573 days ago

Downsizing the Wellington City Council

Neil from Thorndon

This was published in the Post weeks ago but in case you missed it....

My recent Official Information Request to the Wellington City Council was very revealing. My request was sparked by reading that Wellington Water alone has eight people in "Communications". Wouldn't these 'Spin Doctors' be better employed by Wellington Water as plumbers to fix the leaking pipes?
It gets worse. The OIA revealed that the Wellington City Council employs between 53 and 65 people in "communications", as well as 12 in "cultural", 12 more in "Maori Liaison", 16 in "Cycle Planning" and a staggering 35 people in "Climate Change!" Am I alone in thinking that at least half of these positions should be closed? What actual function do they perform in a city of 216,200 with a declining population?
If it's good enough for the new central government to downsize the boated public service, then isn't it time that the WCC did the same?

More messages from your neighbours
10 hours ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

Image
19 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

Image
5 days ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

Image
🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
  • 52.6% Human-centred experience and communication
    52.6% Complete
  • 14.8% Critical thinking
    14.8% Complete
  • 29.9% Resilience and adaptability
    29.9% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I will share below!
    2.7% Complete
546 votes