Play Streets to Roll out in Takanini
Playing on the street with neighbours once proved a common sight in South Auckland.
Children would ride their bikes and compete in cricket matches.
Healthy Families South Auckland is launching a Play Streets initiative to revive this childhood tradition and encourage neighbours to socialise more.
On April 24, the pilot event will see cars banned temporarily from Cunningham Place in Takanini to pave the way for fun seeking residents.
Healthy Families South Auckland Lead Systems Innovator Fila Fuamatu said when streets were safe, neighbours and whanau could connect.
"The residents of Te Mahia are very concerned about their tamariki who spend a lot of time indoors using technology devices but not getting physically active or connecting with others in the neighbourhood."
Fuamatu said she hoped the event would empower members of the community to create opportunities for their own play and future social events.
“The residents, many of whom are elderly or have health issues, love having the opportunity to work together and give back. They’re a real creative bunch so I’m excited to see what they come up with."
Part of Waka Kotahi's Innovating Streets programme, Play Streets is managed by Auckland Council, Healthy Families South Auckland and Healthy Families Waitakere.
What are some of your early memories of street games?
I remember the old elastics game, skipping and hopscotch.
Which games would you like to see making a comeback in your streets?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
By-election for Otara-Papatoetoe area
Just to let everyone know that we have another by-election happening, and here is the reason why. Below are details and dates, so keep an eye on your letter boxes.
The Manukau Court’s Ruling
The Manukau District Court determined that the Papatoetoe subdivision result of the Ōtara–Papatoetoe Local Board election was invalid, ruling that the outcome had been “materially affected” by voting irregularities. Judge Richard McIlraith found that the scale and nature of the irregularities met the legal threshold required to void an election under New Zealand’s local electoral laws.
In his decision, Judge McIlraith stated that the evidence presented — including reports of stolen voting papers, fraudulent use of ballots, and other procedural irregularities — was sufficient to conclude that the integrity of the election had been compromised. The court noted that at least 79 voting papers were identified as having been cast without the rightful voter’s knowledge during a judicially supervised examination of ballot boxes.
While the judge acknowledged that the election had been administered “properly and in accordance with all requirements” by Independent Election Services and the electoral officer, he concluded that the fraudulent activity originated outside the official process and nonetheless impacted the final result to a degree that required the election to be voided.
As a result of the ruling, the court ordered that a new election must be held, with Auckland Council confirming that the fresh poll must be completed by 9 April 2026
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
-
10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
-
20.1% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
-
69.6% Nah - not for me
Stolen car - LPP146 blue Daihatsu boon
Hi neighbours
Our locked vehicle was stolen from our driveway in the early hours of this morning - 27/12/25. It is a blue Daihatsu boon rego # LPP146. I am a carer to my 92yrs mum. Her walker was in the back with 4 boxes of washed clothes for hospice op shop. If you see this vehicle can you pls call the police and message me on neighbourly.
Thank you
Loading…
