Dannemora, Auckland

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1479 days ago

Poll: Do you like the new electric buses?

Reporter Community News

An “extra large” sized electric bus designed especially for New Zealand has been handed over in Auckland.

The 78-passenger Yutong E13 has a double rear-axle, like the largest diesel-powered single-decker buses, and carries bigger and more powerful batteries to increase its daily range.

View more
An “extra large” sized electric bus designed especially for New Zealand has been handed over in Auckland.

The 78-passenger Yutong E13 has a double rear-axle, like the largest diesel-powered single-decker buses, and carries bigger and more powerful batteries to increase its daily range.

Auckland Transport has bought the bus to trial initially on long-haul eastern routes such as the 70 service from Botany to the CBD.

The new bus is bigger than the models currently entering service around Auckland, and the extra axle is expected to reduce wear and tear on the roads.

Please type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in our conversations section of the community paper.

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Do you like the new electric buses?
  • 76.6% Yes
    76.6% Complete
  • 4.7% No
    4.7% Complete
  • 18.8% Undecided
    18.8% Complete
64 votes
1479 days ago

The guy who B.B. King kissed – on the lips

Phil from East Tamaki Heights

Man of the world, UK-Kiwi blues-roots legend Paul Ubana Jones, plays Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture this Friday, November 13 (tickets still available), and to warm up for the special occasion, here’s more of our chat from a few months back, including the greatest story about meeting B.B. … View moreMan of the world, UK-Kiwi blues-roots legend Paul Ubana Jones, plays Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture this Friday, November 13 (tickets still available), and to warm up for the special occasion, here’s more of our chat from a few months back, including the greatest story about meeting B.B. King – the late-great king of the blues.

PJ: You've supported and met some of the world's big-name musicians. Are there any favourite experiences that standout?

PUJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! B.B. King! I was backstage with the master and introduced to him. B.B. was sitting down in a low armchair.

The lighting was dim, and as I stooped over to shake his hand, he said: “Hello my dear! Wow! I have not seen an afro hairstyle like that since the late ‘60s!”

He then pulled me down to him and started to kiss me quite passionately on my lips.

I then said: ''Ah! Mr.King, I’m not a woman'!” And he said: ''Oh! Gee! You look so pretty from where I’m sitting!”

His entourage were all laughing and the vibe quickly resumed back to an air of sobriety. Great memories though.

PUJ: Norah Jones bought a whole case of Verve Cliquot after her premiere concert in Auckland. I was the soloist opening for her six concerts in New Zealand.

We were all walked over to a small pub, management shut down the bar and it was a great ‘champers’ party to affirm her maiden concert here.

I felt honoured and she was very friendly and respectful to me.

PUJ: Patti Smith was also hugely warm to me and respectful. I was the opener for her and Bob Dylan.

Patti invited me to eat with her and her band. We had a great time together.

PUJ: Tuck and Patti were also so respectful. Tuck Andress must be one of the greats when it comes to ‘jazz groove’ playing and improv.

I did a couple of gigs with them both here at the Wellington Jazz Festival, and then over in Los Angeles.

Tuck came back stage at one point and said: “Hey Paul! Can I have a look at your guitar?”

I showed it to him and he was shocked how basic it was! It blew him away. They were great to me.

* Paul Ubana Jones plays in the acoustically superb Uxbridge Theatre at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on Friday, November 13. For tickets, see www.uxbridge.org.nz....

1479 days ago

Tickets now on sale - Block out the date!

The Team from Auckland Museum

Brickman Awesome: Epic LEGO® Brick Creations is now on sale! Explore a world where everything is awesome, including this orca made from over 14,000 bricks! Opening Thursday 3 December.

Free for Museum Members. Get your tickets: www.aucklandmuseum.com...

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1479 days ago

Consumer Workshop - We want to hear from you

The Team from Counties Manukau Health

We would like to invite patients and whaanau who use the Manukau Health Park (Manukau SuperClinic) to a workshop to hear your views and help us develop an expansion design that best fits the needs of our communities and staff.
Go to bit.ly... to find out more.

