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Roadworks on SH20 between Cavendish Drive and Massey Road
From 25 to 27 November, SH20 will be closed in both directions at night-time (10pm to 5am) between Cavendish Drive and Massey Road. This is to allow for the safe installation of a new electronic overheadsign near the Portage Road overbridge
Signposted detours will be in place but expect delays … View moreFrom 25 to 27 November, SH20 will be closed in both directions at night-time (10pm to 5am) between Cavendish Drive and Massey Road. This is to allow for the safe installation of a new electronic overheadsign near the Portage Road overbridge
Signposted detours will be in place but expect delays to your journey.
Create timeless garden art with Faux Rust
Create garden art that’s aged to perfection with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect. Find out how to make and paint your own garden sculpture with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and these easy step by step instructions.
Know a Local Legend? Let’s Celebrate Them!
In every neighbourhood, there’s someone who goes the extra mile, mowing lawns for the elderly, running the kids’ footy team, or simply being the first to lend a hand. These unsung heroes make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected.
Now’s the time to give them the recognition … View moreIn every neighbourhood, there’s someone who goes the extra mile, mowing lawns for the elderly, running the kids’ footy team, or simply being the first to lend a hand. These unsung heroes make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected.
Now’s the time to give them the recognition they deserve.
Celebrate your local hero today, whether it’s a teacher, a coach, a caregiver, or the neighbour who’s always there when it counts. We’re shining a light on the everyday legends making a difference in towns, suburbs, and rural corners across Aotearoa.
Let’s make sure even the quietest champions get the loudest applause by sharing our legends on the Neighbourly Noticeboard!
Scam Alert: Text from Police
If you get a text asking you to pay a traffic fine, please do not click on the link.
We’re aware of a text scam that includes a link to pay a fine, claiming to be from Police.
❌ Police do not issue speeding fines via text, this text is not from us, please don’t click the link.
Midtown Street Party
Midtown has become a little bit Karangahape Road, a little bit Dominion Road, but most of all this neighbourhood has a community vibe all its own. Midtown is throwing a party in the streets for everyone on the third Thursday of November. Bring your family and friends and join in for live performing… View moreMidtown has become a little bit Karangahape Road, a little bit Dominion Road, but most of all this neighbourhood has a community vibe all its own. Midtown is throwing a party in the streets for everyone on the third Thursday of November. Bring your family and friends and join in for live performing arts, delicious eats and hidden retail gems!
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You’ll discover a Midtown you’ve never experienced before.
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Feel the beat at AfroSamba, a high-energy Midtown Street Party brought to you by ORIKoL Productions.
After packing out the streets in 2023, AfroSamba is back and bringing the heat as the days get longer and warmer!
Don’t miss live drumming and music, photo opportunities with roaming Brazilian Dancers, and arts & crafts pop-ups from the African diaspora and beyond - all set to a soundtrack of Afrobeat, DJs and global grooves.
Culture, rhythm, and serious street party vibes, right in the heart of Midtown.
Free, all ages, all welcome. Proudly supported by the city centre targeted rate.
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PROGRAMME:
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Corner of Queen Street and Victoria Street:
5 – 5:10pm Yaw Asumadu & Drummers
Elliott Street
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5 - 6pm Mangaliso
6:05 - 6:10pm Brazilian Divas
6:15 - 6:55pm AFRoMAURICE
7 - 7:35pm Yaw Asumadu & Drummers
7:40 - 8pm Unidos de Aotearoa drummers + Brazilian Divas
The Strand Arcade, 227 Queen Street
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5 - 6pm Kryztian Mendoza
6 - 6:10pm Yaw Asumadu & Drummers
6:10 - 6:30m Kryztian Mendoza
6:30 - 8pm THUNDERBOY
About the artists:
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Yaw Asumadu & Drummers
Yaw Asumadu & Drummers are a vibrant drumming ensemble that brings energy, rhythm and cultural flair to every performance. Blending African traditional, Latin, and Western traditional rhythms with modern creativity. The group creates an uplifting and powerful sound that connects with audiences of all ages, whether on stage at festivals, community events or private functions.
