Tag: news

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Exciting Updates – Join Me on My Creative Journey!

Dear All,

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out with some exciting updates about my creative journey and a small request for your support.

As many of you know, I juggle three jobs, but my heart has always been in creativity,writing, storytelling, and giving back to the community. That’s why I’ve launched multiple blogging sites and YouTube channels—hoping to turn my passion into something sustainable while making a meaningful impact.

My Platforms

📖 Blogs:

  • Pen by Zee – My personal space for creative writing, poetry, and reflections.
  • NZ History with Zee – Exploring New Zealand’s rich history and untold stories.
  • Charity with Zee – Advocating for causes close to my heart, including food donation drives and community support.

🎥 YouTube Channels:

  • Pen by Zee – A visual extension of my blog, sharing writing, poetry, and discussions.
  • The Global Pulse by Zee – Covering global product affiliations, promotions and review.

How You Can Help

To grow these platforms and take them to the next level, I need your support:
✅ Subscribe to my YouTube channels – Monetization requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, and I’m aiming to achieve this by June-July 2025. Your subscription and watch time would mean the world to me!
✅ Donate if you can – Any contributions would go toward upgrading to paid website plans, better content creation tools, and overall improvement of my blogs and vlogs.
✅ Check out my affiliate links – As an affiliate marketer, I earn commissions when people use my links, and I’ve pledged to donate a portion of my earnings—whether from blogs, commissions, or donations—to charitable causes.

This is more than just a side project for me—it’s my attempt to transition from juggling multiple jobs to doing something creative, fulfilling, and impactful. I want to build a platform that not only sustains me but also contributes to something bigger than myself.

Your support—big or small—can help me turn this dream into reality. If you believe in what I’m doing, please subscribe, share, or donate if you’re able to. Every bit of encouragement keeps me going!

Thank you so much for being part of my journey. I truly appreciate you! ❤️

Warmly,
Zoeb Ali (Zee)

My blogs
https://penbyzee.wordpress.com/

https://nzhistorywithzee.wordpress.com/

Home

My youtube Channels:

https://youtube.com/@penbyzee2025?si=MVBQ2ugz5nI640hO

https://youtube.com/@globalpulsebyzee?si=49gQK-mkSDY1w9Z4

My donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/3RDGBHPDFLEX4

Posted on

Comment and Share Challenge

Introducing the ‘Comment and Share Challenge’ on Pen by Zee!

Hello, wonderful readers!

https://track.roeye.co.nz/click?pid=4689&offer_id=331

I’m beyond excited to announce the Comment and Share Challenge on Pen by Zee! This is your chance to not only engage with the content you love but also make a meaningful contribution to the growth of this creative space.

Here’s the story behind this challenge:

As some of you know, Pen by Zee has been a labor of love—a space where ideas come alive through words, creativity flows freely, and we connect over shared passions. But dreams need wings, and mine is ready to soar! I’m working towards upgrading Pen by Zee to a paid website to unlock more features, enhance your reading experience, and take this platform to the next level. And I need your help to make it happen!

That’s where this fun and purpose-driven challenge comes in.

How Does the Challenge Work?

  1. Engage: Leave thoughtful, meaningful comments on blog posts.
  2. Share: Spread the word by sharing your favorite posts on your social media.
  3. Earn Points: Each comment and share earns you points (details below).

The person with the most points by the end of the challenge will win a mystery gift handpicked by me to spark joy and creativity in your life!

Why Join?

  • Be Part of Something Bigger: Your participation helps raise funds for Pen by Zee’s transformation into a fully-fledged website.
  • Support Creativity: Every comment, share, and small donation fuels the dream of building a platform that inspires and connects.
  • Win a Mystery Gift: Because who doesn’t love surprises?

