A fresh survey of New Zealand’s largest gas users has painted a grim picture for the months ahead, with warnings of soaring costs, shrinking supply and potential shutdowns.The Industrial and Consumers Gas Survey, released on Tuesday, shows some businesses can’t secure contracts beyond September, and those who can are facing price hikes of 20–40% or more. EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald says the situation is already leading to reduced production and job losses.The problem is particularly severe for manufacturers reliant on gas-powered equipment, such as greenhouse vegetable growers, milk powder producers and baby formula manufacturers. Transitioning to other energy sources would require huge investment, with costs and geography making alternatives like electricity or geothermal out of reach for many.McDonald says importing more coal or diesel is an ironic consequence of pushing too quickly toward renewables without keeping gas as a transition fuel. “Elsewhere in the world, gas is recognised as the viable bridge while renewables scale up,” he says.The forum also highlighted that many businesses see the government’s $200m exploration co-investment fund as too little, too late, given years of policy uncertainty. Without a reliable supply, McDonald warns of further factory closures and “de-industrialisation” of the economy.For NZ industries, particularly food producers and manufacturers, the findings could signal higher operating costs, tighter margins and potential job impacts in the near future.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.How to Level-Up Your Team For Bigger ImpactRead more →Zeekr 7X Could Soon Turn Heads HereRead more →Hibiscus Coast Rider Faces Chilly ChallengeRead more →What Road User Charges Mean For YouRead more →Coast Wastewater Solution Still Years AwayRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Kmart NZ has been warned by the Commerce Commission for likely breaching the Fair Trading Act with its “100% sustainably sourced cotton” advertising.The Commission says the claim was misleading because Kmart’s “Better Cotton” was mixed with conventional cotton, meaning the retailer couldn’t guarantee its clothing was entirely sustainable.Vanessa Horne, the Commission’s Competition, Fair Trading, and Credit General Manager, says greenwashing makes it hard for consumers to know if products are genuinely eco-friendly.“If you can’t back it up, don’t say it,” she says.The claim ran from 4 August 2023 until 4 October 2024, when it was removed after the Commission raised concerns.Kmart has since provided compliance training to staff.While only the court can confirm a breach, the warning puts Kmart on notice for the future.The Commission says environmental claims must be clear, accurate, and supported by evidence.It has also joined 19 international consumer protection agencies in urging the fashion industry to check their marketing for compliance.For Hibiscus Coast shoppers, the case is a reminder to look beyond bold green labels.Many locals choose products based on environmental promises, and misleading claims can distort those decisions and disadvantage genuinely sustainable businesses.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Electricity Authority is investigating concerns about energy pricing, contract availability and business conduct in the electricity and gas markets.The authority said the investigation followed concerns raised by the Northern Infrastructure Forum and other organisations."We take all concerns raised seriously, and any concerns related to consumer trust or market fairness demand attention," authority chair Anna Kominik said."We have started a review under section 16 of the Act focused on business consumers' access to electricity contracts, including commercial and industrial consumers."Section 16 enabled the authority to use formal information gathering powers to look more closely into pricing and other terms offered to business consumers.The authority said it was working closely with the Commerce Commission, which recently launched a new whistleblowing tool to make reporting easier.The authority said the scope and timeframe of the review would be refined as the investigation developed.Meanwhile, big electricity retailers will have to offer cheaper prices for off-peak power use prices, and fair prices to people who sell surplus power to the grid from roof top solar panels at peak times.The Electricity Authority announced last month it was changing sector rules to require retailers with more than five-percent market share to offer time of use prices from the middle of next year, after a report by a joint task force of the authority and the Commerce Commission.The changes were aimed to give consumers more choice in how and when they use power, and put downward pressure on prices.Also last month, a letter was sent to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon calling for an urgent reform of the sector as soaring power prices undermine confidence and productivity.It took aim at the four big power generation companies Genesis, Contact, Mercury and Meridian, also referred to as gentailers, because they compete at the retail level.It was signed by groups representing big and small energy users, small retail energy suppliers, and a cross-section of industry organisations representing a broad range of sectors.

