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A woman who received hate mail from a neighbour calling her an “embarrassment to Ponsonby” has been …
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An Auckland man is due to appear in court today after being charged over sending allegedly threatening emails to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Police accuse the 54-year-old of "sending three emails having already sent 89 emails" between October 17 last year and January 19 this year, a … View moreAn Auckland man is due to appear in court today after being charged over sending allegedly threatening emails to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Police accuse the 54-year-old of "sending three emails having already sent 89 emails" between October 17 last year and January 19 this year, a charging document viewed by the Herald reads.
The emails, the police allege, were intended to harass the Prime Minister and cause Ardern to "fear for her safety (or) the safety or her family". The man is charged under the Harassment Act 1997 and faces a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment if found guilty, the charging document states. He is due to appear in the North Shore District Court later today. In separate cases, two men were charged last month with threatening to kill after allegedly sending and posting social media messages to National Party leader Simon Bridges.
By harnessing online learning to blend tech features with traditional teaching methods, students’ progress can be easily tracked and feedback can be given instantly. Read on to learn how an encouraging environment established within NumberWorks’nWords centres has been perfected and can be … View moreBy harnessing online learning to blend tech features with traditional teaching methods, students’ progress can be easily tracked and feedback can be given instantly. Read on to learn how an encouraging environment established within NumberWorks’nWords centres has been perfected and can be applied to students’ daily learning, so that when they finish their studies, they are more motivated than ever.
Auckland Council needs to find significant savings of $120 million, and fast, as the economic impact of Covid-19 gets bigger, according to a leaked email from chief executive Stephen Town. The savings target comes as councillors meet behind closed doors tomorrow to consider the latest version of an… View moreAuckland Council needs to find significant savings of $120 million, and fast, as the economic impact of Covid-19 gets bigger, according to a leaked email from chief executive Stephen Town. The savings target comes as councillors meet behind closed doors tomorrow to consider the latest version of an "emergency budget" that includes proposals for an overall rates rise of 3.5 per cent alongside an alternative 2.5 per cent increase. Rising costs for waste management and lowering rates for businesses could see rates tip the scales at 4.5 per cent for households and about 2.5 per cent for businesses under the 3.5 per cent option.
In the email to more than 12,000 full-time and part-time staff at council and its five council-controlled organisations(CCOs), Town says how incredibly proud he is of how staff have come together to respond to the challenges of the pandemic. "Together we have shown Aucklanders the value we bring and the pride we take in supporting them during a crisis. From delivering food parcels to providing essential services and keeping our city running, we've really stepped up," he said.
Yesterday, Town announced in a media release staff who earn more than $100,000 will be asked to take a minimum pay cut as it tries to find savings after a dramatic cut in revenue over the past two months. The voluntary pay cuts will only impact staff earning six figures and will be a tiered approach with the higher earners being asked to take a bigger cut.
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There will be a 5 per cent reduction for anyone earning between $100,000 and $175,000, a 7.5 per cent reduction for anyone earning between $175,001 and $275,000 and a 10 per cent reduction for anyone earning above $275,001 for six months. The 2019 annual report shows 2831 council and CCO staff earned more than $100,000 - a jump of 358 staff from 2473 the previous year. Town also announced a comprehensive operating review with a view to begin implementing changes by August 1. "All of this means that the entire council group has to make some difficult decisions to find significant savings over the next year and close the financial gap that has been created. Our share of the savings is $120 million.
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"Even if we return to 'normal' tomorrow, the damage to the economy is considerable, and this will continue to have a profound effect on our income (rates and non-rates revenue) for several years to come," said Town. He said reducing costs wherever possible - council has protected and paid all staff their full salaries during lockdown - have made a contribution but nowhere near the level of savings required. Town said three difficult actions are under way, including voluntary pay cuts for staff earning more than $100,000, discussions with the PSA about this year's remuneration review and a review of the council's operating model. "It is expected that this review will result in a reduction in permanent employees," said Town, noting staff are the largest cost for the council. He said the size of the challenge means there is not a single solution and a range of solutions are needed. "But I need you to be aware that we have to implement some changes by August 1, 2020 so that savings from these changes have a material impact for our next financial year. "I know this will create uncertainty for you at a time which is already difficult - we are all trying to make sense of this new world we're in and what it means for us and our households," he said.
