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Lower Hutt residents now have four weeks to have their say on how they elect their councillors and how they are represented at ward and community level.
Hutt City Council is reviewing how Lower Hutt residents are represented at Council, in preparation for the 2019 local body elections.
… View moreLower Hutt residents now have four weeks to have their say on how they elect their councillors and how they are represented at ward and community level.
Hutt City Council is reviewing how Lower Hutt residents are represented at Council, in preparation for the 2019 local body elections.
Council recently agreed to a draft proposal that would maintain the current way the Mayor and Councillors are elected and the present structure of community boards and panels. However, it proposes a review of community panels, which were established last year, in three years to gauge their effectiveness at representing their communities. The review was originally scheduled in six years’ time.
The final shape of representation arrangements in Lower Hutt will depend on formal public submissions over the next month.
To view the draft proposal and make a submission, go to huttcity.govt.nz/representation
Submissions close at 5pm on 3 September 2018. Council will then decide whether to amend its proposal or not. The final representation proposal will then be publically notified and people have the opportunity to lodge an appeal or objection.
The first ever BMW X2 follows its very own path. The BMW X2 makes its sporty ambitions quite clear at first sight.
At Winger BMW, we happily invite you and the family to our dealership to experience the All New-BMW X2 yourself. With many innovative technologies, you need to experience this … View moreThe first ever BMW X2 follows its very own path. The BMW X2 makes its sporty ambitions quite clear at first sight.
At Winger BMW, we happily invite you and the family to our dealership to experience the All New-BMW X2 yourself. With many innovative technologies, you need to experience this rebel for yourself and have the ultimate drive.
Are you ready? Path your way to Winger BMW and book your test drive today.
Winger BMW, 138 Hutt Road Kaiwharawhara Wellington. A barista coffee from our cafe will be waiting for you on your return.
With winter bugs doing the rounds, it’s worth knowing what the rules are about sick leave. So what are you entitled to?
• In general you’re entitled to 5 days’ of sick leave each year after you’ve worked for your employer for 6 months.
• You can accumulate any unused sick leave up … View moreWith winter bugs doing the rounds, it’s worth knowing what the rules are about sick leave. So what are you entitled to?
• In general you’re entitled to 5 days’ of sick leave each year after you’ve worked for your employer for 6 months.
• You can accumulate any unused sick leave up to a total of 20 days.
• Sick leave can be used when you’re sick or when you need to be off work to look after someone else who is sick or injured (your partner, child, or someone who relies on you for care).
• Even if you’re a part-time or casual worker, you’re still entitled to 5 days’ of sick leave a year (once you’ve worked for 6 months continuously or for an average of 10 hours per week, and at least one hour in every week or 40 hours in every month).
• Your employer can require you to provide a medical certificate if you’re sick for 3 or more days in a row, and you’ll need to pay to get it. If they want proof of sickness sooner then they will have to pay the costs of getting the proof.
These are the minimum sick leave entitlements. Your employer can agree to give you more.
Check out our website for more information about sick leave and other employment rights and responsibilities. If you’ve got questions get in touch with a CAB near you, call us on 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB), or contact us online.
Calling all neglected gardens!
Are you just a bit grumpy over the way winter has trashed you? Are you depressed with all the weeds?
Look we know how you feel - imagine how your owners feel!
Gardens, ask your owners to call me on 0272430951 for a free quote.
www.facebook.com...
The New Zealand Transport Agency and Hutt City Council are consulting on a proposal to close the onramp from Grounsell Crescent, Belmont, to the northbound lanes of State Highway 2.
The proposal is a result of high speeds and traffic volumes on Grounsell Crescent and the number of crashes in in … View moreThe New Zealand Transport Agency and Hutt City Council are consulting on a proposal to close the onramp from Grounsell Crescent, Belmont, to the northbound lanes of State Highway 2.
The proposal is a result of high speeds and traffic volumes on Grounsell Crescent and the number of crashes in in the area.
More information via the link below:
It’s time to get growing! The new Palmers Petone store has opened its doors and we'd love for you to come down and meet the team, check out the store and grab some great opening specials!
