Beyond the HuttRiver - New Zealand today..: Lower Hutt

Showing posts with label Lower Hutt. Show all posts

Monday, May 16, 2011

Lower Hutt, Hutt Valley,Wellington,NZ...

Lower Hutt, Hutt Valley,

Wellington, New Zealand. This is where I live. The home of the Hutt River.

View video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyzc9egtrSc

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Interest already in Avalon studios...

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Interest already in Avalon Studios...

There's already interest in TVNZ's state of the art Avalon studios in Lower Hutt.

The state broadcaster is moving its Good Morning programme from Avalon to Auckland next year with the loss of 12 jobs, with the intention of quitting and selling the studios by June 2013.

Former Good Morning producer Debra Kelleher says because the studios are so superior, they're attractive to overseas investors.

"I know there are some big internationals that are looking at it currently," she told Newstalk ZB. "I'm working with one of the in particular so sometimes out of these sort of decisions come exciting new relationships."

Lower Hutt mayor Ray Wallace says TVNZ operating from Avalon Studios has been a barrier for potential new businesses but moving its operations out of Avalon opens up new economic opportunities for the city.

"Given that New Zealand is now becoming quite a popular destination for filming, we have an opportunity now to look at new industries coming in from overseas," he told Newstalk ZB. "In fact just yesterday I met with a Bollywood director talking about opportunities of filming here in Lower Hutt."

Mr Wallace says Avalon is an attractive proposition for overseas companies.

TVNZ says it's in early discussions with local and international interests. TVNZ CEO Rick Ellis says TVNZ's need for such large facilities has steadily decreased over the years due to outsourcing of programmes and the declining profitability of big-budget local shows.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

We are all proud of our Pride now over in the Melbourne Storm...

I have posted a number of stories about our young grandson and up-and-coming rugby league player Pride Petterson-Robati from the Hutt Valley in Wellington, New Zealand.

Pride was signed up by the Storm for six years after a bootcamp in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt a year ago. He went over to Melbourne for a couple of training sessions last year, before finally going back and signing that contract for another five years.

I wrote about the teams Pride played for last year, 2010: His local Upper Hutt Tigers U15's who won their grade; the Wellington Orcas U15's who came second in their national competitiion; the Upper Hutt College rugby league team who won their secondary schools rugby league team for the third consecutive year. He played in an U17 Maori tournament early in the year and was named in a tournament team. He was also named in the NZ Merit team, a non-playing side for those not eligible in the Junior Kiwis.

He messaged me this morning to tell me that he had been selected in the Melbourne Storm U18 starting lineup, as a second row/lock. They have just finished a three day camp there. We have to remember that he is only 15 years old and competing with youths up to 18 years old. I'm sure he'll grab that No 13 position as his own in due course.

He didn't tell me when he would be playing, but it will be a pre-season game somewhere. Good luck for the rest of the season, and continue your development there, Pride. We know your ambition is to play first grade football with the Storm and international football for the NZ Kiwis.

Friday, December 10, 2010

RSA under fire for its poppy deal - Anzac Day will never be the same...

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New Zealand RSA under fire for its foreign poppy deal - Anzac Day will never be the same...

The RSA is facing a backlash over its decision to import poppies rather than have them made in Christchurch, with many people threatening to boycott the poppies.
RSA New Zealand announced yesterday the Australian company Cash's had out-bid the Christchurch RSA to win the 2012 contract, and as a result the poppies would be made in Australia from parts manufactured in China, saving about $150,000.
Christchurch RSA has held the contract since 1931 and employed between 20-30 intellectually handicapped people from Kilmarnock Enterprises to assemble the poppies.

RSA chief executive Stephen Clarke said the $150,000 saving meant more money for its veterans and welfare work.

"That will be a cost saving to every local RSA because they're actually the ones purchasing direct from the wholesaler."

The poppy appeal raised $2 million nationally this year but many people commenting on the story online said they would not be buying the new poppies.

