Coasties might remember the buzz in Silverdale earlier this year, when the first-ever Pioneer Festival filled the village streets with music, laughter, and the smell of fresh food. The free community event, hosted by Silverdale Business, will return on Sunday, 8 March 2026, from 12–5pm across Silverdale Village and Pioneer Village.This year’s festival drew more than 4,000 people for a lively mix of history, entertainment, and community connection. Over 60 local stallholders offered everything from handcrafted soaps to award-winning chocolate, while families enjoyed live performances, food trucks, and the ever-popular community raffle stacked with prizes donated by local businesses.Planning for next year is already well underway. Organisers say the 2026 event will build on that success, with more music, kids’ entertainment, local food, and historical displays celebrating the area’s roots.That means Coasties can expect another fun, family-friendly day out that shines a light on Silverdale’s heritage and supports the small businesses that make this part of the Hibiscus Coast special.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Explainer - There's a "mega strike" coming this week. Who is taking part, and why are they protesting?It is being billed as quite possibly the biggest labour action in more than 40 years.Teachers, nurses and thousands of other workers are all expected to strike on Thursday 23 October as dissatisfaction over pay and working conditions boils over.It is the latest in a growing series of strikes and walkoffs this year, but the sheer size of it means much of New Zealand will come to a halt."The mood for working people is frustration with a government that is out of touch and doesn't seem to value them or their work - especially in the public sector," Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff said.However, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is calling the planned action "a shame", and said, "I think people are getting sick of unions prioritising the politics over patients, or kids in education and parents being mucked around."Here's what you need to know.Who's striking?An awful lot of people - estimates have been that more than 100,000 people could walk off the job Thursday.More than 36,000 nurses will strikeAn estimated 11,500 other healthcare workers, including senior doctors, dentists, social workers and others, will join themAn estimated 40,000 teachers will go on strike."The strike on 23 October by so many essential public service workforces shows the level of frustration workers are feeling," said New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO) bargaining team member Debbie Handisides.They will represent several unions including the Public Service Association (PSA), NZNO, New Zealand Education Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI) NZEI, Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA Te Wehengarua) and Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).Nurses and healthcare assistants strike outside Britomart Station in Auckland.Nurses have gone on strike in July as well. Photo: Wallace ChapmanWhere are there going to be protests?There will likely be some events Thursday outside schools and hospitals, but there are also many larger organised events.Marches and rallies are scheduled throughout the country, including a march in Wellington to Parliament with a rally at 1pm and a march down Queen Street in Auckland meeting in Aotea Square starting at 12pm.A full list of picket and rally event locations and times has been posted on union websites.How will this affect services?Many schools will be closed, and at hospitals, many non-emergency medical procedures will be delayed.Police said planning was well under way to ensure safety on Thursday."Members of the public may experience some delays when the protest is underway," a police spokesperson said."In Auckland march activity is expected around Queen Street and Te Komititanga Square from noon with disruption to traffic flow and traffic management in place. In Wellington march activity is expected from Queens Wharf to Parliament around noon with traffic management at key intersections."Is this actually the biggest strike in years?There is no way of knowing until the day itself, but it is shaping up to be.Victoria University professor of history Jim McAloon, who has extensively studied Aotearoa's labour history, said it is "quite likely, in terms of numbers of workers"."Indeed if you count it that way, it might be the biggest since the 1979 General Strike, a one-day protest against (former Prime Minister) Muldoon intervening in wage negotiations."That strike drew about 300,000 workers, he said.Healthcare workers hold placards at a picket line in Wellington earlier this year. Photo: RNZ/Samuel RillstoneWhat do the nurses and doctors want?Nurses have been negotiating their pay as well as concerns about staffing levels and safety for some time now and have been embroiled in negotiations since last year.A Public