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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
June Baptista has spent three years singing the praises of Queenstown’s bus services. Six weeks ago that stopped.
The retired teacher doesn’t have a car so relies on buses to get to appointments and to the local high school to do relief teaching. But … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
June Baptista has spent three years singing the praises of Queenstown’s bus services. Six weeks ago that stopped.
The retired teacher doesn’t have a car so relies on buses to get to appointments and to the local high school to do relief teaching. But suddenly the buses stopped turning up.
“One evening I waited for more than an hour at the bus stop.
“Later I was told there was a reduced timetable, so I looked at the new timetable when I had to get a booster shot in town. It still didn’t come for an hour and I missed the appointment.”
Baptista is among the many bus users complaining about changes that have led to less frequent services, irregular arrivals and sometimes no buses not turning up at all.
Those affected include school children, workers, tourists and Otago regional councillor Alexa Forbes.
The regional council is responsible for providing bus services and Forbes, who lives in Queenstown and is a regular bus user, is chairperson of the Otago regional transport committee.
She said she was “nice and early” to catch a bus to an event in Arrowtown from the Frankton bus hub, but it never arrived.
“Despite the website saying it was 10 minutes away, nothing happened.”
The next bus was running 40 minutes late because of congestion from skiers coming down from Coronet Peak, and she ended up getting a ride with a friend.
Bus driver shortages are being felt across the country. In mid-July, the Otago Regional Council introduced a temporarily reduced timetable for Queenstown and Dunedin services.
This week, it said it was short 39 public transport bus drivers.
A full timetable would not be reinstated “in the short term”, transport manager Doug Rodgers said.
Queenstown Lakes mayor Jim Boult put the problem down to wages, which were about $23 an hour.
“A cleaner around here can get $27 to $28 an hour these days – no wonder they are having trouble getting drivers.”
In Auckland, bus drivers’ pay was bumped up in July to an average of about $25.62 an hour. In Wellington in December, the rate went up to $27 an hour.
The regional council and Waka Kotahi provide the bulk of bus driver wages, but bus contractor Ritchies sets the pay rate in Queenstown.
The company manager could not be reached for comment.
On Wednesday, the regional council agreed on an unbudgeted increase to ensure all drivers are paid at least the living wage as of September 1 – $23.65.
It was an increase of 90 cents, according to Rodgers, and would cost the council almost $500,000 a year.
Rodgers said the driver shortage was the sole reason for the reduced timetable, but Boult and Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins saw wider problems and wanted their councils to have more control of local bus services.
Control of bus services currently sits with regional councils.
Last week, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced a new “sustainable public transport framework” would replace that model, opening the door for more involvement from district and city councils.
This was welcomed by Boult, who provided much of the momentum behind the new, cheaper and more frequent Queenstown $2 bus service, which started in 2017.
“I’d have to say that I’m disappointed, particularly post-Covid ... that the ball has been dropped and we’re seeing services curtailed and I’m getting complaints.
“When the $2 bus was introduced we probably had a public transport system that was envied by every council. That has been eroded.”
After months of waiting, the mayors have secured an informal meeting with Otago Regional Council officials later this week.
However, Forbes warned that there would not be a quick fix.
A new governance structure would be needed, then funding would have to be considered.
“There won’t be more money in the public pot. Somehow or other the councils involved are going to figure out how this will be funded,” she said.
In Wellington and Auckland, driver pay rises were achieved by increasing rates.
Baptista hoped changes would be made soon, so she would no longer have to wait an hour for a bus that may never come.
“Can you imagine wasting all that energy and time waiting when you could have done something more productive?”
A pair behind a food truck offering $4 takeaway meals were surprised on their opening night to see a queue stretching down the street.
The Dunedin Bowling Club officially opened for business in South Dunedin on Matariki, June 24, and since then have regularly sold out of food – and even won an … View moreA pair behind a food truck offering $4 takeaway meals were surprised on their opening night to see a queue stretching down the street.
The Dunedin Bowling Club officially opened for business in South Dunedin on Matariki, June 24, and since then have regularly sold out of food – and even won an award for best sustainable business.
“It was a very steep learning curve,” said Liam Arthur of the opening night where he and co-owner Jackie Bannon served 300 meals. Many of those were free to customers who had shared their Facebook post.
“It was pretty stressful, I don’t like to think about it,” Bannon said.
The food truck, which offers $4 meals to those who bring their own bowl, was now even busier, but the work was getting easier for the pair.
They regularly sold out, serving between 300 and 350 meals a night.
It was pleasing to see how many donations the social enterprise business had received so others could enjoy free meals, Bannon said.
“We don’t ask any questions, we assume that people aren’t going to abuse the system.”
A charity had already been in contact wanting to distribute some free food vouchers, which had been purchased by others.
