Mount Albert, Auckland

Free Community Event

Khizran from Mount Roskill

Come join us in celebrating the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan with a vibrant, family-friendly free community event!

Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Samoan Assemblies of God, 38 Robertson Road, Favona, Auckland

We’ve got an exciting day planned, filled with:
… View moreCome join us in celebrating the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan with a vibrant, family-friendly free community event!

Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Samoan Assemblies of God, 38 Robertson Road, Favona, Auckland

We’ve got an exciting day planned, filled with:
Cultural performances
Live music and entertainment
Delicious Pakistani food stalls
Raffle draws and fun prizes

Organised by the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), this event is all about celebrating identity, culture, and connection.

Whether you're part of the Pakistani community or simply someone who enjoys exploring different cultures, you’re warmly welcome to join us.
Bring your friends, whānau, and curiosity — let’s come together in the spirit of unity and celebration.

Applications for our Love to Dance grants are now open!

Murray Halberg Retirement Village

Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your … View moreWhether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your community dance group.

Applications close 31 August 2025.

New Zealand is saying goodbye to 3G. Are you ready for the change?

Brian from Mount Roskill

1. What’s happening?
From the end of 2025, beginning of 2026, New Zealand’s mobile operators (2degrees, One NZ and Spark) will shutdown their 3G networks.

2. Why is 3G being shutdown?
3G is old technology. This is part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more … View more1. What’s happening?
From the end of 2025, beginning of 2026, New Zealand’s mobile operators (2degrees, One NZ and Spark) will shutdown their 3G networks.

2. Why is 3G being shutdown?
3G is old technology. This is part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more reliable experience for consumers and future-proof connectivity.

3. Why does this matter?
3G-reliant phones, tablets, alarms and business/IoT devices will no longer work after the shutdown.
Most New Zealanders already use 4G or 5G devices, but if you’re unsure, it’s important to check.
Some 4G phones still use 3G for voice calls, and may require changes to settings to default to 4G networks.
Affordable, compatible devices are available, and support is available for those who need it.

4. Who is affected?
Anyone using a 3G-reliant phone, tablet, medical alarms, security alarms, business equipment, vehicle trackers and other IoT devices.

Most New Zealanders already use 4G or 5G devices, but if you’re unsure, it’s important to check your device now.

5. How can I check my phone?
FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check you can stay connected.
Visit your mobile provider’s website or go instore for further support:
2degrees
One NZ
Spark

6. What do I do if my phone isn’t ready?
If action is required, your provider will guide you through your next steps.
You may need to update your settings or software, or upgrade your device. Affordable options are available, speak to your provider about your needs.

7. How do I update my phone to use 4G/5G?
To update your phone: make sure your phone’s software is updated to the latest version.

To turn on 4G/5G in your settings:
iPhone: Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data > Select 4G/5G
Android: Settings > Mobile networks > Enable 4G/5G
For step-by-step help, visit your provider’s website or ask in-store:

2degrees
One NZ
Spark

8. Do I need a new SIM card?
If your SIM card isn’t 4G capable, you may need a new one.
Your provider can help you transfer your number to a new SIM if needed.

9. What if my device was bought overseas?
Some imported devices may not work on New Zealand networks, even if they are advertised as 4G.

FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check.

10. What other devices are affected?
Any other IoT devices that rely on 3G will stop working after the shutdown.
This includes some tablets, smart watches, medical alarms, security alarms, and other business devices.
Please contact your device supplier to confirm if your device is affected.

11. What about emergency calls?
3G-reliant devices will not be able to make any calls, including to 111, after the shutdown. It is critical to check and update or upgrade your device so you can contact emergency services.

12. If I need to upgrade, can I recycle my old phone?
Yes, you can recycle your old phone for free with RE:MOBILE. There are free-post options, or over 500 drop-off locations across Aotearoa.
Learn more at: remobile.org.nz

13. Where can I get help?
Visit your mobile provider’s website or go instore for further support:
2degrees
One NZ
Spark
==================================================

Elevate Your Windows with Stylish Grid Shelves for Plants

The Team from Resene ColorShop Mt Roskill

Transform regular casement windows into elegant grid-style options that double as pretty shelving – perfect for those small, sun-loving plants. Find out how to transform your windows with these easy step by step instructions.

Get growing this spring – and get a FREE gift!

