Otaki District, Otaki

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Head to our Know Thy Neighbour page.

908 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Words and a picture from Louise Thomas.
"As a small city slicker, I don't see swamp harriers/kāhu (Circus approximans) that often (actually, I probably don't see them that often as we have falcons that live around here - the city raptor niche slot is full). We rumbled this one a … View more
Words and a picture from Louise Thomas.
"As a small city slicker, I don't see swamp harriers/kāhu (Circus approximans) that often (actually, I probably don't see them that often as we have falcons that live around here - the city raptor niche slot is full). We rumbled this one a couple of weekends ago feeding on some roadkill (as they do) on the gravel road to Boggy Pond in the Wairarapa. He was reluctant to go too far from his dinner, so I clicked a few shots as we walked past. Bird #58 in 2022."

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912 days ago

What should Horowhenua ratepayers expect under "new leadership" at Horowhenua District Council?

Veronica from Manakau

Commentary Updated

I'm sure the education sector would be concerned to read the new chief executive for Horowhenua District Council Monique Davidson state, "I don't think we live in a world where... degrees matter."

It's not good form, or a very promising sign, the … View more
Commentary Updated

I'm sure the education sector would be concerned to read the new chief executive for Horowhenua District Council Monique Davidson state, "I don't think we live in a world where... degrees matter."

It's not good form, or a very promising sign, the first public comments she makes to Stuff is to demean a sector that works to achieve educational excellence in a very challenging 21st Century environment [Horowhenua Mail, May 12, 2022 New council boss ready to lead].

At its best knowledge gained by completing tertiary education courses, or "degrees", provide critical thinking abilities especially useful in professional roles such as the one she has secured.

The alternative in-house training is a poor return on investment for the community especially taking the salary the chief executive receives into account. What is it annually, $250,000?

The Horowhenua community would certainly be the beneficiary if Ms Davidson did have a degree or, at least, formal qualifications to apply in her role rather than the in-house training received as a long-time protege of former mayor Brendan Duffy and former chief executive David Clapperton who were both her mentors. And she does despite her comment in the community newspaper. She has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington.

Her in-house training took place during the more well known infamous email blocking era instigated by Clapperton and Duffy. I'd be interested to know whether Davidson was involved in this activity during her time previously at Council. A question that would have been good for the reporter to ask. Were any questions asked? If Davidson was involved in the email blocking saga it certainly also raises concerns about the legitimacy of her appointment. Chief executives are appointed by councillors.

If Ms Davidson wants to genuinely demonstrate to the community she represents a fresh, new start (doubtful considering her local government origins) her very first decision would be to recommend a closure of the Levin Landfill.

It's a legacy that ended in her lap now it's time for her to show the community that she has the mettle, and the political maturity, to make the only recommendation that can possibly be made taking all the consultation done already into account.

Broadly speaking essential infrastructure is one of the biggest issues locally and nationally. Is Davidson prepared to demonstrate from the "get-go" that Horowhenua has a chief executive who does more than talk about leading from the front? Her recommendation to the Council on the Levin Landfill will answer that question.

Former deputy chief executive Nicki Brady left the Council three months ago - and not long into her role - to take up a position as general manager for the Wayne Bishop Group, an infrastructure company owned by councillor Wayne Bishop.

What! The former deputy chief executive of Horowhenua Council, who was appointed by Clapperton, is now employed as a general manager in an infrastructure company owned by a a councillor who exercises significant economic and political clout of his own around the council table?

If there was ever a need for restraint of trade conditions surely this is a clear example. The public need to be assured the Wayne Bishop Group does not gain commercial advantage from the intellectual property and confidential ratepayer information former deputy chief executive Brady had access to.

