Waiake, Auckland

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1226 days ago

More on Wine, Foodography and Winter Classes

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

For the last few weeks I have been travelling around NZ running a series of Wine Tasting Competitions for the NZ Sommeliers and Wine Professionals for which I am chair. It's been fun putting together a selection of 40 classic wines and preparing sets of questions to test our teams of … View moreFor the last few weeks I have been travelling around NZ running a series of Wine Tasting Competitions for the NZ Sommeliers and Wine Professionals for which I am chair. It's been fun putting together a selection of 40 classic wines and preparing sets of questions to test our teams of winelovers.

We have used Kahoot! which has been enormously successful as a electronic quiz platform in these Covid times. It adds the results instantly and takes away the risk of calculation errors plus the backend provides detailed analytics on who got the answers to how many seconds it took to answer correctly. We know that of the 24 teams the highest scores were 75% correct with over 8 teams achieved above 68% correct. I can see we will use this platform for sometime!

It seems that interest in wines and spirits programmes is also bounding upwards and we have had record enrolments for all our wine classes including WSET Wine and Spirit Education Trust from UK.

This week I had the results of the latest WSET Level 2 Certificate in Wine and with a class of 20 students, 60% gained distinction, a pass of over 85%. Exciting.

Our NZQA Certificate in NZ Wine Micro-Credential is also going for strength to strength and we are about to start offering Corporate & Team Building wine options so that you can get together a group of 8 people and we will run a private programme.

New Zealand wines are much more diverse that most people imagine and it's a great thrill to be able to share lesser-known wineries and underrated regions with our participants as they taste through the wine selection. For more information, email admin@foodandwine.co.nz.

Coming up we have the Winter Forage with Riki Bennett which provides an opportunity to explore our native flora along with innovation around urban hāngi kai-cookery techniques. The FOODOGRAPHY Dinner is back and this year our theme is a Midwinter Christmas Dinner. Both events are part of Auckland's Elemental Festival.

On Sunday 1st August, we host the NZ Sommelier of the Year Awards along with wine tasting events and a Gastronomic Dinner prepared by Chef Finn and our students.

Ngā mihi,
Celia Hay

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1233 days ago

Can Auckland Council manage the local pushback on big ideas?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Kia ora Neighbours, Several council projects have sparked vocal opposition in communities. Henderson's street trial, Onehunga's low-traffic neighbourhood and Western Springs forest. If the council can't reach a consensus on these, what happens when the big changes come? Read the … View moreKia ora Neighbours, Several council projects have sparked vocal opposition in communities. Henderson's street trial, Onehunga's low-traffic neighbourhood and Western Springs forest. If the council can't reach a consensus on these, what happens when the big changes come? Read the story below:

1227 days ago
1248 days ago

Demand for rentals down on the North Shore

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. While there is a shortage of rental properties nationwide, North Shore landlords are reporting they are struggling to find tenants.

Trade Me Property data showed the number of rentals on the North Shore market increased by 4 per cent in May when compared to June. At the same … View more
Kia ora neighbours. While there is a shortage of rental properties nationwide, North Shore landlords are reporting they are struggling to find tenants.

Trade Me Property data showed the number of rentals on the North Shore market increased by 4 per cent in May when compared to June. At the same time, demand in the district dropped by 7 per cent month-on-month.

NZ Property Investors Federation executive officer Sharon Cullwick said a number of North Shore landlords had reported they were finding it extremely difficult to get tenants for their rentals.

“One reason could be that more apartment buildings closer to the CBD are being finished and people are choosing to move into them instead.
Another reason could be the rents being asked for do not meet the market and are too high.”

Are you a landlord struggling to tenant your rental property, or a tenant struggling to find a place to call home on the North Shore? I'd love to hear from you - flick me an email at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz

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1228 days ago

Paint it red with Resene for Red Nose Day!

Resene ColorShop

Buy any red testpot from your local Resene owned ColorShop between 13-31 July 2021 and Resene will donate $1 to CureKids Red Nose Day!

The more red testpots you buy, the more will be donated! Offer applies to all retail purchases of Resene red testpots (excludes metallics and wood stains).

View more
Buy any red testpot from your local Resene owned ColorShop between 13-31 July 2021 and Resene will donate $1 to CureKids Red Nose Day!

The more red testpots you buy, the more will be donated! Offer applies to all retail purchases of Resene red testpots (excludes metallics and wood stains).

Help us make a difference to the health of kiwi children.
Find your local Resene ColorShop
Find out more

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1229 days ago

North Shore high school amends uniform policy so students may show tā moko and taonga Māori

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Westlake Boys High School has amended its uniform policy, allowing students to wear tā moko and taonga Māori.

The high decile school had a review of its uniform policy after two senior students, from Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri and Te Rarawa in the Far North, were said to be “deeply hurt” by a … View more
Westlake Boys High School has amended its uniform policy, allowing students to wear tā moko and taonga Māori.

