Mechanics Bay, Auckland

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1312 days ago

Now open: Event submissions for Auckland Heritage Festival 2021

Dee Sims from Waitematā Local Board

Auckland Council is pleased to announce the theme for Auckland Heritage Festival 2021 (2-17 October): 𝙏𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙮, 𝙩𝙖𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙖̄𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞 … View moreAuckland Council is pleased to announce the theme for Auckland Heritage Festival 2021 (2-17 October): 𝙏𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙮, 𝙩𝙖𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙖̄𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙪.

Learn about Auckland’s rich heritage – from our natural landscape and historic architecture, through incredible treasures, to stories of our trailblazing people; all of which have made Tāmaki Makaurau the desire of many.

Event submissions for the festival are currently open for consideration. If you’d like to be included, please visit the website at Read More to start. 👇

The closing date is 5pm on 9 May 2021.

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1311 days ago

40 year-old pōhutukawa return to Quay Street in overnight crane-lift

The Team from Auckland Council

While the city was sleeping, Auckland’s urban ngahere/forest welcomed home the first two of seven mature pōhutukawa to Quay Street in a nine-hour crane operation.

After 40 years on Quay Street and an 18-month sojourn away from the downtown construction site, one tree was repositioned … View more
While the city was sleeping, Auckland’s urban ngahere/forest welcomed home the first two of seven mature pōhutukawa to Quay Street in a nine-hour crane operation.

After 40 years on Quay Street and an 18-month sojourn away from the downtown construction site, one tree was repositioned street-side in Quay Street and the other now takes pride of place in the city’s new Te Wānanga waterfront space.

Reaching out over the water and reuniting the city centre with the sea, Te Wānanga and the much-awaited Quay Street enhancements will open for Aucklanders in June.

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1307 days ago

May-June OurAuckland magazine out now

The Team from Auckland Council

The May-June issue of OurAuckland is out now, available online, delivered to homes across the region and available at transport hubs across Auckland.
Find out more info here: bit.ly...

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1310 days ago

Anzac Day: War letters to home

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Sunday marks the 106-year anniversary of the first landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

For many of the 16000 soldiers, April 25, 1915 marked their first day of combat.

And by that night, 2000 had been killed or maimed.

We remember our Auckland… View more
Sunday marks the 106-year anniversary of the first landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

For many of the 16000 soldiers, April 25, 1915 marked their first day of combat.

And by that night, 2000 had been killed or maimed.

We remember our Auckland veterans and fallen soldiers with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.

Here are letters from Michael Menzies, a Prisoner of War in Japan, to his friend Norm Ryder:

6/5/45

Dear Norm,

Still existing and anticipating a speedy reunion.

Appreciate your kind thoughts and wishes.

I often have the Queen St blues and a perpetual Waitemata thirst and occasionally a nicotine fit.

Received three of your letters and am anxiously
awaiting for more.

Your Affectionate Pal

Snowy

Michael Menzies' letter to his relatives:
2/12/43

Dear Auntie Kate and Ange,

I received your very welcomed letter dated May 25th on Nov 25 th.

Although Jack has received a parcel from St Johns Association London and a very brief letter from Kathleen, this is the first I have received in twenty two long months.

I had given up all hope of getting mail so imagine the thrill it gave me.

There is only one thing I need Auntie and that is news, especially of Pat.

Please don’t keep it from me if anything has happened to him for that would only hurt me all the more.

I can’t help but think the worst has happened to him.

How is everyone in New Zealand?

I have made several radio broadcasts from here, did you hear any of them?

Of course I know you’ll understand when I tell you that our correspondence is limited in more ways than one.

Please don’t send money as you suggested, but a few packs of cigarettes, gum, and a photo would be very welcome.

Apart from a few attacks of asthma Jack is very well and sends his love to all.

I assure you Auntie that you have no need to worry so much over Jack or myself as we are both together which makes it much easier on me and under the circumstances the treatment is fair enough.

There are many things I want to ask you and tell you but unfortunately they will have to wait until peace has been restored once more to this mad world.

Well auntie I sincerely hope this letter finds you in the very best of health and

Along with it I send the seasons greetings and all my love.

Lots and lots of love.

