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.

Auckland FC is set to open its Women’s Talent Development Centre (WTDC) early next month, creating a direct pathway for young female footballers from the Hibiscus Coast to the world stage.The programme will partner with clubs across Auckland, including those on the Coast, to provide weekly training, development matches, and workshops focused on both football skills and personal growth. A predominantly female coaching and support team will lead the sessions, fostering leadership and expertise among women in the game. Initially open to players born between 2008 and 2010, the WTDC will align with the international calendar to prepare talent for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. It will then expand to cover players born 2006–2010, aiming towards future U-17 and U-20 World Cups.“This is about ensuring young women in Auckland have access to high-performance development environments with clear pathways forward, whether that’s here at Auckland FC or overseas,” said Director of Football Terry McFlynn.The programme goes beyond the pitch, offering support in areas such as nutrition, wellbeing, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, and psychology. For Hibiscus Coast players, it could be a vital stepping stone to Auckland FC’s National League and A-League Women’s squads, while still keeping their roots in the local community.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

From a campus just an hour south of the Hibiscus Coast, University of Auckland researchers are leading a project that’s turning rooftops white in some of the hottest places on Earth.The REFLECT project, managed by Dr Noah Bunkley from the University’s Centre for Pacific and Global Health, is testing whether reflective “cool roofs” can protect people from dangerous heat in Niue, Mexico, India and Burkina Faso.Temperatures in these countries can soar over 45°C, or sit above 32°C with humidity at 90% — conditions that raise the risk of heat stroke, heart problems and kidney failure.While the Hibiscus Coast doesn’t see those extremes, Auckland summers are getting hotter and heatwaves more common.The idea is simple: a white reflective coating bounces sunlight away, lowering indoor temperatures and reducing the need for air conditioning.It’s cheap, quick to apply and could one day be used here to cut energy bills and keep homes comfortable in summer.In Niue, the Auckland team has painted 200 roofs so far, with another group of households waiting in a control trial.Reflective white roof coatings have been applied to about 100 roofs in Niue.Over the next year, researchers will track physical health, mental wellbeing, and hospital visits to see if cooler homes make a measurable difference.Dr Bunkley says the aim is to build strong evidence to roll the approach out globally.“Cool roofs could be a climate change adaptation tool with huge benefits,” he says.Results are expected early next year — and could inspire similar solutions right here on the Hibiscus Coast.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

You know that moment when you open the fridge and just stare, hoping dinner will magically appear?That was the scene at home the other night.The teenager was already eyeing the shelves and muttering “not that again”.Instead of guessing, a quick stocktake of what was inside went straight into ChatGPT.Seconds later, up popped a recipe for a hearty mince and veggie hash.No fancy extras, no endless chopping — just a quick, one-pan meal.The real surprise? After the first forkful, the teenager paused and said, “This is delicious.”That’s rare praise from someone who’s usually hard to impress at the dinner table.The recipe is now saved in ChatGPT under Hearty Mince and Veggie Hash for those busy nights when inspiration runs low.If you’re staring at your fridge tonight, you might want to try the same.A couple of minutes at the keyboard could save a dinner debate — and maybe win you an unexpected thumbs-up.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Brisk temperatures and icy cold weather maintains a tight grip on much of the country as the last few weeks of winter hit.But how long is the cold snap set to last?Well the official end to winter is nearing, with September 23 closing in (Springs scientific start date).However, MetService said it was not going to warm-up anytime this week, with cold southeasterlies locking in frosts, snow and icy conditions.They said the combination of high pressure and low-pressure systems were driving the southeasterlies.Low temperatures were forecast for Tuesday, except regions in the far north."This squeeze of systems is funnelling cold air up from the south.Eastern regions will have to wait until midweek for the cloud to clear, but elsewhere it's a run of frosty, sunny winter days," MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said.Lynden said the dreary clouds should disappear by Wednesday.Could be time for your next ski trip?MetService said some ski fields - including Canterbury fields - should expect a snow top-up near the end of the week."Cool temperatures and clear skies will make for some primo conditions on the mountains," MetService said."Layer up in the mornings, watch for icy roads, enjoy some crisp, sunny afternoons once the midweek clearance arrives...," MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden added.The North Island's Desert Road - State Highway 1 - was closed earlier this week because of snow.While Cook Strait passenger ferry sailings were cancelled over the weekend due to strong winds and large swells.

It was still dark when Hibiscus Coast’s Logan Rowell headed south for a day he’d been waiting months for – his first chance to ride his brand-new KTM RC8C.After bad weather cancelled his session at Hampton Downs the week before, this trackday at Manfeild’s Chris Amon Circuit was his only shot before the bike would be stripped down for race prep.The winter chill was biting, just 4°C at the start, and the track was still damp from overnight rain.Rather than risk damage, Logan skipped the first few sessions, waiting for the sun to work its magic.His first cautious laps confirmed it was worth holding back – the cold surface was slippery, making the bike twitch and slide.Photo: Jarod Carruthers PhotographyLater in the morning, with the circuit drier, he began to ease the bike through its paces.Even keeping the revs low to protect the engine, the difference from last season’s machine was huge.The RC8C felt light and precise, with power that made him grin inside his helmet.“The trackday meant a lot to me because it gave me a chance to have some seat time on the new bike and start to get a bit more familiar rather than head straight into racing with no idea how the bike would feel,” Logan said.“It was also super beneficial because I was able to run the bike in earlier, allowing me to focus more on bike setup when we get to Round 1 of the Auckland Motorcycle Club championship.”That first round is up next, with more testing and setup changes planned across two full days on track.Logan says none of this would be possible without KTM New Zealand, Double Six Motorsport, MTF Finance Silverdale, his dad, and all the local support backing his racing dream.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.