Howickians can be relieved and reassured its Subway in Howick Village is open again and serving all its range of delicious fresh foods to sustain the appetites of its loyal customers. There’s no doubt that Subway restaurant is popular, and after a short-stint closure when the ownership changed, the familiar smell of fresh warm bread is in the air as...

PJ TAYLOR talks with the lead pastor of Howick Community Church, Sowers Trust and Picton Centre Trust about the true meaning of Christmas. Where were you born and grew up? I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. When did you come to New Zealand? In 2004, my husband Alex, our three children, and I moved to New Zealand, and I...

After a long year, we’ve got there – Christmas, and upcoming holidays if you’re fortunate not to be working. PJ TAYLOR strolled in the festive atmosphere of Botany Town Centre asking people what Christmas means to them. Santa Claus, of North Pole: “Christmas is about bringing joy and happiness to families and being together. It’s giving hope for the future and...

Europe is the perfect destination for the holiday season. The Christmas Markets offer a magical, traditional reminder of what this time of year is all about. The hand-built wooden stalls are decorated in garland and twinkling lights. Vendors sell handcrafted gifts, painted ornaments, homemade candles, fragrant sweets such as candied almonds and gingerbread cookies, and steaming heart-shaped mugs of gluhwein. It’s a bit...

A gang member has been jailed for his role in a violent feud that led to firearms being discharged at an east Auckland home. Joshua Baker, who belongs to the Killer Beez gang, recently appeared for sentencing before Justice Mathew Downs in the Auckland High Court. Baker faced two charges of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and two charges of...

A colourful, new illustrative guide is putting east Auckland on the map. East Auckland Tourism has released its Visitor Map, describing it as “a beautifully crafted guide that highlights the region’s top attractions, hidden gems, and breathtaking landscapes”. “From serene beaches and regional parks to bustling markets, charming cafes, and world-class wineries, this map is designed to inspire locals and visitors...

  By Simeon Brown, Member of Parliament for Pakuranga In my last column for 2024 I wanted to start by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, while enjoying a safe and hopefully relaxing summer. The holiday season is a fantastic time of year and a great opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months with...

Whether you’re after the quickest barely-there lip, or a new favourite nude, or the classic holiday red, we’ve selected the best from Mecca’s new limited edition holiday collection. The Mecca Max Pout Perfect Pencil & Lipstick Duo is for the perfectly nourished and your-lips-but-better look. This set will quickly become your favourite go-to lip comb. Ideal for most skin tones...

There was a lot of love aroha in the room for Murray Burton as he was farewelled as principal of Elim Christian College. The Times exclusively reported on November 28 that Burton, 66, is to stand down as the college principal after 22 years. He’s taking up a part-time mentoring role of Elim school principals from next year, and assisting other...

By Sergeant Brett Meale of Howick Police As we head into the Christmas and New Year holidays and celebrations, hopefully most of you will get a chance to relax and socialise with family and friends, either at home or if you’re lucky, away at a holiday spot. While some of our police staff will get a holiday as well, the...

Greenstone Entertainment will celebrate their incredible 15th year anniversary in 2025 with the announcement of their much-anticipated lineup for the Summer Concert Tour. Featuring renowned artists Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear, it’ll raise the roof at venues in Queenstown on January 18, Taupō on January 25, and Whitianga on January 26. Greenstone Entertainment’s Summer Concert Tour has been a...

Check out a few of the latest comments from our socials below. Want more? Dive into the conversation at www.facebook.com/timesonlinenz. GAS STATIONS IN EASTERN BUSWAY’S PATH DEMOLISHED (Times, November 28): John Scott: Surely they could have gone round the back of the petrol station so the petrol station could stay and what the Howick Bus Depot? Alistair Gauld: Awesome. More empty ratepayer-funded...

He may not yet be a household name in New Zealand but east Auckland local Callum Hedge is quickly making a name for himself in the motorsport world overseas. Hedge, who lives in Bucklands Beach when he’s not racing, finished in fourth place in the drivers’ championship in his rookie season in the INDY NXT by Firestone series. Fresh off that...

BLOODY MINDED, RRP$39.99, our price $34.99. A powerful memoir on womanhood by Radio New Zealand presenter Susie Ferguson. Early in her radio career Susie Ferguson became a war correspondent. The only woman among hundreds of soldiers, in camo and a flak jacket she was one of the boys. A breathtaking memoir on tenacity and self-belief, sharing her story of endometriosis, miscarriage,...