Let's Talk - an app that connects voters with candidates
The "Let's Talk" app connecting voters and candidates in the New Plymouth District for the local body elections is up and running www.stuff.co.nz... .
A similar app is running in Rotorua and the opportunity was offered to our local council to pick it up as well. They declined in favour of an in-house solution they were developing which delivers only a fraction of what this app does.
The app was rolled out to candidates last week to allow them to see it, update their profiles and images and to start answering some of the questions which might help reveal to us whether they actually understand what local government is for (and not for) and what governance skills are actually needed beyond an ability to read an officer's report.
The app is also now available for free in the google and apple stores ;
play.google.com...
apps.apple.com...
While I am hopeful that this might actually sort out the wheat from the chaff so that we actually end up with people who can properly govern the district, it does come down to people and candidates engaging with this product that goes beyond empty sloganeering and name recognition that characterises the usual process. Will it change the outcome and reverse the rapid slide of interest in local government? We live in hope.
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Last call for entries to our Resene Shed of the Year 2025!
Take a look at Paul Bates' "surprisingly roomy" Tardis-inspired shed which took out our 2023 title, and if you reckon your shed is right up there, well, you could be in the running to win a robot lawnmower, Resene vouchers and a subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to 5 high-quality photos to Resene Shed of the Year 2025, NZ Gardener PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142. Or email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2025.
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/67b27b318fe7d4.14640200.jpeg?170410)
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Poll: Do you have a pet at home?
Neighbourly members LOVE their pets, whether it's a smoochy cat, a trusty pup or even a feathered friend.
We'd like to know how many of you who see this post actually have a pet at home. Let us know in the poll below!
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/67a13809d3e2e4.22538265.jpeg?170410)
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73.7% Yes - I have a pet / multiple pets
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7.7% Not currently, but one day!
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18.6% Nope, I live in a pet-free home
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Show us your creative backyard build
We hope you've been enjoying the Neighbourly Backyard Awards so far, we know we have!
It is time for our last award. And the category is....Most creative backyard build
It could be a planter box, an outdoor table or even a backyard bar. We just want to see the sanctuary you've created in your backyard.
So share a photo, or two, in a comment below of your creation or backyard set up a to be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher. Winner will be announced next Monday 🛝🪴🛖
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/67a5278ec73c18.53002638.png?170410)