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Competitive’ Asian supermarket prices benefit consumers
Retail grocery store owners in Auckland are feeling the squeeze after stiff competition has tightened margins following the arrival of several large Asian supermarkets over the past 12 months.
Described by the Commerce Commission as New Zealand's "largest one-stop Asian … View moreRetail grocery store owners in Auckland are feeling the squeeze after stiff competition has tightened margins following the arrival of several large Asian supermarkets over the past 12 months.
Described by the Commerce Commission as New Zealand's "largest one-stop Asian supermarket", Foodie opened in Westgate on 29 August 2024.
The store spans 3800 square meters and offers a wide selection of products from China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and other parts of Asia, catering to the city's growing Asian communities.
Around the same time, Asian supermarket chain Tai Ping opened a new branch in Henderson on 24 August.
LianHua launched its flagship supermarket store on Auckland's North Shore in November, which was followed by the opening of Medol in Mt Wellington in June.
The recent surge in large Asian supermarket openings in Auckland has expanded options for consumers.
At the same time, it has also intensified competition between operators, leaving some business owners feeling mounting pressures to stay profitable.
Golden Apple, which opened its first grocery outlet in Henderson in 2015 followed by a second on the North Shore in 2023, is among those feeling the pinch.
William Zhong, manager of Golden Apple, said sales at the Henderson location had fallen sharply since the opening of Foodie and Tai Ping's new stores in the same suburb.
"My business really struggled from the end of last year through the beginning of this year," he said.
Zhong said Golden Apple's core customer base is predominantly Asian, with Chinese shoppers making up the majority.
He said the store's North Shore location is performing much better than the Henderson branch, largely due to demographics.
"About 60 percent to 70 percent of our customers on the North Shore are Chinese," he said. "Whereas in Henderson, it's only around 40 percent."
Zhong said although Auckland's Chinese population was growing rapidly, the number of Asian supermarkets was expanding at an even faster pace.
He said customers generally preferred to shop close to home, which meant that an oversupply of Asian supermarkets in a single suburb could exceed demand, making it difficult for businesses to remain profitable.
"Right now, many of Auckland's best Asian supermarkets are concentrated in West Auckland, particularly in Henderson and Westgate," he said.
Four large Asian supermarkets in the area - Foodie, Tai Ping, Golden Apple and SMART - were located a few kilometers from each other, he said.
"We all feel the pressure," he said. "The market is not big, but there are more and more Asian supermarkets opening here."
Zhong said the economic downturn in many sectors in New Zealand had prompted many Chinese investors to enter the grocery business, believing supermarkets were the best place to make money - especially given their strong performance and status as essential businesses that were allowed to operate during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
He believed this trend helped to accelerate the boom in Asian supermarkets across Auckland.
Zhong said his focus now was on continuing to provide high-quality products and excellent service to his core customer base, and he was pleased that many customers who had stopped shopping at Golden Apple's Henderson store were gradually returning.
He said competition among Asian supermarkets in Auckland was likely to intensify over the next few years, potentially leading to a shake-up in the market.
"Some supermarkets will survive," he said. "But those that can't will eventually have to close their doors."
Chengde Liu, owner of E-PACS Supermart, admitted to feeling the same pressure.
After immigrating from Singapore to New Zealand in the 1980s, Liu opened E-PACS in the Auckland suburb of East Tāmaki in 2000, specializing in offering vegetarian and Malaysian/Singaporean food for the migrant community.
Liu said the number of Asian supermarkets and grocery stores in Auckland at the time could be counted on one hand.
Tai Ping, Lim Chhour, Soung Yueen and Tofu Shop were among a handful of places where migrants regularly went to buy food that contained the flavour of home and maintain ties to their cultural roots.
He said the growing number of Asian migrants had contributed directly to the expansion of the grocery sector in Auckland.
Liu's strategy was to stand out by offering a specialized range of products aimed at targeted customers.
"Eighty percent of our products are vegetarian foods," he said. "This is our strength, and the core advantage that allows us to survive."
In addition to serving Malaysian and Singaporean foods, Liu said the store had expanded its offerings to include products from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan in an effort to attract customers from different backgrounds.
Tao Shi, managing director of Foodie, said weekday foot traffic had remained steady at around 2000 to 3000 customers since opening. Foot traffic typically doubled on weekends.
Shi said Foodie's gross turnover dipped for about three weeks from late November to early December - a period before Christmas he described as a typical "quiet season" for the grocery sector.
