Did you know that prams, guitars, and even snowboards have been left behind at Auckland Airport? Every year, around 18.5 million travellers pass through the terminals, and some leave behind more than memories. While many items are reunited with their owners, others are donated to help families in need.In the past year alone, around 9,000 kilograms of unclaimed items have found new homes thanks to a partnership between Auckland Airport and ME Family Services (MEFS). Based in Māngere and Ōtāhuhu, MEFS supports local families by providing free essential goods through its onsite Resource Room.Auckland Airport Chief Operations Officer Chloe Surridge says the donations are part of a wider sustainability goal.“We don’t want to see these items ending up in landfill,” she said. “It’s so much better they are re-homed for good.”The airport is working towards reducing waste to landfill by 20% by 2030 (compared to 2019) and is already tracking at a 15% reduction.For Coasties, this story highlights how the simple act of donating or rehoming goods can make a real difference. MEFS assists around 800 families a year. Many items—like prams, children’s clothes, and winter gear—are snapped up quickly.“We’ve seen 50 donated books go in a single day,” said MEFS Chief Executive Carole Tana-Tepania.Tana-Tepania explains how meaningful the donations can be.“We recently had a mum walking her four kids everywhere,” she said. “We sorted two prams for her. One for her and one for her older child to push, so they can get everyone to school and daycare more easily.”The partnership between Auckland Airport and MEFS began eight years ago on a small scale. Today, MEFS collects regularly from across the airport precinct, including hotel bedding donations. Last year, more than 50 beds and bedding sets were provided—items always in high demand.Here are some of the more surprising goods donated in 2024:Prams (more than 200)GuitarsSkateboards and snowboardsCar parts like shock absorbersBeds, bedding, and mattressesCrutches, walkers, and wheelchairsSports gear, including tennis racketsEmpty suitcases and chilly binsFor travellers who lose something at Auckland Airport, items are held at the Lost Property Office (by Door 1 in the international terminal) for up to three months.Call 0800 AIRPORT (247 7678), option 4, or email [email protected] you’ve ever left something behind, there’s a good chance it helped someone in need.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is expanding its AI-powered Growth Academy across the country, helping 1,400 Kiwi businesses focus on strategic growth rather than day-to-day operations.The expanded programme follows a successful pilot in 2024 involving 250 businesses.BNZ, in partnership with growth software company D/srupt, is now rolling out the initiative nationwide.The academy combines in-person workshops with AI-powered digital tools designed to help business owners clarify their growth strategy, assess funding needs, and explore market opportunities.BNZ General Manager, Growth Sectors, Brandon Jackson, says the programme addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by small and medium businesses: finding time to work on their business rather than in it.“As New Zealand’s largest business bank, we’ve seen how successful businesses thrive when owners can step back from daily firefighting to focus on strategy,” Jackson said.The Growth Academy gives participants access to D/srupt’s Growth Navigation platform.The software uses AI to personalise strategic insights, making complex planning processes quicker and easier to implement.Success StoriesThe academy has already shown tangible results.BlueDoor, an internet service provider for residential and business customers, participated in the pilot and saw immediate benefits.“The Growth Academy helped us take our strategic thinking to the next level,” said BlueDoor Director Mark Anderson.Following the programme, BlueDoor secured nearly NZD 500,000 in financing from BNZ to support its expansion plans.D/srupt founder Debbie Humphrey says the programme’s AI tools make strategy planning faster and more accessible, particularly for time-poor business owners.