Te Atatu South, Auckland

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

1795 days ago

The perfect gift for all occasions

WestCity Waitakere

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas?

A WestCity gift card is the perfect gift for all occasions.

Gift cards are available from the Customer Service desk on level 2 and can be loaded with any amount from $10 - $999.

The gift cards can be used at any participating store within WestCity – … View more
Stuck for Christmas gift ideas?

A WestCity gift card is the perfect gift for all occasions.

Gift cards are available from the Customer Service desk on level 2 and can be loaded with any amount from $10 - $999.

The gift cards can be used at any participating store within WestCity – so there’s something to please everyone this Christmas.
Learn more

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1795 days ago

Computing

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

You can keep playing around on the internet, or you can use it to build a future for your tamariki.

Upskill in computing and technology today.
Learn More

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1795 days ago

☀️Preparing for those summer picnics☀️

Fiona from Henderson

We all have ideas as to what to pack (or not) for those picnics.
Here is are a few hints as to how to perfect your lasagna (straight from Italy)
Raise your hand if you don’t like lasagna.
Ok, no one?
That’s because lasagna is a real crowd-pleaser and a wonderful Italian comfort food. A nice, … View more
We all have ideas as to what to pack (or not) for those picnics.
Here is are a few hints as to how to perfect your lasagna (straight from Italy)
Raise your hand if you don’t like lasagna.
Ok, no one?
That’s because lasagna is a real crowd-pleaser and a wonderful Italian comfort food. A nice, generous portion makes everyone feel good all year round.
Preparing lasagna at home is a gesture of true love, involving many long, laborious steps, plus a hefty dose of patience, especially if making the pasta yourself.
Mistakes are allowed as the dish is actually quite complex and perfection is never easy to achieve.

The most common lasagna mistakes:
1. Should you want to make the pasta at home, spread the pasta rather thin and boil it in water with a drizzle of oil to prevent the sheets from sticking to the each other, or boil one sheet at a time and once drained place it in cold water.
2. If you buy fresh egg pasta, the process is the same as for homemade pasta. If you buy packaged dried sheets then you absolutely must cover them well with the filling, without leaving a single corner exposed.
3. There shouldn’t be too much or too little filling. Too much between one layer and another will keep you from ever getting a perfect slice. Too little and all you’ll taste is pasta.
4. Do not put large pieces of vegetables or meat in lasagna for the same reason as above. To get a perfect lasagna, the filling should be finely sliced or even creamy.
5. If using parchment paper, remember to remove it once the lasagna is cooked. Otherwise, it will get wet and ruin the base. It’s better to grease an oven dish or to streak it with béchamel sauce.
6. Don’t overdo it with the béchamel, a necessary ingredient in many recipes, particularly for the consistency it lends to the taste, but one which can ruin the dish if there’s too much of it.
7. Lasagna should be cooked for at least 45 minutes in a hot oven at 350°F, though it really depends on the number of layers. To prevent an overcooked surface and an undercooked center, cover with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking process.
8. Particularly when using store-bought dry pasta, be careful when cooking the corners. Cover them well with the filling and add a drizzle of water or milk to soften them once in the oven.
9. Though it may seem obvious, any meat or vegetables in the filling must be cooked first. Vegetables can even be simply blanched, but putting them raw into the filling is highly risky.

and last but by no means least ....

10. Don’t eat it now. Like a good eggplant parmigiana, baked pasta should always be left to rest. Forget about eating it fresh out of the oven ... it’s actually better the next day!

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1795 days ago

My newest garden(s). =D AND hanging planter. =D

Sharon from Te Atatu South

Photo 1: My newest raised (vegetable) garden (galvanised steel, $49 from The Warehouse - it was Westminster, the cheaper of the two brands) - planted with MORE beans and pumpkins, and a rhubarb plant. MADE with five bags of Karyn's compost and four bags of potting mix I just bought from … View morePhoto 1: My newest raised (vegetable) garden (galvanised steel, $49 from The Warehouse - it was Westminster, the cheaper of the two brands) - planted with MORE beans and pumpkins, and a rhubarb plant. MADE with five bags of Karyn's compost and four bags of potting mix I just bought from Bunnings for $8 each. =D Plants free or very cheap, as they were grown from seed, and the rhubarb was only $5. =D
Photo 2: Blanche's hanging pot (free), filled with a small amount of potting mix and planted out with petunias (very cheap, at 97 cents each from Bunnings). =D
Photos 3-7: Blue daisies and more (red, striped, and white) petunias (also from Bunnings) in my rose garden, that I topped up with potting mix. =D
Photo 8: My new red dahlia I just bought (also from Bunnings). =D
Photo 9: My new African violet I just bought from Bunnings. =D I JUST LOVE IT!!!!!!!! =D Hehehe. =D

