1955 days ago

Is lockdown level three conspiring against your connectedness?

Kelly Dennett Reporter from Sunday Star Times

As part of an investigation into how socially isolated New Zealanders are, the Sunday Star-Times and Neighbourly is keen on hearing how Aucklanders are feeling now we're back in level three. Were you just getting back into the swing of social life again before you had to retreat? Or perhaps things are feeling a bit harder this time around. Has the pandemic changed how you socially interact? If you're happy to talk to us about how you're facing level three head on (again), please email kelly.dennett@stuff.co.nz, send us a message here, or reply below.

More messages from your neighbours
L
10 minutes ago

Stolen car - LPP146 blue Daihatsu boon

Linda from Takanini

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

9 days ago

Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.

We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.

Image
🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
  • 83.9% Same!
    83.9% Complete
  • 16.1% Would have liked to try something different
    16.1% Complete
453 votes
9 days ago

By-election for Otara-Papatoetoe area

Ivy from Papatoetoe

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

Image