Coasties, police are asking for your help to find a missing teen. Sixteen-year-old Kaylah was last seen at her school in Mairangi Bay on Friday, 27 September.Standing 170 cm tall, Kaylah has light brown hair and blue eyes.Police and her family are increasingly concerned for her welfare. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen her to get in touch immediately.If you have seen Kaylah, please call Police on 111. Alternatively, if you have any information on her possible whereabouts, you can reach Police on 105, referencing case number 240929/1270.

Severe Weather to Hit Hibiscus Coast TonightCoasties are advised to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds as MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland and Northland, including the Hibiscus Coast. The alert is in effect from 8 pm tonight, Wednesday, 2 October, until 5 am Thursday, 3 October.Forecasts predict localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm per hour, with the potential for surface flooding, slips, and rockfalls, particularly in low-lying areas such as streams and valleys. These downpours may occur with or without thunderstorms, making conditions unpredictable."We strongly encourage drivers to slow down and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead," said a MetService spokesperson. "Wet roads can be slippery, so avoid sudden braking, and if visibility is low, turn on your headlights to stay visible."In addition to heavy rain, wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h are expected, which could bring down trees and power lines, creating further hazards. Drivers are urged to take extra care and check for road closures, which may happen without notice due to hazardous conditions.This severe weather is part of a series of active fronts moving over the North Island, driven by a strong northeast flow. Northland may see the worst conditions ease around 2 am, while the Hibiscus Coast and Auckland are likely to experience stormy weather until 5 am.Locals are advised to monitor weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

Auckland's mayor and the Minister of Transport agree - the reins need to be tightened on Auckland Transport.In a 19 July letter from mayor Wayne Brown to Simeon Brown released through the Official Information Act, the two found agreement on reform of transport governance.Simeon Brown is minister of transport, minister of Auckland, and minister of local government.In the letter, Wayne Brown says they "agreed that the culture of independence pervading Auckland Transport is unacceptable, and that Aucklanders deserve better", and that Auckland Transport should be "purely a delivery agency".Work is to be done on options to reform Auckland Transport.The first involves moving responsibility for the Regional Land Transport Plan - currently prepared by Auckland Transport every year, with consultation from the community and approval by Auckland Council - to Auckland Council.The second is to explore additional powers that could be given to the mayor and Auckland Council to control the transportation authority.Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. Photo: RNZ / Marika KhabaziThe third involves repealing or changing part 4 of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act, removing Auckland Transport's independent role in planning and strategy and making it "purely a delivery agency".Auckland Transport has a low rate of trust and confidence from the public - coming in just under its target of 30 percent in the last chief executive's report.And, a bill recently introduced to Parliament's biscuit tin proposed to disestablish Auckland Transport entirely.Advice on the three options was prepared by Ministry of Transport and Auckland Council officials by the end of August.In a statement, Auckland Transport said it "welcomes the opportunity for an evidence-based discussion with the governing body about the effectiveness of the [council-controlled organisation] model in delivering services for Auckland, and the chance to consider options for how it can be improved on"."We will be working very closely with Auckland Council to provide it with advice on each of the options it could consider, ahead of the annual plan being developed."

Coasties, a recent food safety recall might affect a product in your pantry. New Zealand Food Safety is working with Tokyo Foods to recall several seaweed products sold nationwide, due to elevated levels of arsenic.The seaweed in question contains a variety known as hijiki, which naturally absorbs higher levels of inorganic arsenic. According to Vincent Arbuckle, New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general, “The concern with these products is that they could have inorganic arsenic at levels that could make you sick. They should not be eaten. Return them to where you bought them for a refund or throw them out.”The products being recalled are sold in smaller retailers across New Zealand. They include:Wako Shokai brand Dried Seaweed (Kome Hijiki) 30gWako Shokai brand Roasted Seaweed (Hijiki) 25gYamanaka Foods brand Dried Seaweed (Mekabu) 15gIchibiki brand Hijiki Seaweed / Seasoned Vegetable 70gThe recall covers all batches and dates of these items. Mr Arbuckle also clarified, “Hijiki seaweed is not used in sushi products or as a seaweed wrap. It is usually sold in a dried, shredded form and rehydrated before eating.”Although no illnesses have been reported, consumption of hijiki seaweed with elevated arsenic levels can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, typically within an hour of ingestion. If you’ve eaten any of these products and are feeling unwell, it’s recommended to seek medical advice. Healthline is available for free advice at 0800 61 11 16.New Zealand Food Safety is investigating the source of the contamination alongside Tokyo Foods to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Mr Arbuckle reassured the public, saying, “The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur.”

