Your local business needs you
As the city emerges from another lockdown, there’s no better time to support local businesses.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says she’s amazed by the resilience of our local business community – but they can’t do it on their own. “More than every we encourage you to love local, and when you’re planning a purchase to keep local businesses at the front of your mind. “It’s been an incredibly challenging couple of years for businesses, and these are uncertain times. If we all do a little bit, it can go a long way.”
Some ways to support local: Dine in or order takeaway The hospitality sector is feeling the pinch. Now is a great time to eat local first – try somewhere new, or support your favourite restaurant! If you can’t dine in, lots of places are doing takeaway orders.
Start Christmas shopping early It’s only three months until Christmas! Shop early and shop local. Shopping safely There are lots of ways to shop, even if you don’t feel comfortable going out right now. You can buy gift cards for your favourite local stores or restaurants now – over the phone or online – to use later. If you can’t visit a local business, you can still show them some love.
Take the kids out School holidays are coming up – check out some local ideas in the story below. Share the love You don’t have to spend money – it’s free to give a local business a shout-out on social media, give a great review, or share what you love about them through word-of-mouth.
Where to find out more about local businesses
• Join the Facebook group Love Local – Porirua
• Visit our website directory at poriruacity.govt.nz/love-local.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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41.1% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.3% No, I enjoy it
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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41.1% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.2% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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32.1% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
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