The new 24/7 digital health service launched in July has already delivered more than 21,000 consultations across New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.The service gives people faster access to care when they can’t see their GP, with 71.6 per cent of bookings made because a timely appointment wasn’t available.Of those who used it, 83.5 per cent received treatment straight away without needing an in-person follow-up.So far, 19,331 New Zealanders have used the platform.Working-age adults and parents are the biggest users, especially those aged 20–39 and families with children under 10.The Minister says uptake has been strong across every community, from big cities to small towns.For Coasties, the value isn’t just in avoiding long waits. With the cost of GP visits climbing, being able to talk to a doctor online at any hour makes healthcare more affordable and accessible. It also helps ease pressure on emergency departments by addressing non-urgent issues earlier.“This digital service provides easily accessible healthcare when it’s needed, bridging the gap when people might otherwise be left waiting, worrying, or unsure where to turn,” Mr Brown says.The Government says it sees digital health as a key part of ensuring every New Zealander can access timely, quality care.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The latest QV House Price Index shows average home values across New Zealand dipped 0.8% in the three months to August, leaving the national average at $906,977.That’s 0.2% higher than a year ago but still 13.4% below the January 2022 market peak.Wellington has taken the hardest hit, with values now close to 30% down, while Auckland sits about 20% below its high.Within the Super City, Rodney has recorded a smaller drop of 12.5% (around $175,000), with values falling from $1,411,162 to $1,235,103.Waitākere saw the biggest decline, down 21.7% (around $260,000).QV spokesperson Andrea Rush said the housing market remains subdued.“As we head into spring, the slump is most pronounced in Wellington and Auckland, underscoring the scale of the correction since early 2022,” she said.She added that affordability is slowly improving as prices ease and interest rates fall, but high living costs, rising unemployment and stretched household budgets continue to restrict demand.QV valuer Hugh Robson noted that all Auckland areas saw values dip in the past three months.“Listing levels are healthy, with new townhouse developments recently completed or nearing completion. Well-located homes with some land are continuing to sell well, while townhouses with little or no land are proving less popular,” he said.For Coasties, the correction may offer new opportunities, with Rodney’s smaller fall leaving the area in a stronger position than other parts of Auckland.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Two Aucklanders have been sentenced after admitting to the severe neglect of two dogs, Sarge and Tyson.The pair appeared in the North Shore District Court on 4 September, where they pleaded guilty to two charges of ill-treatment of an animal. Both received 12 months’ supervision, were disqualified from owning animals for five years, and ordered to pay $4,867.70 in reparations.SPCA inspectors were first alerted in March 2022, after concerns were raised about a white crossbreed dog, Tyson. On arrival, inspectors found Tyson underweight and another dog, Sarge, also in poor condition. Despite being provided with food, worming treatment, and advice, the dogs’ health deteriorated.By June 2022, Sarge had become critically unwell and was surrendered. He was found severely emaciated with pressure sores and had to be humanely euthanised. Tyson was seized soon after and also found to be in an emaciated state.SPCA Chief Financial Officer Jason Copus said the outcome was a stark reminder of the responsibility pet owners carry. “The suffering endured by Sarge and Tyson is utterly unacceptable. These animals were left to deteriorate over months without the care, nutrition, or medical attention they desperately needed, despite assistance from our SPCA inspectors.”This case underlines how easily neglect can slip into cruelty, and why speaking up when animals are at risk is so important.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

This week, distinctive orange envelopes will begin arriving in mailboxes across Aotearoa.This time around, they'll hold the voting papers for the local government elections.But what are the rules? And what do the strange acronyms mean?Read on for the essentials on how to vote, what you are voting for and when the all-important results will drop.Can I vote as soon as my voting papers arrive?You sure can. Voting papers will be posted to enrolled voters from Tuesday [September 9] to September 22.You can complete your voting papers as soon as it lands in your letterbox but Tuesday 7 October is the last day for posting your vote by mail.After this date, votes must be returned to a council ballot box by midday, 11 October.What am I voting for?Local elections are held every three years for regional, city and district councils.You can also vote for the mayor, and some residents vote for local and community boards.For this election, some councils that have Māori wards will be holding polls on whether or not voters support keeping them.Who should I vote for?Well we can't answer that.But if you're undecided or don't know