Lynfield, Auckland

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1686 days ago

Level 4 lockdown begins tonight...

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

As of tonight at 11:59pm New Zealand will move to a Level 4 alert in response to the #COVID19 pandemic. It will put the entire country on lockdown for four weeks. Here’s what that will mean for us moving forward:

1686 days ago

A message to our Adventurous Seniors

The Team from Readers Tours

There is a reason Readers Tours attract ‘Adventurous Seniors’.

Our itineraries are bold and colourful, so are our tour guides.
We drive scenic roads and coastal highway and have luxury accommodation waiting after a big day. We offer excursions such as Helicopter rides and guided walks and … View more
There is a reason Readers Tours attract ‘Adventurous Seniors’.

Our itineraries are bold and colourful, so are our tour guides.
We drive scenic roads and coastal highway and have luxury accommodation waiting after a big day. We offer excursions such as Helicopter rides and guided walks and have everything organised down to the last meal, with free newspapers for a spot of reading or challenging sudoku.

We are passionate about bringing like-minded individuals together to explore this beautiful landscape we call our backyard and are ready to go full steam ahead with our next tour the moment it is safe to do so.

For now, we will continue to bring you stunning photography, travel stories and helpful tips during these unprecedented times.

Our team remains dedicated to helping you, so please pick up the phone or fill out our contact form and we will be in touch. We look forward to you joining us and experiencing New Zealand like never before.

www.readerstours.co.nz... | 0800 0800 99

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1686 days ago

Funeral services won't happen for at least (4) four weeks

Brian from New Lynn

Even family will not be able to attend funeral services under the country's level four lock-down, the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand says. Gary Taylor, the association's president, said he got confirmation today from the Ministry of Health that nobody would be able to attend… View moreEven family will not be able to attend funeral services under the country's level four lock-down, the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand says. Gary Taylor, the association's president, said he got confirmation today from the Ministry of Health that nobody would be able to attend funeral services or burials. "Prior to that they had told us there could be gatherings, but that's been reeled back now - there are no funeral services. "That has a huge implication for families going forward. The very act of gathering together and providing support to each other is really important to a family's mental wellbeing, as they process what has happened to them. "As much as we are absolutely behind the Government's restrictions and we understand what they are for, it does mean that families are going to suffer."
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There are about 90 deaths every day in New Zealand.
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The restrictions will impact cultural and religious practices. For example, according to Islamic law a person should be buried as soon as possible from the time of death. Taylor, who runs a funeral service in Northland, said some funerals would already be planned for the coming days and funeral directors would have to work their way through that with families. There were options for grieving families, including holding a memorial service once the lockdown ends, hopefully in four weeks.
"Potentially with modern embalming the deceased could even be kept at our premises for that period of time, if that's what the family wanted. Or, cremated and buried and then the memorial service to take place once these restrictions are relaxed a bit." Livestreaming services has become more common but wouldn't really be an option - only a celebrant or minister could attend in person, and as such watching from isolation at home wouldn't give much sense of togetherness. The extraordinary Covid-19 restrictions could well mean that people die alone and are buried or cremated alone. "The word sad doesn't adequately express the awful situation that would be, for that individual and those people that would have been part of acknowledging their life. That is so important to us as human beings, to be able to grieve correctly and properly ... we are going to have a lot of families in the future who have unresolved issues around the death of their loved one." Under level four lockdown the transfer of bodies from hospitals, hospice or homes would still take place, and funeral service staff would wear personal protective equipment. However, Taylor said that gear was running desperately low, and his association had asked the Ministry of Health to help secure new supplies. There was a low risk of transmission from a deceased person, but caution was still needed.
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1686 days ago

What if you don't have WhatsApp?

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

"We are now entering a time where families are separated into individual household bubbles and unable to communicate and interact the way they normally do. Our neighbours are the ones who can step up and help."