We welcome you to join us for our Grand Opening on Saturday 11 August from 9am. We'll have The … View moreIt’s time to get growing! The new Palmers Petone store has opened its doors and we'd love for you to come down and meet the team, check out the store and grab some great opening specials!
We welcome you to join us for our Grand Opening on Saturday 11 August from 9am. We'll have The Breeze radio crew in store from 11am to 1pm, with fun activities for the kids and plenty of giveaways!
Come and discover your new garden and lifestyle store - and get huge savings storewide!
Would you like to help out NZ's next top Para athlete? Give us a call on 04 566 6786 if this sounds like you!
REF 6204 - Boccia Ball Training Assistant
A volunteer is needed to help this person with his Boccia Ball training. He is currently ranked 2nd in NZ in the BC3 classification which … View moreWould you like to help out NZ's next top Para athlete? Give us a call on 04 566 6786 if this sounds like you!
REF 6204 - Boccia Ball Training Assistant
A volunteer is needed to help this person with his Boccia Ball training. He is currently ranked 2nd in NZ in the BC3 classification which means he needs a ramp assistant to help him play the game, on the job training is provided. He would like to meet with you one day a week and plays in both Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. The specific day and time is flexible depending on what suits you both. An NZ Police check and two referrals will be required.
Anybody had trouble with Vodafone and know who to address complaints to?? Someone close to me had paid her phone bill on time but keeps getting demands and threats to cut off service even after she has provided a copy of bank statement to show it has been paid. Every time you ring you spend ages … View moreAnybody had trouble with Vodafone and know who to address complaints to?? Someone close to me had paid her phone bill on time but keeps getting demands and threats to cut off service even after she has provided a copy of bank statement to show it has been paid. Every time you ring you spend ages waiting to get through and get someone different who promises to fix the problem. Suggestions please. Grrr
As spring approaches , winter Has probably left its mark on your Garden- and where here to help ! Gardening , tree work ,Section work , pre sale clean ups! Or you just want it looking good again we can help.
0272430951
Ian
Www.natureschoice.co.nz
The Young Gardener Awards 2018 are open! So it’s time for budding young gardeners across the country to get their green fingers dirty again.
The new T&G Passion for Growing Award is open to ALL primary schools nationwide that have a veggie garden.
So go on, encourage your local primary… View moreThe Young Gardener Awards 2018 are open! So it’s time for budding young gardeners across the country to get their green fingers dirty again.
The new T&G Passion for Growing Award is open to ALL primary schools nationwide that have a veggie garden.
So go on, encourage your local primary school to get stuck in. Share your passion for growing fresh, nutritious food and win! There are some amazing prizes up for grabs and it’s really easy to enter.
Supported by T&G and Garden to Table.
Are there any superheroes in your neighbourhood?
This September we are raising money to help deaf children listen and speak and we’d love to have you join our squad! Thousands of workplaces, schools and community groups will put on their loud shirts to support deaf Kiwi kids with cochlear … View moreAre there any superheroes in your neighbourhood?
This September we are raising money to help deaf children listen and speak and we’d love to have you join our squad! Thousands of workplaces, schools and community groups will put on their loud shirts to support deaf Kiwi kids with cochlear implants.
Loud Shirt Day is a great way to commit serious fashion crimes and have a whole lot of fun. This year's theme is Superheroes, so grab your brightest, funkiest superhero outfits to wow others and raise money for a great cause. Register at loudshirtday.org.nz and we’ll send you a free fundraising pack. It’s that easy!
If you're keen to help kick-start our fundraising efforts, good news! You can donate via Givealittle here.
Thanks for your support,
Ankita
(Loud Shirt Day Coordinator)
Do you want your section cleaned up?
Gardening , tree work, lawns , urgent clean ups,
Rubbish removel ,
We can do one offs or regular maintenance
www.facebook.com...
0272430951 Ian
Or visit www.natureschoice.co.nz...
You've been asking when you'll be able to attend events at the new Events Centre and refurbished Town Hall. Here's a selection of upcoming events which might interest you!
