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Penlink Highway Confirmed as Toll Road
Penlink Highway Confirmed as Toll Road

13 December 2024, 6:31 PM

Coasties will soon see toll charges implemented on the much-anticipated Penlink Highway, a key transport link between Whangaparāoa Peninsula and State Highway 1 at Redvale.The confirmation comes as part of the Government's initiative to accelerate road investments through tolling.Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced yesterday that tolling will help fund the highway’s maintenance and operational costs.The two-lane highway, currently under development, aims to reduce travel times and improve connectivity for residents and commuters in the region.In 2022, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) consulted the community on tolling options for the Penlink project.Originally, three tolling points were proposed, but the finalised approach will include two tolling points, with an end-to-end toll rate of $3 during peak hours and $2 during off-peak for light vehicles.Heavy vehicles will face charges of $6 during peak hours and $4 during off-peak times.To streamline toll collection, the highway will feature free-flow electronic toll gantries, allowing payments through automated NZTA toll accounts, online platforms, or cash at selected service stations.An analysis by engineering consultancy Beca Ltd informed the tolling strategy, with gross revenue expected to reach $12.1 million in 2026, increasing to $17.6 million by 2048.While the system includes varying charges based on time of day and destination, NZTA will need to ensure the tolling structure is clearly communicated to drivers.Penlink is seen as a vital addition to the Hibiscus Coast's infrastructure, promising to ease congestion and enhance accessibility.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland Land Shortage May Limit Growth
Auckland Land Shortage May Limit Growth

12 December 2024, 11:16 PM

Locals may soon see significant changes in Auckland’s industrial landscape, as experts warn of a growing shortage of industrial-zoned land that could impact the future growth of big-box retail in the region.Drury South Crossing, a large-scale mixed-use property development in South Auckland, is at the forefront of this change. The site is set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in investment for some of New Zealand’s most substantial retail infrastructure projects over the next two years.Among the developments is a $100 million distribution centre for Briscoes, which is scheduled to open in 2026. Briscoes planned new North Island distribution centre.The facility will dramatically increase Briscoes' storage capacity, accommodating over 17,000 pallets of goods compared to its current 4,500-pallet capacity. Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings and NZ Safety Blackwoods are also planning large-scale facilities at the site.Stephen Hughes, CEO of Drury South Crossing, explained that over half of the second phase of the industrial project has already been sold to businesses seeking large-scale retail, manufacturing, and industrial infrastructure. Hughes highlighted the challenges posed by limited land availability in the Auckland region.“There are very few sites remaining in the wider Auckland region zoned to accommodate the 20-30 metre height required for automated warehousing,” Hughes said. “This shortage could constrain the scale of future retail distribution operations, potentially impacting the variety of options available to consumers as the population grows.”The rise of e-commerce and consumer demand for faster delivery times are key drivers for the implementation of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). These systems require purpose-built facilities, making land availability a critical factor for future developments.Ben Stewart, associate director of Property at Calder Stewart, noted a growing trend among big-box retailers to consolidate multiple warehouses into single, large automated facilities to improve efficiency. Calder Stewart has secured 14 hectares at Drury South Crossing, including sites for Briscoes and NZ Safety Blackwoods.“Auckland's geography and internal waterways, combined with reluctance from planners to rezone arable land, mean there are limited options for businesses needing contiguous, large-scale land close to major transport routes,” Stewart said.The development also includes plans for a new 60MW substation, a $30 million investment that will power industrial users and potentially support tech companies building data centres. Hughes emphasised the importance of future-proofing infrastructure, noting that the substation will be among Auckland’s largest, with the capacity to power 45,000 homes and double the transmission capabilities of other city areas.As Drury South Crossing continues to attract interest from large-scale industrial and retail operators, the region's remaining land parcels are becoming increasingly valuable.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Google Unveils NZ’s Top Searches
Google Unveils NZ’s Top Searches

