Remember to vote!
By Hutt City councillor Brady Dyer
Opinion: With a week to polling day, it is important that you get out and vote on Saturday.
While many in Lower Hutt have already headed to the polls, there are always those who hesitate.
If you're undecided, let's take a moment to debunk a few myths about voting.
Firstly, don't view voting as searching for the ideal marriage, or finding ’the one'. It's more like taking a bus journey.
You may not find a bus that drops you at your exact doorstep, but you will find one that gets you nearer to your destination.
Once you're closer, you'll likely find other ways—or perhaps another election—to move you even nearer to where you'd like to be. Don't let the quest for the 'perfect candidate' prevent you from making a decision that brings you closer to your hopes for the future.
Next, let's tackle the relevance of politics in our day-to-day lives. There's no escaping the fact that decisions made at the governmental level directly impact us. The rising cost of living in Lower Hutt is a perfect example.
When it comes to funding essential infrastructure projects, local ratepayers can't bear the brunt alone, especially when looking at the amount of investment that is required in the future to upgrade things like our water systems.
This is where central government needs to take more responsibility and increase funding for the community and local government to deliver more.
Also, while you're deciding whether to vote, consider this: the people who make key decisions in your life are probably not hesitating. Your landlord, who determines your rent, is likely to vote.
Your employer, who influences your work environment, will probably cast a ballot too. When you choose not to vote, you're essentially giving them more say in matters that affect you directly.
Turning to local issues, our focus shouldn't just be on improving roads, although that is needed. A well-rounded approach to transportation should include better options for walking and cycling.
Not only is this better for the environment, but it also alleviates congestion for those who do need to drive. In a nutshell, it's a win-win for everyone.Finally, let's not underestimate the power of a single vote.
Polling stations are open and within easy reach. Your vote isn't just a personal choice; it's part of a collective decision that shapes the future of Lower Hutt and New Zealand as a whole.
Voting isn't just ticking a box, it's a powerful way to shape both your community and your future. It's your chance to grab the wheel and influence the route this 'bus'—our community and our country—is taking.
While you may not find a service that delivers you straight to your dream destination, you can at least choose the direction that gets us closer.
Voting isn't flawless, but it remains our most effective tool for collective decision-making. So step up, get on that bus, and help steer us all towards a future you'd like to be a part of.You can find all the information you need to enrol and vote atwww.vote.nz
And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Normandale Hutt Heritage
10/5/2024 LOTS of bright jacket people working long hours over the last two weeks on the Normandale Reservoir up the shared drive of 127 Normandale Road Lower Hutt. Crane included.
Read the article enclosed on HOW OLD the reservoir is.
Yorkshire dog groups anywhere in lower Hutt
Are there any Yorkie clubs in my area I have a 10mnth male would like to play sometimes we are in Petone
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