To all Property Managers and owners of rentals
Just because a Property Manager/owners of a rental can increase the rent once a year doesn't mean they have to. Contrary to their belief that WINZ will cover the increase, this is a false belief. If a pensioner/renter lives in Otaki they only get $80 a week maximum on the Accommodation Support. If need be WINZ may add a top-up on the Temporary Assistance Support. BUT .. they do not cover all the rent. In Waikanae the renter/pensioner gets $100 on Accommodation and a small top-up on Temporary Assistance if they qualify. It is NOT a given. For most pensioners all of their Super goes on the rent and when this happens that is when they can get the Accommodation Supplement and maybe the Temporary Supplement. Which by the way is not Temporary unless by some miracle the rent is reduced. I will not hold my breath waiting to hear social housing or more affordable properties are available. Kainga Ora has bought a few parcels of land but building will not happen for at least three years on some sections and why they are holding off on other parcels of other land just frustrates me.
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
-
0% I avoid spending money on coffee
-
50% I still indulge at my local cafe
-
50% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
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.
Loading…
