Looking for plans? Explore events happening soon on the Hibiscus Coast and start planning your next activity!Good as New PreLoved Kids MarketSat 22 Feb, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PMMore detailsWhite Chapel Jak @ PBSat 22 Feb, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PMMore detailsLets Go CountrySun 23 Feb, 4:00 PM-7:00 PMMore detailsWant to see more events?Explore everything happening in our community on the Hibiscus Coast App.Have an event to share?Promote it for Free - click here!

This weekend, sports enthusiasts on the Hibiscus Coast are in for a treat with a lineup of thrilling rugby and football matches.Super Rugby ClashesChiefs vs. CrusadersTonight, the Chiefs will face the Crusaders at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm.Both teams are eager to continue their promising early-season start.Hurricanes vs. Fijian DruaTomorrow, the Hurricanes will host the Fijian Drua at McLean Park in Napier, with kickoff at 4:35 pm.Blues vs. HighlandersAlso on Saturday, the Blues will be in Dunedin to take on the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:05 pm.Both teams will be looking for their first win of the season.A-League Football: Auckland FC vs. Wellington PhoenixFootball fans can look forward to Auckland FC facing Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.The match takes place at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, with kickoff at 5:00 pm.This encounter marks the third meeting between the two New Zealand-based A-League teams, with Auckland FC winning the previous two matches.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Coasties keeping an eye on the local property market will be interested to know that the number of residential real estate listings on Trade Me Property has reached a five-year high.According to Trade Me Property, January 2025 saw a significant rebound in property listing views, up 43% from December. This rapid recovery is attributed to recent interest rate cuts and increased consumer curiosity in the market.Gavin Lloyd, Trade Me Property Customer Director, notes, "While a decrease in listing views over the holiday period is typical, this rapid rebound suggests that many Kiwis may be considering buying or selling in 2025."The national average asking price in January was $842,900, a 0.8% decrease from December. Source: TradeMe.Most regions showed relatively stable market conditions, with minor fluctuations.Gisborne, West Coast, and Southland experienced notable growth, with Gisborne property prices surging 6.9% in January. The West Coast and Southland took the top spot, achieving the highest year-on-year increases in average asking prices.Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) for January 2025 showed some positive signs across the New Zealand property market.REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird stated, "While the numbers predictably show January being a slower month due to the holidays, sales and listings were higher compared to January 2024."The median price for New Zealand decreased slightly, down 1.7% from $763,000 to $750,000 year-on-year.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Auckland Council is seeking feedback from Coasties on proposed updates to the Cemetery and Crematoria Bylaw, following a statutory review conducted in 2024.The proposed changes aim to clarify and streamline the bylaw without altering the daily operations of Auckland’s public cemeteries.Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, explained that the bylaw is a crucial tool for maintaining safety and ensuring cemeteries meet the needs of Aucklanders.“Our cemeteries are special places, and they deserve to be treated with care and respect,” she said.The bylaw governs the operation of more than 50 cemeteries across Tāmaki Makaurau, including notable sites such as North Shore Memorial Park, Waikumete Cemetery, and Manukau Memorial Gardens.The purpose of the statutory review was to ensure that the bylaw continues to serve Aucklanders effectively.According to Cr Bartley, the review found that the current regulations were working well, so no changes to the operational rules for the public are being proposed.However, the review uncovered outdated and duplicated information within the accompanying code of practice.To improve clarity, most of these rules will be incorporated into the bylaw, ensuring all relevant information is in one place.“These proposed changes will not affect the rules Aucklanders follow, but they will make the bylaw clearer and easier to navigate,” Cr Bartley added.While the changes are administrative, the council invites feedback from the public to ensure that the bylaw continues to meet the needs of the community.The consultation is open until Sunday, 23 February, and Aucklanders are encouraged to share their thoughts through the council’s “Have Your Say” website.The bylaw, supported by a code of practice, ensures the safe and respectful operation of Auckland’s cemeteries and crematoria.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