The high decile school had a review of its uniform policy after two senior students, from Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri and Te Rarawa in the Far North, were said to be “deeply hurt” by a request to hide their tā moko last year.

Tā moko are traditional tattoos on the face or body done under traditional protocols. The designs typically represent the wearer’s iwi (tribe) and whakapapa (ancestry).

Following complaints from the students’ whānau, a hui was held, prompting the school board to review and amend its uniform policy.

Now, students may wear visible tā moko, as well as mau kakī, hei tiki and whakakai – traditional Māori neck pendants usually made with pounamu (greenstone) or bone.

Te Pouarataki o Te Huarahi Reo Rua (leader of the bilingual programme) Johnny Waititi said the policy amendment meant there were fewer barriers for Māori students to express themselves without fear of being “growled at” or looked at differently.

“We’ve made some really big movement in honour of kaupapa Māori (topic) and te ao Māori (the Māori world view).”

Click 'read more' for the full story.

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1230 days ago

Magazine rack

The Team from Resene ColorShop Albany

Breathe new life into an old magazine rack by adding a pop of colour with Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own.

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1238 days ago

Stacy and Adam's Block heritage apartment up for sale

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

We think this was the best apartment on The Block NZ: Firehouse in Kingsland. Stacy and Adam did a stellar job, and now it is going to auction for a second time, on July 28. 2021. Great character apartment, great location.

1230 days ago

Supporting KidsCan is easy through the Trade Me Kindness Store

Trade Me

Hi there!

Here at Trade Me we're chuffed to let you know we’ve launched our Kindness Store again for winter, supporting KidsCan and the great work they do making sure our tamariki have a fair start – after all, little Kiwis can’t learn when they’re hungry, wet, and cold.

We’ve… View more
Hi there!

Here at Trade Me we're chuffed to let you know we’ve launched our Kindness Store again for winter, supporting KidsCan and the great work they do making sure our tamariki have a fair start – after all, little Kiwis can’t learn when they’re hungry, wet, and cold.

We’ve stocked the store with all the essentials. Think fleece-lined rain coats and shoes to keep kids warm and dry, and warm, healthy food.

Just pick, click, and give now – we take care of the rest, making sure your purchase gets to KidsCan.
Learn more

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1230 days ago

Updates to the RTA 🏠

Office for Seniors

Are you renting? Recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) make it easier for tenants to make minor changes to the rental property and improves the security of tenure. 🖼️🏠🔑

See the full list of changes, including a template for requesting to make a change to the property, on… View more
Are you renting? Recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) make it easier for tenants to make minor changes to the rental property and improves the security of tenure. 🖼️🏠🔑

See the full list of changes, including a template for requesting to make a change to the property, on the Tenancy Services website 👉bit.ly...

You can also read our story about the recent changes - and more - in our latest edition of the SuperSeniors newsletter 👉 bit.ly...

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1236 days ago

Free fire wood

Nency from Torbay - Long Bay

Anyone giving away?

1240 days ago

Age Concern freephone line 0800 65 2 105

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you have safety concerns for yourself, or an older friend or family member you can call us for free and confidential advice and support.


There are many reasons why elder abuse occurs. It often stems from attitudes that are ageist, and disrespectful of older people.

The majority of cases … View more
If you have safety concerns for yourself, or an older friend or family member you can call us for free and confidential advice and support.


There are many reasons why elder abuse occurs. It often stems from attitudes that are ageist, and disrespectful of older people.

The majority of cases that Age Concerns work with involves older people living in their own homes. In most instances it is family members like adult children who perpetrate elder abuse or neglect.


Call 0800 65 2 105 to contact your nearest Age Concern

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1232 days ago

Volunteer for Daffodil Day Auckland

The Team from Cancer Society Auckland

Sign up now to volunteer for Daffodil Day 2021!

If you're available on the 27th or 28th of August, click here to choose your location and complete your details.
Learn more

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1232 days ago

📢 The July-August issue of OurAuckland is out now

The Team from Auckland Council

🔍 We're taking an in-depth look at Auckland's revitalised downtown spaces.
📅 We're also sharing the biggest events taking place across our region
📰 and bringing you news and council updates from your local area.

ℹ️ Find out more here: bit.ly...

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1233 days ago

Do you know a greenfingered hero in your community?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

NZ Gardener is again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who have used gardening skills to help other people. Five finalists will feature in the October magazine and one will go on to become 2021 Gardener of the Year! There are some amazing prizes up for grabs so if you … View moreNZ Gardener is again looking for greenfingered good sorts – individuals or groups who have used gardening skills to help other people. Five finalists will feature in the October magazine and one will go on to become 2021 Gardener of the Year! There are some amazing prizes up for grabs so if you know a homegrown hero who is using their gardening skills for good, nominate them now!

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