Piha - Karekare, Piha

1809 days ago

What a great start to the season!

The Team from Wasp Wipeout

Wow! Your generosity is making sure we can get a lot of areas on our target list baited for wasps this summer. We've still a wee way to go, but every dollar sure does help. We'll keep you updated through the season, but this is a great start. Thank you! Click on the link if you wish to … View moreWow! Your generosity is making sure we can get a lot of areas on our target list baited for wasps this summer. We've still a wee way to go, but every dollar sure does help. We'll keep you updated through the season, but this is a great start. Thank you! Click on the link if you wish to donate :) givealittle.co.nz...

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1809 days ago

New research shows disparities in quality of kids' sleep

Kelly Dennett Reporter from Sunday Star Times

Hi parents and families, we are looking to speak to parents of young children who are willing to talk about their kids' sleep quality, to accompany a story about new research on children's sleep patterns. If you are willing to be named and photographed, please contact us here, or email … View moreHi parents and families, we are looking to speak to parents of young children who are willing to talk about their kids' sleep quality, to accompany a story about new research on children's sleep patterns. If you are willing to be named and photographed, please contact us here, or email kelly.dennett@stuff.co.nz.

1809 days ago

How close to the sea will your home be by 2100 ?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, Some new data-crunching at Auckland Council has shown how eight coastal communities will be affected by sea level rises due to climate change. It's a stark reminder of what could happen. How close does it come to you. Read the story below:

1810 days ago

The perfect gift for all occasions

WestCity Waitakere

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas?

A WestCity gift card is the perfect gift for all occasions.

Gift cards are available from the Customer Service desk on level 2 and can be loaded with any amount from $10 - $999.

The gift cards can be used at any participating store within WestCity – … View more
Stuck for Christmas gift ideas?

A WestCity gift card is the perfect gift for all occasions.

Gift cards are available from the Customer Service desk on level 2 and can be loaded with any amount from $10 - $999.

The gift cards can be used at any participating store within WestCity – so there’s something to please everyone this Christmas.
Learn more

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1810 days ago

Computing

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

You can keep playing around on the internet, or you can use it to build a future for your tamariki.

Upskill in computing and technology today.
Learn More

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1810 days ago

☀️Preparing for those summer picnics☀️

Fiona from Henderson

We all have ideas as to what to pack (or not) for those picnics.
Here is are a few hints as to how to perfect your lasagna (straight from Italy)
Raise your hand if you don’t like lasagna.
Ok, no one?
That’s because lasagna is a real crowd-pleaser and a wonderful Italian comfort food. A nice, … View more
We all have ideas as to what to pack (or not) for those picnics.
Here is are a few hints as to how to perfect your lasagna (straight from Italy)
Raise your hand if you don’t like lasagna.
Ok, no one?
That’s because lasagna is a real crowd-pleaser and a wonderful Italian comfort food. A nice, generous portion makes everyone feel good all year round.
Preparing lasagna at home is a gesture of true love, involving many long, laborious steps, plus a hefty dose of patience, especially if making the pasta yourself.
Mistakes are allowed as the dish is actually quite complex and perfection is never easy to achieve.

The most common lasagna mistakes:
1. Should you want to make the pasta at home, spread the pasta rather thin and boil it in water with a drizzle of oil to prevent the sheets from sticking to the each other, or boil one sheet at a time and once drained place it in cold water.
2. If you buy fresh egg pasta, the process is the same as for homemade pasta. If you buy packaged dried sheets then you absolutely must cover them well with the filling, without leaving a single corner exposed.
3. There shouldn’t be too much or too little filling. Too much between one layer and another will keep you from ever getting a perfect slice. Too little and all you’ll taste is pasta.
4. Do not put large pieces of vegetables or meat in lasagna for the same reason as above. To get a perfect lasagna, the filling should be finely sliced or even creamy.
5. If using parchment paper, remember to remove it once the lasagna is cooked. Otherwise, it will get wet and ruin the base. It’s better to grease an oven dish or to streak it with béchamel sauce.
6. Don’t overdo it with the béchamel, a necessary ingredient in many recipes, particularly for the consistency it lends to the taste, but one which can ruin the dish if there’s too much of it.
7. Lasagna should be cooked for at least 45 minutes in a hot oven at 350°F, though it really depends on the number of layers. To prevent an overcooked surface and an undercooked center, cover with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking process.
8. Particularly when using store-bought dry pasta, be careful when cooking the corners. Cover them well with the filling and add a drizzle of water or milk to soften them once in the oven.
9. Though it may seem obvious, any meat or vegetables in the filling must be cooked first. Vegetables can even be simply blanched, but putting them raw into the filling is highly risky.

