A product recall notice has been issued for the Kids Hooded Towel - NOXEN, affecting Coasties with young families. The recall is due to non-compliance with the mandatory safety standard for children's nightwear.According to the notice, the fire hazard labelling on sizes 55x100 and under is incorrectly positioned at the waist instead of the back neck of the garment. This oversight may lead to consumers being unaware of necessary precautions to prevent fire injury risk.NOXEN urges affected customers to contact them at [email protected] for instructions on obtaining and attaching an additional fire label, ensuring the product meets safety standards.Locals are advised to keep the recalled towels away from sources of heat or fire until the label is correctly applied.The recall highlights the importance of verifying product safety compliance, especially for items intended for children.For more information, affected customers can reach out to NOXEN directly at [email protected]

Coasties are set to see some changes on Millwater Parkway as Auckland Transport undertakes essential resurfacing work between Silverdale Street and The Settlement in Silverdale.The project, aimed at improving road conditions and safety, will involve temporary traffic adjustments and restricted on-street parking.The resurfacing is scheduled to begin on Friday, 8 November, and is expected to last three days, with additional days reserved until Saturday, 16 November, in case of delays.Auckland Transport will conduct the work between 7 am and 7 pm, applying chip seal surfacing to extend the road’s lifespan and maintain safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.During these hours, temporary traffic controls will be in place, including stop/go signs, lower speed limits, and traffic lights to help manage traffic flow and protect both workers and road users.Residents and visitors are advised that on-street parking along Millwater Parkway will be limited.Auckland Transport suggests parking on private property or nearby streets and following all posted parking restrictions.The project will involve a phased approach: one day prior to resurfacing, no-parking signs will be posted, and notifications left on vehicles.Once the resurfacing is completed, Auckland Transport will perform an initial sweep to clear loose chip, with a second sweep planned six weeks later to ensure the road remains smooth and safe.Auckland Transport’s team will be on-site to guide drivers, and signage will be posted to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has extended congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump following his victory in the US presidential election. This gesture reaffirms the strong and enduring relationship between New Zealand and the United States.Locals on the Hibiscus Coast may be interested to know that the US is New Zealand's second-largest export destination and a significant source of global innovation and growth. Prime Minister Luxon emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, "Our long-standing cooperation... has helped ensure our prosperity and security."In a statement, Prime Minister Luxon expressed his eagerness to develop closer relations with the incoming Trump Administration. He highlighted key areas for collaboration, including enhancing trade and economic ties and building security and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.Mr. Luxon also acknowledged outgoing President Joe Biden, commending the vibrant relationship between the two nations during his tenure."I admire his dedication to public service and the American people," he said.The Prime Minister's congratulations and commitment to cooperation reflect the significance of the US-NZ relationship for our local community and the nation as a whole.

Coasties running small businesses could see faster payments from government clients under new rules aimed at improving cash flow and reducing administrative delays.The updated guidelines, announced by Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly and Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee, will require government agencies to adopt quicker payment timelines and switch to eInvoicing systems.Beginning 1 January 2025, around 135 government agencies will need to pay 90 per cent of domestic invoices within 10 business days.This target will increase to 95 per cent in 2026, with eInvoicing becoming mandatory for agencies managing over 2,000 invoices annually.Under this digital system, eInvoices will need to be processed within five business days.“Prompt payment is especially important for small businesses with limited cash reserves,” Bayly explained.“Government agencies are major clients for businesses across the country, from suppliers of stationery to security services, and reliable payment can be essential for meeting payroll and covering daily costs.”Economic Development Minister, Melissa LeeThe shift to eInvoicing aims to streamline processing, reducing risks tied to manual data entry and ensuring fewer delays due to human error.The government estimates productivity savings of NZD 4.4 billion over the next decade as businesses experience faster transactions and less paperwork.Economic Development Minister Lee added, “Government agencies should set the standard by embracing efficient, tech-driven solutions. With a procurement budget of NZD 51.5 billion, we can leverage these practices to support business innovation, productivity, and growth.”

