Coasties will soon see improvements to a beloved community space, as Auckland Council moves forward with plans to renew the playground at Stanmore Bay Park. This project, led by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, aims to create a safer and more accessible playground that offers a wide range of play options for children of all abilities.The renewal project, slated to include updated play equipment and improved safety surfacing, seeks to better meet the needs of Hibiscus Coast families and children. Proposed features include an accessible playground design, with opportunities for climbing, bouncing, balancing, swinging, and spinning. Locals are invited to share their preferences on equipment types and colours, as well as any additional features they would like to see included.Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through several channels from now until Monday, 11 November. Options include filling out an online feedback form, attending an in-person drop-in session on Tuesday, 5 November from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre, or submitting a completed form by post or email. The feedback period offers locals the chance to contribute directly to the project’s design, helping shape a playground that reflects the community's needs.For more information on the Stanmore Bay Park playground renewal project, visit Auckland Council’s website.

Today marks the start of Movember, a global movement focused on tackling the health crisis affecting men worldwide.As Coasties, we're encouraged to join in and support this vital cause.Men's health is in crisis, with men dying 4.5 years earlier than women on average, largely due to preventable reasons.Prostate cancer affects around 10.8 million men globally, while testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men.Furthermore, one man dies by suicide every minute, accounting for 69% of all suicides.Movember addresses these issues through groundbreaking projects worldwide.By growing moustaches and engaging in activities, participants – known as "Mo Bros" and "Mo Sisters" – raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges.This annual event, running from November 1 to 30, aims to spark conversations about critical health topics.Locals can participate by growing moustaches, taking on physical challenges, or hosting events."Movember is uniquely placed to address this crisis on a global scale," says the organisation. "We fund groundbreaking projects all over the world, engaging men where they are to understand what works best and accelerate change."To support Movember, consider making a donation at https://nz.movember.com/Every contribution counts in promoting healthier lives for men everywhere.

At approximately 9:30 pm, a Police unit spotted a motorbike travelling at excessive speed along Wilks Road. After attempting to initiate a traffic stop, officers lost sight of the motorcyclist. Shortly thereafter, Police received reports of a motorbike crash on the same road.Emergency services swiftly responded, but unfortunately, the rider succumbed to injuries and died at the scene.According to authorities, enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.The incident serves as a poignant reminder of road safety concerns on our coastal roads.Locals are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to speed limits.The Hibiscus Coast community extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

Coasties are reminded to prioritise safety for their little ones while they enjoy trick-or-treating in the community. Today marks the festive occasion where children can dress up as pirates, superheroes, witches, and fairies, gathering sweets with friends and family.Inspector Brett Callander emphasises the importance of vigilance during these celebrations. “Although it is a fun night out, we would like to remind parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of their children,” he stated. With excitement in the air, it’s essential to stay mindful of the surroundings.To support families in ensuring a safe Halloween, police offer several recommendations. Caregivers should supervise young children at all times and avoid allowing them to wander off with strangers. Trick-or-treating in well-lit areas and familiar neighbourhoods is strongly encouraged.Inspector Callander also advises that older children should go out with friends and look out for each other. Respecting the wishes of homeowners is crucial; if a residence displays a sign indicating they are not participating in Halloween, children should move on without knocking.For those who may not wish to partake in Halloween festivities, placing a sign on their front door or gate can help deter young visitors. Householders are reminded that they are not obliged to open their doors or respond to knocks from trick-or-treaters.Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to check local community pages for information on which homes are participating in Halloween activities. For an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, attending a local community event can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for families.Police urge everyone in the community to look out for one another. Should anyone witness suspicious activity, they are encouraged to contact 111 immediately.

