A new campaign is set to boost New Zealand's tourism industry, aiming to encourage Australians to choose the country for their next holiday. Launching in Australia this week, the initiative marks the first phase of the Government’s Tourism Boost, an effort to drive both international tourism and economic growth in 2025.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston expressed excitement about the campaign’s potential. "We always love to see our Australian friends holidaying here, staying with local accommodation providers, soaking up Kiwi experiences, and enjoying hospitality in restaurants, bars, and cafes," she said.Tourism remains a key economic driver for New Zealand, with domestic and international tourism expenditure approaching $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs. Minister Upston highlighted the role of this campaign in sustaining the sector’s growth. “This is the first investment for our Tourism Boost, utilising $500,000 from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, with more initiatives planned,” she said.While Australian visitor numbers are currently at around 88 per cent of 2019 levels, the campaign seeks to boost this figure further. "Visitor arrivals from Australia increased by over 90,000 last year, rising from 1.27 million to 1.36 million," Upston noted. The new push, with the tagline “Everyone must go,” is designed to inspire even more Australians to visit New Zealand soon, highlighting both the affordability of the trips and the country's open-for-business attitude.Upston revealed that figures show around 4 million Australians are actively considering a holiday in New Zealand, indicating a large potential market for growth. “We all want to encourage Australians to visit, spend, and have a fantastic time in New Zealand,” she added, pointing out that Tourism New Zealand has partnered with other organisations to support the campaign.The campaign is part of the broader Government initiative known as Going For Growth, which aims to unlock New Zealand’s economic potential through strategic investment and industry collaboration. Upston emphasised the importance of working alongside businesses to ensure both short-term and long-term tourism growth.The campaign follows the Government's commitment to strengthening the tourism sector, which continues to be an essential pillar for New Zealand's economic recovery and sustainability.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Higher-growth and aggressive KiwiSaver funds have delivered strong returns in recent times, but there's a warning they're not for everyone.Morningstar's latest data shows that "aggressive" KiwiSaver funds returned 19 percent on average over the past year, compared to 13.4 percent for default options, 15 percent for growth and 7.4 percent for conservative.Aggressive funds take the most risk, often with about 95 percent or more of their money invested in growth assets such as shares.That means they can be much more volatile than a fund that spreads its allocation across other things, like fixed interest investments, but should deliver more returns over time.Founder of Kernel Dean Anderson said they were increasingly popular."With 63 percent of Kernel's KiwiSaver money in our high growth fund, investors are clearly voting with their wallets."But he said they would only suit people who were planning to remain invested in them for some time."When you're looking at a 10, 20 or 30-year horizon, short-term market jitters matter less than maximising your growth potential - and Kiwis are getting savvier about this reality."For those who won't touch their retirement savings for decades, embracing share market volatility through high growth funds can be smart investing. We're also seeing growth in investors who are investing their KiwiSaver directly into one or two global index funds, such as the S&P 500 or a world index."He pointed to the Financial Markets Authority's most recent KiwiSaver report, which showed that the number of people in growth and high growth funds had doubled over a decade, while the number in conservative funds only increased 2.5 percent.Morningstar data director Greg Bunkall said there had been a proliferation of 100 percent equity funds and he would expect flows of investment funds to follow.There is currently $12 billion in aggressive funds.Over five years they have returned 8.3 percent a year, and over 10 years, 9.3 percent, the best return of the categories.Westpac spokesperson Nigel Jackson said its high-growth KiwiSaver was designed for people with an investment timeframe of 13 years or more.He said that period of time would allow people to ride out volatility and obtain better returns.He said Westpac had seen strong demand, with $430 million in the fund, which was only launched in September.Much of that had come from the growth fund, he said.He said it was notable that more male investors were putting their money into the high-growth fund than female.

