Te Atatu South, Auckland

1124 days ago

IRD----Important message for Businesses

Brian from New Lynn

Significant support is available for businesses following the rise in alert levels announced by the Prime Minister on 17 August 2021.
These measures include:
=====================
• The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS). This payment will be available nationally to help eligible businesses continue … View more
Significant support is available for businesses following the rise in alert levels announced by the Prime Minister on 17 August 2021.
These measures include:
=====================
• The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS). This payment will be available nationally to help eligible businesses continue paying staff and protecting jobs. To reflect increased wage costs, the payments have been increased to $600 for full-time employees and to $359 for part-time employees. This will be open to applications from 9am on Friday 20 August 2021, with applications initially open for two weeks. For more information on the WSS, see www.workandincome.govt.nz...
=======================================
• The Resurgence Support Payment (RSP). This payment will be available to any business or organisation in New Zealand that experiences at least a 30% drop in revenue or a 30% decline in capital-raising ability over a 7-day period, due to a COVID-19 alert level increase of level 2 or higher. This will be open to applications from 8am on Tuesday 24 August 2021 and will be available until one month after a nationwide return to Alert Level 1. For more information on the RSP, see www.ird.govt.nz...
==========================================
• The Leave Support Scheme (LSS). This payment provides a two-week lump sum payment of either $585.80 per week for full-time workers or $350 per week for part-time workers who must self-isolate and cannot work from home. The rates increase to either $600 per week for full-time workers or $359 per week for part-time workers from Tuesday 24 August 2021. For more information on the LSS, see www.workandincome.govt.nz...
========================================
• The Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP). This payment provides a one-off (once per 30 days) payment of $350 for workers who must miss work due to a COVID-19 test and cannot work from home. The rate increases to $359 from Tuesday 24 August 2021. For more information on the STAP, see
www.workandincome.govt.nz...
========================================
• The Small Business Cashflow Scheme (SBCS). This scheme supports small to medium businesses and organisations struggling with a loss of actual revenue due to COVID-19. Applications are open until 31 December 2023. For more information on the SBCS, see www.ird.govt.nz...

We know it may be challenging in the current environment to continue filing returns. However, filing returns ensures information about your businesses is up-to-date and accurate. It will also help support any applications for the Government’s COVID-19 relief packages. For details about filing and paying, see www.ird.govt.nz...

We do understand that payment arrangements might need to be made. Businesses that have an amount to pay can set up a repayment plan to pay it over time. This can be for amounts due now or later. For more information, see www.ird.govt.nz.../difficulty-in-paying-tax

If COVID-19 has impacted your business’s ability to pay tax on time, a request can be submitted for remission of penalties and interest through myIR. For more information on financial relief, see www.ird.govt.nz...
=====================================================

1124 days ago

Gardening live chat on now!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Hello neighbours,

It’s coming up to spring, and with everyone stuck at home in Covid lockdown, what better time to get the garden in order? NZ Gardener editor Jo McCarroll and Jack Hobbs, manager of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, are live on Stuff now to answer all your gardening questions.

Image
G
1124 days ago

Visionwest Pataka Kai Food Support Pick Up Instructions

Greg from Glen Eden

PĀTAKA KAI OPEN TOMORROW – FRIDAY AUGUST 27th.
From 12pm – 3pm.

Please – for the safety of our staff and to ensure the Pātaka Kai can stay open, do not visit Visionwest if:
 You have any cold or flu symptoms
 You have been told to self-isolate.
Ask a healthy family member or … View more
PĀTAKA KAI OPEN TOMORROW – FRIDAY AUGUST 27th.
From 12pm – 3pm.

Please – for the safety of our staff and to ensure the Pātaka Kai can stay open, do not visit Visionwest if:
 You have any cold or flu symptoms
 You have been told to self-isolate.
Ask a healthy family member or neighbour to pick up food for you.

