Freemans Bay, Auckland

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

Explore more, worry less at Ryman

With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.

48 days ago

Blessing scam

The Team from New Zealand Police

Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The … View more
Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China.
They arrived in New Zealand on 10 October. Police alleged that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam – a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to two victims – one who lost $14,500 and jewellery and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today. Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered, but it is a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items. Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the Financial Crime Unit has identified two victims so far, it’s highly likely more people were targeted.
We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealand’s Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz... or call 105.
In New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses. This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years.
Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm, and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.
If you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, please contact Police via 105 immediately.

51 days ago

Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.

How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
  • 28.8% With a city-wide public fireworks display
    28.8% Complete
  • 19.7% Small fireworks displays in each community
    19.7% Complete
  • 7.4% Keep it as is
    7.4% Complete
  • 33.6% We shouldn't celebrate it!
    33.6% Complete
  • 10% Anything but fireworks
    10% Complete
  • 0.6% Other - I'll share below
    0.6% Complete
3770 votes
51 days ago

Workshop: Sewing Machine Parts & Maintenance

Amanda Chapman from Auckland Library of Tools

www.facebook.com...

Auckland Library of Tools (ALoT) in collaboration with Repair Cafe Aotearoa NZ (RCANZ) are excited to bring you free 1st Thursdays repair and maintenance workshops at Hackland Makerspace, just behind ALoT! Koha is appreciated, to help us continue to bring you repair cafés … View more
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Auckland Library of Tools (ALoT) in collaboration with Repair Cafe Aotearoa NZ (RCANZ) are excited to bring you free 1st Thursdays repair and maintenance workshops at Hackland Makerspace, just behind ALoT! Koha is appreciated, to help us continue to bring you repair cafés and workshops.

Thursday November 7 will be a basic sewing machine parts and maintenance workshop. Come learn the parts of a standard sewing machine, what they do, and how to care for them so they run smoothly for years to come. No need to bring your machine, but you are welcome to bring it if you want to get hands-on!

There will be nibbles and tea on hand, but contributions of food and beverage are always very welcome. Koha always appreciated.

Getting here:
Bus stops on Ponsonby Rd (InnerLink, 20, 105, 106, 866), Great North Rd (11T/W, 18, 20, 195), and Karangahape Rd (WX1)
We are also near the northwestern cycleway.
Limited free parking is available in the lot next door (nevermind the signs) or on side streets. There is no parking in front of ALoT/Hackland.

These workshops are part of the Repair & Share project, a weekly repair cafe hosted by ALoT, RCANZ, and Hackland and supported by Auckland Council.
www.facebook.com...
aucklandlibraryoftools.myturn.com...
www.repaircafeaotearoa.co.nz...
hackland.nz...
www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...

If you would like to help out at any of our workshops or repair cafes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You do not need repair skills to get involved. Send us a message to see how you can help. We look forward to it!

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50 days ago

Spring clean Your Bills!

The Team from NZ Compare

Winter's energy bills can sting, but we’ve got 5 tips to help lower your costs and save. Check out our top tips and start saving today!

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51 days ago

Motorway maintenance this week

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has advised that maintenance work will be taking place on motorways across Auckland this week.

Check the list below to find out if you'll be affected.

HARBOUR BRIDGE:
State Highway 1 (SH1) Auckland Harbour Bridge from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 November … View more
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has advised that maintenance work will be taking place on motorways across Auckland this week.

Check the list below to find out if you'll be affected.

HARBOUR BRIDGE:
State Highway 1 (SH1) Auckland Harbour Bridge from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 November between 9pm and 5am.
There will be lane restrictions on the centre lanes. At least two lanes in each direction will be available.
Traffic Management: Traffic will still be able to travel in both directions across the bridge.
There may be increased noise levels as the team carry out bridge maintenance.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Southbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Onewa southbound on-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)
Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Symonds Street southbound on-ramp, 7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Hill Road southbound off-ramp, 5-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)o SH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am):
- Hill Road northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
- Takanini northbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
- Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November

Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November

Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 5-7 November
- Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 5-7 November
- Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 5-7 November

Bombay southbound off-ramp, 3-7 November
Bombay northbound off-ramp, 3-7 November
Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Razorback Road on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)
Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 7 November
- Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 7 November

Dominion Road northbound off-ramp, 3-6 November
Southbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 6 November
- Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 6 November
- Queenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 6 November

Southbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 3-5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Walmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 3-5 & 7 November
- SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 3-5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

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56 days ago

Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!

The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.

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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 88.7% Yes, it's fair
    88.7% Complete
  • 10.7% No, it's unreasonable
    10.7% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
4591 votes
51 days ago

WiFi Coverage Solutions Auckland Wide

Thomas from The WiFi Experts

Do you have slow WiFi? Deadzones? Buffering? Call in the local experts for a free site visit and quote Auckland wide.

0800-943-439
hello@thewifiexperts.co.nz
www.thewifiexperts.co.nz...

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54 days ago

Light Up Diwali!

The Team from NZ Compare

Celebrate the Festival of Lights while keeping your household bills light too! Compare broadband, power, and mobile plans to unlock amazing savings!

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54 days ago

Smoke in Mt Wellington

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.

Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.

Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square … View more
Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.

Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.

Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.

Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.

A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.

At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.

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54 days ago

Just dough it

The Team from Resene ColorShop Victoria Park

With three basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can give old containers new life with Resene testpots.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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54 days ago

On the range

Resene

Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time?

Find out how to create your own with Resene Sandtex and these easy step by step instructions.
Find out more

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55 days ago

Watch out!

The Team from NZ Compare

It’s Halloween, and lurking in your home is the notorious vampire power! Silent and sneaky, it’s the hidden culprit driving up your power bill. Learn how to spot and stop vampire power before it drains your wallet!

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55 days ago

Join Us for a Christmas Day Buffet

Novotel Auckland Ellerslie

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful festive buffet in our beautifully decorated venue! Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, adding a touch of sparkle to your celebration.

With a mouthwatering selection of dishes, our buffet will delight every palate.

View more
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful festive buffet in our beautifully decorated venue! Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, adding a touch of sparkle to your celebration.

With a mouthwatering selection of dishes, our buffet will delight every palate.

Booking is essential, so make your reservations today to secure your place in this joyous celebration. We look forward to welcoming you to Acacia for a memorable day filled with festive cheer!

Email: H3060-SB3@ACCOR.com
Ph: 09 529 9090.
Learn More

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55 days ago

WiFi Coverage Experts

Thomas from The WiFi Experts

Do you have slow WiFi? Give us a call for a free site visit and quote!

09 930 9233
hello@thewifiexperts.co.nz
www.thewifiexperts.co.nz...

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56 days ago

Think of others and use fireworks safely this Guy Fawkes season

The Team from Auckland Council

🎆 It's that time of year again! Check out our tips to keep your whānau and pets safe during the Guy Fawkes period.

Find out when the maunga will be closed and when Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach will have restricted vehicle access by clicking "read more"

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