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Hi neighbours, ?
Success doesn’t just come from hard work —
It comes from good sleep, proper rest, and having the right bed to support it.
Because let’s be honest — eight solid hours can make or break your day.
?️ As part of your neighbourhood, we care about how you sleep.
What’s… View moreHi neighbours, ?
Success doesn’t just come from hard work —
It comes from good sleep, proper rest, and having the right bed to support it.
Because let’s be honest — eight solid hours can make or break your day.
?️ As part of your neighbourhood, we care about how you sleep.
What’s your biggest sleep struggle lately?
Tossing and turning? A sore back? A partner who snores?
? Share below — let’s have a local chat about better rest and better mornings.
Join us live this Wednesday from 9:30am with Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ). Sacha will be answering your questions about common neighbourhood issues – from shared fences and driveways to noise complaints and more.
Sacha is CABNZ’s national legal and strategic … View moreJoin us live this Wednesday from 9:30am with Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ). Sacha will be answering your questions about common neighbourhood issues – from shared fences and driveways to noise complaints and more.
Sacha is CABNZ’s national legal and strategic advisor. With over 10 years at CAB and a background in community law, she’s passionate about making the law simple and accessible. She also supports over 2,000 CAB volunteers across 80 locations in Aotearoa.
She and the CAB team are here to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and how to resolve neighbour disputes through good communication.
✅ Free advice
✅ Plain language answers
✅ Real solutions
Got a question? Pop it below in replies to this message, and CAB will be around today to answer you!
Add some mid-century glamour to your home with this ingenious DIY drinks trolley finished in Resene Colorwood, Resene Aquaclear and Resene Gold Dust metallic paint. Find out how to refresh your old drinks trolley with these easy step by step instructions.
1) DO NOT USE letters and numbers in sequence (e.g. qwerty, abcde, 12345, asdf).
2) NEVER use your birthdate as your password.
3) COMBINE letters, numbers, and symbols (ex: $, %, !) to form a password of at least eight characters.
4) REFRAIN from using your name as your password.
5) DON’T … View more1) DO NOT USE letters and numbers in sequence (e.g. qwerty, abcde, 12345, asdf).
2) NEVER use your birthdate as your password.
3) COMBINE letters, numbers, and symbols (ex: $, %, !) to form a password of at least eight characters.
4) REFRAIN from using your name as your password.
5) DON’T create a password that includes any of your personal information as these details can be found online. 6) Additionally, steer clear from using your family members’ names and birthdays, pet names.
7) AVOID using overly common passwords, such as P@$$w0rd, password, 1234567890, ioveyou, etc.
8) STOP reusing passwords. Every new password you create should be unique.
9) STRONG passwords can be long passphrases where you combine multiple words into a long string of characters (ex: correcthorsebatterystaple, randommousebottlepickle). Don’t forget to add some numbers and symbols, too!
10) REFRAIN from changing just one character whenever you update your password (ex: MyG@laxyPassw0rd01, MyG@laxyPassw0rd02, MyG@laxyPassw0rd03).
Do not write passwords in notepads or on sticky notes!
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Stats NZ international migration statistics spokesperson Sarah Drake said the net migration loss from New Zealand to Australia was similar to the 29,400 loss in 2023.
"The loss in 2024 is the largest for a calendar year since 2012, but below the record loss of 43,700 in the March 2012 … View moreStats NZ international migration statistics spokesperson Sarah Drake said the net migration loss from New Zealand to Australia was similar to the 29,400 loss in 2023.
"The loss in 2024 is the largest for a calendar year since 2012, but below the record loss of 43,700 in the March 2012 year."
It is a long-standing trend with the net migration loss to Australia averaging around 30,000 per year between 2004 and 2013.
This dropped to around 3000 between 2014 and 2019.
The net migration loss consisted of 47,300 migrant departures to Australia and 17,300 migrant arrivals from Australia.
"The annual record for migrant departures to Australia was 62,800 in the June 2012 year," Drake said.
Australia was the main destination for New Zealand citizen migrants, with 58% of the 69,300 migrant departures crossing the ditch.
Since the early 2000s, people who were born outside New Zealand have made up a growing proportion of New Zealand citizens migrating to Australia.
Of New Zealand citizens who migrated to Australia in 2024, 35% were born outside New Zealand.
Overall there was a provisional net migration gain of 54,100 to NZ from the rest of the world (excluding Australia) in 2024.
"This was well down on the net gain of 157,300 in 2023, which was a record for a calendar year.
"The net migration gain from the rest of the world in 2024 more than offset the net migration loss of 30,000 to Australia."
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Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by July 20, 2025.
Do you have any unused, unloved cribbage boards. WIll buy for a reasonable price for an art project...
Jaffas, iconic orange-coated chocolate lollies that have been around since 1931, will soon be leaving our shelves.
We want to know: Will you miss them?
Also, in the spirit of Throwback Thursday, what other iconic brands are still lodged in your memory?
(We can confirm that a number of the … View moreJaffas, iconic orange-coated chocolate lollies that have been around since 1931, will soon be leaving our shelves.
