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621 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
7 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.5% 1st December
    43.5% Complete
  • 17.7% A week before Christmas
    17.7% Complete
  • 33% Whenever you wish
    33% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2575 votes
3 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.8% Yes
    82.8% Complete
  • 14.4% No
    14.4% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
1400 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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