“What might have taken a full day of workshops can now be done in minutes,” Humphrey said.“We combine practical guidance with technology to help turn big-picture thinking into concrete action plans.”The Growth Academy officially launches on 31 March 2025, with applications opening on 10 March. It includes:In-person workshops in 16 locations, from Whangārei to InvercargillOnline learning options for wider accessibilityAccess to D/srupt’s AI-powered platform for strategic planningGuidance on funding pathways, including grants and growth capitalDirect connection to BNZ’s business banking supportThe 12-month programme is designed to help New Zealand businesses build robust, actionable growth plans, regardless of industry or size.For more details, visit the BNZ website: BNZ Growth AcademyGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The Blues will head to Hamilton this Saturday with renewed confidence as several experienced players return from injury to face the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato. Kick-off is at 19:05.It’s a chance for the Blues to get one back after the Chiefs defeated them 25-14 at Eden Park in the season opener. That match saw the home side lead 14-6 at halftime, only to be kept scoreless in the second half.Now sitting in the bottom half of the Super Rugby Pacific table with one win from four games, the Blues are determined to turn things around. Despite leading at halftime in every match so far, they’ve struggled to close games out. Head coach Vern Cotter hopes the return of key players—and the injection of exciting young talent—will help change that.North Harbour’s Cameron Christie earns another start after impressing on debut, while All Black Dalton Papali’i returns to strengthen the loose forwards alongside Anton Segner. Up front, Samoan international Jordan Lay makes his first start of the season, with Laghlan McWhannell back from injury in the second row.In the backs, experienced halfback Sam Nock gets his first start this year. He’ll guide a potent backline featuring All Blacks Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane and Mark Tele’a. There’s also a debut for Xavi Taele, last year’s age group player of the year, who joins Ioane in midfield. Corey Evans will wear the number 15 jersey, bringing versatility to the backfield.“We are continuing to show improvement after a slowish start to the season,” Cotter said. “With several key players back from injury, we are looking for some significant input from our bench.”The bench features experienced campaigners, including Angus Ta’avao, Finlay Christie and Stephen Perofeta, along with power runners AJ Lam and Josh Beehre. Cotter is confident their impact could prove vital in the second half.“We’re expecting a physical clash and would certainly like to get one back on the Chiefs after they beat us at home,” Cotter said.Coasties following the Blues will be pleased to see Dalton Papali’i back in action, while North Harbour fans can cheer on rising star Cameron Christie, who came through Orewa College, in his second start.Players still sidelined include Beauden Barrett (hand), expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, and Hoskins Sotutu, who is suspended.Blues Team To Play Chiefs(Blues caps in brackets)Jordan Lay (22)Kurt Eklund (64)Ofa Tu’ungafasi (153)Patrick Tuipulotu© (116)Laghlan McWhannell (13)Cameron Christie (2)Dalton Papali’i (86)Anton Segner (27)Sam Nock (75)Harry Plummer (79)Caleb Clarke (68)Xavi Taele (Debut)Rieko Ioane (116)Mark Tele’a (71)Corey Evans (17)Reserves: 16. Nathaniel Pole (2) 17. Joshua Fusitu’a (25) 18. Angus Ta’avao (70) 19. Josh Beehre (15) 20. Cameron Suafoa (28) 21. Finlay Christie (58) 22. Stephen Perofeta (68) 23. AJ Lam (47)Go the Blues!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 14/3 Mostly cloudy. Light Sou'West winds.High: 23Low: 13Saturday, 15/3Partly cloudy. Breezy Sou'West winds.High: 24Low: 14Sunday, 16/3Partly cloudy. Breezy Nor'West winds.High: 25Low: 15Monday, 17/3Partly cloudy. Breezy North to Nor'West winds.High: 25Low: 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!

