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Poll: Yay or nay to tourist fees? 🌏💰
Kiwis love tourism ... it brings in cash and connection. But with more visitors comes more pressure on our beautiful places, housing, and local infrastructure.
So what’s the fix? Should we bring in a tourism tax or focus on spreading visitors beyond the hotspots to ease the load? 👇
… View moreKiwis love tourism ... it brings in cash and connection. But with more visitors comes more pressure on our beautiful places, housing, and local infrastructure.
So what’s the fix? Should we bring in a tourism tax or focus on spreading visitors beyond the hotspots to ease the load? 👇
Interested in what kiwis have to say? Andrea Vance shares some opinions in the Post.
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68.4% Yay
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31.6% Nay
Public urged to look out for hornets in Auckland
Biosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) following the discovery of a queen hornet in the early stages of building a nest in the suburb of Glenfield.
The yellow-legged hornet is a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact… View moreBiosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) following the discovery of a queen hornet in the early stages of building a nest in the suburb of Glenfield.
The yellow-legged hornet is a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations.
Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests online at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
? Win a Yates Gardening Hamper! ?
We’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.
To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening … View moreWe’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.
To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening tip.
Winners announced Wednesday, October 29 - good luck and happy gardening! ?
T&Cs apply.
St Andrew's Strawberry Fair
🍓 The Children’s Garden is back and this year it’s better than ever. There’ll be new games to try and plenty of old favourites to enjoy, including face painting, toys, a bouncy castle and treats like homemade lemonade and candy floss. Bring the family along to the Strawberry Fair at St … View more🍓 The Children’s Garden is back and this year it’s better than ever. There’ll be new games to try and plenty of old favourites to enjoy, including face painting, toys, a bouncy castle and treats like homemade lemonade and candy floss. Bring the family along to the Strawberry Fair at St Andrew’s Church, Epsom, and join in the fun!
👉 Opens 9am Saturday 8 November
📍 St Andrew’s Church, 100 St Andrews Road, Epsom
💳 EFTPOS available
A historic mega strike involving more than 100,000 essential workers is set to march on despite several rallies being cancelled because of life-threatening weather.
Teachers, nurses and thousands of other workers are all expected to strike today, which police warn may lead to significant traffic disruptions.
All workers involved are still walking off the job despite a number of planned events being cancelled at the last minute in regions such as Canterbury, … View moreTeachers, nurses and thousands of other workers are all expected to strike today, which police warn may lead to significant traffic disruptions.
All workers involved are still walking off the job despite a number of planned events being cancelled at the last minute in regions such as Canterbury, Wellington and the Wairarapa.
Wellington, Wairarapa south of Carterton, the Canterbury High Country, Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains are all under a strong red wind warning.
The Post Primary Teachers’ Association said the strike cannot be cancelled because formal notices have already been sent to employers, RNZ reported.
Who is striking?
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More than 36,000 nurses are scheduled to strike from 11am to 3pm and about 40,000 to 50,000 teachers are also set to take similar action.
An estimated 11,500 other healthcare workers, including senior doctors, dentists, social workers and others, will join them.
Senior doctors were striking only in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, RNZ reported.
A Talbot Mills poll out yesterday showed more than six out of 10 New Zealanders backed the action.
Traffic disruptions
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In one of the larger rallies, thousands of workers are expected to march down Queen St, Auckland.
Police said they were aware of the strike action planned in central Auckland, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.
The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square and will include a march down Queen St to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
Police said motorists are advised to expect delays and to avoid Queen St and the surrounding areas if possible.
Public transport users should check Auckland Transport’s website for information on changes to services.
Mental health social worker Andy Colwell said he is striking because the Government needs to properly fund the public health system.
“The public of New Zealand needs to hear what is happening under this Government; people need to hear about the understaffing, under-resourcing and the impact this is having on services across the sector.
“Strike action is a legitimate form of action to take in order to fight for better pay and conditions of work,” Colwell said.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the strike is unfair, unproductive, unnecessary and should be called off.
“The strike will not help anyone.
“It is a stunt targeting the Government, but the people paying the price are the thousands of patients who have had appointments and surgeries cancelled, and the hundreds of thousands of kids who will miss another day at school,” Collins said.
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TOMORROW-----Strike action – expect delays
Police are aware of strike action planned in central Auckland tomorrow, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.
The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square, and will include a march down Queen Street to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
… View morePolice are aware of strike action planned in central Auckland tomorrow, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.
The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square, and will include a march down Queen Street to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid Queen Street and the surrounding areas if possible.
Plan ahead and allow extra time.
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Public transport users should check Auckland Transport’s website for information on changes to services.
Police are working closely with event organisers to ensure the safety of all participants and the wider public.
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🛠️ Cheapest Isn’t Always Best — Especially in Plumbing 🛠️
We get it — budgets are tight. But when it comes to plumbing, gas fitting, or drainage, cutting corners on cost can cost you more in the long run.
