Six centuries after Rangitoto erupted, scientists have found the magma beneath the island is still hot enough to drive a hidden hydrothermal system, giving Auckland a rare look at how the land might behave after a future eruption.Rangitoto, sitting just 10km from the city centre, is the largest and youngest of the 53 volcanoes that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field.Lead researcher Alutsyah Luthfian (Fian) from the University of Auckland says it’s the first time signs of heat from volcanic activity have been detected in the field.“We expected the unerupted magma to be fully solidified, but were surprised to find it still warm enough to heat groundwater, even after 600 years,” Fian explains.For Coasties, this matters because Auckland’s next eruption won’t just bring lava and ash — the land could stay hot for decades afterwards.That could affect rebuilding, underground services, and how people live around a new volcanic cone.Researchers point to Heimaey, Iceland, where slowly cooling lava powered homes for 15 years.The findings are part of the long-running DEVORA programme, funded by Auckland Council and the Natural Hazards Commission.Using simple clay pots and wire, the team tracked voltage signals that confirmed circulating warm groundwater under Rangitoto, with gas readings adding another layer of evidence.Dr Jo Horrocks, Chief Resilience Officer at NHC, says this work helps prepare Auckland for the long-term impacts of an eruption, not just the event itself.And for now, Rangitoto’s gentle silhouette on the horizon is just a reminder of how much life here is shaped by the land beneath our feet.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A car is partially submerged in the sea at Stanmore Bay.Police were told just after 6.30am that a vehicle was in the water and said they were trying to find the registered owner.There was no information to suggest anyone was inside the vehicle, a police spokesperson said.It would be possible to get to the car once the tide was out.RNZ's photographer at the scene said there were no tyre tracks to suggest how the vehicle entered the water or where it had come from.Waves were crashing over the car three hours before the 10am low tide.Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro

Retail activity in New Zealand rose by 0.5 percent in the June 2025 quarter compared with March, according to new figures from Stats NZ.Eight out of 15 industries recorded higher sales volumes once inflation and seasonal effects were factored in.The strongest gains came from electrical and electronic goods, up 4.6 percent, supermarkets and grocery stores, up 1.3 percent, and pharmaceutical retailing, up 1.2 percent.Department stores also rose 1 percent.Stats NZ spokesperson Michelle Feyen said the results reflected “a modest increase” with growth spread across several sectors.While total sales in the North Island fell slightly by 0.3 percent ($67.3m), the South Island recorded a 0.2 percent lift ($12m).Over the past three years, South Island growth has consistently outpaced the North, rising 17.7 percent compared with 3.5 percent in the North Island.For Coasties, the national uptick in supermarket and pharmacy sales points to steady household spending, while the jump in electronics shows Kiwis are still keen to upgrade gadgets.Even modest increases signal resilience in retail, a sector many local businesses rely on.Retail sales data is closely watched as a pulse check on consumer confidence.With ten of the last 12 quarters showing stronger growth in the South, Hibiscus Coast retailers will be hoping for a rebound closer to home in the months ahead.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

One in three New Zealanders will face cancer in their lifetime, with around 28,000 people diagnosed each year. This Friday, 29 August, is Daffodil Day, a chance for the whole country to come together and support those impacted.Run by the Cancer Society, Daffodil Day is a symbol of hope and a reminder that every donation helps. Over the past decade, the Cancer Society has invested more than $50 million into research that improves prevention, detection, and treatment, giving more New Zealanders a chance to live longer following a diagnosis.Beyond research, the Society also provides everyday support like counselling, transport, and accommodation for people and their families during treatment. For many Coasties, these services have been a lifeline during difficult times.There are simple ways to take part: buy fresh daffodils, volunteer, or donate online at daffodilday.org.nz. Every dollar raised makes a difference.For Coasties, getting behind Daffodil Day is more than just buying a flower. It’s about standing with neighbours, friends, and loved ones who are navigating the tough journey of cancer.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Today, 26 August, is International Dog Day, and New Zealand Customs is marking the occasion by recognising the vital role its detector dogs play in protecting the country’s borders and communities.For more than 50 years, detector dogs have been at the heart of daily operations. Each year, the teams intercept hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs and seize millions of dollars in undeclared cash at airports.Customs Director International, Michael Blades, says the Pacific Detector Dog Programme, which was set up in 2018, has become an important part of keeping the wider region secure. The programme is delivered jointly by New Zealand Police and Customs, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.