Ratepayers to Fund Minimum Wage for Contractors
www.stuff.co.nz...
Hamilton City Council is to extend the minimum wage of $20 per hour to all staff employed by the organisation’s contractors. The cost is unknown but the best guess is between $258,000 to $859,000 per year to be funded through rates or through debt.
www.legislation.govt.nz...
Section 10 of Local Government Act details the purpose of local government is—
• to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; and
• to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.
How is the living wage (above the Government’s) most cost effective for households and businesses?
and
How is it on behalf of communities?
Good-quality, of the performance of regulatory functions, means infrastructure, services, and performance that are—
• efficient;
• effective; and
• appropriate to present and anticipated future circumstances.
How is the living wage to contractors efficient, effective and appropriate for the ratepayer particularly in these austere and worrying times?
Those who voted for this lose sight of representative responsibility and fail to represent the residents and ratepayers who took the effort to vote and in fact all of Hamilton residents.
Some contractors do not contact solely to Council, their employees also work at other locations for other contracts.
How is this to be policed?
Oh that’s right it is only other people’s money – watch out for the spend-up on ‘nice to haves’ during the annual plan.
Buckle up it is going to be a rough ride, particularly in these austere and worrying times.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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50% Yes, supporting people is important!
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30% No, individuals should take responsibility
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20% ... It is complicated
Position available at Chartwell Church - Mainly Music Facilitator
Make a Difference in Young Lives
Chartwell Church is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging person to facilitate our weekly Mainly Music sessions during term time. This is a rewarding role where you’ll support young children (0–5 years) and their caregivers through music, movement, and connection in a warm, welcoming environment.
About the Role
As the Mainly Music Facilitator, you will:
Lead and facilitate the weekly Mainly Music session on Friday mornings
Create a caring, inclusive, and supportive environment for children and caregivers
Work alongside volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly
Prepare music and session content ahead of time
Hours
On site: Fridays, 9:00 to11:00am during school term time
Preparation: Approximately 1 hour per week (in your own time)
About You
You will ideally:
Enjoy working with young children and adults
Be confident leading music and group activities (singing ability helpful but not essential)
Have strong communication and organisational skills
Be warm, reliable, and able to foster a sense of community
Be supportive of the values and mission of Chartwell Church
Applications
Applications close 22 February.
For further information, please contact the Church Office on 07 855 7434 or send your CV to the Parish Administrator at
office@chartwellchurch.org.nz
Starting gun sounds for housing on Te Rapa Racecourse land with re-zoning
Hamilton City councillors have signed off on a plan change that could see Te Rapa Racecourse swap stables for townhouses.
The deputy mayor says this paves the way for “basically creating a new suburb within the city”.
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