Mags4Gifts

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just … View moreSpring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just connect, spray, and you’re done. No pumping, no premixing, no mess. It works with cost-saving concentrates like fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and more, and covers large or small areas quickly with a smooth, sweeping spray. It fits most chemical bottles (with three thread options) or you can use the included canister.

Whether you’re nurturing veggies, taming weeds or boosting blooms, this sprayer makes the job quick, clean and easy.

Treat yourself to expert advice, seasonal inspiration – and a garden tool you’ll use all year long.

*T&Cs apply. Offer available to the first 300 people who subscribe for 1 or 2 years between August 4 – August 31, 2025. Find out more

The people working for $10 - and less - an hour

Brian from Mount Roskill

New Zealand needs to rethink how the welfare system interacts with tax - and how we approach "punishing" people who are on the benefit, a prominent economist says.
Ganesh Ahirao said the marginal tax rates that people were earning when they shifted off income support, or took on more … View moreNew Zealand needs to rethink how the welfare system interacts with tax - and how we approach "punishing" people who are on the benefit, a prominent economist says.
Ganesh Ahirao said the marginal tax rates that people were earning when they shifted off income support, or took on more work at middle incomes, were much higher than those paid by higher-income people.
He looked at a number of household scenarios to illustrate the point and said even with living wage employment opportunities available, people were only earning between $8.78 and $10.65 an hour for additional hours worked. Someone on a minimum wage would earn even less.
The Living Wage is currently set at $27.80 per hour.
=========================================
In one case, a single person whom he referred to as Manaia, with no children, no student loan and paying rent of $415 a week for a one-bedroom flat in Wellington would receive the Jobseeker Support (JS) payment alongside Winter Energy Payment (WEP) and Accommodation Supplement (ASUP) totalling in the hand $592 per week.
Six hours' work at the living wage would take income to just over $700 with those supports.
"But thereafter, the reduction of JobSeeker - at the gut-punching rate of 70 cents for every extra dollar earned - slows in-the-hand increases to a snail's pace. Consequently, the effective marginal tax rate (EMTR) faced by Manaia soars into 80 percent-plus stratospheric territory," Ahirao said.
In another case, a sole parent of two children paying $600 a week would receive the Sole Parent (SP) payment alongside WEP, the Family Tax Credit (FTC) component of Working for Families, and ASUP totalling $1047 per week.
With six hours work at the living wage, the person's income would rise to nearly $1200.
"But then the reductions in support payments brutally cut in. Firstly, the SP declines by 30 cents for every extra dollar earned and then after 10 hours per week by 70 cents per extra dollar earned. The resulting EMTR of 89.2 percent is pushed to 93.3 percent (after 14 hours per week) as FTC payments begin to decline at 27 cents for every dollar of other income. Another hit (at 24 hours per week) pushes the EMTR to 95 percent, as the ASUP also begins to decline (25 cents for every dollar of other income)," Ahirao said.
If the person worked 40 hours a week they would receive $352 more than if they did not work at all.
Ahirao said the tax and welfare systems needed to work together.
"MSD does benefits and IRD does Working for Families and student loans… they have this separation there that needs opt brought together.
"Abatement rates in the welfare system are not seen by the tax system. That's one element.
"We also need to think seriously about our perspective on penalising people. It's a punitive-first approach welfare system. There is a belief out there that everyone should work, should be able to go to work and should take up work whenever they can. To a degree that's ok but then it goes to those who don't work are somehow at fault and should be penalised. That is the perspective to get past."
He said many people out of work were not jobless by choice.
There was little encouragement to work when the benefit was clawed back so quickly, he said. "You take away 70c in the dollar - there's a perspective that if we add on to their part-time income with jobseeker they're going to get too much, it's going to be too generous so we've got to claw it back… do we want to encourage people into the workforce or penalise people for not being in the workforce?
"That's the mindset we need to get over before setting any other policies. That's a big shift in our thinking across the whole political spectrum."
A universal basic income could be part of the conversation, he said.
"I'm comfortable saying you have aright to an adequate income and that involves an obligation to contribute in society, make yourself available for work. You don't go from there to we're going to bash you with a whole lot of sanctions. You tweak the settings to make it as attractive as possible to contribute. A carrot rather than a stick approach."
Ministry of Social Development general manager of welfare system and income support Fiona Carter-Giddings said the ministry's priority was getting people into work.
"Between June 2024 and June 2025, 86,000 benefits were cancelled because the person found a job.
"We're pleased New Zealanders continue to move off benefit and into work, despite challenging economic circumstances. When people are employed they have a higher income and more opportunities to improve their quality of life.
"Government financial assistance generally reduces as other income increases, because New Zealand's welfare system targets support to people who need it the most. This is a long-standing principle of social security.
"The ideal rate at which support should reduce involves trade-offs between income adequacy, incentives to work, and maintaining appropriate costs to the taxpayer. The welfare system is designed to balance these objectives, and it is an area of ongoing debate."
====================================================

Love broccoli? Share your recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by August 15, 2025.