Capital Quilt Show - 11 & 12 August
Hutt Winter Festival - 16, 17, 18 August
IFBB (body building) … View moreYou've been asking when you'll be able to attend events at the new Events Centre and refurbished Town Hall. Here's a selection of upcoming events which might interest you!
Capital Quilt Show - 11 & 12 August
Hutt Winter Festival - 16, 17, 18 August
IFBB (body building) Wellington Championships - 8 September
Faultline Chorus and Wellington City Chorus Barbershop concert - 15 September
HighLight - Labour Weekend
Horticultural Show - 10 & 11 November
Twilight Craft Market - 8 December
A very interesting read from the Gottman Institue. The link below : )
What’s the point of marriage?
No, really, this is a serious question. What’s the point? If you don’t have a goal, objective, or specific outcome in mind, or if you don’t know what you and your partner’s needs are … View moreA very interesting read from the Gottman Institue. The link below : )
What’s the point of marriage?
No, really, this is a serious question. What’s the point? If you don’t have a goal, objective, or specific outcome in mind, or if you don’t know what you and your partner’s needs are and how best to fulfill them, how can you know whether or not you’re being successful in your partnership?
Having the wrong goals or “point” to your marriage can leave you feeling frustrated, alone, or even reeling in confusion or anger. Speaking of anger (this will all tie together, so stay with me here), I saw a quote on social media the other day that got me really upset:
“You deserve to be with somebody who makes you happy. Somebody who doesn’t complicate your life. Somebody who won’t hurt you.”
This quote got me riled up because this is the kind of hogwash cooked up by a social media manager in desperate need of some validating “likes.” It can destroy relationships because it is offering an ineffective platitude that people will take as serious advice.
Is unending happiness the goal? Sounds boring.
So, here’s another honest question: since when did the pinnacle of relationship achievement become existing in a constant, unchanging state of happiness, simplicity, and total safety? When did the fantasy of “and they lived happily ever after“ stop being the end of a storybook for kids and turn into literal #lifegoals?
I don’t remember “providing your partner with an endless supply of happiness” being in the details for me or my wife when we signed up for this marriage thing. Social psychologist Eli Finkel argues in his book, The All or Nothing Marriage, how, in today’s world, couples expect more and more of each other. We rely on each other for many aspects of socialization and support that, prior to the 20th century, many people found outside of their marriages.
Don’t get me wrong, I think happiness is great. It’s necessary in all aspects of life, and especially in a relationship. But it’s also a fluid emotion that comes and goes based on how your stomach reacts to the burrito you ate for lunch today, your coworker’s irritable habits, what’s happening in the White House this week, if your baseball team wins or loses, or who lives or dies on Game of Thrones.
Happiness is not a strong, stable foundation upon which to build lasting, committed love. It is simply too unstable, fleeting, and constantly in flux, and the ways in which we achieve happiness changes as we change over time.
Honestly, sustained and immutable happiness is arguably the most ineffective goal you could set for your relationship because it’s not possible to achieve. The reality of happiness, just like any other emotion, is that it comes and goes, just like the in-laws during the holidays, 80’s fashion, or stomach cramps.
Well, today it’s time to bust out another cold, hard truth:
The point of marriage is not happiness. The point of marriage is growth.
The Human Growth Machine
The key to becoming a truly successful couple is to take action and expand your comfort zone. Marriage is what Dr. David Schnarch, author of the book Passionate Marriage, calls a “Human Growth Machine.” And Finkel also posits that, in our world, “a new kind of marriage has emerged, one that can promote self-discovery, self-esteem, and personal growth like never before.” I love the idea of having a growth-centered marriage. That is something I can achieve, and it feels satisfying to grow and improve. It is a tangible goal.
Regarding goals: in the last few years, I started doing something I never thought I’d do. I lift weights.
I used to be a slender little guy. I once dropped a girl when I was country dancing and was so embarrassed by my weak muscles that I never went back. Then I hit the gym. I remember when I first started lifting, I squatted 225 pounds and my coach was like, “Dude, Nate! That’s awesome!”
