Auckland has been named one of the best global destinations for next year in a prestigious UK travel magazine.
Condé Nast Traveller's 23 Best Places to Go In 2023 said Auckland is "mightily gearing up for the throngs of foreign visitors anticipated in the coming year", hailing the super city's jam-packed events calendar.
"After a three-year hiatus, the popular Lantern Festival will be held in February 2023 to celebrate Chinese New Year," the list reads.
"Pasifika, the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, is returning in March 2023 after a two-year pause.
"And, in July, the quadrennial FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will swing down under."
The article also points to New Zealand's recently-reopened status, after borders were closed due to Covid-19.
"Three years' worth of flashy hotel openings await.
"From the looks of it, 2023 will – finally – give Auckland its time to shine."
It comes after a number of other recent global accolades for Tāmaki Makaurau.
Lonely Planet picked Auckland as the best city to visit in 2022 and Kingsland is officially one of the world's coolest suburbs.
'Living up to our name'
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Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's head of visitor economy Annie Dundas welcomed the news.
"It's fantastic to see Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland again acknowledged as a top destination to visit by a trusted international travel publication – living up to our name as a place desired by many," she said.
"We are excited to be welcoming back our international manuhiri to explore our amazing attractions, events and festivals, as well as the many new accommodation, dining spots and activities on offer throughout our region."
On top of this year's Lonely Planet listing and Kingsland's Time Out shout-out, Dundas pointed to other recent achievements.
"This adds to a list of recent awards for our region – Auckland was also recently named the Best Global Music City at the Annual Music Cities Awards, and also awarded Oceania's best destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions for the third year running at the 2022 World MICE Awards," she said.
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Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.1% Yes, it's fair
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10.3% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Bible Presentation: Where Is The World Heading? What's the Bible Solution To This Pattern Of Trouble?
Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road Extn, Mt Roskill Sunday 3 November 2.30pm.
The Bible has consistently provided an explanation for the state of the World by accurately describing today's reality. The same book describes how the problems are resolved with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and has a message of hope for you and your family.
Sponsored by the Christadelphians Auckland
Smoke in Mt Wellington
Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.
Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.
Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.
Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.
A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.
At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.