Auckland Transport (AT) is making strides in keeping its promise to improve road conditions for Aucklanders. In the five weeks since the agency announced its commitment to swift pothole repairs, 785 potholes have been filled, with 95% completed within targeted response times.Councillor Andy Baker, Chair of Auckland Council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee, praised the efforts. “I’m really proud of AT and the team of contractors who have stepped up to deliver on AT’s promise to ensure potholes are fixed quickly and improve levels of service for road users,” he said.The pledge includes a 24-hour repair timeframe for potholes on Auckland’s arterial and regional road networks, which span 1,400 km of sealed roads carrying more than 10,000 vehicles daily. On other sealed roads, the goal is to complete repairs within five working days.Alan Wallace, AT’s Group Manager for Road Asset Maintenance and Renewals, highlighted the positive response from the public. “Our contractors have done a great job and demonstrated their commitment to maintaining the network as best we can,” Wallace said.Over half of the repairs in the past five weeks occurred in Franklin, Waitakere, and Albany. These areas are also slated for extensive upgrades under AT’s Summer Road Reno programme, which aims to reseal or rehabilitate more than 410 km of sealed roads during the 2024/25 year. This figure represents an increase in road renewal activity, supported by additional funding from the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council.Looking ahead, the plan includes strengthening 30 km of unsealed roads and progressively increasing the renewal rate in coming years. With 40% of the programme already completed this year, AT is on track to improve road conditions across the region.

A security breach at Auckland Airport caused disruption for travellers as all passengers had to be re-screened.Flights were also delayed or cancelled as a result.There have been reports of large queues at the domestic departures.An Auckland Airport spokesperson said there was a security breach this morning.It had now been resolved."Aviation Security Services is requiring all passengers to be re-screened and that process is underway now," the spokesperson said."We thank travellers for their patience and they should please check with their airline about any impact to their flight."Air New Zealand said it had to cancel four flights as a result of the security breach.Several other flights were delayed."The team are working to re-accommodate any impacted customers and we thank them for their patience while we work to get them to their destination as quickly as possible," the airline said in a statement.Earlier this month there were lengthy queues at Auckland Airport's domestic terminal caused by upgrades to a security machine.

Today, shoppers across the Hibiscus Coast and New Zealand are taking advantage of Black Friday sales, a global shopping event that has grown in popularity in recent years. Known for its deep discounts and competitive deals, Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the festive shopping season.Originally an American tradition, Black Friday is rooted in the Friday following Thanksgiving, with its origins dating back to the 1960s. The term was initially used to describe heavy traffic as people returned to work after the holiday. Over time, it evolved to signify a day of significant profits for retailers, who used the event to draw in crowds with major sales.In New Zealand, Black Friday has gained traction over the past decade, with businesses of all sizes adopting the trend to attract customers. Both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers use the occasion to offer substantial discounts, often extending the sales into the weekend.On the Hibiscus Coast, Black Friday provides local retailers with an opportunity to connect with the community and boost pre-holiday sales. Shoppers can be seen flocking to stores and scouring online platforms for bargains on everything from electronics to fashion. The event has become a key date on the retail calendar, prompting businesses to plan promotions months in advance to meet the growing demand.With its global reach and local adoption, Black Friday has cemented itself as an important day for retailers and consumers alike. For shoppers, it’s a chance to save on holiday purchases, while for businesses, it’s an opportunity to drive sales and build customer loyalty.

