Lynfield, Auckland

Got some bits to give away?

Got some bits to give away?

Clear out that garage and pop it on Neighbourly Market for free.

82 days ago

How is it possible that the weather forecast is so consistently bad in NZ?

Markus from Green Bay

"Looks like washing weather, just 1% or 2% chance of rain …" - well, that "1% or 2%" has by now repeatedly piddled on my washing … and not just a little bit!

😭…🖕🌧️🐸…🔫🔫🔫🤬

(in Germany a frog sitting on a ladder in a glass - the … View more
"Looks like washing weather, just 1% or 2% chance of rain …" - well, that "1% or 2%" has by now repeatedly piddled on my washing … and not just a little bit!

😭…🖕🌧️🐸…🔫🔫🔫🤬

(in Germany a frog sitting on a ladder in a glass - the "Wetterfrosch = Weather Frog" - is the symbol of weather prediction)

81 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Rare shark spotted again in Papua New Guinea 🦈

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

After 50 years without a sighting, the rare and quirky sailback houndshark has finally been spotted again in Papua New Guinea!

Because it’s been seen so rarely, scientists still know very little about it. But its striking features are already sparking debate about whether it should be given … View more
After 50 years without a sighting, the rare and quirky sailback houndshark has finally been spotted again in Papua New Guinea!

Because it’s been seen so rarely, scientists still know very little about it. But its striking features are already sparking debate about whether it should be given special protection, and some have even argued it could become an icon species for Papua New Guinea.

At a time when we so often hear about species disappearing, the return of this little shark is a reminder that nature can surprise us ... and that there’s always reason to hope.

You can read more about the sailback shark here

We hope this brings a smile!

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81 days ago

City Vision team for Puketāpapa

City Vision

"Kia ora,
We’re your City Vision team for Puketāpapa. Our candidates for council and the local board are local, experienced and ready to make a difference for your community. In Puketāpapa, we’ll invest in parks and infrastructure, fix our footpaths, and listen to our diverse … View more
"Kia ora,
We’re your City Vision team for Puketāpapa. Our candidates for council and the local board are local, experienced and ready to make a difference for your community. In Puketāpapa, we’ll invest in parks and infrastructure, fix our footpaths, and listen to our diverse communities when making decisions. We want to hear from you: find us on Facebook, Instagram, or at our website

Your team for Puketāpapa
Raphaela Rose, Daniel Cliffords, Rowan Cant, Soraiya Daud and Jon Turner for Puketāpapa Local Board
Julie Fairey and Jon Turner for Council

Authorised by Gwen Shaw, 027 414 4074. Endorsed by City Vision, 2/21 Emmett Street, Herne Bay, Auckland"
Find out more

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82 days ago

Which sectors pay more than a median $100,000 salary?