We want to know: Will you miss them?
Also, in the spirit of Throwback Thursday, what other iconic brands are still lodged in your memory?
(We can confirm that a number of the Neighbourly team will be heading out to stock up our lolly jars before Jaffas disappear!)
Get a free feasibility assessment to understand your development options before you begin. Call us today: 0800 2 CATOBOLAM (Ts&Cs apply).
Thinking of buying or developing land? What’s the first question you should ask? 🔍
✅ What can I build on this site? (Zoning & planning … View moreGet a free feasibility assessment to understand your development options before you begin. Call us today: 0800 2 CATOBOLAM (Ts&Cs apply).
Thinking of buying or developing land? What’s the first question you should ask? 🔍
✅ What can I build on this site? (Zoning & planning rules)
✅ Are there any hidden costs or risks? (Geotech, flood zones, services)
✅ How much will development cost? (Feasibility & budgeting)
✅ What’s my timeline? (Consent process & approvals)
For Sale:
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Cookie Ja
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Ornament
• STAR WARS BB8 Cookie Jar
• STAR WARS BB8 Sphero (?)
Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School) is MUCH preferred though it is possible to send if buyer pays p&p, or if you are … View moreFor Sale:
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Cookie Ja
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Ornament
• STAR WARS BB8 Cookie Jar
• STAR WARS BB8 Sphero (?)
Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School) is MUCH preferred though it is possible to send if buyer pays p&p, or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.
I destroyed 3 cheap pruners (in every case the spring jumped out and flew away, never to be found) before I followed the advice of an experienced gardener and looked for a good one. Got the opportunity to buy a large lot of top gardening tools at auction, kept the ones I wanted and am selling the … View moreI destroyed 3 cheap pruners (in every case the spring jumped out and flew away, never to be found) before I followed the advice of an experienced gardener and looked for a good one. Got the opportunity to buy a large lot of top gardening tools at auction, kept the ones I wanted and am selling the ones I do not need. All New & Unused. If you need more info then check out the Mitre 10 website. Price is fix, I had to pay for these (including the auction premium) and am selling them at these low prices to come out even. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School).
Fiskars Plus 24mm PowerLever Bypass Pruner P721 • RRP $53 only $40 •
Fiskars Plus 22mm Bypass Pruner P751 • RRP $63 only $47 •
Fiskars X-treme Bypass Pruner 921 • RRP $70 only $52 •
Fiskars X-treme Bypass Pruner P961 • RRP $75 only $56 •
ONE ONLY: FISKARS X7 Axe • RRP $71 only $55 •
Gardena Bypass Secateur (Pruner) 20 mm • RRP $45 only $33 •
Gardena Anvil Secateur (Pruner) 23 mm • RRP $53 only $40 •
Gardena Bypass Secateur (Pruner) Black 24 mm • RRP $60 only $46 •
Gardena Bypass Secateur (Pruner) Silver 25 mm • RRP $85 only $65 •
Gardena Expert Cut Bypass Secateur (Pruner) 22 mm • RRP $80 only $60 •
ONE ONLY: Gardena Premium Cleaning Nozzle Black, Silver & Orange • RRP $57 only $42
Could be used as a towel rack … a grab or hand rail … a handle bar … I know my father started to loose balance a lot when he got old, and I would have loved to have some of these back then. They are from a failed building project, NEW & UNUSED, 680 mm long, made from stainless steel, … View moreCould be used as a towel rack … a grab or hand rail … a handle bar … I know my father started to loose balance a lot when he got old, and I would have loved to have some of these back then. They are from a failed building project, NEW & UNUSED, 680 mm long, made from stainless steel, about 9-10 cm from the wall when assembled, and come with the necessary screws. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School). PRICE IS FOR TWO, so just $10 each! [P.S. Sold to three buyers so far, all of which were very happy with their purchase]
The Garment Rack is on sale at Mitre10 for $146 - if you can get it! I checked EIGHT Mitre10 shops - SOLD OUT everywhere! I have one for sale, still unpacked in its box. H: 167.8cm, W: 40cm, D: 83.2cm, Black. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside … View moreThe Garment Rack is on sale at Mitre10 for $146 - if you can get it! I checked EIGHT Mitre10 shops - SOLD OUT everywhere! I have one for sale, still unpacked in its box. H: 167.8cm, W: 40cm, D: 83.2cm, Black. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.
Hi, I run a small online op shop via Trade me I have been inundated with donations - I am looking for "volunteers" to help me list I can train you, but you need access to a computer once trained you can work at home. I am happy to donate to almost any charity of your choice on the basis … View moreHi, I run a small online op shop via Trade me I have been inundated with donations - I am looking for "volunteers" to help me list I can train you, but you need access to a computer once trained you can work at home. I am happy to donate to almost any charity of your choice on the basis of $2 per listing all profit after direct listing is donated monthly to a number of well-known charities approx. $300 per month, but I want to up my game and get more. I sell all sorts of things, but I specialize particularly in old books everything finds a home eventually. I have other things I need help with - like web site, administration, stock, listing on more & wider sites. Message me and I can explain more. I am based in New Lynn. I am Paskee88 on Trade me.