I was so proud of myself! So, I kept at it.
A few years later, after grinding away at the gym every week, I now squat around 345 pounds. Big improvement, right? And every time I add another pound, I feel like a champion because growth is satisfying and progress feels amazing.
How to keep your marriage strong for the long run
Now I apply the principles I used in the weight room to my marriage. For example, I used to get anxious when my wife was feeling sad or stressed. And I used to snap at her if I felt attacked or threatened. For over a year I’ve been working to improve myself in this area. I practice self-soothing, taking deep breaths, and thinking before I speak, and giving my wife the benefit of the doubt and trying to understand her perspective when I feel hurt.
I’m definitely not perfect (a little secret: nobody is!), but I’m getting better at managing conflict between us and using it as an opportunity for understanding and growth. I’m less stressed out when she is. I snap at her less. My wife even smiles compassionately at me when she sees me taking deep breaths, or using the plans we’ve put in place to help us fight better and love smarter.
She’s commented that I’m improving, and because of that, we’re improving as a couple. But, like working out, it’s not easy, and especially not at first. It stretches your comfort zone. It pushes you to your limits. It expands your capacities as a human being. And this painful stretching and expanding and growing means that, sometimes, your partner and your marriage will not make you happy.
Honestly, marriage is a challenge. And it’s a good one because marriage reveals your limitations and exposes your weaknesses, flaws, and vulnerabilities. Marriage makes you painfully aware of how impatient you might be, of your struggles to say “no” to things that aren’t important and “yes” to things that are, and of how challenging it is to navigate your differences when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or simply hangry.
Marriage challenges you to deal with sickness, tragedy, financial stresses, changes in faith or beliefs, job loss, weight gain, raising kids, losing parents and other family members, and you have to do it all while supporting and satisfying another emotional human being!
You can’t tackle this stuff and come out on the other side still in love with each other by remaining the exact same people you were when you started. You can’t go through all of that together while remaining in perpetual bliss. You have to constantly grow and evolve into the version of you that’s capable of facing and overcoming the unique challenges that life throws at you at any given moment.
That dynamic won’t feel like perfection, but that’s actually what you want. In fact, Dr. John Gottman argues strongly in favor of a good enough marriage when he states that today, couples “expect to be treated with kindness, love, affection, and respect. They do not tolerate emotional or physical abuse. They expect their partner to be loyal. This does not mean they expect their relationship to be free of conflict. Even happily married couples argue. Conflict is healthy because it leads to greater understanding.”
You will be confronted with uncomfortable truths throughout your marriage. It might be about sex, or money, or time spent together, or parenting, or all of that. Things won’t always work out how you plan them, and plans may need to change if you’re going to have the relationship you want.
Having someone challenge you to expand and grow can make things feel worse before they get better. It may even put the relationship on the line if you or your partner refuse to confront your own flaws, or if you won’t take responsibility when things go wrong. If the Four Horsemen come charging into the dynamic, then you might be doomed if you don’t find ways to fight them off.
But this is what love is really about. It is not always about always pleasing your partner, or always being pleased yourself. Instead, it is about supporting your partner.
Pleasing your partner means you make sure they are happy and comfortable and worry-free, and there will be times you must do that. But if that’s your primary goal, it might cause you to be overly agreeable and be accommodating even when your partner is being unkind or hurtful. And we all make those mistakes, but pleasing your partner also means shielding your partner from anything that could make them feel challenged or uncomfortable.
Like the uncomfortable experience of growth.
Supporting your partner means you have their best interests at heart and you intentionally act to uphold and achieve those interests. It means you stand by their side, you help them, you have their back, and sometimes it means you engage in conflict with difficult truths and regrettable incidents. True partners dedicate themselves to the person they love and to the bond they share, even when those acts of dedication might be temporarily painful due to the positive growth it causes.
Dedication to that positive growth forces you to identify and open up about your weaknesses, insecurities, and fears is exactly what leads to the periods of happiness, trust, connection, passion, and commitment.
Is that the kind of love you want? Or are you willing to settle for less?
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