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Around 45 police staff, including the Armed Offenders Squad, descended on a rural property on Red Hi…
There is nothing better than getting out for a ride with your friends. But before getting out on your bike, make sure you take time to check out some great ways to help you and your mates enjoy the ride this summer!
Remember the most experienced rider should ride at the back of the pack, and … View moreThere is nothing better than getting out for a ride with your friends. But before getting out on your bike, make sure you take time to check out some great ways to help you and your mates enjoy the ride this summer!
Remember the most experienced rider should ride at the back of the pack, and plan your stops along the way. If you find yourself ahead of the group slow down and wait for others to catch up. And as always, ride your own ride and stay Shiny Side Up!
It's human nature to leer over the fence and marvel at how much better our neighbours have it.This also plays out on a much bigger level, with Kiwis often considering whether it might be worthwhile to pack their bags and head abroad in search of an improved lifestyle.
But would it be worth … View moreIt's human nature to leer over the fence and marvel at how much better our neighbours have it.This also plays out on a much bigger level, with Kiwis often considering whether it might be worthwhile to pack their bags and head abroad in search of an improved lifestyle.
But would it be worth it?
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As the world has become more globalised, it has become easier to compare nations and gauge which offer the best opportunities for workers. Some differences can be stark. Take, for instance, the fact that the highest income earners among OECD countries, those in the United States, earn eight times that of their Brazilian counterparts.
Australia
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Overall OECD rank: #3
Wages: #10
Job availability: #21
Housing affordability: #25
Victoria Constantine works in a Vintage Clothing Store in Melbourne's hip Collingwood district six days a week, as well as performing DJ sets on two evenings. She likens the surroundings to "old Grey Lynn", beaming about Melbourne's evolution into a 24-hour city offering through the night public transport, and the government-funded "Medicare" system that makes GP visits completely free, alongside free mental health counselling sessions and a myriad of other healthcare benefits for locals. Australia remains the biggest drawcard for Kiwis moving abroad, with 20,440 making the permanent move to "the lucky country" last year alone. Despite successive government's efforts, economically speaking Australia outstrips its younger cousin to the south-east on virtually all economic metrics that benefit the workforce. According to the OECD, Australians earn on average 32 per cent more than Kiwis, a gap that has progressively widened since 2001. The story is similar when it comes to leave, with low-wage Australian employees receiving an additional week of leave over the customary Kiwi four weeks. The Labour-led Government's maternity leave reforms have seen Aotearoa step ahead of Australia in the maternity leave stakes, but only by around $200 per child. Kiwis work on average an extra 100 hours per year, while Sydneysiders enjoy an extra 584 hours in the sun, over their Auckland-based contemporaries. Kiwis like Brisbane-based musician Reuben Bradley, originally from Wellington, also say where Australia really shines is the land of opportunity. "I'm busier than I have ever been, I'm making probably more money than I ever have, and there's some great people. I'm working with a lot of great musicians.
United Kingdom
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OECD rank: #16
Wages: #11
Job availability: #12
Housing affordability: #20
The default destination for young Kiwis embarking on their European overseas experience, the UK is just a stone's throw from continental Europe with discount flights to the likes of France, Italy, Spain and Germany start as low as £1. Our common grasp of the English language means Kiwis are in demand in the UK and Aotearoa's colonial roots grant Kiwis under the age of 30 a two-year working visa, convertible into permanent residency, through sponsorship by a local employer. London boasts more Foreign Exchange transfers every day than any other financial hub, meaning it is often branded "The Financial Capital of the World" and its foundation of the common-law standard means its a favourite for Kiwi Law and Finance graduates. Travelling virtually halfway round the world also pays dividends with the country rating 11 in the OECD's Wages index, nine spots ahead of New Zealand at 20. But it's no wonder so many Kiwis spend their time in the country trying to get out of it.