Discover fresh local options as new businesses join the Hibiscus Coast App's growing directory!The app, with over 45,000 active users, continues to connect residents with trusted providers while offering local businesses cost-effective, targeted digital advertising.Featured New Listings:With over 50 years of expertise, Cato Bolam offers seamless land development solutions, handling everything from minor projects to large-scale subdivisions. Their team of specialists works under one roof to unlock your property’s potential while ensuring a smooth and successful journey.BurgerFuel Silverdale serves up premium, handcrafted New Zealand-made burgers using grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and innovative plant-based options. Open daily, its your go-to spot for fresh, gourmet burgers that cater to every taste. Based right here on the Hibiscus Coast, Matchbox Consulting helps businesses overcome challenges and thrive with over 40 years of combined banking and consultancy experience. From tackling financial stress to building growth strategies, they provide practical solutions to make your business (and life) easier.You’ll find these new additions in the "Professional Services," "Eat & Drink," and "Services & Trades" sections of the app, making it easier than ever to connect with trusted local providers.The Hibiscus Coast App is your hub for discovering and supporting local businesses. Explore the new listings today and experience the best our community has to offer!Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Hibiscus Coast locals may find renewed optimism in the latest property market figures, with New Zealand’s housing sector showing signs of recovery. The national average asking price for a property in October rose to $848,900, up 3.1 per cent from September, marking the strongest month-on-month growth in nearly three years. Trade Me Property reported the increase alongside a surge in both supply and demand, each rising by nine per cent compared to the previous month.Gavin Lloyd, Trade Me Property Customer Director, said the trend reflects seasonal activity and changes to the Official Cash Rate (OCR). “It’s positive to see property prices continue to trend up across much of the country as we head into summer when we would typically expect to see some momentum,” he noted. Compared to October last year, supply is up 26 per cent while demand has grown by 20 per cent, suggesting an increasingly active market.Auckland made a notable return to seven-figure territory, with the average asking price climbing to $1,038,550 in October, a 4.2 per cent rise from September. Auckland City and North Shore City contributed significantly to this growth, with prices jumping 7.8 per cent to $1,217,300 and 5.1 per cent to $1,235,300, respectively. This comes after five months of declining prices in the region and marks the second consecutive month of increases, offering reassurance to sellers.Nationally, homes are selling faster than in recent months, with the median time for listings dropping to 59 days from 70 in September. Lloyd described this as an encouraging development, adding, “Homes selling quicker is a good sign for our property market, particularly when it coincides with increasing demand as we have seen over the past four months.”Fourteen of the 15 regions monitored by Trade Me Property showed price growth in October. Among the strongest performers were the West Coast, Southland, and Northland, with increases of 6.3 per cent, 4.6 per cent, and 3.1 per cent, respectively. Gisborne was the only region to record a decline, with the average asking price falling 1.8 per cent to $603,650. This marks the fifth consecutive month of declining prices for Gisborne, contrasting with the upward momentum seen across much of the country.

Looking ahead, Coasties can expect the next four days to bring the following:Friday - 29/11Cloudy. Fairly breezy Sou'West winds.High: 23Low: 16Saturday - 30/11Showers. Breezy Southerly winds.High: 21Low: 17Sunday - 1/12Morning showers. Breezy Nor'East winds.High: 21Low: 16Monday - 2/12Mostly cloudy. Breezy Nor'East winds.High: 23Low: 16Get real-time weather updates, tide information, wind conditions, wave forecasts, recommended swimming areas, and lots more.Anytime, anywhere – everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App.

Hibiscus Coast locals are being encouraged to review their mobile plans, as a new report highlights room for improvement among New Zealand’s leading mobile providers. Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees have been assessed by Consumer NZ and the Commerce Commission for their efforts in empowering customers to make informed decisions about their mobile plans.The annual assessment revealed varied performance across the three providers, with each capable of doing more to assist customers in choosing the most suitable plans. Telecommunications Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson emphasised the importance of transparency, saying, “Mobile providers know a lot about their customers – from how much they talk on the phone to the amount of data they use each month and what this all costs. At a minimum, consumers should be able to easily access this information to make informed choices.”Consumer NZ developed criteria to evaluate the providers’ mobile apps and annual email summaries, focusing on the quality and accessibility of information and whether customers were encouraged to explore alternative plans.Provider Ratings:SparkScored 80% overall, excelling in personalised recommendations through its “Made for You Review” feature, which uses AI to analyse customer usage patterns. However, the feature only reviews six months of data and lacks detailed spending insights.2degreesAchieved an overall score of 79%, leading in app transparency by clearly showing usage and spending. However, it does not offer personalised plan recommendations.One NZScored 67%, falling short on data access with its app limited to two-to-three months of information. It provides plan suggestions only for customers with very low usage.The findings come amid Consumer NZ’s push for “right-planning,” where mobile providers proactively suggest the best plan based on customer usage. Nick Gelling, Consumer product test writer, noted, “The data is already there – telcos just need to use it to help their customers make better decisions.”With 60% of New Zealanders remaining with the same provider for over five years, Consumer and the Commission recommend that customers review their mobile plans annually to ensure they are not overpaying.“We hope to see all telcos take the next step in offering greater transparency and right-planning,” said Mr Gilbertson, adding that such efforts could save consumers money and improve overall satisfaction.

