Latest news with #Hakes
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Star Wars-themed piece of folded cardboard sells for huge 5-figure sum after bidding war
A STAR Wars-themed piece of folded cardboard has sold for a world record £71,000 after an unlikely bidding war. The 1977 shop display, featuring Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and R2-D2, was made to promote Christmas sales of the movie action figures. It had been expected to go for £7,500 at auction — but there was worldwide interest as it was the first time such an item had come up for sale. The bidding war meant it was bought for nearly ten times the estimate at Hake's in the US. With fees, the buyer had to pay nearly £85,000 for the display, with stickers and a coupon. It set a world auction record for any action figure shop display. A Hake's spokesperson said: "This was one of the most sought-after Star Wars display pieces and the first time this display had ever been offered at auction. "The store display was not only the top lot in the auction but also set a world auction record for any store display associated with any action figure line. "Collectors are definitely showing keen interest in point-of-purchase and promotional materials from the earliest days of popular toy franchises." 1
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
KiwiSaver Changes Reinforce Need For Good Financial Advice
Press Release – Financial Advice New Zealand Our first impression of this budget is a pragmatic, longer-term view for the country's prosperity and wealth generation, said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'Good financial advice is now more valuable than ever to understand the impact of today's Budget's KiwiSaver announcements on people's financial goals and aspirations – whether buying a first home or saving for retirement.' – Nick Hakes, Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive. Financial Advice New Zealand acknowledges the Government's Growth Budget delivered today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. 'Our first impression of this budget is a pragmatic, longer-term view for the country's prosperity and wealth generation,' said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'We welcome the Government's longer-term approach to encouraging Kiwis to prepare for their retirement; and younger people being able to contribute to KiwiSaver is a positive step said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'More people participating and increasing contributions to their KiwiSaver accounts is certainly a step in the right direction but engaging with a financial adviser is vital for making the best of this savings vehicle; great advice transforms lives.' Advisers play a critical role in making KiwiSaver work to their client's own personal circumstances by tailoring the right asset allocation for their personal goals and risk profile. 'We see this Budget point to a future where there is a deeper connection between improved financial capability levels, increased retirement savings, and great advice ensuring underlying assets are invested appropriately for all New Zealanders,' Mr Hakes said. KiwiSaver The Budget included increasing the KiwiSaver balances of New Zealanders by phasing in an increase in default employer and employee contribution rates from 3 to 4 per cent and extending the scheme to include16- and 17- year-olds. However, from 1 July 2025 the government co-contribution will be halved to a maximum of $260.72 per annum and will cease for people earning more than $180,000 per annum. 'Means testing is a prudent measure for the country, though this means that different individuals will be affected in different ways,' Mr Hakes said. Better for business The Investment Boost tax incentive to allow an immediate 20 per cent deduction of the cost of a new asset (on top of normal depreciation) is expected to lift all kinds of business investment, including technology upgrades. 'We believe the investment boost is good for our small advice businesses as they invest in new (technology) assets to deliver advice to clients more efficiently,' Mr Hakes said. 'This is good news for the many thousands of small advice practices who serve their communities. 'In the current environment advisers are seeking new solutions to update their technology infrastructure that will better serve more clients, potentially more cost effectively, which benefits more New Zealanders.' Future generations to benefit Financial Advice New Zealand is also pleased to see the focus on education spending which we believe will set Kiwis up for their best futures. 'The investment in education is welcomed for our future prosperity, we see this aligned to the announcement by the Minister of Education of the introduction of financial education in schools. The more consumers are engaged in financial decision making the more likely they are to work with a professional financial adviser to reach their future goals,' Mr Hakes said.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
KiwiSaver Changes Reinforce Need For Good Financial Advice
Press Release – Financial Advice New Zealand Our first impression of this budget is a pragmatic, longer-term view for the country's prosperity and wealth generation, said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'Good financial advice is now more valuable than ever to understand the impact of today's Budget's KiwiSaver announcements on people's financial goals and aspirations – whether buying a first home or saving for retirement.' – Nick Hakes, Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive. Financial Advice New Zealand acknowledges the Government's Growth Budget delivered today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. 'Our first impression of this budget is a pragmatic, longer-term view for the country's prosperity and wealth generation,' said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'We welcome the Government's longer-term approach to encouraging Kiwis to prepare for their retirement; and younger people being able to contribute to KiwiSaver is a positive step said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'More people participating and increasing contributions to their KiwiSaver accounts is certainly a step in the right direction but engaging with a financial adviser is vital for making the best of this savings vehicle; great advice transforms lives.' Advisers play a critical role in making KiwiSaver work to their client's own personal circumstances by tailoring the right asset allocation for their personal goals and risk profile. 'We see this Budget point to a future where there is a deeper connection between improved financial capability levels, increased retirement savings, and great advice ensuring underlying assets are invested appropriately for all New Zealanders,' Mr Hakes said. KiwiSaver The Budget included increasing the KiwiSaver balances of New Zealanders by phasing in an increase in default employer and employee contribution rates from 3 to 4 per cent and extending the scheme to include16- and 17- year-olds. However, from 1 July 2025 the government co-contribution will be halved to a maximum of $260.72 per annum and will cease for people earning more than $180,000 per annum. 'Means testing is a prudent measure for the country, though this means that different individuals will be affected in different ways,' Mr Hakes said. Better for business The Investment Boost tax incentive to allow an immediate 20 per cent deduction of the cost of a new asset (on top of normal depreciation) is expected to lift all kinds of business investment, including technology upgrades. 'We believe the investment boost is good for our small advice businesses as they invest in new (technology) assets to deliver advice to clients more efficiently,' Mr Hakes said. 'This is good news for the many thousands of small advice practices who serve their communities. 'In the current environment advisers are seeking new solutions to update their technology infrastructure that will better serve more clients, potentially more cost effectively, which benefits more New Zealanders.' Future generations to benefit Financial Advice New Zealand is also pleased to see the focus on education spending which we believe will set Kiwis up for their best futures. 'The investment in education is welcomed for our future prosperity, we see this aligned to the announcement by the Minister of Education of the introduction of financial education in schools. The more consumers are engaged in financial decision making the more likely they are to work with a professional financial adviser to reach their future goals,' Mr Hakes said.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