"Sales dropped around 10 to 20 percent during those three weeks," he said. "That was really stressful for us."
However, he said sales had bounced back this year and performed well in the last quarter.
"The gross turnover in the June quarter increased 15 percent compared with the March quarter," he said.
Shi said Foodie did not aim to compete directly with other Asian supermarkets, adding it offered a unique shopping experience that allowed customers the opportunity to purchase daily essentials at one location instead of visiting multiple stores.
He believed all Asian supermarkets share the same goal of expanding and growing their customer base.
"I don't think it's competition," he said. "We [Asian supermarkets] can work together to make ourselves more mainstream.
"We should advocate for attracting more non-Asian customers to shop [in Asian supermarkets]. We are not here to serve only Asian customers."
After a year in operation, Shi said most of Foodie's customers remained Asian, particularly those from Chinese, South Korean, Filipino and Indian communities.
During public and school holidays, however, non-Asian shoppers made up nearly half of the store's foot traffic.
Shi said market demand was driving the rapid growth of Asian supermarkets in Auckland, adding options for shoppers, including more competitive food prices.
"Some products do have competitive prices," he said. "We get fresh produce directly from farms, so we can keep prices a little lower for customers."
Shi said Foodie is planning to open at least three to five new branches in Auckland, and potentially outside the city.
"We do have the ambition to build Foodie as a national brand," he said. "That's our long-term goal.
"But it's still too early to say. After all, we have only one store now, so we will take it one step at a time and serve every customer well."
Stats NZ's latest data shows that retail sales value for supermarkets and grocery stores stood at $26.31 billion in 2023, rising to $27.08 billion in 2024.
Meanwhile, food prices increased 4.6 percent in the 12 months to 30 June, following a 4.4 percent rise in the year to 31 May.
The Commerce Commission's 2024 Annual Grocery Report, released on 6 August, said Auckland's major supermarkets held 71 percent of the market, compared with 88 percent in the rest of the country.
The report said barriers to entry for new competitors remained high, and the major supermarkets continued to wield significant power over smaller suppliers.
While consumers in Auckland and other major cities have a range of options, those in smaller towns and rural areas often have little to no choice, with some stores in small towns operating as local monopolies.
"Auckland continues to be a hub for the entry and expansion of specialist grocery retailers," a Commerce Commission spokesperson said.
"Major supermarkets have a significantly lower market share in Auckland compared with other regions, partly due to the presence of more specialist grocery retailers, like Asian stores," the spokesperson said.
"This is driving higher levels of competition and choice that benefit consumers and is something we would like to see across the country."
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Ryman Village Open Days
Friday 15 August, and Saturday, 16 August, 10 am - 2 pm.
Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities. We'd love to show you around.
Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
Poll: No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸
The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.
Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.
But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and … View moreThe Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.
Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.
But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and Hospitality NZ are worried the costs won’t just disappear. Labour MP Arena Williams put it simply: there should not be surcharges for customers at all. But she points out that the Government’s plan does not deal with banks and merchants “who still scoop a big fee”.
Many of our community are rocked by the recent announcement. Retailers warn card surcharge ban could lead to higher prices - the unfortunatel reality is that small businesses are feeling the squeeze along with their customers. In comparison, large retailers pay significantly lower banking fees and ultimately have more leverage at the negotiation table.
💸 So someone still pays – but who?
We want to know: Who should be covering this cost?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
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5.7% Retailers need to absorb the cost
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88.7% The banks are the problem - the cost should not sit with consumers or retailers
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4.2% I do not mind paying a surcharge - I just want everything to be transparent
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1.4% It is more complicated - I will share below
Retirement: coming ready or not
One million Kiwis will hit 65 in the next decade. It’s a strange in-between: the end of work, the start of… what exactly?
Research has shown that New Zealand faces some persistent challenges when it comes to retirement readiness, says Jeff Ruscoe, AMP Managing Director. These hurdles often … View moreOne million Kiwis will hit 65 in the next decade. It’s a strange in-between: the end of work, the start of… what exactly?
Research has shown that New Zealand faces some persistent challenges when it comes to retirement readiness, says Jeff Ruscoe, AMP Managing Director. These hurdles often lead to feelings of being unprepared, particularly for those in their 50s.
Your money needs to keep up
========================
It’s well known that we’re simply not saving enough in New Zealand. That, coupled with the rising cost of living, means that building a substantial nest egg requires more focused effort and planning.
