Dunedin mayor criticises loan sharks as 'leeching scourge'
Outgoing Dunedin mayor Dave Cull has taken aim at loan sharks at one of his last official duties before leaving office.
"Personally, I view the loan sharks who pray on the vulnerable as a leeching scourge who pray on the community," Culls said to strong appaulse at the launch of a new community finance programme on Tuesday.
Otago is the latest province to introduce the programme aimed at helping locals get out of financial hardship.
The programme, run by Good Shepherd NZ and the Bank of New Zealand, offers no interest or low-interest loans to people who might traditionally turn to predatory lenders.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.4% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below