Green Bay, Auckland

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1684 days ago

New Zealanders living in Australia given access to $12 billion wage subsidy scheme

Brian from New Lynn

The scheme only applies to New Zealanders on 444 visas, Mr Morrison announced in a press conference this afternoon. "New Zealanders on 444 visas don't get access to the welfare system, but they are getting access to this Jobseeker payment," he said. "They're connected to … View moreThe scheme only applies to New Zealanders on 444 visas, Mr Morrison announced in a press conference this afternoon. "New Zealanders on 444 visas don't get access to the welfare system, but they are getting access to this Jobseeker payment," he said. "They're connected to businesses here, they have commitments here, they own and rent properties, and they are part of an ongoing economy here in Australia."
The subsidy scheme is $585.80 per week for full-time workers and $350 for part-time workers, paid in a lump sum over seven weeks. Overall, a full time worker gets a total payment of $7,029.60.
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1685 days ago

April Challenge Month

NumberWorks'nWords New Lynn

April is NumberWorks’nWords Challenge month.

From Monday to Friday, you can find your challenge here:
business.facebook.com...

Junior Challenge

9am… View more
April is NumberWorks’nWords Challenge month.

From Monday to Friday, you can find your challenge here:
business.facebook.com...

Junior Challenge

9am

Intermediate Challenge

2pm

Senior Challenge

7pm

Answers will be posted the following day.

See you on the 1st of April.

1685 days ago

Funeral directors give tips on how to grieve when funerals are banned

Brian from New Lynn

Losing someone to death is hard enough. But losing someone during a lockdown - when funerals are banned and not even a hug is allowed - would arguably be even more heartbreaking. The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand has come forward with a special Covid-19 resource for families who will… View moreLosing someone to death is hard enough. But losing someone during a lockdown - when funerals are banned and not even a hug is allowed - would arguably be even more heartbreaking. The Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand has come forward with a special Covid-19 resource for families who will experience the death of a loved one in the next four weeks and what they can do to help in the grieving process.
Association president Gary Taylor said it was in support of bereaved families who felt extremely distressed that they could not hold a funeral, tangi or any other kind of gathering for their lost loved one. "It offers ideas gathered in from Kiwis from right around New Zealand who understand grief and recognise how painful this Covid-19 situation must be for anyone grieving a loved one's death," he said. "Our funeral directors are feeling deep concern for bereaved families and are totally committed to supporting them as best they can in this unprecedented time." In the resource, people are encouraged to speak to the funeral director who is caring for their relative; or speak with a cultural leader, church minister or priest, rabbi, Muslim cleric or other religious leader they are comfortable with. People are being told that they will have to delay any funeral or memorial service for at least the period of the four-week lockdown. Instead of a funeral service, FDANZ suggests connecting with other relatives and friends via technology - whether it be video-calling via Skype or Facetime or email and a simple phone call. Even Facebook makes the list - with the suggestion for a grieving family to make up a dedicated page where loved ones can post special memories, videos or photos of the person who has died. Eulogies could also be written via a digital memorial guest book set up by the funeral director or making up a photo board or wall in the house. Another suggestion is to publish a notice in the newspaper and including a special request to those who knew their loved one. "Perhaps make it longer by saying some of the things you loved about them and asking people to take the time to remember them at a certain time. "For example: 'Please take the time to remember [name] and the wonderful person she/he was on Friday at 3pm and pray a prayer of thanksgiving/light a candle/raise a glass/have a cup of tea in her/his honour." The FDANZ also acknowledges that there will be people who still need extra support during this time. Anyone who feels that way can call the Grief Centre about phone support services available during weekday hours on (09) 418 1457 or 0800 331 333.
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1692 days ago

