The salty spring air feels a little different this week, as two familiar faces in Rodney public life prepare to step back. After years of service on the Rodney Local Board, Louise Johnston and Michelle Carmichael are both finishing their terms, leaving behind a legacy Coasties will keep feeling for years.Louise, who many will remember for her hands-on approach at Green Road Park planting days, served three terms. She’s helped shape the masterplan for what she hopes will one day be the “Cornwall Park of Rodney,” a place for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and families to enjoy. She also fought hard to bring back the Dairy Flat bus service, the 986, restoring vital links for rural residents.Michelle, elected for one term, pushed for more openness and stronger community connections. She made board workshops public, giving locals a clear window into decision-making. In Warkworth, she met regularly with community groups, and her environmental focus carried through to her role on the Kaipara Moana Remediation Governance Partnership.Rodney Local Board Chairperson Brent Bailey says both have been strong voices and steady advocates for people and the environment. Their efforts, he notes, have laid a strong foundation for the next board.For Coasties, the work Louise and Michelle have done on transport, green spaces, and community transparency will ripple outward — whether through easier rural bus links or the long-term vision for Green Road Park becoming a true recreational hub. Their departure is a reminder that local voices really do shape daily life here, and we wish them both well as they turn the page to what comes next.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Retirement housing for older New Zealanders is unevenly spread across the country, with some regions well served and others lagging behind, according to new analysis.Penetration rates, which measure the share of older people living in retirement villages, sit around 18 per cent in the Bay of Plenty but closer to 14–15 per cent nationally.Canterbury is catching up as new projects are completed, while Auckland, despite having the most units, struggles to keep pace with demand from its growing ageing population.The Retirement Villages Association says the imbalance means access to later-life housing often depends on geography.Wellington and parts of the lower North Island are particularly short of supply.Senior Trust Retirement Village Income Generator’s lending highlights where new capacity is being added.Funding has been provided to The Botanic in Silverdale and Orewa Sands in Orewa, alongside projects in Paeroa, Amberley and Kerikeri.Executive Director Scott Lester says national averages mask local realities.“Some regions are well served, others risk falling further behind,” he said.Without new projects, families may face travelling further to support loved ones, and older people risk isolation or longer waits for care.With the population aged 75-plus forecast to grow by more than 40 per cent by 2033, pressure to lift build rates is mounting.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Looking for plans?Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Automatic 80'sSat 20 SepClick here for more detailsHoedown at the Ranch!Sun 21 SepClick here for more detailsStress Less Holiday Study HubMon 22 SepClick here for more detailsWant to see more events?Explore Things To Do in our community in the Hibiscus Coast App anytime, anywhere.Got an event coming up? List it free today →

A University of Auckland team is asking a big question: can the fruit pulp and skins left over from making juice and wine be turned into sustainable new foods?Led by Professor of Food Science Siew-Young Quek, the researchers have received $3 million over three years from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to explore the idea.Every year in New Zealand, around 100,000 tonnes of fruit byproducts end up in landfill, adding to greenhouse gases and water pollution. Quek’s team wants to use this waste to grow bacterial cellulose that can be shaped into food ingredients with added nutrition.“It’s about creating food that’s better for people and better for the planet,” says Quek, who also directs the Future Food Research Centre.The project also links with researchers in Singapore, who are developing new vegetarian products from mushroom mycelium, and Massey University scientists and engineers. Consumer testing will be led by the University’s Business School to see how people respond to the new products.While the work is still in the lab, Quek says the foods won’t contain synthetic additives and could carry real health benefits. The team is already working with industry to make sure the discoveries can be commercialised.One day, Hibiscus Coast shoppers might see the results of this work on their own supermarket shelvesKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 19/9Showers clearing to fine with fresh sou’westers.High: 16Low: 9Saturday, 20/9Mostly fine, easterlies shifting to a light nor’easter.High: 15Low: 11Sunday, 21/9Partly cloudy with strengthening northerlies.High: 17Low: 13Monday, 22/9Cloudy with a chance of showers and strong northerlies.High: 17Low: 13Want more weather info?Tap into the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.Everything you need, right here in the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

