Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

As a customer, what do you think about automation?

• For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
• I want to be able to choose.
• Against. I want to deal with people.

Vote View Results

• 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
  9.4% Complete
• 43.4% I want to be able to choose.
  43.4% Complete
• 47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
  47.2% Complete

2412 votes

Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.

Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.

So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)

Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦

• Yes!
• No thank you.

Vote View Results

• 31.6% Yes!
  31.6% Complete
• 68.4% No thank you.
  68.4% Complete

174 votes

Please Share This Story From Otautahi Newsroom Far and Wide To Help These Men

Mark & Rachael from Upper Riccarton

Otautahi Newsroom

Concerns are being raised about the safety, care standards, and duty of care at a Comcare-supported residential flat in Bishopdale, Christchurch, where vulnerable older men with significant mental health conditions are living.

An advocate speaking on behalf of four residents , says the men are experiencing ongoing intimidation, alleged abuse, and serious safety risks within the flat. The residents are described as having limited capacity to advocate for themselves and have asked for help to bring the situation to public attention.

The flat houses five male residents, all aged over 60 and all considered vulnerable adults with psychiatric illnesses. It is alleged that one resident, I (64), has displayed escalating aggressive and intimidating behaviour over a period of approximately five years. According to reports from residents and those advocating for them, this behaviour has included verbal threats, alleged physical incidents, repeated boundary violations, and conduct that has left others living in fear.

Reported incidents include police attendance following an alleged knife-related event and theft of personal property, an incident in which one resident was allegedly restrained in his bed, repeated verbal intimidation, and unauthorised entry into other residents’ bedrooms. There are also claims that staff members have been assaulted or felt unsafe attending the property, with some reportedly conducting visits from outside the flat due to safety concerns.

Advocates say the ongoing situation has had a severe impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of the affected residents. All four men report feeling unsafe in their own home, with some considering leaving the property despite believing they should not be forced out of housing they were promised would be safe and stable.

One resident, D, who has both mental health needs and a heart condition, is said to have taken on an informal role trying to protect others. Advocates argue this is inappropriate and unsafe, stating that residents should not be expected to manage high-risk situations without professional support. They also claim that Comcare has breached contractual commitments to provide safe, peaceful, and stable housing.

Further concerns have been raised about the suitability of the property itself. The Bishopdale house was originally a four-bedroom home with one bathroom but was altered to accommodate a fifth resident by converting a sunroom into a bedroom. Critics argue that having one toilet for five men over the age of 63 is inadequate and compromises dignity, health, and wellbeing.

There are also claims from a family member of a former resident that care provided to her terminally ill brother at the property was insufficient, adding to broader concerns about oversight and duty of care.

Despite multiple complaints reportedly being lodged with agencies, advocates say they have seen no meaningful action. They are now calling for urgent intervention, including:
• Immediate rehousing of resident I into a 24-hour staffed care facility, dementia care, or appropriate hospital setting
• An urgent, independent investigation into Comcare’s management of the Bishopdale property
• Assessment of whether elder abuse or neglect is occurring
• A full review of duty of care, risk management, and safeguarding practices
• Immediate measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the remaining residents

Advocates warn that without urgent action, there is a serious risk of harm. They say the men deserve to live without fear and with appropriate care that protects their dignity, mental health, and quality of life.