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.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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43.6% I avoid spending money on coffee
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46.4% I still indulge at my local cafe
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10.1% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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