Service Commission spokesperson said that under the most recent offer, "nurses on the top step would have had a 2 percent increase in June 2025 - an extra $2135 per year - with another 1 percent increase in June next year".Under that June offer, a graduate nurse on $75,773 would have received a total 11 percent increase to take their salary to $84,150 by June 2026, the commission said.NZNO said that offers are below inflation rates, and said there is currently no new current offer or counter-offer on tap."Health NZ needs to listen to the voice of workers and come back to the bargaining table with an offer that provides for safer staffing levels, ends delays in recruiting new staff, and a better pay offer that reflects their value to the health system," PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons has said.Nurses have protested staffing levels, and say they are risky, said nurse Handisides."The coalition government is totally out of touch and refusing to listen. They don't understand what it's like to work in a hospital where you are constantly short-staffed."It puts the safety of our patients at risk. When there aren't enough nurses, care is delayed, and lives are put in danger. This is not a standard of care we trained for or that New Zealanders deserve."For senior doctors, the latest offer was for a salary increase of 5 percent over the 16-month term of the offer, with the ability to provide an additional increase for first-year specialists who would receive a $15,578 (8.4 percent) increase on base salary and all other salary related remuneration such as KiwiSaver. A $40 million fund is also proposed for distribution to senior doctors in recognition of the value of their work and to support the workforce.About 36,000 nurses, midwives and health care assistants also went on strike in July for 24 hours.What happens to medical services on Thursday?Health NZ told RNZ if it proceeds, the strike would see more than 900 procedures cancelled and more than 1380 first specialist assessments wiped from the schedule.Health New Zealand advises that on Thursday:all emergency departments will remain open but EDs will need to be kept for emergencies onlyif it is an emergency, call 111 immediatelyanyone unsure about whether they need emergency department care should contact their GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116patients presenting to emergency departments with non-urgent conditions will likely experience significant delayspeople with non-urgent illnesses or injuries should contact their GP or other health providerto maintain patient/client safety, most clinic appointments will need to be rescheduled. However, if you have an appointment booked during the strikes, come to your appointment unless you are contacted directly to have your appointment rescheduledHospitals and healthcare services will continue to provide acute and emergency care - including maternity care, intensive care, mental health services, emergency department care, ambulance and district nursing services.patients in hospitals and facilities will continue to receive care.What do the teachers want?Meanwhile, teachers are seeking better pay and say offers are not meeting the rising costs of living.The Public Service Commission said that the latest offers to primary and secondary teachers would deliver a 4.7 percent increase within 12 months. It said the latest offer would mean 66 percent of primary teachers would be paid a base salary of at least $100,000 within 21 months of ratification, while 76 percent of secondary teachers would receive the same.The government is also spending $53 million to pay teachers' registration and levies, of up to $550 per teacher."PPTA has received - on 5 September and 10 October - a couple of offers from the government for settlement of the secondary teachers' settlement, but both fail to meet the needs of secondary teachers and students," PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said.Abercrombie said the offer included two pay rises - 2.5 percent after settlement and 2 percent 12 months after that - but no more until after the next bargaining started. He said that would probably mean up to 24 months with no further pay rises."In several ways it was worse than the previous offer, so we have proceeded with calling the strike action," he said.Teachers have also been holding rolling strike action since last week and they're also scheduled to halt teaching extracurricular activities on 29 October and another nationwide strike on 5 November from 1.15 to 3.15pm.Meanwhile, primary principals accepted an offer from the government this weekend. Primary Principals Collective Bargaining Union agreed to a 2.5 percent pay rise this year, followed by a 2.1 percent rise next year, after four months of negotiation with the Ministry of Education.So are my kids going to go to school Thursday?Most primary and secondary schools will be closed. Check with your own school for information.