Supermarket revenue collection?
As it has been some time since I shopped at Countdown, (the valley) I was shocked yesterday to find that they no longer provide the (free of charge) tear off plastic bags for those of us who choose to buy loose items from the produce department. Instead, I can purchase a non plastic bag at $1.00 for each bag.
So if I wanted to buy 4 tomatoes, 6 potatoes, 3 oranges, 200 grams of ginger, and 3 or 4 onions in separate bags I would be up for an additional $5.00 in this example. Or, I could place the loose items in my trolley an they could be weighed individually at check out. When I questioned a senior Countdown staff member about the cost of the bags she told me that this was now company policy which was soon to be passed into NZ law and all supermarkets would have no choice but to adopt this change. I replied that wasn't the law yet.. She said that I could bring my own bags if I wished, or that I was quite welcome to shop elsewhere if I wasn't happy about the charges. Obviously not concerned about loosing me as a customer. After all, I'm only one person!!!
Thankfully, Countdown's competition haven't introduced this new revenue generating concept yet!!!
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.9% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.