Locals, get ready for an unforgettable theatre experience as the award-winning play In Other Words returns to Q Theatre following a sold-out season.Starring celebrated actors Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst, this production offers an intimate and moving exploration of love, memory, and resilience.For the first time, Ward-Lealand and Hurst, who are not only seasoned actors but also a real-life couple, take the stage together in this two-hander written by Matthew Seager.Through the lens of characters Arthur and Jane, the play follows their love story, from their first meeting and courtship to their struggles with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.Set to the music of Frank Sinatra, In Other Words beautifully demonstrates the transformative power of music in evoking memories, fostering connection, and inspiring hope.Audiences will experience moments of humour and frustration, reflecting the complexities of life and relationships.The production's previous season received widespread acclaim, with audience members and critics praising its heartfelt performances and thoughtful storytelling.Now, the highly anticipated return promises to captivate new and returning theatre-goers alike.In Other Words runs at Q Theatre for a limited time.Tickets are available online and are expected to sell quickly following the play’s prior success.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

It is not unusual for roadworks to ramp up over the summer period, as workers make the most of warm and dry weather.With lots going on, it is important to plan your travel route carefully and where possible, be aware of any detours.NZTA undertakes summer maintenance every year and are going to be renewing over 1800 kilometres of roads this summer.Here's a look at some of the major road works that might impact your travels this summer:AucklandThe Auckland Harbour Bridge will have traffic restrictions and some on-ramps closed for re-surfacing and maintenance under the bridge from Boxing Day (26 December) to 6 January.Lane reductions during the day will be in place on Spaghetti Junction over the same period, while a bridge joint is replaced.Motorists are asking to use the Waterview Tunnel or the Western Ring Route on SH16 to avoid congestion.A full closure will be in place on State Highway 1 Southbound from 9pm to 7am between Victoria Park and Grafton Road.Full list of Auckland Central worksDesert Rd ClosureState Highway 1 from Tūrangi to Waiouru will be closed for rebuilding and repairs for two months from 13 January 2025.This piece of work is kicking off one week later than originally planned, to reduce the impact on summer holiday journeys, an NZTA spokesperson said."This section of SH1 is in one of the worst conditions in the Waikato region, it's also one of the most challenging to fix," regional manager of maintenance and operations for Waikato and Bay of Plenty Roger Brady said."The alpine environment and potential for a cold snap means we have to do this closure in the peak summer months because the ground temperature needs to be at 13 degrees minimum to carry out pavement works."The planned detour is expected to add about half-an-hour to journey times.Top of the South IslandLots going on here, with major repairs on State Highway 60 at Takaka Hill, resilience work underway on State Highway 63 and State Highway 6 at Rai Saddle in Marlborough.NZTA is warning drivers to allow an extra hour for travel between Christchurch and Picton, and an extra 30 minutes between Nelson and Blenheim, due to roadworks.OtagoRoads in Coastal Otago and Dunedin have been in need of repairs and rebuilds after flooding.Ben Parker, Maintenance Contract Manager, said resurfacing started in September and will run through to March/April."If people can build in an extra 20 minutes to their journeys, it will help ease the pressure on everyone and reduce the temptation to make up time if there is a short delay on key routes," he said.The holiday period will be as "free of work" as possible, NZTA said, with re-surfacing continuing from mid-January.NorthlandThe Kamo Bypass on State Highway One will be undergoing a road rebuild and resurfacing for three weeks in January. NZTA says there will be night closures and one through-lane under stop-go during the works. A detour will be set up via the Old State Highway, Kamo Road.Bay of PlentyThe focus of Bay of Plenty's maintenance this summer will be on State Highway 29, near Hanga Road, the Kaimai Cafe and Kaimai School - though work will be carried out at night to minimise impacts to traffic.NZTA is aiming to have as much work completed as possible before Christmas.Full details on Bay of Plenty works (including maps)Manawatu-WhanganuiResealing works will be taking place throughout the region, and NZTA said road users can expect to encounter a number of work sites and newly sealed roads on their summer journeys.Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani says the focus this season is on more road rebuilding."We're working to improve the overall network condition through more intensive treatments, increasing pavement quality."Road rebuilds have been underway since October on multiple sites on State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 near Dannevirke, with more work planned on State Highway 54 and State Highway 56 near Opiki.NZTA website says there will be "considerable disruption" at times.TaranakiRoad rebuilds began in Taranaki in September, a month earlier than normal.In early January, two areas of roadworks are planned: on State Highway 45 in New Plymouth, night works will cause delays of 5-10 minutes between 6-17 January.And, State Highway 3 at Tangapōrutu will be rebuilt between 7 January and 7 March, with crews working six days a week. Traffic lights will be in place with delays of up to 10 minutes.WellingtonWellington is spared from Tunnel closures during peak holiday time in January - but come February, the Terrace Tunnel will close for four days between 10-13 February, Monday to Thursday.The Mt Victoria Tunnel will close for one day on 2 February, and the Arras tunnel on one day for 2 February.The Terrace and Mt Victoria tunnels will close briefly again in March.Hawke's BayIn addition to the 24/25 summer road programme, cyclone recovery work is continuing in the Hawke's Bay region.Planned renewals works include renewals on State Highway 2, 5 and 50.Meanwhile Transport Rebuild East Coast Hawke's Bay project spokesperson Chris Mahoney said crews are making good progress on multiple cyclone recovery sites, fixing damaged sections of road, stabilising slips, and repairing and maintaining bridges.The recovery programme includes sites at Devil's Elbow and White Pine Bush on SH2, repairs at Dillon's Hill Culvert, and North of Hill Road Culvert on SH5, and bridge repairs at Chesterman's Bridge and Aschott Bridge on SH50."We expect the bulk of recovery work to be completed by autumn next year," Mahoney said.While work on some sites will take longer, Mahoney said much of the traffic management will be completed by Easter.Full details on Central North Island roadworksReseal, resurface, rebuildMore than 1800 lane kilometres - equivalent to 7.5 percent of the network - is expected to be renewed as part of the 2024/25 programme, according to NZTA.This includes resealing, resurfacing and rebuilding existing road surfaces.In addition, as part of the Pothole Prevention Fund, more than 285 lane kilometres of rehabilitation work will be carried out, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced in October."Rehabilitation involves full width repairs of our existing roads, and renews the life of the roading pavement, rather than simply filling in potholes," he explained."Long lasting rehabilitation work that strengthens the network and prevents potholes from forming in the first place is critical to lifting the quality of our roading network and has a much longer lasting impact than re-sealing the road."

King Charles will deliver his Christmas Day message from a church with links to the medical community, Buckingham Palace says, in a break with tradition amid his continued cancer treatment.The 76-year-old monarch revealed in February that he was battling an unspecified cancer and returned to public duties in April. Last week, a palace source told CNN that his "treatment has been moving in a positive direction" and "will continue into next year".The annual festive broadcast is normally recorded at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. But the British monarch opted to film this year's message at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, which was previously a hospital chapel before it was demolished in 1924.Buckingham Palace confirmed the location on Monday afternoon after it was first reported by The Daily Telegraph.Charles' decision marks the first time in over a decade that the address has not been recorded on the royal estate. The last message filmed outside a royal residence was in 2006 when the late Queen Elizabeth II recorded her message at Southwark Cathedral.Fitzrovia Chapel - a beautifully ornate Grade II-listed building featuring Byzantine-inspired architecture - is "now a space for quiet reflection, discovery and celebration, connecting diverse communities from all faiths or none," according to Buckingham Palace.The venue also boasts unique royal links as King Charles' grandfather, the Duke of York - later George VI - laid the foundation stone when it was rebuilt in 1928 and returned to help open the building when it was completed in 1935. The chapel was restored between 2013 and 2015.The choice of location reflects the King's deep spirituality and will be seen as an apt selection in a year when both he and his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, faced their own health challenges.The annual speech from the monarch is traditionally recorded earlier in December and broadcast on television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day in Britain.New Zealand is the first country in the Commonwealth to broadcast the message, tonight at 6.06pm on RNZ National, and again at 6.50pm on TVNZ's Channel 1.