Brazilian Divas
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Bringing the magic of Brazil to New Zealand for over 19 years, Brazilian Divas are the country’s original samba entertainers. Based in Auckland, our vibrant dancers light up events with authentic costumes, energy and spectacle, from major festivals to community celebrations
Unidos de Aotearoa
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Founded in 2019, Unidos de Aotearoa brings the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnival to New Zealand. Our samba school unites Brazilians and local communities through the powerful rhythm of samba. They train weekly as a bateria (drum ensemble), supporting singers, musicians, and dancers in both stage and parade performances. From the streets to the stage, our shows deliver the authentic sights, sounds, and energy of Brazil—right here in Aotearoa.
AFRoMaurice
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A vibrant collective of talented Sega dancers and skilled musicians in New Zealand weaving together the rich cultural heritage of Mauritius.
Kryztian Mendoza | DJ
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Based in Auckland, Kryztian Mendoza mixes smooth energy and creative flair both on and off the decks. A photographer, videographer, and DJ, he’s all about creating moments that move people — visually and musically.
THUNDERBOY | DJ
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THUNDERBOY is a New Zealand DJ and producer fusing funk house, Hip-Hop, and R&B into high-energy sets. With performances at Baydreams, Soundsplash, and JBL Your Shot, THUNDERBOY brings a bold and dynamic sound built to move crowds.
Mangaliso | DJ
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One of Auckland city’s finest known for bringing sounds of Africa with a little twist.
Arts & crafts stalls popping up in The Strand Arcade including:
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AlMala Collections:
AlMala Collections celebrates culture, creativity, and craftsmanship through a curated range of Afro-inspired art, home décor, and handmade pieces. Each item tells a story — connecting heritage and modern elegance. Rooted in a passion for community and cultural expression, AlMala Collections brings together beauty and meaning, offering timeless pieces that uplift spaces and honour identity.
Aura & Essence Store is an exquisite boutique luxury, gift and wellbeing shop located in the charming town of Cambridge. The shop is a treasure trove, perfect for those seeking unique and high-quality items and customize gifts.
Dear Betty Collection
I’m Betty — a mother, fashion designer, and believer in God. My journey began when I started sewing clothes that made me feel free and confident after becoming a mum. Today, I design empowering, free-flowing pieces for women and girls, blending African fabrics with modern comfort to bring African style and spirit to New Zealand.
Evelirne Culture Limited is a West African, New Zealand fashion designer. Ready to wear African label with a vision to put African on the globe.
PAMBI Collective
PAMBI — derived from the Zulu word PAMBILIE, meaning to push forward or to journey onward — embodies progression, unity, and creative evolution.
We are a collective of visionary creatives rooted in Africa but inspired by the world. Our focus lies in crafting timeless design and sound — art that transcends trends and connects cultures.
Our community is our strength. From the streets to the main stages, PAMBI has had a presence at every major festival, expanding its influence beyond borders. With global recognition and co-signs from cultural icons such as Israel Adesanya, Burna Boy, Freddie Gibbs, Denzel Curry, and others, our movement continues to grow worldwide.
Our ethos is African at heart, but our village knows no colour — we represent unity through creativity, rhythm, and style.
VIVA PAMBILIE.
Velvet Skin NZ
Handmade & Handselected: All items in our luxury gift box are hand selected by our product chef, Riyana.
Care From Head to Toe: Natural skin care for everyone and everywhere.
Originally developed by Riyana to heal her eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. Come have a chat about your skin needs from most sensitive to just wanting a bit of a pamper.
Sufi Fragrances
Wonderful minds smell nice. We bring the ancient art of Attar-making to the modern world. Discover the scent of enchantment. Oil based perfumes, made from flowers extract.
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Thursday 20 November 2025
5pm-8pm
Cost----Free
Free Food / Drink Entertainment Community Craft / Hobby Cultural Exhibition Kids / Family Markets / Trade Music=======================================================
Essential guide to new life in Tāmaki Makaurau
New to Auckland or know someone that is?
We've launched a new 'Welcome to Auckland' web portal— a helpful and essential guide for anyone making Tāmaki Makaurau their new home.
The portal aims to ease the transition for new residents by acting as a central hub for … View moreNew to Auckland or know someone that is?
