Mechanics Bay, Auckland

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

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

1540 days ago

Your thoughts on making Matariki a public holiday

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Labour will make Matariki New Zealand's 12th public holiday from 2022 if re-elected, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.… View more
Hi neighbours,

Labour will make Matariki New Zealand's 12th public holiday from 2022 if re-elected, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.

The policy announcement follows a series of public campaigns for Matariki, which acts as the Māori New Year, to be recognised.

We want to hear your thoughts about Matariki becoming a public holiday. Do you support the idea, or are you against it? Perhaps you have a counter proposal.

Share your thoughts here.

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1540 days ago

Auckland Zoo staff hand-rear tamarins after mum was unable to produce milk

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

Twin tamarins are thriving at Auckland Zoo after their mum was unable to produce milk, leading to them being hand-reared.

The rare golden lion tamarins, a male and a female, were born to mum Frida on July 17.

Frida was unable to produce milk for her babies, meaning … View more
Hi neighbours,

Twin tamarins are thriving at Auckland Zoo after their mum was unable to produce milk, leading to them being hand-reared.

The rare golden lion tamarins, a male and a female, were born to mum Frida on July 17.

Frida was unable to produce milk for her babies, meaning zookeepers had to make the decision, when they were two days old, to hand-rear them instead.

Auckland Zoo primate team leader Amy Robbins said the possibility of needing to hand-rear was already on the table because of Frida’s difficulty in raising offspring in the past.

“Hand-rearing is never a decision we make lightly and there are always risks, but we had strong science-based evidence to inform this call and the full support of this programme’s species coordinator,” Robbins said.

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1539 days ago

Looking for a fitness challenge?

The Team from Cancer Society Auckland

Sign up to run the Auckland marathon, half marathon, or 11km traverse with the Cancer Society team on Sunday 1 November.

We provide you with a dri fit t-shirt and lots of perks! The funds you raise go towards supporting cancer patients in our community.
Register now

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1541 days ago

Poll: Do you support new rules likely to result in fewer driveways to free up land for building?

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near… View more
Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new housing or business developments, under newly released housing guidelines.

The change comes as the Government looks to encourage development, in part by freeing up land held up by car parks, under its new National Policy Statement for urban development.

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Do you support new rules likely to result in fewer driveways to free up land for building?
  • 6.3% Yes
    6.3% Complete
  • 93.7% No
    93.7% Complete
599 votes
1540 days ago

Poll: Are you concerned about losing your job or business?

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbour,

About one in 14 workers say they expect to lose their job or business by mid-2021, according to data released by Stats NZ on Tuesday.

A survey of employed people in the June 2020 quarter showed 7 percent felt there was a high or almost certain chance of losing their job or … View more
Hi neighbour,

About one in 14 workers say they expect to lose their job or business by mid-2021, according to data released by Stats NZ on Tuesday.

A survey of employed people in the June 2020 quarter showed 7 percent felt there was a high or almost certain chance of losing their job or business within the next 12 months. At a national level this represented 185,000 workers.

A further 18 percent (468,000) felt there was a medium chance, while 4 percent (105,000) stated they did not know what their job security was going to be over the following year.

Most people surveyed said there was little or no chance of losing their job or business (71 percent or 1,859,000).

Small businesses have been vulnerable during the pandemic. Self-employed people who did not have staff or employees of their own felt more insecure about losing their business than employees felt about losing their job. Ten percent of self-employed people without employees reported low job security, compared with 6 percent of employees.

The household labour force survey (HLFS) June 2020 quarter was collected over a three-month period from April to June and asked employed people about their perceived job security over the next 12 months. During the collection period, New Zealand dropped from COVID-19 alert level 4 in April to alert level 1 by June.

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Are you concerned about losing your job or business?
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% Ni
    46.8% Complete
141 votes
1540 days ago

Blind Low Vision NZ seeks volunteers ahead of Blind Week

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Blind Low Vision NZ, formerly the Blind Foundation, is seeking volunteers to support this year’s Blind Week street collection on October 16 and 17.

Volunteers play a crucial role in raising funds needed to provide practical and emotional support for New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or … View more
Blind Low Vision NZ, formerly the Blind Foundation, is seeking volunteers to support this year’s Blind Week street collection on October 16 and 17.

Volunteers play a crucial role in raising funds needed to provide practical and emotional support for New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or have low vision.

“Last year’s street collectors raised over $220,000 to empower Kiwis living with vision loss to live the life they choose. We’re hoping to go even further this year but we need your help,” Blind Low Vision NZ chief executive John Mulka said.

The money raised goes towards providing personalised vision rehabilitation services for people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision to fulfil their goals - whether that’s providing adaptive technology to stay in employment, orientation and mobility training including guide dogs, or developing tools and strategies to keep doing the things they need and want to do.

Mulka said every day an average of six Kiwis turn to Blind Low Vision NZ for support with sight loss.

“Volunteering two hours of your time by shaking a bucket and collecting donations is a way that you can help make a difference in people’s lives,” he said.