Christine Kay wrote it was "shameful" to take the work from intellectually handicapped people.
"I won't be buying one next year," she wrote.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) weighed in on the debate, saying the loss of the poppy contract was similar to having six new electric locomotives imported, rather than made here in either Lower Hutt or Dunedin.

RMTU general secretary Wayne Butson said that the loss of a contract for Anzac Poppies to Australia and China was sad news for Christchurch.

"Manufacturing is still a significant part of the economy, and is the third largest employing industry in New Zealand. But on price alone New Zealand cannot compete with low-wage economies overseas, and we need a serious plan to support domestic manufacturing and local jobs," he said.

Mr Butson questioned how the country could retain any form of manufacturing base when even government purchasing did not support local manufacturing.

Christchurch RSA president Russ Barron told the Press the national body's decision was disgusting.
"The New Zealand poppy is an icon, manufactured in New Zealand for New Zealanders."

Acknowledgements: NZPA

htttp://www.voxy.co.nz/national/rsa-under-fire-fpreign-poppy-deal/5/75413

Friday, October 8, 2010

Lower Hutt gets new mayor - Ray Wallace gives David Ogden a very swift farewell...

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Lower Hutt gets new mayor - Ray Wallace gives David Ogden a very swift farewell.

FRESH FACE: Wainuiomata ward councillor Ray Wallace is the new mayor of Lower Hutt.

Local body elections From MP to newbie mayor Horizons Regional Council results Guppy holds on to Upper Hutt Hastings mayor increases majority No change for Hawke's Bay Regional Council Retired farmer wins in Tararua Taupo race too close to call New mayor for Central Hawke's Bay Napier mayor wins fourth term Wainuiomata ward councillor Ray Wallace has trounced incumbent two-term mayor David Ogden to take Lower Hutt's mayoral chains.

Mr Ogden conceded defeat in a phone call to Mr Wallace this afternoon and said he was "definitely not going to be a bitter loser".

"I rang him and I said: 'Congratulations your worship' and I think he liked that," Mr Ogden said.

"He ran a good campaign and I'm really appreciative for the 10,000 people who voted for me. That was really sweet.”

Mr Ogden said there had been "some dirty stuff" during the election race which had been hard.

The pair fought an ugly mayoral campaign marked by accusations by Mr Wallace of dirty tricks and a smear campaign against him by Mr Ogden.

It followed a mass mail out by Mr Ogden which Mr Wallace said misrepresented his position on water metering.

But with 98 per cent of the votes counted this afternoon, Mr Wallace led Mr Ogden by 15,569 votes to 10,624.

Mr Ogden said he would continue with his accountancy business and various directorships. He had also been voted back onto the Hutt Valley District Health Board and hoped to continue serving the city in whatever

capacity he could.

"It's been a blessing.

"I've been beaten fair and square. Ray and I have said congratulations and I'm just going to move on."

Monday, October 4, 2010

Fourth term for Kerry Prendergast in Wellington mayoralty...

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Would you vote for Kerry Prendergast for a fourth term as Wellington mayor?

Yes, she's good for Wellington

No, I won't vote for her

I've previously supported her but it's time for a change

I support one of the other candidates

I'll wait till all the candidates have been confirmed

Vote Result Relevant offers

Local Family 'vindicated' by mouldy home report Prendergast cleared over concert complaint Capital not ready for the big one A taste of spring - and lemonade Daily trivia quiz: October 4 Wellington region's water use drops Jackson, union discuss Hobbit Knight caught up in probe on fraud suspect Funding cuts push kids out of daycare Reeling in a yo-yo record Kerry Prendergast has confirmed she will stand for a fourth term as Wellington mayor.

What do you think? Post a comment

She told The Dominion Post last night that she would stand again as an independent, after earlier ruling out contesting the October election so she could spend more time with her family.

She will announce her candidacy this morning, appearing to kill the possibility that she would front an election bid on the Sir Bob Jones-promoted Vibrant Wellington ticket.

