Sandringham news is brought to you by the team at Central Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
Care, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, … View moreCare, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym.
Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.
If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.
Contact long time manager Bruce to book a visit today!
Care, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, … View moreCare, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym.
Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.
If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.
Contact long time manager Bruce to book a visit today!
From 7 to 18 December, there will be night-time closures on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am) to carry out wire rope barrier maintenance. Please expect delays when travelling through this area.
Celebrities, billionaire Graeme Hart and a who’s who of property developers each gave up to $50,000 to fund Wayne Brown’s mayoral re-election campaign.
Electoral returns made public today show Brown was flush with about $606,000 in campaign funds, while his only serious competitor, Whau … View moreCelebrities, billionaire Graeme Hart and a who’s who of property developers each gave up to $50,000 to fund Wayne Brown’s mayoral re-election campaign.
Electoral returns made public today show Brown was flush with about $606,000 in campaign funds, while his only serious competitor, Whau councillor Kerrin Leoni, received just $16,076 in four donations over the $1500 declaration limit.
She relied heavily on donations of less than $1500 to raise $83,111.83 to run her campaign, while Brown spent $323,872, with nearly $280,00 left over from his wealthy donors.
Leoni, a low-profile first-term councillor, stood little chance against the high-profile Brown, who romped home for a second term by a margin of 100,000 votes.
Among the donors who gave $5000 to Brown were former All Black and Waiheke resident Marc Ellis, and Black Knights Football, which refers to Auckland FC, of which former All Black Ali Williams and his wife Anna Mowbray are minority co-owners.
Williams attended Brown’s election-night party at the West End Tennis Club at Coxs Bay, a short walk from the $24 million coastal home he shares with Mowbray.
Through his Rank Group company, Hart, who is worth an estimated $12.1 billion, gave $50,000 to Brown’s campaign. Property investment firm Tramco Group, whose directors own big landholdings on the Auckland waterfront, also chipped in with $50,000.
Other donors included Precinct Properties ($10,000), engineering firm BECA ($5000), Park Hyatt Hotel ($18,400), Hancocks Wine ($8000), Golf Warehouse ($20,000), Bayleys Real Estate ($10,000) and Hopper Developments ($5000).
Leoni, who was the Labour councillor for Whau but stood as an independent in the mayoral race, received donations from former Auckland Mayor and Labour leader Phil Goff ($1500), former Labour minister Judith Tizard ($5000) and longtime Labour operative Greg Presland ($7576).
She said Brown had the advantage of building relationships during his first term to raise donations, but she was proud of obtaining 20% of the vote by raising and spending $83,000.
The greater handicap during the election campaign was the lack of mainstream media coverage, with live television debates largely watched by older people, who formed the largest group of voters, she said.
The election resulted in the lowest super city turnout of under 30%.
Leoni, a mother of twins who has degrees in politics and economics, Māori development and social services, said she was having a break from the council to refocus and would decide on what to do next in the New Year.
Brown, who has said he will not seek a third term, declined to say what would happen to the nearly $280,000 left over from his campaign, saying he does not comment on other people’s donations, except to say they were a sign of the level of support for what candidates stood for.
Auckland Council electoral officer Dale Ofsoske said there were no rules governing how candidates used leftover campaign funds, though many choose to keep them for future campaigns.
Candidates could do what they liked with the money, he said.
Three years ago, Brown raised $310,000 in donations and had to dig into his own pocket to top up the $470,00 cost of his campaign.