“Detector dogs are a vital enforcement tool in the fight against transnational, serious and organised crime syndicates that continue to target Pacific nations,” Mr Blades said.Funding for the programme has now been boosted to $6.7 million for the next five years, up from $3.8 million in its first term. The increase will strengthen training and support for Pacific agencies, ensuring well-trained dog teams can disrupt crime before it reaches New Zealand.For Coasties travelling through Auckland Airport, these four-legged guardians are often the first line of defence, working quietly alongside their handlers to keep harmful goods and criminal activity from making it to the Hibiscus Coast and beyond.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland's North Shore Women's Centre will close its doors in November due to funding shortfalls after providing help and support to women for almost four decades.Meanwhile, a rural counselling service in Rangitīkei has cut back its hours.Both organisations lost funding last year during Oranga Tamariki's belt-tightening, which it says has saved tens of millions of dollars.But the services which are cutting back say it has come at a cost.Funding dries upOpening in 1990, the North Shore Women's Centre provides social services, such as help for domestic violence victims, post-birth support and legal advice, to about 500 women a year, as well as almost as many children.It will close its doors at the end of November.Centre manager Tracey Swanberg said that would leave a void."We have really skilled counsellors, social workers and community-support workers with decades and decades of experience working in this space."One of the things we've been saying out loud is, 'Where are these women going to go? Because, quite frankly, no one's going to fill the space that we're filling'."The centre's $118,000 a year Oranga Tamariki contract was cut with little notice in June last year.Swanberg said the centre always over performed, so the loss came out of the blue and without much explanation."OT was not able to give us an answer apart from the fact, I think, they were trying to claw back some money and their focus was around children and our focus is, of course, wahine."But, they all have children in their care and it doesn't seem right that when you're focused on a child you're not focused on the mother and her wellbeing as well."The centre's costs were rising, including after the social worker pay equity case raised salaries in 2023. It now took about $500,000 a year to run the centre, up from about $360,000.Swanberg said it had also recently lost a further programme contract, while community grants were harder to get."Because the sector is under such pressure those funders are under huge pressure, so they're not able to fund at the level they used to."We've basically been working really frugally and working on a shoestring, and are in the process of using up our reserves."Centre operations manager Dawn Hutchison said once that was gone, that was it.Women who relied on the centre would have to call on other under-pressure services."We talk about the tsunami of harm. At the moment it's building and it's going to get a lot worse," she said."We're looking for that fairy godmother out there, but we know that's not going to happen. We're really concerned for the wellbeing of our families."The centre has nine staff.Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive for commissioning and investment Benesia Smith said the centre was predominantly focused on support for parents and "was not well aligned with the core purpose of Oranga Tamariki and the priority cohorts of children Oranga Tamariki support"."A transition plan, along with funding of $50,000 from July to 30 September 2024, supported the provider to work with their 28 counselling clients and 16 social work clients in its service as at August 2024 to conclude their services."There were many alternative parent and family services across Auckland funded by government agencies, including telehealth and online services, she said.Services cutIn Rangitīkei, the Marton Counselling Centre took an almost $30,000 hit when its Oranga Tamariki contract was reduced last year.Manager Anna Sophia said the centre was now seeing fewer people."We have actually lost a counselling day in there. Because of the funding cut we had to look at restructuring, but as it happens one of the counsellors resigned, so we've just chosen not to fill that day."We're no longer open on a Friday, which is a loss of service and a loss to our community."The centre's outgoings were about $250,000 a year and this year it had picked up community grants and a donation from a local philanthropist.Sophia said the centre prided itself on not making people wait for counselling, but with the future uncertain that could change."We can tighten our belts, but that is a tightening up of our services and our community suffers."We don't really know what to do. I guess because I'm a reasonably optimistic, hopeful person I'm hoping that somewhere, someone's going to step in with some funding and save the day for this next financial year."Smith said Oranga Tamariki reduced the number of counselling services it bought from the centre, so funding fell $28,000 to $90,000 a year."The service was assessed