A less well-known, but significant, concern is the widespread lack of a clear plan for funding lifestyle in retirement. It’s one thing to have some savings. It’s another to know exactly how those savings will translate into a sustainable income. “Many Kiwis have no idea where to start with that. They’re unsure whether they’ve got enough savings or how to make it last,” says Ruscoe.
Sorted has recently launched its online Retirement Navigator tool. It’s a great start, says Ruscoe. “A calculator will often give you a scenario based on averages. Where we add value is by tailoring the advice to our customer’s individual scenario and creating something that works precisely for them. This gives our customers clarity so they can turn what they’ve saved into an income they can rely on.”
An alternative to leaving your money on idle
===================================
Retirement isn’t the finish line; it’s the beginning of keeping your money active and growing. Your money needs to keep up with inflation and generate an income that can serve your lifestyle goals.
Without advice, Kiwis can make mistakes, despite having saved diligently for decades. These mistakes often stem from a desire to “play it safe” or a lack of understanding about how money should behave once they say goodbye to a regular income.
Too often, for example, people cash out long-term growth investments such as KiwiSaver and park that money in term deposits, which rarely keep pace with inflation. “There’s a perception that we should become immensely conservative during retirement, but the timeframe for when they’ll need to spend their savings is often 20 years or more, giving Kiwis plenty of time to grow their wealth further,” says Ruscoe.
What about financial advice
======================
Many Kiwis who should get financial advice, don’t. Sometimes they think financial advice is something reserved for the wealthy or those right on the cusp of retirement.
“Whether you’re just starting your career, planning for a major life event, or nearing retirement, it’s always a good time to seek financial advice,” says Ruscoe. “There are no wrong answers to the ‘when’ question.”
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to have a significant amount of wealth already accumulated to warrant advice. Advice is precisely what helps you build that wealth.
Navigating retirement challenges: why many Kiwis feel unprepared
=====================================================
While recent adjustments to KiwiSaver settings, such as increased contribution rates, are a positive step in the right direction, they won’t solve the problem entirely.
For many, historical under-saving, coupled with the rising cost of living, means that building a substantial nest egg requires more focused effort and strategic planning, especially with New Zealanders’ reliance on property, and that works best when coupled with financial advice, says Ruscoe.
Once Kiwis hit retirement, they face another issue, ready or not. That’s the widespread lack of a clear plan for funding lifestyle in retirement. It’s one thing to have some savings; it’s another to know exactly how those savings will translate into an ongoing income once they stop working.
It’s clear that there’s a significant gap between the aspiration for a comfortable retirement and the practical planning required to achieve it.
The power of professional financial advice: it pays to be prepared
The 2020 Money and You Survey found that New Zealanders who received professional financial advice had about 52% more in their KiwiSaver than those who didn’t. That advice led to:
Higher investment returns: beyond simply having more saved, those who sought advice also reported enjoying higher investment returns on their savings.
Greater satisfaction and wellbeing: it’s not just about the numbers. The survey also found that advised Kiwis experienced higher satisfaction with their KiwiSaver and better overall wellbeing. Having a clear plan and understanding of your financial situation, guided by an expert, can significantly alleviate this financial stress, leading to greater confidence and peace of mind.
“[This research] underscores the immense value that a conversation with a qualified financial adviser can bring to your financial future,” says Ruscoe.
AMP’s retirement advice service
===========================
Financial advice is often readily available for employees, and KiwiSaver members still growing their savings, whether through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or complimentary advice from KiwiSaver providers. Numerous online calculators also support those still growing their money.
When it comes to retirement and spending down your savings, there are far fewer opportunities to access financial advice. That’s why AMP has launched its new retirement advice service.
The service is designed to help Kiwis build a comprehensive plan that fits their life. “It’s not a generic template, it’s a personalised plan built around your specific circumstances, your desired retirement lifestyle and your financial goals,” says Ruscoe. “[The] service is designed to demystify the process and offer tailored support, keeping your money working, growing, and paying you for years to come.”
The goal is to empower Kiwis using AMP’s service to stop second-guessing their spending and feel confident using the nest egg they’ve built, so they can enjoy their after-work years with peace of mind and spend with confidence.
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4 steps to take if you’re charged the wrong price at the supermarket
You’re leaving the supermarket, receipt in hand, and you can’t shake the feeling the total is higher than you’d tallied in your head. You check the receipt and notice you’ve been charged more for an item than the advertised price. So, what do you do?
