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Hi neighbours,
The Tokyo Olympics are about to kick off, and some of our country's best sports stars are set to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
The opening ceremony takes place on Friday (about 11pm NZ time), and the Games will run through until August 8.
Over the next … View moreHi neighbours,
The Tokyo Olympics are about to kick off, and some of our country's best sports stars are set to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
The opening ceremony takes place on Friday (about 11pm NZ time), and the Games will run through until August 8.
Over the next two-and-a-half weeks, some of the world’s best athletes competing in a range of sports will battle it out in Tokyo in the hopes of walking away with a medal.
So get your New Zealand flags and popcorn ready and sign up for our Tokyo Olympics newsletter to have all the highlights, talking points, medal tally and analysis delivered to your inbox every day. Click here.
We'll also be live blogging our Kiwi athletes' events every day of the Games. Just bookmark this page to stay up to date.
I know this is long, but please read to the end. If you don't want to have the water assets ratepayers have paid for over the last hundred or more years confiscated by the Government, if you don't want the Water Management Boards they will set up borrowing $160 BILLION dollars using those… View moreI know this is long, but please read to the end. If you don't want to have the water assets ratepayers have paid for over the last hundred or more years confiscated by the Government, if you don't want the Water Management Boards they will set up borrowing $160 BILLION dollars using those assets as security, then please write or email your local Council and tell them to say NO to the 3 Waters reforms. The childish ad that the Government has put out is also full of misinformation!
Bruce Smith Westland District Mayor. 24-07-2021
On the 3rd of March I published my journey to date with the three Waters reforms being proposed by Government. You can see this summary on youtube.
www.youtube.com...
Now with the 2021 local government conference behind us where we listened to the Prime Minister and Minister Mahuta and had discussions with a number of Mayors and CEs its time for a further update. Some call it a bribe I prefer incentive.
At the LGNZ conference a 2.5 billion dollar incentive was announced by the Prime minister to encourage councils to opt into the government three water proposals.
Westland District Council was to receive 11 million dollars which we were advised could be used on any project and not refined to three waters. Its stated purpose was to ensure Councils were no worse off after their three waters function and assets were removed by government.
Nothing was mentioned about strings attached by the Prime Minister in her speech.
On the second day of the conference we were informed the money would become available in July of 2024.
It could be spent on projects consulted and approved by IWI and was not confined to three waters investment.
It was subject to councils joining the government masterplan for three waters reform.
This included the transfer of Councils 3 water assets to one of four companies to be established to control the allocation of water,the assets transferred by Councils and the funding of the current and future three water supplies.
It was clarified that Maori would be granted membership and voting rights of 50% of the governance groups that controlled the three water activities and future strategic direction of each of the four entities.
The voting would be 50% Maori and 50% councils who had transferred 100% of the assets to the operating companies.
This government proposal gives Maori who makeup at June 2020 10.4% of the West Coast population and 16.7% of the New Zealand population according to statistics NZ.
Maori in commercial terms gets the right of Veto in perpetuity from government.
This is an unorthodox proposal where 100% of the population have paid for the existing assets and will be paying 100% of all future water costs.
Amongst the conversations it was observed how undemocratic this proposal was. It was noted that the proposal would create a real backlash in our communities. An unintended consequence or is it a further implementation of the HE PUAPUA report.
You can see the report here.
www.nzcpr.com...
The proposed governance structure sits over the operating companies which have no ownership structure as defined in the companies act, have no shareholding and what appears to be an ad hoc distribution of voting rights.
The Mayors were informed by Minister Mahuta that councils have until the end of September 2021 to advise government if they are in or out of the proposed 3 waters reform structure.
Mayors were also informed that information which has not been received at present would be supplied by government via DIA and sent to councils for consideration during August/September.
Councils are required by The Local Government Act to consult with its ratepayers when strategic asset purchases or Disposals are being considered.
I can't speak for other councils but Westland will need at least 3 months upon the receipt of the information to engage experts and receive their advice on the merits and risks of the transfer of assets as proposed by government.
This will then go to ratepayers for consultation and seeking of submissions.
My view is that because of the implications of transferring over a quarter of Councils total assets at below valuation there is only one safe road to take.
I will be advocating for a binding referendum to go out to the people of Westland seeking direction on in or out. It’s called democracy.
It's hard to imagine how any council in New Zealand will be able to make a decision without the clear direction a referendum will bring.
Discussion occurred about what information ratepayers would require to make a decision as at present they are 100% in the dark and will only know what has been read in the media much of which is spin doctor sourced.
The first information required from any ratepayer that has not been in the papers:
what do I pay now?
What will I pay if this proposal is mandated?
I can only talk about Westland.
At present a household pays $527.40 pa water rates.
A commercial business pays $927.12 pa water rates.
If the proposal is mandated households will pay $1,640 to the water supplier for their water.
We have not been told what a commercial user will be charged by the water supplier.
Households need to know if the $1640 is plus GST or inclusive of GST as 99% are not registered for GST.
Another question that ratepayers will need answered is will the $1640 dollars account they received from the water supplier come off my current rates bill?
The answer is a firm NO.
