Last year, volunteers planted an impressive 15,000 native plants in North Shore parks and reserves – it’s a great thing to be involved in, fun for all the family, and a worthwhile contribution to your community. Forthcoming planting dates in 2010 are:

Sat 3 July – Kaipatiki Project, Glenfield – help plant trees in Eskdale Reserve, 9:30am-12pm. Meet at Eskdale Primary, opp. Speedy Cres, Glenfield Rd

Sat 3 July – Centennial Park Bush Society, Campbells Bay – Kowhai planting day – 10am-12pm. Meet at top of Kowhai Rd

Sun 4 July – Standish Reserve, Bayview – planting trees, BBQ to follow – 10am-12pm. Look for signposts end of Pemberton Ave

Sun 18 July – LeRoys Bush & Little Shoal Bay – planting day – 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 60 Maritime Tce

Sun 25 July – Stredwick Reserve, Torbay – planting day – 10am-12pm. Look for signposts from the reserve entrance in Stredwick Drive

Sat 7 Aug – Kaipatiki Project, Eskdale Reserve – planting followed by BBQ – 9:30am-12pm. Meet opp Speedy Cres on Glenfield Rd

Sun 15 Aug – Chelsea Estate Heritage Park, Birkenhead – planting trees – 10am-12pm. Look for signposts end Rawene Rd

For more information and planting dates, go to the city council website. Wet weather cancellations broadcast on Newstalk ZB or contact Actionline (09) 486 8600

3 individuals from the Centennial Park Preservation Society have just won awards for their weedbusting work.

The minute I walked down the drive and across the flagstones I knew I was about to see another classic do up opportunity in the heart of Forrest Hill.

Why do so many families want to live here? Well it’s pretty simple. This is a family friendly affordable suburb, with local schools only a few minutes walk or cycle away. Westlake zone homes are always sought after, not just because of Westlake Boy’s and Girl’s High being so close but also Carmel and Rosmini Schools. And 221 Forrest Hill Road is you classic kiwi home. Privately positioned down a right of way, on a large 900m2 flat site this is a perfect family home for those who want their children in these great schools!

Definitely in need of an update, the bricks, tiles, and construction standards of the 1970’s mean you can’t go wrong. There are 3 bedrooms, a huge double garage, and rumpus room on a separate level just wating for a bunch of teenagers or extended family. The rumpus has a kitchenette for convenience. It’s all a little utilitarian, but with your flair and design sense you can transform this home into a modern gem.

Double garage, with views to the city give this home “good bones”, underlying value and oportunity just waiting to be realised. Call me!

Sizeable Family Home | Forrest Hill | By Negotiation

Privately situated on a 900m2 freehold level section, this 3 bedroom plus rumpus brick and cedar home will impress. Well suited to families with older children or those who require space for live in extended family. Westlake School zoned. This home is a bit of a do up and could be a real bargain for someone who wants a big private site with real potential. The rumpus is on its own level, with a second kitchen and offers some interesting possibilities.

In most cases a lawyer will recommend that all purchasers obtain a LIM report. The LIM or Land Information Memorandum, is a report on the contents of the property file that the council holds on all properties. Your council is required by the New Zealand Government to hold files on all property and provide you with a report when you request it. A LIM report is a clerical search only.

If you want to know more about the property you’ll need to have to search the Property File. In the old days, it was literally a search and council went and found the file and got it out for you to look at and if there was anything you needed you could get a photocopy. (sometimes the council wouldn’t be able to find it because someone else had it). Now it’s simple. All the information that the North Shore City Council holds is on line, and following their process is easy.

Just click on this link to “Do It Online” and have your credit card ready. The cost for a Property File is $25.00. That’s peanuts for your  peace of mind when you are considering the substantial cost of buying a house.  A smart real estate salesperson may have ordered the Property File and have it ready to email to you, so ask if they have it!

You will have some choices about how it is sent to you, by CD Rom or by email. My recommendation is that you get it emailed, it is a little cheaper and you can forward it to your builder, surveyor or lawyer if you need to, really easily.