Donations of $10,000 or more to Wayne Brown
======================================
Tramco Group - $50,000
Rank Group - $50,000
CP Group - Aphi Funds manager - $25,000
Peninsula Capital $25,000
Knight Investments Ltd - D Nakhle - $20,000
Hugh Green Ltd - $20,000
Stonewood Group - $20,000
Golf Warehouse - $20,000
Aedifice Development - $20,000
AHL Park Hyatt Hotel - $18,400
Clifftop Services - PC Cooper - $15,000
Mr MJ Todd - $15,000
Gilligan Rowe & Associates - $11,000
Liu Vincent - $10,000
Southside Group - Chris Jones - $10,000
Van Den Brink - $10,000
Williams Corporation - M. Horncastle - $10,000
Precinct Properties - $10,000
Oyster Capital - $10,000
Bayleys Real Estate - $10,000
N McKenna - $10,000
Donations of $1500 or more to Kerrin Leoni
====================================
Greg Presland - $7576
Judith Tizard - $5000
Te Ata Thompson - $2000
Phil Goff - $1500
====================================================
Here is the perfect bench seat and picnic table to enjoy outdoor living in your own back yard. Powder coated aluminum frame, galvanized steel to brace table legs and wooden back and seat for park bench seat. All in excellent condition
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop … View moreHow many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
The Government will increase the minimum wage by 2% from April next year.
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden announced the hourly wage would move from the current $23.50 to $23.95 in line with advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
“Moderate” increases … View moreThe Government will increase the minimum wage by 2% from April next year.
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden announced the hourly wage would move from the current $23.50 to $23.95 in line with advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
“Moderate” increases of the minimum wage formed part of NZ First’s coalition agreement with National.
Van Velden says the new rate, which would impact around 122,500 New Zealand workers, strikes a right balance between keeping up with the cost of living – the Reserve Bank expects inflation to fall to around 2% by mid-2026 – and no adding more pressure to the costs of running a business.
The starting out and training minimum wage would be move to $19.16 to remain at 80% of the adult minimum wage.
The minimum wage was last increased on April 1 this year. That 1.5% increased to $23.50, affecting between 80,000 and 145,000 workers, was not at the time in line with inflation which sat around 2.5% in March.
“I know those pressures have made it a tough time to do business, which is why we have taken this balanced approach. With responsible economic management, recovery and relief is coming,” Van Velden said.
“I am pleased to deliver this moderate increase to the minimum wage that reflects this Government’s commitment to growing the economy, boosting incomes and supporting Kiwis in jobs throughout New Zealand.”
Official documents from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) show the department provided the Minister with seven options for the minimum wage, ranging from maintaining the current rate or increasing by 3% up to $24.20 per hour.
A 2% increase was recommended, the Ministry said, as this was ”considered to best balance the two limbs of the objective - protecting the real income of low-paid workers and minimising job losses."
“CPI inflation forecasts suggest annual inflation will ease to be within the 2–2.5% range in the first half of 2026 and remain relatively stable at around 2% from June 2026 through to 2028.
“These forecasts indicate that a 2% increase would largely maintain the real income of minimum wage workers relative to the level of the minimum wage when it last increased on 1 April 2025.”
Officials said a 2% increase wouldn’t have significant employment restraint effects.
But given recent economic data, including a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contraction and elevated unemployment, MBIE said it favoured a “cautious approach”.
“A 2% increase to the adult minimum wage is expected to affect approximately 122,500 workers, including those currently earning at or below the minimum wage, or between the current rate and $23.95.”
The key groups that would be impacted include youth, part-time, female, and Māori workers, as well as sectors like tourism, horticulture, agriculture, cleaning, hospitality, and retail.
“While these workers would benefit from a wage increase, they may also be more exposed to employer responses to increased labour costs such as reduced hours or adjustments to non-wage benefits,” the ministry said
“The estimated fiscal cost to government from this increase is relatively modest, at $17.5 million annually, consistent with the small cost estimates across all rate options.”
=====================================================
At Triton Hearing Kapiti, you’ll find us on Amohia Street in a spacious, welcoming clinic with easy flat-access parking. Our friendly team supports the Kapiti community, providing expert care in a relaxed, lounge-style environment.
From routine hearing checks to advanced solutions, we ensure … View moreAt Triton Hearing Kapiti, you’ll find us on Amohia Street in a spacious, welcoming clinic with easy flat-access parking. Our friendly team supports the Kapiti community, providing expert care in a relaxed, lounge-style environment.