12 December 2024, 6:30 PM

Coasties, Google’s Year in Search 2024 reveals what captured New Zealand’s attention this year.From major global events to uniquely Kiwi moments, the report showcases the topics that sparked curiosity and conversation nationwide.The “US election” topped overall searches, highlighting the nation’s interest in international politics.“EURO (football)” came second, reflecting the strong passion for sports, while “Connections,” an engaging puzzle game by The New York Times, claimed third place.Other major searches included the Olympics and the late singer Liam Payne.Sports were a key focus in 2024.In the sports-specific category, the EURO (football), Olympics, and T20 World Cup drew significant interest.Local fans also searched for updates on the Australian Open and Rugby Championship, underscoring the importance of these events.Practical questions drove the “How to” category, with many searching for tips on “how to watch Olympics in NZ” and “how to lock Facebook profile.”Meanwhile, the “When is” category reflected a nation keen to plan ahead, with Black Friday, Easter Day, and Matariki among the most searched terms.Liam Payne, former member of the globally renowned band One Direction, was among the most searched people following his untimely death earlier this year.Closer to home, New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington earned a place on the list, reflecting national pride in her sporting achievements.Local events also resonated with Kiwis.Highlights included the Manawa Bay Outlet opening and the Christchurch Port Hills fire.Jacinda Ardern’s wedding also ranked high, alongside searches for Countdown’s Easter hours.Google’s Year in Search provides a snapshot of the moments and topics that brought New Zealanders together in 2024.From global news to local milestones, it paints a vibrant picture of what mattered most.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Investors Driving Property Price Escalation
Investors Driving Property Price Escalation

12 December 2024, 5:46 PM

Locals may be interested in new research shedding light on investor behaviour and its impact on Auckland's property market. A doctoral thesis by Dr David White explores the relationship between investors and house price escalation in Auckland between 2003 and 2018.Dr White's research utilised behavioural economics and the user-cost equilibrium model to understand how property decisions were made. By interviewing investors, banks, and real estate agents, he identified that investor reliance on biases and heuristics—mental shortcuts in decision-making—contributed to upward pricing trends.“Behavioural economics proposes that when making decisions, we sometimes take ‘shortcuts’ in our analysis, such as relying on biases and heuristics rather than objective analysis,” said Dr White. “There was strong evidence for biases and heuristics in investor decision making in Auckland, and these all had an effect of an upside bias in pricing and thereby contributed to house price escalation.”His findings align with the widely held view that investors have played a role in driving up property prices. Dr David White.However, Dr White also uncovered a surprising dimension to investor motivations. Many participants in the study noted a 'social good' aspect, highlighting the role investors play in providing quality homes and lease term certainty for tenants.Dr White’s work offers valuable insights for potential buyers. He advises exercising caution when entering the market, noting that house price escalation is often cyclical.A graduate of Massey University, Dr White has contributed to the property sector for decades and currently teaches property development at the university’s School of Economics and Finance.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Negative Business Sentiment Drops to 45%
Negative Business Sentiment Drops to 45%