Locals across the Hibiscus Coast may soon benefit from innovative traffic solutions transforming Auckland’s busy streets.Auckland Transport (AT) has introduced a series of advancements, including smart traffic lights, on Fanshawe Street, one of the city’s most congested routes.Fanshawe Street, located in Auckland’s city centre, now features a 24-hour bus lane, smart traffic signals, and pedestrian detection technology.These upgrades aim to improve traffic flow, prioritising efficiency and reducing congestion.The bus lane alone now carries up to 5,000 passengers per hour, more than doubling the capacity of adjacent general traffic lanes.Genevieve Sage, chair of the Waitematā Local Board, highlighted the significance of the project.“Fanshawe Street is a key route in the heart of our city. These advancements ensure Aucklanders can commute more efficiently, reduce reliance on vehicles, and experience a smoother journey as they navigate the city centre. We’re prioritising solutions that make a difference now while preparing for the future,” she said.Auckland Transport’s Road Network Optimisation Manager Chris Martin elaborated on the role of the smart traffic signals.“With smart adjustments, we’ve turned Fanshawe Street into a prime example of how Auckland can move more people using existing infrastructure. Now, the volume of bus passengers surpasses the cars on all lanes on Nelson Street,” Martin explained.The smart lights work dynamically, ensuring green signals are prioritised where they are most needed, reducing delays for buses and vehicles.Additionally, pedestrian detection technology cancels crossing signals if no pedestrians are present, further streamlining traffic.These measures are part of a broader programme led by Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency.The initiative aims to optimise existing road infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of vehicles on Auckland’s streets.

Families and businesses across New Zealand are set to benefit from the recent drop in the official cash rate, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasising the positive financial impact on Kiwi households.The 50 basis point reduction, announced as the third drop since August, brings the total decrease to 125 basis points over recent months.“This is good news for families and businesses, both directly and indirectly,” said Willis. “For example, a family with a $500,000 mortgage on a 25-year term could expect to be about $180 better off each fortnight if their rate drops from 7 to 5.75 per cent. The exact impact will depend on factors such as mortgage size, whether the rate is fixed or floating, and the current rate.”The drop in the cash rate is part of a broader package of measures aimed at easing the financial burden on New Zealanders. Tax relief, which took effect on 31 July, and the FamilyBoost childcare payments are already providing financial relief for many households.“The reduction in rates means that many everyday Kiwis can focus more on what matters most to them, rather than worrying about mortgage repayments or whether their card will be declined at the supermarket,” said Willis.For businesses, lower borrowing costs mean more money circulating in the economy, supporting growth and investment opportunities. Willis also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritise spending, invest in essential services, and reduce red tape, all of which are helping to restore confidence in the economy.Despite ongoing challenges, Willis remains optimistic about New Zealand’s financial recovery. “While there is still a long road ahead, we are headed in the right direction,” she concluded.With the recent reduction in the cash rate, many Kiwi families and businesses are poised to see the benefits in the weeks and months to come.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has announced a reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, lowering it from 4.75% to 4.25%.This marks the lowest OCR level since November 2022 and follows a similar 50-basis-point cut in October.The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made the decision in response to easing inflationary pressures and subdued economic activity.Annual consumer price inflation is now close to the midpoint of the Committee’s 1–3% target band.Core inflation has also shown signs of convergence toward this midpoint, aligning with the Committee’s long-term objectives.Economic conditions within New Zealand remain restrained, with economic output below its potential and employment growth expected to remain weak until mid-2025.Excess productive capacity in the economy and a reduction in domestic price and wage-setting pressures have contributed to the easing of inflation.Additionally, falling import prices have further reduced headline inflation figures.Globally, economic growth continues to face challenges, with geopolitical uncertainties and policy instability contributing to potential volatility.However, the Committee noted that having inflation close to the midpoint of its target range allows for greater flexibility in responding to unexpected economic developments.Looking ahead, the Reserve Bank indicated that further reductions to the OCR might occur early next year, should economic conditions evolve as projected.Lower interest rates are expected to encourage investment and spending, supporting a gradual economic recovery by 2025.In a statement, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said the decision underscores the Reserve Bank’s commitment to maintaining price stability while addressing current economic challenges both domestically and internationally.

