Overnight wire rope barrier maintenance will be carried out on the Pūhoi on- and off-ramps at the southern end of the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway next week, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced.Contractors will be modifying and checking the concrete post footings of the barriers to ensure the continued safety of motorists. The work is set to take place between 8 pm and 5 am, and it will require a full closure of one ramp per night. Each ramp is expected to be closed for two nights.The work schedule includes the following:Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 March: Northbound road users on the motorway heading to Pūhoi will need to detour at Grand Drive, Ōrewa, travelling to Pūhoi via Hibiscus Coast Highway, or continue north to Warkworth and take the southbound exit onto old SH1.Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March: Southbound travellers intending to use the Pūhoi on-ramp will detour at Grand Drive, Ōrewa, through Hibiscus Coast Highway and Old SH1, or continue north to Warkworth and use the motorway south.A contingency night is scheduled for Monday 17 March in case any work is delayed.Temporary traffic management will be in place at the top and bottom of each ramp on their respective work nights. Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and expect disruptions during the maintenance work.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Ongoing dry weather has triggered the activation of Auckland’s Drought Management Plan, with the city’s total dam storage now sitting at 66.5 per cent. While the levels have dipped below the historical average for this time of year, officials assure Aucklanders that mandatory water restrictions are unlikely in the coming months.Over summer, the Hūnua dam catchments, which provide two-thirds of Auckland’s water, experienced 27 per cent less rainfall than usual, while the Waitākere catchments saw less than half the normal rainfall. Despite this, Auckland's chief operations officer, Mark Bourne, reassured residents that the situation is being managed effectively.“We’ve been monitoring dam levels, water demand, and weather patterns closely and actively managing our supply network to ensure we are in a strong position to weather an extended dry spell,” Bourne said.Aucklanders have been urged to continue being mindful of water use, following habits formed during previous dry spells. Bourne highlighted that although the weather forecast for March looks dry, normal rainfall is expected to return by autumn, with the potential for wetter-than-usual conditions in winter.For now, the primary focus is on managing demand and maintaining efficient water use. Simple actions like taking shorter showers, using trigger nozzles on garden hoses, and addressing any leaks can help reduce water consumption. Bourne commended Aucklanders for their efforts, pointing out that water consumption last week remained well below peak levels seen during the 2020 summer drought.To put it in perspective, Auckland's water consumption averaged 496 million litres per day, compared to 549 million litres during the height of the 2020 drought. Watercare’s efforts to manage supply are ongoing, with water being produced at the Waikato water treatment plants to slow the rate of dam decline.The city’s maintenance crews are also working diligently to fix leaks, with 16,112 leaks reported and repaired since the start of summer. Proactive leak detection efforts continue across Auckland to address hidden issues.Mayor Wayne Brown has expressed confidence in Watercare’s management of the situation. “Watercare is taking appropriate actions, and I am satisfied with how they are handling the situation,” he said.To support water conservation, Aucklanders are encouraged to:Keep showers to four minutes or less, even on hot daysUse water pistols or small paddling pools to cool off children, rather than sprinklersAttach a trigger nozzle to garden hoses to reduce wastageWater gardens during early morning or dusk to minimise evaporationRegularly check for leaks in the homeBy continuing to take these simple steps, Aucklanders can help ensure that the city remains prepared, even if the weather proves drier than expected.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Paul Brislen is on a mission this year and it could probably be summed up as: 'don't stuff things up like Australia did'.It is to do with New Zealand's 3G networks being shut down by the end of 2025, and upgraded to the next generation of technology.It is a world-wide move and Australia turned its 3G off last year. The trouble is, the repercussions are still going on there - to the extent that a Senate committee is investigating why some customers were left worse off, unable to make calls or send text messages in areas where they previously could - and that included emergency calls.Brislen is the chief executive of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum, a quasi-regulatory body in charge of dealing with umbrella issues in the sector.He says we will be hearing a lot of him this year as he pushes the message that by Christmas, anyone whose device relies on 3G to work will have had to