Kawakawa Bay - Orere Point, Kawakawa Bay

1305 days ago

Te Puhinui Big Clean

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Hi south Auckland neighbours,

Want to make a difference in your community?

Bring the family down to Auckland Botanic Gardens in Totara Heights on
Saturday for the Te Puhinui Big Clean.

Volunteers can tidy the area from Totara Park to the foreshore from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm.

The rain date is May… View more
Hi south Auckland neighbours,

Want to make a difference in your community?

Bring the family down to Auckland Botanic Gardens in Totara Heights on
Saturday for the Te Puhinui Big Clean.

Volunteers can tidy the area from Totara Park to the foreshore from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm.

The rain date is May 22.

The big clean up is earmarked to boost the health of Puhinui Stream and create awareness of the treasures in people's backyard.

The day will end with a sausage sizzle to thank the volunteers.

Also planned are educational activities centred on keeping waterways clean, recycling and regeneration of local paths and walkways.

This event is run by the Beautification Trust and Panuku Development Auckland, together with Citycare, local businesses, and environmental partners, with the support of Mana Whenua.

RSVP at www.beautification.org.nz...

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1309 days ago

Million-dollar dumps: Auckland's $5.8m Carlile House deemed 'dangerous building'

Caroline Williams Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Carlile House in Auckland’s Grey Lynn is slowly crumbling away.

Its owners, the United Church of Tonga, claim the land’s significance as home to the first Tongan congregation in New Zealand is being neglected by Auckland Council, in favour of its history as an orphanage, preventing the site … View more
Carlile House in Auckland’s Grey Lynn is slowly crumbling away.

Its owners, the United Church of Tonga, claim the land’s significance as home to the first Tongan congregation in New Zealand is being neglected by Auckland Council, in favour of its history as an orphanage, preventing the site from being developed.

Because of the building's status as a category one historic place and a stalemate with Auckland Council, Carlile House cannot be repaired or demolished.

However, the situation has recently become of higher concern to both parties, following the recent partial collapse of the building’s roof.

Click 'read more' for the full story.

1306 days ago

Poll: Do you support temporary alcohol bans at Auckland's major events?

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

More venues around Auckland will be subject to temporary alcohol bans at major events under proposed changes to Auckland Council's alcohol control bylaws.

Recurring temporary booze bans are in place for all major events at Eden Park, concerts at Mount Smart Stadium, Christmas in the Park and … View more
More venues around Auckland will be subject to temporary alcohol bans at major events under proposed changes to Auckland Council's alcohol control bylaws.

Recurring temporary booze bans are in place for all major events at Eden Park, concerts at Mount Smart Stadium, Christmas in the Park and the Lantern Festival in Auckland.

The council's governing body has voted to amend the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014 to put a stop to alcohol for all major events at Mount Smart Stadium, Western Springs stadium and outer fields, Auckland Domain, Auckland Zoo's carpark, Te Papapa train station and any future fan trails to events where booze is forbidden.

Councillor Josephine Bartley said the proposed changes were about protecting our communities.

"Improving temporary major event alcohol bans will stop people drinking alcohol irresponsibly on their way to, at or after a major event and help prevent the associated disorder that occurs as a result.

"People should be able to attend these wonderful events that bring vibrancy to our city without having to worry about encountering anti-social behaviour caused by groups of people binge drinking."

Bartley said the improvements helped make it safer for people to travel to events on public transport and would prevent the problem from being shifted elsewhere.

Nearly 900 people gave their feedback on the proposed changes, which come into effect on June 1.

Do you support temporary alcohol bans at Auckland's major events?
  • 82.9% Yes
    82.9% Complete
  • 13.5% No
    13.5% Complete
  • 3.5% Unsure- too complex
    3.5% Complete
170 votes
1306 days ago

Raised Zebra Crossing to boost safety: south Auckland

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Manurewa Local Board members are welcoming news a raised zebra crossing delayed by the financial impact of Covid-19 will go ahead on Clendon Park’s Finlayson Ave.

Auckland Transport expects to begin work within the next few weeks.

“It’s fantastic news because this board believes everyone … View more
Manurewa Local Board members are welcoming news a raised zebra crossing delayed by the financial impact of Covid-19 will go ahead on Clendon Park’s Finlayson Ave.

Auckland Transport expects to begin work within the next few weeks.

“It’s fantastic news because this board believes everyone has the right to be safe walking in their own neighbourhood,” said board chair Joseph Allan.

The board has invested heavily alongside Auckland Transport in safety improvements in the Wordsworth Quadrant and plans to do so again in the Coxhead Quarter, he said.

Allan said the crossing would improve safety for children attending the nearby school.

“It’s really good news because no one wants to see a child injured and have to explain that measures to prevent that were foiled by COVID-19.”

The new zebra crossing will be on a raised table at 215 Finlayson Ave, with additional traffic and side islands to give pedestrians priority crossing the road.

