Westgate, Auckland

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

1277 days ago

Guide for Carers

Office for Seniors

The Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.

It covers a range of topics such as financial help, … View more
The Ministry of Social Development has recently updated the Guide for Carers, a valuable resource for those who care for family, whānau, āiga or friends with a health condition, a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental illness.

It covers a range of topics such as financial help, assessing needs, getting help at home and being able to take a break from caring.

The Guide for Carers is available online now: bit.ly...

For more information about resources like this and other advice, read our SuperSeniors newsletter: bit.ly...

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1289 days ago

Kung fu dad confronts knife-wielding youth after attack in west Auckland park

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

An Avondale father skilled in kung fu confronted a group of youths who hospitalised his son’s friend in a random attack.

Matua Ngarino had a knife pulled on him in Avondale’s Riversdale Park after confronting a group of boys who he believed had attacked a 12-year-old a few days prior.

The … View more
An Avondale father skilled in kung fu confronted a group of youths who hospitalised his son’s friend in a random attack.

Matua Ngarino had a knife pulled on him in Avondale’s Riversdale Park after confronting a group of boys who he believed had attacked a 12-year-old a few days prior.

The attack had sent the boy, who had been at the park with Ngarino’s sons, to Starship Hospital and made his own sons afraid of going outside, Ngarino said.

“The boys surrounded me, and one pulled a knife. I gave him the opportunity to walk away before they all got hurt.

“With my background in wing chung kung fu I was ready for the unexpected. I warned them a second time to walk away from the situation, they hesitated at first, but they came to their senses and walked away.”

Back in 1989, Ngarino said he had trained in wing chung kung fu in Christchurch, and while he had taught his children to walk away from confrontation, said he knew how to defend himself.

Wing chung kung fu is a form of self-defence requiring quick arm movements and strong kicks to defeat opponents.

While at the park Ngarino took photographs of the boys he believed were involved and sent them to police.


Read more of Melanie Earley's story here:

www.stuff.co.nz...

1279 days ago

A new way to live

It’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.

Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey … View more
It’s a time for fine-tuning your skills and pushing the boundaries, catching up with your mates and heading off on new adventures at the drop of a hat! No, we’re not talking about your 20s, we’re talking about your retirement.

Ross’ retirement saw the beginning of his musical journey where his passion quickly evolved from making music, to crafting guitars. It all started when Ross and some mates joined a music group where the camaraderie and togetherness were just as important as the music.

Living in a Ryman village, Ross can continue living life to the full in his retirement because they are places where you don’t retire from life, you find a new way to live .
Learn more

1279 days ago

Does your partner work at the border or in an MIQ facility?

Caroline Williams Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi neighbours, Are you the partner of a border or MIQ worker but don't live with them? If so, have you been offered the Covid-19 vaccine? If you haven't, does this cause you concern? If this sounds like you, please email me at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz

1279 days ago

Covid-19: North Shore Sky Bus service yet to resume post-pandemic

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Harbour News

Tēnā koutou. The Sky Bus North Harbour Express, north Aucklanders’ only direct link to the airport, is yet to resume more than a year after the service was suspended due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

The 55-minute service, which stops outside Albany Westfield and the Smales Farm and … View more
Tēnā koutou. The Sky Bus North Harbour Express, north Aucklanders’ only direct link to the airport, is yet to resume more than a year after the service was suspended due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

The 55-minute service, which stops outside Albany Westfield and the Smales Farm and Akoranga bus stations along the Northern Busway, cost $25 and $46 for adult one-way and return tickets respectively, with discounted fares for seniors and families.

North Auckland residents have still been able to get to the airport on public transport, via the NX1 to Britomart, train to Papatoetoe Station and the Airport Link bus to the airport.

However, the trip requires two transfers and takes about an hour and 50 minutes from Albany for $7.20 and two hours from the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station for $8.28 – double the time it would take on the Sky Bus service.

Alternatively, north Aucklanders can take the NX1 into the city – $6.12 from the Hibiscus Coast and $4.86 from Albany – and catch the Sky Bus Auckland City Express, taking between an hour and five minutes and an hour and a half.

A Sky Bus spokesman said it is keen to bring the service back, however it would need to see a "significant lift" in patronage for its Auckland City Express. The service resumed in July, however patronage is down 80 per cent compared to pre-Covid.

Click 'read more' for the full story.

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1279 days ago
1279 days ago

Electrical cable falls on motorway, diversions in place

Neighbourly.co.nz

UPDATE
May 12
3.15pm

Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reported that all lanes on the Upper Harbour highway are open. Expect delays as traffic eases.
_________________________________________________________________

Auckland motorists are told to expect delays to their afternoon commute after … View more
UPDATE
May 12
3.15pm

Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reported that all lanes on the Upper Harbour highway are open. Expect delays as traffic eases.
_________________________________________________________________

Auckland motorists are told to expect delays to their afternoon commute after electrical cabling fell on the motorway.

The southbound Upper Harbour highway off-ramp is currently closed as contractors work to clear the blockage. Police have reported that this is currently impacting city-bound traffic and diversions are currently in place.

