Smart Water Meter Objection
I recently received information regarding Smart "Water Meter Installation" from the NPDC. Included was a form to fill out if you wanted to object to the installation.
This form states "All submissions and feedback (including your name, address and contact details) are provided to Council officers and elected members for the purpose of analysing feedback."
Since when does analysis of feedback data require names and addresses etc. to be known?
Statistics New Zealand always removes personal details when analysing information received from participants. This information is strictly confidential.
The NPDC could have collected feedback on their proposed Smart Water Meter Installation, and kept respondent details confidential, but they have chosen not to do this. This is very concerning.
And it gets worse.
The from also states "Submissions and feedback (with individuals' names only) may be available online."
So the Council is threatening to reveal the identity of those who object to a water meter being fitted.
Also the Council has chosen not to inform us that it's more than just a water meter, it's a SMART meter. This type of meter allows the council to remotely turn your water off for what ever reason.
And, even objecting to having the meter in the first place could be used against us.
I think the Council is using the threat to identify objectors, in their feedback form, as a way of stopping negative feedback regarding the installation of their SMART water meters.
The installation of a meter has never been about saving water. It's about having control through the smart meter over one's access to water by centralised control.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83.3% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.