Running a small business in New Zealand often means wearing multiple hats—owner, operator, marketer, problem-solver, and, importantly, team manager.Whether you're leading a crew of five or fifty, effective team management is crucial to your business's success.A highly functioning team doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of intentional leadership, clear communication, and strong systems.So, what are the core skills needed to manage a team effectively?1. Clear and Consistent CommunicationIn small businesses, where roles often overlap and resources are tight, clarity is key.Team members need to know what’s expected of them, how their work contributes to the business, and where to go when issues arise. Good team managers foster an open-door policy, encourage feedback, and regularly check in—formally and informally. Tools like shared calendars, group messaging apps (e.g., Slack or Microsoft Teams), and weekly stand-ups can go a long way in maintaining alignment.2. Emotional Intelligence and EmpathyIn New Zealand's close-knit working environments, emotional intelligence (EQ) is not just a buzzword—it’s a management essential. Being able to read the room, understand team dynamics, and respond calmly under pressure can strengthen trust and cohesion. Empathetic leadership—where team members feel heard, respected, and valued—boosts morale and reduces turnover.3. Delegation and TrustMany small business owners struggle with letting go. But the ability to delegate effectively is what separates busy managers from strategic leaders. Trusting your team to take ownership of tasks allows you to focus on growth and planning. Delegation also empowers employees, developing their confidence and skills—key to long-term retention and performance.4. Conflict ResolutionEven in the best teams, conflict can arise. The skill lies in addressing issues early and constructively. Kiwi workplaces often pride themselves on being laid-back, but avoiding tension can lead to resentment and disengagement. Great managers approach conflict with a solutions-first mindset—listening to both sides, identifying the root causes, and finding common ground.5. Goal-Setting and AccountabilityWhether it’s meeting sales targets, improving customer service, or launching a new product, clear goals give teams direction. Good managers involve staff in setting realistic and measurable goals, breaking them down into achievable steps. Just as important is following up—celebrating progress, addressing roadblocks, and maintaining momentum.6. Adaptability and Continuous LearningNew Zealand’s small businesses often operate in rapidly changing markets, particularly in rural and regional areas. Good team managers are agile—they pivot quickly when things shift, and they encourage their teams to grow with them. This might involve upskilling, embracing new technology, or simply learning from mistakes and trying again.To Sum UpEffective team management isn’t about being the boss—it’s about being a leader others want to follow.In New Zealand’s small business environment, where teamwork and community are often at the heart of success, investing in your people is investing in your future.By developing core management skills like communication, empathy, delegation, and adaptability, you’ll build a team that’s not only high-performing but proud to be part of your business journey.And what do I think is the most important of everything outlined above?I would say without hesitation that getting ‘delegation and trust’ right will be the one step that will have the greatest impact in your business.If you’d like to talk more about this, please contact me on 027 433 1430. I’d be happy to expand on this subject with you.

