Hibiscus Coast locals may not often pause to consider it, but journalism is woven into the fabric of daily life, playing a crucial role in a democratic society.Dr Gavin Ellis, a media consultant with over 50 years in news media, recently highlighted the challenges facing journalism in New Zealand.He shared concerns that, without change, the industry could face a grim decline in the coming years.Dr Ellis’s comments come after the release of a position paper from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Informed Futures, which he co-authored.Titled If Not Journalists, Then Who?, the report warns that journalism in New Zealand is at risk of "ecosystem collapse."According to the paper, this collapse is caused by a mix of financial strain, technological disruption, and declining public trust in media.The report suggests that without intervention, the decline in professional journalism will have lasting impacts, potentially affecting democracy and social cohesion.Dr Ellis argues that the public may not fully grasp the link between a strong media and a functioning society.He also notes that some believe an abundance of online information can replace traditional journalism, but he disagrees, questioning whether the sources of this information meet the same standards of integrity and accountability.While some see hope in digital innovation, Dr Ellis remains cautious."In informational terms, volume equates with value for many," he observes, "yet quality and reliability are irreplaceable."The paper outlines several recommendations for both media organisations and the government to help secure the future of journalism.The message Dr Ellis emphasises is clear: without public support and understanding, journalism risks becoming a "lost art."

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is defending the difficulty of NCEA exam questions for students trying to achieve excellence endorsements this year.The authority said it had received seven complaints about its Level 2 maths exam earlier this week and two complaints about the Level 2 biology exam.Jann Marshall, NZQA deputy chief executive - assessment, said she could not comment on the specifics of the questions while exams were being marked.However, she said every NCEA assessment had a range of less difficult and more difficult questions reflecting the fact that students were awarded Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit or Excellence grades.Marshall said questions related to achievement at the Excellence level were more difficult."Excellence level achievement for biology requires the demonstration of comprehensive understanding, and for maths, extended abstract thinking," she said."Questions designed to elicit responses at the Excellence level may contain unfamiliar contexts to which students are expected to apply their foundational subject knowledge."NZQA expects students to apply knowledge - not reproduce memorised responses - to demonstrate their understanding."Marshall said exam papers were developed and quality-assured by writing teams of five or more experienced subject teachers at that NCEA level.She said in the rare instance that the design of a question disadvantaged students, marking panels were instructed to calibrate their marking accordingly.The 2024 NCEA and scholarship exams began on Tuesday this week. Friday's exams included Level 1 maths, which had more than 28,000 candidates.'Plain ridiculous'Meanwhile, a petition calling for consistency in NCEA exam questions had attracted more than 1700 signatures. The petition claimed changes to content often rendered students' preparation ineffective."This frequent alteration in examination material disallows students from accurately knowing what to study, leading to undue stress and potential underperformance," it said."To improve student preparation and consequently, academic performance, we are urging NCEA to maintain consistency in their examination content, ensuring it accurately reflects the curriculum and resources provided to students throughout the year."One signatory wrote they were usually a straight Excellence student, but both the biology and maths questions were just plain ridiculous.""I attempted the Level 2 NCEA maths (all three algebra calculus and probability papers) this year and find the Merit and Excellence questions are too unpredictable," wrote another.

Calling all Coasties!Are you looking for a flexible and rewarding career opportunity that's right on your doorstep?We've got exciting news - the Hibiscus Coast App is seeking an experienced Telephone Account Manager to join our dynamic team.As a Telephone Account Manager, you'll connect with potential clients over the phone, helping local businesses reach their target audience. You'll also manage customer records and enjoy part-time hours that fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Plus, you can work from home with comprehensive training provided.Interested? Call 027 25 111 96 or leave a message with your details. We'd love to hear from you!Want to learn more?Click here for more job details.

