Dunedin Central , Dunedin

909 days ago

Homophobic abuse from anti-vaccine mandaters doesn't stop bar's busiest week

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Dunedin News

Dunedin business owners copped abuse and a flurry of fake one-star reviews for their decision to temporarily keep the vaccine pass system.

A week on from their decision, Woof! co-owners Josh Thomas and Dudley Benson have seen a record number of patrons.

Thomas and Benson said their bar and eatery… View more
Dunedin business owners copped abuse and a flurry of fake one-star reviews for their decision to temporarily keep the vaccine pass system.

A week on from their decision, Woof! co-owners Josh Thomas and Dudley Benson have seen a record number of patrons.

Thomas and Benson said their bar and eatery served a diverse community, most of whom were concerned with easing Covid-19 restrictions.

From April 4, amid declining Covid-19 cases overall, businesses like theirs no longer needed to see a vaccine pass before allowing people to dine-in.

In Dunedin, however, cases haven't been declining. After a survey of patrons, the co-owners decided they would keep the vaccine pass system for the time being, and would review it week to week.

The decision sparked the ire of online trolls, whose abuse became increasingly homophobic once news reached the United States, Benson wrote on Twitter.

“Many seemed threatened by my nail polish.”

In a separate tweet, Benson said of the 1232 groups the business had welcomed since April 4, only one person did not want to show a vaccine pass.

“They politely moved on,” he said.

The abuse continued online after Benson decided to contact the people leaving fake one-star reviews, “to hold them [to] account”.

Some commenters took issue with Benson contacting the people leaving fake reviews, even though the reviews lowered the bar's rank online, adding to the abuse.

Google has since removed several of the fake one-star reviews, including some five-star reviews supporters made to try and balance the reviews.

Thomas and Benson declined to speak to Stuff, but gave permission to use information they published on Twitter.

Meanwhile, case numbers in Otago and Southland had surpassed worst case predictions, according to modelling provided to the Southern District Health Board.

On Monday, there were 7847 active Covid-19 cases in the Southern region – the second-highest in the country by district health board area, behind Canterbury on 11,683.

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910 days ago

Most trusted NZ crypto exchange

Easy Crypto

Come see what all the fuss is about and invest in crypto with Easy Crypto, NZ’s most trusted crypto currency exchange.

With quick sign up, no sneaky crypto transaction fees and one of the safest & most beginner-friendly platforms on the market, you’ll be buying your first crypto in … View more
Come see what all the fuss is about and invest in crypto with Easy Crypto, NZ’s most trusted crypto currency exchange.

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Find out more

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911 days ago

Get good news with The Antidote newsletter

Stuff

The Antidote delivers your daily dose of good news each weekday afternoon, straight to your inbox.

Based on the Stuff column, the newsletter showcases five happy things from the news, for a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness in the… View more
The Antidote delivers your daily dose of good news each weekday afternoon, straight to your inbox.

Based on the Stuff column, the newsletter showcases five happy things from the news, for a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness in the world.
Sign up here

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912 days ago

Get an EPIC EASTER EXCLUSIVE DEAL!

NZ Compare

The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy! He’s delivered some epic exclusive deals on broadband just in time for the holidays!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband plans starting from $65/m with 6 months of FREE Neon and Amazon Prime with 2degrees or … View more
The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy! He’s delivered some epic exclusive deals on broadband just in time for the holidays!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband plans starting from $65/m with 6 months of FREE Neon and Amazon Prime with 2degrees or $85/m plus a HUGE $255 welcome credit with Now Broadband?

Exclusive to NZ Compare, you won’t get these deals anywhere else. Hop to it neighbours, before they go!

Our service is free, we’re Kiwis helping Kiwis compare what’s out there across power, broadband and money.
GET EPIC EASTER DEALS

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912 days ago

New Season Stock - out now!!!

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dunedin

We’ll keep you warm and stylish all winter long! Our stores are now stocked with awesome winter clothes. Get in quick so you’re ready for the cooler days!

By shopping with Red Cross, you not only help reduce the huge amount of items that goes to landfill every year, you also support the … View more
We’ll keep you warm and stylish all winter long! Our stores are now stocked with awesome winter clothes. Get in quick so you’re ready for the cooler days!

By shopping with Red Cross, you not only help reduce the huge amount of items that goes to landfill every year, you also support the great work Red Cross does in your community and even abroad.

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912 days ago

Nest eggs

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Create a display of gorgeous handpainted eggs for your home this Easter. using shimmering colours from the Resene Metallics and Special Effects collection.
Find out how to create your own.

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912 days ago

New Seasons Winter Warmers

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dunedin

Great stock of scarves, hats, coats and shoes out now in-store to keep you wrapped up from the cold.
Get yours before the winter chill bites.

913 days ago

IMPT: Kinder Surprise recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Ferrero International S.A. is recalling Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from New Zealand shelves because of potential contamination with salmonella bacteria.

It forms part of a global recall of affected product, which was manufactured in a Belgian factory. There have been cases of illnesses … View more
Ferrero International S.A. is recalling Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from New Zealand shelves because of potential contamination with salmonella bacteria.

It forms part of a global recall of affected product, which was manufactured in a Belgian factory. There have been cases of illnesses reportedly linked to the product overseas, but there have been no confirmed cases in New Zealand.

The following product is in New Zealand and is affected by this issue and has been recalled:

· Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g (Natoons variety) with batch number L298R03UNB and best before date of 23 August 2022.

