A man has died after being found unresponsive in the water near Red Beach early Monday morning.At 7:27am, emergency services received a report of an overturned outrigger off the coast. Police responded quickly, deploying ground staff and the Eagle helicopter to search the area.The man was located unresponsive in the water and brought to shore by members of the public, who moved him to nearby rocks. He was then airlifted to Stanmore Bay by the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter.Sadly, despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead.Police are now working to recover the outrigger and are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the Coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

More than half of Kiwi workers say they’d choose a different career if they had the chance, according to new research from employment marketplace SEEK. The findings, released in the Evolving Working Life Report, show 54% of New Zealanders are experiencing some form of career regret—particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.The top reason? Not earning enough. Half of those surveyed cited financial dissatisfaction, followed by changing interests (36%) and unfulfilling work (24%). Despite this, only 6% are actively exploring a career change, with most held back by money concerns and fears that it’s too late to switch paths.Nearly 3 in 5 Kiwis believe they’ll be working longer than expected—many into their 70s. Coasties might not be surprised, with rising living costs and shifting retirement expectations affecting families right here on the Hibiscus Coast.SEEK’s Rob Clark says the data paints a clear picture: “Money is weighing heavily on the minds of New Zealand workers… but a career change is possible at any stage of life.”Even so, changing careers is easier said than done. Among those feeling stuck, 40% worry it’s too late, while a third say they lack the qualifications to move on. One in four admitted they don’t know where to begin.Still, it’s not all bleak. A majority feel hopeful (59%) and optimistic (52%) about the future, with many believing their current roles will remain relevant in the next decade.SEEK’s career coach Leah Lambart encourages a flexible mindset: “If you’re going to be working for longer, it’s even more important to keep an open mind about evolving your career.”The research, conducted by Nature between October 2024 and February 2025, surveyed 1,045 working-age New Zealanders across industries and locations.Whether you’re on the Coast or across the country, the message is clear—there’s still time to reshape your working life.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Building on the Hibiscus Coast could soon get simpler and cheaper, thanks to sweeping changes announced by the Government this week.Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk revealed a suite of reforms designed to reduce delays, lower construction costs, and support tradies in getting the job done.Key changes include:Faster land acquisition: Landowners who agree to sell early for public projects—like roads or hospitals—could receive up to NZD$100,000 in incentive payments.Bigger granny flats without consent: The maximum size for granny flats that can be built without a resource consent is increasing from 60 to 70 square metres.Crackdown on cowboy builders: New waterproofing licences for bathroom work, stronger disciplinary powers, and a better complaints process aim to improve trust in the trade.Easier access to building materials: A new law will allow faster approval for high-quality overseas products. Up to 250,000 new building products are expected to enter the market this year.The Government expects the changes will lead to around 13,000 more granny flats being built nationwide over the next decade—offering more affordable, flexible housing options for families.These updates are part of a broader plan to simplify the building consent system and help ease housing pressures nationwide.

With all the headlines about US tariffs and market swings, many Coasties might be wondering what to do about their KiwiSaver or share investments.According to advice from investing platform Sharesies, the best move right now might be to stay calm and focus on the long term.Recent falls in the S&P 500—a key measure of the US share market—have been triggered by fears around global trade tensions. The Trump administration’s announcement of new tariffs has sparked concerns about inflation and the possibility of a trade war, both of which tend to spook markets.While it can be unsettling to see portfolios or KiwiSaver balances dip, Sharesies says this kind of volatility isn’t unusual. Since the 1980s, the S&P 500 has experienced annual corrections of more than 5%, yet its average annual return since 1928 still sits above 10%.For those feeling nervous, now’s a good time to review your investment strategy. Are you diversified across industries and countries? Are you invested in line with your time horizon—especially if you're nearing retirement or a first home deposit?Sharesies also reminds investors that KiwiSaver is designed for the long haul. Market dips are part of the journey, especially for those in growth or aggressive funds.If your investment plan made sense before the downturn, it may still make sense now. Continuing with strategies like dollar-cost averaging—investing consistently over time—can help balance out the highs and lows.And importantly, you should consider seeking independent legal, financial, or tax advice to ensure any investment decisions are right for your personal goals and situation.