One KiwiSaver provider says there is "no way" that people would want to retire with less than $1 million.Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura Wealth, said how much people needed to save for retirement would depend on the sort of lifestyle they wanted. But he said it would easily run into seven digits.Carlyon said international research indicated something between 70 percent and 100 percent of a person's pre-retirement income was needed in retirement, and the "big spending" periods happened in the first 10 years, when people wanted to celebrate not working, and in the last 10 years, when they spent it on healthcare."If we model it out for someone earning $120,000 today [who has post tax income of $87,644 per year] and wants to live until 95, also assume they get $400 per week from NZ Super… If they keep it invested in a balanced fund earning 3.5 percent they will need [for 70 percent replacement] a starting balance of $1.1 million [and for 100 percent replacement] a starting balance of $1.8m."The truth though is that people are also working longer and learn to adapt. I suspect the honest truth is the number is closer to $1m than $2m. But no way would you want to retire with less than $1m."NZ Super pays $519 a week after tax for a single person - or two lots of $400 for a couple.Actuaries suggest that it is reasonable to forecast taking 4 percent of the starting value of your investment fund each year as income. That means if you want to have $60,000 in income above the pension, you would need to have about $1.5 million.Massey University research last year estimated, a single person in a metro area would need a lump sum of $717,000 for a choices life, with a few luxuries.A two-person household would need almost $1 million in a metro centre.In the provinces, it was not much easier - a choices life for a single person would cost $824,000 and $609,000 for a couple.That data will be updated soon.Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said it was people's savings and investments that would help make retirement more comfortable and enjoyable."People are living longer these days. On average, 80 percent of 65-year-old men can now expect to live until they're 90, and 65-year-old women until they're 94."If you plan to stop working at 65, and many don't, on top of NZ Super most will need to save and invest, or have another plan, to provide the income you want for 25 to 30 years or more. The Sorted retirement calculator can help you with some assumptions. It's also important to remember, if you have savings, that your spending in retirement is likely to gradually reduce over time. Plan for higher amounts until perhaps your early-mid 70s, while you enjoy your new-found freedom, then reduce a bit after that. Don't be scared to ask for advice."Financial coach Liz Koh said the ball park she suggested was to have saved about one third to a half the value of a person's house."So if you have a house worth $1m then $300,000 to $500,000, and if it's worth $2m then twice that."She said the cost of a house was a proxy for lifestyle and the area that people lived in."Cities are much more expensive to retire in."Koh says you're not alone if you don't have $1m to retire on."There are few people who have $1m to $2m. They would be in the top few percent of the population."An 18-year-old starting out in KiwiSaver earning $50,000 is on track to save about $340,000 by 65 in a growth fund - but that assumes no withdrawal for a first home.To save $500,000, that person would need to save more like 6 percent of their income - or have their income increase faster than average over their career.

