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We strengthen people and organisations so together we can strengthen our community.
If you'd like to ensure Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS), continues to optimise its free networking events and vital community transport service; its subsidised professional development and … View moreWe strengthen people and organisations so together we can strengthen our community.
If you'd like to ensure Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS), continues to optimise its free networking events and vital community transport service; its subsidised professional development and capacity building courses and its free health and well-being projects - then why not support us by becoming a 2021 financial member.
MECOSS Membership Fee Structure per annum (Calendar year Jan - Dec)
$100 Group Membership: allows an unlimited number of employees/volunteers per organisation to attend events/courses/prof development/workshops and meetings at members’ rates.
$25 Individual Membership: allows registered individuals to attend events/courses and meetings at member’ rates.
Email admin@mecoss.org.nz to request further details about the benefits of a MECOSS membership subscription and for payment details.
What do you think about the Auckland Council plan to sell Reserve land in your neighbourhood. I am aware of at least one in Golflands being sold , are you aware of any other?
Hi Neighbours, Today, November 1, is the 10th anniversary of the amalgamation of eight local bodies to form the Auckland Council. Much was promised, do you think it is working? Read the story below:
Lock this date in your calendars - our new Howick Village Christmas Fair event in Friday 20 November 2020. In-store promotions start from 9.00am and Picton Street is closed to traffic from 5.30pm - 9.30pm. Bring your family and friends and come and enjoy the entertainment, music and do your … View moreLock this date in your calendars - our new Howick Village Christmas Fair event in Friday 20 November 2020. In-store promotions start from 9.00am and Picton Street is closed to traffic from 5.30pm - 9.30pm. Bring your family and friends and come and enjoy the entertainment, music and do your pre-Christmas shopping at our iconic markets. Santa will be in our new 'Kiwiana Caravan' in Fencible Park along with other exciting guests. See you there!
Designed by architect Ron Sang for Magnum photographer Brian Brake in 1976, this truly amazing Mid-century house is currently owned by Prime News presenter Eric Young and his wife Michelle.
We've got some Summer Specials for you! Deliver your curtains to 5A Kaimahi Road, Glenfield, and we’ll give them a professional clean for you. Deliver and collect from us once cleaned and receive 20% off the cleaning cost.
Trust Textile Curtain Cleaning, the locally owned and operated … View moreWe've got some Summer Specials for you! Deliver your curtains to 5A Kaimahi Road, Glenfield, and we’ll give them a professional clean for you. Deliver and collect from us once cleaned and receive 20% off the cleaning cost.
Trust Textile Curtain Cleaning, the locally owned and operated business to clean and sanitise your curtains and fabric blinds.
We can quickly improve the health of your home by professionally cleaning your curtains and blinds.
We offer:
- Simple all-inclusive pricing, no hidden charges
- Mildew and mould removal
- Full-service or discount for dropping in
- Complimentary temporary curtains
Contact your friendly local professionals now!
Ph: 09 473 5350, Hibiscus Coast or email: info@textilecleaning.co.nz
An “extra large” sized electric bus designed especially for New Zealand has been handed over in Auckland.
The 78-passenger Yutong E13 has a double rear-axle, like the largest diesel-powered single-decker buses, and carries bigger and more powerful batteries to increase its daily range.
… View moreAn “extra large” sized electric bus designed especially for New Zealand has been handed over in Auckland.
The 78-passenger Yutong E13 has a double rear-axle, like the largest diesel-powered single-decker buses, and carries bigger and more powerful batteries to increase its daily range.
Auckland Transport has bought the bus to trial initially on long-haul eastern routes such as the 70 service from Botany to the CBD.
The new bus is bigger than the models currently entering service around Auckland, and the extra axle is expected to reduce wear and tear on the roads.
Please type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in our conversations section of the community paper.
Man of the world, UK-Kiwi blues-roots legend Paul Ubana Jones, plays Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture this Friday, November 13 (tickets still available), and to warm up for the special occasion, here’s more of our chat from a few months back, including the greatest story about meeting B.B. … View moreMan of the world, UK-Kiwi blues-roots legend Paul Ubana Jones, plays Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture this Friday, November 13 (tickets still available), and to warm up for the special occasion, here’s more of our chat from a few months back, including the greatest story about meeting B.B. King – the late-great king of the blues.
PJ: You've supported and met some of the world's big-name musicians. Are there any favourite experiences that standout?
PUJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! B.B. King! I was backstage with the master and introduced to him. B.B. was sitting down in a low armchair.
The lighting was dim, and as I stooped over to shake his hand, he said: “Hello my dear! Wow! I have not seen an afro hairstyle like that since the late ‘60s!”
He then pulled me down to him and started to kiss me quite passionately on my lips.