Mick

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Auckland Star Nov 1945 (2).PDF story about Menzies brothers as Prisoners of War.PDF Download View

1310 days ago

Subscribe and receive a free gift

Sunday Star Times

Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the … View more
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?

From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!

Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.

T&C's apply.
Subscribe Now

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1312 days ago

Every Signature Counts

The Team from Cancer Society Auckland

Reducing the number of shops able to sell tobacco is part of the Government’s world-leading draft Smokefree plan.

Show your support by signing our petition here.
Sign the petition

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1314 days ago

We Say/You Say: Anzac Day

The Team from Community News

Hi Auckland,

How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?

April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.

Anzac dawn and commemorative services up … View more
Hi Auckland,

How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?

April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.

Anzac dawn and commemorative services up and down the country are scheduled to get underway after widespread cancellations last year, due to the nation being under Alert Level 4 restrictions.

The NZDF have advised of a reduced presence of military personnel at Anzac services due to deployment at MIQ facilities.

You can check out where the Anzac day services are on this interactive map on the RSA website.

Feel free and share your stories below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used your local community paper.

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1314 days ago

Ever noticed the empty buses ? What's the answer ?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, If buses are running near empty, maybe the traditional way of providing public transport needs a rethink. Read the story below on the empty buses of Hobsonville Point. What's the answer ?

1313 days ago

Local Anzac Day Parades and Services

The Team from Auckland Council

Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.

Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.

Go to … View more
Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.

Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.

Go to ourauckland.nz/anzacday for a full list of services, parking, road closures and ways to commemorate at home.

COVID-19 precautions: please remember to use the NZ COVID Tracer app, stay at home if you are unwell and wear a mask on public transport. Anzac Day services will only proceed at Alert Level 1.
Learn more

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1314 days ago

Commemorating Anzac Day

The Team from Auckland Council

We are proud to partner with the Auckland RSA to deliver Auckland’s 2021 Anzac Day. Click on 'Read More' for are all the details you need to honour our veterans and armed forces this Sunday.

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1314 days ago

Have Your Say - Queen Street changes

The Team from Auckland Council

We’re proposing some changes to the way traffic uses Queen Street. Find out more and have your say through our consultation here: bit.ly....
#ProgressAKL with Auckland Transport

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1314 days ago

Anzac Day Parades & Services 2021

Dee Sims from Waitematā Local Board

Read More to find your nearest Anzac Day service this weekend.

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1314 days ago

New playground at Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea Park

Dee Sims from Waitematā Local Board

We've recently opened a new, ecology-themed playground at Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea Park. It's really cool, take the family down to check it out!

1315 days ago

Ryman: Your new way of living

Your retirement should be stress-free and full of adventure. Life in a Ryman village can open the door to endless opportunities.

Moving to a village doesn’t mean giving up your treasures or your sense of style. Whether you choose independent living or a serviced apartment, you can make space … View more
Your retirement should be stress-free and full of adventure. Life in a Ryman village can open the door to endless opportunities.

Moving to a village doesn’t mean giving up your treasures or your sense of style. Whether you choose independent living or a serviced apartment, you can make space your own. You’ll benefit from a supportive community, as well as organised activities, outings and fabulous amenities to keep you entertained. If your needs change, our villages offer comprehensive care options.

Experience the Ryman difference—you’ll be surprised at how fun, easy and relaxed the lifestyle is.
Download the Guide

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1315 days ago

Queen Street to get a makeover as COVID-19 works replaced

The Team from Auckland Council

Wide boardwalks, seating and native plants in planter boxes will soon replace the plastic sticks and temporary footpaths on Queen Street between Customs Street and Shortland Street.

New plans detail the removal of the emergency COVID-19 works in the area and the creation of a pocket park on the … View more
Wide boardwalks, seating and native plants in planter boxes will soon replace the plastic sticks and temporary footpaths on Queen Street between Customs Street and Shortland Street.

New plans detail the removal of the emergency COVID-19 works in the area and the creation of a pocket park on the corner of Queen Street and Fort Street to add greenery and provide a pleasant space for people to linger.

See the plans and have your say on the proposed changes by clicking on 'Read More'. Consultation closes on 7 May 2021.

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