What is the Total Mobility Scheme and How to Apply?
The Total Mobility scheme reduces the cost of taxi services for eligible people who have a permanent disability and cannot independently use regular public transport services, all or some of the time. The Scheme covers physical, sensory, neurological, psychological, mental/psychiatric, cognitive, and intellectual impairment.
You will need to get an assessment done, and each regional council sets its own criteria for the assessments.
What you can get if you are eligible:
👉 If you are eligible you will get an electronic card or vouchers that allow you to get a discount of up to a 75% on taxi rides, up to a maximum fare. The maximum fare is set by your regional council. You must use one of the approved taxi companies for the scheme.
👉 If you have a carer, you can get subsidised taxi travel for both of you when you travel together.
The scheme also provides:
* funding to scheme providers to help purchase and install wheelchair hoists
* payment to the owner of the wheelchair accessible vehicle for each Total Mobility scheme member who requires the use of a wheelchair hoist or ramp.
How to apply:
Contact your regional council to apply to be part of the Total Mobility Scheme. Each region in New Zealand has different rules, so you need to check with your local council and find out what their rules are.
Info credit: Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand: cab.org.nz
Image credit: New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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