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We're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.
We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New … View moreWe're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.
We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New Zealand businesses.
Please join us in welcoming Competenz and stay tuned for job listings and other exciting content!
New IHC Op Shop opens its doors
Staff, volunteers and representatives of IHC have celebrated the official opening of their brand new op shop in Pukekohe.
The new 2,500 sqm premises at 7 Hall Street are a step-up from the previous store on Seddon Street, but the staff and volunteers are old hands at… View moreNew IHC Op Shop opens its doors
Staff, volunteers and representatives of IHC have celebrated the official opening of their brand new op shop in Pukekohe.
The new 2,500 sqm premises at 7 Hall Street are a step-up from the previous store on Seddon Street, but the staff and volunteers are old hands at moving – this is their fourth shop in their 25 years of trading.
Counties IHC Association acting chair Mick Irwin welcomed everyone to the celebrations on 29 March, with chair Mike Moloney (who was unable to attend) represented by his son, Michael. Andrew Bayly, MP for Port Waikato, was on hand to officially open the premises for business.
The IDEA Services Counties Area Kapa Haka Group gave a fantastic performance, including songs and poi twirling, which Mr Bayly acknowledged. “Thank you to everyone that has worked so hard and contributed towards this marvellous facility,” he said. “It is people like you who contribute so much to the community and add such spirit.”
Mick Irwin suggested Mr Bayly might be able to help them get the 10-minute car parking extended outside the premises on Hall Street. “Ten minutes isn’t nearly enough time to shop here,” Mr Bayly laughed.
The Hall Street shop is open 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays, and is managed by Keita Lawrence, with her mum, Wai, as assistant manager. All other staff are volunteers, with around six to seven in the shop at any one time, on hand to assist with sales and donations. All uniforms are provided by IHC.
“They’re just wonderful people,” Ms Lawrence says. “So many gave up hours and hours of their own time to help with the move.”
“We could do with some more volunteers,” Mr Irwin adds. “Young or old, anyone that’s able-bodied. People love working here – we are like their other family.”
IHC is New Zealand’s largest provider of services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and the op shop is just one of many fund-raising initiatives. Funds raised by the shop will be spent in the local community, helping to support people with intellectual disabilities to enjoy great lives.
Mainstream services are provided through IDEA Services, a subsidiary of IHC Group. Angie Kumar, Counties area manager for IDEA Services, says they have employed a new part-time community liaison officer who will act as the contact person in the community to support families that need help. The liaison coordinator role is also funded by the association and provides support to the Counties area.
The Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.
It covers a range of topics such as financial help, … View moreThe Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.
It covers a range of topics such as financial help, assessing needs, getting help at home and being able to take a break from caring.
The Guide for Carers is available online now: bit.ly...
For more information about resources like this and other advice, read our SuperSeniors newsletter: bit.ly...
Are you or someone you know interested in a vaccine trial to protect against RSV?
Over 60 and yet to receive this season’s flu vaccine?
Middlemore Clinical Trials is looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical trial here at Middlemore Hospital.
If you are interested, please call … View moreAre you or someone you know interested in a vaccine trial to protect against RSV?
Over 60 and yet to receive this season’s flu vaccine?
Middlemore Clinical Trials is looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical trial here at Middlemore Hospital.
If you are interested, please call us on 0800 272 784 (ext. 59612 within Middlemore Hospital) or email participants@mmclintrials.nz for more information.
It’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.
Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey … View moreIt’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.
Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey where his passion quickly evolved from making music, to crafting guitars. It all started when Ross and some mates joined a music group where the camaraderie and togetherness were just as important as the music.
Living in a Ryman village, Ross can continue living life to the full in his retirement because they are places where you don’t retire from life, you find a new way to live .
Hi neighbours, Are you the partner of a border or MIQ worker but don't live with them? If so, have you been offered the Covid-19 vaccine? If you haven't, does this cause you concern? If this sounds like you, please email me at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz
UPDATE
May 12
3.15pm
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reported that all lanes on the Upper Harbour highway are open. Expect delays as traffic eases.
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Auckland motorists are told to expect delays to their afternoon commute after … View moreUPDATE
May 12
3.15pm
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reported that all lanes on the Upper Harbour highway are open. Expect delays as traffic eases.
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Auckland motorists are told to expect delays to their afternoon commute after electrical cabling fell on the motorway.
The southbound Upper Harbour highway off-ramp is currently closed as contractors work to clear the blockage. Police have reported that this is currently impacting city-bound traffic and diversions are currently in place.
Downtown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a … View moreDowntown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a 4417 square metre plot of land, valued at $82.5 million.
The land has sat undeveloped as a car park - where an hour will cost you $19 - since the Royal International Hotel was demolished in 1987.
It was purchased by Singapore company NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited for $53m in 2012, and in 2017 the company was given approval by the Overseas Investment Office to build and operate a 52-storey, five- star Ritz-Carlton Hotel, with 300 guest rooms, four floors for hotel facilities, six for retail and five for car parking.
The development is expected to cost $350m, with the start of construction dependent on the completion of City Rail Link. However, the resource consent for the tower is due to expire in October.
Click 'read more' for our full story.
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Have you saved the date? This event was to have been in March but due to Covid lockdown it was postponed and is now connected with Suffrage celebration and will be on Saturday 18th Sept. 10am - 2pm
It is still inclusive and diverse, it will still have Ranjna Patel and another high profile person … View moreHave you saved the date? This event was to have been in March but due to Covid lockdown it was postponed and is now connected with Suffrage celebration and will be on Saturday 18th Sept. 10am - 2pm
It is still inclusive and diverse, it will still have Ranjna Patel and another high profile person (not yet announced) as speaker.
There will be lots of dancing, African, Colombian, Thai and Indian, and plenty of enthusiasm and a good meal.
Tickets purchased for March 6th will be honoured.
Learning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of … View moreLearning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of plantain with coconut cream, wrapped in cabbage leaves, potatoes, spinach emulsion and finishing with golden syrup steamed pudding and caramelised coxes orange apples.
The next one will be in July this year.
They had a vision for their property, but they also had three floods in 20 years. That didn't stop them pursuing the garden of their dreams though.
Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.
The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.
Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine… View moreDrivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.
The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.
Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.
Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.
A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.
Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.
He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.
AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.
While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.
“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”
“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”
He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.
“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.
To see video footage, go here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.
New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to … View moreNew Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.
New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to international McDonald’s markets.
We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including Whangara Farms which was the first beef farm outside of Europe to be invited to the McDonald’s Flagship Farmers programme.
ANZCO Foods, based in the small Taranaki town of Waitara, are responsible for making our 100% beef patties. About 90% of the staff at the Waitara plant are locals and they manage to produce around half a million patties each day.
Our quality beef cuts are minced and that’s it. No additives or fillers, just mince that is formed in patties, before they’re flash-frozen and sent to restaurants.
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