A new international study suggests that businesses can significantly cut energy waste by cultivating a workplace culture that encourages energy-saving behaviours, rather than enforcing them.The research, co-authored by the University of Auckland, emphasises the power of engagement over enforcement when it comes to motivating employees to save energy.The study, published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, reviewed 70 research papers focused on employee energy-saving actions.It found that personal attitudes, social norms, workplace habits, organisational culture, and peer feedback play a crucial role in influencing energy conservation practices.Encouragement and positive reinforcement were identified as key drivers, while punitive measures often proved ineffective.Professor Sholeh Maani from the University of Auckland's Business School, a co-author of the study, explains that businesses should focus on creating an environment that values energy-saving behaviour.Employees who feel supported in their efforts are more likely to adopt lasting energy-saving habits. “A work environment that recognises the value of energy-saving behaviour and employees with intentions to save energy are very effective,” Maani says.Study co-author, Professor Sholeh Maani, University of Auckland Business School.The research also highlights the importance of empowering employees with control over their work environment, such as adjusting lighting and temperature settings.Combining this autonomy with regular feedback on energy usage can help motivate employees to save energy consistently.Digital tools like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and gamified apps can offer real-time tracking of energy consumption, allowing employees to take ownership of their energy-saving efforts.These tools encourage both individual responsibility and teamwork by making energy use visible and actionable.While many businesses rely on educational campaigns to raise awareness about energy conservation, the study found that simply providing information is often not enough.In fact, in some instances, it may backfire if it feels like surveillance.One study conducted at a university in Canada showed that feedback and peer education reduced energy use by 7% and 4%, respectively.However, providing only educational materials led to a 4% increase in energy consumption.A similar study in the Netherlands found that public recognition of energy-saving efforts was more effective than monetary incentives.The 13-week initiative showed that employees who received positive public feedback for their energy-saving efforts reduced consumption significantly, highlighting the power of social recognition in fostering sustainable behaviours.Dr Le Wen, co-author of the study, agrees that practical interventions—such as peer feedback and recognition—are far more effective than simply imparting knowledge.She adds that when colleagues and managers actively participate in energy-saving initiatives, it fosters a culture where everyone feels motivated to contribute.The researchers stress that businesses aiming to reduce energy waste should focus on fostering a workplace culture that supports energy conservation.When employees see their colleagues saving energy and feel supported to make changes, they are more likely to follow suit.As electricity costs continue to rise and New Zealand's commitment to sustainability strengthens, businesses have a unique opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint while also engaging their staff in meaningful energy-saving efforts.Maani notes, “In a country where sustainability is a priority, reducing workplace energy waste is a low-cost, high-impact way for businesses to reach their environmental goals.”Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

New Zealand's diversity is reflected in the latest data on the most common registered family names for newborns in 2024, announced by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.Locals, it's interesting to note that for the seventh consecutive year, Singh has taken the top spot, with over 680 babies given this name.Kaur follows closely in second place with 630 babies, while Smith rounds out the top three with 300 babies sharing the family name.According to Ms van Velden, "A decade ago, in 2014, Smith was the most common registered family name, followed closely behind by Wilson and Brown."New Zealand's cultural diversity is evident in the varying popularity of family names across different regions.In the North Island, Singh, Kaur and Patel were the most common registered family names, while in the South Island, Kaur, Singh and Smith took the top spots.The family name Singh has a rich history, originating from the Sanskrit word for 'lion.'It is traditionally used by Sikh men and has become a common family name among the global Indian diaspora.Ms van Velden emphasised the importance of registering children, especially those born overseas, to ensure they have full access to citizenship rights."It's crucial for Kiwi parents to register their children as citizens by descent, enabling them to obtain a passport and exercise their citizenship rights."For more information on registering your child and accessing guidance on their early years, visit SmartStart.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Your weekend weather at a glance.Coasties, here’s what the next four days have in store:Friday, 21/2Partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk West to Sou'West winds.High: 25Low: 15Saturday, 22/2Partly cloudy. Breezy to brisk South to Sou'West winds.High: 24Low: 16Sunday, 23/2Partly cloudy. Breezy South to Sou'West winds.High: 24Low: 15Monday, 24/2Mostly sunny. Fairly breezy East to Sou'East winds.High: 25Low: 16Looking for more details?Check out our full Weather & Travel section in the Hibiscus Coast App for:🌊 Tide information🌬️ Wind conditions🌊 Wave updates🌞 UV levels🏖️ Safe swimming areasand much more.Everything you need is inside the Hibiscus Coast App – anytime, anywhere.

