Hibiscus Coast travellers can expect packed terminals at Auckland Airport this summer.Auckland Airport says the summer peak is already underway, with more than 2.5 million travellers expected between Monday, December 8, 2025 and Sunday, January 18, 2026.That includes around 1 million domestic and 1.5 million international travellers, up about 4.7% domestically and 7.5% internationally on last summer.Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker says, “Plan ahead, arrive with plenty of time and pack smart.”The busiest days are forecast to include:Domestic departures: Friday, December 19, nearly 15,000 travellersInternational departures: Sunday, January 4, over 19,500 travellersInternational arrivals: Thursday, January 15, nearly 20,000 travellersDomestic arrivals: Friday, January 16, over 14,000 travellersAirlines have added an extra 207,000 international seats over summer, lifting total capacity to 5.8 million seats across 43 destinations.The airport is also reminding travellers to get “battery wise”. Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked luggage, including power banks, wireless earbuds, hearing aids and vapes. Mr Tasker says some airlines have new rules, so travellers should check their airline’s website.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Red Beach Park is set for a permanent pump track next year. Just off William Bayes Road on the Hibiscus Coast, the park has become a regular meet-up for families, friends, birthday parties, and weekend kickabouts, with a playground that suits a range of ages plus sports fields used by local clubs. Locals Tamara Eyre and Claire Torckler say the balance logs, playground frames, flying fox, and open grass keep their kids busy and help neighbours connect, with Tamara calling it “a fantastic space that encourages outdoor play” and Claire saying her family spent hours there when a temporary pump track visited last summer. The park’s latest additions also lean into nature, with a balancing log trail installed earlier this year using large logs cut from a Norfolk pine donated by a homeowner in Ōrewa. Play Portfolio Lead Jacquelyn Collins says play is not just about playgrounds, and that kids can have fun “climbing trees, balancing on logs, and exploring what nature puts in their path”. Volunteers have also been planting native oioi, backed by local board funding, to help drainage and biodiversity, with Restore Hibiscus and Bays advisor Deborah Colson saying it builds pride by bringing people together. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has confirmed $540,000 is set aside for the pump track, with a draft design to be shared after specialist input.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Plunket is urging online Christmas shoppers to check out their 6-point checklist for toy safety.Every year in New Zealand, children three and under experience around 1,250 toy-related injuries, according to new ACC statistics.To keep babies and young kids safe, it's important to remember that some toys bought second-hand and from overseas retailers may not meet New Zealand's product safety standards, says Plunket nurse Keli Livingston-Filipo.She urges people shopping for Christmas gifts for little ones to first check out their 6-point toy safety checklist, which includes warnings related to sharp edges, too-long strings and small batteries.Following a string of recent headlines about toy recalls, including kinetic sand contaminated with asbestos, Gemma Rasmussen from Consumer NZ urged parents to resist the temptation of buying cheap toys from Temu and Shein, as they have "a really high failure rate in safety testing".In New Zealand, imported products which don't meet our safety standards are "falling through the cracks", Rasmussen says."Often, the enforcement and recall is happening once something's landed on our shelves. We're sort of in a model where, until something goes wrong, there's not really a lot that's happening. That's quite a dangerous model because it means potentially someone is getting hurt."Earlier this year, a Gisborne-based importer was fined $140,000 for selling small toy cars that were deemed a choking hazard - hundreds of which remain unaccounted for despite a recall notice.Toys which have small parts that can easily be removed, broken pieces that create sharp edges or built-in button batteries or small magnets can pose huge risks to babies and young children, Keli Livingston-Filipo says.A range of coloured sand products were recalled this year over asbestos fears. Photo: SuppliedIf you're shopping around for second-hand toys on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace, she recommends making sure they don't contain any magnetic parts or batteries, she adds."Normally, you would see those in soft toys that can do stuff like hold hands or connect to another toy. You've also got the magnets of alphabet letters that can go on the fridge."As we know, children are very inquisitive, and if there's a little [battery or magnet] to be found and pulled out, they're going to find it."The Six S's of toy safety:Size matters – Ensure toys are large enough to not be put in their mouth, ears or nose.Surface check – Look for smooth finishes and avoid sharp edges.String safety – Avoid toys with long cords or strings.Supervision and safety instruction – Check packaging and know which toys need adult supervision. " That's a huge one, because obviously if you're getting stuff from overseas or second-hand, you might not have safety instructions."Volume control – Make sure toys aren’t too loud for little ears.Swallow risk – Watch for small parts or items like button batteries that could be ingested.