💧 Ever had a “quick fix” that turned into a big repair job?
🔥 Got a quote that seemed too good to be true (and was)?
🔧 Tired of … View moreWe get it — budgets are tight. But when it comes to plumbing, gas fitting, or drainage, cutting corners on cost can cost you more in the long run.
💧 Ever had a “quick fix” that turned into a big repair job?
🔥 Got a quote that seemed too good to be true (and was)?
🔧 Tired of plumbers who disappear when things go wrong?
At Topline Trade Services we believe in the sweet spot — fair pricing, reliable service, and long-term solutions you can trust.
✅ Experienced expert advice
✅ Licensed & insured work
✅ 38+ years of solid local reputation in Auckland
📍 Based in Central Auckland
📞 Let’s have a chat — no pressure, just practical advice.
www.toplinetradeservices.co.nz...
#PlumbingAuckland #GasFitting #DrainageExperts #YouGetWhatYouPayFor #AucklandTradies #PlumbingDoneRight
Free Introduction to Composting Workshop – Epsom
We’re excited to welcome Wei from Compost Collective back for the final workshop in this free series: Free Introduction to Composting Workshop – Epsom
• Tuesday 11 November
• 11.30am-1.30pm
• Epsom Community Centre, 202 Gillies Ave
Learn about three easy composting systems for … View moreWe’re excited to welcome Wei from Compost Collective back for the final workshop in this free series: Free Introduction to Composting Workshop – Epsom
• Tuesday 11 November
• 11.30am-1.30pm
• Epsom Community Centre, 202 Gillies Ave
Learn about three easy composting systems for home and garden -traditional bins, worm farms, and Bokashi buckets. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to our community garden and share some food together. Please bring a plate to share.
Free workshop – bookings essential.
Register here: compostcollective.org.nz...
Whittaker’s chocolate price: Blocks as high as $8.49 in supermarkets after hike
It now costs up to $8.49 to buy a block of Whittaker’s chocolate after the company upped its prices.
New World stores across Auckland were selling regular 250g blocks for $8.49 on Monday. Just last Friday, they were $7.69, 80c cheaper.
The cheapest Auckland price the Herald could find was $6.39… View moreIt now costs up to $8.49 to buy a block of Whittaker’s chocolate after the company upped its prices.
New World stores across Auckland were selling regular 250g blocks for $8.49 on Monday. Just last Friday, they were $7.69, 80c cheaper.
The cheapest Auckland price the Herald could find was $6.39 at Pak’nSave in Botany.
Blocks at Sylvia Park and Ormiston were $6.49, while other Pakn’Save supermarkets were selling them for $7.09.
Woolworths stores were selling the blocks for $7.69 on Monday.
Prices of other Whittaker’s products have also increased.
Last week, New World was selling 100g blocks for $5.99. Today, they cost $6.99.
The 45g bars, including “Peanut Slabs”, last week cost $2.09. Now they are $2.69.
Hike driven by a jump in ingredient and operating costs
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The company announced prices would be increased across its range of products last Friday.
“At Whittaker’s, we’re proud to craft all of our chocolate right here in New Zealand, using the finest ingredients,” the company said on its social media.
“For us, increasing our prices is always a last resort, however, over the past year, the cost of ingredients and operating costs have continued to rise.
“We’ll never compromise on the size or quality of our products so this price increase will enable us to continue bringing you our delicious chocolate made with the very best, ethically sourced ingredients.”
The announcement comes after Statistics NZ yesterday revealed food prices had increased 4.1% in the 12 months to September.
The average price of milk was 15.1% higher than a year ago. Stats NZ said the 3.9% increase in prices in the grocery food category had driven the overall food price.
Butter prices were 28.9% higher than a year ago and cheese prices rose 31.4%.
The social media response to Whittaker’s announcement appeared to be understanding of the cost pressures and appreciative of the company’s commitment to quality and block size.
“I’ll give credit where credit’s due. You are always up front when increasing prices and very clear in not compromising on quality, unlike competitors who slowly reduce their sizing and quality and hope the customer won’t notice. Will always buy Whittaker’s,” one social media user said.
“Consistent quality and transparency means I will always buy your chocolate,” another said.
“Love your chocolate, love that it never shrinks, and the recipe never changes. Happy to support local. We’re loyal to Whittaker’s,” another social media user said.
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Happy DIWALI
Here's wishing all neighbours celebrating this festival a very happy Deepavalli. May millions of lamps illuminate your life with joy, prosperity, good health and more wealth.
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BUYER BEWARE---The supermarket deals that are too good to be true – and how to spot them
We’ve all felt it – that small thrill when you spot a yellow “special” tag on the shelf or see a loyalty discount appear on your receipt. But in New Zealand, not every bargain is what it seems. Watchdogs say pricing errors and misleading promotions may be costing shoppers millions each … View moreWe’ve all felt it – that small thrill when you spot a yellow “special” tag on the shelf or see a loyalty discount appear on your receipt. But in New Zealand, not every bargain is what it seems. Watchdogs say pricing errors and misleading promotions may be costing shoppers millions each year, and some supermarkets are now facing criminal charges for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.
