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The Night Noodle Markets opens next Friday 29th November at Auckland’s Victoria Park, where noodles will be flying off your dish and into your mouth!
We have your meal prep sorted for 10 nights! #misofull
CLICK HERE for the official map and menu
When: Friday 29 Nov - Sunday 8 Dec
Where: … View moreThe Night Noodle Markets opens next Friday 29th November at Auckland’s Victoria Park, where noodles will be flying off your dish and into your mouth!
We have your meal prep sorted for 10 nights! #misofull
CLICK HERE for the official map and menu
When: Friday 29 Nov - Sunday 8 Dec
Where: Auckland’s Victoria Park
Hours: Open from 4pm - 10pm daily
(9pm close on the last night)
Cashless: Just tap or swipe
Free Entry
Live Entertainment
Licenced Bar
Dogs welcome on a leash
Rotorua has become a "dumping ground" and "slum" for beneficiaries from around the central North Island who are getting a "holiday" in motels and causing havoc, local business leaders say. The leaders believe the city's tourism reputation has also taken a … View moreRotorua has become a "dumping ground" and "slum" for beneficiaries from around the central North Island who are getting a "holiday" in motels and causing havoc, local business leaders say. The leaders believe the city's tourism reputation has also taken a hammering. The Ministry for Social Development acknowledged some of the behaviour of its clients was not acceptable but said it could not provide data on how many people it had relocated into motels from outside the area. Rotorua Motel Association chairwoman Shelley Hobson-Powell said Rotorua was becoming a "slum". She described the situation as a "dire emergency" and said domestic and gang violence was rife in emergency accommodation. The association estimated 35 motels in Rotorua solely catered for homeless beneficiaries. While the council and the economic and tourism board had tried to solve the problem, there was "no instantaneous fix". Hobson-Powell said the police were constantly called to motels. "Rotorua is becoming the dumping ground for [Ministry for Social Development] clients from the central North Island."
Professionals McDowell Real Estate co-owner Steve Lovegrove said Rotorua was a sinking hole for people who were looking for a "free ride" in motels. "That is a gross misuse of our tax when these people are still getting the benefit and paying no rent while they have a holiday in a motel. It's time people stood up - and someone has got to step in at both local and national government level." The damage to Rotorua's tourism image was a "crime", Lovegrove said. "We can't be New Zealand's homeless mop like we are being treated now." Lovegrove worried about Rotorua's image as the city was a tourism hotspot and should be "an absolute diamond". Watchdog Security chief executive Brett Wilson said some of the people living in the motels could be problematic. He believed problems from other districts were being imported to Rotorua, which included criminal and gang elements. He said the council and police should be applauded for monitoring the streets and stepping up security measures as no one else was doing anything. Ministry for Social Development regional commissioner Mike Bryant said the ministry was aware its clients sometimes behaved in ways that were "not acceptable to moteliers". "We do our best to respond quickly when concerns come to our attention and work with other agencies when needed. We value our relationship with moteliers, and encourage them to bring any concerns with people temporarily staying with them to our attention." The ministry said it did not centrally report on who was temporarily relocated for emergency housing into Rotorua. Housing options across the country, including Rotorua, were in short supply – this included emergency, transitional and public housing, he said. The ministry was working closely with the Rotorua Lakes Council on a housing strategy. "It will be based on a collaborative response, including government agencies the local business sector, community groups and iwi." Figures from the ministry reveal from October 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019, costs for emergency housing in Rotorua had spiralled to $9.3m, with one motel alone earning more than $800,000. The top three earners were: Jedi 3000 Ltd that owns Spa Lodge, which made $834,148' the Grand Treasure Hotel Ltd, which made $773,208; and Cactus Jacks, with $677,267 in earnings. Destination Rotorua chief executive Michelle Templer said the organisation worked closely with accommodation owners and had not received any complaints from visitors staying in those locations.
Rotorua's reputation was important and tourism-related businesses worked hard to build and protect that reputation, Templer said. Those efforts were paying off, with visits to Rotorua's attractions and activities increasing by 3.6 per cent for the year ending August 2019, and visitor spending hitting $830.4m in the same period. Templer said while it was not ideal anyone should have to live in a motel, it was encouraging to know that the ministry, Rotorua Lakes Council and other organisations were working together to respond to the housing challenge locally and nationally. Mayor Steve Chadwick said using motels as temporary housing was not a viable long-term solution and was not what visitors expected. "We need more homes of all types and solutions will require a collaborative approach. We want to develop a plan and actions so we can provide homes that match people's needs and align with the aspirations of our community. [The] council can't do this alone and is working with others. "Engagement undertaken during October resulted, I understand, in some very constructive and positive discussions, and work with Government, its agencies, and others is continuing. We will announce our housing plan once the detail is finalised." A police spokesman said police had responded to a variety of incidents at motels in the area. "Our priority is to keep people safe and we encourage anyone who witnesses anything concerning to contact police."
