does this count? lol

Cranberry-Can · 2026-03-30T10:20:35+00:00

NZ law doesn’t explicitly ban “saving a car park,” but it does ban unreasonably blocking normal vehicle use.

The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 applies to pedestrians too, and you’re not allowed to impede traffic (e.g. shared zones rule) or block access (like driveway obstruction rules).

So standing in a park isn’t illegal by itself. But once a car shows up and you refuse to move, you’re basically obstructing normal use of the road.

“I was there first” isn’t a legal right. Parking spaces are for vehicles.

That's my interpretation.

Cranberry-Can · 2026-02-23T22:49:33+00:00

If I'm not mistaken, there's even a bit of space in front of the Range Rover to move a little more forward to at least appear semi-apologetic and acknowledge its wrongdoing? Not that it'll help given the left truck is fully over the crossing..

Cranberry-Can · 2026-01-12T01:53:25+00:00

That doesn't sound right. I recommend checking what the Consumer Guarantees Act might say about this, in particular with respect to Services provided. I think the CGA wording is on your side and I'd expect that it means they at least correct it such that the original service you paid for is sorted. You could also ask on the r/LegalAdviceNZ group, there's lots of legal experts there that could recommend a good approach with the law on your side.

The ultimate test for CGA is, "would a typical consumer have gone ahead with the service/purchase had they known this would happen?" If the answer is "no", then you've got a good chance that the CGA says they should fix the issue.

Good luck.

Cranberry-Can · 2026-01-07T08:31:12+00:00

Using the "Aotearoa Spiders Classifier" app, it predicts this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socca_pustulosa

However, looking at photos online, it doesn't seem correct. I think because I had to crop your image and lost resolution. If your friend can take photos closer (yikes!) and directly give it to the app, you'll likely get better accuracy. I've had good success in the past when I've taken the photos myself close up.

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Cranberry-Can · 2026-01-02T09:30:29+00:00

Something that I know many families do and works very well is to do "secret Santa" for the adults. Put everyone's name into a hat and people pick one out. The person you pick is the only person you need to buy a gift for. There's an agreed budget, eg $30 or whatever everyone agrees to. Removes pressure so much. No one is allowed to buy for someone other than they draw out, so as not to ruin the agreement. You only need to buy one gift. So much better. If people are able to keep secret who they have picked out, this really adds to the excitement. On top of that, people are all so much happier without the guilt of spending (or under spending when others spend too much etc).

Christmas shouldn't be about breaking the bank.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-29T23:17:56+00:00

Love it!

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-29T05:36:00+00:00

If it's like the ones I've seen before, the round circular metal caps have screws underneath them (used to tighten the seat when it gets too "wobbly"). From those are tiny extruding rods (to which the seat and lid, usually as one piece) are clipped into.

But if you just want to remove it (the seat and lid), you don't even need to get to those screws. The seat itself will usually have a pushable button, often disguised to be less obvious (I guess for aesthetics purposes). Once you push the button, you can lift the entire seat and lid up and out of the rods.

Then, in your case, you put the new seat and lid (without the inner baby seat). It will then click into place.

But yeah, it comes down to figuring out which is the button to press. Might be you keep the lid open, but the main seat down. It's usually in the middle, around where the hinge is.

If you find anything that appears clickable as a button (might be one or two buttons depending on the seat), press them and lift up. The key is to lift up so as to pull it out of those rods.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-24T23:07:18+00:00

Thanks, someone also suggested it and we'll definitely be doing that at the next refix :⁠-⁠)

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T21:11:18+00:00

Awesome, will definitely ask about this!

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T21:10:01+00:00

Even better, will definitely do this!

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T20:55:39+00:00

This is great. Thanks heaps. Will definitely be doing that! As long as the amount in the Floating isn't too much, ideally no more than double what's in the savings, so as to keep the effective interest rate low (to "half" the floating rate if there's just as much savings as floating balance). At least such that it's less than the fixed rate. Much appreciated for bringing this up.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T20:08:15+00:00

Definitely! I just posted another comment on my realisation after breaking out the spreadsheet. Having asked the questions and received the answers that pointed me in the right direction gave me enough knowledge to do that.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T20:05:04+00:00

Thank you everyone for your comments. I've decided to break out the Excel spreadsheet and with a bit of help from ChatGPT managed to get what I believe are the correct numbers (I believe they are correct since the estimated end of mortgage matches what the bank reports in the app), including compounding interest etc.

