Te Atatu South, Auckland

1613 days ago

First look at $100m+ Costco Wholesale NZ store at Westgate

Brian from New Lynn

Amid job losses, closures and business ruin from the lockdown, one of the world's biggest businesses plans to thrive when it starts up in New Zealand. Costco Wholesale is the world's second-largest retailer after Walmart and it said last winter that it would be open here next year, … View moreAmid job losses, closures and business ruin from the lockdown, one of the world's biggest businesses plans to thrive when it starts up in New Zealand. Costco Wholesale is the world's second-largest retailer after Walmart and it said last winter that it would be open here next year, selling 20-30 per cent cheaper than elsewhere. Resource consent application documents are with Auckland Council for the operation at 67 Maki St, Westgate. How the store will look, car park numbers, layout, landscaping, lighting and fuel station details are revealed. Architectural drawings, engineering reports, geotechnical and retail floor area plans and a 14-page visual simulation are lodged. The operation is for a large-format store west of the Harvey Norman store. No physical site works have yet begun, but the Overseas Investment Office has cleared the application for Costco to buy the land from NZ Retail Property Group. The site is bounded by the Northwestern Motorway or SH16 to the east, Gunton Dr to the south and Maki St to the west. Most of the western and the northern boundaries adjoin the Kopupaka Reserve. The western boundary is irregular and follows the alignment of a small stream. Another stream or drainage channel runs outside the site along the eastern boundary adjacent to the motorway. The store will be the size of two rugby fields, at 14,740sq m. The 2.7ha irregular-shaped site is bound by Sakaria Stream to the west, Totara Creek and the Northwestern Motorway and is presently a grassed paddock.
Costco's joining fee could be about $60/person. Food and grocery, cosmetics, household, electronic, electrical and general merchandise will be sold. The store will be prepared for the day's trading in the early hours of the morning when goods will arrive and go on the shop floor on pallets or racks. Racking will be largely palletised. Pharmaceutical, audiological, optician, dine-in food, tyre sale and fitting will be in the three-level building, with two levels of parking. The building will be 160m long, 114m wide, 11.9m high to the upper parking deck and 18.5m high to the top of the entrance/lift lobby, fronting Gunton Dr, with a triple-height entrance lobby in the southwestern corner for pedestrian access.
Vehicle access will be off Gunton Dr, with ramps on the southern face. The building will cover most of the site but the standard rectangular format is compromised to account for the irregular shape of the western boundary against the stream. Parking is on top, compared to most other Costcos around the world where it's beside the store. Costco will have 795 car parks, including 18 accessible spaces, six customer parking spaces for the tyre centre, 43 staff parks and 10 stands for 20 bikes.
Costco Wholesale Fuel will be at 6 Kakano Rd where a Palmers Garden Centre and a Mitre 10 are to the northwest and a Resene Colour shop is west. The self-service fuel station will be only for Costco members with one staff member and no retail, air, or carwash. Buildings will be only a canopy above the bowsers, small data hut and staff amenities. Five rows of bowsers are proposed, with each row consisting of three bowsers, making a total of 30 refuelling spaces. Four underground fuel storage tanks will be laid for 440,000 litres: three for petroleum, one for diesel.
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1611 days ago

Someone's over this Lockdown🐻😄

Fiona from Henderson

As are so many others, teddy bears included 😂😂

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1612 days ago

45 Life Lessons Written by a "90 Year Old" Woman👵🏼💌

Fiona from Henderson

People often tell Regina Brett how great she looks for her age. Turns out, she is actually 54 years old — not 90.
She wrote down these life lessons the night before her 45th birthday after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, … View more
People often tell Regina Brett how great she looks for her age. Turns out, she is actually 54 years old — not 90.
She wrote down these life lessons the night before her 45th birthday after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. Save for retirement, starting with your first pay check.
9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
11. It's alright to let your children see you cry.
12. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
14. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
15. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
16. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
17. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
19. Burn the candles; use the nice sheets; wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
22. The most important sex organ is the brain.
23. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
25. Forgive everyone everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
28. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
29. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
30. Believe in miracles.
31. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
32. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
33. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
34. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
35. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
36. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
37. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
40. The best is yet to come.
41. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
42. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
43. If you don't ask, you don't get.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
If you want more inspiration from Regina Brett, check out her personal website: www.reginabrett.com...

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1621 days ago

Tupperware Consultant

Fiona from Glen Eden

Hi, I am a local TUPPERWARE Consultant. I am happy to help any of your TUPPERWARE needs. You don’t need a party but can order online and deliveries go directly to your door now. Click on the link for current deals and where you can order 🙂
www.facebook.com...