"I have decided to seek a fourth term as mayor to ensure there is ongoing confidence in Wellington's direction, leadership and management of the council. I have always stood as an independent and I will do so again this year."

Significant challenges included retaining the NZI Sevens tournament, increasing inner-city safety, and ensuring Wellington maintained a strong voice on national issues and resource allocation, Ms Prendergast, 56, said. "My campaign will be about how Wellington is doing really well at the moment and is a fantastic city. Why change?"

Her husband, hotelier Rex Nicholls, said there was "nobody else out there" capable of doing the job as well as his wife, but he also had other reasons to support her seeking office again.

"If she doesn't do this, then she has one more good job in her. She would go off and work for a company and I would see even less of her. At least the mayoral job has some flexibility. And we do go to some fantastic events. We went to the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games, for example, so there is that side of it too."

Sir Bob said Ms Prendergast's decision came as no surprise but he believed there was still a possibility she might stand on the Vibrant Wellington ticket.

The central plank of the business-led group is to create a bus-free pedestrian boulevard in the central city.

"If Kerry is going to back this, and it has been hinted at, then we wouldn't put a mayoral candidate up. Simple as that. It would create a monument to her tenure as mayor."

This morning, Sir Bob said Vibrant Wellington had a list of people wanting to front it and announcements will be made in May.

He told Radio New Zealand today he always knew Ms Prendergast planned to stand as an independent, but the pair kept in touch and if she wanted to fully back the pedestrian initiative then Vibrant Wellington would not bother seeking a candidate.

Ad Feedback But in the meantime the group was holding regular meetings and Sir Bob said progress was being made in terms of getting a candidate to front it.

"We are weighing up a lot of names now...we are going to announce all that in May," he said.

Sir Bob said the group's slogan was: "Don't vote for us - vote for this," and while the candidate needed to be capable, he or she was not considered especially important in overall terms.

He ruled out running for mayor himself. "I'm too old, I've been self-employed since I was 19, I'm used to things getting done..."

The property investor lives in Lower Hutt, but said he was probably one of the biggest ratepayers in Wellington city, and considered himself a Wellingtonian.

Ms Prendergast first won the mayoralty in 2001, after former mayor Mark Blumsky decided not to run again.

Mayoral candidate Allan Probert, a Miramar vet, also expected Ms Prendergast's decision but said it was time for change.

"I think she has been there for three terms and she has had enough time to establish a direction for the city."

Wellington businessman Jack Yan is also seeking the mayoral chains. He said the election was about creating jobs in the capital.

"Wellingtonians don't want the sort of continuity Ms Prendergast offers because they are concerned Wellington is falling behind as an international city. Unless Ms Prendergast can show us she cares about job creation then I'm afraid she is not the woman for the job in 2010."

Other candidates will formally announce their mayoralty campaigns in the next few months including Wellington city councillors Bryan Pepperell and Celia Wade-Brown.

Acnowledgements: NZPA

Neck and neck in Lower Hutt mayoralty race - Ray Wallace by a nose...

Image via WikipediaNeck and neck in Lower Hutt mayoralty race - Ray Wallace by a nose...

Hutt News Poll indicates neck and neck race for Hutt mayoralty Wallace claims 'dirty politics' in Hutt.

A quick poll over the weekend by Hutt-based MMResearch indicates mayoral candidates David Ogden and Ray Wallace are neck and neck.

Theo Muller says interviewers with his company randomly polled 100 eligible voters in the Lower Hutt area and asked them who they would vote for "if the election was held tomorrow". Ray Wallace polled 35 per cent and David Ogden 34 per cent.

Mr Muller warned the sample was small and the figures were indicative only.

"Nevertheless, the message is clear; neither candidate can afford to sit on his laurels and both are well advised to keep campaigning."

Voting papers must be returned by noon on October 9.

Just over a fifth of the respondents remained undecided and another 7 per cent say they will not vote.