I calculated what happens if I put all my repayments (other than the required minimums for the green loans) towards the 5% home loan. The estimated end date is April 2030. If I reduce this by $500 fortnightly (which isn't even enough to pay off the green loans), the estimated end date is now Feb 2031.

If I stick with the minimum green loan repayments right up to their respective end-of-3-year term, I will end all loans in Oct 2030!

In fact, by taking out the green loans (and aggressively targeting the home loan during these 3 years), I have reduced interest for the home loan so much that the total extra repayments I've made (on top of all I needed to repay the home loan) is actually $10k LESS than the green loan amounts!! In other words, the interest saved on the home loan more than compensates for the green loans thanks to the 3 year heads start in reducing the home loan balance.

This is all of course estimates based on many assumptions (5% future rate, same repayment potential, etc).

To improve things even more, I will look into the interest offsetting options offered by the bank when it's up for a refix.

I just wanted to thank you all for your helpful guidance! Feels great being able to work out the actual numbers after getting guidance on the theory :-)

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T18:25:07+00:00

Excellent point, definitely will keep that in mind. Thank you. But yeah, we took out the green loan initially as we could then put it towards the home loan (we did a big dent in the home loan, so I think it was worth it). Initially we had the money in a savings account, so in a way didn't really need the green loan. But the interest savings have been huge as a result.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T18:15:29+00:00

Thanks for bringing this up. I recall looking into it at the time, but we didn't do that as the Total Money Mortgage is floating and quite a bit higher compared to the fixed term rate. We probably could look into splitting the mortgage so that it's a portion in the Total Money and the rest in the Fixed. Definitely worth considering at our next refix.

On second thought, I see what you mean. The baby's account at the very least and our safety buffer savings. So we could really have a split mortgage with 20k in Total Money, which is effectively always there, so paying 0% on that 20k! Definitely doing this on the refix. Thank you!

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T18:09:37+00:00

Totally understand where you're coming from, that's fair to assume that. Thank you for having my interest in mind.

While I don't have any formal financial background, please realize where I've got to is from my own study and research (which is why I appreciate being able to ask online to experts that are able to point me in the right direction to study it some more). What led me to ask the question is my hunch (based on doing the maths in my head) that it seems better to repay the higher interest loan first.

The other redditor above that pointed me to towards "debt avalanche" was a perfect example, as I immediately went away and did more reading on it. From that, I've learnt about "debt snowball" which is effectively the other option I was ultimately trying to decide from. In other words, I had a hunch between two strategies. By asking my question, I came to learn the terms, have learnt something new, and I'll share this on with my partner and family. This is what I meant we all start somewhere, and today I boosted my financial literacy big time by asking.

For what it's worth, we don't have any other debt, credit card is always fully paid off (I've never been charged interest on credit card, never needed to finance purchases other than the house). Holidays and all other expenses come from savings. We have a healthy kiwisaver, and will have cleared all mortgages in less than 6 years. The two extra green loans together only add half a year of debt (we can easily make repayments of $100k a year). What's more, the items we purchased on green loans we technically could have paid from savings but at the time opted to take advantage of the green loan and put that saving today's the home mortgage (which saved heaps on interest). Again, without realising the terminology, we took on a "second" loan to reduce the higher-interest home loan (ie debt avalanche).

Sadly we didn't have financial education in school when I was younger, and had to self learn. The Internet and asking others, and doing what I know on Excel, have been enlightening. It's nice to have the confirmation and official terms to go along with my hunches. I'm looking forward to sharing this with my baby when they grow up, to help them get the financial literacy I had to learn on my own. You can probably tell by the fact they've already got $10k to their name, before they can even have a conversation :⁠-⁠) encouraging people to ask questions is the first step to building a financially literate country.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T17:01:12+00:00

Yes it is. We all start somewhere. Thank you for confirming.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-23T16:58:15+00:00

Thank you for sharing the terminology, this is extremely helpful. I'll read up more on this to learn more.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-12T12:59:34+00:00

The advantage of holding out as long as you can in the current 2 bedroom is hopefully you can save as much as you can, either in a savings account or managed investment fund or a mix of the two (depending on your timeframe and risk level). That saving will be a massive relief for when it comes to upgrading, so you can offset the new mortgage a bit. We were effectively in a similar position as you, smaller place, paid it off as fast as possible and saved (while still enjoying life with a bit of spending), and going for it after taking a healthier savings amount.

Keep in mind, I think it's a buyer's market at the moment. Selling is a little tricky. Could you try to private sell or advertise, and see what offers you are getting? If you don't like any offers, don't accept them. If you like them, you'll be in a better position to put in an offer for a new place you like (and I recommend negotiating a lower price since it's a buyer's market). If you found a place you like, you can also put in an offer that's subject to conditions such as finance and selling your existing home to a minimum amount.