for alignment to core priorities and responsibilities of Oranga Tamariki, and a reduction was made to ensure investment was shifted to more intensive supports for tamariki in care."A transition plan was not developed for this provider, but the expectation was that they would adjust the number of clients and prioritise according to need, to match the funding across the financial year."These expectations were directly discussed with the provider."Oranga Tamariki did not fund other face-to-face counselling services in Rangitīkei, bit did fund some in the wider Manawatū-Whanganui region. National telehealth services were also available.Cuts save millionsSmith said 236 services were affected by funding reductions, or complete cuts.One-hundred-and-ninety providers had contracts ended and 124 had funding reduced during an agreed transition period in the past financial year.Decisions about that were based on utilisation rates, whether the service aligned with Oranga Tamariki's core purpose and to allow investment in other services.Smith said Oranga Tamariki saved $30 million through its "baseline savings exercise".Over time the number of services it funded had reduced because "we have created efficiencies through a deliberate strategy of service consolidation"."This work is ongoing," Smith said."We always work within a limited budget and in line with our statutory responsibilities. Our job is to maintain focus on value for money, and eliminate duplication, ensure maximum utilisation and find more efficient ways to procure services."The overall spend on contracted services had remained stable for the past five years, at about $500m a year.Smith said providers around New Zealand had been consulted for the past two months and feedback was being collated to assess Oranga Tamariki's approach to commissioning.Contracts that were to end on 30 June this year were extended by six months."This six-month period is to allow for Oranga Tamariki to develop advice on our future commissioning approach for ministerial consideration and then implement those decisions in a timely fashion," Smith said."During the regional engagement process, providers were advised that Oranga Tamariki would be in touch late September with next steps for those providers that have contracts ending on 31 December 2025."

Travellers landing in Auckland will notice changes at the international terminal after the first phase of a $5.7 billion upgrade programme went live on 22 August.The new-look arrivals hall, delivered in partnership with Biosecurity New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service, includes an expanded “nothing to declare” express lane supported by detector dog screening. Around 1,300m² of space has been upgraded, with new back-of-house facilities helping staff manage passenger flows more efficiently.Auckland Airport says the upgrade improves traveller experience while strengthening border security. Median processing times have dropped from nearly 29 minutes in 2023 to just under 15 minutes in June 2025, with an 8% improvement in the past year alone.Biosecurity Commissioner Mike Inglis said the facilities are key to keeping New Zealand’s $60 billion primary industries safe from pests and diseases. Customs’ Dana McDonald added that the changes, combined with wider use of digital traveller declarations and eGates, make arrivals smoother for eligible passengers.Behind the scenes, a new western truck dock has opened, providing six bays for faster turnaround of terminal deliveries and improved waste handling. The old facility has closed to make way for the new domestic jet terminal.For Hibiscus Coast locals who regularly fly in and out of Auckland, these upgrades mean faster processing, shorter queues and stronger protections at the country’s main gateway. With more phases to come, the airport has also launched an interactive website showing how its master plan will unfold through to 2047.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

If you’ve ever stopped at Moenui Reserve in Orewa, you’ll know the sound of gulls squabbling overhead and the steady roll of the tide.Soon, there’ll be something new among the trees and ocean views – a “Chatterbox Seat,” purpose-built to help locals pause, reflect, or strike up a conversation.Chatterbox began in 2019, after founder Emily Paton lost her husband Darryl to suicide.Determined to make it easier for people to talk about the big things, Emily unveiled the first seat at Pt Chevalier Beach in 2022.Since then, more have been planned around Auckland, each designed to encourage conversation and reduce the stigma still surrounding mental health.Here on the Hibiscus Coast, where mental health challenges are higher than average, the idea quickly resonated.While professional services like Youth in Transition and Ember do incredible work, sometimes the smallest act – sitting down, saying hello, sharing a moment – can be what really helps.This Orewa project was first suggested by Anna McGovern at More FM and taken on by Destination Orewa Beach.Destination Orewa Beach Manager Hellen Wilkins says, “As maintaining good mental health should be a priority for everyone and we realise there are many in our community struggling with their own mental health, this seat provides a tranquil and peaceful place for people to sit in peace or engage with others.”The journey to make it happen hasn’t been easy.The project cost about $5,800, with support from the Rotary Club of Orewa-Millwater and, crucially, ASB’s Community Grants scheme.The seat itself is square-shaped, not a traditional bench, designed for group seating and cross-legged chats.Installation is expected to take place in Spring.Destination Orewa has gifted the seat to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, who will plant it in Moenui Reserve and maintain it as part of the park’s assets.The location, near the More FM office, was chosen for its tranquil ocean outlook – a peaceful setting to pause, reflect, and connect.So when it’s in place, take a moment to sit, breathe, and maybe start a conversation.You never know whose day it might brighten.