Onehunga, Auckland

Maungarei/Mt Wellington fire caused by fireworks

Caroline Williams Reporter from Central Leader

Hi neighbours, a large fire on Maungarei seen from across the city on Tuesday night was "very likely" caused by fireworks, Fire and Emergency NZ said, adding that a group of about eight people had been seen acting suspicious in the area prior to the fire. The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is … View moreHi neighbours, a large fire on Maungarei seen from across the city on Tuesday night was "very likely" caused by fireworks, Fire and Emergency NZ said, adding that a group of about eight people had been seen acting suspicious in the area prior to the fire. The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is now calling for a total ban on the private sale of fireworks, given it has only been six months since Guy Fawkes night fireworks caused fires on Maungarei and Maungawhau/Mt Eden.
"Only a national ban on the sale of fireworks will prevent them being in the hands of people who continue to put the public and our ancestral heritage at risk," authority chair Paul Majurey said.

Coronavirus: 'Disaster tourists' booking night away from home during lockdown

Josephine Franks Reporter from Central Leader

Have you been using Zoom during the lockdown? You'll want to read this

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Central Leader

Hi neighbours, Are you using Zoom or other video conferencing software during the lockdown? Unfortunately, there have been several hacking incidents reported where trolls have joined strangers' Zoom meetings and streamed porn to the group or created other havoc. Luckily, you can change your … View moreHi neighbours, Are you using Zoom or other video conferencing software during the lockdown? Unfortunately, there have been several hacking incidents reported where trolls have joined strangers' Zoom meetings and streamed porn to the group or created other havoc. Luckily, you can change your settings to prevent this from happening. Here's some more information about some of the risks of Zoom and other video calling software and a quick guide on how to change your settings to prevent hacks.

Let the games begin

The Team from Resene ColorShop Onehunga

Recreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.

Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you … View moreRecreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.

Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you don’t live near water, you should be able to get some from your local garden supply store.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.

Find out how to create your own rock domino set.

Flour

Luana from Mangere Bridge

Hi everyone,
I'm not sure if you've had trouble getting flour in the larger supermarkets during the lockdown like I have, but if you have, I've found some small bags at a dairy at the top of the Onehunga mall road, called "State Dairy". There might also be flour at other … View moreHi everyone,
I'm not sure if you've had trouble getting flour in the larger supermarkets during the lockdown like I have, but if you have, I've found some small bags at a dairy at the top of the Onehunga mall road, called "State Dairy". There might also be flour at other dairies, but this is where I found mine. Take care x

Small businesses in your community need a hand!

SOS Business

Hi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.

You can play a special part helping small businesses stay … View moreHi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.

You can play a special part helping small businesses stay afloat during this time. Spread the word to your friends and family so that we can help as many local businesses as we can.

Thanks for being a great neighbour by being a lifeline for businesses in your community.

PS - in case you were wondering, due to the success of SOS Café, and the number of other service businesses now on the Platform, the team have rebranded to SOS Business – Save Our Small Business! Support a local business

Coronavirus: Kiwis stranded on Coral Princess cruise ship about to head home

Catrin Owen Reporter from Central Leader

Making the most of your Easter staycation

The Team from Auckland Council

There are plenty of things you and your family can do this Easter weekend, with the majority done from the comfort of your home.

April Challenge Month

The Team from NumberWorks'nWords Royal Oak

Here are our 2nd week of challenges. Might help fill in a bit of time and a great thing to do as a family.

View 2 more…

Young Labour camp assault: Man loses bid to keep name secret

Catrin Owen Reporter from Central Leader

A 22-year-old man who admitted assaulting two young men at a Young Labour summer camp has lost his b…

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Be Prepared

Denise Lee MP

Hi everyone, I've heard official word that we may need to prepare for potential power disruptions this Easter Weekend.

Vector has been keeping a close eye on the weather and there's enough concern for them to continue with preparations, including additional measures to keep crews and … View moreHi everyone, I've heard official word that we may need to prepare for potential power disruptions this Easter Weekend.

Vector has been keeping a close eye on the weather and there's enough concern for them to continue with preparations, including additional measures to keep crews and customers covid safe.

What this means is that it's possible it could take longer to get power back on if there are outages due to the forecast bad weather.

Vector's asking all Aucklanders to:

✔️ Prepare as you normally would when a storm approaches – tie down trampolines, bring in sun umbrellas, make your area as safe as possible to minimise the chance of emergency call outs - have torches and check batteries, and if on tank water, make sure drinking water is stored.

✔️ Take particular note of items that may fly around the neighbourhood during gale force winds – we don’t want people to break their bubbles to retrieve property.

✔️ Not approach Vector teams for their own safety. Please remember physical distancing of 2m.

✔️ Use Vector's Outage Centre (below link) to monitor restoration progress if power is out:

Auckland architecture wows

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Here are some highlights from the shortlist for the Auckland Architecture Awards 2020. We have a particular soft spot for the tiny Point Wells Cricket Club by Pac Studio! And this new build in Remuera, Auckland.

Meet Fonzie, the Cockatoo who spent 20 hours upside-down

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, He's famous on Instagram, but Fonzie the Cockatoo has a new claim to fame, after getting such a fright he landed on a powerline, giving his owner a 20-hour ordeal while he hung upside down. Read the happy ending :

Easter COVID-19 Update - Melissa Lee MP

Melissa Lee MP

Although my Parliamentary offices are closed during the lockdown my teams in Auckland and Wellington are happy to help if you need assistance during the weeks ahead, please get in touch with me at:

Melissa.lee@parliament.govt.nz or by phone on either 04 817 6636 (WGTN) or at 09 815 0278.

Best… View moreAlthough my Parliamentary offices are closed during the lockdown my teams in Auckland and Wellington are happy to help if you need assistance during the weeks ahead, please get in touch with me at:

Melissa.lee@parliament.govt.nz or by phone on either 04 817 6636 (WGTN) or at 09 815 0278.

Best wishes for a lovely Easter with your bubble!

Melissa Lee MP
National List MP based in Mt Albert Find out more

Auckland man sought in relation to thefts from vehicles of doctors and nurses

Kendall Hutt Reporter from Central Leader

Nurses and doctors are the main victims of thefts from cars at two Auckland hospitals. Police want …

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