A new study seeks to tackle New Zealand's growing workforce shortage by highlighting the potential of disabled workers in key industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, and logistics.Released by Hanga-Aro-Rau and Waihanga Ara Rau, the research underscores the barriers disabled individuals face when seeking employment in these sectors and presents recommendations for creating more inclusive workplaces.According to Stats NZ, the participation rate of disabled adults in the workforce has declined slightly from 45% to 44.7% over the past decade, while the rate for non-disabled adults has increased.Disabled workers, along with Māori, Pacific Peoples, and women, are underrepresented in the sectors most affected by the skills shortage.The study, titled Let’s Level Up, surveyed over 300 employers and disabled workers across New Zealand.It found that a lack of awareness and suitable roles, along with attitudinal barriers, were key factors limiting disabled people's employment opportunities.Nearly two-thirds of employers reported never discussing disability inclusion, and many were unsure how to support disabled workers.Professor Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Director of the Donald Beasley Institute, highlighted the significance of these findings, emphasising that societal attitudes towards disability are the primary hurdle to employment.“The research shows that disabled people can and should be a part of industry. A truly inclusive workplace embraces diversity as a whole,” she said.The report also found that physical accessibility, lack of knowledge, and negative attitudes were among the top challenges identified by employers.However, advances in technology, particularly in the construction sector, have begun to make these industries more accessible to disabled workers.For example, crane operators can now control machinery from the ground using a joystick, making roles more accessible for those with mobility impairments.Hanga-Aro-Rau’s Deputy CEO, Samantha McNaughton, called for collective action across government and industry to improve support for disabled workers.“This research is just the beginning. We need to take practical steps to address the growing skills shortage and ensure disability inclusion is part of the solution,” she said.The study also points to the need for long-term strategies to increase the employment of disabled people and better retain those who acquire disabilities during their careers.The findings offer a valuable framework for addressing the barriers faced by disabled workers and encouraging employers to take proactive steps towards inclusivity.

A resident of a new housing development in north Auckland is dumbfounded a move of less than two kilometres means he no longer receives mail.Ara Hills in Ōrewa opened in 2022, 31km north of the Auckland CBD, with a mix of terraced and standalone homes.But almost two years on, a stand-off with the developer means NZ Post will not deliver mail because the development is classed as rural.For resident Gary Phillips, a move from one side of the motorway to the other has suddenly meant no mail in the letterbox."People are not getting important things like car registrations, medical appointments, fines, all those sorts of things and then if they don't get it, they don't know that they owe it and suddenly they're in debt," resident Penelope Jensen said.Jensen attends meetings with Ara Hills residents, and said there had been plenty of frustration among the 120 households."People were quite angry about it. And yeah, felt a bit betrayed, I think because when they bought up here, they didn't realise that they were going to face this situation."Ara Hills is set to have 550 dwellings when building is complete. All have letterboxes out the front - rendered obsolete while developers AV Jennings and NZ Post continue to clash.Michelle Palmer has lived in the development since 2022."We feel isolated. We actually don't feel like that it's going anywhere, we feel like we're kind of stuck between the developer and council and the post having a fight and we're the people that are actually getting impacted by it, but no one's really coming and actually apologising or asking how they can support us in the short term until they come up with some long-term solution."Palmer has been redirecting her mail to her relative's house 28 kilometres away in Warkworth.She, along with plenty of others, are holding off getting one of the PO boxes that AV Jennings is subsidising down the road in Ōrewa, a few minutes' drive away.Ara Hills is zoned as rural by NZ Post, so mail is not delivered to residents' letterboxes. Photo: RNZ/Leonard Powell"For us, if we do that, we're sort of conceding and [saying] that might be the long-term solution, and we don't think that's a long-term solution."There is no way that this is rural and we've got a letterbox out front. So we should be receiving it. And so we're standing our ground and hoping that they will actually provide a proper long-term solution."Phillips is one of the residents who has been using a PO Box.He moved in December 2023, after living nearby for 15 years."We really only moved about 1.8 kilometres. We're just the other side of the of the motorway exit and we've lived there for a long time. And we'd always had mail. No problem at all."So it was quite strange to us to come just over the other side of the motorway to to somewhere where there was nothing."NZ Post declined to be interviewed but in a statement said it would deliver mail if a cluster of letterboxes was provided by the developer AV Jennings.But AV Jennings' Katelyn Orton said that would not be happening."The anomaly when it comes to the mail delivery is simply a fact that NZ Post is trying to reduce its costs. So when it's seeing something as being rural, which is actually a fully formed residential street. that's about cost saving. That's not about development being out of sequence."I mean the homes exist. The residents exist. The only thing that doesn't exist is a mail service."Orton said until NZ Post came to the party, the only option for residents would be a heavily subsidised PO box, which start at about $35 a year."AV Jennings have undertaken that to ensure that our residents can actually receive their mail. I know not all of our residents have taken that option. Because they've been hopeful as we have, that common sense would prevail and there'd be a practical solution in place that doesn't place financial or physical barriers to our residents receiving their mail."Phillips is not a fan of either the PO box option or a cluster of hundreds of letterboxes.However, "there's not a lot we can do as a small community apart from what we've already tried to do", he said."The post box is up up the hill. It's a stupid solution because there's hundreds and hundreds of houses here. You're going to take up a large part of our green space. And just fill it full of unsecure metal boxes."NZ Post said if mail came into a delivery branch for residents of Ara Hills, it was held for a month before it is returned to sender.For Jensen, that was not an option."It's important to us that we get our mail and if there's no other solution, then we just have to pay."

