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I am starting up my Monday morning art tuition classes again beginning Monday. If you're keen or would like to just have a go, then you can contact me via Neighbourly or check out my website: www.teresasecker.co.nz......... classes run from 10-12pm. If you recommend someone and they sign up … View moreI am starting up my Monday morning art tuition classes again beginning Monday. If you're keen or would like to just have a go, then you can contact me via Neighbourly or check out my website: www.teresasecker.co.nz......... classes run from 10-12pm. If you recommend someone and they sign up for the term, then I will gift you a free lesson.
UPDATE
I have had a reply to my request for the research quoted as the authoritative basis for changes to the Library: I was forced by UHCC to request it under the Official Information Act!
• My question was that I be given the research statistics/data that the following statement refers to.
… View moreUPDATE
I have had a reply to my request for the research quoted as the authoritative basis for changes to the Library: I was forced by UHCC to request it under the Official Information Act!
• My question was that I be given the research statistics/data that the following statement refers to.
“The changes were well researched and based on successful similar libraries both in New Zealand and overseas”
I quote from the letter to me from Karen Patterson, Registered Legal Executive – UHCC
“The research completed prior to the Library changes being implemented was not by way of formal written statistical data. The research carried out by the Library Manager and the library leadership team included reading articles, attending conferences and meetings, carrying out fact finding visits to other libraries and discussions with the library fraternity looking at trends of libraries nationally and internationally and is in part summarised in the attached document ‘Proposed Library Layout and Shelving changes’. This information was presented and discussed with Upper Hutt City Councillors”
How do you feel about that? (I now understand why they withheld it)
• The attached document describes ratepayer/members/owners(us) as customers
• It compares the Library to retail spaces and purchases and describes what the Library offers as products
• Apparently only 1 in 3 of us is looking for something specific (so we don’t count?)
• Issue numbers are dropping (so I am right when I supposed this is a number crunch-no mention made of the fact real books and reading is on the rise and ebooks are on the decline- in fact no mention of a negative to their agenda at all)
• The shelving needing updating to comply with earthquake standards
• It also says it will leave science fiction/fantasy and romance in genre sections (that didn’t happen)
This revelation was followed by a list of websites, and Libraries that the Library team accessed. Some of which I have looked at and all are blatantly bias for the changes - all pros and no cons to impede their agenda for change, as such it is simply not credible. I also believe it to be incomplete.
I have looked at a few sites on the list of ‘sources’ that our Library Manager and team use as an authority opinion basis for the changes and despair of how limited, unprofessional and self-serving it is of the new Library Management changes agenda and Councils preoccupation with cost to benefit ratios through number crunching.
• I am shocked that an unbiased professional researcher was not engaged for such big changes to such an important ratepayer funded public service.
• There was no discernible credible research of the market(us) either
I have been a researcher in my working life and a bias body of opinion is NOT research. They also do no have an in depth documented analysis of their findings, just a document that supports in every way their desire for that set of changes.
• What a waste of ratepayers money to not do a proper job before making such big changes to a ratepayer funded public service – to institute such changes on personal opinions and limited bias toward desired outcome loaded information
• What an insult to our intelligence to claim a professionalism where none exists
• What an insult to literate, articulate people to render their local library inoperable to a large group of people who had no previous trouble accessing the Library fiction content before removing genre sections – I suspect because they had no idea we existed
To apply a market driven, commercial model to a ratepayer funded and owned public service is inappropriate and a flawed premise!
A modern healthy civilised community promotes literacy through public libraries, physical health and wellbeing through it children’s play grounds, sports ground and parks, healthy mind through all of those and the Arts and other cultural activities.
• They are not expected to return a monetary gain and nor should they be measured by numbers in a ‘cost to benefit’ manner, they are a ratepayer funded service, not a commercial enterprise. Accessibility and wellbeing should be what counts!
If we are as a community to fund a public Library it must be one that everyone can access, not one that excludes groups of people who have paid through their rates for a Library but are now denied equal access, their search patterns not being accounted for!
• If we are to provide library services that all ratepayers contribute to, then it needs to be accessible by anyone who can read, traditional genre sections provide that opportunity! (by the way - provision of a public Library is core business)
I don’t know about you, but I will be very sceptical of any ‘statistics’ that the Library or Council state in support of the changes. I would have to know what questions were being asked, what parameters and variables were included and their context, before I would find them credible!
