Listen, then act.
Having said that they will listen to the community and that they are not in office to rubber stamp staff recommendations, the commissioners showed that they mean what they say when they turned down the staff recommendation that would have seen hundreds of carparks removed from the Pilot Bay and Marine Parade precincts. The reason they gave for that decision was that it didn't have community support.They then went on to give recognition to a community proposal for a shared boardwalk by putting it forward for a feasibility study in the Long Term Plan.
Many will support those decisions and others will oppose them. But, putting that debate aside, the point to be noted is that the commissioners didn't merely pay lip service to the community's concerns and wishes, they listened, weighed them up then did something about acting on them. In the past, the majority of our elected councillors have not done that: they have simply pretended to listen and then danced to the tune played by the CEO and staff. The majority who tried to do their best for the community were often derided and, in some cases, abused by the mayor and some fellow councillors.
In her briefing to the commissioners Minister Mahuta instructed them to "determine a mechanism for engaging with the community." What better mechanism could there be than COMMUNITY BOARDS. Residents need to have a greater measure of power put into their hands. If that's the way you feel, tell the commissioners when the review comes out in May or June that you want community boards for Tauranga. You can also make a pre-emptive strike by contacting the commissioners right now and telling them your wishes.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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42.9% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56.5% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Today’s riddle: For all the curious minds next door!
My thunder comes before the lightning.
My lightning comes before the clouds.
My rain dries all the land it touches.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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