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Don't waste your money on extended warranties
About seven out of 10 shoppers are being offered an extended warranty at Apple Stores, Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming.
While extended warranties promise to pay for repairs for a specified period after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you’re likely paying hundreds of dollars for … View moreAbout seven out of 10 shoppers are being offered an extended warranty at Apple Stores, Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming.
While extended warranties promise to pay for repairs for a specified period after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you’re likely paying hundreds of dollars for protection you already have under consumer law.
Our latest retailer survey found that three big retailers – Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming and Apple Stores – were the most likely to offer an extended warranty.
Only 2 to 3% of shoppers at the three big retailers were told by store staff what protection they already have under consumer law.
The more expensive the item, the more people were offered a warranty. This is especially so for large appliances (54%) and home tech (50%) purchases across all retailers surveyed.
Extended warranties may also be marketed as product care or damage protection plans.
We were happy to see only 3% of people who were offered an extended warranty went ahead with buying one. Although, we suspect this is because we surveyed our members and supporters, and they’re likely to be more clued up on their rights.
You’re already covered
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Under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA), manufacturers and retailers are obliged to guarantee the products they sell are of an acceptable quality and fit for their purpose. Most appliances, certainly the big-ticket ones, can be expected to perform well for many years, not just the period covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
This means that if your product develops a fault when it’s still reasonably new, you can have it repaired or, if that isn’t possible, replaced – even if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.
If the fault is substantial, you can choose between a refund, repair or replacement.
Therefore, there’s no value in having an extended warranty if the only thing it gives you is cover beyond the period of the manufacturer’s warranty.
The extended warranty may cover accidental damage, but so does your home and contents policy – for example, your contents insurance should cover damage to computers and electronic appliances from power surges.
When is an extended warranty a good idea?
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An extended warranty is worth considering if it goes beyond the protections provided by the CGA. An example would be if a warranty guarantees replacement with a new item if something goes wrong, rather than having to wait for repairs.
When selling you an extended warranty, the retailer should tell you the extra rights it gives you on top of the CGA.
And remember, the CGA doesn’t apply to goods normally used for business purposes. So, if you’re buying items for business use, extended warranties may give you protection you don’t automatically have by law.
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Stolen Toyota Wish
My cars got stolen from Mount Albert Street near Scout Avenue traffic lights. Was parked on the street where it was usually parked over the years. Any spotting please report.
Night-time chipsealing works on SH2
From 24 November to 9 December, stop/go traffic management will be in place on SH2 between Irish Road and Steen Road on multiple nights between 9pm and 5am(Sundays to Thursdays).
During the day, all lanes will be open, but speed restrictions will apply to allow the chipseal to set and to protect… View moreFrom 24 November to 9 December, stop/go traffic management will be in place on SH2 between Irish Road and Steen Road on multiple nights between 9pm and 5am(Sundays to Thursdays).
During the day, all lanes will be open, but speed restrictions will apply to allow the chipseal to set and to protect vehicles travelling over the newly laid surface.
There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
Poll: What’s the top scam right now?
💸💸💸 Before you get caught, test your scam knowledge with Netsafe’s fun new Scam Spotting Quiz or try our online module for even more skill-building.
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65.2% Online shopping
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19.4% Romance
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15.4% The “free BBQ if you fill out a survey” classic
Man Shed Sticker, Vinyl decal
Selling as I cut this to the wrong size
72cm x 18cm
Pick up from Avondale
Picture shows what the sticker looks like when applied
Poll: Have you faced any barriers when trying to access primary health care?
Your location can affect how much you pay to see a GP. So, someone on the West Coast might pay around $33, while a person in Wellington might pay closer to $70.
❔ We want to know: Where do you live, and how much do your GP visits cost?
These prices are influenced by underfunding, subsidy … View moreYour location can affect how much you pay to see a GP. So, someone on the West Coast might pay around $33, while a person in Wellington might pay closer to $70.
❔ We want to know: Where do you live, and how much do your GP visits cost?
These prices are influenced by underfunding, subsidy caps, and the pressure they put on wages. Read more about how the GP lottery impacts you in Harriet Laughton's piece in The Post.
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17.4% I have experienced financial barriers
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47.5% I have had issues with availability
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35.1% No - I haven’t been impacted
Some Choice News!