replace it. That could mean tens of thousands of people.Working out if that is you is not as easy as reading your phone to see what you are operating on."All the phones around today use 3G," he says. "You'll see it quite often on your handset when you are travelling around the country, you'll see it will pop up, it will connect to whatever network your phone wants to connect to."So at the moment everybody's using it. The problem is if your phone will only use 3G, or if it's reliant on 3G for various bits and pieces. And that is a problem because that will not connect to anything come early next year."Our three mobile network operators - Spark, 2degrees and One NZ - are upgrading their sites to either 4G or 5G now.You may not have to throw out your phone - in fact you should not throw it out, you need to recycle it - but you may have to take it into your provider and get a setting changed."Unfortunately there's no simple way to say, 'if you've got one of these, it won't work'," he says. "You actually have to check. New Zealand is wide open, we're very transparent when it comes to phones coming into the country, you can bring them in from overseas... we don't track all of the devices that come in and some of them are set up in a way that's different in other countries to the way we set them up in New Zealand - they may not work."For those old bricks though, it is going to become clear that a new phone is in order.Brislen says in the coming weeks there will be an announcement of a short code you can text to check to see if you are okay, if your phone needs replacing, or if it's in a 'grey area'.The 3G technology has been around since the early 2000s - considered ancient in the tech world - and is now out of date. 4G and 5G are much faster and more internet-connected.Phones are not the only issue with the changeover - some lifts, air conditioning, medical devices including pacemakers, electric vehicle chargers, security systems and burglar alarms use 3G. Brislen is making his way through companies whose devices connect to the internet to alert them to potential issues.The Detail also talks to e-waste expert Patrick Moynahan from Echotech, on the importance of safe disposal of devices that contain lithium and other rare earth minerals, many of which are a fire risk.He tells Amanda Gillies that there are more than 10 fires a day in New Zealand caused by batteries, often in landfills or rubbish trucks after people have dumped their old phones or gaming controllers in the bin - and that is just what gets reported."Five rubbish trucks and recycling trucks caught fire the first two weeks of 2025 alone."Moynahan says there would be a significantly higher number of phones disposed of that way than recycled properly."For me, it's wasteful. There's no regulation in the New Zealand market so there's not a tremendous amount of awareness for consumers."But if your phone ends up in landfill, chances are the toxic chemicals inside it will leach out into waterways or soil.

With the Hibiscus Coast, like much of New Zealand, facing an ageing population, economist Susan St John has introduced a fresh approach to pension reform aimed at reducing costs while supporting those who need it most.In her recent paper, New Zealand Superannuation as a Basic Income, St John, an honorary associate professor at the University of Auckland, explores how New Zealand's superannuation system can be reworked to address the financial pressures ahead.St John, who is part of the University’s Pensions and Intergenerational Equity Hub, highlights the economic challenges posed by the country’s rapidly ageing population.“The idea behind the proposal is to free up funds for those in need. More retirees have inadequate savings, are still renting, or are paying off mortgages. Many organisations, including foodbanks, are alarmed by rising poverty among older people, while aged-care facilities will struggle with the surge in demand,” she says.St John reviews several potential cost-saving measures, including raising the pension eligibility age.However, she argues that this approach would be “an ineffective tool that harms the most vulnerable while leaving well-off retirees untouched.”She also dismisses cutting the rate of New Zealand Super, calling it “another highly unattractive option that would lead to disastrous levels of poverty among older people.”Instead, she proposes a more targeted solution: clawing back superannuation from top earners to generate additional revenue for critical areas such as aged care, education, poverty reduction, and climate change.Her proposal introduces the New Zealand Superannuation Grant (NZSG), a universal, non-taxable weekly payment “set at the current net amount received by those with no other income.”St John argues that transforming the pension into a basic income could achieve significant savings with minimal harm compared to other options.The NZSG would ensure a basic income floor for all people aged 65 and over, regardless of their other income.