who is running you can head to the website policy.nz. It provides candidate profiles and policies in a single place.Just tap in your address and you're given the local options.Website co-founder Ollie Neas said the website aimed to combat falling voter numbers and inform people, so the elections didn't turn into a game of 'Guess Who'.Also look out for local candidate events, news stories and pamphlet drops.STV or FPP - all about the acronymsMost councils use First Past the Post (FPP), while 15 councils use the Single Transferable voting (STV) system.In First Past the Post, the candidate with the most votes wins. You get one vote and that vote goes to one candidate.For single transferable voting, you rank candidates in their order of preference. You would write "1" next to your favourite candidate, "2" next to your second favourite and so on.With STV you still only have one vote but by selecting your preferences for all the candidates, your single vote can be transferred to your next favourite candidate if your most preferred candidate doesn't need all their votes to be elected.I've filled out my voting paper. What next?You can drop your voting paper in a post box, an orange voting bin provided by your council, or deliver it in person to one of the council's voting hubs.Councils list the locations of their orange voting bins on their individual websites.You can also post your voting paper at a post box. Check NZ Post's website for you nearest post shop.What if I'm not enrolled?You'll need to enrol before voting. Head to the vote.nz website and either enrol online or arrange for enrolment papers to be sent to you.You will then need to cast a 'special vote'.The best way to do this is to look at your council website.Councils will have a special voting location to cast a special vote, or pick up a special voting pack. If you can't make it to a special voting location, the council can send your special vote papers to you.If you didn't receive voting papers then you'll need to cast a special vote too.My dog ate my voting paperIf your voting papers are damaged or destroyed, then you'll need to cast a special vote. Here the exact same process applies as above.This seems like a lot of effort. Why should I vote?LGNZ president Scott Necklen said council decisions touch on our everyday lives, from flushing your toilet to the local rugby field.Councils are also making long-term decisions that impact children and grandchildren."Take the time to think about what's important to you and your family," he said of voting.When will we know the results?Progress results will start coming in from noon on 11 October.Declaration of results will be released from 16-22 October.Election timeline9-22 September: Voting documents delivered.7 October: Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to council's ballot boxes.11 October: Election day - voting closes midday.October/November 2025: Elected members' sworn in.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Orewa’s much-loved WinterY Festival returns this Saturday, bringing snow, sea air, and plenty of family fun to Moana Reserve.The free community event, run by Destination Orewa Beach, kicks off at 12pm and runs through to 3.30pm. It’s one of Orewa’s best-loved days out, with activities designed to delight kids and adults alike.Highlights include 15 tonnes of real snow for play, a bouncy castle, clowns, free face painting, and meet-and-greets with Olaf and Elsa. There’s also a kids’ corner with playdough, arts, and crafts to keep little hands busy.For the brave, the Polar Swim splashes off at around 1.30pm. Registration is essential but can be done on the day, and there are cash and spot prizes waiting for those who take the plunge.Orewa WinterY Festival 2025For Coasties, it’s the perfect mix of winter wonder and local spirit. Families gather, kids run wild, and the beachside reserve buzzes with laughter and music.With no entry fee and activities for all ages, it’s a great reason to head down to Orewa, and join in a winter tradition that keeps locals coming back year after year.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Every weekend, thousands of New Zealand children pull on team jerseys, play on well-kept fields, and benefit from the quiet dedication of volunteers.Few stop to think about where the money comes from for uniforms, buses or tournament fees.For decades, a large slice of that funding has been drawn from gaming machine (“pokie”) revenue, redistributed into communities through grants.That pipeline is now in danger of being broken.The government’s proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill – due for its second reading in parliament soon – would regulate and license up to 15 offshore casino operators in New Zealand.On the surface, this looks like common sense: rein in an unregulated online market, protect consumers and tax the industry.But buried in the detail is a potentially serious unintended consequence: there is no requirement for licensed online casinos to return a share of their revenue to community funding.For grassroots sports, already struggling with a volunteer crisis, this could be another blow.Each year, around NZ$170 million flows from gaming machine profits back into communities.These grants are lifelines for sports clubs (as well as arts groups, community health initiatives and local charities).They don’t just buy jerseys, they keep clubs alive.If online