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It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and… View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
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I see that Gold Card holders have been getting free travel on the Loco Loco . It has been 'estimated' that this is 24% of the people using this train . I don't know whether that has been measured , or just estimated . They ( Government and councils -- also known as us ) have been … View moreI see that Gold Card holders have been getting free travel on the Loco Loco . It has been 'estimated' that this is 24% of the people using this train . I don't know whether that has been measured , or just estimated . They ( Government and councils -- also known as us ) have been throwing around $18 million a year at this ( it is suppoosedly going to reduce to $12 million ) , and no-one has accurately measured this ?
BUT also , is this Grandad and Grandma going on a day trip once a year to the big smoke , or is it someone over 65 , still working , getting their pay each week , plus getting a pension , plus getting free travel ?
It has also been 'estimated' that 30% of the users are from Auckland .
So Waikato councils are paying literally $millions a year each , to subsidise people going to work in Auckland ? And also paying for Aucklanders to travel at subsidised rates to Hamilton ( mainly ) but possibly the greater Waikato .
And last year it was decided that it wasn't losing enough money , so they have put on extra trains on Thursdays and Fridays , so it can lose even more money .
And now , you cannot make upo this madness -- it is proposed by the councils involved that Gold Card holders won't get free travel any more , UNLESS they travel on these 'extra' Thursday and Friday trains .
Presumably , these 'extra' trains aren't getting many people , so they will make the figures look better by saying 'Oh , we have had a 200% increase in patronage on these trains' or some other dishonest reinterpretation of the figures .
And you know what happens on the other days ? Well , obviously there will be less people ( about 24% if their estimates are correct ) or maybe a slight increase in paying passengers , as Thursdays and Fridays may not suit some Gold Card holders . Fair enough . Except these incredibly intelligent councillors don't seem to have realised -- it costs the same to run a train whether you have 60 people or 80 people on it .
As a matter of principle ( every return trip is being subsidised by between $400-500 per passenger per day ) I will not go on this train , but my basic understanding is it is almost never fully patronised ( except maybe some Saturdays -- that is ironic as it was originally 'sold' as being for 'workers' to get to work in Auckland , now it seems it is more to take shoppers away from local shops , and/or to take families on a day out to Auckland .
If it was cost neutral it wouldn't be so bad , but it is only recovering around 8% of what it actually costs , to me it make absolutely no sense on any level .
There are already several buses a day ( which are cost neutral -- in fact , they have to cover costs or they won't be there in a year ) and this train ( which not only costs heaps , it is taking passengers from the privately owned bus companies , and as far as I can work out , is about 8 to 10 times worse for the enviroment per trip than a bus is . So why do some councillors keep on with this idiotic train set ?
Hi neighbours! Here are some product recalls from the past 2 weeks. Click on the title of these to bring up specific details of the recall.
Food:
Harvest Snaps brand Baked Pea Crisps
Raymons Mince Pies and Sausage Rolls
Kings Finest Small Batch Liqueur brand Advocaat
… View moreHi neighbours! Here are some product recalls from the past 2 weeks. Click on the title of these to bring up specific details of the recall.
Food:
Harvest Snaps brand Baked Pea Crisps
Raymons Mince Pies and Sausage Rolls
Kings Finest Small Batch Liqueur brand Advocaat
King brand Traditional Soup Mix Gluten Free Vegetable
Pavillion brand Beef and Gravy Pies
Henderson Dairy brand Farm Fresh Raw Milk (unpasteurised)
Products:
Serene S2068 Bathroom Heater.
Rylee and Cru Pyjama set
Avanti Bikes
Kale Airmove Fan
Ensure you check your household items to ensure you aren't consuming or using anything harmful.
Megapolytechnic Te Pūkenga’s annual report has detailed more than $50 million in cost savings in the year leading up to the coalition Government’s announcement to disestablish the institute.
Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology was formed four years ago to run the … View moreMegapolytechnic Te Pūkenga’s annual report has detailed more than $50 million in cost savings in the year leading up to the coalition Government’s announcement to disestablish the institute.
Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology was formed four years ago to run the country’s 16 polytechs and nine ITOs (industry training organisations).
Do you think it should be split up, or stay as it is? Tell us your reasons in the comments (add NFP if you don't want them used in print).
Does anyone have any big boxes they don't want please text me on 0274504852 and we will pick up TIA
JAN
Hamilton Police are appealing for sightings of missing woman Jessica Littler.
Jessica, aged 77, has been reported missing by her family and there are concerns for her welfare.
Jessica’s car was located last night in the Hamilton Gardens gate 1 car park.
A search for Jessica is ongoing … View moreHamilton Police are appealing for sightings of missing woman Jessica Littler.
Jessica, aged 77, has been reported missing by her family and there are concerns for her welfare.
Jessica’s car was located last night in the Hamilton Gardens gate 1 car park.
A search for Jessica is ongoing and Police are asking for any sightings of Jessica since Wednesday evening (7 August).
We are also appealing for sightings of Jessica’s car since Wednesday evening. It is a blue Honda Jazz, registration number NWP799.
If you believe you may have seen Jessica or her car since Wednesday evening – either in the Hamilton Gardens area or across the wider Hamilton area - please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 240808/9601.
