Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

1390 days ago

Community vs Personal Responsibility in NZ politics

Markus from Green Bay

I'm German (and the densely populated Germany is MUCH more environmentally aware and active than the sparsely populated NZ - recycling here is atrocious), I have always considered myself as being center left, think that most of the time "the needs of the many surpass the need of the … View moreI'm German (and the densely populated Germany is MUCH more environmentally aware and active than the sparsely populated NZ - recycling here is atrocious), I have always considered myself as being center left, think that most of the time "the needs of the many surpass the need of the one" (unless the need of the one is extreme), think that cooperation can move mountains and bring a man to the moon, but I do NOT understand the policy decisions in NZ.

First a tax system that is badly skewed to benefit the rich. On the one end people are being taxed from the first dollar they earn (other countries don't tax the minimum amount required to survive), and on the other end there is no capital gains tax (for many rich people money, shares, art, property is the biggest income). I'm happy for the rich to be rich - but how come someone on a low income with a family to support might have to pay more tax than someone who is living off his considerable wealth? Or as a "VIP" once said: "Only poor people pay tax".

Now they want to ditch the garbage tags. Being German I recycle extensively, compost, buy sustainably if I can afford it - so I fill a bin about every 8-10 weeks. Why should I subsidise those who produce a lot of garbage whose removal has to be paid for by the community?

Next they want to introduce a rate for being connected to electricity. Maybe $40 per month - with additional charges for how much you use. Allegedly it would be cheaper - but nobody can tell me why it would be cheaper. And it would completely destroy any incentive for private households to install solar - what's the point if you have to pay $40 for the privilege of being connected anyway? Less solar means more CO2. How does that square with the goal of becoming carbon neutral?

Instead of harnessing personal responsibility and the desire to save money, everything seems to become a buffet for everyone - where nobody wants to be "taken advantage of" so nobody saves and holds back because - lets face it - people tend to get greedy.

These decisions fly in the face of not just fairness, but common sense. You really have to wonder how politicians arrive at them. Only thing I can think of is if they got incentives …

1388 days ago

Shape shifter

The Team from Resene ColorShop New Lynn

Create one-of-a-kind artwork that’s inexpensive, eye-catching and easily made with simple shapes painted with Resene paints.

Find out how to create your own.

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1388 days ago

Is your cost of living rapidly rising?

The Team from NZ Compare

The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing! If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, rent or the mortgage and let’s not get started on the kids.

There’s one cost you can control! The household power and broadband bills. Read our top 5 reasons how comparing … View more
The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing! If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, rent or the mortgage and let’s not get started on the kids.

There’s one cost you can control! The household power and broadband bills. Read our top 5 reasons how comparing them, will help your household save money!

Kiwis don’t like switching much; we get worried or just fed up trying to make more hard decisions. It’s easy as though, we’ll help!

Our service is free, we’re Kiwis helping Kiwis compare what’s out there across PowerBroadband, and Money.
Compare tips

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1396 days ago

Leave us a comment and be in to WIN!

Wasp Wipeout

Hi there Auckland,

Want to do your bit for Wasp Wipeout this year?

Our friends at Expra have given us 50 Stop Wasps Surface Spray cans to give exclusively to Neighbourly members this year!

Expra’s spray kills wasps on contact, eliminates nests and provides a safe jet spray up to four … View more
Hi there Auckland,

Want to do your bit for Wasp Wipeout this year?

Our friends at Expra have given us 50 Stop Wasps Surface Spray cans to give exclusively to Neighbourly members this year!

Expra’s spray kills wasps on contact, eliminates nests and provides a safe jet spray up to four metres for easy extermination.

It’s easy to enter, just leave a comment on this post and you’re in the draw!

Competition closes 10 March 2022. All winners will be notified via email.

