Lynfield news is brought to you by the team at Central Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Stunning sunrises, frosty mornings and snowy mountains. There's a lot of beauty to be seen in these winter months.
We’d love to see your corner of the country and what your winter looks like. Share a photo below...
Using Resene wallpapers or murals as a framed print is a fantastic way to add drama. Create your own wall art using Resene WallPrint or get the custom Wildstyle design made to measure. Find out how to use your favourite Resene wallpaper design as art with these easy step by step instructions.
Winter is the season for slowing down – flickering candles, warm interiors, and time to savour life’s little luxuries.
So why not make your winter even more indulgent? … View moreWinter is the season for slowing down – flickering candles, warm interiors, and time to savour life’s little luxuries.
So why not make your winter even more indulgent? Right now, when you subscribe to NZ House & Garden for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Aura Gold Mānuka Honey Radiance Mask from Antipodes – valued at $76
This luxurious mask is made with sustainably sourced mānuka honey and showcases the very best of natural skincare. It hydrates, brightens and restores – a true winter glow-up, inspired by nature.
Treat yourself to a beautiful magazine and a self-care ritual, all in one.
Subscribe now!
From the team at Mags4Gifts
*T&Cs apply. Offer available to the first 200 people who subscribe for 1 or 2 years between June 23–July 28, 2025.
Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.
Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would … View moreRyman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.
Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would cook up every couple of weeks when the veggies were in season.
Click read more for the recipe.
SPCA animals aren’t just cute (though they totally are) — they’ve got Personality Plus! From quiet introverts to constant companions, busy socialites to mellow love bugs, we’ve got over 1000 furry singles waiting to meet the One.
Let our matchmakers (aka expert staff) help you find your … View moreSPCA animals aren’t just cute (though they totally are) — they’ve got Personality Plus! From quiet introverts to constant companions, busy socialites to mellow love bugs, we’ve got over 1000 furry singles waiting to meet the One.
Let our matchmakers (aka expert staff) help you find your perfect match — no awkward dates, just pure connection.
Seen someone online who steals your heart? Apply now at www.spca.nz... or give us a call to chat about your ideal match.
#SPCAmatchmaker #BetterThanRealityTV #FindTheOne
Cost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.
We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.
The average daily parking fee being paid … View moreCost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.
We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.
The average daily parking fee being paid in CBDs:
$39.53 in Auckland,
$37.83 in Wellington,
and $32.60 in Christchurch.
But again, the range is wild! Aucklanders could be paying anything from $12 to $80, Wellingtonians from $15 to $50, and if you are in Christchurch, you are looking at $10 to $98.
Neighbours, we want to know: How much are you paying for daily parking fees?
Do you have any tips on how to find cheaper parks?
From July 2025, access to Te Onewa Pā at Stokes Point Reserve will be closed until early 2026 due to essential maintenance on the underside of SH1 Auckland Harbour Bridge. Visit the NZTA website to find out how you might be affected.
Breville Juice maker for quick sale. Good working order . Please contact Michael by text to 0220498546
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food Recalls:
Nutrient Rescue brand Double Shot products
… View moreWe are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food Recalls:
Nutrient Rescue brand Double Shot products
Haichijia brand Hua Jia Jiang Hu (Clam Vermicelli)
Daebok Rice Cake brand Ground Garlic and Korean Sundae
Woori Kimchi brand Minced Raw Garlic
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
The Orbit 3D Advanced Baby Swing Rocker Soother Seat Khaki - Sold at Baby Way
Young Originals Baby's Cosy Inner Henley Bodysuit - Sold at The Warehouse
Baybetss Cozy 360 Rotating and Convertible Car Seat with ISOFIX- sold at Baby Way
The Pod Baby Way Capsule – Cozy Haven Baby Capsule with Beige Liner and Footshield- sold at Baby Way
Cherub Baby Anywhere Warmer Pro- sold at Baby Bunting
Product Recalls: Clothing
Children’s hooded dressing gown - Sold at H&M
Children’s poncho towel with ties - Sold at H&M
SHEIN EVRYDAY Kids’ Pajama Sets- sold on SHEIN
Kids Mega Hoodie Blanket- sold at Not Socks Gifts
Product Recalls: Electronics
Labka One to Two Adaptor- sold at Panda Mart
LABKA 6 outlet power board- sold at Panda Mart
LABKA 8-Outlet Powerboard- sold at Panda Mart
Rechargeable Dehumidifer (Set of 2) - Sold at Innovations Direct
Product Recalls: Other
Fuel Line for Malibu Monsoon M5Di and M6Di boat engines
ToolPRO 570KG Engine Stand- sold at Supercheap Auto
AEG 18V F-RAPIDFIRE 10GA 30º- 34º Framing Nailer (A18F10FNNZ) - Sold at Bunnings
See past months recalls here. Stay safe, neighbours!
