Black Friday
Debi's husband here, Doug. Maybe it is just me but I find this whole 'Black Friday' international marketing campaign offensive on so many levels. Even 'Black November'. Attached is what I remember as 'Black Friday'. I was fire and medical rescue on the day. The advertising campaign is insensitive to the meaning of the term and beyond that it gives no recognition to the ongoing campaign 'Black Lives Matter'. Maybe it is just me but if you are having a 'SALE' then advertise it as a sale and not some dark marketing theme that has no meaning other than enticing people to spend money. My thoughts are not necessarily the thoughts of my wife or others but every November I have to relive that dark day.
Share your New Zealand music memories...
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Huge opportunity to accelerate ecological work
The Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust, or ‘WCEET’, is a collaboration between Mercury Power and the conservation groups that were involved in the re-consenting process for the company’s Waikato River dams. Together they manage an enhancement fund that supports efforts to environmentally compensate for the dams’ impact.
WCEET’s financial support has had a hugely positive impact on the Waikato and Lake Taupo catchments since it was established two decades ago – its funding of 300+ conservation projects has collectively enhanced 2600+ hectares of wetland and 2600+ hectares of riparian habitat, with 2.43 million natives planted and predator control applied to 7200+ hectares.
“We’ve supported some truly inspirational volunteer groups, landowners and businesses dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment,” said Trust Chair Gwyn Verkerk.
“Without any promotion, our funding rounds are always over-subscribed. So we’ve set up the WCEET Fund with Momentum Waikato, as both a new investment income stream in its own right, and to provide an easy way for the public to donate towards the expansion and long-term sustainability of this crucial local conservation funding.”
The latest on city finances
Hamilton’s projected deficit has worsened, while development is on a “downward trajectory” not seen since the Global Financial Crisis.
Those findings were in a report to Tuesday’s finance and monitoring committee hui, as the cash-strapped council battles a range of issues and is consulting on a 19.9% rates rise for 2024-25.
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