Westmere, Auckland

Have a browse...

Have a browse...

Check out what your neighbours are selling (or giving away!) here.

1300 days ago

Anzac Day: War letters to home

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Sunday marks the 106-year anniversary of the first landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

For many of the 16000 soldiers, April 25, 1915 marked their first day of combat.

And by that night, 2000 had been killed or maimed.

We remember our Auckland… View more
Sunday marks the 106-year anniversary of the first landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

For many of the 16000 soldiers, April 25, 1915 marked their first day of combat.

And by that night, 2000 had been killed or maimed.

We remember our Auckland veterans and fallen soldiers with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.

Here are letters from Michael Menzies, a Prisoner of War in Japan, to his friend Norm Ryder:

6/5/45

Dear Norm,

Still existing and anticipating a speedy reunion.

Appreciate your kind thoughts and wishes.

I often have the Queen St blues and a perpetual Waitemata thirst and occasionally a nicotine fit.

Received three of your letters and am anxiously
awaiting for more.

Your Affectionate Pal

Snowy

Michael Menzies' letter to his relatives:
2/12/43

Dear Auntie Kate and Ange,

I received your very welcomed letter dated May 25th on Nov 25 th.

Although Jack has received a parcel from St Johns Association London and a very brief letter from Kathleen, this is the first I have received in twenty two long months.

I had given up all hope of getting mail so imagine the thrill it gave me.

There is only one thing I need Auntie and that is news, especially of Pat.

Please don’t keep it from me if anything has happened to him for that would only hurt me all the more.

I can’t help but think the worst has happened to him.

How is everyone in New Zealand?

I have made several radio broadcasts from here, did you hear any of them?

Of course I know you’ll understand when I tell you that our correspondence is limited in more ways than one.

Please don’t send money as you suggested, but a few packs of cigarettes, gum, and a photo would be very welcome.

Apart from a few attacks of asthma Jack is very well and sends his love to all.

I assure you Auntie that you have no need to worry so much over Jack or myself as we are both together which makes it much easier on me and under the circumstances the treatment is fair enough.

There are many things I want to ask you and tell you but unfortunately they will have to wait until peace has been restored once more to this mad world.

Well auntie I sincerely hope this letter finds you in the very best of health and

Along with it I send the seasons greetings and all my love.

Lots and lots of love.

Mick

Image

Auckland Star Nov 1945 (2).PDF story about Menzies brothers as Prisoners of War.PDF Download View

1298 days ago

Local handmade wreaths for sale

Tania from Point Chevalier

Tania Sunde has made some gorgeous handmade wreaths and they are now at

Red Magnolia
330 Point Chevalier Road
Point Chevalier
Auckland

Image
A
1300 days ago

Found cat

Angela from Point Chevalier

Hi neighbours, I have a gorgeous, friendly silver/grey tabby female cat who has been hanging about my home for a day or so. No collar or microchip. If this sounds like your cat, please get in touch!

1299 days ago

Subscribe and receive a free gift

Sunday Star Times

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the … View more
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.

T&C's apply.
Subscribe Now

Image
A
1300 days ago

Moving house sale, everything to go on Monday

Amber from Westmere

Hello, we are having a big big clear out and there is a room full of stuff for collection on Monday, much of it for a minimal donation or free. There are clothes, shoes, furniture, lots of items.....our house will be open from 11 - 3 for collection. 38 West View Road, Westmere. It's the peach … View moreHello, we are having a big big clear out and there is a room full of stuff for collection on Monday, much of it for a minimal donation or free. There are clothes, shoes, furniture, lots of items.....our house will be open from 11 - 3 for collection. 38 West View Road, Westmere. It's the peach coloured house with no number on the letter box.

1304 days ago

Makeover planned for Queen St in Auckland's CBD

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A facelift is set to roll out on Queen St, in Auckland's CBD.

Wide boardwalks, seating and native plants in planter boxes will soon replace the plastic sticks and temporary footpaths on Queen St between Customs St and Shortland St.