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand homeowners could be saving thousands each year, but many remain in the dark about how offset mortgages work.A recent survey found almost half of respondents either don’t know much about offset mortgages or had never heard of them. Even among those who have, nearly a third wrongly believe they only benefit people who hold large bank balances year-round.Offset mortgages allow borrowers to link their everyday accounts to their home loan, reducing the balance on which interest is charged. This means even short-term savings, like wages before bills are paid, can cut interest costs.Data from 2024 shows that customers using offset-style products collectively saved around $200 million in interest. More than 13,000 homeowners even paid zero interest for parts of the year, with average rates reduced to just 1.71% p.a.For Coasties juggling higher living costs, the message is clear: there may be untapped ways to make money in the bank work harder against the mortgage.Despite the potential benefits, only about one in four survey respondents said they currently use offset accounts with their loan. Myths about complexity and suitability for only the wealthy appear to be holding people back.With mortgage rates still sitting around 5–6%, offsetting offers an alternative to traditional savings, effectively earning the same as the interest avoided.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A man critically injured at Muriwai Beach on Saturday has died in hospital.The 28-year-old became trapped when a sand dune collapsed, leaving him buried. Emergency crews airlifted him to Auckland City Hospital, where he remained in critical condition before sadly passing away today.Police confirmed enquiries will be carried out on behalf of the Coroner.For many Coasties, the tragedy is a sobering reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous natural environments can be. With Muriwai just a short drive from the Hibiscus Coast, the accident will likely weigh heavily on locals who regularly enjoy beaches and dunes with their families.Authorities urge beachgoers to take extra care in sandy areas, particularly around unstable dunes that can shift without warning.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Local elections are coming up, and Hibiscus Coast residents will soon have the chance to shape who represents them at both local and regional levels.The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board spans from Waiwera to Campbells Bay and is split into two subdivisions: Hibiscus Coast and East Coast Bays. Voters living on the Hibiscus Coast can elect four members to the Hibiscus Coast Subdivision, two councillors for the Albany Ward, and one mayor for all of Auckland.Voting opens on Tuesday 9 September 2025 and closes at 12 noon on Saturday 11 October 2025. Preliminary results will be available on Monday 13 October, with the final count expected between Tuesday 14 and Friday 17 October.Hibiscus Coast Local Board candidates:Gary Brown – Coast PeopleJoshua Burt – No noted affiliationDani Dawson – Hibiscus People FirstGary George – Coast PeopleJayden Haley – No noted affiliationChristopher Lake – No noted affiliationJake Law – Coast CommunityAndy Mackie – IndependentSamuel Mills – ACT LocalGemma Moffat – Coast CommunityJeffrey Olufson – Hibiscus People FirstYang Qu – ACT LocalNick Rado – Coast CommunityDarag Rennie – Coast PeoplePamela Tipa – No noted affiliationLeanne Willis – Coast PeopleMichael Wilson – IndependentAlbany Ward councillor candidates:Callum Blair – IndependentGary Brown – Fix AucklandDylan Davey – No noted affiliationJohn McCallum – No noted affiliationSamuel Mills – ACT LocalKyle Parker – No noted affiliationVictoria Short – Fix AucklandWayne Waker – Putting People FirstJohn Watson – Putting People FirstFor Coasties, this election is more than just names on a ballot. Local boards make decisions on everyday issues like community facilities, parks, libraries, and local transport. They also provide input into Auckland-wide strategies and policies, meaning the people elected here will have a direct influence on how our area grows and develops.Key dates include:Candidates were announced: Friday 1 August 2025Election signs go up: From Saturday 9 August 2025Voting papers delivered: Tuesday 9 September to Monday 22 September 2025Voting closes: 12 noon, Saturday 11 October 2025Locations for voting across the Hibiscus Coast will be confirmed in early September. To nominate a candidate, you must be enrolled in the exact ward or subdivision that the candidate seeks to represent, and each nomination requires two nominators.For Coasties, being enrolled and casting a vote is a direct way to influence how our community is led over the next three years.