Coronavirus: The essential services that will keep running in New Zealand

Brian from New Lynn

List of essential businesses:
Accommodation
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Accommodation services for essential workers and people who need to be isolated/quarantined
Border
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Customs New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries
Building and construction
View more
List of essential businesses:
Accommodation
==============
Accommodation services for essential workers and people who need to be isolated/quarantined
Border
=====
Customs New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries
Building and construction
=====================
Building and construction related to essential services, critical infrastructure, or immediately needed to maintain human health and safety at home/work
Courts, tribunals and the justice system
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Courts of New Zealand and tribunals
Critical Crown entities (eg Electoral Commission)
Education
=========
At level 3 only: Schools and educational facilities (e.g. ECE centres)
Fast-moving consumer goods
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Businesses involved in the supply, delivery, distribution and sale of food, beverage and other key consumer goods (but not takeaway shops)
Financial services
===============
Banks, insurers and other financial institutions
Health
======
Hospitals, primary care clinics, pharmacies, medical laboratories, care facilities
Ambulance services
Mortuary services
New Zealand Blood Service donations
Local and national government
==========================
Any entity involved in COVID-19 response or that has civil defence/emergency management functions
Key public services
Primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing
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Packaging, production and processing of food and beverage products
Food safety and verification, inspection or associated laboratory services, food safety and biosecurity functions
Veterinary and animal health/welfare services
Public safety and national security
============================
Emergency services
Security and intelligence services
Justice system
Public safety and national security roles
Science
=======
Any entity (including research organisations) involved in COVID-19 response, hazard monitoring, resilience, diagnostics for essential services
Social services
=============
Welfare and social services, including NGOs, which meet immediate needs (further guidance will be provided)
Transport and logistics
===================
Transport services
New Zealand Post and courier services
Any small passenger service vehicle driver - including taxis and ride-share services
Utilities and communications, including supply chains
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Electricity, gas, water, waste, fuel, telecommunication services, internet providers and media
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1685 days ago

Finding our Alert Level 4 routine

New Zealand Government

This week sees us all getting used to living at Alert Level 4. For this to work, we must all stick to the plan.

Stay home. It WILL save lives.
Let’s all remember why we are taking such extreme measures.
Staying home won’t always be easy. But the evidence tells us this is the best way to… View more
This week sees us all getting used to living at Alert Level 4. For this to work, we must all stick to the plan.

Stay home. It WILL save lives.
Let’s all remember why we are taking such extreme measures.
Staying home won’t always be easy. But the evidence tells us this is the best way to save the lives of other New Zealanders.

Finding our routines
It will take some time to build up new daily routines. That’s to be expected. We all need to be gentle with ourselves, and accept that things could be difficult for a while as we learn to adjust.

Looking after ourselves and others
Don’t forget to take time to look after yourself, and also to check-in on others. Asking someone how they are feeling is a good way to connect and show that you care.

We all need to stick to the plan
For this to work, and the effort we are all making to be worth it, we all need to stick to the plan, all the time. No exceptions.

Don’t move around
The virus is spread by us. So we all need to avoid moving around as much as possible. If you do go out for exercise or to get essential supplies, stay local. This is incredibly important. Don’t move between different areas.

Thank you for doing your bit
A massive thank you to everyone for working so hard to slow the spread of COVID-19. Together, we can and will save lives.

GOT QUESTIONS?
If you need help knowing what to do, visit covid19.govt.nz.
Read more now

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1685 days ago

Temporary closure of service due to lock-down

The Team from

The staff at Textile Cleaning Services would like to thank you, our valued customers, for your support and hope you all keep safe over the next month.

We will be temporarily closing over this lock-down period, however you can still contact us through our website or by email to make a booking … View more
The staff at Textile Cleaning Services would like to thank you, our valued customers, for your support and hope you all keep safe over the next month.

We will be temporarily closing over this lock-down period, however you can still contact us through our website or by email to make a booking and we will service your requirements as soon as we re-open.

Thank you.
Find out more.

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1687 days ago

Anna's Covid Cartoons

Anna from Titirangi

Hi, since lockdown I've been amusing myself drawing cartoons, giving myself a target of three each day - which is hard. I'm posting them on Facebook each day. Hope you enjoy them.

1693 days ago

Poll: Prospa Local Business Hero - who gets your vote?

Prospa

Small businesses need our support more than ever right now. While it's uncertain times for all, we are still proud to be celebrating our 11 regional Local Business Heroes for their commitment to their communities. 

They now need your help! We are now looking for the New Zealand … View more
Small businesses need our support more than ever right now. While it's uncertain times for all, we are still proud to be celebrating our 11 regional Local Business Heroes for their commitment to their communities. 

They now need your help! We are now looking for the New Zealand Prospa Local Business Hero - our overall winner, as voted by Neighbourly members around the country!

This lucky business will walk away with $10,000 worth of prizes!

Please take a couple of minutes to read the nominations below - then vote for the business you'd like to see named 2020 Prospa Local Business Hero.
______________________________________________________

NORTHLAND: Lew Ringrose - Ringrose Stockfoods
“A very humble man who has been sponsoring any and every cause that has been requested for well over 40 years. He sponsors so many causes in and outside of the neighborhood, goes out of his way to get the meal to the hungry animals, works through the night to fill orders, even on public holidays he steps in and runs the factory single handed to allow his staff time off. He is well past retirement but dedicated to keeping hungry animals supplied with food. No order is too big or too small for his fantastic team.”

