Great Cards
Hi there,
Today I needed to purchase a sympathy card and I was looking for one that was 'just right'.
As a funeral officiant, I am probably a bit senstive to the wording that is found in cards and like many of you, I am sure, I didn't want to get one that would be 'not right or make it worse' - if that makes sense.
I wandered into Whitcoulls and wondered if I would have any joy finding what I was after.
A lovely young assistant came and asked me if she could help me. I told her what I needed and explained the reason I needed something 'just right'. She showed me where the sympathy cards were. Then she actually stayed with me and helped me look through the large variety of cards available. She looked and looked. I looked and looked and then a few we showed to each other to see if they were 'right'. I had three options in my hand and we discussed the pros and cons of each one. I was so thankful she was kind enough to stay with me until I had some good options. I then headed to the counter where the next lovley assistant took my money and spoke really nicely to me. She was also helpful.
Anyway, I know it was a card and not a car or a house, but I was so thankful for their compassion, kindness and courtesy and would like to recommend Whitcoulls in Hastings if you need a sympathy card.
I told her thank you as I left and she said that sometimes if people are wanting a more traditional card, and they can't find what they need at Whitcoulls she suggests they go to Manna.
That impressed me all the more - shops helping customers by recommending other stores - that is what will help all the stores to keep their doors open. Made me laugh as one day, I asked in Pascoes for a pen to engrave. Pascoes sent me across to Whitcoulls!
So thumbs up today from me for:
*Whitcoulls in Hastings - 228 Heretaunga Street West
* Pascoes
* Manna
Kind regards
and Happy Weekend to you all
Rhonda Diprose
Funeral Celebrant/Officiant and Card Shopper!
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.5% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
⚠️Cereulide toxin risk in Nestlé brand Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide
Nestlé Milo Dipped Snack Bars
BC Hot Water Bottles sold at Bargain Chemist
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Nature Baby Sleeping Gown
Product Recalls: Toys
Sensory Game Controller - sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer (2 batches)
Anessa and Shiseido Anessa sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Biore and Kao Biore sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Kose Sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Mentholatum sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Pigeon sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Rohto sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Product Recalls: Electronics
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer HRFDSBKP-PP sold at Costco
Product Recalls: Other
Michelin X Multi Z and X Line Energy Z, size: 355/50R22.5, load/speed index:156K
UPDATED GASGAS Motorcycles: GASGAS Cross Country and Motocross model motorcycles with BRAKTEC brake system. New VINS added
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
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