From routine hearing checks to advanced solutions, we ensure every visit is simple and personalised. We love seeing clients reconnect with the sounds and moments they’ve been missing, whether it’s a loved one’s voice, music, or everyday life. Family-friendly and community focused, our Kapiti clinic makes hearing easy and enjoyable for everyone.
Christmas dinner is supposed to be joyful, celebratory – yet seems to have quietly become one of the season’s more stressful undertakings. Even households that keep things modest can feel the pinch when supermarket prices creep up and festive expectations stay high. Yet it’s entirely possible… View moreChristmas dinner is supposed to be joyful, celebratory – yet seems to have quietly become one of the season’s more stressful undertakings. Even households that keep things modest can feel the pinch when supermarket prices creep up and festive expectations stay high. Yet it’s entirely possible to serve a generous, properly festive meal for four for under $100, without resorting to packet gravy, instant stuffing or anything that tastes like compromise.
This is a menu that feels like Christmas, looks abundant and uses ordinary supermarket ingredients treated well. It slots comfortably under $100 across Pak’nSave, Woolworths and New World, and includes easy swaps for fussy households, clever ways to use what you already have, and simple ideas for making the table look special without spending extra.
A chic seafood starter
==================
Seafood is an elegant way to open a meal and, when you choose cleverly, one of the most cost-effective.
Mussels in white wine, garlic and cream are a standout. At around $5-$7 a kilo, they offer enormous impact for very little money. Steam them with garlic, a splash of the wine you’re already serving and a touch of cream, then finish with lemon and herbs. Tip them into a large serving bowl and let everyone help themselves. It feels summery, generous and unmistakably festive.
If mussels aren’t universally adored in your household, a refined prawn cocktail is the perfect alternative. Frozen prawns, thawed and tossed in a homemade Marie Rose sauce (mayo, ketchup, lemon juice, paprika), look instantly polished when served in cocktail glasses or small bowls with a few herbs scattered over. It’s retro chic. Or skewer prawns, flavoured with whatever you have – garlic butter, sweet chilli, paprika …
A chicken that looks genuinely festive
===============================
Turkey and ham have their devotees, but a whole chicken remains the most economical centrepiece for four. Prices vary from around $9 to $14 depending on the supermarket, and with a little attention it can look and taste like a genuine showstopper.
The simplest, most effective way to make it feel special is a bacon lattice. Lay streaky bacon strips over the breast in a loose criss-cross. As it cooks, the bacon bastes the bird, crisps beautifully and infuses the pan juices with the savoury depth you’d normally associate with Christmas ham. Slide a garlic and herb butter under the skin first, tuck halved lemons or oranges around the tray and roast until the bacon is bronzed and the chicken deeply aromatic. The whole thing looks far more expensive than it is.
For households who prefer something quicker-cooking or more “chef-y”, a butterflied chicken is an excellent alternative. It cooks evenly, the skin goes crisp, and you can work flavoured butter into every nook.
Once the chicken is done, make a proper pan gravy from the roasting dish. Add a spoon of flour, a splash of wine or water and whisk until glossy. A little mustard or a touch of cream turns it into something quietly luxurious.
Sides that stretch the meal and brighten the table
========================================
Vegetables are where you create generosity without driving up the bill, and they bring much of the colour and fragrance that make a meal feel celebratory.
Rosemary roast potatoes are non-negotiable. Use the rosemary you bought for the chicken, coat the potatoes well in oil and roast until crisp at the edges.
Honey-orange carrots bring warmth, sweetness and scent. Roast sliced carrots with a little honey and finish with orange zest from the fruit already in your tray.
Minted butter peas prove that frozen vegetables can be elegant. A toss with butter, salt, lemon zest and mint is enough to lift them.
Pavlova, but zhuzhed
==================
Pavlova is almost mandatory at a New Zealand Christmas, but the trick is to treat it in a way that feels fresh.
A layered pavlova fool is the easiest way to elevate a bought base. Break it into shards, then layer it in a glass bowl with vanilla whipped cream, tinned peaches, mint and a handful of toasted nuts. It looks far more considered than a single pav on a plate, and it stretches further too. Making individual portions in small glasses adds a restaurant-style flourish without increasing the spend.
