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What's your take on aged care options in NZ?
There's a lot to consider - retirement homes, in-home support, independent living apartments or rest home living. And many are choosing to make the decision early for their future.
Whether you’re facing it now or far off, share with us your own plans, concerns, experiences or ideas for … View moreThere's a lot to consider - retirement homes, in-home support, independent living apartments or rest home living. And many are choosing to make the decision early for their future.
Whether you’re facing it now or far off, share with us your own plans, concerns, experiences or ideas for making aged care work better for everyone.
Some eye-opening facts about the silent energy guzzlers in our homes. Ever wonder where your electricity goes? Let's break it down, Kiwi-style!
Heating Water (27%)💧: Believe it or not, nearly a third of your energy bill takes a warm dive. That's right – heating water is a major player in the power game.
Electronic Devices (20%)🔌: Your gadgets, from TVs to laptops, are not just entertaining; they're also energy … View moreHeating Water (27%)💧: Believe it or not, nearly a third of your energy bill takes a warm dive. That's right – heating water is a major player in the power game.
Electronic Devices (20%)🔌: Your gadgets, from TVs to laptops, are not just entertaining; they're also energy munchers. They take up a cool fifth of your electricity usage.
Fridges and Cool Appliances (17%)🧊: Chillin' comes at a cost! Keeping things cool in your fridge and other appliances sips up a good chunk of your power, around 17%.
Keeping Warm (15%)🔥: It's not just the heater; keeping your home toasty takes up a significant share, around 15%. Snuggle blankets, anyone?
Lighting (13%)💡: Let there be light, but let's be wise about it. Lighting makes up around 13% of your electricity usage.
Cooking (5%)🍳: Fire up the stove! Cooking accounts for about 5% of your power usage. Time to get creative with those energy-efficient recipes.
Drying Clothes (3%)👕: Tumble, tumble, tumble – drying clothes takes a small but noticeable slice, around 3%, of your total energy usage.
Knowing where your power goes is the first step to keeping those bills in check. So, next time you flick the switch or turn on the kettle, remember these facts – your wallet will thank you!
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Taken from----Dave @ Glimp
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Who gets your vote?
The regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.
Your vote puts them … View moreThe regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.
Your vote puts them in the running to win a prize package worth over $30,000. Be a good neighbour and make your vote today.
Cashback websites – what you need to know
You may have seen them advertised and wondered if they’re too good to be true. Cashback websites such as Kiwi Wallet and Shopback promise to give you a percentage of your money back on online purchases.
Be careful though! The way cashback websites work can encourage us to spend more and miss out… View moreYou may have seen them advertised and wondered if they’re too good to be true. Cashback websites such as Kiwi Wallet and Shopback promise to give you a percentage of your money back on online purchases.
Be careful though! The way cashback websites work can encourage us to spend more and miss out on better deals.
Here’s our guide to how cashback websites work and how to use them to benefit you.
How cashback websites work
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Juanita Neville-Te Rito is the managing director and founder of retail consultancy RX Group, so she often talks to businesses about whether they should be on these cashback platforms.
“Cashback websites work by acting as a middleman between retailers and shoppers. When a customer clicks on a retailer’s link through a cashback platform like ShopBack, the retailer pays the cashback site a commission for generating that sale,” Juanita explained. “Instead of keeping the entire commission, the cashback site shares a portion of it with the customer as a cashback reward.”
A cashback offer encourages customers to choose one brand over another. “For example, if I need a new pair of running shoes and I haven’t decided if they’re going to be Adidas or Nike or whatever, the offer of cashback might help you in your decision-making process.”
Retailers like the model because it’s performance-based – they only pay when a sale happens. “It’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional digital advertising where they pay for clicks or impressions with no guarantees of conversion,” Juanita said.
Some cashback offers can seem very generous – such as a 50% cashback. Which might have you wondering what the catch is.
But Juanita says retailers makes these big offers for two reasons – driving immediate sales and acquiring new customers.
“It’s tough and it’s tight out there so they’re using it as an incentive to get people to shop with them sooner rather than later. It creates an urgency, that fear of missing out. For instance, if you’re thinking about buying groceries, a cashback might convince you to do your shop today rather than waiting until later in the week,” she said.
“Retailers also use cashback to attract new shoppers. They have targeting capabilities to allow brands to reach users who shop in a particular category but haven’t purchased from them before.”
Shopback users can also play games to earn rewards, which Juanita said was about keeping users engaged when they’re not shopping.
“There’s only so much people can spend, so by introducing games it creates a new way for users to engage with the platform even when they’re not shopping. If members are regularly using the app they’re also more likely to see and take advantage of cashback offers,” she said.
“I think it’s quite a clever tactic because as consumers we’re getting used to gamification of our shopping. Temu has probably set the standard in how you can use it to get people shopping more often.”
Juanita says being on cashback websites was a cost that retailers were willing to pay at the moment, but she’s interested to see what happens if the economy improves.
“A good comparison was when people started using buy now pay later and retailers had to have every buy now pay later option. There was a steep cost to that and then we saw consolidation occur, partly because it was an unsustainable cost proposition for the retailer,” says Juanita.
