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Christmas Pinterest boards would have us decked out in festive aprons, effortlessly pulling star-shaped cookies from the oven while Mariah warbles in the background and scented candles flicker on our tastefully decorated mantelpieces.
In reality, the kids are driving you mad with their Christmas… View moreChristmas Pinterest boards would have us decked out in festive aprons, effortlessly pulling star-shaped cookies from the oven while Mariah warbles in the background and scented candles flicker on our tastefully decorated mantelpieces.
In reality, the kids are driving you mad with their Christmas wish lists, the workload at the office has ramped up, everyone at the mall seems to have forgotten how to park/be polite/smile, you can’t find a ham that feeds less than 40, and the to-do list is out of control. Presents for the in-laws, your kids’ teachers, the babysitter, the neighbour who always gives you a gift, Secret Santa at work, Secret Santa at your partner’s work – presents, presents and more presents.
And… breathe.
If you’re starting to feel a little cranky about the rampant consumerism involved in Christmas, we’ve got some ideas on how to give and celebrate in ways that will continue to bring happiness long after the last of the ham has been devoured.
Buy from a business on a mission
If you want to buy gifts for your friends, family or colleagues, why not look for something that allows you to share the love at the same time? It goes without saying that supporting a local business will make a local family do a happy dance, but there are also businesses that support good causes, which means your purchase in turn supports someone in need. Hurray for win-win outcomes!
Star for Starship
There’s always room for one more decoration on the tree. These hanging stars are perfect for Secret Santas, teachers or even as a finishing touch to a wrapped parcel for someone special. They’re just $3 and all proceeds go to the Starship Foundation. Grab one from New World.
Trade Aid
Not only do they have a great range of pressie ideas for everyone (coffee, chocolate, cushions, musical instruments, clothing, accessories, games), but any time you buy from Trade Aid you’re making a difference to a maker or artisan overseas. tradeaid.co.nz
Food for Good
Books are always a sure-fire winner, especially when they’re 192-page books filled with amazing recipes and beautiful photography like this one is. The cherry on top: for every book sold, a kid who would normally go without is given a lunch. How’s that for a warm fuzzy? Food for Good is $39.99 from Eat My Lunch.
Smartass
We promise this toilet talk is for a good cause. Smartass is plastic- and tree-free TP (toilet paper) made from sugar cane and bamboo fibres. It’s not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for New Zealand: for every carton of Smartass sold, a tree is planted by Million Metres to improve water quality and enhance fresh water biodiversity. Give 48 rolls for $48 from smartass.co.nz.
Mr Four Eyes
If your special someone is hinting at a new pair of sunnies for summer, check out Mr Four Eyes. For every pair of sunnies or prescription glasses sold, this clever lot gift a pair of glasses to a Kiwi kid who needs them. You can’t beat helping create a bright future for a little.
mrfoureyes.co.nz
Texan Art Schools
As well as a range of goodies made by clever local makers, including art, ceramics, jewellery and accessories, Texan Art Schools also stocks work by artisans with a social arm to their business. The Loyal Workshop produces divine, ethically made, hand-stitched leather wallets, satchels, bags and belts made by women in Kolkata – for these women, this job is the means for them to escape the sex trade. If you’re after something for a little person you know, check out Kat Merewether’s books and children’s dinner sets. Kat donates to the Kiwis for Kiwis charity from every book sold.
texanartschools.co.nz
Don’t buy gifts – give
If you’re feeling worn out and slightly hollow after all the Christmas consumerism, take it down a notch and donate directly to those who need it: either money, gifts or time. Here are a few ideas on how you can be a Christmas angel for someone this season:
Buy extra during your family shop for the food bank (Countdown has bins) or Women’s Refuge – nice shampoo and conditioner, moisturiser or face cream may be the only gift these ladies receive this year.
Donate your time to a cause – see if any local charities need help sorting products, washing clothes, making food, delivering parcels or carrying out other practical tasks.
Go to a rest home and visit the elderly – you can sing, hand out cookies or just sit down, have a cuppa and make conversation with those who would love a set of ears and some warm companionship.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal collects gifts for those in need. You simply leave your present (wrapped and brand new) under the tree with a tag to indicate which age group and gender would most appreciate your gift.
