Oratia, Auckland

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Head to our Know Thy Neighbour page.

1176 days ago

How many extra Māori seats will Auckland Council get?

Todd Niall Reporter from Community News

Kia ora Neighbours, the government is about to remove a barrier to adding Māori ward seats to Auckland Council. Shoudl it be one seat, or the three recommended by the royal commission on amalgamation? Read the Story below:

1181 days ago

Do you have any 'good' Covid stories?

Caroline Williams Reporter from Community News

Kia ora neighbours. I hope you and your whānau are all coping with this lockdown OK.

It can be a bit daunting to read the news during these tough times, so we'd really like your help to spread some joy.

Last time we were in level 4 lockdown, there were some lovely stories of kindness out … View more
Kia ora neighbours. I hope you and your whānau are all coping with this lockdown OK.

It can be a bit daunting to read the news during these tough times, so we'd really like your help to spread some joy.

Last time we were in level 4 lockdown, there were some lovely stories of kindness out there - remember the window teddy bears?!

We'd love to hear from you regarding anything you or your neighbours have been doing to help lighten the mood. Let us know in the comments or send me an email at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz - feel free to include a photo!

1175 days ago

Cancer doesn't stop, we won't either.

Cancer Society

COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services … View more
COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services to support New Zealanders going through cancer.
Learn more

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1177 days ago

Do you think Waikato River water means Auckland is now sorted?

Todd Niall Reporter from Community News

Kia ora Neighbours, The recent boost of supply from the Waikato River might give the impression that Auckland's water worries are over. Not so. The juggling act with Auckland's supply sources mean rain is still the ultimate answer. Reads the story below:

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1179 days ago

RE: Henderson Vaccination Centre

Fiona from Henderson

Just to let you all know about the changes/closure of Henderson Vaccination centre.
I had heard and read bits and pieces about people being turned away from the Henderson Vaccination Centre, even though they had an appointment.
So I thought that I would call the Covid Healthline to confirm our … View more
Just to let you all know about the changes/closure of Henderson Vaccination centre.
I had heard and read bits and pieces about people being turned away from the Henderson Vaccination Centre, even though they had an appointment.
So I thought that I would call the Covid Healthline to confirm our appointments for tomorrow.
Just as well I did, as the centre is closed until approximately mid September (maybe later), so all the staff can be used to help out at the over worked testing station across the road.
We had booked both of our appointments (as suggested) so both of them had to be changed. The wonderful lady who helped me on the phone, managed to find us a space at the beginning of September otherwise, we would have to been deferred to the beginning of October.
My point is, please ring to confirm and not turn up and be turned away - saves alot of time and disappointment.
Another reason for the massive delays in getting news dates/times are that all the 12+ year olds are being booked in by their parents, even though the 40+ haven't received their invitation letters yet (as per the person I spoke to today and the hotline)
That little bit niggled me, especially as so many elderly people haven't had their vaccines yet - so many.
Before anyone jumps down my throat, I fully understand we all need to be vaccinated, however the elderly need to be at the front of the line, not pushed down the line.

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1176 days ago

Recipe: Plain French Omelette

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Our Foundation cookery student Claudia has prepared this plain french omelette with mushrooms at home during August Lockdown 2021.
Escoffier described the omelette as scrambled eggs held together in a coagulated envelope, says Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking.
The moist, silky consistency is … View more
Our Foundation cookery student Claudia has prepared this plain french omelette with mushrooms at home during August Lockdown 2021.
Escoffier described the omelette as scrambled eggs held together in a coagulated envelope, says Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking.
The moist, silky consistency is known as baveuse.
Recipe on our blog.

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1180 days ago

Beer and wine during lockdown

Tracie from Te Atatu South

At times like this ideally don't you think our supermarkets should sell beer and wine? My main concern is that folks are queuing and entering two separate locations to get their supplies instead of just one stop like the rest of the country. At non covid times it's simply inconvenient … View moreAt times like this ideally don't you think our supermarkets should sell beer and wine? My main concern is that folks are queuing and entering two separate locations to get their supplies instead of just one stop like the rest of the country. At non covid times it's simply inconvenient (and more expensive!) but encouraging this additional movement of people during a lockdown is unnecessary and surely an increased risk. Whether you agree or not, the govt has included alcohol as essential. Why is West Auckland allowed to act so irresponsibly?

1176 days ago

Last week to nominate!

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

We're in the last week of nominations for the 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. So come on, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – who’s your New Zealander of the Year?

