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1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them … View more1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
24 October 2024
Why did New World and Pak'nSave delete a crucial online shopping tool?
On this page
What a Consumer member noticed
What our survey found
Foodstuffs responds: ‘We’re upgrading our digital platform’
What Consumer says: ‘It’s bizarre’
Chris Schulz
By Chris … View more24 October 2024
Why did New World and Pak'nSave delete a crucial online shopping tool?
On this page
What a Consumer member noticed
What our survey found
Foodstuffs responds: ‘We’re upgrading our digital platform’
What Consumer says: ‘It’s bizarre’
Chris Schulz
By Chris Schulz
Senior Investigative Writer | Kaituhi Mātoro Matua
Whether it's clothes, shoes, appliances or food, anyone who shops online regularly knows there's one tool that's become ubiquitous: the ability to rank searched items by price.
Consumer spent an hour browsing local retail websites and couldn't find a single one that didn't give customers access to that tool.
From clothing stores Hallensteins, North Beach and Barkers, to shoe stores Number One Shoes, Sketchers and Platypus Shoes, to appliance stores Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming and JB Hi-Fi, to large-scale marketplaces Trade Me, Kmart and Farmers, the filter buttons marked “highest-to-lowest" and “lowest-to-highest" are easy to find and available for everyone to use.
So, it was a surprise to hear from a Consumer member that two of the websites they use most often – New World and Pak'nSave – had removed the ability for shoppers to be able to do this.
New World and Pak'nSave are owned by the same company, Foodstuffs, and rank among the country’s biggest retail websites. Yet, over the past few months, Foodstuffs has quietly removed the rank by price tool from both. It may not be back for quite some time. The question is, why?
What a Consumer member noticed
The message arrived through Facebook. It said: "I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that both Pak'nSave and New World have removed the option to sort products by price.
"If anything, they should have added the option to sort by unit price, but no, it now automatically sorts products by popularity, which makes it much harder for consumers to find the cheapest product."
Consumer wanted to find out if this was true, so we jumped online and tested the websites for both New World and Pak'nSave.
It's true! The ability to rank any searched item by price, whether that's coffee, milk, bread or meat, is no longer available through the website of either supermarket. (The function remains if you're shopping via the app.)
In a cost-of-living crisis, when the rising price of groceries has been at the forefront of everyone's minds, that's a disappointing and niggly change.
"This is not okay!" said our complainant.
Then something else caught our eye while we were browsing: the same brand name kept coming up in our searches again and again.
What our survey found
To check to see if the price-ranking function might magically reappear, Consumer plugged 10 different everyday items into the search engines on the websites for New World and Pak'nSave: butter, Colby cheese, tinned tomatoes, white sugar, flour, milk, spinach, almond milk, toilet paper and baked beans.
In almost every search, Pams products came up as the first result, both in the drop-down search function, and in the ranked search results. Pams products for butter, Colby cheese, tinned tomatoes, white sugar, flour, milk, spinach and almond milk all came first; for toilet paper, a Pams product was fourth; for baked beans, it was third.
Pams is the in-house brand owned by New World and Pak'nSave. In recent years, products by Pams have proliferated on the shelf, as have the equivalent in-house brands for supermarkets owned by Woolworths.
Consumer believes expanding in-house ranges at supermarkets lessens choices for consumers, hurts local suppliers and increases supermarket profit margins.
Screenshot of New World online
Foodstuffs responds: ‘We’re upgrading our digital platform’
Consumer approached Foodstuffs with concerns about its removal of the ability to rank searched items by price. We said we believed it was unfair to shoppers to remove a crucial online tool during a cost-of-living crisis.
A spokesperson responded: “We're upgrading our digital platform and improving our e-commerce offering with more transparent unit pricing. Soon, we'll add a new sort feature allowing customers to sort products by price or unit price.”
That’s a reference to new unit pricing rules. From August 2025, the websites for supermarkets must display unit pricing, making it easier for consumers to compare the price of products on what they cost per unit of measure.
