Upper Mangatawhiri Dam and the rest of the dams in Auckland are very gradually beginning to see levels rise. Photo Watercare
Steady and often heavy rainfall is making small but incremental rises in water levels in Auckland’s drought-hit dams.
In the Hunua Ranges 14mm of rain fell bringing the total for the past week to 91.5mm. Yesterday 19.5mm fell in the
Waitakere Ranges for a seven day total of 38mm.
Dams are now at 44.9 per cent capacity compared to 44.5 per cent yesterday. Normal capacity for this time of year is 77.04 per cent.
With mandatory water restrictions in place, Watercare says the water consumption target for this month is 410 million litres or less. Yesterday’s consumption was 408m litres and the seven-day rolling average as at yesterday was 400m litres.
Watercare says the June target is 10m litres less than the previous month to take into account that the weather is becoming cooler and therefore Aucklanders’ water use will naturally decline as everyone spends less time outside.
The weather forecast suggests isolated showers this week followed by long dry spells.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was also important that Kiwis keep the basic hygiene measures going that worked so well through higher alert levels. Photo RNZ
Today, the Government agreed to what life at Alert Level 1 will look like for New Zealand and New Zealanders.
Alert Level 1 sees everyone being able to return without restriction to work, school, sports and domestic travel and you can get together with as many people as you want.
Controls at the borders remain for those entering New Zealand, including health screening and testing for all arrivals and mandatory 14-day managed quarantine or isolation.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was also important that Kiwis keep the basic hygiene measures going that worked so well through higher alert levels.
“These include washing your hands and coughing or sneezing into your elbow. Remember to remain vigilant and being aware of physical distancing when out and about amongst strangers is a good habit to keep,” she said.
“We should all continue to keep track of where we’ve been and who we’ve seen to assist with rapid contact tracing if it is required.”
Businesses should assist customers to keep track of where they’ve been by displaying the Ministry of Health QR code, the PM said.
“This will be our new normal but, while we do return to pre-Covid life, we must remember we remain in a global pandemic.”
Cabinet will decide on Monday June 8 whether and when to move to Alert Level 1. Until then, Alert Level 2 measures apply.
The golden rules for everyone at Alert Level 1
If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.
If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested.
Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.
Sneeze and cough into your elbow and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.
If you are told by health authorities to self-isolate, you must do so immediately.
If you’re concerned about your well-being, or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy.
Keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ Covid Tracer app as a handy way of doing this.
Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing.
Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to.
People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you’re feeling — it’s okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.
Broadcaster and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Ambassador Stacey Morrison is encouraging Aucklanders to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this July, to help raise urgent funds needed to support patients and save lives.
Last year around 1200 breakfasts were held in Auckland, where more than 1000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
With more than 3300 women across the country diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and more than 650 a year still dying, the need for support is greater than ever. This has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, where around 400 women who would have received a breast cancer diagnosis missed out on getting mammograms or a referral from their GP, delaying their ability to start treatment.
Proceeds from Pink Ribbon Breakfast will go towards helping these women get the support they need, as well as those already undergoing treatment. They will also help to drive early detection and ground-breaking research to prevent further deaths.
Stacey Morrison, who lost her mum to breast cancer aged just 45, said she’s delighted to be the face of Pink Ribbon Breakfast for the second year in a row: “I’ve been inspired by the resilience shown by so many as Covid-19 became another issue to deal with, on top of their cancer treatment. Breast cancer touches so many Kiwi families and I feel for them, especially during this stressful time.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Ambassador Stacey Morrison lost her mum to breast cancer.
“As we rally together as a nation, I’m also hoping we can show some love for people affected by this devastating disease. Hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a fun and easy way to let patients know they don’t have to face breast cancer alone. It’s a fantastic way to raise awareness about breast health and honour the ones who have survived or the ones we’ve lost. All while raising much-needed funds for this important cause – which are needed now more than ever.”
Evangelia Henderson, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, said: “Breast cancer hasn’t stopped for Covid-19 but it has had a huge impact on our work. Although Pink Ribbon Breakfast wasn’t able to happen in May like it usually does, we’re thrilled to be bringing it back for July.
“If the last few months have shown us anything, it’s that there are many different ways we can still be together as a community. Pink Ribbon Breakfast is all about Kiwis coming together, in a way that works for them, for one cause: to bring us a step closer to our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer.
