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Choice News Tuesday: Our celebrity albatross is due for its first flight soon!
The only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.
Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream … View moreThe only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.
Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream of an albatross nest.
Why the live feed? Well, the royal albatross are slow-breeding birds, and lay only one egg every two years.
Currently the chick in the feed is in its post-guard period, and is left alone. The parents are only returning with food every few days. This little chick will be hitting a milestone really soon - it will finally take their first flight in September! Keep an eye on our little celebrity here.
We hope this link brings a smile!
Refresh your home with Resene!
Get $40 off Resene’s quality range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers with your Resene DIY card.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free! Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved… View moreGet $40 off Resene’s quality range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers with your Resene DIY card.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free! Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made right here in New Zealand.
Webinar: Council rates - here’s how it works
Hear from our team on how rates are set and ask your questions at our upcoming webinar.
📅 Thursday 21 August, 6 - 7.30pm
Join us online to learn about:
- Why and how the council sets rates
- Revaluation and its impact on rates
- See why some Aucklanders have had greater rates changes … View moreHear from our team on how rates are set and ask your questions at our upcoming webinar.
📅 Thursday 21 August, 6 - 7.30pm
Join us online to learn about:
- Why and how the council sets rates
- Revaluation and its impact on rates
- See why some Aucklanders have had greater rates changes than others
- Assistance available to ratepayers
- There will be an opportunity to have your questions answered
ℹ️ Find out more and register here: tinyurl.com...
Poll: Is restructuring the right tool for change?
Restructure.
A scary word that can make people uneasy—and for good reason. According to The Post, more than a third of New Zealand’s public services have recently faced it.
But why is restructuring the go-to strategy for driving change?
In The Post’s article '… View moreRestructure.
A scary word that can make people uneasy—and for good reason. According to The Post, more than a third of New Zealand’s public services have recently faced it.
But why is restructuring the go-to strategy for driving change?
In The Post’s article 'Reaching for change: Is our public service obsessed with restructuring?', doctoral candidate Annika Naschitzki from Victoria University is trying to understand repetitive restructuring.
New Zealand’s public service is often seen as risk-averse, slow-moving, and stuck. But interviewed staff indicate that they want change, that change is needed ... just not through restructuring.
Naschitzki doesn’t mince words: “We always have the same issues, but we keep trying to fix the same problem with the same hammer we've been using for decades.”
Are we leaning too heavily on structural change when real transformation might lie elsewhere? Perhaps through training, resourcing, tools, and practice, as Naschitzki suggests.
What do you think?
Is restructuring the right tool for meaningful change, or just a habit we can’t seem to break?
If you are wary of restructuring, how can we do better?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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7.4% Restructuring is the only option in the current climate
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25.5% Can be great if done in consultation with staff doing the work
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15.1% Any change is good, as long as we know what we are trying to achieve
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14.1% No, restructuring consumes too much resourcing
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35.6% There is no one-size-fits-all answer ...
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2.2% Other - I will share below
Scam Alert: Investment scam and remote access
Be aware of an investment scam that is allowing access to people’s phones.
How it works: The scam encourages you to install an app from an unverified source. This requires that you change your phone settings.
❌ DO NOT allow your phone to install unknown apps.
Once the app is … View moreBe aware of an investment scam that is allowing access to people’s phones.
How it works: The scam encourages you to install an app from an unverified source. This requires that you change your phone settings.
❌ DO NOT allow your phone to install unknown apps.
Once the app is installed, the scammers can gain access to your phone’s info. This will impact you, but may also facilitate scams on people you know using information lifted from your phone and installed apps.
For more information, head to Own Your Online
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Live stronger for longer
Stay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the … View moreStay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the life you want. Find a class near you today.
Crackerjack bargains you can't miss!
We’re the bargain hunter’s best friend!
At Crackerjack, we’re always on the hunt for unbeatable deals to keep your trolley full and your wallet happy! With fresh bargains landing weekly (and flying out fast), you’ll want to grab them before they’re gone. From everyday essentials to … View moreWe’re the bargain hunter’s best friend!
