793 days ago

FREEDOM, EQUALITY IN SPADES IN NZ

Michael from Trentham

NZ may have somewhat lost many of the features that have made us a great nation worldwide in the past but not that of democracy.

in the latest survey (2023) on the most democratic countries in the world, NZ sits in second place behind Norway.

Interestingly both countries are similar in population and sit at either end of the globe.

Australia ranks ninth, the UK 21st and the USA sliding to 26th.

The USA has never been in the top 10 since these international surveys started which is ironic because Americans think and are told they are the greatest democratic nation the world has ever seen. Land of the free. Yeah right.

So living in a exceedingly democratic country and all that is meant to entail, it seems even more ludicrous that the city of Upper Hutt, has landed in a situation with its water pipes that has gone unresolved and almost unchecked over a lengthy period of years and a blind eye to it has been cast by elected councillors and Mayors and the staff they harbour.

More messages from your neighbours
8 days ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

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Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 76.4% Inside!
    76.4% Complete
  • 23.6% On top!
    23.6% Complete
1201 votes
14 hours ago

We're taking the bus!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.

Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.

It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.

It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.

With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?

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6 days ago

Poll: Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? 🚌🚲🏠

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Between the headlines about the Strait of Hormuz and the creeping costs at our local stations, the "fuel crisis" has moved from the news to our wallets.

A recent opinion piece in The Post suggested that Wellington Councils should be shifting our public facilities to renewable energy ASAP to keep our rates from being vulnerable to these global fuel hikes. It’s a big conversation for the city, but what about your daily commute?

We want to know: With fuel prices staying high for the foreseeable future, are you changing how you get around the capital?

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Tightening the belt at the pump ... How are you pivoting? 🚌🚲🏠
  • 18.7% Yes – I’m a bus/train user
    18.7% Complete
  • 6.1% Dusting off the bike
    6.1% Complete
  • 6.1% Working from home
    6.1% Complete
  • 62.6% Nope, same as always
    62.6% Complete
  • 6.6% Other (Tell us your strategy in the comments!)
    6.6% Complete
198 votes