Okura news is brought to you by the team at Rodney Times
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Fun with Watercolours. It's a Paint and Pen workshop. You take home three artworks.
Saturday 29th May 10am to 12pm at the Estuary Arts Centre.
enrolmy.com...
Hi everyone, I want to open up a discussion...
A year ago, my mate Nathan and I were talking about our passions. Mine was climbing and his was home brewing. He recounted his struggles when he first started brewing - The lack of guidance and scattered information was overwhelming and he almost quit… View moreHi everyone, I want to open up a discussion...
A year ago, my mate Nathan and I were talking about our passions. Mine was climbing and his was home brewing. He recounted his struggles when he first started brewing - The lack of guidance and scattered information was overwhelming and he almost quit after a few failed attempts. As a designer and a person passionate about helping others find their passions, I wanted home brewing to be the first community I help grow based on what I've heard.
Since then, I've personally created a few brews! With Nathan by my side, my now business partner, none have failed (Yaay!). Perhaps I should have done them myself to understand the pain beginners feel... but what it taught me was how straightforward brewing could be. Yet, during the course of my brewing journey, 2 of my friends failed their first batch and gave up.
Nathan and I have created Brewers Clan - A digital platform that helps beginner home brewers brew right the first time. We’re currently in the discovery phase and have built a few features to further discover pains points.
If you’re a beginner home brewer, what are you struggling with?
For established home brewers, what are the most common beginner mistakes you all run into?
If you're keen, join our waitlist for a guided brewing experience once we launch:
Brewersclan.com
In good condition Plenty of life left. From pet free and smoke free household. Pick up from Silverdale.
I make these seats, so (in most cases) can adapt them to meet buyer needs, or provide more if wanted.
They're comfortable, made to last, won’t blow away in the wind, and look good. Ideal for decks and outdoor settings. The timber is New Zealand H3.2 treated pine. All frame joints are screwed… View moreI make these seats, so (in most cases) can adapt them to meet buyer needs, or provide more if wanted.
They're comfortable, made to last, won’t blow away in the wind, and look good. Ideal for decks and outdoor settings. The timber is New Zealand H3.2 treated pine. All frame joints are screwed and glued.
Dimensions: Width 1600mm Height at back 800mm From front to back 600mm
Pick up is from Silverdale. I could deliver for $10 (North Shore to Warkworth). Outside that the cost will be based on the distance I have to travel on a return trip, but about $5 for every 20km.
Kia ora neighbours. Rangers fear stoats at Shakespear Regional Park may have had a severe impact on the pest-free sanctuary’s tīeke population.
The park, on Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula, is a sanctuary that provides wildlife, such as little spotted kiwi, robins, whiteheads, and hihi … View moreKia ora neighbours. Rangers fear stoats at Shakespear Regional Park may have had a severe impact on the pest-free sanctuary’s tīeke population.
The park, on Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula, is a sanctuary that provides wildlife, such as little spotted kiwi, robins, whiteheads, and hihi (stitchbird), with a safe and pest-free habitat.
However, a stoat was detected in the sanctuary at the end of 2020. It later gave birth, and two of its kits – a male and a female – were caught in traps.
Then, in January, thermal camera imaging suggested there were still stoats in the sanctuary, including the mother.
On Thursday, the council’s senior ranger at the sanctuary, Matt Maitland, said three more stoats had been captured, including two males and a female. It's believed one more stoat remains at large.
The sanctuary’s tīeke (North Island saddleback) population has been “severely impacted” by the stoat outbreak, Maitland said.
“This is the most significant excursion to date.”
Click 'read more' for the full story.
We're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.
We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New … View moreWe're very excited to announce Competenz as our new Neighbourly partner. Competenz is an Industry Training Organisation and helps people develop their skills on the job.
We truly believe in the work they do to help people gain apprenticeships, build their skills and work alongside New Zealand businesses.
Please join us in welcoming Competenz and stay tuned for job listings and other exciting content!
Jackie Chatelanat, who with her late husband Pierre gifted 843 hectares of their land at the Kaipara Harbour to the council in 2005, has died.
The Chatelanat's gave their farm to the then-Auckland Regional Council in 2005, so that all New Zealanders could enjoy access to the Kaipara.
The … View moreJackie Chatelanat, who with her late husband Pierre gifted 843 hectares of their land at the Kaipara Harbour to the council in 2005, has died.
The Chatelanat's gave their farm to the then-Auckland Regional Council in 2005, so that all New Zealanders could enjoy access to the Kaipara.
The couple had always dreamed of improving the land and building a sheep and cattle station, before giving it back.
Auckland Council general manager of parks, sports and recreation said Ātiu Creek had a special place in the regional parks network, rivaled in size only by the Waitākere and Hūnua regional parks.
“Pierre and Jackie were incredibly private people who only wanted to see their property turned into a public park. They refused publicity or widespread recognition but were delighted to see their property go from working farm to a countryside park humming with visitors."