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1279 days ago

Don Buck Honey from the Waitakere Ranges

Christopher from Massey

Hello! I have another new honey and this one is a local one.
This is a Kanuka blend honey from the north-eastern slopes of the Waitakere Ranges. The Kanuka tree is similar to the Manuka bush but produces a different tasting honey. This batch was harvested at the end of January and has naturally set… View more
Hello! I have another new honey and this one is a local one.
This is a Kanuka blend honey from the north-eastern slopes of the Waitakere Ranges. The Kanuka tree is similar to the Manuka bush but produces a different tasting honey. This batch was harvested at the end of January and has naturally set solid with a nice smooth texture. Delicious local honey for Aucklanders. Pure, raw, and unpasteurized.


500g pots. I sell these for $10 each or can do a box of 12 for eighty-five dollars. Courier is $4 for up to four pots (a little more for 5-6 pots), or can do a box for $6 within Auckland.



If you're keen you can message me directly or at donbuckhoney@gmail.com or through my website: donbuckhoney.co.nz...

Price: $10

1281 days ago

Million-dollar dumps: The Auckland car park worth $82.5 million

Caroline Williams Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Downtown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.

The Elliott St car park sits on a … View more
Downtown Auckland is going through huge transformation with its various streetscape and transport projects. But in stark contrast, several plots of land worth hundreds of millions of dollars have sat as car parks since buildings were knocked down in the 1980s.

The Elliott St car park sits on a 4417 square metre plot of land, valued at $82.5 million.

The land has sat undeveloped as a car park - where an hour will cost you $19 - since the Royal International Hotel was demolished in 1987.

It was purchased by Singapore company NDG Asia Pacific (NZ) Limited for $53m in 2012, and in 2017 the company was given approval by the Overseas Investment Office to build and operate a 52-storey, five- star Ritz-Carlton Hotel, with 300 guest rooms, four floors for hotel facilities, six for retail and five for car parking.

The development is expected to cost $350m, with the start of construction dependent on the completion of City Rail Link. However, the resource consent for the tower is due to expire in October.

Click 'read more' for our full story.

1281 days ago

Cash for your wrecked car! Call us 0800 500 001

Ali Sohrabi from AAA Auto Parts

Hi neighbours,

Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!

* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View more
Hi neighbours,

Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!

* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone

We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.

Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
Enquire now

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1281 days ago

Young Auckland musicians called to take the stage

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Budding young musicians are invited to register for a forthcoming secondary school music showcase.

Singers, vocal groups, instrumentalists, bands and dancers can take the stage for Auckland Council's secondary school contest for talent across the city.

Young performers have until June 13 to … View more
Budding young musicians are invited to register for a forthcoming secondary school music showcase.

Singers, vocal groups, instrumentalists, bands and dancers can take the stage for Auckland Council's secondary school contest for talent across the city.

Young performers have until June 13 to register for Stand Up Stand Out 2021, also known as SUSO.

Councillor Alf Filipaina, chair of the parks, arts, community and events committee, said SUSO provided a creative outlet for young people.

“Our future musicians get the chance to interact and rub shoulders from leaders in the music industry," Filipaina said.

“Watching these talented youngsters step up onto a stage and perform in front of an audience is a real thrill.”

More than 1300 up and coming artists from more than 50 schools have competed in the event.

These include students from Kaipara College in nor-west Auckland.

Heats kick off in August across three hubs- the Ōtara Music Arts Centre, Glen Innes’ Te Oro and the Roskill Youth Zone.

Semifinals will be held at Māngere Arts Centre, Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, on September 4 with the final held for the first time at Auckland's Town Hall on September 25.

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1281 days ago

Mahinga Kai - Forage with Riki Bennett

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Learning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of … View moreLearning about plants and their purpose - from medicinal to edible, the legend of Maui and fire with Riki giving an impressive demonstration of traditional fire making with a Mahoe stick rubbed until it creates an ember. Meanwhile at NZSFW, the kai cooker smokes and steams our lamb, packages of plantain with coconut cream, wrapped in cabbage leaves, potatoes, spinach emulsion and finishing with golden syrup steamed pudding and caramelised coxes orange apples.
The next one will be in July this year.

1282 days ago

🌼🌻🌸💖Happy Mother's Day💖🌸🌻🌼

Fiona from Henderson

Mother - Noun
1. Someone who will love you unconditionally, till her last breath.

Mother - Verb
1. It's something you do , not just who you are.

Being a Mother is a choice you make every day to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to… View more
Mother - Noun
1. Someone who will love you unconditionally, till her last breath.

Mother - Verb
1. It's something you do , not just who you are.

Being a Mother is a choice you make every day to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you are not sure what the right thing is, and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing everything wrong.

Don't forget, a Mother's love is whole no matter how many times divided.

💕💕Happy Mother's Day to all of you magnificent Mothers, Grandmothers and those (sadly) filling the gap of a Mother💕💕
You are all living angels and should be very proud of the work you are doing, have done or are about to do.

1281 days ago

Have you seen this amazing garden?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

They had a vision for their property, but they also had three floods in 20 years. That didn't stop them pursuing the garden of their dreams though.

1288 days ago

Poll: Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?

Reporter Community News

Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine… View more
Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.

Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.

A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.

Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.

He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.

AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.

While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.

“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”

“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”

He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.

“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.

To see video footage, go here:

www.stuff.co.nz...

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?
  • 90.2% Yes
    90.2% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 1.8% Unsure- it's too complex
    1.8% Complete
2161 votes
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