Supermarket revenue collection?
As it has been some time since I shopped at Countdown, (the valley) I was shocked yesterday to find that they no longer provide the (free of charge) tear off plastic bags for those of us who choose to buy loose items from the produce department. Instead, I can purchase a non plastic bag at $1.00 for each bag.
So if I wanted to buy 4 tomatoes, 6 potatoes, 3 oranges, 200 grams of ginger, and 3 or 4 onions in separate bags I would be up for an additional $5.00 in this example. Or, I could place the loose items in my trolley an they could be weighed individually at check out. When I questioned a senior Countdown staff member about the cost of the bags she told me that this was now company policy which was soon to be passed into NZ law and all supermarkets would have no choice but to adopt this change. I replied that wasn't the law yet.. She said that I could bring my own bags if I wished, or that I was quite welcome to shop elsewhere if I wasn't happy about the charges. Obviously not concerned about loosing me as a customer. After all, I'm only one person!!!
Thankfully, Countdown's competition haven't introduced this new revenue generating concept yet!!!
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.1% Yes
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32.8% Maybe?
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26.1% No
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Closing for the festive season
Kia ora
Our Office will be closed from Friday 19th December 2025, reopen on 19th January 2026.
Wishing everyone a Meri Kirihimete /Merry Christmas and a safe and wonderful New Year.
All the best for 2026
Marie & Wendy
Volunteering New Plymouth
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