“We trust our community members to know who really needs it, as opposed to us,” Arthur said.
The menu at The Bowling Club, so named because of the bowls people bring, varied depending on what day it was, but Friday was “curry night”.
The business operated in the car park of the South Dunedin Community Network on King Edward St between 3.30pm to 8pm every Monday and Friday.
Originally the truck started with four main meals on rotation, but after conducting a poll, Bannon and Arthur decided to cut one of the meals.
Instead, they introduced a new system where a new menu item was added on Monday.
This week featured BBQ beans and grits in homage to Bannon, who came from the United States.
One eye-opening part of the business was seeing the type of bowls or containers people would bring. They ranged from former margarine tubs to a cut-down Just Juice plastic bottle.
Bannon said the only major issue they had encountered was capacity.
“We don’t have any more physical space to make any more food than what we are doing,” she said.
A physical space, rather than the food truck, was one possible idea to remedy the problem, but the pair preferred to remain in South Dunedin.
Arthur said they were able to keep costs down by buying wholesale, and decided early on to move away from chicken and pork on the menu to vegetarian options.
Bannon said the business, which earlier this month won the best sustainable award from Keep Dunedin Beautiful, were hoping to expand and employ others to work at the food truck.
“We are really stoked with how it has gone, we are excited with how much people have got behind it... It feels great to serve really nice food which is mainly plant-based, and is really cheap and delicious,” Arthur said.
Please drop off to 53 Bond Street. We really appreciate your support. We are open 10-4pm today and Saturday 10-3pm
Add a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel … View moreAdd a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel throw worth $69.00
Just visit Mags4Gifts to purchase your subscription, or if you’d rather talk to one of our friendly staff members, call 0800 624 744. Offer valid for 1 and 2 year subscriptions only at the new-subscriber rate. Standard T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ House & Garden
Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and … View moreDaffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and with your help, we won’t either. More New Zealanders will get cancer this year than ever before and no one should face cancer alone. Just $24 helps get someone to treatment. Please give generously this Daffodil Day so we can continue to be a lifeline for people with cancer and their whānau.
To donate today, visit daffodilday.org.nz.
The NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility … View moreThe NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility sectors, the NZ Compare Awards are back for the 6th year and in response to consumer demand, we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time.
As the boundaries between the utility industries continue to blur the organisers have responded to growing demand to increase the categories and industries celebrated by the NZ Compare Awards and will now recognise excellence and achievement within New Zealand’s BROADBAND, ENERGY and MOBILE sectors for the first time.
Award categories are consumer driven and informed by the 300,000 Kiwis who use NZ Compare websites each month. Winning carries real gravitas with the Kiwi consumer and the awards represent an opportunity to be confident in the talent and vision your company has worked so hard towards. This significant event will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services across these essential industries.
The NZ Compare Awards are supported by a wide range of companies including Movinghub, Vector Metering, Chorus, realestate.co.nz and Neighbourly. The prestigious awards will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services in their industries. With a range of different categories including best home and mobile provider, best customer support, fastest service, best rural provider and best broadband innovation.
Winning an NZ Compare Award depends on a combination of criteria. These include consumer surveys and reviews on the NZ Compare websites and decisions from our expert judging panel.
"Judged by an independent panel of New Zealand experts and presented at our gala awards event, the NZ Compare Awards provide a unique stage on which we recognize and reward the achievements of the New Zealand utility sectors." said Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare.
So what do you think? Give a shout out to your favourite utility provider here - not just for doing their job... we want to hear about those that go above and beyond! Who should be a winner?
What are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are … View moreWhat are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are feeling.
Dear neighbours,
Meet our Houseplant Hero competition winner Alan Mckenzie! If all sheds came like that, we want one too. Congratulations to Alan and his many many houseplants.
Our passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over… View moreOur passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over who continue to inspire, champion causes, and give back, building lasting legacies that make us all proud to call New Zealand home.
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
A mix of stunning vintage and modern jewellery just arrived in store. Pop in store for prices.
World Humanitarian Day, celebrated on August 19th, honours humanitarian aid workers all over the world.
World Humanitarian Day recognises the efforts of aid workers who put their lives on the line to help affected people during times of global crisis.
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Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your … View more"It’s been chilly hasn’t it Neighbours? Has your internet froze when you’re streaming all your fave shows on rainy weekends or maybe the power bill has gone crazy from trying to keep snug?!
Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your bills instead of your wallet. Think BIG joining credits, cheap broadband, beneficial power plans and more. Limited time only, DEALS END 30th AUGUST 2022! BE QUICK!
It’s easy, just sit down over a hot cuppa or a beer – whatever tickles your fancy and take a look here. We’ll do the rest for you!"
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Every child is unique. At NumberWorks'nWords, we know that your child is amazing already. We just help them prove it, so that they shine when it's their time! ?
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