Recent figures from Auckland Council’s Social and Economic Research and Evaluation Team reveal subtle economic shifts in Auckland, pointing to stabilising house prices, slowing retail sales, and consistent rental rates. This latest data provides insight for Coasties tracking regional trends and the ripple effects they may have locally.Auckland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw a slight decline of 0.1% for the year ending June 2024, mirroring a 0.2% decrease across New Zealand. This dip highlights a gradual slowdown that began in mid-2023.In housing, the median sale price remained steady at $970,000 in September 2024, down 7% from last year and 36% below the 2021 peak. Sales activity has been moderate, with 20,822 homes sold in the year ending September 2024 – a 43% decrease from the high in July 2021.Rent prices in Auckland averaged $673 weekly as of August 2024, closely mirroring the prior year and aligning with stable rates across New Zealand, where the average is $575. New dwelling consents, however, have seen a decline. Auckland recorded 13,821 new housing consents in the past year, down 37% from a 2022 peak but consistent with pre-pandemic levels in early 2019. Non-residential building consents also dropped, though values remain 25% above the 2020 low point, indicating ongoing investment in commercial projects.The report also flags a notable dip in retail sales. Real retail sales in Auckland fell 3.7% over the year ending June 2024, the sharpest drop since 2009, with national figures showing a similar 4.4% decline. Coasties observing consumer trends may note that the downturn reflects broader economic challenges impacting discretionary spending.In the labour market, Auckland’s unemployment rate ticked up to 4.6% as of June 2024, aligning with lower labour force participation but still remaining below peaks seen during the 2009–2016 period.This latest economic snapshot offers a glimpse of the city’s current state, as Auckland continues to adjust following recent highs and lows across sectors.

New research from Consumer NZ shows supermarket promotions aren't always as special as they appear - and "boosts" offering higher rewards may come at a higher price.Consumer NZ conducted an eight-week survey of pricing at supermarkets in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.But researcher Belinda Castles said it found that when products were advertised as specials, it did not always mean they were the lowest price available."For instance, at Woolworths Lower Hutt, 15 of the 22 tracked products were on special four or more times, while New World Hutt City had 13 items frequently on sale. Pak'nSave Lower Hutt maintained the lowest price for our basket of goods despite fewer specials."Fresh'n Fruity yoghurt was priced as "extra-Low" at Pak'nSave Papanui for all eight weeks of Consumer NZ's survey and the price was lower than the New World club deal during that period, and two weeks of Woolworths' special.But Consumer NZ was worried the consistent "extra low" message could mislead shoppers into believing it was only for a limited time.Foodstuffs told Consumer NZ its supermarkets were individually owned and operated and could set their own prices. "Our store owners use a variety of measures to set their in-store pricing. It's not uncommon or misleading for one store's promotional pricing to be similar to another store's regular pricing."At New World Hutt City, Palmolive dishwashing liquid was marked at $2.79 as a 'super-saver'. while at Pak'nSave, it was regularly priced between $2.39 and $2.99 without any special pricing.It was on special at Woolworths for $2.50 for one week and $2.80 for three weeks.Professor of marketing analytics at Massey University Bodo Lang told Consumer NZ the excessive use of sales promotions made it harder for shoppers to know what a normal price would be."Consumers are easily manipulated in a highly complex environment like a supermarket, where there are tens of thousands of products vying for shoppers' attention.".Consumer NZ said there should be more transparency and accountability in supermarket pricing."We support the idea of everyday low pricing to enhance consumer confidence that they are getting a genuinely good price," Castles said,Consumer NZ earlier looked at the value offered by "boosted" products at Woolworths, which offer a shopper extra rewards points.But Consumer NZ's Rebecca Styles said for the three weeks she tracked her boosted offers earlier this year, she could have got the products cheaper at Pak'n Save."Of the 35 boosted products I was offered over those weeks, only one was cheaper at Woolworths than Pak'nSave."While not all of the boosted products were available at Pak'nSave, we substituted with a similar branded product. If there wasn't a suitable substitution, we left it out of the comparison."If I had bought all of the boosted products I was offered, I would have accumulated 4850 points - enough for two $15 vouchers and 850 points towards the next one."Yet those vouchers could be false economy, given I could probably have spent less on an alternative product."This week, a two-litre bottle of Anchor cream was offered as a boost with a price of $16.30, but it was on sale at Pak'nSave for $15.77.Styles said her concern with the Boost programme was that people had to choose to "boost" the products before shopping, which was an incentive to then choose that product rather than looking for a better deal.Everyday Rewards NZ director Mark Burger said boosts were a key way to earn points.He said offers were personalised to shoppers based on their prior purchases."The Everyday Rewards app is the easiest way to access Boosts, with the offers also accessible on the Everyday Rewards website."Over 200,000 Everyday Rewards members are activating their Boost offers every week and enjoying the additional rewards. Members who activate and redeem their Boosts are getting 5x more rewards vouchers than members who just scan their card, and we're hearing great feedback from our members on the programme and the added value they're receiving with Everyday Rewards."Consumer NZ last year complained to the Commerce Commission about supermarket specials, which launched an investigation. A spokesperson said it was expecting a decision this year.