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1479 days ago

Drivers and Companions wanted : MECOSS looking for volunteers

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

If you’re interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone or and no longer drive, to Botany Town Centre or … View more
If you’re interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone or and no longer drive, to Botany Town Centre or Pakuranga Plaza for shopping and a cuppa.
They have a chance to talk, ask questions, walk around and form friendships. Drivers are mainly responsible for arranging the times and routes for pick-ups and delivering their passengers safely.
Companion’s help clients get into and out of the vehicle and assist with seatbelts. They can also book a walker or scooter for passengers to use at the shopping centres if required.
If you are interested phone Maureen on 0800 632 677

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1480 days ago

Wahakura weaving workshop in Counties Manukau starting Monday 16 November!

The Team from Counties Manukau Health

Want to learn to weave wahakura whaanau? Our SUDI team and Hapai Te Hauora - Maori Public Health have weaving workshops for those interested in creating a traditional Maaori safe sleep bed for baby. These workshops are for hapu mama and whaanau in the community in Counties Manukau.

Workshops start… View more
Want to learn to weave wahakura whaanau? Our SUDI team and Hapai Te Hauora - Maori Public Health have weaving workshops for those interested in creating a traditional Maaori safe sleep bed for baby. These workshops are for hapu mama and whaanau in the community in Counties Manukau.

Workshops start on Monday 16 November, but places are limited. For more information and to book your place, contact tiana.matiu@hapai.co.nz

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1480 days ago

Twilight Croquet followed by a BBQ at Howick Croquet Club

Vanessa from Sunnyhills

Twilight Croquet is starting again this Thursday 12th November at 4.30pm at HOWICK CROQUET CLUB, Millhouse Reserve, Millhouse Drive, Northpark, Howick. Come along and "have a go at croquet". Just $5 per person and that includes the BBQ at 6pm. BYO drinks. Wear sports shoes & … View moreTwilight Croquet is starting again this Thursday 12th November at 4.30pm at HOWICK CROQUET CLUB, Millhouse Reserve, Millhouse Drive, Northpark, Howick. Come along and "have a go at croquet". Just $5 per person and that includes the BBQ at 6pm. BYO drinks. Wear sports shoes & comfortable warm clothing. Bring a jacket & bring a friend.

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1480 days ago

Couch for sale

Afrim from Pakuranga Heights

Has minor stain can be covered has faded not as noticable. Further information please message.

Price: $230

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1480 days ago

Queen mattress for sale

Afrim from Pakuranga Heights

For further information please message.

Price: $240

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1480 days ago

DiDi Rides

Rizwan from Flat Bush

Hi neighbours I have free $20 DiDi ride vouchers for giveaway if any one interested drop me a text and I’ll send the promo code ...
Thanks
Regards
Reece

Free

1480 days ago

Painters

Kamila from Howick

Your painting specialists, FREE QUOTE
02108432544

Negotiable

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1480 days ago

Kiwisaver: Is 65 the most appropriate age to access your retirement savings?

Robin from Botany Downs

Food for thought. Under the Kiwisaver system you can’t access your funds until 65 years of age, although there are exceptions such as first home buyers, those leaving the country permanently and applications brought about by hardship or sickness.

Statistics New Zealand indicate that the average … View more
Food for thought. Under the Kiwisaver system you can’t access your funds until 65 years of age, although there are exceptions such as first home buyers, those leaving the country permanently and applications brought about by hardship or sickness.

Statistics New Zealand indicate that the average lifespan currently is 79 for males and 83 for females (presumably not accounting for Covid 19) which suggests that you’re going to need those Kiwisaver funds for at least 15 years beyond 65. And you will need those funds; rest homes, retirement villages and the inevitable medical expenses aren’t cheap. For those lucky enough to own homes, liquidating those assets can contribute too, assuming you don’t mind spending the kids inheritance.

Some years ago my wife and I were talking about this subject. She is Australian and as such had the luxury of retaining the conditions of her Australian Super fund when she transferred to Kiwisaver, so she gets to access her savings at 60 rather than 65.

Then the conversation became a bit broader. We started thinking about retired friends and associates and their quality of life and here’s the thing - The number of healthy, happy octogenarians we know is way smaller than Statistics NZ suggest. In fact, as we recalled friends we’d known, it dawned on us that a significant majority had died between 63 and 67 years of age. So they either never retired or popped their clogs within two years of retirement.

