Costco Not So Much
So Costco opened its doors in Auckland a few days ago and the huge store chain is expected to have a presence in Wellington in the near future. Could be allocated to the Hutt Valley.
KMart has its one and only store in the Wellington region (outside of Porirua) in Petone and in many ways is Costco without the general food.
I have visited Kmart three times in the five years its been open and in that time have purchased some dog treats made in Australia and a couple of leather belts.
Kmart has largely second rate stuff. And I believe Costco will be no different, food excluded.
Would I be attracted to a Costco to buy groceries even if it was sited in the Hutt Valley?
The short answer is not if what the food comparisons stay true to where they are right now.
Compared with PakNSave in Upper Hutt, Costco In Auckland comes off second best in almost every food price quoted.
The big savings was in mince beef and you need to buy in bulk at Costco otherwise PaknSave came out better or near enough in every commodity quoted.
So for a membership fee of $60 (is that per person or per household?) and travelling expenses on the assumption a Costco store will not be where I live, the local PaknSave together with the big stores like Briscoes (and its endless sales) and Mitre10 will hold my sway.
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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76.9% Yes
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22.2% No
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1% 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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