Birkdale, Auckland

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443 days ago

North Shore local boards set to lose millions

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

Auckland Council is currently considering a new funding model for local boards that will strip investment from the North Shore. Last week the Kaipātiki Local Board unanimously opposed it and pointed out that it may be illegal.

The new model moves away from funding local boards based on current… View more
Auckland Council is currently considering a new funding model for local boards that will strip investment from the North Shore. Last week the Kaipātiki Local Board unanimously opposed it and pointed out that it may be illegal.

The new model moves away from funding local boards based on current assets and services, and instead redistributes funding based on a formula of Population, Deprivation and Land Area (80:15:5). This new formula would effectively strip millions of dollars from both the Kaipātiki Local Board and Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and give it to other local boards, meaning less investment into our area and possibly the closure of public assets (buildings, playgrounds, bridges, parks, etc) or cuts to local services. Both local boards already don’t receive adequate funding to maintain assets, so this is a real concern.

What we say:
Attached is our feedback on the proposal and an alternative fairer funding model that we have put forward. Instead of the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillors) receiving all income and allocating a small amount to be shared between the 21 local boards, we believe that each local board should instead keep a percentage of the rates raised from its own area, and then pay a levy to the Governing Body to cover regional expenses. We have provided figures showing that if the levy was set at only 33% of the rate take, that every local board would be better off and able to fulfil their obligations under the law. The Governing Body would still receive the lions’ share of 67% of rates. We have also suggested that any revenue generated from fees or charges (for example, Leisure Centre fees) should be allocated to the respective local board in addition to the rates amount.

We have also pointed out that it is potentially illegal for the proposed funding formula to not factor in the rates collected and the revenue generated in a local board area. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 clearly states that the funding formula must have regard to both rates and revenue derived from each local board area. From what we can tell, these have not been considered, let alone included, in the proposed funding formula.

443 days ago

2023 Rotary Annual Charity Book Fair

Bob Lang from Rotary Kaipātiki

Help us make this the most successful Rotary Charity Book Fair yet. Thankyou to those who have already left books at the drop-off Z Service Stations already. See brochure for details.

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443 days ago

Real Estate

Winston from Harcourts - Winston Saga

Are you looking to sell? I'd be happy to provide an estimated sale price!
Want to know how much your home is worth? Find out now! homeasap.com...
#sellers #homevalue #sellmyhouse

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Mark Testimonial.docx Download View

443 days ago

Tikanga Māori for Korean Speakers

Tae-young Lee from Glenfield Library

An opportunity for members of
our Korean community to find belonging in Aotearoa with
Te Reo and Tikanga Māori

443 days ago

Clear the decks

The Team from Resene ColorShop Wairau Park

Refresh your outdoor spaces with Resene Lumbersider and Resene Walk-on with these easy ideas.

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444 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for strawberries?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of… View moreDear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.

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444 days ago

Art Day for children in the holidays (ages 7 - 12yrs)

Eion from Beach Haven

If your child loves drawing and painting they’ll love this one-day workshop with artist Eion Bryant. With step-by-step instruction children will draw then create a vibrant acrylic painting learning tips and techniques along the way. Fun and focused!
Time and place: Beach Haven Community House, … View more
If your child loves drawing and painting they’ll love this one-day workshop with artist Eion Bryant. With step-by-step instruction children will draw then create a vibrant acrylic painting learning tips and techniques along the way. Fun and focused!
Time and place: Beach Haven Community House, September 27th, 11.00am - 4.00pm. Cost: $60
BOOKINGS: eion@eionbryant.com, Ph 0211327033

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444 days ago

Get a FREE Power Bill Comparison!

The Team from NZ Compare

Snap a pic of your power bill and send it to customersupport@nzcompare.com!
Unlock savings with a FREE power bill comparison from our team. They'll let you know if you can save money or if you're better off staying put.
OR compare power plans here: www.powercompare.co.nz...

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K
444 days ago

Looking for curtains

Kellie from Birkenhead

Hello,
We are looking for large lined or thermal curtains that will measure space of about 210cm by 190cm. If anyone has any that they no longer need or want to be rid of, we would very much appreciate it

445 days ago

Sushi Workshop

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Many thanks to Chef Atsushi and Hitomi for another inspiring sushi workshop.

There is so much more to understanding the techniques that are necessary to make spectacular sushi!

#sushi #sushilovers #sushilover #fish #fresh #cookingclass

447 days ago

Poll: Should more rentals allow pets?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Rental properties that allow pets are very hard to come by in New Zealand, yet the amount of people owning therapy dogs is rising. Some might say that allowing tenants to have pets means that they'll stay longer and treat your house like a home. Do you think changes should be made to ensure … View moreRental properties that allow pets are very hard to come by in New Zealand, yet the amount of people owning therapy dogs is rising. Some might say that allowing tenants to have pets means that they'll stay longer and treat your house like a home. Do you think changes should be made to ensure more pet-friendly rentals are available?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

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Should more rentals allow pets?
  • 47.9% Yes, we need to encourage it
    47.9% Complete
  • 50.1% No, it should be up to the landlord
    50.1% Complete
  • 2% I'm not sure
    2% Complete
3610 votes
446 days ago

Health Talk: NZ’s Health & Medical System

Honour Zhu from Glenfield Library

Co-hosted by Glenfield Library & The Asian Network Inc.
Time: 11AM on Thursday, 7th September
Arabic interpreter is supplied.
Meeting ID: 859 8417 9709 (no password required)
Or Join Zoom Meeting by clicking:
us02web.zoom.us...

446 days ago

Heart Foundation Lottery funds vital heart research

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

In New Zealand, heart disease is the single biggest killer of our loved ones. Since 1968, the incredible supporters of the Heart Foundation have contributed more than $85 million into heart research projects and fellowships for Kiwi cardiologists to get world-class training.
Right now, you can … View more
In New Zealand, heart disease is the single biggest killer of our loved ones. Since 1968, the incredible supporters of the Heart Foundation have contributed more than $85 million into heart research projects and fellowships for Kiwi cardiologists to get world-class training.
Right now, you can support the Heart Foundation and have the chance to win this fully furnished Jennian home in Glenbrook, Auckland worth over $1 million.

Be in to win and get your tickets today!

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K
446 days ago

Repair person

Kevin from Glenfield

Hi can anyone put me on to someome who can come and check my oven is working properly.The bottom element doesn’t seem to heat up properly

446 days ago

Poll: What's Your Dream Bed Style?

Jay from Beds4U Glenfield

Calling all dreamers and decorators! It's time to share your ultimate bedtime fantasy. ?✨

We know that the perfect bed style can transform your bedroom into a sanctuary. Is your dream bed traditional, bringing timeless elegance to your space? Or maybe you're all about modern design, … View more
Calling all dreamers and decorators! It's time to share your ultimate bedtime fantasy. ?✨

We know that the perfect bed style can transform your bedroom into a sanctuary. Is your dream bed traditional, bringing timeless elegance to your space? Or maybe you're all about modern design, sleek lines, and cutting-edge comfort? Perhaps you're a minimalist, loving the simplicity and clutter-free vibes, or you embrace the rustic charm that makes you feel like you're in a cozy cabin in the woods.

Share your thoughts with us so we can create the styles you love most. ??

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What's Your Dream Bed Style?
  • 32.8% Modern
    32.8% Complete
  • 28.8% Traditional
    28.8% Complete
  • 12.8% Rustic
    12.8% Complete
  • 25.6% Minimalistic
    25.6% Complete
125 votes
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