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We are hosting coffee mornings in the coming weeks if you would like to come catch up and hear about our 2026 program.
Wintergarden Cafe, Parnell on Tuesday 14th October at 10.00 AM
Address: The café is located at the Auckland Domain, 20 Kiosk Road, Parnell.
There is two-hour free public… View moreWe are hosting coffee mornings in the coming weeks if you would like to come catch up and hear about our 2026 program.
Wintergarden Cafe, Parnell on Tuesday 14th October at 10.00 AM
Address: The café is located at the Auckland Domain, 20 Kiosk Road, Parnell.
There is two-hour free public parking nearby.
Please RSVP to Rochelle if you are keen to join us rochelle@calderandlawsontours.co.nz
or phone 0800 853 276
Finding work may not be as easy as "getting off the PlayStation": data shows there are many times more potential job hunters than jobs advertised.
The Rotorua Daily Post reported Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told local business leaders that unemployed school leavers needed to … View moreFinding work may not be as easy as "getting off the PlayStation": data shows there are many times more potential job hunters than jobs advertised.
The Rotorua Daily Post reported Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told local business leaders that unemployed school leavers needed to "get off the couch and stop playing PlayStation".
And he told Morning Report on Monday there were employers "crying out" for young people.
But data shows in almost all parts of the country, there were more people unemployed than there were jobs available.
Using just the number of people on Work Ready JobSeeker benefits, not including those who are on the benefit for sickness or disability reasons, there are just under four people for every job ad, nationwide.
That's down from about nine in 2020 but about twice the rate of 2021 and 2022 and the number has stayed relatively constant since then.
The number of unemployed per job ad is five, which is not as high as the 2010 peak but higher than the 2020 number.
Luxon said Hawke's Bay and the South Island were particularly keen on workers but Hawke's Bay had 7359 jobSeekers and 568 jobs on Seek.
Based only on Trade Me jobs data, Kawerau had the highest ratio of jobseekers to jobs, at 228.
Queenstown-Lakes was the only area in balance by that measure.
Professor Matthew Roskruge, from the Massey University school of economics, said it was an "incredibly difficult" time to be looking for a job.
"Especially where they don't have really specific experience or certification… the regions from what we have seen have been hit particularly hard. Public service cuts look like they've hit regions hard and we've seen manufacturing go, too."
He said policies designed to push people off the benefit would work better when the labour market was stronger. "It might make sense if there was demand out there for employees but if we increase supply they have got to have somewhere to go."
Craig Renney, policy director at the Council of Trade Unions and previously an adviser to former Finance Minister Grant Robertson, agreed it was a tough market. "We're seeing more and more people want more work and can't get it."
He said the number of unemployed per job ad would understate the real picture because about 400,000 people were underutilised - not working as much as they would like to.
"We still appear to be shedding work, we see on a weekly basis at major plants and in particular manufacturing sites closing across the country."
He said the situation was worse in the North Island then the South.
He said many job ads were for temporary positions or commission-based roles that would not give security.
He said young people had been particular hit by the downturn. The number of unemployed 15 to 19 year olds had risen by 10,000 in two years, to 37,200.
Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said jobhunters without experience would be "at the back of the queue".
He said people should be careful about comparing regions because the boundaries could be arbitrary.
"People travel across territorial authority boundaries all the time."
But he said there were some localised areas of pain such as Tokoroa where there had been major employer closures.
"That means those local job opportunities are further reduced."
He said young people trying to enter a workforce during weak economic times could feel the effect for a long time.
"They miss out on that entry into the job, the career pathway. And then by the time the economy recovers, there's a new cohort of people who are competing for those positions."
Massey University Dean's Chair in Management Professor Jarrod Haar said it did not help anyone to have young people on benefits.
But he said it would be better to use the money that would have been spent on teenagers' benefits on encouraging businesses to hire them.
"The reality is there's just no jobs, you know, or let's be honest, there'll be the few jobs out there, but there'll be hundreds of young people wanting them, applying for them. And it'll be the case that demand outstrips supply in a big way."
Meanwhle, An orchardist says the horticulture industry is not crying out for workers.
Yummy Fruit Company chief executive Paul Paynter, who grows apples and stone fruit in Hawke's Bay, said the industry wasn't short staffed right now.
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The Government is introducing a $1000 incentive to keep young people on their new job coaching service off the dole, amid efforts to tackle the “trap” of starting on welfare at a young age.
A previously-announced plan to cut the dole for 18- and 19-year-olds who could be supported by their … View moreThe Government is introducing a $1000 incentive to keep young people on their new job coaching service off the dole, amid efforts to tackle the “trap” of starting on welfare at a young age.
