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Auckland Plein Air Group Paints Alberton
A unique exhibition will be held in Alberton 10-31 Aug 2025. Members of the Auckland Plein Air Group will be displaying artworks of the interior and exterior of the historic house. This will be the first time that such a theme has featured a heritage house in New Zealand. Work shown painted by … View moreA unique exhibition will be held in Alberton 10-31 Aug 2025. Members of the Auckland Plein Air Group will be displaying artworks of the interior and exterior of the historic house. This will be the first time that such a theme has featured a heritage house in New Zealand. Work shown painted by Graham Downs. Opening hours: Wed-Sun 1030am-4pm.
Choice News Tuesday: New Zealander named first Commonwealth Poet Laureate
Good news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!
Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New … View moreGood news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!
Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up, we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told."
Congratulations Selina, ka pai.
We hope this news brings a smile!
Do people earning $200,000 need help with childcare?
Government “choices” mean some of the families now receiving Family Boost payments for their early childhood education are among the 10% wealthiest in the country, an economist says.
A revamp to the Family Boost programme means those with household incomes up to $229,100 a year are now … View moreGovernment “choices” mean some of the families now receiving Family Boost payments for their early childhood education are among the 10% wealthiest in the country, an economist says.
A revamp to the Family Boost programme means those with household incomes up to $229,100 a year are now eligible for support with their childcare fees.
The available rebate is also increasing to 40% of fees paid, or a maximum of $1560 a quarter.
The change applies to fees paid in the September quarter, and from then on.
But Craig Renney, policy director of the Council of Trade Unions and an economist who was previously a senior economic adviser to then-Finance Minister Grant Robertson, said there were “choices” being made.
He said those on the highest incomes, in the top 10% according to the Stats NZ Household Expenditure Survey, were benefiting the most from the change.
“If your household earns $60,000 a year, you can get up to an extra $2340 annually in new support. If your household earns three times that, $180,000 – you will get an extra $3440 annually. That’s 47% more. For exactly the same thing – having children in early childhood education.”
The difference was because the higher earners were previously not eligible at all.
Renney said data also showed higher-earning households tended to spend more on early childhood education anyway, which meant they would have larger fees to claim rebates on.
Most were already spending the money without the Government’s assistance, he said.
It could have been better used to help make early childhood education more affordable or accessible to low or middle-income earners, he said.
“Instead of having a 40% cap across the piece that could be claimed, you could have said for very-low-income households we’ll make it 50, 60 or 100%.
“Because this is a rebate scheme, those on low incomes don’t have the money to be able to afford it in the first place to then get the rebate.
“I’m not saying these families don’t need the money but I’m saying if you were making choices about where to spend, for a Government that’s focused on value for money – you may get better outcomes for your dollar if you were actually spending it on expanding ECE provision in low-income communities.”
Asked whether the adjustment would affect the number of families who could receive the full $250-a-fortnight relief that National campaigned on before the last election, as a combination of the Family Boost package and tax cuts, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said that data was not available.
“The National Party campaigned on a tax relief plan that included multiple elements – shifting tax brackets to compensate for inflation, expanding tax credits to reach more modest income earners, increasing Working for Families tax credits and introducing the FamilyBoost childcare tax credit.
“We delivered on these policies in our first Budget. We made clear that the impact of these policies would vary according to family circumstances and encouraged people to use our tax calculator so they could find out what it would mean for them.”
She said the $250 example was a family with a household income of $120,000 split across two earners spending at least $300 a week on childcare.
“We did not model how many families would match that scenario.
“Inland Revenue is not geared up to calculate how many people would have matched that scenario in the past 12 months or will match it in the coming years. This is because some elements of the tax plan are calculated on an individual basis while others, including FamilyBoost, are calculated according to household income. Inland Revenue does not routinely collect information on household incomes.”
She said about 60,000 families had received the full FamilyBoost payment they were entitled to.
With the scheme expansion, she said, about 16,000 more families would probably benefit.
“The amount of rebate they receive will vary according to the fees they pay and the income they earn each quarter. The maximum a family can now receive from FamilyBoost is $240, an increase on the $150 that National campaigned on.
“To receive that amount, a family would have to be spending at least $300 a week on childcare and have a combined family income of less than $140,000 a year. Inland Revenue does not calculate how many families find themselves in that circumstance.”
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Food shock: Prices soar in June as fruit and veges follow butter and cheese spike
New stats show food prices rose 4.6% in the year to June – the largest rate of increase since late 2023.