The number of homes listed for sale across New Zealand, including on the Hibiscus Coast, continues to rise, with onsite property inventory hitting its highest point in more than a decade. This is according to Trade Me Property’s latest Property Pulse report for February.Total listings nationwide were up 12 per cent compared to the same time last year. However, while more properties are available, the number of new listings in February was slightly lower than in February 2024.Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd said, “It’s been a strong start to the new year. Sellers are returning to the market and pricing is relatively stable, making for an interesting landscape, whether you are on the sell side or buy side.”The time it’s taking to sell homes is also trending downwards, which Lloyd says is a positive sign.Inventory Changes Across RegionsOtago: Listings up 25% year-on-yearSouthland, Wellington, and Canterbury: Listings up 19%National demand has reached a three-year high, up 8% on February 2024For Coasties keeping an eye on property prices, the national average asking price in February was NZD 851,500. That’s a 1 per cent increase from January but still 2.8 per cent lower than this time last year. The annual drop equates to about NZD 24,000.Despite a long period favouring buyers, the market appears to be shifting. “The modest increase in property prices from January is sure to be well received by those watching the market and considering selling,” Lloyd said.Two regions stood out in February for seeing both month-on-month and year-on-year price growth:Bay of Plenty: NZD 902,650 average asking priceGisborne: NZD 666,500 average asking priceIn contrast, Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury all saw average prices dip compared to February 2024:Auckland: Down 2.5%Wellington: Down 2.9%Canterbury: Down 0.1%Christchurch bucked the trend for mid-sized homes, recording a record high for three- to four-bedroom properties at NZD 787,150, up 1.5% year-on-year.Wellington also saw surprising gains on its larger homes. Five-bedroom properties there grew in value by more than 10 per cent over the past year. This contrasts sharply with Auckland, where large homes dropped by as much as 21.5 per cent.Gavin Lloyd summed it up, saying, “In Auckland, we’ve seen half a million dollars of value shaved off those larger properties over the past year.”For Coasties thinking about buying or selling, the current market offers plenty of options and a stabilising price landscape. Buyers have more choice, while sellers are seeing renewed interest.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

New Zealand Police has welcomed the latest results from the Ministry of Justice’s New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (NZCVS), showing public trust and confidence in Police continues to grow.The annual Police Module, which measures the public’s perceptions and experiences with Police, revealed trust and confidence has risen from 67% to 69% between October 2023 and October 2024.Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett said building and maintaining public trust remains a top priority for Police.“It is encouraging to see the numbers trending in the right direction,” he said.Key findings from the Police Module include:83% of people believe Police conduct their duties professionally74% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the service they receivedThe percentage of people with no trust and confidence in Police dropped to 2%, the lowest since the Police Module began“These numbers are the direct result of the hard work our staff put in every day when dealing with victims of crime,” Mr Pannett said.“They are dedicated and committed to preventing, investigating, and resolving crime across the country.”He added that while the results are promising, there is still work to do.One focus area is Police visibility, with 58% of respondents agreeing there is a suitable Police presence in their community.“We would like to see that number increase,” Mr Pannett said.As part of efforts to enhance visibility and improve public safety, Police are working to recruit an additional 500 officers as part of the Government’s commitment to increase frontline staff.“These additional staff will make a difference in deterring crime, enforcing the law, and increasing feelings of public safety,” Mr Pannett said.The NZCVS and the Police Module are important tools for shaping future decisions within New Zealand Police. The survey was introduced in 2018 and aims to include 7,000 participants each year. This latest round had 7,705 responses.“These results show positive movement in areas of Police focus, such as our response to serious crimes,” Mr Pannett said.“We have extremely high standards for our organisation and every one of the 15,000 people in it.”Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

