Mount Albert, Auckland

1179 days ago

City Rail Link: 'Dame Whina Cooper' tunnel-boring machine poised for action

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Auckland’s City Rail Link is another step closer to completion today with the launch of Dame Whina Cooper, the tunnel-boring machine, at the project’s Mt Eden site.

The machine, named in an ode to the Māori land rights activist, will start cutting into Auckland soil in mid-May.

It will … View more
Auckland’s City Rail Link is another step closer to completion today with the launch of Dame Whina Cooper, the tunnel-boring machine, at the project’s Mt Eden site.

The machine, named in an ode to the Māori land rights activist, will start cutting into Auckland soil in mid-May.

It will excavate the first of the two underground train tunnels as part of a project that involves constructing two new underground stations, a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground rail link and a redeveloping of Mount Eden station.

Auckland’s City Rail Link is another step closer to completion today with the launch of Dame Whina Cooper, the tunnel-boring machine, at the project’s Mt Eden site.

The machine, named in an ode to the Māori land rights activist, will start cutting into Auckland soil in mid-May.

It will excavate the first of the two underground train tunnels as part of a project that involves constructing two new underground stations, a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground rail link and a redeveloping of Mount Eden station.

Wood described the event as an “exciting milestone” that is “helping our economic recovery and supporting jobs”.

“Building infrastructure like the City Rail Link is part of our Covid-19 economic plan. This project is providing real jobs and opportunities for thousands of Aucklanders.”

“It will give us a step-change in our public transport and cultivate a diverse and highly-skilled workforce,” he said.

Go here to read more:

www.stuff.co.nz...

1179 days ago

Poll: Do you support banning school jackets in the classroom?

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

High school students are too cold to learn because they have to remove their jackets in class, parents say.

The students, at Auckland’s Mount Albert Grammar School, are prohibited from wearing their jackets – which are optional to buy as part of their school uniform and cost $98 – inside.

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High school students are too cold to learn because they have to remove their jackets in class, parents say.

The students, at Auckland’s Mount Albert Grammar School, are prohibited from wearing their jackets – which are optional to buy as part of their school uniform and cost $98 – inside.

Stuff understands this is because of the rustling noise the jacket makes, which has been deemed distracting in class, but was unable to reach the board of trustees for confirmation.

Instead, the students are allowed to wear a jersey, which costs $98, or a cardigan, which costs $120, in class.

Parent Tracy​ Kelly-Hunt​ said the rule is depriving children of their basic need of warmth, reflected in Maslow's hierachy of needs.

“According to my daughter most of the older rooms are cold – a new TV is bought but not heating."

The woollen school jumper is uncomfortable and itchy to wear, said the social work student at Auckland University.


Kelly-Hunt said the uniform was so expensive she had to buy it secondhand, and other parents had to borrow money from the Ministry of Social Development to pay for it.

“Why are they charging that amount for a uniform and our kids have got to take that jacket off and be cold in the classroom, and they’re not going to learn anything?”

Fellow parent Emily​ Hall​ said her 15-year-old son does not wear a jacket to school because of the rule.

He has no locker and his bag is always full, so he has nowhere to put a jacket, she said.

“As a parent, I am really annoyed that I spent a lot of money for a jacket he does not feel he can wear.”

Hall said she finds it insulting that students are having their clothing micro-managed.

Deputy head boy Tali​ Meavale​ said students have to remove their jackets because on rainy days, the clothing could be wet and damp, leading to them getting sick.

There are also problems with students sweating in their jackets at lunchtime, making them smell, he said.

Teachers in the small number of classrooms that aren’t heated are lenient, and “allow students to wear their jackets for half the period”, the 17-year-old said.

“We offer jerseys here at MAGS as well as scarves, and I understand some students can’t afford it, but we also offer help for these students.”

Mount Albert Grammar School principal Patrick​ Drumm​ said he had not received any complaints about the jackets.


The uniform was approved by the board of trustees and had not changed for many years, he said.

“Certainly if it's a serious enough issue, I'd expect and welcome parents to make contact through the normal processes.”

In June 2020, West Auckland’s Avondale College changed its policy to allow students to wear their outdoor jackets inside the classroom.

