Botany Downs, Auckland

143 days ago

Remembering Martin Phillipps on East FM, Saturday from midday

Phil from Farm Cove

As a Gen Xer and NZ music enthusiast, it’s taken these days to comprehend the loss of Martin Phillipps, who died last Sunday aged 61. That’s too young, but what an extraordinarily full life, with a significant chunk of it on the road playing his music of The Chills to audiences in this country … View moreAs a Gen Xer and NZ music enthusiast, it’s taken these days to comprehend the loss of Martin Phillipps, who died last Sunday aged 61. That’s too young, but what an extraordinarily full life, with a significant chunk of it on the road playing his music of The Chills to audiences in this country and across the planet.

As an indie-rock band out of Dunedin, and for its Kiwi fans (us Gen Zers), it has always been a great source of pride that one of ours generated attention abroad.
They attracted fans everywhere, and the only time I met him was on foreign soil at a venue, The Orange, at Islington, in London, around 1996. Our band had a gig upstairs in the acoustic room, while The Chills were headlining in the main room below. Sound check times overlapped and we talked while waiting around. They were road warriors, on one of their many UK and European tours.

I remember seeing them at the late-great Gluepot here in the late 1980s, too, the last NZ gig before heading overseas for the first time to fly the flag for the Dunedin Sound.

Martin Phillipps will be missed. A great New Zealander who accentuated our national character in all his eccentricities. The legacy he leaves with us is priceless, music so vast in quantity and lush in quality, and those who were fortunate enough to acquire a taonga from recent online sales of his legendary pop-culture collection know they now possess a wonderful connection to a man that showed the world what Kiwis can do. And acquire.

There are many of Phillipps’ and The Chills songs that are part of our national cultural DNA, the soundtrack to the Gen Xer life – I Love My Leather Jacket, Heavenly Pop Hit, Pink Frost, Kaleidoscope World, Doldrums, Rolling Moon – and recent albums, Snow Bound (2018) and Scatterbrain (2021), are regular favourites, especially the driving song Complex:

I’m not the man you think I am
I’m a complex piece of the plan…

Essential viewing: One of the best music documentaries is The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps, made in recent years and telling the story of a determined Kiwi bloke driven to take his music to the world, and of a band that must have the record for most members over four decades. And at the end, he and they were at their most settled and enjoying the most original of NZ indie rock n’ roll. – PJ

I’ll be playing music by The Chills on tomorrow’s She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor, midday to 4pm on East FM, East Auckland’s fair-dinkum community-powered public service radio station, on 88.1FM and 107.1FM on local frequencies, nationally and globally at www.eastfm.nz... and on app iHeart Radio.

Photo: Martin Phillipps in the 1980s. Page 293 in John Dix's book Stranded in Paradise, the History of NZ Rock n' Roll 1955-1988.

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144 days ago

Step it up!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Botany Downs

A splash of Resene red transforms a rumpty old ladder into a handy stool or nifty shelves.

Find out how to repurpose your old ladder.

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144 days ago

Do you have a DIY (or DIY disaster) dad?

Resene

Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.

Tell… View more
Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.

Tell us about your DIY dad for a chance to win him $1000 worth of Resene paint products!

Plus all entries will be in with a chance to win their DIY Dad one of our colourful spot prizes.
Find out more

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144 days ago

BEWARE: Scammers impersonating Police taking advantage of vulnerable, older people

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.

The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial … View more
Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.

The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you.

People have been directed to go to the bank and withdraw money for evidence of the scam.
This is a scam – no legitimate Police officer will ever ask you to hand over money for any reason.

Overnight we have had five instances of this being reported, people need to be vigilant.
Enquiries into reports of scams of a similar nature received last week remain ongoing.

We appreciate these scammers are convincing, but New Zealand Police will never contact you and ask you to withdraw money. New Zealand Police will also never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, PIN or passwords.

Older members of our community are being targeted and Police urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to make them aware this activity is a scam.

There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties.

Remember:
• Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, PIN or passwords over the phone.
• Trust your instincts.
• If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details.
• Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
• Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.

Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...

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148 days ago

Q&A: Animal Welfare with SPCA's Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.

A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home … View more
We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.

A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home with ostriches, guinea pigs, bees, a rescue tortoiseshell named Lynk, a ragdoll named Oscar, two mini foxies called Chester and Maya and a black Labrador named Bonnie.

Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell is excited to answer your questions on all things animal welfare, whether it's how to best look after your new pet, how to combat separation anxiety or how to report neglect.

↓ Share your questions now ↓

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144 days ago

Tips for working in retirement

Bruce McLaren Retirement Village

Retirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.

Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting… View more
Retirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.

Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting gears to something more fulfilling or pursuing passions that you now have time for. This might mean volunteering, part-time work, or even starting your own business.

Here’s some helpful advice from Ryman residents in the workforce.

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144 days ago

Go for GOLD tyre sale!

Botany Toyota

With winning deals like Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price on selected Bridgestone or Firestone tyres, Buy 3 Get 1 Free on selected Supercat tyres and 20% OFF selected Dayton tyres!

Come on in to Bridgestone Botany, located inside our Service Centre. Only while stocks last, terms and conditions apply.

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145 days ago

We Read Auckland | Ka Pānui Tātou i Tāmaki Makaurau is back for 2024!

The Team from Auckland Council

Join us for free author talks, writing workshops for rangatahi, and a fresh selection of local bestsellers added to the Bestie Collection this August.
For more details click "read more".

145 days ago

Join the WSD Wellness Plan Today!

Waiata Shores Dental

Take charge of your dental health with the WSD Wellness Plan.

Enjoy comprehensive care with our affordable plans, including cleanings, check-ups, X-rays, and exclusive discounts. Sign up now for priority scheduling and peace of mind.

