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Last week's Local Government Conference showed a promising focus on elected membership, co-governance and climate change. I am however worried that we might see a number of single-issue candidates in the upcoming local elections, who will exploit the current controversies around major … View moreLast week's Local Government Conference showed a promising focus on elected membership, co-governance and climate change. I am however worried that we might see a number of single-issue candidates in the upcoming local elections, who will exploit the current controversies around major initiatives and dominate the debates. The Three Waters reforms are the obvious choice for such tactics.
Past and present councils have shown foresight and made prudent decisions to secure excellent drinking water systems in our district. There is however no guarantee that it will forever stay like this and not be run into the ground, as it has happened in so many other districts all over NZ. WDC have unfortunately taken a very adversarial approach to the reforms, rather than deciding to support these, hand over our well-maintained water assets to the professionals, accept the offered rewards for a job well done, and quit while we're well ahead.
However, the narrative that WDC can keep doing it better and cheaper has now been seriously undermined by the recent 31% price hike in water consumption rates, due to the closure of the refinery. It is completely counterintuitive that the price goes up when demand goes down, it provides zero incentives for us to conserve water and reduce our usage, and it shows that WDC's financial governance of our water services hasn't been as prudent as claimed, by allowing a single large customer to cross-subsidise household connections. It is obvious that losing Refining NZ would have been just a blip and not have had such a large negative effect (if at all) on our water rates if we had already been part of the proposed "Northwater" Entity A.
Councils do not provide other utilities, like electricity and telecommunications services. We should ask ourselves what is so different about water services that councils would have to continue to be the ones to provide these, and we should strongly reject any campaign slogans that try to sell us more opposition and promise us rollback of the reforms. This is not the time for pretending to know better and going it all alone.
Given the division and misinformation around co-governance in general as well as the introduction of Māori wards we should also be prepared for further challenges to these developing changes and inoculate ourselves against any forms of propaganda and thinly-veiled racism.
Personally I will ignore any single-issue campaigners and only consider candidates who can present a credible pathway for a just and respectful transition to a circular, sustainable low-carbon economy in our district. Unfortunately our options might be limited, since the decision to elect all WDC councillors district-wide was overturned. We are once again confined to our wards and constituencies and stuck with the archaic First Past The Post voting system. If all I get to choose from were more dairy farmers, businessmen and long-term incumbents selling us Past As Future and Back To Normal, then I might not even bother voting.
All aboard! The $1.5M Rose Street Bus Terminal upgrade is now complete and buses return on Monday 25 July. 🚌
New bus shelters have been built beside the additional bus lane, and new road markings have been placed on the fresh seal. A safer, raised “zebra” pedestrian crossing has been … View moreAll aboard! The $1.5M Rose Street Bus Terminal upgrade is now complete and buses return on Monday 25 July. 🚌
New bus shelters have been built beside the additional bus lane, and new road markings have been placed on the fresh seal. A safer, raised “zebra” pedestrian crossing has been built across Bank Street from near Biggie Bagels café to the upgraded terminal.
This upgrade is part of a range of improvements designed to improve on-foot connections and public transport options. Check out some of the other projects here:
www.wdc.govt.nz...
Hey Neighbours!
Australian Open and Stuff newspaper are giving you and a friend the chance to kick off grand slam season in Melbourne next year with an epic prize valued at over $8,000! Simply follow the link below and enter your details to be in to win.
Competition closes on Friday 12 … View moreHey Neighbours!
Australian Open and Stuff newspaper are giving you and a friend the chance to kick off grand slam season in Melbourne next year with an epic prize valued at over $8,000! Simply follow the link below and enter your details to be in to win.
Competition closes on Friday 12 August 2022. Terms and conditions apply.
Enjoy an Antipodes skincare duo (RRP$50) when you purchase a three-month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for just $52.
Subscribe at mags4gifts.co.nz antipodes Terms and conditions apply.
Spark have recently announced a price increase of $3 - $5 a month for new and existing broadband customers and other providers seem likely to follow suit.
Information collated by our research team has found that tens of thousands of Kiwis are still missing out on hundreds of dollars of savings … View moreSpark have recently announced a price increase of $3 - $5 a month for new and existing broadband customers and other providers seem likely to follow suit.
Information collated by our research team has found that tens of thousands of Kiwis are still missing out on hundreds of dollars of savings each year on their broadband bill, because they are failing to shop around for cheaper broadband plans.
We estimate that over 500,000 households would be able to pay less for their broadband each month but many consumers are unaware of the fact that they could be making these savings and people often don’t know where to start when looking for a change in broadband plan or provider.
This is where NZ Compare can help. Our websites are simple to use and if you need more help, our friendly, Auckland based, customer support centre can advise on the most suitable broadband plan for your needs and help talk you through the switch. With unlimited fibre broadband plans available for less than $60 a month why would you pay more?