Auckland Transport says it will repair potholes on major roads within 24 hours - most of the time.It has launched a new push to repair potholes faster, expecting crews to make repairs on Auckland's busiest roads within 24 hours, 95 percent of the time.Smaller local roads can expect repairs within five days.Group manager for road maintenance Alan Wallace said major roads in Auckland are highly used, with the busiest 1000km of road carrying 10,000 vehicles a day."It's about 1400km that we would call our regional and district arterial roads, so they're the main spines that we have across the network. It's the Fanshaw streets, it's the Lake roads, it's the Onewa roads, those main roads."He said potholes are particularly bad in Auckland because the cities growth has put pressure on the roading network, with roads designed to take 5000 vehicles a day now taking over 10,000, increasing the rate of wear and tear.He said changing conditions, such as weather, mean achieving repairs within 24 hours 100 percent of the time is not achievable."This is work we've always done, but we are putting more resources into making sure we can do it quicker and more reliably for our customers."The "pothole promise" follows the focus on maintenance approach taken by the government to state highways.Earlier this year, Minister of Transport Simeon Brown announced a ring-fenced 'Pothole Prevention Fund', with $3.9 billion doing towards roading maintenance and upgrades."It is very consistent with the increased emphasis put on road maintenance by government, and by Auckland Council and the mayor. It means that we're putting more resources and a lot of focus on managing our existing network," Wallace said.He said the commitment to repair relies on people reporting potholes when they see one.Communities can report a pothole through the Auckland Transport website, using the 'report a problem' portal.

Coasties may soon see more doctors available in local clinics as New Zealand welcomes a new fast-track process to bring in specialist doctors from overseas. This initiative, announced by Health Minister Dr Shane Reti, is expected to help ease the ongoing strain on the country’s health workforce by accelerating the registration process for eligible international specialists.Starting 1 November, doctors trained in fields such as anaesthesia, emergency medicine, dermatology, and psychiatry from the UK, Ireland, and Australia will be able to complete the application process in just 20 working days—a major reduction from the usual six-month wait time. According to Dr Reti, the move is designed to support improved access to healthcare across New Zealand, including on the Hibiscus Coast, where residents have felt the impact of the national doctor shortage.“Speeding up a process that would usually take up to six months will help to fill critical gaps in New Zealand’s health workforce sooner and is just another step to improve Kiwis’ access to good, fast healthcare while we progress longer-term initiatives,” Dr Reti stated. He added that these initiatives include increasing student placements at Auckland and Otago Medical Schools and looking into the development of a third medical school in Waikato.The Medical Council, which oversees the registration of doctors in New Zealand, expects the new pathway to attract a greater number of UK and Irish-trained specialists. This influx of overseas talent will provide a temporary but valuable solution as New Zealand works to expand its homegrown health workforce.Dr Reti also expressed appreciation for the dedication of internationally qualified doctors, noting their continued contribution to maintaining quality healthcare. “While we work to build our own, home-grown health workforce, internationally qualified specialists continue to have a critical role in providing quality health services for New Zealanders—I thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

Locals, check your homes: a product safety recall has been issued for Custom Neon Signs sold on Grab One Limited between 21 July and 24 September this year. The recall affects signs supplied by Justyling, trading as YesBobbleheads.The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) warns that the power adapter supplied with the signs hasn't been tested to New Zealand standards, posing a potential overheating risk.To identify affected products, look for:Supplier: Justyling (trading as YesBobbleheads)Product codes: KB-Neon-001 to KB-Neon-010Power adapter: NZ/AU plug or USB plugPurchase date: 21 July to 24 September 2024MBIE advises consumers to immediately stop using the product and return it to Grab One Limited for a full refund.If you've purchased one of these signs, please return it promptly to ensure your safety.