1. Let the supermarket know as soon … View moreYou’re leaving the supermarket, receipt in hand, and you can’t shake the feeling the total is higher than you’d tallied in your head. You check the receipt and notice you’ve been charged more for an item than the advertised price. So, what do you do?
1. Let the supermarket know as soon as possible
If you leave it too long, the advertised price might change, and it'll be harder to prove what the price should have been.
If you’re still near the supermarket, go back in and speak to someone at the service desk or someone who looks like they’re in charge of the checkout area.
If you’ve made it home and don’t fancy going back, give them a call and ask what you should do.
2. Gather your evidence
The supermarket should be able to look in its system to find your shop and see what you paid if you didn’t take the receipt.
You can help your case by taking a photo of the advertised price and presenting it with your receipt.
3. Know the supermarket’s policy on overcharging
This one’s pretty easy because it’s the same across the big 3 supermarkets: Woolworths, New World and Pak’nSave. All 3 now have policies that if they overcharge you, you’ll get fully refunded what you paid for the item, and you can keep the product.
The policies state that if you’ve bought more than one of a product, you’ll only be fully refunded for one of them. For the rest of the products, you’ll get a refund of the difference between the correct price and what you paid.
4. Let us know!
We want to keep an eye on how widespread the issue is – and for that, we need your help. If you’re overcharged – even if you’re refunded – email your photos and receipts to us at: playfair@consumer.org.nz.
Aneleise shows us what to do
========================
Aneleise Gawn is Consumer NZ’s consumer advocate. She has been heavily involved in our fight for supermarkets to Price it Right.
While shopping at her local supermarket, Aneleise noticed the avocados had two prices – one sign priced a single avocado at $1.69, and the other priced it at $1.99. She selected an avocado from under the $1.69 sign. After getting home, Aneleise realised she’d been charged $1.99. She returned to the store with her avocado and receipt and was told she’d be refunded the difference – 30c. Aneleise pointed out that Foodstuffs’ refund policy requires a full refund when a customer is overcharged. (Foodstuffs owns New World and Pak’nSave.) The store agreed and refunded her $2.
Avocado prices
“I was pretty disappointed that I had to quote Foodstuff’s refund policy to get a full refund. It’s all very well and good having a policy in place, but if it’s not being adhered to, it’s pretty pointless. That’s why we’re calling for the government to strengthen our laws with our Price it Right campaign,” Aneleise says.
Foodstuffs said staff had been trained on the new refund policy that has been in place since the end of June in the South Island and start of July in the North Island.
Why pricing errors matter
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Pricing errors might not seem like a big deal if you’re just talking a few dollars here and there. But our recent research found that 62% of New Zealanders had noticed pricing inaccuracies. This is at a time when many New Zealanders are struggling with the cost of living.
The Commerce Commission’s willingness to file criminal charges shows it’s taking the problem seriously, too. Last month, 2 Pak’nSave supermarkets pleaded guilty to more misleading pricing charges.
What can you do to help?
Our Price it Right campaign calls for the government to introduce a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code. The code would:
set out clear pricing rules
require a supermarket to compensate consumers when it gets pricing wrong.
The campaign also calls for higher penalties for supermarkets that don’t price it right.
Sahar Lone, Consumer’s communications and campaigns manager, explains that the policies supermarkets have are voluntary.
“Supermarkets could withdraw their policies at any time. They also might not always translate into practice, as we saw when Aneleise was overcharged for her avocado. We want supermarkets to be forced to compensate consumers and the Commerce Commission to be able to issue infringement notices when supermarkets get it wrong. Fines also need to be much higher to incentivise supermarkets to comply,” Sahar says.
Foodstuffs wanted us to add it is committed to the refund policy and has no intention of withdrawing it.
=====================================================
Mt Eden Village│ Enjoy a Kid-Free Date Night │Saturday 16 August
Have dinner at one of our 16 fabulous eating places and take advantage of FREE Babysitting and Supervised Childrens Activities for Kids aged 5-13 provided by Bricks4Kidz at the Mt Eden Village Centre.
So BOOK a Date Night with your partner, friend or group of friends, BOOK your favourite eating … View moreHave dinner at one of our 16 fabulous eating places and take advantage of FREE Babysitting and Supervised Childrens Activities for Kids aged 5-13 provided by Bricks4Kidz at the Mt Eden Village Centre.
