Totara Vale, Auckland

1533 days ago

Do you know what to plant in the garden right now?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we say grow plenty of swan plants for hungry caterpillars. It’s time to sow and plant beetroot, spring clean your houseplants, let brassicas bloom for the bees, trim scraggly mint and record when fruit trees blossom.

Meet more of our favourite 2020 Houseplant Hero entrants… View more
In this week’s issue we say grow plenty of swan plants for hungry caterpillars. It’s time to sow and plant beetroot, spring clean your houseplants, let brassicas bloom for the bees, trim scraggly mint and record when fruit trees blossom.

Meet more of our favourite 2020 Houseplant Hero entrants and upcycle an old pallet into a multipurpose tray. Plus go in the draw for Yates wildflower seeds and Manuka Doctor honey from Palmers.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1533 days ago

Limited time offer! 5% off and a FREE upgrade. (Terms apply)

RetroFit Double Glazing - Auckland North

All you Aucklanders out there we have a special retrofit double glazing offer for you! For a limited time get 5% off and a FREE upgrade on your retrofit double glazing job. Just use the promo code: 5%+UPGRADE. Get your free no obligation quote from us now click here or call us on 0800 658 658 Terms… View moreAll you Aucklanders out there we have a special retrofit double glazing offer for you! For a limited time get 5% off and a FREE upgrade on your retrofit double glazing job. Just use the promo code: 5%+UPGRADE. Get your free no obligation quote from us now click here or call us on 0800 658 658 Terms and conditions apply click here to view offer is only available at our Retrofit Auckland and Bay of Plenty branch.

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M
1533 days ago

Reusable/washable cotton face mask

Ma edylyn from Hillcrest

Adult and child reusable and washable face mask with pocket filter

Negotiable

1543 days ago

Poll: Do you agree with Domino’s new ‘tip your driver’ feature?

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Domino’s is under fire after adding a tipping feature to its online ordering system, with critics saying the pizza chain should “pay staff properly” instead of relying on customer generosity.

But Domino's says the system helps keep its workers safe and there is no obligation to tip.
View more
Domino’s is under fire after adding a tipping feature to its online ordering system, with critics saying the pizza chain should “pay staff properly” instead of relying on customer generosity.

But Domino's says the system helps keep its workers safe and there is no obligation to tip.

The new feature gives customers the option to pay a fixed amount or choose their own tip for their “delivery expert” before completing payment.

The move has been met with outrage on social media where some have said Domino’s should “pay staff properly instead”.

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Do you agree with Domino’s new ‘tip your driver’ feature?
  • 12.2% Yes
    12.2% Complete
  • 87.8% No
    87.8% Complete
1157 votes
1543 days ago

Sky Tower to fly white flags for mental health

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Three white flags will fly from the very top of the Sky Tower this week, to raise awareness about mental health in the construction industry.

SkyCity spokesperson Arron Money said the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide in the commercial sector in New Zealand.

View more
Three white flags will fly from the very top of the Sky Tower this week, to raise awareness about mental health in the construction industry.

SkyCity spokesperson Arron Money said the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide in the commercial sector in New Zealand.

“Flying the flags from the top of the Sky Tower is our way of acknowledging the problem and empowering the industry to do something about it. The flags are a visual reminder for workers to stop and have the courage to ask a mate if they are alright,” he said.

Fly the Flag is a campaign created by Mates in Construction - an organisation established to combat the high rate of suicide among construction workers in New Zealand.

As a mark of respect for the families who have lost loved ones to suicide, the Sky Tower will also be lit as large ribbon with colours of orange and gold on September 10 to support World Suicide Prevention Day.

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1534 days ago

Chef Des Harris joins NZSFW

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

We are delighted to welcome Chef Des Harris as culinary tutor to work alongside Chef Finn Gybel.
Des started his career in the kitchen of Wellington’s Logan Brown Restaurant with Al Brown and Steve Logan and moved to Auckland as executive chef of Clooney in 2006. In more recent years, Des has … View more
We are delighted to welcome Chef Des Harris as culinary tutor to work alongside Chef Finn Gybel.
Des started his career in the kitchen of Wellington’s Logan Brown Restaurant with Al Brown and Steve Logan and moved to Auckland as executive chef of Clooney in 2006. In more recent years, Des has been executive chef at the Hunting Lodge.