The Hibiscus Coast is buzzing with festive cheer as Christmas Day brings a chance to relax, celebrate, and spend quality time with loved ones.From Milldale to Gulf Harbour, locals have gone all out, lighting up homes and businesses with dazzling decorations, colourful trees, and glowing displays that create a magical atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.The weather forecast for Christmas Day suggests a mix of sunshine and afternoon showers, with fairly breezy north-to-northeast winds reaching up to 23 km/h. With a 60% chance of rain, Coasties celebrating outdoors should plan ahead and keep umbrellas close by.Despite the wet weather, beaches and parks are likely to remain popular spots for family gatherings. Lifeguards are encouraging everyone to stay safe while enjoying the Coast’s natural beauty.This time of year truly highlights the Coast’s incredible community spirit. Whether it’s a shared meal, a thoughtful gift, or a friendly smile, the magic of Christmas is alive in every act of kindness.From all of us at The Hibiscus Coast App, we wish you a Merry Christmas. Stay safe and have a happy New Year!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

As the holiday season gets underway, the Government is urging Hibiscus Coast residents and all Kiwis to prioritise safety on the roads. Transport Minister Simeon Brown has reminded motorists of the increased Police presence throughout the summer period to ensure road safety and enforce traffic regulations.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads,” Mr Brown said.“Whether you are travelling to see loved ones, embarking on a road trip with friends, or exploring all that New Zealand has to offer, please take care and drive responsibly.”Drivers are being advised to remain vigilant, with Police patrolling "anywhere, anytime" to deter unsafe behaviour. Key areas of focus include speeding, driver impairment, and seatbelt compliance. Mr Brown emphasised the importance of adjusting to road conditions and avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.“Drunk and drugged drivers are the highest contributors to deaths on our roads, and the Government is focused on increased enforcement and providing new tools to Police to reduce alcohol- and drug-related deaths,” Mr Brown stated.In the 2023/24 period, more than 850,000 additional alcohol breath tests were conducted compared to the previous year, with a target of 3.3 million annual breath tests now set. The Government is also advancing plans to introduce roadside oral fluid drug testing in 2025, giving Police new powers to screen drivers for drugs.Mr Brown encouraged all road users to plan ahead this season. “Check the weather conditions, determine where you’re going to have breaks, and ensure you’re not under the influence when you get behind the wheel,” he said.The official Christmas and New Year holiday period runs from 4 pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2024, to 6 am on Friday, 3 January 2025. With increased road policing and new safety measures on the horizon, the message remains clear: drive carefully and protect lives this summer.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

With the summer holidays upon us, police are urging Hibiscus Coast residents to take action against family violence, which typically spikes during this time of year.Stressors such as financial pressures, unemployment, increased alcohol consumption, and complex family dynamics can add strain to households.Inspector Natasha Allan, National Manager Family Harm Prevention, emphasised, “Violence is not okay. Police take family and sexual violence seriously and want all victims to be assured if they come forward, their case will be treated with sensitivity and respect.”Inspector Allan encouraged anyone who feels unsafe to trust their instincts and seek help immediately.“You have the right to be safe,” she said.“If you or someone else is in danger, call 111. If you can’t speak, stay silent and follow the operator’s instructions. Your safety comes first—get to a safe distance and call for help.”Recognising that some individuals may struggle with their own behaviours, Inspector Allan added, “We also know there are people who know their behaviour is unacceptable and don’t want to harm their loved ones. Walk away and take a moment so you don’t do something you’ll regret. If you feel like it's time to change, be courageous and get in touch with Change is Possible to start your journey today.”A variety of support services are available for those affected by family violence, including:Women’s Refuge Crisis Line: 0800 733 843 (24 hours)Safe to Talk – Sexual Harm Helpline: 0800 044 334 or text 4334Family Violence Information Line: 0800 456 450Shine National Helpline: 0508 744 633 (9 am to 11 pm)Shakti – Support for Migrant and Refugee Women: 0800 742 584 (24 hours)Gandhi Nivas: 0800 426 344Further resources are available for elder abuse, rainbow communities, and those seeking to build healthier relationships.For more details, visit the listed organisations or click here.Community members are encouraged to reach out to these services to ensure everyone has a safe and supportive summer.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