How to Participate:

  1. Comment: Share your thoughts, ideas, or feedback on any blog post. Each thoughtful comment earns you 2 points.
  2. Share: Share blog links on your social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). Don’t forget to tag me and also send a screen shot as I might not be very active on social media and I would not like to delay your points tally. Each share earns you 5 points.
  3. Donate (Optional): If you’d like to go the extra mile, there’s a donation link where you can contribute directly. Every $1 donation adds 10 bonus points to your score!

Dates to Remember:

  • Challenge starts: 05th of January 2025 For USA based supporters, 06th of January for New Zealand and Pacific Islands including Australia
  • Challenge ends: 20th of January 2025 For USA based supporters, 19th of January 2025 for New Zealand and Pacific Islands including Australia

The Goal

The funds raised through this challenge will go directly toward upgrading Pen by Zee into a paid website. This will allow me to provide:

  • A smoother, ad-free browsing experience.
  • Exclusive content for loyal readers like you.
  • Exciting new features and tools for creative engagement.

Join the Challenge Today!

I believe in the power of community, and together, we can make this dream a reality. So, let’s make every comment count, every share matter, and every small action create a ripple effect of positivity and purpose.

Let the fun begin! Are you ready to take up the challenge?

Stay tuned for leaderboard updates, shoutouts to top contributors, and hints about the mystery gift!

With gratitude and excitement,
Zee

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First thing I want to do when new year 2025 begins

Hi my Writing and Reading Family. This is a raw blog I am writing today while I prepare and plan for new year and what I want to do in the New Year.

I wish to fundraise for KiwiHarvest https://www.kiwiharvest.org.nz/ through the collection and resale of unwanted items. This could be small electronic items or kitchenware in fair resalable condition.

In doing so I have to work on below steps. What would be your suggestion to someone who has not done something relatively big like this. I have done some smaller fundraising before but this is going to be a very different one for me. I am reaching out to ask for help either with advise or any feedback you have.

1. Define my Campaign Objectives

  • Primary Goal: Raise funds for KiwiHarvest by selling donated items.
  • Secondary Goals: Promote awareness about KiwiHarvest and encourage sustainable practices like recycling and reusing.

2. Plan the Campaign Timeline

  • Duration: Decide how long the campaign will run. I think I will give it a time of between 3 to 4 months
  • Key Milestones:
    • Start Date: Launch with a clear announcement.
    • Midpoint Check-In: Share progress and re-engage my audience.
    • End Date: Celebrate success and thank donors and supporters.

3. Identify Collection Points

  • Partner with local businesses, schools, or community centers to set up collection points.
  • Arrange pick-up services for larger items or bulk donations.

4. Create a Donation Guide

  • Specify the types of items I will accept (e.g., clothing, books, electronics, furniture).
  • Provide guidelines for item conditions (e.g., clean, functional).

5. Organize a Sorting and Storage System

  • Sort items into categories for resale.
  • Partner with storage facilities or use personal/volunteer spaces for temporary storage.

6. Choose Resale Platforms

  • Online: Sell through platforms like Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace, or local community groups. These are all local platforms to New Zealand, where I live. I am open for receiving donations from overseas if you are willing to help me with my goal.
  • Offline: Organize garage sales, pop-up markets, or partner with thrift stores.

7. Develop a Marketing Strategy

  • I would name my Campaign as: “From Clutter to Compassion”
  • Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share my mission, showcase items for sale, and post updates.
  • Flyers and Posters: Place them in community hubs, libraries, and schools.
  • Email Campaigns: Reach out to my network and local groups.
  • Media Outreach: Contact local newspapers or radio stations to feature my initiative.

8. Engage my Network and Community

  • Volunteers: Recruit friends, family, or community members to help with collection, sorting, and sales.
  • Businesses: Seek sponsorships or partnerships, such as donated storage space or promotion through their channels.

9. Track and Communicate Progress

  • Share regular updates on the campaign’s impact (e.g., items collected, funds raised).
  • Highlight stories about KiwiHarvest to show the importance of my efforts.

