Take A Step Today For World Refugee Day ππ
Around the world, communities, schools, businesses, groups and people from all walks of life are taking big and small steps in solidarity with refugees. This World Refugee Day, we challenge everyone in New Zealand to join together and take a step to make a difference.
You can take part in the #StepWithRefugees campaign, where participants will collectively walk, run and cycle 1 billion miles - the distance refugees cover each year to reach safety, by adding your steps here: stepwithrefugees.org...
Another option is to volunteer with the New Zealand Red Cross as a Refugee Support Volunteer. Volunteers help families start again, while teaching them about New Zealand culture and connecting them with people from the community.
For anyone based in the Wairarapa, Masterton Neighbourhood Support has a programme called 'WeConnect' that matches new residents from diverse backgrounds including refugees to a local buddy. If you're interested in volunteering or supporting the programme in other ways you can email Masterton Neighbourhood Support Area Coordinator, Cathy Cameron, at: cathy@connectingcommunities.org.nz
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.3% Yes
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8.2% No
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0.5% Other - I'll share below!
Trucks Parking in Residential Streets
How do people feel about truck and trailer units parking in our residential streets? Manuroa and Airfield Roads in Takanini are truck parks every night. This is a safety issue as trucks and buses cross onto the wrong side of the road to pass them. They also block sight lines for people leaving their properties and turning out of side streets. Parking beside reserves and playgrounds means children are stepping out from behind these vehicles to cross our busy streets. The empty flatbed trailer units are hard to see at night, especially in wet weather. There have been at least two accidents in Takanini, one fatal, involving cars hitting these trailers. The Takanini Residents Group have raised this with the Papakura Local Board and Auckland Council, but as these vehicles are legally parked, we are told there is nothing that can be done. I know this is a problem in other areas in South Auckland, so I would like to hear what people think about this issue.
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.