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Million-dollar dumps: Publicly owned properties fall to rack and ruin
To the side of East Auckland’s Te Ara ki Uta ki Tai cycleway, nestled in overgrown greenery, is a building that wouldn’t get a second glance if it weren’t for hot pink graffiti.
The house, owned by Auckland Council subsidiary Auckland Transport, was used as a site office by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency staff working on the $46 million cycleway between Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive, Auckland Transport spokesman Mark Hannan said.
But locals say the property has been all but destroyed by vandals since the cycleway was completed in 2016.
The property is one of several that have become run down and derelict under the ownership of local government.
Click 'read more' for my full report on publicly owned properties that have fallen out of use.
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Give old items a new life: book your inorganic collection
☀️ Making the most of the fine weather to clear out clutter? Book your annual inorganic collection, and we'll pick up the items straight from your property.
From scrap metal and whiteware to bikes and laptops, we work with over 150 community organisations to give items a second life—repairing, repurposing, and reusing them. ♻️
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Last call for entries to our Resene Shed of the Year 2025!
Take a look at Paul Bates' "surprisingly roomy" Tardis-inspired shed which took out our 2023 title, and if you reckon your shed is right up there, well, you could be in the running to win a robot lawnmower, Resene vouchers and a subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to 5 high-quality photos to Resene Shed of the Year 2025, NZ Gardener PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142. Or email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2025.
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Heads or Tails?
Be in to WIN a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a young Blues fan!
Tell us why your youngster should be the special coin toss guest at the next Blues home game.
The Prize includes:
- Tossing the coin with the referee and team captains.
- x2 Silver Stand tickets so you and your child can watch the game.
- x2 food & beverage vouchers
- x1 goodie bag and blues jersey.
- Visiting the commentary box
- Being taken to the field side-line where you can watch the team warm-up.
Terms and conditions apply