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Happy Sunday, Coasties! Grab a coffee and settle in. This is your essential 5-minute download of the week's biggest Hibiscus Coast news and updates. Don't miss a thing!Holiday Bus Shake-Up for Hibiscus Coast Commuters Read more → Where Has All the Anchor Trim Gone?Read more → Five Arrested After Gang Arsons Rock Ōrewa BusinessesRead more → The App Putting Hibiscus Coast in Every PocketRead more → Hibiscus Coast Beekeepers Asked to Watch Hornet HuntRead more → Never miss a beat again. Get instant alerts and local updates delivered straight to your pocket. Download the Hibiscus Coast App now for news, events, and essential community info, anytime, anywhere.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Summer is a wonderful time for walks, play, and sunny adventures with your dog, but it also comes with some important safety reminders. As the temperatures rise it’s important to remember hot weather can pose serious risks to your dog; they’re more vulnerable to heat than we humans are.Here’s some essential tips to ensure your dog stays safe when the mercury climbs:Always make sure your dog has access to shade and fresh water; refill their bowls often, make sure they cannot tip it over and add a few ice cubes for a fun cooling treat!Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car even for a minute; temperatures inside can rise dangerously fast, putting them at serious risk.Plan walks for early morning or evening and avoid the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.Be mindful of hot footpaths, roads and sand; before heading out, test the ground with your hand; if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for their paws.Adjust activity levels during the hot weather; opt for grassy or forest walks or play that involved water like swimming but always supervise your dog around water; don’t be afraid to let them rest.Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress; heavy panting, drooling or vomiting are all signals your dog needs a break in the shade with cool water; groom your dog regularly to remove excess fur.With a little planning and care, you and your dog can enjoy a happy safe summer together.A guide for dog ownersVisit the Auckland Council website for all the information you need about owning and looking after your dog in Auckland, including registering your dog, rules on public places, and tips for choosing a dog.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Police arrested five people within an hour after an aggravated burglary at a commercial premises in Albany on Friday.Police say that about 11.20am, five people entered a store on The Avenue and began taking items when an altercation broke out. The owner was assaulted and received minor injuries.The offenders fled in a vehicle but were located by Police near the intersection of Queen Street and Coatesville-Riverhead Highway. By 12pm, all five had been arrested.Four young men, aged 17, 18, 18 and 21, have been charged with shoplifting. A 21-year-old Manukau man has been charged with aggravated assault and shoplifting.The 17-year-old will be referred to Youth Aid. The other four are due to appear in the North Shore District Court on Monday.Police say further work has linked three of the offenders to a shoplifting incident at a commercial premises in Riverhead near the end of October. Two males have been charged, with a third person referred to Youth Aid.Waitematā East Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Caroline Miles said: “It’s a great feeling knowing the alleged offenders have been caught, especially in less than an hour.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coast Chronicles is our regular deep dive into the stories and decisions that shaped the Hibiscus Coast you live in today.Henry Glanville moved here to heal his heart.He arrived from New South Wales in 1857 with his wife, Mary, and they settled in a quiet bay that briefly bore their name before becoming Stanmore.Life was hard work in those early days.They cleared bracken fern to plant corn and wheat.The family dined on wild pigeons and ducks caught near the water.But Henry’s bad heart gave out not long after they arrived.Mary returned to Australia, leaving Henry behind in the soil he had just begun to till.His final resting place remains a local mystery.Locals believe he lies somewhere near the original homestead site, further down the bay.It is difficult to imagine Henry’s isolation today.The silence of 1857 has been replaced by the