Snells Beach & Mahurangi East, Snells Beach

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1691 days ago

Making the most of staying at home

The Team from Auckland Council

It isn’t easy when you and your whānau need to stay at home, but Auckland Council has plenty of great ideas and free resources to help you keep moving, connecting and learning. Find out more

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1697 days ago

Poll: Should your rates be frozen because of Covid-19?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, It's a tough one for many, the prospect of rates rising 3.5 per cent, in these uncertain times. It is easy to say "Freeze!" but that's not as simple as it sounds. What do you think? Read the story here: www.stuff.co.nz...

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Should your rates be frozen because of Covid-19?
  • 7.1% Rates should rise 3.5 pc but with easy help for those in need
    7.1% Complete
  • 83.3% Rates should be frozen for all ratepayers
    83.3% Complete
  • 9.6% Rates should rise, but by less that 3.5 pc, with help for those who need it
    9.6% Complete
3030 votes
1691 days ago

Thanks so much to all NZ Gardener readers!

Jo McCarroll - NZ Gardener editor Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

I just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions … View moreI just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions ease! I am hearing from so many readers right now about how their gardens have never been more important to them than they are now, so I want to ensure you get your NZ Gardener, packed with beautiful pictures, expert advice, inspiration and information as quickly as possible, so you can enjoy your own garden even more. Meanwhile, when you do your next shop, we’d love it if you could pick up a copy of the April issue which is on sale now (you can add a copy to your online shop too). As you’ve probably heard on the news it is a tough time for magazines right now, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our regular readers and (especially!) our subscribers. If you are in a position to subscribe, or share your own love of plants and gardening by buying a subscription as a gift for someone else, then we’d be incredibly grateful: mags4gifts.co.nz.... Stay safe and enjoy the extra time in your garden everyone! Jo

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1692 days ago

How we are tackling COVID-19

Shorecare Urgent Care Smales Farm

Hi Neighbours! Just popping by to update you on a couple of things.

Please note that when you come by to visit us at Smales Farm, you will be asked a few questions before entering our clinic. This is for our safety and yours. We may even ask you to return to your car.

We are also not taking … View more
Hi Neighbours! Just popping by to update you on a couple of things.

Please note that when you come by to visit us at Smales Farm, you will be asked a few questions before entering our clinic. This is for our safety and yours. We may even ask you to return to your car.

We are also not taking any cash payments, PayWave only or you may be sent away with an invoice to pay online.

Finally, during this outbreak, our Northcross clinic is closed for all urgent care matters. This is now a COVID-19 testing centre only. You must have spoken to our team and have been booked an appointment. Please do not simply turn up. You will be sent away by security. For more information on this, check out our website.

Thanks so much for your patience and cooperation! Keep safe team!
Find out more

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1698 days ago

Where to find your favourite Hot Cross Buns in lockdown?

The Team Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Who loves Hot Cross Buns? Nothing beats the smell of a freshly toasted hot cross bun, but as Easter this year will be spent in coronavirus lockdown and your favourite bakery or cafe is closed, we've put together a list of some of the best spices buns you can find or if you're feeling … View moreWho loves Hot Cross Buns? Nothing beats the smell of a freshly toasted hot cross bun, but as Easter this year will be spent in coronavirus lockdown and your favourite bakery or cafe is closed, we've put together a list of some of the best spices buns you can find or if you're feeling adventurous why not make them.
My personal favourites are from Daily Bread. What's your favourite thing about Easter?

1693 days ago

Philippe Meyer's Pork Rillettes & Focaccia

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

It was a great day, when Philippe Meyer agreed to work at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, way back in 2001. Trained as a chef in Switzerland, Philippe came to New Zealand for his OE and never left. For our 25th Anniversary Cooking demonstration he presented his special Pork Rillettes and … View moreIt was a great day, when Philippe Meyer agreed to work at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, way back in 2001. Trained as a chef in Switzerland, Philippe came to New Zealand for his OE and never left. For our 25th Anniversary Cooking demonstration he presented his special Pork Rillettes and crunchy Focaccia bread recipe.
Read the full story and recipe's below.

1694 days ago

Can you help us help our frontline this Easter?

ShieldsUp

ShieldsUp is a volunteer driven initiative of over 500 Kiwis, 3D printing, manufacturing and distributing face shields to our medical and emergency heroes across the country facing Covid-19 head on.

Within two weeks, we have delivered over 5,000 face shields, but we are still hearing the calls … View more
ShieldsUp is a volunteer driven initiative of over 500 Kiwis, 3D printing, manufacturing and distributing face shields to our medical and emergency heroes across the country facing Covid-19 head on.

Within two weeks, we have delivered over 5,000 face shields, but we are still hearing the calls of many. As the government and DHB’s publicly assure us that all necessary equipment is readily accessible, the demand for our face shields continues to grow daily, with requests for 30,000 shields.

If you would like to help us help them, sign up to volunteer at shieldsup.org.nz, or make a donation to ensure we can continue to produce and distribute our shields to protect our frontline heroes.

ShieldsUp, offering protection to Kiwi’s against COVID-19.
Find out more

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1694 days ago

MOTAT Fun at your place

Motat Fun

Try out MOTAT’s boredom-busting activities, games, videos and fun for kids to do at home. New content is being added daily!

