New Windsor, Auckland

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1350 days ago

Fresh mint to share

Mabel from Hillsborough

Fresh mint from my garden to share. Pick up from Hillsborough.

Free

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1354 days ago

Is Auckland's climate action talk, still just talk?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, Auckland's list of big transport projects has been updated, but does not look like a carbon emission crusher? Is the talk about climate action still just that? Read the story below:

1351 days ago

Loquat plant

Robert Neighbourly Lead from Lynfield

This loquat plant is yours for a koha. To pick up from Lynfield.

Negotiable

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1351 days ago

Would you like to win gardening gear and plant nursery vouchers?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Subscribe to our free ezine! Follow this week’s guide to growing chicory and radicchio. Harvest flowers for dried arrangements, plant fast-growing Asian greens, look out for cicada damage and wasps and fill gaps in shelter belts before winter.
Build your own sun-lounger and learn how to divide… View more
Subscribe to our free ezine! Follow this week’s guide to growing chicory and radicchio. Harvest flowers for dried arrangements, plant fast-growing Asian greens, look out for cicada damage and wasps and fill gaps in shelter belts before winter.
Build your own sun-lounger and learn how to divide Bearded Irises. Plus go in the draw to win handspreaders from GARDENA and $35 vouchers from Awapuni Nurseries.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here.

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1351 days ago

Covid 19: O'Connell Street Bistro in Auckland CBD to close

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A struggling restaurant in central Auckland has become the latest casualty of the fallout from Covid-19.

The popular O’Connell Street Bistro is closing its doors on April 16, ending a 24-year history.

Owners Chris Upton and Amanda Mason said the insecurity caused by Covid-19 and their inability… View more
A struggling restaurant in central Auckland has become the latest casualty of the fallout from Covid-19.

The popular O’Connell Street Bistro is closing its doors on April 16, ending a 24-year history.

Owners Chris Upton and Amanda Mason said the insecurity caused by Covid-19 and their inability to successfully renegotiate their lease are behind the difficult decision to close.

Unlike many in the hospitality industry they have had to continue paying fixed costs during successive Covid-19 levels, the couple said.

“With the continuing lock downs and the challenges of operating at level 2 in the first two months of 2021, and with no clear respite ahead, it is unsustainable to continue,” Upton said.

The renowned bistro, which corners Shortland St and O’Connell St, won one Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards in 2019 and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past 17 years.

The restaurant has weathered many storms including the power crisis in February 1998 when the eatery was forced to shut down just four months after opening.

Next came a restaurant fire on January 26, 2016, which led to a seven-month closure.

Despite this setback, the couple said they kept their team fully employed and focussed on charity work and restaurant pop-ups.

But the restaurant will now close after a final dinner service on April 16.

Upton said the couple was not retiring and might look at another venture in future years.

“While the Bistro has been our life’s work for close to a quarter of a century, we have never thought of it as simply ours.

“It belongs to every one of our fabulous patrons who have supported us and enjoyed our hospitality.

“We have enjoyed one hell of a wonderful ride and our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our guests who have made the Bistro part of their life.”

Upton said the couple had been privileged to work alongside fantastic chefs, managers, sommeliers, waiters and kitchen hands, who had contributed hugely to the bistro’s success.

“We feel great sadness knowing we are at the end of an era, but we also feel joy and satisfaction knowing that together we all created an amazing and special place.”

Renowned NZ chef Al Brown of Auckland eateries Depot and Fed Deli said he was “just gutted” to hear of “the fall of an amazing restaurant.”

“They’re an iconic restaurant, been part of Auckland city for so long, and we’ve never heard a bad word said about them, and I’ve gone there a number of times, and it’s always been an incredible restaurant experience.

“I just feel for them big time. There’s a real sense of community in the restaurant business in Auckland and a lot of people struggling out there including ourselves at depot and feds.

“It’s very sad to hear that they’re closing but there are going to be more casualties.”

BABICHE MARTENS/STUFF

Mark Southon, Chris Upton, Jack Makin in the O'Connell St Bistro when it reopened after a fire in 2016

Hi Aucklanders,

What are your memories of this iconic restaurant?

Feel free to share your bistro experiences here:

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

1352 days ago

We Say/You Say: Am Cup Highlights

The Team from Community News

Hi Auckland,

What a show it's been! What's been your favourite moment of the 36th America's Cup? (Aside from taking out the cup of course!)

After a nail-biting final race yesterday afternoon, Emirates Team NZ have won the Auld Mug.

Team New Zealand completed a 7-3 victory … View more
Hi Auckland,

What a show it's been! What's been your favourite moment of the 36th America's Cup? (Aside from taking out the cup of course!)

After a nail-biting final race yesterday afternoon, Emirates Team NZ have won the Auld Mug.

Team New Zealand completed a 7-3 victory over Italy's Luna Rossa on Waitematā Harbour on Wednesday with a 46-second win to lift the Auld Mug for a fourth time.

Share your highlights below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used in your community paper.

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1351 days ago

Indoor pot plant holder

The Team from Resene ColorShop New Lynn

Make your own indoor planter and paint it in your favourite bold Resene colour to bring a bit of nature indoors to enjoy year round.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own.

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1351 days ago

Bed set plus base

Daniel from Morningside

$50
Comes with the mattress, a bamboo mattress topper and the nice bed base.
Can have some sheets and duvet covers too if you want as we are upgrading

Negotiable

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1351 days ago

Rattan Cane Stand - Wicker

Mihir from Mount Albert

In very good condition and looks classy due to its design.

Length - 116 cm
Width - 27.5 cm
Depth - 17 cm

Pick up St Lukes

Price: $50

1351 days ago

Double baked Cheese Soufflé: Puffed and golden, straight from the oven and covered in molten cheese

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Freshly baked Danish pastries with apricot and blueberry; some filled with Remonce, the traditional Danish filling made by creaming softened butter with sugar and cinnamon
Puffed & golden double baked cheese soufflé. All in a day’s work by our Advanced cookery chefs.

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1351 days ago

Coloursteel roofing iron

Eileen from Mount Albert

2 sheets of blue/grey roofing iron 840cm x3440cm - free. Pick up Mt Albert

Free

1352 days ago

Only in English!

NumberWorks'nWords New Lynn

Can you think of other words that do this?

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1352 days ago

Summer clearance sale

Redcross Sandringham from Red Cross Shop Sandringham

Hi customers,
Come and visit our store . “ Bargains galore in- store , out our summer stock goes. Grab your bargain today. Sale ends on March 20th. We are at 571 Sandringham.

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1357 days ago

Waiuku family fleeced by 'handyman' helped by community

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

The Edgecombe family of Waiuku, who have been forced to list their house this week, have paid dearly for accepting the cheapest quote for their renovation - and they want to warn others. But they are incredibly grateful for the volunteers, including professional tradies, who have helped put their … View moreThe Edgecombe family of Waiuku, who have been forced to list their house this week, have paid dearly for accepting the cheapest quote for their renovation - and they want to warn others. But they are incredibly grateful for the volunteers, including professional tradies, who have helped put their home back together again.

1352 days ago

Upcycling Awards is back for 2021!

Resene

Do you have old things lying around that you've been meaning to spruce up or recreate? It's time to unleash your DIY skills and bring out your inner artistic spirit. Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.

Give us … View more
Do you have old things lying around that you've been meaning to spruce up or recreate? It's time to unleash your DIY skills and bring out your inner artistic spirit. Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.

Give us your all, we want to see your creations! Check out some of last years' entires here.

Take part in the 2021 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
Learn more

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