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If you are interested in joining a group - Waitemata Scottish Country dancing are looking for new members. We meet every Tuesday at the Kelston Community Hall at 6.45 (beginners) Its lots of fun and is great way of meeting new people and getting fit (plus great for the brain also) at the same … View moreIf you are interested in joining a group - Waitemata Scottish Country dancing are looking for new members. We meet every Tuesday at the Kelston Community Hall at 6.45 (beginners) Its lots of fun and is great way of meeting new people and getting fit (plus great for the brain also) at the same time. No partner required.
Tomorrow night, the transtasman bubble opens - allowing Kiwis and Aussies the chance to travel between each other's countries, quarantine-free, for the first time in a year. However it's not quite back to normal when it comes to travel. Here's what you need to know.
What's the … View moreTomorrow night, the transtasman bubble opens - allowing Kiwis and Aussies the chance to travel between each other's countries, quarantine-free, for the first time in a year. However it's not quite back to normal when it comes to travel. Here's what you need to know.
What's the transtasman bubble?
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It's two-way quarantine-free commercial flights - also known as "green" flights - between New Zealand and all states and territories of Australia, and it starts at 11.59pm tomorrow. It's also just the second travel bubble in the world, after Taiwan and Palau, between countries still committed to keeping Covid-19 out.
Sweet. Who's my ride?
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Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar are the only airlines flying the route at this stage. Virgin Australia says it will stay away until October 31.
How much?
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An Air New Zealand return flight to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne out of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch leaving May 1 and returning a week later will cost - including stowed luggage - between $643 and $717 per person. An Auckland to Perth return flight with the national carrier is $1179 on the same dates. Qantas flights between the three main cities in each country are similar prices: Auckland to Melbourne is $677 return and the same flights from Christchurch are $932. Low-cost carrier Jetstar charges slightly less than the major airlines: A return flight between Auckland and Sydney is $634, including stowed baggage.
Booked. Now what?
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Just in case it hasn't sunk in over the past 13 months, if you feel unwell, stay at home and seek advice from Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Australia-bound passengers must complete the online Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departure, where you'll be expected to provide contact details and answer questions about your health and whether you've spent time outside New Zealand in the previous 14 days.
The declaration will need to be presented at check-in. You should also bring evidence of any pre-existing conditions, such as hay fever, when you check in, to avoid being denied boarding. Also, check conditions of your travel insurance with regards to being denied boarding because of Covid-19. On your return to New Zealand you'll also have to meet conditions such as having only been in a country that's been designated as a quarantine-free place, and not tested positive - or awaiting a test result - for Covid-19, in the past 14 days. You'll also have to complete a travel declaration at the time of booking your flight, and a health declaration at check-in.
Anything else I can expect at the airport?
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Health professionals may be stationed at airports to do random temperature checks and health assessments of travellers. You also won't come into contact with travellers from other countries.
To mask or not to mask?
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Mask.
Unless you're exempt, you'll be expected to wear a face mask while crossing the Tasman. One will be provided by the airline if you don't have one. You should also wear your mask while inside airports in New Zealand and Australia.
Do I need to get a Covid-19 test before my flight?
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If you're well and haven't potentially been exposed to Covid-19, no, you don't need a negative Covid-19 pre-departure test to travel to Australia on a quarantine-free flight. Australia has sometimes introduced requirements for testing on arrival for people from New Zealand, so keep an eye on the requirement of the state you're arriving in - covid19.govt.nz has links to state and territory travel information. I haven't received my Covid-19 vaccination yet - can I still travel to Australia?
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Yes.
What if there's an outbreak of Covid-19 which sparks a lockdown or halts quarantine-free travel while I'm in Australia?
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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been quite clear on this: Transtasman travel is at your own risk. It's your responsibility to manage any travel disruption related to Covid-19, and pay any associated costs. This could include, if the Covid-19 situation changes in Australia, entering managed isolation or self-isolation when you return to New Zealand. If so, you will need to pay for your stay, with applications to waive payments considered on a case-by-case basis. If you need to travel to New Zealand urgently, you can apply for an emergency allocation. If you find yourself in lockdown while away from New Zealand, follow the instructions of local authorities.
