Costco Not So Much
So Costco opened its doors in Auckland a few days ago and the huge store chain is expected to have a presence in Wellington in the near future. Could be allocated to the Hutt Valley.
KMart has its one and only store in the Wellington region (outside of Porirua) in Petone and in many ways is Costco without the general food.
I have visited Kmart three times in the five years its been open and in that time have purchased some dog treats made in Australia and a couple of leather belts.
Kmart has largely second rate stuff. And I believe Costco will be no different, food excluded.
Would I be attracted to a Costco to buy groceries even if it was sited in the Hutt Valley?
The short answer is not if what the food comparisons stay true to where they are right now.
Compared with PakNSave in Upper Hutt, Costco In Auckland comes off second best in almost every food price quoted.
The big savings was in mince beef and you need to buy in bulk at Costco otherwise PaknSave came out better or near enough in every commodity quoted.
So for a membership fee of $60 (is that per person or per household?) and travelling expenses on the assumption a Costco store will not be where I live, the local PaknSave together with the big stores like Briscoes (and its endless sales) and Mitre10 will hold my sway.
🧩😏 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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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.
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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