If you find frozen berries in the freezer – most households have a bag tucked away – blitz them with a little icing sugar to make a glossy sauce to pour over the top. It adds colour and acidity without the budget-pushing price of fresh berries.
For adults, a quick affogato is an elegant “second dessert” if you have vanilla ice cream in the freezer and some coffee on hand. An old bottle of Cointreau, brandy or Kahlua lurking adds a decadent splash. A scoop of ice cream drowned in hot coffee and, if you have it, a dash of whatever liqueur you have on hand feels like an indulgence, yet costs nothing extra.
The savings hidden in your garden and pantry
=====================================
Before you shop, check what you already have. December is the moment when gardens and pantries quietly come into their own.
Herbs first. Rosemary thrives almost everywhere at this time of year, thyme is forgiving and mint has a habit of taking over. Lemons linger on trees in much of the North Island, and even one fruit can provide zest for chicken, peas and carrots. Borrowing a sprig of rosemary or a lemon from a neighbour is well within the bounds of festive generosity.
Then survey the pantry. A single can of chickpeas can be roasted with smoked paprika for a crunchy nibble. Nuts and seeds can be toasted and sprinkled over vegetables or folded into pavlova layers. Olives whizz into tapenade. Anchovies melt into flavoured butter for potatoes. Breadcrumbs toasted in butter and garlic add crunch to almost anything.
Your freezer is likely to be just as useful. Bread ends become crostini, berries become sauce and peas become a side dish. Ice cream turns into affogato. Using these odds and ends often keeps the supermarket bill tens of dollars lower.
A stylish table without extra spending
===============================
A festive table doesn’t require a last-minute shopping spree. A few sprigs of rosemary down the centre of the table make an instant garland. Citrus slices in a jug of water double as decoration and refreshment. Plain napkins tied with old ribbon look thoughtful. Jam jars with candles provide atmosphere. The principle is simple: arrange what you have with intention.
The final tally
===========
Across all major supermarket chains, this menu – seafood starter, bacon-latticed chicken with sides, pavlova fool and even a simple affogato – reliably comes in between $70 and $90 depending on specials. It’s generous, flavourful and unmistakably festive. Most importantly, nobody at the table will guess where the savings were made. A feast for four for under $100, without the compromise.
=======================================================
You’ve had the perfect gift all along. Book your blood or plasma donation today.
Create handcrafted celebrations using Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
The First Light Property Fund Limited provides wholesale investors with exposure to six premium industrial and commercial assets located across Auckland and Hamilton.
As a tax efficient PIE-structured vehicle, … View moreThe First Light Property Fund Limited provides wholesale investors with exposure to six premium industrial and commercial assets located across Auckland and Hamilton.
As a tax efficient PIE-structured vehicle, the Fund is designed to deliver stable monthly returns and long-term capital appreciation. All of the commercial assets in the portfolio are NABERSNZ-accredited, enabling access to ESG-linked lending benefits.
This is an opportunity to invest in an established and high-performing commercial property Fund and participate in collective ownership alongside other experienced investors.
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 … View moreNew 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.
0800 ROOF PAINTERS
Protect & Beautify Your Roof
Locally owned and family-run since 1986, 0800 Roof Painters are trusted experts in roof coatings. We specialise in all roof types - concrete, decramastic, Coloursteel, and clay and are Senior Applicators of Procoat Professional Roof Coatings,… View more0800 ROOF PAINTERS
Protect & Beautify Your Roof
Locally owned and family-run since 1986, 0800 Roof Painters are trusted experts in roof coatings. We specialise in all roof types - concrete, decramastic, Coloursteel, and clay and are Senior Applicators of Procoat Professional Roof Coatings, offering 10–15 year guarantees.
✔ Roof Maintenance
✔ Moss & Mould Treatment
✔ Pressure Cleaning
✔ Texturing & Spraying
✔ No Hidden Costs
We use advanced equipment for quality results and minimal downtime. Friendly service, honest pricing, and proven experience you can rely on.
