Sunnyvale, Auckland

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1148 days ago

Remote Cooking by our Cookery Level 5 students

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Our diploma students have been studying from home during this extended lockdown and cooking up these delicious dishes from their home kitchen as a part of our module on Edible plants.
Here are some of the photos from they have prepared.

1. Beetroot, radish and onion shells with radicchio and … View more
Our diploma students have been studying from home during this extended lockdown and cooking up these delicious dishes from their home kitchen as a part of our module on Edible plants.
Here are some of the photos from they have prepared.

1. Beetroot, radish and onion shells with radicchio and walnut vinaigrette by Bianka
2. Cabbage rolls with goat feta cheese, mushrooms and lemon - served with spinach puree and crisp onion by Emi
3. Beetroot Carpaccio with watercress, pine nuts and pear by Marianne
4. Green pea soup garnished with cream, broccoli florets and croutons by Hiroki

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1148 days ago

Painter/Plastering.

Tania from Ranui

Kia Ora Whanau. (Needing work) We are Husband and wife tag team painting and plastering. Over 5yrs experience. We have low rates. If any one needing any work done around the house give us a call. We are local. 0211400209. Thank you.

1148 days ago

FREE: Lockdown Sanity Saver - Creative Kit

Karen from West Auckland Resource Centre Trust

Check this out!! Open-ended creativity in a bag for the kids and it's free. If you don't know The West Auckland Resource Centre yet they are in New Lynn. They have been around since '77 diverting precious reusable resources from landfills for creative pursuits!!

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1148 days ago

FREE: Lockdown Sanity Saver - Creative Kit

Karen from West Auckland Resource Centre Trust

Check this out!! Open-ended creativity in a bag for the kids and it's free. If you don't know The West Auckland Resource Centre yet they are in New Lynn. They have been around since '77 diverting precious reusable resources from landfills for creative pursuits!!

Free

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1149 days ago

Win $4k worth of office gadgets!

The Team from Digital Boost

All set up tech-wise but not sure how to make the most of it? Head to Digital Boost to learn how digital technology can help get your business on the map Find out more

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1153 days ago

Poll: When do you think New Zealand will have 90% of its population fully vaccinated?

Alan from Titirangi

COVID-19: Last week New Zealand had about 34% (about 1/3) of its population over 12 fully vaccinated (two COVID-19 vaccination jabs). When do you think New Zealand will have 90% of its population fully vaccinated? You will need to factor in Maori, gang members, rough sleepers, people in prison, and… View moreCOVID-19: Last week New Zealand had about 34% (about 1/3) of its population over 12 fully vaccinated (two COVID-19 vaccination jabs). When do you think New Zealand will have 90% of its population fully vaccinated? You will need to factor in Maori, gang members, rough sleepers, people in prison, and anti-vaxxers etc into your answer.
Which do you think is the best answer?
(if in doubt choose one earliest possible option achievable in your opinion)
Note: "By December" means "By the end of December"

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When do you think New Zealand will have 90% of its population fully vaccinated?
  • 11.1% 90% of the population over 12 fully vaccinated by December.
    11.1% Complete
  • 16.7% 90% of the population over 12 fully vaccinated by February.
    16.7% Complete
  • 0% 90% of the population over 12 fully vaccinated is not possible by February.
    0% Complete
  • 11.1% 90% of the entire population fully vaccinated is not possible by February.
    11.1% Complete
  • 22.2% 90% of the population over 12 fully vaccinated will never be possible.
    22.2% Complete
  • 38.9% 90% of the entire population fully vaccinated will never be possible.
    38.9% Complete
18 votes
1149 days ago

