Local body elections
On the weekend I received my local body voting papers and a booklet full of candidates’ statements. Like many people I don’t know the majority of candidates although I recognise some of the names from the plethora of signage currently displayed.
Also on the weekend I read about Stuff’s project where they contacted every candidate in every council race to ask a series of questions about climate change. Stuff also asked them all for a short position statement on climate change issues. (Found at interactives.stuff.co.nz...)
I was disappointed to discover that some of the candidates in my district have not yet responded, or perhaps have no intention of responding, to the ten questions posed to them. We all have a range of views about climate change and possible council actions. I didn’t agree with some of the responses, including that of the candidate who answered ‘no’ to the first question: “The climate is warming as a direct consequence of human actions.”
But I commend that candidate for having the gumption to be honest to the voters.
To simplify my voting choices I’ve crossed out the names of all the candidates who did not respond to the survey.
The climate change issue is divisive and maybe the candidates who did not respond were worried that expressing a point of view may lose them some votes. Or perhaps they were too busy doing other things, such as putting up more signs asking for our votes. That’s not the type of person I want to be an elected representative of my community.
I would prefer to vote for that candidate who answered ‘no’, than to vote for someone who chooses to keep silent over an important issue.
Willoughbridge
Hi neighbours. "Willoughbridge" is our 3 acre garden set in Southbrook, Rangiora. We are Secret Gardens hosts, which means we are pleased to share our knowledge and our garden with like minded people. We provide guided 2 hr tours of Willoughbridge for a set fee, 10% of which is donated to Satisfy Food Rescue of Kaiapoi. For further information and bookings, visit secretgardens.co.nz. "Willoughbridge" is also found on FB and Instagram, where we have regular updates and tips and tricks. We hope you will find something of interest in our posts. Happy Gardening.
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What workplace change would you like to see most?
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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