187 days ago

'It’s very hard to be a business person at this time'

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

After nearly 15 years sweetening the lives of locals, Theobroma Chocolate Lounge at Chartwell has closed its doors - unable to weather the pressure of rising costs and a sharply declining market.

Co-owner Balaka Malhotra, who ran the business with her husband Ian Roberts-Thomson, said she fought to keep it going, but the odds were stacked too high.

Theobroma’s Centre Place café in the CBD, which the couple also owns, is still running - for now.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 hours ago

From rugged campsite to 7.5ha resort

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Grant Kilby has always loved camping. His mum was director of health at the YMCA, and he would attend YMCA camps in the school holidays. “I think it was mandatory that I was there,” he jokes.

He went on camping holidays with his parents, and later, took his own kids.
“Camping’s been in my blood.”

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7 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 78.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    78.7% Complete
  • 21.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21.3% Complete
1214 votes
6 hours ago

Poll: When do you shop the sales?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Bargain hunters made the most of Boxing Day sales at Centre Place and The Base in Hamilton on Friday.

However, a marketing expert believes Boxing Day sales, long a staple of Kiwi life post-Christmas, is on the outer as Black Friday becomes more popular.

When do you shop the sales? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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When do you shop the sales?
  • 0% Black Friday
    0% Complete
  • 0% Boxing Day
    0% Complete
  • 100% I don't
    100% Complete
1 vote