Coasties will be keen to follow new developments on school attendance, as a recent report from the Education Review Office (ERO) reveals troubling figures on student absenteeism across New Zealand. Released today, the report highlights what the ERO calls a “truancy crisis,” stressing the importance of timely interventions to address the rising rates of chronic absenteeism.According to Associate Education Minister David Seymour, the report shows that since 2015, chronic school absence has doubled, suggesting a substantial need for action to keep children in school and improve future social outcomes. “This report reinforces that action is needed to ensure this generation reaches its full potential,” Seymour said.In response, the government has launched a Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system aimed at addressing absenteeism at multiple levels. By 2026, all schools will be required to have attendance management plans aligned with STAR. To support schools in implementing these plans, the Ministry of Education is preparing best practice templates and toolkits for managing absenteeism, considering factors contributing to each student’s attendance patterns.The report also points to gaps in communication between agencies responsible for school attendance, which has limited the ability to intervene early in cases of chronic absence. The government aims to resolve these issues by developing information-sharing agreements among the Ministry of Education, Ministry for Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, and Police.A notable part of the ERO’s findings involved legal barriers that schools face when addressing absenteeism. Seymour acknowledged these challenges, stating that the Ministry will take a more proactive role in handling cases where legal action is necessary to enforce attendance.Locals on the Hibiscus Coast may find these updates significant as the government seeks long-term solutions to school absence.Seymour stressed, “If we want better social outcomes, we can’t keep ignoring the truancy crisis.”The full ERO report is set to be available on ero.govt.nz from 5 am on Wednesday, October 30.

Coasties now have an opportunity to voice their opinions on proposed adjustments to New Zealand Post’s mail service obligations. The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) is inviting feedback on how these changes could affect New Zealanders, aiming to ensure mail delivery remains both accessible and commercially sustainable.With mail volumes consistently declining, adjustments are being considered to the minimum obligations on NZ Post's services. These obligations are outlined in a Deed of Understanding, an agreement between the government and NZ Post detailing minimum requirements, such as delivery frequency and the number of postal outlets across the country.“The way New Zealanders use the mail service has changed significantly,” says MBIE’s General Manager of Communications Infrastructure and Trade, James Hartley. “Compared to 20 years ago, we now send around 813 million fewer mail items, with volumes expected to drop to about 100 million by 2028.” According to Mr Hartley, the 2024 review aims to balance maintaining service accessibility with flexibility for NZ Post to operate sustainably.Among the proposed changes are adjustments to delivery frequency and postal outlet requirements. In urban areas, the minimum delivery frequency would decrease from three to two days per week, while rural areas would shift from five to three days. The proposal also suggests reducing the minimum number of postal outlets from 880 to 500, with potential gradual reductions to 400 over time.Other changes include converting individual delivery points to communal boxes at a limited rate and revisiting the Deed of Understanding every three years to assess further adjustments if mail volumes decline faster than projected.“We recognise the importance of the mail service, particularly for rural and older New Zealanders,” adds Mr Hartley. “This consultation process will help us understand how people are currently using the service and gather views on how these changes could work for our communities.”Locals are encouraged to provide their input before the consultation closes at 5 pm on 10 December 2024. Final decisions will be made by the Media and Communications Minister following analysis of the feedback, with NZ Post managing any operational adjustments resulting from the updated Deed.

Recent population estimates from Statistics New Zealand reveal a slowdown in national growth, but the Hibiscus Coast continues to experience a steady rise, with areas like Millwater and Orewa driving local gains.For the year ending June 2024, New Zealand’s population grew by 1.8%, down from 2.5% in the previous year. Net migration provided the bulk of this growth, adding 73,300 residents, while natural increase (births minus deaths) contributed 20,300. All 16 regions saw population gains, with Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty experiencing the largest increases. In Auckland, Papakura led with a 5.1% increase, followed by rapid growth in areas like Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Upper Harbour.Locally, the Hibiscus Coast continues its growth trend, with substantial population increases recorded in census data from 2018 to 2023. Millwater South nearly doubled its population during this period, jumping from 2,304 residents in 2018 to 4,287 in 2023. Orewa North also saw notable growth, increasing from 4,077 to 4,614 residents.Demographic shifts are evident as well, with the median age rising in several Hibiscus Coast areas, including Wainui-Waiwera, Orewa North, and Millwater Central, suggesting an influx of older residents or lower birth rates. Income levels have risen sharply, particularly in Millwater North, where median personal income climbed from $34,200 in 2018 to $59,600 in 2023. Similar trends are observed in Wainui-Waiwera and Orewa Central, indicating growing economic prosperity across the region.While these figures reflect broad trends on the Hibiscus Coast, slight variations may exist due to differences in data collection periods and census limitations.For Coasties, these trends reflect a changing landscape on the Hibiscus Coast, where a mix of population growth and economic progress continues to shape the community’s character and lifestyle.