The Zeekr 7X, a fully electric mid-size crossover SUV from premium EV brand Zeekr, could soon be spotted on the Hibiscus Coast. Recently showcased in Australia, the model is part of Zeekr’s global delivery push in 2025, which includes Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.Launched in 2024 under the Geely Auto Group (which also owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus), the Zeekr 7X takes aim at rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 3. It blends luxury, practicality, and performance in a family-friendly package designed for global roads.Standout specs include an 800V ultra-fast charging system, a 100+ kWh battery, and a range of over 700 km (CLTC). Buyers can choose between dual- or tri-motor all-wheel-drive setups, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in under four seconds.With sleek styling and tech-loaded interiors, the Zeekr 7X would look right at home cruising along Hibiscus Coast Highway or parked at Gulf Harbour Marina. The big question for Coasties isn’t if, but when they’ll get the chance to drive one.If New Zealand pricing matches the brand’s competitive positioning in China, the 7X could become a serious contender for anyone considering a premium EV in 2025.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Thousands of New Zealanders could face delayed retirements due to under-diversified KiwiSaver portfolios, according to new research prompting calls for more adviser education on emerging asset classes.KiwiSaver balances have hit a record $112 billion, with the average member’s balance now $33,514, yet most funds remain focused on traditional investments. Swyftx CEO Jason Titman says only two providers offer any digital asset exposure, leaving New Zealand “behind global trends” seen in countries like Canada and Singapore.“If you’d invested $10 a day in Bitcoin over the past 10 years, that $36,500 would now be worth around $2.8 million,” says Titman. “Even a small allocation to high-growth assets can dramatically shift long-term outcomes.”While balanced KiwiSaver funds returned about 6–7% annually over the past decade, digital assets have delivered far greater gains, albeit with higher volatility. Titman says a disciplined 3–5% allocation could modernise portfolios without taking unnecessary risks.For Hibiscus Coast residents, the debate matters because a large portion of the community is in KiwiSaver’s core demographic of 25–45-year-olds, many already self-investing in crypto outside the system. If KiwiSaver adapts, locals could benefit from more choice and potentially faster retirement growth.Titman is calling for improved adviser training and certification to help navigate these options, noting 14% of Kiwis already invest in digital assets independently.“Better-informed advisers build better portfolios,” he says. “The goal isn’t speculation, it’s meeting future retirement needs.”Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Business leaders say the economy is stuck in a holding pattern, with rural regions showing more optimism than urban centres, according to the first NZ Chambers of Commerce Business and Economy Survey.The survey, involving over 20 Chambers from Northland to Southland, represents tens of thousands of businesses across all sectors. Most CEOs report steady but flat conditions, cautious investment, and a wait for stability.Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges described a “Groundhog Day” of fatigue after tough years, while rural-backed regions like Canterbury, Southland, Manawatū-Whanganui, and Queenstown Lakes are buoyed by strong agriculture, tourism, food production, manufacturing, and logistics.In contrast, urban hubs like Auckland are lagging, and some regions such as Nelson-Tasman and Northland face weak demand and cost pressures. Sectors like retail, hospitality, and construction remain under strain.On the Hibiscus Coast, local business confidence is expected to mirror Auckland’s softer mood, with many operators feeling the pinch from rising costs, lower consumer demand, and uncertainty. This could mean slower recovery locally unless export-led gains start flowing through.Survey data shows:60% rate regional business confidence as moderate, with 45% expecting no change in six months.79% of businesses are holding steady.89% see infrastructure investment as the best government action.Primary industries are leading recovery in rural areas, but many CEOs agree the rebound has yet to reach urban service-based economies.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

More young people in New Zealand know about nicotine pouches like Zyn—but most don’t want them sold here.New research shows awareness of nicotine pouches jumped sharply between 2023 and 2024. Among 16 to 19-year-olds, 36% had heard of them by 2024. That number rose to 48% for those aged 20 to 29. Use among young adults also increased by more than 60% in the same period.The findings come from a Public Health Communication Centre briefing using local survey data and in-depth interviews with teens aged 16 to 18. Many had seen the products promoted by influencers on TikTok and Instagram. They said the pouches were shown as cool, performance-enhancing, and safer than vaping.But most young people weren’t buying it.University of Otago researcher Dr Jude Ball said curiosity, not a desire to quit smoking, was the main reason for trialling the product. “Our participants were aware that young people were being targeted,” she said, “and most did not support the proposal to introduce them to New Zealand.”That includes many on the Hibiscus Coast, where teens are regularly exposed to social media content pushing trends. This story matters because the government's decision could directly shape what products our local youth see in shops next.Despite official advice against legalisation, Cabinet has agreed in principle to change the law.A final decision is still to come.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Welcome to The Week That Was.Your go-to recap of important news, stories, and updates for the Hibiscus Coast community.Your Vote Decides The Hibiscus Coast’s FutureRead more →What Dual Stadiums Mean For Hibiscus Coast FansRead more →What NCEA Rankings Mean For Hibiscus Coast StudentsRead more →Maximise Claims On Company Vehicles (Sponsored)Read more →Beach Updates Go Live For Hibiscus CoastRead more →Your Coast. Your news. Your app.Download the Hibiscus Coast App for instant local updates. Anytime, anywhere.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

