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From Wednesday 23 October, Countdown stores across New Zealand* will offer customers a low-sensory Quiet Hour every Wednesday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Countdown has been holding Quiet Hours in a small number of stores for the last year after one of its team with an autistic child suggested it would … View moreFrom Wednesday 23 October, Countdown stores across New Zealand* will offer customers a low-sensory Quiet Hour every Wednesday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Countdown has been holding Quiet Hours in a small number of stores for the last year after one of its team with an autistic child suggested it would be a great idea. After testing how the concept would work for team and customers, Countdown is rolling Quiet Hours out nationally after incredibly positive feedback.
Quiet Hour offers customers a time to shop in Countdown stores that is easy on the eyes and ears by reducing noise, lighting and other distractions in-store. Lighting throughout the store is reduced, in-store radio is turned off, checkout volumes are lowered, trolley collection and shelf-stocking is kept to a bare minimum, and there are no PA announcements except in emergencies.
Kiri Hannifin, Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, Safety and Sustainability, says Countdown’s decision to roll out Quiet Hour nationwide felt right for its diverse customer base.
“We want our supermarkets to be welcoming and inclusive for all New Zealanders and their families. We know grocery shopping can be an anxiety-inducing experience for some customers and we wanted to help with that. By making a few small changes and creating a Quiet Hour, we hope we can make a big difference.
“The lovely thing about Quiet Hour is that we have had very positive feedback from so many customers. Our older customers seem to really enjoy Quiet Hours too, as well as many other Kiwis who actually just find shopping a bit stressful and can now visit at a more peaceful time,” says Kiri Hannifin.
Countdown’s Quiet Hours have been developed with the support of Autism New Zealand, who have provided advice to Countdown’s team on how they can best support customers with sensory needs in their stores.
Dane Dougan, Autism New Zealand Chief Executive, says the invisible nature of autism can mean it’s hard to create understanding and awareness of the difficulties people with autism face carrying out day-to-day tasks.
“We’re thrilled that Countdown will be offering Quiet Hour in its stores and it highlights how some small changes can create a more inclusive environment that will impact people significantly. We’ve had amazing feedback from the autistic community who have benefited from Quiet Hour over the last year and the increased understanding of autism and sensory needs that it is having as well,” says Dane Dougan.
*Countdown’s Quiet Hours will be held every Wednesday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, with the exception of two stores – Countdown Silverdale and Countdown Northwest which will hold their Quiet Hour from 9am to 10am. At this stage, Countdown’s two metro city stores will not hold a Quiet Hour.
My thoughts on the hours? Well I think that they could've chosen better hours rather than those chosen. School kids are getting out of school, mothers and their wee ones are walking around. It will still be quite noisy and not really the Quiet Hour they are trying to achieve.
Have your say at the upcoming public consultation on proposed changes to the Sunset Rd/Target Rd roundabout in Totara Vale.
The additional lanes through the roundabout will reduce travel times and improve travel time reliability for all traffic. This is important because vehicles are … View moreHave your say at the upcoming public consultation on proposed changes to the Sunset Rd/Target Rd roundabout in Totara Vale.
The additional lanes through the roundabout will reduce travel times and improve travel time reliability for all traffic. This is important because vehicles are experiencing significant delays through this roundabout.
To find out more or provide feedback go to www.AT.govt.nz... or call (09) 355 3553.
If you would like to speak in person, go to the public drop-in session at
Date: 4th November 2019
Time: 4PM – 8PM
Location: Reformed Church of the North Shore, 76 Trias Rd, Totara Vale.
Feedback is open until 10th November 2019.
Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.
Get 30% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers 4L and under including Resene testpots, 30% off our huge range of wallpaper, 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, … View moreNow’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.
Get 30% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers 4L and under including Resene testpots, 30% off our huge range of wallpaper, 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, 25% off decorating accessories and 25% off Resene cleaning products!
Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and participating reseller until 4 November 2019. Paint offers are also available at Mitre 10 MEGA and selected Mitre 10 stores. Excludes WallPrint, decals, Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales.
Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and enjoy these great savings.
Over night I received an e-mail telling me that they (the person sending the email) had been watching me search and or use porn sites on the web. They also said if I didn't log on to another site and purchase $750 worth of bit coins they would further hack me and post images of me accessing … View moreOver night I received an e-mail telling me that they (the person sending the email) had been watching me search and or use porn sites on the web. They also said if I didn't log on to another site and purchase $750 worth of bit coins they would further hack me and post images of me accessing said sites. Problem is I don't go to such sites and I wouldn't know how to buy bit coins if I wanted to. I'll either find out or I wont I guess as they gave me 50 hours to make the purchase. As a self employed person I often get rubbish emails, some asking me to give money to a 10 year old squashed by an elephant, others telling me if I provide my bank account they can pay me the $40 million I've been left by and aunt I never heard of. I ignore them for the stupid attempt they are, all though some are getting more and more sophisticated and will suck even savvy people in. This one is different, its a direct threat, a direct attempt to extort. They even told me not to make a complaint as whoever I complain to wont be able to trace them any more than I would. So watch this space ill report it and report back on any developments, off to change all my passwords now.