Since it opened in 2008, the council has carried out pest management, native planting programmes, established a campground and built houses available for public bookings. The park has also hosted more than 1800 people at the Earthbeat Festival and been development for a wide range of recreational activities, including horse-riding.
"Today we pay tribute to Jackie who recently passed away but also to her late husband Pierre for this vision, for their contribution, for their service to our city," Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said.
"To come to this country with a determination that you were going to give this land to the country of your adoption is a very special thing to have done."
Click below for our 2018 story on Jackie and Pierre Chatelanat.
The Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.
It covers a range of topics such as financial help, … View moreThe Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.
It covers a range of topics such as financial help, assessing needs, getting help at home and being able to take a break from caring.
The Guide for Carers is available online now: bit.ly...
For more information about resources like this and other advice, read our SuperSeniors newsletter: bit.ly...
Kia ora neighbours, check out these cool photos of bioluminescence at Tindalls Beach from the weekend, courtesy of photographer Grant Birley (@chasing_horizonz_ on Instagram).
The algae behind the blue glow is known as Noctilucca scintillans, or 'sea sparkle'.
At night, the algae lets … View moreKia ora neighbours, check out these cool photos of bioluminescence at Tindalls Beach from the weekend, courtesy of photographer Grant Birley (@chasing_horizonz_ on Instagram).
The algae behind the blue glow is known as Noctilucca scintillans, or 'sea sparkle'.
At night, the algae lets off an electric-blue glow as a result of its biological reaction to disturbance, as a means of protecting itself - similar to that of a squid squirting ink.
Click 'read more' to see my story from January.
It’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.
Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey … View moreIt’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.
Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey where his passion quickly evolved from making music, to crafting guitars. It all started when Ross and some mates joined a music group where the camaraderie and togetherness were just as important as the music.
Living in a Ryman village, Ross can continue living life to the full in his retirement because they are places where you don’t retire from life, you find a new way to live .
Hi neighbours, Are you the partner of a border or MIQ worker but don't live with them? If so, have you been offered the Covid-19 vaccine? If you haven't, does this cause you concern? If this sounds like you, please email me at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz
Tēnā koutou. The Sky Bus North Harbour Express, which travels from Albany to the airport, is yet to resume more than a year after the service was suspended due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
The 55-minute service, which stops outside Albany Westfield and the Smales Farm and Akoranga bus … View moreTēnā koutou. The Sky Bus North Harbour Express, which travels from Albany to the airport, is yet to resume more than a year after the service was suspended due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
The 55-minute service, which stops outside Albany Westfield and the Smales Farm and Akoranga bus stations along the Northern Busway, cost $25 and $46 for adult one-way and return tickets respectively, with discounted fares for seniors and families.
North Auckland residents have still been able to get to the airport on public transport, via the NX1 to Britomart, train to Papatoetoe Station and the Airport Link bus to the airport.
However, the trip requires two transfers and takes about an hour and 50 minutes from the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station for $8.28 – double the time it would take on the Sky Bus service.
Alternatively, north Aucklanders can take the NX1 into the city – $6.12 from the Hibiscus Coast – and catch the Sky Bus Auckland City Express, taking between an hour and five minutes and an hour and a half.
A Sky Bus spokesman said it is keen to bring the service back, however it would need to see a "significant lift" in patronage for its Auckland City Express. The service resumed in July, however patronage is down 80 per cent compared to pre-Covid.
Click 'read more' for the full story.
UPDATE
May 12
3.15pm
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reported that all lanes on the Upper Harbour highway are open. Expect delays as traffic eases.
_________________________________________________________________
Auckland motorists are told to expect delays to their afternoon commute after … View moreUPDATE
May 12
3.15pm
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reported that all lanes on the Upper Harbour highway are open. Expect delays as traffic eases.
_________________________________________________________________
Auckland motorists are told to expect delays to their afternoon commute after electrical cabling fell on the motorway.
The southbound Upper Harbour highway off-ramp is currently closed as contractors work to clear the blockage. Police have reported that this is currently impacting city-bound traffic and diversions are currently in place.
Downtown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a … View moreDowntown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.
The Elliott St car park sits on a 4417 square metre plot of land, valued at $82.5 million.
The land has sat undeveloped as a car park - where an hour will cost you $19 - since the Royal International Hotel was demolished in 1987.
It was purchased by Singapore company NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited for $53m in 2012, and in 2017 the company was given approval by the Overseas Investment Office to build and operate a 52-storey, five- star Ritz-Carlton Hotel, with 300 guest rooms, four floors for hotel facilities, six for retail and five for car parking.
The development is expected to cost $350m, with the start of construction dependent on the completion of City Rail Link. However, the resource consent for the tower is due to expire in October.
Click 'read more' for our full story.
Hi all
Have these items up for grabs which was found in storage.
Please Pm me if interested.
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…