Call 0800 ROOF PAINTERS today for a FREE quote!
Email; info@roofpainters.co.nz
Website: www.roofpainters.co.nz
Auckland-wide service you can trust.
Almost 7000 pensioners have been affected by another Inland Revenue error.
Last week, RNZ reported that 4500 people had overpaid tax after their imputation credits had been incorrectly recorded in their prep-populated tax returns.
Others got in touch and said they had also experienced a problem, … View moreAlmost 7000 pensioners have been affected by another Inland Revenue error.
Last week, RNZ reported that 4500 people had overpaid tax after their imputation credits had been incorrectly recorded in their prep-populated tax returns.
Others got in touch and said they had also experienced a problem, this time with the way that NZ Super was recorded for ACC purposes.
One man said he had been charged $301.68 in ACC earner levy for $18,854.98 of gross income from NZ Super that should not have attracted a levy at all.
He said he was not able to control this when he completed his return and did not realise the error until the process was complete.
He said he did not think a lot more about it but when he saw RNZ's reporting of the other error, he realised that there had been at least two this year.
"This really starts to suggest a deficiency in change control of IRD systems."
Another couple said they wanted assurance that Inland Revenue had taken steps to stop it happening again.
======================================
Inland Revenue said 6778 people were affected.
======================================
"There was an issue identified earlier this year where we were not populating the 'earnings not liable' figure correctly for some customers. We fixed those returns for the customers in July 2025."
Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand tax leader John Cuthbertson said ACC was not paid on NZ Super because it was not liable income.
"However, if you're working and receiving NZ Super, your earnings from that work do attract levies."
"The advancements in digitalisation and MyIR have been quite incredible, except when it goes wrong like this. You shouldn't need a Chartered Accountant to check prepopulated forms, but the average person might not know that super income does not attract ACC levies. We used to say 'google it' but many taxpayers are now using AI to do a basic check of their tax returns, asking simple questions like 'Should I pay 'x' levy on 'y' income?"
Angus Ogilvie, managing director of Generate Accounting Group, said it was concerning that issues seemed to be leading to erroneous data being prepopulated into Inland Revenue's system.
"The new software employed was a very costly and complex project. However, taxpayers should expect that there is a high level of diligence applied to get their tax obligations right. Let's hope that the department is devoting urgent resource to correct these issues".
======================================================
As 2025 comes to a close, all of us at Dyverse Dentures want to say a heartfelt thank you to our amazing customers and community.
Your trust, support, and smiles have made this year so special and we feel truly honoured to be your local denture specialists here in Māngere.
Whether you came … View moreAs 2025 comes to a close, all of us at Dyverse Dentures want to say a heartfelt thank you to our amazing customers and community.
Your trust, support, and smiles have made this year so special and we feel truly honoured to be your local denture specialists here in Māngere.
Whether you came in for a consultation, a repair, or a full set of new dentures – thank you for choosing us.
We’re proud to support our community with compassionate care and quality service, and we look forward to continuing that in the year ahead.
Wishing you a joyful and relaxing holiday season!
– From Rattana, Ethan, and the team at Dyverse Dentures
12C Waddon Place, Māngere
(09) 634-4543
My Uncle went to Overseas but left 8 Bottles of ,
Male Enhancement Gummies ,1000MG,30 Capsules Each, in Auckland.
It's an American Men's Health Supplement to cure ED .
I don't know much but he asked me to sell on the Neighbourly Communities to benefit the needy people.
1 Bottle… View moreMy Uncle went to Overseas but left 8 Bottles of ,
Male Enhancement Gummies ,1000MG,30 Capsules Each, in Auckland.
It's an American Men's Health Supplement to cure ED .
I don't know much but he asked me to sell on the Neighbourly Communities to benefit the needy people.
1 Bottle for $40 + 1 Bottle Free ( Free Delivery )
If you buy 4 Bottles , we will give 4 Bottles Free , with Free delivery at $120
So be quick before it's sold out.