Aucklanders have responded strongly to recent pre-infringement notices, with the number of dog registrations increasing by 4,407 over a two-week period. The Auckland Council’s Animal Management team sent out 22,929 reminder notices to owners of 26,614 unregistered dogs. This action has had a significant impact, boosting registrations and providing more accurate data on the dog population in the region.Before the notices were sent, the Council recorded a total of 132,574 dogs in its database. However, following the updates, 2,337 dogs were reported as deceased, sold, or relocated out of Auckland, bringing the total number of dogs down to 130,237.Animal Management Manager, Elly Waitoa, acknowledged the overwhelming response from dog owners. “The response has been staggering and very positive. The number of unregistered dogs in Auckland has reduced by 6,744 to 21,411. This has not only updated our records but also contributed significant revenue to support essential animal management services for the community.”The registration drive generated NZD 767,349 in revenue in just two weeks. This will support Auckland Council’s budget for maintaining public safety and managing animal welfare.“We are pleased to see such a great response,” said Waitoa. “Our goal is for all dog owners to register their pets, rather than face a NZD 300 fine as the next enforcement step.”Councillor Josephine Bartley, Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, praised the initiative. “We want to thank the dog owners who took action on these notices and remind them that continuing compliance helps maintain a safe and enjoyable community for everyone,” she said.The Council noted that the highest response rates came from Auckland’s northern and southern regions.

Auckland can expect faster, more reliable train journeys with the government confirming plans to complete Auckland’s Rail Network Rebuild ahead of the anticipated City Rail Link (CRL) opening. According to Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Acting Auckland Mayor Desley Simpson, the rebuild is a crucial step toward delivering on the CRL’s promise of enhanced public transport options, with upgraded infrastructure boosting capacity and reliability.The $200 million government-funded Rail Network Rebuild focuses on bolstering Auckland’s ageing rail system, enabling it to handle increased service demand from the CRL. The project includes critical improvements to track foundations, drainage systems, culverts, bridges, tunnels, and signal systems, all designed to ensure dependable rail service across the network. Work is set to be completed over the next year, with KiwiRail estimating up to 96 days of full network closures scheduled between Christmas 2024 and January 2026 to accomplish these upgrades.These closures, while disruptive, will be strategically timed to minimise the impact on weekday commuters. KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have committed to concentrating major work over weekends, public holidays, and late nights, allowing peak services to continue with minimal interruptions. Acting Mayor Simpson expressed her gratitude for the government’s support, noting the planned improvements will address decades-old maintenance issues and provide the resilient rail infrastructure Auckland’s growth requires.Both KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have pledged to keep the public informed well in advance, ensuring commuters are aware of any disruptions and available alternative routes. Simpson also highlighted that full closures, while an inconvenience, reduce project costs by around 30%, making this necessary work more efficient and cost-effective for Aucklanders.The CRL, scheduled to open in 2026, is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and reach of Auckland’s public transport network, a transformation that rail infrastructure improvements will help realise from day one.