If your WDC household rates are say $3000 at present the $527.40 for water you pay at present will come off your rates from Council.
Your rates will drop to $2472.60 and at the same time you will receive an account from the water supplier for $1,640.
Your cost today is $3,000 which includes water.
Your total cost if the proposal is mandated will be $4,112.60 and that's an increase of 37%.
The mayors talked a lot about democracy and the loss of localism which needs to be considered.
Perhaps we should consider how much influence coasters have with say NZTA.
All Councils have had the NZTA roading contribution this year reduced by a minimum of 10% due to a government directive to put road user charges into rail networks and cycleways.
Health services on the coast now have no direct local input. Its government controlled.
The Tai Poutini Polytechnic now has no direct local input. Its government controlled.
Education is 100% completely controlled from Wellington. Its government controlled.
Social housing is 100% controlled out of Wellington. Its government controlled.
The coast has a serious shortage of social housing and no sign of this being rectified.
Now the proposal is to take all three water assets from the people of Westland, to have them transferred to one of four water supply companies.
There will be no tangible compensation. Households will pay much more for water with no control of future costs.
The government keeps repeating the PR teams key message “ we have proven the case for change”
Government keeps referring to the one event where a failure that occurred in Hastings which had never occurred before or after in New Zealand and is no-where near a justification for change.
There is discussion going on around New Zealand about the removal of control and assets for three waters from councils. Assets which generations of families have paid for with hard earned cash.
What’s proposed seems to fly in the face of our New Zealand democracy and way of life.
I will try and summarise as at 24th of July my journey to date.
The case for change has not been proven.
The water quality bar has been set at a level unaffordable to New Zealanders this is evidenced by the increased cost they will be invoiced by the water regulator to every household.
One size does not fit all.
The loss of local control and influence feels like a step too far.
Confiscation of assets paid for and built up over generations with no compensation will struggle to gain public support.
Some say the proposal to give a right of VETO to Maori who make up 16.7% of the population is undemocratic and will find little support. It follows closely the objectives set out in the HE PUAPUA report
The borrowing of up to 160 billion dollars by the new proposed entities using the assets transferred from our councils and paid for by generations of New Zealanders as security feels reckless.
If its aimed at increasing borrowing in New Zealand away from governments balance sheet it is going to struggle to get support.
The time frames being urgently pursued by government suggest this is not about three waters. If it was why the urgency?
What other councils do around New Zealand is up to them however a public referendum in every district would allow our residents and ratepayers who have along with their families over generations paid for these three water assets and on that basis the decision to opt in or out must come directly from them.
Bruce Smith
Westland District Mayor
021-922860
Low levels of digital literacy among staff is a challenge facing many manufacturing businesses, and strengthening those skills is not only essential to meet rapid technological changes in the workplace, it’s vital to increasing productivity.
“As technology progresses and we move further into… View moreLow levels of digital literacy among staff is a challenge facing many manufacturing businesses, and strengthening those skills is not only essential to meet rapid technological changes in the workplace, it’s vital to increasing productivity.
“As technology progresses and we move further into Industry 4.0, workers must be upskilled to keep pace with new systems and processes, especially older employees who are not digital natives, but who have invaluable experience in their fields,” says Competenz Sector Manager Jahn Vannisselroy
Competenz has developed a new micro-credential to meet the demands brought about by Industry 4.0.
Hi there!
Here at Trade Me we're chuffed to let you know we’ve launched our Kindness Store again for winter, supporting KidsCan and the great work they do making sure our tamariki have a fair start – after all, little Kiwis can’t learn when they’re hungry, wet, and cold.
We’ve… View moreHi there!
Here at Trade Me we're chuffed to let you know we’ve launched our Kindness Store again for winter, supporting KidsCan and the great work they do making sure our tamariki have a fair start – after all, little Kiwis can’t learn when they’re hungry, wet, and cold.
We’ve stocked the store with all the essentials. Think fleece-lined rain coats and shoes to keep kids warm and dry, and warm, healthy food.
Just pick, click, and give now – we take care of the rest, making sure your purchase gets to KidsCan.
Apply for a Defer-A-Bull purchase agreement today – a simple, cost effective solution when sourcing your dairy service bulls.
Secure your bull team early with no repayments until bulls are sold.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for spinach recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before July 26, 2021.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.
Tokoroa, Putāruru, Tīrau and Arapuni townships can expect their wheelie bins to be delivered by Council during August. What to do?
1. Check the address label on the side.
2. Put them somewhere safe.
3. Do not use until Monday 6 September.
Bookcase is 685 wide, 245 deep, 1745 tall. FREE BOOKS, Huge variety of authors, Wilbur Smith, Diana Gabledon, gardening, hobbies, etc. Giving away by the boxfull. Please leave message here. Thanks.
Peter Williams reports a natural cream that supports his joints and helps to keep him active.
“When I get up in the morning, I want to know that my joints are healthy, flexible and ready for the day.”
“I recommend Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition. It’s New Zealand made, natural, fast … View morePeter Williams reports a natural cream that supports his joints and helps to keep him active.
“When I get up in the morning, I want to know that my joints are healthy, flexible and ready for the day.”