A previously-announced plan to cut the dole for 18- and 19-year-olds who could be supported by their parents is also being brought forward to the end of next year - and it has now been revealed how much money parents can make before they are expected to support them.
If parents are earning a little over $65,000 they will be required to support their unemployed 18 and 19-year-olds, rather than the teens receiving the benefit.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston has today announced a carrot on the stick alongside the stricter rules: a $1000 bonus for certain young people who stay off the benefit for long enough.
“Young people participating in the Ministry of Social Development’s new Community Job Coaching service can apply for a $1000 bonus payment if they get a job and stay off the benefit for 12 months,” Upston said.
“Going on welfare when you’re young is a trap, with recent modelling suggesting that people under the age of 25 on Jobseeker Support will spend an average of 18 or more years on a benefit over their lifetimes.
There are more than 15,000 people aged 18 and 19 who are on the Jobseeker benefit right now, she said.
“I have far greater hopes and aspirations for those young Kiwis than a life on welfare.”
Upston outlined further details around the earlier announcement that young people would stop being eligible for the benefit if their parents could support them.
“Today, I can confirm that we are bringing our Budget initiative forward for implementation to November 2026. From then, all young people aged 18 and 19 without dependent children will have to pass a Parental Assistance Test in order to access Jobseeker Support or the equivalent Emergency Benefit,” she said.
“This targets welfare assistance to those who need it the most, as young people will be expected to first be supported by their parents.”
The new Parental Assistance Test will kick in when young people apply for a benefit and comprises:
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A parental income test, demonstrating whether their parents earn income at or below the income limit, and/or;
A parental support gap test, demonstrating they cannot reasonably be expected to rely on their parents for support.
The income limit will be set at an income cut-out point for a couple with children receiving the Supported Living Payment and will be adjusted annually.
Currently this limit is $65,529 and it is expected to rise to reflect the Annual General Adjustment of benefit payments.
This limit will ensure that young people from very low-income families will still be able to access support if required.
Eligibility for the new $1000 bonus payment will apply to people aged from 18 to 24 on Jobseeker Support:
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who have worked with Community Job Coaching after being on the benefit for at least 12 months
who find work
who stay off the benefit for 12 months
who are in work at the time of their application
The payment will be available for eligible young people 12 months later, from October 2026, and is part of National’s Welfare that Works policy.
“Our Government is focused on reducing benefit dependency in young people, and we have already introduced a number of initiatives such as a new phone-based employment case management service,” Upston said.
“We’ve got 4000 places for young people to get community job coaching. We’ve also got more regular work seminars and a traffic light system to help them stay on track with their benefit obligations.
“I am determined that young New Zealanders see education, work and training as their best options for the future.”
As of June this year, 15,045 18- and 19-year-olds were on Jobseeker Support, and more than 4000 are expected to become ineligible when the changes kick in.
The change was originally planned to happen in July 2027.
“With this announcement, we’re clearly saying that 18- and 19-year-olds who don’t study or work and can’t support themselves financially, should be supported by their parents or guardians, not by the taxpayer,” Upston said at the time.
Budget documents showed that it was forecast to save the Government $84 million a year from 2027.
Green Party social development and employment spokesman Ricardo Menéndez March said at the time the Government was “pulling the rug” on young people receiving income support.
“The Government has just told teenagers doing it tough that they are on their own. A lot of teenagers having to rely on benefits for support do not have family to lean on – the Government knows this, it just doesn’t care.”
Treasury expects unemployment to worsen over the next few years.
The jobless rate was now expected to be 5% over the next year, up from a forecast in December of 4.8%.
In 2027, unemployment is expected to be 4.8% – up from earlier forecasts of 4.5%.
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1. Am I ready to part with my home and some of my things?
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Moving into a retirement village usually involves downsizing. That could mean shifting from a three-bedroom home to a two-bedroom villa, or even an apartment. It can feel liberating to … View more1. Am I ready to part with my home and some of my things?
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Moving into a retirement village usually involves downsizing. That could mean shifting from a three-bedroom home to a two-bedroom villa, or even an apartment. It can feel liberating to simplify, but the emotional attachment to a family home and a lifetime of belongings is real.
Ask yourself:
What will I need day to day, and what can I let go of?
Am I prepared to sell or donate furniture, keepsakes, or tools?
Would I need storage for things I want to keep but can’t take with me?
It helps to walk through a few village homes and visualise what daily life might look like. Could this space feel like home?
