Putting It Back On The Consumer
It felt like a cruel joke, when the brown paper bag from the supermarket arrived in my mailbox last week. I stared at it in disbelief as I read the instructions to fill the bag with groceries to help a family in need.
"I cant believe they did that" I muttered and threw the bag in the recycle bin.
The supermarkets have made millions in profits over the past two years while the rest of us mere mortals struggled to make ends meet. The first thing they did when the pandemic began was to remove all specials from the shelves. My shop went up by around $50 per week and its kept going from there. Some people report that their former $150 shop now costs $300 or more. Food costs only make up approx 18% of the CPI, so the real cost of food increases is somewhat hidden.
Demand for food parcels has risen exponentially and many working families are now queuing at the food banks as people struggle with these rising costs. So now that the supermarkets are raking it in, they have decided to put it back on the consumer and ask them to foot the bill. Not only are we paying round 50% more for our food, but we are supposed to dig deep and support the people the supermarkets have priced out of the market. All the while making the supermarket look like the good guys. The arrogance is gob smacking.
If I was a food bank manager right now I'd probably feel I had to bite my tongue and accept the goods, but it would feel like the Tobacco Industry funding cancer research. I refuse to support this disingenuous piece of marketing. What do others think?
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: 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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41.2% 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
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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23.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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32% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.5% I didn’t know online booking was available
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