Tomorrow, we will be operating as a drive-through.
There is no need to book a time, just turn up.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WHEN COLLECTING A FOOD PARCEL
 Come into Ambler Ave from the Levy Rd end (the end closest to Glen Eden shops / West Coast Rd). Do NOT come into Ambler Ave from Glengarry Rd end – you will be turned around.
 Enter Visionwest through the Ambler Ave entrance (the long driveway to the left of 42 Ambler Ave).
 Please only have one person per car.
 When you get into Visionwest car park, park your car and WAIT in your car.
 Please wear a mask at all times, and use the contact tracing app.
 Someone will come to your car to collect the necessary information.
 Your food will be placed in the boot of your car; please ensure you have space in your car.
 We will give out one parcel per car unless you are collecting for your whānau and others.

Please note: There will be a queue, but we have plenty of food supplies so, please be patient and do NOT exit your car.

Please respect our neighbours:
 Allow residents cars to get past you and in and out of driveways.
 Turn down your car stereo when waiting in line.
 Line up on the Levy Road end of Ambler Ave. Do NOT come into Ambler Ave from Glengarry Rd end – you will be turned around.

Image
1125 days ago

How many extra Māori seats will Auckland Council get?

Todd Niall Reporter from Community News

Kia ora Neighbours, the government is about to remove a barrier to adding Māori ward seats to Auckland Council. Shoudl it be one seat, or the three recommended by the royal commission on amalgamation? Read the Story below:

1130 days ago

Do you have any 'good' Covid stories?

Caroline Williams Reporter from Community News

Kia ora neighbours. I hope you and your whānau are all coping with this lockdown OK.

It can be a bit daunting to read the news during these tough times, so we'd really like your help to spread some joy.

Last time we were in level 4 lockdown, there were some lovely stories of kindness out … View more
Kia ora neighbours. I hope you and your whānau are all coping with this lockdown OK.

It can be a bit daunting to read the news during these tough times, so we'd really like your help to spread some joy.

Last time we were in level 4 lockdown, there were some lovely stories of kindness out there - remember the window teddy bears?!

We'd love to hear from you regarding anything you or your neighbours have been doing to help lighten the mood. Let us know in the comments or send me an email at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz - feel free to include a photo!

1125 days ago

Cancer doesn't stop, we won't either.

Cancer Society

COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services … View more
COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services to support New Zealanders going through cancer.
Learn more

Image
1126 days ago

Do you think Waikato River water means Auckland is now sorted?

Todd Niall Reporter from Community News

Kia ora Neighbours, The recent boost of supply from the Waikato River might give the impression that Auckland's water worries are over. Not so. The juggling act with Auckland's supply sources mean rain is still the ultimate answer. Reads the story below:

Image
1128 days ago

RE: Henderson Vaccination Centre

Fiona from Henderson

Just to let you all know about the changes/closure of Henderson Vaccination centre.
I had heard and read bits and pieces about people being turned away from the Henderson Vaccination Centre, even though they had an appointment.
So I thought that I would call the Covid Healthline to confirm our … View more
Just to let you all know about the changes/closure of Henderson Vaccination centre.
I had heard and read bits and pieces about people being turned away from the Henderson Vaccination Centre, even though they had an appointment.
So I thought that I would call the Covid Healthline to confirm our appointments for tomorrow.
Just as well I did, as the centre is closed until approximately mid September (maybe later), so all the staff can be used to help out at the over worked testing station across the road.
We had booked both of our appointments (as suggested) so both of them had to be changed. The wonderful lady who helped me on the phone, managed to find us a space at the beginning of September otherwise, we would have to been deferred to the beginning of October.
My point is, please ring to confirm and not turn up and be turned away - saves alot of time and disappointment.
Another reason for the massive delays in getting news dates/times are that all the 12+ year olds are being booked in by their parents, even though the 40+ haven't received their invitation letters yet (as per the person I spoke to today and the hotline)
That little bit niggled me, especially as so many elderly people haven't had their vaccines yet - so many.
Before anyone jumps down my throat, I fully understand we all need to be vaccinated, however the elderly need to be at the front of the line, not pushed down the line.

