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Leave a comment Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Employment, Housing, Local Issues, Social Development, Tangata Whenua
Māori & Pākehā views on the big issues
Over 550 people around Aotearoa NZ responded to this online survey over two days (20-21 April 2020) on some of the issues being discussed in public recently – these are the results from respondents identifying as Māori & Pākehā / NZ European – around 46% of respondents were Māori, so over-sampled compared to the proportion of Māori in the general population, Pākehā were around 67% of respondents (who could choose more than one ethic group).
1 Comment Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Educated Tairāwhiti, Employment, Healthy Tairāwhiti, Local Governance, Local Issues, Our Children & Youth, Our Families, Positive Leadership, Regional Economy, Safe Tairāwhiti, Social Development, Sustainable Tairāwhiti, Tangata Whenua
Sunrise in the windows of an 100 year old building in Tokomaru Bay on the morning the Mixed Fortunes report was released. #metaphor
Community leaders scrambling to defend the region in light of the Salvation Army report yesterday was understandable but a bit disappointing.
I'm not sure why anyone was surprised that Northland and Gisborne top the country for all the worst statistics – it's been that way for a few generations now. Shooting the messenger – before even reading the message – shows both a lack of confidence in the region and credibility as a commentator.
If we look behind the numbers in the report it is completely understandable that Gisborne stands out – we have a very low population compared to other regions and lower average income and higher Māori population. Wellington, Auckland and even Tauranga have communities facing similar challenges to Gisborne but their regional statistics look better because they have higher proportions of the community with higher incomes and there are more employment opportunities in big centres. Māori are still recovering from the impacts of colonisation and it will take some time and better efforts from everyone before Māori health, justice, education and employment statistics are equal with the rest of the population.
Urban migration from rural communities to metropolitan centres is a global phenomenon as small family farms become marginal in the face of industrialised agri-business. Increasing profits by using machines instead of more costly human labour has been the point of business since the industrial revolution. And we wonder why we have an unemployment problem?
I think the report is really helpful and we should be thanking the Salvation Army for helping draw attention to the issues again.
A local yesterday said "the Salvation Army doesn't know Gisborne", those kinds of comments show that there are people in Gisborne who don't really know Gisborne.
I was pleased to hear a couple of councillors have invited the report author to come to Gisborne for a discussion about the report findings and recommendations.
The recommendation to develop national sustainability goals to ensure the progress of all regions should also be taken up at a local level. Unfortunately there seems to be little sense of urgency within the local institutions that have the mandate and resources to influence significant change:
Gisborne District Council continues to excuse itself from any meaningful leadership in terms of truly sustainable development. Other councils have at least developed useful regional progress measures that help identify where more attention and resources are required to affect meaningful change.
Tairawhiti District Health Board seems to understand some of the issues but is hamstrung by central government priorities, high salaries for some medical staff and limited funds having to stretch further each year.
Eastland Community Trust and iwi authorities have limited mandates and capabilities at present but they do have ambitious vision, significant capital and opportunities to marshal additional support.
Activate Tairawhiti has a big mandate but no resources to do anything other than organise meetings.
Local offices of central government agencies are driven by their bosses in Wellington rather than local priorities.
Likewise we need a local plan to meet the challenges of an aging population, resource scarcity and rising inequality in our region. Accelerating the adoption of new technologies and social arrangements, could help but those arrangements may also require understanding our situation differently. For example the official deprivation levels in Kaiti and Ruatoria are the same but the issues are quite different – on the Coast access to quality health services may be a big challenge but families don't need to earn a lot when they depend less on the supermarket and more on the land and sea to source food. For example, should public policy encourage more families to return to small farming?
So let's welcome this useful piece of research, thank the authors and take the time as a community to fully appreciate the reality of the opportunities available to us as a region.
indicators regional development research Salvation Army Sustainability
Leave a comment Posted on Friday, April 24, 2015 Saturday, April 25, 2015 Cultural Capital, Employment, Our Elders, Our Families, Prosperous Tairāwhiti, Regional Economy, Regional Environment, Social Development, Sustainable Tairāwhiti, Tangata Whenua
Where did all the farmers go? Or how much useful energy is stored in human belly fat?
In his 1979 essay "Energy in Agriculture" the American farmer, author and activist (some say prophet) Wendell Berry reflects on a memoir by Donald Hall of life on his grandparents' New England farm from the 1930s to the 1950s.
The farm produced food for the household and made a cash income from a small hand-milked herd of Holsteins (Fresians) and a flock of sheep. It had trees for firewood and mayple syrup. Sales of wood paid for the girls to go to school and while the farm and family were 'poor' by modern standards with only a small income, they also only spent a small amount. Its energy economy was largely independent of its money economy. The energy of this farm came largely from people and from one horse. This farm was based on patterns of agriculture that have been extinguished by the methods of industrial agriculture and modern capitalism. Farms like the Hall's gave way to assumptions of "progress" that privileged the city over the country, the large-scale over the small, uniformity over diversity.
Profound in my context was Berry's brief history lesson about urbanisation. Trends in the US rural drift to the cities have been mirrored in Aotearoa New Zealand, nowhere more so than the East Coast. One of Berry's main points is that as 'agribusiness' grew in the 20th Century it favoured land that was easy for large, mechanised tools of production to access – namely large, flat to easy country so while small-holdings both in New England and around Ruatoria had been successfully cultivated for hundreds of years, new technology meant the small family farm could not compete with the industrial agriculture of large companies that bought or leased massive tracts of land in other parts of the country.
Rural communities that had been largely self-sufficient quickly emptied as families could no longer find work – either because farms in the area had been bought or leased to corporations and the production had been taken over by machines, or because the modest cash income – that had supplemented food grown by the household for itself – had dried up when cheaper produce was sourced from larger farms.
Apirana Ngata as Minister of Native Affairs encouraged the wholesale clearance of native bush on the East Coast and other parts of New Zealand still occupied by Māori for conversion to small scale dairy farms.
Uncle Tui Tibble was born in the 1930s and remembers dozens of small dairy herds being milked daily in the 10km between Makarika and Ruatoria. Likewise Aunty Patricia, born in 1940, spent her years before going to boarding school milking cows with her nanny on the East Cape. Her secondary schooling was largely paid for by the income from the cows.
Those were the days when local families would milk between 30 and 100 cows every morning, put the full containers out at the gate for collection and receive a 'cream cheque' each fortnight. Most of that cream went to the Butter Factory in Ruatoria.
Ruatōria was well-known for its Ngāti-Porou Co-operative Dairy Company, and the Nāti-branded butter its factory produced won the national award for the best butter for several years in succession. The cooperative was a predominantly Māori venture and the financing, which included buying herds for intending suppliers, was distinctive. It began in the 1925–26 season with 58 suppliers and an output of 61 tons of butter; within 10 years it had 377 suppliers and an output of 743 tons. The company featured in the 28 May 1952 issue of The Weekly News. The article said:
'It is staffed and managed entirely by Maoris, and 90 percent of its cream supply comes from farms under Maori ownership or management.'
Ngati-Porou Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. factory, Factory Rd, Ruatoria, 2015
The building still stands, but with a declining milk supply the factory itself closed in 1954. The factory closure didn't come because the cows went dry, it wasn't the impact of a prolonged drought or a milk powder contamination scare. It was in fact the intersection of two massive social shifts – urbanisation and large-scale industrialisation of the agricultural sector. The post-war baby boomers were the first generation of 'consumers', production shifted away from small family farms and at the same time people shifted away from farms. Before the Second World War 80% of Māori lived in rural communities, the 2013 Census found that over 80% of Māori now live in urban centres. In fact the War was largely responsible for taking men (and women) not only into active service but to work in city factories supporting the war effort.
The increase in the percentage of Māori living in urban areas between 1926 and 1986. Source: Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ
With a booming population and increasing 'prosperity' in the post-war years, Māori and Pākehā expectations and aspirations changed – higher education, increased mobility and expanded choices were the basis for massive relocations into cities over the next few decades.
Berry explains it this way:
…something was gaining speed in our country that I think will seem more and more strange as time goes on. This was a curious set of assumptions, both personal and public about 'progress'. If you could get into a profession, it was assumed, then of course you must not be a farmer; if you could move to the city, then you must not stay in the country; if you could farm more profitably in the corn belt [Poverty Bay flats, Canterbury Plains, Pukekohe], then the moutainsides of New England [East Coast] must not be farmed. For years this set of assumptions was rarely spoken and more rarely questioned, and yet it has been one of the most powerful social forces at work in this country [and around the world] in modern times.
and Berry argues it was made possible by the myth of cheap energy:
But these assumptions could not accomplish much on their own. What gave them power, and made them able finally to dominate and reshape our society, was the growth of technology for the production and use of fossil fuel energy. This energy could be made available to empower such unprecedented social change because it was "cheap." But we were able to consider it "cheap" only by a kind of moral simplicity: the assumption that we had a "right" to as much of it as we could use. This was a "right" made solely by might. Because fossil fuels, however abundant they once were, were nevertheless limited in quantity and not renewable, they obviously did not "belong" to one generation more than another. We ignored the claims of posterity simply because we could, the living being stronger than the unborn, and so worked the "miracle" of industrial progress by the theft of energy from (among others) our children.
Berry argues, not only did the cultural values of society shift along with more 'metropolitan' tastes and consumption habits increasingly dependent on manufactured food, but more importantly the shifts were a logical consequence of 'marginal' farms in New England – and the East Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand – being abandoned – not because they were unproductive or undesirable as living places.
They were given up for one very "practical" reason: they did not lend themselves readinly to exploitation by fossil fuel technology… Industrial agriculture needs large, level fields. As the scale of technology grows, the small farms with small or steep fields are pushed farther and farther toward the economic margins and are finally abandoned…
Today we find ourselves in a situation where thousands of hectares of land on the East Coast and other parts of the country that were once highly 'productive' as family farms are now lying fallow, gathering millions in rates debt. While some estimates classifying up to 80% of Māori land as 'under-performing' or 'unproductive' may be exaggerated, and the benefits of 'undeveloped' land may turn out to be quite profitable, and whether or not law reform is required to address the complexities of tenure and management, the fact remains that Māori land in our community is rarely being utilised like it was to enable whānau to grow their own food and derive some modest income from what can be sold, swapped or given away.
Tapuaeroa, Ruatoria
Berry laments the massive waste associated with the modern 'efficient' agricultural methods. There is the waste of solar energy that farming has depended on for millennia – both as a motive power and as a growing power; the waste of animal energy – particularly when animals are confined and feed has to be transported to them; the waste of soil and soil health as massive agricultural machinery compresses the soil and sees it blown as dust or be drained away during rain because it is more 'efficient' to leave large areas exposed between crops. But possibly the biggest waste is that of human energy and ability:
Industrial agriculture replaces people with machines; the ability of millions of people (maybe tens of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand) to become skillful and to do work therefore comes to nothing. We now have millions (tens of thousands) on some kind of government support, grown useless and helpless, while our country becomes unhealthy and ugly for want of human work and care. And we have additional millions (hundreds of thousands) not on welfare who grown equally useless and helpless for want of health. How much potential useful energy do we now have stored in human belly fat? And is it costing us, not only in medical bills, but in money spent on diets, drugs and exercise machines?
A pretty harsh analysis and probably won't go down well with the liberals, but it resonates with many of us who might even have grown up on or close to small farms but have lost the knowledge, skills and motivation to fend for ourselves, kill our own meat and grow our own fruit and vegetables… and have grown accustomed to an unhealthy way of life so different to that of Uncle Tui's childhood or Donald Hill's grandparents.