Dairy Flat Highway, Old North Rd and Whitford Rd have earned their place among Auckland's most dange…
10x wardrobe doors + sliding rails. Replaced during renovation, so no longer required. Few of the rollers need some TLC/replacement.
At Simply Beds (NZ owned and operated) there is a bed to suit every sleeper. Our beds include the King Koil International Chiropractor Association approved range that is NZ Made and up to 15years warranty.
Sleep made easy with a large range of Beds and Mattresses available.
Dont think Bed, … View moreAt Simply Beds (NZ owned and operated) there is a bed to suit every sleeper. Our beds include the King Koil International Chiropractor Association approved range that is NZ Made and up to 15years warranty.
Sleep made easy with a large range of Beds and Mattresses available.
Dont think Bed, Think Sleep.
*purchase any King Koil Bed and receive a free mattress protector.
Have the Mongolian hot pot experience like no other, it is rather exotic and extremely satisfied food and cultural experience.
Have you ever tried having organic meat for your hot pot? Well, This is why you have to visit us and you will want to come back again.
With the … View moreHave the Mongolian hot pot experience like no other, it is rather exotic and extremely satisfied food and cultural experience.
Have you ever tried having organic meat for your hot pot? Well, This is why you have to visit us and you will want to come back again.
With the traditional welcoming ceremony, you will start to wonder whether you have travelled in time. The freshness of the vegetable, the flavoursome soup and the plating will put you in a very different time zone.
If you like to taste the most traditional and world-renowned hot pot, you don't want to miss out on this at Little Lamb Takapuna and Ellerslie.
Why wait, we are offering a special deal where if you like us on Facebook or Instagram
Takapuna Location:
178 Hurstmare Rd, Takapuna. Phone: 09 222 2737
Ellerslie Location:
2e Robert St, Ellerslie. Phone 09 280 1511
I have 2 more plants that I need your excellent help in identifying please.
I saw these in a friend's garden and for the life of her, she couldn't remember what they were - we all have those blank moments.
1. The first one is a delicate one with beautiful tiny purple petals with grey like… View moreI have 2 more plants that I need your excellent help in identifying please.
I saw these in a friend's garden and for the life of her, she couldn't remember what they were - we all have those blank moments.
1. The first one is a delicate one with beautiful tiny purple petals with grey like 'pods' on the long stem.
2. The second one is a bush type plant with larger leaves at the bottom and smaller leaves as it got taller. The flower sits on a very long stem.
Thank you all in advance.
"Kia ora - John Orr from New World Devonport here. Keen to discover a new top drop in time for summer?
My favourite wine from this year’s New World Wine Awards is Chalk Hill’s Grenache Tempranillo 2018. As a fan of Rhone Valley Grenache blends, I really enjoyed this Australian variation… View more"Kia ora - John Orr from New World Devonport here. Keen to discover a new top drop in time for summer?
My favourite wine from this year’s New World Wine Awards is Chalk Hill’s Grenache Tempranillo 2018. As a fan of Rhone Valley Grenache blends, I really enjoyed this Australian variation because it has the full flavour of dark berry fruits with a nice subtle spiciness making it a real pleasure to drink.” And Vaki Plakic from New World Remuera’s pick is Stoneleigh’s Rapaura Chardonnay. “I’m usually a Hawkes Bay Chardonnay fan, but this year I discovered the Rapaura Chardonnay from Marlborough, which is rich in fruit flavour and well balanced. Plus, it’s this year’s Award’s Champion Chardonnay, so you can’t go wrong with this wine!”
Come into your local New World and explore the Top 50 Gold-medal winning wines – we have winners for every budget. Plus join us for complimentary wine sampling and try before you buy.
Hi Neighbours,
Open day at Settlers Lifestyle Village on Thursday 24th October
When: From 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Where: Settlers Lifestyle Village - 550 Albany Highway, Albany
If you are interested in Lifestyle Village living at Settlers, take a tour, get a Settlers Goodie Bag, and see our … View moreHi Neighbours,
Open day at Settlers Lifestyle Village on Thursday 24th October
When: From 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Where: Settlers Lifestyle Village - 550 Albany Highway, Albany
If you are interested in Lifestyle Village living at Settlers, take a tour, get a Settlers Goodie Bag, and see our residents enjoy twilight bowls
Call Olivia or Glenda on 0800 102 652
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