Here is Des with our diploma chefs and his first menu of Beef carpaccio with lemon thyme, black garlic mayo, pickled shallots, brown butter croutons

Goats cheese cappelletti with asparagus, Parmesan & brown butter

Sous Vide Lamb shoulder with Pumpkin molasses, Medjool date, puffed wheat & black olive

Chocolate sabayon tart with white chocolate yoghurt

1548 days ago

Former Auckland mayoral candidate John Palino to stand for parliament

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

John Palino has announced his intention to run in the 2020 general election despite not being in the country.

Palino, who is best known for his three unsuccessful campaigns for Auckland mayor, has signed on as a list candidate for the minor Tea Party.

But Palino is … View more
Hi neighbours,

John Palino has announced his intention to run in the 2020 general election despite not being in the country.

Palino, who is best known for his three unsuccessful campaigns for Auckland mayor, has signed on as a list candidate for the minor Tea Party.

But Palino is currently based in Florida, United States, after travelling to visit family at the end of last year and deeming it too dangerous to return due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He says he will run his campaign from there and return if the Tea Party is “lucky and fortunate” to get enough votes.

The Taxpayers and Entrepreneurs Alliance formally registered earlier this year, and is running on a platform of support for business, opposition to capital gains taxes, opposition to recreational drugs, and embracing migration.

Palino was approached to stand by Tea Party co-leader John Hong, who ran alongside Palino in the Auckland race last year.

Do you think the fourth time is the charm for the once mayoral hopeful?

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1534 days ago

Home Based Childcare Spaces

Andrea from Sunnynook

Hi everyone. I'm a homebased childcare educator for Kia Ora Kids at Home Childcare. I have a couple of spaces available for any under 5 year olds. I have been a care educator for 9 years and live in Sunnynook and regularly attend playgroups, go to mainly music, the library, parks, playgrounds,… View moreHi everyone. I'm a homebased childcare educator for Kia Ora Kids at Home Childcare. I have a couple of spaces available for any under 5 year olds. I have been a care educator for 9 years and live in Sunnynook and regularly attend playgroups, go to mainly music, the library, parks, playgrounds, beaches and have lots of indoor and outdoor toys available. I won't venture outside of home for the time beeing until the covid-19 has settled. The smaller groups of children in home based care spread less bugs around. I love to do arts and crafts and science experiments with the kids. Kia Ora Kids offers subsidies to families that meet the WINZ criteria and 20h COMPLETELY free for 3 & 4 year olds. Hourly rate is $6.50. if you are interested send me a message or call me on 0211553751. Grab the space before it is gone!

1535 days ago

Poll: Is Hamilton New Zealand's most beautiful city?

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hamilton is up against current title holder Whanganui for this year’s most beautiful city award. The city has been the butt of jokes for years, but now boasts new laneways, public spaces that give access to and face the river, and plans for a theatre by 2022.
So you tell us - is Hamilton New … View more
Hamilton is up against current title holder Whanganui for this year’s most beautiful city award. The city has been the butt of jokes for years, but now boasts new laneways, public spaces that give access to and face the river, and plans for a theatre by 2022.
So you tell us - is Hamilton New Zealand's most beautiful city?
Read the full story here.

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Is Hamilton New Zealand's most beautiful city?
  • 50.3% Yes, Hamilton has really turned itself around.
    50.3% Complete
  • 49.7% No, Whanganui should be voted most beautiful city again this year.
    49.7% Complete
749 votes
1534 days ago

Kaipātiki Local Board opposes end to chemical-free weeding in road corridor

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

The Kaipātiki Local Board has voted unanimously to oppose the proposal by Auckland Council to end over 20 years of chemical-free weed control on our footpaths and road corridor (see our feedback below).
Council is proposing to reduce the North Shore's level of service from using hot … View more
The Kaipātiki Local Board has voted unanimously to oppose the proposal by Auckland Council to end over 20 years of chemical-free weed control on our footpaths and road corridor (see our feedback below).
Council is proposing to reduce the North Shore's level of service from using hot water/steam/foam (with occasional spot-application of glyphosate on persistent weeds such as nutgrass), to spraying glyphosate by default.
This proposal is an unfair cost-cutting measure that undermines the Local Board's decision-making and lowers our current level of service. The Local Board would be expected to fund the difference to retain our chemical-free level of service from our already-stretched funds, which is not realistic.

