Beach Haven, Auckland

Mother's warning after sun's reflection from mirror burns daughter's book

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Victoria Short smelt smoke in her home, but couldn’t find any fire.

Unbeknownst to her, a book in her daughter’s bedroom had been smouldering away as she worked from another room.

After several checks of the house offered no hints to where the smoke was coming from, Short continued work, … View moreVictoria Short smelt smoke in her home, but couldn’t find any fire.

Unbeknownst to her, a book in her daughter’s bedroom had been smouldering away as she worked from another room.

After several checks of the house offered no hints to where the smoke was coming from, Short continued work, oblivious to the fact the pages of 11-year-old Annalina’s favourite book, Code Name Bananas, were slowly becoming ash.

Annalina, who has a penchant for make-up, was gifted a dinner plate-sized desk mirror for Christmas, which had been sitting on her bookshelf beside a window ever since.

When Annalina arrived home from school, she noticed the book was burnt through its spine and halfway through the pages.

“It just didn’t make sense,” said Short, who is the deputy chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

Upon further investigation, Short realised Annalina’s mirror was facing the bookshelf.

“The sunlight seems to have come through the window, hit the concave mirror, and perfectly reflected the magnified sunlight onto the corner of the book.”

Short said the incident made her feel sick to her stomach, adding that she felt lucky the book, and the rest of the bookshelf, didn't catch fire.

“I would never have imagined a mirror could have the potential to burn our house down, never in my wildest dreams. It’s just one of those things you never think twice about.”

After posting about the incident on Facebook, Short has heard of other people who have witnesses similar incidents, including someone who had left a drink bottle in their car which reflected the sun and burnt the seat.

The incident has “triggered a level of anxiety” for Short, who is now concerned about other reflective objects in her home, including a glass table.

She has used the incident as an opportunity to check her smoke alarms are in working order, while Annalina has found a new place to keep her mirror – in her wardrobe.

Fire and Emergency NZ national advisor for fire risk management Peter Gallagher said mirrors, glasses, ornaments and plastic water bottles can reflect and focus the sun’s rays and become a fire danger.

Fires caused by this were rare, however people should consider moving flammable items away or cover any reflective surfaces.

Has something similar happened to you? Email me at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz

Hi Neighbours!

Habitat for Humanity

Jay here from Habitat for Humanity, we are offering an awesome Home Repair and Renovation service to the public with the profits going to helping local families in housing need.

If you need your bathroom or kitchen upgrading or any other work around your home please get in touch with us.

… View moreJay here from Habitat for Humanity, we are offering an awesome Home Repair and Renovation service to the public with the profits going to helping local families in housing need.

If you need your bathroom or kitchen upgrading or any other work around your home please get in touch with us.

Habitat for Humanity is a housing charity that has been operating in New Zealand for over 25 years.

Renovating with Habitat is a way for you to invest in upgrading or repairing your own home for social good as all profit goes towards helping local Kiwi families in housing need.”

Jay Davies
Building and Development Manager

Contact us today:
Email: renovate@habitat.org.nz
Phone: 0800 HABITAT (0800 422 4828) Find out more

Maximise your outdoor space!

Shade Design

At Shade Design we are a family-focused company along with offering the best products and service at the most affordable prices in the industry.

With our experienced and friendly team, we pride ourselves on making sure you only have the best experience working with us and that you can’t help … View moreAt Shade Design we are a family-focused company along with offering the best products and service at the most affordable prices in the industry.

With our experienced and friendly team, we pride ourselves on making sure you only have the best experience working with us and that you can’t help yourself but tell all your family and friends.

With our custom aluminium frames and awnings, we stand by our products and offer a 5-year warranty. Visit us online

Unleash your Creativity

Julia from Hillcrest

Arty Play-Dates - How about trying your hand at some art work - mono-printing - in a Muriwai artist's private studio. Check out all the details for the truly immersive experience on Sat March 20 or Wed March 24th. Numbers strictly limited so be quick to book if you want to unleash your … View moreArty Play-Dates - How about trying your hand at some art work - mono-printing - in a Muriwai artist's private studio. Check out all the details for the truly immersive experience on Sat March 20 or Wed March 24th. Numbers strictly limited so be quick to book if you want to unleash your creative side ;). For more information check out www.juliathornephotography.blogspot.co.nz...

