Totara Park – Alfriston, Auckland

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1297 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.

1297 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.

1303 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
1297 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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1298 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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1298 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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1301 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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1300 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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1300 days ago

Go Healthy For Good

Ole from Takanini

Alcoholism can cause more damage and pain than any other influence on the family unit. The impact of the abuse or the addiction affects each member of the family long-term. Is there help? [PG]

Go Healthy for Good, TODAY at 5pm.

Freeview Channel 27 and Sky Channel 204

Live stream: … View more
Alcoholism can cause more damage and pain than any other influence on the family unit. The impact of the abuse or the addiction affects each member of the family long-term. Is there help? [PG]

Go Healthy for Good, TODAY at 5pm.

Freeview Channel 27 and Sky Channel 204

Live stream: www.hopechannel.nz...

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1301 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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1301 days ago

Looking for your dream home?

Chris Kentsley Reporter from Homed - Southern Homes

Have a look in this week's Southern Homes for your next dream home.

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1301 days ago

Learn te reo Māori!

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Te Pōkaitahi Reo

Meet Parminder Singh (Punjabi) who shares his journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi:

“Studying in the Pōkaitahi Reo programme has allowed me to develop a totally beautiful and unique relationship with Māori communities in Auckland. The learning has helped my … View more
Te Pōkaitahi Reo

Meet Parminder Singh (Punjabi) who shares his journey with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi:

“Studying in the Pōkaitahi Reo programme has allowed me to develop a totally beautiful and unique relationship with Māori communities in Auckland. The learning has helped my work to bridge gaps between Māori and others in our multicultural communities. When I look back, I feel really proud. It’s a great feeling when I speak te reo Māori. It’s a privilege.”

Share in Parminder’s experience and enquire now for 2021. These programmes are tuition fee free!
Find out more

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1301 days ago

Make sure you diary this date - 8th of May

Papakura Business Association

Our third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm!

There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs, emergency services, an amazing Mother’s Day raffle and family activities.

Live entertainment, bands, dancing and cultural performances from … View more
Our third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm!

There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs, emergency services, an amazing Mother’s Day raffle and family activities.

Live entertainment, bands, dancing and cultural performances from local artists, schools and groups. With activities for the kids and adults, face painting, bouncy castle, clowns, the Kindergarten play truck and so much more, the kids are going to love this day.

Great deals and specials from our businesses in town. Located on the Great South Road and in Centre Court and into Broadway, it’s a free family fun day for you all to enjoy.

The rain save date is the 15th of May should the weather not be kind.

This event is put on by the Papakura Business Association in conjunction with the Papakura Local Board.
Find out more

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1303 days ago

Hot Dogs

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

A New York street food classic prepared by our Diploma Chefs. Our own succulent Chorizo sausages served in a soft bread with pickled and crispy onions, cucumbers, mayonnaise and garnished with bean sprouts.

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