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2295 days ago

Christchurch Cathedral

Mark from Belfast

I do feel strongly about this subject and wonder how many others out there feel the same way. but have not spoken up. I am very upset the the Christchurch Council are to give ten million dollars of rate payers (our) money to help restore the Christchurch Cathedral. In this age of user pays why should this happen? How can this happen?

What would ten million dollars do for the homeless, the sick or the elderly? What would it do to help those still suffering the effects of earthquakes both physical and mental? This is insane!

At a time when all our social services are woefully under funded how can it be right to waste so much public money on this crazyness. What would Jesus say and do? Even the most pious know the answer to that one.

This is not about religion or the belief system, I do not want to get into that long winded and unprovable argument, this is about doing the right thing with public money by the people that need it.

It is simply a case of needs versus wants, no more, no less.

The rate payers are not a bottomless pit of cash for churches, statues or new cars for council staff. Next time you are in town go into the West End car park, lift to the top floor and take a look at the amount of nice shiny vehicles that are lined up with the council logo on them...it is astounding.

I for one will not be paying any part of my rates to support this self indulgent project, anyone else feel the same way?

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

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18 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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10 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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