ARTY PLAY DATE MONO-PRINTING- Flyer.pdf Download View

Sole and crayfish quenelles

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Sole and crayfish quenelles with Sauce Nantua prepared by our Diploma Level 5 Cookery chefs This is  a complex classic dish with savoury umami flavours and creative presentation by the students.

Poll: Do you support making Matariki a public holiday?

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

The Matariki cluster will send Aotearoa a new public holiday next year.

The actual date of Matariki will move but is expected to always fall on a Friday or Monday.

The first day off will be Friday June 24 in 2022.

Government advice suggests the new Matariki public holiday will cost businesses … View moreThe Matariki cluster will send Aotearoa a new public holiday next year.

The actual date of Matariki will move but is expected to always fall on a Friday or Monday.

The first day off will be Friday June 24 in 2022.

Government advice suggests the new Matariki public holiday will cost businesses between $377 - $448 million.

But that advice does not include any potential economic benefits from the new public holiday, set to be introduced from next year.

The estimated cost has come under fire from ACT leader David Seymour who said the public holiday amounted to a tax on business.

Seymour suggested that the Government get rid of another public holiday to make way for Matariki.

Photo: STEPHEN CHADWICK

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

Do you support making Matariki a public holiday?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

Vote View Results

• 59.5% Yes
  59.5% Complete
• 36.4% No
  36.4% Complete
• 4.1% Unsure
  4.1% Complete

852 votes

The stock you have waited for has arrived!

Furniture Now

We created Furniture Now to offer a different experience for furniture shopping - where you can order the latest on-trend furniture today, and have it in your home tomorrow without having to wait weeks and months for it to be delivered.

We have a huge range of bedroom, living, dining and lounge … View moreWe created Furniture Now to offer a different experience for furniture shopping - where you can order the latest on-trend furniture today, and have it in your home tomorrow without having to wait weeks and months for it to be delivered.

We have a huge range of bedroom, living, dining and lounge furniture which is stylish, comfortable and affordable, so you’ll always find something that suits your tastes and expresses your individuality. Shop now

T3 Lane Cameras coming to Onewa Road

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

Auckland Transport are preparing to install 13 CCTV cameras on Onewa Road to allow remote monitoring of the T3 lanes during their hours of operation. The cameras will replace the need for staff to film from the side of the road.

The installation of the Onewa Road cameras will be in two phases:
* … View moreAuckland Transport are preparing to install 13 CCTV cameras on Onewa Road to allow remote monitoring of the T3 lanes during their hours of operation. The cameras will replace the need for staff to film from the side of the road.

The installation of the Onewa Road cameras will be in two phases:
* Phase 1: The first phase of the works, preparing the pole foundations and cables, is scheduled for late February 2021 and will take up to three weeks to be completed. This will involve drilling at some of the camera locations along Onewa Road.
* Phase 2: The second phase of the works, installing the poles and cameras, is scheduled to start in May 2021 and will take up to one week to be completed.

The cameras should be operational from June. For the first 3 weeks, Auckland Transport will issue warning letters to drivers who use the lane incorrectly. From July (date to be confirmed), $150 infringement fees will be issued.

Monster wasp nest

The Team from Wasp Wipeout

Well, after a (relatively) quiet couple of summers, the vespula wasps have come back big time in some locations! Auckland and the Waikato are reporting big numbers and you may have seen this story about the monster nest found just outside of Nelson. We're continuing our efforts to control the … View moreWell, after a (relatively) quiet couple of summers, the vespula wasps have come back big time in some locations! Auckland and the Waikato are reporting big numbers and you may have seen this story about the monster nest found just outside of Nelson. We're continuing our efforts to control the wasps through the Wasp Wipeout project, but did you know you can help as well? For information on how to help or DIY click here: bit.ly... You can also donate to the project here: givealittle.co.nz...

Auckland to move to Alert Level 1 tonight

Neighbourly.co.nz

UPDATE
February 22
3.13pm

Jacinda Ardern has announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 1 tonight at 11.59pm.
__________________________________________________________

UPDATE
… View moreUPDATE
February 22
3.13pm

Jacinda Ardern has announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 1 tonight at 11.59pm.
__________________________________________________________

UPDATE
February 17
4.48pm

Auckland will be out of lockdown at 11.59pm tonight. Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- Auckland will drop down to Alert Level 2 at midnight tonight with the rest of the country moving to Alert Level 1.
- These restrictions will be reviewed February 22.
- There has been an additional 1 case confirmed, with the positive case a member of the same household bubble.
- New locations of interest have been loaded on the Ministry of Health website.
_________________________________________________________

UPDATE
February 16
1.08pm

There are no new community cases Ashley Bloomfield confirmed in a 1pm update today. There are no new cases in MIQ facilities.
_________________________________________________________

UPDATE
February 15
4.20pm

Jacinda Ardern and Ashley Bloomfield are currently providing an update to media at a post-cabinet press conference.