KiwiSaver Changes Reinforce Need For Good Financial Advice
'Good financial advice is now more valuable than ever to understand the impact of today's Budget's KiwiSaver announcements on people's financial goals and aspirations – whether buying a first home or saving for retirement.' – Nick Hakes, Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive. Financial Advice New Zealand acknowledges the Government's Growth Budget delivered today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. 'Our first impression of this budget is a pragmatic, longer-term view for the country's prosperity and wealth generation,' said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'We welcome the Government's longer-term approach to encouraging Kiwis to prepare for their retirement; and younger people being able to contribute to KiwiSaver is a positive step said Financial Advice New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Hakes. 'More people participating and increasing contributions to their KiwiSaver accounts is certainly a step in the right direction but engaging with a financial adviser is vital for making the best of this savings vehicle; great advice transforms lives.' Advisers play a critical role in making KiwiSaver work to their client's own personal circumstances by tailoring the right asset allocation for their personal goals and risk profile. 'We see this Budget point to a future where there is a deeper connection between improved financial capability levels, increased retirement savings, and great advice ensuring underlying assets are invested appropriately for all New Zealanders,' Mr Hakes said. KiwiSaver The Budget included increasing the KiwiSaver balances of New Zealanders by phasing in an increase in default employer and employee contribution rates from 3 to 4 per cent and extending the scheme to include16- and 17- year-olds. However, from 1 July 2025 the government co-contribution will be halved to a maximum of $260.72 per annum and will cease for people earning more than $180,000 per annum. 'Means testing is a prudent measure for the country, though this means that different individuals will be affected in different ways,' Mr Hakes said. Better for business The Investment Boost tax incentive to allow an immediate 20 per cent deduction of the cost of a new asset (on top of normal depreciation) is expected to lift all kinds of business investment, including technology upgrades. 'We believe the investment boost is good for our small advice businesses as they invest in new (technology) assets to deliver advice to clients more efficiently,' Mr Hakes said. 'This is good news for the many thousands of small advice practices who serve their communities. 'In the current environment advisers are seeking new solutions to update their technology infrastructure that will better serve more clients, potentially more cost effectively, which benefits more New Zealanders.' Future generations to benefit Financial Advice New Zealand is also pleased to see the focus on education spending which we believe will set Kiwis up for their best futures. 'The investment in education is welcomed for our future prosperity, we see this aligned to the announcement by the Minister of Education of the introduction of financial education in schools. The more consumers are engaged in financial decision making the more likely they are to work with a professional financial adviser to reach their future goals,' Mr Hakes said.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sheriffs discuss Assembly bill requiring checking immigration status, ICE notification
CHIPPEWA FALLS — The state Assembly approved a bill Tuesday that would require sheriffs in Wisconsin to check the immigration status of every person incarcerated in their jails on a potential felony offense. The measure would also require them to contact ICE if a person is not a legal U.S. resident. Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes said his agency has had that policy for years, using a fingerprint system to verify who they have detained. 'Partisan politics aside, we have always had a policy in place,' Hakes said. 'We have a system in place to identify everybody, either citizens or non-citizens. We make sure they are who they say they are. We always try to positively identify and we always check for wants and warrants. We've always done that, even before this became a hot-button issue.' Hakes, a Republican, said they have a policy where they notify ICE upon learning a person is not a legal resident as well. He recalled a man who severely stabbed a deputy 10 years ago and was killed in the process was wanted by ICE. 'We have a good working relationship with ICE, and all of our law enforcement stakeholders,' he said. Hakes said that there are more privacy protections in place than people realize. For instance, he cannot publicly state if a specific person incarcerated in the jail is an illegal resident. 'Less than 5% of the people we deal with have an illegal status,' he added. Hakes acknowledged the bill has its detractors, and he doubts that Gov. Tony Evers would sign it into law. 'I sit on the Badger State Legislative Council. Everyone has a different opinion on this bill and the application of this bill,' Hakes said. 'Personally, I don't believe we need more legislation for what we're already doing.' Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, a Democrat, said his department also checks the immigration status of everyone who is detained. 'It won't change our operation,' Fitzgerald said. One part of the proposed legislation is that sheriffs who don't comply could lose state funding. Fitzgerald objected to that part of the bill. 'You can't pass a law to tell a constitutional officer what to do,' Fitzgerald said, but he added, 'I won't fight it.' Fitzgerald stressed how infrequently his officers wind up arresting someone who is not a legal resident. 'If we even get one a year, I'd be surprised, and we book in 1,200 people (annually),' he said. Eau Claire County Sheriff Dave Riewestahl could not be reached for comment on his policy. Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Withee, issued a statement after the Assembly passed the measure, known as AB 24. 'One of the issues I hear a lot about from my constituents is illegal immigration, Hurd wrote. 'While immigration is primarily a federal issue, there are still some areas where state and local governments can help. One way is by having local law enforcement, like our county sheriffs, partner with federal law enforcement to keep illegal immigrants who commit felonies off our streets. While many of our sheriffs already do this, some refuse to do so, making all Wisconsinites less safe. By requiring our sheriffs to cooperate with the federal government, we are helping to keep our communities safe.'
