Selwyn Times: July 24, 2019

8 Wednesday July 24 2019
Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
Your Local Views
SELWYN TIMES
If you have an opinion about something that is happening
in Selwyn, email devon.bolger@starmedia.kiwi
Readers respond to last
week’s article about
district councillors and
Malvern Community Board
members who will be able
to have their childcare
costs subsidised by
ratepayers
Kerry Adams – Do district
councillors think ratepayers are a
bottomless pit of money?
It would certainly seem so
with the latest move to now pay
childcare costs. Interesting that
they didn’t put this out for public
consultation like they do with
other significant public spending.
Trying to keep it secret were
they?
In the real world there are hundreds
of families in the district
who everyday face the prospect
of paying their own childcare
costs while working in a full time
job. The councillors should be
facing the same reality.
No, instead they decide they
want to treated differently
because if we don’t pay it then
young people won’t be councillors.
I don’t believe that for a
minute, where is the evidence to
say this is the case.
This is a just another opportunity
for a councillor to milk the
ratepayer for more money and
line their own pockets.
Every job takes sacrifice, ask
those parents with a full time job
who have children.
Don’t give us pathetic excuses
because when they stood for
the role of councillor they knew
exactly what the hours would
be, what the pay was and the
impact it would have on their
family.
Sorry, but it is time
for the councillors to
step into the real world
where if there is not
enough money you
budget and find ways
to make it work.
You can’t just go to
your employer, the
ratepayer, and say you have to
pay my costs and you better pay
another six per cent rates because
we can’t run the council business
prudently.
Grant Prescott – I am
absolutely disgusted at it. Here
we have a mayor who applied
for a job knowing full well no
company vehicle was supplied
and then once in power (has) a
company car paid for
by ratepayers, in spite
of his $127,000 salary.
Most people have
to buy their own vehicles.
Now he pushes
through another
ratepayer-funded
scheme of childcare
for councillors.
Not one of us in other employment
can claim our child care
back as such the mayor and his
councillors should not especially
when ratepayers are paying for it.
They took the role on knowing
the conditions and if they
do not like it they should leave.
I sincerely hope in the October
elections we do vote on our feet
and remove the current mayor
and some of his councillors.
Carole Hadler – I shouldn’t
have thought they would do the
job if they didn’t choose to do so.
It is supposed to be a vocation
and, once upon a time, it was.
Now they can’t even budget
for themselves and clearly not
for or with ratepayers’ money.
There is a rising tide throughout
the country against the sort of
behaviour we are seeing among
councillors who think they are
entitled.
John Shaw – It is
unbelievable that Mr Broughton
and his colleagues have voted
in favour of lining their pockets
with hard earned ratepayers’
money.
I’m sorry, but what makes
them any different from any
of us that has had to do the
hard yards to make childcare
payments for our families.
What has happened to the
councillors who did the job for
the good of the community.
Let’s hope there is a massive
backlash from the public and
they are forced to back down.
Holistic, Health
& Spiritual Expo
Liven up your life and make a day
of it at Soul Jam where a variety
of professional Holistic, Health
and Spiritual practitioners from
throughout the district share their
knowledge, wisdom, and products.
Discover and experience natural
options for well-being and great
health, personal and spiritual growth.
This is the fifth annual Soul Jam expo
and is in a new location at Darfield
Recreation Centre, on Saturday 3rd
and Sunday 4th August.
Come along, meet the professionals
and find out what could be of
benefit to you and give them a
try in a friendly non-threatening
environment.
Talks and demos run throughout
the day. The amazing Rainbowlily
will be on hand with her face paints.
Refreshments available.
Have you thought about
fostering a child?
We are looking for people in the Christchurch area who are willing to
open up their home to *Matt. He needs a home that can provide him
with support, care and unconditional love and guidance in a clear, fair
and consistent way. Matt is looking for caregivers who enjoy outdoor
activities and have a spacious yard.
Matt is an enthusiastic, funny and
curious 16-year-old boy who is
looking for a long-term home. He
has overcome many challenges in
his life and has grown immensely
from these experiences. He has a
strong need for belonging which he
has rarely had. He is kind, helpful,
and eager to get on well with other
people. He also loves outdoors,
biking, Minecraft and animals.
Matt has an amazing sense of humour, although requires support to
express his feelings and needs. Matt is currently working on building
positive relationships and will require ongoing support.
We welcome carers who have the time, energy and the ability to
provide a loving home. These are the most important things we look
for in our foster carers. We will provide ongoing and intensive clinical
and financial assistance as well as training to all our carers to ensure
they always feel supported and enabled to do their best.
Fostering a child in need is challenging but truly rewarding. As a carer,
you’ll provide consistent and responsive support and attention to help
them make sense of their world.
If you are interested in
discussing possibilities for
Matt, please call Nicky on
03 365 0291 or 027 207 8212.
*name and image changed for privacy.