Mount Albert, Auckland

How much are you paying for your bin tags?

Nic George Reporter from Stuff

With bin tags on the way out, we want to hear how much you are still spending on them.

After School Care/Nanny/Babysitting

Uma from Westmere

Hi, My name is Uma. I live in Westmere. I'm currently working as a casual ECE relieving teacher in different childcare centres in the day time. I have experience working with children since 2015. I'm available to help/look after your kids in the afternoon as after school care, nanny, … View moreHi, My name is Uma. I live in Westmere. I'm currently working as a casual ECE relieving teacher in different childcare centres in the day time. I have experience working with children since 2015. I'm available to help/look after your kids in the afternoon as after school care, nanny, evening babysitting, morning school drop off or anything in the weekends.

I have my own car and full driver's license. Please contact me on 022 5854561 or email (umakumar@y7mail.com), or message me in this Neighbourly app.

This year during Term 1 and Term 2 school I have done a After School Care job (looking after 2 kids from Westmere Kindergarten & Westmere School). Now I'm available to work anytime during this Term 3 & Term 4 School.

After a year in Australia: 'Honestly, this place is cheaper than NZ'

Brian from Mount Roskill

When I left NZ, it seemed I was part of an exodus. Little did I know that exodus was only going to intensify.
It seems every other week, another friend or colleague announces their move across the Tasman. And, look, the lure of Australia is undeniable – better pay, improved working conditions, … View moreWhen I left NZ, it seemed I was part of an exodus. Little did I know that exodus was only going to intensify.
It seems every other week, another friend or colleague announces their move across the Tasman. And, look, the lure of Australia is undeniable – better pay, improved working conditions, and yes, the sunshine.
Watch Aziz's price comparison in full on TVNZ+
A year on, we now know more than 85,000 New Zealanders have flocked across the ditch. It seems while the ibis might be notorious for scavenging, the kiwi is now the one crossing the ditch in search of better pickings.
Here’s why.
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Let’s kick things off easy with housing. According to CoreLogic’s latest figures, if you’re looking to buy a home, Australia seems to have the edge (unless you’re planning to buy in Sydney, then good luck).
The median house price in Australia is, in NZ dollars, just over $880,000, compared to New Zealand’s $931,000, Even in the pricey cities of Sydney and Auckland, the numbers are comparable, with homes costing nearly $1.3 million.
If you’re renting like me, you’re going to be paying more though, especially if you’re living in Sydney. The average national Aussie rent is around $695 per week, while TradeMe says it’s slightly cheaper in New Zealand at $610.
But if you’re in Auckland, prepare to shell out about $660 weekly compared to Sydney’s eye-watering $820.
Utilities and Groceries
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When it comes to utilities, shock-horror, Australians again come out on top. Canstar Blue shows the average monthly electricity bill is $122, far cheaper than the $196 Kiwis pay. And in Australia, we pay our power quarterly.
Personally, because I live on my own here, my bill roughly hits $200-$250 every three months.
When it comes to groceries, prices are on the rise in Australia, with the latest figures showing they are actually the most expensive we’ve seen in a while. The kicker is we are spoiled for choice when it comes to our supermarkets.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics says the average Australian household spends about $208 a week on food, while New Zealanders are hit with a whopping $300 weekly bill (Source: Stats NZ).
It appears more competition and scrutiny in the Aussie market drive prices down, giving shoppers better deals.
Salaries: Show me the money
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The average weekly wage in Australia is around $2,094, adding up to nearly $109,000 annually (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics).
Compare that to New Zealand’s $1,593 weekly wage, or about $80,000 a year (Source: Stats NZ), and the difference is stark.
This earning potential is a huge draw for Kiwis, especially professionals like nurses and police officers, as highlighted in my Great Brain Drain series. 1News revealed 322 New Zealand officers applied to work with Queensland Police in the last year, and our nursing sector has lost nearly 24,000 registered nurses to Australia. Those are only the ones we know of who have registered under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Agreement.
With a salary increase of almost 30% in some cases, the promise of higher pay and better working conditions is hard to resist.
A mixed bag of inflation and employment
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It is no secret Australia is also grappling with its own cost-of-living crisis, but there's a silver lining. Recent figures show a robust job market with low unemployment in June 2024 (Source: ABS).
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, inflation has dipped slightly, leading to a cut in home loan rates, but unemployment remains a concern as many Kiwis seek better opportunities abroad.
The overall picture
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Is the move worth it? For many, it seems the answer is a resounding yes.
But Australia does have its own cost-of-living challenges. People are struggling to pay their rent and keep their fridges stocked.
As a Kiwi who has just come here, I can say hand on heart the cost of living in New Zealand is just as bad as Australia, made worse by our lower salaries.
With that said, while it’s crucial to weigh individual circumstances and long-term goals, the grass does seem greener on the other side.
But I’m still holding out hope for New Zealand. Addressing these issues at home could help retain our talent and make our own patch of grass just as green.
After all, there’s no place quite like Aotearoa.
Sources:
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• Australian Median House Price: CoreLogic Australia
• Sydney Median House Price: CoreLogic Australia
• NZ Median House Price: CoreLogic NZ
• Auckland Median House Price: CoreLogic NZ
• Australia Rent: CoreLogic Australia
• NZ Rent: TradeMe
• Australia Power: Canstar Blue
• NZ Power: Canstar Blue
• Australia Groceries: Finder, Australian Bureau of Statistics
• NZ Groceries: Stats NZ, Wise Move
• Australia Salary: Australian Bureau of Statistics
• NZ Salary: Stats NZ
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www.1news.co.nz...
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Step it up!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Mt Roskill

