unsolicited goodwill.
I was having a coffee at Cafe Bayon, in the corner of Countdown car park, Carlysle St, Napier, yesterday when a Police Officer entered and ordered some food and a coffee. Lisa, one of the owners, said to the officer, that the coffee was free to him as he was one of the frontline staff helping during the rescue/search efforts. In conversation ,with Lisa and Jack [ her husband ] it appears as if they have been doing this since reopening, even going so far as to give some food, from the little that they have been able to make, to the Australian contingent who are here helping out. They do this as an appreciation from their hearts for the work that all these people are doing even though coffee was one of the few things they had to sell to try and create some income to cover their outgoings such as rent, mortgage etc. With a family of seven to support and the trying times of covid lockdowns I know personally, that they are struggling to support themselves and pay outgoings yet they still think of others first, they even still support education for children in Cambodia. Another customer, who was in the shop at the time I was there, suggested that a pay forward scheme could be operated at the shop for other customers to show their appreciation, to the frontline staff, and help pay for what Jack and Lisa are now bearing the cost of.
Although they are now open there are still problems with getting baking supplies but things are improving so please do not be put off if the goodie you wanted with your coffee is not available yet.
I personally think it a great thing that they are doing and will fully support it as well as the shop. WILL YOU ?
Please note that this is not a sob story but a genuine effort on my part to help this couple helping others even when they need help themselves See you there for your coffee fix and nibbles.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.8% A week before Christmas
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33% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 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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83% Yes
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14.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below