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D
1389 days ago

Brand new New Balance 574v3

Diana from Waterview

Buying direct from website
Brand new
Have most sizes available
Authentic - can provide receipt
Please enquire for your specific size or other shoe design if interested

Price: $125

1389 days ago

BBQ with Side & Rear Burner & Rotissery

Dayakar from Glendene

BBQ with Side & Rear Burner & Rotissery

Goldair 6-Burner Propane Gas BBQ with side burner to excel in form and function while meeting the demands of the most discerning outdoor chef.

Unpacked

• 6 main burners + 1 rear burner + 1 side burner
•  Rotisserie kit included
• Unpack… View more
BBQ with Side & Rear Burner & Rotissery

Goldair 6-Burner Propane Gas BBQ with side burner to excel in form and function while meeting the demands of the most discerning outdoor chef.

Unpacked

• 6 main burners + 1 rear burner + 1 side burner
•  Rotisserie kit included
• Unpack

$800

Negotiable

1389 days ago

3 Vase + Artificial flowers

Dayakar from Glendene

3 Vase + Artificial flowers

Price: $25

1389 days ago

Annual Budget Focus: Local Board decision making

The Team from Auckland Council

As part of our Annual Budget 2022/2023 we are proposing to give local boards greater responsibility for making decisions on local services to ensure they meet the needs of our communities.
This backgrounder (click on 'Read More') explains what’s proposed and we are keen to get your … View more
As part of our Annual Budget 2022/2023 we are proposing to give local boards greater responsibility for making decisions on local services to ensure they meet the needs of our communities.
This backgrounder (click on 'Read More') explains what’s proposed and we are keen to get your views.
The budget consultation will close at 5pm on Monday 28 March 2022.
Find out more information and Have Your Say on our Annual Budget 2022/2023 here: bit.ly...

#AKHaveYourSay

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1389 days ago

'Nuisance' street project in Henderson cost $1.3m

Melanie Earley Reporter from Western Leader

Kia ora neighbours, a council-led project aimed at making Henderson safer, which led to community backlash, cost ratepayers and taxpayers more than $1.3 million.

The Henderson Streets for People trial was launched in May and included a traffic flow plan, which redirected traffic to Alderman Drive,… View more
Kia ora neighbours, a council-led project aimed at making Henderson safer, which led to community backlash, cost ratepayers and taxpayers more than $1.3 million.

The Henderson Streets for People trial was launched in May and included a traffic flow plan, which redirected traffic to Alderman Drive, artwork at the intersection of Great North Rd, Railside Ave and Ratanui St, a trial of bus-only lanes, and “safe shared paths” for people on bikes and scooters.

The trial was opposed by many locals and business owners, with two protests and an online petition of more than 5000 signatures.

At the time, residents labelled the trial a “nuisance” and said the changes had caused traffic “chaos”.

How do you feel about the cost of the project?

Read the full story at the link below.

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1409 days ago

Bin tags: Scrapping pay-as-you-throw collection 'unfair', low-waste residents say

Caroline Williams Reporter from Western Leader

Auckland Council’s proposal to scrap bin tags in favour of rates-funded rubbish collections has been labelled “unfair” by residents who produce very little waste.

West Auckland, North Shore and Papakura residents have been on a pay-as-you-throw system for their kerbside rubbish collection … View more
Auckland Council’s proposal to scrap bin tags in favour of rates-funded rubbish collections has been labelled “unfair” by residents who produce very little waste.

West Auckland, North Shore and Papakura residents have been on a pay-as-you-throw system for their kerbside rubbish collection since 2017-2018.

This system was to be implemented across the region, however, Auckland Council now believes the price of bin tags will need to be much higher to incentivise residents to reduce their waste.

So, it is proposing to move the entire region to a rates-funded collection service, the price of which is determined by what size bins residents use.

The council estimates that with a standard 120 litre rubbish bin, this will cost households $314 per year, which covers rubbish, recycling and inorganic collection. In 2023, the council will also roll out a food scraps collection service, which is not optional and will bring the rate up to $375.

