Claudelands, Hamilton

Spread the Joy!

Spread the Joy!

Do you have any festive tips your community needs to know about? Post them here!

1973 days ago

Free bricks and broken concrete plus wood

Fiona from Hillcrest

Bricks and concrete suitable for fill. Old wooden table and other bits of wood. Someone replied when I last posted, but can't find their message now!!

Free

1973 days ago

Looking for cheap microwave

Aaron from Enderley

Does anyone have a cheap microwave, no rust, in good as condition $25 and under they are wanting to part with in Hamilton areas. Photos be appreciated

1974 days ago

EarthDiverse Term 3 Language, Religious Diversity & World Mythology courses

Todd Nachowitz from EarthDiverse

EarthDiverse is pleased to announce that Term 3 Registration is now open for our Language, Religious Diversity and World Mythology courses that begin the week of Monday 27 July 2020. We now offer Distance-Learning options for those outside the Waikato or for those who prefer to learn at their own … View moreEarthDiverse is pleased to announce that Term 3 Registration is now open for our Language, Religious Diversity and World Mythology courses that begin the week of Monday 27 July 2020. We now offer Distance-Learning options for those outside the Waikato or for those who prefer to learn at their own pace and in their own time. Our courses are now open to anyone, anywhere, and at any time!

We now offer both beginning and Intermediate Language courses in Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi and Urdu. We plan to offer additional languages in the future.

Our 14 distinct Religious Diversity courses are offered on a rotating basis throughout the year, with Term 3 courses on ‘Hinduism’ and ‘Religious Fundamentalism & Extremism’. Future Term courses rotate through all of the main faith traditions.

We're also pleased to announce our newest series of courses on World Mythologies! Our Term 3 course is entitled ‘Grand Narratives and Mythologies in the Western Traditions.’

We're also especially pleased to be able to offer three distinct options for learners: 1) In-person classes in our Hamilton classroom, 2) on-line live-streaming distance-learning classes via Zoom, and 3) learn at your own pace and at more convenient times by watching the recorded video sessions when your schedule allows.

Visit our website for more information on available Term 3 courses, class schedules, and registration.

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1976 days ago

Humanely dealing with pests this winter.

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Have you ever had a pest problem? I used to have a pet rat. They are smart, affectionate, clever little things. I'd never want to cause one unnecessary pain or suffering, which is why we've chosen to manage pests in our home with traps. It's not ideal, but it's better - and … View moreHave you ever had a pest problem? I used to have a pet rat. They are smart, affectionate, clever little things. I'd never want to cause one unnecessary pain or suffering, which is why we've chosen to manage pests in our home with traps. It's not ideal, but it's better - and safer - than poison. I've done a little research on humane, effective vermin control during the wet months, when they like to come in from the cold. Take a look:

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1974 days ago

Do you know what to plant in the garden right now?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and … View more
In this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and nominate a gardening hero for Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Plus go in the draw for wild bird packs from Tui and copies of NZ Gardener’s July issue.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1974 days ago

Free measure and quote for your retrofit double glazing :)

RetroFit Double Glazing - Waikato

Check out our RetroFit Double Glazing - vimeo.com... |Healthier Home
video| Wanting a healthier home this winter? Enjoy the many benefits retrofit double glazing has to offer. Reduced condensation, reduce cold, reduce noise and reduce heating costs. Get your free measure and quote now or call us … View more
Check out our RetroFit Double Glazing - vimeo.com... |Healthier Home
video| Wanting a healthier home this winter? Enjoy the many benefits retrofit double glazing has to offer. Reduced condensation, reduce cold, reduce noise and reduce heating costs. Get your free measure and quote now or call us on 0800 658 658

1974 days ago

Free measure and quote for your retrofit double glazing :)

RetroFit Double Glazing - Waikato

Check out our RetroFit Double Glazing - vimeo.com... |Healthier Home
video| Wanting a healthier home this winter? Enjoy the many benefits retrofit double glazing has to offer. Reduced condensation, reduce cold, reduce noise and reduce heating costs. Get your free measure and quote now or call us … View more
Check out our RetroFit Double Glazing - vimeo.com... |Healthier Home
video| Wanting a healthier home this winter? Enjoy the many benefits retrofit double glazing has to offer. Reduced condensation, reduce cold, reduce noise and reduce heating costs. Get your free measure and quote now or call us on 0800 658 658

1975 days ago
1976 days ago

FAKE CONSULTATION: WHILE ROME BURNS?

Rudi from Hamilton Lake

HAMILTON RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION (HRRA) OPINION PIECE
Hamilton Residents and Ratepayers (HRRA) support improvements in the city where appropriate consultation is carried out with the community and best practise cost benefit analysis, is firstly undertaken, and then peer reviewed by … View more
HAMILTON RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION (HRRA) OPINION PIECE
Hamilton Residents and Ratepayers (HRRA) support improvements in the city where appropriate consultation is carried out with the community and best practise cost benefit analysis, is firstly undertaken, and then peer reviewed by independent experts. Once projects are completed, decision makers must be held to account for unsatisfactory outcomes.
We voted in Elected Members to be the liaison between Council plans and the community; openly discussing the tangible benefits and associated risks. In so doing, the community can decide for themselves whether they support a proposal, or not. Currently, and for some time, we feel that elected members have not communicated openly with the community nor actively listened to their opinions and expertise. This is not democracy.

