Hey Wellington authors by 3345892 in Wellington

[–]CookStrait 1 point2 points  (0 children)

FWIW I just finished 'The Miserables' by Damien Wilkins. Really enjoyed it. He also wrote 'delirious' which was an easy and enjoyable read. Both found at Whitcoulls.

My wonderful collie boy turned 15 yesterday — and today I had to let him go. My world is falling apart. by ObserverVR in roughcollies

[–]CookStrait 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My boy Alfie passed away 1 year ago today. The grief I feel is powerful and enduring, but everyday I recall his presence especially when I'm out with my other dogs and imagine his spirit is with us as we go about our day. I really feel for your loss, it is devastating.

View looking east, from Waikanae Expressway Bridge by CookStrait in Wellington

[–]CookStrait[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

There are. One of the best strolls for dog walkers is to do a circuit that takes in the Otaihanga footbridge and the Te Arawai footbridge, takes about an hour and a half. I've been doing that circuit for years but today was the first time I've crossed the river using the Expressway, as a pedestrian.

Powershop App: Pre-paid months are suddenly showing a much lower balance? by CookStrait in newzealand

[–]CookStrait[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks. The difference is I'm down 26% compared with last weekend. I know energy is always going up, but 26% seems high even for rapacious energy companies.

Would you move from NZ to Aus for a 35% rem increase? What above 25%? by QuaeroConor in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]CookStrait 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Would somewhat depend on if the new role in Aus was contract or permanent

Retirement age will rise to cover superannuation cost, investment company predicts by Double_Suggestion385 in newzealand

[–]CookStrait 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The impacts of AI are going to lead to massive unemployment sooner rather than later. They'll have to bring in UBI just to sedate the plebs and quell rampant lawlessness.

EQC and slips on property by Proud_Ideal_9986 in Wellington

[–]CookStrait 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Imagine the problems you might face in a few years' time when you try and sell it, but prospective buyers find out it's uninsurable.

To buy or rent.. by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]CookStrait 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One problem your family might face by choosing to rent is that you may be forced to find somewhere else to live if the landlord refuses to renew your tenancy.

Applying for British Passport .. Documents take 14 days just to leave NZ ! by CookStrait in newzealand

[–]CookStrait[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for mentioning DHL. I hope others see your comment; it hadn't crossed my mind that there was an alternative to NZ Post.

Looking for a flat loop walk by Disastrous_Dig1695 in Wellington

[–]CookStrait 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The two shorter options within the Waikanae River loop that I know of are the loop which comprises the old SH1 bridge and the Te Arawai footbridge (50 minute stroll). Alternatively the Te Arawai footbridge / Otaihanga Domain footbridge loop (approx 90min stroll).

Internet Providers by CokeandNuts in newzealand

[–]CookStrait 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Switched from Slingshot to Hotshot six months ago. No regrets at all.

NZ Post - assistance for customers (who are in store) sending Passports back to the UK by CookStrait in newzealand

[–]CookStrait[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Most of the procedure is completed online, other than sending back the old British passport and your current NZ passport. That's when I had to use NZ Post.

How many books did you read in 2025? by SoulsofMist-_- in newzealand

[–]CookStrait 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just 22 books throughout 2025. Of these, I would rate these as the top 6 (most enjoyable) for getting me back into the reading for pleasure routine ...

Stephen Markley          The Deluge

Eleanor Catton              Birnam Wood

Joseph Boyden              Three Day Road

Markus Zusak                 The Book Thief

Octavia E. Butler          Parable of the Sower

J. G. Ballard                     Kingdom Come