Tell us with a nomination! Nominations close 31 August.

Get in quick – www.nzawards.org.nz...

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1176 days ago

The memes and moments getting the nation through the latest lockdown

Caroline Williams Reporter from Community News

Kia ora neighbours. Since New Zealand plunged into lockdown last week, the laughs for Kiwis have been few and far between.

Apart from Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ Freudian slip at an afternoon press conference, where he muddled a message about people stretching their legs and … View more
Kia ora neighbours. Since New Zealand plunged into lockdown last week, the laughs for Kiwis have been few and far between.

Apart from Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ Freudian slip at an afternoon press conference, where he muddled a message about people stretching their legs and instead said “spread your legs”, the mood of the nation has been heavy and serious.

But as you’d expect, a minister uttering “spread your legs” at a high-profile press conference was music to the ears of meme makers.

Some prefer to take their mind off lockdown by trying something new, such as creating mandalas (abstract art) from things found lying around the house or gathered from nature outside.

Others have been finding ways to keep their community entertained during their lockdown strolls around the neighbourhood, including a return of the hugely popular window teddy bears of 2020.

If you're fed up of reading about the negatives of Covid-19, take a read of our story below. We hope it will make you smile. Ngā mihi.

1176 days ago

Keen to get back to work?

First Security

Are you, your partner or someone you know keen to go back to work?

FIRST Security are recruiting now for MIQ Security Guards in your area. Family friendly hours are available to suit your lifestyle so you can balance work and home, AND earn the Living Wage. Plus full, on-job training is … View more
Are you, your partner or someone you know keen to go back to work?

FIRST Security are recruiting now for MIQ Security Guards in your area. Family friendly hours are available to suit your lifestyle so you can balance work and home, AND earn the Living Wage. Plus full, on-job training is provided so no prior experience is required.

Apply today and join New Zealand's leading security provider to help keep your community and New Zealand safe.
Apply now

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1177 days ago

Help your local small business - and get $10!

David Downs from SOS Business

If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
View more
If you are missing your morning coffee, your cafe lunch or even your haircut - jump on www.sosbusiness.nz... and help a local small business out with cashflow - they get the money now and you get a voucher for later.
If you buy a $50 voucher, we will give you another $10 one (while stocks last).
SOS Business - A not-for-profit helping NZ small businesses during a tough time. All the money (less credit card fees) gets paid to the businesses.

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1177 days ago

Recipe: Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Our Cookery, Advanced student Timmika has prepared this cheesecake at home during August Lockdown 2021. This unbaked cheese cake has a crunchy biscuit base, silky vanilla cream and refreshing berry coulis.
Recipe up on our blog.

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1179 days ago

Cat ran over :(((

Ezra from Glendene

Hey guys, I hope everyone is staying safe out here. I just wanted to see if I could find the owner of a big beautiful fluffy black and white cat that has just been ran over here in Glendene at the bottom of Hepburn Rd. Unfortunately the poor cat has passed, I have an image if anyone suspects it is … View moreHey guys, I hope everyone is staying safe out here. I just wanted to see if I could find the owner of a big beautiful fluffy black and white cat that has just been ran over here in Glendene at the bottom of Hepburn Rd. Unfortunately the poor cat has passed, I have an image if anyone suspects it is theirs and can send to them privately. We’ve wrapped him/her up in a blanket and have them safely at our home so they don’t get ran over again. My condolences❤️

1178 days ago

Are you using our 2021 Garden Diary?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

We're all working from home during this lockdown, not just to bring you your favourite gardening mag, but also our Garden Diary 2022! This is where we need your help: Show us how you've been using your 2021 Diary -- take photos of the pages, tell us what was most … View more
Dear neighbours,

We're all working from home during this lockdown, not just to bring you your favourite gardening mag, but also our Garden Diary 2022! This is where we need your help: Show us how you've been using your 2021 Diary -- take photos of the pages, tell us what was most useful, did you have enough space to write your notes, what have you scribbled on the pages? Did you clip your plant labels on them? Perhaps shoot a little video with your phone as you turn the pages. Your feedback will help us put together next year's diary.

Please email your comments and photos to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by this Friday, Aug 27. The five most helpful readers will each receive a free copy of the 2022 diary.

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1178 days ago

Lockdown Learning

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Lockdown Learning
Join us from anywhere in New Zealand for NZQA Certificate in New Zealand Wine Micro-credential with Celia Hay over 4 evenings from 5-8pm starting on Thursday 2 Sept.
Special lockdown discount $220 for Domestic students.

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