Meanwhile, the electionz.com site showed that, as of last Friday, 9.7 per cent of eligible Hutt voters had returned their papers, about on par with this time in the voting period in 2004 (9.95 per cent) and just above returns in 2007 (7.7 per cent). Last election only 41 per cent of eligible Hutt voters voted

Friday, May 28, 2010

Save our Pohutakawa tree - a Taita icon in danger of destruction by the chainsaws of the Hosanna Church

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Save out Pohutakawa tree - a Taita icon in danger of destruction by the chainsaws of the Hosanna Church...

Last weekend a group of current and former Taita residents and identities met in High Street, Taita, to discuss and protest at the proposed destruction of the 150 year old iconic Pohutakawa tree which was planted long before there was a suburb called Taita; long before the old Taita Hotel itself was constructed in 1890. There was only farmland and later market gardens in this district. High Street, one of the main arterial routes through the City of Lower Hutt for many decades was just a horse track through which the stage coach from Wellington passed through on its way to the Wairarapa. They changed horses just up the road from the site of the former Taita Hotel, now the Hosanna Church, at the original Taita hotel which later burned down.

The new owners of the Taita hotel site, purchased some years ago by the very last of the hoteliers, Ricky Briant and Huia Gordon, are in the process of redevelopment work on the site. The new owners have in the words of some Taita residents, arrogantly and ignorantly disregarded the feelings, sentiments and sense of history of the area and residents. Taita is the original name for the area which includes Taita North ( including the community of Pomare and the industrial area of Wingate) Taita South, Avalon and Naenae. This explains why the cemetery in Naenae is called the Taita Cemetery. Avalon Park is the site of the old Taita speedway. But once the Avalon area was subdivided the owners of the new houses there did not want to be associated with those state house tenants in the north. They were described in the Hutt News a few years ago by one well known Taita identity, as a "bunch of snobs". Words he still sticks to!

Technically under New Zealand law, the Hosanna Church owns the Pohutakawa tree because it is on the site; but morally nobody owns such an iconic tree that precedes the Taita borough and suburb of Lower Hutt City. This tree was played on by children waiting for their parents, and used in a variety of ways over the years. The tree has also been hacked around and defaced by contractors in recent years. A story in the Taita Times mentioned how the tree was used as an early post office - people used to leave and collect letters in a box nailed to the tree. No stamp being necessary those days.

We were told at Sunday's meeting that there had been no support from the Hutt City Council or interest from the media. I hope this addresses that problem. The local Labour MP has allegedly only taken interest in the tree protest when he found out that a National candidate had pledged support. We hope there will be some real cross-party support from our politicians and potential candidates at this year's local body elections. Come on over for a talk Mayor David Ogden.

This tree has mana, and is a symbol of generations past. While the busy working class suburb has fallen on hard economic times since the unfortunate 1980/90's, many people remember that in the early days of the suburb it housed returned servicemen and their families. While it has changed over the years and now houses the economically disadvantaged as well as the working class, the spirit of Taita still burns brightly in the hearts of those who have, and still call Taita home. I'm mainland born from Christchurch and Canterbury, but Taita has been my home and suburb since 1972.

Imagine if you can, the late Sir Walter Nash, former prime minister of New Zealand, stopping under the shade of what was then a much larger and widespread Pohutakawa tree during his campaigning in Lower Hutt. The old gentleman would turn in his grave if he found out the Taita tree was under attack from Christians armed with chainsaws. Sir Walter was a devout church going Christian from the old school; those from the Hosanna church would undoubtably learn much from him, regarding Christian charity and regard for the feelings of their neighbours. They could simply read their bible and find an appropriate story there. The future is in their hands. I sincerely hope that they will initiate some dialogue with those who want the tree saved.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Beaver: A singing career that began boldly on a red Leyland bus has ended...

BEAVER: Never quite comfortable with her status as a social and cultural figure, daughter Kate said.

A singing career that began boldly on a bright red Leyland bus has come to a quiet end.