and last but by no means least ....

10. Don’t eat it now. Like a good eggplant parmigiana, baked pasta should always be left to rest. Forget about eating it fresh out of the oven ... it’s actually better the next day!

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1810 days ago

Holiday Reading.

NumberWorks'nWords Henderson

Will you be taking plenty of good books with you these school holidays?

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1811 days ago

Thank you New Zealand

Countdown New Zealand

Thank you New Zealand. Your nominations helped us find a local hero for every Countdown store in the country.

Every store’s winner receives a $500 Countdown Gift voucher in recognition of helping make our community a better place.
Xmas Hub

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1811 days ago

Two days left to be in to WIN with Readers Tours & TV Guide!

Readers Tours

For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the NorthView more
For over three decades, Readers Tours has been taking our loyal readers on unforgettable journeys exploring the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s hidden gems.

The much loved North and South Island Journeys are back for 2020, along with the launch of two new escapes in both the North and South Island. These new shorter escapes are the perfect length of time for those adventurous seniors who want a taste of the spectacular excursions and sights our country has to offer.

To celebrate the launch of our brand new tours, our friends at TV Guide and Neighbourly are giving away a year’s subscription for TV Guide to one lucky adventurer!

All you have to do is tell us a New Zealand destination you would love to visit via this link and you'll be in the draw to win!

Entries close 19th December 2019.

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1811 days ago

Will you use Uber's Jump e-bikes?

Brittany Keogh Reporter from Western Leader

Hi neighbours, Uber has announced it will launch it's Jump e-bike rentals in Auckland next year. It's e-scooters also won't hit the street until 2020. Will you try the e-bikes? What about the scooters?

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1811 days ago

Tis the season! Here are a couple of ways Neighbourhood Supporters are getting in the spirit this month. 🎅🎄

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Photo 1: Lou Dixon, Coordinator for Ruapehu Neighbourhood Support, has created this cheery display for the Taumarunui Christmas Tree Festival where agencies are given the chance to educate the public on the work that they do in a fun and festive way.

Photo 2: Papamoa Neighbourhoood Support and … View more
Photo 1: Lou Dixon, Coordinator for Ruapehu Neighbourhood Support, has created this cheery display for the Taumarunui Christmas Tree Festival where agencies are given the chance to educate the public on the work that they do in a fun and festive way.

Photo 2: Papamoa Neighbourhoood Support and Papamoa Community Patrol recently took part in the local Community Christmas parade alongside Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Senior Constable Adrian Oldham and Senior Constable Amanda Pinkerton to spread Christmas cheer and safety messaging in their area.

1811 days ago

Don't get caught out by these Auckland motorway closures...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

NZTA is advising of closures for motorway improvements from December 17-21. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.

These affect parts of the Northern Motorway (SH1). Southern Motorway (SH1), … View more
NZTA is advising of closures for motorway improvements from December 17-21. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date. Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am.

These affect parts of the Northern Motorway (SH1). Southern Motorway (SH1), Northwestern Motorway (SH16), Upper Harbour Motorway (SH18). and Southwestern Motorway (SH20). Specific details can be found here.

Please follow the signposted detours.

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