Mechanics Bay, Auckland

1551 days ago

Auckland Zoo welcomes first baby rhino in 20 years

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

A healthy female baby rhino has been born at Auckland Zoo.

The southern white rhino calf was delivered on August 14, and it marks the first rhino birth at the zoo in 20 years.

Auckland Zoo ungulates team leader Tommy Karlsson witnessed the “exciting and nerve-wracking” birth that has been… View more
A healthy female baby rhino has been born at Auckland Zoo.

The southern white rhino calf was delivered on August 14, and it marks the first rhino birth at the zoo in 20 years.

Auckland Zoo ungulates team leader Tommy Karlsson witnessed the “exciting and nerve-wracking” birth that has been heavily anticipated by staff.

“It was very smooth and very fast, and Jamila did a brilliant job by giving a couple of really good pushes to get her baby here,” he said.

“Her calf was walking within 25 minutes and suckling well by the afternoon. She’s pretty sturdy, her belly is filling out and she’s already getting a lot rounder.”

Karlsson estimates the baby rhino’s weight at 65 kilograms.

The rhino’s mother Jamila went through a 16 month pregnancy and one hour of labour, with her water breaking at 7am and the delivery of her calf occurring at 7.59am.

Regional Facilities Auckland chief executive Chris Brooks said it is a rare and exiting privilege welcoming a new baby rhino.

“Auckland Zoo supports the recovery of rhino populations in Zimbabwe and in Sumatra,” he said.

“Thanks to the Australasian zoos’ breeding programme, we have been able to bring one more southern white rhino into the world.”

Karlsson said it is still early days, and Jamila and her calf are not yet out on the Savannah.

“We take Jamila’s lead to do this at the pace she is comfortable with, and once she’s ready, we can’t wait for visitors to see Jamila’s calf for themselves,” he said.

“Rhino are such an incredible species that are still doing it tough in the wild, both in Africa and Asia. They are so important in helping maintain healthy ecosystems for themselves and many other species where they live, so we need to do all we can to help ensure their future.”

Since 2013, Auckland Zoo has supported the Zimbabwe-based Lowveld Rhino Trust’s (LRT) conservation efforts for both black and white rhino species.

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1551 days ago

Keep supporting small business - promo!

David Downs from SOS Business

Hi - Auckland small businesses really need help. Our mates at Goodman Fielder Food Services are offering a promotion to help them. Please consider jumping online and buying a voucher for your favourite business today! They get the money asap, you can get the service after lockdown. Check the local … View moreHi - Auckland small businesses really need help. Our mates at Goodman Fielder Food Services are offering a promotion to help them. Please consider jumping online and buying a voucher for your favourite business today! They get the money asap, you can get the service after lockdown. Check the local businesses out here: sosbusiness.nz...

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1550 days ago

Aucklanders reminded to stay home and stay local this weekend

Dee Sims from Waitematā Local Board

Aucklanders please stay the course by staying home and staying local as we enter our last weekend at Alert Level 3.

Police will be patrolling sites like the Grey Lynn pump track and Victoria Skate Park reminding people that they remain closed at Alert Level 3.

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1553 days ago

Who is going to ensure masks are worn on buses and trains?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, Would you reprimand someone getting on a bus from Monday without the required face mask? Drivers and Auckland Transport won't be the Mask-police. What should happen? Read this story:

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1550 days ago

Do you get our free gardening ezine?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we’ve got a spring checklist for vegetables and flowers and, by special request, instructions for making newspaper plant pots for seedlings. Plus it’s time to tidy up hellebores, sow brassica seeds and start a new compost heap.

We have three tasty recipes from Jamie … View more
In this week’s issue we’ve got a spring checklist for vegetables and flowers and, by special request, instructions for making newspaper plant pots for seedlings. Plus it’s time to tidy up hellebores, sow brassica seeds and start a new compost heap.

We have three tasty recipes from Jamie Oliver’s new book 7 Ways. Plus go in the draw for fertiliser and soil enhancer from Fodda and Mr Fothergill’s ultimate garden pack.

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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1550 days ago

Have you nominated your local hero?

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

Hey neighbours,

With only 3 days left to nominate, we’re asking a BIG question. Have you nominated your Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year from Auckland yet?

We’re celebrating those every day heroes doing good every day.

Share them below and get nominating.

nzawards.org.nz...

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1553 days ago

Big travel specials offered for post-lockdown escapes

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

If you've got cabin fever, here are six easy trips you can look forward to once recreational intra-regional in and out of Auckland resumes. Click here to find out more.

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1554 days ago

Do you want the private use of fireworks to continue?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, Politicians have again decided not to grapple with the future sale and use of fireworks. No change. Do you agree? Read the story below:

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1551 days ago

Auckland Museum’s Ancient Greek exhibition postponed by Covid-19

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

The launch of an Ancient Greece exhibition at Auckland Museum has been postponed until mid-2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes is a world-renowned collection from the Ancient Greek world, and is the largest selection of ancient artefacts ever loaned … View more
The launch of an Ancient Greece exhibition at Auckland Museum has been postponed until mid-2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes is a world-renowned collection from the Ancient Greek world, and is the largest selection of ancient artefacts ever loaned by the British Museum to New Zealand.

But challenges in bringing international exhibitions to Aotearoa during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have prompted the rescheduling of Ancient Greeks, which was due to open last month.

