Akatarawa, Upper Hutt

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2429 days ago

Poll: Should using a cycle helmet be a personal choice?

Matt Tso Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

Do you think cycle helmets should be optional when out on your push-bike?
A group based in Wellington is calling for cycle helmet laws to be scrapped.

NZ is one of only a handful of countries in the world to have such a law.

www.stuff.co.nz...

Comments may be used in print unless … View more
Do you think cycle helmets should be optional when out on your push-bike?
A group based in Wellington is calling for cycle helmet laws to be scrapped.

NZ is one of only a handful of countries in the world to have such a law.

www.stuff.co.nz...

Comments may be used in print unless specified otherwise if NFP.

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Should using a cycle helmet be a personal choice?
  • 30.6% Yes
    30.6% Complete
  • 69.4% No
    69.4% Complete
111 votes
2423 days ago

Which is your favourite city - Auckland or Wellington?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

#Watch: New Zealand has some beautiful cities, but we want to know which one is your favourite. Is Auckland or Wellington the country's most creative centre? Let us know!

2424 days ago

What is a LIM report?

Garry Tranter from Price My House for Free Limited

Buying a home can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. It’s important to equip yourself with as much knowledge as you can about a property before making any big decisions.

A land information memorandum (LIM) gives a summary of information that a council holds about a property on the day … View more
Buying a home can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. It’s important to equip yourself with as much knowledge as you can about a property before making any big decisions.

A land information memorandum (LIM) gives a summary of information that a council holds about a property on the day the LIM was produced. A LIM is the most comprehensive property report available from a council, which is why it’s important for potential house buyers to acquire a current one before purchasing a property. Alternatively, buyers can also make a satisfactory LIM a condition for purchase.

A LIM report contains useful information on a property that could inform your decision to buy, as well as help you to avoid future surprises. It can give you more information about a property’s history­­­­­, rates, flood or erosion risk and any consent granted for work done on the property.

How to obtain a LIM report

A LIM report is prepared at your request by your local council. To find out how to make a request for a LIM, visit your local council’s website. Many councils have now made the request for a LIM report a simple online process, though you can also apply for it in person or by post. Even if your council does not offer an online order service, their website should list the cost of a LIM report and give information on how to request one.

Some councils also provide property information for free. The information available will vary, so spend some time on your council’s website to see what they provide and how much a LIM report might cost.

When applying for the LIM report, here are a few things to ask or read up on:

How long does it take to obtain a LIM report? (Allow up to 10 days)

What is the cost of a report?

Can I pay for a fast-track service if I need it more urgently?

What to look for in a LIM Report

A LIM report can be lengthy, but it’s important to take the time to read and understand the information it contains. If you find specific areas of concern that you want to clarify with your lawyer later, mark the pages so you don’t forget to bring it up. Remember there’s no substitute for professional expertise especially with such a big financial decision.

Checking the summary pages of your LIM report is a good place to start; this is the time to make a note of anything worth following up with your solicitor, the real estate agent, council, or other property experts. Here you can check things such as building consents and permits, drainage and weathertightness.

From there, continue onto the main part of the report for a more in-depth look. It’s useful to investigate whether the property has unpaid rates, if there’s a wind or earthquake rating, any history of flooding, the zoning, and if there are any notifications regarding neighbouring properties or infrastructure in the surrounding area.

You should carefully check permit and consent information, including whether or not a code of compliance certificate was issued for any completed works done after 1991.

Who should see the LIM report?

As well as checking the report yourself, it’s a good idea to get your lawyer to read through it. They will be able to help you fully understand what the LIM means for the property and your future plans. They may be able to offer advice on how to handle any issues raised by the LIM. Investing in this stage of the purchase process could mean saving yourself a massive headache down the line.

Important things to remember about the LIM report

While a LIM report contains a wealth of information, it is limited to what the council is aware of and is required to include. Keep in mind that it may not cover everything in a property’s history. You can also ask the real estate agent questions about the property.

For example, if a council has not been notified of any unconsented works, unreported weathertightness issues or the fact that the property has been used for the manufacture of methamphetamine, it won’t be included on the LIM.

A LIM forms part of the homework you need to do before buying a property. It’s not a replacement for having an accredited building inspector check over a property. Prospective buyers should also know that the property file at your local council may contain other relevant information that is not included on the LIM.

Sellers can sometimes make a LIM available to prospective buyers. If this is the case, be sure to check that it is current (issued very recently) and complete.

2424 days ago

Have your say on the future of tax

Tax Working Group

Could a capital gains tax (not on the family home), taking GST off healthy food, or taxing activity that damages the environment, make NZ an even better place to live and work?

These are just three of the areas the Tax Working Group want to hear your thoughts on. Head over to the Tax Working … View more
Could a capital gains tax (not on the family home), taking GST off healthy food, or taxing activity that damages the environment, make NZ an even better place to live and work?