Imagine waking up somewhere that feels like home - not just a house, but a community. Kandahar Village offers just that, with modern villas, leafy surroundings and the calm pace Masterton is loved for. Host family and friends, or simply relax knowing you’re part of something special.
Prices … View moreImagine waking up somewhere that feels like home - not just a house, but a community. Kandahar Village offers just that, with modern villas, leafy surroundings and the calm pace Masterton is loved for. Host family and friends, or simply relax knowing you’re part of something special.
Prices start at $650k, and for those who move in soon, there’s even a 12-month monthly fee holiday plus a $20,000 cash-back on settlement (for those who sign up before end of February 2026)
Pop by, say hello, and see if life here feels right for you.
My Uncle went to India permanently but forgot 9 Bottles of ,
Glyco Guard,500MG,30 Capsules Each, in Auckland.
It's an Australian Dietary Supplement to control Diabetes .
I don't know much but he asked me to sell on the Neighbourly Communities to benefit the diabetic people.
2 Bottle … View moreMy Uncle went to India permanently but forgot 9 Bottles of ,
Glyco Guard,500MG,30 Capsules Each, in Auckland.
It's an Australian Dietary Supplement to control Diabetes .
I don't know much but he asked me to sell on the Neighbourly Communities to benefit the diabetic people.
2 Bottle for $40 + 2 Bottle Free ( Free Delivery )
We don't sell single bottle but can give 5 Bottles Free if you buy 4 Bottles for $80 with free delivery.
We’re gathering the community’s very best festive tips, to-dos, and treasured traditions all in one cheerful place!
🎄 Got a shortcut that saves your sanity?
🎄 A recipe that must make an appearance every year?
🎄 Or a clever idea that makes the holidays smoother, warmer, or a … View moreWe’re gathering the community’s very best festive tips, to-dos, and treasured traditions all in one cheerful place!
🎄 Got a shortcut that saves your sanity?
🎄 A recipe that must make an appearance every year?
🎄 Or a clever idea that makes the holidays smoother, warmer, or a whole lot more magical?
🎄 Got a time-saving holiday hack?
🎄 A tradition that fills your home with cheer?
🎄 Or a crafty idea that turns simple moments into magical memories?
Share your festive wisdom with your neighbours and help make this season brighter for everyone!
There’s something lovely about a village where faces become familiar and conversations come easily. Kandahar Village is intimate, friendly and just the right size to feel personal - a place where everyone looks out for one another.
Villas are priced from $650k with a 12-month monthly fee … View moreThere’s something lovely about a village where faces become familiar and conversations come easily. Kandahar Village is intimate, friendly and just the right size to feel personal - a place where everyone looks out for one another.
Villas are priced from $650k with a 12-month monthly fee holiday and a $20,000 cash-back on settlement available to new residents who sign before 28 February 2026
You’re warmly invited to visit and picture yourself living here.
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer … View morePolice are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
There’s something lovely about a village where faces become familiar and conversations come easily. Kandahar Village is intimate, friendly and just the right size to feel personal - a place where everyone looks out for one another.
Villas are priced from $650k with a 12-month monthly fee … View moreThere’s something lovely about a village where faces become familiar and conversations come easily. Kandahar Village is intimate, friendly and just the right size to feel personal - a place where everyone looks out for one another.
Villas are priced from $650k with a 12-month monthly fee holiday and a $20,000 cash-back on settlement available to new residents who sign before 28 February 2026
You’re warmly invited to visit and picture yourself living here.
While New Zealand might have about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000 a year, there are almost as many paying barely more than the minimum wage.
Data compiled by Infometrics showed the median and mean salaries across industries throughout the country.
The data does not adjust for … View moreWhile New Zealand might have about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000 a year, there are almost as many paying barely more than the minimum wage.
Data compiled by Infometrics showed the median and mean salaries across industries throughout the country.
The data does not adjust for hours worked, and some of the workers may not be working a 40-hour week.