The UK's nickname of "Old Blighty" isn't without reason. Not only does the UK winter regularly welcome snow to street level which can wreak havoc with everything from public transport to commerce, it also features 1 hour and 50 minutes less daylight on average each day in the thick of winter. The overcast weather combined with everything from housing affordability sees the UK trail the land of the long white cloud on the OECD's Better life index by five points at 16. But advertising executive Ben Ovington who has held jobs at everywhere from Harvard University to Apple Computer, says it can be a rat race that's hard to quit. "Living in London is a very fast-paced environment, it's a global city, it's a lot more hours than I was used to in New Zealand or Australia and even if you earn a decent wage here, London can take a lot in terms of living costs.
Canada
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overall OECD rank: #5
Wages: #7
Job availability: #10
Housing affordability: #4
Maple syrup and ice hockey aren't the only things the second largest country in the world has on offer for Kiwi migrants. More than 1,200 New Zealanders made the permanent move to Canada in 2017 - a number that increased from around 900 when musician Matt Paul shifted four and a half years ago. "I came here for the opportunity, it's sort of an economy of scale thing, what with it being a similar culture, it's definitely an improvement in the possibilities within music, the festivals and the travel round, it really does make things a lot easier," says Paul. The similarities between New Zealand and Canada go beyond culture. While wages sit just $10,000 a year higher than the average Kiwi wage, Canadians pay for the boost to their bank balance with just two weeks of government-mandated annual leave per year. As with New Zealand, healthcare is also taken care of by the state. Canadians boast the highest percentage of university graduates in the world, with more than half the population receiving tertiary qualifications. Connie Boston, a film production assistant from New Zealand says that can make things competitive for new migrants. "I make $259.33 (CAD) a day, which is pretty great but that is for 15 hours, and I do not get paid overtime until I work 15 hours, so that can equal a 70-hour work week most weeks," she says. "I've worked days where I have shot for 22 hours which is brutal." Paul agrees: "It lacks the home feel and the supportiveness that we have in New Zealand." And while brutal, it's not insurmountable.
Kiwis work on average 58 hours a year more than Canadians and when you do eventually get that well-earned time off, just like at home, there's plenty of places to explore. Canada tops NZ in population density with just 3.4 people per square kilometre, in contrast to New Zealand's 16.6 per square km. It also boasts the largest coastline in the world.
United States
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Overall OECD rank: #8
#1 for wages
#4 for job availability
#1 for housing affordability
With no public healthcare or unemployment benefits for the 1,179 Kiwis who migrated permanently to the US in 2017, it's perhaps no surprise that almost 111 more Kiwis moved back to the homeland than left for the US.
While America can be hard work, there are notable Kiwi success stories, like Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff and Kiwi Chris Liddell. Before putting roots down in DC, he made his home in the upper echelons of General Motors in Detroit and as the chief financial officer of Microsoft in Seattle. In the entertainment space, consider Flight of The Concords. After failing to woo either of the main broadcast TV channels in New Zealand with their unique brand of off-beat comedy Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie took their act to the states. The pair met a TV production contract that has seen them become the most internationally renowned comedy act in New Zealand's history. The benefits of a New York state of mind could also reap financial gains for Kiwis willing to bet on the American dream. Its high average annual salary of $70,000 means the United States sits at number one for wages on the OECD's better life index. And while migrating to the US might not be easy, a new immigration law coined "KIWI" "Knowledge Innovators and Worthy Investors Act" largely attributed to Liddell's influence in the White House, means the door is more open than before, for New Zealand's best and brightest.
Off the beaten track
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The fifth most popular country for Kiwis to migrate to according to Statistics New Zealand has been listed as "Not Stated". These are Kiwis that have departed New Zealand and to a certain extent, dropped off the map.
However, there are plenty of other regions Kiwis are increasingly flocking to in big numbers. Continental Europe accepted some 1762 Kiwis with 338 making their way to Germany, 281 to France, 248 to the Netherlands and 207 to Ireland. Norway, with its paid maternity leave in excess of a year and annual work hours at 150 less than the average Kiwi, netted 188 New Zealanders. And while it is more the exception than the rule, there are plenty of other regions where Kiwis have returned in their droves. Africa and the Middle East accepted more than 441 of our Kiwis in 2017, with 149 made heading to the UAE, and another 74 to South Africa. But 908 Kiwis also returned home. More than 2159 Kiwis permanently relocated to Asia, but that was offset by the more than 3100 that returning to our shores.