What the law says
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Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, retailers must not mislead or deceive consumers about prices or promotions. Advertising a discount that is not genuine, or charging more at the checkout than the shelf price, can breach the act.
The Commerce Commission has warned that supermarket pricing inaccuracies “can lead to consumers paying more than they should”. Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden said in May 2024 that if even a small percentage of transactions are wrong, “New Zealanders could be losing tens of millions of dollars a year from supermarket pricing errors”.
In December 2024, the Commission announced it had filed criminal charges under the Fair Trading Act against Woolworths New Zealand Ltd and the operators of Pak’nSave Silverdale and Pak’nSave Mill Street for alleged inaccurate pricing and misleading “specials”. The companies have said they are cooperating fully and the proceedings are ongoing.
The consumer push-back
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Public frustration over scanning errors and endless specials led Consumer NZ to launch its Price It Right campaign in 2024. The organisation is calling for a mandatory pricing-accuracy code and automatic refunds where scanned prices exceed shelf prices. It reports receiving hundreds of examples from shoppers through its website.
Chief executive Jon Duffy said at the launch: “Shoppers deserve confidence that the price they see is the price they pay.”
Loyalty maths – small print, small returns
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Supermarket loyalty schemes are legal but often over-promised. Programmes such as Onecard, Clubcard and Flybuys offer member pricing or points that typically return around 0.5–1% of spending, depending on redemption. In other words, a $100 shop may yield roughly $1 in value.
Consumer NZ’s 2024 supermarket survey found more than half of respondents don’t trust specials or loyalty discounts, and many dislike how their data is shared with partner companies. These arrangements are permitted, but the perception gap suggests loyalty perks should be viewed as modest bonuses, not game-changing savings.
Four red flags to watch for
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The phantom “was” price: When a product says “was $10, now $8”, the higher price must have been charged for a reasonable period. Otherwise, it may be misleading under the Fair Trading Act.
The multibuy trap: “Two for $5” isn’t always cheaper. Compare the unit price – the cost per 100g or per item printed on the shelf label.
Shelf-to-till mismatch: If an item scans higher than the displayed price, you are legally entitled to pay the lower one. Consumer NZ argues supermarkets should automatically refund the difference.
Perpetual specials: When an item is almost always “on special”, that may suggest the “regular” price is theoretical. The act requires discounts to represent genuine, time-limited reductions.
Five quick ways to check a deal
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Compare unit prices. It’s the fairest way to judge value across sizes and brands.
Keep photos of regular buys. A quick snapshot shows whether a current special is truly cheaper.
Do the maths. If the saving is marginal, it may just be marketing.
Mind expiry dates. Deep discounts on near-dated stock aren’t bargains if half goes to waste.
Check your receipt before leaving. Pricing mistakes are easiest to fix on the spot.
Why it matters
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Supermarkets process thousands of price changes every day, so occasional mistakes are inevitable. But repeated errors or perpetual specials undermine trust, especially when grocery costs are rising faster than inflation.
Stats NZ data shows food prices increased 4.6% in the year to June 2025, driven largely by higher dairy, meat and produce costs. That makes accurate pricing and transparent discounting more important than ever.
The Commerce Commission’s ongoing grocery market study aims to improve competition and clarity. Until stronger safeguards arrive, individual vigilance remains the best defence.
A genuine bargain is one you can verify, not just one wrapped in yellow signage. If the maths works, enjoy the saving. If it doesn’t, walk away.
True deals still exist – they just take sharper eyes and a little arithmetic to find them.
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Resene October Sale on now!
Save up to 30% on Resene quality paints, wood stains, primers, and sealers at Resene ColorShops!
Choose from our huge range of paints and colours designed and made in New Zealand. Bring out the best in your home with Resene, NZ’s Most Trusted Paint
Kids Size 10 Ski Jacket
Selling this kids ski jacket as no longer required.
As per photos it’s in excellent condition with plenty of life left in it. Great reputable American brand (Sunice).
Size 10. Unisex. Waterproof and insulated.
From smoke and pet free home.
Pick up is from Sandringham (near St Luke’s … View moreSelling this kids ski jacket as no longer required.
As per photos it’s in excellent condition with plenty of life left in it. Great reputable American brand (Sunice).
Size 10. Unisex. Waterproof and insulated.
From smoke and pet free home.
Pick up is from Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall).
Loading…- Premium Businesses
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Camellia & Co Flowers - Wedding
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Burford Dental Dentists
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Sam's Lawnmowing & Gardening Services Lawnmowing Services
- Community Organisations
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SeniorNet Eden-Roskill Inc Mt Eden Senior Citizens Club Rooms487 Dominion Rd, Balmoral, Auckland
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Epsom Community Creche 200 Gillies Avenue, Epsom, Auckland
- View all organisations
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