We've launched a new 'Welcome to Auckland' web portal— a helpful and essential guide for anyone making Tāmaki Makaurau their new home.
The portal aims to ease the transition for new residents by acting as a central hub for information, community services, and civic participation, ensuring newcomers feel a sense of belonging from day one.
Explore it by clicking on 'Read More'.
Moves to crack down on rough sleeping come as public disorder hits a 10-year low
The Government is exploring "move on" orders for rough sleepers in downtown Auckland despite Justice Ministry advice showing public disorder offences are at a 10 year low. Annual proceedings for public order, health and safety offences in Auckland City have fallen from about 2000 in 2016 … View moreThe Government is exploring "move on" orders for rough sleepers in downtown Auckland despite Justice Ministry advice showing public disorder offences are at a 10 year low. Annual proceedings for public order, health and safety offences in Auckland City have fallen from about 2000 in 2016 to roughly 500 in recent years, newly released data shows. Earlier this month, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said he had been tasked with ensuring police had the tools they needed to tackle public disorder. "It’s blindingly obvious to everybody that the CBD, particularly of Auckland, but [also] a lot of places, have been characterised by disorder and real concern around public safety," he said.
The context: Business groups and Mayor Wayne Brown back the proposed move-on orders, arguing rough sleepers and begging affect most central city businesses. Homelessness is rising in Auckland, with at least 800 people living without shelter in the Super City, compared with around 140 in Wellington and 270 in Christchurch.
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Twice The Joy, Twice The Toys
This Christmas, your generosity goes twice as far – all season long.
Every dollar you give to Visionwest will be doubled, helping Auckland families put food on the table and choose a special gift for their children this Christmas.
Last year over 2,000 children were supported and received … View moreThis Christmas, your generosity goes twice as far – all season long.
Every dollar you give to Visionwest will be doubled, helping Auckland families put food on the table and choose a special gift for their children this Christmas.
Last year over 2,000 children were supported and received gifts, with more than 1,100 whānau able to celebrate Christmas with dignity and joy.
Together, we can do even more this year.
Double your impact.
Babysitting
Hey! My name is Hannah Curran, and I am a 19-year-old university student. I have just completed my second year of medicine in Dunedin, and I will be in Auckland from November to February. I am looking for babysitting or nannying work during this time.
I have experience with children and love doing… View moreHey! My name is Hannah Curran, and I am a 19-year-old university student. I have just completed my second year of medicine in Dunedin, and I will be in Auckland from November to February. I am looking for babysitting or nannying work during this time.
I have experience with children and love doing fun activities while creating a safe and enjoyable environment. I have completed a first aid course (standards 6400, 6401, and 6402) and hold a full driver’s licence.
If you need babysitting help, please feel free to contact on 021 183 7907
The foods you should never store in the fridge
Potatoes, tomatoes, cheese and sauce – where do you keep yours? Here’s the ultimate guide on what to chill and not to chill, according to chef and food writer Xanthe Clay.
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I’m a bit sensitive on the subject of fridges. They are a very … View morePotatoes, tomatoes, cheese and sauce – where do you keep yours? Here’s the ultimate guide on what to chill and not to chill, according to chef and food writer Xanthe Clay.
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I’m a bit sensitive on the subject of fridges. They are a very personal space. When a well-meaning visitor moves to open the door on mine – to helpfully fetch their own milk, perhaps – I feel myself tense. Perhaps they’ll judge me for the squeezy bottle of mayonnaise (calls herself a food writer!), or the sticky jar of some Asian condiment tha’s been gently crystallising there since Ottolenghi’s second cookbook.
These days, we keep everything in the fridge – but my mother would have thought it pretty odd to chuck the cheese and the chocolate in there, next to the leftovers of yesterday’s roast and the bottles of silver-top. She’d be right, too: cheese prefers to breathe at a somewhat warmer temperature, around 10C, and chocolate becomes greasy and tasteless when chilled.
So, which other foods should avoid the big chill?
Foods to keep out of the fridge
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Potatoes
Fridges spell disaster for potatoes, as the cold turns the starches to sugars, making for soggy, dark roasties and cloying, gloopy mash. Store them instead in a dark, well-ventilated, cool spot. 8-10C is ideal, but at least make sure they aren’t next to the radiator.
