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40-60 cm high. In pots. Seedlings from heavy fruiting variety. Ready for an early start, though allow a week to harden off in areas still getting frosts. Proceeds go 100% to charity - Linwood Resource Centre.
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast is punching above its weight in a programme delivering support for young people seeking work and in apprenticeships.
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) has placed 230 West Coast workers in just two years, helping 3000 people … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast is punching above its weight in a programme delivering support for young people seeking work and in apprenticeships.
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) has placed 230 West Coast workers in just two years, helping 3000 people across rural and provincial New Zealand in the same period.
The West Coast has the third highest MTFJ placement rate in the country, behind Waikato with 357 and Manawatu-Whanganui (293).
But given its relatively low population out of all the regions with just 32,000 people, the Coast is punching well above its weight.
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Community Recovery Programme began as a small Covid-19 recovery pilot in 2020 and Westland District has tapped into it.
Two years on the scheme is being held up as a good example of a grassroots employment initiative through a central and local government partnership.
Glacier Joinery in Hokitika are enthusiastic about it after becoming involved while taking on apprentice Lofa Leleifua several months ago.
Sarah Nixon of Glacier Joinery said having the ongoing mentoring support of local MTFJ co-ordinator Charlotte Bradley-Peni was a big advantage.
"It's not just financial but it's really nice for the young guys to know there is support out them for them," Nixon said.
"It has been awesome ... I wish we had known about it sooner."
From Glacier Joinery's point of view, MTFJ offered for Lofa excellent practical support, enabling the company to better support a young person they valued and could see "is going to be an awesome employee".
"It's a good head start."
Those embarking on an apprenticeship could find themselves really stretched as they moved out on their own, Nixon said.
Support to attain a tool kit or a laptop to assist training and tap into vocational skill opportunities like gaining a driver's licence was a big positive.
"It is a big investment and you want to get it right from the start. If there's a feeling of support they are more likely to stick with you all the way through."
Westland MTFJ workforce co-ordinator Charlotte Bradley-Peni said continuing the Community Resilience Programme within the district was a delight.
"It brings us great pleasure to assist rangatahi, like Lofa, in their employment journey."
The Westland team had some great local adolescent and young adult initiatives planned.
"We encourage young people to keep an eye on our social media to find out about them."
The scheme invested in the future of young people, "and by doing so we are investing in the future of our community".
Nationally, in the 2021-22 financial year the ministry contracted $14.7 million to Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. The scheme had exceeded its employment placement target by 25% in the past financial year.
This has included more than 1800 youth not in employment, education, or training, other youth, people displaced by Covid, and people with disabilities.
Of the more than 1800 benefiting, 380 have gained apprenticeships with the remaining participants gaining work.
The programme has also enabled 500 people to gain their driver licence and supported 700 education and training opportunities.
"This is a significant achievement in some of our smallest communities. It means our rural businesses struggling to find skilled workers are employing local people with local knowledge to be part of their team," MSD industry partnerships director Amanda Nicolle said.
"This programme is a leading example of what a strong partnership between local and central government can achieve for communities.
"Ultimately, it's about creating better life outcomes in rural communities and that no one is left behind."
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Kora is the Kiwi fuel payment card that saves you 10c a litre every day at Mobil and Waitomo.… View moreKora saves the day with 13c off a litre!
In a world of rising fuel prices, a hero has come to save every day! Join Kora and save a super 13 cents a litre on every fill at Waitomo until 30th November.
Kora is the Kiwi fuel payment card that saves you 10c a litre every day at Mobil and Waitomo. Fill up when you want and pay later with weekly, fortnightly or monthly billing.
With prices flying high, now’s the time to save more with 13 cents off every litre at Waitomo until 30th November. Apply today!
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The set up of Health NZ on the West Coast is akin to "building the plane while trying to fly it," Greymouth mayor Tania Gibson says.
Gibson made the comment after it emerged the Health NZ board - which from last month replaced the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The set up of Health NZ on the West Coast is akin to "building the plane while trying to fly it," Greymouth mayor Tania Gibson says.
Gibson made the comment after it emerged the Health NZ board - which from last month replaced the former West Coast District Health Board and centralised all DHB governance and management functions - held its August meeting 'behind closed doors'.
Members of the public were not allowed to attend, a summary agenda only was provided for the public, and media were excluded but offered "an update" after the proceedings in a prearranged video call.
