Putting on a spring yellow display at the east end; two of them, one each side of the driveway entrances. There is also a eucalyptus tree among others.

Dated to circa 1952.  This weekend, and during two more over the next month, you’ll be able to experience both gardens and art in Waikanae.

We suspect most Waikanae people (with a handful of notable exceptions) know this already.  🙂

Source: Research Shows What Living Near A Forest Can Do To The Human Brain

Here is an example of someone who has used spotlights to light up their garden trees at night, an impressive effect, you must agree.  How much should this add to a property’s value?

In driving around Waikanae at night, the thought often occurs that it’s a shame this isn’t done with some of the trees the town is noted for.

To achieve this effect, you need a few tall trees in the first place.  🙂

Sitting in a native puriri tree, too.  By Jo May Design, available commercially as a framed print.

Porsche — nah. Aston Martin — nope. This is a real car: a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06/07 in Wellington colours!  What do you think, Cr Cootes?

Guru has sent councilors an e-mail asking for 5 qualities they would like to see in the new council Chief Executive.

Here is our list of 20 qualities that Guru and the councilors should ascertain and expect:

• honest: does not tell lies, or pay others to tell lies
• accountable: to the council and the public; no secrecy of any kind
• will not award contracts and positions to mates just because they are mates
• hard-working
• astute
• will admit mistakes and carry responsibility for them
• of temperate disposition
• not interested in personal prestige
• wants high operational efficiency
• has people skills: knows how to get the best out of people and eliminate the bad
• knows the art of diplomacy
• wants good value for ratepayers
• will listen to the people and heed what they have to say
• believes in real communication, not propaganda
• is alert to technological changes, but monitors them before deciding on them
• will not run off to overpriced, self-serving consultants at every opportunity
• accepts that the council is there to provide public services, not build an empire
• wants a workplace that both employees and councilors can be proud of, not embarrassed about
• knows how to balance the conflicting interests of communities and developers
• wants a beautiful, environmentally-minded and harmonious Kapiti

It goes without saying that they are qualities the Mayor should show, too.

We assume that is $C, about the same in $A or $NZ 50,000.

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