Back to New Zealand
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NZ's OECD rank: #11
#15 for job availability
#20 for wages
#21 for housing affordability
Successive governments have attempted to attract New Zealand talent back home. However, of the more than 10 Kiwis living overseas that contributed to this project, the overwhelming inspiration for their migration was not wages, superior annual or maternity leave, healthcare, or even weather. It was the opportunity provided by large-scale, mature economies. Market maturity, combined with our geographic isolation is something hard for any government to tackle with immediate action. That said, Kiwis living abroad are still proud of where they're from.
While none of the Kiwis interviewed were considering a move home just yet, only one would consider trading their silver fern embossed Kiwi passport, for one from their assumed home. Meaning while "God's Own" may not be "God's Only", there still is No Place Like Home. Or as Matt Hall put it, from his garden in Vancouver: 'It's definitely not a grass is greener situation, it's more that it's just a different type of grass."
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Hi All,
I had a white budgie with light blue belly escape from their cage last week Wednesday. If anyone has seen or captured the budgie please be kind to inform me.
The white budgie is part of another two more budgies which I bought for my son. The bird is very friendly and it is hard … View moreHi All,
I had a white budgie with light blue belly escape from their cage last week Wednesday. If anyone has seen or captured the budgie please be kind to inform me.
The white budgie is part of another two more budgies which I bought for my son. The bird is very friendly and it is hard raised and does not bite.
Please let me know.
Thanks in advance.
It seems consumers are already exhibiting withdrawal symptoms to Pak'nSave's decision to discontinue single-use plastic bags - with the "iconic yellow" bags now selling for $20 each on Trade Me. The Foodstuffs discount supermarket officially removed their single-use plastic bags… View moreIt seems consumers are already exhibiting withdrawal symptoms to Pak'nSave's decision to discontinue single-use plastic bags - with the "iconic yellow" bags now selling for $20 each on Trade Me. The Foodstuffs discount supermarket officially removed their single-use plastic bags from checkouts on January 1, 2019, in an effort to reduce plastic pollution. However, the emotional attachment Kiwis have to the flimsy plastic bags runs deep, and several sales of them have popped up on Trade Me. One "very reluctant" seller in possession of a remaining Pak'nSave plastic bag has had his $20 reserve met for the sole item, after 27 bids. He will have until Tuesday to see if the item he describes as "more endangered and at risk than many native species" can inflate in price.
"This is a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of New Zealand history," the seller wrote. "This is a rare chance for you to snatch up a piece of immaculate memorabilia. "And finally you will find the Pak'nSave logo with barcode in the final picture to verify the authenticity of the item. I hope this brings as much happiness to your family as it did mine." Prospective buyers of the item were, however, intent on rigorously testing the plastic bag's authenticity. One TradeMe user enquired "Would I be breaking the sale conditions if I use it again?"The seller was cautious in reply: "Although I wouldn't recommend it, I have been proven wrong on multiple occasions that the bag can withstand more than a one time use. Please feel free to do so at your own risk." Another potential buyer was nervous about safe delivery of the bag. However, the seller assured it would be packed in "not just bubble wrap, every precaution will be taken to ensure safe delivery of the antique". Another user was simply amazed at the bargain they were in line for, asking "Why is this so cheap? It's easily worth $500 at least." The gracious seller insisted, "I just wanted to give everyone an equal opportunity to obtain such a rare collectors item."
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Instead of the single-use yellow plastic bags, Pak'nSave supermarkets are now offering shoppers paper bags at a cost of 20 cents or reusable plastic bags at a cost of 25 cents.