Veronica Harrod is a qualified freelance journalist who lives and works in Horowhenua. And, yes, qualifications matter.
#education #community #investment #training #council #Horowhenua #chiefexecutiveofficer

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918 days ago

RENTAL PROPERTY NEEDED

Helena from Levin

Hiya a couple in my family have had there home sold out from under them and a looking for a longterm rental 1-3 bedrooms plus garage can pay up to $500 per week PM ME FOR CONTACT DETAILS

908 days ago

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEKEND'S PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

Information from Coast Access Radio 104.7FM

** HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEKEND'S PROGRAMME SCHEDULE ON Coast Access Radio 104.7FM **
* Friday 6.30pm: "Joe's Show" - With local year 13 lad, Joe Shaw - featuring his music picks...
* Fri 7pm: "The Groove Yard" - James Eaton is back with his weekly perfectly … View more
** HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEKEND'S PROGRAMME SCHEDULE ON Coast Access Radio 104.7FM **
* Friday 6.30pm: "Joe's Show" - With local year 13 lad, Joe Shaw - featuring his music picks...
* Fri 7pm: "The Groove Yard" - James Eaton is back with his weekly perfectly polished selection of 20th century tunes and gems....DON'T miss it!
* Saturday 9am: "Conversations" - Paul Jones from Waikanae Community Patrol talks with Todd Zaner.
* Sat 10am: "Jazz Actualities" - It's Adam Melville's turn this week and he's featuring NZ Jazz Music for NZ Music month!
* Sat 11am: "Kapiti C.A.B" - David Robertson from the Citizens Advice Bureau is in to tell us about the upcoming new migrants luncheon in Kapiti (Fri. 27th May 2022).
* Sat 11.30am: "At the table with Gail" - With Gail Hall and Tanya Tanya Jayne Ellis.
* Sat 12noon: "Health Happenings" - Todd Zaner is enlightened!
He talks about Menopause with Bronwyn Romain.
* Sat 8pm - 12am: "Rock Back the clock with Dave Dee".
* Sunday 6pm: "Embracing Life on our own terms" The third book in the series from authour Angela Robertson. Today's subject is Dawn McCormick, originally of Otane, Central Hawkes Bay, born in the late 1920's and survived the Napier earthquake.
* Monday 10.30pm: "Political Point of View" - Graham Priest is back in the studio and will connect with National MP (via phone) Simeon Brown.
* Tuesday 3pm: "Afternoon Delights" - Tony Reed features music from composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 - 1958 pictured).
Have a warm weekend - stay safe out there folks!
For more info on our programmes and podcasts, head to our website.

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908 days ago

OTAKI DISTRICT - OPEN HOMES SUNDAY 22nd MAY

Brendon from Brendon Heenan - Tall Poppy Real Estate

🏠 OPEN HOMES with the Tall Poppy Ōtaki team this weekend.
Another busy weekend with some spectacular homes to view!
For more information on any of these properties, go to our website:

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908 days ago

house sale

Gaynor from Paraparaumu

In a safe subdivision as there's only one access road to & from.
. Close to walking & cycling tracks.
Away from risk of floods, landslides & tsunamis. Ribraft flooring for earthquake resilience.
Hydronic underfloor heating throughout Double sized hot water cupboard with … View more
In a safe subdivision as there's only one access road to & from.
. Close to walking & cycling tracks.
Away from risk of floods, landslides & tsunamis. Ribraft flooring for earthquake resilience.
Hydronic underfloor heating throughout Double sized hot water cupboard with clothes lines. Large gas or electric hot water cylinder situated between both showers & behind hand basin.
Second bathroom / laundry (not in garage). Pergola with stacker doors from the family room.
2 pyrotechnic ovens. Induction cooktop. Built in desk & 2 window seats with storage,
3 sets of mirrored cupboard doors. Double glazed windows: side hinged for greater strength & for opening against the breeze whatever the direction it comes from direction.
Windows use most of their north or west facing walls . The laundry has the only south facing window Garage with long work bench with storage underneath
166 m2. The size of 3 bedroon homes. Two huge bedrooms away from each other , 2 living rooms. Ideal for retired person wanting to share with son or daughter; first home with ability to uses as a B & B to repay mortgae; someon e coming from ovverseas as tools, equipment, furniture avaiable if needed. email: bradburyg0@gmail.com for photos..

Negotiable

908 days ago

Candle creations

The Team from Resene ColorShop Levin

Who would have thought pine chair feet could make such an amazing addition to your home décor? Painting these with Resene testpots and stacking them to make contemporary candle holders is a breeze.

Find out how to create your own.