Onions
Fridge temperatures can turn onions soft, so store them the same way as potatoes – but in a separate cloth bag.
Bananas
Never refrigerate bananas, as it’ll turn the skin a putrid-looking black. Better to freeze them in their skins and use in a bake.
Coffee
Never keep coffee in the fridge: it’s too damp, and may result in off flavours. The freezer can extend the life of whole beans, though.
Bread
Keeping bread in the fridge makes the starch molecules crystallise, so the bread toughens and dries out – OK for toast at a pinch, lousy for sandwiches. If you don’t eat much bread, you’re better off keeping your sliced loaf in the freezer and toasting from there.
Ketchup
Who wants cold sauce on their sausages? Keep it in the cupboard.
Foods to keep in the fridge
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Herbs
Basil hates the cold, but other herbs stay perkiest wrapped in dry kitchen paper or in a jar of water and stored in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Nut oils
If it’s not in the fridge, it’s almost certainly rancid. That goes for toasted sesame too, stir-fry fans.
Pet food
A controversial one: dried food definitely doesn’t need to be in the fridge, but open tins (properly covered) will last longer and smell less if kept cold.
Foods to chill – in certain circumstances
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Nuts
Unroasted nuts keep perfectly well in the cupboard, but once they’ve been toasted they are prone to rancidity, so store them in the fridge. Long term? Any nuts will last for a year or more in the freezer.
Eggs
Keep eggs in the fridge to extend their life, from around two weeks to two months. But beware: cold eggs are useless for baking (they’ll curdle a cake batter) and chilling breaks down the natural seal on the shell, so once they’ve been in the fridge you can’t change your mind and leave them out instead.
Jam
Traditional jam keeps in the cupboard perfectly well, provided you use a clean spoon to dollop it on your plate – toast crumbs from your knife are prone to turning mouldy. That said, modern preserves with lower sugar contents will need to be kept in the fridge, unless you are planning to finish the jar within three or four days.
Mustard
Perfectly safe kept out of the fridge, but spice levels will fall, so if you like it hot, chill it.
Tomatoes
Never put firm tomatoes in the fridge, as it stops the flavour developing and gives them a mealy texture. However, when they go squishy, the fridge will stop them going mouldy and give you another day or two to eat them up.
How we came to rely so heavily on the fridge
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We’ve lost our “frigucation”: a knowledge of what is best in and out of the fridge, opting instead for a rather prissy “just in case” attitude promoted by food manufacturers, who invariably suggest their products are refrigerated. As if anyone wants ice-cold sauce on their sausages.
To meet this new need, fridge sizes have been rising steadily over the past couple of decades, and we’ve become obsessed with wardrobe-like American-style coolers. These slick-looking kitchen behemoths with price tags to match promise us entry not to Narnia, but some glossy Stateside fantasy of sleek, clean efficiency; a place where Carrie Bradshaw keeps her coffee in the freezer – although she also stores her Manolos in the oven, so she’s no Delia.
As our fridges have got bigger, our houses have got warmer. While in 1970, the average room temperature in winter was 12C, nowadays your living areas are likely to be above 18C. Central heating means warmth reaches into every corner of the house, and old-fashioned cold, well-ventilated larders were ditched long ago in favour of indoor loos and utility rooms. So when the instructions are to keep food “in a cool place”, we don’t feel we have much choice. The only place may be the fridge.
Maybe we just need to buy food and eat it, rather than ram our fridges and cupboards with bags of salad and half-eaten jars. I’m off to have some bread and butter – neither of which has been in the fridge.
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Your Bedroom Called… It’s Begging for a Glow-Up!
Hey neighbours!
Tired of staring at the same old bedroom? It’s time for a mini makeover that’s fun, easy, and totally affordable!
From upcycling old furniture, adding cosy textures, swapping lamps, to creating your own gallery wall. These 10 DIY bedroom ideas will give your space a fresh,… View moreHey neighbours!
Tired of staring at the same old bedroom? It’s time for a mini makeover that’s fun, easy, and totally affordable!
