Beach Haven, Auckland

'Mum and dad' investors: Do your homework first

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

An Auckland couple who took a professional approach to property investment tell their story - there are ups and downs.

Tires for sale

Dianne from Chatswood

For sale 4 tires 175/65 in. Really good condition. Now have new car so selling these tires. $25 each. In Chatswood.

Negotiable

Māori warden Peggy Hughes: From Springbok protests to Black Lives Matter

Brad Flahive Reporter from North Shore Times

The Black Lives Matter marches are a far cry from the anger and distrust that engulfed the 1981 Spri…

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Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival Brings The Arthouse To Your House This Week

New Zealand Film Festival Trust

The highlight event of Winter is back – and this year it’s coming right to your own living room!

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival runs 24 July to 2 August with 79 feature films and seven short film collections from 41 countries screening in the unique At Home – … View moreThe highlight event of Winter is back – and this year it’s coming right to your own living room!

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival runs 24 July to 2 August with 79 feature films and seven short film collections from 41 countries screening in the unique At Home – Online digital edition. Browse the programme and choose from documentaries, drama, doco-drama, short films, animation and a special programme for kids, and enjoy special filmmaker introductions and Q&As.

Selected films will also screen in 16 cinemas and theatres in eight cities – Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Gore. Find out more

National plans to spend $15 billion upgrading Auckland's transport infrastructure

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi neighbours, the National party has announced plans to spend $15 billion on upgrading Auckland's transport infrastructure if it's elected in September. The package, outlined by leader Judith Collins on Friday, would include a four-lane expressway, linking Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton … View moreHi neighbours, the National party has announced plans to spend $15 billion on upgrading Auckland's transport infrastructure if it's elected in September. The package, outlined by leader Judith Collins on Friday, would include a four-lane expressway, linking Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga and extending the passenger rail network to Pōkeno. It would scrap plans to install light rail to the airport and instead build a train connection from Puhinui. The future of the Skypath is also in question. National would favour another Waitematā Harbour crossing in the form of a tunnel. What are your thoughts on the policies? Do you think they'll help combat congestion in Auckland? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Humanely dealing with pests this winter.

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Have you ever had a pest problem? I used to have a pet rat. They are smart, affectionate, clever little things. I'd never want to cause one unnecessary pain or suffering, which is why we've chosen to manage pests in our home with traps. It's not ideal, but it's better - and … View moreHave you ever had a pest problem? I used to have a pet rat. They are smart, affectionate, clever little things. I'd never want to cause one unnecessary pain or suffering, which is why we've chosen to manage pests in our home with traps. It's not ideal, but it's better - and safer - than poison. I've done a little research on humane, effective vermin control during the wet months, when they like to come in from the cold. Take a look:

New Zealand Wine Guide (2nd Edition) Book Launch

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

We celebrated the launch of the NZ Wine Guide with a wine tasting (naturally) and a guest appearance by illustrious wine maker and winery photographer, Kevin Judd. It is certainly Kevin's photos that provide such meaningful illustrations of the story of New Zealand wine and Kevin joined us … View moreWe celebrated the launch of the NZ Wine Guide with a wine tasting (naturally) and a guest appearance by illustrious wine maker and winery photographer, Kevin Judd. It is certainly Kevin's photos that provide such meaningful illustrations of the story of New Zealand wine and Kevin joined us live from his home in Marlborough.

Our tasting included 15 leading New Zealand Wines
Kumeu River Cremant
Blackenbrook Pinot Gris 2019
Tongue in Groove Riesling 2015
Millton Chenin Blanc 2018
Hans Herzog Mistral: Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane 2017
Kelly Washington Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2018
Cambridge Road Pinot Noir 2017
Greywacke Pinot Noir 2017
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2016
Passage Rock Syrah 2019
Craggy Range Merlot 2016
Hans Herzog Tempranillo 2015
Oak Estate Late Harvest Chardonnay 2018
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2017

We asked our guests to complete a questionnaire that included about what they liked about the wine: fruit? acid? mouthfeel? and then if they would buy the wine (as price is no object!).

The 5 top rated wines were:
Millton Chenin Blanc 2018
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2018
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2016
Hans Herzog Tempranillo 2015
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2017

The 5 wines that people would buy were:
Millton Chenin Blanc 2018
Oak Estate Late Harvest Chardonnay 2018
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2016
Hans Herzog Tempranillo 2015
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2017
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon was the resounding winner on both questions.

Just goes to show that many kiwis do have a sweet-spot for those luscious white wines...

View 4 more…

Do you know what to plant in the garden right now?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and … View moreIn this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and nominate a gardening hero for Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Plus go in the draw for wild bird packs from Tui and copies of NZ Gardener’s July issue.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

Auckland home above eroding cliff edge is fifth built on site in 40 years

Brad Flahive Reporter from North Shore Times

Belmont intermediate uniform coat and shirt

Mandy from Birkdale

BIS Coat (quite new) ,sweater( old) and red T-shirt( fairly new) size 10. PE shirt size 12,a bit old. All 4 of them $10
Girl's coat $2

Negotiable

English Conversation

laura from Auckland North Newcomers Network

Our English Speaking Circle will be back on July 21st.
Please register your interest!
aucklandnorth@newcomers.co.nz

Things that surprise Kiwis returning to NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. … View moreHi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. Whether it's to do with the weather, the cost of things, the public transport, the food, the housing, the people or something else entirely, we'd be keen to hear about it. Please remember that your comment may be included in the article, unless you say you don't want it to be. Thank you.

Auckland Transport towing stoush: 18 months, 9 adjournments, $30 fine

Brad Flahive Reporter from North Shore Times

Collective Nouns

NumberWorks'nWords Birkenhead

You've heard of a class of students, a pack of dogs, a herd of cows, and probably a school of fish. These are collective nouns -- a group of people, animals or things.

We would love to hear of others, comment below.

Level 10. Quality & Service Builder

Bruce from

Your lovely Kitchen and Bathroom, the heavy work areas for you and your family haven't quite performed the way you would like them too anymore.
Photos below - Before and after - a coating applied to kitchen bench and the doors refinished.

NEWS FLASH: Sunday 24th May. Councils don't … View moreYour lovely Kitchen and Bathroom, the heavy work areas for you and your family haven't quite performed the way you would like them too anymore.
Photos below - Before and after - a coating applied to kitchen bench and the doors refinished.

NEWS FLASH: Sunday 24th May. Councils don't require Permits for SMALL construction at home. Don't try this yourself, I can help, your BIG saving is all the Council Drama and Costs.

I can supply and install your Garden sleep-out too.

Have you found that your lovely home needs a little TLC, here and there or that the odd room or two needs some work.

You don't know where to start with any of these situations. I'm
offering my time to come and spend with you, for FREE, to talk thru and around anything you would like.

The past couple of months, have really shown you, where your home is not really what you like anymore, and you need some help.

I'm here, Bruce 021 212 1480 to make a time, which suits you, to look at everything together.