The equity release council

STUFF John Tamihere would scrap light rail plans "Enough of the politics" is the parting plea from Auckland councillor Penny Hulse to those who will lead the city after her 27 years in local government ends next month . "Stop the point-scoring, the internal focus, and focus back on your community," Hulse told Stuff on the eve of her final council meeting. Hulse played a critical role as deputy mayor to Len Brown in the first two terms of the post-amalgamation Auckland Council, but in reflecting on her time in office, mixed pride with weariness over the "Trumpification" of politics, and the rising role of social media nastiness. Both the councillors and the unique structure of Auckland's "super-city" model needed change when the fourth council assembled in November, she said. READ MORE: Auckland politician Penny Hulse: 'You've got to go when you're loving it' Climate change: Call to tackle future risk to Auckland's poorest communities now Brown 'not a … [Read more...] about Political veteran Penny Hulse’s last call: Stop the politics

N orway has drawn up plans to ration electricity exports in a move that has heightened fears of energy shortages in the UK and Europe this winter. The government in Oslo on Monday announced new rules limiting the sale of power to foreign countries as heatwaves threaten Norway’s hydroelectric power generation. Experts said the restrictions threatened the UK’s plan to draw power from Norway this winter via the North Sea Link - leaving electricity supplies more stretched and risking even higher bills for consumers. The National Grid has already revealed that the UK is set to be more dependent than ever on the Continent for power, with interconnectors expected to provide up to 5.7 gigawatts of electricity at peak times. About one quarter of that total – or 1.4 gigawatts – is set to come from Norway. Kathryn Porter, an energy consultant at Watt-Logic, said the proposed restrictions “put at risk the ability of Britain to import from Norway this winter”. “National Grid ESO needs to … [Read more...] about Norway threatens to ration electricity in fresh blow for UK and European energy supplies

The unique Koch Garden in Bratislava’s Old Town district finally became the property of the city in mid June. Prior to an extensive revitalisation planned for 2023 and 2024, the city is opening its gates to the general public on Thursday. In preparation for this, the half-hectare garden between Partizánská and Bartoňová Streets has undergone basic maintenance and been equipped with benches and other park furniture. Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Koch Garden Located between Partizánská and Bartoňová streets, next to the Koch Sanatorium The entrance is from Bartoňova Street It will be open between 14:00 and 20:00 on working days, and between 10:00 and 20:00 during weekends Originally built between 1932 and 1935 as a garden for the patients of a nearby sanatorium, it is currently the only one of its kind in Slovakia, and is … [Read more...] about Exquisite garden in Bratislava’s Old Town opens to the public

Liz Truss has accused the civil service of having a “woke culture that strays into antisemitism”, sparking an angry backlash in Whitehall. The Foreign Secretary made the remarks in a press release on Friday, which outlined her plans to protect the British Jewish community . She pledged to “boost links between the UK and Israel” including by securing a free trade deal between the two countries. The Tory leadership frontrunner also made a vow to “protect British Jewry from creeping antisemitism and wokeism”. Referring to the civil service , she said: “Every organisation has its culture, but it’s not fixed, it can be changed. “That’s what ministerial leadership is about: it’s about making sure that the policies we represent, the values we stand for, are reflected in what we do. “I’ve been very clear with our officials about the positions we take on Israel, and that will continue if I become prime minister.” ‘Insulting and abhorrent’ Her remarks prompted a furious … [Read more...] about Liz Truss accuses the civil service of ‘wokeism that strays into antisemitism’

Campaigner appeals for state pension release for dying people SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Specifically, some over 60s in England have communicated their belief it is "so unfair" that those living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are able to access this 'freebie' benefit before them People in this age group in England have to wait until they can claim the state pension , whereas their counterparts in the rest of the UK can claim it once they turn 60. On the website 38 Degrees, a petition is available for people to sign which is calling on the British Government to offer the free bus pass to all over 60s in England. Related articles 5 steps to 'generate enough cash' for your bills in early retirement … [Read more...] about Free bus pass: Over 60s in Scotland eligible for freebie benefit – ‘Unfair’ to England

Clara ‘Keffals’ Sorrenti was arrested and claims to have faced transphobia by the local police, despite being the victim of swatting. Swatting remains a very dangerous problem with popular Twitch streamers. Essentially a more vicious form of pranking, people will make hoax calls to the police, directing them to a streamer’s house under false pretences. This has resulted in the likes of xQc needing to move house entirely and even innocent people being shot by police . Or, in the most recent swatting incident, it gets the target of the swatting arrested. Canadian transgender streamer Clara ‘Keffals’ Sorrenti started out streaming video games in 2021, before pivoting more towards discussing politics . Earlier this week, police showed up at her door as somebody had sent emails threatening violence to every council member in the London, Ontario region, as well as claims that she possessed a firearm and had already killed her own mother. Most swatting incidents … [Read more...] about Trans Twitch streamer swatted – and arrested – over fake death threats

A group of MPs from Birmingham have apparently called upon Her Majesty herself to honour Black Sabbath for their services to music. The rock band were formed in the UK’s so-called ‘second city’ in 1968 and are often credited with pioneering and influencing the heavy metal genre. The MPs have written to the Queen, asking for her ‘direct intervention’ so that the Midlands metal four-piece can receive the recognition they deserve. Frontman Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Tony Iommi made a surprise special guest appearance at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games . Labour MP for Birmingham Perry Barr Khalid Mahmood posted a statement on Twitter, in which he ‘humbly’ requested the honours. ‘I am humbly requesting Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II to bestow and honour to Black Sabbath for their services to music.’ Other MPs to sign the letter include the Labour leader of Birmingham City Council, Ian Ward, and its deputy leader, Brigid Jones. Mahmood has … [Read more...] about Birmingham MPs ask Queen to honour Black Sabbath after Ozzy Osbourne rocked stage at Commonwealth Games

It’s hot, we’re all broke, some people think it’s a good idea to set bombs off next to a nuclear plant and it’s also very hot. That’s it. That’s the news. You can exit this link and go drink a pint in the beautiful weather (that may well be consequence of the climate change contributing to the demise of our planet). Have a good weekend. Nah, we don’t mean that – do get a pint but make sure to read on. Things are pretty grim but there are always some good bits going on somewhere. And if Positive Pollies aren’t your type: It’s important to pay attention to the bad bits so we know how to make them stop being bad. There is also a story about a bear tripping on psychedelic honey in here. And no that was not a typo. Like we said, it’s hot England, a country known around the world for its miserable, wet weather, is officially experiencing drought. The National Drought Group declared a drought in eight parts of the country at midday on Friday, after the … [Read more...] about ICYMI: Drought, energy bills and Trump – this week’s five biggest stories, explained