Coasties are advised of significant lane closures on the Harbour Bridge this weekend as the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) carries out resurfacing work.Southbound lanes 1 and 2 (the clip-on lanes) will be closed from 9 pm Saturday 22 February until 12 pm Sunday 23 February, with the Shelly Beach off-ramp also shut during the works.The scheduled resurfacing aims to enhance the longevity of the Harbour Bridge, but due to the nature of the materials used, the closure will last longer than typical overnight maintenance.Despite the closures, traffic will still be able to cross the bridge in both directions at all times.However, NZTA is urging drivers to avoid the area when possible, recommending State Highway 16 as an alternative route to avoid congestion.State Highway 16, also known as the Western Ring Route, provides a detour between SH1 Constellation Drive and SH1 Manukau, using SH18, SH16, and SH20.This detour helps maintain traffic flow while work on the bridge is in progress.To minimise disruption, the resurfacing has been scheduled over the weekend to avoid affecting weekday commuter traffic.However, the work is weather dependent, meaning that adverse conditions may lead to delays or rescheduling.Motorists should plan ahead and consider using alternative routes to avoid delays this weekend.As always, please reduce speed and follow all traffic management instructions to ensure safety for both crews and drivers.Have a story to share from your neighbourhood?We’d love to hear from you! Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says he is all in for the next three years, as he launches his campaign for a second term of the mayoralty.Brown made the announcement at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland on Wednesday afternoon.The 78-year-old has been the mayor of the super city since 2022.Speaking at his campaign launch, Brown said there was still more to do in the city."We still manage to waste money at the council and it's CCOs," he said.Brown said he wanted Aucklanders to bring him back to finish what he started three years ago."With experience, leadership, and a deep love for this city, I know what it takes to keep Auckland moving forward," he said.Brown said he had the right tools to benefit Auckland."I'm sure that my political neutrality, and my own unique, friendly style, have helped get councillors to support many of the changes that I've driven..." he said."Similarly my neutrality and well known kind, gentle negotiating style have helped in the battle with governments of both major parties to get Auckland to be treated with respect."Brown told RNZ he invited people from the business sector, the property sector, Māori, Chinese, and Indian sectors, and people from South Auckland businesses to the campaign launch, but no sitting councillors were invited.Brown said he had not had discussions around who would be his deputy mayor for a second term."We don't know who's going to get in," he said."There'll be retirements, and so I didn't discuss that until well after I won last time."Brown was also asked who he was most scared to run against in the upcoming election."I hadn't even thought about that to be quite honest... Elon Musk," he said.Auckland councillor Kerrin Leoni was the only councillor to put her name forward for the city's top job so far and would be running as an independent candidate.It was also speculated Brown's own deputy Desley Simpson could challenge him for the job after the domain name, "DesleyforMayor.co.nz'' was registered by Desley Simpson's son in December.She told RNZ last month she had "not yet made a decision about what I intend to do this year"/

Repairs to a crucial section of Duck Creek Road, a key detour route during the construction of the O Mahurangi – Penlink highway, have now been completed.The work comes after significant storm damage caused a slip, which put local access and the Penlink project's progress at risk.The slip occurred at a corner on the northern side of Duck Creek Road, which links Stillwater to East Coast Bays Road. Auckland Transport (AT) identified the urgency of repairs to avoid further disruption."While Duck Creek Road usually caters for around 2,000 vehicle movements per day, the additional trucks hauling materials and machinery for the Penlink construction added stress to the road," said Alan Wallace, AT's General Manager of Road Asset Maintenance & Renewals.Fulton Hogan, AT's contractors, focused on reinforcing the road with three retaining walls, enhanced drainage, and improved driveway entrances.The contractors worked in phases, alternating sides of the road, and carefully manoeuvred a 55-tonne crane to maintain a power pole during construction.The improvements were finished with the installation of new pavement, a guardrail, and landscaping, with the road fully reopened on 7 February.Local resident Karen expressed satisfaction with the completed work: "I am really pleased with the completed roadworks, including our driveway. It's much easier to get out now it's all finished and the stretch of road looks amazing. Thank you for keeping us updated during construction, it wouldn't have been easy!""AT and Fulton Hogan would like to thank the residents of Duck Creek Road and visitors for their patience during this project," said Wallace.This road repair ensures continued smooth access to the Penlink construction site, a key development connecting Whangaparaoa Road to State Highway 1.It also reassures the local community that necessary precautions were taken to safeguard their access during this significant infrastructure project.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's decision to reduce the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points has sparked optimism about the country's economic recovery. Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the move, stating that the outlook for the economy was positive, with more jobs and opportunities on the horizon for New Zealanders.The OCR now stands at 3.75 percent, down from 5.5 percent last August. Willis highlighted that this was the fourth rate cut since August, with the Reserve Bank expecting further reductions throughout the year. These reductions are designed to ease the financial strain on families and businesses, while also supporting job growth.According to Willis, a growing economy means more money in people's pockets, which, in turn, stimulates consumer spending and supports business activity. “There are signs that this is already beginning to happen,” she said. “Business and consumer confidence are both trending upwards, and last week the BNZ and Business NZ reported that growth in manufacturing has risen to its highest level since September 2022.”Despite the challenges faced by many households and businesses, the Finance Minister expressed confidence in the nation's recovery. “The Government knows many families and businesses are doing it tough, but evidence is mounting that they can look forward to better times,” Willis said.The reduction in the OCR is expected to put downward pressure on interest rates, which will provide relief for those facing high borrowing costs. It also marks a significant shift from the period of high inflation, which had led to elevated interest rates and cost-of-living pressures for several months. With inflation now under control, the economy is heading in the right direction, according to Willis.For Hibiscus Coast residents, this news could bring relief. Local businesses may see increased consumer spending as lower interest rates take effect, and job seekers could benefit from the expected boost in employment. While challenges remain, the outlook for the region’s economy is brighter, with more opportunities ahead.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Maintenance work to ensure the continued safety of wire rope barriers along State Highway 1 (SH1) – Ara Tūhono, between Pūhoi and Warkworth, commenced this week. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has reported that crews are focused on maintaining a 5km stretch of barriers located between the Johnstones Hill tunnels and the Watson Rd bridge crossing (the third bridge when heading north).To minimise disruption for motorists, the maintenance work will occur overnight, from 6pm to 6am, Monday to Thursday. During these hours, a temporary speed limit of 60km/h will be in place, with a shoulder and single-lane closure near the work zone. At any given time, the work will be confined to a maximum of 1.5km within the larger 5km stretch.The maintenance is expected to take up to three weeks to complete, with work dependent on favourable weather conditions. Motorists are advised to stay alert for changes in road conditions during this period.This maintenance work aims to keep the motorway's safety features in top condition, ensuring smoother and safer travel for everyone using this key route.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland has earned two prestigious accolades at the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Sky Choice Travel Awards, securing the title of "Destination of the Year" and seeing Auckland Airport crowned "International Airport of the Year."The January awards, assessed by a panel of travel experts, media professionals, and frequent travellers, acknowledged 120 standout brands across aviation, hospitality, and destinations.Auckland's recognition was based on its exceptional tourism offerings, growth in global aviation links, and its vibrant cultural scene.Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, expressed pride in the achievements, highlighting the city's commitment to excellence in providing a world-class experience for visitors."This recognition not only reflects the hard work and dedication of our team but also underscores Auckland’s growing stature as a leading global destination,” Hill said.“We’re excited to continue promoting Auckland’s stunning landscapes, rich Māori culture, and diverse cuisine.”Key strengths in Auckland’s submission included its cultural diversity, with over 200 ethnic communities, and its wide array of events such as sailing regattas, music festivals, and Māori celebrations.Auckland's natural beauty was also spotlighted, from its three harbours and 48 volcanic cones to its pristine beaches and nature reserves, offering outdoor experiences like sailing, surfing, and hiking.Auckland’s aviation connections to China were another highlight, with direct flights to seven major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.These strong air links have cemented Auckland’s position as a key global destination, further bolstered by the city’s recognition in Lonely Planet’s "Best in Travel 2022" and ranking third in TripAdvisor’s South Pacific region awards.As the recipient of the "Destination of the Year" award, Auckland joins a prestigious list of destinations vying for recognition from the Chinese travel industry.This award marks a significant milestone in the city's tourism sector, reaffirming Auckland’s appeal to international visitors and its growing global influence.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

