Laingholm, Auckland

Happy new year, neighbours!

Happy new year, neighbours!

From us at Neighbourly, we're wishing you the best for 2026!

2732 days ago

Is duty free shopping a rip-off? Price comparison reveals it's more expensive to shop at airports

Brian from New Lynn

A study from price comparison website PriceSpy shows that the 2.9 million Kiwi travellers venturing abroad might be making a mistake in hoping to get a good price on many items. Buying perfume duty-free at a New Zealand airport works out to cost $30 more than buying the same product online and … View moreA study from price comparison website PriceSpy shows that the 2.9 million Kiwi travellers venturing abroad might be making a mistake in hoping to get a good price on many items. Buying perfume duty-free at a New Zealand airport works out to cost $30 more than buying the same product online and mobile phones are more expensive bought duty-free, PriceSpy found. PriceSpy compared the price of 54 products including electronics, fragrances, smartphones, watches and cameras from airport retailers JR / Duty-Free, Aelia and The Loop located at Auckland and Wellington International Airports. Just nine of the 54 products were found to be cheaper bought duty free at the airport. iPads and Fitbits were found to be cheaper bought duty-free while the latest iPhone, MacBook Pros, high-end Canon cameras, Beats by Dr Dre headphones, Samsung Galaxies and perfumes are more expensive. PriceSpy New Zealand country manager Liisa Matinvesi-Bassett said e-commerce had trumped the savings duty-free had historically offered. "It's a long-held belief that duty-free shopping is where the best bargains can be found. Clearly, e-commerce has put a firm stop to that."With stores competing more and more on price, online sites and marketplaces tend to offer the most competitive prices." Matinvesi-Bassett said hidden fees such as entry charges and payable GST for large purchases were often an additional cost to duty-free prices. A Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus 64GB retailing for $1299 at JR Duty-Free comes to a total of $1442 once GST and entry charges are added, making the smartphone $640 more expensive than the advertised price of $803 if purchased online."For those looking to splurge out on big-ticket items at the airport, PriceSpy encourages passengers to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations around GST and entry fees, as once these costs are applied on top of the duty free price quoted in the shops, the end price can end up considerably more. Auckland Airport retail and commercial general manager Richard Barker said liquor and cosmetics offered the best discounts at the airport."The biggest selling categories are spirits and cosmetics which offer the best savings – because they have no duty on them. "Competition for electronics has increased significantly with frequent discounting by electronic retailers along and the impact of online shopping." He did not address questions of how duty-free shopping could work out be more expensive that buying the same product online. With stores competing more and more on price, online sites and marketplaces tend to offer the most competitive prices.The concept of duty-free shopping began in Ireland in 1947, the brainchild of Dr Brendan O'Regan, an entrepreneur who convinced the Irish government to create a tax loophole. O'Regan told the Government it would lose tax but sold the idea as a marketing tool to sell the country and local products. Tom Byrne, general manager of Irish-owned duty-free retailer The Loop Duty Free, operating at Auckland International Airport, said savings were only part of what consumers want when shopping duty-free. "Competitive pricing is always important but customers also want choice and exclusive product. "One of the challenges for us is for travellers to understand that many of the products offered duty-free can't be purchased elsewhere." Byrne said duty-free operators were forced to offer competitive prices and often negotiated exclusive supplier arrangements to offer more choices."We operate in a very unique trading environment, having two operators forces us to be competitive. "New Zealand's duty-free market may have a small footprint but is highly competitive and dynamic." Retail consultant Chris Wilkinson said Auckland Airport has two competing duty-free operators, a rarity for an airport. "Typically airports have only one, which lessens competition. "There's only three or four airports in the world which have got dual contestors." Some goods would be more expensive at smaller airports such as Wellington International where there is no competition. But Wilkinson said he believed the duty-free prices offered at Auckland Airport were reasonable. "Certain products are more expensive but when you look at something and say 'hey, this is what I want to buy', often the person will say 'if you buy this and this, it's much better value overall'," Wilkinson said."All you need to do is watch the aircrew after each flight making a bee-line for the duty-free store. Given their frequency in travel and multitude of destination and shopping choices, the fact crews from many airlines are some of the most frequent duty-free consumers in Auckland Airport suggests the pricing on many goods must be relatively competitive."
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2732 days ago

Free Dishwasher!

