Glen Eden news is brought to you by the team at Western Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community every day, a career with New Zealand Police could be for you. We’re after people with all sorts of backgrounds and life experiences. So, why not use the skills you already have to become a police officer?
Take the … View moreIf you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community every day, a career with New Zealand Police could be for you. We’re after people with all sorts of backgrounds and life experiences. So, why not use the skills you already have to become a police officer?
Take the first step at newcops.co.nz.
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free … View moreDo you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
Police are asking people not to call the 111 emergency number to report the orange haze in the sky caused by the Australian bush fires. We are currently receiving high numbers of calls related to this. While we appreciate these conditions may be causing concern, the 111 emergency number is for … View morePolice are asking people not to call the 111 emergency number to report the orange haze in the sky caused by the Australian bush fires. We are currently receiving high numbers of calls related to this. While we appreciate these conditions may be causing concern, the 111 emergency number is for instances when:
• Someone is breaking into your house right now
• There is car accident where people might be hurt, or cars are blocking the road
• Someone has been assaulted and the offender is still there
• You are afraid for your safety and or for those around you
• You need an emergency Police response
For further information relating to when to call 111 please go to www.police.govt.nz...
==========================================================
There are six prizes up for grabs for this year's Canon Amateur Photo Awards. Get snapping, and you could WIN!
We’re in the new year but our SIX60 competition is still going!
There are over 100 tickets that are yet to be claimed so there is plenty left to WIN. Don’t forget about the exclusive concert from one of the supporting acts of the SIX60 tours you could win for your neighbourhood.
To be … View moreWe’re in the new year but our SIX60 competition is still going!
There are over 100 tickets that are yet to be claimed so there is plenty left to WIN. Don’t forget about the exclusive concert from one of the supporting acts of the SIX60 tours you could win for your neighbourhood.
To be eligible, make sure you are a verified Neighbourly member (need a hand verifying your address? Click here).
We’ll also need to see you being more Neighbourly, whether it’s posting to your neighbourhood, replying to questions or inviting your neighbour to join the site (we’ve put together a few ideas here).
More than 1.5 million parking tickets have been issued to Aucklanders in the past three years - and most of them were down to pure laziness, Auckland Transport says.
In 2018, AT dished out 503,891 parking tickets. That was less than in 2017 when 510,374 were issued, but 8,229 more than the amount … View moreMore than 1.5 million parking tickets have been issued to Aucklanders in the past three years - and most of them were down to pure laziness, Auckland Transport says.
In 2018, AT dished out 503,891 parking tickets. That was less than in 2017 when 510,374 were issued, but 8,229 more than the amount issued in 2016.
Here's the top 10 streets where you're most likely to get hit with a parking ticket:
1. Princes St, CBD
2. Jellicoe St car park, CBD
3. Ocean View Rd, Waiheke Island
4. Federal St, CBD
5. The Māngere Town Centre
6. Queen St, CBD
7. Hobson St, CBD
8. Union St, CBD
9. Orakau Rd, Māngere
10. Customs St West, CBD.
Have you been caught out at one of these locations? Was it a genuine mistake, or were you being lazy?
Escape to the Bay of Islands on a weekend getaway with us! 🌞
We're giving away x4 NZ House & Garden House Tours - Bay of Islands tickets and two nights accommodation at Driftwood Seaside Escapes - one of the amazing Tour houses!
View the beautiful property on the tour, then be the … View moreEscape to the Bay of Islands on a weekend getaway with us! 🌞
We're giving away x4 NZ House & Garden House Tours - Bay of Islands tickets and two nights accommodation at Driftwood Seaside Escapes - one of the amazing Tour houses!
View the beautiful property on the tour, then be the envy of all tour-goers by spending two nights.
To be in the draw all you need to do is enter the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ raffle below. Give to an important cause this and be in to win! 💕
Find out more and enter here.
Raffle closes on 6th January.
[1] Location of property - Henderson Heights.
[2] Property available date & how long - Available now
[3] Shared Furnishing/facilities available (Fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, internet (unlimited broadband), WiFi, washing machine, TV, Sky, desk, table, chair, etc.)
Own double room … View more[1] Location of property - Henderson Heights.
[2] Property available date & how long - Available now
[3] Shared Furnishing/facilities available (Fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, internet (unlimited broadband), WiFi, washing machine, TV, Sky, desk, table, chair, etc.)
Own double room with double size closet/ double bed to be provided if requested or come with own bed.
[4] Amenities in area – Shops – 2 minutes walk
[5] Bills: Utility bills inclusive
[6] Parking facilities – Off-street parking
[7] Ideal boarder/flatmate – Female student/working or referred by WINZ
[8] No. of rooms in home/bathroom/toilet bowl/shower/bathtub – 4 Bedrooms/ 2 showers/1 bathtub/ 2 toilets
[9] Kitchen facilities – Shared pantry, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, stove, oven
[10] Sitting room facilities – Lounge suite, Sky TV, Study area extending from lounge
[11] Double bedroom / No. of rooms available - 1
[12] Laundry facilities – Washing machine and dryer
[13] Storage area – Lots of storage in a locked garage.