The spokesperson says it removed the ability to rank items by prices on search pages for both websites at the end of May; for category pages, the changes were made for New World in late July, and for Pak'nSave in late August. When asked if they had a date the tool might return, the spokesperson said: "We don't have an exact date yet."
Consumer approached Woolworths – Foodstuffs’ biggest competitor – to see if it had any plans to remove its online search ranking function.
A spokesperson replied: “Woolworths New Zealand has no plans to remove the ‘sort by price’ feature. We know that our online customers use the sorting and filtering options to find the best value and we have recently made these options more prominent.”
Regarding our observations that its search function promotes its own products over those of other suppliers, the Foodstuffs spokesperson denied this.
“Our goal is to make finding products quick and convenient, whether customers are searching or browsing categories,” they said.
“Search results aren't biased toward Pams products – they’re based on regional sales data or customers’ inferred preferences. Occasionally, we may boost categories or pin products for promotions, but there are no specific rules for Pams. Logged-in users get personalised results, while logged-out users see region-based data.”
What Consumer says: ‘It’s bizarre’
Jessica Walker, Consumer NZ’s acting head of research and advocacy, calls the supermarkets’ removal of a crucial online search function “bizarre”.
“It seems bizarre that Foodstuffs would remove the option to filter by price, especially at a time when New Zealanders are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis,” she says.
She points to Consumer’s in-house Sentiment Tracker survey as proof that food prices remain among the biggest concerns facing household budgets right now.
“It’s nonsensical that two of our biggest supermarkets would move away from enabling online shoppers to browse products by price,” she says.
“Even if this is a temporary measure while Foodstuffs is preparing the roll-out of unit pricing online, it’s doing a disservice to their customers who want to get the best bang for their buck in the meantime.”
As for allegations Foodstuffs was pushing its in-house brand Pams through its online stores, Walker says Consumer has voiced concerns in the past about this tactic limiting choice for consumers.
“This latest online update reaffirms those concerns,” she says.
Do you want all young people to have an opportunity to participate in our national sport?
Sense Rugby is an adapted rugby programme for tamariki and rangatahi with disabilities or neurodiversity and we are on a mission to make it available to as many communities as possible across the motu.
… View moreDo you want all young people to have an opportunity to participate in our national sport?
Sense Rugby is an adapted rugby programme for tamariki and rangatahi with disabilities or neurodiversity and we are on a mission to make it available to as many communities as possible across the motu.
Come find out more about our programme and how we change lives for our tamariki and rangatahi.
Can you find all the words related to sleep? Test your knowledge and let’s see how many you can solve!
Down
1. A piece of furniture for sleeping or resting.
2.A sound made during sleep caused by the vibration of the throat.
Across
1. A state of sleep; deep rest.
2. To cease work or … View moreCan you find all the words related to sleep? Test your knowledge and let’s see how many you can solve!
Down
1. A piece of furniture for sleeping or resting.
2.A sound made during sleep caused by the vibration of the throat.
Across
1. A state of sleep; deep rest.
2. To cease work or movement to relax or recover strength.
#crosword #sunday #beds4u
Take on the terracotta trend and sculpt a unique floral feature painted in Resene FX Paint Effects Medium, Resene Sakura and Resene Apple Blossom. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Revamp an old trolley for drinks with a twist with Resene Enamacryl. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.
Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.
Hi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View moreHi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
As we come up to the festive season, a lot of us want to shop online and look for good bargains 🛍️🛒
Here’s a few tips to help you stay safe, avoid buying stolen property, and not get taken advantage of:
💸If it is too good to be true, it probably is, or it could be stolen property.
… View moreAs we come up to the festive season, a lot of us want to shop online and look for good bargains 🛍️🛒
Here’s a few tips to help you stay safe, avoid buying stolen property, and not get taken advantage of:
💸If it is too good to be true, it probably is, or it could be stolen property.
💸If it’s being sold as new, ask for the receipt for the warranty. If they can’t provide it, that’s a red flag.
💸Check the seller’s profile, is it new or relatively blank?
💸If you make a purchase and need to meet somebody to get it, choose somewhere well-lit and well populated in public, near CCTV. If it has to be somebody’s home, take someone with you and let someone else know where you’re going and when.