1795 days ago

Confirmed: Kiwis on minimum wage get a pay rise

Brian from New Lynn

The minimum wage will increase by $1.20 to $18.90 on April 1, 2020, the Government confirmed today. Training wages will also get a boost, rising to $15.12 per hour.
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According to the Government's figures, 242,000 workers will see … View more
The minimum wage will increase by $1.20 to $18.90 on April 1, 2020, the Government confirmed today. Training wages will also get a boost, rising to $15.12 per hour.
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According to the Government's figures, 242,000 workers will see increased wages. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said Kiwis will be better off. "The new $18.90 rate will mean an extra $48 per week before tax for Kiwis who work for 40 hours on the current minimum wage. "New Zealand's economy currently has a solid footing." The starting-out rate has also increased to $15.12 - remaining at 80 percent of the minimum wage. In its coalition agreement with New Zealand First, Labour committed to raising the minimum wage to $20 an hour by April 2021. "With our economy doing well, we want to make sure that our lowest paid workers also benefit," Lees-Galloway said. "The rise in minimum wage is estimated to boost wages by $306 million a year across the economy." ACT leader David Seymour said the boost will cut job growth, adding New Zealand already has the highest minimum wage in the developed world. "Government's can't force businesses to pay workers more than they are worth," he said. "A higher minimum wage will also raise the cost of living for consumers and disadvantage retailers by providing a Christmas gift to offshore online retailers."
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1795 days ago

Online Business Discussion With Peter & Karen

Anthea from Lifestyle Happy Place

💛 One of the barriers online entrepreneurs face is navigating business opportunities because many just don’t provide the level of success that some are looking for.⁠

⭐It can be difficult to determine what’s an opportunity and what will become an obstacle later on.

💛 And, if … View more
💛 One of the barriers online entrepreneurs face is navigating business opportunities because many just don’t provide the level of success that some are looking for.⁠

⭐It can be difficult to determine what’s an opportunity and what will become an obstacle later on.

💛 And, if you’re going to invest your time and skill into a venture, you have to do your homework and understand the financial side of your business.⁠

⭐ This is Peter and his lovely wife Karen, a financial planner and accountant. They saw our business as an opportunity for growth after successfully starting and running businesses throughout their careers. Their finance expertise provides fascinating insights into the potential of this opportunity.⁠

💛 They explain that this isn’t just any online business opportunity, but a unique business model that is built to guarantee prosperity—while ensuring a great lifestyle! ⁠

If Your Looking For A Lifestyle Business then please enquire below to learn more. We are happy to discuss.

#financeexpertise #accountants #businessopportunity #onlinebusiness #lifestylehappyplace⁠

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1795 days ago

Kerbside bin collections over the summer holidays

Brian from New Lynn

The festive season is upon us and Aucklanders are ready to celebrate. But remember, because of the public holidays there will be some changes to your collection dates. All collections will return to normal on Monday 6 January 2020.
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If your … View more
The festive season is upon us and Aucklanders are ready to celebrate. But remember, because of the public holidays there will be some changes to your collection dates. All collections will return to normal on Monday 6 January 2020.
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If your normal collection day is:... Your new collection day is:
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Monday 23 December 2019...………...….no change
Tuesday 24 December 2019...…………….no change
Wednesday 25 December 2019...……...Thursday 26 December 2019 Boxing Day
Thursday 26 December 2019...…......….Friday 27 December 2019
Friday 27 December 2019...………......….Saturday 28 December 2019
Monday 30 December 2019...…………….no change
Tuesday 31 December 2019...…………...no change
Wednesday 1 January 2020...……...…….Thursday 2 January 2020
Thursday 2 January 2020...………………...Friday 3 January 2020
Friday 3 January 2020...……………………...Saturday 4 January 2020
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Please remember all rubbish and recycling bins and bags are to be placed out before 7 am on your collection day.
Visit the Auckland Council website for more details on collections.
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1795 days ago

Holiday Reading.

NumberWorks'nWords Henderson

Will you be taking plenty of good books with you these school holidays?

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1796 days ago

Thank you New Zealand

Countdown New Zealand

Thank you New Zealand. Your nominations helped us find a local hero for every Countdown store in the country.

