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John Carter's maxim appears not to be working. Or maybe he is talking specifically about only Council staff working together to the exclusion of the ratepayers?!!! It makes you wonder. Evidence? Well, we have already had serious cases of Council not really working together with the … View moreJohn Carter's maxim appears not to be working. Or maybe he is talking specifically about only Council staff working together to the exclusion of the ratepayers?!!! It makes you wonder. Evidence? Well, we have already had serious cases of Council not really working together with the ratepayers and excluding some when we think back to the Ken Rintoul case ( what REALLY happened there ?). And then, recently, we've had the Waimate North residents up in arms over a huge shed that was consented on a site of National Heritage. Why weren't they notified and why was it permitted on this site anyway? It really makes you wonder what is going on.
Then we have had to have a meeting at Waipapa recently where 120 people turned out to challenge the proposed 'draconian ' changes to the dog control law and policies. It shows the depth of feeling on this matter that 120 people bothered to turn out. For so many years, everything seemed sweet on this matter. Nobody complained; everybody got on with their lives. Most dog owners acted responsibly . So what has radically changed to warrant the proposed 'draconian ' changes and why now? To a lot of people, Council are not using any common sense. The so-called consultation process leading up to the proposed changes have been described in the B.C as "faulty' not once but twice.
We have a Council staff member, Neil Miller, say that 6,500 letters were posted out to registered dog owners but only two people at the meeting said they had received them. Something smells here. Did you receive a letter in the post about this? We didn't. One could say that very few letters were indeed sent out and, if this is the case, why? Again, do Council really want ratepayers involved in cases like this? From the evidence so far, it seems likely that they want to act unilaterally as they are the 'experts.' BUT, they are not infallible. Instead of just 'hearing' what people want, they should act.
IF Council really are sincere about " working together" and " aim to collaborate " ( Doctor Dean Myburgh) with the ratepayers, the very people who pay their salaries, then they need to get off their high horse, admit that they do get things wrong, enlist the help(where necessary ) of the many experienced professionals 'out there' who could and would welcome a chance to get involved in decision making, then maybe, just maybe, the ratepayers would have more confidence and trust in Council. But there again maybe Council don't care. Sometimes one really wonder what is going on in the heads of some Council officials! There really seems to be a lack of common-sense at times.
As for the Submission Process, we haven't received any paperwork in the post that allows us to submit on matters that concern us and which we have a right to have our say, for ages. Sometimes , we see in the B.C " submissions welcomed " on this or that matter BUT not everybody gets the B.C and not everybody has access to a computer to access the FNDC website and even if thy can, they may not necessarily know what to do to submit on-line. If the submissions process is truly going to be transparent, then like the 6,500 letters that supposedly went out to registered dog owners, isn't it fair and just that we receive notification by post on matters that we could submit on?
Having said all this, are we really to believe that Council reads every submission that comes in front of them? How do we really know they look at every one and look at the merits of each one, and, even if they do read them, then what happens ?
But, hey, wasn't it good of Shuan Clarke, the new CEO to turn out. Must have been a tad inconvenient for him ,eh? Never mind, on $300,000+ per year, I would say that it is the least he could do. As for his statement, " we have heard you", that's as maybe, but I would guess that most of the dog owners that attended that meeting in Waipapa want a tad more reassurance that Council will get their act together, and sort it out and soon using a common sense approach and let's hope that future " faulty' consultation processes will be much fewer.
Council really need to up their game and be more transparent . Having said this, we can only live in hope as a FNDC local councillor recently told me that they
"are being obstructed in their desire to see more transparency from Council on a whole range of matters."
Register your interest for a new youth advisory group and online youth forum for education. If you’re aged between 14 and 18 years old, or know someone who is, then encourage them to get involved.
Registrations are open until Sunday 3 September. You can register HERE. #myeducationmyvoice
To thank you for being a valued member, we want to give you the chance to WIN $350 towards your winter power bill!
