expected 5 percent annual growth in prices.The big difference for 2025 would be interest rates, he said."They're falling now and will be sustainably lower next year as opposed to this year, when they have been constraining for the majority of the year. That's a pretty big difference and will add to demand."The economy was also expected to improve, which was likely to flow through to increasing property prices."But some things that have been constraints will continue to be constraints - there are relatively high listings, decent choice for buyers... and unemployment will increase as well."He said debt-to-income ratios could become a restriction in the second half of the year, too."There is enough that says things will improve in 2024 but there are other restraints which is why we come back to saying 5 percent, not something in the realms of 7 percent to 10 percent that you might otherwise expect if you were told interest rates would be materially lower than this year."ANZ's economists expected house prices to increase 6 percent in the year.Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said he expected a slight upward trend in house sales through until mid-2026, and the annual sales total to lift 3.7 percent in 2025."We expect labour market weakness and sharply slower population growth to be key constraints on activity, limiting the positive effects of lower interest rates and debt-servicing costs on activity levels."However, the mortgage rate cuts and dominance of interest rates driving trends in the housing market over the last five years suggest there could be some upside risks to our sales forecast."'Rental marketAnd what about the renters?Rents have lifted sharply in recent years, particularly as the effects of migration were felt on that market.But the pace softened notably through 2024.Kiernan said the softening labour market was likely to limit rental growth until the middle of the year and weaker net migration would also limit tenant demand through 2026 and 20-27."As a result, rental yields will remain low, keeping investor demand for housing subdued."Eckhold said rents had been rising at unsustainable levels."What we have seen in 2024 is rents decelerate... that's been a feature of a few things, there's been lower population growth - last year we had a big flow of migrants into the country and a lot of those people came into rental properties. We don't have the same impetus this year."Also importantly, wage growth inflation is moderating. The reduced rise in wages and reduced increase in costs on landlords are all factors that mean rents haven't got the upward pressure they had last year."Goodall agreed the population would grow more slowly in 2025 than in recent years."Supply of rental property has been relatively high, too."People might be willing to pay more in rent as the economy improved, but the market was unlikely to take off.It would be interesting to see what happened with new builds, he added.There were signs of consent numbers bottoming out but construction activity was likely to remain weak for some time to come.People who were affected by restrictions such as loan-to-value ratios or debt-to-income restrictions might opt for a new build because they were not captured by the rules.But he said they would want to have confidence that the companies operating them were solid and likely to remain in business for the 12 or 18 months it might take to build a house.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast and across New Zealand are being reminded to prioritise safety on the roads this summer as police efforts to curb road deaths continue.Provisional figures show 289 road fatalities in 2024, a significant decrease from 341 the previous year. While the reduction is notable, authorities stress that any loss of life on the roads is too many.Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, highlighted the ongoing commitment of officers to prevent fatal and serious crashes.“Our officers have done, and are doing, as much as humanly possible out on the roads working to reduce the number of death and serious-injury crashes,” Superintendent Greally said.A key focus has been on enforcing speed limits and conducting alcohol breath tests. Police have more than doubled the number of breath tests conducted in recent years, with more than 4 million tests expected by the end of the financial year in June 2025.Operation Open Roads, launched in December 2022, has contributed to the reduction in severe accidents. Increased enforcement has raised the likelihood of offenders being caught, and motorists are being warned not to expect leniency.“Our frontline is passionate about preventing serious crashes,” said Superintendent Greally. “So if you are one of those people who is determined to put people’s lives at risk and you are caught, you should not expect a warning.”Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices, including wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, and driving without impairment from fatigue, alcohol, or drugs.As summer travel ramps up, police are urging patience and vigilance to ensure everyone arrives safely at their destinations.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties looking to restock or tackle those DIY projects on New Year's Day can breathe a sigh of relief, with several local retailers remaining open.A quick check of local shopping hours revealed Mitre 10 MEGA Silverdale will close its doors at 7 pm. Liquorland stores in Manly and Whangaparaoa will welcome shoppers until 8 pm.For those needing to stock up on groceries, Pak'nSave supermarket will close at 7 pm, while Woolworths Supermarkets will remain open until 8 pm. New World Supermarkets will have the latest closing time, shutting up shop at 9 pm.And for those seeking a break from the rain, BurgerFuel Silverdale is open for online orders, or eat-in lunch or dinner until 10 pm tonight.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

