Mechanics Bay, Auckland

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.

1491 days ago

Poll: Auckland's super-city: One decade on: Is local government running more efficiently?

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

It's been 10 years since Auckland's new super-city was formed, forged from eight legacy councils.

For Aucklanders who have lived through the massive overhaul, do you think local government is running more smoothly?

Auckland Council's first year was far from smooth with the … View more
It's been 10 years since Auckland's new super-city was formed, forged from eight legacy councils.

For Aucklanders who have lived through the massive overhaul, do you think local government is running more smoothly?

Auckland Council's first year was far from smooth with the Occupy protest, the Rugby World Cup opening night transport debacle, a battle with central government over funding the inner-city rail loop, and a contest of wills over delegating powers to local boards and council-controlled organisations.

Auckland's inaugural super mayor Len Brown hailed it a success.

"Generally 2011 has been a good first year for the council, " Brown said in 2012.

"We've brought the region together... At the same time we have driven $81 million in efficiencies and reduced the inherited 9.3 per cent rates increase down to 3.9 per cent."

The boundaries of the new super city were unveiled in 2010.

Super city Auckland was divided into 13 wards with 21 local boards.

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Auckland's super-city: One decade on: Is local government running more efficiently?
  • 7.1% Yes
    7.1% Complete
  • 92.9% No
    92.9% Complete
1491 votes
1470 days ago

Fraud Awareness Week

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID… View more
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:

+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.

+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.

+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.

+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.

For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:

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1471 days ago

Police pay tribute to fallen officer Matt Ratana

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Matiu "Matt" Ratana, the New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the United Kingdom in October, has been remembered by police with a special rugby game.

Auckland police and Counties Manukau police honoured the "strong rugby boy" on Saturday by playing each… View more
Matiu "Matt" Ratana, the New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the United Kingdom in October, has been remembered by police with a special rugby game.

Auckland police and Counties Manukau police honoured the "strong rugby boy" on Saturday by playing each other in the inaugural game for the Sgt Matt Matiu Ratana Memorial trophy.

Ratana, 54, worked for both districts while policing in New Zealand.

Ratana, 54, who was originally from Hawke's Bay, was shot dead in a South London custody centre on September 25, allegedly by a man who had been detained, while working for Metropolitan Police.

The trophy was funded by former New Zealand Police colleagues and acknowledges Ratana's rank of sergeant in the Metropolitan Police Service.

It bears a huia feather - the police tradition to honour fallen officers.

Also attached to the trophy are blue and white ribbons showing the colours of Auckland and of Ratana's beloved East Grinstead Rugby Football Club.

The commemorative game will become an annual event for police rugby in Auckland and Counties Manukau.

1476 days ago

First home buyer burned by sunset clause finally secures dream house in Lower Hutt

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. … View more
Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. She ended up giving me a bit of a masterclass in tenacity and not giving up on your home owning dreams.
Find out how Bailey found her first home, and what it means to her after such a big let down.

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1474 days ago

Poll: Do you think changing the Auckland alert level is needed?

Melanie Earley Reporter from Auckland Stuff

New Zealand is currently at level 1 however as a new community case was confirmed on November 12 with potential of wider spread, Aucklanders await news of whether there will be a level change.

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Do you think changing the Auckland alert level is needed?
  • 4.7% Yes, a complete lockdown is best
    4.7% Complete
  • 18.8% Yes, an alert level between 2-3 is needed
    18.8% Complete
  • 67.2% No, stay at level 1
    67.2% Complete
  • 9.4% Remove all alert level restrictions
    9.4% Complete
981 votes
1471 days ago

Watch Stuff Circuit’s new documentary, Emma

The Team Reporter from Stuff

At two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her… View moreAt two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her became a nightmare, and it ended in tragedy.

Emma has faced more challenges and rejections than most people could cope with. And now, she wants to take on the biggest challenge of her life - finding answers to those most fundamental questions: who am I? Where did I come from?
Watch now

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1473 days ago

Happy Diwali to New Zealand!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Diwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel … View moreDiwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel free to share your photos and best wishes to your community below.

