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A South Auckland mother has been left “disturbed” after discovering what she believes to be live bugs inside a newly opened tin baby formula.
The Aptamil product was bought last Thursday at Chemist Warehouse’s Takanini store and carried an expiry date of June 20, 2027.
Danone, the French … View moreA South Auckland mother has been left “disturbed” after discovering what she believes to be live bugs inside a newly opened tin baby formula.
The Aptamil product was bought last Thursday at Chemist Warehouse’s Takanini store and carried an expiry date of June 20, 2027.
Danone, the French multinational company behind Aptamil, told the Herald it had stringent quality and safety processes in place and considered it “unlikely that an insect can remain alive in a sealed can in a low oxygen, low moisture environment”.
The company had not received any similar reports from the same batch and was investigating the complaint.
Jenny Bishop, New Zealand Food Safety’s acting deputy director general, said it was working to establish the facts but there was “no evidence, at this stage, of a wider food safety issue”.
Chemist Warehouse Takanini confirmed an internal investigation was also under way.
The mum of two, who did not want to be named, said she noticed what looked like tiny insects moving inside the powder after opening the tin on Saturday .
“You need really good eyes to spot it, like, it was, like, a really tiny one at first,” she said.
“But then when my husband dug into it, he found more.”
The tin was sealed at the time of purchase and showed no visible holes in its packaging, she claimed.
“We just went and returned it to Chemist Warehouse, and then we dug it in front of the cashiers as well.
“And then we found more inside.”
The family received a refund upon returning it to the store.
“It was a bit disturbing because, you know, we’re dealing with babies here,” she said.
“We’re presuming the whole batch might be infested, so we just switched to the other formula.”
In a statement, Danone said it takes customers’ concerns “extremely seriously” and that all batches undergo extensive testing, including for foreign matter, before being released to market.
“As soon as we were notified of this complaint, it was escalated to our quality team for further analysis.”
Danone also said scorched milk particles can occasionally appear in infant formula products.
“[They’re] a common occurrence in the milk manufacturing process and, although unsightly, they are harmless and do not pose a risk to food safety,” the company said.
“From our conversations with consumers, we know that storage conditions in the home are a critical factor for maintaining the integrity of the product once it’s opened.
“Infant formula products should be stored in a cool dry place. After opening, the container should be kept airtight; avoid leaving the tin open on counters, and consume the contents within four weeks.
“If the foil security seal is damaged or missing when opened, do not use the product.”
At this stage, Bishop said scorched particles could be a possible explanation but confirmed NZ Food Safety would independently test the product.
“We have contacted the manufacturer and will visit them and the retailers to establish the facts.”
She emphasized that if a wider issue was identified, “we would take immediate action to address the risk and keep consumers safe”.
Infant formula manufacturers were required to follow strict rules to ensure their product’s safety, with regulated environments and systematic checks at the production point, Bishop said.
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Reclassification of reserves within the Ōrākei Local Board Area
Auckland Council intends to recommend to the Minister of Conservation the reclassification of certain reserve parcels under Section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977.
These proposals involve specific land parcels, often forming only … View moreReclassification of reserves within the Ōrākei Local Board Area
Auckland Council intends to recommend to the Minister of Conservation the reclassification of certain reserve parcels under Section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977.
These proposals involve specific land parcels, often forming only part of larger parks. Full details are available on the Auckland Council website under Public Notices: Ōrākei Parks Reclassifications.
Schedule:
The schedule outlines current and proposed classifications, along with reasons for the changes.