If you have a power account and live in central, east or south Auckland, a dividend payment may be coming your way in late September. Look out for the Entrust pack in your letterbox or email inbox. Check we have your correct details and update us by email, mail or through the secure web link in … View moreIf you have a power account and live in central, east or south Auckland, a dividend payment may be coming your way in late September. Look out for the Entrust pack in your letterbox or email inbox. Check we have your correct details and update us by email, mail or through the secure web link in your email or letter.
New, never been used.
Crayola
Silly scents sweet
Scented twistables crayons
12
I have 2 packs available - each pack is $8
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between July 1 - July 28 and participate in the Winter Puzzle Competition! Throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzles to go in the draw to WIN one of five iPads, valued at $699 each!
All you have to do is solve the puzzle, find the prize … View moreGrab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between July 1 - July 28 and participate in the Winter Puzzle Competition! Throw on your thinking cap, and complete the daily puzzles to go in the draw to WIN one of five iPads, valued at $699 each!
All you have to do is solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online at thepost.co.nz/puzzletime. Complete all 28 puzzles for a higher chance to WIN.
To find out more about participating newspapers, click here.
The Team at The Post
It's July 1 and believe it or not we're halfway through 2025, which means the Government will roll out several new changes to policies and regulations.
Here are some of the highlights you need to know:
========================================
Healthy Homes standards come into effect
… View moreIt's July 1 and believe it or not we're halfway through 2025, which means the Government will roll out several new changes to policies and regulations.
Here are some of the highlights you need to know:
========================================
Healthy Homes standards come into effect
===================================
One big change is mandatory Healthy Homes standards which all rental properties must now comply with.
The rules set basic standards for heating, insulation and ventilation.
Among them:
===========
Landlords need to provide one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat a home's main living room. These need to meet the minimum heating capacity
Properties need to be insulated in the ceiling and under the floor, unless the design of the home makes this impossible
Every liveable area needs a window or door that opens to the outdoors and can be fixed open
Kitchens and bathrooms need extractor fans
All rental properties also need efficient drainage, guttering and downpipes and any gaps or holes need to be blocked.
There is a tool on MBIE's Tenancy Services website landlords can use to check their compliance.
Parental leave payments
====================
The maximum weekly rate of paid parental leave will go up as of July 1.
The maximum parental leave payment rate for eligible employees and self-employed people will increase from $754.87 to $788.66 gross per week, Employment NZ said.
The minimum parental leave payment rate for self-employed parents will also increase from $231.50 to $235 gross per week, to reflect the minimum wage increase on April 1.
There have also been changes to broader parental leave requirements which will take effect that will clarify certain details around how leave is counted and who is eligible.
Jobseeker tightens up
===================
Jobseeker is making changes to how people can get support.
From Tuesday, people will only get Jobseeker Support for 26 weeks — six months — before they need to reapply. Currently, people need to reapply once a year.
Those who are already getting Jobseeker Support may still be on a 52-week reapplication before they move to the shorter period depending on their situation, Work and Income said.
