EASTER TRADING
Auckland Council wants to know what Aucklanders think about changing shop trading rules on Easter Sunday. A law change in August 2016 meant council around the country could decide whether to allow more shops to open on Easter Sunday. Auckland Council wants to know whether Aucklanders want things left as they are or to have a policy created to allow more shops to open. At present, only some shops, like service stations, dairies, pharmacies and food outlets are allowed to open. If a change was to happen, a consultation on the policy would take place later in 2017 before a final decision was made in early 2018. Visit shapeauckland.co.nz to have your say before June 11.
SECRETS OF THE SUN
A new exhibition opening at Motat will allow visitors to get up close with the sun at room temperature and no sunblock required. The Sunlight exhibition, opening on May 27, is packed with interactive games and challenging activities. Members of the public can learn about the origins of light in the sun’s heart, to its effects on Earth’s life and cultures. The science-based exhibition is presented in both English and te reo Maori and was the winner of the New Zealand Museums Awards for Regional Science and Technology 2016.
CAMPING FOR THE LIONS
An army of camper-vans will hit Auckland during the British and Lions rugby tests next month. At least 200 new sites are now available at the temporary campground in Alexandra Park and 330 sites have been confirmed on the infield at Ellerslie Racecourse. Both sites are available for Auckland’s hosting of the two tests at Eden Park during the Lions Series and the Ellerslie pop-up campervan site will also be open during the Blues game. Alexandra Park will have a capacity of 600 sites on game nights. Alexandra Park will have a range of facilities available to campers at the non-powered sites, including toilets and showers, and on-site licensed premises with meals. The parks will help the region cope with an influx of visiting fans who will travel alongside the Lions around the country.