A new tool is now available to help Hibiscus Coast locals aged 65 and over unlock a wide range of discounts and services.Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced the launch of the SuperGold Information Hub, an online portal designed to make it easier for SuperGold cardholders to access all the benefits they’re entitled to.“While most people know the SuperGold card provides free off-peak public transport, there are many other discounts—on electricity, insurance, groceries, and healthcare—that we want seniors to take full advantage of,” Costello said.The SuperGold Information Hub gives locals up-to-date information on these offers and provides direct links to key government services like superannuation, aged care, and housing support.With around 600,000 users, the website has become a one-stop shop for seniors looking to get the most out of their SuperGold card.For those who aren’t as confident online, friends and family can also access the site to assist.“We’ve made it as user-friendly as possible, so anyone can jump in and help,” Costello added.The announcement coincided with the International Day of Older Persons, a day dedicated to recognising the contribution seniors make to our communities.“Seniors play an important role here on the Hibiscus Coast as grandparents, volunteers, carers, and neighbours,” said Costello.“In fact, older people also make a significant contribution to the workforce. In 2021, over-65s earned $5.9 billion from paid work and $4.7 billion from self-employment, contributing $10.1 billion in taxes.”As the Hibiscus Coast, like the rest of New Zealand, sees its senior population grow, the importance of these contributions will only increase.The SuperGold Information Hub is now live at supergold.govt.nz/support, offering Coasties a convenient way to explore discounts and government services.

Good news for Coasties looking to build or renovate! It’s now much simpler to make small changes to your building plans, thanks to recent regulatory changes announced by Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.Previously, builders and homeowners faced delays when making minor adjustments, such as substituting a product or altering the layout of a room. Any change, however small, often required an amendment to the building consent, which added time and complexity to the process.“We’ve made changes to regulations under the Building Act to clarify the definition of a ‘minor variation’ and introduce the concept of ‘minor customisation,’” Minister Penk explained. “This will provide more flexibility for key players like architects, tradies, and homeowners.” The new regulations aim to streamline the building consent process, allowing builders to focus on high-risk projects rather than paperwork over small changes.One of the key benefits is the ability to substitute like-for-like building products more easily, which should lead to greater competition in the building supplies market. This change follows a recommendation from the Commerce Commission's building supplies market study.Additionally, the new rules will apply to MultiProof designs. These pre-approved designs allow Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) to make decisions in 10 working days instead of the usual 20. Homeowners can now make minor customisations to these designs without losing the benefit of faster approval and fewer bureaucratic hurdles.The changes were first announced in May and are now fully in effect. Minister Penk emphasised the government’s commitment to improving the housing process: “We’re committed to getting more Kiwis into affordable housing, and we’re looking at every stage of the building and consenting process for efficiencies.”The reforms are part of a broader effort to simplify the building industry’s regulatory environment, which has often been criticised for being overly complex and slow.

