Same Old.......Same Old
I firmly believe there is nothing new under the sun. In 2012, following the Christchurch earthquakes, the then National government introduced "zero budgets" with a focus on "getting better value from public spending".
Sound familiar? We heard a lot about curbing public spending in the lead up to the last election. Unfortunately, the austerity measures haven't stopped there. As we come to the end of the government's anti-Labour 100 day rampage (arguably the biggest waste of public money I have seen in a long time), prices in the supermarket continue to rise, week on week, despite claims that inflation is easing.
(Well.... it might be, but greedflation is still rampant). We find we are in for more expense for car registration, road user charges have been introduced for electric vehicles and schools will be eating into their operating budgets (literally) to feed hungry children. A UN expert in the UK recently stated that austerity policies were directly linked to a rise in poverty. No surprises there either.
But isn't it ironic that, as a direct result of cancelling all road maintenance during the last round of RONS, the National government is now introducing a special dedicated "pot hole fund" Monty Python couldn't have done it better. Will we be shortly forced to eat hot gravel?
But all is not lost. Despite my Superannuation being cut by $30 this week, for no apparent reason, there's an outside chance I might get it back in the annual CPI adjustment (something the government is legislatively required to do fortunately) And apparently we are still in line for a tax cut sometime in the near future. When is it Tricola? We wait in hope.......
🧩😏 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?
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Landscape Builders
Hi Neighbors,
Just wanting to share a recent project we have completed for a really nice retired couple at Paraparaumu Beach. What made this project unique is that a lot of recycled materials were incorporated into the project, which kept in touch with the homeowners’ vision. We worked with them to create a tailor-made plan, and the results were amazing. We were grateful to be a part of this process.
Some highlights:
Custom bamboo planter box with inbuilt seats, creating a uniform structure with the deck. This is a lovely large structure which we are excited to see evolve as it gets planted out.
Custom garden shed built to meet the requirements of the high-wind/sea zone, but also clad with recycled palings. This was purposed as a planting and propagating shed, with polycarbonate roofing to allow natural light to enter.
Bamboo deck and stairs leading into another planting zone, Linking the back Area to the front.
We are qualified builders who love landscaping. We can offer decking, digger services, concrete, fencing, planters, and more. If you have a project we could help you with, please get in touch.
Thanks,
Joe
021 081 12603
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.
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44.7% I avoid spending money on coffee
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46.6% I still indulge at my local cafe
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8.7% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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