As the festive season approaches, Auckland Airport is gearing up for its busiest period, with 1.8 million travellers expected to pass through its terminals between 9 December and 12 January. The holiday rush will see 1 million international passengers and 800,000 domestic travellers.Auckland Airport Chief Operations Officer Chloe Surridge highlighted the significance of this time of year. "It’s an exciting time at the airport as we head into the busy travel season. The best part about this time of year is helping to re-connect families. We’re proud of the important role we get to play here,” she said.Of the international arrivals, 40% are visiting friends and family, making this period one of joyful reunions. Alongside passengers, the airport is also managing the transport of 26,000 tonnes of cargo during December and January. Key exports include salmon, snapper, lamb, cherries, and honey, which are destined for global markets, ensuring New Zealand’s fresh produce reaches festive tables worldwide.Travel tips have been issued to assist passengers and their families during the holiday rush. Auckland Airport advises that the Transport Hub will be especially busy, with a three-minute dwell time for vehicles in drop-off and pick-up zones. For a smooth arrival, the airport recommends using digital declarations for international arrivals and checking bags for biosecurity compliance.In addition, the airport’s festive touches include a giant “Love NZ” sign featuring iconic Buzzy BeesTM located past duty-free for travellers departing New Zealand.Ms Surridge also acknowledged recent disruptions caused by an external network outage but assured travellers that the issue has been resolved. "Our focus for the festive season remains helping travellers to get where they need to be and doing all we can to ensure people have smooth journeys," she said.With 26 airlines flying non-stop to 41 destinations, including major trade partners such as Australia, China, and the United States, Auckland Airport is prepared for the surge in holiday travel and festive exports.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast locals may soon see a boost in healthcare capacity, thanks to a major initiative by the Medical Council and Health New Zealand.The announcement triples the number of exam places available for internationally-trained doctors seeking registration in New Zealand, paving the way for more qualified medical professionals to join the workforce.Health Minister Dr Shane Reti shared the update, confirming that the New Zealand Registration Exam (NZREX) will now accommodate up to 180 international candidates in 2025.This marks a significant increase from the originally planned 60 spots.Exams will be held in March, June, and September next year, an increase from two sittings in 2024.“These hardworking overseas doctors are eager to contribute to our health system, and this change ensures they can take the exams required for registration,” Dr Reti said.He acknowledged long-standing barriers, including limited exam slots and clinical placement opportunities, which have hindered internationally-trained doctors from practising in New Zealand.Health New Zealand has been tasked with securing clinical placements for successful candidates, particularly in general practice, where demand remains high.Dr Reti explained that securing first-year house officer roles, or PGY1 positions, has been another obstacle, but reassured that steps are underway to address this issue.The Minister highlighted the urgency of these changes, sharing stories of internationally-trained doctors who, unable to secure exam spots, have taken non-medical jobs such as driving services.“Their stories have made for sad reading, knowing our health system could benefit from their expertise,” he said.The Medical Council’s swift response to these challenges has been praised, ensuring that no doctors are left scrambling for exam spots.“They shouldn’t be fighting for places as if they were lining up for a pop concert,” Dr Reti added.With these developments, internationally-trained doctors residing in New Zealand will have a clear pathway to employment, complementing the efforts of local healthcare providers.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Hibiscus Coast community and New Zealanders nationwide can now report scam messages with greater ease, thanks to a new feature in Apple’s latest iOS update. This initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and New Zealand telecommunications providers, aims to combat scam texts and protect users from fraud.With the iOS 18.2 update, available to iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users (depending on their mobile provider), suspicious messages can be reported directly to the DIA using the “Report Junk” option. Once selected, the message details are automatically forwarded to the DIA, enabling swift action.The DIA has partnered with Apple, 2degrees, One NZ, Spark, and Modica Group to enhance scam reporting and detection. Information gathered from public reports is shared with mobile providers, who use it to identify, disrupt, and block phone numbers associated with scams. This collaboration aims to safeguard Kiwis’ privacy and prevent financial losses.Joe Teo, Manager of Digital Messaging at