“I think we’ll probably see the survival of the fittest in this market. Over time when the world gets a little stronger economically that’s when retailers might start to say, ‘I don’t need to do this anymore’.”
What’s the downside of cashback websites?
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Bodo Lang, a professor of marketing analytics at Massey University, said cashback websites were simply a digital version of a marketing technique that goes back to the 1880s.
“Getting something for free or getting something special tends to result in greater sales. These techniques still work extremely well in 2025,” Bodo says.
“Cashback providers have pros and cons. The two key advantages are the opportunity to save money, typically between 1% and 10% of the value of a product, and the relative ease of use of these websites. However, there are disadvantages too. For example, cashback payments can be delayed, and there may be privacy concerns about what cashback providers do with customer data.”
Bodo said some people could also get lured into a cycle of spending more to save more.
“At a broader level, cashback websites are also a sign of the times – how markets become less transparent, and consumers can get caught up in a web of marketing, particularly online, thus consuming more of their time with shopping.”
Instead of using cashback websites, he said consumers could try negotiating with retailers.
“Instead of going through a cashback provider, consumers can approach retailers directly and ask for an equivalent discount that they may have received through a cashback provider. This leaves the retailer better off because they did not have to provide the additional discount to the cashback provider,” Bodo says.
5 things to know about using cashback websites
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It can take a long time to get your hands on the money
Don’t imagine your cashback coming straight back to your account once you’ve confirmed your order – sometimes it can take months before you can claim it. And it can be even longer if you're booking accommodation as you usually have to wait a few months after you’ve taken the trip.
Offers can be capped
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You might be excited to see a big cashback offer, only to find the amount you can get back is limited. For example, I’m looking at a 25% cashback offer at Dominos on Shopback’s website that’s capped at $10.
You should really read the terms and conditions for each offer
No one wants to read the fine print, but it’s a good idea with cashback websites. There are often conditions that’ll mean you don’t get any cash back. For example, I can see Hello Fresh offering 100% cashback on Shopback, but in the fine print it says you can’t be renewing an old subscription.
Remember to go back and check it’s been logged
You need to visit the cashback website and then click through to the store’s website for your purchase to be tracked. Make sure you get an email confirmation or go back to the cashback website to make sure it has been tracked in its system.
Promo codes can void the cashback
Using a promo code when you’re on the retailer’s website can sometimes void the cashback. However, you might decide you’re better off using the promo than getting the cashback. Just don’t expect to be able to double up.
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Free queen sized mattress
Free to a new home, needs to be picked up. Has slight staining as can see when zoomed in but nothing bad
Create the Perfect All-Purpose Workbench with This Simple Guide
Make a versatile, easy-to-make workbench perfect for your shed, greenhouse or conservatory stained with Resene Woodsman Smokey Ash. Find out how to make and stain your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Wind warning for Auckland Harbour Bridge
NZTA have shared a wind warning for Auckland Harbour Bridge for today.
What you need to know:
- Between 4pm today and 8pm today, there is the potential for wind gusts on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to reach 90 – 100 km/h. While these are expected to be brief, they could trigger a red alert.
… View moreNZTA have shared a wind warning for Auckland Harbour Bridge for today.
What you need to know:
- Between 4pm today and 8pm today, there is the potential for wind gusts on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to reach 90 – 100 km/h. While these are expected to be brief, they could trigger a red alert.
- Under a red alert, NZTA may close all lanes on the bridge as it is unsafe for any vehicle to be on the bridge and the bridge structure is vulnerable to vehicle impacts.
- From 8pm to midnight tonight an amber alert will remain in place with forecast wind gusts of 75-85 km/h. Under an amber alert, speed limits may be reduced and some lanes on the bridge may close.
- Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.
NZTA say 'We don’t take the decision to lower speeds, close lanes or close the bridge lightly. Our priority is the safety of road users and the bridge structure.'
For up-to-date information about any restrictions on the bridge, please look out for the electronic message boards which indicate lane closures and reduced speeds and you can find more info here:
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/nztaakl
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiAkNth
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
Must see colourful evening at the Art Battle Grand Final on Friday 30 May!!
The Art Battle Auckland Grand Final
At Eden Park
Friday 30 May 2025
Doors open 6pm, first round of painting starts at 7pm!
Over the course of a year Art Battle Auckland has showcased a huge range of artists painting LIVE to audiences here in Auckland and streamed to the rest of the … View moreThe Art Battle Auckland Grand Final
At Eden Park
Friday 30 May 2025
Doors open 6pm, first round of painting starts at 7pm!
Over the course of a year Art Battle Auckland has showcased a huge range of artists painting LIVE to audiences here in Auckland and streamed to the rest of the world. And now we are down to our final 12 artists - as voted by YOU!
These 12 artists will compete on the night to be the Art Battle champion! Plus watch the Spotlight Artists who will bring even more magic to the night.
With so much talent under one roof and a chance to win a Resene voucher, it is sure to be a night to remember!
