Royal Oak, Auckland

68 days ago

How well do you know your neighbours?

Brian from Mount Roskill

Some people refuse contact with neighbours even when they live in adjacent houses / apartments.
Do you know your neighbours? I don’t. I have been living in the same apartment for three years, but haven’t exchanged a word with my neighbours. Wonder why?
Let me explain. I’m kind of an … View more
Some people refuse contact with neighbours even when they live in adjacent houses / apartments.
Do you know your neighbours? I don’t. I have been living in the same apartment for three years, but haven’t exchanged a word with my neighbours. Wonder why?
Let me explain. I’m kind of an antisocial. Don’t make friends easily, and don’t talk to strangers. An antiseptic smile is the best I can manage. Prefers to keep to myself and stick to the same circle of friends and relatives. Well, you can call me an introvert. That would explain my lack of interaction with neighbours.
My wife’s exactly the opposite. Yet, she has failed to strike up a conversation with the occupants of the flat across the corridor. The doors face each other. At times, we open the doors simultaneously, and the elderly lady behaves as if we don’t exist. So do the two young adults. We hardly get to see the other neighbours.
How young children make a difference
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Maybe they want to be left alone. I understand that. Yet, it feels strange. Weird, actually!
Humans, they say, are social animals. Our lives are interlinked and interdependent in some way, especially when we share a building. The blank stares and the radio silence in the elevators baffle me. Isn’t this a community? I ask myself.
I lived in another apartment for 20 years, and the experience was totally different. We had plenty of friends in the building and the neighbouring blocks. Some of those friendships exist even today, even after they have moved to other countries.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising.-
What’s the difference? One reason was our children. They were young and had plenty of friends. I remember a time when the doors of three neighbouring flats, including ours, were never locked as children kept moving from one house to another to continue their games. That was when my daughter was a toddler. At least 25 children in the neighbourhood would attend my son’s birthdays.
The children’s parents became our friends, and we called on each other for festive occasions and pujas. Sweets used to be sent and received during Diwali. Help used to be sought and given. Seems like another era.
Even after we moved, my wife maintained friendships in our old neighbourhood. She frequently travels there to attend birthdays, pujas, picnics, and other community activities. I often tease her, saying that her social skills haven’t worked in the new neighbourhood. She shrugs it off, saying it takes two people to strike a friendship.
Much of the indifference may be due to big-city syndrome. People are so busy with their lives that they don’t have time for socialising. When you get home from work late, visiting the neighbours is the last thing on tired minds.
What about weekends and holidays? Plans would have been made weeks ahead, and grocery shopping and prayers at a temple or a church are a weekend phenomenon. In homes where husbands and wives work, Saturdays and Sundays can turn into marathon cooking sessions to cover the week. All that doesn’t leave much time for neighbours and friends.
In many cases, it’s down to privacy. People value their privacy, which is why they keep to themselves. Imagine if your neighbours are nosy parkers. They could make lives miserable with incessant questions and the insatiable curiosity to know everything that happens in the neighbourhood.
None of us would want that. Right? Then why am I complaining?
You don’t have to take the biblical phrase “Love Thy Neighbour” literally. A little bit of social contact between neighbours wouldn’t hurt. And you don’t have to be friends with all the neighbours. A hello, a good morning, a smile, or a nod would suffice.
Do I do that? Yes, I do. Especially when I’m riding the elevator. It feels good when others return the gesture. A smile is the best. So keep smiling.
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70 days ago

Poll: What power issues have you faced?

The Team from NZ Compare

Hey neighbours! How has your power been treating you lately? Any sparks or stumbles in the past year?
Share the woes and let's brighten each other's day!

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What power issues have you faced?
  • 13.1% Power Outages
    13.1% Complete
  • 73% High Bills
    73% Complete
  • 2.9% Billing Errors
    2.9% Complete
  • 4.2% Voltage Fluctuations
    4.2% Complete
  • 6.8% Poor Customer Service
    6.8% Complete
382 votes
70 days ago

Here are some of the actions taken so far by the NEW government.