Makarika Valley
Of course it is easy to romanticise the 'good old days' and living off the land when actually there's very little that is glamorous or easy about it. Our friends and neighbours who live 'closer to the land' than we do at present struggle with the challenge of the workload of growing your own – as Hirini Kaa's grandfather said in his diary: 'Kumara is such hard work every day except Christmas, Easter and Sunday mornings." A poor season and smallharvest can mean a very lean winter, living off the grid can mean cold nights, constant illness and modest incomes can mean insecure land tenure and investing everything in land that is whipped away by those who can take it… all the trappings of the 'simple life' that our 'easy life' is setup to avoid at all costs.
Still, a small and determined group of hardy souls have kept the faith and whether it was pacifist religious communities after the war, hippy communes and intentional communities through the 70s, the NZ Small Farmers Association that my father Graham Caddie was briefly President of in the late 80s, more recent Catholic Worker farms in the Hokianga, Kapiti Coast and Central Hawkes Bay or stubborn whānau who simply refuse to leave their whenua and have continued to farm the blocks handed down to them – authentic examples have been quietly growing about their business while the rest of society chases the Kiwi Dream- however that is defined in these days of three quarters of a million dollars average house prices.
Te Ao Hou Marae, Tikitiki/Rangitukia
Moving rural this year, back to Tarsh's marae at Makarika just south of Ruatoria was largely motivated by a cultural imperative around the retention and revitalisation of Te Reo Māori for our children and ourselves, but it seems to be increasingly offering a much wider range of opportunities to deepen our relationship with each other and the rest of Creation in a surprisingly spiritual encounter with the whenua, our collective histories and potential futures as Berry again articulated so much of so well in a recent article last month.
It feels like new beginnings for our family in so many ways – and while there's nothing romantic about killing field mice that are just trying to shelter from the cold on a frosty morning – there is so much beauty all around us, so much potential to live in a more balanced way with the world around and inside us, and so much opportunity to have fun while making mistakes and growing together. It's a bit scary but all exciting journeys should be.
agriculture beauty consumerism Creating Change economy Employment energy family farming Māori Self-Sufficiency Technology urbanisation Wendell Berry whanau whenua
1 Comment Posted on Saturday, November 1, 2014 Sunday, November 2, 2014 Connected Tairāwhiti, Cultural Capital, Educated Tairāwhiti, Employment, Empowered Tairāwhiti, Healthy Tairāwhiti, Local Issues, Prosperous Tairāwhiti, Regional Economy, Regional Infrastructure, Social Development
Gigtopia
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti is fighting hard to win the Chorus Gigatown competition that ends this month. Like many around the country, I've been a bit cynical about the way Chorus decided to start Gigabit Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) rollout and the competition hasn't helped my feelings much.
Having said that – while some of the social media and news stories almost seem to suggest that with the gig that no one will ever cry, no one will ever die in our special community should we win – I can see some real benefits if Gisborne is successful in securing the gig speed connection first.
So as Project Manager for the Tairāwhiti Technology Trust, I've been keeping track of #gigatowngis social media progress and helping with the top secret 'Plan for Gig Success' that each of the final five 'towns' have to prepare and will be judged on by the country and an expert panel of judges.
As you do in such situations, I've been doing a little online research on the topic and found a few articles of interest related to gigabit internet services, particularly the US experience to date – and more broadly, which I am most interested in, efforts to close the Digital Divide that seems to be increasing as fast as technology develops:
How Cities Are Fighting to Close the Digital Divide: Mashable. A short list of awesome initiatives to close the technology gap.
The Transformational Use
of Information and Communication Technologies in Africa : African Development Bank. A milestone report suggesting Africa may leapfrog more developed countries in the information technology sectors, largely due to the lack of reliance on copper cables that 'First World' countries may be encumbered by.
Technology and Inequality : MIT. A report examining why the disparity between the rich and everyone else is larger than ever in the United States and increasing in much of Europe. Concludes pretty much that new information technologies are likely to continue increasing inequalities rather than reducing them.
Centre for Online Health : University of Queensland. A leading 'IT for health sector' research and development organisation.
What Good is a Gigabit? : Huffington Post. "In the 1970s, many doubted there were uses for even 50-kilobit-per-second Internet. But soon application explorers came up with remote login, file transfer, and email."
Looking to Get a Gig? You Don't Have to Wait for Google [or Chorus] to Build it : Huffington Post. An interesting article on how citizen-owned public utilities companies (like Eastland Group) can do it themselves for our communities (in the US at least).
With Google Fiber Sign-Ups Behind Schedule, Google Lowers Pre-Registration Thresholds : TechCrunch. Article reminiscent of the NZ experience where Chorus UFB take-up where it has been available, has been much slower than hoped for (by Chorus shareholders at least).
Users don't want gigabit Internet speeds, Time Warner Cable exec says : PC World. Article showing how some old-school corporate execs don't get it, or don't want to admit that if you build it, they will come (eventually).
What Do You Do With the World's Fastest Internet Service? : Slate. An overview introduction to Google Fiber Space showroom in Kansas City, the first city to get Google Fiber's 1Gbps service. A weird video too.
FCC chief calls for gigabit Internet in all 50 states by 2015 : ComputerWorld. 2013 article outlining the US equivalent of our Minister for Communications and Information Technology wants every state to have at least one city with the gig service by next year.
development economy gigabit ICT Technology
Leave a comment Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014 Monday, September 22, 2014 Community Outcomes, Cultural Capital, Empowered Tairāwhiti, Local Governance, Our Children & Youth, Positive Leadership, Regional Environment, Relationships, Social Development, Sustainable Tairāwhiti, Tangata Whenua
Scoring own goal can mean you're trying to change the rules – or The Game
Kia ora Nandor, thanks for this great post: 'Not Voting is An Own Goal'.
I think you make some valid points though I disagree with you on a couple of others.
For the first time, I didn't vote this election – it was mostly for personal reasons but it got me thinking about the more public/political reasons for choosing not to vote:
Ignorance about the political system, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, etc. is one reason some people do not vote. They haven't made an effort to find out, or have thought it was not something they are allowed to do because it's just not a system or society they feel a part of in any meaningful way. (Read this excellent reflection on these issues)
Others just 'can't be bothered', they know they probably should but can't get motivated enough to spend 15 minutes of their time going into a polling booth. That lack of motivation has a variety of contributing factors to it which may include being new to the place or just having other more pressing personal priorities, which may include emotional or physical needs.
Others choose not to vote because they honestly don't know which person or party they would want to give their vote to – they feel ill informed and unwilling to commit one way or another because they haven't got enough information.
Another group don't want to vote because they don't have confidence in any party or politician – as a society politicians are way down the bottom of professions we trust. They have heard all the promises, probably participated in elections previously and maybe been a member of a political party but have been so disappointed by the inability of any party to live up to the expectations they held that they currently can no longer bring themselves to support any party or candidate.
I'm not sure if it's a different group, a subset of the last one or just the same people with a different expression for their lack of confidence, but there are people who have given up on the whole process, the ones you suggest don't want to legitimise a rotten system and think that voting 'just encourages the politicians'. You suggest that this decision to not vote 'will have absolutely no impact at all' – but I'm not so sure.
For a starter, when nearly a million eligible voters don't exercise the right, it provokes these kinds of discussions and encourages more deliberation on the validity of the system, the legitimacy and effectiveness of representative democracy, the possibility of more effective and potentially disastrous alternatives, the level of social capital and social infrastructure in our society that means such a large proportion of the population are disenfranchised (or not) and allowing others to determine (or not) the future for the most vulnerable in our communities, etc.
Choosing not to vote, is still a vote. It may have made John Key more likely to win, but then a Labour-led alternative is not any more attractive to many of us. Concessions on RMA and welfare reform, indigenous rights, mechanisms to address inequality, state asset sales and ties to the US economy and global military industrial complex would continue to frustrate many of us who like to think we vote with a little less self-interest than the majority of our fellow citizens. Choosing not to vote is a message to say, the system is broken (no where near as much as some others) and we want to put energy into improving or replacing it.
I think there is a place for a Vote of No Confidence option on the ballot, a space for those who don't think we should settle for the current form of government modelled on (and still linked to) the Westminster system imposed by European settlers on these islands.
There are plenty of improvements we can make to the system (I listed some toward the end of this post), and we can help create those changes with or without central government support. There are examples of this happening all the time using existing institutions and creating new processes and contexts for reducing the influence of the dominant paradigm on our families and communities.
Likewise we can build authentic alternatives for self-governance, most likely without public support and eventually these will create conflict with the dominant system if they refuse to contribute to its maintenance and self-legitimising mechanisms for survival. This is a much more costly option and is unlikely to succeed, but if it's all too hard then we continue to meddle and tinker with a massive infrastructure that is controlled by very powerful forces that refuse to give up power while we're running out of time to make the changes the world needs to have any chance of a decent future.
I like your point that voting doesn't actually take much effort and provided it's value and potential is seen for little effort and little impact it has, it's not really so demanding that we should abstain for any good reason.
I'll probably vote again in the future, but by not doing so this time, I'm choosing not to abdicate anything to the government and voting for myself to take more responsibility for creating the community, country and planet I want my kids to be able to contribute to.
Activism Deliberation Nandor Parliament participation Politics Voting
1 Comment Posted on Monday, June 16, 2014 Our Children & Youth, Our Families, Positive Leadership, Prosperous Tairāwhiti, Safe Tairāwhiti, Social Development, Transport, Vibrant Tairāwhiti
USA Tour Report (May 2013)
Thanks to a generous gift from the Orangi Kaupapa Trust, I was able (and required as a condition of receiving the gift) to do something I wanted to do for myself. It's only taken a year to write this brief account of the trip.
Manu Caddie, June 2014
Los Angeles – Gang Intervention & Prevention
Josh Wharehinga (Ka Pai Kaiti) and I had the privilege of visiting Homeboy Industries, an organisation started 25 years ago by a Catholic priest and a few church volunteers in a Los Angeles ghetto.
Myself, Francisco & Josh Wharehinga at Homeboy Industries
Our tour guide Francisco had parents from two rival gangs, he was six years old when his best friend had his head blown off as they walked to school and were confronted by another young person wanting to know which gang the boy affiliated to. At 14 Francisco had his first child and soon after did a ten year lag in prison after taking the rap for another gang member's crime.
Homeboy Industries now employs around 300 ex-gang affiliated young people in a number of social enterprises. The people who come to Homeboy Industries typically stay for 18-24 months before transitioning into other businesses around the city.
The organisation bakes 1,000 loaves of bread each day and sells them in farmers markets, a café and bakery. They also run a successful screen-printing business, retail shop and tattoo removal service. A free counselling service is available and during the move to permanent work, a team of employment placement supervisors ensure the workers and employers have access to regular support over the transition period.
Francisco has been with Homeboy Industries for nearly two years and beyond all the work skills, therapy and tattoo removal he has received, the most important thing from his perspective was the unconditional love and acceptance he found in Father Greg and the other people of faith at Homeboy Industries.
Francisco now shares the faith in action he experienced through this group of believers. Rather than expecting these hurt, confused and often distrusting young people to join a church, a community of faith has been established and become a beautiful physical, social and spiritual home for many otherwise marginalised members of society.
Portland – Liveable City
I spent three days in Portland, Oregon primarily because I was interested experiencing the 'cycling capital of America'.
Massive spaces on Portland roads for cycles.
Understanding how the city had evolved over the last 40 years – radical neighbourhood democracy in the early 70s paved the way for resident action while very conservative administrations led the city through the 80s and 90s. Now the city boasts a massive network of cycleways and neighbourhood development projects thanks in large part to the neighbourhood groups established a long time ago.
