Opinion

Former All Black urges people to speak out on Vulnerable Children

Hutt News

Problem youths come from troubled childhoods, says former All Black Norm Hewit, an abassador for the Duffy Books in Homes Scheme and an official champion of the Green Paper on Vulnerable Children.  He's urging people to tell the Government their thoughts on child abuse solutions by the February 28 deadline.

Former mayor lists pro and cons of heritage move

Hutt News

Former mayor David Ogden ruminates on the fuss over the status of heritage buildings in the city. -------------------- I have just started reading my first Ken Follett bestseller, The Pillars Of The Earth.

We don't have Auckland's dysfunction, so what's the hurry?

Hutt News

If one and a half million people were to whisper quietly into your ear, what would it sound like?

Agapanthus do have a role

Hutt News

So the agapanthus plant has to go and, wonder of wonders, they are to be replaced with native plants (Hutt News, January 24).

Fluoridation battle not over

Hutt News

I was surprised by your report before Christmas that "the highly contentious issue of fluoridation has been ticked off" by the current city council. It is highly unlikely this issue will ever be put to rest until fluoridation is stopped.

Suburban advocates could be better than boards

Hutt News

In my Eastbourne Community Board resignation advice I made a point of acknowledging the huge amount of time and effort put in by successive board chairs, including the incumbent.

Our shops are victims of trade terms

Hutt News

There are fundamental reasons for the regression of the retail industry in the CBD that go beyond the surface. There is not only noteworthy For Sale and For Lease signs prevalent in High St but elsewhere like the small industrial support business zone in Petone.

Council trust will compete with community groups

Hutt News

You reported last week on the proposal for a city council-controlled Community Facilities Trust.

Editorial: plan now for referendum on amalgamation

SIMON EDWARDS - Hutt News

Seasoned former local body politician Betty van Gaalen is, as usual, sage with her words on not rushing into a "super-city" set-up in Wellington (see below).

Let owners decide heritage listing

Hutt News

Robert Ashe was clearly not paying attention at last month's district plan subcommittee meeting which discussed heritage provisions. (Hutt News, January 10).

How to save High St shops

Hutt News

We have discussed, argued, suggested on ways to change the poor fortunes of the High St shops but seem to still be sitting on our hands when it comes to taking realistic action.

Don't rush into a super city

Hutt News

Betty van Gaalen, local government spokeswoman for Wellington Grey Power Associations, argues that the case for a 'super-city' set-up for this region has not been made:

A mother's ideas for better playgrounds

Hutt News

I have looked at the "Go outside and play" playground consultation document on Hutt City Council's website, and would like to put my views.

Teachers' lessons for PM

GORDON CAMPBELL - Hutt News

No doubt, several lobby groups will be hoping Prime Minister John Key used at least some of his Christmas/New Year holiday break to kick back, relax and dive into a bit of background reading about their particular field of interest. Dream on.

Is new Petone pool the best value for money?

Hutt News

The proposal to upgrade McKenzie Pool is not dissimilar to what occurred when the Naenae pool was upgraded. Supporters of a rebuilt McKenzie pool seem to be ignoring the need for a cost benefit solution. Value for money on any replacement must include a fully covered pool, which can be used all year. It is not clear if this is being proposed.

Bus transfer stations questioned

Hutt News

It is really good to see that the bus service looks like getting a new upgraded time table (HN. Dec. 6). However, I feel that while a great deal of thought has been given to the idea of transfer stations, one should recall the other good ideas that haven't worked as hoped.

Editor's view: League tables have worth

Hutt News

The possibility that media will be able to put together league tables of school performance based on National Standards results has been widely panned by teacher unions, principals and some education academics.

How Brand Labour can become hot again

GORDON CAMPBELL - Hutt News

Since its rejection on Election Night, renewal has been in the air for the Labour Party.

No to moving council north

Hutt News

I find it alarming that a Taita resident would be prepared to shift control of our local body affairs to Upper Hutt. This is what Peter Petterson (HN, Nov 28) recommended by suggesting that we scrap our present local body premises and meld the operation with Upper Hutt's, using their building.

Labour played into Peters' hands

GORDON CAMPBELL - Hutt News

Any map of the political landscape will now be showing rural and provincial New Zealand (plus all of Hamilton) entirely blue, apart from Palmerston North and a red strip on the West Coast.