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Fullers announces half-price return fares to Waiheke during off-peak times
From April 2, visitors travelling to the island will be able to get a 50 percent reduced ticket price of $24.75 if travelling to Waiheke after 1pm and returning after 7pm.
The fares are applicable to adult fares booked online more than 24 hours in advance.
Fuller360 CEO Mike Horne said it is the … View moreFrom April 2, visitors travelling to the island will be able to get a 50 percent reduced ticket price of $24.75 if travelling to Waiheke after 1pm and returning after 7pm.
The fares are applicable to adult fares booked online more than 24 hours in advance.
Fuller360 CEO Mike Horne said it is the cheapest return fare in 15 years and that by reducing fairs in off-peak times, they are hoping they can spread the demand out across the day.
He said there is an ongoing shortage of skilled maritime workers in New Zealand which means the ferry service does not have the staff numbers to increase its daily trips.
"We expect the pricing reduction will help to smooth out demand for our services throughout the day and improve the overall experience for all those who rely on our services."
Horne said that in an average week only 30 percent of the seats are used and then during the ferry's peak times, on weekends between 9am-12pm and 4pm-7pm, demand jumps up to 200 percent.
He said that although they'd like to simply hire more staff, this problem goes above their heads.
"While we continue to upskill our teams and engage with Government to seek changes to immigration settings, we anticipate these changes to our off-peak ticket pricing will make a positive difference for our passengers," said Horne.
Waiheke Island off-peak ferry tickets will be available on fullers.co.nz from April 2.
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Egg-cellent holidays
Hop into Sandringham Red Cross shop find egg- citing recycled or new items at affordable prices.
Flatmate Wanted
Male flatmate wanted to join house on the cliff overlooking Blockhouse Bay beach. Big garden, walk to shops and loads of buses into town. 1930's house with character 100m above beach. New kitchen and bathroom. Share with me and my longtime flatmate. Checkout nzflatmates ad at:
… View moreMale flatmate wanted to join house on the cliff overlooking Blockhouse Bay beach. Big garden, walk to shops and loads of buses into town. 1930's house with character 100m above beach. New kitchen and bathroom. Share with me and my longtime flatmate. Checkout nzflatmates ad at:
www.nzflatmates.co.nz...
Pensioners, students, and everyone on main benefits will see their payments from the Government rise by 7.22% in line with inflation from April 1.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the changes today as part of his continuing focus on "bread and butter" priorities amid what's shaping up to be a tight election year.
He added it would "mean approximately 1.4 million New Zealanders will not go backwards" as they … View morePrime Minister Chris Hipkins announced the changes today as part of his continuing focus on "bread and butter" priorities amid what's shaping up to be a tight election year.
He added it would "mean approximately 1.4 million New Zealanders will not go backwards" as they "feel the bite from the rise in the cost of living".
The changes announced today would apply on the same day that the Government's previously-announced childcare cost-of-living package would go into effect.
The minimum wage would also be increasing on the same day next month.
Under the changes, a couple on NZ Super would receive $103 more in total a fortnight, and a single person living alone receive an extra $67 with each payment.
Other main benefits that will see an increase include Jobseeker Support, Youth Payment, Young Parent Payment, Sole Parent Support and the Supported Living Payment.
Tertiary students receiving the student allowance will also see around $20 extra for each payment. It will also apply to student loan living cost payments.
"Working families will see increases to Working for Families, including an extra $4 for Best Start Payments taking it to $69 per week and an increase of $9 for the eldest child rate of Family Tax Credit, lifting it to $136 per week," Hipkins said.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said the $311 million change was a "practical solution to ensure those being supported didn't fall behind."
Inflation "rose by 7.22% in the year to December, while the net average wage – against which main benefits are indexed – rose by 6.24%. The extra boost to main benefits covers the 0.98% gap," she said.
"For working-age people receiving a main benefit, they will see an increase of between $19.81 and $46.20, depending on the type of benefit and whether they are single or a couple."
Today's cost of living changes follows an increase to the minimum wage and the Government’s $718 million extension of discounts to the fuel excise duty and public transport fares until June.
Last November, former prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced the Government's $189 million package to make an additional 10,000 children eligible for childcare assistance.
"All up, the additional support above the annual general adjustment equates to an extra $311 million, this is on top of the $189 million announced for the changes to Childcare Subsidy," Hipkins said on Monday.
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Want to know about road works in your neighbourhood?
Now that we no longer drop work notifications off in your mailbox, the best way to keep informed of planned maintenance in your area is through email alerts.
So, if you want to know about state highway maintenance that might disrupt your … View moreWant to know about road works in your neighbourhood?
Now that we no longer drop work notifications off in your mailbox, the best way to keep informed of planned maintenance in your area is through email alerts.
So, if you want to know about state highway maintenance that might disrupt your journey or increase the level of noise in your neighbourhood, sign up now.
Ready for Roar & Duck Season?