State Highway 1 northbound from Oteha Valley Road to the Silverdale interchange will be closed for maintenance from Sunday 17 August to Thursday 21 August, between 9pm and 5am.The NZ Transport Agency says the work is weather dependent, so dates could change.Ramp closures and lane restrictions may start before the mainline closure times.The closures will affect drivers heading north, with the following ramps also shut:Oteha Valley Road northbound on-rampSilverdale northbound off-rampBP Service Station Dairy Flat off-ramp and on-ramp (no public access)Signposted detours will be in place, with the recommended route via Oteha Valley Road and Dairy Flat Highway.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Silverdale United Rugby & Sports Club has appointed Nick Mulvaney as its new Club Operations and Development Manager, starting mid September.The club says he will run day to day operations and lead rugby development across all levels, supporting more than 1,000 members.Mulvaney steps in with strong local credentials.He was most recently Head of Rugby Operations at North Harbour Rugby Union, coordinating grassroots rugby across the region and supporting clubs, schools, referees and volunteers.He has also spent more than a decade as a volunteer and former Chairman of Harbour Junior Rugby and Helensville Rugby Club, with awards including Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Junior Rugby.For Coasties, this move signals extra support for community rugby on the Hibiscus Coast.Expect pathways for players, coaches and volunteers, plus a sharper focus on club culture and delivery.In his new role, Mulvaney will oversee the club’s daily running and drive development initiatives, aligning operational work with long term plans.Silverdale United says his mix of club insight and strategic planning fits its ambition to become New Zealand’s leading community based sports club.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Since March 2020, Auckland Council has completed more than 611 prosecutions under the Dog Control Act, holding owners to account when dogs seriously injure people or other animals.In the 2024 to 2025 financial year alone, nearly 3,000 dog attacks and more than 15,000 roaming reports were logged across Auckland.The rise is linked to post-lockdown dog ownership, lower desexing rates, and more unregistered, untrained animals.A recent Auckland District Court sentencing underscored the stance.A rottweiler attacked a passer-by in New Lynn in October 2023, leaving a 10 to 15 cm arm wound that required surgery.The dog was being handled by the owner’s 15-year-old son.Despite a guilty plea and immediate assistance to the victim, the Court declined a discharge without conviction, citing the severity of injuries and hospitalisation.The owner received 70 hours of community service and was ordered to pay $500 reparation.The dog was euthanised four days later at the owners’ request.For Coasties, the message is the same.These rules and prosecutions apply across Auckland, including the Hibiscus Coast.Register and desex your dogs, keep them contained, and stay in control in public.Head of Prosecutions John Kang says injuries can be “gruesome,” adding, “we will continue to prosecute where criminal action is justified.”General Manager Robert Irvine is clear: “Owning a dog comes with a duty to ensure the safety of the community.”Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The All Blacks have confirmed their match day squad to face Argentina in the Rugby Championship opener this Sunday, 17 August, at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba. Kick-off is at 09:10am NZST, with live coverage on Sky Sport from 8am.Scott Barrett will captain the side from lock, joined in the starting XV by brothers Beauden (first five) and Jordie (second five). Ardie Savea lines up at number eight, while Will Jordan takes the fullback jersey. Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece complete the back three, with Cortez Ratima starting at halfback.The forward pack features Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Fletcher Newell in the front row, with Fabian Holland joining Barrett in the second row. Tupou Vaa’i and Du’Plessis Kirifi complete the loose forward trio alongside Savea.On the bench, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, and Pasilio Tosi cover the front row, with Patrick Tuipulotu and Samipeni Finau as forward reserves. Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Damian McKenzie offer backline depth.For Hibiscus Coast rugby fans, the early Sunday kick-off means a prime opportunity to gather with mates and watch the action before lunch. With three Barrett brothers in the run-on side and a mix of experienced heads and fresh faces, this match promises to set the tone for the All Blacks’ 2025 campaign.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!The Hit Singles Dating NightSat 16 AugClick here for more detailsDave Ewart JnrSat 16 AugClick here for more detailsOrewa Beach Farmers MarketSun 17 AugClick 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 →

Watercare says the Hibiscus Coast’s wastewater fix is not expected until 2031, with no spare capacity available now.The utility plans to invest about $500m over the next decade, including a major upgrade to the Army Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, and is exploring faster alternatives.What this means now: anyone with a valid building consent can still connect when ready.Developers with a resource consent issued before 15 November 2024, but no building consent, have to contact Watercare.These will be assessed case by case as the company keeps a close eye on capacity.New resource consents that require a public wastewater connection are not currently being granted.Image: WatercareIn November 2024, Watercare estimated Army Bay could connect about 4,000 more homes.Since then, 297 have been added.As of June 2025, Watercare reports no remaining capacity on the Hibiscus Coast.“We estimate we can connect up to 4000 new homes before the treatment plant reaches capacity,” chief strategy and planning officer Priyan Perera said at the time.That limit now appears reached, ahead of upgrades.Image: WatercareWhy this matters for Coasties: planned housing and commercial projects may be delayed or staged until extra treatment capacity comes online.Expect tighter sequencing of builds, longer timelines, and more upfront checks on wastewater connections while Watercare progresses an upgrade path.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