“Through all of the upheaval, we are still making sure people get the best possible support during their treatment and recovery, spreading the word about the importance of early detection, and relentlessly pushing for scientific breakthroughs. The money raised will go towards this life-saving work. So, please get involved in whatever way you can – your support will make a real difference.”
For more information and to register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, visit www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz
Auckland Council will reopen the remainder of its libraries and most of its pools across the Auckland region from this week .
The reopening, along with the phased reopening of many community venues over the coming month, will come as welcome news to book lovers, keen swimmers and those who use the council’s arts and community venues for a raft of activities, including recreation, education and celebration.
Pools across Auckland opening on Wednesday June 3 include Lloyd Elsmore Pool and Leisure Centre.
Community venues for hire opening from Tuesday June 2 include Clevedon Community Hall and Fencible Lounge.
“Our venues for hire teams are working closely with Local Boards and other users of our venues for hire to best adapt and meet the needs of our community,” a spokesperson for council said.
Mayor Phil Goff welcomed the reopening. “It’s great to see more of Auckland’s libraries, pools and community venues reopening after the lockdown and a sense of normality starting to return to the city,” he says.
“There will be strict guidelines around physical distancing and hygiene while enjoying council venues to lessen the risk of future community transmission of Covid-19.”
Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town says the council has worked hard to reopen its pools responsibly and safely in an environment where water restrictions are in place and health and safety remains a top priority.
“This is a fine balance,” says Town. “Our communities love our pools and we have partners and user groups who rely on our facilities to be open so that they can continue to operate their own organisations and businesses.
Town says the council is ensuring pools can reopen for exercise while also playing its part to help Auckland’s water conservation efforts.
“This means that when people do go to one of our pools, they will see some changes. Firstly, we will only be opening lap and dive pools for training and exercise, and those pools designed for leisure and play will remain closed, as will the showers in our changing rooms.”
There will also be some changes to opening hours and people will need to continue to maintain safe social distancing, even while in the water.
“We’re also asking Aucklanders to help us in our water saving efforts by wearing appropriate swim wear, including swim caps, and, where possible, not wearing outdoor footwear poolside,” said Town.
“This will help improve the water quality and reduce the need for poolside areas to be washed down.”
He said the council will continue to keep a close eye on Auckland’s water situation and will adapt and respond accordingly.
Libraries to open from 2 June
Meanwhile, from Tuesday, June 2, all of the 55 libraries in Auckland Council’s network will be open to the public.
“We know people love our libraries and have been very keen to see all of them reopened under Alert Level 2, so we know this will be welcome news for communities right throughout the Auckland region,” said Town.
“In addition, we’re opening a second phase of 11 community venues for hire from Tuesday June 2.
“This brings the total number of council-run venues reopened to 33 with over 100 additional community partner venues also open across Auckland. More council-run venues will be reopened each week between now and July.”
For more information visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, aucklandleisure.co.nz or aucklandlibraries.govt.nz
The Ministry of Education and New Zealand Education Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa have agreed to settle the pay equity claim for teacher aides, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced on Thursday.
This will see more than 22,000 teacher aides, mostly women, being valued and paid fairly for the work they do.
“Teacher aides are frontline workers who work closely with some of our most vulnerable children. They play an important role in our schools as we respond to the challenges of Covid-19 and get the country back on its feet,” Hipkins said.
“The teacher aide pay equity claim was lodged in 2016, and I’m pleased that an agreement has now been reached. This is a milestone for teacher aides and a significant step towards addressing pay equity for women in the education sector.
Photo: teacheraidemodules.org
The new rates will range from $21.20 to $34.68 per hour, and be effective from 12 February 2020.
“The Coalition Government recognises the vital role teacher aides play in schools and we have been focused on making sure that we do a good job for them.
“Details of the settlement will be widely communicated to all teacher aides before NZEI members vote on it. The settlement, if accepted, will acknowledge the value of the skills, responsibilities and demands of teacher aide work,” Hipkins said.
The settlement costs $348 million over the next five years.
Schools will receive the additional funds in October 2020 and teacher aides will receive the new pay equity rates by November, backdated to 12 February 2020.