There will also be changes to two groups of people already on Jobseeker - sole parents who are the primary caregiver and whose youngest dependent child is 14-18 years, and people who were "grandparented" and getting benefits before 2013.
KiwiSaver changes
===============
The Gvernment announced several changes to KiwiSaver in this year's Budget.
As of July 1, the government contribution will drop from 50 cents to 25 cents for each dollar you contribute to KiwiSaver each year, lowering the maximum government contribution from $521.43 to $260.72. You'll need to contribute at least $1,042.86 to get that.
The government contribution will be extended to include 16- and 17-year-olds from July 1 2025, and they will be eligible for mandatory employer contributions as well, from 1 April 2026. The age for auto-enrolment will remain at 18.
Those enrolled in the scheme with an income of more than $180,000 will no longer receive the government contribution. Eligibility for this will be tested according to one of the last two tax years based on the member's income, once their final tax return is finalised.
ACC payments to increase
======================
ACC has raised some payments starting July 1 as part of their annual review.
Clients who have been receiving weekly compensation for more than 26 weeks will have their payments increased by 2.89%.
The new gross maximum rate of weekly compensation payable will be $2418.55 per week.
Transport fees to increase
=====================
Public transport fees are changing in many locations as councils try to meet a directive from the government to pay more of the cost of delivering the services.
Fares will increase in Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury and Invercargill. Northland's bus fares are going up in August.
Auckland Transport increased its fares in February. The BayBus service around Tauranga and Bay of Plenty increased prices in April, while the Otago Regional Council has agreed to raise prices but it hasn't set out when that will happen.
In Wellington, Metlink fares will rise 2.2% while in Christchurch, fees will also rise.
Check with your own local public transport for details in your area.
Raw milk records
==============
From July 1, it will be a requirement to keep records of the movement of raw milk to and from farms.
It's part of the National Pest Management Plan for Mycoplasma bovis which aims to prevent the spread of the disease.
Weight loss drug Wegovy available
============================
The weight loss and diabetes drug Wegovy (also known as Ozempic) which is only available on prescription, should be on pharmacy shelves as of July 1, drug maker Novo Nordisk confirmed.
It ends a years-long wait for the much-hyped medication.
=====================================================
The shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?
Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY… View moreThe shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?
Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY project underway. Call up the old bandmates to practice some songs for a jam session. Lay the groundwork for future fun."
Do you experience winter blues?
More importantly, do you have any tips for dealing with the gloomiest part of the year?
Share your thoughts with your neighbours!
Getting an appointment with your GP seems more difficult than ever. Who else can you call when you’re sick?
In the latest Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker survey, 43% of respondents identified healthcare as a key issue – up from 39% in January 2025, and 23% a year ago. Healthcare is now the … View moreGetting an appointment with your GP seems more difficult than ever. Who else can you call when you’re sick?
In the latest Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker survey, 43% of respondents identified healthcare as a key issue – up from 39% in January 2025, and 23% a year ago. Healthcare is now the second biggest concern on New Zealanders’ minds, behind only cost of living worries.
For many, that concern starts when it comes to booking an appointment to see a doctor. Here, we explain what’s going on with general practitioners (GPs), and outline what you can do if you can’t get an appointment this winter.
Our current system is "broken, unfair and unmanageable”
=============================================
Katrina* tells me that if she wants to see her own GP, it might take 5 or 6 weeks of waiting. If she needs to see a doctor urgently, she’ll call early in the morning. The staff there take some time to triage, so she’s got to wait by the phone.
“If you miss the call, you don’t get a second chance. The problem is, you don’t know if you’re going to get a call before the clinic closes.”
These urgent appointments aren’t with her usual GP. They’re with another GP or nurse practitioner, which Katrina points out, means they probably won’t know you.
“That’s okay, because you’re getting treatment, and it would be the same at an ED, but if you’ve built up a relationship and trust with your doctor sometimes there can be uncertainty with a stranger.”