Residents of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula are invited to share their thoughts on future bus and ferry services as Auckland Transport (AT) launches a four-week public engagement campaign.This initiative aims to gather input from Coasties about their transport needs ahead of the opening of O Mahurangi Penlink.The opening of this new road is expected to bring significant changes to public transport on the peninsula, according to Dave Hilson, AT’s Principal Service Network Planner.“We need to plan what this means for public transport on the peninsula and are asking people what’s important to them,” he said.Options under consideration include a range of transport choices, more frequent services, and improved travel times.AT has outlined three scenarios for community feedback:Existing bus and ferry services running more frequently.The NX2 bus servicing a new Whangaparāoa Station via O Mahurangi Penlink while the Gulf Harbour ferry does not operate.The continuation of the Gulf Harbour ferry service, complemented by a frequent bus route between Gulf Harbour and Hibiscus Coast Station.The proposed bus services could lead to quicker journeys between the peninsula and key locations like the North Shore and City Centre, potentially enhancing connectivity for locals.Public feedback is open until Sunday, 1 December.This input will contribute to the Whangaparāoa Public Transport Study, which aims to develop a comprehensive network to be included in the draft 2025-2034 Regional Public Transport Plan.AT will host five drop-in sessions where residents can discuss their views directly with the project team.These sessions are scheduled at various locations, including Gulf Harbour Marina and Hibiscus Coast Station, from 13 to 21 November.Residents are encouraged to visit haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/wpstudy for more details and to submit their feedback.

Auckland Transport has welcomed Dale Dillicar to its board, filling its final voting member seat and expanding the expertise guiding the region's public transport system. Mrs. Dillicar will also chair the Finance and Assurance Committee, a role key to ensuring robust financial governance and oversight.Councillor Christine Fletcher, who chaired the selection panel, expressed optimism about Mrs. Dillicar's future contributions to Auckland Transport. "I am delighted to welcome Dale to the board of Auckland Transport. She brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of financial experience that will add a valuable dimension to our board, complementing the talents of our existing members as we continue to deliver long-term value for Auckland," she said.Mrs. Dillicar, a Chartered Accountant and qualified Treasurer, has over 25 years of global experience in finance and risk management. During 12 years in the United Kingdom, she developed deep expertise in treasury management, strategic risk, and financial operations. She is currently General Manager of Risk Assurance at Fonterra and previously served in roles focused on commercial strategy, innovation, and financial leadership.Her professional background aligns with Auckland Transport's focus on developing a safe, efficient, and integrated transport network for the people of Auckland. As a board director, Mrs. Dillicar’s experience is expected to contribute significantly to the organisation’s mission, bringing a strong focus on financial integrity and accountability.The appointment was ratified by Auckland Council’s Performance and Appointments Committee on 22 October. This committee is responsible for appointing board members to council-controlled organisations in line with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members, as well as the Local Government Act.

