Following news that the Māngere Town Centre Countdown is closing after over 50 years in the community, tributes have also poured in for one of the store's longest serving staff, Chas Hoskin As Māngere said goodbye to its longstanding Countdown supermarket in the town centre on 7 November, the community also took a moment to honour one of the store's most familiar faces, Chas Hoskin. Chas had worked at the store for 48 years and became a symbol of service, kindness and a true

Author of My First Ikura  Qiane Matata-Sipu (left) with Stacey Morrison (right) who translated the book into te reo Māori, at the book launch event in Onehunga Qiane Matata-Sipu’s new children’s book My First Ikura  and its te reo Māori translation Taku Ikura Tuatahi are redefining how families in Aotearoa talk about periods - and it's already resonating nationwide. The release has appeared on the bestseller chart for two weeks in a row, a milestone that speaks to the deman

Arihia Stirling (left) at Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga 2025 held at Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae After almost 30 years at the helm of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae, respected tumuaki (principal) Arihia Stirling has announced her retirement - marking the end of an era for one of Aotearoa’s most influential educators. Stirling, who has dedicated more than 40 years to teaching, first revealed her retirement decision during a professional development session she was leading on the

Some of the locals involved in the campaign to close the liquor store on Wickman Way Just over ten years since the Wickman Way liquor store opened in Māngere East, it has been ordered to close by the High Court by November 14.  Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae principal Arihia Stirling heralded the decision, given her concerns about the potential for alcohol-related harm on the area’s young people. “I'm just so grateful for every community and person that was involved in this 10 y

Onehunga Māngere United Softball Reserves team in their new uniform  Once the beating heart of Auckland softball, Norana Softball Park in Favona, formerly known as the Lion Red Ballpark, is being revitalised thanks to the dedication of the volunteers at Onehunga-Māngere United Softball Club (OM Softball).  Once home to national tournaments and bustling weekend crowds, the park had fallen into disrepair after Auckland Softball sold it to Council in 2008. Now, OM Softball is l

Photo: PhototechNZ Winning the Lotto NRFL Championship and securing promotion back into the Northern League isn't just a victory for Manukau United's mens team, but a statement that South Auckland football is on the rise, according to the team's head coach Gordon Paulsen. “This means a lot for our club and our community,” Paulsen says.  “We’ll now be the only South Auckland team competing at this level. It’s a fantastic achievement and something everyone involved can be prou

Roger performing on stage with his family and friends, including Tigilau Ness (far left) Community voices rang out at the Nga Tapuwae Community Centre this month as long-time activist, musician and former 275 Times editor, Roger Fowler launched his new vinyl album, Songs of Struggle & Solidarity. The project was sparked when young people attending Palestine rallies encouraged Fowler to record his well-known protest songs.  “They thought they should be recorded,” he said. “So

John showing his award winning bahn mi at his new store at 55 Montgomerie Rd What started as a side hustle on Massey Road has become one of Auckland’s most celebrated food stories. Banh Mi Boy, founded by husband-and-wife team John and Zeena Giang, has now been recognised three years running in Auckland’s Iconic Eats 100 list – proof that their authentic Vietnamese sandwiches have struck a chord well beyond Māngere. For John, the inspiration came years earlier. Having lived i