“Whether other income is from paid work or investments, and whether it reduces or disappears, the right to the basic income floor of the NZSG would remain,” says St John.Under realistic scenarios, St John suggests that the proposal could save “at least 15 percent or $3 billion of the net cost of New Zealand Superannuation (NZS) per annum with little impact on the majority of low-income retirees.”The NZSG system, according to St John, would be simpler and more efficient than other forms of clawback, such as the welfare-type income test or the 1985 surcharge.She notes that because the NZSG “is consistent with current arrangements that don’t require any retirement test, there would be little disincentive to earn extra from paid work.”St John also suggests that once established, the NZSG could be expanded as a basic income to other groups, such as those in their 60s receiving the supported living payment.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Tourism New Zealand's latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) data shows that the surge in spending has significantly boosted the economy.Visitor spending in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone reached $3.2 billion, up 20% from the same period in 2023.The rise in international tourism follows recent data from the Tourism Satellite Account, confirming the sector’s recovery post-pandemic.This increase in spending supports export earnings, benefits local businesses, and creates new job opportunities across the country.Rene de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, commented, “This encouraging trend in spending drives export earnings, but it also contributes to the success of local businesses and communities, and creates employment opportunities. This is a crucial part of supporting a productive and sustainable tourism industry.”The top three international markets for spending in 2024 were:Australia: $3.48 billion (up 2.9%)USA: $1.66 billion (up 20.6%)China: $1.41 billion (up 146.9%)International holiday visitors contributed $7.5 billion, a 30% increase from 2023.Additionally, nearly one-third of these visitors explored four or more regions of the country.Over the year, the appeal of New Zealand’s landscapes and scenery remained the primary motivator for holidaymakers, with many visitors also engaging with Māori culture.An impressive 97% of international visitors from October to December 2024 reported that their experience in New Zealand met or exceeded their expectations.Mr de Monchy is optimistic about the future, stating, “After ending 2024 on a high, I’m confident that the 2025 tourism season will be filled with many more exceptional experiences and memories for visitors to seek out and share with friends and family when they get back home.”Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Whangaparaoa Blues FestivalSat 08 MarchMore detailsDigital SeniorsEvery WednesdayMore detailsPlayful Puppy ClassWed 12 March.More detailsWant to see more events?Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

Emergency services are responding to a three-car crash on the Northern Motorway, near the Silverdale off-ramp, which occurred at 11.55am today.One person has been transported to the hospital, while the crash has resulted in one southbound lane being blocked. Motorists are advised to expect delays or consider alternative routes.Both southbound lanes are now blocked following the incident. Drivers are encouraged to delay their journeys or allow extra time for potential delays and diversions.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Silverdale Rugby Club will host the highly anticipated Men in Business: Game Plan for Success event, organised by the Silverdale Business Association.The event will feature Sir Graham Lowe, the legendary rugby league coach, who will share his expertise on leadership, resilience, and achieving success in business.This exclusive evening offers local business owners and professionals a unique opportunity to connect over drinks and nibbles while gaining valuable insights from one of New Zealand's most respected figures in both sport and leadership.Sir Graham will speak on how the principles of leadership and resilience from rugby league can be applied to thriving in the business world.Event Details:Date: 18 March 2025Location: Silverdale Rugby ClubTicket Info:One free ticket for Silverdale Business Association membersAdditional and non-member tickets: $35 + GSTDon't miss this opportunity to hear from a true local legend and gain practical tools for success.Reserve your spot today and get ready to enhance your business game plan!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Motorists will now face two agencies tracking their speed with the power to fine them - but not for the same offence.Police are running tenders for two types of speed detectors - radar and laser - to be fitted in patrol cars, or operated outside them.The tender says its existing gear is at the end of its life.Up until now, the police had these detectors plus ran the country's network of fixed and mobile speed cameras.But that network is now being handed over to the Transport Agency.On Monday, the police said it would be working with the Transport Agency to complement each other."This work will include steps to ensure that motorists are not ticketed twice for the same offence, due to officers and cameras operating in the same vicinity."

