Totara Vale, 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.

954 days ago

Get ahead of the rush this Mother's Day

Mags4Gifts

Hi there neighbours!

Get in quick! These mags are flying off our shelves in our Mother’s Day sale. A subscription to her favourite magazine is the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, every subscription to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide, goes in the draw to win 1… View more
Hi there neighbours!

Get in quick! These mags are flying off our shelves in our Mother’s Day sale. A subscription to her favourite magazine is the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, every subscription to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide, goes in the draw to win 1 of 50 diffusers from French Country Collections.
EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

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954 days ago

Wisdom or worry, what's better?

Jay from Beds4U Glenfield

Stress tends to build up during the day. When it's time to go to bed, your mind is probably racing, and you're probably thinking about tomorrow's to-do list while trying to keep track of everything.

You may shift your focus away from your current situation by immersing yourself in… View more
Stress tends to build up during the day. When it's time to go to bed, your mind is probably racing, and you're probably thinking about tomorrow's to-do list while trying to keep track of everything.

You may shift your focus away from your current situation by immersing yourself in a good book. According to one study, reading for six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68 percent.

Please leave a comment with your book recommendations or all-time favourite picks to help our community get a good night's sleep.

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954 days ago

Botanical Design

Carmen from Carmen Holder

Simple chic in the right setting, allows dimension and space to speak for itself. My favourite pass-time is foraging and creating botanical and floral designs, having studied floral art and home styling in Melbourne a few years back. Presentation is key when selling a home and touches of fresh … View moreSimple chic in the right setting, allows dimension and space to speak for itself. My favourite pass-time is foraging and creating botanical and floral designs, having studied floral art and home styling in Melbourne a few years back. Presentation is key when selling a home and touches of fresh florals or mix of trendy dried & preserved floral wall art breathe life and maximise presentation. One of the designs and styling put together for a Milford property.

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954 days ago

Praise for 'quick thinking' dad who saved 18-month-old at Albany pool

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. A “quick thinking” member of the public saved a toddler from a near-drowning incident at Albany Stadium Pool on Sunday has been thanked by Auckland Council.

Daniel Hendy, the father of a 2-year-old boy, had been at the pool with his son for an hour when he noticed an … View more
Kia ora neighbours. A “quick thinking” member of the public saved a toddler from a near-drowning incident at Albany Stadium Pool on Sunday has been thanked by Auckland Council.

Daniel Hendy, the father of a 2-year-old boy, had been at the pool with his son for an hour when he noticed an 18-month-old under the water in what he described as “a freak, horrible situation”.

“...I quickly knew something was wrong, and I sprinted over,” he said.

Hendy was about 5m away when he “stormed” over to pull the child from under the lane rope.

“Staff came over, rolled him over and started trying to resuscitate him, I could feel his belly was full of water.”

The child was revived and taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Dave Stewart, head of active recreation at Auckland Council, thanks Hendy for his quick thinking and crucial response to the situation.

Click below for the full report by Shea Turner.

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955 days ago

Poll: When did you last switch power providers?

The Team from NZ Compare

Power bills are pesky, it's just one of those things every household has to manage.

If you're stuck with it, then make sure it works for you. We want to know when was the last time you switched power providers?

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When did you last switch power providers?
  • 54% More than 6 months ago
    54% Complete
  • 12.4% In the last 6 months
    12.4% Complete
  • 33.5% No idea, don't even want to look at it!
    33.5% Complete
820 votes
955 days ago

Poll: Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

View more
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Excerpts of the nominations are below but click the business name to read it in full. When you've made your choice, go ahead and cast your vote!
____________________________________________________________________________________
AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
"Turua Gallery in St Heliers not only brings beautiful artwork to the community, the owners Dean and Melissa also do amazing things for charities...They are just so generous and community-minded that it would be great for something nice to happen for them!"

BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
"Michaela and Jon from Full Cycle Bikes in Whakatane go above and beyond in their support of our local biking community. Their generosity sees local families receiving free bikes through the Whanaū on Wheels programme. Many events exist because of their sponsorship. They are good, kind people who do an awful lot that flies under the radar."

CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
"I nominate Robert Fenwick from our local Fenwicks Pharmacy in Kaiapoi. Always a friendly face and always helpful. Robert and staff had to remain open right through the lockdown, really putting themselves on the line. He's been through earthquakes, power cuts, floods and bereavement and he still opens with friendly conversation and a smile."

HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
"Bayon Cafe and Bakery at 18 Carlyle St, Napier. Lovely family-run business with great coffee and the best, large slices of carrot cake in Napier. They also collect for funds to supply educational reading materials for children in their home country, Cambodia."

MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
"NZ Bulbs (Aorangi Nurseries) run by Paul and Len Hoek had a very positive impact during the Covid lockdowns...During the extended lockdowns, their operation kept many people employed and their direct to consumer flower sales brought a touch of colour and break from the monotony to many people. "

NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
"Caroline and Pete of Victoria Gardens, Motueka, are always helpful and cheerful, selling excellent spray-free fruit that they have grown themselves. They looked after their customers through all the lockdowns, even in the face of having to restore their greenhouses and gardens after the disastrous Boxing Day hailstorm of 2020."

NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
"On the main street of Hikurangi, Or Near Offer Boutique offers all sorts of second-hand goods and clothing. The owner, Tracey, really enhances the community spirit of Hikurangi with her friendly and welcoming manner and her beautifully creative, artistic shop exterior shows a truly entrepreneurial spirit. She's very involved in the community and is an inspiration to many in Hikurangi."

OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
"Otautau Tractors & Machinery play a big part in keeping the farming industry going in western Southland by being always on call for repairs. Quite often the doors are still open after closing time. The owner, Grant is a volunteer in the Otautau fire brigade, and he is always sponsoring and donating to local groups, even parking classic cars out front for locals to enjoy."

TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
"Waitara Bin Inn go the extra mile for their customers,...On a couple of occasions that I know of, items were dropped off a couple of hours north of the shop to customers. Paul has delivered the compost and potting mix for customers so that they didn't have to lift it. All staff have the right attitude of wanting to help you."

WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
"The local pub at Whatawhata make great fish n chips with generous servings. They're lifesavers - always there when the power is out on the Raglan side of the Waipa River. We've just had two full days out of power thanks to 'Cyclone Dovi' and they have come through once again. Local saviours!"

WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
"Page 42 Cafe are great employers who grow the skills of local youth, with a fantastic culture set by the owner Josh. During the pandemic, they had free coffee for critical workers and "Pay what you can afford" days - people can get a meal for $1, or pay more than the menu price to "pay it forward". Constant community support!"

Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 11.1% AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
    11.1% Complete
  • 4.9% BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
    4.9% Complete
  • 16.9% CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
    16.9% Complete
  • 5.6% HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
    5.6% Complete
  • 9.9% MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
    9.9% Complete
  • 8.1% NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
    8.1% Complete
  • 4.7% NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
    4.7% Complete
  • 3.5% OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
    3.5% Complete
  • 7.7% TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
    7.7% Complete
  • 6.2% WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
    6.2% Complete
  • 21.4% WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
    21.4% Complete
1050 votes
955 days ago

Do you have a great local cafe?

Stuff

...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of… View more
...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of great places that deserve our support.
Recommend it here!

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955 days ago

Kelly Sports Holiday Programme

Felicia from Totara Vale

To provide added peace-of-mind in these times, remember that you can book now to secure your child’s spot – but if anything changes, you can cancel your booking if needed!
Bookings are open online for APR 2022 Kelly Sports Holiday Programme
Murrays Bay Intermediate School OR Forrest Hill … View more
To provide added peace-of-mind in these times, remember that you can book now to secure your child’s spot – but if anything changes, you can cancel your booking if needed!
Bookings are open online for APR 2022 Kelly Sports Holiday Programme
Murrays Bay Intermediate School OR Forrest Hill School

F
955 days ago

Kelly Sports Holiday Programme

Felicia from Totara Vale

To provide added peace-of-mind in these times, remember that you can book now to secure your child’s spot – but if anything changes, you can cancel your booking if needed!
Bookings are open online for APR 2022 Kelly Sports Holiday Programme
Murrays Bay Intermediate School OR Forrest Hill … View more
To provide added peace-of-mind in these times, remember that you can book now to secure your child’s spot – but if anything changes, you can cancel your booking if needed!
Bookings are open online for APR 2022 Kelly Sports Holiday Programme
Murrays Bay Intermediate School OR Forrest Hill School

955 days ago

Upright Piano

Tim from Bayview

I am Moving house this week and downsizing.

