Piha - Karekare, Piha

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.

1186 days ago

400 per cent rise in food parcel demand in West Auckland

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Western Leader

A contactless drive-through food service has seen a surge in demand following the snap lockdown.

250 cars collected 300 food parcels from Vision West’s Pātaka Kai to provide for local families last Friday, a 400 per cent increase on normal days.

Spokesperson Brooke Turner said there is a … View more
A contactless drive-through food service has seen a surge in demand following the snap lockdown.

250 cars collected 300 food parcels from Vision West’s Pātaka Kai to provide for local families last Friday, a 400 per cent increase on normal days.

Spokesperson Brooke Turner said there is a massive need and it “feels like alert level 5”.

“The most common reason we hear is that cause the kids are at home we burn through supplies faster,” he said.

“There’s far more fear and anxiety with delta variant, we have people coming and getting parcels for their neighbours who are afraid to go out.”

But Brooke said he was proud of the Kiwi spirit to help their neighbours.

“Our staff are remarkably resilient and committed to making sure that people are supported.”

What are you doing to look out for your neighbours this lockdown?

Image
1195 days ago

SOOO many people on the roads during level 4 - absolute madness.

Fiona from Henderson

So, as my husband is on call for all essential businesses that use his company's services, he was called out this afternoon.
All the protocols were followed i.e. appropriate paperwork that's required, making sure that his Covid essentials bag is full of masks, sanitiser etc ...
He left to… View more
So, as my husband is on call for all essential businesses that use his company's services, he was called out this afternoon.
All the protocols were followed i.e. appropriate paperwork that's required, making sure that his Covid essentials bag is full of masks, sanitiser etc ...
He left to head down to South Auckland as one of the old folk's homes had a wee emergency, and was he gobsmacked to discover a massive line of cars starting from the Henderson Mall area (where the testing station is) and almost completely down the full length of Bruce McLaren Road.
He turned around and went another way.
All the way down to South Auckland, he saw two Police cars.
One on the side of the road with a hand held speed monitor and the other one overtook him on the southern motorway. That was it.
He mentioned that there were hardly any cars or foot traffic in South Auckland, East Tamaki, Papatoetoe. They were all so well behaved.
West Auckland were all in panic mode waiting for hours to be tested.
WHY????
What's wrong with all of you who waited in line today to be tested?
Could you have not waited a few days?
Absolute unorganised mayhem.
Stay calm ... PLEASE.
Waiting for hours is just a complete waste of time. That time could be spent with your loved ones or getting your partner to do all those odd jobs etc ...
We know that the Delta variant is super contagious, so please, please behave as if you have caught it and keep away from everyone or at the very least, keep your distance and wear masks and sanitise everything.

1186 days ago

Recipe: Chocolate Cake

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

This is a simple home-made lockdown, comfort recipe.
Rich in chocolate, moist, fluffy with the perfect amount of sweetness prepared by our Cookery, Advanced student Sam at home during the August Lockdown 2021.

1186 days ago

Parts of country to go to Alert Level 3

Neighbourly.co.nz

All regions outside of the Auckland and Northland region will move to Alert Level 3 11.59pm Tuesday August 31.

In a press conference Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that Auckland and Northland will likely need to complete a further full two weeks at level 4 in order to … View more
All regions outside of the Auckland and Northland region will move to Alert Level 3 11.59pm Tuesday August 31.

In a press conference Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that Auckland and Northland will likely need to complete a further full two weeks at level 4 in order to keep the Delta variant from spreading further in the regions.

Here's what you need to know
- There will be regional boundaries, there will be no travel allowed between regions unless required for essential services.
- Boundaries maintained in the last February lockdown will be reinstated.
- Around 500 locations of interest have been identified.
- The exposure site in Warkworth is a large workplace. Ardern hoped the people of Northland will understand why they're moving with caution. Northland won't always be grouped in with Auckland.

To stay up to date with the latest, follow the Stuff blog.

Image
1187 days ago

Television host and author Max Cryer dies aged 86😢

Fiona from Henderson

What an absolute shame and so very sad.
For those of us who grew up with Max Cryer being over the television screen or even knew him, he was so much fun but always professional.
He gave so much to us all in a time when everything was so new in the television world here in New Zealand.
R.I.P. Max … View more
What an absolute shame and so very sad.
For those of us who grew up with Max Cryer being over the television screen or even knew him, he was so much fun but always professional.
He gave so much to us all in a time when everything was so new in the television world here in New Zealand.
R.I.P. Max and now go and sing with the angels
www.stuff.co.nz...

Image
1187 days ago

Lockdown Learning: LCQ

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Lockdown learning: Upskill and gain the LCQ (Sale of Alcohol) Certificate for a special price of $195 via our online interactive delivery.

Image
1187 days ago

Gardening live chat on now!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Hello neighbours,

It’s coming up to spring, and with everyone stuck at home in Covid lockdown, what better time to get the garden in order? NZ Gardener editor Jo McCarroll and Jack Hobbs, manager of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, are live on Stuff now to answer all your gardening questions.

Image
1189 days ago

How many extra Māori seats will Auckland Council get?