💸Be especially cautious when buying power tools or high-end toy brick building block sets.
Sadly, if you unknowingly buy stolen property, you’re aiding criminals and inadvertently supporting them to steal more.
If you find a suspect listing or social media scam, call 105, or report it with us online at 105.police.govt.nz
Today, we're delving into the exciting world of snoozing and discussing a topic near and dear to our hearts: investing in better sleep.
We all know that catching those Zzz's is crucial for our overall well-being, but just how much should we be investing to enhance our sleep habits?
… View moreToday, we're delving into the exciting world of snoozing and discussing a topic near and dear to our hearts: investing in better sleep.
We all know that catching those Zzz's is crucial for our overall well-being, but just how much should we be investing to enhance our sleep habits?
Let's dive in and find out!
Understanding the Value of Quality Sleep
Before we break down the dollars and cents of sleep investments, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible benefits of a good night's rest.
Quality sleep isn't just about feeling refreshed in the morning; it's about setting the stage for a healthier, happier life.
From sharpening our memory to reducing stress and even lowering the risk of chronic diseases, the benefits of quality sleep are truly endless.
Exploring Different Sleep Improvement Strategies
Now that we understand the importance of quality sleep let's explore some strategies for enhancing our sleep habits.
From simple lifestyle changes to cutting-edge sleep technology, there's a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference.
1. Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.
By making small adjustments to our daily routines, we can significantly improve the quality of our sleep.
Try cutting back on screen time before bed, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body that it's time to wind down.
2. Cost-Effective Sleep Aids
If you're looking for a little extra help catching those Zzz's, there are plenty of cost-effective sleep aids available.
From herbal supplements to soothing white noise machines, these budget-friendly options can help you drift off to dreamland without breaking the bank.
3. Investing in Sleep Technology
For those who are willing to splurge a bit more on their sleep habits, investing in advanced sleep technology can be a game-changer.
Smart mattresses, sleep trackers, and adjustable bed frames are just a few examples of the high-tech gadgets available to help you optimise your sleep environment and improve your overall sleep quality.
Making Smart Investments in Your Sleep Health
When it comes to investing in better sleep, it's essential to weigh the costs against the potential benefits.
While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, investing in quality sleep is an investment in your long-term health and well-being.
By considering the economic, emotional, and health-related impacts of poor sleep, you can make informed decisions that will pay off in the long run.
Sweet Dreams and Sound Investments
The value of quality sleep cannot be overstated.
By investing in better sleep habits, you're not just improving your nights – you're investing in a healthier, happier future.
Whether you're making simple lifestyle changes or splurging on the latest sleep technology, Beds4U is here to support you every step of the way.
Visit our website today to explore our wide range of beds, mattresses, and furniture and take the first step towards a better night's sleep.
Sweet dreams, sleep seekers!
Using your car is convenient, except for finding parking.
Cycling lets you leave anytime, but you might arrive soaked.
So, neighbours, if public transport had the perk of being free, would it be your main way to commute?
The winners of the $100 Westfield vouchers are:
Patrice Hamilton from Sunnyhills
Lorraine Heffernan from Wigram
Rodney Norris from Papatoetoe
… View moreThe winners of the $100 Westfield vouchers are:
Patrice Hamilton from Sunnyhills
Lorraine Heffernan from Wigram
Rodney Norris from Papatoetoe
Lucy Ayres from Richmond
If you're a winner, get in touch here.
If you're not a winner this week, check back next week!
We're proud to be named Best Provider Nationwide - for the fifth time - at the 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care Facilities.
The high ratings and reviews we receive from our residents and their families reflects the effort our team puts … View moreWe're proud to be named Best Provider Nationwide - for the fifth time - at the 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care Facilities.
The high ratings and reviews we receive from our residents and their families reflects the effort our team puts into providing the best possible experience for our residents.
Our passion is creating communities where our residents can thrive. Receiving this award for the fifth time tells us that we’re on the right track.
It’s easy to create your own colourful bird house from an old wooden box and some Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
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