New Zealand Food Safety is backing a nationwide recall of Pams brand Afghan Oat Baked Bars, which may contain fragments of metal due to a manufacturing fault.The recall applies to bars with a Best Before date of 16/01/2026 and sold at major supermarkets including Four Square, Gilmours, New World, Pak’nSave, Social Supermarket, and Trents. Coasties who may have purchased these bars are advised not to eat them.“If you have any Pams brand Afghan Oat Baked Bars with that date, return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out,” says Vincent Arbuckle, New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general.The issue arose after metal from production equipment may have made its way into some bars. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.Affected products have already been pulled from store shelves and none were exported.New Zealand Food Safety is working with Foodstuffs Own Brands Limited to investigate the incident and help prevent future cases.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Before someone picks up the phone, sends an enquiry, or walks through your door, they’ve already formed an opinion.Not based on a conversation with you—but on what they’ve seen online.Your website, your social media, your blog, your reviews.In short: your content.And whether you realise it or not, that content is speaking on your behalf.It’s telling a story about your business.The question is—what story is it telling?Trust doesn’t start with a smile at the counter or a friendly phone call.These days, it starts much earlier.It starts the moment someone Googles your name, spots you on the Hibiscus Coast App, or clicks through from a Facebook post.That’s where the relationship begins—and your content is doing the talking.Good content says, “We know what we’re doing.”It shows that you’ve thought about your customer, anticipated their questions, and made it easy for them to understand what you offer.That kind of clarity builds confidence. And confidence leads to action.You don’t need to write essays or produce slick videos.But the content you do put out—even something simple like a service page or FAQ—should feel clear, considered, and genuinely helpful.That’s what earns trust.It shows you care about making life easier for your customers.And when people feel understood, they’re far more likely to trust—and buy.For local businesses, content is also one of the best ways to stand out.You may not have the biggest budget, but if your content feels more genuine, more useful, and more human than the next option, you’ll often win—especially when customers are choosing between businesses that seem similar on the surface.And here’s the real beauty: content keeps working in the background.While you’re busy serving customers, it’s quietly doing its job—reassuring, informing, and nudging people closer to saying yes.Your content is often the first (and sometimes only) chance to show people who you are.But it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing up well.Thoughtful, well-crafted content earns trust. The rest just adds noise.So make it count.Start with quality.Add clarity and warmth.And let your content reflect the real-world experience your business is known for.

