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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 moreCommentary 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
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
** 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.
This morning a tornado, created by a severe thunderstorm, hit the township of Levin destroying trees and property in the area. State Highway 1 has experienced areas of flooding and is therefore closed through this region.
MetService meteorologist Kathryn Hodge shared that severe thunderstorms … View moreThis morning a tornado, created by a severe thunderstorm, hit the township of Levin destroying trees and property in the area. State Highway 1 has experienced areas of flooding and is therefore closed through this region.
MetService meteorologist Kathryn Hodge shared that severe thunderstorms passed through Levin about 7am with gusts of 140kph being measured. Flights out of Wellington were paused temporarily but have now resumed.
Here's what you need to know:
- State Highway 1 and 10 local roads have been closed - Oxford St, Cambridge St (from Liverpool to Bath St), Tawa St, Wilton St, Gladstone Rd and Mako Mako Road.
- Damage in the township includes powerlines, trees ripped to pieces, a building has been destroyed and several properties damaged. Some residents are currently without power to their homes.
- Several schools are closed including St Joseph's Catholic School, Levin School, Levin Intermediate and Horowhenua College.
- Residents are being urged to stay home for the time being.
MetService says it remains possible that more thunderstorms could hit Levin later this morning. Stay up to date with the latest official information on the Horowhenua District Council website.
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.
Howdy neighbours, I'm wanting to buy an old free standing wooden wardrobe, doesn't matter too much on condition as just really wanting the door but it must have a mirror in the door. Cheers. I've attached an example.
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
Our House of the Week this week is actually some brand new town houses in Terrace End. These are stunning inside and out and have been meticulously designed to suit young families, down-sizers or professional couples. These are for sale through Tim Cook and Felicity Treadwell from Harcourts. Get a … View moreOur House of the Week this week is actually some brand new town houses in Terrace End. These are stunning inside and out and have been meticulously designed to suit young families, down-sizers or professional couples. These are for sale through Tim Cook and Felicity Treadwell from Harcourts. Get a better look inside today's edition of Homed.
Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Manawatū to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Manawatū.
Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Manawatū gets delivered to letterboxes on a Thursday, and also inserted into the Manawatū Standard, delivered to subscribers, and is available in Supermarkets, Dairies and Petrol Stations for customers to buy.
For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Karen Baker on 021 973 105 or karen.baker@stuff.co.nz
Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz
One kitten left to rehome. she's 12 weeks old a true tortoiseshell black ginger and beige female dewormed deflead looking for her new home. She's affectionate and well socialised around young kids and other cats. Please contact me on 02109127497 if you would like to come meet her or have … View moreOne kitten left to rehome. she's 12 weeks old a true tortoiseshell black ginger and beige female dewormed deflead looking for her new home. She's affectionate and well socialised around young kids and other cats. Please contact me on 02109127497 if you would like to come meet her or have any questions. Thank you
Aren't you tired of sky-high winter power bills? Start with your windows to stop the cold from getting in.
BRANZ, an independent research organisation, says:
• 42% to 45% of heat in houses insulated to Pre-2007 requirements is lost through windows.
• If your home has been built or … View moreAren't you tired of sky-high winter power bills? Start with your windows to stop the cold from getting in.
BRANZ, an independent research organisation, says:
• 42% to 45% of heat in houses insulated to Pre-2007 requirements is lost through windows.
• If your home has been built or renovated under the 2007 Building Code, which requires double glazing, you still lose up to 31% of heat through windows.
• Properly fitted curtains and blinds can cut heat loss through single glazed windows by 60% and double glazed windows by 40-50%.
Choosing the right window treatments will help insulate windows and prevent heat loss. Here are three options to answer your "how can I warm up my home?" this winter.
Honeycomb Blinds
Honeycomb blinds are one of the most energy-efficient window treatments. They are also known as honeycomb or cellular shades. These window coverings feature a honeycomb structure to make an air pocket between the window glass and the room that acts as an insulator, blocking heat and keeping the cold out.
When a heater is running, Honeycomb blinds reduce heat loss through windows by up to 60%, which equals around 10% savings on your heating energy. In hotter months, honeycomb blinds reduce unwanted heat from the sun through windows by up to 60% when installed with a tight fit. They are available in different layering options, including single and double-cell.
Heavy curtains or drapes
Drapes or curtains are another way to insulate your home by adding one extra barrier against the cold winter air. The main difference is that curtains are sized to fit the window, and drapes reach the floor.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
The new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be … View moreThe new range of Line7 performance workwear has been designed, developed and tested by you – New Zealand farmers. We asked, listened, and collaborated directly with farmers in the making of this gear. We tested and re-tested in on-farm environments. We re-engineered what farming workwear can be with your needs front of mind.
We brought our decades of experience creating world-class performance gear. Add to that a legacy of Kiwi innovation, a challenger spirit and a practical attitude that’s been part of Line 7 since we started back in 1963.
Every detail has been reviewed and refined – without overlooking the obvious. Breathable, flexible, functional and comfortable, while still being supremely durable and waterproof. Made to fit farmers of all shapes and sizes, with a dedicated range for women. Built to last, and last a bit longer still, with an included repair kit that means you can fix it up quickly yourself.
Now take it out there, try it on and put it to the test. Wear it out and wear it again. We’re pretty damn confident you won’t be disappointed
Hi Neibours
Trigger warning could be spelling mistakes (sorry)
I found myself in an interesting position today..
I went down to save mart Levin with my toddler today to have a look around and find some bargains.
I was stopped at the door pritty quickly and was then told I can not have my hand … View moreHi Neibours
Trigger warning could be spelling mistakes (sorry)
I found myself in an interesting position today..
I went down to save mart Levin with my toddler today to have a look around and find some bargains.
I was stopped at the door pritty quickly and was then told I can not have my hand bag in the store.. her words were leave it in the car or leave it up at the counter...
Now I will admit I did see the sign but I was abit shocked as my hand bag is not a huge one I really didn't think it was going to be an issue well boy I was wrong.
Now I would totally understand if I had a big backpack or a extra large handbag
But the thing is my car is a keyless entry so if I was to "leave my bag in the car" any jo blogs could jump in and zoom off , if I was to bring my keys in I am then juggling keys, a wallet and a toodler all whilst looking for my bargains.
There was no way I felt comfortable leaveing my bag at the counter because by the way they act about theft ect.. how am I to know that my handbag is even safe behind their counter?
I am just abit shocked about the while experience and so bummed as I left because I did not feel safe leaving my bag anywhere but my shoulder! I have never experienced anything like this before
My question is have any of you? Am I over reacting? What do you guys think has this happened to anyone els?
Create your own triple compost bin and stain in Resene Waterborne Woodsman. Use the handy compartments for fresh scraps, decomposing material and usable compost.
Find out how to create your own.
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