The Auckland Future Fund (AFF) Board has appointed Vontobel Asset Management AG as its global investment manager, placing $1.3 billion under the firm’s care.The appointment follows a global tender process that began in January 2025 with 21 participants. After months of evaluation, Vontobel was selected in June, with compliance checks completed before the announcement this week.AFF Chair Chris Swasbrook says the board is pleased to secure an investment manager with strong international credentials. Mayor Wayne Brown welcomed the move, saying it will help diversify risk and reduce the council’s reliance on rates. Lead Councillor Christine Fletcher described it as a “final milestone” in establishing the fund for long-term benefit.Vontobel, founded in Zurich in 1924 and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, manages assets worldwide. The AFF Board noted its transparent pricing and focus on customer service as key factors in its decision.The Auckland Future Fund was established after the council sold its remaining shares in Auckland International Airport in December 2024, raising over $1.3 billion. Since then, the fund has already delivered $38 million in distributions, above forecast, to support council services and infrastructure.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the fund’s returns could mean easing the pressure on rates while still maintaining investment in local services. As the council looks to strengthen its financial resilience, the AFF’s management is set to play a long-term role in supporting Auckland’s communities.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Smaller-scale property investors are back in the market, primarily looking for cheap properties, data firm Cotality says.It has released its latest chart pack, which shows mortgaged-multiple property owners are now about 25 percent of the market, compared to 21 percent in mid last year.Chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said their attention had shifted a bit.Now that all properties' home loan interest was 100 percent deductible for tax purposes, and not just that of new builds, the incentive to buy new was not the same."There's evidence that this investor comeback is towards the lower end of the market … the bottom 30 percent of properties by value, which probably tends to correlate with the shift a little bit more towards existing properties, which tend to be a bit cheaper than new builds."He said there could be better rental returns on offer from those homes, particularly if investors added a bedroom or bathroom to boost cashflow.Davidson said property investors were also being enticed back because lower interest rates meant they had less of a gap between rent payments and mortgage repayments to cover."That has shifted the balance for many landlords, allowing them to re-engage in the market and for newer investors, giving them the incentive to build a portfolio in more favourable conditions."Think about your cliched mum-and-dad investor, probably what matters most to them is 'how much cash am I putting in?' and the big shift there has been lower interest rates."Last year, a standard rental property might have might have needed $400 or $500 a week in terms of a cash flow top up … now it's $200."It's a lot still, but that's a very visible change for a mum and dad investor, you know simply that we're putting in a lot less cash than we might have had to do last year."He said interest rates continuing to fall would keep investors engaged.But he said there were factors against them. Council rates were going up and there was a perceived risk if the government changed."There's a perception out there amongst some investors that the tax rules could shift again back against property investment in terms of interest deductibility. So some people out there [are] very concerned about that. It's never one way traffic, some things in favour, some things against."He said rents were sluggish. They were still high in relation to income overall, limiting the scope for further increases. Migration was soft."Rents have actually fallen in Auckland and Wellington in the past year, something that doesn't happen often."The weakness is illustrated by the MBIE bonds data, with the median national rent in the three months to June slightly lower than a year ago - one of the first declines since late 2009. It's difficult to see a strong return to growth in the near term."But investors' yield was trending higher as property values fell.From a low of an average 2.7 percent in 2021, investors were now getting an average 3.8 percent, the highest since mid-2016.Davidson said first-home buyers were also still active in the market.KiwiSaver was helping people pull together a deposit, he said, and banks were willing to lend to people with smaller deposits."A lot of that money has been going to first-time buyers. So you know, first-home buyers definitely don't need a 20 percent deposit to get into the market. And I think that's been a big factor as well as just simply lower house prices, lower interest rates, those things have helped."Moving owner-occupiers were less active. That might be because of the mechanics involved in buying and selling, he said."It's simply been a little bit tricky to get a sale for your own property and line up a purchase in short order. The lack of certainty around buying and selling has made it tricky, so maybe people have just stayed where they are instead."He said if confidence returned and the market freed up, pent-up demand could start to come through."I think the owner-occupier market will be a bit busier next year but it could be that we've just got to get through a few quieter months first."He said while it remained a buyers' market, there could be some more competitive price pressure building in the next few months as the employment market improved and interest rates were lower."It does feel as if the market conditions will be shifting by the start of next year."