New Zealand's grocery prices stabilised last year, but remained higher than in many many other developed nations, according to the Commerce Commission.The Annual Grocery Report for 2024 also highlighted "geographic inequities", where areas like Auckland enjoyed more competition, compared to less populated regions."In 2024, retail grocery prices appeared to have stabilised after years of significant growth, which was reflected in a slowing of the major supermarket's gross margin growth, however, grocery prices remain higher than the OECD average," grocery commissioner Pierre van Heerden said.However, he noted recent 2025 data showed retail prices rising, highlighting the need for more work to improve competition.The Commission said the most recent data from 2023 showed New Zealand prices were three percent higher than the OECD average, although the gap has narrowed.It was nine percent higher in 2022, and 14 percent higher than the OECD average in 2021.The commission said major supermarkets maintained their national market share of 82 percent, but there had been some movement within the group."Pak'nSave has increased its market share while Woolworths has had a continued decline in market share over the past five years," van Heerden said.However, he highlighted geographical differences in supermarkets' dominance."Consumers in Auckland and other main cities have a range of options, but consumers in smaller towns and rural areas typically have minimal to no choice within their locality, with some stores in small towns functioning as a localised monopoly," van Heerden said.The report said in Auckland major supermarkets held 71 percent of the market, compared to 88 percent in the rest of the country.It also found 90 percent of New Zealanders were within a 10-minute drive from a major supermarket.The top of the South Island, West Coast, Otago, Waikato and Taranaki were where the major chains held the most dominance.

Auckland FC has strengthened its line-up with the signing of Australian winger Lachlan Brook from Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake, giving local football fans another reason to get behind the team this season.Brook, 24, brings over 100 professional appearances and 18 goals to Auckland, along with experience in Australia, England, and the US. He says he’s eager to make his mark in front of a home crowd.“There’s so much hype for this team and what they’ve achieved on and off the pitch,” he says. “I’ve heard plenty about the fans and the numbers who turn out. I can’t wait to get out there and show them what I’m all about.”Brook’s career began at Adelaide United, where he was part of the 2019 FFA Cup-winning side. He then spent time with Brentford and Crewe Alexandra in England before returning to the A-League with Western Sydney Wanderers, where he netted nine goals in 23 appearances.Head Coach Steve Corica says Brook’s versatility and proven record will be a boost for the side.“He knows the league, has an eye for goal, and is a proven professional. We needed to boost our attack this season and he fits the bill.”Brook has also represented Australia at U18 and U23 levels, including scoring the winner in the 2019 AFF U18 Championship Final.Season memberships are now on sale, giving Hibiscus Coast fans the chance to catch all 13 home games and meet the players.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’re heading in or out of the Hibiscus Coast next week at night, plan ahead.SH1 between Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road will be closed in both directions on different nights for maintenance.Southbound: Closed Sunday 10 August, 9pm to 5amNorthbound: Closed Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 August, 9pm to 5amThe closures are part of NZTA’s general maintenance schedule.Dates may shift depending on weather.Affected ramps include:Silverdale southbound on-rampOteha Valley Road southbound off-rampOteha Valley Road northbound on-rampSilverdale northbound off-rampBP Dairy Flat ramps (no public access during works)Recommended detours:Use Twin Coast Discovery Highway, Dairy Flat Highway and Oteha Valley Road.Locals travelling at night, including shift workers, airport-bound drivers or anyone heading to Auckland after hours, may need to allow extra time.Some ramp restrictions may begin earlier than 9pm.This work coincides with full closures for the Penlink project.There will be no through access on SH1 in either direction from 10 to 14 August, 9pm to 5am.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Homeowners on the Hibiscus Coast wanting to add a garden shed, small garage, or sleep-out will soon face fewer rules and faster approvals.By the end of 2025, new government changes will relax setback requirements for small buildings.Cabinet has agreed to scrap the minimum distance rule for single-storey buildings under 10 square metres and reduce the setback to just one metre for those between 10 and 30 square metres.Previously, sheds and similar buildings had to be as far from a boundary or another residential building as they were tall.Anything closer needed a costly and time-consuming building consent.Regulation Minister David Seymour says the shift came after hearing frustrations via the Red Tape Tipline.“Section sizes are shrinking, and the cost of living rising. Forcing people to put sheds in the middle of their lawn or pay for consent doesn’t make sense.”Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says the change is a “real win” for anyone short on space, giving them more freedom to add useful backyard structures without extra paperwork.For Coasties, it means it will soon be easier to create storage for bikes and tools, a sheltered spot for the car, or even a cosy guest sleepout — without jumping through as many hoops.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