Auckland Transport estimates it could cost up to $25 million to meet the government's new speed rule to increase speed limits on roads where it has been lowered and put in variable school speed limits.The Minister of Transport signed the speed rule into law last month, ordering speed limits be reversed to their pre-2019 levels by 1 July next year, and introducing variable speed limits around schools a year after that.General manager of transport safety Teresa Burnett told the Auckland Transport board on Tuesday that speed limits on 1800 local roads will need to be increased.The majority of those - 1760 - are in neighbourhoods with schools in the area, where limits were lowered from 50km/hr to 30km/hr.Auckland Transport estimates that reversing speed limits could cost $7.5m - made up of changing signs and road markings in reduced speed areas.Setting up variable speed limits around schools, which would lower speeds only during pick-up and drop-off times, is estimated to cost $16.7m.Another $450,000 will need to be spent on advertising, informing people of the speed changes.Burnett told the board that no new funding was allocated from the government to cover reversing speed limits, and the cost will have to be covered by Auckland Transport.Board member and councillor for the North Shore Chris Darby asked if there was any ability to refuse to reverse speed limits.The board was told it was not a "lawful option" available to Auckland Transport, and there was no room for consultation on whether to carry out speed limit increases.But, under the new speed rule legislation, there was an option to set new speed limits of 40km /hr in town centres, but that would have to be applied for after 1 July next year.Burnett noted it would be logistically difficult to change speed limit signs and road markings by 1 July 2025.Guidance on managing speeds under the new rule from NZTA is still to come.

Coasties heading into Auckland city this Sunday, November 3rd, can expect some citybound lane closures along the Northern Motorway and Auckland Harbour Bridge.The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Marathon is set to take place from 4 am to 12 midday, causing significant changes to traffic patterns in the area.While the Harbour Bridge will remain open throughout the event, traffic will be reduced to three lanes in each direction, which may lead to delays for motorists.NZTA advises no detour routes will be necessary, but drivers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys.The marathon will impact several key areas: the Northern Busway’s bus-only lanes will close between Constellation Drive and Onewa Road, with runners entering the busway at Smales Farm.Additionally, one lane of the southbound Northern Motorway will be closed after the Esmonde Road interchange, and the Onewa Road southbound on-ramp will be closed, including the bus lane.Fortunately, the Esmonde Road on-ramp will remain open for citybound traffic.South of Onewa Road, two left southbound lanes will close, allowing runners to use the clip-on lanes over the Harbour Bridge.The Shelly Beach Road off-ramp will be closed to all traffic, as will the Curran Street on-ramp, while runners will exit the bridge and continue along Westhaven Drive into the city.Motorists should also note that the Fanshawe Street citybound off-ramp will be closed from 2 am to 3 pm.Additional road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect; further details can be found on Auckland Transport's website.

Locals and visitors flying with Air New Zealand this November will enjoy a new take on the airline’s classic inflight quiz, now infused with trivia submitted by Kiwis across the country. This uniquely New Zealand quiz features over 250 questions selected from more than 1,400 submissions sent in by trivia lovers nationwide.Each quiz question displays the name and region of the person who submitted it, creating a distinctly local experience for flyers. Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Domestic, Scott Carr, expressed excitement about the responses. “We asked our customers to flex their trivia muscles, and they certainly delivered! From fun local facts to obscure knowledge, the variety was fantastic,” Carr shared.The questions cover quirky topics that highlight local culture and humour. Examples include, “What do polydactyl cats have more of than other cats?” and “Which Southland town is the self-proclaimed Sausage Capital of New Zealand?” To keep things interesting, different question sets are available for northbound and southbound flights, meaning travellers will encounter fresh challenges on the return journey.This new Kiwi-inspired quiz also launches alongside a design update, enhancing readability and introducing new question formats to make the quiz even more engaging for passengers. “Our quiz is a beloved staple of domestic jet flights,” Carr said. “We’ve redesigned it to make it even more engaging. With more space for questions and answers, customers can look forward to even more trivia-packed fun onboard!”This November, Air New Zealand’s inflight quiz promises to be an engaging journey through New Zealand trivia, bringing a fun, local twist to the skies.