Did you know there’s a global shortage of sweet pea seeds?
In Aotearoa New Zealand, dedicated gardeners are working to revive authentic sweet pea varieties and keep their beauty blooming for generations to come 🌸🪻🌻
Read more about their efforts here.
We hope this brings a smile!
What happens after redundancy? NorthTec layoffs highlight jobseeker struggles
Tertiary Education Union organiser Jill Jones says redundancy can have a deep effect on a person’s sense of identity.
Jones has dealt with many redundancy proposals over the years, the latest being NorthTec.
The result of redundancy went far beyond the financial implications, especially if … View moreTertiary Education Union organiser Jill Jones says redundancy can have a deep effect on a person’s sense of identity.
Jones has dealt with many redundancy proposals over the years, the latest being NorthTec.
The result of redundancy went far beyond the financial implications, especially if people were qualified in a niche area.
“It can make it incredibly difficult for them to find another job, especially if they have a commitment to a particular subject, and it becomes part of their identity in a sense,” Jones said.
“The narrower the field, the less likely it is you’re going to find employment.”
Jones said one man had told her he had still not told his adult children he had been made redundant, despite it happening months earlier.
“Because he felt embarrassed and ashamed.”
She pointed out that people who worked in roles with cultural or social impact sometimes experienced a loss of mana as well.
Redundancies are just one of the hardships faced by Northlanders.
Between September 2024 and 2025, the proportion of the working-age population receiving Jobseeker Support increased in most regions, according to Work and Income data.
By the end of September, Northland had the highest proportion receiving Jobseeker Support, at 11.4%.
That coincided with a surge in applications per job listing on Trade Me from July to September, where applications were up 11.8% quarter on quarter.
Though Work and Income had no data readily available to illustrate how many of those on Jobseeker Support had been made redundant, layoffs have undoubtedly played a part.
People Potential chief executive Bronwyn Ronayne recalled that one of the biggest redundancy bouts in Northland was when the Marsden Point oil refinery closed in 2022.
Many people were left with “niche” skills that they struggled to transfer.
There were now “really nice stories” starting to emerge of people who had started their own businesses and made opportunities out of the change, she said.
“There are so many people I can think of personally who are made redundant who are doing really cool stuff.”
Northland’s jobseeker levels came as no surprise to her.
“I think Northland’s always a bit slower to come out of whatever economic impact there is, a bit slower to recover from the knocks.”
Muriel Willem, director and lead careers practitioner at New Focus NZ, said the wellbeing and community-development company had noticed an increase in redundancies over the last six months.
That was particularly in trades associated with building projects that had stalled with the economic downturn, as well as hospitality after cafe closures.
She said clients who had been made redundant often worked through shock, disappointment, sadness and anger.
“The process can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially for those who haven’t needed to update a CV for years or previously found work through word of mouth.”
Willem said people over 60 struggled disproportionately with redundancy.
“Often they have CVs full of experience and knowledge, yet with retirement only a few years away and competition from younger applicants who may accept lower pay rates, they are often overlooked in the job market.”
However, she said mental health was often the greatest barrier for anyone returning to employment.
Trade Me data from July to September showed a 2% decrease in job listings in Northland, which head of Trade Me jobs Nicole Williams said was driven by major centres like Auckland and Wellington recording drops.
“We know job hunters are still finding it tough to land on their feet with the unemployment rate [nationally] at 5.2%,” Williams said.
Northland received the highest growth in applications per listing year-on-year.
Trades and services had the most listings started (approximately 22%), and this category saw 4.7% quarter-on-quarter growth and +14.1% year-on-year growth.
Other categories experiencing quarter-on-quarter growth in the region were transport and logistics (up 24.2%), retail (23.3%), healthcare (18.3%) and construction and roading (17.6%).
The average salary for Northland jobs listed during the July-September quarter was $73,858, a record high.
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Something special for Black Friday
Hey neighbours! Skip the crowds and shop from the comfort of your couch this Black Friday. Mags4Gifts.co.nz has up to 40% off magazine subscriptions for a limited time. From gardening and homes to lifestyle and entertainment, they make the perfect gift (or a little treat for yourself) that lasts … View moreHey neighbours! Skip the crowds and shop from the comfort of your couch this Black Friday. Mags4Gifts.co.nz has up to 40% off magazine subscriptions for a limited time. From gardening and homes to lifestyle and entertainment, they make the perfect gift (or a little treat for yourself) that lasts all year long.
