65-year-old says it's wrong she gets less NZ Super for being married
A married Christchurch woman says it is “ridiculous” she is paid less New Zealand Superannuation than someone who is single and living with another adult.
A married person gets a pension of $817.32 a fortnight, before tax, compared with the $990.20 received by a person sharing with someone who is not their spouse or partner.
“I have a friend who isn't in a relationship, but she's sharing a house, and they share all the expenses, and she's going to end up getting $172.88 more than me a fortnight which is just plain wrong,” said Daphne, who did not want her last name used for privacy concerns.
The combined fortnightly payment for a couple is $1634.64.
The Ministry of Social Development said people in a relationship were more likely to share a wider range of costs and resources than a single person living with another adult.
Read the full story here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
Poll: Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?
Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?
Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.
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83.4% It's fine!
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14.8% It annoys me!
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1.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should the Christchurch Southern Motorway have a 110kph speed limit?
The government wants to increase the speed limit on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway to Rolleston to 110kph.
The proposed change would apply from the Curletts Rd interchange in Addington to the Weedons Rd interchange in Rolleston.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said it would mean faster journey times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Christchurch.
“Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. This proposal supports that outcome by reducing travel times and increasing efficiency on this key South Island freight route.”
“We know how critical this connection is for motorists and freight operators, and we’re committed to ensuring that this state highway enables people to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.”
Brown said the Southern Motorway was built to a high safety standard, with features “that greatly reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash”, including a flexible median barrier, and a smooth alignment which offers good visibility for drivers.
In July, Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton wrote to the Ministry of Transport, Brown and Act Party leader David Seymour suggesting the speed limit be increased to 120kph.
“Whether it is for general traffic, direct public transport services, or moving freight ... increasing the speed ... will assist in improving efficiency and connectivity while still being safe,” he wrote.
“This is reflected in generally higher average speeds above 100kph we already observe along the motorway.”
Consultation on the increased speed limit begins on September 3 and closes on October 1.
Read more local news at thepress.co.nz |thepress.co.nz|.
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45.1% Yes
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52.5% No
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2.4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
Meet Councillor Genevieve Robinson - Ōhoko/Christchurch Central constituency
A close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we face.
Hear more from Councillor Robinson, who represents Ōhoko/Christchurch Central, as she shares her views.
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