Sean from Glen Eden

Dishwasher in good condition & full working order, free to a good home. We're moving from Glen Eden on the weekend and want it gone as it's surplus to requirements.

Free

2732 days ago

Chocolate milk drink for breastfeeding mums

Carrie from Vita Source

Puria® Mother’s Dairy Drink is a dairy shake ready-made in a convenient resealable bottle. A very good alternative to a coffee/tea for a breastfeeding mum. Pop in our store in New Lynn (next to New Lynn library) or shop online at vslnz.com...

Price: $3.99

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2733 days ago

Kitchen Mania – It’s our Birthday!

The Team from Kitchen Mania

It’s our Birthday and we want you to win! Purchase your dream kitchen in July and go in the draw to win your kitchen up to the value of $10,000.

At Kitchen Mania we’re passionate about producing top kitchen products to complement the contemporary New Zealand home. We use the latest … View more
It’s our Birthday and we want you to win! Purchase your dream kitchen in July and go in the draw to win your kitchen up to the value of $10,000.

At Kitchen Mania we’re passionate about producing top kitchen products to complement the contemporary New Zealand home. We use the latest manufacturing methods and quality materials and fittings so that our kitchens not only look good but are built to last.

We love what we do, and we know you’ll love your new kitchen too!

T&Cs apply.
Find out more

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2733 days ago

Homestay family needed for Chinese Family

Miao from New Lynn

Do you have spare rooms available on July or August?

Are you keen to host international teachers (family who are able to speak Mandarin for teachers' homestay) from a culture-exchange program?

Each teacher will stay with his/her host family around 10-12 days.

We are now seeking … View more
Do you have spare rooms available on July or August?

Are you keen to host international teachers (family who are able to speak Mandarin for teachers' homestay) from a culture-exchange program?

Each teacher will stay with his/her host family around 10-12 days.

We are now seeking caring and friendly Asian families (who can speak Mandarin) to provide accommodation for teachers. Three meals and transportation will be needed. Price can be negotiated.

Feel free to contact Katy at 022-6066887 or student_service@aedut.com

2733 days ago

Homestay needed July/August 2018.

Miao from New Lynn

We will have a large number of cultural exchange students at coming July/August, Please kindly check the sister schools list in Auckland below:

West Area

• Bruce Mclaren Intermediate (31 July to 11 August)

• Marina View School (5-16 of August)

View more
We will have a large number of cultural exchange students at coming July/August, Please kindly check the sister schools list in Auckland below:

West Area

• Bruce Mclaren Intermediate (31 July to 11 August)

• Marina View School (5-16 of August)


Central Area

• Meadowbank School (4-15 of August)

• Cornwall Park District School (3-14 of August)

• Auckland Normal Intermediate School (26 of July to 6 of August)


Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Contact us student_service@aedut.com or ring us 09 368 1231

Follow us on FB: Beatop Homestay

2736 days ago

In an amazing sign of Kiwi generosity, New Zealand will welcome 21 refugees who are being sponsored by community organisations.

Brian from New Lynn

The refugees, made up of five families, arrive this week under a new settlement approach - the pilot of the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship Category. This is in addition to the Government's existing refugee quota.The community organisations will be responsible for finding them … View moreThe refugees, made up of five families, arrive this week under a new settlement approach - the pilot of the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship Category. This is in addition to the Government's existing refugee quota.The community organisations will be responsible for finding them private housing, teaching them English and helping them adjust to New Zealand and find jobs. Immigration New Zealand manager Steve McGill says we should be "immensely proud" of how we are welcoming refugees."This intake will experience a new and continued supportive settlement programme, driven by four community-based organisations that will help the refugees to settle into their new communities."Sponsored refugees will spend two weeks at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre before settling in communities with the support of the approved sponsors."This new approach will help bring communities together, so they can be directly involved in supporting refugees to settle into New Zealand life." The Government refugee quota is 1000 per year.
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2734 days ago

Our FREE school holiday programme kicks off today with our Pets and Exotic Animal Experience

WestCity Waitakere

Take a trip through the animal kingdom from invertebrates through to fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, all with real 'live' representatives. Children will learn about animal survival strategies while interacting with guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, leopard geckos, bearded… View moreTake a trip through the animal kingdom from invertebrates through to fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, all with real 'live' representatives. Children will learn about animal survival strategies while interacting with guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, leopard geckos, bearded dragons, blue tongue lizards, water dragons, tortoises, turtles and more.