2. How do I feel about community living?
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One of the biggest lifestyle shifts is moving into a more communal environment. Villages vary in size and each has its own unique culture.
Consider:
Do I enjoy meeting new people and joining in social activities?
Would I make use of the shared spaces, such as lounges and other facilities?
How do I feel about having neighbours close by?
All retirement villages let you choose how involved you want to be, but it’s worth thinking about whether a shared lifestyle suits your preferences.
3. Do I understand the costs and how they differ from buying a home?
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This is a big one. Retirement villages have a unique financial structure, and it’s important to go in with a clear understanding of how it works. Generally, you’ll encounter three main types of costs:
Upfront payment (capital sum):
This gives you the right to live in your chosen home and access the village facilities. You don’t technically own the home; instead, you are purchasing a ‘license to occupy’. Compare this initial capital sum to similar properties in the same area. It should be slightly lower, since you are unlikely to receive financial benefit from any resale gains.
Ongoing weekly fees:
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This fee covers the general running costs of the village, things like maintenance, rates, insurance, staff wages, and sometimes amenities or events.
Ask what’s included and how often the fees are reviewed.
Compare these to what you currently pay living independently (e.g. lawn care, house maintenance, rates, and water).
couple paperwork
Every village is different, so always review the Occupation Right Agreement and village disclosure statement closely.
Deferred management fee:
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This is charged when you leave and is usually a percentage of your initial capital sum (often capped at 20–30%). It contributes to long-term costs such as:
Refurbishment of your home prior to a new resident moving in
Maintenance of communal village areas, buildings, and facilities
Costs incurred during the resale process (e.g. marketing, admin, legal)
It’s not a cost you’d typically pay when selling a standalone home, so it’s worth understanding what’s included and how it may impact your estate.
4. Will the location work for me long-term?
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Moving to a retirement village could bring you closer to shops, cafés, or healthcare, but further from family, friends, or familiar surroundings.
Ask yourself:
Do I want to stay in my current area, or am I open to moving?
Will it be easy for friends and family to visit?
Are there transport options nearby if I stop driving?
Also think long term, what will matter most to you five or ten years from now?
5. What kind of support might I need later on, and does the village offer it?
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Not all villages offer healthcare services or higher levels of care. Some provide support within your home (e.g. help with medication or personal care), while others have an onsite care facility.
Consider:
Does the village offer ‘continuum of care’ if your needs change?
Would you prefer to move once now or potentially again if your health changes?
What kind of support is important to you - nursing, transport to appointments, meal services?
Even if you’re in great health now, having a plan for the future gives you and your family peace of mind.
Don’t wait too long to start looking
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Many people wait until a move feels urgent, but the best time to explore your options is when you have the time and energy to visit villages, talk to residents, and compare what’s out there.
Some people join waitlists years in advance - and that’s okay. Taking your time means you’re more likely to find a village that truly fits.
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The Long-Term Fiscal Statement just dropped. At first glance, it might seem a bit dry, but the message is pretty clear ... and a bit worrying. The big takeaway? Our financial pressures are only going to keep growing.
There’s no single fix. It’ll take a mix of solutions to deal with the … View moreThe Long-Term Fiscal Statement just dropped. At first glance, it might seem a bit dry, but the message is pretty clear ... and a bit worrying. The big takeaway? Our financial pressures are only going to keep growing.
There’s no single fix. It’ll take a mix of solutions to deal with the challenges ahead.
Want to read more? Andrea Vance shares her opinions here.
Road rage is a dangerous and all-too-common issue on our roads, one that can quickly turn an everyday commute into a stressful or even potentially harmful situation, regardless of whether it is you or someone else who is doing the raging.
However, understanding what causes road rage in ourselves … View moreRoad rage is a dangerous and all-too-common issue on our roads, one that can quickly turn an everyday commute into a stressful or even potentially harmful situation, regardless of whether it is you or someone else who is doing the raging.
However, understanding what causes road rage in ourselves and in others, and learning effective strategies to manage anger or deal with anger from others can significantly improve road safety and reduce stress for all drivers.
Why road rage happens
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Several factors can contribute to road rage. The physical separation from other road users when driving creates a sense of distance and anonymity, which can lower inhibitions and social filters.
This sense of being in a "bubble," combined with the stress of driving, can heighten frustration and anger, while the potentially high stakes of driving - where mistakes can have serious consequences – also contribute to heightened emotional responses.
Who is more likely to experience road rage?