The Government is introducing several amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, aiming to reduce youth access to vaping products.Under the new Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2), these changes, expected to take effect from November 2024, will primarily impact specialist vape retailers and address the sale, display, and disposal of vaping products.The first of the upcoming changes will require all new specialist vape stores to be at least 100 metres away from licensed Early Childhood Education centres (ECEs).This rule does not apply to existing vape stores or general retailers.New applications for specialist vape stores within the restricted zones will not be approved.Existing regulations, which require vape stores to be at least 300 metres from schools and marae, remain unchanged.The amendment will also introduce higher penalties for violations.Fines for selling vapes to minors will rise sharply, increasing from $10,000 to $100,000 for businesses and from $5,000 to $10,000 for individuals.Retailers found selling to minors may also face increased infringement fines, with penalties rising to $2,000 for a retailer and $1,000 for other parties involved.Another major change involves stricter controls on the visibility of vaping products.General retailers will no longer be allowed to display vaping products, and specialist vape stores must ensure their products cannot be seen from outside.The Ministry of Health plans to release further guidance to assist retailers in complying with these regulations.Additionally, the Bill will implement a ban on disposable vapes, aiming to reduce waste and prevent easy access for minors.The ban will take effect six months after the Bill becomes law, allowing retailers and manufacturers time to adjust their operations.

Kiwis are facing rising expenses as the cost of living increased by 3.8 percent over the past year, according to figures released today by Stats NZ. The Household Living-Costs Price Indexes (HLPIs) – which track the cost of everyday essentials for various household groups – have shown steady increases, with the latest figure reflecting ongoing financial pressures on households across the Hibiscus Coast.The latest HLPI data revealed that rising interest payments were the single largest contributor to the overall increase, climbing by 18.2 percent over the past 12 months. Insurance premiums also spiked by 16.4 percent, while rent rose by 4.8 percent. These increases follow a 5.4 percent jump in the previous quarter, marking the third consecutive quarter of rising living costs for New Zealanders.A separate measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which captures overall price changes across the country, rose by 2.2 percent. However, the CPI and HLPI differ in scope; while the CPI tracks price increases broadly, the HLPI focuses specifically on household spending, capturing the impact of costs on daily budgets.According to Nicola Growden, Stats NZ’s Consumer Prices Manager, high mortgage interest rates are weighing heavily on households, with interest payments rising sharply since 2021. "Mortgage interest payments remain high and continue to contribute significantly to living costs for many households," Growden said.Various groups are affected differently. For beneficiary households, costs rose by 3.8 percent, with rent making up a substantial 29 percent of their total spending. Meanwhile, Māori households also saw a similar 3.9 percent rise, largely driven by higher interest payments and rent increases. The highest increase in living costs was felt by low-income households, where the cost of living rose by 4.3 percent over the past year.Superannuitants have seen a 3.9 percent increase in living costs, due mainly to insurance and property rates, which take up a larger share of spending for this group compared to others. By contrast, high-income households experienced a slightly lower increase of 3.7 percent, but also felt the impact of increased interest rates and property-related expenses.

As Guy Fawkes Night arrives, locals are encouraged to celebrate responsibly, with safety as a top priority. With recent dry, windy conditions across the Hibiscus Coast and beyond, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has warned that fireworks pose an elevated fire risk this year.For those planning to light fireworks, it’s recommended to start with a quick check of current conditions at checkitsalright.nzIf winds are high or conditions appear risky, officials urge residents to consider rescheduling their displays to reduce the chance of unintentional fires.Here are a few steps to ensure safe celebrations tonight:Choose the Right Spot – Use an open area away from dry grass, trees, or structures that might catch fire.Safety Supplies – Keep a hose or a large bucket of water handy in case of sparks or accidents.Be Considerate – Let neighbours know if you’ll be setting off fireworks, especially those with pets or livestock.Dispose of Fireworks Properly – Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them out.Fireworks are typically permitted only on private property, but locals are advised to check local bylaws for specific guidelines and restrictions.Enjoy the evening’s festivities, but remember – a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.

