Cornwallis - Huia - Parau, Auckland

Chemist Warehouse Westgate Lifestyle Centre Now Open!

Chemist Warehouse Westgate Lifestyle Centre Now Open!

Chemist Warehouse is now open at Westgate Lifestyle Centre! Open 7 days a week till late, opposite Rebel Sport!

1807 days ago

☀️Preparing for those summer picnics☀️

Fiona from Henderson

We all have ideas as to what to pack (or not) for those picnics.
Here is are a few hints as to how to perfect your lasagna (straight from Italy)
Raise your hand if you don’t like lasagna.
Ok, no one?
That’s because lasagna is a real crowd-pleaser and a wonderful Italian comfort food. A nice, … View more
We all have ideas as to what to pack (or not) for those picnics.
Here is are a few hints as to how to perfect your lasagna (straight from Italy)
Raise your hand if you don’t like lasagna.
Ok, no one?
That’s because lasagna is a real crowd-pleaser and a wonderful Italian comfort food. A nice, generous portion makes everyone feel good all year round.
Preparing lasagna at home is a gesture of true love, involving many long, laborious steps, plus a hefty dose of patience, especially if making the pasta yourself.
Mistakes are allowed as the dish is actually quite complex and perfection is never easy to achieve.

The most common lasagna mistakes:
1. Should you want to make the pasta at home, spread the pasta rather thin and boil it in water with a drizzle of oil to prevent the sheets from sticking to the each other, or boil one sheet at a time and once drained place it in cold water.
2. If you buy fresh egg pasta, the process is the same as for homemade pasta. If you buy packaged dried sheets then you absolutely must cover them well with the filling, without leaving a single corner exposed.
3. There shouldn’t be too much or too little filling. Too much between one layer and another will keep you from ever getting a perfect slice. Too little and all you’ll taste is pasta.
4. Do not put large pieces of vegetables or meat in lasagna for the same reason as above. To get a perfect lasagna, the filling should be finely sliced or even creamy.
5. If using parchment paper, remember to remove it once the lasagna is cooked. Otherwise, it will get wet and ruin the base. It’s better to grease an oven dish or to streak it with béchamel sauce.
6. Don’t overdo it with the béchamel, a necessary ingredient in many recipes, particularly for the consistency it lends to the taste, but one which can ruin the dish if there’s too much of it.
7. Lasagna should be cooked for at least 45 minutes in a hot oven at 350°F, though it really depends on the number of layers. To prevent an overcooked surface and an undercooked center, cover with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking process.
8. Particularly when using store-bought dry pasta, be careful when cooking the corners. Cover them well with the filling and add a drizzle of water or milk to soften them once in the oven.
9. Though it may seem obvious, any meat or vegetables in the filling must be cooked first. Vegetables can even be simply blanched, but putting them raw into the filling is highly risky.

and last but by no means least ....

10. Don’t eat it now. Like a good eggplant parmigiana, baked pasta should always be left to rest. Forget about eating it fresh out of the oven ... it’s actually better the next day!

Image
1808 days ago

Holiday Reading.

NumberWorks'nWords Henderson

Will you be taking plenty of good books with you these school holidays?

Image
1808 days ago

Thank you New Zealand

Countdown New Zealand

Thank you New Zealand. Your nominations helped us find a local hero for every Countdown store in the country.

Every store’s winner receives a $500 Countdown Gift voucher in recognition of helping make our community a better place.
Xmas Hub

Image
1809 days ago

Two days left to be in to WIN with Readers Tours & TV Guide!

Readers Tours

For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the NorthView more
For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the North and South Island. These new shorter escapes are the perfect length of time for those adventurous seniors who want a taste of the spectacular excursions and sights our country has to offer.

To celebrate the launch of our brand new tours, our friends at TV Guide and Neighbourly are giving away a year’s subscription for TV Guide to one lucky adventurer!

All you have to do is tell us a New Zealand destination you would love to visit via this link and you'll be in the draw to win!

Entries close 19th December 2019.

Image
1809 days ago

Will you use Uber's Jump e-bikes?

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Western Leader

Hi neighbours, Uber has announced it will launch it's Jump e-bike rentals in Auckland next year. It's e-scooters also won't hit the street until 2020. Will you try the e-bikes? What about the scooters?

Image
1809 days ago

Tis the season! Here are a couple of ways Neighbourhood Supporters are getting in the spirit this month. 🎅🎄

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Photo 1: Lou Dixon, Coordinator for Ruapehu Neighbourhood Support, has created this cheery display for the Taumarunui Christmas Tree Festival where agencies are given the chance to educate the public on the work that they do in a fun and festive way.

Photo 2: Papamoa Neighbourhoood Support and … View more
Photo 1: Lou Dixon, Coordinator for Ruapehu Neighbourhood Support, has created this cheery display for the Taumarunui Christmas Tree Festival where agencies are given the chance to educate the public on the work that they do in a fun and festive way.

Photo 2: Papamoa Neighbourhoood Support and Papamoa Community Patrol recently took part in the local Community Christmas parade alongside Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Senior Constable Adrian Oldham and Senior Constable Amanda Pinkerton to spread Christmas cheer and safety messaging in their area.

1809 days ago

Don't get caught out by these Auckland motorway closures...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

NZTA is advising of closures for motorway improvements from December 17-21. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.

These affect parts of the Northern Motorway (SH1). Southern Motorway (SH1), … View more
NZTA is advising of closures for motorway improvements from December 17-21. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.

These affect parts of the Northern Motorway (SH1). Southern Motorway (SH1), Northwestern Motorway (SH16), Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18). and Southwestern Motorway (SH20). Specific details can be found here.

Please follow the signposted detours.

Image
1809 days ago

Meet Santa at WestCity Waitakere!

WestCity Waitakere

Check off your Christmas list and enjoy fun for the whole family while shopping the best of the West!

Take your photo with Santa and tell him what’s on your Christmas list this year.
● Receive a FREE Christmas activity pad with every Santa photo purchased (while stocks last)!
● Meet … View more
Check off your Christmas list and enjoy fun for the whole family while shopping the best of the West!

Take your photo with Santa and tell him what’s on your Christmas list this year.
● Receive a FREE Christmas activity pad with every Santa photo purchased (while stocks last)!
● Meet and take your photo with the WestCity Explorers Fern & Nikau.
● Free weekend entertainment including face painting, balloon artist, musical performances and more.

Where: WestCity Waitakere 7 Catherine Street, Henderson, Auckland
Phone: +64 9 978 6700
Learn more

Image
1809 days ago

Cash for cars - get your wreck off the road!

The Team from AAA Auto Parts

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 … View more
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.
Enquire now

Image
1810 days ago

Kiwis spend just 22 hours preparing for Christmas Day

Danielle Clent Reporter from Western Leader

Hi neighbours, a new survey conducted by Countdown shows Kiwis are "pretty relaxed" about Christmas and it doesn't take much preparation.
How much time do you spend preparing for December 25? Let us know in the comments.

Image
1813 days ago

Which local cafes make the best coffee?

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Western Leader

Hi neighbours, we all know Kiwis love coffee but a survey has found that Auckland coffee drinkers are more likely to buy their coffee than Kiwis from the regions. A third of Aucklanders buy at least half of their weekly coffees and most preferred a flat white. How often do you buy coffee out? What … View moreHi neighbours, we all know Kiwis love coffee but a survey has found that Auckland coffee drinkers are more likely to buy their coffee than Kiwis from the regions. A third of Aucklanders buy at least half of their weekly coffees and most preferred a flat white. How often do you buy coffee out? What do you usually order? And which local cafes do you think make the best coffee? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Top