A world-first study led by University of Auckland neuroscientists has shed new light on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease linked to repeated head impacts in contact sports like rugby.The research examined brain tissue from former athletes, primarily rugby players, revealing key insights into how the brain responds to ongoing trauma.Dr Helen Murray, senior author and neuroscientist at the Centre for Brain Research, said the study offers hope for better understanding the disease and developing future treatments.“This research brings us closer to diagnosing CTE in living people,” Murray said.CTE, often associated with sports involving repeated head knocks, is a neurodegenerative disease that currently can only be confirmed after death. It is marked by the buildup of tau proteins, which form tangles and impair normal brain function. These tau tangles are also linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.Here on the Coast, many families have a deep connection to rugby, whether it’s Saturday mornings at the rugby match or watching the big games at home. News like this resonates with Coasties who’ve grown up loving the game but are becoming more aware of its long-term health impacts.What makes this discovery especially significant is the role of astrocytes—support cells in the brain. Researchers found these cells appeared to respond to leaky blood vessels in the brains of CTE sufferers, highlighting a consistent pattern of inflammation across all cases studied.“Many astrocytes seem to be trying to protect the brain from further damage,” Dr Murray explained. “This discovery points to inflammation and vascular health as promising areas for treatment.”The team hopes that advancements in MRI technology could lead to diagnosing CTE in living people by detecting these vascular changes.For now, this research offers hope—not just for professional athletes, but for anyone concerned about the long-term effects of repeated head injuries.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

It’s been a tough week for some Coastie families, with the sudden news that school lunch provider Libelle has gone into liquidation. Libelle, which had been delivering around 125,000 lunches a day across New Zealand—including some here on the Hibiscus Coast—closed its doors abruptly, leaving several local schools scrambling to sort out what’s next for their students.According to the Ministry of Education, the Healthy School Lunches Programme was designed to give a hand to the 25% of students most in need, making sure they receive a nutritious lunch every school day.How The Programme WorksHere’s a quick recap of how the programme is set up:Schools that use external providers (like the School Lunch Collective) receive $3 per meal, per student.Schools that handle lunches internally get $4 per meal, per student. The extra dollar helps cover staffing, since they don’t benefit from the economies of scale that big providers do.Every lunch must meet strict nutrition guidelines, with input from the Ministry of Health. They also cater for students with specific dietary needs—whether that’s halal, coeliac, vegetarian, vegan, or other complex requirements. And like many of us do at home, sometimes the veggies are hidden in the sauces to encourage kids to eat up!What This Means For Some Local SchoolsLibelle’s liquidation announcement has left some schools on the Hibiscus Coast in a difficult spot. While the Ministry of Education is working on short-term solutions, it’s clear that finding reliable, long-term providers will be a challenge.I’ve done a bit of digging to understand the costs involved, and how parents might manage to create healthy, affordable meals under a tight budget. Using local Hibiscus Coast supermarket prices, a simple weekly menu with a variety of foods and a different menu each weekday could be put together for around $7.48 per child, per week—that’s roughly $1.50 a day for lunches made at home.That's real food for thought.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The latest economic snapshot from the Auckland Council Social and Economic Research and Evaluation Team, covering data up to January 2025, reveals mixed conditions across the region. Median house prices dropped to $949,000 in January, marking a 4% decrease from a year ago and a 6% decline from December's $1.01 million median. This figure is 37% below the peak of 2021.House sales have improved, totalling 21,977 for the year ended January—20% higher than the low point in May 2023. Despite this increase, sales remain 40% below the peak of July 2021.Average weekly rents in Auckland stood at $690 in December 2024, marginally lower than a year prior. Across the rest of New Zealand, average weekly rent was $599, holding steady compared to recent years.The number of new dwellings consented reached 13,921 for the year ending January 2025, marking a 37% drop from the September 2022 peak, but showing a modest upward trend since July 2024. Non-residential building consents totalled $2.49 billion, a 17% decrease compared to the previous year, and down 28% from their November 2022 peak.Employment continues to face headwinds, with a 2.0% reduction in employed individuals from the December 2023 quarter, marking six consecutive quarters of declining employment growth. The unemployment rate reached 5.3%, equalling the highest level since the 2020 Covid lockdowns.Auckland’s GDP contracted by 0.6% for the year ending December 2024—nearly as low as the Covid-related trough of 2020 and below most growth periods since 2010. Retail sales saw a significant 4.3% decline over the same period.Imports through Auckland's seaports slightly decreased by 3% to $30 billion, signalling continued cautious consumer and business spending.Despite economic uncertainty, confidence among businesses has improved, with 27% optimistic about the next three months—the highest since 2016.