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1676 days ago

Good Corporate Citizens ?

Graeme from Frankton

Most of you will know a bit about The Warehouse , and their actions lately . Even putting aside your feelings about their products or staff , when the lockdown was first announced , they decided they were an essential business . Seriously , they did . Because they sell big packs of toilet rolls , feminine personal products , and warm childrens clothing . That was ACTUALLY what they said ! So they wanted all their stores open , selling all sorts of , well , you know the kind of stuff they sell .
Basically , completely came across as greedy , manipulative , even putting their staff at risk and/or want to get work out of everyone they have to pay wages for . Widely ridiculed .
Then come the 'essential' products category that was actioned yesterday -- and yes , they had their website up and running , selling heaters and fridges and laptops and cellphones .
And seemingly straight away , they applied to open 'selected stores' for customers who wanted to pick up their products , and/or rural clients . Yes , still clutching at every excuse IMO .
Now comes news that Harvey Norman have emailed the owners of all their New Zealand stores saying they will NOT be paying leases whilst this lockdown is on . Obviously , this is almost certainly in breach of their lease agreements . Some small businesses have negotiated with their landlords . But this ( according to news reports ) was not negotiation -- it was simply a standard e-mail advising landlords -- no negotiation . Basically , bullying . Large purpose built premises that would be hard to re-lease . Suck it or we'll make you take us to court basically .
And Countdown too -- initially told any staff who objected to working ( on health grounds ) they wouldn't get paid . Cancelled specials . Seemingly put some prices up . After their competitor kept running specials AND offered staff a 10% 'bonus' , Countdown seems to have fallen into line , which is good ( eventually ) . I remember the boycott of them a few years ago though , over their bullying of suppliers -- 'we will only buy if we get extra discounts , we don't care if you lose money -- take it or leave it' .

Personally , I haven't gone to any of those 3 businesses much , so not much will change , but I do look at the overall image of a business . I don't have a heap of money , but again just me personally , I'd sooner support businesses that align more with my morals and ethics .

This piece may get deleted ( although I believe it is all factual ) but feel free to add any comments or other businesses you want to praise or point out what you don't like .

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4 days ago

Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!

The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.

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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 89.1% Yes, it's fair
    89.1% Complete
  • 10.3% No, it's unreasonable
    10.3% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
3064 votes
1 day ago

Are you following the water charge discussions at Hamilton City Council?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Hamilton city councillors have taken tangible steps towards a new water regime that will see a charge based on their property’s capital valuation in their rates bill for the first time next year.

The council voted unanimously on Thursday on a series of direction-setting decisions in relation to the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan Amendments.

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1 day ago

Poll: What do you think about our city producing school lunches for NZ?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

One hundred new jobs will be created in Hamilton as the city becomes the lunchbox of the nation.

All frozen school lunches from Kaitaia to Bluff will be made in Pukete in a purpose built plant operated by The School Lunch Collective.

What do you think about our city producing school lunches for NZ? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What do you think about our city producing school lunches for NZ?
  • 64% I support it
    64% Complete
  • 16% I don't support it
    16% Complete
  • 20% I'm not really bothered
    20% Complete
25 votes