the DIA, highlighted the importance of public participation: “We know that we need all hands on deck to help protect New Zealanders from scammers, and this initiative is a great example of how we are actively working together with industry to make New Zealand networks safer.”Paul Brislen, CEO of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum, echoed this sentiment, describing the new tool as “a very powerful tool in Aotearoa’s fight against scammers” by enabling real-time blocking of offending numbers.Stuart Wilson, CEO of Modica Group, emphasised the value of automation in scam detection: “Being able to use our safe and secure platform to automate scam reporting and provide it in an easily consumable format to DIA and other fraud teams is a significant step forward in combatting scams.”Users who report scam messages can expect an automated response from the DIA. The feature is set to expand to other Apple and Android devices by 2025. For now, New Zealanders can continue using the free 7726 Report Spam Service by forwarding suspicious messages to that number.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The NZ Transport Agency has scheduled the following overnight motorway closures for improvement works.Closures will occur from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, with traffic management potentially starting earlier.If work is delayed due to bad weather, it will be rescheduled for the next available night, ensuring completion by Friday, 10 January 2025.Northern Motorway (SH1)Wednesday, 9 January (10:00 pm – 5:00 am)Northbound closures:Lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-rampNorthcote Road northbound on-rampSouthbound closures:Lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-rampNorthcote Road southbound on-rampEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp24/7 closures:Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp: 25 December – 2 JanuaryStafford Road northbound off-ramp: 1–5 JanuaryCurran Street northbound on-ramp: 1–5 JanuaryUpper Harbour Motorway (SH18)Saturday, 6 January:Westbound closures:Lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-rampEastbound closures:Lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-rampSquadron Drive eastbound on-ramp (10:00 pm – 5:00 am)Lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp (10:00 pm – 5:00 am)Sunday, 7 January:Eastbound closures:Lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-rampHobsonville Road eastbound on-rampTrig Road eastbound on-rampBrigham Creek Road eastbound on-rampFor live updates and more information, visit the NZ Transport Agency website or click here.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties and Kiwis across the country are embracing the convenience of digital travel declarations, with more than 58% of New Zealand passport holders using the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) in the past month. The digital option, introduced in August 2023, replaces the traditional paper arrival card for passengers returning home.To date, over 2.8 million digital declarations have been submitted by air travellers, with Customs and its border partners encouraging even more passengers to make the switch.Jamie Bamford, Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations, praised the growing adoption of the digital system. “With many families now heading overseas for the summer holidays, it’s a chance to discover the digital option, which is convenient and will help with an easier arrival process when they return home,” he said.He added that the NZTD is especially beneficial for families and frequent travellers. “Sometimes, parents don’t realise they must complete a declaration for children, regardless of age, which can hinder the arrival process and cause setbacks. With a digital declaration, it’s easy to fill out multiple declarations before you even get on the plane.”The NZTD collects essential travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information as part of border processing, aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of arrivals into New Zealand. Passengers can submit their declaration online or via the NZTD app up to 24 hours before their flight, ensuring a smoother arrival experience.What Travellers Need to KnowAll travellers to New Zealand, including Kiwis returning from holiday, must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).A declaration is required for each traveller, including babies and children.The NZTD app, available on Apple and Android devices, allows users to scan passport details directly into the declaration and create a profile for future travel.Families or groups can copy travel details into multiple declarations, with all submissions displayed together in the app.The earliest travellers can submit their declaration is 24 hours before their flight, and it must be submitted by the time they reach passport control in New Zealand.The NZTD is available in multiple languages, including Te Reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan.For more details, including what you need to declare, visit www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nzHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals may soon benefit from significant