Simon Aing
Our guest speaker this week was Simon Aing. He is of Cambodian-Chinese extraction and has married into Maoridom, which has given him a particular view of the world.
Simon describes himself as a serial entrepreneur. His two main businesses at present are Easybuild Homes and Concept Solutions. Easybuild supplies part-prefabricated houses from its Upper Hutt factory. A home can be onsite in 8-9 weeks, and
Simon says costs are more predictable and stable with this system.
Concept Solutions is an energy company specialising in solar/battery systems, especially in ‘cluster’ situations where several dwellings share their energy production and take-off. This idea already exists in Europe and it is claimed that it results in efficiency and robustness of supply.
Simon has put together a vision which encompasses groups of low-cost homes, shared energy supply, and the needs of Maori and Pasifika communities, who often have multi-generational living arrangements. Furthermore, Iwi often have land where the ownership is shared and cannot easily be used as collateral for investment.
Simon points out that the concept might also be used as an alternative to the retirement village.
A most interesting talk and possibly a peek into the future.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.1% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Today’s Riddle – Can You Outsmart Your Neighbours?
First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.7% Yes
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14.4% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below