A major new housing development is under government review, and it could bring big changes to the western edge of Ōrewa.Looking west from Grand View Drive, it used to be all open views.But that outlook could soon be replaced by rooftops stretching as far as the eye can see to the west of the motorway.The proposed Delmore development would see six large rural blocks near Upper Orewa Road transformed into a new residential community.Developer Vineway submitted the plan on 3 May 2024 through the Government’s fast-track consenting process, which is designed to accelerate housing and infrastructure projects.If approved, the development would be rolled out in five stages and include around 1,250 homes, along with parks, riverside walkways, and a new State Highway 1 interchange connecting Grand Drive with the Wainui area.Photo: Ministry for the EnvironmentThe land, currently rough pasture and former farmland, is zoned as Future Urban under Auckland’s Unitary Plan—so urban development was always a possibility.Still, for many locals, the sheer scale of the project is a lot to take in.What was once quiet, green space could soon be a bustling new suburbAt this stage, construction hasn’t started.The application is with an expert panel for consideration, and locals will be keeping a close eye on what happens next.If it does go ahead, the impact will reach well beyond the building sites.Thousands of new residents will mean new pressures—on roads, schools, and services.A new secondary school will be needed nearby.More local jobs will be essential too, and attracting larger employers—perhaps even a mini-Silicon Valley with tech and AI leading the way—could help support the growing population.For Ōrewa and the wider Hibiscus Coast, this isn’t just a development—it’s a shift that could reshape the community for decades to come.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A major change in how medicines are approved in New Zealand is on the horizon, with Cabinet backing a faster, overseas-recognition approach that could cut wait times to under 30 days.The shift is part of the Medicines Amendment Bill and is expected to be in place by early 2026.Under the new system, if a medicine is already approved in two recognised countries—such as Australia, the United States, or the United Kingdom—it can be greenlit more quickly here.Associate Health Minister David Seymour said the move prioritises patient access and reflects a smarter, faster way to ensure Kiwis get the treatments they need.“Faster access to medicines has always been a priority of mine,” Seymour said. “For many New Zealanders, pharmaceuticals are life or death.”The new pathway, nicknamed the “Rule of Two,” relies on approvals from trusted jurisdictions including the EU, Canada, Switzerland, and Singapore.Medsafe, New Zealand’s regulatory body, already works closely with these countries.Seymour likened the approach to how New Zealand approves vehicles.“New cars are acceptable if they meet one of several foreign standards. We can apply the same principle to medicines,” he said.One real-world example: a new asthma treatment that could have been approved by late 2022 using this system was only cleared in May 2024—a 16-month delay Seymour says could’ve been avoided.The changes are part of a wider Government push to improve access to medicine, including the largest-ever Pharmac budget ($6.294 billion over four years) and process changes to streamline funding and regulatory approvals.Locals on the Hibiscus Coast and across New Zealand can expect a public Select Committee process in the near future, where the proposed rules will be open for feedback.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Gulf Harbour Homicide: Decision on Continued Name SuppressionRead moreTsunami Siren Test at Orewa BeachRead moreGary Brown, Victoria Short May RunRead moreBeach Sprint Champs Hit OrewaRead morePenlink Bridge Beams InstalledRead moreStay 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!Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A bold new redesign of Takapuna Golf Course could see the popular 18-hole facility transformed into a world-class, multi-use public space—if a new proposal gains Auckland Council support this week.The alternative plan, led by international golf architect Kristine Kerr, combines recreational, ecological and stormwater management functions in a single design.It aims to retain the nearly century-old course while addressing the area’s flooding issues in a future-focused and community-friendly way.The proposal includes over 20 hectares of native planting, 1.8 kilometres of walking and cycling paths that could link to the future Northern Cycleway, and the capacity to hold more than 550 million litres of floodwater during extreme weather events.Auckland Council had initially proposed replacing the course with a permanent wetland.However, Kerr’s design—supported by specialist engineers—demonstrates that flood storage objectives can be met using a “dry basin” model.Kristine Kerr.This approach allows stormwater to be temporarily stored on the course and released gradually, without removing the community’s sporting and green space asset.Kerr, who has worked on championship-level golf courses in over 12 countries, says cities overseas have already adopted this dual-purpose model.“Thousands more people could enjoy the space—whether walking, cycling or playing golf—while it helps prevent flooding,” she said.Ryan Pitkethley.Ryan Pitkethley, director of engineering at CivilPlan, confirmed that modelling shows the course can manage the required stormwater volumes.“We believe this model doesn’t just meet the Council’s flood goals—it enhances them by adding ecological and recreational benefits,” he said.Stephen Dowd.Takapuna Golf spokesperson Stephen Dowd said the course welcomes over 260,000 visitors annually and provides affordable access for players of all ages.“Golf is growing fast, especially among juniors. Closing this course would be a major loss for Auckland,” he said.The new design will be presented to the Council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee this week.