The Council's Environment and Climate Change Committee will be making a decision on the proposal in November.

NZ Herald article: www.nzherald.co.nz...

Below is the resolution that the Kaipātiki Local Board passed yesterday:

19 Project Streetscapes: Weed Management report
Resolution number KT/2020/147
MOVED by Chairperson J Gillon, seconded by Deputy Chairperson D Grant:

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:
a) provide the following feedback on the recommended approach to a standardised methodology to managing weeds on footpaths, berms and the kerb and channel across more than 5000 kilometres of urban roads.

i) does not support the introduction of a standardised approach for edging and weed control on hard surfaces in the road corridor across Auckland, and supports retaining the status quo where local boards can set weed policy appropriate to their area, within the guidelines of the 2013 Auckland Council Weed Management Policy for Parks & Open Spaces.
ii) request that Auckland Council continue to maintain and fund the existing weed management service levels and methodology in the Kaipātiki Local Board road corridor – consisting primarily of thermal technology, along with the minimal use of spot spraying of herbicide (glyphosate or plant-based herbicide) to address specific persistent weeds, and mechanical methods.
iii) submit that each local board has the moral authority and right to determine the level of service for weed control in public spaces within their area, as the elected governance body for the area.
iv) submit that weed management in the road corridor is a core ‘business as usual’ function of Auckland Council, which should be supported and fully-funded centrally, and not through local board budgets, even where levels of service differ between local boards.
v) note that the former North Shore City Council area, that encompasses the Kaipātiki Local Board area, has had a chemical-free status in public spaces for over 20 years by utilizing thermal methods of weed control.
vi) note that the 2013 Auckland Council Weed Management Policy for Parks & Open Spaces recognizes that “agrichemicals can be harmful to human health and the environment”; supports minimising agrichemical use (objective 3); and states that “the simplest way of achieving an overall reduction in agrichemical use is through restrictions on the application of chemicals in specific areas or at specific times”, which is what is currently being achieved in the Kaipātiki Local Board area.
vii) request that the Environment and Climate Change Committee defer their decision until such time as the trial of “Foamstream” hot foam as an alternative weed management methodology has been concluded and reported, and all local boards have been briefed and given their feedback on including hot foam as an alternative weed management methodology.
viii) are disappointed that the review is effectively presenting a choice between increasing carbon emissions (in regards to the use of boilers in thermal methods) vs chemical pollution of the public environment, when other solutions (for example, electric vehicles and boilers) may be available.

b) request advice from relevant staff regarding the cost implications to the local board by retaining the status quo/existing levels of service approach to weed management in the streetscape.

CARRIED

View the report to the Local Board under item 19 here: infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...

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1535 days ago

Community Connects grants

Office for Seniors

Hi Neighbours!

Have you heard about our Community Connects grants?

The grants help fund projects that promote the inclusion and contribution of older people in community life, and support communities to prepare for an ageing population.

The fund makes one-off grants of up to $15,000. The grants … View more
Hi Neighbours!

Have you heard about our Community Connects grants?

The grants help fund projects that promote the inclusion and contribution of older people in community life, and support communities to prepare for an ageing population.

The fund makes one-off grants of up to $15,000. The grants are open to any New Zealand council, community organisation, or registered non-profit organisation. Applications for our current funding round close on 9 October.

Our last funding round was a huge success and helped fund a range of different projects across the country, that had focuses like reducing loneliness and social isolation of older people, developing an age-friendly community plan and supporting people with dementia.

With the right planning and support, we can create environments where older people are valued, connected and able to participate in their community.

