Honing In On Supermarkets
During the last two years or so of the pandemic in NZ, the big winners commercially were supermarkets and banks.
Whilst business in general took a big hit and in many cases - a dive - supermarkets and banks thrived.
All this whilst the Government had to find huge loans and spend money earmarked for other projects and promises to help Kiwis get through the crisis.
So while I loathe banks I(mainly Australian) making so much dough and charging customers unnecessarily more than should be the case, I don't begrudge supermarkets in NZ profiting annually by a handsome amount. And yet I do say the line must be drawn on the approx 500 million annually the two supermarket franchises have made whilst some in NZ have been scrimping and failing to gather in enough money to buy groceries weekly and the Government is blamed for the rising cost of living and the rising inflation rate well past the hitherto three percent max per annum.
So the steps the Government are taking are the right ones and hopefully will further pave the way for additional competition from at least another supermarket player.
Supermarkets in NZ were given big wraps by people here on Neighbourly during the pandemic for being so stoic but did they really deserve all the praise? They didn't pay their staff extra for the extra dangers they faced and they made more profit than normal as people staying at home bought more products sold at supermarkets.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.6% Yes
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22.1% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
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