With Roar and Duck Season just around the corner, do you have everything you need for an epic adventure this year?
Get down to Hunting & Fishing Botany and check out our extensive range of gear and some awesome specials and promos to make sure you get the most out of your hunting season! … View moreWith Roar and Duck Season just around the corner, do you have everything you need for an epic adventure this year?
Get down to Hunting & Fishing Botany and check out our extensive range of gear and some awesome specials and promos to make sure you get the most out of your hunting season! With everything from freeze dried meals to high quality optics, our experienced team is here to get you sorted.
Time to get out there doing it! See you soon.
ADOPTION OPEN DAYS AT SPCA THIS WEEKEND, 75% OFF ADOPTION FEES!
We are holding open days at both our Auckland Centres (Māngere and Hobsonville) this coming weekend to try and rehome as many animals as possible. Anyone who adopts this weekend will get a huge 75% discount off standard adoption fees!
With over 150 animals waiting for their forever homes across… View moreWe are holding open days at both our Auckland Centres (Māngere and Hobsonville) this coming weekend to try and rehome as many animals as possible. Anyone who adopts this weekend will get a huge 75% discount off standard adoption fees!
With over 150 animals waiting for their forever homes across both Centres, we encourage anyone who has been considering adopting a furry or feathered friend to make the most of this amazing opportunity. Normal adoption criteria will apply.
No adoption appointments needed, just head on down to your nearest Centre this weekend.
📍 Māngere: 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun
📍 Hobsonville: 10am-4pm Sat and Sun
We’ll have colouring activities to keep kids entertained, and a lolly-jar competition running for one lucky adopter to take home some goodies for the new companion animal ❤
Mark your calendars and come on down this Saturday or Sunday.
Sam Whitelock Webinar
Neighbourhood Support members across New Zealand are invited to attend a special wellbeing webinar, 'Building Strong Communities', with Farmstrong Ambassador, Sam Whitelock, at 7:30pm on Tuesday April 4th.
For more information and to register, head to www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz....… View moreNeighbourhood Support members across New Zealand are invited to attend a special wellbeing webinar, 'Building Strong Communities', with Farmstrong Ambassador, Sam Whitelock, at 7:30pm on Tuesday April 4th.
For more information and to register, head to www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz....
Please invite those on your street and in your neighbourhood who might be interested (it's not just for rural folk, although those of you in rural communities might be particularly interested).
FUN HO and TONKA TOYS. VINTAGE BOTTLES
Pick up and viewing Wesley mt roskill. Please give Ross a call on 096294288
We want your opinion Auckland...
Hey Auckland - we're bringing our amazing, fantastic, incredible, superb, world class city status, closer.
Our great city deserves great public transport. If you want reliable, frequent and hassle free travel around the city that gets you where you're going faster, have your say on … View moreHey Auckland - we're bringing our amazing, fantastic, incredible, superb, world class city status, closer.
Our great city deserves great public transport. If you want reliable, frequent and hassle free travel around the city that gets you where you're going faster, have your say on the Auckland Light Rail Project today.
Student loan borrower arrested at NZ border for overdue repayments, IRD says a ‘last resort’
Details released to the Weekend Herald under the Official Information Act show the latest arrest happened last year.
Use of the hardline power is rare - there was only one arrest in 2022 - and has continued despite Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ past reservations about the policy.
There were no … View moreDetails released to the Weekend Herald under the Official Information Act show the latest arrest happened last year.
Use of the hardline power is rare - there was only one arrest in 2022 - and has continued despite Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ past reservations about the policy.
There were no arrests in 2021, and two in 2020.
New Zealand’s borders shut in March 2020 in an effort to keep out Covid-19, with a Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) system subsequently brought in. Borders reopened in phases last year.
The arrest policy was introduced under National in March 2014.
The first arrest happened in January 2016, when Cook Islander Ngatokotoru Puna was stopped as he tried to leave New Zealand.
Puna’s $40,000 loan had ballooned to about $130,000. He said collection letters went to the wrong address, and had to repay thousands before authorities agreed to him returning home.
There have now been a total of 11 border arrests.
Inland Revenue is responsible for chasing up overdue student loan debt, and its commissioner applies for the arrest warrants.
The department told the Weekend Herald that arresting someone at the border as they try to leave New Zealand is a “last resort after all other avenues to secure payment have been exhausted”.
“Inland Revenue will always try to work with our customers directly before pursuing legal action. There are relief options available to help manage repayments for those who are in a position of hardship.”
The amounts of overdue repayments at the time of arrest (not the loan balance) ranged from $15,000 to $90,000. Those arrested were aged from 30 to 55.
All those arrested either paid or reached a repayment agreement.
Inland Revenue declined to say how many overseas-based borrowers were having their travel movements monitored for possible arrest, reasoning “release of this information could adversely affect the integrity of the tax system”.
People with overdue repayments were sent statements and notices, Inland Revenue said, “including information on the range of possible collection actions”.