I then said: ''Ah! Mr.King, I’m not a woman'!” And he said: ''Oh! Gee! You look so pretty from where I’m sitting!”
His entourage were all laughing and the vibe quickly resumed back to an air of sobriety. Great memories though.
PUJ: Norah Jones bought a whole case of Verve Cliquot after her premiere concert in Auckland. I was the soloist opening for her six concerts in New Zealand.
We were all walked over to a small pub, management shut down the bar and it was a great ‘champers’ party to affirm her maiden concert here.
I felt honoured and she was very friendly and respectful to me.
PUJ: Patti Smith was also hugely warm to me and respectful. I was the opener for her and Bob Dylan.
Patti invited me to eat with her and her band. We had a great time together.
PUJ: Tuck and Patti were also so respectful. Tuck Andress must be one of the greats when it comes to ‘jazz groove’ playing and improv.
I did a couple of gigs with them both here at the Wellington Jazz Festival, and then over in Los Angeles.
Tuck came back stage at one point and said: “Hey Paul! Can I have a look at your guitar?”
I showed it to him and he was shocked how basic it was! It blew him away. They were great to me.
* Paul Ubana Jones plays in the acoustically superb Uxbridge Theatre at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on Friday, November 13. For tickets, see www.uxbridge.org.nz....
Brickman Awesome: Epic LEGO® Brick Creations is now on sale! Explore a world where everything is awesome, including this orca made from over 14,000 bricks! Opening Thursday 3 December.
Free for Museum Members. Get your tickets: www.aucklandmuseum.com...
If you’re interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone or and no longer drive, to Botany Town Centre or … View moreIf you’re interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone or and no longer drive, to Botany Town Centre or Pakuranga Plaza for shopping and a cuppa.
They have a chance to talk, ask questions, walk around and form friendships. Drivers are mainly responsible for arranging the times and routes for pick-ups and delivering their passengers safely.
Companion’s help clients get into and out of the vehicle and assist with seatbelts. They can also book a walker or scooter for passengers to use at the shopping centres if required.
If you are interested phone Maureen on 0800 632 677
Has minor stain can be covered has faded not as noticable. Further information please message.
Food for thought. Under the Kiwisaver system you can’t access your funds until 65 years of age, although there are exceptions such as first home buyers, those leaving the country permanently and applications brought about by hardship or sickness.
Statistics New Zealand indicate that the average … View moreFood for thought. Under the Kiwisaver system you can’t access your funds until 65 years of age, although there are exceptions such as first home buyers, those leaving the country permanently and applications brought about by hardship or sickness.
Statistics New Zealand indicate that the average lifespan currently is 79 for males and 83 for females (presumably not accounting for Covid 19) which suggests that you’re going to need those Kiwisaver funds for at least 15 years beyond 65. And you will need those funds; rest homes, retirement villages and the inevitable medical expenses aren’t cheap. For those lucky enough to own homes, liquidating those assets can contribute too, assuming you don’t mind spending the kids inheritance.
Some years ago my wife and I were talking about this subject. She is Australian and as such had the luxury of retaining the conditions of her Australian Super fund when she transferred to Kiwisaver, so she gets to access her savings at 60 rather than 65.
Then the conversation became a bit broader. We started thinking about retired friends and associates and their quality of life and here’s the thing - The number of healthy, happy octogenarians we know is way smaller than Statistics NZ suggest. In fact, as we recalled friends we’d known, it dawned on us that a significant majority had died between 63 and 67 years of age. So they either never retired or popped their clogs within two years of retirement.
Obviously there are exceptions. We know several people in their mid-eighties who are fit and healthy with a great lifestyle (two of our “aunties” can consistently outwalk/outrun us pathetic fifty -somethings, much to our embarrassment). At the other end of the scale, we both know people who have died suddenly and unexpectedly in their late 40’s or early fifties, largely due to previously undiagnosed health issues.
So is 65 really the appropriate age to access Kiwisaver? Do we want to be working at that age?
Our conclusions were to budget for semi-retirement at around 60 (we’re both professionals so can potentially gain part time or casual contracts to keep us occupied) and slightly reduce our Kiwisaver contributions to create a “living for today” fund, so as to be able to afford to travel/holiday, etc and create memories whilst we are still are healthy and able.
Your thoughts?
After consultation with organisations working in the aged-care sector, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting, scheduled to be held on 24 November 2020 at Te Tuhi.
A new date and time will be set for early 2021. Information will be posted… View moreAfter consultation with organisations working in the aged-care sector, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming Aged-Care Community Networking Meeting, scheduled to be held on 24 November 2020 at Te Tuhi.
A new date and time will be set for early 2021. Information will be posted on this platform over the coming weeks.
MECOSS apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
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