Maintenance work on State Highway 1 (SH1) will bring daytime lane restrictions to the southbound lanes between the Silverdale interchange and Oteha Valley Road from Sunday 6 April to Thursday 10 April, the NZ Transport Agency has advised.The work will take place between 11am and 7pm daily, with crews focused on slip remediation and other essential maintenance tasks.While southbound traffic will remain open, Coasties travelling to or from Auckland should expect slower journeys and follow all traffic management signs and instructions.The full maintenance programme is expected to continue until June 2025, with updates to come as works progress along the route.Locals may also notice an increase in noise in areas near the highway during the work period.NZTA reminds motorists to drive with care, watch their speed through the work zone, and allow for possible delays.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Blues will welcome back several key players for their Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Hurricanes at Eden Park this Saturday, in what promises to be a blockbuster double-header for Auckland fans.The men’s team returns from a bye and gears up for the second half of their season with fresh legs and renewed energy, hoping to keep momentum building as they eye a strong finish on the points table. They’ll take the field after the nib Blues women face Hurricanes Poua in a crucial Aupiki match, with home final hosting rights on the line.Coach Vern Cotter confirmed that senior players Beauden Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu are expected to start, provided they get through full-contact training this week. Joining them are Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, AJ Lam, Anton Segner and Adrian Choat—all cleared to play after time out with injury.“The group is putting in the hard work to produce a quality performance,” said Cotter. “Hopefully they will come through a big week of effort on the training field.”While the returning players offer much-needed depth, the Blues have been dealt a blow with the season-ending loss of All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who requires neck surgery. Sam Darry is also sidelined for the season, with Zarn Sullivan, Taufa Funaki and Reon Paul still recovering.Kick-off is set for Saturday evening at Eden Park, where fans can enjoy a full evening of top-tier rugby. With the return of local stars and plenty on the line, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch for Coasties and Blues fans alike.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland Transport will increase parking prices by 50 cents an hour from 14 April to cover the rising costs of keeping the city moving.This change applies to all AT-managed street and carpark spaces, excluding select areas like Devonport and Westgate where recent adjustments have already been made.Daily price caps for AT carparks will also rise.John Strawbridge, AT’s Group Manager of Parking Services, said the increase reflects a 13 percent rise in operational costs, including more requests from Aucklanders to address issues like blocked driveways.“We’re seeing around 30 percent more service requests,” he said.“We’re also investing in compliance tools to ensure fair use of parking.”The annual review considers factors such as demand, economic conditions, and socio-economic impacts.Mr Strawbridge said the goal is to ensure that users—not ratepayers—cover a portion of the costs.The last increase was in August 2023, when fees rose by NZD$1 per hour.For Coasties commuting into Auckland, this small increase means parking costs will be slightly higher in town and suburban centres, particularly if you're heading in for work or events.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Silverdale Village is turning back the clock tomorrow, for the very first Silverdale Pioneer Festival. Running from 2pm to 6pm, this free community event promises an afternoon full of local food, family fun, and good old-fashioned entertainment.Live performances from Chet & Melissa O’Connell, The Renegades, and Clover will set the tone, while magician Jarred Fell adds a touch of wonder. There’ll be horse and carriage rides, wood chopping demos, vintage car displays, face painting, and heaps more happening throughout the Village and the historic Pioneer Village.The festival is about celebrating the past and the people who helped shape Silverdale. Pioneer Village will be open to explore, and those keen to get into the spirit are invited to dress in pioneer-style outfits for a chance to win prizes in the themed dress-up competition.Silverdale Street will be closed between the Hibiscus Coast Highway and Wainui Road from 12pm to 7pm to keep everyone safe. If you're parked inside the area before midday, you’ll have a brief window to move your car, but from 1:30pm to 6:30pm, no vehicle movement will be allowed. Free parking is available nearby at Stella Maris School, Silverdale Centre, and Silverdale Mall—just note the Mall carpark closes at 6pm sharp.For parents with little ones, Coast Community Trust will offer baby change and breastfeeding facilities at 13 Agency Lane. Chill zones will also be dotted around the venue for anyone needing a quiet break.With generous raffle prizes sponsored by local businesses and a full programme of activities, it’s shaping up to be a lively afternoon. And if the weather doesn’t play ball, a reduced version of the event will still go ahead.You can download the Festival Full Map & Programme here.

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Rowing NZ Beach Sprint ChampionshipsSaturday 5 April - Sunday 6 AprilOrewaMore detailsSilverdale Pioneer FestivalSaturday 5 AprilSilverdaleMore detailsA Very Coastie Multicultural Celebration ConcertSunday 6 AprilWhangaparaoaMore 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!

