Kumeu Courier

Chris Penk When the Word of the Year is decided for 2020 (by whoever decides these things!), I suspect that unprecedented will be a top contender. This year has certainly had its highs and lows, with a good many lessons along the way. It doesn’t seem like that long ago we were enjoying the sunny weather albeit with attendant water shortages of last summer. And then, of course, we were hit by the perfect storm that was Covid-19. Reflecting on 2020, I can think of sever...al things that made the year at least somewhat positive, as well as positively unique. First, community camaraderie. I mention this a fair bit, I know, but the events of 2020 were an eye-opening testament to the strength of community around New Zealand. Armies of volunteers assisted those in need throughout lockdown and we shared our re-commitment to supporting local businesses. Second, our essential workers. This is not just an acknowledgement but rather a huge thank you to all. Like most Kiwis, I will never forget the hard work you put in that kept New Zealand running. Finally, the gift of democracy that we unwrap every three years. Perhaps it should be every four years that we hold elections but that’s another story for another day. Thank you to the good people of the new Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate for allowing me the privilege of continuing to serve you. I look forward to being your voice in Parliament and working hard for this area over the coming term. Being in opposition means I don’t get to make many decisions but I’ll continue to do everything I can to encourage the Government to serve you. Let’s keep working hard to ensure that Auckland’s rural north and west actually gets the infrastructure investment we deserve. I hope that the rapidly arriving Christmas season will bring a well-earned rest for everyone, even while acknowledging those who work through. Please remember that if you need help with anything you can contact my office 09 412 2496 or visit my Facebook page (facebook.com/christopherpenk) to see where I’m heading next in my mobile office, affectionately nicknamed Natty! Cheers, Chris Penk (MP, KKM). See more

Sayers Says It By Cr Greg Sayers, Councillor for the Rodney ward. Have you wondered why Auckland’s roads look patchy and seemingly not that well maintained? Even sealed roads are falling apart at different locations around the district. Have you ever wondered to yourself if that is the roading contractor’s quality of workmanship, or if it was a case of not enough money being spent? The unequivocal answer was given by Auckland Transport’s Chief Executive Officer to the May...Continue reading

Marja reports Reflecting at the end of the year is something I’m sure we all do. Looking back at 2020, we will all have mixed feelings about ‘the year that’s been’ and many have been doing it very tough. I would like to use this opportunity to thank our essential workers who kept New Zealand going under most stressful circumstances. Our health workers, security guards, cleaners, supermarket workers, bus drivers, and many more. And the businesses and workers who had to work t...hrough the challenges and complexities of a vastly changed world. But at a time when other countries are still reporting tens of thousands of new COVID-19 cases and hundreds of COVID-related deaths each day, here we are able to ‘mix and mingle’, meeting up with family and friends, being able to go out and see a movie, watch the kids play sports, live life. I worry about my family on the other side of the world in The Netherlands, where COVID-19 like in so many other countries - is still very present with hundreds of new cases every day. In a country not much bigger than Northland, more than 8,000 people have died. My parents have been pretty much confined to their home since March, as are many of the elderly and vulnerable, who do not feel safe to go anywhere. Contrast that with NZs very low infection and mortality rates. We went hard and early with our health response. Because we knew from the start that the best economic response was a strong health response. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and sacrifices, we now have the chance to get our economy moving faster than many other countries. And while the global economic impact will flow through to the NZ economy, we are well placed to weather the storm due to paying down debt and running surpluses from the moment we came into office. It’s given us a head start and we continue to accelerate our economic recovery, recently announcing changes to the small business cash-flow loan scheme. Close to 100,000 business have received the loan, with a total lending of $1.6 billion. The average value of each loan is modest at $17,000, but it’s much needed working capital to help businesses who have been in a tight spot. We have now extended the scheme for a further three years, also extending the interest-free period from one to two years. And we are broadening what the loan can be spent on. Supporting small businesses remains an essential principle in our five-point plan to keep NZ moving and keep up the momentum of recovery. It is a real privilege to be back at Parliament starting my second term as part of one of the most diverse governments in New Zealand history. So while 2020 has been a year like no other, I wish you all the best for 2021 and the ability to conquer any challenges this year brought. As we are working on building back better together, I wish you hope and silver linings for the coming year, time to relax and Christmas cheer. Marja Lubeck MP - Labour List MP. See more

Phelan Pirrie - Chair, Rodney Local Board Update As 2020 draws to a close many will be drawing a sigh of relief, it’s been a difficult year and no doubt everyone is looking forward to a ‘vanilla’ 2021! For Auckland Council the budget challenges continue with predictions of further shortfalls in income to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Council relies of 60% of its income from non-rates sources and Councillors are going to be grappling with some very tough decisi...Continue reading

The Travel Brokers Whilst I am really looking forward to the day when you can confidently plan international travel again, in the meantime we have our beautiful country right on our door step, and now is the perfect time to travel around New Zealand and support our own tourism industry without the crowds! I have a full range of New Zealand holiday options that I can research & book for you to enjoy, including: Fabulous mini tours with bespoke & unique experiences Rail jo...Continue reading

Dog & Co As a specialist in pet photography, many of the sessions I do are for elderly or unwell pets. There is nothing more valuable than capturing special moments and memories of your pet through photographic art, especially when they are in their golden years. I just love capturing the different aspects of their personality, their quirks, and cutest qualities, the things that their family loves most about them...and even the cheeky rascal aspects of their character that mi...ght drive their family crazy! These are all the memories we want to last forever. A photoshoot I recently did was for Pennylane (pictured). She is a real gem, but is starting to feel her age. We had the best evening at the Bethells finding gorgeous photo opportunities and letting Penny have a fabulous time. The experience and memories of the photo session itself is almost as valuable as the resulting photos (which turned out beautifully). I also offer the option of doing a photo session in your own home so that your beloved pet can be comfortable in their own environment. Whatever your pet requires to be happy and relaxed during a photo shoot, we'll make it happen. I can't stress enough how special it is to have quality photos of your pets. They are our family after all. If you are wanting some photographic art of your own pets, don't hesitate to contact me for a chat. I travel all over Auckland as a specialist in on-location photography and would love to meet you and your furry family members! Website: www.dogandco.nz Email: [email protected] See more

Five facts you should know about our Smart Collection Modern, warm, and low maintenance, a Smart home promises everything you’re looking for in a new build. Our designers have worked tirelessly to offer the market a home that is modest in its price, but generous in its quality, size, and style. Fact 1: your home will be created using smart design: Affordability was paramount when designing our Smart Collection, and the combination of intelligent design with clever layouts me...ans we can deliver modern homes for a great price. Fact 2: there will be no budget blowouts: The benefits of selecting a pre-designed plan from our Smart Collection means we can offer you fixed pricing upfront without any cost blowouts along the way. Fact 3: your home will be built using high-quality materials: Built using only quality materials from leading NZ suppliers, they’re also designed with simplicity and cost-efficiency in mind. Fact 4: your home will reflect your personality: There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter Signature Home. You will be able to personalise your home by deciding on everything from flooring to tiles, fixtures, fittings, and kitchen and bathroom colours. Even better is the fact that every Signature Homes customer receives one-on-one time with an interior designer to fine-tune your ideas and make your home uniquely yours. Fact 5: your home will be healthy: The quality of new homes with modern building and material technologies ensure you can count on a warm, dry home for many years to come. View our range of House & Land Packages online or in the Kumeu office. Call our team at Signature homes West Auckland to discuss your option; obligation free 0800 020 600 www.signature.co.nz/west. See more

The Dog Safe Workplace a unique business The Dog Safe Workplace works with companies to reduce the risk of dog bites when their workers have to enter onto properties where dogs may be present. My name is Joanna Clough and I am the Director of The Dog Safe Workplace. I became interested in education around dog bites in 2005 when a dog attacked a young girl in an Auckland Park. The incident left her scarred, the owner prosecuted and the dog was euthanised. Everything about t...Continue reading

Trueform Spas your best choice of New Zealand made spa pools, manufactured right here at our Helensville factory. Life is different for us all, so choosing the right spa pool to compliment the way you live is essential to gaining the most out of it, every day. And with 17 different spa pools to choose from, we’ll have the perfect pool for your requirements. Whether you’re looking to sit back and quietly recharge mind, body and soul with a loved one in the 2 person Malibu, or bring the whole family together in the large 7 person Relaxer pool for company and conversation there’s a Trueform spa pool specific to your wants and needs. Find your spa pool style in the Trueform family.

