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538 days ago

How good was Polyfest 2023?

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Auckland Stuff

After four years of disruption, high schoolers all over Auckland finally got the Polyfest they had been waiting for.

It was estimated about 60,000 people attended Polyfest last week, where 8000 students from 181 cultural groups representing 55 schools performed traditional speech, song and dance.

It’s the first time in several years that the festival has gone ahead without a hitch, following cancellations due to the Christchurch terror attacks in 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

For most, it’s not about the win, but the chance to celebrate their culture and embrace their Pasifika heritage.

Manurewa High School’s Sarai Makara-Moreland, 16, was completely out of breath as she stepped off the Cook Islands stage following their high-energy performance.

She said it was a “real privilege” and “a blessing” to get on stage tell the audience: “Hey look, this is my culture. This is where I’m from.”

“The most important thing was we made it up there, and we performed as a team. We are going out, win or lose, as a team.”

Read more of our coverage at Stuff.co.nz, and tell us below - did you watch or compete at Polyfest? How did it go?

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?

Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.

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Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?
  • 83.1% It's fine!
    83.1% Complete
  • 15.1% It annoys me!
    15.1% Complete
  • 1.8% Other - I'll share below
    1.8% Complete
3433 votes
13 days ago

New Electrician - Your First Job’s Free

Josh from Anytime Electrics

Hello, neighbours! I’m Josh, and I’m excited to introduce Anytime Electrics. We’re local electricians providing a weekend service at no extra charge. Our mission is to provide a 5-star experience to every customer.

I know trusting a new electrician can be a leap, especially without reviews or a reputation. That’s why I’m offering something special just for Neighbourly members: 4 hours of free labour! Whether it’s changing a light bulb or upgrading your switchboard, this offer is for everyone.

If you’ve been thinking about updating those light fittings in the lounge, adding that extra PowerPoint in the bedroom, or installing that sensor light on the driveway, this is a great chance to get it done at no labour cost.

I’m excited to help out and get to know our community. If you're interested, click on my profile and send me a message under contact, and I’ll get back to you by the end of the day.

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1 day ago

Latest scam - nationwide

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.

The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.

The recipient is directed to reply within 72 hours, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. This email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances.

Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond.

While the nature and specific details of scams often varies, it’s important to note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.

Police have received several reports of this scam and enquires are underway.

Anyone who received this email can either forward the spam email to the Department of Internal Affairs directly at complaint@spam.govt.nz or use their online reporting portal: www.reportspam.co.nz...

Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails. Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz...

Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online.

Anyone who has received this email can report it to police online via www.police.govt.nz.... Please reference file number 240830/5842.

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