For your chance to go into the draw, simply purchase your daily newspaper, Sunday Star-Times or TV Guide and find the keyword to enter. The competition runs until 10th September … View moreTo thank you for being a valued member, we want to give you the chance to WIN $350 towards your winter power bill!
For your chance to go into the draw, simply purchase your daily newspaper, Sunday Star-Times or TV Guide and find the keyword to enter. The competition runs until 10th September 2017.
Plus, because you're a valued Neighbourly member, we're giving you a bonus keyword so you can get an extra entry! Your bonus keyword is: SPECIAL
To enter, head to www.stuff.co.nz/DailyPower or text the keyword to 3444.
This article ( see attachment) bolsters very succinctly, my continuing case for closing the gap between the rich and poor; reducing the overall National debt; reducing endless borrowing from overseas and having more money in 'the pot' for EVERYONE; making more peoples' lives … View moreThis article ( see attachment) bolsters very succinctly, my continuing case for closing the gap between the rich and poor; reducing the overall National debt; reducing endless borrowing from overseas and having more money in 'the pot' for EVERYONE; making more peoples' lives happier.
There’s only a month left of billboards and political debates before we head to the polling booths and decide who will lead our country. It’s a big decision that will influence the next three years.
From the living wage to homelessness, housing to transport, immigration to mental health - … View moreThere’s only a month left of billboards and political debates before we head to the polling booths and decide who will lead our country. It’s a big decision that will influence the next three years.
From the living wage to homelessness, housing to transport, immigration to mental health - Neighbourly wants to hear what is affecting your vote.
Is it a local issue in your community or something across the region? or the country?
Maybe you've switched sides or remaining loyal to one party - whatever your decision, we want to know what issues you’d like your ideal government to focus on. Let us know by commenting below!
ACC legal spending has doubled in five years, jumping from $3.8 million in 2011 to $7.9m last year.
However, many injured Kiwis seeking to dispute rejected claims are concerned ACC is using private attorneys to outsmart them.
Russel Watts, 50, from Taupo, said he postponed his review earlier … View moreACC legal spending has doubled in five years, jumping from $3.8 million in 2011 to $7.9m last year.
However, many injured Kiwis seeking to dispute rejected claims are concerned ACC is using private attorneys to outsmart them.
Russel Watts, 50, from Taupo, said he postponed his review earlier this week after he found out he'd be facing off against a senior corporate attorney from Wellington.
The good old Kiwi biscuit has become a staple in many New Zealand homes. Whether it’s a Tim Tam with a cuppa, or a cracker and a piece of brie, we’re taking our biscuits for granted.
We've teamed up with Arnott’s to offer you a chance to win a share of $75K in cash and weekly gift … View moreThe good old Kiwi biscuit has become a staple in many New Zealand homes. Whether it’s a Tim Tam with a cuppa, or a cracker and a piece of brie, we’re taking our biscuits for granted.
We've teamed up with Arnott’s to offer you a chance to win a share of $75K in cash and weekly gift vouchers when you buy any pack of Arnott's biscuits.
Click here for more details and to enter the competition. Comp ends 5th November 2017. T&C's apply.
NZ String Quartet bring their 'Dangerous Liaisons' 30th anniversary concert to the Turner Centre tomorrow night, Wednesday 23 August. Book here: nz.patronbase.com...
Hi All, courtesy or Repco Kerikeri & More FM The Friends of Roland's Wood Trust will be the beneficiary of a carwash outside Repco in Kerikeri on Saturday 26th Aug from 10am - 1pm. So if your car or truck (small) is in need of a bit of wash all for a good cause please drop in. Donations … View moreHi All, courtesy or Repco Kerikeri & More FM The Friends of Roland's Wood Trust will be the beneficiary of a carwash outside Repco in Kerikeri on Saturday 26th Aug from 10am - 1pm. So if your car or truck (small) is in need of a bit of wash all for a good cause please drop in. Donations are very welcome as will be purchases of our Roland's Wood polo shirts. We also need volunteers to help wash, collect money, issue receipts etc, so Please contact me Simon Upperton 0211 917 427 or simon.upperton@bayleys.co.nz
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Afghan soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder with New Zealand troops against insurgents in a deadly battle have spoken for the first time and described what really went on.