Sixteen percent of last year's school-leavers had no qualifications, the highest figure in a decade.It equates to about 10,600 teenagers, and is 0.4 of a percentage point worse than the previous year and about six percentage points higher than the 10-11 percent recorded in the years prior to the start of the pandemic.The percentage of school leavers with no NCEA certificate has been rising since 2020, a trend teachers blamed on the after-effects of Covid-19 lockdowns combined with high employment prompting more young people to leave school earlier than they otherwise would.Some worried any weakening of those effects would be cancelled out by the introduction last year of a tougher literacy and numeracy requirement which applied to students who wanted to leave with NCEA level 1.The Education Ministry's figures showed 13 percent of last year's leavers had not reached the literacy and numeracy benchmark compared to about 10 percent under the previous requirement in pre-pandemic years.The figures showed 81 percent of last year's leavers had stayed at school until the age of 17 or beyond, up from 79 percent the previous year with bigger increases in retention at schools in poorer communities.Māori had the worst results - 28 percent left with no qualification last year, compared with 19 percent of Pacific leavers and 14 percent of European/Pākehā leavers.In Tai Tokerau nearly one in five leavers had no NCEA certificate.Socioeconomic barriers had a big impact - 28 percent of leavers from schools facing the most barriers had no NCEA certificate compared with 4 percent of leavers from schools facing the fewest barriers.The figures showed 76 percent of last year's leavers had level 2 NCEA or better, 0.6 of a percentage point more than in 2023.The percentage of leavers with at least NCEA level 3 rose 2.7 percentage points to 56 percent.

Thinking about buying in Auckland?Now might be your moment.The average asking price for a house in the region fell to $989,250 in July, according to the latest Trade Me Property Pulse Report.That’s nearly $17,000 less than June and the first time since September 2024 that prices have dipped below the $1 million mark.Trade Me Property’s Gavin Lloyd says this drop has arrived earlier than usual, which could mean more time for prices to stay low.“Last year, prices were under $1 million for two months. This year’s trend could last longer, offering a unique opportunity for buyers.”For Coasties keeping an eye on Auckland’s housing market, this shift matters.Many locals work or invest across the city, and a softening in prices could make long-term goals a little more reachable.Nationally, average asking prices also eased, down to $821,750.The Bay of Plenty and Taranaki saw the steepest monthly drops, while Canterbury and Southland held steady or rose.Despite the price falls, there’s still a healthy number of listings.While listings were down 3% from June, overall buyer interest was up 3% month-on-month.Lloyd calls the current conditions a “golden opportunity” for buyers.With more time and less pressure, he says it’s a good window to buy well — if you're ready.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