[14] Outside yard/garden – Large private deck at rare of the house
[15] Bond required / minimum stay –
2-weeks bond / 12-weeks minimum stay
[16] Rent per wk - $180
[17] Non-smoking
[18] Single without kids
[19] Pets not allowed
[20] Current total flatmates in the house (adults/children – Family of 3 adults and 1 child)
[21] Need for reference checks – One referee & a next-of-kin needed
[22] Any other description – The house is a few steps from bus stops to Westgate, Henderson and City. Train stations are 10 – 15 minute’s walk.
Able-Thomas Property Management Services NZ Limited
Website: [www.able-thomas.com]
The business that brings Property Owners/Investors, Landlords, Tenants, Flatmates, Boarders, Homestay & Tradespeople together to make happy, enjoyable & prosperous homes
Registered Company in New Zealand for Business & GST.
Use code NEIGHBOURLY and get 50% off your first order.
Try our premium New Zealand made dog food risk free with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. It’s made with the natural goodness of grass-fed lamb and free of fillers & nasties. If your dog’s not wolfing it down after completing the … View moreUse code NEIGHBOURLY and get 50% off your first order.
Try our premium New Zealand made dog food risk free with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. It’s made with the natural goodness of grass-fed lamb and free of fillers & nasties. If your dog’s not wolfing it down after completing the transition period, we’ll refund you in full. Even the fussiest dogs are begging for more!
Available now on convenient personalised subscription – each order includes your dog’s own feeding recommendation & measuring cup.
I'm opening a gym called 'Resolutions'.🏋️🤸🚴
It will have exercise equipment for the first 2-3 weeks and then it turns into a bar for the rest of the year.🥂🍻
😄😄😄
A man who was working for a Destiny Church anti-violence programme when he assaulted a woman has had…
When Sampath Kumar first arrived in New Zealand from India four months ago, he did not know anyone o…
Hi all. We bought this dryer in 2012 and it worked fine until recently. Seems to still produce some heat but that’s it. We have a new one so good for someone who needs spare parts or can fix it.
Pick up only. Free. First in first served.
Need advice on the newest etiquette rules? We’d like to cordially offer you answers.
By Steven Petrow
Modern etiquette
Are you unsure about what constitutes good manners these days? I don’t blame you – the times, they are a bit fraught, no? If you’re a man and you hold the door for a … View moreNeed advice on the newest etiquette rules? We’d like to cordially offer you answers.
By Steven Petrow
Modern etiquette
Are you unsure about what constitutes good manners these days? I don’t blame you – the times, they are a bit fraught, no? If you’re a man and you hold the door for a woman, will you be thanked or called patronising? Will someone shut you down if you use a phrase that has suddenly become offensive? And don’t get me started about when it’s OK to use mobile phones.
Good manners used to mean simple courtesy and being kind. Today it seems we are haunted by the fear of doing or saying the wrong thing, and for good reason. Given the power of the Internet, a faux pas can mean losing a friend – or your job.
Covering the ins and outs of civil behaviour for the past 20-plus years, I have learned that, fortunately, good intentions never go out of style. Even better, science tells us that acts of kindness are contagious: If I treat you right, you’re more likely to treat the next person better. And from there, the ripples flow.
The dreaded office holiday party
Q: Do I really have to go to my office holiday party? I hate pretending I’m friends with people I wouldn’t invite to my own house.
A: Ugh. I used to hate office parties too. Forced frivolity. Frozen smiles. Too much bubbly. But now that I’ve mellowed with age, I try to “make every moment matter,” as any minister or meditation teacher urges. So yes, go. You might even enjoy yourself.
The main rule is to keep it professional, which will guide you in many ways: when to arrive (on time); what to wear (festive but still appropriate); how much to drink (minimal); how to behave (engage with others, get away from your clique, don’t look bored, don’t flirt); and when to leave (don’t be a hanger-on).
To hold or not to hold – the door
Q: My husband always opens doors for women (he’s 80). But the younger women cast him a look of pure contempt and brusquely rush past him without a thank-you. So sad. Why has such a basic kindness gone out of style?
A: Let me uncomplicate things: If I’m first to the door, I’m going to pull it open and let you go first, whether you’re a man or a woman. A push door can be awkward, but I’ll usually go through first (with my most charming “Allow me!”) and then hold it for you. I give the same advice to my sister (and all women): First one there opens the door and holds it. No racing to be the door opener, no lingering in hopes of finding a knight in shining armour. How hard is that?
