Cyclone Gabrielle Update - Get Ready
Auckland Emergency Management are working closely with MetService New Zealand and tracking Cyclone Gabrielle, which is due to start impacting the upper North Island from Sunday.
We encourage our Tāmaki Makaurau whānau to use this time to get prepared.
With potential for heavy rain and strong winds, surface flooding and slips are possible and strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
How to get prepared:
1. Stay up to date with the latest weather warnings from MetService: www.metservice.com...
2. Make a household plan that includes your pets, in case you need to evacuate.
3. Have a grab bag with essential items ready to go.
4. Be prepared for possible power outages and check emergency supplies. In a storm you could be stuck at home for up to three days.
5. Clear debris and leaves from drains and gutters to help prevent surface flooding.
6. Secure items like wheelie bins, trampolines, outdoor furniture, boats and trailers. Bring items inside or tie items down that could move in strong winds.
7. Check on your friends, whānau, neighbours and anyone who might need your help, especially those who have already been affected by recent flooding.
Follow Auckland Emergency Management on Facebook or Twitter or visit their website by clicking on 'Read More' to stay updated as this weather system progresses and receive further advice.
For preparedness advice in different languages visit: getready.govt.nz...
Kia kaha Tāmaki Makaurau.
Suellen’s sweet Christmas tradition
The festive season is always a great excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, and this time of year poses the perfect opportunity to bring a real showstopper to the Christmas table.
For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche, an impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with spun sugar that is popular at weddings in France and Italy.
What began as a birthday treat at a local French café has become a cherished Christmas tradition for Suellen and her 17-year-old twin granddaughters, Ellie and Sadie. Every year, the trio gather in Suellen’s apartment at William Sanders Village to cook this festive dessert - a holiday highlight they all treasure.
Click read more for the recipe.
Worst Xmas ever?
There's a a lot of planning that goes into Christmas day and sometimes things just don't go to plan. But it can be a good thing - a family mishap or hilarious memory that you can laugh about in Christmases to come.
Whether you burnt the dinner or were stranded at an airport...
Share your Christmas mishaps below!