Peko Peko We are happy to announce that Katsu Curry and rice is finally on our menu. Using 13 spices, homemade curry roux with a Japanese twist but absolutely no palm oil that is often used in other places. We have also started making Potato Croquette using NZ agria potatoes with caramelised onions for the flavours and they are vegan friendly. Please check and follow our Facebook and Instagram page for our newest updates. Located on 102C Hobsonville Rd, 09 416 1197.

Kanika Park Cat Retreat How to get rid of fleas on your cat and in your home. The first step in dealing with a flea infestation is to give your cat a flea treatment, such as a spot-on, tablet, collar or spray. Trying to decide which flea treatment is best for you and your pet? Choose one that doesn’t require fleas to first bite your cat in order to be killed. Advocate and Advantage are two spot-on treatments for cats that are applied to the base of your cat’s head, spreading ...throughout the skin and are able to kill fleas on contact. To more quickly remove fleas from your home, wash your cat’s bedding on the hottest possible setting, vacuum your cat’s favourite snoozing spots and use a vet-approved household flea spray throughout your home. Seresto is a collar that also kills fleas quickly and on contact, providing 8 months of continuous protection against fleas and the flea-borne bacterial disease, Bartonella henselae. Alternatively, if you choose a product such as Advantage, Advocate or Seresto, they will also work to kill flea larvae that are in your home, which will help to more rapidly bring a flea infestation under control. Phone 027 550 1406 or email [email protected] See more

Jenna-Maree Cakes Our Cakery in Hobsonville has a cabinet full of delicious sweet treats. Here you will find our popular cabinet cakes which are ready to go; cupcakes, macarons, slices, cookies, fudge, scones and donuts. Our specialty areas are our custom made celebration cakes, wedding cakes and for corporate events. From our 7-Tiered Cakes down to our 4 Baby Cakes, each one is made from scratch in our kitchen with only natural ingredients. All our fillings, like our p...opular salted caramel sauce, lemon curd and raspberry coulis are all house made. We are passionate about bringing these two things together because what is better than a cake that not only looks amazing but also has the flavours of nature to back it up. We have an extensive range available within our online shop to make it even easier for our customers to order. Here you will find many of our offerings such as custom cakes, cabinet cakes, cupcakes, donuts, cheesecakes and macarons and they are all available with just 24 hours’ notice. You can then just pop in store to collect it on your chosen date and time. Visit our website www.jennamareecakes.co.nz/online shop to place your order online or pop instore anytime to discuss options. We look forward to seeing you soon. Jenna-Maree Cakery - 102c Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville. www.jennamareecakes.co.nz. See more

Solarcraft Solar Glossary What are photovoltaics? (PV) Photovoltaics are the conversion of light into electricity The PV phenomenon is derived from a study of physics, photochemistry and electrochemistry Electricity is achieved by using semiconducting materials (within a solar panel) that exhibit the PV effect Solar panels generate electricity directly from the sun through to an inverter... An inverter is like the heart of a solar system, ‘inverting’ the panel/sun’s energy from DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current), so you can use that energy in your home! Once installed, a PV system generates no pollution and no greenhouse gas emissions As technology becomes more advanced, there is a greater reduction in the cost of PV Forecasts say that PV could be the most common renewable energy system installed by the mid 2020’s A PV system may be ground-mounted, rooftop mounted, wall mounted or floating (see pic of 1 x megawatt, NZ’s first-floating system, on Albany’s waste-water lake). *Installed by Vector! ANY Solar questions? Contact us on: [email protected] or phone us any time! PH: 0508 272389 W: www.solarcraft.co.nz. See more

SPCA’s Doggy Daycare They’re man’s best friend, giving us love and loyalty without boundaries. So it’s only fitting that dogs be given the care they need during the hours we’re unable to provide it ourselves. SPCA Doggy Daycare in Hobsonville is the first of its kind for New Zealand’s beloved heritage organisation. Opening its doors in July 2019, the facility is purpose-built to house a day care service alongside a new SPCA adoptions centre; the second centre in Auckland toge...ther with Mngere. The dog day care industry is thriving, but SPCA understands the nervousness owners can feel in handing furry friends over to strangers. The mission is to provide locals with a trusted option that ensures high standards and meaningful experiences. SPCA Doggy Daycare is not just a place where dogs can be babysat while owners are at work, it guarantees engaging enrichment activities, socialisation and exercise throughout the day. The daily routine includes both high and low energy activities, so whether your pooch has a penchant for snoozing or loves doing zoomies all day, they are sure to be catered for. Alongside the modern facility, passionate staff are thoroughly trained in robust and safe processes for the dogs in their care. The generous staff to pup ratio means dogs get the attention they crave. The Hobsonville community is growing quickly and SPCA is very excited to be part it, building strong relationships with local dog owners, and their precious pups. All future profit that comes from the SPCA Doggy Daycare will directly support the amazing work SPCA are doing around the country. Enquire at www.spca.nz/daycare or give the team a call on 09 869 6700. See more

SPS Plumbing Services Limited Hi I’m Scott, the owner/operator of SPS Plumbing Services Limited. I pride myself on high quality workmanship at a fair and affordable price. I am a Certifying plumber with 15 years’ experience. I do not charge a call out fee, have a very competitive hourly rate and also offer free quotes. I am based in Orewa and will work in the greater Auckland area. I cover most aspects of plumbing and treat every job as if I was working on my own home. I str...ive for customer satisfaction and believe in getting it right first time. My services include: Hot water cylinders, new builds, bathroom renovations, plumbing maintenance, kitchens, toilets, spouting, water mains, burst pipes plus dishwasher and washing machine installation. SPS Plumbing Services Limited - Scott Sutherland, Certifying Plumber. Phone 0274 300 251 or visit www.nocowboys.co.nz/businesses/sps-plumbing-services. See more

Soljans Estate Winery Café is a popular venue for Aucklanders and visitors from around the world. We serve Mediterranean-style food with a Kiwi twist. Our menu changes from summer to winter, allowing our chefs to showcase local fresh produce. Soljans is one of Auckland’s Top 40 Restaurants as chosen by The New Zealand Herald and also one of Canadian Wine Access Magazines Top 20 Winery Restaurants in the World. Our Chefs have been awarded the New Zealand Beef & Lamb Hallmark o...f Excellence since 1995 and to top it all off, our café was award the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. We welcome everyone here at Soljans. We have a Children’s menu available for kids, as well as a fantastic outdoor area with a playhouse and a grass field for the little ones. We also have Wifi, so you can show off your wonderful experience, #soljansestate so we can see too! See more