Locals can look forward to significant ecological restoration projects in Okoromai Bay and O Mahurangi next year.Auckland Council is leading the charge to transform these areas into thriving habitats.In February, work will begin on restoring the Waterfall Gully stream terminus at Okoromai Bay in Shakespear Regional Park.The project aims to reconnect the wetland with the bay, reviving a long-lost ecological link.Chair of the Parks Committee Ken Turner explains that this restoration work is part of a larger effort to offset ecological losses caused by infrastructure developments."The scale of this impact means we need to strike a balance by revegetating or protecting land elsewhere," Mr Turner says.The Waterfall Gully stream, currently culverted under the amenity lawn area, will be 'daylighted' and restored to its former natural path.This will improve the ecological health of the area, creating a more vibrant wetland habitat.A pedestrian bridge will be constructed over the revitalised stream, and extensive landscape planting will line the stream's edges.In addition to the stream restoration, a massive revegetation effort will take place in O Mahurangi in winter 2025.Approximately 38 hectares will be covered, with large areas of pasture retired to make way for new forest and wetland habitats.Auckland Council's Manager Regional Parks Scott De Silva notes that this will create vital connections for wildlife across the open sanctuary."The reduction in pastureland will result in a decrease in grazing sheep, and the new forest corridors will benefit native birds like the bellbird, tui, kererū, and kiwi," De Silva adds.These projects reflect a broader vision for ecological offsets, where the loss of native habitat due to development is mitigated by creating or enhancing habitats elsewhere.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Many bottle shops and supermarkets in Auckland are gearing up for a stricter cut-off time to sell alcohol just as the festive season kicks off.From 9 December, all off-licence alcohol outlets will have to stop trading from 9pm, every day.Liquor City Manurewa manager Durjot Heer said while he fully supported the new legislation, he wondered why it was not implemented in January after the busy season."[The change is] much safer for everyone, after 9pm there is always trouble," Heer said.Heer said he had hoped the Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) trading hours were implemented after Christmas."It's our most busiest time of the year - it's party season."December 9 is not a hassle for us, but why couldn't they implement it from January 1, instead of before Christmas."Off-licence liquor stores in the region currently can trade till 11pm, if allowed.The new rules apply to off-licence alcohol outlets, which are bottle shops, supermarkets and outlets that sell alcohol for consumption elsewhere.It is part of Auckland Council's stricter rules under the Local Alcohol Policy, adopted in August.Botany Liquor Centre Flat Bush manager Aniked Kumar said their shop currently closed at 10pm."It's just one hour lost of trading, it will save on our expenses like bills," Kumar said."We're always busy, but we've been informing people of the upcoming change so our customers are aware."Supermarket giants, Foodstuffs and Woolworths said they would work with the requirements set out in the new LAP, when it came into force."We remain focused on safe and responsible sale and supply of alcohol at all our licensed stores and will continue to serve our local communities responsibly," a Foodstuffs spokesperson said.A Woolworths spokesperson said the change would be a big adjustment for some shoppers."We take our responsibilities as an alcohol retailer seriously, and are well prepared for the changes that Auckland Council's Local Alcohol Policy brings," they said.They have included in-store signage and radio to remind customers about the new rules, and will have barriers and checkout amendments that will activate at the 9pm cut-off."As we all adapt to this new council policy, we'd thank Aucklanders for treating our team members with respect and courtesy as they communicate the change."Trusts chief executive Allan Pollard said the 9pm closure created a fair and level playing field for all retailers.The Trusts control the sale of alcohol in west Auckland.Pollard said the financial impact on their stores would be minor, with most of stores already closing at or before 9pm."It is our larger stores that continue to trade until 10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday but we don't not envisage any issues with closing only 60 minutes earlier.""West Auckland customers are a resilient bunch who I have found through Covid, cyclones and floods to be very adaptive and supportive to any market changes, we will all pivot accordingly."The first phase of the LAP was implemented on 16 September, with a two-year freeze for new off-licence applications in the CBD and 23 town centres in priority overlay areas with the highest alcohol-related harm.Council's policy general manager Louise Mason said they implemented the LAP in stages to give businesses and their customers time to prepare for the changes."We've been sharing information with businesses and have sent out some materials they can use to communicate the next stage with their customers if they'd like to," Mason said.LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

The New Zealand economy is experiencing stagnant growth, ranking near the bottom of the 190 countries tracked by the International Monetary Fund, according to Professor Robert MacCulloch from the University of Auckland Business School."The economy is stagnant, and it's presently experiencing one of the lowest GDP growth rates in the entire world," Professor MacCulloch said.Finance Minister Nicola Willis has been criticised for her handling of the economy. Despite promising change, her government's reforms have been limited. International tourism has yet to recover to pre-Covid levels.Professor Robert MacCulloch holds the Matthew S. Abel Chair of Macroeconomics at the University of Auckland Business School.Professor MacCulloch noted that inflation, although lower, has been decreasing globally."Willis' tweak of the Reserve Bank Act had nothing to do with the drop here," he said.The government's efforts to reduce red tape and regulation have been underwhelming. The Department of Regulation, led by Act leader David Seymour, has made little progress, and Willis' new Social Investment Agency has done little more than rebrand."National has no room to move on taxation," Professor MacCulloch said. "They've only tweaked the system, adjusting tax brackets to account for inflation."The government's housing reforms have also been criticised for offering less of an increase in supply than previously proposed. The reforms focus on building out into green fields rather than increasing density in urban areas.