Coasties will be interested to learn that a New Zealand-designed healthcare model is gaining international recognition for its innovative approach to addressing geriatric malnutrition.A recent study revealed alarming rates of malnutrition among older adults in New Zealand, with up to 93% of those entering aged care facilities at risk.In response, Kiwi dietitians have developed a model that empowers residents to take control of their dining experience.The adaptive model accommodates specific dietary needs, allergies, and cultural requirements.Residents work closely with professional chefs to design menus, create recipes, and prepare meals.Analysis shows significant improvements in malnutrition levels among residents on the programme.New Zealand dietitians showcased the model at the 6th World Congress on Ageing and Geriatrics in Prague, sparking interest from healthcare providers worldwide.Emily Jakubcik.Emily Jakubcik, Arvida dietitian and head of food service, highlights the critical need to address malnutrition among older adults, citing chronic health conditions, medication side effects, and social isolation as contributing factors.The Attitude of Living Well model, developed at Arvida, prioritises resident involvement in meal design and preparation.This approach supports over 1,500 residents in 24 care centres nationwide.Jakubcik emphasises the importance of personalised care, stating that the model "demonstrates how a shift in focus towards personalised care can significantly improve both nutritional outcomes and overall wellbeing for aged care residents."Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Food prices across New Zealand saw a significant rise of 1.9 percent in January 2025, marking the largest monthly increase since July 2022. The increase follows a smaller 0.1 percent rise in December 2024, according to the latest figures from Stats NZ.Of the items in the food basket, around 65 percent were more expensive in January, a notable jump from the average of 54 percent per month in 2024. "The proportion of the food basket that increased by over 5 percent in price was the highest in five years," said Nicola Growden, prices and deflators spokesperson at Stats NZ.One of the biggest contributors to the price surge was higher grocery costs, with boxed chocolates, milk, and chocolate blocks seeing substantial increases. In particular, the price of a 2-litre bottle of milk rose to $4.54, compared to $3.93 in January 2024. The cost of a 250g block of chocolate also increased, reaching $5.72 from $4.90 last year.In addition, fruit and vegetable prices climbed by 2.8 percent, further driving the overall food price rise. However, when adjusted for seasonal effects, fruit and vegetable prices were slightly lower, down 0.6 percent. Growden explained that January typically sees price hikes in fruit and vegetables, and this year out-of-season produce like broccoli, kiwifruit, and apples were the main contributors.Another factor influencing price rises was the excise duty tax increase, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices climbed 2.4 percent, driven primarily by higher prices for cigarettes and tobacco. "The new tobacco excise tax has driven tobacco prices up," Growden added.These rising food and drink costs are likely to put further pressure on household budgets as inflation continues to affect everyday expenses. Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Orewa to Host Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships Read moreSchool Buses Leave Students StrandedRead moreBusiness: AI – yes or no?Read moreJohn Fair Drive Bridge Opens to Traffic and PedestriansRead moreFirst Test Train Travels Through CRL TunnelRead more and see the videoStay ahead of the curve—get the latest Hibiscus Coast news delivered directly to your phone.Download the Hibiscus Coast App today and never miss a story!Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

The New Zealand Government has introduced a bill aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, particularly those involved in low-risk activities, such as family trusts.The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which had its first reading in Parliament, proposes 26 amendments designed to simplify compliance requirements for businesses.Associate Justice Minister Hon Nicole McKee said the bill aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009.“This Bill will reduce the compliance burden for businesses by relaxing requirements on low-risk activities,” McKee explained.“It empowers businesses to make decisions on the level of checks they need to conduct on their customers.”The amendments also aim to address common issues faced by businesses that have been required to conduct rigorous checks, even in situations where there is little to no risk.One of the key changes includes the clarification of the definition of "trust and company service providers," helping to eliminate confusion and unnecessary duplication of obligations for some businesses.In addition, the bill proposes removing duplicative border cash reporting when people bring cash into New Zealand, streamlining the process further.These reforms are part of a wider initiative by the Government to improve the AML/CFT system, making it more efficient and better aligned with real-world risks.“We’re simplifying the process for businesses, enabling them to focus on their operations while still protecting New Zealand from crime and terrorism,” McKee said.For Hibiscus Coast businesses, particularly those involved in family-run or low-risk enterprises, the proposed changes come as welcome news.The simplified compliance requirements are expected to reduce administrative burdens and help businesses allocate more resources to growth and customer service.As the Government continues with further reforms, businesses can look forward to a more manageable regulatory environment that still ensures the integrity of New Zealand’s financial system.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Motorists on the Hibiscus Coast should plan for overnight motorway closures between 16 and 22 February 2025 as part of ongoing maintenance and improvements by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).The closures, which will generally occur from 9pm to 5am, aim to improve road safety and infrastructure across the city’s northern and upper harbour motorways.Key closures include several critical northbound and southbound sections of the Northern Motorway (SH1), with disruptions beginning on the evening of 16 February.The southbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp will be closed from 10:00pm to 5:00am each night through to 20 February.Southbound motorists on Shelly Beach Road will also face closures on 20 and 22 February, affecting both the off-ramp and key sections of road.On the Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18), significant closures are scheduled for the eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and the Albany Highway on-ramp, running from 16 to 18 February.The Greenhithe Road eastbound on-ramp will also be affected during the same period.With these closures, drivers are urged to follow the signposted detours, which will be clearly marked to help manage traffic flow and minimise delays.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