The following types of products have been recalled overseas and may also be in New Zealand:

· Kinder Surprise
· Kinder Surprise Maxi
· Kinder Mini Eggs
· Kinder Schokobon
· Kinder Egg Hunt
· Kinder Mix
· Kinder Maxi Mix
· Kinder Happy Moment

People who have Kinder Surprise eggs at home are encouraged to check the label to ensure it is not affected by the recall. Further details are soon to be published on the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's website

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913 days ago

Easter eggcitement

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dunedin

Almost Easter time, so pop in to find some EGGciting treasures!

913 days ago
913 days ago

Get ahead of the rush this Mother's Day

Mags4Gifts

Hi there neighbours!

Get in quick! These mags are flying off our shelves in our Mother’s Day sale. A subscription to her favourite magazine is the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, every subscription to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide, goes in the draw to win 1… View more
Hi there neighbours!

Get in quick! These mags are flying off our shelves in our Mother’s Day sale. A subscription to her favourite magazine is the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, every subscription to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide, goes in the draw to win 1 of 50 diffusers from French Country Collections.
EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

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914 days ago

Poll: When did you last switch power providers?

The Team from NZ Compare

Power bills are pesky, it's just one of those things every household has to manage.

If you're stuck with it, then make sure it works for you. We want to know when was the last time you switched power providers?

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When did you last switch power providers?
  • 54% More than 6 months ago
    54% Complete
  • 12.4% In the last 6 months
    12.4% Complete
  • 33.5% No idea, don't even want to look at it!
    33.5% Complete
820 votes
914 days ago

Poll: Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

View more
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Excerpts of the nominations are below but click the business name to read it in full. When you've made your choice, go ahead and cast your vote!
____________________________________________________________________________________
AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
"Turua Gallery in St Heliers not only brings beautiful artwork to the community, the owners Dean and Melissa also do amazing things for charities...They are just so generous and community-minded that it would be great for something nice to happen for them!"

BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
"Michaela and Jon from Full Cycle Bikes in Whakatane go above and beyond in their support of our local biking community. Their generosity sees local families receiving free bikes through the Whanaū on Wheels programme. Many events exist because of their sponsorship. They are good, kind people who do an awful lot that flies under the radar."

CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
"I nominate Robert Fenwick from our local Fenwicks Pharmacy in Kaiapoi. Always a friendly face and always helpful. Robert and staff had to remain open right through the lockdown, really putting themselves on the line. He's been through earthquakes, power cuts, floods and bereavement and he still opens with friendly conversation and a smile."

HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
"Bayon Cafe and Bakery at 18 Carlyle St, Napier. Lovely family-run business with great coffee and the best, large slices of carrot cake in Napier. They also collect for funds to supply educational reading materials for children in their home country, Cambodia."

MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
"NZ Bulbs (Aorangi Nurseries) run by Paul and Len Hoek had a very positive impact during the Covid lockdowns...During the extended lockdowns, their operation kept many people employed and their direct to consumer flower sales brought a touch of colour and break from the monotony to many people. "

NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
"Caroline and Pete of Victoria Gardens, Motueka, are always helpful and cheerful, selling excellent spray-free fruit that they have grown themselves. They looked after their customers through all the lockdowns, even in the face of having to restore their greenhouses and gardens after the disastrous Boxing Day hailstorm of 2020."

NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
"On the main street of Hikurangi, Or Near Offer Boutique offers all sorts of second-hand goods and clothing. The owner, Tracey, really enhances the community spirit of Hikurangi with her friendly and welcoming manner and her beautifully creative, artistic shop exterior shows a truly entrepreneurial spirit. She's very involved in the community and is an inspiration to many in Hikurangi."

OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
"Otautau Tractors & Machinery play a big part in keeping the farming industry going in western Southland by being always on call for repairs. Quite often the doors are still open after closing time. The owner, Grant is a volunteer in the Otautau fire brigade, and he is always sponsoring and donating to local groups, even parking classic cars out front for locals to enjoy."

TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
"Waitara Bin Inn go the extra mile for their customers,...On a couple of occasions that I know of, items were dropped off a couple of hours north of the shop to customers. Paul has delivered the compost and potting mix for customers so that they didn't have to lift it. All staff have the right attitude of wanting to help you."

WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
"The local pub at Whatawhata make great fish n chips with generous servings. They're lifesavers - always there when the power is out on the Raglan side of the Waipa River. We've just had two full days out of power thanks to 'Cyclone Dovi' and they have come through once again. Local saviours!"

WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
"Page 42 Cafe are great employers who grow the skills of local youth, with a fantastic culture set by the owner Josh. During the pandemic, they had free coffee for critical workers and "Pay what you can afford" days - people can get a meal for $1, or pay more than the menu price to "pay it forward". Constant community support!"

Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 11.1% AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
    11.1% Complete
  • 4.9% BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
    4.9% Complete
  • 16.9% CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
    16.9% Complete
  • 5.6% HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
    5.6% Complete
  • 9.9% MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
    9.9% Complete
  • 8.1% NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
    8.1% Complete
  • 4.7% NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
    4.7% Complete
  • 3.5% OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
    3.5% Complete
  • 7.7% TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
    7.7% Complete
  • 6.2% WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
    6.2% Complete
  • 21.4% WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
    21.4% Complete
1050 votes
915 days ago

Do you have a great local cafe?

Stuff

...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of… View more
...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of great places that deserve our support.
Recommend it here!

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915 days ago

Stock needed

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dunedin

Homewares
Bric-a-brac
Furniture - no beds
Electricals
Jewellery
Games
Winter Clothing
By donating you will help others in need.....Thanks

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