Every store’s winner receives a $500 Countdown Gift voucher in recognition of helping make our community a better place.
Xmas Hub

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1796 days ago

Two days left to be in to WIN with Readers Tours & TV Guide!

Readers Tours

For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the NorthView more
For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the North and South Island. These new shorter escapes are the perfect length of time for those adventurous seniors who want a taste of the spectacular excursions and sights our country has to offer.

To celebrate the launch of our brand new tours, our friends at TV Guide and Neighbourly are giving away a year’s subscription for TV Guide to one lucky adventurer!

All you have to do is tell us a New Zealand destination you would love to visit via this link and you'll be in the draw to win!

Entries close 19th December 2019.

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1796 days ago

Round Embroidery Placemat X5

Crystal from Avondale

- brand new
- pick up from Avondale

Price: $25

1796 days ago

Will you use Uber's Jump e-bikes?

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Western Leader

Hi neighbours, Uber has announced it will launch it's Jump e-bike rentals in Auckland next year. It's e-scooters also won't hit the street until 2020. Will you try the e-bikes? What about the scooters?

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1796 days ago

Tis the season! Here are a couple of ways Neighbourhood Supporters are getting in the spirit this month. 🎅🎄

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Photo 1: Lou Dixon, Coordinator for Ruapehu Neighbourhood Support, has created this cheery display for the Taumarunui Christmas Tree Festival where agencies are given the chance to educate the public on the work that they do in a fun and festive way.

Photo 2: Papamoa Neighbourhoood Support and … View more
Photo 1: Lou Dixon, Coordinator for Ruapehu Neighbourhood Support, has created this cheery display for the Taumarunui Christmas Tree Festival where agencies are given the chance to educate the public on the work that they do in a fun and festive way.

Photo 2: Papamoa Neighbourhoood Support and Papamoa Community Patrol recently took part in the local Community Christmas parade alongside Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Senior Constable Adrian Oldham and Senior Constable Amanda Pinkerton to spread Christmas cheer and safety messaging in their area.

1796 days ago

Smile, YOU could be on camera: The Warehouse trialling safety cameras as part of staff uniform

Brian from New Lynn

Retail crime swindles New Zealand businesses of $1 billion in direct losses each year, with The Warehouse now trialling new protective equipment for staff. The major retailer has been trialling different uniforms and personal protective equipment, with staff wearing items such as vests and cameras.… View moreRetail crime swindles New Zealand businesses of $1 billion in direct losses each year, with The Warehouse now trialling new protective equipment for staff. The major retailer has been trialling different uniforms and personal protective equipment, with staff wearing items such as vests and cameras. Additional security had also been hired at some stores to help support staff, said The Warehouse's manager of national loss prevention, Phil Morley.
A customer who visited The Warehouse at Massey's Westgate Shopping Centre alerted the media to the trial after seeing cameras and questioning customer privacy. However, as long as there was signage in-store advising customers about the cameras, it was "absolutely legal", Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford said. And due to the massive issue around retail crime, cameras were key to catching thieves. "Cameras are a key tool for crime prevention in-store and for the investigation of criminal activity in-store," Harford told. "A particular concern is that criminals are increasingly acting in an aggressive manner that endangers staff, and cameras are key to catching retail criminals." Morley said customers' privacy was something The Warehouse respected but signage was posted in stores stating the use of CCTV cameras. "The safety of our customers and our team members is paramount, and we are always looking at ways to improve our systems and processes." Managing director of First Retail Group Chris Wilkinson told cameras were likely not to be recording customers full-time. "Typically the cameras are only activated when staff are managing a situation, so customers shouldn't be concerned." The retail expert said cameras reduced risk through greater visible measures, kept people safe and limited their burden on the justice system. Elsewhere, retailers in the United Kingdom were even resorting to installing temporary lock-up cells in their stores to discourage thieves, Wilkinson said. He doubted they would be installed in New Zealand because the volumes of theft were far lower here but it highlighted the scale of the issue.
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Kiwis considering stealing from retailers were simply warned to "be prepared to be caught, prosecuted and trespassed", Wilkinson said. "Theft is a big issue, but so is the risk this causes to shop workers as thieves are becoming increasingly brazen in their approach and execution. "Retailers are watching, collaboratively sharing information and determined to reduce shop theft and antisocial behaviour. "From number plate recognition through to tracking suspicious behaviour, these cameras are an increasingly necessary part of keeping public areas safe."
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