Book Allely Estate for your next special celebration Spring is in the air and our gardens are looking incredible! Did you know we host lots of private functions? Milestone birthdays (21sts, 30ths, 50ths, 60ths and the like), engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, family reunions, corporate parties and more - we love being a part of these special events! One of the main benefits of booking with us is that we have a dedicated (and free!) events planner who helps organise ev...erything from the menu to the venue set-up. Speaking of menus, our 2020/1 menu is amazing - our chefs here really are talented at what they do. Guests always leave raving about our food. If you've got a special occasion coming up, check out Allely Estate - we can host your guests in our beautiful gardens, historic renovated villa or permanent marquee. Plenty of options to suit all kinds of celebrations and budgets! www.allelyestate.co.nz. See more

Westbrook Winery At Westbrook Winery, there is loads of space for wine-lovers to enjoy their favourite wine while socially distancing themselves appropriately! With twenty acres of park-like grounds to enjoy, there is room for everyone, whether you like to sit in comfort on the covered patio, enjoy the fresh air on the wooden deck, sit at a picnic table by the pond or lie on a blanket under the trees. Located just up the road at 215 Ararimu Valley Road, Westbrook produces... multi-award-winning Chardonnays, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling as well as the stunning Mthode Traditionelle Blanc, Malbec, Syrah, Orama Port, Pinot Noir and, their famous Crackling Ros - plenty of great reasons to shop local right there! Book in for a relaxed and informative wine-tasting or wine-and-cheese-tasting experience and stay on for a glass of your favourite Westbrook wine and a platter or cheeseboard. Bookings are highly recommended. Call the friendly Cellar Door team on 09 411 9924, email [email protected] or visit the website www.westbrook.co.nz for more information. See more

Chocolate Spearmint Bliss Balls These bliss balls are a tasty alternative to commercial after dinner mints and have been rolled in coconut and spirulina for an interesting green look. Enjoy one with a cup of spearmint tea after dinner to assist with digestion. Ingredients: cup sunflower seeds, cup pumpkin seeds, cup desiccated coconut, cup chopped dried dates, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, teaspoon sea or pink salt, 3 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons maple syr...up, 5 teaspoons spearmint tea. To roll the balls in you will need: cup desiccated coconut and 1 tablespoon spirulina powder. Method: Add all of the ingredients to a food processor (except for the coconut and spirulina used to roll the balls in) and pulse until well mixed. If the mixture is too wet, a little more desiccated coconut can be added or if the mixture is too dry, a little more coconut oil can be added. Take teaspoons full of the mixture and roll into balls. Mix the additional coconut with the spirulina and roll the balls in it, coating them well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Spearmint Tea (certified organic) is available from our website: www.NewZealandHerbalBrew.co.nz. See more

Pampas is taking a foothold in the North West, especially as we have windy and hot summers. This South American import, also known as cutty grass, is often confused with our native toetoe and grown in gardens. The soft and fluffy seed heads are being chosen by florists to add to floral displays, also adding to the distribution of the seeds of this nasty plant. Keep an eye out for this plant in your garden; they thrive in hot, dry, poor soils and will be found on ridge lines, road sides and railway corridors as the seeds float in the breeze. There are also a large population of pampas in Parakai along the stop banks. Pampas is easy to get rid of, and we can also do it in a way that means it is not a fire hazard, with instant results. Call us now on 09 447 1998.

This cuts the mustard Mustard has been around since time immemorial and has an amazing reputation in culinary applications as well as traditional herbal medicine. Hailed by the father of medicine himself Hippocrates, mustard is credited with improving digestion, assisting diabetes management and balancing fluids. NoShortcuts Mustard Pickle is low in salt and complements ham, bacon and corned beef; delicious with strong cheeses, sausages and mash and is a tasty favourite in sa...ndwiches. There are no artificial fillers, flavours or preservatives and every jar is packed full of fresh seasonal vegetables; its handmade just like mum made. NoShortcuts produces for todays time poor yet health conscious and environmentally aware consumers, a range of traditional chutney, pickle, relish and jam that is wholesome, real food, in the fast and easy convenience of a recyclable glass jar. For more info, go to www.noshortcuts.co.nz or follow Noshortcutsnz on Facebook or noshortcutschutneys on Instagram. See more

Stories from a pet photographer - Dog&Co. Pet Photography I recently had the pleasure of photographing the sweetest Bichon ever...like an actual little teddy bear. Casey is in her golden years and is approaching the grand age of 13. It always makes me so happy, and warms my heart when I see such a little dog having the hugest impact on her humans’ hearts. Casey has a really beautiful bond with her lovely mum, Amanda, and that was so evident while I was looking through my lens... as they posed for family photos in front of me. Casey is such a loving, sass queen who is so content when she is in her mum’s arms. It is such a rewarding feeling being able to capture this connection for them to treasure forever. I want to share a little snippet of what Amanda said in a caption accompanying the photos we captured of Casey on Instagram - she said People say she is just a dog or she is only one of the dogs you will have throughout your life but I truly mean it when I say I’ve never loved someone so much and I’m so grateful that I’ve had almost 13 years with her. This really struck a chord with me and I can relate so much with my pup Evie. I’m sure many people reading this can also share those sentiments. Dogs really do find a way into our hearts forever, and every dog manages to do that in their own way. If you want to capture that bond with your dog then I would love to hear from you. I am really passionate about capturing families with their dogs, as well as special pet portraits. I also offer gift vouchers, which makes for such a special gift for any dog owners you may know. www.dogandco.nz Email: [email protected] See more

Kanika Park Cat Retreat 10 Most Common Cat Diseases Cats are the preferred companions of many people. If you are an owner, then knowing the most common cat diseases is important. Below is a list of the most common cat diseases and symptoms: Conjunctivitis in cats; Characterised by an inflammation of the eyelid membrane. Treatment is as easy as administering prescription medication.... Diabetes in cats; Symptoms of the disease include increased appetite, increased thirst and weight loss. Diabetes often requires daily monitoring and insulin injections. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV); This retrovirus is a very serious cat disease. Similar to human HIV it lowers the immune response of cats. Symptomatic cats may display weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes or wounds that won’t heal. Distemper in cats; Distemper in cats is called Panleukopenia. This disease attacks the blood cells in bone marrow and the intestinal tract. Symptoms include high fever, depressions, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of coordination. Vaccination is the best prevention. Contact 09 411 5326 | [email protected] | www.kanikapark.nz. See more

Peko Peko Its been such a difficult and uncertain year for many of us. But we are lucky enough that we could keep running our business with your support. We take pride in continuing to serve our community quality Japanese food, our food is all house made and we only cook fresh by order so you are able to have our food in the same quality with our takeaway option. Please check our Facebook and Instagram page for any changes. Thank you for your support and we look forward to having you. 102c Hobsonville Rd. 09 416 1197.