A splash of Resene red transforms a rumpty old ladder into a handy stool or nifty shelves.

Find out how to repurpose your old ladder.

Do you have a DIY (or DIY disaster) dad?

Resene

Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.

Tell… View moreIs your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.

Tell us about your DIY dad for a chance to win him $1000 worth of Resene paint products!

Plus all entries will be in with a chance to win their DIY Dad one of our colourful spot prizes. Find out more

Dosa Weekend Anyone?

Mariyaraj from Sandringham

Tiffin truck is live at 60 Dornwell Road, Mt Roskill, from 9 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday. Come and enjoy our most popular South Indian variety of dosas served with tomato chutney, coconut chutney, vada and masala tea. It's a much better price than anywhere!

Negotiable

BEWARE: Scammers impersonating Police taking advantage of vulnerable, older people

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.

The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial … View morePolice are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.

The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you.

People have been directed to go to the bank and withdraw money for evidence of the scam.
This is a scam – no legitimate Police officer will ever ask you to hand over money for any reason.

Overnight we have had five instances of this being reported, people need to be vigilant.
Enquiries into reports of scams of a similar nature received last week remain ongoing.

We appreciate these scammers are convincing, but New Zealand Police will never contact you and ask you to withdraw money. New Zealand Police will also never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, PIN or passwords.

Older members of our community are being targeted and Police urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to make them aware this activity is a scam.

There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties.

Remember:
• Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, PIN or passwords over the phone.
• Trust your instincts.
• If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details.
• Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
• Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.

Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...

Q&A: Animal Welfare with SPCA's Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.

A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home … View moreWe're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.

A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home with ostriches, guinea pigs, bees, a rescue tortoiseshell named Lynk, a ragdoll named Oscar, two mini foxies called Chester and Maya and a black Labrador named Bonnie.

Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell is excited to answer your questions on all things animal welfare, whether it's how to best look after your new pet, how to combat separation anxiety or how to report neglect.

↓ Share your questions now ↓

Tips for working in retirement

Murray Halberg Retirement Village

Retirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.

Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting… View moreRetirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.

Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting gears to something more fulfilling or pursuing passions that you now have time for. This might mean volunteering, part-time work, or even starting your own business.

Here’s some helpful advice from Ryman residents in the workforce.

We Read Auckland | Ka Pānui Tātou i Tāmaki Makaurau is back for 2024!

The Team from Auckland Council

Join us for free author talks, writing workshops for rangatahi, and a fresh selection of local bestsellers added to the Bestie Collection this August.
For more details click "read more".

Red Cross Shop Makeover

Redcross from Sandringham

Our new boutique look at the Red Cross Shop Sandringham 👀💃

Monday-Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

571 Sandringham Road

Y13 PHYSICS

Gunapala from Avondale

Recorded 3.4 lessons/videos are available for students who plan to sit NCEA L-3 PHY this year. The full set of lessons prepared by an experience teacher is in with theory and worked examples. It is just like listening to a private tutor in front. You may watch it using this YouTube link: … View moreRecorded 3.4 lessons/videos are available for students who plan to sit NCEA L-3 PHY this year. The full set of lessons prepared by an experience teacher is in with theory and worked examples. It is just like listening to a private tutor in front. You may watch it using this YouTube link:
youtu.be...
OR Search on YouTube with (3.4 video one centre of mass) Contact for details of other 12 videos covering the full 3.4 Mechanics unit.
(seniorscience.online@gmail.com) or text to 0272671637
Thank you

Snooze, you win – the benefits of a regular sleep schedule

Beds4U Avondale

Are you tired of feeling tired all the time? Do you struggle to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling groggy? Or do you still wake up tired after 8 hours of sleep?