AUCKLAND: Jay & Kusum - Orakei Superette
“Part of our lives for so many years. They offer a great business, post centre, the BEST fresh flowers and fruit & veg. I have NEVER known them to take a holiday. Kind and genuinely caring people who add so much to our community. You could not find a better Local Business Hero!”

WAIKATO: Te Aroha Vet Clinic
Te Aroha Veterinary Clinic provide a fantastic service from a team that are dedicated to I was devastated losing Blue (horse) I bred her 14 yrs ago and loved her dearly and now I had her orphan foal to care for. Without her dedication staying for hours trying to save Blue I honestly don't know how I would have coped. They are a true asset to our community they go above and beyond the call of duty helping to care for our all animals providing around the clock care and service.”

BAY OF PLENTY: Tony & Julie - Pyes Pa SuperValue
“The owners, Tony & Julie, are great at communicating and continually ask their customers if they stock the products they want, and if they don’t, they then get it in. They have a very friendly manner and their Managers and Staff are all attentive. Thanks to Tony & Julie for choosing Pyes Pa, you have fitted in well.”

HAWKE’S BAY - GISBORNE: Kaye & Alan - Cornucopia Organics
“The staff are friendly and helpful.Also the owners will order in whatever is required,if it is not currently on their shelves.”

TARANAKI: Down to Earth
“As well as a range of healthy tasty foodstuffs and quality herbal supplements, they also provide a range of products to help with sustainable living. They have recently introduced a "bring-you-own-container" refill facility for dishwasher, shampoo and other cleaners. However the best thing about this store is the excellent service. I'm always greeted with a smile and friendly word, offers of help, etc. It is always a pleasure to shop here.”

MANAWATU-WANGANUI: Margaret and Vijay - Maxwells Line Four Square
“Margaret and Veejay go out of their way to make sure customers get the freshest fruit and veggies in town and if they don't have what you want will ring around to source it for you. Despite being robbed and stabbed in daylight, they were open for business as usual the next day. They are held in high esteem locally.”

WELLINGTON: Quoc Tran - Tutere Street Four Square
“This man got out of Viet Nam by himself when he was13, sailed on a boat and spent time in camps before coming to NZ. He could not speak english. He purchased a local dairy and over the years has totally transformed and enlarged it providing employment to a number of locals. He is the ultimate friendly shopkeeper.”

NELSON - MARLBOROUGH: Cath - Blenheim Life Pharmacy
“They deliver my prescriptions to me as I’m often unable to get them. They always make sure nothing I'm prescribed interacts with anything and they always explain how to take my meds thoroughly to me, which is important as I've had a brain stem stroke and somedays my brain is scrambled. Cath is wonderful at dropping them off for me. They do a really important and medically serious job with kindness"

CANTERBURY - WEST: Mark & Des - The Vege Shop.
“The Vege Shop on Stourbridge is just the best little local biz in town. Mark and his wife Des always have a smile and time for a yarn. We feel so fortunate to have them just around the corner. They are awesome!”

OTAGO - SOUTHLAND: John Swindlehurst - A&J Services
“John is fantastic!!! He does everything from carpet repairs to chimney sweeping and pest control. I have him listed in my phone as John Everything! He has a brilliant attitude and has even come on public holidays at short notice.”

Prospa Local Business Hero - who gets your vote?
  • 11.3% NORTHLAND: Lew Ringrose - Ringrose Stockfoods
    11.3% Complete
  • 14.8% AUCKLAND: Jay & Kusum - Orakei Superette
    14.8% Complete
  • 7.5% WAIKATO: Te Aroha Vet Clinic
    7.5% Complete
  • 4.3% BAY OF PLENTY: Tony & Julie - Pyes Pa SuperValue
    4.3% Complete
  • 6.2% HAWKE’S BAY - GISBORNE: Kaye & Alan - Cornucopia Organics
    6.2% Complete
  • 5% TARANAKI: Down to Earth
    5% Complete
  • 14% MANAWATU-WANGANUI: Margaret and Vijay - Maxwells Line Four Square
    14% Complete
  • 18.4% WELLINGTON: Quoc Tran - Tutere Street Four Square
    18.4% Complete
  • 4.1% NELSON - MARLBOROUGH: Cath - Blenheim Life Pharmacy
    4.1% Complete
  • 11.9% CANTERBURY - WEST: Mark & Des - The Vege Shop.
    11.9% Complete
  • 2.5% OTAGO - SOUTHLAND: John Swindlehurst - A&J Services
    2.5% Complete
3110 votes
1695 days ago

