Sell me Auckland!
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
Forum Description: For mums, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends -- you name it! And you name the topic you want to chat about!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=18410
Printed Date: 03 October 2025 at 8:45pm
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Topic: Sell me Auckland!
Posted By: peanut butter
Subject: Sell me Auckland!
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 12:54pm
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DH is looking at a job in Auckland. Now whilst I was born in Auckland, educated in Auckland and my folks still live in the surrounds, it is Christchurch where I have spent the longest stretch of my life. I love it down here, love the weather...even the cold days. Love the snow, the NWers etc. I like the fact that Chch is a city that is more like a big town. All my current friends are down here (or moving down here). However Auckland has my "old" friends...which have babies/kids so good. It also has both sets of grandparents plus numerous extended family.
But....its expensive, could we ever afford a house? What is the maternity care like? If I lived in Ellerslie, where would I give birth? Can anyone recommend MWs / OBs?
Sell me the city!!!!! (please) |
Replies:
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 1:05pm
It has me and Maya and the gremlins! Sold already? 
Seriously tho, if you lived in Ellerslie you could use my m/w who is brilliant, Arohanui lives in Ellerslie and she used her too, and you'd birth at either Akld hospital or Birthcare both of which are really nice. No idea about house affordability as we rent and everything I've read says house prices here suck, but Ellerslie is in a good school zone. -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 1:08pm
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Yeah, we are set for a house at the moment as Mum and Dad used to live in Ellerslie but have just built at Snell's Beach and havent decided what to do with their old house (oh, the dilemna
Mum told me that there are HEAPs of babies in Ellerslie but I didnt realise that included the lovely Harry!
Good to know there is a recommendation for MWs. If we take the job (if he gets it) then I think we will probably be moving within the next couple of months. So I would be half way through my PG. |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 1:09pm
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oh and of course meeting yourself, Maya, Gremlins and Chiara would be contributing factor to our move
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Posted By: mandz
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 1:12pm
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Hi nzpiper
I live in Ellerslie, I find it really good. Really close to the city, but not so close it is noisy etc. We own our own home, but as the market is really low at the moment you would be in a great position to look around and fine yourselves a deal. Re maternity care, I used an obstetrician, based out of Birthcare (Auckland Obstetric Centre) but had Oliver at Auckland Hospital. Was all really good. Schools are meant to be really good in this area as well. The other thing is that Ellerslie is such a nice little village within Auckland City and that can be really nice. Cheers Amanda ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Zack Robert Henton - 29th December 2009 |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 1:20pm
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Oh cool! So if we move I might make some new friends
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 1:37pm
And we could well be birthcare buddies! 
Auckland has its ups and downs - and they usually off-set each other. Things can be more expensive, but overall, salaries are higher. Ellerslie is a nice area, and central too. The other thing that may be worth looking into is living in an outlying area and travelling a little - the $200,000.00 or so you'll save on a mortgage might make the petrol costs worthwhile ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 1:42pm
| DH will be working in Whitford and when we looked into prices around there we fell off our chairs laughing! Both of us grew up in and around South Auckland and DO NOT want to bring up a family there. Ideally we would like a rural lifestyle eventually and possibly would end up back down here in the long run. I hate travelling! |
Posted By: Lisha
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 2:05pm
Awwww.... that would be sad if you did move back up there! 
There would be 3 people from Christchurch that would miss you! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 2:05pm
Meh - I'm based in Hillpark (Manurewa) and it's lovely  But, it's a very well established middle class area, up above Manurewa proper. We live there because DH works at the airport, although we will be looking at schooling when it comes to High School for No. 9. But then, the much lower mortgage means we *may* be able to afford private schooling, or to try and wiggle into a school out of zone.
Whitford is *very* expensive (obviously) - but what about Papakura/Clevedon area? Not sure if this is being at all helpful of course! I'd give my right arm to live in Clevedon ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: susieq
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 2:05pm
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I nanny a baby in Ellerslie three mornings a week.
Howick, pakuranga, Bucklands beach , Beachlands might be worth a look too |
Posted By: Shorty
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 2:23pm
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We are westies and are not able to comment on South Auckland.
I also work at the airport but chose to travel due to loving our lifestyle. The great thing about Auckland is you can have all seasons in 1 day
There are some lovely people here and you would make some amazing friends 
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Posted By: Kim
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 2:37pm
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I was bought up in Ellerslie and would love to move back there but the houses aren't big enough for all my DH's kids!!!!
We live in Dannemora which is close to Whitford and there are lots of playgroups and activities which we go to. A new big park is being built as well. Zac and Samara would love a new play buddy and you guys could come to the meet ups that the July/August group have. ------------- Zac Mark - 30.11.05 Samara Ailsa - 13.08.07 |
Posted By: SarahP08
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 2:58pm
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Auckland (or Dorkland as I like to call it) is wonderful because....
ummmm sheesh there must be something..... nope can't think of a thing  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 4:44pm
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I love Auckland, but helps I have lots of friends and family here and was born here! The landscape is so versatile, you have the Waitakere Ranges, the City, the water, famland and you are never too far away from a beach or a mall!
