Mount Albert, Auckland

Fun engaging learning.

The Team from NumberWorks'nWords Royal Oak

NumberWorks'nWords remains online during lock down level 3. Our lessons are being delivered in the same fun, engaging way. Here is some feedback from one of our parents.

Looking forward to your next copy of NZ Gardener?

Jo McCarroll - NZ Gardener editor Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

I am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve … View moreI am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve to make the most of your garden right now, plus Lynda Hallinan reflects on 60 lessons for gardeners from the lockdown, a bumper gardening quiz, and you can visit a spectacular Taupō garden alive with birds, a whimsical wonderland in Glenorchy in full bloom and meet the clever and resourceful gardeners of the Chatham Islands... all without leaving your bubble. And thanks so much to everyone who has been in touch to offer their support to the NZ Gardener team, especially those who have subscribed or renewed or purchased a subscription as a gift (an NZ Gardener subscription is a great Mother's Day idea, just sayin'!) We are so grateful to you all, and it's your support that allows us to keep inspiring and informing gardeners from all around New Zealand as we have been doing now for more than 75 years. Please share this message with your gardening groups on social too. We’re looking forward to the many more years of celebrating the amazing gardens and gardeners of New Zealand that lie ahead.

Need advice on a DIY fail or reno dilemma?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Hey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand. 

Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where … View moreHey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand. 

Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where where to start? Email homed@stuff.co.nz to tell us all about it - including photos if you can - and we'll ask our experts for their advice on how you can fix things up, or where to start with your project. 

So whether you have a interiors design dilemma, a need for some home DIY know how, bigger plans for a reno you'd like an expert opinion on, or even a tough cleaning problem you want cleared up, we'll get you some answers. What are you waiting for? Email your questions and photos to homed@stuff.co.nz and we'll get back to you.

Please note: We are unable to recommend specific businesses or tradespeople to provide quotes etc.

New Zealand is now at Alert Level 3

New Zealand Government

Alert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.

We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – … View moreAlert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.

We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – but which in turn – will affect all of us.

Two weeks then a review
• On 11 May, we will review our progress and decide if we can safely continue to step down restrictions, or if more measures are required to protect us all.
• So the decisions we each make now, matter. Because every interaction we have is an opportunity for the virus to spread.

Keeping safe at Alert Level 3
• At Alert Level 3, the best way to keep those around you safe, is by keeping your bubble small. Interact with as few people as possible. Less people equals less risk. And continue to stay at home whenever you can.
• We should each be making the minimal number of trips. Be sure to stay local, and only make necessary trips.
• And importantly, work and learn from home if you can.

Let’s do this
We’re a team of 5 million. Formidable. And we can do this.
So thank you New Zealand for making the right decisions, when it really counts. Find out more

Saying thank you to essential services with art

Dr Parmjeet Parmar MP

Art is always a great medium for children to express emotions, especially during this difficult time and at the same time to say thanks to those doing the hard yards to keep us safe and well.

I am inviting children to say thank you to those providing essential services by producing art … View moreArt is always a great medium for children to express emotions, especially during this difficult time and at the same time to say thanks to those doing the hard yards to keep us safe and well.

I am inviting children to say thank you to those providing essential services by producing art championing the work of our doctors, nurses, garbage collectors, supermarket and pharmacy workers and the many others in a way that is consistent and safe with the “stay home save lives” message.

The art is to be of anybody doing essential work, whether it be on the frontline in our hospitals, our caregivers at home, our emergency services or the cleaners, lab technicians, supermarket workers, truck drivers, port workers and farmers who are keeping us safe and well.

Please photograph your art and email to me at parmjeet.parmar@parliament.govt.nz.

Shortlisted art (ages 1 to 12) each week will be published on my website.

The competition is for the lockdown period. Find out more

GOFF moaning about Lost income- no rate decrease ?

Don from Westmere

A timely announcement Goff using loss of income to moan about i.e. Airport fees, ports of Ak, Stadium hire, Petrol tax, etc and still the council projects possibly carry on.
I don't believe the rates decrease will even be looked at, he will have his yes councilors to stop this happening for… View moreA timely announcement Goff using loss of income to moan about i.e. Airport fees, ports of Ak, Stadium hire, Petrol tax, etc and still the council projects possibly carry on.
I don't believe the rates decrease will even be looked at, he will have his yes councilors to stop this happening for sure. Any thoughts even if 83% of you voted for decrease in last posting on this subject .

