1337 days ago

Wingmen from North Shore school on matching career coordinates

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Three former students of a North Shore high school have been reunited on the tarmac.

The Westlake Boys High School old boys bumped into each other at their military flying training as Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) pilots.

Flying Officer Denzel Williams 24, Flying Officer Aaron Kurte 24, and Flying Officer Tyler Waters 25, all attended the school in Auckland's Forrest Hill.

Kurte and Williams were in the same year and played hockey together, while Waters studied in the year above them.

Despite following different flight paths after leaving school, the trio found themselves on the same pilot's course at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base in Ohakea.

All three have passed with flying colours with six other new pilots.

Kurte made coffee as a barista while he saved for private flying training.

Williams did odd jobs for a few years and travelled with Kurte before joining the Air Force.

And Waters studied a Batchelor of mechanical engineering at Auckland University where he graduated with honours.

From left: Flying Officers Denzel Williams, Tyler Waters and Aaron Kurte graduate as RNZAF pilots. Photograph supplied: New Zealand Defence Force

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More messages from your neighbours
10 hours ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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3 days ago

Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.

Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?

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Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
  • 43.4% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
    43.4% Complete
  • 56% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
    56% Complete
  • 0.6% Other - I'll share below
    0.6% Complete
1125 votes
13 days ago

Poll: What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?

Pullman Novotel

Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s only 5-star airport hotel, given its incredibly close proximity to the airport, the convenience of walking to the airport is a major highlight but there are plenty of other features that make it special. Find out more

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What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?
  • 5.3% Unmatched runway views with a private lounge
    5.3% Complete
  • 45.9% Exceptional service from arrival to departure
    45.9% Complete
  • 5.3% Gourmet dining featuring New Zealand's finest, celebrating Te Ao Māori kai
    5.3% Complete
  • 36.3% A soundproof oasis with all desired amenities
    36.3% Complete
  • 7.2% Māori culture reflected throughout, creating an architectural marvel
    7.2% Complete
320 votes