New data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) show the national median house price dipped slightly in August, but most regions recorded year-on-year gains as more properties hit the market.The median price across New Zealand fell $4,000, or 0.5%, to $761,000 compared with August 2024. Excluding Auckland, the median rose 1.5% to $690,000.Auckland itself was up 1.3% to $964,000. Gisborne led regional increases with an 11.3% jump to $690,000, followed by Southland (up 8.9% to $465,000) and the West Coast (up 7.8% to $385,000).Sales activity was subdued. Nationally, transactions dropped 3.7% year-on-year to 5,866, with only six regions seeing more sales than last August. Waikato, Gisborne and Southland were the standouts. Listings, on the other hand, climbed 9% nationwide, taking total inventory to 30,000 properties.REINZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley said both buyers and sellers are cautious as spring approaches. “While many expected the recent OCR change to encourage more activity, the history of REINZ data suggests we may be cautiously optimistic about increased activity in the coming months.”For the Hibiscus Coast, steadier prices mean buyers still face hefty mortgages, but a bigger pool of listings could offer more choice heading into the spring selling season. With Auckland’s market holding firm, Coasties weighing up a move may find it easier to shop around without prices racing ahead.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Food prices climbed 5.0% in August compared to last year, according to Stats NZ, with Foodstuffs’ own basket showing a 5.1% rise.The grocery co-ops say a harsh winter was to blame for big jumps in some vegetables, while other staples fell.Green cabbages were up 78% and broccoli 76%, making them some of the priciest greens in years.By contrast, kumara dropped 15% and kiwifruit 12%, with canned tuna also cheaper.Olive oil saw the steepest fall, down 22% as European supply rebounded.Butter, cheese, steak and lamb remain stubbornly high, still costing 30% or more above last year.Foodstuffs Managing Director Chris Quin said global demand and supply shortages continue to drive up dairy and meat, though recent drops in international butter prices may filter through in time.Quin also pointed to the timing of PAK’nSAVE’s annual birthday sales as a factor in the year-on-year comparison.He said supplier costs are still rising, up 5.5% in August, leaving little room for retailers to absorb increases.For Coasties, the shifts are felt weekly at the checkout.Families are juggling dearer greens like cabbage, pushed up by winter weather, alongside cheaper fruit and pantry items, while hoping global price drops in staples like butter and olive oil flow through to local shelves soon.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Police have launched a new safety campaign teaching Kiwis what to do in the unlikely event of an armed offender incident in a crowded place.The advice is built around three words: Escape, Hide, Tell.That means move quickly and quietly away from danger if it’s safe, stay out of sight and silence your phone, then call 111 when you can.Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the campaign is not about increased risk, but about giving people confidence.“New Zealanders love to get together and this is all about being prepared in public spaces, such as sports venues, shopping centres or transport hubs,” he says.Businesses are backing the campaign, with the Crowded Places Business Advisory Group and Community Advisory Group helping spread the message. John Yates from Scentre Group says safety is the highest priority: “Remaining vigilant and remembering these three words could make a difference.” From this month, Westfield centres will display Escape, Hide, Tell messages on their digital screens. Advisory group leaders Paul Patel and Mat Hellyer say the strategy strengthens public safety and encourages shared responsibility for keeping spaces secure.Similar campaigns overseas have helped people feel more secure in large gatherings, and officials hope the same will apply here. Businesses, schools, community groups and families are encouraged to discuss the steps so everyone knows how to respond if needed.While the chance of such an incident remains low, the message is clear: being prepared is the best way to keep ourselves and others safe. Police are also urging people to report suspicious behaviour, either by calling 111 in an emergency, or using 105 and Crime Stoppers for non-urgent information.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Consumer confidence is soggy, after the economy hit a mid-year soft patchConsumers are still struggling with high living costs and the weak jobs marketWomen are more pessimistic than menAuckland rebounds, most upbeat regionConsumers remain pessimistic, despite recent interest rate cuts, as they struggle with spending power squeezed by continued increases in living costs.The Westpac-McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index edged down 0.3 points in September to 90.9 - effectively unchanged from the June quarter - after the economy hit a mid-year soft patch.A level below 100 indicated there were more households pessimistic about the economic outlook than those who were optimistic.Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said the softness in consumer confidence was notable, especially as the survey was conducted just after the Reserve Bank delivered another interest rate cut in August."Reductions in the official cash rate and the related falls in mortgage rates will help to boost many households' disposable incomes over the coming year," he said. "However, it will take some time for those reductions to flow through to households' back pockets."Ranchhod said a weak jobs market, subdued house prices and continuing cost-of-living increases offset the benefit of lower interest rates.Confidence was low across all income groups, but was weakest among those on lower incomes.Ranchhod said rises in the cost of living were particularly tough for those on lower incomes, who spent a larger share of their incomes on essentials.Women remained more pessimistic than men, their confidence dropping by three points to an index score of 83.4. By contrast, confidence for men rose by 3.1 points to 99.6.McDermott Miller Limited market research director Imogen Rendall said women were also more pessimistic about the future."Only one in 10 women expect good economic times over the next 12 months, compared with just over a quarter of men."Regionally, confidence picked up in Auckland and Wellington, and Auckland became the most confident region in the country with a reading of 97 - although the score remained in pessimism territory.Ranchhod cautioned that Auckland was recovering from a low base and, despite rising slightly, Wellingtonians remained deeply pessimistic.The picture was equally mixed in the regions, as dairy powerhouses Waikato and Canterbury produced readings of 92.0, while Taranaki/Whanganui at 81, and Nelson and the West Coast at 79 had the lowest confidence.Ranchhod believed softness in the labour market in those regions offset any boost from the buoyant primary produce sector.Spending on Westpac-issued cards was weakest in Wellington and the top of South Island versus a year ago, and strongest in Southland and Otago.

Aucklanders will soon get their say on how and where the city grows, with a major planning decision set to open for public submissions in November.RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the Government is preparing for a six-week consultation window, from 3 November to 19 December, if Auckland Council withdraws its controversial Plan Change 78 later this month.The Council had asked Parliament for the power to scrap PC78, which applied blanket medium-density housing rules across suburbs, and instead bring forward a new plan that lets Aucklanders choose where growth should go.The change would also allow the Council to “downzone” flood-prone areas.If PC78 is dropped, a fresh plan will still need to provide the same amount of housing capacity overall.But the new approach would give locals more say, while ensuring greater housing density is built near City Rail Link stations.Hearings are expected in the new year before an independent panel, with the entire process likely to take 18 months.Bishop said the aim is to deliver certainty after years of delay, while unlocking more housing options.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the outcome could shape how development pressures flow north, especially around transport corridors and areas at risk of flooding.It’s a chance for Coasties to weigh in on Auckland’s growth map and what it means for local neighbourhoods.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New OECD modelling shows New Zealand’s economy won’t double in size until 2055 unless big changes are made to how organisations run. Real GDP, now at US$216 billion, is expected to grow just 48% by 2040, with most of that coming from population growth rather than productivity.Productivity per hour worked is now around 40% lower than in countries like Denmark and Sweden. Experts warn that this gap means weaker wages, living standards and competitiveness.Craig Steel, a workplace performance expert from Vantaset, says many Kiwi firms are putting too much faith in AI. “There’s a misguided belief that AI will close the gap for any organisation that applies it. But when technology is layered on top of disconnected leadership and compliance systems, the gains rarely occur.”Craig Steel, from Vantaset. Photo: SuppliedSteel says the real barrier isn’t technology itself, but leadership, culture and capability. He warns of a “two-speed economy” where digital-first firms accelerate while traditional sectors struggle.Former All Blacks manager Darren Shand adds that New Zealand should borrow lessons from sport. “The All Blacks didn’t win because of tools. They won because of belief, clarity and discipline. That same clarity is missing from many organisations right now.”For Coasties, the message hits home. If the national economy stays stuck in low-gear productivity, it means slower wage growth, tougher business conditions, and fewer chances for local families to get ahead.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Emergency services rushed to Central Boulevard in Silverdale around 6.50am today after a serious crash involving a car and a truck.Police say one person is in a critical condition. Central Boulevard has been closed while emergency crews attend, and motorists are being advised to avoid the area.The Serious Crash Unit is on site and WorkSafe has been notified. An investigation will determine what caused the collision.More updates will follow as information comes to hand.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Government is updating the Commerce Act for the first time in nearly two decades, aiming to create fairer markets and give both consumers and businesses more certainty.