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at a press conference in Auckland. Photo: MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZWhat does the government say?Luxon has said unions aren't coming to the negotiating table."Kiwis suffer when unions take this sort of action rather than getting around the table and bargaining and continuing to negotiate - which is what they should be doing."Health Minister Simeon Brown also said health workers "crossed an ethical line" with strike plans.He said patients were paying the price for the strike action, and accused the union of walking away from negotiations."Patients should never be collateral damage in disputes between management and unions."Education Minister Erica Stanford has also criticised the timing of the teacher strikes around NCEA exams which begin on 4 November."Those students who are going to miss out on days with these rolling strikes are about to go into their final exams," Stanford told Morning Report recently. "They need their teacher in front of them for that very last minute revision.""They are negotiating in bad faith. They wanted to go to a strike, and they've done that," she said."The fact that they're all doing this on the same date ... this is politics ahead of actually public service, which is what they should be about," Brown has said.Nurses on strike in North Shore, Auckland in July. Photo: RNZ/Calvin SamuelThere's been a lot of protests this year - why is that?The country has recorded at least 22 official work stoppages this year, The Detail reported."The government's message of restraint is not going down very well at all, and that is understandable in view of the serious inequalities of wealth and income which have become evident in recent decades," McAloon said."There are examples of people in fulltime employment resorting to food banks."What is particularly important in next week's strike is that it involves mostly public sector workers, whose pay and conditions are directly linked to government policies."For years, under both National-led and Labour-led governments, teachers and health sector workers have noted that their sectors are under severe pressure."McAloon said other factors are also in play, such as the government's changes to pay equity claims, persistently high food prices and changes to Jobseeker eligibility for 18- and 19-year-olds.Wagstaff rejected claims unions were putting politics ahead of public service, and said he believed it's actually the other way around."These workers have shown much patience for months and months to get a reasonable offer," Wagstaff said."Instead they have been mucked around and expected to keep services operating despite under resourcing and under staffing. It is a coordinated government attack on these workers that is putting politics ahead of public service - not teachers and nurses."

New Zealand’s ageing population is growing faster than its infrastructure can keep up, warns a new report from WSP and the Helen Clark Foundation.The study, Age-proofing Aotearoa: Rethinking our infrastructure for an ageing population, finds one in three New Zealanders could be 65 or older within decades.Author Kali Mercier says that shift is both a challenge and an opportunity.“With the right planning and investment, we can ensure older people live well – and that we’re building communities that work better for everyone.”The 65+ population is expected to surge from 870,000 in 2024 to as many as 2.5 million by 2078.But the report warns that aged-care beds, housing, and hospital capacity are falling behind.New Zealand could be short 12,000 aged-care beds by 2032, while home ownership among over-65s is projected to drop to 50% by 2040.Older people also face transport and design barriers that isolate them.The report calls for walkable, connected neighbourhoods, better public transport, and accessible homes to help maintain independence and manage long-term costs.WSP Head of Planning Rachel Lawson says urgent, joined-up planning is essential.“Adequate and appropriate infrastructure ensures that the period of life experienced by all New Zealanders during their ‘Third Age’ is characterised by dignity, opportunity, and personal choice.”For the Hibiscus Coast, where retirement villages and older residents already form a growing part of the community, the message hits close to home: prepare now, or risk the services and housing squeeze later.