Top Asia experts will gather in Auckland from 9 to 11 March to exchange perspectives on New Zealand’s ongoing relations with Asia. The experts, part of the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Honorary Advisers Network, will engage in discussions with leading government figures, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.The network consists of current and former ministers, academics, business leaders, and sector experts who guide the Foundation’s work. Their efforts aim to enhance New Zealand's presence and influence in Asia through providing valuable insights and fostering key relationships.During the two-day event, participants will have the opportunity to meet with influential members of New Zealand’s public and private sectors. Suzannah Jessep, Chief Executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.International attendees include high-profile figures such as Dr Ng Eng Hen, Singapore’s Minister for Defence; Ms Heekyung Jo Min, Executive Vice President of CJ Cheiljedang, a major Asian media and entertainment company; Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, former head of the ASEAN Secretariat; and Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a leading authority on international relations from Thailand.“The advisers are vital advocates for New Zealand in Asia, bringing deep expertise and longstanding ties,” said Suzannah Jessep. “As our relationships with Asia evolve, their contributions are increasingly important in helping New Zealand navigate the region's challenges and opportunities.”The network has played a significant role in supporting New Zealand’s engagement with Asia through educational scholarships, internships for New Zealand students in Asian companies, and involvement in informal diplomatic dialogues between New Zealand and Asian experts.The in-person meeting offers an invaluable opportunity for experts to share their perspectives and assess how smaller countries like New Zealand are adapting to the shifting dynamics in Asia. Jessep highlighted the importance of this exchange, especially given the profound changes occurring in the region.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Coasties, the Government has announced significant changes to New Zealand’s bowel cancer screening programme, lowering the age of eligibility to 58 in a bid to save hundreds of lives.Health Minister Simeon Brown unveiled the move today, stating that the reduction in the eligible age bracket will allow free bowel cancer screening for New Zealanders aged 58 to 74. This change comes with redirected funding of $36 million over the next four years."By lowering the age from 60 to 58, an additional 122,000 Kiwis will be eligible for free screening in the first year alone," Brown said. "This change will have a significant impact in preventing bowel cancer deaths, potentially saving hundreds of lives in the decades to come."According to Brown, the move aligns New Zealand’s screening eligibility with Australia’s, marking a first step toward closing the gap in bowel cancer detection rates between the two countries. The changes are expected to prevent an additional 771 bowel cancer cases and 566 cancer-related deaths over the next 25 years.Health Ministry advice highlighted that extending eligibility to all New Zealanders aged 58 and over would be more effective than previous plans, which only aimed to lower the age for Māori and Pacific Peoples to 50. Health Minister Simeon Brown. Under this new approach, an additional 218 cancers and 176 deaths are projected to be prevented compared to the previous government's plan.In addition to expanding the screening age, the Government is also committing to increased funding for targeted initiatives to improve screening rates in population groups with historically low participation. This is part of a broader effort to tackle New Zealand’s alarmingly high bowel cancer rates.New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer globally, with over 3,300 new diagnoses each year. Tragically, more than 1,200 Kiwis lose their lives to the disease annually.The Government has committed to improving cancer detection and treatment, having already announced a $604 million investment over four years to provide greater access to life-saving cancer drugs. The funding boost for bowel cancer screening is expected to be a major step forward in improving early detection and reducing cancer-related deaths across the country.By expanding the eligibility for free screening, the Government hopes to offer Kiwis a better chance at detecting cancer earlier, leading to more effective treatment and ultimately saving more lives.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 7/3 Mostly sunny. Fairly breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 23Low: 15Saturday, 8/3Cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 23Low: 16Sunday, 9/3Mainly sunny. Fairly breezy Southerly winds.High: 24Low: 16Monday, 10/3Partly cloudy. Fairly breezy East to Sou'East winds.High: 23Low: 15Looking for more details?Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Air New Zealand has announced that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Greg Foran will step down from his role on 20 October 2025. Chair Dame Therese Walsh expressed her gratitude for Foran's leadership during his five-year tenure, noting his resilience and strong leadership throughout challenging times for the global aviation industry.Foran joined Air New Zealand in 2020, guiding the airline through the severe disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent global supply chain challenges. Under his leadership, the airline managed significant operational difficulties, including issues affecting both Boeing and Airbus fleets. Walsh praised Foran’s commitment to innovation and strong company culture, saying his contributions have been invaluable, especially in mitigating daily disruptions caused by global supply chain issues."Greg has always displayed exceptional leadership and grit," said Dame Therese. "He has not only led Air New Zealand through the industry's most significant crisis but has also preserved the airline’s tradition of innovation, strong culture, and care for our country."Foran’s resignation will allow the Board time to find a replacement, with a global search to begin immediately. He has pledged to stay with the company until October, ensuring a smooth leadership transition. “Greg’s been very generous with his notice period, allowing the Board to conduct this search with his full support,” added Dame Therese.Reflecting on his time at Air New Zealand, Foran expressed pride in the airline’s achievements despite the challenges faced during his tenure. "Leading Air New Zealand has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," he said. "I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and the way we’ve positioned Air New Zealand for the future."Foran previously held senior roles at Walmart, including CEO of Walmart China and Walmart US, before joining Air New Zealand.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

Ready or not, one in four small and medium businesses are expected to come up for sale over the next decade as the baby boom generation retires.Link Business Brokers business development manager Steven Matthews said there was expected to be a boom in the number of businesses for sale over the next few years, which will favour buyers over sellers.However, he said about half of the businesses owned by baby boomers were unprepared for sale, which could end up costing them in lost value or even an unsaleable business."In reality, many are not fully prepared for sale, and failure to address key issues prior to listing could erode up to 30 percent of their value," he said.Matthews said boomers should set aside one day a month to plan for sale, with a focus on identifying, reducing and mitigating risks."A structured risk-mitigation plan increases buyer confidence and strengthens long-term business sustainability," Matthews said.He said it was also critical for buyers to see opportunities for growth."A lack of scalability often deters potential buyers, especially in a competitive market."Matthews said business systems also needed to be structured and efficient."Poorly documented processes, outdated technology, and reliance on informal operations can delay or derail a sale."Vendors should ensure that core functions-including sales, customer service, supply chain, and financial management-are optimised."Most importantly, financial transparency was critical."Inadequate financial reporting is a common reason deals fall through."Matthews said retirement planning goes hand in hand with the sale of the business, considering many owners expect the proceeds of sale to add to their nest egg.

New Zealand's first national tyre product stewardship scheme, Tyrewise, launched this year, is set to significantly reduce tyre waste.The initiative seeks to repurpose more end-of-life tyres that currently end up in landfills, are stockpiled, or are illegally dumped, placing a burden on communities and councils.As part of the scheme, consumers will pay a stewardship fee when purchasing new tyres.From 1 March, this fee applies to tyres bought from retailers and newly imported vehicles, with the fee included at first registration.The amount is $6.65 plus GST for a standard passenger car tyre weighing around 9.5kg.The fee is designed to cover the costs of tyre collection and transportation, as well as to incentivise the recycling and repurposing of tyres into new products, such as tyre-derived fuel.Starting 1 September, Tyrewise will become fully operational, meaning there will no longer be the ad hoc tyre disposal fees many retailers currently charge.New Zealand currently repurposes only 40 per cent of the 6.5 million tyres that reach the end of their life each year.With Tyrewise, the aim is to increase this figure significantly, with a target of 80 per cent repurposed by 2028, and over 90 per cent by 2030.For residents on the Hibiscus Coast, the nearest tyre collection site is Less Waste in Warkworth.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