Don't ask for a discount? Don't get one. But what happens when you do ask? You might be surprised.
There’s a little voice that lives in most of our heads, and it could be costing us thousands. It whispers things like “don’t make a fuss”, or “don’t be difficult”. Maybe … View moreDon't ask for a discount? Don't get one. But what happens when you do ask? You might be surprised.
There’s a little voice that lives in most of our heads, and it could be costing us thousands. It whispers things like “don’t make a fuss”, or “don’t be difficult”. Maybe it’s saying “don’t rock the boat”.
It’s a very polite little voice. It’s also very expensive. Because when it comes to your money, you could miss out on tens of thousands of dollars, just by trying not to make a fuss. This applies to your mortgage, your regular bills, that friend who always borrows money but forgets to pay you back, any area of life.
You can still be polite, but you can do it in a way that stops you from missing out on that cash, that surely you’d prefer to spend elsewhere.
What’s up for negotiation?
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When it comes to dealing with businesses, just floating the possibility of a better deal, or a discount, is often enough to get you something.
Your power bill, bank fees, mortgage rate, or really any expense you encounter regularly, all have some room for negotiation. And because they’re regular bills that you’re paying all the time, even a small saving can stack up to be big money.
Power bill? Shop around, see who has the best rate. Powerswitch.org.nz makes it easy to compare plans for your particular useage habits.
Be prepared to shop around.
Mortgage? Ask if you can get a cashback, or an interest rate better than what’s on the website, the next time you refix.
I promise, I put my money where my mouth is on this. I was looking into a service I was considering for my small business. If I used it, it would be for several hours at a time. So all I asked was one simple line – “do you do a bulk discount?” The answer? Not usually, but we could do that in this case.
One line, several hundreds of dollars in savings. Don’t ask, don’t get.
Why we don’t ask
==============
This probably isn’t news to you, though. In most cases, this isn’t actually a knowledge problem. Many of us know there’s room to negotiate, having read it online, seen the Instagram reel, or had a friend mention it to us.
But when it comes to actually doing it, that polite voice pipes up in the back of our mind. “What if I seem greedy?” “What if I ask, and they say no?” “What if I ruin the relationship, and can never come back here?”
We’re trained from a young age to avoid being seen as pushy, or rude, or worst of all “one of those customers.”
So instead, we nod. Smile. Accept the first rate we’re offered. And then quietly overpay for years.
Nobody wants to be "that" customer.
The myth of the ‘difficult’ customer
============================
So let’s go ahead and bust that myth right now. You don’t have to be a corporate shark to get a better deal. You don’t need to threaten to walk, or slam your fists on the table.
Most of the time, all it takes is one sentence. Here are some for you to try: “Is that the best rate you can offer me?”
Or “are there any special deals or discounts available right now?”
Even better, do some research, then trot out “I’ve seen a lower rate elsewhere, can you match or beat it?”
There’s no tantrum or nastiness required. Just quiet, calm confidence. You’re not being difficult, you’re being informed.
The system expects you to ask
==========================
If you need help to keep that backbone strong, just remember this: many businesses expect you to negotiate. The advertised rate is just the starting point.
Large companies will usually set aside budget for discounts or special deals. But they’re not going to tell you that – come on, that would be silly. If they can get you to pay more, why wouldn’t they?
It’s a bit like going to a market overseas, where haggling is part of the culture. If you pay full price without blinking, the vendor doesn’t think, what a lovely, polite customer. They think, well that was easy money.
Same with banks, power companies, even tradies. If you don’t ask, they won’t offer.
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It’s not personal. It’s just business.
The quiet inequality it creates
========================
It’s important we remind each to negotiate, though. Because all the little discounts you’re missing out on can create a ripple effect.
The people who are confident enough to negotiate, or who grew up in families where money talk was normal, end up getting the better deal. They pay less interest, clear their mortgage faster, have lower monthly costs, and get further ahead financially.
Meanwhile, those who don’t know the system, or feel awkward speaking up, end up paying more for the exact same thing.
And that’s where “politeness” turns into a trap. A mindset worth rewiring. If that feels uncomfortable, well good. It means you care about how you treat others. That’s a strength.
But it’s worth separating kindness from compliance. You can be both respectful and assertive. You can ask for better, while staying calm and courteous.
You’re not being a diva, you’re being a grown-up who knows their repeat business is worth something, and you’re just looking to protect your own interests.
Start with one question
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Next time you’re about to pay a bill, or sign up to a service, try this: just ask one extra question.That’s it. One little sentence that opens the door.
If the answer is yes, wait until you’re off the phone, then give yourself a high five. You have my full permission to get yourself a little treat with that first round of savings. You’ve earned it.
If the answer is no, you’ve still flexed the muscle. You’ve practiced checking for a better deal, and guess what? You didn’t die.
The more you do this, the more it will become second nature. And you’ll be amazed at the places you can build up some savings.
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