splash of the Leisure Centre pool and the hum of Whangaparāoa Road traffic.Where he once listened for wild ducks, commuters now queue for the morning rush.The solitude he sought has been paved over by the noise of progress.Yet traces of the Glanvilles remain visible if you look closely.Stanmore Cottage still stands at the top of Brightside Road.Once a farmhouse, it now serves as a childcare centre for a new generation.The bach boom of the 1950s saw sections sell for just £30, as holiday homes spread across old gum-digging lands and farm plots.We build our modern lives on top of these early stories, assuming our structures will last.Henry’s story offers a quiet warning about impermanence.In a final twist of irony, the sea washed up his headstone in the 1970s, yet it kept his bones.Nature eventually reclaims everything, no matter what we build on top.Coast Chronicles is written by the Hibiscus Coast App editorial team, under the shared byline “the Coast Chronicler.”Got a local memory or a news tip? We’d love to hear it. Send it to [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast shoppers helped push card spending up in November 2025.Stats NZ says total electronic card spending rose $178 million (1.9%) from October, across retail plus two non-retail categories. The data covers debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. Retail spending lifted $86 million (1.2%). Core retail was up $67 million (1.1%).The biggest retail lifts were in:Durables, up $35 million (2.1%)Hospitality, up $18 million (1.3%)Consumables, up $12 million (0.4%)Apparel, up $11 million (3.4%)Fuel, up $8.7 million (1.8%)Motor vehicles excluding fuel, up $5.1 million (2.6%)Outside retail, non-retail excluding services jumped $87 million (3.9%). Services rose $11 million (2.8%). Those categories include areas like health care, travel, postal and courier delivery, repair and maintenance, and personal care.In actual terms, cardholders made 185 million transactions in November 2025. The average value was $55 per transaction. Total electronic card spending was $10 billion.For local retailers and hospitality spots across Orewa, Silverdale, and Whangaparāoa, a lift like this is a good sign heading into summer. If the momentum holds, it should mean steadier foot traffic and a bit more confidence for businesses gearing up for the holiday rush.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Some simple, evidence-based strategies will help you navigate the Christmas party season without relying on will power alone.“We must have a drink before the end of the year!”December is a perfect storm for anyone trying to cut back on drinking. Between end-of-year deadlines, work parties, family gatherings and school events, alcohol is suddenly everywhere.It can make drinking feel not just normal, but expected.But if you want to drink less (or not at all) this silly season, you don’t have to rely on willpower alone. Having a plan can help.Some evidence suggests when goals are focused on how you’ll approach something – such as a not-drinking strategy – rather than what you’ll avoid (alcohol), it’s easier to follow through.So here are some simple strategies, backed by evidence.1. Make a planWhen making decisions, our brains tend to prioritise immediate goals over long-term ones. Scientists call this “present bias”. This means it’s harder to keep your long-term goal (cutting back on alcohol) in mind when confronted by the chance for immediate gratification (having a drink).But if you plan when you will and won’t drink in advance, you reduce the need to make this decision in real time – when alcohol is in front of you and your willpower may be lower and you’re more driven by emotion.Look ahead at your calendar and choose your drinking and non-drinking days deliberately. Committing to the plan ahead of time reduces the chances of opportunistic drinking when social pressure is high.2. Track your drinksTracking when and how much you drink is one of the most effective and well-supported strategies for reducing alcohol use and staying motivated.You may be surprised how much tracking alone can change your drinking, simply by being more mindful and helping you understand your patterns.It doesn’t matter how you do it – in an app, a notebook or even on your phone calendar. Writing it down is better than trying to remember. And doing it consistently works best. Aim to record drinks in real time if you can.There are lots of free, evidence based apps, such Drink Tracker, that can help you track your drinking and drink-free days.3. Try zero alcohol drinksFor many people, the rise of alcohol-free beer, wine and spirits has made it much easier to enjoy the ritual of drinking at social events, without the intoxication.But they’re not for everyone – particularly those who find the look, smell and taste of alcohol triggering. Know yourself, see what works, and don’t force it if it’s not helping reach your goals.4. Slow the paceIf your aim is to cut back, try alternating each alcoholic drink with something non-alcoholic.Water is best, but zero, low or non-alcoholic drinks can still reduce how