The one time to break the rule: If the person ahead of you needs assistance or is much older, step up and open the door. And for those of us on the receiving end of a door kindness, I hope we all say “Thank you” as we glide by.
As for your husband, what can I say? He’s a charmer – and a keeper.
Not all handicaps are obvious
Q: I often hear people disparage those who use handicapped-only parking spots, as if they are cheating. My mother injured her neck in a car accident and has permanent damage in her feet, legs, knees and hips that makes walking difficult. To a stranger, she looks fine, but parking at a distance is a challenge. Does she need to carry a doctor’s note to show busybodies?
A: No! It can’t be said often enough: Not all disabilities are visible. I recently read about a college student who was undergoing radiation for cancer, entitling her to use the placard for handicapped parking. She returned to her car to find multiple notes that read “SHAME ON YOU” and “NOT REALLY HANDICAPPED JUST LAZY.” She posted them on Twitter, adding, “Reminder that you have no idea what’s going on in people’s lives.” If your mum has a disability that entitles her to a placard, she has a right to use it, no doctor’s note required.
If you’re a wannabe enforcer who suspects a fake, please leave the job to parking officials and go about your business without shaming anyone – which is my advice for most situations.
Elevator etiquette
Q: What is the protocol on elevators? Do you exit and hold the doors for others, or just exit and leave? Do you let women get off first, even if they’re in the back?
A: My first rule: Hurry up! Your fellow riders must not be held captive while we debate who leaves first. Second rule: The one closest to the doors gets off first, regardless of gender. Third: You know how on planes they allow “those needing extra assistance” to board first? Ditto for elevators. If you see anyone with packages, kids in tow, or a visible injury, make sure those folks get off safely ahead of you and hold the “doors open” button so they don’t close.
Don’t call me “honey” or “young’un”
Q: At doctors’ offices or local restaurants, the clerk or cashier – always younger than me – often calls me “honey” or “sweetheart.” This burns me up! I don’t think it’s acceptable for someone younger to speak to me in this manner. What can I say to these people that won’t make them feel bad?
A: Hello, generation gap! Believe me, I wasn’t happy when millennials started calling me “sir” as soon as the salt exceeded the pepper in my hair, but I didn’t take umbrage. I figured it was better than, “Hey, you! Old man!” Yes, try to give a young person a break.
But I do get my knickers in a twist when I hear someone use a term of endearment to a client or guest, such as when my own doctor repeatedly called me “muffin” (which was not only unprofessional but also a little bit creepy). I finally got a different doctor, although I wish I’d just said, “Please, call me Steven.” And that’s my advice to you: Introduce yourself and ask people to call you by your name (first or last). Learn theirs too. We all need to feel more connected.
No thank-you notes = no more gifts?
Q: How can I teach my young grandchildren manners without coming off as meddling? It especially bothers me when I give a child a gift and there is no acknowledgment from the parent or the child. What are my options?
A: I’m the quick-witted uncle to three nieces, which means I rely on humour and sarcasm to make a point. One time, several weeks after the holidays had gone by, I emailed one of the girls: “I can’t thank you enough for your thank-you note.” That prompted a quick, and guilty, thank-you from her. Then there was the year I boycotted them: no gifts. You bet they noticed, and they did a fine job with their thank-you emails once I resumed gift giving. (Yes, email is just fine, especially when compared with the alternative – no response.)
But I learned a lesson, too: I try my best to thank those who express kindness to me, whether it’s a flight attendant helping me with a bag or these same nieces – now young adults – who recently made an amazing dinner for our family. There’s a theory that gratitude begets gratitude, that it’s actually contagious. I believe that now.
Can I confiscate guests’ phones before dinner?
Q: It bugs me when people use their phones in social situations when they should be paying attention to those by their sides. For instance, guests often have their phones at the table when they are dining in my home. I now have a basket by the door, and I ask guests to leave their phones in it during dinner. Am I overstepping?
A: My parents had a mantra about guests: “My house, my rules.” I learned well, and now I ask my own guests to use coasters, clear their places after dinner, and strip their beds before departure. My whole family is like this. Before one recent get-together, I received an email declaring the dinner table “a politics-free zone.” Break the rule and you’re doing the dishes, it warned.
So along with your next invitation, send a note such as this: “Let’s talk to each other at the dinner table next week. Please silence your phone and keep it off the table.” Humour can help here, too: “Think your mobile phone goes to the right of the knife? It actually doesn’t. It goes in your pocket. Or in my pretty little basket by the front door. Break the rule, and it’s kitchen duty for you!”
Texting and driving is unsafe at any speed
Q: How do you get across to people that they’re not driving safely when they are preoccupied with mobile phones? Texting, talking – it doesn’t matter. Your attention is diverted, and you’re putting people – me – in danger.