These are just three of the areas the Tax Working Group want to hear your thoughts on. Head over to the Tax Working Group’s website today to watch a series of five short videos explaining the issues, and let them know your thoughts in the comment section.

Have your say on the future of tax at: taxworkinggroup.govt.nz/have-your-say-future-tax
Find out more

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2426 days ago

Free dining table now taken

Wendy from Trentham

Lovely handmade dining table. Free to good home. Pick up Trentham

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2424 days ago

Recap: Your decorating dilemmas answered

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

A talented duo of colour and painting experts from Resene joined us for a chat on Homed tonight to answer all your colour conundrums and share their top tips for perfecting your paint jobs.

If you missed it, you can still check out what they had to say and pick up some new ideas, here.

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2425 days ago

BMW320i For Sale!

Paige from Elderslea

Hi Neighbours!

Heading overseas so I am selling my car.

- Brand new WOF and REGO.
- 150,000 km's
- Push to start
- Sensored reversing and for front parking
View more
Hi Neighbours!

Heading overseas so I am selling my car.

- Brand new WOF and REGO.
- 150,000 km's
- Push to start
- Sensored reversing and for front parking
- Has a tow bar
- Good reliable car!

Looking for $6k or near offer :)

Message me if you have any details.

Thanks, Paige

Price: $6,000

C
2426 days ago

belladonna (naked ladies) bulbs wanted

Carol from Brown Owl

I am very keen to plant some belladonna lilies - both pink and cream - do you have any to spare? Will gladly pay for them. Thanks, Carol.

2425 days ago

A Musical Menagerie

New Zealand from Neighbourly.co.nz

Fun for the whole family!

A Musical Menagerie is a celebration in all things animal. Bring along the whole family and take an amazing journey through popular music favourites, including Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes Three Little Pigs, The Flight of the Bumble Bee and many more.

Presented… View more
Fun for the whole family!

A Musical Menagerie is a celebration in all things animal. Bring along the whole family and take an amazing journey through popular music favourites, including Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes Three Little Pigs, The Flight of the Bumble Bee and many more.

Presented by the very entertaining Chris Lam Sam and conducted by Wellington’s own Hamish McKeich, this concert is a great opportunity to let a little music and fun into your weekend.

2.00pm Sat 24 March
Wellington Opera House
Child $12 and Adults $20
Find out more

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2425 days ago

Scooter for two !!

Raewyn Richardson from

Double Trouble 🤣🤣 Go Adventuring Together ! Instore now - Book a Test Drive !!!

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2425 days ago

Migrant Connect

Citizens Advice Bureau from Citizens Advice Bureau Upper Hutt

Renting? Want to rent?
Come along to our information session about renting in New Zealand run by Migrant Connect, Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington.
Covering these topics:
Tenancy Agreements • Types of Tenancy • Starting and Ending a Tenancy
Wednesday 21 March, 10.30am - 12pm
At HAPAI, … View more
Renting? Want to rent?
Come along to our information session about renting in New Zealand run by Migrant Connect, Citizens Advice Bureau Wellington.
Covering these topics:
Tenancy Agreements • Types of Tenancy • Starting and Ending a Tenancy
Wednesday 21 March, 10.30am - 12pm
At HAPAI, 879-881 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

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2426 days ago

A beginner's guide to upcycling

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Whether you're motivated by a tight budget or a desire for one-off pieces, if you like the idea of upcycling check out our beginner's guide for some top tips to get started.

We asked some upcycling experts to share their secrets on what works and what doesn't to breathe new life … View more
Whether you're motivated by a tight budget or a desire for one-off pieces, if you like the idea of upcycling check out our beginner's guide for some top tips to get started.

We asked some upcycling experts to share their secrets on what works and what doesn't to breathe new life into pre-loved treasures. We'd love to see the results of your own upcycling projects - you can share your before and after pics here. And don't forget you can enter them in Neighbourly's Upcycling awards too!

2441 days ago

Office Desk

Clark from Elderslea

Free to a good home.
Last can come off and Desk can be made smaller.

Free

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2426 days ago

Poll: Do you have a written employment agreement?

Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand

Having a written employment agreement is the law. Even if you don’t have one, there are some minimum employment rights that everyone is entitled to. We’re here to help you know what your rights are and what to do if they aren’t being met. Call 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB) for help or visit our… View moreHaving a written employment agreement is the law. Even if you don’t have one, there are some minimum employment rights that everyone is entitled to. We’re here to help you know what your rights are and what to do if they aren’t being met. Call 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB) for help or visit our website www.cab.org.nz... for details about CAB services in your neighbourhood.

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Do you have a written employment agreement?
  • 70.6% Yes, I have a written employment agreement
    70.6% Complete
  • 9.1% No, I do not have a written employment agreement
    9.1% Complete
  • 11.3% No, I am not in paid work
    11.3% Complete
  • 6.8% No, I am an independent contractor
    6.8% Complete
  • 2.2% Other
    2.2% Complete
857 votes
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