Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

Looking for a tradie?

Looking for a tradie?

Check out our business directory and keep it local!

New lottery, new home

New lottery, new home

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

273 days ago

Don't forget to nominate your favourite local...

Prospa

There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- … View more
There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- A reassuring pharmacy team? Nominate them today.

Make a small business' day today by nominating them as your Prospa Local Business Hero - and you could make their whole year (our national winner picks up an incredible $10,000 prize package!)
Nominate now

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274 days ago

Space to hire

Amitabha Hospice from Amitabha Hospice Service Trust

Hi there
Lovely space available to hire in Avondale, suitable for yoga, pilates, meetings etc. Facilities include kitchenette, W/C access toilet and plenty of off street parking.
Please call Leigh 021 026 46 898

C
274 days ago

Volunteers Needed at Amitabha Hospice

Claire from Mount Roskill

Amitabha Hospice Service is looking for more volunteers to visit people as support companions. Training starts soon - 6th of March. Please visit www.amitabhahospice.org... for more details and to apply!

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274 days ago

Garden villas available now

Rosehill Gardens

Your haven in the heart of Avondale. Rosehill Gardens Lifestyle and Retirement Village is meticulously designed to cater to the needs of independent retirees seeking community engagement, security and social connections.

With its exquisitely maintained gardens and lush greenery, Rosehill … View more
Your haven in the heart of Avondale. Rosehill Gardens Lifestyle and Retirement Village is meticulously designed to cater to the needs of independent retirees seeking community engagement, security and social connections.

With its exquisitely maintained gardens and lush greenery, Rosehill Village offers a welcoming ambiance that feels like home. Call Lisa on 027 273 5197 or email village@rosehillgardens.co.nz for a viewing at 23 Elm Street, Avondale.
Find out more

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275 days ago

Don't try this at home: Why Lemons Aren't a Magic Potion for Flawless Skin

Tsahallah from Beauty Fields

The charm of natural remedies is undeniable, especially when it comes to skincare. From honey masks to coffee scrubs, DIY concoctions flood social media, promising quick fixes for everything from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But before you squeeze that lemon onto your face based on the latest … View moreThe charm of natural remedies is undeniable, especially when it comes to skincare. From honey masks to coffee scrubs, DIY concoctions flood social media, promising quick fixes for everything from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But before you squeeze that lemon onto your face based on the latest TikTok "hack," hold on! As a pharmacist who has dedicated years to formulating gentle yet effective skincare, I'm here to burst the citrus bubble and explain why lemons are a bad idea for treating skin spots.

Lemon on your face is not such a good idea.
The Acidic Truth, what you don’t know can harm you

Let's start with the science. Lemons are undeniably rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant praised for its brightening properties. However, the key ingredient responsible for that "magic" is citric acid, a potent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). While AHAs can indeed exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a seemingly brighter complexion, the harsh reality is that lemon juice is far too acidic for your delicate facial skin.
Imagine this: your skin's natural pH sits around a healthy 5.5, slightly acidic but leaning towards neutral. Lemon juice, on the other hand, boasts a pH of 2-3, making it incredibly acidic and comparable to vinegar! Applying this directly to your face disrupts your skin's natural barrier, potentially leading to:
Inflammation and irritation: Redness, burning, and stinging are common reactions, especially for sensitive skin.
Increased sun sensitivity: AHAs make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, potentially worsening hyperpigmentation instead of lightening it.
Uneven skin tone: Over-exfoliation, inflammation, and increased sun sensitivity can lead to patchy, uneven skin tone, the opposite of the desired effect. Yup! It can make things worse!


pH2 is 1000 times more acidic than pH5, it’s a logarithmic scale
Beyond the Burn: The Long-Term Damage
The harm doesn't stop at immediate reactions. Frequent use of lemon juice can weaken your skin's barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage, infections, and premature aging. It's essentially trading short-term perceived brightness for long-term skin woes.
The Temptation of the Algorithm: Why We Fall for the "Hacks"
So, why do these questionable practices gain traction online? The answer lies in a complex mix of factors:
Appeal to natural remedies: The belief that "natural" equals safe and effective is very strong.
Influencer trust: We often see flawless, filtered complexions on our screens, leading us to believe the methods used are foolproof, regardless of their potential harm.
Cherry-picking results: Social media thrives on showcasing successes, rarely highlighting negative experiences or potential dangers.
The Power of Informed Choices: Seek Expertise, Not Likes
It's important to remember that quick fixes rarely deliver lasting results, and especially when it comes to your skin, caution is paramount. Be weary before trying any DIY trend, especially on your face!
Remember, your skin is your largest organ, deserving of care and respect. Don't fall victim to online trends that prioritize likes over lasting results. Choose the informed path, treat your skin with gentleness and respect, and use lemons for lemonade - the healthy way, not on your face.

