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The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.
Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.
But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and … View moreThe Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.
Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.
But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and Hospitality NZ are worried the costs won’t just disappear. Labour MP Arena Williams put it simply: there should not be surcharges for customers at all. But she points out that the Government’s plan does not deal with banks and merchants “who still scoop a big fee”.
Many of our community are rocked by the recent announcement. Retailers warn card surcharge ban could lead to higher prices - the unfortunatel reality is that small businesses are feeling the squeeze along with their customers. In comparison, large retailers pay significantly lower banking fees and ultimately have more leverage at the negotiation table.
💸 So someone still pays – but who?
We want to know: Who should be covering this cost?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy
Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.
This land,… View moreThanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy
Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.
This land, which has now been protected and opened to the public, forms part of a much larger conservation area — nearly 2,400 hectares stretching from sea level at Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, up to the Summit Walkway, and back down into the Kaituna Valley.
Once used for farming, the land has now been cleared of livestock, and pest control efforts are underway to help native plants and wildlife thrive. The goal? A richer, more diverse ecosystem that everyone can experience and be proud of.
This is a powerful example of how the actions of a few can have a huge impact. Thanks to their vision and generosity, a precious piece of our natural heritage is now protected.
Read more about the Massive win for conservation and recreation in the Kaituna.
We hope this news brings a smile!
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 $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.
Click read more to nominate your … View moreWhether 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 $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.
Click read more to nominate your community dance group.
Applications close 31 August 2025.
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.
Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.
The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just … View moreSpring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.
Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.
The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just connect, spray, and you’re done. No pumping, no premixing, no mess. It works with cost-saving concentrates like fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and more, and covers large or small areas quickly with a smooth, sweeping spray. It fits most chemical bottles (with three thread options) or you can use the included canister.
Whether you’re nurturing veggies, taming weeds or boosting blooms, this sprayer makes the job quick, clean and easy.
Treat yourself to expert advice, seasonal inspiration – and a garden tool you’ll use all year long.
*T&Cs apply. Offer available to the first 300 people who subscribe for 1 or 2 years between August 4 – August 31, 2025.
Kia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by August 15, 2025.
**👀🏃👀🏃LOADS OF NEW STOCK JUST ARRIVED AT FURNITURE CLEARANCE CENTRE PUKEKOHE🏃🏃🏃🏃
🔥🔥🔥DINING TABLES
💲🏃LOUNGE
🛌💲BEDS
🥳🏃🥳🏃🥳PLUS MUCH MORE
🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃
FURNITURE CLEARANCE CENTRE - 33 NELSON ST PUKEKOHE**
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
… View moreWe are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
Hydr8 brand Spring Water 600ml x 24
Snack Switch brand Plant Protein Bars
Ecostore Ultra Sensitive Multi Purpose Cleaner 500ml
Various sunscreens sold online at Harvey Norman
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Annabel Trends - Banana Teether
Villeroy & Boch Children’s Tumblers- sold at Ballantynes Christchurch
Jupiter 2-in-1 Baby High Chair & Swing. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.
Portable Soothing Baby Rocker Bouncer Chair with Toy Bar. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.
Product Recalls: Clothing
Ocean & Earth Youth & kids Ponchos (Various)
IG Embroidered Sherpa Bomber Jacket- sold at Postie
Product Recalls: Electronics
OMNI Desktop power module with USB-A and USB-C
Yamaha PA300C Power Adaptor for Digital Piano Products
Gadali Gas Deep Fat Fryer OT-72A 12KW
Product Recalls: Other
Kelsey Mug- sold at nood
DT SWISS ARC, ERC, CRC & HEC Wheel
DT SWISS ERC/CRC/HEC Wheel
Momentum Vida E+ Low-Step E-Bicycle- sold at Giant and Momentum dealers
Honda Outboard BF115, 135, 150 and 350
See past months recalls here. Stay safe, neighbours!
The big WHY for your Wednesday! This is your community owned energy trust, you should want a say in who voices your energy needs and concerns. VOTE today for who you think will be the best man to represent your household.
VOTING CLOSES ON SATURDAY - BE QUICK!
You'll need your unique code … View moreThe big WHY for your Wednesday! This is your community owned energy trust, you should want a say in who voices your energy needs and concerns. VOTE today for who you think will be the best man to represent your household.
VOTING CLOSES ON SATURDAY - BE QUICK!
You'll need your unique code and password handy, find them in your email from election services.
The Queens Redoubt is a reconstructed military fortification that was originally built in 1862
The earthworks have been rebuilt and a visitor - education centre with informative displays that impartially tells the story of the New Zealand Wars with particular focus on the invasion of the Waikato … View moreThe Queens Redoubt is a reconstructed military fortification that was originally built in 1862
The earthworks have been rebuilt and a visitor - education centre with informative displays that impartially tells the story of the New Zealand Wars with particular focus on the invasion of the Waikato is open for public viewing.
We hold open days on Sundays from 10am -2pm
We also host group visits and school visits by appointment
Book your group visit by phoning Peter on 0273933326 or emailing queensredoubtpokeno@outlook.co.nz
For further details visit our website queensredoubt.co.nz
The Queens Redoubt Visitor Centre
22 Great South Rd Pokeno 2471
Does your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!
Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in … View moreDoes your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!
Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in our communities and homes. Share a pic today and you could win one of ten prize packages worth $500!
Need inspo? Check out the entries so far.
Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*
We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View moreSome of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*
We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.
And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.
*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply.
✨ It's 2 for 1 Tuesday ✨
👀 Simply buy 1 item and get a similar item of equal or lesser value, ABSOLUTELY FREE! 👀
That means...
Buy 1 top get the second top free!
Buy 1 pair of shoes get the second pair free!
🤩 We are open from 9:30am - 4pm today 🤩
* Sale excludes … View more✨ It's 2 for 1 Tuesday ✨
👀 Simply buy 1 item and get a similar item of equal or lesser value, ABSOLUTELY FREE! 👀
That means...
Buy 1 top get the second top free!
Buy 1 pair of shoes get the second pair free!
🤩 We are open from 9:30am - 4pm today 🤩
* Sale excludes books, selected ornaments, children's clothing, selected clothing, furniture, plants and crafts made by our Bloom participants *
Voting closes this Saturday 9 August 2025! So what are you waiting for? You can vote from the comfort of your couch. Stay cozy and simply, open up your voting pack - find your unique code and vote online. The Counties Energy Trust holds 100% of the shares in Counties Energy Limited on behalf of the… View moreVoting closes this Saturday 9 August 2025! So what are you waiting for? You can vote from the comfort of your couch. Stay cozy and simply, open up your voting pack - find your unique code and vote online. The Counties Energy Trust holds 100% of the shares in Counties Energy Limited on behalf of the consumers. The Trust's primary role is to monitor the performance of the company and ensure that investments and operations benefit the community - which means we want you to vote, have your say - this is your energy network, your community.
Your Voice. Your Energy. Your Trust. YOUR VOTE COUNTS.
Friday 15 & Saturday 16 August, 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.
Have you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?
The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that … View moreHave you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?
The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that Gunn is pleased that his own rescue pup may lead to more fluffy adoptions!
Looking to match with your own super pet? The SPCA is spotlighting animals waiting for their new and committed families.
We hope this news brings a smile!
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