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To all the strong, inspiring, devoted mums, the mums who are no longer with us, the mums who work hard everyday to make the house warm and put food on the table, the mums to be and who could forget the family members who take on the mums role too!
We hope you have a wonderful day, filled with … View moreTo all the strong, inspiring, devoted mums, the mums who are no longer with us, the mums who work hard everyday to make the house warm and put food on the table, the mums to be and who could forget the family members who take on the mums role too!
We hope you have a wonderful day, filled with smiles, appreciation and love. Happy Mother's Day.
Ep 3: ORBS
My uploads yesterday and the day before described the location and disastrous outcome of the 1824 failed attempt by a coalition of Maori tribes to take Kapiti Island back from Te Rauparaha's control, and referred to the heavy death toll which resulted and the connection with Okupe … View moreEp 3: ORBS
My uploads yesterday and the day before described the location and disastrous outcome of the 1824 failed attempt by a coalition of Maori tribes to take Kapiti Island back from Te Rauparaha's control, and referred to the heavy death toll which resulted and the connection with Okupe Lagoon.
I was walking along a path near Okupe Lagoon intending to climb to the North West side of the Island. Something about where the path became a tunnel through a dense population of Kanuka, made me stop and take photographs. When I returned home and downloaded the images to my computer, I was puzzled and surprised by strange lights in some of the images. Camera technology could not explain the lights. It was a very grey overcast sky and no artificial light source present. I had no alternative explanation. At the time I did not know about Te Rauparaha's presence on the island nor about the failed attempt to regain control.
I searched the web for possible explanation of such mysterious lights and found they were not so rare in photography and were called "orbs'. Then, as luck would have it, about a week later RNZ broadcast a documentary covering the activities and purposes of Te Rauparaha in the lower North Island and further South. Which brings me to one of the photographs.
9 May, 2023
Foxton residents will be facing at least an 18.2 percent increase in their rates if Horowhenua District Council adopts a proposed shift from land value to capital rating this month.
According to a graph included in the consultation document on amendments to the 20 Year Long Term … View more9 May, 2023
Foxton residents will be facing at least an 18.2 percent increase in their rates if Horowhenua District Council adopts a proposed shift from land value to capital rating this month.
According to a graph included in the consultation document on amendments to the 20 Year Long Term Plan (LTP) and Annual Plan 2023-2024 residents who will also be facing double digit rates increases include Shannon 15.4 percent, Tokomaru 11.86 percent, Waikawa Beach 14.29 percent, Ohau 13.34 percent and Waitārere 10.27 percent.
The major beneficiaries of a shift in rating on capital values are Levin Business, Rural, Foxton Beach, Manakau and Hokio Beach. The graph also indicates rating benefits for some areas of Waitārere.
But if Council also vote in favour of introducing rating on capital value to some fixed charges, as well as the general rate, then rates will skyrocket even further.
Fixed charges the Council is considering rating by capital value include the budget for Representation and Community Leadership, Library and Aquatic Centres.
But despite the proposed increases Council is also considering reducing community services including community grants and funding arrangements with community groups, urban berm mowing and the Parks maintenance budget for mowing, weeding, maintaining playground, cleaning toilets and collecting rubbish at Levin, Foxton, Shannon, Waitārere.
Many residents would be hit further in the pocket if a user pays system of water consumption is adopted by voting in favour of installing water meters across the district.
It is also is unclear what impact a proposal to inject another $75 million into fixed charges for essential services including water, stormwater and wastewater will have on residents
The consultation document on amendments to the 20 Year Long Term Plan states, "The average impact is approximately $88 introduced over 3 years."
Group Manager Organisation Performance Jacinda Straker was unable to provide any details on what an average rates bill would look like once the proposed impacts of a $75 million budget blowout was taken into consideration.
"We haven't calculated rates per unit out...due to the likelihood of the operations transferring into the new entities then."
Water, stormwater and waste water assets and services will be transferred to ten new publicly owned entities by 2026 in response to Government reforms.
Ms Straker's explanation contrasts with reasons why The Audit Office gave the Council an 'adverse opinion'.
The Audit Office said Council was, "assuming that it will retain ownership of three waters infrastructure assets and remain responsible for the service delivery of three waters services" for the next 20 years.
