Totara Heights, Auckland

1303 days ago

Major track upgrades launched: Mangere Mountain

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

The track to Mangere Mountain's summit is getting a facelift.

It will be recreated with aggregate stone paths, basalt rock steps and rest areas with seating at key viewing areas.

A floating staircase will be built on the steeper northern descent from the south Auckland summit which is prone … View more
The track to Mangere Mountain's summit is getting a facelift.

It will be recreated with aggregate stone paths, basalt rock steps and rest areas with seating at key viewing areas.

A floating staircase will be built on the steeper northern descent from the south Auckland summit which is prone to erosion from foot traffic.

Work begins on May 17 and is expected to take five months to bring to fruition.

The goal is to preserve historic pa features and provide a safer, enhanced experience for pedestrians.

Also planned is a major redevelopment of the playground.

Inspired by the landscape, the design will reflect stories associated with the mountain and Maori culture.

A $1 million budget has been earmarked for the playground.

More details will be released later.

1303 days ago

Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who cleaned up South Auckland’s waterways!

Louise Beuvink from Beautification Trust

Thank you to everyone who came along for your huge effort at Te Puhinui Big Clean on Saturday! Around 500 people pitched in to clean up our waterways and protect our precious natural environment.

Volunteers removed tonnes of rubbish, including road cones, car parts, building materials, old … View more
Thank you to everyone who came along for your huge effort at Te Puhinui Big Clean on Saturday! Around 500 people pitched in to clean up our waterways and protect our precious natural environment.

Volunteers removed tonnes of rubbish, including road cones, car parts, building materials, old furniture and even a Harley Davidson motorcycle!

Want to help keep the Puhinui Stream clean?
We're asking local businesses, schools and community groups to adopt a spot along the Puhinui Stream and help keep it free of rubbish. Want to adopt a spot? Get in touch with us at admin@beautification.org.nz.

1303 days ago

Mahinga Kai - Forage with Riki Bennett

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Learning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of … View moreLearning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of plantain with coconut cream, wrapped in cabbage leaves, potatoes, spinach emulsion and finishing with golden syrup steamed pudding and caramelised coxes orange apples.
The next one will be in July this year.

1303 days ago

Māori names and stories returned to the whenua

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Names dating back to stories treasured by Māori are being returned to the whenua in parks across communities in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area.

The local board has adopted 18 names from mana whenua as part of the council’s cultural identity programme, Te Kete Rukuruku.

Names for … View more
Names dating back to stories treasured by Māori are being returned to the whenua in parks across communities in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area.

The local board has adopted 18 names from mana whenua as part of the council’s cultural identity programme, Te Kete Rukuruku.

Names for another 32 parks are being determined.

The first of the names has now been revealed with the unveiling of signs bearing the new dual name Waenganui / Allenby Park in Papatoetoe.

“Our local board is incredibly honoured to receive and reinstate these taonga, the names and histories of mana whenua," said Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia.

“The distinct cultures in our local board area are our strength. Our community has told us that ensuring Māori arts, culture and history being more visible in public places is really important to them and this is a really simple but powerful way we can do that and something we will look after and treasure.”

Ngāti Tamaoho, who named the park, said the ceremony marked an important milestone.

"For Ngāti Tamaoho that is exciting because focussing on the whenua is something we have really pushed for over the years,” said Ngāti Tamaoho Charitable Trust chair Tori Ngataki.

The board chose Waenganui / Allenby Park to have a full suite of bilingual signs including a new entrance sign with the name Waenganui / Allenby Park, an interpretive sign with the narrative in te reo Māori and English, and a QR code allowing people to scan their phone to hear the correct pronunciation.

Information helping people to navigate will be displayed in English and Maori on public facilities around the park.

Regulatory signs such as bylaw and alcohol ban information will feature in English and te reo Maori.

1303 days ago

Have you seen this amazing garden?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

They had a vision for their property, but they also had three floods in 20 years. That didn't stop them pursuing the garden of their dreams though.

1309 days ago

Poll: Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?

Reporter Community News

Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine… View more
Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.

Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.

A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.

Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.

He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.

AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.

While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.

“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”

“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”

He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.

“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.

To see video footage, go here:

www.stuff.co.nz...

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?
  • 90.2% Yes
    90.2% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 1.8% Unsure- it's too complex
    1.8% Complete
2161 votes
1303 days ago

Your Big Mac, ordered from here.

McDonald's

New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.

New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to … View more
New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.

New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to international McDonald’s markets.

We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including Whangara Farms which was the first beef farm outside of Europe to be invited to the McDonald’s Flagship Farmers programme.

ANZCO Foods, based in the small Taranaki town of Waitara, are responsible for making our 100% beef patties. About 90% of the staff at the Waitara plant are locals and they manage to produce around half a million patties each day.