While the cycleways are an impressive feature of the city, compared to Gisborne and other New Zealand cities, there still seemed to be a high reliance on private cars. I was fortunate to participate in a May Day protest and got a taste of the culture of the city that has been the basis of the brand 'Keep Portland Weird' – the quirky, alternative lifestyle 'dream of the 90s' is alive in Portland as the 'Portlandia' song goes.
On my way to the Red and Black Café, an anarchist coffee shop, pub and bookstore – I popped in briefly to visit ADX, a cooperative space that 'in a few short years has incubated over 100 start-ups and 200 crowd-sourced projects' – an impressive shared design and construction space that a number of start-ups use to establish themselves. Kind of a craft and construction version of the Enspiral model we have seen emerge in Wellington. I think there is lots of potential for these kinds of initiatives but the capital and space required needs to come from somewhere like the philanthropic sector, local government or well-established business sponsors.
Chicago – Participatory Budgeting
My main reason for travelling to the USA was to attend the 2nd Annual Conference on Participatory Budgeting in the United States and Canada.
PB Chicago street sign
Participatory Budgeting internationally owes some of its roots to initiatives that were undertaken in Christchurch in the early 1990s – these are often cited by overseas practitioners and experts as important models they recognise as leading to further innovations in other countries like Brazil, Europe and North America.
I registered for a pre-conference workshop at the Great Cities Institute at UIC College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs. This was a valuable introduction to current PB practice and trends in the USA.
Following the workshop we attended the opening plenary 'The People's Budget: Participatory Budgeting in Mexico, New York, and Chicago' at Madero Middle School in West Chicago, this was a public event in Spanish with English interpretation – a great example of bi-ligualism in practice and something I envied having raised our children only speaking Te Reo Māori to them. The neighbourhood is very depressed but PB is thriving and a New York City councillor shared her experience of PB as well.
PB projects that citizens can vote for.
I was fortunate to have a presentation selected to share on 'Public Finance Planning in New Zealand Local Government', it received a favourable response from attendees. It was in the first workshop session so I got to enjoy the rest of the conference without any nervous wait. I was not disappointed, all of the sessions I attended were inspiring, practical and provocative. I brought home many resources, ideas and contacts that I intend to use in my paid and voluntary work for years to come. The Pacific Centre for Participatory Democracy is an idea I have used for the last ten years and I plan to formalise it over the next few years and I expect PB will be a key part of its work plan.
1 Comment Posted on Friday, May 9, 2014 Friday, May 9, 2014 Local Issues, Our Families, Positive Leadership, Regional Economy, Regional Environment, Relationships, Social Development, Sustainable Tairāwhiti, Technology
Rebels Against The Future
As a regular promoter of new technology (renewable energy generation and use as a replacement for fossil fuels), it's a little ironic to be called a Luddite.
I would however wear the label proudly, but compare myself to my Dad who has never owned a car, computer or cellphone.
I do try to avoid the self-service checkouts at supermarkets, I know it's a futile effort but trying to keep local people in a job just a little longer seems worth the extra few seconds waiting in line.
The Luddites were passionate about keeping people in meaningful employment and sustainable communities. If they were around today I guess they might be protesting about our obsession with speed and digital technology at the expense of traditional jobs and a more human pace of life.
A few years back I bought Dad a book about the Luddites called 'Rebels Against the Future'. The author Kirkpatrick Sale suggests that the Luddites did not want to turn the clock back. They said, "We want to cling to this way of life; we don't want a life in which we're forced into factories, forced onto machines we can't control, and forced from village self-sufficiency into urban dependency and servitude."
A modern Luddite is also trying to hold to certain elements of the past to resurrect the community. Neo-Luddites wish to resurrect some values of the past such as communitarianism, non-materialism, an understanding of nature, and a meshing with nature. These things have been largely taken from us in the last 200 years and we must fight to preserve them.
Sale believes "sustainable" is essentially the opposite of "industrial." Sustainability implies a non-exploitive relationship with nature and a basic self-sufficiency in life. Industrialism can't allow that to exist because that kind of living would not create, manufacture, use or consume. Sustainability, community and self-sufficiency are antithetical to industrialism.
development Luddites Self-Sufficiency Sustainability Technology
2 Comments Posted on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 Connected Tairāwhiti, Cultural Capital, Empowered Tairāwhiti, Local Governance, Other Information, Our Children & Youth, Social Development
Census surprises
The Census results provide a useful set of information for anyone who cares about the future of our region.
With one in three locals now aged under 20 and half the population under 40, we need to ensure the voices of young citizens are heard clearly and that we provide decent support to help them grow as contributing members of our community. I would also be keen to hear from the three local teenagers who said they earn over $100,000 per year!
Ethnic and cultural identity figures are very interesting. The proportion of the population identifying as Māori remains about the same at 49 percent (likely to be a bit higher in reality). Many of us Pākehā seem to have some ambivalence and lack of confidence about our cultural identity. The number of local 'European' residents has jumped sharply, while those claiming 'New Zealander' as their ethnicity has dropped by over 3,000. Pacific peoples have increased by about 15 percent and other ethnic groups, including Asian, have all increased more modestly. While we may be one of least ethnically diverse regions, few others have Asian and African political leaders!
Though we do have 804 people – including the three teenagers – earning over $100,000, we have comparatively low income levels and the lowest home ownership rates in the country. We have also had a significant increase in the proportion of the population that hold a university degree. A population with higher levels of education should result in positive changes over time to income levels, home ownership and many other benefits. The key ingredient in that equation is a good match between education and employment opportunities. There is some good work being done in this space and a closer relationship between schools, employers and training providers will be critical.
With the lowest access to the internet at home, there is a great case for more public access options to information and communication technologies. The proposed neighbourhood computer hubs and better online options at schools, marae and the public library service all need significant support and investment to bridge the digital divide and enable new technology-based industries and employment opportunities to evolve quickly.
The Gisborne/Tairāwhiti region has the highest proportion of Māori language speakers in the country, with one in six of us being able to converse in Te Reo. I agree with the Chief Statistician who has called our region 'the home of Te Reo' – an asset we can use not only in tourism but also as a selling point for the tens of thousands of people – Māori and non-Māori – who want their children to grow up bi-lingual and in an environment where Māori traditions and values are maintained and appreciated.
All in all, I'd say the numbers suggest we are a pretty fascinating mix of awesomeness with plenty of room for improvement, but also much to be proud of.
Leave a comment Posted on Saturday, September 21, 2013 Connected Tairāwhiti, Cultural Capital, Relationships, Social Development, Tangata Whenua, Vibrant Tairāwhiti
Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council Q+A
Photo: Mel Tahata, opening of To Be Pacific exhibition, Tairāwhiti Museum, 20 September 2013
Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council asked local body candidates five questions. They seem to have liked my responses!
1.What is your vision for Gisborne in terms of cultural diversity?
That all Gisborne people can feel proud of their unique cultural heritage and honoured for the diversity they bring to our community. Gisborne could show other regions how to support the exchange and sharing of diverse cultural backgrounds in a way that enriches our town.
2. The Ten Year Plan says GDC will support the development of cultural groups in the district, what kind of support do you think GDC should provide to the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council?
As part of GDC cultural responsiveness it could utilise the TMC to be a liaison network with community. GDC would then benefit from investing in the Council by providing administration support and resources. The Council could discuss further with GDC how it might like to have input into Council discussions.
3. What regular interaction do you have with groups of people from cultural backgrounds different to your own?
I have worked on aid and development programmes in Asia, Africa and the South Pacific but most of my work has been here in Gisborne and mostly within the Māori community. While I have Tongan whakapapa, my upbringing was pretty middle-class Pākehā – though I did spend a lot of time at marae, in hui and kapahaka as a child. Marrying a woman from Ngāti Porou and coming to live here has meant I have a direct family connection to mana whenua and have immersed myself in the culture of Māori communities both in Gisborne and on the Coast where we are intimately involved with a whānau marae. My wife and I have only ever spoken Te Reo Māori to our children and we're committed to them being educated and socialised in Te Reo as well as the exposure they have everywhere to English. So we understand something of the struggle people from minority linguistic, religious and ethnic communities have to endure in this Anglo-Saxon dominated society.
I have been a founding member of the Tairāwhiti Inter-Faith Network and more recently the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council – both are small but important networks that encourage people from diverse backgrounds to come together for the common good.
I'm regularly invited to Tongan and Pacific Island community events and recently participated in discussions around the establishment of a local consortium of Pasifika peoples focused on Whānau Ora initiatives for Tairāwhiti. I have supported migrants with immigration issues and negotiated on their behalf with immigration officials and lawyers. I have helped organise multicultural community events that bring people from diverse cultural backgrounds together in our neighbourhoods.
4. What, if any, common challenges are you aware of for local residents from ethnic minority groups?
Negative stereotypes are still around. Such unfair stereotyping of any group can detract from the community as a whole being able to draw from the energy and contributions a group can make. There are still some groups over-represented in crime and educational failure and under-represented in business leadership and educational success. Initiatives like the Tongan Homework Support Programme utilising local volunteers and working with the students while the parents learn English at EIT is an exciting community-based response to do something about this situation. Some particularly new to New Zealand arrivals can often feel isolated so strengthening community connections for those families is important. Also there needs to be support for ethnic minority groups to be able to feel that they have a home in our city and can adapt in ways that are useful to them, while also maintaining their own culture.
5. What are the biggest opportunities you see for attracting new immigrants and refugees to Gisborne?
As a city if we genuinely aspire towards sustainable solutions to the challenges that ethnic minorities face, this may attract their talents to our region.
There are opportunities to ask the Government to consider resettling some refugees here as they settled Burmese refugees in Nelson ten years ago. There are also a number of local businesses that rely on migrant workers – not only in low-skilled horticultural work but high tech positions like computer programming and materials technology. I met a PhD from Bangladesh who was working at Pultron and subsequently head-hunted by a company in Melbourne – he had some awesome ideas about developing composite materials from flax fibre here.
If Gisborne can show that it celebrates diversity and wants to involve ethnic groups in meaningful discussions on relevant issues – this would enhance the decision making process of GDC.
Other responses: http://tairawhitimulticulturalcouncil.blogspot.co.nz/
Leave a comment Posted on Saturday, September 21, 2013 Community Outcomes, Connected Tairāwhiti, Cultural Capital, Drilling, Educated Tairāwhiti, Employment, Empowered Tairāwhiti, Healthy Tairāwhiti, Housing, Local Governance, Onshore Mining, Positive Leadership, Prosperous Tairāwhiti, Regional Economy, Regional Environment, Regional Infrastructure, Safe Tairāwhiti, Social Development, Sustainable Tairāwhiti, Tangata Whenua, Technology, Transport, Vibrant Tairāwhiti
Chamber of Commerce Q+A
The Gisborne Chamber of Commerce asked candidates five questions, these are my responses…
I have enjoyed first term on Council, part of that was on the Chamber Executive and I'd like to see those links strengthened a little more as I think Brian Wilson and myself acted as a useful conduit between the Council and Chamber on a number of issues.
I think I've been able to make intelligent, sensible and considered contributions to Council and I've helped raise the quality of discussion, debate and decision-making.
I've had a focus on increasing public involvement in planning and decisions and been a strong advocate for the city and the district as a whole.
I have listened to residents and ratepayers (even after being elected!), worked well with others (who don't always share the same values and views) and helped make good decisions in the best interest of the region as a whole.
1. What do you see as the GDC's role in contributing to economic development and growth in this region?
Council has a key role in a number of areas contributing to economic development:
Providing good quality infrastructure, predictable regulation & consistent planning
Collecting and disseminating information that helps the community make informed decisions on the direction for the district
