Nothing More Valuable Than Reward
Giving nurses and other hospital staff a one-off bonus payment of $10 (before tax) for all the hard slog, long hours, stress and extra work they put in so far during the Omicron part of the Covid pandemic seems less than generous. In fact I would say it is a sick joke for staff associated with the hospitals in the Wellington region.
Better than handing out a pen someone said. I don't know about that.
But hey, not far behind is the allowances some Government department staff are getting whenever they are forced/compelled to, or volunteer to, work from home. Added to their pay packet is 78 cents per day per stay at home.
So staying at home means use of power (and in winter add to this heating), food including cups of coffee and tea, wear and tear of own office type equipment including computer and printer. Savings are in the form of travel but if one buys a monthly train ticket for instance, there is little in the way of travel savings.
Who devised the princely sum of 78 cents a day allowance as commendably fair is anybody's guess. But don't blame it this time on Australia.
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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39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
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?
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