Manukau East Shopping Shuttle
The Manukau East Shopping Shuttle, organised by the Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS), provides a door-to-door service to Botany Town Centre and Pakuranga Plaza for people who find it difficult to access their shopping requirements.
$10 includes the return trip and a cup of coffee or tea.
The service relies on a number of loyal volunteers who drive the shuttle, act as companions when necessary and assist people with their shopping
We always welcome new shoppers who might like to take advantage of the service as well as volunteers to help out.
MECOSS started the service in 2007 after identifying a need to help people who depended on family or friends or had to pay to get their shopping done.
Many of these people were isolated in their homes with few and limited choices for socialising. That was when MECOSS felt they could organise a weekly shopping trip.
The service was born after finding a van for use and when Botany Town Centre and Pakuranga Plaza came on board to offer free hot drinks and a good shopping venue for people with limited mobility.
With a host of cafes involved and a queue of keen shoppers every week the Manukau East Shopping Shuttle Shopping keeps going from strength to strength.
For more information and to book a shopping trip please contact Maureen on 0800 632 677
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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