11 December 2024, 11:00 PM

Coasties interested in the business community will find promising news in the latest Auckland Business Chamber confidence survey.The survey reveals a significant improvement in business confidence, with negative sentiment dropping to 45%, the lowest level recorded since July 2022.This milestone reflects a growing sense of optimism, with businesses reporting improved expectations for New Zealand’s economic performance over the next 12 months.Survey HighlightsKey findings include a shift in economic and business performance trends:Business Confidence: Negative sentiment has fallen sharply to 45%, down from 66% in August.Economic Performance: 51% of businesses expect New Zealand’s economy to improve over the next year, up from 43%.Business Revenue: Revenue challenges persist but are easing, with 54% reporting a decline compared to last year, an improvement from August's 59%.However, challenges remain.Cost pressures are expected to rise, with 80% of businesses forecasting increased costs in the next 12 months, compared to 72% in August.Consumer confidence remains the top concern, but its impact has lessened, falling to 61% from 65%.Insights from the ChamberSimon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, noted that businesses are demonstrating resilience despite ongoing hurdles.“The number of businesses with a negative outlook has significantly dropped, and expectations for New Zealand’s economic performance are stronger. Despite ongoing challenges, such as revenue pressures, businesses are showing resilience and a renewed belief that better times are ahead,” he said.However, Bridges also highlighted emerging risks.“The rising concern over international trade and geopolitical risks signals that businesses are becoming more attuned to the global uncertainties impacting their operations. These new concerns highlight the challenges businesses are likely to face in 2025, within a volatile global market, alongside rising costs and revenue pressures at home.”Looking AheadWhile challenges such as cash flow and rising costs persist, the survey indicates that businesses are adapting and remain optimistic about the future.For locals and business owners on the Hibiscus Coast, these trends offer a glimpse into broader economic shifts and their potential impact on the community.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Advertising Restrictions Repeal Proposed
Advertising Restrictions Repeal Proposed

11 December 2024, 8:00 PM

The Hibiscus Coast community, along with the rest of New Zealand, may soon see changes in how and when traditional media outlets can advertise. Legislation introduced to Parliament this week aims to repeal restrictions on advertising for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays.Media Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the proposal, highlighting its potential benefits for the media sector. "Traditional media outlets are operating in an extremely difficult environment, and as the Government, we must ensure regulatory settings are enabling the best chance of success," Goldsmith said.The Minister estimated that the proposed change could generate approximately $6 million for the broadcasting industry. He emphasised that lost revenue opportunities are particularly significant given the current financial pressures facing the sector.Goldsmith pointed out that the restrictions, initially designed for traditional linear broadcasting, no longer align with how audiences consume content. He noted the growing shift toward digital streaming platforms, which are not bound by the same advertising limitations. "This will level the playing field by ensuring local media companies are not disadvantaged," he said.The New Zealand media sector has long advocated for this reform. Goldsmith remarked, "The New Zealand media sector has been calling for this change for a long time, and this Government is listening."The proposal reflects broader efforts to support the sustainability of local media amid technological changes and financial challenges. If passed, it could provide a financial boost to traditional broadcasters while addressing inequities in advertising regulations.

Water restrictions unlikely this summer but Aucklanders urged to 'go easy' with usage
Water restrictions unlikely this summer but Aucklanders urged to 'go easy' with usage

11 December 2024, 6:15 PM

Auckland is unlikely to have water restrictions this summer but Watercare is asking residents to be go easy on their water use.The region's dam levels are slightly below average for this time of year, sitting at 85.2 percent after a winter where catchments recorded three-quarters of the normal rainfall.Watercare head of water Sharon Danks said water use can spike by up to 100 million litres on a hot summer day and it was important to go easy on the hose."It's pretty safe to assume most of that is being used outdoors. This can put pressure on our treatment plants and networks, so we'll be encouraging our customers to go easy with their water use this summer," Danks said."Being waterwise is important, because it's a precious resource that should be looked after. But it's also in everyone's best interests, because we need to ensure our infrastructure can meet peak summer demand - if we can keep that peak down, we can defer costly infrastructure upgrades and save on interest costs."Danks said Watercare was hoping to avoid a repeat of February 2020, when water consumption hit a record with the rolling seven-day-average topping 549 million litres per day.The average summer consumption is 452 million litres per day.She said Watercare keeps a close eye on dam levels, river flows, water usage and the weather outlook when managing Auckland's various water sources."We'll be sharing this information on our website and on social media - so look out for our 'Easy does it' campaign over the next few months," she said."We don't want to be breaking any more records this summer, so we'll be popping up with advice on how you can be mindful of your water use around home."Danks said weather forecasters were predicting near normal summer rainfall overall, with a likelihood of lengthy dry spells broken up by heavy rain."With our two Waikato water treatment plants, we can treat up to 225 million litres of water from the Waikato River every day, if we need to," she said."Right now, the second plant isn't operational as we have a good amount of water in our dams and don't need to be maximising production from the Waikato. But it certainly provides a good safety net if the weather does turn out to be drier than expected."There were 105 minor leaks across the water network that still required fixing."We'll have our proactive leak detection programme running too, which is particularly useful at finding leaks that aren't easily visible. Over the past year our leak management programme has saved seven million litres of water per day - that's the equivalent of water used by more than 27,000 people," Danks said.Watercare's top tips for going easy with your water use this summer:Keep your showers short - four minutes or less should be plenty. If you're a twice-a-day showerer on those scorching days, keep them to two minutes eachCool off the kids with water pistols, reusable water balloons or even a small paddling pool, instead of under the sprinklerAttach a trigger nozzle to your garden hose, to reduce wastage when wateringWater your garden early in the morning or at dusk to reduce evaporationCheck your home for leaks