In the Hamilton City Council’s ‘back on track’ budget, we do not see any real attempts to deal with major cost blowouts, tighten the belt, or reduce the burden on ratepayers of the covid-19 recession. Stephen Tindall in an open letter to the world (reported by stuff on Jul 14 2020) said “… the economic impact would ‘last for decades’ and could push more than half a billion people into poverty”. Sections of the community are already struggling financially, experts forecast a significant economic downturn and the loss of livelihoods. Tinkering around the edges will not fix this. Our Council does not seem to be taking the issue seriously.

The last thing Hamilton needs is family poverty, in part driven by out-of-control rate increases. Hamilton Council’s 3.8% rate increase is indicative of an organisation, that we believe, is out-of-control. Those at the top are apparently unable to address long-term systemic cost spirals.

Can we trust Council when a simple roundabout project budgeted at $4.7 million (already high), then (as discovered from an Official Request response, LGOIMA 20009, Feb 2020) rises in cost to $15.5 million, and now in a Financial Committee report (June 2020, page 31), those costs appear to have blown out to a staggering $19.5 million? Yes $19.5 million. Where is the accountability and consequence? Why this massive budget blowout? Where is the community consultation given that this represents a significant tax burden? Unfortunately for all of you who read the news, these types of Council cost blowouts appear common place throughout the country. Yet instead of addressing this and other major contract and project management issues, the Council budget directed us all to discuss issues which essentially amount to tinkering around the edges.

But wait there is more; tragically. Not only will rates continue to shoot up, the 2020 Annual plan is now forecasting $900M in debt. The community were outraged 10 years ago when debt was planned to exceed $100 million. We are looking at NINE TIMES this debt with no plans to pay it back.

Don't blame COVID for the problems. From what we can see, these problems are related to poor decision making, poor accountability and a general lack of transparency. Where are the Cost Benefit analyses using industry standard Best practice for all major projects?

All we ask for in these uncertain times is what most businesses would take as given. A Zero Rate Increase and Zero-based budgeting, with the elimination of slush funds and full external review of Council finances. "Do It NOW”

Our submission identifies opportunities for significant savings and deferrals until a full review can be completed for the 2021 LTP. We are not against expansion projects, we just want to ensure accountability, transparency, and democracy in those decisions. The community has a lot to gain by the Council implementing industry standard cost benefit analysis for major projects and reviewing the technical outcome with alignment to current practise. I repeat, a Zero Rate Increase and Zero-based budgeting implemented across all of Council projects, and proper preparation for the impending recession.

Common core community values of transparency, integrity, democracy, accountability and expertise are being called into question. When I was young it was common to chat about the weather. Now those conversations are about the public’s loss of respect for politicians. We all need to ask, Why?

When someone criticises. You Should always consider the criticism accurate.

1978 days ago

Things that surprise Kiwis returning to NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. … View more
Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. Whether it's to do with the weather, the cost of things, the public transport, the food, the housing, the people or something else entirely, we'd be keen to hear about it. Please remember that your comment may be included in the article, unless you say you don't want it to be. Thank you.

1975 days ago

This week’s Kind Neighbour is Ann, nominated by Georgina Hamilton from Takanini.

Neighbourly.co.nz

Have you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® … View moreHave you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® Card AND a shout out in your local paper! Check out last weeks below ⬇️⬇️

"My neighbour Ann, a retired special ed teacher, goes the extra mile for her community. On her neighbourhood walks she notices blocked drains, or dangerous pavements on school routes and spends time phoning the Council to get them fixed. She is part of a local group that petitioned for new school crossings on Takanini School Road. She volunteers at the local school for free maths tuition. She sets a really great example of looking out for her community and makes the world a better place."

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1975 days ago

Scentsy

Alysha from Maeroa

Hi all.

Just reaching out to see if there are any scentsy consultants in Hamilton? If that's you can you please get in touch 😍😍

1976 days ago

Accommodation

Moana from Fairfield

Hi all
Am posting on behalf
One of my work colleagues is looking for somewhere to stay either boarding or a self contained unit.
Preferably close to the orbiter or comet bus stop, as this is her transportation to the base as that is where she works.
She also has a cat
If anyone can help or would … View more
Hi all
Am posting on behalf
One of my work colleagues is looking for somewhere to stay either boarding or a self contained unit.
Preferably close to the orbiter or comet bus stop, as this is her transportation to the base as that is where she works.
She also has a cat
If anyone can help or would like more details plzz let me know
Thanks

1975 days ago

Have you had a job change in the wake of Covid-19?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

A pilot and chef have joined a Hamilton arborist's team since lockdown.

And many people will be hunting for new jobs - last month, almost 10,600 people got Government support after losing their work in the pandemic.

Read more here. Have you had a job change in the wake of Covid-19?

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1976 days ago

This week's latest Blueprint

Hamilton Harcourts

View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.

If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Read now

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