The Ministry, working alongside NZEI Te Riu Roa and the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA), completed an 18 month investigation last year to confirm that teacher aides – who are mostly women – are being paid less than men for doing work that is different but of equal value. They worked together on this detailed and complex pay equity claim, following the State Services Commission’s Pay Equity Principles to achieve an outcome that is fair and sustainable.
Teacher aides who perform tiaki duties (assisting children soiled with bodily fluids) on a regular basis will also receive an extra $2.60 per hour on top of their hourly rate, while those who perform these duties occasionally will see their allowance increased from $3.85 to $4.81 if the work is performed on that day.
Teacher aides who aren’t union members will receive the pay equity rates by signing a new Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) once it is published, or by joining NZEI Te Riu Roa.
In addition to the pay correction, teacher aides will have more certainty around the hours they work, and professional learning and development (PLD) opportunities for teacher aides will also be more readily available.
The offer also increases the $0.79 million PLD fund agreed as part of the Support Staff in Schools’ Collective Agreement settled at the end of last year to $2.29 million.
Goodman Property Trust (GMT), the stock exchange-listed company which owns Highbrook Business Park, has reported a statutory profit of $284.4 million before tax for the year ended March 31.
It compares to $334.8m before tax previously.
Keith Smith, chairman of Goodman (NZ), said the continued execution of an investment strategy focused on the supply-constrained Auckland industrial market has contributed to another strong operating result from GMT.
“While the economic outlook has deteriorated rapidly over the last three months as a result of Covid-19, the quality of the Trust’s $3.1 billion portfolio, its focus on the industrial sector and low level of gearing will enable it to respond to future challenges and opportunities.”
GMT delivered a strong operating performance over the last 12 months, he said.
With an investment strategy focused on urban logistics it remains well-positioned for the challenges that will arise as a result of Covid-19 and beyond.
Chief executive officer John Dakin said, “Along with others in the business community, our strategy has been stress-tested throughout these last few months. Investing in the supply-constrained Auckland industrial market has delivered strong returns for unitholders and demonstrated the Trust is uniquely placed to benefit from the rapid growth in e-commerce and the critical role the city’s industrial sector plays in the national supply chain.”
FY20 result overview
GMT’s investment strategy has been refined in recent years to meet the increased demand for warehouse and distribution space across Auckland. Driven by economic growth and other structural drivers, the city’s industrial property market has to date, been New Zealand’s best performing commercial real estate sector.
Key operational and financial results of FY20 include:
A statutory profit of $284.4M before tax (including investment property valuation gains of $165.8m), compared to $334.8m before tax (including investment property valuation gains of $201.9m) previously.
A 10 percent increase in net tangible assets to 172.7 cents per unit, from 157 cents per unit at March 31, 2019.
Adjusted operating earnings of $109.7m before tax or 8.16 cents per unit.
Cash distributions of 6.65 cents per unit, representing around 107 percent of GMT’s cash earnings of 6.22 cents per unit.
Successful capital management initiatives with $175m of new equity raised in September and October 2019, through a $150m placement and a $25m Retail Unit Offer.
Substantial balance sheet capacity with reported gearing of just 18.9 percent and almost
$400m of available liquidity, at 31 March 2020.
Further development progress with $158.6m of projects completed during the year and $101m of projects in progress.
The acquisition of the T&G Global facility in Mt Wellington for $65m in September 2019 and, post balance date, the neighbouring property at 7-8 Monahan Road for $13m.
Strong portfolio metrics with occupancy of 99.4 percent and a weighted average lease term of 5.5 years, at March 31, 2020.
Newly completed development, Big Chill, Highbrook Business Park
Covid-19 impacts and responses
Dakin said, “Alongside many of our customers in the logistics and warehousing sectors we have continued to operate through the Alert Level restrictions, providing the critical business infrastructure that is supporting essential supply chains, while maintaining the health and safety of our people, customers and stakeholders.
“A secure and efficient supply chain, that includes warehouse and logistics facilities close to consumers, has proven to be essential for a modern city to function and grow.”
Despite the uncertain operating environment, customer demand in the online, logistics, food, consumer goods and digital economy, continues to support our portfolio fundamentals and targeted development activity.”
“The business is responding to the disruption caused by Covid-19 and we’re adapting our approach to ensure GMT’s stable cashflows and strong financial position are maintained,” Dakin said.