Dog bite increases during lockdown Lockdown and the Covid-19 Pandemic have caused more issues that we could anticipate. We have seen an increase in job losses, divorces, home violence and even dog bites. Throughout all this uncertainty and increased sharing of our home spaces, our canines are particularly susceptible to the stress and disruption in our homes. As reported in the media we are seeing an increase in dog bites worldwide. The Journal of Pediatrics (www.jpeds.com) h...as reported an increase of over 400% since January to May 2020 of dog bites. Dogs Trust UK surveyed over 6000 dog owners in May and warned that there has been a serious change in dog behaviours during the pandemic and lockdown period. These include an increase in attention demanding behaviour, dogs that are normally friendly are moving away when approached, an increase in barking and dog bites. News articles from around NZ are talking about the increase in their regions and calling for common sense to prevail. There are various factors that could be contributing to this increase rate of dog bites. Higher stresses for dogs as they intuitively pick up on our stress levels. Decreased supervision of dogs around children as adults juggle increased responsibilities in the home. The inability for the dog to find any quiet areas to rest. Dogs are required to stay on leads rather than getting off lead exercise. An increase in deliveries to the home as more people are shopping on line. A more relaxed attitude of delivery personnel assuming that because the owner is home the dog will be better behaved. One of the best ways to avoid getting bitten is to understand canine body language. We have courses available for industry workers and the general public. Please go to www.dogsafeworkplace.com or email [email protected] or phone 0508 DOG SAFE See more

Natural laxative liquorice and molasses balls These tasty bite-sized treats are a great natural way to relieve constipation. Both liquorice root and molasses have a gentle laxative effect on the colon. These are easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons liquorice root tea (100% dried liquorice herb), 2 tablespoons non-sulphured molasses, 1 teaspoon coconut, and approximately 4 tablespoons of ...additional coconut to roll the balls in. Method: Mix all of the ingredients together except for the additional coconut using a small bowl. You may need to add a little more coconut if the mixture is too wet or a little more molasses if the mixture is too dry. Take a small amount of the mixture, equivalent to about the size of a large blueberry, and push the mixture together between your fingers to form a ball, then roll the ball in coconut. Wash and dry your hands after every 4 or 5 balls as the mixture is quite sticky. Directions: Chew 2 balls well, then wait at least two hours before having another 1 ball. Liquorice root, (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a great natural sweetener and can be used in cooking and baking, also to sweetener hot drinks and taken as a tea on its own. The root of the plant is harvested after approximately two years of growth and it is dried then cut or shredded for both medicinal and culinary use. WARNINGS & CONTRAINDICATIONS: This recipe is suitable as a short-term solution to constipation if symptoms persist or you have a history of constipation, please consult your healthcare professional. Long term use of liquorice root is not recommended due to its potassium-depleting effects. Please check our website for a full list of warnings and contraindications before you purchase liquorice root. Liquorice Root Tea (certified organic) is available from our website: www.NewZealandHerbalBrew.co.nz. See more

Gardening and Garden Maintenance Our services can be tailored to meet your particular requirements at both your home or business. We offer a range of maintenance options from complete garden ‘clean ups’ to regular scheduled visits to keep your garden looking great year round. Selling or renting your premise? Our speciality ‘garden makeover’ will give you the best possible chance of a sale. Our visits include pruning and trimming of trees and shrubs, insect/bug control, fertil...ising weeding, mulching, planting, inorganic and organic matter removal. For a trustworthy and professional service contact Blair at Blairs Garden Therapy: 021 626 966. See more

Elite Professional Cleaning Services are the perfect team for all your residential, commercial and construction cleaning needs to the highest quality standards. Our team has great testimonials and are police-checked for clients’ peace of mind. Our services include weekly; fortnightly; monthly; once-off cleans; exit and move-in cleans; oven cleans; business / commercial cleans and construction cleans. We provide a high quality standard and are not happy unless you are Our clients are our number one priority. Phone Sarah 021 194 8924 Email [email protected] Message on Facebook www.facebook.com/Elite-Professional-Cleaning-Services-959575357455622/ and Instagram www.instagram.com/elite_professional_cleaning_/

Allely Estates tips for a brilliant work Christmas party Whether you believe in the big man in a red suit or not, Christmas parties are definitely something to look forward to. A work Christmas party is a great opportunity for colleagues to blow off some steam, celebrate the end of a MASSIVE year, and enjoy each others company outside of the office. Its also a great way for employers to say thanks for the past 12 months, in particularly trying circumstances (were lookin...Continue reading

Tile and grout cleaning and re-colouring Are you tired of looking at your lovely tiled floor and walls only to be disappointed by the dirty stained grout lines? Traditional cleaning methods actually leave your grout dirtier and bacteria laden than before you started? Grout is porous, and dirt, grime and bacteria soak into the surface leaving it unsightly, unhealthy and practically impossible to clean using normal cleaners. Give GroutPro a call, we deep clean (vacuum extract...ion) and re-colour your grout to look like new again. Colourseal is a highly durable coloured coating that adheres to the surface of the grout creating a water and stain proof barrier that will keep the grout looking like new. We can replace the porous cement grout with an epoxy grout which too is stain resistant and waterproof. We offer shower glass restoration and apply a durable protective coating afterwards. We can also apply relative sealing to your tiles, both interior and exterior. Another service we offer is a high-quality Belgian garage carpet (suitable for office spaces and rumpuses, etc.) I’ve been a franchisee of The Pro Group for 5+ years and we’re well established with proven results. Contact me for a free quote: Mark Bowers 027 477 2231 Email [email protected] See more

Soljans Dobro Doli! Join us for the first themed dinner in our new monthly series Croatian night. Journey back to our Homeland of Croatia through a delicious four course set menu, designed by our award winning Head Chef, Paul Reid. Experience the traditional tastes loved by the Soljan family for generations, and now, shared with you! Bookings are essential so head to our website to check out the menu and book now! www.soljans.co.nz or call us on 09 412 5858.

9 things to do right now - get started on your new build 1. Visit a showhome in person or take a virtual tour: We currently have 3 showhomes in West Auckland. There is nothing better than viewing a home in person, you get a real feel for the floorplan; you can run your hand along the quality finishes and collect interior style inspiration. If you would prefer to see a showhome from the comfort of your couch, you can view our showhomes via virtual tour on our website. 2. Crunc...Continue reading

Cat lovers urgently needed Volunteers required to help with cleaning duties etc. at a cat rescue shelter in Huapai. Can you spare two or three hours once a week? Also loving homes needed for some of the friendly rescue cats. Donations appreciated at www.thenzcatfoundation.org.nz. Phone 09 412 2636 or 021 929 999 for further information.

Kanika Park Cat Retreat Getting your cat ready for spring. Shorthair cats shed just as much as longhair cats. The fur is more noticeable for longhair cats. Its also a natural part of thinning out their winter coats. Shedding will make your cat feel better When more hair starts to show up, consider brushing your cat more frequently. A brush, comb, mat remover, or grooming glove used for a few minutes every day will help collect dead hair. Its important to note that unusuall...y high shedding may be a sign of a bigger problem, such as a skin disorder, stress, etc. In these situations, consult your vet And while its likely be an unpleasant experience, you should also give your cat a bath from time to time as well to keep her skin, undercoat, and main coat fresh and clean. Taking these steps as spring approaches will help expedite your cats shedding and keep her feeling great. Spring is also a time when unwanted insects start to arrive ticks and fleas, in particular. Fleas and ticks can affect humans, too, and the last thing you want is to have your cat suffering as well as your household. Phone 09 411 5326, email [email protected] or visit www.kanikapark.nz. See more

On-location pet and family photography Never work with kids and animals. Thats what they say anyway. Im the crazy one that absolutely loves taking on that challenge! I run a little photography business called Dog&Co Photography and specialise primarily in pet portraits, as well as involving pets in family and occasion photos such as engagements, maternity, and pre-wedding photos. I am based in Taupaki, but dont have a studio as my passion lies in on-location photography, a...nd using natural light to create vibrant portraits in my unique style. And why not utilise all of the stunning locations we have in Auckland. We are especially lucky out West with amazing spots like Bethells and Muriwai beaches, Riverhead Forest, Sanders Reserve and more. In an age where everyone has the capability of taking their own photos thanks to the cameras in our phones, I make it my mission to take and hand-edit images in a way which I call photographic art. They are images which cant be achieved through a simple phone camera, and images which are begging to be hung up on your wall at home! I love being able to create art which families are able to treasure forever. Have a look at the gallery on my website to check out some of my favourite past photo shoots, and dont hesitate to get in touch to discuss booking your own pet photography experience! I also do gift vouchers if you are looking for something special for a loved one. Website: www.dogandco.nz Email: [email protected] See more