A devastating fire has destroyed a home on Lees Street in Milldale today, with a parked car in the driveway also engulfed by flames. Nine fire engines from Fire and Emergency New Zealand were dispatched to the scene, along with police. While authorities have not confirmed if anyone was home at the time, neighbouring homes may have been affected by the blaze, with some residents reporting smoke damage.An eyewitness described the rapid spread of the fire, stating that the house was completely engulfed in flames within less than 30 minutes. "It was shocking how quickly it went up," they said.Despite the swift response, the house and car were destroyed. FENZ’s primary focus was controlling the blaze, and as of now, the cause of the fire has not been determined.The investigation will begin once fire crews have fully dealt with the situation.Local residents remain concerned about the potential impact on nearby homes, and Police are continuing to secure the area.Photos: The Hibiscus Coast App staff reporter.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Coasties may have noticed something sweet becoming a little more expensive lately—chocolate bars.Whether it’s your daily treat or a gift for someone special, prices on the shelves have been creeping up, and it’s all due to a mix of global and local factors.A big part of the price increase comes from a shortage of cocoa.The majority of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, particularly Ivory Coast and Ghana, but poor harvests there have caused cocoa prices to skyrocket.A combination of extreme weather, disease, and underinvestment in cocoa farming has led to a dramatic drop in production.This has sent cocoa prices up by three times since early 2023, and as a result, chocolate makers worldwide—including in New Zealand—have had no choice but to pass those costs on to consumers.While New Zealand doesn’t grow cocoa, our local market hasn’t been spared.Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 caused damage to infrastructure, which disrupted supply chains and drove up the cost of transporting goods.That’s made imported items like chocolate even more expensive here on the Hibiscus Coast.There’s also the issue of the New Zealand dollar (NZD).The NZD has weakened against the US dollar in the past year, and since a lot of the ingredients used in chocolate—like sugar and dairy—are priced in US dollars, this has added to the overall cost of chocolate bars.Big brands like Whittaker’s and Mondelez (which owns Cadbury) have confirmed they’ve raised prices in response to these rising costs.For example, Whittaker’s hiked prices by about 10% in late 2023. Supermarkets like Woolworths and Foodstuffs have reflected these price increases in their shelf prices as well.On top of all that, there’s ongoing talk about a potential sugar tax in New Zealand.Although it hasn’t been introduced yet, some believe chocolate makers might be raising prices now in anticipation of it, which could add further pressure on costs down the line.Another factor is the growing demand for ethically sourced cocoa.As more people want to ensure that their chocolate is Fair Trade-certified, manufacturers are facing higher costs to meet these sustainability standards.These costs, too, often get passed onto consumers.For now, it seems that chocolate prices are likely to stay high, with cocoa production expected to stabilise only in the coming years.This increase in prices is part of a wider trend in rising living costs that is impacting many household staples here on the Hibiscus Coast, making it a little harder for everyone to enjoy a good piece of chocolate.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

New Zealand Food Safety is urging customers to check their freezers after a recall was issued for Pams brand Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets due to the possible presence of small pieces of blue rubber. The affected product is a 1kg bag with a best-before date of 16 October 2025.Deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, Vincent Arbuckle, said, "If you have a 1kg bag of Pams Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets with a best-before date of 16 October 2025, don’t eat them. Return the nuggets to the place of purchase for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw them out."The affected products were sold at a number of New Zealand supermarkets, including Four Square, Gilmours, New World, Pak’nSave, and Social Supermarket stores nationwide.As a precautionary measure, the products have already been removed from the shelves.This issue was flagged by a customer complaint, and no injuries have been reported. "As is our usual practice, we will work with Foodstuffs Own Brands to understand how this issue arose and to prevent it from happening again," said Arbuckle.Consumers are advised to check the best-before date of the 1kg packages and to dispose of or return any affected products for a full refund. The recall is specific to this product, and no other Pams brand items are involved.If you have consumed any of the affected chicken nuggets and have health concerns, New Zealand Food Safety recommends seeking medical advice. The recall does not affect any other Pams products.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

In her opinion piece, Professor Alexandra Andhov from the University of Auckland’s Business and Law Schools warns that New Zealand faces significant challenges in regulating powerful tech companies such as Meta, Google, and Microsoft.As these multinational corporations expand their global influence, they operate beyond the control of most governments, raising concerns over national sovereignty and the effectiveness of local regulations.New Zealand has made several efforts in the past decade to curb the growing power of big tech through voluntary agreements and tax legislation.However, the rapid growth of these companies, predominantly based in the United States, has made it increasingly difficult for New Zealand to manage their impact on its society and economy.One of the most prominent challenges faced by New Zealand is the increasing role these tech companies play in moderating speech.Facebook, for