Everything you need to know about level 3's new rules - your questions answered

Brian from New Lynn

Q: We are trying to understand why 10 people must meet outside yet kindergartens can be inside? This seems very inconsistent, especially given under-12 can't be vaccinated.
A: There are different risks associated with ECE and schools. Under-12s are less likely to catch or spread the virus, and… View more
Q: We are trying to understand why 10 people must meet outside yet kindergartens can be inside? This seems very inconsistent, especially given under-12 can't be vaccinated.
A: There are different risks associated with ECE and schools. Under-12s are less likely to catch or spread the virus, and if they do catch it, they commonly don't have symptoms or only have very mild ones.
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Risk in ECEs of an infected child passing the virus to another child, according to developmental paediatrician Dr Jin Russell, citing a report from Sydney, was about 2 per cent or lower. From an infected adult to a child in an ECE setting, it was 8 per cent. Russell said this higher risk could be mitigated by having all ECE staff vaccinated, but that hasn't been signalled by the Government. She also advised schools to open their windows to improve ventilation. The ECE risk will be mitigated with children being kept to bubbles of 10. Some ECEs might also not even be able to take any more children, as their bubbles might already be full with the children of essential workers - parents should contact their ECEs for more information. Schools are signalled to open from October 18, but a public health assessment will have to green light it first.
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Q: Can you explain the difference between "catch-ups" and "recreation"?
A: You're allowed to have a catch up under the same rules as recreation. Outdoors, with only one other household in addition to your own, and up to a maximum of 10 people. Masks are encouraged. Step 1 is meant to allow people some respite from the prolonged lockdown, but in a low-risk way.
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Q: We are Auckland City-based and have apartment accommodation booked on Waiheke Island at Labour Weekend. Are we going to be able to use this under any of the steps outlined yesterday or do we have to wait until level 2?
A: Auckland is still in level 3, so taking a holiday away on Waiheke is a no-no. You'll have to wait until level 2, and with Cabinet reviewing the "micro alert levels" weekly, there's no indication yet on when level 2 might happen for Auckland.
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Q: How will police manage breaches of the <10 rule when already groups of 15-20 young adults have been meeting up and playing football at a number of fields and reserves around Auckland?
A: As Jacinda Ardern said yesterday, all the alert levels rely on the public doing the right thing. Police can't be on every corner. On the corners where they are present, they will make independent operational decisions about whether they advise, caution, warn or prosecute, based on each circumstance, and according to the severity of the breach.
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Q: I have been away from home in Auckland since the beginning of lockdown with my elderly mum and helping with three grandchildren under 4. I read the rules that I can now go home but want to know if I can return if the lockdown continues and the young family need help again.
A: The Government announced rules a week ago allowing people to leave Auckland permanently. You'll need a negative Covid test 72 hours before leaving. If your situation qualifies as shared caregiving, you can return to Auckland but need to be tested in the previous seven days of entering Auckland again. If you don't qualify, you can apply for permission to enter Auckland for an approved purpose, which are decided on a case-by-case basis.
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Q: Can we go from level 3 in Waikato to Auckland to visit whānau outside? What about if Waikato goes back to level while Auckland is in level 3?
A: The boundaries around Waikato are still in place because the level of outbreak there remains unknown, so you cannot travel from the Waikato into Auckland unless you have been granted permission for an approved purpose.
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Q: The updated Covid-19 website indicates overnight camping is OK. Does this mean holiday home/bach can be used by existing bubbles if within the same current region/level?
A: Level 3 still applies, and under level 3, you cannot stay overnight at your bach or holiday home.
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Q: When will gyms reopen?
A: Gyms won't reopen until level 2. They are high-risk environments - indoors with lots of heavy breathing.
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Q: Why are fully vaccinated people in Auckland still not allowed to cross the border/being restricted? What happens to vaccinated Aucklanders at Christmas if Auckland does not reach 90 per cent [coverage] during level 3?
A: Vaccines are not 100 per cent foolproof, so vaccinated people can still carry and transmit the virus - though the chances are much lower than for unvaccinated people - and there remains a substantial risk while large portions of the population are still not vaccinated, or only partially vaccinated.
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Ardern has said that level 3 may not be needed when 90 per cent of the eligible population is vaccinated. She hasn't said under what circumstances level 3 might not be needed while coverage is below 90 per cent.
