Brown Owl, Upper Hutt

DIY right first time #resenetip

DIY right first time #resenetip

Need to brush up your DIY skills? Check out the free MasterStroke by Resene DIY Decorating Manual for everything you need to get started.

2723 days ago

Upper Hutt Library Changes

Jan from Ebdentown

I am disappointed to have to tell you that I have not heard from any councillors other than Angela McLeod who has acknowledged me and she has indicated that she is looking into it and would like to meet in the near future.
Steve Taylor has contacted me and he at least went and spent time in the … View more
I am disappointed to have to tell you that I have not heard from any councillors other than Angela McLeod who has acknowledged me and she has indicated that she is looking into it and would like to meet in the near future.
Steve Taylor has contacted me and he at least went and spent time in the Library, he says for him its ok, but he could see it might not suit all.
He also said he thought it was an “operational matter” and couldn’t see what he could do, but we could meet if I liked – I felt dismissed so I declined a meeting, I don’t see the point in using my time to talk to folk who are supposed to represent me and don’t know how that works.

I had been having ongoing correspondence with the Director Community Services – one Mike Ryan – who now no longer replies to my letters- I have been asking him to supply often quoted relevant information. He consistently does not supply it.

The Questions:
• To be given access to the quoted research of “similar libraries here and overseas” that Library and Council say is the successful model that they have adopted for our Library. To be given the statistical data and the sources.
I also asked:
• Is the Library registering and counting over the counter complaints?
• Is the Library registering and counting daily requests for help?
• Do staff point out and direct complainants to feedback forms?
I asked the Mayor in person
Now that there is little to no ‘line of sight’ in the Library and people can effectively disappear behind shelving - accident, illness, emergency, criminality all are obscured in the current layout? He told me there were many cameras I asked if they were being monitored, he said he didn’t know but he would ask and get back to me – I am still waiting.
• CCTV who is monitoring and how often? Will incidents be seen while happening or will it be only useful as evidence after the fact?

I have good reason to believe they do not have the information that they quote as the basis for changing our library. I believe they have never had it.
My feeling is that this trendy philosophy has come directly from our new Library Manager, Marion Read, to satisfy Councils need for a ‘cost to benefit’ analysis, so that data could then be used to downsize or downgrade our Library. Something she perhaps was a part of in Auckland where she came to us from?
We don’t even have a Chief or Head Librarian anymore, which has me wondering what the qualifications now are and whether or not Library Managers cost less than Librarians?
Does Marion Read reside in or pay rates in Upper Hutt?
Remember all these people are paid by us to administer our city, and along with fulfilling what the local body law requires of all our local bodies, they are also supposed to reflect their specific community needs, wants and identity!
Our representatives are elected by us to represent us and are paid for by us.
Be assured that I will not vote for anyone that ignores me and takes my money while doing so!
How sad is it that we will now have to spend even more of our unpaid time and effort to require our paid for by us City Council to comply with the law?

My issues are and have always been Accessibility and Inclusivity

If you want more detail on my correspondence with UHCC go to my blog www.publiclibrarytrends.blogspot.co.nz...

2738 days ago

Upper Hutt Library Changes

Jan from Ebdentown

On Monday 24th April I emailed all the Councillors individually, except for Steve Taylor whose address I mucked up, he got his a week later.

I asked for their help to get UHCC to provide me with the research evidence of the other similar libraries here and overseas, that Council quote as being … View more
On Monday 24th April I emailed all the Councillors individually, except for Steve Taylor whose address I mucked up, he got his a week later.

I asked for their help to get UHCC to provide me with the research evidence of the other similar libraries here and overseas, that Council quote as being successful in increasing Library viability, and number of books borrowed since adopting said philosophy.

I requested all the stats/data and sources that UHCC obtained and used as their comparative basis/template/model to change our Library. I have been asking for this since the beginning of February. Either they don’t have it – or they just don’t want me to have it!

I also asked all the Councillors to pop into our Library and give themselves 15mins of an imagined half hour lunch hour to find just two books one by genre and one other by author after H and let me know how they go.

I also have asked if the Library counts/logs requests for help and if they also count ‘over the counter complaints’? They should, in my opinion, be responsible for gathering all user comments, formal or informal.

I also asked that they please contact me to put my face to my name. I am still waiting to be contacted, acknowledged or dignified by any of them.

Wow. How sad is that Upper Hutt? Your elected representatives don’t even have good manners enough to acknowledge my email. Not a single one!

How is that OK to ignore the people you serve, the people who pay you? Contact your elected representatives and make them accountable.

Please add your voice to mine, email your council and say to them just what you have said here on Neighbourly.

UPPER HUTT CITY COUNCIL
Email: askus@uhcc.govt.nz
Web: www.upperhuttcity.com...
Facebook: www.facebook.com...

2725 days ago

UH Animal Rescue Open Day !

Upper Hutt Leader Sales

4 King Charles Drive, Kingsely Heights Upper Hutt.
Sunday 11 June 2017 12 noon – 5:00pm
Kittens and Cats for Adoption, Name the baby Rabbits Competition,
Sausage Sizzle, Lucky Dips.

Image
C
2726 days ago

garden tidy up

Carol from Brown Owl

I need someone strong to help with garden tidy up, including cutting back and weed spraying.  It's labouring rather than gardening!  Call me if you can help.  Terry or Carol 526 2256.

2727 days ago

Public transport payment revolution could roll out around the country. Are you in favour?