“We also increase attempts to contact overseas-based borrowers when we know they are in New Zealand and encourage them to contact us to sort out their student loan debt before they leave.”
More than 77,000 overseas student loan borrowers have overdue repayments. The average amount outstanding is $24,135.
New Zealand-based borrowers are largely salary and wage earners, who have deductions made through PAYE. Only 5 per cent of borrowers in Aotearoa have overdue repayments, compared with 75 per cent of overseas-based borrowers.
Student unions have criticised the border arrest policy as draconian and likely to make overseas Kiwis “student-loan refugees” - unable to return home for weddings, funerals or other important events.
The Green Party is also opposed to the policy, but Labour is happy with it - Education Minister Jan Tinetti confirmed to the Weekend Herald “there are no plans to review the policy, change it or end its use”.
“My officials advise me only a small number of the most non-compliant borrowers are affected by this policy, and it is used as a last resort,” Tinetti said.
“It’s also worth mentioning that hardship provisions are available to those who cannot afford to pay, which means this sanction will only apply to those who could pay but refuse to do so.”
In 2018 Hipkins, then education minister, expressed concerns about the threat of arrest, telling Newshub it “sometimes exacerbates the situation, because it means those people never come home - sometimes you’re better to get them home then into an arrangement where they can start making payments”.
That same year, Labour introduced a flagship policy to pay for the first year of tertiary education. It was to be expanded to cover the first three years, but this was suspended in 2020, largely due to the impact of Covid-19 and the need to reprioritise spending.
Border arrests
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Eleven people have now been arrested at the border because of overdue student loan debt
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2022: 1 arrest
2021: 0 arrests
2020: 2 arrests
2019: 2 arrests
2018: 2 arrests
2017: 1 arrest
2016: 3 arrests
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www.nzherald.co.nz...
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Moving house sale - March 26 @8am
We are moving overseas and everything has to go!
30a Beckenham Ave, Royal Oak
March 26 @8am
Moth Plant
Do you know the difference between Choko and Moth plant?
Chokos have shiny skin and are plump at the bottom. Moth plant pods have matt skin and are plump at the top where they attach to the vine. And choko vines have alternate hand-shaped leaves like maples. If you need to know anything else about… View moreDo you know the difference between Choko and Moth plant?
Chokos have shiny skin and are plump at the bottom. Moth plant pods have matt skin and are plump at the top where they attach to the vine. And choko vines have alternate hand-shaped leaves like maples. If you need to know anything else about identifying and dealing with this invasive pest you can check out our website - it's fully of handy information and tips 😃
www.spice.org.nz...
Secondary and area school teachers around the country will strike again next week in a bid for better pay and working conditions.
The PPTA said members voted overwhelmingly in favour of more industrial action, including a one-day national strike next Wednesday, in support of their collective agreement negotiations.
In the second week of next term, they will put in place a plan to roster different year levels of students home… View moreThe PPTA said members voted overwhelmingly in favour of more industrial action, including a one-day national strike next Wednesday, in support of their collective agreement negotiations.
In the second week of next term, they will put in place a plan to roster different year levels of students home on various days for four weeks.
On top of that, in the third week of Term 2, rolling strikes will be held where teachers will strike on different days in different regions starting at one end of the motu and finishing at the other.
Also from the first day of the next school term, PPTA Te Wehengarua members will not attend meetings outside school hours.
Members will also continue to refuse to give up their scheduled planning and marking time to relieve for absent teachers or positions that are vacant.
This follows the country’s largest-ever teachers’ strike last week where an estimated 50,000 kindergarten, primary, secondary and area school teachers, along with primary and area school principals took to the streets in protest.
”PPTA Te Wehengarua members have shown they are serious about getting a new collective agreement with salaries and conditions that will stem the worsening secondary teacher shortage throughout the motu,” said Chris Abercrombie, acting president of PPTA Te Wehengarua.
“Teachers would much prefer to be teaching in a settled environment this year, rather than taking extensive industrial action.
“However, we cannot stand by when the future of secondary education is at stake.”
Abercrombie said the PPTA wanted a commitment from the Government that students would have specialist teachers for every subject as well as pay and conditions that will keep teachers in the profession and attract new teachers.
The PPTA and Ministry of Education had been in mediation over the last week and were meeting again today.
Abercrombie said if the executive believed there was a genuine pathway to an agreement that members would vote for, they would consider calling off the strikes.
The Government has offered a $4000 pay rise for each teacher this year followed by about another $2000 next year.
The PPTA said that equates to an increase of 4.4 per cent this year and 2.1 per cent next year. Taking into account the time the current collective agreement has been expired and inflation, the offer came to a 10 per cent pay cut in real terms, the union said.
Secondary teachers are also calling for more guidance staff to work with the increasing number of students with mental health issues and controls on their workload.
They were offered about a third of the guidance staff required and a working group to look at their workload after the agreement was signed.
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