Brian from Mount Roskill

• Started reducing public sector expenditure
• Refocused the Reserve Bank on reducing inflation
• Written legislation to repeal the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax on 30 June
• Required primary and intermediate schools to teach an hour each of reading, writing and maths every day
• Banned … View more
• Started reducing public sector expenditure
• Refocused the Reserve Bank on reducing inflation
• Written legislation to repeal the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax on 30 June
• Required primary and intermediate schools to teach an hour each of reading, writing and maths every day
• Banned phones in classrooms from next term
• Stopped work on the Jobs Tax and the costly Auckland Light Rail project
• Began work to get our transport agencies building new roads
• Repealed the Ute Tax
• Stopped blanket speed limit reductions
• Reintroduced 90-day trials and cancelled fair pay agreements
• Repealed Three Waters
• Abolished Labour’s prisoner reduction target
• Improved security for health workers by putting security guards in more emergency departments.

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71 days ago

New show at Stardome: One Sky

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium from Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

One Sky is a collection of six short beautiful planetarium films about constellations, astronomical instruments and scientific knowledge from various cultures around the world.


From the earliest days, people around the world have looked to the heavens for navigation, time-keeping, and a sense … View more
One Sky is a collection of six short beautiful planetarium films about constellations, astronomical instruments and scientific knowledge from various cultures around the world.


From the earliest days, people around the world have looked to the heavens for navigation, time-keeping, and a sense of shared identity.

Each short film is presented in an original and engaging way with its own artistic style featuring the work of international artists.
Tickets $18 adult, $15 child/senior/student
www.stardome.org.nz...

71 days ago

Staging Your Home Using Self Storage For a Successful Sale

Alan Storage from Kiwi Self Storage - Mt Roskill

The process of getting your property ready for sale is known as staging. It’s a bit like designing a set for a play. Hence staging. It involves presenting your home in a way that accentuates what it will be like to live there. Read how Kiwi Self Storage can make staging easy with these simple … View moreThe process of getting your property ready for sale is known as staging. It’s a bit like designing a set for a play. Hence staging. It involves presenting your home in a way that accentuates what it will be like to live there. Read how Kiwi Self Storage can make staging easy with these simple techniques.

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72 days ago

Is your furry friend protected?

Southern Cross from Neighbourly Nz

The Pet Life.

It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.

Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.

We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and … View more
The Pet Life.

It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.

Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.

We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and are equally proud to partner with the NZ Veterinary Association and Pet Refuge. Just two ways we’re there to support the Pet Life community.

Protect the Pet Life.
Learn more now

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73 days ago

Open Days

Logan Campbell Retirement Village

Friday 23 February - Saturday 24 February, 10am-2pm

Join us for our open days and experience why the Ryman lifestyle could be for you.

Get information on living and care options, unmatched amenities and our Peace of Mind Guarantees.

There will also be an information presentation at 10am … View more
Friday 23 February - Saturday 24 February, 10am-2pm

Join us for our open days and experience why the Ryman lifestyle could be for you.

Get information on living and care options, unmatched amenities and our Peace of Mind Guarantees.

There will also be an information presentation at 10am each day.

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73 days ago

Lost cat - Mt Eden

Anna from Mount Eden

Still missing 😔

Evie is a 14 year old grey tortie - quite pretty colouring (mainly grey with caramel) with some cream on her chest. No white on her at all. She has been missing since 16 November, 2023.

Please take a screenshot of this post so you have photos and my number handy in case you see… View more
Still missing 😔

Evie is a 14 year old grey tortie - quite pretty colouring (mainly grey with caramel) with some cream on her chest. No white on her at all. She has been missing since 16 November, 2023.

Please take a screenshot of this post so you have photos and my number handy in case you see her.

She likes people but might not let you pick her up so please take a video or photo if you see her and call me asap on 021 072 0933 (Anna).

She’s quite lean and small to medium size. When she’s happy she ‘talks’ ❤️ De-sexed and microchipped.

