Houghton Bay, Wellington

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799 days ago

What you need to know about your Labour and Green Party candidates in the local body elections

John from Island Bay

Citizens, you have or will shortly receive your local body election voting papers and I hope you are going to take the time to vote. Perhaps you are planning to vote for candidates standing under a Labour or Green logo or who are standing as independents but are endorsed by the Labour or Green … View moreCitizens, you have or will shortly receive your local body election voting papers and I hope you are going to take the time to vote. Perhaps you are planning to vote for candidates standing under a Labour or Green logo or who are standing as independents but are endorsed by the Labour or Green party. But what does that mean?
What the public are never told is that the Labour Party exacts a high price from candidates who use their trademark.

It will surprise most people to learn that the Labour Party requires that candidates using the Labour logo sign a pledge to support and implement Labour policy irrespective of the views of local residents. Further, all Labour candidates pledge to block vote on issues of Labour policy.

The rewards for this abdication of local loyalty are political career opportunities and campaign assistance – databases, email systems, door knocking volunteers, billboard teams and social media support. One recent bauble was Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry’s appointment to the Labour Government’s Three Waters review taskforce, a body that reported back very recently with, no substantial changes to the policy opposed by the majority of Lower Hutt’s residents.”

Full details of the constraints on local body candidates running under a Labour banner can be found on the Party’s website under Constitution and Rules.

Rule 1.3.1 (a) confirms that Labour’s primary objective in supporting candidates is to ensure their policies are enacted: “to elect competent men and women to… local bodies through free elections for the purpose of giving effect to Party policy and principles.”

Rule 4.2.1 makes it clear that support for Labour’s policies is non-negotiable: “The Policy Platform is binding on… all Labour Party members elected to public office who describe their affiliation as ‘Labour’ or ‘Labour Party’ on the ballot.”

Rule 12.4.1 outlines the pledge that Labour candidate must sign to cement their absolute commitment to the Party: “Having been nominated as a Candidate for… [position being sought] I hereby accept nomination and declare…

(b) I will wholeheartedly support the duly selected candidates of the Party...

(e) I will faithfully observe the Constitution and Policy Platform and Policy of the Party.

(f) If elected, I will vote on all questions in accordance with the decisions of the Caucus of the Parliamentary Labour Caucus or, in the case of Local Body questions, a duly constituted meeting of Party representatives on such body…

(l) I understand that if I fail to comply with this candidate pledge that I could be subject to disciplinary action…”

These rules make it clear that local body candidates elected under the Labour banner are expected to obey Party directives. Any failure to comply, could result in suspension from the party.

Green backed candidates operate under similar constraints.

Here’s an example. When councils were voting on Wellington’s Spatial Plan: “Grant Robertson expressed his ‘expectation’ that its councillors would vote for an ‘ambitious’ plan (code for removing planning controls). They duly toed the party line, demolishing character protections from at least 75% of Wellington’s inner heritage suburbs.

Labour supports candidates as ‘independents’, when that’s seen as an advantage: “In Tawa’s Northern ward, it suited the party for Councillor Jill Day (a Labour Party member) to be ‘Labour endorsed’ (supported by) but not ‘affiliated’ (ie an official representative). That allows a brand-blur for the likes of Labour mayoral candidate Paul Eagle who is campaigning with yellow billboards.

Many of you will be aware that WCC has just voted to drop speed limits on 80% of city streets to 30kph within a few years on the premise of ‘safety’ and to get people out of private cars and also to proceed with the controversial Newtown to city cycleway. Those who voted for this were all from the left block of our councillors (Condie, Day, Fitzsimons, Free, Foon, Pannett, O’Neill, Matthews). This despite an overwhelming number of people who do not want this. In a NewstalkZB interview by Heather du Plessis-Allen about the decision with Councillor Iona Pannett she replied “That is not how we make decisions”. The arrogance is telling but tells me that Green and Labour supported candidates aren’t interested in the views of citizens who elect them but in the doctrine of their party to whom they are accountable. Do we really want people like this holding the reins of decisions that affect all of us who live here? Will cycleway expansion and reduced speed limits drive people away from obtaining services and products in Wellington because it’s just too hard to operate in the city?

So dear citizens, I implore you to think very carefully about who you vote for this election. In particular do you want Labour or Green party doctrine riding roughshod over the majority of what us as citizens may want. Think about those that are truly independent (and not endorsed by a party as Paul Eagle and Tory Whanau are) and hopefully we can attract some new blood who put the interests of the city first and not their party.

773 days ago

School Holiday Sale continues!

NZ Red Cross from Red Cross Shop Kilbirnie

Our school holiday sale continues, we have 25% off all kids clothing and 50% off all dresses, until this Sunday, so be in quick!

We are always looking for volunteers, so if you have a few hours spare, call (04) 3871100, email shop.kilbirnie@redcross.org.nz , or come on in to 27 Rongotai Road … View more
Our school holiday sale continues, we have 25% off all kids clothing and 50% off all dresses, until this Sunday, so be in quick!