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Labour Day is a public holiday that falls on the fourth Monday in October and commemorates the eight-hour working day.This year, it's on 27 October in New Zealand.Unlike Christmas, Easter and Anzac Day, shops do not have to close, but labour laws state people who work must be compensated.Large chain stores generally open on Labour Day in New Zealand, with some - such as The Warehouse and Noel Leeming - opting to hold Labour weekend sales.Supermarkets generally also open, although their hours may change, so it's worth checking with the individual store whether this is the case.Restaurants and cafes often open on Labour Day, but some will require you to pay a surcharge. Keep in mind that many restaurants that open five days a week often close on Monday anyway, whether it's Labour Day or not.It's definitely worth either phoning or checking the establishment's social media site to see whether the place you intend dining is open.Government departments, such as Inland Revenue and Work and Income, close on Labour Day.Work and Income says that will mean anyone usually paid on Tuesday, 28 October, will be paid on Saturday, 25 October.SurchargesEmployees are paid time-and-a-half and entitled to a paid day off, if a public holiday falls on a normal working day for them.To recoup this increased cost, businesses like restaurants, bars and cafes are able to charge customers a surcharge.Consumer NZ says a business can charge any amount as a surcharge, as long as it informs customers of the surcharge and explains why it has been applied.This can be done with the display of signs detailing the surcharge, a message on the business's website, or by verbally letting the customer know at the time of purchase or before they order.If customers believe they have been misled about a surcharge, they can complain to the Commerce Commission.The typical surcharge is 15 percent, the Restaurant Association says.Why do we have Labour Day?Labour Day is commemorated in many countries on a range of dates.It celebrates the idea of an eight-hour working day and, in New Zealand, it was championed by Wellington carpenter Samuel Parnell.In 1840, Parnell refused to work for more than eight hours each day and, because there were not many people who had his carpentry skills in New Zealand at the time, his employers had to agree to him working those hours, according to Christchurch City Library's website.On 28 October 1890, he led a Labour Day parade of 1500 people to commemorate his establishment of the eight-hour working day and to encourage other industries to do the same.Although the government was reluctant to enforce the eight-hour working day across the board, it did pass the Labour Day Act 1899 to establish a public holiday on the second Wednesday of October, teara.govt.nz said.From 1910, Labour Day was observed on the fourth Monday in October.

Annual inflation rose 3.0 percent in the year to September 2025, driven by sharp increases in electricity, rent and council rates, according to Stats NZ. The figure sits at the top of the Reserve Bank’s 1 to 3 percent target range and follows a 2.7 percent rise in June.Electricity prices climbed 11.3 percent, the biggest annual jump since 1989, while rents rose 2.6 percent and local authority rates were up 8.8 percent. Together, these three areas made up nearly a third of the total rise in living costs.Stats NZ spokesperson Nicola Growden said electricity costs were at their highest in decades, reflecting structural pressures in the market. “Annual electricity increases are at their highest since the late 1980s,” she said.Households in the Hibiscus Coast are experiencing an increase in power bills and rate notices. While rents have risen more slowly this year, many local families are still feeling the flow-on from higher service costs and housing expenses.Quarterly inflation came in at 1.0 percent, with rates and vegetables leading the charge. Seasonal increases for tomatoes, cabbage and lettuce pushed vegetable prices up 12.2 percent over the quarter.Petrol, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications gear eased slightly, offering a small offset. But overall, the cost of living remains high, leaving Coasties balancing budgets just as summer energy use and council rate instalments kick in.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

What started as a small comic and trading card meet-up in the ‘90s has grown into New Zealand’s biggest pop-culture festival.Armageddon Expo marks its 30th year this Labour Weekend with four days of gaming, fandom and celebrity guests at Auckland Showgrounds.Organiser Bill Geradts says this year’s event is the most ambitious yet.“It’s got the biggest lineup we’ve ever hosted and the biggest gaming displays since the pandemic,” he says.“People are going to come and just have a blast.”Running from Friday 24 October to Monday 27 October 2025, the anniversary show brings a stacked guest list including Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Billie Piper, Evangeline Lilly and John Boyega.Anime and gaming stars such as Jim Cummings and Nolan North will also appear, alongside voice actor Mela Lee who’s performing her new album Stealing Moonlight live on Saturday.Fans can dive into zones like the Battlefield 6 Helicopter experience, Marvel Rivals arena, and Nintendo Switch 2 preview area, plus join cosplay parades, panels and competitions all weekend.For Hibiscus Coast fans, it’s a trip south for a dose of nostalgia and new tech in one.The Geradts family has run every Armageddon since 1995, making it a true Kiwi success story.As Adele Geradts puts it, “We’ve put our heart and soul into this. It feels like a celebration.”Tickets are available now at armageddonexpo.com.