Coasties who love both travel and wine are in for a treat. Air New Zealand is set to launch its own wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, a tribute to its historic first flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940. The new label will be available exclusively to Air New Zealand customers, with a special focus on celebrating New Zealand’s rich winemaking heritage.The name Thirteen Forty Five pays homage to the original trans-Tasman flight distance of 1,345 miles, first navigated by Air New Zealand’s predecessor, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL). This inaugural flight paved the way for a new era in travel, connecting New Zealanders to Australia and, eventually, to destinations worldwide.In collaboration with the renowned Marlborough-based winemaker Villa Maria, Thirteen Forty Five will feature a sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir. According to Air New Zealand, both wines have been expertly crafted with altitude in mind, ensuring a rich flavour profile for travellers to enjoy at 30,000 feet. Kylie McGillivray-Brown, General Manager for Customer Experience, describes it as a thoughtful process: “This wasn’t about simply putting our label on a bottle. We’ve worked closely with Indevin’s expert winemakers to craft these unique blends, providing an exclusive experience for our customers.”Beginning in March, the wines will be offered in Premium Economy and Air New Zealand lounges, as well as on the Airpoints Store. For a limited time, guests on select domestic flights will also be able to enjoy Thirteen Forty Five during the airline’s Koru Hour.

Sneezing? Runny nose?Those symptoms are typically the same whether you are in the throes of seasonal allergies or in a battle against a viral infection.Allergies are not contagious unlike a viral illness, which is contagious, making it hard to determine when to isolate from others to avoid spreading the infection. So, how do you know when it's time to pop an antihistamine and soldier on to work or school, or raise a white flag and take a much-needed sick day?It can be hard to tell."Both of them involve your immune symptoms being activated," says Michael Baker, a professor of public health at the University of Otago who influential in New Zealand's Covid response. "Certainly with a viral infection, a lot of the symptoms are from the immune response, not the infection."Professor Michael Baker Photo: Luke Pilkinton-ChingWhether it's allergies or sickness, your white blood cells and certain molecules are being called up for service. Here's how to tell what the heck is going on in your body:Look for patternsYear after year, "people would get familiar with the difference," says Baker.Pay attention to the time of year and what potential triggers might be - like pollen, animal, household dust from dust-mites, he said.A family history of allergies is also a place to look, advised Dr Luke Bradford, a GP in Tauranga."If a family is full of hay-fever and asthma and eczema, the chances are the kid is going to have it. There will be a link that a child in that family is going to have some kind of allergy.""Similarly, if your mum's had a nasty bug and felt horrible last week, then families are likely to get [the bug] the next week."Test it with an antihistamine"Taking an antihistamine is a really good attempt because normally within half an hour, you'll know if it's making you feel better," says Bradford.Dr Luke Bradford. Photo: suppliedYou can get a basic antihistamine over the counter from your pharmacy. Doctors can provide prescriptions for stronger stuff.People do tend to get used to whatever antihistamine they are taking regularly so Bradford advises patients to mix it up every six months.Pay a visit to your pharmacist or doctor - if you can get an appointment.Do you feel unwell?This might seem a little obvious, but a viral infection will likely have you feeling tired, lethargic and kinda yuck, says Bradford."Those people tend to feel ill and often it will come with a cough, fever, achy muscles."That's not to say allergies can't be debilitating. When they are severe, allergies can cause a drop in productivity or leave you feeling so crappy that you do take a sick day.Snot colour and consistencyWhat a lovely subject.If your snot is yellow and thick, it is more likely to be a viral infection so consider staying home from work, Bradford says."Whereas hay fever mucus is classically clear and watery."Recently moved?I had very little to do with seasonal allergies before I moved to New Zealand five years ago. Now, I find myself waylaid for weeks during Spring and Autumn pondering the question this article is answering. Turns out it's a thing.Moving cities, regions and countries can trigger new allergies or dial up the severity of existing seasonal allergies, explains Bradford."We get heaps of people coming to the Bay of Plenty having never had hay fever and suddenly you're like 'Oh my goodness.'""That's one of the lovely things about travel, isn't it? You go and you see different plants... but people won't have had huge levels of exposure to a certain type of pollen or grass..."A new job can mean exposure to different amounts of dust or different allergens, bringing on an immune response. The number of allergens in the air can change from year to year, making your immune symptom response more intense.What to do?If you think you've got allergies, chat with your pharmacist and then your doctor on what you can take to relieve the symptoms.Resting, drinking lots of fluids, simple painkillers and a decongestant if necessary is the frontline response for a viral infection. This is what sick days are for, if you're lucky enough to have them. Antibiotics won't help unless you can't kick a chest or sinus infection.

