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π The magic is back! The Farmers Santa Parade returns to Auckland on Sunday, 24 November β and this year, Bluey is joining the fun! π Bring the whΔnau along for a festive day filled with holiday cheer, colourful floats, and beloved characters. πβ¨
**OUR BIGGEST SALE TO DATE ππππππππππ
UP TO 50% OFF EVERYTHING - GO INTO OUR SHOPS AND NEGOTIATE A DISCOUNT THAT WORKS FOR YOU - IF THE ITEM DOESN'T HAVE A PRICE REDUCTION - ASKπ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦π
WE HAVE TOO MUCH STOCK AND … View more**OUR BIGGEST SALE TO DATE ππππππππππ
UP TO 50% OFF EVERYTHING - GO INTO OUR SHOPS AND NEGOTIATE A DISCOUNT THAT WORKS FOR YOU - IF THE ITEM DOESN'T HAVE A PRICE REDUCTION - ASKπ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦ππ¦π
WE HAVE TOO MUCH STOCK AND SUPPLIERS HAVE MORE COMING IN FOR USππΈππΈππΈππΈππΈππΈ
GET IN BEFORE SUNDAY AND GRAB A REAL BARGAIN - 33 NELSON ST PUKEKOHE, 33 EDINBURGH ST PUKEKOHE (BED SHOP OPPOSITE FARMERS) AND 211 GREAT SOUTH RD TAKANINI**
Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ!
The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
Sunday 17th November come and hear Dennis Marsh at St Peters Church Bombay $20pp and $2 raffles (Cash only) . Afternoon tea provided. Funds raised will go towards the maintenance of two historic churches. Enquiries to Angela 027 283 984
Sunday 17th November come and hear Dennis Marsh 4pm at St Peters Church Bombay $20pp and $2 raffles (Cash only) . Afternoon tea provided. Funds raised will go towards the maintenance of two historic churches. Enquiries to Angela 027 283 984
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
Police have established a Major Operations Centre (MOC) to provide oversight of the Police response to the upcoming hΔ«koi from Northland to Wellington.
The MOC, based at Police National Headquarters in Wellington, is providing logistical, resource and communication support to all districts … View morePolice have established a Major Operations Centre (MOC) to provide oversight of the Police response to the upcoming hΔ«koi from Northland to Wellington.
The MOC, based at Police National Headquarters in Wellington, is providing logistical, resource and communication support to all districts along the hΔ«koi route.
Major Operations Director Superintendent Kelly Ryan says Police have been engaged with hΔ«koi organisers for many weeks.
βOur discussions with organisers to date have been positive and we expect the hΔ«koi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,β she says.
The hΔ«koi is expected to leave Northland today (Monday 11 November) and travel to Wellington, arriving at Parliament between Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November.
βWeβve planned for large numbers to join the hΔ«koi, with disruption likely to some roads, including highways and main streets along the route,β Superintendent Ryan says.
βThe MOC will support our frontline, district-based staff with the management of people, vehicles and activities, while also maintaining central oversight.
βWe will continue to co-ordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routine.
βWeβre also well connected with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and local councils to ensure road users have up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.
βThe MOC will remain in place while the hΔ«koi is in Wellington and as participants make their way back home safely.β
Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. Itβs waiting to … View moreDon't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. Itβs waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCAβs care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for … View moreKitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCAβs care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.
Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
Sign up today and save a life!
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The … View moreThree suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China.
They arrived in New Zealand on 10 October. Police alleged that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam β a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to two victims β one who lost $14,500 and jewellery and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today. Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered, but it is a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items. Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the Financial Crime Unit has identified two victims so far, itβs highly likely more people were targeted.
We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealandβs Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz... or call 105.
In New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses. This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years.
Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm, and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.
If you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, please contact Police via 105 immediately.
Sunday 17th November come and hear Dennis Marsh at St Peters Church Bombay $20pp and $2 raffles (Cash only) . Afternoon tea provided. Funds raised will go towards the maintenance of two historic churches. Enquiries to Angela 027 283 9848
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has advised that maintenance work will be taking place on motorways across Auckland this week.
Check the list below to find out if you'll be affected.
HARBOUR BRIDGE:
State Highway 1 (SH1) Auckland Harbour Bridge from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 November … View moreNZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has advised that maintenance work will be taking place on motorways across Auckland this week.
Check the list below to find out if you'll be affected.
HARBOUR BRIDGE:
State Highway 1 (SH1) Auckland Harbour Bridge from Sunday 3 to Thursday 7 November between 9pm and 5am.
There will be lane restrictions on the centre lanes. At least two lanes in each direction will be available.
Traffic Management: Traffic will still be able to travel in both directions across the bridge.
There may be increased noise levels as the team carry out bridge maintenance.
NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Southbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 6-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Onewa southbound on-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)
Fanshawe Street southbound off-ramp, 3 November (approx. 2:00am to 3:00pm)
Symonds Street southbound on-ramp, 7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)
Hill Road southbound off-ramp, 5-7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Northbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Redoubt Road on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)o SH1 northbound to SH20 northbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am):
- Hill Road northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
- Takanini northbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
- Papakura (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November
Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
- Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 3-7 November
Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 5-7 November
- Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 5-7 November
- Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 5-7 November
Bombay southbound off-ramp, 3-7 November
Bombay northbound off-ramp, 3-7 November
Northbound lanes between Pokeno off-ramp and Razorback Road on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Pokeno northbound on-ramp, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)
Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 7 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 7 November
- Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 7 November
Dominion Road northbound off-ramp, 3-6 November
Southbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 6 November
- Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 6 November
- Queenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 6 November
Southbound lanes between Mahunga Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 3-5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
- Walmsley Road southbound on-ramp, 3-5 & 7 November
- SH20 southbound to SH20A southbound link, 3-5 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
SH20 southbound to SH1 northbound link, 3-4 November (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750βa 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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