The last chairman of the former West Coast DHB, former Labour cabinet minister Rick Barker, said he was "reluctant to comment" either way on how the new structure was unfolding.
However, the DHB's former deputy chairman Tony Kokshoorn said it did not bode well.
"Where you are in any public organisation - whether it be a DHB or a council or anything, being transparent is paramount. You have to have a line open to the public all the time."
Kokshoorn said otherwise, it would lead to speculation: "It straight away opens it up to conspiracy and rumour."
With no open board meeting what might be communicated afterwards could be predetermined, he said.
"The problem is that their view (management) is one that suits them. That's just perfect for the management of a hospital system."
Former board member and long-time West Coast health activist Peter Neame said he viewed the new structure as "little different" from the Labour and National-led radical health reforms of the early 1990s. Those introduced a corporate mindset and political appointees.
Some of the architects from that period were being used as advisers for the current reform, he said.
"In my opinion the set up is from Helen Clark and her adviser Heather Simpson. It's already been admitted by the Labour Government that she is the chief adviser for the health reform," Neame said.
"What's happened with health care is we've gone backwards."
In April the Government announced the West Coast would be the sole South Island location as one of nine locality pilots for Health NZ.
It emerged the model would need the region's councils to help facilitate public consultation. which the local mayors saw as an imposition.
Gibson said that the matter had come up at a recent West Coast mayors and chairs forum.
"We got engaged in it earlier in the piece but we've said we want to wait until there was a clear view what would be required for us. We're still waiting to see what exactly council involvement is."
Whatever it was, it felt like another imposed job on local councils, she said.
"We don't have any extra resources; we're floundering to keep the resources we've got."
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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Some protection projects planned by the West Coast Regional Council have stalled after key staff left at a crucial stage in their development.
However, work on the ground for projects at Franz Josef, Hokitika and Greymouth and the Buller River … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Some protection projects planned by the West Coast Regional Council have stalled after key staff left at a crucial stage in their development.
However, work on the ground for projects at Franz Josef, Hokitika and Greymouth and the Buller River are pending or in the development stage, the council's new infrastructure programme manager Scott Hoare said.
Hoare, a Christchurch-based senior project manager for Inovo, said he had been busy over the past month familiarising himself with the various projects.
"It's been a good few weeks just trying to get our heads around where the projects are."
The project to raise the height of the existing Greymouth floodwall on both the Greymouth and Cobden sides of the Grey River would now be split into a five-stage project, he said.
While there were existing consents for the improvements to the wall, the design was being reviewed to ensure it met the existing consents before any work would begin.
Hoere's arrival at the regional council comes after it was warned in May that it risked losing tens of millions of previously granted 'shovel ready' money for projects unless it could show some progress.
It came shortly after the council lost half of its engineering team, including the longstanding operations manager who had been overseeing the projects.
The council has since appointed a governance committee to oversee the projects, while Inovo has been charged with doing the practical project management.
"The council have lost resources here which is why we were asked to be involved. It's up to us to drive it to get an outcome," Hoare said.
Chief executive Heather Mabin recently told the council this included "renegotiating" the contract with MBD, the stage one contractor for the Waiho (Waiau) River.
MBD began in June with some preliminary rockwork on the southern approach to the Waiho Bridge.
Hoare said some terms and benefits of the Franz Josef contract, let under the watch of previous council staff, had needed to be reviewed but that simply amounted to minor "tidying up".
Meanwhile, the council was awaiting consent sign-off to get the bulk of the stage one Waiho floodbank extensions and raising project under way.
That consent should be signed off in about a fortnight.
"The reason we are in delay is we are working through the affected party process. All of the documentation is now with all of the parties," Hoare said.
"We don't think the process will take too long. With the regional council staff that had left, that process had stalled. Things are looking positive in terms of getting that consent."
At Hokitika, a known coastal hazard area, the council was working on two projects -- an extension of the existing seawall from Hampden St north, and a new flood protection work on the north bank of the Hokitika River to protect the town centre, in particular.
Hoare said the seawall extension consent was in the process and then the council would go through "a further stakeholder process," towards the end of next month.
The council hoped to start building this year, with tendering expected in the next couple of months.
The river protection wall was subject to further design before a consent process.
"It will take a little bit to get going," Hoare said.
In the meantime, the regional council is also overseeing the emergency maintenance works upstream of Westport at Organs Island, and expects to tender the work to fix the scoured O'Conor Home stopbank by next month.
