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An “extra large” sized electric bus designed especially for New Zealand has been handed over in Auckland.
The 78-passenger Yutong E13 has a double rear-axle, like the largest diesel-powered single-decker buses, and carries bigger and more powerful batteries to increase its daily range.
… View moreAn “extra large” sized electric bus designed especially for New Zealand has been handed over in Auckland.
The 78-passenger Yutong E13 has a double rear-axle, like the largest diesel-powered single-decker buses, and carries bigger and more powerful batteries to increase its daily range.
Auckland Transport has bought the bus to trial initially on long-haul eastern routes such as the 70 service from Botany to the CBD.
The new bus is bigger than the models currently entering service around Auckland, and the extra axle is expected to reduce wear and tear on the roads.
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Man of the world, UK-Kiwi blues-roots legend Paul Ubana Jones, plays Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture this Friday, November 13 (tickets still available), and to warm up for the special occasion, here’s more of our chat from a few months back, including the greatest story about meeting B.B. … View moreMan of the world, UK-Kiwi blues-roots legend Paul Ubana Jones, plays Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture this Friday, November 13 (tickets still available), and to warm up for the special occasion, here’s more of our chat from a few months back, including the greatest story about meeting B.B. King – the late-great king of the blues.
PJ: You've supported and met some of the world's big-name musicians. Are there any favourite experiences that standout?
PUJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! B.B. King! I was backstage with the master and introduced to him. B.B. was sitting down in a low armchair.
The lighting was dim, and as I stooped over to shake his hand, he said: “Hello my dear! Wow! I have not seen an afro hairstyle like that since the late ‘60s!”
He then pulled me down to him and started to kiss me quite passionately on my lips.
I then said: ''Ah! Mr.King, I’m not a woman'!” And he said: ''Oh! Gee! You look so pretty from where I’m sitting!”
His entourage were all laughing and the vibe quickly resumed back to an air of sobriety. Great memories though.
PUJ: Norah Jones bought a whole case of Verve Cliquot after her premiere concert in Auckland. I was the soloist opening for her six concerts in New Zealand.
We were all walked over to a small pub, management shut down the bar and it was a great ‘champers’ party to affirm her maiden concert here.
I felt honoured and she was very friendly and respectful to me.
PUJ: Patti Smith was also hugely warm to me and respectful. I was the opener for her and Bob Dylan.
Patti invited me to eat with her and her band. We had a great time together.
PUJ: Tuck and Patti were also so respectful. Tuck Andress must be one of the greats when it comes to ‘jazz groove’ playing and improv.
I did a couple of gigs with them both here at the Wellington Jazz Festival, and then over in Los Angeles.
Tuck came back stage at one point and said: “Hey Paul! Can I have a look at your guitar?”
I showed it to him and he was shocked how basic it was! It blew him away. They were great to me.
* Paul Ubana Jones plays in the acoustically superb Uxbridge Theatre at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on Friday, November 13. For tickets, see www.uxbridge.org.nz....
Brickman Awesome: Epic LEGO® Brick Creations is now on sale! Explore a world where everything is awesome, including this orca made from over 14,000 bricks! Opening Thursday 3 December.
Free for Museum Members. Get your tickets: www.aucklandmuseum.com...
If you’re interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone or and no longer drive, to Botany Town Centre or … View moreIf you’re interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone or and no longer drive, to Botany Town Centre or Pakuranga Plaza for shopping and a cuppa.
They have a chance to talk, ask questions, walk around and form friendships. Drivers are mainly responsible for arranging the times and routes for pick-ups and delivering their passengers safely.
Companion’s help clients get into and out of the vehicle and assist with seatbelts. They can also book a walker or scooter for passengers to use at the shopping centres if required.
If you are interested phone Maureen on 0800 632 677
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 moreFood 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?
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 moreAfter 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.
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)
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 moreJust 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.
Selling the famous Lions Christmas Cakes is an important annual fund raising activity for Howick Lions Club. The Lions Christmas Cakes are still made to Ernest Adams' much-loved original recipe from 1971 and not sold anywhere else.
Cakes $20 each order online howicklions.org.nz...
… View moreSelling the famous Lions Christmas Cakes is an important annual fund raising activity for Howick Lions Club. The Lions Christmas Cakes are still made to Ernest Adams' much-loved original recipe from 1971 and not sold anywhere else.
Cakes $20 each order online howicklions.org.nz...
Howick Lions Club is delighted to launch our 2021 scenic calendar, with beautiful images of our local area. Perfect as a gift for friends and clients!
All proceeds will go back into our local community; and in particular our work to support vulnerable youth and our senior citizens. Only $15 per calendar.
Order online howicklions.org.nz...
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 moreHello 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...
To find your nearest Neighbourhood Support or to get in touch about setting up a new one, go to:
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 moreSome 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
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.
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 moreThe 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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