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Nearly 300 homeless and low income tenants have started moving in to 82 new homes in Auckland.
The Thom St development in New Lynn is being opened by Housing Minister Megan Woods today. The new properties replaced 16 standalone homes which were built in the 1940s. The development includes seven … View moreNearly 300 homeless and low income tenants have started moving in to 82 new homes in Auckland.
The Thom St development in New Lynn is being opened by Housing Minister Megan Woods today. The new properties replaced 16 standalone homes which were built in the 1940s. The development includes seven two-storey standalone homes, 27 two-storey townhouses, and 48 apartments across three buildings. All of them are built to modern standards, with double-glazing and insulation, and the site is near key public transport routes.
Woods said it was "enormously satisfying" to see the progress which was being made on public housing in the city. "The unseen part of a lot of public housing, particularly in our large scale projects is the significant infrastructure work that enables other affordable and market homes to be built, which is key to increasing supply," she said. The New Lynn development, which was announced under the National-led Government, will provide much-needed relief to around 292 people on the state housing waiting list. The list soared to 20,000 last month - triple the number in 2017. So far, 33 of the homes have been tenanted. While the Labour Government is aiming to build 12,400 state houses over the next four to five years and another 2000 transitional homes, that is not enough to keep up with rising demand. That demand is driven by escalating house prices, rents increasing faster than incomes, and a dire undersupply of affordable homes. The Government says the growing wait-list is partly because it is not turning anyone away, while previous governments applied more discretion. The new homes are part of the largest house-building programme since the 1960s, in which 5000 state houses are being replaced by 25,000 homes in Auckland - a mix of public, affordable and market homes. The scale of the construction, while much-needed, has upset a few communities along the way. Some housing advocates are upset at the ratio of affordable houses to houses which are sold on the open market. In one of the largest developments, in Māngere, 2700 state houses are being demolished for 3000 new state houses and 7000 private homes. In its defence, the Government says selling homes on the open market allows it to fund further development, and that building large blocks of public housing concentrates poverty - leading to ghettos. Advocates have also expressed concerns that mixed developments can lead to gentifrication, which breaks up people's social networks as they are priced out of the area. Kainga Ora must find homes for the original state housing tenants while the sites are redeveloped. The Government has previously said that most of the New Lynn tenants were rehoused within other Kainga Ora properties.
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Our Level 5 Diploma students planned, developed and designed a menu of contemporary bistro dishes that could be served in an Auckland restaurant. In this assessment, they prepared served two entrees and two mains and one dessert to two of their guests.
We had some exciting dishes like Korean … View moreOur Level 5 Diploma students planned, developed and designed a menu of contemporary bistro dishes that could be served in an Auckland restaurant. In this assessment, they prepared served two entrees and two mains and one dessert to two of their guests.
We had some exciting dishes like Korean fried chicken, Pumpkin soup, Smoky Pork ribs and more...
Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is back for a 49th year on Sunday 28 February 2021 and we’d love to invite you and your whānau, friends or workmates to take part in NZ’s largest fun run and BBQ!
Dust off those organising shoes, gather up the crew, secure your entries, and lock in your … View morePorts of Auckland Round the Bays is back for a 49th year on Sunday 28 February 2021 and we’d love to invite you and your whānau, friends or workmates to take part in NZ’s largest fun run and BBQ!
Dust off those organising shoes, gather up the crew, secure your entries, and lock in your Hospitality Package so you’re booked for a fantastic day out
#RTB2021
The government has initiated a review into whether New Zealanders pay too much at the supermarket checkouts.
The Commerce Commission plans to follow a similar approach to that of their investigation into the price of petrol and diesel for land transport, which cost the taxpayer an estimated … View moreThe government has initiated a review into whether New Zealanders pay too much at the supermarket checkouts.
The Commerce Commission plans to follow a similar approach to that of their investigation into the price of petrol and diesel for land transport, which cost the taxpayer an estimated $2.5 million dollars. Labour promised an investigation into food prices on the election campaign and if unfair practices are found when the Commission's report is released in late 2021, necessary changes will be made.
Do you notice price differences between supermarket chains?
*Please type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the conversations section of your community paper.
Join the WestCity Explorers Fern & Nikau this Saturday 21st November & Sunday 22nd November as we celebrate Santa’s arrival. Enjoy a fun filled weekend of Christmas festivities including:
• Meet & take photos with Santa
• Receive a FREE Christmas activity pad with every … View moreJoin the WestCity Explorers Fern & Nikau this Saturday 21st November & Sunday 22nd November as we celebrate Santa’s arrival. Enjoy a fun filled weekend of Christmas festivities including:
• Meet & take photos with Santa
• Receive a FREE Christmas activity pad with every Santa photo purchased!