We are always looking for volunteers, so if you have a few hours spare, call (04) 3871100, email shop.kilbirnie@redcross.org.nz , or come on in to 27 Rongotai Road Kilbirnie. The shop is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm Sunday.

We hope to see you soon!

The team at Red Cross Kilbirnie.

773 days ago

Gardening !

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Kilbirnie

Spring is here And we have just had 12 weeks of rain! So the gardens are looking hammered !
That’s where we can help , call today for a free quote to sort your Garden , trees or lawns , Gardens !
0272430951

773 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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773 days ago

Interior painting

Hugh from White Collar Painters

Hey there folks,
Summer is coming but the rain is still persisting. If you require any interior painting before the crazy season let me know. Free quotes and references available on request. Many thanks, and I look forward to working with you.
Your friendly neighborhood Painter.

793 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Reporter Community News

Words and text by Louise Thomas.
"Some days you just want to lie in the surf and blow bubbles and that's okay. Red-billed gull/tarāpunga (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) on Petone Beach."

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775 days ago

Ryman residents aren’t defined by dementia

Ryman Healthcare

Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on … View more
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.

At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.

Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Learn more

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776 days ago

World Mental Health Day

NumberWorks'nWords Kilbirnie

Every year, World Mental Health Day is held on 10th October. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is "Mental Health in an Unequal World".

World Mental Health Day is dedicated to promoting the understanding of mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. It's important … View more
Every year, World Mental Health Day is held on 10th October. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is "Mental Health in an Unequal World".

World Mental Health Day is dedicated to promoting the understanding of mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. It's important to raise awareness of mental health conditions and ensure that communities recognise the part each person has to play in creating a mentally healthy society. World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to do this.

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776 days ago

Homed Dominion Post - Out Now!

Jessica Zimmerman Reporter from Homed - Dominion Post

Our House of the Week this week is an idyllic country estate in Tauherenikau that is as historic as it is breathtakingly beautiful. For sale through Anthony Morsinkhof from PQ Property Intelligence. Read all about it on page 3 of Homed.

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed … View more
Our House of the Week this week is an idyllic country estate in Tauherenikau that is as historic as it is breathtakingly beautiful. For sale through Anthony Morsinkhof from PQ Property Intelligence. Read all about it on page 3 of Homed.

Looking for an agent to market your home?
Check Homed Dominion Post to find agents who are actively marketing in your area and chat to them about getting your property featured in the Homed Dominion Post.

Distribution & Delivery:
Homed Dominion Post gets inserted into The Dominion Post, and is delivered to subscribers every Saturday. It is also available in Supermarkets, Dairies and Petrol Stations for customers to buy.

For more information:
Please ask your agent to contact Cameron Beattie cameron.beattie@stuff.co.nz OR Niko Perez niko.perez@stuff.co.nz

Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000 or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz

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778 days ago

Get decorating and $ave with Resene.

Resene

Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and … View more
Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.

Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!

Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and participating reseller until 31 October 2022. Paint offers are also available at Mitre 10 MEGA and selected Mitre 10 stores. Excludes WallPrint, decals, Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and enjoy these great savings.
Find out more

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778 days ago

2023 Te Motu Kairangi / Miramar Peninsula Calendar

John from Hataitai

I have put together a calendar for 2023 of my photography on the Miramar Peninsula over the past year. This will be printed shortly and available for sale. More details can be found at:
www.johnklaphake.photography...
Thanks for your support - appreciated!

Negotiable

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779 days ago

Garden trellis

The Team from Resene ColorShop Kilbirnie

Mark the entrance to your special spot in the garden with Resene Lumbersider. Find out how to create your own.

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780 days ago

Train with Snapper on all train lines

Greater Wellington Regional Council

Use Snapper on the Kāpiti line from 12 November, all other lines from 27 November.

Tag on and off for every journey. Your Snapper payment may be checked, cash still accepted onboard the train.
Know more

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780 days ago

Do you have great recipes for basil and nasturtium?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition… View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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781 days ago

Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights returns to the capital ✨

Mollie Coulton from Wellington City Council

The vibrant Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights returns to the capital on Sunday 16 October ✨🥻🪔

At a new venue this year, Diwali will be smaller but just as sweet with non-stop cultural entertainment, food, and Indian cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Join us at the … View more
The vibrant Wellington Diwali Festival of Lights returns to the capital on Sunday 16 October ✨🥻🪔

At a new venue this year, Diwali will be smaller but just as sweet with non-stop cultural entertainment, food, and Indian cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Join us at the Michael Fowler Centre from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Here you’ll find delicious Indian vegetarian food stalls, traditional and contemporary dance, music and fashion, arts, crafts and henna stalls.

The celebrations will finish with a colourful firework display along the Waterfront!

It's free entry so come along and sample the colours, tastes and sounds of India and South-East Asia.

We can't wait to see you there! 👋

Learn more below! 👇

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#OurWellington #TōTātouPōneke #Diwali

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