A little challenge for my neighbours...
When I was growing up things were tough for my Mum who had to work as a cleaner to support my brother and I.
When I decided a couple of years ago to find a cleaner myself, it never felt entirely comfortable for me - but at the same time, I also felt happy I could give someone else a little work.
I heard today that most of my cleaner's customers have cancelled - or she's cancelled out of respect for the alert level.
So I guess this is a small challenge for my neighbours...
I know our world is changing very fast right now, but if you can afford to, please consider continuing to pay your loyal cleaner / babysitter / gardener etc. Even if it's just a partial payment as a gesture.
Obviously they won't be able to carry out your service - but maybe when the world is back to normal your house will end up extra sparkly one day or you'll find a new pot plant on your doorstep.
I appreciate this won't be possible for some but those of you doing this already, thanks for spreading kindness.
I'm not sure what we would have done if Mum's income was cut off when we were little.
And hot tip: good cleaners, babysitters and gardeners are all in hot demand on Neighbourly so looking after them now might mean someone else doesn't pinch them from you in the future - ha!
(Ironically I now regularly drive and walk past the beautiful giant house she used to clean on Remuera Road. I reckon they still have a cleaner 😂).
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.9% Human-centred experience and communication
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15% Critical thinking
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29.6% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
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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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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