casinos are legalised without community return requirements, the fear is that gambling dollars will shift away from local pokie venues and into the pockets of offshore operators.Community organisations would then suffer.Sports leaders have spoken out already. Chair of Cycling NZ Martin Snedden has called the proposal a “crazy move” that poses a “massive risk” to grassroots sport.Without those grants, he says, thousands of small volunteer-run organisations will struggle to survive.Volunteers under pressureThe timing could hardly be worse for a volunteer sector that’s been under strain for years.Once thriving clubs are now struggling to recruit and retain people.My research with volunteer coaches and administrators shows compliance demands are growing, from child safeguarding checks to health and safety paperwork, meaning fewer people are willing to take on such roles.The rising cost of living means fewer families can afford club fees or take unpaid time to help.Reduced community funding will only exacerbate the problem.Supporters of the Online Casino Gambling Bill point to its intended benefits: a safer, regulated gambling market that protects consumers, generates tax revenue and imposes strong rules on age limits and advertising, with hefty fines for non‑compliance.They also highlight the government’s promise of $81 million to address gambling harm through treatment and prevention.For generations, however, New Zealand has operated on a social contract: gambling is permitted on the condition that profits are partially reinvested in communities.This isn’t to say the pokie system is ideal.A 2021 report released by Hāpai Te Hauora-Māori Public Health and others, “Ending community sector dependence on pokie funding”, described pokies as a harmful model that makes community organisations dependent on losses from the very people they’re trying to support.Written in the wake of COVID’s disruption to gambling revenues, the report argued it was the ideal moment to shift to a fairer system, calling for the government to directly fund community and sport grant recipients.The new bill, however, doesn’t resolve the bigger picture.It may reduce some consumer harms by bringing offshore casinos under regulation, but it does nothing to replace the community funding that will be lost.Instead, it simply cuts community organisations out of the loop.The consequences will likely be felt widely:clubs will fold or be forced to cut programs, and participation will shrink, especially in low-income areas where grants have been most crucialwealthier communities may survive on fees and private sponsorships while poorer ones won’t, deepening inequalitywith fewer resources, volunteers will face even greater pressure as they are expected to do more with lessand the social cohesion enhanced by community groups is undermined.A consistent approachThe solution could be relatively simple, if politically inconvenient: apply the same community return principle to online casinos that already exists for pokies.That could mean:requiring licensed online operators to contribute a fixed percentage of gross gambling revenue to a community trustring-fencing a portion of tax revenue for community funding (beyond gambling harm services)establishing a transparent framework so communities can see and trust where the money goes.Another option, raised in the Hāpai Te Hauora report, is for the government to move away from gambling reliance altogether and directly fund community and sports groups.The $170 million a year is hardly unmanageable, and it would signal a commitment to sustaining the volunteers and organisations that underpin community life.These approaches would be consistent with New Zealand’s longstanding gambling policy principle: if governments allow gambling to expand, they must also support the communities that feel the downstream impact.For parents watching their children play on Saturday mornings, for volunteers balancing spreadsheets late at night, and for already stretched communities, this is more than just another abstract policy debate.Author: Blake Bennett - Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching and Pedagogy, University of Auckland

Spring has a way of sparking fresh starts, and this September the Hibiscus Coast App is giving local businesses an extra nudge with our September Business Boost Contest.Sign up for a paid ad package before the end of the month and you’ll be in the draw to win two months of Top News Banner ads worth $960.That’s the premium spot at the very top of our news feed — the place Coasties scroll when they’re catching up on the day’s stories — and will run through October and November.Already advertising with us?Keep your package active and you’re automatically in.Businesses with paid directory listings also qualify, but ad packages remain the strongest way to put your brand in front of locals.We’ll announce the winner of our September Business Boost Contest in early October, handing one business almost a thousand dollars’ worth of bonus visibility.Every plan still delivers the core benefit: Coasties seeing your business every single day.From Orewa’s town centre to Silverdale’s workplaces and Whangaparāoa’s cafés, your message is right where locals are looking.If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this could be the month that lifts your business higher.Ready to put your business in front of more locals?Sign up today.