Beaver, one of the founding members of travelling performance co-operative Blerta, died at Mercy Hospice in Auckland yesterday after a six-year battle with cancer. She was 59.

Born in Lower Hutt in 1950 as Beverly Joan Morrison, Beaver was just 20 when actor and musician Bruno Lawrence spotted her performing at a local club and convinced her to jump on board his new project, Blerta – the Bruno Lawrence Electric Revelation and Travelling Apparition.

Beaver was a childhood nickname she adopted as a stage moniker and which stuck for the rest of her life, even out of the limelight.

She toured the country with Blerta – which included Bill Stalker, the father of her two children – between 1971 and 1973, dropping out for the group's 1974 Australian tour and rejoining when they returned.

Blerta was a springboard for a long and successful singing career, which included being named jazz performer of the year at the 1988 New Zealand Music Awards for her album Live at Ronnie Scott's.

She acted in the Blerta television show and in films, but it was her singing that people remembered and paid tribute to yesterday.

"What always amazed me about Beaver was her remarkable voice," co-performer Hammond Gamble said. "She was kind of born to sing."

Former Supergroove frontman Karl Stevens, who met and performed with Beaver while he was still a teenager, said she was "a proper old-school musician who knew her craft and had honed it".

Elder daughter Fritha Stalker said Beaver was "a very lovable person who inspired protective instincts in almost everyone she met with her innocence and good humour".

Younger daughter Kate Stalker said her mother never quite felt comfortable with her status as a social and cultural figure. "She was just a family girl. What mattered to her was her grandchildren and her great-nieces and nephews."

Everyone who met Beaver loved her, she said. "Even the nurses [at the hospice] this morning were having a cry because she was such a lovely lady".

Acknowledgements: Kate Newman

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Missing Taita man found down an Upper Hutt hillside three years later...

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Taita man missing for three years found...down an Upper Hutt hillside.

A local man from my suburb of Taita here in Lower Hutt who had been missing for three years, turned up... buried in a garden in further up the valley in Upper Hutt. It is not yet official, he has not been named, but a 26 year old has been charged with his murder.

Harold Skudder, 38 years old but three years dead. He was a local lad, went to local schools with my three eldest children. Grew up and became a bit of a lad; bit of a pothead I believe. A harmless sort of a skinny built guy, feely good looking, according to the local girls; and allegedly father of seven children.

When he was reported missing three years ago, he had been missing for some time. His bank account had been left untouched; and that is the usual sign of somebody who won't be back on this earth.

All very sad for his mother and siblings, and a former girlfriend

Friday, January 29, 2010

Not a night to remember - and didn't get to see ACDC anyway...

It was meant to be an experience to savour and a night to remember for 37 year old furniture removalist "Big John" from Lower Hutt. Nearly $180.00 spent to get a ticket to the ACDC concert last Friday night. He travelled to Wellington City with some of his mates and their girlfriends, had a few of the traditional pre-concert drinks and climbed the steps towards the concourse of Wellington Westpac Stadium.

That appears to be as far as the group got, John saw one of his mates knocked to the ground unconscious, another assaulted, and then become involved in a fracas with about five other men. A powerfully built former rugby and league player he held his own before police became involved and arrested him. He was handcuffed and tossed into the rear of a police paddy wagon, and the police just laughed at him, he claimed. He fell in the entrance well of the van, but because of his great strength was able to extricate himself and wait for the police to let him out. It seemed like a couple of hours he spent in the stifling heat of the van without any water, becoming dehydrated.

He was taken to the Wellington Central police station, arrested and put in a cell without pillows or blankets. After banging on the door of his cell for some time, he was spoken to by a policewoman who later contacted his mother. The policewoman rang John's mother and told her to come and collect him. She said he had been a very angry man, understandable given the circumstances. John is also normally a mild mannered man who didn't get involved in trouble or fighting; during his time as a footballer he seldom involved himself in onfield trouble, preferring to let the referee deal with offenders. He was deeply offended by the attack on his friends and the subsequent substandard treatment on him by the police. He has bruising on his wrists and other parts of his body. He was also arrested without his tee shirt.

