Articles in ‘Columns’

Whilst the official cash rate remains unchanged at least for now there are predications that the expected increase forecasted for the end of 2022 may have to be bought forward. This is a tricky balancing act for the RBNZ, in trying to pre-empt a rise in inflation without pushing up the exchange rate too much (and hence dampening exports). · This directly affects the housing market, with borrowers already seeing mortgage rates increase – and…

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BUSINESSES IN PAPAKURA ·Tasi Market__ on the Great South Road Rapid Facility__ on Porchester Road · 24 new businesses have opened in Papakura this year! · CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING MURALS AND CHORUS BOXES IN PAPAKURA · Go to www.papakura.co.nz and on the home page – hit the tab saying Murals and Art. · We have 24 murals now around Papakura from talented local artists and are so proud of them in our town. · Check out their…

Many people do not have to file with the Inland Revenue Department if their income is already taxed, but it is still worth checking as there are many times when expenses can be claimed. · Donations to approved charitable organisations mean you can claim a 33% refund. This is well worth having, even if only to donate it again. You can file your receipts as you receive them or save them up and file all at once at the end of the tax year. ·…

The Auckland housing sales data for the month of May is showing no hint that the restrictions introduced in March are having any impact on the prices or sales volume. · The median house price for Auckland for the period rose over the record achieved in April 2021 and the highest May on record for 4 years. The Auckland median price of $1,073,000 was up 2.2% from April which rose 3.1% and 17.4% from the previous May. The median house price 12…

MATARIKI IN PAPAKURA · Check out the beautiful Matariki Flags flying high down the Great South Road in Papakura. And if you go to www.papakura.co.nz you will see all the Matariki Events happening around the town that you can participate in under our Events Section. · MORE MURALS FOR PAPAKURA · Wow – we have 24 of these murals in our town now … and if you fancy an art map walk to view these all – check out the locations on our website under…

Accepting the fact that April last year was our great lockdown, April was the strongest it has been for 5 years. Inventory levels continue to fall and whilst adjusted for the seasonal norm of the autumn/winter period they still continue to place still more pressure on the housing market. Low supply and high demand holds prices! · There have been less investors in the market for April but this could be as a result of the LVR restrictions which…

Papakura Streetfest – what a wonderful day! · Amazing turnout with over 5000 people coming through during the day. Over 45 community stalls, Sustainable Papakura Market Stalls, local entertainment and so much fun for the kids – and the adults too. · Check out some of the great photos that Poppa G took for us during the day: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=poppagspictures&set=a.3794199594042553 · New businesses in Papakura · And we…

March 2021 was a month of firsts! But quite a mixed bag and the effects of some have yet to be seen in the market: · Median days to sell the lowest for a March since records began. · Inventory levels continue to fall, placing pressure on the housing market, decreasing 6.1% in March 2021 from March 2020 levels – in total that is 1265 fewer properties available to the market and 8791 fewer than March 2019 [national data] · More than 1/3 selling…

Happy Mother's Day! · Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers on Sunday 9th of May 2021. We wish you all a truly happy and wonderful day. · Papakura Streetfest 2021 · Make sure you diary this date – Saturday 8th of May in Papakura. Our third annual StreetFEST is back from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be lots of community stalls, sustainable stalls, arts and crafts, sports clubs, emergency services, and family activities. · Live entertainment,…

There are some people who question the legitimacy of self-defence training for kids. For these people the prevailing concern appears to be that training in self defense, or for that matter martial arts are an acknowledgement that violence exists and that children will in turn be taught violence. In reality, what happens is that when children learn self-defence, they are less likely to be confronted with violence. · In New Zealand schools, 1 in…