The opening of the final ward at Tōtara Haumaru Hospital on Auckland’s North Shore marks a significant step forward in improving healthcare services for the northern region. Health Minister Simeon Brown announced this week that the facility, which began operating in July 2024, is already having a tangible impact on reducing waitlists for Auckland’s rapidly growing and ageing population.Since its opening, the hospital has performed over 2,500 elective surgeries, contributing to the reduction of healthcare delays in the region. In addition, 2,500 endoscopies have been completed, further expanding the hospital’s capacity to manage both acute and elective procedures. This marks a pivotal achievement for the hospital, which was designed to cater to the increased demand for healthcare in the region.The facility’s expansion has also allowed for the introduction of new services, including localised vascular and plastic surgery, ensuring that patients can receive treatment closer to home. Notably, the hospital has embraced the use of robot-assisted surgery, a modern approach that has resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in the length of hospital stays, reduced complications, and faster recovery times for patients.The opening of the fifth and final ward is another significant development, increasing capacity for women’s health and gynaecology services from 15 to 20 patients. This expansion will not only improve patient outcomes but will also provide a more comfortable and enhanced environment for those seeking care.Health Minister Brown emphasised the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access across the country. "Ensuring that all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare is a priority," he stated. He also highlighted the government’s focus on reducing waitlists and improving health outcomes. With the restoration of five key health targets, including the goal of ensuring that 95 per cent of patients receive treatment within four months by 2030, Brown acknowledged that while there is progress yet to be made, the improvements seen at Tōtara Haumaru are an encouraging step.As the hospital’s theatre capacity and resources continue to scale up, more patients from the northern region and beyond will benefit from quicker and more efficient healthcare delivery. This new facility plays a critical role in reducing strain on the health system, and Minister Brown is confident that its impact will only grow over time.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Looking for plans?Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Valentines Day 2025 with SOUL VIBESTonightMore detailsMoana Auckland Manu World ChampsSat Feb 15thMore detailsOrewa Boulevard Arts FiestaSat Feb 15thMore detailsWant to see more events?Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

The State of the Nation 2025 Report reveals a concerning increase in child poverty, with more children living in households reliant on welfare benefits.Locals may have noticed a rise in food bank demand, with The Salvation Army distributing over 84,000 food parcels in 2024 – a 40% increase from pre-COVID levels.The report also highlights a surge in violent crime, despite an overall decline in crime rates.Additionally, homelessness and housing affordability remain critical issues, with a growing number of households in emergency housing.Māori communities continue to face significant disparities in life outcomes, including higher rates of imprisonment and violent crime victimisation.The report emphasises the need for urgent action to address these challenges, calling for community, business, and government collaboration to improve social outcomes and uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.Dr Bonnie Robinson, Director of The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, stresses the importance of collective action: "Given the direction our social measures are taking, we urgently need to draw on experts, research, and lived experience about what works to create a society where people flourish."Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