The soldiers were in the Battle of Baghak in August 2012 when two New Zealanders and four Afghans died, but were never … View moreAfghan soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder with New Zealand troops against insurgents in a deadly battle have spoken for the first time and described what really went on.
The soldiers were in the Battle of Baghak in August 2012 when two New Zealanders and four Afghans died, but were never interviewed as part of the Court of Inquiry carried out by the New Zealand Defence Force.
Are you a retired or semi-retired gentleman? Do you want to get together with like-minded people? Then maybe the Kerikeri Mens' Club is for you.
We were previously the Kerikeri Mens' Probus established 1986, but have this year become an Incorporated Society and are now an independent … View moreAre you a retired or semi-retired gentleman? Do you want to get together with like-minded people? Then maybe the Kerikeri Mens' Club is for you.
We were previously the Kerikeri Mens' Probus established 1986, but have this year become an Incorporated Society and are now an independent club.
We meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month (January excluded) at 10am, and start with tea/coffee and a chat - an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
The meeting proper starts at 10.30am with a couple of more formal activities, including a raffle and lollies for the birthdays of that month (January birthdays get theirs in February).
Then there's a few random ingredients at the discretion of the President, and we conclude with a 40 minute speaker from a range of topics, with a chance for questions at the end.
Other activities are an event on the 3rd Thursday of the month, such as a Car Quest (a fun-filled rally-type event); a putting competition; cinema café lunch & movie; Ngawha Corrections Facility visit; Winter Solstice lunch - we're open to more suggestions!
Our meetings are not restricted to men only - wives, partners, and other female friends are welcome.
If you are interested, ring Stuart 09-407-3458. You may wish to try us before committing. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks to the thousands of Neighbourly Neighbours who entered our draw for a free Ring Video Doorbell! Congratulations to Suzy P. of Auckland for taking home the grand prize!
Even if you didn’t win, we don’t want you to leave empty-handed. To show our thanks, we’re giving you an exclusive… View moreThanks to the thousands of Neighbourly Neighbours who entered our draw for a free Ring Video Doorbell! Congratulations to Suzy P. of Auckland for taking home the grand prize!
Even if you didn’t win, we don’t want you to leave empty-handed. To show our thanks, we’re giving you an exclusive $40 discount only for Neighbourly members.
To claim your discount, simply go to Ring.com and purchase a Video Doorbell or Security Camera. During the checkout process, enter promo code NEIGHBOURLY40 to save $40 on your new device. The promo code will expire on August 31, so be sure to redeem it soon. Limit two per household.
Ring sends alerts to your phone, tablet and PC whenever motion is detected. Answer the alert, and you can see, hear and speak to people on your property from anywhere. With Ring, you’ll never miss another visitor. Because with Ring, you’re always home.
Saturday 19 August is World Orangutan Day. Sadly, these beautiful animals are under threat. How can you help? By making sustainable choices. Many of our wood and paper products are FSC certified, which means the wood content is sourced from sustainable forests and plantations. When you choose … View moreSaturday 19 August is World Orangutan Day. Sadly, these beautiful animals are under threat. How can you help? By making sustainable choices. Many of our wood and paper products are FSC certified, which means the wood content is sourced from sustainable forests and plantations. When you choose these products, you’re helping to protect forests and the animals that call them home. Find out more.
Would they be interested in being part of our Youth Advisory Group? Registrations of interest have opened for a new youth advisory group and online youth forum for education.
Encourage them to register their interest for this exciting opportunity to have a say in our education system. … View moreWould they be interested in being part of our Youth Advisory Group? Registrations of interest have opened for a new youth advisory group and online youth forum for education.
Encourage them to register their interest for this exciting opportunity to have a say in our education system. Register here today
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