Update on Rubbish Bin Tags
From 1 March, North Shore residents will no longer need to attach a bin tag to their general rubbish bin. Rubbish collections are moving from being partially rates-funded to be fully-rates funded. The amount that you pay in your rates (or rent) will depend on the size of bin that you currently use.
Until 1 March, you should continue to use the usual tags, however I am hearing that many dairies are running out of tags. I've checked with Auckland Council, and they say that dairies and small retailers are no longer being supplied with tags, but supermarkets will continue to be supplied until February. They should be provided with enough tags to last until 1 March.
If you end up with too many tags after the new service starts, you will be able to take them to your local library for a refund up until the end of April.
There are pros and cons with the move to fully-rates funded collections:
➡️ The benefits are that we will no longer be paying more (on average) than other parts of Auckland for our general rubbish; we will no longer have to dash out to the dairy for a rubbish tag when we realise late at night that we've run out; there will be no more tag thefts; tags will no longer be going to landfill; there should be less trucks on the road as many private operators will stop collecting general rubbish.
➡️ The disbenefits are that there will be no financial incentive to reduce household rubbish; there will be an increase in the total cost for anyone who doesn't put rubbish out every week.
All of Auckland will move to rates-funded rubbish collection by September 2025. Currently some parts of Auckland already pay through their rates, some use the orange bags that we used to have, and other areas (including Rodney) don't have any council rubbish service.
Originally all of Auckland was going to move to paying for each rubbish collection, however it was found that there was no discernible difference between the amount of rubbish collected in rates-paying areas vs tag-paying areas.
Meanwhile, we are waiting on a decision on whether Auckland will be moving from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collections in 2026. This is something that I do not support due to the difficulties it will create for many people.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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37.8% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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21.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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36.7% I prefer calling the clinic
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4.1% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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31.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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67.6% No, I enjoy it
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Government targeted relief
My sister is a Pensioner living in Wellsford. She has an appointment at North Shore Hospital tomorrow afternoon at 2.45pm. The 160km round trip would cost about $50 which is too expensive. Instead, she will be taking a free shuttle leaving from Wellsford at 8am tomorrow, so will have almost 6 hours wait at hospital . It is not only families with children who are struggling. I do understand that not everyone can be accommodated in the relief, but just saying.
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