Visit our website to learn more and start your journey to… View more
Take charge of your dental health with the WSD Wellness Plan.

Enjoy comprehensive care with our affordable plans, including cleanings, check-ups, X-rays, and exclusive discounts. Sign up now for priority scheduling and peace of mind.

Visit our website to learn more and start your journey to a healthier smile!
Learn more

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146 days ago

Serving Pukekohe for over 80 years

Liddells Pharmacy

Discover a tradition of health and wellness in Pukekohe at Liddells Pharmacy! Serving the community for over 80 years, we offer personalized healthcare solutions and services, from prescriptions to heart health screenings.

Our team of experts, led by pharmacists Bahareh and Patricia, is … View more
Discover a tradition of health and wellness in Pukekohe at Liddells Pharmacy! Serving the community for over 80 years, we offer personalized healthcare solutions and services, from prescriptions to heart health screenings.

Our team of experts, led by pharmacists Bahareh and Patricia, is dedicated to knowing you by name and serving your individual needs. Stop by for our monthly in-store promotions and ask about our loyalty club.

Follow us at @liddellspharmacy for updates or visit. Your health is our passion – experience the difference at Liddells Pharmacy.

Learn more about the history of your friendly, family pharmacy on Stuff.
Find out more

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J
146 days ago

Shelly Park 4 bedroom house

Jackie from Shelly Park

House will be available from 1st Sept 2024.
This is a 3 level home. The ground level flat is completely separate to the house and has family living onsite.

The house for rent consists of
4 bedrooms
2 bathroom and toilets
Kitchen
Dining area… View more
House will be available from 1st Sept 2024.
This is a 3 level home. The ground level flat is completely separate to the house and has family living onsite.

The house for rent consists of
4 bedrooms
2 bathroom and toilets
Kitchen
Dining area
Good size living room with heat pump/ aircon

Unlimited fibre broadband

Big outdoor deck great for entertaining
Onsite parking x 2 cars

Rent:$800 per week excl expenses

148 days ago

Letterbox

Natalie from Dannemora

Anyone need a letterbox

Free

150 days ago

Rikki Morris on East FM, Saturday from 1pm

Phil from Farm Cove

One of the great all-rounders of the NZ music industry, Rikki Morris – performer, songwriter, sound recordist and engineer, producer and mentor – is the feature artist on tomorrow’s She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor, midday to 4pm (NZ time, July 27) on East FM.

We’re … View more
One of the great all-rounders of the NZ music industry, Rikki Morris – performer, songwriter, sound recordist and engineer, producer and mentor – is the feature artist on tomorrow’s She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor, midday to 4pm (NZ time, July 27) on East FM.

We’re very fortunate to have Rikki Morris coming into the studio at 1pm to talk about his hugely varied and interesting roles, with a leading focus on his immediate weeks ahead as a performer, which includes a one-off reunion concert with the legendary Th’ Dudes at Auckland’s Powerstation on August 24.

Rikki Morris hasn’t put out an album for 26 years, since the very good Everest, but his newest album, appropriately titled About Time, is released next month in August and he’s also hitting the road for six concerts around the country in support of it, with support artist Oni Kidman. Tickets at www.plus1.co.nz...

Two singles are already released, The One Thing I Can’t Live Without, and The Saddest Sound (originally written and demoed by his brother Ian Morris), that are at rikkimorris.bandcamp.com...

Rikki Morris’ Bandcamp page says: ‘With over 35 years’ experience in the music industry, Rikki has won NZ Music Award Tuis, the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll, NZ Radio Jingle Awards, and written and performed a NZ number one single.’

For more information, see www.morrisound.co.nz...

For tickets to Th’ Dudes, see www.ticketmaster.co.nz...

East FM is East Auckland’s fair-dinkum community-powered public service radio station, on 88.1FM and 107.1FM on local frequencies, nationally and globally at www.eastfm.nz... and on app iHeart Radio.
She’ll Be Right - it’s all about the vibe; it’s all about the groove. Providing a platform for NZ music and performance artists to exhibit their talents since ages ago. Ka pai. – PJ

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160 days ago

Poll: Have you had a pen pal?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the invention of the internet and mobile phone communication, pen pals seem to be a thing of the past but it was a common practice at one point.

Did you have a pen pal? Where did you meet them? Share below!

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Have you had a pen pal?
  • 66% Yes
    66% Complete
  • 33.6% No
    33.6% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below!
    0.4% Complete
1191 votes
166 days ago

Latest scams to look out for 👀

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:

NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the … View more
Neighbourly hopes to keep you safe by keeping you informed of the latest scams circulating. This week, we are sharing two common text message scams:

NZTA / Waka Kotahi scam:
- The scam is a text message saying it's from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and it encourages the recipient to pay an overdue road toll by visiting a fake website, threatening to take the matter to court within 15 days if they don’t pay up.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- While it is not the first time toll payments have been utilised by scammers, the threat of court action could see more people fall victim.
- The sender will either be a unknown phone number or unknown email address.
Want to report one of these scams? Do so, on Netsafe

NZ Post scam:
- This scam arrives by test message and says it's from NZ Post.
- The premise is that delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful so in order to rearrange delivery. you must click on a link to give your correct address.
- The aim is to trick people into giving away their personal details or pay them money.
- NZ Post advises people not to click the link, but to report the message to the Department of Internal Affairs by forwarding it to 7726.
Think you may have fallen prey to a scam? Get in touch with Netsafe or contact your bank if it involved your bank details.

Remember, if you didn't expect the message and you are now asked to share personal details or money, then stop contact and seek advice elsewhere.

Feel free to share any below that you've encountered recently. This may help others across the country be aware.

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