Our quality beef cuts are minced and that’s it. No additives or fillers, just mince that is formed in patties, before they’re flash-frozen and sent to restaurants.
Learn more

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1304 days ago

Looking for a flatmate in Papatoetoe

Laura from Papatoetoe

Hi all. We have a double sized room in our 3 bedroom house for rent. The room is furnished with a new double bed, desk, dresser, chair and has a closet. You will share with another male (40s, working professional) and a cat. Must like cats. Weekly rent is $$ 200 (includes power, internet, water).… View moreHi all. We have a double sized room in our 3 bedroom house for rent. The room is furnished with a new double bed, desk, dresser, chair and has a closet. You will share with another male (40s, working professional) and a cat. Must like cats. Weekly rent is $$ 200 (includes power, internet, water). House is modern with heat pump, washer and dryer, spa pool, large deck, etc. Large private driveway for your car. We are looking for a working professional who is tidy and a non smoker. Please PM us here for more details.

1304 days ago

Mother's Day

NumberWorks'nWords Manukau

Thank you to all our amazing mums from the team at NumberWorks'nWords.

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1304 days ago

Walking stars is back for 2021!

The Team from Cancer Society Auckland

Wahoo – our popular night-time walking half marathon is back and brighter than ever!

Join us on September 13 to light up Auckland’s vibrant CBD while raising funds for the Cancer Society. With an all-new 12km option for 2021, Walking Stars is achievable by everyone. You can choose to power … View more
Wahoo – our popular night-time walking half marathon is back and brighter than ever!

Join us on September 13 to light up Auckland’s vibrant CBD while raising funds for the Cancer Society. With an all-new 12km option for 2021, Walking Stars is achievable by everyone. You can choose to power walk or stroll, but no running!

Sign up now and save with our early bird deal of just $59.
Sign up now

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1305 days ago

Private Tennis Lessons

Amit from Papatoetoe

Hi Team,
If anyone is looking to stay active this winter season and would like to take up tennis or get some extra lessons if you currently play, please contact me on acekumar34@gmail.com for coaching lessons. I'm currently based at the Sunnyside Tennis Club on York Rd in Papatoetoe.
Warm … View more
Hi Team,
If anyone is looking to stay active this winter season and would like to take up tennis or get some extra lessons if you currently play, please contact me on acekumar34@gmail.com for coaching lessons. I'm currently based at the Sunnyside Tennis Club on York Rd in Papatoetoe.
Warm Regards
Amit Kumar

1307 days ago

Petition to reduce places that sell tobacco

The Team from Counties Manukau Health

We want to encourage our communities to support the Cancer Society’s petition requesting legislation that significantly reduces the number of places that can sell tobacco. Tobacco is the most harmful consumer product in history. It kills about 13 New Zealanders every day. Yet tobacco can be sold … View moreWe want to encourage our communities to support the Cancer Society’s petition requesting legislation that significantly reduces the number of places that can sell tobacco. Tobacco is the most harmful consumer product in history. It kills about 13 New Zealanders every day. Yet tobacco can be sold anywhere and by anyone. Even though it’s an R18 product, it’s sold with everyday grocery items in over 6,000 places where children often go. Significantly reducing the number of places selling tobacco will prevent people from starting smoking in the first place, support people to quit, and help reach our goal to make Aotearoa Smokefree by 2025. Please consider signing this very important petition: tinyurl.com...

If you would like help to quit smoking, please contact our Living Smokefree Service, Phone: 0800 569 568, Email: smokefree@middlemore.co.nz

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1306 days ago

Mother’s Day

The Team from Auckland Council

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday. OurAuckland has some great ideas for things to do with your mother this weekend: bit.ly...

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1307 days ago

We Say/You Say: Queen Street

The Team from Community News

Kia ora Auckland,

Should Queen Street be car-free?

Major roading upgrades are set to get underway on Queen Street which the council says will improve pedestrian spaces.

The work is set to begin on Monday between Shortland and Customs streets, limiting traffic to a single lane each way and … View more
Kia ora Auckland,

Should Queen Street be car-free?

Major roading upgrades are set to get underway on Queen Street which the council says will improve pedestrian spaces.

The work is set to begin on Monday between Shortland and Customs streets, limiting traffic to a single lane each way and with bus priority in the evening peak.

Some have expressed their concerns for the project including a group of businesses and landlords calling itself Save Queen. The group applied for an interim injunction to halt the council's planned Queen St upgrade and a High Court Judge will decide whether to approve the injunction later today.

Should the upgrade go even further and ban passenger vehicles altogether? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment used in your local community paper.

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