Lawry Reserve
Appellation / Survey Area: Part of Lot 95 DP 40387 – to be surveyed
Current Classification: Local Purpose (Community Buildings) Reserve
Proposed Classification: Recreation Reserve
Reason: To better align with primary purpose
Meadowbank Reserve
Appellation / Survey Area: Part Allot 220 Sec 16 SBRS of Auckland (543)
Current Classification: Road Reserve
Proposed Classification: Local Purpose (Esplanade) Reserve
Reason: To better align with primary purpose
Roberta Reserve
Appellation / Survey Area: Part Lot 155 DP 41926
Area: 3.5669 hectares
Current Classification: Local Purpose (Municipal) Reserve
Proposed Classification: Recreation Reserve
Reason: To better align with primary purpose
Watene Reserve – Section 762
Appellation / Survey Area: Section 762 Town Ōrākei
Current Classification: Local Purpose (Off Street Parking) Reserve
Proposed Classification: Recreation Reserve
Reason: To better align with primary purpose
Watene Reserve – Section 763
Appellation / Survey Area: Section 763 Town Ōrākei
Current Classification: Local Purpose (Off Street Parking) Reserve
Proposed Classification: Recreation Reserve
Reason: To better align with primary purpose
Watene Reserve – Section 764
Appellation / Survey Area: Section 764 Town Ōrākei
Current Classification: Local Purpose (Off Street Parking) Reserve
Proposed Classification: Recreation Reserve
Reason: To better align with primary purpose
Watene Reserve – Section 765
Appellation / Survey Area: Section 765 Town Ōrākei
Current Classification: Local Purpose (Off Street Parking) Reserve
Proposed Classification: Recreation Reserve
Reason: To better align with primary purpose
Any person wishing to object to any of the proposals may do so in writing and addressed to Auckland Council, Private Bag, 93200, Auckland 1142, Attention: Steve Owens or email to orakeiparks@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
no later than TBC XX XXXXXXXXX XX. Should any person wish to discuss the proposals, they can contact Steve Owens on (09) 3010101.
Any objector’s information provided to the Council will become subject to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and may be released by the Council under that Act.
With daily chef prepared meals, housekeeping and more, Ryman serviced apartments free up your time for what really matters - family, catching up with an old friend, or simply your favourite book.
We have serviced apartments available now - find a village near you.
We’ve all seen the headlines lately — New Zealand’s economy shrank more than expected between April and June (down 0.9%).
(If not, you can read a summary of the June quarter's activity on this article published by the Post)
Now that the weekend’s over and things have calmed down … View moreWe’ve all seen the headlines lately — New Zealand’s economy shrank more than expected between April and June (down 0.9%).
(If not, you can read a summary of the June quarter's activity on this article published by the Post)
Now that the weekend’s over and things have calmed down a bit, the Neighbourly Team are keen to hear from you: how are you feeling about it all?
Summer’s coming, and holidays are on the horizon … should we be focusing on the future rather than the past quarter? Or is this dip in the road a real concern?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you’re curious about retirement village living, don’t wonder, come have a wander.
If you’re just starting your journey, or ready now, a Summerset Open Day could be the perfect first step. Why not bring your friends and family and make a day of it? See for yourself why our residents love… View moreIf you’re curious about retirement village living, don’t wonder, come have a wander.
If you’re just starting your journey, or ready now, a Summerset Open Day could be the perfect first step. Why not bring your friends and family and make a day of it? See for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.
We can’t wait to welcome you on Sunday 5 October from 10am – 2pm.
SMS at 0210376933. Purchased just a few months ago and still looks like new. It was used in a work-from-home setup but is no longer needed after moving to a smaller place. Thanks!
Detecting vision problems in New Zealand children can be difficult because often kids – and their parents – are unaware they’re even having trouble with their eyesight, according to a leading optometrist.
“Especially in the younger years, children simply adapt to the world they can see,”… View moreDetecting vision problems in New Zealand children can be difficult because often kids – and their parents – are unaware they’re even having trouble with their eyesight, according to a leading optometrist.
“Especially in the younger years, children simply adapt to the world they can see,” says Arshad Hoosen, Optometrist Director at Specsavers Sylvia Park in Auckland.
“This makes them very vulnerable to eyesight problems, and my tip for parents, if they’re worried, is not to leave it too late for their children to be tested. Because vision loss can often be prevented or treated if detected early.”
Hoosen says that while issues are frequently picked up through routine school health checks, Specsavers offers free comprehensive eye checks every year to all children under the age of 16*.
Vision problems are relatively widespread among young Kiwis. According to the University of Auckland’s Vision Research, between 5% and 10% of New Zealand children have some form of vision problem which, if left untreated, could affect their literacy and academic performance.
Globally, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) reports an estimated 450 million children have a sight problem needing treatment, while 90 million are living with some form of vision loss – with many suffering from preventable conditions.
Hoosen says there are a number of signs of potential vision problems that parents and caregivers can look out for.