The Auckland Home Show is back from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 September, offering everything from renovation tips to the latest home products.Across four days at the ASB Showgrounds, hundreds of exhibitors will showcase furniture, décor, appliances, building materials and more.Visitors can compare products, talk directly with suppliers and discover new trends in home design.Industry experts will be on hand with free seminars, workshops and advice sessions.There will also be exclusive show-only deals for those ready to make a purchase.For Coasties planning upgrades or dreaming up new builds, the show is a chance to gather inspiration without having to travel far and wide.Whether it’s a kitchen makeover, outdoor living project or simply freshening up a living room, the event puts it all under one roof.Opening hours run from 10am to 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sunday.Auckland Home ShowTickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, with early bird entry at $15.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

On the regular early morning walk, you see it all—freshly striped lawns, shaggy patches waiting for attention, and the odd berm left to the wild. It is part of the mix that makes Hibiscus Coast streets familiar, but there are a few quiet customs that help things tick along smoothly.Most neighbours reckon a mower sounds best after 9 am, especially on weekends. The official rule is no mowing before 7 am or after 10 pm, but a later start keeps the peace.Clippings are another one. It is easy to let them scatter onto the footpath or across the fence, but sweeping them back onto your own lawn keeps things tidy and makes for handy mulch. A quick check of where your mower chute is pointing saves cars and fences from a peppering of green.Berms are part of the picture too. Council leaves them to us, and when they are mown, the whole street feels tidier.And then there is neighbourly give and take. If you want to help trim a shared edge, or need a car shifted before mowing, a quick word usually does the trick.Hibiscus Coast App Tips:If the grass is brushing your ankles, it's probably too long.Aim for 3–5cm—once it hits 8–10cm, mowing is harder and messier.In spring and summer, try not to leave it more than 2–3 weeks.None of this is heavy stuff—it is just the small courtesies that keep our streets neat, our mornings quieter, and our walks more pleasant.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland’s economy is still in the red, but fresh figures from Auckland Council’s Social and Economic Research and Evaluation Team suggest the worst may be passing.GDP fell 1.0% in the year to June 2025 and retail sales dipped 2.6%, yet both results are less negative than earlier in the year. It’s the first sign of improvement since the slide began in 2023.The housing market is showing stability. Auckland’s median price in July sat at $975,000 — steady on last year and far more affordable than at the 2021 peak. Annual sales have lifted 29% from the 2023 trough, giving buyers and sellers more confidence. Rents averaged $678 a week in June, their lowest in real terms since 2022, which may bring relief to families.Employment remains under pressure, down 2.3% over the year, but business confidence has surged. A net 35% of firms expect conditions to improve, the strongest result in over a decade. Consumer confidence has also risen compared with the past two years.For Coast households, this mix means a cautious outlook with a few bright spots. Lower real rents and steadier house prices are easing pressure, and stronger business sentiment could translate into new opportunities in the months ahead.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Property values across New Zealand slipped another -0.2% in August, marking the fifth straight monthly fall, according to Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index.National values are now down -0.6% in 2025, wiping out the small gains seen late last year.The median home is sitting at $809,113, the lowest since August 2023 and still -17.2% below the January 2022 peak.Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says the downturn that followed the post-COVID boom has steadied but not yet turned.