1649 days ago

Old news? Mortgages and vaccines top 1960s paper found hidden in wall

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

A 59-year-old newspaper found inside a house’s wall cavity shows Aucklanders in the 1960s were preoccupied with house prices and pandemics – much as they are today.

Mike and Julie Ann Sewell have been renovating their home in Torbay, on the North Shore, for the past two months.

Contractor Tyrin Perenara found the copy of the North Shore Advertiser, from November 14, 1962, in a wall cavity in the lounge.

It appeared it had been placed in the wall as a time capsule, as written on the front page was: “Ted Peters and Roger Broomfield put this here”.

Julie Ann Sewell said that they had found the newspaper “quite humorous”, especially the old advertisements.

“The prices in those days were really cheap compared to these days.”


According to an advert for Cross’ Supermarket, a can of Oak Spaghetti cost about 1 shilling and six pence – about 15 cents. Today, it sells for about $1.29 at Pakn’Save.

Much like 2021, there was a focus on mass vaccination in 1962, but for polio instead of coronavirus.

But unlike 2021, houses on the North Shore were “easily financed”, according to an advert by PTY Industries, which sold “architect designed homes” for mortgages of less than £3 per week.

Click 'read more' to see what else was in the news in 1962, including a high school "leg show" and a strange creature seen in Lake Pupuke.

More messages from your neighbours
13 hours ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?

(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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7 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.5% Complete
  • 26% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26% Complete
  • 14.4% ... It is complicated
    14.4% Complete
1156 votes
13 hours ago

Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program

Westfield Local Hero

Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.

The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.

Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
Find out more

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