Flat Bush, Auckland

City Rail Link open day - tickets gone within an hour

Caroline Williams Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi neighbours. All of the 10,000 free tickets for the City Rail Link open day were snapped up in just one hour when they became available to the public at midday on Wednesday. The open day includes a wander through the tunnel beneath Queen St, between Britomart Station and Albert St. Did you manage… View moreHi neighbours. All of the 10,000 free tickets for the City Rail Link open day were snapped up in just one hour when they became available to the public at midday on Wednesday. The open day includes a wander through the tunnel beneath Queen St, between Britomart Station and Albert St. Did you manage to nap some tickets? What are you most excited to see during the open day? Let us know in the comments.

Family violence is more than just a bad relationship...

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Sometimes the emotional scars can be worse than the physical ones. Neither is okay. Learn to see the signs and seek help if you're in a toxic relationship.

#NSNZendviolence

Quote of the day

DynaSpeak Botany

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

Gutters need cleaning?

Cleanse Right Limited

Dirty gutters can lead to damage and costly repairs, contact us to get these cleaned today! We take away all the gutter debri for free. Get your free quote.

The Ink Beneath the Blue...

New Zealand Police

Our latest recruitment campaign explores the personal stories and cultural backgrounds of some of our officers, reflected in the tattoos they have.

It is these personal backgrounds, combined with the training provided by Police, which enables our staff to more empathetically and effectively … View moreOur latest recruitment campaign explores the personal stories and cultural backgrounds of some of our officers, reflected in the tattoos they have.

It is these personal backgrounds, combined with the training provided by Police, which enables our staff to more empathetically and effectively police in New Zealand's diverse communities.

Bring your unique story and join the NZ Police whānau today. Find out more

Auckland woman’s love for lollies leads to one million dollar Lotto win

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Eastern Courier

A woman who popped into her local dairy for some lollies after work left one million dollars richer.…

Read More

Drop Your Boss 2019

Graeme Dingle Foundation

Our very own Sir Graeme Dingle and Nick Quin of SAP have taken on #DropYourBoss2019 and conquered it!

Thanks to the team who came to support.

Nga mihi nui koutou!

Armistice Day memorial service

The Team from Auckland Museum

This month, join us in our World War One Sanctuary to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

On Sunday 10 November at 1.30pm and 2.30pm, Auckland Girls' Choir will perform in commemoration of the men and women who served and the sacrifices that were made in the two world wars and… View moreThis month, join us in our World War One Sanctuary to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

On Sunday 10 November at 1.30pm and 2.30pm, Auckland Girls' Choir will perform in commemoration of the men and women who served and the sacrifices that were made in the two world wars and later conflicts.

The following day at 11am, Monday 11 November, the Armistice Day memorial service will be held to remember all those who served and those who have given their lives in military service.

This date also commemorates the signing of the WWI armistice and offers a chance to reflect on the sacrifices that were made in the hope of securing lasting peace. Learn more

Farm/Lifestyle/Rural 1 hectare land (10,000m2) in Pokeno

#1 Individual Branch Salesperson - Zane Munif

1 Hectare (10,000m2) - Farm/Lifestyle/Rural Land for salewww.barfoot.co.nz... ALL offers!!!!!!! Just MAKE an offer! Zane 021 257 5862

Price: $459,000

Zinc Herb Garden Bed

Garth from The Gardens

1200mm (L) x 900mm (W) x 300mm (H) approx
zinc galvanised steel
reinforced corners for extra strength
0.25mm boards
4 pegs included to secure bed to soil

Has been opened however unused.
… View more1200mm (L) x 900mm (W) x 300mm (H) approx
zinc galvanised steel
reinforced corners for extra strength
0.25mm boards
4 pegs included to secure bed to soil

Has been opened however unused.

Holds over 300 litres!

GREAT FOR ALL TYPES OF GROWING! Vegetables, herbs, flowers and more!!!

Was bought for $89 as shown in one of the pics.

Price: $60

Air compressor / Inflator

Garth from The Gardens

Antlia air compressor / Inflator
1.25hp
direct drive
single cylinder pump
8 litre pressure vessel
convenient control
65 L / min free air delivery
shipped with oil in the crankcase… View moreAntlia air compressor / Inflator
1.25hp
direct drive
single cylinder pump
8 litre pressure vessel
convenient control
65 L / min free air delivery
shipped with oil in the crankcase
pressure switch
gauge and outlet
oil level sight glass
cast iron bore and aluminum head
drain tap
on / off switch
portability

1 year warranty

Price: $160

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 moreIf 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.

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 moreTenant (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...

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?

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 moreDo 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.