Use of parks and playgrounds during lockdown
Hi everyone.
I hope that you're all staying safe and well within your respective bubbles.
My son and I have been going out for walks during lockdown to get some exercise and fresh air, maintaining our 2m distance when passing by others. Sometimes we walk past a local park, and each time I've been concerned by the number of people using the park for activities such as playing cricket, basketball, soccer throwing frisbees and even families having a picnic. Yesterday, Melville Park was a hive of activity, as was Auckland Normal Intermediate school grounds (despite a sign on the fields saying they were closed). There were also 2 groups of people playing tennis on the adjacent Mt Eden public tennis courts, and a group of teens playing basketball at Windmill Park. I was stunned at the number of people flouting lockdown and putting themselves and others around them at risk.
As a mum, I understand the temptation to just nip down to the local park, or playground and play some games with the kids, but this is not okay during lockdown. Please don't put your families and others at risk. Hopefully it's only another 2-3 weeks before we can all start using these facilities again, with confidence that we are not potentially spreading a deadly virus.
For those who are unsure of what exercise is okay and what's not, check out sportnz.org.nz...
Here's an excerpt:
"You might be tempted to use local outdoor exercise facilities, playgrounds, or community courts for tennis or basketball. Do not do this.".... "Playgrounds are unfortunately off limits as the virus can stay alive on surfaces and playgrounds are also places where people congregate."
Let's all stay safe together. We can beat this... but only if we play by the rules, and all do our part. Thanks so much.
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
2 x Cooks (Indian Cuisine – Tandoor Cook & Curry Cook)
Location: Milford, Auckland, New Zealand
Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week per position, rostered shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays
Pay Rate: $25 per hour
We are seeking 2 experienced Cooks specialised in Indian cuisine to join our commercial kitchen. Each position is full-time and permanent.
Position 1: Tandoor Cook
Key Duties
• Operate and manage the tandoor oven during preparation and service
• Prepare naan, roti, paratha and other Indian breads
• Prepare and cook tandoori meats, seafood and vegetarian items
• Prepare marinades, spice blends and yoghurt-based mixtures
• Monitor cooking temperatures and timing to ensure quality and food safety compliance
• Maintain consistency in taste, texture and presentation
• Clean and maintain tandoor equipment and work area
• Assist with stock control and ordering of meat and dry goods
• Follow Food Control Plan and Health & Safety procedures (Refresher training will be provided)
Position 2: Curry Cook
Key Duties
• Prepare, season and cook a range of Indian curries, gravies and rice dishes
• Prepare sauces, spice pastes and base gravies from raw ingredients
• Portion and cook meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes
• Carry out daily mise en place and production for service
• Monitor portion control and maintain consistency of flavour and presentation
• Ensure proper storage, stock rotation (FIFO) and minimisation of waste
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety compliance in work area
• Support overall kitchen operations during service
General Requirements for Both Positions
• Minimum 4 years’ recent and relevant experience cooking Indian cuisine in a commercial kitchen (experience must align with the specific role applied for), OR
• NZQF Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Cookery or Commercial Cookery with substantial Indian cuisine experience
• Strong knowledge of traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques
• Ability to work independently and manage a section during busy service
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Reliable and able to work rostered shifts
How to Apply
Please send your CV and specify which position you are applying for to: anokha140@yahoo.com
Applications close: 6th March 2026
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens/residents or eligible to apply for a work visa.
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