Pakuranga Heights, Auckland

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127 days ago

Cosy up with a fresh cup of coffee and a magazine

mags4gifts

Winter is well and truly here, and we’re helping you keep your cup full and your mind entertained. Simply purchase or gift a subscription via mags4gifts.co.nz before 31 July and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win 1 of 3 Delonghi Espresso Coffee Makers worth $229* each!

View more
Winter is well and truly here, and we’re helping you keep your cup full and your mind entertained. Simply purchase or gift a subscription via mags4gifts.co.nz before 31 July and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win 1 of 3 Delonghi Espresso Coffee Makers worth $229* each!

With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone. *T&Cs apply
Find out more

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127 days ago

Superb original NZ music, on East FM, Saturday from midday

Phil from Farm Cove

New original Kiwi music by Karra Rhodes, Jack Moser, Black Smoke Trigger, Flaxxies, Courtnay and The Unholy Reverie, and Fin Rah Zel, features on tomorrow’s She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor, midday to 4pm (NZ time, July 20) on East FM.

All these musicians have been brought … View more
New original Kiwi music by Karra Rhodes, Jack Moser, Black Smoke Trigger, Flaxxies, Courtnay and The Unholy Reverie, and Fin Rah Zel, features on tomorrow’s She’ll Be Right on Saturdays Show with PJ Taylor, midday to 4pm (NZ time, July 20) on East FM.

All these musicians have been brought to our attention by the good folk at Blackout Music NZ. Thank you.

Aōtearoa-based Scottish-born Karra Rhodes is an exciting rising talent. An accomplished songwriter with a special flair for pouring her emotions and melodies into every song and lyric, Karra’s music resonates with authenticity and depth. Her new song, Tell Me Mama, follows previous singles Burn It Down and country-pop banger Why Can’t I Love You Less.

Blackout Music NZ says, ‘for Karra, the personal sentiment in Tell Me Mama moved her to get more involved in supporting causes important to her. She’s decided to donate 100 per cent of proceeds of all streaming royalties from her upcoming debut album for one year to go towards domestic violence charity Shine’.

Karra says: “As I prepare to crowd-fund for my debut album, I want to honour the support I receive by paying it forward. It doesn’t sit right with me asking for support without giving something back. A few of the songs in the album touch on domestic violence and I feel that Shine is a dedicated organisation that truly helps and supports victims.”

Blackout Music NZ says Tāmaki Makaurau-based indie songwriter Jack Moser ‘fearlessly channels his personal experiences into heartfelt compositions. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, he bares his soul into each and every song’.

His newest single, Where You Are, ‘a gentle ode to the broken-hearted, is a spacious, dreamy trip of a tune that delves into the black hole of a dying intimate relationship, from the early signs signalling separation, to the inevitable breaking away that sets you floating lost and powerless in a dark and lonely orbit’.

Jack Moser says: “I wrote Where You Are as my relationship was coming to an end. It was clear from the signs, and I knew it was coming. The lyric ‘And I wonder where you are’ describes the helplessness I had as I saw my partner becoming more distant emotionally, while the lyric ‘I can sense you’re not that far’ displays the hope and optimism I was holding onto.”

Rock stars Black Smoke Trigger, who’ve featured previously on She’ll Be Right, are putting out their highly anticipated debut album Horizons on August 2, and in the lead-up their newest single Sun Cries Red has been released.

Guitarist and band leader Charlie Wallace says: “Sun Cries Red came to life while we were in pre-production for Horizons. After the initial writing session, we stayed up all night recording the demo. The song lyrically is about looking back at something that’s important but neglected, seeing something in a shadow of its former glory. Continuing the recording process, producer Nick Raskulinecz suggested we experiment by adding a string section to the song. Josh ended up writing all those parts and it took the song to another level. We are beyond excited to finally release the album Horizons. It has been such a crazy journey to get to this point and we poured everything we have into it.”

Another SBR favourite, Flaxxies, have a new single Blister, described by Blackout Music NZ as ‘a momentary departure from their signature sun-drenched surf-rock-reggae blend’.

Blister is Flaxxies’ first release for 2024, following on from last year’s stand-alone single Liquid Gold, and the release of their acclaimed EP Sunstruck, which featured Snapped Up (By The Boss), Time To Go, and Cast Me Away, that all received widespread radio airplay and spots on the Hot 20 NZ Single Chart.