NZTA has shared their monthly progress report on the Penlink Motorway Construction project with local communities. Works near the State Highway 1 and East Coast Road bridge sites have become more visible as bridge abutments are taking form. Deep excavations into both sites were used to remove weaker underlying material and be replaced to create strong foundations. The East Coast Road site also had wick drains installed as part of the excavations to create a passageway for underlying water.A further six months will then be reserved for the pre-load period of the East Coast Road site.This will ensure the ground compacts and reinforces the bridge’s strength and stability for future years.With the weather becoming warmer and drier, the project will enter its busier period as its third earthworks season begins. From approximately 1 October to 30 April, massive amounts of earth will be moved across the project. Currently 461,000 cubic metres of earth have been shifted since 2022. By the end of this season, the project aims to have 1 million cubic metres of material moved. Vegetation has been planted within and outside construction boundaries to balance the effects of construction on the environment. At Archer’s Block and Long Bay, 150,327 native trees were planted. Finally, to maintain traffic flow across Ara Wēiti Road, temporary diversionary roads will be constructed in three stages.The first stage will open in mid-October, and the second late in the month. Date for the third is yet to be confirmed. A temporary traffic management system will also be in place to assist this. As construction continues, NZTA maintains its goal of ensuring timely communication is delivered to communities affected in the area. The stakeholder and engagement team is currently also seeking on the experience of their engagement approach, via an online survey. The team encourages feedback.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) has released two annual reports highlighting the organisation’s key contributions to Auckland’s cultural and economic growth over the past year. The reports detail TAU's significant achievements, including attracting $351 million in investments, bringing in over 2 million ticketed attendees to various events and venues, and generating a $142 million GDP contribution from major and business events.TAU Chief Executive Nick Hill commented on the successful year, stating, "Our focus is to deliver the best outcomes possible on behalf of Auckland and its people, and to align our work with the council’s strategic priorities. We are proud of the breadth and depth of the value and results captured in our two reports."TAU is comprised of two distinct entities: TAU Trust and TAU Limited. TAU Trust manages beloved local venues such as Auckland Zoo, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, and Go Media Stadium. Over 2 million tickets were issued for events held at these venues, with highlights like the Foo Fighters concert and One NZ Warriors’ home matches at Go Media Stadium. Auckland Zoo saw record-breaking visitation and hosted over 60,000 students for educational programmes.TAU Limited, on the other hand, focuses on attracting investments and delivering major events. The organisation supported the highly successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, contributing $87.1 million to Auckland's GDP. Additionally, TAU Limited organised cultural festivals, including the Moana Auckland Ocean Festival and the Diwali and Lantern Festivals, attracting tens of thousands of attendees.In total, non-ratepayer sources accounted for 57% of TAU Trust’s $124.5 million operating revenue, showcasing the organisation’s efforts to reduce reliance on ratepayer funding. Looking forward, TAU aims to continue delivering value while seeking new revenue streams through initiatives like the Destination Partnership Programme.