I have let Angela McLeod know the outcome of my request and she is still interested in supporting and representing those of us who have been disadvantaged by the changes and those of us who are now excluded from our library by our search styles and by removing genre sections. Angela is our point of contact and is keeping Ros Connelly and Helen Swales informed as well, as they are also interested in supporting and representing us and our concerns (doing their jobs).
I have for the third time emailed the Councillors who are ignoring me and our concerns, Chris Carson, John Gwilliam, Glenn McArthur, Paul Lambert, Dave Wheeler and Blair Griffiths.
• Despite the fact they have sworn to engage with ratepayers, to represent ratepayers and to facilitate the democratic process by engaging with ratepayers
I have now received replies from John Gwillian, who says he didn’t get my earlier emails, funny that, others got theirs. I have also heard from Glenn McArthur who apologises because he thought he had replied, I don’t know which reply appals me more. Both are offering me ongoing dialogue, I will consider it.
Oh well, it is what it is and I will continue to lobby for genre to be reinstated to the Upper Hutt City Library, our Library, and to support anyone who finds they are disadvantaged in any way by the unprofessional lack of research leading to unprofessional changes to our Library.
• Remember we pay all these people wages/salaries/stipends, we pay for the building and its contents, we already pay for the Library, Parks, Playground, Sportsground, Art Gallery and every other ratepayer funded public service. It is all ours!
Please, please, all of you that share my point of view, contact your representatives and let them know how you feel about that the methods used to make a case out for the current changes to our Library which are not valid, due to lack of proper process and lack of transparency due to no statistical or shareable information.
Share with them that you are as appalled as I am that we had to compel our public servants, Mayor and Council to share with us such unprofessional processes and decision making, let Mayor and the Councillors and the Director of Community Services know how you feel.
Back up yourselves and me!
• Remember they count numbers and I am seen as only one voice.
You also might consider requesting Council to supply you the same information that they supplied me with, so you can follow it up yourself, rather than relying on my interpretation.
A chicken apocalypse in Levin, a furry glove thief in Woolston and a bit of graffiti-proof kiwi ingenuity in Dunedin.
We've found a small selection of goodies from this month that we just couldn't help but share with you all. Click on the titles to see the original posts!
Did you … View moreA chicken apocalypse in Levin, a furry glove thief in Woolston and a bit of graffiti-proof kiwi ingenuity in Dunedin.
We've found a small selection of goodies from this month that we just couldn't help but share with you all. Click on the titles to see the original posts!
Did you know that you can browse posts from neighbourhoods across the country on our Public Notices tab? Any content shared to these public pages are posts that have been made with the "Public Post" box ticked.
I do newborn photography and usually purchase carded wool batting/fleece from overseas to use in my baby photoshoots however, they often get a bit destroyed and need to be re-carded. I would love to find a local supplier and someone who can redo my my ones that have been a bit pulled apart and have… View moreI do newborn photography and usually purchase carded wool batting/fleece from overseas to use in my baby photoshoots however, they often get a bit destroyed and need to be re-carded. I would love to find a local supplier and someone who can redo my my ones that have been a bit pulled apart and have holes torn in them. Thanks
Hello Neighbours!
Read on to find out about our heating option number 3!
UNDERFLOOR HEATING
These work with any floor type but care should be taken with wooden overlays as there is potential for shrinkage. Electrical systems are cheap to install but the running costs are higher. The high … View moreHello Neighbours!
Read on to find out about our heating option number 3!
UNDERFLOOR HEATING
These work with any floor type but care should be taken with wooden overlays as there is potential for shrinkage. Electrical systems are cheap to install but the running costs are higher. The high cost of gas in the South Island also makes these systems more expensive to operate there. Running pipes in your concrete floor slab even if you don’t intend to use them initially, will future-proof your home and may add resale value.
Two new websites, developed by the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO), were launched last week.
One helps people find out what’s happening in their communities during and after an emergency. The other helps people prepare before the big one hits.
The two new websites … View moreTwo new websites, developed by the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO), were launched last week.
One helps people find out what’s happening in their communities during and after an emergency. The other helps people prepare before the big one hits.