Kids can browse MOTAT.Fun themselves or with their family, learn new things and get creative. There’s also content for parents and for teachers wanting to add to their … View more
Try out MOTAT’s boredom-busting activities, games, videos and fun for kids to do at home. New content is being added daily!

Kids can browse MOTAT.Fun themselves or with their family, learn new things and get creative. There’s also content for parents and for teachers wanting to add to their lesson plans.

Learn how to make a bubble flood, gather things to make a time capsule, build a rocket, design your own car of the future and make games from things you can find around home.

Make bubble life brighter and take a look at MOTAT.Fun for inspiration to keep the kids busy and entertained.
Find out more

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1694 days ago

Samoan Cuisine with Chef Spencer Matagi

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Chef Spencer Matagi, Chef de Partie at Soul Bar, graduated from NZSFW in 2018.
Spencer shares Samoan classics, Palusami - Taro leaves, steamed with coconut cream along with lamb chop suey.

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1695 days ago

NATIONWIDE RATES FREEZE FOR PANDEMIC RESPONSE

Ian from Orewa

Over the last three decades councils have hiked rates at more than three times the level of inflation. We say that, just this once, councils should find efficiencies within their operations rather than just reach even deeper into our pockets.

Mr Goff’s attempts to fool you

While Mr Goff talks … View more
Over the last three decades councils have hiked rates at more than three times the level of inflation. We say that, just this once, councils should find efficiencies within their operations rather than just reach even deeper into our pockets.

Mr Goff’s attempts to fool you

While Mr Goff talks about “limiting” rates hikes to 2.5% or (more recently) 3.5% — if you listen very carefully, that’s only “general rates”. It doesn’t included all the extra “targeted” rates he has put onto your rates bill!

The fact is that since the formation of the Super City, rates have gone up more than five percent per year. One year, under Len Brown, they went up 9.9% for the average householder.

And while the politicians claim that money was needed to fund essential infrastructure projects – analysis by the Ratepayers’ Alliance shows that the vast majority of the extra revenue actually went onto growing the Council’s payroll. Of the Council’s twelve and a half thousand staff, three thousand staff are paid more than $100,000 pa. 218 are paid more than $200,000. And unlike everyone else sitting at home, not one of those jobs are on the line.

Now is the time for the Mayor and Councillors to find savings.

Your support adds another voice to force Auckland Council to look inwards and find efficiencies. We say that a genuine effort to cut wasteful spending and reallocate money to core services is needed, before they turn to ratepayers at a time of financial crisis.

www.taxpayers.org.nz...

Unlike central government taxes, rates are totally unconnected to your ability to pay. With so many Aucklanders losing their jobs and livelihoods right now, it is cruel to pile even more burden onto ratepayers. But without your support, Auckland Council will continue to dig deeper into your pocket.

On behalf of the whole team here at the Ratepayers’ Alliance (working remotely!), thank you for your support.

Jo Holmes
Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance

www.taxpayers.org.nz...

1695 days ago

Got the baking bug in your bubble?

The Team from Auckland Museum

We think you’ll love this New Zealand Hot Cross and Cold Cross Bun recipe from Aunt Daisy's Cookery Book of Approved Recipes, from our collection.

Maud Ruby Basham (30 August 1879 – 14 July 1963), professionally known as Aunt Daisy, was a well-loved New Zealand radio broadcaster. Her … View more
We think you’ll love this New Zealand Hot Cross and Cold Cross Bun recipe from Aunt Daisy's Cookery Book of Approved Recipes, from our collection.

Maud Ruby Basham (30 August 1879 – 14 July 1963), professionally known as Aunt Daisy, was a well-loved New Zealand radio broadcaster. Her 30-minute daily morning show ran from 1933 to 1963. Her role was primarily to promote household products and to boost morale during World War II. Try out this recipe and it might just boost your morale! Best served hot with lashings of butter…

Aunt Daisy’s full recipe and other activities for the Easter Weekend are over at our Auckland Museum at Home Hub!
Visit us online

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1695 days ago

Who do you miss most during lockdown?

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Rodney Times

Hi neighbours, From grandparents to best friends, mums to grandchildren – Kiwis have opened up about who they miss the most two weeks into the coronavirus lockdown and shared messages for loved ones outside their bubbles in a touching video created by an Auckland-based production company. Who do … View moreHi neighbours, From grandparents to best friends, mums to grandchildren – Kiwis have opened up about who they miss the most two weeks into the coronavirus lockdown and shared messages for loved ones outside their bubbles in a touching video created by an Auckland-based production company. Who do you miss most during lockdown? Warning: The video in this story may make your eyes leak.

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1696 days ago

Let the games begin

The Team from Resene ColorShop Warkworth

Recreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.

Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you … View more
Recreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.

Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you don’t live near water, you should be able to get some from your local garden supply store.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.

Find out how to create your own rock domino set.

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1696 days ago

Small businesses in your community need a hand!

SOS Business

Hi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.

You can play a special part helping small businesses stay … View more
Hi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.

You can play a special part helping small businesses stay afloat during this time. Spread the word to your friends and family so that we can help as many local businesses as we can.

Thanks for being a great neighbour by being a lifeline for businesses in your community.

PS - in case you were wondering, due to the success of SOS Café, and the number of other service businesses now on the Platform, the team have rebranded to SOS Business – Save Our Small Business!
Support a local business

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