Maraetai, Auckland

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1623 days ago

New Zealand Wine Guide (2nd Edition) Book Launch

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

We celebrated the launch of the NZ Wine Guide with a wine tasting (naturally) and a guest appearance by illustrious wine maker and winery photographer, Kevin Judd. It is certainly Kevin's photos that provide such meaningful illustrations of the story of New Zealand wine and Kevin joined us … View moreWe celebrated the launch of the NZ Wine Guide with a wine tasting (naturally) and a guest appearance by illustrious wine maker and winery photographer, Kevin Judd. It is certainly Kevin's photos that provide such meaningful illustrations of the story of New Zealand wine and Kevin joined us live from his home in Marlborough.

Our tasting included 15 leading New Zealand Wines
Kumeu River Cremant
Blackenbrook Pinot Gris 2019
Tongue in Groove Riesling 2015
Millton Chenin Blanc 2018
Hans Herzog Mistral: Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane 2017
Kelly Washington Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2018
Cambridge Road Pinot Noir 2017
Greywacke Pinot Noir 2017
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2016
Passage Rock Syrah 2019
Craggy Range Merlot 2016
Hans Herzog Tempranillo 2015
Oak Estate Late Harvest Chardonnay 2018
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2017

We asked our guests to complete a questionnaire that included about what they liked about the wine: fruit? acid? mouthfeel? and then if they would buy the wine (as price is no object!).

The 5 top rated wines were:
Millton Chenin Blanc 2018
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2018
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2016
Hans Herzog Tempranillo 2015
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2017

The 5 wines that people would buy were:
Millton Chenin Blanc 2018
Oak Estate Late Harvest Chardonnay 2018
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2016
Hans Herzog Tempranillo 2015
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon 2017
Pegasus Bay Finale Noble Sauvignon Semillon was the resounding winner on both questions.

Just goes to show that many kiwis do have a sweet-spot for those luscious white wines...

1623 days ago

Do you know what to plant in the garden right now?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and … View more
In this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and nominate a gardening hero for Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Plus go in the draw for wild bird packs from Tui and copies of NZ Gardener’s July issue.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1627 days ago

Things that surprise Kiwis returning to NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. … View more
Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. Whether it's to do with the weather, the cost of things, the public transport, the food, the housing, the people or something else entirely, we'd be keen to hear about it. Please remember that your comment may be included in the article, unless you say you don't want it to be. Thank you.

1624 days ago

This week’s Kind Neighbour is Ann, nominated by Georgina Hamilton from Takanini.

Neighbourly.co.nz

Have you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® … View moreHave you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® Card AND a shout out in your local paper! Check out last weeks below ⬇️⬇️

"My neighbour Ann, a retired special ed teacher, goes the extra mile for her community. On her neighbourhood walks she notices blocked drains, or dangerous pavements on school routes and spends time phoning the Council to get them fixed. She is part of a local group that petitioned for new school crossings on Takanini School Road. She volunteers at the local school for free maths tuition. She sets a really great example of looking out for her community and makes the world a better place."

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1624 days ago

The Others Way music festival to return to K Road in September

Caroline Williams Reporter from Auckland Stuff

K Road music festival 'The Others Way' will go ahead in September following coronavirus uncertainty, organisers have announced.
Now in its sixth year, the Auckland event will take place on Friday, September 11, with the line-up to be announced in the coming weeks.
The festival is … View more
K Road music festival 'The Others Way' will go ahead in September following coronavirus uncertainty, organisers have announced.
Now in its sixth year, the Auckland event will take place on Friday, September 11, with the line-up to be announced in the coming weeks.
The festival is organised by the record store Flying Out, which is located just off K Road.
“We had to think very seriously about whether to go ahead with the festival this year, but concluded that the very best way to support bands, our local venues and the hospitality community is to put on a show," said co-founder Matthew Davis.
Find out more by reading the story below.

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1625 days ago

Your dog might be older (in human years) than you realise

Stacey Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Think you know how old your dog is? Think again.

Multiplying by seven isn't accurate, a new study says. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and other leading health institutions across the country have now debunked that common belief.

View more
Hi neighbours,

Think you know how old your dog is? Think again.

Multiplying by seven isn't accurate, a new study says. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and other leading health institutions across the country have now debunked that common belief.

According to their findings, a one-year-old dog is similar to a 31-year-old human.