These initiatives have included:
Assisting vulnerable customers with rental support, balancing the needs of these businesses with our obligations to investors
Managing the development workbook by pausing certain development projects until a customer commitment is secured. While customer demand is likely to be lower, a significant number of new projects is still anticipated this year
Continuing to act prudently by raising the hurdles for new investment spending.
Outlook – FY21 guidance and changes to distribution policy
Commenting on the outlook for FY21, Dakin said, “If the portfolio continues to perform in line with our expectations, we forecast cash earnings to be materially consistent with last year, at around 6.2 cents per unit.”
To ensure the business can continue to grow sustainably, the board has amended its distribution policy for the Trust. Adopting a target payout ratio of between 80 per cent and 90 per cent of cash earnings, better aligns distributions with the underlying cashflows from the Trust’s stabilised portfolio, he said.
Keith Smith said, “The amendment to the distribution policy is another step in the evolution of a high-quality, low risk property business focused on sustainable long-term growth.”
Under the new policy cash distributions of at least 5.3 cents per unit are expected to be paid in FY21.
The guidance is subject to there being no further material adverse changes in market conditions or the occurrence of other unforeseen events.
What happens when locals with a creative flair challenge themselves during lockdown?
They create a writer’s playlist that features five east Auckland poets and writers.
L-r Areez Katki, Kitty Chang, Marilyn Bakker, Natasha Bidesi and Ruth Hammond. Photo supplied
Multidisciplinary artist Areez Katki, lifelong learner Kitty Chang, small business owner Marilyn Bakker, media fanatic Natasha Bidesi and author Ruth Hammond challenged themselves – with limited technology and from within their own bubbles – to produce audio recordings to share during these extraordinary times of social distancing.
The range of writings include poetry, Chinese immigration stories, children’s book excerpts and spiritual pieces based on overcoming adversity, highlighting the unique diversity of east Auckland writers.
Very few households or businesses have managed to escape the financial impacts that we have experienced, and will continue to experience, off the back of Covid-19.
Billions of taxpayers’ money right now is being used to prop up wages and dampen the impacts. It’s not sustainable long term, but crucial right now.
The annual burden of rates levied by councils will soon also add to increased costs for everyone as councils around the country signal their continued plan to increase rates.
I recently proposed in Parliament that we should use legislation to step in to help households and businesses struggling with day-to-day costs by legislating for a rates freeze.
At no time in recent history have ratepayers needed more relief from annual rates increases than now.
Just as most other entities are going through the process of reassessing costs within their organisations, local authorities also need to review how they finance and debt-fund essential work.
Organisations like the Property Council and Taxpayers Union have made similar calls for rates freezes, backed up by a petition signed by thousands.
Local government is a creature of statute so the Parliament can lead the way on rates freezes.
Leaving it to councils to make these decisions ignores the legislative problem councils face where consultation requirements will be used as an easy excuse to box on with rates increases.
It will be unpalatable to mayors and councillors for Parliament to require a rates freeze. But equally it’s unlikely ratepayers will get the relief they deserve if we just rely on councils to make that decision for themselves.
Unfortunately, so far, the National Party joined the Government and used their numbers in the House to block a rates freeze proposal. Only myself and ACT’s David Seymour voted in favour.
Delivering a rates freeze is an easy, half page, legislative fix that would give certainty to ratepayers.
The Government likes to use urgency to rush through legislation. This is a good candidate.
Delivering a rates freeze should not be a difficult issue for MPs from across the aisle to unite on before the Parliament dissolves for the election.
Some welcome rain – a shot taken yesterday (June 1) at Wairoa Dam in the Hunua ranges. Photo Watercare
Auckland may have had plenty of rain over the long weekend however it’s barely made a difference to dam levels heavily impacted by drought.
The latest drought status update from Watercare today shows 49.5mm of rain fell yesterday in the Hunua Ranges with 97.5mm recorded in the past seven days.
The dam levels were today at 44.5 per cent capacity, up from 43.32 per cent on Friday. The normal level for this time of year is 76.85 per cent.
Watercare said that since the start of the drought in November 2019, the region has received less than half the normal rainfall.