As well as supporting individuals, Blind Low Vision NZ seek to make big-picture change by advocating for inclusive communities and for optimal eye care services for all New Zealanders.

To sign up to collect during Blind Week visit blindweek.org.nz or call 0800 787 743.

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1540 days ago

Arena's Swim Snorkel Pro II recalled over choking hazard concerns

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

A snorkel has been recalled over concerns it could be a choking hazard.

The Arena Swim Snorkel Pro II was pulled from sale after a customer complained a small piece of material came loose inside the snorkel tube.

No-one was injured but Arena found a potential risk with the … View more
Hi neighbours,

A snorkel has been recalled over concerns it could be a choking hazard.

The Arena Swim Snorkel Pro II was pulled from sale after a customer complained a small piece of material came loose inside the snorkel tube.

No-one was injured but Arena found a potential risk with the black mouthpieces, which could see a small piece detach, causing a choking hazard.

Arena apologised to customers and said it would replace the faulty product to ensure customer safety and prevent further risk.

Anyone using an Arena snorkel was also advised to check it before use.

Customers who bought the Arena Swim Snorkel Pro II can register on the company’s website to receive replacement parts.

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1540 days ago

Poll: Do you think the ‘poly-face’ option in the new Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game is culturally insensitive?

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

The new Tony Hawk video game has come under fire for an act of “cultural colonisation” after it used Māori tā moko as a character customisation option.

Players of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, which was released on Friday, are able to choose from a selection of indigenous-inspired … View more
The new Tony Hawk video game has come under fire for an act of “cultural colonisation” after it used Māori tā moko as a character customisation option.

Players of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, which was released on Friday, are able to choose from a selection of indigenous-inspired facial tattoos, with one of the options labelled “Poly-face”.

Screenshots of the skateboarding game were posted to Twitter and shared by Pākehā/Māori tattoo artist @dreadconquest in a thread outlining why moko should not be used in this way.

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Do you think the ‘poly-face’ option in the new Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game is culturally insensitive?
  • 33.8% Yes
    33.8% Complete
  • 66.2% No
    66.2% Complete
136 votes
1540 days ago

American Magic survive Auckland capsize

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

American Magic have recovered from a capsize of their America’s Cup boat in Auckland.

The United States syndicate tipped over Defiant while training on the eastern side of Browns Island in decent winds on Sunday.

They were able to quickly come upright again and continue … View more
Hi neighbours,

American Magic have recovered from a capsize of their America’s Cup boat in Auckland.

The United States syndicate tipped over Defiant while training on the eastern side of Browns Island in decent winds on Sunday.

They were able to quickly come upright again and continue sailing.

The incident further validates the safety elements in the design of the radical 75-foot foiling monohull.

American Magic weren’t commenting on the incident as a matter of team policy, other than to say they were able to complete “a full session” on Sunday.

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1540 days ago

Grey Lynn Park launches ‘no mow’ initiative to boost biodiversity

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

A ‘no mow’ pilot at Grey Lynn Park is being funded by the Waitematā Local Board to improve biodiversity outcomes.

Local residents have championed the project and are working alongside Auckland Council to manage the pilot areas on the park’s grassy slopes visible from Williamson Avenue.

View more
A ‘no mow’ pilot at Grey Lynn Park is being funded by the Waitematā Local Board to improve biodiversity outcomes.

Local residents have championed the project and are working alongside Auckland Council to manage the pilot areas on the park’s grassy slopes visible from Williamson Avenue.

Board chair Richard Northey said the local board are pleased to fund the pilot which supports one of their key priorities, environmental protection and enhancement.

“We look forward to seeing the pilot areas in the park return to wilderness, providing richer habitat for birds, bees and other insects,” he said.

Local resident Wendy Grey said she’s thankful to the local board for providing funding and support for the project.

“A long-term planting plan is being worked on and signage will explain the purpose and benefits of the no mow pilot,” she said.

The Wild Initiative are hoping that by not mowing the pilot areas in the park, soils will regenerate, restoring a healthy ecosystem.

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1540 days ago

Potential Choking Hazard Found in Faulty Snorkels

Neighbourly.co.nz

A user of a snorkel product has reportedly found a piece of material detached inside, which may have lead to them choking.
The snorkel, manufactured by major water sports company arena, issued the recall which affects snorkels bought at various stores in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and … View more
A user of a snorkel product has reportedly found a piece of material detached inside, which may have lead to them choking.
The snorkel, manufactured by major water sports company arena, issued the recall which affects snorkels bought at various stores in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Bay of Plenty regions.

What you need to know:

- The recall affects the arena Swim Snorkel II & Swim Snorkel Pro II.

- A piece of material may become loose in the snorkel which can become a choking hazard.

- The products were sold at Swim T3 and Teamline Stores from October 2019 to April 2020.

- Fill out this survey to check whether your snorkel has been affected.

Known owners of the snorkel will be contacted by Swim T3 or Teamline.