Already donated a goat? Now you can also donate honey bees, a vegie garden or school supplies to those less fortunate through Oxfam Unwrapped or various other charities working overseas. (Goats are still available, FYI.)
Come and see us ...Take your photo in our Santa Sleigh, post your letter to Santa, try our delicious Christmas cake and have a look at our great range of gifts ! Free gift wrapping too !
The end of 2017 is approaching fast! Have you considered upskilling or changing career? Take part in our exclusive poll for Neighbourly members and vote here!
ServiceIQ is the industry training organisation for a bunch of booming service sectors. We’re all about empowering and motivating … View moreThe end of 2017 is approaching fast! Have you considered upskilling or changing career? Take part in our exclusive poll for Neighbourly members and vote here!
ServiceIQ is the industry training organisation for a bunch of booming service sectors. We’re all about empowering and motivating people to provide great service. Check out our FREE Career Kick-Starter Guide here!
If you're thinking about making a change, check out the FREE Career Kick-Starter Guide from ServiceIQ!
I've noticed a number of older people have trouble with their power bills. I guess it's a crime to live long enough to realise just what the authorities do in the name of profit and how they treat the older person like shit. But have a good Christmas with candles and half a bottle of … View moreI've noticed a number of older people have trouble with their power bills. I guess it's a crime to live long enough to realise just what the authorities do in the name of profit and how they treat the older person like shit. But have a good Christmas with candles and half a bottle of sherry. Hic!
Hi Neighbours!
I am selling a double mattress with the base if anyone is interested? Great condition, only selling as we do not use it :)
Thanks,
Paige
Hi Neighbours. We know Kiwis like a good deal. We also understand it can be tricky to tell if you are better off. At Electric Kiwi, we are so confident that you'll save in your first year, that we guarantee it. Maybe that’s why we are NZ's fastest growing power company? T&Cs apply. … View moreHi Neighbours. We know Kiwis like a good deal. We also understand it can be tricky to tell if you are better off. At Electric Kiwi, we are so confident that you'll save in your first year, that we guarantee it. Maybe that’s why we are NZ's fastest growing power company? T&Cs apply. Find out more.
Figure out how much you will save in 2 minutes, grab your latest power bill and head to our handy online calculator.
Register now for your complimentary seat. This completely FREE session is designed for new builders with all budgets and levels of experience. Your local Jennian team will cover off:
• How best to establish your construction budget
• How to avoid hidden costs
• Easy ways to save money … View moreRegister now for your complimentary seat. This completely FREE session is designed for new builders with all budgets and levels of experience. Your local Jennian team will cover off:
• How best to establish your construction budget
• How to avoid hidden costs
• Easy ways to save money by building an environmentally friendly home
• How to plan a home you've always wanted
We love sharing our construction industry and knowledge to ensure every home building journey is a good one. Come along with any questions you might have, we're excited to meet you!
He's back !! Well till 6 pm today ! Call in and say hi to Peter and have a taste of our Christmas cake :-)
These gorgeous dolls have arrived in town and are in our store now just waiting for their new homes.
Happy early Christmas! Not long until the festivities kick-off with friends and families and we all gather around the table to dig into a delicious classic roast meal. Make sure you have all your roast essentials and the Christmas turkey or ham! Plus, check out our SuperValue … View moreHappy early Christmas! Not long until the festivities kick-off with friends and families and we all gather around the table to dig into a delicious classic roast meal. Make sure you have all your roast essentials and the Christmas turkey or ham! Plus, check out our SuperValue summer store opening hours so you can still pop in and grab those last minute ingredients or presents!
Christmas presents have been flying out the door on lead up to Santa's arrival! Today is day EIGHT of our 12 days of Christmas celebrations...
Make sure you keep checking our Christmas Blog each day to see if you, or your neighbour, have won something special from us!
No update has been set for a review of the philosophical trend that is now our library. In fact, even getting it on an agenda seems to be another labyrinth of many gates. When I go out I hear from more and more rate payers, concerns about how hard it is to approach council at any level, how hard it… View moreNo update has been set for a review of the philosophical trend that is now our library. In fact, even getting it on an agenda seems to be another labyrinth of many gates. When I go out I hear from more and more rate payers, concerns about how hard it is to approach council at any level, how hard it is to feel that they are being heard, and their concerns acknowledge or addressed by anyone at council.