Meanwhile water restrictions remain in place with the daily target for June set at 410 million litres or less. Yesterday’s consumption was 382m litres while the seven-day rolling average yesterday was 400m litres.
As to the weather, Watercare said the forecast yesterday pointed to isolated showers this week followed by longer dry spells.
As Howick and districts count down to the 175th anniversary, the Times continues its series by Alan La Roche giving readers a glimpse of life as it used to be. The countdown began at the 170th in 2017.
Early in 2020, the New Zealand Government stored pandemic equipment for an emergency occasion such as Covid-19.
Many families interviewed remembered the Spanish Flu of 1918. At the end of the awful Great War of 1914-1918, soldiers returned to a subdued welcome including some in Howick who later died of the ‘flu. At one stage there were 60 waiting to be buried in Howick. Our soldiers in France suffering battle fatigue, poor unsanitary living conditions, over-crowded tents and poor rations, succumbed quickly. There was no resident doctor in Howick.
Clarie Howie was asked to help the gravediggers dig more graves as they could not cope. Clarie was paid 25 shillings per grave in the Pakuranga Methodist graveyard in Pakuranga Road. He said the smell was awful. But the gravediggers said, “a stiff whiskey afterwards and you’ll be alright”. Edwin Roberts, another Pakuranga farmer, ran a shuttle service for prescriptions on his motorcycle from the doctor to the Otahuhu or Ellerslie pharmacies. One day he made five trips to Otahuhu on the rough metal roads. There was no pharmacy in Howick at that time.
New Zealanders blamed our Prime Minister William Massey and Sir Joseph Ward who were returning from Europe on the Niagara. The ship had passengers and crew suffering from the “simple influenza” as the politicians called it. The ship was not put into quarantine. This influenza killed more than 25 million people world-wide and 8600 in New Zealand of which more than 2000 were Maori.
The Howick Town Hall in Picton Street, and Whitford Hall, were converted into isolation wards for ‘flu patients. Community volunteers nursed the sick, washing patients, boiling laundry bedding, providing meals and running messages all without power in Howick.
Emergency hospital in the Howick Town Hall.
Candles and kerosene lamps were used. The Red Cross, Scouts and Girl Guides and teachers helped community volunteers. Schools, churches, hotel bars, race meetings and shops were all closed. Many doctors were still overseas treating war wounded.
It particularly affected 30 to 40-year-old men. Vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia and death followed quickly. Some turned black, reminding some of the stories of the Black death plaque of the 14th Century. When the Armistice was announced in November 1918, there were some celebrations, but 268 died that day in Auckland from the ‘flu.
Pakuranga farmers closed off their farms. Whit Blundell on Butley Farm [in today’s Butley Drive] saw no visitors and the children stayed at home. They killed a sheep and fished for eels or sprats in Wakaaranga Creek.
Treatment of the flu was ineffective. Inhalation sprays of zinc sulphate and wearing a bag of camphor around your neck were recommended.
One Howick lady took up smoking to “kill the bugs”. The Government gave out small bottles of whiskey, brandy or stout to “stimulate better health” of poor people with sickness at home. Some gave frequent lemon drinks and bed rest to survive.
The crisis eased after two months. An inquiry was held and there were major changes providing electricity, treatment of sewage, better housing and reticulated water especially for Maori communities.
Today we have a free influenza vaccine for those over 65 and others considered at risk.
Despite several days of rain, Watercare is urging Aucklanders to continue their efforts to save water.
While Auckland officially remains a drought zone, the rain has been very welcome but still leaves the region well below normal levels for this time of year.
Watercare on Friday confirmed the region’s dams in total are at 43.32 per cent capacity compared to 76.85 per cent which is normal for this time of year.
The Hunua Range on Thursday saw the dam there topped up by just 0.5mm and 0mm in the Waitakere Ranges. For the past seven days rainfall measured 49.5mm and 70.5mm respectively.
Watercare on Friday confirmed the region’s dams in total are at 43.32 per cent capacity compared to 76.85 per cent which is normal for this time of year. Pictured is Lower Huia Dam on May 21.
A Watercare spokesperson said the rain hadn’t made much difference at all to overall water storage. As at Friday, The dams have increased less than 1 per cent since last Monday.
Meanwhile, Watercare has reminded Aucklanders of the need to observe water restrictions and to save water wherever possible.