Advocating for the district at central government – ensuring our big issues are nationally significant issues.
Facilitating relationships between stakeholders to realise opportunities and achieve sustainable solutions in the best interest of the district where there are competing priorities.
Some of functions within these areas, particulatly information gathering and sharing, advocacy and relationship brokerage could be devolved to an Economic Development Agency run separate to Council. But the Mayor and Council have a critical leadership role in advocating on behalf of the region – especially on things like roading, new costs being imposed by central government legislation, etc. And political leadership can help broker mutually beneficial relationships with industry, iwi, land owners, research institutions, entrepreneurs, etc.
Council can also have procurement and banking policies that benefit the local community in different ways.
2. What is your view of the core role of council? Do you consider there are any current council activities that do not fit this role?
Under new legislation the purpose of local government is now to provide quality infrastructure, regulation & essential services. Opposition parties have pledged to revert the purpose back to promoting sustainable development and local cultural, environmental, social and economic wellbeing.
I'm not completely wedded to Council providing social housing. I have argued it could be sold to a Charitable Trust, housing cooperative or something like ECT but wouldn't want to see them go to private ownership. I'm also open to Council not owning any or all of its commercial assets (WOF station, holiday park, farms) if there are compelling financial reasons to divest from these enterprises. We need an urgent review of Council asset ownership to identify options and the benefits of retaining or releasing these enterprises.
Tauwhareparae Farms are being well run but I'm not convinced we need to retain them. They were acquired to supplement port income and will always provide low value compared to capital committed, as the trees appreciate so will the capital value. There is no legal risk in selling them and my preference would be as Margaret Thorpe suggests to land-bank them via OTS as they are subject to Treaty claims. This will ensure we get a premium price, they are retained in local ownership and we demonstrate goodwill to the traditional owners.
3. Businesses have to live within their means, or face the consequences. What is your view with regard to GDC achieving the same discipline around keeping rates increases in check?
Significant savings have been made by previous and current CEO to trim as much as possible. More 'savings' could be found but that depends on what we want to give up and what quality of life we can tolerate.
I campaigned on rates rises at or below inflation and we have achieved that. The 'razor gang' didn't make any significant savings. I also campaigned on getting more predictable rates system with smaller variations year on year and we are making good progress on this through the participatory rates review process.
Council league tables suggest we are now one of the most financially sustainable and we rank 26 out of 73 councils for cost of rates.
Councillors are financially conservative and understand the limits of affordability for residents, but the WMT suggests this is not the case. That massive blowout and the need to address some basic first suggest some of the fancy projects need to be reviewed while we attend to the basics first.
If the community has things they think we should stop doing or not start they have the opportunity every year and we listen to that feedback.
4. What is your position with respect to the re-opening of the Gisborne to Napier rail line?
The railway line a billion dollar public asset that is lying idle while Gisborne and Wairoa businesses scream out for it to make our products more competitive. Some people say logs will never go South on it but there are massive forests between Napier and Gisborne that will provide the anchor business for the line so that containerised seasonal produce and timber coming out and fertiliser going to Gisborne can be transported by rail instead of trucks. Coastal shipping is unlikely to ever be viable if the rail is operating.
More trucks on the road means more cost in maintenance, more congestion and more danger for other motorists – it also means more cost for local businesses and more competition from other places that have lower freight costs.
With the support of 10,000 signatures and $20,000 given by local businesses and residents, we commissioned a study that demonstrated the lack of rigor in the government's position and the potential for a realistic business case if roads and rail were considered on a level playing field by central government.
A different government next year will reinstate the line if the local business consortium is unable to raise the funds required. Some candidates say they don't don't support ratepayers funding the line operation – that has never been a realistic option – but Council could be a stronger advocate for the line.
5. If you were elected to the council, what activities or actions would you take to ensure Gisborne becomes an even better place to work, live and play?
I will keep doing what I have been:
– all of the above, plus…
– working with the IT sector to establish local computer hubs for young people and families with few opportunities to access IT, career pathways via the Techxpo and partnership with major NZ telcos
– advocating for more central government support for our district (transport, rail, imposed costs, renewable energy, forestry carbon credits, aquaculture, etc.) and working with iwi and other stakeholders on these issues
– leading a gang transformation project focused on employment and working with employers and support services
– review commercial assets
– keep rates at or below inflation
– continue support for better commuter cycling and walking infrastructure
– more emphasis on local housing issues – affordable, healthy housing for everyone, not provided by Council but Council facilitating government, community and private sectors working together
– continue emphasising the importance of opportunities for public input on issues like forestry harvest rules, petroleum exploration applications, legislative submissions, etc.
– continue work on Māori land issues – Council working with landowners to look at how to make the land more productive and/or revert to indigenous forest
– continue supporting illegal dumping prevention and removal, and more ambitious waste minimisation targets.
– continue bringing diverse parts of the community together to address complex issues
– continue voluntary involvement in a wide range of community groups and local issues.
Leave a comment Posted on Monday, September 16, 2013 Local Issues, Positive Leadership, Social Development, Vibrant Tairāwhiti Link
How to get New Zealanders motivated
Some ideas on how to get New Zealanders motivated
A short piece based on a virtual interview I did for an online magazine of NZ entrepreneurs.
Creating Change Environment Mobilising social development
Leave a comment Posted on Monday, September 9, 2013 Connected Tairāwhiti, Cultural Capital, Empowered Tairāwhiti, Positive Leadership, Relationships, Social Development, Tangata Whenua, Vibrant Tairāwhiti
My Views on a Multicultural Tairāwhiti
Meeting with youth in a Nepalese village in 2007.
Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council sent out a list of five questions for candidates to answer for them, here are my responses…
That all Gisborne people can feel proud of their unique cultural heritage and honoured for the diversity they bring to our community.
Gisborne could show other regions how to support the exchange and sharing of diverse cultural backgrounds in a way that enriches our town.
Negative stereotypes are still around. Such unfair stereotyping of any group can detract from the community as a whole being able to draw from the energy and contributions a group can make.
There are still some groups over-represented in crime and educational failure and under-represented in business leadership and educational success. Initiatives like the Tongan Homework Support Programme utilising local volunteers and working with the students while the parents learn English at EIT is an exciting community-based response to do something about this situation.
Some particularly new to New Zealand arrivals can often feel isolated so strengthening community connections for those families is important. Also there needs to be support for ethnic minority groups to be able to feel that they have a home in our city and can adapt in ways that are useful to them, while also maintaining their own culture.
2 Comments Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Cultural Capital, Local Governance, Local Issues, Regional Infrastructure, Social Development, Vibrant Tairāwhiti
Ask Ratepayers Before Deciding on Extra $2 Million for Theatre
Expecting ratepayers to fork out an extra $2.1 million dollars for the War Memorial Theatre without asking if they support the decision is unacceptable according to District Councillor Manu Caddie.
Mr Caddie was responding to news that the War Memorial Theatre upgrade will cost $9.6m instead the $7.17m budgeted and approved in Council's Ten Year Plan.
Staff and some councillors are recommending an extra $2.1million is borrowed because debt is lower than forecast and the expense is 'therefore affordable' and 'not luxurious'.
"I beg to differ. Spending an extra $2million of ratepayers money really needs to go to them before a decision is made" said Mr Caddie.
"The community was told 70 percent of the Theatre funds would come from external sources, now it looks like that could drop to closer to 50 percent and $4.25m worth of rates would be used to make up the difference."
"The Theatre is a important part of our civic infrastructure and used by many parts of the community, but it now has a much higher price tag than the $6.8m estimated in 2011 and the $7.2m approved in the Ten Year Plan last year."
Mr Caddie says he could be agreeable to upping the Council contribution to 33 percent which would require $1,050,000 of loan funds, but still believes it would require a special consultative procedure if the decision was to be made before the next Ten Year Plan.
"We couldn't find even $15,000 for the Skate Park, a Council-owned asset that is used by more people in one weekend than the War Memorial Theatre sees in a month, so I really can't stomach committing over $2million without proper public consultation."
"While the loan swaps we are locked into may mean there are advantages in spending on bringing projects forward, we really need to get some sense of the cost for replacing Council administration buildings before rushing into unplanned spending."
Mr Caddie says Council should go back to the organisations that have granted funds for the project so far.
"First we need to explain that the project has cost a huge amount more than the best estimates we got in 2011 and see if they are willing to add up to 25 percent to their grant to help cover the difference. If that is not an option then we need to explain it may take require longer than expected to secure the funds. The project is not planned to be completed until 2016 so we have some time still."
Mr Caddie said he is impressed with the external funds secured by Council staff and the War Memorial Theatre Trust and would be willing to help find the additional funds required from external sources.
The matter will be debated by Council at their meeting next Thursday 5 September.
1 Comment Posted on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 Monday, August 5, 2013 Local Issues, Our Children & Youth, Our Families, Safe Tairāwhiti, Social Development, Tangata Whenua
Challenging Child Abuse Statistics
A new Child Poverty Action Group report has ranked the regions around the country on their child abuse statistics While Tairāwhiti is not amongst the highest areas we're not near the bottom either. Being somewhere in the middle is positive considering our high proportion of young people and low socioeconomic status.
The data presented in the paper suggests that higher rates of child abuse are associated with socioeconomic deprivation rather than what age or ethnic group you belong to.
We will be contacting the authors to understand more about how they defined 'substantiated' as there a number of levels within the CYF system that could have been used as the measure.
I agree with the authors when they suggest even a cursory examination of the New Zealand data such as that presented in the report suggests that dealing effectively with child abuse will entail paying a great deal more attention to socioeconomic deprivation than has been the case so far. While the Government's White Paper identified deprivation as a risk factor in child abuse, it failed to propose any measures to address it – on the contrary it sought to trivialise the role of income poverty by introducing "different sort[s] of poverty – poverty of affection, poverty of protection, poverty of expectation, poverty of educational stimulation, poverty of positive role models" (p.26). The White Paper focused on 'benefit dependency' as a risk factor for 'vulnerable children', however the analysis in the CPAG report suggests that may not be a useful approach.
And basically they are saying it's not because a child is Māori or Pasifika that makes them more likely to be abused or neglected, it's to do with socio-economic deprivation and 'ethnic clustering' in the social stratifications: "It is clear from the census data that low incomes and the effects of poverty tend to be clustered in certain areas and that Māori and Pacific people are disproportionately over-represented in these areas."
Ethnic stratification exists in New Zealand, and while for Māori and Asian communities it is static or improving, for Pacific peoples it is getting worse.
The report says "There has been extensive research on the impact of ethnic segregation overseas but almost nothing in New Zealand. Ethnic stratification and ethnic clustering have not officially been identified as issues requiring attention in New Zealand and so are not measured by any central or local government agency. Yet the disproportionately high rates of child abuse among Māori across the country suggest that this aspect needs to be considered, especially as ethnic clustering is so closely associated with socioeconomic deprivation."
It is impossible to disentangle ethnicity, poverty, poor health, overcrowded housing, and lack of access to employment and services from one another.
I have been asking for Council to report on these inequality issues within our region and it is on the staff work programme to do so. These are the kinds of things we can do something about locally instead of just saying it is a central government responsibility. Central government is part of the problem and locally we can do much more to address these issues than big bureaucracies can.
1 Comment Posted on Sunday, August 4, 2013 Monday, August 5, 2013 Our Children & Youth, Social Development
Justice for Teina Pora!
Recently, new information and evidence has come to light that suggests Teina Pora should never have been convicted of rape and murder in 1994:
NZ Herald (3rd Aug 2013)
Third Degree (TV3, 31 July 2013)
This petition calls on the Minister of Justice Judith Collins to support an urgent and independent inquiry into Teina's conviction. It is supported by a growing list of individuals and organisations, not least of which is the Police Association itself.
Please click here to: SIGN THE PETITION
Thank you for supporting this campaign to get the NZ Justice system to fix a mistake it has made.
Leave a comment Posted on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Connected Tairāwhiti, Cultural Capital, Empowered Tairāwhiti, Local Governance, Local Issues, Our Children & Youth, Our Elders, Our Families, Positive Leadership, Prosperous Tairāwhiti, Regional Economy, Regional Infrastructure, Relationships, Social Development, Vibrant Tairāwhiti
Are we all Placemakers?
While the Cycle and Walkways have consistently been the most popular of the Major Projects in the Council's Ten Year Plan, the Navigations Project has been one of the least popular and most controversial. Both projects are arguably about 'placemaking' and economic development – cycleways focus on making the city a more attractive, healthy and liveable city, the Navigations Project is more about telling local history stories to locals and visitors.
Research recently published by an initiative called the Project for Public Spaces and promoted by the Institute of Public Governance at the University of California Berkeley has explored the links between placemaking and economic growth in communities.
The research suggests creation of great public spaces is good for the economy, but only when it's truly community-driven, open and inclusive. The more attached to a place local people are, the higher a city or region's economic activity: "Placemaking, in other words, is a vital part of economic development." True placemaking involves an open process that welcomes everyone who wants in, which provides the opportunity for residents — who may or may not know each other — to share ideas and be heard.
"The end result should be a space that's flexible enough to make room for many different communities, and encourage connections between them." Or, the flip side: "If Placemaking is project-led, development-led, design-led or artist-led, then it does likely lead to… a more limited set of community outcomes."
The success of the cycle ways and inner-harbour development will depend on the level of ownership we all have in the planning and implementation of both projects.
The study also argues that communities can change governance for the better "by positioning public spaces at the heart of action-oriented community dialog, making room both physically and philosophically by re-framing citizenship as an on-going, creative collaboration between neighbors. The result is not merely vibrancy, but equity."
Gisborne District Council has not had a great history of fostering public participation in planning and decision-making, usually opting for the minimum required. In fact the Consultation Policy adopted in 2008 specifically excluded citizen empowerment from the continuum of public involvement.
"Place Governance" on the other hand is a process by which decisions about places are made not from the top down, but by a collaborative process involving everyone. The Gisborne Fresh Water Advisory Group is a move toward this approach as it involves a wide cross-section of the community. However the FWAG falls short of real Place Governance because it is an exclusive group of organisations, meetings are not open to the public and the process is still controlled by Council.
The key actors in a Place Governance structure are not official agencies that deal with a few prescribed issues, but the people who use the area in question and are most intimately acquainted with its challenges. Officials who strive to implement this type of governance structure do so because they understand that the best solutions don't come from within narrow disciplines, but from the points where people of different backgrounds come together.
I know some residents along the Taraheru River are concerned about how a boardwalk from Campion College to Grey Street may impact on the views, river access, tranquility and largely unspoiled riverfront they currently enjoy. While this project is on hold for the time being it will be essential for the residents, river users, iwi representatives, walkers and cyclists to work through how we can best utilise the public spaces along the river as this project proceeds. And I'm confident Council will ensure that happens.
Leave a comment Posted on Friday, May 10, 2013 Friday, May 10, 2013 Employment, Local Issues, Our Families, Prosperous Tairāwhiti, Regional Economy, Relationships, Social Development, Vibrant Tairāwhiti
Call for investigation into alleged human rights abuses
Opening of the Tongan language immersion unit at Kaiti School, 2012
Gisborne District Councillor Manu Caddie is calling for an investigation into alleged human rights abuses by Immigration New Zealand in Gisborne. Mr Caddie is very concerned about reports that two Tongan men being held at Gisborne Police Station have been denied access to lawyers and interpreters.
"Apparently the men are accused of being in New Zealand unlawfully and their lawyer says immigrants in Gisborne are being 'actively discouraged' from accessing legal counsel and interpreters."
"These are serious accusations of human rights violations in our community by a government agency, we need an urgent and full investigation of the situation before anything happens to the men who should not be languishing in Police cells any longer than is necessary."
Gisborne has a growing population of new immigrants, some who stay longer than their visa allows.
"My few experiences with Immigration New Zealand has suggested the agency often operates with impunity and forces people in similar circumstances to be deported so they cannot apply for the right to return for at least five years. These are hardworking people who contribute to the local economy, who have children in local schools and are often church leaders and positive, contributing members of our community."
"The Tongan community is a vibrant part of the Gisborne population and it is important they have access to the support required. The Pacific island Community Trust does a good job of providing information to our Pasifika community but have very few resources to serve the rapidly expanding multicultural communities."
Mr Caddie, who is of Tongan descent himself, says he understands there are approximately 2,500 Tongans now living in Gisborne, many work in low paid employment such as forestry and seasonal field work.
"I have just returned from the United States where undocumented workers is a massive issue across the country but the US government is finding constructive ways to address the challenges rather than use the dawn raids and deportation that still seem popular here. New Zealand needs to mature in the way we deal with new and 'illegal' immigrants as these families usually bring a work ethic and civic pride that seems to be missing in many Kiwis."
Radio Australia article: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/nz-immigration-accused-of-denying-rights-to-overstayers/1128512
Employment Immigration
Leave a comment Posted on Monday, April 15, 2013 Monday, April 15, 2013 Healthy Tairāwhiti, Local Issues, Our Children & Youth, Our Families, Relationships, Safe Tairāwhiti, Social Development
Walking For Jonathan
I expect we are all inspired and impressed with the feat Robert Hunter accomplished last week. Walking all the way from Hicks Bay to Gisborne demonstrated how passionate he is to ensure people who use marijuana know they risk mental illness as a result.
Robert says all along the way he heard numerous stories of heartbreak from family and friends of those affected by their use of marijuana. Robert's son Jonathan was introduced to marijuana by friends and was one of many who develop psychotic symptoms when they use the drug a lot. It is marijuana use that his parents hold mostly responsible for Jonathan's tragic suicide and it is the link between marijuana and psychosis they are campaigning about.
While Tairawhiti District Health Board and other local organisations no doubt receive thousands of taxpayer dollars for public health promotion every year, this simple act of love, Robert walking the length of our district in memory of his son, has generated more discussion on the issues in one week than anything else in recent memory.
We have to wonder where the community leaders are who will also speak out about the culture of acceptance. Is it the Tairawhiti District Health Board members and health professionals who are paid to promote wellbeing that are leading real change? Is it youth workers, counsellors, educators, police officers, probation officers and social workers that see the results of drugs in families and the effects on children? Is it local iwi leaders, sports stars, business people or other respected locals who have taken up the cause and helped communities rethink our addictions to marijuana, alcohol and other drugs?
Significant parts of our district accept drug abuse as part of the local culture, recognising its contribution to the local economy and passing on the habits from one generation to another. Few members of these communities are brave enough to challenge the dominant drug culture as it can literally result in attacks, ridicule or exclusion from the people and place they belong to.
For other parts of our community marijuana is an unfamiliar addiction, something that has only been picked up by a younger generation. But for this reason it can affect a family even more so and the inexplicable pain of having a child or grandchild take their own life is something no one should have to experience.
Research on the links between marijuana use and mental illness will benefit from this campaign, what we also need are decent support and treatment services appropriate for the range of individuals and families affected in our community. Next week there is a free two day training workshop for people interested in using a simple tool called 'Smashed and Stoned' that helps young people reflect on how and why they use drugs including marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol. I have found it very effective with teenagers and encourage others willing to be part of the solution to use it. Contact Bev Thomas at Turanga Health or Tim Marshall at Family Works to find out more.
It really was great to see so much support for his simple message as Robert passed through each settlement and a good turn out for the last leg into town. As Robert and Coralie have said, if the walk is able to spare just one family the pain of losing a family member, then the effort will have been worthwhile. Let's hope it is the catalyst for sustained positive change in our community that will help many families.
Read more at: www.facebook.com/WalkingForJonathan
1 Comment Posted on Monday, April 1, 2013 Friday, April 19, 2013 Educated Tairāwhiti, Healthy Tairāwhiti, Local Issues, Our Children & Youth, Regional Environment, Social Development, Sustainable Tairāwhiti Aside
Dealing with Our Crap
Thanks so much to Tami Gooch and Sam Tamanui for organising the Kopututea beach clean-up. Thanks also to the businesses that generously donated equipment, food and time.
Special thanks to the more than 200 Gisborne people, especially the young people, who spent a few hours of Good Friday cleaning up the mess caused by some irresponsible individuals.
Illegal dumping suggests some of us are not prepared to deal properly with stuff after we have finished with it. I don't accept the excuse that transfer station fees are too expensive; if we can afford to buy or use something, we need to take responsibility for the whole life cycle of the item.
The bulk of the crap we picked up (and there was quite a few bags of dog poo as well as a whole dog) were small deposits of household waste that would easily fit in a black rubbish bag to be collected from the curb with the orange stickers provided by council.
In addition to the two over-filled skip bins, we delivered a trailer and carload of recycling to the transfer station — this is, of course, free to dispose of every week as the recycling truck drives past every home.
There was a fair amount of biodegradable waste, including garden waste (could make compost or drop to the green waste facility) and a number of animal parts (use the offal pit on the farm the animal came from).
It's a beautiful stretch of coastline, let's all respect it and keep it clean!
1 Comment Posted on Saturday, October 13, 2012 Saturday, October 13, 2012 Cultural Capital, Empowered Tairāwhiti, Housing, Local Governance, Local Issues, Our Elders, Our Families, Prosperous Tairāwhiti, Social Development, Sustainable Tairāwhiti, Tangata Whenua
Kainga Whenua changes 'best achievement' of current Government
Making it easier for whanau to build on multiply-owned Māori is probably the best achievement of the current government to date says Gisborne District Councillor Manu Caddie.
Changes in eligibility criteria and an increase in the amount Kiwibank will loan under the Kainga Whenua scheme were announced yesterday by Māori Party co-leader and Associate Minister of Housing Tariana Turia.
"If anything can make a difference to unlocking the potential of Māori land on the East Coast then this will" said Mr Caddie.
Mr Caddie said the changes that will allow non-resident shareholders to be guarantors for a loan, lifting the restriction from only first home buyers and raising the income threshold will make it easier for people earning more money, who can afford to service a mortgage, to look at returning to their traditional lands.
Mr Caddie said rates arrears on Māori land in the northern part of Gisborne District were spiraling out of control and this kind of policy would make it much easier for families to return to the land and make it even more productive than it had been 100 years ago.
"With the opportunities technology offers to work anywhere, the idea of living on tribal lands and trading globally is going to be very appealing to more families."
Mr Caddie has been critical of the Kainga Whenua scheme in the past because the restrictive criteria had severely limited its uptake. "These are the changes we have been calling for and it is great to see both the Maori Party and National Party have been listening."
Mr Caddie said a presentation on the new criteria would be on the agenda of the Tairawhiti Housing Advisory Group meeting at Council on 24th October.
The fund will now be open to Maori Land Trusts, whanau or hapu groups who wish to build on Maori land and to all individual borrowers assessed as able to service a mortgage, not just first home buyers.
The income cap for borrowers has been raised from $85,000 to $120,000 for one borrower and up to $160,000 for two or more borrowers.
Loans can also now be used for home improvements, repairs and maintenance.
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The Lumpy's Trifecta is an annual bike race held in Pemberton, BC. The event honours Pemberton bike legend Lumpy Liddell taking place on the course named in his celebration. Check back closer to the race for more event details.