Art Battle is the planet’s biggest LIVE painting competition across 70+ cities worldwide. These artists battle it out with paint on canvas over fast paced rounds of high energy speed painting.
The audience decides their fate with interactive voting/bidding. And if you love one of the artworks, you can bid for it via silent auction and take it home with you!
Get your Art Battle tickets today!
Stake knife set and others for sale
Hi
Set of stake knife and fork ( 4 each) A set of carving knife and fork. Sunbeam electric can opener.
Sofa, table
3+2+2 sofa for sale , plus sofa Sade table,and a coffee table. have two sets of cover, one of them is brand new
Hi Auckland homeowners!
Curious about your property's value?
You might be surprised at today’s market prices!
I’m Asheek Farook from @realty, offering
a FREE, no-obligation appraisal to help you
stay informed no pressure, just insights.
Click the link below or message me to get started.… View moreCurious about your property's value?
You might be surprised at today’s market prices!
I’m Asheek Farook from @realty, offering
a FREE, no-obligation appraisal to help you
stay informed no pressure, just insights.
Click the link below or message me to get started.
www.atrealty.co.nz...
Let’s make your next move the best one yet!
#teammikura #realestate #asheekfarookrealestate #realestateupdate #aucklandproperty #housingmarket #gratitude #blessings
Licensed Under the REAA 2008
From today, people on a main benefit like Jobseeker Support could be hit with money management and community work sanctions if they fail to meet one of their obligations, which involve preparing for or looking for work.
Social Development Minister Louise Upston is defending the introduction of more sanctions for beneficiaries who don’t meet their obligations, despite uncertainty about their efficacy.
The money management sanction would mean half of a person’s benefit would be put on a payment card for four … View moreSocial Development Minister Louise Upston is defending the introduction of more sanctions for beneficiaries who don’t meet their obligations, despite uncertainty about their efficacy.
The money management sanction would mean half of a person’s benefit would be put on a payment card for four weeks and could only be used at approved shops for groceries, transport, health, and education-related items.
The other sanction introduced today would require people to complete at least five hours of community work experience per week for four weeks.
Upston welcomed the sanctions as a “sensible move” while Act leader David Seymour lauded the money management sanction as an Act policy since 2017.
“If you don’t like the sound of having your benefit payments managed, then you’ll need to put the work in. Apply for jobs, show up for interviews, attend employment expos,” he said.
Earlier this month, RNZ reported Ministry of Social Development couldn’t say whether increasing benefit sanctions led to more people going into work.
The coalition Government had put a greater emphasis on benefit sanctions since coming to power amid its target to reduce benefit numbers.
Reducing the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit by 50,000 to 140,000 by 2030 was one of the Government’s public sector targets.
As of December, the number of Jobseeker beneficiaries had increased to 213,300 with the overall target considered at risk.
Upston, speaking to the Herald last week, accepted the trajectory was “pretty grim” but argued the efficacy of sanctions was hard to quantify given the number of touchpoints beneficiaries had with the system.
“In terms of hard evidence about sanctions only leading to that person exiting a benefit and into work, yeah, it will be difficult to do that.”
Upston said she had been pleased by the 98% of beneficiaries who were complying with their obligations and said the almost 4000 who weren’t immediately fulfilling them was a lower total than she expected.
“I’m very sympathetic for people at the moment who are looking for work, it is tough out there, but I want to ensure that when the economy is growing stronger, those who are on the Jobseeker benefit have taken the steps they need to, so they are better positioned to get a job when they’re available.”
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Proud to be your Most Trusted Brand
For the 11th time, you’ve voted us your Most Trusted Brand and that means the world to us.
Because trust this strong doesn’t happen by chance. One year? That’s nice. Ten years? That’s a perfect score. But eleven? That’s off the charts.
You feel it in the little things, like the … View moreFor the 11th time, you’ve voted us your Most Trusted Brand and that means the world to us.
Because trust this strong doesn’t happen by chance. One year? That’s nice. Ten years? That’s a perfect score. But eleven? That’s off the charts.
You feel it in the little things, like the barista who knows your coffee order, the gardener who prunes your roses just right, and friends who feel like family.
That’s trust built over time, through shared experiences, thoughtful gestures and communities who care. It’s that feeling of trust that sets us apart.
Whether it’s your first visit or you call a village home, that feeling of trust is what sets us apart.
K Road incident
A 21-year-old man is facing serious injury and firearms-related charges after an incident in central Auckland early Sunday.
At around 3.50am Police attended an incident on Karangahape Road where several shots were fired.
As a result two persons received injuries to their leg and foot which … View moreA 21-year-old man is facing serious injury and firearms-related charges after an incident in central Auckland early Sunday.
At around 3.50am Police attended an incident on Karangahape Road where several shots were fired.
As a result two persons received injuries to their leg and foot which required medical attention.
A short time later, Police located the alleged offender and firearm.
The 21-year-old man was arrested and will appear in Auckland District Court tomorrow, 26 May, on serious injury and firearms-related charges.
Police are interested to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident on Karangahape Road who has not yet spoken to us.
If you can help, please update us online now or call 105, quoting file number 250525/0369.
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