Otara, Auckland

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

1421 days ago

More than 14000 free meals given to Otara community

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Members of the Otara community have eaten more than 14000 free meals thanks to the Ōtara Kai Village project.

Residents, food banks, The Ministry of Social Development and Foundation North are backing the initiative which aims to help struggling families.

Swanie Nelson, local Board member and … View more
Members of the Otara community have eaten more than 14000 free meals thanks to the Ōtara Kai Village project.

Residents, food banks, The Ministry of Social Development and Foundation North are backing the initiative which aims to help struggling families.

Swanie Nelson, local Board member and Ōtara Kai Village Founder, said Otara was one of the suburbs the most severely impacted by Covid-19.

"We had the highest wage subsidy requests and the highest requests for the emergency care packages."

The mainly volunteer group works with retailers and manufacturers to support locals impacted by COVID-19 and redistribute food that would otherwise go to waste.

Residents, community groups and students from colleges in the district prepare free meals during the week in a container donated by Panuku by the AT Otara Transit Centre.

A cafe along with a Maori and Pacific boutique are open to entrepreneurs wanting to start their own businesses and to community groups running fundraising ventures.

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1421 days ago

COVID-19 pop-up testing site running in Botany Downs

The Team from Counties Manukau Health

COVID-19 pop-up testing site in our rohe whaanau - this one’s in Botany Downs!

If you have any of the symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, loss of smell, shortness of breath or a sore throat please go and get tested. It only takes 10 seconds and you’ll receive all the information and support … View more
COVID-19 pop-up testing site in our rohe whaanau - this one’s in Botany Downs!

If you have any of the symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, loss of smell, shortness of breath or a sore throat please go and get tested. It only takes 10 seconds and you’ll receive all the information and support you need. For more information on all testing sites in Auckland, please visit: arphs.health.nz/covid19test #stopthespread #uniteagainstcovid19

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1422 days ago

We Say, You Say: Supermarket Prices

Neighbourly.co.nz

The government has initiated a review into whether New Zealanders pay too much at the supermarket checkouts.

The Commerce Commission plans to follow a similar approach to that of their investigation into the price of petrol and diesel for land transport, which cost the taxpayer an estimated … View more
The government has initiated a review into whether New Zealanders pay too much at the supermarket checkouts.

The Commerce Commission plans to follow a similar approach to that of their investigation into the price of petrol and diesel for land transport, which cost the taxpayer an estimated $2.5 million dollars. Labour promised an investigation into food prices on the election campaign and if unfair practices are found when the Commission's report is released in late 2021, necessary changes will be made.

Do you notice price differences between supermarket chains?

*Please type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the conversations section of your community paper.

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1422 days ago

NumberWorks'nWords maths and English tuition.

NumberWorks'nWords Manukau

NumberWorks'nWords can help by identifying gaps, explaining your child’s learning style, and providing you with recommendations.

Get in touch to learn how tutoring with NumberWorks'nWords can help your child

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1422 days ago

A shocking discovery, pls note! For the health & welfare of all.

Stephen from East Tamaki

For decades, has no one realised a big blunder: Almost all public toilets in McDonalds, Wendy, BurgeK, the outer entry/exit doors hv been installed in reverse. We can elbow our way in but leaving we need to grab & turn the exit handle which scientists warned have millions of bacteria & … View moreFor decades, has no one realised a big blunder: Almost all public toilets in McDonalds, Wendy, BurgeK, the outer entry/exit doors hv been installed in reverse. We can elbow our way in but leaving we need to grab & turn the exit handle which scientists warned have millions of bacteria & virus. OMG. Anyone well-connected to Council, Health Ministry/Minster? Pls let's help make NZ a better place. ST

1422 days ago

For the love of neighbours, of NZ, & well-being, win-win for all.

Stephen from East Tamaki

Please let us have a medium to long term discussion & subsequent petitions. The NZ public pay $2 million a week in Tradmne revenue. $100+ million a year. Trademe fees of almost 8%..... More or less a monopoly, with no alternative. Further 1-2% for instant Ping payments. The more we think the … View morePlease let us have a medium to long term discussion & subsequent petitions. The NZ public pay $2 million a week in Tradmne revenue. $100+ million a year. Trademe fees of almost 8%..... More or less a monopoly, with no alternative. Further 1-2% for instant Ping payments. The more we think the more exorbitant fees are, bearing in mind, it's clicking digitally like clockwork & google, google map, google driving are all free of charge. Trademe can get by with 2-3% instead of 7.9%? Anyone well connected to Commerce Comm? ST

1422 days ago

Don't wait for 2021. Apply now.

Manukau Institute of Technology

Ready to take your career to the next level?

The workplace is always changing and new skills will be needed now and in the future.