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Today is World Osteoporosis Day, and this year’s theme, “It’s Unacceptable!”, highlights the need to close the global care gap for bone health.Often called the “silent disease”, osteoporosis develops without warning signs, and many only discover they have it after a fracture. Bone Health New Zealand says one in three women and one in five men will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.Hip fractures are especially serious. Each year, around 3,700 New Zealanders break a hip, half never regain full mobility, and a quarter die within a year.As we age, our bones naturally lose density and strength. That process speeds up with hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, or lifestyle factors like poor diet, smoking, and inactivity.For Coasties, today’s a timely reminder to check in on your bone health, encourage older family members to do the same, and build habits that keep bones strong—more movement, calcium, and sunshine all help.You can take a free online bone health test at knowyourbones.org.nzKnow something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Next time you reach for eggs at Woolworths, you can do so knowing every single carton is cage-free.Woolworths New Zealand has become the first national retailer to sell only cage-free eggs across all its stores, three months ahead of its December 2025 goal. The move marks the end of colony-caged eggs on Woolworths shelves and a win for animal welfare.SPCA has congratulated Woolworths for its leadership, saying the decision supports better lives for hens nationwide.‘Cage-free’ covers both barn and free-range systems, while colony cages restrict hens from natural behaviours like perching, nesting and stretching their wings.All SPCA Certified branded eggs on Woolworths shelves are cage-free, coming from farms independently audited to meet high animal welfare standards.Woolworths Head of Sustainability Catherine Langabeer says the retailer’s next goal is ensuring eggs used in its Woolworths Own Brand products are also cage-free. “Reaching this milestone early shows our commitment to suppliers, customers, and doing what’s right.”For Coasties, it’s one more reason to feel good about breakfast. Every egg now comes from hens that can move, scratch, and live naturally.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.New Chatterbox Seat Brings Conversations to OrewaRead more →How Smart Structuring Turns Bad Debt Into Tax WinsRead more →Auckland House Prices Slide Again—Buyers Hold PowerRead more →Brynderwyn Hills to Close for Two “Super Weekends”Read more →Snowplanet to Honour GrabOne Vouchers After CollapseRead 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.

The Government says more people are finding work despite ongoing economic challenges, with new Ministry of Social Development data showing a 6% rise in main benefit recipients moving into jobs compared with the June 2025 quarter.That’s 20,775 people who left benefits for employment.The Minister for Social Development and Employment, Louise Upston, asserts that the data signifies "independence, security, and lives transformed" for thousands of families.The figures include a 6.9% increase in exits from Jobseeker Support and a small drop in young people receiving that payment.While total benefit numbers have risen as forecast, Upston says employment conditions are expected to improve later in the year.The Ministry has expanded its frontline and phone-based case management to support 10,000 more people at a time, alongside Kōrero Mahi seminars that help jobseekers with CVs, interview preparation, and finding suitable roles.“These small things can make all the difference,” she says.“We know many New Zealanders are still doing it tough, and that’s why we’re focused on practical, hands-on support while people seek employment.”For the Hibiscus Coast, where many residents commute into Auckland for employment, the continued focus on job placement and workforce support helps sustain local households and keeps the region’s economy moving.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Secondary teachers have voted to strike again, with schools across the Hibiscus Coast expected to shut their doors on Thursday, October 23.The Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) confirmed members backed a full-day national strike after negotiations with the Government broke down.That will be followed by a ban on extracurricular activities on Wednesday, October 29 and a two-hour nationwide strike from 1.15pm to 3.15pm on Wednesday, November 5.For local schools, it means no classes on Thursday, October 23.PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said teachers are reaching breaking point as workloads climb and support systems fall short.