Online Passport renewal
I am wondering if others are finding the online application for a passport is fraught with significant photo rejection rates that I have found. Sure, the passports.govt.nz website provides guidelines for submitting photos and there is a jovially ‘hip style' video which paints an "oh too easy" simplification on how to avoid the errors that eventually my attempts have been rejected for. It seems to accentuate my inability to be successful big time. Once rejected, each critique offers little suggestion as to “how to fix" the attempts being made for a subsequent resubmission. One critique even implied that a colour photo i had submitted was black and white. Subsequent submissions have then included different rejection comments that could also have applied to earlier submissions.
My choice to submit an online application is aimed precisely to achieve the goal of using the internet to save travel and expense of passport renewal, lifelong learning and staying connected in a digital world as a pensioner. Undertaking tasks online should be a breeze but I am finding this task not so simple at all. Surely there could be a template provided with instructions of how to set multiple phones or cameras to achieve the desired aspect ratio, pixel size and light intensity? I have a 20megapixel Sony xperia smartphone which takes impressive photos - but this assignment has almost got me stumped. Relevant comments would be appreciated.
I will withhold my far from friendly looking attempts at photo submission meanwhile.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
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.
Six tips for improving security around your home
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.
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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