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65-year-old says it's wrong she gets less NZ Super for being married
A married Christchurch woman says it is “ridiculous” she is paid less New Zealand Superannuation than someone who is single and living with another adult.
A married person gets a pension of $817.32 a fortnight, before tax, compared with the $990.20 received by a person sharing with someone who is not their spouse or partner.
“I have a friend who isn't in a relationship, but she's sharing a house, and they share all the expenses, and she's going to end up getting $172.88 more than me a fortnight which is just plain wrong,” said Daphne, who did not want her last name used for privacy concerns.
The combined fortnightly payment for a couple is $1634.64.
The Ministry of Social Development said people in a relationship were more likely to share a wider range of costs and resources than a single person living with another adult.
Read the full story here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
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Poll: Is street parking fair game?
Some people are frustrated by their neighbours or neighbour's friends parking on the street outside their house. This means they have to park further away themselves.
Do you think it is inconsiderate to park directly outside a neighbour's house on the road? Or do you think street parking is fair game?
Share your thoughts below.
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65.8% Yes, street parks belong to no one
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32% No, it's inconsiderate
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2.2% Other - I'll share below
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SCAM ALERT
Own your Online website is part of the New Zealand government's work to raise understanding of cyber security issues for individuals and businesses, they have shared a message about a new scam that is targeting Kiwis.
Own Your Online say:
We are seeing a significant increase in reporting of ‘Hi Mum’ scams.
A ‘Hi Mum’ scam is a scam where a random message from an unknown number is sent to you claiming to be from a close relative, usually your son or daughter.
The fake relative often claims their phone is broken – which is why they’re contacting you from a different number – and will ask you to do something, sometimes asking you to help them with a payment or to do something by clicking a link.
If you receive one of these, don’t click the links. Try to contact your relative using their normal number which is probably still working.
You can also report these scam messages by forwarding free to Department of Internal Affairs on 7726
Check out Own Your Online scam checklist here.
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