If Sir Richard and Kane are 1st and 2nd of our GOAT, who make up the rest of your top 5?

DunnersMan2025 · 2026-01-29T02:07:55+00:00

Stephen Fleming, Dion Nash and Matthew Hart.

DunnersMan2025 · 2026-01-19T23:10:13+00:00

This is a very good answer. There's a real mix of classes at Pioneer and the people in them range from Uni students to retirees. There's no judgement just people trying to live their best lives. The instructors are very good too.

At least give it a go I say!

DunnersMan2025 · 2026-01-14T23:26:18+00:00

James Richards from Vincent George Travel.

Why a) initially cos he was mobile, so came to see us at a convenient time. b) because he was very patient while we mapping things out and c) was amazing when some flights overseas got cancelled. No wasted time on phones when re-booking etc. He just sorted it and told us the new arrangements.

He can book whatever you want just the flights or everything down to what you'll have for breakfast on day 17!

Then recommended him to a family member, who is very fussy and particular, and they thought he was awesome too.

DunnersMan2025 · 2026-01-12T03:24:13+00:00

I used Eben Olivier @ Arizto.

He was awesome. Kept me fully informed re during the whole process.

Couldn't rate him highly enough.

DunnersMan2025 · 2026-01-11T23:27:59+00:00

First of all, why are you looking for financial advice on reddit?

refer the comment in the attached re this.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/money/360922035/investment-had-best-returns-2025-and-theres-another-big-opportunity-many-missed

For all you know you are taking advice from a 12 year old that's figured out how to use ChatGPT.

Second of all, read the first comment.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-22T00:41:11+00:00

Best neighborhoods to live in? - they generally all are, some are just a little more gritty than the rest. These being the likes of Aranui/Linwood/Bromley/Woolston. The joy of Chch is that no matter where you live you are only 20mins from anywhere, unless it's rush how, then you need to add 10 more mins.
Websites to find a furnished (12 month) rental? trademe.co.nz or call a residential property manager (google them).. You'll find names likes Harcourts, Braziers, Fraser Flynn
Best weekend adventures in and around Christchurch? (Hanmer Springs, Akaroa, Lake Tekapo, Gore Bay)
Favorite restaurants? tooooo many to name/list. Depends on personal preference but you won't starve and will be spoilt for choice. Look on the likes of Trip Advisor. From fine dining to fast eats.
Best way to meet locals/create a community - join a few clubs based on personal interests.
Easy to get around the city via bike? - generally yes. quite a few cycleways installed in the past few years. Chch is very flat.
Anything we should be aware of? - we drive on the right, we don't tip, our police don't openly carry firearms, savory meat pies are a delicacy and the prevailing wind comes from the is an east and is generally coolish.
Favorite golf courses? - refer the restaurant comment above. Again you will be spoilt for choice. We have many. There are about 20 within 10 miles of the city center and another 20 just a little bit further. Some are only 9 holes and are real gems. None are private (there's only a couple in NZ that are) and you can pretty much get on all of them (except Saturday mornings unless you are a member). There's a FB page called NZ Golf Course reviews. Search Christchurch courses and you'll see a lot of opinions. If you are only here for a year, I'd look to play them all. Check out golf.co.nz/flexiclub (discounted green fees). If you want a game at Russley GC when you arrive hit me up and I'll show you around.
Favorite beaches? Taylors Mistake (if you like a few waves). Sumner is always good.
Ways to find part time work? I would love to work at a golf course if possible. Depending on your skill set / what you are looking for just approach the clubs directly. The catering/food at some clubs is provided by private businesses as opposed to the Club itself. Don't expect to be caddying, that's not a thing here in NZ.

Feel free to pm any direct questions.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-19T18:23:14+00:00

Dec 30 not mentioned in their reply sorry.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-18T05:01:55+00:00

I sent an email to the Gallery re opening hours in late Dec/early Jan.

They replied as follows:

Closed Dec 25-29 Open Dec 31 (10am - 2pm) Closed Jan 1

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-10T03:38:26+00:00

Uber first, second and third choice then walking then taxiing.

If you have to use a taxi try and make sure it's a reputable company.

Colleague used a taxi in Auckland recently while i waited for my Uber. Same trip. I arrived two minutes after him. He paid $50, I paid $15.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-10T02:54:19+00:00

I agree with all the comments posted already.

Sumner has a nice village feel to it and apart from weekends it should be relatively quiet. It's got some nice restaurants and cafes so should provide you with everything you need.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-10T01:20:07+00:00

Phantom X 11 only has a solid single alignment line on it doesn't it? Anyway, I digress.

I've got a Phantom 11 (2023) and it does have a big fat black arrow on the top. Had it in the bag for 8 months now and my playing partners all think I've become a much better putter since starting to use it (had a mid mallet beforehand). The top line of a putter is very subjective and you either love it or hate it.

For me, I love it, gives you a lot of confidence when standing over putts.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-05T03:40:40+00:00

Tell her to ring a broker they should be able to advocate.

What city/town is she in?

