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

Welcome to The Week That Was—your go-to recap of the most important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Gulf Harbour Homicide: Decision on Continued Name SuppressionRead moreTsunami Siren Test at Orewa BeachRead moreGary Brown, Victoria Short May RunRead moreBeach Sprint Champs Hit OrewaRead morePenlink Bridge Beams InstalledRead moreStay ahead of the curve—get the latest Hibiscus Coast news delivered directly to your phone.Download the Hibiscus Coast App today and never miss a story!Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Rowing NZ Beach Sprint ChampionshipsSaturday 5 April - Sunday 6 AprilOrewaMore detailsSilverdale Pioneer FestivalSaturday 5 AprilSilverdaleMore detailsA Very Coastie Multicultural Celebration ConcertSunday 6 AprilWhangaparaoaMore detailsWant to see more events? Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

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

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

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 4/4 Rainy and windy. Breezy to brisk Northerly winds.High: 22Low: 17Saturday, 5/4Mainly sunny. Fairly breezy West to Sou'West winds.High: 23Low: 14Sunday, 6/4Afternoon showers. Fairly breezy Nor'West winds.High: 22Low: 16Monday, 7/4Mainly sunny. Breezy to brisk Westerly winds.High: 21Low: 16Looking for more details?Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

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

A major step forward for the Penlink project took place last week, with the first beams installed on the new bridge over State Highway 1.During a full SH1 closure, the team placed four of six Super T girders, each 34.5 metres long and weighing 68 tonnes. A 600-tonne crane was used to lift the beams into place. The final two will be installed this week.This new bridge is one of six connecting Whangaparāoa to SH1. It’s designed to make travel quicker, improve network resilience, and support growth, including new housing developments. The bridge has been future-proofed to allow for SH1 to be widened later.Construction continues along the route in April. On both sides of SH1 and Ara Weiti Road, earthworks and drainage are underway. With beams now in place, concrete will soon be poured to form the bridge deck. Work is also progressing on retaining and MSE walls at the Link Road tie-ins.High Reach Drill installing rock bolts (photo credit: Geovert)At Stillwater, land-based piers on the Weiti River bridge are complete, and river piers are rising. Temporary supports for the bridge deck are being built. Later this month, part of Duck Creek Road will return to two lanes, with traffic lights during work hours only—helping ease local travel.In Whangaparāoa, realignment of the road continues, and the Cedar Terrace intersection remains temporarily closed. Earthworks are ongoing between Whangaparāoa Road and the Weiti River, including drainage, culverts and watermain works. The site office near Wiriana Place is being relocated.Near the river, a high-reach drill is being used to install steel rock bolts and crest pins, reinforcing the rock face where the bridge will land.Across the project, around 800,000 cubic metres of earth have been excavated so far, much of it reused on site. Locals may notice this work near SH1 and East Coast Road, where excess earth is being placed to reduce waste and truck movements.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Two well-known local board members are considering a run for the Albany Ward councillor seats. Gary Brown and Victoria Short—both long-serving members of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board—say they’re exploring a joint campaign in response to growing community concern.“We have been inundated by members of our beloved community encouraging and requesting us to put our hands up and run for councillor,” they said. “We feel this may be because many people are unhappy and dissatisfied with the current situation and that they are not being heard or listened to.”Mr Brown, a long-time Hibiscus Coast resident and current Deputy Chair of the Local Board, has served in local government for six years.“Having lived here for decades and served within Auckland Council for the last 6 years, I’ve witnessed both the opportunities that have been missed and the challenges facing North Auckland. I strongly believe it’s time to advocate for a fairer share of resources for our community.”Ms Short, a fellow board member and the first person of Kiribati descent elected to office in New Zealand, echoed the sentiment.“We in the Albany Ward aren’t getting our fair share and our elected representation at the Governing Body has been sorely lacking, and unfortunately this has meant that the Albany Ward always appears to come last.”Both say they’re tired of political grandstanding.“We are sick and tired of the ‘populist politics’ and want Auckland Council to knuckle down, make the hard decisions and get back to basics,” said Mr Brown.“Albany Ward deserves so much better,” added Ms Short. “There is a strong feeling in the community that they are being treated as second-class citizens within Auckland Council. This change must happen, it is apparent our community is getting left behind while subsiding the rest of Auckland.”They’re confident in their partnership.“We have worked together for 6 years, and in that time, we have achieved a great deal. However, to make a more meaningful impact for our community we might need to fight at the higher level.”The pair plan to finalise their decision next month, after taking time to consult with locals and develop a clear local priorities plan.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