Brian from Mount Roskill

It used to be that once someone's salary hit six digits, they would be considered highly paid.
But there are now about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000.
Over the past 10 years, the median wage across New Zealand has risen from about $67,000 - depending how you measure it - … View more
It used to be that once someone's salary hit six digits, they would be considered highly paid.
But there are now about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000.
Over the past 10 years, the median wage across New Zealand has risen from about $67,000 - depending how you measure it - to nearly $80,000.
Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon compiled LEED data from Stats NZ which showed the break down of mean and median income by industry.
It showed workers in mining, manufacturing, electricity and gas supply, rail, water, air and space transport, telecommunications, finance and insurance, computer system design, and hospitals all had median and mean incomes above $100,000.
The data reports on PAYE earners so will not capture self employed people who do not pay PAYE, or anyone who is not in paid work.
Coal, oil, gas and metal ore mining was top, with a median income of $136,770 and a mean of $144,450.
Computer systems design and related services was second, with a median income of $125,630.
It was followed by exploration and other mining support services on a median $124,960 and auxiliary finance and insurance services on $124,390.
At the other end of the table was food and beverage services, with a median $40,170, and food retailing on a median $45,030.
"The big caveat is that it doesn't include hours worked, and there will be differences in the prevalence of part time workers across industries," Brunsdon said.
He said it seemed overall that it was private sectors that were paying the highest salaries, with the exception of hospital staff. But he said hospital wages were likely to be being pulled up by highly paid surgeons and other specialists.
"Generally the private sector has greater ability to pay."
He said qualifications were also a factor, although mining roles were not necessarily those requiring degrees.
He said manufacturing salaries could be being pushed up by shift work loadings that could bring people over the $100,000 salary level "quite easily".
There had been a couple of years of quite aggressive minimum wage increases, he said. "That's going to have an effect at the bottom end and it's going to have that knock-on effect to anyone - or should have a knock-on effect to anyone - who's near the minimum wage to maintain relativity.
"But I guess it depends on what's going on. When you've got particular pressures in particular areas, that's going to push up wages. A couple of years ago there was a lot of pressure in the public sector and professional services wages during that period. Not so much now."
He said there was not much impetus for wage growth in the current environment.
"People are generally pretty grateful to keep the job they've got rather than push the boat out and try to get paid more... the job hopping that can push things up is not going on as well."
He said the economy might be at a turning point for recovery but Infometrics was not expecting it to tick over into strong growth.
"It's sort of expected to be a prolonged recovery, which means that it could be some years until we start to get that sort of heat back in the economy that contributes to strong wage growth."
Top five
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Coal, oil gas and metal ore mining
Mean $144,450 median $136,770
Mining is the highest paid sector in New Zealand.
A report in the middle of this year said that 7470 people were employed in the sector.
Computer systems design and related services
Mean $128,690, median $125,630
These sorts of roles are often among the most highly paid in things like Trade Me's reports of advertised salaries.
They include things like planning, integrating and managing computer hardware and software, as well as communication technologies.
Exploration and other mining support services
Mean $129,940, median $124,960
That same mining report said the biggest job creation and economic impact was in Buller, Hauraki and Waitaki.
Earlier in the year, RNZ reported that forest and mining roles had the second-biggest pay increases last year at 6.2 percent.
Auxiliary finance and insurance services
Mean $134,480, median $124,390
This category captures people whose work is related to financial transactions and insurance but who work in businesses that don't own the financial assets themselves.
Finance
Mean $126,220, median $122,020
General finance jobs were also paying well.
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82 days ago

Proper Medium Baker

Markus from Green Bay

I don't get the SMEG Hype - it's good cookware but why would you want your cookware displaying what is basically an ad at you? SMEG right in your face. And your guests too. How about a proper medium baker that doesn't do that? A Maxwell Williams Designer Homewares from their Cuisine … View moreI don't get the SMEG Hype - it's good cookware but why would you want your cookware displaying what is basically an ad at you? SMEG right in your face. And your guests too. How about a proper medium baker that doesn't do that? A Maxwell Williams Designer Homewares from their Cuisine Range • first quality ceramics • oven safe • freezer safe • dishwasher safe • Approximate Dimensions are: Height: 6.5 cm, Length: 32.5 cm, Width: 20 cm • Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.

Price: $20

82 days ago

TWO Rectangular Serving Platters

Markus from Green Bay

Price is for BOTH • Quality Porcelain made by Harrison & Lane • Microwave safe • Dishwasher safe • Approximate Dimensions are: Length: 35.5 cm, Width: 17 cm, Height: 3 cm • Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend… View morePrice is for BOTH • Quality Porcelain made by Harrison & Lane • Microwave safe • Dishwasher safe • Approximate Dimensions are: Length: 35.5 cm, Width: 17 cm, Height: 3 cm • Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.

Price: $10

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82 days ago

What can I do to keep my mind active?