At Crackerjack, we’re always on the hunt for unbeatable deals to keep your trolley full and your wallet happy! With fresh bargains landing weekly (and flying out fast), you’ll want to grab them before they’re gone. From everyday essentials to international treats, exclusive ranges and more, there’s always something new to discover.
Check out our latest specials today!
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.
2023 local body elections
I just finished viewing two campaign videos from Genevieve Sage. One of these finished with Sage straight down the lens imploring for votes to end 10 years of power by the dastardly or something Labour Party. After the laughter died down we quickly decided Sage had already achieved this goal before… View moreI just finished viewing two campaign videos from Genevieve Sage. One of these finished with Sage straight down the lens imploring for votes to end 10 years of power by the dastardly or something Labour Party. After the laughter died down we quickly decided Sage had already achieved this goal before and our opposition to her candidacy will remain the same.
At the 2023 local body elections Sage stood for Waitemata Local board under the C&R Banner and after gaining the 4th highest tally for C&R it was still enough to give them power in Waitemata for the first time and ending 8 years of power by Labour.
That was until Sage conspired with The Northey led City Vision bloc and gained the chairmanship of the Waitemata Board along with it's wage and Usurping victory from the democratically elected C&R Waitemata.
We ask any voter in this electorate If you can get up and say, I believe Genevieve Sage is a worthy candidate for Public Office and can be trusted to keep the interests of the electorate ahead of her own.
We didn't get the answers we wanted 2 years ago but funnily enough we knew there would come a time for an informed electorate to decide at the ballot box.
Before it starts, Me I'm a life long Unionist that pays his dues to the Labour Party in retirement. Others the opposite but they can speak for themselves.. This is not about politics it's about corrupting our system by accepting the corruption.
Shall we vote on it...
Poll: What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?
Butter, power bills, and those sneaky surcharges on your card ... it feels like everything’s creeping up in price lately. We’ve seen the headlines, but we want to hear it from you.
Overall, Most Kiwis say they’re ‘not prospering’. But, according to Retirement Commission data, some … View moreButter, power bills, and those sneaky surcharges on your card ... it feels like everything’s creeping up in price lately. We’ve seen the headlines, but we want to hear it from you.
Overall, Most Kiwis say they’re ‘not prospering’. But, according to Retirement Commission data, some members of our community (women, Māori, and Pacific people) are experiencing worsening financial positions at elevated rates.
Stats NZ tells us that food prices have jumped 4.6% since this time last year, with meat and dairy doing most of the damage. This jump is hitting us all, but groceries are just one part of the picture.
When basic costs keep climbing, the old cost-saving tricks — like bulk-buying or stockpiling on sale — don’t always work. Who can afford to spend more upfront when every dollar already has a job?
We want to know: What costs have caught you off guard the most? What are the expenses that feel impossible to juggle right now?
Share your thoughts below!
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43.5% Grocery bills
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33% Utilities
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1% Your treats (the ones that keep you human day to day, and are ESSENTIAL!)
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0.1% Education
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7.6% Healthcare
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1.3% Travel (public transport/petrol)
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7.9% Rent or mortgage
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1.5% Social costs: birthday gifts and occasions
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4.1% Other - share below!
Last chance to enter!
Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.
Share a Bright Spot today for a … View moreDon't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.
Share a Bright Spot today for a chance to win one of ten prize packs worth $500.
And make sure you check out the entries so far too.
Why Choosing the Right Bed Matters – You’ll Be Surprised at the Reason
Hi Neighbours!
Before you settle for your next bed, read this:
www.stuff.co.nz...
Your bed isn’t just where you sleep — it’s where your health, comfort, and daily energy begin. The wrong choice can leave you waking up sore, tired, and frustrated.
The right one? It can completely … View moreHi Neighbours!
Before you settle for your next bed, read this:
www.stuff.co.nz...
Your bed isn’t just where you sleep — it’s where your health, comfort, and daily energy begin. The wrong choice can leave you waking up sore, tired, and frustrated.
The right one? It can completely change how you feel every single day.
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
Loading…- Premium Businesses
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Kirstin Collins - Harcourts Mt Albert Real Estate Agents
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Beds4U - Avondale Beds & Bedding
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Murray Halberg Retirement Village Retirement Villages
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Meditation NZ Mt Albert
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SPCA New Zealand 3047 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland
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