Ham Edges Lamb as Kiwi Favourite
Ham Edges Lamb as Kiwi Favourite

10 December 2024, 10:31 PM

Ham has narrowly claimed the top spot as New Zealand’s festive favourite, edging out lamb by just 0.2%.A recent online survey revealed that 34.8% of Kiwis plan to serve ham as the main protein on Christmas Day, while 34.6% will opt for lamb.The close competition reflects New Zealand’s enduring love for these two staples of holiday feasts.The annual survey, now in its seventh year, was promoted via social media and newsletters from NZPork, Retail Meat New Zealand, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.Approximately 1,200 respondents participated, with the chance to win one of five $200 meat vouchers.Brent Kleiss, CEO of NZPork, noted the excitement around ham’s victory this year.“Every year, lamb and ham go head-to-head for the top spot on the Christmas table, and this year was no different! We’re excited to see ham taking the win and being a part of so many festive celebrations,” he said.Kiwis planning to purchase ham are encouraged to check the 100% NZ Bacon & Ham Awards list.This annual competition, judged in June, highlights New Zealand’s top hams, including medal-winning products from national suppliers and independent retailers.The survey also offered insight into Christmas Day traditions.Almost half of respondents (47.8%) plan to enjoy a traditional roast meal, while 35.5% will opt for a barbecue paired with summer salads, showcasing the country’s unique blend of festive and seasonal flavours.When it comes to dessert, pavlova remains a firm favourite, with nearly 70% planning to include the iconic dish.Other popular options include trifle (45.1%) and brandy snaps (30.6%).Beyond food, the survey found that spending time with loved ones is the most valued part of Christmas for 89% of respondents.Nostalgic moments such as backyard barbecues (28.8%), cricket games (29.5%), and travelling to visit family (35.9%) continue to define the Kiwi festive season.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Silverdale Launches Holiday Campaign, “Season of Joy”
Silverdale Launches Holiday Campaign, “Season of Joy”

10 December 2024, 7:44 PM

The Silverdale business community is inviting locals and visitors to join its "Season of Joy" campaign, running from 1 December 2024 to 30 January 2025.This holiday initiative highlights local businesses while offering festive activities and opportunities for engagement.The campaign includes a "Holiday Guide," an online resource featuring shopping, dining, and activities in the area, along with exclusive offers and giveaways.Subscribers to the Silverdale newsletter have the chance to win a $300 holiday hamper filled with locally sourced products.Additionally, three sponsored giveaways from local businesses—Gecko in the Village, Manuka Honey of NZ, and Toyworld Silverdale—are available to participants.Shoppers can stay updated on holiday events and promotions by following the campaign on social media and using the hashtag #SilverdaleSeasonofJoyTo increase awareness, the campaign is being promoted through ads on buses, radio, and the organiser's website.By encouraging participation, the event underscores the value of supporting local businesses during the holiday season.To get involved, visit the campaign website at https://silverdalebusiness.co.nz/season-of-joy/ subscribe to enter giveaways, or follow social media updates for inspiration and event details.The "Season of Joy" offers a way for the community to celebrate the holidays while supporting the small businesses that are central to Silverdale’s charm.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Stay Safe This Summer: Backyard Pool Rules
Stay Safe This Summer: Backyard Pool Rules