Pet activity only suitable for children aged 5+, craft activity available for younger children. Bookings will be taken on the day.

WestCity Waitakere is the place to be these school holidays, so come join in the fun with our FREE and EDUCATIONAL kids activities this July!

Where: WestCity Waitakere
Activities take place next to Stirling Sports on level 2
7 Catherine Street, Henderson, Auckland
Phone: +64 9 978 6700
Learn more

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2738 days ago

KiwiBuild home buyers must have income below $120,000 for singles, $180,000 for couples

Brian from New Lynn

The KiwiBuild policy is to build 100,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years, starting with 1000 over the next year. Production will reach 5000 homes by June 2020 and 10,000 homes by June 2021, Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said today. KiwiBuild homebuyers must have an … View moreThe KiwiBuild policy is to build 100,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years, starting with 1000 over the next year. Production will reach 5000 homes by June 2020 and 10,000 homes by June 2021, Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said today. KiwiBuild homebuyers must have an income below $120,000 for sole purchasers and $180,000 for couples. "We know that New Zealanders at and below these incomes are struggling to buy a home, especially in high demand areas such as Auckland and Queenstown," Mr Twyford said. "For instance a couple of teachers may have a combined income of between $150,000 and $170,000. For a nurse and police officer earning upwards of $120,000, and for an engineer living alone, $90,000. "A decade ago these families would have been able to afford a home, but they are now locked out of the market," he said. KiwiBuild home buyers must be first-home buyers or what are described as 'second chancers'. Second chancers are people who have previously owned a home but no longer do so and now find themselves in a similar financial position as a first home buyer, such as a person who has divorced. KiwiBuild buyers must also be New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or those who ordinarily reside in New Zealand. And they must intend to own, and live in the home for at least three years. From today aspiring homeowners can register their interest online in a KiwiBuild home, with the first of the homes on track to be completed shortly, Mr Twyford said. All eligible buyers will have an equal chance to own a KiwiBuild home at cost price through a ballot system, he said.The minister says this week marks the official start of the KiwiBuild programme, where homes built under the programme will count towards the Government's official target.
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2739 days ago

Winter energy payments

Gervaise from Titirangi

A family member just received this little letter from Jacinda. (?) It states that because he isn't a pensioner or a war veteran he isn't going to get the winter energy payment. However on the MSD website it says that he is eligible among many others. So what gives guys? And has anyone … View moreA family member just received this little letter from Jacinda. (?) It states that because he isn't a pensioner or a war veteran he isn't going to get the winter energy payment. However on the MSD website it says that he is eligible among many others. So what gives guys? And has anyone else had this?

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2735 days ago

Thinking of hiring a Tradie?

Consumer Protection

Thinking of hiring a local contractor to do some renovations on your house? A good rule of thumb is to obtain more than one quote, particularly if you are investing a large sum of money.

- Do you know the difference between a quote or an estimate?
- Will you need to hire multiple contractors?
View more
Thinking of hiring a local contractor to do some renovations on your house? A good rule of thumb is to obtain more than one quote, particularly if you are investing a large sum of money.

- Do you know the difference between a quote or an estimate?
- Will you need to hire multiple contractors?

There can be big differences in the prices – make sure you ask why. If you want a good result, the more you think about upfront the better. Follow our checklists, information, and tools to help you through the process.
Find out more

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2736 days ago

Emojis - Do they work for you on Neighbourly

from Green Bay

I see some people trying to use Emojis on Neighbourly !
On my Windows 10 Laptop all i get is like =D, have I got a setting wrong or do Emojis not work on Neighbourly ?

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2736 days ago

The Great Tip Top Factory Sale!

Tip Top

Planning a big event or fundraiser, or just want to stock up for summer? Make sure you jot the 14th July down in your calendar. With up to 80% off wholesale prices on bulk buys across a wide range of sticks, cones, and tubs; you won’t want to miss Tip Top’s huge factory sale!

When: Saturday … View more
Planning a big event or fundraiser, or just want to stock up for summer? Make sure you jot the 14th July down in your calendar. With up to 80% off wholesale prices on bulk buys across a wide range of sticks, cones, and tubs; you won’t want to miss Tip Top’s huge factory sale!

When: Saturday 14th July, from 8am
Where: Shed 6, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom, Auckland
No returns or refunds
Find out more

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