⚠️ Fraud Awareness Week: Shop Smart and Stay Scam-Safe
Scams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle … View moreScams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle products.
FEAR: ‘Limited time deals’ messaging, fake ‘missed delivery’ updates
✋ Remember the SCAMS red flags:
Surprise contact
Control or pressure
Access to your device
Money request
Stop and seek support
If you think you’ve been scammed, stop contact, call your bank, and change your passwords.
Mario Kart toy cars
Selling these Mario Kart toy cars as no longer required.
As per photos they’re in great condition with plenty of life left in them.
Perfect to play with or use as a cake topper.
From smoke and pet free home.
Pick up is in Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall).
Indoor Hovering Football (Batteries included)
Selling this indoor Hovering Football as no longer required.
As per pics it’s in good used condition with plenty of life left in it.
Batteries included.
Makes sound and lights up.
… View moreSelling this indoor Hovering Football as no longer required.
As per pics it’s in good used condition with plenty of life left in it.
Batteries included.
Makes sound and lights up.
From smoke and pet free home.
Pick up is in Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall).
The Rangitoto Summit Track is definitely an iconic Auckland adventure 🌋… but what other hidden gems does the city have for locals and visitors?
The Press recently featured Rangitoto, and it got the Neighbourly team curious…
We want to know: Which walks in and around Auckland do you think are underrated and worth exploring? 🌿✨
Enterprise Cars Mega Stock Clearance
Enterprise Motor Group is thrilled to bring you the MEGA STOCK CLEARANCE SALE! With over 600 vehicles in stock across the group and fresh arrivals daily, your perfect car is waiting. Save up to $3000 or enjoy a cashback — PLUS get a FREE tank of fuel with every purchase until 30 November!
… View moreEnterprise Motor Group is thrilled to bring you the MEGA STOCK CLEARANCE SALE! With over 600 vehicles in stock across the group and fresh arrivals daily, your perfect car is waiting. Save up to $3000 or enjoy a cashback — PLUS get a FREE tank of fuel with every purchase until 30 November!
We’re clearing over 400 cars - all priced to go! Drive away today with $0 deposit finance from just $55 a week.*
‘Vicious, sinister, deadly’: Stalking law passes with up to five-year jail term
Legislation, which creates a new offence for stalking and harassment, passed its third reading in Parliament last night.
The minister behind the bill, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, said for too long, perpetrators had been able to emotionally, psychologically and economically harm their victims … View moreLegislation, which creates a new offence for stalking and harassment, passed its third reading in Parliament last night.
The minister behind the bill, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, said for too long, perpetrators had been able to emotionally, psychologically and economically harm their victims through stalking behaviour.
Stalking and harassment is defined as a pattern of behaviour which the offender knew was likely to cause the victim fear or distress.
“Stalking and harassment is vicious, sinister and can be deadly. Parliament has sent a clear message – this insidious behaviour has to stop,” Goldsmith said.
“Today is a victory for a wide range of New Zealanders.”
Women are greatly overrepresented as victims by “deluded, the sexist and the abusive”.
“Even worse, their children are frequently exploited to surveil victims, pass on threats, or even be threatened themselves,” he said.
“This victory would not be possible without the tireless advocacy and help of many people.”
More than 600 people submitted to a Parliamentary select committee on the issue with many sharing their own experiences and the impact of stalking in their lives.
A pattern of behaviour is defined as two specified acts within a two-year period.
The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill outlines a range of stalking behaviours, including:
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Watching and following another person.
Unwanted communication.
Damaging another’s reputation and relationships.
A police notice system and relevant defences are also built into the new offence.
Green Party spokesperson Tamatha Paul said the Government had agreed to pick up the party’s suggested amendment which was to ensure police informed victims before they served a notice to the perpetrator.
“Survivors and advocates told us that they were worried that when police notify the perpetrator that they are breaking the law, that the victim would not be notified and that the victim could be retaliated against,” Paul said.
“To everyone who got involved and made their voices heard, thank you.”
The bill will come into force in May 2026, six months after the legislation receives royal assent, to allow for training for police, court staff and the judiciary, and the development of information for the public.
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