10 December 2024, 5:29 PM

As the weather heats up, Coasties will be turning to backyard pools to stay cool.The Auckland Council is urging pool owners to stay vigilant and ensure their pools comply with safety regulations.Whether you have an in-ground pool or a portable one, the rules are the same: if your pool can hold more than 40 cm of water, entry to the pool must be restricted.This means having an appropriate barrier or fence to stop young children from entering the pool on their own.Stuart Airs, the Council's Swimming Pools Compliance Team Leader, says many pools around Auckland do not have adequate fencing in place."In the past year, 27 per cent of home pools visited by the council failed their safety inspections — most often due to faulty gates that do not self-close and latch."Portable pools are also a safety risk, says Airs."Portable pools are cheap, easy to set up, and make an exciting present for kids. Unfortunately, they pose a real safety risk for drownings, as people tend to leave them full for long periods of time with unrestricted access."Under the Building Act, portable pools and spas over 1.2m high do not need a fence around the entire pool, but they do require a barrier around the entry point.The council urges residents to report any concerns about pool safety to ensure appropriate barriers are put in place.Remember, no amount of fencing is a substitute for adult supervision.Here are some top tips for pool safety:Stay close to children when playing around water.Eyes on! Don’t get distracted.Never prop pool gates open.Check your gate latches are working.Empty small portable pools when not in use.Never leave ladders propped against portable pools and spas.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Woolworths, Pak'nSaves face criminal charges over pricing, misleading specials
Woolworths, Pak'nSaves face criminal charges over pricing, misleading specials

09 December 2024, 9:16 PM

The Commerce Commission is filing criminal charges against Woolworths and two Pak'nSave supermarkets for inaccurate pricing and misleading specials.The charges will be made separately against Woolworths, Pak'nSave Silverdale and Pak'nSave Mill Street.The commission said there are ongoing issues with pricing in the supermarket sector and the operators may have breached the Fair Trading Act.In a statement, deputy chair Anne Callinan said operators should know what the expectations are."Supermarkets have long been on notice about the importance of accurate and clear pricing and specials, and we're not satisfied with the continuing issues we're seeing across the industry."Pricing accuracy is a consumer right and an expectation of a competitive market. The major supermarkets are large, well-resourced businesses that should invest the time and effort to get pricing and promotions right."She said the charges were filed to remind all supermarkets that they are expected to fix the pricing accuracy issues and implement better processes.The Commission said it has ongoing investigations into other supermarket operators.Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden said the introduction of a mandatory disclosure standard would make it easier to identify problems so they can be remedied."The standard will require the major supermarkets to regularly disclose information about customer complaints, including around pricing and promotional issues."The major supermarkets don't have consistent processes for recording customer complaints - the lack of clarity and reporting means supermarkets can't identify potential compliance issues within their businesses. This impacts consumers as their complaints may not be being dealt with effectively, which we would expect in a competitive market."The commission is working on the standard with he major supermarkets and expects to have a draft published in the new year.