Thursday’s water consumption was 426 million litres while the seven-day rolling average was 415m litres. The target for May is 420m litres or less per day.
“We need all Aucklanders to do their bit and save water by cutting shower times and so forth.”
Get me to the church on time, many parishioners were heard saying after nine long weeks of Covid-19 lockdown.
Some of the local churches opened their doors to devout parishioners to resume worship services at the weekend.
Now that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has eased restrictions and given a go-ahead for gatherings of up to 100 people, Rev Chris Barnard of St Columba Presbyterian in Botany says that the first Sunday worship after Covid-19 lockdown was held on Sunday May 31.
“We are delighted that we can gather again although restricted to 100 at a time. We started with our 8.30am and 10.30am services on Sunday.”
Rev Chris Barnard, Minister St Columba Presbyterian. Times photo Wayne Martin
And while it wasn’t the usual turn-out, the minister says he wants everyone to feel safe.
“Gathering at St Columba is usually the highlight of our week which is our space where we highly value and enjoy. For many of us it’s been a difficult time missing our friend’s face-to-face contact,” he says.
“Being in Church is not about the building, but is always about people–we treasure gathering together at our special place where we create spaces to worship, sing, laugh, and cry together; enjoying the friendships that have been made over many years.”
About the new norm, he says things are different. “We complied with the hygiene, distancing and contact tracing requirements. Seating was changed to accommodate families staying in their bubble; with no singing, there was more listening, contemplation and mediation.”
He says the priority is to care for one another, consider each other’s well being and being kind. At a time like this, we would like to invite anyone who is feeling lonely or anxious to come along, as we love creating safe spaces for anyone who needs a friend or some company,” he says.
Father Craig Dunford of St Lukes Catholic Church on Te Irirangi Dr says they resumed mass on Sunday and in order to accommodate the numbers, they added extra masses every hour—from 8am-12pm.
Father Craig Dunford, Priest St Lukes Catholic Church. Photo supplied
The last time they did a mass count in November, they had ‘more than 1400 churchgoers attending over three masses.
“The liturgy was a short mass that was held in the Sancta Maria College Chapel as we are currently building our new church on Chapel Road. A lot of our parishioners were in tears because they couldn’t come to church for a long time. It has been a difficult time as the church is an essential pillar of their lives.”
To monitor the movement of worshippers they were asked to sign in and enter from one door and exited from the other.
Rev Warner Wilder of St Paul’s in the Park says that they have decided not to resume church service just yet.
“We had a recent vestry meeting to discuss the lifting of restrictions on numbers and decided not to meet as a congregation this Sunday. We want to ease into it and make sure we do it properly. Besides, there is still reluctance amongst many of the congregation to meet in large groups which I can understand.
“For our YouTube clip this week met in the church with all those taking part. It is part of our transition back into the church for worship. Being Pentecost Sunday, we made it a little special.
Rev Warner Wilder, Minister St Paul’s in the Park. Times photo Wayne Martin
Rev Warner says that while they will be resuming normal worship quite soon, singing might not be encouraged “though lack of singing would hardly lend itself to a meaningful worship experience”.
Father John Fitzmaurice parish priest of Our Lady, Star of the Sea Catholic Parish in Picton Street, Howick says the parish advisory body held a planning meeting on Thursday night to prepare for the first weekend back.
“The parishioners were overjoyed that they could begin celebrating Mass together again on the weekend. Our normal weekday mass resumed on Monday.
“For Christians, Sunday was the Feast of Pentecost- the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. A beautiful day to begin again,” he says about restarting Sunday and weekday mass..
Being restricted to not more than 100 people at a worship gathering, the parish
Fr John, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish
temporarily introduced two additional masses on Saturday 5pm and Sunday 11am, in addition to the usual Sunday programme of four masses.
“This is so we can make our Church both safe and hospitable as we return home to the parish Church we love,” says Father John.
Parishioners were emailed to advise of the Sunday Mass times, and social distancing, hygiene, and contact tracing requirements.
Rev Brett Jones, lead pastor cession community and executive member of the East Auckland Ministers Association, says that on Sunday churches of Howick offered a safe, warm experience of exploring the spiritual connection with God.
“Churches are excited to be able to see each other in person just as families of all shapes and sizes have enjoyed reconnecting with people close to them,” he says.