For Susan, it takes about 4 weeks to see her doctor. If she’s sick, sometimes she can get a same-day appointment. But only if she calls in time. “If I leave it just 5 minutes past their opening time, I miss out.”
It’s just over a 3-week wait for Niki, a month for Trish and 3 months for Mike. They’re all Consumer supporters who reached out to us about their experiences navigating the heath system. Some supporters said they only wait for a day or two to see their GP, but many said they’re aware how rare this is.
The squeezed system isn’t just affecting patients. Mai* used to be a receptionist at a GP practice in Dunedin, providing the first point of contact for patients.
“We would often bear the brunt of some really unpleasant and often frustrating abuse from patients in the waiting room,” she says.
Several factors are causing waiting patients to feel unhappy. Patients can be waiting for as long as an hour for their appointment, and 15-minute consults just aren’t working anymore.
“[They’ve] been the norm forever, but [are] now outdated and unhelpful. People are now coming in with highly complex issues, and these take a lot longer to treat than 15 minutes,” says Mai.
She used to ask patients if they wanted a 30-minute double appointment, but the price of over $100 was off-putting and prohibitive for many.
“The system is broken, unfair and unmanageable.”
The GP workforce is shrinking
=========================
The Medical Council of New Zealand’s latest annual report revealed that the number of doctors with practising certificates increased by 3.4% in 2024. That represents about 700 additional doctors on the books.
Although there are more practising doctors, General Practitioners Aotearoa wrote in a letter to health minister Simeon Brown that only 25% of doctors are GPs. Ten years ago, it was 40%.
Not only has the GP workforce shrunk, but it is continuing to shrink. We’re currently at least 1,000 GPs short, and the workforce is staring down the barrel of a mass retirement event; described by General Practitioners of Aotearoa in its letter as a “tsunami”. GPs tend to be older, in later years of their practice and retiring younger due to burn out.
Workforce shortages combined with changes in government, key policies and funding have come together to create absolute carnage.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, visits to the GP have decreased over the past 5 years. Only 76% of adults visited a GP in the past 12 months.
Long wait times and difficulties enrolling have likely contributed to this dip. Data from Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality and Safety Commission shows as many as 23% of patients couldn’t access primary healthcare in the past 12 months. Of those patients, 19.5% said long wait times were the reason. It’s worse for Māori, with 28% unable to access primary healthcare in the past 12 months.
Enrolled patients get lower fees, and are more likely to receive consistent care, but nearly 40% of general practices across the motu have closed books. This means they aren’t accepting new patient enrolments.
So, if you can’t wait or can’t enrol, where can you go for help?
Places to go if you can’t get a GP appointment
=====================================
Your primary health organisation
Primary health organisations (PHOs) are responsible for providing health services in your area. They manage contracts with general practices and should be your first port of call if you can’t enrol. Your PHO can help you find a practice and get you on a waiting list. You can find your PHO at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
Emergency departments
Remember: if it’s an emergency, dial 111 and ask for an ambulance. Otherwise, whether you should attend the emergency department (ED) at your local hospital will depend on a range of factors. If your issue isn’t urgent, you might be better off exploring other avenues. Although, if there’s no alternative, the ED might be your only option.
After you arrive, you’ll be seen by a triage nurse, who will determine how serious your condition is. Patients with more serious conditions will be seen first.
When it comes to wait times, the government has set a target for EDs around the country. They want 95% of patients in an emergency room seen within 6 hours of arrival. But with as many as 332,110 patients seen in EDs in the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, that’s a hard task. The latest figures show that measure is currently sitting around 72%. That means 28% of the time, patients are waiting more than 6 hours to be seen.
After-hours medical centres and urgent care
====================================
After-hours medical and urgent-care centres are a good option if you need to see a doctor urgently or outside of normal business hours.
You’ll have to pay, however. Fees will differ depending on location, and other factors such as age, whether you’re enrolled with a GP and what time of day you’re accessing services.