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1474 days ago

Auckland's Boring Day Out

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Aucklanders will get the chance to see firsthand the giant tunnel boring machine which will complete construction of the two City Rail Link tunnels.

Auckland’s “Boring Day Out” will be held at the project's Mt Eden construction site on December 6.

People will be able to see up close … View more
Aucklanders will get the chance to see firsthand the giant tunnel boring machine which will complete construction of the two City Rail Link tunnels.

Auckland’s “Boring Day Out” will be held at the project's Mt Eden construction site on December 6.

People will be able to see up close the machine named Dame Whina Cooper after the Māori rights activist.

They will also view where the machine starts its underground journey next year, from Mount Eden to the new Karangahape underground station, then to the Aotea station in central Auckland.

“This will be a rare opportunity to see the star of New Zealand’s biggest-ever transport infrastructure project before it disappears underground,” said Francois Dudouit, Project Director for the Link Alliance.

Details about where people can get tickets on-line will be announced next week.

Ten visiting sessions will be held, with the first entry at 9 am and the last at 6 pm.

Visitor numbers will be restricted to 500 for each session.

Tickets are free and people can book up to five tickets per person.

People with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams/pushchairs and walking sticks are welcome.

Entry to the Mt Eden site will be via Ngahura Street near New North Road.

The walk is 600 metres long and the ground is flat but there are some uneven surfaces.








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1472 days ago

Experience NZ like never before

Stuff Travel

Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning … View more
Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning traveller, and creating plenty of memories and stories to share for years to come.

Tours include a private luxury coach, rail tickets, tour guide, some meals and more.

Buy now, book dates later with a NZ based travel concierge.
Find out more

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1472 days ago

Get deck-orating with Resene!

Resene

Get your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of … View moreGet your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of colours, from traditional wood stains to a beachy whitewashed finish. Or go for the natural look with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.

If you’re planning on a dark colour, remember to choose a Resene CoolColour version of your colour. This will help to reflect more heat to keep your deck and furniture cooler and more comfortable to walk or sit on.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop and see the huge range of options on their woodcare stand to help you bring out the best in your home.
Find your Resene ColorShop

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1474 days ago

First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's … View more
One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.

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1473 days ago

Cash for your wrecked car! Call us 0800 500 001

The Team from AAA Auto Parts

Hi neighbours,

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 … View more
Hi neighbours,

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

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1473 days ago

Free Composting Workshops

The Team from Auckland Council

Traditional Bins | Bokashi | Worm Farms
New to composting? Learn how simple it is to start composting at home, and access a $40 discount on a system that suits your needs. Through composting, you can reduce organic waste sent to landfill and provide food for your soil!

Compost Collective … View more
Traditional Bins | Bokashi | Worm Farms
New to composting? Learn how simple it is to start composting at home, and access a $40 discount on a system that suits your needs. Through composting, you can reduce organic waste sent to landfill and provide food for your soil!

Compost Collective workshops are held Auckland-wide. To find and book one near you visit compostcollective.org.nz/workshops There's lots to dig about composting.
Dig out more

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1474 days ago

How we all dropped the mask-wearing ball, including our leaders

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, As the latest community case was preparing to take a Covid-19 test, I, and a big group including senior Auckland figures were collectively ignoring advice about mask-wearing on public transport. Read the story below:

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1478 days ago

Reno blogging saved one couple $35k... but it didn't come cheap

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good,… View more
I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good, you might be given a couple of cans of paint from your local hardware store, to help you on the way - but that would be the icing on the tip of the social media cake.
Few of us would have the energy or knowhow to turn their reno into a part time side hustle that's both creatively fulfilling, and engaging.
But that's exactly what Moochstyle's Shayden and Georgia Whipps have done - with some pawsome help from their gorgeous dog Frankie. They've been blogging their Christchurch villa reno since they bought their home and Shayden shared their story with us for the final episode of First Rung, our podcast. A first time homeowner and renovator, Shayden is such an inspiring guy to chat with. He makes you want to jump in and give it go. Check out his story and let us know what you think.

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