much you drink overall – and as a bonus they can also help you stay hydrated, which may reduce the chance of a hangover.Eating something healthy and filling before and during drinking is also a good idea. It prevents rapid spikes in blood alcohol levels, as well as slowing the absorption of alcohol into your system. This means your body has a better chance of metabolising the alcohol.Eating well can also help calm the cravings for sugary, fried and salty foods that are often triggered by alcohol.5. Beware of an all-or-nothing approachDon’t fall into the “goal violation” trap (sometimes called the abstinence violation effect). That’s the when slipping up makes you abandon your plan altogether.Maybe someone talks you into “just a splash” – or one drink somehow becomes five – and you tell yourself: “Oh well, I’ve blown it now.”But a slip is just a slip – it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goals. You can reset straight away, at the next drink or the next day.6. Set up accountabilityLetting a friend or partner know that you are trying to drink less helps you stay accountable and provides support – even better if they join you.7. Have responses readyPeople may notice you’re not drinking or are drinking less. They may offer you a drink. Try a simple “I’m good” or “I’m pacing myself tonight”. Work out what feels OK to you – you don’t need to give long explanations.8. Be kind to yourselfWhen you’re making a big change, it won’t always go smoothly. What matters is how you respond if you slip up. Shame and guilt often lead to more drinking, while self-compassion supports longer-term behaviour change.Instead of seeing a slip as failure, treat it as information: What made it hard to stick to your goals? What could help next time?December doesn’t have to derail your goals.Change comes from consistent small steps, even during the busiest month of the year. Focus on developing a relationship with alcohol that you are in control of, not the other way around.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand’s adult minimum wage will rise 2 per cent to $23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026.Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the change, saying it reflects the Government’s agreement to keep annual minimum wage increases moderate as part of the NZ First–National coalition commitment.“This new rate will benefit around 122,500 working New Zealanders and strikes a balance between keeping up with the cost of living and not adding further pressure on the costs of running businesses,” she says.Ms van Velden says the decision comes at a tough time for many employers, and that the Government is aiming for “recovery and relief” through what she calls responsible economic management. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.She links the move to wider goals of growing the economy, boosting incomes and supporting people in jobs across the country.The increase is intended to help minimum wage workers keep pace with the cost of living, with inflation projected to remain relatively stable at around 2 per cent from June 2026. Youth unemployment and wage compression were both considered in this year’s decision.“Past minimum wage increases have driven wage compression, reducing the differentiation in pay between workers based on skills, experience or performance,” she says, adding that recent moderate rises have started to ease this trend and support young people into entry level jobs.Starting-out and training minimum wage rates will be set at $19.16, remaining at 80 per cent of the adult rate when the change takes effect on 1 April 2026.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word

Coasties you’ve got this weekend to help choose New Zealand’s 2025 Quote of the Year.After a first round of public nominations, a panel of communications experts has narrowed it down to ten lines that really caught the country’s attention.Politics features heavily, from Christopher Luxon’s Marmite sandwich crack about school lunches, to Chlöe Swarbrick’s call for “six of 68 Government MPs with a spine,” and Nicola Willis refusing to reward protesters in adult nappies with a meeting.Hamish Kerr’s dream of jumping high enough to clear a ceiling, Taika Waititi’s push for deeper Indigenous stories on screen, Andrea Vance’s blistering take on pay equity, and Mike Bodie’s reminder that wildlife have no one to call the police for them also made the list.The competition, now in its 14th year, was founded by the late Dr Heather Kavan, a much-loved Massey University speechwriting specialist.Voting closes at midnight on Monday, December 15, and you can cast your vote here.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Making plans? Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast, curated by your team at The Hibiscus Coast App.Orewa Beach Fun RunSat 13 DecClick here for more detailsSilverdale Night MarketSun 14 DecClick here for more detailsChristmas Day Buffet LunchThu 25 DecClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Have an event coming up? Get featured next week!List your Event for FREE now.

