Oteha, Auckland

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Read posts from interesting Kiwis on our Know Thy Neighbour page.

1452 days ago

Village safety and security a top priority for Judy

Bupa Hugh Green Retirement Village

The Avonhead local, who had a career in aged care education and assessment, became a village resident herself just three months ago and enjoys reading in her downtime. The village library also gives her a chance to meet her village neighbours and have a chat.

Judy’s health took a serious turn a … View more
The Avonhead local, who had a career in aged care education and assessment, became a village resident herself just three months ago and enjoys reading in her downtime. The village library also gives her a chance to meet her village neighbours and have a chat.

Judy’s health took a serious turn a year ago, prompting her to move into the village and into a one bedroom apartment overlooking the street.

“I lived alone and my sons were worried about me because I began falling and I couldn’t get out. Then I thought I need to be sensible here and do something about it. For me it was important I stayed in the area and I guess it was important that I knew somebody here.”

After selling her house and the village team holding the apartment she’d chosen, Judy followed Harvey, her next-door neighbour of many years, into Bupa Parkstone Retirement Village. The village team had kept in contact with her for a number of months before she’d decided to move in, inviting her to regular village functions during that time.

“There’s everything going on here for you, you couldn’t ask for more. There’s a superb manager who not only manages but she’s also a social worker and everything else with it.”

Judy says the move from a house on a back section meant safety and security was a top priority when deciding on a village.

“There’s always someone here at the front desk and they have security regularly checking too. It’s so important to me.”

Coming from a big house into an apartment hasn’t bothered Judy, and now with her health regularly monitored she is really embracing retirement village life. There’s the weekly grocery shopping at the local supermarket next door and the regular Tai Chi sessions that relax her by slowing her breathing.

“I very much want to be independent for as long as I can and I get to do that here. I also get to continue with lots of reading in lovely surroundings too.”
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Check out the Bupa Hugh Green Retirement Village Apartments in Albany at www.bupa.co.nz...

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1472 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
1452 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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1452 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.

1457 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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1455 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
1453 days ago

Sounds like Paradise

Goulart Hearing

Hi Neighbours, I’m Lisa from Goulart Hearing.
I just wanted to let you know we have some wonderful new technology from Phonak called Paradise. It is so smart that it can tell when you are walking! Not only that you can control up to 8 Bluetooth connections with a simple tap on your ear. If you … View more
Hi Neighbours, I’m Lisa from Goulart Hearing.
I just wanted to let you know we have some wonderful new technology from Phonak called Paradise. It is so smart that it can tell when you are walking! Not only that you can control up to 8 Bluetooth connections with a simple tap on your ear. If you are keen to trial the latest in hearing technology, please get in touch for your FREE TRIAL. As an independent audiologist, I will endeavour to take the time to ensure you have the best solution for your personal needs, lifestyle and budget requirement. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Find out more

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1455 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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1453 days ago

Popup caravan

Magdalena from Albany

2017 Jayco Swan Popup caravan. It is in a very good condition, easy to tow, quick to set up, very spacious, take one car space when not in use and have a few nice extras.
6-8 Berth,
Bike rack for 2 bikes,
Awning tent room attached to caravan,
Breaks on caravan,
Solar Panel.
Queen bed,
Double … View more
2017 Jayco Swan Popup caravan. It is in a very good condition, easy to tow, quick to set up, very spacious, take one car space when not in use and have a few nice extras.
6-8 Berth,
Bike rack for 2 bikes,
Awning tent room attached to caravan,
Breaks on caravan,
Solar Panel.
Queen bed,
Double bed,
Club lounge which can change to bed, Dinning area for four which can be changed to bed.

Price: $31,750

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1453 days ago

Toys

Mazhar from Unsworth Heights

Blocks, puzzles and more.
Pickup from 50 Sunset Rd. Next to letter box.

Free

1453 days ago

Do you have your hair booked for your XMAS Party?

Nicole - Carolyn - Lisa - Hannah and Nixi from Hairnow on Apollo Ltd

Go on.... spoil yourself with nice new hair for Christmas. Let us pamper you and take the stress away from a bad hair day! Book an appointment for beautiful hair with our friendly team at Hairnow on Apollo. Ph 478 5279. Have the hair you desire and deserve.

1456 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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1454 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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1454 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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1463 days ago

Free business seminar Glenfield Library, Auckland

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

If you are thinking of starting a business, head down to Glenfield Library this Saturday at 1pm.

Business educator Robyn Forryan will give a free one hour seminar which will include the basic steps to understanding business accounts.

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