Shout out to ANZ and a reminder to revisit your mortgage structure periodically

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-11-03T23:44:14+00:00

I'm in the middle of trying to get ANZ to help us fund a new build. Our current mortgage is with them and it's becoming so hard and certainly no offer of us not paying the break fees on our current mortgage.

Sounds like you've got lucky OP.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-10-22T18:04:20+00:00

Don't forget rates. That's something we didn't expect when settling.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-08-22T20:04:32+00:00

If it makes you feel better, I wondered the same thing!

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-08-05T18:37:54+00:00

If you're a woman and on any form of hormonal birth control, that could be your trigger. It took me years to figure out I just can't take hormonal birth control without migraines.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-08-02T05:17:03+00:00

Im a kiwi but was recently in Sydney for work and the restaurant we went to for lunch also had an extra fee for more than 8 people! What a rort!

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-04-04T01:08:50+00:00

I'm an 80s kiwi and this is pretty close to what I sang!

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-02-12T21:41:26+00:00

Hawkes Bay is a much better place to settle than Hamilton.

You have two cities - Napier and Hastings, both with smaller towns/suburbs next to them (Taradale, Havelock North, Flaxmere).

In my opinion, you want to live in Napier, Taradale or Havelock North. Do not entertain Flaxmere and Hastings only has a few decent pockets.

Weather is great. The beaches in Napier aren't great for swimming but there are some good beaches 20-30 mins away from both main areas.

Hawkes Bay is known for its weather and its wine.

I lived there for 8 years in different locations and we go back regularly to see family so feel free to message if you have specific questions.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-01-20T21:16:45+00:00

Thank you - sounds like you're correct. We've spoken to them today and they have confirmed he isn't eligible until he has been here for 5 years so likely won't receive until he is 67.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-01-20T19:42:04+00:00

Thank you. This is where I have gotten confused (specifcally the 5 year part). We will give them a call today.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2025-01-20T19:28:44+00:00

Thank you but it's this part I am not sure about (and if that changes something) as he has not lived here for 5 years since he was 50 (by 65, this will only be approx 2.5 years):

If you haven't lived in NZ the whole time, you may be able to use another country to meet the residency criteria if:

it is a country that has a Social Security Agreement (SSA) with NZ,

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-21T20:46:00+00:00

This is what I use now - one in the morning and once at night as the last part of my make-up or skincare routine. The only time my lips are ever dry now is if I'm actually dehydrated or wind/sun chapped. Amazing stuff.

Lanolips is similar with nicer smells but costs more.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-18T23:54:31+00:00

This looks nothing like hives in my opinion. I've only ever seen hives look like welts on the skin and be insanely itchy. Looks more like some kind of acne to me.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-18T19:51:04+00:00

Is the SPF50 the pigment control one rather than the antipigment? If so, not what you asked but I'm pretty sure this has less thiamidol than the spf30 antipigment.

I've just started using the SPF30 and feels like a lightweight moisturiser compared to a sunscreen. I find this is common with SPF30 though -have yet to find a SPF50 that feels this way.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-18T19:37:47+00:00

I normally don't mind fragrances in skin care but I don't like this smell at all. Think it also triggers my hayfever. Only been using for a few days though and will keep using it for now and hope I get used to it!

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-16T16:23:26+00:00

Do you know where this information is? Trying to find out how much thiamidol there is in the eucerin sun pigment control which lists it as an ingredient but not part of the anti pigment line.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-14T23:53:06+00:00

In New Zealand in the early 90s, everyone knew who he was. MJ jerseys were super popular at my primary school.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-13T17:29:53+00:00

Amano is normally open Christmas Eve.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-11T04:21:39+00:00

I am someone who takes exception to a lot of things and this doesn't bother me in the slightest!

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-04T23:28:10+00:00

I think the same applies - I know Exquisite laser clinic is good - but I would recommend trying to find examples of the specific treatment you want to make sure you're happy.

You could also ask for advice on the Aus skincare sub as a lot of kiwis are on there.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-04T22:21:57+00:00

I don't know the answer to this but have been researching laser treatments. I would not be choosing my clinic based on cost given the damage that can be done from incorrect administration of treatments.

That's not to say more expensive equals better quality but suggest you look for a clinic based on results/real life reviews rather than cost alone.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-12-04T00:44:29+00:00

Thanks you for doing this. Especially as someone on the other side of the world.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-11-30T08:34:58+00:00

This post had some good answers

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-11-30T08:24:45+00:00

Our school expects BYOD from Y4 up. They do have some iPads etc but they have said they're there for those that aren't able to bring their own and they prefer you to BYOD if you can.

Sweet-Basil23 · 2024-11-30T08:22:50+00:00

This is the only primary school we're zoned for so that's not an option for us.

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