“Community is a significant part of Christian practice and while churches have been innovative in maintaining connection through online means, this will be a meaningful time for many. The essential experience of the church will be very similar but when in larger groups there will be including contact tracing, hygiene protocols and physical distancing where required.
“Adjustments have been made for some of the more up-close and personal moments such as Communion, with different methods being used to create a ‘contactless communion’ option. “For some churches, the gathering limit is requiring creativity including multiple smaller services across the weekend.
“There are still a number of vulnerable people in our communities who will continue to do church online and churches are generally retaining an online presence.
“There are some churches that are taking a little longer to open to make sure they are well prepared to take care of congregations particularly where they have high percentages of vulnerable people.”
Bayleys has sold five substantial retail properties to a mix of New Zealand and Singaporean investors at a total value of close to $100 million.
Two of the sales, totalling $66.45 million, which settled during Covid-19 Level 4 and 3 lockdown, were of Auckland suburban shopping centres both anchored by Countdown supermarkets.
The largest of these was the Kelston Mall, which was sold on behalf of PMG Funds for $43.4m by Bayleys Auckland brokers. It was purchased by a private investor who attended a Bayleys Knight Frank Investment New Zealand seminar in Singapore.
Meadowlands has been sold to a NZ based investor.
The other neigbourhood shopping mall transaction involved the Meadowlands Shopping Plaza, at 112 Whitford Road in Howick which settled last week. It was sold to a private New Zealand investor for $23.05m. Located on a 1.886ha site with 5215sqm of retail space and 303 car parks, it was built in 1993 with a major renovation undertaken in 2011.
It has a 96.85 per cent occupancy with its current lease to anchor tenant Countdown running until 2026. Bayleys broker Cameron Melhuish says the supermarket (previously Woolworths) is among a number of founding tenants still in occupation, which also include Unichem and AA, with 12 tenancies having renewed their leases since 2018.
He says an added attraction was the under-utilised site’s Local Centre zoning which provides future development options, allowing for buildings up to four storeys with residential on upper floors.
Featured in Bayleys’ Total Property and Investment New Zealand portfolio, promoted in Asia late last year, the property attracted more than 100 enquires from domestic and offshore parties, with six expressions of interest submitted.
Johnson says the Singaporean purchaser of the Kelston Mall was the under bidder on Meadowlands. “They were still keen to secure a similar type of property within 30km of Auckland’s CBD. We provided several other options but Kelston was the one that best met their requirements and this sale was negotiated in an off-market transaction.”
Two MacLeans College students were left shaken by an unprovoked assault and theft of one of the boys’ bikes, and another’s shoulder bag.
A police spokesperson advised “Police received a report of a robbery incident in Bucklands Beach on Saturday May 23.
At around 12.15 pm, two boys were approached by three men who assaulted them and stole a bicycle and a backpack before fleeing in a vehicle.”
Justin Weagle and Callum McIntosh at the site of the assault
The boy’s group initially numbered six, but four other boys ran off as the incident unfolded.
One of the victims Justin Weagle (15) says he was sucker-punched from behind and the offenders stole his new Mongoose Legion bike, something he had only just got after saving up $450 from working through the school holidays.
His friend Callum McIntosh (14) had his shoulder bag ripped off his body causing extensive grazing to his neck, and then was picked up from behind and thrown into the middle of Clovelly Road by one of the offenders. The bag contained an EFTPOS card and his student I.D.
Callum suffered significant cuts and bruising from the vicious attack.
Further injuries sustained in the attack. Photo supplied
The boys hadn’t seen the offenders in the area before but were able to describe their assailants as three Pacific Island males in their early twenties, possibly being driven by females in a Black Mitsubishi Outlander with “tribal” stickers on the rear windscreen.
In a strange twist, Callum’s mother found his school I.D card while out on a walk in the vicinity of Aviemore Drive. She hopes local petrol stations or liquor stores may have caught the offenders and/or their vehicle on CCTV.
Justin’s’ mother says the boys are now “terrified” by the ordeal, and questions the mental health support available when her son was directed towards his own GP for assessment.
Police are making inquiries into this incident and anyone who witnessed it, or has information concerning who the offenders are, are asked to contact Sergeant James Hudson at Ormiston Police Station on 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