Hillary House Investment Property for Sale
Hillary House Investment Property for Sale

09 December 2024, 7:00 PM

Locals in Ōrewa may soon see changes at Hillary House, the iconic three-level commercial building adjacent to Hillary Square. Owned by the Morris family, the property is now listed for sale as a multi-tenanted investment opportunity, offering both immediate income and potential for redevelopment.Hillary House is a significant presence in Ōrewa, housing a range of businesses across retail and office spaces, including health and beauty services, food retailers, and clothing stores. The property features mezzanine areas, adding flexibility for tenants. With a total floor area of approximately 1,063 square metres and a strong tenant mix, the building generates a current net rental of $247,680 per annum plus GST and outgoings.The site’s zoning allows for future development with building heights permitted up to 18 metres. Investors may see the property as an opportunity to contribute to Ōrewa’s steady growth while benefiting from its current stability and returns. Ample car parking enhances the site’s appeal to tenants and customers alike.Bayleys Commercial Silverdale agents Ben Clare, Graeme Perigo, and Marie Hansen are managing the sale, which will close via deadline sale on 12th December. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the agents for further details.Hillary House represents a rare opportunity for investors to secure a well-tenanted property in a thriving beachside community, with options for long-term growth through redevelopment.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland alcohol restrictions: New rules come into force
Auckland alcohol restrictions: New rules come into force

09 December 2024, 5:58 PM

It is now a little bit harder to buy beer, wine and spirits in Auckland.On Monday, a new council rule comes into force stopping bottle stores, dairies and supermarkets from selling alcohol after 9pm.Aucklanders in the central city told RNZ they were not too bothered by the change."My age demographic, we're all in bed by 9:30pm unfortunately, or we're organised," one woman said."I would have thought my 24-year-old daughter and my 21-year-old son would disagree with me."Most did not think it would do much to reduce alcohol harm."I think people will just get pre-drunk or buy earlier in the day, or just shop earlier, it won't make a difference," one said."If you really want that drink, and you're already half-tanked and that's why you're at the bottle shop after 9pm, you're going to potentially break in," another said."Probably a double-edged sword."One woman told RNZ the issue did not have an easy fix."There's a wider issue with alcohol harm, and I guess that step-change interventions on their own probably are not going to correct, if that's the right word, some of the behaviours that we see," she said.Danny Narayan from Dominion Wines and Spirits said most issues happened during daylight hours."The problem doesn't arise after 9pm," he said."The problem is the daytime problem. The shoplifters come [in the] daytime, night-time is pretty cruisy, no problem happens at night-time."Narayan said he had been operating for over 20 years and never had a problem during the night.Before the change, his store opened until 10pm on Wednesday and Thursday nights and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.He said losing crucial selling hours was going to be bad for business."We'll lose out on business hours, and the staff lose about a good eight hours of working time."That hurts his pocket, the rent has to be paid, all the overheads are still there, but the guys are losing the job you know?"He thought different hours might have worked better."If it was, like, 10pm everyday closing might be good, but the law is the law, we have to follow it and see what happens."Auckland Council unanimously voted through the policy earlier this year, saying it would help reduce the harm associated with drinking such as injuries, violence and car crashes.SInce September, stricter rules for new off-licences in the central city and 23 suburbs meant most applications were likely to be declined unless they met a very high thresholdCouncillor Josephine Bartley hoped the changes would make a difference."What we hope to see is a reduction in alcohol harm experienced in our communities, from people who are buying alcohol late at night from liquor stores, then going into the parks, and drinking and fighting," she said.She appreciated the businesses that were keeping shoppers informed of the change."I've seen the emails come through from my local supermarket, letting people know that alcohol won't be sold after 9pm," Bartley said."You're letting people know, so you're not surprised at the checkout or the liquor store when you try to buy your alcohol after 9pm."