The Hauraki Gulf is set to receive the largest boost in marine protection in more than a decade, following the Government’s progress of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Act through Parliament.Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the changes will create High Protection Areas across 800 square kilometres of the Gulf, covering key habitats from the Mokohīnau Islands to the Aldermen Islands. Limited ring-net fishing will be permitted in only three per cent of the total protected area, with a review scheduled after three years.The Department of Conservation has already deployed a team of Marine Rangers to educate the public, monitor the new zones and ensure compliance.Goat Island Marine Reserve near Leigh, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will more than triple in size under the new legislation.Potaka highlighted both the ecological and economic importance of the Gulf, which is estimated to be worth $100 billion to New Zealand through fishing, recreation and tourism. “We want to bring back more fish, more variety, more biodiversity to restore the health of the Gulf,” he said.For Hibiscus Coast locals, who treasure the Gulf for boating and fishing, the legislation could mean healthier waters and stronger fish stocks in the years ahead. With one-third of New Zealand’s seabirds breeding in the Gulf and habitats such as kelp forests and fragile coral at risk, the move is seen as a vital step toward reversing decades of ecological decline.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 important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Golfers Rally As Takapuna Course Under ThreatRead more →Listeria Risk Sparks Nationwide Cheese RecallRead more →Kiwi Juniors Shine On World Diving StageRead more →Waiwera Locals Hit By Steep Rates HikeRead more →Calls Grow To Ban Seafood Gathering At Army BayRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

New Zealand’s renewable energy supply hit a record 45.5% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s latest Energy in New Zealand report.Electricity generation was even greener, with 85.5% coming from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, and solar. This growth helped offset lower hydro inflows and reduced gas production.Despite the increase in clean energy, overall consumption dropped 2.1%, mainly because of reduced industrial demand. Aviation fuel use, however, continued its steady climb back, reaching 90% of pre-COVID levels.Natural gas use fell to its lowest point since 2011 as production declined. Coal imports rose to rebuild stockpiles at Huntly, and coal was used more in electricity generation, although industrial coal use continued to fall.For Coasties, the report highlights a national shift that affects daily life close to home. More households are drawing on renewable power, which supports both sustainability goals and long-term energy security. At the same time, higher travel demand means busier airports and roads, a trend locals will notice as tourism continues to rebound.The report also shows that while residential and agricultural electricity demand increased, industrial demand eased, freeing up power for other sectors.The figures underline both challenges and opportunities ahead, with New Zealand moving towards cleaner energy while balancing supply security.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Critical infrastructure projects will face fewer delays after Parliament passed the Public Works Act Amendment Bill.Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Land Information Minister Chris Penk say the changes are designed to speed up land acquisition and reduce costs for large-scale builds such as transport networks.The new law introduces an accelerated land purchase process. It includes:Incentive payments of 15% (up to $150,000) for landowners who sell early.Recognition payments of 5% (up to $92,000) for all landowners affected.Objections handled by the Minister or local councils rather than the Environment Court.An opt-out option to use the standard process.Bishop says the reforms will help New Zealand address its infrastructure deficit more quickly.Penk adds that faster delivery of roads and transport links will lower costs for households and businesses.For the Hibiscus Coast, this could mean earlier progress on key road upgrades that locals rely on for commuting into the city, getting goods to market, and easing congestion that affects daily life.Faster builds could also support local contractors and jobs.Further reforms to modernise the Public Works Act are expected later this year, with the public able to provide feedback through the select committee process.