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Neighbours getting too rowdy celebrating the new year? Too bad. Auckland Council has given Aucklanders license to party as loudly as they want as they enter 2019. The council has said it will not be attending any party noise complaints between 6pm on December 31, 2018 and 2am on January 1, 2019. … View moreNeighbours getting too rowdy celebrating the new year? Too bad. Auckland Council has given Aucklanders license to party as loudly as they want as they enter 2019. The council has said it will not be attending any party noise complaints between 6pm on December 31, 2018 and 2am on January 1, 2019. Noise complaints can be made after 2am on the first day of the year by calling 09 301 0101. Complaints can not be made after the noise has stopped, only while it is happening, as the council goes out to investigate. There are a number of rules around noise that you need to keep in mind before making a complaint, including the time of the day and the type of noise.
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They are looking a bit average on the outside now, a lick of paint would smarten them up but they are great for gardener whose not great at remembering to water as they have the water reservoir in the base that you fill with water which the plant can draw up. 2 large square pots and 3 lower … View moreThey are looking a bit average on the outside now, a lick of paint would smarten them up but they are great for gardener whose not great at remembering to water as they have the water reservoir in the base that you fill with water which the plant can draw up. 2 large square pots and 3 lower rectangle ones. Pickup from Blockhouse Bay
About $700 worth of lalaloopsy items, numerous dolls and the accessories they came with, the doll house + furniture sets, treehouse (which wasn't available here so came from the US) the rollercoaster set and the school bus. Make some little kids year!
Hi Neighbours,
As you drive around our beautiful country this summer, you'll see honesty stalls, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to pine cones, dotted along our highways.
Honesty stalls in rural NZ may be the "Kiwi way", but thieves are making it difficult to survive.
… View moreHi Neighbours,
As you drive around our beautiful country this summer, you'll see honesty stalls, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to pine cones, dotted along our highways.
Honesty stalls in rural NZ may be the "Kiwi way", but thieves are making it difficult to survive.
One grower-family was targeted with a spate of $100 per day thefts.
But out-of-pocket growers have pledged to continue; keeping the "Kiwi tradition" alive, in spite of thieves.
To read more, click here.
Do you make the most of honesty stalls when you're driving throughout New Zealand?
Jandals. The good old Kiwi flip flop. When the sun is blazing down, the rubber shoe can take you from the morning stroll to get a paper, the beach, and then on to a bar. But how pricey are these items getting - what did you pay back in the day, and what's the most expensive one you've … View moreJandals. The good old Kiwi flip flop. When the sun is blazing down, the rubber shoe can take you from the morning stroll to get a paper, the beach, and then on to a bar. But how pricey are these items getting - what did you pay back in the day, and what's the most expensive one you've seen in the beach boutiques nowadays?
Is it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.
Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct control method.
- For paper wasps, there are commercially available sprays at hardware stores around the country. The important … View moreIs it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.
Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct control method.
- For paper wasps, there are commercially available sprays at hardware stores around the country. The important things to note are not to get too close (these sprays can go up to four metres), and to do it at dusk once the wasps have returned to their nests. If you are unsure where the nests are, you can usually follow the wasp to it, as they don't travel too far away.
- Vespex is a protein-based bait which is suitable for use on the vespula wasp species. This is usually done at landscape scale as a small tub of bait can cover a large area. You don't need to find the nests as the wasps carry the bait home with them. Vespex is not at all attractive to bees. If there is a problem in your area you can learn all about the use of vespex here. You will need to be an approved user - a short 10-minute video course is all that is required. Vespex is not suitable for paper wasps as they prefer live bait. You can also contribute to our fight against wasps here: givealittle.co.nz...
We want to know what a day at the beach with the classics costs us.
So roll up, roll up ... there's nothing like licking a scoop of ice cream during the summer. How much do you pay at home, and when you are away? What is the most expensive ice cream you've bought on holiday?
[Note, if … View moreWe want to know what a day at the beach with the classics costs us.
So roll up, roll up ... there's nothing like licking a scoop of ice cream during the summer. How much do you pay at home, and when you are away? What is the most expensive ice cream you've bought on holiday?
[Note, if you'd prefer we didn't quote you in our articles on Neighbourly or Stuff, please mark your post "NQ"]
The Kiwi day at the beach. It's what our summer memories are made of. It's an easy and fun way to spend a day in the sun - but is it still cheap?