If so, it's time to start prioritising your sleep schedule.

The science behind a consistent sleep schedule is clear - it… View moreAre you tired of feeling tired all the time? Do you struggle to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling groggy? Or do you still wake up tired after 8 hours of sleep?

If so, it's time to start prioritising your sleep schedule.

The science behind a consistent sleep schedule is clear - it can profoundly impact your quality of life.

From improving cognitive function, mood, and physical health to reducing stress levels, here are the benefits of a regular sleep schedule.

What is a consistent sleep schedule?
It's no secret that a good night's sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. But did you know that consistent sleep schedules can also improve your quality of life?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate our body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as our circadian rhythm. This internal clock helps to control when we feel sleepy and when we feel awake.

When our sleep schedule is inconsistent, it can disrupt our circadian rhythm and make it harder for us to get a good night's sleep. This can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability.

Benefits of a regular sleep schedule
A regular sleep schedule can improve your quality of life in several ways. Here's a closer look at some of the most important effects of regular sleep schedules.

Regulates the body's circadian rhythms
The circadian rhythm is the body's internal clock, regulating hormone levels, body temperature, sleep-wake cycles, and other bodily functions.

A regular sleep schedule helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, allowing it to run more smoothly and efficiently.

That's because our bodies are designed to operate on a 24-hour circadian rhythm cycle. This natural sleep pattern is controlled by our internal "biological clock. It regulates everything from when we feel sleepy to when we feel energetic.

Disrupting our circadian rhythm by sleeping at different times each night can lead to all sorts of problems, including insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Improves mood and cognitive function
Getting enough quality sleep is essential for good mental health.

A regular sleep schedule ensures that your body gets the rest it needs to function properly. This can help improve mood and cognitive function and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Enhances the immune system and overall health
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and wellness.

There are several reasons why sleep is so important for the immune system.

When you sleep, your body produces cytokines. These are proteins that help to fight off infection and inflammation.

In addition, sleep helps to reduce stress levels. Stress can impact the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off illness.

Reduces risk of chronic health conditions
A regular sleep schedule can help to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic health conditions are "conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living." Some examples of chronic health conditions include heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and asthma.

Furthermore, research has shown that a lack of sleep can increase your risk of developing chronic health conditions. For example, one study found that individuals who slept less than six hours per night had a significantly increased risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Promotes a more restful and restorative sleep
A regular sleep schedule promotes more restful and restorative sleep. Having a consistent bedtime and wake time helps to set the body's internal clock, allowing you to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. This can leave you feeling more refreshed and energised in the morning.


Tips for adopting a consistent sleep schedule

Fortunately, you can do a few simple things to help get your sleep cycle back on track. Here are some tips for adopting a consistent sleep schedule:
1. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. To get the most out of your sleep, avoid drinking coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages after 2 pm and abstain from alcohol at least 4 hours before bedtime.
3. Create a calming bedtime routine. A relaxing bedtime routine can help signal your body that it's time for sleep.
4. Avoid looking at screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from TVs, computers, and phones can disrupt our natural melatonin production and make it harder to fall asleep.
5. It may take some time to adjust if you're not used to following a regular sleep schedule. But stick with it – your body will thank you!

Tea & Tiffin Ready

Mariyaraj from Sandringham

Thank you for the overwhelming response. We truly value your local support. Join us today & tomorrow at 32 Carr Road, Mt Roskill (opposite Mt Roskill Fresh Supermarket), this Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. ⏰
We offer a diverse selection of dosas, idly, medu vada, and masala tea for … View moreThank you for the overwhelming response. We truly value your local support. Join us today & tomorrow at 32 Carr Road, Mt Roskill (opposite Mt Roskill Fresh Supermarket), this Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. ⏰
We offer a diverse selection of dosas, idly, medu vada, and masala tea for you to enjoy this weekend!
Ample parking is available, along with gazebo seating! ☔️
Options for dining in or takeaway are available. ✨🕺🏻

Negotiable

Sofa cum Double Bed and a single bed with a mattress

Kiran from Mount Roskill

A maroon Sofa cum Double Bed along with a single bed with a mattress is available for pickup from Mount Roskill home to anyone who will pick both items and put them to good use. First come first served basis

Free