Trains will run every 4-5 minutes at rush hour when City Rail Link opens

Brian from Mount Roskill

Aucklanders will have a "turn up and go" service, with trains running every four to five minutes at peak times through the central city, when the $5.5 billion City Rail Link opens sometime next year. That's the word from Auckland Transport as it announced three new train lines … View moreAucklanders will have a "turn up and go" service, with trains running every four to five minutes at peak times through the central city, when the $5.5 billion City Rail Link opens sometime next year. That's the word from Auckland Transport as it announced three new train lines crossing much of the city and linking to the Northern and Northwestern busways. AT chief executive Dean Kimpton said the reconfigured network will make it easier for Aucklanders to go to work and places they love to spend time in.
The timeline: Exactly when AT takes control of the CRL is unclear, with the practical completion date of November 26 pushed out to 2026. CRL Ltd chief executive Patrick Brockie said there's still a significant amount of work to do before Aucklanders can ride trains through the link's twin 3.4km tunnels, including completing more than 16,000 tests, integrating the CRL with the existing rail network, training drivers and gaining regulatory approvals.
===================================================

Unemployment hits 5.2%, 16,000 more jobless in past year

Brian from Mount Roskill

This is the highest unemployment rate since 2020.
It compares with 5.1% in the March 2025 quarter and 4.7% in the June 2024 quarter.
It was slightly better than the 5.3% expected by the consensus of economists but in line with Reserve Bank forecasts.
There were 158,000 unemployed people … View moreThis is the highest unemployment rate since 2020.
It compares with 5.1% in the March 2025 quarter and 4.7% in the June 2024 quarter.
It was slightly better than the 5.3% expected by the consensus of economists but in line with Reserve Bank forecasts.
There were 158,000 unemployed people (seasonally adjusted) in the June 2025 quarter, compared with 156,000 in the March 2025 quarter.
Annually, unemployment rose by 16,000 people.
But the numbers for New Zealand’s largest city look much worse.
The unemployment rate in the Auckland region increased 1.5% annually, from 4.6% in the June 2024 quarter to 6.1% in the June 2025 quarter. Annually, the number of unemployed people in Auckland increased by 15,000.
Auckland had 23,100 fewer people in employment year-on-year, but its total labour force also fell.
“Labour market conditions have changed considerably in the last few years. Since the June 2022 quarter, the unemployment rate has risen by 1.9 percentage points,” labour market spokesman Jason Attewell said.
“The underutilisation rate has risen by 3.5 percentage points over the same period.”
The underutilisation rate was 12.8% in the June 2025 quarter, compared with 12.4% in the March 2025 quarter and 11.9% in the June 2024 quarter.
Underutilisation is a broad measure of untapped labour market capacity that includes unemployed and underemployed people, along with the potential labour force.
“A relatively sharp rise in the underutilisation rate suggests overall slack in the labour market has opened up a little more than the headline unemployment rate implies,” ANZ senior economist Miles Workman said.
The employment rate was 66.8% in the June 2025 quarter, compared with 67.1% in the March 2025 quarter and 68.3% in the June 2024 quarter.
“Wages continued to grow, although at a slower pace compared with June 2024,” Attewell said.
Annual wage inflation was 2.4%, compared with 4.3% in the June 2024 quarter, and average ordinary time hourly earnings were $43.39, up 4.5% (compared with a 5% rise in the June 2024 quarter).
ANZ market strategist David Croy said there was little market reaction, the New Zealand dollar remaining at around US59.02c in the minutes following the release.
“It [the data] was on the soft side, relative to where the Reserve Bank saw things,” Croy said, adding the release confirmed that there was slack in the labour market.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis noted that the unemployment rate landed lower than many had forecast, but that it was tracking slightly better than Treasury forecasts from last year.
“Treasury has been forecasting since prior to the last election that unemployment would peak around this time this year, and they had predicted that it would be at 5.4% now, whereas today’s print is 5.2%,” Willis said.
“Prior to the election, Treasury had forecasted [sic] that at this point in time, there would be 8000 more people unemployed than has actually turned out to be the case in these numbers.”
But BNZ head of research Stephen Toplis described the data as “unequivocally weak”.
“At face value, the movement in employment and the level of unemployment revealed a labour market that was not as weak as we had expected,” Toplis said.
“But a look under the bonnet reveals a picture that is at least as soft as we had feared, and one which is certainly weaker than the Reserve Bank had expected when it put together its May Monetary Policy Statement.”
Kiwibank economists agreed.
“At first glance, today’s employment report looked a bit better than expected, but it wasn’t,” senior economist Mary Jo Vergara said.
“It’s the big drop in labour force participation that’s keeping a lid on the unemployment rate,” Vergara said.
From (a downwardly revised) 70.7% to 70.5%, the participation rate had dropped to a four-year low.
“That in itself is a sign of a weak labour market. People are leaving the labour market because it is simply not as attractive as it once was,” Vergara said.
In fact, the labour force shrank over the year.
“That doesn’t happen often,” she said. “The 0.4% decline is the deepest since March 2013.”
===================================================