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The Government formally opened Registrations of Interest for the first stage of the Northland Expressway at last week's NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced.“Connecting Northland to the Auckland region through a resilient, safe and efficient new expressway will unlock economic growth, boost productivity and drive higher living standards for Northlanders and Aucklanders," said Minister Bishop.Minister Bishop highlighted the success of the Waikato Expressway, delivered by the last National-led Government, as a "game changer" for the Waikato region and noted the similar transformational potential of the Northland Expressway to boost jobs and growth.“The upper North Island is the economic powerhouse of New Zealand. Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty collectively account for 53.7 per cent of New Zealand’s population (2.7 million people), and 55.5 per cent of GDP ($215 billion). This isn’t just an investment into Northland - it’s an investment into the broader upper North Island area,” Bishop explained.The first stage of the project, from Warkworth to Te Hana, was confirmed as a 26km four-lane expressway connected to the new Pūhoi to Warkworth expressway. Map of the proposed route.The indicative design included an 850m twin bore tunnel in the Dome Valley and interchanges at Warkworth, Wellsford, and Te Hana. Being the most advanced section in terms of designation, consents, and property acquisition, it would resolve resilience challenges in the Dome Valley and enable early construction.NZTA had conducted extensive domestic and international market engagement, resulting in significant global interest. Cabinet approved NZTA to advance procurement via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), starting immediately with the Registration of Interest process. Registered parties would be invited to submit a formal Expression of Interest (EOI), followed by a Request for Proposal (RFP) in mid-2025. A preferred bidder was expected to be announced in early 2026, with the PPP contract finalised by mid-year.Detailed design and construction for the Warkworth to Te Hana section were expected to start in late 2026, with completion anticipated around 2034. The Northland Expressway would utilise the Fast-track Approvals Act and recent amendments to the Public Works Act for critical infrastructure.Watch the video“Today is a great milestone for going for growth in Northland. This investment will not only unlock Northland’s economic potential but also provide long-term opportunities for the infrastructure sector, helping to build a stronger, more resilient supply chain for New Zealand,” said Bishop.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

US President Donald Trump has set global financial markets wobbling… again.The NZX opened lower on Tuesday and many KiwiSaver investors checking their balances might have had an unpleasant surprise.Here are five things to do if you're worried about market volatility.Check your risk profile against your fund typeEvery investor has a risk profile.This refers to how much risk you can afford to take, given your individual circumstances - particularly your investment timeframe.Growth and aggressive funds tend to be a lot more volatile, but over time they should deliver higher returns.Morningstar data shows that over the past 10 years they've delivered about twice the returns, per year, of the most conservative options.The longer your investment timeframe, the more risky you can be, because you have time to ride out market movements.It won't matter if your balance falls one year, because it has time to pick back up again before you need it.The other aspect that might go into your risk profile is your own personality.If you know you're the type of person who won't be able to cope with seeing a balance drop, and could react negatively, you might choose to take less risk. (Although it's worth noting you can sometimes overcome this with a good adviser.)When you know your risk profile, you can check that you're in the right sort of fund for it.If you've got 30 years until you're able to access your KiwiSaver and you're in a high growth fund, that's probably a suitable fit.But if you're buying a house in a few years' time and you're in a conservative fund, that might be okay too.Your first step in these circumstances should be to check that your profile lines up with your fund.Don't move now, unless it's absolutely necessaryFrom there, you can usually sit tight. Moving your KiwiSaver investment when the markets have dropped is almost always a bad idea because you just lock in your losses.We saw this in 2020, when the pandemic disrupted sharemarkets around the world.There was a surge in switching from growth funds to conservative funds.Westpac said it processed 18,140 requests to switch in that time, but the decision to go conservative could have cost investors a lot.It projected that someone with $25,000 in KiwiSaver who switched from a growth fund to a conservative fund on March 20, 2020, would end up with $387,938 in 2054.But if they had left their money in a growth fund, they would have $615,423.If they had shifted in March 2020 and then moved back a year later, they would have $588,955 in 2054.In some relatively rare occasions, you might have to move.If you're in a growth fund but plan to buy a house next month, you might now have realised you're not in the right fund.In order to