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Jazz and his family are proud to be serving their customers and the local community!
Jazz loves being a Kiwi and greets every customer into his shop with a broad grin. A friendly smile, a positive can-do attitude and is passionate about running his store. That’s Jazz's simple but … View moreJazz and his family are proud to be serving their customers and the local community!
Jazz loves being a Kiwi and greets every customer into his shop with a broad grin. A friendly smile, a positive can-do attitude and is passionate about running his store. That’s Jazz's simple but effective recipe for success running a local business.
Jazz and his family operate Bossman Dairy - Creagh St Store and are hailed as the “ultimate friendly shopkeepers” by his customers. Now Jazz has been recognised for his dedication to the community by being named the country’s National Winner in the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards. Jazz and his family are the proud winners of a prize package worth $10,000!
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Nomination Quote - Jazz and his family - Bossman Dairy - Creagh St Store
"Every member of this family who serves in the shop are very friendly, helpful and always smiling. They get to know all their customers and I have never walked into a shop that makes you feel so welcome. During our first lockdown for Covid, they put food such as milk, bread, out for people who may need it free of charge."
Hi neighbours. 71-year-old Remus Jackson was last seen around 7.30am Wednesday on Pah Rd, Epsom. Police are very concerned for his welfare as he has a medical condition and requires regular medication.
Jackson is described as being 168 centimetres tall and of medium build. If you know where he is … View moreHi neighbours. 71-year-old Remus Jackson was last seen around 7.30am Wednesday on Pah Rd, Epsom. Police are very concerned for his welfare as he has a medical condition and requires regular medication.
Jackson is described as being 168 centimetres tall and of medium build. If you know where he is or you see him, please contact police on 105 quoting file number 210414/4538.
Beef Wellington remains a true classic. A beautifully tender piece of eye fillet with chicken liver parfait wrapped in a golden puff pastry, prepared by each student, and served with Pommes Anna a classic French layered potatoes and Sauce Béarnaise.
Did you know on an average we spend one third of our lives sleeping?
Is that a good enough reason to invest in a good mattress - we think yes! Read below why we think a good mattress is a smart investment!
To the side of East Auckland’s Te Ara ki Uta ki Tai cycleway, nestled in overgrown greenery, is a building that wouldn’t get a second glance if it weren’t for hot pink graffiti.
The house, owned by Auckland Council subsidiary Auckland Transport, was used as a site office by Waka Kotahi NZ … View moreTo the side of East Auckland’s Te Ara ki Uta ki Tai cycleway, nestled in overgrown greenery, is a building that wouldn’t get a second glance if it weren’t for hot pink graffiti.
The house, owned by Auckland Council subsidiary Auckland Transport, was used as a site office by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency staff working on the $46 million cycleway between Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive, Auckland Transport spokesman Mark Hannan said.
But locals say the property has been all but destroyed by vandals since the cycleway was completed in 2016.
The property is one of several that have become run down and derelict under the ownership of local government.
Click 'read more' for my full report on publicly owned properties that have fallen out of use.
The fine for using a mobile phone while driving will increase from $80 to $150 at the end of the month as thousands of infringement notices were given out last year. Transport Minister, Michael Wood made the announcement today, saying the new fine will now match similar offences. "This is our … View moreThe fine for using a mobile phone while driving will increase from $80 to $150 at the end of the month as thousands of infringement notices were given out last year. Transport Minister, Michael Wood made the announcement today, saying the new fine will now match similar offences. "This is our way of saying Kiwis need to take this seriously and put away the phone while driving," he said. “Police issued over 40,000 infringement notices for this offence last year. Driver distraction is a serious road safety issue, and inattention – including from mobile phones – can have tragic consequences." Wood said between 2015 and 2019, there were 22 road deaths in New Zealand and 73 serious injuries where drivers were distracted by a mobile phone. Also during this period, 44 per cent of fatal crashes where a mobile phone was a distracting factor had a driver aged between 15 and 19 years old. Those figures rose to 75 per cent in the 15-34 year old age group. “Safety is one of our top transport priorities. As part of our Road to Zero plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 40 per cent, we will begin reviewing all road safety penalties this year to make sure they are fit for purpose,” Michael Wood said. Using a mobile phone while driving will continue to attract 20 demerit points - accumulating 100 demerits points from driving offences within two years results in a loss of licence for three months.