That was up from a 4.4% increase in the year to May, Stats NZ’s latest Selected Price Indexes show.
Rising prices for fruit and vegetables in June have added to already elevated pricing … View moreNew stats show food prices rose 4.6% in the year to June – the largest rate of increase since late 2023.
That was up from a 4.4% increase in the year to May, Stats NZ’s latest Selected Price Indexes show.
Rising prices for fruit and vegetables in June have added to already elevated pricing for dairy products to push costs higher.
Higher prices for the fruit and vegetables group and the grocery foods group drove the increase in food prices for June 2025, Stats NZ said.
They were up 5% and 0.8% respectively for the month.
“More expensive tomatoes, capsicum, and broccoli drove the increase for fruit and vegetables, while higher prices for boxed chocolates and eggs drove the increase for grocery foods,” Stats NZ said.
Meanwhile, dairy and meat prices remain elevated, reflecting strong export prices on global markets.
“Dairy products continue to drive the higher cost in food prices,” said prices and deflators spokeswoman Nicola Growden.
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The average milk price was $4.57 for 2 litres, up 14.3% annually. Butter was $8.60 per 500g, up 46.5% annually, and cheese was $13.04 for a 1kg block, up 30% annually.
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“Butter prices are nearly five dollars more expensive than 10 years ago, an increase of over 120%,” Growden said.
The increase in the meat, poultry, and fish group was driven by higher prices for beef steak and beef mince, up 22.3% and 15.6%, respectively.
“The average cost for 1kg of beef mince was $21.73 in June 2025, up from $18.80 a year ago,” Growden said.
The increase in food prices was higher than expected, said ASB senior economist Mark Smith.
Meanwhile, rental prices continue to moderate.
Rent prices increased 2.6% in the 12 months to June 2025, following a 2.8% rise in the year to May.
The 2.6% increase is the lowest lift for rent prices since October 2011, when they rose 2.5%, Stats NZ said.
On a monthly basis, rents were flat, rising just 0.1%.
ASB’s Smith is forecasting it to land at an annual rate of 2.8% and rising above 3% in the third quarter.
That would be above the Reserve Bank’s target range of 1-3%. Elevated inflation concerns prompted the RBNZ to pause its cycle of interest rate cuts last week.
But Smith noted that there were good reasons to expect inflation to move lower by the end of the year and into 2026.
Reduced demand due to weak economic conditions should be disinflationary forces for the service sector and other non-tradable parts of the economy.
“We expect a further 25bp OCR cut in August but acknowledge that weak activity data and the downward skew to global risks could see a sub 3% OCR emerge by year-end,” he said.
But this outlook was not without risk, Smith said.
There was a possibility that the uptick in inflation proved to be more persistent than transitory, “providing an unwelcome lift to inflation expectations that central banks have worked arduously to re-anchor post-Covid”.
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Paint it red with Resene for Red Nose Day!
Buy any red testpot 60 mL from your local Resene owned ColorShop between 17 -31 July 2025 and Resene will donate $1 to Cure Kids.
The more red testpots you buy, the more will be donated!
Create a Kid-Approved Swing in Your Favourite Wood Stain
This quick and customisable project is ideal for those without a sturdy tree to hang a swing from, and it’s sure to bring joy to your little ones. Find out how to make and stain your own in your favourite Resene Woodsman wood stain finish with these easy step by step instructions.
Poll: Have you felt the impact of electricity price increases?
Last year, the Commerce Commission announced it had agreed to increase revenue limits to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the electricity network.
Consumer NZ have revealed their latest annual energy survey, and found that 11% of consumers have had to cut back on their heating, and … View moreLast year, the Commerce Commission announced it had agreed to increase revenue limits to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the electricity network.
Consumer NZ have revealed their latest annual energy survey, and found that 11% of consumers have had to cut back on their heating, and 20% of people have been struggling to pay their power bill in the past year.
How does your region compare? You can view and compare how the average monthly household use, charges, and bills vary regionally here.
We want to know: Is your household paying more for electricity this year?
Do you have any advice for your community on what changes you have found most effective in keeping costs down in your home or office? Share below!
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80.9% Yes! The increase has hit hard
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14.8% I am managing - we have found some solutions
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4.3% No - have not noticed much change
Retire in comfort and security
Premium care is just meters away from our village. Join our caring community, where passion thrives. Trust Terrace Kennedy House for exceptional care and meaningful connections.