I am beginning to suspect that not putting things on an agenda is another way of manipulating us out of having a meaningful say. Next thing you know they will do away with other or general business. Setting and submitting an agenda used to be a part of my working life, at various time I have seen this sort of manipulation. I think I smell a rat.
Isn’t it great that the mayor report that outsiders think our city looks great! They should try paying rates here and living here with all the half done, half-baked things we live with (when you live in Wayne’s world!).
-Marion Read (current library) and online bullying/harassment – 13.10.17-
I complained to Mike Ryan, director of community services, seeking an apology from M. Read. His approach would seem to be “no screenshot, no evidence”. I have supplied him with signed statements, who like me, witnessed the post before they were taken down. A court of law would accept such signed documentation and give me a fair hearing. I will no longer deal with him, her or council on this matter, but seek an independent legal opinion.
I am now firmly of the opinion that I am being personally and deliberately targeted, and treated negatively by some councillors and council staff in a wholly biased manner. I have absolutely no faith in the integrity of the council, its senior staff or the majority of male councillors. Especially C. Carson, D. Wheeler, D. Griffiths and P. Lambert, no reply from those four EVER; oath breakers and cowards! Councillors McArthur and Gwilliam had to be threatened and coerced by me into dealing with me. One victim-blames and the other insulted my intelligence. Steve Taylor at least replied but was so belittling and guaranteed that no one would want a meeting with him. A continuation of oath breakers and dissemblers to a man.
A councillor is bound by law thought the oath they take to reply to every rate payer (you) no matter who else you are dealing with. It is their job to represent your concerns to council and help you navigate council processes. They are supposed to be on your side.
* Whatever your issue, whatever your concerns, keep fighting and demand your right to be heard and represented.
* Remember, policy makers and politicians count individuals – 1 person, 1 vote
Make your views count, go well, go safe and see you in the new year.
Property Institute of New Zealand Chief Executive, Ashley Church, has strongly endorsed a warning, by new Housing Minister Phil Twyford, that Aucklanders should not go out and binge on the basis of big increases in the Council-assessed value of their homes.
The new Council Valuations on Auckland… View moreProperty Institute of New Zealand Chief Executive, Ashley Church, has strongly endorsed a warning, by new Housing Minister Phil Twyford, that Aucklanders should not go out and binge on the basis of big increases in the Council-assessed value of their homes.
The new Council Valuations on Auckland homes will be available on the Council website from 9am tomorrow but Housing Minister Phil Twyford has warned that it would be unwise for Auckland home owners to assume they've hit the jackpot based on the large increases in values likely to be reflected in the new assessments.
Mr Church agrees that Aucklanders shouldn’t read too much into the council figures and has repeated his recent reminder that they are a ‘guesstimate’ rather than an accurate indicator of what a home is actually worth.
Councils throughout New Zealand are required to update Council Valuations (CVs) on residential, commercial, industrial and rural land once every three years in order to set rates and Mr Church says that there is a common misunderstanding about what this Valuation is and how much weight should be placed on it.
“CVs are conducted once every 3 years and they’re a ‘snapshot’ of the approximate value of any given property at that moment in time. They shouldn’t be regarded as an exact measure of the value of a home – and they’re certainly not intended to provide an ongoing price guide."
Mr Church says that the methodology for a Council Valuation is very different to a formal valuation.
“A CV is a blunt instrument. It’s a computer based assessment of the value of your home based on what other homes in your area have sold for – whereas a formal Registered Valuation is conducted onsite and takes account of the condition of your home, any renovations you might have made, whether you have a pool, the number of bedrooms you might have, the condition of your home – all of the things that make it unique. There’s no comparison between the two."
Mr Church says that, for many people, the Council valuation of their home is matter of curiosity and academic interest – but he says that some people might see it as a measure of wealth and be tempted to go out and spend on that basis.
“That would be a mistake."
He says that, while there’s little doubt that home values have increased substantially, people should be wary of taking on major new debt unless they have an accurate idea of what their home is currently worth.
Toyota Isis 2005
7 seater, good condition, scrape on front bumper[ drivers side]
Automatic, airbags passenger & driver
central locking,reversing camera + towbar
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