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A new rule to speed up building inspections comes into force today, with Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announcing that councils must now complete at least 80 percent of inspections within three working days of being requested.Mr Penk said the change was designed to reduce one of the biggest frustrations for builders, who often wait a week or more for inspections. Each lost day, he noted, adds around $400 to the cost of a project.The new target applies to Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) nationwide, including Auckland Council, which oversees inspections across the Hibiscus Coast. With many Coasties building new homes or adding extensions, faster inspection times could save both time and money.Councils will have flexibility in how they meet the target, whether by prioritising higher-risk projects or using more remote inspections. Performance will be monitored, with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) publishing quarterly wait-time data for every council from the end of this year.The Government is also progressing wider building reforms, including allowing homeowners to build granny flats up to 70 square metres without a consent, and developing a self-certification scheme for trusted builders, plumbers and drainlayers to sign off their own work.Mr Penk said the measures would help reduce inefficiencies and free up councils to focus on their core role, while also ensuring “cowboy builders, not ratepayers,” are held accountable for shoddy work.For Coasties, the new rules mean less time waiting around on site and fewer costly hold-ups on local building projects.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Data from the country's biggest KiwiSaver provider shows that when it comes to putting money aside in the scheme, where you live matters.A comparison of average balances around the country shows Wellingtonians lead the pack.There, ANZ members had an average balance of $44,863. That was followed by Taranaki, at $40,562.At the bottom of the table, more than $10,000 behind were Northland, at $33,830 and Gisborne, at $33,673.ANZ Funds Management managing director Fiona Mackenzie said KiwiSaver could hard code any income inequality. People who earned less over their lifetimes would end up with less in their KiwiSaver accounts as a result.Northland had an average household income last year of $123,900 according to government data, while Gisborne was $133,200.Wellington's average was $162,400."Our hypothesis is that income variation is the biggest driver," she said."I genuinely have a concern that KiwiSaver is amplifying existing inequality ... whether it's gender pay gaps or ethnic pay gaps ... all of that gets amplified because KiwiSaver is anchored effectively to PAYE incomes."I think it really is time we started having that larger conversation."She said, now the scheme had been around for 18 years, it was appropriate to ask whether it was on track."The answer is not really. It's a great system, it's had awesome uptake ... but if you step right back, are people on track to be able to self-fund a comfortable retirement? No is the answer."She said, if left unaddressed, the disparities could compound over time and lead to uneven retirement outcomes across the country.South Islanders led the way when it came to making contributions.In Marlborough, Otago, Southland Canterbury, 70 percent of members were actively saving, compared to 60 percent in Auckland and Northland.Mackenzie said Southland and Canterbury had very high proportions of members receiving full or partial government contributions. The full contribution is available to people who contribute at least $1042 a year.The proportion in Gisborne and Northland was very low, she said."Research typically shows those two areas have the highest level of deprivation so again I think we think there is a lot of linkage between income levels and it's part of the reason why as a KiwiSaver provider we spend a lot of time and energy trying to help people around that government contribution point because that is one of the remaining incentives."She said the government contribution could make a material difference to people with lower balances.Mackenzie said the regional disparity could also highlight differences in economic conditions, as well as financial awareness."It reflects New Zealand's two-speed economy, where some regions are doing better and activity contributing to KiwiSaver, while others lag behind."Understanding these variation is crucial, it allows policy-makers and providers to tailor strategies that boost participation in lower contributing areas, helping ensure all New Zealanders have the opportunity to build long-term financial security."Nationwide, 40 percent were not regularly contributing.About 27 percent of people aged 16 and 17 were, even though the data was collected before there were matching employer or government contributions available for them.Mackenzie said contribution rates had not been materially affected by the economic downturn."I think that's incredibly positive ... the percentage of our customers who are contributing has stayed fairly stable and I think that's a really good thing."