Plimmerton, Porirua

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Wondering about something in your neighbourhood?

Whether it's a new building going up or a strange noise you keep hearing, ask your neighbours here.

2726 days ago

Taking Care of Business

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

In recent years New Zealand’s regional business associations have formed a national body to advocate for their interests. The national body is called Business NZ and its CEO, Kirk Hope, spoke at Plimmerton Rotary on 22nd May.

Business NZ was all about promoting sustainable businesses. “New … View more
In recent years New Zealand’s regional business associations have formed a national body to advocate for their interests. The national body is called Business NZ and its CEO, Kirk Hope, spoke at Plimmerton Rotary on 22nd May.

Business NZ was all about promoting sustainable businesses. “New Zealand compares well globally. We have an annual growth rate of 2.7%, low unemployment, a broad-based economy, and an excellent business environment, with high transparency coupled with very low levels of corruption.”

In terms of GDP per capita, NZ ranked 16th in the world. However this country ranked 6th in the world for household debt. “This is a concern, although we compare well with Scandinavian countries like the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. Even so, the high level of household debt could make NZ vulnerable in the event of a severe economic downturn.”

Our two most lucrative export industries were Dairy and Tourism, each producing $13 billion of income annually for this country. These were followed by Meat, Forestry, and Horticulture, each of which earned between $4 billion and $5 billion. “Another lucrative area for us is Export Education, which earned $3 billion last year, and is growing rapidly.”

The sector to watch however, was Technology. “This is our fastest growing sector. It currently earns us about $1 billion annually. The good thing about exporting technology is that it weighs nothing, so it can be exported anywhere in the world at no cost.”

For commodities, Mr Hope believed the future lay in adding value rather than in increasing volume. “We need to do a lot more in this country to add value to our commodities before we export them. Our farming needs to be less intensive which will be much better for our environment. Even though a high percentage of our streams and rivers are fenced off, the waste from dairy herds still leaches into our waterways and we should all be concerned about that.”

The state of Australia’s economy was very important for New Zealand’s well-being. “The Australians have bounced back amazingly well from the end of their resources boom. We regularly run comparisons between our economy and theirs, and it is clear that the two are closely linked. If the Australian economy is strong then ours is likely to be strong also.”

Mr Hope had strong words on the differing attitudes of the two major political parties towards the Resource Management Act. “Until we can get consensus across the political spectrum on this Act, it will inevitably slow our progress in a number of important areas.”

On the viability of the Trans Pacific Partnership excluding the USA, Mr Hope conceded the agreement would not be as good without the US, but it would still be very positive for NZ. “What we need is a PR campaign to advocate the TPP and the positive effects it is likely to have on all New Zealanders.”

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2726 days ago

Are you building or home-renovating?

Home & Interiors Ltd

Hello neighbours! Visit Home & Interiors and find two halls packed with inspiration and unique products, plus an exciting array of exhibitors offering their expert advice on the hottest home trends. Discuss your project, gather ideas and avoid mistakes by learning directly from the industry … View moreHello neighbours! Visit Home & Interiors and find two halls packed with inspiration and unique products, plus an exciting array of exhibitors offering their expert advice on the hottest home trends. Discuss your project, gather ideas and avoid mistakes by learning directly from the industry specialists.

Take advantage of special offers - only available at the show - and enjoy a friendly atmosphere at Wellington’s finest exhibition venue. 9-11 June, TSB Arena and Shed 6, Wellington. We would love to see you there!
Learn more

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2733 days ago

The end of the humble sausage sizzle?

Reporter Kapi-Mana News

The government is hoping to encourage charities to ditch the humble sausage sizzle in favor of healthier options. What do you reckon?
**put NFP with your comment if you don't want it printed in next week's Kapi-Mana News**

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2727 days ago

Our native trees need your help

Ministry for Primary Industries

Myrtle rust is a fungus that can destroy our native and taonga trees such as pōhutukawa, mānuka, kānuka and rātā. It also attacks feijoa trees. Severe infestations can kill affected plants and have long-term impacts on the regeneration of young plants and seedlings.
And it’s now in New … View more
Myrtle rust is a fungus that can destroy our native and taonga trees such as pōhutukawa, mānuka, kānuka and rātā. It also attacks feijoa trees. Severe infestations can kill affected plants and have long-term impacts on the regeneration of young plants and seedlings.
And it’s now in New Zealand – sightings have been reported in Kerikeri in Northland, Waitara in Taranaki and Te Kuiti in Waikato.

If you see it, DO NOT TOUCH OR DISTURB THE PLANT. Please take a photo and call us immediately on 0800 80 99 66.

To find out more about the invasive Myrtle rust fungus please visit www.mpi.govt.nz/myrtlerust
Find out more

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2728 days ago

WHY NOT??!!

Jan & Marian from Paekakariki

Welcome to the Wednesday morning Paekakariki EARLY BIRDS TOASTMASTERS!
We would love you on board of our newly started club. Enhance your skills in whatever area of speaking.
Check us out for free a few times. We start at 6.45AM sharp to stop at 8.00AM. Easy to hop on and off the train and start … View more
Welcome to the Wednesday morning Paekakariki EARLY BIRDS TOASTMASTERS!
We would love you on board of our newly started club. Enhance your skills in whatever area of speaking.
Check us out for free a few times. We start at 6.45AM sharp to stop at 8.00AM. Easy to hop on and off the train and start your day inspired. Real coffee and tea served. Questions? 021897605

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2728 days ago

Help Porirua Get a 500 seater performing arts centre

Andy from Judgeford - Pauatahanui

As part of the Aotea College rebuild, the school is aiming to build a 500 seat performing arts centre for use by the whole of the Porirua community. It's the missing centre that Porirua desperately needs. Please consider dontating to the schools GiveALittle page (givealittle.co.nz...)

2728 days ago

Spade Aid - Help us Plant 5,000 Trees in Four Hours

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Greater Wellington Regional Council works with volunteers like you to plant up to 25,000 trees a season and we need your help!

Join us this year and help us achieve our goal of planting 25,000 trees a season. You make the difference.

Join us at MacKays Crossing entrance at Queen Elizabeth … View more
Greater Wellington Regional Council works with volunteers like you to plant up to 25,000 trees a season and we need your help!

Join us this year and help us achieve our goal of planting 25,000 trees a season. You make the difference.

Join us at MacKays Crossing entrance at Queen Elizabeth Park for a morning of tree planting on the 2nd of July from 10am-2pm.

There will be free a free sausage sizzle and live music!
Please bring appropriate footwear and warm clothes.

For more information, please visit www.gw.govt.nz... or RSVP to the Facebook event goo.gl...

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2729 days ago

The only BA you can study by distance.

Massey University

Learning can happen anywhere. Enrol in a Bachelor of Arts at Massey – the only BA you can study from wherever you are. With 26 majors on offer you can study what you’re passionate about, while gaining valuable knowledge that will serve you now and in the future. Semester 2 starts July. Learn more

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