So BOOK a Date Night with your partner, friend or group of friends, BOOK your favourite eating place in Mt Eden Village and BOOK your Free "Babysitting" Service (link below)!
We look forward to seeing you in Mt Eden Village on Saturday 16 August!
www.mounteden.co.nz...
#MtEdenVillage
#MountEdenVillage
#Maungawhau
#DineLocal
#ShopLocal
#DateNightInMtEdenVillage
#KidFreeDateNight
SHOP OR DINE in Mt Eden Village and Enter the Draw to Win Father’s Day Prizes!
SHOP OR DINE in Mt Eden Village and enter the draw to win Father’s Day prizes!
Scan the QR code instore Or there are paper entry forms instore to enter.
First prize: Champagne, cake and 4 x $200 vouchers*
Further nine prizes: $200 vouchers*
* Vouchers redeemable at specified cafe, shop, … View moreSHOP OR DINE in Mt Eden Village and enter the draw to win Father’s Day prizes!
Scan the QR code instore Or there are paper entry forms instore to enter.
First prize: Champagne, cake and 4 x $200 vouchers*
Further nine prizes: $200 vouchers*
* Vouchers redeemable at specified cafe, shop, business etc in Mt Eden Village.
Winners drawn on Friday 5 September. Prizes available to collect on Saturday prior to Father’s Day.
Bought to you by the Mt Eden Village Business Association ❤️❤️
For more information, please visit www.mounteden.co.nz... and www.mounteden.co.nz...events-and-promos
#competition
#fathersday
#mtedenvillage
#mteden
#promomotion
#shopanddine
Chapter Book and Tea Shop Book Catalogue: Jul-Aug 2025
📚 JUL-AUG 2025 BOOK CATALOGUE 📚
Needing some books to get you through these cold months? There are great new releases by Brigitte Knightley (THE IRRESISTIBLE URGE TO FALL FOR YOUR ENEMY―Dearly Beloathed Series), Stephanie Laurens (THE MURDER OF THOMAS CARDWELL―The Casebook of Barnaby … View more📚 JUL-AUG 2025 BOOK CATALOGUE 📚
Needing some books to get you through these cold months? There are great new releases by Brigitte Knightley (THE IRRESISTIBLE URGE TO FALL FOR YOUR ENEMY―Dearly Beloathed Series), Stephanie Laurens (THE MURDER OF THOMAS CARDWELL―The Casebook of Barnaby Adair Series), Mariah Montoya (BY THE MOONBEAM AND THE MIST―Esholian Institute Series), Meghan Quinn (TILL SUMMER DO US PART), Devney Perry (SHIELD OF SPARROWS―Chains of the Seven Series), Rachel Schneider (METAL SLINGER―Fire & Metal Series), Nalini Singh (ATONEMENT SKY―Psy/Changeling Trinity Series), Julie Soto (ROSE IN CHAINS―Evermore Trilogy) and more. Enjoy your reading!
Check out the catalogue at
chapter.co.nz...
NB. Please see p.2 for the:
• Order link for signed copies of ATONEMENT SKY by Nalini Singh chapter.co.nz...
• Event/ticket link for AN EVENING WITH LUCY SCORE on Wed 17 Sep in Auckland
www.qtheatre.co.nz...
• Details of the Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Monthly Meetings and Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Facebook Group.
www.facebook.com...
www.facebook.com...
For Enquiries or Orders: ✉️ info@chapter.co.nz ☎️ 09-6232319 📱 021-635027
NB. Chapter’s trading hours are Tue–Sun 10–4 (we are CLOSED on Mondays, except in December).
#ChapterBookandTeaShop
#Tea
#TeaShop
#Books
#Bookshop
#RomanceBookshop
#RomanceFictionSpecialist
#BiMonthlyBookCatalogue
BLOCKHOUSE BAY COMMUNITY MARKET SATURDAY MORNING 9TH
Come and join us at the best little long running market, Regular and pop up stalls, A full variety of items ,charitable stall, NZ MADE, secondhand treasures different everytime! Come and support local people. Free parking available opposite at the medical centre or behind Community Centre itself. … View moreCome and join us at the best little long running market, Regular and pop up stalls, A full variety of items ,charitable stall, NZ MADE, secondhand treasures different everytime! Come and support local people. Free parking available opposite at the medical centre or behind Community Centre itself. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Choice News Tuesday: Conservation win in the Kaituna
Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy
Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.
This land,… View moreThanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy
Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.