ensure you know what you have available for your deposit, you might choose to move to cash, even if it means locking in losses.In this cases, it might make sense to seek financial advice.Stop checking your balanceProvided your settings are right, the best course of action is usually to do nothing.Stop looking at your balance, stop worrying about whether it's moving around, and let your contributions continue as normal.Look back again in a few months' time, when everything will probably look a lot better again.Increase your contributionsIt might seem counterintuitive, but if markets are really having a tough time, you could choose to put more money into your investments.Think about it like a sale at the supermarket - if you knew you were going to want to buy a bag of cat food every week for the next year, and this week the bag is on sale, you might take the opportunity to buy more.Sharemarkets must be one of the few places where a sale is seen as a bad thing.Get adviceIf you're really worried, or wondering whether you need to adjust your approach to your investments, it may be sensible to seek advice.You can contact your provider in the first instance, or seek advice from a KiwiSaver adviser.Research has shown that people who work with advisers tend to have better outcomes, and also can often cope with periods of volatility more comfortably.When you're investing, market movements are all part of the process but knowing what to expect, and how your KiwiSaver should respond, can make a big difference.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against meal delivery company HelloFresh New Zealand for alleged misleading behaviour.The regulator claims the company misled customers in cold calls trying to get discontinued subscribers to sign up again.But in a statement, HelloFresh says it had co-operated with the Commission's investigation and took remedial action as soon as it became aware of the activities.The claim related to conduct between February 2022 and July 2023, when previous HelloFresh customers were offered vouchers without being told that accepting them would reactivate their subscription, the Commission said.Commission Deputy Chair Anne Callinan said the Commission believed HelloFresh breached the Fair Trading Act as the conduct resulted in some cancelled subscriptions being reactivated without the customers' express knowledge or consent."Taking payment for services customers aren't aware they're buying or have not agreed to purchase is unacceptable behaviour," she said."We're concerned some consumers have been misled into paying for services from HelloFresh they didn't want through the use of misleading wording and processes in cold calls."In these calls, it was not made clear to some customers that if they accepted a discount voucher offered, their subscription would be reactivated, and their bank account would be debited."The Commission started an investigation into HelloFresh after receiving a high number of complaints about its sign-up, cancellation, and reactivation processes.The charges were filed in Wellington District Court.HelloFresh issued a statement in response to the decision to file charges: "The alleged breaches are in relation to reactivation of cancelled subscriptions where call centre staff did not follow our strict processes and procedures relating to the reactivation of cancelled subscriptions following offers sent to former customers."This practice fell well short of our standards and should not have happened. We sincerely apologise to any customers who were impacted or inconvenienced at the time."Commission increasing scrutiny of online trading"Buying products online is increasingly a way of life for Kiwi consumers and so the Commission is prioritising action against illegal online sales conduct," Callinan said. "This includes subscription traps, which come in many forms and include situations where consumers are misled into signing up for a paid subscription without knowing."Subscription traps are becoming more common as more businesses offer subscription-based services. We're seeing more complaints about subscription services, the way consumers are being signed up to ongoing service contracts, and difficulties in cancelling subscriptions."Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Orewa Surf Sounds Concert is set to bring the Hibiscus Coast together on Saturday 22nd March at the Orewa Surf Club Reserve, starting at 4.30 pm. This free, community-focused event is a fundraiser for the Orewa Surf Club and promises an exciting afternoon and evening for all ages.The event will feature live entertainment, with local favourites Off the Wall performing a lively set of tunes guaranteed to get you on your feet. The concert will also host a variety of food trucks offering delicious options, and kids will be entertained with amusement rides. Professional fireworks will light up the sky at approximately 8.15 pm, adding a spectacular finish to the night.Key Details:Date: Saturday 22nd March (rain date: Sunday 23rd March)Time: 4.30 pm start, fireworks at 8.15 pmLocation: Orewa Surf Club ReserveParking: Available at Western ReserveTravel Tip: Local residents are encouraged to walk to the eventTo ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please note that dogs are not permitted, and BYO fireworks are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the Hibiscus Coast Highway, between Riverside Rd and Centreway Rd, will be closed from 7.45 pm to around 9.15 pm for the safety of event-goers.The event will be hosted by Nick from More FM Rodney, adding a lively atmosphere to the community celebration.Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening of fun, music, and fireworks. Grab your blankets, bring your family and friends, and join in the fun at the Orewa Surf Sounds Concert!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

