Kawakawa Bay - Orere Point, Kawakawa Bay

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Do you have any festive tips your community needs to know about? Post them here!

2806 days ago

Get creative with free school holiday fun

Communications Team from Auckland Council

From printing t-shirts to designing skateboards or experiencing The Wizard of Oz like never before, head to Auckland Council’s arts centres. They have the best live theatre, free exhibitions and fun workshops these school holidays.

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2807 days ago

Poll: Should Auckland invest more in cycleways?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Cycling along some of Auckland's arterial roads has been described as "downright terrifying" by those on bikes. So what are your thoughts on the topic? To read more, click here.

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Should Auckland invest more in cycleways?
  • 45.9% Yes, investing in cycleways is needed
    45.9% Complete
  • 54.1% No, the money would be better spent elsewhere
    54.1% Complete
641 votes
2807 days ago

Great Stories Begin Here - Meet Faoa

Skills Update Training Institute

My name is Faoa, and I have been studying with Skills Update Training Institute for the last 2 years. First I completed the National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support Core Competencies Level 3 (Care for the Older Person), and this month I completed the NMIT Certificate in Community… View moreMy name is Faoa, and I have been studying with Skills Update Training Institute for the last 2 years. First I completed the National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support Core Competencies Level 3 (Care for the Older Person), and this month I completed the NMIT Certificate in Community Support Services (Care for the Older Person) Level 4.

I moved to NZ from Samoa in 2006. Before starting training with Skills Update I was a fulltime stay at home mum of 5 boys. I love being a mum but I felt restless and wanted to get out of the house and learn some skills. I saw the course advertised on Facebook and thought I would give it a go. I struggled with some assignments at times, but my tutor Lyn Main was there every step of the way; supporting and encouraging me to continue.

Lyn helped me to get work experience while I was studying level 3, and I ended up getting a job with them. I now work for them fulltime. I am so happy to be working; my family are now free from struggle.

While studying, I learnt about holistic care; how to best care for clients by being polite, treating them equally, and communicating clearly – even with those who can’t talk. A lot of communication happens with our eyes. I am happy to care for the residents as they leave this world. I love my job.

In my job I now orientate new students on work experience. I love to show others how to interact with the residents in a professional and caring way. Next year I am looking to start my training as an enrolled nurse.

Doing this study has changed me. I used to be a stressed out, angry mum. I will never forget the support I received from this course. I was able to share problems and gain advice. I am now a happy mum.

I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to undertake this study, and would encourage all interested students to come and enrol in the new NZ Certificates in Health and Wellbeing, levels 3 and 4 being offered through Skills Update in collaboration with NMIT this year. “

The Accelerate Education Division of Skills Update is taking new enrolments now for the NZ Certificates in Health and Wellbeing (Health Assistance) level 3, and Advanced Support level 4. Classes will be in West and South Auckland, so secure your place in the April intakes by contacting Jessica on 257 3155 ext 770, 021 533 705 or jessica@skillsupdate.co.nz. Places are open to all NZ citizens and permanent residents.
Find out more!

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2807 days ago

Industrial action affects some bus services

Communications Team from Auckland Transport

Due to industrial action by First Union members, some bus services operated by Pavlovich will be cancelled tomorrow, 19 April 2018. Full details on affected services can be found here:

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2807 days ago

Auckland wins Ultimate Sports City third time running

Communications Team from Auckland Council

Auckland has been named ‘Best Medium City’ at the prestigious SportsBusiness Ultimate Sports City Awards for the third consecutive time. The ‘Best Medium City’ award is open to cities with populations between 1.3 and 2 million.

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2814 days ago

What to do if your power's off

Reporter Homed

If you're one of the thousands of people still without power after the storms, hang on in there.

We know it's not always possible to stay with friends or family who are still connected, so here are a few tips to help you be as comfortable as possible at home during a lengthy power … View more
If you're one of the thousands of people still without power after the storms, hang on in there.

We know it's not always possible to stay with friends or family who are still connected, so here are a few tips to help you be as comfortable as possible at home during a lengthy power outage.

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2808 days ago

Considering a trade as a career - Mount Wellington now has a new Trades Hub

NZMA

NZMA has opened their huge new trades campus on Great South Road.
The campus was officially opened by the Hon. Jenny Salesa, MP. Here is the story from Māori Television news. A trades qualification with NZMA will help you get a job in the booming building industry.

NZMA offer multiple trade… View more
NZMA has opened their huge new trades campus on Great South Road.
The campus was officially opened by the Hon. Jenny Salesa, MP. Here is the story from Māori Television news. A trades qualification with NZMA will help you get a job in the booming building industry.