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The freeze on tenancy terminations has impacted 'Mum and dad' landlords in ways no-one could have predicted prior to Covid-19.
A Polish man who was jailed for supplying cocaine and money laundering has failed in his bid to have…
Women academics could miss out on tens of thousands of dollars worth of tertiary scholarships – and …
Got a local business that went over and above during lockdown? Is there one you’ve really missed - or one that's brightened your day? Maybe it’s a business who just needs a helping hand at the moment...
Nominate them for a Local Like! Your shoutout could appear as an advert on Stuff, on… View moreGot a local business that went over and above during lockdown? Is there one you’ve really missed - or one that's brightened your day? Maybe it’s a business who just needs a helping hand at the moment...
Nominate them for a Local Like! Your shoutout could appear as an advert on Stuff, on Neighbourly, or in your local paper. Plus you could win a bag of feijoas (or a $100 voucher to the business you nominate).
As a nation, we recently held a moving ANZAC Day commemoration. So now is a good time to reflect on how we treat our military personnel during and after their service. It speaks volumes about who we are as New Zealanders.
Let’s not leave those who serve our country behind.
Can New Zealand … View moreAs a nation, we recently held a moving ANZAC Day commemoration. So now is a good time to reflect on how we treat our military personnel during and after their service. It speaks volumes about who we are as New Zealanders.
Let’s not leave those who serve our country behind.
Can New Zealand do more to ensure that past, present and future service people - and their whānau – are recognised and supported?
Join the conversation now at missionfeedback.co.nz
The week before lockdown, many Kiwis will have opened their letterbox to a friendly note, an offer o…
Hi neighbours,
Destiny Church is holding a drive-in service to stand for the "freedom and rights" of all New Zealanders, as traditional services remain off limits in Covid-19 alert level 2.
All 96 people linked to the Marist College coronavirus cluster have now recovered from the illness. …
Hey neighbours, how do you feel about this divisive household dilemma?
Is taking your shoes off in someone's home the right and hygienic thing to do, or do you see being asked to remove your shoes as a total imposition?
It's one of many home dilemmas we come across on Homed, along … View moreHey neighbours, how do you feel about this divisive household dilemma?
Is taking your shoes off in someone's home the right and hygienic thing to do, or do you see being asked to remove your shoes as a total imposition?
It's one of many home dilemmas we come across on Homed, along with toilet paper over or under? cutlery up or down in the dishwasher? top sheet or no top sheet?, to name a few. Read more about the arguments for each and see how many people agree with you, here.
Extend the 10-person limit on religious gatherings to allow faith communities to gather in a "meaningful way", the leader of the Opposition has urged in a stern open letter to the Prime Minister.
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Dear Prime Minister,
I write to you on … View moreExtend the 10-person limit on religious gatherings to allow faith communities to gather in a "meaningful way", the leader of the Opposition has urged in a stern open letter to the Prime Minister.
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Dear Prime Minister,
I write to you on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who practice many different faiths and religions, who continue to be unable to gather in any meaningful way for worship this weekend because the COVID-19 restrictions your Government has chosen to keep in place limit the number of people who can attend religious services to 10.
New Zealanders of faith have understood the need to sacrifice their freedom of religion to gather for worship to support our fight against COVID-19.
People of all faiths have done their part, however they are now being told that despite our alert level being reduced they are still no longer able to meet for worship.
New Zealanders find it inconsistent that you allow large numbers of people at bars, restaurants or sporting events but continue to deny more than 10 people gathering for religious services.
It was right to increase the number of people who can attend funerals and tangi – it is right to do the same for our faith communities.
Religious institutions are in a better place than almost any other organisation that is allowed to host larger crowds, and are therefore able to ensure appropriate physical distancing and health precautions are taking place.
I strongly urge you to reconsider this limit so New Zealanders of faith can gather and worship this weekend and participate in what is one of the most defining aspects of their lives: expressing their faith through worship.
Yours sincerely,
Simon Bridges
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the National Party
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