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It’s time to start thinking about what you can do to help out those who need it most this Christmas. 1 in 5 Kiwi children are currently living in households that don’t have enough food. Christmas Box is a food box that caters to a family of 4-6, helping supplement breakfast, lunch and dinner … View moreIt’s time to start thinking about what you can do to help out those who need it most this Christmas. 1 in 5 Kiwi children are currently living in households that don’t have enough food. Christmas Box is a food box that caters to a family of 4-6, helping supplement breakfast, lunch and dinner meals over a week.
For just $40 you’re not only providing food essentials and treats but you’re also giving hope to families in need.
To sponsor a box, go to christmasbox.co.nz.
The first round of cost of living payments has gone to 1.3 million people - about 800,000 fewer than the Government had estimated.
The Inland Revenue Department, which is administering the payment, says it expects the number of people who meet the criteria to increase over the next two rounds of … View moreThe first round of cost of living payments has gone to 1.3 million people - about 800,000 fewer than the Government had estimated.
The Inland Revenue Department, which is administering the payment, says it expects the number of people who meet the criteria to increase over the next two rounds of payments as more tax returns are finalised.
It comes as the Government comes under criticism of the policy, supposed to be targeted at people living in New Zealand but which has seen people overseas and earning well above the threshold receive the payment.
The National Party has called it a "significant misuse of taxpayer money" and is calling on the Auditor General to investigate.
About 2.1 million people were estimated to be eligible for the three monthly payments from August 1, receiving a total of $350. People needed to be over 18, "present" in New Zealand, a tax resident and earn under $70,000, among other criteria.
But figures provided to the Herald by Inland Revenue Department show the first round of payments has gone to just 1.3 million people.
An IRD spokeswoman said the 2.1m figure was an estimate of the number of people eligible.
As of Monday, IRD had confirmed just over 1.4m people met the criteria, but there remained about 137,000 people whose bank account information they did not have.
IRD would continue checking eligibility until March 31 next year, and people would then have another year after to ensure their bank details were correct.
The first round had seen $152m paid out. The whole scheme was estimated to cost $816 million across the three payments, with $16m to resource the 700 staff needed.
The spokeswoman said IRD would be running eligibility checks every day and they expected the number of people meeting the criteria to increase towards the 2.1m "over time", as tax assessments and returns were completed.
The scheme has also copped criticism, with many people who do not meet the criteria receiving the payment, including people living overseas and even non-residents or citizens. IRD has explained this is likely due to them retaining a bank account here and some form of income that makes it appear they do live in the country.
The Herald has spoken to an Australian couple each receiving the cost of living payment despite living across the ditch since November.
Charlotte Castle, a New Zealand citizen, also received the funds despite not living here since 2016. She still has a New Zealand bank account with KiwiSaver linked to it.
National Party deputy leader Nicola Willis said the 800,000 underestimate of people eligible highlighted "what a dog's breakfast it is to administer this policy".
"We have hundreds of thousands who need it not getting it and on the other side people who shouldn't are getting it. Officials were warned this approach was risky and fraught and now we are seeing a lot of New Zealanders in need missing out."
She said all of the issues arising showed it was a "significant misuse of taxpayer money" and there was "potentially an issue with the law".
"The eligibility criteria require that people be both present and using for tax purposes, and that they're also living here. What we've seen is money paid out by taxpayers against the purpose of the legislation.
"This is a measure that we think is very serious.
"We think it's unacceptable that Minister for Revenue David Parker is not concerned, doesn't know what the scale of the problem is, is not seeking that information and will not be investigating.
"We will be writing to the Auditor General today to ask an independent investigation be carried out to determine just how wide the scale of this problem is."
Parker has indicated it could be several million dollars in overpayments, but Willis said based on what people were hearing overseas it could run into the "tens of millions of dollars".
Those who have received the payment and were not eligible can return it via the IRD website and opt out of the next two payments.
As of Monday evening, close to 1000 people had done so, IRD said.
Revenue Minister David Parker said the Government did not know the exact number of ineligible people who have received the cost of living payment.
However, he said he estimated it could be about 1 per cent.
Asked how he came to that figure, especially given IRD said there was no way of estimating, Parker said it was based around wage data.
"We know that the percentage of people for whom IRD's data is inaccurate is a very small percentage."
He said the Government was aware before they had even decided on the scheme ineligible people overseas could receive the payments.
"We were advised from the start that relying upon data sets that are imperfect... we would always have some people getting the payment, even though they're not truly eligible."
Parker said he continued to support the payment scheme, saying the alternative would have been to make people apply for it and consider applications one by one.
"One, would have been an incredibly costly process. Two, would have cost a lot of money. And three, we know, if you run application processes, a lot of people who are eligible miss out. So the process that we have chosen was preferable."
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Baking is therapy. Bake a bargain and get 25% off all cookbooks , casserole dishes and platters. This week only, so don’t miss out.
There is help for families affected by problem drinking.
In extreme cases, an alcoholic may be homeless, but many live in families that are struggling because of the challenges that come with problem drinking.
