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On a recent trip to Vietnam, a country of 90 million people and over 27 million motor scooters, I could count the sound of different “birds in the wild” (including sparrows) on one hand over the duration of ten days in three of the largest cities and Halong Bay overnight on water. There were of… View moreOn a recent trip to Vietnam, a country of 90 million people and over 27 million motor scooters, I could count the sound of different “birds in the wild” (including sparrows) on one hand over the duration of ten days in three of the largest cities and Halong Bay overnight on water. There were of course farmed Peking ducks in places and in Ho Chi Min City, even the sound of roosters crowing at dawn (used I could see as tourist draw cards or cock fighter stock according to our guide). Sadly too, there were the inevitable personal collections of wild birds in cages. I recalled a similar situation a decade earlier when visiting Surabaya, Indonesia over three years. The lushness of the vegetation in these tropical climes, which might suggest abundance of bird life showed in reality the opposite. There the only bird I saw in the wild was so timid I found difficulty trying to even get a photo. Is it the press of millions of people and their need for food that impacts so significantly on the presence of birds in the wild? Reading the following article printed verbatim below from the Hamilton Press, I would encourage readers to assist in the tracking of our abundant (by comparison) birdlife. I am also sure this would be a great holiday project for children during the pending holiday break.
Choose one hour during the week June 30 to July 8 and record all the birds you can see and hear. You’ll be part of a citizen science project that has been going since 2007. Birds are an indicator for the state of our environment. Comparing numbers from year to year builds up a picture of how bird populations are coping. Full instructions on how to take part and bird identification tips are at landcareresearch.co.nz. Have a good look around the survey website. There’s information about the pros and cons of feeding birds and which species do better in gardens where food is supplied, plus fun quizzes and activities. The interactive Garden Bird Atlas reveals how many sample gardens there are in each suburb. Bird counters cover most of the country but we’re thin on the ground. More participants will give a better picture of bird populations, so please go out there and do your bit.
Our dedicated Fire and Emergency volunteers help keep our communities safe.
So this National Volunteer Week, why not say a big thank you? Here’s how: head to our #LetsHearIt page on Neighbourly and let them know why you’re thankful for what they do.
Our Fire and Emergency New Zealand … View moreOur dedicated Fire and Emergency volunteers help keep our communities safe.
So this National Volunteer Week, why not say a big thank you? Here’s how: head to our #LetsHearIt page on Neighbourly and let them know why you’re thankful for what they do.
Our Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers are always standing by to help out when they’re needed. Thank you for letting them know how grateful you are for everything they do to keep us all safe.
Hamilton Marist used home advantage to come out firing against visitors Hautapu, in Saturday's top o…
I wonder if people on here are aware that the Council, in the last couple of days has said YES to putting $25million (that's right), you read that right.....$25 million of hard earned tax payers money toward this thing.
How dare they; when poll after poll has indicated the vast majority of … View moreI wonder if people on here are aware that the Council, in the last couple of days has said YES to putting $25million (that's right), you read that right.....$25 million of hard earned tax payers money toward this thing.
How dare they; when poll after poll has indicated the vast majority of taxpayers DO NOT want their money invested into this Theatre.
I urge anyone who feels strongly to voice their opinions here. This can not be allowed to go ahead.............if the councillors who voted for this want it, then by all means.....THEY CAN PAY FOR IT!!!!
The value of pioneering courses in agribusiness at St Paul's Collegiate School has already shone thr…
Future proof yourself. Learn to always be thinking one step ahead so that you can thrive with change. Enrol in a Bachelor of Arts at Massey today and build the skills that employers are demanding.
A stellar cast has been called in for Hamilton Operatic Society's stylish season of Sister Act. Li…
There was a slight power shift at the top of the Loaded WaiBOP Premiership table. The Flying Mullet…
Brand new sleepout studio in quiet street in Fairview Downs with ensuite, kitchenette with microwave and small fridge, and partially furnished with firm, comfortable single bed and bedside drawers. Access to laundry. $200/wk, Power and Wi-Fi included. Ideal for a female student. Available from … View moreBrand new sleepout studio in quiet street in Fairview Downs with ensuite, kitchenette with microwave and small fridge, and partially furnished with firm, comfortable single bed and bedside drawers. Access to laundry. $200/wk, Power and Wi-Fi included. Ideal for a female student. Available from early July. Boarder can renew by uni semester.