Locals will bid farewell to Stanmore Bay Chiropractic Clinic on Wednesday, November 20, its last day for appointments.Chiropractor Jared Stebbings cited rising expenses at his other clinic as the reason for the closure."I'm unable to split my time and resources effectively between both locations," he said.Stebbings thanked the community for trusting him with their care and supporting the clinic over the past two years.He invites patients to reach out to discuss ongoing care and ensure a smooth transition.The closure marks the end of an era for local healthcare services, but Stebbings is committed to supporting patients through the transition.For more information or to discuss care, contact Stanmore Bay Chiropractic Clinic before November 20.

The Government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at enhancing New Zealand's creative sector, focusing on bolstering the economy and increasing community engagement with culture and the arts. Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith introduced the strategy, titled Amplify, as a public consultation document, inviting feedback from all Kiwis.“Amplify has been released for public consultation, and I encourage people to read the strategy and to share their feedback,” Goldsmith stated. “There’s an opportunity to increase the impact of our arts and culture here and on the world stage, and significantly increase the sectors’ contribution to GDP and export revenue by 2030.”The strategy identifies four primary goals: positioning New Zealand among the top 25 nations globally for cultural influence, aligning creative professionals’ earnings closer to national median wages, increasing the sector's GDP contribution to $20 billion, and inspiring more New Zealanders to engage with the nation’s arts, culture, and heritage.Goldsmith also acknowledged the sector's challenges, highlighting how Amplify intends to support creative communities across the country. The strategy outlines three key areas for action over the next six years:Investment Impact: Maximising the $450 million annual Crown investment to boost sectoral growth.Talent Development: Building a sustainable talent pipeline to foster long-term creative careers.Growth Enablers: Streamlining regulations to lower entry barriers and support expansion."This is just a draft, and I am open to ideas," Goldsmith added, urging all New Zealanders to engage with the document.

Auckland's residential property market has shaken off its winter blues, with sales numbers and prices surging in October.The latest data from Barfoot & Thompson reveals a 2.2% rise in median price to $955,000 and a 4.5% jump in average price to $1,129,950.This welcome upturn is music to the ears of Coasties, who saw 969 sales for the month – a 14.5% increase on October last year.Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & ThompsonPeter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson, credits reduced mortgage interest rates, falling inflation, and the arrival of spring for the boost."The perfect storm of positive factors has instilled confidence in buyers and sellers," Thompson said."We've seen a remarkable 51.3% increase in new listings, reaching 2,361 – the highest in nearly three years."First-home buyers and those in the under $750,000 segment accounted for 23% of sales, while luxury buyers in the $2 million-plus bracket made up 7%.The rural and lifestyle markets, though slower to respond, are showing signs of life, with salespeople reporting a significant improvement over the past 12 months.The increased listings and sales may moderate price growth, providing relief for buyers.With 5,611 properties on the market, Coasties have ample choice."This momentum is expected to continue, but the high number of available properties will likely prevent prices from rising too quickly," Thompson noted.The dataMedian price: $955,000 (up 2.2% from September)Average price: $1,129,950 (up 4.5% from September)Sales: 969 (up 14.5% from October 2023)New listings: 2,361 (up 51.3% from September)Month-end stock: 5,611 (up 11.4% from September)

Locals across Auckland, may soon find it easier to navigate the region's traffic rules. Auckland Transport, in collaboration with Auckland Council, has proposed consolidating multiple traffic-related bylaws into one streamlined document. This review aims to simplify Auckland’s existing traffic bylaws without making any changes to current driving, parking, or vehicle-use regulations.Andrew McGill, Group Manager for Transport Network Planning and Policy at Auckland Transport, explained the benefits of this approach. “The aim is to have all of Auckland’s traffic-related rules in one place instead of spread across three different bylaws,” he said. “It won’t change how you can currently drive, park and move around Auckland, but it will help make the rules clearer and easier to follow.”The proposal would merge Auckland Transport’s Traffic Bylaw 2012, Auckland Council’s Traffic Bylaw 2015, and elements of the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 into a new, unified Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw.While this update won’t alter existing driving practices, it does aim to address some specific issues more effectively. For example, it would allow authorities to respond more efficiently to concerns such as unpermitted vehicles on beaches or unsafe truck parking. Additionally, the review will remove outdated regulations that are no longer enforceable, such as setting speed limits—a responsibility now managed by central government under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.Louise Mason, General Manager for Policy at Auckland Council, clarified the purpose of bylaws in supporting local needs. “Bylaws are local rules designed to respond to issues that affect residents and to reflect the views of the region’s communities,” Mason stated. “The council’s elected governing body gives the final sign-off on bylaw changes, which can then be enforced by the police, councils, and council-controlled organisations.”Auckland residents are encouraged to share their views on this proposal. Public feedback is open from Monday, 4 November to Wednesday, 4 December 2024, on Auckland Transport’s “Have Your Say” page, with details available on in-person events for those interested in attending.

