Supermarket revenue collection?
As it has been some time since I shopped at Countdown, (the valley) I was shocked yesterday to find that they no longer provide the (free of charge) tear off plastic bags for those of us who choose to buy loose items from the produce department. Instead, I can purchase a non plastic bag at $1.00 for each bag.
So if I wanted to buy 4 tomatoes, 6 potatoes, 3 oranges, 200 grams of ginger, and 3 or 4 onions in separate bags I would be up for an additional $5.00 in this example. Or, I could place the loose items in my trolley an they could be weighed individually at check out. When I questioned a senior Countdown staff member about the cost of the bags she told me that this was now company policy which was soon to be passed into NZ law and all supermarkets would have no choice but to adopt this change. I replied that wasn't the law yet.. She said that I could bring my own bags if I wished, or that I was quite welcome to shop elsewhere if I wasn't happy about the charges. Obviously not concerned about loosing me as a customer. After all, I'm only one person!!!
Thankfully, Countdown's competition haven't introduced this new revenue generating concept yet!!!
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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.
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