The Government’s second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, bringing sweeping changes aimed at speeding up development, creating jobs, and supporting housing growth.RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says the Resource Management Act has “held New Zealand back for decades” and the new law will make it quicker and simpler to get projects off the ground in housing, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the primary sector.Highlights of the changes include:Faster consenting for renewable energy and major infrastructure.Upzoning around Auckland City Rail Link stations to unlock housing potential.Easier removal of certain heritage protections.Reduced freshwater farm plan requirements for smaller farms.Stronger, faster action on natural hazard risks.The Bill also gives the Minister powers to change or remove parts of council RMA plans that are proven to slow economic growth or job creation.For the Hibiscus Coast, this could mean greater certainty for infrastructure upgrades, and more local job opportunities in construction and related trades.The law will take effect the day after it receives royal assent, expected in the coming days, and will remain in place until a full RMA replacement is rolled out in 2027.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

NZTA advises that two middle northbound lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed this Sunday morning, 17 August, for filming.The closure runs from the Curran Street on-ramp to the Stafford Road off-ramp between 3am and 9am. All other lanes will remain open, and traffic is expected to be light at this time.For those heading from the Hibiscus Coast into the city early on Sunday, you may notice a short delay if you’re in the affected lanes, but overall disruption should be minimal.If bad weather prevents filming, the closure will shift to the following Sunday, 24 August.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 15/8Sun peeking through the clouds with a light sou’east breeze.High: 15Low: 5Saturday, 16/8Mostly cloudy and breezy from the nor’east.High: 15Low: 11Sunday, 17/8Steady rain with a fresh nor’easter — best grab the wet weather gear.High: 15Low: 11Monday, 18/8Showery and brisk from the west — you’ll want the raincoat.High: 16Low: 10Want more weather info? Tap into the full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide times🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming spots...and plenty more.Everything you need, right here in the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere!

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s renewed push for a ‘bed tax’ has been met with strong opposition from the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance, which says the city’s problems won’t be solved by adding another levy.A bed tax (also called an accommodation levy) is a fee added to the cost of staying in hotels, motels, or other paid accommodation. It’s usually charged per person, per night, or as a percentage of the room rate, with the money going to the local council to help fund tourism services and infrastructure.Alliance spokesman Sam Warren says the Government was right to reject the idea, warning that the proposal would only create more headaches for the city’s already struggling hospitality sector.“The last thing Auckland needs is another tax, and adding more problems isn’t going to fix the ones we already have,” Warren said. “Taxing visitors to try and draw in more visitors is backwards logic.”He says the Mayor should be focused on delivering on his original promise to untangle the bureaucracy that has bogged down the Supercity since its creation.According to the Alliance, the city needs to prioritise efficiency and core services, not distractions. “Auckland desperately needs to dig itself out of the malaise it finds itself in. The focus needs to be on cutting through the noise and getting back to basics,” Warren said.For Hibiscus Coast locals, the debate matters because any new tax targeting visitors could impact tourism and hospitality businesses across the region. Many rely on Auckland’s visitor market and worry an extra charge could deter domestic and international travellers.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Voting is now open to elect parent and teacher representatives to the Orewa College Board of Trustees.With 27 candidates standing for election, more than the available positions, the process has moved to the voting stage.Five parent representative positions are up for election alongside one teacher representative role.First and foremost, a school board is accountable for student progress and achievement to its parents, community, and the Crown.Trustees set the vision for the school, ensure it complies with legal and policy requirements, and oversee areas such as staffing, property, finances, curriculum, and administration.Being a trustee means taking an active leadership role in the school.Trustees need to work well in a team, ask challenging questions, and have good communication skills.Boards benefit from a mix of skills and experiences to ensure effective consultation, planning, monitoring, reporting, and reviewing of the school’s performance.For Orewa College, trustees act as the link between the school and the Hibiscus Coast community, making decisions that shape the learning environment and opportunities for students.Only the parents of Orewa College students are eligible to vote. Voting closes on 10 September at 4pm.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Auckland voters will have the opportunity to hear from the main mayoral candidates for the city's top job, after uncertainty that any mayoral debates would be held.Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has agreed to share the stage with Councillor Kerrin Leoni, who is fighting for his job this local body election.The two mayoral candidates confirmed to RNZ they would attend Grey Power North Shore's 'Let's Talk About Auckland' event on 19 September in Northcote.However organiser and Grey Power president Trish Deans told RNZ their event was not a debate.Each candidate would have 7 to 10 minutes each to make a speech. Then they would take questions from the floor.Councillor Kerrin Leoni. Photo: Supplied / NZ Herald"We want to hear as residents of this local area what the mayor and the other candidate, Kerrin Leoni, the serious contenders, think about Auckland, our problems, and how we solve those things," Deans said.She said the mayor confirmed he would participate on Friday last week."It's just fabulous to get our Mayor and Kerrin. Our audience, we've paid our rates for years, and we just love our city."We've got to hear the direction of Auckland, that's the thing that's worrying most of us."She said they only invited Brown and Leoni due to time restrictions."There are just too many candidates for one particular meeting. Our audience wants to hear the main contenders. Kerrin and the mayor just stood out."