1686 days ago

Government clarifies: Warehouse to shut, dairies stay open

Brian from New Lynn

MBIE deputy chief executive Paul Stocks said the purpose of escalating New Zealand's Covid-19 alert level to 4 was to stop the virus in its tracks and reduce contact between people. "That's why we need as many businesses as possible to close their premises now if our one shot at … View moreMBIE deputy chief executive Paul Stocks said the purpose of escalating New Zealand's Covid-19 alert level to 4 was to stop the virus in its tracks and reduce contact between people. "That's why we need as many businesses as possible to close their premises now if our one shot at beating the virus is to be successful," Stocks said. "Only the businesses absolutely essential to ensure the necessities of life, like supermarkets and pharmacies, can stay open. If in doubt, the business premises should be closed." He said that meant the Warehouse needed to close its stores. Stocks said "big box" retailers like Bunnings, PlaceMakers and Mitre 10 can stay open to trade customers for essential purposes only. "These retailers play an important part in the construction supply chain, but they cannot sell goods to the general public." Dairies can continue to operate, but must ensure strict physical distancing rules for customers. Stocks said dairies sold basic food items like bread and milk, often to the elderly who may not be able to get to a supermarket. "If any dairy breaks the rules, we will shut it down. If there is evidence of systemic abuse, we will remove them from the essential services list." All restaurants, cafes and bars must close all aspects of their operation, including delivery. That means food delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliver Easy cannot operate either, however, the delivery of food that is not pre-cooked will be allowed. "We are doing further work on online ordering of non-food products for home delivery to see if this type of retail can be conducted safely. We will update advice on this once further decisions are made," Stocks said. Liquor stores will also need to close, except where they operate in licensing trust areas. Businesses that are a critical part of the supply chain for essential services are also able to continue operating, but must do so in a way that is safe. "For example, if you make chemicals that are needed for our waste-water plants, then we need you to keep operating at the minimum level required." Stocks said there would be significant limits on what people could buy, however, the list could be adapted if it was found some essential services needed to be made available. Stocks confirmed that smaller shops - including fruit and vegetable store operators - would be closed during the month-long lockdown. Butchers were also not considered an essential service and would be closing their doors after today too.
Full details on essential services:
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***Dairies to stay open, with "one-in one-out" rule
***Food delivery prohibited, except meals on wheels and delivery of food not pre-cooked
***Liquor stores closed, unless within a Licensing Trust Area and with "one-in one-out" rule
***Self-service laundries can stay open, two-metre physical distancing to be enforced
***Retirement villages included as an essential service
***The Warehouse to close stores to the public
***Bunnings, PlaceMakers, Mitre 10 and other retailers essential to the supply chain for building and construction can stay open for trade customers for essential purposes only
***The Tiwai Point smelter exempt from closure
***NZ Steel shut down in a way that allows for production to recommence easily
***Pulp and paper plants to shut down non-essential elements in a way that allows for production to recommence easily while maintaining essential production
***Methanex to remain in production, but at a scale consistent with stability of gas supply.
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1687 days ago

Support if you are anxious or stressed.

Uma from Avondale

Dear all.
If anxiety, fear or worry grips you, I am happy to guide you through simple breathing techniques to calm your mind.
This can be done over the phone via whatapp, viber or messengeron 021584405.
Also free on line meditations are available on :line every evening at about 7.30 to 7.45 pm. … View more
Dear all.
If anxiety, fear or worry grips you, I am happy to guide you through simple breathing techniques to calm your mind.
This can be done over the phone via whatapp, viber or messengeron 021584405.
Also free on line meditations are available on :line every evening at about 7.30 to 7.45 pm. Also many saved meditations for virtually every situation.
Please message me or join me on Avondale yoga or yoga with Uma on Fb where posting will be more regular.
Also if you have any other questions feel free to ask for help.
I I can't, I may be able to find someone who can assist.
#weareinthustigether.
Yours
Uma

1686 days ago

Police appeal for public to use 111 for emergency calls only

Brian from New Lynn

Police are appealing to the public to only call 111 in an emergency or life-threatening situation. The 111 line has come under significant pressure today as a result of a larger than usual volume of calls. “We understand that COVID-19 is having a significant impact on members of our community, … View morePolice are appealing to the public to only call 111 in an emergency or life-threatening situation. The 111 line has come under significant pressure today as a result of a larger than usual volume of calls. “We understand that COVID-19 is having a significant impact on members of our community, and many people are feeling very anxious and unsettled,” says Superintendent Dave Trappitt, National Manager Communication Centres. “However, it is absolutely vital that people only call 111 if they are facing an emergency situation – for example, someone is badly injured or in danger; there’s a serious risk to life or property, such as a house fire; a crime is being committed and the offenders are there or have just left; or you’ve come across a major public inconvenience, like a tree blocking a road.” “Anyone with concerns regarding people who are not self-isolating should email NHCCselfisolation@health.govt.nz.” “All other matters should be reported to police either by online reporting, or by calling 105,”.
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1687 days ago

NZPOST or Courier Companies

Rosie from Mount Roskill

Please advise whether NZPOST or Courier Companies still in service during Shutdown.
Thank you in advance

1687 days ago

All public transport in Auckland will be FREE when the country goes into Covid-19 lockdown, but it can only be used by people who need it.

Brian from New Lynn

Buses, trains and ferries will only be available for those working in essential services, for medical reasons, to get to essential services like supermarkets, and to move essential goods. While there will be no charge, Auckland Transport said people should continue to tag on and off, so passenger … View moreBuses, trains and ferries will only be available for those working in essential services, for medical reasons, to get to essential services like supermarkets, and to move essential goods. While there will be no charge, Auckland Transport said people should continue to tag on and off, so passenger numbers could be monitored, and changes could be made depending on demand. Essential workers may be asked for identification when they are travelling, such as a business card, ID card or letter from their employer. People must continue to get on and off the bus using the rear door to minimise contact with drivers. Auckland mayor Phil Goff said it was critical Aucklanders adhered to the rules.
"The lockdown that begins tomorrow night is unprecedented in our history but absolutely necessary to ensure we can shut down the route of transmission and protect our communities. "Every Aucklander must comply with the rules, stay home, self-isolate and only use public transport if needed to perform essential work, or to access essential services. "The better we self-isolate, the sooner the government will be able to ease some of the restrictions."
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1691 days ago

Auckland Council to close pools, recreation centres and major venues to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission

The Team from Auckland Council

Auckland's libraries, pools and recreational centres, as well as the Maritime Museum and Art Gallery, will close for two weeks from today in line with Government recommendations to constrain the spread of COVID-19.

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