Call Jan on 02102291728.
Waikato beer and wine writer Simon Wood takes a look at what's on offer at a specialist event coming…
It's National Volunteer Week!
Volunteers create positive change on many fronts – human rights, faith communities, health, education, sports and recreation, social services, arts and culture, emergency services, the environment and conservation, animal welfare, and community support … View moreIt's National Volunteer Week!
Volunteers create positive change on many fronts – human rights, faith communities, health, education, sports and recreation, social services, arts and culture, emergency services, the environment and conservation, animal welfare, and community support development – the list is endless.
If you're interested in volunteering please check out the link below to find out about the different ways you can volunteer:
nationalvolunteerweek.nz...
National Volunteer Week (17 - 23 June). The NVW 2018 theme: Volunteers, The Heart of our Community – By many, the work will be completed, Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai.
#NVW2018
Professioal person required for a Master bedroom with ensuit or Double room, shared bathroom with the owner. Gas & Electric. Industrial heater. Double glazed, unlimited wifi. local phone calls.
Rent $220 & $170. Paking at house for who has the master bedroom. Lage consevatory, House … View moreProfessioal person required for a Master bedroom with ensuit or Double room, shared bathroom with the owner. Gas & Electric. Industrial heater. Double glazed, unlimited wifi. local phone calls.
Rent $220 & $170. Paking at house for who has the master bedroom. Lage consevatory, House is up a long driveway. Garden is been revamped but will be great in the summer, for entertaining. Non smoker or pets.
NZ Post needs to partner up with more local businesses in Hamilton to maintain its services. Postal…
Not everyone chooses to sell their current home when they decide to move on. Sometimes, it’s not even an option. If you’re looking to hang on to your personal home and turn it into a rental, there are a few things to consider first.
1. Wear and tear
This is perhaps the biggest thing … View moreNot everyone chooses to sell their current home when they decide to move on. Sometimes, it’s not even an option. If you’re looking to hang on to your personal home and turn it into a rental, there are a few things to consider first.
1. Wear and tear
This is perhaps the biggest thing homeowners need to know. As a rental, your personal home will experience more wear and tear than it otherwise would if you lived in it. Your garden will probably not look as immaculate as it once did, and your walls and floors may acquire new scuff marks. So, if you can’t shake off your emotional attachment to the property, you may be better off selling it rather than renting it.
2. Location
The location of your home can have a major impact on its rentability and how easy it is to find quality tenants. If you’re close to local amenities like schools, Waikato University, Waikato Hospital or public transport routes, you have a better chance of keeping your property tenanted.
3. Maintenance
If your home is high maintenance - perhaps it has a pool, a large garden, or old appliances - know that you’ll need to keep it maintained to a reasonable condition to meet your obligations as a landlord/owner. This may involve extra ongoing costs, or costs to remedy the amount of maintenance required.
4. Family homes do best
In Hamilton, family-sized homes do particularly well on the rental market. Four-bedroom houses in Hamilton fetch, on average, between $450 and $520 per week. As for the strongest performing suburbs, Hamilton East/University, Te Kowhai/St Andrews/Queenwood, Dinsdale South/Frankton, Dinsdale North/Nawton and Flagstaff/Rototuna have recently experienced the strongest rental growth for family-sized properties with three to five (or more) bedrooms.
5. Landlord responsibilities
When you turn your personal home into a rental, you will take on the mantle of landlord, which comes with its own set of responsibilities. This includes finding and screening tenants, conducting or arranging inspections, repairs and maintenance. It’s a lot to manage—especially if you’re no longer living in the region. It’s why so many investors hire professional property managers to take care of the day-to-day running of their properties. Moreover, their fees are tax deductible.
Important note: If you’re leaving the country for more than 21 days, you’ll need to either appoint someone as your landlord in your stead or hire a property manager.
6. Tax implications
If you turn your home into a residential investment, be aware that you may not be able to make tax claims against it. It always pays to talk to a professional accountant to make sure you set up your home-turned-rental properly to avoid issues with tax, ownership and debt allocation.
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