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KIDDIES’ BEDROOMS BIG ADVENTURE
It’s easy to have fun with children’s bedrooms. Although there are a multitude of possible themes, the Big Adventure range from Warwick Fabrics is sure to delight little ones.
Within this light, breezy and joyful collection, children can roller skate through Dino City, make a splash in Bubble Reef or play a game of Hide and Seek with their favourite jungle animals.
Let imaginations run wild with gorgeous 100% cotton prints, embroideries and a beautiful butterfly voile.
These playful children’s fabrics, and coordinated wallpapers, explore exotic jungles, misty woodlands and the magic of the deep blue sea – just the ticket for a bedroom refresh.
Call them Laengsel...
WHALE WAYS: after splashing into summer, we’re all set to now get our feet firmly back under our desks and on terra firma. Fortunately, Laengsel (from Denmark) has landed quite the catch with its Orka (aka orca) desk and chair, providing a fresh, new look for the New Year.
Based on a Scandinavian concept, ‘orka’ means having the drive, determination and physical or mental energy to take on a task. So, although it’d be rather hard to land an actual white whale from a desk, one could write a great novel at such a novel perch.
Whether this desk (and matching chair) can encourage us to be more productive or not, it is an aesthetically pleasing, striking piece of furniture which plays with light and shade.
Made from birch beech, ash or oak plywood, this desk can be ordered and shipped to New Zealand by arrangement via www.laengsel.dk.
The professional and trusted team of qualified tradesmen at Howick Glass offer a full range of glass and glazing services at competitive prices. With more than 45 years experience, you know you’ll be receiving top quality service and workmanship with superior products and materials.
Established in 1966, Howick Glass has a long-standing reputation for quality service and workmanship from our trusted team of qualified tradesmen and glaziers.
As a locally owned and operated business, we’re proud of the relationships we have with our customers, suppliers and local partners. Our whole team is committed to ensuring our customers receive efficient and reliable service.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
As a member of the Glass Association of New Zealand (GANZ), we keep up to date with the latest products to ensure our customers receive only top quality materials, and all services are completed in accordance with NZ Safety Standards.
• Balustrade’s • Splashbacks • Frameless Showers • Cat and Dog Doors • General Reglazing - Wooden and Alloy • Mirrors • Table Tops • and more
173 Moore St, Howick | Ph 09 535 4180 | info@howickglass.co.nz www.howickglass.co.nz
CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVES REPRESENT RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTORS
In November last year, governments met at COP26, the major international climate event of the year. The 26th meeting of the Conference of the Parties saw nearly 200 countries which are signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) come together. It was the first formal review of countries’ climate policies since the Paris Agreement in 2015.
The number of countries, investors and corporates making public commitments to achieve net zero emissions has grown from a committed few to the expectation of many. At the same time, investment dollars have continued to flow into Sustainable Investment funds at record speed. The investing community has recognised it has a key role in driving effective action. However, the pathway to achieving net zero is difficult and complex.
WHAT IS NET ZERO?
Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases (GHGs) going into the atmosphere are balanced by gases being removed. The term ‘net zero’ is important because — for CO2 at least — this is the state at which global warming stops. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded the need for net zero CO2 by 2050 to achieve the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of limiting the rise in the mean global temperature to preferably no more than 1.5°C. To meet this goal, GHG emissions must halve over the next decade, falling 7% every year through 2030.
Our government signalled its intention to transition to a net zero economy and announced a more ambitious target to reduce net emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, compared to 30% previously. In June, the Climate Change Commission released its first advice to government on how we achieve a low emissions future which includes recommendations to changes in the way energy is produced, the way people travel, the communities they live in and the way land is used.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Climate change and our response will impact every sector in New Zealand be it through direct consequences of warmer and wetter weather, new regulation, technology disruption, or changing consumer and investor preferences. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have already had real implications on investing flows, regulation, and financial returns over the past 15–20 years. Those who correctly identified these changes have benefited.
Looking forward, in our recent in-depth report on Climate Change, Forsyth Barr outlined four sectors in New Zealand — agriculture, construction, transport and tourism, and energy — which will be impacted by environmental factors and climate change in particular, some significantly in the near-term, others longer term. These are just a few examples of sectors we are watching. Climate change and climate change policies, however, are moving rapidly. The impacts will probably be much broader than we imagine today. The potential impact of climate change on companies, industries, and markets is now a key factor in any investment portfolio. To view the report on Climate Change visit forsythbarr.co.nz.
For a no obligation discussion contact your local Forsyth Barr Investment Adviser, Pam Cussen, David Morgan, or Mark Steele, on (09) 368 0170 or 0800 367 227, or visit their office at Wynyard Wood House, 60 Highbrook Drive, East Tamaki.
WHAT’S UP WITH ANGELA TO SELL, OR NOT TO SELL...NOW?
Widely acknowledged as one of the most experienced local industry professionals, columnist ANGELA RUDLING has lived in the Howick area since she was a girl. A familiar face from Bayleys Howick, she successfully sells some 50 homes per year with the assistance of her dynamic, multi-cultured team. Today, Angela shares her thoughts on listing or buying a home in the early part of the year.