The two new websites provide reliable information for people across the region.
www.wremo.nz... - provides local information when an emergency happens and is also the corporate site for WREMO.
www.getprepared.nz... - contains everything people across our region need to get prepared before any emergency occurs.
“The two new websites, along with our Facebook page, are our key communications channels for the people of our region. During an emergency we need people to quickly understand what is happening in their area and how it might affect them, so they can make the best decisions for them and their families,” says Bruce Pepperell, Regional Manager at the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office.
“Working with local councils’ communications people, we know that if an earthquake, tsunami or any other emergency happens, the new WREMO website can be updated quickly and easily. This will be a reliable source of information giving people of the region more certainty about what they need to do”.
"People need specific, targeted and correct information they can follow. We need people to follow official warnings, and it’s imperative they use a credible source for disaster information. These new websites, along with our Facebook page, are those credible sources,” says Mr Pepperell.
“Plus by having information to help people get prepared separated from operational information, means we can best meet the needs of both types of users. It gives us flexibility and our region certainty.”
Following extensive feedback after November’s earthquake, the need to provide localised information became a key priority for WREMO.
Last Novembers’ event saw an increase of 76.9% new users come to WREMO’s website for information, particularly to find tsunami evacuation zone information. Over 160,000 people accessed WREMO’s emergency information within the first hour of the 14 November earthquake. By making these two websites mobile friendly means clear information gets out to where it’s needed, when it’s needed.
Hi all, Time is rapidly approaching for UHCC to decide the future of the 'Trial Service'. A group of us are preparing to gather opinions for the upcoming meetings. We would appreciate it if you could take the time to partake in this poll if you have not already done so on other … View moreHi all, Time is rapidly approaching for UHCC to decide the future of the 'Trial Service'. A group of us are preparing to gather opinions for the upcoming meetings. We would appreciate it if you could take the time to partake in this poll if you have not already done so on other platforms.
Haight ashbury are pleased to welcome our new stylist Jannike D'Sa to the team. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the hairdressing industry. Jannike is expert in the technique of balayage and freehand colour work, loves blow-drying beautiful styles and is great at taming thick … View moreHaight ashbury are pleased to welcome our new stylist Jannike D'Sa to the team. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the hairdressing industry. Jannike is expert in the technique of balayage and freehand colour work, loves blow-drying beautiful styles and is great at taming thick unruly hair.
Come and talk to Jannike for tips and tricks on how to achieve fresh, salon-finished looks and have a good hair day, every day. Book with Jannike till the end of August and receive a complimentary Kerastase Fusio-Dose treatment with your next cut or colour.
Hi Neighbourly members. At SBS Bank we could have a home loan to help make your dream a reality. Whether you’re putting down roots for the first time, upsizing to suit a growing family, planning your dream home or looking to grow your wealth.
Apply online now or phone 0800 SBS BANK.
… View moreHi Neighbourly members. At SBS Bank we could have a home loan to help make your dream a reality. Whether you’re putting down roots for the first time, upsizing to suit a growing family, planning your dream home or looking to grow your wealth.
Apply online now or phone 0800 SBS BANK.
_______
T&Cs apply.
Wing 306 marched out of the Royal New Zealand Police College yesterday. These are our new members coming to the Wellington District!
Welcome aboard guys!
Kia Ora Neighbours
Why not consider our heating option number 2!
MODERN WOOD BURNERS AND WOOD PELLET BURNERS
They are inexpensive to run, energy-efficient and surprisingly environmentally friendly.
They have the advantage of being able to be connected to a wetback, which will provide hot … View moreKia Ora Neighbours
Why not consider our heating option number 2!
MODERN WOOD BURNERS AND WOOD PELLET BURNERS
They are inexpensive to run, energy-efficient and surprisingly environmentally friendly.
They have the advantage of being able to be connected to a wetback, which will provide hot water at no extra cost apart from the installation.
You'll need a building consent to install a woodburner or pellet burner, and have these installed by a specialist installer.
The council will have to inspect the burner before issuing a code compliance certificate.
A PERSONAL STATEMENT
How disappointed am I that I have had to compel through The Official Information Act information that which was ours of right?