Auckland Council has unveiled plans to remove emergency … View more
A facelift is set to roll out on Queen St, in Auckland's CBD.

Wide boardwalks, seating and native plants in planter boxes will soon replace the plastic sticks and temporary footpaths on Queen St between Customs St and Shortland St.

Auckland Council has unveiled plans to remove emergency Covid-19 works in the area and create a pocket park on the corner of Queen St and Fort St.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff said Queen St was due for an upgrade.

“We want the street to be more people-friendly and attractive, and to become a place to visit, rather than just pass through,” he said.

“Last year, temporary measures were put in place by Auckland Transport to allow physical distancing during the pandemic. It’s now time for the yellow markers, stone blocks and painted asphalt to be replaced. "

Extended decking pavements, shrubs in proper planter boxes and street furniture will help change the look and feel of the area, Goff said.

These measures would be trialed before permanent changes were made following feedback from businesses, shoppers, visitors and residents, he said.

“Queen Street has taken a hit from COVID-19, with the loss of tourists, cruise ships and international students."

Goff said the council, businesses and residents needed to work together to help the area recover from Covid-19 and become a vibrant place to shop.

The upgrade will enhance other transformations including the refurbishment of the Chief Post Office, the creation of Te Komititanga, the new public space outside Commercial Bay, and Te Wananga, the new space being built over the water by the ferry building, he said.

Meanwhile, Aucklanders are being invited to give their feedback on a proposal to create bus lanes on sections of Queen St.

The changes are touted to improve reliability as more buses use the street during the next phase of the City Rail Link construction.

What do you think of the improvements to Queen St?

Which changes would you like to see there?

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

People have until May 7 to have their say on the changes at:
at.govt.nz...

1301 days ago

FREE Women's Anxiety Management Workshop

The team from Auckland Women's Centre

Anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations, its purpose is to keep us safe from harm. There are, however, many situations when anxiety can be less than helpful. For example, when a stressor is ongoing: financial issues, relationship issues, social anxiety, phobia…

If we remain in an… View more
Anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations, its purpose is to keep us safe from harm. There are, however, many situations when anxiety can be less than helpful. For example, when a stressor is ongoing: financial issues, relationship issues, social anxiety, phobia…

If we remain in an anxious state for long periods of time it can have all sorts of negative impacts on our lives. Many people find anxiety impacts their everyday functioning, but the good news is there are many effective strategies to reduce anxiety and increase wellbeing. This workshop aims to introduce a few strategies that you can easily incorporate into your life.

We will talk about anxiety and the brain, and how it effects our bodies. From there we can work through some strategies to reduce anxiety. Approaches will include:
- Self-care and compassion
- How to develop mindfulness and resilience
- ACT (Acceptance Commitment Theory) strategies and tools
- Rethinking pleasant activity scheduling

Free thanks to funding from Waitematā Local Board, and hosted by Anxiety NZ.

Wednesday 19th May 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Free, email info@womenz.org.nz to enrol.

Image
1301 days ago

Every Signature Counts

The Team from Cancer Society Auckland

Reducing the number of shops able to sell tobacco is part of the Government’s world-leading draft Smokefree plan.

Show your support by signing our petition here.
Sign the petition

Image
A
1302 days ago

Washing machine for parts for pick up in Westmere

Amber from Westmere

Hi, I have a top loader washing machine that could be used for parts. Pick up is in Westmere this weekend.

Free

1303 days ago

We Say/You Say: Anzac Day

The Team from Community News

Hi Auckland,

How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?

April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.

Anzac dawn and commemorative services up … View more
Hi Auckland,

How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?

April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.

Anzac dawn and commemorative services up and down the country are scheduled to get underway after widespread cancellations last year, due to the nation being under Alert Level 4 restrictions.

The NZDF have advised of a reduced presence of military personnel at Anzac services due to deployment at MIQ facilities.

You can check out where the Anzac day services are on this interactive map on the RSA website.

