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1009 days ago

WARNING: Low frequencey noise and adverse health effects

Andrew from Pakuranga Heights

To all residents in the area around the Reeves Road and Gossamer Drive roundabout.

Over the last year we have had issues with ongoing noise generated by several mechanical devices located in the area. This noise is over and above the streets vehicular noise that we have no control over.

As a result, we have been researching the effects of constant noise disrupting normal human sleep patterns. The common effect of the lack of regular sleep is a high degree of irritability, lack of concentration, ongoing headaches etc leading to mental health and medical issues for my family.

The Council has been investigating the noise using a microphone attached to a frequency analyzer to record the noise. The recorded data shows the excessive levels of noise at times from vehicles as well as more harmful audible frequencies and lower frequencies that are well above the limits set by E25 of the Auckland Unitary Plan.

From a health perspective exposure to sound over the 85dB level for longer than 8 hours can cause permanent hearing loss and in this case cause someone to lose part of their hearing range or develop slot hearing. There are also many other negative health effects caused by long term exposure to the lower frequencies.

The recorded data shows that the levels exceed 77dB for 24hours a day across the entire audible and inaudible low frequency range.

Hence there is little chance for a local resident to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

The important figure in the graph I have attached is the LZeq as this is not frequency weighted but indicates the average sound energy over time. The limit is set by the unitary plan to 55dB at 125 Hz Leq. As you can see above this is 78.79dB.

We are seeking feedback from other locals who may be experiencing the effect of the noise as well in the area.

Our email address is bvgalert@gmail.com

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4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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6 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.3% Yes
    82.3% Complete
  • 15.2% No
    15.2% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
2220 votes
1 day ago

Test Your Wits! Today's Riddle Will Keep You Guessing!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Only one colour, but not one size,
Stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies.
Present in the sun, but not in rain,
Doing no harm, and feeling no pain.
What is it?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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