Hillsborough, Auckland

611 days ago

Are class sizes too big these days?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.

A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however … View more
Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.

A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however support staff can be counted as teachers so the reality is that class sizes can be much higher.
What do you think are the ideal sizes for classrooms?

Type NFP alongside your comments if you don't wish these to be shared in the We Say You Say column of the local paper.

608 days ago

Greenview Park Village & Terence Kennedy House

Highgrove Village

Did you know that Greenview Park has multiple indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for afternoon tea or a cuppa?

These spaces are communal, and all are welcome, including visitors and family.
Find out more

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609 days ago

Is your baby starting solids soon?

Xiaoxi from Mount Roskill

Is your baby starting solids soon? Researchers at the University of Auckland are looking for parents/caregivers of babies who have not yet started solids to take part in an exciting study exploring how the introduction of solids influences babies’ gut bacteria, immunity and sleep. If you, or … View moreIs your baby starting solids soon? Researchers at the University of Auckland are looking for parents/caregivers of babies who have not yet started solids to take part in an exciting study exploring how the introduction of solids influences babies’ gut bacteria, immunity and sleep. If you, or anyone you know is interested, check out www.thesunstudy.auckland.ac.nz... or contact thesunstudy@auckland.ac.nz.

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609 days ago

Join the SUN Study at the University of Auckland

Nisha from Blockhouse Bay

Is your baby starting solids soon? Researchers at the University of Auckland are looking for parents/caregivers of babies who have not yet started solids to take part in an exciting study exploring how the introduction of solids influences babies’ gut bacteria, immunity and sleep. If you, or … View moreIs your baby starting solids soon? Researchers at the University of Auckland are looking for parents/caregivers of babies who have not yet started solids to take part in an exciting study exploring how the introduction of solids influences babies’ gut bacteria, immunity and sleep. If you, or anyone you know is interested, check out www.thesunstudy.auckland.ac.nz... or contact thesunstudy@auckland.ac.nz.

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609 days ago

Is your baby about to start solid foods?

Robyn from Onehunga

Is your baby starting solids soon? Researchers at the University of Auckland are looking for parents/caregivers of babies who have not yet started solids to take part in an exciting study exploring how the introduction of solids influences babies’ gut bacteria, immunity and sleep. If you, or … View moreIs your baby starting solids soon? Researchers at the University of Auckland are looking for parents/caregivers of babies who have not yet started solids to take part in an exciting study exploring how the introduction of solids influences babies’ gut bacteria, immunity and sleep. If you, or anyone you know is interested, check out www.thesunstudy.auckland.ac.nz... or contact thesunstudy@auckland.ac.nz.

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609 days ago

Poll: How much is your monthly POWER bill?

The Team from NZ Compare

We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.

We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View more
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.

We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?

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How much is your monthly POWER bill?
  • 63.3% Under $200
    63.3% Complete
  • 25.8% Between $200-$300
    25.8% Complete
  • 7% Between $300-$400
    7% Complete
  • 3.9% Over $400
    3.9% Complete
1124 votes
609 days ago

Tell us what should be done!

Cathy McIntosh from Puketapapa Local Board

Let's discuss the Annual Budget and what Council can do to manage the issue.

Pop along to the Puketapapa Local Board offices at 560 Mt Albert Road (next to the Mt Albert Community Library - we're the big pink building) We will be there TOMORROW EVENING (that's Thursday 16 … View more
Let's discuss the Annual Budget and what Council can do to manage the issue.

Pop along to the Puketapapa Local Board offices at 560 Mt Albert Road (next to the Mt Albert Community Library - we're the big pink building) We will be there TOMORROW EVENING (that's Thursday 16 March) between 6pm and 7:30pm. This causal event is a great way to find out more, ask the difficult questions and provide feedback.

If you can't make it don't worry there are plenty of other ways to have a say. You're local libraries have feedback forms. or go to the AK Have Your Say website : bit.ly...

YOUR input is important, so please help us make the right decisions for our communities.

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609 days ago

Watercolour Workshop for Beginners

Danielle Muller from Epsom Community Centre

Join Alba in our new Watercolour Workshop for Beginners! 🎨🖌️

In this workshop you will be introduced to this lovely water-based medium colours. You will learn watercolour painting techniques and how to use different materials, and go home with a beautiful painting.
No previous drawing … View more
Join Alba in our new Watercolour Workshop for Beginners! 🎨🖌️

In this workshop you will be introduced to this lovely water-based medium colours. You will learn watercolour painting techniques and how to use different materials, and go home with a beautiful painting.
No previous drawing or painting experience is needed. Join us for this lovely workshop, make new friends over a relaxing cup of tea.

​ • Monday 27 March
• 1 x 3 hour workshop
• 9.30am - 12.30pm
• Cost: $15
• Tutor: Alba G. Celdran

For more information or to sign up, visit enrolmy.com...

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609 days ago

Don't forget to nominate a small business...

Prospa

Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?

Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

There's been hundreds of … View more
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?

Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.

There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).

Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Nomiante now

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609 days ago

Your home, your safe haven

The Team from

Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.

We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View more
Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.