The Auckland housing market had a slow but steady February, with prices and sales tracking close to January levels, according to Barfoot & Thompson.685 homes sold in February—highest February in 3 yearsMedian price slipped to NZD$930,000 (down NZD$20,000)Average price rose to NZD$1.1M (up NZD$54,000)25% of sales were under NZD$750,000Listings reached 5,997—highest in 14 yearsPeter Thompson, Managing Director at Barfoot & Thompson, said February’s activity followed the same early-year pattern seen over the past three years.“Prices remained there or thereabouts with where they were in January, as was the number of sales made,” he said.He noted that sales at this time of year are largely influenced by January’s holiday period, with any impact from recent interest rate changes unlikely to appear until March.New listings reached 2,073 in February, supported by a strong supply of new builds and lived-in homes. A key driver behind the high listings was the steady stream of new builds entering the market.For Coasties keeping an eye on affordability, 25% of all homes sold were under NZD$750,000—many being apartments and townhouses. Meanwhile, high-end sales over NZD$2 million made up just over 5% of total sales.In the rural and lifestyle sectors around Auckland—north, south and west—sales volumes held steady, reaching NZD$44 million, matching last year’s performance.With more stock on the market and signs of increased activity ahead, March may bring a clearer picture of where the year is heading for local property trends.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Living near the coastline comes with stunning views—and the need to stay prepared.If you’re out and about near Orewa Beach this Sunday, 6 April, don’t be alarmed if you hear sirens at 12:00pm. It’s the regular test of Orewa’s two tsunami warning sirens, scheduled twice a year to make sure they’re in top working order.These sirens, installed in 2020, play a series of alert tones and voice messages to guide people in a real emergency. The test also lines up with the end of daylight saving, making it easy to remember.It’s all part of keeping coastal communities like ours safe. Auckland Emergency Management is also working on new ways to alert both residents and visitors across the region’s coastal areas.In a real tsunami threat, you’d also receive an Emergency Mobile Alert on your phone—plus updates through the news and social media.And remember, sirens and alerts aren’t the only signs. Know the natural warnings:A strong earthquake that’s hard to stand duringA long earthquake (more than a minute)A sudden rise or fall in sea levelLoud or unusual sea noisesIf it’s long or strong—get gone. Move to higher ground without waiting.It’s a great time to check your household emergency plan and make sure everyone knows what to do if you need to evacuate.Find more tsunami safety tips at: aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz/tsunamiGot a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Having trouble meeting your tax deadlines? A simpler solution is available.Instead of incurring penalties for missed or upcoming tax payments, you can take advantage of tax pooling.This approach lets you purchase overpaid tax amounts from other taxpayers.The purchased tax is then credited to your IRD tax account on the original payment date of the seller.Although a small interest fee applies—typically lower than the IRD rate—you avoid late payment penalties.The process is streamlined, requiring no credit application; however, it can be a bit complex, so we suggest consulting your accountant.Often, accountants can secure a slightly discounted rate for their clients.For example: If a tax payment due on 28 August 2024 is missed, you can purchase it from the tax pool to avoid penalties, with the payment deferred as late as mid-June 2025.Similarly, if a tax payment is due on 7 May 2025, you can finance it so that the deadline extends to as late as mid-June 2026.There are additional variations of tax pooling designed to improve business cash flow.Your accountant can explain which options best suit your needs.Only a limited number of tax pool providers are authorised by legislation and are subject to strict monitoring.Funds typically flow through entities such as The Public Trust Office to ensure the security of deposits.At David Hooper CA Limited, we exclusively partner with Tax Traders, enabling our clients to benefit from reduced interest charges.For more information, visit: https://home.taxtraders.co.nz/who-we-areLet us help you get your head above water and keep the monkey off your back. Get in touch today at [email protected] or call 09 421 1635.

Northland Police will be stepping up roadside patrols over the next six weeks, aiming to slow down speeding drivers before the busy Easter break.Locals and holidaymakers travelling through the region can expect to see more officers out and about, as part of Police’s ongoing “anywhere, anytime” campaign. The heightened focus comes in response to growing concerns about speeding and risky driver behaviour on Northland’s roads.Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett, Northland Road Policing Manager, says the initiative is about keeping people safe.“Speed is a major contributor to crashes and the damage on impact if there is a crash,” she said. “Our teams are committed to ensuring our roads are safe, and we need everyone to do their part.”Patrols will be especially active in areas known for higher crash risks. Coasties heading north during the school holidays or Easter weekend are encouraged to take their time, stay alert, and drive to the conditions.“We want our presence to deter motorists from any driving behaviours that put themselves and others at risk,” said Inspector Fitchett. “Everyone deserves to be safe when travelling on Northland roads.”Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Auckland has officially withdrawn its bid to host the 38th America’s Cup in 2027, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) confirmed this week.The bid depended on a joint funding agreement between Auckland Council, central government, and private partners. However, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) advised that government support could not be secured—bringing the campaign to an end.TAU Chief Executive Nick Hill said the team had worked hard to bring the event back to Auckland, where world-class infrastructure and experienced event staff were already in place. “We really wanted to be able to host our sailors on home waters,” he said.The loss is more than symbolic. Major sporting events like the America’s Cup bring significant benefits to host cities—including increased tourism, job creation, and global exposure. TAU emphasised that the situation highlights the urgent need for a sustainable, long-term funding model for major events in New Zealand.While the news is disappointing for sailing fans across the Hibiscus Coast and the country, Auckland remains strongly supportive of Emirates Team New Zealand and its future America’s Cup campaigns, wherever they may take place.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]