We want to know what a day at the beach with the classics costs us.
First up: What do you pay for fish and chips? And what's the most … View moreThe Kiwi day at the beach. It's what our summer memories are made of. It's an easy and fun way to spend a day in the sun - but is it still cheap?
We want to know what a day at the beach with the classics costs us.
First up: What do you pay for fish and chips? And what's the most expensive takeaway fish and chips you have come across?
[Note, if you'd prefer we didn't quote you in our articles on Neighbourly or Stuff.co.nz, please mark your post "NQ"]
Police have scaled back searches for a teenager six days after he was swept away at a rugged West Au…
And the number of them paying the full amount for running a business out of their home has plummeted - leaving hotels and motels concerned that they will have to pick up the tab. Since August, homeowners who rented out their whole property or a guest-house on websites like Airbnb or Bookabach for … View moreAnd the number of them paying the full amount for running a business out of their home has plummeted - leaving hotels and motels concerned that they will have to pick up the tab. Since August, homeowners who rented out their whole property or a guest-house on websites like Airbnb or Bookabach for more than a month each year were charged the new targeted rate, also known as a bed tax. They were also rated like a business rather than a residential property. The council said the tax would capture around 3800 out of around 8000 Airbnb properties. But as of December, the council has only been able to track down 1278 of these properties - around 33 per cent.
"The others have yet to be discovered," said Auckland Council principal advisor financial policy Aaron Matich.
"The council is still looking for online accommodation providers and when found they will be charged according to the policy." Airbnb and other websites refused to share information about hosts on privacy grounds. As a result, council officers had to scour accommodation websites for property listings. Matich conceded that the new policy had encountered some difficulties."We will look to review our implementation approach over time. At this stage, our primary approach is to identify online accommodation providers through online listings. We will be undertaking further work on this in the first half of [this] year." When the rates bills were posted, the council said more than 800 online accommodation providers were renting out their properties for more than half the year. That meant they would be charged the maximum - full business rates and the full bed tax. However, the council's updated figures show just 162 providers were renting out their homes for more than half the year. Matich said this was because the council's default position had been to charge the full rate. If it received information which showed that the hosts were renting out their properties for less than 180 days, the rate was reduced. Phil McNally, from Oneroa on Waiheke Island, was one of the ratepayers who successfully objected to his rates bill. The rates bill for his $1.8m house jumped from $4191 to $13,628 because he rented out a one-bedroom sleepout on the property. McNally complained that the guest house only made up around 10 per cent of his property and that it was rented out less than half the year. After a reassessment, the council lowered his bill to $5100."They've rushed this in at a hell of a pace and it's a bit of a mess. Tourism Industry Association chief executive Chris Roberts said it was "quite astonishing" how few Airbnb hosts were now paying full rates. "At the start of this year there were about 13,000 Airbnb listings in Auckland, and that number's probably grown. "The council certainly indicated that it terms of fairness that these listings should be counted as well in terms of the targeted rate. But only 160 - a tiny percentage - are going to be captured." Roberts said he was concerned that hotels and motels would have to make up the difference by paying more in next year's rates."They were looking to collect a set amount per year and the way of collecting that is by simply dividing up the number of targeted properties by that sum. "The more properties paying, the less each property will pay." Matich said online accommodation providers only made up a small portion of the revenue - around $870,000 or 6 per cent of the total. Despite the problems it had encountered with the bed tax, he said the council still expected to meet its budget for the 2018/19 year.
BED TAX
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• Introduced for hotels and motels in 2017 and some Airbnb and online accommodation in 2018.
• Applies to properties in popular areas (CBD and Waiheke Island) which are rented out more than 28 days a year.
• These properties must also pay a partial or full business rate, rather than residential
• The more days houses are rented for, the more they pay.
THE STATS
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• Estimated 13,000 online accommodation listings in Auckland
• 3800 liable for bed tax
• 1278 charged by the council
• 162 paying the full business rate and bed tax.
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