savings on payment fees, as the Commerce Commission (ComCom) has issued a draft decision proposing to reduce the fees Kiwi businesses pay for accepting Visa and Mastercard payments.The proposal could result in a reduction of approximately $260 million annually in fees charged to businesses, which are typically passed on to consumers through higher prices or surcharges on goods and services.John Small, the Commission’s Chair, outlined the proposed reduction, stating, “We’re proposing a reduction of around $260 million a year to the largest component of the fees charged to New Zealand businesses to receive Visa and Mastercard payments. We’re also setting the clear expectation that payment providers and businesses should pass these savings on to customers.”In July, the Commission revealed that New Zealanders spend around $95 billion each year using Visa and Mastercard, with businesses incurring approximately $1 billion in fees to process these payments.“This work is the next step to further reduce, and simplify, payment costs for New Zealand businesses, and to save merchants and consumers a considerable amount of money,” said Dr Small.The fees that businesses pay when customers use cards like Visa or Mastercard are known as merchant service fees.These fees are often recovered by businesses through surcharges or increased prices for goods.Some businesses, however, may set surcharges higher than necessary, resulting in extra costs for consumers.“We’ve been clear businesses should not be surcharging their customers more than the cost to them of accepting that payment,” said Dr Small.The Commission is working to simplify these complex fees and expects that, if the draft decision is implemented, consumers could see a reduction in surcharges of around 0.7% to 1.0%, or benefit from lower prices on goods and services.The average merchant service fee for small businesses is between 1.2% and 1.5%.Businesses with fees higher than 1.5% are encouraged to check whether they could secure a better deal from their payment providers.The Commerce Commission is now seeking public feedback on the draft decision.Submissions are open until 5 pm on 18 February 2025.For further details or to provide feedback, visit the Commission’s website or submit via the provided online forms for consumers and merchants.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties can look forward to a busy year ahead for the Penlink project, with the construction crew returning from their well-deserved break on Monday, 6 January 2025.The team has made significant progress this year, achieving several milestones. Some of the highlights include:780,000 cubic metres of earth moved295 metres of network drainage pipes installed1,216 metres of pipe culverts installedOver 3,000 cubic metres of concrete poured for the Wēiti River Bridge piers and abutmentDuck Creek Road Bridge beams placed, deck poured and barriers installedTo see the progress firsthand, watch the December 2024 aerial flyover of the entire project.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Hibiscus Coast community can now plan ahead with clarity as the Government confirms final levy rates to fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). The new rates will come into effect from July 2026, following a decision by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden.The levy, applied to most insurance contracts covering properties, vehicles, and contents, will see significant changes aimed at balancing affordability for New Zealanders while ensuring FENZ remains well-resourced.“Earlier this year, the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire and Emergency publicly consulted on an increase of 5.2 percent earlier in the year. However, this was revised down as I was not convinced that such an increase is justified and requested an alternative solution from Fire and Emergency,” Ms van Velden said.The maximum annual levy for homeowners will drop to $107.40, down from $119.50. Personal property insurance, such as contents, will also see a decrease, with a maximum levy of $21.48, compared to the previous $23.90. Vehicle insurance, including third-party-only cover, will be subject to a flat fee of $25, significantly reduced from the $40.12 initially proposed during consultation.Ms van Velden acknowledged the insurance industry’s request for early confirmation of regulations, giving businesses 18 months to implement the changes. “I am pleased that the Government has approved the regulations this month, providing confidence to businesses about how the levy will be applied and collected,” she added.In addition to the revised levy rates, Ms van Velden highlighted the importance of prudent financial management. “I have also asked FENZ to deliver savings of $60 million by the end of the three-year levy period. These savings will provide a reserve for significant unexpected costs or under-collection of the levy.”The changes aim to address the cost-of-living pressures faced by New Zealanders while maintaining essential services for communities, including those on the Hibiscus Coast.For more details, the summary of public submissions on the levy consultation is available at: Public-Consultation-Outcome-Levy-consultation-2024.pdfHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Your Weekly News Fix.Catch up on the top local stories that made headlines this week!Top Stories You Need to Know…Penlink Highway Confirmed as Toll RoadRead moreChristmas Repairs Planned for Auckland HighwaysRead more New Directory Listings Highlight Local ExcellenceRead moreBoaties Reminded to Wear LifejacketsRead more Manly Prepares for International Moth-Class Sailing RegattaRead moreStay ahead of the curve.Get the latest local news and information through the Hibiscus Coast App. Download the app now!