Behind the scenes
===============
When Spa Lodge owner Emilyn Dubouzet received a birthday card from a former guest who was back in prison, the gesture bought a tear to her eye. The Rotorua motelier, whose business solely accommodates Ministry for Social Development clients, says she is not only providing people with a roof over their heads, but giving them mental and emotional support. "I believe in karma and what goes around comes around and every day I try to give out positive energy. I talk to my guests and we care about them and are here to give them stronger wings." She says homelessness can affect anyone, including those who have had rental properties sold or relationship and marriage breakups. Dubouzet declined to reveal how many beneficiaries were staying at Spa Lodge but she says few were from other regions in New Zealand. "[Ministry for Social development] gives priority to those who live in Rotorua. They do accommodate a few, but when it comes to getting an extension to stay longer, they encourage them to return to where they came from. Otherwise, it puts more of a strain on those that need houses." A lot of beneficiaries had faced hardships in their lives and people needed to look at the problems with a different perspective, she said. In her view, some motels were just in it for the money - but for her it was "my passion".
Who can be an emergency housing provider?
=====================================
• Landlords or accommodation providers are required to submit proof they own the property or are authorised to act on the owner's behalf.
• An accommodation provider would generally be considered appropriate if they are a commercial provider or a not-for-profit accommodation provider and are approved by the relevant authorities including the council.
• Providers must meet the requirements to become a supplier.
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Got what it takes to be more Neighbourly? You could win an exclusive concert in your neighbourhood from one of the supporting acts from this summer’s SIX60 tour.
We also have 20 DOUBLE PASSES to give away to Neighbourly members for each of the regional concerts.
To be eligible, we’ll … View moreGot what it takes to be more Neighbourly? You could win an exclusive concert in your neighbourhood from one of the supporting acts from this summer’s SIX60 tour.
We also have 20 DOUBLE PASSES to give away to Neighbourly members for each of the regional concerts.
To be eligible, we’ll need to see you being more Neighbourly. Whether it’s posting to your neighbourhood, replying to questions or inviting a neighbour to join the site (we’ve pulled together a few more ideas here).
Hi there this is my first time on here I'm just wondering if anybody has any unwanted moving boxes they are no longer needing still not sure how this works if somebody is able to help me out I will be much appreciated thank you
A kebab shop owner who has been feeding homeless people on Sundays has been asked to stop by a local…
A three-year battle over an $80 speeding ticket has landed an Auckland man with a legal bill topping…
Hi neighbours, At 16, West Aucklander KDee Aimiti Ma'ia'i left school to support her family. Now, the Avondale resident has just become New Zealand's first woman of Pacific descent to receive a prestigious scholarship to Oxford University to complete a doctorate in international … View moreHi neighbours, At 16, West Aucklander KDee Aimiti Ma'ia'i left school to support her family. Now, the Avondale resident has just become New Zealand's first woman of Pacific descent to receive a prestigious scholarship to Oxford University to complete a doctorate in international development.
This curry keeps well in the fridge for a few days and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
1 kg Chicken pieces, including thighs, drums, wings
2 cloves Garlic
5 cm Fresh ginger, peeled
1 med Onion, peeled and cut into quaters
1 Tbsp Oil
1 large Lemon, or lime, freshly… View moreThis curry keeps well in the fridge for a few days and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
1 kg Chicken pieces, including thighs, drums, wings
2 cloves Garlic
5 cm Fresh ginger, peeled
1 med Onion, peeled and cut into quaters
1 Tbsp Oil
1 large Lemon, or lime, freshly juiced
1 Tbsp Cumin seeds
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp Tomato paste
½ cup Cream, or yoghurt
Directions
Remove skin from the chicken if you prefer.
Place garlic, ginger and onion in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add 150ml water to make into a thin puree.
Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan. When hot, add the chicken pieces and brown on both sides. While cooking season with salt.
When the chicken is nicely browned, squeeze over the lemon juice and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the cumin seeds, cayenne and tomato paste.
Pour in the garlic, onion and ginger puree, cover the frying pan with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes.
Turn the chicken. Stir in the cream or yoghurt. Add enough water to cover the chicken, cover and continue to cook on a low heat for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. Cooking time will depend on the cut of chicken you have used and whether it is on the bone.
Check for seasoning — you may need more salt or cayenne if you like it hot.
Remove from the heat and rest with the lid on for 5-10 minutes. The chicken will keep cooking in this time and will be more tender when you come to eat it.
Serve with rice and steamed seasonal vegetables.
Click below to read some interesting cooking tips!
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Too often we think that picking up litter is someone else’s job - but collecting rubbish is such a simple way we can help our community, the environment and our own health and wellbeing.
This is why Resene is proud to sponsor the “Walk & Collect Weekend” on December 7 and 8. Take a … View moreToo often we think that picking up litter is someone else’s job - but collecting rubbish is such a simple way we can help our community, the environment and our own health and wellbeing.
This is why Resene is proud to sponsor the “Walk & Collect Weekend” on December 7 and 8. Take a walk over the weekend and collect a bag of rubbish in your community - it's simple but with a collective effort can make a big difference.
It's free to participate and there are prizes to be won - including a $200 Resene Gift Card! Simply head to their event page and register your interest.
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