LETTERS: It's high. Wide. And not handsome | Auckland Opinion | Local Voices from Auckland, New Zealand

We have lived next door to a primary school for the last 20 years. During this time, we've seen all three of our children venture from year one to six within its walls, we've seen old teachers retire and new ones begin, and we've twice saved it from burning to the ground.
Three years ago, our view of this school was blocked - literally. The construction of a huge, 'modern', grey hall began directly outside out kitchen window. Not only did the school administration not have the courtesy to ask our permission, or thoughts on the development, we weren't even informed it was in the pipeline.
The construction period was hugely inconvenient, with noise and mess within metres of our property - but what was to come was far worse. Again without even warning us, the school proceeded to rent out the hall as a venue for church proceedings and wedding receptions and the like on weeknights and weekends.
Since this began, we have endured countless hours of noise - amplified music and 'fire and brimstone' preaching, children screaming and adults doing similar, cars revving and horns blaring - often starting at 9am and continuing till midnight or later. These all-day parties, be them church-related or otherwise, make our nights and weekends stressful and frustrating, in stark contrast to the peaceful breaks from the noise of the school they used to be.
As you can imagine, we have tried everything we can think of to get our peaceful breaks back. The school principal couldn't care less; we've sent her dozens of emails which range from polite to persistent, desperate to frustrated, in tone. She replies with little empathy and as though we are being unreasonable. She refuses to visit the school campus on weekends to see and hear for herself what we endure (obviously she enjoys her 'down time', just as we'd like to).
The council stays out of it, to the extent it can; Noise Control has been around on numerous occasions, but officers are obviously wary of telling church-goers to 'shut up'.
And we, ourselves, have asked the occupants of the hall to quieten down many times. This never works, and the hall door, which directly faces our house, is always open for fresh air, further increasing the noise for us.
Additionally, these big events often inspire people to park illegally, sometimes in our driveway, and drop rubbish and cigarette butts around the neighbourhood.
We are not the only ones on the street who wish the noisy days and nights would end, but we are certainly the most affected by it.
After three years of failed attempts to regain our peace, we're seeking help from the community - can the school get away with this? Can schools get away with anything? Where is the line drawn?
An anonymous, desperate family

I live in a Residential 1 suburb in the inner city. My neighbours have converted most of the garage under their house to a separate apartment bordering our fence line.
This is not allowed under the district plan, that states only one dwelling is permitted.
I have confirmed with the council that my interpretation is correct and that there has been no permits of any sort applied for since the previous owners lived there and put in the garage.
I could put in a complaint about this but after approaching them about their two barking dogs and receiving considerable abuse it is a very difficult situation to resolve. I have been here 22 years and am now thinking about leaving.
I am sure that I am not alone with this issue as I speak to numerous people who have similar stories.
Name withheld