Shelly Park, Auckland

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1361 days ago

Kiwisaver: Is 65 the most appropriate age to access your retirement savings?

Robin from Botany Downs

Food for thought. Under the Kiwisaver system you can’t access your funds until 65 years of age, although there are exceptions such as first home buyers, those leaving the country permanently and applications brought about by hardship or sickness.

Statistics New Zealand indicate that the average … View more
Food for thought. Under the Kiwisaver system you can’t access your funds until 65 years of age, although there are exceptions such as first home buyers, those leaving the country permanently and applications brought about by hardship or sickness.

Statistics New Zealand indicate that the average lifespan currently is 79 for males and 83 for females (presumably not accounting for Covid 19) which suggests that you’re going to need those Kiwisaver funds for at least 15 years beyond 65. And you will need those funds; rest homes, retirement villages and the inevitable medical expenses aren’t cheap. For those lucky enough to own homes, liquidating those assets can contribute too, assuming you don’t mind spending the kids inheritance.

Some years ago my wife and I were talking about this subject. She is Australian and as such had the luxury of retaining the conditions of her Australian Super fund when she transferred to Kiwisaver, so she gets to access her savings at 60 rather than 65.

Then the conversation became a bit broader. We started thinking about retired friends and associates and their quality of life and here’s the thing - The number of healthy, happy octogenarians we know is way smaller than Statistics NZ suggest. In fact, as we recalled friends we’d known, it dawned on us that a significant majority had died between 63 and 67 years of age. So they either never retired or popped their clogs within two years of retirement.

Obviously there are exceptions. We know several people in their mid-eighties who are fit and healthy with a great lifestyle (two of our “aunties” can consistently outwalk/outrun us pathetic fifty -somethings, much to our embarrassment). At the other end of the scale, we both know people who have died suddenly and unexpectedly in their late 40’s or early fifties, largely due to previously undiagnosed health issues.

So is 65 really the appropriate age to access Kiwisaver? Do we want to be working at that age?

Our conclusions were to budget for semi-retirement at around 60 (we’re both professionals so can potentially gain part time or casual contracts to keep us occupied) and slightly reduce our Kiwisaver contributions to create a “living for today” fund, so as to be able to afford to travel/holiday, etc and create memories whilst we are still are healthy and able.

Your thoughts?

1361 days ago

Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting Postponed.

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

After consultation with organisations working in the aged-care sector, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting, scheduled to be held on 24 November 2020 at Te Tuhi.
A new date and time will be set for early 2021. Information will be posted… View more
After consultation with organisations working in the aged-care sector, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting, scheduled to be held on 24 November 2020 at Te Tuhi.
A new date and time will be set for early 2021. Information will be posted on this platform over the coming weeks.
MECOSS apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

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1361 days ago

Dance Yourself Happy - exercise in disguise

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

The heavy rain and gale force winds didn't place a damper on last Thursday night's Dance Yourself Happy session. Mari Pettersson's playlist surfed a tempo wave of hits and electronica through the decades. There was even a Fred Astaire classic remixed into a boogie mashup number! 💚… View moreThe heavy rain and gale force winds didn't place a damper on last Thursday night's Dance Yourself Happy session. Mari Pettersson's playlist surfed a tempo wave of hits and electronica through the decades. There was even a Fred Astaire classic remixed into a boogie mashup number! 💚
Here's what we danced to;
1. Workin’ Hot Techno Pop (Apollo Zero Reconstruct) / Various Artists (2010)
2. What’s Love Got To Do With It (Zimmer Rework) / Tina Turner (2012)
3. Let Me Love You (Tiësto’s AFTR:HRS Mix) / DJ Snake Ft Justin Bieber (2016)
4. Perfect Strangers (Club Mix) / Jonas Blue Feat. JP. Cooper (2016)
5. Money (feat. Kah-Lo, Mr Eazi & Davido) / Riton (2017)
6. Rain / Dragon (1983)
7. Crazy In Love / Beyonce (2003)
8. Enjoy The Silence / Depeche Mode (1990)
9. Be The One (Paul Damixie`s Bootleg) / Dua Lipa (2016)
10. Double Dutch Bus / Frankie Smith (1981)
11. Rewind / Lucky Charmes (2016)
12. You’re The One That I Want / John Travolta & Olivia Newton John (1978)
13. Let’s Dance / David Bowie (1983)
14. Let’s Work / Mick Jagger (1987)
15. I.O.U. (Megamix) / Freeez (1983)
16. Conga / Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine (1985)
17. It Ain’t What You Do It’s The Way That You Do It You Do It / Fun Boy Three & Bananarama (1982)
18. Puttin’ On The Ritz (Club des Belugas Remix) / Fred Astaire (2011)
19. Lightsonic / Groove Armada (2007)
20. Here Comes The Rain Again (Freemasons Remix) / Eurythmics (2007)
21. Mony Mony / Billy Idol (1981)

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1362 days ago

Zumba dance fitness in Ormiston

Ally from Flat Bush

Heyaaa!