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While anyone can experience road rage, certain groups are more susceptible. Younger, male drivers tend to exhibit aggressive driving behaviors more often, while female drivers who experience anger while driving as much as male drivers do are less likely to act on it negatively.
However, female drivers may experience more intense anger in certain situations, such as when faced with hostile gestures or traffic obstructions.
How to avoid road rage
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It's important to remember that other drivers are just people, and minor missteps are often unintentional. Approaching driving with the same patience and understanding that we generally apply in other situations can make a significant difference in reducing road rage incidents.
Try to "thingify" other drivers less and see them as real people. Putting pictures of loved ones in the car can help with this. There are many strategies and techniques that can help reduce road rage incidents:
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Self-awareness: Learn to identify the early signs of anger while driving. Recognising when you start to feel angry can help you take steps to prevent it from escalating.
Alternative explanations: Try to find alternative explanations for the behaviour of other drivers. Rather than assuming someone is deliberately rude, consider they may be distracted or having a bad day.
Mindfulness and relaxation: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to remain calm. Deep breaths and focusing on the present can help reduce anger.
Move away from the trigger: If possible, move away from the situation that is causing you to feel angry. Change lanes or slow down to create distance from an aggressive driver.
Avoid anger rumination: Don’t replay anger-inducing events in your mind. Instead, shift your focus to something more positive.
Be a considerate driver: Practice being a courteous driver yourself by using your indicators, not cutting other drivers off, and maintaining a safe following distance.
What to do if you are threatened by a road rager
Handling road rage incidents means keeping a calm head, regardless of what the other driver is doing. While it is important to never engage in confrontation, it's also unwise to pretend that nothing is happening and a friendly wave to signal an apology is often enough to diffuse the situation.
Change lanes: If you are being tailgated, change lanes. If someone wants to pass, slow down and let them.
Do not engage: Don’t return gestures or shout back at them.
Stay behind: Stay behind the angry person at all costs, as they can do less damage if you are behind them.
Pull over: If necessary, pull off the road or take an exit and let them go by.
Don't get out of the car: Getting out of your car is the single easiest way to escalate road rage, so don't stop to confront them. If the are following you, contact the police or drive to the nearest police station.
Regardless of whether you are the victim of road rage or the perpetrator, understanding the triggers and trying to remain calm will create a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone on the road.
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According to a report by Gill Bonnett of RNZ, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal noted that her only son, a New Zealand citizen, works in a national security role and would face danger if he attempted to return to Iran with her. His dual citizenship and professional ties to Western security … View moreAccording to a report by Gill Bonnett of RNZ, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal noted that her only son, a New Zealand citizen, works in a national security role and would face danger if he attempted to return to Iran with her. His dual citizenship and professional ties to Western security projects could see him detained on arrival, the decision said.
The tribunal highlighted that deporting the woman would mean permanent separation from her son and force her into “a chaotic and unpredictable environment,” made worse by escalating conflict in the Middle East. At her age, without family support in Tehran, the risks to her survival were deemed “unmanageable” and potentially “fatal,” Gill Bonnett of RNZ reported.
The woman, a retired nurse, had previously travelled to New Zealand before the pandemic and again in recent years. On her last visit, however, she suffered a severe panic attack before boarding a flight back to Iran. A GP confirmed her extreme fear and anxiety about returning.
Her son, a software engineer, told the tribunal it would be impossible for him to live in Iran, given his clearance for restricted documents in New Zealand and affiliation with Western security projects. Such factors, the tribunal agreed, could be perceived by Iranian authorities as treason.
New Zealand’s official travel advisory currently warns against all travel to Iran, citing risks of civil unrest, arbitrary arrest, and detention, RNZ reported.
When the widow’s visitor visa renewal was declined, she became an overstayer. But the tribunal accepted her case on humanitarian grounds, concluding that deportation would be “unjust or unduly harsh,” RNZ reported.
“The country’s current volatile geopolitical situation makes it wholly unrealistic for the appellant to return,” the decision said, adding that her fragile emotional state and lack of social support would leave her unable to cope if sent back, as quoted by RNZ.
The ruling now secures her future in New Zealand, allowing her to remain with her son after years of uncertainty.
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Join us for a FREE family-friendly celebration packed with workshops, performances, crafts, delicious food and cultural fun!
• FREE – bring the whānau!
• Saturday 4 October
• 10.30am-2.30pm
… View moreJoin us for a FREE family-friendly celebration packed with workshops, performances, crafts, delicious food and cultural fun!
• FREE – bring the whānau!
• Saturday 4 October
• 10.30am-2.30pm
• Open rain or shine!