John told his mother he had been arrested and would have to appear in court in a few weeks time. He also told her that he was not told his rights or allowed a phone call.

The following day, after being unable to receive any cooperation from the Wellington City police, John and his mother went to see the Lower Hutt police to complain about the treatment he had received the previous evening. They not only accepted his complaint, but have actually considered it as extremely serious, considering the treatment John had received. The complaint has been lodged and will continue.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Farmers Crescent is in the suburb of Taita North, not Pomare...

Farmers Crescent where there was some media reported gang activities in the last couple of weeks, is actually in the suburb of Taita North, not the suburb of Pomare which doesn't exist.

Pomare is actually a community that grew around the Pomare railway station and the local primary school a few decades ago. The original Taita North school was renamed Pomare to give the local inhabitants some community identity. It still applies to that original area, not the whole of Taita North that many residents, and the media believe.

Why the Hutt City Council split the old Taita suburb into two is beyond me. Taita actually includes that industrial area around the Eastern Hutt Road, erroneously called Wingate as well. "Taita" is actually the original and historic name for most of the Taita, Naenae and northern Avalon areas. The old speedway track, for instance, was at what is now called Avalon Park.

There should be only one suburb called "Taita Districts" to avoid confusion by locals and others as well. Some people in Foster and McDonald Streets have attempted to have those streets included into Avalon North as well; but this is just petty snobbery which I wrote about here, some years ago. Reminds me of those confused people who call Lower Hutt as that non-existent entity Hutt City!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Insulation upgrade of state houses badly needed...

May 2008 re: NZ CITY, NewstalkZB News

State house tenants say the sooner the Government starts insulating their homes, the better.

This week's Budget will include $53 million to make all state houses warmer and dryer within five years.

Peter Petterson has been in his state house in the Lower Hutt suburb of Taita for a number of years now and says the upgrade is much needed. Houses will be insulated against the cold. State houses are particulourly damp at their southern ends.

"They are cold, you've got to use heaters. Some of the older people stick on some more clothes and blankets."

Mr Petterson says it is a shame the upgrade is happening after his children have grown up and moved out, but at least his grandchildren will benefit when they come to stay.

The Labour - led Government is to be congratulated for the impending upgrades on state houses. National had the opportunity during the 1990's to insulate houses but chose just to redecorate them to assist in its privatisation programe to sell off state houses.

Watch video

Monday, April 7, 2008

Concerns for missing Lower Hutt man...

Lower Hutt man's disappearance a mystery...

Police are looking for Lower Hutt man Harold Skudder, who has not been seen by his family since late January; concern is mounting for his safety. He was last seen at the Taita shopping centre.

Harold Skudder has not been seen since late January. Police and his family are puzzled by his disappearance.

Detective Sergeant Dean Simpson says the 38-year-old has no permanent home and was last seen by relatives in the Taita shopping centre. He says Mr Skudder has family in the Lower Hutt and Te Puke areas, but has not been in contact with anyone and his family would just like to know that he is safe.

He is described as Maori, thinly built, of medium height, with heavily tattooed hands and arms. When last seen he had long grey hair and a grey beard.

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Wellington Tenths Waitangi claim to be settled - but is it really just...

The Wellington Tenths Waitangi claim to be settled - but is it really just?

Crown land is to be returned to Taranaki Whanui(Wellington). There is a long list of various lands in Wellington and Lower Hutt cities.

There will be financial and commercial redress: There will be opportunities to buy certain properties, including a conditional purchase of Defence force land at Shelly Bay.

Sale and leaseback on selected crown properties to a value of $120 million. Some sales will include buildings. Sold properties permanently leased back to occupying government departments. However these departments must consent to the sales.

First right of refusal on surplus land for up to 100 years from settlement. Would this be feasible, considering the long time period?

Crown will investigate possible sale of airspace above Wellington Railway Station and the rail corridor. Again, would this be feasible if a future National Government could privatise these areas?

