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Mayor Jan Barnes says that she is being plagued by sexism in this local body election, i.stuff.co.nz..... In this post I examine her statements,
Matamata-Piako’s mayor says her campaign to remain in the top job has been plagued by sexism this time around. This seems to be an accusation … View moreMayor Jan Barnes says that she is being plagued by sexism in this local body election, i.stuff.co.nz..... In this post I examine her statements,
Matamata-Piako’s mayor says her campaign to remain in the top job has been plagued by sexism this time around. This seems to be an accusation levelled aginst her rival, I have never heard Councillor Tanner express any sexist views about Mayor Barnes, nor have I heard any complaints about Mayor Barnes that would remotely suggest sexism. Is it merely that Mayor Barnes has an opponent this time, what would be her complaint if it were a woman? Would she declare that it was jealously? Who knows.
But Barnes told Stuff this campaign had been different from her previous and claimed sexism was at play with numerous accusations, including that she is a bully, being levelled at her. I am unaware that being a bully is a gender based issue so I struggle to see how one can claim that sexism is provoking any claims about Mayor Barnes being a bully.
Not one to back down from a fight, Barnes admits in the past she has had a “ratchet and bust ” approach, but said the accusations were defaming her. Defamation is concerned with damage to your reputation by unjustifiable attack. There are number of defences to a defamation claim including honest opinion, truth, absolute and qualified privilege. I am unaware of any defamatory remarks having being made. I have been called many names, including a belly acher for complaining about the state of Matamata Piako Footpaths is this defamatory, not likely as it would be an honest opinion.
Barnes said she was absolutely over the “shenanigans”.
“I stand as a person and not as a woman…I have never experienced it [sexisim] until this last year. And you have to say is it because we have a woman Prime Minister, are people running scared of women? Once again I certainly have not heard any sexist remarks made about mayor barnes in terms of her ability to be a Mayor, I for one celebrate the fact we have a female prime minister, a female Governer General, a female head of the SIS, a female Chief Justice, I think that people should be appointed and elected on merit.
“I’m very fortunate to have my Christian faith, because I don’t think I could do this job without it. It’s very bruising at times and the digital media is very harmful, people are keyboard warriors, only a few, and it’s very sad that they can derail our youth and derail people that are isolated.”
Barnes said she will hear out people’s complains, but believes doing it behind the keyboard isn’t appropriate. Is Mayor Barnes now standing as a Christian? How do non Christian Mayors withstand the pressures of politics? Like Rugby, Politics is not tiddlywinks
Last week Barnes also had a knock to her campaign, with all her election signs having to be covered because they breached electoral rulings.
Barnes said the complaint related to some of her signs having a font 3mm-5mm, too small. Around 30-40 signs were covered, which all have since been uncovered with a sticker added over ‘Mayor’.
“They were put up straight away on August 12 and there’s been talk about how great they looked, then when the new signs got put up there was more talk and now since the sticker has been added there’s been even more talk, so it’s been great for my campaign.
Barnes said she was more than happy to change her signs to keep to the standard that is set for the district.
“Although my signs got the complaint council also found that a lot of the other candidate signs weren’t following the standard either, so watch this space, more signs will be moved around and fixed in the next few weeks.”
For the record, I complained about a number of signs, particularly signs being placed on State Highway reserves and font sizes being to small. I actually complained first about some of the candidates for Regional Council, it is of concern that someone who voted for the rules about placement of signs and font sizes was unable to comply with the rules that they had a hand in making. Council enforces bylaws when ratepayers are in breach of them, just recently a farmer planted trees that were less than 100mm from being compliant, the farmer was issued with a compliance notice, does Mayor Barnes think council rules and NZTA rules don’t apply to her?
The question is simply is Mayor Barnes feeling that she is likely to lose the election? I have heard plenty of statements made about Councillor Tanner, I don’t see him contacting the media about these. For the record I voted for Mayor Barnes when she was first elected on the basis of equity, I have learnt that voting for the best candidate is whom you should vote for. It is a shame that the way council meetings are set up that one really has to be relatively well off or be self employed to run for Council, it means the pool of candidates is not that diverse. That is to our disadvantage, Ralph Waldo Emerson said that A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. A diversity of opinions around the table in Council should be seen as a good thing. Speaking the truth never wins a popularity contest.
Food for thought,
Paul Cronin Ex Morrinsville Ward Councillor Matamata Piako District council
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New Zealand is renowned for being friendly and welcoming but is that true for everyone?
Stuff is asking readers to share their experiences of racism by taking part in this short survey.
Being Kiwi is a project looking at the experiences of life in New Zealand for people of all cultures. It calls… View moreNew Zealand is renowned for being friendly and welcoming but is that true for everyone?
Stuff is asking readers to share their experiences of racism by taking part in this short survey.
Being Kiwi is a project looking at the experiences of life in New Zealand for people of all cultures. It calls for the collection of official statistics on hate crimes, looks at discrimination in our schools and takes a stroll through Auckland, now one of the most diverse cities in the world.
