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551 days ago

Auckland Domain Wintergardens: 100-year-old Grand Dames throw off the covers

Mildred Armah Reporter from Central Leader

The 100-year-old grand old glasshouses at the Auckland Domain Winter garden have been “under the covers” for the past two years; now they are throwing off those covers to begin a new chapter in their life.

Covid-19 lockdowns denied the dames the chance to celebrate their 100th birthday in October 2021 so Auckland Council is reintroducing them to the public this week.

“It’s been pain-staking work to sympathetically restore these beautiful old heritage glasshouse buildings which have hosted weddings, musical recitals and APEC world leaders,” Desley Simpson chair of the Auckland Domain committee and Deputy Mayor said.

The buildings have not simply been restored - they’ve been made even better, she said.

“The sensitive seismic upgrading and attention to detail has not only saved but enhanced these key historic buildings,” Tracey Hartley of Salmond Reed Architects the company charged with overseeing the restoration said.

Works began in early 2021 and carried out in two stages with each of the glasshouses taking approximately 12 months to complete at a cost of $5.62m.

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1 day ago

Poll: What does 'Kei te pēhea koe' mean?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Maori Language Week) is upon us and we always love to get involved.

Add your vote to the poll and share a phrase in te Reo Māori below to be in to win a $25 Prezzy card.

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What does 'Kei te pēhea koe' mean?
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472 votes
6 hours ago

Stay sun-safe and well-read this spring

Sunday Star Times

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6 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to take a full trolley to self-checkout?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Luckily self-checkout is pretty common in supermarkets these days and we generally use it to quickly buy a few things without the long lines. But perhaps it's appropriate to head there with your full trolley to skip the lines?

What are your thoughts? Is that rude?

Share in the comments below if this has ever happened to you.

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Is it rude to take a full trolley to self-checkout?
  • 53.5% Yes!
    53.5% Complete
  • 43.9% Nah, it's okay
    43.9% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below!
    2.6% Complete
2883 votes