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242 days ago

Same Old.......Same Old

Marie from Waikanae

I firmly believe there is nothing new under the sun. In 2012, following the Christchurch earthquakes, the then National government introduced "zero budgets" with a focus on "getting better value from public spending".
Sound familiar? We heard a lot about curbing public spending in the lead up to the last election. Unfortunately, the austerity measures haven't stopped there. As we come to the end of the government's anti-Labour 100 day rampage (arguably the biggest waste of public money I have seen in a long time), prices in the supermarket continue to rise, week on week, despite claims that inflation is easing.
(Well.... it might be, but greedflation is still rampant). We find we are in for more expense for car registration, road user charges have been introduced for electric vehicles and schools will be eating into their operating budgets (literally) to feed hungry children. A UN expert in the UK recently stated that austerity policies were directly linked to a rise in poverty. No surprises there either.

But isn't it ironic that, as a direct result of cancelling all road maintenance during the last round of RONS, the National government is now introducing a special dedicated "pot hole fund" Monty Python couldn't have done it better. Will we be shortly forced to eat hot gravel?

But all is not lost. Despite my Superannuation being cut by $30 this week, for no apparent reason, there's an outside chance I might get it back in the annual CPI adjustment (something the government is legislatively required to do fortunately) And apparently we are still in line for a tax cut sometime in the near future. When is it Tricola? We wait in hope.......

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Riddle Time! Sharpen Your Mind and Take the Challenge!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Where is the only place where today comes before yesterday?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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3 days ago

Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!

The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.

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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 89.3% Yes, it's fair
    89.3% Complete
  • 9.8% No, it's unreasonable
    9.8% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
2291 votes
V
11 hours ago

Heirloom Tomatoes, Zucchini and Cucumber Plants at Waikanae and Otaki Markets

Val from Otaki District

Rain, wind and cold - just what these veggies don't like! However, better times are on the way and you can get a head start if you have a warm sheltered spot to nurture these seedings. They are coming along well in spite of the conditions.
We'll be at Waikanae tomorrow morning OR come see us at the massive Market and Camping Expo at Otaki on Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. There will be a lot going on, plenty of entertainment and foodtrucks for sustenance, plus the usual array of quality stalls.
So came and check us out. Even if you are not ready to plant just yet, we can offer advice on varieties and cultivation. If you would like the full ;list of tomato varieties available, please PM me.