===========================================
Q: Given the reducing protection of the Pfizer vaccination against Covid after four to six months, when can Aucklanders expect to be offered the booster?
A: It looks increasingly likely that a booster programme will be needed, though it should also be noted that several studies overseas showing waning immunity over time all have different variables associated with their results. The Government has said they are watching the situation closely, and have enough Pfizer vaccines to start a booster programme at the start of the year if needed, probably starting with border workers and our most vulnerable.
============================================
Q: Is there any hope that after being fully vaccinated that I will be able to travel into Wellington from Auckland to visit family? If not what is the purpose then of getting vaccinated at all? Why can Tamaki break the rules and nothing happens to him?
A: At this stage you can't because there is undetected transmission in Auckland and you could inadvertently take the virus from Auckland to Wellington. Vaccinated people can still carry and transmit the virus, though the chances are much lower than for unvaccinated people, and there remains a substantial risk while large portions of the population are still not vaccinated, or only partially vaccinated.
============================================
Q: My outside deck has a roof. Is that outside or inside?
A: The measure is probably whether it is as ventilated as an outdoor environment, which is why level 3 "step 1" is considered low risk. So if you mean it has no walls but only a roof for shelter, then it is probably the same low risk as the outdoors in general.
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Q: Are temples and places of worship allowed to open?
A: Still level 3, so places of worship can only open to members of the public for weddings, civil union ceremonies, funerals and tangihanga. These services are limited to 10 people, plus staff.
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Q: If I want to play tennis with up to 10 people how many different bubbles are allowed? The two-household max only appears to be for meeting friends, picnics etc.?
A: You can play tennis under the same rules - up to 10 people, no more than two households, outdoors only, masks encouraged.
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Q: Can I take my 8m fishing boat out with my family in the weekend and go fishing In the Hauraki Gulf?
A: You can go fishing with up to 10 people from two households.
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Q: The Delta variant seems to affect more young children than earlier strains. When should we expect the children's Pfizer vaccine to be authorised for use in New Zealand?
A: Medsafe is considering the Pfizer data for children aged 5-11. Ashley Bloomfield said it will only be approved if it is considered safe and effective. There is no concrete timeline on when the processing of the application might be complete, but towards the end of the year has been mentioned.
==========================================
Q: When can office workers go back to the office?
A: Level 3 still applies in Auckland so everyone should work from home if they can. Businesses that require close physical contact cannot open. All other businesses can operate, but with restrictions. This includes physical distancing, having extra hygiene measures and contactless options for ordering, pick-up, delivery and payment.
==========================================
Q: If you are visiting a friend at their house (sitting outside as per the rules) are you allowed to use their bathroom if nature calls?
A: Bloomfield said you can use the bathroom as long as it doesn't create any indoor gathering. He added that he assumed people weren't all going to the toilet at the same time. Ardern added: "If you haven't got a good bladder, don't stay for long."
===========================================
Q: Can we greet with a hug and sit around a park picnic bench playing a game of cards wearing masks or do we have to keep 2m distance and not share food/sports equipment/items etc.?
A: I tried to clarify this earlier today and was told that, as a general rule, hugging is discouraged because people should still be treating those outside of their household bubble as if they might have Covid. I was also told the legal orders putting the rules in place are still being worked on, and bureaucrats are still working on clarifying the rules for outdoor sports - including touch rugby etc. - so hopefully there will be more clarity later today. On distancing, the Covid website says that masks are encouraged whenever physical distancing is not possible.
=============================================
Q: What does outdoor really mean - is your backyard considered outdoor, or does outdoor mean meeting outside your property?
A: Outdoors is outdoors. You can have a household over to your outside barbecue. See previous answer re: letting them pee inside...
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Q: From tomorrow we can have a picnic of 10 outdoors with a max of two families. However you can partake in recreation limited to 10 people but no restriction on how many families could make up this 10. Is this correct?
A: Outdoor recreation is also limited to two households, and up to 10 people.
=====================================================

1150 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

Office for Seniors

We have released the first edition of our newly revamped Seniors newsletter, which you can read here: officeforseniors.govt.nz...

