Only six people have paid fines for car window washing in five years
On the corner of Manukau Station Rd and Great South Rd in south Auckland is a busy intersection flanked by Rainbow’s End on one side, and a residential high-rise on the other.
In the middle of the intersection are two slight men, ducking between cars with a big soapy plastic bottle in one hand and a squeegee brush in the other.
They only have one brush between them – so while one makes the money, the other stops to talk to us.
He’s not keen on being named or photographed, but he does want us to know that window washing on the busy streets of Manukau is his choice.
“I don’t know what freedom is, but this is more freedom,” he said.
This window washer has been working his brush for about two years. Before that, he had a couple of shifts a week at an international mail company.
But doing this, he’s averaging $300 a week, cash-in-hand, and sometimes he really wins – once a man handed him $700, just like that.
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
Roadworks on Great South Road, Bombay
From late November 2025 to February 2026 there will be roadworks on Great South Road near SH1 Bombay interchange.
Works will include weigh plate and electronic sign installation at separate locations as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme.
Find out how it will affect your journey through the area.
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
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