Mount Albert, Auckland

Covid inquiry legal advice for Dame Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson, Ayesha Verrall cost taxpayer $70k

Brian from Mount Roskill

Crown Law has confirmed. The legal advice was given between May and July this year in relation to the second phase of the Covid inquiry. The four former ministers have cooperated with the inquiry, but declined to appear at public hearings.
The reimbursement rules: It is usual process for the … View moreCrown Law has confirmed. The legal advice was given between May and July this year in relation to the second phase of the Covid inquiry. The four former ministers have cooperated with the inquiry, but declined to appear at public hearings.
The reimbursement rules: It is usual process for the Crown to pay the legal costs of ministers or former ministers in proceedings or inquiries that spin out of their current or previous duties. A spokesman for Ardern told the Herald that the budget, costs and terms of reference of the second phase of the inquiry were set by Cabinet and were a matter for the Government. "Dame Jacinda is using shared legal representation to lower any legal costs, and continues to work with the commission to achieve its terms of reference."
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Whau Ethnic Collective, New Lynn Community Centre

Brian from Mount Roskill

🌏✨ SAKHI Whau Ethnic Family Market Day – You're Invited! ✨🌏
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Come celebrate culture, community, and connection at our Ethnic Family Market Day! 🎉
🗓 Date: Sunday, 31st August 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 … View more🌏✨ SAKHI Whau Ethnic Family Market Day – You're Invited! ✨🌏
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Come celebrate culture, community, and connection at our Ethnic Family Market Day! 🎉
🗓 Date: Sunday, 31st August 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Venue: New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Avenue
Enjoy a vibrant day filled with:
🍛 Delicious food stalls
🛍 Unique ethnic market stalls
🎨 Beautiful henna art
🎈 Fun kids’ activities
👗 A dazzling fashion show
Proudly supported by Whau Ethnic Collective, New Lynn Community Hub and Whau Local Board. Let’s make this a day to remember! 💃🏽🕺🏽
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Show us your projects

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Whether it's craft, haberdashery, or woodwork, or we'd love to see what you've been working on lately.
💚 You may even spark someone else's creativity...

Tell us about your current project or show us a picture in the comments below.

Strong winds, thunderstorms forecast to lash New Zealand during final winter weekend

Brian from Mount Roskill

MetService forecaster Michael Pauley told the Herald a region of unstable air would move on to New Zealand today.
“There are quite a few thunderstorm risks around, with some hail where some of them could be squally,” he said. “We’re expecting some strong wind gusts.”
Pauley said the … View moreMetService forecaster Michael Pauley told the Herald a region of unstable air would move on to New Zealand today.
“There are quite a few thunderstorm risks around, with some hail where some of them could be squally,” he said. “We’re expecting some strong wind gusts.”
Pauley said the unsettled weather would affect the western regions of New Zealand.
“Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, down through Waitomo, Waikato, Whanganui and the Tararua District,” he said.
MetService issued a strong wind watch for the Hawke’s Bay south of Napier, the Tararua District, and Wairarapa north of Martinborough from 6am until 8pm.
“We’re expecting heavy showers and also snow to lower on some of the South Island mountain roads.”
MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd from early today until this afternoon.
Pauley said the strong westerly winds and possible thunderstorms in the North Island were forecast to ease by evening.
However, the winds and rain are forecast to return during the last weekend of winter.
Pauley said New Zealand tended to get stuck in spring’s westerly flow.
“We are expecting those showers to continue during the weekend. Because it is unstable, there is a risk it will be heavy,” he said.
“The way that the winds are blowing means the southerly flow will continue into the weekend. Western regions can continue to get a bit wet throughout Saturday and Sunday.”
MetService has also forecast heavy southwest swells, with heights between 5 and 6.5m to develop for the western coastlines of the country throughout Sunday.
Pauley said North Island temperatures would reach mid to high teens then fall to the low teens.
Auckland is forecast to hit a high of 17C and fall to a low of 11C, while Hamilton will be chillier with a high of 15C and a low of 7C.
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Turn a Resene Testpot Into a Masterpiece This Weekend!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Mt Roskill

Want a weekend project that takes little time, effort or money? This one gives you all of the above plus a nice piece of art for your abode. Colour co-ordinate with your interior with Resene testpot colours to match. Find out how to create your own art with these easy step by step instructions.

Receive 10,000 New World Dollars on Ryman!

Ryman

Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View moreSome of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.

And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.

*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply. Find out more

How to get ahead with your MONEY

Brian from Mount Roskill

Check this out.....

Bojan’s lip-smacking linguine recipe

Murray Halberg Retirement Village

The beauty of this delicious pasta recipe is its simplicity, says Ryman Village Chef Bojan Sabo.

With accessible ingredients, straightforward preparation and super quick cooking time, it’s been a favourite of Bojan’s since his previous role as a chef in an Italian restaurant.

It was even … View moreThe beauty of this delicious pasta recipe is its simplicity, says Ryman Village Chef Bojan Sabo.

With accessible ingredients, straightforward preparation and super quick cooking time, it’s been a favourite of Bojan’s since his previous role as a chef in an Italian restaurant.

It was even selected as a standout dish in the 2022 Iconic Auckland Eats.

Click read more for the recipe.

Refresh your home with Resene!

Resene

Get $40 off Resene’s quality range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers with your Resene DIY card.

Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free! Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved… View moreGet $40 off Resene’s quality range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers with your Resene DIY card.

Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free! Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made right here in New Zealand. Learn more

Retirement savings gap emerging between self-employed and employees

Brian from Mount Roskill

A joint report from the Retirement Commission and accounting firm Hnry called Improving the retirement savings of the self-employed, found self-employed workers contribute to KiwiSaver at less than half the rate of employees, with many missing out on Government contributions.
Only 44% of … View moreA joint report from the Retirement Commission and accounting firm Hnry called Improving the retirement savings of the self-employed, found self-employed workers contribute to KiwiSaver at less than half the rate of employees, with many missing out on Government contributions.
Only 44% of self-employed Kiwis actively contribute to KiwiSaver, compared to 78% of employees between April 2024 and March 2025, according to the report.
Meanwhile, 41% of self-employed KiwiSaver members receive no government contribution, often due to irregular income or low earnings.
“Self-employed New Zealanders make up a growing share of our workforce, yet they are being left behind when it comes to retirement savings,” Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said.
“Without meaningful reform, we risk seeing hundreds of thousands of people reach retirement without sufficient financial security.”
This could leave more retirees relying heavily on Government transfers – such as NZ Super and other benefits – as well as other public support, Wrightson said.
“Today’s inaction could become tomorrow’s fiscal burden.”
According to the 2023 Census, New Zealand has more than 420,000 self-employed individuals.
However, recent changes to KiwiSaver announced in this year’s Budget could further diminish retirement savings for self-employed.
From July 1, the Government’s contribution was reduced from 50c for every $1 to 25 cents for every $1 contributed up to $260.72.
The report said the policy change will reduce the retirement savings of self-employed KiwiSaver members, as they face the reduction in the Government contribution with no increase in employer contributions to offset this.
Hnry’s Sole Trader Pulse survey, commissioned two weeks after the Budget, found 24% of sole traders said they would reduce their KiwiSaver contributions because of Budget 2025 policy changes.
A further 6% said they would stop contributing to KiwiSaver altogether.
James Fuller, Hnry chief executive, said retirement savings must work for all New Zealanders, regardless of how they earn their income.
“Right now, we have a two-tier system that favours employees.
“Sole traders face a very real risk of poverty in retirement unless there is a cross-party consensus and policies that help them save more.
“We hope these findings finally lead the Government and Parliament to take this issue seriously.”
The report outlined policy options to improve outcomes for the self-employed based on initiatives already in place in other OECD nations, including:
Flexible percentage-of-income contributions;
Enhanced incentives for low-income contributors;
Innovative savings products such as linked emergency and retirement accounts.
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Free Lunch plus in Avondale! All Welcome!

Keith from Avondale

As attached!

Choice News Tuesday: 90% of new renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

We’ve hit a tipping point, where choosing clean energy is the smart choice, and not just because we want to reduce our carbon emissions 🌍⚡💸

Thanks to major tech improvements and mass production over the past decade, the cost of wind, solar, and other renewables has dropped fast. As a … View moreWe’ve hit a tipping point, where choosing clean energy is the smart choice, and not just because we want to reduce our carbon emissions 🌍⚡💸

Thanks to major tech improvements and mass production over the past decade, the cost of wind, solar, and other renewables has dropped fast. As a result, most new power capacity built around the world came from renewables, and every continent added more clean energy than fossil fuels.

Money — the ultimate decision-maker in politics and business — is finally lining up with climate action. A big win for the planet (and maybe our wallets?)

We hope this news brings a smile!

FORD ECO SPORT TREND NZ NEW A4WD SUV

Hany from Mount Albert

REGO DEC 25, WOF MARCH 26,
PURCHASED DECEMBER 2014
DONE 72,520 K
ENGINE 1.5 L PETROL
AUTOMATIC GEAR
NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD
GOOD THRID TYRES
ALLOYS WHEELS
… View moreREGO DEC 25, WOF MARCH 26,
PURCHASED DECEMBER 2014
DONE 72,520 K
ENGINE 1.5 L PETROL
AUTOMATIC GEAR
NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD
GOOD THRID TYRES
ALLOYS WHEELS
BLUETOOTH
USB JACK
CRUISE CONTROL
MINT CONDITION
STUNNING COLOR
VIEWING IN EPSOM

Price: $9,999

When things get overwhelming, what do you do to reset?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It’s been a little full-on at the office lately, and the Neighbourly team found ourselves chatting about something we all experience: stress.

We got talking about the power of nature — green spaces like parks, bush walks, or even just sitting under a tree, and blue spaces like the ocean, … View moreIt’s been a little full-on at the office lately, and the Neighbourly team found ourselves chatting about something we all experience: stress.

We got talking about the power of nature — green spaces like parks, bush walks, or even just sitting under a tree, and blue spaces like the ocean, lakes, or rivers. Research agrees: being in nature really does help calm the mind. We’re lucky here in Aotearoa to have such beautiful spots right on our doorstep!

But sometimes, getting out for a walk or escaping to the beach isn’t an option. So we’re curious...

We want to know: What do you do to find a moment of calm when life gets a bit too much?
A hot cuppa? A good playlist? Staring out the window?

Let us know ... your go-to might help someone else breathe a little easier, too.

Notice of intention to control targeted weeds

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Weather permitting spot spraying will be carried out in the following areas during August 2025.

Albert-Eden, Puketāpapa & Whau Local Board
Auckland Domain
Manukau Memorial Gardens
North Shore Memorial Park
Waikumete Cemetery

Herbicide applications will be carried out in reserves, … View moreWeather permitting spot spraying will be carried out in the following areas during August 2025.

Albert-Eden, Puketāpapa & Whau Local Board
Auckland Domain
Manukau Memorial Gardens
North Shore Memorial Park
Waikumete Cemetery

Herbicide applications will be carried out in reserves, cycleways, street gardens, street kerb and channels and berms/boundary edges. No spraying will be undertaken in agreed no-spray zones, during this period.

Auckland Council operates from a Code of Practice that governs all spray operations. Spraying will be undertaken by Programmed Facility Management.
For more information, please contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. Find out more