The latest product recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
… View moreWe are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
Hydr8 brand Spring Water 600ml x 24
Snack Switch brand Plant Protein Bars
Ecostore Ultra Sensitive Multi Purpose Cleaner 500ml
Various sunscreens sold online at Harvey Norman

Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Annabel Trends - Banana Teether
Villeroy & Boch Children’s Tumblers- sold at Ballantynes Christchurch
Jupiter 2-in-1 Baby High Chair & Swing. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.
Portable Soothing Baby Rocker Bouncer Chair with Toy Bar. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.

Product Recalls: Clothing
Ocean & Earth Youth & kids Ponchos (Various)
IG Embroidered Sherpa Bomber Jacket- sold at Postie

Product Recalls: Electronics
OMNI Desktop power module with USB-A and USB-C
Yamaha PA300C Power Adaptor for Digital Piano Products
Gadali Gas Deep Fat Fryer OT-72A 12KW

Product Recalls: Other
Kelsey Mug- sold at nood
DT SWISS ARC, ERC, CRC & HEC Wheel
DT SWISS ERC/CRC/HEC Wheel
Momentum Vida E+ Low-Step E-Bicycle- sold at Giant and Momentum dealers
Honda Outboard BF115, 135, 150 and 350

See past months recalls here. Stay safe, neighbours!

Free accommodation

Ngatamariki from Mount Roskill

Fancy a week or weekend away in the country, free accommodation in return for some urgent typing.
Area is Kaukapakapa 8km north from Kaukapakapa village. There is a family on the property. Typing is needed now. Please call me on 021 2072117

There's still time...

Resene

Does your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!

Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in … View moreDoes your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!

Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in our communities and homes. Share a pic today and you could win one of ten prize packages worth $500!

Need inspo? Check out the entries so far. Share a Bright Spot now

Smouldering rubbish dumped on Sandringham Rd, Kingsland, after truck fire

Brian from Mount Roskill

A Fire and Emergency shift manager said they were called to Sandringham Rd, Kingsland, just before 5.30am.
He said one truck and crew were sent to the scene, and they left just after 6am.
Photos from the scene show a large pile of rubbish dumped off to the side of the road along the outside of … View moreA Fire and Emergency shift manager said they were called to Sandringham Rd, Kingsland, just before 5.30am.
He said one truck and crew were sent to the scene, and they left just after 6am.
Photos from the scene show a large pile of rubbish dumped off to the side of the road along the outside of Eden Park.
He also said incidents like this “were not very common” and it is unknown at this stage what caught fire inside the truck.
The manager said the driver followed “standard procedure” by dumping the load on to the roadside.
==================================================

Savour the moments that matter with Ryman

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View moreSome of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.

And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.

*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply. Find out more

2 large windows free

Rose from Avondale

Both in frames with window sills, no panes broken. One 1927W x 1480H, 3 opening windows - see pic. Other 1750W x 1380H, one tall opening window. Require 2 people to carry. Pick up from Avondale.

Free