How much time do you lose during your day due to disorganisation?Perhaps you spend five minutes searching for a misplaced file, another five looking for an email that you know you kept "somewhere", and perhaps five more finding some other important piece of paper, lost in the piles of all the other pieces of papers on your desk (or the piles of electronic "stuff" on your computer). For desk, read workspace, office, tool-shed or whatever - these points apply to all workers whether fully desk-bound, or in a workshop, or out in the field. Being well organised isn't just an office "thing". It's essential for all workers, no matter their environment.All those five minutes add up - before you know it, you've spent an hour throughout the day looking for things you can't find. And that's just one day! Even if you only lose 5 minutes a day, that’s more than 20 hours in a typical working year. If you’re losing 15 minutes a day, that adds up to over 60 hours a year—a full week and a half—wasted!If your staff asked for an extra week and a half off on holiday, would you approve it? They already get 4 weeks annual leave and a growing number of statutory days as well – so another week or more’s “unauthorised absence” starts to hurt doesn’t it?Many people struggle with disorganisation, but here are a few simple tips that could help:Use a Notebook Somewhere to jot down all those things you think you'll remember during meetings and phone calls, but possibly don't. The modern staff member probably would say "use the Notes function on your phone". Either way, just do something! Think of all the mental energy you'll save by not have to remember everything in your head. Clear your desk If there are files or papers on there that you haven't actually looked at for weeks, then the chances are you never will. But you don't have to throw them away - put them in a file in a drawer marked "Stuff to Read Later", and then see if you ever do. And see if your career is impacted at all if you don't.Create an Action Area On your desk, just the items you need right now, for the current task you're working on. Keep key items handy The more often you use something, the closer to hand it should be. This covers everything whether it be a file, the printer, or your stapler! Arrange your workspace for usefulness, not for the way it looks.Use Digital Planners and Systems Papers need to be organised and tidy, so to do electronic systems. Make use of the colour coding that comes with many programs, perhaps to separate key work tasks from personal errands for example; or to organise files into urgent, medium-priority and low-priority; or to sort and prioritise your emails. Make sure your electronic system is as tidy as your desk, or old fashioned filing cabinet - it doesn't matter whether you are searching for a physical piece of paper, or an electronic file you know you "put somewhere where you wouldn't forget it", the principles are the same. It doesn't matter what system you use - just use a system of some kind. You won't regret it!These are all pretty simple tips, but the amazing thing is that in this sort of discussion, it's usually the simple things that are the most effective. Remember, it doesn’t matter if you’re using a paper system or digital tools. The key principles remain the same:Keep your workspace clean and organisedUse the tools available to make your life easierKeep what’s essential within easy reachIf you don’t need something, get rid of it!By implementing these straightforward strategies, you’ll boost your efficiency and reduce time lost to disorganisation.If you'd like to learn more about how to streamline your business operations and increase efficiency, get in touch with Matchbox Consulting. Let’s chat over coffee about how we can help your SME thrive. Contact us today at www.matchboxconsulting.co.nz

A public petition has been launched in response to a proposal by Auckland Council to convert over half of Takapuna Golf Course into a stormwater catchment reservoir. The popular golf course, which attracts around 200,000 visitors annually, could lose much of its charm under the plan, which aims to turn part of the course into wetland to capture stormwater during extreme weather events.In reaction, an online petition has quickly gained traction, with hundreds of supporters adding their names daily. The petition can be found here.Stephen Dowd, spokesperson for the Takapuna Golf Club, has expressed concerns over the proposed change. Stephen Dowd, Takapuna Golf Club spokesperson.He argues that golf courses worldwide have been designed with water management in mind and that the Takapuna course could be adapted to better manage stormwater, without sacrificing the course as a valuable community asset.“We know that golf is a billion-dollar industry in New Zealand, and as the country's most popular course, Takapuna generates millions of dollars annually. It is a significant contributor to the economy,” Dowd said. “The proposal to replace this revenue-generating asset with a wetland—likely to cost ratepayers millions of dollars—doesn’t seem necessary when there are alternative solutions that could meet the needs of all parties involved."The golf club has presented a preliminary concept that suggests 550,000m³ of stormwater storage could be accommodated within the course’s existing 18 holes. Dowd and the club are keen to explore these alternatives with the Auckland Council before any irreversible decisions are made.A public meeting will be held at the Takapuna Golf Course clubhouse on March 8th, from 2 pm to 4 pm, where members of the community can voice their concerns and discuss potential solutions.Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]