10. Celebrate and Thank Supporters

  • Host a closing event or post a thank-you video acknowledging donors and volunteers.
  • Share a summary of the campaign’s success and how the funds will help KiwiHarvest.

11. Ensure Transparency

  • Keep a clear record of funds raised and items sold.
  • Share updates with donors to build trust and credibility.

I am also looking to raise some funds for myself to get a paid website, if you would like to be part of my journey towards success please do help me with what ever help you can offer for this charity initiative or for my personal website. I am only needing NZD 50 -100 to accomplish my personal goal. For the Kiwi Harvest Charity I have not set a goal yet.

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“Balancing the Scales: Understanding New Zealand’s Minimum Wage Proposal for 2025”

In the heart of Wellington, amidst the historic Beehive, policymakers gathered to deliberate a matter affecting countless New Zealanders: the minimum wage. The outcome of their discussions would ripple through households, businesses, and communities nationwide.

Understanding the Proposed Changes

On 17 December 2024, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced a 1.5% increase in the adult minimum wage, raising it from $23.15 to $23.50 per hour, effective 1 April 2025. This adjustment marks the smallest percentage increase since the 1990s.

RNZ

The starting-out and training minimum wages will also rise, maintaining their position at 80% of the adult minimum wage.

Historical Context

To appreciate the significance of this change, let’s examine the trajectory of New Zealand’s minimum wage over the past five years:

YearAdult Minimum WagePercentage Increase
2021$20.005.3%
2022$21.206.0%
2023$22.707.1%
2024$23.152.0%
2025$23.501.5%

Table 1: New Zealand Adult Minimum Wage Rates and Annual Percentage Increases (2021-2025)

Economic Implications

The modest increase reflects the government’s commitment to balancing fair wages with economic stability. Minister van Velden emphasized that this decision considers the current economic climate and labor market conditions.

RNZ

However, some labor advocates argue that the increase may not sufficiently address the rising cost of living. For context, the New Zealand Living Wage rate for 2024/25 is set at $27.80 per hour, significantly higher than the proposed minimum wage.

Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand

Sectoral Impact

Industries heavily reliant on minimum wage workers, such as retail and hospitality, will need to adjust their payrolls accordingly. While some business owners express concerns about increased operational costs, others recognize the potential for improved employee satisfaction and productivity.

Interactive Element: Wage Distribution Across Sectors

Consider the following diagram illustrating the distribution of minimum wage workers across various sectors:

Diagram 1: Distribution of Minimum Wage Workers by Industry

Personal Story: A Day in the Life

Meet Aroha, a single mother working in Auckland’s hospitality industry. Earning the current minimum wage, she balances two jobs to support her family. The proposed increase offers a slight relief, but she wonders if it will be enough to keep pace with living expenses.

Interactive Questions

  1. How do you think the proposed minimum wage increase will affect individuals like Aroha?
  2. In your opinion, what is the ideal balance between supporting workers and ensuring economic stability?
  3. How might businesses adapt to accommodate the wage increase without compromising their operations?

Conclusion

The forthcoming adjustment to New Zealand’s minimum wage encapsulates the delicate act of balancing economic prudence with the well-being of its workforce. As the nation moves forward, the real-world impacts of this decision will unfold in the lives of individuals and the broader economy.

Note: The information presented is based on data available as of December 2024. For the most current details, please refer to official government publications and announcements.

Sources

Employment New Zealand

https://www.employment.govt.nz/news-and-updates/minimum-wage-is-increasing-on-1-april-2025-are-you-ready

Employsure

https://employsure.co.nz/blog/minimum-wage-increase-2024

RNZ

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/536895/minimum-wage-set-to-get-modest-bump-to-23-point-50-in-april

Living Wage Aotearoa

https://www.livingwage.org.nz/lw24_pressrelease

Beehive

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minimum-wage-set-2025

MyHr

https://blog.myhr.works/preparing-for-the-coming-wage-rise

Immigration New Zealand

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/rse-wage-threshold-increase-from-1-april-2024