“I recommend Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition. It’s New Zealand made, natural, fast acting and long lasting. It has become NZ’s #1 fastest growing topical joint and muscle support cream and I can see why.”
“Ask for Koru Nutrition’s Koru FX cream next time you’re in the pharmacy and try it for yourself.”
We believe that Hamilton is well served in its state secondary schools. All offer a high standard of education; each has its own special characteristics.
We invite you to visit us and make your choice an informed one. Information, prospectuses and applications for enrolment will be available at … View moreWe believe that Hamilton is well served in its state secondary schools. All offer a high standard of education; each has its own special characteristics.
We invite you to visit us and make your choice an informed one. Information, prospectuses and applications for enrolment will be available at all
the schools on Open Days, and will be supplied to all Hamilton Intermediate and contributing Primary Schools.
To enable interested parents and students to meet staff, view facilities, and discuss matters of interest Open Days are scheduled as detailed.
If you are unable to attend a meeting and wish to see the school, please contact the Principal. All schools are happy to meet such requests.
Hillcrest High School
OPEN DAY -
WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST
Please report to the Auditorium:
9:15am 1:30pm and 5:30pm
Phone: (07) 857 0297
Email: office@hillcrest-high.school.nz
Rototuna High Schools
OPEN DAY SENIOR HIGH -
TUESDAY 3 AUGUST
Tours at 9.45am
OPEN DAY JUNIOR HIGH -
THURSDAY 5 AUGUST
Tours held between 9.45am and 2pm
Phone: (07) 854 0541
Email: admin@rhs.school.nz
Hamilton Girls High School
OPEN DAY TOURS - THURSDAY 5 AUGUST
Tours at 9.00am, 11.30am, and 1.30pm
We will begin in Ngaa Puawaitanga with the Principal’s
address followed by a tour of the school
Sonninghill hostel tours can be arranged via the Director
of Boarding at director@sonninghill.school.nz
General Enquiries Phone: (07) 839 1304 | email: enrolment@hghs.school.nz
Melville High School
OPEN DAY - THURSDAY 5 AUGUST
Please meet in the School Hall at 9:30am
INFORMATION EVENING - THURSDAY 5 AUGUST
6:00pm in the Glenice Gallagher Library
Phone: (07) 843 4529
Email: principal@melville-high.school.nz
Fairfield College
INFORMATION EVENING & TOURS
TUESDAY 24 AUGUST
Please report to the main office at 5:30pm
OPEN DAY - FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER
All invited to experience a snapshot of what Fairfield
College can offer with a variety of interactive
workshops starting from 10.00am – 3pm
Phone: (07) 853 5660 | Email: adminfc@faircol.school.nz
View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.
If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Fraser High School is the hub of adult learning in Hamilton and the Waikato district. We offer over 70 evening and weekend classes. Our courses are very reasonably priced as we are supported by the Ministry of Education to offer interesting and useful short programs.
Pick from our courses on … View moreFraser High School is the hub of adult learning in Hamilton and the Waikato district. We offer over 70 evening and weekend classes. Our courses are very reasonably priced as we are supported by the Ministry of Education to offer interesting and useful short programs.
Pick from our courses on business management, computing, food and cooking, gardening, language, music and dance, photography, and art.
Enrol now for Term 3, courses start from the 2nd August. You can LOOK, BOOK and PAY online at www.fraserace.ac.nz or just call us on 07 846 8624. It's easy!
Just a few clicks and you will be on a new learning adventure.
Are you or someone who know looking to start an apprenticeship? Check out our current job listings around the country!
Buy any red testpot from your local Resene owned ColorShop between 13-31 July 2021 and Resene will donate $1 to CureKids Red Nose Day!
The more red testpots you buy, the more will be donated! Offer applies to all retail purchases of Resene red testpots (excludes metallics and wood stains).
… View moreBuy any red testpot from your local Resene owned ColorShop between 13-31 July 2021 and Resene will donate $1 to CureKids Red Nose Day!
The more red testpots you buy, the more will be donated! Offer applies to all retail purchases of Resene red testpots (excludes metallics and wood stains).
Help us make a difference to the health of kiwi children.
Find your local Resene ColorShop
Kia ora neighbours, we at Waikato DHB want more of you to have a say in health. We’re on a journey to enable better access to local community health and wellbeing.
Come along and share your knowledge and experience as we work together on this.
Also on the agenda are:
• Proposed changes… View moreKia ora neighbours, we at Waikato DHB want more of you to have a say in health. We’re on a journey to enable better access to local community health and wellbeing.
Come along and share your knowledge and experience as we work together on this.
Also on the agenda are:
• Proposed changes to the health system
• Recovering from the cyber attack
• COVID-19 vaccination update
• Local wellbeing initiatives and more
When: Noon - 2pm, Tuesday 20 July 2021
Where: South Waikato Events Centre, 25 Mossop Road, Tokoroa
Community Health Forums are a gathering of local people who share in a conversation about what matters to their community and hear what’s happening from the DHB and other local organisations/groups.
We look forward to meeting you. He whakarongo tātou – we’re here to listen
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