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the changes are about “certainty and reliability for businesses,” while ensuring competition drives growth and sharper prices.Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson adds that the reforms will strengthen the Commerce Commission, separating its governance and regulatory functions so it can make faster, more transparent decisions.Key updates include stopping unfair tactics like creeping acquisitions and predatory pricing, clearer merger rules, and giving the Commission new tools such as pausing or calling in risky mergers before they’re completed.Businesses will also be able to commit to limiting their market power as part of merger applications, helping resolve competition concerns without lengthy disputes.The reforms are set to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas and passed by mid-2026.For Coasties, this could mean more choice on shop shelves, stronger protections against big players squeezing out smaller competitors, and ultimately a fairer go for local businesses trying to grow in competitive markets.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A bus has crashed into a liquor store in Silverdale village, leaving two people injured and causing damage to neighbouring businesses.The crash happened about 8pm last night on Silverdale Street. Four fire trucks and a support vehicle attended the scene alongside police.The owner of Silverdale Liquor Centre said he was told the bus ploughed into his shop, also damaging the Bendon store next door. He confirmed no staff inside his store were hurt.Photo: RedditPolice said two people suffered moderate injuries. A section of Silverdale Street was blocked while crews worked to recover the bus.With both shops out of action for now, Coasties may notice changes in their usual routines.Photo: RedditSeen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Government’s new sentencing reforms take effect today, with Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith saying the changes are about restoring real consequences for crime.Goldsmith said communities and workers had been let down by a culture of excuses and leniency in the justice system. “This Government promised to restore real consequences for crime. That’s exactly what we’re delivering,” he said.Key changes include:A 40% cap on sentence discounts for mitigating factors, unless a lighter sentence would be manifestly unjust.Ending repeat discounts for youth and remorse.A new aggravating factor for serious retail crime against sole charge workers or those with connected home businesses.Stronger use of cumulative sentences for offending on bail, in custody, or on parole.A sliding scale for guilty pleas, with the maximum discount dropping from 25% at an early stage to just 5% if entered during trial.A requirement for courts to consider victim interests.Two further aggravating factors have been added: targeting adults who use young people to commit crime, and offenders who broadcast or livestream their offending online.For Coasties, the reforms could mean tougher outcomes for crimes that affect small local businesses and families, as well as greater recognition of victims’ experiences in the court process.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Watercare officially opened the new Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant yesterday, a key step in its $450 million programme to transform wastewater services for Warkworth and the Snells/Algies area.The new facility is already handling more than half of Warkworth’s wastewater, with a pump station at Lucy Moore Memorial Park, a five-kilometre pipeline, and a new ocean outfall working together to keep the system running. By October, all of Warkworth’s flows will be treated here.Mayor Wayne Brown said the plant is designed to support growth over the next 35 years, with capacity for thousands more residents and future upgrades built into its design. He called it a big win for the environment, cutting wet-weather overflows and improving the health of the Mahurangi River and nearby marine ecosystems.Watercare chief executive Jamie Sinclair said the project marks a new standard. The improved technology allows the older Warkworth and Snells Beach plants to be decommissioned, ending discharges to the Mahurangi River. Treated water will now go 800 metres out to sea at Martin’s Bay.For locals, this means safer waterways and more reliable services in our growing northern towns. With summer coming, cleaner rivers and beaches are something many locals will notice and appreciate.Commissioning continues through October, with the old plants set to close soon after. A final pipeline project, starting next year, will further reduce overflows and support growth in north Warkworth.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