Todd Niall Reporter from Community News

Kia ora Neighbours, the government is about to remove a barrier to adding Māori ward seats to Auckland Council. Shoudl it be one seat, or the three recommended by the royal commission on amalgamation? Read the Story below:

1193 days ago

Do you have any 'good' Covid stories?

Caroline Williams Reporter from Community News

Kia ora neighbours. I hope you and your whānau are all coping with this lockdown OK.

It can be a bit daunting to read the news during these tough times, so we'd really like your help to spread some joy.

Last time we were in level 4 lockdown, there were some lovely stories of kindness out … View more
Kia ora neighbours. I hope you and your whānau are all coping with this lockdown OK.

It can be a bit daunting to read the news during these tough times, so we'd really like your help to spread some joy.

Last time we were in level 4 lockdown, there were some lovely stories of kindness out there - remember the window teddy bears?!

We'd love to hear from you regarding anything you or your neighbours have been doing to help lighten the mood. Let us know in the comments or send me an email at caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz - feel free to include a photo!

1188 days ago

Cancer doesn't stop, we won't either.

Cancer Society

COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services … View more
COVID-19 has taken away our Daffodil Day Street Appeal.

The demand on our cancer services goes up during lockdown. And that's why we need you now more than ever. $24 helps to provide transport to and from cancer treatment.

Donate now to support the Cancer Society's vital services to support New Zealanders going through cancer.
Learn more

Image
1190 days ago

Do you think Waikato River water means Auckland is now sorted?

Todd Niall Reporter from Community News

Kia ora Neighbours, The recent boost of supply from the Waikato River might give the impression that Auckland's water worries are over. Not so. The juggling act with Auckland's supply sources mean rain is still the ultimate answer. Reads the story below:

Image
1191 days ago

RE: Henderson Vaccination Centre

Fiona from Henderson

Just to let you all know about the changes/closure of Henderson Vaccination centre.
I had heard and read bits and pieces about people being turned away from the Henderson Vaccination Centre, even though they had an appointment.
So I thought that I would call the Covid Healthline to confirm our … View more
Just to let you all know about the changes/closure of Henderson Vaccination centre.
I had heard and read bits and pieces about people being turned away from the Henderson Vaccination Centre, even though they had an appointment.
So I thought that I would call the Covid Healthline to confirm our appointments for tomorrow.
Just as well I did, as the centre is closed until approximately mid September (maybe later), so all the staff can be used to help out at the over worked testing station across the road.
We had booked both of our appointments (as suggested) so both of them had to be changed. The wonderful lady who helped me on the phone, managed to find us a space at the beginning of September otherwise, we would have to been deferred to the beginning of October.
My point is, please ring to confirm and not turn up and be turned away - saves alot of time and disappointment.
Another reason for the massive delays in getting news dates/times are that all the 12+ year olds are being booked in by their parents, even though the 40+ haven't received their invitation letters yet (as per the person I spoke to today and the hotline)
That little bit niggled me, especially as so many elderly people haven't had their vaccines yet - so many.
Before anyone jumps down my throat, I fully understand we all need to be vaccinated, however the elderly need to be at the front of the line, not pushed down the line.

Image
1188 days ago

Recipe: Plain French Omelette

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Our Foundation cookery student Claudia has prepared this plain french omelette with mushrooms at home during August Lockdown 2021.
Escoffier described the omelette as scrambled eggs held together in a coagulated envelope, says Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking.
The moist, silky consistency is … View more
Our Foundation cookery student Claudia has prepared this plain french omelette with mushrooms at home during August Lockdown 2021.
Escoffier described the omelette as scrambled eggs held together in a coagulated envelope, says Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking.
The moist, silky consistency is known as baveuse.
Recipe on our blog.

Image
1189 days ago

Last week to nominate!

The Team from New Zealander of the Year Award | Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa

We're in the last week of nominations for the 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. So come on, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – who’s your New Zealander of the Year?

Tell us with a nomination! Nominations close 31 August.

Get in quick – www.nzawards.org.nz...

Image
1189 days ago

The memes and moments getting the nation through the latest lockdown

Caroline Williams Reporter from Community News

Kia ora neighbours. Since New Zealand plunged into lockdown last week, the laughs for Kiwis have been few and far between.

Apart from Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ Freudian slip at an afternoon press conference, where he muddled a message about people stretching their legs and … View more
Kia ora neighbours. Since New Zealand plunged into lockdown last week, the laughs for Kiwis have been few and far between.

Apart from Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins’ Freudian slip at an afternoon press conference, where he muddled a message about people stretching their legs and instead said “spread your legs”, the mood of the nation has been heavy and serious.

But as you’d expect, a minister uttering “spread your legs” at a high-profile press conference was music to the ears of meme makers.

Some prefer to take their mind off lockdown by trying something new, such as creating mandalas (abstract art) from things found lying around the house or gathered from nature outside.

Others have been finding ways to keep their community entertained during their lockdown strolls around the neighbourhood, including a return of the hugely popular window teddy bears of 2020.

If you're fed up of reading about the negatives of Covid-19, take a read of our story below. We hope it will make you smile. Ngā mihi.

Top