If you want a great and fun workout
Come join our classes this summer☺💃
Have been teaching in Ormiston and Flat Bush for the past 5 years
No dance or fitness experience needed
Bring bottled water✔ Sweat towel✔
View more
Heyaaa!

If you want a great and fun workout
Come join our classes this summer☺💃
Have been teaching in Ormiston and Flat Bush for the past 5 years
No dance or fitness experience needed
Bring bottled water✔ Sweat towel✔

O.C Unleashed
Zumba Wednesday
6.30pm
Ormiston Primary School
$5

O.C Unleashed with Out and About AKL
Zumba Saturday
9.30am
Old Flat Bush School Rd
Barry Curtis Park
FREE

Zumba Saturday
4pm
Ormiston Primary School
$2

1362 days ago

Museum Membership is here

The Team from Auckland Museum

Just launched, Museum Membership gives you the opportunity to get more from your Museum.

Enjoy unlimited, free entry to paid exhibitions (including Brickman Awesome: Epic LEGO® Creations), invites to exclusive events, discounts at the Museum café, store and more.

Individual Memberships … View more
Just launched, Museum Membership gives you the opportunity to get more from your Museum.

Enjoy unlimited, free entry to paid exhibitions (including Brickman Awesome: Epic LEGO® Creations), invites to exclusive events, discounts at the Museum café, store and more.

Individual Memberships start at just $50 a year and you can share the aroha by adding Friends & Whānau passes for just $25 each.
Become a Museum Member

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1364 days ago

Earlybird finishes today!

Ellie from Howick

Hello everyone! 🤗

Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to those who have already purchased their tickets! Staci and I are super excited to meet and share this wonderful evening with you! 😁 It's going to be so exciting!!

Just a reminder, the Earlybird ticket price runs until the end of … View more
Hello everyone! 🤗

Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to those who have already purchased their tickets! Staci and I are super excited to meet and share this wonderful evening with you! 😁 It's going to be so exciting!!

Just a reminder, the Earlybird ticket price runs until the end of TODAY 🗓

If you're currently in the 'Interested' zone but haven't committed yet, I simply say ... don't hold back! (I think you will agree that your relationship with yourself and with your kids worth the price of a few coffees ☕️☕️☕️ right?!)

REWARD yourself for surviving all that 2020 had thrown your way and feel empowered to reignite the fire for life in yourself and your teens/young adults for 2021!

HORIZONS will take you on a journey. Walk away inspired, revitalised, curious, and full of zest for possibilities!
Your young people might seem a little lost right now, feel impossible to connect with, or simply be on a pathway that they're not sure they really belong on ... You might be feeling confused about how you can help them, walk with them, guide them ... that's where HORIZONS comes into the picture!

For only $15 you will receive:
👉 Invaluable, interactive, outside-the-box insights and tools to help you, your teen/young adult, and you both as a network.
👉 Take-home materials to use whenever you feel the need to refresh your thinking or get back in touch with the discoveries you make at the event.
👉 Automatic entry into prize draws (which include the opportunity to win FREE coaching sessions and materials!) 🤩
👉 Nibbles & drinks
👉 The chance to network, ask questions, and build connections with both Staci & I, and other parents if you so wish.
... AND MORE!

Will you give yourself permission to show up and commit to making life better, as you hope your young people will, too?

TICKETS: www.eventbrite.co.nz...

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1364 days ago

Reach Out 🤝 Look Out 👀 Help Out 💖

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

To find your nearest Neighbourhood Support or to get in touch about setting up a new one, go to:

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1364 days ago

Give It A Go at Masters Athletics

Mark from Bucklands Beach

Some friends and I have teamed up with Pakuranga Athletic Club to run a Give It a Go day for those over 30 years old who want to try throwing Shot Put, Discus, Javelin and Hammer.
We will assemble at the Pakuranga Club track at 9am on Sunday 29th November. Your efforts will be fully supervised and… View more
Some friends and I have teamed up with Pakuranga Athletic Club to run a Give It a Go day for those over 30 years old who want to try throwing Shot Put, Discus, Javelin and Hammer.
We will assemble at the Pakuranga Club track at 9am on Sunday 29th November. Your efforts will be fully supervised and training tips given. Come along and Give It A Go,
Inquiries: call/txt Mark Powell on 02102292521

1364 days ago

Recycle a school desk

The Team from Resene ColorShop Botany Downs

Make homework fun by transforming an old school desk into a bright and appealing workstation using your children’s favourite Resene colours.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own.

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1367 days ago

Yellow swan turns heads in Auckland

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

The Birds Auckland group has been driving past regularly to check on the male swan that was shot with a crossbow in Auckland's Western Springs.