New Zealand shouldn’t pin its hopes on copying Ireland or Singapore, argues PhD student Angus Dowell.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has often praised those two nations as models, including during the launch of Amazon Web Services’ $7.5b Auckland cloud project.But Dowell says the comparison doesn’t stack up.Ireland won global tech giants with low taxes and EU access, while Singapore’s growth came from massive state investment and tight control of key industries.Neither path fits New Zealand, a mid-sized, far-flung economy where the digital sector has mostly grown to serve domestic needs.Amazon’s new Auckland cloud centres highlight the mismatch, Dowell says.While they may speed up local services, the bigger benefits — jobs, exports, global competitiveness — remain mostly hypothetical.Much of Amazon’s NZ revenue is still routed through Ireland to reduce tax.For the Hibiscus Coast, that raises questions about what these big-ticket projects really deliver.If locals are to see genuine gains, it’ll take clear rules, fair tax, and investment that sticks here rather than flowing offshore.Dowell argues it’s time for a grounded debate on sovereignty and regulation, instead of chasing models that don’t fit.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

We love shining a spotlight on the local businesses that make our community thrive.Today, we’re excited to share the story of Hear Again, located in Whangaparaoa.At Coast Plaza, tucked among the daily bustle of shoppers, there’s a place where life’s most precious sounds are restored.For 13 years, Hear Again has been helping locals rediscover the voices, music, and everyday moments that make living on the Hibiscus Coast so special.Step through their doors and you’re welcomed not just as a client, but as part of the family.Hear Again is more than a clinic. It’s a family-owned business where personalised care comes first.The team offers everything from full diagnostic assessments and free hearing checks to expert hearing aid fittings, gentle ear wax removal, custom protection, and even home visits.What makes them unique is their independence.They aren’t tied to one brand, so every solution is chosen to fit the person, not the other way around.From the very first fitting, the hearing aids belong to the client, giving people confidence and ownership in their journey.The story of Hear Again began when Samantha Foster, Operations Director, and Steve Foster, Clinical Director, saw a better way forward.After years in a large hearing care chain, they wanted to bring hearing care back to what really matters: people. Their vision was simple—expert clinical support combined with genuine, ongoing care that continues long after an appointment ends.That passion has shaped Hear Again into the trusted, friendly clinic locals know today.One proud moment came in 2024 when Hear Again was nominated for the 2degrees Customer Service Award.For Samantha and Steve, it wasn’t just recognition—it was a sign that the personal, caring approach they set out to create was being felt and appreciated.It was a reminder that hearing care is about far more than technology.It’s about wellbeing, confidence, and the joy of feeling connected.That connection is exactly why locals love Hear Again.Clients know they’ll see the same smiling faces each time they visit, building trust and comfort with every appointment.Beyond the clinic, the team actively supports the community by sponsoring events and tournaments.Their 13th birthday, celebrated recently with the help of neighbouring Coast Plaza businesses, was a highlight that captured the spirit of community they are proud to belong to.Looking ahead, Samantha and Steve hope to grow Hear Again slowly and carefully across New Zealand.They’re determined that every new location carries the same heart, independence, and quality that Whangaparaoa locals have come to rely on.By staying at the forefront of hearing care while never losing sight of what matters most, they’re ensuring their clients continue to reconnect with the sounds that make life rich.To keep hearing care within reach, Hear Again also offers finance options from just $10 a week, making it possible for more people to access the help they need.You’ll find Hear Again at Coast Plaza in Whangaparaoa, or online at hearagain.co.nz.To chat with the team, call 09 424 6666.If you or someone you love is ready to hear those cherished sounds again, the friendly team at Hear Again is there to help.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has launched a nationwide push to recruit 1,000 new volunteers over the next three years, warning that current numbers aren’t keeping pace with demand.The campaign calls for around 600 new surf lifeguards, 100 patrol supporters, and 300 volunteers in administration and support roles such as equipment maintenance, governance, and fundraising.CEO Steve Fisher says volunteer numbers have plateaued while more people are heading to the beach each summer. “Every rescue, every patrol, every piece of equipment maintained is thanks to the generosity of people giving their time. But volunteer numbers have plateaued while the number of people heading to our beaches continues to grow. That puts enormous pressure on existing members and ultimately impacts community safety.”The need is especially acute in places like Auckland’s west coast beaches, the Coromandel, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and the South Island’s west coast. Without more hands on deck, some regions may face reduced services.For Coasties, the message is close to home.With rising visitor numbers across the Hibiscus Coast, local patrols rely on volunteers to keep the community safe. SLSNZ stresses that not every role requires elite swimming ability, and anyone with a few hours to give can make a difference.“The message is simple: it takes a community to save a life,” Fisher says.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.