If you’ve been wondering what IKEA might bring to New Zealand, they’ve just given a quiet first look.The brand has shared five everyday items they think will fit right in with the way Kiwis live at home.These aren’t showpieces.They’re functional bits and pieces picked from what IKEA found in its Life at Home Report for New Zealand.One of them is a shoe rack.Not exactly glamorous, but if your front door is a jumble of boots and jandals, you’ll get it.The MACKAPÄR rack stacks vertically to save space, and IKEA says nearly nine out of ten homes here struggle with cluttered entryways.They’ve also highlighted the KALLAX shelving unit. It’s the kind of thing you can use for toys, books, crafts, or even as a room divider.Helpful if your living room has to serve a few different purposes.Photo: BILLY BookcaseThe other picks include:The BILLY bookcase, which is known for being simple and easy to personaliseUPPDATERA storage boxes, which help tidy up junk drawers or kitchen cupboardsIKEA 365+ containers, which stack neatly and help keep your pantry organisedThere’s still no confirmed opening date for the Auckland store, but these picks give a sense of what’s coming.Know something local worth sharing?Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.

A woman has moved her elderly parents out of multiple rehab and respite facilities because of serious concerns including over-crowding, mistakes with medication and unchanged soiled bedding.She said sweeping reform is needed in aged care.The woman, Sandy*, said earlier this year her father, who has dementia, was discharged from a hospital in the middle of the night in his pyjamas because there was no longer a bed for him.RNZ has revealed there is a 20 bed ward at North Shore Hospital full of patients with no medical reason to be there, but there is nowhere suitable for them to go because of their complex discharge needs, requiring specialist nursing and allied health workforces.That prompted Sandy to contact Checkpoint about her experience.She believes the system is already overstretched and it is only going to get worse with an ageing population.Sandy told Checkpoint she had moved her parents from four or five facilities in the past year, for a raft of reasons."Not enough space, the food is not nutritional... there's not enough people, you're getting a shower if you're lucky every third or fourth day."She said she had been told the lack of showers was standard."People will get a shower about twice a week... we were told at every single facility, 'no, you get shower twice a week, that's our standard of care'."Lack of separation between patients was another issue Sandy raised, with many patients, including those with dementia, sharing wards."There's no delineation often with dementia patients, so there are buzzers going all day and all night, people going in each other's room, six people to a bathroom, televisions going at 90 decibels, day and night."In busier times, she said she had seen patients sharing a room.On one occasion a lack of staffing led to her mother, a patient at the facility herself, to be caring for another patient."There was a woman in the room next door who cried all day and all night and it was my mother who was there meant to be being looked after, who ended up caring for this woman because the carers didn't know what to do with her."Sandy said her elderly father had also been treated poorly.She said her elderly father was made to leave the hospital in the middle of the night due to a lack of beds."My father, who was at end of life, [at] 3am was put in a taxi in his pyjamas with no shoes and sent back home because they didn't have a bed for him."The incident shocked her."I was just staggered, absolutely. You know, if someone had told me that story, I would have said no, that can't be right."Sandy said her father had also been given the wrong doses of medication."A double dose of medication and then a few weeks later, the wrong medication."She said while the situations had been dealt with well by the facility, she was worried for vulnerable people who did not have someone looking out for them."What about the people that don't have a Sandy? What about the people who don't have a voice? How many other mistakes? How many other things are being overlooked?"Sandy said she had experienced a raft of issues in facilities and hospitals, once being told by the hospital that soiled beds did not get changed on a Sunday."It's just such a stretched system. We could probably do with double the number of carers, double the number of doctors, double the number of beds and that wouldn't be enough."I think it's such a systemic problem and I don't know the answer, but it's sweeping reform... it is depressing."Checkpoint has sought comment on this story from Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora.*Not her real name

Looking for plans?Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!The Dental Suite Silverdale - Grand Invisalign Open DaySat 9 AugClick here for more detailsDairy Flat Country Club Annual Mid Winter SwimSat 9 AugClick here for more detailsTiki Taane - One Man BandSat 9 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 →