• Christmas craft activities
• Face Painting
• Balloon twisting
• Musical performances
• WestCity Explorers handing out treats
Where: WestCity Waitakere
Level 1, Centre Court
7 Catherine Street, Henderson, Auckland
When: Saturday 21st November & Sunday 22nd November from 10.30am – 2.30pm
Phone: +64 9 978 6700
NumberWorks'nWords can help by identifying gaps, explaining your child’s learning style, and providing you with recommendations.
Get in touch to learn how tutoring with NumberWorks'nWords can help your child
NumberWorks'nWords can help by identifying gaps, explaining your child’s learning style, and providing you with recommendations.
Get in touch to learn how tutoring with NumberWorks'nWords can help your child
Your fresh new local supermarket is now open.
Join us for opening specials and giveaways, plus earn free SMEG knives by collecting stickers instore with every $20 you spend.
New World Hobsonville is open 7 days, 7AM – 10PM. Located at 120 Hobsonville Road. See you in store!
It's been 10 years since Auckland's new super-city was formed, forged from eight legacy councils.
For Aucklanders who have lived through the massive overhaul, do you think local government is running more smoothly?
Auckland Council's first year was far from smooth with the … View moreIt's been 10 years since Auckland's new super-city was formed, forged from eight legacy councils.
For Aucklanders who have lived through the massive overhaul, do you think local government is running more smoothly?
Auckland Council's first year was far from smooth with the Occupy protest, the Rugby World Cup opening night transport debacle, a battle with central government over funding the inner-city rail loop, and a contest of wills over delegating powers to local boards and council-controlled organisations.
Auckland's inaugural super mayor Len Brown hailed it a success.
"Generally 2011 has been a good first year for the council, " Brown said in 2012.
"We've brought the region together... At the same time we have driven $81 million in efficiencies and reduced the inherited 9.3 per cent rates increase down to 3.9 per cent."
The boundaries of the new super city were unveiled in 2010.
Super city Auckland was divided into 13 wards with 21 local boards.
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.
New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.
HOW TO AVOID… View moreThis Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.
New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.
HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:
+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.
+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.
+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.
+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.
For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:
My husband makes wood models. He likes to use old hand tools so is keen to buy steel wood planes. Perhaps you have some out in the shed that belonged to Grandad. It is OK if they are rusty and dirty. Maybe you know someone who has hand tools they want to sell. I have included photos of what my … View moreMy husband makes wood models. He likes to use old hand tools so is keen to buy steel wood planes. Perhaps you have some out in the shed that belonged to Grandad. It is OK if they are rusty and dirty. Maybe you know someone who has hand tools they want to sell. I have included photos of what my husband makes. He sells them and all the proceeds go to charity - Starship, Heart Foundation, Breast Cancer. Thanks
Matiu "Matt" Ratana, the New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the United Kingdom in October, has been remembered by police with a special rugby game.
Auckland police and Counties Manukau police honoured the "strong rugby boy" on Saturday by playing each… View moreMatiu "Matt" Ratana, the New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the United Kingdom in October, has been remembered by police with a special rugby game.
Auckland police and Counties Manukau police honoured the "strong rugby boy" on Saturday by playing each other in the inaugural game for the Sgt Matt Matiu Ratana Memorial trophy.
Ratana, 54, worked for both districts while policing in New Zealand.
Ratana, 54, who was originally from Hawke's Bay, was shot dead in a South London custody centre on September 25, allegedly by a man who had been detained, while working for Metropolitan Police.
The trophy was funded by former New Zealand Police colleagues and acknowledges Ratana's rank of sergeant in the Metropolitan Police Service.
It bears a huia feather - the police tradition to honour fallen officers.
Also attached to the trophy are blue and white ribbons showing the colours of Auckland and of Ratana's beloved East Grinstead Rugby Football Club.
The commemorative game will become an annual event for police rugby in Auckland and Counties Manukau.
Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. … View moreRemember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. She ended up giving me a bit of a masterclass in tenacity and not giving up on your home owning dreams.
Find out how Bailey found her first home, and what it means to her after such a big let down.
New Zealand is currently at level 1 however as a new community case was confirmed on November 12 with potential of wider spread, Aucklanders await news of whether there will be a level change.
At two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her… View moreAt two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her became a nightmare, and it ended in tragedy.
Emma has faced more challenges and rejections than most people could cope with. And now, she wants to take on the biggest challenge of her life - finding answers to those most fundamental questions: who am I? Where did I come from?
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