There will be a cultural redress package, which could include the beds of certain rivers and streams; coastal marine areas,marginal strips of land; government buildings; and a number of historic reserves and parks. Quite frankly the Government doesn't have the right to grant the latter - they belong to all New Zealanders.

There will be deeds of recognition, in which the crown will have regard for the claimants views on certain parks and reserves.

The crown will consider Maori place names for certain places of significance, and Maori/Pakeha for other areas.

There will be other cultural redress, including the possibility of transfering three cultural sites near Pencarrow Lakes and placing powhenua on crown sites of cultural significance. Centre Point and Wellington Airport will be invited to discussions with the claimants.

After all the talk, will consideration be given to ensure that the original and historical owners of the land in Wellington and Lower Hutt cities be given a fair share of all compensation by way of cash or land? The Taranaki tribes in the mid-1830's usurped the land from a number of local tribes, who then fled into the interior of Manawatu and other areas, ie Ngati Ira? The Taranaki tribes themselves, had fled to Wellington for protection by the British Army from invading Waikato tribes. Justice must be seen to be given. If recognition of the rights of ancestors of the original owners is not given, there cannot be any rights of compensation for land allegedly taken from Taranaki tribes by the crown or private individuals in the 1830's and 1840's!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Who is going to be elected in Lower Hutt on Saturday...

Who is going to be elected in Lower Hutt on Saturday? The incumbent, David Ogden,city councillor, Ray Wallace or the well known footballer and commentator,Ken Laban for mayor? Who is going to be elected for council, regional council or health boards?

The best candidates may not be elected in any of the categories because apathetic Lower Hutt residents may not get out and do their civil duty - to vote!

I have witnessed many good left of centre candidates failing to get elected because of voter apathy. I hope the same doesn't happen this time. 'Ken Laban' must be one of the best candidates and persons to stand for the mayoralty for many a year. He could become our first mayor of Polynesian extraction as well.

If you happen to read this before voting day, make sure you have sent your voting papers in. You can vote for whoever you wish, but voter apathy is the arch enemy of democracy. So tell your family, friends and acquaintences to get your votes in. The deadline is noon on this Saturday!

JUST MAKE SURE YOU VOTE BEFORE NOON ON SATURDAY:

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Our special needs grandson's difficult journey to adulthood

We have been raising our special needs grandson for eight and a half years now, since he was eight years old. He has had severe learning and behavioural problems. He was brought to us by our national welfare agency - CYFS - for an emergency placement with us.

Nobody would listen to us about his condition, despite being assessed by his paediatrician at the age of six years. He was assessed with ADHD and comorbid conditions of conduct disorder and oppositional defiance, a minor intellectual handicap which was enough to, according to his doctor, knock him off balance, and severe learning difficulties. He was prescribed, and used Ritalin until he was 14 years old. He cannot read and write at the age of 16 years. His numeracy is much better than his literacy.

He was finally suspended from school at the age of 15 years. He showed aggressiveness - he was physically prevented from leaving a room and reacted accordingly. He was actually a victim of the professional arrogance of senior teachers, a rigid educational system and a reluctance of politicians to grant an increase in the educational vote to special education in New Zealand.

He and school are finally parted now- senior teachers woud never accept what we told them in relation to his learning and his behaviour. They claimed he was fully responsible for his actions, - and I knew he wasn't! However his teachers aides were more sympathetc and helpful, but of course could never directly challenge the authority of the senior teachers.

Early in 2006 he suffered a psychotic episode and wound up in an adolescent psychiatric unit for four weeks. Naturally I won't discuss the reasons why here, but he has been on medication ever since. It has been reduced to a very low dosage, and his ADHD symptoms, which had been suppessed by his medication, have returned, but not to the levels of his younger years. His medication should be permanently stopped in a few months providing there is no relapse.

We now have a young man of 16 years, going on 17 years to help onto his next stage in life. We won't be handicapped by arrogant senior teachers or other know-all's impedng his progress.

