Totara Vale, Auckland

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Do you have any festive tips your community needs to know about? Post them here!

841 days ago

Beware of this email scam

The Team from New Zealand Police

An email scam has re-emerged that references Police and other justice sector partners.

The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer locating explicit illegal material, and that a reply is needed within 48 hours or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
View more
An email scam has re-emerged that references Police and other justice sector partners.

The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer locating explicit illegal material, and that a reply is needed within 48 hours or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.

This email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances. Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond. Police have received several reports of this scam and enquiries are underway.

It’s important to note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.
Anyone who received this email scam is asked to send it as an attachment in an email to the Police Cybercrime Team: cybercrime@police.govt.nz

Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails.
- Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection website.
- Netsafe can also provide some helpful advice about keeping safe online.

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842 days ago

Availability for new clients

Jenny from

Chemical-free weed control for two of our major garden restorations has now been completed and those projects now only need monthly maintenance. This means we will have 8-10 hours a week free for an intensive start to one or two new garden restoration projects where some rapid transformation is … View moreChemical-free weed control for two of our major garden restorations has now been completed and those projects now only need monthly maintenance. This means we will have 8-10 hours a week free for an intensive start to one or two new garden restoration projects where some rapid transformation is needed in addition to the longer term transition to a low-maintenance outdoor environment.

See our website for more about our garden services, what to expect, and how we do it.

Below: the narrow space between house and fence (1.5m including a paving block path, out of view in the foreground) has been transformed from kikuyu, bare clay and weed trees to native shrubs and trees that need only annual pruning to maintain access along the path directly beneath the windows, from where the residents can watch kereru, tui and songthrushes eating kawakawa fruit in summer.

Foreground left is a nikau, about 10 years old and a metre high. Each year for the next 20 years, one of its 2 or 3 new leaves a year will grow towards the house, obstructing the path, but in this seldom-used area it can be pushed aside, or if necessary tied back or even cut off.

Much later, it will present only a single trunk, and each year two or three of the leaves, canopying the path and surrounding garden from above, will fall to the ground and be carried down the back to add to the natural environment (and invertebrate habitat) under larger trees.

There's nothing more splendid to watch from your kitchen table than a kereru feasting on nikau or kawakawa fruit an arm's length away, but if the big nikau leaves are not for you, you could skip the nikau and just have karamu, kawakawa and smaller shrubs and groundcovers, such as the sedges (Carex lambertiana) shown here. A couple of seedlings planted here have multiplied themselves by both seed and division, and will continue to spread until they cover the ground without further intervention.

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841 days ago

Your adventures change, the fees won’t

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

When you move to a Ryman village, the last thing you need to think about are unexpected costs. We offer financial security with rates, home insurance, exterior maintenance and gardening all covered under one fixed base weekly fee*, meaning once you’ve moved in you can focus on the things you … View moreWhen you move to a Ryman village, the last thing you need to think about are unexpected costs. We offer financial security with rates, home insurance, exterior maintenance and gardening all covered under one fixed base weekly fee*, meaning once you’ve moved in you can focus on the things you enjoy.

Find out more about our living options today and get ready for a new lifestyle.

*Weekly fee’s only increase if you change from independent living to serviced apartment living, or you add extra care options.
Find out more

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842 days ago

Ballroom Dance Fitness Classes near you!

Helena from Windsor Park

Do you enjoy dance?
Do you want to get fit and not even notice it?
Join FitSteps Ballroom Fitness and be part of our dance community.
Start your day with a zing and Dance Yourself Happy in a safe environment without judgement......
Classes at Brownsbay St Anne's Hall 9.30am.
See you … View more
Do you enjoy dance?
Do you want to get fit and not even notice it?
Join FitSteps Ballroom Fitness and be part of our dance community.
Start your day with a zing and Dance Yourself Happy in a safe environment without judgement......
Classes at Brownsbay St Anne's Hall 9.30am.
See you there :)

Price: $10

842 days ago

The ECBC T20 Twilight Comp: Bays BIG Bash is back!

The Team from East Coast Bays Cricket Club

Get your mates to pull together a team; make a Lads and Dads Team; a Corporate Team (and get your boss to sponsor you); a Tradie Team; a College Team .. the possibilities are endless, but the fun is guaranteed!

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845 days ago

Are you celebrating Dad?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's Father's Day this Sunday. You may be a father figure yourself or perhaps you'll be spoiling someone special in your life.
We are giving away three $25 Prezzy® cards - perfect for a Father's Day morning tea. To be in to win, share below the best advice your Dad ever gave … View more
It's Father's Day this Sunday. You may be a father figure yourself or perhaps you'll be spoiling someone special in your life.
We are giving away three $25 Prezzy® cards - perfect for a Father's Day morning tea. To be in to win, share below the best advice your Dad ever gave you...or the worst Dad joke you've inherited!