NZMA offer multiple trade courses and will have a course that suits you. These include: Building Level 3, Electrical Engineering Level 3, Painting & Plastering Level 3, Plumbing, Gas Fitting and Drain Laying Level 3 and Youth Guarantee which is free for 16-19yr olds. NZMA also has a dedicated Careers team that will help you find the right job once you graduate.
Find out more

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2809 days ago

Do you think wheel clamping should be illegal?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hey neighbours,
Have you heard Transport Minister Phil Twyford's views on wheel clamping? He says it either needs to be banned or regulated - and he was working on legislation to see it banned. What are your thoughts? To read more, click here.

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2808 days ago

Have you been pinged by this bus lane?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi Auckland,
Have you heard about the bus lane that's earned about $1.27 million in fines? The Newmarket bus lane caught out more than 8000 driver in a year. Have you been fined? Do you think bus lanes are important in the city? To read more, click here.

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2809 days ago

Poll: Would you keep a farm animal as a pet?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Are you a pet lover looking for an alternative to domestic cats and dogs?

Farm-style animals like chickens, goats, and even pigs, are gaining in the pet popularity stakes, but have specific needs and regulations you need to be aware of. … View more
Are you a pet lover looking for an alternative to domestic cats and dogs?

Farm-style animals like chickens, goats, and even pigs, are gaining in the pet popularity stakes, but have specific needs and regulations you need to be aware of. Here's what you need to know about keeping them in residential areas.

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Would you keep a farm animal as a pet?
  • 21.1% I already do - it's easy if you do your research and have the right space
    21.1% Complete
  • 15.4% I'd like to, but there's too much red tape
    15.4% Complete
  • 40.5% It depends on the animal
    40.5% Complete
  • 0.9% I tried, but it didn't work out
    0.9% Complete
  • 22.1% I don't think farm animals make good pets
    22.1% Complete
1086 votes
2809 days ago

Get more with Spark

Spark Botany

Spark have the ultimate plans & packs to help you stay on top of the music charts, movies and the latest TV series with Spotify Premium, Lightbox or Netflix. Plus you’ll get FREE daily Wifi at over 1,000 zones nationwide. Pop in and see the team at your local Spark Botany store to find out … View moreSpark have the ultimate plans & packs to help you stay on top of the music charts, movies and the latest TV series with Spotify Premium, Lightbox or Netflix. Plus you’ll get FREE daily Wifi at over 1,000 zones nationwide. Pop in and see the team at your local Spark Botany store to find out how. Spark terms & conditions apply. Find out more

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2809 days ago

Winter Fire Safety in your Home

Mike Shaw from New Zealand Fire Region 1

With winter fast approaching it's time to look at your fireplaces and chimneys
:

•Clean chimneys and flues before you light the first fire of the season.

•Always use a fireguard or spark-guard when using an open fire.

•Never throw rubbish into the fireplace – particularly … View more
With winter fast approaching it's time to look at your fireplaces and chimneys
:

•Clean chimneys and flues before you light the first fire of the season.

•Always use a fireguard or spark-guard when using an open fire.

•Never throw rubbish into the fireplace – particularly batteries and aerosol cans.

•Always empty ashes and ashtrays into a metal bin and pour water over them before disposal. Remember that ashes can take up to 5 days to cool.

•Keep matches, lighters and anything else that can create fire out of reach of children.

Remember: Smoke alarms save lives

2809 days ago

A quick update

Phil Goff from Phil Goff

Spent the weekend involuntarily investigating Auckland’s hospital system. My family has a history of clogged arteries which despite being a virtuous non smoker I have been unable to escape.

So I ended up Saturday morning at Auckland Hospital for an angioplasty and a few stents. Procedure went… View more
Spent the weekend involuntarily investigating Auckland’s hospital system. My family has a history of clogged arteries which despite being a virtuous non smoker I have been unable to escape.

So I ended up Saturday morning at Auckland Hospital for an angioplasty and a few stents. Procedure went well and I’m hassling the doctor to let me go home. Hopefully tomorrow and after a few days of working from home, I’ll be back at work.

A big thanks first to doctors, nurses and staff. They been really great, both professional and caring. They are a wonderful cross section of multicultural Auckland. It’s fantastic that in our country people get the urgent treatment they need and according to that need and not ability to pay.

Thanks also for the kind messages from so many people. Heartfelt appreciation!

The painting was done by my lovely granddaughter Brooklyn.

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2809 days ago

Industrial action affects some bus services

Communications Team from Auckland Transport

Due to industrial action by members of the Tramways and First Unions, some services operated by NZ Bus will be cancelled between 17 April 2018 – 27 April 2018. Full details on affected services can be found here:

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2810 days ago

10 Auckland playgrounds you won't want to miss

Communications Team from Auckland Council

Here are ten of the best playground adventures you can find across the region!

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