To read about the how to calculate our dog's age, click here

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1625 days ago

COVID-19 Testing – Important information for our community

The Team from Counties Manukau Health

Because there is no community spread in Auckland, the people in our community who most need to be tested are those who have symptoms and are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

You are at higher risk if in the 14 days before your symptoms started:
● You were in contact with a confirmed or… View more
Because there is no community spread in Auckland, the people in our community who most need to be tested are those who have symptoms and are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

You are at higher risk if in the 14 days before your symptoms started:
● You were in contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
● OR you travelled overseas
● OR you had direct contact with a person who has travelled overseas within the past 14 days (eg Customs and Immigration staff, staff at quarantine/isolation facilities)
● OR you worked on an international aircraft or shipping vessel
● OR you cleaned at an international airport or maritime port in areas/conveniences visited by international arrivals

How can I protect my whaanau?
Although we don’t have community cases of COVID-19 in Auckland it’s still important to be vigilant.

The same actions that protect you and your whaanau from COVID-19 will also keep you safe from the flu, colds, and other infectious diseases. Washing your hands continues to be one of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe. Continue to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, clean surfaces, and stay home if you’re sick.

For information on current Community-Based Assessment Centre (CBAC) opening hours, visit www.countiesmanukau.health.nz
Visit us online

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1625 days ago

Celebrating Matariki

The Team from Auckland Museum

This week marks the rise of Matariki in the pre-dawn sky and signals the beginning of the Māori New Year. Here at Tāmaki Paenga Hira we've compiled a range of Matariki content for you to explore. Watch Amiria Puia-Taylor, Precious Clark and Pio Terei share their whakaaro (thoughts) on … View moreThis week marks the rise of Matariki in the pre-dawn sky and signals the beginning of the Māori New Year. Here at Tāmaki Paenga Hira we've compiled a range of Matariki content for you to explore. Watch Amiria Puia-Taylor, Precious Clark and Pio Terei share their whakaaro (thoughts) on Matariki and this winter season of gathering, remembering and renewing. Hear from Te Whai Smith about her mahi at Tāmaki Paenga Hira in te reo Māori, and view Sonia Snowden’s kete reminding us Matariki is a time to honour the plants used in weaving and be mindful of the resources Papatuanuku provides.

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1625 days ago

Do you know an amazing gardener?

Reporter NZ Gardener & Get Growing

NZ Gardener and Ryman Healthcare are on the hunt for the 2020 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! We're looking for green thumbs doing heroic work for their community.

Do you know someone sharing the veggies they've grown with their neighbours? Perhaps locals restoring a park in the… View more
NZ Gardener and Ryman Healthcare are on the hunt for the 2020 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! We're looking for green thumbs doing heroic work for their community.

Do you know someone sharing the veggies they've grown with their neighbours? Perhaps locals restoring a park in the area to bring back birds, or a group of neighbours doing a great job in their community garden. Nominate them today!

Click here and tell us why they deserve to be this year's Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year.

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1625 days ago

Botany & Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meeting, Friday 31July

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS), facilitates two community networking platforms; the Pakuranga & Howick Community Networking Meeting and the Botany & Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meeting.

These meetings provide an opportunity for community organisations, … View more
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS), facilitates two community networking platforms; the Pakuranga & Howick Community Networking Meeting and the Botany & Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meeting.

These meetings provide an opportunity for community organisations, social service providers, government agencies and the general public to connect and network with each other and to share information about their activity.

The Pakuranga & Howick Community Networking meeting is held at Te Tuhi in Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct and Dec and the Botany & Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meetings is held at the Old Flat Bush School Hall in Mar, May, Jul, Sept and Nov.

Both community meetings begin with a 30 minute speaker presentation, followed by a round-robin of 5 minute introductions and end with an opportunity to network over a light afternoon tea.

All are welcome to attend at no cost.

We look forward to seeing you and connecting with local organisations at the Botany & Flat Bush & Ormiston Community Networking Meeting being held from 1:30pm to 3:00pm on Friday 31 July at the Old Flat Bush School Hall on the corner of Murphy's Road and Flat Bush Road, Auckland 2016.

Increase your visibility at our meetings by becoming a 5 minute or 30 minute speaker. Please contact lindsay.upton@mecoss.org.nz to book a speaking time slot.

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1631 days ago

How much should your council rates rise?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, With one week until Auckland Councillors decide this year's rates rise, and the size of the Covid-19 hit Emergency Budget, public feedback on rates is fairly evenly split. How much do you think your's should rise? Read the story below:

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