Tips to avoid dog bites Here are a few tips and myth busters that you may NOT be aware of. A wagging tail many of us have been told that this is a sign that the dog is happy. Unfortunately this is NOT always true. Research has shown us the tail wagging only shows that the dog is engaging with something in its environment. They could be engaging in a positive or negative way. You need to look at the whole body not just the tail. Rolling on its back again many of us think t...his is because they want their belly rubbed. Again NOT always true. They are actually telling us that they are scared and small so please dont hurt me. Bringing you their toy yes they are showing you their toy and may want you to play with them. But this is NOT always true and if you go to take the toy or pick up the ball they may try to snatch it back which could result in a bite. Remember that we all train our dogs to different commands so there may be certain rules that need to be followed or commands given when playing with that particular dog. Always ask permission before you interact with any strange dog this means ask the owner if you can pat the dog. You do not know the dog; his likes or dislikes. You may be wearing a hat and the dog is scared of hats, carrying an umbrella or he may just not like strangers. If the owner says no, dont be offended, just move on and ask the next person if you can pat their dog. By asking permission you are also letting the dog know you are there so if you are allowed to pat him he wont get a fright. Which brings us to the next point.. Side and Back remember where the bitey end of the dog is and stay away from the head and face. Only pat the dog on the side and back. This is especially important with children. If you have a child (or anyone) approaching a dog head on to pat it and the dog does not want to be touched and decides to have a bite, the childs face is right next to the dogs mouth. The majority of bites to children are on their head and face. If they are standing to the side of the dog to pat its back then if the dog doesnt like it he can move away. Worst case scenario he may bite the hand but the childs face is nowhere near the dogs. Stand like a Tree We regularly get people telling us how dogs run up to them and the first reaction if you are scared or dont like dogs is to run or turn you back and move away. We recommend you stand like a tree. Hold your elbows and look at your feet. Do not move. What you are trying to do is to be as boring as possible to the dog. Any sudden movements or running away make you more exciting. If you run, you may instigate play or prey drive. Please contact me if you have any questions or if you know of an organisation that could use our assistance. [email protected] or www.dogsafeworkplace.com. See more

Why choose G.J.s At G.J. Gardner Homes Rodney West, we promise to make your new home building experience a pleasure. Your only surprises will be happy ones. Your G.J. Gardner Homes franchise is an independent, locally owned and operated business, making them part of your community and providing you with direct access to the owner of the business responsible for building your home. Our dedicated team take care of everything, including permits, resource consents, planning issu...es, engineering drainage and geotechnical reports. We can even help you find a section or unique lifestyle property, sort out finance and payment terms to make it as simple as possible. To provide peace of mind, a fixed price contract is offered at the start of the build journey with all prices locked in ensuring there are no surprises, allowing you to move forward in confidence with the certainty of no price changes. Have an idea on paper but not sure where to start? Our New Home Consultants and onsite Architects can turn your sketch into reality and have it priced all in the space of a very short timeframe. Our designers have consistently been at the forefront of developing living concepts that cater for modern lifestyles and New Zealands unique environment. We project manage everything every step of the way and give you written assurances, regarding costs, workmanship, material guarantees, completion dates and other key issues. Our thoroughness is just one of many reasons why year after year, more people build with G.J. Gardner Homes than any other builder. So give the team at G.Js Rodney West a call today on 09 412 5371, they cant wait to start your exciting build journey! See more

Choosing the right white for your walls While it may seem far-fetched to some, there are many different types of white. Each variation can have a striking effect on your decor, so its important that you choose the best shade to suit your interior design. From warm tones to stark styles, white has a huge range of potential uses, and selecting the right white in your home can be difficult. With so many subtle shades and different temperatures to choose from, knowing which pai...Continue reading

Your trade supplies specialist At Western ITM Kumeu youll find everything you need to create, repair and maintain your property. Drainagewith all the excess water around now, a sure remedy is installing Marley Drainflo or Draincoil - drainage lowers the ground water level whilst retaining moisture in the pores of the soil. Our store also now stocks four of the most common diameters of Euroflo Culvert Pipe. Prepping a driveway/gateway? Ensure you install Landtex Mud Cloth, L...andtex is a woven polypropylene roading fabric for use under gravel on roads, driveways, parking areas and farm access and races. Landtex spreads the vehicle wheel loadings and prevents mud being pushed up and the gravel lost into the soil or ground below. Water line sprung a leak? We carry the complete range of Hansen Easy Fit Poly fittings. Our store also stocks a vast range of Hi Vis Wet Weather gear, gumboots and socks. For further advice or information visit us instore today or visit www.westernitm.co.nz today for a free online quotation. Locals, Supporting Locals. Western ITM Kumeu - 154 Main Road, Kumeu. Phone 09 412 8148. Open Mon-Sat. See more

Jims Mowing Hopefully you have been able to take a break and recharge. The Jims Mowing team are back from our breaks and re-energised ready for the spring. And yes, working outside away from anyone means Jims Mowing is able to keep operating safely under L3 in Auckland, however we do miss the cups of tea and chats that we are used to. Spring is just around the corner and the bulbs are starting to bloom in many areas. When walking past these flower beds the fragrance is d...elightful. Its time to get ready for the flush of growth coming for the grass too. With all the extra growth comes a need for extra nutrition for the grass, so feed the grass. Youll help get it in the best condition possible by giving it a good boost of fertiliser right now. Thisll support that rapid growth and help you to have a lush, healthy, green lawn bursting through and ready for summer. Give Jims Mowing a call 0800 454 654 or book online at JimsMowing.co.nz. See more

Tile and grout cleaning Are you tired of looking at your lovely tiled floor and walls only to be disappointed by the dirty stained grout lines? Traditional cleaning methods actually leave your grout dirtier and bacteria laden than before you started? Grout is porous, and dirt, grime and bacteria soak into the surface leaving it unsightly, unhealthy and practically impossible to clean using normal cleaners. Give GroutPro a call, we deep clean (vacuum extraction) and re-colou...r your grout to look like new again. Colourseal is a highly durable coloured coating that adheres to the surface of the grout creating a water and stain proof barrier that will keep the grout looking like new. We can replace the porous cement grout with an epoxy grout which too is stain resistant and waterproof. We offer shower glass restoration and apply a durable protective coating afterwards. We can also apply relative sealing to your tiles, both interior and exterior. Another service we offer is a high-quality Belgian garage carpet (suitable for office spaces and rumpuses, etc.) Ive been a franchisee of The Pro Group for 5+ years and were well established with proven results. Contact me for a free quote: Mark Bowers 027 477 2231 Email [email protected] See more

Sustainable Landscapes Covid-19 is with us again. Hopefully, just briefly and we kick it to touch quickly. During the last lockdown, our landscaping skills were put to use in adding an eco-glamping site to our complimentary business, Warblers Retreat. Having lost all our overseas bookings, Barb and I have been planning new platforms to suit Kiwis needing an escape. Our eco-glamping site uses a 1970s NZ made, Pioneer caravan. Privately positioned overlooking forest and bu...sh, we have landscaped around it using whatever materials we can lay our hands on. To enable that feeling of natural ambiance we have used old recycled native timbers, bamboo from our property, and anything we could possibly recycle. As with the majority of our landscaping projects, we design as we go, this was no different. Our glamping site is like walking into a blast from the past - the groovy 70s. Theres an outdoor spa, outdoor shower, compost toilet and more. Almost finished, its soon to be on our website. Warblersretreat.nz, sustainablelandscapes.nz. Call Dave Milina, 0275 1962 19 www.sustainablelandscapes.co.nz, warblersretreat.nz. See more

