Are she and her partner seriously wanting to buy their own home? A couple renting a 3 bedroom house in an expensive suburb seem unlikely to be aiming for home ownership.
NZ Post doesnt know how to say sorry, so its a waste of time complaining to them. They completely deny they have problems and find any excuse to say they arent responsible. Since an incident a couple of years ago which resulted in Christmas presents finally being delivered in February, I have made a concerted effort to take business away from NZ Post by asking for things to be sent via e-mail or made accessible online, and choosing another provider for parcels. I estimate that they are now losing over $200 per annum just from me alone. I highly recommend that others do this.
This woman is really using her father. In another interview he said that Megan cried when she heard he couldnt come to the wedding. Hes had major medical problems and the stress that comes with that, so maybe other events do get a bit muddled. As for Meghan going to the Mandela tribute, she probably doesnt get a lot of say in that. Its part of her new job, and her sister doesnt seem to get that its a job, not just having fun.
I feel sorry for the girls as they would have been looking forward to the ball. The dresses and shoes can be worn at the rescheduled event, but obviously the money they spent on hair and make-up will need to be found if they want to do that again. While parents will pay for some girls, others may have earned the money in part-time jobs, so it really hurts them. I do wonder at the concern over appearance that leads to paying to have make-up and hair professionally done. Back in the 70s, you or your mum or older sister did hair and make-up. I feel sorry for these kids with all the pressure and competitiveness that leads to paying a lot of money for what should be an enjoyable night out.
To all those people saying that contractors are the way to meet short-term needs, there is another solution and that is fixed-term positions. Three out of my last four public service jobs have been fixed term, lasting from 4 months to 3 years, depending on the needs of the project. The fourth job was supposed to permanent but I quit after a few months, largely due to a really incompetent consultant who was put in charge of one particular area of work. I could see that things werent going to get done on time and that there would be an awful lot of admin mopping up to do after this guy charging around doing stuff half-pie to give the illusion of action. His main skill seemed to be toadying to management, in particular the one who hired him. A while after I left, they finally wised up to his incompetence and fired him. There are some good consultants who really know their stuff, but there are some truly delusional incompetents out there too.
As a Wellington ratepayer, I am so relieved to hear this. After the debacle of the Great War Exhibition, I dont want to pick up the tab for another museum to house Sir Peter Jacksons collection. Theres considerable skill involved in planning museum exhibitions, and this just isnt his field, so Im not surprised to hear the costs for the fitout were rising.
Agile has been used in various parts of the public sector for a long time now. It suits some areas of work, but not others, and its not some kind of management solution. As for Sparks introduction of Agile, it seems to have been mandated by those at the top of the hierarchy. Very traditional and not what Agile is about at all.
I am a programme manager at a well-known public organisation. While the job description didnt require qualifications, it said qualifications in a specified range of fields were desirable. I have qualifications in two of those fields - a degree in one of them and professional certifications in the other. Those professional certifications are based on a specified number of hours on the job experience, training courses, and final exams, and were gained while working in more junior roles over several years. Its highly unlikely that someone would get such a job with no qualifications and I think this article gives people unrealistic expectations
Im really surprised at some of the organisations on this list. New Zealand Police is one of the worst organisations Ive ever worked for. The pay was fine, but seeing a whole lot of consultants getting paid big money for lesser skills was annoying. Their internal systems were disorganised and it was really hard to get stuff done. It was just so frustrating I left. This is in recent years too, and I hear from former colleagues there that nothing has changed.
Tattoos are not socially acceptable everywhere. There are some countries and cultures where tattoos are really unacceptable. As Air New Zealand is marketing to an international audience and wants to welcome guests from diverse cultures, I completely understand their policy on tattoos.
The government did not promise unlimited funds for the Great War Exhibition. There was a set budget which was exceeded. Regarding empty promises, the biggest one would have to be the trench experience, 4 years late and who was responsible for that?
These two townhouses are part of a larger complex. What about the other townhouses in the complex? How have they survived so long without a code of compliance?
This article rather overstates the American contribution. While extra troops were useful, they were also less experienced and made mistakes. This time 100 years ago troops from France, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the British Empire were pushing the German Army back east in the 100 Days Offensive. In two days time, it will be 100 years since New Zealand troops occupied Bapaume, which was a major achievement. Meanwhile back in Germany, there was civil unrest and food riots, and running a war was increasingly difficult for their government.