The official Labour Day weekend holiday period is over and no one died on New Zealand roads, police say.It is a new record for the period, with the previous lowest being in 2013 when one person died and 109 people were injured.The worst Labour Day holiday weekend for deaths and serious injuries was in 1983 when 13 people died and 248 were injured.Last year, there were six deaths, 2022 saw five deaths, 2021 saw six deaths and in 2020, eight people died, according to the Ministry of Transport.National road policing centre Superintendent Steve Greal told Morning Report the zero deaths was "an amazing result".Greal said it was a combination of a huge effort by many people, but there was still a lot of work to do in terms of road safety."We need to be looking at a systems level to properly understand it for the long-term game, certainly in terms of sustainability."From a policing perspective, the police effort is a part of that system and from our point-of-view for the last two years, we've done a lot, quite a significant change in the way we deploy our people."Greal said 73 percent of accidents occurred on open and rural roads so it made sense for people to be in those areas, where the greatest harm was occurring.The enforcement of such areas had doubled in the last couple of years, contributing to "general deterrence", he said.Greal told Morning Report the weather warnings could have made an impact, with some people choosing to stay home instead of being out on the roads.But that did not deter everyone, and he said he saw some people doing "horrendous speeds" on Transmission Gully in Wellington in "teaming rain", which was not a good look.Earlier, New Zealand Transport Agency spokesperson Andy Knackstedt warned people not to be complacent on the roads.He said even if there were no deaths, those who are seriously injured in crashes can have lifelong impacts."We're just asking people to do the basics - drive and travel at a safe speed, to share the driving, make sure you're well rested, and just take the the time that you need to to get home safely."In earlier holiday road tolls this year, the ministry said seven people died during Easter, four died during King's Birthday, and one died during Matariki.

As Labour Weekend ushered in the 2024-2025 patrol season, Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is gearing up for a potentially busy summer across New Zealand beaches.With weather patterns indicating increased serious weather events and forecasted above-average temperatures, local beachgoers can expect heightened lifeguard presence on the sands.SLSNZ is excited to announce its new partnership with Aon New Zealand as a Major Partner.This collaboration underscores a commitment that has spanned 114 years, with surf lifeguards dedicated to ensuring beach safety for locals and visitors alike.Many of these lifeguards are volunteers, making the support from commercial partners like Aon essential for continuing this important work.Aon joins other prestigious partners of SLSNZ, including bp, DHL, and Toyota Financial Services, who have contributed to the organisation's mission for many years.Steve Fisher, SLSNZ CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “A successful partnership is based on an authentic connection and purposeful alignment. We share values and a focus on protecting and supporting our local communities.”In addition to displaying its logo on beach condition signs and surf lifeguard uniforms, Aon will actively support beach safety initiatives and events, including the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships.Fisher highlighted that lifeguards have been diligently maintaining their skills and fitness over winter, eager to resume patrols.He stressed the importance of community involvement in beach safety, stating, “We want everyone to enjoy the beach with us... Our surf lifeguards across the country are a friendly, approachable presence.”This season, SLSNZ has introduced key beach safety messages in te reo, designed to enhance awareness of water safety.Fisher reinforced the timeless advice: “Everyone knows the saying ‘swim between the flags,’ but it’s still the best way to ensure you enjoy your time in the water safely.”With a call for vigilance among beachgoers, Fisher reminds the community to remain aware of potential risks and to make safe choices while enjoying the stunning coastlines that make the Hibiscus Coast so special.Safeswim websiteKey Beach Safety Messages from the Hibiscus Coast App:Swim Between the Flags: Always swim in areas marked by red and yellow flags.Check Beach Conditions: Look for warnings about tides, currents, and hazards.Be Aware of Rip Currents: Know how to identify and escape rip currents.Supervise Children: Keep a close watch on children in the water.Stay Hydrated and Protect Against Sunburn: Drink water and apply sunscreen regularly.Know Your Limits: Swim in conditions suited to your ability and avoid swimming when tired or under the influence.Use Life Jackets: Wear a life jacket during water sports for added safety.Respect Local Wildlife: Do not disturb marine life and their habitats.Report Emergencies: Alert lifeguards or call for help in emergencies.Learn Basic Water Safety Skills: Familiarise yourself with rescue techniques and CPR.By keeping these safety messages in mind, everyone can enjoy the Hibiscus Coast’s beautiful beaches while staying safe this summer.