To take part in the survey, click here
A group of 18 remarkable young Kiwis, mentors, and volunteers were last night celebrated for their resilience, self-belief and contribution to society at the annual Graeme Dingle Foundation Waikato’s Excellence Awards, held at Waikato University.
The evening showcased the efforts of more than … View moreA group of 18 remarkable young Kiwis, mentors, and volunteers were last night celebrated for their resilience, self-belief and contribution to society at the annual Graeme Dingle Foundation Waikato’s Excellence Awards, held at Waikato University.
The evening showcased the efforts of more than 3,000 students, their mentors, leaders and volunteers across the region who have been involved in their various youth development programmes including Kiwi Can, Stars and Career Navigator over the previous 12 months.
Find out more in the link below.
Mindful colouring has been proven to help reduce stress and anxiety and induce a meditative-like state in adults too.
Help scribble your worries away with this free community-inspired colouring sheet to give your brain a creative boost.
#NSNZmentalhealth
Our gardens are getting smaller, so NZ Gardener wants to come up with some suggestions for edible crops that do well in pots and small spaces! Suggest the crops that have done well for you (ideally specify a variety) and tell other keen gardeners how you grew them, how they performed for you, and … View moreOur gardens are getting smaller, so NZ Gardener wants to come up with some suggestions for edible crops that do well in pots and small spaces! Suggest the crops that have done well for you (ideally specify a variety) and tell other keen gardeners how you grew them, how they performed for you, and any practical advice you would pass on to ensure a great result with that crop, and any secret tips you are prepared to pass on! If your tip is used in the magazine, you'll receive a free copy... And of course the glory of being in New Zealand's favourite gardening magazine! Click on this link to send us your best tip!
In victoria st, very convenient for living. Call 0211696403
Hello neighbours! I am standing as a candidate for Waikato Regional Council in the Waikato constituency. I hold a long history of governance, including my role as Chair of the WRC Lower Waikato Zone Committee. Guardianship of our region demands that we have a vision to balance the needs of society … View moreHello neighbours! I am standing as a candidate for Waikato Regional Council in the Waikato constituency. I hold a long history of governance, including my role as Chair of the WRC Lower Waikato Zone Committee. Guardianship of our region demands that we have a vision to balance the needs of society and the environment, and to generate wealth for all our communities and whanau.
As a councillor, my aim would be to work relentlessly to drive accountability, value authentic science and represent all people with equality, honesty and integrity. For more information on my campaign, visit www.keithholmes.co.nz
Comes with ladder and is 4.2m across. In good condition despite a bit of surface rust on springs. Kids have grown out of it.Will break down for transport. Offers considered.
Looking for at least 4-6 pallets for a diy project any one know where I can get them for free or buy them cheap....
Kia ora
People either loved them or hated them, and now they're up for sale.
The giant 1990's Big Fresh Supermarket fruits and veges are up on Trade Me, with over 700 people adding them to their watchlist.
Did you enjoy seeing them on your grocery shopping outing?
We love seeing Neighbourly members mentioned in the news - and we've seen a few in the last few months. From a Neighbourly group that has united the masses right through to a neighbourhood who rallied to deliver a 250kg piano to two blind sisters - there is a lot of good going on in … View moreWe love seeing Neighbourly members mentioned in the news - and we've seen a few in the last few months. From a Neighbourly group that has united the masses right through to a neighbourhood who rallied to deliver a 250kg piano to two blind sisters - there is a lot of good going on in Neighbourly communities around the country. You can read about them right here in our latest blog post.
Hi neighbours - thousands of school kids will get a free lunch at school, Jacinda Ardern has announced.
Ardern says "children themselves told us during the consultation on the strategy that going to school hungry was a barrier to their learning."
Education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye says … View moreHi neighbours - thousands of school kids will get a free lunch at school, Jacinda Ardern has announced.
Ardern says "children themselves told us during the consultation on the strategy that going to school hungry was a barrier to their learning."
Education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye says the Government hasn't considered that most schools don't have infrastructure for large scale food preparation and storage. She says "this would cost hundreds of millions and take away the autonomy of parents to provide lunch for their children".
What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a fantastic or flawed idea? Would you prefer that schools prepared your child's lunch?
Hi neighbours - Jacinda Ardern has announced that all schools and kura would be expected, by 2022, to teach the country's history.
Curriculum changes would reset a national framework so that all learners and ākonga were aware of key aspects of New Zealand history and how they had influenced … View moreHi neighbours - Jacinda Ardern has announced that all schools and kura would be expected, by 2022, to teach the country's history.
Curriculum changes would reset a national framework so that all learners and ākonga were aware of key aspects of New Zealand history and how they had influenced and shaped the nation.
What do you think? Should New Zealand history be taught in all schools, or are there other, more important subjects to teach?
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