Tactile yellow pavers will be installed to help visually impaired people cross safely.

Board transport portfolio lead Ken Penney said the board had been relentless in its push for raised crossings at schools.

“We have been advocating for the return of the programme to raise pedestrian crossings around schools since the rollout was halted by Covid-19 and we continue to believe it is the best move to help ensure the safety of our tamariki."

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1306 days ago

Stowaway mouse snared by biosecurity dog

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A stowaway mouse has prompted a warning for people to check their gear carefully before visiting Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

The caution follows capture of the creature which was hoping to spend a relaxing weekend on an island in the gulf.

The mouse was spotted darting out of a passenger's… View more
A stowaway mouse has prompted a warning for people to check their gear carefully before visiting Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

The caution follows capture of the creature which was hoping to spend a relaxing weekend on an island in the gulf.

The mouse was spotted darting out of a passenger's bag and scurrying onto a pest-free warranted vessel.

“This is a timely reminder of why bio-security practices are so important and why we ask passengers and boaties to check their gear carefully before heading out onto the gulf,” said Hauraki Gulf bio-security manager Liz Brooks.

“Most of the gulf islands are pest free and home to a wide range of rare and endangered birds. The “check, clean, close” message is a serious one and there to help protect those native birds.’

The mouse remained at large for three days, eluding all attempts of capture before Auckland Council's bio-security team called in Rosie the rodent detection dog.

She uncovered a chewed glove in the passenger's bag where the mouse had been living.

Rosie soon tracked down the mouse's hiding place, traps were set and the stowaway was caught.

"We were lucky the mouse was spotted before it had the opportunity to get onshore on one of the many pest-free islands," said dog handler Kerryn Johnson.

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1306 days ago

Are you our next Houseplant Hero?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Have you got New Zealand‘s best collection of houseplants?
We’re searching for indoor plant obsessives who have created impressive urban jungles… and there’s some great prizes to be won!

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1306 days ago

Papakura's best kept secret

Chris Kentsley Reporter from Homed - Southern Homes

Have a look at this great looking property in popular Papakura

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1308 days ago

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Come together for good with friends, whānau and workmates by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May. You’ll be joining thousands of Kiwis around the country to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

You can host any time in May, and by taking part, you’ll be helping fund … View more
Come together for good with friends, whānau and workmates by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May. You’ll be joining thousands of Kiwis around the country to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

You can host any time in May, and by taking part, you’ll be helping fund ground-breaking work by some of our country’s top breast cancer researchers, educate people about breast health, and provide free support services for breast cancer patients and their families.

What are you waiting for! Sign up today.
Find out more

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1312 days ago

Minister walks 5 km to raise funds for vandalised church: South Auckland

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A minister is walking 5 km on Saturday to pay for repairs to his church after it was desecrated and set on fire by vandals.

At 8am, Reverend Vaituulala Ngahe will lead a team of staff and volunteers on the fundraising trek around Bruce Pullman Park in a bid to reopen Manurewa Methodist Parish.

View more
A minister is walking 5 km on Saturday to pay for repairs to his church after it was desecrated and set on fire by vandals.

At 8am, Reverend Vaituulala Ngahe will lead a team of staff and volunteers on the fundraising trek around Bruce Pullman Park in a bid to reopen Manurewa Methodist Parish.

The church, also known as Manurewa's Corner of Hope, has been closed for more than 8 months after arsonists wreaked damage not covered by insurance.

Funds raised through the walk will support unexpected council consenting and compliance costs from the repairs to the church and its community outreach facilities.

For the past 7 years, Reverend Vaituulala with local government agencies has been running a community meal drop-in on Tuesdays.

Since the church closure, the community meal has been run at Manurewa Anglican hall where all services and community groups are meeting.

*Go to givealittle.co.nz... for more information.

1308 days ago

1st Auckland Cavell Guide Unit Set to Celebrate Centenary

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

One of the first girl guide units to be formed in Auckland is gearing up for its centenary.

The 1st Auckland Cavell Girl Guide Unit turns 100 in July and is seeking old girls to join the celebrations.

A social afternoon is planned for July 3, kicking off at 2pm with past guiding activities such … View more
One of the first girl guide units to be formed in Auckland is gearing up for its centenary.

The 1st Auckland Cavell Girl Guide Unit turns 100 in July and is seeking old girls to join the celebrations.

A social afternoon is planned for July 3, kicking off at 2pm with past guiding activities such as knot tying and marking arm slings.

Guests will be treated to afternoon tea and a birthday cake before photographs are taken of the girls.

The day will end with a singalong around the campfire.

The next day, a church parade will march through St Andrews Church, Epsom, where the unit has been meeting since 1921.

Parishioners are invited to a morning tea after the procession.

The unit, initially known as the St Andrew's Peace Scout Group, is believed to be the first guide company which has kept going since it was launched.

