830 days ago

Down syndrome charity UpsideDowns opens in Avondale

Melanie Earley Reporter from Western Leader

Kia ora neighbours, Auckland’s community of young people living with Down syndrome came together in Avondale to brighten up the walls of recently relocated charity UpsideDowns, with help from fashion icon Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet.

UpsideDowns opened the doors of its new headquarters to host a Kids’ Art Workshop on Saturday, July 23.

Sarah Paterson-Hamlin, CEO of the charity which provides speech and language therapy for children living with Down syndrome, said: “This is the first time we’ve been able to have a space of our own like this, and having original art from some of the kids we work with on the walls is something we will be able to treasure and enjoy."

"I’m so grateful to Dame Denise for approaching us and coming up with such a great concept. We would never have thought to do this otherwise!"

The artworks will be officially unveiled by L'Estrange-Corbet at the UpsideDowns Art Opening on the evening of 10 August.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!

The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.

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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 89.1% Yes, it's fair
    89.1% Complete
  • 10.3% No, it's unreasonable
    10.3% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
3064 votes
1 day ago

Smoke in Mt Wellington

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.

Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.

Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.

Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.

A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.

At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.

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1 day ago

Just dough it

The Team from Resene ColorShop Henderson

With three basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can give old containers new life with Resene testpots.

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

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