I am hurt and offended that the Local Body that is supposed to administer our ratepayer funds is reluctant to engage or be transparent and … View moreA PERSONAL STATEMENT
How disappointed am I that I have had to compel through The Official Information Act information that which was ours of right?
I am hurt and offended that the Local Body that is supposed to administer our ratepayer funds is reluctant to engage or be transparent and accountable for how it spends our monies.
• What else are they hiding?
I am hurt and insulted that the people who are paid to administer our funds or are elected to be there for us, to be the interface between us and Council and visa-versa, ignore me, insult my intelligence and downright lie to me, and through me, insulting you!
I am shocked by the astonishing lack of any professionalism by the Council staff and equally appalled by the Mayor and Councillors lack of depth of knowledge or enquiry in accepting whatever rubbish they are told without proper evidence or research.
• What other services in our city have been compromised by this slack attitude?
• I have lost complete trust in all but a few of our representatives.
All the women Councillors (interestingly enough) are doing what they have sworn to do, it is the men (apart from Steve Taylor, who at least replied, sadly he was really not interested in representing me/us on this issue) who are tardy to the point of possibly breaking their oaths of office, they have certainly broken faith with the ratepayers of Upper Hutt in respect of this issue.
Every Civic Building, everything Council, every stick of furniture, technology, piece of paper, ink, printer, person, park, goal post, swing and every other thing that is Council is paid for by our rates it is ours.
• Not theirs ours.
So here I sit, a pensioner, going back and forth, using my own personal funds and resources to action my end of this, my time and energy, to compel people who I pay, who are resourced by my rates, who sit in building paid for by me, to get information paid for by me, with legal department geared to cover them and advise them how not to give us what we am entitled to, if they can possibly avoid it.
• Then there is me, not able to afford the internet, just my printer, ink, (gifts from my Son) paper, time and whatever wits I can muster on a good day - paying for both sides of this back and forth every time I engage with my Council, that I also pay for and who are already paid to administer and represent my best interests BUT DON’T
Who sit there and hope that as they ‘out resource me’ I will get tired, run out of my resources and just go away.
• Using everything I pay for against me!!
All I want is to be able to get some books out of my Library, as I was able to do for 47years, up to and until these changes.
I want those of us who search by genre only or who are totally confused by the labyrinthine, counter intuitive maze that is adult fiction - for us to be seen and recognised, validated and offered the same chance as everyone else to be included in an accessible to all Library Members and Users in other words Ratepayers (as it used to be)!
• Give us back a professional TRADITIONAL LIBRARY with genre sections!
I am so deeply, deeply resentful! (Can you tell?)
Hi all,
I was lucky enough to view a message re Real Estate Advertising before it was deleted for whatever reason.
I would just like to remind Businesses that Neighbourly does support local ventures but there are guidelines relating to this.
Firstly there are "Premium Businesses" who … View moreHi all,
I was lucky enough to view a message re Real Estate Advertising before it was deleted for whatever reason.
I would just like to remind Businesses that Neighbourly does support local ventures but there are guidelines relating to this.
Firstly there are "Premium Businesses" who pay to subscribe.
Secondly there is an area where "Local Businesses" can advertise for FREE in the appropriate section. Alongside this is the option for locals to RECOMMEND local businesses based on good practice and workmanship.
In relation to Real Estate - there is a 'Property' category on the tool bar under the Green Neighbourly Header at the top of this page where properties can be listed for those interested to view.
For general users of this platform, one can report a message to the Neighbourly Team by clicking on the 3 dots alongside the word 'Save' at the bottom of a message board and clicking on 'Report this message' using 'Business' as a reason for reporting. The Team will then review this and make a decision.
We kiwis sure do love a good pie. InsPIEred by the 2017 Supreme Pie Award celebrations, we want to know where to get the best pie in YOUR neighbourhood!
Comment below where to find your best local pie, sweet or savoury, and you'll be in the draw to WIN a $50 Prezzy® card!
Winner … View moreWe kiwis sure do love a good pie. InsPIEred by the 2017 Supreme Pie Award celebrations, we want to know where to get the best pie in YOUR neighbourhood!
Comment below where to find your best local pie, sweet or savoury, and you'll be in the draw to WIN a $50 Prezzy® card!
Winner announced Monday 7th August.
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