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UPPER HUTT CITY LIBRARY
On Sunday 17th at 10.15am I went to my Library, knowing that there would not be genre separation.
I thought I could at least send an important (to me) email – ummm! NO the network wasn't working, (never genre or internet problems in the 18months I have been going to Lower Hutt Memorial Library), is Upper Hutt a part of the 21st Century?
No genre sections, in Upper Hutt - but they have a genre display area.
What is that? Either genre matters or it doesn't! I see this at the very least as an admission that people need to, want to and do identify books by genre!
I am inclining toward the thought that the Library Manager, Marion Read and the Council are now trying to prove their point, rather than engaging with, listening to, including or serving the citizens of our city. With no demonstrable research, no clear data, no community engagement, they are downgrading our Library by stealth!
I, like many others who for variety of sensory reasons , are still excluded from our Library.
None of us were complaining before the change – all of us were able to find and withdraw our choice of books. The Library met everyones needs.
Many since Feb 2017 have commented on their individual difficulties with the “philosophical trend' on both neighbourly and Facebook - these comments have been collected and collated and I can send a copy of it to anyone new standing for Mayor or Council who cares to show an interest. Those that do so will get my vote.
WHY WE DON'T KNOW WHATS HAPPENING UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE?
For the Mayor to say that meeting times, agenda etc are publicly available and it is up to us to keep up with every committee in case there is an item of interest or concern to us, is disingenuous.
To infer that if we don't turn up to the meeting, we don't care enough, is an insult. Insulting to all those who don't have, mobility, the internet, and insulting to all those differently able people out there who can't readily access information, many of who are ratepayers or Library members. Council don't mind taking their rates!
Once upon a time the Leader had a Journalist attend all council meetings, who then reported items of community interest or concern via the Leader to all our community BEFORE it happened. That gap has not been filled. The Mayor and Council like us to be mushrooms!
Good ethical Journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. The bridge between those of power and authority and those of us who have paid taxes or rates, to whom we have corporately devolved our collective power to them to represent us.
So whose interests does the LEADER serve? It is not our community interests. It is nothing more than a advertorial notice board. Yet another example of offshore exploitation!
I am not quite sure what function the Editor has, perhaps a degree in cut and paste techniques?
The people of Upper Hutt deserve better and to be represented, to be engaged with and consulted over such fundamental changes, not as happens now which is a fait accompli!
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Poll: Have you ever had a scary flight?
A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?
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56.5% Yes!
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43.5% No, it's always been smooth flying
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ALEXANDER ROAD SPEED LIMIT
Alexander Road in Trentham-Wallaceville of which 50% separates a golf course from a military encampment enclosure and the rest has mostly high fenced off industrial and residential areas on both sides, should have a 70km speed restriction.
Only a short time ago the road had a 80km restriction and was reduced to a pedestrian 50km much to the frustration of many. It has never been an accident prone stretch of road.
The several round-abouts ensure speed is reduced to 30-40km when these things occur.
I recently stayed a few days in Feilding - often given the title of the best town in NZ - and one of the lengthy main streets has a 70km speed restriction despite a predominance of unfenced residential properties on both sides.
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LIVE Q&A: Financial well-being with Cat Rikihana
Today (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.
Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'
She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)
↓ Share your questions now and Cat will reply to your comment below ↓
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