The new single by Courtnay and The Unholy Reverie, entitled Lost at Sea, is ‘a soul-stirring folk-country anthem that delves deep into the universal experience of loss and the healing power of unity’.

Courtnay and The Unholy Reverie – Chad Williams (drums), Keith Parker (bass), Courtnay Low (rhythm guitar / lead vocal), Anna Brooks (backing vocals), and Tim Lloyd (lead guitar) – are ‘steeped in the mystique of genre bending alt-country-folk and blues-swamp vibes, melding a tantalising blend of traditional blues instruments and contemporary elements’.

And like the two previously mentioned bands, Fin Rah Zel also hail from Taranaki, presently a real hotbed of excellent original NZ music, and their newest single, Going Home, is as heartfelt as you can get.

Blackout Music NZ says ‘truly heartfelt and a gentle acceptance of the fragility of life itself, this is a universal love song that offers solace in times of great grief and sadness. As such, it requires no explanation, just empathic ears and a warm, open heart.

‘Fans of Fin Rah Zel are familiar with the rising indie soul stars’ distinct blend of dreamy zen, infectious optimism and catchy summer vibes, as evoked in their radio smash hit Unity, and their growing back catalogue of impressive tunes. But a life curve ball sees the band shift gears down a notch to offer a big warm, enveloping hug of a tune with this incredibly moving, stripped-back, and gospel-tinged song, Going Home.’

Singer, Brian Norton, says: “I guess it’s easy to assume people will always be around, and it’s easy to put things off like family time and meaningful conversations. But really life is so fragile and I reckon we all need to take each step with gratitude and really appreciate the people around us.”

East FM is East Auckland’s fair-dinkum community-powered public service radio station, on 88.1FM and 107.1FM on local frequencies, nationally and globally at www.eastfm.nz... and on app iHeart Radio.
She’ll Be Right - it’s all about the vibe; it’s all about the groove. Providing a platform for NZ music and performing artists to exhibit their talents since ages ago. Ka pai. – PJ

128 days ago

Kids' planter box

The Team from Resene ColorShop Botany Downs

It’s easy to create your very own colourful planter box, with the kids or for the kids to enjoy, from an old wooden drawer and Resene testpots.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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145 days ago

Assault on Chinese schoolboy on Pakuranga bus.

Stephen from Pakuranga Heights

First of all, I wish the the boy a speedy recovery from this ghastly and traumatising assault on him. However, the mental scarring will take much longer .
What gives someone the right to attack another person who is of a different ethnicity ?
The attack was premeditated as the attacker boarded… View more
First of all, I wish the the boy a speedy recovery from this ghastly and traumatising assault on him. However, the mental scarring will take much longer .
What gives someone the right to attack another person who is of a different ethnicity ?
The attack was premeditated as the attacker boarded the bus with a long steel rod . The apathy shown by fellow passengers, apart from one, is a sad reflection of what is becoming the norm in NZ ; the acceptance of random acts of violence . People walking out of supermarkets with trolley loads of ‘free ‘ goods , ram raids, attacks on shop owners are far too common, as are racial attacks.
The answer may lie in a more caring and friendly attitude towards our fellow human beings. NZ once had this, in days gone by . It’s not too late ..

129 days ago

Have you got a family recipe for oranges?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We're looking for delicious orange recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's October issue. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this fruit to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 20, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the October issue of NZ Gardener.

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129 days ago

A Whole New Lifestyle

Acacia Cove

Care, Community, And Connection

Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.

For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, … View more
Care, Community, And Connection

Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.

For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym.

Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.
If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.

Contact long time manager Bruce to book a visit today!
(09) 268 8522.
admin@ocaciacove.co.nz
Find out more

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130 days ago

Only 5 days left to adopt one of our gorgeous SPCA long-stay animals for free

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a … View more
Are you the Special Someone our animals have been looking for?

Until Sun 21 July only, we are waiving adoption fees for our long-stay residents for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for that Special Love!

Look for the ‘Special Love Needed’ tag on our adoption profiles, check you can provide what they need to flourish & apply online at www.spca.nz...

*The offer applies to animals looking for homes for more than 40 days; our usual adoption criteria and processes apply.

