A heads up on changes at the checkout
I just received this from Countdown:
"We’re writing with good news. From 1 July, the government’s changes to single-use plastic carrier bags come into effect, which we think is great!
We (and the environment!) love when you bring your reusable bags when you shop with us, but know that sometimes you’ll forget or get caught short.
That’s why at checkouts we’re replacing our Use Me Again bags with paper bags in-store from 1 July. Our 20c paper bags are made with sustainably sourced paper from Forest Stewardship Council certified forests, and are 100% recyclable. Or choose our $1 Bag for Good. Wear it out, bring it back and we’ll replace it for FREE!
You’ve already shown how committed you are to helping protect the environment. Thanks for your support as we make even more changes for the better.
Regards,
The team at Countdown"
Just an observation, the Warehouse use fully compostable bags and they cost 15 cents - it used to be 10 cents for plastic ones. The compostable bags can be used for a lot longer than the paper bags (which rip so easily).
So why would Countdown charge 20 cents for a paper bag?
I love paper bags but to charge 20 cents for them, when previously when we were all using plastic bags with our groceries, they didn't charge us at all - well not until it became a serious Eco issue, then they charged us.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.8% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.8% Critical thinking
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29.7% Resilience and adaptability
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2.7% Other - I will share below!
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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