Brian from Mount Roskill

Maintaining your mental fitness is as important as staying physically fit, and often the two go hand in hand. Factors such as having regular physical exercise; staying well; seeing your doctor when you are unwell and having a good diet all contribute to good mental health.
We can also exercise our… View more
Maintaining your mental fitness is as important as staying physically fit, and often the two go hand in hand. Factors such as having regular physical exercise; staying well; seeing your doctor when you are unwell and having a good diet all contribute to good mental health.
We can also exercise our mental health. ‘Use it or lose it’ still applies. There are a number of ways that the mind can be exercised e.g.:
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Keep up with events and news.
Cultivate a curious mind. Ask people more questions than you might otherwise and talk less.
Stay connected with family and friends. Try to make new friends. Talk to someone you don’t know or perhaps someone much older or much younger than yourself.
Invite someone for a meal; even for a sandwich at the park. Eating with others not only increases your appetite and makes food taste better it also creates an environment where you can be part of discussions that make you think.
Expose yourself to new things e.g., try a card game you have never tried before; go somewhere you haven’t been before; try different food etc.
Stretch your thinking by enrolling in continuing education classes or University of the Third Age.
Learn new skills – for example using a smart phone. This can be a great skill to have for peace of mind and security as it allows you to keep in contact with friends and family while out and about. It’s also a great way to keep in contact with the grandchildren.
Learn a new language.
If you are not enjoying the benefits of the internet join up with Senior Hangouts. They are a group where the focus is teaching and learning computer skills. This is done in a peer tutoring environment and means that you don’t have ‘some young thing’ whizzing you through a course that leaves you feeling breathless and discouraged. You will be with others who understand your trepidation.
Many older people are finding computers liberating and empowering e.g. email helps you keep in touch with your family and friends. Remember, the people of your generation invented computers! If you feel confident with computers you might like to offer some of your expertise to SeniorNet.
Keep doing your crosswords and puzzles.
Look for new solutions to problems and avoid the old ones that don’t work anymore and just make you angry.
Become an advocate for positive changes eg join a lobby group such as Grey Power. You may not make a difference on your own but join with others and much more can be achieved.
Record your life history. It’s great for the memory as well as for the genealogists who follow behind you.
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85 days ago

Britomart Station becomes Waitematā Station

Brian from Mount Roskill

Britomart Station becomes Waitematā Station
In 2003, Britomart opened as our new and only city centre train station. With City Rail Link (CRL) opening next year, that is set to change. We’ll have brand new stations in the city and new names.
Mana whenua gifted the name Waitematā Station for … View more
Britomart Station becomes Waitematā Station
In 2003, Britomart opened as our new and only city centre train station. With City Rail Link (CRL) opening next year, that is set to change. We’ll have brand new stations in the city and new names.
Mana whenua gifted the name Waitematā Station for Britomart Station. We’ve been using ‘Waitematā (Britomart)’ as a transitional name, but now it is time for the next step.
You’ll start to notice ‘Waitematā Station’ on our maps, signages, and online, including the AT Mobile app. While the name has changed, Waitematā Station remains a hub for trains, buses and ferries – and access to our waterfront, downtown, and everything the Britomart precinct has to offer.
The name reflects the station’s proximity to the Waitematā Harbour, which was named after its flat, glassy waters resemblance to matā (obsidian). The harbour’s name also reflects a visit from a Te Arawa ancestor who placed an obsidian stone as a mauri (talisman) in the northern part of the harbour.
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82 days ago

LINE DANCING..New Beginners class

Annette from Mount Roskill

Epsom Methodist church
Greenwoods Cnr .Epsom
MONDAY 7pm-8pm
22nd September
Come along on your own or bring a friend

88 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Music will keep you sharp

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Thought you were past your prime to become a rockstar? Don't sell yourself - or your health - short.

Research published this year has demonstrated that playing music helps keep dementia at bay - no matter how late in life the skill is picked up.

The basic idea behind this research is not… View more
Thought you were past your prime to become a rockstar? Don't sell yourself - or your health - short.

Research published this year has demonstrated that playing music helps keep dementia at bay - no matter how late in life the skill is picked up.

The basic idea behind this research is not new - we know that 'cognitive reserve' (learning new things) plays a big role in delaying mental slowdown. But the reminder that "it is never too late" is welcome ...

We hope this news brings a smile!