As summer approaches and temperatures climb, water safety organisations across New Zealand are urging locals to prioritise safety near the water. A newly redeveloped Water Safety Code has been introduced, offering five critical tips to help prevent drownings and injuries during what is expected to be a busy summer season.Maritime New Zealand, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, New Zealand Search and Rescue, and Drowning Prevention Auckland are working together to promote the new guidelines. These safety measures are based on extensive research, including local drowning and injury statistics, as well as international evidence on effective water safety practices.The initiative replaces a previous safety code introduced in 2013 and encourages people to consider their environment and decision-making before venturing into New Zealand’s waterways, which include beaches, rivers, lakes, and pools.Water Safety New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Daniel Gerrard, emphasised the importance of remembering basic safety tips, which are often overlooked.“Safety basics are just that – basic. Unfortunately, this can mean messages are taken for granted. When things go wrong in the water, it is these basics from dry land that often could’ve prevented tragedy,” he said.Gerrard highlighted the need for widespread community involvement in adopting the new Water Safety Code. “The Five Ways to Survive target the critical decisions people need to make to stay safe. All of us are encouraging New Zealanders to learn the tips, get involved and practice them – talk about them and get everyone home safe this summer,” he added.With thousands of people expected to visit New Zealand’s coastlines and inland waterways, the organisations behind the campaign are calling for a cultural shift in how Kiwis approach water safety. They are urging individuals to make smart decisions, respect the water, and look out for one another.The hope is to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all, with fewer accidents and more lives saved.

Police have successfully located farming machinery worth more than $100,000, following the execution of a search warrant at a Mangawhai address. The items, including a John Deere Tractor and post rammer, were stolen from a Tauhoa property in August.Sergeant Dan McDermott, Officer in Charge at Wellsford Police Station, confirmed that officers had been working diligently to trace the stolen items and identify the perpetrators. On Sunday, the search warrant led to the recovery of not only the John Deere tractor and post rammer, but also an implement trailer, a digger, and a wood chipper.“All the stolen items, except for the wood chipper, have been returned to their rightful owners,” Sergeant McDermott said.However, the police are still looking for the owner of the Hansa C13 Wood Chipper, which remains unclaimed. The chipper had its identifying features removed, and authorities are seeking information from the public to help identify its owner.“If you know who may own the wood chipper or have information on its origin, we encourage you to come forward,” Sergeant McDermott added. Proof of ownership will be required for the return of the item.The victims of the tractor theft expressed their gratitude to the police for recovering the stolen equipment. One victim shared their relief, saying, “This theft has had a massive impact on our livelihood and made both us and the wider community feel unsafe. We appreciate the support from the community and thank the police for their persistence.”Police are urging anyone with information related to the investigation to get in touch, either by updating online or calling 105. The reference number for the case is 241125/7163. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A new report from the Education Review Office (ERO) has called for significant changes to NCEA Level 1, citing concerns over fairness, consistency, and its effectiveness in preparing students for further education or employment.The review, commissioned in April by Education Minister Stanford, examined the current state of NCEA Level 1 amid a growing trend of schools opting out.Next year, fewer than three-quarters of schools plan to offer the qualification, with high-achieving schools leading the move away from it.ERO’s findings revealed widespread concerns among educators.Three in five teachers and nearly half of school leaders believe NCEA Level 1 is not a reliable measure of knowledge and skills.Additionally, differences in subject difficulty and assessment standards mean students face varying workloads and chances of success.Three-quarters of school leaders reported that credit values often fail to reflect the actual effort required.Assessment inconsistency was another key issue.Last year, students were nearly twice as likely to achieve excellence in internal assessments compared to external ones.This variability, combined with gaps in course content, leaves many students unprepared for NCEA Level 2.According to the report, fewer than one in three schools offer all four required parts of a course, while nearly three-quarters of school leaders said NCEA Level 1 does not provide a strong foundation for further study.The report also identified motivational challenges.Almost two-thirds of teachers said NCEA Level 1 does not inspire students to achieve their full potential or stay engaged until the end of the year.For students entering the workforce directly after NCEA Level 1, the qualification appears undervalued by employers.Seven in 10 employers consider it an unreliable measure of knowledge and skills, and nine in 10 believe it fails to reflect work ethic.Parents, too, face challenges with NCEA Level 1.Nearly half of parents reported struggling to understand its requirements, making it difficult to guide their children in making informed educational choices.ERO has outlined several reform options for consideration.These include removing NCEA Level 1 entirely, redefining it as a foundational qualification, or enhancing its rigour to better prepare students for NCEA Levels 2 and 3.If retained, reforms would aim to standardise workload and content across subjects, ensuring all students gain the knowledge they need for further study.In addition to long-term structural changes, ERO has proposed immediate improvements, such as better resources for parents and schools, to address some of the challenges by next year.