Image
1125 days ago

Recipe: Plain French Omelette

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Our Foundation cookery student Claudia has prepared this plain french omelette with mushrooms at home during August Lockdown 2021.
Escoffier described the omelette as scrambled eggs held together in a coagulated envelope, says Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking.
The moist, silky consistency is … View more
Our Foundation cookery student Claudia has prepared this plain french omelette with mushrooms at home during August Lockdown 2021.
Escoffier described the omelette as scrambled eggs held together in a coagulated envelope, says Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking.
The moist, silky consistency is known as baveuse.
Recipe on our blog.

Image
1129 days ago

Beer and wine during lockdown

Tracie from Te Atatu South

At times like this ideally don't you think our supermarkets should sell beer and wine? My main concern is that folks are queuing and entering two separate locations to get their supplies instead of just one stop like the rest of the country. At non covid times it's simply inconvenient … View moreAt times like this ideally don't you think our supermarkets should sell beer and wine? My main concern is that folks are queuing and entering two separate locations to get their supplies instead of just one stop like the rest of the country. At non covid times it's simply inconvenient (and more expensive!) but encouraging this additional movement of people during a lockdown is unnecessary and surely an increased risk. Whether you agree or not, the govt has included alcohol as essential. Why is West Auckland allowed to act so irresponsibly?

1125 days ago

Last week to nominate!

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

We're in the last week of nominations for the 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. So come on, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – who’s your New Zealander of the Year?

Tell us with a nomination! Nominations close 31 August.

Get in quick – www.nzawards.org.nz...

Image
1125 days ago

The memes and moments getting the nation through the latest lockdown

Caroline Williams Reporter from Community News

Kia ora neighbours. Since New Zealand plunged into lockdown last week, the laughs for Kiwis have been few and far between.

Apart from Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ Freudian slip at an afternoon press conference, where he muddled a message about people stretching their legs and … View more
Kia ora neighbours. Since New Zealand plunged into lockdown last week, the laughs for Kiwis have been few and far between.

Apart from Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ Freudian slip at an afternoon press conference, where he muddled a message about people stretching their legs and instead said “spread your legs”, the mood of the nation has been heavy and serious.

But as you’d expect, a minister uttering “spread your legs” at a high-profile press conference was music to the ears of meme makers.

Some prefer to take their mind off lockdown by trying something new, such as creating mandalas (abstract art) from things found lying around the house or gathered from nature outside.

Others have been finding ways to keep their community entertained during their lockdown strolls around the neighbourhood, including a return of the hugely popular window teddy bears of 2020.

If you're fed up of reading about the negatives of Covid-19, take a read of our story below. We hope it will make you smile. Ngā mihi.

1130 days ago

Friday puzzle

NumberWorks'nWords Henderson

Here is a weekend puzzle for those of you who enjoyed the last one. Answer to follow on Monday.

Image
1126 days ago

Keen to get back to work?

First Security

Are you, your partner or someone you know keen to go back to work?

FIRST Security are recruiting now for MIQ Security Guards in your area. Family friendly hours are available to suit your lifestyle so you can balance work and home, AND earn the Living Wage. Plus full, on-job training is … View more
Are you, your partner or someone you know keen to go back to work?

FIRST Security are recruiting now for MIQ Security Guards in your area. Family friendly hours are available to suit your lifestyle so you can balance work and home, AND earn the Living Wage. Plus full, on-job training is provided so no prior experience is required.

Apply today and join New Zealand's leading security provider to help keep your community and New Zealand safe.
Apply now

Image
1126 days ago

Help your local small business - and get $10!

David Downs from SOS Business

If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
View more
If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
SOS Business - A not-for-profit helping NZ small businesses during a tough time. All the money (less credit card fees) gets paid to the businesses.

Image
Top