Police are asking for the public’s help to find 16-year-old Louie, who has been reported missing from the North Shore.Louie was last seen in the Unsworth Heights area on 27 July. His family and police are concerned for his welfare and are keen to locate him quickly.He has not been seen or heard from since that date, and anyone who may have spotted him or has any information is being urged to get in touch.If you’re heading south for work, school, or sport, you might have seen Louie without even realising.If you have any information that could help, call 111 and quote reference number 250730/7761.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Consumer spending in New Zealand has inched up for the first time since March 2024, according to Worldline NZ figures.Core Retail merchants in the company’s payments network recorded $3.60B in transactions this June, up 0.8% on the same month last year after adjusting for changes in the network.Worldline NZ Chief Sales Officer Bruce Proffit says this follows similar modest lifts in April and May, making the June quarter the first to show annual growth in more than a year.The 1.2% growth for the quarter might be small, he says, but it could mark a turning point for the rest of 2025.June is typically the slowest month for retailers, and this year’s calendar shift meant one fewer Saturday.Even so, Proffit says it was encouraging to see a positive result.Hospitality spending told a different story, falling 2.4% year-on-year to $0.85B.Auckland and Northland saw the sharpest drop at 4.3%, while Nelson’s slight fall of 0.5% was largely due to severe weather late in the month.Waikato bucked the trend with a 3.3% rise, helped by the annual Fieldays event in Hamilton.Within Core Retail, Whanganui saw the strongest June growth at 6.9%, followed by Taranaki at 4.1% and Nelson at 4.0%.Spending slipped in Wellington (down 1.8%) and Auckland/Northland (down 0.7%).For Hibiscus Coast shoppers and business owners, these figures reflect the broader Auckland/Northland decline, but the national lift suggests confidence might slowly be returning to tills.Seen something local we should cover?Let us know at [email protected]

Former All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga is heading home.Mo'unga has signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury for 18 months from July 2026 to December 2027, putting him in the selection frame for the All Blacks for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.The 31-year-old, who has played 56 tests since making his All Blacks debut in 2017, will play for the Crusaders for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season and Canterbury for the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons.He will be available for All Blacks selection from October 2026.Mo'unga could battle it out with the likes of Beauden Barrett for the All Blacks first-five jersey. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nzMo'unga was a key player of the side for a number of years and played a pivotal role in the All Blacks run to the 2023 World Cup final in France, which they lost by just one point to South Africa.He moved to Japan in 2024 to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo."The Crusaders have always been a huge part of my life - not just as a player, but as a person," Mo'unga said."I can't wait to return in 2027 and continue to build on the legacy of the franchise. I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with the fans and contributing to the environment both on and off the field."Mo'unga still has one more season in Japan before returns to Aotearoa."I've grown a lot during my time in Japan with Toshiba, both on and off the field. It's been an incredible experience with my family that I'll always be grateful for, and I'm really excited for one more season with them," he said.Mo'unga has played 109 games for the Crusaders and head coach Rob Penney said his homecoming is a massive boost for the champions."Richie's connection to this club runs deep and he is a great Crusader man. We're really blessed with the talent that we have in the Crusaders and having Richie back will not only enhance the team and have a positive influence over the group, but it will also ensure his legacy lives on long after he has departed."Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said Mo'unga will improve the team."The word care is thrown around a lot in this place, but the care Richie has for this club and this team is second to none. He has this gift of bringing out the best in those around him and we can't wait to have him back here in 2027."

Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 8/8Cloudy with morning rain, breezy westerly – take a brolly!High: 15Low: 10Saturday, 9/8Partly cloudy, brisk sou’wester – crisp start to the day.High: 13Low: 6Sunday, 10/8Sunny skies and a cool southerly – perfect for a stroll.High: 12Low: 5Monday, 11/8Sun and cloud mix with a breezy sou’easter.High: 13Low: 7Want 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!