Good thing is that you will have lots of ready made friends from OhBaby. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: susieq
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 4:48pm
| I love Auckland too Nanny in Ellerslie live in Howick |
Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 4:49pm
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Another good thing about Ellerslie is my two fave places. Cock and Bull and Francolis (great restaurant). ------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3) 
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Posted By: sally belly
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 5:11pm
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I grew up in Timaru & went to uni in Chch & spent 5 years there. I loved it but now we live in Auckland because of DH's job. I will *never* be a true Aucklander (!) but that's not to say I don't enjoy living here. The climate is awesome & there's always something going on. We live close to the beach which is great.
When I was working I caught the ferry & DH rides his bike to work so we rarely have traffic to contend with. I think it really helps if you can eliminate some of the *bad* things about Auckland. -------------    
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Posted By: Lulu
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 6:33pm
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I LOVE Auckland, I just can't imagine living anywhere else, but maybe that's because I have never lived anywhere else! I have lived on the North Shore, the Hibiscus Coast (Whangaparaoa) and I now live in rural West Auckland (Kumeu). I love it because it is like lots of smaller more intimate communities within a bigger metropolitan city. So you can still have that 'small town' feel, while having access to the other things that a bigger city can offer. We are lucky enough to run a business from the rural property where we live, so I don't have to travel to work. I try and time my travelling for 'off-peak' times. Yes travelling during peak times can be a hassle, but if you can avoid that then there is no problem. Comparatively to other areas in NZ, Auckland is an expensive town to live in. But in my opinion it is worth it. In a recent international survey Auckland was found to be the 5th best city to live in - in the World! Wellington was at 12th. Pretty cool to live in the 5th best city in the world I reckon. I love the beaches, the waterfront, the forests, the people, the bars, the restaurants, the concerts...etc! It is a multi-cultural and dynamic city. It depends what you are into really, but for me Auckland ticks all the boxes. How's that for a hard-sell, lol! ------------- Lou http://www.babysfirstsite.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 7:17pm
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We're in Hillsborough which is perfect for us coz it's central to almost everywhere - the airport is 10 mins away, central city is 15 mins away, and we can go West or South really easily. Plus Willie works at the Concourse in Henderson so it's easy for him to get to/from work. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: mandz
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 7:25pm
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Hey Lou
Where in Kumeu do you live? My parents live in Taupaki and my sister and her family live at Bethells Beach. Hubby and I want to move to Kumeu but are waiting for the housing market to start up again so that we can sell our house first, before buying somewhere new.... I too love Auckland and have only lived here and London for a couple of years. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Zack Robert Henton - 29th December 2009 |
Posted By: Brenna
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 8:29pm
totally OT, but what a small world! My parents live at Algies Bay ------------- My beautiful 2 girls...nearly 4 and 13 months
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nzpiper wrote:Posted By: popcorn
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 8:42pm
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some great new places being built out in Karaka, then the two Thomas's can be play mates! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Bubbaloo
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 9:07pm
And as you know mine live in Warkworth we could maybe have a nice summer meet up. I don't really have anything against Auckland If we were to ever move up there I think I would prefer to live on the shore but that will never happen although I do try to think of ways to talk Jesse into it but he's a Mamma's boy. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  Was danni-chick Mum to James My Angel 28/07/08 |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 20 June 2008 at 11:11pm
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Oooo yeah come live in Ellerslie!! Harry would like to meet another little friend!
We love it cos it's nice and central, and down to earth - a good range of people (not too low and not too high decile). We live a short walk away from the shops and cafes (ditto about francoli). Lots of playgrounds etc nearby too. Oh and the local school is great (I'm teaching there )
And yeah and as Emma said then you could have Yvonne as your midwife and she's lovely. My friend MrsHouse on here (in due Dec thread) has her too. The main thing I missed about Aucks whenever I travelled down south was the mulitculturalness (who knows if that's even a word) of it all. And really the suburbs isn't like the 'big city' if you know what I mean. I could never live in the city. But I love living in the suburbs. Oh and we find Ellerslie nice and close to everything - the city and out East (Pakuranga etc). Sold yet? ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 7:54am
| Well it looks as though DH is getting an interview. They have already talked to his reference (who really talked him up!). So hopefully he should get the job. Then it comes down to whether or not we want the job. I kinda hope so as he HATES his current job and I want to see him happy again. Plus I guess it would be nice to have mum on hand when No2 comes along. |
Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 9:57am
| I would never move back to Auckland. Cant stand it,..except the shopping,...which I can sorta live without! |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:11am
come and live in auckland near me .... 
ooops, you were trying to find reasons to LIKE auckland.... 
hope his interview goes well. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:30am
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Ellerslie is lovely area, popular with young families and couples, and really central to everything.
Agree with Arohanui on it being multicultural, living in a town that only has white people and maoris is weird. Also there is loads more to do, for you and the kids. Ginger where in Hillpark are you? friend of mine lives there her daughter goes to hillpark primary, and my cousin lives over the other side in Alfriston. Nice part of Manurewa. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Lulu
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 12:56pm
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Mandz - we are actually in Waimauku, about 8 mins from Kumeu Village. I usually just say Kumeu because people know where that is, but have no idea where Waimauku is!! We are on 25 acres there.