If you're new to the world of borrowing money, it might seem like we're speaking another language! The loan industry is filled to the brim with words that seem to be designed to make things unclear, instead of the opposite. Hopefully this will help untangle the jargon and make it easy for you to understand the ins and outs of loans. Here are some words you will likely come across: Arrears If your loan or account is "in arrears", that means that you've missed one or more payment. You want to avoid being in arrears – it's not great for your credit score and can ultimately cause further fees. If you think you might fall behind on repayments, it's a good idea to contact your lender as soon as possible. Asset An "asset" is something of long-term value that is owned by you, or your business. This is often also called "collateral". Common personal assets are your home and car. If you're in business, you might own office computers or factory equipment. Authority In loan terms, giving authority means giving permission - not putting someone in charge. When we set up a direct debit for your loan repayments, we will request payment authority. When you grant this authority, you are saying that we are allowed to withdraw money from your bank account, on a regular schedule and at a pre-set amount. CCCFA This is NZ legislation that lays out many of the rules for both parties in a contract for consumer finance (its full name is Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act). The most important job of the legislation is to protect consumers from being taken advantage of when taking out a loan and to make sure you're given the opportunity to fully understand what you're signing. Co-borrower This refers to someone who will join you in signing the loan contract. The reason for including a co-borrower are varied, and the co-borrower has the same legal responsibilities under the loan as the borrower. Credit Score or credit history Credit scores are like haircuts: we all have one, and some are better than others! Your credit score is a number between 1 and 1000 that gives lenders an idea of what your previous financial history is like, along with how good you are at paying your bills. Most credit scores are between 300 and 850; if yours is above 500 you're doing OK. Credit scores are based on everything you've done financially in the past - so if you've had a loan, buy now / pay later or internet bill and paid it off on time, then that's a good thing for your credit score. Having a negative history - like a bankruptcy, debt collection, or a lot of missed payments - lowers your overall score. If you have a good credit score, it will be easier to borrow money and it may assist in getting a better interest rate. Was the above useful? We hope this has helped you to cut through some of the jargon - it's important to us that you understand the language and feel comfortable and confident about your lending. If we've missed something, or there's another term you'd like to know more about, please call in and talk to us or give us a quick call. You are protected by responsible lending laws. Because of these protections, the content above is not regulated financial advice. This means that duties and requirements imposed on people who give financial advice do not apply to this content. This includes a duty to comply with a code of conduct and a requirement to be licensed. As this is part 1 of 3 instalments, if you feel you want to know the rest now, don't hesitate to email us at [email protected] for the full Loan Jargon Buster!

The New Year is here and thousands of us will be sitting down and writing out our New Years Resolutions. And, you know the drill, within two weeks they will be forgotten as we get caught up in the daily grind of life. Our fresh enthusiasm for the New Year will be gone and long forgotten.Don't let this happen to you!Instead, why not ditch your New Years Resolutions altogether and focus on just one big goal (or Gulp!)? Maybe its time to switch careers, or travel the world, or change something in your relationships. Whatever your goal is, don't let it fizzle.Make it happen and stay on track by following this 7-day crash course designed to help you master fear and break through any challenge:STEP 1: DARE & DEFYPut a stake in the ground and commit to doing it. I call this Daring & Defying. Write down your One Big Gulp! on a post-it note and put it somewhere where you can see it every day. Tell your friends about and make sure you set a deadline (gulp!).STEP 2: BREAKDOWN & BREAKTHROUGH FEARIt's natural to feel afraid because you're stepping outside your comfort zone and into the void of the unknown. The thing with fear is it starts in the mind and is triggered by your thoughts and what you imagine might happen. So imagine the worst, and then put strategies in place to make sure it never happens. And then imagine the best possible outcome and focus on creating that.STEP 3: CENTER & CONNECT TO YOUR COREWhen you calm your mind and create space and stillness, not only do you connect to your inner sage, that wise old voice within, it means you can actually hear it! When you do things that are aligned to your soul, there is no fear, there is just an inner knowingness of what feels right. So spend time walking in nature, listening to relaxing music, doing a Pilates class or meditating. And then listen closely to your inner wisdom.STEP 4: IMAGINE & INVENT NEW POSSIBILITIESYour sense of possibility is only limited by the extent of your imagination. So as you think about your One Big Gulp!, imagine all the possible outcomes or scenarios. Expand your vision of what could be. Visit a cafe, or art gallery or a park somewhere that sparks your imagination and then brainstorm and write down all your ideas no matter how wild and wacky.STEP 5: PLAN & PREPARE YOUR PATHIt's time to chart your course. As soon as you step outside your comfort zone you step into the unknown that gap or void between where you are and where you want to be. The secret to making your One Big Gulp! easy is to plug as much of this gap as possible. In other words do some research, gather information, ask questions, spend some time on Google, put together an action plan. And practice and rehearse as much as possible.STEP 6: FOCUS & FLOWFrom personal experience I know that when I'm doing something that makes my heart sing and my soul dance everything just flows if I let it. So stay focused on where your'e heading and use your intuition to guide you.Also, let go of anything that is part of the old. It can be hard to let go of things before the new has arrived, but as you know, sometimes you've got to close one door before you can open another.STEP 7: JUST GULP! AND GO FOR ITAs you move through this journey, you'll reach a point where you've just got to do it. The opportunity is there, you're prepared and ready, and all you need to do is take that big step forward. You never know until you try and you never know where it all might lead next.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]