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A protected tree has been described as “an absolute curse” for the Waikato couple who have lived und…
Hi neighbours!
Do you know of a story around your neighbourhood that hasn't hit the front-page yet? Is there someone in your suburb who really embodies the Neighbourly spirit and deserves for their story to be told? Maybe it’s a local hero who's remained humble. Even if it's … View moreHi neighbours!
Do you know of a story around your neighbourhood that hasn't hit the front-page yet? Is there someone in your suburb who really embodies the Neighbourly spirit and deserves for their story to be told? Maybe it’s a local hero who's remained humble. Even if it's anything that you think the nation needs to know, comment on our post below!
Hello all.
A colleague of mine is coming to live in Hamilton end of next month and he and his wife are looking for a place to rent. He is a draughtsman and she is a pharmacist. They are looking for a 3 bedrooms ideally, but may consider 2. If you are renting your property and got photos, address … View moreHello all.
A colleague of mine is coming to live in Hamilton end of next month and he and his wife are looking for a place to rent. He is a draughtsman and she is a pharmacist. They are looking for a 3 bedrooms ideally, but may consider 2. If you are renting your property and got photos, address you can share with me, or a link, or any reference it would be very appreciated. Feel free to send me in Pvt if you prefer. Thanks in advance
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 you’ve 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 you’ve 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.
Keen to support your community and whānau?
Enjoy diverse and challenging work?
Are you a recent graduate or about to graduate?
It’s 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 whānau?
Enjoy diverse and challenging work?
Are you a recent graduate or about to graduate?
It’s 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 don’t get left behind - apply for GovTechTalent today!
Be in to win one of these prize packs from Adele Gaddes (Childrens book author). Free to enter for all those that attend either tomorrow or Wednesday's in house library events, with extra entries for each book purchased ($20 cash).
Adele will be reading from her new picture book and presenting… View moreBe in to win one of these prize packs from Adele Gaddes (Childrens book author). Free to enter for all those that attend either tomorrow or Wednesday's in house library events, with extra entries for each book purchased ($20 cash).
Adele will be reading from her new picture book and presenting an information session.
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. Bev’s efforts kept vulnerable members of the community connected.
Click the READ MORE button to see the announcement of this award.
Grace Gibberd has hardly had time to reflect on her major win at this year’s New Zealand Dairy Indus…
Council Consultation – A Clayton’s Choice?
- Opinion Piece by HRRA
How do you ensure you win an argument, while making the other person believe that they actually won? Simple – provide them with two options to argue over that may appear different, but both are in fact ones that you are … View moreCouncil Consultation – A Clayton’s Choice?
- Opinion Piece by HRRA
How do you ensure you win an argument, while making the other person believe that they actually won? Simple – 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 Clayton’s choice – 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 ‘Back on Track’, budget proposal.
You may have seen the online ads asking you to make a submission on this ‘plan’. 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 – 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 coming…
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 ‘consult’ 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? Don’t submit, don’t 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 – 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 2/3’s 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 Hamiltonian’s 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 Hamiltonian’s 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 don’t 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 respondent’s 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 community’s 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
If your sports, music, hobby or community club facilities look a little worse for wear, Resene have fresh colour and paint to bring them back to their very best!
Resene have 3 prizes of $1500 of Resene quality paints, primers/sealers, wood stains and accessories to give away.
In addition, … View moreIf your sports, music, hobby or community club facilities look a little worse for wear, Resene have fresh colour and paint to bring them back to their very best!
Resene have 3 prizes of $1500 of Resene quality paints, primers/sealers, wood stains and accessories to give away.
In addition, each winning club will receive a $500 Prezzy card, that you can use to keep your volunteer painters nourished and happy while they are doing the painting! PLUS we have some extra spot prize vouchers too! Simply nominate your club and tell us why they deserve to win! Entries close 31 August 2020!
You are welcome to nominate more than one club.
A Hamilton cyclist has died after being involved in a crash with a truck on June 28. Tim Hope, 76, …
What better way to take a load off than to put your feet up and get inspired with a fresh copy of the Sunday Star-Times each week. For a limited time, when you subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for just 6 months*, we are giving away a free Gourmet Spice Pack valued at $65 so you can get crafty in … View moreWhat better way to take a load off than to put your feet up and get inspired with a fresh copy of the Sunday Star-Times each week. For a limited time, when you subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for just 6 months*, we are giving away a free Gourmet Spice Pack valued at $65 so you can get crafty in the kitchen with Raptor Naturals finest flavours.
Call us on 0800 339 000 or click on the button below and use the promo code “SSTRAPTOR” to redeem this special offer now.
Hurry as this offer ends 31st July, 2020!
*T&Cs apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.mags4gifts.co.nz
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