Coasties may be interested to know Auckland recently took steps to strengthen its position as a leading destination for business events, with an eye toward economic growth and collaboration. The two-day forum, “Unleashing the Potential of Business Events,” took place at Auckland’s Aotea Centre from 4-5 November and welcomed over 150 industry leaders and experts from both New Zealand and abroad.Organised by the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), a branch of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the event brought together key players to discuss strategies for enhancing Auckland's appeal in the business events market. Among the major talking points were new research insights and collaborative strategies intended to boost the city’s competitiveness on an international scale, paving the way for Auckland's economic future.Auckland Acting Mayor Desley Simpson opened the forum with remarks that highlighted Auckland’s standing as New Zealand’s top-ranked city for business events. She noted, “This forum sends a powerful message to the global business events industry that Auckland deserves its ranking...and the best meetings, incentives, conferences, events destination in Oceania.” Simpson emphasised that Auckland’s ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt keep it ahead in an increasingly competitive market.The forum comes at a time when Auckland is preparing for the launch of the New Zealand International Convention Centre in 2025, which is expected to add significant capacity to the city’s growing hotel portfolio. The city anticipates that the facility will contribute an estimated NZD $90 million annually to Auckland's economy through increased visitor activity.According to Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at ACB, the discussions underscored the pivotal role of business events in Auckland’s economic growth. “This forum demonstrated the incredible role business events play...highlighted how business events are a catalyst to attracting diverse sectors, ultimately driving significant and lasting outcomes for our communities,” he shared.Barbara Maple, Chair of the Auckland International Business Events Advisory Group, noted that Auckland’s unique cultural offerings, reputation for safety, and focus on innovation position it well in the international events market. Maple said, “The international advisors...have massive influence in what they can bring to Auckland business events. This is a game changer for Auckland.”The event concluded with broad consensus among attendees that public-private collaboration is essential for the continued growth of Auckland’s business events sector, positioning the city to achieve strategic and sustainable economic benefits.

Kiwis can look forward to safer, more secure digital identity services, thanks to the finalisation of the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework, announced by Minister for Digitising Government, Judith Collins."New Zealanders want to be able to complete everyday tasks online and in person in a way that’s safe and secure," Collins said in a statement."The announcement paves the way for safe future digital identity services, such as a digital driver licence, bank ID or trade certification."The Trust Framework outlines the rules and regulations for accredited digital identity services, ensuring privacy and security standards are met.Collins emphasised that the framework will provide greater control for individuals, especially when it comes to sharing personal information such as names, addresses, ages, or qualifications."Currently, people often have to share sensitive information in person or through unsecured means, such as scanned physical documents," Collins explained."Accredited digital identity services will make it easier to securely share your information, protect against identity theft, and give New Zealanders greater control over their own data."Although the new framework is set to improve security, Collins assured the public that participation will be optional."No one will be required to use digital identity services, but those who choose to do so can trust that the accredited services will protect their information."The Trust Framework will come into effect on 8 November 2024.For more details, the public can visit the official government website: Trust Framework - dia.govt.nzFor further assurance, Collins highlighted that the framework does not involve a centralised database, nor does it track users or allow organisations to exchange user information.Digital credentials will remain in the hands of the user, with encryption technology ensuring privacy.