New Zealand will showcase its extensive infrastructure pipeline and emerging growth sectors at the upcoming Infrastructure Investment Summit, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.The event, set for next week, will be attended by international investors managing over $6 trillion in capital.The summit is designed to draw investment into vital infrastructure projects aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy and enhancing living standards for Kiwis.It will bring together a range of global investment entities, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and major banks, alongside representatives from the construction and engineering sectors.“These entities manage enormous assets globally and their decision to come here demonstrates the international confidence in New Zealand’s economy,” said Mr Bishop.“We will highlight the vast opportunities available in sectors such as transport, health, education, and renewable energy, as well as four key growth areas—aquaculture, clean technology, advanced transportation, and space exploration.”The event, which spans two days, will also spotlight the Māori economy and its growing role in New Zealand’s infrastructure landscape.Iwi investment entities will present their own opportunities to international investors, further underscoring New Zealand’s potential as a destination for long-term capital.New Zealand is actively fostering an investment-friendly environment, with reforms to foreign investment laws, immigration policies, and streamlined approval processes.The Government’s “Fast Track Approvals” system aims to expedite the development of essential projects.The summit is part of a wider government strategy to drive economic growth and create more opportunities for New Zealanders.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Sporting organisations across the Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland region are being encouraged to apply for their share of a $508,000 fund aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation.Applications for Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Regional Programme Grant opened on 10 March and will remain open until 6 April 2025. The grant is specifically designed to support programmes that offer affordable sporting opportunities, targeting children, young people, Māori communities and inactive groups.Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of Auckland Council’s Community Committee, highlighted the grant's importance, saying, “Many tamariki and rangatahi across Auckland love participating in sports, physical activity and recreation. The grant aims to fund organisations that enable children and young people to develop skills, so they can enjoy sport and recreation activities now and into adulthood.”Kenneth Aiolupotea, general manager of Community Wellbeing at Auckland Council, is encouraging applications from eligible groups, particularly those with a regional focus.“Auckland Council encourages sports organisations including community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply for the grant."Organisations eligible for the funding include:Community groups, charities, and voluntary organisationsPlay, recreation, and sport “umbrella organisations” with regional reachRegional federations or groupings of local sports organisationsSport and recreation providers and advocacy groupsIwi and Māori organisations active in sport and recreationThe council recommends applicants seek partial funding and advises against relying solely on this grant to finance their programmes.Funding decisions will be made by the Community Committee in July 2025.Further details on applying can be found on the Auckland Council website.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The latest population data released today indicates New Zealand is gaining approximately one new resident every 7 minutes and 17 seconds, driven by births and net migration.As of 15:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, the country's estimated resident population stands at 5,370,450, according to Statistics New Zealand's population clock.The steady increase reflects ongoing demographic trends, with forecasts estimating:One birth every 8 minutes and 40 secondsOne death every 13 minutes and 13 secondsOne net migration gain every 10 minutes and 15 secondsThese figures are derived from the estimated resident population count as at 31 December 2024 and are based on recent demographic trends. Statistics New Zealand noted that the population clock figures do not directly correspond with census counts but rather rely on adjusted estimates from the 2018 Census data, factoring in net census undercount, residents temporarily overseas during the census, and subsequent population changes.The estimates provided are indicative and may differ from actual population changes recorded in census data.