------------- Lou http://www.babysfirstsite.com">
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 3:22pm
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Oh Nikki, that would be awesome if you came to Auckland!
Fingers crossed for the interview! -------------   
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Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 4:35pm
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I used to live in Riverhead. Have also lived in Kumeu on Tapu Road, Loved it, but to far way from the malls for me
------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3)
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 7:53pm
What about us? We're a good reason to come back! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 9:14pm
Yeah I reckon
and Gosh I can't believe how expensive it is to rent in Whitford. You are lucky Nikki if you've got a house to come too. ------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3)
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 9:18pm
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Oooo good luck!
I Auckland, although Im born and bred here so I know no difference (except for the time I lived with my Nanna when I was ickle and that was in the wop wops of Kaitaia)
We live in Parnell though, so I cant comment on Ellerslie .. although I did visit Arohanui and Harry there and its not far from me ... so is Issy a selling point
Oh and I may be totally biased, but our weather is better and so are our beaches.  ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year  http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:06pm
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Its not my first choice either and now that it is a possiblility I find myself looking around the south island countryside feeling sad because i am really going to miss it here. I just love it and it feels like where I am meant to be....make sense? |
Posted By: Bubbaloo
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:08pm
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Yep totally makes sense Niki I'm the same I only feel like moving home when I get sad about my parents and the rest of my family not getting to see James that much. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> Was danni-chick Mum to James My Angel 28/07/08 |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:13pm
| Family is the major drawcard for me (can I say "only" drawcard?) |
Posted By: Bubbaloo
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:16pm
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Yep you sure can ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> Was danni-chick Mum to James My Angel 28/07/08 |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:35pm
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I hear ya on the family thing nzpiper. That's one of the reasons why I wouldn't wanna move outta Aucks any time soon, cos my family lives here. It was really important for me to have my mum around when the boy was born too, and I'm sure the help would be so good when you have a newborn and a wee toddler. I don't know how people without family close by do it, I think they're amazing! ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 21 June 2008 at 10:47pm
When we lived in Auckland we lived in Meadowbank and then moved to Ellerslie. Being a 'young' mum (I was 22/23 at the time) I found it really really hard to fit in with the other mothers in those areas- they were all significantly older than me at the time. It may have changed a bit now though- as that was 4 years ago  As an area I thought Ellerslie was ok- its a nicer area but I did find it a bit of a pain to get anywhere (I think thats more Auckland traffic though). The town is cute but theres not alot of useful stuff there (well when I was there there was no mall or big supermarket- that might have changed though)- we had to go over to Mt Wellington for all that stuff.
To be perfectly honest I hated living there. I found it incredibly hard to meet people and very 'cliquey'- DHs commute into the city took almost an hour each way on the bus so he barely got the see Charlotte. In general I found people really stand off ish and I experienced at least one 'rude' person, be it shop assistant, fellow driver etc each day. The traffic was just awful- it wasn't until I left there that I realised how tense I was driving around all the time, just waiting for something awful to happen all the time. I LOVE cities- I am a total city girl, we live in London (although out in the burbs) and I really really like it. Loved Wellington and I know I could never do the country thing- but out of all the cities I lived I definitely found Auckland the hardest to like. Sorry- not selling it at all, that was just my experience! In saying that, we are moving back to Auckland. Career wise its just the best move for DH- we are steering well clear of that side of the city though and moving out west, hopefully it will suit us better out there. ------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3 
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Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 22 June 2008 at 7:08pm
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Yep I agree with everything Jennz said,... and driving in Auck freaks me out too!
Lol Emma, I would be over the moon if you moved to Gizzy,,...but the chance of that is the same as me moving back to Auck
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 22 June 2008 at 7:50pm
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I love Auckland and I don't even live there My friend lives in Ellerslie and it is nice there (well the last time I went there was 4 years ago now), very close to a lot of other places. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: susieq
Date Posted: 22 June 2008 at 11:25pm
| Auckland is Great I love it |
Posted By: mandz
Date Posted: 23 June 2008 at 2:51pm
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Hi Lulu
No worries, I know where Waimauku is! Generally I say Kumeu when people ask where my parents live cause they have absolutely no idea where Taupaki is! Love the area, am so jealous of your 25 acres! Amanda ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Zack Robert Henton - 29th December 2009 |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 23 June 2008 at 3:14pm
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Small world Lulu and Mandz, Willie grew up at Woodhill and his family still has a homestead there, it's the house on the front of the Steele property/sand dunes right on SH16. I usually refer to it as Helensville coz no one knows where Woodhill is lol. Funluvn is up that way too. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: peachy
Date Posted: 23 June 2008 at 3:43pm
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**lurker** I know where Taupaki is, I grew up there and went to Taupaki primary!
We are still nearby in Whenuapai, I frequently visit friends and family in Kumeu, Riverhead, Waimauku and Helensville! We would love to live in Taupaki again but we ain't got the $1 million you need for a property out there these days  am gutted my parents ever sold up our 10 acres out there!------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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