Use your Lemons wisely, drink them!

275 days ago

Have you got a family-favourite recipe for carrots?

Jo McCarroll Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious carrot recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's April issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this easy-to-grow vege crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by February 25, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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275 days ago

2 chairs for free

Olga from Blockhouse Bay

2 chairs of good condition for free. Pick up Blockhouse Bay. Ping me prior. 0224366095

275 days ago

$15,000 to welcome you home...

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.
View more
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.

If you sign up to one of our new home offers, you’ll get a $15,000 credit on settlement*.

There’s truly never been a better time to choose Ryman.

*Terms and conditions apply.
Explore our villages now

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276 days ago

Hyperpigmentation Soap – All Natural Skin Lightening Treatment HandMade in New Zealand

Tsahallah from Beauty Fields

More info: beautyfields.co.nz...
A cream is also available

This soap treats pigmentation. It can be used for skin lightening, skin bleaching, or as a skin whitening treatment. This soap is gentler and safer than other bleach soaps for skin such as Kojic soap and the like. All Natural, handmade … View more
More info: beautyfields.co.nz...
A cream is also available

This soap treats pigmentation. It can be used for skin lightening, skin bleaching, or as a skin whitening treatment. This soap is gentler and safer than other bleach soaps for skin such as Kojic soap and the like. All Natural, handmade in NZ. For body and face – Normal to oily skin.

Treat your skin with the best that nature offers to ensure a radiant clear complexion and brighter-looking skin. Enriched with natural skin-lightening herbs this soap is one of a kind.


Calendula – Ancient Egyptians used Calendula to rejuvenate their skin. Bathing in calendula infusion was thought to give one a healthy glow.

Parsley – Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants/ Vitamin C is clinically proven to reduce skin pigmentation.

Directions: Use daily as a regular soap for the face and body. Leave it on for a minute or two before rinsing. Apply moisturizer if needed.
Size: 90gr/3.3Oz. All Vegan.
Not tested on animals.

Price: $25

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277 days ago

Find the purrfect love of your life (cat) this February - discounted adoption fee

Sarah from New Lynn

TRUE LOVE ain’t cheap, and that’s why we’ve slashed our adoption rates.
Are you looking for the love of your life or your soul mate?? Our kittens and cats are looking for you and had been for some months. Check out our available to adopt kitties & cats and find your true love who’ll … View more
TRUE LOVE ain’t cheap, and that’s why we’ve slashed our adoption rates.
Are you looking for the love of your life or your soul mate?? Our kittens and cats are looking for you and had been for some months. Check out our available to adopt kitties & cats and find your true love who’ll be there for all your Valentines Days to come!
- Kitten adoptions slashed from $190 to $125
- Adults slashed from $140 to $85
For ALL of FEBRUARY to give you time and find the cat that you've been looking for!!
Their full listings can be found here:
www.trademe.co.nz...
Please share :)
Pet Whisperer Rescue
(registered charity)

276 days ago

How well do you know your neighbours?