Labour Day in New Zealand, celebrated each fourth Monday in October, recognises a significant achievement in the country’s labour movement: the establishment of the eight-hour workday. This public holiday is a tribute to workers’ rights and honours the efforts of early advocates who shaped the nation's employment standards.The movement for fair working hours began in the 1840s, championed by carpenter Samuel Parnell. Parnell famously insisted on an eight-hour workday, declaring it essential for a balanced life. His stand against longer hours quickly gained support, marking the start of New Zealand's push for labour rights and setting a powerful example.The first Labour Day was celebrated on October 28, 1890, with parades in cities across the country, organised by trade unions to highlight the progress made toward better work conditions. The success of this initial celebration led to the passing of the Labour Day Act in 1899, making Labour Day a statutory holiday. Initially observed on the second Wednesday in October, it was moved to the fourth Monday in October in 1910, providing New Zealanders with a long weekend.Labour Day reminds us of the hard-won rights to fair working hours and is a time to reflect on the legacy of those who championed better conditions for all. Today, the holiday continues to symbolise the importance of work-life balance and remains a valued part of New Zealand's labour history.

Halloween, with its ancient origins, has grown into a beloved celebration worldwide, including here on the Hibiscus Coast.Though not an official holiday in New Zealand, Halloween on Thursday, October 31, brings an exciting mix of costumes, decorations, and community spirit, making it a popular annual event for Coasties.The story of Halloween dates back over two millennia to the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter.This period was believed to thin the veil between the living and the dead, allowing the spirits of deceased loved ones to visit their homes.To protect themselves from unwelcome spirits, people would light bonfires and wear costumes as disguises.In the 8th century, these traditions merged with Christian practices when Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints' Day.The night before became All Hallows' Eve, eventually evolving into Halloween.When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these customs to North America, Halloween began to transform into a widely celebrated event, with costumes and treats becoming central.By the 1950s, Halloween in the United States had taken on a commercial flair, driven by the demand for costumes, candy, and themed decorations.This trend has only grown over the years, with retail spending on Halloween projected to reach $11.6 billion in 2024.In New Zealand, Halloween’s popularity has continued to grow, with locals embracing trick-or-treating, costume parties, and pumpkin displays.While not a holiday, Halloween on the Hibiscus Coast gives kids and families a fun chance to dress up, enjoy treats, and share in some spooky excitement together!

The countdown to the end of the year is well and truly on and many of us have turned our minds to those long summer days and a well-earned break.So how can you use the least amount of annual leave, for the longest stretch of time off?And when are the key dates to be aware of in 2025?Christmas and New YearChristmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as the New Year's statutory holidays fall on a Wednesday and Thursday in 2024.Use those stat days, along with six days of annual leave, to take off 23, 24 and 27 December, along with 30 and 31 December and 3 January to get a 16-day stretch of time off work.Easter weekend and Anzac Day 2025These fall in the same week next year so, by booking annual leave for 14-17 and 22-24 April, you'll use seven days of annual leave, but get 16 days off work.Waitangi Day 2025Waitangi Day falls on a Thursday, so by using one annual leave day on Friday, 7 February, you'll get a four-day weekend.When are the public and anniversary holidays in 2025?New Year's Day - 1 JanuaryDay after New Year's Day - 2 JanuaryWellington Anniversary - 20 JanuaryAuckland Anniversary - 27 JanuaryNelson Anniversary - 3 FebruaryWaitangi Day - 6 FebruaryTaranaki Anniversary - 10 MarchOtago Anniversary - 24 MarchGood Friday - 18 AprilEaster Monday - 21 AprilSouthland Anniversary - 22 AprilAnzac Day - 25 AprilKing's Birthday - 2 JuneMatariki - 20 JuneSouth Canterbury Anniversary - 22 SeptemberHawke's Bay Anniversary - 24 OctoberLabour Day - 27 OctoberMarlborough Anniversary - 3 NovemberCanterbury Anniversary - 14 NovemberChatham Islands Anniversary and Westland Anniversary - 1 DecemberChristmas Day - 25 DecemberBoxing Day - 26 DecemberWhat about school terms in 2025?While exact start dates for individual schools differ, Term 1 starts between Monday 27 January and Friday 7 February (at the latest).Term 1 is 11 weeks long, with the last day being 11 April.Term 2: Nine weeks. Begins 28 April and ends 27 June, and includes two public holidays; King's Birthday on Monday, 2 June and Matariki on Friday 20 June.Term 3: 10 weeks. Begins 14 July and ends 19 September. There are no public holidays in Term 3.Term 4: Begins 6 October and ends 19 December, and includes the Labour Day public holiday on October 27.When are the term one school holidays?The first lot of school holidays run from 12 April to 27 April and include Easter and Anzac Day.