The government has announced a $2.5 million plan to help teens who failed critical NCEA reading, writing and maths tests earlier this year.Education Minister Erica Stanford said the money would provide teachers at about 160 schools with literacy and numeracy teaching training, as well as release time to hold small group sessions with their students.She said about 10,000 students would benefit in the current school term and in term 1 next year.The funding was targeted based on results from the May round of tests, in which just 46 percent of the 55,000 students who attempted the numeracy test passed. In reading and writing, the pass rates were 59 and 56 percent.The government's announcement followed teachers' and principals' warnings that some students were struggling with the online tests and the alternative - 20 credits in specific standards - was also proving difficult.They warned that NCEA achievement rates would plummet because students must pass the corequisites before they could be granted any NCEA qualifications.Stanford said there was a delicate balance to be struck with the corequisites."When you see young people who are struggling to get across the line the first thing is 'oh well I will just drop the standard' but that doesn't help anyone and it doesn't help those young people. This is a foundational literacy and numeracy assessment, I need to get them across the line," she said.Teachers had been very vocal about "the issues with the literacy and numeracy corequisite", Stanford said."It's really important that ... young people who are struggling to get their literacy and numeracy corequisite have more targeted support."So, small group interventions from teachers who are well-versed in the literacy and numeracy corequisites, who can sit and work in a tailored situation with those students to help them get across the line."Stanford said certain schools and parts of New Zealand needed particular help.The shift to structured literacy and numeracy in primary schools would ensure future cohorts of students were better prepared for the corequisites but in the meantime the government wanted to help teenagers who would not benefit from that change, she said."Those are the kids that are at the moment working really hard, they're sitting the co-requisite two or three or four times to get across the line."Being able to pay for release time to have that small-group, tailored support intervention in place to hep them get across the line is going to be just one of many things that we'll be announcing."Stanford said schools in the initiative had students in Years 9-11 and she expected some would extend the extra help to students in Years 12-13 who were running out of time to pass the corequisites before they finished secondary school.Funding for the intervention might be extended if results from the May round of corequisite tests next year showed it had been effective and if there was still need for it.In September, Stanford announced the alternative pathway would remain until the end of 2027, two years later than originally planned.'Playing catch up'Secondary Principals' Association president Vaughan Couillault told Morning Report teachers were playing "catch up" with students.He said $2.5m might seem like a lot of money, but divided up among schools and students, it wouldn't go far.There were a number of reasons students were behind in literacy and numeracy, Couillault said."They're starting from a place further back than historically we would be comfortable with."And that went all the way back to students starting primary school, he said."All along the way there's people playing catch up."Couillault said it was important to get the curriculum changes in place and then worry about measuring achievement against that.