A: This should be easy: Multiple studies have concluded that drivers using phones to talk or text (even hands-free) are more likely to crash than those who drink and drive. Would you get in a friend’s car if you knew he or she had been drinking? No – you’d take away the keys or call for a taxi. But I’ll admit this is hard, and I have a range of responses of what to say or do.
Nonconfrontational: “Hey, how about if I text for you? Just tell me what you want to say.”
Cautionary: Deliver a warning, such as “I think I just saw a police car behind us. I know you don’t want to get a ticket.”
More assertive: “You’re making me nervous when you text and drive. Can you wait until we get there?”
The nuclear option: “I can’t ride with you anymore, because you text and drive.” You can even blame it on someone else: “My dad/girlfriend/daughter/husband says I’m not to be in the car with you until you promise not to text while driving.”
Ladies and gentlemen, stop saying “ladies and gentlemen”
Q: Can you still address a group as “ladies and gentlemen”? It seems like that might be misconstrued nowadays.
A: I read that announcements on the London Tube now begin with “Hello, everyone.” Management says that this new language is more welcoming than “ladies and gentlemen,” which they say “belongs to yesterday.” These days, “ladies” are more apt to prefer being called women and “gentlemen,” men. The beauty of “Hello, everyone” is that it speaks to all of us, including men, women and those who identify as gender-fluid or nonbinary. We must all mind the gap, so it’s kind to include all of us – regardless of our pronouns – in the warning.
Ouch! Cramped knees on a plane
Q: On a recent flight, the person in front of me reclined his seat, hurting my knees. I was afraid to ask him to inch it forward. What can I do next time? Must I suffer?
A: Not long ago, I was on a flight when the fellow in front of me lurched his seat back. He didn’t look. He didn’t think. And he knocked my wine all over the seat tray (and me). I wasn’t on my best behaviour when I gave his seat a kick and shouted, “Pay attention. You’re not the only one cramped on this flight.” (To his credit, he apologised profusely.) If I had been given a do-over, I would have tapped him on the shoulder and said nicely, “You probably don’t realise it, but you knocked over my wineglass when you reclined. Could you move your seat forward?”
But part of my upset was spot-on. Pay attention! Before you recline, take notice of who’s behind you. Is it someone with an injury or who is really tall or perhaps overweight? Is it a parent with a lap baby? If so, don’t recline. (And don’t recline during meals.) If the extra few centimetres you get by reclining is really worth bothering the person behind you, at least give fair warning that you’re about to crush her knees or spill his drink.
Regifting rules
Q: Over the years, I’ve been given a lot of useless stuff: a clunky mug, a peace-sign cookie mould, an expensive photography book still wrapped in plastic. Can I regift?
A: Yes, but be careful. Last Christmas, I regifted a holiday bouquet decked out with a unique, festive ribbon. Hours later, it appeared on Facebook, with a public thanks to me. That was a new faux pas! As a power regifter – with a “regifting” shelf in a closet – I start by removing the tags and unwrapping the gift to make sure there’s no hidden card or inscription. Then I label each with a sticky note as a reminder of who gave it to me. I also try to be thoughtful; I’m not going to give a wool scarf to a relative in Florida. But I would give that cookie mould to a baker friend.
Am I being cheap?
Q: I don’t drink, and I’m tired of paying for my friends’ cocktails. When we split the check equally, I’m left having to chip in more than my share. I don’t want to offend anyone – or appear cheap – but I don’t want to pay for their drinks. How do I do that?
A: Nobody should have to pay for expensive manhattans or martinis they didn’t drink. That’s not being cheap; it’s being fair. Because some of my dining companions don’t drink, I’ll take the bill as soon as it’s placed on the table and calculate my own tab (including any manhattans I drank, plus a healthy tip). I really appreciate friends who take care of their friends and say something like, “So-and-so didn’t drink any of the wine, so let’s exclude that from his share.” Nice!
You could also ask your server for a separate check before you order (if that’s the restaurant’s policy). If you’re feeling tech-savvy, you can use one of the many new tab-splitting apps, such as Splitwise and Settle Up. I especially like Splitwise because it’s so easy. Download it to your phone, then add your friends. When you get the bill, enter each item and note whether it’s to be “paid by you” or “split equally.” The app does the rest, including tax and tip. Tech in the service of manners – I love it!
Who pays for a broken phone?
Q: My son was roughhousing near a pool with a friend who had left her phone near the edge. During their horseplay, the girl’s phone got kicked into the water and ruined, and her parents are asking me to pay for the replacement ($700!). If the kid left her phone at the edge of the pool, I don’t feel my son is responsible for it. Do I have to pay for this? – Anonymous
A: Yes – but the misbehaviour by both kids contributed to the phone’s demise, so both should pay for it. Agree to pay $350, with a note explaining why, and then set up a repayment program with your son, who needs to learn the consequences of horseplay.
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