We are a creative technology company from The Netherlands. We specialize in immersive user experiences and in the creation and distribution of 360° panoramic video.
We collaborate on 360°, virtual reality (VR), design and digital projects for the advertising, games and smart home industry. We provide licenses of our innovative media technologies for mobile, web and VR as SDKs to media companies and pioneers around the world.
As a specialty we provided services for the creation of 360° panoramic video from games.
Please contact us to share your ideas so we can help you realise them.


text:
Q: Combining Context Values (filter and queryset) - Python - Django Views - Filter and User I need to combine two context values in my views.py for my python Django website. One is a filter at the top of the screen that filter all displayed data below and it looks like this...
context['filter'] = Sheet_Building_Filter(request.GET, queryset=Sheet_Building.objects.all())

The other is not a page filter but it filters and returns all the data that is from the user that is currently logged in and it looks like...
context['user'] = Sheet_Building.objects.filter(user=request.user)

I need to combine these to loop through both of them in HTML at the same time. I thought something like this would work but it didn't...
    context['user_and_filter'] = Sheet_Building_Filter(request.GET, queryset=Sheet_Building.objects.filter(user=request.user))

This just displays the data and doesn't show the filter itself. I'm not sure if the filter works but isn't displaying the fields to filter by or if it is just not working at all. Im not sure why and I can't find any information of a filter and user data is combined into one value. I need it combined because I can't do a nested for-loop in HTML. Code below. Thanks!
views.py
def listdata_building(request):
    sheet = Sheet_Building.objects.all()
    context = {"sheet": sheet}

