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1678 days ago

Local body elections

Donald from Swannanoa - Ohoka

On the weekend I received my local body voting papers and a booklet full of candidates’ statements. Like many people I don’t know the majority of candidates although I recognise some of the names from the plethora of signage currently displayed.



Also on the weekend I read about Stuff’s project where they contacted every candidate in every council race to ask a series of questions about climate change. Stuff also asked them all for a short position statement on climate change issues. (Found at interactives.stuff.co.nz...)


I was disappointed to discover that some of the candidates in my district have not yet responded, or perhaps have no intention of responding, to the ten questions posed to them. We all have a range of views about climate change and possible council actions. I didn’t agree with some of the responses, including that of the candidate who answered ‘no’ to the first question: “The climate is warming as a direct consequence of human actions.”


But I commend that candidate for having the gumption to be honest to the voters.


To simplify my voting choices I’ve crossed out the names of all the candidates who did not respond to the survey.


The climate change issue is divisive and maybe the candidates who did not respond were worried that expressing a point of view may lose them some votes. Or perhaps they were too busy doing other things, such as putting up more signs asking for our votes. That’s not the type of person I want to be an elected representative of my community.


I would prefer to vote for that candidate who answered ‘no’, than to vote for someone who chooses to keep silent over an important issue.

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5 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.4% Yes
    91.4% Complete
  • 8.1% No
    8.1% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below!
    0.4% Complete
1391 votes
1 day ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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.

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1 day ago

Dog sitter wanted

Sylvia from Kaiapoi

Hi there peoples sometime ago Hubby and I with our golden labrador who is nine Maxi, was talking to somebody in coffee culture now it could have been over a year ago just wondered if you are out there or does anybody else take on dog sitting in their home? We are off overseas for four weeks and end July to end August our usual home based doggy sitter is unable to help us during this time. Maxi is very placid and laid back she is the first dog to roll over, lie on her back and say … you can be the boss! LOL Maxi is not really an outside dog she sleeps inside our house bus with us and is with us all the time as we are now retired. appreciate anybody who loves dogs. Will have a few play dates before we go and that way you can be happy if you volunteer and so can we, there will be some payment compensation.
Regards Sylvia
Stitchtasticnz (kaiapoi) now closed.

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