Last seen in Mont Le Grand Rd, Mt Eden. Please check your garage, shed, garden and under deck and house.

Apparently cats who are hiding don’t meow so please look carefully even if you don’t hear her. Thank you so much 🙏

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73 days ago

1979 World Book Encyclopaedia

Barry from Epsom

Complete set , books 1-24. Excellent condition. Phone 02108323529,Barry.

Free

74 days ago

Ice hockey protectors

Youna from Epsom

Suitable for children below 1.5m
Very good condition
All set for only $100

Negotiable

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74 days ago

Troubleshoot Your Broadband: Tips & Savings!

The Team from NZ Compare

Experiencing broadband troubles? Our recent neighbourly poll reveals the top two issues: unstable connections and pricey bills!

Don't worry! Check out our latest article for expert tips to solve these issues.

PLUS, use Broadband Compare to compare NZ's best broadband deals & … View more
Experiencing broadband troubles? Our recent neighbourly poll reveals the top two issues: unstable connections and pricey bills!

Don't worry! Check out our latest article for expert tips to solve these issues.

PLUS, use Broadband Compare to compare NZ's best broadband deals & save up to $300/year. Enjoy smoother internet while keeping cash for treats!
Troubleshoot Now

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D
74 days ago

Meditation: two enlightening evenings, Mt Eden - international guest speaker

Durba from Mount Eden

Don’t miss these two evenings! Popular teacher Dr. Harashita Sunaoshi from Kyoto, Japan is here in on her first NZ visit to share with you her knowledge, her own love of meditation and her decades of personal experience in this structured 2-part course.

Her Auckland visit offers a most special… View more
Don’t miss these two evenings! Popular teacher Dr. Harashita Sunaoshi from Kyoto, Japan is here in on her first NZ visit to share with you her knowledge, her own love of meditation and her decades of personal experience in this structured 2-part course.

Her Auckland visit offers a most special opportunity to learn from an inspirational speaker, one who has taught meditation globally for over a decade. Dr Harashita learnt meditation from the late Indian spiritual master Sri Chinmoy, and her free courses combine a wealth of practical exercises with many personal insights and experiences.

A avid marathoner, lecturer, longtime meditation practitioner and traveller, she has the gift of making meditation accessible and simple, while highlighting the deeper understanding that through meditation we are responding to a deeper, spiritual awakening in our lives.
Admission is free throughout.

When: Tues 13 Feb and Thurs15 Feb; 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mt Albert Road, Mt Eden

All welcome, free admission!!
Kindly register so we can accommodate everyone, call/text to Jogyata: 0221 887 432.

75 days ago

Rebecca renews her Cambridge connections

Logan Campbell Retirement Village

Classical crossover singer Rebecca Nelson told a captivated Cambridge audience how the town holds a special place in her heart for several reasons.

Rebecca’s performance was one of three shows lined up to entertain residents and soon-to-be residents of Ryman Healthcare’s Patrick Hogan … View more
Classical crossover singer Rebecca Nelson told a captivated Cambridge audience how the town holds a special place in her heart for several reasons.

Rebecca’s performance was one of three shows lined up to entertain residents and soon-to-be residents of Ryman Healthcare’s Patrick Hogan Village in Cambridge, Hilda Ross Village down the road in Hamilton and James Wattie Village in Havelock North.

Describing her connection to Ryman, she says: “It feels like coming home and performing for friends and family.”

Click read for the full story.

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75 days ago
75 days ago

Valentine’s Day Shows to Stream

The Team from NZ Compare

This Valentine’s Day, why not snuggle up with your loved one for a movie night in?

We've curated the ultimate list of the latest romantic flicks and binge-worthy shows to make your evening extra special.

Plus, don't forget to compare broadband options on Broadband Compare for the… View more
This Valentine’s Day, why not snuggle up with your loved one for a movie night in?

We've curated the ultimate list of the latest romantic flicks and binge-worthy shows to make your evening extra special.

Plus, don't forget to compare broadband options on Broadband Compare for the best streaming deals!

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