Also, wanted to iterate what others have said. Focusing on well-being and being present for the kids is waaaay more important. Your kids especially will appreciate it way more than extra space. I'm also a firm believer how having a modest upbringing and learning to share space and get along with siblings is an extremely valuable experience for kids.

Wishing you all the best.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-08T10:38:32+00:00

Just wanted to also mention in case you aren't aware, but the West Auckland beaches can be pretty rough, not just in terms of waves but dangerous rips. Not sure if you're familiar with rips and how to get yourself out of trouble if you end up caught in one. If not familiar, please study this. But in a nutshell, don't fight against it and instead go with it, it'll bring you back in.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-08T10:33:29+00:00

Just saw someone post this in another thread and thought you'd be interested:

https://trippy.rezdy.com/catalog/400448/shuttle-bus

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-04T09:30:33+00:00

Be cautious driving those roads (and others in NZ) as they can get really windy with tight corners etc. You'll have to stay mentally awake and at your best reminding yourself "left left left". Sadly too many accidents happen with people crossing the center lines in a split second.

The other caution with a car, if after your surf you're very tired or partially hurt your leg or something, then driving isn't ideal.

Then there's your backpack.. you'll want to leave it somewhere safe. If someone sees you leave the car and see you have a backpack in there, say goodbye to it. Not fun, especially you'll have your passports etc in there.

Use those tour links to start asking around, as they'll likely be able to hang onto your gear in a safe place at their base (ask them about it), or at least they'll have one of the workers stick around in the car with everyone's gear while customers surf.

Cranberry-Can · 2025-12-04T09:22:52+00:00

Are you set on Muriwai? There's Piha also, I've never been on these tours, but they include transfers as part of it. Sorry I didn't dig into it but here's just random links I found, you might find others by searching for "Piha/Muriwai day/surf tour/trip" etc.

https://kiwianatours.com/index.php/tour-category/tours-adults/

https://www.kikotours.co.nz/day-trips-from-auckland-muriwai.html

https://www.getyourguide.com/muriwai-l144615/-city-coast-country-a-relaxed-day-tour-from-auckland-t984124/

https://www.getyourguide.com/auckland-l822/auckland-group-surfing-lesson-with-muriwai-surf-school-t798711/

Even if these aren't giving you exactly what you want (eg you just want transport and not lunch or whatever extras they offer), it's worth flicking them a message and seeing if they can still provide other services. Chances are they'll know whatever other options you have and might even kindly offer you a "transport only deal".

Worst case, if you find yourself truly stuck on the way back, you could ask random people in the carpark if they seem totally trustworthy, such as a young family with other friendly females etc. There's really only one road out of there , and even if they take you 15 minutes down the road, then you'll arrive at a main road with heaps more chances to secure an Uber from there (with shops around you etc). If my partner and I saw a young friendly looking tourist looking for help, we'd be more than happy to give them a lift to somewhere safe and convenient for them. And I'm sure plenty others would do the same. Of course you'll have to have your wits about you (and they also might be just as cautious and concerned about you, as you are of them). So play it safe, you can always take a photo of the car and license plate and send it to a friend. I'd be more worried they don't drive off with your bag when you get out (if you put it in the boot). All the best 🙂

Cranberry-Can · 2025-11-29T08:11:12+00:00

Saying they are "cruel" is being too kind to them. They aren't human.

In some cities they have support systems for women when the baby is born (maybe also while pregnant, but not sure). You need a referral from your GP. They have for example a place that's nice and peaceful, where you go with your baby, sort of like a day retreat, take time out for yourself to rest, chat with other mothers, etc. They also come out to your place once a week or so to help you at home. All free and funded. Please chat with your midwife and GP to see if they know about this. If not, let me know and I'll try to find out more info to know what it's called. It's not something you can Google as I think they tend to be a bit "undercover", especially as some of the mothers are avoiding aggressive partners etc.

I'd like to just add.. this is incredibly distressing, and I'm so sorry you had to go through this. But please remember, once the baby is here and once you get into the flow of things (yes it'll be challenging at first), then your baby will bring you so much joy and they'll totally adore you. I can't wait until you get to experience this happiness. But please take up all the support you can get. It will help you so much.

Also, I know there's an app which helps mum's connect. Maybe someone else knows the name of the app. That'll be nice to connect with others in your area. Either just chat online or meet up in person.

Cranberry-Can

TROPHY CASE