Here's what you need to know:
- The Prime Minister says there's a variety of scenarios on how the virus got into the community. To date, health officials are still attempting to establish the source of the outbreak.
- 42 people have been identified as close contacts.
- The first batch of Pfizer vaccines - 60,000 doses - arrived this morning on a Singapore Airlines flight.
- Vaccines will be offered to border and MIQ workers from this Saturday.
- This will be the largest vaccine programme in New Zealand's history, Jacinda Ardern says.
________________________________________________________

UPDATE
February 15
1.34pm

The Ministry of Health has confirmed five new cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation. There are no new community cases.
_________________________________________________________

UPDATE
February 15
8.14am

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the first two February cases are the highly infectious UK strain. There is no link to any MIQ infections.
_________________________________________________________

For the third time since the onset of the pandemic, Auckland is in lockdown.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the nation at 7.00pm Sunday, saying from 11.59pm tonight, Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 until at least 11.59pm Wednesday night.

The rest of the country will move to Alert Level 2.

Here's what you need to know:
- Stay home, in your bubbles if you are in Auckland. Gatherings with others outside this bubble are prohibited.
- A border will be established around Auckland, similar to the demarcations before.
- Essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open.
- Aucklanders are asked to wear facial coverings when accessing essential services.
- Customer-facing businesses will need to move to non-contact methods of payment and collection.
- The full list of rules under Alert Level 3 can be found here.
- Here's the full list of locations of interest where the cases visited.

Neighbourly will be updating this message as further information comes to hand.

With better grades comes higher self-esteem.

NumberWorks'nWords Birkenhead

Tutoring helps increase your child’s motivation and attitude so he or she is able to reach his or her full academic potential. Get in touch with your local centre to learn more.

Win or lose, is this Auckland's last America's Cup?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, The changing world has reached the America's cup with Team New Zealand doing the once unthinkable - seeking interest in any further defence being hosted overseas. What do you think? Read the story below:

Auckland Woman Offers Reward for Missing Cat

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Rosemary Stout is heartbroken.

Her beloved cat River has been missing from Torbay on Auckland's North Shore since November 28.

"It just cut me right up," Stout said after her micro-chipped pet vanished from Cliff Rd.

Stout is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the… View moreRosemary Stout is heartbroken.

Her beloved cat River has been missing from Torbay on Auckland's North Shore since November 28.

"It just cut me right up," Stout said after her micro-chipped pet vanished from Cliff Rd.

Stout is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the cat which she bred and raised for six years.

She describes the blue point Siamese as a character which is "more like a dog."

"I'd go to bed, he'd cuddle up to me and put his paw on my chest. He's just really, really special."

Stout has plastered posters and delivered pamphlets around Auckland in search of the cherished pet.

Torbay residents helped her scour the cliff with drones incase the cat had become stuck.

River's disappearance comes as a crushing blow after "a hell of a year," she said.

Stout's daughter, 50, has been battling cancer for the past three years and endured major surgery to remove cancer just before Christmas.

"It's like I live with a time bomb," Stout said. " You wonder each month,' is my daughter going to be here next year?'

"On top of it all, I ended up with breast cancer. I lost my brother as well."

Stout suspects River may have moved out of the area because he is partial to tradies' vans, she said.

"He liked to get in and rip up all the paper (bills) that they have inside.

"I just want him home."

Email roseken@xtra.co.nz if you have any information about River's whereabouts.

Drawer

Martin from Northcote

Free drawer. Just got three small holes in the second drawer. See photos

Free

This weeks entertainment at the Birkenhead RSA!!!

Birkenhead RSA

Good Morning Neighbours! This week we have Toucan on Friday night and D'Starlights on Saturday. Come along and dance the nights away! We look forward to seeing you. Also, you do not have to be Service or Ex Service to join the club. Check out our website or facebook or pop in to ask about … View moreGood Morning Neighbours! This week we have Toucan on Friday night and D'Starlights on Saturday. Come along and dance the nights away! We look forward to seeing you. Also, you do not have to be Service or Ex Service to join the club. Check out our website or facebook or pop in to ask about joining.