Hey neighbour's

Jessie from Point Chevalier

Hey all hope your safe and well. Looking for one or two pairs of 4/5 year old girls shoes ? Not keen on buying new and waiting weeks for delivery. Contactless pickup :)

Level 3

The Team from Lake Panorama Dental

During Level 3 for any urgent or emergency Dental Treatment please contact Lake Panorama Dental on 09 2186000 or text 021136344. Stay safe and keep well. Thank you

Delivered Online: Certificate in NZ Wine

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Join us from ANYWHERE in NZ for for my online Certificate in New Zealand Wine and learn from your home.

These are interactive live sessions where we taste together and discover New Zealand wines in a way that will open your eyes to new flavours, producers and enhance your understanding of the … View moreJoin us from ANYWHERE in NZ for for my online Certificate in New Zealand Wine and learn from your home.

These are interactive live sessions where we taste together and discover New Zealand wines in a way that will open your eyes to new flavours, producers and enhance your understanding of the different wine regions.

We have partnered with Glengarry Wines so you can purchase the wine to be tasted at each session and have your own private supply delivered to your home. Celia will lead you through the course.

Session 1
- Leading international grape varieties and their origins
- Sensory Evaluation - understand aromas and flavours
- Wine tasting techniques and term

Session 2
- Climate and leading white grapes
- Viticulture and the vineyard growing cycle
- Regional maps and important white wine regions

Session 3
- Wine making terms and basic process
- Leading red grapes
- Regional maps and important red wine regions

Session 4
- Short history of New Zealand wine leaders
- Sustainable winegrowing, organics
- Basic wine faults
- How to read a wine label

Delivered Online: Over 4 evening sessions from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12, 14 & 19, 21 May with an online written assessment.

This is an NZQA micro-credential and you will also gain unit standard 29926.

Ramadan under lockdown poses new challenges for Muslim community

Melanie Earley Reporter from Central Leader

Hi neighbours, Ramadan is a month filled with communal prayer, eating and charity work for Muslims across the world, normally, mosques are brimming with people and large groups of family and friends gather for iftar, the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast at sunset - but in 2020 it will look a … View moreHi neighbours, Ramadan is a month filled with communal prayer, eating and charity work for Muslims across the world, normally, mosques are brimming with people and large groups of family and friends gather for iftar, the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast at sunset - but in 2020 it will look a little different.

Coronavirus: Future of community food pantries hangs in balance due to Covid-19

Torika Tokalau Reporter from Central Leader

Community food pantries will remain closed during alert level three – and possibly level two. The p…

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Coronavirus: Patients afraid to go to hospital due to Covid-19

Hannah Martin Reporter from Central Leader

As he readied himself for his first potential coronavirus patient, intensive care paramedic Zane Cha…

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Small business owners - we have a gift for you!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

To show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.

Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're… View moreTo show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.

Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're operating in Alert Level 3, share tips and tricks unique to your industry, send a few shoutouts - or share how your community can support you at this time.

There's no catches and no hidden fees. It's just our small way of saying thank you for playing such an essential part in our communities.

Grab a FREE 3 Month Premium Business Listing now. (Feel free to share the news with your fellow small business owners too!)

*limited time only Get 3 Months Free

Contact Energy has increased prices without Notice? is Contact Energy ripping us off??

Keith from Avondale

Has anyone experienced this problem? I received a Contact Energy bill yesterday and found that my 22% discount has disappeared I called them and they told me that this is a government directive and that they sent me a letter to this effect which they did not. I am now shopping around to look at … View moreHas anyone experienced this problem? I received a Contact Energy bill yesterday and found that my 22% discount has disappeared I called them and they told me that this is a government directive and that they sent me a letter to this effect which they did not. I am now shopping around to look at other service providers and would like to know how much are other power companies charging. I am currently being charged by Contact Fixed daily charge of 30 cents per day and all day Economy low uers 22.40 cents per KWH , Electricity Authority Levy 0.13 cents per kwh and a prompt payment discount of 1%

Coronavirus: Alleged burglary of retirement village 'incredibly reckless' - police

Hannah Martin Reporter from Central Leader