Hamilton woman’s $50 flax roses are helping her family get by

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Marama Wade sits outside her River Rd home selling harakeke roses for $50, trying to keep food on the table and the rent paid.

The 54-year-old said the reason she’s out there is simple, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching.

“We’re broke. The reality is life is hard.”

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

• Yes, supporting people is important!
• No, individuals should take responsibility
• ... It is complicated

Vote View Results

• 60.1% Yes, supporting people is important!
  60.1% Complete
• 23.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
  23.4% Complete
• 16.5% ... It is complicated
  16.5% Complete

278 votes

Derelict Tokanui Hospital site in line for a clean-up

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Derelict Tokanui Hospital buildings will be demolished and contaminated land cleaned up so the site can be offered back to iwi.

The former psychiatric hospital, southeast of Te Awamutu, sits on land taken from Ngāti Maniapoto under the Public Works Act in 1910.