BNZ has responded to Tuesday’s fixed home loan rate cuts from ANZ, trimming its own rates across several terms ahead of next week’s expected Official Cash Rate (OCR) drop.James Leydon, BNZ’s General Manager Home Lending, says the move means borrowers can access more competitive rates immediately. “We know household budgets remain tight for many New Zealanders, and today’s changes will help reduce monthly mortgage payments for those refinancing,” he says.The cuts apply to both new customers and existing customers who are in their rollover period or currently on variable rates.New fixed home loan rates:6 months: 5.09% p.a. (down 0.20%)12 months: 4.79% p.a. (down 0.10%)18 months: 4.79% p.a. (down 0.10%)2 years: 4.89% p.a. (down 0.06%)3 years: 4.99% p.a. (down 0.10%)For Hibiscus Coast homeowners, the change could make a noticeable difference in mortgage repayments, especially for those locking in shorter terms while waiting to see where rates head next. The adjustment also signals banks are preparing for a more favourable lending environment, which could help free up household spending power locally.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Average home values have edged down across New Zealand, falling 0.5% in the three months to the end of July, according to the latest QV House Price Index. The national average now sits at $909,671, just 0.1% lower than this time last year and still 13.1% below the January 2022 peak.QV National Spokesperson Andrea Rush said the market is still adjusting to softer economic conditions, with affordability, job security, and mortgage costs front of mind for many buyers. First-home buyers and owner-occupiers remain most active, buoyed by steady interest rates and more choice on the market.In Auckland, values slipped 1.2% over the quarter to $1,219,470, down 1.5% year-on-year and 19.6% below the peak. Closer to home, Rodney saw a 0.3% drop, while the former Auckland City area held almost flat at -0.1%. The North Shore fell 2.0% and Waitakere 1.6%.QV Auckland Registered Valuer Hugh Robson said the higher end of the market is defying the trend. Barfoot & Thompson sold 51 homes over $2m and 16 over $3m in July, the best result since 2021. “It shows confidence remains for quality homes in top locations,” he said.With spring’s traditional listing surge approaching, the coming months could determine whether the market tips toward recovery or remains flat.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

From 1 April this year, more Hibiscus Coast drivers have been paying Road User Charges (RUC), and the Government has now confirmed rates, exemptions, and a major shake-up for how we pay for roads.Light diesel vehicles and electric cars now pay $76 per 1000 km. Plug-in hybrids pay $38 per 1000 km to avoid double-charging, as they also pay fuel tax when using petrol. Rates for heavier vehicles start at $82 per 1000 km and rise to $352 depending on weight and axle count. Heavy electric trucks and buses remain exempt until 30 June 2027.Buying a RUC licence costs an extra $12.44 online or $13.71 in person each time, on top of the per-kilometre charge.The biggest change is yet to come. The Government plans to scrap the petrol tax by 2027 and move all vehicles – petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric – to an electronic, distance-and-weight-based RUC system. This would replace paper licences with digital records, offer monthly billing, and allow charges like tolls to be combined on one account.While officials say the shift will make road funding fairer, the AA and privacy groups have raised concerns about how location and travel data will be collected, stored, and used. The Government says it will work with the Privacy Commissioner to ensure strong safeguards.Until then, petrol-powered cars will keep paying fuel tax at the pump, but by 2027 every driver on the Hibiscus Coast will be paying RUC directly.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.