Flat Bush, Auckland

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1733 days ago

Volunteer Van Drivers and Companion Shoppers Wanted

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, and no longer drive, or cannot access other… 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, and no longer drive, or cannot access other transport, to Botany Town Centre or Pakuranga Plaza for shopping and a cuppa.
"They have the chance to talk, ask questions, walk around, and they actually form friendships," says volunteer Maureen McKechnie.
Drivers are mainly responsible for arranging the times and routes for pick-ups and delivering the passengers safely.
"It's not a huge thing, but for those in need, it's really important and worthwhile."
Companions 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.
Mellons Bay resident Nicki Patterson is one of the 22 drivers and companions.
"It's about giving back to the community," says Patterson. "I enjoy it.
"Though the seniors are out for just a couple of hours, it's a big thing for them, rather than having every day exactly the same.
"We tend to lose our identity as we grow older, and get overlooked. But during the trips, passengers are treated as individuals. They are recognised as who they are, and their personalities come out."
Funded by various parties, MECOSS expresses its appreciation for the support from the Howick Local Board.
Speaking of the challenges ahead, McKechnie says: "We must make sure we have drivers available to us, and also having passengers to take."
MECOSS is a not-for-profit organisation providing community support services.
People interested in being a driver and companion volunteer can phone Maureen on 0800 632 677.

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1733 days ago

Auckland Tenant won more than $22,000 compensation after renting a hovel-like property in Glen Eden.

Maxim from Papatoetoe

Tenant (Ataoletaeao Kelly Tigifagu) won more than $22,000 compensation. "It was not an understatement to say that people's lives were at risk due to living in these premises," a just-released Tenancy Tribunal decision found.

Tigifagu's 10-month-old daughter went to hospital … View more
Tenant (Ataoletaeao Kelly Tigifagu) won more than $22,000 compensation. "It was not an understatement to say that people's lives were at risk due to living in these premises," a just-released Tenancy Tribunal decision found.

Tigifagu's 10-month-old daughter went to hospital with bronchiolitis during the tenancy, while her mother also suffered ill health, adjudicator Nicola Maplesden said.

As early as July 2016, a report by property managers Barfoot & Thompson stated the home "was not suitable to re-rent in future".

Yet owner Colleen Aberhart took years to complete any repairs. It meant rain dripped through one bedroom ceiling onto a bed where Tigifagu slept with her daughters - aged 6, 3, and 10 months - and damp and mould filled the room.

Another bedroom had window sills "rotted right through".

"This bedroom was not used by the tenants for over a year as rodents entered through the holes in the window-sills and it was cold and damp," Maplesden said.

"They had sealed the interior door with tape to try to prevent rodents from entering further into the house."

The rats chewed a hole into one of the bedroom walls and brought repeated flea infestations over the course of two years.

It appeared many of these problems could have been fixed earlier with cheap repair jobs.

At an earlier hearing in September this year, the adjudicator ordered owner Aberhart to undertake nine repair jobs on the rental.

Aberhart told the Tenancy Tribunal "she was unaware of how bad the condition of the house was".

She also denied Barfoot & Thompson reports in 2016 and 2017, stating she didn't want to do any repairs because she intended to demolish the house.

However, Maplesden disagreed, finding Aberhart did know repairs were needed but "intentionally breached" her obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act.

She ordered Tigifagu to receive $17,055 compensation for "failure to maintain", $3500 exemplary damages for "maintenance" and $2000 exemplary damage for the failure to install insulation by July 2019.

"Everyone living at the house has been bitten by fleas and bothered by mice, been cold and damp, been unable to shower in their own home, and been denied the dignity of living in a reasonably well-maintained home," Maplesden said.

Maplesden ordered Barfoot & Thompson to pay $2000 in exemplary damages.

The company ceased acting as property managers for Aberhart in July when she failed to install insulation by the Government deadline.

It also argued it did all it could to bring the rental's maintenance issues to Aberhart's attention.

But the adjudicator found the company kept acting as property manager even after writing in 2016 that the property shouldn't be re-rented in the future.

There was also no evidence it told Aberhart she risked breaking the law if she didn't fix the rental up, Maplesden said.