Feel free and share your stories below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used your local community paper.

Image
1304 days ago

Ever noticed the empty buses ? What's the answer ?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, If buses are running near empty, maybe the traditional way of providing public transport needs a rethink. Read the story below on the empty buses of Hobsonville Point. What's the answer ?

1302 days ago

Window & door security - Exceed we fix windows & doors

Philip from Exceed we fix windows & doors

More & more customers taking their home security to the next level with the superior strength, versatility and architectural styling of Crimsafe security doors

Looking to secure your home?

Exceed's experts can assist you in determining the level of security your windows & doors may … View more
More & more customers taking their home security to the next level with the superior strength, versatility and architectural styling of Crimsafe security doors

Looking to secure your home?

Exceed's experts can assist you in determining the level of security your windows & doors may require and advise on what products will best suit your needs.

Call us on 0800 25 25 00 or visit: www.exceed.co.nz...

Image
1305 days ago

Trans-Tasman bubble: Mysterious first flight from Australia arrives 41 minutes after bubble opens

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

The first quarantine-free flight from Australia has landed in New Zealand, less than an hour after the trans-Tasman bubble officially opened.

The Qantas flight took off from Sydney late Sunday night, and was initially due to land early Monday morning – six minutes after the bubble opened. It … View more
The first quarantine-free flight from Australia has landed in New Zealand, less than an hour after the trans-Tasman bubble officially opened.

The Qantas flight took off from Sydney late Sunday night, and was initially due to land early Monday morning – six minutes after the bubble opened. It touched down in Auckland 41 minutes after the new rules kicked in.

From April 19, Kiwis and Australians are able to travel between the two countries without having to quarantine.

Stuff understands the Qantas flight was repositioning to Auckland and the only passengers on board were crew.

The flight was not listed on Auckland Airport’s arrivals board, but a Qantas A330 was initially listed on Flight Radar 24 as arriving at 12.05am. The border opened six minutes earlier.

Qantas refused to answer any questions about the flight, including who was onboard.

A Qantas 737 (different from the expected A330) was seen leaving Sydney Airport for New Zealand late on Sunday evening. Flight Radar 24, which plotted the flight heading towards the North Island, had no destination listed.

Aircraft can potentially arrive more than 30 minutes early if they have a strong tailwind across the Tasman, but if that happened, the pilots could intentionally slow the plane to ensure they arrive after the border opening. However, if they had a medical emergency on the plane or a mechanical issue, it would need to land as soon as possible.

That could be one of the reasons no passenger flights are scheduled to land overnight, just after the border opens.

Instead, the first quarantine-free passenger flight arriving from Australia is a Jetstar service from Sydney. JQ201 is due to land at 11.20am, where an official welcome is planned at Auckland Airport.

1302 days ago

Local Anzac Day Parades and Services

The Team from Auckland Council

Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.

Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.

Go to … View more
Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.

Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.

Go to ourauckland.nz/anzacday for a full list of services, parking, road closures and ways to commemorate at home.

COVID-19 precautions: please remember to use the NZ COVID Tracer app, stay at home if you are unwell and wear a mask on public transport. Anzac Day services will only proceed at Alert Level 1.
Learn more

Image
1303 days ago

Mediterranean Lunch

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

One of our most popular projects for our Level 4 Advanced Cookery students is to design a three-course menu, costed to a budget and then prepared for a friend to savour.

The three-course menu includes a fish dish, involving the filleting of a fish, freshly made ribbon pasta and dessert - all with… View more
One of our most popular projects for our Level 4 Advanced Cookery students is to design a three-course menu, costed to a budget and then prepared for a friend to savour.

The three-course menu includes a fish dish, involving the filleting of a fish, freshly made ribbon pasta and dessert - all with a Mediterranean theme. Take a look at this week's impressive efforts enjoyed by the Advanced students. They then serve the meal for their own guest and also get to sit down and eat with them.

Here are some photos of the creative dishes prepared for the Mediterranean Luncheon.

Top