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

Do you support banning school jackets in the classroom?
  • 5.7% Yes
    5.7% Complete
  • 90.6% No
    90.6% Complete
  • 1.9% Neutral
    1.9% Complete
  • 1.9% Unsure- it's a complex issue.
    1.9% Complete
53 votes
1185 days ago

Poll: Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?

Reporter Community News

Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine… View more
Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.

Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.

A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.

Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.

He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.

AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.

While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.

“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”

“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”

He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.

“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.

To see video footage, go here:

www.stuff.co.nz...

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?
  • 90.2% Yes
    90.2% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 1.8% Unsure- it's too complex
    1.8% Complete
2161 votes
1179 days ago

Your Big Mac, ordered from here.

McDonald's

New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.

New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to … View more
New Zealand’s lush green pastures and temperate climate means our country produces some of the world’s best beef.

New Zealand is one of McDonald’s top ten beef-producing markets and it’s such a hit with the rest of the world that a significant percentage of NZ’s beef exports are to international McDonald’s markets.

We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including Whangara Farms which was the first beef farm outside of Europe to be invited to the McDonald’s Flagship Farmers programme.

ANZCO Foods, based in the small Taranaki town of Waitara, are responsible for making our 100% beef patties. About 90% of the staff at the Waitara plant are locals and they manage to produce around half a million patties each day.

Our quality beef cuts are minced and that’s it. No additives or fillers, just mince that is formed in patties, before they’re flash-frozen and sent to restaurants.
Learn more

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K
1179 days ago

Give away a changing table

Kris from Mount Albert

Hi everyone,
we bought this changing table 6 years ago on trademe. Our children have grown up and are now all potty trained. We would love this changing table to go to a good home who needs it instead of finishing its life at the tip.
As you can see in the attached document, it will need handy … View more
Hi everyone,
we bought this changing table 6 years ago on trademe. Our children have grown up and are now all potty trained. We would love this changing table to go to a good home who needs it instead of finishing its life at the tip.
As you can see in the attached document, it will need handy parents to add some brackets in the corners to give it a second life but otherwise, it's perfectly functional

Free

Presentation1.pdf Download View

1181 days ago

Poll: David Bowie's China Girl, Geeling Ching, leads fight against $1m Auckland cycleway

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Central Leader

A high-profile Kiwi model who featured in a David Bowie music video is caught in a clash to prevent a cycleway being installed in Auckland’s Viaduct.

Auckland Transport has described its Project Wave cycleway trial as the “missing link” in the city centre cycling loop, running along Market… View more
A high-profile Kiwi model who featured in a David Bowie music video is caught in a clash to prevent a cycleway being installed in Auckland’s Viaduct.

Auckland Transport has described its Project Wave cycleway trial as the “missing link” in the city centre cycling loop, running along Market Place, Customs Street West, and Lower Hobson Street.

But model, actress and restaurant manager Geeling Ching is among many residents and business owners opposing the million-dollar project.

Do you support the cycleway trial in Auckland Viaduct?

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David Bowie's China Girl, Geeling Ching, leads fight against $1m Auckland cycleway
  • 48.8% Yes
    48.8% Complete
  • 51.2% No
    51.2% Complete
43 votes
1180 days ago

Mother's Day

The Team from NumberWorks'nWords Royal Oak

Thank you to all our amazing mums from the team at NumberWorks'nWords.

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1180 days ago

Walking stars is back for 2021!

The Team from Cancer Society Auckland

Wahoo – our popular night-time walking half marathon is back and brighter than ever!

Join us on September 13 to light up Auckland’s vibrant CBD while raising funds for the Cancer Society. With an all-new 12km option for 2021, Walking Stars is achievable by everyone. You can choose to power … View more
Wahoo – our popular night-time walking half marathon is back and brighter than ever!

Join us on September 13 to light up Auckland’s vibrant CBD while raising funds for the Cancer Society. With an all-new 12km option for 2021, Walking Stars is achievable by everyone. You can choose to power walk or stroll, but no running!

Sign up now and save with our early bird deal of just $59.
Sign up now

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1186 days ago

Queen Street standoff softens after talks between council and businesses

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Todd Niall

Court action over a planned upgrade to Auckland’s Queen Street may be averted after peace talks between a group of businesses and the council.