“Caution is the dominant theme,” he said, noting that rising unemployment and subdued confidence are keeping a lid on growth.Auckland continues to feel the pinch, with August falls across every sub-market.Image: Cotality NZAuckland City, North Shore, Manukau, Papakura, and Waitakere each dropped between -0.4% and -0.6%.Franklin and Rodney fared a little worse, while Rodney’s three-month drop of -1.3% was the smallest of the region.Even so, all Auckland areas remain -20% to -25% below peak values.For Coasties, that means it’s still a buyer’s market.First home buyers and smaller investors are holding a bigger share of activity, helped by lower mortgage rates and more choice on the market.Sellers, meanwhile, may find it harder to get prices they’d hoped for.Looking ahead, Davidson expects steadier growth only from 2026, with lower mortgage rates, easing unemployment, and fewer listings likely to bring some balance back to the market.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Govt Signs Off Toll Plan for PenlinkRead more →Classic Spring Swings Hit Hibiscus CoastRead more →Hibiscus JetSki Hire Riding High AgainRead more →Rodney Properties Feature in New Foreign Buyer RulesRead more →Orewa Town Centre Welcomes New Business MovesRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.

Consumer spending across New Zealand nudged up again in August, with Worldline NZ figures showing $3.77B spent through Core Retail merchants, a 2% rise on the same month last year.It’s the fifth straight month of modest annual growth.Worldline’s Chief Sales Officer Bruce Proffit says the lift is welcome but still patchy.“The growth is low, but it is at least positive overall,” he said, noting much of the increase comes from higher food prices and a slight pickup in regional spending outside the big cities.The real test, Proffit adds, will come in spring and summer as interest rates ease and international tourism continues to rebound.Housing-related retailers like hardware, furniture and appliance stores remain down 4.9% on last year, while hospitality managed only a 0.5% lift.For Hibiscus Coast businesses, that means the busy months ahead will be closely watched.Lower rates could boost big-ticket sales, while more tourists would be a welcome lift for local cafes, restaurants and accommodation providers.With Christmas trading around the corner, many Coast retailers will be hoping the numbers start to move in the right direction.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

A business customer who was told it could take two months and $7500 to decommission gas is one of a number who complained to complaint resolution provider Utilities Disputes (UDL) about gas disconnection issues.UDL said most of the complaints it received related to disconnections were due to payment arrears, when a disconnection and reconnection fee could apply.But fees that were sometimes substantial were also charged when a gas supply was permanently stopped, it said.UDL received 35 complaints in the past six months about gas disconnection, compared to 11 in the previous six.The number of complaints about decommissioning had been increasing steadily over the years, from one in 2021 to seven so far this year.When UDL looked into the complaint about the $7500 charge, the company reduced lines charges by 30 percent while waiting for the decommissioning. UDL did not identify the companies involved.Auckland gas lines owner Vector told RNZ that from next month it was changing its pricing for permanent gas disconnections "to enable full cost recovery" when someone wanted the gas infrastructure taken off their property.The cost ranges from $750 to $2500.In Wellington it costs $1500 for a disconnection, while in Wairarapa it is about $700.If gas is disconnected at the house but not fully decommissioned, some retailers can continue to charge a daily fee for the gas supply.Paul Fuge, Powerswitch general manager, earlier said gas supply to residential homes was in a "death spiral", with prices rising quickly.A reducing number of customers were having to pay increasing network costs. Those who could not afford to leave - or were not able to - were left with the bills, he said.Gas NZ chief executive Jeffrey Clarke told Nine to Noon people who were thinking about disconnecting should talk to their retailer, who could explain the charges involved.He said residential customers did not need to worry about the future availability of gas and there was an increasing supply of biomethane coming into the system.But Andrew Eagles, chief executive at Green Building Council, said the "death spiral" claim was accurate.He said the decommission and disconnection situation was a "shambles" and people did not have enough information at a time when it would benefit the country to have them move away from gas.He said it did not make sense that at the same time that industrial customers were struggling for gas, more homes were connecting.He said it seemed unlikely that biogas would be the saviour of the system."It's many times more expensive… we've already seen gas prices rise 18 percent year-on-year."

