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1480 days ago

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Learning about wine involves international travel in your glass. Here is our tasting today for the WSET Level 3. San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino DOCG from Campania, Italy, Argyros Atlantis Assyrtiko from Santorini Island, Greece, Masi Valpolicella Classico DOC, Emiliana Adobe Carmenere, organic wine from Colchagua Valley, Chile, Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Marques de Riscal Reserva, Voyager Estate, The Modern Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, Western Australia.

Our Sunday WSET Level 3 tasting started with Massolino Moscato d'Asti; Jansz Premier Cuvée from Tasmania, Piper Heidsieck NV followed by Fortified wines Tio Pepe Palamino Fino, the outstanding Del Duque Amontillado VORS 30 years also from Gonzales Byass; Cazes Rivesaltes AOC Ambré 2004; Warres Otima Tawny Port 20 years; Campbells Rutherglen Muscat and Williams & Humbert Pedro Ximenez 12 years old sweet sherry.

We then wrote formal tasting notes for the following wines in preparation of the WSET Level 3 exam on Sunday 12 December.

Franz Hirtzberger Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2016;
Alba de Vetus Albarino, Rias Biaxas 2019;
Mullineux Swartland Syrah 2014 and
Prats & Symington Post Scriptum, Touriga Nacional blend 2018, Douro, Portugal

Fascinating and captivating wines for sure!

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.7% Yes
    41.7% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 24.8% No
    24.8% Complete
588 votes
9 hours ago

Wanted: Information on stolen art piece

The Team from North Shore, Rodney & West Auckland Police

Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a unique art piece stolen during a burglary in west Auckland.

The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating a burglary in the Piha area on 6 December 2025.

Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone says scrap metal and tools were amongst items stolen, but also an valuable artwork called ‘Infinite Sea’.

“The round artwork is made up of glass, a mirror, led lighting and PVC,” she says.

“It’s a distinctive piece of art and we’re asking anyone in the public who has information on its whereabouts to get in touch.

It may be that this artwork has been offered up or advertised for sale, and we need to hear from you.”

If you have information to assist Police, you can provide information online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/4801.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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