This land, which has now been protected and opened to the public, forms part of a much larger conservation area — nearly 2,400 hectares stretching from sea level at Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, up to the Summit Walkway, and back down into the Kaituna Valley.
Once used for farming, the land has now been cleared of livestock, and pest control efforts are underway to help native plants and wildlife thrive. The goal? A richer, more diverse ecosystem that everyone can experience and be proud of.
This is a powerful example of how the actions of a few can have a huge impact. Thanks to their vision and generosity, a precious piece of our natural heritage is now protected.
Read more about the Massive win for conservation and recreation in the Kaituna.
We hope this news brings a smile!
Free Community Event
Come join us in celebrating the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan with a vibrant, family-friendly free community event!
Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Samoan Assemblies of God, 38 Robertson Road, Favona, Auckland
We’ve got an exciting day planned, filled with:
… View moreCome join us in celebrating the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan with a vibrant, family-friendly free community event!
Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Samoan Assemblies of God, 38 Robertson Road, Favona, Auckland
We’ve got an exciting day planned, filled with:
Cultural performances
Live music and entertainment
Delicious Pakistani food stalls
Raffle draws and fun prizes
Organised by the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), this event is all about celebrating identity, culture, and connection.
Whether you're part of the Pakistani community or simply someone who enjoys exploring different cultures, you’re warmly welcome to join us.
Bring your friends, whānau, and curiosity — let’s come together in the spirit of unity and celebration.
Applications for our Love to Dance grants are now open!
Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.
Click read more to nominate your … View moreWhether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.
Click read more to nominate your community dance group.
Applications close 31 August 2025.
New Zealand is saying goodbye to 3G. Are you ready for the change?
1. What’s happening?
From the end of 2025, beginning of 2026, New Zealand’s mobile operators (2degrees, One NZ and Spark) will shutdown their 3G networks.
2. Why is 3G being shutdown?
3G is old technology. This is part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more … View more1. What’s happening?
From the end of 2025, beginning of 2026, New Zealand’s mobile operators (2degrees, One NZ and Spark) will shutdown their 3G networks.
2. Why is 3G being shutdown?
3G is old technology. This is part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more reliable experience for consumers and future-proof connectivity.
3. Why does this matter?
3G-reliant phones, tablets, alarms and business/IoT devices will no longer work after the shutdown.
Most New Zealanders already use 4G or 5G devices, but if you’re unsure, it’s important to check.
Some 4G phones still use 3G for voice calls, and may require changes to settings to default to 4G networks.
Affordable, compatible devices are available, and support is available for those who need it.
4. Who is affected?
Anyone using a 3G-reliant phone, tablet, medical alarms, security alarms, business equipment, vehicle trackers and other IoT devices.
Most New Zealanders already use 4G or 5G devices, but if you’re unsure, it’s important to check your device now.
5. How can I check my phone?
FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check you can stay connected.
Visit your mobile provider’s website or go instore for further support:
2degrees
One NZ
Spark
6. What do I do if my phone isn’t ready?
If action is required, your provider will guide you through your next steps.
You may need to update your settings or software, or upgrade your device. Affordable options are available, speak to your provider about your needs.
7. How do I update my phone to use 4G/5G?
To update your phone: make sure your phone’s software is updated to the latest version.
To turn on 4G/5G in your settings:
iPhone: Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data > Select 4G/5G
Android: Settings > Mobile networks > Enable 4G/5G
For step-by-step help, visit your provider’s website or ask in-store:
2degrees
One NZ
Spark
8. Do I need a new SIM card?
If your SIM card isn’t 4G capable, you may need a new one.
Your provider can help you transfer your number to a new SIM if needed.
9. What if my device was bought overseas?
Some imported devices may not work on New Zealand networks, even if they are advertised as 4G.
FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check.
10. What other devices are affected?
Any other IoT devices that rely on 3G will stop working after the shutdown.
This includes some tablets, smart watches, medical alarms, security alarms, and other business devices.
Please contact your device supplier to confirm if your device is affected.
11. What about emergency calls?
3G-reliant devices will not be able to make any calls, including to 111, after the shutdown. It is critical to check and update or upgrade your device so you can contact emergency services.
12. If I need to upgrade, can I recycle my old phone?
Yes, you can recycle your old phone for free with RE:MOBILE. There are free-post options, or over 500 drop-off locations across Aotearoa.
Learn more at: remobile.org.nz
13. Where can I get help?
Visit your mobile provider’s website or go instore for further support:
2degrees
One NZ
Spark
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