The average KiwiSaver balance might be slightly more than $33,000, but that hides significant variation within the scheme - and between providers.Data from actuaries MJW released this month shows that in the year to the end of March, Consilium-owned KiwiWrap had the highest average member balance at $173,300.The scheme only has about 400 members.It was followed by MAS, at an average $86,200. Craigs was next at $82,900 and Milford $75,900.At the other end of the scale, Superlife, Aurora, Amanah Ethical, BNZ and BCF had some of the lowest averages.BCF KiwiSaver Scheme is open to members the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and Amanah Ethical invests in line with Sharia principles.KiwiWrap also had the highest proportion of members contributing, followed by the NZ Defence Force scheme and Kernel.ANZ, Booster, One Answer, Fisher Plan and Fisher Funds schemes had much smaller proportions of members contributing.Kernel founder Dean Anderson said the difference in average balance was often due to whether a scheme was a default provider or not.Default providers have members who have landed with them without making an active choice about which provider they want to be with."You find the big banks, originally default schemes, are very reflect of the 'average', as they have a diversified profile that reflects the broad diversify of members. Providers where someone has made an active decision to switch to, such as Kernel, tend to have much higher average balances as it is made up of members who have been engaged, looked at the market, and are being proactive with their KiwiSaver."The Financial Markets Authority said it was not unusual or concerning."The variations could be driven by a number of factors for example, the membership profile, product offering, targeted demographics, default members that make up the total membership, marketing strategies, provider tenure."KiwiWrap is a scheme that allows investors to customise their investments.Advisers and investors can put money into 400 investment options and the scheme focuses on providing advice.Consilium head of advice Ben Brinkerhoff said people wanted advice when they had larger balances in KiwiSaver."We are the solution that allows advisers to give advice. Why do you want advice? You think to yourself I can't mess this up… I can't earn this again, this is a meaningful part of my financial retirement solution and I need to know how this meshes with my money life outside investment properties and whatever else."When your accounts are small you look at your account as if it's a saving account almost - and who needs advice on a savings account? But at some point it's not a savings account any more it's an investment account. Then you think to yourself 'you know what I need a strategy'.."He said after about 15 years in the scheme people would often find their investments were delivering more returns than they were contributing themselves, which would be a tipping point for how they thought about the scheme.At Milford, head of KiwiSaver Murray Harris said people moving to it were often bringing established balances."But the main thing is the latest figures I saw 76 percent of our members are contributing to their accounts, which is high. If you look at other providers, default providers, they have numbers as low as 30 percent or 40 percent."He said about 20 percent of members had taken some form of advice and often might be contributing more than the average 3 percent.The average age of members was 44.MJW noted that fees and expenses rose to a new record of $783 million in the year.Part of that was due to an increase in asset balances but MJW said it could also reflect the movement of people towards higher fee active providers such as Milford, Generate and Booster.Fees paid by the average member reached $238 per member."Default providers have, on average, $149 in fees and expenses per member, while non-default providers are about twice that at $297. Note that not all members within a default provider's scheme are default members," MJW said.