• Epsom Community Centre, 202 Gillies Ave, Epsom
Activity Schedule:
Click here to download: www.epsom-community-centre.org.nz...
Parking:
All street parking is free on the weekends! We also have free parking at the back of the centre. Check here for more info: www.epsom-community-centre.org.nz...
For more information, check out our website: www.epsom-community-centre.org.nz...
See you tomorrow!
Kia ora,
We’re your City Vision team for Puketāpapa. Our candidates for council and the local board are local, experienced and ready to make a difference for your community. In Puketāpapa, we’ll invest in parks and infrastructure, fix our footpaths, and listen to our diverse communities … View moreKia ora,
We’re your City Vision team for Puketāpapa. Our candidates for council and the local board are local, experienced and ready to make a difference for your community. In Puketāpapa, we’ll invest in parks and infrastructure, fix our footpaths, and listen to our diverse communities when making decisions. We want to hear from you: find us on Facebook, Instagram, or at our website
Your team for Puketāpapa
Raphaela Rose, Daniel Cliffords, Rowan Cant, Soraiya Daud and Jon Turner for Puketāpapa Local Board
Julie Fairey and Jon Turner for Council
Authorised by Gwen Shaw, 027 414 4074. Endorsed by City Vision, 2/21 Emmett Street, Herne Bay, Auckland"
Make a floating bedside ledge that tones into your colour scheme with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or higher gloss Resene Lustacryl. Find out how to create and paint your own floating ledge with these easy step by step instructions.
It comes as the council continues to crack down on roaming dogs.
A total of 6027 infringements were yesterday issued to dog owners who had ignored earlier warnings from the council to register their animals.
The council said this was a 7.5% increase when compared with the 5572 sent last year.
… View moreIt comes as the council continues to crack down on roaming dogs.
A total of 6027 infringements were yesterday issued to dog owners who had ignored earlier warnings from the council to register their animals.
The council said this was a 7.5% increase when compared with the 5572 sent last year.
Owners who were sent infringement notices would have 28 days to pay up.
The council said more than 29,084 dogs remained unregistered as of August 1, when the council began charging a late fee.
More than 21,600 had been sent out to dog owners by email and post in early August. The council said it had "even extended the usual deadline by two weeks to give people extra time".
"Yet compliance remains stubbornly low."
The infringements sent out yesterday were the second time the council had issued them in bulk.
It said a total of 3372 infringements from last year remained unpaid, totalling $910,000 in outstanding fines.
Unpaid infringements would be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice to collect the debt.
Auckland Council's animal management manager, Elly Waitoa, said it was "frustrating and deeply disappointing" to see so little progress on dog registration.
"We’ve done everything we can to make it easy for people: multiple reminders, extended grace periods, and clear communication, but too many dog owners are still refusing to meet their basic responsibilities,” she said.
Waitoa said registration "isn't optional" and "isn't red tape".
"It’s a legal requirement, and it’s how we fund critical animal management services from dealing with roaming dogs to prosecuting owners whose animals attack people or other pets.”
The council said its own data showed a "clear link" between unregistered dogs and higher rates of roaming dogs.
Waitoa said that while more than a third of the animals infringed last year had since been registered, it was still "nowhere enough" with overall compliance remaining "too low".
“It’s frustrating and disheartening to see the message still isn’t sinking in, that dog owners think the rules don’t apply to them.”
She said the time for leniency was over, and called on dog owners to "do the right thing".
"If you haven’t registered your dog yet, do it now or face the consequences."
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As the days get warmer, you will probably be spending more time outdoors.
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In New Zealand, UV levels are high from September to April — even on cool or cloudy days. Too much UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, and the effects build up … View moreAs the days get warmer, you will probably be spending more time outdoors.
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In New Zealand, UV levels are high from September to April — even on cool or cloudy days. Too much UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, and the effects build up over time. Fortunately, staying safe is simple:
• Slip on clothing: Light, loose, long-sleeved tops and trousers keep you cool while protecting your skin.
• Slip into shade: Use natural or built shade like trees, gazebos, or buildings, especially during peak UV hours.
• Slop on sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF30 or higher. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming.
• Slap on a hat: Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears, and neck.
• Wrap on sunglasses: Not all sunglasses protect against UV radiation – always check the label for the sun protection rating or AS/NZ1067:2016 sunglasses Standard.
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Friday 17 & Saturday 18 October, 10am - 2pm.
Experience the award-winning lifestyle at a Ryman village.
Join us at our open days and explore our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and see the premium amenities on offer.
We look forward to seeing you.
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