If you are looking for an opportunity to learn something new and advance your career – upskill with an MIT qualification and be in demand with the skills … View more
Ready to take your career to the next level?

The workplace is always changing and new skills will be needed now and in the future.

If you are looking for an opportunity to learn something new and advance your career – upskill with an MIT qualification and be in demand with the skills employers need.

Due to high demand, we recommend you apply early for 2021.
Learn more

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1443 days ago

Poll: Auckland's super-city: One decade on: Is local government running more efficiently?

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

It's been 10 years since Auckland's new super-city was formed, forged from eight legacy councils.

For Aucklanders who have lived through the massive overhaul, do you think local government is running more smoothly?

Auckland Council's first year was far from smooth with the … View more
It's been 10 years since Auckland's new super-city was formed, forged from eight legacy councils.

For Aucklanders who have lived through the massive overhaul, do you think local government is running more smoothly?

Auckland Council's first year was far from smooth with the Occupy protest, the Rugby World Cup opening night transport debacle, a battle with central government over funding the inner-city rail loop, and a contest of wills over delegating powers to local boards and council-controlled organisations.

Auckland's inaugural super mayor Len Brown hailed it a success.

"Generally 2011 has been a good first year for the council, " Brown said in 2012.

"We've brought the region together... At the same time we have driven $81 million in efficiencies and reduced the inherited 9.3 per cent rates increase down to 3.9 per cent."

The boundaries of the new super city were unveiled in 2010.

Super city Auckland was divided into 13 wards with 21 local boards.

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Auckland's super-city: One decade on: Is local government running more efficiently?
  • 7.1% Yes
    7.1% Complete
  • 92.9% No
    92.9% Complete
1491 votes
1423 days ago

Fraud Awareness Week

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID… View more
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:

+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.

+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.

+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.

+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.

For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:

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1423 days ago

The Attitude Trust Communications Scholarship now available!

The Team from Counties Manukau Health

The Attitude Trust is offering those living with disabilities, and plan to study in communications/journalism, the opportunity to apply for this scholarship worth up to $5,000 per year. The Trust believes there is a role for young New Zealanders to develop careers in the media, providing strong … View moreThe Attitude Trust is offering those living with disabilities, and plan to study in communications/journalism, the opportunity to apply for this scholarship worth up to $5,000 per year. The Trust believes there is a role for young New Zealanders to develop careers in the media, providing strong fresh voices and leaders who can advocate for people with disabilities and create change.

For more information and to apply, visit the Trust website: www.attitudeawards.org...

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1423 days ago

Police pay tribute to fallen officer Matt Ratana

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Matiu "Matt" Ratana, the New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the United Kingdom in October, has been remembered by police with a special rugby game.

Auckland police and Counties Manukau police honoured the "strong rugby boy" on Saturday by playing each… View more
Matiu "Matt" Ratana, the New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the United Kingdom in October, has been remembered by police with a special rugby game.

Auckland police and Counties Manukau police honoured the "strong rugby boy" on Saturday by playing each other in the inaugural game for the Sgt Matt Matiu Ratana Memorial trophy.

Ratana, 54, worked for both districts while policing in New Zealand.

Ratana, 54, who was originally from Hawke's Bay, was shot dead in a South London custody centre on September 25, allegedly by a man who had been detained, while working for Metropolitan Police.

The trophy was funded by former New Zealand Police colleagues and acknowledges Ratana's rank of sergeant in the Metropolitan Police Service.

It bears a huia feather - the police tradition to honour fallen officers.

Also attached to the trophy are blue and white ribbons showing the colours of Auckland and of Ratana's beloved East Grinstead Rugby Football Club.

The commemorative game will become an annual event for police rugby in Auckland and Counties Manukau.

1428 days ago

First home buyer burned by sunset clause finally secures dream house in Lower Hutt

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. … View more
Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. She ended up giving me a bit of a masterclass in tenacity and not giving up on your home owning dreams.
Find out how Bailey found her first home, and what it means to her after such a big let down.

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1426 days ago

Throwback Friday

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Happy Friday neighbours!

Can you guess who this is? I'll give you a clue. The photo was taken about 1971.

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1426 days ago

Poll: Do you think changing the Auckland alert level is needed?

Melanie Earley Reporter from Auckland Stuff

New Zealand is currently at level 1 however as a new community case was confirmed on November 12 with potential of wider spread, Aucklanders await news of whether there will be a level change.

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Do you think changing the Auckland alert level is needed?
  • 4.7% Yes, a complete lockdown is best
    4.7% Complete
  • 18.8% Yes, an alert level between 2-3 is needed
    18.8% Complete
  • 67.2% No, stay at level 1
    67.2% Complete
  • 9.4% Remove all alert level restrictions
    9.4% Complete
981 votes
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