Parties are tight-lipped with the Save Queen Street group set to seek an injunction on May 5, but in a joint statement described Friday’s … View more
Todd Niall

Court action over a planned upgrade to Auckland’s Queen Street may be averted after peace talks between a group of businesses and the council.

Parties are tight-lipped with the Save Queen Street group set to seek an injunction on May 5, but in a joint statement described Friday’s 90-minute meeting as “productive”.

“Save Queen Street, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport had a productive meeting this afternoon and are working together to reach a resolution,” they said in a statement.

The group of retailers and landlords argued that the council was breaking the law in using the restriction of traffic lanes brought in during Covid-19 in 2020, as the basis for a new upgrade due in May.

The “emergency works”, carried out last year, widened pedestrian space by reducing traffic from four lanes to two on the CBD’s main retail strip.

The council plans next month to partially close a section of lower Queen Street to general traffic, and make it more pedestrian-friendly with pocket parks, widened footpaths and seating, in a $1.1 million trial.

Save Queen Street wants all the Covid-19 changes stripped away, before new discussions can begin on making the struggling street more attractive.


The society partly blamed the changes for the declining health of the street, which now has dozens of empty shops, following the loss of tourists, foreign students, and a trend to office employees working more from home.

Today's talks were chaired by the Auckland Council chief executive Jim Stabback, with senior officials from both council and Auckland Transport, but without the mayor Phil Goff.

Goff had previously told Stuff he supported the changes in the council plan.

Hi neighbours, what do you think of the planned upgrade to Auckland's Queen St?

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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1181 days ago

Do your curtains & blinds need a professional clean?

The Team from Textile Cleaning Services

Textile Cleaning is a one-stop-shop for all curtain cleaning needs - no matter how big or small.

We offer full take-down and rehang service and can provide replacement curtains while your drapes are being cleaned.

Help is just a phone call away.

Having cleaned thousands of curtains, … View more
Textile Cleaning is a one-stop-shop for all curtain cleaning needs - no matter how big or small.

We offer full take-down and rehang service and can provide replacement curtains while your drapes are being cleaned.

Help is just a phone call away.

Having cleaned thousands of curtains, drapes and blinds across Auckland for over 25 years, Textile Cleaning is highly recommended!
Find out more

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1182 days ago

Poll: Which is your preferred method of inducing sleep?

Beds4U Avondale

Choose an option below, or if not listed in the options then comment below what your routine is before going to bed to get a good night's sleep!

Which is your preferred method of inducing sleep?
  • 27.2% Listen to soothing music
    27.2% Complete
  • 59.2% Read a book
    59.2% Complete
  • 7.6% Meditate
    7.6% Complete
  • 6% Have a cup of chamomile tea
    6% Complete
184 votes
1182 days ago

Mother’s Day

The Team from Auckland Council

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday. OurAuckland has some great ideas for things to do with your mother this weekend: bit.ly...

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1184 days ago

Happy Mother’s Day 💐

Redcross Sandringham from Red Cross Shop Sandringham

No words can express the glory of mother. Do You want to find a special gift for your Mother. Come and visit our shop at 571 Sandringham. Happy Mother’s Day 💐

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1183 days ago

We Say/You Say: Queen Street

The Team from Community News

Kia ora Auckland,

Should Queen Street be car-free?

Major roading upgrades are set to get underway on Queen Street which the council says will improve pedestrian spaces.

The work is set to begin on Monday between Shortland and Customs streets, limiting traffic to a single lane each way and … View more
Kia ora Auckland,

Should Queen Street be car-free?

Major roading upgrades are set to get underway on Queen Street which the council says will improve pedestrian spaces.

The work is set to begin on Monday between Shortland and Customs streets, limiting traffic to a single lane each way and with bus priority in the evening peak.

Some have expressed their concerns for the project including a group of businesses and landlords calling itself Save Queen. The group applied for an interim injunction to halt the council's planned Queen St upgrade and a High Court Judge will decide whether to approve the injunction later today.

Should the upgrade go even further and ban passenger vehicles altogether? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment used in your local community paper.

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