example, has been accused of censoring political content and amplifying hate speech.The Christchurch terrorist attack livestreamed on Facebook highlighted New Zealand's limited power to prevent such content from spreading globally.In response, then-prime minister Jacinda Ardern launched the Christchurch Call initiative, aimed at combating online extremism.However, the ongoing cooperation of tech companies remains uncertain, with recent reports suggesting that support for the initiative is waning.New Zealand has also proposed measures to regulate big tech, including a 3% digital tax on the revenue of global tech giants.While this proposal signals an important step toward holding these companies accountable, its implementation is uncertain, with clauses in the law allowing for tax collection to be deferred until 2030.As big tech companies continue to push back against regulation, New Zealand's ability to manage their influence remains under strain.For residents of the Hibiscus Coast, the growing influence of big tech companies could have significant effects on local businesses, privacy, and access to information.As these global entities continue to dominate the digital landscape, it’s crucial for locals to stay informed about how New Zealand’s efforts to regulate them could shape the community.Whether it’s through taxes, content moderation, or competition laws, these decisions will have a direct impact on both the local economy and how residents interact with technology.The challenges New Zealand faces in regulating big tech reflect a broader global issue, with tech companies wielding unprecedented power.As these corporations continue to influence the digital world, there is an urgent need for more effective regulations to balance the benefits of digital connectivity with the protection of local democratic processes and sovereignty.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Auckland FC’s captain Hiroki Sakai has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him with the Black Knights until the end of the 2025/2026 season.The experienced Japanese right-back has become a key player for the team, contributing defensively and offensively.Sakai has been instrumental in Auckland FC’s strong defensive record, with the team conceding the fewest goals in the competition and keeping nine clean sheets.He has also made his mark on the score sheet, scoring once and providing an assist.Notably, Sakai has been involved in two memorable own goals, one in the season opener against Brisbane Roar and another during Auckland’s 2-1 derby win against Wellington.The 34-year-old, who has 74 appearances for the Japanese national team, expressed his delight in extending his stay in Auckland.“My family and I have really taken to Auckland. It is a beautiful city; we are all very settled, and the support we have all received has been incredible. As for this team, they are fantastic. I love playing with them and running out in front of our fans – the love and support I have received from them is like nothing else,” Sakai said.Having played in three FIFA World Cups and two Olympic Games, Sakai is one of the most high-profile overseas players in the A-League.He has made a significant impact in the competition, drawing praise for his professional attitude and technical ability.Head coach Steve Corica commended Sakai’s leadership, both on and off the field.“For all his quality, he is a very humble guy. He’s a great pro, a great influence on the younger guys, and a player who is highly regarded by everyone at the club,” said Corica.“On the pitch, he’s just fantastic. He covers an incredible amount of ground and is technically very gifted.”Auckland FC Head Coach Steve Corica. Photo: Auckland FCSakai’s extensive European experience includes 96 appearances for Germany’s Hannover 96 and over 145 matches for French club Olympique de Marseille.His contract extension ensures that Auckland FC fans can continue to enjoy his performances for at least another season.The extension of Sakai’s contract is not only great news for the club but also for the supporters who have grown to admire his talent and commitment.With so much more to achieve this season, Sakai's presence will be crucial for Auckland as they look to build on their successes.Have a local news story to share?Contact [email protected]

Every Tuesday, we spotlight a few standout job openings in our community. Check out this week’s picks, and be sure to share with anyone who might be looking!CHT Care HomesPosition: Healthcare Assistant (Casual)Location: Red BeachProvide personal care and support to residents, contributing to care plan reviewsOpportunity to advance in your healthcare career with flexible, roster-based shiftsView full listing & applySt. Pierre's SushiPosition: Sushi Staff MemberLocation: SilverdaleFlexible, varied hours with availability required for busy lunch shiftsNo experience needed; opportunity to learn and grow in the hospitality industryView full listing & applyWainui Golf Club & Function CentrePosition: Kitchen HandLocation: SilverdalePart-time position with 20-25 hours per week, including day-time shifts and potential weekend workOpportunity for career advancement in a supportive kitchen environmentView full listing & applyCareer Tip of the weekAlways follow up after an interview with a thank-you note. It shows gratitude, reinforces your interest in the role, and gives you an opportunity to briefly reiterate why you’re the best fit for the job.That’s it for this week’s local job roundup. Looking for more opportunities? Browse all local job listings on our jobs page. Keep an eye out next Tuesday for more great opportunities, and don’t forget to share with friends and neighbours who might be interested!Have a job to post? Submit your listing here.