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Get a free feasibility assessment to understand your development options before you begin. Call us today: 0800 2 CATOBOLAM (Ts&Cs apply).
Thinking of buying or developing land? What’s the first question you should ask? 🔍
✅ What can I build on this site? (Zoning & planning … View moreGet a free feasibility assessment to understand your development options before you begin. Call us today: 0800 2 CATOBOLAM (Ts&Cs apply).
Thinking of buying or developing land? What’s the first question you should ask? 🔍
✅ What can I build on this site? (Zoning & planning rules)
✅ Are there any hidden costs or risks? (Geotech, flood zones, services)
✅ How much will development cost? (Feasibility & budgeting)
✅ What’s my timeline? (Consent process & approvals)
For Sale:
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Cookie Ja
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Ornament
• STAR WARS BB8 Cookie Jar
• STAR WARS BB8 Sphero (?)
Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School) is MUCH preferred though it is possible to send if buyer pays p&p, or if you are … View moreFor Sale:
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Cookie Ja
• STAR WARS Stormtrooper Ornament
• STAR WARS BB8 Cookie Jar
• STAR WARS BB8 Sphero (?)
Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School) is MUCH preferred though it is possible to send if buyer pays p&p, or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.
I destroyed 3 cheap pruners (in every case the spring jumped out and flew away, never to be found) before I followed the advice of an experienced gardener and looked for a good one. Got the opportunity to buy a large lot of top gardening tools at auction, kept the ones I wanted and am selling the … View moreI destroyed 3 cheap pruners (in every case the spring jumped out and flew away, never to be found) before I followed the advice of an experienced gardener and looked for a good one. Got the opportunity to buy a large lot of top gardening tools at auction, kept the ones I wanted and am selling the ones I do not need. All New & Unused. If you need more info then check out the Mitre 10 website. Price is fix, I had to pay for these (including the auction premium) and am selling them at these low prices to come out even. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School).
Fiskars Plus 24mm PowerLever Bypass Pruner P721 • RRP $53 only $40 •
Fiskars Plus 22mm Bypass Pruner P751 • RRP $63 only $47 •
Fiskars X-treme Bypass Pruner 921 • RRP $70 only $52 •
Fiskars X-treme Bypass Pruner P961 • RRP $75 only $56 •
ONE ONLY: FISKARS X7 Axe • RRP $71 only $55 •
Gardena Bypass Secateur (Pruner) 20 mm • RRP $45 only $33 •
Gardena Anvil Secateur (Pruner) 23 mm • RRP $53 only $40 •
Gardena Bypass Secateur (Pruner) Black 24 mm • RRP $60 only $46 •
Gardena Bypass Secateur (Pruner) Silver 25 mm • RRP $85 only $65 •
Gardena Expert Cut Bypass Secateur (Pruner) 22 mm • RRP $80 only $60 •
ONE ONLY: Gardena Premium Cleaning Nozzle Black, Silver & Orange • RRP $57 only $42
Could be used as a towel rack … a grab or hand rail … a handle bar … I know my father started to loose balance a lot when he got old, and I would have loved to have some of these back then. They are from a failed building project, NEW & UNUSED, 680 mm long, made from stainless steel, … View moreCould be used as a towel rack … a grab or hand rail … a handle bar … I know my father started to loose balance a lot when he got old, and I would have loved to have some of these back then. They are from a failed building project, NEW & UNUSED, 680 mm long, made from stainless steel, about 9-10 cm from the wall when assembled, and come with the necessary screws. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School). PRICE IS FOR TWO, so just $10 each! [P.S. Sold to three buyers so far, all of which were very happy with their purchase]
The Garment Rack is on sale at Mitre10 for $146 - if you can get it! I checked EIGHT Mitre10 shops - SOLD OUT everywhere! I have one for sale, still unpacked in its box. H: 167.8cm, W: 40cm, D: 83.2cm, Black. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside … View moreThe Garment Rack is on sale at Mitre10 for $146 - if you can get it! I checked EIGHT Mitre10 shops - SOLD OUT everywhere! I have one for sale, still unpacked in its box. H: 167.8cm, W: 40cm, D: 83.2cm, Black. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.
Want to elevate your BBQ game when friends come around? look no further, Avon's Butchery has just the right sausage for you, winning national awards the last 25 years with over 18 flavours, this is the go to spot to elevate your backyard bbq.
In store or online Avon's Butchery aka … View moreWant to elevate your BBQ game when friends come around? look no further, Avon's Butchery has just the right sausage for you, winning national awards the last 25 years with over 18 flavours, this is the go to spot to elevate your backyard bbq.
In store or online Avon's Butchery aka 'The Better Butcher' has the range to simply impress.
