1616 days ago

Matthew Hooton, aide to Todd Muller

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Our guest speaker this week was Our guest speaker this week was Matthew Hooton, political commentator and now aide to the newly-elected leader of the opposition, Todd Muller.

Matthew is familiar with our Club, having addressed us three or four times in the past. He is a long-time friend of the Bright family, as a result of Beryl Bright taking him under her wing when she worked at the Beehive and Matthew was a wannabe speechwriter. Matthew began by paying a generous tribute to Beryl and our late friend and member, George.

He comes from a privileged Remuera background and has been immersed in politics since university, with occasional forays into the consulting world.

Matthew reflected on political change in New Zealand; once our parliament was dominated by businessmen and ex-unionists and younger politicians wanted to change the world. Now he sees the younger element as celebrities with no firm political views.

He is an old friend of Todd Muller, with whom he went back-packing in India long ago. He obviously has a high regard for his new boss and thinks he will make a great Prime Minister one day.

Rotary clubs have been described as “The National Party at lunch”, but on this occasion Matthew found the going rather tough, and his over-the-top electioneering grated on some members., political commentator and now aide to the newly-elected leader of the opposition, Todd Muller.

Matthew is familiar with our Club, having addressed us three or four times in the past. He is a long-time friend of the Bright family, as a result of Beryl Bright taking him under her wing when she worked at the Beehive and Matthew was a wannabe speechwriter. Matthew began by paying a generous tribute to Beryl and our late friend and member, George.

He comes from a privileged Remuera background and has been immersed in politics since university, with occasional forays into the consulting world.

Matthew reflected on political change in New Zealand; once our parliament was dominated by businessmen and ex-unionists and younger politicians wanted to change the world. Now he sees the younger element as celebrities with no firm political views.

He is an old friend of Todd Muller, with whom he went back-packing in India long ago. He obviously has a high regard for his new boss and thinks he will make a great Prime Minister one day.

Rotary clubs have been described as “The National Party at lunch”, but on this occasion Matthew found the going rather tough, and his over-the-top electioneering grated on some members.

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5 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.5% Yes
    82.5% Complete
  • 14.9% No
    14.9% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
2143 votes
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are 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 ⬇️

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2 hours ago

Art and Craft Market at Kai Tahi - 10 till 3 EVERY SUNDAY!

Nicola from Papakowhai

Hi neighbours

The new Porirua Community Art and Craft market at Kai Tahi in Porirua is now running EVERY Sunday. It's all indoors, and there's over 30 stalls each week.

Opens at 10am and closes 3pm, so you can also grab lunch at the many international food court options. Bring the kids, and your dog on a lead is welcome too!

Parking at the back (on harbour edge) is free - just stay clear of the Staff Only parks.