If you are driving between the Hibiscus Coast and Warkworth next week, expect night closures and detours on SH1.From Monday, December 15 to Thursday, December 18, crews will be working between the Silverdale and Warkworth interchanges.On Monday, December 15, between 9pm and 5am, northbound lanes from Silverdale to Warkworth will be closed.The Silverdale, Millwater, Orewa and Puhoi northbound ramps and Johnstones Hill Tunnels will also shut, with detours via Hibiscus Coast Highway and Old SH1.Work on the SH1 Orewa overbridge will be managed with traffic control at the Grand Drive roundabout.On Tuesday, December 16, between 8pm and 5am, the southbound side from Warkworth to Silverdale will close, including Puhoi, Orewa, Millwater and Silverdale southbound ramps and the tunnels.Traffic will again be sent along Old SH1 and Hibiscus Coast Highway.On Wednesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 18, between 9pm and 5am, the Millwater southbound on-ramp will be closed and SH1 will have lane restrictions.Drivers should use the Orewa or Silverdale southbound on-ramps instead.Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes cannot use Grand Drive.On Thursday, December 18, there will also be a full southbound closure from Orewa to Silverdale, with local detours through Grand Drive, West Hoe Road, Florence Ave, Centreway Road and Twin Coast Discovery Highway.Heavy vehicles must leave SH1 at Pohuehue Road, Warkworth and follow Old SH1 to Twin Coast Discovery Highway.All work depends on the weather. Nearby residents may notice increased noise during the night shifts.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland’s yellow-legged hornet hunt is widening, with new checks on the North Shore that matter for Hibiscus Coast beekeepers.Biosecurity New Zealand has extended its surveillance zone for yellow-legged hornets from 5km to 11km around detection sites on Auckland’s North Shore, following advice from an independent technical advisory group, says commissioner north Mike Inglis.He says the larger zone gives greater assurance the incursion is a single population contained to the local area and means teams can move fast if any spread is detected.The enhanced surveillance is starting now, ahead of an expected lift in foraging by worker hornets.Within the 11km zone, officers will work with more than 575 registered apiaries, placing traps near hives and giving beekeepers clear information on what to look for.Trapping and ground searches have already expanded, with nearly 650 traps deployed within 5km of detection sites and more than 3,500 properties checked within 200 metres of confirmed finds.Trap locations as at 11 December 2025 (yellow dots). All queen yellow-legged hornets have been found in Zone A (red circle) – a 1km buffer around detections.To date, 34 queen hornets and 22 nests have been located and destroyed.Mr Inglis says the detections show the surveillance is working well, and a panel of technical experts has praised the strong response so far.“This endorsement gives us confidence that our efforts are on the right track and that we’re doing everything possible to contain and eradicate this pest,” he says.Other steps include testing different trap designs and lures, ongoing inspections of nearby beehives, ground searches in reserves and residential areas, a national advertising campaign urging public reports, and new electronic tracking gear guided by UK experts to help trace nests from foraging workers.Teams are also visiting markets, schools, businesses and libraries to talk with locals.Public support has been strong, with more than 5,610 notifications so far, and Biosecurity New Zealand expects to find more hornets over summer as checks ramp up.Whether you live on the Hibiscus Coast or visit the North Shore, you are asked to watch for nests in roof eaves, carports, decks, sheds and other sheltered spots, never remove a suspected nest yourself, and report any concerns online at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling 0800 809 966.What to look forClick the play button below to watch the interesting MPI YouTube video on where to spot yellow-legged hornet nests.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

On the Hibiscus Coast, locals can now try a new Govt.nz app for safer access to public services. The Government has launched the app as a one-stop way to find trusted information and services on your phone, with Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins saying it is part of a wider shift to a more customer-focused public service. You can save the services that matter most to you on a personal dashboard, so things like payments, licences, or support are easier to find next time. Coasties can expect emergency warnings from national agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency and Fire and Emergency to appear in the app, which could be handy during storms or major events. The Government plans to add secure messaging, notifications, and a digital wallet for identity details like licences and qualifications over the coming months. Officials are stressing that using the Govt.nz app will stay optional, and that people will still be able to deal with agencies in other ways. The app is available now on iOS and Android platforms, so in addition to the Hibiscus Coast App, here is another app to save to your Home Screen.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 12/12Mostly fine with some cloud and a fresh southwesterly.High: 23Low: 16Saturday, 13/12Fine with sunshine and a breezy easterly turning nor’easter later.High: 23Low: 16Sunday, 14/12Mostly sunny with some cloud and a steady nor’easter.High: 23Low: 17Monday, 15/12Partly cloudy with a warm, breezy nor’easter.High: 23Low: 17See the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need, accessible at any time and from any location.