As we celebrate the day of love, it's no surprise that Valentine's Day has stolen the show on Google searches this week.But what's really interesting is that searches spiked on February 13th - perhaps a few Coasties were scrambling for last-minute gift ideas or romantic messages?It's not all about love, though.Our community's passion for sports is clear, with the Super Bowl, UFC 312, and NZ versus South Africa Cricket all generating major buzz online.And with the 2025 Super Rugby season kicking off tonight, we can't wait to see how the Blues team will fare.On a slightly different note, it seems some of us are looking to the stars - or rather, potential threats from space.Searches for "NASA asteroid hitting Earth" have been trending, reminding us that there's always more to explore and learn.What's on your mind, Coasties?Are you celebrating Valentine's Day, getting ready for the Super Rugby season, or exploring the wonders of space?Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland Bioengineering Institute senior research fellow Dr Jennifer Kruger and associate professor Kelly Burrowes say that increasing the number of women in STEM is crucial for developing healthcare solutions that cater to women's specific needs.According to a 2021 survey, 41.5 percent of year 12 girls in New Zealand study STEM subjects, but this number drops to 19.8 percent at the tertiary level.Dr Kruger and Professor Burrowes argue that diverse teams, including a gender balance, drive innovation and problem-solving.The lack of female representation in STEM has led to gender-biased research and products, particularly in healthcare.For instance, the FemTech industry, worth US$50 billion, aims to improve women's health through increased research and development of health technologies specifically for women.In New Zealand, digital health solutions are being explored to address the current healthcare pressures, including lengthy waiting times.The roll-out of at-home self-testing for HPV has shown promising results, with over 380,000 people tested since September 2023.Dr Kruger and Professor Burrowes believe that increasing the number of women in STEM will lead to more innovative healthcare solutions that cater to women's specific needs.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Super Rugby Pacific 2025 begins tonight with an exciting opening round, featuring some highly anticipated match-ups. The standout game sees the Blues host the Chiefs in a Grand Final rematch at Eden Park. Other notable fixtures include the NSW Waratahs unveiling new talent, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, as they take on the Highlanders in Sydney.The Crusaders will meet the Hurricanes in Christchurch, while the Fijian Drua face the ACT Brumbies in Suva. Ardie Savea’s Moana Pasifika will travel to Perth to play the Western Force.The Blues have named a strong squad, including eight All Blacks in their starting line-up. The team will be led by All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who will celebrate his 150th game for the Blues, becoming only the second player to achieve this milestone for the club.Head Coach Vern Cotter, who guided the Blues to last year’s Super Rugby Pacific Championship, is optimistic about the season ahead but cautioned that each season starts fresh. “The team can draw confidence from the championship title last year, but this is 2025, a new season and we all start on zero points,” Cotter said. “This group of men has talent to burn. If we can harness it in one clear direction, there is no reason why we cannot prosper this year.”The Blues’ powerful squad features experienced All Blacks such as Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, and Dalton Papali’i, alongside rising stars like Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele’a. The match kicks off at 7:05 pm on Saturday at Eden Park, with tickets starting at $19 for adults and $10 for children.Match Fixtures:Crusaders v Hurricanes: Friday 14 February, 19:05, Apollo Projects Stadium, ChristchurchNSW Waratahs v Highlanders: Friday 14 February, 19:35, Allianz Stadium, SydneyFijian Drua v ACT Brumbies: Saturday 15 February, 15:35, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, FijiBlues v Chiefs: Saturday 15 February, 19:05, Eden Park, AucklandHave a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 14/2 - Valentine’s DayCloudy. Fairly breezy Nor'East winds.High: 25Low: 19Saturday, 15/2Windy and partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk East to Nor'East winds.High: 23Low: 19Sunday, 16/2Windy, with showers. Brisk East to Nor'East winds.High: 23Low: 20Monday, 17/2Windy, with light rain. Breezy to brisk Easterly winds.High: 23Low: 20Looking for more details?Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

The Government is stepping up its efforts to tackle high supermarket prices by boosting competition in the sector, says Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis.Recent studies show that New Zealanders are paying higher prices for everyday grocery items compared to shoppers in countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. The supermarket market in New Zealand is dominated by three large companies, with two of them controlling 82 percent of the market share, limiting competition and keeping prices high.“The weekly supermarket shop is a major part of most Kiwi households’ budgets and plays a huge role in the cost of living,” Willis said. “We need more competition in the market to put downward pressure on prices and deliver better deals for shoppers.”The Government is taking decisive action to break up this market dominance. Plans include cracking down on predatory pricing, ensuring fair access to products for all retailers, and making it easier for new competitors to enter the market. Measures also include assisting new entrants in securing land and attracting international investment.Willis' announcement was made alongside the release of a progress report detailing the Government’s “Going for Growth” initiative, which highlights over 80 actions aimed at stimulating the economy. This report reveals the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster economic growth, create jobs, and reduce the cost of living for New Zealanders, particularly through initiatives designed to encourage competition in essential sectors like supermarkets.With inflation now under control, the focus is on creating a more resilient economy that benefits everyone. This includes prioritising five key pillars: developing talent, promoting competitive business settings, encouraging global trade, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure.“We must ensure that every business, no matter how large or small, has the ability to compete fairly. By improving competition in the supermarket sector, we’re directly addressing the everyday concerns of New Zealand families,” Willis noted.For many Coasties the cost of their weekly grocery shop is a heavy burden, and the Government's measures are intended to ease that pressure. By creating a more competitive supermarket environment, the goal is not only to lower prices but also to enhance consumer choice and improve the overall quality of products available in the market.The “Going for Growth” report shows that the Government is serious about pursuing bold, proactive actions that lead to long-term economic benefits.As this initiative moves forward, local communities can expect to see changes that could make their grocery bills more affordable.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL) project has reached an exciting milestone as the first test train successfully completed a full journey through the new tunnel.This marks a significant step forward in the development of a project that is set to transform the city’s public transport network.As work continues to prepare for its opening in 2026, residents can look forward to improved travel times and more frequent train services.On the evening of the test, a train made its way from Britomart Station to Mt Eden, covering a distance of 3.45 km on the newly energised underground section of the rail line.The train’s journey is the first of its kind since the last major rail development in Auckland in 2012.The test run was a crucial part of the ongoing preparations for the CRL’s opening.It allowed technical teams to assess various aspects of the tunnel’s infrastructure, including tunnel clearance, power supply, and signalling systems.Further testing will take place in the coming weeks, including checks on tunnel ventilation, security, and communication systems, as well as training for Auckland's metro drivers and station staff.Transport Minister Chris Bishop remarked, “There is still a lot more work to do, but it’s great to see measurable progress being made on site as we countdown to the CRL opening next year.”Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown also added, “The first train through CRL is an important milestone for the project. Once complete, CRL will result in significant time savings, and make public transport a much more viable option for Aucklanders.”“This is momentous for the City Rail Link programme and Auckland ratepayers who have made a significant contribution, alongside government, to get this project completed,” says Mayor Wayne Brown.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