If you have an age-friendly project you are interested in getting funding for click here bit.ly...
Or if would like to learn more about how your community can become more age-friendly click here bit.ly...

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1534 days ago

Social Distancing Sport For Kids

Ben Guilford from Ben Guilford Golf

Hi Neighbourly Community

If your child is wanting to meet new friends or learn a new sport with a good amount of social distancing, here is their opportunity. Learn golf at the Pupuke Golf course over the upcoming school holidays. I have attached all the info in the links below. Please feel free … View more
Hi Neighbourly Community

If your child is wanting to meet new friends or learn a new sport with a good amount of social distancing, here is their opportunity. Learn golf at the Pupuke Golf course over the upcoming school holidays. I have attached all the info in the links below. Please feel free to contact me and visit my website: www.benguilfordgolf.co.nz.........

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Ben

1534 days ago

Bushra our new stylist is fully qualified with many years of experience we welcome her to our team with her incredible skills with this amazing new client offer. She is available now while spots last.

Paula - Nicole - Carolyn - Lisa - Hannah and Nixi from Hairnow on Apollo Ltd

If you are needing a new look for winter and would love to have a new hairdresser....call our Hairnow Team on 478 5379 to have a chat with us about your Hair. We would love to meet with you and show you our salon.
Conditions apply with extra charges for toners or treatments which we will happily … View more
If you are needing a new look for winter and would love to have a new hairdresser....call our Hairnow Team on 478 5379 to have a chat with us about your Hair. We would love to meet with you and show you our salon.
Conditions apply with extra charges for toners or treatments which we will happily add on to your service. This offer is for 1 inch regrowth for Half head foils or Global colour. Extra charges apply for long or thick hair.

1534 days ago

Northern Pathway Confirmed on Western Side of Motorway

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) have announced that the Akoranga Drive to Constellation Drive portion of the Northern Pathway will be on the western side of the motorway, with 82% of respondants supporting this side of the motorway.
This mirrors the Kaipātiki Local Board's formal … View more
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) have announced that the Akoranga Drive to Constellation Drive portion of the Northern Pathway will be on the western side of the motorway, with 82% of respondants supporting this side of the motorway.
This mirrors the Kaipātiki Local Board's formal feedback of supporting the western side of the motorway with connections into the surrounding roads and reserves.
The Kaipātiki Local Board had also highlighted concern about the potential effect on Smiths Bush Scenic Reserve, and this was also reflected in public feedback. NZTA are now working with the local restoration groups and the Local Board on options in this area that will protect the bush.

NZTA announcement: www.nzta.govt.nz...

On Smiths Bush, NZTA say:
"We received a great deal of feedback highlighting the special place that Smiths Bush holds in the community as an ancient, ecologically unique urban ngahere (forest). We have listened to this and are working with relevant community groups, local boards and government agencies to consider options to mitigate any potential environmental impact as we finalise our business case. There will be further discussion with mana whenua, project partners and key stakeholders as this design detail is developed in the next phase of the project. Through our ongoing public engagement we will also consider how the wider cultural and social elements can be enhanced to deliver a project that benefits the whole community."

For more information:
* NZTA announcement: www.nzta.govt.nz...
* Download PDF with more info on the route: www.nzta.govt.nz...
* Download PDF with public engagement results: www.nzta.govt.nz...

1543 days ago

Poll: Do you think Labour’s policy to slash paywave, credit card fees will help small businesses?

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Labour is promising an end to expensive fees for things like paywave and card transactions.

The party wants to regulate Merchant Service Fees (MSF), which are high in New Zealand compared to other countries such as Australia.

These are fees charged by banks for services including card … View more
Labour is promising an end to expensive fees for things like paywave and card transactions.

The party wants to regulate Merchant Service Fees (MSF), which are high in New Zealand compared to other countries such as Australia.

These are fees charged by banks for services including card transactions and paywave, and force retailers to either absorb the hefty cost themselves, or pass it on to consumers.

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Do you think Labour’s policy to slash paywave, credit card fees will help small businesses?
  • 80.8% Yes
    80.8% Complete
  • 19.2% No
    19.2% Complete
915 votes
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