After a number of meetings in recent months with various health, welfare and community agencies, our opinions and beliefs have been vindicated, and we can now move forward knowing we all sing from the same song sheet. This can be only good for the young man in question, our grandson.

Since I originally wrote this post on another site, our grandson has had another psychotic relapse and is a very, very ill young man. We wanted him admitted to the youth centre at Rangatahi, but sadly he had to spend two unfortunate weeks at the adult mental health unit at Hutt Hospital. He is getting the best possible treatment at Rangatahi now, and undoubtably will be there for number of weeks.

He has been home again for some time and is being treated by a local doctor and support group. We anticipate a better deal all round. An official complaint has been lodged against Hutt Valley health's CAFS Department.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Ken Laban the only official Lower Hutt City candidate...

Why is Ken Laban the only candidate willing and proud to say he is a mayoral candidate for Lower Hutt City? Actually no other candidates have mentioned they are candidates for 'Lower Hutt' wards either.

So here we are with the elections coming up and only one official Lower Hutt candidate; the others glibly mention their ward or the fact they are standing for the mayoralty.

No wonder those involved in Upper Hutt City don't want a bar of Lower Hutt politicians or pretenders.

I personally believe that amalgamation of the final two local authorities in the Hutt Valley will prove to be the best action for the economic and social future of both. Surely, but how do you get your head aroud the parochialism of Lower Hutt?

It is this parochialism that has prevented discussion between the two councils up to now.

Monday, July 30, 2007

The time is right to amalgamate the Hutt Valley cities...

While Auckland debates the value of having one super - council in its region, something being considered by central government as well, the time for a similar debate in the Wellinton region is probably as equally as valuable.

In the Hutt Valley it is actually something that has come of age, if you like. Its time is now! I've said it publicly before along with a number of others, that Upper and Lower Hutt cities should be amalgamated to ensure that better planning and utilisation of current and future resources in this valley can be achieved, including that most valuable of all - people!

I have never understood why the amalgamations of 1989 were not completed with the amalgamation of the two Hutt Valley entities as well. In hindsight it was a very bad decision. It allowed the two cities to meander along without real growth or planning for the future.

In Lower Hutt's case they inanely changed the name of its local authority to the Hutt City Council, obviously under pressure from the three former boroughs, Wainuiomata, Petone and Eastbourne. These three new suburbs were given special status by being given elected community boards for second tier representation, while the original suburbs were unfairly given council appointed ward committies. Despite having the opportunity to ensure equal representation for all residents of Lower Hutt City, the David Ogden led council even disestablished the meagre representation of council appointed ward committees.

These former boroughs have pressurised the Hutt City Council into a de facto name change for Lower Hutt(Hutt City) - something illegal and breaching Geographic Board legislation. The Hutt City Council could yet be taken to court and those responsible prosecuted. We all remember the inane threats of secession from Eastbourne when they thought they wouldn't have second tier representation in the next three years. The Ogden led council quickly buckled under to the threats of the over- represented and over resourced Eastbournites. Central government would never have allowed Eastbourne to secede from Lower Hutt in any case.

This final piece of the jigsaw could be debated this year, and a residents poll held in conjunction with next year's parliamentary elections.

If the eventual decision is in the affirmative, a working party comprising city councillors and council officers from both councils could meet as soon as possible to come up with some guidelines on how amalgamation would take place; and whether a city or district council should be established. However the latter could also be decided during a residents poll. A district council would ensure that a lot of the parochialism that exists would be terminated. Second tier representation could also be decided by the new local authority.

In the interim period the Hutt City Council would be well advised to promote the city correctly as 'Lower Hutt', not by the illegal term of Hutt City. They have been in breach of Geographic Board legislation for many years, and could yet be prosecuted if any body or individual within the city objected. Imagine the damage to Mayor Ogden's election campaign if somebody did decide to lay charges with the police in coming week.

Monday, May 16, 2011

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