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Police executed search warrants yesterday at two drug rehabilitation facilities on the North Shore, uncovering a significant cache of firearms, drugs, and cash as part of an ongoing investigation.Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams of the Waitematā Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) confirmed that officers located an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle, a lever-action rifle, a pistol with a silencer, numerous rounds of ammunition, and approximately 2kg of crystal methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia and cash were also seized during the searches.It was also reported that attempts were made to flush controlled substances down the toilet at one of the facilities.Two men, aged 37 and 35, were arrested during the operation and are facing charges related to the supply and distribution of methamphetamine, as well as offences under the Arms Act. One of the men is a patched gang member, while the other has known gang affiliations.The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests and charges are expected. The two men are due to appear in North Shore District Court today.As the matter is now before the courts, police have limited further comment to provide at this time.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

With the festive season fast approaching, locals are being reminded to prioritise safety on the roads. Police have announced an increased presence across New Zealand during the Christmas break, aiming to ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, emphasised the need for motorists to play their part alongside law enforcement efforts. “Drivers need to be clear that if they are detected speeding or driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, they will be ticketed,” he said. “The best way to avoid being ticketed is not to speed, not to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. It’s that simple.”Last Christmas period, 21 lives were tragically lost in road crashes. Police and road safety partners are working to prevent a repeat of such devastation. To achieve this, there will be a coordinated, highly visible police presence at high-risk locations, including State Highways and rural areas, especially during peak travel times.The focus remains on addressing the four key behaviours contributing to road deaths and injuries: speeding, impaired driving, distractions such as mobile phone use, and failure to use seatbelts. Superintendent Greally highlighted the importance of enforcement, stating, “Since 1 July, we have conducted over 2 million breath tests nationally. This should be viewed as a motivating factor for all motorists to drive safely.”Holiday road toll data will be updated throughout the season by the Ministry of Transport. Historical crash data for previous holiday periods is also available at Ministry of Transport website.Locals are encouraged to do their part to make this holiday season a safe one. By driving responsibly, we can ensure a summer to remember for all the right reasons.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Locals and sailing enthusiasts alike are gearing up for the International Moth-Class Sailing Regatta, set to take place in Manly from Friday, 27 December 2024, to Thursday, 9 January 2025.A section of Laurence Street, between Manly Park Avenue and Cross Street, will be subject to stop/stop traffic management to accommodate the event.Motorists can expect short delays while boat-trailers cross the road to and from the Manly Beach boat ramp.The International Moth is renowned as the fastest single-handed sailing dinghy, boasting an innovative design that has evolved significantly since its inception in Australia in 1928.This cutting-edge racing vessel promises to deliver thrilling performances during the regatta.Event details are as follows:Date: Friday, 27 December 2024, to Thursday, 9 January 2025Time: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm dailyPlace: Laurence Street, ManlySpectators are invited to attend and enjoy the excitement of this premier sailing event.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 20/12Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy Nor'West winds.High: 23Low: 16Saturday - 21/12Thunderstorms. Breezy to brisk Northerly winds.High: 21Low: 16Sunday - 22/12Morning showers. Fairly breezy West to Nor'West winds.High: 23Low: 17Monday - 23/12Morning showers. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 22Low: 16Check out our Reports section for weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and lots more.Anytime, anywhere – everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]