Give an old cot a new lease of life in fresh Resene paint colours with this easy makeover project.
9 x 1,000 pieces in good condition. No missing pieces and all complete. Interested - send an email to: alvincj@xtra.co.nz
FLY, STAY, CRUISE & RAIL WITH SILVERSEA
o Get the best of ALL worlds with our Fly, Stay, Cruise AND Rail Package, sailing on Silversea – this is THE ULTIMATE Luxury Alaska Adventure for your clients!
o Embark on a 13-night journey from $13,995pp twin share
o Price includes return … View moreFLY, STAY, CRUISE & RAIL WITH SILVERSEA
o Get the best of ALL worlds with our Fly, Stay, Cruise AND Rail Package, sailing on Silversea – this is THE ULTIMATE Luxury Alaska Adventure for your clients!
o Embark on a 13-night journey from $13,995pp twin share
o Price includes return Economy flights from Auckland flying Air New Zealand & Alaska Airlines – option to upgrade to Premium Economy or Business available!
o 2 nights pre-cruise accommodation in Vancouver
o 7 night cruise onboard Silver Moon
o 4 night Denali Adventure rail tour
Hello travellers.
It has been a while since I have posted due to the fact that travel has been so busy. With all the great deals going at the moment and your thinking of your next trip there is so much great product such as family tours, tours with Hillary Barry on the train in Africa, to great … View moreHello travellers.
It has been a while since I have posted due to the fact that travel has been so busy. With all the great deals going at the moment and your thinking of your next trip there is so much great product such as family tours, tours with Hillary Barry on the train in Africa, to great cruising options. If you have a group that would like to have a travel info meeting during the day or evening, please get in contact with me.
Hello fellow travelers with so many different travel options available i though i would share this one. Also have to mention the great family tours and cruises available with deals and discounts happening at this time. Japan has been so popular and now South Korea are coming into the tourism … View moreHello fellow travelers with so many different travel options available i though i would share this one. Also have to mention the great family tours and cruises available with deals and discounts happening at this time. Japan has been so popular and now South Korea are coming into the tourism market. Ghan also having specials if interested.
Please if you want to know about any destination or holiday wish contact me for free consult.
Get on quick for this one below.
Tour Description
Africa by Rail , a 10 day luxury Rovos Rail Safari, hosted by Hilary Barry
Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, 28 August - 6 September 2025
Join us on an exclusive Rovos Rail charter, a luxurious voyage that will take you through the heart of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of vintage wood-paneled coaches, where every detail captures the elegance of a bygone era.
As you gaze out at the picturesque landscapes, you'll be treated to warm, attentive service, exquisite dining experiences, and a carefully curated selection of South Africa's finest wines. This journey promises to capture the romance and glamour of the golden age of travel, along with the excitement of an epic African exploration.
Our adventure includes visits to some of the region's most iconic destinations: the renowned Kruger National Park, the exclusive Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, and the magnificent Hwange National Park. Each stop offers unique opportunities to witness the majestic "Big 5" wildlife, creating moments of awe and wonder.
This charter is designed for the discerning traveler, promising an enriching and unforgettable experience. Join us for an inspiring journey that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
SPECIAL GUEST: HILARY BARRY
Hilary Barry is one of New Zealand's most beloved journalists and television presenters, known for her vibrant personality and engaging presence. With over three decades in broadcasting, Hilary has captivated audiences with her wit, charm, and insightful reporting. She first made her mark in radio before becoming a standout news anchor for TV3, and now co-hosts the hit breakfast show "Seven Sharp" on TVNZ 1.
Hilary's career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. She has covered some of the most significant national and international events, earning a reputation for her sharp intellect and warm, relatable demeanor. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life has made her a household name and a trusted voice in New Zealand media.
But Hilary is more than just a media powerhouse; she's also a passionate advocate for social causes and an enthusiastic traveler. Her adventurous spirit and love for storytelling make her the perfect travel companion. We welcome you to explore the wonders of Africa with Hilary Barry sharing her insights, humor, and infectious energy along the way.
Please note, availability is limited on this one-off charter trip, so get in touch today to reserve your place onboard!
Look at these lovely faces around New Zealand who have introduced themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page. We all love learning about the people around us and we want you to join in too!
So share a photo and a little bit about yourself so your neighbours can (virtually) meet you!
Is your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll … View moreIs your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll receive the Abundance plant-based recipe book by Anna Valentine. Abundance offers over 100 recipes that are filling, healthy and packed with flavour, plus enjoy your monthly dose of NZ Gardener magazine - the perfect combo. T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ Gardener
An illegal dumping hotspot may have cost Kāinga Ora more than $6000 to clean up, while the state landlord says their action could make their land a further target for illegal dumping.
But locals near the Sare Crescent driveway says while they sympathise with the dilemma they’re happy to see … View moreAn illegal dumping hotspot may have cost Kāinga Ora more than $6000 to clean up, while the state landlord says their action could make their land a further target for illegal dumping.
But locals near the Sare Crescent driveway says while they sympathise with the dilemma they’re happy to see their taxes spent on cleaning up an eyesore.
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