Locals in Waitoki were shaken this past weekend after a fatal crash claimed the lives of two people. The two-vehicle collision occurred on Kahikatea Flat Road at around 10 pm on Saturday.Emergency services responded to the scene and both drivers were rushed to Auckland Hospital in critical condition. Tragically, both individuals later passed away from their injuries.Police have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash is currently ongoing, though no further details have been released at this stage.As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking incident, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved.

More than 70 vacant flats in Auckland Council's pensioner villages will be refurbished and rented out after sitting empty for years, some almost in ruin.There are 14 of the pensioner villages across Auckland, and more than half of the 150 units are now vacant because the council stopped on-selling the flats.They are part of an own-your-own-home scheme that was set up in the 1970s to provide affordable housing for retirees, with council buying back units then on-selling at 80 percent of the market value.It has been two years since the council put its share of the scheme on the market, raising concerns among village residents.The council's property arm Eke Panuku was in negotiations with an undisclosed buyer earlier this year, but that sale fell through.General manager of assets and delivery Marian Webb said the 78 vacant units were council owned and these will be refurbished to healthy homes standard and rented to tenants that are "compatible with existing homeowners".She said when council has bought back all the units in a village, Eke Panuku will sell that village.Webb said a village in Panmure is fully vacant and this would be demolished and the land sold next year, with the proceeds from the sale used to start refurbishing vacant units in other villages from February.Refurbished units would be rented out from about the middle of next year."Our dedicated property management team has the experience and expertise to manage the scheme to a high standard and form strong relationships with existing homeowners," Webb said."We already manage a significant number of residential tenancies on behalf of council. Crucially, it provides homeowners a single point of contact for resolving issues."She said there would be no change to current homeowners' contracts and no pressure placed on them to sell back to council."Most of all, we're pleased to be able to give homeowners a clear answer on the next steps. They have been very patient and understanding, given the challenges of this very complex process," Webb said.The council's plan to sell its share in the scheme raised concerns among the homeowners of the privately owned 72 units who wanted the villages to remain as affordable housing for retirees.Pauline Sheddan - who bought a unit in the Sandringham village four years ago at 80 percent market value - said the outcome was a good compromise."We're very happy that finally a decision is made," she said."Some of us expect to be here for a very long time, so to have a good neighbourhood obviously is much more comfortable."Sheddan said some villages had many vacant units and remaining homeowner residents had started to feel unsafe."There are other people who have just not been able to cope at all and have had to move on, go into a retirement home or had family take care of them in some way... because the stress has been enormous for them."She said Eke Panuku's answers to her questions, provided to RNZ, showed there would be no more than two people renting each unit and tenants would generally be over the age of 65.Sheddan said affordable housing for the elderly was needed in Auckland and having units sit vacant for years had been a shame."There's an enormous demand and it also gives the new tenants the security of a long term rental. They're not at the whim of a private landlord."Auckland Council's Finance and Performance Committee agreed to sell council's interest in the own-your-own-home scheme in 2022, after a review found it was no longer fit for purpose.