The Silverdale Junior Rugby Club has pulled in just under $6.5k through its annual Business Raffle, money that will go straight into new field and playing gear for junior players in the 2026 season.From a limited pool of entries, five local businesses were drawn as winners, each securing a year of branding across the club’s home base. That includes signage on Field 1, digital placement on the club’s new LED scoreboard, a spot on the interior sponsorship board, and acknowledgement on the big GoMedia billboard along the Hibiscus Coast highway. A 2026 club membership and free venue hire were also part of the prize pack.This year’s winning businesses are Rebel Electrical, Tandem Property Management Ltd, Urban Dogs, Neville Brothers, and David Hooper CA Limited. Rebel Electrical came out on top with the Premier prize.For Coasties, the raffle is more than just a bit of fun. It shows how the Hibiscus Coast’s business community continues to step up and keep New Zealand’s biggest rugby club thriving. With hundreds of junior players pulling on the jersey each weekend, the funds raised help make sure there’s gear, fields, and a place to play for the next generation.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Police are asking for help to find 16-year-old Alyssa, who has been reported missing from the Dairy Flat area.She was last seen yesterday afternoon wearing a maroon hoody with a white zip. Alyssa is described as being between 160cm and 170cm tall, with brown hair and green eyes.She is known to spend time in Dairy Flat, Hobsonville, and Flat Bush. Police and her family have concerns for her welfare and want to locate her quickly.For Coasties, this is close to home, and locals are being urged to keep an eye out in the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas in case Alyssa has travelled north.If you have seen Alyssa, or have information that may help, please call 111 immediately and quote reference number 250905/0579.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Orewa’s town centre has welcomed two business moves worth noting.Xanadu, a new women’s boutique clothing store, has opened its doors down Bakehouse Lane.It adds another splash of style to the local shopping mix, giving Coasties fresh options when browsing for fashion close to home.Just around the corner, Gallagher Insurance has shifted into Gallagher House at 50 Centreway Road.The site has history, once housing Nexus Orewa and before that the Auckland Council Service Centre.The move signals a strong commitment to being part of the community’s core business hub.For the Hibiscus Coast, these changes show how our local business landscape keeps evolving, with fresh energy and familiar names finding new spaces.It’s a reminder to take a wander through town and see what’s new.Thanks to Hellen and Ramona at Destination Orewa Beach for keeping everyone in the know.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Looking for plans?Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Digital SeniorsWed 10 SepClick here for more detailsABBA HEAVENSat 6 SepClick here for more detailsA Fathers Day CelebrationSun 7 SepClick here for more detailsWant to see more events?Explore Things To Do in our community in the Hibiscus Coast App anytime, anywhere.Got an event coming up? List it free today →

The Blues have confirmed Eden Park will remain their home for the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons, following months of consultation with supporters and stakeholders.All home matches will be played at Eden Park, except for a one-off Super Round clash against the Reds in Christchurch on Anzac Day. The decision came after surveys, forums, and feedback sessions with players, members, commercial partners, and the wider community.Blues GM Commercial Todd Hewitt said supporters made their feelings clear. “Our fans told us Eden Park provides the scale and history that matches the ambition of the Blues,” he said.Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner welcomed the news, noting the venue has hosted the Blues since 1996. “We’re delighted to continue this partnership and deliver the world-class game day experiences fans expect,” he said.For Hibiscus Coast locals, the decision means less uncertainty about where to head on game days and easier planning for trips into the city. With the season opener against the Chiefs set for Saturday 14 February 2026 at 7:05pm, many Coasties will already be marking their calendars.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.