Kia Ora folks
I have contacted the civil defence to offer accommodation for evacuated people, they took my details down, but nothing came from it. The news papers are full of housing crisis and now adding all the evacuees, but no one has contacted me or asked me to contact anyone about my … View moreKia Ora folks
I have contacted the civil defence to offer accommodation for evacuated people, they took my details down, but nothing came from it. The news papers are full of housing crisis and now adding all the evacuees, but no one has contacted me or asked me to contact anyone about my offered space. Now I am wondering what it takes to place people and or is there anyone out there, who does want accommodation? I an living alone in a 3 bedroom house and am happy to share my space with anyone in need.
Generally Famous is Stuff's new podcast in which Simon Bridges finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick.
So far, Simon's had Olympian Eric Murray and digital entrepreneur Lucy Blakiston in the hot seat. And there's … View moreGenerally Famous is Stuff's new podcast in which Simon Bridges finds out what makes his generally famous - but always interesting - guests tick.
So far, Simon's had Olympian Eric Murray and digital entrepreneur Lucy Blakiston in the hot seat. And there's more exciting guests to come each Wednesday.
These folks are 'salt of the earth' and deserve a gold medal for the joy they bring to their neighbourhoods.
Their neighbours have nominated them as Nice Neighbours recently, winning them a small prize and some recognition in the local papers.
If you are lucky enough to have a … View moreThese folks are 'salt of the earth' and deserve a gold medal for the joy they bring to their neighbourhoods.
Their neighbours have nominated them as Nice Neighbours recently, winning them a small prize and some recognition in the local papers.
If you are lucky enough to have a Nice Neighbour, you can nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page. We can't wait to hear all about them!
Whether he's a new dad, a super special father figure or a many times grandad, find the perfect present to spoil him with PriceMe.
Read our handy gift guide to get those last minute Father's Day shopping ideas, while PriceMe's easy to use cost comparison website will save you the … View moreWhether he's a new dad, a super special father figure or a many times grandad, find the perfect present to spoil him with PriceMe.
Read our handy gift guide to get those last minute Father's Day shopping ideas, while PriceMe's easy to use cost comparison website will save you the $$$!!
Add a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel … View moreAdd a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel throw worth $69.00
Just visit Mags4Gifts to purchase your subscription, or if you’d rather talk to one of our friendly staff members, call 0800 624 744. Offer valid for 1 and 2 year subscriptions only at the new-subscriber rate. Standard T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ House & Garden
Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and … View moreDaffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and with your help, we won’t either. More New Zealanders will get cancer this year than ever before and no one should face cancer alone. Just $24 helps get someone to treatment. Please give generously this Daffodil Day so we can continue to be a lifeline for people with cancer and their whānau.
To donate today, visit daffodilday.org.nz.
The NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility … View moreThe NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility sectors, the NZ Compare Awards are back for the 6th year and in response to consumer demand, we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time.
As the boundaries between the utility industries continue to blur the organisers have responded to growing demand to increase the categories and industries celebrated by the NZ Compare Awards and will now recognise excellence and achievement within New Zealand’s BROADBAND, ENERGY and MOBILE sectors for the first time.
Award categories are consumer driven and informed by the 300,000 Kiwis who use NZ Compare websites each month. Winning carries real gravitas with the Kiwi consumer and the awards represent an opportunity to be confident in the talent and vision your company has worked so hard towards. This significant event will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services across these essential industries.
The NZ Compare Awards are supported by a wide range of companies including Movinghub, Vector Metering, Chorus, realestate.co.nz and Neighbourly. The prestigious awards will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services in their industries. With a range of different categories including best home and mobile provider, best customer support, fastest service, best rural provider and best broadband innovation.
Winning an NZ Compare Award depends on a combination of criteria. These include consumer surveys and reviews on the NZ Compare websites and decisions from our expert judging panel.
"Judged by an independent panel of New Zealand experts and presented at our gala awards event, the NZ Compare Awards provide a unique stage on which we recognize and reward the achievements of the New Zealand utility sectors." said Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare.
So what do you think? Give a shout out to your favourite utility provider here - not just for doing their job... we want to hear about those that go above and beyond! Who should be a winner?
What are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are … View moreWhat are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are feeling.
Dear neighbours,
Meet our Houseplant Hero competition winner Alan Mckenzie! If all sheds came like that, we want one too. Congratulations to Alan and his many many houseplants.
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