For those who put out a 120L bin each week, the rates-funded model will cost them less than the current PAYT system, at $2.89 per week compared to a $4.25 bin tag.

However for those who are low-waste, the rates-funded system may cost them more.

Click 'read more' for the full story on Stuff.

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1390 days ago

Shadowclad Grooved offcuts wanted

Jenny from Avondale

Hey, everyone, does anybody have Shadowclad Grooved for sale? I need 2 pieces, 30cmX36cm and 18cmX36cm. The thickness is 1.2cm. Please contact me at 0211073836 if you have a couple of spare parts available. Thanks
Jenny

1392 days ago

Car Stolen

Hardik from Hillsborough

Hi fellow neighbours, just wanted to alert you all and let you know that, I live on Carlton St of our beloved suburb Hillsborough, and sadly my car was stolen from an open drive way on Friday night. I have reported this to the Police authorities and luckily they found my car from Blockhouse Bay.
View more
Hi fellow neighbours, just wanted to alert you all and let you know that, I live on Carlton St of our beloved suburb Hillsborough, and sadly my car was stolen from an open drive way on Friday night. I have reported this to the Police authorities and luckily they found my car from Blockhouse Bay.
Just a while ago there was an unsuccessful attempt of a house break- in, in a nearby property as well.
Please be cautious of anything unusual around your property and report if you notice an unknown person lurking around your property or vehicle.

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1418 days ago

Neighbours training together!

Sarah Moore from Froot Camp

Massive welcome to all our newbies! It’s been awesome to have so many new peeps join us thanks to our Neighbourly push. If you’re keen to get fit for FREE (no catches, promise), just rock up to the Domain. Tuesday and Thursday 6-7pm, Saturday 9am. We meet at the back of the Museum … View moreMassive welcome to all our newbies! It’s been awesome to have so many new peeps join us thanks to our Neighbourly push. If you’re keen to get fit for FREE (no catches, promise), just rock up to the Domain. Tuesday and Thursday 6-7pm, Saturday 9am. We meet at the back of the Museum 👊🏼👊🏼

1390 days ago

Ukrainians in New Zealand with visas due to expire by the end of 2022 will be given a year's extension, while Ukrainians offshore with a New Zealand visas are able to come into the country immediately

Brian from New Lynn

“Ukrainian nationals in New Zealand whose visas expire before the end of the year can remain here legally for a further 12 months to give them certainty at a time when their country is being invaded and they may not be able to return home," Faafoi said.
“Latest figures show about 300 … View more
“Ukrainian nationals in New Zealand whose visas expire before the end of the year can remain here legally for a further 12 months to give them certainty at a time when their country is being invaded and they may not be able to return home," Faafoi said.
“Latest figures show about 300 Ukrainian citizens in New Zealand are on temporary visas with 140 expiring before the end of the year.
“Further, 250 or so Ukrainian citizens holding valid New Zealand visas offshore will now be able to enter New Zealand immediately without waiting for the borders to reopen, as long as they meet Covid-19 health requirements to travel."
Faafoi previously announced 170 applications for visas from Ukrainian people will be fast-tracked. He said half of the applications are from people in New Zealand with temporary visas, and the other half are overseas.
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1390 days ago

Women in Wine: Celia Hay on making the most of lockdown

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Celia Hay, featured in the recent issue of the New Zealand Wine Growers Magazine with the Women in Wine Series.
Joelle Thomson writes about the Christchurch earthquake that forced Celia Hay to move to Auckland. After 10 years in the north 2021 was another challenging year. During the long … View more
Celia Hay, featured in the recent issue of the New Zealand Wine Growers Magazine with the Women in Wine Series.
Joelle Thomson writes about the Christchurch earthquake that forced Celia Hay to move to Auckland. After 10 years in the north 2021 was another challenging year. During the long uncertain months of tighter restrictions, Celia was working on a series of NZQA Micro-credentials (short part-time courses).

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