1617 days ago

Will re-opening Auckland businesses face water restrictions?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, It's no surprise that Auckland is in severe drought, with water storage at 26 year April lows. But the new risk is that businesses re-opening next week, could face mandatory restrictions within weeks. Read the story below:

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1612 days ago

Fun engaging learning.

NumberWorks'nWords Henderson

NumberWorks'nWords remains online during lock down level 3. Our lessons are being delivered in the same fun, engaging way. Here is some feedback from one of our parents.

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1612 days ago

Looking forward to your next copy of NZ Gardener?

Jo McCarroll - NZ Gardener editor Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

I am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve … View moreI am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve to make the most of your garden right now, plus Lynda Hallinan reflects on 60 lessons for gardeners from the lockdown, a bumper gardening quiz, and you can visit a spectacular Taupō garden alive with birds, a whimsical wonderland in Glenorchy in full bloom and meet the clever and resourceful gardeners of the Chatham Islands... all without leaving your bubble. And thanks so much to everyone who has been in touch to offer their support to the NZ Gardener team, especially those who have subscribed or renewed or purchased a subscription as a gift (an NZ Gardener subscription is a great Mother's Day idea, just sayin'!) We are so grateful to you all, and it's your support that allows us to keep inspiring and informing gardeners from all around New Zealand as we have been doing now for more than 75 years. Please share this message with your gardening groups on social too. We’re looking forward to the many more years of celebrating the amazing gardens and gardeners of New Zealand that lie ahead.

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1615 days ago

WHO CAN OPERATE IN LEVEL 3?

Brian from New Lynn

Can open
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• Supermarkets
• Pharmacies
• Dairies on a one-in-one-out basis
• Petrol stations
• Liquor stores in the four licensing trust areas with a monopoly (one-in, one-out basis)
• Shopping centres/malls ONLY to allow access to essential services like supermarkets and … View more
Can open
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• Supermarkets
• Pharmacies
• Dairies on a one-in-one-out basis
• Petrol stations
• Liquor stores in the four licensing trust areas with a monopoly (one-in, one-out basis)
• Shopping centres/malls ONLY to allow access to essential services like supermarkets and pharmacies
Can operate
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• Couriers and parcel services - deliveries should be contactless
• Removal/moving companies
• Plumbers, electricians and tradespeople can work on customers' property (e.g. in homes)
Can open but no face-to-face interactions with customers - online or phone only, with delivery or contactless pick-up
• Clothing stores
• Hardware and DIY stores
• Other retail stores
• Agricultural supply stores and pet stores
• Bars, cafes and restaurants (no alcohol to be sold)
• Only off-licence holders whose licence says they can sell and deliver alcohol, can do so through contactless delivery and pick-up
• Exercise facilities and classes can only offer lessons remotely (eg online)
Can't open or operate
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• Entertainment
• Tourist facilities
• Hairdressers
• Barbers
• Nail salons
• Non-medical massage services
• Cleaners going to clients' homes
• Door-to-door sales
• Outdoor adventure activities (e.g. guided walks, kayaking tours, quad bike adventures or scenic flights or boat trips)
• Driver instruction and licensing, except online applications
Other businesses
• Real estate - staff can come to work, no face-to-face appointments with clients
• No open homes, except remotely. One-on-one viewings and pre-settlement inspections may be possible - further guidance to come
• Client-facing workers (such as sales and business development people) must meet with clients remotely unless it is an essential service
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1612 days ago

Traffic returns to Auckland roads

Brian from New Lynn

New Zealand's main centres are buzzing for the first time in almost five weeks. About 400,000 people are returning to work today, as the country transitions to alert level 3. Cars returned to Auckland's Southern Motorway, which has been mostly empty during five weeks of level 4 … View moreNew Zealand's main centres are buzzing for the first time in almost five weeks. About 400,000 people are returning to work today, as the country transitions to alert level 3. Cars returned to Auckland's Southern Motorway, which has been mostly empty during five weeks of level 4 restrictions to eliminate the deadly coronavirus. Timesaver Traffic's Rebecca Apolosi says it's clearly visible on Auckland roads. "Overlooking Spaghetti Junction, I can see plenty of cars coming and going in all directions. "The Southern Motorway is the most active, heading south. Even then, no hold-ups to report. "There's the usual trucks, buses and courier vehicles that have been operating as normal under alert level 4.
"However, there's plenty of tradie vans and utes whizzing past as well this morning." The main commuter roads into Wellington are a bit busier than last week, but the central city is still pretty quiet. "Traffic is a little heavier than it has been under level 4, but the streets are still relatively quiet in the capital." Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says people should continue to work from home if they can, but businesses can reopen if they have safe-practice measures in place. Industries like construction, forestry and manufacturing can get back to work, but staff have to make sure they keep 1m between each other, record who they interact with, have good hygiene practices and make sure surfaces are disinfected. Construction workers are injecting a little bit of life back into central Auckland. One construction worker, who asked not to be named, said he's very glad the level 4 lockdown is finally over. "I'm quite excited about it to be honest. It's been a long five weeks, so it would be good to get back into it and into finishing our project. "We sort of made a plan last week on what we're going to do to get back to work. We've implemented that and we should hit the ground running today."
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1613 days ago

Need advice on a DIY fail or reno dilemma?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Hey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand. 

Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where … View more
Hey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand. 

Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where where to start? Email homed@stuff.co.nz to tell us all about it - including photos if you can - and we'll ask our experts for their advice on how you can fix things up, or where to start with your project. 

So whether you have a interiors design dilemma, a need for some home DIY know how, bigger plans for a reno you'd like an expert opinion on, or even a tough cleaning problem you want cleared up, we'll get you some answers. What are you waiting for? Email your questions and photos to homed@stuff.co.nz and we'll get back to you.

Please note: We are unable to recommend specific businesses or tradespeople to provide quotes etc.

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1612 days ago

New Zealand is now at Alert Level 3

New Zealand Government

Alert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.

We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – … View more
Alert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.

We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – but which in turn – will affect all of us.

Two weeks then a review
• On 11 May, we will review our progress and decide if we can safely continue to step down restrictions, or if more measures are required to protect us all.
• So the decisions we each make now, matter. Because every interaction we have is an opportunity for the virus to spread.

Keeping safe at Alert Level 3
• At Alert Level 3, the best way to keep those around you safe, is by keeping your bubble small. Interact with as few people as possible. Less people equals less risk. And continue to stay at home whenever you can.
• We should each be making the minimal number of trips. Be sure to stay local, and only make necessary trips.
• And importantly, work and learn from home if you can.

Let’s do this
We’re a team of 5 million. Formidable. And we can do this.
So thank you New Zealand for making the right decisions, when it really counts.
Find out more

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1613 days ago

Level 3

The Team from Lake Panorama Dental

During Level 3 for any urgent or emergency Dental Treatment please contact Lake Panorama Dental on 09 2186000 or text 021136344. Stay safe and keep well. Thank you

1613 days ago

Delivered Online: Certificate in NZ Wine

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Join us from ANYWHERE in NZ for for my online Certificate in New Zealand Wine and learn from your home.

These are interactive live sessions where we taste together and discover New Zealand wines in a way that will open your eyes to new flavours, producers and enhance your understanding of the … View more
Join us from ANYWHERE in NZ for for my online Certificate in New Zealand Wine and learn from your home.

These are interactive live sessions where we taste together and discover New Zealand wines in a way that will open your eyes to new flavours, producers and enhance your understanding of the different wine regions.

We have partnered with Glengarry Wines so you can purchase the wine to be tasted at each session and have your own private supply delivered to your home. Celia will lead you through the course.

Session 1
- Leading international grape varieties and their origins
- Sensory Evaluation - understand aromas and flavours
- Wine tasting techniques and term

Session 2
- Climate and leading white grapes
- Viticulture and the vineyard growing cycle
- Regional maps and important white wine regions

Session 3
- Wine making terms and basic process
- Leading red grapes
- Regional maps and important red wine regions

Session 4
- Short history of New Zealand wine leaders
- Sustainable winegrowing, organics
- Basic wine faults
- How to read a wine label

Delivered Online: Over 4 evening sessions from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12, 14 & 19, 21 May with an online written assessment.

This is an NZQA micro-credential and you will also gain unit standard 29926.

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1614 days ago

Government to spend $100 million on housing the homeless in motels

Brian from New Lynn

Since the alert levels were introduced in New Zealand, the Government has paid for over 1100 additional motel units for people who are living rough and homeless. The new funding now brings this total to 1600 units. Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods says the $107.6 million funds will support homeless … View moreSince the alert levels were introduced in New Zealand, the Government has paid for over 1100 additional motel units for people who are living rough and homeless. The new funding now brings this total to 1600 units. Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods says the $107.6 million funds will support homeless people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. "Finding safe accommodation for our most vulnerable people through the COVID-19 pandemic has been a key priority for the Government. "People living rough or in accommodation where social distancing was not possible were especially vulnerable to COVID-19." As of this weekend, 876 units have people and their families living in them and they're also being supported with social services, Woods says.
Of the new funding, $31 million will provide wraparound services to support these people's needs. "Many of the people living in the motels have high and complex needs and it's crucial they get support. This Government investment will provide certainty for the people and whānau living in motels and the providers supporting them during this difficult time," she says. She added work is already underway to find more permanent housing for people who have been moved to motel units during the lockdown. "As the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the Government's build programme and work with the construction sector will resume to bring on more housing at pace."
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