But it shows that on an annual basis, many sectors were not delivering incomes that were equal to the minimum wage.
The minimum wage of $23.50 an hour works out to just under $49,000 a year for a full-time, 40-hour a week worker.
Fuel retailing was paying a median of almost exactly the same amount.
Food retailing was paying less, at $45,030. Accommodation was slightly more, at $49,240, and food and beverage services was significantly less at $40,170.
Also within $10,000 of minimum wage were "other store-based retailing" at $53,220, sport and recreation services at $53,350 and personal and other services at $54,170.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data last year showed that about 141,900 people would be directly affected by the minimum wage rising to $23.50, indicating they were at that point being paid less than that amount per hour.
Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon said skills and experience explained a lot of the variation in incomes.
"Industries that need a more skilled workforce generally pay more - because they can get a lot of value out of their workers, and workers need a good incentive to gain those skills - for example, medicine. Industries that take in a lot of lower qualified staff, like hospitality, can get away with paying a lot less, and still get plenty of job applicants.
"There are other factors like desirability - some jobs might not have a high skill requirement but are somewhat undesirable - say underground coal mining - so higher pay is necessary to find workers."
CTU policy director and economist Craig Enney said "hours adequacy" was a big problem in many sectors.
"You've got someone who's working 20 hours a week or 25 hours, on $25 an hour, so you're earning $500 a week. Is that enough? No.
"The challenge is often about the structure of employment in some of those sectors…In hospo, in retail, in catering, in a range of other sort of service-based industries, it's wanting more hours and not getting it."
The latest labour market statistics showed the the number of underutilised people in the country had risen to 403,000.
"These are people who want more hours, want more work and can't get it. And that may be a key reason why, you know, total incomes are so inadequate for some people. And that's also partially helping to explain why the headline unemployment rate is not rising as quickly as some people had predicted."
Jake Lilley, a spokesperson for financial mentor network Fincap, said it was something mentors dealt with.
"They also help people work out what is realistic in terms of taking on hours while balancing additional childcare costs. Our latest Voices reporting recorded 31 percent of those supported by a financial mentor as having a mix of income from salary or wages as well as income support.
"It is a real juggle to navigate finances when unpredictable sporadic hours of work need reporting to Work and Income in what can be impractical timeframes. An example might be someone being asked to stay on for a longer shift by their manager and being unable to contact Work and Income when that day is the deadline to report other income.
"Someone might also not know exactly what their pay will be until a payslip is provided after the reporting date. Such situations can often result in overpayment debts from Work and Income compounding the difficulty of administering already tight finances."
=======================================================
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is carrying out essential maintenance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this December and January. The southbound clip-on lanes will be closed (24/7) from 26 December to 5 January for road resurfacing. Night-time lane restrictions will be in place throughout the summer… View moreNZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is carrying out essential maintenance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this December and January. The southbound clip-on lanes will be closed (24/7) from 26 December to 5 January for road resurfacing. Night-time lane restrictions will be in place throughout the summer for recoating work on the bridge. Traffic will still be able to travel in both directions at all times.
Every single blood donation you give can save 3 lives. Blood is needed to help over 29,000 New Zealanders every year. Now there’s a new place you can go to donate blood and help people who need it. NZ Blood’s new donor centre at 65 Constellation Drive on Auckland’s North Shore is now open.
… View moreEvery single blood donation you give can save 3 lives. Blood is needed to help over 29,000 New Zealanders every year. Now there’s a new place you can go to donate blood and help people who need it. NZ Blood’s new donor centre at 65 Constellation Drive on Auckland’s North Shore is now open.
Book now to donate at nzblood.co.nz, download the NZ Blood App or call 0800 448 325.
Wednesday 10 December, 10am - 3pm
Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.
More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.
The best way is to experience it for … View moreWednesday 10 December, 10am - 3pm
Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.
More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.
The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!
From 7 to 18 December, there will be night-time closures on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am) to carry out wire rope barrier maintenance. Please expect delays when travelling through this area.
From 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the … View moreFrom 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…
