Downsizing the Wellington City Council
This was published in the Post weeks ago but in case you missed it....
My recent Official Information Request to the Wellington City Council was very revealing. My request was sparked by reading that Wellington Water alone has eight people in "Communications". Wouldn't these 'Spin Doctors' be better employed by Wellington Water as plumbers to fix the leaking pipes?
It gets worse. The OIA revealed that the Wellington City Council employs between 53 and 65 people in "communications", as well as 12 in "cultural", 12 more in "Maori Liaison", 16 in "Cycle Planning" and a staggering 35 people in "Climate Change!" Am I alone in thinking that at least half of these positions should be closed? What actual function do they perform in a city of 216,200 with a declining population?
If it's good enough for the new central government to downsize the boated public service, then isn't it time that the WCC did the same?
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
-
53.1% Yes
-
46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
At just 8 years old, Nina-Mae already has Wellington Council listening! 👏
She’s speaking up for safer roads for her and her classmates—fuelled by a desire for independence and maybe even a budding interest in politics.
So here’s the big question: how do we create space for every voice in our community to be heard?
It’s great that the Council is paying attention 👂 but what small actions can we all take to keep our whole community involved and engaged?
Loading…