Barfoot & Thompson director Kiri Barfoot apologised to the Tigifagu family.

"We no longer represent this landlord, however we recognise we should have acted quicker." The Herald has sought comment from Aberhart.

Source: Ben Leahy from NZ Herald

Learn other tips on www.MaximSherstobitov.NZ...

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1733 days ago

Water safety warning: Swim at patrolled beaches, Surf Life Savers say

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Eastern Courier

Hi neighbours, there have been more preventable drownings in Auckland so far in 2019 than at the same time last year - and Surf Life Saving New Zealand are now urging Aucklanders to swim at beaches patrolled by life guards during summer, such as Piha, Muriwai and Bethells, in a bid to prevent more … View moreHi neighbours, there have been more preventable drownings in Auckland so far in 2019 than at the same time last year - and Surf Life Saving New Zealand are now urging Aucklanders to swim at beaches patrolled by life guards during summer, such as Piha, Muriwai and Bethells, in a bid to prevent more tragedies in the water. Where are your favourite safe swimming spots in Auckland?

1733 days ago

Dance Yourself Happy - exercise in disguise

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

Do you know, the combination of dancing to uplifting music in a social environment induces Vivencias?
Vivencias is a moment in the 'here and now' that leaves you feeling vitalised.
Dance Yourself Happy, Thursday's, 8:00pm - 9:00pm, All Saints' Community Centre, 30 Cook Street,… View more
Do you know, the combination of dancing to uplifting music in a social environment induces Vivencias?
Vivencias is a moment in the 'here and now' that leaves you feeling vitalised.
Dance Yourself Happy, Thursday's, 8:00pm - 9:00pm, All Saints' Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick. Entry is free.

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1733 days ago

Help shape the new aquatic and leisure centre in Flat Bush

The Team from Auckland Council

A new aquatic and leisure centre is being built at Barry Curtis Park and Flat Bush community is being asked to have their say on the services it wants to see at the facility.

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1733 days ago

Litter left at Barry Curtis Park

Dee from Flat Bush

More than 30 wine bottles not more than a few feet away from the bin

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1733 days ago

Mould Removal from interior walls

Cleanse Right Limited

Do you have mould on your walls give us a call to get this removed for the health and safety or your family, get your free quote today!

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1734 days ago

Confidence

NumberWorks'nWords Manukau

Tutoring = being confident and empowered.

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1734 days ago

The Fat Duck

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

A visit to Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant, The Fat Duck near London was an outstanding culinary experience. Heston’s menu is inspired by his favourite childhood memories and he wants to arouse in us our own memories about a favourite summer holiday.

This is a fascinating experience filled … View more
A visit to Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant, The Fat Duck near London was an outstanding culinary experience. Heston’s menu is inspired by his favourite childhood memories and he wants to arouse in us our own memories about a favourite summer holiday.

This is a fascinating experience filled with spectacular dishes well-briefed "storyteller" and Heston's quirky humour.
Click on the link to read the full story..
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#hestonbluementhal #thefatduck #restaurant #gastronomy #michelin3stars #michelin #finedining #foodographynz

1734 days ago

Who's setting off fireworks tonight?! 😄💥

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Fireworks are a ton of fun but carry real risks that need to be taken seriously. If you plan on lighting some here's some tips to keep everyone in your community safe and happy.

❌ 1. Never light fireworks in dry or windy conditions.

🔥 2. Only use fireworks in wide open areas, away from … View more
Fireworks are a ton of fun but carry real risks that need to be taken seriously. If you plan on lighting some here's some tips to keep everyone in your community safe and happy.

❌ 1. Never light fireworks in dry or windy conditions.

🔥 2. Only use fireworks in wide open areas, away from flammable items such as trees, grasses, gas tanks, and wood.

💦 3. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.

👧 4. Children should never light fireworks themselves and need to be supervised closely at all times.

🧰 5. Keep all unlit fireworks in a secure bag or container away from any source of fire until they are ready to be used.

📞 6. Be considerate and let neighbours know if you're planning to set off fireworks. Aim to finish at a reasonable time.

🐱 7. Keep pets comfortable and secure inside. The loud booms and flashing lights can easily scare them off.