Household net disposable income across New Zealand rose 1.5 percent to NZD $59.4 billion in the December 2024 quarter, according to new figures from Stats NZ.The main contributor to this growth was a 6.5 percent increase in income earned by self-employed business owners—particularly those in agriculture, forestry, and residential rental property sectors.James Mitchell, institutional sectors spokesperson, said the lift came “despite a decrease in salaries and wages for the second quarter in a row,” thanks to the strong gains from self-employed earnings and partnerships.Household net disposable income reflects the money available after income and tax adjustments—it’s what households have to spend, save, or invest.At the same time, household spending rose by 0.8 percent to NZD $60.9 billion, with services leading the charge.Kiwis spent more on flights (both international and domestic), along with restaurant and takeaway meals.The increase in income outpaced the rise in spending, which saw household saving improve by NZD $429 million—though the overall balance remained negative at -NZD $1.4 billion.While these figures don’t reflect individual households, they provide insight into wider economic activity—especially relevant for Coasties running local businesses or navigating changes in the cost of living.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland has experienced it's driest March for 15 years and there's a warning that mandatory water restrictions could be implemented as soon as June.Storage in Auckland's dams has dropped below 60 percent after their catchments in the Hūnua and Waitākere Ranges experienced the driest March since 2010.At this time of year levels would normally be at 74.8 percent.Watercare head of water Sharon Danks told RNZ Morning Report the soil was really dry around Auckland.While Auckland has had some rain lately, Danks said it probably would not be enough to start filling the dams again.Auckland's seven-day average water demand was currently 472 million litres per day.Aucklanders should be conservative with their water use before mandatory restrictions in June, she said."Think about things like shorter showers - if everyone reduced their showers by a minute, then we'd save 20 million litres a day."When you're watering your garden use trigger nozzle, water the garden at night time when the evaporation is less and things like that."Watercare was maximising flows from the Waikato River source as opposed to the dams, she said.While Watercare was hoping not to need future restrictions, it would be somewhat reliant on the weather over the next few months.Rainfall was forecast to be average to dry over the next couple of months."It's better not to have mandatory restrictions so if we can do all we can before June to reduce water demands than that would be great."Auckland councillor Richard Hills, chair of the policy and planning committee, said Watercare was keeping the council well informed - "they're fixing leaks in record time and their water savings messages are working well"."But we are relying on all Aucklanders to help out by reporting leaks and continuing to prevent water wastage. If we all do our bit, we can make a huge difference."

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 4/4 Rainy and windy. Breezy to brisk Northerly winds.High: 22Low: 17Saturday, 5/4Mainly sunny. Fairly breezy West to Sou'West winds.High: 23Low: 14Sunday, 6/4Afternoon showers. Fairly breezy Nor'West winds.High: 22Low: 16Monday, 7/4Mainly sunny. Breezy to brisk Westerly winds.High: 21Low: 16Looking 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!

Orewa Beach is set for a thrilling weekend as it hosts the Rowing New Zealand Beach Sprint Championships on Saturday, 5 April and Sunday, 6 April.Top Elite and U19 athletes will race for a coveted place on the national squad bound for the World Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Rio this October.The fast-paced knockout format promises excitement for spectators, with racing starting at 8:30am Saturday and wrapping up around midday Sunday.This year’s expanded two-day schedule, based at Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club, gives competitors more opportunities to prove themselves in this growing sport.Beach sprint rowing is unique—athletes sprint from the sand to their boats, tackle a tight slalom course, and finish with a run back to the beach. It’s high-speed, high-energy, and made for fans.Two Olympic Gold Medallists, Michael Brake and Emma Twigg, will also be in attendance, adding even more buzz to the weekend.Organiser David Vallance says Orewa is the perfect host: “We’ve seen fantastic engagement from the local community. Orewa is the ideal location—not just for this event, but for the future of beach sprint rowing.”Photos: @rowing.pictureshowWith the stunning coastline, strong surf club support, and a Coast community known for its love of water sports, this championship could be a game-changer.Whether you're a rowing fan or just keen for some weekend action by the sea, this is one to catch.Photo: @rowing.pictureshowGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]