I have an upright piano free to a good home. It needs a tune and two keys adjusting.

Please contact Tim 021 850397

Free

956 days ago

Council updates vaccination approach and requirements

The Team from Auckland Council

📣 COVID-19 UPDATE: Vaccine passes will not be needed at council sites and facilities from 5 April. Masks, physical distancing and staying home when sick are still vital.
ℹ️ Visit our website for daily updates on the status of council facilities and services: bit.ly...
ℹ️ Read more on… View more
📣 COVID-19 UPDATE: Vaccine passes will not be needed at council sites and facilities from 5 April. Masks, physical distancing and staying home when sick are still vital.
ℹ️ Visit our website for daily updates on the status of council facilities and services: bit.ly...
ℹ️ Read more on OurAuckland: bit.ly...

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957 days ago

Need a Handyman -Washing machine leaking.

Kathy from Milford

I moved last week and used washing machine next day but a lot of water leaked out. I am hoping it's a loose conection. Can anyone help please I live in Highbury.
Paying cash. Text 021-1875985

966 days ago

Shame on Auckland Council for selling this piece of green space in Takapuna

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

Shame on Auckland Council for selling this piece of green space in Takapuna. Last week, a majority of councillors, Mayor Phil Goff and mayoral-hopeful Efeso Collins, voted to sell the parkland at 4 Blomfield Spa despite the sale being opposed by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board who are … View moreShame on Auckland Council for selling this piece of green space in Takapuna. Last week, a majority of councillors, Mayor Phil Goff and mayoral-hopeful Efeso Collins, voted to sell the parkland at 4 Blomfield Spa despite the sale being opposed by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board who are responsible for local parks in Takapuna.

Article: www.stuff.co.nz...

The park is to be sold to help raise $70million per year in park and property sales to fill budget shortfalls, which is a very poor reason to sell green space at a time when Auckland is intensifying and private gardens are disappearing.

If 4 Blomfield Spa wasn't being used enough, then perhaps it could have been developed into a community garden, or re-forested to help fulfil council's Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy, or exchanged for better park space elsewhere in Takapuna.

The vulnerability of parks like this shows why it is absolutely essential for ALL local boards to gazette all parkland under the Reserves Act and provide a Reserve Management Plan for them, as soon as possible. Over the last few years, the Kaipatiki Local Board has converted all parks to reserves and will be consulting on an omnibus Reserve Management Plan to cover all reserves in a few months.

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958 days ago

Auckland Harbour Bridge Lane Closure Northbound

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

Hi neighbours, a heads-up that we’re carrying out essential maintenance on the northbound clip-on lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge every Sunday to Thursday 9pm to 5am from 27 March to 14 April. We’ll have the following signposted detours in place.  

- Curran St northbound on-ramp … View more
Hi neighbours, a heads-up that we’re carrying out essential maintenance on the northbound clip-on lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge every Sunday to Thursday 9pm to 5am from 27 March to 14 April. We’ll have the following signposted detours in place.  

- Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed. Please use Fanshawe St on-ramp 
- Stafford Rd northbound off-ramp will be closed. Please use Onewa Rd off-ramp 

We’ll keep at least two lanes in both directions open. Thanks for your patience and understanding.  

The team at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Find out more

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959 days ago

End of Daylight Savings

NumberWorks'nWords East Coast Bays

Daylight saving ends at 3am on Sunday 3rd of April 2022, when the clocks go back by 1 hour. This date also serves as a timely reminder for people to check their smoke alarms at home and to take note of the expiry date, battery, the cleanliness of the alarm, and its placement.

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