No more trips to the library, rec centres or council facilities for 14 days

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, Auckland Council will close most of its community facilities for 14 days to prevent any spread of Coronavirus. How will that affect you, and what could alternatives be? Read the story below:

1686 days ago

New online form for public to report Level 4 restriction breaches to police

Brian from New Lynn

Police have today launched a new online form which the public can use to report COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restriction breaches. The online form can be found at www.105.police.govt.nz.... It can be used to report isolation breaches or cases of businesses continuing to operate when they are not part of … View morePolice have today launched a new online form which the public can use to report COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restriction breaches. The online form can be found at www.105.police.govt.nz.... It can be used to report isolation breaches or cases of businesses continuing to operate when they are not part of the essential workforce. Police Commissioner Mike Bush urged people to use the online form instead of calling Police.
“We know that people want to do the right thing if they see people flouting the restrictions, but we want to ease the load on the non-emergency phone number. “Police will take the information reported online and make contact to remind those breaching the restrictions of their responsibilities. “We are continuing to take the approach of educating and informing people of their responsibilities in the first instance, but we will not hesitate to take enforcement action if people continue to ignore the restrictions.” “Police do not want to have to arrest anyone or visit people because they doing are the wrong thing. “Please stay at home, follow the guidelines on www.covid19.govt.nz... and don’t give people a reason to report your behaviour to Police.”
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1686 days ago

Just a recap...New Zealand's self-isolation rules

Brian from New Lynn

***avoid contact with people who aren't in your self-isolation 'bubble' (people who are sharing the home with you), meaning no visitors
***maintain a two-metre distance between yourself and others when outside the home
***avoid sharing crockery, cutlery, towels, pillows or beds … View more
***avoid contact with people who aren't in your self-isolation 'bubble' (people who are sharing the home with you), meaning no visitors
***maintain a two-metre distance between yourself and others when outside the home
***avoid sharing crockery, cutlery, towels, pillows or beds with others in the home
***maintain regular cleaning and sanitising of surfaces and household items
***wash your hands frequently
***practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette
***avoid communal/shared areas in the home as much as possible and clean them well after each use
***only leave the house for essential reasons, including to buy supplies from essential businesses or to take exercise within your community. ***Follow social distancing guidelines and avoid contact with others
***stay home if you are feeling unwell and avoid contact with others in the home
***if you are ill or have compromised immunity, friends, family members or delivery services can drop groceries and supplies at your door.
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1693 days ago

Every bar, restaurant customer must sign in under hospitality coronavirus guidelines

Brian from New Lynn

Yesterday, the brunch rush slowed to a dribble. Beach Babylon is normally packed to the rafters, but now, barely a bruncher in sight. It's still taking precautions. Beach Babylon owner Maura Rigby says the establishment is taking the illness seriously and has spaced out its tables. Last night … View moreYesterday, the brunch rush slowed to a dribble. Beach Babylon is normally packed to the rafters, but now, barely a bruncher in sight. It's still taking precautions. Beach Babylon owner Maura Rigby says the establishment is taking the illness seriously and has spaced out its tables. Last night it was a different story in Auckland. Social distancing was out the window as punters gathered in the city's bars for Friday night beers. But the Government says stop. "If you cannot go out and maintain two metres from others, then don't," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. Unlike the United Kingdom, our Government won't require close-downs, instead, it's released guidelines for hospitality providers.
To help with contact tracing, bars, restaurants, and cafes are being told to collect the full name, address, email address and phone number of every single customer as well as noting down the date and time they visited. Panhead Wellington has already started. Its owner Matt McLaughlin has a nightclub and he's already doing it there too. "I had my security staff standing there with a form. People are just going to have fill them out. It means there is a bit of a queue at the door, but we gotta do what we gotta do," he says. They'll also be required to do headcounts ensuring there are no more than 100 people on-premise - including staff, move tables a metre apart, and move any pokies machines a metre apart too. "We are in the fight for our lives, we know that. Any restriction is going to make things even more difficult to operate, but we are a socially responsible industry, and we know its the right thing to do," said McLaughlin. While they are labelled guidelines, these are effectively hard and fast rules. The Minister of Health Dr David Clark told he has the power under the Health Act to shut down any establishment if they are risking public safety - and if he hears of anyone flouting the rules, he's not afraid to do so.
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