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849 days ago

WIN $100 to Celebrate Father's Day!

The Team from NZ Compare

Nominate your Dad to WIN!

Whether it's your pops, father-in-law, husband, Uncle or a friend, nominate in the comments below why they should WIN a $100 Prezzy® card.

Simply COMMENT to nominate the dad you think deserves to WIN. Don't miss out – reply now and share the love!

View more
Nominate your Dad to WIN!

Whether it's your pops, father-in-law, husband, Uncle or a friend, nominate in the comments below why they should WIN a $100 Prezzy® card.

Simply COMMENT to nominate the dad you think deserves to WIN. Don't miss out – reply now and share the love!

Out of ideas of what to get for Dad? Visit PriceMe for inspo!

Entries close on August 31st, 2023. Our team will contact the winner on September 1st, 2023.

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843 days ago

Happy Father's Day!

The Team from NZ Compare

Happy Father's Day to our wonderful neighbours! We hope you celebrate your dad, poppa, uncle, sons or brothers and remember the ones that can't be with us. May your day be filled with joy and cherished memories!

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843 days ago

Have you got your tickets yet?

Heart Foundation

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen plus walk-in pantry, two beautiful living rooms and is only a short walk away … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen plus walk-in pantry, two beautiful living rooms and is only a short walk away from Glenbrook Beach with stunning views out to Āwhitu Peninsula.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

845 days ago

Congratulations

Honour Zhu from Glenfield Library

Congratulations to Jack Street for winning a $50 Glenfield Mall Gift Voucher on our Read with Your Father Figure lucky draw.
Special thanks to all the 69 participants!
A huge thank you to Glenfield Mall who donated the gift voucher.
Happy Father's Day for all the dads in our community … View more
Congratulations to Jack Street for winning a $50 Glenfield Mall Gift Voucher on our Read with Your Father Figure lucky draw.
Special thanks to all the 69 participants!
A huge thank you to Glenfield Mall who donated the gift voucher.
Happy Father's Day for all the dads in our community !!!

844 days ago

FREE BAG OF RATS 50PK & MASKS 50PK 😷😷😁

Helen from Totara Vale

I picked up too many at the pharmacy as they were giving heaps away to the public. Anyone who needs them call/text me 027 3862680. Cheers Helen😄

845 days ago

Real Estate

Winston from Harcourts - Winston Saga

Thinking about moving but wondering what your current home is worth? Click the link to find your home’s Sale Price Estimate, free!
Want to know how much your home is worth? Find out now! homeasap.com...

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Mark Testimonial.docx Download View

845 days ago

Hatching a plan

The Team from Resene ColorShop Wairau Park

Transform your hen house into a colourful garden feature with Resene paints.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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846 days ago

Cresta Ave/Beach Haven Rd development stopped

John Gillon from

Today the inappropriate Cresta Ave/Beach Haven Rd development has been refused!
The applicant had applied to build 81 dwellings (later reduced to 72) across land zoned for single houses, contrary to the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The Hearing Panel has just released it's decision which you can … View more
Today the inappropriate Cresta Ave/Beach Haven Rd development has been refused!
The applicant had applied to build 81 dwellings (later reduced to 72) across land zoned for single houses, contrary to the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The Hearing Panel has just released it's decision which you can download in full here:
drive.google.com...

It is a very thorough judgement that addresses a number of issues with the proposal. But in the end, the Panel has determined that:
"the proposal is contrary to the objectives and policies of the Auckland Unitary Plan (OP) in overall terms."

In particular I'm pleased that they have agreed with the Kaipātiki Local Board's argument that this application could set a precedent for ignoring Unitary Plan zoning rules:
"there is a potential for an adverse precedent to arise, particularly given our observations about the factual extent of the Single House Zone within the Beach Haven area, and of course beyond. Therefore, and having found that the proposal is contrary to the clear policy intent of the Auckland Unitary Plan (OP), we find that granting consent would impact the integrity of the plan and has the potential to create expectations that similarly framed proposals would gain consent."

A huge thankyou to everyone who has been involved in this process. Hopefully developers will now think twice before trying to get around Auckland's planning rules!

849 days ago

Poll: Should you mow your neighbour's berm?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The sun is out, the grass is dry and you've fired up the mower. Your neighbour's half is looking a little overgrown, do you do theirs too?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

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Should you mow your neighbour's berm?
  • 63.9% Yes, it's the neighbourly thing to do
    63.9% Complete
  • 30.7% No, they might start to expect it
    30.7% Complete
  • 3.7% I didn't know we were supposed to mow berms?
    3.7% Complete
  • 1.7% What's a berm?
    1.7% Complete
2425 votes
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