From upcycling old furniture, adding cosy textures, swapping lamps, to creating your own gallery wall. These 10 DIY bedroom ideas will give your space a fresh, stylish vibe.
Ready to get inspired? Check them out here: beds4u.co.nz...
Your bedroom deserves a glow-up! Which idea will you try first?
BULK Thomas Track Master Sets X5 & MINIS Toy (with Mini included)
Selling this bulk of original Thomas the tank engine track master sets and MINIS toy as no longer required.
Please note NO TRAINS are included in any of the track master sets except for the MINI toy has one mini included.
All sets are originals and compatible.
4 sets are complete with nothing… View moreSelling this bulk of original Thomas the tank engine track master sets and MINIS toy as no longer required.
Please note NO TRAINS are included in any of the track master sets except for the MINI toy has one mini included.
All sets are originals and compatible.
4 sets are complete with nothing missing or broken.
1 set has one piece missing which doesn’t effect it at all (more decorative than anything else).
All together this is worth more than $150 so good deal.
From smoke and pet free home.
Pick up is in Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall)
Go Pro Hero12 Black - BRAND NEW NEVER USED
Selling this Go Pro Hero12 as no longer required.
Purchased brand new for $650 but never used it. Only opened the packaging as per photos and that’s it. In perfect condition.
Brand new and never used.
Pick up is in Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall)
ACC turns to AI to decide who to help
A move by ACC to use artificial intelligence to help decide which long-term claimants should go back to work is being called "shocking".
It comes as the state insurer is under instruction from its minister to reduce the long-term claims pool.
There are about 25,000 long-term claimants … View moreA move by ACC to use artificial intelligence to help decide which long-term claimants should go back to work is being called "shocking".
It comes as the state insurer is under instruction from its minister to reduce the long-term claims pool.
There are about 25,000 long-term claimants that have been receiving compensation for a year or more, the most there had ever been.
ACC earlier this year commissioned advice to work out how it could both remove existing clients, and prevent new ones from entering the pool.
In the year to June 2025 a record 8000 long-term claimants were taken off its books because they were deemed "work ready".
ACC planned to ramp up exits even more, with a goal of 11,675 by next June.
By 2028 it hoped to have more people coming out of the long-term pool than going in.
"Nothing in ACC's proposals actually looks at rehabilitation," ACC advocate Warren Forster told Nine to Noon.
"It's all about 'how can we ramp up exits, how can we get more people coming off the scheme', and that's the antithesis of the statutory purpose. It's the antithesis of why we have ACC in New Zealand."
ACC said it was committed to helping injured people return to independence or to their new normal after life-changing injuries.
"It's important that we manage the scheme sustainably so it's there for Kiwis when they need it, now and in the future," ACC deputy chief executive Michael Frampton said.
He said some long-term claimants would need financial support for a longer time because of life-changing injuries, but there were some whose injuries would not normally take a long time to recover from.
"That suggests they might not have had the right support and we're actively working with them to help them back to independence," Frampton said.
He said one step was to make sure all long-term claimants have one-to-one case management to make sure they were getting the right support. Frampton said this was already showing positive effects and giving better outcomes.
"ACC is using AI to help identify cases where the client may benefit from a further review by staff member to help ensure that they're receiving the right support," he said.
Acclaim Otago report lead author Warren ForsterWarren Forster. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
Frampton said it also meant providing "advice on next steps".
Forster said 31,000 injured people had been pushed off ACC in the last five years.
"The AI will tell you 'person X has a sprain, they've been off work for six years' or whatever the case might be," he said.
"The AI will say 'well, this person's got a sprain, we'll get rid of them' and that's, you know, when you're blindly following what a model does then you produce junk data".
He said the person might have a disc prolapse or a tendon tear, may have been misdiagnosed or may be in mental health distress.
"Everyone knows the person doesn't have a sprain injury," Forster said.
"AI can tell you that this person has a problem, but AI is not going to tell you what that problem is. What we have is AI identifying someone who ACC can exit."
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Get $20,000 back* with your new home!
At Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.
Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.
Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the … View moreAt Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.
Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.
Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the choice is yours!
*Terms and conditions apply.
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