Local body elections
On the weekend I received my local body voting papers and a booklet full of candidates’ statements. Like many people I don’t know the majority of candidates although I recognise some of the names from the plethora of signage currently displayed.
Also on the weekend I read about Stuff’s project where they contacted every candidate in every council race to ask a series of questions about climate change. Stuff also asked them all for a short position statement on climate change issues. (Found at interactives.stuff.co.nz...)
I was disappointed to discover that some of the candidates in my district have not yet responded, or perhaps have no intention of responding, to the ten questions posed to them. We all have a range of views about climate change and possible council actions. I didn’t agree with some of the responses, including that of the candidate who answered ‘no’ to the first question: “The climate is warming as a direct consequence of human actions.”
But I commend that candidate for having the gumption to be honest to the voters.
To simplify my voting choices I’ve crossed out the names of all the candidates who did not respond to the survey.
The climate change issue is divisive and maybe the candidates who did not respond were worried that expressing a point of view may lose them some votes. Or perhaps they were too busy doing other things, such as putting up more signs asking for our votes. That’s not the type of person I want to be an elected representative of my community.
I would prefer to vote for that candidate who answered ‘no’, than to vote for someone who chooses to keep silent over an important issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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