We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.

We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.

If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
Learn More

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611 days ago

Glitter bombs, joy and politics: The history of Auckland's Big Gay Out

Melanie Earley Reporter from Central Leader

Kia ora neighbours, twenty-two years ago a couple of hundred members of Auckland’s rainbow community gathered in Point Chevalier’s Coyle Park for a family-friendly picnic.

At the first-ever Big Gay Out, a small stage was set up for performances from local bands and drag queens, and while the… View more
Kia ora neighbours, twenty-two years ago a couple of hundred members of Auckland’s rainbow community gathered in Point Chevalier’s Coyle Park for a family-friendly picnic.

At the first-ever Big Gay Out, a small stage was set up for performances from local bands and drag queens, and while the smell of a sausage sizzle wafted through the air attendees played games like “toss the handbag” and tug of war, along with running races in stilettos.

Kevin Dunseath, better known by his drag persona The Outrageous Miss Ribena, was emceeing that event and said he had “no idea” so many years later it would be going strong and attracting crowds in the thousands.

Read the full story by clicking read more.

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610 days ago

Flood Images Wanted

The Team from Auckland Council

Help us make our communities more resilient to storms. Visit the link below to upload photos, videos and details of flooding in your neighbourhood.

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610 days ago

St. Patrick’s Day !

The Shop Manager from Red Cross Shop Onehunga

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Try your luck at Red Cross for great deals and amazing prices in store!”

Call us on: 09 622 1565

610 days ago

Auckland water prices to rise 9.5 per cent

Brian from Mount Roskill

Watercare’s board of directors confirmed the increase from July 1, which follows the price path approved by the board of directors in December 2020. It was included in Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan which was formally adopted in June 2021, after public consultation.
Watercare chief … View more
Watercare’s board of directors confirmed the increase from July 1, which follows the price path approved by the board of directors in December 2020. It was included in Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan which was formally adopted in June 2021, after public consultation.
Watercare chief executive Dave Chambers said since the board approved the price path the organisation has “faced significant challenges”, including “very high rates of inflation and extreme weather events ranging from drought to the recent floods.”
“However, we know many people are facing financial strain, so it’s important to us to keep price increases as low as possible,” he said.
“This is why we’re sticking with the price path we communicated in 2021 as part of Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan.”
Chambers said Watercare has been able to keep costs manageable by reducing its overall head count through attrition.
Infrastructure growth charges will also rise by 8 per cent.
The price for 1000 litres of water will now go from $1.825 to $1.998, while 1000 litres of wastewater will go from $3.174 to $3.476. The fixed wastewater charge will go from $264 a year to $289.
“In real terms, households with average water use will pay about $2.20 more per week,” Chambers said.
“We encourage our customers to get in touch with us if they’re struggling to pay their bills. We can work out flexible payment plans or refer them to the Water Utility Consumer Assistance Trust, which we fund to support customers suffering genuine hardship.”
He said during the past year Watercare has been “focused heavily on reducing our controllable costs.”
“Without this work, we would have been looking at a price increase of 10.7 per cent, so it’s thanks to this drive to find efficiencies that we can keep the increase to 9.5 per cent.
“One of the ways we’ve made savings is by reducing our overall head count through attrition. We’ve gone from having 1255 full-time equivalent staff in June 2022, to 1198 in January 2023.”
A recent review of Watercare’s Asset Management Plan identified a forecast capital expenditure increase of $3.6 billion over the next 10 years.
“This takes our forecast capital expenditure to more than $13 billion over the next 10 years. To fund this, we’ll need to increase the amount we borrow,” Chambers said.
“In the next financial year alone we’ll be spending more than $1b on infrastructure projects that cater for growth, replace ageing assets and deliver better outcomes for the environment. These include completing a new 45-million-litre water storage reservoir at Redoubt Rd, which significantly boosts our water supply resilience, and continuing to tunnel our Central Interceptor wastewater pipe between central Auckland and our Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The announcement comes after the axe started to fall on jobs across the Auckland Council group to address a $295 million hole in Mayor Wayne Brown’s first budget.
Eke Panuku Development Auckland confirmed about 20 positions are initially going at the property development arm.
Council chief executive Jim Stabback, with a staff of 7200 and an annual wages bill of more than $530m, has also confirmed job losses are looming.
Stabback and the chief executives of council-controlled organisations (CCOs) are having to trim services and jobs in response to the $295m budget hole brought about by rising costs from high inflation and interest costs and falling revenue from things like public transport fares.
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610 days ago

Pi Day

The Team from NumberWorks'nWords Royal Oak

Pi Day is on March 14, and any day that combines fun, education, and pie is a day worth celebrating! Pi, also known by the Greek letter “π,” is a constant value used in math that represents the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is just about 3.14….15…9265359… … View morePi Day is on March 14, and any day that combines fun, education, and pie is a day worth celebrating! Pi, also known by the Greek letter “π,” is a constant value used in math that represents the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is just about 3.14….15…9265359… (and so on). Not only that, but the fourteenth of March is also Albert Einstein’s birthday, so all together it’s nothing short of a mathematician’s delight.

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