Used Oppo Reno 8 Lite for quick sale
In good working order and near new condition. Text Michael on 0220498546 if interested.
Te Huia Sunday services are ready to launch---Now operating seven days!
After four years of operating New Zealand's newest interregional public transport rail service - originally running only two trips during weekdays - Te Huia will now be travelling seven days per week between Frankton in Hamilton and the Strand in central Auckland!
From Sunday 27 July, new … View moreAfter four years of operating New Zealand's newest interregional public transport rail service - originally running only two trips during weekdays - Te Huia will now be travelling seven days per week between Frankton in Hamilton and the Strand in central Auckland!
From Sunday 27 July, new trip times include a 2:45pm Northbound service to Auckland, and a 6:15pm Southbound service to Hamilton on Sundays.
These exciting service improvements bring Te Huia up to a massive 30 trips per week - that's a total weekly travel distance of over 4,020km! 🤯
With massive thanks to our friends at Kiwirail and Auckland Transport, Te Huia can now access the Auckland Rail Network on Sundays, which we hope will continue to increase travel opportunities and connectivity between the Waikato region and Auckland City.
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2 weeks left to enter the Winter Puzzle Comp!
Don’t miss your chance to WIN one of five iPads, valued at $699 each!
Simply grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online at thepost.co.nz/puzzletime.
The more puzzles you complete, the higher your chance to WIN! The competition ends … View moreDon’t miss your chance to WIN one of five iPads, valued at $699 each!
Simply grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online at thepost.co.nz/puzzletime.
The more puzzles you complete, the higher your chance to WIN! The competition ends on 28 July. To find out more about participating newspapers,click here.
The Team at The Post
Afterschool Netball Skills
Looking to further your child's skill development, or
they just need a little extra guidance? Join our skills clinics, led by quality coaches!
Afterschool Clinics details:
📅 Wednesday afternoons in St Johns 🏠 Starting 23
July
📅 Friday afternoons in Mt Eden 🏠 Starting 25 … View moreLooking to further your child's skill development, or
they just need a little extra guidance? Join our skills clinics, led by quality coaches!
Afterschool Clinics details:
📅 Wednesday afternoons in St Johns 🏠 Starting 23
July
📅 Friday afternoons in Mt Eden 🏠 Starting 25 July
⏰ Year 1-4: 4.00pm - 5.00pm
⏰ Year 5-8: 5.15pm - 6.15pm
Weekend Clinics details:
📅 Sunday afternoons in St Johns 🏠 Starting 3
August
⏰ Year 1-4: 1.00pm - 2.00pm
⏰ Year 5-8: 2.15pm - 3.15pm
Meditation: Toolkit For Calm
When: July 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31. 7pm – 8:30pm nightly.
Venue: Sri Chinmoy Centre, 89 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden.
Entry is just around the corner from 89 Dominion Rd, through the first entrance in Tawari Street.
Inner peace, simplicity and happiness have always been there inside us, qualities… View moreWhen: July 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31. 7pm – 8:30pm nightly.
Venue: Sri Chinmoy Centre, 89 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden.
Entry is just around the corner from 89 Dominion Rd, through the first entrance in Tawari Street.
Inner peace, simplicity and happiness have always been there inside us, qualities of our heart and soul that are often hidden and lost beneath the busy
complexities of our mind.
This free six-evening course covers the essential
techniques in learning and mastering meditation, rediscovering the inner life and restoring clarity and calm. Our presenter is Jogyata Dallas, who has taught workshops on meditation in many countries and authored several books about the subject and his own personal experiences.
Each evening introduces new material and meditation exercises that encourage stillness in the mind, body and breath, mantras and chants, the principle branches of yoga, and examines the seven essential steps in developing a more spiritual lifestyle. It is recommended that you start on the first or second evening rather than joining after this.
No need to bring anything, ample local street parking.
Admission is free, however registration is encouraged to ensure seating.
Please register to:
Ailsa 021 892 153.
All welcome.
Age Well Kiwi
We are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.
With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of … View moreWe are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.
With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.
We meet on the first Saturday of the month 2-3:30pm in Mt. Roskill.
If you are interested in joining us and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com.
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Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre HQ Child Care & Education
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Lawn Masters Central Auckland Lawnmowing Services
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Clinical Smiles Dental Clinics
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Whakatau Mai I The Wellbeing Sessions, by Changing Minds Online Zoom event
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Mercy Gates Mt Roskill Intermediate School Denbigh Ave, Mt Roskill
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