246 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes, Auckland.
Hi, I run a small online op shop via Trade me I have been inundated with donations - I am looking for "volunteers" to help me list I can train you, but you need access to a computer once trained you can work at home. I am happy to donate to almost any charity of your choice on the basis … View moreHi, I run a small online op shop via Trade me I have been inundated with donations - I am looking for "volunteers" to help me list I can train you, but you need access to a computer once trained you can work at home. I am happy to donate to almost any charity of your choice on the basis of $2 per listing all profit after direct listing is donated monthly to a number of well-known charities approx. $300 per month, but I want to up my game and get more. I sell all sorts of things, but I specialize particularly in old books everything finds a home eventually. I have other things I need help with - like web site, administration, stock, listing on more & wider sites. Message me and I can explain more. I am based in New Lynn. I am Paskee88 on Trade me.
Don't ask for a discount? Don't get one. But what happens when you do ask? You might be surprised.
There’s a little voice that lives in most of our heads, and it could be costing us thousands. It whispers things like “don’t make a fuss”, or “don’t be difficult”. Maybe … View moreDon't ask for a discount? Don't get one. But what happens when you do ask? You might be surprised.
There’s a little voice that lives in most of our heads, and it could be costing us thousands. It whispers things like “don’t make a fuss”, or “don’t be difficult”. Maybe it’s saying “don’t rock the boat”.
It’s a very polite little voice. It’s also very expensive. Because when it comes to your money, you could miss out on tens of thousands of dollars, just by trying not to make a fuss. This applies to your mortgage, your regular bills, that friend who always borrows money but forgets to pay you back, any area of life.
You can still be polite, but you can do it in a way that stops you from missing out on that cash, that surely you’d prefer to spend elsewhere.
What’s up for negotiation?
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When it comes to dealing with businesses, just floating the possibility of a better deal, or a discount, is often enough to get you something.
Your power bill, bank fees, mortgage rate, or really any expense you encounter regularly, all have some room for negotiation. And because they’re regular bills that you’re paying all the time, even a small saving can stack up to be big money.
Power bill? Shop around, see who has the best rate. Powerswitch.org.nz makes it easy to compare plans for your particular useage habits.
Be prepared to shop around.
Mortgage? Ask if you can get a cashback, or an interest rate better than what’s on the website, the next time you refix.
I promise, I put my money where my mouth is on this. I was looking into a service I was considering for my small business. If I used it, it would be for several hours at a time. So all I asked was one simple line – “do you do a bulk discount?” The answer? Not usually, but we could do that in this case.
One line, several hundreds of dollars in savings. Don’t ask, don’t get.
Why we don’t ask
==============
This probably isn’t news to you, though. In most cases, this isn’t actually a knowledge problem. Many of us know there’s room to negotiate, having read it online, seen the Instagram reel, or had a friend mention it to us.
But when it comes to actually doing it, that polite voice pipes up in the back of our mind. “What if I seem greedy?” “What if I ask, and they say no?” “What if I ruin the relationship, and can never come back here?”
We’re trained from a young age to avoid being seen as pushy, or rude, or worst of all “one of those customers.”
So instead, we nod. Smile. Accept the first rate we’re offered. And then quietly overpay for years.
Nobody wants to be "that" customer.
The myth of the ‘difficult’ customer
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So let’s go ahead and bust that myth right now. You don’t have to be a corporate shark to get a better deal. You don’t need to threaten to walk, or slam your fists on the table.
Most of the time, all it takes is one sentence. Here are some for you to try: “Is that the best rate you can offer me?”
Or “are there any special deals or discounts available right now?”
Even better, do some research, then trot out “I’ve seen a lower rate elsewhere, can you match or beat it?”
There’s no tantrum or nastiness required. Just quiet, calm confidence. You’re not being difficult, you’re being informed.
The system expects you to ask
==========================
If you need help to keep that backbone strong, just remember this: many businesses expect you to negotiate. The advertised rate is just the starting point.
Large companies will usually set aside budget for discounts or special deals. But they’re not going to tell you that – come on, that would be silly. If they can get you to pay more, why wouldn’t they?
It’s a bit like going to a market overseas, where haggling is part of the culture. If you pay full price without blinking, the vendor doesn’t think, what a lovely, polite customer. They think, well that was easy money.
Same with banks, power companies, even tradies. If you don’t ask, they won’t offer.
===================================================================
It’s not personal. It’s just business.
The quiet inequality it creates
========================
It’s important we remind each to negotiate, though. Because all the little discounts you’re missing out on can create a ripple effect.
