Wayne Potgieter

you are 100% correct. I also think some organisations are using it as a convenient excuse as well.

Whilst this is terrible, the private sector is not much better - both suck! 12 months ago, I requested an increase. I had been with the company for 24 months, and made a career change to get there, so I was undervalued at the time of hire as I was high risk. I completely understood that and was grateful for the chance to change my career. Fast forward and I am now more experienced, have demonstrated success and a few people have been hired (and subsequently left) and I was used as the internal benchmark for success. So I started a conversation to relook at my salary structure. 12 months has past and I am still having that conversation. I love EVERYTHING else about my job, so leaving is not something I really want to consider, but I am interested in increasing my earnings to (at the very least) keep up with the increasing cost of living. At some point, the value balance will change and I will no doubt seek greener pastures, but for now, I am happy to be patient. But the point is that increases are also rare/non existent in the private sector. It seems the easiest way to increase salary is to move jobs, I suppose that easier in the private sector than the public sector...

its all brand new. They recently redid everything.

The last line of the article is the only important one... "The bach sits on 966 square meters" Its the land that costs. Its a different mindset here. In RSA, the house is what sells and thats where the value sits, here its the land. That being said, the market is ridiculous and this is one of the most expensive places in the world for home ownership and the property market is a real problem that needs to be looked at.

I have a client in Christchurch that makes super expensive designer furniture. The kind of stuff you see in magazines and are not allowed to put your feet on. I went to go see him straight after lockdown ended and he said the me that his biggest competitor has been tourism. Folks spend heaps on lavish overseas trips, but now that they cant fly anywhere, they are investing in their homes. He was rubbing his hands like Scrooge McDuck.

This band is so weird, but I cant stop listening. Give it a chance....let it play.

I am a total chillihead and have these on rotation at the moment.. https://culleys.co.nz/products/culleys-brutality https://heatonist.com/products/hot-ones-the-last-dab?variant=378416136201

Culleys are amazing. Almost everything they make is plant based so it features a lot in my house. Their Chipotle Reaper hot sauce is to die for

So did OP buy a bike, house or car? I’m confused now.

wow. That’s a special gift. I still have a watch gifted to me by my dad many years ago. It’s particularly special. Good on you.

our wives must know each other.

ha ha ha. This is pure gold.

technically speaking he asked for advice on the right direction for financing a bike. Not “can you recommend a bike finance company”. So in my opinion, the right direction is to self finance a second hand bike while saving for your dream bike. No moralising. Just answering the question.

Dont finance the bike. Costs are too high, they depreciate too rapidly and at the end of the day, it's a luxury item, not a need. Rather ride something a little less flash for a while while you save and buy something second hand - great deals to be had. You can still get on the saddle of your dream bike, just be a little more patient and frugal. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but its the smartest financial move.

Just a little gem I found while exploring a local trail.

ummmm

I ended up letting my guy (11 - but short) use a second hand 24 inch Giant XTC Junior. He is a little big for it to be honest. But for around the hood thrashing and riding to school, it's perfectly fine and I don't really care what happens to it. When we hit trails, he takes my wife's Small Giant Trance 2 27.5. It's a good fit but it's a lot of bike (hence why we don't let him take it to school). If you are toying with sizing, you are welcome to take the 27.5 Trance and see how he rides it. I don't mind at all if you borrow it for a weekend and go for a few rides. It will probably give you a good understanding of the fit before buying something. Sometimes it's difficult to make an assessment in a store.

Net Voel. Ou man Voel.

Just an FYI - Pohutukawa beach in Long Bay regional park is a nudist friendly beach. I learnt this the hard way yesterday with my wife and kids in tow.

I liked your suggestion so much, I ran it on Saturday. Kept stopping to take photos! Then, I dragged the wife and kids back there for a walk on Sunday. Good little track. From the parking at the south end of Long Bay to Okura turnaround and back (with 100acre and nature trail) is 12km. Strava link for those that want to see elevation and path. https://www.strava.com/activities/5138912962/overview

fresh meat!!! I am also on the shore. Silverdale. Where you at Kenneth?

this is really popular over here. https://www.decathlon.nz/products/run-light-100-running-light-black?variant=33116613705781&currency=NZD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQjw38-DBhDpARIsADJ3kjnNEBmZRZRv5akLFDX5TjQ2qtF9GiofnEO89IGsypgaEFZwPA6Lm70aAvdDEALw_wcB

T8 Sherpa V2 Shorts with Commando undies for the win! Absolute game changer. Totally in love with these.

I miss slap chips. Like proper slap chips with vinegar.

Took the family up north for Easter Weekend. We spent some time at a lodge in Paihia. Managed to sneak in a trail run and some kayak adventure. The kids also convinced me to parasail. Here are some photos - we really are quite privileged to live in such a beautiful place.