In recent months, concerns have grown among New Zealanders about the impact of crossbreeding on animal welfare, particularly as trends in designer pets like the ‘XL Bully cat’ gain popularity. Associate Professor Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere from Auckland Law School recently highlighted potential welfare issues on platforms including RNZ and TVNZ. His comments stem from a broader conversation about the ethics and health implications of New Zealand’s largely unregulated breeding industry.The ‘XL Bully cat,’ a cross between the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds, has garnered global attention due to its unusual appearance. However, according to Rodriguez Ferrere, crossbreeding for appearance can come at a significant cost to animals. “We see many adverse effects,” he told 95bFM’s Joel Armstrong. One prominent issue is that cats bred without coats, like the XL Bully, struggle to regulate body temperature effectively, which can lead to serious health problems.Associate professor Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere (Auckland Law School)While agricultural animals in New Zealand are bred under regulated practices, with oversight aimed at ensuring productivity and efficiency, Rodriguez Ferrere notes that companion animals such as dogs and cats are not subject to the same legal framework. The absence of strict guidelines allows some breeders to prioritise aesthetics over animal health, resulting in pets prone to chronic conditions. In popular breeds like the French Bulldog, selective breeding for physical traits has led to respiratory and spinal issues, which can impact quality of life.The demand for specific designer breeds also drives a lucrative underground market in New Zealand. Popular pets, such as French Bulldogs and Jack Russells, can sell for thousands of dollars, attracting both responsible breeders and those operating outside of ethical standards. Without robust regulatory standards, animal welfare advocates worry that more animals will face poor breeding conditions, driven by high demand.Rodriguez Ferrere suggests that stricter regulations could help address these issues. "We have a massive blind spot,” he said, pointing to the gap between animal welfare laws and the realities of the designer breeding market. Increased awareness and legal frameworks, he argues, could lead to better protections for animals bred in New Zealand.

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast and Auckland will see their rates contributing to a diverse range of essential services and development projects aimed at improving the city’s resilience, liveability, and growth.Auckland Council is working to keep rates increases as low as possible, with a modest rise of 6.8% for 2024/2025, among the lowest rate adjustments nationwide for average residential properties.Auckland Council's rates help deliver vital community services and infrastructure that keep the city thriving.For the current period, Auckland has implemented one of the smallest rates increases, aiming to balance fiscal prudence with necessary investments in community assets.The new rates will support various projects that improve public transport, local amenities, safety, environmental resilience, and neighbourhood revitalisation.The Council’s recently released Long-term Plan for 2024-2034 outlines strategic investments planned for the next decade.Priorities include enhanced public transport options, flood risk mitigation, community development, and ongoing urban revitalisation.The plan details a significant commitment to improving travel choices and road safety, which includes investments in congestion alleviation and road safety improvements.As Auckland’s population continues to grow, the demand on council-provided services and facilities also increases.To address this, Auckland Council has set out a clear strategy through its Long-term Plan.This plan focuses on leveraging rates revenue to support growth while addressing rising living costs and enhancing the city’s resilience, especially following recent storm events.Community-focused investments will continue to be a priority, with $35 million earmarked for sports and recreation facilities, extended library services, and new arts and cultural initiatives.Local boards will also receive increased funding under a fairer model designed to better meet community needs.A notable addition includes a weekly kerbside food scraps collection service, expanding to more households across the region in a bid to improve sustainability.Over the next ten years, Auckland Council also plans to progress city safety initiatives through enhanced community patrols and CCTV surveillance in key areas.These developments are part of a broader transformation that includes city centre rejuvenation projects intended to support Auckland’s growing economy and make the city more inviting for residents and visitors alike.

Coasties and river users near the Wēiti River should prepare for a short closure of the river channel from 2 to 8 December as work progresses on the new Wēiti River Bridge, part of the Penlink project linking the Hibiscus Coast and Stillwater. The one-week closure will allow the safe transfer of large equipment, including a drilling rig, to the eastern working platform, supporting the start of construction on Pier 4.The Penlink Alliance team noted that vessels can still navigate downstream of the worksite during this time. Once work is complete, the current setup will be restored, allowing an 18-metre-wide navigable gap for vessels to pass through. However, brief periods of limited passage may occur during working hours, Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, as loads are occasionally lifted over the channel gap.Looking ahead, another temporary closure is scheduled for January 2025 to further advance bridge construction. The Penlink team has expressed gratitude to local residents and river users for their patience and support throughout this extensive project.For those interested in shaping the Penlink Alliance’s communication efforts, a stakeholder survey is currently open until 1 November. Take the survey here.This survey provides an opportunity to share feedback on the team’s engagement approach.