WARNING: Dodgy-looking people lurking between parked cars at Alderman Drive Pak N Save, knocking on windows, asking for money.
Today, a dodgy-looking male came out at me from between other parked cars around me, and said, "Scuse me, miss," and I said, "No." and carried on walking fast to the shop entrance, as I felt scared. AND YES, I told Pak N Save staff, and they told security. The beggars keep on coming back, they told me. They've been doing this begging for a while now. Twice before, a woman (not scary-looking, but still dodgy) has done the same thing as the man today, with a clever backstory ("My son needs a cake for his birthday"), and the first time I fell for it, gave her $2, but the next day she was back doing the same thing, so when she asked me next time, I told her NO, this is NOT A BEGGING PLACE, and carried on walking. And then today, this man did what I described above. My customer said "Funny that," and said that he'd seen a Polynesian man with a small backpack going from car to car knocking on car windows, asking for cash to get home. I think they lurk between the cars so that they can avoid detection by security staff like they would not if they just sat outside the shop entrance. They USED to sit outside the shop entrance but don't so much anymore. Instead, they hang about between cars so that they can come up to you when you get out of the car, and it can be frightening if you've nowhere to go because you're trapped between two parked cars. If this happens to you, PLEASE TELL PAK N SAVE STAFF TO TELL SECURITY, and then they will get onto it. If ENOUGH of us do this, it may drive the beggars away. As it is, they are getting away with FAR too much, and I am thinking of going to Lincoln Road Pak N Save to avoid the beggars. =P Thanks for reading this. I just thought I would warn you all. Thanks. =D
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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