    context['user_and_filter'] = Sheet_Building_Filter(request.GET, queryset=Sheet_Building.objects.filter(user=request.user))
    context['user'] = Sheet_Building.objects.filter(user=request.user)

    return render(request, 'sheets/individual/list_data_building.html', context)

models.py
class Sheet_Building(models.Model):
    user = models.ForeignKey(User, default=True, related_name="Building", on_delete=models.PROTECT)
    date = models.DateField(blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Inspection Date')
    time = models.TimeField(blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Inspection Time')
    inspection_type = models.CharField(max_length=16, choices=INSPECTION_TYPE_BI, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Inspection Type')
    flname = models.CharField(max_length=25, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Inspector')
    report_date = models.DateField(blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Report Date')
    department = models.CharField(max_length=29, choices=DEPARTMENT_BI, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Department')
    responsible_name = models.CharField(max_length=25, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Responsible Person')
    building_address = models.CharField(max_length=52, choices=BUILDING_ADDRESS, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Building and Address')
    floor = models.CharField(max_length=8, choices=FLOOR_LEVEL_BI, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Floor / Level')
    room = models.CharField(max_length=35, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Area / Room')
    location = models.CharField(max_length=10, choices=LOCATION_BI, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Location')
    priority = models.IntegerField(blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Priority')
    hazard_level = models.CharField(max_length=20, choices=HAZARD_LEVEL_BI, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Hazard Level')
    concern = models.CharField(max_length=31, choices=CONCERN_BI, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Concern')
    codes = models.CharField(max_length=51, choices=CODES_BI, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Element and Code')
    correction = models.TextField(max_length=160, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Corrective Action')
    image = models.ImageField(blank=True, null=True, verbose_name='Image', upload_to='gallery')
    notes = models.TextField(max_length=500, blank=True, null=True, verbose_name="Inspector's note")

    class Meta:
        ordering = ['-pk']

    def __str__(self):
        return self.flname or 'None'

    def get_absolute_url(self):
        return reverse('list_building')

filter.py
class Sheet_Building_Filter(django_filters.FilterSet):
    class Meta:
        model = Sheet_Building
        fields = '__all__'
        exclude = ['image', 'time', 'location', 'correction', 'notes', 'floor', 'room', 'priority', 'responsible_name', 'user']

HTML:
<div class="filterbar_BI">
    <form method="get">
        {{ user_and_filter.form }}
        <button style="background-color: #2f3d50; border-radius: 16px;" class="filterbutton_BI btn btn-primary" type="submit">Search</button>
    </form>
</div>

{% if user_and_filter %}
    {% for post in user_and_filter %}
        {{ post.date }}
        {{ post.time }}
        {{ post.inspection_type }}
    {% endfor %}
{% endfor %}

A: In your views sheet = Sheet_Building.objects.all() contains every data from that field whether it is from logged in user or not. Then why are you trying to filter it again. Are you trying to get the data which is not owned by the logged in user.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Sydney FC underlined their threat as title contenders thanks to a convincing 3-0 defeat of APIA Leichhardt Tigers at Cromer Park in Saturday's qualifying final.
The Sky Blues faced an APIA side in a formidable vein of form but easily accounted for the Tigers thanks to goals from John Iredale, Samuel Mcillhatton and Finn Ballard-Mcbride.
The A-League outfit stumbled over the finishing line at the conclusion of the regular league season but were considerably boosted by the returns of first grade regulars Samuel Mcillhatton and leading scorer John Iredale who both played a pivotal role in the triumph.
Iredale guided home a Jerry Skotadis free kick on the cusp of half time to claim his 16th strike of the season and edge out an even opening half.
Despite fleeting moments of promise for their opponents Sydney FC remained resolute and doubled their lead with fifteen minutes remaining when Ballard-Mcbride combined with Guiseppe Tilio before finding the back of the net.
Mcillhatton made it 3-0 two minutes later to set up a grand final qualifier against premiers Sutherland on Saturday.