In this issue we catch up with a veteran fencer, delve into all things insurance and discuss a bit about our Digital Literacy programme, plus more.

1150 days ago

Heathcotes’ Birthday Bash is on now!

Heathcotes

It’s our birthday, and we’ve got massive birthday savings on a huge range of TVs, Kitchen, Laundry, Audio, Phones, Small Appliances & more! Plus, No Payments & No Interest for 18 months on purchases $499 & over!* Shop all of your household appliance & technology needs at one of … View moreIt’s our birthday, and we’ve got massive birthday savings on a huge range of TVs, Kitchen, Laundry, Audio, Phones, Small Appliances & more! Plus, No Payments & No Interest for 18 months on purchases $499 & over!* Shop all of your household appliance & technology needs at one of our four Waikato locations or shop online at www.heathcotes.co.nz.

The Heathcotes Team

*T&Cs apply

Heathcotes Birthday Bash ends October 12th 2021.
Shop now

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1154 days ago

My unwelcome Thursday surprise🤨

Fiona from Henderson

Well, I sure as heck got a surprise when I turned on my computer today.
One of my posts, a thought provoking post: “To bribe or not to bribe? That is the question” was culled and the comments were closed down.

I received the standard email from the powers that be, telling me of this and it was… View more
Well, I sure as heck got a surprise when I turned on my computer today.
One of my posts, a thought provoking post: “To bribe or not to bribe? That is the question” was culled and the comments were closed down.

I received the standard email from the powers that be, telling me of this and it was because of certain replies.

I went into see which replies had been culled, although I already knew deep down which ones and by whom, and sure enough it was a couple of the regular ‘players’ who had replied with either controversial replies or against the guidelines set down here by the powers that be.

I’m getting rather annoyed at having my posts shut down (as we all are) because people can’t behave, or reply without thought and consideration for the rest of us.

There are ways of getting your points and thoughts across with getting the smack on the back of the wrist from those above.

Those of us who start these thought provoking conversations, don’t post just for the sake of it, but to get the conversation flowing without anger, without name calling, without conspiracy theories, but more for friendly conversations, help, ideas and different ways of thinking.

We all know who the regulars are that get our posts closed down and I’m sure you know who you are and no, I’m not naming names, but can you please try to play nice and think of a different way of getting your points across without upsetting the apple cart.

We all want to stay here, we all don’t like the controversial restraints we are under on here, but we all choose to stay here and enjoy each other’s company.

Please, we have to play nice and obey the rules and guidelines set down, whether we like it not.

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1150 days ago

Monday's Funny: 😄🍞One for the boys🍞😄

Fiona from Henderson

A Navy Master Chief's wife sends a text to the Master Chief saying, “Honey, don't forget to buy some bread when you come home from work and your girlfriend Valerie says hi.”

The Master Chief texted back, "Who's Valerie?!"

The wife answered, "Nobody, I just wanted… View more
A Navy Master Chief's wife sends a text to the Master Chief saying, “Honey, don't forget to buy some bread when you come home from work and your girlfriend Valerie says hi.”

The Master Chief texted back, "Who's Valerie?!"

The wife answered, "Nobody, I just wanted you to answer and to have confirmation that you saw my text."

The Master Chief replied, "Oh ok, because I’m with Valerie right now, I thought you saw me!"

The wife, who is taken aback, texted, "What??! Where are you?!"

The Master Chief responded, "Near the grocery store."

The wife then texted, "Wait, I’m coming right now!"

About 10 minutes later, the Master Chief's wife sends a message stating, "I’m at the store, where are you?!"