🐮 8. Avoid lighting off fireworks around farm animals and be aware of any newborns or elderly neighbours who may also be affected. If possible, change locations to somewhere that minimises any disturbances.

🌿 9. Be a tidy Kiwi and let's work together to keep New Zealand beautiful! Clean up any any rubbish and leave your spot better than you found it.

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1734 days ago

Botany, Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meeting

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

Botany, Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meeting
Day and Date: Friday, 8 November 2019
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Old Flat Bush School Hall, corner of Murphy’s Road and Flat Bush School Road, East Tamaki
Refreshments: Tea and coffee
Parking: Free in the Cranford Drive … View more
Botany, Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meeting
Day and Date: Friday, 8 November 2019
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Old Flat Bush School Hall, corner of Murphy’s Road and Flat Bush School Road, East Tamaki
Refreshments: Tea and coffee
Parking: Free in the Cranford Drive car-park or kerbside in Flat Bush School Road
This is an opportunity for local organisations and community groups to make solid connections, learn from each other and to share and discuss ideas
All welcome.
We look forward to seeing you there.

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1734 days ago

Massive Warehouse Clearance!

Peter Gower

We'll have frying pans, chopping boards, ice block makers, wine accessories, glassware, coffee makers, napkins and more. Up to 80% of the original price!

● Friday 15th November 2019, 8:30am - 5pm
● Saturday 16th November 2019, 9am - 3pm

Peter Gower NZ Ltd, 88G Harris Road, East … View more
We'll have frying pans, chopping boards, ice block makers, wine accessories, glassware, coffee makers, napkins and more. Up to 80% of the original price!

● Friday 15th November 2019, 8:30am - 5pm
● Saturday 16th November 2019, 9am - 3pm

Peter Gower NZ Ltd, 88G Harris Road, East Tamaki, Auckland.

Cash and Eftpos only. Please bring your own bags.
Event details here

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1734 days ago

Affordable Opportunity from $650K to $680K - 2,3 to 4 Bdrms Houses

Manu from Manu Thapar - Barfoot & Thompson

RARE BRAND NEW TERRACED OPPORTUNITY

If value and convenience is top of your property shopping list, you can't go past checking out what there is on offer as part of stage 2 of the Elliot Mews complex. Situated in a prime central Papakura location, we have available 13 brand new and … View more
RARE BRAND NEW TERRACED OPPORTUNITY

If value and convenience is top of your property shopping list, you can't go past checking out what there is on offer as part of stage 2 of the Elliot Mews complex. Situated in a prime central Papakura location, we have available 13 brand new and immaculately presented, terraced town house units; each on a ?Stratum in Freehold' title. Ranging from $580k to $695k, there is an assortment of configurations and layouts to choose from to suit your needs and budget.

Block 5/Unit 1: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Floor Area 130m²
Block 5/Unit 2: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 159m²
Block 5/Unit 4: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 159m²
Block 5/Unit 5: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 159m²
Block 5/Unit 6: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 159m²
Block 5/Unit 7: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 159m²
Block 5/Unit 9: 3 Bedrooms + Study, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 162m²
Block 5/Unit 11: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 128m²
Block 5/Unit 12: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 128m²

Block 6/Unit 15: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 80m²

Block 4/Unit 44: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 128m²
Block 4/Unit 46: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Floor Area 128m²
Block 4/Unit 47: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathroom, Floor Area 128m²

Surrounded by the ambience and simplicity of the surrounding manicured grounds of this stylish new complex, each town house provides for a modern and easy ?lock & leave' suburban lifestyle. Furthermore, the top location offers an abundance of convenience being so close to local shops, Papakura Township, transport options and parks; all within walking distance. A short stroll will take you to Papakura Train Station during the week for work should you require, and in the weekends you can leisurely wander along the walkways surrounding Prince Edward Park and Ray Small Park with its playground, skate park and multi-use sports field. Zoned for Papakura Central School, Rosehill College.

With the successful sale of the first stage here is your opportunity to secure brand new home in your price range. So don't delay rush now, call or join us at the open homes as advertised.

1735 days ago

Vinyls

Jacinta from Manurewa

Hi everyone.. just wondering if anyone has any vinyl lying around that they don't want or know of any places that have seconds.. Thankyou

Free

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