As the world digests the impacts of Donald Trump's second election victory, some people have started to ask what it might mean for New Zealand.Commentators say there are a few clear ways our economy - and household finances - could be affected.Cheaper goods (sometimes)Trump has talked about tariffs across the board on imports, but particularly on Chinese imports.While that may be a concern for our exporters - the US is the second-largest export market for New Zealand after China - New Zealand consumers could see some impacts, too.Kelly Eckhold, chief economist at Westpac, said there was still uncertainty about the extent to which Trump would follow through on some of the more "hyperbolic" things he had said."To the extent to which he gets involved with tariffs and trade restrictions, it's likely China will respond with trying to direct its manufactured experts elsewhere through the world and one place they could be directed is here. We might get some cheaper manufactured goods, such as cars."Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said that was not something to wish for, though, because the US economy has helped offset a downturn in China for New Zealand exporters. But he said there was time for New Zealand businesses such as Fisher & Paykel Healthcare or wine and beef exporters to come up with strategies to cope with tariffs.OilEckhold said Trump had made it clear he intended to be less supportive of Ukraine."It's possible that Ukraine could be forced into some sort of ceasefire with Russia."He said that could come with a de-escalation of the significant US sanctions on Russia, which had affected its oil industry."It has been harder for oil to get to market in the last few years. If it was easier to get into the market it could put downward pressure on oil and petrol prices."Eckhold cautioned that interest rate movements could blunt some of that impact.Alongside pulling support for Ukraine, Trump has threatened in the past to leave NATO.Eaqub said WTO and NATO gave legitimacy for New Zealand to participate in global discussions. If the US did not support those organisations, it would be more difficult."But a lot of other countries will be feeling the same way New Zealand is feeling and it gives us the ability to engage with other countries with a similar philosophy."DollarEckhold said US interest rates were likely to be higher than would otherwise be the case and that would have an impact on longer-term interest rates here, and the dollar."There is a risk the New Zealand dollar is weaker than would otherwise be the case because the US dollar is likely to be stronger across the board."InflationGlobal inflation is likely to be higher than otherwise, if Trump goes ahead with policies of tax cuts and spending increases, as well as immigration cuts."A change in the mix of financial conditions would have inflation implications," Eckhold said. "One of the things we have been lucky with is the exchange rate has been pretty stable and we haven't had any imported inflation from exchange rate weakness. That could change, and instead of disinflation from imported goods there could be immolation coming through."Eaqub said more borrowing and spending in the US was likely to mean higher fixed mortgage rates in New Zealand. "Tax cuts and borrowing and spending means debt growing… because the US is kind of the global reference point for interest rates that risk-free rate goes up and it makes it more expensive for all of us. But I'd say it's at the margin - interest rates have already been increasing over the last little while as markets realised their expectations of aggressive rate cuts were overdone anyway."MarketsTrump's more expansive fiscal policy and support for US businesses is likely to boost US equity markets."People's KiwiSaver is probably going to get a nice boost at least for a while out of that," Eckhold said.Eaqub said the S&P500 did not show a clear pattern of one party being better than the other for the market."While government policy matters for the economy and financial markets, economic and business conditions matter a lot more for market performance."At KiwiSaver provider Kernel, founder Dean Anderson said there had been a surge in Trump Media and Tesla stocks, on the back of the win."But don't let FOMO (fear of missing out) take over, there will be a lot of volatility in the short term as investors are punting on emotion and speculation."Over the medium term, the question of tariffs and taxes will weigh more heavily, as US bond yields have actually continued to rise, as interest rates may need to remain higher if deficits continue to grow and inflation remains elevated."No one has a crystal ball - the best decision an investor can make is to take emotion out of the equation, keep invested based on their objectives, and let time do its thing."

