133 days ago

Poll: No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.

Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.

But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and Hospitality NZ are worried the costs won’t just disappear. Labour MP Arena Williams put it simply: there should not be surcharges for customers at all. But she points out that the Government’s plan does not deal with banks and merchants “who still scoop a big fee”.

Many of our community are rocked by the recent announcement. Retailers warn card surcharge ban could lead to higher prices - the unfortunatel reality is that small businesses are feeling the squeeze along with their customers. In comparison, large retailers pay significantly lower banking fees and ultimately have more leverage at the negotiation table.

💸 So someone still pays – but who?

We want to know: Who should be covering this cost?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

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No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸
  • 5.7% Retailers need to absorb the cost
    5.7% Complete
  • 88.7% The banks are the problem - the cost should not sit with consumers or retailers
    88.7% Complete
  • 4.2% I do not mind paying a surcharge - I just want everything to be transparent
    4.2% Complete
  • 1.4% It is more complicated - I will share below
    1.4% Complete
2839 votes
More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Secure your homes over summer

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.

Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”

Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”

If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.

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3 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.5% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.5% Complete
  • 16.4% Hmm, maybe?
    16.4% Complete
  • 11.1% Yes!
    11.1% Complete
615 votes
6 days ago

Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.

We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?

Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.

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Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
  • 90.5% Yes
    90.5% Complete
  • 9.5% No
    9.5% Complete
84 votes