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909 days ago

Switch to Snapper for Johnsonville line

Metlink

From 1 July 2022, Monthly train passes, 10-Trips and off-board single trip tickets to Johnsonville will no longer be sold by Metlink ticket offices or retailers. You can still buy single trip tickets on-board with cash. Find out more

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909 days ago

samsung galaxy for sale

Dave from Levin

samsung galaxy A70 in as new condition and oerfect working order , not locked ro any network , comes with magnetic hard case with black leather ohone wallet plus brand new screen protector in the original box with the simtool and users guide txt 0211418933

Price: $250

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909 days ago

Bluetooth speaker for sale

Dave from Levin

B & O A1 bluetooth soeaker , Bang and Olsen are known for high end , top quality audio equipment and this speaker shows why . This small and compact speaker produces amasing sound quality that is second to none , the cost of that powerful sound quality is the battery life is not as lomg as … View moreB & O A1 bluetooth soeaker , Bang and Olsen are known for high end , top quality audio equipment and this speaker shows why . This small and compact speaker produces amasing sound quality that is second to none , the cost of that powerful sound quality is the battery life is not as lomg as other speakers approx 6hrs continuos play and it is not weatherproof apart from that it is hars to beat txt 0211418933

Price: $100

914 days ago

Homed Dominion Post - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Homed - Dominion Post

Our House of the Week this week is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom, beachfront showcase in Plimmerton, for sale through Andy Cooling from Harcourts. Take a better look inside today's edition of Homed!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who … View more
Our House of the Week this week is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom, beachfront showcase in Plimmerton, for sale through Andy Cooling from Harcourts. Take a better look inside today's edition of Homed!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Dominion Post.

Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Dominion Post gets inserted into The Dominion Post, and is delivered to subscribers every Saturday. It is also available in Supermarkets, Dairies and Petrol Stations for customers to buy.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Cameron Beattie cameron.beattie@stuff.co.nz OR Niko Perez niko.perez@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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910 days ago

Block layer required

Peter from Levin

I am looking for a Block Layer for approx 40 concrete blocks in Ohau. It is for a nib wall approx 9m long 2 blocks high .Any recommendations or anyone who can do this job (Not ready just yet) please phone Peter O'More on 021 315 328

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910 days ago

The minefield of tenants' rights

Sue from Waikanae

Please do come to Citizens Advice Bureau's free talk on Friday 27th May at 11am upstairs in the Rimu Rooms in Coastlands if you want to know more, or have friends or relatives who are struggling

New Zealand tenancy laws have been steadily been updated over the last couple of years to … View more
Please do come to Citizens Advice Bureau's free talk on Friday 27th May at 11am upstairs in the Rimu Rooms in Coastlands if you want to know more, or have friends or relatives who are struggling

New Zealand tenancy laws have been steadily been updated over the last couple of years to provide greater fairness, and new Healthy Homes Standards mean that your homes must be warm and dry, but there are still areas of Tenancy legislation that don't necessarily protect tenants, especially people new to renting who are flatting

Come along to our free information session, and learn about Landlord and Tenant responsibilities in New Zealand and the new Healthy Homes Standards Landlords have to comply with

We will have a Q&A session afterwards and our speaker from Porirua Kapiti Community Law Centre, Mike Sceats, can also answer questions on other topics you might be struggling with, such as citizenship applications, employment contracts etc

Nibbles, tea and coffee will be available afterwards 😊😊😊

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909 days ago

Electrical Services

Gary Tweddle from Rapid Electrical

For all your electrical installation and repair.

909 days ago

Homed Kāpiti - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Homed - Kāpiti Observer

Our House of the Week this week is a tastefully rennovated villa in Te Horo, set on seven acres of land. For Sale through Derek Kelly of Kelly and Co. Take a look in today's edition of Homed!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Kāpiti to find agents who are actively … View more
Our House of the Week this week is a tastefully rennovated villa in Te Horo, set on seven acres of land. For Sale through Derek Kelly of Kelly and Co. Take a look in today's edition of Homed!

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Kāpiti to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Kāpiti.

Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Kāpiti gets delivered to 26,500 letterboxes every Thursday from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki Beach, and is also available in stands throughout the area.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Cameron Beattie on 021 973 105 or cameron.beattie@stuff.co.nz OR Niko Perez on 021 501 913 or niko.perez@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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