Business: Holiday Prep - Plan for a Successful 2025
Business: Holiday Prep - Plan for a Successful 2025

09 December 2024, 5:00 PM

The coming holiday break will be a time for family, relaxation, and recharging the batteries. For business owners, it can also be an opportunity to prepare for next year while still enjoying the festive spirit.Here are some tips to help you balance a well-deserved holiday with getting ready for 2025.Plan and PrioritiseWhat will 2025 bring?Begin by prioritising tasks that will set a strong foundation for the new year.This means setting new goals, identifying areas for improvement, and mapping out the steps to achieve these objectives.Creating a detailed plan can help you focus your efforts on what’s most important.Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.This will allow you to make steady progress even during the busy holiday season.By planning ahead, you ensure that when you return to work, you can hit the ground running.Reflect and ReviewReflecting on the past year is crucial for making informed decisions about the future.Take time to analyse what worked well in 2024 and what didn’t.Review internal information such as sales data, customer feedback, and market trends.This analysis can provide valuable insights into where you should focus your efforts in 2025.Updating your SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can be particularly useful.Understanding your business’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats it faces, will also help you develop a strategic plan for the new year.Engage Your TeamIf you have employees, involve them in the planning process.Engaging your team in discussions about the future can provide new perspectives and ideas.You can start by sounding them out before the break, gathering their thoughts and suggestions.Alternatively, you can include them in the planning process after the holiday, ideally in the first week back.This allows you to think things through yourself before presenting a more concrete plan.Involving your team not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of ownership and motivation among your staff.A motivated team is essential for achieving your business goals.Be OrganisedOrganisation is key to a smooth transition into the new year.Ensure your financial records are up-to-date, review your progress against the budget, and start thinking ahead to the next financial year, which for many will be just three months away.(And before you head off to the beach, just double check to make sure you are going to get through Christmas and New Year safely, cashflow wise).Set Personal GoalsFinally, set personal goals alongside your business objectives.Aim to enter 2025 with renewed energy and focus, both in your personal life and business activities.Personal goals could include spending more time with family, improving your health, or learning a new skill.Balancing personal and professional goals will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is essential for long-term success.By following these tips, you can make the most of the holiday season while setting the stage for a prosperous 2025.Enjoy the festive break, recharge your batteries, and come back ready to tackle the new year with enthusiasm and a clear plan.Merry Christmas everyone – and here’s to a prosperous New Year!

First Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Tickets Released
First Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Tickets Released

09 December 2024, 12:44 AM

Locals and visitors alike now have the chance to be among the first in the world to experience Fullers360’s Electric Hydrofoil Ferry, ‘Kermadec.’Tickets for this groundbreaking, sustainable tourism experience became available on 9 December 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of premium, emissions-free travel on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.The fully electric, hydrofoiling ferry is capable of carrying up to eight passengers at a time.Launched earlier in 2024 by New Zealand designers and builders Vessev, the Kermadec ferry recently achieved official maritime certification in November, making it the first tourism experience of its kind to be commercialised globally.Mike Horne, Chief Executive Officer of Fullers360, expressed his excitement at the launch.“The launch of our new Electric Hydrofoil Experience has been highly anticipated by both Kiwis and visitors to New Zealand, so we are thrilled to be able to now offer this unique experience to the public,” Horne said.The Electric Hydrofoil Experience provides a 40-minute journey that begins at Auckland’s Viaduct.During the trip, guests will glide above the water while enjoying panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and the surrounding Waitematā Harbour.A beverage and premium snack will be served onboard, accompanied by informative commentary about the local area and the advanced Kiwi foiling technology.“This is a significant milestone in Fullers360’s decarbonisation journey and marks a new era in high-end tourism and on-water experiences.It’s a great step for green technology and our local tourism industry; one I believe really puts New Zealand on the map and further cements us as leading innovators,” added Horne.Vessev CEO Eric Laakmann, whose company played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the ferry, noted the importance of this achievement for both marine sustainability and New Zealand's global standing.“This is a proud moment for us and a major milestone for marine sustainability. Fullers360 is the first major ferry operator in the world to incorporate a certified electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel into its fleet,” Laakmann said.The Electric Hydrofoil Experience will run from January through March 2025, with services available Wednesday to Sunday.Limited-time advance bookings for rides starting 29 January 2025 are now open, and customers are encouraged to book early to secure their spot.Charter options will also be available throughout the summer months.For further details and to book tickets, visit Fullers360’s website.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

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