Find out more at NZ Compare or call the team on 0508 226672
CORRECTION: This post has been amended to clarify that the price of fibre and copper broadband internet services will increase, and that the increase is between $3 and $5 a month, not only $5 a month on fibre broadband plans as previously posted. (Amended at 10.31am, June 23, 2022)
Good People
For this Thursday, the 28th July at 6pm, WFS will be screening Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.
Our 8pm session will be the Norwegian comedy, Diana's Wedding.
Please Note: We are at the Orange traffic light setting and so we must abide by the guidelines set out by the WDC … View moreGood People
For this Thursday, the 28th July at 6pm, WFS will be screening Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.
Our 8pm session will be the Norwegian comedy, Diana's Wedding.
Please Note: We are at the Orange traffic light setting and so we must abide by the guidelines set out by the WDC Forum North Events and Venue department.
Please show courtesy to others by practicing social distancing within the venue, particularly around the bar and food areas on the mezzanine floor.
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
| PG | Dzongkha (Bhutanese) with English subtitles
Ugyen, a trainee teacher, is sent to a regional school to test his skills in a classroom.
His dream is to travel to Australia and swim at Bondi Beach but his first school is 5000 metres above sea-level and based in a village with a population of 50. And a yak.
This is a genuinely lovable film; an absolute gem that’s my new favourite 2022 movie. - Graeme Tuckett, STUFF
View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...
Tickets: Door sales only. Price: $10 for WFS members, $15 for non members.
Cash only please - no Eftpos/credit card services available.
Visit whangareifilmsociety.org and sign up for our free weekly email for information on our films and screening dates for 2022.
Transform an old wooden easel with Resene paint into a statement piece for a glam office or homework desk!
Find out how to create your own.
Pride Revo 2 - Grey, 4 wheeled, totally portable scooter – totally transportable - disassembles, hardly used (approx 12 times) still under warranty, complete with basket and posture cushion. Battery charger included. Paid $4000 but open to offers around $1600. Father unable to use due to health. … View morePride Revo 2 - Grey, 4 wheeled, totally portable scooter – totally transportable - disassembles, hardly used (approx 12 times) still under warranty, complete with basket and posture cushion. Battery charger included. Paid $4000 but open to offers around $1600. Father unable to use due to health. Txt 021 2022 706
We have a challenge for everyone!!!
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Ready, Set, Go!!!
I am writing a story about the difficulty of getting a doctor's appointment in Northland and I want to hear your stories. The aim of the article is to get some national attention on the problems up here (and ultimately for more funding and more doctors to follow). Please contact me on … View moreI am writing a story about the difficulty of getting a doctor's appointment in Northland and I want to hear your stories. The aim of the article is to get some national attention on the problems up here (and ultimately for more funding and more doctors to follow). Please contact me on 0272-581-228 with your examples.
We're super excited to have new products due in stock in next few days... Tri-Pillow, King size pillow. Give us a call to place an order. 09 553 3523
Almost everyone in the world has heard of the game of chess, but what not everyone knows is that there is an entire day dedicated to the celebration of this wonderful pastime!
A game of strategy and wits, chess has long been considered to be the thinking man’s game. From its early days in … View moreAlmost everyone in the world has heard of the game of chess, but what not everyone knows is that there is an entire day dedicated to the celebration of this wonderful pastime!
A game of strategy and wits, chess has long been considered to be the thinking man’s game. From its early days in India in the 6th century, to everywhere in the world today, chess is a wonderful game to play anytime, anywhere, and with almost anyone.
Has your child played the game of chess? Why not try it today!
For delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.
An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
… View moreFor delicious grass-raised beef New Zealand is the perfect combo.
An ideal climate, lush pastures and innovative farming produces enough beef for Macca’s in New Zealand and around the world. Our patties are 100% quality beef, and all that’s added is a dash of salt and pepper when cooked.
We partner with many Kiwi farmers who produce our beef, including those at the world-class Whangara Farms.
It’s the generosity of people like you that enables the Cancer Society to help cancer patients and their whānau get the care and practical support they need. From help getting to treatment, through nursing support, to accommodation for those needing life-saving treatment far from home. You’re… View moreIt’s the generosity of people like you that enables the Cancer Society to help cancer patients and their whānau get the care and practical support they need. From help getting to treatment, through nursing support, to accommodation for those needing life-saving treatment far from home. You’re also helping protect future generations of New Zealanders by helping to fund ground-breaking cancer research and vital prevention programs.
There are so many ways to get involved this year!
Rally the troops and host a yellow themed dinner?
Shave your head?
Volunteer 2 hours of your time!
Or host a donation box with a surprise !
Daffodil Day is the 26th August what will you do to support the cancer patients in your community?
www.daffodilday.org.nz...
Choose a favourite time to read together as a family and enjoy it. This might be everyone reading the same book together, reading different things at the same time, or getting your children to read to each other. This time spent reading together can be relaxing for all ?????
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