An arrest has been made in connection with the aggravated robbery of a Cash in Transit van in Birkenhead on Tuesday afternoon, with the suspect now facing multiple charges, including aggravated robbery and the use of a firearm.Following the robbery, Police executed a search warrant at a Northcote address late on Tuesday evening. Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison of Waitematā CIB confirmed the arrest of a 43-year-old man. "We have charged the man with serious offences," Harrison said, adding that the suspect is scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court later today.The charges against the man include aggravated robbery and the commission of a crime with a firearm. The police investigation team has been working diligently since the incident to identify and apprehend the suspect."It’s pleasing we have made an arrest so soon into the investigation, given the brazen nature of this alleged offending," Harrison said. "We will not tolerate this offending, especially when a firearm is allegedly presented. I know news of this arrest will bring some reassurance to the Birkenhead community."The arrest follows a string of recent high-profile robberies in the area, with residents expressing concerns about the increasing severity of such crimes. This arrest is expected to offer some comfort to locals, though authorities continue to remind the public to remain vigilant.The investigation is ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

The government has opened consultation on a set of proposed reforms to the Fisheries Act, which Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones describes as the most significant changes to the sector in decades.“The Coalition Government is committed to the success of the fishing industry, which generates around $1.6 billion in exports each year and employs 9,000 people directly,” Mr Jones said. “The proposed changes, which I flagged in September last year, will remove unnecessary regulations that impede productivity and the potential of the sector. It is through changes in industries like this that New Zealand is going to fight its way back to economic prosperity.”The consultation document released today outlines options to enhance sustainability, streamline regulatory processes, and refine tools used to set catch limits. Additionally, the proposals aim to improve privacy protections for fishers on vessels equipped with onboard cameras and to make fish discard rules under the Quota Management System more practical.The reforms have been developed following discussions with a seafood industry forum established last year. While economic efficiency is a key focus, Mr Jones emphasised that sustainability remains a priority.“Sustainability will always be the bottom line for fisheries management, and there’s an opportunity to lift export revenue by improving productivity and efficiency, rather than catch volume,” he said.He noted that advancements in data collection, including the rollout of onboard cameras, have provided more accurate insights into fisheries. However, adjustments to monitoring rules are needed to balance data transparency with privacy protections.“This includes enhancing protections for onboard camera footage, amending the scope of where monitoring is not practical or necessary, and clarifying when cameras must be used,” Mr Jones said.The consultation also seeks input on refining discard regulations to make them more workable for fishers under monitored conditions.“I encourage anyone with an interest to read through the proposals and provide feedback,” Mr Jones added.The consultation document, along with submission details, is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website. Submissions will be accepted until 5 pm on 28 March 2025.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]

A major milestone was reached on the Hibiscus Coast today, February 12, 2025, with the official opening of the John Fair Drive bridge. This new 94m state highway crossing connects Milldale directly to surrounding communities, providing residents with easy access to local amenities.The steel and concrete composite structure, which began construction in 2022, features 10 large steel girders. These girders enable the bridge to support vehicles, pedestrians, and the 'Orewa 3' 726mm diameter water main.The bridge's completion is expected to greatly benefit locals, enhancing connectivity and convenience within the area.Have a News story to share?Contact [email protected]