Need to know

Compiled by PHOEBE FALCONER

Waiheke ramble

The Waiheke Tuesday Twilight Ramble heads off to Atawhai Whenua Reserve tonight. Meet at Matiatia Beach Reserve at 6 pm and join the free guided walk, finishing with a free sausage sizzle.

Welcome home

A powhiri and Mass to commemorate the return to New Zealand of the remains of Bishop Pompallier, New Zealand's first Catholic bishop, starts at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's Cathedral in Wyndham St, Auckland. Members of the public are welcome.

Rates reminder

Don't forget to pay your third Auckland City rates instalment before 4.30 pm next Monday to avoid a 10 per cent penalty charge.

Roadworks

Take care around Victoria St between Nelson and Halsey Sts this week. Roadworks will be carried out between 7 pm and 6 am nightly to minimise inconvenience to motorists, but there may still be some delays.

Trip to Japan

If you were born between September 1, 1990, and August 31, 1991, read on. Auckland City is looking for junior ambassadors to represent the city at the Asian-Pacific Children's Convention, to be held during July and August this year in Fukuoka, Auckland's sister city. The eight children chosen to go to Japan will have their travel costs and accommodation paid. If you live within Auckland City boundaries and are the right age, call the organisers on 353-9646 for information and an application form. Applications close next Monday.

Aerial spraying

Weather permitting, aerial spraying for the eradication of the painted apple moth will begin near the Northwestern Motorway early on Saturday. If you want to watch the low-flying helicopter, leave the motorway and find somewhere safe to park. The spray will not damage your car's paintwork and can be washed off with water. For more information call 0800 96 96 96.

Big Day travel plans

If you're planning to enjoy the Big Day Out on Friday, take the easy option and go by public transport. Tranz Metro trains will run every 30 minutes to Penrose station, a five-minute walk from Ericsson Stadium. After the event, extra trains will leave Penrose Station every 15 minutes for Waitakere, Papakura and Glen Innes/Orakei. The trains will depart between 10 pm and 12.30 am, stopping at all stations. Tranz Metro is offering special fares of $10 for a return ticket or $7 if you just want a ride home. Tickets are available from any train on the Waitakere, Glen Innes, Papakura or Manukau lines. Stagecoach is offering a special $5 fare each way for buses that will leave from two inner-city locations - 450 Queen St (Real Groovy Records) and Lower Albert St (outside the Air New Zealand building). They will run from 9.30 am to 6 pm. Return buses from the stadium will leave from 10.30 pm and run until 11.45 pm. They will travel to the St James Theatre, Queen St, to link with the Night Rider buses, which leave this area at 1 am, 2 am and 3 am.

Another day ...

In 1943 the world's largest office building was completed, just outside Washington, DC. The huge structure covers almost 14 hectares, has 27km of corridors and a whole lot of secret places that we'll never know about. Why? Because it's the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States defence effort.

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