Bee keeping workshop Sunday 20th September (9.30am to 11.30am) If you are thinking of establishing hives on your property or would just like to know some more about these amazing little creatures then this is an ideal workshop for you to attend. This event will give a great overview not only of the techniques employed to nurture bees but also what you can do in your gardens to enhance their health and wellbeing and therefore your gardens appearance. Our guest presenter is Ki...m Kneijber who has worked with bees for over 15 years, is a life member of the Auckland Bee Keeping Club and has a long time association with APINZ. Kim will cover many facets associated with this fascinating subject including: Challenges facing the bee population. Hive maintenance & positioning. Equipment required. Pros & cons of bee keeping. Rules & compliance issues. Safety considerations. There will also be a working hive on site plus the centre has now established a bee friendly plant section. Booking is advised as this event is very popular and numbers are limited. We also have our cute little coffee shop on site plus of course the Plant Centre for you to browse through (including the new bee friendly plant section). Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will also be on hand to help with any garden related questions. This event will of course only go ahead should the prevailing Covid alert is at level 2 or better on the scheduled date. 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway (SH16). Tickets: $20 per person. To Book: [email protected] or 09 420 5655. See more

Laser Plumbing Whenuapai to the rescue at Taupaki Primary School Taupaki Primary got in touch with us for what appeared to be a blocked drain in the staff facilities area. No problem. We carried out a hydro flush but the blockage remained. It turned out to be a little more complicated than we thought. The Taupaki Primary students were fascinated with what we were doing. After much investigating, we were able to pinpoint where the blockage was located by using our CCTV and loc...ating equipment. The blockage was found to be directly underneath the admin block. We needed to come up with a plan to repair the drain without cutting a large hole in the office block. We came up with the solution to undertake a temporary repair by re-routing all drainage through an old sewer line that we were able to unblock to sufficiently take away the waste in the short term. Next step was a permanent solution. We had to re-run all the drainage to a new location to prevent this happening again. For the safety of the school and students, we were able to carry this work out during the school holidays. Happy to report the solution was a success! Laser Whenuapai offers complete solutions for all your drainage, plumbing and roofing needs. No job is too big or too small - our team is happy to do any job from basic tap washers right into full re-piping, re-roofing, drainage or gas systems. Get in touch with Laser Whenuapai today on 09 417 0110 or [email protected] for all your service needs. We are open five days a week from 7am-4:30pm and conveniently located at Unit 4, 3 Northside Drive, Whenuapai. Visit our website whenuapai.laserplumbing.co.nz for more information. See more

Solarcraft the glossary Part #1 the kilo-what? Time to learn a few terms to help you decipher your power bill. Kilowatt (kW) - a measure of 1000 WATTS of electrical power Kilowatt hour (kWh) - is a measure of how much energy youre using It doesnt mean the number of kWs youre using per hr. Its simply a unit of measurement that equals the amount of energy you would use if you kept a 1,000W appliance running for 1 hr. ... A 100W light bulb would take 10 hours to rack up 1 kWh of energy. A 2,000W appliance would use 1kWh in just hr. A 50W item could stay on for 20hrs before it used 1 kWh. Similar appliances can have very different wattages; 1kWh = Using a 10,000W electric shower for 6 mins Cooking in a 2,000W oven for an hour An hours ironing with a 1,000W iron or 45mins with a 1,500W iron Less than 1hr using a dishwasher (1,000-1,500W) Around 3hrs watching a plasma TV (280-450W) Keeping a fridge-freezer (200400W) on for about 3hrs Keeping an electric blanket (130200W) on all night Using a laptop (20-50W) all day Keeping a broadband router (7-10W) on for 5 days Call us ANY time with any Solar Power questions! Email [email protected], phone 0508 272389 W: www.solarcraft.co.nz. See more

Privet Spring is upon us and those of us with asthma or respiratory illness will be dreading spring and the flowering of privet. There are two main types of privet that are a pest in New Zealand that cause the most trouble to us all and they are Chinese privet and Tree privet. Both produce copious numbers of small white flowers with a strong pungent odour, and pollen that is cloying and can make it hard to breathe. Many privet grow on roadsides and end up being ignored as nobody is sure what to do with them but New Zealand Biosecurity Services can help. Our team can come to your property and get rid of your privet easily - either chop it down and put herbicide on the stump, or kill the tree standing. Please contact us on 09 447 1998 to talk to one of our team. Thanks to Weedbusters and Carolyn Lewis for the photo.

Rhododendrons at Awa Nursery Awa Nursery currently has an abundance of rhododendrons and the variety of colours is fantastic. There are many an avid rhododendron gardener out there and we thought we would pop a few growing hints for those who would like to add some of these to their garden. A rhododendron bush is very attractive, especially when in full bloom and hard not to miss in in the landscape. We have large and small varieties in stock to suit any garden situation. ... Rhododendrons do well with direct light for at least part of the day and prefer dappled shade rather than excessive shade. Protection from the wind is also preferred. Ideally soil should be well-drained, humus-rich, and acidic (pH4.5-6). The rhododendron has shallow root systems and needs moist soil and mulch to keep them from drying out. Be sure not to pile the mulch right up to the trunks though. The mulch will help in keeping the soil moist and cool, provides nourishment, and limits weed growth. Prune your rhododendron after is has bloomed to shape your plant and remove any damaged branches. Pop onto our web site and view the many varieties or call in and see us at Awa Nursery and pick up your favourite coloured rhododendron. Phone Awa Nursery: 09 411 8712, email [email protected] or visit www.awanursery.co.nz. See more

Waimauku Garden Club Buds are forming, bulbs are popping up, the orchid is flowering, tui and keruru are returning to the garden and starlings are visiting their nesting boxes. Spring is on the way with the promise of warmer days. Our monthly events are organised till the end of the year. September 17- Kumeu River Winery Tour and Tasting; Westbrook Winery for lunch: October 15-Clevedon. Riverland Sculpture and Garden plus a private garden: November 19- Ramarama Gardens- Adden...brooke and Winsford: December 17- Christmas buffet lunch at The Brigham, Whenuapai. New members welcome. Please write these dates on your calendar. Contacts: Ann 021 035 7406, Bette 021 145 1854, Diana 027 478 8928, Donna 021 233 0974, Judith 027 272 9994, Moira 027 498 9152, Veronica 027 755 4645. See more

Tile Wright specialises in all things tiling; we provide high quality services including Auckland Council approved water proofing, bathrooms, kitchens and splash backs. With over 5 years experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on high quality workmanship. We cover most of Auckland, have competitive prices and offer a workmanship warranty on all work. Wanting to give your kitchen or bathroom a new lease of life? No job too small, we cover it all. Call us today on 027 260 8225 for a free no-obligation quote.