It all started when eighteen-year-old Mona Burgin wrote to the Dominion chief scout Colonel Cosgrove, a New Zealand Boer War veteran, asking about Girl Peace Scouts.

He arranged to meet her in Queen St, Auckland and wrote she would recognize him by the red flower in his buttonhole.

Soon after the meeting Burgin formed the troop on July 6.

Girl Peace Scouts wore khaki uniforms and the St Andrews troop wore a red open-ended tie.

In 1923, the Dominion Council became affiliated with the original Girls Guides Association in London.

*Former unit members can email cavellgirlguidesnz@gmail.com for details of the centenary.

1309 days ago

Shellfish ban at Cockle Bay begins

Neighbourly.co.nz

Gathering shellfish in Auckland's Cockle Bay is no longer permitted, as a year-round ban on collection comes into force tomorrow.

Fisheries New Zealand enforced the closure after research showed a significant drop in the number of large cockle in the area.

In a statement, Fisheries New … View more
Gathering shellfish in Auckland's Cockle Bay is no longer permitted, as a year-round ban on collection comes into force tomorrow.

Fisheries New Zealand enforced the closure after research showed a significant drop in the number of large cockle in the area.

In a statement, Fisheries New Zealand's manager inshore fisheries north, Jacob Hore, said that this ban was in place to help the population recover and will be reviewed after a period of three years.

"We use the best available science and information to determine if changes are required to management settings to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable. This information, along with feedback through public consultation, shaped our advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries on his decision to implement a full year-round closure at Cockle Bay/Tuwakamana," he said.

What you need to know:

- There is a ban on gathering any intertidal shellfish including cockles, green lipped mussels, oysters, crabs, limpets, starfish, periwinkles, whelks, barnacles, and snails.
- Signs have been updated and fisheries officers will be regularly patrolling the area.
- The closure will be reviewed after three years.

Fisheries NZ is encouraging beach-goers who see any suspicious activity to report it to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24)

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1310 days ago

We Say/You Say: Water Conservation

The Team from Community News

Hi Auckland,

What are your water-saving hacks?

Water restrictions for the city are to remain in place until August, and similar bans on water use may return next summer.

Watercare is set to ask council to remove restrictions on outdoor water use, if rain forecasts, the state of the … View more
Hi Auckland,

What are your water-saving hacks?

Water restrictions for the city are to remain in place until August, and similar bans on water use may return next summer.

Watercare is set to ask council to remove restrictions on outdoor water use, if rain forecasts, the state of the region’s storage lakes, and a new supply boost all eventuate as hoped.

Watercare said Aucklanders had significantly cut water use, and the biggest supply boost – another 50 million litres a day from the Waikato River – should be available from August.

Presently, Auckland's dams are 51.4 per cent full compared with an average of 76.6, and Auckland's water usage is more than 10 per cent lower than Watercare had estimated.

Share your saving tips below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used in your local community paper.
Read more

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1310 days ago

Make sure you diary this date - 8th of May

Papakura Business Association

Our third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm!

There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs, emergency services, an amazing Mother’s Day raffle and family activities.

Live entertainment, bands, dancing and cultural performances from … View more
Our third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm!

There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs, emergency services, an amazing Mother’s Day raffle and family activities.

Live entertainment, bands, dancing and cultural performances from local artists, schools and groups. With activities for the kids and adults, face painting, bouncy castle, clowns, the Kindergarten play truck and so much more, the kids are going to love this day.

Great deals and specials from our businesses in town. Located on the Great South Road and in Centre Court and into Broadway, it’s a free family fun day for you all to enjoy.

The rain save date is the 15th of May should the weather not be kind.

This event is put on by the Papakura Business Association in conjunction with the Papakura Local Board.
Find out more

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1312 days ago

Full Denture

Dyverse dentures

Complete or full dentures also known as dental plates or false teeth is a device that is used to substitute your natural teeth when they have all been removed. At Dyverse Dentures, we believe a set of dentures should not only be functional, but it should also look natural and be individualised to … View moreComplete or full dentures also known as dental plates or false teeth is a device that is used to substitute your natural teeth when they have all been removed. At Dyverse Dentures, we believe a set of dentures should not only be functional, but it should also look natural and be individualised to your needs.

We offer full dentures for the upper arch, lower arch, or both. As each patient has specific requirements, we offer various types of treatment plans for complete denture patients. We provide free confidential consultation to determine what those requirements are and how to meet them.

Dentures manufactured in our labortory will bring back your smile, give you the ability to chew your food, as well as improve speech.
Find out more

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1312 days ago

Pavlova roulade & baked Cheesecake

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Sweet at heart? Two classic desserts prepared by our Foundation cooks - A delicious twist on a classic Kiwi Pavlova, rolled up into a roulade and filled with Lemon curd cream. An authentic New York baked cheese cake with a garnish of strawberry compote.

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