Coasties will be hearing more about the Auckland Future Fund, a new council-controlled organisation launched by Auckland Council to strengthen the region’s physical and financial resilience. On Friday, the fund was officially established through the signing of its trust deed by the appointed Board of Directors, marking an important step forward for this long-term initiative.“This is an exciting milestone for the Auckland Future Fund – we now have the fund entity in place and we can continue building the foundations that will contribute to it enhancing Auckland’s physical and financial resilience,” said Board Chair Christopher Swasbrook. Swasbrook will lead the board alongside directors Craig Stobo and David Callanan.The fund was initially outlined in the council’s Long-term Plan 2024-2034, with the aim of creating a more secure financial future for Auckland by diversifying the council’s investments. By 2025/26, it is expected to generate an additional $40 million per year to help fund council services and reduce reliance on rates. To start, the fund will be capitalised with the council’s remaining Auckland International Airport Limited shares.Liaison councillor Christine Fletcher expressed her optimism about the fund’s potential. “The Auckland Future Fund has been a work in progress but it is pleasing to now see it in place and able to work for all Aucklanders,” said Fletcher. “I am personally very excited about what the fund represents and its potential to provide not only certainty but also returns for our region.”The Auckland Future Fund will operate independently under the high-level direction of the council. The fund’s Board of Directors will be responsible for its key decisions, guided by clear investment policies set by the council. This structure ensures that the assets of the fund are protected and maintained for future generations.In the long term, the board will look to diversify investments beyond Auckland International Airport shares, with the goal of spreading financial risk while ensuring positive returns. The council has projected average annual returns of 7.24%, with a portion going directly back to fund council operations.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast can look forward to a streamlined approach to infrastructure development as the Government rolls out its final 2024 Action Plan. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced yesterday that the fourth quarter (Q4) plan will focus on removing barriers to growth and speeding up critical building projects as part of the wider effort to rebuild New Zealand’s economy."We’ve been working hard since coming into office, and there’s no slowing down as we move toward the end of the year," Mr. Luxon said. "This final action plan for 2024 will help us continue to deliver on our key priorities: rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and enhancing public services."The Q4 Action Plan outlines 43 actions, with a strong emphasis on modernising infrastructure. Six of the key initiatives include:Fast-Track Approvals Bill – Designed to accelerate the delivery of important regional and national projects.First Resource Management Amendment Bill – Aims to reduce the regulatory burden on the farming and primary sectors.Second Resource Management Amendment Bill – Targets cutting through red and green tape that has been slowing growth in the infrastructure, energy, housing, and farming sectors.Offshore Wind Farms Legislation – Introducing new laws to simplify the construction of offshore wind farms, boosting New Zealand’s renewable energy capabilities.Housing Funding and Financing – Taking decisions to improve funding and financing tools, helping get more housing built across the country.Council Reform Decisions – Streamlining processes to ensure local councils focus on core responsibilities, improving local infrastructure.Mr. Luxon emphasised the importance of this plan now that inflation and interest rates are falling, creating a better environment for economic growth. "We’re shifting our focus to lay the groundwork for long-term development," he said.In addition to infrastructure, the Government is taking steps to address other key areas. "By the end of the year, we will introduce stronger consequences for serious youth offending, begin the rollout of free breast cancer screening for women up to age 74, and release a final curriculum for English and Maths for primary schools, to be implemented in 2025."Mr. Luxon reassured Kiwis that they can go into the summer knowing that the Government is focused on action and delivery. "Our goal is to make life better for New Zealanders and their families," he concluded.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast now have access to a thoughtful new initiative offering free removal of radiation tattoos for those in cancer remission. Radiation tattoos are small marks applied to guide precise radiation treatments, but they often serve as unwanted reminders of a difficult chapter in patients' lives.Think Again Laser Clinic NZ, led by CEO Mike Anderson, is launching this charitable program just ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Anderson explained the impact of these tattoos, saying, "For many, these tattoos represent an emotionally challenging period. By offering free removal, we hope to help patients move forward."The program aims to alleviate financial stress for survivors, as tattoo removal is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by public healthcare or insurance. "Cancer treatment can be exhausting, both physically and financially," Anderson added. "We want to offer support to those who want to put this reminder behind them."Radiation tattoos are commonly used in treatments for breast, prostate, head and neck, and lung cancers. Ministry of Health data shows over 10,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with these cancers each year, with breast cancer being especially prevalent.Breast cancer survivor Simone Barclay shared her experience with the tattoos: "They were small but noticeable to me, a constant reminder of the treatment. Having them removed feels like closing a chapter and moving on."Think Again Laser Clinic encourages anyone interested in the free removal service to visit their Auckland clinic website for more information.