Among these: a child might blink more often, move close to the TV, or put their head at an unusual angle when viewing a device or reading a book. They may also squint their eyes to see, complain of headaches, have constantly watering eyes, say they can’t see clearly, or experience difficulty learning or reading.
Vision difficulties can affect a child’s learning and development and because so much learning is done visually, reading, writing, board work and computer use are all much harder if they can’t see properly.
Hoosen says children with eye problems may not be aware that what they are seeing isn’t normal, and therefore won’t speak up about their difficulties. Without early screening, kids can miss out on vital learning years before anyone realises there’s a problem.
“In saying that, I’ve had parents bring their child in for a check because they’ve had a sixth sense something is wrong – and parents who wear glasses themselves are usually more aware of problems,” he says.
“But it is often a teacher at school who will pick up on issues before a parent, especially if a child is reluctant to read because words are out of focus and blurry, or they won’t do their homework.”
He says if problems are suspected or picked up during school screening, it’s important to follow up with a full check by an optometrist.
Specsavers includes an advanced 3D eye scan (OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography) as part of every standard comprehensive eye test to help detect conditions in their earliest stages.
The OCT takes a series of high-definition non-invasive 3D scans of the back of the eye. These scans help optometrists detect eye conditions sooner, sometimes before any symptoms appear.
“It’s like the difference between getting a warrant of fitness for your car, or taking it in for a full service,” he says. “That’s why we offer the free annual checks – and affordable glasses – so we can detect eye conditions early.”
Hoosen says it’s important for parents to understand that eye conditions can change. “Short-sightedness can develop quickly, and a child who doesn’t need glasses at age four may do so at eight, for example.”
Hoosen says there are several ways children can look after their eye health, including limiting long periods of near work – such as reading or using screens – which can help slow the progression of short-sightedness.
“It’s a good idea for children to take regular breaks from their screens and spend time outside every day,” he says, adding that vision problems are not socio-economically based, occurring across a wide cross-section of society.
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Carpenter wanted.Small job involving steps for a deck.
Valley Rd, Mt Eden.
Ph/txt 0273314810.
High build quality, very sturdy, heavy frame. In good condition.
Has four shelves and can be hung either way up.
The metal frame comes with a set of wooden boards a set of aerated concrete (AAC) blocks for an alternative look.
Dimensions:
H:1500W:595D:350
Distance between shelves(from … View moreHigh build quality, very sturdy, heavy frame. In good condition.
Has four shelves and can be hung either way up.
The metal frame comes with a set of wooden boards a set of aerated concrete (AAC) blocks for an alternative look.
Dimensions:
H:1500W:595D:350
Distance between shelves(from outside edge)
Top-1: 305mm
1-2: 335mm
2-3: 333mm
3-4: 335mm
4-Bottom: 70mm
Pick up in Central Auckland.
A large number of old wood from our house renovation. A lot of it is rimu. Free.
We are in mt alvert and it can be picked up any time. Two pieces of corrugated iron also
Set of 6 books, in a series.
Christian authors
The Russians
Set in the late 1800's
By Michael Phillips & Judith Pella
The crown & the crucible
A house divided
… View moreSet of 6 books, in a series.
Christian authors
The Russians
Set in the late 1800's
By Michael Phillips & Judith Pella
The crown & the crucible
A house divided
Travail & triumph
Heirs of the motherland
The dawning of deliverance
White nights, red morning
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
A slow-moving front over central New Zealand is forecast to move eastwards today, while another front is expected to move northwards over the lower South Island tonight.
MetService meteorologist Dom Barry told the Herald a complex trough affecting the North Island is bringing a large amount of … View moreA slow-moving front over central New Zealand is forecast to move eastwards today, while another front is expected to move northwards over the lower South Island tonight.
MetService meteorologist Dom Barry told the Herald a complex trough affecting the North Island is bringing a large amount of rain for Northland all the way down to Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
A number of weather watches have been issued and many may be upgraded to warnings, Barry said.
Associated with those fronts, Kiwis are forecast to see thunderstorms and localised downpours, particularly for the likes of Northland, this morning.
Aucklanders should expect to see the heaviest falls in the morning.
“If there happens to be a thunderstorm pop up, that will also have some heavier falls associated with that,” Barry said.