The people who are confident enough to negotiate, or who grew up in families where money talk was normal, end up getting the better deal. They pay less interest, clear their mortgage faster, have lower monthly costs, and get further ahead financially.
Meanwhile, those who don’t know the system, or feel awkward speaking up, end up paying more for the exact same thing.
And that’s where “politeness” turns into a trap. A mindset worth rewiring. If that feels uncomfortable, well good. It means you care about how you treat others. That’s a strength.
But it’s worth separating kindness from compliance. You can be both respectful and assertive. You can ask for better, while staying calm and courteous.
You’re not being a diva, you’re being a grown-up who knows their repeat business is worth something, and you’re just looking to protect your own interests.
Start with one question
===================
Next time you’re about to pay a bill, or sign up to a service, try this: just ask one extra question.That’s it. One little sentence that opens the door.
If the answer is yes, wait until you’re off the phone, then give yourself a high five. You have my full permission to get yourself a little treat with that first round of savings. You’ve earned it.
If the answer is no, you’ve still flexed the muscle. You’ve practiced checking for a better deal, and guess what? You didn’t die.
The more you do this, the more it will become second nature. And you’ll be amazed at the places you can build up some savings.
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It doesn’t matter what you do or how high you go, there’ll be points in your career where you have to work with people who are a bit… tricky. Perhaps they’re terrible at organisation and always miss deadlines. Maybe they’re super knowledgeable, but rubbish at communication. Sometimes … View moreIt doesn’t matter what you do or how high you go, there’ll be points in your career where you have to work with people who are a bit… tricky. Perhaps they’re terrible at organisation and always miss deadlines. Maybe they’re super knowledgeable, but rubbish at communication. Sometimes they’re perfectly fine in nearly all regards, but you just don’t click. These are the people who make work a mind-numbing slog, who refuse to collaborate, who just won’t see things from your perspective, who constantly nit-pick, and on, and on.
As much as we might dream of these types of co-workers deciding to quit their jobs and start new lives far, far away from us, holding on to that hope isn’t a realistic solution. Instead, we need to learn how to work with these difficult people. Helping us through this is workplace expert Salman Raza, who says there are a few things you can do.
1) Try to understand the person’s intentions
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Don’t write off your colleague as someone whose life mission is to annoy you. What else is going on? ‘People are rarely difficult for the sake of it. Try to identify why they are behaving as they are. What is stopping them from cooperating with you? Why aren’t they meeting deadlines? How can you help to resolve the situation? What can you do to meet their needs?’
2) Stay calm and treat them with respect
=================================
‘Losing your temper isn’t the answer and won’t get the desired result. It will in fact ignite their ego and will cause further conflict,’ notes Salman. Try your hardest not to be rude, mean, or petty, even when this person is driving you around the bend. Think about your end goal: you want to get on with your work without all these bumps and snags, not end up in a fight or become a bully – no matter how difficult someone might be.
3) Explain your motives
===================
Wait a minute – what if they think you’re being difficult to work with? ‘Let the person know your intentions behind what you are doing,’ Salman says. 'Sometimes they might be resistant because they think you are being difficult with them! Giving the full background of why you are doing something, why something is needed by a certain date or why something is happening, might help them empathize with your situation. Showing your vulnerability is a great way to get people on board'.
4) Build rapport
=============
‘Try to connect with your workmate on a personal level. Get to know them as people, and not just colleagues. Learn more about their hobbies, their family and their lives. Really listen to what they say and try to respond in a thoughtful way. Good personal relationships can foster better working relationships'.
5) Ask other people for help
=======================
Don’t seethe all alone, letting your rage eat away at you. It’s worth chatting with other people to check you’re being reasonable – and see if they have any genius bits of advice to make the working relationship run a bit more smoothly. Certain co-workers may have worked with this difficult person before and worked out the best way to navigate their quirks. ‘Ask your colleagues and managers for help,’ ‘They may be able to see things from a different angle and share some light on how to approach the situation. If appropriate, you can ask a close friend or family member for help as well. You never know if they have been in a similar situation until you ask'.
6) Focus on what can be done
=========================
‘Rather than dwelling on what you can’t change, focus on the actionable steps you can take to forward yourself in the situation,’ ‘For example, if a colleague hands something in late, focus on what you can do to rectify the situation.’ Easier said than done, we know, but try to remind yourself of this as a mantra the next time you’re about to rage about how your colleague has screwed you over yet again.
7) Speak to your boss
==================
Salman says: ‘When all else fails, speak to your manager. Sometimes, the only way to get someone to change is through someone senior speaking to them'
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Friday 18 & Saturday 19 July, 10am - 2pm.
Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities, we'd love to show you around.
Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
***Make a list of all the positive reason for stopping or cutting back on your drinking. Make sure they are things that really matter to you.