68 individuals or groups have requested to speak to their submission on 10 to 11 May at hearings being held on proposed amendments to the 20 Year Long term plan and Annual Plan 2023-2024.
Lights amongst the Kanuka at Waiorua Bay, Kapiti Island. There are more lights to see beyond the bright one. Enlarge the photo to discover. Enjoy! Interesting story?
Homestead Creative Crafts 4 Kent Street Levin. Will be open TODAY Saturday 13th from 1pm until 4pm for that Mothers Day last minute shopping. We have unique quality gifts and beautiful handcrafted cards available. See you there Shop Local!!!!!
Bring a bit of nature inside with a simple tree mural in Resene colours.
Find out how to add colour to you child's room with this handy advice.
Talk to your provider and give them a chance to sort it. If it remains unresolved, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.
TDR helps over 3,000 Kiwis every year with their telco troubles. Whether it’s a broadband, mobile or home phone billing issue, it’s free … View moreTalk to your provider and give them a chance to sort it. If it remains unresolved, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.
TDR helps over 3,000 Kiwis every year with their telco troubles. Whether it’s a broadband, mobile or home phone billing issue, it’s free to resolve your complaint with TDR. It’s easy too – you can contact us online or by phoning 0508 98 98 98 – and we’ll start working with you and your provider.
The King's coronation took place over the weekend which saw our Prime Minister pledging allegiance to King Charles III. Do you think Aotearoa should say goodbye to the royal family?
Share your thoughts and reasons below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be … View moreThe King's coronation took place over the weekend which saw our Prime Minister pledging allegiance to King Charles III. Do you think Aotearoa should say goodbye to the royal family?
Share your thoughts and reasons below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
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GONE
I was surprised and frankly very saddened to read that Council is considering removal of 27 of the 38 historic Plane trees that line both sides of Oxford Street (Levin Chronicle 6 April). I revisited this today as it's been on my mind since then...I grew up with these trees and I feel that … View moreI was surprised and frankly very saddened to read that Council is considering removal of 27 of the 38 historic Plane trees that line both sides of Oxford Street (Levin Chronicle 6 April). I revisited this today as it's been on my mind since then...I grew up with these trees and I feel that their removal would have a hugely negative impact on the image, personality and character of our little country town. I note that the required regular pruning was discontinued in 1993...why? are the trees to blame now?
A landscape and visual effects assessment was prepared for the District Council by Beca Ltd in May 2022. I urge anyone who cares to read this (horowhenua.govt.nz/planetrees)..at least their recommendations at the end. Guess what? Submissions close at 4.45pm tomorrow 2 May!
What can be done at this late stage given such short notice?
Stored: drying, last years pine old man pine, gum dry mixed. plus Douglas Fir, Pine.
Can buy by trailer load. Im moving out so it must go.
But your Broadband and Power bills don't need to Neighbours!
It can be stressful to find more ways to save money. Comparing your bills using NZ Compare is one simple way you can cut costs!
It only takes a couple of minutes to check if you're on the right plan, for the right price. … View moreBut your Broadband and Power bills don't need to Neighbours!
It can be stressful to find more ways to save money. Comparing your bills using NZ Compare is one simple way you can cut costs!
It only takes a couple of minutes to check if you're on the right plan, for the right price. Remember the longer you leave it, the more money you could be choosing to spend instead of SAVE.
Read our guide on how to save on your Broadband and Power bills OR ring our NZ-based Customer Support Team on 0508 226 672 Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. They're here to help!
Yesterday, I quoted from Wikipedia including this sentence:
"The ensuing Battle of Waiorua, at the northern end of the island, ended with the rout and slaughter of the landing attackers who were disadvantaged by difficult terrain and weather plus divided leadership."
What happened to … View moreYesterday, I quoted from Wikipedia including this sentence:
"The ensuing Battle of Waiorua, at the northern end of the island, ended with the rout and slaughter of the landing attackers who were disadvantaged by difficult terrain and weather plus divided leadership."
What happened to all those who died in the battle?
I understand their bodies were put into this lagoon.
What am I going on about? Ep3 tomorrow evening. You might like to prepare by investigating the word "Orbs" on Google.
Celebrate Mothers Day and purchase that special Handcrafted gift & card from Homestead Creative Crafts Levin. Visit our Facebook page to view details. Shop Local Support Local.
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