The Master Chief replied, "I’m at work. Now that you’re at the store, don't forget to buy the bread!"
🤣😂🤣😂

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1150 days ago

Wanted, clean plastic meal containers for volunteer cook

Vanya from Oratia

Kia ora!

I have just joined a local Food Not Bombs group
(en.wikipedia.org...).

We collect surplus or donated food and cook and deliver free vegetarian or vegan meals for anyone who needs them.

I am seeking clean plastic containers - freezer, and preferably microwave, safe - for … View more
Kia ora!

I have just joined a local Food Not Bombs group
(en.wikipedia.org...).

We collect surplus or donated food and cook and deliver free vegetarian or vegan meals for anyone who needs them.

I am seeking clean plastic containers - freezer, and preferably microwave, safe - for packaging the meals I cook. If you have a pile of them cluttering up your place, I would love to come and collect them! The ones you get your Indian or Thai takeaways in are ideal.

Also, if you know of any businesses who can donate food supplies, please let me know

Vanya
0210621627 (please text, rather than call - mobile coverage patchy)

Free

1151 days ago

Apprenticeship opportunities in Auckland

Competenz

Hey Auckland!
We have 3 new apprenticeship opportunities listed on our website to get you trained on the job!
Furniture Making Aprentice
Mechanical Building Services Apprentice
Apprenticeship Fabrication - Steel Construction

Do you know someone who might be interested in one of these … View more
Hey Auckland!
We have 3 new apprenticeship opportunities listed on our website to get you trained on the job!
Furniture Making Aprentice
Mechanical Building Services Apprentice
Apprenticeship Fabrication - Steel Construction

Do you know someone who might be interested in one of these opportunities? Get in touch today!

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1154 days ago

Are illegal gatherings being dealt with properly?

Todd Niall Reporter from Community News

Kia ora neighbours, The over-riding message under Covid-19 Alert Level 3 is, stay at home as much as possible. So when sporting groups gather daily at a West Auckland stadium, are police checking them out properly? Read the story below:

1152 days ago

Saturday's Funny: 😉🤢Do you fart in bed?🤢😉

Fiona from Henderson

This is a story about a couple who had been happily married for years, the only friction in their marriage was the husband’s habit of farting loudly every morning when he awoke, the noise would wake his wife and the smell would make her eyes water and make her gasp for air.

Every morning she … View more
This is a story about a couple who had been happily married for years, the only friction in their marriage was the husband’s habit of farting loudly every morning when he awoke, the noise would wake his wife and the smell would make her eyes water and make her gasp for air.

Every morning she would plead with him to stop ripping them off because it was making her sick.

He told her he couldn't stop it and that it was perfectly natural.

She told him to see a doctor; she was concerned that one day he would blow his guts out.

The years went by and he continued to rip them out.

Then one Christmas day morning, as she was preparing the turkey for dinner and he was upstairs sound asleep, she looked at the innards, neck, gizzard, liver and all the spare parts, and a malicious thought came to her.

She took the bowl and went upstairs where her husband was sound asleep and, gently pulling the bed covers back, she pulled back the elastic waistband of his underpants and emptied the bowl of turkey guts into his shorts.

Sometime later she heard her husband waken with his usual trumpeting which was followed by a blood curdling scream and the sound of frantic footsteps as he ran into the bath room.

The wife could hardly control herself as she rolled on the floor laughing, tears in her eyes! After years of torture she reckoned she had got him back pretty good.

About twenty minutes later, her husband came downstairs in his blood stained underpants with a look of horror on his face.

She bit her lip as she asked him what the matter was.

He said, “Honey you were right, all these years you have warned me and I didn't listen to you.

“What do you mean?” asked his wife.

“Well, you always told me that one day I would end up farting my guts out, and today it finally happened, but by the grace of god, some Vaseline and two fingers. I think I got most of them back in…..”
😄🤣😄🤣😄

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