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130 days ago

Winter Gardening

Bruce McLaren Retirement Village

Winter isn’t usually associated with pottering about in the garden. However, it’s possible to grow, harvest, and share a bustling winter crop.

As we have celebrated Matariki and the beginning of the Māori New Year, for winter gardeners it’s the right time to cultivate crops that thrive in… View more
Winter isn’t usually associated with pottering about in the garden. However, it’s possible to grow, harvest, and share a bustling winter crop.

As we have celebrated Matariki and the beginning of the Māori New Year, for winter gardeners it’s the right time to cultivate crops that thrive in cooler temperatures and to prepare the soil for future planting.

Click read more for the full story.

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131 days ago

Caring For You Like Family

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.

Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.

Hear about Dora’s experienceView more
91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.

Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.

Hear about Dora’s experience living in a Ryman community.
Find out more

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131 days ago

Grab yourself a bargain

South Auckland Ford

Check out South Auckland Motors Manukau UTE Sale. Some even below cost so grab yourself a bargain!

Every UTE sold comes with at least 3,000km RUC, One Year Rego, Fresh WOF and a Full Tank of Diesel.
Find out more

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132 days ago

Mel Parsons concert in Howick, Sept 12

Phil from Farm Cove

East Aucklanders, Howickians - exciting news! One of New Zealand's finest singer-songwriters Mel Parsons is heading out on the road on a 16-date regional tour of the nation and is starting in Howick on Thursday, September 12, at our beloved UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture.

Mel Parsons has just … View more
East Aucklanders, Howickians - exciting news! One of New Zealand's finest singer-songwriters Mel Parsons is heading out on the road on a 16-date regional tour of the nation and is starting in Howick on Thursday, September 12, at our beloved UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture.

Mel Parsons has just released her sixth album, Sabotage, receiving hugely favourable reviews from many entertainment and music writers.
This concert in Howick will be top class and comes highly recommended, so it's advisable to get in quick and secure your tickets, at www.plus1.co.nz...

For more information, see www.melparsons.com...

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139 days ago

For a bit of fun...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

What old products do you miss? Some products do become part of your life, whether it's just a treat you have at the cinema or your favourite breakfast spread.

Do you have a childhood memory to share? Let us know below what products you still think of fondly!

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132 days ago

High winds on Harbour Bridge

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

NZTA Waka Kotahi has shared an important message about the Harbour Bridge.

What you need to know:
- MetService has issued a strong wind warning for the Auckland region.
- Wind warning on Auckland Harbour Bridge today with strong wind gusts from now until early afternoon (approximately 1pm).
View more
NZTA Waka Kotahi has shared an important message about the Harbour Bridge.

What you need to know:
- MetService has issued a strong wind warning for the Auckland region.
- Wind warning on Auckland Harbour Bridge today with strong wind gusts from now until early afternoon (approximately 1pm).
- In preparation the lanes on the Harbour Bridge will be in 4 x 4 formation mid morning, and remain in place until the warning has been lifted.
- There will be speed and lane restrictions in place. Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures or full closures (depending on wind thresholds) and reduced speeds, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge.
- Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge today and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18. NZTA recommends motorists use the western ring route where possible.

NZTA thanks road users for their patience and understanding. You can keep up to date with traffic updates here.

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132 days ago

2 weeks left to enter the Sunday Star-Times Winter Puzzle Comp!

Winter Puzzle

Don’t miss your chance to WIN 1 of 50 supermarket gift cards worth $100 each!
Simply grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online.

The more puzzles you complete the higher your chance to WIN! The competition ends on 28 July. To find … View more
Don’t miss your chance to WIN 1 of 50 supermarket gift cards worth $100 each!
Simply grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online.

The more puzzles you complete the higher your chance to WIN! The competition ends on 28 July. To find out more about participating newspapers, click here.

The Team at Stuff and Sunday Star-Times
Find out more

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133 days ago

Home Office Set Up

Lana from Botany Downs

Compact corner desk and shelf unit.
New condition - only selling as home office needs have changed.
Bought from Stationery Warehouse.
Selling both together or make an offer if you only want one.
Fully assembled but can take apart for transport.
Pick up is near Elim church (Botany)

Price: $450

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