Welcome to This Week’s News Recap!Catch up on the top local stories from the past week before the weekend hits.We’ve rounded up the must-know headlines so you’re fully informed about our community.Missed something or just need a quick update? We’ve got you covered.Dive into this week’s key events now!Temporary Closure for Wēiti River Bridge WorkRead moreAuckland Council Rates to Fund City GrowthRead more Stanmore Bay Chiropractic Clinic to CloseRead more Temporary Closure for Silverdale Road WorksRead moreThree Charged in Gulf Harbour HomicideRead moreStay Informed and Connected.Get all your local updates at your fingertips.From breaking news and local business finds to job listings and events—our app has it all.Don’t wait for the recap. Explore the Hibiscus Coast App now and stay ahead!

One person has been arrested following the discovery of a suspected cannabis grow house in Rothesay Bay, North Shore.Police from Waitematā executed a search warrant at a property in Rothesay Bay yesterday, uncovering more than 200 cannabis plants in various stages of growth.Acting Inspector CJ Miles of Waitematā East Police says the search came after visitors to the address reported a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the property.“A total of 208 plants were seized for destruction, and one person was arrested at the scene,” Acting Inspector Miles confirmed. "Police believe these plants are part of a larger organised crime group operating across Tāmaki Makaurau, and investigations are ongoing."Acting Inspector Miles credited community involvement and vigilant police efforts for this successful operation. “This result was a combination of great work by concerned community members and our community-based Police teams,” he said. “It’s pleasing to take this illegal drug off the streets and out of the hands of our community.”Police encourage anyone who observes suspicious behaviour to reach out online at police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Locals flying out of Auckland International Airport or welcoming loved ones home can now enjoy convenient, new parking options. Auckland Airport recently opened the upper levels of its new Transport Hub, offering over 2,000 covered parking spaces just steps from the International terminal, making travel more accessible and welcoming for Hibiscus Coast residents.The expanded parking facility features three tailored options to meet diverse travel needs. For short visits, the Transport Hub provides a P60 Short Stay car park on the ground floor, ideal for quick pick-ups or farewells. This area also includes seating and coffee spots for a comfortable wait. For extended gatherings, the P180 Short Stay option on the first floor allows more time to say a warm goodbye or greet returning family members inside the terminal.For those embarking on a longer trip, Premium Parking is now available on levels 2 through 4 of the Transport Hub. Designed for stays of five to seven days, this area offers the convenience of covered parking with a pre-booking option that can save travellers up to 35% on daily rates.Take a look at the new experience in this video:To celebrate the opening, Auckland Airport is offering an introductory rate of $79 for seven days for those booking online before 31 December 2024.This promotion applies to travel dates up until 31 March 2025, encouraging locals to try the new parking facility.Using cutting-edge licence plate recognition technology, the new hub allows for seamless entry and exit, with flexible payment options available both online and at pay stations.

The summer cruise season has begun, and Aucklanders can expect a bustling few months ahead. More than 100 ships are scheduled to dock at the Port of Auckland, bringing an estimated 230,000 passengers to our shores between October 1 and April 30, 2025.Last season's economic analysis revealed Auckland reaped $604.7 million in benefits and supported 4,184 jobs. This season promises to be just as prosperous, with Auckland remaining the primary port-of-call for most cruise ships. Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf will temporarily transform into passenger terminals, facilitating the safe embarkation and disembarkation of visitors.Avinash Murthy, Port of Auckland Head of Marine & Cruise Operations, notes, "Cruise passengers and crew bring a welcome economic boost to the region, supporting our visitor and tourism sector. Our central location makes it easy for passengers to explore Auckland's great restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions."Scenic Eclipse II, owned by Australian company Scenic GroupTwelve ships will make their maiden call to New Zealand, including Cunard's luxury Queen Anne and ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II. Disney Wonder returns for its second season in late November, offering Broadway-style entertainment and themed experiences.To minimise disruptions, the port plans to build a multi-purpose berth at Bledisloe Terminal and has extended the evening stand-down period for cruise ships in the Downtown Ferry Basin from 6.05 pm to 7.05 pm daily.