The group painted the bird's head yellow so they can watch over its welfare.

The swan was earlier reunited with its partner and cygnet after a… View more
The Birds Auckland group has been driving past regularly to check on the male swan that was shot with a crossbow in Auckland's Western Springs.

The group painted the bird's head yellow so they can watch over its welfare.

The swan was earlier reunited with its partner and cygnet after a crossbow bolt was removed from its chest and the animal was treated with antibiotics.

If you notice any future problems with the swan, phone Birds Auckland on 09 256 7300

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1364 days ago

Check this out.....

Lisa Parfitt from Team Parfitt Property

"What an awesome team!!! From our first meeting with you to discuss the sale of our much loved home, your professionalism and enthusiasm for the marketing campaign was apparent. Your knowledge of the local area, and the skills you brought to achieve such a successful outcome on auction day, … View more"What an awesome team!!! From our first meeting with you to discuss the sale of our much loved home, your professionalism and enthusiasm for the marketing campaign was apparent. Your knowledge of the local area, and the skills you brought to achieve such a successful outcome on auction day, were exceptional. Weekly reports received from the open homes, as well as updates from private viewings meant we were always 'kept in the frame'. Your understanding and courteous attitude towards our personal requirements were second-to-none, and were very much appreciated. Thank you both for your efforts in achieving such a successful outcome."

Barbara & Ray Johnston - Ben Nevis Place, Northpark

1366 days ago

Sowers Christmas Food Boxes

Belinda from Howick

Morena! With Christmas fast approaching, Sowers Trust is starting to plan our Christmas food boxes that we give out to families in need. We are asking for the following donations to go into these boxes:
• Shortbread
• Rice
• Pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• Chips
If you would like to donate any of … View more
Morena! With Christmas fast approaching, Sowers Trust is starting to plan our Christmas food boxes that we give out to families in need. We are asking for the following donations to go into these boxes:
• Shortbread
• Rice
• Pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• Chips
If you would like to donate any of the following items, we would be so grateful! You can drop items off to the Picton Centre in Howick (120 Picton Street), Monday-Friday between 8.30am and 5pm 🎁🎁🎄🎄

1367 days ago

Record-breaking Lego models coming to Auckland Museum this summer

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Eastern Courier

Hi neighbours, The tallest model made of Lego in the Southern Hemisphere is coming to Auckland. A 7.5m tall replica of Nasa's Space Launch System (SLS), made from 450,000 Lego bricks, will go on display at Auckland Museum on December 3. It's part of a large new exhibition which also … View moreHi neighbours, The tallest model made of Lego in the Southern Hemisphere is coming to Auckland. A 7.5m tall replica of Nasa's Space Launch System (SLS), made from 450,000 Lego bricks, will go on display at Auckland Museum on December 3. It's part of a large new exhibition which also includes the largest ever Lego Caterpillar 797 dump truck, a 4.5m long Shinkansen train, and a more than 3m long Antonov 225 aeroplane.

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1372 days ago

Pōhutukawa vandalism: Allegations among Karaka residents - was it an inside job?

Reporter Reporter from Auckland Stuff

A series of accusatory hand-written notes have been delivered to residents of Harbourside Drive following Sunday’s vandalism of several trees.

Locals are feeling “absolutely disgusted” at the suggestion that they are behind the incident, which involved a vandal felling eight street … View more
A series of accusatory hand-written notes have been delivered to residents of Harbourside Drive following Sunday’s vandalism of several trees.

Locals are feeling “absolutely disgusted” at the suggestion that they are behind the incident, which involved a vandal felling eight street pōhutukawa trees with a chainsaw.

Paul and Sue Wilson, who have lived on the road for over 10 years, arrived home on Monday from a trip to Waiheke Island to find a line of felled trees and a curt hand-written note in their letterbox.

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1365 days ago

High winds on Harbour Bridge and trains cancelled

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Aucklanders are advised to expect potential disruptions as Metservice reports high winds on the Harbour Bridge. Trains on the Eastern and Western lines have also been cancelled. Delays are expected, with felled trees, power disruptions and heavy rain experienced city-wide.

Here's what you … View more
Aucklanders are advised to expect potential disruptions as Metservice reports high winds on the Harbour Bridge. Trains on the Eastern and Western lines have also been cancelled. Delays are expected, with felled trees, power disruptions and heavy rain experienced city-wide.

Here's what you need to know:
- North-easterly winds are being recorded in Auckland, with Metservice forecasting winds up to 110km/h between 2pm and 4pm in the bridge area.
- Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have introduced speed restrictions on the Harbour Bridge.
- Drivers of heavy vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to travel via the Western Ring Route (State Highways 16 and 18).

Stay up to date with the latest road closures and disruptions by heading to Waka Kotahi's (NZTA) journey planner. You can find an alternative public transport route by using the AT Journey Planner.

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