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๐ค๐ค๐คAta Marie Whanau
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Join us for Sports and Board Games TOMORROW &
โฐโฐโฐNEXT WEDNESDAY 9.30am-11.30am
๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏFeel free to send the kids down OR come with them
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FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN
Most of us like to think we're doing what we can to lessen our impact on the environment, but how green is your weekly shop?
Beyond the eco-swaps youโve probably already made, here are some of … View moreMost of us like to think we're doing what we can to lessen our impact on the environment, but how green is your weekly shop?
Beyond the eco-swaps youโve probably already made, here are some of the least eco-friendly grocery store items to steer clear of next time you're loading up your trolley, with minimal disruption to your routine.
You could be eligible for a grant for ceiling and underfloor insulation, as well as heat pump in your main living area.
Cut down on those power bills today by making your home more energy efficient.
Keen to support your community and whฤnau?
Enjoy diverse and challenging work?
Are you a recent graduate or about to graduate?
Itโs a time of unprecedented change with Covid-19 so we are looking for graduates from all degree backgrounds who truly want to make a difference to New … View moreKeen to support your community and whฤnau?
Enjoy diverse and challenging work?
Are you a recent graduate or about to graduate?
Itโs a time of unprecedented change with Covid-19 so we are looking for graduates from all degree backgrounds who truly want to make a difference to New Zealand and New Zealanders.
The GovTechTalent graduate programme in Wellington gives you the opportunity to change things for the better, while also shaping your own career path so donโt get left behind - apply for GovTechTalent today!
How knowledgeable are you about all the regulations to do with your rental properties? Do you know Healthy Homes standards you need to meet?
At Lodge, our property management team stay up to date with the latest regulations and can answer your trickiest rental related questions.
So contact … View moreHow knowledgeable are you about all the regulations to do with your rental properties? Do you know Healthy Homes standards you need to meet?
At Lodge, our property management team stay up to date with the latest regulations and can answer your trickiest rental related questions.
So contact Nic and put her to the test.
021 536 435 | Email nice@lodge.co.nz
In Ngฤruawฤhia, police ended up chasing a suspect fleeing in a golf cart.
It's understood to have been linked to a break-in at the local golf club.
Read more here. What's the weirdest police chase you've seen?
Cycling advocate Tim Hope cruised on a recumbent cycle - in a laid back position - with flag attached.
But he was seriously injured in a crash with a truck on Ruakura Road in late June, and died in hospital on July 3.
He's being remembered for his passion for cycling and his kindness. … View moreCycling advocate Tim Hope cruised on a recumbent cycle - in a laid back position - with flag attached.
But he was seriously injured in a crash with a truck on Ruakura Road in late June, and died in hospital on July 3.
He's being remembered for his passion for cycling and his kindness. Read more here. Do you remember seeing him pedalling around Hamilton?
The team at Volunteering Waikato would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Bev Kay, and would like to again recognise Bev for her extensive contribution to the community.
Last week she was awarded the Runner-Up at the 2020 Volunteer Excellence Awards - Long Service … View moreThe team at Volunteering Waikato would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Bev Kay, and would like to again recognise Bev for her extensive contribution to the community.
Last week she was awarded the Runner-Up at the 2020 Volunteer Excellence Awards - Long Service category.
Bev has been someone that the New Zealand Red Cross counted on for 30 years. She co-ordinated Meals on Wheels in Te Awamutu, and helped to do more than just deliver food to people. Bevโs efforts kept vulnerable members of the community connected.
Click the READ MORE button to see the announcement of this award.
We're looking at what system weโll use to vote in the next local government elections and we want to know your preference!
Grace Gibberd has hardly had time to reflect on her major win at this yearโs New Zealand Dairy Indusโฆ
4 as new hard cover recipe books. Excellent condition, as new. Twenty dollars for the lot
Council Consultation โ A Claytonโs Choice?
- Opinion Piece by HRRA
How do you ensure you win an argument, while making the other person believe that they actually won? Simple โ provide them with two options to argue over that may appear different, but both are in fact ones that you are … View moreCouncil Consultation โ A Claytonโs Choice?
- Opinion Piece by HRRA
How do you ensure you win an argument, while making the other person believe that they actually won? Simple โ provide them with two options to argue over that may appear different, but both are in fact ones that you are happy to accept. Provide a Claytonโs choice โ two (or more) options, but no genuine choice. This is what the HRRA sees in the current consultancy document which has been provided by the Hamilton City Council on their 2020 โBack on Trackโ, budget proposal.
You may have seen the online ads asking you to make a submission on this โplanโ. So do you want a 3.8% rate increase, or would you prefer that in these uncertain times the council has a rates freeze? Read the document this is not presented as an option for debate โ page three states the council proposes the 3.8% increase goes ahead. So if you think that in a recession you are in a better position to spend your money than council, this is not an option for discussion - 3.8% property taxes are comingโฆ
That was page three, what is next? Do you want to vote on tinkering around the edges on a number of projects, or do you think the council should seriously revisit their spending, provide proper cost benefit analyses on all major projects, indeed all major line items, and make tough decisions to stay within a budget? Oh wait, you are directed only to respond to their selected projects.
So what do you conclude? The council is required to โconsultโ but unfortunately there appears to be absolutely no requirement for it to actually listen. Last year the HRRA controversially decided not to submit on the revised ten-year plan. We did not do this lightly. We knew it would be criticised, but we also knew that any credible submission we made would take a lot of time and effort, and for what? Previous experience had shown us that contrary submissions are largely ignored.
Of course, you might say what is the basis for that assumption? Donโt submit, donโt complain right? Perhaps we do not care about these issues? Maybe the hundreds of volunteer hours our members put in to try to improve accountability, transparency, integrity and democracy in council decisions are not genuine? Actually, we did this to send a message that these submission processes have become just that โ submission; complete and absolute.
We are not alone in this view. In the last quality of life project survey in 2018, just 26% of Hamiltonians had confidence in council decision making. Moreover, Hamiltonians had the poorest level of response from all of the eight cities surveyed for: Rubbish on the Streets, Alcohol and Drugs, the Presence of Unsafe People - and was second only to Wellington for Begging issues (1).
When it comes to previous submission processes an analysis of the results does not make great reading either. Almost 2/3โs of written submissions opposed the new theatre. 71% opposed the Universal Annual General Charge (UAGC). Nearly all of those that made written submissions opposed rates rises. It is not surprising that just 30% of the Hamiltonianโs surveyed think the public has some influence on council decision making - a significant drop since 2016, and the lowest % for all of the cities surveyed (1).
Strong vibrant communities require people in those communities to stand up, speak out, and be listened to. It is hardly surprising that Hamiltonianโs appear disillusioned and survey results indicate such poor confidence in council decisions. Why speak out if you are just ignored? Why take part in consultation processes that donโt appear designed to truly want to hear your views? We have not even talked about previous consulting documents in relation to question design. Leading, double barrelled, loaded questions, questions beyond the respondentโs ability to answer. Consulting documents of the past have been a lesson in how not to write a good questionnaire if you want accurate responses.
However, we do have a new council; at least partially. Many were elected based upon the promise they would listen more to the community. Let us hope that they actually begin to do so soon, as to date our experience has been the opposite. Let us hope that they reform their consultancy processes and consider the communityโs view. We live in hope.
Silver colored TV Cabinet with Black glass door and one shelf .
Front 76cm wide at back 55cm wide ,length from front of cabinet to back 47cm . Must pick up. Excess to our requirement .$40.00 ono
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