A new report commissioned by Auckland's mayor estimates traffic congestion could cost the super city $2.6 billion dollars each year, by next year.Wayne Brown commissioned the report from consultants EY and ARUP in support of his case for a time of use - or congestion - charge.The government has introduced a time of use charging bill, and it was due to be heard in Parliament for its first reading on Tuesday.The report, "Aucklands Cost of Congestion", estimated the average Aucklander will waste over 17 hours in traffic each year by 2026 - working out to 29 million hours every year across the city.The costs incurred from delays caused by traffic would be $1.9 billion dollars, and macro-economic costs, $0.7 billion, were projected to add up to $2.6 billion a year by 2026.Brown said traffic costs businesses and Aucklanders alike, and it needed to be fixed to get growth in the city."A Time of Use Charge will enable people to think of other ways to travel, like public transport, carpooling or driving outside rush hour."Reducing Auckland's congestion will mean that truckies can deliver more freight on less trucks, and tradies can spend more time on the job, rather than sitting in traffic."If we're going to achieve the growth the government wants, we need to fix this now."Brown said a congestion charge would be the start, but a stronger public transport and roading system was also needed.According to the report, 90 percent of the vehicles that were stuck in traffic were cars, and the next 7 percent were heavy vehicles.Auckland's morning traffic reached its highest levels at about 8am, with it taking an average of 19 minutes to drive 10 kilometres.The afternoon surge peaks at 5pm, taking an average of 20 minutes to traverse 10 kilometres on the roads.The report said while the evening traffic was longer and slightly worse, at both morning and evening congestion doubles the time a trip takes overnight.In 2024, Auckland was ranked as the 77th worst congested city globally, out of 500 cities across 62 countries.Motorists sceptical about charge - AAThe Automobile Association says they are open to a congestion charge, but it should not be an undue cost on motorists.AA policy director Martin Glynn said traffic was undoubtedly a big cost to Aucklanders, and they had surveyed their members extensively on congestion charges."They're pretty sceptical. They're even concerned about whether it'll work, whether enough people will change where they travel or how they travel, or whether it'll just shift the problem around, but they're particularly concerned about affordability."He said the AA is open-minded to a charging scheme, because traffic is only going to get worse and there aren't many other options, but it shouldn't be an undue cost on motorists."People rely on their cars in Auckland, much more than they do in other places where time of use charging has been put in place. So, we're really looking for something that's fair and affordable for motorists, so that people will still be able to meet their travel needs."Glynn said any scheme needed to ensure travel alternatives and good public transport were available where it was introduced, so people can still get where they needed to go.People needed to be confident they would get travel time savings, if they were paying a congestion charge, he said."The key thing will be coming up with something there is enough public support for, at least, that enough people accept."

Northern Arena Swim School is inviting locals to their exciting Open Day event on Saturday, 15 March, from 12 pm to 2 pm.The event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an award-winning swimming lesson for just $5, with all proceeds going to support the Coast Swim Club’s mission to nurture future champions.The family-friendly event promises fun for all ages, featuring activities like face painting, a bouncy castle, food stalls, and exciting competitions.Whether you're looking to book swimming lessons or enjoy a day of entertainment, this Open Day is a great way to get involved with the community.“It’s not just about swimming lessons,” says the Northern Arena team.“For just $5, you’re helping support the local swim club and providing opportunities for aspiring swimmers.”The event is a one-day-only special, so be sure to bring the whole family down to Northern Arena at 8 Polarity Rise, Silverdale, for a day of fun and giving back to the community.Don't miss out on this exciting chance to make a splash and support a local cause!Got a local story?We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]