surviving lockup
Today’s news had some prisoners in a New Zealand jail complaining that they’d been locked in their two-person cells for up to 23 hours a day. I fully empathise with them. As one of the community’s vulnerable I’ve been locked in my one-person cell for 24 hours a day for six weeks now.
For the vulnerable moving from Level 4 to Level 3 has made no difference, we’re still in lock down. The Government’s
Former Science Adviser, Professor Peter Gluckman, says effect of this virtual imprisonment is resulting in mental distress and the fear of suicides. If you’re in lockdown with your wife or partner at least you have some human contact, but if alone it’s hell.
The one saving grace is video contacts; the local church has just started virtual services using Zoom software. They had 25 on screen on Sunday. Yesterday I attended a University of the 3rd Age lecture and we had over four hundred faces to watch.
This seems to portend the future where our main contact will be via screen.
If you’ve visited Disneyland you will have experienced rides where a combination of sound vision and small movements in your seat can give the illusion that you are really are flying.
If we could extend audiovisual of virtual meetings to include feelies we might be able to hold virtual hands and even have virtual kisses. I'll stop there before I get carried away.
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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43.4% I avoid spending money on coffee
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46.3% I still indulge at my local cafe
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10.3% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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