Fresh from summer holidays, many of us have spent time thinking about what we want to accomplish in the next 12 months and the question is – is this a good time to set plans in motion?
Whether you have an expanding family or want to be closer to specific schools, work location or friends and family, I recommend you think ahead especially if relocation within a desirable school zone is your goal.
Acting before the need is pressing ensures a greater likelihood of getting exactly what you want.
Whether you are looking for sea view, more living space, a larger garden, or the extreme opposite – a downsize for retirement – now is the ideal time to start the process, let me explain why...
It’s true, interest rates are gradually rising, but they are still considered low based on the average over the past 30 years. With patience and a positive savings record most people can obtain a good level of finance even if banks are requiring more information in the initial stages of application. Working with a reputable broker will ultimately pay dividends as you benefit from current industry expertise. However, a cash buyer has a definite purchasing advantage. So, with that in mind, there’s no time like the present to push ahead.
Historically, the number of properties for sale surges from late January to early April and statistics show this seasonal trend is continuing.
Since Covid-19, the real estate industry has created provisions to ensure the selling process remains as efficient and effective as possible. No matter what restrictions are enforced, a good agent is prepared, and can adapt to the circumstances, without compromising results.
So, I encourage all who are tempted to make a move this year to contact your preferred agent and ask them to appraise your current home. This is a free service, and they will love receiving your call.
For anyone needing first-hand advice, please feel free to call my number below. Happy Selling!
THE A TEAM
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
New pandemic restrictions have specific implications for employer/employee relationships, as KARL ROBINSON from Wynyard Wood explains.
The vaccination programme for Covid-19 has presented issues for both employers and employees. Businesses have to not only comply with the law, but also navigate establishing covid policies in the course of business.
Those decisions must be made in circumstances that cross over a number of different areas of law including government regulations, privacy, health and safety, employment, the Bill of Rights and Human Rights. The vaccination programmes have also required employees to make sometimes difficult decisions in the context of their employment. All of that is happening in a constantly evolving pandemic and government response.
The Government’s mandatory vaccination requirements for certain sectors has been upheld by the courts in both an individual employment dispute and a more fundamental challenge to the overall legality of vaccine mandate scheme.
Separate to mandated vaccinations, businesses can also require that specific roles must be performed by a vaccinated employee if a risk assessment identifies that is necessary from a health and safety perspective. Relevant factors in assessing whether the role requires vaccination will include the place of work, contact with other employees in terms of both distance and time, the nature of any customer interaction and the vulnerability of customers.
Employers and employees should also be considering other measures that could help to minimise the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. All those Covid-19 related decisions should be made following appropriate consultation between employers and employees. All the regular employment laws continue to apply, such as the obligation on both employers and employees to act in good faith, fairly and reasonably.
Determining appropriate policies, from both an employer and employee perspective, is a complicated and fact specific situation depending on the particular circumstances. The pandemic and government response continue to change and adapt. There is a need for both employers and employees to have legal advice in these tricky times.
2022 : THE YEAR OF HAPPY Create your own Future
BILL POTTER – Maverick Thinker. Global Speaker. Personal Power Coach. Bill has made personal presentations in 53 countries. Here is a summary of a keynote to 7,600 in Hong Kong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToRhF22nARM
‘They’ sure love talking statistics, don’t ‘they’! If it’s mostly led by fear, it’s a failure! Teach yourself this very simple ongoing behaviour... ‘Check it out!’ Because the world has become overrun with ‘fake news’, political bias and the many ‘cesspit zones’ on social media, go search for ‘truth’... yourself!
I’m sure an overwhelming number of ’good citizens’ are fed up with being treated like ‘kindy kids’! Yes, there have been excellent responses led by talented people, and carried out by wonderful ‘frontliners’, many of whom sadly... died for us! Please remember them.
Now, let’s default to the ‘intelligent survival’ mantra... ‘If it is to be, it is up to me!’ Stage 1 is to stop listening to ‘anyone and everyone’. By all means do some serious research, then move into the obvious stage... ‘I will decide.’ But first, be sure you have received good advice.
So, instead of once again, wasting your time getting involved in the ‘failed New Year resolutions’ process, choose 2022 as... ‘The Year of Happy’. Please don’t get bogged down trying to find one universal definition of ‘Happy’. If you don’t have your definition by now, you’re not very clever!
The very simplest 3be© (You know about my 3be© right? Cool!) I can start you with this: Look after your heart, mind and soul... simultaneously. Yes, sadly too many folks don’t know how to look after any of these 3. And since ‘laughter is the best medicine’ watch much comedy (e.g. YouTube). https:// greatperformersacademy.com/ health/15-key-elements-of-ahealthier-and-happier-lifestyle
Your secret in 2022 is... your Attitude! So start every single day with a smile. Go on then.
My LeaderSpeak© Course 2022, will be available on March 1, 2022. It is only for achievers who have the courage to inspire and lead, especially those who have ‘lost their way’ during’ the Pandemic. I am a lifelong ‘Maverick’, so I do things ‘differently’. Many Leader courses do not! If you want to believe in yourself and in a new, good future... contact me. Now is good! Cheers. Bill.
duitdammit@gmail.com
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