Brian from Mount Roskill

Some people refuse contact with neighbours even when they live in adjacent houses / apartments.
Do you know your neighbours? I don’t. I have been living in the same apartment for three years, but haven’t exchanged a word with my neighbours. Wonder why?
Let me explain. I’m kind of an … View more
Some people refuse contact with neighbours even when they live in adjacent houses / apartments.
Do you know your neighbours? I don’t. I have been living in the same apartment for three years, but haven’t exchanged a word with my neighbours. Wonder why?
Let me explain. I’m kind of an antisocial. Don’t make friends easily, and don’t talk to strangers. An antiseptic smile is the best I can manage. Prefers to keep to myself and stick to the same circle of friends and relatives. Well, you can call me an introvert. That would explain my lack of interaction with neighbours.
My wife’s exactly the opposite. Yet, she has failed to strike up a conversation with the occupants of the flat across the corridor. The doors face each other. At times, we open the doors simultaneously, and the elderly lady behaves as if we don’t exist. So do the two young adults. We hardly get to see the other neighbours.
How young children make a difference
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Maybe they want to be left alone. I understand that. Yet, it feels strange. Weird, actually!
Humans, they say, are social animals. Our lives are interlinked and interdependent in some way, especially when we share a building. The blank stares and the radio silence in the elevators baffle me. Isn’t this a community? I ask myself.
I lived in another apartment for 20 years, and the experience was totally different. We had plenty of friends in the building and the neighbouring blocks. Some of those friendships exist even today, even after they have moved to other countries.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising.-
What’s the difference? One reason was our children. They were young and had plenty of friends. I remember a time when the doors of three neighbouring flats, including ours, were never locked as children kept moving from one house to another to continue their games. That was when my daughter was a toddler. At least 25 children in the neighbourhood would attend my son’s birthdays.
The children’s parents became our friends, and we called on each other for festive occasions and pujas. Sweets used to be sent and received during Diwali. Help used to be sought and given. Seems like another era.
Even after we moved, my wife maintained friendships in our old neighbourhood. She frequently travels there to attend birthdays, pujas, picnics, and other community activities. I often tease her, saying that her social skills haven’t worked in the new neighbourhood. She shrugs it off, saying it takes two people to strike a friendship.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising. When you get home from work late, visiting the neighbours is the last thing on tired minds.
What about weekends and holidays? Plans would have been made weeks ahead, and grocery shopping and prayers at a temple or a church are a weekend phenomenon. In homes where husbands and wives work, Saturdays and Sundays can turn into marathon cooking sessions to cover the week. All that doesn’t leave much time for neighbours and friends.
In many cases, it’s down to privacy. People value their privacy, which is why they keep to themselves. Imagine if your neighbours are nosy parkers. They could make lives miserable with incessant questions and the insatiable curiosity to know everything that happens in the neighbourhood.
None of us would want that. Right? Then why am I complaining?
You don’t have to take the biblical phrase “Love Thy Neighbour” literally. A little bit of social contact between neighbours wouldn’t hurt. And you don’t have to be friends with all the neighbours. A hello, a good morning, a smile, or a nod would suffice.
Do I do that? Yes, I do. Especially when I’m riding the elevator. It feels good when others return the gesture. A smile is the best. So keep smiling.
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276 days ago

Mac Senior Net - Common Hackers Tactics

Janet Court from Mac Senior Net Auckland

Come along, to a free 1 hour presentation, about common tactics that hackers use to steal our information: Knowledge is Power! Tuesday 27th February @ 2.00pm at St Lukes Community Church, 130 Remuera Rd..
Email: mac.auckland@seniornet.nz or Phone Janet 0212148386

277 days ago

Chipboard offcuts, 2 cm thick

Robert Neighbourly Lead from Lynfield

Approx 81.5 x 42 cm (3 pieces), small piece is 50 x 40 cm. Help yourself and pick up from outside 1A Rangitiki Crescent, Lynfield.

Free

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277 days ago

Poll: What power issues have you faced?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hey neighbours! How has your power been treating you lately? Any sparks or stumbles in the past year?
Share the woes and let's brighten each other's day!

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What power issues have you faced?
  • 13.1% Power Outages
    13.1% Complete
  • 73% High Bills
    73% Complete
  • 2.9% Billing Errors
    2.9% Complete
  • 4.2% Voltage Fluctuations
    4.2% Complete
  • 6.8% Poor Customer Service
    6.8% Complete
382 votes
278 days ago

Here are some of the actions taken so far by the NEW government.

Brian from Mount Roskill

• Started reducing public sector expenditure
• Refocused the Reserve Bank on reducing inflation
• Written legislation to repeal the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax on 30 June
• Required primary and intermediate schools to teach an hour each of reading, writing and maths every day
• Banned … View more
• Started reducing public sector expenditure
• Refocused the Reserve Bank on reducing inflation
• Written legislation to repeal the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax on 30 June
• Required primary and intermediate schools to teach an hour each of reading, writing and maths every day
• Banned phones in classrooms from next term
• Stopped work on the Jobs Tax and the costly Auckland Light Rail project
• Began work to get our transport agencies building new roads
• Repealed the Ute Tax
• Stopped blanket speed limit reductions
• Reintroduced 90-day trials and cancelled fair pay agreements
• Repealed Three Waters
• Abolished Labour’s prisoner reduction target
• Improved security for health workers by putting security guards in more emergency departments.

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