Family members become lonely, isolated, ashamed and depressed. They feel that life … View moreThere is help for families affected by problem drinking.
In extreme cases, an alcoholic may be homeless, but many live in families that are struggling because of the challenges that come with problem drinking.
Family members become lonely, isolated, ashamed and depressed. They feel that life has become unmanageable or unbearable. Al-Anon-Alateen Family Groups is a support programme for people who are living with or have lived with the problems of someone else's drinking.
Al-Anon and Alateen for young people offer understanding and personal growth - whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. There are free of charge meetings daily around Auckland. To find one visit online here.
Members share their experiences of applying the Al-Anon principles to their lives. There is no advice given or specific direction suggested.
Below are a few thoughts from people who have tried Al-Anon:
"I believed that the only thing I needed to be happy and safe was for my husband to stop drinking."
"My life had got so out of control not knowing what my state my daughter would be in when I got home."
"I thought I was strong enough to deal with this on my own...After trying everything, I went to my first meeting."
A Hot Bath
Create a bedtime schedule that includes a hot bath or shower. Take it about two hours before lying down. Add a couple drops of essential oils such as chamomile, rosemary, lavender, or lemon to the water for a more efficient experience. It will soothe your nerves and help you calm down; … View moreA Hot Bath
Create a bedtime schedule that includes a hot bath or shower. Take it about two hours before lying down. Add a couple drops of essential oils such as chamomile, rosemary, lavender, or lemon to the water for a more efficient experience. It will soothe your nerves and help you calm down; it's a simple step to add to your at-home remedies for insomnia.
Tart Cherry Juice
An excellent source of tryptophan, tart cherry juice is a natural sleep aid. The amino acid transforms to serotonin, which in turn converts to melatonin. Serotonin helps regulate your sleep cycles. Melatonin can lower your body temperature and lead to drowsiness. Indulge in a half cup (up to one cup) of tart cherry juice and allow yourself to drift off to sleep.
Chamomile Tea
Tea, in general, is an at-home remedy for several health ailments. Chamomile tea has been related to treating sleeping problems for centuries. A compound known as apigenin in chamomile might be the key to the natural drowsiness.
Could your local dance group use a $5,000 cash injection?
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three Love to Dance grants up… View moreCould your local dance group use a $5,000 cash injection?
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three Love to Dance grants up for grabs.
Receive one of three $5,000 grants to spend on equipment, transport, costumes or anything you need to support your community’s love of dance.
Oak Coffee table, Before and after!
I will revive your furniture!
Please call or email us.
Free Quote!
Thanks!!
Tom Kimata … View moreOak Coffee table, Before and after!
I will revive your furniture!
Please call or email us.
Free Quote!
Thanks!!
Tom Kimata
0210614798
Kimata repairs limited
12/43A Linwood Avenue, Mt Albert
George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd is recalling specific batches of various Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal and Oatilicious breads as the products may contain foreign matter (plastic).
This recall affects loaves of bread with the Best Before Date of 26JUL22 in these products:
Tip Top brand … View moreGeorge Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd is recalling specific batches of various Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal and Oatilicious breads as the products may contain foreign matter (plastic).
This recall affects loaves of bread with the Best Before Date of 26JUL22 in these products:
Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal Sandwich (700g)
Tip Top brand Supersoft Wholemeal Toast (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Sandwich (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Toast (700g)
Tip Top brand Oatilicious Super Thick (700g)
There have been no reports of associated injury but consumers are being advised not to eat these products. If you have concerns about your health after consuming this bread, seek medical advice.
Customers should return the products to their retailer for a replacement or full refund, and direct any questions to George Weston Foods (NZ) Ltd by phone - 0800 449 660.
Enjoy an Antipodes skincare duo (RRP$50) when you purchase a three-month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for just $52.
Subscribe at mags4gifts.co.nz/antipodes Terms and Conditions apply.
It’s easy to give an old fence and trellis a new lease of life with Resene Waterborne Woodsman.
Find out how to create your own.
There's more to reading than learning to read. If you're struggling to get your child into reading, visit us in our centre and ask for tips and a recommended reading list for your child! ?
Hey ! It's Jess and the team here from Space General.
We are an online store specialised in storage & organisation products based in Auckland New Zealand.
Let Your Kitchen Space Bloom with beautiful, simple and flexible storage solutions from our latest range of Open Concept! … View moreHey ! It's Jess and the team here from Space General.
We are an online store specialised in storage & organisation products based in Auckland New Zealand.
Let Your Kitchen Space Bloom with beautiful, simple and flexible storage solutions from our latest range of Open Concept! Upgrade your kitchen storage with pantry & fridge organisers. Store large kitchen items, food or utensils with these beautiful clear transparent organisers.
Hide the clutter and find your home again with these smart, simple home organisers. Shop today & receive it in 2 business days.
View the range: https://www.spacegeneral.co.nz/collections/open-concept
Follow up on Instagram for new product releases @spacegeneralnz
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