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1540 days ago

Ponsonby Intermediate Ballot Instruction

Ponsonby Intermediate

Due to large numbers of “Out of Zone” enrolments for 2021 we regrettably will need to hold a ballot.

There are 150 places available for Out of Zone students for 2021. This may vary slightly when all In-Zone applicants are finalised for 2021. Siblings of current students and siblings of … View more
Due to large numbers of “Out of Zone” enrolments for 2021 we regrettably will need to hold a ballot.

There are 150 places available for Out of Zone students for 2021. This may vary slightly when all In-Zone applicants are finalised for 2021. Siblings of current students and siblings of former students have enrolment priority as per Ministry regulations and will be deducted from places available before going to ballot.

The ballot will be drawn under Police supervision on Tuesday 13th October 2020. Notification of ballot results will be sent by email within 5 working days after the October 13 ballot.

Unsuccessful applicants will have an indication of their order of placement on the waiting list. If parents of successful applicants decline to accept the places offered or fail to respond before Friday 30 0ctober 2020, the Board must offer the vacant places to unsuccessful applicants in the order in which their names are recorded on the waiting list.
Learn more

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1545 days ago

Coronavirus: QR code coming to public transport in Auckland

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

QR codes will be displayed on public transport in Auckland as per Government requirements from Friday.

The bar codes will be displayed at the door during boarding, and at individual seats for easy scanning.

Auckland Transport recommends customers scan this QR code to help with contract … View more
QR codes will be displayed on public transport in Auckland as per Government requirements from Friday.

The bar codes will be displayed at the door during boarding, and at individual seats for easy scanning.

Auckland Transport recommends customers scan this QR code to help with contract tracing efforts if needed.

“To help things go smoothly for everyone, please have the Ministry of Health’s NZ COVID Tracer app open and ready to scan during boarding,” a statement read.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff said following the rules wil help keep ourselves and others safe and ensure that we can move out of Alert Level 2 as soon as possible.

“Keeping track of your movements with the NZ COVID Tracer app and ensuring that you are wearing a face covering are two simple ways we can help to constrain the spread of the virus,” he said.

In addition to scanning the Ministry of Health’s QR code, AT recommends that customers also register their AT HOP card to help with contact tracing.

This will also allow AT to monitor passenger numbers and make fast adjustments to services if required due to changes in demand.

Face coverings are also mandatory on public transport, as per Government’s advice.

Auckland Transport’s COVID-19 page, which includes up to date public transport timetables, is at: at.govt.nz...

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1544 days ago

Poll: Do you agree with the government’s decision to extend Auckland‘s alert level 2.5 lockdown?

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

Auckland mayor Phil Goff has welcomed the decision for the city to stay at alert level 2.5 until September 14, advising Aucklanders it was crucial to “stay the course”.

Goff said the Government’s decision was the right one and asked Aucklanders to continue following the … View more
Hi neighbours,

Auckland mayor Phil Goff has welcomed the decision for the city to stay at alert level 2.5 until September 14, advising Aucklanders it was crucial to “stay the course”.

Goff said the Government’s decision was the right one and asked Aucklanders to continue following the rules so the city could return to level 1 as soon as possible.

“But it’s crucial that we stay the course. While we are all looking forward to level 1, the last thing we want is to move too early and risk a further resurgence of the virus,” he said.

“That would be the worst outcome – not only would it endanger the health and safety of Aucklanders, including some of our most vulnerable communities, it would also further damage businesses and the economy and put the gains we have made so far at risk.”

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Do you agree with the government’s decision to extend Auckland‘s alert level 2.5 lockdown?
  • 79.2% Yes
    79.2% Complete
  • 20.8% No
    20.8% Complete
1439 votes
1541 days ago

Four new cases of Covid-19, two in the community

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

There are four new cases of coronavirus in New Zealand, with two in the community.

The other two new cases are imported, and were caught in managed isolation.

Both of the community cases are linked to the Auckland August cluster – which now has 161 cases linked to it.

View more
Hi neighbours,

There are four new cases of coronavirus in New Zealand, with two in the community.

The other two new cases are imported, and were caught in managed isolation.

Both of the community cases are linked to the Auckland August cluster – which now has 161 cases linked to it.

The cluster is the biggest New Zealand has seen since the first outbreak of the virus.

The two imported cases are that of a male child and a woman in her 20s who both arrived from India on August 23.

They are both a close contact of separate previously reported confirmed cases.

The first of the cases linked to the cluster is a close contact of an existing case. The second is a household contact of a case linked to the Mt Roskill Evangelical Fellowship sub-cluster.

Both cases were already in isolation.

The Ministry of Health said 70 people linked to the cluster are in the Auckland quarantine facility – including 52 people with the virus and their household contacts.

Four people are in hospital with Covid-19 – three are stable and one is in ICU at Waikato Hospital.

Two people – Americold worker Alan Te Hiko and former Cook Island prime minister Joe Williams, died after contracting the virus late last week.

The number of active cases in New Zealand is now 118. Two community cases are considered recovered as of Monday.

The total number of people who have contracted the virus in New Zealand now stands at 1425.

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