Community led governance
Submissions to the representation review close next Monday the 4th of October. There is still time to have your say. It's not hard to do. Google the council's website and use the online form. The form is simple to use and you don't have to say much; a couple of sentences with your thoughts will do. You don't have to speak at the hearing. Just tick the No box. Your input won't be any the less valuable.
The council proposes to introduce a system of 9 councillors from 9 wards. That might look good on the surface, but it's not. It's far worse than the previous system. People will only be able to vote for and communicate with 1 councillor, their ward councillor, no-one else.A one-ninth share in local governance. If you don't get on with your ward councillor, well, too bad. You cannot go to anyone else. Residents will be shut up and shut out! If you don't want this tell the council on the online form.
There is a better method available, but you have to ask for it. What was called Option 2 in the feedback survey would provide 1 ward with `10 councillors and general roll electors would be able to vote for and communicate with 9 of them. Much better! This system was the run away public favourite in the feedback survey but the council ignored the people's choice and substituted another system, its own, that wasn't even offered up in the survey.
Also, in one line the council dismissed the right for residents to have community boards - OUR community boards. A place where we could have OUR say about local matters. Boards have statutory powers and the capacity to promote local well-being in a way that no other community organisation has the power to do.There are over 100 community boards in NZ but Tauranga councils have persistently refused to allow them to be established here.
Do this: complete the council's online form and insist upon Option 2 being used and demand that community boards be established. Opposition to autocratic council control starts with your submission.
Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
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91.9% Yes
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7.2% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Would you rather:
We all deserve a space where we can truly unwind and recharge, so if you could upgrade ONE thing in your bedroom, what would it be?
Tell us which upgrade would transform your bedroom into the perfect retreat! Drop your answer below and let’s see what everyone’s dreaming of for their sleep haven!
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60% A better mattress
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10% New pillows
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30% Cosier decorations
Kmart duvet recall
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.
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