Obviously there are exceptions. We know several people in their mid-eighties who are fit and healthy with a great lifestyle (two of our “aunties” can consistently outwalk/outrun us pathetic fifty -somethings, much to our embarrassment). At the other end of the scale, we both know people who have died suddenly and unexpectedly in their late 40’s or early fifties, largely due to previously undiagnosed health issues.

So is 65 really the appropriate age to access Kiwisaver? Do we want to be working at that age?

Our conclusions were to budget for semi-retirement at around 60 (we’re both professionals so can potentially gain part time or casual contracts to keep us occupied) and slightly reduce our Kiwisaver contributions to create a “living for today” fund, so as to be able to afford to travel/holiday, etc and create memories whilst we are still are healthy and able.

Your thoughts?

1480 days ago

Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting Postponed.

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

After consultation with organisations working in the aged-care sector, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting, scheduled to be held on 24 November 2020 at Te Tuhi.
A new date and time will be set for early 2021. Information will be posted… View more
After consultation with organisations working in the aged-care sector, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting, scheduled to be held on 24 November 2020 at Te Tuhi.
A new date and time will be set for early 2021. Information will be posted on this platform over the coming weeks.
MECOSS apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

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1480 days ago

Dance Yourself Happy - exercise in disguise

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

The heavy rain and gale force winds didn't place a damper on last Thursday night's Dance Yourself Happy session. Mari Pettersson's playlist surfed a tempo wave of hits and electronica through the decades. There was even a Fred Astaire classic remixed into a boogie mashup number! 💚… View moreThe heavy rain and gale force winds didn't place a damper on last Thursday night's Dance Yourself Happy session. Mari Pettersson's playlist surfed a tempo wave of hits and electronica through the decades. There was even a Fred Astaire classic remixed into a boogie mashup number! 💚
Here's what we danced to;
1. Workin’ Hot Techno Pop (Apollo Zero Reconstruct) / Various Artists (2010)
2. What’s Love Got To Do With It (Zimmer Rework) / Tina Turner (2012)
3. Let Me Love You (Tiësto’s AFTR:HRS Mix) / DJ Snake Ft Justin Bieber (2016)
4. Perfect Strangers (Club Mix) / Jonas Blue Feat. JP. Cooper (2016)
5. Money (feat. Kah-Lo, Mr Eazi & Davido) / Riton (2017)
6. Rain / Dragon (1983)
7. Crazy In Love / Beyonce (2003)
8. Enjoy The Silence / Depeche Mode (1990)
9. Be The One (Paul Damixie`s Bootleg) / Dua Lipa (2016)
10. Double Dutch Bus / Frankie Smith (1981)
11. Rewind / Lucky Charmes (2016)
12. You’re The One That I Want / John Travolta & Olivia Newton John (1978)
13. Let’s Dance / David Bowie (1983)
14. Let’s Work / Mick Jagger (1987)
15. I.O.U. (Megamix) / Freeez (1983)
16. Conga / Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine (1985)
17. It Ain’t What You Do It’s The Way That You Do It You Do It / Fun Boy Three & Bananarama (1982)
18. Puttin’ On The Ritz (Club des Belugas Remix) / Fred Astaire (2011)
19. Lightsonic / Groove Armada (2007)
20. Here Comes The Rain Again (Freemasons Remix) / Eurythmics (2007)
21. Mony Mony / Billy Idol (1981)

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1481 days ago

Zumba dance fitness in Ormiston

Ally from Flat Bush

Heyaaa!

If you want a great and fun workout
Come join our classes this summer☺💃
Have been teaching in Ormiston and Flat Bush for the past 5 years
No dance or fitness experience needed
Bring bottled water✔ Sweat towel✔
View more
Heyaaa!

If you want a great and fun workout
Come join our classes this summer☺💃
Have been teaching in Ormiston and Flat Bush for the past 5 years
No dance or fitness experience needed
Bring bottled water✔ Sweat towel✔

O.C Unleashed
Zumba Wednesday
6.30pm
Ormiston Primary School
$5

O.C Unleashed with Out and About AKL
Zumba Saturday
9.30am
Old Flat Bush School Rd
Barry Curtis Park
FREE

Zumba Saturday
4pm
Ormiston Primary School
$2

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