You don’t need to make an appointment for these centres. Most will triage patients, though, so depending on how serious your condition is, you could be waiting for a few hours.
Telehealth
If you can’t get an appointment to see a doctor in-person, a phone consult might be appropriate. Many practices offer telehealth services, where you can kōrero with your doctor over the phone or by video call. You might also be able to chat with other doctors at your practice, if they’re available.
You can talk about a range of things at telehealth appointments, including prescriptions. However, they won’t be helpful for issues that require a thorough or physical examination by the doctor.
Costs will be similar to a regular appointment but will vary from practice to practice. Your practice’s receptionist can advise you about fees.
Healthline
Healthline is a free phone service that connects you with nurses and paramedics who can give you expert health advice.
You can call Healthline:
if you are worried or unsure about your health or someone else's health
for advice about your situation and help on what to do next
if you do not have a GP or cannot get to one
if you need advice about your medicine.
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From 8am to 8pm, you can choose to kōrero with a Māori clinician who understands te ao Māori and tikanga.
There are also interpreters available for up to 150 languages, so you can communicate in your preferred way. If you’re deaf, hearing impaired, deafblind or speech impaired, the Healthline team can get help from NZ Relay Services.
==========================
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
==========================
Ka Ora
If you live rurally and want to see a GP or get health advice, you can call Ka Ora. It’s an after-hours telehealth service that connects rural communities with a health care professional. As well as health advice, you can get help with prescriptions, tests and medical certificates.
Ka Ora can help from 5pm to 8:30am on weekdays, and 24 hours over weekends and public holidays.
Call Ka Ora on 0800 252 672 or book an online appointment.
Online consults
============
If your practice doesn’t offer telehealth, or you can’t get an appointment, you could try booking with another online practice. There are a range of practices where you can book an online doctor’s appointment. Some are accessed through the web and some through an app. This kind of service can also be available through health insurers, like Southern Cross, which offers free access to the CareHQ app.
Online providers listed on Te Whatu Ora’s website include:
==============================================
Tend
Emergency Consult
Well Revolution
CareHQ Online Doctors
Araktaki Wellness Centre.
Fees will vary depending on the provider and whether you’re enrolled at their online clinic. For example, a 15-minute consultation with Tend will cost unenrolled patients around $80. At Well Revolution, a chat consultation during normal hours is $49, and $79 after hours and on public holidays.
For a GP to practice in New Zealand, they must be registered. You can check the status of any doctor on the Medical Council of New Zealand’s website. If you’re unsure if an online practice is a New Zealand company, try searching the Companies Register.
Pharmacies
==========
Pharmacies are a great source of health advice. You can get a range of over-the-counter medicines and some health advice from the pharmacists onsite. Pharmacies can help with:
medicine queries
coughs and colds
bladder or eye infections
minor cuts and grazes
emergency birth control
vaccinations to protect against illnesses such as COVID-19, flu and measles.
While you don’t have to make an appointment, the pharmacy isn’t free. You’ll have to pay for special consultations and medicines, and fees will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. You usually won’t have to pay for health advice from a pharmacist, however.
PlunketLine
==========
Whānau Āwhina Plunket is a free service that supports tamariki under 5 and their caregivers. It runs the PlunketLine advice line for caregivers and whānau 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll be connected with a registered Plunket nurse who can help with parenting issues and your child’s health and wellbeing.
Call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922.
Affording healthcare
=================
There’s also help available if paying for healthcare is difficult or a worry for you and your whānau.
High-use health card
=================
If you visit the doctor more than 12 times a year, you might be eligible for a high-use health card. Your doctor can apply for one on your behalf. A high-use health card can help reduce the cost of visits.
Community services card
====================
If you’ve got a community services card, you might pay less for some services. To be eligible for a card, you must:
be over 16
be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have refugee or protection status
normally live in New Zealand.
Whether you are eligible will also depend on your income.
=====================================================
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…