Coasties, take note! Auckland Council has been working hard to ensure our communities, including the Hibiscus Coast, are better prepared for future emergencies. Following the extreme weather events of early 2023, which caused widespread flooding and devastation, the council has taken significant steps to improve its emergency response systems.In response to these disasters, three independent reviews were commissioned to assess Auckland's emergency preparedness. Auckland Council's Civil Defence and Emergency Management Chairperson, Councillor Sharon Stewart, emphasised the importance of learning from the events.“The flooding and cyclone events in early 2023 had a devastating toll on Auckland, with many people losing their homes and, tragically, some losing loved ones,” Stewart said. “It was clear we needed to be better prepared for future emergencies. I’m heartened by the progress made in implementing the recommendations from these reviews.”Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) has already taken concrete steps based on these findings. New Civil Defence centres have been identified across Auckland to improve geographic coverage, ensuring more communities can access resources in times of need.Phil Wilson, Chief Executive of Auckland Council, highlighted the ongoing commitment to improving emergency preparedness. “Last year was incredibly challenging for us all, but we’ve been honest in evaluating our response. While we’ve made progress, we can’t afford to slow down—every household needs a plan in place,” Wilson said.To reinforce this, almost 400 council staff have completed foundational emergency management training. Two large-scale emergency response exercises were also conducted in October 2023 and March 2024, putting procedures and staff through their paces.John Cranfield, Acting General Manager of AEM, added that engaging local communities is a priority. "A new team of community advisors is working directly with local boards to develop readiness and response plans," Cranfield said. "We’re also enhancing communication, focusing on digital platforms and accessibility to ensure all Aucklanders can stay informed during emergencies."For those looking to get ahead of the next emergency, Aucklanders can check their flood risk using the council’s Flood Viewer tool and prepare a family plan by visiting the Auckland Emergency Management website.The Auditor-General's report, tabled today, concluded that Auckland Council is better prepared than it was before the 2023 events. However, the report also noted there is still work to be done to fully implement all the recommendations from the reviews.

Coasties are embracing eco-friendly alternatives following New Zealand’s July 2023 ban on single-use plastics. However, a recent University of Auckland study suggests that many products marketed as “compostable” might not be as green as they seem.Nargiss Taleb, a doctoral candidate in environmental science, was part of a research team that examined several items marketed as compostable, such as coffee cups, bin liners, and wooden cutlery. Commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment, the research found that many of these products contained harmful chemicals, including PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals."“These chemicals provide water and grease resistance,” Taleb explained, “but they don't break down during composting and may harm soil ecosystems.”Other contaminants, such as BPA—a chemical phased out from baby products—and heavy metals like copper, were also found in compostable items like pizza boxes and brown paper bags. These chemicals can disrupt the body’s natural hormones and affect the nutritional quality of composted soil.Taleb advocates for tougher regulations on product labelling to ensure customers know how and where to dispose of compostable products. "It’s essential that labelling is clear," she said. "Right now, consumers are left guessing whether products should go in compost bins or landfills."While the study only tested 10 products, the findings raise concerns about the long-term environmental impacts of compostable products. Taleb encourages locals to consider reusable options whenever possible, as single-use items—whether compostable or not—still pose environmental risks.

Locals, especially those who regularly commute through Warkworth, may notice some new activity along the highways. The Government has kicked off a significant step toward improving Northland’s transport network, with geotechnical work now underway for the Warkworth to Te Hana stretch of the Northland Expressway.Transport Minister Simeon Brown confirmed this week that the investigative work is an essential first phase of the project, designed to improve connections between Northland and the rest of the country. "With thousands of motorists and freight travelling through Northland, we’re focused on delivering for this region to grow our economy," Brown stated. He emphasised that better transport connections have long been needed to support economic growth in the region.Over the next six months, teams will be performing various activities, including geotechnical drilling, mapping, and surveying between Warkworth and Te Hana. These investigations began earlier this week and will continue through to January 2025. According to Brown, "The Northland Expressway is one of the largest infrastructure projects in New Zealand’s history that will bring significant benefits to Kiwis travelling in and out of the Northland region."The project is part of the Government’s plan under the National-NZ First coalition agreement. The Warkworth to Te Hana stretch is the furthest along in its development, with designations and consents already secured. As part of this phase, NZTA is also working to complete property acquisitions necessary to advance the project.In an effort to reduce inconvenience for residents and businesses, the NZTA has committed to conducting investigations in safe, contained areas. Environmental protections, fencing, and other safety measures are in place to minimise disruptions.The Northland Expressway is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving the region’s connectivity and reducing travel times for both motorists and freight. This first step marks a crucial phase in what will ultimately be a transformative development for Northland.