For the South Island, there are multiple fronts affecting the southern part of the island.
“For areas north of Otago and Southland and southern Westland, mainly fine for eastern coast areas, Canterbury, Canterbury High Country, Marlborough-Nelson area, not looking too bad,” Barry said.
“There’s just a bit of rain about Buller in the morning, which turns to showers in the afternoon.”
A number of regions were likely to have also experienced muggy temperatures overnight.
“We’ve got some areas, the likes of Taupō, Rotorua, looking at temperatures that are six-ish degrees above average overnight,” Barry said.
Those areas were looking at overnight temperatures of 12-14C, he said.
Weather watches and warnings
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A heavy rain watch is in place for Northland until 10am today.
Aotea Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula are under the same watch until 8pm tonight.
Auckland is also under a heavy rain watch until 11am and Waikato until 1pm.
Bay of Plenty and the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers are under the same watch until 3am on Thursday.
This comes after a week of heavy rain across the country. Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt all recorded their second-wettest days of this year so far on Monday.
“This is not the greatest news for parents and caregivers who may be wanting their kids outside to burn energy,” Barry said.
“However, it is not all bad news – there will be gaps between periods of rain where the little bundles of energy can get outside."
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With the number of job vacancies in Australia falling, New Zealanders are being warned against moving to the “lucky country”.
“I’m not sure Aussie is the answer,” said Jonny Peters, director of recruitment agency Hirestaff.
“My advice is just to do your research and make sure you get … View moreWith the number of job vacancies in Australia falling, New Zealanders are being warned against moving to the “lucky country”.
“I’m not sure Aussie is the answer,” said Jonny Peters, director of recruitment agency Hirestaff.
“My advice is just to do your research and make sure you get a job offer before moving over,” he told the Herald.
Peters said Kiwi job hunters in Australia he had spoken to recently “haven’t walked into a role” and were “feeling it a little”.
He said a few ex-recruits of his had moved there but were struggling to find work. Peters said one of his own staff members shifted to Australia and found it so hard that Peters hired him again.
“It is not a given to walk into something [a job].”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released job vacancy figures yesterday, revealing they had plummeted compared with just three months ago.
There were 336,400 vacancies in May and 327,200 in August, representing a fall of 9100, or 2.7%.
The bureau’s head of labour statistics, Robert Long, said: “Private-sector job vacancies drove this quarter’s movement, falling by 3.4%. Public-sector vacancies went up by 2.2%, which was the fourth increase in a row.”
Looking at yearly data, the number of vacancies in the year to August fell by 5000.
“This is a much smaller decrease than the same time last year, when there was a drop of 67,300 vacancies, or 16.9%,” Long said.
Construction job vacancies were down 12.7% compared with May, and down 22.4% compared with a year ago.
The number of vacancies in the electricity, gas, water and waste services industry were down 2.7% compared with May, and down 23.6% compared with last year.
There were 15% fewer vacancies in the financial and insurance services compared with May and 5.2% fewer than last year.
The mining industry showed a 13.8% drop in job vacancies in the three months to August. Over the year, however, the number of vacancies increased by 2.9%.
There was also a huge increase in vacancies in manufacturing, with 9.7% more than three months ago and 46% more than a year ago.
In New Zealand, meanwhile, the number of advertised job vacancies in the year to the June quarter fell by 7.6%. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said its “jobs online” dataset showed a decline of 21.7% in the year to the March quarter.
Peters, of Hirestaff, said people worried about finding work here and feeling pushed to make the leap to Australia should wait before rushing across the Ditch.
He said it would be concerning when job prospects here start turning and “half your workforce is going to be over there”.
“If people can hang tight in New Zealand for just a bit longer, there will be opportunities coming up.”
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Many workplaces now embrace hybrid working — splitting time between home and the office. For years, people have built their routines and lifestyles around this flexibility.
But critics say it weakens team spirit, slows training, and makes collaboration harder.
💬 What do you think? Hybrid… View moreMany workplaces now embrace hybrid working — splitting time between home and the office. For years, people have built their routines and lifestyles around this flexibility.
But critics say it weakens team spirit, slows training, and makes collaboration harder.
💬 What do you think? Hybrid forever, or back to the office full-time?
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