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We’ve been privileged to help Kiwis get the essentials needed to work, study, and stay connected. It’s led to huge demand and some orders are taking longer to deliver. We’d really like to apologise to the customers who’ve experienced these delays.
To help get it sorted faster we’ve … View moreWe’ve been privileged to help Kiwis get the essentials needed to work, study, and stay connected. It’s led to huge demand and some orders are taking longer to deliver. We’d really like to apologise to the customers who’ve experienced these delays.
To help get it sorted faster we’ve quadrupled our Customer Care team, and expanded our order fulfilment network so we can get thousands more orders delivered each day. Plus our remote Tech Solutions service will be free until May 11 to lend customers a hand with technology advice or setting up.
Thanks for your patience, everyone. We’re getting there.
The Sunday Star-Times is looking to speak to a patient who has recently had some experience of the health system - either receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic or at an ED - and would be willing to talk about their experience, and how it could have been made better, either by shorter wait … View moreThe Sunday Star-Times is looking to speak to a patient who has recently had some experience of the health system - either receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic or at an ED - and would be willing to talk about their experience, and how it could have been made better, either by shorter wait times, better communication or level of care. We'd need you to be happy to be identified and photographed (from a distance). If you think you can help, please email senior journalist Andrea Vance on andrea.vance@stuff.co.nz.
Sometimes it takes time to find that perfect moment with that special someone to make sparks fly. …
Wairarapa bus drivers are thanking members of the community who have been making them feel appreciated during the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown.
Bus operator Tranzit, who runs services on behalf of Metlink, has been continuing to deliver essential public transport services during the lockdown, … View moreWairarapa bus drivers are thanking members of the community who have been making them feel appreciated during the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Lockdown.
Bus operator Tranzit, who runs services on behalf of Metlink, has been continuing to deliver essential public transport services during the lockdown, and the company’s drivers are noticing a real ground swell of positivity from within the community.
Tranzit’s Operations Supervisor and driver trainer Vaea Peterson has recently been driving urban train replacement buses from Masterton to Platform 9 at Wellington Railway Station via Upper and Lower Hutt. He says he’s been “blown away” by the public’s positive reaction to him.
“I was driving through Upper Hutt with a small number of passengers on board and sitting outside this house was a family in their bubble waving out and clapping as I drove past.
“The same thing happened again when I drove past a house in Greytown – out of the window I could see a family clapping at me and waving out with big smiles on their faces.
“I was a bit blown away really, it’s been really cool to see everyone and to feel so appreciated,” Vaea says.
Vaea’s thoughts were echoed by his colleague Jackie Whittington who has been driving the Masterton town service during the Lockdown.
"It is quiet out there at the moment with passenger numbers down, but so neat to see people wave out as I drive past – it doesn’t feel lonely at all,” she says.
As we will be under alert level 4 for another week, drop-off points have been provided at each district's transfer station for rural residents to drop off household waste in prepaid council bags only, which are available for purchase at local supermarkets. There is no additional charge for … View moreAs we will be under alert level 4 for another week, drop-off points have been provided at each district's transfer station for rural residents to drop off household waste in prepaid council bags only, which are available for purchase at local supermarkets. There is no additional charge for this at the transfer station.
Martinborough Transfer Station’s opening days are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, as usual, but hours have been extended to 10am to 4pm in anticipation of high demand this week – please be patient if there are queues. Please note, this is for household waste only and people are advised to limit unnecessary travel so where possible - please combine your trip to the transfer station with other essential travel.
Transfer station arrangements in Level 3 will be confirmed in the next few days. Note, for now, recycling centres in Greytown and Featherston remain closed.
Many workers, families and small businesses in the forestry sector are breathing a sigh of relief as…
Following on from yesterday's tiny house story, here's single mum Shaye sharing her experience in isolation
Tiny house builders have had a surge in interest during the lockdown, some from families that are 'herding'
We understand that things are uncertain right now. If you would like to move into a safe and supportive environment that you can make your own, we are still taking admissions for our Care Suites at Elderslea.
Nestled down a quiet street in Upper Hutt, our Care Suites offer the ultimate … View moreWe understand that things are uncertain right now. If you would like to move into a safe and supportive environment that you can make your own, we are still taking admissions for our Care Suites at Elderslea.
Nestled down a quiet street in Upper Hutt, our Care Suites offer the ultimate combination of Rest Home and Hospital care with the creature comforts of home, including a cosy living area, stylish kitchenette and modern ensuite.
Give us a call to see how we can help.
Elderslea is located at 29 Redwood Street, Upper Hutt.
In response to the economic and social impact of the Covid-19 lockdown Trust House has put a freeze on planned rent increases and introduced other additional support for tenants.
With 483 rental properties in Wairarapa and Tararua, Trust House is one of the largest community housing providers in … View moreIn response to the economic and social impact of the Covid-19 lockdown Trust House has put a freeze on planned rent increases and introduced other additional support for tenants.
With 483 rental properties in Wairarapa and Tararua, Trust House is one of the largest community housing providers in New Zealand.
Trust House chief executive Allan Pollard says rent increases of on average between $20 – $25 had been planned to take effect from the end of March.
“It became clear that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the measures to combat it were going to hurt people financially, so we acted pretty much straight away and put them on hold,” Mr Pollard says.
The March rent increases, that were signalled in December last year, only related to tenants who are not on an Income Related Rent Subsidy. The rents that Trust House charge remain among the lowest in New Zealand, according to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data.
Mr Pollard says the organisation is very conscious that a number of their tenants will be doing it “really tough” during this time of tremendous uncertainty.
“We have been phoning all of our tenants weekly to make sure that they are okay and have everything they need.”
As an essential service Trust House has kept its Rental Housing office on Queen Street in Masterton open Monday to Friday, 10am – 1pm, to be available to tenants who require further support.
Director-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield’s strong presence fronting updates about the COVID-19 pandemic, is an example of the importance of being able to command an audience, be an effective communicator, and speak with confidence.
Using self-paced learning, Toastmasters undertake an … View moreDirector-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield’s strong presence fronting updates about the COVID-19 pandemic, is an example of the importance of being able to command an audience, be an effective communicator, and speak with confidence.
Using self-paced learning, Toastmasters undertake an educational programme that promotes these competencies, and also teaches effective listening, thinking on your feet, leadership skills, and giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Amid lockdown, many of New Zealand’s Toastmasters clubs have transitioned to holding their regular meetings online to allow the continuation of personal and professional development while providing social interaction.
To find a meeting near you, visit http://www.toastmasters.org.nz/find_your_voice
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