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84 days ago
84 days ago

BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY MARKET

Angela from Blockhouse Bay

COME AND SEE US TOMORROW ! BEST LITTLE LONG RUNNING COMMUNITY MARKET AROUND! FINA A BARGAIN, NZ MADE, LOCAL PEOPLE! PARKING AVAILABLE OPPOSITE AT MEDICAL CENTRE AND ROUND ABOUT! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

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85 days ago

Make a Garden Bench with Resene Woodsman Skywater

The Team from Resene ColorShop New Lynn

Make a stylish garden bench using inexpensive fencing timber finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Skywater. Find out how to make and stain your own bench seat with these easy step by step instructions.

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96 days ago

Show us your Snaps: Conservation Week

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It is Conservation Week! Do you have any big plans for Conservation Week?

So many native fauna and flora make New Zealand special - show us a picture of your backyard native species in the comments below 💚 Perhaps we can inspire others to find the beauty in our local species.

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86 days ago

Jetstar is set to ramp up its presence in New Zealand, adding more than 660,000 new seats a year across domestic and trans-Tasman routes.

Brian from Mount Roskill

Jetstar said it would add "close to" 500,000 seats across five of its most popular domestic and trans-Tasman routes, and was adding two new services - one domestic and one to Australia.
Around 135,000 seats would be created with new daily flights from Hamilton to Christchurch, and 17,000… View more
Jetstar said it would add "close to" 500,000 seats across five of its most popular domestic and trans-Tasman routes, and was adding two new services - one domestic and one to Australia.
Around 135,000 seats would be created with new daily flights from Hamilton to Christchurch, and 17,000 would be added with flights three times a week from Queenstown to Brisbane between June and October 2026.
To support the changes, it said an additional A320 aircraft would be based in Auckland, which would bring its fleet in Aotearoa to nine.
The airline called the changes its "single-biggest expansion ever" of its New Zealand and trans-Tasman network.
It also noted increased services to Australia would allow many more one-stop routes for Kiwis visiting major cities in Asia.
Jetstar capacity increase:
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Auckland and Christchurch: increasing from up to eight daily to up to 11 daily (290,000 additional seats per year)
Auckland and Brisbane: increasing from up to ten per week to twice daily (99,000 additional seats per year)
Auckland and Sydney: increasing from up to eight per week to up to 12 per week (79,000 additional seats per year)
Christchurch and Melbourne: increasing to daily year-round (26,000 additional seats per year)
Auckland and Dunedin: increasing from seven per week to up to 10 per week (From 26 October – 17 May 2026. 24,000 additional seats per year.
Qantas, which is owned by the same parent company as Jetstar, said it would begin flying its A220 aircraft between Wellington and Brisbane up to three times per week.
The Australian national carrier is also set to increase its capacity between Christchurch and Sydney, with up to two additional flights per week during February and March, adding more than 5000 seats to the route.
Key airline announces record NZ expansion, will cheaper flights follow? - Watch on TVNZ+
Jetstar Group chief executive officer Stephanie Tully said the changes will ensure Kiwis have enhanced connectivity to Asia and beyond.
"These changes will give a much-needed boost to inbound tourism while offering Kiwis even more low-fares and choice in how they travel."
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said: "These new services will strengthen airline connectivity for both tourism and business within New Zealand and on the Trans-Tasman routes.
"Improved aviation connectivity is an important component in our Tourism Growth Roadmap and I congratulate Jetstar and Qantas for making these connections happen."
Air New Zealand recruits charter airline
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Earlier today, Air New Zealand announced it would welcome back Spanish charter airline Wamos Air during peak summer travel, as it navigates "ongoing global engine supply challenges with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney".
Wamos Air would operate selected services between Auckland and Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tokyo and Bali between October 30 2025 to April 30, 2026.
Air New Zealand said the Wamos-operated Airbus A330-300, which was previously flown by Virgin Atlantic, offers a cabin experience closely aligned with Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9.
Last month, Air New Zealand signalled passengers should expect a 5% increase for all airfares amid rising operating costs.
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