Auckland has been named one of the best global destinations for next year in a prestigious UK travel magazine.
Condé Nast Traveller's 23 Best Places to Go In 2023 said Auckland is "mightily gearing up for the throngs of foreign visitors anticipated in the coming year", hailing the super city's jam-packed events calendar.
"After a three-year hiatus, the popular Lantern Festival will be held in February 2023 to celebrate Chinese New Year," the list reads.
"Pasifika, the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, is returning in March 2023 after a two-year pause.
"And, in July, the quadrennial FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will swing down under."
The article also points to New Zealand's recently-reopened status, after borders were closed due to Covid-19.
"Three years' worth of flashy hotel openings await.
"From the looks of it, 2023 will – finally – give Auckland its time to shine."
It comes after a number of other recent global accolades for Tāmaki Makaurau.
Lonely Planet picked Auckland as the best city to visit in 2022 and Kingsland is officially one of the world's coolest suburbs.
'Living up to our name'
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Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's head of visitor economy Annie Dundas welcomed the news.
"It's fantastic to see Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland again acknowledged as a top destination to visit by a trusted international travel publication – living up to our name as a place desired by many," she said.
"We are excited to be welcoming back our international manuhiri to explore our amazing attractions, events and festivals, as well as the many new accommodation, dining spots and activities on offer throughout our region."
On top of this year's Lonely Planet listing and Kingsland's Time Out shout-out, Dundas pointed to other recent achievements.
"This adds to a list of recent awards for our region – Auckland was also recently named the Best Global Music City at the Annual Music Cities Awards, and also awarded Oceania's best destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions for the third year running at the 2022 World MICE Awards," she said.
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Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.7% Yes
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14.7% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
RE: Hosting a FREE inspirational talk by Harita Davies in your school/class
Kia Ora
I would like to introduce you to Harita Davies, our national record holder in 3100-Mile race.
Harita is the only New Zealand woman to ever attempt and complete the world's longest certified running race, the 3100-Mile race (94km for 52 days and 28 pairs of running shoes!) The Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race, described as “The Mount Everest of Ultramarathons” by the New York Times, requires competitors to maintain an average of 60 miles a day, amounting to over two marathons every day for 52 days!
Each year, contestants are drawn to the 3100-mile ultra for often inner reasons. Testing their physical and mental limits, with a curiosity about human potential itself. The race promises personal growth and self-discovery. Participants come from around the world to shatter their perceived limitations and discover a deeper sense of self. Only six women have ever completed the 3100-mile distance since its inception in 1997.
Please listen to Harita's many interviews with RNZ - www.rnz.co.nz......
Watch a trailer about the award-winning documentary covering the 3100 Mile Race -
www.youtube.com......
Accompanying her will be Preetidutta Thorpe, ultra marathon runner and a former Olympic-level contender in sailing who has just completed the Everest Marathon last year.
For Harita, meditation is the ultimate game changer in her running. This holistic approach cultivates peak performance and nurtures a deeper sense of well-being, She believes that caring for our own sense of peace is one of the most powerful contributions we can make to creating a better and more peaceful world.
Kindly get in touch if you would like to have Harita talk to your school/class about her experience and share a few simple practical meditation techniques to cope with stress, improve focus and cultivate resilience. The duration and depth of the subject matter can be tailored to suit.
Harita, now living in the US, and will be back in Auckland on Wednesday 12 February.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss any possibilities for inspiring your school community to take the first step.
Warmest regards,
Durba Lee Preetidutta Thorpe
Mobile: 0220 653 719 Mobile: 0220 814 727
Sri Chinmoy Centre