2098 days ago

The Story of Surfdale

The Team from Auckland Museum

Did you know that Surfdale in Waiheke Island received its name via a competition? The winner was awarded a section of land near the beach...

At 8 pence a day on top of a small deposit, a Surfdale section was also promoted as a sound investment – so close to downtown Auckland that “values must go up and up and up”.

Well, they weren't wrong there.

Today, Waiheke Island brings to mind sunny vineyards and beachy weekend getaways. The image of Waiheke as an “island paradise” has its origins in 1920s marketing, but the island has long been desirable even as its character has changed over the past centuries.

As we go into the long weekend and begin to venture further afield again, why not have a read of how Waiheke came to be the place it is today, in this blog about its recent history by our Project Curator, Jane Groufsky.

www.aucklandmuseum.com...

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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6 hours ago

Denim, but make it one-of-a-kind 💙

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

Not every pair of jeans makes it to the rack... but that doesn’t mean their story ends there. Our talented volunteer Annie has been transforming damaged denim into handcrafted bags, hats and aprons in our Onehunga SPCA Op Shop ✂️🧵

This latest batch even features her own hand-sewn designs, and customers have been loving them, they sell almost as soon as they hit the shelf!

It’s creativity, sustainability and community all stitched together, helping animals in need 🐾

📍 217 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga
🕘 9am–5pm, 7 days