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Upper Hutt In Charge Of The Country
It seems almost certain that Chris Hipkins will be the new Prime Minister of NZ.
Hipkins best credential is that he is the member for Remutaka ie Upper Hutt.
He is also rather personable and approachable - which follows in the footsteps of John Key and Jacinda Ardern and are traits which by and large Kiwis prefer.
His reputation for being effective, efficient and quick witted will not harm his stint as PM be it only til this coming October.
During the Thorndon Fair a few weeks ago, my Corgi used Ardern's garden as a toilet. I hope that was not a reason for her departure.
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Poll: Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?
Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?
Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.
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83.1% It's fine!
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15% It annoys me!
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Bees and insects
The fruit trees are in blossom but where are the bees? A few bumblebees but nothing else?
We seem to have a crisis for some reason. I see in the UK where they actually keep records, 80% of butterflies are in decline, 42% of bees and hoverflies are also in decline since the 1980's, and in another survey all flying insects in the UK are down 60% between 2004 and 2021.Even earthworms in the UK are down 30% in 25 years. Perhaps we are the same? Anyway - no fruit on our trees this summer I guess.
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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 80lm 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.