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Several months ago, Auckland Transport (AT) began looking into installing bus shelters at various stops along Bankside Road in Millwater.After receiving feedback from locals, AT acknowledged the need for better weather protection at these bus stops.Now, AT has confirmed that they are moving forward with a work package to design and install shelters and seats at the following stops along Bankside Road:Stop 4546 – 60 Bankside RdStop 4553 – Opposite 60 Bankside RdStop 4555 – 39 Bankside RdStop 4548 – 20 Bankside RdStop 4553 – opposite 60 Bankside Road, Millwater.However, the project has faced significant delays due to financial and resource constraints.AT has advised that construction work on the shelters will not be resourced until 2026 at the earliest, pushing back the anticipated timeline for residents who have been waiting for weather protection at these stops.Despite this setback, Auckland Transport’s response indicates that once funding and resources are available, the project will move forward with the design and consultation processes that were initially planned.In the meantime, residents of Millwater will need to continue using existing bus stops without shelter.What Can Locals Do?Locals can continue to voice their concerns and feedback to Auckland Transport through their website.The more input they provide, the better the chances of prioritising the project in future budgets.For now, school students and other locals who rely on public transport will have to wait a bit longer for better protection from the elements during their daily commutes.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

As a landlord in New Zealand's residential rental market, you may be overlooking a significant opportunity to reduce your tax burden. Many landlords fail to take full advantage of depreciation claims on chattels—everyday items in a rental property that lose value over time. Understanding how this process works and keeping track of your assets could mean substantial savings. Here’s what you need to know.What Are Chattels and Why Is Depreciation Important?In the context of residential rentals, chattels refer to movable personal items that are not permanently fixed to the property. These can include:Furniture: Beds, sofas, wardrobes, and dining setsAppliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and hot water cylindersElectronics: Televisions, coffee machines, and other small devicesFit-out items: Carpets, curtains, and blindsDepreciation represents the loss of value in these assets due to wear and tear, usage, or obsolescence. For landlords, depreciation is more than just an accounting tool—it’s a way to reduce taxable income. By recognising the gradual decrease in value of these chattels, you can claim a deduction, effectively lowering the amount of tax you pay.How Depreciation Claims Work for Residential RentalsUnlike commercial properties, residential rental properties in New Zealand come with specific rules around depreciation:Building Depreciation Limitations: The structure of a residential property cannot be depreciated. However, chattels, which are items you provide to tenants for their use, are eligible for depreciation.Claiming Depreciation: If your rental property is furnished with items, you may be able to claim a portion of the cost each year. For example, if you provide a washing machine or a fridge, you can deduct the depreciation for these items from your taxable rental income.Depreciation Calculation: The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has established guidelines and prescribed rates for calculating depreciation. These rates reflect how the value of each type of asset decreases over time, and they determine how much you can claim in deductions each year.Timing: It’s crucial to claim depreciation in the first year of ownership, as failing to do so means you cannot revisit past years for deductions. Once you opt out, you are deemed to have elected not to claim depreciation.For detailed IRD guidelines, you can check the official link here.The Bottom Line: Maximise Your Tax SavingsDepreciation claims on chattels provide a valuable tax deduction for residential landlords, acknowledging the natural wear and tear of everyday items. By understanding what qualifies as a chattel and following the IRD’s guidelines, you can reduce your taxable income and manage your tax liabilities more effectively.To take full advantage of these deductions, it’s important to maintain accurate records and stay updated on any changes to tax regulations. As tax laws can be complex, seeking professional advice is always a smart move. When done right, depreciation claims can be a powerful tool in your overall property management strategy.Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax or legal advice.At David Hooper Chartered Accountants, we help landlords maximise depreciation claims to reduce tax liabilities. Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

A man has tragically died following a crash involving a motorbike and a vehicle on Postman Road in Dairy Flat on Saturday afternoon.Emergency services responded to the scene at approximately 5.30 pm, situated between Dairy Stream Road and Wilks Road.The motorbike rider was confirmed dead at the scene, with police offering support to both his family and the driver of the other vehicle involved.The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, and investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]