“Keeping up with constant change is one of the biggest stress factors for teachers in New Zealand,” he said.PPTA president Chris Abercrombie. Photo: RNZThe industrial action adds pressure for Coast families juggling routines disrupted by earlier rolling strikes.Meanwhile, the Government has announced fresh funding to keep the Bikes in Schools programme rolling.Transport Minister Chris Bishop says $3.5 million from the NZ Transport Agency will help more primary and intermediate students learn cycling safety skills and access on-site bike tracks through to June 2027.“Bike riding is a really useful skill for life, and we want to make sure Kiwi kids get the chance to learn how to ride safely from a young age,” he said.For Coast schools already part of the programme, it’s welcome news amid a turbulent term.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Food prices fall 0.4 pct in September, annual rise eases to 4.1 pctAnnual rate lowest since March this yearGrocery prices driver of annual food inflation - dairy, meatFuel, airfares, accommodation, energy prices edge higherNumbers suggest annual inflation headed to 3 pct - due next weekConsumer inflation looks set to test the 3 percent level next week after new data showed higher food, transport, and energy prices.Stats NZ said food prices fell 0.4 percent in September on the previous month, slowing the annual rise to a five-month low of 4.1 percent."All five food groups continue to grow annually but the rate of increase for overall food prices has slowed this month," prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.Prices for grocery items such as dairy, bread, and eggs rose, but off their highs, rising 3.9 percent annually, followed by a 6.4 percent increase for meat and poultry, and a 2.5 percent gain for restaurant and takeaway meals.Fruit and vegetable prices rose 5.2 percent for the year, reflecting usual seasonal supply pressures with cabbages and lettuces among notable price increases.Transport costs rose in September with petrol pump prices rising along with airfares and accommodation.The items cover just under half of the consumers price index, with latest data for the three months ending September due next week.ANZ senior economist Miles Workman expected a quarterly rise of 1.1 percent, taking the annual rate to 3.1 percent from 2.7 percent in June."Accelerating tradable inflation - the more volatile side of the CPI (consumers price index) - is expected to push headline inflation higher."He said household costs driven by rates and ACC levies would add to food prices and airfares as the main drivers.Workman said the RBNZ would not be unduly "spooked" by headline inflation going through the top of its 1-3 percent target band and would be counting on underlying inflation pressures caused by the slack economy to ease over time.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

The Blues Board has confirmed Karl Budge as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 20 years of international sports leadership experience to the Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise.Budge is best known for his transformative tenure as CEO of the ASB Classic, where he repositioned the event as New Zealand’s premier summer tournament.More recently, through his company Octosport Partners, he helped drive commercial growth and fan engagement for the New Zealand Olympic Committee and SailGP across the Asia-Pacific region.His background spans both domestic and global sporting codes, with a track record of sustainable growth and commercial innovation.He has also contributed to the wider rugby landscape as a commercial sub-committee board member and secondee to the New Zealand Rugby Board.Budge says leading the Blues is a privilege and an opportunity to build on a proud legacy.“This club is built on a rich history and has a deep connection to its community across Auckland, North Harbour, and Northland,” he said.“My focus will be on ensuring we continue to grow and support a world-class high performance environment, connecting deeply with our fans, and ultimately delivering the success they deserve.”Blues Chair Don Mackinnon said Budge’s mix of commercial acumen and leadership credibility made him the right fit for the next phase.“Karl brings a proven track record of driving significant, sustainable commercial growth in competitive global environments,” Mackinnon said.Budge will start in the New Year, with director Andy Roberts continuing as interim CEO.For rugby fans on the Hibiscus Coast, his appointment signals fresh energy and a renewed focus on connecting the Blues’ regional heartlands.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Making plans?Here’s what’s coming up around the Hibiscus Coast. From live music and local markets to family fun and outdoor adventures.Shaun Johnson Book Signing in WhangaparaoaSat 18 OctClick here for more detailsOrewa Beach Farmers MarketSun 19 OctClick here for more detailsDigital SeniorsWed 22 OctClick here for more detailsFind more things to do anytime in the Hibiscus Coast App, your local hub for events, food, and fun.Got an event coming up? List it free today.