***Have some alcohol-free nights: Choose certain nights each week when you don’t drink and stick to it. Tell your whānau and friends what nights you’re… View more***Make a list of all the positive reason for stopping or cutting back on your drinking. Make sure they are things that really matter to you.
***Have some alcohol-free nights: Choose certain nights each week when you don’t drink and stick to it. Tell your whānau and friends what nights you’re not drinking and ask them to support you in staying away from the booze.
***Don’t drink at lunchtime or in the afternoon.
***Have a smaller amount, or a version that’s got less (or no) alcohol in it. There are some really good alcohol-free beers and mocktails available.
***Try drinking sparkling water out of a wine glass.
***Drink slowly, if you’re genuinely thirsty have a glass of water before opening the alcohol.
***Alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of water – try some lemon juice or mint in the water if you like it to taste of something.
***If you get tempted in the early evening (especially after a tough day) try going for a walk or having a piece of fruit instead.
***Have 1 glass with your meal (not before) and don’t keep drinking after dinner.
***Keep a diary of how much you drink, you might be surprised how much it is. Alcohol apps can help you to keep track of your drinking behaviour. Read about alcohol apps.
***Be aware of situations that encourage you to drink alcohol (places, events, people) and steer clear of them if you’re trying not to. You'll find it easier if you do things that don't involve going to the pub or drinking.
***Learn some techniques that help you stay on top of the urge to drink.
***Find out what works for you, such as:
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meditation
talking to a friend and getting some moral support
picking up a new hobby or joining a group
doing some physical exercises
getting engrossed in a crossword/book
plan a trip, a house rearrangement or renovation or a flower bed.
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Kiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.
We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will… View moreKiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.
We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will it be business as usual?
Discuss your thoughts below
Kia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by June 12, 2025.
Sturgin, 28, was crowned New Zealand’s representative for the international Miss Universe competition on June 24 at SkyCity Theatre.
West Auckland-born and raised Sturgin, who is of Kiwi and Laotian heritage, competed against 11 other finalists.
… View moreSturgin, 28, was crowned New Zealand’s representative for the international Miss Universe competition on June 24 at SkyCity Theatre.
West Auckland-born and raised Sturgin, who is of Kiwi and Laotian heritage, competed against 11 other finalists.
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Police is celebrating the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus.
The RNZPC Auckland Campus was formally opened this morning by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello.
Police … View morePolice is celebrating the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus.
The RNZPC Auckland Campus was formally opened this morning by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the new facilities leased from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University allow Police to hold senior training courses and have the added bonus of a recruit wing.
“I have made it clear my expectation is for high standards.
That starts the moment a recruit walks into Police College and continues throughout their policing career.
“To ensure those expectations are met and our front line is supported, ongoing training is essential, and the Auckland Campus will be important for holding our senior courses.
“In recent years we have had to provide more senior courses online and in districts to improve efficiency and to free up space for recruit training at RNZPC in Wellington.
“However, that is not possible for some courses and bringing people together in person is an important opportunity for staff to learn from each other as well.”
Since signing the lease, a huge amount of planning and organisation has gone into making the space fit-for-purpose in time for courses to begin on 30 June.
The first senior course at the Auckland Campus, a Leadership and Development group conference, has begun.
The facility includes multiple classrooms, a locker room, storage space, offices, car parks and dorm rooms.
Police also has access to other facilities including the gym and recreation centre.
RNZPC Auckland is also being used for recruit wing 390 which has 40 recruits.
The Patron for Wing 390 is former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir John Key.
Commissioner Chambers says: “Being away from home for 20 weeks to attend recruit training in Wellington has been a deterrent for some people wanting to join Police.
“Offering training in Auckland is one of the things we can do to attract as many quality applications as possible.
“Aside from appealing to people who live in Auckland, Wing 390 has a large number of recruits from Northland who will be based in the dorms.
"Northland has been one of our priority districts for recruitment and offering training closer to home has been a real drawcard.”
The Auckland recruits will need to spend about five weeks in Porirua for elements of training we cannot do in Auckland, but being able to do the bulk of the course in Auckland gives them their chance at a career they wanted.
“We will consider the possibility of future recruit wings later in the year depending on demand and the schedule for senior courses,” Commissioner Chambers says.
“Having a Police College campus in our largest city is a significant opportunity for us to continue developing world-class police officers and growing our frontline police presence.
“New Zealand Police offers exciting career progression and more than 30 different career paths.
"Whether you’re taking your first steps into the workforce or considering a career change, the best time to apply is right now.”
If you are ready to start your training for one of the most rewarding careers there is, visit newcops.govt.nz to apply today.
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