1308 days ago

"Rockstar" jazz musician nets national accolade

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Auckland teenager Toby Barrett is turning heads in the jazz world.

The Avondale College student has won the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award this year.

He is among 85 students from 18 secondary schools around the country to earn the prestigious accolade.

The awards recognise the achievements of learners who took Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A levels in November.

Barrett came top in the country in Cambridge International AS level music.

A saxophonist and band leader, he is an award winning performer.

Barrett has netted awards in jazz competitions around the country and won the improvisation award at Avondale College.

Peers and teachers describe him as a "rock star."

Barrett plans to study music and commerce at the University of Auckland.

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More messages from your neighbours
14 hours ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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3 days ago

Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.

Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?

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Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
  • 42.9% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
    42.9% Complete
  • 56.5% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
    56.5% Complete
  • 0.6% Other - I'll share below
    0.6% Complete
1156 votes
14 hours ago

Today’s riddle: For all the curious minds next door!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

My thunder comes before the lightning.
My lightning comes before the clouds.
My rain dries all the land it touches.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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