Oh really? Why havent you rented it before now? There would be an enormous queue waiting to view it at that price. I do wonder how you would manage to cover rates, body corp and maintenance with such a low rent.
What a good idea! Perhaps someone could tell Peter Thiel to mix and mingle with the Wanaka locals a bit, now that hes adopted New Zealand as his new home.
Senso-ji temple is one of my favourite places in Tokyo, and I usually stay in the neighbourhood. I like wandering up Nakamise St, seeing all the Japanese knick-knacks for sale and buying melonpan from the famous melonpan shop. When I get to the temple, I often buy a fortune just for fun. The temple is really busy, not just with tourists but people who have come to worship there. This is real life. I also like looking at the temple at night, when its quieter and beautifully lit up. Of course there are people who visit Tokyo with a checklist and after half an hour or less, they have done Senso-ji. Unfortunately they didnt stop to have a real look.
Not everything can be done online e.g. getting a new credit card or contracts for signature. Because I work in the CBD, I actually pick up such things in my lunch hour which is faster and more reliable than using NZ Post, but not everyone has that option.
Weekly policy on the hoof is not a sign of organisation. The last government was very good at policy on the hoof which resulted in some poorly thought-out short -term thinking. My current job involves sorting out a pet project done on the whim of a previous Minister, and so much basic stuff to keep it operational was never done, nor budgeted for.
Fame still doesn't pay enough for Matilda Rice to buy an Auckland house
Are she and her partner seriously wanting to buy their own home? A couple renting a 3 bedroom house in an expensive suburb seem unlikely to be aiming for home ownership.
Disabled teenager and family kicked off Emirates flight after New Zealand trip
So theres a bit of noise. Ive heard far worse from people who should know better.
Letter's 12-day odyssey across Lower Hutt
NZ Post doesnt know how to say sorry, so its a waste of time complaining to them. They completely deny they have problems and find any excuse to say they arent responsible. Since an incident a couple of years ago which resulted in Christmas presents finally being delivered in February, I have made a concerted effort to take business away from NZ Post by asking for things to be sent via e-mail or made accessible online, and choosing another provider for parcels. I estimate that they are now losing over $200 per annum just from me alone. I highly recommend that others do this.
Markle's sister says it will be Meghan's fault if their dad dies
This woman is really using her father. In another interview he said that Megan cried when she heard he couldnt come to the wedding. Hes had major medical problems and the stress that comes with that, so maybe other events do get a bit muddled. As for Meghan going to the Mandela tribute, she probably doesnt get a lot of say in that. Its part of her new job, and her sister doesnt seem to get that its a job, not just having fun.
Wellington schoolgirls out-of-pocket after bomb scare as police investigation continues
I feel sorry for the girls as they would have been looking forward to the ball. The dresses and shoes can be worn at the rescheduled event, but obviously the money they spent on hair and make-up will need to be found if they want to do that again. While parents will pay for some girls, others may have earned the money in part-time jobs, so it really hurts them. I do wonder at the concern over appearance that leads to paying to have make-up and hair professionally done. Back in the 70s, you or your mum or older sister did hair and make-up. I feel sorry for these kids with all the pressure and competitiveness that leads to paying a lot of money for what should be an enjoyable night out.
Cap on public servants saw spending on consultants almost double to $550m a year
To all those people saying that contractors are the way to meet short-term needs, there is another solution and that is fixed-term positions. Three out of my last four public service jobs have been fixed term, lasting from 4 months to 3 years, depending on the needs of the project. The fourth job was supposed to permanent but I quit after a few months, largely due to a really incompetent consultant who was put in charge of one particular area of work. I could see that things werent going to get done on time and that there would be an awful lot of admin mopping up to do after this guy charging around doing stuff half-pie to give the illusion of action. His main skill seemed to be toadying to management, in particular the one who hired him. A while after I left, they finally wised up to his incompetence and fired him. There are some good consultants who really know their stuff, but there are some truly delusional incompetents out there too.