New Zealanders are living longer, and as our population continues to age and grow, the Ministry of Health is seeking input on how to create an environment that supports "active ageing."The Ministry has launched a public consultation on "Unlocking the Potential of Active Ageing," focusing on health-promoting and supportive environments that empower older people and enhance their contributions to society.Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati emphasised that active ageing is crucial for maximising older people's health and participation in society."Older people are making more valuable contributions than ever, because of better health, technology changes, and societal changes."Statistics New Zealand data shows that in 2022, one in six people was aged over 65.This number is expected to increase to one in five by 2028 and potentially one in four by the 2050s.Dr Sarfati noted that this initiative is future-focused, looking ahead to the needs of Gen X and Millennials in the decades to come.The Ministry invites the public to share their views on:The topic of active ageingHealth-promoting environmentsBarriers to active ageingRisks of not supporting active ageingTo participate, visit the Ministry's online consultation platform before 5 pm on Monday, 2 December.This Long-term Insights Briefing will contribute to informed decision-making and public discussion, encouraging a proactive approach to ageing.

Families across the Hibiscus Coast may soon benefit from a wider range of home-based early childhood education (ECE) options, as the Government has announced regulatory changes aimed at easing constraints on local providers. These changes, set to take effect from 1 January 2025, are intended to make it easier for providers to operate, maintain compliance, and meet the growing demand for flexible ECE services.Associate Education Minister David Seymour shared that feedback from ECE providers highlighted excessive administrative demands. “I have heard from providers that some of the red tape around home-based ECE care is too onerous and makes them spend too much time on compliance,” Seymour stated.One of the significant changes involves educator qualification requirements. Currently, 60% of educators in home-based ECE must hold a Level 4 qualification, with the remaining 40% working toward qualifications. A planned increase to an 80% qualification threshold in 2025 has now been cancelled. Instead, the revised regulation will require all educators to be either fully qualified or enrolled in a training programme within six months of starting. Seymour noted that this flexibility will allow more educators to enter the field and support sustained growth in the sector.Funding adjustments accompany these changes. From January, all licensed home-based providers will receive a standardised quality funding rate, replacing the current system that ties funding to the number of qualified educators on staff. This shift is designed to provide consistent financial support to providers, particularly smaller services that may struggle to meet existing compliance requirements.In a further move to reduce constraints, coordinators (also known as “persons responsible”) will now be allowed to oversee more than two licensed services per month, a change that gives providers more staffing flexibility.“These changes, which I expect to be made by the end of this year, are part of our effort to reduce red tape in the early learning sector,” Seymour said, adding that the Ministry for Regulation is reviewing the ECE sector’s regulatory framework to address broader issues.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are learning more today about a tragic case that has shocked the Gulf Harbour community. Following an extensive eight-month investigation, Police have charged three people in connection with the death of Shulai Wang, a 70-year-old woman whose body was discovered in a black rubbish bag in the waters of Gulf Harbour on 12 March.A dedicated team of investigators, led by Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams from Waitematā CIB, has spent hundreds of hours on the case, seeking justice for Ms. Wang and her family. The arrests took place this morning at a residence in Orewa, where a 37-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman, and a 61-year-old woman were taken into custody. All three individuals now face charges of kidnapping and manslaughter.Additionally, the 37-year-old man and 36-year-old woman have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and providing false immigration information, while the man also faces a charge related to the Search and Surveillance Act. All three will appear in North Shore District Court tomorrow.“This morning’s arrests are the result of thousands of hours of investigative work,” Acting Detective Inspector Williams stated, acknowledging the efforts of the investigation team, as well as support from New Zealand Customs, Immigration New Zealand, and other agencies. “The team has worked countless hours over months, piecing together who the victim was and what happened to her.”The complex investigation remains ongoing, as Police continue working alongside Chinese officials to keep Ms. Wang’s family informed. “I would like to acknowledge the team’s painstaking work in providing answers for Mrs Wang’s family,” said Williams, also thanking members of the public who came forward with information.While many questions linger, Police have indicated that they cannot provide further details now that the case is before the courts.