Thank you for using Neighbourly
Ten Countdown supermarkets - four stores in Auckland and one each from Blenheim, Dargaville, Christchurch, Gisborne, Wellington and Whanganui - will begin phasing out single-use plastic bags from May 21.
These 10 stores will no longer offer plastic bags at the checkout and customers will have to… View moreTen Countdown supermarkets - four stores in Auckland and one each from Blenheim, Dargaville, Christchurch, Gisborne, Wellington and Whanganui - will begin phasing out single-use plastic bags from May 21.
These 10 stores will no longer offer plastic bags at the checkout and customers will have to bring their own, or buy a reusable bag.
Since Countdown announced its decision to phase out single-use plastic bags last year, and following Stuff's Bags Not campaign, plastic bag use at the supermarket had reduced about 16 percent.
However, Countdown still used 350 million plastic bags a year and changing customer behaviour was the biggest challenge to lower that, said Countdown’s Kiri Hannifin.
"Whatever you bring, we’ll pack it for you. If you bring a bucket or a wheelbarrow … then that's cool, and if you forget, then we'll have some options available."
The remaining 172 Countdown supermarkets will go plastic bag free by the end of the year, and with competitors, New World also committing to phase them out by the end of 2018, New Zealanders face a largely plastic bag-free future.
The switch has also led to grassroots community-led solutions to help the transition away from plastic, like Boomerang Bags.
Sewn by like-minded volunteers from recycled materials in working bees, the bags are recycled within the communities in which they're made.
The shopping bags are meant to be used free of charge, washed if necessary, then returned to collection points across the community for re-use.
The scheme has proved popular in New Zealand, with communities across the country launching their own branches.
An Auckland mother whose baby was born prematurely says the treatment she has received following the…
More than 250 drivers ran red lights in a short space of time at four of Auckland's most notorious i…
For three months, a Northland GP kept a great white shark in his freezer. Northland GP and Moko Fo…
In recent weeks there has been a high number of calls from false caller IDs to kiwi mobile phones. If you've noticed a missed call from a number you don't recognise (particularly international numbers), it is important that you don't call this number back and consider reporting this … View moreIn recent weeks there has been a high number of calls from false caller IDs to kiwi mobile phones. If you've noticed a missed call from a number you don't recognise (particularly international numbers), it is important that you don't call this number back and consider reporting this as a potential scam.
Phone companies are advising customers to reject these calls and if you have friends or family living overseas, it is recommended to have their numbers added as contacts in your mobile phone, so you can identify when they are calling you.
- Check out these tips from Netsafe for how to help protect yourself from scams.
- Read about the different types of scams you could be caught out by including wangiri (one ring) and 'technical support' scams
- Find out how to report a phone scam here.
If you’re not sure if something is legitimate or genuine you can contact Netsafe free advice seven days a week on 0508 NETSAFE or visit netsafe.org.nz
Hey Neighbours,
How's this for boosting workplace morale? Christchurch boss Paul Kelly is celebrating 20 years in the business by flying the entire staff to Las Vegas for a week. Has your boss ever showed incredible generosity?
To read more, click here.
Akaroa's The Little Bistro owner Richard Uttley has no regrets over banning children under 10 from his restaurant. He says he only gets around one complaint a month about the policy. What do you think - Should more restaurants provide child-free dining?
A wave of support is pushing for a new swimming pool to become a faster reality in West Auckland. T…
Early Childhood Education has been described as a University of Auckland lecturer as being in a "major growth" phase for environmental education. Yet it is still not part of the NZ Curriculum. Should our kids be studying about the environment and how to look after it, right up until … View moreEarly Childhood Education has been described as a University of Auckland lecturer as being in a "major growth" phase for environmental education. Yet it is still not part of the NZ Curriculum. Should our kids be studying about the environment and how to look after it, right up until secondary school?
[Please put NFP if you do not wish your comment to be used in a story]
Hi neighbours - With growth assured this is an opportunity for you, your family or friends to secure an affordable section in a small boutique subdivision just an 800m walk to the town centre. With mature existing trees and a children's playground right next door, these 600+M2 lots are priced … View moreHi neighbours - With growth assured this is an opportunity for you, your family or friends to secure an affordable section in a small boutique subdivision just an 800m walk to the town centre. With mature existing trees and a children's playground right next door, these 600+M2 lots are priced to sell. Situated at 28 Mariki Street with rural and pastural views these 17lots will not last. Come and look around at our open day and see for yourself!
Open day: Saturday 12th May, 12 - 2:30pm.
Representatives will be on site to answer any questions you may have.
For enquiries phone, Julie on 021 071 1094 or check out our website.
Happy to help with all your auto electrical needs looms to tail lights
Call Dale on 027 488 6327, mobile auto electrician
Everyone is excited to get an update on the Auckland city apartment market. Come to the Millennium hotel in Auckland to spend the day with me to find out how to find, renovate, rent/sell your Auckland apartments for maximum cash flow.
Guess who I have secured as a special guest speaker? Check … View moreEveryone is excited to get an update on the Auckland city apartment market. Come to the Millennium hotel in Auckland to spend the day with me to find out how to find, renovate, rent/sell your Auckland apartments for maximum cash flow.
Guess who I have secured as a special guest speaker? Check out the details on the website and buy a ticket. Or in the meantime grab a free copy of my eBook.
Since a comfortable sleep will decide how your day goes ahead, you must also know few basic things that make sure that you are going to get a good rest. Apart from this, it is also important to understand that what amount of sleep is necessary for an individual according to the age. The amount of … View moreSince a comfortable sleep will decide how your day goes ahead, you must also know few basic things that make sure that you are going to get a good rest. Apart from this, it is also important to understand that what amount of sleep is necessary for an individual according to the age. The amount of sleep needed by adults is less than what is needed by the children. Read the full blog @ goo.gl...
Did you know it's World Naked Gardening day today? While countless gardeners around the world are stripping off to tend to their flower beds and vege patches, falling temperatures across NZ have led to calls for the Southern hemisphere to have it's own naked gardening day in spring, when … View moreDid you know it's World Naked Gardening day today? While countless gardeners around the world are stripping off to tend to their flower beds and vege patches, falling temperatures across NZ have led to calls for the Southern hemisphere to have it's own naked gardening day in spring, when it's a bit warmer. So what do you think?
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…