Trusts Act 2019 Continuing on our Trusts series, it is timely to just consider some of the common terms associated with trusts. As there are different types of trusts, we will refer in this editorial to the Mum and Dad discretionary family trust. A trust is usually set up by a trust deed signed by the parties known as the Settlor and the Trustees. The Settlor is the person who establishes the trust and transfers assets into the Trust. For older trust deeds, this may not ...be the case however. For the Mum and Dad family trust, this is usually the Mum and Dad who set up the trust. It is also their family home which is transferred into the trust along with any other assets i.e. their holiday home, shares in a company etc usually in consultation with their financial adviser and/or accountant. The Trustees are persons who manage the trust assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The Trustees have wide powers to act and their powers can be found in the trust deed. They are ultimately answerable to the beneficiaries of the Trust but have discretion to make decisions how they see fit. The beneficiaries of the trust stand to benefit from the assets of the trust. This term is used to refer to discretionary beneficiaries, final beneficiaries, primary beneficiaries and secondary beneficiaries. Their definition and meaning can be found in the trust deed. Only the beneficiaries of the trust are able to benefit from the assets of the trust. As trusts evolve over time, most trust deeds have provisions to allow for the appointment and removal of beneficiaries. Due to the upcoming changes in the Trusts Act, if you have a trust, it is timely to consider reviewing your trust and trust documentation. You will need to understand what your obligations are, whether you are a trustee or a beneficiary of the trust. Please contact ClearStone Legal (incorporating Kumeu-Huapai Law Centre) on 09 973 5102 or email [email protected] to make an appointment to discuss your trust and the way forward. See more

New Privacy Act comes into force in December 2020 The Privacy Bill becomes law on 1 December 2020 and replaces the current Privacy Act 1993 and updates the law whilst reflecting continually-evolving needs in a digital age. Personal information is held by many types of organisations ( i.e. agencies such as, for example, businesses, doctors, banks, government departments) and technology has enabled large quantities of personal information to be stored, retrieved, used and disc...losed. The new Act provides more protection of an individuals personal and sensitive information. The key changes relate to both agencies and individuals and include: a) reporting data breaches - if an agency has a privacy breach posing a risk of serious harm to people, the agency must notify the people affected and the Privacy Commissioner; b) compliance notices - the Privacy Commissioner can issue compliance notices to an agency requiring it to do or stop doing something to comply with privacy laws; c) decisions on access requests - if a complaint is made about being unable to access certain information, the Privacy Commissioner will make a decision on the complaint; d) strengthening overseas connections - at least one permitted category must be satisfied for an agency to disclose information to an overseas agency. In terms of cloud storage, this isnt considered a disclosure for the purposes of the privacy principles, but the disclosing agency is responsible for the cloud storage providers compliance with the Act; e) new criminal offences - these include misleading an agency to obtain access to another persons information and the destruction of documents by an agency who has been asked to provide information by the person entitled to it. Fines has been raised to a maximum of $10,000. Privacy laws are important and the recent Covid requirements where, for example, information was provided to a restaurant when dining out, have highlighted the importance of privacy laws. As individuals we entrust others with our private data and, as a result, the Act is now strengthened to increase compliance with privacy legislation. If you have any questions, contact Gina Jansen Lawyers West Auckland team on phone 869 5820 or visit our website at www.ginajansen.co.nz. See more

Property market report Over the last 10 years Auckland house prices have increased by 6.3% annually. The Auckland property market is so unique that when the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) publishes its market updates, it includes a figure for all of New Zealand excluding the Auckland market. The median house price in the Auckland region was $848,000 (Sept 2019), $208,000 (32.5%) more than the next most expensive region, which is Wellington. The reason that the... Auckland property market out-performs the rest of the country is population growth. Aucklands population is expected to grow by over 30% in the next 20 years, whereas other towns and cities are static or in decline. Aucklands residents are set to make up 40% of New Zealands total population; it is the economic powerhouse of the country, and its economy is diversified. These are all factors that we associate with a property market that is geared for higher house prices. Auckland homeowners have done very well over time. Between Sept 2014 and Sept 2019, the median Auckland house price grew by $228,000 (from $620,000 to $848,000). This is a 6.46% average annual increase. The interest earned on money invested with a recognised bank on a term deposit over two years is 1.6% So before you start listening to the conspiracy theorists and the doom merchants, take a moment to understand the population factors driving the greater Auckland property market and consider investing your wealth in the support of your childrens future as property values seldom go down in cities around the world like Auckland. Lets take a look at the numbers: Coatesville Lifestyle $6,900,000 Helensville Residential $635,000 to $740,000 Helensville Lifestyle $1,135,000 to $2,315,000 Huapai Residential $825,000 to $1,199,000 Kumeu Residential $620,000 to $1,220,000 Kumeu Lifestyle $2,300,000 Muriwai Residential $715,000 Parakai Residential $595,000 to $719,000 Riverhead Residential $995,000 to $1,450,000 Taupaki Residential $1,010,000 Taupaki Lifestyle $1,417,000 Waitakere Residential $787,000 to $920,000 Waitakere Lifestyle $1,300,000 Waimauku Residential $800,000 to $1,400,000 Waimauku Lifestyle $1,398,000 Call Graham McIntyre on 0800 900 700, text 027 632 0421 or look me up at www.grahammcintyre.co.nz - Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008). See more

Getting your family trust fit for the new Trusts Act The new Trusts Act comes into force at the end of January 2021. With it comes to the obligation on all trustees to provide some basic information to all potential beneficiaries of the trust. In some cases, this will mean parents are legally required to give information to their own children about the trust deed and the assets of the trust. However, in many cases trust deeds include more than just the children of the settlo...rs as potential beneficiaries. It may include siblings of the settlors and de facto partners of the settlors children all of whom could have remained blissfully unaware of their potential interest in trust assets up to that point. For this reason, it is often necessary to get legal advice about whether your trust deed is fit for purpose under the new act. That advice can include taking the necessary steps to confine the beneficiaries of the trust to children and grandchildren and removing the more remote beneficiaries before they become entitled to such information. Luke Kemp Kemp Barristers & Solicitors of Kumeu phone 09 412 6000 or [email protected] See more

Gym Zone Has your child ever thought about doing Gymnastics, Tumbling or Parkour? 2020 is the year to give it a go. At Gym Zone at we teach all these disciplines and more. You can select from our structured term base classes or have a go at our new Free Play casual weekend sessions. See our timetable online to check out all the options. Westpac Auckland Business Awards - Peoples choice North West Auckland. Please check out Gym Kids entry and vote for us your local Gymnastics centre. Gym Zone is also a great place to host your next Birthday Party. We have both self-cater and fully catered options for you. www.gymkids.co.nz/birthday-parties/hobsonville. 4 Workspace Drive, Hobsonville. Read more at www.gymzone.co.nz.

Abuse and technology red flags It can be hard to know whether things in your relationship related to technology are normal or abusive. Sometimes as part of a pattern of abusive behaviour, someone may use technology to hurt, control and monitor their partner or someone close to them. If you are worried that you, a family member or a friend may be experiencing abuse, this advice may help understand the potential risks and what can be done about them. If your partner/ person kno...ws things about you that you havent told them, if they have access to your phone or other device, if you find that email or text messages are marked as read when you havent seen them, if your passwords are being reset when you havent done this, or messages are disappearing when you havent deleted them, it could be a sign that things are not right in the relationship. To read more about this issue, go to netsafe.org.nz and search for tech facilitated abuse. You can text any concerns to Netsafe to 4282, call 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723), email [email protected] or report online on their website. There are many sources of support available in the Netsafe article, but if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact the Police on 111. See more