Auckland Museum chief executive Dr David Gaimster said the virus has had a major impact on touring exhibitions across the globe and here in Aotearoa.

“We continue to explore other exhibition offerings and their viability and remain committed to the importance of international special exhibitions in bringing the world to Auckland,’ he said.

“We continue to work with international partners on an exciting range of exhibitions for our domestic audiences and look forward to announcing these as soon as they are confirmed.”

The exhibition showcases a wide range of treasures and stories and includes a selection of iconic sculptures from the ‘Mausoleum at Halikarnassos’, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.

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1551 days ago

MPI issues recall for peaches

Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry for Primary Industries has issued a recall for two varieties of yellow flesh peaches due to the possible presence of Salmonella enteritidis.

What you need to know:

Primor Produce Ltd and Turners and Growers fresh Ltd yellow flesh peaches sold between 10 July to 25 August 2020 … View more
The Ministry for Primary Industries has issued a recall for two varieties of yellow flesh peaches due to the possible presence of Salmonella enteritidis.

What you need to know:

Primor Produce Ltd and Turners and Growers fresh Ltd yellow flesh peaches sold between 10 July to 25 August 2020 should not be consumed due to the presence of the bacteria.

ALL yellow flesh peaches imported from the United States should not be consumed if purchased between 10 July to 25 August.

The products are sold in New World, Pak'n Save, Gilmours and Four Square stores across the North Island.

To learn more about the recall see the New Zealand Food Safety Website.

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1552 days ago

Auckland trampers help revive endangered kōkako population

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Trampers in Auckland have aided in the revival of dwindling kōkako numbers in a North Island forest, a study reveals.

A four-year survey of the kōkako bird found Pureora Forest Park is the first site nationally to have recovered to more than 1,000 individual birds, while in 1995 there were … View more
Trampers in Auckland have aided in the revival of dwindling kōkako numbers in a North Island forest, a study reveals.

A four-year survey of the kōkako bird found Pureora Forest Park is the first site nationally to have recovered to more than 1,000 individual birds, while in 1995 there were just seven pairs of kōkako in the area.

Volunteers from the Auckland Tramping Club (ATC) and Howick Tramping Club (HTC) have contributed to pest control operations in the Pureora Forest to protect the kōkako over the past 20 years.

Department of Conservation community ranger Kina Campbell said the two tramping clubs’ continued efforts demonstrate the importance of community contributions to conservation.

“To see the steady growth in the kōkako population is a great reflection in the value of the work being put in by members of these two tramping clubs,” he said.

Trampers carpool to Pureora during kōkako breeding season in spring and early summer, to reduce predators through setting and baiting traps and maintaining bait stations.

HTC spokeswoman Colleen Grayling said between 20 and 25 volunteers regularly give their time and effort, visiting the area up to six times per year.

“The reasons we volunteer are using our outdoor skills and gear for a worthwhile cause, enjoying the bush and birdlife, a chance to hear and see kōkako and the camaraderie of being with like-minded people,” she said.

“Hearing the calls of the increasing kōkako population and seeing the positive survey results drives the involvement. We have definitely had our challenges, but overall, our loyal volunteers’ hard work has paid dividends.”

HTC’s involvement with the kōkako efforts in Mangatutu goes back to 1997, and since 2003 the club has helped with applying for funding, purchasing supplies and administrative tasks to support the Department of Conservation (DOC). ATC has been working in the Tunawaea catchment since 2011.

As a result of the central North Island pest control work, the official status of the kōkako has moved from ‘Threatened’ to ‘At Risk – Recovering’.

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1552 days ago

A guide to mandatory mask use during Covid-19 level 2 and beyond

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Wondering what the mandatory use of masks during level 2 means for you?

Based on the information at hand, here’s what you need to know about the new face mask requirements, including what kind of covering you can use and when to use it.

Click here to read more.

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1552 days ago

C'mon Auckland!

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

Hey neighbours,

Hurry! You’ve got just 5 days to nominate your Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year from Auckland and give their mahi the recognition it deserves. 16 regions, 16 winners. All it takes is one nomination.

Who’s your Local Hero? Go.

nzawards.org.nz...

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1552 days ago

Has the way we communicate love and loss changed over time?

The Team from Auckland Museum

At Auckland Museum, we’re developing a new exhibition centred on emotions and connections through shared messages, and are welcoming submissions that highlight love, loss and longing.

Selected submissions will be featured in the exhibition, so whether it's a letter, email, card or even a … View more
At Auckland Museum, we’re developing a new exhibition centred on emotions and connections through shared messages, and are welcoming submissions that highlight love, loss and longing.

Selected submissions will be featured in the exhibition, so whether it's a letter, email, card or even a text message with an emotive story behind it - we want to hear from you!
Find out more

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1552 days ago

Small Business funding to Beat 2020

Prospa

Small business owners who need funding to support cash flow or invest in the future can apply for a small business loan up to $300K with Prospa to help them Beat 2020.

Business Loan applications take around 10 minutes online, and you’ll get a fast decision and funding possible in 24 hours –… View more
Small business owners who need funding to support cash flow or invest in the future can apply for a small business loan up to $300K with Prospa to help them Beat 2020.

Business Loan applications take around 10 minutes online, and you’ll get a fast decision and funding possible in 24 hours – so you can get on with business sooner.

Prospa is New Zealand’s small business lending specialist, and we’re here to help you Beat 2020. Get in touch with our team of friendly business lending specialists today!
Apply Now

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