Refugee services resist cut backs in recession

Despite the recession, Refugee Services New Zealand will not be making any cutbacks in the resettlement of refugees.
Communications coordinator Jude Walcott says although money is getting tighter, the service will not make any compromises in helping refugees integrate into New Zealand society.
“There is definitely not as much to go around this year, particularly in donations [...]

Gyms prove to be ‘recession-proof’ - so far

There has been no drop in gym memberships so far this year, despite the recession, say some of New Zealand’s largest gyms.
Some US commentators have labelled it a “recession-proof industry” and so far the fitness industry in New Zealand has lived up to that.
City Fitness’ Auckland cluster manager, Angus Campbell, said memberships were [...]

There is no recession in Kingsland

As businesses continue to feel the heat of the recession, life in Kingsland couldn’t be sweeter.

Local business owners are smiling as their shops and restaurants continue to thrive, in spite of the hard economic times.

Restaurant owner Rebecca Jones says Kingsland is “doing pretty well”.

She says atmosphere, company and great food are three “pull-factors” enticing [...]

Wedding industry suffers as recession sets in

New Zealand’s wedding industry is suffering as an increasing number of couples spend less on their special day.
Couples are downsizing their weddings and choosing to spend select parts of the event.
Expo manger for Premier Wedding Expos Lisa Booth says the average New Zealand wedding today costs around $20,000.
She says couples are choosing to spend their [...]

Aucklanders remain givers, despite the recession

Aucklanders are continuing to donate to the City Mission and to last weekend’s 40-hour famine, despite the recession.
Alexis Sawyers, the leader of Auckland City Mission fundraising, says people are giving more because they are aware of growing economic problems.
“There’s been an increase in people making donations. It’s not just our regulars any more.
“People [...]

Foodbank suffers as recession worsens

A central food bank is suffering under the pressure of the economic downturn, meaning more people in need are at risk of going hungry this winter.
The Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) food-bank on Khyber Pass Rd is feeling the effects of the recession, as donations decrease significantly.
Manager of the PSN budgeting service Maureen Little says [...]

Low interest rates attract investors as housing figures improve

The housing market looks to be on its way back up, according to recent Barfoot and Thompson sales figures.
Figures on the company’s website show house sales in March 2009 were at a 20-month high with 924 homes sold.
Regional manager Kiri Barfoot says there were 809 homes sold last month, up 356 from April 2008.
Barfoot looks [...]

Recession stops volunteers in their tracks

More young adults want to volunteer overseas during the recession but financial difficulties are stopping them.
Global Volunteer Network chief executive Erin Cassidy says the number of people interested in volunteering has grown but most are not able to afford it because of the costs involved.
These costs can include flights, insurance, visa fees and [...]

Aucklanders tighten their belts - in more ways than one

Thousands of New Zealanders may have lost their jobs but at least they won’t be becoming overweight.

Several Auckland gyms have reported an increase in their membership, despite, or perhaps because of, the recession.

Just Workout general manager Jay Hill says the hard economic times have affected the business in a number of ways, with the most [...]

Recession hits city missions

Requests for food parcels are the highest they have ever been, according to the Auckland and Christchurch city missions.

Auckland City Mission handed out 148 more food parcels this February than it did at the same time last year. In March it distributed almost 100 more than in March, 2008.

Christchurch City Mission is seeing the same [...]