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664 days ago

Auckland Domain Wintergardens: 100-year-old Grand Dames throw off the covers

Mildred Armah Reporter from Central Leader

The 100-year-old grand old glasshouses at the Auckland Domain Winter garden have been “under the covers” for the past two years; now they are throwing off those covers to begin a new chapter in their life.

Covid-19 lockdowns denied the dames the chance to celebrate their 100th birthday in October 2021 so Auckland Council is reintroducing them to the public this week.

“It’s been pain-staking work to sympathetically restore these beautiful old heritage glasshouse buildings which have hosted weddings, musical recitals and APEC world leaders,” Desley Simpson chair of the Auckland Domain committee and Deputy Mayor said.

The buildings have not simply been restored - they’ve been made even better, she said.

“The sensitive seismic upgrading and attention to detail has not only saved but enhanced these key historic buildings,” Tracey Hartley of Salmond Reed Architects the company charged with overseeing the restoration said.

Works began in early 2021 and carried out in two stages with each of the glasshouses taking approximately 12 months to complete at a cost of $5.62m.

More messages from your neighbours
14 hours ago

New Year, Same Brain Teasers!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

A man was found dead with a cassette recorder in one hand and a gun in the other.

When the police pressed “play,” the tape said, “I can’t go on,” and then there was a gunshot.

Yet, the police knew it was a murder.

How?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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19 days ago

Poll: Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.

If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?

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Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?
  • 63% Summer
    63% Complete
  • 35.6% Winter
    35.6% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
2549 votes
9 days ago

What word sums up 2024, neighbours?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

If 2020 was the year of lockdowns, banana bread, and WFH (work from home)....

In one word, how would you define 2024?

We're excited to see what you come up with!

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