Examples of offences that have a $150 fine associated include:
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• failing to allow impeded traffic to pass
• use of lane to right of centre line unless passing
• unauthorised use of a special vehicle lane,
• unsafe passing
• failing to move left before turning left
• driving on a lawn adjacent to the road
• driving too close
• failing to give way
• failing to stop at a stop sign
• failing to drive within lane
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Hi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View moreHi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
Passengers on Air New Zealand flights were today asked to submit to having more than their luggage weighed before take-off. Travellers were told that they needed to have themselves weighed as well. Broadcaster Hilary Barry shared her own experience, tweeting that the experience was "not … View morePassengers on Air New Zealand flights were today asked to submit to having more than their luggage weighed before take-off. Travellers were told that they needed to have themselves weighed as well. Broadcaster Hilary Barry shared her own experience, tweeting that the experience was "not ideal". Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity Officer Captain David Morgan told that it was a regulatory requirement. "A customer and crew weight survey is completed every five years to meet regulatory requirements," he said. "In order to fly safely and efficiently, we need to calculate the weight, balance and fuel requirements of each and every flight ahead of take-off. To do this, we need to know the average weight of our passengers, crew and cabin baggage. "All data is collected anonymously and results cannot be seen by the data collection team or other customers. Although participating is not compulsory, we do really appreciate our customers helping out." Kiwis took to social media to share their views on Air New Zealand's weigh day, with a number sharing mixed views. "Funny. That is approximately how often I weigh myself," one joked. Another added: "It genuinely wouldn't be embarrassing at all if society wasn't so fatphobic." A third said: "Happens in the UK as well. In the UK no one sees the person's weight. It is to keep up with the full weight of a plane to ensure that safety is maintained. "Can't see an issue. Makes me feel comfortable that safety issues are maintained. Well done Air NZ." It's not the first time this has happened around the world. In 2016, Hawaiian Airlines requested passengers step on the scales prior to boarding as part of a wider survey so staff could assess where they're best seated in the aircraft. The policy emerged publicly after two American Samoan businessmen complained to the US Transportation Department that Hawaiin Airlines had forced them to take to the scales prior to their flight from American Samoa to Honolulu. The airline insisted the process was necessary because the Boeing 767 aircraft it used on that particular journey required an even distribution of weight. Scandinavian airline Finnair has been weighing passengers since 2017, stating that it's purely for research purposes. Uzbekistan Airways also require passengers to step on the scales, in an effort to "ensure flight safety".
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Greetings to all our MUSLIM brothers and sisters on Neighbourly.
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The latest edition of the SuperSeniors Newsletter is out now!
In this issue Minister for Seniors Ayesha Verrall gives us an overview of the first stage of the vaccine roll-out, Alzheimers NZ talks about making Aotearoa dementia-friendly, and how you can build and maintain physical health through … View moreThe latest edition of the SuperSeniors Newsletter is out now!
In this issue Minister for Seniors Ayesha Verrall gives us an overview of the first stage of the vaccine roll-out, Alzheimers NZ talks about making Aotearoa dementia-friendly, and how you can build and maintain physical health through fitness.
There’s also some advice on why Daylight Saving might be making you groggy and what you can do about it.
Check it out and be sure to share!: bit.ly...
Want to subscribe? You can do so here: bit.ly...
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