Curtain falls on council-Sir Peter Jackson movie museum for capital
As a Wellington ratepayer, I am so relieved to hear this. After the debacle of the Great War Exhibition, I dont want to pick up the tab for another museum to house Sir Peter Jacksons collection. Theres considerable skill involved in planning museum exhibitions, and this just isnt his field, so Im not surprised to hear the costs for the fitout were rising.
State sector productivity growth 'poor' and some public servants 'hostile', reports says
Agile has been used in various parts of the public sector for a long time now. It suits some areas of work, but not others, and its not some kind of management solution. As for Sparks introduction of Agile, it seems to have been mandated by those at the top of the hierarchy. Very traditional and not what Agile is about at all.
The high-flying jobs you can get with no formal qualification
I am a programme manager at a well-known public organisation. While the job description didnt require qualifications, it said qualifications in a specified range of fields were desirable. I have qualifications in two of those fields - a degree in one of them and professional certifications in the other. Those professional certifications are based on a specified number of hours on the job experience, training courses, and final exams, and were gained while working in more junior roles over several years. Its highly unlikely that someone would get such a job with no qualifications and I think this article gives people unrealistic expectations
Where do New Zealanders want to work?
Im really surprised at some of the organisations on this list. New Zealand Police is one of the worst organisations Ive ever worked for. The pay was fine, but seeing a whole lot of consultants getting paid big money for lesser skills was annoying. Their internal systems were disorganised and it was really hard to get stuff done. It was just so frustrating I left. This is in recent years too, and I hear from former colleagues there that nothing has changed.
Tinker Bell's wings clipped by Air New Zealand
Tattoos are not socially acceptable everywhere. There are some countries and cultures where tattoos are really unacceptable. As Air New Zealand is marketing to an international audience and wants to welcome guests from diverse cultures, I completely understand their policy on tattoos.
Curtain falls on council-Sir Peter Jackson movie museum for capital
The government did not promise unlimited funds for the Great War Exhibition. There was a set budget which was exceeded. Regarding empty promises, the biggest one would have to be the trench experience, 4 years late and who was responsible for that?
Terrace townhouses sell under the hammer, despite no code of compliance
These two townhouses are part of a larger complex. What about the other townhouses in the complex? How have they survived so long without a code of compliance?
100 years later: Returning to World War I's Western Front in France
This article rather overstates the American contribution. While extra troops were useful, they were also less experienced and made mistakes. This time 100 years ago troops from France, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the British Empire were pushing the German Army back east in the 100 Days Offensive. In two days time, it will be 100 years since New Zealand troops occupied Bapaume, which was a major achievement. Meanwhile back in Germany, there was civil unrest and food riots, and running a war was increasingly difficult for their government.
High cost of Wellington living forces students into long commutes
Oh really? Why havent you rented it before now? There would be an enormous queue waiting to view it at that price. I do wonder how you would manage to cover rates, body corp and maintenance with such a low rent.
New Zealand is not vigilant enough about creeping corruption
What a good idea! Perhaps someone could tell Peter Thiel to mix and mingle with the Wanaka locals a bit, now that hes adopted New Zealand as his new home.
Don't listen to guidebook advice: Why travellers shouldn't visit museums and galleries
Senso-ji temple is one of my favourite places in Tokyo, and I usually stay in the neighbourhood. I like wandering up Nakamise St, seeing all the Japanese knick-knacks for sale and buying melonpan from the famous melonpan shop. When I get to the temple, I often buy a fortune just for fun. The temple is really busy, not just with tourists but people who have come to worship there. This is real life. I also like looking at the temple at night, when its quieter and beautifully lit up. Of course there are people who visit Tokyo with a checklist and after half an hour or less, they have done Senso-ji. Unfortunately they didnt stop to have a real look.
Letter's 12-day odyssey across Lower Hutt
Not everything can be done online e.g. getting a new credit card or contracts for signature. Because I work in the CBD, I actually pick up such things in my lunch hour which is faster and more reliable than using NZ Post, but not everyone has that option.
Stacey Kirk: National set to stoke flames of Anzac competition in search of 'lightning rod'
Weekly policy on the hoof is not a sign of organisation. The last government was very good at policy on the hoof which resulted in some poorly thought-out short -term thinking. My current job involves sorting out a pet project done on the whim of a previous Minister, and so much basic stuff to keep it operational was never done, nor budgeted for.