Our team have always had the philosopy that, excellence in design should be continuously strived for, and then improved. We take great pleasure in providing winning solutions to even the most demanding of briefs.

An opportunity has arisen for a talented Office Manager/PA to join our team in Ponsonby. If you think this might be you, click below for further details.

Office Manager/PA

We require someone who is well-presented, has great people and management skills, a creative flair and end eye for detail with experience in general administration, human resources, and office accounting functions.

You should be familiar with MYOB, have good organisational skills, have a great command of the english language and be able to work closely with the managing director.

If you'd like to know more, check out our website, then forward your CV to:

Hart Department
65-67 Ponsonby Road
Auckland
w: www.hartdept.com | e: matt@hartdept.com

This fantastic weather we’ve all been enjoying has also got our pets outside being super active and having their own set of great adventures. Not surprisingly the incidence of mishaps rises correspondingly. One summer culprit that can be found lurking in some of our fresh and brackish water areas is a lethal threat to our pets, to livestock and to humans. 

Whilst we would like to think of our waterways as pristine, clear and un-spoilt, chemical and waste runoff can make this far from the truth. Blue-green algae hang at the edges and contain cyanobacteria, primitive photosynthetic organisms, some of which can produce cyanotoxins. These toxins can attack the body’s neurological, liver and skin organ systems.

Each type of bacteria produces distinct toxins and thereby attacking different systems. In New Zealand this will most commonly be a neurological toxin. These natural chemicals bind to ACH receptors in an animal and can kill within minutes, leaving very little trace. Specialised laboratory tests on stomach contents can be used to confirm this cause of sudden death if the post mortem samples are sent with a specific request.

Some of the hot spots for cyanobacterial toxicosis include the Waikato and Bay of Plenty river and lake systems. With many people unaware of the presence of this toxin, it is highly likely that a significant number of undiagnosed sudden deaths in these areas could have been caused by this organism. Local councils play an important role in reporting the presence of toxin producing blue-green algae in their individual areas, many having large risk signs displayed. Unfortunate dogs are usually affected by drinking algae laden water in eddies and pools at the rivers edge.

Contrary to popular belief the water does not need to be sitting still. Affected dogs will initially present confused and seeking attention or reassurance. Respiration and heart rates rise and the white third eyelids can slide half way across in-front of the eyes. Signs progress to stumbling, in-coordination and then convulsions. With severe cases breathing will eventually become very shallow, tongues and gums blue from asphyxia and the heart will arrest. This tragedy can all unfold in as little as 30 minutes.

Please be aware of this potential cause of poisoning. Don’t allow your canine friends to drink from fringing water with algae obviously present, direct them instead to some fast flowing, clear freshwater. If you suspect possible poisoning or observe any of the signs I have discussed please rush to the closest vet to get potentially life saving assistance.

Kind regards, Dr Alex Melrose. BVSc. MRCVS.

VetCare Grey Lynn Animal Hospital
408 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
Auckland | p: 09 361 3500
w: www.vetcare.net.nz | e alex@vetcare.co.nz

Aquatica is a celebration of the "City of Sails"- its anniversary, history, cultures, people and unique harbour. Aquatica spans all three days of Auckland Anniversary weekend 2008 (26 – 28 January). It’s a water themed party of city sized proportions.

The party gets started with a ‘’live’’ sound and light show produced by the fiery young talent pool of “’Groupe Enzee’’. This choreographed pyrotechnic display, on the water and in the air takes place on Friday evening (25 January).

Waipara, Martinborough, Auckland | January

The three concerts will be held on Saturday January 26 at Mudhouse Winery in Waipara, Sunday January 27 at Alana Estate in Martinborough and Public Holiday Monday January 28 at Villa Maria Estate Winery in Auckland. And what better way to kick off the very first 'a day on the green' in New Zealand than with one of the very best soul and R&B singers in the history of popular music, JOE COCKER!

Cambridge | January 26th - March 30th

Renowned international artist, Lyn Murray
shares her invaluable knowledge at these exclusive workshops,
ideal for those wanting to build on existing art skills.

Be quick! Only 6 places available per workshop.

Course outline and materials list sent pending reservation request.

Hamilton | January 31st - March 27th

Enjoy Italian language lessons, Italian cuisine, masquerade mask making, Italian arts and crafts for the kid in all of us, classic Italian cinema, and songs, music, and performances from Italian history.

The highlight of these nights will be on Tuesday February 5th when we host a Carnivale evening at the same time as it's happening in Italy.

With street performers, masquerade masks, and Italian music to serenade you as you dine, this will be a chance to dress up and imagine you and your loved one were sitting at a cute little restaurant in a plaza by the canal in Venice.

Coromandel | February 2nd

Largely single track off road mountain biking event that starts and finishes in Coromandel township. Along the way competitors take in awesome vistas of both coastlines of the Peninsula.The event caters for all abilities with 3 races:

• the 62km Classic    • the 45km Challenge   • the 20km Rookie

The ride covers some of the most spectacular countryside the Coromandel, most of which is on private land and not usually assessable to the public.

Rotorua | January 26th & 27th

The tranquil setting of the Blue Lake will be alive with the splash and dash of athletes for the Bike Vegas Blue Lake Multisport Festival.

The events are spread over two days allowing competitors and supporters plenty of time to enjoy the stunning Rotorua lakes area between the races.

Taupo | January 26th - 28th

The Great Lake Festival is a medieval open tournament and faire. This is a celebration of our favourite thing - recreating the past in all the ways we love best. Through the medium of the tournament, the time of greatest display and chivalry, we are bringing the New Zealand community together to indulge our shared interests, our common differences and our unity in celebrating the reconstruction of past-times.

Wellington | January 31st, February 2nd, 7th & 14th

New to Summer City this year, the Starry Nights Concert Series will feature many well known names in Wellington music.

Nelson | February 4th

Southland | January 26th & 27th

An excellent day's entertainment for the whole farmily, starting from 10am, with vintage machinery and cars, food and craft stalls, helicopter rides, country music and a grand parade. 2008 will see Peter Leitch (aka The Mad Butcher) and Dick Tayler attending. Adults $10 per day, children free.

Featured events will include 50 years of Massey Ferguson, 60 years of Nuffield, 60 years of Landrover, 50 years of Fiat Bambina, 60 years of Holden (up to the 1980 model) and 100 years of Ford Model T.
Any queries to Neil Irwin Ph (03) 206 6509.

Scroll down for your chance to win double tickets to this great event!