Motorists on the Hibiscus Coast should plan for overnight road closures on State Highway 1 and State Highway 18 next week.On Sunday 19 October, SH1 will close northbound between Constellation Drive and Oteha Valley Road from 10pm to 5am for maintenance. Several ramps and links will also close, including:Constellation Drive northbound on-rampGreville Road northbound off- and on-rampsOteha Valley Road northbound off-rampSH18 eastbound to SH1 northbound linkDrivers should detour via Paul Matthews Road, Bush Road, Albany Expressway and Oteha Valley Road. The work will run alongside SH18 maintenance between Albany Highway and Paul Matthews Road, which will be closed eastbound at the same time.On Wednesday 22 October, the Oteha Valley Road southbound off-ramp will be closed from 9pm to 5am for Auckland Transport works.Then on Thursday 23 October, SH1’s Greville Road southbound on-ramp will close between 9pm and 5am for loop cutting. Motorists can use alternative on-ramps at Oteha Valley Road or Constellation Drive.Locals travelling overnight should allow extra time and expect short delays, with detours through Albany likely to add several minutes to usual travel.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Auckland’s final local election results will now be released after 10am on Saturday 18 October, a day later than planned, after officials received an unprecedented number of special votes.More than 68,500 votes were cast by Saturday morning, lifting voter turnout to 28.8 percent across the region. But with over 10,000 special votes to validate, Auckland Council says the count will take longer than expected.The verification process ensures all special votes meet legal requirements before they can be included in the official tally. Council says accuracy takes priority over speed, given the high volume and the importance of every vote.The delay affects final results for all local races, including mayoral, council, and local board contests.For Hibiscus Coast voters waiting on results for the Rodney Local Board, final numbers will now be confirmed this weekend once all checks are complete.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Hours after news broke that GrabOne has gone into liquidation, Snowplanet has come forward with a promise to look after affected customers.The popular indoor snow park says it will honour all valid GrabOne Snowplanet vouchers, even though it’s unlikely to be reimbursed by the failed deal site’s parent company, Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited.General Manager Rojie Aguilar said the team only found out about GrabOne’s collapse when a customer called this morning.“We don’t want our customers to suffer because of something beyond their control,” he said.“Even though we may not be reimbursed, we’re standing by our core value to provide awesome snow experiences 365 days a year.”Read more: GrabOne GoneThat means Coasties with unredeemed Snowplanet vouchers can still make bookings as normal.Vouchers remain valid until their printed expiry date, with bookings accepted over the phone or by email using the same 9-digit codes.For more information, contact [email protected] or call (09) 427 0166.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Many Coasties will be disappointed to hear that GrabOne, the once-popular online deals site, has shut down after its parent company went into liquidation.Today, Calibre Partners were appointed liquidators of Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited, the company behind GrabOne.Funding troubles forced the business to stop trading immediately, and the liquidators have begun selling its assets.That means no new or existing deals will be promoted while the process unfolds.GrabOne was launched in 2010 and became a familiar part of Kiwi life, offering discounts on goods and services for local businesses across the country.It was sold to Global Marketplace New Zealand by former owner NZME in 2021 for $17.5 million.For anyone holding unredeemed vouchers, refunds won’t be available.Customers will need to contact individual merchants to find out whether their vouchers will still be honoured.The liquidators confirmed that any existing agreements remain between consumers and the company, not them.GrabOne has long been part of daily life for many locals, known for its discounted meals, weekend getaways and family activities.Its closure marks the end of a familiar way to snap up bargains across the Hibiscus Coast and beyond.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 17/10Fine with light sou’west winds.High: 19Low: 10Saturday, 18/10Mostly cloudy with a steady nor’wester.High: 20Low: 13Sunday, 19/10Afternoon showers and breezy nor’wester.High: 21Low: 11Monday, 20/10Sunny with light southwesterlies.High: 19Low: 12See 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.The Hibiscus Coast App has everything you need, accessible at any time and from any location.