Famous Scouts Scouts started in 1908 and over half a billion people around the world have since taken the Scout promise. Scouts come from all walks of life, from astronauts, politicians, royalty, business leaders, scientists. Its a very long list. Below are some famous Scouts. How many do you know and a bonus point if you know why they are famous. Sir Richard Branson, John Craven, Betty Boothroyd, Ken Dodd, Delia Smith, Ainsley Harriott, John Major PM, Paul McCartney, Cliff... Richard, Keith Richards, Buzz Aldrin, Bill Gates, Princess Anne, Princess Margaret, Michael Parkinson, Jeremy Paxman, George W. Bush, Queen Elizabeth II, Jamie Oliver, Richard Hammond, Robert Irwin, Peter Garrett, Sir David Attenborough, David Beckham, Tony Blair, Russell Brand, Billy Connolly, Barack Obama, Steven Spielberg, David Walliams, Harrison Ford, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Black, Bear Grylls, Jamie Oliver, David Bowie, Bob Geldof, Lee Kuan Yew, Neil Armstrong, Steve Fossett, Jim Lovell, Michael Jordan, Jay Leno, John Lithgow. Terry Wade (QSM) (Terry is a Leader in our Zone) Some of these people are still active in Scouts today, as Leaders, mentors or ambassadors for the movement. Were you a Scout? Do you want to be the next Leader that may mentor the next famous Scout? If so, please get in touch. To find out more visit www.scouts.nz or email me [email protected] Craig Paltridge. Waitoru Zone Leader. See more

Kumeu Blend Choir Did you know that Kumeu has had its very own local choir for more than fifty years? Well, its true. It started with the Country Womens Institute competitions, which were for ladies only. Over all these years, there have been mountains of music, hundreds of hummings, countless concerts, singers who have come and gone, plus others who have joined and stayed. Rona Attwood holds top honours for being a foundation member of the original Kumeu Womens Institu...te Choir, and still attends rehearsals on Monday nights. Somewhere along the line we roped in some blokes to further enrich the calibre of our choristers. Hence, an all-inclusive name, Kumeu Blend. We are like a good West Auckland wine not old, dry and fit for a headache, but mature and full-bodied, with sweet notes and a lingering finish. New members are always welcome. All you need is enthusiasm and the ability to hold a tune. Currently back in Lockdown #2 we are all suffering from choral withdrawal. Practising at home, alone, is just not the same. Our weekly practices are on hold, and we are disappointed, again, to have to reschedule previously planned concerts. Fingers crossed for a swift and successful return to Covid 19 normal. RB. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at St Chads, Kumeu: 7.30 9ish. Enquiries Margaret Lindsay on 021 042 8855 or email [email protected] See more

SeniorNet Kumeu Its disappointing to find ourselves back in Lockdown, but for SeniorNet Kumeu this does not mean Shutdown. Members keep in touch with each other via Zoom Chat sessions very Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Zoom is the very popular web-based video conferencing software) The Chat Sessions are appreciated by those living alone as they can keep in touch and catch up on all the gossip, as well as learning how to use Zoom and set up their own family and frien...ds groups. We are also provided Zoom training sessions and holding occasional Zoom quizzes for members SeniorNet Kumeu is dedicated to helping people who want to keep up with todays technology, who either dont how to use a computer, smartphone, or tablet or simply want to improve their skills. We are a relaxed and informal club with tutors who teach at a pace that suits our members. You are welcome to join our friendly and informal, club even during lockdown, just contact: Brian Lacey on 022 183 1811 or e-mail [email protected] See more

Reiki Time to recharge your batteries In these uncertain times, it is time to stop and take a look at ourselves. It is time for you to go deep within and spend some time looking at what is causing you stress and what you need to do to recharge and re-energise yourself. Reiki is one of the tools you can use to recharge your batteries. Reiki is defined as Universal Lifeforce Energy. A Reiki session is performed by a trained Reiki Practitioner who has received an attunement ...from a Reiki Master. A session usually last for about an hour, the recipient remains fully clothed, and the Practitioner gently places their hands on various parts of the body and allows the Reiki energy to flow. A great way to give yourself some time to recharge. Reiki is becoming very popular in hospitals, rest homes and is used at palliative care centres. Studies have shown that Reiki can assist people with cancer and other illnesses. Animals love to receive Reiki. Astramana Healing Services, was founded by International Reiki Master-Teacher Jason Mackenzie. Having practiced and taught Reiki here in New Zealand and internationally for over 20 years, he would like to introduce you to the stress-free art of Reiki. Regular classes are available for those who wish to learn and a mobile service is available for those who wish to receive a treatment. Check out our website: www.astramana.com or email [email protected] with any questions or to find out when our next workshop is. Remember you owe it to yourself to look after yourself and be fully recharged! See more

Just Kidz - Huapai At Just Kidz Huapai we believe in the Reggio approach to holistic development which is child-directed, choice-driven, and celebrates the experience of discovery and the journey. During the process of exploring and experimenting with the world around them, the final product is always unique and the focus lies in the creation of the work, not the outcome. Our children have recently been exploring sensory play with paint, gloop, glitter, ice and slime. And the...y have been having a magic time experiencing these media through an infant and toddler lens. For some of these children it was their first time to have something sticky and gooey on their fingers...so it was quite a moment of awe and wonder. Messy play helps children learn about different textures and materials. It can be a soothing activity, and can help children to experiment with colour mixing, patterns, designs and developing hand-eye coordination. Children have the opportunity to practise pouring, scooping, measuring, mixing and beating, developing their fine motor skills and sensory awareness. Our tamariki are learning about the properties of the solutions e.g. does it hold its shape or pour or run? What happens when substances combine? Does it feel lumpy, cold, wet, warm, runny or soft? What fantastic experiences! As you can see, they are connecting with the world around them in a safe, nurturing environment. We are so excited and privileged to be part of this learning journey alongside our families and whanau. Take advantage of our 1st Birthday special, 50% off for your first 2 months fees, or 6 months at 50% off * if you enrol for 5 days (*conditions apply). Pop in for a tour at 335 Main Road, Huapai or contact us on 09 412 2025 or Email:[email protected] for more information. See more

Kip McGrath Education Centre Westgate have been improving and extending the learning outcomes of NZ school children for over 40 years and our brand is now a global institution with over 40, 000 students in 20 countries. New Zealand Kip Centres, however, tailor their lessons to the NZ Curriculum Framework to ensure consistency with NZ school programmes. We were recently awarded the Readers Digest Gold Award for educational tuition in NZ. This reputation lies not only in the p...rofessionalism and compassion of the teachers who tutor at our Centres, but also the high-quality, curriculum-based learning programmes that we create to meet each childs specific needs. At Kip McGrath you will see your child; enjoy learning, develop confidence in his/her natural ability, make real progress and achieve better results at school, finally get it and smile. Call today for a free assessment - 09 831 0272 or book online www.kipmcgrath.co.nz. See more

Wanted: Quality Childcare At A Childs Place Early Learning Centre we pride ourselves on our low ratios. Research shows that children who are cared for in ECE settings with lower child-staff ratios receive more stimulating and responsive care. Relationship is key to our philosophy it is a matter of life to a child. Our settling in processes are such that all our families are amazed at how quickly their children are happy to leave them in the mornings. If you are looking for ...that special home away from home then look no further. We offer authentic teaching practices with large play areas, uninterrupted play, partnership in learning and a range of sessions for your infant, toddler or preschooler. You will find us at 1A Tapu Road, Huapai, contact us for more info on 09 412 8117 or visit us at www.achildsplace.co.nz. We would love to hear your aspirations and hopes for your child. See more

Sparking memories Photo albums and pictures on the wall were a traditional way of keeping memories near. Having images available all the time can really help lift spirits, especially for seniors and those with memory issues. Remembering to pull out the old albums can really help but is not always possible and is easily overlooked. At Mindjig Limited we have a Digital Photo Frame which can be set up in advance so someone can enjoy all their pictures every day without any fuss. Visit www.mindjig.co.nz to see this and other helpful products. Email Julie or Jonathan at [email protected], Phone 09 600 3251, Phone or Text 022 480 3022.