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

A debit or credit card may soon be all you need to travel on buses, trains and ferries across the country - unless you are in Auckland.
Greater Wellington Regional Council is looking for an operator for the new system, which could arrive in Wellington as soon as 2020. Each time you jump on public… View more
A debit or credit card may soon be all you need to travel on buses, trains and ferries across the country - unless you are in Auckland.
Greater Wellington Regional Council is looking for an operator for the new system, which could arrive in Wellington as soon as 2020. Each time you jump on public transport around the nation, you would swipe your credit or debit card and be charged the most cost-effective fare. What do you think? Would this be better than our current system? Why? Comments may be used in print unless stated otherwise with NFP (Not For Print)

Image
2728 days ago

Gain Work Experience with a community project Digitisation

Michelle from Clouston Park - Kingsley Heights

Working with technology and cloud based documents I have a work experience project running in the Upper Hutt City area and thought you or maybe some of your friends might be interested; In a “nutshell” we are looking to give candidates /students or people returning to the workforce who are … View moreWorking with technology and cloud based documents I have a work experience project running in the Upper Hutt City area and thought you or maybe some of your friends might be interested; In a “nutshell” we are looking to give candidates /students or people returning to the workforce who are looking for work experience an opportunity to work and gain experience in an Accounting firm office. Please note that this is not a salaried position, it is solely to gain work experience in an accounting office. We are in the process of creating Accounting Digitisation (Using Digital Technology) to upload work related information into a ‘cloud’ based system. It is a very exciting project and will give candidates the opportunity to reflect this experience onto their CV’s. The business I am assisting, Business Manager will sign off their experience level and accomplishment. The project is already underway and will run for approximately 4 months. Suitable candidates will be anyone who is computer literate and whom is looking for administrative work or related experience, Accounting, Business Management, IT – information technology, Learn office administration skills in a friendly environment. We will interview and select candidates with appropriate skills and availability. Although the project will run for approximately four months, candidates would be scheduled to assist in the project according to their availability or as much time/experience as they require during the remaining months the project will run. Please contact me should you require any further information. Regards Miranda Greer Consultant Westlakes International Recruitment Ltd phone: +64(0)4 889 0702 m: +64(0)21 258 0099 miranda@westlakesrecruitment.com

2728 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

Image
2733 days ago

Do we need to make sausage sizzles healthier? Tell us what you think!

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

Thanks for your comments everyone- interesting discussion! Comments are now closed.
The traditional sausage sizzle fundraiser is being given a healthy makeover as part of a scheme to improve Kiwis' health.
Healthy Families is trying to convince charities to sell healthier foods, rather than… View more
Thanks for your comments everyone- interesting discussion! Comments are now closed.
The traditional sausage sizzle fundraiser is being given a healthy makeover as part of a scheme to improve Kiwis' health.
Healthy Families is trying to convince charities to sell healthier foods, rather than the traditional fried sausages on white bread with tomato sauce. What do you think? Do we need to make sausage sizzles healthier or is this messing with a Kiwi tradition? Comments may be used in print unless stated otherwise with NFP (Not For Print).

Image
2729 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

Image
2730 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...

Image
R
2730 days ago

shuttle driver position available

Rose from Clouston Park - Kingsley Heights

Drivers required for the above positions ........full or part time considered...
Must have a P Endorsement and ALSO A SEPERATE I.D PHOTO to display in vehicle.
Must be prepared to do different shifts including night shift and shift days also........
Could be full time if interested in the … View more
Drivers required for the above positions ........full or part time considered...
Must have a P Endorsement and ALSO A SEPERATE I.D PHOTO to display in vehicle.
Must be prepared to do different shifts including night shift and shift days also........
Could be full time if interested in the evening /night shift....
Commission based ..more hours u work more pay...
CONTACT Rose ..0275644459
email..poohbr@ihug.co.nz

2741 days ago

What do you think of a cycling/walking trail between Wellington and Lower Hutt?

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

Hi everyone, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! Comments are now closed.

Cycling between Lower Hutt and Wellington can be a risky affair dodging cars and battling weather.
A safer route for cyclists has been talked about for decades and it finally appears to be coming a little closer to… View more
Hi everyone, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! Comments are now closed.

Cycling between Lower Hutt and Wellington can be a risky affair dodging cars and battling weather.
A safer route for cyclists has been talked about for decades and it finally appears to be coming a little closer to reality. Is this something you would use? What do you think about it? Comments may be used in print unless stated otherwise with NFP (Not for Print)

Image
2731 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

Image
2733 days ago

Winters here - time to dress warm

Wayne Chapman from The Gunshop

Just arrived a huge range of winter clothes, long sleeve thermal tops (Mens and womens), feleec t's, Womens kakapo jackets and new these cute kids Paw tee's (shown is Orange but come with blue and pink claw as well, sizes 6mths to 10yo). Plenty of warm gloves, beanies and socks as well

Image
2734 days ago

Which local group will you support?

Z

Good in the Hood is your chance to support local groups in your neighbourhood. Right across New Zealand, groups of all sizes and from a variety of backgrounds are meeting different needs in their communities. So next time you’re at your local Z, remember to vote and … View moreGood in the Hood is your chance to support local groups in your neighbourhood. Right across New Zealand, groups of all sizes and from a variety of backgrounds are meeting different needs in their communities. So next time you’re at your local Z, remember to vote and help a group do good in your hood. Meet the groups

Image
Top