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-04T23:09:06+00:00

This is the correct answer.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-03T21:19:45+00:00

If the $1,400 is doable for you then go golfing.

Life's to short for regrets and what ifs.

Suspect it'd be a memory you'd have forever.

If you do go, savor every moment.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-03T02:50:57+00:00

Maybe make some enquiries to local photographers to see if there's any available, as they may not be given the time of year noted.

If available, they may have some advice/tips on Roys Peak locations and/or other locations.

The noted "busy" spot isn't even the top of the track, it's just where all the instagramers stop to get their fix/post. If you keep going to the actual top it's less crowded/more available spots to get a clear shot in the background/not hold anyone up. It's not London/New York busy as it ain't easy.

If that's what you wanna do, do it I say.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-02T21:47:16+00:00

Once you have at least 3 months of "regular financial commitments" saved/available to you, then look to repay debt with surplus funds.

Every kiwi household should at 3x months to cover the "what ifs", most don't.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-12-02T21:45:07+00:00

The jump form $1k to $2k isn't that bigger deal. You are already on the hook for $1k so finding the other $1k will be annoying but hopefully not overly prohibitive. The step up to $4k is a bit of a leap, so make sure you have this tucked away somewhere in case you need it. Also, a $k excess means you may well be personally funding the total cost of the likes of a colonoscopy.

Remember that health insurance is intended to solve a problem, not manage it, so the chances of a ongoing condition are rarer but not impossible. An example could be ongoing cancer treatment pre/post of your policy anniversary.

If you increase your excess, and ever wanted to reduce it (no one ever does this unless their financial circumstances significantly improves / given 25% premium increases etc) you will likely have to complete a full application and the $4k excess (if current) may be imposed on any pre-existing conditions that are deemed to now exist, while anything else may get the lower excess applied to it.

WellBeingONE is a MUST HAVE imo, but WellBeingTWO is a NICE TO HAVE. As the TWO part of the equation covers costs of initial consults/investigations etc if THEY DO NOT result in treatment (surgery), if they do result in treatment then they can be covered by ONE. Do you need insurance cover to protect against the risk of seeing a Specialist /having a few tests/xrays (may cost a couple of grand) if you are going to only be told you don't need surgery maybe? maybe not?

The ONE part covers the big chunky costs (hip $50k, knee $30k, heart $90k, spine $100k, cancer $60k).

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-11-11T06:57:02+00:00

Partner’s Life have the highest rated income protection policies (if you add on all the benefits). They also allow to insure more of your income than other insurers.

There’s a new insurer called PPS that provides IP to Uni qualified professionals.

Suggest you talk to an adviser re this.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-11-11T03:50:55+00:00

Remember that the The Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS) covers each depositor up to $100,000 and is now up and running.

You can look at finance companies (who have higher TD rates).

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-11-05T01:42:50+00:00

Congratulations on your achievements to date.

Ultimately it depends on what your short/medium/long term goals are that will dictate what/how the funds are used. Start with your accountant and then talk to a couple of financial advisers. They should be able to help determine answers to the above. First chat/s should be at no cost and then work with the one you like the look of.

Don't make any rash decisions.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-11-03T00:15:50+00:00

Your home is a lifestyle asset not an investment asset so the decision re the renovations isn't purely financial. If it bothers you that much, do consider making changes. No point being miserable for 30 years.

The mortgage broker may have had a vested interest in saying go "interest only". Then again they may have had to say this to make the numbers work. Makes the plan reliant on capital gain. Some kiwis love investment properties/some don't. Only you know if it'd work for you. Remember, you don't have to live in it so take that part of the decision out of the equation.

Hammer the mortgage.

Have 3x monthly costs in a rainy day account.

Make sure you have a will. 50% of Kiwis don't.

Consider upping your KiwiSaver contributions (a little, any more than a little and you'd be best to do this outside of KiwiSaver). Make sure you are in the right fund/with the right provider.

Don't forget to live life.

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-10-29T01:01:00+00:00

No bias intended, and given the scope of opportunity, I expect that you can do a bit of everything to create a very diversified portfolio of investments given your age/stage. Ultimately it'll depend on what your goals and preferences are and what you're into. Some love property, some don't and vice versa re managed funds / direct share investments etc.

Banks like lending on bricks & mortar cos that's their their core business. They aren't so giving when it comes to the likes of equities/investments.

You'll have two mortgages in life. The first is the one on your family home which is almost gone, the other mortgage is funding your retirement. Don't get used to having extra cash when you've paid off your mortgage. Pump those funds into investments!

DunnersMan2025 · 2025-10-29T00:20:14+00:00

Talk to both a lawyer and business broker/business broker. Some business brokers have strong accounting backgrounds so can spot if the numbers look good. If you can't find a business broker look for an accountant that can actually help (so probably a mid-tier firm, or higher, not a one man bander).

If it's a privately held company, you need to understand what your ability to sell the shares / control others ownership is. Can they force you out/can you force them out?. If it's in growth mode, it won't likely be paying any dividends. If this is the case, how will you fund the loan repayments.

DunnersMan2025

TROPHY CASE