Government doubles Winter Energy Payments for low-income families, over 1m Kiwis to benefit
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced this morning the Winter Energy Payment for 2020 runs for 22 weeks, from 1 May to 1 October, and doubles to $1400 for couples and $900 for single people this year. “The Winter Energy Payment started as part of the Government’s December 2017 Families Package designed to help older New Zealanders and many of our poorest families heat their homes over winter,” Ms Sepuloni said. “When the impact of Covid-19 first hit, the Government set out a $12.1 billion dollar support package for New Zealanders and business. It was within this package that we increased benefits by $25 and doubled the Winter Energy Payment. “A core part of the Government’s response to Covid-19 is to ensure families stay healthy and focused on their wellbeing, which is good for them and good for our health service.” Ms Sepuloni added that those on lower incomes generally spend any extra money on household items that keep their families well, and so doubling the Winter Energy Payment will act as an immediate stimulus in local economies. “The efforts of our team of five million helped to get us in a good position to tackle the virus and we each continue to have a role to play as we begin to reboot our economy for the good of all New Zealanders. “The Government is here to support those who need it.” Ms Sepuloni said about 850,000 people will benefit from the changes with more than one million kept warmer once children and other household members of recipients are included.
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Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?
At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).
Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.
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72.1% Yes
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24.8% No
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3.1% Other - I'll share below
Repair & Share
Free community repair café held by Repair Café Aotearoa NZ and Auckland Library of Tools!
We offer diagnosis and repair (where possible) of small electrical items, clothing and textiles, wooden items and general repair. We often have specialty repairs available.
To accommodate everyone, you will be able to see our volunteer repairers for 1 item at a time. If you have more than one item you'd like us to look at and there is enough time, you can register your second item afterwards.
Hang out, have a chat and enjoy a tea or a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a home baked treat.
Koha is welcome for refreshments and for our lovely volunteers.
Getting here:
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Bus stops on Ponsonby Rd (InnerLink, 20, 105, 106, 866), Great North Rd (11T/W, 18, 20, 195), and Karangahape Rd (WX1).
We are also near the northwestern cycleway.
Limited free parking is available next door or on side streets. There is no parking in front of ALoT/Hackland.
If you are keen to volunteer your repair skills for this event, get in touch with our coordinator at brandy.repairandshare@gmail.com.
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ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
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Riddle me this: Neighbourly edition!
What type of cheese is made backwards?
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