Auckland Council's head of urban design has told developers medium-density housing must be liveable.According to an Auckland Council study, some newly built terraces and duplexes in the city are getting too hot.Council urban design manager Lisa Dunshea said a combination of poor window placement, minimal shade, and a lack of natural ventilation is resulting in homes overheating in summer."Some of the issues we heard are around windows not having wide openings."And the way windows are oriented - if they're large windows, they can attract a lot of heat."The council surveyed 1337 medium-density housing (MDH) residents about their living conditions, focusing on homes built between 2016 and 2023 with code of compliance.Dunshea said most MDH residents were happy with the temperature of their homes, particularly people in apartments.But those living in upper levels of terraced houses and duplexes were dissatisfied with sweltering temperatures.Dunshea said participants reported making changes to cool their homes often at a high financial cost, by installing fans and air conditioning units.She said some kept their curtains closed and windows open at all times to beat the heat.But Dunshea said there are other ways of cooling a MDH that those building them should consider."The natural environment is a big one.""Trees have an important cooling effect."Council can make sure where there is space, particularly on the street, that landscape is provided."She said it was also best to have architectural features on the outside of a home to stop the sun coming in."Lourves and eaves on the external part of a building provide shade."Having window placements set back a little bit enables shade to be cast across the glass when the sun's the most intense."She said there had been a big increase in MDH since 2016 and it was important to create affordable housing in the expensive Auckland property market."It's a part of Auckland's growth, we're definitely going to see more of it."MDH made up two thirds of consented homes last year.Dunshea said insights about how well MDH is working is valuable for developers and architects who build the homes to get it right."Having homes that are well functioning and getting them to work right we advocate for."It's about us working with others to get the best quality and functionality."

Coasties, if you're a business owner feeling the pressure, there’s some positive news on the horizon. The Government, in collaboration with the Auckland Business Chamber, has announced a new agreement to make mental health and wellbeing resources freely accessible for business owners across the country. Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly shared the details in a recent statement.“As a former business owner, I know first-hand the toll running a business can take on your mental health,” Minister Bayly said. “Business owners up and down the country are doing it particularly tough right now as they battle challenging economic conditions. With Mental Health Awareness Week now underway, it is a timely reminder that business owners need all the support they can get.”The initiative comes at a crucial time, with many New Zealanders finding it difficult to discuss their mental health or knowing where to turn for help. To address this, an online platform called First Steps has been launched. It's designed to provide resources tailored specifically for business owners, offering them essential tools to manage their mental health.First Steps isn’t just about mental health counselling. According to Minister Bayly, “The platform connects users with professionals who can offer a variety of services, including nutritional advice, leadership training, business mentorship, and even guidance on digital literacy.” These services aim to support business owners in a holistic way, focusing on both personal and professional wellbeing.In the past year, the First Steps platform has been a vital resource, accessed more than 750,000 times. “It’s all about supporting business owners to take that first step,” Bayly explained. “The intention is to crack open the door and provide basic tools to help them begin their journey towards better mental health.”One of the key benefits of this platform is its flexibility. The on-demand content caters to business owners who may not have the time to take extended breaks but still need support. It is freely available for all New Zealanders to use, regardless of where they are based.The memorandum of understanding between the Government and Auckland Business Chamber ensures that the resources will be kept up to date and managed with a business-focused approach. “It is great that the business community sees the value of these resources,” Bayly concluded. The Auckland Business Chamber will now take on the responsibility for maintaining and developing the platform’s content, ensuring it stays relevant to the needs of today’s business owners.With mental health awareness becoming more important than ever, this initiative comes as a much-needed lifeline for those navigating the ups and downs of running a business.