Have you noticed more police around when you pop down to Albany to shop?If not, that extra presence may not be far away.A new North Shore police Beat Team is cracking down on shoplifters in Takapuna, Glenfield and Albany, and that matters for Hibiscus Coast locals who rely on those centres.Just over a month since their rollout, the team’s visible presence has been warmly received by businesses and residents.“Officers are regularly approached by members of the public thanking them for their work and commenting on how great it is to see more of us,” says Beat Team Sergeant Shane Bainbridge.Retail crime is a key focus and officers have moved quickly.North Shore Beat Team. Photo: SuppliedIn Takapuna, the team found a recently released prisoner with stolen goods who is now facing multiple shoplifting charges.At Glenfield Mall, officers intercepted a man stealing boxes of beer after he had already offended earlier in the day and returned within hours of bail.One would-be shoplifter even tried to steal items right in front of officers and was promptly arrested and charged.In a more serious incident at Glenfield Mall, two women were caught shoplifting and violently assaulted security staff and a member of the public who stepped in.They were quickly tracked down nearby and are now facing aggravated assault charges.For Hibiscus Coast shoppers heading to these centres over summer, more officers on foot should help busier malls feel safer.Many locals will be hoping to see a Beat Team in Orewa, Silverdale and Whangaparaoa soon too.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Rural doctors say New Zealand needs a new, digitally enabled healthcare model to tackle obesity in regional communities.New Zealand is the third most obese nation in the OECD, with more than one in three adults classified as obese and rates among Māori exceeding 50%. New data shows the economic impact of obesity is expected to grow 471% to reach $46.3 billion by 2060.Rural New Zealanders and Māori are disproportionately affected, with those in the most deprived areas 1.6 times more likely to be obese than their urban counterparts. Research into the needs of rural patients living with obesity found GPs see it as one of their biggest challenges, but the health system is not designed to support them.Dr Kieran Dang, chief medical officer of Moshy, a trans-Tasman telehealth network of GPs specialising in obesity care, says communication gaps, structural barriers and wider social and cultural pressures all stand in the way of treatment. “Too often, people in regional areas struggle to even see a GP, let alone receive specialist weight-management care. Without new approaches designed for rural realities, residents are left at greater risk of serious conditions down the track,” he says.He and Moshy NZ clinical lead Dr Anasuya Vishvanath say telehealth can provide wraparound programmes that combine medical support, dietary advice and patient coaching, helping patients start care sooner and stay engaged. “The current system was never designed for the scale of obesity we’re seeing. A new digitally enabled model that combines medical, social and cultural care is essential to close those gaps,” Dr Vishvanath says.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’re shopping for a car, new safety ratings could be a life-or-death check for Hibiscus Coast drivers and their families.NZ Transport Agency has updated safety ratings for used vehicles on Rightcar.govt.nz, showing people in 5-star cars are about twice as safe as those in 1-star cars.The 2025 update uses real crash data from 9.5 million vehicles and 2.6 million injured road users across Australia and New Zealand between 1987 and 2023.“This year’s ratings draw from 9.5 million vehicles and 2.6 million injured road users involved in police-reported crashes,” the Monash University Accident Research Centre analysis shows.NZTA Principal Advisor Vehicle Safety Todd Wylie says, “Your choice of vehicle could make all the difference in avoiding a crash and in protecting you and your loved ones from serious injury or death if a crash happens.”Vehicle safety keeps improving. Drivers in 2023 models face an average risk of death or serious injury that is 43% lower than in 2001-built cars, and the overall safety of the light vehicle fleet has improved by more than 50%.The Tesla Model 3 is the first fully electric vehicle to receive a used car safety rating and scored 5 stars.Key 2025 highlights include:Ratings changed for 16% of the light vehicle fleetAlmost 1.5 million vehicles now rated 5 starsCommercial utes perform worst, with 77% only 1–2 starsMany poor performers are driven by novice driversSafety ratings change over time, so before you buy or upgrade on the Hibiscus Coast, head to Rightcar.govt.nz and search by number plate or make and model.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.