text:
James Van Der Beek and Girlfriend Having Baby Girl
"Dawson's Creek" heartthrob and girlfriend expecting first child together
By Blaine Schoen	• Published on June 23, 2010 at 10:18 am
Daddy Dawson will soon be seeing lots of pink.
Actor James Van Der Beek and girlfriend Kimberly Brook are having a girl.
"We're so excited to announce we are expecting a girl," Brook told People magazine on Tuesday at h.wood nightclub in Hollywood.
"We are thinking and taking suggestions for names, but we have no idea [what to call her] right now," Brook added, of the baby due this fall.
Both Brook and Van Der Beek, known best for his role as Dawson Leery on the WB's hit teen drama "Dawson's Creek," have admitted that throughout the pregnancy, Brook has been on the typical pregnancy roller coaster.
"When the mood swings happened, they were so textbook, I almost had to laugh," Van Der Beek said.
Brook added, "Women have mood swings when they're pregnant, and I'm not immune to them."
Van Der Beek, 33, recently finalized his divorce from actress Heather McComb after six years of marriage. He and Brook, a business consultant, met last July.
When the pair first announced the pregnancy in April, Van Der Beek tweeted that he is "currently experiencing joy on levels I never knew existed."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


solo shows if not stated otherwise.
3. What Good Would Loving Do Me Now?
4. What Good Would Loving Do Me Now?
2. What Good Would Loving Do Me Now?
5. What Good Would Loving Do Me Now?
3. You care for another spin?
Encore: 12. What, me worried?
1. What good would loving do me now?
+ Guested on A Place Where We Can Stay on Irya's Playground's set.
2. Leave The City (Magnolia Electric Co) /w band.
1. Willing Night Plants w "Everything's rehearsed intro"
Intheround w Gustav Haggren, Helena Arlock and Only Betty.
7. First In Line  (feat. Deep & Shallow).
3. Love Campaign  (feat. Anna - vocals).
vocals and harmonica on "Lovely Lady"
i projektet "The Topeka Twins"


What to do while visiting the Grand Valley??
Take another spin on the roadie!
-Still got juice to climb?
-Looking for a recovery ride?
The Colorado Riverfront Trail wanders more than 30 miles along our Grand River!
For all the Beta on the local Road Riding and Mountain Bike scene: Cycling Western Colorado !!
Coal Canyon- you may see the wild horses!
Peach Street Distillery- terrific tours if you sign up in advance!
Or maybe stop to sniff the flowers and view the goods?
Palisade Art Galleries and Studios!


text:
La Cucina Italiana edition:
Authentic Italian Cooking since the 1920s
Trip to Italy
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Passatelli is a traditional dish in Romagna consisting of a fresh pasta about 4 millimeters thick, with a rough appearance, prepared with a dough of bread crumbs, eggs and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, run through a special press with holes in it and then generally cooked in meat broth. If the special press is not available, a potato ricer can be used.
Passatelli have always been a dish for holidays, usually prepared for Easter as well as for baptisms, confirmations and weddings. Each family has their own recipe. Preparing them takes some effort and involves a certain amount of skill. Make a pile of bread crumbs on your work surface with a hole in the center, and crack 4 eggs into the hole. Add grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a dash of nutmeg, some lemon zest, a ladle of broth, salt and pepper. Knead the dough until it is well mixed and has an even consistency. Let the dough rest for a couple of hours in the refrigerator while you prepare a nice meat broth. After the dough has rested, it is run through the passatelli press or potato ricer to form thick, rough strips that are dropped into the boiling broth. The passatelli are cooked just until they float to the surface. The soup is served very hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
Italian Tradition
Passatelli are a traditional dish in Romagna and it is hard to find them beyond that region, whether on restaurant menus or on supermarket shelves. Passatelli in broth can also be made with a seafood broth. They can be found in dried form and are served with countless sauces and ragù, or with vegetables, or sausage and arugula. In Bagnacavallo, near Ravenna province, they are served for the feast of Saint Michael with a sauce made with Bursôn, the famous wine of Bagnacavallo.
How To Keep It Fresh
Passatelli are very good when cooked right after preparing them. They can also be frozen and then tossed into boiling water frozen when you are ready to eat them.
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How Have Couriers Changed in Recent Years?
....by Matthew Grahams, freelance journalist.
The courier and logistics industry is one of the most important in the world, as it is responsible for getting nearly all post and parcels from A to B as fast as possible. Given the current rate of technological advancement, and the availability of new technological solutions to couriers around the globe, it is fair to say that this industry has been changing rapidly in recent years.
Companies like TNT now use a variety of different transport methods to deliver items across the world, and it is likely they will continue to improve their service in the years to come. Here are some of the ways couriers have changed in recent years.
Perhaps one of the most useful features which has changed the couriering game has been the introduction of more precise delivery estimates. Now, many couriers can not only accurately predict the day of arrival but also the time or arrival down to the hour.
This has made it far easier for customers of the courier to ensure that they do not miss the delivery. It is likely that estimated times for delivery will continue to improve in the years to come, with customers potentially being able to know the precise minute at which the parcel will arrive.
Another feature which has revolutionised couriering has been parcel tracking, which allows those who are expecting a parcel to see each stage of their consignment's journey. This has made it easy for customers to have peace of mind that their delivery is on its way, and can give them a good idea of how long it will take to arrive.
It has also greatly benefitted businesses, many if which rely on important deliveries on a daily or weekly basis. Being able to track their parcel now allows them to plan their operations well in advance.
Finally, the customer service offered by most major couriers has become a defining feature of their service. Each courier service will have a department dedicated to answering calls from customers and quickly sorting out any trouble which may arise with the delivery, and their contact information is usually laid out clearly on the home page of their website.
This not only ensures customer queries are dealt with extremely quickly, but also that customers are satisfied with the service (and will likely use it again in the future).
All in all, couriers have come a long way in the last decade alone, but it will not stop here. With new technologies being developed in industries like robotics and AI, we can expect to see a wealth of improvements in the coming years. As such, this exciting industry has much to look forward to.


text:
import { Optional } from '@ephox/katamari';

import Editor from 'tinymce/core/api/Editor';

import { parseDetail, parseStartValue } from '../core/ListNumbering';
import { isOlNode } from '../core/NodeType';
import { getParentList } from '../core/Selection';
import { isWithinNonEditableList } from '../core/Util';

const open = (editor: Editor): void => {
  // Find the current list and skip opening if the selection isn't in an ordered list
  const currentList = getParentList(editor);
  if (!isOlNode(currentList) || isWithinNonEditableList(editor, currentList)) {
    return;
  }

  editor.windowManager.open({
    title: 'List Properties',
    body: {
      type: 'panel',
      items: [
        {
          type: 'input',
          name: 'start',
          label: 'Start list at number',
          inputMode: 'numeric'
        }
      ]
    },
    initialData: {
      start: parseDetail({
        start: editor.dom.getAttrib(currentList, 'start', '1'),
        listStyleType: Optional.from(editor.dom.getStyle(currentList, 'list-style-type'))
      })
    },
    buttons: [
      {
        type: 'cancel',
        name: 'cancel',
        text: 'Cancel'
      },
      {
        type: 'submit',
        name: 'save',
        text: 'Save',
        primary: true
      }
    ],
    onSubmit: (api) => {
      const data = api.getData();
      parseStartValue(data.start).each((detail) => {
        editor.execCommand('mceListUpdate', false, {
          attrs: {
            start: detail.start === '1' ? '' : detail.start
          },
          styles: {
            'list-style-type': detail.listStyleType.getOr('')
          }
        });
      });
      api.close();
    }
  });
};

export {
  open
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This series is fun and I'm over halfway done now. I changed the border to a V. Clayton silk-Flag.
I did work on a With my needle and thread design the Birds of a feather mystery sampler before I got going on July. I have part 2 done and some of part 1....part 3 will be here soon.
I love these little Drawn Thread calendar covers. My plan is still to pop them in & out of a frame each month...guess they will be displayed next year.
This design is from June 2007 JCS magazine. It's a Marie Barber design called Sunny flower. It's supposed to be made into a glasses case but not sure if that's what I'm going to do.
Is it hot enough where you are?
Yesterday, the inside thermometer which tells me the temp outside on the deck(this one tells apparently heat index & wind chill) said it was 121 F. Enough to keep me inside for the heat of the day. It was pleasant last evening though.
So, because of the heat, and inbetween things I plan to accomplish with DD this summer I finished a couple more small items.
sorry for the crooked scans...4 tries and still a tad bit crooked.
As usual, the patterns are going in my sale album....2nd page here lists a few, or the link at my profile shows everything I have for sale.
This is Lizzie Kate Halloween flip it.