Coasties may soon experience a new way of receiving weather forecasts as the Government explores changes to New Zealand’s weather system. In a recent decision, officials have agreed in principle to bring together the resources of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService).This move is aimed at creating a more integrated and efficient national weather forecasting system.Background on the ReviewIn 2023, the Government commissioned a comprehensive review of the country’s weather forecasting capabilities. The review, led by the Sapere Research Group, involved consultation with over 50 stakeholders, including NIWA, MetService, and key sectors. It was overseen by the Treasury, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and the Ministry of Transport.The goal was to determine the best approach for a weather system that can better meet the country’s needs.What’s Next?Over the next few months, officials will work to assess the potential impacts of integrating NIWA and MetService, focusing on issues like competition, data access, and how to implement the changes smoothly. Shareholding Ministers expect a final report by 2025 with recommendations on the way forward.Meanwhile, MetService remains the country’s official meteorological authority. It will continue to provide daily forecasts and severe weather warnings while closely collaborating with NIWA during extreme weather events.Statements From the GovernmentScience, Innovation & Technology Minister Judith Collins said that while the plan for NIWA to acquire MetService has been agreed to in principle, more work is needed before any changes can be implemented.“MetService will retain its role as New Zealand’s authorised meteorologist, but we are looking at ways to integrate the science of weather forecasting, land, and hydrology to improve our capabilities,” Collins said.Collins added that streamlining the system is necessary to ensure the public can access weather information easily from a single trusted source.“Extreme weather events in 2023 caused tragic loss of life and massive financial impacts, costing nearly $12 billion in total damages,” Collins noted. “Improving our system will help New Zealanders prepare better for future events.”Looking AheadWhile the timeline for fully integrating NIWA and MetService remains under review, the Government’s focus is on improving public safety and ensuring efficient access to weather information. More updates are expected as officials work through the details in the coming months.For now, Coasties can continue to rely on MetService for accurate and timely weather updates, as well as on the Hibiscus Coast App.

Consumers are feeling more confident about the future but are still frustrated with the current economic conditions.The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence index rose 3 points in September to 95.1 - a reading below 100 indicated pessimism.It was the third straight month of improvement but remained below the long-term average of 114.ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner said inflation and interest rates coming down was making consumers feel better about the future."Essentially when inflation took off consumer confidence absolutely tanked and then as inflation was falling it was recovering until we got all those nasty recession headlines. But it does seem now that the interest rate cuts have injected a bit more optimism into the picture."But Zollner said it was important people remembered that inflation easing did not mean prices will drop, instead prices will go up slower.She said although sentiment was on the up, it did not mean consumers have money to spend right now."The perceptions of current personal financial situations for example is -16 but it's well off its recent low. It was -30 in February 2023, it's been basically rising ever since inflation has been falling. So, people are feeling a little more comfortable and that's perhaps a little unexpected, I would say, given unemployment is still rising."I think there is light at the end of the tunnel for consumers but the cash flow release from lower interest rates is going to be gradual."Household inflation expectations remained unchanged at 3.8 percent, while house price expectations rose from 2.8 percent to 3.2 percent year on year.

As the seasons shift on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s time to embrace the longer days ahead with the start of Daylight Saving Time! This Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 2 am, locals will need to set their clocks forward by one hour.Daylight Saving Time has an interesting history in New Zealand, tracing back to an innovative proposal by George Hudson, an entomologist and astronomer. In 1895, Hudson presented his idea to the Wellington Philosophical Society, advocating for seasonal time adjustments to make better use of daylight. Despite initial mockery from society members, Hudson’s vision eventually found its footing.In 1927, Parliament enacted the Summer Time Act, officially introducing Daylight Saving Time to New Zealand. Since then, our country has proudly stood among the first globally to adopt this practice, enabling residents to enjoy those lovely extended evenings.As we prepare for this seasonal change, we encourage all Coasties to remember to adjust your clocks and welcome the additional daylight. Whether it's a stroll along the beach, a backyard barbecue, or simply unwinding outside with friends, the extra hour of sunlight invites us to make the most of our beautiful surroundings.So, mark your calendars and set your clocks forward one hour at 2 am this Sunday. Here’s to brighter evenings and the joys of summer ahead!